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The Empty House
Join world-famous detective Sherlock Holmes and his ever-loyal sidekick Dr. Watson as they embark on a daring adventure.
The whole of London is shocked and baffled by the murder of Ronald Adair. It seems like an impossible crime! Can our sensational sleuth solve the mystery of how Adair was killed before the murderer strikes again?
This thrilling tale has been retold and adapted with new illustrations, making it perfect for younger readers. Adapted by award-winning children's fiction author Alex Woolf, it will delight bright young things aged 7+.
52 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2022
2 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Alex Woolf
301 books45 followersAlex Woolf is a prolific, award-winning author of books for adults and children. In his non-fiction he has written on subjects as diverse as sharks, robots, asteroids, flying reptiles and chocolate. His novels span a range of genres, including crime, mystery, science fiction, historical fiction, steampunk and horror.
Alex is a regular author for Fiction Express, online publishers of interactive stories for schools. Fiction Express is read by more than 150,000 students from 20 countries. Two of his stories have won reader awards. In 2021, he won the prestigious ASE award for his non-fiction book Think Like a Scientist. His horror novel, Soul Shadows, was shortlisted for the Falkirk Red Book Award. Bestselling crime author Peter James described his novel Aldo Moon as “a real delight, witty, ghostly and at times deliciously ghastly”.
Alex is a regular author for Fiction Express, online publishers of interactive stories for schools. Fiction Express is read by more than 150,000 students from 20 countries. Two of his stories have won reader awards. In 2021, he won the prestigious ASE award for his non-fiction book Think Like a Scientist. His horror novel, Soul Shadows, was shortlisted for the Falkirk Red Book Award. Bestselling crime author Peter James described his novel Aldo Moon as “a real delight, witty, ghostly and at times deliciously ghastly”.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 9, 2022
Really good way of retelling the Sherlock Holmes stories, and to introduce them to children. Even as an adult I highly enjoyed these versions
May 13, 2022
This is another in the series of Sherlock Holmes stories (16 in the series) adapted for children by Alex Woolf, with Eve O’Brien’s delightful illustrations. Here, the famous story “The Adventure of the Empty House” is retold in a much simplified version, but this doesn’t harm the tale: it still manages to be a complete story with a beginning, middle and end. And quite an exciting one, too.
There is an author’s note before the story explaining that “The Empty House” is a sequel to a previous story, “The Final Problem”, which should be read first as they are closely connected. However, this shouldn’t prevent anyone reading this story as a standalone tale.
Narrated, as usual, by Doctor Watson, the story is engaging and should keep the little ones guessing until the end. The chapters are short allowing the book to be read and enjoyed by parents and children in one go. It is slightly violent but not in a gratuitous way. Alex Woolf has a good command of the story and it doesn’t have any obvious triggers.
Overall, “The Empty House” is a triumph and it is a book every child over seven will enjoy, and their parents too!
There is an author’s note before the story explaining that “The Empty House” is a sequel to a previous story, “The Final Problem”, which should be read first as they are closely connected. However, this shouldn’t prevent anyone reading this story as a standalone tale.
Narrated, as usual, by Doctor Watson, the story is engaging and should keep the little ones guessing until the end. The chapters are short allowing the book to be read and enjoyed by parents and children in one go. It is slightly violent but not in a gratuitous way. Alex Woolf has a good command of the story and it doesn’t have any obvious triggers.
Overall, “The Empty House” is a triumph and it is a book every child over seven will enjoy, and their parents too!
June 11, 2022
Alex Woolf retells one of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes short stories, “The Empty House,” illustrated by Eve O’Brien.
Narrated by Sherlock Holmes’ partner Dr. Watson, “The Empty House” takes place three years after Holmes’ death at the hands of his arch enemy, James Moriarty. Watson is intrigued by the murder of Ronald Adair — a quiet man murdered with no motive in a locked room with no weapon found.
While looking for a mystery to solve, a mysterious stranger who is in danger seeks Watson’s assistance, which leads Watson to also be able to solve Adair’s murder.
Filled with delightful illustrations, “The Empty House,” which is due out July 1, is told in a fun and easy way kids of all ages will understand. This series is a great way to introduce young readers to Doyle and the great Sherlock Holmes, but adults will also enjoy these short stories. The story slowly lays out the clues, allowing the reader to solve the mystery alongside Sherlock.
Five stars out of five.
Arcturus Publishing provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
Narrated by Sherlock Holmes’ partner Dr. Watson, “The Empty House” takes place three years after Holmes’ death at the hands of his arch enemy, James Moriarty. Watson is intrigued by the murder of Ronald Adair — a quiet man murdered with no motive in a locked room with no weapon found.
While looking for a mystery to solve, a mysterious stranger who is in danger seeks Watson’s assistance, which leads Watson to also be able to solve Adair’s murder.
Filled with delightful illustrations, “The Empty House,” which is due out July 1, is told in a fun and easy way kids of all ages will understand. This series is a great way to introduce young readers to Doyle and the great Sherlock Holmes, but adults will also enjoy these short stories. The story slowly lays out the clues, allowing the reader to solve the mystery alongside Sherlock.
Five stars out of five.
Arcturus Publishing provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
May 6, 2022
Thank you so much to Arcturus and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.
This is a sequel book that joins up with a previous book, though you can read this as a stand-alone. If you’d read the previous story it would help a lot more to understand everything that takes place within this one.
After a vicious gang killed Holmes three years prior Watson is trying to solve crimes alone, but he gets a surprise visitor and together work on solving the case of what truly happened to Holmes and getting the criminal responsible.
I personally didn’t find I enjoyed this one as much as others in the series, it was still good and the transcriber did a great job with the story, I just personally didn’t connect or find the mystery overly exciting.
This series is still really fun and another great way of giving children the chance to solve the unique mysteries of Sherlock Holmes, with really great illustrations throughout the pages.
This is a sequel book that joins up with a previous book, though you can read this as a stand-alone. If you’d read the previous story it would help a lot more to understand everything that takes place within this one.
After a vicious gang killed Holmes three years prior Watson is trying to solve crimes alone, but he gets a surprise visitor and together work on solving the case of what truly happened to Holmes and getting the criminal responsible.
I personally didn’t find I enjoyed this one as much as others in the series, it was still good and the transcriber did a great job with the story, I just personally didn’t connect or find the mystery overly exciting.
This series is still really fun and another great way of giving children the chance to solve the unique mysteries of Sherlock Holmes, with really great illustrations throughout the pages.
May 10, 2022
"𝑫𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝒎𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆, 𝑾𝒂𝒕𝒔𝒐𝒏?" "𝑰'𝒗𝒆 𝒏𝒐 𝒅𝒐𝒖𝒃𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒗𝒆 𝒉𝒊𝒕 𝒖𝒑𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒕𝒉."
This series of classic Sherlock Holmes stories, adapted by Alex Woolf, serve as a wonderful introduction for younger readers of many ages to Holmes, Watson, and the adventures they have together.
Each book is written in an easy to read and understand format, dividing each story into six chapters. The illustrations add a touch of whimsy and help support the text. Woolf retains essential clues, dialogue and plot, while highlighting the ordinary in the extraordinary. I was unfamiliar with all three stories that I read, allowing me to experience the tales with fresh eyes and an excitement to see how the clues were going to piece together. The Empty House serves as a sequel to The Final Problem, an adventure after Holmes' 'death.' It has all the makings of a great adventure: a faked death, an empty house, a mysterious murder in a locked room, and a criminal on the hunt. Holmes and Watson once again race to find the true culprit with a clever plan.
The Dancing Men is a deceptive tale; this adaptation serves as a great introduction, for those who have discovered Enola Holmes on Netflix, to her famous brother. I will definitely be adding this series to my classroom library. Thank you to Arcturus Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!
This series of classic Sherlock Holmes stories, adapted by Alex Woolf, serve as a wonderful introduction for younger readers of many ages to Holmes, Watson, and the adventures they have together.
Each book is written in an easy to read and understand format, dividing each story into six chapters. The illustrations add a touch of whimsy and help support the text. Woolf retains essential clues, dialogue and plot, while highlighting the ordinary in the extraordinary. I was unfamiliar with all three stories that I read, allowing me to experience the tales with fresh eyes and an excitement to see how the clues were going to piece together. The Empty House serves as a sequel to The Final Problem, an adventure after Holmes' 'death.' It has all the makings of a great adventure: a faked death, an empty house, a mysterious murder in a locked room, and a criminal on the hunt. Holmes and Watson once again race to find the true culprit with a clever plan.
The Dancing Men is a deceptive tale; this adaptation serves as a great introduction, for those who have discovered Enola Holmes on Netflix, to her famous brother. I will definitely be adding this series to my classroom library. Thank you to Arcturus Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!
December 7, 2025
Sherlock Holmes with illustrations is a great idea. Give me an edition with the original Paget illustrations from The Strand and I'll give you my money.
But the abridging is too much - it reads like a far too simplistic version - and the illustrations are likewise too juvenile. I read a pop-up version of The Hound of the Baskervilles to my child when she was about 6* and it was not even close to this simplistic in either language or art. There is no need for things for young people to be without wit and spirit.
*I do not advise this as I was then subsequently called to her bedroom for a few nights as she feared that the Hound would crash through her bedroom windows and attack her at bedtime, which I could only admit was a problem I had brought upon myself.
I received a free electronic ARC of this book from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
But the abridging is too much - it reads like a far too simplistic version - and the illustrations are likewise too juvenile. I read a pop-up version of The Hound of the Baskervilles to my child when she was about 6* and it was not even close to this simplistic in either language or art. There is no need for things for young people to be without wit and spirit.
*I do not advise this as I was then subsequently called to her bedroom for a few nights as she feared that the Hound would crash through her bedroom windows and attack her at bedtime, which I could only admit was a problem I had brought upon myself.
I received a free electronic ARC of this book from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2022
Here is another entry in a very good series of retellings of Sherlock Holmes stories for young readers. These are short chapter books that have cartoon like illustrations. They hold very true to the original stories but simplify them a bit for the younger child. This and the others may just inspire a love of Sherlock and his world that will stay with kids for years.
In this title, there has been a murder. Who was killed? Why? How will this baffling crime be solved? Follow along with Holmes and Watson to find out.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Arcturus publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
In this title, there has been a murder. Who was killed? Why? How will this baffling crime be solved? Follow along with Holmes and Watson to find out.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Arcturus publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
June 26, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
I did not read the book previous to this one. The book does a good job catching the reader up so there’s really no need to read it.
I was not super into this book, it was a bit slow. I had trouble getting into it and wanting to finish it. I guess it would be a way to get kids into Sherlock Holmes without reading the full book.
The pictures that went with the book were simple, a bit sloppy and really kind of sad.
Overall, I may try another by this author.
I did not read the book previous to this one. The book does a good job catching the reader up so there’s really no need to read it.
I was not super into this book, it was a bit slow. I had trouble getting into it and wanting to finish it. I guess it would be a way to get kids into Sherlock Holmes without reading the full book.
The pictures that went with the book were simple, a bit sloppy and really kind of sad.
Overall, I may try another by this author.
July 1, 2022
This is a really good series for children, introducing young readers to the stories of Sherlock Holmes. I had re-read the original short story a short while ago, and was impressed with how well this version has been done. All the key elements, details and conversations are here, the original text closely followed. It is enhanced for children with some lovely illustrations, and overall works extremely well. I really enjoyed it.
My thanks to NetGalley and Arcturus for the ARC in return for an honest review.
My thanks to NetGalley and Arcturus for the ARC in return for an honest review.
May 14, 2022
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I love the original ACD Homes tales and am so excited for this remake! Holmes is 16 but just as smart. The story has been simplified for the intended audience but it is an enjoyable read, especially if you've read the original telling.
I love the original ACD Homes tales and am so excited for this remake! Holmes is 16 but just as smart. The story has been simplified for the intended audience but it is an enjoyable read, especially if you've read the original telling.
June 15, 2022
This was a short and simple adaptation of the Holmes story for young readers.
A good Introduction into the world of Holmes and Watson without being overwhelming.
We learn what really happened at the Reichenbach Falls.
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book for review.
A good Introduction into the world of Holmes and Watson without being overwhelming.
We learn what really happened at the Reichenbach Falls.
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book for review.
May 4, 2022
The Empty House is another one of my favourite Holmes stories, with Arthur Conan Doyle’s writings never failing to amuse and entertain me. This adaptation was great, it summed up the story perfectly and told the tale exactly as it was but made more easily readable for younger readers.
This one followed Watson, after the fallout of the Reichenbach falls, with this book doing a fab job of giving you a spoiler warning just incase you hadn’t read one of the vital stories before reading this one, pointing you in the right direction of where to go to read it if you hadn’t already. And I definitely recommend you do, just so you avoid anything being spoiled!
The illustrations are a great addition, and with the easy writing style, it makes it a perfect read for those wanting to read more of the classics, but perhaps without the heavier language that’s often associated with them. Perfect for youngsters and adults alike. A great quick read and one that I found really entertained and gave me a quick hit of Sherlock Holmes amazing ability to deduce and crack a mystery.
Thank you Arcturus Publishing & to the author of this book via NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
This one followed Watson, after the fallout of the Reichenbach falls, with this book doing a fab job of giving you a spoiler warning just incase you hadn’t read one of the vital stories before reading this one, pointing you in the right direction of where to go to read it if you hadn’t already. And I definitely recommend you do, just so you avoid anything being spoiled!
The illustrations are a great addition, and with the easy writing style, it makes it a perfect read for those wanting to read more of the classics, but perhaps without the heavier language that’s often associated with them. Perfect for youngsters and adults alike. A great quick read and one that I found really entertained and gave me a quick hit of Sherlock Holmes amazing ability to deduce and crack a mystery.
Thank you Arcturus Publishing & to the author of this book via NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews