The Final Problem

by Hannes Binder (Adapted by), Arthur Conan Doyle, David Henry Wilson (Translation)

Sherlock Holmes' most famous adventure, in a striking graphic novel format.

Hunting hat, smoking pipe, coat collar turned up— that's how we know Sherlock Holmes, the most famous detective of all time. He usually investigates from London's Baker Street. But Holmes' most spectacular case leads him in a fast-paced chase from the metropolis of London across the continent to the Swiss Alps. At the roaring Reichenbach Falls there is a showdown between Holmes and his archenemy Professor Moriarty. Who will triumph in this battle between good and evil?

Black and white line drawings on scratchboard are Hannes Binder's trademark. The Zurich illustrator has created dramatic images of the Swiss landscape for this epic story, the pull of which is hard to resist. An exciting graphic novel for beginners and seasoned Holmes fans alike.

 

Genres: Graphic Novels, Mystery, Young Adult

56 pages, Hardcover

Published April 4, 2023

Reviews

[Emma (littledollreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Provided by NetGalley

Title: Sherlock Holmes– The Final Problem
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Illustrator: Hannes Binde
Rating: 4/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Release Date: April 4, 2023

I am an absolute Sherlock Holmes fan girl. I just love the victorian detective so much. I grew up reading and rereading the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes all the time. The character has just completely ingrained himself into my life and I love him for it.

One of the things that I do is whenever I see a copy of any sherlock holmes book at a used book sale I have to buy it. I am pretty sure I got this mentality from my dad who also does the same thing. So when I saw this on NetGalley I had to investigate further. I was then pleasantly shocked to see that it was an illustrated version of the story. From there I was all in.

For as big of a fan of Sherlock Holmes as I was growing up, it wasn’t until recently that I actually read The Final Problem. So the story itself was still relatively fresh in my mind. It is in and of itself a fantastic story but this review is not for the story alone it is about how the art captures the story.

Let me tell you guys, the art here is phenomenal. I love the look of scratchboard art and have always thought of it as an interesting artistic technique. Unlike other forms of art to create art with scratchboard you must take away, instead of adding. It is a bit like lino-cuts which is a type of art that I personally enjoy. There is something really surreal about the art here. The proportions of things are exaggerated and make it feel like you are looking at everything from bizarre angles or as if the world is shifting on you. In addition to that, there are some pure surrealism choices in some of the panels that I love. There are things like two faces on moons hanging above a cityscape that represent the two opposing forces of Sherlock and Moriarty facing off in the coming days. Things like that I just absolutely love.

This edition would make for a great addition to any Sherlock fans collection. The art is stunning and I am completely obsessed.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is lovely for what it is. It is an illustrated adaptation of "The Final Problem," done in the style of woodcuts. The simple color palette and evocative images are very appealing, but I wish that this had included more of the original text, not just the bare bones of the story.

Although I originally thought this was marketed for adults, it is intended for younger readers. Because of the simplified text, this is accessible to children, but teenage and adult Sherlock fans will want more. There should have been more of Doyle's text in the adaptation, and I'm not sure how much this will appeal to children unless they are familiar with other Sherlock mysteries, especially since the primary impact of "The Final Problem" lies in already knowing and caring about the characters.

I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and quite stunning adaptation of the story A.Conan Doyle wrote and planned as the last in his Sherlock Holmes series, as he had grown tired of writing the character. But when offered oodles of cash to keep it going, he was able to wriggle out of this one’s ending to keep it going.

It was a bit of a travelogue and revealed a bit of Holmes’ personal rather than strictly deductive side. While the story was good, it didn’t have that cleverness one looks for in a juicy mystery-I felt this one was more of a thriller.

But the artwork earned the story an additional star from me. It was beautiful, intricate scratch board - ranging from dreamlike Swiss mountain landscapes to contemplative Daliesque studies of an ear and hair. While labeled a graphic novel, I’d call this more of lavishly illustrated story.

[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase] · Rating 5 out of 5]

From beginning to end the tale of Sherlock Holmes' final problem is sure to keep young readers guessing. I enjoyed the easy to follow layout with powerful graphics showcasing the areas Sherlock and Watson visit. The book is 56 pages long, but some pages are pictures only so it’s not a daunting book to pick up. North South Book recommends this for ages 8-12 and I would agree with that age frame. Overall it’s a great book any mystery loving child would enjoy AND it’s a great way to introduce graphic novels to younger readers!

A huge thanks to North South Books for gifting me a copy to review!

[Cristian Marrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me the ARC.

I have always been and still remain a fan of Sherlock Holmes. Reading his novels were always exciting in following the pace, turning the pages and waiting to see how his mind worked. I really enjoyed this book, type of graphic novel. The art in this book is amazing. A style of black/white or dark blue/white, you really see the character and the movement. The Final Problem is a classic of Sherlock Holmes history in where we see how the two greatest minds come to meet, battle and decide fate. I definitely recommend this books to artists, fans and people who enjoy a shortened version of a novel.

[spoopy · Rating 5 out of 5]

very nice illustrations :D
also was able to read in under an hour :D but now i miss the bcc sherlock show with benedict cumberbatch and martin freeman TuT

[Sabine Ibing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Der letzte Fall oder Sherlock Holmes’ Untergang: «The Final Problem» sollte der letzte Fall werden. Ende aus mit Sherlock Holmes; da Sir Arthur Conan Doyle 1893 keine Lust mehr auf diesen Helden hatte - das regelmäßige Verfassen neuer Detektiv-Geschichten war ihm schlicht zu zeitintensiv; er war ja vielseitig begabt und reiselustig. Heldenhaft stürzt sich Holms so am Ende des Krimis mit dem bösesten Verbrecher der Welt in den Tod. Ganz Großbritannien trauerte um den toten Helden; in London trugen Menschen schwarze Schleifen um den Oberarm. Viele Kunden kündigten das Abonnement des The-Strand-Magazins, in dem die Holms-Krimis erschienen, und Doyle erhielt eine Menge unflätiger Briefe, in denen er als Ungeheuer oder Bestie beschimpft wurde. 1901 wurde ihm eine schaurige Story über den «Hund der Baskervilles» zugetragen und die passte hervorragend zu seiner Holms-Figur. Kurzerhand schrieb Doyle neue Bände – die eben vor dem Tod von Holms spielten.
.
Und hier ist die Sherlock-Holmes-Kurzgeschichte um sein ruhmhaftes Ende, nach einer Geschichte von Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – als Grafic Novel gezeichnet von Hannes Binder. Der Krimi beinhaltet den Kampf des Meisterdetektivs gegen seinen kriminellen Gegner Professor Moriarty, der mit dem Sturz der beiden in die Reichenbachfälle bei Meiringen in der Schweiz endet. Deerstalker-Mütze, qualmende Pfeife, aufgestellter Mantelkragen, so blickt uns bereits auf dem Cover der berühmte Detektiv entgegen. Dieses Mal erfahren wir nichts von der Londoner Baker Street, denn Holms taucht plötzlich bei Dr. Watson auf, will sich bei ihm verstecken. Die beiden hatten sich länger nicht gesehen – Holms erklärt, Professor Moriarty, der bösartigste Verbrecher der Welt, trachtet ihm nach dem Leben – er müsse fliehen. Wir nehmen teil an einer Verfolgungsjagd quer über den Kontinent bis in die Schweiz. Am Reichenbachfall kommt es zum Showdown zwischen Holmes und seinem Erzfeind.

Schwarz-weiße Strichzeichnungen auf Schabkarton sind Hannes Binders Markenzeichen. Bei dieser Technik wird die Zeichnung mit einem Schabwerkzeug aus der schwarzen Oberfläche ausgeschabt. Der Zürcher Illustrator hat für diesen epischen Stoff auf diese Weise dramatische Szenen erschaffen. Besonders zur Geltung kommen die düstere Stimmung der Flucht, das Alpenpanorama und das Finale am Wasserfall. Eine spannende und künstlerisch anspruchsvolle Graphic Novel. Der Nord-Süd Verlag gibt eine Altersempfehlung ab 6 Jahren. Das hat mich etwas verwirrt, denn Textlänge, der Inhalt an sich und die intensiven, differenzierten Illustrationen sind eher an ein älteres Publikum gerichtet. Von mir gibt es die Empfehlung ab frühstens 10 Jahren / Allage, für alle Sherlock-Holms-Fans.


Hannes Binder wurde in Zürich geboren. Er studierte an der Kunstgewerbeschule Zürich und arbeitete später als Grafiker und Illustrator zeitweise in Mailand und Hamburg. Mehr als 50 Werke für Erwachsene und Kinder hat er mit seiner charakteristischen Schabkarton-Technik in Szene gesetzt. Für sein Werk erhielt er zahlreiche Preise, u. a. den Schweizer Kinder- und Jugendmedienpreis. Hannes Binder lebt in Zürich und im Tessin. Hannes Binder erhält 2022 den Kulturpreis des Kantons Zürich.

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sherlock Holmes’ most famous adventure, in a striking graphic novel format.

Hunting hat, smoking pipe, coat collar turned up— that’s how we know Sherlock Holmes, the most famous detective of all time. He usually investigates from London’s Baker Street. But Holmes’ most spectacular case leads him in a fast-paced chase from the metropolis of London across the continent to the Swiss Alps. At the roaring Reichenbach Falls there is a showdown between Holmes and his archenemy Professor Moriarty. Who will triumph in this battle between good and evil?

Black and white line drawings on scratchboard are Hannes Binder’s trademark. The Zurich illustrator has created dramatic images of the Swiss landscape for this epic story, the pull of which is hard to resist. An exciting graphic novel for beginners and seasoned Holmes fans alike.”
The story of The Final Problem contains one of the most notorious endings. The story itself seems to be a bit of what an average Holmes story would be, but it is well known that Doyle was very tired of writing the beloved detective, so we will forgive him of this centuries-old debacle and grudge. The original story was published in 1893; it might be time to let it go. That being said, the book we are reviewing now is an excellent rendition of this infamous story. The story itself is a bit shortened, as you often find with reprints of older stories, and the artwork accompanying it is lovely. The art style is very fitting for the overall feel of the story.

My only complaint is that this publishing of the story is being labeled as a “graphic novel,” whereas it genuinely feels more like an “illustrated edition.” We do not have panels with speech bubbles; we have lovely drawings describing one or two sentences in the story on that page. Overall this book is very well done, but if you are a graphic novel reader, do not come into this expecting a graphic novel. Come in expecting a beautifully illustrated edition of this story that was so emotion-provoking that Queen Victoria called Sir Conan Doyle “a cad.”

Content:
There really is not anything objectionable. There are some intense situations, but overall the language is clean, and the storyline is relatively bloodless, outside of the obvious ending that, while we will not spoil for you, is a bit emotional for those who are attached to Holmes as a character.'

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes is of course iconic, required reading for mystery and detective readers. So why not get young readers introduced to one of the foundations of the genre? This is what I imagine to be the thinking of NorthSouth (NordSud Verlag AD) Press, that produced this volume of one of the most thrilling of the early Holmes stories.

There’s a few potential problems; 1) David Henry Wilson is named as the translator of the book, which I am guessing was translated from the English for a German audience, though the language in this translation back to English is simplified and cut for children--a reasonable thing to do, maybe, as some of the Victorian English of Doyle is stuffy and quaint, but what’s kept seems sort of flat in places; 2) the indigo scratchboard illustrations by Hannes Binder are superb, worth taking a look at just for that--there’s even some surreal images that are marvelous--but the art seems more appropriate for an adult audience than for children. It's much darker than most children's books, so I am guessing they might not like the art as much as adult readers;

3) this was intended by Doyle as the last Holmes story; the prickly Doyle was sick of Holmes, and wanted to kill him off in an encounter with his nemesis, Moriarty, at Reichenbach Falls, and that apparently happens, which would seem to create a problem for young readers who discover Holmes in their first story about him suddenly dead! Why read the "last" story first?! Though the lure of money for Doyle made him change his mind, explain away the ending, and create the possibility for The Hound of the Baskervilles and other great Holmes stories, so maybe it's a moot point. Maybe. What you get in this story is a dead Holmes, period.

I still liked it, because of the art, especially, and it reminded me of the way the BBC production handled the apparent death of Holmes, and the final encounter with Moriarty.

[Michelle Smith-Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last case of Sherlock Holmes is intriguingly retold and distinctly illustrated in Binder's scratchboard technique. Superfans of the Holmes series, written by Sir Doyle, will already know the twist to this "final problem," as it is one of the sixty cases, Holmes solved, yet most notable because of its effect on the series. Holmes, a sly detective, and Watson an accomplished doctor, often associated with being Holmes's trusty side-kick, are off to solve what seems to be Holmes's final case before he retires. His archnemesis, the evil Professor Moriarty, seems set on the demise of Holmes once and for all. The pair knowing that Moriarty will stop at nothing to find them, end up hiding and plotting in Switzerland, hiking through the Gemmi Pass. Watson is called away to help a fellow traveler they meet who comes down with tuberculosis ironically at the exact moment when Moriarty catches up with Holmes at the Reichenbach Falls. It seems too late once Watson figures out that the letter is fake and his friend may be in danger. Will the detective live to solve another case? It's worth reading this picture book to find out. There are some mature themes such as violence and smoking which is why this book would be better suited to mature audiences that are at least thirteen and older. The retelling is true to the original characters and short story. The author includes a summary of why this particular short story becomes impactful to the series. It is unnecessary to have read the series to enjoy and follow the plot of this retelling. This may spark interest in readers who have never read the Holmes series. The Doyle original of this story can be found in The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes.

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Watson narrates this story, the original of which was supposed to be Conan Doyle’s last Sherlock Holmes mystery. Holmes visits Watson and entreats him to join him on a journey to the Continent to escape the clutches of the nefarious Professor Moriarty. Holmes feels that he will be able to catch Moriarty with preparations he has put in place if he, Holmes, can be removed from Moriarty’s web of crime. The reader is immediately thrust into the clutches of fear, as the indomitable Holmes is pale and thin from his efforts to evade Moriarty’s evil – “He [Moriarty] sits like a spider at the center of a giant web of intrigue, spreading wickedness wherever he can.” The two men make elaborate precautions and intricately planned evasions to accomplish their journey to Switzerland. It is at the majestic Reichenbach Falls in the Alps that the men are separated, and Holmes disappears.

This book is an excellent gateway drug for entering the world of Sherlock Holmes. Binder replaces the elaborate flowery language of Conan Doyle with what feels like Watson’s matter of fact authentic voice, which is embellished by astonishingly dramatic artwork. Binder has a signature scratchboard technique, employed here with only a brooding deep blue ink, which imbues the story with a dark energy. There are vertiginous angles and darkly sinister details, such as a huge eye in the ceiling of Victoria Station and a surreal full page view into a screaming human mouth. I can’t emphasize enough how the art – both part- and full-bleed pages and graphic panels – sets the tone of the story. An afterword places the story in the context of Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes oeuvre.

[Michael Lee My ComicBook World · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a spoiler free review.

Sherlock Holmes - The Final Problem graphic novel is excellent. I’ve never read this Sherlock Holmes short story before and really enjoyed the suspense and build up throughout the story as Professor Moriarty follows Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson through Europe. Reading this graphic novel showed me how similar Will Eisner’s The Spirit’s arch enemy, The Octopus is to Professor Moriarty. They both never give up and try over and over to kill the hero in various ways. Plus both villains are never seen trying to kill the hero until the final confrontation..

The various ways Professor Moriarty tries to kill Sherlock Holmes are perfect. The professor tries dropping a brick on him, running him over with a car, and sending his henchmen after Holmes but each attempt fails until their final confirmation at Reichenbach Falls. The final confrontation was written and drawn so well. The suspense was great and the art work just added even more fright to the scene. I loved how so much was left to our imagination. Like Dr Watson we only got to see the aftermath of the gruesome scene and were left wondering what happened to our hero and the villain.

Reading this graphic novel made me want to read another Sherlock Holmes novel or perhaps BlackSad or another detective story graphic novel.

If you like Sherlock Holmes stories or detective story graphic novels please read this graphic novel. The story and artwork are worth reading this one and then reading to again to examine all the fun details.

Stay awesome and keep reading.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really pleasing and attractive adaptation and portrayal of the Conan Doyle story where Sherlock Holmes and his biggest, most intelligent enemy ever both face death at an Alpine waterfall. I did wonder if this, being such a downer and beat of finality (at least until the footnote about the sequel that came about ten years later) is the perfect book to attract new Holmes fans, however. Certainly, for those acquainted with the hero this is wonderful – the art excellently produced using scratchboard techniques – that approach where you carve a top layer from a sheet of product and one slip ruins it all. The style adds to the contents of the illustrations to give a classical kind of Holmes, complete with deerstalker, long coat, and a face we don't really get that much of. The script here was easily read, and didn't feel too modern or chopped up too much for the sake of a young audience. So yes, I am left with the feel that this is starting at the end, which remains the only hindrance I see behind this being a hit. What the artist can do with falling water is remarkable, and in a way that may be behind this book – a man from Zurich choosing this story over the brighter, standardly-resolved ones because of it featuring a local mountain setting. Either way, I am still certainly glad it came about, and for me to have the chance to see it.

[Rhick Deuel Esteves · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would not recommend this edition to someone who is new to the Sherlock Holmes universe. Although Sherlock and Watson’s adventure has thrilling moments, the plot of the short story may feel excessively melodramatic and anticlimactic if you haven’t already formed an emotional connection with the characters. Furthermore, because the edition is a graphic novel and Doyle’s prose is missing, you won’t be able to appreciate Doyle’s writing style and will instead get the impression that the plot was crafted solely to kill Sherlock and conclude the series. Because of this, I’d say that the graphic novel is more of an homage to Sherlock Holmes’ legacy and to all Arthur Conan Doyle readers who took the time to understand Holmes and his archrival Professor Moriarty’s goals and motivations than a way to introduce the detective to the new generation.

Nonetheless, all readers receive a beautiful, illustrated version of the short story. I’d also argue that the method of scratchboard drawing used in the book is the ideal choice for interpreting the tragedy that awaits Holmes and the sense of dread that permeates almost every scene.

Thanks to NetGalley and NorthSouth Books Inc. for the digital ARC in exchange for this honest review.

[Dani (ダニ ¦ 다니) · Rating 4 out of 5]

(I got this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)

When I requested this, I didn't actually realise this was a Swiss book and would have been originally in German. As a Swiss and a German speaker, I could have totally gone with the original version but I didn't know hehe.

Anyway, with that said, what really captured me with this were the illustrations. I'm a sucker for illustrated books and especially the scratch technique is very interesting to me. I didn't even realise it was Hannes Binder doing the illustrations until I actually started reading the book. As a Swiss, I should be ashamed haha

Sherlock Holmes is always an interesting character to read about so of course I always enjoy the stories but really, the illustrations are what really captured me. It's a short quick read but nonetheless worth it. Also, as a Swiss, it was interesting to actually know the places they were talking about. As someone who mainly reads English books, the setting is rarely familiar to me except when it's London but this one being mostly in Switzerland was very familiar to me for a change and I really enjoyed that fact as well.

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting twist on Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty. While sticking to the every-loved Holmes atmosphere, this one dives a bit deeper into the man himself, giving away more of his personality. The aloof air, as found in the original works, isn't as strong, and, instead, this carries a little more of a thriller feel.

It's a quick read and keeps the tension high. Of course, the mystery is well laid...although the wonderfully clever thought process didn't come across quite as strong as usual. Instead, there was more suspense, which works well, too.

The illustrations are very well done and take a mix between wonderful scenes and artistic imagery. These alone make this worth picking up and diving into. Although...this doesn't really take the usual graphic novel format. Instead, it reminds me of a highly illustrated read. I see upper middle graders as well as young adults enjoying this one...oh, and adults too. I received a DRC, am giving it 3.5 stars and rounding up.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sherlock Holmes - The Final Problem is standout retelling book based on Arthur Conan Doyle's classic Sherlock Holmes with same title. Every pages are generously illustrated by Hannes Binder. Strong strokes with black, white, and bluish colors capture the dark noir vibe from the story and excellent to enrich the narrative.

The story it self was actually meant to mark the end of this famous brilliant detective when following last blast with his nemesis Professor Moriarty. But fans not let him disappear so the duo will continue to solve another cases after that. Although this version short and lack of details from real ACD's storytelling style, but we still capable to grabbed the story and characters.

This book so beautiful and rich with artwork. I would love to see more work from this illustrator. This edition would be perfect collection and gift to any Sherlock's fans.

Thank you NorthSouth Publishing and Netgalley for provided my copy. Really appreciate and my thoughts are my own.

[Dimitar Dakovski · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC provided by NetGalley

Sherlock Holmes– The Final Problem is a lavishly illustrated abridged version of Arthur Conan Doyle's classic tale of Sherlock Holmes's encounter with Professor Moriarty.

Pros:
- Illustrations by Hannes Binder are excellent and really evocative, with a nice touch of surrealism. To me, they looked like a mix of the works of Sidney Paget (original Sherlock Holmes illustrator) and Gustave Doré.

Cons:
- The book is abridged with only the bare bones of the story remaining and the richness of Conan Doyle's prose - lost;
- Every major scene is illustrated - even those that depict nothing interesting (e.g. the characters just walking in the countryside).

All that being said, I recommend this book to people who like Sherlock Holmes stories and wish to see one of his most famous adventures beautifully illustrated.

[Diane Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sherlock Holmes—The Final Problem is a new illustrated edition of the famous short story. The illustrations are reminiscent of German woodcuts. They are beautiful. The text is abridged from the original version, which may make the story more accessible for younger readers.

Though originally published in 1893, the story holds up remarkedly well in modern times. In fact, it seems almost like a Marvel movie set in Victorian times with its clear hero/villain characterizations. The ending is very effective and shocking, so I won’t ruin the surprise by describing the plot. Overall, a beautifully illustrated version of a popular detective tale. 4 stars for Sherlock Holmes—The Final Problem!

Thanks to NorthSouth Books and NetGalley for a digital review copy of the book.

[Wayne McCoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Final Problem” by Arthur Conan Doyle, adapted by Hannes Binder, and translated by David Henry Wilson, is a really nice illustrated version of the famous Sherlock Holmes story.

Sherlock Holmes has been missing, and Dr. Watson has been enjoying married life. When Holmes turns up at his door unexpectedly, it turns out he’s found a dangerous new enemy. The chase begins in London and soon heads to the Swiss Alps. Can Holmes defeat Moriarty?

This was to be the original end of Sherlock Holmes, a character Arthur Conan Doyle, was tired of writing about, but the fans clamoring for more brought homes back to life. The illustrations are black and white line drawings on scratchboard. It kind of looks like wood cuts. I really like the style for this story.

[Iqra M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big thanks to Netgalley for the eArc. This brief but compelling book sheds light on the final conundrum - what occurred at Reichenbach Falls. I recently discovered that Sir Doyle had intended for the novel to finish here because he had become weary of the character. But due to the massive demand for Sherlock’s comeback, he decided to turn the ending around and keep it going. The scratchboard art style complements the vibe of the story well. Such stunning and immersive visuals. There's an eerie feel to it, which I liked. This is an abridged version of the story, so it felt a little rushed. I would've loved more substance and depth. I enjoyed it nonetheless.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holmes faces Professor Moriarty, a criminal mastermind. He asks Watson to accompany him when he goes to the meeting place with Moriarty. Watson agrees to. He is shocked when he believes that Holmes has died while confronting Moriarty at the waterfall. Is Holmes really dead?

I loved this short story. It’s quite a story to read. I am a Sherlock Holmes fan. Reading this story shows the excellent writing of the author besides his ideas. Don’t miss this great mystery!

Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.

[Amelia Vegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations are splendid!
I wish to own all of the Sherlock Holmes books illustrated this way!
Reading this took me back to my childhood, when all of my classmates were having fun during a party and I sat in the corner with my new and everlasting obsession with a detective series that kept me engrossed in the world of mystery and wit and thrill.
I will forever be in love with everything Sherlock Holmes.
I got an e-arc of this book from netgalley and I've been wanting to go back to this world and they granted me a look inside it once more, now with amazing art along with the story.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's one of the most famous a Sherlock Holmes short stories! What's not to love? I think the choice to use fluid penstrokes for the illustrations was particularly great - it really brought to life the movement of the falls. But the sans-serif font was an odd choice. In comparison with the elegant penstrokes, the type was too modern and it consequently felt out of place. A missed opportunity to use Baskerville. Thanks to NetGalley for the arc.

[Tiara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Date finished: 16th November 2022
Publish date: 4th April 2023

📱

Thank you to Netgalley for approving this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely adore Sherlock Holmes. So when I saw this illustrated version on Netgalley, I absolutely had to request it.

This one was just as good as every other Sherlock Holmes book I've read. The illustrations were absolutely stunning. My only issue with this one is it was a little too short. I was left just wanting more

[Ppcfransen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting. I had expected a graphic novel adaptation of The Final Problem. Instead it was an abridged version of The Final Problem with illustrations.

I think the bare bones version bothered me most. Also, the illustrations and text were matched across the pages seemed to be off. Although that could be an eARC problem.

A little sad for having read this.

[Lauren McCullough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best suited to a younger audience, but a great adaptation just getting into Sherlock. The art style is really cool and I can’t recall seeing it used in another graphic novel I’ve read.

If you have a young reader (10-14) who enjoys mysteries, this is a great one to pickup.

***Thanks to NetGalley and NorthSouth Books for providing me with an eBook in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a VERY quick read, so will be quite accessible to older children. The illustrations are both beautiful and evocative. The story itself seems sort of flat, as one doesn't really get very involved, then the climax happens very quickly and we aren't there to see it. My guess is that the version written by Doyle did a better job of building tension, but I haven't actually read it.

[Karen Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obviously I have read/watched/ listened to this story in its guises and loved it but the outstanding feature of this book is the illustrations. They add great depth and understanding to the well known story. The details are amazing.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The graphics in the book were well done. I like the illusions and within the drawings. The story was simple, easy, but kept with the wriitng of the original stories.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.