The Final Problem

by Alex Woolf

Join world-famous detective Sherlock Holmes and his ever-loyal sidekick Dr. Watson as they embark on a daring adventure.

Has our crime-fighting hero finally met his match? The evil Professor Moriarty seems able to guess his every move. As Holmes closes in on his arch-enemy, the two prepare to meet in a final confrontation. Who is going to win?

Adapted by award-winning children's fiction author Alex Woolf, this thrilling tale will delight bright young things aged 7+.

Audiobook

First published July 1, 2022

About the author

Alex 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”.

Reviews

[Ivonne Rovira · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never read the original Arthur Conan Doyle’s short story, so I’m coming to “The Final Problem” cold. I enjoyed it very much. I’m glad that author Alex Woolf is, volume by volume, making Sherlock Holmes accessible for young readers.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Arcturus Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

[Sara Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

** “If I could be sure of achieving your destruction, Professor Moriarty, I would gladly accept my own as a price worth paying.” **

Alex Woolf retells one of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes short stories, “The Final Problem,” illustrated by Eve O’Brien.

When Holmes begins acting fearful and paranoid, he seeks help from his friend Dr. Watson, who narrates the story, to bring down his arch enemy, James Moriarty. But when Sherlock threatens Moriarty’s organization, the henchman in return threatens Sherlock’s life.

Sherlock and Watson leave London to avoid the madman, all while trying to work with the police to bring down his evil organization. Will Sherlock succeed, or will Moriarty defeat his nemesis?

Filled with delightful illustrations, “The Final Problem,” 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.

If you are reading through this series of stories, though, read “The Final Problem” before reading “The Empty House.”

Five stars out of five.

Arcturus Publishing provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

[Joey Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Arcturus and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.

Holmes is afraid for his life, the biggest gang in London knows he’s been tracking them, interfering with their crimes and now the leader who Holmes wants locked away is onto him ready to shut him up.

This book is so much more intense than most in the series as it’s not just an open and closed case, it’s a dangerous case that Holmes has wound himself into. It’s kind of scary too with all that was going on around him, and the threats he receives.

I did actually really like this one a lot though it was so different but it made it fascinating with Holmes being in hiding and having to do everything to change their path and course away from Moriarty.

I love this series and love escaping into these really fun, easy to read Holmes mysteries. I love the illustrations throughout the chapters too, it’s a really great touch.

This particular book leads you into a secondary book The Empty House continuing the story which is also great as it makes you desperate for answers at the end of it that you’d instantly pick up the next one.

[Nicola Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The new adapted versions by Alex Woolf accompanied by these great illustrations have really injected a new lease of life into these stories and made them accessible to a younger audience. It can be difficult to read classics, especially those set in a Victorian era but these capture the essence of Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories perfectly.

They’ve made a great series so far of these, and the Final Problem is a fab addition. Telling the tale of the famous Sherlock Holmes ‘final problem’ and his ‘final’ story up against his nemesis Professor Moriarty. Holmes seemed spurned at every turn, but can be finally capture this elusive professor and put him behind bars?

It’s one of the most exciting and on the edge of your seat stories featuring Holmes and it’s certainly one of my favourites. Greatly adapted, written and enjoyable for all readers.

Thank you to Arcturus Publishing and the author for this book in return for my honest thoughts and review.

[julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sherlock Holmes and his ever loyal sidekick Dr Watson embark on a very daring adventure to catch Sherlock Holmes arch enemy the evil Professor Moriarty but he always seems to guess Sherlock Holmes every move and Sherlock Holmes has threatened to destroy Moriartys organisations and so Moriarty threatens to kill Sherlock Holmes so Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson decide to leave London to keep safe from Moriarty while the police bring down Moriarty’s evil organisation
This is a great short story for children 7-11 they will really enjoy this book with wonderful illustrations another great book from Alex Woolf
Thank You NetGalley and Arcturus Publishing
I just reviewed The Final Problem by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Alex Woolf. #NetGalley

[joyce w. laudon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is another in a terrific series of Sherlock Holmes stories for kids who are starting to read (slightly longer) chapter books. These retellings of the Conan Doyle tales are just the right length and are illustrated to keep a young reader’s interest. Each remains true in spirit to the original story.

This time readers face The Final Problem. It is one of the most exciting stories in the canon as Moriarty and Holmes face off.

Spark a child’s interest with this classic series. They will thank you.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Arcturus for this title. All opinions are my own.

[zasou.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Has our crime-fighting hero finally met his match? The evil Professor Moriarty seems able to guess his every move. As Holmes closes in on his arch-enemy, the two prepare to meet in a final confrontation. Who is going to win?
This is a retelling from Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, a great way to introduce this clever characters to kids in a simplified plot! The illustrations are lovely, I totally recommand.
I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion from NetGalley and Acuturus Publishing.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I love reading the original Sherlock Holmes stories and was therefore excited to read this new Addison series meant for kids! Its a great take with a simplified plot but it's still very enjoyable and true to the original. 100% recommend for kids and adults alike!

[Mariko Tsubaki · Rating 4 out of 5]

The famous showdown between Sherlock and Moriarity.
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.
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book for review.

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great version of The Final Problem. Perfect for reading to children or being read by children. It’s a great Holmes story but it’s not really a mystery like other stories so it’s different actions taken by Holmes here when perused by his nemesis Moriarty.