I love how the author of these manages to capture the times and the feels of the original classics. The Victorian age, Sherlock in all his glory and of course, the cases he solves, adapted without loosing anything from the originals. And coupled with illustrations makes it perfect for the intended audience of younger readers.

They are very easy and effortless to read and are compelling enough to hold the attention of any little reader/ listener.

In this one, we hear of the disappearance of a potentially prize winning horse, Silver Blaze. It’s tipped to win the upcoming race, but of course, if he’s missing, the tables tip into the favour of others who also have stakes in the race… missing horses, murder, strange and mysterious folk hanging around the stables.. can Sherlock Holmes piece all of this together and solve the case?

Old readers like me of a grandfatherly age will remember the strange disappearance of Shergar stolen from stud in 1983.
Well before that Arthur Conan Doyle wrote a Sherlock Holmes mystery surrounding another horse, Silver Blaze who was stolen from its yard ahead of a big race.
Respected and highly acclaimed children’s author has turned his attention to this story; teamed up with illustrator Eve O’Brien they have retold many of the classics the Holmes/Watson legacy.
The Silver Blaze is a very accessible Sherlock Holmes mystery. Although set in 1890 it is set within a modern sport, that of horse racing.
Aimed at our early readers; 7-11 year olds the story has pace and intrigue drawing the reader in and maintaining their interest. The well chosen illustration compliment the story perfectly and give a clearer meaning to the words alone.
Against precautions and guarding the stable someone manages to whisk the horse away and in the process the trainer is killed. The tale mostly takes place around Dartmoor and the sense of space and openness only adds to the drama.
The police have arrested someone who was acting suspiciously but Holmes has his own ideas. The beauty of the original writing and in the re-telling the facts remain obscured from the reader until Holmes tells all.
A classic story, part of a fine collection. I would rank this story as one of the most readable for our kids and grandchildren due to its themes. Thereafter they may well be hooked so a whole series may need to be bought or rooted out from the library.

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

The famous race horse Silver Blaze has disappeared, and the horse's trainer, John Straker, has been murdered. The great detective travels to Dartmoor to investigate. Can he discover who killed Straker and track down Silver Blaze before it's too late?

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+.
Really enjoyable read totally recommend
Thank You NetGalley and Arcturus Publishing
I just reviewed Silver Blaze by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Alex Woolf. #NetGalley