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Sherlock Holmes and The Missing Snowman
A young girl's snowman has gone missing. Where can it have gone? There is only one man who can help. Sherlock Holmes, the most famous detective in the world.
- GenresMystery
32 pages, Paperback
First published November 28, 2012
1 person is currently reading
495 people want to read
About the author
David Ruffle
27 books285 followersDavid Ruffle was born in Northamptonshire in the UK at an early age in 1956,yes..a long time ago. The school years passed by in a blur, or was he the blur ? He managed to extricate himself from the education system at 15 years of age and embarked on the adventure of life.
Eventually, said adventure took him to Dorset and the beautiful town of Lyme Regis in July of 2004.He felt immediately at home here and surprised himself by starting to write...first, poetry and later ghost stories. All the time he felt that Lyme Regis would be a perfect place for Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson to have an adventure, any kind of adventure ! And so...Sherlock Holmes and the Lyme Regis Horror was born. The story continues.
David is now with the MX publishing team and further titles have appeared; Sherlock Holmes and The Lyme Regis Legacy, Tales From The Stranger's Room (as contributor and editor),and Holmes and Watson: End Peace. A children's illustrated book, Sherlock Holmes and the Missing Snowman (with illustrations by Rikey Austin, another Lyme Regis resident and hugely talented to boot)saw the light of day in November 2012. Two weeks later the third and final part of the Sherlock Holmes/Lyme Regis trilogy appeared: Sherlock Holmes and the Lyme Regis Trials. Also in the offing is an outing to Scarborough for Holmes and Watson, a proposed tale of thievery, murder and cricket!(A collaboration).Meanwhile, he is still to be found in Lyme Regis, working away and drinking the odd cider, diet permitting. The Abyss: A Journey With Jack The Ripper is set to be published in December 2013.
On a whim he decided to try his hand at comedy resulting in A Twist of Lyme and Another Twist of Lyme. These were published in 2014 along with the final book in the trilogy, A Further Twist of Lyme. New for 2015 will be, Holmes and Watson: An American Adventure. 2016 will see the publication of Holmes and Watson: An Evening in Baker Street followed by The Gondolier and the Russian Countess, a Holmes and Watson adventure set in 1902 Venice. And with any luck, Sherlock Holmes and the Scarborough Affair should surface by the end of the year!
Eventually, said adventure took him to Dorset and the beautiful town of Lyme Regis in July of 2004.He felt immediately at home here and surprised himself by starting to write...first, poetry and later ghost stories. All the time he felt that Lyme Regis would be a perfect place for Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson to have an adventure, any kind of adventure ! And so...Sherlock Holmes and the Lyme Regis Horror was born. The story continues.
David is now with the MX publishing team and further titles have appeared; Sherlock Holmes and The Lyme Regis Legacy, Tales From The Stranger's Room (as contributor and editor),and Holmes and Watson: End Peace. A children's illustrated book, Sherlock Holmes and the Missing Snowman (with illustrations by Rikey Austin, another Lyme Regis resident and hugely talented to boot)saw the light of day in November 2012. Two weeks later the third and final part of the Sherlock Holmes/Lyme Regis trilogy appeared: Sherlock Holmes and the Lyme Regis Trials. Also in the offing is an outing to Scarborough for Holmes and Watson, a proposed tale of thievery, murder and cricket!(A collaboration).Meanwhile, he is still to be found in Lyme Regis, working away and drinking the odd cider, diet permitting. The Abyss: A Journey With Jack The Ripper is set to be published in December 2013.
On a whim he decided to try his hand at comedy resulting in A Twist of Lyme and Another Twist of Lyme. These were published in 2014 along with the final book in the trilogy, A Further Twist of Lyme. New for 2015 will be, Holmes and Watson: An American Adventure. 2016 will see the publication of Holmes and Watson: An Evening in Baker Street followed by The Gondolier and the Russian Countess, a Holmes and Watson adventure set in 1902 Venice. And with any luck, Sherlock Holmes and the Scarborough Affair should surface by the end of the year!
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 6, 2013
This book was adorable and a great Christmas Sherlock read. When a young girl visits Baker Street to get Sherlock to solve the case of where her snowman went you would think Holmes would dismiss it. But to Watson's surprise Holmes jumps on the case and goes out in the cold to find clues with the little girl. While you always think of Holmes as cold and withdrawn David Ruffle shows a warm-hearted Holmes which yet still stays true to the Arthur Conan Doyle legend.
The artistry in the book is also very charming and really fit the book well and overall the ending made me smile. I can't wait until my niece visits again so I can read this to her, hopefully start the love for Sherlock Holmes early!
The artistry in the book is also very charming and really fit the book well and overall the ending made me smile. I can't wait until my niece visits again so I can read this to her, hopefully start the love for Sherlock Holmes early!
November 28, 2012
This past October, I had the privilege of being asked to review a pre-publication copy of David Ruffle's "Sherlock Holmes and the Missing Snowman" for my Sherlockian book review blog. A prolific writer, Mr. Ruffle now has six published books featuring Holmes and Watson to his credit, and is finishing up the seventh. Most of his books are intended for older readers; Sherlock Holmes and the Missing Snowman, however, is meant for a younger audience–much younger.
If you think about it, as ubiquitous as Sherlock Holmes is in our culture, it’s rare to find him in children’s books. When we do see him, he’s often doing a cameo (as in the Basil of Baker Street series), or is disguised as a dog, a muppet, or a 12-year-old detective operating out of the family garage. A picture book featuring Holmes and Watson in their human, canonical form is, therefore, a truly welcome development!
The story is a simple one. Holmes and Watson are lounging about at 221B, one day near Christmas. They’ve been kept in by a two-day snowstorm (and, presumably, no cases), and Watson’s eager to go out for a walk. Holmes is having none of that; perhaps it’s fortunate that their discussion is interrupted by the doorbell.
This is not your typical Baker Street supplicant, however. Their prospective client is Henrietta Fortescue, a five year-old girl who’s lost someone important. After spending the beginning of her short life in a hotter climate, she was thrilled to see snow for the first time, and built a large snowman, just as she’d seen in books–only to find him gone now that the sun’s come out.
Possibly a bit testy because Holmes won’t go out, or because his war wound is acting up, Watson informs Henrietta that Sherlock Holmes is a busy man of affairs, and is about to remind everyone of the impact heat has on frozen things, when his friend interrupts him and agrees to take the little girl’s case. What follows is a simple, touching story that reminds us that, no matter what he wants others to think, the Great Detective is much more than a logical machine.
In his books for adults, Mr. Ruffle has always displayed a gift for expressing emotion without verbal clutter, and it’s used here to great effect. "The Missing Snowman" reads out loud extremely well (more on this in a minute), and Lyme Regis artist Rikey Austin’s soft, nostalgic illustrations, done in a light, wintry palette, add to its gentle mood.
Of course, we all know of children’s books–picture books in particular–which adults love, but children find boring. Having been blessed with three little people myself, I thought I’d give "The Missing Snowman" a field test. My kids are 10, 9, and 7–the first two a little older than Ruffle’s target audience, but since they still enjoy being read to, I figured they’d do in a pinch, so we snuggled up on the couch before bedtime. Here are their reactions:
Daughter, 10: “Sherlock Holmes is like a mysterious character. He likes kids and talks to them so they can understand things.”
Son, 9: “It was great!”
Son, 7: “It was awesome!”
My kids can be squirrely; they are not at all “the sitting-down type.” Their preferred reading material usually involves fantastic adventures or very broad humor. In other words, I was concerned. "The Missing Snowman," however, kept their attention. They understood what Holmes does to solve Henrietta’s problem, and why he gives his young client the explanation he does at the end of the story. They especially appreciated the bits of humor; everyone agreed that the bit in which Holmes interrupts Watson before he mentions m-e-l-t-i-n-g was their favorite.
My kids are young. To them, the holidays are still magical, and it’s fun to try to create special memories for them. As a parent, however, I’m very conscious that a lot of what’s out there glorifies the material aspects of this time of year. Someone is always “saving Christmas,” which pretty much means “making sure there are presents.” There isn’t much about giving, and if there is, it involves…presents. In "The Missing Snowman," Holmes, who was never a father, still knows how important it is to preserve a little girl’s sense of wonder, to let her keep her childhood just a bit longer. Henrietta, for her part, learns to show gratitude by giving up something which has meaning for her. In keeping with canon, there’s no emphasis on religion; the book is appealing whatever your views on the subject. For children, the book is about kindness. However, in its gentle way, "Sherlock Holmes and the Missing Snowman" also reminds us adults that what may seem trivial to a grown-up is essential to a child and that, to modify Holmes’ advice to Henrietta, “Your children will not be with you for very long. Enjoy them while they are here.”
If you think about it, as ubiquitous as Sherlock Holmes is in our culture, it’s rare to find him in children’s books. When we do see him, he’s often doing a cameo (as in the Basil of Baker Street series), or is disguised as a dog, a muppet, or a 12-year-old detective operating out of the family garage. A picture book featuring Holmes and Watson in their human, canonical form is, therefore, a truly welcome development!
The story is a simple one. Holmes and Watson are lounging about at 221B, one day near Christmas. They’ve been kept in by a two-day snowstorm (and, presumably, no cases), and Watson’s eager to go out for a walk. Holmes is having none of that; perhaps it’s fortunate that their discussion is interrupted by the doorbell.
This is not your typical Baker Street supplicant, however. Their prospective client is Henrietta Fortescue, a five year-old girl who’s lost someone important. After spending the beginning of her short life in a hotter climate, she was thrilled to see snow for the first time, and built a large snowman, just as she’d seen in books–only to find him gone now that the sun’s come out.
Possibly a bit testy because Holmes won’t go out, or because his war wound is acting up, Watson informs Henrietta that Sherlock Holmes is a busy man of affairs, and is about to remind everyone of the impact heat has on frozen things, when his friend interrupts him and agrees to take the little girl’s case. What follows is a simple, touching story that reminds us that, no matter what he wants others to think, the Great Detective is much more than a logical machine.
In his books for adults, Mr. Ruffle has always displayed a gift for expressing emotion without verbal clutter, and it’s used here to great effect. "The Missing Snowman" reads out loud extremely well (more on this in a minute), and Lyme Regis artist Rikey Austin’s soft, nostalgic illustrations, done in a light, wintry palette, add to its gentle mood.
Of course, we all know of children’s books–picture books in particular–which adults love, but children find boring. Having been blessed with three little people myself, I thought I’d give "The Missing Snowman" a field test. My kids are 10, 9, and 7–the first two a little older than Ruffle’s target audience, but since they still enjoy being read to, I figured they’d do in a pinch, so we snuggled up on the couch before bedtime. Here are their reactions:
Daughter, 10: “Sherlock Holmes is like a mysterious character. He likes kids and talks to them so they can understand things.”
Son, 9: “It was great!”
Son, 7: “It was awesome!”
My kids can be squirrely; they are not at all “the sitting-down type.” Their preferred reading material usually involves fantastic adventures or very broad humor. In other words, I was concerned. "The Missing Snowman," however, kept their attention. They understood what Holmes does to solve Henrietta’s problem, and why he gives his young client the explanation he does at the end of the story. They especially appreciated the bits of humor; everyone agreed that the bit in which Holmes interrupts Watson before he mentions m-e-l-t-i-n-g was their favorite.
My kids are young. To them, the holidays are still magical, and it’s fun to try to create special memories for them. As a parent, however, I’m very conscious that a lot of what’s out there glorifies the material aspects of this time of year. Someone is always “saving Christmas,” which pretty much means “making sure there are presents.” There isn’t much about giving, and if there is, it involves…presents. In "The Missing Snowman," Holmes, who was never a father, still knows how important it is to preserve a little girl’s sense of wonder, to let her keep her childhood just a bit longer. Henrietta, for her part, learns to show gratitude by giving up something which has meaning for her. In keeping with canon, there’s no emphasis on religion; the book is appealing whatever your views on the subject. For children, the book is about kindness. However, in its gentle way, "Sherlock Holmes and the Missing Snowman" also reminds us adults that what may seem trivial to a grown-up is essential to a child and that, to modify Holmes’ advice to Henrietta, “Your children will not be with you for very long. Enjoy them while they are here.”
July 26, 2014
This richly-illustrated children's book is a delightful story of a little girl who had lost her snowman. Naturally, she and her mother visit the famous detective Mr Sherlock Holmes at his lodgings at 221b Baker Street.
Much to Dr Watson's astonishment, the World's foremost consulting detective takes the case and pursues it with his legendary sagacity and tenacity. He discovers - but no, I will not spoil the ending.
The writing is simple enough for a small child to follow, but, as one would expect from veteran Holmes pastiche author David Ruffle, it feels right.
The many detailed illustrations, by Rikey Austin, are superb. We see Holmes sitting by the fire in his slippers reading The Times, while Dr Watson looks out on a snowy Baker Street; Mrs Hudson shows little Henrietta, their five-year-old client in; Holmes examines the scene of the crime through his magnifying glass, and so on. The characters, especially Holmes and Watson, are very well portrayed.
Adults too will appreciate the lovingly-crafted illustrations.
Much to Dr Watson's astonishment, the World's foremost consulting detective takes the case and pursues it with his legendary sagacity and tenacity. He discovers - but no, I will not spoil the ending.
The writing is simple enough for a small child to follow, but, as one would expect from veteran Holmes pastiche author David Ruffle, it feels right.
The many detailed illustrations, by Rikey Austin, are superb. We see Holmes sitting by the fire in his slippers reading The Times, while Dr Watson looks out on a snowy Baker Street; Mrs Hudson shows little Henrietta, their five-year-old client in; Holmes examines the scene of the crime through his magnifying glass, and so on. The characters, especially Holmes and Watson, are very well portrayed.
Adults too will appreciate the lovingly-crafted illustrations.
December 12, 2012
A very cute story, which will make you feel warm and fuzzy and just all around Christmassy - and that without it being out of character (I can actually see Holmes acting this way if he would be in the mood and thought the cause was worth it). And not to forget the beautiful illustrations (Holmes' illustration is especially wonderful!)!
A very lovely book! If I had any friends with children, they would most certainly get this for Christmas. Merry Christmas indeed!
A very lovely book! If I had any friends with children, they would most certainly get this for Christmas. Merry Christmas indeed!
February 20, 2013
I won this book through Goodreads Firstread.
I love this book. Considering it is for the younger reader (6-11) years, it is a very good book.
I enjoyed sitting down for 5 minutes to give it a read.
Very cute story line and the illustrations are great.
Love it
January 21, 2013
A really lovely book - perfect for children with wonderful drawings. Makes you feel warm inside on cold winter days! Highly recomended.
July 21, 2022
Imagine me, on my iPad in bed at 2 AM looking for aesthetic Sherlock Holmes things to pin to my pastiche board on Pinterest. When Lo, like an angel from God but the cherubic kind and not the kind with like 092437 eyes, the cover to this book pops up. I immediately search for it and BEHOLDEN tis on KINDLE! I order this book IMMEDIATELY and read it.
It's got three things I love.
1. Snowmen (2 year old Kaity's love of Frosty the Snowman has been a staple of my life throughout the years.)
2. Sherlock Holmes (My birthday buddy. My man. My homeboy. My friend. Somebody who is more logical and could balance out all my emotions.)
3. and Man Interacts With a Small Child Nicely trope (is that a trope?)
Yes, I know this is a quick children's book. And it's just so adorable and easy for a child to read. But also it's entertaining and written in such a way that an adult (such as myself) reading it to a child (such as I did not. I read it to myself at 2 AM) wouldn't feel bored. Mainly because it is so quick.
I don't know, fam. It's just such a fluffy little read, and shows Holmes being rather kind to a small child, as we know he is from his interactions with the Baker Street Irregulars which we honestly need more of.
It shows a very human side to Holmes we know is buried beneath logic and reason, but it's there. It's there. And we see it. Even if it's an impulse buy at 2AM.
It's got three things I love.
1. Snowmen (2 year old Kaity's love of Frosty the Snowman has been a staple of my life throughout the years.)
2. Sherlock Holmes (My birthday buddy. My man. My homeboy. My friend. Somebody who is more logical and could balance out all my emotions.)
3. and Man Interacts With a Small Child Nicely trope (is that a trope?)
Yes, I know this is a quick children's book. And it's just so adorable and easy for a child to read. But also it's entertaining and written in such a way that an adult (such as myself) reading it to a child (such as I did not. I read it to myself at 2 AM) wouldn't feel bored. Mainly because it is so quick.
I don't know, fam. It's just such a fluffy little read, and shows Holmes being rather kind to a small child, as we know he is from his interactions with the Baker Street Irregulars which we honestly need more of.
It shows a very human side to Holmes we know is buried beneath logic and reason, but it's there. It's there. And we see it. Even if it's an impulse buy at 2AM.
January 1, 2013
I read the book and found it charming. However, this book is written as a children's book and I have no idea of what constitutes the proper contents in such Literature. It does not seem to contain a serious message about Christmas or about expected/proper behavior. It gives no clues to the reader how to face the problems of peer-pressure or parental frustration or any of the other multitudinous problems children encounter every day. It teaches no morality nor does it give a child a good example to follow. To my mind, it is simply entertainment. If this is what you want to give a child in your life, then this book would be a fine present.
Sincerely:
Philip K. Jones
Sincerely:
Philip K. Jones
November 29, 2012
It's Christmas time in Baker Street and a young girl needs the assistance of Holmes to find her missing snowman!! Ruffle's story is charming and cute and wonderfully illustrated by Austin. The Missing Snowman makes for the perfect Christmas time story to gather the kids around, with cups of hot chocolate, and read on a cold wintery night. Having captured the essence and quality of a Holmes story while also being playing and fun this is a book that both adults and kids will most certainly enjoy, and one I will happily read every Christmas season.
August 28, 2013
Excellent story for the young, introducing Sherlock Holmes to children I think is a wonderful idea. Bravo!!!
December 12, 2015
This was a great book. What a good lesson.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews