Pomplun, Tom, ed. Graphic Classics: Arthur Conan Doyle, 2d ed.

POMPLUN, Tom, ed. Graphic classics: Arthur Conan Doyle. 2nd ed. Eureka Productions. 144p. illus, c2005. 0974664855. $11.95. JSA 

This updated edition contains over 100 pages of new material. Arthur Conan Doyle created arguably the most famous fictional detective in history, Sherlock Holmes, and this volume presents two of Holmes' adventures: "The Adventure of the Copper Beeches" and "The Adventure of the Engineer's Thumb." Other highlights include "The Castle of Gloom," an action-filled tale that takes place in Poland when Napoleon was romping through Europe: and my favorite, "The Ghosts of Goresthorpe Grange," about a man who buys a spooky castle without a ghost, and is thus forced to advertise for one.

Contributors to this volume include Roger Langridge, Rick Geary, Nick Miller, Rod Lott and Peter Gullerud. The tales are ably illustrated in a wide variety of artistic styles, all of which are interesting. The stories are all entertaining--the only tale that feels dated is "The Los Amigos Fiasco." Of the two Sherlock Holmes stories, I liked "The Copper Beeches" better because it gives Holmes more of an opportunity to display his deductive brilliance. "The Engineer's Thumb" is also good, if rather gruesome. Graphic Classics is a fine addition to an excellent series. Doyle wrote in a wide variety of genres, and the adaptations in this volume do him justice. This graphic novel contains comic book violence, including a botched electrocution, and is recommended for all libraries. George Galuschak, YA Libn., Montvale PL, Montvale, NJ