Each mystery is told in condensed form. It includes the problem, the action, and the clues-but not the solution. That will be found among the words of the crossword puzzle that follows the story.

Solve the puzzle, fill in the spaces below it, and-presto-the solution. Then test your ability as a sleuth by turning to the answer page at the back of the book; there you'll also find an entertaining epilogue to the mystery. (And, once again, between the puzzles, intriguing glimpses of Sherlock Holmes and his world are featured.) In addition to the short adventures, a complete novel, The Hound of the Baservilles, is included, told in ten suspenseful parts, each with its own crossword puzzle and solution.

Instead of an epilogue on the answer page, there is "A Retrospection" after the last puzzle, just as in Conan Doyle's novel. So, to old acquaintances and new, happy solving!