A message to be decoded, a warning of danger to be heeded, and a secret, sinister, society behind it all. Who can be called upon for help? Why none other than Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. The Valley of Fear-Blackeyed Theater Script by MX Publishing breathes new life to the story in this stage adaptation.

Sherlock Holmes receives a cipher message, but is all as it seems? The message has no key however, nothing daunts the great Holmes. Once the code is cracked there is a warning of impeding danger. A nefarious plot that must be stopped before its too late. Holmes and Watson travel from 221 B Baker Street to an old manor house to investigate a crime and subsequent murder scene. Or is it an open and shut case? Looks can be deceiving and a trail of clues that include muddy footprints, a curious brand, and a missing ring have confounded everyone. Scotland Yard has even been called in. But while everyone else is looking to the obvious Holmes is not so easily led astray and takes action. Meanwhile somewhere, behind the scenes lurks the ever elusive Moriarty.

Since I am the kind of person who likes to read the book and then see the movie I was thrilled to read a script. And this adaptation did not disappoint. The main goal as stated by the author is to tell the tale as the original author intended, entertain readers, and perhaps inspire a reader or two to get a copy and read the book. Mission accomplished. I liked reading the scripted version because I was provided with play by play action, sounds, and drama. From the cast of characters to the opening dialogue and scene, I was captivated.

I give The Valley of Fear-Blackeyed Theater Script by MX Publishing 5 out of 5 stars for staying true to the story the way Arthur Conan Doyle meant it to be. And helping readers feel like they are actually there solving the mystery with Holmes himself.