The Adventure of the London Waterworks

Synopsis

The Sherlock Holmes Escape Book is the first in a unique new series of puzzle books, in which the reader is trapped in the pages and must find their way out by solving the puzzles that hold the key to their freedom. Visual clues are hidden among the intriguing illustrations; fiendish riddles, logic puzzles, and timed challenges unlock hidden doors and reveal the direction of travel; and mathematical problems provide the codes required to follow the correct path. There are maps and mazes to explore; references to the original Sherlock Holmes adventures to unravel; and a code-wheel that holds the key to unlocking the next page. Solve the puzzles correctly to escape. Get them wrong, and you will find yourself further and further along the path to your own demise. You are Sherlock Holmes. following the death of Sir Charles Baskerville, you have travelled to Baskerville Hall to investigate the mystery. Now, as the clock strikes midnight, you hear the key turning in the lock, and see an envelope slipped beneath the door to your room. What is the meaning of the message cut from newsprint? Is there a clue hidden in the painting on the wall? And could those really be the footprints of a gigantic hound.? This ingenious new series is a spin on the current urban craze for 'Escape Rooms', in which participants are locked in rooms, and must solve the puzzles they find there to make good their escape. Here, the book becomes the locked room, the pages become the path, and the reader can take on a challenge every bit as brain-teasing from the comfort of their own home.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Three Hosts

* The narrator receives a letter from an anonymous source requesting an urgent meeting at 3 a.m.
* At the meeting, he encounters three enigmatic men who introduce themselves as hosts at different London waterworks.
* They reveal that there has been a mysterious disappearance of water from the reservoir at the South Hill Waterworks.

Real Example:

The anonymous letter reads: "My dear Holmes, Urgent business requiring your immediate attention. Please meet me tonight at 3 a.m. at the Victoria Embankment. Important information awaits you. Regards, Anonymity."

Chapter 2: The South Hill Reservoir

* The narrator, along with Detective Inspector Lestrade, visits the South Hill Reservoir and finds it nearly empty.
* They discover a set of footprints leading from the reservoir to a nearby gate.
* They also find evidence of a struggle and a small piece of metal that appears to be a fragment of a watch.

Real Example:

At the reservoir, Lestrade exclaims, "My word, Holmes! Look here! The reservoir is almost dry! And those footprints... they seem to lead somewhere."

Chapter 3: The Italian Clockmaker

* The narrator and Lestrade investigate the piece of metal and trace it to an Italian clockmaker named Guiseppe Cavallotti.
* Cavallotti confirms that it is a piece of his watch and reveals that he sold the watch to a wealthy American named Colonel John Williamson.

Real Example:

The clockmaker, Cavallotti, says, "Signor Holmes, I recognize this fragment. It is from one of my most prized pocket watches. I sold it to a wealthy American just last week."

Chapter 4: Colonel Williamson

* The narrator and Lestrade visit Colonel Williamson, who lives at a nearby estate called Abbot's Hill.
* They learn that Williamson was involved in a secret expedition to Africa and was rumored to have returned with a valuable treasure.
* Williamson denies any knowledge of the water theft but grants them permission to search his estate.

Real Example:

Colonel Williamson greets them at the door, saying, "Gentlemen, what brings you to my humble abode? I assure you, I have no knowledge of any missing water or stolen treasures."

Chapter 5: The Secret Tunnel

* The narrator and Lestrade search Abbot's Hill and discover a secret tunnel leading from the cellar to the South Hill Reservoir.
* They follow the tunnel and witness a sinister plot by Williamson and his accomplices to steal the remaining water and hold London to ransom.

Real Example:

In the tunnel, the narrator whispers to Lestrade, "Lestrade, look! There! Behind that wall is a faint glimmer of light. It must be the entrance to the reservoir."

Chapter 6: The Capture

* The narrator and Lestrade confront Williamson and his gang as they attempt to blow up the reservoir and flood London.
* Williamson is overpowered and arrested, along with his accomplices.
* The narrator and Lestrade save the day by preventing the catastrophic disaster and restoring the water supply to the city.

Real Example:

As the dust settles, Lestrade says, "Well done, Holmes! You have triumphed again. London owes you a great debt of gratitude."