1. Why did Arthur Conan Doyle stop writing stories about Sherlock Holmes?
2. What worried Mr Horowitz before starting a book?
3. Why was writing the book about Sherlock Holmes easier than Mr Horowitz thought?
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle killed Sherlock Holmes when writing the stories took up too much of his time. Now, 80 years after the author's death, Britain's most famous detective is being brought back to life with a new novel by Anthony Horowitz.
The character of Sherlock Holmes was originally created by Arthur Conan Doyle, who featured him in four novels and more than 50 short stories.
But it's the first time that the Arthur Conan Doyle estate has officially asked an author to write a new novel. He has been named as Anthony Horowitz and is best known for his Alex Rider children's series. So, was he afraid of the challenge?
Anthony Horowitz:
"Well obviously, it was exciting to deal with probably the most famous detective in the whole history of literature. And I didn't want to disappoint the fans, and people who love these books.
But to be honest with you, I found it fairly easy to write because I hav e always loved those books, I've read them two or three times during the course of my lifetime — in fact, my whole life as a writer of crime fiction was inspired by Doyle and I find the book not so scary as I thought it might be."
Listen to the conversation and answer the questions below.
1. What does the boy want to do?
2. What does his mother want to do?
3. Why can’t they make a decision?
James: Morning, mum.
Mother: Good morning, James. Will you, please, help me to get breakfast ready?
J: Sure, mum. Oh, by the way, mum, what will we do this Sunday?
M: Well, there are a lot of things we can do, but I think we have to talk to dad about it first. I'm afraid he'll want to stay home.
J: Oh well, if he wants to stay in I'll go and see a football match then. MU's playing with Chelsea!
M: We'll see about it. We may drive to the country and can all take a long walk in the wood! Then have a picnic by the lake! We haven't done it for a long time.
J: Oh no! It's so boring! I never enjoy those walks. Besides, they forecast bad weather for the weekend! I'd better stay in town and see a match with the friends. It'll be great fun I am sure!
M: All right. But let's talk about it later. It's only Wednesday today!
J: But it will be too late then. The boys are buying tickets for the match now. I won't be able to get it later!
M: Let's wait for father anyway.
J: OK. When will he be back?
M: I am not sure but I hope he'll be back at 8 pm.
J: All right, then. I do hope he'll let me go to the football match.
