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Dr John Watson #2
The Dead Can Wait
Deep in England's green and pleasant land something evil lurks…
Dr John Watson, Sherlock Holmes' stalwart companion, is back home, fresh from his time in the trenches of Flanders Fields. The horrors of war weigh heavy on his mind, and now his task is to help rehabilitate soldiers suffering from the crippling effects of shell-shock.
But the war is not yet over and in one corner of England lies a secret, one that the establishment is determined to keep under wraps. For in the woodlands of the lush countryside, the government is building the secret weapon which will win the war for Britain. Here, they are developing the land ship - never-before-seen 'tanks' which the army is convinced will end the stalemate on the Western Front.
But then disaster strikes. After a training exercise in one of the tanks, eight men are mysteriously struck down, seven of them dead. There is just the one survivor, and he's not talking. It is clear something is horribly wrong, and the army calls in the only man who will know how to solve the Dr John Watson.
Dr John Watson, Sherlock Holmes' stalwart companion, is back home, fresh from his time in the trenches of Flanders Fields. The horrors of war weigh heavy on his mind, and now his task is to help rehabilitate soldiers suffering from the crippling effects of shell-shock.
But the war is not yet over and in one corner of England lies a secret, one that the establishment is determined to keep under wraps. For in the woodlands of the lush countryside, the government is building the secret weapon which will win the war for Britain. Here, they are developing the land ship - never-before-seen 'tanks' which the army is convinced will end the stalemate on the Western Front.
But then disaster strikes. After a training exercise in one of the tanks, eight men are mysteriously struck down, seven of them dead. There is just the one survivor, and he's not talking. It is clear something is horribly wrong, and the army calls in the only man who will know how to solve the Dr John Watson.
481 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 2, 2014
26 people are currently reading
409 people want to read
About the author
Robert Ryan
42 books81 followersaka Tom Neale
Robert Ryan was born in Liverpool but moved to London when he was eighteen to attend university. He lectured in natural sciences for several years before moving into journalism in the mid-1980s, first with The Face and then the Dylan Jones-edited Arena. During this time, he also wrote for The Daily Telegraph, US GQ, US Conde Nast Traveler, Esquire and The Sunday Times.
Robert Ryan lives in North London with his wife and three children.
Robert Ryan was born in Liverpool but moved to London when he was eighteen to attend university. He lectured in natural sciences for several years before moving into journalism in the mid-1980s, first with The Face and then the Dylan Jones-edited Arena. During this time, he also wrote for The Daily Telegraph, US GQ, US Conde Nast Traveler, Esquire and The Sunday Times.
Robert Ryan lives in North London with his wife and three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
January 5, 2014
I became a fan of Rob Ryan's work at Harrogate History Fest in October, when I heard him speak on a panel about Sherlock Holmes..... Apparently there was a single line in one of the last Holmes books which said that Watson had gone back to his 'old unit' - that being the RAMC, and given that we were on the brink of WWI, that means he went back to war.
Thus arises one of the best post-Conan Doyle Sherlockian series, and a fantastic historical crime series. The Major John Watson we come to know in the trenches in DEAD MAN'S LAND and again here in the UK in The Dead Can Wait is a humane, compassionate, competent individual, who nevertheless appreciates the help of his steadily deteriorating friend, Holmes. The horrors of war are not stinted, but nor are they gratuitous. In DML, we (well, I) learned a huge amount about nurses and the various auxilliaries and how they worked, while in TDCW, we (I) learn a lot we (I) didn't know about 'shell shock' and then, later, about the early development of tanks. It's fascinating, and yet none of it is presented as 'here is the research I did, now suck it up and learn it' which is so often the case in historical novels of this sort. It's all integral to the plot, and carries the dynamic tension even as we're given a virtual tour of the tank testing grounds. There's a truly scary German woman-spy, part of a network called the She Wolves, of whom I'm sure (I hope) we'll learn more, and the very welcome return of Mrs Gregson, the red-headed, motor-bike riding, thoroughly competent nursing auxilliary.
In a year when there are going to be 1,000 ( at least) books about WWI published, this will be one of the first, and I am prepared to bet, one of the best. It's a cracking, fulfilling, utterly satisfying read and you should get a copy now...
Thus arises one of the best post-Conan Doyle Sherlockian series, and a fantastic historical crime series. The Major John Watson we come to know in the trenches in DEAD MAN'S LAND and again here in the UK in The Dead Can Wait is a humane, compassionate, competent individual, who nevertheless appreciates the help of his steadily deteriorating friend, Holmes. The horrors of war are not stinted, but nor are they gratuitous. In DML, we (well, I) learned a huge amount about nurses and the various auxilliaries and how they worked, while in TDCW, we (I) learn a lot we (I) didn't know about 'shell shock' and then, later, about the early development of tanks. It's fascinating, and yet none of it is presented as 'here is the research I did, now suck it up and learn it' which is so often the case in historical novels of this sort. It's all integral to the plot, and carries the dynamic tension even as we're given a virtual tour of the tank testing grounds. There's a truly scary German woman-spy, part of a network called the She Wolves, of whom I'm sure (I hope) we'll learn more, and the very welcome return of Mrs Gregson, the red-headed, motor-bike riding, thoroughly competent nursing auxilliary.
In a year when there are going to be 1,000 ( at least) books about WWI published, this will be one of the first, and I am prepared to bet, one of the best. It's a cracking, fulfilling, utterly satisfying read and you should get a copy now...
October 12, 2019
Set during World War I, Major John Watson must investigate the deaths of men involved in testing weaponry in a secret location. Sherlock Holmes is detained on a remote island, and Watson hopes he can free his friend while reluctantly resolving the problem as a means to gaining access to Holmes. Spy novels are not "my thing," and this one features too much espionage for me. I felt the author inserted filler material which served little purpose to lengthen the novel.
April 29, 2024
Watson, Sherlock Holmes' friend and fellow investigator, is back in England after serving in Belgium during WWI. Although we can expect an appearance from Holmes, this is very much Watson as a medical doctor and investigating on his own. Also, this WWI setting is one with which I was unfamiliar and for me that was an added bonus.
My British friends may have been familiar with how the estate of Elveden was a setting for a very top secret part of the war. It was there that Ernest Swindon was in charge of the development of the tank. It was believed that other countries were also developing this weapon, but as far as was known at the time, not Germany. The Allies hoped its appearance would be a turning point in the war.
Enter Watson. The story purports that Winston Churchill personally sent Dr. Watson to investigate 7 deaths that occured as the result of testing one of the tanks. It was imperative that the cause of these deaths be ascertained so that the tanks could be modified if necessary and the project continue. The outcome of the war could well depend on it.
This is the second in the series. It has been several months since I read the first and I remembered it only generally. There are some specifics of that earlier novel that have a bearing on this installment, but, as my memory was very hazy about them, I think one could read them out of order. As to this one, from about halfway, it becomes as much thriller as detective novel, and by the last 75+ pages, very thrillerish. I think another 4-stars, but perhaps not especially robust ones. I look forward to the next one.
My British friends may have been familiar with how the estate of Elveden was a setting for a very top secret part of the war. It was there that Ernest Swindon was in charge of the development of the tank. It was believed that other countries were also developing this weapon, but as far as was known at the time, not Germany. The Allies hoped its appearance would be a turning point in the war.
Enter Watson. The story purports that Winston Churchill personally sent Dr. Watson to investigate 7 deaths that occured as the result of testing one of the tanks. It was imperative that the cause of these deaths be ascertained so that the tanks could be modified if necessary and the project continue. The outcome of the war could well depend on it.
This is the second in the series. It has been several months since I read the first and I remembered it only generally. There are some specifics of that earlier novel that have a bearing on this installment, but, as my memory was very hazy about them, I think one could read them out of order. As to this one, from about halfway, it becomes as much thriller as detective novel, and by the last 75+ pages, very thrillerish. I think another 4-stars, but perhaps not especially robust ones. I look forward to the next one.
January 3, 2021
For some reason I skipped this one before, maybe because I thought I wouldn't enjoy this as much. But jokes on me because it's my current favorite in the series. I like following Watson and see what he's up to.
September 20, 2019
I enjoyed the first Dr Watson book in this series which had a strong clear plot and vivid historic detail. This book however was a weaker story with a poor plot, far to many coincidences and implausible occurrences. The plot armour of the main characters was especially irritating.
March 13, 2022
Another stunning mystery featuring John Watson as the main character. I absolutely adore it when the sidekick gets to step into the main role on occasion and Ryan does a splendid job with the execution of this.
I LOVE Mrs. Gregson as a character and as a very important sidekick to Watson. They work really well together and she’s got guts. I was afraid we’d left her behind in the previous book, and was delighted to find her here as well. She’s just the best. Lol.
I also love how Sherlock appears in Watson’s thoughts, giving him advice, but then does make an actual appearance later on. It feels natural, both in this book as in the previous one.
Lastly, OMG, a cliffhanger of an ending here! It seems as if there might be some sort of overarching plot arc between these four novels after all and I eagerly anticipate the next one!
I LOVE Mrs. Gregson as a character and as a very important sidekick to Watson. They work really well together and she’s got guts. I was afraid we’d left her behind in the previous book, and was delighted to find her here as well. She’s just the best. Lol.
I also love how Sherlock appears in Watson’s thoughts, giving him advice, but then does make an actual appearance later on. It feels natural, both in this book as in the previous one.
Lastly, OMG, a cliffhanger of an ending here! It seems as if there might be some sort of overarching plot arc between these four novels after all and I eagerly anticipate the next one!
May 19, 2014
Dr. Watson. Need I say more?
This is the second book by Robert Ryan chronicling the later life of Dr. Watson (and tangentially, Mr. Sherlock Holmes.) In both, the backdrop is WWI and Dr. Watson's return to military service. This particular book involves secret weapons, spies, and some old-fashioned whodunnit murders. And Dr. Watson is forced to confront these without the other half of his team. But it's not he didn't learn anything over the years from the most famous consulting detective, and he puts all his knowledge to work in this adventure.
My only complaint is that now I have to wait for the next one to learn what he left hanging in this one.
Good show!
This is the second book by Robert Ryan chronicling the later life of Dr. Watson (and tangentially, Mr. Sherlock Holmes.) In both, the backdrop is WWI and Dr. Watson's return to military service. This particular book involves secret weapons, spies, and some old-fashioned whodunnit murders. And Dr. Watson is forced to confront these without the other half of his team. But it's not he didn't learn anything over the years from the most famous consulting detective, and he puts all his knowledge to work in this adventure.
My only complaint is that now I have to wait for the next one to learn what he left hanging in this one.
Good show!
March 26, 2014
An enjoyable sequel to Dead Man's Land that leaves the door open to another story.
With Watson and Holmes in the winter of their years this tale has a different dynamic to the Conan Doyle stories and throwing in World War 1 gives this series a refreshingly different perspective on these well loved characters.
With Watson and Holmes in the winter of their years this tale has a different dynamic to the Conan Doyle stories and throwing in World War 1 gives this series a refreshingly different perspective on these well loved characters.
December 24, 2017
Pre mňa podstatne lepšie ako prvý diel, veľa vecí sa deje hneď od začiatku, bez zbytočného otáľania a vysvetľovania, postavy sú dobre napísané a áno, aj Sherlock tu konečne poriadne bude... nie, len akýsi hlas v hlave... pozitívom je aj zápletka, ktorá je síce poriešené až práve Sherlockom a nie Watsonom - ok, ten dá niečo, ale celkovo to spúšťa poslednú časť knihy, ktorá končí veľmi otvorene... jednoznačný ďalší diel.
October 13, 2016
What a great read.
The feel of the first great war resonates.
Dr. Watson shines as the star.
Sherlock is there just enough.
In the Holmesian galaxy a definite shining star.
The feel of the first great war resonates.
Dr. Watson shines as the star.
Sherlock is there just enough.
In the Holmesian galaxy a definite shining star.
October 15, 2018
'The Dead can Wait' is a Dr Watson thriller.
Although I've only read a few of the original Sherlock Holmes stories by Conan Doyle, I am as fascinated as most by the great detective with his brusque manner and unerring eye for the telling detail. Perhaps it is odd that I keep finding myself reading other writers' takes on the characters instead of seeking out the original stories. Perhaps this is a deficit I ought to remedy, as I do recall enjoying 'The Hound of the Baskervilles'. Regardless, I was quite pleased to find this novel in my bag of goodies from May's Crimefest.
-- What's it about? --
Having endured horrors at the Western Front, Dr Watson is back home, trying to treat soldiers suffering from shellshock - whilst still suffering from a touch of it himself. As he fights to get recognition for the genuine trauma the soldiers are suffering, he's summoned by none other than Winston Churchill to investigate a mysterious incident involving a wartime secret of immense strategic importance. Dr Watson has no desire to get involved, but Churchill has bait: he has Sherlock, detained under DORA after he refused to assist the MP.
Upon arriving in Sussex, Watson is hampered at every turn as he tries to discover what, exactly, killed eight men in the middle of a training exercise - after first destroying their sanity. The army isn't exactly keen on transparency and the one remaining survivor isn't talking. Can Watson solve the mystery before the great secret is revealed? And is there really something seriously wrong with the once remarkable Sherlock Holmes?
-- What's it like? --
A fascinating insight into various aspects of life during World War I. A complex, evolving mystery, peopled with characters who are absolutely convinced they are doing the right thing, even as other people die. A convincing historical thriller with delightful flashes of well-timed humour.
There's an awful lot of plot and the opening chapters bounce around a bit like I imagine an army jeep might as it careens over hillocks and nearly tilts into the mud. The reader is shown a range of situations and characters, all of whom do gradually get stitched into the overall tapestry to create a suitably twisty story. I can't share one of my favourite discoveries as it would be a plot spoiler, but suffice to say, one colonel is going to wind up with a very red face!
Ryan's greatest achievement here is illuminating the British government's mad rush to use their wonderful new technology, without ensuring adequate training for soldiers, numbers of vehicles, etc. Similarly, their despotic and manipulative attitude towards their own population is well conveyed, without the reader ever feeling lectured by an author who has Done Their Research and Will Use It All!
-- Final thoughts --
The atmosphere is suitably dark, the comic touches delightful and the overall effect very readable. Possibly the ending is a little prolonged, but then the whole book is an enjoyable canter rather than a headlong gallop. So rather unlike the British Government's wartime attitude, then...
I'll definitely be reading another one of these, and seeking out some more of Arthur Conan Doyle's original stories, too.
Although I've only read a few of the original Sherlock Holmes stories by Conan Doyle, I am as fascinated as most by the great detective with his brusque manner and unerring eye for the telling detail. Perhaps it is odd that I keep finding myself reading other writers' takes on the characters instead of seeking out the original stories. Perhaps this is a deficit I ought to remedy, as I do recall enjoying 'The Hound of the Baskervilles'. Regardless, I was quite pleased to find this novel in my bag of goodies from May's Crimefest.
-- What's it about? --
Having endured horrors at the Western Front, Dr Watson is back home, trying to treat soldiers suffering from shellshock - whilst still suffering from a touch of it himself. As he fights to get recognition for the genuine trauma the soldiers are suffering, he's summoned by none other than Winston Churchill to investigate a mysterious incident involving a wartime secret of immense strategic importance. Dr Watson has no desire to get involved, but Churchill has bait: he has Sherlock, detained under DORA after he refused to assist the MP.
Upon arriving in Sussex, Watson is hampered at every turn as he tries to discover what, exactly, killed eight men in the middle of a training exercise - after first destroying their sanity. The army isn't exactly keen on transparency and the one remaining survivor isn't talking. Can Watson solve the mystery before the great secret is revealed? And is there really something seriously wrong with the once remarkable Sherlock Holmes?
-- What's it like? --
A fascinating insight into various aspects of life during World War I. A complex, evolving mystery, peopled with characters who are absolutely convinced they are doing the right thing, even as other people die. A convincing historical thriller with delightful flashes of well-timed humour.
There's an awful lot of plot and the opening chapters bounce around a bit like I imagine an army jeep might as it careens over hillocks and nearly tilts into the mud. The reader is shown a range of situations and characters, all of whom do gradually get stitched into the overall tapestry to create a suitably twisty story. I can't share one of my favourite discoveries as it would be a plot spoiler, but suffice to say, one colonel is going to wind up with a very red face!
Ryan's greatest achievement here is illuminating the British government's mad rush to use their wonderful new technology, without ensuring adequate training for soldiers, numbers of vehicles, etc. Similarly, their despotic and manipulative attitude towards their own population is well conveyed, without the reader ever feeling lectured by an author who has Done Their Research and Will Use It All!
-- Final thoughts --
The atmosphere is suitably dark, the comic touches delightful and the overall effect very readable. Possibly the ending is a little prolonged, but then the whole book is an enjoyable canter rather than a headlong gallop. So rather unlike the British Government's wartime attitude, then...
I'll definitely be reading another one of these, and seeking out some more of Arthur Conan Doyle's original stories, too.
July 30, 2018
At the end of Dead Man's Land, Dr, now Major, Watson, was sent back from the Western Front to work in the hospitals of Britain.
Now treating men suffering severe psychological damage and mental health issues from their service in the killing fields of France and Flanders, he is dragged from a brief to senior offices by the Secret Service to meet a man who has faced both the highest levels of success and the lowest points of disaster in his career, Winston Churchill. Fresh from the disaster of the Dardanelles Campaign and the evacuation from Gallipoli of the Allied Forces, Churchill has a new project he is passionate about, but a serious of mysterious deaths in the development stages could derail the whole process.
Watson, with a secret service minder, Coyle, is despatched to Elveden in Suffolk under pain of death and DORA (Defence of the Realm Act) to remain silent about what is going on there.
Outside the Elvedon estate, the Army have cleared the area of nosy civilians, but a few remain in the stripped out community. One of these is Miss Pillbody, a schoolteacher without a class now the children and their families have been 'evacuated' from the area. She is receiving the attentions of Lt Booth, the intelligence officer from the estate, and an American journalist, Randall, who seems as keen as Miss Pillbody to find out what is actually happening.
Watson arrives at Elveden to find a mixed bag of senior officers, mechanics, mechanically inclined enthusiasts, a French attache and Mrs Georgina Gregson - last seen on the Western Front after the debacle that took place in the first novel.
Watson and Mrs G join forces to investigate the death surrounding the new weapon that Churchill is behind - Land Tanks. Nothing seems to be going right, seven men went literally screaming mad during a trial run, the 8th dying shortly afterwards. Watson's investigation seem him attacked and nearly drowned in the estate ice house before he unravels the mystery.
But in an interesting twist, despite all the secrecy, a German Spy is at work on the estate, and a more ruthless, violent and organised enemy Watson and Holmes have never worked against before.
Very well written, I ripped through this even though I have read it before a couple of years ago.
A library book so returned this weekend.
Now treating men suffering severe psychological damage and mental health issues from their service in the killing fields of France and Flanders, he is dragged from a brief to senior offices by the Secret Service to meet a man who has faced both the highest levels of success and the lowest points of disaster in his career, Winston Churchill. Fresh from the disaster of the Dardanelles Campaign and the evacuation from Gallipoli of the Allied Forces, Churchill has a new project he is passionate about, but a serious of mysterious deaths in the development stages could derail the whole process.
Watson, with a secret service minder, Coyle, is despatched to Elveden in Suffolk under pain of death and DORA (Defence of the Realm Act) to remain silent about what is going on there.
Outside the Elvedon estate, the Army have cleared the area of nosy civilians, but a few remain in the stripped out community. One of these is Miss Pillbody, a schoolteacher without a class now the children and their families have been 'evacuated' from the area. She is receiving the attentions of Lt Booth, the intelligence officer from the estate, and an American journalist, Randall, who seems as keen as Miss Pillbody to find out what is actually happening.
Watson arrives at Elveden to find a mixed bag of senior officers, mechanics, mechanically inclined enthusiasts, a French attache and Mrs Georgina Gregson - last seen on the Western Front after the debacle that took place in the first novel.
Watson and Mrs G join forces to investigate the death surrounding the new weapon that Churchill is behind - Land Tanks. Nothing seems to be going right, seven men went literally screaming mad during a trial run, the 8th dying shortly afterwards. Watson's investigation seem him attacked and nearly drowned in the estate ice house before he unravels the mystery.
But in an interesting twist, despite all the secrecy, a German Spy is at work on the estate, and a more ruthless, violent and organised enemy Watson and Holmes have never worked against before.
Very well written, I ripped through this even though I have read it before a couple of years ago.
A library book so returned this weekend.
September 21, 2025
This is a mystery novel that revives the Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson team. The time-period now is set during World War One, in particular 1916. Dr. Watson is the primary character with Sherlock Holmes just in a supporting background role. Dr. Watson is now 66 years-old and he is in the Army Medical Corp once again. His primary duty in this mystery is to discover what is causing the deaths of the men who are developing a new secret weapon system. This very hush-hush secret weapon program is being run by Winston Churchill. This is not a fictitious weapon system. This weapon was developed and introduced during World War One. This adds realism to the story. The true danger is the German spies and agents trying (and some succeeding) to infiltrate this program. It is a rather long and detailed mystery; yet, at times descriptions of events and results of key issues are cut short. Why? Did and editor make cuts to save length and therefore printing cost? To me as a reader, I felt shortchanged by these omissions because they were interesting dilemmas that just seem to unsatisfactorily be resolved out of the reader’s sight. I felt there was seamless continuity in the carryover characters from the original Conan Doyle mysteries. The dialogue and events that take place in his story fit the time-period. There are plenty of plot twists and surprises to keep the reader unbalanced and unable to get too comfortable about predicting the next events in this plot. Spoiler alert, Professor Moriarty does not make an appearance in this story
September 16, 2024
Popravdě, už si moc nepamatuji, jak se mi četl první díl, řekla bych, že možná trochu hůř, ale přísahat na to nemůžu.
Tady mě začátek hned zaujal, pak mě trochu rozladilo množství postav, které v první fázi nebylo možné pořádně zařadit (přestože bylo jasné, že ještě dostanou prostor a že si to celé sedne) - a pak jsem kvůli nedostatku času vypadla z tempa a už se do něj nedokázala úplně vrátit. Ale tak úplně to nevadilo a snad se to ani neodrazilo v mém hodnocení.
V podstatě nemám zásadní připomínky. Spíš jen drobnosti. Třeba když se mi tam jednu chvíli zdálo, že je tam moc špionů. Některé situace se mi zdály zbytečně vyhrocené, vezmeme-li v potaz věk doktora Watsona a Sherlocka Holmese. A trochu neuvěřitelná se mi zdála rychlost, s jakou se na konci knihy podařilo kontaktovat Churchilla a s jakou se Watson dostal do Francie.
Závěr knihy dává naději, že třetí díl bude taky zajímavý, ale v nejbližší době se na něj nechystám.
Tady mě začátek hned zaujal, pak mě trochu rozladilo množství postav, které v první fázi nebylo možné pořádně zařadit (přestože bylo jasné, že ještě dostanou prostor a že si to celé sedne) - a pak jsem kvůli nedostatku času vypadla z tempa a už se do něj nedokázala úplně vrátit. Ale tak úplně to nevadilo a snad se to ani neodrazilo v mém hodnocení.
V podstatě nemám zásadní připomínky. Spíš jen drobnosti. Třeba když se mi tam jednu chvíli zdálo, že je tam moc špionů. Některé situace se mi zdály zbytečně vyhrocené, vezmeme-li v potaz věk doktora Watsona a Sherlocka Holmese. A trochu neuvěřitelná se mi zdála rychlost, s jakou se na konci knihy podařilo kontaktovat Churchilla a s jakou se Watson dostal do Francie.
Závěr knihy dává naději, že třetí díl bude taky zajímavý, ale v nejbližší době se na něj nechystám.
October 3, 2018
There was a lot to interest me in this book but the pace was slow. John Watson, he of the Sherlock Holmes stories, seems to have been reinvented as a WW1 medic with an interest in shell-shock cases (a term he is not supposed to use). He is despatched to a secret testing base in Suffolk to investigate some unexplained deaths. This is reasonably convincing.
The story is told by several viewpoint characters, but as Watson has the most interesting narrative, to me the other characters slow down the pace and I began to skip.
The story builds up to what I thought would be the big climatic scene, and although it was shorter than I had imagined it did not disappoint. However the story continues for several chapters after that and I lost interest.
The story is told by several viewpoint characters, but as Watson has the most interesting narrative, to me the other characters slow down the pace and I began to skip.
The story builds up to what I thought would be the big climatic scene, and although it was shorter than I had imagined it did not disappoint. However the story continues for several chapters after that and I lost interest.
December 9, 2023
I discovered the Dr Watson (thrillers) series at the library, purely accidentally as they do not come under the catalogue as Sherlock Holmes novels. I broke my rule of reading in chronological order and began with no 5. Can't wait for the other 2 titles to turn up.
No 2 (The dead Can Wait) is a pretty good WW1 novel that is peppered with real life characters and incidents from the era as well as Dr Watson - with a sprinkle of a Holmes, who, in this story, is not well at all. No sugar coating WW1 here, looking at the development of the Tanks - which as I recall were designated by Churchill as "water carriers for Mesopotamia", not mentioned in the book, just trivia. The ending is a bit of an "oh bugger moment" that takes us to book 3.
No 2 (The dead Can Wait) is a pretty good WW1 novel that is peppered with real life characters and incidents from the era as well as Dr Watson - with a sprinkle of a Holmes, who, in this story, is not well at all. No sugar coating WW1 here, looking at the development of the Tanks - which as I recall were designated by Churchill as "water carriers for Mesopotamia", not mentioned in the book, just trivia. The ending is a bit of an "oh bugger moment" that takes us to book 3.
January 5, 2018
I've read the three "Watson" books out of order, reading one then there, then this one. This is probably the weakest of a very strong series, and when I say weak, the book is actually very, very good. The this missing from this book to the other two is perhaps a plot that is over convoluted. Nevertheless, Mr Ryan is a great writer, and the story is, as I said, good. I can always tell when I enjoy someone's writing as i finish the book quickly. Even with a busy schedule, I still made sure I had time to pick up my Kindle and read, which these days is a rarity - well written and enjoyable, and highly recommended.
May 31, 2017
Bringing together Dr Watson, an ageing Holmes, World War 1 and the invention of the tank, this has an intriguing backdrop. It is well written with plenty of action and some graphic violence. Watson carries most of the burden, but Holmes is still the master criminologist. And assuming this is based on good research, the story gives poignant hints of how tank crews might have suffered in those early machines. I could have wished for a more resounding finale, but nevertheless a very good story. And it leaves a teasing scenario for the next novel.
September 12, 2017
Continuación de las aventuras de Watson en la Gran Guerra. El caso es más interesante que un simple asesinato en las trincheras ya que múltiples soldados han enloquecido y muerto probando un arma secreta . Sin embargo la novela presenta problemas de estructura, acelerando en su último tercio cuando parecía que el misterio estaba resuelto y forzando una especie de largo epílogo o segunda aventura que no se desarrolla lo suficiente y se precipita hacia un forzado cliffhanger.
May 2, 2018
En ganska välskriven och bitvis rolig bok om John Watson - som en spin off från Sherlock Holmes-serierna. Skriven med en, antar jag, ganska klassisk stil för deckare; vilket inte riktigt är min cup of tea. Ganska lätt att förutsäga en del av hooksen och framförallt ganska rejäla deus ex machina-delar för att hålla och bryta anspänningen i historien. Gillar ändå miljön, språket och världsbygget i stort.
September 14, 2018
I didn’t quite enjoy this as much as the first book in this new series but it still warrants a 4.0-4.5 rating. I’m a huge Sherlock Holmes fan so was drawn into this series even though Watson is (obviously) the main character. The author mixes historical fiction with historical fact and includes the likes of Holmes and Winston Churchill in the plot. But this is not about Holmes and all about Watson even though the great detective does play a pivotal role at some point.
The story, as the first book, is set during WWI and involves espionage, betrayal, mystery and a good dose of suspense. It’s mainly set in England but does venture back to the 'front-line' during the Battle of the Somme.
The book is superbly written, with well defined characters, a good pace and very informative for those who are interested in this most horrendous and ridiculous period of European and World History. I look forward to the next book.
The story, as the first book, is set during WWI and involves espionage, betrayal, mystery and a good dose of suspense. It’s mainly set in England but does venture back to the 'front-line' during the Battle of the Somme.
The book is superbly written, with well defined characters, a good pace and very informative for those who are interested in this most horrendous and ridiculous period of European and World History. I look forward to the next book.
January 24, 2019
Watson on his second outing without Holmes and this book is every bit as good as the first. Okay it's a bit slow to start but it does pick up and move along nicely. Dead bodies, new inventions, zeppelins and spies all running alongside a budding romance what's not to like :) It looses a star as I worked out a major twist early on.
Richard Burnip narrates well and his Winston Churchill is recognisable. An excellent WW1 novel sprinkled with factual data. Well worth a credit. :)
Richard Burnip narrates well and his Winston Churchill is recognisable. An excellent WW1 novel sprinkled with factual data. Well worth a credit. :)
October 10, 2024
It's actually better than Book One! I was so worried because I enjoyed Dead Man's Land so much, but I was not disappointed.
Any detailed review would be crammed with spoilers, since there are many great twists in this book, so I'll settle for a strong recommendation to pretty much anyone. If you like Sherlock Holmes, read this. If you don't like Sherlock Holmes, read this. If you've never heard of Sherlock Holmes and stumbled across this by blind coincidence, read this!
Any detailed review would be crammed with spoilers, since there are many great twists in this book, so I'll settle for a strong recommendation to pretty much anyone. If you like Sherlock Holmes, read this. If you don't like Sherlock Holmes, read this. If you've never heard of Sherlock Holmes and stumbled across this by blind coincidence, read this!
December 13, 2023
Better than the first one. Lots of surprising twists and turns. This series feels very modern in its storytelling methods, yet Watson and Holmes feel so true to themselves. Robert Ryan dares to move the characters beyond the “good old days” and evolves their relationship and the men themselves. Well done.
June 2, 2018
A very good historical thriller featuring Dt John Watson in the First World War and dealing with the development of the first tanks and German espionage. Felt very authentic, obviously well researched
July 2, 2017
Not the best, but not the worst historical mystery. One learns a lot about building the first tanks in England during WWI.
January 7, 2018
Another exciting Dr Watson detective novel.
December 31, 2018
A series of fragments with thin coherence. Good characters. Ending, if you want to it that, was a dud. Jumps in logic were cringe-worthy
April 16, 2020
Brilliant. Robert Ryan has done wonders with the super sleuths.
December 31, 2021
The Dead Can Wait - Ryan
Audio performance by Richard Burnip
4 stars
The second book of a series that I continue to enjoy. As with the first book, the mystery was convoluted and not quite realistic. But, the historical context was excellent. I could believe in the good Dr. Watson as a pioneer in the humane treatment of shell shock. Winston Churchill’s involvement in the early development of tank technology was an interesting addition (although, probably highly fictionalized). The very evil German spies pushed this book into the suspense/thriller category; a bit over the top in violence and improbable escapes, but entertaining.
Audio performance by Richard Burnip
4 stars
The second book of a series that I continue to enjoy. As with the first book, the mystery was convoluted and not quite realistic. But, the historical context was excellent. I could believe in the good Dr. Watson as a pioneer in the humane treatment of shell shock. Winston Churchill’s involvement in the early development of tank technology was an interesting addition (although, probably highly fictionalized). The very evil German spies pushed this book into the suspense/thriller category; a bit over the top in violence and improbable escapes, but entertaining.
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