Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery #14

Miss Nightingale's Gala: A Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery

Rate this book
Splendor, Schemes, and Murder on the Menu
Welcome to the enthralling 35th adventure in the Sherlock and Lucy series, where a splendid charitable event at London's most fashionable dining destination becomes the epicenter of a riveting mystery.

At the Carlton Hotel restaurant, favored by the new King and managed by the legendary hotelier César Ritz, a glamorous gala promises to be a night of unparalleled elegance, with a sumptuous feast prepared by none other than Auguste Escoffier, the famous ‘Chef of Kings and King of Chefs.’ It’s all for a wonderful cause - the advancement of promising research at London’s preeminent St. Thomas Hospital, and it’s supported by none other than Florence Nightingale, the legendary “Lady with the Lamp.”

But the grand event is threatened by a shocking incident - the murder of a research doctor whose work is the foundation of the hospital's fundraising efforts. In this dire circumstance, Miss Nightingale herself turns to the renowned Sherlock Holmes for assistance.

Holmes and Lucy, alongside their young allies Becky and Flynn, embark on a journey through a web of secrets and scandals. As they navigate the high-stakes world of the London elite, they uncover hidden agendas that threaten more than just the success of the gala. Their investigation reveals a dangerous plot that endangers many lives, including their own, testing their courage and wit to the limits.

Praised for revitalizing the classic Holmesian mystery, this series captivates with its emotional depth, skillfully rendered by Dr. Watson and Lucy’s narrative voices, and a warmer, more human Sherlock Holmes. The adventures are renowned for their engaging characters, clever plots, and the vivid re-creation of turn-of-the-century London's charm. The introduction of Lucy James and Jack Kelly, her policeman husband, adds layers of intrigue and self-discovery to each tale.

Miss Nightingale's Gala is a masterful blend of historical richness and suspenseful storytelling, inviting readers to experience a night of luxury that turns into deadly peril. Join Sherlock Holmes and his formidable team as they race to unravel a conspiracy that lurks in the shadows of London's glittering new high-life hotspot.

Dive into a world where the elegance of a bygone era intertwines with the pressing mysteries of today. Claim your copy of Miss Nightingale’s Gala and embark on an enthralling journey filled with suspense, heritage, and revelation. Order now and be part of this captivating adventure!

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2024

88 people are currently reading
37 people want to read

About the author

Anna Elliott

82 books431 followers
Anna Elliott is an author of historical fiction and fantasy. She enjoys stories about strong women, and loves exploring the multitude of ways women can find their unique strengths. She was delighted to lend a hand with the Sherlock & Lucy series, and thrilled to continue a new spin-off series featuring Becky and Flynn. Her first series, the Twilight of Avalon trilogy, is a retelling of the Trystan & Isolde legend. She wrote her second series, The Pride & Prejudice Chronicles , chiefly to satisfy her own curiosity about what might have happened to Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy, and all the other wonderful cast of characters after the official end of Jane Austen’s classic work.

WEBSITE: http://sherlockandlucy.com
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/sherlockand...
FACEBOOK READER GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/77782...
AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Anna-El...

Anna lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and five children.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
231 (58%)
4 stars
122 (30%)
3 stars
38 (9%)
2 stars
3 (<1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
6,726 reviews5 followers
February 16, 2024
Entertaining Holmes listening 🎵🎶

This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 34 of 34.

Sherlock Holmes is approached by Miss Nightingale about a note saying there will be a murder. But it has already happened. And Holmes, Watson, Lucy, Jack, Becky, and Flynn are all involved in the investigation leading to the conclusion.

I am a Sherlock Holmes fan and would recommend this series and authors to Sherlock Holmes fans and readers of British mysteries. 2024

Hopefully more books to come. Happy reading and have fun 😜
Profile Image for Ethelann.
430 reviews
February 13, 2024
Miss Nightingale's Gala was the first book I've read by this author. Although historical suspense is not my favorite genre, this story was pretty interesting.
I do like reading Sherlock Holmes mysteries, though. And with Holmes in the mix, it kept my interest. It was a little confusing for me at first keeping track of all of Holme's colleagues, but I soon got them straight. This was a good mystery with a surprise ending.
142 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2024
I love the Sherlock Holmes stories. In addition to reading all of the original Conan Doyle material, I've read several series of stories, novellas, and novels that I think of as "Continuations" of the original. The Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mysteries are among my favorites.

In addition to presenting a good mystery that's fun to follow and unravel, the stories are all extremely well written. Authors Charles Veley and Anna Elliott have been faithful to the original source material, giving the stories the feel of the originals. At the same time they've added some additional characters, as well as a couple of storytelling twists that help move the mysteries forward.

One notable difference in the Veley/Elliott continuation series is the "voice" of the story. As you'll remember, all of the Conan Doyle stories were told to us by Sherlock Holmes' trusted friend, sometime roommate, confident and chronicler, Dr. John Watson. In this series, part of each story is recounted by Watson, and some by one or more of three other new characters. It works extremely well, and actually gives the storyteller and the reader a better look at the action as it unfolds.

"Miss Nightingale's Gala" is credited to Anna Elliott alone, and I'm not quite sure how the two authors divide their labors. It doesn't matter in the least to this reader, as there's no discernible difference in the quality of the writing, characterizations, or plots.

The "Miss Nightingale" of this story is THE Florence Nightingale of British nursing fame who revolutionized the practice of nursing and patient care. She made her name and fame during and immediately after the Crimean War (1850s) but the time setting of this story is just before the end of the 19th Century. I'm NOT going to tell you the plot, as that spoils all of the readers' fun. You'll have to trust me that it's a good story, extremely well told. Enjoy.
Profile Image for Madelon.
944 reviews9 followers
January 17, 2024
Dr. Watson gets a note, delivered by messenger, from Florence Nightingale (yes, that Florence Nightingale) requesting that he attend her. He, of course, agrees, and, as they say, the game's afoot. Once again, the team of Elliott and Veley have penned a canon-worthy Sherlock Holmes tale that combines bits of history with excellent storytelling. Holmes and Watson, Lucy James, and Becky and Flynn all play a part in solving the mystery.

In MISS NIGHTINGALE'S GALA, there are warnings, murder, and a gala to benefit scientific study. The Victorian era was a time of momentous change with far-reaching results — some beneficial, others… not so much. During that time there were no laws governing a patent medicine's ingredients or sale. Thus, doctors and snake oil salesmen alike took advantage of the 'cures' potential for making money. I would note that MISS NIGHTINGALE'S GALA takes place in 1901, after the death of Victoria Regina.

As always, I encourage you to read the Historical Notes at the end. I always learn some new tidbit about history that I never knew before, and I'm sure you will too. In the same vein, I think this series bears reading from the first book to last. You might find a series with thirty-five books to be a daunting task, but as Conan Doyle did, Elliott and Veley have added to the canon with relatively short reads — longer than a novella, shorter than a novel. Once you read the first few, I guarantee you will be hooked!

MISS NIGHTINGALE'S GALA will be available on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2024.
230 reviews
February 16, 2024
My ARC from the authors did not disappoint. As always there was a great plotline filled with intrigue, mystery and suspense; everything that a good book should have with characters that delight. Bringing in a person like Florence Nightingale to interact with Holmes and his colleagues brings a “what if” situation to life. Who would want to sabotage such a charitable event organised by the Lady of the Lamp herself? The threat of a murder turns into the actual thing with dire consequences following when Holmes, Watson, Lucy, Jack and Becky go in search of answers. Answers that put all of them in danger.

This series brings aspects of history to our notice that we may otherwise pass by. You can always learn something from the huge background investigation that Anna Elliott and Charles Veley do for each of their stories. Thanks to both the authors for another great book in the series and long may they last.
Profile Image for Susan.
501 reviews27 followers
February 16, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. Florence Nightingale is one of the women I truly admire. I loved having her mixed up with the mysterious deaths coinciding with a gala to raise money for one of her causes. I especially enjoyed Becky meeting Ms. Nightingale. Knowing how much Becky's life will change in the future and how Ms. Nightingale may have helped her was amazing.

The entire plotline was very well written and moved at a very fast pace. Excellent characters. Hard to know who was possibly a murderer.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series. I love them. I received an ARC from the authors. My review is voluntary and honest.
Profile Image for Anthony Pisacano.
22 reviews1 follower
March 11, 2024
I did not find this particular book as exciting and compelling as the previous books in the series.
The storyline was not worthy of Sherlock Holmes to investigate and very little input from Lucy James and Jack.
I was surprised to see that they were over 30 chapters and yet the chapters were very short and concise. I was able to finish this book in about four hours.
I felt like the authors were writing for a younger audience and so brought everything down to that level.
It has been a while since the publication of the last book in the Lucy James series, and I feel this book should have been more in the line of the previous ones.
It’s a nice little story, but I don’t think I would recommend it for those who have been fans of Lucy James. However, it’s not to say that I won’t attempt to read the next book in the series if there is one.
2,587 reviews45 followers
January 28, 2024
This was very interesting to me , as I come from a medical field and enjoyed the technical aspect, and what it could possibly mean to the world at large . By the end I was gravely disheartened by some character's actions. Some characters I gave my trust to didn't deserve it. I was so far off base with my guesses it was almost laughable. Good thing sleuthing wasn't my chosen line of work. Lol. I'd be out of a job and homeless. This was a suspenseful , intriguing journey, and I'm looking forward to more. This is unputdownable. Is there another career coming for Becky????.
Profile Image for Claudia.
2,986 reviews39 followers
April 26, 2024
This was a fascinating reading. I always enjoy these books but having Florence Nightingale here is particularly attractive to me, as I admire her so much! Discovering that it was her who helped Becky to become who she is? Just wonderful!

The story, as always, is well-written, tightly plotted, suspenseful and filled with delightful historical details. Do not miss the historical notes! They are very, very interesting.

I loved it!
Profile Image for HAROLD FRANK PARKER.
168 reviews3 followers
August 8, 2025
Sherlock & Lucy Saving the Ball

It begins with the death of a doctor and Sherlock is bright in because of questionable character. Working the case with the usual cast of Lucy, Becky & Flynn, the group must prevent a disaster while solving what seems to be a murder. The book is consistent bc with Doyle’s original concept of Sherlock. On the wholes very worthwhile read, and I recommend it.
Profile Image for Susan.
7,282 reviews69 followers
February 1, 2024
Dr Watson is approached by Miss Nightingale, as she has received a letter threatening the life of Dr Elizabeth Martin. As her fund raising gala pproaches she doesn't want anything to disrupt the proceeding, but Dr Martin is already dead. Holmes and the team decide to investigate.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its very likeable main characters. Another enjoyable tale in this series.
Profile Image for Christa Saccullo.
408 reviews4 followers
March 1, 2024
Another Adventure

Homes, Lucy and the gang are back for another adventure.
It's the turn if the century, which means new possibilities of wonders and crime.
Great strides are being made in the medical field...that is until a doctor turns up dead. To prevent further disaster, Sherlock Holmes is engaged by none other than Florence Nightingale...

Christa
178 reviews7 followers
February 2, 2024
I was an ARC reader and given this book for free for an honest review. I have enjoyed all the Sherlock and Lucy books, and this one didn't disappoint. Who is trying to stop the auction st the Gala? Sherlock, Watson, and Lucy are on the case. Good mystery with a surprise ending.
38 reviews
February 4, 2024
I received a copy for an honest review. I found this a very entertaining story. The authors maintain an authentic atmosphere to the time period and expand on the relationships of the characters in the story. A very enjoyable read and recommend it highly.
Profile Image for NelleRenn.
996 reviews
February 14, 2024
I really like this mystery series. This one revolves around medicine and of course, murder. It has enough suspense and intrigue to keep me guessing. I especially like the historical notes at the end as it was nice to learn the facts.
Profile Image for Richard.
422 reviews3 followers
February 17, 2024
Lady with the lamp

Questionable medical research, assistants committing "suicide", and Florence Nightingale. The whole team is involved in this investigation. Always a great read!
532 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2024
Excellent work

This story is extraordinary well written to the point of feeling as if you were part of the story. The drama and intrigue is true to Holmes style.
Profile Image for Mike Kanner.
403 reviews
March 16, 2024
These are always a nice distraction. However, the series is soon going to be chronologically running into the Beck and Flynn mysteries.
1 review
March 20, 2024
Good Holmes mystery.

Very good read with a moral ending and all of the clues presented to the reader in a logical manner.
159 reviews
March 28, 2024
My favorite book in the series. I really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Christopher Cannon.
56 reviews8 followers
October 23, 2024
I have enjoyed this series, and this is a great installment. A fun story with good pace, the wonderful set of characters.
Profile Image for Janice Clark.
Author 4 books9 followers
February 28, 2024
Sherlock Holmes fans will enjoy this series in which a younger generation follows in the footsteps of their mentor.
1,510 reviews16 followers
February 19, 2024
An auction to raise much needed funds for medical research - sounds like a very worthwhile cause but hardly worthwhile enough to cost lives at that. But someone with murder on their mind seem to think that this is a sacrifice worth making.

As always, the Sherlock and Lucy books are a hit. Always authentic, always exciting, always intriguing, so much so that they seem to end much too soon, and the next, always much too long in coming while I wait impatiently! Always 5 stars and more.
1,423 reviews9 followers
March 4, 2024
Because of the historic link to Miss Nightingale and the information about her life, I really enjoyed this one. The characters, the story, the history connection and the pace of this one make it really a great one.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.