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Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery #15
The Affair of the Coronation Ball: A Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery
A waltz of whispers and shadows for Sherlock and Lucy -- or will it be a Danse Macabre?
In London's fashionable Hyde Park, six murders have been discovered since the King's recent coronation. The gossip columnist known as 'Lady Whispers' is the latest victim--was she killed because her last column ridiculed an upstart duchess for announcing an upcoming conation ball?
Enter Nellie Bly, fearless reporter with a nose for trouble. Fynn, the plucky Irregular with a hero's heart, finds himself in a daring rescue – that is, until Bly disappears into the night. The Baker Street team enters a whirlwind of clues and shadows. As the grand coronation ball looms, each revelation spins a more intricate web of danger and intrigue.
Our heroes must navigate a labyrinth of lies before the clock strikes the fatal hour. In a world brimming with masked motives, can Holmes's sharp mind and his allies' courage unveil the truth in time?
The Sherlock and Lucy series weaves traditional sleuthing with modern narrative twists, charming, atmospheric settings, quirky characters, and clever, fast-paced, page-turning plots. For fans of Agatha Christie's wit, Conan Doyle's charm, and Lee Child's suspense, "The Coronation Ball" is your invitation to a thrilling caper among the crème de la crème.
Grab your copy and twirl into a dance where the next step just might be the last. Scroll up and One-click now!
Historical fiction, Mystery, Literature, Secrets, Detective, Investigation, Historical setting, Suspense, Murder, Crime, Hidden, Intrigue, Thriller, Clues, Whodunit, historical fiction mystery, historical mystery fiction, cozy mysteries
In London's fashionable Hyde Park, six murders have been discovered since the King's recent coronation. The gossip columnist known as 'Lady Whispers' is the latest victim--was she killed because her last column ridiculed an upstart duchess for announcing an upcoming conation ball?
Enter Nellie Bly, fearless reporter with a nose for trouble. Fynn, the plucky Irregular with a hero's heart, finds himself in a daring rescue – that is, until Bly disappears into the night. The Baker Street team enters a whirlwind of clues and shadows. As the grand coronation ball looms, each revelation spins a more intricate web of danger and intrigue.
Our heroes must navigate a labyrinth of lies before the clock strikes the fatal hour. In a world brimming with masked motives, can Holmes's sharp mind and his allies' courage unveil the truth in time?
The Sherlock and Lucy series weaves traditional sleuthing with modern narrative twists, charming, atmospheric settings, quirky characters, and clever, fast-paced, page-turning plots. For fans of Agatha Christie's wit, Conan Doyle's charm, and Lee Child's suspense, "The Coronation Ball" is your invitation to a thrilling caper among the crème de la crème.
Grab your copy and twirl into a dance where the next step just might be the last. Scroll up and One-click now!
Historical fiction, Mystery, Literature, Secrets, Detective, Investigation, Historical setting, Suspense, Murder, Crime, Hidden, Intrigue, Thriller, Clues, Whodunit, historical fiction mystery, historical mystery fiction, cozy mysteries
291 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2024
85 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Anna Elliott
80 books456 followersAnna 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 6, 2024
Entertaining Holmes listening 🎶😎👒
This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 36 of 36
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are asked by Scotland Yard to help investigate the murder of a number of people. They appear to have no connection. But Holmes finds the connection leading to the truth.
I would recommend this series and authors to readers of British mystery novels and fans of Sherlock Holmes. 2024
This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 36 of 36
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are asked by Scotland Yard to help investigate the murder of a number of people. They appear to have no connection. But Holmes finds the connection leading to the truth.
I would recommend this series and authors to readers of British mystery novels and fans of Sherlock Holmes. 2024
April 27, 2024
Another great story! And although I'd never complain about having too much Sherlock Holmes I did miss Becky and Jack, as their presence here is not as prominent as in the other books.
I enjoyed a lot trying to find the connection between all the murders and the threat to the Coronation Ball. It wasn't an easy task, not at all. And I got fooled by some characters who weren't who I thought they were.
This is, as always, a fantastic merging of fiction and history, a great, accurate picture of a place in a time of change; the end of an era and the beginning of a new one.
Another great mystery to add to the series.
I enjoyed a lot trying to find the connection between all the murders and the threat to the Coronation Ball. It wasn't an easy task, not at all. And I got fooled by some characters who weren't who I thought they were.
This is, as always, a fantastic merging of fiction and history, a great, accurate picture of a place in a time of change; the end of an era and the beginning of a new one.
Another great mystery to add to the series.
May 12, 2024
"The Affair of the Coronation Ball" is the most recent in the series of Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mysteries. I've read them all, and found them all to be great stories, well told.
I'm a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes, and have been since I first read all of Arthur Conan Doyle's original stories and novels. More recently, I've read several different Sherlock Holmes "continuation" series of new stories by several different authors.
So, how do I rank this offering by Anna Elliott? Of all of them, this most recent effort is among the very best. Elliott and her sometime co-author, Charles Velley, have approached their stories a little differently than Conan Doyle and others, and have chosen to tell them in a unique fashion.
Elliott has added several knew characters that change the character of the stories. In the first of the series of stories, Sherlock Holmes meets Miss Lucy James--a singer and actress from America--and quite unexpectantly discovers that she is his daughter about which he never knew. It doesn't take them long to discover "like father, like daughter," as Lucy loves a mystery and is quite adept at investigating them.
Joining Sherlock and Lucy are the young police constable, Jack Kelly, and Jack's much young sister, Becky. Along the way the group expands to include one of Sherlock's "Irregulars," Flynn. The Irregulars are the rag-tag bunch of London street urchins who assist Holmes in a variety of ways, and Flynn is among the best of the lot. Now, our new crew is complete: Sherlock Holmes, Dr. John Watson, Lucy James (Lucy Kelly by the time of this story), Jack Kelly (now at Scotland Yard Inspector), Becky and Flynn.
Unlike the original Conan Doyle stories, which are all told first-person by Watson, Anna Elliott's stories are told in different chapters by one of the characters, or in third-person about them. Sometimes it's Watson, sometimes Lucy, sometimes Becky or Flynn. Like Conan Doyle's stories, Elliott's are never told to us by Sherlock Holmes.
The Affair of the Coronation Ball starts with a series of murders, with all of the bodies found in Hyde Park. It appears the victims may have been killed elsewhere, and the bodies dumped in the park. Simultaneously, a prominent Lord and Lady are planning a Coronation Ball to celebrate the very recent coronation of King Edward VII. Before long, the Lord in question comes to Holmes with the claim that he fears his dear wife may be the murder, and may be plotting to kill the new king at the ball.
What follows is an intricate plot with lots of moving parts and plenty of suspects. All of the murder victims seem, at least on the surface, to be unconnected with each other. They include a hotelier, a newspaper gossip columnist, a retired pastor, and a retired lady's maid. Is there a connection? What could it be, and from where or when? On top of all of that, is there really a plot to assassinate the king?
Unravelling this plot is great fun for the reader, as Sherlock Holmes and company unravel the murder/assassination plot. I won't spoil your fun by giving away any of the secrets that await you. Suffice it to say that I loved it, and I think you will too. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
I'm a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes, and have been since I first read all of Arthur Conan Doyle's original stories and novels. More recently, I've read several different Sherlock Holmes "continuation" series of new stories by several different authors.
So, how do I rank this offering by Anna Elliott? Of all of them, this most recent effort is among the very best. Elliott and her sometime co-author, Charles Velley, have approached their stories a little differently than Conan Doyle and others, and have chosen to tell them in a unique fashion.
Elliott has added several knew characters that change the character of the stories. In the first of the series of stories, Sherlock Holmes meets Miss Lucy James--a singer and actress from America--and quite unexpectantly discovers that she is his daughter about which he never knew. It doesn't take them long to discover "like father, like daughter," as Lucy loves a mystery and is quite adept at investigating them.
Joining Sherlock and Lucy are the young police constable, Jack Kelly, and Jack's much young sister, Becky. Along the way the group expands to include one of Sherlock's "Irregulars," Flynn. The Irregulars are the rag-tag bunch of London street urchins who assist Holmes in a variety of ways, and Flynn is among the best of the lot. Now, our new crew is complete: Sherlock Holmes, Dr. John Watson, Lucy James (Lucy Kelly by the time of this story), Jack Kelly (now at Scotland Yard Inspector), Becky and Flynn.
Unlike the original Conan Doyle stories, which are all told first-person by Watson, Anna Elliott's stories are told in different chapters by one of the characters, or in third-person about them. Sometimes it's Watson, sometimes Lucy, sometimes Becky or Flynn. Like Conan Doyle's stories, Elliott's are never told to us by Sherlock Holmes.
The Affair of the Coronation Ball starts with a series of murders, with all of the bodies found in Hyde Park. It appears the victims may have been killed elsewhere, and the bodies dumped in the park. Simultaneously, a prominent Lord and Lady are planning a Coronation Ball to celebrate the very recent coronation of King Edward VII. Before long, the Lord in question comes to Holmes with the claim that he fears his dear wife may be the murder, and may be plotting to kill the new king at the ball.
What follows is an intricate plot with lots of moving parts and plenty of suspects. All of the murder victims seem, at least on the surface, to be unconnected with each other. They include a hotelier, a newspaper gossip columnist, a retired pastor, and a retired lady's maid. Is there a connection? What could it be, and from where or when? On top of all of that, is there really a plot to assassinate the king?
Unravelling this plot is great fun for the reader, as Sherlock Holmes and company unravel the murder/assassination plot. I won't spoil your fun by giving away any of the secrets that await you. Suffice it to say that I loved it, and I think you will too. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
April 17, 2024
"The Affair of the Coronation Ball" is the latest in the long line of adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James from the prolific pens (or computers as it must be in this day and age) of father/daughter writing team, Charles Veley and Anna Elliott.
To cut to the chase, if you’ve liked the previous entries in the series (and I certainly have), you will undoubtedly like this one as well. If you’re new to series, I would suggest starting with one of the earlier stories as "Coronation Ball" presumes the reader is already familiar with the main characters and their relationship to one another.
Of course, there are no more famous sleuths in all of mystery fiction than Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. But in Veley and Elliott’s tales, Holmes is joined by the adult daughter he never knew he had, former American actress turned British detective, Lucy James, James’ husband, Scotland Yard’s Jack Kelly, her very much younger sister-in-law, Becky and one of Holmes’ scrappy Baker Street Irregulars, a homeless, but resourceful lad simply known as Flynn.
As you can easily deduce from the title, the plot revolves around skullduggery planned for a coronation ball being held for the newly crowned King Edward VII (who assumed the throne in 1901 following the death of his mother, Queen Victoria).
Of course, nothing is ever straightforward in a Sherlock & Lucy mystery. This one also throws in the deaths of five apparently unrelated individuals whose bodies have been turning up with alarming regularity in Hyde Park, although it appears they have been murdered elsewhere. What their connection is to each other and to the upcoming ball provides the main thrust of the novel’s action.
In addition to the king, Veley and Elliott introduce a real life celebrity from that era whose identity I won’t reveal as it is one of the novel’s many twists, but who added greatly to my enjoyment of this particular story.
"Coronation Ball" is one of Sherlock and Lucy’s longer outings. The page count exceeds 230 pages, but the action never drags. One of the hallmarks of this series involves the narrative focus constantly shifting between our stalwart group of protagonists, who are typically in different locations and differing states of danger throughout the narrative. There are quite a few twists and turns along the way and the solution (which, I must confess, I did not solve) is one of the series’ most complex, requiring a rather extended explanation from Holmes at the wrap-up.
Nonetheless, it’s a thoroughly enjoyable read. The authors, as always, play fair with the reader, presenting us with all the necessary clues. My only complaint is that the longer the series has run, the less we see of Lucy James. Once the center of the action, she has been relegated to a lesser role, upstaged by the juvenile antics of Becky and Flynn, who have claimed larger and larger shares of the story as these adventures have progressed. (Lucy’s husband, Jack has been almost totally shoved off-stage, appearing only now and then.)
As Becky and Flynn have been given their own set of spin-off adventures, can we hope to see more of Ms. James in future mysteries? I certainly hope so.
To cut to the chase, if you’ve liked the previous entries in the series (and I certainly have), you will undoubtedly like this one as well. If you’re new to series, I would suggest starting with one of the earlier stories as "Coronation Ball" presumes the reader is already familiar with the main characters and their relationship to one another.
Of course, there are no more famous sleuths in all of mystery fiction than Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. But in Veley and Elliott’s tales, Holmes is joined by the adult daughter he never knew he had, former American actress turned British detective, Lucy James, James’ husband, Scotland Yard’s Jack Kelly, her very much younger sister-in-law, Becky and one of Holmes’ scrappy Baker Street Irregulars, a homeless, but resourceful lad simply known as Flynn.
As you can easily deduce from the title, the plot revolves around skullduggery planned for a coronation ball being held for the newly crowned King Edward VII (who assumed the throne in 1901 following the death of his mother, Queen Victoria).
Of course, nothing is ever straightforward in a Sherlock & Lucy mystery. This one also throws in the deaths of five apparently unrelated individuals whose bodies have been turning up with alarming regularity in Hyde Park, although it appears they have been murdered elsewhere. What their connection is to each other and to the upcoming ball provides the main thrust of the novel’s action.
In addition to the king, Veley and Elliott introduce a real life celebrity from that era whose identity I won’t reveal as it is one of the novel’s many twists, but who added greatly to my enjoyment of this particular story.
"Coronation Ball" is one of Sherlock and Lucy’s longer outings. The page count exceeds 230 pages, but the action never drags. One of the hallmarks of this series involves the narrative focus constantly shifting between our stalwart group of protagonists, who are typically in different locations and differing states of danger throughout the narrative. There are quite a few twists and turns along the way and the solution (which, I must confess, I did not solve) is one of the series’ most complex, requiring a rather extended explanation from Holmes at the wrap-up.
Nonetheless, it’s a thoroughly enjoyable read. The authors, as always, play fair with the reader, presenting us with all the necessary clues. My only complaint is that the longer the series has run, the less we see of Lucy James. Once the center of the action, she has been relegated to a lesser role, upstaged by the juvenile antics of Becky and Flynn, who have claimed larger and larger shares of the story as these adventures have progressed. (Lucy’s husband, Jack has been almost totally shoved off-stage, appearing only now and then.)
As Becky and Flynn have been given their own set of spin-off adventures, can we hope to see more of Ms. James in future mysteries? I certainly hope so.
April 13, 2024
Once again , Sherlock and his under studies do not fail to impress me. Becky and Flynn continue to grow in talents, skills, and intelligence and seem capable of magical feats of recovery and escape, which I much admired. The greed and betrayals were appalling. When things look bleakest, there's a miracle pulled out if thin air it seems. Some very intense moments and high drama that I dearly lived. See how Sherlock and crew take care of business and set things to rights. Always an exhilarating adventure, and I'm glad to be a part of it all from a safe distance. Lol. I loved it.
April 13, 2024
Sherlock and his extended, and unusual family have another case to solve. Not just one murder though, six of them.
Despite trying to keep the smaller members out of danger, they run headfirst into it.
All are not who they seem, and wits must be kept sharpened to keep ahead of the plot.
Despite trying to keep the younger members out of danger, they run headfirst towards it.
The king is in great danger, but will Sherlock be able to save him, interestingly the king is having fun being part of the Sherlock team.
Despite trying to keep the smaller members out of danger, they run headfirst into it.
All are not who they seem, and wits must be kept sharpened to keep ahead of the plot.
Despite trying to keep the younger members out of danger, they run headfirst towards it.
The king is in great danger, but will Sherlock be able to save him, interestingly the king is having fun being part of the Sherlock team.
April 20, 2024
I do like a good murder mystery and this book gives me five murders. It is part of a series, but it could stand alone as the only thing you might miss is the connection between some of the repeating characters. The authors do give us all the clues, but it was hard to figure out the villain with all the twist and turns. I do miss that Lucy and her husband are not as front and center as in previous books in this series. It is a compelling read.
April 26, 2024
Another excellent read from these authors. The story is a good blend of fact and fiction. Seeing the story through the experiences of Sherlock, Watson, Lucy, Becky and Flynn added to the story moving along. It allows the reader to better see the action and moves the story along beautifully. It does an excellent job of England at the time. You can not wait to see how everything comes to a satisfying conclusion. Highly recommend
April 10, 2024
My favorite (so far) of the recent books in this series! I love the entire series, and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good historical mystery. The characters are well -defined, engaging, and quickly become the reader's cherished friends. This excellent series breathes new life into the beloved tales of the immortal detective, Sherlock Holmes. Enjoy!
April 14, 2024
I love this book!
The pace is fast and draws you through the twists and turns of a nasty plot that could affect all of Britain and the world. Action takes place often in three places at once. Sherlock, Lucy, Watson, Becky and Flynn are ruthless in solving this mystery in the 36th Sherlock and Lucy series.
Be sure to read the Becky and Flynn World War 1 mysteries too.
The pace is fast and draws you through the twists and turns of a nasty plot that could affect all of Britain and the world. Action takes place often in three places at once. Sherlock, Lucy, Watson, Becky and Flynn are ruthless in solving this mystery in the 36th Sherlock and Lucy series.
Be sure to read the Becky and Flynn World War 1 mysteries too.
May 11, 2024
This latest entry in the Sherlock & Lucy series has all the elements that keep fans coming back for more: a plot that weaves actual historical figures into mysterious goings-on, the heroes and heroines up against dastardly villains, and more at stake than simply the lives of those involved. A worthy addition to a highly entertaining series!
May 31, 2024
Royalty, Balls, and Murder
This is my favorite kind of setting...
A string of murders in Hyde Park, a runaway woman, an upcoming ball, and the American tobacco king...
Sherlock Holmes and the gang have to put the pieces together before the murderer strikes again.
Along the way, we'll meet a string of famous historical figures.
Christa
This is my favorite kind of setting...
A string of murders in Hyde Park, a runaway woman, an upcoming ball, and the American tobacco king...
Sherlock Holmes and the gang have to put the pieces together before the murderer strikes again.
Along the way, we'll meet a string of famous historical figures.
Christa
December 10, 2025
Obsessed
I am obsessed with these books. I started the Becky and Flynn series before I started the Lucy James series. Other books I have reserved from the library have been released so I can continue Sherlock & Lucy. This one had me very confused as to what on earth was going on with a completely wild ending! 😥 Only one book left!
I am obsessed with these books. I started the Becky and Flynn series before I started the Lucy James series. Other books I have reserved from the library have been released so I can continue Sherlock & Lucy. This one had me very confused as to what on earth was going on with a completely wild ending! 😥 Only one book left!
December 21, 2025
Very enjoyable!
(No spoilers!) As one comes to expect, this book (like all the others in the series) is a very entertaining read. It is very well-written, with an interesting set of characters, an intriguing, well-plotted mystery, and a delightful audiobook option. I highly recommend it!
(No spoilers!) As one comes to expect, this book (like all the others in the series) is a very entertaining read. It is very well-written, with an interesting set of characters, an intriguing, well-plotted mystery, and a delightful audiobook option. I highly recommend it!
April 25, 2024
1902 London. Lady Whispers aka Eleanor Cavendish, is the sixth murdered victim to be found in Hyde Park in the last week, Inspector Lestrade informs Holmes and Watson. Meanwhile Flynn helps an American female escape two thugs, and she wants to speak to Holmes. But why. Is there a connection between both events.
An entertaining and well-written Edwardian mystery with its very likeable and interesting characters supported by a cast of varied personalities. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An entertaining and well-written Edwardian mystery with its very likeable and interesting characters supported by a cast of varied personalities. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
May 30, 2025
I love the story and action of this one it was so intriguing. like every single one of these stories in this series Sherlock Lucy Watson Flynn and Becky are amazing characters and I like how they conduct them.selves on the cases they are on. I never guessed the culprit though it was a surprise.
October 1, 2025
An attempt to kill the King
Once again Holmes and Lucy are called upon to solve a mystery surrounding the king . Becky and Flynn contribute mightily. A very entertaining story and I recommend it.
Once again Holmes and Lucy are called upon to solve a mystery surrounding the king . Becky and Flynn contribute mightily. A very entertaining story and I recommend it.
April 15, 2024
Another enjoyable read. Great characters and storyline. I did not want to put it down.
May 5, 2024
Playing the long game!
Mysterious "random" murders in Hyde Park that at first glance are not related. Becky and Flynn play a huge part in solving this mystery!
Mysterious "random" murders in Hyde Park that at first glance are not related. Becky and Flynn play a huge part in solving this mystery!
August 1, 2024
quick reads, but love anything sherlock
January 25, 2026
Great Book
Very good read. Exciting and couldn’t stop reading. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to start reading the next one.
Very good read. Exciting and couldn’t stop reading. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to start reading the next one.
May 4, 2024
The original tales of Sherlock Holmes, by Arthur Conan Doyle, have created a cottage industry for mystery writers to pen their own adventures of Holmes and Watson adding new characters and diverse situations. The team of Anna Elliott and Charles Veley have expanded the Holmes universe to include a daughter, Lucy James, who rivals her famous father's notable abilities of observation and deduction. They make a formidable crime solving duo. To round out this cadre of crime fighters, they have added a romantic interest for Lucy in Jack Kelly, a London policeman. Jack's much younger sister, Becky, is a keen student that absorbs the teachings of both Holmes and Watson. Finally, there is Flynn, one of the Baker Street Irregulars who, along with Becky, often finds himself in hot water. Holmes long association with Inspector Lestrade gives the beleaguered policeman a place of honor in these new stories. You will find all of them in THE AFFAIR OF THE CORONATION BALL.
THE AFFAIR OF THE CORONATION BALL is the thirty-sixth book in the Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James series, and like those that came before, it follows the successful formula set out by Conan Doyle writing at the end of the nineteenth century. At the center of the case is King Edward VII who is not the healthiest of men. He finds himself in the center of a dastardly intrigue involving American and British tobacco interests. The case is set in motion when a series of gruesome murders take place in and around Hyde Park. It is a strange meeting between Flynn and Nelly Bly (yes, THAT Nelly Bly) that helps set the stage for a strange and twisted plot. One of the six murder victims is Eleanor Cavendish, known as 'Lady Whispers' by readers of The Tattler newspaper, who just happens to be the reason Miss Bly is in London.
For those unfamiliar with Nelly Bly, she was an American journalist born in 1864 who earned fame for her newspaper articles, and subsequent book TEN DAYS IN A MADHOUSE, published in 1887. She convinced the Joseph Pulitzer, of the New York World, to allow her to go undercover in the Women's Lunatic Asylum, on Blackwell's Island, and write an exposé. Today, Blackwell's Island is Roosevelt Island, and Bly's exposé still stands as clever and insightful investigative journalism.
Only the team of Elliott and Veley could work an esteemed figure from history into a thrilling mystery to be solved by Sherlock Holmes and company. I love that they get the history right while adding the flair of fiction. As always, I highly recommend that you read the Historical Notes at the end of the book.
Any fan of Sherlock Holmes will want to add THE AFFAIR OF THE CORONATION BALL to their library along with all the books that precede it.
THE AFFAIR OF THE CORONATION BALL is the thirty-sixth book in the Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James series, and like those that came before, it follows the successful formula set out by Conan Doyle writing at the end of the nineteenth century. At the center of the case is King Edward VII who is not the healthiest of men. He finds himself in the center of a dastardly intrigue involving American and British tobacco interests. The case is set in motion when a series of gruesome murders take place in and around Hyde Park. It is a strange meeting between Flynn and Nelly Bly (yes, THAT Nelly Bly) that helps set the stage for a strange and twisted plot. One of the six murder victims is Eleanor Cavendish, known as 'Lady Whispers' by readers of The Tattler newspaper, who just happens to be the reason Miss Bly is in London.
For those unfamiliar with Nelly Bly, she was an American journalist born in 1864 who earned fame for her newspaper articles, and subsequent book TEN DAYS IN A MADHOUSE, published in 1887. She convinced the Joseph Pulitzer, of the New York World, to allow her to go undercover in the Women's Lunatic Asylum, on Blackwell's Island, and write an exposé. Today, Blackwell's Island is Roosevelt Island, and Bly's exposé still stands as clever and insightful investigative journalism.
Only the team of Elliott and Veley could work an esteemed figure from history into a thrilling mystery to be solved by Sherlock Holmes and company. I love that they get the history right while adding the flair of fiction. As always, I highly recommend that you read the Historical Notes at the end of the book.
Any fan of Sherlock Holmes will want to add THE AFFAIR OF THE CORONATION BALL to their library along with all the books that precede it.
May 2, 2024
This is a terrific story, with the full set of characters: Holmes and Watson, Lucy, and Flynn and Becky. It is an exciting mystery with each character helping find a piece of the puzzle. A fun book! In the series, I have read 4 so far, but after this one, I want to read the whole series!
May 13, 2025
Great characters. Love this series. This one is a little more involved then other ones. One of the best!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews