A Scandalous Affair: A Daughter of Sherlock Holmes Mystery

The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes Mysteries #8

by Leonard Goldberg

A Simon & Schuster eBook. Simon & Schuster has a great book for every reader.

Genres: Mystery, Historical, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, British Literature, Fiction, Historical Fiction

272 pages, Hardcover

Published March 4, 2025

About the author

Leonard Goldberg is an American physicist, professor of medicine, and the author of the Joanna Blalock series of medical thrillers.

His novels have been translated into a dozen languages and sold more than a million copies worldwide. Leonard Goldberg is himself a consulting physician affiliated with the UCLA Medical Center, where he holds an appointment as Clinical Professor of Medicine. A sought-after expert witness in medical malpractice trials, he is board certified in internal medicine, hematology and rheumatology, and has published over a hundred scientific studies in peer-reviewed journals.

Leonard Goldberg's writing career began with a clinical interest in blood disorders. While involved in a research project at UCLA, he encountered a most unusual blood type. The patient’s red blood cells were O-Rh null, indicating they were totally deficient in A, B and Rh factors and could be administered to virtually anyone without fear of a transfusion reaction. In essence, the patient was the proverbial "universal" blood donor. This finding spurred the idea for a story in which an individual was born without a tissue type, making that person’s organs transplantable into anyone without worry of rejection. His first novel, Transplant, revolved around a young woman who is discovered to be a universal organ donor and is hounded by a wealthy, powerful man in desperate need of a new kidney. The book quickly went through multiple printings and was optioned by a major Hollywood studio.

Dr. Goldberg is a native of Charleston and a long-time California resident. He currently divides his time between Los Angeles and an island off the coast of South Carolina.

Reviews

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I simply love the matter-of-factness of this book, and the series as a whole. Points A to B to C are neatly followed, yet still has me wondering, “How’d she figure that out?” The inclusion of the bombing raids on London during WWI add a stark reality to the series. Thanks to Pegasus Crime for the ARC.

[Phoenix2 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Big Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the advanced copy! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

'A Scandalous Affair' is the eighth book in the 'A Daughter of Sherlock Holmes Mystery' series, and yet it didn't feel like reading a book from the middle of the series, as the author did a great job filling in the information that was needed for the reader to understand who'se who, as did the original Sherlock Holmes story from which many characters were fleshed out.

As for the mystery, it was enjoyable enough, with a fast pace and much action and many twists. The narration of the audiobook was also just right for the mood of the story. The writing was, in addition, smooth and atmospheric and the characters interesting enough, though Sherlock's daughter was a bit ambigious.

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

The affair, in fact, was considerably more scandalous than first presented – and that situation was plenty salacious enough.

All the more so as this eighth entry in The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes series takes place during the winter of 1918, as German bombs are dropping all over London. The United States had entered the war mere months before, and the Germans were hoping to break the back of the Allies before the U.S. could bring their far superior numbers to bear. History knows how that worked for both sides, but in the winter of 1918, the residents of London sheltering in basements and Underground stations certainly did not.

A scandal at the highest levels had the potential to rock a government that needed stability and clear thinking to wrap up the “Great War”. So when Mrs. Joanna Blalock Watson, along with the Doctors Watson, her husband and father-in-law, were called to the home of the Chancellor of the Exchequer on a case, they all knew it had to be an important one.

Or at least a case that has importance because of who is caught up in its web. The Exchequer controls the purse strings of the empire, visiting a scandal upon the Chancellor’s own household will have far-reaching consequences – even if the scandal itself is merely the exposure of a reckless young woman’s thoughtless behavior.

Because her illustrious grandfather is being blackmailed to keep her scandal out of the press. One salacious photograph – and 5,000 pounds sterling – at a time. (That’s $100,000 in today’s money and the amount was for a single installment of which many more were sure to come.)

At first the case seems not simple but at least obvious. The young woman in the photos appears to be just a bit ‘out of it’, whether due to the unwitting consumption of too much champagne or the unknowing ingestion of the early 20th century equivalent of ‘date rape’ drugs. She appears to have been posed in various compromising positions without any awareness of the hidden camera capturing her ‘shame’.

It’s only as Joanna digs deeper into the case that she learns that very little of what she’s been presented with is as it first appears – and that none of the narrators of the tale with which she’s been presented have been remotely reliable.

And that the spider at the heart of this web has been playing a much longer game than even the Great Detective himself might have imagined.

Escape Rating B: I picked this up this week because I’ve read the whole series so far (I am STILL a sucker for a Holmes story), and while I’ve had mixed feelings, on balance I’ve generally liked the stories – usually with a few quibbles along the way. And this week I’m still battling a cold that just won’t go away so I was looking for a story that I’d be able to get into from the outset and knew that this would fill that bill admirably.

As it mostly did.

The mystery was certainly more than twisty enough – even though AND especially because it was clear from the outset that the young lady in the photos was holding back information that Joanna would need to solve the mystery. Although most of that turned out to be unwitting because, well, she was. Or at least extremely naive. Or both. Definitely both.

Because the young woman is intended as the victim, I felt like I was supposed to feel for her. And I did at first, but in the end I didn’t. It’s not that she was foolish, because that happens. And she certainly was very foolish. But she was also very complicit, and that’s when I stopped feeling for her as much as the story wants the reader to feel. Because it all felt like the problems of the rich and she’s going to be well taken care of no matter how responsible she is for the mess she’s gotten her family into. It felt like the case was only important because its exposure would cost her grandfather his position, which was only of such supreme importance as it was because of the war. And I wish the story had gone down that path because it would have made more sense.

At the same time, the true villain of this piece was a very smart, very small, very grey little man who was clearly a sociopath. He was so nondescript as an individual that his evil was much, much bigger than he was – to the point where I don’t know how he contained it all. Also, he remained so much in the shadows that we only get glimmers of a sense of his nature through his acts and it just wasn’t enough.

Not that it wasn’t interesting and different to have a tiny little figure be such a towering villain – so to speak – and not that it’s not good to see something different in villainy than a whole lot of bwa-ha-ha monologues and grandstanding, but he really was a bit of a whimper even though he was really, really adept at making other people whimper.

In the end, this wasn’t bad at all, and I did get caught up in it more than enough to ignore my cold for a couple of hours, but it didn’t reach the heights of either the first book in the series, The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes, or my other favorite, the next most recent book, The Wayward Prince.

But I was more than entertained enough that I’ll be back for the next outing in this series, whatever and whenever it turns out to be!

Originally published at Reading Reality

[Kátia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
Cozy, clever, and delightfully Holmesian

Now, I’ll admit: I usually lean toward standalones. But a historical mystery featuring the daughter of Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler? Following in her father’s footsteps with Dr. Watson’s son? How could I possibly resist?

This was my first venture into the series, and while jumping in at Book 8 is rarely ideal, I couldn’t help myself. And truthfully? I’m glad I didn’t wait. A Scandalous Affair is light, engaging, and full of that classic detective charm that truly feels like a warm return to Baker Street—just with a new generation at the helm.

Joanna Blalock, now Mrs. Watson, carries the torch of her famous lineage with sharp wit, keen intellect, and a quiet confidence that makes her easy to root for. With her teenage son by her side and her husband narrating (à la Dr. Watson!!), the Holmesian structure is echoed in a new voice. This quite literally is Sherlock Holmes: The Next Generation. And the best part is that it works!

The story is easy to fall into, cozy in its construction, and satisfyingly puzzling in all the right ways. That said, some of the character depth felt a little faint (but that’s more a product of me entering mid-series than the writing itself. I fully expect those connections to strengthen once I start from Book 1.)

Goldberg does a fabulous job conjuring the familiar fog of London, though I did notice that some speech patterns and period references leaned more Victorian than Edwardian (when these stories are taking place), which pulled me out now and again. And while the mystery’s conclusion felt a touch too neat and wrapped up a bit too conveniently, it didn’t take away from the overall enjoyment.

The narration by Steve West was perfect. His tone, pacing, and presence elevated the story and added that extra layer of classic Holmes mystery that worked beautifully in audiobook form.

In short: A Scandalous Affair was a fun, quick listen with plenty of clever nods for Sherlock fans. I’ll definitely be going back to the beginning of the series to see how it all started.


Disclosure: I was provided an audiobook copy of A Scandalous Affair—Book 8 in the Daughter of Sherlock Holmes Mysteries—by NetGalley and Tantor Audio in exchange for an honest review, ahead of its audiobook release on 15 July, 2025. A full and more detailed review available at www.wanderingpagesandplaces.com

[The Thirsty Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good pacing. I like how the clues came together. Well done.

[Dawn Seeger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and can't wait for the next.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I was in my last year of high school, I decided to try reading different Sherlock Holmes pastiches on my blog. I’ve read the original Sherlock Holmes novels (though admittedly have not gotten through all the short stories) and I enjoyed them. To start the project, I read Anthony Horowitz’s The House of Silk, which I enjoyed so much that I wanted to see what else was out there with different takes on this classic character.
Leonard Goldberg’s A Scandalous Affair was an interesting experience for me. The story itself is easy to get drawn up in and I found myself wanting to know more as time went on. While I don’t love everything about this story, I did find aspects that kept me invested.
Before I go any further, I want to discuss some general thoughts I have on the story.
Thoughts
So, the premise of this story (and the series) caught my attention quickly. The idea of Sherlock Holmes having a daughter admittedly does not entirely fit into the image I have of the great detective. That said, I found Joanna to be an interesting character, and I like that I could see clear distinctions between her and her father as the story went on.
As for the plot itself, the implications of the story are rather dark, and I found myself surprised by just how far things went. While I’m no stranger to darker stories and have read Holmes pastiches that had pretty grim implications in the past, I do like that this narrative showed the evidence of the darker aspects and let them speak for themselves. It made the story harder to put down as I learned more and more about what was going on.
Overall, I came away from this story appreciating the premise it presented.
Now that I’ve discussed that, let’s move on to the structure of the narrative.
Structure
I’m surprised by how easy it was to follow Joanna’s logic. When I read the Holmes novels for the first time, I often found it somewhat difficult to follow Holmes’ logic. However, with Joanna, most of the time I was able to follow her without trouble. This was affected by one or two things where I poked holes in some details of her thinking, but it only happened with a few things she mentioned.
On the other side of the structure, I appreciated following John’s narration much like we follow Watson’s narration in the original Sherlock Holmes stories. What I find interesting, though, is how John tries to deduce certain things as they work together to solve the case and how both their conclusions build onto the narrative. I didn’t expect this side of him to come out, and it was interesting to see how he and Joanna played off each other while working on the case.
All in all, the structure worked well in moving the story along and showing how the circumstances unfolded.
Now that I’ve discussed that, let’s talk about the writing.
Writing
The prose was one of the first things I noticed upon starting the story. The mood and tone of the writing caught my attention right away, and I wanted to know more. The mood of the narrative is dark and allowed me to understand the exact stakes of the story. I found myself wanting to know more as time went on and I was concerned for those involved with the case.
When talking about writing, I think it’s important to look at pacing, too. In this case, the pacing worked most of the time, but I noticed that it is rushed toward the end. I know things need to be wrapped up, but I feel like certain aspects were brushed over when they shouldn’t have been. It bothered me that some subjects were dealt with quickly. It did not feel like the time given was appropriate.
Overall, the prose was good, but I see issues with the pacing that affected the story negatively.
Well, I think I’ve discussed everything I wanted to. Let’s wrap this review up.
Conclusion
In the end, I found this story easy to get wrapped up in. I was invested in the story and wondering what would happen next. While I think the rushing that occurred affected the story enough to leave me with somewhat mixed views, I still can say that I see this as an interesting take for a Sherlock Holmes pastiche. For that reason, I will be giving the story three stars. Thank you to Pegasus Crime for the ARC.

[Brian Clegg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Sherlock Holmes, the next generation - with Holmes' daughter Joanna centre stage. Despite the cover, where she appears about 12, presumably to appeal to Enola Holmes fans, she is now Mrs Watson, married to John Watson's son who narrates the story. As this is her second marriage and has a 17-year-old son we can assume Joanna is at least in her late 30s. Watson senior is still around, if elderly (Sherlock being long gone), while Mr & Mrs Watson live at 221B Baker Street, looked after by one Miss Hudson... and there's even a son-of-Lestrade at Scotland Yard.

The plot centres on an increasingly dubious blackmail featuring the scandalous behaviour of the Chancellor of the Exchequer's granddaughter, which Joanna solves with rather more equanimity than her father, if exhibiting many of his traits. Along the way we are plunged into opium dens, a break-in to a suspect's mansion, theatrical goings on, scientific experiments and more. Leonard Goldberg is a doctor and gives us more medical content that was the case with the original - indeed appropriate, given Watson junior like his father is a doctor (but in his case, a pathologist).

It's a nice idea and an enjoyable light read. Goldberg is American, but puts across a good Sherlockian London vibe. The only slight problem with this is that the setting is now 1918, not Victorian England. The mode of speech feels too Victorian for the period - by 1918, it would have been rather closer to P. G. Wodehouse than Doyle. Wodehouse's Bertie Wooster was in the habit of popping over to Le Touquet to play the casino, which highlights one of a few anachronisms - early on, for example, we hear that they've checked all the major casinos [in London] - that would have been all zero of them, as they weren't legalised in the UK until the 1960s.

Another example of the Victorian theme lingering into the future is that we're told there are many opium dens in London, where actually they had gone by the end of the nineteenth century. Goldberg brings in a Doyle character in opium den owner Ah Sing - he was a real person, but had died, along with his trade, well before 1900. Although Goldberg largely gives us reasonable usage of the period, some Americanisms creep in: for example, calling a barman a barkeep, a fire engine a fire truck, referring to the ground floor as the first floor and calling a bowler hat a derby. Most bizarrely ‘stoker’ is employed as the word for a poker - a usage not in the OED. Though occasionally a trifle disconcerting, these aren't too much of an issue.

The book was compared in a write-up to Anthony Horowitz's Holmes novel House of Silk, which also features opium dens. Horowitz is a slicker writer with an appropriate Victorian setting - I might have preferred his book as a clever piece of writing, but this is lighter, more fast paced and certainly readable.

[Ramona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great addition to my collection of authors who are continuing the adventure known as "Sherlock Holmes". I love finding a writing that, for me, comes close to the original writings, in thought and actions. I would love to have more insight, a filling out of the character, Sherlocks daughter...not enough info! Joanna Watson nee Middleton-Holmes has married assistant professor of pathology a St. Bartholomew's Hospital, John Waston, son of Sherlock Holme's chronicler, also known as John Watson. He lives with his son, Joanna and her son Johnnie Blalock, son of her first husband, who died in a cholera epidemic, at 221b Baker Street. Joanna was adopted and raised by physician Middleton and his wife. A secret treaty between England and France has been stolen. Secrecy is of the utmost importance. Based on facts of the time and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's writings.
I am looking for the audio books of this series!

[Sven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the series, this book pitted Joanna against a very clever, villian who is ruthless and quite cunning. The victim is a young, completely idiotic young girl who played well beyond her experience and now has to pay for her indescretions.

Engaging, fast-paced with many twists, and turns, this was a great book to listen to. the narrator may be one my favoriye now, Steve West has a wonderful voice, and his matter of fact elocution of Joannas dialogues is just perfect.

#netgalley #AScandalousAffair

[Olga · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
A Scandalous Affair is the eighths book in The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes’s series. I hadn’t read the first seven books, but it worked well as a standalone. It’s a charming mystery that echoes familiar characters from the original Conan Doyle stories and captures the same style and atmosphere.
I listened to the audiobook and thought the narration was good. The narrator had clear, natural-sounding voices for each character, which made it easy to follow and added to the experience.I’d definitely be happy to read or listen to more from this series!

[Tonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a huge Sherlock Holmes fan since I was a little girl. The idea that Holmes and Irene Adler had a daughter who grew up to marry the son of Dr. Watson who is also a doctor appeals to me. Joanna is smart, observant, and logical just like her father. And...Joanna's son, Johnny, is just like mom and grandfather. Joanna must stay ahead of a cunning and extremely intelligent blackmailer who is putting pressure on the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Joanna uses extremely unorthodox methods to combat the criminal mastermind....will she triumph??? Hard to put this book down!

[Sandra Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner for fans of Holmes. Joanna uses the famed Homes logic to work out the intricate puzzle of mysteries. As always, it's fun to see her work aided by the Watsons, and her son. There are many levels of intrigue for Joanna to uncover, and "mysteries within mysteries." The story is successful not only as a mystery but also as an exploration of English society at the time of the Great War. I heartily recommend this book.

[Haley Kilgour]

I dnf’ed at 22 pages.

So this retelling appears to be set in WWII London based upon the German bombing raids. Yet… so many small details like the opium den, the use of horse and carriage, and the style of writing seem to want to make the time setting in the Victorian era.

I also just didn’t care for the narration style.

Joanna was every bit as dickish as Sherlock Holmes, but not in a charming and endearing way.

[Kathleen Freeman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always enjoy re-joining Joanna (daughter of Sherlock Holmes) on her investigations, she is smart and methodical, however she is also a wife and mother, I love when her husband is part of the investigation and they can work as a team. In this book when blackmail is at the heart of the investigation Joanna sets out to discover the truth in her own way and it is fun to watch her at work. If you are a fan of Sherlock Holmes or smart female characters this is a series worth diving into.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent choice for a fan of the original Sherlock Holmes. The type of logic and reasoning used to ferret out the clues is very much like Holmes. This time his daughter is married to the son of Dr. Watson. The pair solve the scandals and murders of London.

[Mireille · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still love the characters and will read future installments, but the ending of this one was a little too convenient, as though the author got bored and tied everything up all at once just to finish it.

[Louisa Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is, by far, one of my favorite audible stories of the “Daughter of Sherlock Holmes” series. Joanna proved to be not only a person of immense intelligence, integrity, Nd courage, but also personal humanity.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a sharp mind and quick wit, and being the daughter of Sherlock Holmes doesn't hurt, a mystery is afoot!

[Gpkarr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story. Puts all the clues together and coming up with a solution.

[Kyle Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another well written story in this series. Joanna and the Watsons are involved in uncovering a blackmailer. Joanna’s logical mind is instrumental in the resolution of the case.

[Gene · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fairly delightful addition to the series.

[Sister · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid book. But Joanna’s perfection is becoming uninteresting.

[Tina Sageotis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and can’t wait for the next installment. Love that it pulls in events of the times.

[Susan Gallagher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed most of the book - I felt it moved faster and with less awkward dialogue then the previous in the series. I however was disappointed in the ending and felt it was very callous.

[Anne - Books of My Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
 

Review copy was received from Publisher . This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I have always loved Sherlock Holmes and  The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes Mysteries series has been more of that fun. The smart investigation and setting in England are a pleasure.  Plus the series is narrated by STEVE WEST.

A Scandalous Affair is about just that with the family of the young lady being blackmailed.  She is engaged to a fine gentleman but the blackmailer has offered photos in each a more scandalous view of the young lady with an actor.  Her family is indulgent of her and pays the monies but eventually will be drained.

Joanna and her family are quickly into the heart of it.  They trace the young actor and the likely blackmailer. It is especially delicate because her grandfather is key to the war effort and would lose his position if it is exposed.  But it is hard to prove the blackmailer is guilty.   They hope to depose the young actor who has fallen for the young lady. But the blackmailer realizes and the young actor is attacked.

It takes Joanna's new knowledge of thermodynamics to resolve the case and bring down the blackmailer and his bodyguard goon.  You will need to read yourself for all the clever deductions and battles. The Irregulars help provide evidence about the habits and routines of the bad guys.  I really enjoy these characters, their friends and allies, and their adventures.

Narration:
The narrator is my absolute favorite - STEVE WEST!!!!!!   Definitely, his narration enhanced my enjoyment, and I often chose audiobooks because he is the narrator. The tones of both male and female characters were appropriate.  I happily listened at my normal 1.5x speed.

Listen to a clip:  HERE