The Case of the Body on the Orient Express

The Detection Club #2

by Kelly Oliver

Preorder the BRAND NEW installment in Kelly Oliver's brilliantly addictive Detection Club cozy mystery series Paris, 1928: Agatha Christie and fellow writer Dorothy L Sayers board the Orient Express, bound for Constantinople. Christie in particular is looking forward to a break from recent dispiriting events in both her work and private life – the finalisation of her divorce from her philanderous husband Archie, and the miserly reception of her latest book.

But before the duo can settle in to enjoy the luxuries of their first-class journey, their journey is derailed when a fellow guest drops dead during the dinner service. And as the last person to speak to the victim, Dorothy finds herself a prime suspect in his murder.

As the train hurtles East, Sayers’ resourceful assistant Eliza and her friend Theo must navigate a maze of suspects. But with each passing mile, the stakes rise, and when another body is discovered, their search to find the killer before they reach their destination becomes increasingly complicated.

Can Eliza and Theo stay one step ahead, crack the mystery and clear Dorothy’s name? Or will this be one journey too far for the amateur sleuths?

Praise for Kelly

'Sharp, witty and full of surprises!' Clara McKenna

'A fast and fun-filled mystery that checks every box. If you're new to the series, it stands on its own as an action-packed novel that's leavened with the dry wit of its indomitable heroine. A 2024 must-read.' Lori Robbins

'A fun, mix of whodunnit and thriller!' T. A. Williams

'Fast-paced, tongue-in-cheek spy romp. Enjoy the ride!' Frances Evesham

'Will keep you turning the pages and laughing all the way!' Dianne Freeman

'Perfect for fans of Downton Abbey and Maisie Dobbs.' BookTrib

'A pure delight! A bold, original sleuth, a devilishly charming adversary and a plucky Pekingese.' Mariah Fredericks

'Tantalizing and riveting with a good dose of humor.' The Los Angeles Post

'Fiona reminds me so much of Miss Fisher. Humor, action, and intrigue.. thoroughly entertaining.' Urban Book Reviews

'A perfect blend of wit, fun, and intrigue.' Debra Goldstein ​ 'Smart, sneaky, and full of surprises... A fun whodunit that will keep you turning the pages!' Cathi Stoler

'Rich with historical details, and perfectly laced with humor and high jinks. Brilliant!' Margaret Mizushima

'Lushly layered in period detail, this mystery delivers twists in a lighthearted tale of suspense and derring-do.' Muddy Rose Reviews

'A delightful English countryside mystery with two handsome suitors and twists and turns worthy of Agatha Christie herself!' Amanda Flower

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Historical, Historical Mystery, Fiction, Crime

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 14, 2025

About the author

Kelly Oliver is the award-winning, bestselling author of four mysteries series:
Jessica James Mysteries (contemporary suspense), Pet Detective Mysteries (middle grade), Fiona Figg Mysteries (historical cozies), and The Detection Club Mysteries (traditional).

When she’s not writing mysteries, Kelly is Distinguished Professor Emerita of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University.

Kelly lives in Nashville with three very demanding felines.

To learn more about Kelly and her books, please visit her website at www.kellyoliverbooks.com.

Reviews

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an enjoyable and intriguing mystery. It held my attention, with some notable characters I rather liked.

Authors Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers along with Eliza, Dorothy's secretary, head to Istanbul on the Orient Express. Two men from Dorothy's past come aboard the Orient too. One of them, her past lover, dies suddenly. Eliza, suspecting he was poisoned, starts to investigate. With the help of Theo, a friend she unexpectedly encounters, she starts gathering clues. Their search becomes even more important, when the second man ends up dead too. A journalist with a dangerous story, whose manuscript is gone. Eliza and Theo find themselves in more danger than they thought, especially when Eliza's sister Jane, a MI5 agent, comes into the picture. Is there more to this story than they originally thought?

I really liked Eliza and her determination, even if she lacked some common sense in certain situations. I also enjoyed the fact that we got both hers and Theo's POV. They were so cute together, I hope we get more of them. But, I do think that the amount of time Theo spent thinking about Eliza was a little too much.
I especially liked the fact that Agatha and Dorothy were included in this story, helping find the answers. Agatha is one of my favourite writers and while I know of Dorothy, I never read any of her novels, so this might be my sign to finally read them. And of course, George Orwell was included too, but I didn't like his character at all.

It was a compelling story, filled with murder, secrets, blackmail, a criminal organisation and espionage. We also got to see all of them following hidden clues all over Istanbul. There wasn't anything shocking about the revelations, but I enjoyed it nevertheless.
I didn't realise this was book two when I requested it, so there is probably things I missed or I should've known when I started it, but it didn't took away from the story at all. I'll definitely go back and read the first book though.

The ending was left more open, we didn't get a real conclusion to the story, so I'm hoping it will be continued in the next book. I can't wait to read it and hopefully Eliza and Theo will finally admit their feelings to one another.

*Thank you to Netgalley and to Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC.*

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. ☺

🚂 Blurb 🚂
“Paris, 1928: Agatha Christie and fellow writer Dorothy L Sayers board the Orient Express, bound for Constantinople. Christie in particular is looking forward to a break from recent dispiriting events in both her work and private life – the finalisation of her divorce from her philanderous husband Archie, and the miserly reception of her latest book.

But before the duo can settle in to enjoy the luxuries of their first-class journey, their journey is derailed when a fellow guest drops dead during the dinner service. And as the last person to speak to the victim, Dorothy finds herself a prime suspect in his murder.

As the train hurtles East, Sayers’ resourceful assistant Eliza and her friend Theo must navigate a maze of suspects. But with each passing mile, the stakes rise, and when another body is discovered, their search to find the killer before they reach their destination becomes increasingly complicated.

Can Eliza and Theo stay one step ahead, crack the mystery and clear Dorothy’s name? Or will this be one journey too far for the amateur sleuths?”

🔎 My Thoughts 🔎
Okay, this was not at all what I was expecting. It has nothing to do with the writing, the setting, or really the characters, although I did have some problems with that aspect of the book. But the plot confused me. Let me explain.

In the previous book, the story ended on a cliffhanger about Theo, which I loved because I want to be drawn into a series. So when I went into this book, I was expecting the plot to be about the little mystery with Theo and that being built off the story of Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. Sounds good, right? Well, that’s not what happened. In fact, no one even mentioned the bit of suspicious information that left Theo on that cliffhanger at all. I’m sorry, what? I think that would have been a tremendous addition to the story because the whole adventure and case felt a bit flat for me. Theo would have been fleshed out more as a character, and Eliza would have had to stop seeing the world in the black-and-white, distrusting way she always has.

But no. Eliza was the same as always: the stubborn, girl boss I can’t stand. 🤦‍♀ Theo couldn’t stop thinking about and pining after Eliza, which made him quite annoying this time around. But he’s not so bad when you compare him to Eliza, since he has limitations that normal human beings have. Agatha and Dorothy were great, and I have nothing bad to say about them.

I think I’m being generous with my 3-star rating, but even though certain things didn’t add up or make sense, the main character disappointed me yet again, and the murder case was meh, I did enjoy it. I haven’t read any of Agatha Christie’s novels yet, but I’ve seen the movies based on Hercule Poirot’s cases, and those were super fun. I bet the books are better. 😉 But I do recommend the book to you because I think you might enjoy it. What I don’t find great, you might love. That is the beauty of the book world we live in. ❤

❗ Content Warnings ❗
Death, murder, blood, & violence

#TheCaseoftheBodyontheOrientExpress #NetGalley

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

One Liner: Nice!

1928

Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers are on the Orient Express, traveling to Constantinople. Christie just wants a break from the recent mess in her personal life and the poor reception of her latest book.

However, before they can even settle into their carriage, a fellow guest drops dead. Being the last person to speak to the victim, Dorothy finds herself the prime suspect!

Eliza (Dorothy’s assistant) and her friend Theo have to solve the case and find the killer. The stakes get higher when another dead body is found. Can Eliza help her employer prove her innocence?

The story comes in third-person POVs of Eliza and Theo.

My Thoughts:

This is the second book in the new series, which has real-life characters and fictional ones. While the mystery is standalone, I think reading the previous book would help establish the base for character interactions.

The book takes a time leap, which I did not expect, especially since the previous one ended on a cliffhanger. Moreover, that element seems to have been brushed aside with just a little mention! Maybe it will be taken up in the coming books.

It’s a small book, so I could finish it in a single sitting. The mystery is cozy but with some high stakes, as international criminals and MI5 seem to be involved. There are enough twists to keep you hooked.

Dorothy and Agatha are good at what they do, though we must remember that the book belongs to Eliza, who is a bit too competent and a one-woman show. While I love competent heroines, I like them better when they are sensible. Eliza seems to be multitalented, with the only character flaw being too forceful and an utter lack of ability to see that Theo loves her when the guy is pretty much holding a banner you could see from the moon!

In theory, I like the contrast between Eliza and Theo’s characters. He is the softer one, someone who faints at the sight of blood and is a struggling writer. He has a good brain but spends much time thinking about Eliza. After a point, I wanted him to stop it and focus on himself.

The setting of the Orient Express and other places is well done. The descriptions are just enough to visualize the details without slowing down the plot.

Don’t skip the author’s note at the end. It’s informative. I like how the author was extra careful and added a large spoiler tag with the note. She discusses a few important events in the book based on real incidents.

To summarize, The Case of the Body on the Orient Express is a decent continuation of the series and works as a light read between intense works. I’m hopeful it’ll get better, so let’s wait and see what happens next.

Thank you, Rachel’s Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read from this author. I do enjoy a cosy mystery but find it hard to get one that grabs me like a Christie does.
Most of this story takes place on the Orient Express. Eliza is traveling with her boss Dorothy L Sayers who is traveling to a book convention. They are joined by a friend of Dorothy's, Agatha Christie, who is traveling to a dig that is being run by friends of hers. A murder occurs on the train and Eliza sets out to investigate.
This book had a lot going on and a lot of characters to keep track of. I loved the descriptions of the train's luxury and the meals served on board. The mystery was very intricate and enjoyable. However, I didn't take to any of the characters. Eliza is a strong, independent woman, which is fine but she carried it too far most of the time. Theo, the old flame, who also happens to be aboard is a bit wet. He goes on and on about his feelings for Eliza in his head and it gets tiring.
Also there was a lot about chess in it and it got quite repetitive and Agatha Christie's character was almost like an after thought.
If you like cosy crime you'll more than likely enjoy it. It just wasn't for me.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an early copy of this novel.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eliza, secretary to Dorothy L. Sayers and the Detection Club, and Dorothy travel from London by train to catch the Orient Express on their way to Constantinople (Istanbul) for a writers' convention. Agatha Christie shows up on her way to an archeological dig. Theo and a friend are working on the train. To Dorothy's dismay, an old boyfriend and his wife are also on the train as are many other writers. And another old friend of Dorothy's is there. When murder happens, there are many suspects. This is a fun mystery to ponder as they travel across Europe to their destination but it doesn't end on the train. Eliza and Theo work to find answers but they encounter some dangerous characters before all is over. Another fun listen for me via Chirp. I enjoyed the narrator, Penelope Rawlins.

[Jillian Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cozy mystery/thriller with a spunky protagonist, a cute canine assistant, and a couple of famous mystery writers as supporting characters.

This book is an homage to Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, and while nobody can live up to the genius of Christie’s mystery-writing, this book had plenty of compelling elements: murder, espionage, a jewel heist, international intrigue, and a crew of meddling civilians, plus a bonus romance plot. The writing was engaging throughout and the author’s attention to small details and meta-fictional elements did not go unappreciated, though the action veered toward the melodramatic at times and the mystery was left a little open-ended for my taste, though it certainly guarantees I’ll be seated for the next installment.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to be an early reader of this title, out today!

[Brooke ♥booklife4life♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

**A big thanks to NetGalley, and Boldwood Books for this ARC copy, this in no way affects my honest, and unbiased review**

How can we make sure the reader really understands that we're in the early 1900's? Oh I know, say knickerbocker 5 times on one page! This did have me looking us some things, like when did the term "True Crime" actually start popping up, I thought more recently but I guess it was 1700's and even earlier, and when did they start carrying around bottled water (but I think the term 'bottle' is used loosely here).

Romance was unneeded, but with most cozy mysteries, it will be there, just part of the formula. It didn't overtake the plot so it's ok.

My only feedback is if/when this gets an audiobook, please get them to do British accents for the British characters! I use the read aloud function and hearing it just plain American accent say "blimey" really takes you out of the story.

[Shaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Kelly Oliver for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Case of the Body on the Orient Express coming out July 14, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Paris, 1928: Agatha Christie and fellow writer Dorothy L Sayers board the Orient Express, bound for Constantinople. Christie in particular is looking forward to a break from recent dispiriting events in both her work and private life – the finalisation of her divorce from her philanderous husband Archie, and the miserly reception of her latest book.
But before the duo can settle in to enjoy the luxuries of their first-class journey, their journey is derailed when a fellow guest drops dead during the dinner service. And as the last person to speak to the victim, Dorothy finds herself a prime suspect in his murder.
As the train hurtles East, Sayers’ resourceful assistant Eliza and her friend Theo must navigate a maze of suspects. But with each passing mile, the stakes rise, and when another body is discovered, their search to find the killer before they reach their destination becomes increasingly complicated.

Can Eliza and Theo stay one step ahead, crack the mystery and clear Dorothy’s name? Or will this be one journey too far for the amateur sleuths?

I really love this author’s writing! I love cozy mysteries. Murder on the Orient Express is one of my favorites. So this book definitely had those vibes. I loved the first book. I really enjoyed the characters. I would definitely keep reading books from this series.

[Roz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this lovely cozy crime series, set in the early part of the 20th century and featuring lots of real life characters such as Agatha Christie and Dorothy L Sayers, among a cast of fictional ones.

In this book our protagonist Eliza is once again in the midst of a crime while travelling on the Orient Express she and the authors meet up with old friends and foes, and in no time one of them is dead.

The setting is very well described and the characters have lots of life and spark, it was good to have had the background knowledge of some of them from book 1 and the see the development of the relationship between Eliza and Theo. The plot is well developed and unfolds nicely, leaving a climax at the end and the lead into book 3.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in a series featuring real British mystery authors. This one revolves around Dorothy L Sayers and the embarrassment of an illegitimate son. Christie, Sayers, and Eliza travel to a writers conference on the famed railroad only to be faced with murders. I like Eliza. She is a good heroine with vigor and some serious defensive moves from her time as an agent. Theo is a worthy sidekick. Both characters are drawn well.

It is fun that these historical mysteries by Oliver are based on the actual Detection Club with members like Chesterton, Christie and Sayers. The factual basis for this novel is revealed in an Author's Note. I liked learning some about poisons. I am impressed Kelly arranged this adventure as the basis for one of Sayer's actual mysteries.

This is a fun historical cozy mystery. And it looks like the adventure is not over as Eliza and Theo are left with yet another mystery in MI5 to solve.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent review.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a cozy mystery to remember. I loved finding all the different references to real life people including Agatha herself. The setting was detailed and beautifully crafted which made the book enjoyable and a unique experience. I loved reading mysteries of all kinds and this book was an excellent introduction to Kelly Oliver!

Thank you to NetGalley for this arc!

[Pooj · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Case of the Body on the Orient Express is a mystery novel about a murder on the Orient Express. It seems to me that this book is intentioned to be the "true story" that inspired Agatha Christie to write Murder on the Orient Express. I thought it was an interesting touch to include popular writers Agatha Christie and George Orwell as characters (there may be more but I only recognized their names). The writing style is a little abrupt and there aren't good transitions between POVs. Besides that, the story is very interesting and was a fun read. 3.75/5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Ppcfransen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh, I don’t know about this one. Famous writers making an apperance, Agatha Christie behaving like a schoolgirl. There is a lightness to the tone of voice that makes me think I should not take this story too seriously. (But I do, I always do.)

Eliza is on a trip aboard the Orient Express with her employer to go to a writers’ conference in Instanbul. Also aboard is love interest Theo. Eliza and Theo haven’t seen eachother in two years, but have spent that time pining over eachother.

Then someone on the train drops dead and Eliza decides to investigate. Theo is in awe with how she takes charge. He, however, gets sidetracked doing dishes and Eliza ends up in Theo’s cabin where his roommate tries to make a pass at her. Theo walks in on them and in a split-second decides to run away and not listen to Eliza (the woman he was completely in awe we not thirty minutes earlier).

So I make the split-minute decision that Theo is a bit of a dick. And I doubt he would make a good writer (he wants to be one). He does not observe, he’s not open to explanation and he is not curious.
Sure, never let the truth get in the way of a good story, but a split-second image is not a story either.

Eliza isn’t much better in the category “romantic heroes not to root for”.

Not to mention, the last time she got close to someone, he’d died. At the docks. On that terrible night that ended her career at the Met. And she could never let that happen again.

Does she seriously believe that someone died because she got close to him? I could sympathize with not wanting to get close to someone because the pain and the grief if they should die, but Eliza’s reasoning just sounds narcasistic.

But I digress. It’s a murder mystery, so I’m not here for the romance anyway. On the murder mystery front, the story is not very convincing either. I’m never a fan of stories where the sleuth trespasses to find clues, but this seems to be the way Eliza runs most of her investigation: running through people’s stuff when they are out if their cabin. The train is still moving, the windows can open, why would anyone keep a piece of evidence as a memento hidden between their underwear and socks?

And why is that train still moving? The death is not considered suspicious at first, but still you’d expect some protocol that dead bodies unboarded at the first station rather than stick them in the on board icebox. (The on board icebox can’t be that large; only big enough for the perishables needed on the trip, and there was still a day to go.) The train doesn’t even stop when a second man dies of a gunshot. With the train still moving and no police presence on board (except a French rail inspector who boarded in Nis, Serbia (which is not French territory, and neither is the train)) only Eliza, with the help of Theo, is the only one there to investigate.

Despite Theo’s convictions that Eliza seizes opportunities, she does not. She regrets not being able to search the cabin of the victim. But she was right there when Theo found the body. She could have done a quick search of the cabin while Theo ran around the train in search for help. Not to mention that Theo already search this cabin the night before.

The story takes a bit of a turn for the ridiculous when Eliza’s sister arrives (for one, how did she catch up with Eliza? There were no delays mentioned.) Again, I was probably thinking too hard.

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Dorothy L Sayers and Agatha Christie decide to attend a writers’ conference in Istanbul/Constantinople, it’s a given that Eliza Baker will be traveling with them on the Orient Express.

Dorothy meets a couple men from her past. One is an old friend, Peachy Fitzroy but Eliza isn’t sure how to describe the other one, Ivan Grigor. Ivan gives her the creeps. Once Dorothy sees Ivan, she refuses to leave her cabin.

Eliza thinks she is alone to investigate until she glimpses Theo out of the corner of her eye. Theo had suddenly left her a couple of years ago and she’d been unable to forget him. Eventually they connect on the train, and she discovers that he has been living like a homeless person with some guy named Eric who was a little too touchy feely with her. The two men were also on their way to the writers’ conference. Eric’s pen name was George Orwell. He was the reason the men were working the train so that Eric could experience life as a poor person.

Eliza’s sister Jane, who works as an agent for MI5, left London before Eliza on assignment. When Eliza explained that she couldn’t take her beagle Queenie with her, Jane took her with her.

When a body is discovered, there are numerous suspects and Eliza isn’t sure that Dorothy might not be one of them. Could Dorothy be so upset that she could kill someone for real?

When the victim’s wife disappears and a second body is found, Jane arrives on the train with Queenie. Eliza then realizes she may be in over her head.

This feels like a homage to Murder on the Orient Express. I love the interaction between Agatha and Dorothy.

I am also looking forward to see what happens with the romance between Theo and Eliza. Will they ever accept that they are in love or will they be star crossed lovers?

The book starts in both London with the ladies and Paris with Theo and Eric. Most of the action happens on the Orient Express. It’s an interesting look at how it was to travel back then. The difference between first and second class. There are plenty of interesting characters, some you love and some you don’t. I loved the atmosphere. At times, it felt like I was riding on the rails with them. I could hear and feel the click of the tracks.

Kelly Oliver uses description like an artist. She is subtle, only highlighting what is important and hiding clues like breadcrumbs for the reader to follow.

I love that she used real life characters whose story lines are woven through the story. I have long been an Agatha Christie fan, so I try to read anything about her. I have yet to discover Dorothy L Sayers books. I loved that she included George Orwell and how she created his character.

I also liked the settings. The Café in Bagdad and the cave in the desert.

If you are a fan of the Golden Age mysteries, you would love this series.

This is the second in the Detective Club series that I was lucky enough to get an advance readers copy of. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for gifting me a copy for my honest review. You have introduced me to another favorite author.

Scheduled release: July 14th.

To read all of my reviews check out my blog at Virginia-Gruver.com Book Love - Book Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story:
It is 1928, and Eliza Baker – secretary to the secretary of the Detection Club, Dorothy L Sayers – is taken aback to suddenly find herself on a trip to Istanbul, bound for an International Writers Convention. Traveling with them is Agatha Christie, on her way to an archaeological dig in Ur and keen for a break from the recent upsetting events in her personal life. Boarding the famous Orient Express, it looks like a luxurious trip is ahead of them.

But when one of the passengers dies suddenly after dinner on the first night, Eliza immediately expects foul play. But what she doesn’t expect is for Dorothy to be the prime suspect…

My thoughts:
I was pleased to get a chance to read the second instalment of the Detection Club Mysteries by Kelly Oliver, having enjoyed “The Case of the Christie Conspiracy” earlier this year. The first book saw Agatha Christie herself under suspicion, and this time it’s Dorothy L Sayers turn!

I was surprised when I started this book that 2 years had elapsed from the end of the previous one. But in that time, Eliza Baker (briefly of the Metropolitan Police in London, and now working as secretary to Dorothy) has established herself in her role supporting the Detection Club, a British society of mystery writers that get together to discuss all things fictional crime. She has also lost touch with her friend Theo Sharp, with Theo running away from his feelings for Eliza (not that she knows this!). Theo is currently living in Paris with his friend Eric Blair (the real name of author George Orwell!), where they are attempting to live impoverished lives to gain material for their writing. However, Theo and Eliza are unexpectedly brought together again when Eric secures jobs for himself and Theo as waiters aboard the Orient Express.

Eliza and Theo make an engaging amateur sleuthing team, with Eliza’s no-nonsense attitude contrasting with Theo’s gentler approach. Eliza also has a very useful set of skills, both from her childhood as a pickpocket and her time in the Met. Their feelings for each other are unchanged but remain (for now!) unrequited – and I’m sure that story will continue in future instalments!

The mystery at the heart of this book is an intriguing one, with the sudden death of a passenger who, it emerges, has an unpleasant past with Dorothy. At first this is considered death by natural causes (by everyone except Eliza), but when another death occurs that is very clearly murder, there can be no doubt. The investigation carries on when the group reach Istanbul, and we also get to see Eliza’s MI5 sister Jane again, who pleasingly has faithful beagle Queenie in tow!

Overall, this was another fun and satisfying mystery, and I love the way real life people and events were woven into the story. I hope to read more about Eliza and Theo’s adventures, and would recommend this to all fans of golden age crime!

[Carlina Kinch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to say thank you to the author the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege of being able to read this book.

I didn't realize when I read this book at first that it was a second in a new series. You can read this book on it own, however you would benefit from reading the previous book, as some of the events are alluded too. I kind of actually wish the author had done a couple quick recap paragraphs where appropriate to catch you up, it would have helped the story a little more, and not taken away from it. But it's okay as is. Aside from that, the book despite being smaller seems a lot longer than it truly is, and I don't know what it is about it that does that. It might be because of the many allusions to the previous book, without prior background knowledge for me that makes it seem that way. I'm honestly not sure.

Apart from that the book does flow well, it is a dual-pov, and Theo's pov has such beautiful internal prose, that works amazing with his writer persona. Eliza's is a bit different, she is rather brash, and comes across as a lot more Sherlock Holmes like than what has been captured on paper. There's some recall issues where it's ends up taking a bit to register that an important fact has already been mentioned for her, that are very obviously notable to the reader, and it draws a little from the story. But she works, she reminds me a lot of an adult Enola Holmes more than a Sherlock. The authors descriptions in this book are where she really shines. They are perfect! They're not too much, they're perfect and they're perfectly immersive. I felt the whole time like I was along for the ride.

What stole my heart the most were the historical mentions to other real life individuals! Well the time line is changed a tiny bit from reality, I loved the real historical references to the real life Detectors club and George Orwell. The author really brought to life some real life historical moments (some characters with slight name and fate changes that don't impact it that much) for Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, and a nod to G. K. Chesterton the author of the Father Brown mysteries which I loved reading! My love for real history was brought out so much because of this book and I can't thank the author enough for it!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to read and love this book! I really appreciate it!

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 1/2 stars. I love the idea of The Detection Club, an actual group of some of the most famous British mystery writer, getting involved in solving crimes. They actually did select unsolved mysteries and tried to come up with the actual solutions. While this did involve Agatha Christie and Dorothy L Sayers a bit, they weren't the main characters. That fell to Eliza, Dorothy's secretary who acts as a secretary to the Secretary of the Club. She and a potential love interest Theo, who just happens to be working on the Orient Express that they are all taking to Istanbul for a writers' conference when someone drops dead during a meal. Eliza thinks it is poison. There are plenty of people who have reason to hate the man, including Dorothy who is being blackmailed by him. Eliza and Theo will have to work hard to uncover who the culprit is before they disappear into smoke...

So this wasn't exactly what I was expecting but that was all right. It didn't focus so much on the Detection Club, but Agatha and Dorothy do play important if small roles. It was fun to see some references to their books.

Eliza is a little too perfect with having too many skills. Also, she thinks that the rules don't apply to her. She wants to leave the compartment when everyone is confined to it by the police because of course she knows better than them. In some ways it works because police from another country aren't going to take it serious when she says that she thinks someone poisoned the man. It is a time when they are going to dismiss a woman. If they aren't really going to investigate, leads will be missed or destroyed before they finally realize there was a murder so Eliza must do something to find the killer. But I also found it annoying that she just ignored all the rules. And Theo, her accomplice, spent far too much time mooning over her.

There were a lot of great descriptions of the Orient Express. And there were plenty of twists in turns in the mystery. It did fell a little unfinished because Eliza couldn't bring things to a conclusion, she had to leave that to someone else. To say more would expose too many spoilers.

Entertaining but pretty much run-of-the-mill.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Noelle Knox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Kelly Oliver, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express is not only a favorite of mine but one of the most well-known mysteries possibly ever written, so of course I was beyond excited to read Oliver’s second in series, The Case of the Body on the Orient Express. First, let me say this, I am beyond pleased that Kelly opted to use the Orient Express as the setting and inspiration and DID NOT write this story as a remake of sorts. First of all, it wouldn’t be much of a mystery for readers if she had. Second of all, it wouldn’t have fit the characters. That being said, the Orient Express served as the perfect backdrop for this new mystery. It provided the right ambiance and nostalgia for those of us that love Agatha’s original.

Moving on to the story itself. In the first Detection Club mystery, Oliver centered the story around the historical events surrounding Agatha Christie’s scandalous divorce and mysterious, 11-day disappearance. I was pleased, then, that in this book, we were let into the history of Dorothy Sayers. As a lesser-known contemporary of Christie’s, her personal story is not widely known, and I loved getting to discover it through this mystery. The book had me reading Wikipedia to learn more, and I love that in anything historical. The inclusion of Dorothy’s history also presented a different side of the mystery writer, creating a more dimensional character both for the reader and for main character Eliza Baker.

One frustration I had in this book was the relationship between Eliza and Theo. In between the first and second books, Theo makes a sudden, off-page departure which left me a little jarred coming into this second book. It felt unnatural to where the story left off, and it read more as a plot device to get characters into place for book two rather than an organic action based on Eliza and Theo’s relationship. Then, when the two characters finally meet again, it is like starting back at square one of their entanglement. I love these two characters together, I want them to be together, but it all felt contrived in this book.

The mystery in this story was both a little more in depth than in the first book as well as a tad more convoluted. With more moving parts at play, the resolution to the mysteries were not as clear cut, however, it leaves potential for a grander mystery in book three. Whether this was Oliver’s intention or not, I can’t be sure, but let’s hope it works out! I did like the mystery as it added a deeper level of intrigue, and I liked the addition of Eliza’s sister Jane into more of the actual plot.

As is always hard when reviewing a single book in a series, there were some loose ends left both in book one and book two that have not yet been resolved, but this just gives me greater anticipation for the next one and hopefully the full resolution we need!

[Jan Mawdesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered about the real story behind the famous Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie released in 1934 featuring the now famous Hercule Poirot.
The Case of the Body on the Orient Express could be the answer to this time old mystery as Agatha Christie, still barely coping after her recent divorce, agrees to join her friend and fellow Crime writer Dorothy L Sayer at the International Writers Convention in Constantinople.
Eliza Baker is Secretary to Dorothy Sayers, a position she has held for two years, after she left her position with Scotland Yard. When her sister Jane arrives with a very impressive blue and gold envelope containing her ticket on the Orient Express, she realises Dorothy was serious about her attendance.
And so begins another riveting adventure with the new heroine of sleuth in Eliza Baker, a young woman with a very shady past, a career with Scotland Yard as a Detective cur short in tragic circumstance, a sister who works for a clandestine Government department and a somewhat broken heart due to Theo Sharpe, a man to whom she gave her heart, who then ran away to Paris.
When a body, a friend of both Dorothy and Agatha’s is discovered on the Orient Express Eliza begins to investigate what happened as best she can with the help of Theo, who she has discovered is working on the train as a Steward.
A second death occurs before the train reaches Constantinople making things murkier than they were already and the so-called script written by Peachy, a long-time friend of Dorothy, is at the centre of what and why people are being murdered.
Once they get to Constantinople, and Jane is there in her capacity with the Government, Eliza and Theo begin to understand that there is a far deeper and murkier layer to this than even they understood which places not just Eliza and Theo in grave danger but everyone who has ever had anything to do with Peachy at risk.
The Case of the Body on the Orient Express is a fast paced, complex and a thoroughly enjoyable cozy murder that just might answer a few questions as to where crime writers get their stories. Look out for the obnoxious Orson Wells as well as he plays a small but persistent part in trying to sleaze his way into Eliza’s bed!

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars

A cozy mystery with one Eliza Baker ex-Scotland Yard and current secretary to the secretary of the Detection Club, a group for mystery writers to come together and share ideas.

Eliza accompanies her boss, Dorothy, and Agatha Christie on a train to Constantinople (yes, on the Orient Express itself!) While on the train, tragedy strikes and someone is found dead. Unfortunately, this person has direct ties to Dorothy, making it imperative that they solve this mystery, and quickly! Fortuitously, the train staff also includes a long time friend of Eliza’s, the handsome and intelligent Theodore, also an aspiring writer, who is taking odd jobs to make ends meet.

I actually really liked the mystery. I frequent cozy mysteries, and was pleasantly surprised that I did not see any of the plot ahead of time! Sometimes cozy mysteries can be very predictable- but they’re not meant for intense thrill or convoluted puzzles. They’re cozy for a reason. This one managed to stay cozy while also being tense and compelling.

That said, what brought the story down for me was the characters. Eliza is simply too competent, leaving the rest (especially Theodore) in the dust. She’s an ex detective, a scientist, a chess extraordinaire, who can also beat up men as necessary. She knows her way around crime extensively and is involved even with the British government. She is a one man show so the other characters feel extraneous and personally, this makes her feel boring! Even harder to believe is the authors adamant description of Eliza’s abject poverty as she grew up. It’s strange because had this story been set in a fantasy world, I’d have no problem with a crazy competent heroine. But because it’s based in the “real” 1920s, I just can’t wrap my head around someone who grew up in poverty to have enough resources to be Eliza?

Anyways, still a fun story and I definitely would read the continuing books to see what happens. This one ends on a good cliffhanger so I can’t wait to see what’s next.

I was given the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Agatha Marplewood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picture this: Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers, two of the golden age’s most celebrated crime writers, are boarding the legendary Orient Express, bound for Constantinople.

Christie is hoping for a break from her recent troubles, but before she can barely settle into the luxury of the train’s first-class carriages, a fellow passenger drops dead during dinner.

And guess who finds herself the prime suspect? None other than Dorothy Sayers, who was the last person to speak to the victim.

It then falls to Sayers’ assistant, Eliza, and her friend Theo, two amateur sleuths, to navigate a twisting maze of suspects as the train barrels eastward.

The chase to find the killer before they reach Constantinople becomes a race against time, with the group chasing clues with a murderer hot on their heels.

-----------------------------------------

What makes The Case of the Body on the Orient Express especially fun is how Kelly Oliver weaves in historical fact with fiction. Christie and Sayers were indeed real-life acquaintances and members of the Detection Club, a society of mystery writers.

It’s meta-fiction at its best, where we get to enjoy the thrill of a fictional mystery while appreciating the real historical connections behind it.

The only negative for me were the overly gushy declarations of love from Theo for Eliza, which can be a bit much at times.

That said, there's a cheeky nod in the book about one author’s tendency to go overboard with flowery prose, so maybe Oliver intended Theo’s romantic gestures to be a bit of an ironic joke.

Either way, it’s a minor quibble because the book is a page-turner that transports you to the golden age of crime writing, yet with a story that feels fresh, making it perfect for readers who love cozy mysteries with a historical twist.

With thanks to NetGalley for the early copy in return for an honest review.

[Alyson Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

Crime writer Dorothy L. Sayers is traveling aboard the Orient Express to represent the Detection Club at a convention in Constantinople with her secretary Eliza Baker. Also on the train is fellow top author Agatha Christie, although she plans to join an archaeological dig in Baghdad. Soon Dorothy recognises a rather unwelcome blast from her past and a man drops dead in the dining car. It looks like murder and suspicion falls upon Dorothy and one of her old friends but when another traveller is also killed, the race is on to find a killer before they reach their destination.
I expected this book to be aligned to the famous story by Christie, a murder mystery, but with two of the top golden age novelists from the Detection Club at the heart of it, solving the crime using their sharp wit and the wealth of experience they had gained during their work. Instead it’s much more of a cosy spy story with Eliza at the centre of the investigation, the young woman who appears to have learned all her super-sleuthing skills whilst picking pockets as a child and during a single month’s work at Scotland Yard before it all went wrong. Her “love interest” Theo is an aspiring writer and a bit of a drip, whilst Eliza, although very clever and astute, is over the top feisty and a little unbelievable at times, and Christie and Sayers are much less strident than I would have imagined and take more minor roles. The plot itself is good with plenty of twists and action and the sumptuousness of the famous train is described in all its opulent glory, but I found the characters a bit hard to take to, and there were a lot of chess references and also American terms and expressions throughout for me as an English person. However, it’s an easy and entertaining read and I’m sure it’s a tale which many readers will enjoy. 3.5*

[Emily Pankhurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Netgalley Review

The writing was engaging and kept my interest from the beginning right through to the end. I really enjoyed the extra little details of the sights and smells surrounding the characters every so often. They added a well rounded feel to the story. I also enjoyed the romance that was added to the mix. It was a nice little side story to the mystery that I enjoyed reading about. It helped to give more emotion and tension to the overall story.

The chapters were long and sometimes split (indicated by a row of stars) so you got a good chunk of the story before moving on. I didn't really feel their length though as I was engrossed in the story.

There was a good pace to the story despite the long chapters. There was a lot of detail, but it added to the story rather than took your attention away. You were constantly moving forward and making progress with the story which was good.

There was a good flow between the chapters and I was happy to read it for long periods of time.

The characters were excellent. You do need to have read the first book to fully appreciate them and their relationship to each other. Quite a lot went on in the first book to build their personalities. I also enjoyed the blend of fact and fiction with regards to the characters (at the end of the story is a nice bit about what was fact and what was fiction). It gave the story a bit more life.

Lastly the settings. As I have mentioned they were well described with lots of little details such as specific sights and smells. I particularly enjoy it when food is described as I feel that it grounds the story well and gives it some realism.

Overall an excellent read. I would quite happily read more about all of these characters and follow them on their adventures.

[Adrian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and to Boldwood Books for providing me with an early release of Kelly Oliver's The Case of the Body on the Orient Express.

There's quite a lot to unpack with this novel. Firstly, it features Dorothy Sayers and Agatha Christie as ensemble characters from Paris to Istanbul, so a pretty great hook. It also features Eric Arthur as a seedy, unscrupulous sex pest, which the author explains in the note to be because he had a bad reputation around women. It felt a little unbalanced and like the author personally detested the man even if she joked that this should be taken with a grain of salt.

So, we follow Eliza, Dorothy's assistant on the beautifully described train and its surroundings. Oliver has familiarised herself well with the period setting and invites you to look from the window as to the sheer wealth and luxury of it all.

A man from Dorothy's past dies in mysterious circumstances so Eliza, battleworn from book #1 steps to solve the crime. Theo, Eric's fellow roommate who is going incognito because both of them are trying to make it to the big time without using their privilege by working on the train (!) offers his help and Sayers, not having the best of times while Christie, post-disappearance, currently in the throes of a divorce is intrigued and entertained.

I'm not a huge fan of cosy crime and mystery in general but felt the twist of the characters and setting worked well. There's a new fact I learned about poison which was *excellent* and while I think the spy/communist elements of the book were a bit tedious, it did wrap itself fairly neatly and I can see myself continuing the series. As long as Christie and Sayers stay put.

[Drebbles · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Case of the Body on the Orient Express, the second book in Kelly Oliver's brilliantly Detection Club cozy mystery series, is a nice mixture of fact and fiction. This book features Dorothy L. Sayers and Agatha Christie on their way to a writer’s convention when someone is murdered on the train they are on and Dorothy is one of the suspects. While Dorothy and Agatha show some interest in investigating the murder, it is Dorothy’s assistant Eliza and her friend Theo who really try and solve the mystery. Eliza is one of the most resourceful amateur sleuths I’ve come across – she has pulled herself up from poverty to learn several languages, become skillful at chess, mastered self-defense, and is very good at solving crimes. Theo is also a good main character (the book switches between his viewpoint and Eliza’s viewpoint) – his background is not one of poverty but he still struggles to break away from his past and build a new life for himself. The two make a great pair – not just when it comes to solving crimes! The book does a good job of blending real life events (a secret from Dorothy’s past as well as Agatha’s recent divorce) as well as real life characters (most notably George Orwell who does not come off well in this book) with fictional events and characters. The mystery is well done with a few surprises and some exciting scenes but I felt it became very convoluted towards the end. In fact, I found the ending to be disappointing – some characters disappeared without explanation and events weren’t really wrapped up (at least on page). All in all, while I did enjoy the characters and historical setting I’m hoping the next book does a better job with the storyline.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sequel takes Eliza to Istanbul on the Orient Express, joined once again by Dorothy L. Sayers and Agatha Christie. Beginning two years after 'The Case of the Christie Conspiracy', this installment features an fresh setting and engaging mystery.

Having a foundation from book one—the Detection Club, Eliza’s backstory, and her personal connections—makes it easier to jump in this time around. Plus, some intriguing new supporting characters are introduced along the journey. I am a fan of Eliza's sister, Jane, and am glad to see more of her and her work in this story. Eliza’s bravery still stands out, though her impulsive decisions can feel a bit immature. Theo returns and brings some romance into the mix, but his dramatic pining—after two years of avoiding her—feels a little excessive. That said, I do enjoy seeing the pair investigate together.

I am unsure about the portrayal of George Orwell in this book. His behavior—detached and disrespectful toward women—is surprising. After doing some research, elements of this depiction appear to be grounded in historical context, yet he's portrayed in a distinctly negative light. Kelly Oliver takes creative liberties with various real-life figures, which is a key part of the series. Still, it’s a delicate balance, and I think this interpretation risks crossing into misrepresentation.

Overall, this is an entertaining story with strong amateur sleuth vibes. If you liked book one or enjoy historical mysteries with a nod to classic detective fiction, this one’s worth checking out.

Special thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Kristine Booksandstuff123 · Rating 4 out of 5]

'The Case of the Body on the Orient Express' by Kelly Oliver.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I'm a big fan of this author and I really enjoyed the first book in this series. This book didn't disappoint. I love that the book included a character reference to the authors other book series.
This book had plenty of suspects and I think I suspected everyone at one point. It had some really good twists and turns. If you're a fan of cozy crime, history and adventure then give this series a read.

Paris, 1928: Agatha Christie and fellow writer Dorothy L Sayers board the Orient Express, bound for Constantinople. Christie in particular is looking forward to a break from recent dispiriting events in both her work and private life – the finalisation of her divorce from her philanderous husband Archie, and the miserly reception of her latest book.
But before the duo can settle in to enjoy the luxuries of their first-class journey, their journey is derailed when a fellow guest drops dead during the dinner service. And as the last person to speak to the victim, Dorothy finds herself a prime suspect in his murder.
As the train hurtles East, Sayers’ resourceful assistant Eliza and her friend Theo must navigate a maze of suspects. But with each passing mile, the stakes rise, and when another body is discovered, their search to find the killer before they reach their destination becomes increasingly complicated.
Can Eliza and Theo stay one step ahead, crack the mystery and clear Dorothy’s name? Or will this be one journey too far for the amateur sleuths?

Thanks to NetGallery UK, the publishers and the author for letting me a read a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Kelly Oliver’s The Detection Club series continues in dazzling fashion with The Case of the Body on the Orient Express. This time, Eliza Baker—secretary to Dorothy L. Sayers—finds herself traveling alongside Sayers and Agatha Christie on the glamorous Orient Express. What begins as a luxury escape quickly turns sinister when a man from Dorothy’s past collapses during dinner. As suspicion falls on her employer, Eliza takes it upon herself to uncover the truth. With the help of Theo, an old friend she unexpectedly reunites with onboard, she navigates a tangle of suspects, poisons, and political intrigue before the train reaches Istanbul.

Oliver shines in her ability to blend historical fact with imaginative mystery. Dorothy Sayers and Agatha Christie are brought vividly to life, their quirks and struggles adding richness to the story. Eliza remains a wonderfully relatable heroine—determined, resourceful, and imperfect in ways that make her feel real. The interplay between her and Theo provides warmth amidst the suspense, even as danger escalates with each stop along the journey.

The setting is just as much a character as the sleuths: Oliver’s descriptions of the Orient Express’s luxury and the bustling streets of Istanbul are immersive and cinematic. Layered with espionage, hidden motives, and clever red herrings, the mystery kept me guessing until the end.

A smart, atmospheric, and thoroughly entertaining addition to the series—perfect for fans of classic Golden Age whodunits with a modern twist.

[Acantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let's get this out of the way - this is an international cosy thriller first and a cosy murder mystery second. If you're expecting an actual murder mystery, it takes second place to the high stakes drama of secret societies, MI5, spies, a femme fatale, and the like.

The plot is entertaining, a fast paced thriller hurtling through countries as we track down a killer, a spy, missing papers that have secrets and so much more.

I was a bit disappointed in the time jump from the previous novel. The first story was left on an intriguing cliff-hanger which was sort of swept aside in this one. This story ends on a cliff-hanger too and the promise of more mystery, but I am hoping that the next one will follow through and actually confront where it left off.

Eliza is as blunt and as determined as ever. I don't understand how she could be trained to be a spy in the war and yet not pick up on any of the very obvious cues that Theo likes her - subtle, that boy is not! It's great to have PoV from both our main characters but Theo maybe thinks about Eliza a tiny bit too much, its starting to border into stalker tendencies, the way his thoughts are always on her and his feelings.

Oh and this George Orwell is a horrible bleh and I really hope he's not in any further ones. He made me want to take a shower every time he was on the page, just to wash his slime away - so well done to the author for crafting such an obnoxious version.

~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~

[Sapphyria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Case of the Body on the Orient Express is a fantastic and gripping murder mystery. I loved reading Kelly Oliver's iteration of Agatha Christie. I was enthralled by the setting on the Orient Express.

The author delivered a twisted tale of murder and intrigue. The readers are introduced to many characters aboard the train. The main characters are Agatha, Dorothy, Eliza, and Theo. Dorothy is writer, Eliza is Dorothy's assistant, and Theo is a man from Eliza's past who is an aspiring writer. The murder suspects are plentiful and include Dorothy, who was last seen in a heated exchange with the first victim. Eliza and Theo come back together to investigate the deaths aboard the Orient Express.

I loved Eliza's character. I enjoyed meeting and getting to know her. She may have lacked a little common sense but she was determined and liked her strength. As the sleuthing duo inspect the scenes of the murders, they find their examinations are complicated by not only the number of suspects but the additional body found. Eliza thinks she may be in over her head, which is confirmed when Jane, Eliza's MI5 sister, comes aboard.

I loved the 1920s setting. The author did a fantastic job setting the stage for the mystery. Several characters were introduced along with potentials means, motives, and opportunities. The author tossed in red herrings and subtly slid in clues for the reader to follow.

I didn't read book 1 so this is my first experience with this author, series, and character set. I loved every single bit of this story.