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Dr John Watson #4
The Sign of Fear: A Doctor Watson Thriller
A stunning Dr. Watson thriller from the bestselling author of Dead Man’s Land, The Dead Can Wait, and A Study in Murder .
Autumn, 1917. London is not the city that Dr. John Watson and Sherlock Holmes once knew. Terror has come from the sky and Londoners are scurrying underground in fear. Then tragedy strikes Watson. An old friend, Nurse Jennings, is on a medical boat that’s torpedoed—with no survivors. And his concert-going companion, Sir Gilbert Hardy, is kidnapped.
Then comes the gruesome ransom demand, for Sir Gilbert and four others, which will involve terrible mutilation unless the demands are met.
Help comes from an unlikely source when Watson finds himself face-to-face with his old ruthless adversary, the “She Wolf” Miss Pillbody. She makes him an offer he can’t refuse and so an unlikely partnership is formed—a detective duo which will eventually uncover a shocking case of murder and find Watson on board a German bomber, with a crew intent on setting London ablaze.
Autumn, 1917. London is not the city that Dr. John Watson and Sherlock Holmes once knew. Terror has come from the sky and Londoners are scurrying underground in fear. Then tragedy strikes Watson. An old friend, Nurse Jennings, is on a medical boat that’s torpedoed—with no survivors. And his concert-going companion, Sir Gilbert Hardy, is kidnapped.
Then comes the gruesome ransom demand, for Sir Gilbert and four others, which will involve terrible mutilation unless the demands are met.
Help comes from an unlikely source when Watson finds himself face-to-face with his old ruthless adversary, the “She Wolf” Miss Pillbody. She makes him an offer he can’t refuse and so an unlikely partnership is formed—a detective duo which will eventually uncover a shocking case of murder and find Watson on board a German bomber, with a crew intent on setting London ablaze.
448 pages, Paperback
First published January 14, 2016
7 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Robert Ryan
42 books81 followersaka Tom Neale
Robert Ryan was born in Liverpool but moved to London when he was eighteen to attend university. He lectured in natural sciences for several years before moving into journalism in the mid-1980s, first with The Face and then the Dylan Jones-edited Arena. During this time, he also wrote for The Daily Telegraph, US GQ, US Conde Nast Traveler, Esquire and The Sunday Times.
Robert Ryan lives in North London with his wife and three children.
Robert Ryan was born in Liverpool but moved to London when he was eighteen to attend university. He lectured in natural sciences for several years before moving into journalism in the mid-1980s, first with The Face and then the Dylan Jones-edited Arena. During this time, he also wrote for The Daily Telegraph, US GQ, US Conde Nast Traveler, Esquire and The Sunday Times.
Robert Ryan lives in North London with his wife and three children.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 23, 2017
In a superb mystery/thriller, Robert Ryan casts light on the suffering of British soldiers wounded in World War 1. Politicians always seem to find the money to fight wars and buy more weapons, but they always fail to find too much cash when it comes to compensating the injuries suffered by the men on the battlefront on their return home.
This unusual approach is the basis for Ryan's 4th book in the series featuring the World War 1 experiences of Doctor John Watson, chronicler of Sherlock Holmes. The story doesn't show the British Government in a good light. Not only does their Injuries Compensation Board fail the war wounded, but it seems the politicians and intelligence agencies might stoop to far worse in their strategy to win the war. The action is pretty much non-stop and shifts from 1917 London, suffering from air raids by the German air force's huge Gotha bombers to the fields of France where hospital trains carry the worst of the casualties back home to England. Various colourful characters are involved, from a deadly German female spy, to an Irishman using an attack on members of the Injuries Compensation Board to hide his plans for the Bank Of England's move into paper money. Sherlock Holmes and his brother Mycroft make brief appearances, but it is down to Dr Watson to solve the mysteries.
This unusual approach is the basis for Ryan's 4th book in the series featuring the World War 1 experiences of Doctor John Watson, chronicler of Sherlock Holmes. The story doesn't show the British Government in a good light. Not only does their Injuries Compensation Board fail the war wounded, but it seems the politicians and intelligence agencies might stoop to far worse in their strategy to win the war. The action is pretty much non-stop and shifts from 1917 London, suffering from air raids by the German air force's huge Gotha bombers to the fields of France where hospital trains carry the worst of the casualties back home to England. Various colourful characters are involved, from a deadly German female spy, to an Irishman using an attack on members of the Injuries Compensation Board to hide his plans for the Bank Of England's move into paper money. Sherlock Holmes and his brother Mycroft make brief appearances, but it is down to Dr Watson to solve the mysteries.
January 26, 2016
I really enjoy Ryan's Watson at War series. These are dense books with a lot of historical information, and multiple plot lines happening, which is not everyone's cup of tea. This book is typical for Ryan's series, focusing on putting Watson in among various elements of WWI; book one was the Front, book two was spies, book three was a POW camp, and this book, book four, is about the bombing of London. It will be extremely interesting to see where Ryan takes Watson next- as I'm assuming there will be a next book, given some of the threads left open at the end of this one.
This series, and this book in particular, will not suit someone who views Britain as The Heroes. England is monstrous in their desperation in this book. Individual Germans are humanized and given motivations, while also still being soldiers and spies and enemies. I enjoy seeing both sides of the war getting to be both good and evil in turn, with a general thread of understanding that the war is the true evil. There is an especially good chess scene in this book, which only makes what happens next even sadder.
Ryan particularly does Watson well, showing him with quiet courage and intelligence, never one to take the spotlight but always motivated to do what is right. He is grieving in this book, struggling with the loss of a friend, which drives much of his motivations. And of course, the author does well by the Watson/Holmes friendship, showing them as true comrades, always having each others backs, even when in different countries.
My one issue with these books is that Ryan seems to struggle with women. He has introduced multiple, excellent women into the series, only to dispatch them. I find it frustrating, since there doesn't seem to be a real reason behind it as of yet. Of the three dead women, none of them technically needed to die. It seemed done for drama, or to make sure they couldn't come back in future books. While many characters come in and out of the series, it seems only the women consistently get killed in order to explain their absence in future books. It screams of Fridging, as well, since it only heightens Watson's trauma and guilt and sadness- for indeed, Watson is struggling by this book- as well he should be given all the events that have happened.
Despite those issues, I thought this book was a worthy addition to the series. His Watson is brave and compassionate and intelligent, and he remains so in this book. It is an interesting and weighty look at WWI, and a very enjoyable pastiche.
This series, and this book in particular, will not suit someone who views Britain as The Heroes. England is monstrous in their desperation in this book. Individual Germans are humanized and given motivations, while also still being soldiers and spies and enemies. I enjoy seeing both sides of the war getting to be both good and evil in turn, with a general thread of understanding that the war is the true evil. There is an especially good chess scene in this book, which only makes what happens next even sadder.
Ryan particularly does Watson well, showing him with quiet courage and intelligence, never one to take the spotlight but always motivated to do what is right. He is grieving in this book, struggling with the loss of a friend, which drives much of his motivations. And of course, the author does well by the Watson/Holmes friendship, showing them as true comrades, always having each others backs, even when in different countries.
My one issue with these books is that Ryan seems to struggle with women. He has introduced multiple, excellent women into the series, only to dispatch them. I find it frustrating, since there doesn't seem to be a real reason behind it as of yet. Of the three dead women, none of them technically needed to die. It seemed done for drama, or to make sure they couldn't come back in future books. While many characters come in and out of the series, it seems only the women consistently get killed in order to explain their absence in future books. It screams of Fridging, as well, since it only heightens Watson's trauma and guilt and sadness- for indeed, Watson is struggling by this book- as well he should be given all the events that have happened.
Despite those issues, I thought this book was a worthy addition to the series. His Watson is brave and compassionate and intelligent, and he remains so in this book. It is an interesting and weighty look at WWI, and a very enjoyable pastiche.
January 18, 2018
I love Robert Ryan's Dr Watson stories. This one is set in 1917, the backdrop being German air-raids on London and a mysterious disappearance of a returning hospital train from France to England. Holmes re-appears, as do some other characters from the previous books, but Watson, as usual, takes the limelight in this very readable sequel series.
August 2, 2017
Man I hope there is still another one to come, you can't end it like that!
August 1, 2022
Sigh... I read these out of order by accident. That explains so much! I’m sure this one will make more sense once I’ve read the third one.
January 20, 2017
A fantastic re-invention of the famous Dr Watson
Autumn, 1917, London. Terror has come from the sky and Londoners are scurrying underground in fear. A twin tragedy strikes Dr. Watson when an old friend, Staff Nurse Jennings, is on a boat-ambulance torpedoed in the Channel with no survivors and his concert-going companion, Sir Gilbert Hardy, is kidnapped. A gruesome ransom demand for Sir Gilbert and four others is received but help comes from an unlikely source when Watson's old ruthless adversary, the "She Wolf" Miss Pillbody makes him a remarkable offer. An unlikely partnership is formed and this new detective duo will eventually uncover a shocking case of state-sponsored murder and find Watson on board a German bomber, with a crew intent on setting London ablaze.
This is the fourth book in the author's re-invention of Sherlock Holmes's companion and Conan-Doyle would most definitely have approved. The series concentrates on the exploits of Watson during the First World War, with the erstwhile Holmes always in the background. This is a well plotted mystery with an enigma wrapped up in an enigma! I quite like books with two main threads running through them and this was the case here - Watson’s search for Staff Nurse Jennings, and his efforts to save Sir Gilbert, both of which came to a thrilling conclusion.
The author brings life in London at this terrible time to a fascinating but also frightening spotlight. There are sub plots aplenty as well as the two main threads mentioned above and I had to really concentrate on the book to not lose track, but that is exactly how I like my crime/mystery novels. There are certain aspects of the story that are dark and quite harrowing but only where they lend substance to the overall plot and not just for the sake of it.
I loved Ryan's depiction of Watson, showing him with quiet courage and intelligence, always unassuming and motivated to do what is right. He also highlights very nicely the Watson/Holmes friendship, showing them as true comrades who will forever have each others' backs. I have read reviews of the previous three books and they are nearly all excellent, so here is another author introduced to me by Breakaway Reviewers that I will have to add to my ever growing list of ones to obtain and read with gusto previous books in the series.
Digger 95
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
Autumn, 1917, London. Terror has come from the sky and Londoners are scurrying underground in fear. A twin tragedy strikes Dr. Watson when an old friend, Staff Nurse Jennings, is on a boat-ambulance torpedoed in the Channel with no survivors and his concert-going companion, Sir Gilbert Hardy, is kidnapped. A gruesome ransom demand for Sir Gilbert and four others is received but help comes from an unlikely source when Watson's old ruthless adversary, the "She Wolf" Miss Pillbody makes him a remarkable offer. An unlikely partnership is formed and this new detective duo will eventually uncover a shocking case of state-sponsored murder and find Watson on board a German bomber, with a crew intent on setting London ablaze.
This is the fourth book in the author's re-invention of Sherlock Holmes's companion and Conan-Doyle would most definitely have approved. The series concentrates on the exploits of Watson during the First World War, with the erstwhile Holmes always in the background. This is a well plotted mystery with an enigma wrapped up in an enigma! I quite like books with two main threads running through them and this was the case here - Watson’s search for Staff Nurse Jennings, and his efforts to save Sir Gilbert, both of which came to a thrilling conclusion.
The author brings life in London at this terrible time to a fascinating but also frightening spotlight. There are sub plots aplenty as well as the two main threads mentioned above and I had to really concentrate on the book to not lose track, but that is exactly how I like my crime/mystery novels. There are certain aspects of the story that are dark and quite harrowing but only where they lend substance to the overall plot and not just for the sake of it.
I loved Ryan's depiction of Watson, showing him with quiet courage and intelligence, always unassuming and motivated to do what is right. He also highlights very nicely the Watson/Holmes friendship, showing them as true comrades who will forever have each others' backs. I have read reviews of the previous three books and they are nearly all excellent, so here is another author introduced to me by Breakaway Reviewers that I will have to add to my ever growing list of ones to obtain and read with gusto previous books in the series.
Digger 95
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
August 16, 2018
Currently the last in the Dr Watson Thriller series from Robert Ryan - its been two years since this was published so I hope there is still life in the plot for this series.
In this 4th installment, Watson is back in Britain and suffering, like the rest of the capital from a new menace on the Home Front - Bombers. For the German Airforce have developed a plane that can fly direct from Germany to Britain and bomb the civilian populace. Whilst dealing with the aftermath of the end of the last novel, where we lost Mrs Georgina Gregoson, Watson is nursing a serious depression, but swears to deal with it. Nurse Jennings, who worked with Mrs Gregson and Watson in a CCS on the Western Front is due home - but never arrives after the ship she was on, the Dover Arrow, is sunk by an enemy submarine or mine. But Watson isn't convinced - no passenger list is released, and the Defence of the Realm Act (DORA) is used at every turn to block his efforts to find out. But soon Watson has more on his plate, when a widow turns up at 221b Baker Street asking for his help, and his investigations leads to a society of men, injured and disfigured during combat, who want proper financial compensation for their injuries who, apparently, will stop at nothing to gain their ends.
And then a certain German Sea Wolf pops back up in Watson life - Mrs Pillbody is the spy who just won't die.
A worthy 4th installment - as I say I really hope Mr Ryan can give us at least a conclusion to this excellent series as we are left with Watson parachuting back into Britain after downing the German bomber that was sent to bring him home! Does he land alright? What happens next?!
A library book so returning this weekend.
In this 4th installment, Watson is back in Britain and suffering, like the rest of the capital from a new menace on the Home Front - Bombers. For the German Airforce have developed a plane that can fly direct from Germany to Britain and bomb the civilian populace. Whilst dealing with the aftermath of the end of the last novel, where we lost Mrs Georgina Gregoson, Watson is nursing a serious depression, but swears to deal with it. Nurse Jennings, who worked with Mrs Gregson and Watson in a CCS on the Western Front is due home - but never arrives after the ship she was on, the Dover Arrow, is sunk by an enemy submarine or mine. But Watson isn't convinced - no passenger list is released, and the Defence of the Realm Act (DORA) is used at every turn to block his efforts to find out. But soon Watson has more on his plate, when a widow turns up at 221b Baker Street asking for his help, and his investigations leads to a society of men, injured and disfigured during combat, who want proper financial compensation for their injuries who, apparently, will stop at nothing to gain their ends.
And then a certain German Sea Wolf pops back up in Watson life - Mrs Pillbody is the spy who just won't die.
A worthy 4th installment - as I say I really hope Mr Ryan can give us at least a conclusion to this excellent series as we are left with Watson parachuting back into Britain after downing the German bomber that was sent to bring him home! Does he land alright? What happens next?!
A library book so returning this weekend.
February 23, 2020
The Sign of Fear involves Dr Watson, investigating the suspicious sinking of a ship on its return from France during the First World War. He also becomes involved in battling an internal plot to damage the British economy.
Robert Ryan has made Dr Watson the hero in this series of novels set in WW1, and has succeeded in creating a more powerful Watson than the one we know from the Sherlock Holmes stories. In Ryan’s novels, he is confident, self assured and a man of action determined to achieve results.
The novel ends with an explanation of what happened on the ship from France but the secret of what happened will remain hidden, too terrible to be revealed during the war.
Robert Ryan has made Dr Watson the hero in this series of novels set in WW1, and has succeeded in creating a more powerful Watson than the one we know from the Sherlock Holmes stories. In Ryan’s novels, he is confident, self assured and a man of action determined to achieve results.
The novel ends with an explanation of what happened on the ship from France but the secret of what happened will remain hidden, too terrible to be revealed during the war.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2023
I discovered the Dr Watson (thrillers) series at the library, purely accidentally as they do not come under the catalogue as Sherlock Holmes novels. I reserved all 5 titles but 4 are already on loan so I had to break my rule of reading numbered novels chronologically - you try resisting temptation ! Not only was this a very acceptable Watson/Holmes but a pretty good WW1 novel that is peppered with real life incidents from the era. Pretty gruesome in places but a lot less of the usual sugar coating of those who tried to cover up atrocities. Shades of the fears of the Covid pandemic that became known as the Spanish Flu. Can't wait for the other 4 titles to turn up.
October 2, 2021
A likeable enough tale featuring Sherlock Holmes' erstwhile sidekick, based in First World War London - and Northern Europe.
However, it probably went on about 50 pages too long. There was a natural ending - but for some reason the author decided to extend the narrative, and it descended into a slightly farcical, surreal contrived ending, which rather detracted from what was otherwise a pretty readable historical sleuthing tale.
However, it probably went on about 50 pages too long. There was a natural ending - but for some reason the author decided to extend the narrative, and it descended into a slightly farcical, surreal contrived ending, which rather detracted from what was otherwise a pretty readable historical sleuthing tale.
September 9, 2024
3.5. The final entry in the Dr Watson series ends up being a better mystery than the initial setup seemed to suggest, that being said the decision to kill off another important character in an almost offhand manner was a letdown for me. Killing off Mrs Gregson in the last book didn’t sit well for me for the same reasons and I felt her absence this time around. Overall a worthwhile series that dares to make Watson and especially Holmes more human and vulnerable for a change.
June 27, 2017
These books are great, I thoroughly enjoy them! I love the characters, I love that several mysteries are happening at once, I love Watson and if the author carries on writing this series I'll love him too ^_^
May 12, 2023
I was sad to find that Jennings didn’t make it but thoroughly enjoyed the story. The historical information was very interesting and the narrative was great especially the voices used for Holmes and Churchill
Great read
July 20, 2017
Very interesting book. I enjoyed reading it a lot.
July 30, 2017
A bit more gruesome than the previous novels and back in London. A good read.
January 5, 2019
This is a good novel with plenty twists and turns
March 2, 2019
3,5 stars!
May 12, 2019
a book I would nt normally read but really enjoyed it
July 22, 2019
Entertaining but quite gruesome.
October 11, 2021
Slow , ponderous, lacking drive and plot , rather like watson , and im afraid way way to long , would be improved with some merciless editing .
October 15, 2024
A little Sherlock Holmes, a lot of John Watson. Interesting information on World War I, disease, spies, and treachery.
April 25, 2016
This is the fourth in the Doctor Watson series and maintains the very high standard of the earlier novels. The bombing of London is the focus here, as well as a train load of migrant Chinese workers who appear to have contracted a mysterious disease.
This is a much darker novel than the others, which did have their own harrowing moments. Be aware also that there are about three or four plot lines going on at the same time. I did wonder if the momentum could be maintained throughout, but the author succeeded admirably, if rather depressingly too.
This is a much darker novel than the others, which did have their own harrowing moments. Be aware also that there are about three or four plot lines going on at the same time. I did wonder if the momentum could be maintained throughout, but the author succeeded admirably, if rather depressingly too.
April 21, 2017
Still not quite as good as the first two, but I certainly learned more than I had ever known about German air strikes on London during WWI. I always sort of assumed the Blitz was the first time that kind of thing happened! Who knew!
Read
November 2, 2017Did not finish. Less and less convincing plot.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews