A Study in Treason

The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes Mysteries #2

by Leonard Goldberg

A seemingly impossible mystery tests the keen mind and forensic skills of Joanna Blalock, the daughter of Sherlock Holmes and the heir to his unique talent for deduction, from USA Today bestselling author Leonard Goldberg.

The following case has not previously been disclosed to the public due to the sensitive information on foreign affairs. All those involved were previously bound by the Official Secrets Act. With the passage of time and the onset of the Great War, these impediments have been removed and the story can now be safely told.

When an executed original of a secret treaty between England and France, known as the French Treaty, is stolen from the country estate of Lord Halifax, Scotland Yard asks Joanna, Dr. John Watson, Jr., and Dr. John Watson, Sr. to use their detective skills to participate in the hunt for the missing treaty. As the government becomes more restless to find the missing document and traditional investigative means fail to turn up the culprit, Joanna is forced to devise a clever plan to trap the thief and recover the missing treaty.

Told from the point of view of Dr. John Watson, Jr. in a style similar to the original Sherlock Holmes stories, A Study in Treason is based partly on facts in our world and partly on the facts left to us by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

This cunning locked room mystery is sure to be enjoyed by fans of Sherlock Holmes.

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

305 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 12, 2018

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

[☆Dani☆ ☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I absolutely just love this series now!😍 Well I just read this book which is the second one but I fell in love and it has all the awesome Sherlock Holmes Feels! I was so excited when I received an email alerting me that I was granted a wish from the publishers! St. Martin's Press, you guys rock!😉💜📚
This story captivated my heart because Joanna is just like her father, Sherlock. I also loved the aspect of having Dr. Watson and his son part of the team as well. They make a great team and had me guessing from the very beginning how things would conclude. The characters were fantastic in my opinion and I can't wait to read the first in the series now! The mystery was solid and I thought I could use my skills for this book after figuring out Ruth Ware's latest novel from the beginning chapters but I have to admit that the ending surprised me and there was quite the twists that I won't soon forget. I read this novel within a day and was scrolling through pages as fast as I possibly could. I definitely recommend this book to Sherlock fans and mystery lovers alike!

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Source* NetGalley
*Genre* Mystery, Historical
*Rating* 3.5

*Thoughts*

A Study in Treason is the second installment in author Leonard Goldberg's The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes Mysteries. The year is 1914, protagonist Joanne Blalock, the daughter of Sherlock Holmes, is now married to John Watson, Jr. the son of Dr. Watson, Sherlock Holmes partner and chronicler. This time out, the trio is summoned by Sir Harold Whitlock, First Sea Lord in His Majesty's Navy to solve a case that has the utmost national security implications for England. A case that needs to be solved quickly, or thousands of lives may be lost.

*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*

http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The daughter of Sherlock Holmes, her husband and son of Dr. Watson Sr. and Dr. Watson Sr. embark on saving the realm when a critical document is stolen. This document is the peace treaty between England and France and must be retrieved before its disappearance is discovered.

Complex sleuthing, fascinating and likable characters and strong historical world building makes A Study in Treason a delightfully stimulating read.

I received this ARC copy of A Study In Treason from St. Martin's Press - Minotaur Books. This is my honest and voluntary review. A Study in Treason is set for publication June 12, 2018.

[Britney Dillon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am a fan of Sherlock Holmes, in general. I like the character, and I like his world. I am not a purist; I enjoy retellings of Holmes in many forms. So when I say I just could not get into this book, I'm coming from a place of having wantedto love it. Alas. It was not to be.

Why, you ask?

Because I do not like the characters. Though I love the premise - the Holmes and Watson clans have joined by marriage, and Joanna and the Watsons gallivant around solving mysteries together - I find the character of Joanna so unlikable it ruins the entire story for me. She is arrogant - and not in a good way. She operates as if everyone around her is levels less intelligent than she, and even if it's true, it's irritating. And though it's popular for Holmes characters to be written as stoic, Joanna is a block of wood, lacking any personality whatsoever. Additionally, while in the original Holmes adventures John Watson had his own voice and personality, in this book I feel like Watson is only there to make Joanna look good.

So, for me, all in all, a disappointment. Although I will say that cover is gorgeous.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have now read several of these books featuring the daughter of Sherlock Holmes. Previously I decided to give up on the series, but for some reason I came back for more intrigue, investigation and collaboration. I enjoyed this book more than the several others I had read from this series.

Library Loan

[Gary Reads (garysbooksnthings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another amazing book

[Lynn Horton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read the first two books in this series now, and enjoyed them both. But for some reason, Joanna Blalock Watson's voice is starting to ring untrue to me. It's too forced, too Sherlockian—to the point that it pulls me out of the story. The writing is professional, the story is interesting, but the protagonist is beginning to fade. I also think that the Watsons (father and son) hold her in an unrealistic amount of awe for the time and place.

I'm unsure whether or not I'll read the next book. There's just so much excellent historical fiction out there.

[Cara Putman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this audiobook. I figured out the mystery but stuck with it.

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

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
 

Read It, Rate It and Record   
A short review to update challenges
I was happy to continue with  The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes Mysteries series.  I love Sherlock Holmes style mysteries, and the setting in England. Even if I didn't, this is narrated by STEVE WEST.

In A Study in Treason, Joanna has married the younger Dr. John Watson, son of the original Watson.  She has been working with her father-in-law after his health issues.  He is asked to solve a tricky international case but refuses to take it on without his son and daughter-in-law. It did seem strange how the men deferred to her so frequently but overall it was a fascinating and fun read.

Now to I have to wait impatiently for The Disappearance of Alistair Ainsworth to be available at the library. That way I can get my Sherlock and Steve West fix.

Narration:
I love everything STEVE WEST!!!!!!  He's just my favorite.   I enjoyed listening to this story at my usual 1.5x speed.  I appreciate his work with both male and female voices and he handles the English characters so well.  Definitely, his narration enhanced my enjoyment.

Listen to a clip:https://soundcloud.com/macaudio-2/a-s...

[Melliane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mon avis en Français

My English review

I fell in love with the cover when I saw it and when I realized that I was dealing with a Sherlock Holmes story, I could not resist! I love that kind of stories! But by cons, I must admit that I did not realize that it was a second volume, otherwise I would have waited to read the first one but I told myself that I could always try and see if I managed to understand everything.

I found that the form of the story was quite original. The author launches us directly into an investigation, and gives us the impression to follow the research step by step as if we were witnessing the arrival of the police during a crime and that we attended all hypothesis. It’s quite interesting and different to read.

However, I must say that I was sad enough not to be able to get into the story or to become attached to the characters. I do not know if it’s due to the fact that I did not read the first volume so I do not want to stop you from getting into this one, but it did not really work for me.

[Alison · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 6%.

This is totally on me, I didn't really think this through and requested the book from NetGalley without remembering that I loathe Sherlock Holmes and that condescending way in which he explains the most ridiculous observations that lead him to conclude that an elderly Japanese travelling salesman with one leg sat in the chair by the fire. If you like Sherlock Holmes then I'm sure, based on the (very) little I read, that you will love this. The style and vocal patterns appears to be the same. Unfortunately, as I have explained, I don't like the style.

My bad!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Muzmuz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good plot wise, but the characters sort of kept annoying me, Joanna brilliant as she is seems to have inherited her father's arrogance and one sided track.... add to it how the author practically made everyone around her to be less intelligent as well as annoying made it really hard for me to engage with them.
more than once i wished they would stop fawning over her or just straight out just think for a second before they opened their mouths :(
Also the time skip between the 1st book and this one just threw me off, for the book starts with them already being married few months after meeting and that almost everyone knows that she is Sherlock's daughter... i mean HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?
there was no explanation at all given to that which further annoyed me with the book and author.... still it will not stop me from finishing the series cause, you know, am a sucker for the Holmes & Watsons ^^

[Jennifer Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was nothing to this book. I wanted to like it so very, very much, but nada. I felt absolutely nothing for any of the characters; their personalities were 2D, and the mystery was nonexistent. It felt as if we spent the entire time following Joanna (daughter of Sherlock and Irene Adler) around while she analyzed everything down to a stem of grass - which i understand is VERY Sherlock, it just felt more like a lecture than a story.....For someone born of two such fascinating people, our heroine is definitely found wanting....DNF @ 44%

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ironically this book in the series arrived before the first book in the series. I was really happy I didn't have to wait too long to start reading this series. And once I finished the first book in the series, that was without a doubt far from perfect and for the notoire detective readers probably a little juvenile, I was even more excited about starting this second book. This series seems to be exactly what I had hoped and wanted it to be.

In this book the focus is entirely on the case. Watson Jr. and Sherlock's Daughter are married, so there is no need anymore for them to make heart eyes and form a connection. We also know why Joanna exists and the mix of genes she carries. The only part of the story not about the case was the small storyline of Watson Sr. who had had a stroke and is recovering from it, trying to get as much of his body and brain function back as possible.

But despite the fact that everything was about the case and figuring out what was going on I was never bored. I flew through this book. I absolutely loved that we really got to see all the interviews Joanna did, what people were saying, what people were doing and where Joanna found mistakes, faults, hints and clues. Of course, the eventual solution doesn't come as much as of a surprise, it's more often done, but the way Joanna proved it was quite nicely done.

I also quite liked the atmosphere of this book. The characters are not running around as much. The crimes are also much more clearly crimes and the focus is basically on one house and one family. Therefore this felt like a different story from the first book. I also think the importance of the case is on a different level. It's not just personal. It's of national importance too. I can't wait to dive into the next book!

[Maranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE SHERLOCK HOLMES STORIES AND THE TV SHOW ELEMENTARY! Read the daughter of Sherlock Holmes Mystery #1 but the Mystery #2 could be read as a stand alone. If you like the narrative of Holmes thought patterns then you will enjoy this book. Joanna has the mind to unravel clues just like her father. It is not surprising that Joanna has radiated attraction to Dr. John Watson Jr. who she has married. The elder John Watson still remembers his old friend Sherlock and contributes his expertise in the mystery solving endeavors. Joanna and the two Watsons are on the hunt for the secret treaty that has been stolen and if it falls into enemy hands could lead to war. Believe I enjoyed the first in this series more because it has more family connections being revealed. "A copy of this book was provided by St Martin's Press via Netgalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion."

[Carol Jones-Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished "A Study in Treason" by Leonard Goldberg, narrated by Steve West. This book, true to form is a scrumptious read. This whole series has been delightful, tests my own skills, and provides opportunity to learn new things. One "observation" of my own I'd like to share is how much I am enjoying the covers of all the books. I think they are mysterious, classy, and stunning. As I study them close, I find new things and really appreciate the designer.

This is based on a real case, which has not been shared with the outside. It has very sensitive parts. I have learned that people involved were held to the Official Secrets Act, but as time moved forward, they removed the sensitive parts, making it safe to share with readers.

A Study in Treason refers to the French treaty, which has been stolen from the country estate of Lord Halifax. Scotland Yard then asks Joanna, Dr. John Watson Jr. Physician, and John Watson, Sr. to work their magic, to see if they can locate the missing French Treaty. With the information they gather, and very cleverly Joanna develops a plan to retrieve. Additional information states that information is gained by notes from Arthur Conan Doyle, and also gathered by traditional means.

Toby2 and the Baker Street Irregulars make an appearance. They are a delightful addition to the series. In my further studies, I found a couple comments in the Criminal element what I would like to share. "Goldberg, has written well within the Holmesian style, producing a book that would fit into Doyle's canon. For a fan of all things Sherlock Holmes, it is well worth a read, and I'll certainly look out for the next installment in the series." I agree, and kudos to the author.

I really enjoyed this book as well. A tiny bit harder than the others, but still enjoyable. Recommend highly. Rated 4.0 stars. My library doesn't have books 5,6,7 (yet). I'm looking around. Enjoy!!

[Christine Hwang · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a top secret document containing the plans to thwart Germany’s strategy to conquer Europe goes missing, Joanna, Dr. John Watson Jr., Dr. John Watson Sr. are thrown into the case that is embroiled with secrets, subterfuge, and scandal. As the mystery continues, stakes are raised and the chances of recovering the document dwindle. Get ready. The game is afoot!
An intriguing sequel to “The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes”.

I enjoyed this story although I thought the first book was a little better. The story was a slow 3/4 of the way through, but was really exciting toward the end. Overall, in my opinion, it is a good mystery and interesting twist of the original Sherlock Holmes stories.

[Dgordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in this series featuring Sherlock Holmes daughter, her husband Dr. Watson's son and the now elderly Dr. Watson. On the eve of World War I some important documents have gone missing and its up to the trio to save the day. The mystery is well done until the end when the culprit is discovered with the most conventional of answers. Still a fun read and I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in this series is definitely worth reading. The daughter of Sherlock Holmes, the son of Dr. Watson and Watson himself work together to find a missing document and a few murders along the way. Strong character development and great pacing.

[Lynnae Andersen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A compelling little Holmes-esque mystery. I do wish the author had taken some time to create uniqueness in the characters to make them his own. The regurgitation of Holmes-Watson-Lestrade was a bit off-putting. The mystery itself was interesting, but I arrived at the conclusion early on.

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fun reading this story featuring a female version of Sherlock Holmes. It’s not a fast-paced or extremely suspenseful story, but one to enjoy as the author takes his time in building the case to the satisfying conclusion. This case is written from the viewpoint of the original Watson’s son, John, and his writing style mirrors that of his father’s.

There are many of her father’s characteristics in Joanna Watson. She is clever, intelligent, and relentless in moving forward to solve the case. She also does not show her emotions, which could possibly make a reader not connect well with her, but I felt it was appropriate as she is supposed to be reflecting the character of Sherlock Holmes. I enjoyed reconnecting with an elderly Watson again, and in his role as Joanna’s father-in-law. There’s also an appearance of the Baker Street Irregulars which was a light-hearted, but necessary, addition to the storyline.

This was my first book to read in this series, and I’ll look forward to reading more of Joanna’s adventures in the future.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Study in Treason is the second novel in the Daughter of Sherlock Holmes series. In this adaption, Joanna Blalock is the daughter of the late Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler and has inherited her father’s superb talent of deduction. Joanna is now married to John Watson Jr. and when she is asked to find a sensitive document of national importance that has disappeared from a locked room on the foreign secretary’s estate, they both bring Dr. John Watson Sr. along who is recovering from a recent stroke. The three of them are trying to solve the crime while the police are all too quick to jump to the wrong conclusions.

This series is an enjoyable take on the Sherlock Holmes canon with many references sprinkled throughout. Joanna is a fierce lead character, outwitting everybody with her careful observations. The crime itself is compellingly complex and the chapters perfectly spaced to make this a page-turner. You won’t find any gruesome and chilling details in this one but it is a delightful and cozy mystery perfect for fall reading.

[La'ren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Giving this a 3.5.

So I’ve finally finished the book. Wow, this took longer than expected.

This was a good book and an entertaining read. I enjoyed the change of scenery from London to the countryside, it provided unfamiliarity where anything could happen and I liked that. Why I gave it a 3.5 was because during the middle of the book it became sort of dry with not a lot going on and some of it just seemed a little too drawn out for my taste. That being said I loved the characters of Wiggins and Little Alfie of the Baker Street Irregulars. That reference to the original Sherlock mysteries made me very happy. And the characters themselves were well written and quite different from Joanna, Watson, and John.

All in all I would recommend this book to someone. A nice clean and entertaining mystery is not something that I would pass up. I will be continuing the series.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like this as much as I did the first in the series, but will probably read the next one, when and if it comes out, and make further decisions based on that. Joanna Blalock, her husband John Watson (the younger) and his father Dr. Watson, are asked to find an important secret treaty that has disappeared from a locked and guarded room. Joanna, the unacknowledged daughter of Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler, may be as smart as her parents put together, but she's something of a cold fish as she quietly solves the puzzle and finds the treaty, though there are some deaths along the way. Perhaps the absence of her son by her first husband (he's at boarding school) makes her a more distant figure in this one than in the first book.

[T. Renee Doty · Rating 2 out of 5]

I honestly wished I had enjoyed this more than I did. I really liked the idea of this, but I never cared very much for the characters themselves. I also think it took far too long for the story to really engage me. If it hadn't been a gift, I probably would have given up on it before I got to the better parts of the book. Also, I didn't find the writer's style particularly memorable.
I did enjoy the ending, though. I didn't guess how everything wrapped together, so that was a plus.

[writer... · Rating 3 out of 5]

First read of this series and new to me author. Found it dry and without emotions I'd expect for a couple working as a team especially in this highly intriguing multiple murder investigations. Sherlock Holmes' daughter filled a role as her husband's overseer in developing his deductive skills yet without touch or connection normal in a relationship. Hmm. . Lost my interest with its technicalities minus personal connection.

[Maggonosmond · Rating 4 out of 5]

The daughter of Sherlock Holmes, is engaging and smart. I enjoyed the mystery and how she solves it. We needed some "mystery" books for a book club we were doing at the school and this fit the bill. It is clean, fast-paced and fun to read.

[Dawn Seeger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this daughter of Sherlock Holmes series. Easy read and very enjoyable.

[Elsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really seen to like these Sherlock Holmes take off books. I enjoyed this series with the new idea of Sherlock Holmes having a daughter who has inherited his abilities.

[Debra B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a big Sherlock Holmes fan and Goldberg's work is right up there with that of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Anthony Horowitz. I look forward to reading more of the Joanna Blalock books.