Watson on the Orient Express

Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery #8

by Charles Veley, anna elliot

A pernicious assassination plot. A devious decoy. And a transcontinental race against time to catch a killer . . .

London, 1898. Held captive by a diabolical criminal mastermind and his gang of thugs, Watson overhears an assassination plot that not only endangers the life of Sherlock Holmes, but threatens to ignite a war. If he has any hope of foiling his kidnappers’ nefarious plans, he must escape, and quickly.

Eluding the familiar foe proves challenging, however. Watson is soon caught and awakens in jail, the prime suspect for two murders, dressed in the clothes of a missing man, one Lord Harwell. To save himself and prevent the assassination, Watson embarks on a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse that leads him on a harrowing journey to Constantinople aboard the famed Orient Express.

Meanwhile, Sherlock and Lucy have been called upon to discern the whereabouts of the missing Lord Harwell. The stakes become much higher when Holmes discovers the missing man has ties to an important diplomatic negotiation in Constantinople. Just as he is pulled deeper into the investigation, Holmes receives a distressing telegram from Watson himself. He and Lucy quickly board the next outgoing Orient Express in hopes of rescuing Watson and preventing a gruesome act that could very well lead the nation to war.

Success seems uncertain as the enemy looks to thwart their heroic efforts at every turn, and Watson, Holmes and Lucy become targets in an ever-more-sinister plan. Will three intrepid detectives stop the assassination and put its mastermind away for good? Or will it all be too little, too late?

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Action, Mystery Thriller, Historical Mystery

220 pages, ebook

First published April 6, 2020

About the author

During the 1980's, he read the entire Sherlock Holmes canon to his then-ten-year-old daughter at evening story time. She's now become historical novelist Anna Elliott and he's thrilled to be her coauthor on the Sherlock and Lucy Mystery Series. There are now thirty-four Sherlock and Lucy adventures on Amazon, with more coming!

WEBSITE: http://sherlockandlucy.com
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/sherlockand...
FACEBOOK READER GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/77782...
AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/stores/
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Charles...

Reviews

[JEN A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t quite sure about reading a novel with a Sherlock Holmes/Agatha Christie mix but I was pleasantly surprised with this witty charming and quite irresistible mystery. The ease and flow of the book made me feel that I was reading a story from times gone by. I’m always a sucker for a story with a strong female lead and I wasn’t disappointed. I highly recommend this book to fans of both Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie.

[Richard Dominguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Watson on the Orient Express" by Charles Veley is #8 in the Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James series. This is brand new to me and until reading this had no idea this series existed. I'm so happy I came across it.
The story revolves and begins with Watson's kidnapping. As Holmes and Lucy desperately try to find Watson. he stumbles across a plot to assassinate a political figure. The story is a fast paced thriller as the characters try to find each other's and Watson makes plans to stop the assassination and save Holmes, all while the police hunt him down the crime of murder.
The characters I thought were great, giving me an honest feeling of reading a Doyle Holmes story. Watson was marvelous as he muddles through the story trying to see things as he imagines Holmes would and learning that he is quite capable. Holmes comes across as the one I know, from his ability to take in information and his no hesitation to jump into action. Lucy while a new character to me was well rounded and quite an enjoyable character and her concern for her Uncle John was very believable.
The story is well paced, moving smoothly from start to finish. There are plenty of twist and turns to keep the reader turning pages in anticipation of what was to come. The chapters are told between Watson and Lucy, moving back and forth between the two. This makes for fast reading and the author does it without confusing the story or losing the reader at any time.
This was a wonderful read and I can easily recommend it without reservation of any kind.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A father/daughter writing team writing about Sherlock Holmes and his daughter, Lucy James. I have not read the other books in this series but I did enjoy this. This book focused more on Lucy and Dr. Watson, where the chapters are told from their respective POVs. When the book starts, Watson has been kidnapped and being held captive by a criminal organization that would be familiar to readers of this series. Lucy is of course, worried, but also is helping Holmes with the disappearance of Lord Harwell. For most of the book, Lucy and Watson are running parallel tracks. Both of them get on the Orient Express (not at the same time), to stop an assassination attempt in Constantinople. This is readable enough but I find it to be suspense light.

**Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a copy in exchange for honest review.**

[Maxine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Watson is kidnapped and, while pretending to be unconscious, overhears an assassination plot in Constantinople. Unable to contact Holmes, sought by the law, and with the aid of a woman murderer, he manages to board the Orient Express disguised as one, Lord Harwell, on a dangerous mission to try to foil the plot.

At the same time, Lucy, and Holmes, have been searching both for Watson as well as the man whose identity Watson has adopted. Learning of Holmes' escape, they, too, head for Constantinople in hopes of heading off the assassination which Holmes knows could throw the nation into war.

Watson on the Orient Express is the eighth entry in the Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery series by Charles Veley. The book is divided between Watson's and Lucy's narration and, although Holmes is present, this is definitely their book and it is a whole lot of fun There are plenty of twists and turns and red herrings as well as Holmesian deductions and puzzles to grab the reader's attention and keep them glued to the page. Another well-written and entertaining addition to the Holmes canon.

Thanks to Netgalley and Wilton Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review

[Les Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little disappointed overall.

[Milou · Rating 4 out of 5]

I requested this book through Netgalley purely based on the title... because, obviously I would. And then realized this was book 8 in the series. Although I am sure I wasn't able to appreciate some character relationships and other intricacies, I could follow the plot line just fine.

We read from the alternating POVs of Watson and Lucy (his niece?). Watson starts of being kidnapped, but manages to escape and board the Orient Express to try and stop an assassination in Constantinople. Lucy and Sherlock also board the train (two days later) to try and find him and solve their case which is somehow connected with it all.

I love Watson, but am unfamiliar with Lucy. She is a great character though... brave, resourceful and just as clever as Sherlock himself. Which is also where for me personally a problem lies... Sherlock adds very little to this story. I'm not sure it would have been very different if he hadn't been in it at all. I do have to say though that if I had read the rest of the series and grown to love Lucy through there this might not have been an issue at all.

The story itself is an incredibly easy and fun read. Although the plot is fairly predictable, it is still intriguing. Lucy has a very nice and readable voice, and already loving Watson from all of the other Sherlock Holmes books I've read it was easy to be invested in his part of the story.

Overall, although this book isn't anything special I did have a good time with it, and am certainly interested to pick up the previous books in the series. 3.5*

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is not easy to reprise a literary legend like Sherlock Holmes, but Elliott & Veley succeed in doing that and, simultaneously, "take it up a notch" by adding Holmes' fictional daughter Lucy to the mix.

Watson on the Orient Express does a masterful job of giving the reader a new adventure featuring two familiar protagonists, but this book also the added a fresh element by introducing Lucy. She contributes immeasurably to the success of the story and manages to seamlessly fit into the detective team.

The story had all the traditional Holmes-Watson elements, but felt fresh with the addition of Lucy. The only element that seemed (thankfully) to break with the Conan Doyle canon was Watson's character. He was a bit more "aware"; a little less innocent' and, perhaps, a bit more important to the story.

I just finished another contemporary Holmes novel which disappointed me in its pace, its characterization, and its lack of style--this book didn't disappoint in any way and I loved every minute i spent in the company of Lucy, Holmes and Watson.

Netgalley provided me a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a candid review.

[Rod Innis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in this series that I have given 5 stars, although I thought about doing it for some of the others. However, it was unavoidable this time. This is a great story, well written and excellently read by two readers.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read in the series and was pleased with it, as the familiar style of Sherlock Homes came through. An exciting read with plenty of mystery and intrigue. The characters were well-developed and I enjoyed the constant chase of Holmes and Watson.

I look forward to reading the next one.

[Artemiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book, which could be titled with a fanfiction of both Doyle and Christie's books, is still a new series of stories of Sherlock Holmes, where he has also an adult daughter who is an American actress and now lives with her father and husband on Baker Street. In the eighth part of the series, Watson is abducted, and Holmes' most vicious enemy (not Moriarti, but some new character) has a plan that would be dangerous not only to Holms and his loved ones, but to the whole of Europe.
This book of a few hundred pages is too fast, there is too much information, there are several cases in the air at the same time, and as a result it lacks a deeper content, a credible story and a satisfying course of research. It is not a stand-alone book, as there are suggestions that the main characters are bound together and the villains have tried to kill them in the past, and the deeper explanation is in previous books and short stories that should probably be read first to better understand everything.
Readable, but I've read better fanfictions.

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Watson wakes up to find he’s been kidnapped. He overhears an assassination plot to kill a diplomat and Sherlock Holmes in Constantinople . He escapes his captors. With the help of a female assassin, he assumes the identity of Lord Harwell and boards the Orient Express to stop the murders.

Sherlock Holmes and Lucy are franticly searching for Watson. They’ve also been asked to look into the disappearance of Lord Harwell. They solve the murder of the Lord and learn of Watson’s escape from his captors. Learning that Harwell was involved in the murder plot in Constantinople, Holmes and Lucy also take the Orient Express to find Watson and stop a war from beginning.

That’s the plot of the new book I just read, “Watson on the Orient Express.” I didn’t realize this was part of a series and that this was one of the latest books in that series.

I’ve always loved reading Sherlock Holmes novels and this was a very good addition to the genre. Even though there were things mentioned from previous books, I could still follow and figure out what was going on.

I like the fact that this is book is seen through the eyes of Watson and not Holmes. It was nice to see him figure out how to get out of some sticky situations on his own. I never really thought of Watson as being one to solve cases on his own. Here he uses his wits, intelligence and what’s he’s picked up from Holmes, to not only figure out what’s going on, but to actively stop it. I was really impressed with his ability to think on his feet. Holmes in this book was kind the background character and that was just fine as Watson does a bang up job all on his own!

I really liked this book. I’d never heard of the authors before and I asked for an advanced copy from the publishers because I like Holmes novels and it sounded like something that would be right up my alley. For me, it was a very fast read. It grabbed me right off the bat and held my attention until the end. It has enough twists and turns to keep you guessing what will happen.

I would recommend this book. I am definitely going to look for the other books in this series.

[John Purvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

(See all my Book Reviews and Author Interviews) - Father and daughter team Charles Veley and Anna Elliott https://sherlockandlucy.com have published more than 30 novels. Watson on the Orient Express: A Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery was published in 2020. It is the 17th in their Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James series. It is the 65th book I completed in 2022.

I received an ARC of this book through https://www.netgalley.com with the expectation of delivering a fair and honest review. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own! Due to minor scenes of violence, I categorize this novella as PG.

Watson is kidnapped. While in captivity he overhears the plans for an assassination. When he is able to escape, he heads to Constantinople aboard the Orient Express to thwart the plot.

Holmes and James are involved in finding the missing Lord Harwell. Harwell has connections to important diplomatic discussions scheduled to take place in Constantinople. Watson is able to send Holmes a quick telegram. This leads Holmes and James to follow Watson to Turkey.

Will Holmes and James be able to find Watson? Will they be able to derail the plans for an incident that could lead to war?

I enjoyed the 3.5 hours I spent reading this 220-page period mystery. I read the Sherlock Holmes collection when I was very young and have been a Sherlock Holmes fan ever since. The books in this series are relatively short. More novellas than full novels. This is the third book in the series that I have read. The others were Remember, Remember and Die Again, Mr. Holmes. All three have been good reads. This book alternates chapters between James and Watson as each tells their story in the first person. The chosen cover art is simple but appropriate. I give this novella a rating of 4 out of 5.

You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).

[Carl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Over the past several years, there has been a growing number of novels dealing with Sherlock Holmes and another person ~ often a female. I have read many Sherlock pastiches with a daughter; the Sherlock & Lucy James books by Anna Elliott & Charles Veley rank high along Goldberg's Daughter of Sherlock Holmes series. (Real Holmesian excellence is found in Laura King’s Russell and Holmes series and the Anna Kronberg Thrillers by German author Annelie Wendeberg.) The eighth entry in the series “Watson on the Orient Express” continues the quality of these enjoyable Victorina mysteries with a strong female lead.

“Watson on the Orient Express” opens in London, 1898. Held captive by a diabolical criminal mastermind and his gang of thugs, Watson overhears an assassination plot that not only endangers the life of Sherlock Holmes, but threatens to ignite a war. Watson escapes and follows a gang member aboard the trains. Success seems uncertain as the enemy looks to thwart their heroic efforts at every turn.

I enjoy a character driven book, and these characters are well developed. Once more, they have evolved and grown over time in the series. The plot is well paced, moving smoothly from start to finish. There are plenty of twist and turns to keep the ‘home detective’ turning pages in anticipation of what was to come. The story is split into two timelines: (1) Watson escaping his kidnappers and then racing to Constantinople to try and stop an assassination, and (2) with Holmes and his daughter Lucy try to find Watson and save him. This book and series are certainly a fun read. They are nicely crafted and have characters about whom the reader cares. The series is recommended to those mystery readers of the Victorian era!

[Kareena | kareenbeanreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up

This was an interesting and entertaining read. It is part of the "Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery" series, but I did not have any troubles following along having not read the other books in the series. I am such a Sherlock Holmes fan and was excited to read this telling, as well as excited to be able to see Sherlock. Mycroft and Watson all together - it's been a while since I have had the chance to read a Sherlock mystery.

This novel starts with Watson being held captive, he overhears an assassination plot that threatens to spark a war. He later wakes up in jail dressed in the clothes of a man who is missing, Lord Harwell, and is the prime suspect for two murders. Concurrently, Sherlock and Lucy James, Watson's niece, have been asked to look into the whereabouts of the missing Lord Harwell. Their detective work takes them to Constantinople aboard the Orient Express in search of both Watson and Lord Harwell.

The pace of the novel was quick and it kept me on my toes. The writing style is a split narrative, with both Lucy and Watson being our narrators, which I enjoyed and found a bit different than other Sherlock Holmes mysteries. I did have a few instances where I had trouble remembering which character was doing what, but overall enjoyed it and found it nice to get another point of view, other than just Watson's.

Overall, I enjoyed this one and will dive into others in the series when I am looking for a quick mystery read.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Wilton Press for the gifted e-book in change for an honest review.

[Madelon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a couple of months since I read "The Vanishing Medium," which is the second part of a story started in "The Sons of Helios." "The Vanishing Medium" ended on an abrupt, and quite unsatisfactory note… Watson is missing. When I started reading WATSON ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, I was right back into the story. At last, an answer to what had become of Dr. John Watson.

I like to binge read a good series. This is a good series that is still being written. The mark of a memorable series is how well a reader can get back into the swing of things after an hiatus. For me, I was back into the story after a word or two.

I hope that you've been following the exploits of Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James as I have so you know that with Moriarty out of the picture, a new arch fiend was needed. Enter Lord Sonnebourne. This villain has been the architect of several dastardly schemes and, will no doubt, continue to wreak havoc in London and on the international stage.

If you are a fan of Sherlock Holmes, don't read WATSON ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS without reading all the books that come before. Anna Elliott and Charles Veley have done Sir Arthur Conan Doyle proud with their continuation of the saga.

[Bethany Swafford · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a captive Dr. John Watson overheard an assassination plot, he escapes and makes the journey to Constantinople aboard the Orient Express. Sherlock Holmes and Lucy are not far behind, eager to have their friend safe. Layers of lies muddy the waters. Will they prevent death and keep themselves safe, or do they face too clever an enemy?

Though I've read the first few books of this series, it has been some time since I've had the pleasure to join Sherlock Holmes and his daughter, Lucy, in an adventure. Although this would clearly have more impact if read in order, it was not difficult to get up to speed. It was nice to see that Lucy has a husband who is her equal and supports the work she does with her father.

This story alternates between Lucy's point of view and Watson's point of view. We jump into the action from pace one and the pace of the story never slows. The answers are cleverly woven into the story so when the answers are out forth it makes sense.

For Sherlock Holmes fans looking for a fast-paced adventure with a nod to Agatha Christie, I wholeheartedly recommend this. I received a free copy through NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Lauren Turney · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the first chapter, Watson is kidnapped, thus begins the fascinating tale of missions, adventure, danger, and assassinations. I LOVED how the author combines two well-known authors and makes it original. Sherlock Holmes' characters mixed with Agatha Christie's setting makes for quite an intriguing read.

The story describes how Watson's kidnapping and, while pretending to be unconscious, overhears an assassination plot in Constantinople. Unable to contact Holmes, sought by the law, and with the aid of a woman murderer, he manages to board the Orient Express disguised as Lord Harwell on a dangerous mission to try to foil the plot.

Meanwhile, Lucy and Holmes have been searching both for Watson as well as the man whose identity Watson has acquired. Learning of Holmes' escape, they head for Constantinople in hopes of heading off the assassination which Holmes knows could throw the nation into war.

As I was reading it, I couldn't help but read with a British accent and sip my tea, LOL! It was a quick read for me, but I certainly enjoyed it.

Thanks to Netgalley and Wilton Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts off with a kidnapping and doesn’t let up. Its non-stop action keeps you bouncing around first London, then France, and finally Constantinople in an attempt to stop assassinations, and the planned murder of Sherlock Holmes. The focus of this book is on Dr. John Watson more than Mr. Holmes, and it made for a surprisingly enjoyable read. There’s plenty of deducing by Mr. Holmes, as well as Mr. Watson, who in fact uses Mr. Holmes’ deductive reasoning to stop crimes himself.
I particularly enjoyed the addition of Lucy, Dr. Watson’s niece, who assists both Holmes and Watson in their endeavors. She’s a supremely written character who blends in well to the Holmes and Watson canon.
The writing, story arc, and characters all brought together a wonderful tale that was a joy to read. I breezed through and was left wanting more of this series. I can’t wait for the next book to come out.
*I was given an ARC of this story from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was received as an ARC from Wilton Press in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I was so excited to read this book since its a combination of two books/literary works combined in one. This book has so many twists and turns that just when I thought the story was going in one direction, a while new game changer appears and it just got better. Sherlock and Lucy aboard the Orient Express as a cry for help from Watson after being charged for two murders but a simple train ride turns into a case for the ages and things are not always what they seem and secrets unlock that change the case for a,lifetime. This book was definitely the perfect distractor from all that is going on in the world. Just what the doctor ordered.

We will consider adding this title to our Mystery collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to thank NetGalley, the authors, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James, private detective partners, have two mysteries to solve; the kidnapping of Doctor Watson and the disappearance of Lord Harwell. This starts an adventure for Sherlock, Lucy, Dr. Watson, and a criminal band of assassins on their way to Constantinople aboard the famed Orient Express. There in a plot to assassinate some diplomats and throw an uneasy alliance into turmoil. Even though Watson is traveling with the probable criminals, he must first determine who is on what side of this clash. When all parties reach their destination, the team must improvise to ensure a successful operation.

This was another thrilling Holmes & Watson story, and the first time I have read a book from this series. There was the usual application of detective skills, disguising, and prowess displayed to keep the story interesting and exciting.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

9th July 1888
Dr Watson was kidnapped on the 7th July, by members of the criminal organisation, The Sons of Helios - headed by Lord Sonnebourne. He is lead to believe that there will be an assassination in Constantinople of an official in the French government, his guard, and Sherlock Holmes. But what can Watson do.
Meanwhile Lucy, Mycroft and Holmes are at the Harwell Estate in Kent, as Gerald, Lord Harwell has been declared missing, having not been seen since 24th June.
Is there a possibility that these two events are connected.
Another enjoyable and well-written mystery in this series with its cast of likeable and well-drawn characters. (It might be useful to read the Sons of Helios short story just for context).
Received an ARC from the author

[Denice Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The original Sherlock Holmes books are loved by true mystery fans. Anna Elliot & Charles Veley have managed to write entertaining original stories featuring Holmes and his daughter Lucy and the invaluable Watson. The stories have the "feel" of a Sherlock Holmes story: with an added element of fun that lightens the adventures of this trio. WATSON ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS centers more on Watson and Lucy's trials and tribulations as they race to prevent an assassination and prove Watson is not guilty of any crimes...this time. Overall this book will appeal to Sherlock Holmes fans and everyone who loves fast paced mystery that will keep you guessing until the last minute.

[Roger Land · Rating 5 out of 5]

At last, Watson unbound!

I've been a fan of Sherlock Holmes novels since I read a compendium of Conan Doyle's while on nuclear deterrent patrol 60+ years ago. I've read many different takes by many different authors writing about Holmes and all tended to treat Watson similarly.
This is the first in which Watson is more than a well meaning, but hopelessly wrong, gun bearer for Sherlock. While Sherlock is what he has always been Watson is quick both physically and mentally. It was a pleasure to see him take the initiative and work on his own.
As noted by my rating of this novel, I highly recommend this novel.

[Paul Swisshelm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Sherlock Holmes novels, weather written by Conan Doyle or other authors. Although this book was generally about the exploits of Watson and Lucy James, it was very well written, easy to read and kept my interest. It was an easy read. The only thing that I didn't like was the titles of the chapters. I couldn't really understand why the writer would name a chapter title Watson, yet it was the writings of Lucy and vice versa. It was a bit confusing. It also made Watson out to be much more athletic and strong than in Conan Doyle's depiction of his friend. But I believe it worthy of being included with other Sherlock Holmes novels.

[Dawn Probert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an honest review in exchange for an arc copy from netgalley.
I loved this book, I’m a real Sherlock fan and it was good to read a story about my favourite detective. This was great as it was all about Dr Watson. It was a thoroughly good romp of a read. It was fun, light enough to read with a cup of tea and cake. I haven’t read any other books in the series but I definitely will revisit them.
This was funny, charming, descriptive, exciting and a lovely read.
I’m so glad I’ve found a new series to plough through.

[Rosemary Reeve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great fun. Sherlock Holmes teams up with his illegitimate daughter, Lucy James, to rescue Watson from an assassination in Constantinople. Or is Watson rescuing them? The authors' evocation of Holmes' and Watson's voices is spot-on, and Lucy is a fully formed character, blessed with her father's capacity to deduce and disguise, but with her own unique warmth and humor. The scenes of Watson on the Orient Express are particularly effective - tense and skillfully described. I am looking forward to the next book.

My thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Miss Sara L Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book I have read in this series but it won't be the last. I love Sherlock Holmes but many of the re-boots just don't cut it. However, this one is great. It feels like a Sherlock Holmes novel and reads like one too. I loved the character of Lucy, Sherlock's long-lost daughter and she feels right for the canon.
This story had a fast pace, thrills and great twists and turns and the beautiful setting of Constantinople and the Orient Express.
It probably helps to have read previous books but no entirely necessary. I soon got caught up in the story. A really great read.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read with Sherlock Holmes

When I got this I did not realize it was eighth in a series but not having read the earlier books did not seem to take anything out of the story. It is well written with lots of strong historical details to set the story. The story is split into two timelines Watson escaping his kidnappers and then racing to Constantinople to try and stop an assassination and the other with Holmes and his daughter Lucy try to find Watson and save him. I enjoyed this and willpower back to look for the ea4lier books

[G. Mark James · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the first in the series i have read so i can't speak for others in the series. I was interested because I love Sherlock Holmes as well as Agatha Christie. I really dislike the back and forth nature of the chapters as they jump from Watsons perspective to Lucy's perspective. Also the writing is very basic: "blah blah blah he said blah blah blah she said" and so forth. The mystery is okay but I can't handle the sophomoric writing style and jumping back and forth. Also Sherlock is almost non-existent and Watson and Sherlock really do not sound like themselves from the voice of Doyle.

[Margaret Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one convoluted plot that somehow drags almost all of our participants onto the Orient Express and to Istanbul. Dr. Watson manages to get himself kidnapped and manages to escape. He "overhears" a lot of good stuff, but he can't quite manage to pass it on to Holmes and Lucy. Once again, we get to enjoy the costume changes and the multiple personalities involved. And all these people somehow think that arriving independently in Istanbul is the only possible thing they should do to rectify matters. I enjoyed myself thoroughly reading this one, and I think you will too.