The Blue Diamond: A Daughter of Sherlock Holmes Mystery

The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes Mysteries #6

by Leonard Goldberg, Steve West (Narrator)

During a critical stage in World War One, the Governor-General of South Africa journeys to London for a meeting of The Imperial War Conference. Days prior to the conference, the Governor-General is scheduled to have an audience at Buckingham Palace at which time a most precious blue diamond will be presented to King Edward as a symbolic gesture of the colonies’ resolute and never-ending allegiance to England.

The flawless blue diamond, with its magnificent luster, weighs nearly 3000 carats which renders it one of the world’s largest and most valuable gems. On the Governor-General’s arrival, he is ensconced at the fashionable Windsor Hotel under the tightest security, with his entire entourage and formidable security team occupying the entire penthouse floor. All entrances and exits are locked down and closely guarded, and no one is allowed entrance after 6 PM.

Despite the extreme precautions, the famous diamond is stolen from the Governor-General’s suite in the middle of the night, with no clues left behind. With Scotland Yard baffled, Joanna and the Watsons are called in to investigate the theft and it becomes clear that the crime is not simply the work of a master thief, but one that could greatly aid the Germans and turn the tide of war in their favor. Time is of the essence and the blue diamond must be recovered before it begins its travels which could cause irreparable damage to the allied war plans.

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

Audiobook

First published June 14, 2022

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

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Food, Water, Diamonds. You know the essentials." (Rue Lala)

Leonard Goldberg tosses us a rock in this one. A giant one that sparkles and carries a lot of mega weight. Not even JLo comes near this one with all of her famous engagements.

The crush of World War I is upon the world. And countries fear the worst. Protection is at the core. So the Governor-General of South Africa travels the distance to London for the Imperial War Conference. And in his possession is a remarkable 3,000 carat blue diamond of the highest quality. The plan is to present it to King Edward at Buckingham Palace. He and his entourage will be staying at the elegant Windsor Hotel on the sixth floor among other guilded guests and dignitaries.

But not all plans head in the right direction under the right circumstances. The Governor has discovered that this priceless blue treasure has been stolen even with all the security in place. It's as if the gem disappeared into thin air. No trails or traces of the thief.

Next stop: Joanna Holmes Watson, daughter of Sherlock and wife to Dr. John Watson, Jr.. John Watson, son of the famous sidekick of the late Sherlock, is the voice of this novel. He and Joanna have a young son away at boarding school. We'll take note that Dr. Watson, Sr. will be having some concerning health issues as time moves this series forward.

But it is Joanna, front and center, who is at the core of this novel. As readers, we enjoy the workings of her mind much akin to her late father's. As she gets closer and closer to the mechanics of just how the diamond was stolen and by whom, we find that all of their lives are in danger. And this spreads to the British government and its own security being compromised by spies. Joanna is warned not to open any untimely packages being sent to their residence.

The Blue Diamond is quite the read. Even though it's the sixth book in this series, it can be read as a standalone. We all have the basic knowledge of the Holmes/Watson inquiry. And this one shapes up to the upcoming challenges brought by war in London. Goldberg provides the surround sound through bombings and destruction by the Germans. And it comes far too close for this famous family. Can't wait for the next one to come our way.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Minotaur Books and to Leonard Goldberg for the opportunity.

[Laur · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fate of the allied forces lies in the hands of Joanna Holmes (daughter of Sherlock Holmes) and the Watsons (Dr. John Watson, Jr - Joanna's husband), and Dr. John Watson, Sr (partner and ally of Sherlock Holmes), in The Blue Diamond, by author Leonard Goldberg, a Daughter of Sherlock Holmes mystery.

During a critical stage in World War One, the Governor-General of South Africa journeys to London for a meeting of The Imperial War Conference. Days prior to the conference, the Governor-General is scheduled to have an audience at Buckingham Palace at which time a most precious Blue Diamond (weighing nearly 3000 carats) will be presented to King Edward as a symbolic gesture of the colonies’ resolute and never-ending allegiance to England.

However, before this happens, despite the extreme security precautions, the Blue Diamond is stolen with no clues left behind. Joanna and the Watsons are called in to investigate.

During the story, other theft, injuries, and murder occur, as well as a plan to murder Joanna and Watsons. Several attacks occur on their home, and their very lives are not only threatened, but are in extreme danger. The clues need to come together to get these crimes solved, and to save their lives, and in fact their Country.

I really enjoyed The Blue Diamond from beginning to end. The cover art work is brilliant and beautiful.
5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Leonard Goldberg for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Diana N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rash of hotel thefts of some highly valuable items and Sherlock Holmes' daughter Joanna is on it!

I really liked the mystery in this book even thought there was a lot to keep track of (a vase, a diamond, military papers, a death). This book really had that Sherlock Holmes feel to it too and of course the book included the Watsons (which includes Joanna now too). The problem solving was great to connect multiple crimes all the while dealing with some crazy assasins.

I hope there are more books with these characters because they really had some good dialog and kept me wanting to discover more details with the case.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

[Betty Strohecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a slow start, this book picked up the pace and became a suspenseful mystery involving the theft of a flawless blue diamond that the Governor-General of South Africa brought to London to present to King Edward. This theft happens at a critical stage of WWI, threatening to aid the Germans. When Scotland Yard is baffled, Inspector Lestrade and Commissioner Sir Charles Bradberry call on Joanna and the Watsons for help. During their investigation it quickly becomes obvious that traitors are involved - but are they British or South African? I really enjoyed this information about South Africa, British Colonial wars, and a different look at WWI, The Great War.

Goldberg has been touted as writing in the style of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle for this series spin off from the Sherlock Holmes stories. Joanna Watson, as the daughter of Sherlock Holmes, has married young John Watson, son of Dr. Watson who was friend and companion of Sherlock Holmes.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Mystery / Historical
*Rating* 4.0

*Thoughts*

The Blue Diamond is the Sixth installment in author Leonard Goldberg's The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes series. As with the previous Five installments, this story is narrated by Dr. John Watson Jr, husband of Joanna Holmes Watson, with his father. Dr. Watson, former chronicler of Sherlock Holmes, along for the mystery and to give his own Sherlock inspired commentary. During a critical stage in World War One, the Governor-General of South Africa journeys to London for a meeting of The Imperial War Conference.

*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*

https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...

[Abigail Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a continuation of Sherlock Holmes highlighting his daughter, Dr Watson’s son, and an elderly Dr Watson. It is well written in the style, using many of Sherlock’s sayings.
Danger abounds when the blue diamond is stolen. After many leads, it is discovered important war documents also are at large. A massive hunt begins. Are the Germans behind the theft?
Assassins are after those living on Baker Street.
Can Joanna and Scotland Yard apprehend the villains in time?
A very engaging and page turning read!

[Danielle (lit_after_dark) · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I had never read a Sherlock Holmes mystery myself, I wasn't too certain what to expect. As this being a daughter of Sherlock Holmes Mystery, I was quite pleased with following along the trail of the missing diamond.

I enjoyed the nostalgia that I assume some would have with still having Dr. Watson in the picture as the father of Joanna's, Sherlock's daughter's, husband. It seemed fitting that they would be married together and this is told from his point of view, watching his wife work and musing over the old days when their fathers worked together.

This is also set during World War One, which was handled nicely with a few references to U-boats, spies and bombings. But it's highlight was definitely on solving the crime and following the path. Plots to evade the thief and catch him out, plans that go awry, and little hints of luminescence that lead the way.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent Sherlockian mystery! As with previous Daughter of Sherlock Holmes mysteries, this one jumps right into the story with minor setting or exposition. I think that storytelling choice works so well for this series, as Joanna is just as straight forward and no nonsense. We’re nearing the height of the Great War here, and that sets up the story.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The daughter of Sherlock Holmes, married to Dr. John Watson, Jr., joins forces with her husband and her beloved, but aging, father-in-law at the behest of the British government when a priceless blue diamond, found in South Africa and earmarked for presentation to the King, is stolen. But soon it becomes clear to Joanna that the case is more serious than Scotland Yard believes--a document giving the English battle plans is also stolen, and she fears it, along with the diamond, is on its way to the Continent, where it will spell doom for the war effort. Interesting period detail, but despite a few bodies, the plot seemed somehow lacking savor.

[Elaine de Jong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute!

[First Clue · Rating 5 out of 5]

221b Baker St. is home to a new generation, with Sherlock Holmes’s daughter, Joanna, and her husband, Dr. John Watson Jr., son of Sherlock’s longtime sidekick, in residence and solving crimes. In this sixth in the series, Joanna, who’s just as meticulous and insightful as her father, is called by Scotland Yard to help with a series of thefts in hotels around London. Joanna wonders why she and the Yard are required until she learns that the victim of the most recent crime is the governor general of South Africa, and what was stolen from his locked room was the enormously valuable blue diamond, the search for which sets the Watsons questioning everyone from diamond merchants to underworld dealers.

In addition, it’s 1917, and the detectives must pursue another stolen item, one that’s crucial to the British effort to win the Great War. This part of the plot sees the famous offspring draw on every ounce of their courage as well as their connections with Sherlock’s Baker St. Irregulars, a gang of ruffian children, to win the day.

Along the way, readers will enjoy the many references to Sherlock Holmes’s cases, often the subject of reminiscences by his daughter and her father-in-law; also a pleasure is the relationship between Joanna and John, she a wily sleuth and he an adoring supporter of her eccentricities. For fans of the great detective, of course, but also those who enjoy tales of wartime espionage.—Henrietta Verma, First Clue.

For more reviews of forthcoming Crime Fiction, subscribe to our weekly newsletter, First Clue: https://www.getrevue.co/profile/First...

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published at Reading Reality

Up until this entry of this series featuring Joanna (Holmes) Blalock Watson, the Daughter of Sherlock Holmes of the series title, it has very much seemed as if the books in the series have been as much, or even more, in dialogue with Sherlock Holmes himself and the canon of the elder Dr. Watson’s accounts as they were about the investigations conducted in the series’ present by Joanna Watson with the able assistance of her husband, the younger Dr. Watson, and his esteemed father.

But in this entry in the series, even though it does call back to the codebreaking in her father’s Adventure of the Dancing Men, is finally dealing directly with the important events of her day rather than her father’s famous cases.

That is because The Blue Diamond takes place in 1916, and the criminal activities that Joanna and the Watsons are called in to investigate in London are directly related to the war taking place in Europe – even if that is only a suspicion when they are first called in.

At first, it looks like a series of very high-end thefts occurring at equally high-end hotels. The first prize the clearly expert thieves took was a rare Ming vase worth over 100,000 pounds. The second was an even rarer – and much more highly prized – blue diamond. Hence the title of the book.

But the diamond was stolen from the suite of the Governor-General of South Africa – making the whole mess a political nightmare. Even so, the theft of a rare vase and an even rarer diamond are still property crimes – even if the value of the items represented riches beyond the dreams of avarice – if not beyond the dreams of high-end thieves.

The third item stolen shifted the entire investigation from mere grand theft to treason when top secret papers were extracted from a visiting French Minister’s suite. Those papers, which contained top secret plans for a joint operation between the British and the French designed to draw the German army into a trap and then break them in a pincer movement, elevated the crime to one that would get the perpetrators hung – if Joanna and the Watsons can figure out who they are.

And as much as Scotland Yard wanted Joanna and the Watsons on the original case, MI5 was even more eager to have them discover not just whodunnit, but how and why and especially whether or not those plans had been relayed to the enemy.

The tide of the war depended on those answers. It really, truly did.

Escape Rating B: This series always gives me mixed feelings. Probably because at least within the confines of my own head, it is in dialogue with two other series (Mary Russell and Lady Sherlock) that re-work Holmes and each treats the Great Detective entirely differently. (If anyone knows of a story or even fanfiction that puts Joanna, Charlotte and Mary in the same room for what would be an utterly fascinating conversation please let me know!)

Only the Russell series has fully traveled beyond the original canon by virtue of having Sherlock outlive it. Lady Sherlock is still working her way through it. This is the first case of Joanna’s where she is dealing fully with her own contemporary circumstances and not her father’s.

Rather than being rooted in Sherlock Holmes’ old case, this one is rooted in what we now call history. It’s 1916, the Great War is creating great casualties along with victories that seem like defeats. The U.S. has not yet entered the war, and Germany seems unstoppable. The situation is grim. Those plans have the potential to change the tide of the war – but only if the Germans don’t see them (This eventually happened, the plans referenced in the story were carried out at the Battle of Amiens.)

At first, there are few clues beyond the obvious, that stealing the plans benefits the German High Command. If the plans reach Berlin it gives the enemy knowledge of future military strategy. It has the potential to demoralize the Allies. The uncertainty about whether the plans have been seen and/or tampered with throws up confusion and doubt.

While Germany’s motives are obvious, there don’t seem to be any German agents involved. Instead it all circles back to the South African Governor-General and his entourage. South Africa is a Dominion of the British Empire – an ally. And that’s where the case gets more convoluted.

As Joanna becomes more certain that the thefts were an inside job, the reasons for those thefts becomes that much more elusive. It’s only as the noose tightens around 221B Baker Street that Joanna is finally able to determine who is holding the rope – and why.

There are things about this series that I really like, particularly the portrayal of Dr. Watson Sr. as an intelligent man and a dedicated physician who misses his old friend and finds delight and purpose in helping his friend’s daughter and his own son continue in their footsteps. He’s delightful and he feels both real and right as a character. That he’s well into his 80s at this point in the series and has a heart condition makes me sad. He can’t live forever and there are signs that his time is coming.

I want to say that I find Joanna a bit odd – but she comes by that honestly, considering who her father was. Or does she? That, for me, is the greatest puzzle of the entire series so far, as Joanna seems to have every single one of her father’s habits, quirks and eccentricities to the point where she can seem to be a caricature of a man she never met. That she might have inherited his genius would be entirely possible – but not the whole kit and kaboodle of his personality in all its extremities. Rather than ringing true, this particular bell is ringing cracked.

The case she has to solve here is every bit as contrived and convoluted as any that her father faced. But at least this one is hers, born out of the war the world is facing in her time and not his. This feels like a step forward for the series so I’m glad to see it.

In spite of those quibbles, and all the ways in which this series drives me crazy, I know I’ll be back for the next book in the series. I never can resist a Holmes story.

[Lynn Horton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid installment in the series, The Blue Diamond is an excellent example of an author parroting the style of Conan Doyle while creating new stories that are well-crafted and intriguing.

Recommended.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Blue Diamond Earns 5/5 Persian Slippers…Engaging & Entertaining!

It’s 1917, and although war is raging all of Europe, Joanna, the daughter of Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler, is busy trying to solve a pair of curious burglaries at very high-end hotels: from The Fairmont a Ming dynasty vase and from the St. Regis some Bearer Bonds. The details she’s organized on her blackboard have little connections beyond location and the evenings foggy weather. However, she, her husband John Jr., and his father the senior Dr. Watson are interrupted with news there’s been another robbery. Inspector Lestrade, son of the man who helped Sherlock all those years, and the commissioner of Scotland Yard inform them this time it’s a robbery at the Windsor Hotel, but the crime now includes an assault and a doorman lying in a coma. However, it’s the real target and the object stolen that has Scotland Yard seeking out the Watsons. Joanna adds to items stolen the Blue Diamond.

The Next Generation! Leonard Goldberg channeled well the vision of Arthur Conan Doyle and added his own fascinating twist in the Holmes franchise. Sherlock’s and Irene Adler’s daughter is continuing the legacy of her parents as a brilliant detective with the insight as well as the knowledge to see patterns, recognize inconsistencies, and narrow down the suspect list to “the one.” Like father…like daughter. She is supported by the elder Dr. Watson, her father-in-law, and her husband Watson, Jr., who offer insights, assistance, and a knowledgeable ear for her theories which mirrors the relationship we enjoyed between Sherlock and Watson Sr. The investigation includes traditional witness interviews and re-examining crime scenes, and like Sherlock, Joanna doesn’t ignore even the smallest detail, but it isn’t until the end that everything is cleverly tied together in true Doyle/Sherlock manner. Goldberg’s writing includes a first-person narrative, but from John Watson Jr.’s perspective not Joanna providing a more objective view of her process. The descriptive language and cadence to the narrative and dialogue illustrates well a Victorian style and era, as well as addressing some of the mores and behaviors related to class and gender. The author often makes the “daughter of Sherlock Holmes” reference which seems meant to qualify Joanna’s involvement as only valuable since she’s Sherlock’s daughter. It does, however, show the limited and subservient role of women in the early 1900s, however, through twentieth-first century glasses, it is good to see she doesn’t let those unaccustomed or disagreeable to her authority interfere with her duty. You go, girl!

Disclosure: I received an ARC from St. Martin’s thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.

[Lata · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love different interpretations of the Sherlock and Watson stories and this is my first interpretation by Leonard Goldberg. The Sherlock role is filled by Joanna, daughter of Sherlock and Irene Adler, and we have elderly John Watson and his doctor son John Watson Jr.

In this case, with is their sixth, they're called into the theft of a massive blue diamond from a hotel, and they end up discovering a case of treason along the way, and someone sends them death threats. So there is a lot going on in this book.

Did I like it? I liked parts, and could appreciate Joanna's brilliance, and her deductive methods, which are reminiscent of her dad. She's also married to John Watson Jr. (if I'd read other installments, this would not have been such a surprise to me.) Anyway, she sees a number of details the Yard's men don't (not surprising, really) and she's just so smart.

Watson Sr. comes off as a compassionate, honourable fellow who's still up for action, despite his weakening heart. I never really got a handle on junior, who narrates. In fact, I had an issue with the characterization, if not the mysteries, which were fine (though the diamond thieves were dead easy to figure out as soon as the author listed current residents at the hotel.) I had a problem caring for any of the three main characters. I'm not sure what was going on, but I never warmed up to any of them, despite being primed to enjoy this book since I love Sherlockian stories. I'd say though I didn't really enjoy this, others interested in a mystery set in early 1900s London will probably like this.

Thank you to Netgalley and to St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for my review.

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

I really enjoyed this one, very exciting and dangerous. It was quite the difficult puzzle also.

The narration was again by my favorite - Steve West.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the continuation of the Daughter of Sherlock Holmes series, we catch up with Joanna and her husband, who happens to be the son of Dr. Watson, helping Scotland Yard recover a famous stolen diamond. The governor-general of South Africa is in London with the diamond, and despite the large amounts of security, it’s stolen from the hotel before it can be presented to King Edward. Despite appearing as a theft initially, add in a few deaths and the discovery that the diamond wasn’t the only valuable object stolen, we discover the outcome of WWI may be affected.

One of my favorite parts of this series, this book includes, is that Joanna is a strong character who has the full support of John Jr. the mystery itself is in line with a fairly typical Sherlock Holmes story, with intriguing clues that don’t seem to fit together initially. I liked seeing Dr. Watson involved in this one. The resolution was a bit of a let down in this one, but otherwise I enjoyed it!

Thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

November 1917. After two robberies at hotels, the Blue Diamond is stolen from the hotel suite of the Governor-General of South Africa while staying at the Windsor Hotel. Joanna, daughter of Sherlock and the two doctor Watsons are brought in to investigate. But then secret war plans are stolen, and their lives are threatened. Can they all survive, find the guilty parties and retrieve all the stolen items.
An entertaining and well-written mystery with its likeable and interesting three main characters, especially the two Doctor Watsons. This is another good addition to the series which can easily be read as a standalone story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Blue Diamond is the 6th book in Leonard Goldberg's The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes Mysteries series. If you haven't read the previous books, don't fret. I started this series with book 5, and the mystery in each one stands alone. I was having a hard time getting into the story, and I was just about to give it up; however, the spies were introduced. Spies during World War I...now you got me!

In 1917, London is a dangerous place with the world at war, and German bombing raids are wreaking havoc on her buildings and people. During this critical stage of the war, the Governor-General of South Africa is in London to attend The Imperial War Conference. Before the conference the Governor-General is to meet at Buckingham Palace with King Edward; he will present a priceless blue diamond to the King as a symbol of the colonies' allegiance to England. The Governor-General is staying at the Windsor Hotel with the tightest security available; however, that doesn't stop the theft of the precious gem without a single clue being left. Scotland Yard can't figure it out. Who are they going to call? Well, the daughter of Sherlock Holmes and the Watsons, of course! Their investigation leads them to believe this isn't just the work of a master thief, but a diabolical plan that can turn the tide of the war in favor of the Germans. The mystery must be solved before the allied war plans are irreversibly ruined.

This mystery also involved the thefts of a Ming vase and military plans in addition to the blue diamond, which seems a bit complicated. I assure you, however, that they are all tied together. We mere mortals couldn't figure it out, but the daughter of Sherlock Holmes certainly can! Well, with a little help from her husband, Dr. John Watson, Jr., and the friend and colleague of the dearly departed Sherlock Holmes, Dr. John Watson, Sr. I really like Joanna's husband, who narrates the story, and Dr. Watson, Sr., who is actually my favorite character. Joanna, however, is an acquired taste; she's not exactly a warm and cuddly person, not by a longshot! She is, however, brilliant. As in the prior book, there are some signs that she is a caring woman deep inside. In this instance you could tell how much she deeply cares for her father-in-law. It doesn't, however, stop me from wanting to slap her Turkish cigarettes out of her hand! The usual supporting characters are present, including beloved housekeeper Miss Hudson and the Baker Street Irregulars, a ruffian gang of children who help Joanna and the Watsons in their investigations. The investigations into the thefts from the hotels dragged a bit for me. (Yes, I know, that's why fans read this series. I'm...well, let's just say unique.). However, once the story turned to the hunt for spies and the effort of keeping the Germans from using the stolen goods to give them an advantage in the war, I was hooked. Things became very exciting from that point forward. Should be interesting to see what Joanna and the Watsons get up to next.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Caitlin Gonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a free e-copy of this novel by NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

During a critical stage in World War One, the Governor-General of South Africa journeys to London for a meeting of The Imperial War Conference. Days prior to the conference, the Governor-General is scheduled to have an audience at Buckingham Palace at which time a most precious blue diamond will be presented to King Edward as a symbolic gesture of the colonies’ resolute and never-ending allegiance to England.

The flawless blue diamond, with its magnificent luster, weighs nearly 3000 carats which renders it one of the world’s largest and most valuable gems. On the Governor-General’s arrival, he is ensconced at the fashionable Windsor Hotel under the tightest security, with his entire entourage and formidable security team occupying the entire penthouse floor. All entrances and exits are locked down and closely guarded, and no one is allowed entrance after 6 PM.

Despite the extreme precautions, the famous diamond is stolen from the Governor-General’s suite in the middle of the night, with no clues left behind. With Scotland Yard baffled, Joanna and the Watsons are called in to investigate the theft and it becomes clear that the crime is not simply the work of a master thief, but one that could greatly aid the Germans and turn the tide of war in their favor. Time is of the essence and the blue diamond must be recovered before it begins its travels which could cause irreparable damage to the allied war plans. (Goodreads synopsis)

I have read all of Leonard Goldberg’s novels in his Daughter of Sherlock Holmes series, and consider it one of my go-to pastiches.

I have said it before and I will say it again, Joanne is Sherlock Holmes with more personality. This time we see her as a daughter in law being concerned for her father in law. I can relate to that, except my father in law doesn’t take care of himself which is the opposite of John H Watson. There is also the obvious presence of her deceased father, Sherlock, as she consistently asks Watson about him. Mentions of his past cases, emphasis to the Dancing Men, and even “what would he do” situations.

It would appear that the elder John Watson has redeemed himself in this novel as he showed the reader his clever side. This is an improvement from the previous novel, as stated in my review. The younger John seemed to have more difficulty coming to the point at a few occasions but very clearly put his faith in his wife.

The mysteries (because if you have read the series you know there is more than one) flow very well, and give attention to the conflicts of the era. Again, there is another connection to Sherlock Holmes as Joanna is asked to assist with the recovery, and ultimately the relationship, of the Blue Diamond and South Africa to England. There are secret service agencies and spies aplenty.

Overall I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.

[Jessica Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes is back with her toughest case yet!

Two premier hotels in London had valuable items stolen out of one of the guest rooms over the past two nights, prompting hotel owners to request for added protection from Scotland Yard. But it is not until a third hotel has an item stolen that Joanna Watson, her husband, and father-in-law are solicited for their assistance. The Governor-General of South Africa is in London to visit the crown and has brought with him the famous Blue Diamond that was discovered as a gift. But even with the entire penthouse suite provided to the security entourage, the thief has somehow managed to break-in and make out with the diamond without anyone being aware.

As the Watsons go about observing to discover all the facts, another break in is committed at the same hotel. This time to a French Diplomat whose wife’s necklace and bracelet were stolen as well as his briefcase which contained a most important document that could be used to turn the war into England’s favor against Germany. With national secrets on the line, the Watsons must act quickly before the Germans can discover the military’s plans, but someone is willing to kill the Watsons to move the plan forward. Will they be able to stop them? Or is it the end of the line to the daughter of Sherlock Holmes?

This is one of those series that I can’t wait for the next installment every year! It always winds up on my “best of” list and the “looking forward to” list! The mysteries are always so intertwined that my brain keeps turning throughout the whole book trying to keep with Joanna and figure out who is the culprit. Just when I think I have it figured out, Goldberg throws in a curveball to keep me guessing right up till the end with Joanna reveals it all. I’ve read all the Daughter of Sherlock Holmes series and have enjoyed each one. They can be read as a standalone or you can enjoy them one at a time throughout the series. There is some character growth throughout each book and I love seeing several repeat characters throughout each story and how they grow as well. Just a great mystery that all will love!

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

[Jean Kolinofsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joanna Watson is investigating the penthouse robberies in two hotels assisted by her husband, Dr. Watson, and his father, the Dr. Watson who was the companion of Joanna’s father, Sherlock Holmes, when she is called to the Windsor to investigate a third. The Governor-General of South Africa was to present a rare blue diamond as a gift to King George. It was stolen from his suite, which was heavily guarded. Inspection of the suite leaves few clues to the thief’s entry or escape. At the time of the theft, a doorman was fatally injured by a metal object that Joanna identifies as a piton, used by mountain climbers. The same climbing technique that was used to steal the blue diamond is once again used to steal military documents from the suite of a French minister.

WWI is raging across Europe. After the third battle of Ypres the troops are demoralized. The plans that were stolen outlined a trap planned by the Allies to help turn the tide of the war. Intelligence has picked up communications between a spy in London and Germany that reference these plans. Time is running out for Joanna and the Watsons to find the thief and recover the plans. There is a traitor among the South African delegation and they have brought in an assassin to stop Joanna’s investigation, but like her father, she will not be stopped.

Leonard Goldberg has substituted Turkish cigarettes for Holmes’ pipe. Joanna paces the same floors as her father at 221b Baker Street and tea is still served by Miss Hudson. Joanna depends on the senior Dr. Watson as a sounding board and values his advice. When necessary, she can still call on Wiggins and the Baker Street Irregulars. With a puzzle that is perplexing and familiar faces, The Blue Diamond is sure to please Sherlockians and have them looking forward to Joanna’s next case. I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing this book for my review.

[Vicki Kondelik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sixth in Leonard Goldberg’s series of mysteries featuring Joanna Watson, the daughter of Sherlock Holmes, her husband John Watson, Jr., who narrates the series, and his father, the original Dr. Watson. In 1917, the Governor-General of South Africa plans to present an immensely valuable blue diamond to the King at Buckingham Palace as part of the Imperial War Conference. When the diamond is stolen from the Governor-General’s suite at the Windsor Hotel, in spite of the tightest security, Scotland Yard calls Joanna and the Watsons to the scene. It turns out that the theft is only one of a series of crimes. A war document containing the plans for the Allies’ upcoming offensive is also stolen. Joanna and the Watsons must retrieve the document before it falls into the Germans’ hands. Meanwhile an assassin, hired by a traitor among the Governor-General’s entourage, stalks the Watsons and leaves a coded message about when and where the murder will be carried out. Will Joanna decode the message in time?

The Blue Diamond is an exciting and suspenseful mystery, with a plot that takes many twists and turns along the way. At first I wasn’t sure how all the threads would fit together, but they do, and lead to a very satisfying conclusion. Joanna closely resembles her famous father, with his logical thinking and deductive genius, but she shows more emotion when someone she loves is threatened. The older Watson is suffering from a heart condition, but insists on staying active on the case, which causes his son and Joanna much concern. Like a few of the earlier books in the series, this is more a story of World War I intrigue than a straightforward mystery, but it is very well done. I always enjoy the characters in this series.

[Brandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everything about The Blue Diamond by Leonard Goldberg made me want to love it. It is a Daughter of Sherlock Holmes Mystery, it takes place during WWI, it involves Scotland Yard and multiple countries are represented as the allies are explored. I love the medical glimpses as Joanna was a nurse and expands upon medical descriptions with great detail. Watson and his father continue to work well together and the three of them make a great team. I just never found my hook in this story. There is a lot of detail, and each chapter builds successfully to the next chapter. None of the explanations seem unrealistic and the dialogue is rich and methodical. It truly is a fantastic journey from start to finish and all possibilities are explored. Perhaps it was that Joanna was always one step ahead of everyone else and too predictable in knowing the underlying explanations. That is one of the things I love usually love about Sherlock, so I thought I would in this case as well. Again, I think I just never found my hook to really grab my attention. I will gladly read more by this author and certainly other books in this series.
The narrator, Steve West, did a good job with the cadence and voices, it just lacked a spark that could have brought the story to life a little more.
I received an audiobook from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

[Kelly Bridgewater · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Blue Diamond by Leonard Goldberg is a continuing story of the Daughter of Sherlock Holmes series. The story begins right away with a missing diamond and a man who is on hurt severely at the hospital for the attack to his head. The plot features many thoughts from Jon Watson Jr. as he watches his wife, Joanna, try to solve the missing diamond and how they entered and exited the hotel unseen. Throughout the entire story, more elements of the mystery keep popping up and Joanna and Watson Jr. travel to various places trying to solve the mounting problems. There were moments where Joanna would watch and explain, and I, personally, felt like it did not need to be there. It was the same thing over and over. Readers might find this a little boring and want more action. I sure did. When it came to the end of the story, I do not know who stole the diamond and did the deed. I do not know if the story being so repetitive that I was not fully vested in the plot, and I did not catch who the villain was. I even flipped back through the ending of the story and had a tough time trying to figure out who did it. Overall, The Blue Diamond by Leonard Goldberg was not as exciting as past novels in this series. I needed more action. Not head hopping for chapters about a certain discovery.

I received a complimentary copy of The Blue Diamond by Leonard Goldberg from Minotaur Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's WWI London and Joanna Watson, daughter of the famous Sherlock Holmes along with her husband, John Watson, Jr and his father John, Sr. are embarking upon another baffling case. What do The Blue Diamond, a Ming vase and secret government documents all have in common? Other than the fact that they have all been stolen from posh local hotels with tight security, who is behind the crimes? While the diamond and the vase are very valuable, the most important of the three is the case containing the documents concerning future troop movements in Belgium. Time is of the essence and Joanna and the Watsons must find the thief and thwart an assassin. They are on the assassin's hit list.
So many threads to follow, each one keeping the reader wanting to read just one more chapter. The pacing is perfect - slow to fit the period. The characters are well drawn and the puzzle, as always in this series, is satisfying to the end. Spending time with this dynamic trio at 221B Baker Street along with Miss Hudson is wonderful. Though this is the sixth book in the series it works as a stand alone.
My thanks to the publisher Minotaur and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the sixth book in series and the third one I've read. These books are well-written with intricate mysteries and I like the characters each and of themselves. There was one peeve of mine that I mentioned in a previous review that deals with Joanna, the way some conclusions are written, it portrays the Drs. Watson as stupid and therefore the reader as well. Now, I liked this book better than the previous ones because there was a lot less of that in this book, although still a few times, causing me to roll my eyes. There is a lot of great material and conclusions regarding the mysteries, so I don't understand why the author finds it necessary to make Joanna look smarter by making her family members look stupid. I've never read any Sherlock Holmes books, so maybe that's how Sir Arthur wrote as well and the author is trying to stay true to form. I did like the way as least part of real history and MI5 was woven into this mystery with a number of twists and turns. Ultimately, giving the daughter of Sherlock Holmes the opportunity to save England and the war effort.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Minotaur for the opportunity to read this book for an unbiased review.

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leonard Goldberg has hit his stride in the "Daughter of Sherlock Holmes" mystery series. This is the 6th book in the series, and while the novels can stand alone I would suggest you read at least the first novel in the series to fully understand the backstory of the characters.

Once again Dr. John Watson Jr. and his wife, Joanna Holmes are on the case trying to find a very large and valuable blue diamond in 1917 England. The original, Dr. Holmes, the Senior, is also on hand to lend his expertise. Filled with logical observations and deductions true to Author Conan Doyle's writing, The Blue Diamond is a wonderful historical mystery and caper filled with twists. One of the plot points I found most intriguing is how Scotland Yard has to solve the mystery without the modern day scientific methods of crime scene investigation, keeping true to the time period of World War I, the police officers and detectives were in a league all of their own at the time.

This novel is perfect for Sherlock Holmes aficionados and for a younger generation, those who like the Enola Holmes stories and movie on Netflix.

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for my opportunity to read this novel.

[Janna · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Blue Diamond is the 6th book in the Daughter of Sherlock Holmes series. Joanna, along with Dr. Watson and his son, John Watson, Jr., is working on the case of the stolen blue diamond.

The blue diamond, which belongs to the Governor-General of South Africa, is being presented as a gift to King Edward. In the middle of the night, the diamond is stolen from their hotel suite with no clues supposedly left behind. There seems to be a string of robberies from famous hotels, and the blue diamond is just one of them. Scotland Yard is baffled and so calls in Joanna Holmes Watson, along with the Dr. Watsons to help with the case. As they begin to investigate these thefts, it becomes clear very fast that a master thief is at work. Finding this thief and finding the blue diamond becomes very important as they start finding clues that there is more to this than just a plain robbery.

I really enjoyed this book but it was not my favorite of the series. I would recommend reading this series in order.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for allowing me an early copy of this book.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The blue Diamond. We experience this mystery from the younger Dr Watson’s perspective and I can’t help but feel we are missing out. Joanna Holmes is the great detective, taking after her father, and we don’t get to experience any of her great thinking — just a lot of detail on meals being served and confusion about whodunit by John Watson. I would have loved to be taken into Joanna’s mine and thought process as she solved quite a few mysteries and crimes. There were some interesting features to the mystery and story in the beginning, like the phosphorescence, but the story really slowed down once Joanna determined who was responsible for the main crime and set out to very very slowly catching them. Things that could have been really interesting — like a coded message that featured prominently as a clue — were never actually solved or fit into the resolution. The resolution of the story, btw, being rather swiftly wrapped up and rather unsatisfying. Sadly, not the most engaging of these mysteries — I enjoyed the previous one more.