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Watson on the Orient Express

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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.

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I had not read any of the previous books in this series and was happily surprised at how easy it was to fit into this re-imagined world without much explanation of the additional characters. However the plot was mostly predictable and both the narratives of Watson and Lucy had a similar tone that, if not paying full attention to the chapter titles, could be confused for the same person. Apart from this the only other lacking quality is the absence of the descriptions that frequent the original novels which I feel could have created a better atmosphere. I would only recommend this book to those who are looking for a mystery, not for an extension of Holmes himself as he barely features and brings about hardly any drive in the plot. This has been and insight into a series I now hope to read in full. Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this title,

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When the kidnapped Dr. Watson overhears an assassination plot hatched by his captives, he is eager to escape and thwart their plans. As he makes his journey aboard the Orient Express hoping to unravel the mysteries of their plans, he is conflicted about whom to believe. Holmes and Lucy are not far behind, trying to solve the mystery of Watson's kidnapping and his motives themselves. As Watson, Holmes and Lucy rendezvous in Constantinopole, will they be able to prevent the assassination and prevent a war and protect themselves?

This is the 17th book in The Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery Series. Although I haven't read any other books in the series, I could understand the story fairly well, though I admit knowing more about the past of these characters would have made this book slightly more interesting to read.

The story is interesting, with a decent pace, likable characters and some twists and turns along the way. Most of the action happens in the last 10% of the story, as the plot thickens, stakes grow higher, pace increases multifold and various loose threads come together. The quirks of Sherlock's characters are endearing and hilarious, and the kidnapping of Watson adds a dash of danger to the plot. I could totally relate with Watson's dilemma on whom to trust in such a high-tension situation.

However, I did not find the story very gripping or unputdownable. The element of suspense was very much missing, and the pace of the story was slower than I would have preferred. At various places, I found too much emphasis on the detailing of the surroundings, which ultimately did not relate to the eventual unraveling of the climax. The lack of background information about the characters and their relationships made it difficult to get into the book and invested in them when the pace was slower.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read, but not as gripping as I would have expected.

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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, too, 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.

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“Watson had been kidnapped two days ago, and despite the combined efforts of Scotland Yard, Holmes, and every one of the Baker Street Irregulars whom Holmes employed, we still hadn’t a clue where he had been taken. Or whether he was alive or dead.”

Kidnapped and held captive by a criminal organization known as the Sons of Helios, Watson overhears an assassination plot, to be carried out in Constantinople. The targets, an unnamed French official—and Sherlock Holmes. Watson escapes, only to find himself a wanted man, set up by his captures for the murder. On the run from criminals and police, his only hope of preventing an assassination, and keeping Holmes alive, is to form an alliance with an old enemy and board the Orient Express on a harrowing journey to Constantinople.

This was an interesting book, with an intriguing premise, and I quite enjoyed the dual narration, with the story being told in an alternating manner through the eyes of Watson and Lucy. That being said, it’s not a book that I can honestly say I fully enjoyed, and I can point to the exact reasons why. Beginning as it did, after the precipitating event has occurred, it felt as if I had started a book in the middle, that I was missing important information, making it difficult for me to engage in the plot or with the characters. There was no background provided and characters, both primary and secondary, were brought into the story with little, if any information regarding their history given. Nor were relationships between the characters explained, especially the most important one, that of Lucy as Holme’s daughter. I only knew of their connection from reading the information regarding the book on its NetGalley page.

Much like the Sherlock Holmes stories written by Arthur Conan Doyle, it would seem that this book is part of a serial, with a story arc across books. Unfortunately, unlike those original stories, this can not be read as a stand alone book. Geared more toward the fan of the Holmes/James series, it would be best read as a continuation of the previous books.

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A thoroughly satisfying mystery written in the style of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle himself. From the first page I was captivated with the familiar characters of Holmes and Watson, and by the addition of Lucy. I loved that it was written with the same intellectual twists and turns as are found in the original Sherlock Holmes books. I have to admit, I had to reread the last few pages several times to resolve the mystery. I look forward to reading more from Elliott and Veley's three sleuths.

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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.

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In love reading Stories about Watson & Holmes so I. was.excited to find Watson on the Orient Express on Net Galley. by Anna Elliot & Charles Veley. Started reading it as soon as I got it. However the more I read the more disapointed I became. I felt though Holmes seemed to be is normal amazing smart self the rest of the book could't hold my interest. In fact most of it seemed disorganized or it was just hard for me to make sense of the plot.

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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.

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This book is a lot of fun. It was nice to see Watson take the center stage. I really enjoyed the style in which the book was written. It was fast paced and somewhat light hearted, without losing what makes Holmes and Watson such classic characters. The is the first book I have read with Lucy James, and she is certainly a welcome addition to the cast.

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Okay first I have always been a fan of the great Sherlock Holmes ever since I first came across these stories as a young boy.
There was only one Arthur Conan Doyle and with his parting the stories end.
I regularly download new Sherlock Holmes books by alternative authors in the hope that the story can once again continue.
Unfortunately in most cases I am soon disappointed by the storyline the characters and the incorrect language used.
On rare occasions I am happy to lose myself once again in a enjoyable Sherlock style story.
Okay no one can quite get it just right because as I said there was only one Arthur Conan Doyle.
However this story was both enjoyable and kept me wanting to read on. I was able to enjoy the story without querying the storyline characters or the language.
In fact try as hard as I could the only thing that bothered me was would Mrs Hudson use the worn Anurism. I even quickly forgot Lucy was an addition as she seems to fit into the storyline well.
Most books I read nowadays have to be read over a number days as workload permits but in this case I kept coming back as I wanted to read more and completed in two days.
Have now downloaded "The crown Jewel Mystery".
Hopefully I am in for another enjoyable read.

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I hadn't heard of this series, but this is number 17! Being an Anglophile and Sherlock fan, I've read other takes on the Sherlock Holmes tradition and have not been particularly interested. I liked this and found it to be a series I'd want to revisit. I signed up at sherlock and lucy.com for further news.
The novel wasn't perfect. Perspectives between Lucy, Sherlock's daughter, and Dr. Watson shifted too quickly for me to keep track of at times. Lucy was disconcertingly read for violence, but all in all it was good, solid entertainment. It was fun to revisit the Orient Express too, having ridden it several times with my dear friend Agatha. Thank you Net Galley and authors for providing me with a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.,

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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 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.

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Watson on the Orient Express begins in media res, with Watson waking up from a blow to the head to discover that he has been kidnapped. By whom soon becomes apparent, but why remains a mystery for nearly the whole of the book. The plot, which involves a missing peer, an assassination plot, and a possible double agent, is fiendishly complex, with enough twists and turns to rival an Agatha Christie novel. And in fact, there are several nods to Christie along the way, including the book’s title and the fact that about a third of it is set aboard the Orient Express.

The first-person narrative alternates between Watson and Lucy James, the natural daughter of Sherlock Holmes. Watson we know from the original canon, and Veley and Elliott’s Watson stays pretty true to character. Lucy is the authors’ own invention; she displays much of the intellectual prowess and courage of Holmes, but is more approachable. Holmes we see only through Watson and Lucy’s eyes. Like Watson, his character is familiar, but fatherhood and working in partnership with Lucy have perhaps mellowed him slightly, and taught him a better respect for the skills and talents of women.

The Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James series by Charles Veley and Anna Elliott is one of the better Sherlock Holmes pastiches I have read (although nothing can rival Laurie R. King’s Mary Russell series in my mind.) That said, I felt that this book is not quite as true to the original canon as the first two in the series. That may be in part because I listened to books one and two, brilliantly read by Edward Petherbridge, whereas I read this one on my Kindle at a time when I’m finding it hard to concentrate. On the other hand, it may also reflect changes in the narrative resulting from the authors’ collaboration. The first two books were by Veley alone, primarily through Watson’s viewpoint, and hewed closely to the voice and narrative style of Conan Doyle’s stories. This is the first story I’ve read which includes both Elliott’s writing and Lucy’s point of view, and the overall tone has changed somewhat, being a little less steeped in the language of late Victorian Britain. To be fair, though, Lucy is American by upbringing, and obviously younger than Conan Doyle’s characters, so it makes sense that her outlook and language are more modern and more frank than those of Holmes and Watson.

If you like Sherlock Holmes, by all means give this series a try. You could jump in at this book, but I would recommend starting from the beginning. Regardless of the minor reservations I expressed in that last paragraph, I am enjoying this series and the character of Lucy James, and look forward to reading the intervening books, since I skipped from book 2 to book 8.

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An enjoyable, well written take on the famous Sherlock Holmes books. When I requested Watson on the Orient Express I wasn't aware that it was part of a series, but it functions well as a standalone.

I love mysteries and the title caught my eye, so I sped through this one. It is a pleasant read for fans of Sherlock Holmes. However, the story was a bit confusing at points and a little slow. If you are locked down and are looking for a short and comfortable read, consider this one.

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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 frantically 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.

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A good story, engrossing and entertaining.
I liked the well crafted plot, the fleshed out characters and the solid mystery.
it's the first book I read in this series and I want to read others.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

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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.

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This was a very good book. It held my attention from beginning to end. What is not to love about Watson. and Holmes? Kept me on the edge of my seat. It was thrilling and fast-paced. Fans of Holmes and Watson will love it.

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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.

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