A modern twist on a classic train murder mystery. Trigger warnings for this book include cancer and COVID. Overall this book is a good easy read. However I felt like there may have been a few too many characters to keep up with and causes slight confusion at times. I particularly enjoyed the two young podcasters. This book will attract young murder mystery readers

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review the ARC for this book

Thank you, Net Galley and Poisoned Pen Press for an Advanced Readers Copy of Five Found Dead, written by Sulari Gentill. I am not getting paid for this review. These thoughts are my own.

From the author who wrote The Woman in the Library brings you on a ride from the mysterious train of the Orient Express. Yes, the same train that Hercule Poirot solved a murder case many years ago. Murder on the Orient Express written by Agatha Christie…before you write off this book as a copy. It’s not. I read it just to make sure. I also watched the start studded cast of the 2017 film.

Joe Penvale and his sister Meredeth are taking a holiday on the Orient Express in celebration of Joe beating cancer. Joe is a writer and Meredeth a lawyer. Both pausing their life with Joe’s health diagnosis. What starts off as a holiday in luxury turns into a ride that they will never forget. The cast of characters were unique and easy to relate to. Often referring to Agatha Christie and what would Hercule do…I found endearing.

I found the book to be a slow departure (slow start) and chugging along in a slower than I am used to pace. It did hold my attention, and I enjoyed many scenes within the book. I enjoyed how the book ended…and not because it was over. But I found through character development that it was fitting and enjoyable. Overall, I would recommend this book to someone.

Thank you netgalley and Sulari Gentill for the chance to read this arc.
Loved this thriller!! Could not put it down once I started it. Will definitely be putting this on preorder for when it comes out.

Sulari Gentill’s Five Found Dead is a modern homage to Agatha Christie and her popular murder mysteries, set aboard the legendary Orient Express. The novel follows artist-turned-amateur-detective Rowland Sinclair and his twin sister Meredith as they once again find themselves embroiled in a series of murders on the train. The local authorities are quick to draw conclusions, but Rowland’s curious mind and keen sense of justice compel him and Meredith to dig deeper.

The novel’s pacing is measured and engrossing. Gentill eases the reader into the plot, allowing suspense to build gradually through red herrings and character interactions. What sets Five Found Dead apart from standard murder mysteries is the way Gentill uses the Orient Express as a character than just a backdrop. The Orient Express is rendered in lush detail, from the polished wood and crystal in the dining car.

This was my first Rowland Sinclair series, but it didn’t feel like I was reading a book in a series. My unfamiliarity with the characters didn’t take away from the joy of reading the book. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Rowland Sinclair or a newcomer to his world, like me, this novel offers a satisfactory read to the mystery lovers.

3.5 *’s
Good mystery- great setting. The threat of the pandemic along with the mystery was extra shiver-sauce. I enjoyed the podcasters too, who lent a thoughtful, observer point of view outside of the other characters.



Spoiler alert!
No mention of “Arsenic and Old Lace”, big GenX sigh…

The plot of this book was intriguing; it can't get any better than trying to solve a murder in the Orient Express. I found it confusing at times as there were many characters in the story, and the story was told from a single POV. The story felt very slow at times, but the twist at the end was unexpected. I often found myself forgetting who was who and why they were significant. But that would be my only critique.

Murder on the Orient Express? Say less! I found the premise intriguing and the story well written. The copious cast of characters (& accents!) was a bit overwhelming and made me feel a little lost at times. Overall an enjoyable, outlandish locked room murder mystery.

Thank you to NetGalley & Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC;

Siblings embark on a thrilling journey aboard the Orient Express through Europe—only to find themselves caught in the middle of a murder mystery worthy of Agatha Christie. As the body count rises, suspicion spreads in every direction.

This book had me hooked from the start. The plot twists kept me guessing, and the ride was full of surprises. The characters were charming, witty, and their interactions made the story even more enjoyable. Just when I thought I had it figured out, the story took another sharp turn—in the best way.

A must-read for any fan of classic whodunits and modern thrillers alike.

I could not put this book down. It's an homage to Agatha Christie, the Golden age of mysteries, and the historic Orient Express. It was also such a pleasure to read this author's unique use of passengers to solve the crime. I'll definitely recommend this story and look forward to more by this author.

With this offering, Sulari Gentill has cemented my interest in reading everything she writes. This offering was reminiscent of several other classic mysteries. As in previous work, my attention was riveted by Ms. Gentill’s ability to turn a phrase and keep me guessing about what would come next, along with finding out the ultimate solution to the mystery.

The book opens with author Joe Penvale and his twin sister Meridith boarding the Orient Express. Joe has overcome a recent battle with cancer, and Meri has been his primary caregiver throughout that illness. This trip is a celebration and an opportunity to inspire Joe to begin writing again. Upon awakening the first morning of the trip, Joe and Meri are alerted that the resident of the room next door to them has disappeared, leaving the quarters locked from the inside, and soaked in blood. The scene is set, and the work to unravel the mystery begins with a fascinating cast of characters, and potential investigators and suspects in abundance.

Little more can be said without spoiling the wonderful story woven for us. Our journey with Ms.Genill aboard the Orient Express is entertaining and keeps us turning the pages to discover the outcome. This ride is one you won’t want to miss!

I was provided with a copy of Five Found Dead, by Sulari Gentill by NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an honest review.

This was a locked door slow burn thriller. I think the plot line could’ve been a little more organized. Could just be me, but I felt like it was a little chaotic and confusing. I did enjoy the ending!

Siblings take a ride aboard the Orient Express through Europe and are treated to front row seats of a murder mystery made to rival Agatha Christie. The bodies keep piling up and fingers are getting pointed every direction.

This book kept me on my toes and it was such a fun read. The characters were likable, amusing and had such fun dynamics. I kept second guessing myself with where the story was going, but it played out brilliantly.

Highly recommend for a true mystery thriller.

I knew I was going to love this book as soon as I read 'locked train mystery,' and it did not disappoint! Loved the relationship between the siblings, Joe and Meri, and especially was surprised and pleased by the clever twist the author put on one of my favorite stories ('Murder on the Orient Express'). Definitely kept me guessing until the very end!

Really enjoyed this nod to the golden age, specifically Christie, where a new murder on a very famous train baffles everyone, not least the reader.

Tightly plotted, entertaining, really intricate character and detail and also a bit of a page turner. Been lucky enough to have a few like that recently.

Excellent writing, a noir feel, old school storytelling done in a very modern way.

Recommended.

In Five Found Dead, Sulari Gentill delivers a gripping, Agatha Christie-inspired mystery set aboard the iconic Orient Express. Crime fiction author Joe Penvale and his twin sister, Meredith, are hoping for a relaxing getaway after Joe’s intense medical treatment, but their vacation quickly turns into a chilling investigation when a bloody crime scene appears in the cabin next door—without a body in sight. What begins as a quiet journey turns into a twisted series of events as Joe and Meredith, joined by a group of fellow passengers with law enforcement backgrounds, delve into the disappearance of a man from Cabin 16G. When the steward guarding the scene is murdered, the stakes rise as the death toll mounts, and the siblings must race to catch a cunning killer before the train reaches its final destination. With its fast-paced plot, intriguing characters, and a literary nod to classic whodunits, Five Found Dead is a suspenseful, page-turning ride that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last line. Perfect for fans of twisty mysteries and books about books.

If you're a fan of detective novels, you'll likely enjoy this one.

The story is set aboard the famous Orient Express — a setting any Hercule Poirot admirer would instantly recognize. Twins Joe and Meredith, after their long battles with cancer, decide to take a much-needed break. Joe, a mystery writer by profession, hopes this trip will help him reconnect with his writing. Meredith, though a lawyer by trade, has a true passion for painting and has become somewhat of a shadow to her brother. Both are enchanted by the charm of the train, and as devoted Agatha Christie fans, they revel in the experience. Inspired, Joe finds himself writing again.

Onboard, they meet several passengers in carriage 16 and quickly form friendships within a single evening. But soon, events take a dark and unexpected turn — just like in the classic crime stories they admire. Is it mere coincidence, or has something truly sinister been set into motion?

The book moves at a fast pace, with fine, vivid descriptions. However, I found it hard to connect with the characters. It starts off slow but picks up speed as the plot unfolds.

Overall, I would rate it 3 stars.

I thought this was a great twist on Agatha Christy’s Murder On The Orient. We had a wild cast of characters, we had an intriguing locked door mystery, and lots of twists to throw us off the trail. I really liked the side characters but I felt like Meredith could have had more depth, she was a bit one note for me clearly worrying more about her brother than an actual murderer on the train. I would have liked to see at least one person freaking out over a murder on the train, everyone just accepts it very fast.
Instead of the podcast episode at the end I with we had the prologue of Joe’s second book with a dedication to those who died on the train.
It is an incredibly dialogue heavy book so if that is not your vibe I would be aware. Overall I think it’s a good book with lots of intrigue.

So exciting to read a new Sulari Gentill book with new characters too! I've read her Rowland Sinclair series, but I think I like the protagonists in this book even better.

The main characters are twins who are taking a trip on the Orient Express in celebration of one of them being done with all of his cancer treatments. His twin sister hopes this trip will help him start writing again. The story is full of references to other fictional detectives on the Orient Express and does feel Agatha Christie-esque, but in a slightly over the top way as if it's not taking itself too seriously. I found it fun to read and very entertaining and I also did not guess how it would turn out, so the mystery part is definitely taken serious enough! Also, there are a pair of young podcasters, mysterious strangers, vaguely sinister secret law enforcement and so many others in the cast of characters that add insight and amusement along the way.

I would love for this to be the start of a series especially since I liked so many of the characters.

A throwback to Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, this novel captured the same intriguing atmosphere and immersive setting. The author really brings the train to life, and I found myself feeling as though I was onboard, experiencing the tension firsthand.

However, after a few days of reflection, I find myself a bit underwhelmed by the story. It didn’t leave a lasting impression, and I found that the details and character development were lacking in comparison to what I expected from this author. In The Woman in the Library, the smaller, more intimate cast of characters made the twists and turns feel sharper and more impactful. In contrast, this book follows the two Penvale siblings but introduces a larger ensemble with the task force investigating the first body. Unfortunately, I never truly connected with any of the characters or cared about their motivations.

While the setting and atmosphere are solid, the rest of the story didn’t quite live up to what I was hoping for. I’m still eager to read more of Gentill’s work, but I think I’ll hold off on picking up the next book until it’s fully released.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I love thrillers, but this "whodunnit" mystery just didn't hit the mark for me.
Siblings Joe and Meredith board The Orient Express to celebrate a big milestone in Joe's cancer treatment. As the journey starts and the train gets quarantined due to positive COVID tests, five people wind up murdered and the people with investigative experience in their careers are brought in by the train staff to help solve the cases.
It felt too blase and casual. I kept expecting to feel an increase in excitement and suspense, but it never got there. The last 40 pages or so are when it finally picks up pace, but before that it really dragged.

Thank you, NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.