An updated take on the Agatha Christie classic, this fun read is about Meredith and Joe Penvale, twins from Australia, who are taking a ride on the Orient Express to celebrate Joe’s victory over illness. Joe is a mystery writer working on a new novel, and Meredith is a corporate lawyer. What starts off as a fabulous vacation devolves into a locked door mystery when one of the guests on board is found to be missing, his room covered in blood. Along with the many members of law enforcement on board, Joe and Mere jump in to solve the mystery.

I always enjoy Sulari Gentil’s work. She is one of my favorite authors. And after reading the Acknowledgments at the end, it seems like she may have been on a medical journey of her own over the past couple of years. This seems to have impacted the plot and story. The story itself has her usual fast pace and twists and turns. It was a pretty quick read. The characters were interesting but somewhat stereotypical in some cases. And this is the only Gentil book I have read where I have successfully guessed the guilty party. This may not be Gentil’s best work - I’m looking at you After She Wrote Him and The Woman in the Library! But it’s clear it came from the heart and is a labor of love for the author. Worth the read.

This book was both thrilling and amusing! I really enjoyed the writing and the dialogue between the characters. The two main characters, Meredith and Joe were so likable and I loved their sibling relationship so much! I also enjoyed the setting which added a more sinister edge to the reading experience. The ending was satisfying, however the last chapter really packed a punch and I was left feeling both fulfilled yet glum.

If you liked “Knives Out” or are a fan of the Mystery/Thriller genre, please pick this up!

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

A murder mystery taking place on the Orient Express?? Sign me the heck up because what Agatha Christie fan wouldn't want another mystery with similar inspiration?

I feel very much stuck in the middle on my thoughts after finishing this book. I really enjoyed the overall plot and the mystery given to us at the outset of the novel, but there was a few things holding me back from loving it. Mostly the fact that I was confused by a lot of the directions the story took, things that seemed a little extreme or unnecessary when you finish taking in the whole book. Just little secondary things that made my brain go "huh?" in trying to unravel the mystery as I read and not in a fun, mystery-solving way. Just a confusing way.

I do like the author's styling of describing things and character building (although there were SO many characters...might be one more point of confusion for me) so I would definitely give another book from her a try. I truly appreciate the self-inspiration she input into one of the characters, as her note at the end of the book tells us about her own medical experience. I always think it's brilliant when an author can take something difficult from life and use it towards something creative like writing about it.

Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley, thank you for letting me read this book early and sharing my thoughts on it. It comes out in August, so if you love murder mysteries, train setting, Christie vibes, and stories with lots of characters, maybe add this to your TBR.

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.