Thank you to Netgalley and to Boldwood Books for providing me with an early release of Kelly Oliver's The Case of the Body on the Orient Express.

There's quite a lot to unpack with this novel. Firstly, it features Dorothy Sayers and Agatha Christie as ensemble characters from Paris to Istanbul, so a pretty great hook. It also features Eric Arthur as a seedy, unscrupulous sex pest, which the author explains in the note to be because he had a bad reputation around women. It felt a little unbalanced and like the author personally detested the man even if she joked that this should be taken with a grain of salt.

So, we follow Eliza, Dorothy's assistant on the beautifully described train and its surroundings. Oliver has familiarised herself well with the period setting and invites you to look from the window as to the sheer wealth and luxury of it all.

A man from Dorothy's past dies in mysterious circumstances so Eliza, battleworn from book #1 steps to solve the crime. Theo, Eric's fellow roommate who is going incognito because both of them are trying to make it to the big time without using their privilege by working on the train (!) offers his help and Sayers, not having the best of times while Christie, post-disappearance, currently in the throes of a divorce is intrigued and entertained.

I'm not a huge fan of cosy crime and mystery in general but felt the twist of the characters and setting worked well. There's a new fact I learned about poison which was *excellent* and while I think the spy/communist elements of the book were a bit tedious, it did wrap itself fairly neatly and I can see myself continuing the series. As long as Christie and Sayers stay put.

Kelly Oliver's 'The Case of the Body on the Orient Express' transports readers back to 1928 for a charming, high-stakes cozy mystery. This sequel to The Detection Club series cleverly intertwines fictional detection with actual literary giants Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers, who take the legendary train ride to Constantinople.

When one of her fellow passengers falls dead and Sayers is a prime suspect, it's up to her quick-witted secretary, Eliza Baker, and her friend Theo Sharpe to clear her name. The author weaves an elaborate plot with surprise twists, secret societies, and old-fashioned romance, all set against the lavish atmosphere of the Orient Express. The addition of historical characters gives it a quaint touch, but Eliza's history as a retired Scotland Yard detective gives her an impressive set of abilities.

It is a quick, sharp whodunit balancing fascinating mystery with dynamic characters and a dash of spy novel. As a standalone as well, the abundance of historical background and smart deductions are enough to make it a thoroughly enjoyable read for those who enjoy Golden Age crime and historical fiction.

I have mixed feelings about this book. I didn't mind reading it, but for the most part it didn't hold my interest. There were many parts that I did enjoy.
I know the case was somewhat solved, it left questions unanswered. Although, there is an piece from the next book included it does not give hints to finish this book.
I do think it was pretty cool to include some famous names in this story

I wish I could have given this book more stars because overall, I really did enjoy the story. I'm a big fan of a good whodunnit-style mystery, and while this book had elements of that, it didn't fully commit to the genre in the way I am used to, if that makes sense. What took me by surprise was the strong romance element. I went into this one completely blind, so I wasn’t expecting that at all.

That said, the romance was well done, it’s just not something I usually come across in the mystery books I read. Now I’m realizing I might need to expand my reading horizons a bit! The story itself was engaging and kept my interest, so I’ll probably give the other books in the series a shot. I think this may have just caught me at the wrong time or in the wrong reading mood.

Still, I’d definitely recommend this author to anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a healthy dose of romance. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!

After enjoying the first book in Kelly Oliver’s The Detection Club series, I had high expectations going into The Case of the Body on the Orient Express—and I wasn’t disappointed. This clever and captivating mystery perfectly blends historical fiction with cozy sleuthing, bringing to life some of the most iconic literary figures of the era while weaving in an original and engaging story of murder, espionage, and blackmail.

The story follows Eliza—Dorothy L. Sayers’s spirited secretary—as she travels with Dorothy and Agatha Christie aboard the famed Orient Express en route to Istanbul. Their glamorous journey quickly turns sinister when two men connected to Dorothy’s past end up dead. One of them, a former lover, dies suddenly, and Eliza suspects poison. With help from Theo—an old friend she unexpectedly encounters onboard—Eliza begins piecing together the clues, unraveling a plot that stretches far beyond a single murder. As their search leads them into the heart of Istanbul and deeper into danger, Eliza’s MI5-agent sister Jane makes a surprise appearance, revealing even higher stakes.

Eliza continues to shine as a heroine: determined, curious, and imperfect in a charming way. I especially appreciated that we got to see the story from both her and Theo’s points of view. Their chemistry is undeniable and I loved watching their dynamic develop, though at times Theo’s inner monologue about Eliza did lean a bit heavily into romantic territory. Still, I’m fully invested in seeing where their relationship goes next.

Including Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers as characters was a brilliant touch. Their presence felt authentic and added a rich layer of literary history to the story. George Orwell also makes an appearance, though I can’t say I enjoyed his character nearly as much—his role felt more grating than insightful, but it added interesting tension nonetheless.

From secret manuscripts to criminal organizations, hidden messages to twisting alleyways in Istanbul, this book has everything I love in a historical mystery. It’s full of atmosphere, layered characters, and enough danger to keep the pages turning. While the revelations weren’t jaw-dropping, the execution was so well done that it didn’t matter—I was hooked the entire time.

The ending leaves a few threads open, which I actually appreciated—it builds anticipation for the next book without feeling unsatisfying. I’m definitely eager to see what’s next for Eliza and Theo, and how this cast of literary sleuths will tangle with whatever mystery comes their way next.

What attracted me first and foremost about this novel is that two of the characters are also two of my favourite real-life authors: Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers. A few years ago, I read and enjoyed all Agatha Christie’s novels and now I am reading the entire Peter Wimsey series by Dorothy L. Sayers and I am loving it. Also, the story is about a murder on the Orient Express (and Murder on the Orient Express is one of my favourite novels), so I knew I had to read it and I wasn’t disappointed.

Even though Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers have an important part inside the story, they are not the protagonists. The protagonists are Eliza Baker, former Scotland Yard detective, now Dorothy’s secretary, and Theo Sharpe, struggling author and occasional train steward. The Case of the Body on the Orient Express is the second book in the Detection Club series, and, although it can easily be read as a stand-alone, we know that Eliza and Theo have a past and the two of them haven’t seen each other in two years, leaving many feelings unresolved. However, it’s the murder on the train that is the focus of the story, as they team up to find out who killed someone from Dorothy’s past, why and how.

This was an entertaining and compelling read. There is mystery, intrigue, blackmail, criminal organizations, spies, interesting characters, especially Eliza and Theo. They are adorably obsessed with each other and I can’t wait to read how their story progresses. I am also looking forward to reading more about the mystery, because, even though the murder investigation is solved, there are still many things left open that make me quite excited for book 3!

The story:
It is 1928, and Eliza Baker – secretary to the secretary of the Detection Club, Dorothy L Sayers – is taken aback to suddenly find herself on a trip to Istanbul, bound for an International Writers Convention. Traveling with them is Agatha Christie, on her way to an archaeological dig in Ur and keen for a break from the recent upsetting events in her personal life. Boarding the famous Orient Express, it looks like a luxurious trip is ahead of them.

But when one of the passengers dies suddenly after dinner on the first night, Eliza immediately expects foul play. But what she doesn’t expect is for Dorothy to be the prime suspect…

My thoughts:
I was pleased to get a chance to read the second instalment of the Detection Club Mysteries by Kelly Oliver, having enjoyed “The Case of the Christie Conspiracy” earlier this year. The first book saw Agatha Christie herself under suspicion, and this time it’s Dorothy L Sayers turn!

I was surprised when I started this book that 2 years had elapsed from the end of the previous one. But in that time, Eliza Baker (briefly of the Metropolitan Police in London, and now working as secretary to Dorothy) has established herself in her role supporting the Detection Club, a British society of mystery writers that get together to discuss all things fictional crime. She has also lost touch with her friend Theo Sharp, with Theo running away from his feelings for Eliza (not that she knows this!). Theo is currently living in Paris with his friend Eric Blair (the real name of author George Orwell!), where they are attempting to live impoverished lives to gain material for their writing. However, Theo and Eliza are unexpectedly brought together again when Eric secures jobs for himself and Theo as waiters aboard the Orient Express.

Eliza and Theo make an engaging amateur sleuthing team, with Eliza’s no-nonsense attitude contrasting with Theo’s gentler approach. Eliza also has a very useful set of skills, both from her childhood as a pickpocket and her time in the Met. Their feelings for each other are unchanged but remain (for now!) unrequited – and I’m sure that story will continue in future instalments!

The mystery at the heart of this book is an intriguing one, with the sudden death of a passenger who, it emerges, has an unpleasant past with Dorothy. At first this is considered death by natural causes (by everyone except Eliza), but when another death occurs that is very clearly murder, there can be no doubt. The investigation carries on when the group reach Istanbul, and we also get to see Eliza’s MI5 sister Jane again, who pleasingly has faithful beagle Queenie in tow!

Overall, this was another fun and satisfying mystery, and I love the way real life people and events were woven into the story. I hope to read more about Eliza and Theo’s adventures, and would recommend this to all fans of golden age crime!

Eliza Baker works for Dorothy L Sayers, the second the infamous Detection Club. Along with Anthony Berkeley, Agatha Christie and a plethora of impressive writers, they meet at the Cafe Royal to discuss matters of interest to them all.

At one such meeting they decide Dorthy will represent the club at the International Writers’ convention in Constantinople/Istanbul.
She and Eliza are to go on the Orient Express, and Agatha decides to join them. Once onboard they meet old friends and some foes too.
Why are they there? When someone Dorothy detests is murdered Eliza feels she must investigate. When it becomes there is more to the murder than she first thought, Eliza finds herself in great danger. Can she uncover the truth and divert suspicion from Dorothy?

Real life characters make this a fascinating story. I love imagining these famous writers involved in a case together.

It’s a thrilling mystery, set on the most famous train in history. Add in the best writers of the era and a touch of espionage and you have the perfect blend.
I loved it

The Case of the Body on the Orient Express is a fun murder mystery, reuniting us with outspoken and headstrong Eliza, and her fellow sleuth, Theo, who, in true 'tormented writer' guise, has spent the last two years in France, roughing it in an attempt to escape the object of his torment, Eliza. What could be better than throwing them together on the Orient Express, with a host of mystery writers on their way to a writers convention?

As their journey gets underway, Eliza is aware of undercurrents from Dorothy, her employer, and she's alert to the other passengers as well. She's not about to accept that Ivan died of a heart attack. And so begins her sleuthing, with the aid, sometimes unwillingly given, of Theo. And the case becomes curioser and curioser as the train finally reaches Istanbul/Constantinople.

Another fab addition to Kelly Oliver's sleuthing mysteries. I do love the little connections between this series and the Fiona Figg books. But, of course, you don't need to have read them. I also enjoy the addition of the real-life mystery writers. Fans of the genre will thoroughly enjoy Eliza and Theo's new escapade.

The second instalment of Kelly Oliver’s Detection Club inspired series takes place a few years after the first. Much has happened in the interim, but what hasn’t changed is Eliza and Theo’s complicated feelings for each other. For romance fans, there are enough interactions between the two, but they never detract from the central theme of the book.


Eliza, Dorothy and Agatha are on their way to a writer’s conference when their train journey is interrupted by a murder. Joining them on the train are Theo and his friend and fellow writer… I won’t mention the name, but suffice to say that his behaviour in this book is consistent with what I have read about him – whilst this book takes place before his marriage, his behaviour doesn’t appear to have changed after it and I was glad his portrayal reflected this.


The plot abounds with shady characters and secret organisations, all of whom are in search of information Eliza is also seeking. Unsure who to trust and who is on the ‘right’ side, Eliza, along with her friends, try to track down the murderer and their associates.


As with the first book, this one ends in a way which beautifully sets up Book 3. Eliza’s sister Jane has a larger role in this book and it is her work which I suspect will become more prominent as the series progresses. However, while we do get some more background on Eliza, there is clearly a lot still to be revealed and I look forward to reading more of her adventures.

I have read the first in this series and I really enjoyed that one. I found this one harder to get into - I think because we are introduced to a lot of characters at the start. I did get into though, as the story was good! I love the setting both in the 1920s and being on the Orient Express, and a female lead at the time setting is fantastic!

Give me Agatha, I’ll give you fight. There is a lot to be said of this book, and the book does it for you.
I enjoyed myself, but I did discover that I do not like reading real people in this kind of way.
The story though was magnificent and made me turn the pages faster than my kid could run to steal my chocolate. The era this book takes place was a pleasure to read ans now I want to listen to these books on audio. I think that will be my next adventure. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for making me speak posh for two weeks.

This is the second in a series featuring real British mystery authors. This one revolves around Dorothy L Sayers and the embarrassment of an illegitimate son. Christie, Sayers, and Eliza travel to a writers conference on the famed railroad only to be faced with murders. I like Eliza. She is a good heroine with vigor and some serious defensive moves from her time as an agent. Theo is a worthy sidekick. Both characters are drawn well.

It is fun that these historical mysteries by Oliver are based on the actual Detection Club with members like Chesterton, Christie and Sayers. The factual basis for this novel is revealed in an Author's Note. I liked learning some about poisons. I am impressed Kelly arranged this adventure as the basis for one of Sayer's actual mysteries.

This is a fun historical cozy mystery. And it looks like the adventure is not over as Eliza and Theo are left with yet another mystery in MI5 to solve.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent review.

This was an intriguing mystery with many famous characters all aboard the famous Orient Express. We are in the land of espionage, spies and double agents.
There’s secrets, hidden clues and ciphers to be found. The story is told from two POVs, both Eliza, Dorothy Sayers secretary and Theo, an aspiring writer. The action also moves into and around Istanbul. And Serbia. But this is not explored and we do not really have a satisfactory conclusion. An interesting read.

Crime writer Dorothy L. Sayers is traveling aboard the Orient Express to represent the Detection Club at a convention in Constantinople with her secretary Eliza Baker. Also on the train is fellow top author Agatha Christie, although she plans to join an archaeological dig in Baghdad. Soon Dorothy recognises a rather unwelcome blast from her past and a man drops dead in the dining car. It looks like murder and suspicion falls upon Dorothy and one of her old friends but when another traveller is also killed, the race is on to find a killer before they reach their destination.
I expected this book to be aligned to the famous story by Christie, a murder mystery, but with two of the top golden age novelists from the Detection Club at the heart of it, solving the crime using their sharp wit and the wealth of experience they had gained during their work. Instead it’s much more of a cosy spy story with Eliza at the centre of the investigation, the young woman who appears to have learned all her super-sleuthing skills whilst picking pockets as a child and during a single month’s work at Scotland Yard before it all went wrong. Her “love interest” Theo is an aspiring writer and a bit of a drip, whilst Eliza, although very clever and astute, is over the top feisty and a little unbelievable at times, and Christie and Sayers are much less strident than I would have imagined and take more minor roles. The plot itself is good with plenty of twists and action and the sumptuousness of the famous train is described in all its opulent glory, but I found the characters a bit hard to take to, and there were a lot of chess references and also American terms and expressions throughout for me as an English person. However, it’s an easy and entertaining read and I’m sure it’s a tale which many readers will enjoy. 3.5*

A cozy mystery/thriller with a spunky protagonist, a cute canine assistant, and a couple of famous mystery writers as supporting characters.

This book is an homage to Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, and while nobody can live up to the genius of Christie’s mystery-writing, this book had plenty of compelling elements: murder, espionage, a jewel heist, international intrigue, and a crew of meddling civilians, plus a bonus romance plot. The writing was engaging throughout and the author’s attention to small details and meta-fictional elements did not go unappreciated, though the action veered toward the melodramatic at times and the mystery was left a little open-ended for my taste, though it certainly guarantees I’ll be seated for the next installment.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to be an early reader of this title, out today!

The Case of the Body on the Orient Express is the second in Kelly Oliver's Detective Club cosy mystery series. Although it works as a standalone, I would suggest reading the first book, as it introduces the idea of the club, and the relationships between the characters.

This time round, Dorothy, Agatha and Eliza head off to Istanbul aboard the Orient Express, to attend a writer's convention. They soon find themselves caught up in murder and mystery.

I loved Theo and Jane's characters in this book - it was good to have their roles extended and to be given further information about them. I love the references the author makes to the novels of Dorothy and Agatha, and the addition of George Orwell this time round was fun! I look forward to book 3.

The intrigue and bodies are adding up on the Orient Express. Eliza and Theo are on the case. I enjoyed the book and the parts of history relating to real people.. The story is a great read that will have you guessing throughout.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Boldwood Publishing and leaving a review by my own choice.

2 1/2 stars. I love the idea of The Detection Club, an actual group of some of the most famous British mystery writer, getting involved in solving crimes. They actually did select unsolved mysteries and tried to come up with the actual solutions. While this did involve Agatha Christie and Dorothy L Sayers a bit, they weren't the main characters. That fell to Eliza, Dorothy's secretary who acts as a secretary to the Secretary of the Club. She and a potential love interest Theo, who just happens to be working on the Orient Express that they are all taking to Istanbul for a writers' conference when someone drops dead during a meal. Eliza thinks it is poison. There are plenty of people who have reason to hate the man, including Dorothy who is being blackmailed by him. Eliza and Theo will have to work hard to uncover who the culprit is before they disappear into smoke...

So this wasn't exactly what I was expecting but that was all right. It didn't focus so much on the Detection Club, but Agatha and Dorothy do play important if small roles. It was fun to see some references to their books.

Eliza is a little too perfect with having too many skills. Also, she thinks that the rules don't apply to her. She wants to leave the compartment when everyone is confined to it by the police because of course she knows better than them. In some ways it works because police from another country aren't going to take it serious when she says that she thinks someone poisoned the man. It is a time when they are going to dismiss a woman. If they aren't really going to investigate, leads will be missed or destroyed before they finally realize there was a murder so Eliza must do something to find the killer. But I also found it annoying that she just ignored all the rules. And Theo, her accomplice, spent far too much time mooning over her.

There were a lot of great descriptions of the Orient Express. And there were plenty of twists in turns in the mystery. It did fell a little unfinished because Eliza couldn't bring things to a conclusion, she had to leave that to someone else. To say more would expose too many spoilers.

Entertaining but pretty much run-of-the-mill.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers take an Orient Express trip that turns deadly when a fellow passenger is murdered. Dorothy becomes a suspect, forcing her secretary Eliza to solve the crime before the train reaches Istanbul.

I love Kelly Oliver’s books! This one starts out as a murder mystery and ends up as a spy thriller with an ongoing series arc. The novel can be read as a standalone. It has lots of twists and a swoony romance subplot. The writing is fun and insightful. I enjoyed the audiobook narration.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.