Watson on the Orient Express

The Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery Series, Book #17

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Pub Date 06 Apr 2020 | Archive Date 14 May 2020

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Description

THE GAME’S AFOOT AGAIN IN "WATSON ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS"!

MEET THE FATHER-DAUGHTER AUTHOR TEAM REVIVING SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE’S ICONIC WORLD IN A FUN, FEMINIST, FAMILY-FRIENDLY NEW SERIES

A pernicious assassination plot. A devious decoy. And a transcontinental race against time to catch a killer . . .

London, 1898. Held captive by a diabolical criminal mastermind and his gang of thugs, Watson overhears an assassination plot that not only endangers the life of Sherlock Holmes, but threatens to ignite a war. If he has any hope of foiling his kidnappers’ nefarious plans, he must escape, and quickly. 

Eluding the familiar foe proves challenging, however. Watson is soon caught and awakens in jail, the prime suspect for two murders, dressed in the clothes of a missing man, one Lord Harwell. To save himself and prevent the assassination, Watson embarks on a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse that leads him on a harrowing journey to Constantinople aboard the famed Orient Express.

Meanwhile, Sherlock and Lucy have been called upon to discern the whereabouts of the missing Lord Harwell. The stakes become much higher when Holmes discovers the missing man has ties to an important diplomatic negotiation in Constantinople. Just as he is pulled deeper into the investigation, Holmes receives a distressing telegram from Watson himself. He and Lucy quickly board the next outgoing Orient Express in hopes of rescuing Watson and preventing a gruesome act that could very well lead the nation to war.

Success seems uncertain as the enemy looks to thwart their heroic efforts at every turn, and Watson, Holmes and Lucy become targets in an ever-more-sinister plan. Will three intrepid detectives stop the assassination and put its mastermind away for good? Or will it all be too little, too late?

***

A fresh yet faithful reimagining of the Great Detective written to resonate with readers young and old, "The Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery Series" centers on Sherlock Holmes -- as brilliant and engaging as ever -- and his daughter, Lucy James: an independent, modern-minded American actress living in Victorian London who inherited her father’s intelligence, detective skills, and bravery.

Each story centers on the fictional father-daughter duo as they collaborate on solving a crime and contains clean language, exciting conflicts, and imaginative mysteries in the Conan Doyle tradition. 

THE GAME’S AFOOT AGAIN IN "WATSON ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS"!

MEET THE FATHER-DAUGHTER AUTHOR TEAM REVIVING SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE’S ICONIC WORLD IN A FUN, FEMINIST, FAMILY-FRIENDLY NEW SERIES

A...


A Note From the Publisher

“The Sherlock Holmes & Lucy James Mystery Series” by Charles Veley and Anna Elliott to date includes seven full-length novels (The Last Moriarty [2015], The Wilhelm Conspiracy [2016], Remember, Remember [2017], The Jubilee Problem [2017], Death at the Diogenes Club [2017], The Return of the Ripper [2018], and Die Again, Mr. Holmes [2019]), two novellas (The Crown Jewel Mystery [2017] and the latest, Watson on the Orient Express, due for release on April 6, 2020) as well as seven Sherlock and Lucy short stories, published separately and also combined in one volume as The Collected Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Short Stories.

“The Sherlock Holmes & Lucy James Mystery Series” by Charles Veley and Anna Elliott to date includes seven full-length novels (The Last Moriarty [2015], The Wilhelm Conspiracy [2016], Remember...


Advance Praise

Praise for The Sherlock Holmes & Lucy James Mystery Series:

"Elliott (the Twilight of Avon trilogy) and Veley, her father, collaborate on the winning third mystery pairing Sherlock Holmes and his daughter, Lucy James. Readers will look forward to Lucy's further adventures." – Publishers Weekly (Remember, Remember: A Sherlock Holmes & Lucy James Mystery, Book #3)

“The relationship between Holmes and Watson feels genuine — a more challenging aspect that many novelists struggle with — and Lucy proves to be a marvelous addition to the world of Holmes. She is engaging, intelligent, and brings out another side to the Great Detective that readers rarely see. An intriguing take on both the Holmes canon and the most famous unsolved case in history.”

Seattle Book Review (The Return of the Ripper: A Sherlock Holmes & Lucy James Mystery, Book #7)

"Fans of Holmesian stories, historical fiction, and Victorian romance will all find something to enjoy in the Sherlock Holmes & Lucy James Mystery Series." – Critical Blast

"It might be difficult to imagine the original Holmes even having an offspring  --  much less one he accepts as an investigating partner. Still, the authors make it seem plausible, and for readers who are not purists but rather pleased to see a hint of warmth coming from Holmes, [the Sherlock & Lucy series] is a new way to enjoy Sherlockian mysteries." – The Santa Barbara Independent

Praise for The Sherlock Holmes & Lucy James Mystery Series:

"Elliott (the Twilight of Avon trilogy) and Veley, her father, collaborate on the winning third mystery pairing Sherlock Holmes and his...


Marketing Plan

"WATSON ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS" COMPANION HOMESCHOOL MODULE!

As a special bonus in acknowledgment of these unusual times, the authors Anna Elliott (a mom of four and experienced homeschool teacher) and her father Charles Veley (a former college professor) have developed a Companion Homeschool Module to celebrate the release of the latest ‘Sherlock and Lucy’ adventure.

Providing inventive and fun guided lesson plans for subjects including Geography, Science, Art History, Writing, and Cooking, the Watson on the Orient Express Companion Homeschool Module offers ways for students and their parents to dive deeper into the world of the Orient Express while enjoying the timeless entertainment that only a Sherlock Holmes story can provide.

"WATSON ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS" COMPANION HOMESCHOOL MODULE!

As a special bonus in acknowledgment of these unusual times, the authors Anna Elliott (a mom of four and experienced homeschool teacher) and...


Available Editions

EDITION Ebook
ISBN 9780999119181
PRICE $2.99 (USD)

Average rating from 48 members


Featured Reviews

This is an honest review in exchange for an arc copy from netgalley.
I loved this book, I’m a real Sherlock fan and it was good to read a story about my favourite detective. This was great as it was all about Dr Watson. It was a thoroughly good romp of a read. It was fun, light enough to read with a cup of tea and cake. I haven’t read any other books in the series but I definitely will revisit them.
This was funny, charming, descriptive, exciting and a lovely read.
I’m so glad I’ve found a new series to plough through.

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I enjoyed this new book in this series. The characters are interesting and the mystery kept me guessing. More focused on Watson and Lucy than the other characters in the series. I like reading about the Orient Express as well.

Thank you to the authors, publisher and NetGalley for by eARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Watson is kidnapped 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 one, Lord Harwell, on a dangerous mission to try to foil the plot.

At the same time, Lucy, and Holmes, have been searching both for Watson as well as the man whose identity Watson has adopted. 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.

Watson on the Orient Express is the eighth entry in the Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery series by Anna Elliott and Charles Veley. The book is divided between Watson's and Lucy's narration and, although Holmes is present, this is definitely their book and it is a whole lot of fun There are plenty of twists and turns and red herrings as well as Holmesian deductions and puzzles to grab the reader's attention and keep them glued to the page. Another well-written and entertaining addition to the Holmes canon.

<i>Thanks to Netgalley and Wilton Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review</i>

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Great fun. Sherlock Holmes teams up with his illegitimate daughter, Lucy James, to rescue Watson from an assassination in Constantinople. Or is Watson rescuing them? The authors' evocation of Holmes' and Watson's voices is spot-on, and Lucy is a fully formed character, blessed with her father's capacity to deduce and disguise, but with her own unique warmth and humor. The scenes of Watson on the Orient Express are particularly effective - tense and skillfully described. I am looking forward to the next book.

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Great book. Another adaptation on the Sherlock Holmes genre. The story is written and seen through the eyes of Watson and Lucy, with Watson having being kidnapped and Lucy working with Sherlock to stop an assassin, the story takes us on a mad ride through bombs, the orient express and double dealing to Constantinople.
A fast moving books, which has your heart in your mouth at times, there is never a dull moment. Easy to read and a book I did not want to put down.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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“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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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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Despite the fact I haven't read any of the previous books, I didn't feel all that lost in the story after reading a few blurbs about the series. I'm sure it helps that several of the characters are well known literary figures!

This was a delightful cozy mystery, perfect to read at night by the fire. I greatly enjoyed reading a book from Watson's point of view as well as hearing from a female main character. The women in this story were strong and not at all seen as inferior which is refreshing given the time period this takes place in.

The story was a lot of fun to read not only because of the characters and the well-written plot, but because of its setting aboard the famous Orient Express and the streets of Istanbul. This could definitely be read as a standalone or an introduction to the series, but if this installment is anything to go by I'm missing out by not reading the other books. I'll be looking them up because I need a new cozy mystery series in my life and this seems like a fantastic one to go with.

Full review to come on my blog.

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I requested this book through Netgalley purely based on the title... because, obviously I would. And then realized this was book 8 in the series. Although I am sure I wasn't able to appreciate some character relationships and other intricacies, I could follow the plot line just fine.

We read from the alternating POVs of Watson and Lucy (his niece?). Watson starts of being kidnapped, but manages to escape and board the Orient Express to try and stop an assassination in Constantinople. Lucy and Sherlock also board the train (two days later) to try and find him and solve their case which is somehow connected with it all.

I love Watson, but am unfamiliar with Lucy. She is a great character though... brave, resourceful and just as clever as Sherlock himself. Which is also where for me personally a problem lies... Sherlock adds very little to this story. I'm not sure it would have been very different if he hadn't been in it at all. I do have to say though that if I had read the rest of the series and grown to love Lucy through there this might not have been an issue at all.

The story itself is an incredibly easy and fun read. Although the plot is fairly predictable, it is still intriguing. Lucy has a very nice and readable voice, and already loving Watson from all of the other Sherlock Holmes books I've read it was easy to be invested in his part of the story.

Overall, although this book isn't anything special I did have a good time with it, and am certainly interested to pick up the previous books in the series.

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