A young woman begs Sherlock Holmes to help find her missing fiancé, but the great detective makes an uncharacteristic mistake. Then Sherlock’s daughter, Lucy James, takes on a missing person case of her own, but she must also keep a vicious criminal away from Becky, Lucy’s ten-year-old sister-in-law. Little Becky soon becomes dangerously involved in both cases. No one foresees the devastating news that Sherlock Holmes has been murdered. The newest adventure in this popular mystery series takes us from the Old Bailey courthouse and the seacoast lairs of smugglers to a grand British country estate and the posh financial headquarters of Lloyd’s of London. For Watson, Sherlock and Lucy, survival will require valor, sacrifice, and acts that go far, far outside the law.
Anna Elliott is an author of historical fiction and fantasy. She enjoys stories about strong women, and loves exploring the multitude of ways women can find their unique strengths. She was delighted to lend a hand with the Sherlock & Lucy series, and thrilled to continue a new spin-off series featuring Becky and Flynn. Her first series, the Twilight of Avalon trilogy, is a retelling of the Trystan & Isolde legend. She wrote her second series, The Pride & Prejudice Chronicles , chiefly to satisfy her own curiosity about what might have happened to Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy, and all the other wonderful cast of characters after the official end of Jane Austen’s classic work.
it's the first book I read in this series and it won't surely be last. I appreciated the style of writing, the fleshed out characters and found the plot entertaining and engaging. I look forward to reading other books in this series. Highly recommended! Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC
Holmes has faked his own death before. But this time, there are witnesses to his shooting. And he hasn’t just disappeared. His coat has been recovered from the water, with bullet holes and blood!
Die Again, Mr. Holmes is the latest in Charles Veley and Anna Elliott’s Sherlock Holmes & Lucy James Mystery series. This eighth book takes readers to the seacoast and a grand British country estate — as well as inside the iconic Lloyd’s of London — to solve a crime and revenge the death of Watson’s partner and Lucy’s Father.
At the novel’s start, both Lucy and Sherlock find themselves involved in finding missing persons, but of course the real mystery is so much more complicated than that. Lucy’s sleuthing and Sherlock’s case dovetail, so they find themselves collaborating to solve the crime, yet Sherlock, making an uncharacteristic mistake, appears to have been murdered before the disparate pieces can all come together!
With so many twists and turns, the plot is a well constructed feast for fans of the whodunnit. Constant action holds readers engaged, while complications in the story keep them guessing. And the authors continue to adeptly develop their characters so that audiences feel invested in the action.
Die Again, Mr. Holmes is great read for all ages who love excitement of mysteries, though it is especially perfect for those who crave daring female leads. More family friendly than other reprisals of the iconic Sherlock Holmes mysteries, Veley and Elliott’s versions are a wholesome pleasure for readers who crave adventure, intrigue, and empowerment.
The father daughter writing team of Charles Veley and Anna Elliott have created a series that adds wonderfully to the Sherlock Holmes adaptations. In this version, Sherlock is a father. His daughter, Lucy is every bit as intelligent like her father has mastered deductive reasoning An American actress, now living in London, she is newly married to Jack, who now works for Scotland Yard. Completing their family is Becky who is Jack's younger sister.
In this novel, Sherlock takes on the opium trade. When asked to assist the crown in locating a huge missing shipment of the drug, he declines. While opium use is legal in Britain, at this time, Holmes sees the damage caused by addiction, thus chooses not to participate. He is drawn back into the matter when three people he was helping are found dead. Trouble is also headed towards Becky, Jack's ward. Her father has been released from prison and is determined to reclaim her. Becky usual spunky resilience is completely submerged by the terrifying prospect of living with her father.
The novel is written from two points of view. Charles Veley writes the chapters narrated by Watson. Anna Elliott writes with Lucy's voice. The vocabulary and descriptions well researched leading the reader to feel they are back 1898 with Holmes and his company. Witnesses do report Holmes drowning in the Thames. Is another adventure like that found at Reichenbach Falls? No spoilers here.
Full disclosure I received this copy from Netgalley and Smith Publications in exchange for an unbiased review.
This novel had a lot of up and down moments for me. One moment, I was completely sure I wouldn't keep reading it, the next I couldn't seem to put it down because I wanted to know what happened. In the end, I'm glad I stuck with ir and finished it out.
1898 and at a trial Sherlock Holmes is approached by Miss Florence Janine to find her missing fiancé, Inspector John Swafford. Unfortunately he doesn't consider the case with any urgency. Meanwhile Lucy James investigates the case of the missing personal maid of Lady Lynley. Also the British government wants Holmes to locate if it exists missing opium from three ships, supposedly lost in a typhoon but one of the crates has turned up in London. Another interesting well-written mystery in this series. I also like the main characters of this series plus Dr. Watson and the family of Lucy. It is easily read as a standalone story but I would recommend reading the earlier books to chart the progression of the interplay between the characters. A NetGalley Book
Another solid performance from this narrating duo; and frankly that is was saves this story. By now it is de riguour to present two mysteries that converge toward the end. Lucy investigates a missing person while Holmes tries to unravel a similar case that appears to involve an opium smuggling scheme … which is the first misstep. As noted several times in the story, selling opium was actually legal at the time, so such an operation must therefore take huge risks just to avoid the custom fees (which I am sure would be able to fund such a powerful cartel ). Stir in a bit of moralizing and preaching about the evils of said legal product and it all seems quite out of place for the time period. To make matters so much worse … the story appears to glorify torture and kidnapping (by the good guys) that is very nearly a bridge too far for me; I expected a lot more perception and deduction for a Holmes story (it is after all what lifts such stories above its peers). To be clear … the story is not too bad, I was just expecting better so it was an overall disappointment.
I was given this free advance review/listener copy (ARC) audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
When reviewing a series, particularly a mystery series, it is difficult to keep dissembling about everything and anything about the plot. I don't do spoilers. I am totally enjoying the Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James mysteries and have started to dissect the reasons why. I think the number one reason for me is language and the way it is used. I was thinking about why I am drawn to stories, mysteries in particular, set in Victorian times, and I realized that it is the language that provides a rather peaceful interlude after reading something in a modern setting. I think that over time we have all become somewhat inured to the graphic language used in the modern mystery or thriller. Why use a great phrase when a four-letter word will accomplish the same thing? I have often gone back to mysteries written at an earlier time for just this reason. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against well-placed curse words, but sometimes I just need a break from that kind of tension.
As an avid reader in multiple genres, I am struck by the tone of books published after 2016. It would seem that nearly everything has a nod at the political climate of not only the United States but the world in general. For example, Lucy James is a thoroughly modern young woman who refuses to be denied on the basis of her sex. Can you say feminist? After their first meeting, her now husband, Jack Kelly, started calling her Trouble as a sign of both his affection and understanding of how Lucy looks at the world. Jack may worry, but he won't stand in her way and will always back her up.
Yes I am dissembling.
On May 4, 1891, Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty fell to their deaths; in 1901 Sherlock Holmes reappeared in THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES. The Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James mysteries cover that time period with adventures that could not be shared with the public because they are of a sensitive national nature. Although more and more people become aware of the fact the Holmes lives, it is still generally unknown to the vast public. When I picked up DIE AGAIN, MR. HOLMES, I assumed the title was making reference to the incident at Reichenbach Falls, but, you will find, there is more to it than that.
It may come as a surprise to many readers that opium and the infamous opium dens were legal during the Victorian era. They were taxed and made money for the crown. Laudanum was a highly sought drug consisting of a tincture of opium and alcohol and could be purchased at any number of different shops. At a class I took years ago where one of the required readings was "The Consumer's Union Report on Licit & Illicit Drugs", by Edward M. Brecher, originally published in 1973. One of the things I learned from the report (actually a pretty hefty tome) was that it was common practice to prescribe alcohol to drug addicts, and drugs, such as laudanum to alcoholics. I mention this because a similar premise exists in DIE AGAIN, MR. HOLMES.
Although the original Holmes canon and the subsequent additions by authors such as Anna Elliott and Charles Veley are considered mysteries, I cannot separate them from good historical fiction. There is so much more to these stories than just a whodunit.
If you enjoy a good mystery, and it just happens to be set in Victorian London, I highly recommend that you start with the first book in the series, THE LAST MORIARTY, and work your way through all of the tales by the father and daughter team of Charles Veley and Anna Elliott.
I would be remiss if I didn't note the homage paid to Stephen King's most famous hotelier, Jack Torrance. Although referred to only as Mr. Torrance, the mental connection was, for me, immediate.
Shees! This series keeps getting better and better!
Now, Lucy and Jack are married and Becky is loving having a big sister who not only shares her thirst for adventures but who knows her well enough to acknowledge her intelligence and independent strike to not baby her.
So, when Becky's father gets out of prison and makes clear his wish to reclaim her neither Jack nor Lucy are hiding this fact from her. Neither is the one that they will do EVERYTHING to keep her. And, as Lucy has a case based in Lincolnshire, it is there where they both go. Only to find that the case of the missing maid might be related to some criminal's doings.
Meanwhile, Holmes is working on a case in London, linked with the dreadful opium trade, which has already taken innocent lives.
These stories are always brimming with historical facts and they are happening surrounding real events but here this is brought to the next level. We have a closer look at the shameful business of opium, how it comes to be and the consequences caused by this very lucrative, undoubtedly legal but most certainly hurtful trade.
By the title and the blurb, you already know that Holmes 'dies' in this story and I'm sure that is not a spoiler, at all, to say that he doesn't stay dead for long :P And, although everybody is shocked by the, apparently incontrovertible news of his demise, they all still have too present his last death. They are worried, sure, but still hopeful.
The case is, as usual, complex and filled with less than honourable people, and every character shines in their own way. And yet some of the best moments of the story are the ones between Becky and Finn. These two are fearless and thick as thieves which, yes, leads them to get in looooooooots of troubles but also helps them to get away from them *laughs*
Die Again, Mr. Holmes Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery Written by Anna Elliott and Charles Veley Narrated by Simon Prebble and Wendy Tremont King
I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Die Again, Mr. Holmes, co-authored by the father and daughter team Anna Elliott and Charles Veley, revolves around the father and daughter sleuth team, Sherlock and Lucy. The main characters are Sherlock and John Watson, with the added benefit of his daughter, Lucy. Sherlock and Watson are involved in their investigation, while Lucy follows her own investigation; they have no idea how closely their adventures will become intertwined. In Die Again, Mr Holmes, the authors weave a mesmerizing tale of mystery and intrigue with all the necessary ingredients present in the book to grab readers' attention. As this is my first time discovering this series, I will definitely be exploring the rest. My favourite character is Sherlock, but I enjoyed how Lucy fits with the pair. In this scenario, Sherlock feels more human as he has a daughter, and Watson being called “Uncle John” gives a fresh outlook on the detecting duo. The character portrayed as Lucy is resilient; she shows strength and courage, a chip off the old block, as they say.
I listened to the audio version of the story, and the narrators fit perfectly. Simon Prebble's voice is ideal for the Sherlock Holmes era, while Wendy Tremont King's American accent is a perfect fit for Lucy. It is an enjoyable and very pleasurable experience as the characters all play their parts well. I am pleased to give the book five out of five stars because it has a gripping narrative and depth that immerse readers in the story, allowing them to experience it deeply. This compelling experience warrants a perfect rating. I recommend this book to fans of Sherlock Holmes and mystery thrillers in general.
This review is for the ebook as well as the Audible.
The storyline of this book was fast moving and quite a ride. The Audible really makes the characters come alive, especially Lucy. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle couldn't have made her a more likeable character. The plotline starts with a missing girl, missing diamonds and a hell of a lot of missing opium. Three missing ships full! And all of them are three separate cases being investigated separately by Lucy (the missing girl) and Sherlock and Watson (missing diamonds) before Sherlock learns about the missing opium.
Throw in a missing police Constable and the cases really get hot when he turns up murdered. Sherlock feels a little guilty when the fiancee that hired Sherlock about her missing fiancee also ends up murdered. I learned more about the opium trade than I wanted too but the most surprising part was how it was legal in England at the time. And the different sections of government and businesses that profited off of it.
Don't want to get anymore into the plots other than to say this book was extremely well written with the storyline seamlessly flowing from one chapter, and narrator, to another. Even Becky gets her own chapters. What a brilliant character. She is scary smart for such a young girl. My only question is who took care of Prince when everyone was either out of town or working long hours? Poor Mrs. Hudson?
Of course I highly recommend this book WITH the Audible. The narrator's are fantastic. I wish I had Audible for the rest of my books. Hopefully there are some being made for the remaining books that are missing them.
I received a free Audible for this book. My opinion is voluntary and honest.
"Die Again, Mr. Holmes" eBook was published in 2019 and was written by Anna Elliott (http://www.annaelliottbooks.com) and Charles Veley (https://sherlockandlucy.com). Ms. Elliott has authored or co-authored more than a dozen novels. Mr. Veley has authored or co-authored eight novels. This is the eighth novel in the "The Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mysteries" series.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘G’. The story is set in 1898 England. The primary characters are Sherlock Holmes and his young American daughter, Lucy James.
Both Holmes and James have missing person cases they are working on independently. James though has the complication of also having to protect her 10-year-old sister-in-law Becky from her estranged criminal father. Then the news that devastates them all - Holmes has died! Will James and the faithful Watson be able to protect the young Becky and find the missing woman without Holmes?
I thoroughly enjoyed the 8.5 hours I spent reading this 471-page Sherlock Holmes mystery. This is the second novel in this series I have read (the other "Remember, Remember" I read back in late 2017). I have thoroughly enjoyed them both. The mystery definitely has the feel of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's original stories. I think that the cover art was well chosen. I give this novel a 5 out of 5.
A woman seeks the assistances of Sherlock Holmes to discover where the man she loves has gone. An uptight noblewoman has lost her maid and requests the help of Lucy James to find her. Sherlock and his daughter are at it again in the gripping mystery with all the familiar characteristics of the classic Holmes we love.
Die Again, Mr. Holmes is another Holmes/James mystery that is sure to keep you turning the pages. I was skeptical when I received this book for a review. As someone who loves Doyle’s classic character as well as Robert Downey Jr. and Benedict Cumberbatch’s portrayals of the detective, I wasn’t sure that this book could stand up to such a large character. But I was pleasantly surprised. I thoroughly enjoyed following Holmes and his daughter on their adventures as they try to track down the two missing people and suddenly find that their cases are related.
In true Sherlock fashion, there is plenty of intrigue and plots that Holmes has neglected to share with his counterparts. Among the staple characters of Holmes and Watson, we’re introduced to quite a few new ones as well. While this is not the first book of this series, it makes me want to read from the beginning and explore the history of Holmes and his daughter.
**I received a copy of this book from Smith Publicity for an honest review.**
It’s hard to think of Sherlock Holmes without Arthur Conan Doyle as the writer but I believe as a sequel to those wonderful stories these come quite close. No, they are not Conan Doyle but they are not supposed to be. The new characters are as believable as was Sherlock. Why can the series not evolve? With a daughter as cunning as Sherlock himself and the involvement of her set of cohorts this story was delightful. Lucy James is the daughter of the famous Sherlock Holmes and wants to solve mysteries just as her father is doing. The issues are complex, beginning with the death of Holmes, and the interplay of the characters is good. They are trying to move forward after this disaster but are not sure what is truth and what maybe fiction. So the unraveling of each thread tells more of the story. Meanwhile, a love interest develops and the action keeps the reader’s interest. A strong woman character is what pushes the story forward but Holmes is the anchor. This was a good read.
I'm a sucker for anything related to Sherlock Holmes, and was delighted to find this book in what I see is a series of sequels to the Conan Doyle series. Anna Elliott and Charles Veley, daughter and father authors, collaborate to create suspenseful and intelligent mysteries, each creating a separate voice. Elliott voices Lucy, the daughter of Sherlock Holmes (and I need to look into how THAT was discovered!), and Veley writes the chapters told from Watson's point of view. Only one minor criticism -- either I need to read faster, or I need to take notes, because at some points when I jumped from one narrator to another, with different settings, I could not remember a character that was being referred to. I had to go back and see "just where have I met this person, before?" But that might be just me. All in all, I would be definitely interested in checking out others in this series --- since this one is apparently #7!
~Disclaimer: I received a free audiobook copy of this book.~
Die Again, Mr. Holmes by Anna Elliott and Charles Veley is a great addition to the series, starting with the supposed death of Sherlock Holmes, followed by a series of mysteries that keep the reader on edge. The book deals with issues like opium and smuggling, adding a layer of reality to the plot. The overall tone and plot of the story are consistent with the previous installments, which will satisfy fans of the series. I do feel that the longer the series goes on the more flexible the morals of our main characters get. However, there are some audio inconsistencies in the narration, which can be distracting at times. The issue is usually between the two different narrators, but this time even Simon Prebble had inconsistencies in the quality of his narration. Despite this, the use of dual narrators adds to the immersion of the two POVs.
Die Again, Mr. Holmes is the eight installment and my first introduction to A Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery by the father daughter duo, Anna Elliott and Charles Veley. Even though it is the eighth book of the series, it can be read as a stand alone. I enjoyed this book. I liked how the authors used the beloved classic detective, Sherlock Holmes, teaming up with his daughter, Lucy. Their two mysteries intertwined with one another, putting the two on quite an adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed the suspense and was caught off guard on how the it all unfolded in the end.
I am giving Die Again, Mr. Holmes four and a half stars. I would love to catch up on the series and read the other books from A Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
This was a good book. I did not enjoy this as much as the earlier stories. That I am sure was influenced by the fact that for quite a while the book was told in separate parts with Lucy and Becky in the countryside working on one mystery while Sherlock and Watson were in London working on a different mystery. The story went back and forth between locations which for me makes it harder to follow. There several mysteries swirled together in this book that are ultimately tied together. Add in the twist of Beckys father appearing and seeking custody of her. Story was a little long but I look forward to reading the next book
This is the longest one of these books that I've read to date and the plot was the most convoluted. Lucy is now married and has become very close with her husband's sister. The two of them frequently have adventures together, and this is one of them. The whole thing is sparked by the murder of a policeman. We end up finding out a whole lot about the opium wars and England's rather shameful part in them. And Sherlock dies again, and resurrects again, and he makes it all work out in the end. I loved the book and you will too.
Another will written British 🏰 murder mystery adventure thriller novel book eight in The Sherlock Holmes & Lucy James Mysteries by Anna Elliott and Charles Veley. Sherlock is called into the investigation of the drug 💉 trade between China and England. A number of murders occur as the investigation leading to 👍 a number of criminals. Sherlock, Lucy, and Watson bring the investigation too a successful conclusion. I would highly recommend this series to readers of mysteries and Sherlock Holmes fans. Enjoy the adventure of reading. 2022 👑👒😀
Opiates, addiction, money, smuggling, fraud, and a small town and hotel with secrets are part of this extra special one. Holmes disappears and Watson, Lucy, Jack, the local police and those in power in the British government all work together to stop a new medicine causing addiction. The presence of a new terribly addicting drug makes this a special one for those who have known people effected with addiction problems.
I loved reading this Sherlock Holmes story, which is also based on historical events. And unlike many detective novels, this series includes several family members and friends who are also involved in finding clues and bringing criminals to justice. I especially like Becky and Flyn, brave and intelligent pre-teens whoare able to fly under the radar of suspects because of their ages.
I'm enjoying every book in this series. This series feeds the desire for more Sherlock Holmes. I've already read all of Conan Doyle's twice. I really like the character Lucy James and the collaboration between her and her father, Sherlock Holmes. I gave this book 4 stars because I liked some of the other books in the series quite a bit more.
It's a fast read. I downloaded the book in May but didn't start it until August or September.
Anna Elliott & Charles Veley working together come out with a beautiful written mysteries as they always do.
Once again more proves better as Simon Prebble & Wendy Termont King narration sounding the characters so perfectly, as usual creating a beautifully done audiobook.
The best yet of this very good series. Lots of moving parts, such as three ships carrying tons of opium are purportedly lost at sea. Lots of intrigue as high-level government officials, as well as Lords and Ladies, are involved. All members of the Holmes team get to play significant parts in sharing the danger and imparting the solution, even Flynn.
This is the first book I've read in the series. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series. This was a highly entertaining mystery told through mostly two points of view, Dr Watson and Lucy. The two stories intersect and are told in an exciting manner. I highly recommend this book.
Enjoyable mystery with many twists. It is a good read with strong family title values during difficult times. If you like the old Sherlock Holmes stories, you will like this series.
Any chance to revisit Sherlock Holmes is welcome and here it is done well. The language is true to the period and plots historically possible (albeit perhaps not probable). Good job !
This may be the last of the full length stories before the short stories collection but I seem to recall one about the orient Express and it being full length, but I will have to check after review since on smartphone.
I continue to enjoy these novels.They follow along the canon of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, although not too strictly. I look forward to the next installment.