A wise and clever plot.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Blue Diamond is the Sixth installment in author Leonard Goldberg's The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes series. As with the previous Five installments, this story is narrated by Dr. John Watson Jr, husband of Joanna Holmes Watson, with his father. Dr. Watson, former chronicler of Sherlock Holmes, along for the mystery and to give his own Sherlock inspired commentary. During a critical stage in World War One, the Governor-General of South Africa journeys to London for a meeting of The Imperial War Conference.

Days prior to the conference, the Governor-General is scheduled to have an audience at Buckingham Palace at which time a most precious blue diamond will be presented to King Edward as a symbolic gesture of the colonies’ resolute and never-ending allegiance to England. The flawless blue diamond, with its magnificent luster, weighs nearly 3000 carats which renders it one of the world’s largest and most valuable gems.

On the Governor-General’s arrival, he is ensconced at the fashionable Windsor Hotel under the tightest security, with his entire entourage and formidable security team occupying the entire penthouse floor. All entrances and exits are locked down and closely guarded, and no one is allowed entrance after 6 PM. Despite the extreme precautions, the famous diamond is stolen from the Governor-General’s suite in the middle of the night, with no clues left behind.

This isn't the first sensational robbery at a named hotel. Before the Windsor was hit, there was the Fairmont, and St. Reyes all over a 10 day period. One of the other rare items stolen was a Ming Era vase. Enter Inspector Lestrade, and Sir Charles Bradberry, Scotland Yard Commissioner. With Scotland Yard baffled, Joanna Holmes Watson, her husband Dr. John Watson, and Sherlock Holmes chronicler Dr. John H. Watson MD, are called in to investigate the theft and it becomes clear that the crime is not simply the work of a master thief.

Joanna quickly learns that this is only the tip of the mystery. To make things even more dire, a war document has also been stolen, and if it falls into German hands, millions of allies will be slaughtered. Time is of the essence. As she gets closer and closer to the mechanics of just how the diamond was stolen and by whom, and if their South African allies are actually frauds, Joanna and the Watson's suddenly become targets for murder. And, when chips are down, Joanna once again calls on Toby Too and her group of street urchins who are slowly growing up to be adults.

Since this story takes place in November of 1917, there is a lot of historical ties to actual historical characters. There is more realism than before in that the author puts our characters in harms way of German bombs, and the devastation that they left behind. For Sherlock fans, the author mentions a specific case called Adventure of the Dancing Men which means that readers will finally get a look at the infamous Sherlock Holmes code book he used to break the case.

The Blue Diamond is the 6th book in Leonard Goldberg's The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes Mysteries series. If you haven't read the previous books, don't fret. I started this series with book 5, and the mystery in each one stands alone. I was having a hard time getting into the story, and I was just about to give it up; however, the spies were introduced. Spies during World War I...now you got me!

In 1917, London is a dangerous place with the world at war, and German bombing raids are wreaking havoc on her buildings and people. During this critical stage of the war, the Governor-General of South Africa is in London to attend The Imperial War Conference. Before the conference the Governor-General is to meet at Buckingham Palace with King Edward; he will present a priceless blue diamond to the King as a symbol of the colonies' allegiance to England. The Governor-General is staying at the Windsor Hotel with the tightest security available; however, that doesn't stop the theft of the precious gem without a single clue being left. Scotland Yard can't figure it out. Who are they going to call? Well, the daughter of Sherlock Holmes and the Watsons, of course! Their investigation leads them to believe this isn't just the work of a master thief, but a diabolical plan that can turn the tide of the war in favor of the Germans. The mystery must be solved before the allied war plans are irreversibly ruined.

This mystery also involved the thefts of a Ming vase and military plans in addition to the blue diamond, which seems a bit complicated. I assure you, however, that they are all tied together. We mere mortals couldn't figure it out, but the daughter of Sherlock Holmes certainly can! Well, with a little help from her husband, Dr. John Watson, Jr., and the friend and colleague of the dearly departed Sherlock Holmes, Dr. John Watson, Sr. I really like Joanna's husband, who narrates the story, and Dr. Watson, Sr., who is actually my favorite character. Joanna, however, is an acquired taste; she's not exactly a warm and cuddly person, not by a longshot! She is, however, brilliant. As in the prior book, there are some signs that she is a caring woman deep inside. In this instance you could tell how much she deeply cares for her father-in-law. It doesn't, however, stop me from wanting to slap her Turkish cigarettes out of her hand! The usual supporting characters are present, including beloved housekeeper Miss Hudson and the Baker Street Irregulars, a ruffian gang of children who help Joanna and the Watsons in their investigations. The investigations into the thefts from the hotels dragged a bit for me. (Yes, I know, that's why fans read this series. I'm...well, let's just say unique.). However, once the story turned to the hunt for spies and the effort of keeping the Germans from using the stolen goods to give them an advantage in the war, I was hooked. Things became very exciting from that point forward. Should be interesting to see what Joanna and the Watsons get up to next.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

November 1917. After two robberies at hotels, the Blue Diamond is stolen from the hotel suite of the Governor-General of South Africa while staying at the Windsor Hotel. Joanna, daughter of Sherlock and the two doctor Watsons are brought in to investigate. But then secret war plans are stolen, and their lives are threatened. Can they all survive, find the guilty parties and retrieve all the stolen items.
An entertaining and well-written mystery with its likeable and interesting three main characters, especially the two Doctor Watsons. This is another good addition to the series which can easily be read as a standalone story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A rash of hotel thefts of some highly valuable items and Sherlock Holmes' daughter Joanna is on it!

I really liked the mystery in this book even thought there was a lot to keep track of (a vase, a diamond, military papers, a death). This book really had that Sherlock Holmes feel to it too and of course the book included the Watsons (which includes Joanna now too). The problem solving was great to connect multiple crimes all the while dealing with some crazy assasins.

I hope there are more books with these characters because they really had some good dialog and kept me wanting to discover more details with the case.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

I love a good Sherlock Holmes mystery! I love that Sherlock Holmes' daughter Joanna married John Watson's son John Jr. and it's entertaining to see how similar Joanna is to her father.

This was book was interesting, but it was not as entertaining as other books in this series. It was a little slow for me.

Thanks Netgalley and publisher for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

Another excellent Sherlockian mystery! As with previous Daughter of Sherlock Holmes mysteries, this one jumps right into the story with minor setting or exposition. I think that storytelling choice works so well for this series, as Joanna is just as straight forward and no nonsense. We’re nearing the height of the Great War here, and that sets up the story.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes is back with her toughest case yet!

Two premier hotels in London had valuable items stolen out of one of the guest rooms over the past two nights, prompting hotel owners to request for added protection from Scotland Yard. But it is not until a third hotel has an item stolen that Joanna Watson, her husband, and father-in-law are solicited for their assistance. The Governor-General of South Africa is in London to visit the crown and has brought with him the famous Blue Diamond that was discovered as a gift. But even with the entire penthouse suite provided to the security entourage, the thief has somehow managed to break-in and make out with the diamond without anyone being aware.

As the Watsons go about observing to discover all the facts, another break in is committed at the same hotel. This time to a French Diplomat whose wife’s necklace and bracelet were stolen as well as his briefcase which contained a most important document that could be used to turn the war into England’s favor against Germany. With national secrets on the line, the Watsons must act quickly before the Germans can discover the military’s plans, but someone is willing to kill the Watsons to move the plan forward. Will they be able to stop them? Or is it the end of the line to the daughter of Sherlock Holmes?

This is one of those series that I can’t wait for the next installment every year! It always winds up on my “best of” list and the “looking forward to” list! The mysteries are always so intertwined that my brain keeps turning throughout the whole book trying to keep with Joanna and figure out who is the culprit. Just when I think I have it figured out, Goldberg throws in a curveball to keep me guessing right up till the end with Joanna reveals it all. I’ve read all the Daughter of Sherlock Holmes series and have enjoyed each one. They can be read as a standalone or you can enjoy them one at a time throughout the series. There is some character growth throughout each book and I love seeing several repeat characters throughout each story and how they grow as well. Just a great mystery that all will love!

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

I'm a huge fan of this series! It's a brilliant and clever take on the Sherlock Holmes mystique. Johanna and the Watson are smart and richly developed characters. I enjoy seeing what mystery Mr. Goldberg sets in front of them in each episode to solve. This latest is set during the days of WWI. This latest mystery that Johanna and the Watsons are called in to solve involves the disappearance of a 3000 carat blue diamond...it is worth a fortune, and Scotland Yard is unable to solve it's theft.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Blue Diamond by Leonard Goldberg (Daughter of Sherlock Homes #6) 4 stars

Joanna, the daughter of Sherlock Holmes and the Watsons are called in to investigate a series of high value thefts that is baffling Scotland Yard. What appears to a locked room mystery turns out to be something more and now Joanna and company must solve the puzzle – the fate of the British empire may hinge on the solution.

This was an intriguing mystery; filled with references to past cases of Sherlock Homes. Danger, kidnapping and a race to beat a dangerous deadline make this an action packed mystery. I liked this book and look forward to the next one in this series.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martins Press/Minotaur for this ARC.

"Food. Water, Diamonds. You know the essentials." (Rue Lala)

Leonard Goldberg tosses us a rock in this one. A giant one that sparkles and carries a lot of mega weight. Not even JLo comes near this one with all of her famous engagements.

The crush of World War I is upon the world. And countries fear the worst. Protection is at the core. So the Governor-General of South Africa travels the distance to London for the Imperial War Conference. And in his possession is a remarkable 3,000 carat diamond of the highest quality. The plan is to present it to King Edward at Buckingham Palace. He and his entourage will be staying at the elegant Windsor Hotel on the sixth floor among other guilded guests and dignitaries.

But not all plans head in the right direction under the right circumstances. The Governor has discovered that this priceless blue treasure has been stolen even with all the security in place. It's as if the gem disappeared into thin air. No trails or traces of the thief.

Next stop: Joanna Holmes Watson, daughter of Sherlock and wife to Dr. John Watson, Jr.. John Watson, son of the famous sidekick of the late Sherlock Holmes, is the voice of this novel. He and Joanna have a young son away at boarding school. We'll take note that Dr. Watson, Sr. will be having some concerning health issues as time moves this series forward.

But it is Joanna, front and center, who is at the core of this novel. As readers, we enjoy the workings of her mind much akin to her late father's. As she gets closer and closer to the mechanics of just how the diamond was stolen and by whom, we find that all of their lives are in danger. And this spreads to the British government and its own security being compromised by spies. Joanna is warned not to open untimely packages being sent to their residence.

The Blue Diamond is quite the read. Even though it's the sixth bookin this series, it can be read as a standalone. We all have the basic knowledge of the Holmes/Watson inquiry. And this one shapes up to the upcoming challenges brought by the war in London. Goldberg provides the surround sound through bombings and destruction by the Germans. And it comes far too close for this famous family. Can't wait for the next one to come our way.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Minotaur Books and to Leonard Goldberg for the opportunity.

Title: The Blue Diamond
Author: Leonard Goldberg
Genre: Historical fiction
Rating: 4 out of 5

During a critical stage in World War One, the Governor-General of South Africa journeys to London for a meeting of The Imperial War Conference. Days prior to the conference, the Governor-General is scheduled to have an audience at Buckingham Palace at which time a most precious blue diamond will be presented to King Edward as a symbolic gesture of the colonies’ resolute and never-ending allegiance to England.

The flawless blue diamond, with its magnificent luster, weighs nearly 3000 carats which renders it one of the world’s largest and most valuable gems. On the Governor-General’s arrival, he is ensconced at the fashionable Windsor Hotel under the tightest security, with his entire entourage and formidable security team occupying the entire penthouse floor. All entrances and exits are locked down and closely guarded, and no one is allowed entrance after 6 PM.

Despite the extreme precautions, the famous diamond is stolen from the Governor-General’s suite in the middle of the night, with no clues left behind. With Scotland Yard baffled, Joanna and the Watsons are called in to investigate the theft and it becomes clear that the crime is not simply the work of a master thief, but one that could greatly aid the Germans and turn the tide of war in their favor. Time is of the essence and the blue diamond must be recovered before it begins its travels which could cause irreparable damage to the allied war plans.

I enjoyed this read, although, as always, I feel a bit slow when reading (or watching, for that matter) a Sherlock adventure of any sort. I also enjoy locked room mysteries, and this more or less fits the bill. There was enough action to keep me interested, and enough time with all the characters that my brain didn’t go numb from all the introspection and deductions going on. This is the second book I’ve read in this series, and I do recommend it.

Leonard Goldberg is from Charleston. The Blue Diamond is his newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s press/Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review.)

Joanna Watson is investigating the penthouse robberies in two hotels assisted by her husband, Dr. Watson, and his father, the Dr. Watson who was the companion of Joanna’s father, Sherlock Holmes, when she is called to the Windsor to investigate a third. The Governor-General of South Africa was to present a rare blue diamond as a gift to King George. It was stolen from his suite, which was heavily guarded. Inspection of the suite leaves few clues to the thief’s entry or escape. At the time of the theft, a doorman was fatally injured by a metal object that Joanna identifies as a piton, used by mountain climbers. The same climbing technique that was used to steal the blue diamond is once again used to steal military documents from the suite of a French minister.

WWI is raging across Europe. After the third battle of Ypres the troops are demoralized. The plans that were stolen outlined a trap planned by the Allies to help turn the tide of the war. Intelligence has picked up communications between a spy in London and Germany that reference these plans. Time is running out for Joanna and the Watsons to find the thief and recover the plans. There is a traitor among the South African delegation and they have brought in an assassin to stop Joanna’s investigation, but like her father, she will not be stopped.

Leonard Goldberg has substituted Turkish cigarettes for Holmes’ pipe. Joanna paces the same floors as her father at 221b Baker Street and tea is still served by Miss Hudson. Joanna depends on the senior Dr. Watson as a sounding board and values his advice. When necessary, she can still call on Wiggins and the Baker Street Irregulars. With a puzzle that is perplexing and familiar faces, The Blue Diamond is sure to please Sherlockians and have them looking forward to Joanna’s next case. I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing this book for my review.

Set in London during WWI, The sixth in the Daughter of Sherlock Holmes Mystery series, The Blue Diamond is packed to the gills with mysteries, secret documents, robberies, assassins, security (or not), spying and even murder. Joanna Holmes is married to Dr. Watson's son, her second marriage. She and both Watson men use their intellect, skills and prowess to solve crimes, especially as Scotland Yard needs help. Joanna's mind works the same as her father's which is fun to see for me as a lover of all things Sherlock. However, her dear father in law is experiencing heart problems.

The Governor General of South Africa is visiting London and is detached from his incredibly rare, pristine and massive 3,000 carat blue diamond. Not only is the case enveloped in foggy crimes but also WWI politics, intelligence and German spying. Who is on which side?

My favourite aspect of the story is the dynamic between the three lead characters and observing how their minds work in different yet complementary ways. The whodunits are always clever but for me they are not the only enjoyable portions of the book.

Historical Fiction Mystery lovers ought to seek out this clean, fun and witty series. You won't regret it. I have read and enjoyed all six thus far. Though each can be read as standalones, it is a worthwhile series to become involved in.

My sincere thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this charmer!

It's WWI London and someone has been stealing from the penthouse suites of London hotels but this time, this time the thief has gone too far. Joanna Holmes and her husband Dr. John Watson are called in after a 3000 carat blue diamond is stolen from the Governor General of South Africa and a hotel employee is injured. There's a connection to Germany which would benefit from the diamond so Joanna has more reason than usual to get answers quickly. Her father in law, THE Watson, has been suffering from heart troubles but he's back in fine form here helping to unravel clues. Joanna and her family come under attack of sorts from the bad guys but canny readers know she will win. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. As always. this series is fun and each installment is a good read even as a standalone.

The Blue Diamond is the sixth book in the Daughter of Sherlock Holmes series. It is an interesting continuation of the series involving Joanna Holmes, Dr Watson’s son, and his father, Dr Watson the elder.

The Blue Diamond is very much in the style of the Sherlock Holmes books. His daughter Joanna is a brilliant know-it-all like her father and she is a formidable character. The story is full of facts and details the reader needs to take note of and keep track of to figure out the mystery.

I enjoyed the straightforward and meticulous way Joanna worked through and solved the mystery. I also liked the way the elderly Dr. Watson was involved in this book.

If you are a Sherlock Holmes fan and want more Sherlockian-type mysteries, this book is for you!

I received a complimentary eARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

It's WWI London and Joanna Watson, daughter of the famous Sherlock Holmes along with her husband, John Watson, Jr and his father John, Sr. are embarking upon another baffling case. What do The Blue Diamond, a Ming vase and secret government documents all have in common? Other than the fact that they have all been stolen from posh local hotels with tight security, who is behind the crimes? While the diamond and the vase are very valuable, the most important of the three is the case containing the documents concerning future troop movements in Belgium. Time is of the essence and Joanna and the Watsons must find the thief and thwart an assassin. They are on the assassin's hit list.
So many threads to follow, each one keeping the reader wanting to read just one more chapter. The pacing is perfect - slow to fit the period. The characters are well drawn and the puzzle, as always in this series, is satisfying to the end. Spending time with this dynamic trio at 221B Baker Street along with Miss Hudson is wonderful. Though this is the sixth book in the series it works as a stand alone.
My thanks to the publisher Minotaur and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

The Blue Diamond by Leonard Goldberg is the sixth mystery in the The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes Mysteries series. I’m this mystery, Joanna, Sherlock Holmes’ daughter, along with Watson and his son, John, help Scotland Yard track down a thief who has struck at many at Windsor Hotel.

The Blue Diamond is the first mystery I have read in this series, but even though I have missed the first five mysteries, I enjoyed this one. I have always loved Sherlock Holmes and I really enjoyed getting to explore this series and the new take on Sherlockian mysteries. I enjoyed the characters and was delighted that Watson made an appearance in this series. The parallels between the original Sherlock Holmes mysteries and this mystery were great and kept me intrigued. The only thing I could say that somewhat bothered me was the fact that I found this to be a slow read, but that shouldn’t be surprising since I find Sherlock Holmes to be the same way. Overall I really enjoyed this take on the Sherlockian world and look forward to going back and reading this series from the beginning.

Love the daughter of the Sherlock Holmes series!! Clever writing that is sharp witted and imaginative. The interchange among Joanna and the Watsons, is skillful. The book holds your interest with twists and turns and with Joanna always noodling around all the angles to find the culprits. Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC.

This is the sixth in Leonard Goldberg’s series of mysteries featuring Joanna Watson, the daughter of Sherlock Holmes, her husband John Watson, Jr., who narrates the series, and his father, the original Dr. Watson. In 1917, the Governor-General of South Africa plans to present an immensely valuable blue diamond to the King at Buckingham Palace as part of the Imperial War Conference. When the diamond is stolen from the Governor-General’s suite at the Windsor Hotel, in spite of the tightest security, Scotland Yard calls Joanna and the Watsons to the scene. It turns out that the theft is only one of a series of crimes. A war document containing the plans for the Allies’ upcoming offensive is also stolen. Joanna and the Watsons must retrieve the document before it falls into the Germans’ hands. Meanwhile an assassin, hired by a traitor among the Governor-General’s entourage, stalks the Watsons and leaves a coded message about when and where the murder will be carried out. Will Joanna decode the message in time?

The Blue Diamond is an exciting and suspenseful mystery, with a plot that takes many twists and turns along the way. At first I wasn’t sure how all the threads would fit together, but they do, and lead to a very satisfying conclusion. Joanna closely resembles her famous father, with his logical thinking and deductive genius, but she shows more emotion when someone she loves is threatened. The older Watson is suffering from a heart condition, but insists on staying active on the case, which causes his son and Joanna much concern. Like a few of the earlier books in the series, this is more a story of World War I intrigue than a straightforward mystery, but it is very well done. I always enjoy the characters in this series.