I enjoyed it, but can't help but feel like this is somewhat feels like Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express but with it's own twist.

But the way I enjoyed it was also different the way I enjoyed the other book. I enjoyed the story and the writing of the author was definitely good.

It was a bit confusing and slow at first but after some time it was starting to make sense, the characters and their story are getting interesting.

I just want to thank the publisher for giving the opportunity to read it.

Honestly got hooked from the first chapter and enjoyed it till the end. The way story go and keeps on going from scene after scene honestly love it ❤

An enjoyable read if one suspends beielife while reading and if one hasn't read Murder on the Orieant Express first. The story takes place on a train, and well there are deads, a mystery, suspects, and even a former policeman who is here to help out. While the story differs in many pleaces the feel is still the same and one where it is difficult to shake. I enjoyed readin this take but couldn't quite get out of my head the compairson of the two. There were plot holes and places where in life it just couldn't be possible but over all it was a fun read. I think this will be a hit with mystery readers and those who want a quick fun story, maybe even on a train ride!

Five Found Dead is an exhilarating, suspense-filled mystery set aboard the legendary Orient Express. As a fan of twisty crime thrillers, I was drawn to this book's unique premise, with a crime author, Joe Penvale, and his twin sister, Meredith, being thrust into a real-life murder mystery while on their much-needed getaway. It starts with an intriguing set-up, where a bloody crime scene unfolds in the cabin next door but with no body in sight—setting the stage for a classic whodunit.

The dynamic between Joe and Meredith is well-crafted, and their investigation, despite the lack of law enforcement support, feels both intense and authentic. I loved how Gentill skillfully weaves the literary background into the plot—Joe, a writer, finding himself in a story that might as well have come from one of his own novels. The atmospheric setting of the Orient Express, with its historical charm and luxurious feel, adds to the overall tension, making the journey feel like a ticking clock.

With multiple twists and an ever-increasing body count, Five Found Dead had me on the edge of my seat. Gentill’s pacing is spot-on, and the murder investigation kept me guessing until the very end. This book is a must-read for fans of intricate mysteries with an unforgettable setting.

The Orient Express, COVID, a mystery writer, a lawyer, numerous detectives, and the "ghosts" of fictional characters, I mean what is there not to love about this book??!! The plot, the characters, the setting...all lovely. The conclusion was a tad soft, but I still liked it.

Mystery writer John Penvale and his sister Meredith go on a trip on the Orient Express, where they are witnesses of crimes.
I had high expectations going into this as it is something that is right up my alley genre wise. However, the story dragged a bit in the middle, as there were so many subplots happening. It was a let down and didn’t live up to the hype.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC! *Five Found Dead* is a fun, twisty mystery set on the Orient Express! Giving Agatha Christie vibes with a sharp, modern edge.
The plot is smart , the characters are full of interesting secrets, and I couldn’t put it down. This was a fast-paced, addictive and intriguing read. Definitely a five-star read! definitely would recommend!

I was lucky enough to be able to read Five Found Dead as an early release thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Poisoned Pen Press.

I really enjoyed this book. It has mystery, it has thrills, it has twists. I thought I had it worked out halfway through but I was wrong. So many mystery novels are predictable but this one did keep me on my toes.

Joe and Meredith are siblings on a trip aboard the Orient Express. Joe is an author and Meredith is a lawyer on a break. This background helps embroil them into the mystery surrounding a missing body and the deaths of five people on the train. There were some unrealistic moments but rather than put you off the story, they can be taken for some light hearted comedy moments.

I enjoyed reading this and will definitely be looking out for the authors other works.

This is my second time reading this author's novel. I couldn't appreciate this as a mystery but works for me as meta fiction. There is mystery in the novel, but it isn't clever or tightly paced mystery. You get few clues as the lead characters deduce them, so there's no sense of mystery.

But as meta fiction this book is really good. Author writing herself into the novel and bringing in the podcast members as characters. That's good.

Five Found Dead by Sulari Gentill is a smart, atmospheric mystery set on the iconic Orient Express. Crime writer Joe Penvale and his sister find themselves caught in a string of murders during the journey, with plenty of nods to classic whodunits. Gentill blends clever dialogue, suspense, and a vivid cast of characters to keep the tension high. Though the pace lags a bit in the middle, the twists and setting make this a compelling read—perfect for fans of vintage-style mysteries with a modern twist.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy!

Five Found Dead was an intriguing and atmospheric mystery that felt a little like stepping into a real-life game of Clue. I had fun trying to figure out who was behind everything, and I definitely didn’t see the twist coming.

This wasn’t exactly my usual type of murder/thriller read — it had a different vibe and pacing than what I normally pick up. At times I found it a little hard to follow, with so many characters and shifting perspectives. The writing also had a bit of a tone or twang that took me a while to adjust to — maybe due to the author’s background or where it’s set — but it wasn’t a major issue, just something I noticed.

Overall, Five Found Dead is a unique, layered mystery perfect for readers who enjoy classic, slow-burn whodunits with a few surprises along the way.

Five Found Dead by Sulari Gentill is a brilliantly crafted mystery that showcases Gentill’s trademark wit and intelligence. The story is fast-paced and full of twists, with a cleverly layered plot that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The characters are vivid and distinctive, each with their own secrets and motivations, making the unraveling of the mystery all the more engaging. Gentill masterfully blends suspense with literary flair, creating a murder mystery that’s both thrilling and thought-provoking. A must-read for fans of smart, character-driven crime fiction.

I recently read the woman in the library by this author, so I was excited to get to read and review this latest book and it didn't disappoint.
I loved the agatha christie feel of this book it was nostalgic.
I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting

Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and Net Gally for the ARC. I've only read the Roland Sinclair series by Sulari Gentill so wasn't sure what to expected in a modern day setting but what i read was brilliant; i love this book. I can count on one hand the amount of books i have rated 5 starts and this is one of them - I could not put it down. The plot, the characters, the twists - i loved it all. It was funny, it was serious, it had everything. Will definitely re-read in a few years.

The author provides the reader with a puzzle and mystery that is centered around how Christie's story amplifies the travelers' own experience on the actual Orient Express and of their perceptions of the fellow passengers.

This theme is referred to quite often by the fictional character of crime fiction author Joe Penvale and his sister, lawyer Meredith, who embark on a journey on this famous train only to find themselves caught up in their own version of "Murder on the Orient Express".

Like the Christie novel, the reader meets Joe's fellow passengers on the train - in fact it is a train full of detectives of one sort or another. There is the locked room murder, all passengers are suspects as Joe put himself in the position of Poirot and investigates. Clues and red herrings abound, as the body count rises (a la Death on the Nile), and the author reveals that not all is what or who they seem.

An entertaining homage to the Queen of Crime.

I read the ARC on Netgalley in exchange for a honest review

This book is a fun and wild read, albeit it needs a bit of suspension of disbelief. It happens on the Orient Express (which is a real train again btw costing 2k$). The plot is intelligent and the twists are also well done.

I read this book in one day. Literally couldn't keep it down.

Thank you NetGalley! Joe and Meredith Penvale are twins who decide to have an adventure after his illness and board the Orient Express. This is a murder mystery, with an over abundance of characters in a very short book. Description of surroundings and characters are few, so I found it hard to be invested in the story or their plight. As the title states, five people were killed on the train. The setting isn’t original and revelation of the culprit didn’t feel all that shocking due to the lack of interest in the welfare of the nondescript characters. Although some may appreciate the final chapter, I found it mostly just repetitious. This was just okay for me.

I mean… who wouldn’t want to live their "Murder on the Orient Express" fantasy? Solve a train mystery, catch a killer mid-ride? Iconic. I want that.

I found myself flipping pages mostly just to keep track of who was still alive. (Yes, I was literally counting. “Okay, that’s one down… wait, that’s three now??”)

The title absolutely sets the tone in a fun way. You’re low-key dreading that fifth death the whole time. The fact that some random train passengers were like “let’s solve this murder” with zero training?? Wild. Love it.

At first, though, it was a bit of a mess. So many characters, one POV, and a plot that started off slow.While the plot was enjoyable and the twist at the end took me by surprise, I didn’t feel deeply connected to the characters. They each had a role to play, but I wished there had been more emotional depth or development to really draw me in.

Final thoughts: Not life-changing, but if you’re in the mood for a dramatic train ride with questionable logic and decent suspense, hop aboard.

This talented author has written a page turner. I like this author’s books. Warning: Do not start reading late at night. You will not want to put this novel down. Written somewhat like Agatha Christie, this story takes place on The Orient Express. Yes…indeed…another whodunit…Poirot is not present, but the cast of characters is intriguing…this is suspenseful…red herrings kept me guessing. I did not want this book to end. Written in a linear timeline with one narrator…likable characters for the most part…murders happening frequently…the glamor of the train excursion…the recipe for a book that is worth reading. I cannot wait for the next story from Gentill. Thanks Netgalley…five plus stars

Who wouldn’t want to solve the murder on the orient express? I found the plot behind this book extremely interesting and I was excited to read it. But I feel as if it fell short of my expectations. I found many aspects of it really confusing and hard to follow. I think that was because there were so many characters. Overall I enjoyed it, but I wouldn’t say it was a favorite. I think this could be better if the physical booo has a character list readers can refer back too. It does pick up, but not enough to keep me truly engaged.

Thank you so much netgalley and poisoned pen press for the ARC