The Detection Club leaders are off on the train
Not anticipating a murder mystery again.
This journey will take Agatha Christie and Dorothy L Sayers away
With Eliza there to help in any way.

Taking the Orient Express from Paris they go
Meeting some others who they already know.
But not all are what the appear to be
And some they'd much rather not see!

When one such person drops down dead
Eliza is there, looking for clues at his head.
She's sure he's been poisoned so looks for clues
Ones that the police for evidence can use.

On the trail of a killer with the help of her friends
This is a twisting tale, with surprises before it ends.
Authors, musicians and detectives, too
Can uncovering the killer be what they do?

Extrapolated from historical facts and figures, too,
Developed into a story that's totally new.
A fun read with mystery and travels, too,
Involving known protagonists in something new.

For my copy of this book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.

Favorite Quotes:

For a large woman, Dorothy L. Sayers was quick on her feet. The only things quicker than her feet were her wit and her temper.

Why would anyone pretend to be poor? She knew from experience that poverty wasn’t romantic, but an unfortunate condition to be avoided at all costs.

Didn’t people read to escape the horrors of life rather than wallow in them? Theo was all for verisimilitude, but he had to draw the line somewhere: namely, sharing a toilet with someone who hadn’t bathed since the nineteenth century.

Apparently, MI5 suspected one of the writers, probably Agatha Christie, had access to classified information. From what Eliza had seen, the mystery writers had access to nothing more classified than overactive imaginations.

Like a moth between panes of glass, he was stuck between what he was and what he wanted to be.


My Review:

I adore Kelly Oliver’s smooth and amusing writing style. I so covet her word craft. She weaves an entertaining, easy-to-follow, and engaging tale that never fails to hold my interest with her well-plotted mysteries and clever arrangements of words that put a smile on my face with her colorful descriptions and authentic and quirky characters.

Starting from Paris in 1938, we have two brilliant authors bound for Constantinople on the glamorous Orient Express. Accompanying them is the competent secretary of Dorothy Sayers - Eliza. Also aboard is Theo, an aristocrat slumming as a laborer on the train. Well known to Eliza, he is madly in love with her, but too frightened to approach her.

Before the journey can start, a sudden violent death takes place, setting Eliza detecting with Theo. The list of suspects keep increasing with each mile including Dorothy, who seems to be hiding secrets of her own. A second death ups the tension and now the search for the murderer is very fast paced.

Very witty and humorous despite being a mystery murder, with nice characterization.

Mystery with love and betrayal based on true events!! This story had me at the edge of my sea! I loved how it all came together at the end

The Case of the Body on the Orient Express, the second book in Kelly Oliver's brilliantly Detection Club cozy mystery series, is a nice mixture of fact and fiction. This book features Dorothy L. Sayers and Agatha Christie on their way to a writer’s convention when someone is murdered on the train they are on and Dorothy is one of the suspects. While Dorothy and Agatha show some interest in investigating the murder, it is Dorothy’s assistant Eliza and her friend Theo who really try and solve the mystery. Eliza is one of the most resourceful amateur sleuths I’ve come across – she has pulled herself up from poverty to learn several languages, become skillful at chess, mastered self-defense, and is very good at solving crimes. Theo is also a good main character (the book switches between his viewpoint and Eliza’s viewpoint) – his background is not one of poverty but he still struggles to break away from his past and build a new life for himself. The two make a great pair – not just when it comes to solving crimes! The book does a good job of blending real life events (a secret from Dorothy’s past as well as Agatha’s recent divorce) as well as real life characters (most notably George Orwell who does not come off well in this book) with fictional events and characters. The mystery is well done with a few surprises and some exciting scenes but I felt it became very convoluted towards the end. In fact, I found the ending to be disappointing – some characters disappeared without explanation and events weren’t really wrapped up (at least on page). All in all, while I did enjoy the characters and historical setting I’m hoping the next book does a better job with the storyline.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.

The second in the Detection Club series finds Eliza and Theo investigating again when they are on a train to Istanbul for a writers' conference. Two people from Dorothy Sayers past are on the train - one writing an expose on the other, who happens to be part of a Russian mob like group. When both men end up murdered, they rush to find the killer.

I liked this one while they were on the train. Once they left, I think it lost the thread a little. It became more of a spy/action/thriller novel at that point rather than a mystery. I was also confused because there is a bit of a time jump here, and events happen between books that are relevant for the characters' personal storylines but that we never see??? Like Theo leaves Eliza mid chess game and moves to Paris... But there is no real explanation of this or scene of this (and it wasn't in the first book). The ending also leaves on a weird unfinished note? Like we don't know if Jane is ok or not or really the conclusion of the intrigue. I imagine this will be the plot of the next book. However, after a ok first book and then this lackluster one, this series just might not be for me.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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.