The Dead Can Wait

Set during World War I, Major John Watson must investigate the deaths of men involved in testing weaponry in a secret location. Sherlock Holmes is detained on a remote island, and Watson hopes he can free his friend while reluctantly resolving the problem as a means to gaining access to Holmes. Spy novels are not "my thing," and this one features too much espionage for me. I felt the author inserted filler material which served little purpose to lengthen the novel.

The Dead Can Wait - Ryan
Audio performance by Richard Burnip
4 stars

The second book of a series that I continue to enjoy. As with the first book, the mystery was convoluted and not quite realistic. But, the historical context was excellent. I could believe in the good Dr. Watson as a pioneer in the humane treatment of shell shock. Winston Churchill’s involvement in the early development of tank technology was an interesting addition (although, probably highly fictionalized). The very evil German spies pushed this book into the suspense/thriller category; a bit over the top in violence and improbable escapes, but entertaining.

I enjoyed the first of this series and this was equally good. Dr Watson is asked to investigate mysterious deaths in a secret installation developing tanks for WW1. Fascinating historical details and a good mystery with spies and real life people as side characters. Holmes has a slightly larger appearance in this but it's Watson who's the star and he's very likeable. It also has strong female characters.

This is the second book in the Dr. Watson series. For reader of James Benn's books this is a great series to indulge in while waiting for the next Billy Boyle book. Sherlock Holmes has retired, now an old man, and World War I in going on. Dr. Watson finds himself back at war. In this episode, Churchill has sent Watson to investigate the mysterious deaths of a group of Army men working on an ultra-secret weapon. The weapon is the TANK. Holmes, of course, is never far away in Watson's mind and he plays a small but important part in the story. Watson's medical knowledge lets him solve the mystery of the deaths and the details surrounding the introduction of the tank was not only carefully researched but compelling reading.

In the second book featuring an aging Major John Watson, Watson is called on to investigate the mysterious deaths of seven men in a training exercise. The men were testing a new weapon in a top secret location in rural England. Watson is reluctant to become involved, but when he learns that his old friend Sherlock Holmes is being interred on a remote island, Watson agrees to investigate in the hope that he can help his old friend. The story is a page-turning mix of detection and espionage with a strong sense of place.

An enjoyable sequel to [b:Dead Man's Land|13547984|Dead Man's Land (Dr John Watson, #1)|Robert Ryan|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1350926855s/13547984.jpg|19113151] that leaves the door open to another story.

With Watson and Holmes in the winter of their years this tale has a different dynamic to the Conan Doyle stories and throwing in World War 1 gives this series a refreshingly different perspective on these well loved characters.

Dead Man's Land, Robert Ryan's first Dr Watson book had a strong clear plot and vivid historic WWI detail. Although it's basic premise was interesting - Churchill's development of the tank - this book has a weak story with a poor plot, to many coincidences, red herrings and implausible occurrences. The audiobook was well narrated by Richard Burnip. Let's see what number 3 brings.