Doctor Watson's Battle

'A storyteller who knows the humour, the fear and the frenzy of men in battle.' - Bernard Cornwall

Sherlock Holmes, along with Doctor John Watson and, his friend and one time orderly, Bowler are working on a case involving two chemistry students from Belgrade.

However, investigations have to be put on hold as the trio are to attend the Regimental Fete in Colchester.

There is much discussion about Watson's latest amour, Mrs Daisy Lynch, a widow, and sister of Right Honourable, Major Nicholas Stomark MP. Stomark, also known as Scamper, turned tail from the conflict in Afghanistan when everyone else was attacking, although he doesn't seem to remember it like that.

Due to Princess Charlotte's attendance at the Regimental Fete, a special display is called for, the re-enactment of the denouement of Maiwand in Helmand.

Dressed in costume, Watson and Bowler are roped in, together with the enthusiastic Scamper and Helena Lynch, Daisy's sister-in-law. Helena is well known for her exploits and drug use, and being part of the Stomark circle.

During the re-enactment a fatal accident occurs.

But was it really an accident?

So follows another case for Sherlock and Watson.

But, things are not as easy to resolve as at first thought.

Is there a murderer on the loose?

And can the pair catch him in time...?

Praise for Patrick Mercer:

Doctor Watson's Mess is part of Patrick Mercer's bestselling series of Doctor Watson adventures that include Doctor Watson's War, Doctor Watson's Bout, Doctor Watson's Charge and Doctor Watson's Terror.

'The style is rougher and more forceful than we're used to, being untouched by Conan Doyle's editorial hand, but it suits the subject matter admirably. You just know that this is what it was like.' - Roger Johnson, The District Messenger

'A tremendous achievement by a storyteller who knows the humour, the fear and the frenzy of men in battle,' Bernard Cornwell

'A finely-drawn depiction of battle and the camaraderie of war' - The Daily Mail

Patrick Mercer is author of the Anthony Morgan Trilogy, To Do and Die, Dust and Steel and Red Runs the Helmand, as well as a number of straight histories of Victoria's wars. A military historian by training, he was decorated four times as an infantry officer and then was the defence correspondent for BBC Radio 4's Today Programme.


Genre: Historical Mystery