The Watson Files Books

A lost Shakespeare play. A haunted estate. A string of chilling murders. Only one man can unravel the truth. When an aristocratic governess turns up at Baker Street clutching what appears to be a missing Shakespeare manuscript, Holmes's curiosity is piqued. But authenticity is only the first mystery. The play was found hidden in the library of Galham House—mere days after its master slaughtered his family and hanged himself. Soon, the manuscript vanishes from Holmes’s own rooms in a brazen burglary. The thief leaves no trace but demonstrates uncanny knowledge of Holmes’s habits. Watson is dragged across London, into England’s dark countryside, and through the fog of scandal, madness, and class secrets. Can Holmes untangle the tragedy at Galham House? Track down the elusive John Miller? And recover the lost words of the Bard himself—before more blood is shed? Sherlock Holmes and the Missing Shakespeare is a faithful, atmospheric Victorian mystery in the classic Conan Doyle style, perfect for fans of The House of Silk , The Beekeeper’s Apprentice , and every reader who can’t resist one more case from the world’s greatest detective. WHAT READERS ARE SAYING: ★★★★★ “Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is not dead; he is living in the Pacific Northwest! Sir Arthur Conan Doyle had nothing on J.R. Rain and Chanel Smith. Having read the entire ‘Vampire for Hire’ series, all of his other detective books and several of his standalones and collaborations/multi-author books, I can say without fear of contradiction that this is one one of the best books he has written to date. Until now I considered Winter Wind his best to date but now that one has some competition. I just wish I knew how the collaboration was structured so I could give credit where credit is due. The original characters, Holmes and Watson, are spot on, the people around which the story is built are well-developed, and the events and accessories , handsome cabs, taverns, tea time etc. are in keeping with the time in which the story takes place and are believable. Being a fan of Conan Doyle and his Sherlock Holmes, I didn’t know what to expect in this book but I wasn’t disappointed. This book is why I return to J.R. Rain repeatedly for a good read. Well done, J.R. Now the game is afoot, you and Smith have to do it again.” —Amazon review ★★★★★ “Excellent mystery! Another very well written Sherlock Holmes mystery in the series. The characters are interesting and well developed. The story line is complicated with lots of misdirection leading to the unexpected conclusion. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys well written mysteries.” —Amazon review ★★★★★ “Loved it! This story absolutely keeps with the traditional Sherlock works. I loved the mystery and intrigue. Sherlock always keeps you guessing. I can’t wait to read book two.” —Amazon review ★★★★★ “An excellent story! Well written story, much like Sir Arthur himself would have done. Very clever, suspenseful and entertaining. Looking forward to more!” —Amazon review ★★★★★ “Rain and Smith prove themselves worthy of their deerstalker caps. They managed to channel Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s characters impressively and immersed us in his world with absolute ease. Sherlock’s deductive reasoning was spot on and delivered in the cold and unemotional manner expected of him. Watson was portrayed as his perfectly balanced foil and storyteller. They succeeded in taking us back to a more romantic time when men were gentlemen and women were ladies .” —Amazon review

A stolen masterpiece. A masterful forgery. And a murder that may not be what it seems. When Dr. John Watson attends the wake of his childhood friend, Brigadier Buffington, he expects grief and old stories—not mystery. But Sherlock Holmes is never one to pass up suspicious circumstances. Above the late Brigadier’s hearth hangs an extraordinary painting: Leonardo da Vinci’s Adoration of the Magi , long believed lost. Experts have certified it as authentic. But Holmes sees what no one else does: the painting is a forgery. As Watson wrestles with guilt and anger over Holmes’s meddling, they dig into a case of art fraud, secret societies, and hidden pasts. Did someone kill Buffington to steal the real masterpiece? Is the grieving widow part of a conspiracy? And what of Buffington’s odd friends in the mysterious Society of Florence? Following a trail through London’s galleries, dusty clubs, and genteel homes, Holmes and Watson must uncover the truth about a priceless Renaissance painting—and a man’s untimely death. Sherlock Holmes and the Lost Da Vinci is a richly atmospheric Victorian mystery that delivers all the deductions, banter, and dark intrigue fans of Conan Doyle crave.

A monster stalks the fog-choked streets of London. And even Sherlock Holmes may not believe the truth. When a series of savage murders terrorizes the West End, Holmes and Watson are called to investigate. The victims are torn apart with inhuman strength. Occult symbols are scrawled in blood. Witnesses speak of a monstrous figure with glowing eyes and a feral howl in the night. Scotland Yard fears a madman. The city fears something worse. As Holmes digs into ancient folklore, secret societies, and the superstitions festering in London’s darkest corners, Watson struggles with the possibility that this time—even Holmes’s brilliant logic may not be enough. Because there’s something in the fog. Watching. Waiting. And it knows the taste of blood. Sherlock Holmes and the Werewolf of West End is a chilling, atmospheric mystery that pushes the world’s greatest detective to the edge of reason... and beyond. Perfect for fans of The Hound of the Baskervilles , The Alienist , and Victorian horror with a supernatural twist.

When the gaslit streets of London turn red with blood, Sherlock Holmes faces his most chilling case yet. A string of murders has Scotland Yard baffled—victims found exsanguinated, with twin puncture wounds on their necks. Whispers of a vampire stalking the West End spread panic through the city. Even the government enacts emergency curfews as fear grips London. But Holmes suspects the truth is both more rational—and far stranger. Summoning his loyal friend Dr. Watson, the great detective begins to hunt the killer in earnest. Their investigation leads them deep into London's seedy underbelly and into the path of an old flame: the enigmatic Irene Adler. But Irene harbors a dark secret. Once thought dead, she returns with pale skin, uncanny strength—and a thirst she struggles to control. Holmes and Watson must decide whether to trust her in their pursuit of a predator who may be far worse. As bodies pile up, time runs out. Can Holmes solve the case before London descends into hysteria? Or will he himself fall prey to the ultimate seduction: the vampire’s kiss? Perfect for fans of classic Holmes pastiches with a supernatural twist, Sherlock Holmes and the Vampire’s Kiss delivers mystery, suspense, and gothic atmosphere in equal measure.