Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A Scandalous Affair by Leonard Goldberg Narrator: Steve West
Series: The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes Mysteries #8
Published by Tantor Audio on July 15, 2025
Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction
Length: 7 hours, 32 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple
During the height of the Great War, Joanna Holmes and the Watsons receive a late-night, clandestine visit from Sir William Radcliffe, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who brings with him an agonizing tale of blackmail; a case so sensitive that it can only be spoken of in the confines of 221B Baker Street.
An unknown individual has come into possession of salacious photographs, which not only sullies the family name, but may force the chancellor to vacate his seat on the War Council where his advice is most needed. The blackmailer has in their possession revealing photographs that show Sir William's granddaughter in romantic encounters with a man other than the aristocrat to whom she is engaged to marry. Should the pictures be released to the public, the wedding would be immediately called off, and the prospect of the granddaughter ever finding a suitable husband would vanish.
Sir William's family has been forced to pay exorbitant sums for several of the photographs, but even more salacious pictures remain in the blackmailer's possession—and will no doubt carry greater demands and threats. Scotland Yard cannot be involved, for fear of public disclosure. It thus falls on the shoulders of Joanna and the Watsons to expose the blackmailer and procure the photographs before irreparable harm comes to the chancellor and his family.
I have always loved Sherlock Holmes and The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes Mysteries series has been more of that fun. The smart investigation and setting in England are a pleasure. Plus the series is narrated by STEVE WEST.
A Scandalous Affair is about just that with the family of the young lady being blackmailed. She is engaged to a fine gentleman but the blackmailer has offered photos in each a more scandalous view of the young lady with an actor. Her family is indulgent of her and pays the monies but eventually will be drained.
Joanna and her family are quickly into the heart of it. They trace the young actor and the likely blackmailer. It is especially delicate because her grandfather is key to the war effort and would lose his position if it is exposed. But it is hard to prove the blackmailer is guilty.  They hope to depose the young actor who has fallen for the young lady. But the blackmailer realizes and the young actor is attacked.
It takes Joanna’s new knowledge of thermodynamics to resolve the case and bring down the blackmailer and his bodyguard goon. You will need to read yourself for all the clever deductions and battles. The Irregulars help provide evidence about the habits and routines of the bad guys. I really enjoy these characters, their friends and allies, and their adventures.
Narration:
The narrator is my absolute favorite – STEVE WEST!!!!!!  Definitely, his narration enhanced my enjoyment, and I often chose audiobooks because he is the narrator. The tones of both male and female characters were appropriate. I happily listened at my normal 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip:Â HERE
About Steve West
A London native, Steve began his career by winning the Stage & Television Today acting scholarship at the age of 17 (after ironically believing that he had bombed the audition!). What followed took him through one of London’s top drama conservatories, onto the West End stage in ABBA’s musical phenomenon Mamma Mia! and then to working opposite the likes of Chucky the killer doll and Don Draper in TV’s Mad Men.
Having moved to the States in 2009 he earned a place as a highly respected and award winning voice over artist working across commercials, films, documentary, audiobooks and video games. He starred as Galahad in Sony’s epic motion capture release The Order 1886 which took over 2 years to film and employed the most up-to-date filming and audio techniques in the field.
Versatile in a multitude of ways from acting to singing to dancing to dying 100’s of different ways in a sound booth he continues to enjoy work both on stage, screen and behind a mic. Check out his latest news on the home page, join the conversation on Facebook and twitter and even head back to the 1800s and ‘be’ Steve/Galahad on the PS4!
About Leonard Goldberg
Leonard Goldberg is an American physicist, professor of medicine, and the author of the Joanna Blalock series of medical thrillers.
His novels have been translated into a dozen languages and sold more than a million copies worldwide. Leonard Goldberg is himself a consulting physician affiliated with the UCLA Medical Center, where he holds an appointment as Clinical Professor of Medicine. A sought-after expert witness in medical malpractice trials, he is board certified in internal medicine, hematology and rheumatology, and has published over a hundred scientific studies in peer-reviewed journals.
Leonard Goldberg’s writing career began with a clinical interest in blood disorders. While involved in a research project at UCLA, he encountered a most unusual blood type. The patient’s red blood cells were O-Rh null, indicating they were totally deficient in A, B and Rh factors and could be administered to virtually anyone without fear of a transfusion reaction. In essence, the patient was the proverbial “universal” blood donor. This finding spurred the idea for a story in which an individual was born without a tissue type, making that person’s organs transplantable into anyone without worry of rejection. His first novel, Transplant, revolved around a young woman who is discovered to be a universal organ donor and is hounded by a wealthy, powerful man in desperate need of a new kidney. The book quickly went through multiple printings and was optioned by a major Hollywood studio.
Dr. Goldberg is a native of Charleston and a long-time California resident. He currently divides his time between Los Angeles and an island off the coast of South Carolina.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 25-Audio
- 25-COYER
Wait… I just discovered a show called Sherlock and Daughter on HULU. I wonder if it’s based on this series?
I suppose maybe but Sherlock is dead in the books. This is his daughter as an older adult married to Watson’s son. Watson is still alive. It’s fun because the daughter is smart, observant and scientific
I saw Steve West is the narrator and knew you’d enjoy, Anne💜
Thank you, He is a favorite narrator.
Very nice review.
Thank you. It’s a series I have really been enjoying.
I haven’t come across this series yet but am adding it to my list and it sounds like I need to get the audio version! I love a good narrator.
Every book has been really good to amazing.
I enjoy the narrator too. This series is on my list…lol
Wrong I responded to the wrong post before. I love this narrator – my favorite. It’s from Tantor so it is available broadly.
I like the sounds of this series…maybe…someday.
I really like it. Sherlock Holmes skills but in a woman.
I love when there is that bit of science in the historical tales like this. The narrator also goes by Shane East I believe? And he did the After series audiobooks and I have trouble hearing him as anything other than Hardin from those books, lol. Great review!
Thank you Lisa. Yes that is his romance alter ego. I really like the science in these. Also the Andrea Penrose series has some beginnings of science discoveries that is similar.