(Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery: #1)
Written by Vicki Delany
MY RATING: 4 of 5 stars
2017; Crooked Lane Books
This punny title and cutesy cover briefly caught my attention, but the cat on the cover had me hesitating. Normally, I have stayed away from cute cozy mysteries that have puns for titles, and anything that involves “recipes/knitting guide included”, cats or dogs solving mysteries and cats on the cover period. The judgy uppity sarcastic eye rolling reader in me just couldn’t even entertain the thought of liking this genre. The same reader that loves Murder, She Wrote, sad books and movies, cries at true crime shows and really anything heartwarming or sad reminded me that it could be fun…try it at least. Plus, Vicki Delany is a Canadian writer so I requested this title. The good news is there are no cats solving crimes.
Gemma Doyle, the bookstore owner and female detective, actually dislikes the cat, Moriarty (and the feelings are mutual). While her business partner and great uncle travels, she runs the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium in Cape Cod. Connected to the bookshop is Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room, run by Gemma’s bestie, Jayne. Gemma finds a copy of Doyle’s first Sherlock Holmes story and contains a clue she and Jayne try to solve. With her Holmes’s like mind, she finds that the clues lead them to a dead body. If Gemma doesn’t find the killer they may find themselves in jail.
I found myself quickly lost in the story, the quaint town and loved all the characters. It is a great read when you want something quick and easy but also entertaining. There is also a bit of romance, but it is the relationship of Gemma and Jayne is most endearing. I am definitely down for rest of the series and may even give cozy mysteries a shot.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
(Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery: #2)
Written by Vicki Delany
MY RATING: 4 of 5 stars
2017; Crooked Lane Books
Gemma and her bestie, Jayne are back at solving mysteries in West London on Cape Cod. Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium on Baker Street and adjoining Mrs. Hudson’s Tea is buzzing with the upcoming book signing of controversial author, Renalta Van Markoff. Renalta writes a mystery series about Holmes and Hudson that causes the longtime customer, and very dedicated Sherlock Holmes fan, to verbally attack her. Renalta, not to take it lying down, fires back and humiliates him publicly. When Renalta dies on the table, Donald is the first one to be suspected. He asks Gemma to help clear his name. She has her work cut out for her, as there are several people who wanted Renalta dead!
Body on Baker Street is a great sequel to Elementary, She Read. I love Gemma’s awkwardness and Jayne’s sweetness. What really makes this series work is the cast of quirky secondary characters. They add a great balance, and provide humour and lightness. I also like Gemma’s banter and chemistry with her ex-boyfriend who is also a police detective. She is always getting in the middle of his investigation, but he respects her quick mind. You don’t really have to read these in order, but if you like seeing character development I highly recommend starting with book one.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
(Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery: #3)
Written by Vicki Delany
MY RATING: 4 of 5 stars
2018; Crooked Lane Books
I love the cover of the third instalment and it was a great mystery! West London, Cape Cod are putting on a production of The Hound of the Baskervilles. Legendary stage and movie star Sir Nigel Bellingham comes to the small town to star in the stage play, but not everyone is excited. Sir Nigel wants the fame, but would rather be drinking than remembering his lines. During a fundraiser party put on by Jayne’s mother, and supplied by Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room, Nigel is found dead. Now it is up to Gemma to clear Jayne’s mother and find a killer.
This is a great example of a cozy mystery and why I am so here for them now. Gemma is smart but awkward and real. The murder is not gritty, but the mystery is solid. I am enjoying the chemistry between Gemma and her ex, Ryan. I am really rooting for them! If you have not read this series, I would recommend you do.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
(Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery: #4)
Written by Vicki Delany
MY RATING: 4 of 5 stars
2018; Crooked Lane Books
After reading book four, I am in for the series. It has been a solid 4 out of 5 star read for me. I enjoy the characters, town and mysteries. In book four, Gemma tries to steer away from getting involved in murder cases. When the museum chair is found dead at Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room during an auction, Gemma walks away from finding the killer. Yet, when fellow shop owner (and very ornery) Maureen is suspected, Gemma has to step in. I am glad I read this a bit later as book five will not be out till January 2020. You have time to catch up!
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
My Novelesque Life 