Vicki Delany

Although part of a long-standing cozy mystery series, this novel (book 10) was the first I've had the opportunity to read from The Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mysteries. I love some of the author's other cozy series, and it was no surprise that the Sherlock themed book would be entertaining. The writing style and plot are easily readable, and, even though the pace slows down in a couple of instances, overall, it's constant. The characters and contemporary setting fit in nicely with the numerous homages to Holmes and I look forward to reading a book set across the pond. For cozy fans and general Sherlockians.

Net Galley Feedback… (more)

Well dang. I guess I just don't care for this genre. By all accounts I should like this setting, character, tone... but the stupid romance subplots, and the mystery itself, are not for me. I guess I'll stick to Christie if I need a mystery for a challenge.

Got almost halfway and didn't see anything to speak of about the cat, or the uncle except by hearsay, and only the negative side of Gemma's love interest. More developed characters would have interested me more. But I see by other reviews that tropes/motifs are expected, so, ok, yeah, no.

March 2022… (more)

A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery # 10

A quick look:

Gemma Doyle is in London for her sister’s wedding waiting for her at the hotel is her ex-husband Paul Erikson, a rare book owner who asked her to meet him at his book store the next day, he has a rare book he wish her to see. When Gemma arrives at his store she found him dead in his office.....setting the stage for another saga....

My thoughts:

The author gives us enough contexts setting making it easy to get into it at this point but don’t get baited by the lovely title this story is a cozy classic mystery easy to figure out what’s happening before it happens. No mind-bending or dazzling mystery to figure out just the very observant Gemma, her best friend Jayne and sister Pippa following Paul’s trail of friends, enemies, clients and ex-lovers. To get to the bottom of this mystery the team of sleuths use all their wit before their time in London is over and while doing so they entertained us along the way. Their characterization is the run of the mill nothing special in my books.

I enjoyed this story but plot wise nothing to write home about: simple and easy to follow, nicely written for all to enjoy and being entertained but nothing more.

I received this ARC from the publisher Crooked Lane Books via Netgalley for my thoughts: this is the way I see it.… (more)