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Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery #1
Elemental, querida lectora
Gemma Doyle regenta, junto a su gato Moriarty, la Sherlock Holmes Bookshop, una librería especializada en el famoso detective y ubicada en el número 222 de Baker Street de Cape Cod. Tras la visita de un grupo de jugadoras de bridge, Gemma encuentra una revista rara y muy valiosa que contiene la primera historia de Sherlock Holmes. Un hallazgo trascendente que deja de parecer fortuito cuando una de las mujeres que visitaron la tienda aparece muerta. Desde el principio, Gemma será la principal sospechosa, pero, con ayuda de su amiga Jayne, que dirige el Salón del Té de la Señora Hudson, se pondrán manos a la obra para investigar y limpiar su nombre siguiendo las pistas de un atractivo experto en libros raros.
336 pages, Paperback
First published March 14, 2017
854 people are currently reading
8401 people want to read
About the author
Vicki Delany
57 books1,880 followers“It’s a crime not to read Delany,” so says the London Free Press.
Vicki Delany is one of Canada’s most varied and prolific crime writers.
She is the author of four cozy mystery series: The Tea by the Sea series from Kensington Books, the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series from Crooked Lane and the Year Round Christmas series from Penguin. Under the pen name of Eva Gates she writes the Lighthouse Library Series.
Visit Vicki at www.vickidelany.com , www.facebook.com/evagatesauthor, and twitter: @vickidelany
Vicki is part of Mystery Lovers Kitchen (http://www.mysteryloverskitchen.com) and Killer Characters (http://www.killercharacters.com)
Visit Vicki at www.vickidelany.com
Vicki Delany is one of Canada’s most varied and prolific crime writers.
She is the author of four cozy mystery series: The Tea by the Sea series from Kensington Books, the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series from Crooked Lane and the Year Round Christmas series from Penguin. Under the pen name of Eva Gates she writes the Lighthouse Library Series.
Visit Vicki at www.vickidelany.com , www.facebook.com/evagatesauthor, and twitter: @vickidelany
Vicki is part of Mystery Lovers Kitchen (http://www.mysteryloverskitchen.com) and Killer Characters (http://www.killercharacters.com)
Visit Vicki at www.vickidelany.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,193 reviews
April 16, 2017
4 stars to Vicki Delany's Elementary, She Read, the first in a new "Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery" series. I've read a few other books by this author, jumping at the chance to read this new series, as I really enjoy her ability to immerse you in the setting of a quaint and charming little town full of memorable characters. And it did not disappoint.
Story
Gemma is a transplant from England, now residing in West London on Cape Cod in Massachusetts as part-owner of her uncle's Sherlock Holmes bookshop and new friend's traditional tea shop. When a busload of mystery loving grannies invade their stores, and a rare edition of a magazine turn up hiding on the bookshelves, Gemma knows something is not right. She tracks down one of the women, but finds her murdered in her hotel room. The police suspect Gemma, as her story of "Good Samaritan to return the magazine" cannot possibly be true. When she learns the woman was serving as a nurse in a very rich family of known Sherlock Holmes book collectors, the story gets even more puzzling. But it's when another death puts her back in the spotlight that Gemma begins to worry she may be put in jail for a crime she had nothing to do with. Using her own highly-skilled research and investigation techniques, Gemma solves the case but almost goes down as one of the victims.
Includes a few side stories with her friend Jayne, her former boyfriend the cop and a few interesting neighborhood characters who either love her or hate her! Oh yeah, and her dog and cat who are quite a hoot.
Strengths
I always enjoy the first in a new series... to see how the author introduces characters, builds a setting and invests in the themes and motifs which will guide the future books. Vicky Delany does not disappoint, as this one looks to be as strong as the "Year Round Christmas" series. Delany has a knack for creating vivid and personable characters. Sometimes you don't really care for the character, but not because the character is poorly written -- it's always because she packs a punch in finding ways for you to hate people and love them at the same time. That's how I fell about the new detective who shows up to crack the case. The woman must have a soft spot somewhere but Gemma can't find it. And I wanted to slap the cop on many occasions for her rude behavior. Good writing makes you feel that about someone in a story.
Sherlock Holmes has been done before. But this is done in a lighthearted way, such that it's not over-the-top, rarely boring and usually well-integrated. You learn a little about Doyle, 19th century England and various other historical tidbits all the while enjoying the differences between American and Britain. Plus there are several goofy moments where you can picture the scene happening at some point in your own life. Might even make you want to become a Sherlock-follower yourself!
Suggestions
The book was consistent, just like all of the rest of Delany's novels that I've read before. It's a good read, full of great characters, but... I want to see Delany push it a little further next time and have a very complex mystery with more players about the town. Introduce more families, show more connections, bring a bit more of England to Massachusetts... Transport us somewhere different where we want to find ourselves lost in. We're right on the cusp, and I'm betting book two in this series will do it.
Final Thoughts
Good plot. Fun characters. Clever writing. Everything you need in a basic murder mystery with a splash of something new and exciting. A definite read for fans of the author and genre, and a good intro to the cozy for those not ever having the pleasure of encountering one before. Plus... who doesn't love a book about famous authors and detectives?
Story
Gemma is a transplant from England, now residing in West London on Cape Cod in Massachusetts as part-owner of her uncle's Sherlock Holmes bookshop and new friend's traditional tea shop. When a busload of mystery loving grannies invade their stores, and a rare edition of a magazine turn up hiding on the bookshelves, Gemma knows something is not right. She tracks down one of the women, but finds her murdered in her hotel room. The police suspect Gemma, as her story of "Good Samaritan to return the magazine" cannot possibly be true. When she learns the woman was serving as a nurse in a very rich family of known Sherlock Holmes book collectors, the story gets even more puzzling. But it's when another death puts her back in the spotlight that Gemma begins to worry she may be put in jail for a crime she had nothing to do with. Using her own highly-skilled research and investigation techniques, Gemma solves the case but almost goes down as one of the victims.
Includes a few side stories with her friend Jayne, her former boyfriend the cop and a few interesting neighborhood characters who either love her or hate her! Oh yeah, and her dog and cat who are quite a hoot.
Strengths
I always enjoy the first in a new series... to see how the author introduces characters, builds a setting and invests in the themes and motifs which will guide the future books. Vicky Delany does not disappoint, as this one looks to be as strong as the "Year Round Christmas" series. Delany has a knack for creating vivid and personable characters. Sometimes you don't really care for the character, but not because the character is poorly written -- it's always because she packs a punch in finding ways for you to hate people and love them at the same time. That's how I fell about the new detective who shows up to crack the case. The woman must have a soft spot somewhere but Gemma can't find it. And I wanted to slap the cop on many occasions for her rude behavior. Good writing makes you feel that about someone in a story.
Sherlock Holmes has been done before. But this is done in a lighthearted way, such that it's not over-the-top, rarely boring and usually well-integrated. You learn a little about Doyle, 19th century England and various other historical tidbits all the while enjoying the differences between American and Britain. Plus there are several goofy moments where you can picture the scene happening at some point in your own life. Might even make you want to become a Sherlock-follower yourself!
Suggestions
The book was consistent, just like all of the rest of Delany's novels that I've read before. It's a good read, full of great characters, but... I want to see Delany push it a little further next time and have a very complex mystery with more players about the town. Introduce more families, show more connections, bring a bit more of England to Massachusetts... Transport us somewhere different where we want to find ourselves lost in. We're right on the cusp, and I'm betting book two in this series will do it.
Final Thoughts
Good plot. Fun characters. Clever writing. Everything you need in a basic murder mystery with a splash of something new and exciting. A definite read for fans of the author and genre, and a good intro to the cozy for those not ever having the pleasure of encountering one before. Plus... who doesn't love a book about famous authors and detectives?
August 2, 2018
In this first book of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery, Emma Doyle introduces herself: I am the half owner, manager, head shop clerk, and chief duster of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium in the Cape Cod town of West London, Massachusetts. As well as reprints of the original Sir Arthur Conan Doyle books, we carry new books representing anything and everything in the pastiche or vaguely derived from the Holmes legend.
The store was originally a hardware store, but Gemma’s great-uncle Arthur bought it for the address: 222 Baker Street, West London, New England. Gemma is also originally from England and joined up with her great-uncle when her life took a bad turn and she left the old England for the new. Her best friend, Jayne Wilson, is co-owner with her of Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room which adjoins the Bookshop on one wall with a sliding glass door between so customers can freely move between the two.
If I were living in West London, I could imagine myself spending hours between these two shops. I can’t imagine anything more delightful than drinking tea, enjoying a pastry, and then browsing through books and other odds and ends – all in the same place!
In a rush of people that included a bus tour, a magazine appears out of nowhere – stealthily slipped among some books on one of Gemma’s shelves. She knows exactly where each item should be so she notices it at closing. If this magazine proves legitimate, it could be worth nearly three-quarters of a million dollars! Shortly after, Gemma and Jayne discover a murdered woman – one who Gemma remembers seeing in her bookshop the day the magazine mysteriously appeared.
Gemma’s house is tossed, and she is being followed. Yet the police have Gemma in their radar as a first-choice person of interest because she simply knows too much. But Gemma can’t help it that she has hyper-observation. Many times she can close her eyes and visualize an entire scene from her day – in great detail.
When a second murder occurs and Gemma and Jayne also discover that body, things take another turn for the worse – and Gemma becomes more intent than ever on solving these crimes and clearing her name. Her ex-boyfriend Ryan Ashburton isn’t helping her much. He is the lead detective on the case but is removed because of conflict of interest. Gemma scoffs – if that’s the case, no police officer is going to have sufficient detachment to solve anything in West London – it’s small, and everyone knows everyone else – friend, enemy, or in-between.
Although the title of the book and the series signals “cozy mystery”, this series struck me somewhere between cozy and hard-boiled. There’s definitely a wide spectrum in there and yet, no matter where the label sticks, this is a well-paced, fun, scary, and humourous mystery. It is also smart and crisp – and oh! those sticky buns sound delicious!
In a challenge I signed up for in January, I wasn’t satisfied that I would enjoy my first pick for a novel about a bookstore (thanks to my reading friends’ reviews) so when I saw a few positive reviews for this novel, I just moved it into that slot instead. (Thank you, Karen, Dorie, and Kris, especially!)
It really isn’t necessary to be a mystery lover to enjoy this book. The characters, the setting, and the storyline alone are all well worth the read. I am already looking forward to the second one in this series.
The store was originally a hardware store, but Gemma’s great-uncle Arthur bought it for the address: 222 Baker Street, West London, New England. Gemma is also originally from England and joined up with her great-uncle when her life took a bad turn and she left the old England for the new. Her best friend, Jayne Wilson, is co-owner with her of Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room which adjoins the Bookshop on one wall with a sliding glass door between so customers can freely move between the two.
If I were living in West London, I could imagine myself spending hours between these two shops. I can’t imagine anything more delightful than drinking tea, enjoying a pastry, and then browsing through books and other odds and ends – all in the same place!
In a rush of people that included a bus tour, a magazine appears out of nowhere – stealthily slipped among some books on one of Gemma’s shelves. She knows exactly where each item should be so she notices it at closing. If this magazine proves legitimate, it could be worth nearly three-quarters of a million dollars! Shortly after, Gemma and Jayne discover a murdered woman – one who Gemma remembers seeing in her bookshop the day the magazine mysteriously appeared.
Gemma’s house is tossed, and she is being followed. Yet the police have Gemma in their radar as a first-choice person of interest because she simply knows too much. But Gemma can’t help it that she has hyper-observation. Many times she can close her eyes and visualize an entire scene from her day – in great detail.
When a second murder occurs and Gemma and Jayne also discover that body, things take another turn for the worse – and Gemma becomes more intent than ever on solving these crimes and clearing her name. Her ex-boyfriend Ryan Ashburton isn’t helping her much. He is the lead detective on the case but is removed because of conflict of interest. Gemma scoffs – if that’s the case, no police officer is going to have sufficient detachment to solve anything in West London – it’s small, and everyone knows everyone else – friend, enemy, or in-between.
Although the title of the book and the series signals “cozy mystery”, this series struck me somewhere between cozy and hard-boiled. There’s definitely a wide spectrum in there and yet, no matter where the label sticks, this is a well-paced, fun, scary, and humourous mystery. It is also smart and crisp – and oh! those sticky buns sound delicious!
In a challenge I signed up for in January, I wasn’t satisfied that I would enjoy my first pick for a novel about a bookstore (thanks to my reading friends’ reviews) so when I saw a few positive reviews for this novel, I just moved it into that slot instead. (Thank you, Karen, Dorie, and Kris, especially!)
It really isn’t necessary to be a mystery lover to enjoy this book. The characters, the setting, and the storyline alone are all well worth the read. I am already looking forward to the second one in this series.
January 31, 2022
In this first 'Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery', a new book store manager has to hustle to avoid being arrested for murder.
*****
Gemma Doyle moved from England to Cape Cod, Massachusetts to manage 'The Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium.'
Gemma co-owns the establishment with her 90-year-old great uncle Arthur Clive Doyle, who claims distant kinship with Arthur Conan Doyle - the creator of Sherlock Holmes. Spry Uncle Arthur is often off on excursions (or with lady friends), leaving Gemma in charge of the business.
Gemma also co-owns the adjoining shop, 'Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room', which is run by her best friend Jayne Wilson.
The Emporium and the Tea Room do good business, especially during the tourist season, when customers flock in to enjoy shopping and refreshments. (I wouldn't mind having some of the café's scones with butter, clotted cream, and strawberry jam myself. LOL)
Like Sherlock Holmes, Gemma is very observant and has exceptional deductive abilities - which she demonstrates at every opportunity. For instance, when Gemma's beau (at the time) showed up at a restaurant with his best suit, a new tie, a fresh shave, polished shoes, and a sweaty brow - and reached toward his bulging pocket - Gemma pre-emptively announced "Yes, I'll marry you"..... ruining the entire occasion. Thus, Gemma is still single (ha ha ha).
One day, a tourist group consisting of 28 bridge-playing ladies visits the Emporium, and - while they're shopping- Gemma notices a small middle-aged woman come in and mingle with the crowd. After everyone leaves, Gemma finds a rare 1887 copy of Beeton’s Christmas Annual - the magazine that published the first Sherlock Holmes story - hidden on a bookshelf. If authentic, the Beeton's would be worth around HALF-A-MILLION DOLLARS!
Thinking back on the afternoon, Gemma is convinced the small woman hid the magazine, and meant to retrieve it at a later time. Gemma carefully places the valuable publication in a plastic bag and - to keep it secure - locks it in Uncle Arthur's household safe. Then, having traced the small woman to a local hotel, Gemma and Jayne Wilson (à la Holmes and Watson) drive over to speak to her. For various reasons the two friends sneak up to the woman's room - and find her murdered in her bed!
Jayne goes off to tell the hotel manager and call the police, and Gemma - who fancies herself an amateur sleuth - scurries back to photograph the victim and her belongings. Subsequent investigations reveal that the Beeton's magazine was owned by an elderly gentleman who collected Sherlock Holmes memorabilia. The old fellow recently died, and his nurse (the murder victim) claimed the magazine was left to her. The man's family, however, say it's theirs. Thus, there's a whole parade of people after the precious publication.
As things play out Gemma becomes a suspect in the small woman's murder. After all, Gemma discovered the body and 'hid' the magazine in her house. Before long, Gemma and Jayne find ANOTHER dead body, and Gemma knows she'd better clear her name.....or she'll end up in prison.
Unlike many cozy mysteries - where the amateur detective inserts herself directly into the police investigation - Gemma is ordered to STAY OUT OF IT. Thus, she works on the periphery, eking out information using her smarts and intuition.
To solve the case Gemma utilizes her traditional Holmes-like skills: her excellent memory, powers of observation. and deductive abilities. She also uses a smartphone, IPAD, and computer (like the Jonny Lee Miller/Benedict Cumberbatch versions of Sherlock).
The story has a variety of interesting characters, including: Moriarty - the wily Emporium cat who loves everyone except Gemma (he smirks when Gemma's almost arrested);
Ryan - the detective who has a history with our heroine; Louise -the tough cop who wants to arrest Gemma; Grant - the handsome book collector;
Robbie - Jayne's shiftless boyfriend; Andy - the successful restaurateur; Irene - the local journalist looking for a story; and more.
I'm a fan of Sherlock Holmes and I liked the references and homages to the great fictional detective. The author also does a great job describing Cape Cod, with its ocean setting; historic homes, tourist shops, and fine restaurants.
I enjoyed the book but some parts of the storyline seem a little unlikely, and a couple of characters behave in a less-than-realistic fashion (IMO). This lowered my rating.
Still, all in all this is a good cozy mystery, recommended to fans of the genre.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
June 28, 2021
When I discovered that Vicki Delany was actually Eva Gates in disguise I had to try one of her books, and I am very glad I did. I am a reasonable Sherlock Holmes fan so this series was obviously the place to start.
Elementary, She Read revolves around Gemma Doyle (no relation to the famous author) who actually has a lot in common with Sherlock Holmes. She is extremely observant and is able to draw very accurate conclusions about people from small clues. She would also be a very irritating person to know as she is pedantic and lacks a normal sense of humour but that is just my opinion!
Gemma operates the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and her friend Jayne runs the adjoining tea shop. Together they contrive to discover a murder and then set out to find the murderer. This is complicated by the fact that one police person is Gemma's ex and the other dislikes her for no specified reason. It is all good entertainment.
The whole book is written well and never gets silly the way some cosies can. The characters are interesting and the mystery is clever. I enjoyed it very much and intend to follow up the rest of the series.
Elementary, She Read revolves around Gemma Doyle (no relation to the famous author) who actually has a lot in common with Sherlock Holmes. She is extremely observant and is able to draw very accurate conclusions about people from small clues. She would also be a very irritating person to know as she is pedantic and lacks a normal sense of humour but that is just my opinion!
Gemma operates the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and her friend Jayne runs the adjoining tea shop. Together they contrive to discover a murder and then set out to find the murderer. This is complicated by the fact that one police person is Gemma's ex and the other dislikes her for no specified reason. It is all good entertainment.
The whole book is written well and never gets silly the way some cosies can. The characters are interesting and the mystery is clever. I enjoyed it very much and intend to follow up the rest of the series.
February 22, 2017
*received for review from the publisher through Cozy Mystery Review Crew*
This book sounded so good that I was really excited to get it and looking forward to reading it. And it was good, but not quite up to my (admittedly high) expectations. The first person narrator, Gemma Doyle, runs a book store/gift shop devoted to Sherlock Holmes and items related to Holmes, Arthur Conan Doyle, and the Sherlock canon. Not because she is a particularly devoted Sherlock fan, but because her uncle, who IS a particularly devoted Sherlock fan, started the bookstore and she joined him in the business later. But Gemma is a bit like Sherlock. She has acute powers of observation, and there are many conversations wherein she shows off, er, demonstrates said powers of observation by pointing out things the other party to the conversation did not notice or missed. She often comes off as a bit...lofty. Her friends seem to just accept it and aren't put off or insulted by her. But I found her a little irritating at times. She tells us, more than once, that she's offered or attempted to help out the local police investigate crimes in the past only to have her offers rebuffed.
It's been many many many years since I've read any of the Sherlock books, and my only recent experience with him is through the Benedict Cumberbatch TV show (which I do love). So I don't remember if Sherlock himself, the book Sherlock, came across the same way. But since those stories were narrated by Watson, I think that probably helped temper it. Maybe if Gemma's best friend, Jayne, were the narrator here...I just didn't find Gemma to be a very sympathetic character and so I had a little trouble liking her.
That being said, I did like Jayne, and I liked Ryan Ashburton, the local police detective who also happened to be Gemma's ex. And the mystery was good. I was completely in the dark about who the culprit was in the end and it came as a complete surprise.
This book sounded so good that I was really excited to get it and looking forward to reading it. And it was good, but not quite up to my (admittedly high) expectations. The first person narrator, Gemma Doyle, runs a book store/gift shop devoted to Sherlock Holmes and items related to Holmes, Arthur Conan Doyle, and the Sherlock canon. Not because she is a particularly devoted Sherlock fan, but because her uncle, who IS a particularly devoted Sherlock fan, started the bookstore and she joined him in the business later. But Gemma is a bit like Sherlock. She has acute powers of observation, and there are many conversations wherein she shows off, er, demonstrates said powers of observation by pointing out things the other party to the conversation did not notice or missed. She often comes off as a bit...lofty. Her friends seem to just accept it and aren't put off or insulted by her. But I found her a little irritating at times. She tells us, more than once, that she's offered or attempted to help out the local police investigate crimes in the past only to have her offers rebuffed.
It's been many many many years since I've read any of the Sherlock books, and my only recent experience with him is through the Benedict Cumberbatch TV show (which I do love). So I don't remember if Sherlock himself, the book Sherlock, came across the same way. But since those stories were narrated by Watson, I think that probably helped temper it. Maybe if Gemma's best friend, Jayne, were the narrator here...I just didn't find Gemma to be a very sympathetic character and so I had a little trouble liking her.
That being said, I did like Jayne, and I liked Ryan Ashburton, the local police detective who also happened to be Gemma's ex. And the mystery was good. I was completely in the dark about who the culprit was in the end and it came as a complete surprise.
September 1, 2024
Dado que no voy a seguir la serie de cozy mystery con el gato gigante, decidí buscar otra que me interesara y probé con esta. Soy fan de Holmes y me pareció interesante que se centrara en la dueña de una tienda temática de él.
Gemma Doyle es la dueña de una tienda temática de Sherlock Holmes y un día un grupo de mujeres aparece por ahí y dejan una revista abandonada. Una revista que costaría cientos de miles de dólares debido a su calidad de primera edición, así que cuando intente encontrar a la dueña y la descubra muerta, será considerada la primera sospechosa del crimen.
Como dije, me gustó que se centrara en Holmes y mencionaran toda la cultura pop creada alrededor del personaje y el merch que existe, fue divertido. El crimen giró entorno a un coleccionista que murió y una de sus propiedades que sería una primera edición de una revista cuyo valor sería altísimo. Para la mala fortuna de Gemma, ella encontrará tanto la revista como el cadáver, por lo que no será bien vista por parte de la policía que la considerará la principal sospechosa.
El personaje de Gemma fue bastante proactivo, una que era capaz de elaborar planes complicados para encontrar respuestas y no se quedaba quieta dejando que las cosas solo le sucedieran. Al mismo tiempo, la autora intentó presentarla como una nueva Sherlock, en parte, una mujer con una gran capacidad de observación que siempre va varios pasos por delante que los demás. Creo que estuvo bien, pero en muchos casos no terminó de funcionar porque eran deducciones a las que les faltaba fundamento o casi por pura suerte que resultaban ser ciertas a favor del personaje. Eso sí, me parece que la protagonista fue lo suficiente proactiva e interesante como para querer seguir leyendo sobre ella. El principal motivo por el que dejé pasar lo desagradable que podía ser por creerse más inteligente, fue porque cometió errores y eso me gustó.
Como dije, el crimen se centró en el tema del coleccionismo de objetos de Holmes y todo ese submundo, fue entretenido. Admito que para el final lo sentí algo acelerado, pero toda la explicación del caso fue interesante, no me lo vi venir y fue un giro entretenido. Con estos libros no me tomo tan en serio los casos ni el misterio, son novelas ligeras para pasar el rato sin complicarse.
Esta entrega no tuvo romance, aunque sí señales de este, pues el ex de Gemma volvió a la ciudad a trabajar en la policía, así que tuvimos varios momentos entre ellos y el motivo de la ruputa de ambos años atrás. No sucedió mucho en este aspecto, pero me gustó la dinámica entre ambos como para tener curiosidad y seguir leyendo sobre ellos.
Elemental, querida lectora fue un inicio interesante con todo el submundo del fanatismo por Holmes, una protagonista con una gran capacidad de deducción y para meterse en problemas, y la lucha por una primera edición que dejará un par de cadáveres en el camino.
Gemma Doyle es la dueña de una tienda temática de Sherlock Holmes y un día un grupo de mujeres aparece por ahí y dejan una revista abandonada. Una revista que costaría cientos de miles de dólares debido a su calidad de primera edición, así que cuando intente encontrar a la dueña y la descubra muerta, será considerada la primera sospechosa del crimen.
Como dije, me gustó que se centrara en Holmes y mencionaran toda la cultura pop creada alrededor del personaje y el merch que existe, fue divertido. El crimen giró entorno a un coleccionista que murió y una de sus propiedades que sería una primera edición de una revista cuyo valor sería altísimo. Para la mala fortuna de Gemma, ella encontrará tanto la revista como el cadáver, por lo que no será bien vista por parte de la policía que la considerará la principal sospechosa.
El personaje de Gemma fue bastante proactivo, una que era capaz de elaborar planes complicados para encontrar respuestas y no se quedaba quieta dejando que las cosas solo le sucedieran. Al mismo tiempo, la autora intentó presentarla como una nueva Sherlock, en parte, una mujer con una gran capacidad de observación que siempre va varios pasos por delante que los demás. Creo que estuvo bien, pero en muchos casos no terminó de funcionar porque eran deducciones a las que les faltaba fundamento o casi por pura suerte que resultaban ser ciertas a favor del personaje. Eso sí, me parece que la protagonista fue lo suficiente proactiva e interesante como para querer seguir leyendo sobre ella. El principal motivo por el que dejé pasar lo desagradable que podía ser por creerse más inteligente, fue porque cometió errores y eso me gustó.
Como dije, el crimen se centró en el tema del coleccionismo de objetos de Holmes y todo ese submundo, fue entretenido. Admito que para el final lo sentí algo acelerado, pero toda la explicación del caso fue interesante, no me lo vi venir y fue un giro entretenido. Con estos libros no me tomo tan en serio los casos ni el misterio, son novelas ligeras para pasar el rato sin complicarse.
Esta entrega no tuvo romance, aunque sí señales de este, pues el ex de Gemma volvió a la ciudad a trabajar en la policía, así que tuvimos varios momentos entre ellos y el motivo de la ruputa de ambos años atrás. No sucedió mucho en este aspecto, pero me gustó la dinámica entre ambos como para tener curiosidad y seguir leyendo sobre ellos.
Elemental, querida lectora fue un inicio interesante con todo el submundo del fanatismo por Holmes, una protagonista con una gran capacidad de deducción y para meterse en problemas, y la lucha por una primera edición que dejará un par de cadáveres en el camino.
March 24, 2017
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This series is off to an amazing start!
We meet Gemma Doyle, relative of Sir Authur Conan Doyle??? She says no, but her Uncle’s name is Arthur so you just never know. She and her uncle own the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium at 222 Baker Street. The also own half of the tea shop next door run by Gemma’s friend, Jayne. Both shops are very popular with the tourists. While setting the store to rights after a rush of customers, something Gemma is very particular about, she finds what appears to by a valuable magazine, said to contain Doyle’s first Sherlock Holmes story. In a way similar to the great sleuth, Gemma deduces who left the magazine and where the person is staying. But by the time she and Jayne arrive all the find is a dead body. Gemma has a little history with one of the detectives but the other detective seems to dislike her immediately and names Gemma the prime suspect. Gemma decides to use her own special skills to clear her name and find the real killer herself.
I will say at first I wasn’t a fan of Gemma. She is very Holmes-like in her manner and that can be off putting. But just like Holmes the more you get to know her the more she grows on you. She can be very driven by things that interest her, forgetful about things that are not her immediate concern, and just can’t help herself when her unique observation skills help her to read a situation and burst out with all the facts as she sees them or give her opinion whether wanted or not. We see through her friend Jayne that being Gemma’s friend is sometimes difficult but she is still a treasured friend. Jayne is definitely Gemma’s Dr. Watson. The author has created these a great characters and a core of supporting cast that I am anxious to get to know even better.
I love the setting. The authors description of not only the wonderful bookshop but of the entire area sounded delightful. A place I would love to visit.
As for the mystery, that is excellent as well. Many viable suspects with motive and means. I thought I had the right person more than once but the plot kept twirling and proving me wrong. That final twist was one heck of a surprise. I never saw it coming.
I am a huge Sherlock Holmes fan. In fact we had our own Moriarty the cat, along with his brothers Sherlock and Watson. I have loved all the movies and most of the television shows. Because of that I know the author has to be a huge fan and/or has done her research diligently to bring this story to life. From the characters to the merchandise in the bookshop and the mystery itself, it is all a modern day tribute to the grand sleuth.
The first book in a new series always has a lot of expectations. Introduce the characters and make them engaging, give readers a great setting and a top-notch mystery too. Well Vicki Delany has done that and more with this book. She has exceeded all my expectations by far. She has given me a paradise worthy escape! You don’t want to miss this story!
This series is off to an amazing start!
We meet Gemma Doyle, relative of Sir Authur Conan Doyle??? She says no, but her Uncle’s name is Arthur so you just never know. She and her uncle own the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium at 222 Baker Street. The also own half of the tea shop next door run by Gemma’s friend, Jayne. Both shops are very popular with the tourists. While setting the store to rights after a rush of customers, something Gemma is very particular about, she finds what appears to by a valuable magazine, said to contain Doyle’s first Sherlock Holmes story. In a way similar to the great sleuth, Gemma deduces who left the magazine and where the person is staying. But by the time she and Jayne arrive all the find is a dead body. Gemma has a little history with one of the detectives but the other detective seems to dislike her immediately and names Gemma the prime suspect. Gemma decides to use her own special skills to clear her name and find the real killer herself.
I will say at first I wasn’t a fan of Gemma. She is very Holmes-like in her manner and that can be off putting. But just like Holmes the more you get to know her the more she grows on you. She can be very driven by things that interest her, forgetful about things that are not her immediate concern, and just can’t help herself when her unique observation skills help her to read a situation and burst out with all the facts as she sees them or give her opinion whether wanted or not. We see through her friend Jayne that being Gemma’s friend is sometimes difficult but she is still a treasured friend. Jayne is definitely Gemma’s Dr. Watson. The author has created these a great characters and a core of supporting cast that I am anxious to get to know even better.
I love the setting. The authors description of not only the wonderful bookshop but of the entire area sounded delightful. A place I would love to visit.
As for the mystery, that is excellent as well. Many viable suspects with motive and means. I thought I had the right person more than once but the plot kept twirling and proving me wrong. That final twist was one heck of a surprise. I never saw it coming.
I am a huge Sherlock Holmes fan. In fact we had our own Moriarty the cat, along with his brothers Sherlock and Watson. I have loved all the movies and most of the television shows. Because of that I know the author has to be a huge fan and/or has done her research diligently to bring this story to life. From the characters to the merchandise in the bookshop and the mystery itself, it is all a modern day tribute to the grand sleuth.
The first book in a new series always has a lot of expectations. Introduce the characters and make them engaging, give readers a great setting and a top-notch mystery too. Well Vicki Delany has done that and more with this book. She has exceeded all my expectations by far. She has given me a paradise worthy escape! You don’t want to miss this story!
February 22, 2025
Uno de mis desafíos de lectura para este 2025 es el de leer un cozy mistery/crime al mes. En esta oportunidad le tocó a Elemental, querida lectora de la escritora canadiense Vicky Delany.
Es la primera entrega de una saga protagonizada por Gemma Doyle, una joven muy perspicaz en cuya librería se vende todo lo relacionado a Sherlock Holmes. Todo transcurre en un apacible pueblecito de Cape Cod, en la calle Baker Street 222 (guiño al mundo sherlockiano, of course) 🕵️♂️🔍
La trama gira en torno a la aparición de una revista muy antigua, presa deseada por los coleccionistas que admiran al famoso detective británico y que arrastra a nuestra protagonista a la investigación de un asesinato.
Me pareció algo floja la historia, no terminó de engancharme. Sí me gustó mucho la ambientación y el sin fin de menciones a toda la parafernalia relacionada con Sherlock y su autor, Conan Doyle. También el elenco de personajes es interesante como para querer descubrir más en la próxima historia.
Es la primera entrega de una saga protagonizada por Gemma Doyle, una joven muy perspicaz en cuya librería se vende todo lo relacionado a Sherlock Holmes. Todo transcurre en un apacible pueblecito de Cape Cod, en la calle Baker Street 222 (guiño al mundo sherlockiano, of course) 🕵️♂️🔍
La trama gira en torno a la aparición de una revista muy antigua, presa deseada por los coleccionistas que admiran al famoso detective británico y que arrastra a nuestra protagonista a la investigación de un asesinato.
Me pareció algo floja la historia, no terminó de engancharme. Sí me gustó mucho la ambientación y el sin fin de menciones a toda la parafernalia relacionada con Sherlock y su autor, Conan Doyle. También el elenco de personajes es interesante como para querer descubrir más en la próxima historia.
December 9, 2019
Thank you for the recommendation, Library Queen! This was an unexpectedly delightful cozy read.
It follows the fairly standard cozy tropes as far as the mystery and plot go (Downside: bumbling, small-town police who target the heroine for No Apparent Reason. Upside: lots of hot men floating around for No Apparent Reason.) But the heroine, Gemma, proved fairly original and it helps a lot.
Sure, she has a Standard Cozy Heroine Job (small business owner.) And she has the standard Cozy Heroine Relatives (aka the Quirky Uncle.) And the standard Cozy Heroine Best Friend...
But otherwise, I did find her rather refreshing. She has a photographic memory, general social cluelessness, and might even fall on the autistic scale; it makes her charming. It was easy to believe she would notice the details she notices or act in the impulsive ways she acts. And it fits that she's the pseudo-Holmes of the story.
The bookshop felt a little on the nose at times with all the name dropping but it also just added to the fun.
I cannot wait to read more of this series!
It follows the fairly standard cozy tropes as far as the mystery and plot go (Downside: bumbling, small-town police who target the heroine for No Apparent Reason. Upside: lots of hot men floating around for No Apparent Reason.) But the heroine, Gemma, proved fairly original and it helps a lot.
Sure, she has a Standard Cozy Heroine Job (small business owner.) And she has the standard Cozy Heroine Relatives (aka the Quirky Uncle.) And the standard Cozy Heroine Best Friend...
But otherwise, I did find her rather refreshing. She has a photographic memory, general social cluelessness, and might even fall on the autistic scale; it makes her charming. It was easy to believe she would notice the details she notices or act in the impulsive ways she acts. And it fits that she's the pseudo-Holmes of the story.
The bookshop felt a little on the nose at times with all the name dropping but it also just added to the fun.
I cannot wait to read more of this series!
March 21, 2017
Note: I read this book last month, but the publisher has asked that reviews be held until the month the book is released.
Somewhere it must be written that heroines (or heroes) of so-called cozy mysteries must be the most obnoxious and interfering people on the face of the earth. I realize that without those characteristics, the plots probably wouldn't go much of anywhere - but boy, does it ever get under my skin. Gemma Doyle, the heroine here and co-owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium in tiny West London, Massachusetts, is no exception (in fact, I'd go so far as saying she's more annoying to me than most). That aside, the story here is well thought out and moves along quickly, on the whole making for a book I really enjoyed (honest!)
That enjoyment comes partly because I'm a bit of a Sherlock Holmes aficionado myself, especially when he's portrayed spot-on by actor Benedict Cumberbatch - one of the reasons I was delighted to get an advance copy, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Then there's mention of a lighthouse (a favorite photography subject for both myself and my husband); and the fact that Gemma drives a red Mazda Miata - one of my top three dream cars - made me decide she might not be so bad after all.
It was also fun to watch the plot unfold as a result of Gemma's uncanny Holmes-like deductions - even when she continues to make them despite clear warnings that she would do well to put a sock in it. At one point when she discovers that someone may have been lurking outside her home, for instance, she muses that someone might be suggesting that she back off. Oh really - you mean someone like the entire West London police, or your best friend Jayne who co-owns the tea shop next to your bookstore, or the ex-fiance who dumped you because he no longer could take your meddling ways?
For better or worse, though, better folks than I have told her she's too nosy for her own good, so I'll move on to the story - and for sure it's a doozy. Amid a crowd of women on a bus tour who visit the book shop one day is a "street" woman carrying a paper bag. Gemma's intrigued, but the woman gets lost in the crowd and forgotten until later, when Gemma discovers what appears to be an extremely valuable magazine hidden on a shelf. Certain that the disheveled woman left it there, Gemma uses her powers of deduction to track her down. To that end, she's successful - but when she and Jayne enter her hotel room (the door to which is conveniently unlocked to allow Gemma and Jayne unfettered but surreptitious entry), they make a startling discovery: The woman is dead.
That, of course, only provides fuel to Gemma's sleuthing fires; and when she finds that she and Jayne are considered persons of interest in the murder, she's even more determined to get to the truth (being suspected murderers, after all, is bad for both their businesses).
The lead detective on the murder case, Ryan Ashburton, happens to be Gemma's ex-fiance, who bolted outta Dodge to take a job in a larger town when they broke up. He's been back for a while now, which comes as a surprise to Gemma (a tidbit that, given West London's small size, made me conclude that her powers of observation are a bit selective). Thankfully, he doesn't believe Gemma is capable of murder, but after she sticks her nose in one too many places - and (gasp!) finds yet another dead body after sneaking onto someone else's private property, he's yanked off the case because his prior relationship has the potential to unduly influence his investigation (yikes, what took them so long)?
Lest I, like Gemma, be chastised for treading where I shouldn't go, I'll keep other details of the investigation - and the for the most part surprising outcome - to myself. The only thing I'll say is that this is an excellent series debut that I'm sure fans of cozy mysteries - and Sherlock Holmes - will enjoy. "The game is afoot" (Sherlock Holmes, The Adventure of the Abbey Grange), so go for it!
Somewhere it must be written that heroines (or heroes) of so-called cozy mysteries must be the most obnoxious and interfering people on the face of the earth. I realize that without those characteristics, the plots probably wouldn't go much of anywhere - but boy, does it ever get under my skin. Gemma Doyle, the heroine here and co-owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium in tiny West London, Massachusetts, is no exception (in fact, I'd go so far as saying she's more annoying to me than most). That aside, the story here is well thought out and moves along quickly, on the whole making for a book I really enjoyed (honest!)
That enjoyment comes partly because I'm a bit of a Sherlock Holmes aficionado myself, especially when he's portrayed spot-on by actor Benedict Cumberbatch - one of the reasons I was delighted to get an advance copy, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Then there's mention of a lighthouse (a favorite photography subject for both myself and my husband); and the fact that Gemma drives a red Mazda Miata - one of my top three dream cars - made me decide she might not be so bad after all.
It was also fun to watch the plot unfold as a result of Gemma's uncanny Holmes-like deductions - even when she continues to make them despite clear warnings that she would do well to put a sock in it. At one point when she discovers that someone may have been lurking outside her home, for instance, she muses that someone might be suggesting that she back off. Oh really - you mean someone like the entire West London police, or your best friend Jayne who co-owns the tea shop next to your bookstore, or the ex-fiance who dumped you because he no longer could take your meddling ways?
For better or worse, though, better folks than I have told her she's too nosy for her own good, so I'll move on to the story - and for sure it's a doozy. Amid a crowd of women on a bus tour who visit the book shop one day is a "street" woman carrying a paper bag. Gemma's intrigued, but the woman gets lost in the crowd and forgotten until later, when Gemma discovers what appears to be an extremely valuable magazine hidden on a shelf. Certain that the disheveled woman left it there, Gemma uses her powers of deduction to track her down. To that end, she's successful - but when she and Jayne enter her hotel room (the door to which is conveniently unlocked to allow Gemma and Jayne unfettered but surreptitious entry), they make a startling discovery: The woman is dead.
That, of course, only provides fuel to Gemma's sleuthing fires; and when she finds that she and Jayne are considered persons of interest in the murder, she's even more determined to get to the truth (being suspected murderers, after all, is bad for both their businesses).
The lead detective on the murder case, Ryan Ashburton, happens to be Gemma's ex-fiance, who bolted outta Dodge to take a job in a larger town when they broke up. He's been back for a while now, which comes as a surprise to Gemma (a tidbit that, given West London's small size, made me conclude that her powers of observation are a bit selective). Thankfully, he doesn't believe Gemma is capable of murder, but after she sticks her nose in one too many places - and (gasp!) finds yet another dead body after sneaking onto someone else's private property, he's yanked off the case because his prior relationship has the potential to unduly influence his investigation (yikes, what took them so long)?
Lest I, like Gemma, be chastised for treading where I shouldn't go, I'll keep other details of the investigation - and the for the most part surprising outcome - to myself. The only thing I'll say is that this is an excellent series debut that I'm sure fans of cozy mysteries - and Sherlock Holmes - will enjoy. "The game is afoot" (Sherlock Holmes, The Adventure of the Abbey Grange), so go for it!
July 3, 2019
***The Summer of Sherlock 2019***
I am not usually a fan of the cozy mystery--I tend towards the darker Scandinavian style detective story, rather than the sweetness & light. But I couldn’t put this particular cozy down!
Delany is a good writer and she has crafted a fun, fast moving little story here. Gemma Doyle (a maybe relation to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle) has taken on a Sherlock Holmes book store and gift emporium both to help her uncle and to support herself. She is rather logically driven (rather like a certain detective we all know) and gets herself involved in an apparent murder in her small town. (It’s always in a small town, isn’t it?)
There’s her best friend as her Watson-like sidekick, but there are also potential love interests, the former boyfriend and the rare book expert. Not to mention the trials of getting and retaining staff and finding sources of strawberries for the tea-room attached to the bookstore (run, of course, by the BFF). There’s enough complexity to make it interesting without bogging the story down in the details.
There are a few spots where one has to consciously deploy the “willing suspension of disbelief,” but maybe that’s just me. However, I immediately requested the second book in the series from the public library, so the author is definitely doing things right!
I am not usually a fan of the cozy mystery--I tend towards the darker Scandinavian style detective story, rather than the sweetness & light. But I couldn’t put this particular cozy down!
Delany is a good writer and she has crafted a fun, fast moving little story here. Gemma Doyle (a maybe relation to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle) has taken on a Sherlock Holmes book store and gift emporium both to help her uncle and to support herself. She is rather logically driven (rather like a certain detective we all know) and gets herself involved in an apparent murder in her small town. (It’s always in a small town, isn’t it?)
There’s her best friend as her Watson-like sidekick, but there are also potential love interests, the former boyfriend and the rare book expert. Not to mention the trials of getting and retaining staff and finding sources of strawberries for the tea-room attached to the bookstore (run, of course, by the BFF). There’s enough complexity to make it interesting without bogging the story down in the details.
There are a few spots where one has to consciously deploy the “willing suspension of disbelief,” but maybe that’s just me. However, I immediately requested the second book in the series from the public library, so the author is definitely doing things right!
December 17, 2024
Side note: Vicki Delany is also Eva Gates, author of the Lighthouse Library Mysteries.
This is the first book in this new series, published originally in 2017.
Of course, I am a Sherlock Holmes fan, so how could I not be attracted to another author (especially one I liked as Eva Gates) creating a character with Sherlockian characteristics.
And here we are again with "bookshop" in the title!
Also, I really enjoyed the author’s ability to immerse you in the setting of a quaint and charming little town full of memorable characters.
I also appreciate the first in a new series... to see how the author introduces characters, builds a setting and invests in the themes and motifs which will guide the future books.
Sometimes you don't really care for the character, but not because the character is poorly written -- it's because the author packs a punch in finding ways for you to hate and love them at the same time.
Sherlock Holmes has been done before. But this is done in a lighthearted way, such that it's not over-the-top, rarely boring and usually well-integrated.
Good plot.
Fun characters.
Clever writing.
Everything you need in a basic murder mystery with a splash of something new and exciting.
A definite read for fans of the author and genre, and a good introduction to the cozy for those not ever having the pleasure of encountering one before.
This is the first book in this new series, published originally in 2017.
Of course, I am a Sherlock Holmes fan, so how could I not be attracted to another author (especially one I liked as Eva Gates) creating a character with Sherlockian characteristics.
And here we are again with "bookshop" in the title!
Also, I really enjoyed the author’s ability to immerse you in the setting of a quaint and charming little town full of memorable characters.
I also appreciate the first in a new series... to see how the author introduces characters, builds a setting and invests in the themes and motifs which will guide the future books.
Sometimes you don't really care for the character, but not because the character is poorly written -- it's because the author packs a punch in finding ways for you to hate and love them at the same time.
Sherlock Holmes has been done before. But this is done in a lighthearted way, such that it's not over-the-top, rarely boring and usually well-integrated.
Good plot.
Fun characters.
Clever writing.
Everything you need in a basic murder mystery with a splash of something new and exciting.
A definite read for fans of the author and genre, and a good introduction to the cozy for those not ever having the pleasure of encountering one before.
April 29, 2017
Elementary, She Read is the 1st book in a new series. Many have written short synopsis of the plot so I will relate my thoughts on what I thought about the book. It appears to be a popular new start to the series due to the reviews. For me, it was just an ok read. I had trouble staying interested in the book. It was a little too descriptive for me and the plot didn't hold my interest. I don't think I am a fan of Sherlock Holmes either but didn't think that should make a different as many cozies have themes I am not into but I still enjoy the series.
What I did like was the idea of a book store attached to a tea shop/bakery. I liked the friendship of the two friends Gemma and Jayne. I actually liked Jayne better than Gemma who is the main character. As readers we all like different books and series and I can see many liked this book. It was just not for me.
What I did like was the idea of a book store attached to a tea shop/bakery. I liked the friendship of the two friends Gemma and Jayne. I actually liked Jayne better than Gemma who is the main character. As readers we all like different books and series and I can see many liked this book. It was just not for me.
February 10, 2017
Elementary She Read was a fun, fast paced, cozy mystery, just what I was looking for! I don’t usually read this genre so I just went with what sounded interesting and I wasn’t disappointed.
The setting is Cape Cope in a quirky, touristy area where Gemma Doyle,formerly of London, is co owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium. The shop is connected through a doorway to the cafe next to it where her friend and co owner Jayne serves up fresh pastry and does a proper English tea.
One morning a bus drops off a group tour of around 20+ women who flood both of the shops and keeps Gemma busy, but she is always aware of everyone and everything in her shop. After the crowd leaves she finds a magazine hidden in the shelves of books which may or may not be worth lots of money. The mystery takes off from here with a dead body, lots of suspects and a clever plot which will keep you guessing.
Gemma is such a likable character and exhibits many of the original Sherlock’s attributes of keen observation, intelligence and skills of deduction. Her friend Jayne is a great sidekick. There are many other reviews that will give away more of the plot but I’d rather you read it for yourself.
If you are looking for a literate cozy mystery and have a love of Sherlock, you will definitely enjoy this book. The author has done a wonderful job of researching Conan Doyle and I learned a lot about the original Sherlock series which I have not read. I have enjoyed the TV series most recently on PBS which is so well done.
This is the second in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series and I will look forward to book number three. I would love to get to know Uncle Arthur, he sounds like quite an interesting character!
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.
The setting is Cape Cope in a quirky, touristy area where Gemma Doyle,formerly of London, is co owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium. The shop is connected through a doorway to the cafe next to it where her friend and co owner Jayne serves up fresh pastry and does a proper English tea.
One morning a bus drops off a group tour of around 20+ women who flood both of the shops and keeps Gemma busy, but she is always aware of everyone and everything in her shop. After the crowd leaves she finds a magazine hidden in the shelves of books which may or may not be worth lots of money. The mystery takes off from here with a dead body, lots of suspects and a clever plot which will keep you guessing.
Gemma is such a likable character and exhibits many of the original Sherlock’s attributes of keen observation, intelligence and skills of deduction. Her friend Jayne is a great sidekick. There are many other reviews that will give away more of the plot but I’d rather you read it for yourself.
If you are looking for a literate cozy mystery and have a love of Sherlock, you will definitely enjoy this book. The author has done a wonderful job of researching Conan Doyle and I learned a lot about the original Sherlock series which I have not read. I have enjoyed the TV series most recently on PBS which is so well done.
This is the second in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series and I will look forward to book number three. I would love to get to know Uncle Arthur, he sounds like quite an interesting character!
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.
March 21, 2017
Elementary She Read by Vicki Delany will appeal to the bookworm as well as the cozy mystery fan!
Gemma Doyle is very much like the Sherlock to whom her bookstore pays homage. Sharp powers of observation, keen deductive reasoning, and a lack of tact in delivering them, etc. But you forgive what could be annoying because she’s such a hoot. She’s unintentionally funny and awkward, and you just want to hug her. Though, I don’t think that would go over especially well.
The back-and-forth between Gemma and her best friend (and business partner) Jayne is stellar and lots of fun. Particularly when it comes to Gemma’s British English and Jayne’s corrections and/or translations for the Americans of West London, Massachusetts.
Bottom Line: Elementary She Read is a cozy mystery with all the token elements – but in this case, under Vicki Delany’s supervision, they don’t feel token. They all come together naturally and with wit to form a great story that will have you smiling. The mystery is intriguing and the characters are engaging. I’m ready for the next book!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
see my review at Reading Is My SuperPower
Gemma Doyle is very much like the Sherlock to whom her bookstore pays homage. Sharp powers of observation, keen deductive reasoning, and a lack of tact in delivering them, etc. But you forgive what could be annoying because she’s such a hoot. She’s unintentionally funny and awkward, and you just want to hug her. Though, I don’t think that would go over especially well.
The back-and-forth between Gemma and her best friend (and business partner) Jayne is stellar and lots of fun. Particularly when it comes to Gemma’s British English and Jayne’s corrections and/or translations for the Americans of West London, Massachusetts.
Bottom Line: Elementary She Read is a cozy mystery with all the token elements – but in this case, under Vicki Delany’s supervision, they don’t feel token. They all come together naturally and with wit to form a great story that will have you smiling. The mystery is intriguing and the characters are engaging. I’m ready for the next book!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
see my review at Reading Is My SuperPower
January 10, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. While Gemma's character had some of the traits of Sherlock Holmes, she also was a loving, caring woman. She wasn't the robot that Sherlock is sometimes portrayed to be. While the robot thing works well on the screen, it is hard to connect with that person in a novel. I think that is why the original Holmes books were shown through Watson's eyes. No need to do that with this book though. Although reserved, Gemma has a lively personality that a lot of introverts can relate to. Her relationship with Jayne was cleverly written and touching at the same time.
The mystery in Elementary, She Read, was very good. It was layered with a few twists. I never came close to guessing the end although there were some clues. I loved how the end played out. I won't put any spoilers in, but it wasn't any of the cliched tropes at all.
I would recommend this book to mystery lovers, cozy lovers, and fans of Sherlock Holmes.
*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and have given an honest review*
The mystery in Elementary, She Read, was very good. It was layered with a few twists. I never came close to guessing the end although there were some clues. I loved how the end played out. I won't put any spoilers in, but it wasn't any of the cliched tropes at all.
I would recommend this book to mystery lovers, cozy lovers, and fans of Sherlock Holmes.
*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and have given an honest review*
September 6, 2022
Digital audiobook narrated by Kelly Clare
First in a new (to me, at least) series starring Gemma Doyle, “a transplanted Englishwoman [who] has returned to … Cape Cod to manage her great uncle Arthur’s Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium.”
This has all the elements of a successful cozy mystery series: an amateur sleuth who is frequently smarter than the police and incredibly nosy, a cute pet (in this case the black cat named Moriarty), a job in a retail shop that brings her into contact with many public persons, a best friend who runs a complimentary business, and a supporting cast of “helpers.” I loved all the book references, and thought the basic premise was sufficiently plausible to keep me interested and engaged.
I’m likely to continue this series.
Kelly Clare does a good job of voicing the audiobook. She sets a good pace and does a good job of giving Gemma a recognizable British accent.
First in a new (to me, at least) series starring Gemma Doyle, “a transplanted Englishwoman [who] has returned to … Cape Cod to manage her great uncle Arthur’s Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium.”
This has all the elements of a successful cozy mystery series: an amateur sleuth who is frequently smarter than the police and incredibly nosy, a cute pet (in this case the black cat named Moriarty), a job in a retail shop that brings her into contact with many public persons, a best friend who runs a complimentary business, and a supporting cast of “helpers.” I loved all the book references, and thought the basic premise was sufficiently plausible to keep me interested and engaged.
I’m likely to continue this series.
Kelly Clare does a good job of voicing the audiobook. She sets a good pace and does a good job of giving Gemma a recognizable British accent.
February 15, 2025
Elemental, querida lectora. Vicki Delany
Pues sorprendentemente, me ha gustado bastante. Con estos libros siempre me quedo insatisfecha debido a su calidad tanto de escritura como de trama. Pero con este me he entretenido mucho, he disfrutado con tanto homenaje a Sherlock y a la literatura victoriana y eduardiana y lo mejor...sin ningún spoiler 😂😂.
Aunque debo decir que la persona culpable da pistas desde el primer momento que asoma el morro, no me ha molestado que fuera tan previsible.
Las tazas y jarritas de la foto se ven poco, si luego leo otro que se ajuste a a la premisa y que no haya que coger casi una lupa para verlo, lo cambio 😂😂
Valoración: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.(ojo, que no es gran cosa pero me lo he pasado pipa).
Pues sorprendentemente, me ha gustado bastante. Con estos libros siempre me quedo insatisfecha debido a su calidad tanto de escritura como de trama. Pero con este me he entretenido mucho, he disfrutado con tanto homenaje a Sherlock y a la literatura victoriana y eduardiana y lo mejor...sin ningún spoiler 😂😂.
Aunque debo decir que la persona culpable da pistas desde el primer momento que asoma el morro, no me ha molestado que fuera tan previsible.
Las tazas y jarritas de la foto se ven poco, si luego leo otro que se ajuste a a la premisa y que no haya que coger casi una lupa para verlo, lo cambio 😂😂
Valoración: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.(ojo, que no es gran cosa pero me lo he pasado pipa).
July 27, 2022
I loved this one! Gemma Doyle runs a small bookstore that specialized in Sherlock Holmes books, DVDS, and memorabilia. She splits the space with her best friend's tea shop and bakery. During a busy rush, she finds out someone has hidden a valuable magazine among her regular cheapies. Knowing the value, she seeks out the woman who dropped it off to see what's up. Once there, she finds the woman - *gasp!* - murdered, and from there on gets sucked into a whopper of a mystery. Not only is she trying to solve the crime to clear her name from a suspicious detective who clearly WANTS her to be guilty, but she soons discovers her own life may be in danger if she doesn't uncover the fiendish foe.
Love the main character, who is so observant it's creepy and scares others off, much like the original Holmes - yet she's forgetful at hell and is absent minded. Not to mention that while she runs a Sherlock themed shop, she's not even a rabid fan of the author and inherited it. Her fun friend Jayne who runs the tea shop next door is a delightful sidekick - especially the twisted way she gears toward deadbeat boyfriends that drives the MC bonkers. A few funny happenings there with the deadbeat artist hanging around. Throw in oddball characters and characterization wins.
The setting is such fun, even if you're not a Sherlock groupie. Gemma is a clear reader, so she has special reserved reading nooks in the store and at home. The shop has a neighborhood cat who runs the place and loves all guests and patrons - with the exception of Gemma, who gets clawed. The tea shop is fun since it makes me crave scones and strawberry pastries, and unlike some cozies and books it takes the tea seriously. No simple bags, but complex blends and steeping know-how.
What sets this apart is it's an actual, bona-fide mystery. Instead of accidental discoveries adding up to coincidental plotting, Gemma uses her brain to evaluate and take apart every angle. She spends much time investigating and revealing her thoughts and observations to the reader mentally in first person point of view. This walk through the crime, suspects and scenes is one of the most impressive I've seen with a mystery, even compared to non-cozies and straight detective procedurals. Her mind is impressive, even if she's forgetful, and this isn't a mystery that takes you by surprise.
I didn't guess the culprit for the author kept them carefully concealed. Kudos because it wasn't impossible to guess if you'd had a mind to. Despite the fact that Gemma stayed on top of her game throughout, even she didn't guess the villain in time before a final confrontation. Saves may be a little coincidental, but that's okay.
Fun pacing, excellent characters, and a nifty writing style made this one a delight to breeze through. I'll definitely check out more of the series when it continues. Probably my favorite mystery so far this year.
Love the main character, who is so observant it's creepy and scares others off, much like the original Holmes - yet she's forgetful at hell and is absent minded. Not to mention that while she runs a Sherlock themed shop, she's not even a rabid fan of the author and inherited it. Her fun friend Jayne who runs the tea shop next door is a delightful sidekick - especially the twisted way she gears toward deadbeat boyfriends that drives the MC bonkers. A few funny happenings there with the deadbeat artist hanging around. Throw in oddball characters and characterization wins.
The setting is such fun, even if you're not a Sherlock groupie. Gemma is a clear reader, so she has special reserved reading nooks in the store and at home. The shop has a neighborhood cat who runs the place and loves all guests and patrons - with the exception of Gemma, who gets clawed. The tea shop is fun since it makes me crave scones and strawberry pastries, and unlike some cozies and books it takes the tea seriously. No simple bags, but complex blends and steeping know-how.
What sets this apart is it's an actual, bona-fide mystery. Instead of accidental discoveries adding up to coincidental plotting, Gemma uses her brain to evaluate and take apart every angle. She spends much time investigating and revealing her thoughts and observations to the reader mentally in first person point of view. This walk through the crime, suspects and scenes is one of the most impressive I've seen with a mystery, even compared to non-cozies and straight detective procedurals. Her mind is impressive, even if she's forgetful, and this isn't a mystery that takes you by surprise.
I didn't guess the culprit for the author kept them carefully concealed. Kudos because it wasn't impossible to guess if you'd had a mind to. Despite the fact that Gemma stayed on top of her game throughout, even she didn't guess the villain in time before a final confrontation. Saves may be a little coincidental, but that's okay.
Fun pacing, excellent characters, and a nifty writing style made this one a delight to breeze through. I'll definitely check out more of the series when it continues. Probably my favorite mystery so far this year.
February 25, 2017
ELEMENTARY, SHE READ (A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery #1)
In this brand new series which is a cozy mystery Gemma Doyle and her Great Uncle Arthur own a bookstore that is also a gift shop specializing in Sherlock Holmes books and gifts. Emma's best friend Jane who runs the adjoining coffee shop and bakery called Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room, owns half of the Tearoom business. One day a busload of bridge players takes a tour to visit their business. In the same time frame Gemma notices a woman come in with a white plastic shopping bag.
While Emma is fixing the books on the bookshelf she finds a valuable magazine hidden between the books. It is Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's first installment published. (no relation) Emma and Jayne go to the woman's hotel to try and return the magazine to the mysterious women and they find a dead body. They call the police and report it and soon Emma is the number one suspect. Emma is very observant and uses deduction to guess a lot of clues to various things.
The book is really a good mystery and the writing and characterizations are well done. I particularly liked the character of Jayne. Emma is pretty good as well. There are a lot more things that happens as this story progresses. You learn all that I have wrote in the first few chapters. Emma tries to clear her name but refuses to back off from investigating on her own. There is no graphic violence but plenty of action taking place in a Cape Cod town. This was a highly enjoyable read with the gentleness of a small town with people going about their business.
Five Stars. Highly recommended. It is not overly long, it can be read pretty fast. Enjoy!
In this brand new series which is a cozy mystery Gemma Doyle and her Great Uncle Arthur own a bookstore that is also a gift shop specializing in Sherlock Holmes books and gifts. Emma's best friend Jane who runs the adjoining coffee shop and bakery called Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room, owns half of the Tearoom business. One day a busload of bridge players takes a tour to visit their business. In the same time frame Gemma notices a woman come in with a white plastic shopping bag.
While Emma is fixing the books on the bookshelf she finds a valuable magazine hidden between the books. It is Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's first installment published. (no relation) Emma and Jayne go to the woman's hotel to try and return the magazine to the mysterious women and they find a dead body. They call the police and report it and soon Emma is the number one suspect. Emma is very observant and uses deduction to guess a lot of clues to various things.
The book is really a good mystery and the writing and characterizations are well done. I particularly liked the character of Jayne. Emma is pretty good as well. There are a lot more things that happens as this story progresses. You learn all that I have wrote in the first few chapters. Emma tries to clear her name but refuses to back off from investigating on her own. There is no graphic violence but plenty of action taking place in a Cape Cod town. This was a highly enjoyable read with the gentleness of a small town with people going about their business.
Five Stars. Highly recommended. It is not overly long, it can be read pretty fast. Enjoy!
October 18, 2019
Cozy mysteries aren't usually my style, but as a fan of Sherlock Holmes I really got a kick out of Elementary, She Read by Vicki Delany. I've never read the author before, but I know that I'll need to come back for the sequel to this series opener, Body on Baker Street. What really makes this mystery for me is the cast of characters, Gemma herself being my favorite but her friend Jayne is also pretty great as well. If you love a good mystery and the great detective, you're going to have to pick this up.
November 12, 2024
Vlog de lectura (sin spoilers) y entrevista a la autora aquí: https://youtu.be/76qBnFi_Uq8
March 2, 2017
A cozy mystery located in the small town of West London. At first, I had trouble understanding if the bookshop was in England or the United States. I felt the characters were well developed. Once I was into the story the characters caught my attention and I read until I finished the book. Gemma' attitude annoyed me.
Gemma Doyle co-owns and manage a bookshop offering all kinds of merchandise about Conan Doyle and his works of Sherlock Holmes. Gemma and her best friend, Jayne become involved in a mystery when they find an early addition of a Sherlock Holmes story hidden in the bookstore. Gemma and Jayne trying to return to the person who left it finds a murdered woman. The homicide detectives turn out to be an old boyfriend of Gemma and woman who does not like Gemma. There are several twists and turns in the book. The ending is a surprise. I recommend this book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Crooked Lane Books for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Gemma Doyle co-owns and manage a bookshop offering all kinds of merchandise about Conan Doyle and his works of Sherlock Holmes. Gemma and her best friend, Jayne become involved in a mystery when they find an early addition of a Sherlock Holmes story hidden in the bookstore. Gemma and Jayne trying to return to the person who left it finds a murdered woman. The homicide detectives turn out to be an old boyfriend of Gemma and woman who does not like Gemma. There are several twists and turns in the book. The ending is a surprise. I recommend this book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Crooked Lane Books for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
February 4, 2018
Very enjoyable first entry in the series. I liked Gemma and the other characters. The Cape Cod setting and Sherlock Holmes bookstore were fun and the mystery kept me guessing.
October 2, 2017
I'm not a crazy Holmes fan, but started on the Basil Rathbone movies then read all of the A.C. Doyle's original works along with a few of the Mary Russell and watch Elementary and Sherlock. This book fits in nicely, Gemma is very much like the observant Holmes and her deductions drive much of the story forward , Jayne plays her Watson role very well without any bumbling or doctoring replacing that with baking. I'll read the next one in this series.
March 2, 2024
If you took the Benedict Cumberbatch portrayal of Sherlock and put his personality into a female character, you'd have Gemma. She's self-confident to the point of arrogance, and yet as a much more realistically flawed character, sometimes she gets it wrong. And that makes for much more interesting reading.
Look, I didn't actually like Gemma... but I loved reading about her, and I thinks he did learn a thing or two in this one. So I think there's hope for character growth.
The mystery was mostly predictable, but then again, it wasn't. I only knew who did it. I had no idea why. AND Delany made me doubt myself multiple times. Detectives would never go about investigating someone "just because I know he/she's guilty." But that's where I was. Getting affirmation all the time I was right but not any actual evidence.
Well done.
Look, I didn't actually like Gemma... but I loved reading about her, and I thinks he did learn a thing or two in this one. So I think there's hope for character growth.
The mystery was mostly predictable, but then again, it wasn't. I only knew who did it. I had no idea why. AND Delany made me doubt myself multiple times. Detectives would never go about investigating someone "just because I know he/she's guilty." But that's where I was. Getting affirmation all the time I was right but not any actual evidence.
Well done.
March 14, 2017
Elementary, She Read: A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery by [Delany, Vicki]
Elementary She Read A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery by Vicki Delany is a wonderful beginning to a new series. I totally enjoyed this book. As a big Sherlock Holmes fan I was skeptical whether or not I would like this book but was pleasantly surprised how good it was.
Gemma Doyle runs the Sherlock Book Shop and Emporium in West London on Cape Cod 222 Baker Street (don't you just love the address) and her friend Jayne is part owner with her in Mrs. Hudson's Tea Shop. When a woman hides what might be a priceless magazine with Sherlock's first story in it the fun begins. When Gemma finds it and talks Jayne into going with her to talk to the woman they find her dead and the mystery is on. Can Gemma find the killer and clear her name before she becomes a victim or be arrested by the cranky Det. Estrada or her ex boyfriend Det. Ryan Ashburton has to arrest her for the murder?
This is a fantastic, exceptional cozy mystery. Gemma is smart, intuitive, clever, very observant and a very motivated woman who sometimes gets in over her head because of all these characteristics. Jayne is level headed, smart, very honest and a good friend. Gemma is the Sherlock to Jaynes Dr Watson. The whole time I read this I kept thinking Gemma is so much like Sherlock and Jayne Dr. Watson and it made it fun. The mystery is unique and I love the way that the book keeps weaving in facts about Sherlock and the items that collectors look for as well as the obsession people have with all things Sherlock still. The murders, the mystery of the magazine, and just the shop itself makes up a very interesting book. There are so many ways this mystery could resolve and yet just when you think you have it figured out a wrench, so to speak, is thrown into the cog of your reasoning. I like a book that you can't figure out who the culprit is right off the bat, but that when it is ended you are surprised yet delighted at the outcome. This book is just that.
Besides the wonderful setting of Cape Cod, the teashop and bookstore the characters combine to make this an excellent book. I think Gemma could be someone I would love to hang out with. She is so observant, that sometimes it really gets her into trouble. She says in the book, "I'm so clever I chased away the man who loved me, and my best friend's starting to find me exasperating to be around." Her character and all her quirkiness is what really helps this to be an exceptional book. Jayne is just naive and honest enough that her and Gemma are opposites yet they make up a good combination and team. This just makes the book flow.What would a book be without a cantankerous policeman to be out to get Gemma and Det. Estrada fits the bill. She is someone you love to hate and makes for a perfect nemesis for Gemma. I can see them butt heads in the books to come. Det Ryan Ashburton the long lost love of Gemma adds an extra dimension to the mystery and book. I am hoping that they will pursue a new relationship in books to come too.
So in recap, you have a great mystery, a unique awesome setting, romance, many suspects and a quirky reason for murder and a surprise ending. It adds up to a book you can't put down.
This is going to be a new favorite series for me and I can not wait for the next one to come out. If you read only one new series this year I hope you read this book and series, I don't think you will be disappointed.
If you want to learn more about this book and author you can check out her website at
http://vickidelany.com/
I received this book from the author and publisher for my honest opinion and review.
March 1, 2018
Gemma Doyle moved from England to West London, Mass. to help her great uncle Arthur. His in his nineties and is not one to settle down but he couldn't help buying a building when it was on Baker Street because he is a huge Sherlock Holmes fan. It wasn't doing very good because he was just selling the Sherlock Holmes cannons, but when Gemma came she realized that it would make more money if she stocked all the retellings and even books in that era as well as memorabilia. She didn't have to like all that goofy stuff to know it would sell. Gemma runs that store and is also partners with her friend who runs the store next door called Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room. Her uncle Arthur is hardly ever home as the travel bug is in his veins so he leaves the running of the store to Gemma.
Gemma has an eye for details and can tell when things are out of place in her store and she found a magazine that looked a lot like a rare magazine that could be worth a lot of money. When she finds the owner, she finds her dead and herself as the murder suspect. Gemma and her Sherlock like abilities is not always a good thing because she seemed to know way too much about what happened and doesn't know when to shut up. :)
The detectives on the case are Ryan, whom Gemma has a past with, and Louise, who takes an immediate disliking to Gemma which doesn't do her any good because Ryan gets taken off the case for knowing Gemma. While Louise is determined to make a case against Gemma, she must do her best to find the killer.
I really liked Gemma and her gift for details, it also cracked me up because she kept digging herself a hole. Her friend Jayne would be like shut up...lol. I liked all the side characters and I have a feeling it's going to be fun seeing what will happen with Gemma as the series progresses.
The author pulled one over on me and I was totally surprised by who the murderer was though I feel like I should have known...lol. Great mystery!
May 26, 2020
Okay, so I re-arranged the books in my library by category, now I'm on this quest to read the library/bookshop books on my shelf that have been sitting there. Starting with this one I have to admit that my first thought was it looks pretentious. The only thing I found slightly that way was the occasional name dropping of other authors or actors. But, being a bookshop the sounded more like recommendations.
Nothing of the sort with Gemma. She is a serious businesswoman taking over her uncle's bookshop.
We all have our weaknesses and strong points and Gemma's is she happens to be endowed with a unique sense of observation, more so than the usual person. She looks at this as almost a hindrance when it certainly causes her to get into trouble and be criticized but she can't help but notice things. I enjoyed how she made observations and felt like it added another layer to the descriptions of people and places.
The plot is well-conceived, I like how it all unraveled at the end and think Gemma was smart in figuring it out. I thought it was clever the beginning is not what it seems and unfortunately to no avail for the character.
One of the detectives had it out for Gemma and I was rooting for her to prove her innocence!
I wasn't so much surprised at who did it but who saved Gemma. Friendship is always there. The ending was one on one suspenseful and I could picture how Gemma felt. This was well written has a good feel. You gotta love the part when Gemma's dog wanted to play with the killer.
This was an overall fun read. Clean, no foul language, nothing offensive looking forward with expectations of the next book in this series.
Nothing of the sort with Gemma. She is a serious businesswoman taking over her uncle's bookshop.
We all have our weaknesses and strong points and Gemma's is she happens to be endowed with a unique sense of observation, more so than the usual person. She looks at this as almost a hindrance when it certainly causes her to get into trouble and be criticized but she can't help but notice things. I enjoyed how she made observations and felt like it added another layer to the descriptions of people and places.
The plot is well-conceived, I like how it all unraveled at the end and think Gemma was smart in figuring it out. I thought it was clever the beginning is not what it seems and unfortunately to no avail for the character.
One of the detectives had it out for Gemma and I was rooting for her to prove her innocence!
I wasn't so much surprised at who did it but who saved Gemma. Friendship is always there. The ending was one on one suspenseful and I could picture how Gemma felt. This was well written has a good feel. You gotta love the part when Gemma's dog wanted to play with the killer.
This was an overall fun read. Clean, no foul language, nothing offensive looking forward with expectations of the next book in this series.
March 1, 2017
First in the series.
This book just wasn't what I wanted it to be. I've enjoyed Ms. Delaney's other books and I loved the idea of a Sherlock bookstore, but I disliked the reality. Mostly, because I didn't really care for Gemma. There were a lot of little nit-picky things that all added up to make me dislike her. She was snooty and came off as condescending several times. I get that she's supposed be kind of a female version of Sherlock, but it's just too much. On and on she goes and then, "I only wanted to point out the obvious facts." Which of course I imagined being said in a really snarky voice. Plus she's one of those people that never orders their own food, just says, "I'll have some of yours." UGH.
Add in the extremely unpleasant police officer and I finally just ended up skimming through the story.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley*
This book just wasn't what I wanted it to be. I've enjoyed Ms. Delaney's other books and I loved the idea of a Sherlock bookstore, but I disliked the reality. Mostly, because I didn't really care for Gemma. There were a lot of little nit-picky things that all added up to make me dislike her. She was snooty and came off as condescending several times. I get that she's supposed be kind of a female version of Sherlock, but it's just too much. On and on she goes and then, "I only wanted to point out the obvious facts." Which of course I imagined being said in a really snarky voice. Plus she's one of those people that never orders their own food, just says, "I'll have some of yours." UGH.
Add in the extremely unpleasant police officer and I finally just ended up skimming through the story.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley*
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