Un cadáver en Baker Street

Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery #2

by Vicki Delany, Roberto Falco (Translator)

Gemma Doyle, de la Librería y Emporio Sherlock Holmes, y Jayne Wilson, del Salón de Té de la Señora Hudson, están inmersas en los preparativos de la presentación del último libro de la famosísima escritora Renalta van Markoff. El acontecimiento atrae a multitud de personajes, tanto admiradores como detractores, que no dudan en lanzarle a la autora sus reproches, hasta que, repentinamente, Renalta se desploma en plena presentación. La muerte de la escritora pone al descubierto todo tipo de secretos, pero hay uno que se resiste: ¿quién está detrás del asesinato de la novelista? Dispuestas a resolver el caso, Gemma y Jayne adoptarán el método deductivo de Holmes y Watson ―eliminar lo imposible para descubrir lo improbable― hasta lograr dar con el culpable.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Cozy, Books About Books, Contemporary

336 pages, Paperback

First published September 12, 2017

About the author

“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

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite features of the cozy mystery genre is the ability to weave together multiple themes and story-lines that carry over throughout each successive book in the series. In 'A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery' series by Vicki Delany we have just that and so much more. I have read a couple of the author's series and find myself on a kick to catch up on them all in the next few months so that by 2019, I'm ready for the latest releases. I just finished Body on Baker Street and give it 4.5 stars for its clever plot, witty dialog, and memorable characters.

Gemma and Jayne run a book shop and tea room with an ode to Sherlock Holmes. Gemma's got an on-again/off-again relationship with a local detective, but it also puts her in conflict with another detective who doesn't like Gemma very much because of her amateur sleuth activities. It makes for good conflict. In this caper, a famed author holds a signing at the store, but all is not as it seems. The author isn't truly the author, and her closely-kept staff have bigger connections than we initially realize. The books compromise some characters in the Sherlock Holmes canon which angers a few readers and fans, but it also ignites some passionate ones who love the changes. Which person took their emotions too far and killed the author with a lovely dose of poison?

As characters, Gemma and Jayne are both likable and well-drawn. Jayne is the more reasonable one as Gemma thinks of things like breaking into a policewoman's desk to find clues. That's guts! The cat wandering the store makes for fun antics. The literary tones and references always make me smile. I enjoy the side stories and always look forward to the red herring clues. With at least 5 or 6 possible suspects, each has a true motive and were near the tainted water bottle. It makes for a solid mystery where it's less about alibis and more about who couldn't help themselves but commit murder.

Delany's style is always fun and easy to read. It's got chops, too. I enjoy the story's developmental progress as it draws us in. I am reading the next book in the series in a few weeks so I'll be ready for the one she is about to publish - number 4, A Study in Scarlet!

[Sabine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vicki Delany, one of my favourite authors, has once again crafted an intricate tale that kept me hooked until its glamourous finale.

The setting of the Sherlock Holmes themed bookstore connected to the English Tearoom next door is absolutly charming and the characters are well drawn. Renalta Van Markoff is my favourite - such a diva! My feelings about Gemma are mixed. On one hand she is reliable and caring in her friendships but on the other hand sometimes quite off-putting when talking to suspects or the police.

A very well written, enjoyable mystery with an abundance of information on Sherlock Holmes related books.

I requested this book from NetGalley and am thankful that Crooked Lane Books and the author provided me with a copy.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was even better then the last but not as much as Lighthouse Library Mystery by Eva Gates another pseudonym that the author uses. The reason I preferred this book over the first book in the series is that in book one Gemma the main character is a prime suspect, so everything she does is to clear her name, in this one she works just as hard trying to clear someone she has no great love for. The other nice thing about this series so far is that the focus is firmly on the mystery and not so much Gemma's private life.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Along with her uncle, Arthur, Gemma Doyle is co-owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium. Their shop is connected to her friend Jayne’s Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room. Gemma is thrilled when she’s asked to host a popular mystery author in her shop for a book signing event. It’s very short notice, but that’s not going to stop Gemma. This is a chance to make her bookstore a success and she’s not going to let it slip by. With help from Jayne, they quickly get both shops ready to accommodate the event.

Bestselling author Renalta Van Markoff has a huge following for her Hudson and Holmes mystery series. It doesn’t take long for word to get out about the book signing. The day of the event, Gemma finds herself with a packed house including all kinds of people - from obsessive fans to handsome book collectors. There’s also a devoted Sherlock fan who publicly attacks Renalta for ruining the Sherlock legacy. Plus, another person making wild accusations against Renalta. All of this leads to Renalta’s untimely death and possible murder.

With quite a few suspects in the mix, Gemma fears the police are going in the wrong direction in their investigation. So, she lends a helping hand, whether they want it or not.

This is the second book in the “A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery” series. I didn’t read the first one, but I don’t feel as if I missed anything. There is enough information in this book so readers don’t feel lost at all.

The characters are strong, well-developed and intriguing. There is even a cute cat named Moriarity. This felt like a classic cozy murder mystery. The perfect setting in a Sherlock Holmes bookstore in a small town.

Vicki Delany gets your attention from page one and doesn’t let you go. It’s a quick read and an enjoyable way to spend a few hours. I’ve read other series by this author and she certainly knows how to write clever cozy mystery series. She’s a proven expert at bringing mysteries to life. I'm already looking forward to book three and, yes, I'll be going back to read the first one.




FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Gemma Doyle and Jayne Wilson are back and again find themselves in the middle of another murder investigation. This time an author, Renalta Van Markoff, comes to the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium for a book signing and dies while signing a book. All eyes fall on the man, Donald Morris, that questioned her about her content during the Q & A Session. He is a huge fan of the original Sherlock Holmes and cannot abide by what she has done with the characters. Gemma knows he has strong beliefs about Holmes but she knows he wouldn’t kill anyone. She again teams up with her friend Jayne for a little sleuthing of their own.

Gemma is a unique character, very independent, strong, and super observant. She notices things everyone else seems to miss and she has no trouble at all speaking her mind, not only giving her opinions but pointing out the facts as she sees them. She can be a little much at first but readers quickly realize how much like Sherlock Holmes she really is. Jayne is the perfect Watson to her Sherlock and together they make a wonderful team.

The new cast for this story was very well fleshed out. The larger than life Renalta Van Markoff, her mousey personal assistant, Linda, and her protective publicist all come to life quickly in these pages.

The bookshop the author has created for Gemma is fantastic and it is described in great detail making it very easy to imagine in my mind. I love that is has a tea room connected. It is the perfect place to pick up a book and venture next door to read while enjoying a pot of tea.

The mystery was very well plotted and written but I had an alternate theory pop into my head almost immediately after the victim died and that theory was never realized in the story which surprised me. Instead, there was a clear set of suspects that emerged and there were several twists and turns before the actual killer was revealed. Once I let my theory go I narrowed down my suspects and figured out whodunit right before Gemma. But I was wrong about the motive 🙂 It was a fun mystery to read and follow along with Gemma. I will say Gemma is like a dog with a bone when she sets her mind on something. She puts herself into dicey situations because of that.

I love Gemma and Jayne and am Sherlock Holmes fan so this story/series really shines for me. I don’t think you can go wrong with any book by this author. She is a great storyteller who does her research to bring her readers fabulous stories. This one is no exception.

[Christa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the best part of this one was seeing the interactions and affection between Gemma and her friends, like Jayne and Douglas. Gemma's character is one I really like, and I was glad to see her back in this second book in the series.

In this installment, a popular author of a fictional series about Sherlock Holmes wants to do an almost last minute book signing at Gemma's store. The author comes for a pre-visit, and she is one nasty individual. The day of the book signing, a murder occurs, and Gemma is soon investigating so that one of her friends will not be falsely charged.

I really enjoyed seeing the familiar characters from the first book, and enjoyed some of the new ones. There were also a few of those that readers love to hate! I thought this book moved along at a very nice pace, and the storyline held my attention from start to finish. It was a very enjoyable book, and I'll be looking forward to the next one!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a copy of the book in return for an honest review.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't love it as much as the first but still a delightful installment to the series. To be perfectly honest, I deeply sympathized with the police in this one and felt Gemma had no business meddling. But there would be no mystery if she didn't, would there?

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent installment in this series. An "over-the-top" author with a somewhat controversial "take" on a more modern Sherlock Holmes decides to come to Gemma's bookshop in West London for an impromptu book signing with her meek publicist and bodyguard. But she doesn't leave alive and as the layers unravel, more suspects appear.

I like the series but Gemma is a bit too much of a "know-it-all" for me. I just think her character goes too far and is unlikeable for me.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sort of hovers between 3.5* and 4. It was a good mystery and def well written, but some little things bugged me. The break-in she planned was one; it was kind of out there. The overly angry and overbearing Detective Estrada was another. Hard-nosed is one thing; hateful is something totally different. There were a handful more here and there, but I powered through them. I do plan to give #3 a shot, however.

[Wanda Pedersen · Rating 3 out of 5]

***The Summer of Sherlock 2019***

3.5 stars

I realize that I’ve read volumes 1 & 2 of this series too close together for my complete enjoyment. This one feels very, very similar to the first volume and if I’d left more time between the two, that feeling wouldn’t be quite so strong. But that’s on me, not the author, for choosing to read them so close in time.

Each book has its own narrative arch, which should be the main draw, but for me, it’s the ongoing details, the relationships that drive my desire to read. And the relationships in this one are stuck pretty much in the same spot as they were in Elementary, She Read. Gemma is still trying not to carry a torch for her cop ex-boyfriend and wondering about the rare book dealer that she’s gone on a date or two with. Her BFF Jayne is still seeing a man who Gemma considers to be a useless sort and a nearby bar owner can’t seem to get Jayne’s attention.

Cozy mysteries like this one really lack the tension factor that I value in a mystery. The stakes just don’t seem to be high enough to keep me engaged. Delany is no slouch as a writer, but she needs to fish or cut bait soon with regard to moving the relationships along or complicating them or something. I find myself wishing for more of something--more tension, more emotion, more complications.

Although the next book is sitting mere shelves away from me in the library, I’m resisting the urge to go sign it out. Despite the desire to see what happens next, I need some time. Absence should make the heart grow fonder, yes?

[Rosana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Al más puro estilo Agatha Christie y Sherlock Holmes...intrigante hasta el final y dándole vueltas a posibles asesinos...muy entretenida

[Shauna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have figured out the draw for me in this series. Jemma tends to be a smarty pants, which does not endear her to all people. She isn't trying to show people up, she's just sharing information and doesn't realize that it isn't common knowledge info. I can relate. :P

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the second book in this series even more than the first.

I am still a bit perplexed that Gemma's personality doesn't bug me, but for whatever reason, I find her lack of social skills somehow endearing rather than irritating. Also, I feel like Gemma has settled down a little, AND she seems to at least recognize how some of her behaviour comes across to other people, which somehow makes it less annoying.

It is also only fair to acknowledge that while Gemma may irk people, she usually is the person who gets things others don't, so while she may annoy people with her comments and insights, they are usually right, so you can only be *so* annoyed with her.

The supporting characters in this mystery were fun and the murder and the investigation I found very interesting and it kept me reading right to the end to find out who did it [which I did not figure out]. I am enjoying this series a lot, and look forward to future books!

Format note: I listened to this and the first book on audio format, and the narrator does a terrific job. A good choice if you like audio books.

[Keri Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gemma owns and manages the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop, next door to her friend Jayne’s Emporium/ tea shop. Gemma gets a call from the assistant of famous author Renalta Van Markoff, requesting that they hold an author event at the bookshop. She is a controversial author to Sherlock Holmes purists, and Gemma discovers she is a difficult woman to deal with. But everyone is shocked when Renalta collapses and quickly dies at the event.

There are several suspects, including another bookshop customer who asks Gemma to prove his innocence. Gemma was previously in a relationship with one of the investigators, and so the lead detective is suspicious of his insights related to her.

Gemma, friends and family are fun characters in this cozy mystery series. 3-1/2 stars rounded down to 3.

[Stacy Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I owned the Sherlock bookshop! This setting is seriously one of my favorites! Also, fun mystery. I did not quess who done it:)

[Kimberlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Body on Baker Street by Vicki Delany is an excellent second installment in a thoroughly enjoyable cozy mystery series. It has all the elements of a good cozy: a likeable protagonist, a fun and quirky best friend, pets, a handsome member of law enforcement, a rival love interest, and, of course, a murder to solve. Our main character, Gemma Doyle, runs a Sherlock Holmes-themed bookshop. Like the great detective, Gemma is also incredibly observant and detail-oriented, which makes her quite competent at investigating when a series of events leaves a renowned visiting author dead and one of her friends accused of the crime. The story flows well, with plenty of clues for the reader to unravel alongside Gemma. Some readers dislike Gemma because she is a very direct person, and can come across as superior and rude. However, I'm willing to forgive her social eccentricities to enjoy her incredibly detail-oriented mind. I very much enjoyed the first two books in this series, and am eagerly awaiting Gemma's next adventure!

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite things about this series is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. There is a lot of subtle humor going on – Moriarty the cat, Gemma’s quirks, her employee’s ever-changing style, the Benedict Cumberbatch lifesize cutout. All while honoring the Great Detective (in all his forms) at the same time.

Subtle wit, great characters, well-plotted mystery and nods galore to everyone’s favorite Baker Street detective – these are the qualities that make Body on Baker Street a must read. Gemma is relatable, even in her social awkwardness, and the book store is stocked with items and books that will have bookworms twitching for a visit. Even though this is the second book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone.

first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Body on Baker Street by Vicki Delany is the second book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. The Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium hosts an appearance and book signing by the author of the controversial Hudson and Holmes mystery series, only to have her drop dead of cyanide poisoning during her appearance. I enjoyed this book very much and loved all the Sherlock Holmes references. Gemma Doyle makes an excellent female version of the great detective.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I voluntarily read this ARC**

I enjoyed this a lot more than the first book. Gemma was still obnoxious, but she seemed a little more aware of her attitude this time, and Jane was quick to scold her. The mystery was great, with some awesome twists. The reveal was surprising and very fitting for a Holmes inspired series.

[Patrizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stelle e mezza
Ora che so del carattere particolare della protagonista riesco ad apprezzare meglio le sue storie. E devo confessare di non avere le sue capacità deduttive perché non avevo proprio capito chi fosse il colpevole.

[Estíbaliz Montero Iniesta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vlog de lectura (sin spoilers) y entrevista a la autora aquí: https://youtu.be/76qBnFi_Uq8

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. I stayed up really late on Monday night to finish reading Body on Baker Street by Vicki Delany. I think this series is fantastic. Book two and I really enjoy this Sherlock style cozy mystery. Main character Gemma is even more on point in book two, with her trusty best friend Jayne and a whole heap of trouble in her "small book shop" is visited by a mega author in Body on Baker Street. As much as I enjoyed this mystery and story I was equally intrigued by Jaynes tea shop and menu, I had the worst craving for cream tea at 11 pm! This book was a delight to read and felt quite indulgent to stay up late to finish it! This is a great summer read and will be out at the beginning of September for you to enjoy!

[March_25 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Esta es la segunda parte de una serie de libros que tiene como protagonista a Gemma, copropietaria de una librería muy especial, a la que le gusta meterse en todos los fregados que ocurren en el barrio.

Pero, al igual que a los grandes investigadores de la literatura, se le comienzan a acumular los muertos.

Puedo decir que me ha gustado tanto como la primera entrega, conocer un poquito más el pasado de la protagonista ha sido un ingrediente extra que le da una nueva perspectiva. Voy a tener a esta autora en mi punto de mira, para lo próximo que pueda venir.

Ha resultado una lectura fresca, divertida, aunque esta vez sí se he adivinado el quién antes de tiempo, os la recomiendo.

[Club Hablemos de Libros · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ Nota media de los miembros del club.

Opiniones en la lectura conjunta:

"Un cozy mistery muy entretenido. concluye demostrando que, con astucia, perspicacia y un toque de sarcasmo, una librera apasionada por Sherlock Holmes descifra un asesinato sucedido en su librería."

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[Los libros de Baker Street · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un misterio muy bien construido y referencias a Holmes que hace la lectura más interesante.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gemma Doyle is surprised but delighted when a well-known, popular Sherlock Holmes fan-fiction romance writer books a last minute appearance at her store. When Renalta Van Markhoff and her entourage show up a few days early to visit the store, the overeager fans pack the store for books and autographs. Saturday's official appearance is sure to be packed and good for business but when Renalta drops dead and Gemma suspects arsenic poisoning and Gemma's friend Donald is accused, Jayne promises Donald that Gemma will help. Gemma is reluctant to get involved this time but maybe she can share what she knows and this time the police will listen and catch the killer on their own.

This story is a little more Sherlockian than the first one but not so much that any old book lover can't appreciate the story. I for one appreciated the passion of the fandom. I thought it was funny and very similar to the Jane Austen fan fiction and Regency romance trends. Some like the implausible bodice rippers while others prefer canon. While at first I thought this sort of Sherlock story sounded up my alley (strong female lead), it soon became clear that this series is more bodice ripping romance than cleverly plotted mystery. Is that what caused Reynalta's death? I figured out one secret pretty much right away even before Gemma did. It was SO obvious! If Gemma hadn't been busy trying to be "normal" she would have noticed right away. The clue put that person on my suspect list along with two others but I wasn't 100% positive which one did it. I really didn't know until the killer started to reveal their true colors.

I like Gemma and can relate to her. She's meant to be a female modern Sherlock with her powers of observation but I don't think they're that extraordinary. She just notices things. Poor Gemma feels she has to be more ordinary and fit in more so people will like her. Detective Estrada sure hates Gemma for no good reason. I feel sad for Gemma. She regrets her lost relationship with Ryan although she denies it and I think she's confused. If Ryan can't love her for herself than maybe Grant will. Grant seems more willing and open to accept Gemma's peculiar memory but he may be a suspect in the murder case! The day of Reynatlta's signing, he ordered a couple of books to be signed and dated to hang on to for future sales. Reynalta's death could boost the sales and allow him to sell the books now. Is Grant in need of money that badly? He doesn't sound like he's down on his luck or in need of money but you never know. I don't fully trust him yet.

Jayne is very sweet but not such a great friend. She keeps hinting that Ryan loves Gemma still and they should be together. She meddles in Gemma's love life without knowing all the facts and she promises Donald that Gemma will help him!

Donald is obviously not the murderer but Detective Estrada manages to build a good case mostly with circumstantial evidence but later with actual proof he loathed Reynalta's books. Why oh why couldn't he keep his mouth shut? He had to argue with Reynalta about his beloved detective. I believe he's right though. The Sherlock estate flipped a lid when Netflix put Sherlock in the Enola Homes movie The Case of the Missing Marquess and gave Sherlock emotions! He would never have a clandestine romance with a married woman not because he's a Victorian gentleman (that was NORMAL behavior for Victorian gentlemen) but because he doesn't have any feelings or emotions. There's no room for love in his brain. He doesn't understand it. So that makes the plot of this novel entirely implausible but it was fun to read the arguments for and against Reynalta's wild storyline. If only Donald had stayed home and not bothered to come. Certainly he had to have known the shop would be full of her fans, that she would have a publicist who wouldn't allow her to engage in debate? Oh Donald! He's not too bright and he's rather obsessed with this character and his Sherlock groups. I don't remember if he has a job or an income. It doesn't look good for him.

Gemma's new assistant, Ashleigh, is a hoot. She's eccentric and her clothes are a different style every day. She's never the same person twice. Gemma isn't very good to her though. Gemma keeps leaving Ashleigh alone in the shop and Ashleigh isn't able to answer all the more detailed Sherlock questions that come her way. I hope she's not a murderer! I hope Uncle Arthur comes home to help her. He sounds like a real character!

Renalta was not a likable woman by any stretch of the imagination. She is flamboyant, which is not a bad thing, but she's also egotistical and vain. She adores the adulation of her fans and all the attention she gets. She thinks she can say or do whatever she wants and get away with it. She doesn't think about all the fans she disappointed in Boston. Renalta is pretty awful to her assistant, Linda and really browbeats the young woman. She's also rude to Paige, who admittedly is not very easy to deal with. Paige claims Renalta stole her story idea and Paige should get credit (and money). She keeps harassing Renalta and making a nuisance of herself. Paige makes some very public scenes and the police are aware of her. Another rabid Renalta stalker is superfan Nancy. Nancy dresses like Renalta and believes they're best friends yet evidence shows Renalta wants nothing to do with Nancy. How far do Nancy's fantasies go? Does she just want to be BFFs with Renalta or does she wants to BE Renalta? She's a little creepy and obsessive. I can see her killing Renalta for snubbing her and taking over as Renalta but I would expect her to do it quietly when no one knows so she can impersonate Renalta for the fans.

The top suspect for me has to be Linda Marke, Renalta's mousy assistant. She's been in Renalta's shadow and put upon for a couple of years. She hints at close involvement in Renalta's work and how much it would mean to "us" to have an appearance at Gemma's store. That makes me suspicious that the little mousy assistant is doing all the work and Renalta is the one getting all the fame and fortune. How long until Linda snaps? I guessed at some of Linda's secrets but not everything that she revealed. It makes her a MORE likely suspect the more she shares. Oh dear!

Kevin, Renalta's publicist, seems to be enjoying the fortune Renalta brings him. He's a little controlling and a bit arrogant. I don't know what his motive would be to murder his cash cow but I think there has to be something. She goes through a lot of publicists and she JUST cancelled several appearances in Boston last minute. That has to be a PR nightmare and maybe he just had enough and snapped. Or maybe there's another reason and he doesn't need Renalta anymore? Robert McNamara, Renalta's publisher, comes to keep tabs on his bestselling author. He's from a small, family-owned firm. I'm not sure why he's there because it's Kevin's job to keep the author in line.

Ryan is kind and sympathetic towards Gemma. He's trying to do his job and balance what he knows about Gemma with the evidence. It's hard and I give him a lot of credit. Detective Estrada does not deserve his benefit of the doubt. She may be new but she's from New York and she shouldn't just be coming up with ideas and running with them. She's a little more toned down and accepting of Jenna in this book but still tough and grumpy. To be fair to her, Gemma DOES intend to do something crazy and criminal to get information!

Moriarty the shop cat has more to do in this book. He doesn't find clues or anything, he's just a cat but he should be named Mr. Hyde! One minute he's sweet and cuddling with everyone and the next he's tormenting Gemma. Of course she did lock him up but it was for his own safety. I'm not a cat person and I don't think this cat is especially likable. Violet, the Cocker Spaniel, is more my kind of companion. She's sweet and lovable.

This is a fun series for mindless entertainment. You don't have to be a Sherlock Holmes devotee to read them. I'll probably read the rest at some point.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I'm all caught up and ready for whenever the fourth book comes out! This one was really good and especially interesting since it had to do with an author being killed in Gemma's store.

Gemma had set up a last minute book signing at her store for a flamboyant but well-loved author. The woman wasn't so well-loved in the die-hard Sherlock community though because Donald Morris, local Sherlock expert and fancier of all things Sherlock had angry words with her just before she face planted into the book she was signing. Poor Donald ended up arrested eventually and begged Gemma to look into this case for him. Since Gemma had higher-than-normal type senses and instincts, she agreed to see what she could do, all the while dodging snarky detective Louise Estrada and hoping for a little attention from her former boyfriend, detective Ryan Ashburton. Add to that, just trying to stay alive since the killer seemed to be getting worried at one point.

There were plenty of suspects but narrowed down probably just the normal amount, as well as twists and turns that had me doubting my first choice. It didn't surprise me when I found out who it was but I hadn't guessed the reasoning. The showdown was great and everything ended up working out for everyone involved, well except for the killer.

It was fun to see Jayne's mom in the story since this is the first time she was featured. She seems really nice and your typical nurturing mom. I'm hoping that Gemma and Louise Estrada start getting along better. It seems like if each one of them would just give a little, it would work better. Gemma is so intelligent she just can't help the comments she makes sometimes which is what usually makes Louise mad at her. I hope Gemma and Ryan can work things out and be together and it would be great to see Jayne eventually with someone other than Robbie (preferably Andy that likes her) Oh well these are just the fun side things. It's always a great mystery at the Sherlock Bookshop!

I'm always happy to see cozy mysteries at my local library like this one so along with buying books, I do like to borrow them sometimes and let the library know there are definitely interested cozy fans in our little town.

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good followup. Gemma has scored an upcoming book signing with author Renalta Van Markoff, who pens some controversial books in the Sherlock Holmes universe. After some altercations with detractors and accusers prior to the book signing, Renalta keels over dead at the signing. Donald, a dedicated follower of Sherlock is accused of the murder and pleads with Gemma to help clear his name. With a list of suspects ranging from the victim’s daughter, publicist, publisher, stalker, and everything in between, Gemma has her work cut out for her.
Gemma is still a hard character to like as her social skills are completely lacking. Shes insightful, clever, intelligent, but has little understanding of human interactions/emotions and how to interact with people in an empathetic manner. There are signs though that she may be learning, based on her inner monologue. The writing is good, the mystery is good, however, There were a couple of instances where Gemma made decisions and dragged Jayne along and you just had to roll your eyes 🙄🙄🙄.. really, you’re going to break into a police station????

The portrayal of Det. Estrada continues to be problematic for me. She’s aggressive, rude, mean, combative, for absolutely no reason and not in the good cop/bad cop scenario, it just appears that she’s written this way as her only way to get ahead rather than penning her as a competent detective.

Overall I still like the book and hope some of the issues gets fixed in the future

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mystery. I found a spellbinding book with characters developed in depth. The location description will place you in a bookstore and tearoom. The actions of Moriarty are right on.
Gemma Doyle is amazed to receive a request to hold a book signing in two days for a best-selling author. She rushed to get enough books into the store and released the news. At the signing, the author is poisoned and Gemma is warned to stay out of the investigation, she starts looking into the affair. The tale will fasten your attention until the end stuns you. I highly recommend this book.

Disclosure: I received a free copy from Crooked Lane Books through NetGalley 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.

[FangirlNation · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gemma Doyle returns for another adventure in Vicki Delaney's Body on Baker Street. The proprietor and half owner of The Sherlock Holmes Book Shop and Emporium, Gemma is delighted to receive a request to come do a book signing of her latest book from the best selling Renalta van Markoff. The author writes a bodice ripping series in which Sherlock Holmes and Mrs. Hudson are lovers, with the woman's being the real brain behind the detective. The excitement over Renalta's coming appearance rises, especially when Renalta shows up the Thursday before her Saturday book signing and charms all her fans, though Gemma sees another side of the author as self-centered and petulant.

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