The Devil in the Details: A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery

Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery #11

by Vicki Delany, Kim Hicks (Narrator)

The game is once again afoot in Vicki Delany’s eleventh Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mystery, when birthday festivities end in freezing–cold murder.

Gemma Doyle is excited about celebrating Jayne Wilson’s big day. It’s supposed to mark not only the birthday of Jayne, her partner in crime, but also that of the Great Detective himself. Following the festivities at the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, Gemma heads for the Blue Water Café, the site of Jayne’s party. To make things even better, Jayne’s wedding is only a week away.

But the much–anticipated affair quickly turns to disaster with the presence of the bride and groom’s respective exes in attendance and other unruly guests. With drama at every corner, Gemma and Jayne take a break on the chilly deck overlooking the ocean when they spot the body of a party attendee floating in the water below.

As Detective Ryan Ashburton takes a closer look at the guest list, Jayne’s wedding is in peril, especially when it is revealed that her fiancé, Andy, is a prime suspect. With the police closing in and more lives on the line, it’s up to Gemma to keep Andy from prison and save Jayne’s wedding day from ruin.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Contemporary

Audible Audio

First published January 6, 2026

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]

Another great installment in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries. A few thoughts: (1) Will we ever meet Great Uncle Arthur in person? (2) How can one women push her way into so many murder investigations, (3) Are ex-boyfriends and ex-girlfriends always out to get us? Plus... I can easily say I enjoyed the mystery, the wedding, the baked goods, and the Sherlock Holmes references. Can't wait for more in the series.

[Wanda Pedersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 11 of this series and it's one of the better ones. The main character, Gemma Doyle, is written as an acutely observant person who sometimes lacks discretion about sharing her conclusions. She has the tendency to be overbearing, especially when she is pursuing a line of inquiry. Delany has written her this way on purpose, as the Sherlock Holmes stories feature prominently in this series and Gemma is potentially related to Arthur Conan Doyle. It's hinted that she may be very much like his famous creation.

Often Gemma drives me a bit crazy with her obtuseness in her treatment of other people. In this novel, however, she is blunt and a bit pushy from time to time, but not obnoxious about it. I liked this version of Gemma and that's why I keep reading this series. To quote the nursery rhyme, when she's good she's very, very good and when she's bad, she's horrid.

Gemma is extremely happy that her best friend and business partner, Jayne, is marrying a local restaurateur Andy. The couple seem perfectly happy. Jayne's birthday party is going well, until Gemma realizes that Jayne's ex is working the event as a waiter. It's obvious from watching him that he is jealous of her happiness and hates Andy. If that wasn't enough, an ex of Andy's crashes the party, hoping renew their relationship. Andy is not pleased to see her. When she ends up dead at the end of the evening, Andy appears to have the best motive of anyone to kill her.

Gemma pulls out all the stops to save the wedding. With her eye for detail, she combs through online news, records, and social media accounts. Can she determine who benefits from this death? Delany provides a couple of very plausible red herrings. At least this time, Gemma has the sense to keep her detective boyfriend informed and near by.

A very enjoyable installment of this long running series.

[Linden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gemma is the proprietor of a Sherlock Holmes themed bookstore on Cape Cod. A stranger crashes the engagement party of her friends Jayne and Andy; she identifies herself as Andy's ex. An unexpected death follows, and Gemma is in full investigative mode, which only intensifies when someone she's suspicious of is murdered. Gemma is a bit too curious for her cop boyfriend and makes some questionable decisions, pestering people for answers, and confronting people who might be a danger to her. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Grandma Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the synopsis says, there was drama at every corner. This series is growing on me. I have several to read and am looking forward to that. Gemma isn’t your typical amateur sleuth. Things also get complicated because she is dating Ryan, one of the detectives. I didn’t figure out who the culprit was until it was revealed. I also like the setting and the vast age ranges of characters. Highly recommend.

I was blessed with an ARC. Thank you, NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

[Tahera · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book I have read in the series (having begun from book six) and I think it's time that I read it from the beginning. It's a solid cozy mystery series and I like the homage the author has paid to Sherlock Holmes in the creation of her characters and the setting of West London, Massachusetts.

My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books and the author Vicki Delany for the digital ARC of the book.

The book publishes today!

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Jayne and Andy’s wedding is just a week away, but today is Jayne’s birthday and also the birthday of Sherlock Holmes. First, Gemma has to celebrate the Great Detective at her Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, then she will get over to the Blue Water Café for Jayne’s birthday celebration. Some wedding guests have arrived in town early to attend both the birthday party and the wedding. One uninvited guest crashes the party: Tina Armstrong, Andy’s ex. Also adding to the drama, Jayne’s ex, Robbie, is now working for Andy and is a waiter at the party.

Gemma and Jayne take a minute during the party to connect out on the deck when they see a dark shape moving in the water below, and it isn’t a seal. “Pale white arms, tendrils of long hair, a flash of red fabric,” it’s a body in the water. Tina Armstrong has met a watery demise, and Andy is pegged as the number one suspect!

Gemma knows Andy is innocent; she just needs to find the real killer fast so he and Jayne can walk happily down the aisle.

I always enjoy catching up with Gemma and Jayne, and of course, there is another body. Gemma actually dives into the frigid waters in an attempt to save the woman. Murder? Suicide? Accident? Gemma has a lot of responsibilities with her shop and her duties for Jayne’s wedding, and now a murder investigation, but she delegates well. Because Gemma’s boyfriend, Detective Ryan Ashburton, is friends with Andy, he has to step back from the investigation. Still, Gemma is moving ahead, questioning probable suspects and not always making the best decisions. When she finds another body, things get even more interesting. For a woman who strives to always be right, Gemma is tested to solve these mysteries.

Ms. Delany’s descriptive writing style puts her readers right on the scene. From the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium to Mrs. Hudson’s Tearoom, Blue Water Café, and everywhere Gemma travels to find the truth, it is easy to envision each place and the people she meets. The main plot and the subplots transition so well, too. It was very entertaining to see Gemma have her Sherlock Holmes moment when all the clues fell into place, and the exciting showdown. I loved the comical wedding arrival.

The Devil in the Details is an excellent addition to this series. Small-town setting, quirky characters, and a top-notch mystery blend together for another Perfect Escape.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winter weddings, especially if there's a dusting of snow, are wonderfully romantic and magical occasions. Bookshop owner Gemma Doyle's best friend Jayne Watson's nuptials are just a week away, but first, there's her birthday to celebrate. With relatives arriving early to enjoy both special days, fiance Andy's restaurant, the Blue Water Café, is full of excellent food, happy, excited guests, and a huge pile of gifts. Getting some fresh air, Gemma is horrified to spot someone in the quay and dives in to try and save them but to no avail. Was it an accident, or was the unexpected party guest pushed? With Andy considered a prime suspect and boyfriend Detective Ryan Ashburton having to take an investigative back seat Gemma is soon on the case but, with a second death and the big day getting ever closer, can she prevent Andy being jailed while Jayne’s life falls apart right in front of her?

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Crooked Lane Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this. A cosy with a wedding included is always fun, and the guests Gemma gets to know were great to read about. This is definitely worth a read.

[Abigail McKenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh how I love being back in West London! And with the emotional payoff for things that were set in motion from the first book? We love to see it!

I'll admit I was nervous to read this; I've been mildly disappointed by the last few installments, but this one brought me right back in and I'm so glad! I already can't wait for the next adventure with Gemma & Co.

4.5 stars from me!

[June Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find myself always a bit of a weird combo of annoyed and amazed in a good way at Gemma's mind. In this case, annoyed that she didn't seem to be giving Jayne her full attention despite seemingly being the one charged with doing several chores to prepare for the upcoming wedding. True, one has to admire her ability to think on her feet and delegate tasks to others but, well, there are expectations of being a bride's maid, too. Good thing she's got organized, dependable people on hand to take up the slack. Also, while she's definitely made huge strides in controlling her own tendency to appear superior, she's still got a ways to go. And, you've got to admit that anyone who'd dive into frigid waters to try to save someone takes guts. I'm definitely not liking her meandering out at night and trying to sneak into a potential murder suspect's home...alone...however.

Nope, not really going to share how this all came about, but there is definitely lots going on in this story. Wedding planning should rule but, well, she's still got a business to run, worries about Bunny's flirtation with a new guy who may or may not be legit, concerns for friends who may be struggling in many ways, and more. All while pestering people and confronting them to ask pointed questions. Detective boyfriend Ryan is already stressed when removed from the murder investigation due to friendship with the initial suspect, though glad to see he's working hard to keep Gemma and her impulse problems safe. All this said, I've grown to like not just Gemma, even when annoyed with her, but her circle of family and friends. True, Moriarty, her cat, still doesn't seem to like her but she's grown on me.

Bottom line, an enjoyable read that moves along at a steady pace, managing to create some vivid images of, uh, unusual wedding reception wear, let's say. Lots going on behind the scenes, too, including tension in the restaurant's kitchen staff. The investigation is bogged down a bit due to, well, missing Ryan's input and more than one investigation. And, of course, amidst the murder talk, it wouldn't be a Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mystery without lots of talk about Holmes and trying to keep up with Uncle Arthur's travels, which seem to happen in the blink of an eye. If you like clever mysteries with an equally clever sleuth, albeit a frequently annoying one, you'll enjoy this one. Thanks #CrookedLaneBooks for allowing me this early peek into Gemma's always interesting life. It's always fun to catch up with the characters and see if Gemma's social finesse has improved. Unlikely. Grin.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

When this series is working, it is fire, and when it is not, well, it is absolutely not. I admit to being concerned after the previous book because that one was SO good [could we get two in a row?], but it turns out, my concerns and fears were unfounded; this was a really good read.

A very good mystery [I was SURE I knew who the killer was - I was SO wrong!], some interesting side stories that give some more history for some of the regulars, Jayne and Andy's happy day and a reveal that had me holding my breath for a bit. Add in a "sweet" ending [IYKYK] and the book just really worked.

As this has been one of my favorite series' [and really, the only one of the many the author has published that I have both stayed with and consistently enjoyed], even with a couple missteps along the series path, it was a real treat to be back in this world with characters I truly like and want the best for. I only have one complaint and it is this - the continued use of a V E R Y unpleasant narrator; while she does the MC's voice well, all of the others are awful [many of them sound exactly the same and so there ARE moments where you are unsure of who is speaking], jarring, off-putting, and it is only because I absolutely NEED the audiobook do I continue to listen [and grumble]. I feel it truly takes away from the overall experience of a really good book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Vicki Delany, and Crooked Lane Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is by far my favorite of Vicki Delany’s series. The chemistry among the beloved characters continues to deliver, and the mystery in this one is engaging and satisfying in its reveal. I’d like to see this level of polish in her other works. I’d also like to see Uncle Arthur make a substantial appearance in the next one 😉
Related, but not related, Kim Hicks should NOT narrate any more books. Her uneven attempts at accents and voices are so cringeworthy that they bring down every read.

I received an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

#TheDevilintheDetails #NetGalley is the latest book in this series to all things Sherlock Holmes.
The time is here! Jayne's wedding day is finally approaching and Gemma is beyond thrilled for her best friend.
Jayne celebrates her birthday just a few days before her wedding and when two unexpected exes turn up, Gemma fears trouble is brewing.
Jayne's ex is a server at her future husband's restaurant, and Andy, the future husband, is shocked when his ex crashes the party.
Hoping not to make waves, they both try to go with the flow, however, when someone drowns in the water, Gemma has no choice but to investigate.
This is an exciting addition to this series, and I think it may be my favorite, for now.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t like this book as well as the others in the series. I’ve read all of the previous books in the series and enjoy the characters and the location being on Cape Cod. This story seemed to have too many characters and each had their own history which was brought to the current story. Many of these stories didn’t seem very relevant. Many red herrings were also tossed around and most didn’t amount to anything. I guess I should be used to this, but why do female characters in cozy mysteries do things like drop by the apartment of a suspected killer at 10:00 pm, alone? I look forward to the next book in this series and hope that I like it better.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.

[Toni Osborne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sherlock Holmes Bookstore Mystery #11


Short and sweet like the book:

I like reading Vicki Delany cozy mystery she always gives us a sweet touch and delight us with surprises and plenty of suspects.

Andy about to marry Jayne is throwing a birthday party for his beloved when during the evening Tina, old fling of his, and an uninvited guest plunges to her death in icy water. The big question: Was it accident, suicide, or murder?

Using her distinctive Holmesian methods Gemma goes into sleuthing mode and finds plenty of people who might have wanted the woman to drown. …..and the irresistible cozy chaos begins….

This story did not disappoint it is always a pleasure to revisit with Gemma Doyle and the gang. The main suspect being Andy, Gemma raced to prove his innocence. I like how she goes about eliminating or adding suspects to her list and prove she is right. And the plot thickens when a second body is found and more twists and turns are added to the equation making a cleverly twisty mystery, full of exes and mostly secrets to kept us guessing to the very end. It is not fast paced but keep a steady tempo all through.

Although this may be the 11th in the series, the story is fresh and the characters only change slightly. It is a fun and an interesting series easy to get into and one I look forward to rekindle with.

My thanks to the publisher Crooked Lane Books as well as Netgalley for this ARC.

[Deborah Almada · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is always interesting to spend time with Gemma and her posse. This book finds us just after the Christmas holiday but with Jayne and Andy's wedding fast approaching. Andy decides to have a big birthday party for Jayne as many people are already arriving in town for the wedding. Andy has closed off the decks to his restaurant for the winter and also closed for regular business to host the party. Everything is flowing fairly smoothly, Andy is questioning his hiring of a sous chef with an attitude, but the party has great food, music, and friends. The vibe gets a little interesting when an ex-girlfriend of Andy's crashes the party, especially since she has already had a couple of drinks. When the ex ends up in the water and dies despite Gemna's efforts to save her, was it an accident or something more sinister. With more and more interesting factors coming in to play, a lot of people in town for the wedding and Andy starting to look more and more like a suspect, will the wedding actually go on? Can Gemma help get things cleared up in time, or will she just make the local police crazy! Come along for a wild and crazy ride. Thanks to #Netgally, #CrookedLaneBooks, and the author for an opportunity to read! #TheDevil in the Details #SherlockHolmesBookshopMystery #VickiDelany #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great addition to the series! I enjoyed following along with Gemma as she tried to figure out whodunnit while juggling her maid-of-honor duties for Jayne’s wedding. The mystery was well-paced and had just enough suspects to keep it interesting and I had no idea who the guilty party was until the very end ( I rarely do). I highly recommend the whole series but start at the beginning to get the full feel of the locale and characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the review copy.

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those mysteries where further tragedy could have been avoided if everyone had just listened to Gemma. A second death comes on the heels of idle speculation regarding the woman's death.

Overall I enjoyed the mystery and the frantic run up to Jayne and Andy's wedding. Now comes the long wait until next January to see if there will be a twelfth book!

https://pussreboots.com/blog/2026/com...

[Jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is my introduction to the world of Gemma Doyle and her Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, but this is the 11th book in the series. So, I need to catch up!

The introduction was hard going. Fans of the series likely breezed through but I found the description of our main characters and setting confusing. First chapter is all internal dialogue (save one random exchange) from a scattered mind. We have layered birthday parties and weddings, cats and dogs, various relatives, future plans and past memories, all taking place in a Baker Street which is not Baker Street in a London that is not London. The purpose is to get the reader up to speed on the book's world, but it wasn't inviting to me as a newcomer to the series. Overall, there are just too many people and too much description to keep track of!

Also lots of repetition and editorializing and not much action. But plenty of withholding info from the police. Does seem to be an agenda here, either on the part of the author or the character, not wanting the police to solve the mystery.

There's plenty wrong with this book. The writing is repetitious and full of unnecessary details.

At the top of chapter 13, Gemma is convinced the death is accident and suicide but everything she does is a murder investigation. A few pages later she is certain of the murderer. Then a few pages after that, she's back to insisting it's suicide or misadventure. The motives are inconsistent.

The ending is unsatisfyingly vague in at least one respect (no spoilers!) and seems simply to say Gemma was right all along and we don't really need to prove it. Also, problems that seemed so urgent earlier in the book simply vanish.

This is a cozy mystery for readers who want to immerse themselves in the world of Gemma Doyle and aren't much fussed about the mystery or the story. The book grew on me, but I probably won't be reading another in this series.

*I received a free copy from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Look. I know it’s slightly unhinged to start a series at book ELEVEN, but I regret nothing. Was I mildly confused for the first three chapters? Absolutely. Did I barrel forward like Gemma Doyle charging into a murder scene with no backup, no plan, and a mild sense of superiority? Also yes.

In The Devil in the Details, we’ve got a cozy seaside town full of suspects, a birthday party slash wedding countdown situation, and more exes than a Taylor Swift breakup album. Gemma is supposed to be celebrating her bestie Jayne’s birthday (and Sherlock Holmes's too, because yes, we party for fictional men now), but someone decides to add “dead body in the water” to the guest list. And then another ex turns up dead, and now it’s not a party, it’s a full-blown Agatha Christie plotline with cake.

Jayne’s fiancé Andy gets the prime suspect edit, which is great timing, considering their wedding is, you know, in six days. So Gemma’s back on her chaotic girl detective nonsense, interviewing weird aunts, snobby restaurant investors, and a truly chaotic Gen Z influencer, all while dodging her own emotions like they’re evidence in a locked-room mystery.

This book leans hard into the cozy mystery vibes, quirky characters, small-town nosiness, red herrings dressed in wedding formalwear, but it also has that brittle emotional undercurrent that sneaks up on you mid-snark. Like, yes, I was here for the murder and the cake, but then suddenly we’re talking about Gemma’s history of emotional repression and I had to put the book down for a second and reevaluate my own commitment issues?

The best part, though? Watching Gemma evolve. She’s still deeply allergic to feelings and has the social finesse of a filing cabinet, but she tries in this one. Her bond with Jayne softens her sharp edges just enough that you root for her, even when she's making bold, reckless decisions like sneaking into a suspect’s house alone at night (classic cozy heroine behavior).

That said… this wasn’t a five-star banger for me. The pacing felt weirdly uneven in the middle, like the book got lost in its own guest list, and the second death didn’t pack the punch it needed. And while I know Gemma is supposed to be blunt-bordering-on-rude, she dipped a toe too far into “insufferable know-it-all” territory a few times and I had to mentally shake her like a snow globe.

Still, the mystery was satisfying, the setting was vibey (give me freezing ocean views and murder any day), and Gemma’s investigative shenanigans delivered just enough chaos to keep me reading. I’m absolutely going back to book one like the good little completionist goblin I am. 3.5 stars from me and an emotional support cravat for Gemma. She’s earned it.

Whodunity Award: For Making Me Suspect the Waitstaff, the Wedding Guests, and the Ghost of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Himself

Massive thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the ARC and for letting me crash this party at book eleven like a messy bridesmaid with a secret flask and too many questions. I’ll absolutely be RSVPing “yes” to the rest of the series.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to foJanuary 6 is an important day this year. First, it is the day this most challenging mystery of the series is released (2026). January 6 is when Sherlock Holmes’s birthday is celebrated. Gemma’s bookstore, Sherlock Holmes’s Bookshop & Emporium, held a party. Most important, it is Jayne’s birthday. Jayne’s fiancé, Andy, closed his popular restaurant to celebrate with a private party for Jayne. Most of the guests will be at Jayne and Andy’s wedding, less than a week away.

This has become one of my favorite series. Gemma and Jayne, best friends, are a favorite sleuthing pair. It took the first two or three mysteries of the series for me to warm up to Gemma. Now I admire her, and even covet her innate ability to see and sort details faster than most. This cozy mystery, like the others in the series, is plotted and executed flawlessly. The engaging characters could pop out of the pages into real life and be very well received.

Two people at the party were of extreme concern to Gemma and Trish, Andy’s mother. One is a woman about Gemma’s age who came into Jayne’s party late, uninvited. She saw the one vacant seat at Gemma’s table, and sat. Tina, a beautiful woman, said she knew Andy from years back. They dated for a long time, including through his time in culinary school and her time in theater school in New York City.

The other person is Robbie, a self-proclaimed artist who had dated Jayne and left town after they broke up. Andy had hired extra waitstaff for the party, and Robbie was one of them. When Robbie saw Jayne, the longing in his eyes was unmistakable – as was his rage when he looked at Andy.

Late that evening, Gemma and Jayne took a short break on the restaurant balcony. Gemma looked down and thought she saw something in the water below. When Jayne realized it was a person, Gemma ran down to the dock and leapt into the icy waters off the Cape. Andy followed moments later and retrieved Tina. The medical examiner saw only one injury, where she may have hit her head on the concrete or a rock. Did she commit suicide? Fall? Or was she pushed?

A couple days later, Gemma discovered a link between Tina and Robbie. She went to Robbie’s to get more information from him. She went out back to his patio, and someone attired in black ran out the door, hotfooted past her, jumped into a car, and sped off. For several reasons, the police believed that Andy killed Robbie. Detective Ryan Ashburton, Gemma’s long-term boyfriend and Andy’s best man at the upcoming wedding, had to stay out of the investigation into Robbie’s murder. Andy wanted to call off the wedding, rather than tie Jayne down with someone who might go to prison. She refused. Jayne knew that Andy hadn’t killed anyone. Gemma had helped solve several murders; Jayne assisted her with each of them. Jayne begged Gemma to find who really killed Robbie.

I loved this mystery! It was challenging, presenting several twists and turns that kept it breathtakingly fascinating. At first, a few characters seemed unnecessary to the plot or subplots. The author doesn’t waste words or characters, and they had their own interests at heart. The end was surprising and very satisfying! I highly recommend this, and the others in the series, to those who appreciate well-written cozy mysteries with lively, fascinating characters.

Many thanks to the publisher, Crooked Lane, who provided a pre-publication copy of this novel through NetGalley. This is my honest review.
llow -

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚The Devil in the Details
✍🏻Vicki Delany
Blurb:
The game is once again afoot in Vicki Delany’s 11th Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mystery, when birthday festivities end in freezing cold murder.

Gemma Doyle is excited about celebrating Jayne Wilson’s big day. It’s supposed to be a day marking not only the birthday of Jayne, her partner in crime, but also that of the Great Detective himself. Following the festivities at the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, Gemma heads for the Blue Water Café, the site of Jayne’s party. To make things even better, Jayne’s wedding is only a week away.

But the much-anticipated affair quickly turns to disaster with the presence of the bride and groom’s respective exes in attendance and other unruly guests. With drama at every corner, Gemma and Jayne take a break on the chilly deck overlooking the ocean when they spot the body of a party attendee floating in the water below.

As Detective Ryan Ashburton takes a closer look at the guest list, Jayne’s wedding is in peril, especially when it is revealed that her fiancé, Andy, is a prime suspect. With the police closing in and more lives on the line, it’s up to Gemma to keep Andy from prison and save Jayne’s wedding day from ruin.
My Thoughts:
Devil in the Details is the latest book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series featuring Gemma Doyle, Vicki Delany. a bookseller with Sherlock-like detective skills who assists the police in her hometown of New London. Jayne and Andy have difficult jobs, her running the tea shop next door to Gemma's Sherlock Emporium, and him running the hottest restaurant in town, Jayne and Andy are so in love and ready to get married. The wedding is a week away. Andy closes the restaurant to celebrate Jayne's birthday. With no time to lose, Gemma must race to prove his innocence so the wedding can go on. The friendship between Jayne and Gemma is the soul of this book: those quiet, heartfelt moments. The party ends with the discovery of a body in the water, which ends up being Tina.When Robbie ends up murdered, once again Andy is a prime suspect because Robbie made it pretty clear he wanted Jayne back.
I love mysteries ,, especially whoddunits and so this book was no exception. vicky delaney's the devil in the details, is fast paced and hooks you in.
Thanks NetGalley Crooked Lane Books and Author Vicki Delany for the advanced copy of "The Devil in the details" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#CrookedLaneBooks
#VickiDelany
#TheDevilintheDetails
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[boogleloo · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 stars: This Delany's eleventh entry in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series, which is a Literary Cozy Mystery set in Massachusetts. Featuring the British owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium and co-owner of Mrs Hudson’s Tea Room finds herself turning her deductive mind to sleuthing when her best friend's fiance's ex-girlfriend is found drowned after crashing her best friend's birthday party. When the groom's revealed to be the prime suspect, she'll have use all her investigative skills and the assistance of her many friends to help her sift through the various suspects and all the clues left by the killer. But the murderer's wily and if she doesn't work fast not only is her dear friend's impending wedding day imperiled but she may wind up joining the victim in her watery grave.

With plenty of twists and turns, Delany has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Heartfelt and humorous, Delany's writing and character work are brilliant; the main character's well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable with a great secondary cast that are well crafted and uniquely voiced.

• Features a lovely winter (January) wedding.
• Delany's captured the essence of Holmes and sprinkles in tons of Holmsian Easter eggs. (Although you don't need to know anything about the literary sleuth and his mysteries to enjoy this series.)
• For Animal Lovers: There's store cat, the ever devious Moriarty, and the MC and her great-uncle have two adorable dogs.

While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Elementary, She Read. This is a favorite series; Highly recommend!

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Devil in the Details
Book 11 in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series
by Vicki Delaney
Pub date: January 6, 2026

Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for a free e-copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

Bookish Summary

It’s a wedding! But first, a birthday party.

Jayne Wilson, half-owner of Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room, is celebrating her birthday a week before her wedding to Andy Whitehall, owner of the Blue Water Café. Andy is throwing his bride-to-be a party at the café, which is also serving as a pre-wedding social event of sorts. Jayne and Andy’s wedding is in a week, and relatives invited to the wedding are also attending the party. It promises to be a fun time, except for one of the waitstaff, a gatecrasher, and several other guests.

Robbie Ellis, one of the waiters at the party, is a former boyfriend of Jayne’s. Ever observant Gemma Doyle—Jayne’s best friend and the book’s narrator—notes the nasty looks he shoots Andy’s way throughout the night. It’s clear he’s not over Jayne, and Gemma is worried he’s in town to make trouble before the wedding. The gatecrasher is Tina Armstrong, an old girlfriend of Andy’s. Andy is less than pleased to see her, but lets her stay since an invited guest couldn’t make the party. Other guests are a former Hollywood gossip columnist, a young influencer, and a restaurant owner in financial trouble. When a body is discovered floating in the water outside the restaurant, there are plenty of suspects for Gemma to focus on.

And focus she must when Andy jumps to the front of the suspect list. Gemma has less than a week to solve the case and save Jayne’s wedding.

Bookish Thoughts

I’ve read all the books in the series, and this latest novel is a great addition. I kept bouncing back and forth between several of the suspects, not sure of the murder’s identity until close to the end. Gemma, a female Sherlock, is the narrator, and I like solving the mystery through her eyes. Delany continues to introduce new characters in the series, adding new conflicts and personalities. It’s also fun to return to West London on Cape Cod and catch up on the recurring characters living there.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Devil in the Details by Vicki Delany is the 11th book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series featuring Gemma Doyle and her best friend Jayne Wilson.

This story revolves around Jayne’s birthday party thrown by her fiancé, Andy Whitehall, owner of the Blue Water Café, where the party is held. Things are a little tense during the party with the arrival of an unwanted guest (Andy’s ex-girlfriend Tina) and Jayne’s ex-boyfriend (Robbie) who is working the party. Things are also tense in the kitchen with Andy’s new sous chef, Martin, acting like it is his kitchen. The party ends with the discovery of a body in the water, which ends up being Tina. Was it an accident or did someone kil her? Obviously, Andy is the prime suspect because she had been bothering him to get back together and showed up at the party to which she wasn’t invited.

When Robbie ends up murdered, once again Andy is a prime suspect because Robbie made it pretty clear he wanted Jayne back. Things aren’t looking so good for Andy, but Gemma knows he is innocent and works hard to discover Robbie’s killer. She is fairly sure Tina’s was an accident, but maybe the killings are linked. Time is ticking because Jayne’s and Andy’s wedding is in less than a week.

I love the characters in this series and how they relate to each other. I also love how Gemma’s boyfriend, Detective Ryan Ashburton’s partner Detective Louise Estrada has come to terms with Gemma being part of an investigation because she will snoop. I feel Louise is long-suffering in her dealings with Gemma and I love Ms. Delany’s description of these interactions.

I think the killer will come as a surprise to most readers until you read more about the type of person Robbie is and then you might have a clue as to the killer. This series is so much fun and the description of West London, Massachusetts makes you want to visit the town.

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: The Devil in the Details by Vicki Delany

Rating: 4/5 stars

I just finished reading The Devil in the Details, the eleventh book in Vicki Delany’s Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mystery series, and I really enjoyed it! The story kicks off with a lively birthday celebration for Jayne Wilson, who’s not only Gemma Doyle’s close friend but also her partner in solving crime. The party is meant to be a double celebration—honoring both Jayne’s birthday and the legendary Sherlock Holmes himself. Things take a sharp turn, though, when they find a guest’s body floating in the icy ocean right after the festivities at the Blue Water Café.

The timing couldn’t be worse, especially since Jayne’s wedding is just around the corner. To make matters more complicated, exes of both the bride and groom show up, stirring tension among the guests. Detective Ryan Ashburton starts digging into the guest list and soon zeroes in on Andy, Jayne’s fiancé, as a prime suspect. With pressure mounting and more danger lurking, Gemma steps up to clear Andy’s name and keep the wedding plans from falling apart.

What really stood out to me was how Delany expertly weaves together the mystery with charming details like delicious baked goods and clever nods to Sherlock Holmes lore, which fans of the series will definitely appreciate. The setting feels cozy yet suspenseful, and the characters are as engaging as ever. Plus, I have to say—the cover art is absolutely gorgeous and really draws you in before you even start reading.

All in all, The Devil in the Details is a solid addition to this beloved series. It’s a fun blend of mystery, friendship, and a touch of romance, making it a satisfying read. I’m already looking forward to the next installment! If you enjoy mysteries with heart and a sprinkle of classic Holmes references, this one’s worth picking up.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[SD]

Gemma’s best friend and business partner, Jayne, is getting married. Jayne’s birthday, a few days before the big day, featured early wedding guests and a few surprises, including both Jayne’s and Andy’s (the groom’s) exes. We are also introduced to old-school influencer, aka gossip columnist, Audrey, and her adopted niece, social media influencer Madison. We are also treated to more of Gemma and Arthur’s neighbor, Mrs. Ramsbatten, who once worked with computer science pioneers and continues to be very sharp. Not only are there exes around, but also old bosses, know-it-all new cooks, and drama unrelated to the wedding swirling around, threatening to spoil the big day.

Gemma, of course, will not stand by and do nothing, much to the dismay of Detective Estrada. Best man, Gemma’s boyfriend, and Det. Estrada’s partner, Ryan Ashburton, returns early from a work trip to assist.

Unlike in The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime, book 10 in this series, where Gemma was investigating a murder right before her sister, Pippa’s, wedding, fewer group investigations and more solo Gemma investigations, harking back to the early days. This put Gemma in tough situations. It was nice to have non-bridezilla challenges in not one but two books with wedding themes.

I continue to enjoy this series from book 1 through book 11. Will there be a third wedding theme mystery, this time with Gemma and Ryan? Fingers crossed!

Thank you to #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for the opportunity to do an early read and share my thoughts on the story.

Happy Reading!

[Marcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once again Gemma Doyle's insatiable curiosity stirs up a hornet's nest in West London. She is excited to celebrate both the birthday and wedding of her best friend Jayne. First the birthday celebration being hosted at Jayne's fiancé Andy's restaurant. As they are seated for dinner an uninvited guest, Andy's former girlfriend tina shows up. Also in attendance as a server is Jayne's former boyfriend Robbie. Before the night is over Tina is dead, Gemma and Andy are wet and cold from jumping into the icy water off the restaurant's deck to retrieve Tina. A couple of days later Robbie is found dead in his apartment. There are questions as to whether Tina's death is suicide, accident or murder, but there is no question in Robbie's case. He was clearly stabbed. With Andy as a suspect and only a few days before the wedding Gemma is determined to clear his name and solve the case before the wedding. Ryan, being Andy's best friend cannot be involved in the investigation into Robbie's death, so Gemma is more determined than ever to find the link and find the killer, or killers.
While I am always happy to read about a wedding and especially a beautiful winter wedding, this was not my favorite entry in this series. It was a good plot and I always enjoy the regular cast of characters. The "visiting" characters were a bit too predictable and I was fairly certain what the reveal would tell us about who and why. All in all I enjoyed the story and will read the next in the series, I just did not find this one to be as complex a plot as usual.
My thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane for the chance to read an early copy of this book.

[Missi Martin (Stockwell) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jayne and Andy are getting married !!! And Gemma and Ryan are in the wedding party !!!

The Devil in the Details is the eleventh book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series by Vicki Delany and I am a huge fan, as I hope you are also. There is a lot to talk about so let's go ....

Like I said Jayne, who is Gemma's best friend and business partner is getting ready to marry Andy. Gemma co-owns and runs the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop as well as part owner of Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room. Her best friend Jayne is part owner of the Tea Room. her fiancé Andy owns the Blue Water Cafe while Gemma's boyfriend is a detective.

Unfortunately, a week before the wedding while they are celebrating Jayne's birthday at the Blue Water Cafe, an uninvited guest goes over the railing on the deck into the cold water. Gemma and Andy jump in to save her, but they find out later she passed. The police have their sights on Andy once they find out that the deceased, Tina, was his ex-girlfriend.

Jayne, of course, asks Gemma to do what she does best and prove Andy's innocence. But before Gemma can decide if Tina's death was an accident or murder, there is a definite murder, and she gets run down by the killer. Gemma goes to question Robbie, who was also at the birthday party working as a waiter, but she is too late.

Gemma will not be able to rest until she figures out what happened to both Tina and Robbie, and she needs to make sure that Jayne and Andy get their perfect wedding day.

Readers cannot help but love this series. You fall in love with everything within this series and this book just intensifies that feeling.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Devil in the Details by Vicki Delany is a Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery and finds Gemma and Jayne both anxious for Jayne and Andy’s wedding and at the moment at the birthday part for Jayne that Andy was throwing at his restaurant, Blue Water Cafe. It was a terrific part except that an old boyfriend of Jayne’s had been hired as a waiter, and an ex-girlfriend of Andy’s, showed up uninvited, and ended up dead. Things were not looking good for the wedding. As Gemma investigated and Jayne worried, but never stopped working, Ryan was not investigating being too close to one of the suspects: he was Andy’s best man.

As always, Gemma has to investigate, more than ever in this situation. Meanwhile, the vultures seemed to be circling: an old boss wanting to be a partner; a chef interviewing for another job. Gemma is persistent, and while Ryan has adjusted, the other detective, Louise, doesn’t like it and she doesn’t like Gemma. All the usual characters make appearances, especially with the wedding looming. Ashleigh is proving to be the kind of employee that goes above and beyond and is definitely maturing. It’s a good mystery that Gemma eventually solves suing her powers of observation and logic. As always, a terrific read.

I was invited to read The Devil in the Details by Crooked Lane Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #CrookedLaneBooks #VickiDelany TheDevilInTheDetails

[Spineless In AZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a few other books from the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series. I love the consistency of these stories. The seaside town of West London has wonderful sunsets. Jayne and Gemma have their partners’ meeting at twenty of four. And the shop cat is named Moriarty, since he doesn’t like Gemma very much. A friend nodded knowingly when I explained the cat’s name, but I recently found out this was Sherlock’s archenemy. Each story stands on its own.
Gemma is a quarter partner in the tea shop next door and best friends with Jayne, who runs it. Jayne’s birthday (and Sherlock’s too) falls days before her wedding. Fiancé Andy throws a big dinner party to celebrate. A mysterious wedding crasher appears to take the last seat at Gemma’s table. Jayne’s ex is working the party as a waiter. The party includes a cast of characters old and new. When things go wrong, Gemma follows her curiosity to make sure her friend and her fiancé make it to the altar on time.
This is a cozy after all. Gemma and Detective Ryan make it back in time for the reception, while Uncle Arthur sends love from Majorca. And I learned a little more about Sherlock. Great story!
I received a complimentary copy of #TheDevilintheDetails, thanks to #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks. All thoughts and opinions are my own.