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Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery #5
There's a Murder Afoot
Just in time for Sherlock Holmes's 166th birthday, the fifth installment in national bestselling author Vicki Delany's Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mystery takes Sherlockania to the max with a Holmes convention and historic 221 Baker Street.
Gemma Doyle and her friends travel to London for a Sherlock Holmes convention--but will Gemma's father take the fall for a felonious forger's fatality?
The 6th of January is Sherlock Holmes's birthday, and lucky for Gemma Doyle, January is also the slowest time of the year at both the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, and Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room. It's a good time for Gemma and her friends to travel to England for a Holmes Convention. For Gemma, the trip provides an opportunity to visit her parents, Jayne Wilson is excited about seeing all the sites London has to offer, and Ryan Ashburton just wants to spend some time with Gemma. But the trip is immediately derailed when Gemma's father Henry recognizes his brother-in-law Randolph Manning, who disappeared more than thirty years ago on the night he stole a valuable painting from his own parents.
Henry, a retired detective with Scotland Yard, has been keeping tabs on the man's career as a forger of Old Masters and he warns Randy to stay away from his family. Randy is at the conference selling his own art, a series of sketches inspired by the Holmes Canon. The ever-observant Gemma notes that he isn't exactly popular with some of the other conference attendees, but when Randy is found dead after the banquet with a dazed and confused Henry Doyle standing over him, the police leap to assume his guilt. It's up to Gemma, with the help of her friends, to plunge into the "lowest and vilest alleys" of London to save her father from prison.
Gemma Doyle and her friends travel to London for a Sherlock Holmes convention--but will Gemma's father take the fall for a felonious forger's fatality?
The 6th of January is Sherlock Holmes's birthday, and lucky for Gemma Doyle, January is also the slowest time of the year at both the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, and Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room. It's a good time for Gemma and her friends to travel to England for a Holmes Convention. For Gemma, the trip provides an opportunity to visit her parents, Jayne Wilson is excited about seeing all the sites London has to offer, and Ryan Ashburton just wants to spend some time with Gemma. But the trip is immediately derailed when Gemma's father Henry recognizes his brother-in-law Randolph Manning, who disappeared more than thirty years ago on the night he stole a valuable painting from his own parents.
Henry, a retired detective with Scotland Yard, has been keeping tabs on the man's career as a forger of Old Masters and he warns Randy to stay away from his family. Randy is at the conference selling his own art, a series of sketches inspired by the Holmes Canon. The ever-observant Gemma notes that he isn't exactly popular with some of the other conference attendees, but when Randy is found dead after the banquet with a dazed and confused Henry Doyle standing over him, the police leap to assume his guilt. It's up to Gemma, with the help of her friends, to plunge into the "lowest and vilest alleys" of London to save her father from prison.
329 pages, Hardcover
First published January 7, 2020
247 people are currently reading
1389 people want to read
About the author
Vicki Delany
62 books1,914 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 364 reviews
December 7, 2019
There's a Murder Afoot is the 5th book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries by Vicki Delany. I have read the previous books in this series and when this one became available, it was a must-read. I can easily say, it delivered a wonderful punch and earns 4.5 stars. Let's dive into the review...
Gemma and Jayne are on a trip to London. They've been invited to an award ceremony in Uncle Arthur's absence. Arthur's decided to mind the shops while the girls are on a little getaway. They also bring a few friends with them, and when they meet Gemma's parents, things get a little crazy. Mom has a younger brother no one knew anything about, and he's a troublemaker. When he ends up dead, it looks like Dad killed his brother-in-law because of all the cons the man pulled. It's up to Gemma and Jayne to solve the mystery in her homeland this time.
At first, I was concerned about the new setting. I loved the Massachusetts bookstore and all the supporting characters. Delany does a fantastic job at having Gemma's shop employee, Ashleigh, call with all the issues, and there are a quite a few fun ones. Arthur simply cannot be left in charge again. On top of that, we are treated to Ryan, Grant, and another surprise visitor. Ryan, of course, tries to stop Gemma from investigating her uncle's death, but Gemma's sister, Pippa, insists she help. Pippa apparently has connections in the British government, and all indications point to her directly working for the Queen or someone close to the Queen.
As a mystery, there were several solid suspects. The setting was quite lovely, and I enjoyed the descriptions and the new characters. I like Gemma's parents a lot, and the police in London are worse than the American police -- so mean to Gemma! She should be allowed to investigate. LOL Even if she's a bit cranky sometimes. That said... the book moves fast, and it's going to be a fun setup for the future. Definitely recommend this one.
Gemma and Jayne are on a trip to London. They've been invited to an award ceremony in Uncle Arthur's absence. Arthur's decided to mind the shops while the girls are on a little getaway. They also bring a few friends with them, and when they meet Gemma's parents, things get a little crazy. Mom has a younger brother no one knew anything about, and he's a troublemaker. When he ends up dead, it looks like Dad killed his brother-in-law because of all the cons the man pulled. It's up to Gemma and Jayne to solve the mystery in her homeland this time.
At first, I was concerned about the new setting. I loved the Massachusetts bookstore and all the supporting characters. Delany does a fantastic job at having Gemma's shop employee, Ashleigh, call with all the issues, and there are a quite a few fun ones. Arthur simply cannot be left in charge again. On top of that, we are treated to Ryan, Grant, and another surprise visitor. Ryan, of course, tries to stop Gemma from investigating her uncle's death, but Gemma's sister, Pippa, insists she help. Pippa apparently has connections in the British government, and all indications point to her directly working for the Queen or someone close to the Queen.
As a mystery, there were several solid suspects. The setting was quite lovely, and I enjoyed the descriptions and the new characters. I like Gemma's parents a lot, and the police in London are worse than the American police -- so mean to Gemma! She should be allowed to investigate. LOL Even if she's a bit cranky sometimes. That said... the book moves fast, and it's going to be a fun setup for the future. Definitely recommend this one.
November 20, 2021
In this 5th book in the 'Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries', bookstore manager/amateur sleuth Gemma Doyle travels to London, where she gets involved in a murder investigation. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
Englishwoman Gemma Doyle now lives in Cape Cod, Massachusetts and co-owns 'The Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium' with her Uncle Arthur Doyle- a spry nonagenarian who likes to travel and romance the ladies.
As the story opens, Gemma is visiting London, having left the Cape Cod bookstore in the care of her assistant Ashleigh and her Uncle Arthur. Gemma is scheduled to attend a weekend conference called 'Sherlock Holmes in the Modern World.'
There Gemma will give a talk about Sherlock Holmes pastiche and accept an award being given to Uncle Arthur for 'spreading the love of Sherlock Holmes.'
Accompanying Gemma on the trip are four American friends: Ryan Ashburton - Gemma's cop boyfriend; Jayne Wilson - Gemma's partner in 'Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room', next door to the bookstore; Grant Thompson - a dealer in rare books; and Donald Morris - a retired lawyer and Sherlock Holmes aficionado.
When Gemma and her cohorts arrive in London they check into the Bentley Hotel, then gather in the downstairs bar to meet Gemma's family for drinks.
Gemma's mother Anne is a barrister, her father Henry is a retired Scotland Yard detective, and her older sister Pippa claims to have "a minor clerical position with the Department for Transport".....but probably works for MI5.
After drinks, the group is strolling out of the bar when Henry is approached by his wife's black sheep brother, Randolph (Randy) Denhaugh. This is a shock since Randy hasn't been seen for decades, since the day he stole his parents valuable Constable painting when he was a young man.
Henry brushes Randy off, but the black sheep doesn't stay gone. Randy has a booth at the Sherlock Holmes conference, selling his original Sherlockian sketches. Gemma sees her uncle as she's perusing the vendors, and notes that he's loudly told off by two separate women.
Later, after Gemma has given her speech and accepted Uncle Arthur's award, Randy is found dead in a meeting room at the conference, with Gemma's dad Henry beside the body.
Henry has a large goose egg on his head and claims to remember nothing.
This is a problem since the detective assigned to the case, Inspector Sam Morrison, is a no-talent yutz who hates his former colleague.
Thus Henry is soon arrested for murder.
Gemma knows her dad is innocent and sets out to find the real killer. The amateur sleuth is assisted by her American friends and her sister Pippa - whose mysterious contacts are invaluable.
During her inquiries, Gemma learns that Randy was an art forger and exploitative friend who gave a bogus diamond ring to his 'fiancée' - so there are plenty of possible suspects for the crime.
As Gemma is investigating the murder with one or another of her friends, the others take the opportunity to go sightseeing at places like the Sherlock Holmes Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Black Museum, and so on.
The Sherlock Holmes Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum
The Black Museum
As one would expect of tourists in England, the visitors drink myriad cups of tea and eat things like steak and kidney pie; steak and ale pie; croissants with strawberry jam; and a full English breakfast.
Steak and Ale Pie
Croissants with Strawberry Jam
Full English Breakfast
The most amusing scenes in the book occur when Gemma calls her assistant Ashleigh to check on the bookstore. Gemma hears that the shop's resident cat, Moriarty, peed on Gemma's laptop and on the shoes of a visiting author.
Gemma also learns that Uncle Arthur's lady friend started a fire with her cigarette; and that elderly shoppers got into a brouhaha about Benedict Cumberbatch (who plays Sherlock Holmes on TV) and had to be thrown out.
This entertaining story has numerous allusions to the Sherlock Holmes canon, and would appeal to readers who like cozy mysteries and to fans of the legendary detective.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author (Vicki Delany) and the publisher (Crooked Lane Books) for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
January 9, 2020
There's A Murder Afoot is the fifth book in Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series by Vicky Delany.
This series is a perfect choice not only for fans of Mr. Holmes but for readers who prefer intelligent and well written mysteries.
The characters are well developed and they grow and change with the series. They are realistic and relatable. I really appreciate how the main character is a highly observant and smart woman who solves crimes by her wits and intellect and not by stumbling around relaying on luck. She is quite unique and I like her a lot.
In this installment Gemma, her best friend, her boyfriend and patron of her bookstore are travelling to England so she can attend a conference, give her speech and accept an award on behalf of her uncle.
When they arrive they have drinks with Gemma's family, but her father has a run in with his brother in law who has been missing for decades after he stole a painting from his own family.
Her uncle Randy is also attending the conference but is soon found dead with Gemma's father standing over him. Unfortunately Gemma's father has been hit on the head and has no idea what happened.
Since the leading inspector holds a grudge against Gemma's father and is very happy to charge him with the murder and will look no further for the culprit, it is up to Gemma and her friends to solve the crime and save her father.
I have read all the books in this series, and they are always a treat. Well written, with a smartly thought and cleverly presented story, they are a joy to read.
I like both the main and side characters, as they all have their own peculiarities and are quite special.
I also appreciate subtle humor in these books very very much. Moriarity's shenanigans are legendary and other characters quite often make me laugh out loud.
This series is a perfect choice not only for fans of Mr. Holmes but for readers who prefer intelligent and well written mysteries.
The characters are well developed and they grow and change with the series. They are realistic and relatable. I really appreciate how the main character is a highly observant and smart woman who solves crimes by her wits and intellect and not by stumbling around relaying on luck. She is quite unique and I like her a lot.
In this installment Gemma, her best friend, her boyfriend and patron of her bookstore are travelling to England so she can attend a conference, give her speech and accept an award on behalf of her uncle.
When they arrive they have drinks with Gemma's family, but her father has a run in with his brother in law who has been missing for decades after he stole a painting from his own family.
Her uncle Randy is also attending the conference but is soon found dead with Gemma's father standing over him. Unfortunately Gemma's father has been hit on the head and has no idea what happened.
Since the leading inspector holds a grudge against Gemma's father and is very happy to charge him with the murder and will look no further for the culprit, it is up to Gemma and her friends to solve the crime and save her father.
I have read all the books in this series, and they are always a treat. Well written, with a smartly thought and cleverly presented story, they are a joy to read.
I like both the main and side characters, as they all have their own peculiarities and are quite special.
I also appreciate subtle humor in these books very very much. Moriarity's shenanigans are legendary and other characters quite often make me laugh out loud.
October 31, 2020
This book was the perfect change of pace for this Friday evening! Delaney writes a decent cozy mystery. I'm warming up to Emma Doyle as a character and although I wondered about the author's choice to move this book to England instead of Cape Cod, I think I actually liked it better than previous books.
Delaney ingeniously brings the whole gang (Ryan, Jayne, Grant, even eccentric Donald) by positing a Sherlock Holmes conference that they are all attending. In London, we get to meet Emma's family, the retired cop father, lawyer mother, and apparently the spy sister. It explains some Emma oddities, as it was meant to.
I feel like Emma has evolved as a character—not quite so clueless about dealing with people as she's been portrayed in the earlier volumes. And she has plenty to deal with, as her father gets arrested by a vindictive former coworker for the murder of her uncle. Emma may stick her nose in where it doesn't belong, but in London she has sister Pippa backing her up. The sisters don't have the best relationship, but they make a formidable team. A lot of this book seems to be about Emma improving her relationships as well as investigating the family murder.
I think part of the appeal to the change of scenery is that Delaney is able to break the characters out of the habitual ruts that she had written them into. Emma & Jayne still drink a lot of tea, just not in their Cape Cod tea house. Emma gets to annoy new police officers. Ryan isn't involved in the case, so he only gets mildly bent out of shape when Emma interferes. Violet the dog isn't being semi-ignored by her owner who is busy eating out at the same place repeatedly.
This surprises me, but I will definitely read the next installment.
Cross posted at my blog:
https://wanda-thenextfifty.blogspot.c...
Delaney ingeniously brings the whole gang (Ryan, Jayne, Grant, even eccentric Donald) by positing a Sherlock Holmes conference that they are all attending. In London, we get to meet Emma's family, the retired cop father, lawyer mother, and apparently the spy sister. It explains some Emma oddities, as it was meant to.
I feel like Emma has evolved as a character—not quite so clueless about dealing with people as she's been portrayed in the earlier volumes. And she has plenty to deal with, as her father gets arrested by a vindictive former coworker for the murder of her uncle. Emma may stick her nose in where it doesn't belong, but in London she has sister Pippa backing her up. The sisters don't have the best relationship, but they make a formidable team. A lot of this book seems to be about Emma improving her relationships as well as investigating the family murder.
I think part of the appeal to the change of scenery is that Delaney is able to break the characters out of the habitual ruts that she had written them into. Emma & Jayne still drink a lot of tea, just not in their Cape Cod tea house. Emma gets to annoy new police officers. Ryan isn't involved in the case, so he only gets mildly bent out of shape when Emma interferes. Violet the dog isn't being semi-ignored by her owner who is busy eating out at the same place repeatedly.
This surprises me, but I will definitely read the next installment.
Cross posted at my blog:
https://wanda-thenextfifty.blogspot.c...
December 7, 2019
I have been a big fan of this series since the very first book, but I have to say I think that this is my favorite in the series to date. I love that Gemma is not the typical cozy mystery protagonist. She has a unique personality with a few quirks. I think author Vicki Delany had done a great job of growing and developing that uniqueness while softening Gemma's character a bit without taking away what I love about her. In this book, the gang is off to London for a Sherlock Holmes Conference and to pick up an award for Uncle Arthur. I thought the change of scenery worked well. As readers, we were introduced to Gemma's family and able to get a glimpse of the people who helped make her who she is today. I like the intrigue around her sister Pippa and what she really does for a living. I was a bit surprised that she paired up with Grant but I think that opens up some different possibilities for future stories.
The mystery was well done and kept me guessing until the end. The author did a good job of creating a victim who was not sympathetic in the beginning but by the end of the book and the resolution of the mystery had quite possibly redeemed himself. While Gemma did annoy a few members of the London Police force, it wasn't quite as antagonistic as her nemesis back in West London Massachusetts. The story unfolded at a great pace and a very satisfying resolution.
I love this series and any new book is always an automatic read for me. I can't wait to see what the author has in store for Gemma and the rest of the cast in the next book, especially in light of Uncle Arthur's surprise which was revealed at the end of this book.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
The mystery was well done and kept me guessing until the end. The author did a good job of creating a victim who was not sympathetic in the beginning but by the end of the book and the resolution of the mystery had quite possibly redeemed himself. While Gemma did annoy a few members of the London Police force, it wasn't quite as antagonistic as her nemesis back in West London Massachusetts. The story unfolded at a great pace and a very satisfying resolution.
I love this series and any new book is always an automatic read for me. I can't wait to see what the author has in store for Gemma and the rest of the cast in the next book, especially in light of Uncle Arthur's surprise which was revealed at the end of this book.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
August 4, 2023
This is my favorite book of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries to date. I loved seeing Gemma and her crew in London. The setting and backdrop were perfect for them. It was great to have Gemma's family in this installment, and the mystery moved along just right, keeping me guessing and holding my interest.
January 3, 2020
There’s a Murder Afoot by Vicki Delany may be the fifth installment in A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery, but it can be read on its own. The author includes the necessary background a new reader needs. This is my favorite book in the series. I found it to be well-written and it moved along at a steady clip. I enjoyed the author’s descriptions of London, the conference and especially the beautiful costumes worn by some of the attendees including Donald. Donald was in seventh heaven with all the Sherlock Holmes people he could talk to and the various places for him to visit including the Sherlock Holmes Museum. Gemma is enjoying spending time with her parent’s and being back in London. She just did not count on getting involved in a murder investigation (she really should have anticipated this turn of events). I like the humor injected into the story. The lengths they went to keep her friends occupied while she is out investigating and then there were Arthur’s antics at the bookstore. Gemma should have known things would not go smoothly with Arthur. The mystery was thought out with several suspects and good clues. I found it interesting and enjoyed following the investigation. The police in Scotland Yard did not appreciate Gemma’s interference any more than those back home in West London, Massachusetts. But Gemma had Pippa on her side. Pippa’s may say she is a clerk, but her job is complex, mysterious and suits her intellect (would have suited Gemma as well). I like how the mystery played out and the resolution. I like Gemma’s attention to detail and how it plays into the solving of the mystery. While I was not surprised by the guilty party (or who was murdered), I was entertained which is the purpose of this delightful tale. I look forward to the next A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery. My one wish is for West London to get a different detective who appreciates Gemma’s insights. There’s a Murder Afoot is a diverting cozy mystery with a black sheep sibling, a discriminatory detective, surplus of Sherlock, a vexing uncle, a sister’s secretive situation, and a parent’s puzzling predicament.
June 5, 2021
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Gemma, Jayne, Ryan, Donald, and Grant have traveled across the pond for a Sherlock Holmes Convention where Gemma is a featured speaker and she will accept an award on her Uncle Arthur’s behalf. She will also get to spend some time with her parents and her sister Pippa.
She also meets another member of her family, her mother’s brother, Randolph Denhaugh. The black sheep of the family, he disappeared 30 plus years ago after a valuable painting was stolen from her parent’s house. Gemma’s father, Henry, a retired Scotland Yard detective tried to keep tabs on the man who is said to be an art forger of the Old Masters. He wanted Denhough to stay away from his family but he never imagined he would be killed and that Henry himself would be the prime suspect.
Gemma has had a little experience as an amateur sleuth and she sees she is going to have to find the real killer herself because the lead detective has already decided Henry is guilty. Thankfully she has her friends along to help her and maybe her sister Pippa too. They are all committed to keeping Henry out of prison and won’t be flying back to the states until the real culprit is caught.
I loved that these characters traveled to London and that we were able to meet Gemma’s parents and sister. Gemma really traveled around to follow each clue to prove her father’s innocence. I found it quite funny the lengths she went to to keep her friends occupied when they weren’t helping her with the case. Donald was in his glory checking out the Sherlock Holmes sights and Grant became quite smitten with Pippa. It was nice to have Henry and Ryan hit it off and also that Jayne and Gemma’s mother Anne became quite close. Ryan didn’t like that Gemma was off investigating but he knew he couldn’t stop her. Pippa really pushed for Gemma to take on the case and she really couldn’t refuse.
The people back in the states were not forgotten. Gemma and Ashleigh checked in regularly with each call bringing more worry to Gemma. Arthur was definitely not the right person to leave in charge but one of the mishaps made me laugh out loud.
The mystery was a complicated one. Randolph Denhaugh was a man with few friends and plenty of enemies. Pippa was a woman of mystery herself which added some very intriguing twists to the story. She quickly became my favorite character in this book.
As a reader, I donned by virtual deerstalker cap to try to solve the whodunit before Gemma could but I failed miserably. Ms. Delany plotted this story out beautifully and totally surprised me with the big exciting reveal. The whiplash twist was great and pulled me to the edge of my seat. I really enjoyed the brisk pace of the story, there was always something happening.
There’s A Murder Afoot is now my favorite book in this series. I loved the realistic characters and the way Gemma’s friends really supported her throughout the whole adventure with only a few minor complaints. Their vacations definitely didn’t go as planned and I believe all the relationships grew stronger because of that.
Ms. Delany’s vivid descriptions of time and place really made me feel like I was tagging along with the characters the entire way. I do hope Ryan and Gemma get a real vacation soon and that this is not the last we see of Anne, Henry, and Pippa.
Gemma, Jayne, Ryan, Donald, and Grant have traveled across the pond for a Sherlock Holmes Convention where Gemma is a featured speaker and she will accept an award on her Uncle Arthur’s behalf. She will also get to spend some time with her parents and her sister Pippa.
She also meets another member of her family, her mother’s brother, Randolph Denhaugh. The black sheep of the family, he disappeared 30 plus years ago after a valuable painting was stolen from her parent’s house. Gemma’s father, Henry, a retired Scotland Yard detective tried to keep tabs on the man who is said to be an art forger of the Old Masters. He wanted Denhough to stay away from his family but he never imagined he would be killed and that Henry himself would be the prime suspect.
Gemma has had a little experience as an amateur sleuth and she sees she is going to have to find the real killer herself because the lead detective has already decided Henry is guilty. Thankfully she has her friends along to help her and maybe her sister Pippa too. They are all committed to keeping Henry out of prison and won’t be flying back to the states until the real culprit is caught.
I loved that these characters traveled to London and that we were able to meet Gemma’s parents and sister. Gemma really traveled around to follow each clue to prove her father’s innocence. I found it quite funny the lengths she went to to keep her friends occupied when they weren’t helping her with the case. Donald was in his glory checking out the Sherlock Holmes sights and Grant became quite smitten with Pippa. It was nice to have Henry and Ryan hit it off and also that Jayne and Gemma’s mother Anne became quite close. Ryan didn’t like that Gemma was off investigating but he knew he couldn’t stop her. Pippa really pushed for Gemma to take on the case and she really couldn’t refuse.
The people back in the states were not forgotten. Gemma and Ashleigh checked in regularly with each call bringing more worry to Gemma. Arthur was definitely not the right person to leave in charge but one of the mishaps made me laugh out loud.
The mystery was a complicated one. Randolph Denhaugh was a man with few friends and plenty of enemies. Pippa was a woman of mystery herself which added some very intriguing twists to the story. She quickly became my favorite character in this book.
As a reader, I donned by virtual deerstalker cap to try to solve the whodunit before Gemma could but I failed miserably. Ms. Delany plotted this story out beautifully and totally surprised me with the big exciting reveal. The whiplash twist was great and pulled me to the edge of my seat. I really enjoyed the brisk pace of the story, there was always something happening.
There’s A Murder Afoot is now my favorite book in this series. I loved the realistic characters and the way Gemma’s friends really supported her throughout the whole adventure with only a few minor complaints. Their vacations definitely didn’t go as planned and I believe all the relationships grew stronger because of that.
Ms. Delany’s vivid descriptions of time and place really made me feel like I was tagging along with the characters the entire way. I do hope Ryan and Gemma get a real vacation soon and that this is not the last we see of Anne, Henry, and Pippa.
March 7, 2024
3.5 "first mystery" Stars
(I have been avoiding...no stepping back from MM Romance this month. TOO much romance! Lol)
This was my first mystery book and my first time reading something related to Sherlock Holmes. I picked this up from a surprise book bag from my library and it definitely did surprise me. I avoid mysteries because of the intensity but this was a light and comfortable read.
(I also didn’t realize that this was the fifth book)
Gemma Doyle is a simple bookshop owner who is HIGHLY observant! She was stubborn but resilient, bossy but caring character. She was also very well aware of her surroundings...I didn't know a simple stain could tell so much!
Jayne Wilson her best friend/working and sleuth partner. Jayne was a simple, ordinary helping hand and occasionally a really good actor (she could easily get into character!).
The story was well put together even if I had a hard time understanding some art talk and London’s surroundings. When Gemma started sleuthing that was when I was hooked! The story pace was perfect, I loved the characters (most of them), and the ending was not left open, a well-done ending!
Overall, my first mystery was enjoyable, I might as well pick up some more on the way!
(I have been avoiding...no stepping back from MM Romance this month. TOO much romance! Lol)
This was my first mystery book and my first time reading something related to Sherlock Holmes. I picked this up from a surprise book bag from my library and it definitely did surprise me. I avoid mysteries because of the intensity but this was a light and comfortable read.
(I also didn’t realize that this was the fifth book)
Gemma Doyle is a simple bookshop owner who is HIGHLY observant! She was stubborn but resilient, bossy but caring character. She was also very well aware of her surroundings...I didn't know a simple stain could tell so much!
Jayne Wilson her best friend/working and sleuth partner. Jayne was a simple, ordinary helping hand and occasionally a really good actor (she could easily get into character!).
The story was well put together even if I had a hard time understanding some art talk and London’s surroundings. When Gemma started sleuthing that was when I was hooked! The story pace was perfect, I loved the characters (most of them), and the ending was not left open, a well-done ending!
Overall, my first mystery was enjoyable, I might as well pick up some more on the way!
January 6, 2020
It was so awesome to read about Gemma and all her West London, MA friends being together in London, England for a Sherlock Holmes event. I really liked her parents and Pippa her sister even grew on me. She was sort of mysterious but she and Grant started liking each other during the course of the trip, which turned into a little longer of a trip due to Gemma's dad being accused of murder.
Gemma usually investigated cases involving strangers but there was more at stake here, so it made her even more determined to find the real killer. I was definitely wrong about the killer, and there was a good twist at the end. The showdown was exciting, and even Sherlock-obsessed Donald Morris got in on helping out. During the trip, I got some giggles out of the times Ashleigh would contact Gemma about a few little issues they were having at the store. The one with Moriarty the cat and an author's shoes was really funny. I think this book is my favorite now in this series!
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher. The book releases January 7, and my opinions are my own.
Gemma usually investigated cases involving strangers but there was more at stake here, so it made her even more determined to find the real killer. I was definitely wrong about the killer, and there was a good twist at the end. The showdown was exciting, and even Sherlock-obsessed Donald Morris got in on helping out. During the trip, I got some giggles out of the times Ashleigh would contact Gemma about a few little issues they were having at the store. The one with Moriarty the cat and an author's shoes was really funny. I think this book is my favorite now in this series!
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher. The book releases January 7, and my opinions are my own.
January 9, 2020
RATING: 4 STARS
2019; Crooked Lane Books
Gemma and the gang (best friend and business partner - Jayne; on-and-off-again boyfriend and police detective - Ryan; friend and book dealer - Grant and Sherlock expert - Donald) are headed to Britain to a conference on Sherlock. Gemma is accepting an award for her Uncle Arthur, and is doing a lecture. While there, the crew is visiting with Gemma's parents and sister. They didn't expect to meet Gemma's long lost maternal uncle (she didn't even know existed) and to have him murdered a few days later. Unfortunately, Gemma's father who hated his brother-in-law was found standing over the body. The detective in charge of the case is not a fan of Gemma's father, so she has to step in and investigate the case.
This was another solid adventure with Gemma and her gang. I really enjoy the humour and chemistry between the characters. It was cool to see Gemma in her birthplace and her family. Pippa seems like a more serious Gemma with a lot of secrets. I hope that they make another trip to Britain or the Doyle's come to West London!
***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***
2019; Crooked Lane Books
Gemma and the gang (best friend and business partner - Jayne; on-and-off-again boyfriend and police detective - Ryan; friend and book dealer - Grant and Sherlock expert - Donald) are headed to Britain to a conference on Sherlock. Gemma is accepting an award for her Uncle Arthur, and is doing a lecture. While there, the crew is visiting with Gemma's parents and sister. They didn't expect to meet Gemma's long lost maternal uncle (she didn't even know existed) and to have him murdered a few days later. Unfortunately, Gemma's father who hated his brother-in-law was found standing over the body. The detective in charge of the case is not a fan of Gemma's father, so she has to step in and investigate the case.
This was another solid adventure with Gemma and her gang. I really enjoy the humour and chemistry between the characters. It was cool to see Gemma in her birthplace and her family. Pippa seems like a more serious Gemma with a lot of secrets. I hope that they make another trip to Britain or the Doyle's come to West London!
***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***
December 19, 2019
What's a Sherlock Convention without mystery, intrigue and little bit of murder? Throw in a long, lost relative that you know nothing about, art forgery and you have the full experience, but when your father is accused of murder then you must go full Sherlock Mode to solve the crime and keep him safe! Gemma and crew are in London for a Sherlock Convention so they get to walk the same streets as the Sherlock would have had he been a real person. Excellent plotting with twists and turns to keep you intrigued and guessing who the real culprit is. This time all of Gemma's friends get involved in solving the crime including her beau, Ryan, but they need to solve the crime quickly because her father's old nemesis is determined to see him locked away for the crime. I do recommend that you read the entire series as it will really build the characters' profiles and help you get to know them much better which makes them much more relatable while drawing you into the storyline of each book more.
January 7, 2020
“There’s a Murder Afoot” earns 5/5 Sherlock Awards...Entertaining Fun!
Hello, Holmes fans! As a fan of the original sleuth created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, I am also passionate about any creative twists to the Holmes franchise: a different era, mixing up the races, switching around genders. So, Vicki Delany’s mystery series with Gemma Doyle and her Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium and Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room is perfect! For this fifth book Gemma, partner Jayne, cop/boyfriend Ryan, an art dealer, and Sherlock fanatic travel from Cape Cod to London, England, to attend a Sherlock Holmes Convention where Gemma will give a speech and receive an award for her great-Uncle Arthur. Popping in on Gemma’s family will be a nice extra.
The story is more about family this time around, but it’s less happy family reunion and more awkward murder investigation. Uncle Randolph, her mother’s younger brother, disappeared thirty years ago after stealing a family painting, but it seems he has more than family who want him “disappeared” again. Gemma’s mother Anne is a barrister and her dad Henry is a retired Yard detective, who should have contained his anger when he sees Randy. When he is discovered, dazed, standing over the dead body of his brother-in-law, he shouldn’t be surprised that he becomes the perfect person of interest. It’s always family, isn’t it? Gemma’s older sister Pippa has an interesting story herself (a hint of Mycroft), and expects Gemma to investigate. She can’t refuse!
Delany’s writing style is very entertaining, descriptive with a bit of humor thrown in, and with enough clues to make my inner Sherlock itching to join in on the investigation. The story was clever, well-paced, a few twists and turns, and characters well-developed and what I like...realistic. There were enough references to background and character connections that I never felt at a disadvantage as a newbie. I love the London setting and noticed the similarities to the classic stories. I will be checking out the rest of the series!
Suggestion? I always like a little bonus in my cozies. It’s missing a recipe or two that the characters were able to enjoy or a humorous “How to” for an American tourist in London. Just saying.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Hello, Holmes fans! As a fan of the original sleuth created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, I am also passionate about any creative twists to the Holmes franchise: a different era, mixing up the races, switching around genders. So, Vicki Delany’s mystery series with Gemma Doyle and her Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium and Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room is perfect! For this fifth book Gemma, partner Jayne, cop/boyfriend Ryan, an art dealer, and Sherlock fanatic travel from Cape Cod to London, England, to attend a Sherlock Holmes Convention where Gemma will give a speech and receive an award for her great-Uncle Arthur. Popping in on Gemma’s family will be a nice extra.
The story is more about family this time around, but it’s less happy family reunion and more awkward murder investigation. Uncle Randolph, her mother’s younger brother, disappeared thirty years ago after stealing a family painting, but it seems he has more than family who want him “disappeared” again. Gemma’s mother Anne is a barrister and her dad Henry is a retired Yard detective, who should have contained his anger when he sees Randy. When he is discovered, dazed, standing over the dead body of his brother-in-law, he shouldn’t be surprised that he becomes the perfect person of interest. It’s always family, isn’t it? Gemma’s older sister Pippa has an interesting story herself (a hint of Mycroft), and expects Gemma to investigate. She can’t refuse!
Delany’s writing style is very entertaining, descriptive with a bit of humor thrown in, and with enough clues to make my inner Sherlock itching to join in on the investigation. The story was clever, well-paced, a few twists and turns, and characters well-developed and what I like...realistic. There were enough references to background and character connections that I never felt at a disadvantage as a newbie. I love the London setting and noticed the similarities to the classic stories. I will be checking out the rest of the series!
Suggestion? I always like a little bonus in my cozies. It’s missing a recipe or two that the characters were able to enjoy or a humorous “How to” for an American tourist in London. Just saying.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
December 10, 2019
I have been so pleased with this series that I have been waiting for the proverbial "other shoe" to drop and for it to have a stinker of a book. I am here to tell you that this book IS NOT THAT ONE!!! YAY!!
This is an excellent edition to the series and I really enjoyed it tremendously. If I had not almost fallen asleep last night, I would have been able to pull this out in one day - I just didn't want to put it down.
I really enjoy books set in London [my favorite city that I have never been to], and it was fun to see Gemma in her hometown and to meet her family and to hear about sites all over London. It was also fun to see the "cast" from America be in England and enjoy everything about it. It was interesting to see them all out of their element, yet enjoying themselves [more or less - a murder DOES tend to put a cramp in things] immensely. It was also interesting to see the relationship between Pippa and Gemma; as someone who has a rather difficult and strained relationship with her younger sister, I can attest that this felt very real.
So what kept me from rating this at 5 stars? I mean, it sounds like a 5 star read right? Because of one thing: WHO was murdered. You know almost immediately who the "bad person" is and you just *KNOW* that is who is going to end up dead. AND...you also know who is going to be accused of it. Even though the dead body didn't show up until almost 26% in [which is refreshing I must say], the way it is set up was really annoying. I'd LOVE just for once, to be surprised at who was killed. The reveal was very good [and fit in well with the whole story] and the only reason that I had somewhat guessed what was going on was because I was paying attention [much like Gemma] during several conversations and "thought-processes". Otherwise, I would have been pretty surprised.
Overall, this was an excellent [and quick] read and I am already looking forward to the next installment in this excellent series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is an excellent edition to the series and I really enjoyed it tremendously. If I had not almost fallen asleep last night, I would have been able to pull this out in one day - I just didn't want to put it down.
I really enjoy books set in London [my favorite city that I have never been to], and it was fun to see Gemma in her hometown and to meet her family and to hear about sites all over London. It was also fun to see the "cast" from America be in England and enjoy everything about it. It was interesting to see them all out of their element, yet enjoying themselves [more or less - a murder DOES tend to put a cramp in things] immensely. It was also interesting to see the relationship between Pippa and Gemma; as someone who has a rather difficult and strained relationship with her younger sister, I can attest that this felt very real.
So what kept me from rating this at 5 stars? I mean, it sounds like a 5 star read right? Because of one thing: WHO was murdered. You know almost immediately who the "bad person" is and you just *KNOW* that is who is going to end up dead. AND...you also know who is going to be accused of it. Even though the dead body didn't show up until almost 26% in [which is refreshing I must say], the way it is set up was really annoying. I'd LOVE just for once, to be surprised at who was killed. The reveal was very good [and fit in well with the whole story] and the only reason that I had somewhat guessed what was going on was because I was paying attention [much like Gemma] during several conversations and "thought-processes". Otherwise, I would have been pretty surprised.
Overall, this was an excellent [and quick] read and I am already looking forward to the next installment in this excellent series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2020
I was looking for a lighthearted read, and this mystery novel did not disappoint. Gemma Doyle, amateur sleuth and bookshop owner, returns to London to accept an award on behalf of her Uncle Arthur at an academic conference on Sherlock Holmes. Accompanying Gemma on this trip are 4 of her American friends. While there, an uncle that she did not know existed appears at the conference with his art work and ends up dead, with Gemma’s father as the murder suspect.
The author developed some interesting, quirky characters with plot twists and turns along the way. For me, the plot development and movement/progression seemed to slow halfway through the story where I found myself wishing the pace would pick up, which it did towards the end of the novel.
A lighthearted, delightful cozy mystery.
The author developed some interesting, quirky characters with plot twists and turns along the way. For me, the plot development and movement/progression seemed to slow halfway through the story where I found myself wishing the pace would pick up, which it did towards the end of the novel.
A lighthearted, delightful cozy mystery.
January 7, 2020
Reviewed at The Power of Words: https://bit.ly/37QsPq9
There’s a Murder Afoot is a wonderful cozy mystery and I enjoyed every minute spent in reading it. While I’ve read Vicki Delany before, I’m new to this series and eager to begin on previous books. The story is very well written, creatively plotted, and populated with endearing characters.
So many elements propel this story – sights and sounds of London, sightseeing, a polite tea custom where cookies are called biscuits, art galleries and masterpieces of old, and a world of Sherlock Holmes fans. London scenery is vividly conveyed and I loved the Sherlock Holmes convention and all that it entailed – costumes, artwork, souvenirs, etc.
The series regulars are delightful … Gemma, owner of a Cape Cod bookstore; Jayne, her close friend; Ryan, her boyfriend; Grant, a rare book collector; and Donald, fascinated by all things Sherlock. This story, however, takes them to London in a plot revolving around a Sherlock Holmes convention. Gemma’s sister, Pippa, is introduced and I found her intriguing – very businesslike, somewhat mysterious as to her job, no real friends. And who exactly does she work for? Possibly the Queen or some highly-placed individual?
There’s some delightful humor quietly placed here and there. For instance, if Gemma wanted to enjoy her trip, she probably shouldn’t have left Arthur in charge of her shop in West London, Cape Cod.
Another interesting element is that the villain and murder victim just happens to be Gemma’s newly-discovered uncle, with a background of art forgery that opens things up to several suspects. The mystery is well crafted and I loved that we don’t see one attack after another on Gemma as she prods around seeking to prove her father innocent. As for Ryan, Gemma’s police detective boyfriend, I’m not quite sure what I think of him. He seems to care for Gemma, but doesn’t want her investigating. While that’s probably natural, I’d like for him to be more supportive of Gemma.
There’s a Murder Afoot is a wonderful cozy mystery and I’m thrilled to have discovered this series. It’s also a clean read – no sexual scenes or profanity.
Highly recommended to cozy mystery fans.
I received a copy of this book through the Review Crew. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
There’s a Murder Afoot is a wonderful cozy mystery and I enjoyed every minute spent in reading it. While I’ve read Vicki Delany before, I’m new to this series and eager to begin on previous books. The story is very well written, creatively plotted, and populated with endearing characters.
So many elements propel this story – sights and sounds of London, sightseeing, a polite tea custom where cookies are called biscuits, art galleries and masterpieces of old, and a world of Sherlock Holmes fans. London scenery is vividly conveyed and I loved the Sherlock Holmes convention and all that it entailed – costumes, artwork, souvenirs, etc.
The series regulars are delightful … Gemma, owner of a Cape Cod bookstore; Jayne, her close friend; Ryan, her boyfriend; Grant, a rare book collector; and Donald, fascinated by all things Sherlock. This story, however, takes them to London in a plot revolving around a Sherlock Holmes convention. Gemma’s sister, Pippa, is introduced and I found her intriguing – very businesslike, somewhat mysterious as to her job, no real friends. And who exactly does she work for? Possibly the Queen or some highly-placed individual?
There’s some delightful humor quietly placed here and there. For instance, if Gemma wanted to enjoy her trip, she probably shouldn’t have left Arthur in charge of her shop in West London, Cape Cod.
Another interesting element is that the villain and murder victim just happens to be Gemma’s newly-discovered uncle, with a background of art forgery that opens things up to several suspects. The mystery is well crafted and I loved that we don’t see one attack after another on Gemma as she prods around seeking to prove her father innocent. As for Ryan, Gemma’s police detective boyfriend, I’m not quite sure what I think of him. He seems to care for Gemma, but doesn’t want her investigating. While that’s probably natural, I’d like for him to be more supportive of Gemma.
There’s a Murder Afoot is a wonderful cozy mystery and I’m thrilled to have discovered this series. It’s also a clean read – no sexual scenes or profanity.
Highly recommended to cozy mystery fans.
I received a copy of this book through the Review Crew. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
December 28, 2019
“There’s A Murder Afoot”, the fifth in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series, is the best so far. The series follows a young Englishwoman, Gemma Doyle, who co-owns a Sherlock Holmes themed bookshop with her uncle, Arthur Doyle. She has a business partner, Jayne Wilson, who runs Mrs.Hudson’s Tearoom next door to the bookshop. While Gemma is not a particular fan of the Holmes canon, her observational methods are very much like the great detective’s.
As a longtime Sherlock Holmes nerd, this is one of my very favorite series, and this installment is a real treat. Gemma and her friends travel to London for a Sherlock Holmes convention, where Gemma has been tasked with accepting an award on Uncle Arthur’s behalf and also making a speech on Sherlock Holmes and popular culture. The group’s vacation is seriously jeopardized when Gemma’s estranged uncle, who deals in art forgery, is found strangled after the convention banquet, with Gemma’s father standing over him, unable to recall the events leading up to the discovery.
All of the characters from previous books are present - Jayne; Ryan, Gemma’s detective boyfriend; Grant, the used book dealer; and Donald, the Sherlock Holmes expert. We also get to meet and spend quite a bit of time with Gemma’s parents and her older sister, Pippa. Vicki Delany did quite a bit of research for this book, and it shows as she vividly describes one London tourist attraction after another as Gemma and her friends “unofficially” investigate her uncle’s death. I really felt like I was tagging along with them, and I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure. There is also a running gag throughout the book of disasters happening back at Gemma’s bookshop, and some of the occurrences are quite funny. I truly appreciated the value of Gemma’s friends as they all put aside their own lives back in the states to remain and help Gemma clear her father’s name.
The mystery gives the reader plenty of suspects and is complicated enough so as not to be easily solvable. Most of all, I truly enjoyed getting to know Gemma better through her family and loyal friends. Another bonus is the author’s habit of referencing real Holmes pastiches throughout the story, allowing ample opportunity for adding to any TBR list.
I highly recommend this series. It is ideal for any Sherlock Holmes fan, any Anglophile, or any fan of mysteries that take place in a bookstore. I can’t wait for the next installment in the series.
As a longtime Sherlock Holmes nerd, this is one of my very favorite series, and this installment is a real treat. Gemma and her friends travel to London for a Sherlock Holmes convention, where Gemma has been tasked with accepting an award on Uncle Arthur’s behalf and also making a speech on Sherlock Holmes and popular culture. The group’s vacation is seriously jeopardized when Gemma’s estranged uncle, who deals in art forgery, is found strangled after the convention banquet, with Gemma’s father standing over him, unable to recall the events leading up to the discovery.
All of the characters from previous books are present - Jayne; Ryan, Gemma’s detective boyfriend; Grant, the used book dealer; and Donald, the Sherlock Holmes expert. We also get to meet and spend quite a bit of time with Gemma’s parents and her older sister, Pippa. Vicki Delany did quite a bit of research for this book, and it shows as she vividly describes one London tourist attraction after another as Gemma and her friends “unofficially” investigate her uncle’s death. I really felt like I was tagging along with them, and I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure. There is also a running gag throughout the book of disasters happening back at Gemma’s bookshop, and some of the occurrences are quite funny. I truly appreciated the value of Gemma’s friends as they all put aside their own lives back in the states to remain and help Gemma clear her father’s name.
The mystery gives the reader plenty of suspects and is complicated enough so as not to be easily solvable. Most of all, I truly enjoyed getting to know Gemma better through her family and loyal friends. Another bonus is the author’s habit of referencing real Holmes pastiches throughout the story, allowing ample opportunity for adding to any TBR list.
I highly recommend this series. It is ideal for any Sherlock Holmes fan, any Anglophile, or any fan of mysteries that take place in a bookstore. I can’t wait for the next installment in the series.
December 31, 2019
"There's a Murder Afoot" is the fifth book in Vicki Delany's "Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery" series. This book takes Gemma Doyle and her friends to London for a Holmes convention. Unfortunately, Gemma's father is accused of murder leaving Gemma, her friends and her mysterious sister to clear his name.
I have read all of the books in this series even though I am not the biggest Sherlock Holmes fan. I find these books to be highly entertaining cozy mysteries and have no problems following the plot with my limited knowledge of the Holmes canon. Since I enjoy the series, I would recommend starting at book one (A Scandal in Scarlet) and reading the series in order. However, you could read this book as a standalone mystery, particularly since the characters are in London, which is a different setting from the other four books.
I enjoyed the introduction of Gemma's family in this book. After four previous adventures, Gemma is still a bit of a mystery and plays things close to the vest. Meeting her family - especially her enigmatic sister - offered great insight into Gemma's character. I also think it makes her more likable as she can sometimes come across as a little cold and emotionless while solving crimes. Luckily, the supporting characters, like her best friend Jayne, round out the cast of sleuths quite nicely adding warmth and personality to the stories.
Overall, I think cozy mystery fans, Sherlock Holmes fans and Anglophiles would all enjoy "There's a Murder Afoot." I would particularly recommend this book to fans of Jenn McKinlay's "Hat Shop Mystery" series, which also happens to be one of my favorite cozy mystery series.
I have read all of the books in this series even though I am not the biggest Sherlock Holmes fan. I find these books to be highly entertaining cozy mysteries and have no problems following the plot with my limited knowledge of the Holmes canon. Since I enjoy the series, I would recommend starting at book one (A Scandal in Scarlet) and reading the series in order. However, you could read this book as a standalone mystery, particularly since the characters are in London, which is a different setting from the other four books.
I enjoyed the introduction of Gemma's family in this book. After four previous adventures, Gemma is still a bit of a mystery and plays things close to the vest. Meeting her family - especially her enigmatic sister - offered great insight into Gemma's character. I also think it makes her more likable as she can sometimes come across as a little cold and emotionless while solving crimes. Luckily, the supporting characters, like her best friend Jayne, round out the cast of sleuths quite nicely adding warmth and personality to the stories.
Overall, I think cozy mystery fans, Sherlock Holmes fans and Anglophiles would all enjoy "There's a Murder Afoot." I would particularly recommend this book to fans of Jenn McKinlay's "Hat Shop Mystery" series, which also happens to be one of my favorite cozy mystery series.
January 12, 2020
There’s a Murder Afoot by Vicki Delany is a wonderful addition to the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries series. It is a well written and excellent traditional mystery series,
December 5, 2019
Gemma and her friends are in London to attend a Sherlock Holmes conference. Gemma is there to accept an award for Arthur, who would rather stay back in the States and watch over the bookstore. While there, Gemma meets an uncle that she didn’t know existed. Randy is the black-sheep of the family, an art forger and thief, and he and Gemma’s father get into a heated argument. When her Dad is later a suspect in a murder, Gemma must investigate. This is the best book in the series (so far)! I loved that we got to meet her parents and her sister Pippa (the smarter sister with an important secret government job). Gemma has improved greatly as a character. While still prickly and slightly out-of-synch with the world, she has grown as a character and become more believable and likable. The mystery had numerous suspects, wonderful scenes of London, and an ending that even caught Gemma off-guard. Brew a cuppa and enjoy!
February 11, 2020
Setting: London (my favorite city), Sherlock Holmes Convention. Vicki Delaney’s There’s a Murder Afoot (Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery #5) has Gemma and her ‘crew’ attending the Sherlock Holmes convention in London, England, of course, where Gemma (Doyle) will be accepting an award for her silent partner, Uncle Arthur. The ‘crew’ includes Jayne, Gemma’s baking buddy of Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room, Grant, a friend and rare book dealer, Donald, a Sherlock Holmes extreme enthusiast, and Ryan Ashburton, a detective and very close male friend of Gemma’s. Gemma et al go to the convention and visit with her parents, Henry, a retired detective of Scotland Yard, Anne, a barrister-a trial lawyer, and Gemma’s sister, Phillipa or Pippa, a government ‘worker’. As January 6 is Holmes’ birthday and a slow month for Gemma’s Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, Gemma and her buddies feel it is a good time to get away, but where Gemma goes, murder seems to follow, and it does. The author’s writing brings London alive for the reader, and these delightful characters enabled this reader to have such fun, revisit London, and help solve a murder to boot! The author is in tip-top form with bits of ‘Sherlockiana, landmarks of London with some Jack the Ripper info thrown in, and brilliant humor! Well done! 5 stars.
February 3, 2020
Gemma Doyle and her friends travel to London to attend a Sherlock Holmes convention. Gemma only has to give one speech, then she and her friends can have fun being tourists and spending time with Gemma’s family. Fun is derailed when Gemma’s father recognizes his long lost brother-in-law, Randolph. Randolph disappeared more than thirty years ago after he stole a valuable painting from his own parents. Gemma’s father, Henry, is a retired detective with Scotland Yard has kept tabs on Randolph over the years. Henry warns Randolph to stay away from his family. When Henry is found standing over Randolph’s dead body, Gemma has to clear her father’s name.
This mystery is well-written with several twists and turns along the way. I really enjoyed meeting Gemma’s family. Her sister, Pippa, was actually one of my favorite characters in this book. Pippa is definitely mysterious especially when it comes to her job but when she is with Grant she is just a normal woman. Also when Ashleigh and Gemma talk on the phone about what is happening back at the book store is very humorous. I think this is my favorite book in the series so far.
I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced by anyone.
This mystery is well-written with several twists and turns along the way. I really enjoyed meeting Gemma’s family. Her sister, Pippa, was actually one of my favorite characters in this book. Pippa is definitely mysterious especially when it comes to her job but when she is with Grant she is just a normal woman. Also when Ashleigh and Gemma talk on the phone about what is happening back at the book store is very humorous. I think this is my favorite book in the series so far.
I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced by anyone.
July 29, 2023
Gemma and friends are off to London, England to a Sherlock Holmes convention where Gemma will give a speech and pick up an award for Uncle Arthur. Donald is looking forward to seeing the Sherlock Holmes Museum and being with his people, Jayne is eager to see the museums, Grant to buy some books and Ryan just wants to be with Gemma. Things take a strange turn, however, when Gemma's dad is accosted by her estranged uncle Randolph, a person she never knew existed! Henry Doyle is still furious about his brother-in-law stealing a priceless painting from his own parents. Gemma's Mum has never gotten over it and hasn't spoken to her brother since. Now he's selling his own Sherlock inspired drawings, which may not even be his, as a woman claims he stole the idea from her! Known to police for being a part of the art forgery world, Gemma isn't sure she can trust her uncle to tell the truth but when she stumbles across his dead body with her dazed and confused dad standing over it, she knows no matter what her uncle did to the family, her dad would never kill Randy, or anyone! Try telling that to DCI Morrison who has been a thorn in Henry's side since his days on the force. Gemma's beautiful and mysterious older sister puts Gemma in charge of the investigation to clear their father's name. Even if they can get the charges dropped, this isn't West London, Mass. where she knows everyone and someone will spill the gossip sooner or later. Can she figure out who killed her uncle?
Well this was fun! The plot is more Sherlockian than most of the others but it doesn't matter. I've been to a couple of Jane Austen events and they're the same thing LOL! People in period costume, vendors selling books and tea and author-inspired jewelry, etc., people arguing passionately about their favorite novel and character motivation- it's all here too. I loved that! I would have a great time at this convention! Unlike Gemma, I'd want to dress up! That's the best part!
The mystery was well done. I stayed up WAY too late reading and couldn't put the book down. I skipped ahead but missed a lot in just a few chapters! The reveal was surprising and the catch the killer bit a little silly but not too out of the realm of possibility. I enjoyed seeing Gemma interact with her family and how they do or do not get in on the sleuthing.
Gemma manages not to be too crazy this time. She's aware she's not in her small town where she may needle Det. Estrada but is free to gossip with her neighbors and sooner or later someone will provide some clues and the killer slip up. London is a huge city and the convention has brought people from all over the world! How can she find a killer this time? She also doesn't want to be brought to the attention of Scotland Yard after a run-in several years ago. Gemma also exhibits self awareness at the end when she Gemma seems nervous about her future with Ryan. He's made it clear he wants to be with her on a long-term if not permanent basis but she's still taking things slow. He's traveling with her and rooming with her at her parents' house for some of the trip anyway so that's more than slow. She's anxious he'll dump her again because of her observations. She's trying to be more normal but she can't help herself.
Jayne shows a lot of common sense here. She keeps a level head on her shoulders and doesn't whine about Gemma getting her into trouble. Jayne also shows her flair for acting (like her mother)! I like her better than Gemma, especially in this book. Donald is less weird when he's among the other Sherlockians but when he's out and about, he still is socially awkward and weird. Grant seems infatuated with Gemma's sister and Gemma is worried her friend will get his heart broken.
It is fun to meet Gemma's family. Uncle Randy was the black sheep of the family. He had everything but wanted more. Money is always a motivation for these poor little rich boys. It's appalling he stole the one treasure the family was able to keep. It broke his parents' hearts and his sister's too. He just kept going with one bad deed after another. Was he done and now wants to make amends or is he out to cause trouble? Did someone from his past murder him or someone from his present? He sure did make a lot of enemies, including his own family.
Her dad Henry is a former Scotland Yard detective - yes Donald, like Sherlock. He seems to miss it but has found something to keep him busy in his retirement. I feel bad for him because he was clearly hit on the head when he encountered a murder scene. It must be tough not to be able to remember and having that be the reason you're suspect #1. Gemma's Mum, Anne, is a busy lawyer but she stands by her man and family comes first. She loves her husband very much and seems to have chosen her husband over her brother. She knows Henry didn't kill her brother and she's very worried. She's also grieving for the lost relationship with Randy. They were close once. That's very sad but she's very British "stiff upper lip" and keeps it together well.
Gemma's sister Pippa is very beautiful and very clever and very much lying when she claims she works as an admin assistant for the Department of Transportation! Poor Grant is so smitten he can't see she's leading him on. Gemma knows her sister well and knows Pippa is married to her demanding job- whatever that is. She works for the government - or she IS the government - a spy maybe? The Home Office? If she was American, I'd say CIA or the Department of Homeland Security so something British like that I'd guess. We don't know and neither does Gemma but Pippa seems to be directing this investigation and has strange and mysterious resources. Things happen when she's around. Gemma and Pippa clearly have a complicated history. Pippa is the beautiful, clever older sister and I sense Gemma feels inadequate in comparison. She wants to be close to Pippa but Pippa makes it difficult. Being the big sister, I guess I can relate to Pippa but I feel bad for Gemma. I think Pippa is flirting with Grant and she's going to eat him alive and he won't know what hit him when she mysteriously disappears!
Randy had any number of enemies. There's a man with tattoos and a bullet shaped head looking for Randy and threatening Gemma and her Mum. Who is he and what does he want? He must be someone from the underworld involved in art theft or he works for someone who had their art stolen and wants it back? The reveal was unexpected and absurd. There's also the dreadlocked woman who claims Randall stole her idea for the Sherlock in the modern world drawing. Oh no! Not another one! Gemma's been there done that and knows how that goes. I don't doubt she's wrong but unless she drew the sketches and Randy stole them, she doesn't have a leg to stand on, sadly. There's also the woman who threw cheap champagne in Randy's face. His fiancé? He promised her a big, fancy diamond and did a switcheroo with a fake. She's furious which means she's a gold digger and actually checked the ring. She does seem genuinely upset at his death though and I'm not sure she's the murderer. Would she have the strength to kill him that way?
Then there's gallery owner, Mr. Julian Lambert, who Gemma suspects is shady. He seems shady but nothing can be proven. Gemma and Grant don't know much about art and aren't experienced enough to know if he's selling forgeries. I think maybe both? He's selling lesser art in the gallery but probably laundering money and also selling stolen and/or forged art. His assistant, Vivienne, is a wannabe bombshell and bored by customer service. She seems a little suspicious of Gemma but it's hard to tell. How much does she know about her boss?
DCI Morrison is a lazy idiot. He should have been sacked long ago, much like the detective in West London! Morrison has a personal vendetta against Henry Doyle for betting a better, smarter, more ethical cop and he's letting his prejudice blind him. He's not actually investigating, just trying to build a case around Henry. His behavior is appalling from start to finish! Constable Patel doesn't call him on it either. She doesn't react at all.
Gemma's phone calls with Ashleigh are a hoot. I'd love to see scenes with her and Uncle Arthur in the shop instead of just her relating what happened. Between Uncle Arthur and Moriarty the cat, Gemma will be lucky to come home to a shop at all! If the shop doesn't burn down, she won't have any customers! Ashleigh's final story has even me excited! I'm eager to see if it's true.
Content:
Mentions of Jack the Ripper
unmarried couple sharing the same room/bed
Kissing only
Well this was fun! The plot is more Sherlockian than most of the others but it doesn't matter. I've been to a couple of Jane Austen events and they're the same thing LOL! People in period costume, vendors selling books and tea and author-inspired jewelry, etc., people arguing passionately about their favorite novel and character motivation- it's all here too. I loved that! I would have a great time at this convention! Unlike Gemma, I'd want to dress up! That's the best part!
The mystery was well done. I stayed up WAY too late reading and couldn't put the book down. I skipped ahead but missed a lot in just a few chapters! The reveal was surprising and the catch the killer bit a little silly but not too out of the realm of possibility. I enjoyed seeing Gemma interact with her family and how they do or do not get in on the sleuthing.
Gemma manages not to be too crazy this time. She's aware she's not in her small town where she may needle Det. Estrada but is free to gossip with her neighbors and sooner or later someone will provide some clues and the killer slip up. London is a huge city and the convention has brought people from all over the world! How can she find a killer this time? She also doesn't want to be brought to the attention of Scotland Yard after a run-in several years ago. Gemma also exhibits self awareness at the end when she Gemma seems nervous about her future with Ryan. He's made it clear he wants to be with her on a long-term if not permanent basis but she's still taking things slow. He's traveling with her and rooming with her at her parents' house for some of the trip anyway so that's more than slow. She's anxious he'll dump her again because of her observations. She's trying to be more normal but she can't help herself.
Jayne shows a lot of common sense here. She keeps a level head on her shoulders and doesn't whine about Gemma getting her into trouble. Jayne also shows her flair for acting (like her mother)! I like her better than Gemma, especially in this book. Donald is less weird when he's among the other Sherlockians but when he's out and about, he still is socially awkward and weird. Grant seems infatuated with Gemma's sister and Gemma is worried her friend will get his heart broken.
It is fun to meet Gemma's family. Uncle Randy was the black sheep of the family. He had everything but wanted more. Money is always a motivation for these poor little rich boys. It's appalling he stole the one treasure the family was able to keep. It broke his parents' hearts and his sister's too. He just kept going with one bad deed after another. Was he done and now wants to make amends or is he out to cause trouble? Did someone from his past murder him or someone from his present? He sure did make a lot of enemies, including his own family.
Her dad Henry is a former Scotland Yard detective - yes Donald, like Sherlock. He seems to miss it but has found something to keep him busy in his retirement. I feel bad for him because he was clearly hit on the head when he encountered a murder scene. It must be tough not to be able to remember and having that be the reason you're suspect #1. Gemma's Mum, Anne, is a busy lawyer but she stands by her man and family comes first. She loves her husband very much and seems to have chosen her husband over her brother. She knows Henry didn't kill her brother and she's very worried. She's also grieving for the lost relationship with Randy. They were close once. That's very sad but she's very British "stiff upper lip" and keeps it together well.
Gemma's sister Pippa is very beautiful and very clever and very much lying when she claims she works as an admin assistant for the Department of Transportation! Poor Grant is so smitten he can't see she's leading him on. Gemma knows her sister well and knows Pippa is married to her demanding job- whatever that is. She works for the government - or she IS the government - a spy maybe? The Home Office? If she was American, I'd say CIA or the Department of Homeland Security so something British like that I'd guess. We don't know and neither does Gemma but Pippa seems to be directing this investigation and has strange and mysterious resources. Things happen when she's around. Gemma and Pippa clearly have a complicated history. Pippa is the beautiful, clever older sister and I sense Gemma feels inadequate in comparison. She wants to be close to Pippa but Pippa makes it difficult. Being the big sister, I guess I can relate to Pippa but I feel bad for Gemma. I think Pippa is flirting with Grant and she's going to eat him alive and he won't know what hit him when she mysteriously disappears!
Randy had any number of enemies. There's a man with tattoos and a bullet shaped head looking for Randy and threatening Gemma and her Mum. Who is he and what does he want? He must be someone from the underworld involved in art theft or he works for someone who had their art stolen and wants it back? The reveal was unexpected and absurd. There's also the dreadlocked woman who claims Randall stole her idea for the Sherlock in the modern world drawing. Oh no! Not another one! Gemma's been there done that and knows how that goes. I don't doubt she's wrong but unless she drew the sketches and Randy stole them, she doesn't have a leg to stand on, sadly. There's also the woman who threw cheap champagne in Randy's face. His fiancé? He promised her a big, fancy diamond and did a switcheroo with a fake. She's furious which means she's a gold digger and actually checked the ring. She does seem genuinely upset at his death though and I'm not sure she's the murderer. Would she have the strength to kill him that way?
Then there's gallery owner, Mr. Julian Lambert, who Gemma suspects is shady. He seems shady but nothing can be proven. Gemma and Grant don't know much about art and aren't experienced enough to know if he's selling forgeries. I think maybe both? He's selling lesser art in the gallery but probably laundering money and also selling stolen and/or forged art. His assistant, Vivienne, is a wannabe bombshell and bored by customer service. She seems a little suspicious of Gemma but it's hard to tell. How much does she know about her boss?
DCI Morrison is a lazy idiot. He should have been sacked long ago, much like the detective in West London! Morrison has a personal vendetta against Henry Doyle for betting a better, smarter, more ethical cop and he's letting his prejudice blind him. He's not actually investigating, just trying to build a case around Henry. His behavior is appalling from start to finish! Constable Patel doesn't call him on it either. She doesn't react at all.
Gemma's phone calls with Ashleigh are a hoot. I'd love to see scenes with her and Uncle Arthur in the shop instead of just her relating what happened. Between Uncle Arthur and Moriarty the cat, Gemma will be lucky to come home to a shop at all! If the shop doesn't burn down, she won't have any customers! Ashleigh's final story has even me excited! I'm eager to see if it's true.
Content:
Mentions of Jack the Ripper
unmarried couple sharing the same room/bed
Kissing only
November 27, 2019
I like the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Series because the characters are fun and it's kind of funny that Gemma owns the bookshop but isn't really that into Sherlock Holmes. It cuts down on the cutesy factor. This is book five in the series, and there is already a change of scenery. Gemma, Jane, and their friends are in London for a Homes convention while her assistant and uncle take care of the shop back in New London, MA. This gives us the opportunity to meet Gemma's parents, her sister, and a ne'er-do-well uncle she doesn't know. When the uncle turns up dead with Gemma's dad standing over him, the police assume he's the murderer and Gemma and friends have to root out the real one. This might be the best book in the series so far. Pippa, Gemma's sister, was an interesting addition and her mysterious job has the potential to bring her back to the series going forward. The world of art forgery and con artists was a good setting for this story, and it made me want a little more excitement in the series in general.
Note: I received a free ebook ARC from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. This is my honest review.
Note: I received a free ebook ARC from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. This is my honest review.
January 14, 2020
There's A Murder Afoot by author Vicki Delany is the 5th book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery Series, and another good addition. Genna Doyle, the owner of the Sherlock Homes Bookshop, takes a trip to England with her friends, to attend the Holmes Convention and visit her family. Genna and her family run in to her uncle, who she didn't know she had. When her uncle is found murdered and her father is over his body, Gemma is determined to solve the murder, and clear her father's name. This book has more twists and turns, that kept me reading page after page. I love the quirky people and situations in this book. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you love cozy mysteries, I recommend this book.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and the Publisher. Thank you.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and the Publisher. Thank you.
November 24, 2020
Gemma Doyle, a London native now residing in New London on Cape Cod, returns home to attend a Sherlock Holmes conference. Her father's presence by the side of his estranged brother-in-law leads an incompetent DI with a grudge against his former colleague to arrest him. Gemma's father was hit over the head by the real party, and he doesn't remember how he ended up in the room. Several Americans came with Gemma, including Jayne and Ryan. Gamma's sister Philippa's high-ranking governmental connections prove useful. I have not read previous installments, but I want to go back and read them so I can understand the allusions and back story a bit better. I suspect knowing it would enhance my enjoyment. It's still a solid mystery, and I look forward to going back and catching up.
February 26, 2021
In this fifth book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery, we find Gemma Doyle, her partner Jayne, boyfriend Ryan and friends Garth and Donald have headed off to England for a Sherlock Holmes Convention. While there, they meet up with Gemma's family, her father a retired Scotland Yard Detective, her mother a defense attorney and her sister, Pippa who does something secret for the government. While at the convention she runs into her mother's estranged brother, Randall (Randy), that she didn't even know existed. When someone tries to intimidate her into passing messages to Randall, she is intrigued, but not sure what to do. While looking for things to purchase for her shop, she finds out that Randy is an accomplished artist and has been in prison for art forgery. When Randy ends up dead during the banquet for the convention, and her father is attacked at the same time, he is arrested for the crime. Of course, Gemma and Jayne are ready to step up and help find the real killer.
Even though this story is not set in West London on Cape Cod, the whole gang was here and it fit in nicely with the rest of the series. Gemma is a character that may readers have a hard time connecting with. She is very analytical in all areas of her life and seems to be rather prickly. She is the epitome of a staid British aristocrat, although she is not one of them. I love the way she puts clues together and her powers of observation are amazing. Meeting her family was entertaining and trying to figure out what Pippa does was fun. There was a lot of humour in this story, most coming from phone calls home to find out what was happening at the emporium in her absence. Once again, there are twists, red herrings, clues and several characters that are suspicious. I had no idea what who the culprit was, or why Randy was killed. This one kept me turning the pages until I reached a very satisfying conclusion. I am enjoying how the various relationships between the characters have grown and changed. It looks like Gemma and Ryan might finally be in a relationship that works for them. I definitely recommend not only this book, but the whole series.
Even though this story is not set in West London on Cape Cod, the whole gang was here and it fit in nicely with the rest of the series. Gemma is a character that may readers have a hard time connecting with. She is very analytical in all areas of her life and seems to be rather prickly. She is the epitome of a staid British aristocrat, although she is not one of them. I love the way she puts clues together and her powers of observation are amazing. Meeting her family was entertaining and trying to figure out what Pippa does was fun. There was a lot of humour in this story, most coming from phone calls home to find out what was happening at the emporium in her absence. Once again, there are twists, red herrings, clues and several characters that are suspicious. I had no idea what who the culprit was, or why Randy was killed. This one kept me turning the pages until I reached a very satisfying conclusion. I am enjoying how the various relationships between the characters have grown and changed. It looks like Gemma and Ryan might finally be in a relationship that works for them. I definitely recommend not only this book, but the whole series.
January 21, 2023
Gemma, Gemma, Gemma, why must you continue to withhold information from the people who are trying to protect you??? In this case, instead of working WITH her sister Pippa, Gemma actively withholds clues on who she suspects may be the murderer thereby once again leading her friends into danger. Fortunately, her sister, boyfriend Ryan, and Jayne know her all to well and devise ways to keep an eye on her without her being aware. With the gang being in England for a Sherlock Convention, Gemma comes face to face with an uncle she was previously unaware of and who is estranged from the family. After getting into heated arguments with not only her father, but several other vendors, said uncle is murdered and Gemma’s father is left holding the proverbial rope. With a former colleague gunning for him, Gemma, Pippa and the gang are determined to clear dad’s name.
This is a change in scenery from West London, Mass. to London, and there are enough suspects and mini mysteries to keep you guessing. The uncle was not a very nice guy and has made a lot of enemies, many who seem to converge on the convention. It’s a tangled web as Gemma tried to solve the murder, keep Ryan out of the investigation, find a missing painting, and not ruin her relationship.
This is a change in scenery from West London, Mass. to London, and there are enough suspects and mini mysteries to keep you guessing. The uncle was not a very nice guy and has made a lot of enemies, many who seem to converge on the convention. It’s a tangled web as Gemma tried to solve the murder, keep Ryan out of the investigation, find a missing painting, and not ruin her relationship.
December 19, 2019
What's a Sherlock Convention without mystery, intrigue and little bit of murder? Throw in a long, lost relative that you know nothing about, art forgery and you have the full experience, but when your father is accused of murder then you must go full Sherlock Mode to solve the crime and keep him safe! Gemma and crew are in London for a Sherlock Convention so they get to walk the same streets as the Sherlock would have had he been a real person. Excellent plotting with twists and turns to keep you intrigued and guessing who the real culprit is. This time all of Gemma's friends get involved in solving the crime including her beau, Ryan, but they need to solve the crime quickly because her father's old nemesis is determined to see him locked away for the crime. I do recommend that you read the entire series as it will really build the characters' profiles and help you get to know them much better which makes them much more relatable while drawing you into the storyline of each book more.
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