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Elementary, She Read

(Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery #1)

Vicki Delany (Goodreads Author)

3.75 · Rating details · 2,984 ratings · 629 reviews

Gemma Doyle, a transplanted Englishwoman, has returned to the quaint town of West London on Cape Cod to manage her Great Uncle Arthur's Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium. The shop--located at 222 Baker Street-specializes in the Holmes canon and pastiche and is also the home of Moriarty the cat. When Gemma finds a rare and potentially valuable magazine containing the fi ...more

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Hardcover, 308 pages

Published March 14th 2017 by Crooked Lane Books

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· 2,984 ratings · 629 reviews

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Start your review of Elementary, She Read (A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery, #1)

Feb 08, 2017 James rated it really liked it

Shelves: 1-fiction, 3-multi-book-series, 7-arc-giveaway-won

4 stars to Vicki Delany's Elementary, She Read, the first in a new "Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery" series. I've read a few other books by this author, jumping at the chance to read this new series, as I really enjoy her ability to immerse you in the setting of a quaint and charming little town full of memorable characters. And it did not disappoint.

Story
Gemma is a transplant from England, now residing in West London on Cape Cod in Massachusetts as part-owner of her uncle's Sherlock Holm 4 stars to Vicki Delany's Elementary, She Read, the first in a new "Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery" series. I've read a few other books by this author, jumping at the chance to read this new series, as I really enjoy her ability to immerse you in the setting of a quaint and charming little town full of memorable characters. And it did not disappoint.

Story
Gemma is a transplant from England, now residing in West London on Cape Cod in Massachusetts as part-owner of her uncle's Sherlock Holmes bookshop and new friend's traditional tea shop. When a busload of mystery loving grannies invade their stores, and a rare edition of a magazine turn up hiding on the bookshelves, Gemma knows something is not right. She tracks down one of the women, but finds her murdered in her hotel room. The police suspect Gemma, as her story of "Good Samaritan to return the magazine" cannot possibly be true. When she learns the woman was serving as a nurse in a very rich family of known Sherlock Holmes book collectors, the story gets even more puzzling. But it's when another death puts her back in the spotlight that Gemma begins to worry she may be put in jail for a crime she had nothing to do with. Using her own highly-skilled research and investigation techniques, Gemma solves the case but almost goes down as one of the victims.

Includes a few side stories with her friend Jayne, her former boyfriend the cop and a few interesting neighborhood characters who either love her or hate her! Oh yeah, and her dog and cat who are quite a hoot.

Strengths
I always enjoy the first in a new series... to see how the author introduces characters, builds a setting and invests in the themes and motifs which will guide the future books. Vicky Delany does not disappoint, as this one looks to be as strong as the "Year Round Christmas" series. Delany has a knack for creating vivid and personable characters. Sometimes you don't really care for the character, but not because the character is poorly written -- it's always because she packs a punch in finding ways for you to hate people and love them at the same time. That's how I fell about the new detective who shows up to crack the case. The woman must have a soft spot somewhere but Gemma can't find it. And I wanted to slap the cop on many occasions for her rude behavior. Good writing makes you feel that about someone in a story.

Sherlock Holmes has been done before. But this is done in a lighthearted way, such that it's not over-the-top, rarely boring and usually well-integrated. You learn a little about Doyle, 19th century England and various other historical tidbits all the while enjoying the differences between American and Britain. Plus there are several goofy moments where you can picture the scene happening at some point in your own life. Might even make you want to become a Sherlock-follower yourself!

Suggestions
The book was consistent, just like all of the rest of Delany's novels that I've read before. It's a good read, full of great characters, but... I want to see Delany push it a little further next time and have a very complex mystery with more players about the town. Introduce more families, show more connections, bring a bit more of England to Massachusetts... Transport us somewhere different where we want to find ourselves lost in. We're right on the cusp, and I'm betting book two in this series will do it.

Final Thoughts
Good plot. Fun characters. Clever writing. Everything you need in a basic murder mystery with a splash of something new and exciting. A definite read for fans of the author and genre, and a good intro to the cozy for those not ever having the pleasure of encountering one before. Plus... who doesn't love a book about famous authors and detectives? ...more

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Jul 31, 2018 Jaline rated it it was amazing

Shelves: xx2018-completed

In this first book of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery, Emma Doyle introduces herself: I am the half owner, manager, head shop clerk, and chief duster of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium in the Cape Cod town of West London, Massachusetts. As well as reprints of the original Sir Arthur Conan Doyle books, we carry new books representing anything and everything in the pastiche or vaguely derived from the Holmes legend.

The store was originally a hardware store, but Gemma’s great-uncle A In this first book of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery, Emma Doyle introduces herself: I am the half owner, manager, head shop clerk, and chief duster of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium in the Cape Cod town of West London, Massachusetts. As well as reprints of the original Sir Arthur Conan Doyle books, we carry new books representing anything and everything in the pastiche or vaguely derived from the Holmes legend.

The store was originally a hardware store, but Gemma’s great-uncle Arthur bought it for the address: 222 Baker Street, West London, New England. Gemma is also originally from England and joined up with her great-uncle when her life took a bad turn and she left the old England for the new. Her best friend, Jayne Wilson, is co-owner with her of Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room which adjoins the Bookshop on one wall with a sliding glass door between so customers can freely move between the two.

If I were living in West London, I could imagine myself spending hours between these two shops. I can’t imagine anything more delightful than drinking tea, enjoying a pastry, and then browsing through books and other odds and ends – all in the same place!

In a rush of people that included a bus tour, a magazine appears out of nowhere – stealthily slipped among some books on one of Gemma’s shelves. She knows exactly where each item should be so she notices it at closing. If this magazine proves legitimate, it could be worth nearly three-quarters of a million dollars! Shortly after, Gemma and Jayne discover a murdered woman – one who Gemma remembers seeing in her bookshop the day the magazine mysteriously appeared.

Gemma’s house is tossed, and she is being followed. Yet the police have Gemma in their radar as a first-choice person of interest because she simply knows too much. But Gemma can’t help it that she has hyper-observation. Many times she can close her eyes and visualize an entire scene from her day – in great detail.

When a second murder occurs and Gemma and Jayne also discover that body, things take another turn for the worse – and Gemma becomes more intent than ever on solving these crimes and clearing her name. Her ex-boyfriend Ryan Ashburton isn’t helping her much. He is the lead detective on the case but is removed because of conflict of interest. Gemma scoffs – if that’s the case, no police officer is going to have sufficient detachment to solve anything in West London – it’s small, and everyone knows everyone else – friend, enemy, or in-between.

Although the title of the book and the series signals “cozy mystery”, this series struck me somewhere between cozy and hard-boiled. There’s definitely a wide spectrum in there and yet, no matter where the label sticks, this is a well-paced, fun, scary, and humourous mystery. It is also smart and crisp – and oh! those sticky buns sound delicious!

In a challenge I signed up for in January, I wasn’t satisfied that I would enjoy my first pick for a novel about a bookstore (thanks to my reading friends’ reviews) so when I saw a few positive reviews for this novel, I just moved it into that slot instead. (Thank you, Karen, Dorie, and Kris, especially!)

It really isn’t necessary to be a mystery lover to enjoy this book. The characters, the setting, and the storyline alone are all well worth the read. I am already looking forward to the second one in this series. ...more

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Nov 07, 2017 Barbara rated it liked it

Shelves: women-of-mystery-2017

In this first 'Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery', a new book store manager has to hustle to avoid being arrested for murder.

*****

Gemma Doyle moved from England to Cape Cod, Massachusetts to manage 'The Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium.'

Gemma co-owns the establishment with her 90-year-old great uncle Arthur Clive Doyle, who claims distant kinship with Arthur Conan Doyle - the creator of Sherlock Holmes. Spry Uncle Arthur is often off on excursions (or with lady friends), leaving Gemma in ch ...more

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Feb 07, 2017 abby rated it liked it

Shelves: mystery-thriller, cozy-mystery, fiction, netgalley

Gemma Doyle manages a small, Sherlock Holmes themed book and souvenir shop in picturesque Cape Cod. The store is owned by Gemma's uncle (who believes he is a distant relative of the author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle), and she's moved from her native England to help out her aging relative. Her best friend, Jayne, runs a tea room right next door.

Although Gemma shares the same keen sense of observation as the famed detective Holmes, she never expects to be part of a murder investigation. One day, Gemm ...more

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Mar 24, 2017 LORI (Dollycas) CASWELL rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-2017

Dollycas’s Thoughts

This series is off to an amazing start!

We meet Gemma Doyle, relative of Sir Authur Conan Doyle??? She says no, but her Uncle’s name is Arthur so you just never know. She and her uncle own the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium at 222 Baker Street. The also own half of the tea shop next door run by Gemma’s friend, Jayne. Both shops are very popular with the tourists. While setting the store to rights after a rush of customers, something Gemma is very particular about, she fi Dollycas’s Thoughts

This series is off to an amazing start!

We meet Gemma Doyle, relative of Sir Authur Conan Doyle??? She says no, but her Uncle’s name is Arthur so you just never know. She and her uncle own the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium at 222 Baker Street. The also own half of the tea shop next door run by Gemma’s friend, Jayne. Both shops are very popular with the tourists. While setting the store to rights after a rush of customers, something Gemma is very particular about, she finds what appears to by a valuable magazine, said to contain Doyle’s first Sherlock Holmes story. In a way similar to the great sleuth, Gemma deduces who left the magazine and where the person is staying. But by the time she and Jayne arrive all the find is a dead body. Gemma has a little history with one of the detectives but the other detective seems to dislike her immediately and names Gemma the prime suspect. Gemma decides to use her own special skills to clear her name and find the real killer herself.

I will say at first I wasn’t a fan of Gemma. She is very Holmes-like in her manner and that can be off putting. But just like Holmes the more you get to know her the more she grows on you. She can be very driven by things that interest her, forgetful about things that are not her immediate concern, and just can’t help herself when her unique observation skills help her to read a situation and burst out with all the facts as she sees them or give her opinion whether wanted or not. We see through her friend Jayne that being Gemma’s friend is sometimes difficult but she is still a treasured friend. Jayne is definitely Gemma’s Dr. Watson. The author has created these a great characters and a core of supporting cast that I am anxious to get to know even better.

I love the setting. The authors description of not only the wonderful bookshop but of the entire area sounded delightful. A place I would love to visit.

As for the mystery, that is excellent as well. Many viable suspects with motive and means. I thought I had the right person more than once but the plot kept twirling and proving me wrong. That final twist was one heck of a surprise. I never saw it coming.

I am a huge Sherlock Holmes fan. In fact we had our own Moriarty the cat, along with his brothers Sherlock and Watson. I have loved all the movies and most of the television shows. Because of that I know the author has to be a huge fan and/or has done her research diligently to bring this story to life. From the characters to the merchandise in the bookshop and the mystery itself, it is all a modern day tribute to the grand sleuth.

The first book in a new series always has a lot of expectations. Introduce the characters and make them engaging, give readers a great setting and a top-notch mystery too. Well Vicki Delany has done that and more with this book. She has exceeded all my expectations by far. She has given me a paradise worthy escape! You don’t want to miss this story! ...more

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Feb 21, 2017 Robin Reynolds rated it it was ok

*received for review from the publisher through Cozy Mystery Review Crew*

This book sounded so good that I was really excited to get it and looking forward to reading it. And it was good, but not quite up to my (admittedly high) expectations. The first person narrator, Gemma Doyle, runs a book store/gift shop devoted to Sherlock Holmes and items related to Holmes, Arthur Conan Doyle, and the Sherlock canon. Not because she is a particularly devoted Sherlock fan, but because her uncle, who IS a pa ...more

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Jan 18, 2017 Monnie rated it really liked it

Note: I read this book last month, but the publisher has asked that reviews be held until the month the book is released.

Somewhere it must be written that heroines (or heroes) of so-called cozy mysteries must be the most obnoxious and interfering people on the face of the earth. I realize that without those characteristics, the plots probably wouldn't go much of anywhere - but boy, does it ever get under my skin. Gemma Doyle, the heroine here and co-owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Empo Note: I read this book last month, but the publisher has asked that reviews be held until the month the book is released.

Somewhere it must be written that heroines (or heroes) of so-called cozy mysteries must be the most obnoxious and interfering people on the face of the earth. I realize that without those characteristics, the plots probably wouldn't go much of anywhere - but boy, does it ever get under my skin. Gemma Doyle, the heroine here and co-owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium in tiny West London, Massachusetts, is no exception (in fact, I'd go so far as saying she's more annoying to me than most). That aside, the story here is well thought out and moves along quickly, on the whole making for a book I really enjoyed (honest!)

That enjoyment comes partly because I'm a bit of a Sherlock Holmes aficionado myself, especially when he's portrayed spot-on by actor Benedict Cumberbatch - one of the reasons I was delighted to get an advance copy, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Then there's mention of a lighthouse (a favorite photography subject for both myself and my husband); and the fact that Gemma drives a red Mazda Miata - one of my top three dream cars - made me decide she might not be so bad after all.

It was also fun to watch the plot unfold as a result of Gemma's uncanny Holmes-like deductions - even when she continues to make them despite clear warnings that she would do well to put a sock in it. At one point when she discovers that someone may have been lurking outside her home, for instance, she muses that someone might be suggesting that she back off. Oh really - you mean someone like the entire West London police, or your best friend Jayne who co-owns the tea shop next to your bookstore, or the ex-fiance who dumped you because he no longer could take your meddling ways?

For better or worse, though, better folks than I have told her she's too nosy for her own good, so I'll move on to the story - and for sure it's a doozy. Amid a crowd of women on a bus tour who visit the book shop one day is a "street" woman carrying a paper bag. Gemma's intrigued, but the woman gets lost in the crowd and forgotten until later, when Gemma discovers what appears to be an extremely valuable magazine hidden on a shelf. Certain that the disheveled woman left it there, Gemma uses her powers of deduction to track her down. To that end, she's successful - but when she and Jayne enter her hotel room (the door to which is conveniently unlocked to allow Gemma and Jayne unfettered but surreptitious entry), they make a startling discovery: The woman is dead.

That, of course, only provides fuel to Gemma's sleuthing fires; and when she finds that she and Jayne are considered persons of interest in the murder, she's even more determined to get to the truth (being suspected murderers, after all, is bad for both their businesses).

The lead detective on the murder case, Ryan Ashburton, happens to be Gemma's ex-fiance, who bolted outta Dodge to take a job in a larger town when they broke up. He's been back for a while now, which comes as a surprise to Gemma (a tidbit that, given West London's small size, made me conclude that her powers of observation are a bit selective). Thankfully, he doesn't believe Gemma is capable of murder, but after she sticks her nose in one too many places - and (gasp!) finds yet another dead body after sneaking onto someone else's private property, he's yanked off the case because his prior relationship has the potential to unduly influence his investigation (yikes, what took them so long)?

Lest I, like Gemma, be chastised for treading where I shouldn't go, I'll keep other details of the investigation - and the for the most part surprising outcome - to myself. The only thing I'll say is that this is an excellent series debut that I'm sure fans of cozy mysteries - and Sherlock Holmes - will enjoy. "The game is afoot" (Sherlock Holmes, The Adventure of the Abbey Grange), so go for it!
...more

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Sep 14, 2017 Juli rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-off-my-shelves-2017, donated-traded-2017

Gemma Doyle is English, but has moved to West London, MA to help her Great Uncle Arthur run his bookstore and emporium. The shop is located at 222 Baker Street and sells all things Sherlock Holmes -- everything ranging from books and magazines to busts and movie posters. Right next door, Gemma's best friend Jayne has a tea shop, Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room. Gemma loves everything about her new home, except maybe the shop cat, Moriarty, who doesn't seem to like her one bit.

I am a BIG Sherlock Holmes Gemma Doyle is English, but has moved to West London, MA to help her Great Uncle Arthur run his bookstore and emporium. The shop is located at 222 Baker Street and sells all things Sherlock Holmes -- everything ranging from books and magazines to busts and movie posters. Right next door, Gemma's best friend Jayne has a tea shop, Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room. Gemma loves everything about her new home, except maybe the shop cat, Moriarty, who doesn't seem to like her one bit.

I am a BIG Sherlock Holmes fan, so I knew from the start that I would enjoy this book series. I am however struggling under the Mount Everest of TBR piles....and it took me awhile to dig down to this gem. I wanted to wait to read this one until I had time to savor and enjoy it, rather than reading quickly to move on to another book. Finally, with the second book coming out this month, I spent two lovely days reading this book. I'm glad I waited.....and curled up on the sofa with a nice cup of tea to start this series.

The Basics: Gemma is a very observant person, and a bit.....impulsive. Both traits have gotten her into trouble in the past. This time, a tour group is visiting her store and the tea room next door. As they are shopping and picking out Sherlock goodies after having tea, Gemma notices a strange woman come into the shop. Later, she spies what appears to be a priceless Sherlock magazine from 1887 on the shelf -- it isn't anything she has in stock at the shop. In fact, a perfect copy of this particular issue is worth six figures.....a lot above the price range of items sold in the store. Gemma tracks down the strange woman, deducing what hotel she is staying in. Jayne and Gemma go there hoping to talk to her and return the priceless item, only to find the woman murdered in her room. Things go downhill from there....Gemma's inquisitive and observant nature takes over and she jumps into investigating the killing. While she does make progress, she also makes herself a suspect. When the body count rises, Gemma digs herself in deeper and deeper..... How can she discover the murderer without incriminating herself further? The game is afoot!!

I love this book! As a big Sherlock fan, the theme made me extremely happy before I even cracked it open. I like the characters and I found the mystery engaging and fun. The side characters help round out the plot, and I even love the feisty Moriarty (who loves everyone but Gemma, apparently, much to her chagrin).

I do have two things to say..... Jayne has the patience of a saint where Gemma is concerned. Oh dear lord, if I had a friend who got me in as much serious hot water as Gemma drags Jayne into.....I would be looking for a new friend. ha ha :) I kept thinking that every time Gemma went into investigation mode, dragging poor Jayne along for the ride. Definitely reminded me of a few cases where Dr. Watson had a less than stellar time as Sherlock's trusty sidekick. And, how can someone as observant and intelligent as Gemma do so many dumb things? She forgets to call an employee about working an extra shift for an event ..... leaving Jayne to fix her mistake. She makes herself a murder suspect by getting into situations (usually involving a dead body) that would have best been avoided. But......really.....despite finding myself talking to the character while reading ("Oh for heaven's sake Gemma...really???? Poor Jayne!") this quirk of hers is what makes this story so much fun to read. So, despite more than one facepalm moment, I enjoy Gemma as a main character and I will definitely read more of this series!

The mystery is nicely paced with several viable suspects. The ending caught me by surprise....which I like! I'm very happy that I have book two, A Body on Baker Street, waiting in the wings for me to enjoy right away! :) Elementary, She Read is definitely a great start for this new series! On to book two!

Vicki Delany also writes under the pseudonym Eva Gates. To find out more about the author and her books, check out her website: http://vickidelany.com/ ...more

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Jul 02, 2019 Wanda rated it really liked it

Shelves: female-authors, public-library, read-in-2019, mysteries-thrillers, summer-of-sherlock, good-dog, sherlock-holmes

***The Summer of Sherlock 2019***

I am not usually a fan of the cozy mystery--I tend towards the darker Scandinavian style detective story, rather than the sweetness & light. But I couldn’t put this particular cozy down!

Delany is a good writer and she has crafted a fun, fast moving little story here. Gemma Doyle (a maybe relation to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle) has taken on a Sherlock Holmes book store and gift emporium both to help her uncle and to support herself. She is rather logically driven ...more

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Dec 08, 2019 Amy rated it really liked it

Shelves: cozy-mystery, recommended-to-me, sherlock-holmes

Thank you for the recommendation, Library Queen! This was an unexpectedly delightful cozy read.
It follows the fairly standard cozy tropes as far as the mystery and plot go (Downside: bumbling, small-town police who target the heroine for No Apparent Reason. Upside: lots of hot men floating around for No Apparent Reason.) But the heroine, Gemma, proved fairly original and it helps a lot.
Sure, she has a Standard Cozy Heroine Job (small business owner.) And she has the standard Cozy Heroine Relat ...more

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Jan 10, 2018 Jody McGrath rated it really liked it

I really enjoyed this book. While Gemma's character had some of the traits of Sherlock Holmes, she also was a loving, caring woman. She wasn't the robot that Sherlock is sometimes portrayed to be. While the robot thing works well on the screen, it is hard to connect with that person in a novel. I think that is why the original Holmes books were shown through Watson's eyes. No need to do that with this book though. Although reserved, Gemma has a lively personality that a lot of introverts can rel ...more

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Feb 01, 2017 Dorie - Cats&Books :) rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley-feedback, mystery-thriller

Elementary She Read was a fun, fast paced, cozy mystery, just what I was looking for! I don’t usually read this genre so I just went with what sounded interesting and I wasn’t disappointed.

The setting is Cape Cope in a quirky, touristy area where Gemma Doyle,formerly of London, is co owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium. The shop is connected through a doorway to the cafe next to it where her friend and co owner Jayne serves up fresh pastry and does a proper English tea.

One mornin ...more

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Feb 24, 2017 Karen rated it it was amazing

ELEMENTARY, SHE READ (A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery #1)
In this brand new series which is a cozy mystery Gemma Doyle and her Great Uncle Arthur own a bookstore that is also a gift shop specializing in Sherlock Holmes books and gifts. Emma's best friend Jane who runs the adjoining coffee shop and bakery called Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room, owns half of the Tearoom business. One day a busload of bridge players takes a tour to visit their business. In the same time frame Gemma notices a woman come in ...more

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Mar 21, 2017 Carrie Schmidt (Reading is My SuperPower) rated it really liked it

Shelves: books-on-books, cozy-mystery, small-towns, contemporary, blog-reviewed, romantic-fiction, mystery-suspense

Elementary She Read by Vicki Delany will appeal to the bookworm as well as the cozy mystery fan!

Gemma Doyle is very much like the Sherlock to whom her bookstore pays homage. Sharp powers of observation, keen deductive reasoning, and a lack of tact in delivering them, etc. But you forgive what could be annoying because she’s such a hoot. She’s unintentionally funny and awkward, and you just want to hug her. Though, I don’t think that would go over especially well.

The back-and-forth between Gemma ...more

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Apr 28, 2017 Lynn rated it liked it

Elementary, She Read is the 1st book in a new series. Many have written short synopsis of the plot so I will relate my thoughts on what I thought about the book. It appears to be a popular new start to the series due to the reviews. For me, it was just an ok read. I had trouble staying interested in the book. It was a little too descriptive for me and the plot didn't hold my interest. I don't think I am a fan of Sherlock Holmes either but didn't think that should make a different as many cozies ...more

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Oct 10, 2019 Lauren Stoolfire rated it really liked it

Shelves: mystery

Cozy mysteries aren't usually my style, but as a fan of Sherlock Holmes I really got a kick out of Elementary, She Read by Vicki Delany. I've never read the author before, but I know that I'll need to come back for the sequel to this series opener, Body on Baker Street. What really makes this mystery for me is the cast of characters, Gemma herself being my favorite but her friend Jayne is also pretty great as well. If you love a good mystery and the great detective, you're going to have to pick ...more

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Feb 21, 2017 Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed, read-in-2017, mystery, ebook, netgalley, mystery-read-and-solved, mystery-cozy-and-class

I loved this one! Gemma Doyle runs a small bookstore that specialized in Sherlock Holmes books, DVDS, and memorabilia. She splits the space with her best friend's tea shop and bakery. During a busy rush, she finds out someone has hidden a valuable magazine among her regular cheapies. Knowing the value, she seeks out the woman who dropped it off to see what's up. Once there, she finds the woman - *gasp!* - murdered, and from there on gets sucked into a whopper of a mystery. Not only is she trying I loved this one! Gemma Doyle runs a small bookstore that specialized in Sherlock Holmes books, DVDS, and memorabilia. She splits the space with her best friend's tea shop and bakery. During a busy rush, she finds out someone has hidden a valuable magazine among her regular cheapies. Knowing the value, she seeks out the woman who dropped it off to see what's up. Once there, she finds the woman - *gasp!* - murdered, and from there on gets sucked into a whopper of a mystery. Not only is she trying to solve the crime to clear her name from a suspicious detective who clearly WANTS her to be guilty, but she soons discovers her own life may be in danger if she doesn't uncover the fiendish foe.

Love the main character, who is so observant it's creepy and scares others off, much like the original Holmes - yet she's forgetful at hell and is absent minded. Not to mention that while she runs a Sherlock themed shop, she's not even a rabid fan of the author and inherited it. Her fun friend Jayne who runs the tea shop next door is a delightful sidekick - especially the twisted way she gears toward deadbeat boyfriends that drives the MC bonkers. A few funny happenings there with the deadbeat artist hanging around. Throw in oddball characters and characterization wins.

The setting is such fun, even if you're not a Sherlock groupie. Gemma is a clear reader, so she has special reserved reading nooks in the store and at home. The shop has a neighborhood cat who runs the place and loves all guests and patrons - with the exception of Gemma, who gets clawed. The tea shop is fun since it makes me crave scones and strawberry pastries, and unlike some cozies and books it takes the tea seriously. No simple bags, but complex blends and steeping know-how.

What sets this apart is it's an actual, bona-fide mystery. Instead of accidental discoveries adding up to coincidental plotting, Gemma uses her brain to evaluate and take apart every angle. She spends much time investigating and revealing her thoughts and observations to the reader mentally in first person point of view. This walk through the crime, suspects and scenes is one of the most impressive I've seen with a mystery, even compared to non-cozies and straight detective procedurals. Her mind is impressive, even if she's forgetful, and this isn't a mystery that takes you by surprise.

I didn't guess the culprit for the author kept them carefully concealed. Kudos because it wasn't impossible to guess if you'd had a mind to. Despite the fact that Gemma stayed on top of her game throughout, even she didn't guess the villain in time before a final confrontation. Saves may be a little coincidental, but that's okay.

Fun pacing, excellent characters, and a nifty writing style made this one a delight to breeze through. I'll definitely check out more of the series when it continues. Probably my favorite mystery so far this year. ...more

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Mar 01, 2017 Betty rated it really liked it

Shelves: e-books, arc, cats, dogs, cozy

A cozy mystery located in the small town of West London. At first, I had trouble understanding if the bookshop was in England or the United States. I felt the characters were well developed. Once I was into the story the characters caught my attention and I read until I finished the book. Gemma' attitude annoyed me.
Gemma Doyle co-owns and manage a bookshop offering all kinds of merchandise about Conan Doyle and his works of Sherlock Holmes. Gemma and her best friend, Jayne become involved in a m ...more

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Mar 13, 2017 Deb rated it it was amazing

Elementary, She Read: A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery by [Delany, Vicki]

Elementary She Read A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery by Vicki Delany is a wonderful beginning to a new series. I totally enjoyed this book. As a big Sherlock Holmes fan I was skeptical whether or not I would like this book but was pleasantly surprised how good it was.

Gemma Doyle runs the Sherlock Book Shop and Emporium in West London on Cape Cod 222 Baker Street (don't you just love the address) and her friend Jayne is ...more

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May 26, 2020 Novella rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: mysteries, cozy mysteries, clean mystery

Okay, so I re-arranged the books in my library by category, now I'm on this quest to read the library/bookshop books on my shelf that have been sitting there. Starting with this one I have to admit that my first thought was it looks pretentious. The only thing I found slightly that way was the occasional name dropping of other authors or actors. But, being a bookshop the sounded more like recommendations.
Nothing of the sort with Gemma. She is a serious businesswoman taking over her uncle's boo ...more

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Feb 28, 2017 Micky Cox rated it really liked it

Gemma Doyle is a reincarnated version of Sherlock Holmes. She is hyper observant, honest to the point of rudeness and can't not solve a mystery presented in front of her. Ironically her uncle and she own a Sherlock Holmes bookstore and memorabilia shop as well as co-own the adjacent tea shop with her best friend, Jayne. Jayne is very Watson like in that she is a reluctant co-investigator, can't lie to save her life and is extremely sociable. The author did a nice job of weaving the mystery while ...more

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Mar 06, 2017 Jan rated it really liked it

Shelves: i-own-it, kindle-version, e-book, cozies, mystery, arc, resort-town-setting, netgalley-arc, sherlockish

3 1/2 stars. Gemma owns a Sherlock Holmes themed emporium in West London in Cape Cod. When a priceless magazine is found on one of her shelves she is pretty sure who left it. When she goes to find the woman, she finds her dead body. Gemma finds herself om the list of suspects and is determined to clear her name.

This series is walking an interesting line. Gemma is hyper observant, ala Holms. And she could be really annoying but her personality saves her. She seems to be unaware that her observati ...more

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Oct 02, 2017 Kevin rated it liked it

Shelves: ebook, mystery

I'm not a crazy Holmes fan, but started on the Basil Rathbone movies then read all of the A.C. Doyle's original works along with a few of the Mary Russell and watch Elementary and Sherlock. This book fits in nicely, Gemma is very much like the observant Holmes and her deductions drive much of the story forward , Jayne plays her Watson role very well without any bumbling or doctoring replacing that with baking. I'll read the next one in this series. ...more

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Jan 13, 2018 Amy rated it it was amazing

My favorite first book of the New Year! Didn't want to put it down.. Loved the characters and the setting.. I admit, I am not that "into" the Sherlock theme but that really didn't matter. The writing and dialogue are wonderful.. Can't wait to read the next one in the series.. ...more

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Feb 03, 2018 Linda rated it really liked it

Shelves: author-of-the-month, challenge

Very enjoyable first entry in the series. I liked Gemma and the other characters. The Cape Cod setting and Sherlock Holmes bookstore were fun and the mystery kept me guessing.

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Mar 01, 2018 Stormi (BMReviewsohmy) rated it really liked it

Gemma Doyle moved from England to West London, Mass. to help her great uncle Arthur. His in his nineties and is not one to settle down but he couldn't help buying a building when it was on Baker Street because he is a huge Sherlock Holmes fan. It wasn't doing very good because he was just selling the Sherlock Holmes cannons, but when Gemma came she realized that it would make more money if she stocked all the retellings and even books in that era as well as memorabilia. She didn't have to like a ...more

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Sep 20, 2017 Carla Johnson-Hicks rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley, mystery, cozy-mystery

This is the first in a new series and I enjoyed getting to know Gemma Doyle and her friend Jayne. Gemma manages the Sherlock Emporium in Cape Cod. It is a Sherlock Holmes themed book and souvenir shop. The store is owned by Gemma's great-uncle Arthur Doyle, who believes he is a distant relative of the author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Gemma moved to the United States from England after ending her marriage and to help her uncle. Her best friend, Jayne, runs a tea room right next door. Gemma is known ...more

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Jun 03, 2018 Tari rated it it was amazing

Shelves: alphabet-soup-2018

I had only read the 3rd in this series so I definitely had to go to the beginning and see how it all started. Gemma is really very impressive with her observation skills, something that not a lot of people possess and I wish that the one police officer, Louise Estrada, would be nicer to her or at least I wish she'd treat her with a little more dignity than she does. Estrada's partner, Ryan Ashburton, used to be involved with Gemma (would be interesting to read a prequel about that and when she v I had only read the 3rd in this series so I definitely had to go to the beginning and see how it all started. Gemma is really very impressive with her observation skills, something that not a lot of people possess and I wish that the one police officer, Louise Estrada, would be nicer to her or at least I wish she'd treat her with a little more dignity than she does. Estrada's partner, Ryan Ashburton, used to be involved with Gemma (would be interesting to read a prequel about that and when she very first came to the US) and I always figure Estrada is either jealous of that or that he got lead detective over her.

In this first case, Gemma found an old and valuable-looking Sherlock magazine in her store but when she and Jayne, her best friend, tried to return it to the woman, they found she was dead in her hotel room. Gemma of course is looked at as the prime and only suspect, especially in Estrada's eyes. With her keen observation skills, Gemma is well suited for investigating and she figures if she's going to prove herself innocent she'd better get started. Another body was found, Gemma felt like she was being followed and never mind that her house was broken into early on. Along with her sidekick Jayne and her date Robbie, Gemma managed to crack this case.

I definitely didn't see the killer coming, what a good plot twist. Gemma is a little bit different than the usual sleuths in cozies seeing how she's more formal and not really humorous but I still like her. She's a fiercely loyal friend to have and she's very intelligent. Jayne is really lucky to have a friend like that--and Gemma is lucky to have Jayne, her business partner and tea shop owner, for a friend as well. Some things weren't always as they seemed in this book and I really enjoyed following the story and finding out how all the pieces fit together.

I'm hoping that in the future, Gemma and Ryan might be able to get back together and that Estrada will get over her not-very-niceness to Gemma. I'll be moving along to the next book in the series in hopes of finishing before the 4th one comes out. ...more

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Apr 08, 2017 Janet Robel rated it liked it · review of another edition

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Lots of fun! If you're a Sherlock Holmes fan, you will enjoy this one. Gemma and Jayne are good characters for an amateur sleuth setting. Gemma is always getting in trouble with the police, but this case may need a mystery lover to help solve this whodunit. I'm definitely on board with reading the next book because I want to know more about uncle Arthur, and hope we'll see more of him in upcoming books instead of ...more

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Jul 23, 2017 Kristen rated it really liked it

Shelves: cozies, favorites, audiobooks, strong-female-characters

I seem to be on an odd trend with books: ones I think I should love don't grab me, and books I feel I should dislike are very enjoyable. This book fell into the latter category, and was a very nice pleasant surprise.

Gemma Doyle [apparently a very distant relation to Arthur Conan], transplanted Englishwoman, living in smalltown West London, [which is on Cape Cod] is a highly annoying individual to many of the people she interacts with. She notices, remembers, and feels compelled to tell/correct p I seem to be on an odd trend with books: ones I think I should love don't grab me, and books I feel I should dislike are very enjoyable. This book fell into the latter category, and was a very nice pleasant surprise.

Gemma Doyle [apparently a very distant relation to Arthur Conan], transplanted Englishwoman, living in smalltown West London, [which is on Cape Cod] is a highly annoying individual to many of the people she interacts with. She notices, remembers, and feels compelled to tell/correct people on every little minute detail of, well, pretty much everything. Although she runs the Sherlock Holmes bookstore and emporium, she's not a Sherlockian, and she is obsessive about things being in their correct places at all times [somewhat of a lost cause in any retail establishment] and doesn't particularly enjoy dealing with the members of the public who make up her clientele. She does her own thing, in her own way, and doesn't care a single fig for what anyone else thinks about her or her ways. In a small town where tourist dollars are the main income for the stores on the main street where Gemma's store is located, this does not make her popular. When she gets mixed up in not one, but two murders, well, she's even less of the popular girl.

I should have been irritated to high heaven by Gemma and her cluelessness, her lack of accepted social skills, her complete ignorance of how her opinions and knowledge are likely to be received, and her not caring in any way how others see her. I should have been, but I wasn't.

The author does a good job of explaining Gemma's underlying personality to us, and showing us her humanity in spite of her quirks, and that somehow made her likable for me. Understanding some of the background of Gemma's life, and that she has suffered consequences because of who she is made her far more sympathetic than she might otherwise have been. The subtle but striking resemblance Gemma has to another English, social-skills-lacking-but-brilliant detective, may, just may have helped me to like Gemma more than I might otherwise have done.

Whether you care for Gemma's style or not, it's hard to fault her for being the smartest person in the room and for using her smarts to figure out what is going on. Fortunately, most of the people in Gemma's life are more socially-functional, and they make up for, and smooth out Gemma's rough edges in many situations. I liked the cast of supporting characters here as much as I did Gemma.

The mystery itself, I thought was quite well done. I never try to figure out the murderer in advance, and I was genuinely surprised when the killer was unmasked here, although looking back, I think that sufficient clues were given for those who like to do that to have determined the killer on their own if they are very astute.

I like the town, the setup, and all the characters here, right down to the shop cat, and Gemma's dog Violet. I listened to this on audio book and the narrator was excellent so that just added to my enjoyment of the story. I would definitely read future installments of this series. If the quality is maintained like this first book, this could become a new favourite series for me. ...more

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About Vicki Delany

Vicki Delany

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“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 Libr ...more