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Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery #3
The Cat of the Baskervilles
When Jayne Wilson's mother is accused of murder, Jayne and Gemma have to eliminate the impossible to reveal the true killer.
Legendary stage and movie star Sir Nigel Bellingham arrives on Cape Cod to star in a stage production of The Hound of the Baskervilles put on by the West London Theater Festival. When Sir Nigel, some of the cast, and the director visit the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop at 222 Baker Street, Gemma Doyle realizes that Sir Nigel is not at all suited to the role. He is long past his prime and an old drunk to boot. The cast, in particular the much younger actor who previously had the role, are not happy, but the show must go on.
Before the play opens, Leslie Wilson, mother of Gemma's best friend Jayne, arranges a fundraising afternoon tea to be catered by Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room. The tea is a huge success, but when it's time to leave, Sir Nigel has gone missing-only to be found at the bottom of the rocky cliff, dead. Along with the dead body, Gemma finds evidence incriminating Leslie Wilson. When the police, in the presence of handsome detective Ryan Ashburton and suspicious detective Louise Estrada, focus their attention on Leslie despite the numerous other suspects, the game is once again afoot and it's again up to the highly perceptive Gemma and the ever-confused but loyal Jayne to clear Jayne's mother's name.
Fans of Miranda James and Kate Carlisle, and Sherlockians everywhere will delight at The Cat of the Baskervilles, the clever third Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mystery.
Legendary stage and movie star Sir Nigel Bellingham arrives on Cape Cod to star in a stage production of The Hound of the Baskervilles put on by the West London Theater Festival. When Sir Nigel, some of the cast, and the director visit the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop at 222 Baker Street, Gemma Doyle realizes that Sir Nigel is not at all suited to the role. He is long past his prime and an old drunk to boot. The cast, in particular the much younger actor who previously had the role, are not happy, but the show must go on.
Before the play opens, Leslie Wilson, mother of Gemma's best friend Jayne, arranges a fundraising afternoon tea to be catered by Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room. The tea is a huge success, but when it's time to leave, Sir Nigel has gone missing-only to be found at the bottom of the rocky cliff, dead. Along with the dead body, Gemma finds evidence incriminating Leslie Wilson. When the police, in the presence of handsome detective Ryan Ashburton and suspicious detective Louise Estrada, focus their attention on Leslie despite the numerous other suspects, the game is once again afoot and it's again up to the highly perceptive Gemma and the ever-confused but loyal Jayne to clear Jayne's mother's name.
Fans of Miranda James and Kate Carlisle, and Sherlockians everywhere will delight at The Cat of the Baskervilles, the clever third Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mystery.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2018
235 people are currently reading
2243 people want to read
About the author
Vicki Delany
62 books1,913 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 434 reviews
January 25, 2019
When an opportunity to win a free ARC of the 4th book in Vicki Delany's 'A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery' series was offered up earlier in the week, I got my derriere in gear and ordered the 3rd book, the Cat of the Baskervilles, so I could get current. It was an unplanned read for this month but one I'm glad I found time to squeeze in. Let's hope I win the chance to get an early ARC of the next book.
Delany's a wonderful writer with a great balance of humor, levity, sincerity, mystery, trickery, and suspense. In this caper, Gemma wants to protect her friend Jayne's mother, Leslie, who's potentially guilty of murdering an actor she once knew. One of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock plays is coming to West London (US, not UK), and there's a stop at Gemma's Sherlockian bookshop. Unfortunately, during a tea party before the play opens, the lead actor is found at the bottom of a cliff. Suicide? Accidental from being drunk? Or murder? Gemma of course needs to investigate. Detective Ryan wants her to stay away. His partner wants to kill Gemma... perhaps a future plot, Ms. Delany? LOL
I really enjoy the relationships and side stories in this series. Between the always off-and-gallivanting Uncle Arthur (yes, named after the author), the nasty but lovable feline Moriarty (so aptly named), and the shenanigans in the love lives and interfering neighbors to Gemma and Jayne's stores, it's always a great read. This book is a traditional cozy, but at about the 85% mark, the case is closed in a way I wouldn't expect. Surely, it couldn't be all fluff for the last few chapters... I knew there was a twist coming, and then BAM, it's dropped. Kudos to Delany for the nice fun surprise. Is it time for my ARC of #4 to arrive yet? Oh please, reading gods...
Delany's a wonderful writer with a great balance of humor, levity, sincerity, mystery, trickery, and suspense. In this caper, Gemma wants to protect her friend Jayne's mother, Leslie, who's potentially guilty of murdering an actor she once knew. One of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock plays is coming to West London (US, not UK), and there's a stop at Gemma's Sherlockian bookshop. Unfortunately, during a tea party before the play opens, the lead actor is found at the bottom of a cliff. Suicide? Accidental from being drunk? Or murder? Gemma of course needs to investigate. Detective Ryan wants her to stay away. His partner wants to kill Gemma... perhaps a future plot, Ms. Delany? LOL
I really enjoy the relationships and side stories in this series. Between the always off-and-gallivanting Uncle Arthur (yes, named after the author), the nasty but lovable feline Moriarty (so aptly named), and the shenanigans in the love lives and interfering neighbors to Gemma and Jayne's stores, it's always a great read. This book is a traditional cozy, but at about the 85% mark, the case is closed in a way I wouldn't expect. Surely, it couldn't be all fluff for the last few chapters... I knew there was a twist coming, and then BAM, it's dropped. Kudos to Delany for the nice fun surprise. Is it time for my ARC of #4 to arrive yet? Oh please, reading gods...
January 19, 2023
In this 3rd book in the 'Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries', bookstore owner/amateur sleuth Gemma Doyle investigates the death of an actor. The book works fine as a standalone.
*****
Gemma Doyle moved from England to West London, Massachusetts to manage 'The Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium.'
Gemma co-owns the establishment with her nonagenarian 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 socializing with lady friends, leaving Gemma in charge of the business.
Gemma also co-owns the adjoining shop, 'Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room', which is run by her best friend Jayne Wilson.
It's tourist season in Massachusetts, and the West London Theater Festival is putting on 'The Hound of the Baskervilles', a play in which Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson investigate tales of a huge supernatural killer dog.
A famous British actor of stage and screen, Sir Nigel Bellingham, is slated to star as Holmes, and he's expected to draw a big crowd.
Sir Nigel, whose most famous movie was made forty years ago, is now an out-of-shape alcoholic with gray hair, but the play's director Pat thinks the actor will be up to the task.
Before the play's opening night, Theater Festival producer Rebecca Stanton hosts a fundraiser at her home, to raise money for the event. The fundraiser is catered by Jayne Wilson, and attendees pay $200 each to have tea and refreshments with cast members of The Hound of the Baskervilles.
Gemma helps Jayne prepare the treats, which include coconut cupcakes; smoked salmon and cream cheese roulettes; and finger sandwiches made with roast beef and arugula; cucumber and cream cheese; and egg salad.
Jayne's mother Leslie Wilson - who does volunteer work for the Theater Festival - was an actress decades ago and worked with Sir Nigel.
Leslie tries to reminisce with the actor at the fundraiser, but Sir Nigel gets drunk, embarrasses himself, and disappears. When a search is mounted the thespian is found dead at the bottom of a cliff. and Leslie - who was the last person seen with Sir Nigel - is a person of interest to the detectives.
Gemma is certain Leslie is innocent and mounts her own investigation. This annoys Detective Ryan Ashburton and his partner Detective Louise Estrada, who don't like Gemma interfering in police business.
Gemma's relationship with Ryan is especially tricky since they used to date and still harbor feelings for each other. Gemma is a law unto herself, and she hides evidence, does a spot of breaking and entering, and keeps information from the cops. Gemma's sleuthing pays off however, and she eventually solves the case.
Additional characters add interest to the story. These include: Gerald - Sir Nigel's dogsbody, who's disrespected by the actor; Eddie - Sir Nigel's handsome understudy, who has an eye for the ladies; Renee, a haughty actress with a crush on Eddie; Grant - a dealer in rare books; Donald - a retired lawyer and Sherlock Holmes aficionado; Ashleigh - Gemma's bookstore assistant, who has a different wardrobe theme for every day;
Moriarty - the bookstore cat who likes everyone except Gemma; and more.
This is an entertaining cozy mystery, recommended to fans of the genre.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
October 27, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
The West London Theater Festival is staging a production of The Hound of the Baskervilles starring legendary stage and movie star Sir Nigel Bellingham. This is great for Gemma’s Sherlock Homes Bookshop. Everyone will be shopping for Sherlock memorabilia. They have also been asked to cater a fundraising tea for the theater. Sir Nigel himself stops by the shop and Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room. Gemma can see the aging star is no longer up for the role especially when she observes his cane is also a flask for liquor.
The afternoon of the tea Gemma, Jayne and their crew arrive. Gemma is a little distracted by the home and its library but Jayne gets her back on track and the tea is quite a success. As the guests take their leave Sir Nigel is not to be found. A search is quickly organized and the lost man is found, dead at the bottom of a rocky cliff. Accident, suicide or murder? Jayne’s mother was seen arguing with Nigel so he becomes the prime suspect. Gemma decides to do her own investigation with Jayne and cast a wider net for suspects than the police. West London’s Sherlock and Watson will do all the can to put the real killer behind bars.
I love Gemma but this time I was not entirely happy with her methods. She finds a piece of evidence at the crime scene and removes it. She also tramples all over the area to see if she can help the man who was clearly dead. She has many talents, a keen intellect, and wicked strong observation skills. She is independent, strong-willed and can be very blunt. I know she took the evidence because she thought she was protecting Jayne’s mother, but it just felt beneath her stature to do something so wrong.
Jayne is a great counterbalance to Gemma and the perfect Watson to her Sherlock. She is friendlier and more easygoing than Gemma and is able to smooth over any ruffled feathers. That being said when it comes to her tea shop business she is super dedicated to getting everything just right. From the tea to the scones and finger sandwiches, she knows what she wants and how she wants it. She doesn’t let Gemma run roughshod all over her and I loved seeing this side of her.
The title to the story had me thinking Moriarty, the bookstore cat would play a larger role in the story, but I love that cat even though he clearly hates Gemma.
The story builds slowly as we get to know the new characters and how they fit together. The murder takes about midway into the story which I liked because we get to know the victim and everyone he is involved with to give us insight when looking at the suspects and their motives. The interplay between Gemma and detective Louise Estrada is interesting because the really don’t like each other. Gemma would much rather deal with detective Ryan Ashburton and it is easy to see why. This case had me completely in the dark and was surprised by the final reveal.
As a Sherlock Holmes fan, I get excited each time I pick up a book in this series. Ms. Delany knows how to tell a story. Her characters are unique and complex and are wrapped up in a mystery that kept me guessing.
Another entertaining tale from Vicki Delany! A fine addition to this series.
The West London Theater Festival is staging a production of The Hound of the Baskervilles starring legendary stage and movie star Sir Nigel Bellingham. This is great for Gemma’s Sherlock Homes Bookshop. Everyone will be shopping for Sherlock memorabilia. They have also been asked to cater a fundraising tea for the theater. Sir Nigel himself stops by the shop and Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room. Gemma can see the aging star is no longer up for the role especially when she observes his cane is also a flask for liquor.
The afternoon of the tea Gemma, Jayne and their crew arrive. Gemma is a little distracted by the home and its library but Jayne gets her back on track and the tea is quite a success. As the guests take their leave Sir Nigel is not to be found. A search is quickly organized and the lost man is found, dead at the bottom of a rocky cliff. Accident, suicide or murder? Jayne’s mother was seen arguing with Nigel so he becomes the prime suspect. Gemma decides to do her own investigation with Jayne and cast a wider net for suspects than the police. West London’s Sherlock and Watson will do all the can to put the real killer behind bars.
I love Gemma but this time I was not entirely happy with her methods. She finds a piece of evidence at the crime scene and removes it. She also tramples all over the area to see if she can help the man who was clearly dead. She has many talents, a keen intellect, and wicked strong observation skills. She is independent, strong-willed and can be very blunt. I know she took the evidence because she thought she was protecting Jayne’s mother, but it just felt beneath her stature to do something so wrong.
Jayne is a great counterbalance to Gemma and the perfect Watson to her Sherlock. She is friendlier and more easygoing than Gemma and is able to smooth over any ruffled feathers. That being said when it comes to her tea shop business she is super dedicated to getting everything just right. From the tea to the scones and finger sandwiches, she knows what she wants and how she wants it. She doesn’t let Gemma run roughshod all over her and I loved seeing this side of her.
The title to the story had me thinking Moriarty, the bookstore cat would play a larger role in the story, but I love that cat even though he clearly hates Gemma.
The story builds slowly as we get to know the new characters and how they fit together. The murder takes about midway into the story which I liked because we get to know the victim and everyone he is involved with to give us insight when looking at the suspects and their motives. The interplay between Gemma and detective Louise Estrada is interesting because the really don’t like each other. Gemma would much rather deal with detective Ryan Ashburton and it is easy to see why. This case had me completely in the dark and was surprised by the final reveal.
As a Sherlock Holmes fan, I get excited each time I pick up a book in this series. Ms. Delany knows how to tell a story. Her characters are unique and complex and are wrapped up in a mystery that kept me guessing.
Another entertaining tale from Vicki Delany! A fine addition to this series.
February 22, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this Sherlock based Cozy! Even though this is the third installment, this story can easily be read as a standalone. I always enjoy a good cozy that involves books and this story surely delivered. The mystery was somewhat easy to figure out but overall this was a good read and I would recommend to cozy lovers.
January 9, 2018
Vicky Delaney is one of my favorite authors, this is not a cat book, regardless of the title and cover. The name of the book is a play on the Shakespeare tale of HOUNDS OF THE BASKERVILLE. It is a very good book with twists and turns that will keep you occupied until the book is finished.
Aging actor, Sir Nigel Bellingham is hired to play the lead role in the Cape Cod stage production of the HOUNDS OF BASKERVILLE. Sir Nigel is a surprise visitor to the bookstore causing an attraction and excitement. It is decided to have a fundraiser tea before the opening of the play. Mrs. Hudson Tea Room will cater the e ent. At the tea Sir Nigel is disgraced and after the tea is over, he is found dead below a cliff. Jane's Mother, Leslie Wilson becomes a person of interest as she was the last to see him before Sir Nigel disappeared. Gemma Doyle investigates to clear Leslie's name. I highly recommend this book and series.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Crooked Lane Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Aging actor, Sir Nigel Bellingham is hired to play the lead role in the Cape Cod stage production of the HOUNDS OF BASKERVILLE. Sir Nigel is a surprise visitor to the bookstore causing an attraction and excitement. It is decided to have a fundraiser tea before the opening of the play. Mrs. Hudson Tea Room will cater the e ent. At the tea Sir Nigel is disgraced and after the tea is over, he is found dead below a cliff. Jane's Mother, Leslie Wilson becomes a person of interest as she was the last to see him before Sir Nigel disappeared. Gemma Doyle investigates to clear Leslie's name. I highly recommend this book and series.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Crooked Lane Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
February 24, 2018
This is the third book in the series and definitely my favorite! I have read the prior two in order. While this book can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading books one and two to see how the characters develop and connect with each other. I really disliked the protagonist's character, Gemma Doyle, in the first two books. I understood the Sherlock analogy but thought she overanalyzed everything and it really annoyed me. In this book, her character develops and she shows a more human and compassionate side of herself. For example, she learns a secret that would really hurt a close friend if revealed to her. But Gemma decides not to share that information whereas, I think she would think she had to in prior books.
The pace was just right and I was not overwhelmed with the number of suspects. The romantic tension between Gemma and Detective Ashburton which has been building since the first book continues to develop and the end has a number of surprising plot twists.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. My review is voluntary.
The pace was just right and I was not overwhelmed with the number of suspects. The romantic tension between Gemma and Detective Ashburton which has been building since the first book continues to develop and the end has a number of surprising plot twists.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. My review is voluntary.
October 22, 2021
Just like the other one in this series that I just finished yesterday, this was an enjoyable whodunit with plenty of Sherlockian allusions.
August 4, 2019
***2019 The Summer of Sherlock***
The third volume of this series and I have come to the conclusion that I don’t like Emma Doyle much as a main character. I understand that being more observant than others is a trait that links her to the Great Detective, but her bluntness and lack of understanding of other people doesn’t endear her to me. What I do enjoy are the details of her relationships with Ryan and Grant, her friendship with Jayne, and the ongoing saga of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop.
Delany writes a decent cozy mystery. She plants appropriate red herrings and throws in small twists & turns, making the reading experience quite enjoyable. I can’t help, however, feeling sorry for Emma’s dog, Violet. I’m not a dog person, but even I feel like the poor beast is left alone at home an awful lot. Although Delany assures us that Emma loves Violet, sometimes actions speak louder than words--it seems like the dog gets short shrift on many, many evenings. My other bugaboo is Detective Louise Estrada, who seems to dislike Emma even more than I do. In fact, to an unreasonable extent. In small communities like West London, it just isn’t that strange to have the same people involved in multiple community activities and her over-done suspicions of Emma are just unrealistic.
Despite my complaints, I did enjoy the mystery and I’ve requested the next book in the series. I’m interested to see how Delany moves the story arc forward, whether I admire her main character or not.
The third volume of this series and I have come to the conclusion that I don’t like Emma Doyle much as a main character. I understand that being more observant than others is a trait that links her to the Great Detective, but her bluntness and lack of understanding of other people doesn’t endear her to me. What I do enjoy are the details of her relationships with Ryan and Grant, her friendship with Jayne, and the ongoing saga of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop.
Delany writes a decent cozy mystery. She plants appropriate red herrings and throws in small twists & turns, making the reading experience quite enjoyable. I can’t help, however, feeling sorry for Emma’s dog, Violet. I’m not a dog person, but even I feel like the poor beast is left alone at home an awful lot. Although Delany assures us that Emma loves Violet, sometimes actions speak louder than words--it seems like the dog gets short shrift on many, many evenings. My other bugaboo is Detective Louise Estrada, who seems to dislike Emma even more than I do. In fact, to an unreasonable extent. In small communities like West London, it just isn’t that strange to have the same people involved in multiple community activities and her over-done suspicions of Emma are just unrealistic.
Despite my complaints, I did enjoy the mystery and I’ve requested the next book in the series. I’m interested to see how Delany moves the story arc forward, whether I admire her main character or not.
January 4, 2018
New years day I read Vicki Delany's upcoming February release The Cat of the Baskervilles. This is the third book in the A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. This was my favorite story in the series so far. It had a compelling mystery, great cast of characters and a very fun setting.
I like main character Gemma very much and her friend Jayne as well. They have a lovely relationship and yet a complicated one. I liked that this mystery did not feel rushed, or resolved too early in the book, the plot twists were subtle but delightful. This one is out February 13th by Crooked Lane Books and was a very enjoyable read.
I like main character Gemma very much and her friend Jayne as well. They have a lovely relationship and yet a complicated one. I liked that this mystery did not feel rushed, or resolved too early in the book, the plot twists were subtle but delightful. This one is out February 13th by Crooked Lane Books and was a very enjoyable read.
February 16, 2019
Gemma Doyle, owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop & Emporium, and Jayne Wilson, co-owner of Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room, are volunteering for the West London Theater Festival. Jayne's mother, Leslie, is chair of the volunteer committee. She plans an afternoon tea fund-raising event catered by Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room. The fund-raising event will be located at Mrs. Rebecca Stanton's garden. Sir Nigel Bellingham, celebrity theater and movie star, and the theater actors all come to the fund-raiser to support The Hound of the Baskervilles production. Following the afternoon tea, Leslie and Sir Nigel walk up to the cliffs to talk. When all the actors are prepared to leave, Sir Nigel is missing. Gemma finds him dead at the bottom of a rocky cliff. Did he slip and fall to his death? was it suicide? or, was it murder?
The third book in the series, this story has all the fiction elements. The main characters, Gemma and Jayne, are a wonderful modern-day Sherlock Holmes and Mr. Watson. The plot and subplots are creatively written. The red herrings keep the reader guessing and the big reveal came as a complete surprise. The description is cleverly written. This cozy mystery is a hand shake to the Sherlockian world. This is my first exposure to this world. It entices me to read the Hound of the Baskervilles.
I read this book for A Book for All Seasons's equinox challenge #5: Wild About Books. There was a cat in this book. His name is Moriarty and he has plenty of attitude, but a small part in the novel.
The third book in the series, this story has all the fiction elements. The main characters, Gemma and Jayne, are a wonderful modern-day Sherlock Holmes and Mr. Watson. The plot and subplots are creatively written. The red herrings keep the reader guessing and the big reveal came as a complete surprise. The description is cleverly written. This cozy mystery is a hand shake to the Sherlockian world. This is my first exposure to this world. It entices me to read the Hound of the Baskervilles.
I read this book for A Book for All Seasons's equinox challenge #5: Wild About Books. There was a cat in this book. His name is Moriarty and he has plenty of attitude, but a small part in the novel.
November 1, 2019
The Cat of the Baskervilles by Vicki Delany is the 3rd book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. Gemma Doyle, owner of the Sherlock Holmes Emporium, helps her friend Jayne Wilson put on a fundraising tea party for the stage production of The Hound of the Baskervilles starring Sir Nigel Bellingham. However when Sir Nigel is killed and Jayne's mother becomes prime suspect Gemma once again investigates. I love this series and especially Gemma with her Sherlock Holmes like qualities and great observation skills. I have been a Sherlock Holmes fan for a long time and I loved the references to the great detective. An enjoyable and delightful mystery.
January 7, 2020
I enjoyed this one but I think it lacked the romantic tension that a book 3 in a cozy series needs. The plot itself felt creative and different from the others so far. But Gemma's curmudgeonly attitude and keen observation skills only carry a series so far. A love triangle has been set up...it needs to be used. Or the preexisting romantic tension needs more exploitation. Something other than the usual interactions with the usual cast and crew.
But I'm really enjoying this series and looking forward to more!
But I'm really enjoying this series and looking forward to more!
April 13, 2018
“The Cat of the Baskervilles” earns 5/5 Deerstalker Hats…Elementary Fun!
What a delightful twist for fans of Sherlock Holmes to enjoy! In “West London,” Massachusetts, Gemma “Doyle” owns the “Sherlock Holmes” Bookshop and Emporium at 222 “Baker Street” with her shop cat name “Moriarity,” and next door her BFF Jayne Wilson owns the “Mrs. Hudson’s” Tea Room. All delightfully fun references sparking my interest to read more! But, my newbie status was not a handicap, I was engaged from the start with enough references to background without spoilers and revisiting character connections. Delany gives us a quaint town excited about the West London Theater Festival set to perform a favorite Holmes mystery, “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” and an aging British actor Sir Nigel Bellingham is set to star. Not the best casting, Gemma thought, when his drunk state is an embarrassment at a fundraising event catered by Jayne. But is being drunk, flubbing lines, and being an all-around arse a motive for murder? Maybe. But, when Nigel is found dead at the bottom of the cliff and evidence implicates Jayne’s mother Leslie, Gemma and Jayne must take an active role in the investigation to find other suspects and motives.
The Sherlock Holmes’s hooks got me involved, but Delany’s well-written, steady-paced story kept me engaged. She wove an entertaining story with twists and turns that led to a “Wow” ending for which I literally dropped my jaw! Gemma and Jayne, like Holmes and Watson, compliment each other’s personality and investigative style. Gemma is straightforward, detail oriented, sometimes a know-it-all, while Jayne is more flexible, but these opposites work well. Unlike the literary Holmes and Watson characters, Gemma and Jayne find success as amateur detectives often by circumventing law enforcement providing for some entertaining conflicts and predicaments. Beyond the murder mystery and the investigation, Delany does well with her description, but doesn't rely on a narrative style; the dialogue adds humor and illustrates personality and emotion…very enjoyable! I highly recommend joining Gemma and Jayne.
“Disclosure: I received an advanced copy through NetGalley. However, my review is voluntary, and my insights and opinions are honest.”
What a delightful twist for fans of Sherlock Holmes to enjoy! In “West London,” Massachusetts, Gemma “Doyle” owns the “Sherlock Holmes” Bookshop and Emporium at 222 “Baker Street” with her shop cat name “Moriarity,” and next door her BFF Jayne Wilson owns the “Mrs. Hudson’s” Tea Room. All delightfully fun references sparking my interest to read more! But, my newbie status was not a handicap, I was engaged from the start with enough references to background without spoilers and revisiting character connections. Delany gives us a quaint town excited about the West London Theater Festival set to perform a favorite Holmes mystery, “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” and an aging British actor Sir Nigel Bellingham is set to star. Not the best casting, Gemma thought, when his drunk state is an embarrassment at a fundraising event catered by Jayne. But is being drunk, flubbing lines, and being an all-around arse a motive for murder? Maybe. But, when Nigel is found dead at the bottom of the cliff and evidence implicates Jayne’s mother Leslie, Gemma and Jayne must take an active role in the investigation to find other suspects and motives.
The Sherlock Holmes’s hooks got me involved, but Delany’s well-written, steady-paced story kept me engaged. She wove an entertaining story with twists and turns that led to a “Wow” ending for which I literally dropped my jaw! Gemma and Jayne, like Holmes and Watson, compliment each other’s personality and investigative style. Gemma is straightforward, detail oriented, sometimes a know-it-all, while Jayne is more flexible, but these opposites work well. Unlike the literary Holmes and Watson characters, Gemma and Jayne find success as amateur detectives often by circumventing law enforcement providing for some entertaining conflicts and predicaments. Beyond the murder mystery and the investigation, Delany does well with her description, but doesn't rely on a narrative style; the dialogue adds humor and illustrates personality and emotion…very enjoyable! I highly recommend joining Gemma and Jayne.
“Disclosure: I received an advanced copy through NetGalley. However, my review is voluntary, and my insights and opinions are honest.”
March 29, 2018
Another well planned mystery by Vicki Delany! The setting is so much fun it makes me want to visit Gemma and Jayne! I could go for a scone and some Sherlock Holmes pastiche!
I was not a fan of this particular narrator and I think I would have enjoyed it more if I read a print copy.
I was not a fan of this particular narrator and I think I would have enjoyed it more if I read a print copy.
January 25, 2020
3 1/2 stars. Looking forward to the next. I really need to read an actual Sherlock Holmes story someday. I’ve certainly watched the TV versions multiple times and most of the old and new movies.
October 27, 2022
exactly what I needed right now! cozy, clever, and a whole lot of fun. 4.5 stars!
August 13, 2018
“The game is afoot” again for Gemma Doyle, owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop & Emporium & partner of Jayne Wilson’s Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room. Vicki Delany’s The Cat of the Baskervilles (Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery #3) is great fun for anyone who enjoys Sherlock Holmes & cozies. Summer Stock theater productions are a tremendous draw for locals and tourists all over The USA, and as Cape Cod prepares for its main attraction, The Hound of the Baskervilles, everyone is beyond excited except Gemma Doyle who is definitely expecting increase in sales and adjusts her inventory according. The main attraction of the production - well, you will have to read this charming cozy mystery to discover this as I do not read and tell! Needless to say, Gemma becomes involved in the mystery to the consternation of Detective Ryan Ashburton. Remember him? He & Gemma were an item before the series started! Gemma has an extraordinary sense of observation,and she uses it particularly well which, I believe, Det. Ashburton truly does understand, but how does the investigation center on Leslie Wilson, Jayne’s mother? This cannot be so Gemma throws herself into discovering the true culprit? The ending left me with, “Please do not end THERE!” Watch Gemma shine! A fun read. Highly recommended! 4.5-5 stars!
October 31, 2018
ZERO STARS for this narrator. O M GOSH.
I really dislike when you are in the middle of a series and they change narrators on you and the second narrator is substandard at best. It really was torturous to listen to this person butcher a New England accent [that she sometimes mixed with the British accent of the MC and then she occasionally added a NY twang to it and it was just horrible]; I am fairly good with voices, but I have never attempted a New England one because they are tough! This narrator should abide by that rule as well. :-(
Because this is a buddy read, I cannot give a full review, but I can say I liked the mystery part of it very much [it was what kept me listening] and was totally surprised at the reveal as I had someone else completely pegged.
I do believe for the next one I will have to try and read it on my Computer Kindle App because I just do not think I can do 8 hours of that narrator again.
I really dislike when you are in the middle of a series and they change narrators on you and the second narrator is substandard at best. It really was torturous to listen to this person butcher a New England accent [that she sometimes mixed with the British accent of the MC and then she occasionally added a NY twang to it and it was just horrible]; I am fairly good with voices, but I have never attempted a New England one because they are tough! This narrator should abide by that rule as well. :-(
Because this is a buddy read, I cannot give a full review, but I can say I liked the mystery part of it very much [it was what kept me listening] and was totally surprised at the reveal as I had someone else completely pegged.
I do believe for the next one I will have to try and read it on my Computer Kindle App because I just do not think I can do 8 hours of that narrator again.
August 19, 2022
Third book and still liking the series howewwwwever, there’s a couple of things that’s not okay. While, I’m glad to see Gemma growing as a person, especially in her awareness of the impact her words/bluntness has on others, her actions at times are still .. just no. Knowingly removing evidence and destroying evidence from a crime scene -no. Intentionally breaking if in and dragging Jayne along-not good; I think the author can get the same point across without having Gemma engaging in illegal activities and dragging her friend into danger and possible jail.
The mystery in this case is good and there’s a lot of followup and investigating by Gemma, especially given the personal connection, Jayne’s mom being a person of interest.
Gemma is also lucky to have a good employee in Allison, because she is never at work!!!
Moriaty the cat is funny and his dislike of Gemma is funny to watch.
The book is medium paced, witty dialogue, the relationships between Ryan and Gemma takes a new step in this book and Gemma is learning boundaries with her intrusion into her friend’s lives.
The mystery in this case is good and there’s a lot of followup and investigating by Gemma, especially given the personal connection, Jayne’s mom being a person of interest.
Gemma is also lucky to have a good employee in Allison, because she is never at work!!!
Moriaty the cat is funny and his dislike of Gemma is funny to watch.
The book is medium paced, witty dialogue, the relationships between Ryan and Gemma takes a new step in this book and Gemma is learning boundaries with her intrusion into her friend’s lives.
April 6, 2024
This one really had cool layers to it. Probably the best point of it was the folly of using murder to solve a problem. I mean, duh! Compounding one with a greater one isn't exactly smart. It also shows how when we make idols out of things, we lose our heads.
It would've been five stars if I hadn't been annoyed with the "romance" in it. Seriously, this one felt like it was all tacked on because "oh, yeah. Romance." Sigh.
It would've been five stars if I hadn't been annoyed with the "romance" in it. Seriously, this one felt like it was all tacked on because "oh, yeah. Romance." Sigh.
October 10, 2018
This is the third book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery Series, and I was happy to see that this book was as enjoyable as the first one. The book can be read as a standalone, but it is always good to read a series in order to get all the back story.
The West London Theater Festival is gearing up and and Sir Nigel Bellingham will be reprising his role to star in The Hound of the Baskervilles. Jayne is catering a fundraising tea at the beautiful estate of one of the Festival Founders. Gemma Doyle is helping her friend Jayne cater the party. When Jayne finds Sir Nigel dead at the bottom of the cliff, Jayne's mother, Leslie looks like the perfect suspect, after all, she was the last one to see him alive. Gemma decides she has to do some private investigation in order to come to the truth. Some think that Sir Nigel committed suicide after his horrible mishap of making a fool of himself during the tea when he was asked to recite some of Hounds. Gemma gets Leslie to open up about her previous relationship with Sir Nigel and tries to convince her to tell her family and the police. Her friend Grant, who owns a rare book shop is around to help her at times and there seems to be a bit of a romantic interest developing between them. Meanwhile Police Detective Ryan and his partner Louise are on the case, with heads butting as usual. As the story goes forward, there is an inkling, that perhaps Ryan is still interested in Gemma.
I really enjoy the characters in this story, especially Gemma and Jayne. They have a great relationship, almost like sisters instead of friends. It is interesting to see how Gemma sees things and using this unusual gift just like Sherlock Holmes. Alicia, the young lady who works in the Emporium for Gemma is hilarious. I love hearing about what she wears to work each day and how it reflects her feelings about all the antics in the book. The story was well written with the plot flowing well and keeping me guessing. It took me awhile to figure things out though I did figure it out just a little bit before Gemma! There was just so many good suspects to ferret out. This was a true Sherlock Holmes ending with Gemma coming up with that aha moment. I am not crazy about triangles, so I hope now that Gemma realizes that Ryan is still interested in her, she will not get together with Grant. The idea of the bookstore and adjoining tea room is a great concept that is a great setting for these stories. I am looking forward to the next on in this series.
The West London Theater Festival is gearing up and and Sir Nigel Bellingham will be reprising his role to star in The Hound of the Baskervilles. Jayne is catering a fundraising tea at the beautiful estate of one of the Festival Founders. Gemma Doyle is helping her friend Jayne cater the party. When Jayne finds Sir Nigel dead at the bottom of the cliff, Jayne's mother, Leslie looks like the perfect suspect, after all, she was the last one to see him alive. Gemma decides she has to do some private investigation in order to come to the truth. Some think that Sir Nigel committed suicide after his horrible mishap of making a fool of himself during the tea when he was asked to recite some of Hounds. Gemma gets Leslie to open up about her previous relationship with Sir Nigel and tries to convince her to tell her family and the police. Her friend Grant, who owns a rare book shop is around to help her at times and there seems to be a bit of a romantic interest developing between them. Meanwhile Police Detective Ryan and his partner Louise are on the case, with heads butting as usual. As the story goes forward, there is an inkling, that perhaps Ryan is still interested in Gemma.
I really enjoy the characters in this story, especially Gemma and Jayne. They have a great relationship, almost like sisters instead of friends. It is interesting to see how Gemma sees things and using this unusual gift just like Sherlock Holmes. Alicia, the young lady who works in the Emporium for Gemma is hilarious. I love hearing about what she wears to work each day and how it reflects her feelings about all the antics in the book. The story was well written with the plot flowing well and keeping me guessing. It took me awhile to figure things out though I did figure it out just a little bit before Gemma! There was just so many good suspects to ferret out. This was a true Sherlock Holmes ending with Gemma coming up with that aha moment. I am not crazy about triangles, so I hope now that Gemma realizes that Ryan is still interested in her, she will not get together with Grant. The idea of the bookstore and adjoining tea room is a great concept that is a great setting for these stories. I am looking forward to the next on in this series.
March 20, 2018
Cape Cod welcomes stage and movie star Sir Nigel Bellingham, who is set to star in a stage production of The Hound of the Baskervilles put on by the West London Theater Festival. When Sir Nigel, some of the cast, and the director visit the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop at 222 Baker Street, Gemma Doyle realizes that Sir Nigel is not at all suited to the role. He is long past his prime and an old drunk to boot. The cast, in particular the much younger actor who previously had the role, are not happy, but the show must go on.
Sir Nigel fumbles his lines at a fund-raising tea, catered by Gemma's best friend Jayne, things turn bad. Then Sir Nigel disappears after the tea, right after Gemma noticed Leslie, Jayne's mother, talking with him. When Gemma and her friend Grant find Sir Nigel at the bottom of the rocky cliff, dead. Along with the dead body, Gemma finds evidence incriminating Leslie Wilson. When the police focus on Leslie it's time for Gemma to go into action and prove Leslie's innocence.
This series gets better with every book. The mystery in this one is wonderfully crafted and kept me guessing. I like the way Ms. Delany works up to the murder, letting us get to know the characters and their backgrounds before the murder takes place.
I like Gemma, despite the fact she can be overbearing and a bit of a know-it-all. She is, as Jayne says, blunt. I like the way she faces things head on and doesn't take risks that put her in the category of heroine that makes me scream at the book.
I love Morarity the cat, and the Sherlock Holmes Bookstore and Emporium, and the Mrs. Hudson Tea Shop. With every book I read in this series I wish this was a real place where I could visit and examine all the Sherlock Holmes books and trinkets.
As always I look forward to the next book in this series, to see what mystery Gemma finds herself involved with next.
Sir Nigel fumbles his lines at a fund-raising tea, catered by Gemma's best friend Jayne, things turn bad. Then Sir Nigel disappears after the tea, right after Gemma noticed Leslie, Jayne's mother, talking with him. When Gemma and her friend Grant find Sir Nigel at the bottom of the rocky cliff, dead. Along with the dead body, Gemma finds evidence incriminating Leslie Wilson. When the police focus on Leslie it's time for Gemma to go into action and prove Leslie's innocence.
This series gets better with every book. The mystery in this one is wonderfully crafted and kept me guessing. I like the way Ms. Delany works up to the murder, letting us get to know the characters and their backgrounds before the murder takes place.
I like Gemma, despite the fact she can be overbearing and a bit of a know-it-all. She is, as Jayne says, blunt. I like the way she faces things head on and doesn't take risks that put her in the category of heroine that makes me scream at the book.
I love Morarity the cat, and the Sherlock Holmes Bookstore and Emporium, and the Mrs. Hudson Tea Shop. With every book I read in this series I wish this was a real place where I could visit and examine all the Sherlock Holmes books and trinkets.
As always I look forward to the next book in this series, to see what mystery Gemma finds herself involved with next.
March 12, 2018
Ohhh this was so good! I literally couldn't put this book down. This was actually the first one of this series I've read so I was just curious enough to read it first. As with other books this author has written, this can stand perfectly on its own. The author gives enough backstory so that new readers aren't lost but there aren't any spoilers from other books' mysteries.
Gemma Doyle is helping her friend Jayne cater a fancy tea for the local theater group that happens to have a famous old actor playing Sherlock Holmes. When the actor turns up dead later and all fingers point to Jayne's mom Leslie, Gemma once again decides she has to do some private investigation in order to come to the truth. Her friend Grant who owns a rare book shop is around to help her at times all the while that Jayne is trying to make her see that police detective Ryan still likes her a lot even though his partner Louise isn't very nice to Gemma. Gemma is convinced it's because she (Gemma) and Ryan were close once and either Louise is jealous or she's bitter that Ryan got lead detective instead of Louise getting it. Gemma is always worried Louise is trying to find a reason to get him demoted.
After some investigations, leads and the premier play night, everything is revealed at the end in true Sherlock style and the ending is a very nice one!
I'm so anxious now to read the other two books in this series since I have really gotten to know and like these characters. I hope this series continues for a long time. The idea of Gemma and Jayne owning a bookstore/tea room is such a fun one and now that Gemma is a little more in tune to how Ryan still feels about her. It'll be interesting to see how that works out.
Gemma Doyle is helping her friend Jayne cater a fancy tea for the local theater group that happens to have a famous old actor playing Sherlock Holmes. When the actor turns up dead later and all fingers point to Jayne's mom Leslie, Gemma once again decides she has to do some private investigation in order to come to the truth. Her friend Grant who owns a rare book shop is around to help her at times all the while that Jayne is trying to make her see that police detective Ryan still likes her a lot even though his partner Louise isn't very nice to Gemma. Gemma is convinced it's because she (Gemma) and Ryan were close once and either Louise is jealous or she's bitter that Ryan got lead detective instead of Louise getting it. Gemma is always worried Louise is trying to find a reason to get him demoted.
After some investigations, leads and the premier play night, everything is revealed at the end in true Sherlock style and the ending is a very nice one!
I'm so anxious now to read the other two books in this series since I have really gotten to know and like these characters. I hope this series continues for a long time. The idea of Gemma and Jayne owning a bookstore/tea room is such a fun one and now that Gemma is a little more in tune to how Ryan still feels about her. It'll be interesting to see how that works out.
May 9, 2018
In this third installment in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series, Gemma and Jayne have a vested interest in solving the mysterious death of an aging theatre star. Why? Because the police are circling Jayne’s mother as their primary suspect. A past secret was divulged, giving her a motive for murder. Though this is part of series, it works as a standalone. However, you will miss seeing the characters’ growth and development if you skip the first books. The mystery is a credible one, but the real enjoyment of a cozy is the interaction of the characters as they go about their everyday lives, which, of course, include murder. This is a series you don’t want to miss.
January 16, 2018
This is the third book in this highly entertaining Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series; I've read one other and enjoyed it, so when I was lucky enough to be approved by the publisher to read and review an advance copy in exchange for an honest review, I was a happy camper. When it turned out to be even better than that other one, well, my smile widened.
The cozy mysteries follow the amateur sleuthing of Gemma Doyle, co-owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium in West London, Massachusetts. Another of the three owners is Jayne Wilson, who also owns and operates a tea shop/bakery that's attached to the bookstore. Originally from England, Gemma has a nose for details and, it seems, loves nothing better than sticking it into the business of the local police (sometimes unintentionally, sometimes not). That both annoys and pleases police detective, Ryan - a former lover who "dumped" her and left the area for another job. Now he's back and the attraction is there, but they've since been holding each other at arms' lengths.
As this begins, the community is excited to learn that a well-known but aging stage actor, Sir Nigel Bellingham, will be in town to star in a local theater production of Holmes's The Hound of the Baskervilles. As rehearsals begin, organizers decide to hold a fund-raising English tea at the home of one of the well-heeled theater-loving ladies - and Jayne convinces Gemma that their shops should handle the catering. Gemma is less enthusiastic, but she agrees. After all, it's a private event for about a hundred local hoity-toits - what could possibly go wrong?
Make that plenty - starting with the fact that Sir Nigel turns out to be a nasty old drunk. Still, everyone expects that his professionalism will surface long enough for him to get through the play; that is, until he's found quite dead at the bottom of a cliff on the property. To make matters even worse, if that's possible, the primary suspect is Jayne's mother Leslie.
Gemma is certain Leslie is innocent, and of course, she sets out to prove it while trying to keep her poking nose out of the sight of law enforcement. That proves next to impossible most of the time, which strains the already fragile relationship between Gemma and Ryan (as well as with Ryan's partner, who has butted heads with Gemma on more than one occasion and isn't fond of her meddling).
More details I must necessarily leave for other readers to discover, but I will say that anyone who enjoys an occasional respite from heavier reading (as I do) or simply the more lighthearted approach of an interesting cozy mystery won't go wrong by picking this one. Thoroughly enjoyable!
The cozy mysteries follow the amateur sleuthing of Gemma Doyle, co-owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium in West London, Massachusetts. Another of the three owners is Jayne Wilson, who also owns and operates a tea shop/bakery that's attached to the bookstore. Originally from England, Gemma has a nose for details and, it seems, loves nothing better than sticking it into the business of the local police (sometimes unintentionally, sometimes not). That both annoys and pleases police detective, Ryan - a former lover who "dumped" her and left the area for another job. Now he's back and the attraction is there, but they've since been holding each other at arms' lengths.
As this begins, the community is excited to learn that a well-known but aging stage actor, Sir Nigel Bellingham, will be in town to star in a local theater production of Holmes's The Hound of the Baskervilles. As rehearsals begin, organizers decide to hold a fund-raising English tea at the home of one of the well-heeled theater-loving ladies - and Jayne convinces Gemma that their shops should handle the catering. Gemma is less enthusiastic, but she agrees. After all, it's a private event for about a hundred local hoity-toits - what could possibly go wrong?
Make that plenty - starting with the fact that Sir Nigel turns out to be a nasty old drunk. Still, everyone expects that his professionalism will surface long enough for him to get through the play; that is, until he's found quite dead at the bottom of a cliff on the property. To make matters even worse, if that's possible, the primary suspect is Jayne's mother Leslie.
Gemma is certain Leslie is innocent, and of course, she sets out to prove it while trying to keep her poking nose out of the sight of law enforcement. That proves next to impossible most of the time, which strains the already fragile relationship between Gemma and Ryan (as well as with Ryan's partner, who has butted heads with Gemma on more than one occasion and isn't fond of her meddling).
More details I must necessarily leave for other readers to discover, but I will say that anyone who enjoys an occasional respite from heavier reading (as I do) or simply the more lighthearted approach of an interesting cozy mystery won't go wrong by picking this one. Thoroughly enjoyable!
March 4, 2018
This was my favorite of Gemma Doyle's adventures so far. Vicky Delany makes it appear as if the crime is solved, but then a shocking twist and boom! Murderer and motive finally revealed. Add Moriarty, the cat who loves all but Gemma and a couple of love twists, this makes for a great third book in this series!
I voluntarily reviewed this book on Netgalley.
I voluntarily reviewed this book on Netgalley.
February 24, 2018
The Cat of the Baskervilles by Vicky Delany is the third installment of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. The series pays homage to the great Sherlock Holmes and creatively entwines Sherlock facts throughout the books. As the series progresses and the author digs deeper into the lives, loves and murder in West London it keeps getting better! Delany’s writing style uniquely adds trivia, humor and love to each murder mystery.
Gemma, the main character, is acutely observant, cognitively on a different level and blunt, however those are exactly the traits that make her a great main character and amateur sleuth. Her sensible friend and usually unwilling accomplice, Jayne, is a good balance to Gemma, just like Holmes and Watson.
This book introduces the reader to additional residents of West London and continues to develop the existing characters. Jayne’s family is a central focus which allows for a deeper understanding of her character and family.
Gemma’s love triangle continues to blossom with a cliff hanger at the end that will leave the reader, especially this one anxiously awaiting book 4!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Gemma, the main character, is acutely observant, cognitively on a different level and blunt, however those are exactly the traits that make her a great main character and amateur sleuth. Her sensible friend and usually unwilling accomplice, Jayne, is a good balance to Gemma, just like Holmes and Watson.
This book introduces the reader to additional residents of West London and continues to develop the existing characters. Jayne’s family is a central focus which allows for a deeper understanding of her character and family.
Gemma’s love triangle continues to blossom with a cliff hanger at the end that will leave the reader, especially this one anxiously awaiting book 4!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 14, 2023
The West London Theater Festival is putting on a stage production of The Hound of the Baskervilles starring British celebrity actor Sir Nigel Bellingham as Sherlock. Gemma is pleased the play is good for business but otherwise notes the star is a lot too old to be playing Sherlock and a lot too drunk besides. Jayne and her mother Leslie are beyond excited though and rope Gemma into helping serve at a tea part at the festival director's grand home. As everyone gathers on the lawn for champagne and afternoon tea, Sir Nigel makes a fool of himself and wanders off on his own. Leslie is furious with the actor and wants to give him a peace of her mind. When Sir Nigel is wanted and nowhere to be found, the guests search for the star only for Gemma and Grant to discover Sir Nigel's body at the bottom of a cliff. Only a scrap of pink ruffled hem from an apron provides a clue and Gemma fears very much the apron belongs to Leslie. She's determined to prevent police suspicion from falling on her friend's mother but when Detective Estrada wants to put pressure on Leslie to confess, Gemma knows she has to get involved to save her friend's mother. She also tries to save Jayne from making a mistake dating the Sherlock understudy who may or may not have a wife back in LA. Can she figure it out before the case is closed and Leslie locked up?
This series is fun for mindless entertainment. This one has a little more Sherlock content as it is specific to that one story. I must be the only person in the western hemisphere who has not read it or seen the film so I was disappointed there was a little spoiler. You don't really need to be a Sherlock fan to read this series because it's equal parts books/kitsch and tea. The mystery was really good. I couldn't put it down and I never figured it out. I had to skip ahead to see the reveal and it was unconventional which was nice. I wasn't crazy about the romantic subplots but hopefully things will work out for everyone involved and not drag on too long.
Gemma is CRAZY! As her shop assistant Ashleigh points out, Gemma is never AT work when she's needed. She's always rushing off to do police business when it's not her business. Ashleigh isn't an expert on all things Sherlock and needs help. Uncle Arthur is off jet-setting again. Gemma breaks the law several times to obstruct justice and get ahead of the police. I don't mind her observational skills. She's not any more clever than I am in this one until the reveal. It doesn't take Sherlock to figure out Sir Nigel is way past his prime. He's all washed up. It's over for him. He was rude and arrogant and snobby towards Americans. He only liked Gemma because she's English and though Jayne is beautiful, she's merely the cook. He downright dismissed Leslie, which OK, how is he supposed to remember some bit part actress from three decades ago so I figured out her secret relatively quickly. Not right away but just before Gemma did.
Leslie doesn't have a strong motive to murder Sir Nigel but it doesn't look good for her because she doesn't share everything with the police. I'm sure Detective Estrada would have arrested Leslie if she knew about the pink ruffle. That woman has no understanding of how to do her job. She just picks a suspect and then puts the squeeze on them. Ryan's approach is a little more nuanced. He's kind, considerate and listens but he's still a cop and doesn't like interference in his business. Jayne is unaware of how close her mother is to jail. She's sweet and a great baker but rather innocent for someone who lived in Boston. Gemma is wrong to rope sweet Jayne into sleuthing with her. They're both breaking the law! Gemma even ropes Grant into assisting though he is unaware of it at the time! She doesn't give him a choice. Donald, for once, is not a suspect. He's rather annoying. He's right to sell the signed playbill which is not a poster but a booklet. If it's from Broadway, it's free and they're all over the streets so it would need to be authenticated and graded. That was the part of the story that didn't ring true for me.
New characters are all connected with the festival. Renee Masters is a spoiled, egocentric actress from LA. She's blond, cranky and seems to think she's above the small town theater. Why is she in this production then? Gemma notices Renee must be older than she appears and probably over a certain age which in Hollywood usually spells death of a career. Renee doesn't get into the spirit of things, obey rules or do anything remotely nice or kind. She doesn't even seem to care Sir Nigel is dead. She's more interested in Eddie. Eddie, with his California good looks and fit physique, is the perfect choice for Sherlock. Who gains the most from Sir Nigel's death? Eddie! It better not be him or Jayne will be heartbroken. Poor Jayne!
Rebecca Stanton, the festival director, seems nice. She's very wealthy but acknowledges she'd rather have her husband alive than his money and an empty house. She's more nuanced than I expected. I thought she'd be a tyrant and busy throwing money to hush up scandal and make sure the festival is a success. She cares about the festival and wants it to be a success but she's fair and since she hired Sir Nigel, she has to give him a chance to TRY. Pat, the director of the play, is more how I expected Rebecca to act. The two seem to be at odds with one another. Pat doesn't appear in the story much. Gerald is Sir Nigel's personal assistant. Yet another put-upon assistant. Sir Nigel is beastly to Gerald, treating the younger man like a servant doing Sir Nigel's bidding. A large part of Gerald's job is to refill Sir Nigel's glass - and not with water. He's an enabler so I'm not sure I feel too bad for him. I like him for the killer. He has the best motive, he disappeared for a time, his alibi seems a little weak and I can picture him snapping and pushing his employer off a cliff.
I like this series for mindless bedtime reading. I already have the next one on my nightstand ready to read!
This series is fun for mindless entertainment. This one has a little more Sherlock content as it is specific to that one story. I must be the only person in the western hemisphere who has not read it or seen the film so I was disappointed there was a little spoiler. You don't really need to be a Sherlock fan to read this series because it's equal parts books/kitsch and tea. The mystery was really good. I couldn't put it down and I never figured it out. I had to skip ahead to see the reveal and it was unconventional which was nice. I wasn't crazy about the romantic subplots but hopefully things will work out for everyone involved and not drag on too long.
Gemma is CRAZY! As her shop assistant Ashleigh points out, Gemma is never AT work when she's needed. She's always rushing off to do police business when it's not her business. Ashleigh isn't an expert on all things Sherlock and needs help. Uncle Arthur is off jet-setting again. Gemma breaks the law several times to obstruct justice and get ahead of the police. I don't mind her observational skills. She's not any more clever than I am in this one until the reveal. It doesn't take Sherlock to figure out Sir Nigel is way past his prime. He's all washed up. It's over for him. He was rude and arrogant and snobby towards Americans. He only liked Gemma because she's English and though Jayne is beautiful, she's merely the cook. He downright dismissed Leslie, which OK, how is he supposed to remember some bit part actress from three decades ago so I figured out her secret relatively quickly. Not right away but just before Gemma did.
Leslie doesn't have a strong motive to murder Sir Nigel but it doesn't look good for her because she doesn't share everything with the police. I'm sure Detective Estrada would have arrested Leslie if she knew about the pink ruffle. That woman has no understanding of how to do her job. She just picks a suspect and then puts the squeeze on them. Ryan's approach is a little more nuanced. He's kind, considerate and listens but he's still a cop and doesn't like interference in his business. Jayne is unaware of how close her mother is to jail. She's sweet and a great baker but rather innocent for someone who lived in Boston. Gemma is wrong to rope sweet Jayne into sleuthing with her. They're both breaking the law! Gemma even ropes Grant into assisting though he is unaware of it at the time! She doesn't give him a choice. Donald, for once, is not a suspect. He's rather annoying. He's right to sell the signed playbill which is not a poster but a booklet. If it's from Broadway, it's free and they're all over the streets so it would need to be authenticated and graded. That was the part of the story that didn't ring true for me.
New characters are all connected with the festival. Renee Masters is a spoiled, egocentric actress from LA. She's blond, cranky and seems to think she's above the small town theater. Why is she in this production then? Gemma notices Renee must be older than she appears and probably over a certain age which in Hollywood usually spells death of a career. Renee doesn't get into the spirit of things, obey rules or do anything remotely nice or kind. She doesn't even seem to care Sir Nigel is dead. She's more interested in Eddie. Eddie, with his California good looks and fit physique, is the perfect choice for Sherlock. Who gains the most from Sir Nigel's death? Eddie! It better not be him or Jayne will be heartbroken. Poor Jayne!
Rebecca Stanton, the festival director, seems nice. She's very wealthy but acknowledges she'd rather have her husband alive than his money and an empty house. She's more nuanced than I expected. I thought she'd be a tyrant and busy throwing money to hush up scandal and make sure the festival is a success. She cares about the festival and wants it to be a success but she's fair and since she hired Sir Nigel, she has to give him a chance to TRY. Pat, the director of the play, is more how I expected Rebecca to act. The two seem to be at odds with one another. Pat doesn't appear in the story much. Gerald is Sir Nigel's personal assistant. Yet another put-upon assistant. Sir Nigel is beastly to Gerald, treating the younger man like a servant doing Sir Nigel's bidding. A large part of Gerald's job is to refill Sir Nigel's glass - and not with water. He's an enabler so I'm not sure I feel too bad for him. I like him for the killer. He has the best motive, he disappeared for a time, his alibi seems a little weak and I can picture him snapping and pushing his employer off a cliff.
I like this series for mindless bedtime reading. I already have the next one on my nightstand ready to read!
February 5, 2018
Will add a review closer to the release date at request of the Publisher/Netgalley :)
A big thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!
*Sheepish* I am going to admit something. I haven't ever read any Sherlock Holmes. Nor have I seen any movies, plays, television shows or anything like that. At one point Gemma states that the whole world knows the Baskerville story, but I don't. Did that effect a themed cozy for me? Not even a little!
Such is this book with its fun characters, great plot and fast paced writing that a lack of knowledge was no impediment. The book trots along comfortably, and we're revealed just enough hints that we keep up with the murder mystery with ease. Gemma herself is an excellent character, but she's supported by a brilliant cast of reoccurring characters that all add to the mystery. Add to that two fine animal companions and you're close to cozy perfection.
I loved it of course, but I'll wait to post the review until closer to the release. This is a fun mystery series that I'd like to see more of. Five stars!
A big thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!
*Sheepish* I am going to admit something. I haven't ever read any Sherlock Holmes. Nor have I seen any movies, plays, television shows or anything like that. At one point Gemma states that the whole world knows the Baskerville story, but I don't. Did that effect a themed cozy for me? Not even a little!
Such is this book with its fun characters, great plot and fast paced writing that a lack of knowledge was no impediment. The book trots along comfortably, and we're revealed just enough hints that we keep up with the murder mystery with ease. Gemma herself is an excellent character, but she's supported by a brilliant cast of reoccurring characters that all add to the mystery. Add to that two fine animal companions and you're close to cozy perfection.
I loved it of course, but I'll wait to post the review until closer to the release. This is a fun mystery series that I'd like to see more of. Five stars!
January 17, 2018
The Cat of the Baskervilles by Vicki Delany is the third installment of this series.
Gemma is a wonderful main character. She speaks her mind, interferes in police investigations and is a loyal friend.
When her best friend and business partner falls for an actor, Gemma sees through his charade, but won't let it destroy her friendship.
When a well known actor turns out to be a drunk and a scoundrel, Gemma fights to the end to protect her friend's mother.
This book was a delight to read. I enjoy Gemma's spunk and her bluntness. She brings an interesting twist to the series.
The author has created a very likeable character and the cast of secondary characters are just as fun.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for choosing me to read an ARC of this book.
Cozy mystery readers will be delighted to read this book.
Gemma is a wonderful main character. She speaks her mind, interferes in police investigations and is a loyal friend.
When her best friend and business partner falls for an actor, Gemma sees through his charade, but won't let it destroy her friendship.
When a well known actor turns out to be a drunk and a scoundrel, Gemma fights to the end to protect her friend's mother.
This book was a delight to read. I enjoy Gemma's spunk and her bluntness. She brings an interesting twist to the series.
The author has created a very likeable character and the cast of secondary characters are just as fun.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for choosing me to read an ARC of this book.
Cozy mystery readers will be delighted to read this book.
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