Body on Baker Street: A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery
by Vicki Delany
Body on Baker Street: A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Crooked Lane Books (September 12, 2017)
Hardcover: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1683312994
E-Book ASIN: B06XW3K7F5
Gemma Doyle and Jayne Wilson are busy managing the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium on Baker Street and adjoining Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room in anticipation of the store’s upcoming book signing with the illustrious Renalta Van Markoff, author of the controversial Hudson and Holmes mystery series. But during the author Q&A session, dedicated Sherlockian Donald Morris verbally attacks Renalta and her series for disgracing Sherlock’s legacy, only to be publicly humiliated when the author triumphantly lashes back and gains the upper hand. That is until Renalta collapses on the table―dead.
Donald insists he didn’t do it and pleads to his friends to clear his name. Fortunately, Gemma and Jayne have no shortage of suspects between author’s bullied personal assistant, her frustrated publicist, the hapless publisher, a handsome rare book dealer, an obsessively rabid fan, and a world of other Sherlock enthusiasts with strong objections to Renalta’s depiction of the Great Detective. It’s up to the shrewd sleuthing duo to eliminate the impossible and deduce the truth before the West London police arrest an innocent man in Body on Baker Street, the second Sherlock Homes Bookshop mystery perfect for fans of Miranda James and Kate Carlisle.
My Review
Along with her uncle, Arthur, Gemma Doyle is co-owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium. Their shop is connected to her friend Jayne’s Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room. Gemma is thrilled when she’s asked to host a popular mystery author in her shop for a book signing event. It’s very short notice, but that’s not going to stop Gemma. This is a chance to make her bookstore a success and she’s not going to let it slip by. With help from Jayne, they quickly get both shops ready to accommodate the event.
Bestselling author Renalta Van Markoff has a huge following for her Hudson and Holmes mystery series. It doesn’t take long for word to get out about the book signing. The day of the event, Gemma finds herself with a packed house including all kinds of people - from obsessive fans to handsome book collectors. There’s also a devoted Sherlock fan who publicly attacks Renalta for ruining the Sherlock legacy. Plus, another person making wild accusations against Renalta. All of this leads to Renalta’s untimely death and possible murder.
With quite a few suspects in the mix, Gemma fears the police are going in the wrong direction in their investigation. So, she lends a helping hand, whether they want it or not.
This is the second book in the “A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery” series. I didn’t read the first one, but I don’t feel as if I missed anything. There is enough information in this book so readers don’t feel lost at all.
The characters are strong, well-developed and intriguing. There is even a cute cat named Moriarity. This felt like a classic cozy murder mystery. The perfect setting in a Sherlock Holmes bookstore in a small town.
Vicki Delany gets your attention from page one and doesn’t let you go. It’s a quick read and an enjoyable way to spend a few hours. I’ve read other series by this author and she certainly knows how to write clever cozy mystery series. She’s a proven expert at bringing mysteries to life. I'm already looking forward to book three and, yes, I'll be going back to read the first one.
For reading challenges:
Cloak & Dagger Reading Challenge 2017
Craving for Cozies Reading Challenge 2017
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Vicki Delany is one of Canada’s most prolific and varied crime writers and a national bestseller in the U.S. She has written more than twenty-five books: clever cozies to Gothic thrillers to gritty police procedurals, to historical fiction and novellas for adult literacy. Under the name of Eva Gates, she writes the Lighthouse Library cozy series for Penguin Random House. Her latest book is Body on Baker Street, the second in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series from Crooked Lane.
Vicki is the past president of the Crime Writers of Canada. Her work has been nominated for the Derringer, the Bony Blithe, the Ontario Library Association Golden Oak, and the Arthur Ellis Awards.
www.vickidelany.com Facebook: Vicki Delany & Eva Gates and twitter: @vickidelany and @evagatesauthor
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COzys with a cat cover are always the best ;)
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed first in this series, and cannot believe I missed the news about this one! UGH. :/
ReplyDeleteThis is a new series to me. I would like to read more about the Sherlock Holmes Bookstore. Sounds like a great series.
ReplyDeleteThis is a new series to me. I would like to read more about the Sherlock Holmes Bookstore. Sounds like a great series.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great series, thanks for your review.
ReplyDelete