Book Description Review Praise for There’s A Murder Afoot:“A treat for Holmes fans with plenty of twists and turns in the best Sherlock-ian style.”—Kirkus Reviews”The smart Gemma, the steadfast loyalty of her circle, and the intriguing art milieu keep the reader turning the pages. Cozy fans who are Sherlockians will have fun.”—Publishers Weekly“A fun read…This book is for any reader who likes Sherlock Holmes, whether a dyed-in-the-wool devotee of the Great Detective or merely having a passing acquaintance.”—New York Journal of Books”There’s a Murder Afoot is another fun read in this smart series.”—MyShelf“As soon as you start reading you feel like you are back with some old friends…I could not turn the pages fast enough.”—Cozy Mystery Book ReviewsPraise for the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mysteries:“Delightful…Cozy fans fond of Sherlock Holmes will have fun.”—Publishers Weekly, on The Cat of the Baskervilles“A twisty plot and an engaging main character. This series will appeal both to cozy readers and to Holmesians.”—Booklist, on Body on Baker Street“These books are so much fun and so well-done, it is clear that Delany is in love with her characters as much as her die-hard fans are.”—Suspense Magazine, on Scandal in Scarlet“[Gemma Doyle] instantly became one of my favorite sleuths…Elementary, She Read is cozy in the best possible way…Holmes enthusiasts will enjoy Gemma’s almost Sherlockian attention to detail as well as the many nods to those who have created pastiches of the world created by Arthur Conan Doyle.”—Fresh Fiction, on Elementary, She Read Read more About the Author Vicki Delany is a bestselling author of more than thirty novels/novellas in several of mystery’s subgenres. Born in Manitoba and raised in Ontario, she is the former president of the Crime Writers of Canada, a member of Capital Crime Writers, and a member of Sisters in Crime. There’s a Murder Afoot is her 35th novel. Read more Customers Review: What a great romp thru London! Gemma’s in London for a Sherlock Holmes convention, one where she is to deliver a talk and pick up an award being given to her uncle Arthur. To add to the fun, many of her friends are along for the ride, Jayne, Donald, Grant and Ryan are all there to join in a vacation and lend support. When Gemma’s long lost black sheep uncle shows up, Gemma didn’t even know he existed, and is then murdered leaving her Dad as a suspect you know Gemma will not sit idly by.What follows is an interesting run thru London that makes for a lot of fun and excitement. I love this series and this one is the best so far!!!!!
I like this series. Great fun to read.
Loved it. All twists and turns
There’s a Murder Afoot by Vicki Delany may be the fifth installment in A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery, but it can be read on its own. The author includes the necessary background a new reader needs. This is my favorite book in the series. I found it to be well-written and it moved along at a steady clip. I enjoyed the author’s descriptions of London, the conference and especially the beautiful costumes worn by some of the attendees including Donald. Donald was in seventh heaven with all the Sherlock Holmes people he could talk to and the various places for him to visit including the Sherlock Holmes Museum. Gemma is enjoying spending time with her parent’s and being back in London. She just did not count on getting involved in a murder investigation (she really should have anticipated this turn of events). I like the humor injected into the story. The lengths they went to keep her friends occupied while she is out investigating and then there were Arthur’s antics at the bookstore. Gemma should have known things would not go smoothly with Arthur. The mystery was thought out with several suspects and good clues. I found it interesting and enjoyed following the investigation. The police in Scotland Yard did not appreciate Gemma’s interference any more than those back home in West London, Massachusetts. But Gemma had Pippa on her side. Pippa’s may say she is a clerk, but her job is complex, mysterious and suits her intellect (would have suited Gemma as well). I like how the mystery played out and the resolution. I like Gemma’s attention to detail and how it plays into the solving of the mystery. While I was not surprised by the guilty party (or who was murdered), I was entertained which is the purpose of this delightful tale. I look forward to the next A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery. My one wish is for West London to get a different detective who appreciates Gemma’s insights. There’s a Murder Afoot is a diverting cozy mystery with a black sheep sibling, a discriminatory detective, surplus of Sherlock, a vexing uncle, a sister’s secretive situation, and a parent’s puzzling predicament.*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book. I am not required to leave a review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
There’s a Murder Afoot is the fifth book in A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. Gemma Doyle is the central character, and she lives in West London, Massachusetts, where she manages and co-owns the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium. Gemma has flown to London for a weekend Sherlock Holmes conference. A small group of fellow West Londoners, who are a salient part of the story, accompany Gemma on her trip. Gemma’s parents and sister, who live in London, also meet up with Gemma and her companions. Imagine Gemma’s surprise when she meets her uncle, whom she did not know existed, at the conference. Gemma’s life becomes complicated when her uncle is murdered, and her father is found at the crime scene with no recollection of how he ended up there. The detective inspector put in charge of the case allows his bias of Gemma’s dad to hinder his investigation, so Gemma and her sister unite in their efforts to prove their father’s innocence.Vicki Delany has written a delightful mystery that includes not only references to fictional Sherlock Holmes stories and TV shows but also to locations where Holmes and Watson traversed. Great dialogue and detailed descriptions of places and individuals visited by Gemma provide readers with a clear mental picture of what everything and everyone looks like. Major problems at the shop in London up the tension in the story even more. Since Gemma plans to stay in London until she finds the real culprit, how much will the business be affected before she flies home? Will she succeed in her endeavor or will her father be convicted for the killing of Gemma’s uncle? The story comes to a close with an exciting final climax and a gratifying ending. Enough backstory is provided that it can be read as a stand-alone book. However, I want to find out more about Gemma’s involvement in police cases in West London that are alluded to in the story, so I plan to read the first four books in the series.
There’s A Murder Afoot is the 5th book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series and it might be one of my favorite series ever. This book did not disappoint. One of my favorite cozy authors is Vicki Delany, I always think that she is writing books just for me. Vicki takes her main character Gemma and some of her colorful friends from West London, MA to London to attend a Sherlock Holmes Convention. It is a positive delight and it is the first cozy I have read in over a year and makes me remember why I love cozies. While I do not have many cozies in my TBR pile I can always trust Vicki to deliver an amazing story and make me feel like I am wrapped up in a plush blanket in front of the fire!I received an advanced copy of this book and chose to write an honest review! |
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