Happy Saturday! Vicki Delany is the author of A Year-Round Christmas Mystery series, A Constable Molly Smith series, and A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. As Eva Gates she has written A Lighthouse Library Mystery series (a new one will be out next June). Readers can follow the author on Facebook and Amazon.
Body on Baker Street by Vicki Delany is the second cozy mystery in A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. Gemma Doyle co-owns (and
manages) Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium in West London,
Massachusetts. Gemma is surprised when
author Renalta Van Markoff wishes to set up a last-minute book signing. The day of the signing the store is packed
with fans and things are going smoothly until Donald Morris starts in on
Renalta about her portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in her novels. The author counters Donald’s arguments successfully
and proceeds with signing books. After taking
a drink of water, the author starts gasping and collapses—she is dead. Donald ends up being the prime suspect in the
author’s murder when it is discovered he had the means, motive and
opportunity. Gemma with Jayne’s assistance
sets out to find the killer. One thing
not lacking in this case is suspects. Which
one of them disliked Renalta enough to do her in?
Body on Baker Street is the
second book in the series, but it can be read alone. Everything the reader needs to know is
included in this story. The mystery was
intriguing and I think that many people will be surprised by the killer’s
identity. There are good clues that will
aid readers in solving the crime (armchair sleuths should have no problem in
figuring it out). My rating for Body on Baker Street is 3 out of 5 stars. My
main problem with the series is Gemma Doyle.
Gemma is a difficult character to like (rude, obnoxious, know-it-all). Gemma’s attitude is off-putting (I am
surprised someone has not killed her off).
Her way is the right way and she is always right. I especially did not like her mocking the
police. I appreciate that Gemma is a strong, female protagonist with keen observation skills (everyone knows I prefer strong female main characters). It would have been nice (preferable) if Gemma was more personable. I wish the author had made Jayne
the main character (and we did not get much of Jayne in Body on Baker Street). Most of the investigation involved Gemma
talking to people. I know this is vital
to a good investigation, but it can get tedious (and frustrating). Gemma’s rude attitude when talking to people
was a turnoff (I could not figure out why anyone answered her questions). I can understand why Moriarty (the shop cat)
lashes out at Gemma! The first book in A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series is Elementary, She Read. The Cat of the Baskervilles will be the third installment in this series and it will be out on February 13, 2018.
I appreciate you visiting today. I will be evaluating The Christmas Blessing by Melody Carlson on my next blog posting. May each of you have a nice, relaxing Saturday. Take care and Happy Reading!
Kris
The Avid Reader
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