The Devil in the Details by Vicki Delany

 The Devil in the Details

Book Summary

The game is once again afoot in Vicki Delany’s eleventh Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mystery, when birthday festivities end in freezing-cold murder.

Gemma Doyle is excited about celebrating Jayne Wilson’s big day. It’s supposed to mark not only the birthday of Jayne, her partner in crime, but also that of the Great Detective himself. Following the festivities at the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, Gemma heads for the Blue Water Café, the site of Jayne’s party. To make things even better, Jayne’s wedding is only a week away.

But the much-anticipated affair quickly turns to disaster with the presence of the bride and groom’s respective exes in attendance and other unruly guests. With drama at every corner, Gemma and Jayne take a break on the chilly deck overlooking the ocean when they spot the body of a party attendee floating in the water below.

As Detective Ryan Ashburton takes a closer look at the guest list, Jayne’s wedding is in peril, especially when it is revealed that her fiancé, Andy, is a prime suspect. With the police closing in and more lives on the line, it’s up to Gemma to keep Andy from prison and save Jayne’s wedding day from ruin.

My Thoughts

The Devil in the Details by Vicki Delany is not what I expected.  The story started with too much information.  The author introduces Gemma, Jayne, Ashley, Great Uncle Arthur, Ryan, along with other characters and animals.  The town is described as well as the bookshop, tearoom, Uncle Arthur’s home (where Gemma resides as well), and the Blue Water Café run by Jayne’s fiancé.  Jayne's birthday party is that evening at the Blue Water Café, and we learn all the details. With her wedding in a week, Gemma also shares the latest updates.  The content is excessively detailed and progresses at a slow pace.  

The mysteries were straightforward (at least I thought so).  On the first death, Gemma waffles between suicide, accident, and murder.  However, she investigates it as a murder.  Gemma, as usual, keeps details from the police.   The ending felt unsatisfying, serving mainly to prove Gemma was correct.  The narrative moved slowly, with minimal action and recurring information.  The Devil in the Details is the eleventh A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery, it can be read as a standalone.  Clearly, I didn't find The Devil in the Details enjoyable—a letdown, especially since I had high expectations for this story.

The Devil in the Details is available from Amazon*.  While The Devil in the Details was not up my alley, I enjoyed the previous book in the series which is The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime (Kindle version currently on sale for $2.99).  Vicki Delany also writes under the pen name Eva Gates and Eva Gates has Whose Body in the Library coming out on June 9.  It is the thirteenth A Lighthouse Library Mystery.  Thank you for dropping by today.  I will return on Wednesday, January 7 with The Shop on Hidden Lane by Jayne Ann Krentz.  Have you set a reading goal for 2026?  It was the hot topic on Facebook this weekend.  Personally, I feel that it does not matter how many books that you read as long as you read.  It should be about finding stories that resonate with you, so that you have a fulfilling reading experience (quality instead of quantity).  I hope that you have an upbeat day.  Take care, stay warm, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*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.

*This post contains affiliate links.

The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime by Vicki Delany

The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime

Book Summary

Bookshop owner Gemma Doyle heads to London for a wedding, but when a body is found in connection with a rare book, Gemma sets out to sleuth the slaying in bestselling author Vicki Delany's tenth Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mystery.

Gemma Doyle and her friends have packed their bags and headed to London for her sister Pippa’s wedding. Waiting for her in the hotel lobby is none other than Gemma’s ex-husband, Paul Erikson. Paul has a rare book he wants her to see—calling it “the real deal”—so Gemma agrees to meet him at their old shop, Trafalgar Fine Books, the following day. But when Gemma arrives, accompanied by Grant, a rare book dealer, they find Paul dead in his office.

Kensington Row Houses

Paul had been down on his luck, but Gemma never expected this. Had he borrowed money from people he shouldn’t have? And where is the valuable book he was so anxious for Gemma to see? It’s nowhere to be found in the shop. Because of their previous relationship, Gemma feels she owes something to Paul and vows to find his killer.

As Gemma and her best friend Jayne Wilson follow Paul’s trail of friends, enemies, clients, and ex-lovers through London to Yorkshire, she realizes the puzzle of Paul’s last days is more twisted than she originally thought.

This mystery is anything but elementary, and Gemma and Jayne have to use all their wit to get to the bottom of it before their time in London—or in life—is over.

My Thoughts

The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime by Vicki Delany has Gemma Doyle and her friends in London for Pippa’s wedding.  Naturally, a murder occurs, and the victim is none other than Gemma’s ex-husband.  Gemma, Jayne, and Pippa set out to learn what Paul became involved in that got him killed.  I love the characters in this series.  They are an amusing bunch except Pippa who is more serious (and has excellent connections). I enjoyed the descriptions of London and the various places that the group visited.  It was obvious that the author enjoyed writing these sections and I liked reading them.  

The whodunit is one that can be solved not long after DI Patel (she received a promotion) arrives at the dusty bookshop.  The reason for the guilty party committing the murder is weak.  This was a satisfactory story, but it is not my favorite installment in the series.  The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime is the tenth A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  We get a teaser at the end of what is going to occur in the next book.  The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime transports readers to London with a delightful wedding, an incommodious ex-husband, a grubby bookshop, curious clues, a bar brawl, a troublesome tail, and distressing news from West London.

The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime is available from Amazon as well as other booksellers (such as Barnes & Noble, BAM, Kobo).  You can find the other books in A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries here.  You should check out Vicki Delany's other cozy mysteries.  Vicki Delany has Tea with Jam and Dread coming out July 29. It is sixth A Tea by the Sea Mystery.  Thank you for stopping by today (I really do appreciate it).  I will return on Tuesday, January 21, when I am a stop on the Celebrate Lit Tour for A Year of Flowers by Suzanne Woods Fisher.  I hope that you have a contented day. It is in the 50s today in Florida (too cold).  I am going to lounge on the couch, so I can huddle under my electric blanket and read a book (or two).  Take care, stay warm, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*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.

A Three Book Problem by Vicki Delany

 A Three Book Problem

Book Summary

Gemma Doyle is back on the case in bestselling author Vicki Delany's seventh Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mystery when a poisoned dart ends in demise.

It's a crisp, early October weekend, and business is slowing down as fall descends at the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium and adjacent Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room. Wealthy philanthropist and prominent Sherlockian David Masterson has rented Suffolk Gardens House, where he plans to entertain his friends in a traditional English country house weekend.

As the chosen caterers, Jayne Wilson and Gemma Doyle get to work preparing lavish meals and setting up Sherlockian books and props for entertainment. Meanwhile, police detective Ryan Ashburton has taken time away from his duties to assist in the kitchen. It quickly becomes apparent that David's guests don't like each other--or their host. Plus, some of them aren't even acquainted with the adventures of the Great Detective.

Before Gemma can ponder their relationships a poisoned dart sails through the window of the library, presenting Gemma Doyle with a three-book problem.

My Thoughts

A Three Book Problem by Vicki Delany has Gemma Doyle along with Jayne Watson and Detective Ryan Ashburton are heading to Suffolk Gardens House to cater a Sherlockian weekend for Mr. David Masterson.  It is going to be a traditional English country garden weekend with delectable delights from Jayne and plenty of talk about Sherlock Holmes.  Ryan has put aside his detective’s badge to don an apron to help Jayne in the kitchen.  Gemma soon notices that several of the guests know nothing about the Great Detective nor do they seem to like their host.  On the second day, Gemma is in the library with David.  He stops talking midsentence and collapses.  Gemma rushes over to assist David and finds a dart in his neck.  The EMTs are quick to arrive, but it is too late for David.  Ryan ditches his apron to take up his detective badge.  One of the houseguests did David in.  Gemma who cannot resist a mystery begins searching for clues and subtlety questioning the guests.  Can Gemma with help from her friends sets out to bag a killer?

A Three Book Problem is the seventh A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  I thought the story was well-written with developed characters and good dialogue.  It was nice to check in with Gemma, Jayne, and Ryan.  I like the premise of a country house weekend where a murder takes place.  I thought, though, that the pacing was slow.  The story dragged from beginning to end.  The book lacked humor and action.  The mystery had a unique method of murder which I loved.  The identity of the killer was not a mystery to me.  There are obvious clues to help readers solve the crime long before the reveal.  The reason why can be figured out as well.  It all wraps up at the end without much help from Ryan (who I find frustrating).  I believe scenes could have been eliminated that would have helped this story.  The book needed a good jolt of caffeine.  While this was not my favorite book, it will not stop me from picking up the next A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery.  A Three Book Problem has Doyle and Watson on the hunt for a killer at a country estate with a deadly dart, ungrateful guests, scrumptious cuisine, Sherlockian folklore, dedicated detectives, and a crumbling manor house.

A Three Book Problem is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other novels in A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery here.  Check out Vicki Delany's other cozy mysteries.  Vicki Delany has Murder Spills the Tea publishing July 26.  It is the third A Tea by the Sea Mystery. I appreciate you stopping by today and reading my review.  I am featuring Nursing Her Amish Neighbor by Marta Perry tomorrow.  It is the sixth book in the Brides of Lost Creek series.   I hope that you have a day filled with joy.  Smiling and laughing is good for your health.  I am working at sorting through our shed.  It needs organization desperately.  I need to fit in all my Christmas decorations (I went a little overboard).  I am determined to get everything in there.  Wish me luck.  Take care, stay safe, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

A Curious Incident by Vicki Delany

 

Book Summary

A Curious Incident by Vicki Delany has Gemma Doyle being asked to locate eleven-year-old, Lauren Tierney’s her missing cat, Snowball.  Gemma insists that she is not a consulting detective and cannot help Lauren.  Gemma is walking Violet that evening when the dog leads her to the neighbors shed.  Gemma finds the missing cat inside that she returns to a grateful Lauren.  Gemma believes that is the end of it until Lauren returns a few days later with $10 for a retainer.  Lauren’s mother, Sheila is the prime suspect in the murder of Anna Wentworth, her garden club rival with whom she had a very public incident.  Gemma, of course, cannot help but be curious about the case and decides to do a little digging which earns her the disapproval of her beau, Detective Ryan Ashburton.  Gemma along with her best friend, Jayne Wilson question members of the garden club plus uses her keen powers of observation to uncover some helpful clues.  The killer is not happy with Gemma’s sleuthing and decides to remove her from the game.  Will Gemma be alive long enough to prove Sheila Tierney’s innocence or will Ryan have two murder cases to solve?

My Thoughts

A Curious Incident by Vicki Delany is the 6^th A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series or if you have missed a book or two.  I thought A Curious Incident was well-written with developed characters and steady pacing.  Gemma Doyle is a unique protagonist.  Gemma is an Englishwoman who lives in West London, Massachusetts where she manages the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, which she co-owns with her uncle Arthur.  Gemma has a keen eye for detail.  She notices things and makes connections that others miss.  I enjoyed the Sherlock Holmes references in the story as well.  West London is a charming small town filled with quaint shops.  There is a cast of residents that suit a small town (gossipy woman who compete against each other).  Lauren was a great addition to the story.  She is such a sweetie.  I enjoyed the interactions between Lauren and Gemma.  I also love Gemma’s sweet neighbor, Mrs. Ramsbatten.  She has such an interesting past.  The whodunit had several suspects, a red herring, and good clues.  There was one aspect of the case that I found unique.  I enjoyed following Gemma as she questioned people and discovered clues.  It is fascinating how her mind works.  The one thing I am not a fan of is the relationship between Ryan and Gemma.  I do not feel any sparks between them in this book and I did not like how Ryan treated Gemma.  I am hoping someone new will come to town who will be a better match for Gemma.  A Curious Incident was a delight to read.  I am eager for the next book in this engaging series.  A Curious Incident is an entertaining cozy mystery with a missing moggy, a troubled tween, a clever canine, a disgruntled detective, a grouchy gardener, and a snoopy shop owner.  

A Curious Incident can be obtained from Amazon*.  You can find the other five A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery novels here.  Vicki Delany has Murder in a Teacup coming out on July 27.  It is the 2nd A Tea by the Sea Mystery.  Thank you for stopping by today and reading my review.  I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour tomorrow for The Broken Spine by Dorothy St. James.  It is the debut of A Beloved Bookroom Mystery.  Make sure you visit to learn more about this new cozy mystery.  I hope that you have a day filled with smiles.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

There's a Murder Afoot by Vicki Delany

Greetings!   Vicki Delany is the author of A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series, Constable Molly Smith Mysteries, A Year-Round Christmas Mysteries, Ashley Grant Mysteries, and as Eva Gates A Lighthouse Library Mystery series. She also published a couple of standalone suspense novels--Burden of Memory and More Than Sorrow).  Vicki is a national bestseller in the United States and one of Canada's most prolific and varied crime writers.  She is a former computer programmer and systems analyst.  Vicki lives and writes in Prince Edward County, Ontario.  

There’s a Murder Afoot by Vicki Delany is the fifth A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery.  Gemma Doyle along with Ryan Ashburton, Jayne Wilson, Grant Thompson and Donald Morris are in London, England for the Sherlock Holmes in the Modern World Conference.  Gemma is looking forward to spending time with her parents as well as her sister, Pippa (well, not Pippa so much).  Things take a turn for the worse when Henry Doyle, Gemma’s father, recognizes a man staring at them at the pub.  It is Randolph Denhaugh who is Anne Doyle’s, Gemma’s mother, black sheep brother whom they have not seen since the night he stole the John Constable painting from his parents’ home.  Henry confronts Randy to tell him to stay away from Anne, but Randy was never one to listen.  At the banquet, Gemma accepts an award on behalf of her uncle, Arthur.  Gemma notices Randy slip away with her father disappearing soon after.  Everyone is ready to depart, but Henry has yet to reappear.  Then a server comes screaming out of a nearby room.  Gemma rushes into the room to find Randy dead on the floor with Henry kneeled by him with his hand on the rope encasing Randy’s neck.  Detective Sam Morrison is assigned the case and he is thrilled that his old colleague, Henry is a suspect (oh no).  Gemma along with Pippa and her friends set out to prove Henry’s innocence and find the guilty party.

There’s a Murder Afoot by Vicki Delany may be the fifth installment in A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series, but it can be read on its own.  The author includes the necessary background information 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.

There's a Murder Afoot is available at major booksellers including Amazon*.  You can find the list of the books in A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series here.  Thank you for stopping in today.  I will be participating in the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour for Bound for Murder by Victoria Gilbert tomorrow.  It is the fourth A Blue Ridge Library Mystery.  May you have an inspiring day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.

Body on Baker Street: A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery

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