A Curious Incident: A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery

A Curious Incident by Vicki Delany is the 6th 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.

Sixth in its exciting series, A Curious Incident shows Gemma Doyle at her very best at “not investigating” a recent murder Cape Cod’s in West London. I enjoyed this novel even more than the earlier ones in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. There are several reasons for this, including the eleven-year-old girl who wants to hire her as a consulting detective, and a vulnerability that isn’t part of Gemma’s usual pragmatic persona. The characters are drawn with excellence as demonstrated through their conversations and behaviors, and rich descriptions invite one into each scene. The mystery was fascinating. While I had an idea whodunit, there were a couple very appealing red herrings that distracted me. The summer tourist season is in full swing, and business is booming at the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, owned by Gemma and her great-uncle Arthur. Tour buses arrive throughout the day, and business hours are extended. Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room, adjoining the Emporium, is equally busy with tourists and locals alike. Jayne, Gemma’s best friend, is a partner in Mrs. Hudson’s with Gemma and Arthur; her baked goods and tea service are popular year-round. Sheila and her daughter Lauren are regular customers at Mrs. Hudson’s. Lauren heard from her aunt Irene that Gemma has solved mysteries that police were unable to. Lauren is desperate, wanting Gemma to find her kitten, Snowball, missing for two days. Not a fan of cats and trying to keep her fragile relationship with the love of her life, Ryan, stable, Gemma is not doing any investigating. Even for cats. It is totally by accident that she finds Snowball and takes the fluffy feline to her ecstatic owner. Fast forward a week. It is the day after the West London Garden Club’s annual summer garden tour. On the morning of the tour, Sheila found that her amazing garden had been vandalized, decimated, during the night. Furious, she was believed her former friend and competitor, Anna, had done the deed and accosted her publicly. Anna won the trophy later that day for the best garden. That night, when Anna was walking her dog, she was killed in a nearby park from a blow to the head. Lauren returned to the Emporium to hire Gemma to find whodunit, as her mother Sheila is the main suspect after her confrontation with Anna. Gemma doesn’t want to investigate and tries to stay out of it but sees how heartbroken Lauren is. Gemma begins to hear rumors, and when Sheila disappears, leaving Lauren alone, wants to help her young houseguest. When an attack intended against Gemma harms someone she loves, the gloves come off. What a fabulous novel! There are many good things, including wonderful changes for Jayne. Gemma is at the top of her game, sifting through conversations and clues. I did have a pet suspect, but was uncertain of the motive, so I continued to consider a couple other people. Several secrets came out, some of which showed much stronger motives for Sheila. I enjoy Gemma more now than ever as we see more of her heart for others as well as her brilliance at solving mysteries. I was very satisfied with the overall outcome and look forward to more from Gemma and Jayne. I highly recommend this to fans of the author and series, well-written cozy mysteries, Sherlock Holmes, and observant female sleuths. From a thankful heart: I received an e-arc of this novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

amateur-sleuth, cosy-mystery, family-dynamics, friendship, law-enforcement, murder-investigation, pets, suspense, verbal-humor, small-business, small-town***** Even though this is sixth in series, that doesn't in any way spoil the fun if the reader hasn't yet read the others. Set in the small Massachusetts town of West London in Cape Cod, British ex-pat Gemma Doyle Gemma tries her best to stay out of the crime described adequately in the publisher's blurb. I was somewhat surprised and disappointed that the boyfriend came across more as an insecure cop becoming more of a bully than in previous books, so I wonder what will come of that. I like her relationship (or lack of one) with bookstore cat Moriarty and her devotion to her dog, Violet. The story is entertaining as well as humorous which is the perfect combination. Of course I enjoyed it! I requested and received a free ebook copy from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. Thank you!