Elementary She Read A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery by Vicki Delany is a wonderful beginning to a new series. I totally enjoyed this book. As a big Sherlock Holmes fan I was skeptical whether or not I would like this book but was pleasantly surprised how good it was.
Gemma Doyle runs the Sherlock Book Shop and Emporium in West London on Cape Cod 222 Baker Street (don't you just love the address) and her friend Jayne is part owner with her in Mrs. Hudson's Tea Shop. When a woman hides what might be a priceless magazine with Sherlock's first story in it the fun begins. When Gemma finds it and talks Jayne into going with her to talk to the woman they find her dead and the mystery is on. Can Gemma find the killer and clear her name before she becomes a victim or be arrested by the cranky Det. Estrada or her ex boyfriend Det. Ryan Ashburton has to arrest her for the murder?
This is a fantastic, exceptional cozy mystery. Gemma is smart, intuitive, clever, very observant and a very motivated woman who sometimes gets in over her head because of all these characteristics. Jayne is level headed, smart, very honest and a good friend. Gemma is the Sherlock to Jaynes Dr Watson. The whole time I read this I kept thinking Gemma is so much like Sherlock and Jayne Dr. Watson and it made it fun. The mystery is unique and I love the way that the book keeps weaving in facts about Sherlock and the items that collectors look for as well as the obsession people have with all things Sherlock still. The murders, the mystery of the magazine, and just the shop itself makes up a very interesting book. There are so many ways this mystery could resolve and yet just when you think you have it figured out a wrench, so to speak, is thrown into the cog of your reasoning. I like a book that you can't figure out who the culprit is right off the bat, but that when it is ended you are surprised yet delighted at the outcome. This book is just that.
Besides the wonderful setting of Cape Cod, the teashop and bookstore the characters combine to make this an excellent book. I think Gemma could be someone I would love to hang out with. She is so observant, that sometimes it really gets her into trouble. She says in the book, "I'm so clever I chased away the man who loved me, and my best friend's starting to find me exasperating to be around." Her character and all her quirkiness is what really helps this to be an exceptional book. Jayne is just naive and honest enough that her and Gemma are opposites yet they make up a good combination and team. This just makes the book flow.What would a book be without a cantankerous policeman to be out to get Gemma and Det. Estrada fits the bill. She is someone you love to hate and makes for a perfect nemesis for Gemma. I can see them butt heads in the books to come. Det Ryan Ashburton the long lost love of Gemma adds an extra dimension to the mystery and book. I am hoping that they will pursue a new relationship in books to come too.
So in recap, you have a great mystery, a unique awesome setting, romance, many suspects and a quirky reason for murder and a surprise ending. It adds up to a book you can't put down.
This is going to be a new favorite series for me and I can not wait for the next one to come out. If you read only one new series this year I hope you read this book and series, I don't think you will be disappointed.
If you want to learn more about this book and author you can check out her website at
http://vickidelany.com/
If you want to purchase this book check out
https://www.amazon.com/Elementary-She-Read-Sherlock-Bookshop-ebook/dp/B01MT6H7O1/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1489504854&sr=8-1&keywords=sherlock+she+read
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/elementary-she-read-vicki-delany/1124463795?ean=9781683310969
I received this book from the author and publisher for my honest opinion and review.
UNTIL NEXT TIME:
GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE, A GOOD BOOK AND KEEP ON READING!