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robinwalter's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
1.0
This series started off with some promise, a hyper-observant Sherlockian bookstore owner whose Holmesian personality caused personal difficulties in addition to enhancing her deductive skills. Sadly, it was all downhill from there. In this book, right from the time the murder is discovered she conceals evidence from the police and has no qualms about doing so. She also has no compunction in ignoring the police and admitting as much. A gifted amateur sleuth is one thing, an arrogant lawbreaker who contemns the police and is unshakably convinced of her own inerrant rightness is quite another. Throw in increasingly sloppy writing including repeated indications that the author is unclear of the difference between "English" and "British" and the only conclusion possible is that the only reason I made it to the conclusion is that I wanted to see what the "didn't see that coming" ending was raved about in so many of the "fair, honest reviews" from recipients of ARCs. It was, of course, an ending that was really not that surprising. Equally unsurprising is that this book is the end of my experiment with this series.
calypte's review against another edition
3.0
Light, easy read - still enjoying my forays into cosy mysteries set in bookshops. This isn't quite as good as the previous two installments in the series, however, although it still leaves me craving scones!
Full review on my blog.
Full review on my blog.
magpie_books's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kab599's review against another edition
5.0
The Cat of the Baskervilles by Vicky Delany is the third installment of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. The series pays homage to the great Sherlock Holmes and creatively entwines Sherlock facts throughout the books. As the series progresses and the author digs deeper into the lives, loves and murder in West London it keeps getting better! Delany’s writing style uniquely adds trivia, humor and love to each murder mystery.
Gemma, the main character, is acutely observant, cognitively on a different level and blunt, however those are exactly the traits that make her a great main character and amateur sleuth. Her sensible friend and usually unwilling accomplice, Jayne, is a good balance to Gemma, just like Holmes and Watson.
This book introduces the reader to additional residents of West London and continues to develop the existing characters. Jayne’s family is a central focus which allows for a deeper understanding of her character and family.
Gemma’s love triangle continues to blossom with a cliff hanger at the end that will leave the reader, especially this one anxiously awaiting book 4!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Gemma, the main character, is acutely observant, cognitively on a different level and blunt, however those are exactly the traits that make her a great main character and amateur sleuth. Her sensible friend and usually unwilling accomplice, Jayne, is a good balance to Gemma, just like Holmes and Watson.
This book introduces the reader to additional residents of West London and continues to develop the existing characters. Jayne’s family is a central focus which allows for a deeper understanding of her character and family.
Gemma’s love triangle continues to blossom with a cliff hanger at the end that will leave the reader, especially this one anxiously awaiting book 4!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
pugmomsbookblog's review against another edition
4.0
Another well planned mystery by Vicki Delany! The setting is so much fun it makes me want to visit Gemma and Jayne! I could go for a scone and some Sherlock Holmes pastiche!
I was not a fan of this particular narrator and I think I would have enjoyed it more if I read a print copy.
I was not a fan of this particular narrator and I think I would have enjoyed it more if I read a print copy.
readinglover22's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
valerielong's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 rounded up.
I've been excitedly awaiting this one since I found out it was coming out last September! It didn't disappoint! I liked this one the most so far in the series. This whole series has been terrific, but this is my favorite so far!
The characters in this series are great. I really enjoy reading about them and their relationships with one another. Gemma occasionally gets on my nerves, but she's somewhat designed to do that. Jayne is my favorite along with Ryan. :) I just love the two of them. The characters are all very well-developed and complex characters. Characters are what keeps me reading a series and these are definitely some of my favorites!
This plot line was a little more complex than it seemed on the surface. I definitely don't always agree with the way Gemma investigates, but what I see as somewhat reckless, she sees as the logical option in the moment. I really had no idea about the villain until it was revealed. I was looking at the right group of people, but I wasn't sure who out of that group was actually the guilty one.
If your a fan of Sherlock Holmes or just a good mystery in general, this series is excellent! Vicky Delany's writing is smooth and easy to read. It's entertaining and each installment in this series is a joy!
I've been excitedly awaiting this one since I found out it was coming out last September! It didn't disappoint! I liked this one the most so far in the series. This whole series has been terrific, but this is my favorite so far!
The characters in this series are great. I really enjoy reading about them and their relationships with one another. Gemma occasionally gets on my nerves, but she's somewhat designed to do that. Jayne is my favorite along with Ryan. :) I just love the two of them. The characters are all very well-developed and complex characters. Characters are what keeps me reading a series and these are definitely some of my favorites!
This plot line was a little more complex than it seemed on the surface. I definitely don't always agree with the way Gemma investigates, but what I see as somewhat reckless, she sees as the logical option in the moment. I really had no idea about the villain until it was revealed. I was looking at the right group of people, but I wasn't sure who out of that group was actually the guilty one.
If your a fan of Sherlock Holmes or just a good mystery in general, this series is excellent! Vicky Delany's writing is smooth and easy to read. It's entertaining and each installment in this series is a joy!
holtfan's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this one but I think it lacked the romantic tension that a book 3 in a cozy series needs. The plot itself felt creative and different from the others so far. But Gemma's curmudgeonly attitude and keen observation skills only carry a series so far. A love triangle has been set up...it needs to be used. Or the preexisting romantic tension needs more exploitation. Something other than the usual interactions with the usual cast and crew.
But I'm really enjoying this series and looking forward to more!
But I'm really enjoying this series and looking forward to more!
_kristiew_'s review against another edition
5.0
Excellent book! My favorite in the series so far. I think Gemma has come quite far since the first book in realizing how much information is too much info when deducing things to people. I also appreciate that some things happen “off page” and Gemma mentions them after the fact. Not every detail needs to be relayed as it happens.
I truly had no idea who killed the victim, I was quite surprised at the reveal. I enjoyed everything about this book!
I truly had no idea who killed the victim, I was quite surprised at the reveal. I enjoyed everything about this book!
mainebookworm22's review against another edition
4.0
Another great installment in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. A bit slower than the other two previous books, but it is always fun revisiting Gemma and her friend, Jayne as they get involved with the mystery surrounding the death of Sir Nigel. A great cozy mystery---fun cast of characters, beautiful setting, and plenty of mentions of books and food. What's not to love. I highly recommend this series.
Thank you to Netgalley and Crooked Lane for a copy of this book to read.
Thank you to Netgalley and Crooked Lane for a copy of this book to read.