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theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
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.
kimlb's review against another edition
5.0
The ending on this one! Sweetest ending to a book ever.
I think this series would make excellent movies for the Hallmark Mystery and Movie channel.
I think this series would make excellent movies for the Hallmark Mystery and Movie channel.
kimdavishb's review against another edition
5.0
A CURIOUS INCIDENT is the sixth book in the Sherlock Bookshop Mysteries by Vicki Delany, and with this newest addition, confirms why this series is one of my favorites! Protagonist Gemma Doyle, may at times, be an abrupt quirky character and can be a bit off-putting to some. From my viewpoint though, I’ve found her to be a refreshing change from the typical amateur sleuth in cozy mysteries. And with the Sherlock Bookshop that she co-owns with her uncle, her personality fits into the character of the great detective himself: hyper-observant, methodical analyzation of facts, and no hesitation in offering opinions. That said, in this newest book, the author has expanded Gemma’s personality and shown a softer, more caring side via her interaction with 10-year-old Lauren. Plus there’s a greater interjection of humor throughout the storyline. British Gemma’s misuse of American words had me laughing several times and overall the book has a cheerful feel, despite the murder.
The story starts out with Lauren deciding she has to hire Gemma to find her cat, no matter that Gemma says she can’t do it. But Gemma’s dog, Violet, comes to the rescue and solves the case. Shortly thereafter, Lauren is back and hires Gemma to prove her mom’s innocence in a murder she’s been accused of committing. From there the reader is taken on an engaging page turner as Gemma struggles to do what’s best for Lauren and keep her detective boyfriend from getting angry over her investigations. Not only does Ms. Delany write a strong character-driven story, her well-plotted mystery is solid. With some twists and turns I didn’t see coming and plenty of suspects unearthed to keep me guessing, I was entertained with each turn of the page. I didn’t want to put it down even though I wanted to slowly savor the read since I’ll have to impatiently wait another year before the next book releases.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The story starts out with Lauren deciding she has to hire Gemma to find her cat, no matter that Gemma says she can’t do it. But Gemma’s dog, Violet, comes to the rescue and solves the case. Shortly thereafter, Lauren is back and hires Gemma to prove her mom’s innocence in a murder she’s been accused of committing. From there the reader is taken on an engaging page turner as Gemma struggles to do what’s best for Lauren and keep her detective boyfriend from getting angry over her investigations. Not only does Ms. Delany write a strong character-driven story, her well-plotted mystery is solid. With some twists and turns I didn’t see coming and plenty of suspects unearthed to keep me guessing, I was entertained with each turn of the page. I didn’t want to put it down even though I wanted to slowly savor the read since I’ll have to impatiently wait another year before the next book releases.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
janetteh's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
deanapotter's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 Stars
From missing kittens to trashed gardens. having the garden club up in roits to rivalry and murder, Gemma Doyle, owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, finds herself knee deep in yet another curious mystery that she tries really hard not to be involved in. She really does try to stay out of it.
I really enjoyed Gemma. She is a fun take on Sherlock Holmes. I loved her use of logic, her straightforward manor and her ability to put it all together. Gathering all the informal and extracting the facts then coming to the correct conclusion. Gemma’s got a gift for sure even if she is blunt and abrupt at times. Lauren is a fun addition to the cast of characters. She adds a lot of humor and fun to the story. Her curiosity is something to smile at while dealing with a very serious situation. She is all over the place, but that is a pre-teen for you.
A Curious Incident is a curious mystery indeed. A fun Sherlock Holmes themed cozy mystery with an enjoyable cast of characters. Well plotted and well developed, being my first read of the series I didn’t feel as if I was missing a thing. Vicki Delany gets the reader engaged with fun characters and well timed Holmes antidotes. I love how the book and tea shops go hand in hand together. The mystery and plot are solid, however this is a fully character driven book. There’s a lot going on but it all curiously fits together making an entertaining story.
From missing kittens to trashed gardens. having the garden club up in roits to rivalry and murder, Gemma Doyle, owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, finds herself knee deep in yet another curious mystery that she tries really hard not to be involved in. She really does try to stay out of it.
I really enjoyed Gemma. She is a fun take on Sherlock Holmes. I loved her use of logic, her straightforward manor and her ability to put it all together. Gathering all the informal and extracting the facts then coming to the correct conclusion. Gemma’s got a gift for sure even if she is blunt and abrupt at times. Lauren is a fun addition to the cast of characters. She adds a lot of humor and fun to the story. Her curiosity is something to smile at while dealing with a very serious situation. She is all over the place, but that is a pre-teen for you.
A Curious Incident is a curious mystery indeed. A fun Sherlock Holmes themed cozy mystery with an enjoyable cast of characters. Well plotted and well developed, being my first read of the series I didn’t feel as if I was missing a thing. Vicki Delany gets the reader engaged with fun characters and well timed Holmes antidotes. I love how the book and tea shops go hand in hand together. The mystery and plot are solid, however this is a fully character driven book. There’s a lot going on but it all curiously fits together making an entertaining story.
booklovingmom_'s review against another edition
5.0
I received a copy of A Curious Incident through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A Curious Incident is the sixth installment of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series and one of my favorites. In this mystery, bookshop owner, Gemma Doyle, finds herself investigating the death of a local gardener who was a huge part of the West London Garden Club. Usually Gemma ends up finding the body and inserting herself into the case, but this time around she is enlisted by Lauren, the main suspects 11 year old daughter, to help clear her mom's name.
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery, just like I have this whole series. The character's are engaging and funny, the West London setting is quaint and inviting and the mystery itself is intriguing and fun to follow. I really did love A Curious Incident and would definitely recommend this series to anyone looking for a cozy mystery, Sherlockian or not. I am very much looking forward to the next installment in this fun series.
A Curious Incident is the sixth installment of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series and one of my favorites. In this mystery, bookshop owner, Gemma Doyle, finds herself investigating the death of a local gardener who was a huge part of the West London Garden Club. Usually Gemma ends up finding the body and inserting herself into the case, but this time around she is enlisted by Lauren, the main suspects 11 year old daughter, to help clear her mom's name.
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery, just like I have this whole series. The character's are engaging and funny, the West London setting is quaint and inviting and the mystery itself is intriguing and fun to follow. I really did love A Curious Incident and would definitely recommend this series to anyone looking for a cozy mystery, Sherlockian or not. I am very much looking forward to the next installment in this fun series.
hidingzeus's review against another edition
3.0
Honestly, every time I read these later books in the series, I'm just disappointed she's with Ryan. Why? He obviously doesn't value her!
I did like that Gemma gave Peony a home, though.
I did like that Gemma gave Peony a home, though.
thisandthatwithkaren's review against another edition
4.0
“A Curious Incident" is the 6th instalment in "A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop" Mystery series by Vicki Delany. I believe this is the first book I have read in the series, and it can easily be read as a standalone but I recommend reading in order. I have since purchased a few in the series.
The story is entertaining as well as humorous which is the perfect combination. The setting of West London in Cape Cod is idyllic I love books set by the sea with a small town feel. The idea of a tea room and bookstore as the main characters business was fantastic being two of my favourite things. I loved the characters of Gemma and BFF Jayne along with Moriarty the bookstore cat and Violet the dog. I really liked the interaction between Gemma and Lauren and hope we see her again in future books.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, with enough twists to keep you interested. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The story is entertaining as well as humorous which is the perfect combination. The setting of West London in Cape Cod is idyllic I love books set by the sea with a small town feel. The idea of a tea room and bookstore as the main characters business was fantastic being two of my favourite things. I loved the characters of Gemma and BFF Jayne along with Moriarty the bookstore cat and Violet the dog. I really liked the interaction between Gemma and Lauren and hope we see her again in future books.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, with enough twists to keep you interested. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.