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cgonya1's review
5.0
I was given an e-copy of this novel by NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased and honest opinion
A Curious Incident is the sixth installment in Vicki Delany's Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series. I have read and own all of the previous five novels, and immediately requested this copy when I saw it on NetGalley.
The novel starts with 11 year old Lauren Tierney requesting assistance from our heroine Gemma Doyle in finding her missing kitten. Even though Gemma tells Lauren that she is not a consulting detective, she does find the kitten, but very soon after Lauren is back. Only this time, she needs Gemma to save her mom from a murder charge.
I love every one of the characters, and I hope Lauren is brought into future novels. She was such an adorable addition, and gave a new side to Gemma that I would not have thought the reader would see. I'm still waiting for the knock down, drag out fight between Gemma and Louise Estrada, and there was one scene in particular that I didn't care for Ryan's tone. But I believe the emotion it invoked in me means that the author has made the story relatable and empathetic. Which makes the novel more than just a story, but a whole new world.
The only thing that bothered me while reading this novel were the few grammar errors, and the name of Lauren's mother. I have a rough e-copy, so I hope that someone is proof-reading the novel before the final prints are made. Is it Shelia or Sheila? I will be honest, it only bothered me so much because it's my mother's name.
After reading that ending, I am so excited for the next book and just cannot wait patiently. Overall I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars.
A Curious Incident is the sixth installment in Vicki Delany's Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series. I have read and own all of the previous five novels, and immediately requested this copy when I saw it on NetGalley.
The novel starts with 11 year old Lauren Tierney requesting assistance from our heroine Gemma Doyle in finding her missing kitten. Even though Gemma tells Lauren that she is not a consulting detective, she does find the kitten, but very soon after Lauren is back. Only this time, she needs Gemma to save her mom from a murder charge.
I love every one of the characters, and I hope Lauren is brought into future novels. She was such an adorable addition, and gave a new side to Gemma that I would not have thought the reader would see. I'm still waiting for the knock down, drag out fight between Gemma and Louise Estrada, and there was one scene in particular that I didn't care for Ryan's tone. But I believe the emotion it invoked in me means that the author has made the story relatable and empathetic. Which makes the novel more than just a story, but a whole new world.
The only thing that bothered me while reading this novel were the few grammar errors, and the name of Lauren's mother. I have a rough e-copy, so I hope that someone is proof-reading the novel before the final prints are made. Is it Shelia or Sheila? I will be honest, it only bothered me so much because it's my mother's name.
After reading that ending, I am so excited for the next book and just cannot wait patiently. Overall I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars.
louisekf's review
3.0
While “A Curious Incident” is part of a series (#6 in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series), I had no trouble figuring out who was who and was able to get interested quickly in the story. I did think that the idea of a bookstore specializing only in Sherlock Holmes (books about him, books about the author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, mugs, puzzles, etc.) seemed a bit odd and not a good business plan. But since the location is in a tourist town on Cape Cod, perhaps the tourist trade would be enough to keep it in business.
This story revolved around a local garden club, and jealousy between members. One of the members has her garden trashed the night before a competitive garden tour and another member is found dead. Gemma, the bookshop owner, has a reputation for being very observant, like her hero Sherlock Holmes, and gets involved in trying to figure out what happened, of course, since this is a cozy mystery series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This story revolved around a local garden club, and jealousy between members. One of the members has her garden trashed the night before a competitive garden tour and another member is found dead. Gemma, the bookshop owner, has a reputation for being very observant, like her hero Sherlock Holmes, and gets involved in trying to figure out what happened, of course, since this is a cozy mystery series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
jennyzee23's review
4.0
This series has most of the typical cozy traits and my eyes roll sometimes, but I really like Gemma. This might be my favorite.
annarella's review
5.0
I'm happy this book is set in the USA as i think it's the perfect setting for this series.
It's a solid and enjoyable mystery that kept me guessing, the characters are as interesting as usual and the it's an entertaining and engrossing read.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It's a solid and enjoyable mystery that kept me guessing, the characters are as interesting as usual and the it's an entertaining and engrossing read.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
mreadsbooksnfics's review
3.0
It was a good story, but it was simple to figure out the mystery. This took away from the interest for me. I liked this book, but it was not my favorite. I am not sure if I would pick up more from this author.
smorrison4's review
4.0
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the digital advance reading copy of this book.
I love cozy mysteries and this one was no exception. I love that Gemma constantly gets pulled into investigations, even when she is trying her best to stay out of them. I also love all of the characters that Vicki has created for the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries, there are some interesting characters in the bunch.
Vicki has made the seaside town of West London sound so inviting that I wish I could go there right now and visit the Sherlock Emporium and the tearoom; even if they have had a couple of murders.
Can't wait to read the next book.
I love cozy mysteries and this one was no exception. I love that Gemma constantly gets pulled into investigations, even when she is trying her best to stay out of them. I also love all of the characters that Vicki has created for the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries, there are some interesting characters in the bunch.
Vicki has made the seaside town of West London sound so inviting that I wish I could go there right now and visit the Sherlock Emporium and the tearoom; even if they have had a couple of murders.
Can't wait to read the next book.
heyanci's review
4.0
I enjoyed this cozy read! As a Sherlock Holmes fan (read as big fan) I thoroughly enjoyed this book and definitely should read the other 5. Gemma Doyle was minding her on when she is requested to take on a private case and she is at first reluctant then fate has other plans and finds herself involved. If you like a good mystery with a bookshop you want to visit then you definitely need to read this. Huge thanks to the publisher for my ARC in exchange of an honest review
pussreboots's review
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
While I've complained about the recent trend of serial mysteries opting for the obvious person to be the murderer, Delany makes it work here. There is enough other things go on to obfuscate the actual motive and clues to keep things interesting. On the other hand there aren't so many red herrings to be distracting or unbelievable.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2021/comments_02/curious_incident.html
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2021/comments_02/curious_incident.html
ssminski's review
4.0
I wouldn't call this my favorite one (the last book was much better!) But still a really fun installation in one of my favorite series. RTC.
Update: See full review at Sam's Beach Reads.
What I Loved:
Lauren and Snowball. It isn’t often that we get to see Gemma be “human” – she has a small group of friends and family, but otherwise, she is fairly off putting to other people. However, Lauren and Snowball walked into Gemma’s bookstore, and Gemma immediately took to the pair. Lauren is a delightful kid, inquisitive and loving, who has a rough home life. Gemma rapidly becomes something akin to a favorite aunt, and Lauren loves her quirks. I really enjoyed how Gemma got more attached to this case through Lauren, and the dynamic between the two. I am hoping that Lauren and Snowball make more appearances, with Snowball and Moriarty becoming good friends also. My favorite parts are when Lauren subconsciously begins picking up Gemma’s mannerisms and speech patterns, because it reminds me of my niece.
Jane and Gemma’s Antics. I am always a fan of when Jane and Gemma go clue hunting, and this was no exception. Jane is a perfect foil to Gemma: she is warm and engaging, and people take to her quickly. People talk to Jane more than they talk to Gemma. She also lets Gemma know when she is being off-putting or obnoxious. Jane’s character development has also been most fun to watch, and I can’t wait to see developments in the next book.
Depictions of Suburban Garden Life. Anna, woman who was murdered is part of the gardening network in the neighborhood, but she also destroyed the main suspect’s flower garden prior to dying. The gardeners in the club are more shocked and appalled by the destruction of the garden than they are by the murder, and soon a phone chain is created to gossip about the garden. This gossip mongering and frankly appalling lack of caring for the dead woman is actually part of what I love about A Curious Incident, since it reminds me so much of actual suburban women and the webs they weave. I also love how Gemma gets to be on the outside looking in with a clinical eye while so many others would be horrified. It was a real display of human nature, like watching the show Weeds.
What Didn’t Work as Well:
Ryan and Gemma. Not going to lie, this one hurts to write. I love Ryan, the hotshot detective who challenges Gemma and loves her for her brain, but in A Curious Incident, he fell flat. Ryan was short with Gemma and upset she was investigating the case (par for the course), but he took it a step further. He doesn’t answer Gemma’s calls when she has major evidence, and doesn’t stand up for her at all when hostile detective Estrada threatens to arrest Gemma. This is all despite knowing that Gemma’s evidence is always not only relevant, but often crucial in solving the case. Further, the few scenes where Gemma and Ryan are together and acting civil, the relationship felt different and regressed from the last book, There’s a Murder Afoot (not coincidentally my favorite in the series).
The Murderer. I don’t often guess the killer in cozies – in fact, I usually don’t. A Curious Incident was the same, but this time, I also felt like the killer was a bit nonsensical. I wasn’t a huge fan of the build up or reveal, and it felt anticlimactic despite the hint of suspense that permeated the rest of the book. This isn’t a deal breaker for me, but I know for more serious cozy fans, it may be a bigger issue.
Update: See full review at Sam's Beach Reads.
What I Loved:
Lauren and Snowball. It isn’t often that we get to see Gemma be “human” – she has a small group of friends and family, but otherwise, she is fairly off putting to other people. However, Lauren and Snowball walked into Gemma’s bookstore, and Gemma immediately took to the pair. Lauren is a delightful kid, inquisitive and loving, who has a rough home life. Gemma rapidly becomes something akin to a favorite aunt, and Lauren loves her quirks. I really enjoyed how Gemma got more attached to this case through Lauren, and the dynamic between the two. I am hoping that Lauren and Snowball make more appearances, with Snowball and Moriarty becoming good friends also. My favorite parts are when Lauren subconsciously begins picking up Gemma’s mannerisms and speech patterns, because it reminds me of my niece.
Jane and Gemma’s Antics. I am always a fan of when Jane and Gemma go clue hunting, and this was no exception. Jane is a perfect foil to Gemma: she is warm and engaging, and people take to her quickly. People talk to Jane more than they talk to Gemma. She also lets Gemma know when she is being off-putting or obnoxious. Jane’s character development has also been most fun to watch, and I can’t wait to see developments in the next book.
Depictions of Suburban Garden Life. Anna, woman who was murdered is part of the gardening network in the neighborhood, but she also destroyed the main suspect’s flower garden prior to dying. The gardeners in the club are more shocked and appalled by the destruction of the garden than they are by the murder, and soon a phone chain is created to gossip about the garden. This gossip mongering and frankly appalling lack of caring for the dead woman is actually part of what I love about A Curious Incident, since it reminds me so much of actual suburban women and the webs they weave. I also love how Gemma gets to be on the outside looking in with a clinical eye while so many others would be horrified. It was a real display of human nature, like watching the show Weeds.
What Didn’t Work as Well:
Ryan and Gemma. Not going to lie, this one hurts to write. I love Ryan, the hotshot detective who challenges Gemma and loves her for her brain, but in A Curious Incident, he fell flat. Ryan was short with Gemma and upset she was investigating the case (par for the course), but he took it a step further. He doesn’t answer Gemma’s calls when she has major evidence, and doesn’t stand up for her at all when hostile detective Estrada threatens to arrest Gemma. This is all despite knowing that Gemma’s evidence is always not only relevant, but often crucial in solving the case. Further, the few scenes where Gemma and Ryan are together and acting civil, the relationship felt different and regressed from the last book, There’s a Murder Afoot (not coincidentally my favorite in the series).
The Murderer. I don’t often guess the killer in cozies – in fact, I usually don’t. A Curious Incident was the same, but this time, I also felt like the killer was a bit nonsensical. I wasn’t a huge fan of the build up or reveal, and it felt anticlimactic despite the hint of suspense that permeated the rest of the book. This isn’t a deal breaker for me, but I know for more serious cozy fans, it may be a bigger issue.