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lebron_librarian's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
asphaltcowgrrl's review
5.0
After being introduced to this series by an online book group, I immediately fell in love with Gemma and the gang. They're such a fun and varied group of characters that they're easy to like. Each new installment brings something new to the table and I'm constantly learning something about one of them.
One of my bigger annoyances with Gemma in the earlier books was her rigidity. Once she got her teeth into a mystery, there was no stopping her, and it didn't matter who she upset int he process. She's come a long way over the series and although she still can't resist a good mystery, she's much better at thinking about how her actions affect others. Gemma even went so far as to try her hardest to not investigate this time around. I was shocked by how much restraint she showed, honestly, and it made her eventual caving more understandable. If she keeps moving forward and learns how to even better balance her curiosity and snooping with being respectful, I think she'll be amazing.
There was a bit more romance in this installment which was fun for me. Not everyone feels that way, but it doesn't bother me much since the major focus was still on the mystery. The addition of Snowball the cat was entertaining as well. It was nice to see a cat not half as grouchy as Moriarty!
I enjoyed the mystery and it kept me guessing right up until the end. The author does a great job of giving you lots of suspects and supports why each might possibly be the murderer. All the little tidbits and details that Gemma picks up on add interest for me and give the story a very Sherlock vibe, which is, of course the intention. It was something that always amazed me with Sherlock as I'm not even close to being that observant.
Anxiously awaiting the next in the series. They just keep getting better and better.
Thanks to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for a fair review.
One of my bigger annoyances with Gemma in the earlier books was her rigidity. Once she got her teeth into a mystery, there was no stopping her, and it didn't matter who she upset int he process. She's come a long way over the series and although she still can't resist a good mystery, she's much better at thinking about how her actions affect others. Gemma even went so far as to try her hardest to not investigate this time around. I was shocked by how much restraint she showed, honestly, and it made her eventual caving more understandable. If she keeps moving forward and learns how to even better balance her curiosity and snooping with being respectful, I think she'll be amazing.
There was a bit more romance in this installment which was fun for me. Not everyone feels that way, but it doesn't bother me much since the major focus was still on the mystery. The addition of Snowball the cat was entertaining as well. It was nice to see a cat not half as grouchy as Moriarty!
I enjoyed the mystery and it kept me guessing right up until the end. The author does a great job of giving you lots of suspects and supports why each might possibly be the murderer. All the little tidbits and details that Gemma picks up on add interest for me and give the story a very Sherlock vibe, which is, of course the intention. It was something that always amazed me with Sherlock as I'm not even close to being that observant.
Anxiously awaiting the next in the series. They just keep getting better and better.
Thanks to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for a fair review.
heyanci's review against another edition
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
kelli108's review against another edition
4.0
I love the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries, and this is my favorite in the series so far - they keep getting better and better! This one is perfect for spring, with its garden tour theme and seaside setting. It's fun seeing how Gemma's mind works as we follow her to the conclusion. I also really like the supporting characters in this series. Looking forward to the next one! Thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the advance digital copy!
jessann235's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
sweetheart_seer's review against another edition
4.0
*I was sent an e-arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Another successful addition to the series!!
Gemma is one of my favorite literary characters. I love her attitude and banter with the cops around her.
The mystery was solid here.
Loved Gemma and Jayne back in their natural habitat. Gemma and Jayne continue to have such a strong friendship and I adore that so much! It is so refreshing to get to read about strong female friendship!
So many pets in this one, dogs, cats, dogs and cats galore! I adored it. Moriarty continues to be my favorite cat in literature aside from the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland.
I didn't wind up guessing the who-done-it.
I really am warming up to Donald's character so much, he has so much respect for Gemma and it is beautiful to see.
Also I enjoyed Gemma getting to sort of be a role model here too and it was sweet to see her bond with Lauren.
I was kinda sad that Ryan and Gemma didn't seem to get to spend a lot of time together, and that Jayne got poisoned (!), but overall another very strong installment and I cannot WAIT for the next!
Another successful addition to the series!!
Gemma is one of my favorite literary characters. I love her attitude and banter with the cops around her.
The mystery was solid here.
Loved Gemma and Jayne back in their natural habitat. Gemma and Jayne continue to have such a strong friendship and I adore that so much! It is so refreshing to get to read about strong female friendship!
So many pets in this one, dogs, cats, dogs and cats galore! I adored it. Moriarty continues to be my favorite cat in literature aside from the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland.
I didn't wind up guessing the who-done-it.
I really am warming up to Donald's character so much, he has so much respect for Gemma and it is beautiful to see.
Also I enjoyed Gemma getting to sort of be a role model here too and it was sweet to see her bond with Lauren.
I was kinda sad that Ryan and Gemma didn't seem to get to spend a lot of time together, and that Jayne got poisoned (!), but overall another very strong installment and I cannot WAIT for the next!
wc4's review against another edition
4.0
3.75* Gemma Doyle insists that she's not a consulting detective, but the folks in her small town of West London know she's as close as. The proprietress of the Sherlock Holmes themed book store, she accidentally found the cat that 11 yr old Lauren said was missing. Then Lauren asked for help in proving her mother innocent of murder. She can't very well refuse, now can she? So we get this enjoyable, easy to read cozy mystery. I like the setting and the characters. Appreciate the dogs and cats that our characters have too. While this is the 6th book in this series, it's only the 2nd one I've read. Don't think one really has to read it all in a row. It does reference some incident from months ago that I presumed was detailed in previous books. But it really has no bearing to what happens here. Recommended for Holmes-loving cozy fans.
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