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A review by brooke4131
The Cat of the Baskervilles by Vicki Delany
5.0
Who can resist a Sherlock Holmes bookstore, a Mrs. Hudson themed bakeshop, and an afternoon tea on the coast of Massachusetts, especially when it involves murder?!?! Not this reader! Gemma Doyle and her sidekick Jayne Wilson are back in The Cat of the Baskervilles! As they gear up for another tourist season, they are thrilled to receive a catering gig for an afternoon tea featuring the renowned (but now slightly has-been) actor Nigel Bellingham. Sir Nigel has made quite a few waves in town with his rude comments, constant drinking, and erratic behavior. When he's found dead at the foot of a cliff, it comes as no surprise that someone would want to end his reign of terror. But when the lead suspect is Jayne's lovely mother, Leslie, Gemma knows she must investigate.
One of the most impressive aspects of The Cat of the Baskervilles is the excellent character development. Although this cozy provides a satisfying, light mystery all of the characters are so well drawn out and have such interesting back stories that you can't but help be drawn into their world. I've been a fan of the series from the beginning, but it was a treat to have this book feature Jayne's mother, Leslie. She's portrayed as such a sweet woman with an interesting, previously unknown history - an earlier career on Broadway, connections to the murder victim (!!!), and a deep secret. All of this makes for a compelling book where the reader can really connect with the characters.
Also enjoyable are the quiet comedic elements of The Cat of the Baskervilles. I love Gemma's shop assistant, Ashleigh, who adopts a new persona everyday via her quirky wardrobe. Of course, there is Gemma herself who exhibits Holmes-like tendencies and makes quite a few situations hilariously awkward with her perceptive comments. All in all, this was a stellar read and I can't wait to see more of Gemma and her crew!
One of the most impressive aspects of The Cat of the Baskervilles is the excellent character development. Although this cozy provides a satisfying, light mystery all of the characters are so well drawn out and have such interesting back stories that you can't but help be drawn into their world. I've been a fan of the series from the beginning, but it was a treat to have this book feature Jayne's mother, Leslie. She's portrayed as such a sweet woman with an interesting, previously unknown history - an earlier career on Broadway, connections to the murder victim (!!!), and a deep secret. All of this makes for a compelling book where the reader can really connect with the characters.
Also enjoyable are the quiet comedic elements of The Cat of the Baskervilles. I love Gemma's shop assistant, Ashleigh, who adopts a new persona everyday via her quirky wardrobe. Of course, there is Gemma herself who exhibits Holmes-like tendencies and makes quite a few situations hilariously awkward with her perceptive comments. All in all, this was a stellar read and I can't wait to see more of Gemma and her crew!