Gemma Doyle runs the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium located at 222 Baker Street (221 Baker Street not having been for sale at the time her uncle started the business) in the town of West London, Massachusetts. Jayne Wilson, her best friend, runs Mrs Hudson’s Tea Room, which adjoins the bookshop. While Gemma certainly loves most books, she is decidedly less than fond of the Sherlock Holmes stories and she positively dislikes the Sherlockian paraphernalia that she stocks.

It is fortunate, however, that she has more in common with the great consulting detective than she would like to admit, since West London is about to become the scene of murder and [literary] mayhem. Gemma discovers a copy of the 1887 edition of Beeton’s Christmas Annual, that is, the edition that marked the first publication of Arthur Conan Doyle’s A Study in Scarlet, tucked away on a shelf in her shop and, when she and Jayne attempt to return it to the most likely owner, they discover that she has been murdered. Her almost preternatural powers of observation and ability to determine the mechanics of crime mean that Gemma is viewed as a likely suspect in the crime by most of the West London Police Force, although Detective Ryan Ashburton, her former boyfriend, seems to think that she can help solve the case.

Elementary, She Read is the first book in Vicki Delany’s new Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series and it certainly represents a great start to the series. Gemma Doyle has the skill and tenacity (to say nothing of the pig-headedness and willingness to break the law) necessary to be a great detective. She might not be great at human interactions – she certainly manages to rub many people up the wrong way, which is not a helpful characteristic when some of those people are investigating her involvement in a murder – but she is excellent at human observation and deducing the truth behind people’s circumstances and motivations. Plus, she has Jayne Watson to help her out when the investigation requires a more delicate, human touch.

Gemma’s investigation of the murder involves some nice twists and turns, as well as a fair bit of action for what is essentially a cosy mystery. There are a good number of suspects lurking around West London (and that’s without counting Moriarty, the shop cat) as anyone who knew the potential value of the Beeton’s Christmas Annual might be willing to kill for it. In addition to the many entertaining Sherlock Holmes references (some subtle, some not so subtle), there’s certainly a lot of evidence for Gemma (and readers) to puzzle through, which helps to make Elementary, She Read such a hugely entertaining read.

A really fun read about the adventures of amateur detectives Gemma and Jane. It is well-paced and the characters are funny, opinionated and veritable Sherlock Holmes.

A delightful new cozy mystery that weaves a wonderful tale. Looking forward to further books in this series.

I really enjoyed this book. It's wonderfully written, with great well developed characters, an interesting theme, fun storyline and intriguing murders. I love Sherlock Holmes, so the underlying theme of this book appealed to me. I wish there was such a store in my town!

I'm hoping that the author plans to continue on with this cast of characters and move ahead with a series.

*I'd like to thank the author/publisher/Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange got a fair and honest review.*

I enjoyed spots in this book but I didn't enjoy the book as a whole. Mystery was solid the protagonist need something to make her more likable

Gemma owns a bookstore that specializes in Sherlock Holmes, complete with memorabilia and odds and ends for the tourist trade. Her best friend, Jayne, owns a bakery and tearoom next door. Business is booming and a touring group of bridge-playing ladies come to the bookstore and tearoom. The mystery begins when a priceless book in found on the shelves in the bookstore after the ladies leave. Add a murder here and there, a former boyfriend detective back in town and you have a fabulous story that is full of fun and action. I loved this cozy mystery! The author has developed rich, realistic characters to go with a carefully woven plot. I recommend this book to anyone who loves mysteries with a great plot to have you reading long into the night!

Elementary, She Read by Vicki Delany will be available March 14, 2017 by Crooked Lane Books. An egalley of this book was made available by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

Gemma Doyle has been transplanted from London to the US to run her uncle's Sherlock Holmes bookstore. But, she doesn't seem very happy in that role. It's often mentioned how she really isn't a fan. Perhaps it's my bias, but Gemma's character seems not very likeable. Even her cat doesn't like her (that's telling me I'm not far off!) She's bossy, judgmental, stubborn, and a know-it-all. I can't even see any chemistry between her and the police detective who she used to date. Even he dumped her after she interrupted his marriage proposal before he'd finished. I guess I'd prefer a protagonist that's more likeable. So, that's my reason for not giving this mystery all the stars. The story line was great. Other characters were fine. But, I was hoping that the cat would play a bigger role and also that Gemma would be more likeable.

While I enjoy Sherlock Holmes, I'm not a dedicated fan. Fortunately, that's not necessary to enjoy the first book in this new cozy mystery series. Gemma Doyle, proprietor of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, finds herself a suspect in the murder of a woman who mysteriously left a potentially very valuable piece of Sherlock Holmes history in her shop. With lots of subtle (and not subtle) nods to Sherlock Holmes canon, this book will entertain fans of the great detective, as well as being just a great new cozy series. I kicked myself a bit at the end of the book- I definitely should have picked up on the murderer sooner. With plenty of source material, I hope to see more in this series soon.