There's a Murder Afoot is a wonderfully plotted mystery that kept me guessing and turning the pages. I liked the amount of suspects and the diabolically inept police investigator. I loved how Gemma helped the investigation along when no one else would. I loved how her boyfriend trusted in her even though he didn't know everything. But, I felt too much description of the setting slowed down my reading. I can't wait until the next installment in this series. I received an advanced reader's copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

What a fun book! I want to read the others in the series. Gemma and her friends have traveled to London, England to attend a Sherlock Homes Convention. While there, Gemma has the opportunity to visit her parents and sister. They attend the convention with her as she is accepting an award for her Great-Uncle. While at the convention Gemma meets an uncle she never knew about. Shortly thereafter, her father is arrested for his murder.

Gemma Doyle is very much like Sherlock Holmes. She notices small, but important things. Pippa, what she really does in the government is a mystery in and of itself, tells Gemma to snoop. Gemma pulls her friends in to help her with her sleuthing. This is fun, especially if you like Sherlock Holmes. Some twists and the murder was a surprise.

Here we are at the fifth book in the series and I it's my new favorite. Gemma and the gang - Ryan, Donald, Grant, Jayne plus Gemma's sister and parents - all in London. Gemma and friends have traveled from Cape Cod to London to attend a Sherlock Holmes convention.While there Gemma will have some time between convention commitments to spend with her parents. What could possibly go wrong? Quite a lot as it turns out. An uncle Gemma never knew existed turns up like a bad penny and the is murdered. The prime suspect is his brother-in-law, Gemma's father, a retired Scotland Yard Superintendent. Things get very sticky and Gemma dives into investigating her uncles shady past.
With art as a theme, Sherlock Holmes and London for the setting, I was totally hooked from page one.
It all felt very familiar and the puzzle was pitch perfect. There were a few red herrings and several threads to follow, one 30 years old. The characters were well drawn and I finished the last page with a smile of satisfaction. It works as a stand alone but, if you enjoy this entry as much as I did and you haven't read all of the previous four in the series, line them up and catch up. I'm already saving a spot on my TBR list for number six.
My thanks to the publisher Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

It was so awesome to read about Gemma and all her West London, MA friends being together in London, England for a Sherlock Holmes event. I really liked her parents and Pippa her sister even grew on me. She was sort of mysterious but she and Grant started liking each other during the course of the trip, which turned into a little longer of a trip due to Gemma's dad being accused of murder.

Gemma usually investigated cases involving strangers but there was more at stake here, so it made her even more determined to find the real killer. I was definitely wrong about the killer, and there was a good twist at the end. The showdown was exciting, and even Sherlock-obsessed Donald Morris got in on helping out. During the trip, I got some giggles out of the times Ashleigh would contact Gemma about a few little issues they were having at the store. The one with Moriarty the cat and an author's shoes was really funny. I think this book is my favorite now in this series!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

There’s a Murder Afoot: A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery
By Vicki Delany
Crooked Lane
January 2020

Review by Cynthia Chow

The co-owner of the Sherlock Holmes bookshop and Emporium in West London, Massachusetts, Gemma Doyle is back in her native home of London to celebrate the 166th birthday of Sherlock Holmes. Accompanied by her boyfriend Ryan Ashburton and friends Jayne Wilson, Grant Thompson, and Donald Morris, Gemma will be a featured speaker at London’s Sherlock Holmes in the Modern World conference. The excuse of having to attend in order to also accept an award on behalf of her uncle allows Gemma to spend some much-needed time with her parents, not to mention her rather distant and prickly over-achieving sister Pippa. The one reunion Gemma didn’t expect was with Randolph Denhaugh, her mother’s brother and the uncle whom until now she didn’t know even existed. After having an argument with the black sheep member of the family, Gemma’s father Henry becomes the main suspect when Uncle Randy is found murdered, and a head-injured Henry has no memory of what happened.

When it becomes apparent that the investigating DI Morrison has a grudge against Henry Doyle and intends to run him straight into prison, Gemma decides that she has no choice but to take on the duties of proving her father’s innocence. While that means implementing her astounding observational skills to put together clues as to how her uncle’s past crimes may have followed him into the present, it also means dodging her very well-intentioned and protective friends. Surprisingly to everyone but the Doyle family, it is Pippa who proves to be the most instrumental in helping with the case, with her “minor clerical position” within the government providing eyebrow-raising security bypasses and confidential information. Assisted by her own Watson in the form of her business partner and baker Jayne, Gemma begins following the trail that reveals that Randolph’s theft of the family’s heirloom John Constable painting was only the beginning of his criminal career in the art world.

This fifth in the series continues to be a surprising and innovative delight that plays off of the expected mystery tropes. Gemma is a savant at delivering Sherlock-level observations and conclusions, but she spends even more time ensuring that West London police detective Ryan and their friends are distracted with London tourist activities while she investigates. While Jayne serves as the naïve and slightly too-trusting of humanity aide to Gemma, it is Pippa who emerges as the unexpected secret weapon of the novel. Deftly sidestepping questions about her job and just how she seems to have such high security access, Pippa is the perfect conspirator in Gemma’s unofficial investigation. Armchair travelers will also find so much to enjoy as the author describes not just the London sights but the tea, pastries, tea, breakfasts, and tea consumed by Gemma and her friends. Miscommunication between the upstart Americans and the UK are not just entertaining, they play a role in the thrilling conclusion. Sporadic phone calls that reveal the chaos ensuing back in the States and in her Emporium are not only hilarious, they promise that Gemma’s return to America will be as much putting out literal fires as it will be reveling in the place she is so happy to now call home. This series continues to evolve and find new ways to entertain with its clever plot twists, introduction of compelling new characters, and growth of the characters fans love.

Of all the cosy mystery series set in libraries or bookshops that I've tried (and there's been a few!), this is by far my favourite. It retains focus on the mystery, with the personal stuff kept as a background - perfect! Main character, Gemma Doyle (probably no relation to the famous author), is highly intelligent and logical, and the situations she ends up investigating feel quite natural for her to do so.

I'll forgive the slight 'hmm' of having so many of the usual cast join in her trip to London for this, the latest in the series that began with Elementary, She Read. A Sherlock Holmes convention is the flimsy reason for dragging not just her best friend (for a holiday), boyfriend (to show off her home town), but also another two vague hangers-on. But, that's a minor blip in an otherwise lovely cosy mystery, decent on the mystery, not too distracted with love interests and/or pets.

When someone is murdered during the convention, suspicion falls on the dazed man found standing over the body. Unfortunately, this happens to be Gemma's father, a retired police officer. Worse, the detective leading the investigation has a grudge against his former colleague, whom he'd be delighted to see charged with the crime. So of course Gemma's going to poke her nose into things.

The story leans quite heavily, I think, on the Benedict Cumberbatch adaptation, with Gemma's sister, Pippa, being quite the Mycroft. But it's very aware of its inspiration and uses it well, with enough differences and 'extras'.

Recommend the series for those who enjoy a less fluffy but still cosy mystery.

Author Vicki Delany has created a delightful mystery to solve and the perfect way to meet Gemma Doyle's family in There's a Murder Afoot. The mystery kept me guessing while I was enjoying all the humor. Once Gemma gets the quiet go-ahead to investigate and prove her father's innocence, it's so much fun to watch her try to keep all her travel companions occupied and entertained. Then there are the check-ins from the bookshop. Let me just say that Gemma may never leave Cape Cod again. And while we're (sort of) on that subject, I loved the Doyles' dog, Horace, and I'm still saying Moriarty the cat needs to get the boot.

Yes, this is a book (and a series) where readers can have strong feelings about a cat. And a bookshop. And a tea room. And the characters. I hope Vicki Delany has half as much fun writing this series as I have in reading it-- and I hope there are many more mysteries to come for Gemma to solve. This series is so much fun!

4.5 stars

I really enjoyed this new installment in the Sherlock Holmes Mystery series. By now in book #5, we've gotten to know Gemma and her friends better, and can see how she approaches challenges and solving mysteries. I particularly liked this trip to London and getting to know Gemma's family, though I did miss West London and the bookshop. The mystery was interesting and fun along the way. I'm looking forward to #6! Thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the advance digital copy!

I received the copy from netgalley.
I really loved the book. Great plots and love the characters. I was so pleased with the book.

I really enjoyed the first two books in this series, and somehow, now, I'm on book #5 without having read #3 and #4. I just put #3 on reserve so that I can catch up!

Gemma and her intrepid cohorts are in London for this adventure, attending a Holmes convention and visiting with Gemma's family. Art forgery, ne'er-do-well relatives, and a sister with a mysterious government job all add up to drama when Gemma's father is found with a murder victim, and her father has a bump on the head and no memory. Gemma is determined to clear her father, and, with the help of her tight-lipped sister and assorted people who came with her, she investigates.

Totally unrealistic, of course, but I like the way Delaney mostly keeps Gemma's police officer boyfriend OUT of the investigation and rotates through various helpers in Gemma's scheme. Some nice comic relief in trying to keep the eager-to-help Donald occupied and out of the way. More comic relief in the mayhem happening back at her shop in the States. Yikes!

Enjoyed visiting with Gemma et al again, and am going back now to read the two I've missed.

Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a very entertaining fifth installment in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series, this time, set in London as Gemma and friends visit to attend a Sherlock Holmes convention.

For me, this is the first one in the series I read and I absolutely loved this book. A terrific plot and an outstanding cast of characters make me want to catch up on this series asap.

Highly recommended!!

Gemma Doyle and her friends have traveled to London for the 166th birthday celebration of Sherlock Holmes. In There's a Murder Afoot by Vicki Delany, Gemma looks on this trip as an opportunity to visit her parents and possibly see her elusive sister, Pippa.

When her father Henry encounters his former brother-in-law Randolph Denhaugh, he hopes to avoid conflict. Unfortunately when Randy is found dead, it's up to Gemma and friends to clear Henry.

January is a slow time of year so Gemma Doyle and her friends leave their West London, Massachusetts businesses to go to London England to attend a Sherlock Holmes convention. Gemma is looking forward to visiting her parents and show her hometown to her friends. But the trip starts off rocky when Gemma's retired police detective father Henry meets his estranged brother-in-law Randolph in the pub. Randolph had vanished over thirty years ago when he stole a valuable Constable painting from his own parents. Randolph had worked as a forger of Old Masters paintings and is attending the conference to sell his own sketches inspired by the Holmes Canon.

Randolph antagonizes several conference attendees is then found strangled to death after the banquet with a dazed and confused Henry Doyle standing over him. Inspector Morrison is a bumbling detective who has a personal grudge against Henry and gets him arrested for the murder.
So it's up to Gemma, with the help of her friends and her mysterious sister Pippa to save her father from prison.

It was great to see Gemma in her home environment and to meet her family.

I received an eARC from Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.

This was a really fun and entertaining read. I loved the characters and their interactions with each other. The mystery and plot was interesting as well, in addition to all the nods to Sherlock Holmes.

THERE’S A MURDER AFOOT, the fifth book in the Sherlock Bookshop Mysteries by Vicki Delany, is another entertaining addition to one of my favorite series. Protagonist Gemma Doyle is part owner and the manager of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium in West London, Massachusetts. Despite not being a huge fan of Sherlock, Gemma is quite knowledgeable and has a sharp sense of observation not unlike the famous detective. I’ve always enjoyed the setting of the bookshop but in this new release Gemma and her good friends head across the pond to London, England. It was a treat to be introduced to Gemma’s family which adds another layer of insight into her character. I especially enjoyed seeing her interact with her mysterious sister, Pippa. The set up makes it seem like the reader might be treated to future storylines featuring both sisters. One of the great strengths of Ms. Delany is her character development which makes the story come alive.

When Gemma’s father is accused of murdering his estranged and felonious brother-in-law, Gemma knows she has to get involved in finding the truth. Despite pointing out overlooked clues to the detective in charge, Gemma still can’t convince him of her father’s innocence. I loved how she teamed up with her friends to ask questions as the trail led her to the dark world of art forgery with her sister providing some background practical assistance. Again there are parallels to the original Sherlock books and this series for the sharp reader to pick out. With clues sprinkled throughout the quest, I was still surprised with the twists and turns the plot took. An exciting finish wrapped up the book and left me wanting the next in this series to be available sooner than later!

There's a Murder Afoot is the fifth book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries by Vicki Delany. I have only read one other book in this series, and I can honestly say that this works well as a standalone.

I loved the small facts that made this book a really good one to read: The relationships between the main character, Gemma, and her friends add a great deal to the character development of each of them because of the nuances in the way they interact with each other. There are some bad guys, but I really didn't immediately catch on to who the real villains were at first; the clues that led up to the unmasking were revealed as Gemma discovered them. I also enjoyed the fact that the book's setting was London, and the author added information about the area Gemma was in.


Overall, this is a very good cozy mystery series.

3.75 stars

Gemma Doyle, British half owner of a Sherlock themed bookstore in the U.S., is back home in the U.K. for a Holmes conference with her ensemble: business partner and friend Jayne, book collector Grant, boyfriend/cop Ryan, and oddball but endearing Sherlock enthusiast Donald. And Gemma's sister Pippa adds a bit of mystery: what exactly does she do for a living? Clearly something involving the government, secrets and lots of undercover action.

The conference begins with a shock: Gemma discovers she has a long-lost uncle, her mother's brother, who was cast off by the family long ago after stealing a valuable painting from their parents and pursuing a career as an art forger. No sooner has this missing man come on the scene then he is discovered dead -- and Gemma's father is standing over him with no memory of what happened.

Naturally, Gemma want to help investigate to exonerate her father, particularly since the detective in charge has old professional (Gemma's dad is a retired policeman) grievances.

These books are quite readable. Gemma is an interesting character, smart and very logical. Since this one is not in the usual setting, London and its sights help make the story interesting.

Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Gemma Doyle and a group of friends from West London, MA, travel to London, England to attend a conference on Sherlock Holmes and visit Gemma’s family. Early in the visit, Gemma discovers an uncle, her mother’s brother Randolph, she didn’t know existed and then finds her father standing over Randolph’s body on the last day of the conference.

Randolph, a known art forger, had served time in prison. Gemma’s dad, Henry is a retired British police inspector. Sam Morrison, a disgruntled and barely competent inspector assigned to the investigation, arrests Henry for the murder of his estranged brother-in-law.

Gemma gathers her friends, and often times fellow sleuths back home, to help prove her dad innocent: Jayne, her partner in Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room; Ryan Ashburton, boyfriend and police detective; Grant Thompson, rare book dealer; and Donald Morris, retired lawyer and active Sherlockian. Phillipa (Pippa), Gemma’s sister, who seems well connected within the British government adds to the mix.

Vicki Delany turns out an amazing adventure with Gemma being the closest thing to a modern day Sherlock Holmes as she solves the crime. Hats off to Ms. Delany for providing such an intriguing introduction to Gemma’s family and hometown. An engaging read that continues to add depth to the characters and relationships that make the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries so entertaining.

Gemma's in London! Yes, that London, not West London on Cape Cod where she has a bookshop. She's gone home for a visit, taking her friend Jayne and her love interest Ryan with her. All should he great until- shock- it turns out her mother has a brother named Randy who's a forger and then...wait for it... he's found dead with Gemma's father Henry standing over him! This is a fun series because Delany respects Sherlock but she also doesn't take it too seriously. This installment is a delight- we get to meet her family, watch her investigate with Jayne, have back and forth with Ryan, AND we still get bits about the bookstore because Ashleigh, who has been left in charge is, well, calling a lot. I've enjoyed this series from the beginning and this is another great installment that I think would be fine as a standalone (you get enough about each character's back story if you're new but not too much if you've read the earlier ones.). Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Fun!

This was a very good book in terms of character development and long-term story arcs but the mystery was subpar with a rather dull conclusion. A rare misstep in this otherwise stellar series.


I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not paid for this review.