A Three Book Problem is the book #7 in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series by Vicki Delany.

A wealthy man, David Masterson, rents an estate to replicate an old English home yo host a Sherlock Holmes themed event at estate. Gemma Doyle Wilson provides props and Jayne Wilson is in charge of the food. The guests are an odd assortment and many have a motive for murdering their host.

The pace of this book was very slow. This was the first book I’ve read in the series so I’m not sure if they all are similar or it was just this book. There was a lot of discussion about the menu and clothes and very little action. The method of the murder was unique and there were multiple suspects to keep you guessing.

I own all the earlier books in the series so I will try those and see if the pacing issue was because they were not in the shop. This was an ok book for me.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

What I Loved:

The Country House Mystery. David brings a group of Sherlock Holmes lovers (and some unsavory characters) to a replica English country house in Cape Cod. When someone decides David is better off dead with a dart in his neck, our favorite sleuth Gemma decides to investigate. However, the only person who could have done it was at the manor house for the weekend… This is my absolute favorite setting of the mystery genre. A classic Agatha Christie set up, the country house mystery gives the audience a fighting chance of figuring out “whodunnit,” and in classic style, the murder victim has enemies galore. Ms. Delany executed the setting perfectly.

Gemma’s Investigation. One of my biggest gripes about this series as a whole is that Gemma butts into murder investigations despite knowing that her local police and detectives (handsome boyfriend Ryan and partner Estrada) are actually competent and capable of doing their jobs. It is what broke her and Ryan up years ago, and a constant struggle in their relationship now. However, in A Three Book Problem, Gemma manages to balance her natural insatiable curiosity with restraint in light of the official the police investigation, and generally waits until Ryan and Detective Estrada ask for her opinion before giving it. And she still catches the killer and hands the case to them in a neat bow, but does it respectfully.

What Didn’t Work For Me:

The Pace. As much as I enjoyed reading about the intriguing dinner party and tension building, it too way too long for the murder to happen. Almost a third of the book is build up, then the murder, then an indeterminate amount of time waffling without a lot of mystery solving. I found myself skimming more than I should have.

While the pace was my only main complaint about Three Book Problem, this wasn’t make favorite in the series. It felt a little stagnant, even though it ended on a high note (scenes with Gemma and Ryan are always high points). While this “carbon neutral” installation of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series is not the best in the series, it certainly didn’t turn me away either.

This is the 7th book in the successful Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series of mystery stories most of which are set in contemporary Cape Cod. The stories feature Gemma Doyle, an expat Brit, who left England to operate a Sherlockian bookstore in West London Massachusetts with her uncle, Arthur Doyle . He may may be a distant relative of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, author of the original Sherlock Holmes stories

In this adventure, Gemma is hired to stage a Sherlock Holmes themed country house weekend party. It is sponsored by a wealthy Sherlock Holmes fan, David Masterton, who has rented a posh mansion in which to hold the event. The invited guests are a rag tag group of people with no apparent connection to one another or their host. Two of David''s relatives are "hired" to act as butler and housekeeper for the weekend. The festivities have barely begun when David is killed by a poison dart shot from outside his library while he is meeting with Gemma. Gemma begins to apply her amateur sleuthing skill to find the killer, much to the chagrin of her current boyfriend who is the police detective assigned to the case.

The invited guests are a closed circle of suspects, each of them not quite what they appear to be at first blush. There's also a cast of recurring characters to assist Gemma as she investigates, including her best friend Jayne who operates a tearoom next to her bookshop and Donald Morris a Sherlock Holmes aficionado. Uncle Arthur Doyle disappears on a sudden visit to a friend in Spain and therefore does not figure in this book.

It's a well told story, with an exciting suspenseful ending, as Gemma sorts out whodunnit. Although it's formulaic, the plot s solid and the storytelling is well-paced. The atmospheric Cape Cod background and Sherlock Holmes trivia add interest. The book can be read as a standalone without the need to read others in the series.

All in all, it's a readable and enjoyable puzzle mystery story.

I received a complementary advance reading copy from the publisher via Netgalley for an independent review.

This is the 7th book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series by Vicki Delany set in West London on Cape Cod, Massachusetts featuring Gemma Doyle.

Gemma Doyle manages Great Uncle Arthur's Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium. The shop is located at 222 Baker Street and is also the home of Violet, Gemma's cocker spaniel. In addition, Gemma co-owns the adjoining shop, 'Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room', which is run by her best friend and business partner Jayne Wilson. Gemma has a reputation for being a bit of a mystery-solver, so when rich philanthropist David Masterson hosts a party at rented Suffolk Gardens House and winds up later killed by a poisoned dart Gemma starts investigating.

I started this series late to the party at book six. With her kindness, resourcefulness and sassy attitude, I was pleased to be in Gemma's company again. Vicki Delany has surrounded Gemma with a great supporting cast and Jayne especially is easy to warm to. Gemma and Jayne are both in relationships; Gemma is with her detective boyfriend Ryan Ashburton, and Jayne's love interest is fiancé Andy Whitehall, a restaurateur. Of course, Violet, Gemma's lovable spaniel deserves another mention and Peony, her other dog.

The author has written a very strong mystery here. With its great plot, the pacing is comfortable and I enjoyed trying to unearth clues alongside Gemma. I was unable to figure out the identity of the killer; there were many misdirections to keep me guessing. Vicki Delany's occasional humorous touches had me chuckling and helped to make A Three Book Problem a compelling, fun read. I was totally entertained from the beginning so bring on book #8!

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Crooked Lane via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.

Love this author. The character of Gemma is great as is her best friend. This one I had no clue about who done it. I look forward to many more in this series.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

It’s A Three Book Problem when a houseful of guests are all suspects when their host is murdered by a poisoned blow dart!

Gemma is the proprietor of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop. But this weekend, she is helping her bff, Jayne, cater a Sherlockian house party. Gemma’s police detective boyfriend also comes along to assist with kitchen duty. When the host is murdered in front of Gemma and Jayne, Gemma can’t help but investigate.

I usually love this series. However, this book changed it up in a way I didn’t enjoy as much as usual. The setting is a faux English country mansion rather than Gemma’s Sherlockian bookstore and gift shop. While I appreciate the nod to Christie, I missed the store cat, Moriarty, and the funny town characters who frequent the shop. Worse than the change in setting was the pacing. The book dragged quite a bit in the middle. Therefore, I wouldn’t recommend A Three Book Problem as an entry point to the series. But diehard series fans may want to read it. 3 stars.

Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Vicki Delany is quickly becoming a favorite cozy mystery writer, both with her Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series and her Lighthouse Library series (written as Eva Gates). The Three Book Problem only adds to the collection.

Gemma Doyle and friends are chosen to cater the weekend Sherlockian retreat organized by David Masterson for his friends and acquaintances. It was a strange affair from the beginning. It became stranger when the host is shot with a dart and found to be nearly bankrupt. Luckily one of Gemma’s friends was New London MA lead police detective Ryan Ashburton. Gemma Doyle also had a knack for getting her nose into local murder cases. Together, the pair gather enough evidence to determine the guilty party and again bring justice to New London.

With the exception of spending too much time discussing the wardrobes of the various characters (especially in the first 20% of the book), the story was enjoyable and entertaining. The late Fall New England scenery in which the book is set is beautiful and inviting. The collection of characters range from obnoxious to inviting. I give the book 4-stars.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

Gemma, Jayne and Ryan head to Suffolk Gardens House as staff for a Sherlock Holmes themed house party. Jayne and Ryan are doing the cooking and Gemma has provided items from the bookshop to help entertain the guests. From the first day, expectations are completely different from reality. Few of those present are Holmes experts and there are undercurrents of unrest.
The host, David, is murdered and Gemma is certain that someone at the house is responsible but no one is talking.
This is an interesting investigation and mystery. Many of the attendees would have had reason to murder David. The answer to who did the deed was a bit sad. I think some of the scenarios reflect the state of mental health for some as this pandemic lingers on - end of the rope, desperation.
Gemma’s know it all-ness wasn’t as abrasive in this book as it has been in some of the past books. I think Louise Estrada might even be growing on me.
The Sherlock Holmes Bookshop barely features in the book except to provide supplies for the house party and a couple of casual appearances toward the end. It was fun to have a change of scenery but I did miss the bookshop.
This book could be read as a stand-alone, but as always my favorite way is to follow the series in order.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book.

Thanks to #NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC.

First, I absolutely loved this book/series. Main character Gemma's observation and intuitive skills are amazing. True, she's off base a few times but more often than not she is right. An intriguing story, the seventh installment in the series, with many red herrings, suspects, and sub-plots. I give it five stars. I'd toss in another star if possible for the unique murder weapon.

That said, as much as I admire the skills of the heroine of the story, Gemma Doyle, who runs a Sherlock Holmes focused bookstore, is also blunt and rude at times. Her observation skills are such that, much like Holmes, she doesn't miss much in the surroundings or actions of those about her involved but, sigh, she often seems to forget the human element involved. She particularly annoyed me when she called her Uncle Donald at 1 a.m. without a thought that he might be sleeping. To his credit, he instantly becomes alert and is ready to come to her aid wherever she is. She barely notices. She simply asks her question and basically hangs up on him without explanation of apology.

Despite all these quirks that must wear on those about her at time, I couldn't help liking her. Perfect? Not even close. But, doesn't that make her all the more human? I don't know about you but I'm sure I have quirks that annoy my friends and vice versa, so this all helps make Gemma seem all the more real. True, I found it odd she'd never heard the ol' saying about "curiosity killed the cat" but maybe that isn't as well know in England where she grew up. Speaking of cats, her own cat doesn't seem to like her. Another quirk.

As for the murder itself, no one really seems upset that the victim died. Even Gemma seems detached and more an observer than participant finding the solution in at first. Perhaps because she had no real connection to the victim? It actually isn't until late in the book that she "turns on" her Shelockian deduction skills as she dives headfirst into investigating and solving the murder. She even manages to find a few other crimes lurking beneath the surface in the process.

I won't even attempt to detail the plot more than I've already hinted as I'm sure others will do a far better job of doing so than me. I'll thoroughly enjoyed the book and, in fact, the entire series and as much as she annoys me at times, am looking forward to spending more time with Gemma and her friends. I may even have to do some brushing up on my Sherlock Holmes reading between now and the next as it took me the entire book to figure out the significance of the title. Who am I kidding? The book finally tells us. Nope. Not telling. You'll have to read it yourself to find out. If you love a good mystery, characters who are both endearing and annoying, you know, real people, and enjoy matching wits with the amateur sleuths (and real investigators), this is a must read.

Welcome back to West London, on Cape Cod! We get to see Gemma and her friend and business partner, Jayne, in a new situation…and where Gemma goes, murder seems to happen. The fascinating, three-dimensional characters are unique and memorable. This mystery invited me in from the start and held my attention throughout. The setting and mystery were intriguing, and determining whodunit was a challenge.

It has been five years since Gemma Doyle moved to America and became Great Uncle Arthur’s business partner in the Sherlock Holes Bookshop and Emporium. Since then, Gemma has “helped” with several murder investigations if someone close to her was a suspect. She and Ryan, the lead detective for West London PD, are back together in a loving relationship, so she doesn’t want to be involved in any criminal investigation and risk what they have.

Jayne, Gemma, and Ryan are helping at a Sherlock Holmes house party where David, from New York City, planned a gathering of Sherlockians for the weekend. Jayne, Gemma, and Great Uncle Arthur are partners in Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room that adjoins the Emporium. Jayne is an excellent chef and baker. She, Gemma, and Ryan, off from the PD for the weekend, are there for Jayne to cook and serve meals from Friday dinner through Sunday lunch. Gemma’s primary function will be providing various Sherlock Holmes entertainment for the weekend. She brought several things from her shop, including movies based on Holmes’s cases, games, and periodicals. Ryan will help out wherever needed.

A couple guests had no interest in Sherlock Holmes. Most of the seven guests didn’t know each other, and some didn’t like anyone there, including their host! On Saturday, Jayne and Gemma met with David in the library. Before they could get down to business, Gemma saw a flash, David clutched his neck, and fell to the floor. Checking on him, she told Jane to call 911, and Ryan, while she ran outdoors to look for whodunit. It was too late to help David. The shocking means of death was not revealed to the guests, even to his niece and nephew, who were working as the housemaid and butler.

I love how well the characters are crafted! Jayne is a genuinely happy woman and since her recent engagement, she absolutely glows. She is kind, loving, and hard-working. Gemma is an interesting woman. She has helped solve murders based primarily on observation and logic. As she says, “...not many people bother to look beneath the surface. They accept face value, which is why they seem to think I’m some sort of mind reader when I tell them the truth that lies beneath.”

Plot twists and turns, and the characters and their interactions, kept me eagerly turning pages. I tried to look for the “truth that lies beneath”, but still struggled to find whodunit. In her decision to let the police handle the investigation, if she learned something, she turned the information over to Ryan or his partner, the grumpy Louise Estrada. I was somewhat surprised at the real whodunit and was very pleased with the novel and the ending. I highly recommend this to fans of the author, of well-written cozy mysteries, and mysteries set around popular literary characters such as Holmes and Watson.

From a thankful heart: I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

This series is one of my favorites and spending reading time with Gemma, Jayne and Ryan is always a treat. Gemma has no intention of becoming involved in anything more complex than joining Jayne and Ryan as they cater a country house weekend party with a Sherlock Holmes theme. Jayne and Ryan are in charge of the food and Gemma is in charge of everything Sherlockian. There will be the host, five guests and two family members acting as butler and housekeeper. Sounds like great fun...until it's not. It turns out that the guests don't like the host, some have never read a Sherlock Holmes mystery and, truth to tell? Nobody really likes anybody else in attendance. It isn't long before somebody decides to kill the host with a poisoned dart. Let the investigation begin.
From the well crafted puzzle to the setting and all of the ties to Sherlock Holmes, I was sucked into this latest mystery and finished it way too fast. Spending time with Gemma, Jayne and Ryan always entertains me and banishes my stress for awhile.
My thanks to the publisher Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

A Three Book Problem
By Vicki Delany
11 January 2022

“Gemma Doyle is back on the case in bestselling author Vicki Delany's seventh Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mystery when a poisoned dart ends in demise.”

I wish I had stumbled upon the series before the seventh book. So far, this is my favorite book out of all the various cozy book store mysteries I’ve read lately. I just wish I weren’t already so far behind!

During a swanky party for Sherlock Holmes fans, the host is murdered. Book shop owner Emma Doyle just happens to be a witness to the crime. Though she insists she isn’t investigating the murder, of course she is. Emma works her way through each person, tricking them into giving her information that even her detective boyfriend hasn’t uncovered. But are her incessant questions endangering her own life?

Despite having missed this far missed out on the previous six books, I was still completely able to enjoy this installment. I liked the Emma Doyle character; she is smart, witty, and quite determined. She is also a bit sarcastic, which I love. Emma is really the Sherlock Holmes of West London!

I’ve never read any Sherlock Holmes stories, but now I’m inspired to do so. I recommend A Three Book Problem for fans of cozy mysteries, especially those with a bookish theme.

Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane books for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A Three Book Problem by Vicki Delaney is sort of a locked room mystery. Rather than a locked room we have a "manor house" miles from town, and no evidence that anyone has ventured near. The gates are locked. Gemma Doyle, erstwhile proprietor of the Sherlock Homes Bookstore and Emporium in New London is here with Ryan and Jayne, to assist Jayne in a catering gig. Gemma is between guest and worker as she has supplied much of the "color" for the weekend with merchandise from her store. This is, ostensibly, a Sherlock Holmes weekend. Uncle Arthur is coming and Donald, her elderly friend and sometime employee is here already. The door is answered by a butler called Smithers, and there is a housekeeper, in full regalia, called, Mrs. Higgins. It seems to be an auspicious beginning. Ryan is going to stick close to the kitchen as he has the dignity of the police department to uphold, but couldn't forgo a weekend away with Gemma. As the attendees gathered, it became obvious there were various levels of interest in Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson. Mr. Masterson seemed OK, if a little odd. Then, on the second day, as Gemma and Jayne were discussing menus with Mr. Masterson he slumped to the floor. A dart was in his neck. Fortunately the police, Ryan, were already on the property. Sadly he was pronounced dead as soon as the paramedics got him in the ambulance.

Gemma and friends are always up for a good mystery. Gemma is not popular with the local police department, except for Ryan, which inhibits his ability to share information with him and "forces" her to investigate in her own. Delany writes a good mystery and this is one of her better ones. The more Gemma investigates, the bigger her pool of suspects. Nearly everyone at the house party had a reason to kill David Masterson. More reasons than they knew at the time. Gemma does put herself in danger as she investigates, which shouldn't be a common occurrence, but seems to be, justifying Ryan's concerns. I love this series. There is a little more to it than fluff, although there is plenty of that, as well. It keeps the reader engaged and thoughtful. What more for a mystery?

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of A Three Book Problem by Crooked Lane Books, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #netgalley #crookedlanebooks #vickidelaney #athreebookproblem

This was a little different from Gemma's usual cases since all her suspects were gathered right away together and weren't supposed to leave. It did seem a little overwhelming at first with having all the characters introduced almost at once, but as Gemma went along with her investigation, their distinct personalities started coming through. I had my eye on one in particular almost the whole time, but I didn't guess right.

Gemma always amazes me with her constantly working brain that notices every little detail. I think even Louise Estrada, the detective Gemma's always sure hates her was coming around a little bit as she actually pitched in to help with the Sherlock Holmes event a little bit while she was at the mansion babysitting the guests. It's kind of funny because you can tell she's pretty fascinated by how Gemma comes up with her findings, but Louise definitely isn't about to let her know that! Although as observant as Gemma is, I'm betting she already knows!

The showdown was good and mostly non-dangerous at least not to Gemma herself. Gemma's Sherlock Holmes fan friend Donald always cracks me up, and he was in his Sherlockian glory during this event. The ending was kinda cute, and I'm eager as always to read the next adventures Gemma and her friends get into.

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

My thanks to Crooked Lane books and NetGalley for a review copy of this book.

A Three Book Problem is the seventh of a cosy mystery series, the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries. The series centres around Gemma Doyle, a British woman who has moved to West London in the United States where she helps her uncle Arthur run a Sherlock Holmes Emporium and Bookshop selling books, puzzles and Holmes knickknacks. Alongside she is also a partner in her friend Jayne Wilson’s tearoom, Mrs Hudson’s tearoom, next door to the shop. We also have Ryan Ashburton, a detective in the West London police who is Gemma’s boyfriend.

In this instalment, Gemma and Jayne (with Ryan as assistant) set out for Suffolk Gardens House, a large manor style home rented by David Masterson, a wealthy Sherlockian who is hosting a Holmes themed weekend there. Gemma is to provide the props and games while Jayne is catering the event. Invitees are to dress in costume, movies will be screened, games played, a paper read and all things Sherlock discussed; David’s poorer relations Annie and Billy are to act as housekeeper and butler, respectively. But when Gemma starts to meet the guests, she is puzzled to find that many of them are not die-hard Sherlockians as she had expected; in fact, some seem completely uninterested in Sherlock. Not only that, most don’t like each other or indeed David.

Then amidst the general unpleasantness, a murder occurs. And Gemma and Jayne are right on the scene. But which of the guests might have done it or could it have been an outsider?

A Three Book Problem was the first in the series that I read but we do get enough background to read along with ease. However, this turned out to be a mixed reading experience for me.

Conceptually I found the book/series very interesting and fun. While the mysteries and setting are modern-day, Holmes is very much at its centre. Sherlock references are peppered throughout the book, be it names of books, characters (including Gemma’s shop cat, Moriarty), films, various actors who portrayed Holmes at different points and such. I did feel that these were more surface level than in depth though. There is also of course, the method of murder that is based on a Holmes story and Gemma’s detection method, based on keen observation like the great detective of Baker Street; these added to the Sherlockian feel of the book.

I also liked the characters (Gemma and her friends, that is to say) in the story; a bunch that one does get interested in and as is usual in cosy series, we follow developments in their lives alongside. There are also animals, though with a background role--Gemma's two dogs, Violet and Peony and the shop cat Moriarty who were fun to have around. Also plenty of food (always a plus).

But there were also elements in the book that were middling or just ok-ish for me. In these was the mystery itself. While there was nothing wrong with the mystery or its solution, and we are presented with a set of convincing suspects, I felt that there was nothing in it that took me by surprise or that blew me away. There are some secrets and revelations but no major twist or turn that adds enjoyment to mysteries.

In part because of this reason, the book also felt a bit stretched out. Yes one gets to meet a few more characters and observe their behaviour and such in their interactions, but these didn’t feel like something that really needed to as much or as many times as we are shown. So a lot could have been trimmed off or made crisper.

So overall this turned out just an ok read for me. I rate it 3 stars. I may however, try another at some point to see if it’s better than this since I did like the concept.

It was supposed to be a traditional country house weekend hosted by David Masterson, a prominent Sherlockian. Gemma Doyle, owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, was hired to provide appropriate materials to entertain the guests. Her friend and partner Jayne, owner of Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room, would provide the catering. They were assisted in the kitchen by Ryan Ashburton, Gemma’s boyfriend and a detective with the West London police department. Most of Masterson’s guests show little interest in Sherlock Holmes and Gemma witnesses a lot of animosity in the group. When Masterson is killed with a poisoned dart, Ryan leaves the kitchen and takes over the investigation. While Gemma originally found Masterson to be a genial host, the investigation reveals him to be mean-spirited, manipulative and a blackmailer.

The event was held at a gated estate, limiting the suspects to guests and staff. The housekeeper and butler were Masterson’s niece and nephew, who were dependent on his support. A dealer in rare books and documents, a musician looking for a patron, a professor of military history, a friend of Masterson’s late mother and an actual Sherlock fan with a personal interest in the host are all hiding secrets. Gemma has been drawn into investigations in the past, but promises Ryan and Jayne that she will not get involved this time. Since she is staying at the estate with the guests, she has an opportunity to observe their reactions to the death and report back to Ryan, although she can not help but follow up on what she observes. Vicki Delaney’s cast of suspects will keep you guessing and The Three Book Problem has the feel of an Agatha Christie mystery. This is a cozy mystery that will appeal to fans of Stella Cameron and the late Sheila Connolly. I would like to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing this book for my review.

Like many of the others commenting about an error with this book file, there are letters missing throughout the book making it very hard to read. I did try a handful of times but it just became increasingly frustrating. So as of now, I have to put a pause on this book. I liked what I was able to read (which sadly wasn't much) so I'll only be rating on here but not anywhere else until I can read the finished copy at some point hopefully in the future.

Thanks to the author and NetGalley.

Thank you to Crooked Lane, NetGalley, and the author for the gifted ebook copy of A Three Book Problem! All opinions in this review are my own.

In the seventh book of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series, Gemma Doyle is asked to work a Sherlock Holmes themed weekend getaway. As the guests begin arriving, Gemma is confused to learn that many of them are not even Sherlock-enthusiasts. Things become even more complicated when a poison dart sails through the library window. Now Gemma must solve this three book problem.

It can be difficult to start a series on the seventh book, but I thought that A Three Book Problem introduces the main characters in the series and the roles they play well. I want to read the other books in the series because I want to read more about the bookshop and town of West London.

Overall, this was a quick, cozy mystery. I like when mysteries introduce all of the suspects in the beginning because it makes it seem like I could figure out who the murderer is before the end. When it ends up being a character who isn't central to the story, the ending always seems less satisfying. I look forward to reading about more of Gemma's adventures!

Another winner with Gemma and Jayne! This time they are catering a big fancy party at a mansion in town that many are curious to see but few are invited. Of course there is murder afoot and Gemma once again embraces the great detective and her sharp eye for details to solve the murder,

Although my reading tastes have been moving away from cozy mysteries for the past couple of years, there are some favorite series that I will always make a point of reading. Vicki Delany's Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series is one of them, and A Three Book Problem is yet another strong entry.

Something tells me that Delany enjoys creating mysteries for Gemma Doyle to solve. Gemma has more of an edge to her than most cozy main characters, but never fear! the edge never borders on obnoxious; it's the perfect one to induce readers to smile (and I do, a lot). Something else that makes me smile? The way the author toys with us when Gemma's Uncle Arthur is mentioned. Good old Uncle Arthur is the owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, and he sounds like quite the character. There's only one problem: readers have yet to meet him; he's always traveling and leaving Gemma to run the show. In A Three Book Problem, Uncle Arthur is on the guest list. Will he be there? Sorry, you're going to have to find that out for yourselves!

The drawing room of Suffolk Gardens House is filled with an excellent cast of suspects, and I did find it rather difficult to deduce whodunit, which is always a plus. Jayne whips up menus that gave me hunger pangs, and Gemma is always fun to follow around. (Jayne might not always agree.) If you haven't sampled this series before, you should be able to start here without feeling confused, but don't be surprised if you find yourself looking for the rest of the books in this series once you've turned the last page.