Reading this series is like reading a modern Sherlock Holmes story without being too over the top. While Gemma might have Holmes like qualities she doesn't really a Watson in the traditional sense. As the Watson like character scene in multiple characters throughout the series.

Weird things are happening at Scarlet House, a historical museum in West London, Massachusetts. The board asks Gemma Doyle, owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, to spend the night to determine if the house is haunted by ghosts. Gemma & her friend Jayne are startled by a strange noise & then find the dead body of board member Dave in the adjacent barn. Was Dave's death caused by an accidental fall or was he killed?

Gemma learns the historical society is in dire financial straits & wonders if someone is trying to scare the board into selling Scarlet House. When Gemma's older sister Pippa travels from England for a surprise visit, Gemma learns her surprise visit may be linked with the happenings at Scarlet House & the search for a priceless artifact with royal connections.

This was another solid and entertaining entry in the long-running Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mystery series.

I received a digital ARC from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books. My opinions are my own.

When strange things start to happen at a historical re-enactment house, the trustees ask local sleuth, Gemma Doyle, if she’ll look into it for them. Bookshop owner and definitely not consulting detective Gemma is reluctant, but thinks it’ll be a simple matter to debunk some silly ghost stories. The house has never been called haunted before, it can only be someone playing a trick. Proof, however, proves elusive – and the spooky goings on keep stacking up…

This is the eighth book in the series, so probably not the place to start. However, Gemma remains one of my favourite cosy mystery characters, so well worth heading back to where we first met her, in Elementary, She Read. What makes her so great, in my opinion, is that she’s very smart, but also very self-deprecating. She absolutely is a modern-day, female Sherlock Holmes – the Great Detective her bookstore is themed around – but she’d deny even the slightest similarity, all the while making acute observations and deducing puzzles of all kinds.

The latest instalment adds a very spooky element. I’m not great with horror, so even though this is a cosy mystery, I did have to stop myself from reading right before bed – it’s not terrifying, but if you’re a giant wuss like me then there are a few bits that could be ever so slightly unsettling. Even Gemma has a few run-ins that shake her otherwise very practical nature!

Added to this is a missing shop assistant, sightings of a has-been pop star, and rumours that Scarlet House – the scene of all the ghostly goings on – is up for sale.

The stock elements of a ‘cosy’ are also present, but very much in the background. A tiny bit of romance, some baking, some pets – but just as seasoning, not allowed to overwhelm the story at all. And I love that! All too often you get lengthy paragraphs of pet care, or similar, and while that might appeal to some it’s not for me.

Still my favourite, book-themed cosy mystery series, then! Here’s hoping there’s more of Gemma Doyle’s marvellous mind in future books.

Gemma is called in by her friend Jayne's mother when it is believed that Scarlet House - owned by the historical society - is haunted. Gemma doesn't believe in ghosts and determines that someone is playing pranks. The real question is why someone would do that. The building is in trouble; the pandemic has lowered revenues enough to jeopardize the ability to continue operation.

But when one of the volunteers is found murdered after a supposed fall into the pigpen from the barn loft, Gemma investigates because her curiosity is aroused.

There are a number of shady characters involved from the head of the historical society to an almost-obsessed volunteer to a man writing his doctoral thesis on farm families. Even more suspicious is the sudden visit from Gemma's sister Pippa who has some sort of secretive job with the British government.

And just to make things even more complex, Gemma's assistant Ashleigh has disappeared. She walked out on her job in the middle of a shift leaving the story empty and unlocked.

This was another entertaining episode in this long-running series.

The West London Historical Society has asked Gemma Doyle to look into supposed hauntings that have been occurring in Scarlet House. Reluctant at first, Gemma is hot on the case when shortly after a body is found on the property. Gemma and best friend Jayne Wilson investigate sure that these "hauntings" and the murder are connected. We see the usual cast of characters, who are always fun to read about, and some twists and turns that kept me thoroughly engaged. It is a well developed mystery that kept me guessing which I always enjoy in a mystery. Vicki Delaney's books are a joy to read and I look forward to the rest of the series.

Vicki Delany's latest Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mystery is a most intriguing read. with unexpected twists. See my detailed review on www.reviewingtheevidence.com

“The Game is a Footnote” the 8th instalment in "A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop" Mystery series by Vicki Delany. It can easily be read as a standalone but I recommend reading in order.

Gemma Doyle and Jayne Wilson are back on the case when a body is discovered in a haunted museum

I enjoyed this mystery, thought it flowed well and kept my attention. The setting of West London in Cape Cod is idyllic and this time the action is centred around Scarlet House Museum.

I loved the characters of Gemma and BFF Jayne along with Mrs. Ramsbatten and Ryan. Gemma and Ryan's relationship is progressing nicely and I like how they are compromising to keep things harmonious. We got to know Gemma’s sister Pippa more in this book and I liked how she was in same line of work as Sherlock’s brother Mycroft. The side story with Gemma’s employee Ashleigh was nice as it showed a softer side of Gemma.

I look forward to the next book in this series and seeing where their relationship goes.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, with enough twists to keep you interested. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Vicky Delany, whatever the name she's using, always writes excellent mystery and this one, part of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series, is entertaining and gripping.
I loved the series even if I'm not a fan of Gemma. The mystery is solid, I was happy to catch up with the characters, and I was surprised by the solution.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

Gemma Doyle is asked by her best friend and business partner’s mother, Leslie, to go to Scarlett House and investigate. The historical home has never had a history of being haunted, but lately strange things have been happening. Items moved around the place, and the barn animals going crazy for no apparent reason.

While at the house, Gemma and Jayne hear a woman scream and noise from the kitchen, but discovery nothing. Nothing out of place, and no woman. Later, they find a dead body by the barn. Gemma suspects foul play but has no evidence.

On top of this, Gemma’s sister Pippa has come to visit. Gemma has many questions.

I have read many of Vicki Delany’s novels. She is one of my absolute favorite authors.

At this point of Gemma Doyle’s life, I would hope that she would be used to being asked to investigate. I would also expect her to know how many of the individuals in West London appreciate her. I was relieved that Ryan and Louisa were not as precedent as normal. There is only so much animosity from a disgruntled cop that I can take.

I thought the mystery was average. Maybe it's because I read mystery novels, but I had figured out the how’s at the beginning. I was suspicious of the why halfway through. It was the who that I was still unsure of by the end. There were a couple of suspects who would have made sense.

Overall, I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.

Jimma is back in this time to start her investigation long before a dead body pops up she is investigating the Charlotte house a main stay in Cape Cod tourism and when she gets roped into spending the night the last thing she thinks is going to happen is unexplainable events but that’s exactly what happens. There is a lot going on in eighth book of the Sherlock Holmes bookstore mysteries there’s an over the hill pop star in town Gemma’s sister comes for a visit and of course there’s a murderer but the befor long gemma will not only solve the murder but what’s happening in the 18th century home. Although I found this to be long for a cozy mystery I’ve still found it very interesting and really enjoyed it. If you like cozy mysteries then your love “the game is a footnote” by Vicky Delaunay please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily.gg

3.5 stars

Sherlockian bookshop owner Gemma Doyle gets pulled into another investigation when the local historical society consults with her over some otherworldly disturbances in their office/museum. Gemma skeptically doesn't want to get involved, but after some interviews she agrees that something odd is going on. She believes that humans and not ghosts are responsible, and being Gemma, is curious about why someone is playing their pranks and in how they are gaining access to the old house.

The situation becomes more serious after a death occurs -- is it just a tragic accident? Given the unsettling circumstances, Gemma doesn't think so. And she's even more intrigued when her equally quirky and smart sister Pippa arrives for an unprecedented and unplanned visit. Pippa is known to perform certain hush hush assignments for the British government but she's not talking.

Fun, light-hearted series. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Gemma reluctantly agrees to help figure out what's going on at Scarlet House, a historic building where things have been mysteriously moving around. Along with her partner Jayne and other pals, she spends the night-and then finds the body of David Chase, a member of the Board. Cozy fans know that there's more than one reason and person who disliked David but who? Know that fans of Sherlock Holmes might take more from this than those less familiar with his work because Delany folds many Holmes references - both obvious and not- into her novels. In this installment, Gemma's sister Pippa (Mycroft!) is visiting from London- their interaction is wonderful. I like the characters in this series, from Gemma and Jayne to Det. Ryan (Gemma's love interest). Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. It's a smart fun cozy read that should be fine as a standalone.

You'll enjoy reading The Games a Footnote. The characters will draw you into their plans to solve this mystery. Lots of twists that will keep you guessing.

I am really enjoying this series now that I am getting to know the characters. I must find time to go back and read the ones I have missed.

In The Game Is a Footnote Gemma investigates a haunting, finds a dead body, annoys her boyfriend, receives an unexpected visit from her sister and solves the case. I loved the sister, Pippa, who obviously equates with Sherlock's brother, Mycroft. In fact I love all the ways the author relates her text to the stories of Sherlock Holmes.

The story is excellent, the mystery is involved, there are many bookish references and numerous animals, not all of them friendly. In fact I enjoyed it all so much I am going to give it five stars!

this is book 8 in the series, btu only the 2nd I have read. Once again Gemma gets accidentally placed into detective mode, and has to use her acute observatiion skills to try to solve the mystery at hand, with the help of the local police. You think you know who is causing the 'haunting's at Scarlet house, but not the full reason why. But there's a twist and that's what makes this series fun! You'll be wishing Gemma's bookstore was in your town by the time you finish reading! If you're looking for some light holiday reads, give this series a try!

The Game is a Footnote is the eighth mystery in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series and Gemma Doyle, owner of a Sherlock Holmes themed bookshop and amateur sleuth, finds herself pulled into another murder investigation. With the help of her best friend Jayne, Gemma uses her observation skills to get to the bottom of the strange happenings at Scarlet House.

I have loved this series from the beginning and am always excited when I see a new mystery is being released. The Game is a Footnote starts out differently than the others in the series and pulls in the supernatural element that hasn’t been seen before. I found this to be a fun read, but it was a little different than the others in this series. This isn’t a bad thing, just not exactly when I expected when joining Gemma Doyle on her adventures. By the end of the book, I was starting to feel the normal vibes again and loved seeing how everything tied up. Overall this was a really enjoyable read with characters I love and a setting that I really want to visit! If you are a Sherlock Holmes fan who loves cozy mysteries, this is for you!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book!

The Game Is a Footnote by Vicki Delany is book #8 in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. Amateur sleuth Gemma Doyle is asked to investigate strange happenings in Scarlet House, the oldest building in West London, Massachusetts and now a historical re-enactment museum. Was the house haunted? Gemma doesn't believe in ghosts so she wanted to find out why someone was trying to scare the Historical Society away. Then a death occurs on the property and that ups the investigative stakes for Gemma. I enjoyed following Gemma's investigation. I liked the main characters and was intrigued by Gemma's sister Pippa's appearance. This was a fun whodunit to read.

It's great to see that Jayne and Gemma are back in The Game is a Footnote! In book 8, a body is found in a haunted museum, and the ladies are asked to investigate. Gemma and Jayne suspect foul play as they start to uncover more secrets about the museum. With the museum being a revolving door for potential killers, they have plenty of options for who might be the actual culprit.

A great addition to an already fantastic series!

As a long-time reader of this series, I'm pleased to report that this book holds up. It was delightful to visit with Gemma and co. again. The mystery here is pretty slight-the death is almost a footnote (which is in the title, natch)-but the real joy here is to catch up with the characters we've come to love. If you've never read these books, I don't think you'll have problems reading this, but you'll get more if you start at the beginning of the series. It's not a hard-core series, just fun to read as escapism during troubled times.

Every book in this series by Delany is fantastic. The characters continue to grow and develop. The animal sidekicks are fun. The plots are twisty and delightful.