Gemma is an intriguing character as she could be on the autism spectrum (ADHD myself) but also with a softer side. The perfid cat is my favourite as usuual.
Excellent mystery, full of surprising twists
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Part of a long running series, in this adventure Gemma and some of her friends return to London for her sister Pippa's wedding. Gemma is approached by her ex-husband about a book but when she goes to meet him the next day, she finds him in the back of their old store, deceased. Time is spent running down leads both in well described London and the countryside.

Book Review: The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime by Vicki Delany

Rating: 3 Stars

I just finished reading The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime, and honestly, it was a mixed bag for me. On one hand, I really enjoyed the setting and the overall vibe of the story. On the other hand, I had some trouble connecting with the main character, Gemma Doyle.

The plot kicks off when Gemma and her friends head to London for her sister Pippa’s wedding. Things take an unexpected turn when Gemma runs into her ex-husband, Paul Erikson, in the hotel lobby. He’s got a rare book he’s eager to show her, and despite their past, she agrees to meet him the next day at Trafalgar Fine Books, their old shop. But when she arrives with a rare book dealer named Grant, they discover Paul dead in his office. Talk about a shocker!

As Gemma digs deeper into Paul’s life—trying to unravel the mystery behind his death—she’s joined by her best friend Jayne Wilson. They navigate through a web of Paul’s acquaintances, from friends to enemies, and even ex-lovers. The search leads them from London to Yorkshire, and let me tell you, this mystery is far more complex than it initially seems. Gemma’s determination to find out what happened to Paul is commendable, even if I found myself feeling a bit frustrated by her character at times.

Now let’s talk about the cover—seriously, it’s absolutely delightful! It totally drew me in and set a great tone for what I hoped would be an exciting read. The writing itself is quite well done, and Delany has a knack for creating vivid settings that immerse you in the story.

Overall, while I found The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime to be an okay read (and perhaps worth a three-star rating), I think the supporting characters really shone through. They added depth and warmth to the story that Gemma sometimes lacked. If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries with a literary twist, it might just be worth checking out!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the books in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series by Vicki Delany. She does an excellent job of pulling you into the story and keeping you interested. There are lots of twists and turns that keep you guessing who is guilty of committing murder. While you are treated to a visit in London, most of the typical characters are present. I love Gemma, Ryan, Jayne, Donald (though he can be right irritating!) as well as her sister, Pippa, and her new husband, Grant. While you could read this as a standalone, I would highly recommend you go back to the first book and get background on the characters as they develop throughout the series. I highly encourage you to get lost in the pages as the author deftly creates a well-developed mystery with delightful characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

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Contemporary
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This is book 10 in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series. I have read several but not all of the books.Gemma Doyle and her friends have packed their bags and headed to London for her sister Pippa’s wedding. Waiting for her in the hotel lobby is none other than Gemma’s ex-husband, Paul Erikson. Paul has a rare book he wants her to see–calling it “the real deal”–so Gemma agrees to meet him at their old shop, Trafalgar Fine Books, the following day. But when Gemma arrives, accompanied by Grant, a rare book dealer, they find Paul dead in his office.
Paul had been down on his luck, but Gemma never expected this. Had he borrowed money from people he shouldn’t have? And where is the valuable book he was so anxious for Gemma to see? It’s nowhere to be found in the shop. Because of their previous relationship, Gemma feels she owes something to Paul and vows to find his killer.

Gemma and friends are in London for her sister's wedding ,when she gets involve wtih the murder of her new brother in law.
While Uncle Aurthor deals with his own problems.
Great mystery suspects, drama, twists and some fun.
Enjoy the series.
Voluntarily reviewed.

**4 Stars – A Fun, Quirky Mystery!** ✨

*The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime* by Vicki Delany was my first read in the series, and while it left me a bit confused at times, it was still an absolute blast! I love a good mystery, and Delany’s world is full of quirky characters and twists that kept me hooked from start to finish. There were moments when I wasn’t quite sure what was going on, but I never felt totally lost because the author does a great job of giving enough context to keep things flowing.

While the protagonist wasn’t Donald (he’s actually a side character), I have to say, he was absolutely hilarious and a real highlight of the book! His dry wit and humor added such a fun layer to the story. And that nightclub fight scene? *Definitely* my favorite part—so chaotic, so well-written, and just so much fun!

Even though I was occasionally scratching my head trying to piece everything together, by the end, I felt like I had a pretty good grasp of things. The perfect mix of mystery, humor, and memorable characters has definitely made me excited to check out more books in the series! If you're into quirky detectives and entertaining mysteries, this is a great read!

Gemma is back in another mystery, this time traveling to London for her sister Pippa’s wedding. On arrival, she unexpectedly encounters her ex-husband Paul, who tells her about an intriguing book. Gemma initially hesitates to meet him alone, so she brings her new brother-in-law Grant and a Sherlock Holmes fan, Donald. When they reach the bookshop, they discover Paul has been murdered.

Despite others wanting her to leave the investigation to the police, Gemma feels compelled to dive in and solve the case for Paul. While her dad and boyfriend Ryan go fishing, Gemma and her friend Jayne start to look into Paul’s recent activities. As they gather clues, they may need additional help to solve the mystery. Throughout the story, Gemma tries to enjoy her time with family while also feeling drawn into the murder investigation.

Back at home, Uncle Arthur struggles to manage things alone, with Ashleigh doing her best to help. The narrative presents a complex mystery, keeping readers guessing about the suspects and offers humorous moments, especially during a nightclub scene. The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime features many unexpected twists and turns.

The title and Sherlock Holmes reference pulled me to select this book, and it held my attention all the way through. I haven't read any other books in this series but I didn't feel this took away my enjoyment as the author did such a good job of describing the setting, characters and past events in the rest of the series. The ending was a bit anticlimactic since I had a feeling who the killer was. It was still an enjoyable read.

Love this series and this one was a lot of fun! The pub brawl had me laughing! Can't wait for more from this series!!

A riveting intrigue with a relatable cast of characters. Despite being the 10th installment in the series, you don't need to have read them all to enjoy it. I found it was a solid standalone piece. Pleasant writing and suspenseful plot. Recommended!

Gemma Doyle is back in London for her sister Pippa's wedding to Grant, one of Gemma's good friends. As Gemma leaves the reception, she bumps into no other that her ex-husband, Paul. Paul asks Gemma to come by the bookshop they started as he has something he wants her opinion on. An old book or something, Gemma is not sure about going but makes a date for the next day. Pippa's new husband is a rare book dealer and Gemma asks him to go with her along with her best friend Jayne Watson. The store is run down and both his employees are there, not doing much. The three-some is directed to his office, but it is too late. Paul has been murdered. The police are called and and Gemma becomes embroiled in the case. Is it more than someone stealing a rare book?

This is a fun read. Gemma is smart and notices things just like Sherlock Holmes. She knows something is off and sets out to discover Paul's murderer. I enjoy these characters and reading about London. The mystery has a few red herrings that kept me guessing. This is a relaxing, easy-to-read escape.

“The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime”, the tenth book in Vicki Delaney’s delightful Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series, takes bookshop owner Gemma Doyle and friends away from New London, Connecticut to London England for Gemma’s sister’s wedding. While the wedding is a joyous occasion, it doesn’t take long for Gemma to stumble across a murder victim – a victim she knew all too well – and become involved in trying to solve the case. While I missed the American bookstore setting, I enjoyed the visit to London, including Gemma’s sister (and the slow, kind of reveal of what she does for a living) and her parents. There are also glimpses into what is happening in West London – there is a nice subtle sense of humor throughout the book. The references to Sherlock Holmes are well done without becoming overbearing – although I would not want to know a Donald in real life! The mystery is nicely done with just the right amount of suspects, clues, and red herrings – it is extremely well plotted with plenty of twists and turns and a touch of sadness. All in all a great read.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.

Not knowing this was the tenth book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series, I read this novel as a standalone without any prior knowledge. I did not have the feeling I was missing any information. Sure, the connections between the main cast had been established in earlier books, but Delany gave background information where necessary and let the story unfurl otherwise.

A cosy-ish mystery, set in London, UK, with a cast of characters from both sides of the Atlantic. This leads to a few vocabulary and cultural explanations that I enjoyed very much, especially the remarks about tea.

Will I go back and read the other books in the series? Sure, I am intrigued by the things that have been mentioned (in a teaser kind of way, not spoilers).

Solid installment in a cozy series that is always fun to read.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced review copy!

Book 10 of the Sherlock Homes Bookshop Mystery has Gemma and friends away from the bookshop and back across the pond for sister Pippa's nuptials. Pippa being Gemma's rather secretive and very business-like older sister who supposedly works for the Ministry or Department for Transport...sure she does. Turns out that Pippa isn't the only one with a secret, no one knew that Gemma had been previously married (GASP). The last person Gemma expected to run into at her sister’s reception was Paul Erikson, the ex-husband. The last thing Gemma expected to do while in London was to find Paul dead in the bookstore she once co-owned with him.

Trafalgar Fine Books, the bookstore that Gemma and Paul owned together is anything but fine, and has become a shop for selling used books. So, is this how Paul found a book that was “the real deal?” That is such an enigmatic statement and sure to create curiosity. Gemma is a curious person regardless of the situation but this one does hit a little close to home. She had loved the charmer once upon a time. Paul wasn’t a bad guy, just not the right guy, so the least that Gemma can do is ask a few innocent questions. Chances are that the local authorities are busy and the information she obtains could be useful even if unwanted. Even Gemma’s boyfriend, police officer Ryan Ashburton, admits that Gemma has a talent for getting people to open up to her. The game is afoot and with Jayne Wilson, the co-owner of the Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room, as a trusted friend and sleuthing companion. In addition there is also the umbrella wielding Sherlockian, Donald Morris, to add a little muscle on clue seeking outings. Such outings take them from London to Yorkshire, from the old bookstore to tea at the Wolseley.

Gemma has her work cut out for her since she isn’t a local any longer and hasn’t seen Paul in seven years. Suspects are varied and scarce which is both good for the plot but bad for the sleuth. It is most excellent for the reader because you are drawn into the story wondering where the next clue is going to lead Gemma. Speaking of Gemma, she is unlike any other cozy sleuth that I have come across. She has a very logical side much like the great detective. She seems to be the one person (besides Sherlock Holmes) who sees all and deducts everything, so how is it that she didn’t see what a schmuck her two-timing husband was? On the other hand, while she is still quite British with her emotions, she has warmed up a bit since the series starter and her wit is highly entertaining. This is a very good cozy that was a quick read and does well as a stand-alone, much like Ms. Delany’s Tea by the Sea series. If I am not mistaken, gardener Simon from Tea by the Sea made a cameo appearance at Garfield Hall.

Taking the crew back to London for a reconnection with Gemma’s past is a great move. The pacing, voice, and personal connections are as satisfying as always. The mystery itself is a bit more drawn out than necessary, but all in all, a lovely episode in a favorite series.

I received an advance review copy of the title in exchange for an honest review.

It is a credit to Vicki Delaney that she has reached ten books in the series… not many cozy series are so long lasting and still enjoyable ten books in. Vicki has a talent in keeping things fresh. This book finds us once again in London, this time for Gemma’s sister Pippa’s wedding. Gemma runs into her ex-husband on the way out, and then tragically finds him dead the next morning while visiting his bookstore.

This was a quite a case for Gemma, taking her and her American friends all over London, even a jaunt to the countryside. The side plot of the Australian ship was interesting albeit a little confusing (can’t get into that now, that would be a spoiler.)

I appreciate the way the author makes a big city like London feel cozy and the way the cast of characters has grown. Donald is still annoying as always, but at least now we can look at him and say “Oh, Donald” and affectionately shake our heads.

Looking forward to the next book!

This series is so much fun and I love when one of the stories takes place in London. Getting to see Pippa in action is hilarious. I love that her job is like the worst kept secret. I would totally read a series that's just Pippa. I am excited for the next addition in this series and for them to be back in West London.

I always enjoy the "Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries" and each installment is better than the last. Delany always brings charm, humor, and surprises with each new mystery. I've spent the last several books getting to know Gemma and her friends, and now a wrench has been thrown into her world that shakes things up. Her ex-husband is at the core of the mystery which adds just the right amount of complications that bring drama into the story and successfully keep you turning the page to see what happens next. I highly recommend this!