This was an easy to read and entertaining cozy mystery. I enjoyed the characters. I've only read 1 other book in the series, but still found the characters and the story line easy to follow. I'll be going back to read the others.

Gemma, owner of the Sherlock Holmes bookstore is in London for her sister Pippa's wedding. When Gemma is unexpectedly confronted with her ex things go awry. Paul the ex is found dead shortly after. This series just keeps getting better book by book. Exciting stories. Awesome characters. Great plots. Thanks #CrookedLaneBooks and #Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.

This time around Gemma and the gang are in London for her sister, Pippa’s, wedding. Her ex-husband, Paul, asks her to meet him in his bookstore to see a rare used book, but when she and Grant arrive, they find him dead in his office. Gemma feels like she owes it to Paul to help find the killer.

I’ve read enough of the series to know most of the characters so I didn’t feel overwhelmed by all the people we only meet briefly before they get sidelined for most of the story.

Gemma and friends traipse all over London, to mansions and nightclubs and coffee shops. The clues lead in several directions, but at the same time Pippa is dealing with a government situation and it’s no surprise when Gemma’s case and Pippa’s job overlap. The story is a little far-fetched and the motive a little weak, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I would rather have been on the Holmes tours with Donald than solving the mystery, though, I'm ashamed to say.

Life is never dull when Gemma Doyle is around. In London for her sister Pippa's wedding, she manages to get embroiled in not just a murder investigation but a high profile international event and, uh, oh, yes, a bar room brawl. And, not just any ol' bar room, mind you, but one with royal and well-known faces. And, why? Something to do with a book that may or may not exist.

I've come to like Gemma far more as the series has progressed. I'm not sure if that means I've mellowed or Gemma has, though she does seem to make a more conscious effort to think of others now than she once did. Oh, she's still laser focused and determined but does seem to have added a layer of being aware that others just don't operate on her time schedule or priorities. I do grin at her efforts to tolerate Donald Morris's fixation on all things Sherlock Holmes to the exclusion of almost everything else, but he does prove a courageous ally when push comes to shove, as does Jayne. Let's just say, never mess with a woman with an overloaded purse. Boyfriend Ryan is somewhat shunted to the side for a fishing trip but does get into the action at times. I enjoyed spending time with them all, even Donald, and meeting some new faces along the way. We also get a grand tour of London, including its famed shopping district thanks to the fact Gemma's luggage didn't quite make the trip on her schedule.

As for the murder, I found it rather sad. The victim is Gemma's ex-husband Paul, who has fallen on hard times. I won't give away more of the plot but will note he asks Gemma to come have a look at a book, a special book, and that alone pulls her into investigating his death. Of course, she doesn't call it an investigation. She's merely asking questions, you see. As it turns out, there are ample suspects, some of them related to Gemma. She doesn't let that detour her, of course. As for danger, let's just say Ryan's fishing trip was the calm before the storm as he attempts to have Gemma's back. Thanks #CrookedLaneBooks for letting me make an early virtual trip to Pippa's wedding just in time to see Gemma in actions. Boy, given how Pippa's wedding day evolved, I can only imagine how what any wedding day for Gemma might be like.

Sherlock Holmes bookstore owner Gemma Doyle and friends are in London for her sister Pippa's wedding. Suffering from jet lag and leaving to rest, the last person that Gemma expected to encounter was her ex-husband, Paul. An ex-husband that Ryan doesn’t yet know about. Unfortunately Paul is found dead in his bookshop after speaking to Gemma.

There is no doubt - I am a Vicki Delany fan. We are treated to more about Gemma’s past before she moved to America. As well as the relationship between Gemma and Pippa. The entire series best attribute is its ability to weave elements of Sherlock Holmes lore seamlessly into modern-day sleuthing. I enjoy this series and look forward to the next adventure of Gemma and her friends.

Gemma Doyle, professional bookseller and amateur sleuth, is on the case again in The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime. This tenth installment of Vicki Delany’s Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series brings Gemma and her friends back ‘across the pond’ to celebrate her sister’s wedding in London. Unfortunately, Gemma’s celebratory mood is dampened by an unexpected encounter with her ne'er-do-well ex-husband, Paul Erikson, who still runs the bookstore that they founded together. Paul claims to have a rare and valuable book he wants to show her, but Gemma isn't sure if it's a genuine offer or just an attempt to worm his way back into her life. The next day, when she arrives at his store, she's horrified to discover that Paul has been murdered. In order to put their personal history to rest, Gemma is compelled to investigate Paul’s death and bring his killer to justice.

The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime is a perfect cozy read and a new favorite for me in this series. Although the original West London setting has many charms, I found the change of scenery refreshing and made me eager to plan my own tour of the London sights! It was a pleasure to spend more time with Gemma’s family, particularly her fascinated and sharp-witted sister, Pippa Doyle. With plenty of twists and turns - even international intrigue - and a bit of romance, this book is a charming read that will delight fans of the series. (For readers who are new to the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries, I might recommend starting with one of the earlier books to get to know the cast of characters.)

Thank you to Crooked Lane Books for providing an advance copy of this book for review through NetGalley. All opinions are my own!

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and or the author for giving me the opportunity to read and review The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime

It was amazing

I was thinking, "Man, I'm really in the mood for a new Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery" and Netgalley was like "here you go bestie" and I'm very thankful for that haha! This was, unfortunately, one of my least favorites of the series so far, but that's okay! I missed the West London crew very much, and being back with them was good for my heart. (Grant Thompson is the light of my life, I love him so much) It took me awhile to get into the mystery of this one, but whether that's the book or me I'm not sure. I did like it, though, it was intriguing. Gemma is an icon, and I already can't wait for the next adventure with her and Jayne.

3.5 stars from me!

**I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**

I had not read any of this series, so there were a few nuances that I did not fully get, however there was enough going on that I could get the vibe of the group as I was reading.

The Holmesian aspects of the title was what made me request a copy. And it was good, however, some of the characters took their love of Sherlock Holmes to such extents that he became quite annoying to me any time he was on the page (Sorry Ms Delaney).

It wasn't a surprise to me either when the killer was revealed, which bummed me a bit too.

It wasn't a bad book, but I don't think I will be reading more of this series.

The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime is the tenth in a series and while the case is resolved in this book a lot of character development took place in past books. I would suggest this book be read as part of the series. Gemma Doyle is back in London for her sister’s nuptials when her ex husband approaches her about a rare book for her to look at. When Gemma shows up at her ex’s bookshop to see the book, she finds her ex’s dead body. Being the nosy detective she is known to be and a sense of nostalgia for who ex was, Gemma begins to investigate in a twisted unpredictable cozy. Gemma uses keen powers of deduction to make jumps between evidence that will impress you and make you ask how you missed it. The premise of this series is interesting and Gemma and her friends are fun characters for an interesting cozy series. Each book in the series delivers a reliable entertaining experience that has me coming back for more. My voluntary, unbiased, and non-mandatory review is based upon a review copy from NetGalley.

Although part of a long-standing cozy mystery series, this novel (book 10) was the first I've had the opportunity to read from The Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mysteries. I love some of the author's other cozy series, and it was no surprise that the Sherlock themed book would be entertaining. The writing style and plot are easily readable, and, even though the pace slows down in a couple of instances, overall, it's constant. The characters and contemporary setting fit in nicely with the numerous homages to Holmes and I look forward to reading a book set across the pond. For cozy fans and general Sherlockians.

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My sister loves the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mysteries. Now that I’ve had the chance to read “The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime”, I can’t understand why *I* haven’t picked up this series yet myself! Though this is book ten of a series, it’s one of those where you don’t need to read any or all of the previous books to know what’s going on. Each character is just fleshed out enough to feel real enough in this book—though from the look of it, we see and hear about characters and incidents in previous books. And unlike other amateur sleuth series I’ve read, the police are not hostile toward Gemma, the main character; nor is she immediately accused of murder, despite her connection to the deceased. (Granted, I haven’t read the other nine books yet, so I don’t know if that ever happens in the series.) Nor do they totally dismiss Gemma or what she has to say. That shows great promise for the rest of the series.

There are moments throughout the book where the pacing felt a little slow, but the rest of the book made up for that. Overall, I enjoyed it, and plan to go back and read the books I’ve missed so far.

A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery # 10

A quick look:

Gemma Doyle is in London for her sister’s wedding waiting for her at the hotel is her ex-husband Paul Erikson, a rare book owner who asked her to meet him at his book store the next day, he has a rare book he wish her to see. When Gemma arrives at his store she found him dead in his office.....setting the stage for another saga....

My thoughts:

The author gives us enough contexts setting making it easy to get into it at this point but don’t get baited by the lovely title this story is a cozy classic mystery easy to figure out what’s happening before it happens. No mind-bending or dazzling mystery to figure out just the very observant Gemma, her best friend Jayne and sister Pippa following Paul’s trail of friends, enemies, clients and ex-lovers. To get to the bottom of this mystery the team of sleuths use all their wit before their time in London is over and while doing so they entertained us along the way. Their characterization is the run of the mill nothing special in my books.

I enjoyed this story but plot wise nothing to write home about: simple and easy to follow, nicely written for all to enjoy and being entertained but nothing more.

It is fun to visit with our friends from West London, Massachusetts, even if they are not home for this adventure. Gemma has dragged Ryan, Jayne, Andy, and our resident Sherlock "expert" Donald to London for her sister Pippa's wedding. Everything is proceeding well, with a lovely service, a high-end reception, and visits with friends and family. Gemma, who lost her luggage and has to shop when they got there, is jet lagged and leaves a little early only to be stopped on the way out by her ex-husband who she has not seen in seven years. Jet lagged, and not wanting to deal with him in that condition, Gemma agreed to meet him the next day at the bookstore they once owned together. Unfortunately, when she arrives, she finds him dead, murdered. This leads our Merry Band all over London, to aristocratic mansions on the outskirts of the city, and to fancy nightclubs. They interact with British police, secret government agencies, and the US Secret Service. Our story may be a little farfetched, but it absolutely makes for an interesting romp! Come along if you dare! Thanks to #Netgally, #CrookedLaneBooks, and the author for a chance to read. #TheIncidentoftheBookintheNighttime #VickiDelany #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader

The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime, the 10th book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series by Vicki Delany, is a complex murder mystery set in the city of London, England and featuring characters that readers have come to enjoy spending time with.
This time around, Gemma Doyle travels home to attend her sister Pippa's wedding, and while there becomes embroiled in the murder case of her ex-husband. Suspects abound and royal and international intrigue is superimposed on top of the mystery, and Gemma and her friends must navigate delicately in order to aid the police. Delany keeps you guessing and turning the pages to the end.
Fans of Arthur Conan Doyle will not be disappointed as locations from his books are referenced in this mystery. Delany provides detailed descriptions of the places the characters visit, almost making the city London a character in its own right.
Thank you for the ARC of #TheIncidentoftheBookintheNighttime to #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks.

Book Title: The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime
Author: Vicki Delany
Series: A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery #10
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Pub Date: January 14, 2025
My Rating: 4.2 Stars
Pages: 288

This is 10th book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. Although the characters are recurring; I believe it can be read as a standalone.
If this is your first, I will give some background (plus it helps me remember all the characters!!!)

Setting: West London on Cape Cod.
Gemma Doyle- a transplanted Englishwoman, has returned to the quaint town of West London on Cape Cod to manage her Great Uncle Arthur's Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium,
Jayce Wilson – Gemma’s best friend along with
Mrs. Hudson manages the Tea Room that is attached to her book shop.
Ashleigh - is Gemma's assistant.
Bunny Leigh – Ashleigh’s mother is a former pop star.
Ryan Ashburton - is a detective and Gemma’s main squeeze.
Andy Whitehall - is Jayne's fiancé and owner of the restaurant, Blue Water Cafe.
Donald Morris – hopes to speak to the spirit of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Non-recurring characters
Madame Lavalier – is the medium and her assistant is Mary Moffatt.

This story starts with Gemma and friends heading to London for Pippa’s wedding. When they arrive, Gemma finds her ex-husband, Paul Erikson waiting for her. Paul has a rare book he wants her to see. Gemma agrees to meet him at their old shop, “Trafalgar Fine Books”.
The next day Gemma arrives, accompanied by Grant, a rare book dealer, but they aren’t greeted by Paul. They find him dead in his office.
And so it begins!

There is no doubt - I am a Vicki Delany fan. Additionally I have listened to several audiobooks and love narrator Kim Hicks and especially enjoy she continues to be the audiobook performer- to me she is Gemma Doyle!

In this case I have to imagine her voice.

I have always been a mystery book fan but more recently have been reading psychological thrillers; this cozy mystery reminded me why I love mysteries! Most cozy mystery fans enjoy reading a story that includes a book shop. One that has an adjacent tea room has got to be the BEST!
BTW: I actually did a Google search for “Sherlock Holmes Tea Set” and Yes! They are available!

Ms. Delany delivered another enjoyable read. As always I am looking forward to the next adventure of Gemma and friends!
I read " Elementary She Reads" which was the first book in this series back in 2017.

Ms. Delany is the author of four cozy mystery series: In addition to this, the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series from Crooked Lane, The Tea by the Sea series from Kensington Books, and the Year Round Christmas series from Penguin she also writes the Lighthouse Library series under the pen of Eva Gates. I also love that series!)

Want to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for granting me this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for January 14, 2025.

3.5 stars

Sherlock Holmes bookstore owner Gemma Doyle and her posse are in London for her spy sister Pippa's wedding. Unfortunately Gemma's ex-husband is found dead in his bookshop after speaking to Gemma.

Gemma feels a bit of an emotional obligation to her ex so carefully starts nosing around. The London setting and Gemma's family details add interest. We find out a lot more about Pippa although nothing specific -- just that she is secretive, obviously has enormous pull with anything governmental or law enforcement related, and is as tough and direct as her sister.

As usual, old secrets lie behind what happens and Gemma uncovers them. We are even treated to a melee in an after hours nightclub open only to the elite of London. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Enjoyed the book from start to finish. Do have to say that pippa kind of annoyed me throughout the story

Gemma has returned to London, England for her sister Pippa’s wedding, along with her friends from America. We learn more about Gemma’s past and see more of her family. Pippa is obviously in Intelligence, though her position is hush-hush annd important. After Gemma finds a murder victim, her friends all rally round to help investigate, between sight-seeing trips.
It’s great to see more of Gemma and see her becoming more well-rounded as a person. She’s learned to appreciate her friends. It was fun to see them all in England (where Donald can immerse himself in Sherlock lore).
I enjoyed the story and the mystery, which kept me hooked from the beginning.
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

After a few book in the series that fell flat to me, this one feels like the first few in the series. That had the Gemma we all knew and loved. And I'm glad. And I enjoyed the mystery as well.