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Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery #7
A Three Book Problem
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.
It's a crisp, early October weekend, and business is slowing down as fall descends at the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium and adjacent Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room. Wealthy philanthropist and prominent Sherlockian David Masterson has rented Suffolk Gardens House, where he plans to entertain his friends in a traditional English country house weekend.
As the chosen caterers, Jayne Watson and Gemma Doyle get to work preparing lavish meals and setting up Sherlockian books and props for entertainment. Meanwhile, police detective Ryan Ashburton has taken time away from his duties to assist in the kitchen. It quickly becomes apparent that David's guests don't like each other--or their host. Plus, some of them aren't even acquainted with the adventures of the Great Detective.
Before Gemma can ponder their relationships a poisoned dart sails through the window of the library, presenting Gemma Doyle with a three-book problem.
It's a crisp, early October weekend, and business is slowing down as fall descends at the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium and adjacent Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room. Wealthy philanthropist and prominent Sherlockian David Masterson has rented Suffolk Gardens House, where he plans to entertain his friends in a traditional English country house weekend.
As the chosen caterers, Jayne Watson and Gemma Doyle get to work preparing lavish meals and setting up Sherlockian books and props for entertainment. Meanwhile, police detective Ryan Ashburton has taken time away from his duties to assist in the kitchen. It quickly becomes apparent that David's guests don't like each other--or their host. Plus, some of them aren't even acquainted with the adventures of the Great Detective.
Before Gemma can ponder their relationships a poisoned dart sails through the window of the library, presenting Gemma Doyle with a three-book problem.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 11, 2022
162 people are currently reading
1155 people want to read
About the author
Vicki Delany
57 books1,872 followers“It’s a crime not to read Delany,” so says the London Free Press.
Vicki Delany is one of Canada’s most varied and prolific crime writers.
She is the author of four cozy mystery series: The Tea by the Sea series from Kensington Books, the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series from Crooked Lane and the Year Round Christmas series from Penguin. Under the pen name of Eva Gates she writes the Lighthouse Library Series.
Visit Vicki at www.vickidelany.com , www.facebook.com/evagatesauthor, and twitter: @vickidelany
Vicki is part of Mystery Lovers Kitchen (http://www.mysteryloverskitchen.com) and Killer Characters (http://www.killercharacters.com)
Visit Vicki at www.vickidelany.com
Vicki Delany is one of Canada’s most varied and prolific crime writers.
She is the author of four cozy mystery series: The Tea by the Sea series from Kensington Books, the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series from Crooked Lane and the Year Round Christmas series from Penguin. Under the pen name of Eva Gates she writes the Lighthouse Library Series.
Visit Vicki at www.vickidelany.com , www.facebook.com/evagatesauthor, and twitter: @vickidelany
Vicki is part of Mystery Lovers Kitchen (http://www.mysteryloverskitchen.com) and Killer Characters (http://www.killercharacters.com)
Visit Vicki at www.vickidelany.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 331 reviews
November 24, 2021
I have read books 1, 6 and 7 in this series now so I still have some catching up to do. This will not be a problem because they are all nice, entertaining, easy reads.
In A Three Book Problem Gemma Doyle and her friends are all attending a Sherlock Holmes themed house party - Gemma is providing expertise and items from her book shop, Jayne is handling the meals and Ryan is there for general back up duties. The guests are very mixed and do not seem to like each other much. Of course a murder occurs and Ryan is obliged to return to his normal police duties.
The mystery is good with many potential suspects and Gemma is able to be very helpful as she is living in the house with all of them! I liked the way the author set this scene with our normal main characters transposed to different surroundings. The ending was a little surprising as I did not really suspect the actual murderer during the course of the story.
This was an enjoyable cosy, well written and interesting. My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
In A Three Book Problem Gemma Doyle and her friends are all attending a Sherlock Holmes themed house party - Gemma is providing expertise and items from her book shop, Jayne is handling the meals and Ryan is there for general back up duties. The guests are very mixed and do not seem to like each other much. Of course a murder occurs and Ryan is obliged to return to his normal police duties.
The mystery is good with many potential suspects and Gemma is able to be very helpful as she is living in the house with all of them! I liked the way the author set this scene with our normal main characters transposed to different surroundings. The ending was a little surprising as I did not really suspect the actual murderer during the course of the story.
This was an enjoyable cosy, well written and interesting. My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
September 12, 2021
Are you a Sherlock Holmes fan? Do you like modern-day interpretations? In a cozy mystery? With a witty writer and a ton of clever characters? The Sherlock Homes Bookshop Mysteries written by Vicki Delany are for you. I've been a fan of this series since the beginning. I can't believe there are seven of them already. I've read several of the author's other series too, and she's in my top 10 of always-read writers.
In this latest installment, Gemma and Jayne travel to an estate to host an event for an eccentric Holmes fan. Ryan comes along, forgetting he's a policeman for a few days while playing sous chef. Until a murder happens, and his natural skills must be put to better use. Gemma does her best to stay uninvolved, but the clues just keep dancing in her face. Who murdered the host? One of his five strange guests? Two family members who played the butler and the housekeeper? Or an outsider? A poisoned dart killed the man, and strangely enough, it's like The Sign of Four all over again.
Clever, fun, kept my interest. Enjoyed the different setting with familiar faces. The mystery was good, but I wanted someone else to be the killer. All in all, a great continuation of the series. Definite recommend.
In this latest installment, Gemma and Jayne travel to an estate to host an event for an eccentric Holmes fan. Ryan comes along, forgetting he's a policeman for a few days while playing sous chef. Until a murder happens, and his natural skills must be put to better use. Gemma does her best to stay uninvolved, but the clues just keep dancing in her face. Who murdered the host? One of his five strange guests? Two family members who played the butler and the housekeeper? Or an outsider? A poisoned dart killed the man, and strangely enough, it's like The Sign of Four all over again.
Clever, fun, kept my interest. Enjoyed the different setting with familiar faces. The mystery was good, but I wanted someone else to be the killer. All in all, a great continuation of the series. Definite recommend.
November 11, 2022
In this 7th book in the 'Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries', bookstore manager/amateur sleuth Gemma Doyle investigates a death at a country manor. The book works fine as a standalone.
*****
British native Gemma Doyle now lives in the town of West London in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. There she co-owns and manages 'The Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium' for her Uncle Arthur, a nonagenarian who likes to travel and indulge in his hobbies.
Gemma and her friend Jayne.....
.....co-own 'Mrs. Hudson's Tearoom', which adjoins the bookstore, and both establishments do a lively business - especially during tourist season.
As the story opens, Gemma, Jayne, and Gemma's boyfriend, police detective Ryan Ashburton......
......are on their way to West London's Suffolk Gardens House - a mansion built to look like an English country manor. The home is up for sale, but there are no buyers, and - in the meanwhile - the owner rents the property out for select events.
This week, a Sherlock Holmes enthusiast called David Masterson has rented Suffolk Gardens House for a Sherlock Holmes weekend.
The invited guests - who are supposed to dress in Sherlock-era (Victorian) clothing - will discuss the Sherlock Holmes canon, watch Sherlock Holmes films, play Sherlock Holmes-themed games, and so on.
The food will also mimic comestibles served at upper class British homes of the era, and Gemma and Jayne have been hired to provide meals for the house party. Moreover, Gemma is bringing Sherlock Holmes books, games, tchotchkes, etc. from her 'Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium.'
Gemma's boyfriend Ryan has agreed to act as an assistant to the ladies, and will help carry, clean, and cook. Moreover, David Masterson's have-not niece and nephew, Annie and Billy, have been conscripted to act as housekeeper and butler.
The plan is for the guests and employees, including Gemma, Jayne, and Ryan, to stay at Suffolk Gardens House for the entire event.
Once all the attendees arrive, Gemma senses unease in the atmosphere, and notes that some of the guests seem to know little or nothing about Sherlock Holmes. Moreover, a few visitors appear to actively dislike one another. Presently, the host David Masterson is killed in a highly unusual manner, and Ryan and his police partner Louise Estrada get the case.
Gemma - who can't resist sleuthing - is firmly told to keep her nose out of the inquiries, but she jumps in with both feet as usual.
Before long, the victim's wife Rebecca, who didn't attend the Sherlock Holmes weekend, arrives in high style, and it's clear that she's NOT in deep mourning for her dead husband.
In fact, the whole house party behaves oddly, electing to continue with their sumptious meals and movie screenings in spite of their host's death. (This particular plot point struck me as unlikely, especially Rebecca dressing up in a fancy gown and jewels right after her husband's murder.)
Gemma is a bold woman who brazenly questions the suspects, searches the grounds again and again, and eventually identifies the killer.....whose identify I didn't guess. 🙂
Though the house party meals are supposed to emulate Victorian banquets (which often consisted of twelve or more courses), Jayne's scaled down menu for the first dinner consists of carrot and ginger soup; salad; roast beef, roast potatoes, and root vegetables; Yorkshire pudding and gravy; and for dessert - chocolate cake topped with chocolate ganache and raspberries and lemon meringue pie. And a typical breakfast is red pepper frittata, bacon and grilled tomatoes, yogurt, granola, muffins, orange juice, coffee and tea.
Carrot and Ginger Soup
Roast Beef and Roast Potatoes
Yorkshire Pudding and Gravy
Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache and Raspberries
Lemon Meringue Pie
Red Pepper Frittata
Bacon and Grilled Tomatoes
Assorted Muffins
Additional characters add interest to the story. These include: Ashleigh - Gemma's bookstore assistant, who has a different wardrobe theme for every day; Irene - the local journalist who's always looking for a story; Donald Morris - a retired lawyer and Sherlock Holmes aficionado; Gemma's dogs Peony and Violet; the haughty bookshop cat Moriarty; and more.
As the story unfolds, there's plenty of Sherlock Holmes chitchat among some of the guests, which - as a fan of the great detective - I enjoyed.
All in all, this is a light but enjoyable cozy mystery, recommended to fans of the genre.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
January 12, 2022
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 Holmes. 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 was it 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 very much 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 see a few more characters and their behaviour and such in their interactions, but these didn’t feel like something that really needed to be occur as much 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.
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 Holmes. 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 was it 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 very much 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 see a few more characters and their behaviour and such in their interactions, but these didn’t feel like something that really needed to be occur as much 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.
January 11, 2022
I have read all the books in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries. Because I have read the other books in this series I knew the main characters. The addition of the other characters fitted into the story line well. The story line was good but I was disappointed in the fact that it was dragged out and at the end I lost interest.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.
January 17, 2022
I'm not sure why I enjoy these books as much as I do since I find the main character, Gemma Doyle, quite annoying. Obviously this is the way that Delany wants to portray her and Gemma's friends state on at least two occasions that “she's learning" to be more diplomatic.
I have to say that, although it's the Sherlock Holmes canon that gets referenced heavily in this series (for obvious reasons), this particular novel had overtones of Agatha Christie, specifically Murder on the Orient Express or maybe And Then There Were None. You could also liken it to Georgette Heyer's Christmas Party. The murdered man invited a house-full of people who had reason to resent him or fear him for a weekend of Sherlockian shenanigans. Gemma and her friend Jayne have been hired to provide entertainment and food, so are on hand for the murder and to observe the actions and reactions of these guests. Let's just say that they don't show themselves off to advantage.
Being unnaturally observant and also willing to be nosier and less polite than others, Gemma is in the perfect position to learn a lot. She dismays her boyfriend, the detective, by telling him several details that the guests haven't seen fit to disclose to him. By the end of this, the seventh book in the series, even Louise Estrada, the hostile detective, has had to admit that Gemma has talent. (She is an obvious Inspector Lestrade figure in these stories, reluctant to admit that observation and deduction can go as far as Gemma or Sherlock can take them).
I have no idea if Delany intends to continue this series, but it does seem to me like she wrapped things up neatly by book's end. I would be unsurprised if Gemma gets retired and Delany moves on to newer ideas and a different main character.
I have to say that, although it's the Sherlock Holmes canon that gets referenced heavily in this series (for obvious reasons), this particular novel had overtones of Agatha Christie, specifically Murder on the Orient Express or maybe And Then There Were None. You could also liken it to Georgette Heyer's Christmas Party. The murdered man invited a house-full of people who had reason to resent him or fear him for a weekend of Sherlockian shenanigans. Gemma and her friend Jayne have been hired to provide entertainment and food, so are on hand for the murder and to observe the actions and reactions of these guests. Let's just say that they don't show themselves off to advantage.
Being unnaturally observant and also willing to be nosier and less polite than others, Gemma is in the perfect position to learn a lot. She dismays her boyfriend, the detective, by telling him several details that the guests haven't seen fit to disclose to him. By the end of this, the seventh book in the series, even Louise Estrada, the hostile detective, has had to admit that Gemma has talent. (She is an obvious Inspector Lestrade figure in these stories, reluctant to admit that observation and deduction can go as far as Gemma or Sherlock can take them).
I have no idea if Delany intends to continue this series, but it does seem to me like she wrapped things up neatly by book's end. I would be unsurprised if Gemma gets retired and Delany moves on to newer ideas and a different main character.
February 24, 2022
A Three Book Problem is the seventh book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series but the second one I have read after getting introduced to the series with the sixth book last year.
In this book Gemma and her friend Jayne are chosen to organise and cater a Sherlock Holmes themed weekend hosted by a wealthy and prominent Sherlockian, David Masterson with Gemma's police detective boyfriend Ryan joining to lend a helping hand. Gemma finds that most of the invited guests don't get along with each other and the host and have no interest in anything Sherlockian but have other ulterior motives to attend the get together which culminates in a murder by a poisonous dart.
I know I have a lot of catching up to do but I have liked what I have read of the series so far. I remember mentioning my doubts about Gemma and Ryan's relationship in my review of the sixth book but in this book they seemed much more in sync. Overall this was a fun, good, cosy mystery. I am a fan of Sherlock Holmes so I know I will be enjoying this series.
I received an e-Arc of the book by the publisher Crooked Lane Books and the author Vicki Delany via NetGalley.
In this book Gemma and her friend Jayne are chosen to organise and cater a Sherlock Holmes themed weekend hosted by a wealthy and prominent Sherlockian, David Masterson with Gemma's police detective boyfriend Ryan joining to lend a helping hand. Gemma finds that most of the invited guests don't get along with each other and the host and have no interest in anything Sherlockian but have other ulterior motives to attend the get together which culminates in a murder by a poisonous dart.
I know I have a lot of catching up to do but I have liked what I have read of the series so far. I remember mentioning my doubts about Gemma and Ryan's relationship in my review of the sixth book but in this book they seemed much more in sync. Overall this was a fun, good, cosy mystery. I am a fan of Sherlock Holmes so I know I will be enjoying this series.
I received an e-Arc of the book by the publisher Crooked Lane Books and the author Vicki Delany via NetGalley.
May 2, 2023
A Three Book Problem is the seventh book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series, but it can easily be read as a standalone.
Gemma Doyle, owner of the favourite bookshop for Sherlock Holmes lovers, is employed by David Masterson to cater and decorate the old adobe of Suffolk Gardens House for his retreat of Sherlockians. Unfortunately on the second day of this special weekend Mr. Masterson is murdered and all the guests become possible culprits.
I've enjoyed this book. The mystery is good, the pace is nice, and the assorted group of characters make the investigation absorbing and engaging.
I'm looking forward to the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for kindly giving me an advanced copy of this book to read.
October 28, 2022
Dollycas’s Thoughts
David Masterson is a prominent Sherlockian and a wealthy philanthropist and a frequent customer of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium. He has decided to invite some friends and other Sherlockians for an English country house weekend at the Suffolk Gardens House. He has hired Gemma and Jayne to cater the event and use items from the Emporium to stage the house with all things Sherlock-related. They have also enticed Detective Ryan Ashburton, Gemma’s boyfriend to join them to help with preparing and serving the food.
David’s “friends” are not what Gemma, Jayne, and Ryan were expecting. Some appear to know nothing about Sherlock Holmes or act like they are not really happy to be there. Most seem to have ulterior motives for attending the weekend.
While meeting with Jayne and Gemma in the library a poison dart flies through the window screen and penetrated David’s neck and he quickly dies. With the good detective on the premises, the investigation quickly starts but it also puts Gemma and Jayne right in the thick of things. They know the killer has to be a guest of David’s and they aren’t going to miss their chance to question each of them.
Will they be able to throw the book at the guilty party or will the killer book it out of the Suffolk Gardens House and get away with murder?
This is one of my favorite cozy series!
Vicky Delany is a master storyteller. She has created such strong characters that continue to grow and evolve in each book. Gemma and Jayne have such a strong relationship and work together so well. They know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and even those out. Gemma’s observation skills are extraordinary and Jayne is the sounding board to help the clues fall into place. I am so happy to see Ryan and Gemma’s relationship going so well. He does value her talents even though he would like her to leave the investigating to him and his partner Louise. He is a smart man though and is just happy that Gemma shares her findings and theories with him sometimes with Louise simmering in the background.
The secondary characters were very interesting. As more of the victim’s life/lifestyle was uncovered it was clear to see everyone with the exception of Gemma, Jayne, and Ryan could have had a reason to kill the man. It was like I had a virtual Rolodex as I tried to keep track of all the information provided, shuffling the cards several times moving different people to the top of my personal suspect list. I was still shuffling right up until all was revealed.
The Suffolk Gardens House was a great setting for this basically closed-room mystery although it is an isolated big house with several rooms. The property had been on the market for some time but from the house to the garden it had not been maintained well. The author’s descriptions brought the place to life for me. It also made me imagine what a gem it could be had it been built and maintained better. The garden if taken care of could be amazing.
A Three Book Problem was a splendid who-dun-it with engaging characters full of twists and turns. You truly can’t go wrong with any book written by Vicki Delany. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery. The Game is a Footnote hits store shelves on January 10, 2023.
David Masterson is a prominent Sherlockian and a wealthy philanthropist and a frequent customer of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium. He has decided to invite some friends and other Sherlockians for an English country house weekend at the Suffolk Gardens House. He has hired Gemma and Jayne to cater the event and use items from the Emporium to stage the house with all things Sherlock-related. They have also enticed Detective Ryan Ashburton, Gemma’s boyfriend to join them to help with preparing and serving the food.
David’s “friends” are not what Gemma, Jayne, and Ryan were expecting. Some appear to know nothing about Sherlock Holmes or act like they are not really happy to be there. Most seem to have ulterior motives for attending the weekend.
While meeting with Jayne and Gemma in the library a poison dart flies through the window screen and penetrated David’s neck and he quickly dies. With the good detective on the premises, the investigation quickly starts but it also puts Gemma and Jayne right in the thick of things. They know the killer has to be a guest of David’s and they aren’t going to miss their chance to question each of them.
Will they be able to throw the book at the guilty party or will the killer book it out of the Suffolk Gardens House and get away with murder?
This is one of my favorite cozy series!
Vicky Delany is a master storyteller. She has created such strong characters that continue to grow and evolve in each book. Gemma and Jayne have such a strong relationship and work together so well. They know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and even those out. Gemma’s observation skills are extraordinary and Jayne is the sounding board to help the clues fall into place. I am so happy to see Ryan and Gemma’s relationship going so well. He does value her talents even though he would like her to leave the investigating to him and his partner Louise. He is a smart man though and is just happy that Gemma shares her findings and theories with him sometimes with Louise simmering in the background.
The secondary characters were very interesting. As more of the victim’s life/lifestyle was uncovered it was clear to see everyone with the exception of Gemma, Jayne, and Ryan could have had a reason to kill the man. It was like I had a virtual Rolodex as I tried to keep track of all the information provided, shuffling the cards several times moving different people to the top of my personal suspect list. I was still shuffling right up until all was revealed.
The Suffolk Gardens House was a great setting for this basically closed-room mystery although it is an isolated big house with several rooms. The property had been on the market for some time but from the house to the garden it had not been maintained well. The author’s descriptions brought the place to life for me. It also made me imagine what a gem it could be had it been built and maintained better. The garden if taken care of could be amazing.
A Three Book Problem was a splendid who-dun-it with engaging characters full of twists and turns. You truly can’t go wrong with any book written by Vicki Delany. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery. The Game is a Footnote hits store shelves on January 10, 2023.
October 28, 2021
Rating = 3.5
I am a fan of author Vicki Delany and her Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. Gemma is a unique character. She is mature, level-headed, perceptive, observant and while getting better, still a little slow in reading social queues. I have read all the books in the series and this one was probably my least favorite. It hit on all cylinders regarding the characters, their growth, the dialogue, and mystery. I thought the method used to carry out the murder was unique and clever. The problem for me was the pacing of the book. Personally, I felt the plot was slow and dragged in some areas. I found myself closing the book to do something else more often than racing to the end to find out the killer's identity. I still enjoy this series and will return for the next book. I enjoy these characters and look forward to seeing their continued growth and the mysteries that arise.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were not impacted by the manner in which I received this book.
I am a fan of author Vicki Delany and her Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. Gemma is a unique character. She is mature, level-headed, perceptive, observant and while getting better, still a little slow in reading social queues. I have read all the books in the series and this one was probably my least favorite. It hit on all cylinders regarding the characters, their growth, the dialogue, and mystery. I thought the method used to carry out the murder was unique and clever. The problem for me was the pacing of the book. Personally, I felt the plot was slow and dragged in some areas. I found myself closing the book to do something else more often than racing to the end to find out the killer's identity. I still enjoy this series and will return for the next book. I enjoy these characters and look forward to seeing their continued growth and the mysteries that arise.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were not impacted by the manner in which I received this book.
June 23, 2021
Gemma Doyle is at it again in this exciting addition to the series.
Gemma and her bestie Jayne are asked to participate in a
Sherlock Holmes weekend party at the Suffolk Gardens House. Gemma will be providing all the necessary materials and Jayne will be catering the event.
Accompanying the ladies is Ryan, Gemma’s boyfriend, who is also a detective with the West London police department.
David is the gentleman who is organizing the event, but it seems that all the people invited are not as excited about Sherlock Holmes as Gemma would have thought.
Things suddenly take a bizarre turn when the host is killed, and it seems everyone has their own motive for wanting him dead.
I really loved this book. It was really exciting to see Gemma slowly put the pieces together to solve the crime.
I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of A Three Book Problem.
#AThreeBookProblem #NetGalley
Gemma and her bestie Jayne are asked to participate in a
Sherlock Holmes weekend party at the Suffolk Gardens House. Gemma will be providing all the necessary materials and Jayne will be catering the event.
Accompanying the ladies is Ryan, Gemma’s boyfriend, who is also a detective with the West London police department.
David is the gentleman who is organizing the event, but it seems that all the people invited are not as excited about Sherlock Holmes as Gemma would have thought.
Things suddenly take a bizarre turn when the host is killed, and it seems everyone has their own motive for wanting him dead.
I really loved this book. It was really exciting to see Gemma slowly put the pieces together to solve the crime.
I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of A Three Book Problem.
#AThreeBookProblem #NetGalley
April 7, 2022
⭐⭐⭐
I enjoyed this one, but it didn't blow me away. I enjoyed the setting and the Sherlock Holmes angle. It held up well as a standalone (always a bonus). The characters were likable. I didn't find Gemma to be too annoying. The mystery kept me guessing. I found the romance between her and Ryan a little strange. Normally I don't love a lot of romance stuff in my cozies, but I found it odd that they are a couple (sleeping together) but didn't touch or kiss or anything in front of others. It just struck me as odd. 🤷🏻♀️ My other issue was I just found it all a bit dull and long winded. So a bit of a mixed bag, but I enjoyed it enough that I will request the next book in the series and see it is better overall.
SIDE NOTE: This book had formatting issues I found annoying. Missing characters combos "FF, TH, FI..." which made it a chore to read. It is also the 4th or 5th book this year that has had this same issue. I wish NetGalley would figure out what is happening. 🤷🏻♀️
**ARC Via NetGalley**
I enjoyed this one, but it didn't blow me away. I enjoyed the setting and the Sherlock Holmes angle. It held up well as a standalone (always a bonus). The characters were likable. I didn't find Gemma to be too annoying. The mystery kept me guessing. I found the romance between her and Ryan a little strange. Normally I don't love a lot of romance stuff in my cozies, but I found it odd that they are a couple (sleeping together) but didn't touch or kiss or anything in front of others. It just struck me as odd. 🤷🏻♀️ My other issue was I just found it all a bit dull and long winded. So a bit of a mixed bag, but I enjoyed it enough that I will request the next book in the series and see it is better overall.
SIDE NOTE: This book had formatting issues I found annoying. Missing characters combos "FF, TH, FI..." which made it a chore to read. It is also the 4th or 5th book this year that has had this same issue. I wish NetGalley would figure out what is happening. 🤷🏻♀️
**ARC Via NetGalley**
January 30, 2022
**Started this book and there are multiple letters missing from key words in each sentence which made it almost impossible to read, so I had to wait for the audiobook to be released so I could get this read and reviewed. I am SO ANNOYED.**
Getting to read this was way harder than it should have been. The formatting of the ARC was hideous and made it near impossible to read [I understand that ARC's are not perfect and one expects some mistakes in spelling and grammar and the like, but not missing words, missing letters from the words, missing sections of the text. THAT, IMO, makes it near impossible to read and review and that is what we got, which is really not okay], which then meant waiting for the book to be published in hopes that it was at a online library so one could read it [SO grateful for Hoopla and their large selection of eBooks]. When you are really excited for a book, waiting is difficult enough, but when you are lucky enough to get an ARC and then for it to be unreadable. the wait becomes close to unbearable.
And then, after all that, the book was just marginally okay. All the right things were there and in place - Gemma, Jayne, Ryan etc, an interesting murder [not sure we've had one quite like this one before, which made it more exciting], a Sherlockian weekend [that ends up having little to no Sherlock trivia AT ALL], etc etc etc. The thing is, even with all the things that make these books in this series fantastic, it just fell flat. There was no spark, no excitement over who the killer was, nada. Just meh. And after once observance from Gemma, I knew who the killer was and soon after knew the why. Add to that a very anticlimactic ending/reveal and I just feel - meh. Maybe it is because of all the hassle it took to actually read this, though I don't really think so. There was absolutely something missing in this book and I am sad because of it. I absolutely adore this series and am pretty disappointed in this one. Does it mean I am done with the series? Absolutely not. I recognize that everyone has bad days/books and that doesn't mean you stop reading that author because of one tepid book out of 7. I can only hope that the next one gets back to the amazingness that this series has been.
Thank you to NetGalley, Vicki Delany and Crooked Lane Books [and Hoopla!!!] for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Getting to read this was way harder than it should have been. The formatting of the ARC was hideous and made it near impossible to read [I understand that ARC's are not perfect and one expects some mistakes in spelling and grammar and the like, but not missing words, missing letters from the words, missing sections of the text. THAT, IMO, makes it near impossible to read and review and that is what we got, which is really not okay], which then meant waiting for the book to be published in hopes that it was at a online library so one could read it [SO grateful for Hoopla and their large selection of eBooks]. When you are really excited for a book, waiting is difficult enough, but when you are lucky enough to get an ARC and then for it to be unreadable. the wait becomes close to unbearable.
And then, after all that, the book was just marginally okay. All the right things were there and in place - Gemma, Jayne, Ryan etc, an interesting murder [not sure we've had one quite like this one before, which made it more exciting], a Sherlockian weekend [that ends up having little to no Sherlock trivia AT ALL], etc etc etc. The thing is, even with all the things that make these books in this series fantastic, it just fell flat. There was no spark, no excitement over who the killer was, nada. Just meh. And after once observance from Gemma, I knew who the killer was and soon after knew the why. Add to that a very anticlimactic ending/reveal and I just feel - meh. Maybe it is because of all the hassle it took to actually read this, though I don't really think so. There was absolutely something missing in this book and I am sad because of it. I absolutely adore this series and am pretty disappointed in this one. Does it mean I am done with the series? Absolutely not. I recognize that everyone has bad days/books and that doesn't mean you stop reading that author because of one tepid book out of 7. I can only hope that the next one gets back to the amazingness that this series has been.
Thank you to NetGalley, Vicki Delany and Crooked Lane Books [and Hoopla!!!] for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 17, 2022
This is the 7th book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. Although you can read this book without reading the previous books, you will miss important character development and backstory. Although most books in this series are set in or around the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium and adjacent Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room, A Three Book Problem is set at a country estate, Suffolk Gardens House, for an event for an eccentric Holmes fan and his invited guests. Jane will be cooking, Gemma serving and providing entertainment and Ryan, forgetting he's a policeman for a few days playing sous chef. When the host, wealthy philanthropist and prominent Sherlockian David Masterson is murdered, Ryan must put his police hat back on to solve the case.
This is a closed door mystery, or should I say, closed estate mystery. Who in the group wanted David dead? Who has the most to gain? Everyone there was a suspect, except Gemma, Jane and Ryan. When David's wife arrives there is also a question of whether she might have paid someone to shoot a poisoned dart at her husband. Gemma is a bit of an odd duck. She has excellent observation skills as well as deduction, but she is also socially inept and often offends people with her straight forward, honest manner. She amazes me with all the small things she sees and the nuances she picks up on. There are many suspects with various motives, so it becomes a puzzle to solve, something Gemma is amazing at. Once again Louise Estrada, Ryan's partner is involved, but she seems to be thawing a bit toward Gemma. Donald is one of my favourite characters as he brings the humour to the story with his Sherlock Holmes personna, he is in his glory in this book. I did not guess the culprit at all, and found the mystery itself well-developed and interesting. I liked that Gemma was not in danger during the showdown, but it was still a great conclusion. Overall this was another fun Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery.
This is a closed door mystery, or should I say, closed estate mystery. Who in the group wanted David dead? Who has the most to gain? Everyone there was a suspect, except Gemma, Jane and Ryan. When David's wife arrives there is also a question of whether she might have paid someone to shoot a poisoned dart at her husband. Gemma is a bit of an odd duck. She has excellent observation skills as well as deduction, but she is also socially inept and often offends people with her straight forward, honest manner. She amazes me with all the small things she sees and the nuances she picks up on. There are many suspects with various motives, so it becomes a puzzle to solve, something Gemma is amazing at. Once again Louise Estrada, Ryan's partner is involved, but she seems to be thawing a bit toward Gemma. Donald is one of my favourite characters as he brings the humour to the story with his Sherlock Holmes personna, he is in his glory in this book. I did not guess the culprit at all, and found the mystery itself well-developed and interesting. I liked that Gemma was not in danger during the showdown, but it was still a great conclusion. Overall this was another fun Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery.
January 15, 2022
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.
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.
January 8, 2022
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.
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.
December 15, 2021
Gemma and Jayne are catering a Sherlock Holmes Victorian type party for a group of Sherlockian's. David a huge fan has decided to put on this party for a select group of people. While there Gemma gets the feeling that not everyone there are fans of Sherlock, so why were they invited. Then David ends up dead and Gemma is reading to do some sluething.
It seems that David wasn't a very well liked man among his peers as well as his family, so there are plenty of suspects and I must say I didn't figure this one out. Gemma did try her best to not get involved but the more she found out the harder it was not to snoop around. She just couldn't leave it to her detective boyfriend or Estrada!
I liked this one because it seems that even though Detective Estrada is still not a huge fan of Gemma, she is beginning to like her a bit and not give her as hard of a time. It's taken a while to get to this place and I am more inclined to like the detective a bit more as well.
I also liked this one because it it took Gemma a while to figure things out so I didn't feel so bad about not figuring it out...lol.
It seems that David wasn't a very well liked man among his peers as well as his family, so there are plenty of suspects and I must say I didn't figure this one out. Gemma did try her best to not get involved but the more she found out the harder it was not to snoop around. She just couldn't leave it to her detective boyfriend or Estrada!
I liked this one because it seems that even though Detective Estrada is still not a huge fan of Gemma, she is beginning to like her a bit and not give her as hard of a time. It's taken a while to get to this place and I am more inclined to like the detective a bit more as well.
I also liked this one because it it took Gemma a while to figure things out so I didn't feel so bad about not figuring it out...lol.
September 23, 2023
one of my favorites of the series so far! it gave me Knives Out energy, and I always love the classic setup of a mansion full of suspects and a victim with a lot of secrets. 4.5 stars!
May 11, 2022
Entertaining cozy for the most part but it did get boring a couple of times. I really didn't care about the victim and they made the murderer a little easy to guess.
June 19, 2021
Vicky Delany's latest in the Sherlock Holmes Mystery series is a worthy successor to the others--it's a cozy mystery that will resonate with Sherlockians and those who appreciate a vivid setting and interesting characters.
Gemma Doyle and Jayne Wilson, proprietors of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and the neighboring Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room, respectively, have been engaged to cater a Holmes-themed weekend event at the Suffolk Gardens House, a replica of a 19th century stately home, in their town on Cape Cod. Their host, David Masterson, has rented the house and invited seven friends for what he hopes to be lively discussions, games, garden tours, old movies, and themed meals. He has also hired his reluctant niece and nephew to play the roles of housekeeper and butler.
Little does he know (although WE know, of course) that the mansion will quickly become a murder scene, with Gemma's beau, a local detective, leading the investigation. Gemma, who seems to have similar deductive skills as Sherlock, is eager to help with the investigation, and almost everyone seems to have a motive--from the victim's errant wife and secret mistress to a rare book dealer and a struggling musician.
As always, Delany's mysteries are light (no graphic violence), fun, and filled with twists and surprises. And there are six others in the series if you want to spend more time with the denizens of West London, Massachusetts.
Gemma Doyle and Jayne Wilson, proprietors of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and the neighboring Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room, respectively, have been engaged to cater a Holmes-themed weekend event at the Suffolk Gardens House, a replica of a 19th century stately home, in their town on Cape Cod. Their host, David Masterson, has rented the house and invited seven friends for what he hopes to be lively discussions, games, garden tours, old movies, and themed meals. He has also hired his reluctant niece and nephew to play the roles of housekeeper and butler.
Little does he know (although WE know, of course) that the mansion will quickly become a murder scene, with Gemma's beau, a local detective, leading the investigation. Gemma, who seems to have similar deductive skills as Sherlock, is eager to help with the investigation, and almost everyone seems to have a motive--from the victim's errant wife and secret mistress to a rare book dealer and a struggling musician.
As always, Delany's mysteries are light (no graphic violence), fun, and filled with twists and surprises. And there are six others in the series if you want to spend more time with the denizens of West London, Massachusetts.
June 23, 2021
Gemma Doyle and the gang are back and Fall has arrived in New London. While business is dropping off along with the tourists, Gemma and Jayne are asked to cater a traditional English Country house weekend.
While surprised to find that the guests don’t seem to like their host, Gemma is even more surprised to have the host killed by a poisoned dart. Now she’s on the case and plans to flush out the killer while not becoming the next target of a poisoned dart.
Book Seven in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series delivers! It’s hard to believe how amazing each book is written and each one never disappoints. Love me some Vicki Delany and Sherlockians!
While surprised to find that the guests don’t seem to like their host, Gemma is even more surprised to have the host killed by a poisoned dart. Now she’s on the case and plans to flush out the killer while not becoming the next target of a poisoned dart.
Book Seven in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series delivers! It’s hard to believe how amazing each book is written and each one never disappoints. Love me some Vicki Delany and Sherlockians!
March 1, 2022
I love this series as the mysteries are always interesting and well plotted. i'm not a fan of Gemma but I like the other characters.
That said this is a gripping and entertaining story featuring a solid mystery that kept me guessing.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
That said this is a gripping and entertaining story featuring a solid mystery that kept me guessing.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
July 8, 2021
Gemma and Jayne are catering a Sherlock Holmes weekend for a wealthy philanthropist and prominent Sherlockian, David Masterson. Gemma's boyfriend and police detective, Ryan, is on hand to help Jayne and Gemma in the kitchen. Gemma and the gang are shocked to find out not all the guests like their host or each other. Before Gemma can understand the relationships of the guests, she is involved in another murder investigation.
This is an entertaining cozy mystery; especially if you are a Sherlock Holmes fan. Gemma is a modern-day female Sherlock Holmes. She intuitive, intelligent, and interesting protagonist. Gemma's chemistry with Janyne and Ryan is enjoyable. The mystery is well-plotted with plenty of suspects and red herring to keeps the reader engaged and enjoying the whodunit.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
This is an entertaining cozy mystery; especially if you are a Sherlock Holmes fan. Gemma is a modern-day female Sherlock Holmes. She intuitive, intelligent, and interesting protagonist. Gemma's chemistry with Janyne and Ryan is enjoyable. The mystery is well-plotted with plenty of suspects and red herring to keeps the reader engaged and enjoying the whodunit.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
February 2, 2022
West London, MA. Cape Cod. Suffolk Gardens House. Present day. Vicki Delany’s A Three Book Problem (Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries #7) find Gemma Doyle and her best friend, Jayne, who owns and is the head baker of Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room catering a Sherlockian weekend at the rented Suffolk Gardens House with the assistance as sous-chef, Ryan Ashburton, who is actually a detective on the West London Police Force. Rich David Masterson has decided to host an English country house weekend for those who have a passion for the ‘Great Detective’, but Gemma immediately notices some major conflicts. This is a favorite series of mine, but this particular book appears disconnected, characters except for the main ones are stilted, and I am not quite sure how the title fits with the story. A ‘three pipe problem’ is mentioned, and there are three books displayed by Gemma in the library which are about Sherlock Holmes, but the title is not the right title. The author wrote this book during the pandemic. Maybe that is the reason that connecting in this book seems forced. To connect with family, friends, or one’s job during the pandemic was not an easy to do. 3 stars.
January 10, 2022
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.
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.
June 27, 2022
“A Three Book Problem” the 7th 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 is back on the case in bestselling author Vicki Delany's seventh Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mystery when a poisoned dart ends in demise.
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 we are at a big manor house .
I loved the characters of Gemma and BFF Jayne along with Donald and Ryan who the story entered around. Gemma and Ryan's relationship is progressing nicely and I like how they are compromising to keep things harmonious. 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.
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 enjoyed this mystery, thought it flowed well and kept my attention. The setting of West London in Cape Cod is idyllic and this time we are at a big manor house .
I loved the characters of Gemma and BFF Jayne along with Donald and Ryan who the story entered around. Gemma and Ryan's relationship is progressing nicely and I like how they are compromising to keep things harmonious. 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.
December 19, 2021
A keen eye for observation and a knack for being in the wrong place at the right time, once again puts Gemma on the trail of a killer much to the delight of her friends and chagrin of the local police. A modern-day female Sherlock, Gemma lets no item be too small to be observed and studied in the process of uncovering the guilty party! Excellent characters, delightful plot and a great setting make this a must-read book or rather series! It would be wise to read the previous books to get the backstory of the main characters, but you could enjoy this book as a stand-alone if you wish. I will say that reading the series as a whole has made the main character much more likeable and relatable, so I really do recommend reading the series in its entirety. I can't wait to see what the characters get into next as their personal lives are becoming more intriguing as well!
January 30, 2022
2.5 stars
I don’t like cozies that have a pile of unfamiliar characters. This one has a typical And Then There Were None setup, and with the crew at a different location for the majority of the book, I really miss the shops and Moriarty.
The plot line and investigation go along fine with really nothing for me to like or dislike, but as the reveal nears, information dumps start to occur. Yuck.
Finally, I feel like Vicki Delaney forgot which series/character she was writing. Gemma is so RUDE, like a snotty teenager bullying her way around and ignoring common courtesy and her adult obligations. I don’t recognize her at all.
I had been enjoying this series very much and hope this one is just a fluke. Thank you to Vicki Delany, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
I don’t like cozies that have a pile of unfamiliar characters. This one has a typical And Then There Were None setup, and with the crew at a different location for the majority of the book, I really miss the shops and Moriarty.
The plot line and investigation go along fine with really nothing for me to like or dislike, but as the reveal nears, information dumps start to occur. Yuck.
Finally, I feel like Vicki Delaney forgot which series/character she was writing. Gemma is so RUDE, like a snotty teenager bullying her way around and ignoring common courtesy and her adult obligations. I don’t recognize her at all.
I had been enjoying this series very much and hope this one is just a fluke. Thank you to Vicki Delany, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 19, 2022
A THREE BOOK PROBLEM is the seventh book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series by Vicki Delany. This has long been one of my favorite series and while this newest release might not be my favorite of the bunch, it still proved to be a captivating read full of intrigue and clever homage to the Great Detective. With the backdrop of a weekend working and socializing at a Sherlockian getaway at a crumbling manor house, the scene is set for an old-fashioned whodunit. Protagonist, Gemma Doyle, owner of Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, has agreed to work alongside Jayne Wilson, her best friend and part owner of Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room, to cater the weekend event. Rounding out the trio of friends at the event is Ryan Ashburton, Gemma’s boyfriend and local police detective. He’s taken time off from his job to help out. In previous books, Ryan’s been more standoffish due to the murder investigations he’s been involved in but, in this informal setting, it was much easier to get to know him a little bit better which I appreciated. One of the great strengths of Ms. Delany is her character development and character growth over the course of the series. They are memorable and capture my imagination… including Gemma’s elusive and quite mysterious great-uncle Arthur, a renowned Sherlock expert.
When the host is murdered, by a poisonous dart no less, Gemma has the unique opportunity of being right in the midst of things. Not only is she helping serve the catered meals to the guests, but she’s one of the Sherlock experts, representing her uncle and their shop. This gives her plenty of occasions to ask questions and observe the behavior of the guests and the staff hired by the host. And since the manor house is out in the middle of nowhere, Gemma realizes that the murderer must be someone staying at the house with them. Could it be the sulky housekeeper or the rude butler? Or could one of the guests, who are supposedly there because of their love of all things Sherlock Holmes, have cause to wish their host harm? As the story progresses, it becomes apparent that there are secrets to uncover and clues to suss out. Ms. Delany proves once again that she’s a masterful storyteller with the ability to create a memorable book!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When the host is murdered, by a poisonous dart no less, Gemma has the unique opportunity of being right in the midst of things. Not only is she helping serve the catered meals to the guests, but she’s one of the Sherlock experts, representing her uncle and their shop. This gives her plenty of occasions to ask questions and observe the behavior of the guests and the staff hired by the host. And since the manor house is out in the middle of nowhere, Gemma realizes that the murderer must be someone staying at the house with them. Could it be the sulky housekeeper or the rude butler? Or could one of the guests, who are supposedly there because of their love of all things Sherlock Holmes, have cause to wish their host harm? As the story progresses, it becomes apparent that there are secrets to uncover and clues to suss out. Ms. Delany proves once again that she’s a masterful storyteller with the ability to create a memorable book!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 8, 2022
There is something about Sherlock Holmes that makes fans a bit nuts. In A Three Book Problem, the obsessive crazy fans come out of the woodwork, and Gemma finds herself smack dab in the middle of all the insanity, and unfortunately, murder. Between her bookshop emporium, the tea room, and doing catering, with a busy social life, she has little time to spend investigating a murder, but she finds that she has little choice in the matter.
Suspects line up, an entire house full of them. Clues abound but do not necessarily point to just one person. The method of murder is original and interesting. The setting of the Sherlock weekend event is picture-perfect unless you look too closely. Who wouldn’t want to spend a few days at a traditional English country house? But this house isn’t what it seems, and neither are the people invited to the unforgettable weekend away with friends. The red herrings are there but were unnecessary. Supporting characters did not play a significant enough role in this addition to the series. Ryan, in particular, although present when the murder took place, doesn’t spend as much time as he should have investigating. I would like to have seen more of the bookshop emporium and the tea room in this story and a little less of the so-called English country house.
When Gemma unveils the murderer, it will not come as a surprise to anyone. You don’t need to be Sherlock Holmes to figure out the clues and the killer’s identity. The pace of
A Three Book Problem is slower than I would have liked. Gemma isn’t a terrible character in general, but she seems rude and uncaring about anyone this time around. Even though this book did not live up to expectations, I feel this is still a good series and look forward to seeing where the author takes Gemma next. I hope we get to spend more time at the bookshop emporium and tea room and get to interact more with Jayne and Ryan.
Suspects line up, an entire house full of them. Clues abound but do not necessarily point to just one person. The method of murder is original and interesting. The setting of the Sherlock weekend event is picture-perfect unless you look too closely. Who wouldn’t want to spend a few days at a traditional English country house? But this house isn’t what it seems, and neither are the people invited to the unforgettable weekend away with friends. The red herrings are there but were unnecessary. Supporting characters did not play a significant enough role in this addition to the series. Ryan, in particular, although present when the murder took place, doesn’t spend as much time as he should have investigating. I would like to have seen more of the bookshop emporium and the tea room in this story and a little less of the so-called English country house.
When Gemma unveils the murderer, it will not come as a surprise to anyone. You don’t need to be Sherlock Holmes to figure out the clues and the killer’s identity. The pace of
A Three Book Problem is slower than I would have liked. Gemma isn’t a terrible character in general, but she seems rude and uncaring about anyone this time around. Even though this book did not live up to expectations, I feel this is still a good series and look forward to seeing where the author takes Gemma next. I hope we get to spend more time at the bookshop emporium and tea room and get to interact more with Jayne and Ryan.
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