This is a great book; this is the first book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series written by Vicki Delany. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

Somewhere it must be written that heroines (or heroes) of so-called cozy mysteries must be the most obnoxious and interfering people on the face of the earth. I realize that without those characteristics, the plots probably wouldn't go much of anywhere - but boy, does it ever get under my skin. Gemma Doyle, the heroine here and co-owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium in tiny West London, Massachusetts, is no exception (in fact, I'd go so far as saying she's more annoying to me than most). That aside, the story here is well thought out and moves along quickly, on the whole making for a book I really enjoyed (honest!)

That enjoyment comes partly because I'm a bit of a Sherlock Holmes aficionado myself, especially when he's portrayed spot-on by actor Benedict Cumberbatch - one of the reasons I was delighted to get an advance copy, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Then there's mention of a lighthouse (a favorite photography subject for both myself and my husband); and the fact that Gemma drives a red Mazda Miata - one of my top three dream cars - made me decide she might not be so bad after all.

It was also fun to watch the plot unfold as a result of Gemma's uncanny Holmes-like deductions - even when she continues to make them despite clear warnings that she would do well to put a sock in it. At one point when she discovers that someone may have been lurking outside her home, for instance, she muses that someone might be suggesting that she back off. Oh really - you mean someone like the entire West London police, or your best friend Jayne who co-owns the tea shop next to your bookstore, or the ex-fiance who dumped you because he no longer could take your meddling ways?

For better or worse, though, better folks than I have told her she's too nosy for her own good, so I'll move on to the story - and for sure it's a doozy. Amid a crowd of women on a bus tour who visit the book shop one day is a "street" woman carrying a paper bag. Gemma's intrigued, but the woman gets lost in the crowd and forgotten until later, when Gemma discovers what appears to be an extremely valuable magazine hidden on a shelf. Certain that the disheveled woman left it there, Gemma uses her powers of deduction to track her down. To that end, she's successful - but when she and Jayne enter her hotel room (the door to which is conveniently unlocked to allow Gemma and Jayne unfettered but surreptitious entry), they make a startling discovery: The woman is dead.

That, of course, only provides fuel to Gemma's sleuthing fires; and when she finds that she and Jayne are considered persons of interest in the murder, she's even more determined to get to the truth (being suspected murderers, after all, is bad for both their businesses).

The lead detective on the murder case, Ryan Ashburton, happens to be Gemma's ex-fiance, who bolted outta Dodge to take a job in a larger town when they broke up. He's been back for a while now, which comes as a surprise to Gemma (a tidbit that, given West London's small size, made me conclude that her powers of observation are a bit selective). Thankfully, he doesn't believe Gemma is capable of murder, but after she sticks her nose in one too many places - and (gasp!) finds yet another dead body after sneaking onto someone else's private property, he's yanked off the case because his prior relationship has the potential to unduly influence his investigation (yikes, what took them so long)?

Lest I, like Gemma, be chastised for treading where I shouldn't go, I'll keep other details of the investigation - and the for the most part surprising outcome - to myself. The only thing I'll say is that this is an excellent series debut that I'm sure fans of cozy mysteries - and Sherlock Holmes - will enjoy. "The game is afoot" (Sherlock Holmes, "The Adventure of the Abbey Grange"), so go for it!

I love a good mystery and this one was great. Gemma has returned to London to manage her Great Uncle's shop. I liked how when she found something she took the initiate to get it back to the owner even after running into a dead body and finds herself the main suspect. It is a great book for any mystery lover.

Gemma Doyle has a pretty high opinion of her detecting, or more correctly, her observing, abilities, but that is really the only complaint I have with this book. She seems a little full of herself, and I found that off putting. That may be more due to my upbringing than her, though.

The mystery moved along nicely, and there were enough viable suspects that I was kept guessing until the reveal, although I was not completely surprised. I enjoyed the characters, especially Moriarty the cat and Jayne, Gemma's best friend, and I loved to hate the female detective who had it out for her. All in all, I enjoyed this book a lot and will read more of this series.

I was given this book by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was personally a little disappointed as I really like her Molly Smith series, and have also enjoyed her stand alone works. This was more cozy so just not my cup of tea, but I can see that other readers would enjoy it.

I had high hopes for this as a nice, light diversion. I am a fan of Sherlockia and cozy mysteries, so figured this would be a nice, quick, pleasant read. It was fine - there's nothing really wrong here. But there's nothing really right either. The most interesting character is not, actually, Gemma (the bookstore owner and Holmes-esque main character. It is not either of the major supporting characters either (the sort-of love interest or the best friend-cum Watsonian partner in crime). Instead, it's actually Great Uncle Arthur, who barely plays a role in the tale. At least he has some mystery and intrigue about him... The others all feel like stereotypical tropes in a genre that, I rather fear, is starting to play itself out.

Of course, even in the land of stereotype there is often enjoyment to be found in the very comforting nature of the characters or plot - but only if the story in question accepts and acknowledges that it is derivative. This one wants to be something unique, and that to my mind is where it faltered. This is not a new addition to the world of Holmesiana - it is, at best, a side dish rather than an entree. If it took itself a little less seriously and played up the cozy factor and the derivation, I think the book would have been more enjoyable for me... And yes, that is rather unusual for me, since I usually am a firm believer that more originality is better. It was cute enough for what it was, but unfortunately I doubt that I"ll be watching for a sequel...

I am blown away by this cozy mystery! Being a Sherlock Holmes fan (in the many characters that he has been) I was excited to read this book, I never thought that Ms. Delany would give readers a female Holmes, or that Gemma would be just what a Sherlock fan needed. The wit, charm, and sleuthing was tailored to fans- giving Gemma the opportunity to show her out of the box thinking skills, I love that in pieces I could hear a Sherlock speaking.

Sherlock fans will rejoice in this new cozy mystery series, cozy fans will have a new sleuth to love!

Elementary, She Read by Vickie Delany is the first book in the new A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. Gemma Doyle moved to West London, Massachusetts five years ago, after the breakup of her marriage. Her Uncle Arthur had been running the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop that he opened on his own, but his wanderlust is returning. Gemma became part owner of the bookshop at 222 Baker Street and took over the day-to-day running of the store. Since the store cannot support itself carrying just Sherlock Holmes books, she added movies, knickknacks and other Holmes related merchandise (and added Emporium to the store name). Gemma is also half owner in Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room (next door) with her friend, Jayne Wilson. One day while a tour group is in the shop (after having tea), a little mousy woman comes in with a white shopping bag. Gemma watches her until her attention is diverted by customers with their purchases. After the shop is closed for the day, Gemma checks the area where she last saw the woman. She finds a rare copy of Beeton’s Christmas Annual from 1887 (a magazine) hidden among the books. The white bag the woman was carrying is found in the trash along with a postcard from a local hotel. Jayne and Gemma head to the hotel to see if they can find the owner. They approach her hotel room and find the door ajar. Upon entering the room, they find her dead on the bed. Gemma sends Jayne to call 911 while she checks out the room for clues and snaps a few photos. The police are skeptical about how Gemma and Jayne found the body. Ryan Ashburton, West London homicide detective and Gemma’s ex-boyfriend, knows how Gemma’s mind works, but his partner, Detective Louise Estrada does not. Gemma determines it is up to her to find the killer and clear her name. Her observation skills are going to be put to the test in Elementary, She Read!

Elementary, She Read was one book I was really looking forward to reading. It sounded like it would be right up my alley. Unfortunately, the author made a very unlikeable main character. Gemma Doyle believes she has superior observation skills and likes to flaunt it. In contradiction, Gemma will promise to do something and then forgets. She can keep the store inventory in her head, but forgets to make a simple phone call (for instance). She treats her employee shabbily. I found the writing to be very detail oriented. The readers are provided detail descriptions on people, rooms, and the many items that are sold in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium. I give Elementary, She Read 3 out of 5 stars. The detectives (actually the whole police department) are maligned. Detective Louisa Estrada comes across as a villain. Ryan tells Gemma (more than once) to stay out of the investigation. He then shares information with her. I know this is fiction, but I doubt this would happen in reality (especially if the person in question is a suspect). I found information to be repeated especially the price of the rare magazine. I would love to tell you that the mystery was perplexing, but it was not. The culprit was easily identified. Since the murder occurred early in the book, the story seemed long. I wish there had been a little more of a lead in to the crime. I enjoyed the description of Beeton’s Christmas Annual. This captured my interest and led me to a search for more details on it. Elementary, She Read had potential with the premise, but the character of Gemma just ruined it for me. I wish the author had made Jayne the narrator for the story (or not made Gemma so obnoxious).

This mystery has a good mix of background, food and interesting characters. Next door to the Bookstore, we have Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room so prepare for mouth-watering descriptions. The luminous view of a water- front Restaurant adds to the blend, as does the hint of a past romance.

We are led step by step through the passionate and at times frenzied world of Collectors. But would one of them actually have been desperate enough to commit murder...not once but twice for a rare object?

Gemma Holmes, an Englishwoman, cannot help but sense things. Like her Counterpart, Sherlock Holmes, she is good at following small clues... that no-one else would notice. When the Beeton's Christmas Annual is stuck on a shelf in her Bookshop...Gemma decides to track down the Owner. The red herrings in this story catapult Readers to a surprise ending and Murderer. But isn't that the way we like to shadow in our mysteries- fellow Sherlock's?

Vicki Delany does a great job at putting Holmes in this story. Her characters are a blend of amusing and eccentric. To give you an idea- the Cat's name is Moriarty. I could not wait to read this book as I am a huge fan of Conan Doyle and this cozy was a welcome addition to my Holmes- related Mysteries.

This is a wonderful book in a brand-new series!

I've enjoyed everything I've read by Vicki Delany (including the Lighthouse Library series she wrote under the pen name, Eva Gates), so I was excited when I heard there was a new series coming out. This book did not disappoint in the least!

I've already fallen in love with the town of West London and its inhabitants. Gemma, Jayne, Ryan, Louise, and the rest are all well-developed, complex characters and while we don't know everything about them, they come across as realistic and still leave a little mystery to be discovered in other books in this series. I love the way Gemma's mind works. I'm not quite as good at my powers of observation as Gemma is, but a lot of her logic I totally understood. It's always great when I can identify with a heroine in the story.

The plot line moved along at a decent pace. It wasn't slow, but yet not so fast that you didn't understand what was going on. I had absolutely NO idea who the villain was until it was revealed. I can see now in hindsight how someone with astute powers of observation of details could put the clues together, but I didn't do that, so it was a complete surprise to me.

Some of the interpersonal relationships in the story were strained and it'll be interesting to see how those relationships develop and play out throughout the series. I don't want to give away any details of the story though, so if you want to know more, read the book!

The setting sounds absolutely beautiful and I could easily imagine myself there in West London. I love when I can imagine the scene and yet the author hasn't provided too many details. If there's too many details, I feel over saturated and it becomes harder to imagine the setting. Ms. Delany is a master at balancing that mixture of detail and imagination.

A wonderful start to a new series and if you like cozy mysteries or even mysteries in general, I highly recommend it!

** Many thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this title. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions and conclusions expressed are my own. **

Elementary, She Read by cozy mystery author Vicki Delany is the first book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery Series. Gemma Doyle (rumored to be a distant relative of Sherlock Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle!!!) is the proprietress of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, located at 222 Baker Street in the seaside town of West London, New England. She's a transplanted Brit, who has followed her Great-Uncle Arthur Doyle to the US, and agreed to help him run his shop. She has to deal with a stolen priceless magazine and jewels, 2 murders, a detective ex-boyfriend, another detective who clearly doesn't like her, a break-in at her home, and an unfriendly employee. Gemma accomplishes all of this while running her Bookshop and Emporium, as well as helping her best friend, Jayne, run Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room next door. Elementary, She Read is the epitome of what a cozy mystery should be - a well-written, fast-paced story in a lovely setting, with a very smart protagonist and an ending which leaves room for (hopefully) the next installment in the series. I went back and forth with Gemma as she investigated and made her deductions, and was very surprised by the culprit, as I had not been able to figure it out before Gemma did! I highly recommend this book, and as this is the first book by author Vicki Delany that I've ever read, will now be looking into her other mysteries as well. A+

While I read a lot of entertaining books that I really enjoy, every so often a new series comes along that, from the very first page, completely captivates me. Such is the case with ELEMENTARY, SHE READ by Vicki Delaney! From her quirky, endearing protagonist, Gemma Doyle (who may or may not be distantly related to the author of Sherlock Holmes) to the setting of the quaint New England Cape Cod town, I loved it all. And I was especially enthralled with Gemma’s shop, Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium located at 222 Baker Street, adjacent to her best friend’s shop, Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room. I wish it was a real shop because I could spend hours browsing there! Gemma is a British transplant and brings a unique inflection to the New England setting. She is amazingly perceptive at noticing the smallest of details yet is a bit of a klutz and quite forgetful at times. Gemma is also very outspoken and directly honest, which makes people around her uncomfortable at times, but she has a good heart and never does it with malice.

While I’ve never read any Sherlock Holmes books (gasp! I can’t believe I’ve overlooked them or am even admitting it!!!) I envision Gemma as a modern day type of Holmes with her best friend, Jayne, a reluctant Watson. The pair complement each other, bringing light humor to the situations they find themselves in. The plot moves along at a fast pace and the author weaves in a priceless magazine that contains the first published Sherlock Holmes story, with a reclusive multi-millionaire, feuding heirs, and a murdered caregiver. There are numerous suspects and Gemma methodically examines them all while dealing with the town’s new detective that seems to have it in for her. The reveal neatly wraps up the threads of the story in an exciting conclusion, leaving me wanting more!

This is the first book in Ms. Dalany's new series, A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery. Gemma Doyle relocates to West London, Massachusetts. Expecting a fresh start, she takes over co-ownership of her Uncle's bookstore. Her friend Jayne runs the Tea Room next door. When Gemma stumbles over a dead body while attempting to return a rare book, she and Jayne must solve the mystery before Gemma finds herself in jail or worse.

Ms. Dalany writes in a fun sort of style. I love that Gemma has many of the attributes that the great Sherlock Holmes possessed when it comes to investigating. Often times she stuns those around her with her brilliant comebacks. Gemma doesn't not even realize how smart she is at times. I love the interaction between the characters. Not only is this book full of Holmes references, but it keeps the reader turning the pages for more. I have no doubt that the next book in this series will be as fun and cozy as this one was too read. However, don't get too comfortable because the next page will bring about a twist.

I received a copy through Netgalley. The review was written entirely on my own.

Vicki Delaney has done it again. She has a new cozy mystery series, A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery, with the fabulous first being ‘Elementary, She Read’. Let’s go to 222 Baker Street in West London, Cape Cod to see this treasure trove called Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, which includes fascinating memorabilia and tourist items. First we meet Gemma, a transplanted English lady and half owner of the shop with her Great Uncle Arthur. Ruby is her part-time assistant. Spend a few moments with Moriarty, the bookshop cat who, along with a good mystery, is almost guaranteed to lower blood pressure. Next door is Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Shop, where Gemma and Arthur are part owners of the business along with Gemma’s BFF Jayne, who manages it and does much of the baking.

Uncle Arthur is on his way out of town when a tiny thin woman came into the shop. There is a tourist bus full of ladies buying their way through the Emporium, and when the rush is over, the woman was long gone. Gemma finds a finely bound, vintage mystery magazine that is potentially quite valuable that she is positive the woman left it there. While searching for the woman, Gemma instead finds herself as the primary suspect in the woman’s murder.

This cozy mystery is fun. And frightening. At the same time, it is fascinating to see how Gemma’s mind works! She should be a detective on the local PD, but I do believe she loves the business she is in with Arthur and the people she meets.

Gemma learns early in the mystery that her ex-boyfriend Ryan has returned to town and is now a detective on the police force. She also meets a Sherlock fan who comes in to see if she has any new vintage, collectible magazines. Grant is good-looking, well-spoken, and enjoys Sherlock.

This author knows her characters well, and through Gemma shares a bit about differences between introverts and extroverts. I’m so glad to see that a heroine, the brilliant Gemma, is an introvert! Gemma and Jayne are best friends. Jayne often goes along with Gemma for the ride because she genuinely cares about her and wants her to be safe. Gemma frequently tends to jump with both feet into what she sees as the next logical step before thinking it through, even though it is unusual for many introverts. From the back yard of a distressed mansion where they had been denied admission to walking her dog, Violet, every evening, there is a bit of drama in all that Gemma does, which is why she is a sleuth like few other women can be. In spite of his animosity with her, Moriarty, the Emporium’s cat, he likes her well enough to show Gemma who to “not” trust.

This novel is complex, with layers of mystery and multiple suspects. Gemma apparently has been sleuthing long before this chronicle begins, and is known for her ability to “logic” her way through. Some of her behaviors seem off, though, which gets her in trouble for being “different”. Overall, this is a fascinating cozy mystery, rife with plot twists that can make one’s head spin. I did not see the identity of the killer before he, she, or they are revealed. The novel has a very satisfying ending. It is a noble read, with non-stop action – a fantastic first cozy mystery in what promises to be an exciting new series. I highly recommend it to fans of Sherlock Holmes and well-written mysteries.

From a grateful heart: I received this eBook from NetGalley and this is my honest review.

Vicki Delany has a way of writing books about centered around my favorite topics. My first introduction to her was her Year Round Christmas Series. And now, her new series, the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries has me hooked as well.

Elementary, She Read is the first book in this new series. Gemma Doyle is an Englishwoman who relocates to West London on Cape Cod after heartbreak for a fresh start. She takes up co-ownership of her Great Uncle’s home and Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium. Gemma has many of the attributes one often associates with Holmes himself, such as an analytical, detail oriented mind. I also found humor in that she seemed to have Holmes’ nature to put off people with her brilliance. I enjoyed the human side of Gemma as a protagonist. She is smart and savvy, yet the skills that make her unique and set her apart, come with burdens and cause her pain at times too.

If you are looking for a lighthearted read that will keep you engaged to the end, pick up a copy of this book. Vicki has created another charming setting for us to dream of visiting. I can’t wait to see where she takes Gemma and the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop in future books!

This book was an interesting start to the series. Gemma Doyle thinks like Sherlock Holmes, which makes her an interesting character, although at times her arrogance can be exasperating. The characters other than Gemma tended to be one dimensional, although I believe they will be fleshed out as the series continues. The parallels to the original Sherlock stories were obvious and somewhat enjoyable. I liked the New England setting. This was a quick read, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
A copy of this review was posted on Goodreads on March 12, 2017.

A great escape read featuring best friends who will do whatever it takes for each other.
Bookstore and Emporium owner, Gemma Doyle, may or may not be related to the great author responsible for the Sherlock Holmes phenomenon. She is a transplanted resident of West London, um, not in England.
Although she, herself is not a Holmes fanatic, she seems to share some character traits with the reknowned sleuth. Her customers are equally loyal and peculiar.

Her best friend Jayne runs the tea shoppe next door, also with a Holmes theme. The friends spend time together daily and tell each other everything....well, almost everything. So when Gemma ends up involved in a murder investigation, it is no surprise that Jayne is by her side.

I admit I found the connection to be far fetched but that did not make this any less an enjoyable escape read. A wonderful, clean, cozy mystery full of the quirky people that make a book fun.
Even if far fetched, the author made it work and in an exciting, fast paced way.

I enjoyed seeing how Gemma noticed things others would typically miss and put the pieces together. I appreciated details about the female detective that show she has more depth than understood at first impression. And I have a feeling Uncle Arthur will be a handful himself in future novels.

For anyone who enjoys mysteries requiring close observational skills and brilliant deductive reasoning, this will be a series you want to catch early.

A promising start to a fun new cozy series. Even though I'm not a huge Sherlock Holmes fan, I enjoyed the setting of a Holmes-centric bookstore on Cape Cod. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

Elementary, She Read is the first installment in the A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series featuring Gemma Doyle, an English transplant who is the co-owner of Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium located in the cozy small town of West London on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Gemma co-owns the Bookshop with her Great Uncle Arthur, an avid Sherlock Holmes collector and together they own a share of Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room the adjacent tea and pastry shop run by Gemma's best friend, Jayne Wilson.

Shortly after a tourist group of shopping ladies leaves the store Gemma begins to straighten the shelves and discovers what she thinks may be a rare edition of Beeton's Christmas Annual, published in 1887 and featuring Holmes first story. Gemma has an uncanny ability to remember details and she recalls a small woman who'd come in to the store holding a white shopping bag. Finding the bag in the trash, she also uncovers a postcard from a nearby hotel. Determined to locate the woman and find out why she'd left the magazine in her shop, Gemma sets out with Jayne and soon discovers the woman dead in her hotel room.

Under suspicion for the woman's murder, Gemma has no choice but to investigate on her own. Helped by ex boyfriend turned Detective, Ryan Ashburton and hindered by his partner Detective Louise Estrada, Gemma soon discovers a tangled web surrounding the magazine.

A fast paced storyline with a surprise ending and an interesting cast of characters.

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley via Crooked Lane Books. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.

I love all things Sherlock Holmes so I was really looking forward to this. I was intrigued by the idea of a book store completely dedicated to the famous (although fictional) detective. And of course, our main character, Gemma Doyle has the investigative traits and intense personality of Mr. Holmes. But like the cat Moriarty, I had a hard time warming up to Gemma and I felt her conclusions were a little far-fetched at times. But I enjoyed the mystery and was even a little surprised at the end. I would definitely consider reading another installment of this series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy and the opportunity to review this book.