Body on Baker Street by Vicki Delany is the second cozy mystery in A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. Gemma Doyle co-owns (and manages) Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium in West London, Massachusetts. Gemma is surprised when author Renalta Van Markoff wishes to set up a last-minute book signing. The day of the signing the store is packed with fans and things are going smoothly until Donald Morris starts in on Renalta about her portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in her novels. The author counters Donald’s arguments successfully and proceeds with signing books. After taking a drink of water, the author starts gasping and collapses—she is dead. Donald ends up being the prime suspect in the author’s murder when it is discovered he had the means, motive and opportunity. Gemma with Jayne’s assistance sets out to find the killer. One thing not lacking in this case is suspects. Which one of them disliked Renalta enough to do her in?

Body on Baker Street is the second book in the series, but it can be read alone. Everything the reader needs to know is included in this story. The mystery was intriguing, and I think that many people will be surprised by the killer’s identity. There are good clues that will aid readers in solving the crime (armchair sleuths should have no problem in figuring it out before you are halfway through the story). When I read a book, I thinks about who had the means, motive and the opportunity to commit the crime. My rating for Body on Baker Street is 3 out of 5 stars. My main problem with the series is Gemma Doyle. Gemma is a difficult character to like (rude, obnoxious, know-it-all). Gemma’s attitude is off-putting (I am surprised someone has not killed her off). Her way is the right way and she is always right. I especially did not like her mocking the police (it was unnecessary). I appreciate that Gemma is a strong, female protagonist with keen observation skills. It would have been nice if she was more personable. I wish the author had made Jayne the main character (and we did not get much of Jayne in Body on Baker Street). Most of the investigation involved Gemma talking to people. I know this is vital to a good investigation, but it can get tedious (and frustrating). Gemma’s rude attitude when talking to people was a turnoff (I could not figure out why anyone answered her questions). I can understand why Moriarty (the shop cat) lashes out at Gemma!

BODY ON BAKER STREET by Vicki Delany
The Second Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery

Gemma Doyle is about to tell a hapless personal assistant that the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium couldn't possible host a book signing on such short notice, until she discovers the author is none other than Renalta Van Markoff. This bestselling author has been taking the world by storm with her controversial version of Sherlock Holmes stories and Gemma agrees to host the signing. Upon meeting her, however, Gemma glimpses a nasty side to the woman, although fans are oblivious. After her brief talk, Renalta starts to sign books, but after a gulp of water she collapses-and Gemma smells murder, literally. Who could have done the deed? The mousy and put upon PA, the smarmy publicist, the stalker fan? Surely it couldn't be Donald, the local Holmes scholar, even if he did threaten the author...could it?

Vicki Delany gives us a glimpse of the publishing world in BODY ON BAKER STREET. We see the lives of an author, publicist, and publisher and how they intersect, intertwine, work together, and be at odds. Expectations of a bookseller are also shown as Gemma deals with a famous author and her fans...and detractors.

The characters here are unique and well developed, with motivation beyond the page. A smart, perhaps too smart, protagonist lacking in most of the social graces still manages to get readers to not only appreciate her, but like her as well. We even see some vulnerability in her.

I really enjoy this series, a cozy version of Sherlock Holmes that provides interesting characters and a deftly written mystery.

I usually shy away from reading a second book in a series when I haven't first one. However, this book was great fun and I found that I had no trouble following the characters that were introduced previously. It is an interesting premise for a bookstore mystery and I found the twists and turns kept me guessing.

I enjoyed the characters and know that I really need to go back and read the first one while waiting for the third to be published!

Body on Baker Street is a great addition to Vicki Delany's Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. When Renalta Van Markoff, a famous author, drops all of her engagements and wants a book signing at the last minute, Gemma makes it happen. She puts up posters, spreads the signing via word of mouth, and makes sure to have a bunch of the authors books on hand and ready to go. The town is excited to have such a spectacular author visiting them - well, most of the town. After Donald Morris and Renalta get into a verbal sparring match after Renalta's speech, Renalta falls face town on the table during the subsequent book signing event. Donald is the prime suspect having not only threatened the author to her face but also spreading his views around prior to Renalta's arrival. Gemma knows that Donald didn't do it but proving that is a bit harder than she anticipated.

The Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series is wonderful and keeps getting better. I really liked book one but I love book 2. Full of quirky characters, red herrings, and twists and turns, I was kept fully engaged and sitting on the edge of my seat throughout the entire novel. There are a multiple threads developed within the mystery that seem unrelated then, masterfully, everything comes together into an "A-ha" moment. I enjoyed every bit of Body on Baker Street.

Gemma is painfully observant but unlike in book one, it isn't to the point that she tends to alienate herself and the people around her. She does, perhaps do it on purpose when one specific police officer is involved though. Her bluntness isn't intended to be malicious most of the time and that's what makes her character quirky and lovable. She pulls some hair-brained schemes that put her in a lot of danger but ultimately the bad guy/gal is caught. Our cozy mystery heroine lack common sense sometimes but it all works out in the end.

The supporting characters really round out this great cozy mystery. Gemma's best friend Jayne is her reluctant partner-in-crime but she has Gemma's back regardless of the situation. Ryan is one of the police officers assigned to the case involving the death of Renalta Van Markoff. He and Gemma have a history that sometimes gets in the way of the investigation. The chemistry between them is definitely there, even if the pair try not to acknowledge those feelings. I hope to see a bit more development between the two of them in the next book. They don't have to get right back into a relationship but I'd like to feel by the end of the book that they are make headway. I like them together and don't mind romances that don't take over the book but are there in the background. It makes the characters more realistic to me.

The plot was laid out well and the character development and world building continued on nicely. I did NOT suspect who was behind everything or the reason. The author did a great job masking all of that and bringing in other contenders who fit the bill, too.

I enjoyed Body on Baker Street and can't wait to see what Gemma gets involved in next.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of the book provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

Along with her uncle, Arthur, Gemma Doyle is co-owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium. Their shop is connected to her friend Jayne’s Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room. Gemma is thrilled when she’s asked to host a popular mystery author in her shop for a book signing event. It’s very short notice, but that’s not going to stop Gemma. This is a chance to make her bookstore a success and she’s not going to let it slip by. With help from Jayne, they quickly get both shops ready to accommodate the event.

Bestselling author Renalta Van Markoff has a huge following for her Hudson and Holmes mystery series. It doesn’t take long for word to get out about the book signing. The day of the event, Gemma finds herself with a packed house including all kinds of people - from obsessive fans to handsome book collectors. There’s also a devoted Sherlock fan who publicly attacks Renalta for ruining the Sherlock legacy. Plus, another person making wild accusations against Renalta. All of this leads to Renalta’s untimely death and possible murder.

With quite a few suspects in the mix, Gemma fears the police are going in the wrong direction in their investigation. So, she lends a helping hand, whether they want it or not.

This is the second book in the “A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery” series. I didn’t read the first one, but I don’t feel as if I missed anything. There is enough information in this book so readers don’t feel lost at all.

The characters are strong, well-developed and intriguing. There is even a cute cat named Moriarity. This felt like a classic cozy murder mystery. The perfect setting in a Sherlock Holmes bookstore in a small town.

Vicki Delany gets your attention from page one and doesn’t let you go. It’s a quick read and an enjoyable way to spend a few hours. I’ve read other series by this author and she certainly knows how to write clever cozy mystery series. She’s a proven expert at bringing mysteries to life. I'm already looking forward to book three and, yes, I'll be going back to read the first one.

Unfortunately this book just was not for me. I was not able to really connect with any of the characters and I found it hard to get into the story.

I am a huge sucker for cozy mysteries that involve books in any way, so when the opportunity presented itself to read this one, I jumped! I just love these niche settings and the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium did not disappoint! While I had not read the first book prior to picking this one up, there was never a feeling that I was missing something and this could very well be read as a stand-alone.

The story is very fast-paced making it the perfect choice for a weekend read or a quick escape from reality. This entertaining cast of characters are well-developed and just quirky enough to keep you guessing until the very end as to who the culprit really is. With so many fans of Sherlock Holmes around, it was fun to read all the interesting tidbits and random facts about the character and the author, Sir Conan Arthur Doyle. As someone who also has an antagonistic relationship with their own cat, I enjoyed the humorous relationship between Gemma and Moriarty the bookstore cat.

If you've read enough cozy mysteries then you are well aware that the amateur sleuth is always butting heads with a questionable if not highly incompetent law enforcement team. While many may see Gemma as obnoxious and even arrogant in regards to her investigation skills, I really enjoyed Gemma's character and liked to think that her attitude was a reflection of that knowledge that the detectives charged with finding out the truth were ultimately going to mess up anyway. She may not be able to solve cases in an official capacity, but she does own a Sherlock Holmes bookstore and that accounts for something!

Sarcasm aside, this was a delightful and well written cozy mystery that I look forward to continuing on with. In fact, it was through putting this post together that I became aware that the author also writes the Lighthouse Library series, which is currently on my shelf! This was definitely a cut above the many cozy mysteries I have read before and highly recommended if you're a fan of bookish cozies.

After only two books, I am totally in love with this series. I love Gemma, Jayne, Uncle Arthur, Ryan, Grant, and so many other folks around town--and let's not forget Moriarity, the bookshop cat!

This time around, a famous mystery author is poisoned in the bookshop during an appearance/book signing. There are plenty of suspects, from people who are angry about her interpretation of the Holmes story to people who could profit from her death to people who imitate and stalk her.

When a person in town becomes the number one suspect and asks for Gemma's help to prove their innocence, things begin to heat up for Gemma. Will she solve the case in time to keep the suspect out of jail and herself out of danger?

The author does a marvelous job with these stories. The village and the people who live there seem to come to life on the page, and the reader will begin to care about virtually everyone. The mystery is well done also, surprising you at various times. I wasn't sure who the murderer was until the last minute.

Already looking forward to book #3, The Cat of the Baskervilles.

Body on Baker Street by Vicki Delany is the second book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. Gemma is surprised to be offered a book signing with popular author Renalta Van Markoff even though it is on very short notice. It turns out that Renalta is not popular with everyone. When she is found dead, the suspect list is quite long. Gemma and Jayne, owner of Mrs. Hudson's Tea Shop next to the bookstore, set out to find the real killer. This book is even better than the first. Gemma is the perfect female version of Sherlock Holmes from her investigative skills to her bluntness in social situations. I am already looking forward to the next book!

Gemma Doyle runs the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium on Baker Street in West London, MA. Her best friend, Jayne, is next door at Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room. In this second book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series, Gemma and Jayne are excited (and stressed) about the last minute visit of famous author Renalta Van Markoff to the shop. Markoff writes the Hudson and Holmes book series. The books are a bit controversial (and definitely non-canon) because Holmes and Mrs. Hudson are lovers, with Mrs. Hudson being the real genius instead of Sherlock. With only a day or so to prepare a huge signing event, Gemma and Jayne are stressed and worried that something will go wrong. And, of course it does. At the signing a local Sherlock fan who hates Markoff's books makes a huge scene, accusing her of disgracing the beloved classic characters. The author gives as much as she gets, and ends up winning the argument......but, then she promptly drops dead. After his huge public fight with the author, Donald Morris is immediately the number one suspect -- but he swears he didn't do it. Markoff was a difficult person. Gemma and Jayne have no limit on suspects who might have wanted her dead. Can they investigate and deduce the truth before Donald faces murder charges?

I am a big Sherlock Holmes fan. So for me, this cozy series by Vicki Delany is just a joy to read. I love the facts and tidbits about Sherlock and Arthur Conan Doyle sprinkled throughout the books. I like Gemma as a main character, and all of the supporting characters are interesting, quirky and delightful. I catch myself wishing the bookshop and tea room were real. I would SO love to have lunch there and browse the shop after! :) The books are a nice mix of mystery and background theme. And there are always enough suspects to keep the reader guessing til the end. Lots of humor, too!

I will definitely be reading more of this series!

Vicki Delany is the author of several mystery series. For more information on her books, check out her website: http://vickidelany.com/

**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

I got this in exchange for an honest review.
Nice mystery; easy, fast read; I appreciate the references to other books along the story.

Sometimes the mystery of a book is not contained within the pages. Sometimes the making of a book or the drama of getting a book published can be as fascinating a story.
Gemma only wants to be successful at her bookstore and tea shop. She enjoys the tourists, for the most part, and her regular customers, whom she gets to know quite well. She has an unusual new store clerk who she is getting to know better and of course there is Moriarity - the shop cat.

An author signing in a bookstore can be a wonderful event. Usually one has more time to plan and advertise, but Gemma is thrown into a last minute talk and signing featuring a popular author whose latest book was just released. Not one to back down from a challenge or an opportunity, Gemma is ready for the excitement - or so she thinks. Having the author die in her store was not part of the plans. Having a loyal customer suspected of the murder means Gemma can not sit quietly back. She knows she possesses observational skills the local police force not only lacks but resents. One officer would just as well declare Gemma the murderer and be done with it.

Even when the evidence seems to point at a likely suspect, someone from the author's past, not a store customer, Gemma keeps digging, throwing herself into more danger. The ending is dramatic and tense and even if you've figured some of it out, will still surprise you.

A fun series set in a quaint New England town that has just of bit of Britain in it.
I loved the concept of Tea Room and Book Shop.
Gemma of the book shop and Jayne of the tea room are besties
that work together and sleuth together as needed.
When a controversial author ends up dying in the bookstore their
frient and Sherlock Holmes enthusiast becomes the prime suspect
Gemma and Janyne have to step up and figure out who dun it.
In a good 'ole fast paced keep you on the edge of your seat trying to figure which of the many suspects could be the one Body On Baker Street provides an entertaining read.
Whether your a Sherlock Holmes fan or not you'll enjoy this
cozy mystery.

I received a complimentary copy from Great Escapes Tours.

'Elementary, She Read' introduced us Gemma Doyle, Sherlock Holmes-themed bookshop owner, possibly related to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and very definitely living up to the famous character in her deductive skills.

Following on from the mysterious death and subsequent investigations in the first novel, Gemma and best friend, Jayne Wilson (!), are back to happily running their Baker Street, Cape Cod, shop and tea room. To her surprise, Gemma is asked to host a book signing for popular if controversial writer, Renalta Van Markoff, as she publishes the new book in her 'Hudson and Holmes' mystery series.

Renalta has already been accosted in a local restaurant by a woman accusing her of stealing her work; Gemma knows that several of her regular patrons hate the way the books 'taint' the purity of the original Sherlock stories. Trouble is half expected at the book signing - trouble, but not murder!

I really enjoyed this 'cosy mystery', finding it fun and untaxing, with enough to keep me guessing. The characterisation builds well on the first installment, and I warmed a bit more to Gemma, after finding her a bit too unaware of her own annoyance factor in book one. There are still some of the ongoing personal side-plot elements, but largely these are on the backburner with the juicier mystery definitely at the fore.

My enjoyment of this series is growing, so I'm rather looking forward to book 3 - The Cat of the Baskervilles - due in February 2018 :)

When author Renalta Van Markoff dies during a book signing at Gemma's Sherlock Holmes Bookshop, Gemma investigates to find the killer. Top suspects include her daughter Linda and her publisher Kevin. But there are plenty of other people to consider.
The investigation seems to be losing traction when Gemma is attacked following her swim at the beach. In pain, Gemma renews her focus and the murderer is exposed.
The story comes to a bit of an abrupt end as if there are a couple of pages missing. I suppose that could be the case since I received a copy for review from Netgalley.
I enjoy the setting, the Bookshop and seeing Gemma learn about interacting with people. Her focus on deductive reasoning and facts limit her ability to successfully interact with those around her, but in this second book you see her developing some in how she reacts to people.
I would recommend this series to my friends and others who like cozy mysteries.

I enjoyed this latest installment of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series.

Gemma is a fascinating, yet sometimes annoying character, much like Sherlock Holmes himself. She's well-rounded and complex, but sometimes her mannerisms are just a little too over the top for me. I don't want to give any spoilers away, but there's a particular spot in this book that I wanted to give Gemma a "Gibbs-slap" (from NCIS for you non-tv watchers) to the back of the head to try to get her common sense going again before she attempted something totally idiotic!

I love the side characters too. Jayne and Ryan are wonderful. I'm liking Ashleigh more and more as each book goes on. I even like Louise more and more as the series goes on.

The setting descriptions are always well-done. I feel like there's enough for us to be able to imagine the setting in our mind, but not so much that we're overwhelmed as readers. That's a hard balance to find, but I think Ms. Delany does it well in this book.

The plot moves along well. I had no idea who the villain was until he/she was revealed. As Gemma explained her logic behind her deduction, I could see the way the clues lined up, but the villain definitely wasn't on my radar before that.

All in all, it was a good book. It didn't have that pizzazz that I look for in a 5-star book and Gemma's stupidity in some things caused me to give it a 4, but I still recommend it to cozy mystery lovers!

*** Thank you to Netgalley & the publisher for providing me with an ARC. I was not compensated for my review. All opinions and conclusions are my own. ***

A good mystery is carefully unfolded. Vicki Delany does this skillfully in “Body on Baker Street.” As much as I wanted to know who the murderer was, I knew that if I skipped sections, I would miss vital information that would allow me to make sense of the ending. I knew that to solve the murder, I needed to be patient and consider all the facts set before me, just as Sherlock Holmes would do.

The author of a Sherlock Holmes mystery series (Renalta Van Markoff) suddenly decides to come to Cape Cod and have a book signing to coincide with the release of her new book. She is flamboyant and has dozens of fans who are thrilled that she is in West London. Her publisher and publicist both seem to flow with her eccentricities, while her personal assistant seems to have been beaten into submission. A fanatical fan shows up who is like an Elvis impersonator but for Renalta instead. And then there is that strange woman who is claiming that the author stole her book idea! When Renalta is murdered, there are more than enough possible murderers already introduced. All these characters have personalities that make them seem like logical suspects; they are not just there as fillers for the story line.

Gemma Doyle, the owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookstore, is once again in the middle of things because the murder happened at her shop with dozens of witnesses. But who did it? Gemma is a Sherlock expert and has honed some of the great detective’s skills of observation which are helpful as she works to determine the murderer.

I usually like to watch as the plot unfolds as the author slowly develops the story and characters. But this story was so captivating I had to restrain myself from dashing right to the end. Restraining myself was one of the hardest things I've ever done. I was CERTAIN I knew who the murderer was and just wanted to prove myself right.

As I struggled to control myself and not read ahead Ms. Delany gave more information which only reinforced my idea of the solution. I kept reading. And I was wrong. So very wrong. But the ending was quite satisfactory and something I would have never understood if I’d skipped right to the end. As I look at the end, I realize that if I had been as alert and aware as Gemma, I would not have been surprised.

This book is the second in the series. I certainly hope that there are more to come!

I was smitten with the first book in Vicki Delaney’s Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series so when I had the opportunity to read the second book, BODY ON BAKER STREET, I jumped at the chance. This new book captured my interest and imagination as quickly as the first release and her protagonist, Gemma Doyle, is a character that is as unique as they come.

Gemma owns Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium in West London, Cape Cod. When she receives a last minute request to host a book signing for famous author, Renalta Van Markoff, she can’t pass up the opportunity. However instead of having a successful event, Renalta falls dead during the signing and all signs point to murder. Gemma is overtly observant, although her people skills could use some work… but it does lead to some humorous situations. She uses her skills to correctly surmise what people have been doing, almost channeling Sherlock Holmes, which provides clues to the reader as they turn pages.

Vicki Delaney proves herself to be a master at creating a tension-filled story with a twisty-turvey plot that had an unexpected surprise ending. I couldn’t put the book down and stayed up far too late to read the very last page… but it was worth it. The setting in West London and the book shop is delightful and the descriptions had me wanting to book a flight and go for a visit. Gemma has several good friends, despite her quirks, and they provide a nice support system. I look forward to the next book in this charming series!

One of my favorite early cozy reads of 2017 was Elementary, She Read. Vicki Delany has become one of my go to mystery authors. I was super excited to see almost right after publication the sequel Body on Baker Street would be released in the fall. Gemma Doyle owns the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium and her small shop suddenly becomes a venue for a book signing of the best selling author Renalta van Markoff. Renalta writes a series romanticising a relationship between Holmes and his landlady that has millions of readers buying up copies of her books while Holmes enthusiasts call her books filthy trash. Before the book signing Gemma meets the president of the New England chapter of the Renalta van Markoff fan club and another woman who claims Renalta stole her book ideas. So when Renalta drops dead during the signing there are suspects a plenty even good ol Donald The Sherlock aficionado who we came to love in book one.
This novel was just as delicious as the first one. I love Gemma and her town. With Vicki's books you can vividly see everything and there is such attention to detail. Each of her cozies whether under her name or Eva Gates have wonderful protagonists and a colorful group supporting her. Highly recommend this series, had me guessing who done it till the end!

I thank the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC and decided to write an honest review.

The game is afoot! Originally part of a quote from a play be Shakespeare, these words have a positive, if at times gleeful, meaning to followers of Sherlock Holmes. It also has meaning to some of Gemma’s customers at the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium. Vicki Delany packs a punch in another delightfully intellectual, logical mystery that doesn’t fail to baffle armchair Sherlocks, demonstrating her talent for combining mystery, humor, and suspense while celebrating the friendships of women.

Gemma was startled to be asked if Renalta Van Markoff, a best-selling author, could have a book signing at her shop with a scant two-day notice. Renalta writes novels about Sherlock Holmes and his landlady, Mrs. Hudson in a light that Doyle certainly did not ever intend. Women loved them. True Sherlockians did not, and wanted the series ended. Including Donald, the local Holmes scholar, who threatened to get Renalta to end the series.

Renalta and her entourage of her personal assistant, Linda, and her publicist Kevin, arrived at the appointed time. Many, many books awaited her autograph and there was standing room only in the bookshop and the adjacent Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room. Renalta finished her speech, and Donald made what sounded to many to be a threat. Renalta opened her third bottle of a specially-requested bottle of water, took a huge swig – and collapsed. Within a short time, she was dead. Donald’s threat came back to haunt him quickly. Gemma, who had unsealed the special bottles of water before the signing for Renalta, had a possible opportunity, also. The unsealed bottles had been left untended several minutes before Renalta’s talk began. Donald asks Gemma to please clear his name, so Gemma is on the trail of another killer.

I like the assorted characters in this series! Gemma is secretly a romantic, but her intelligence most often shows her as pragmatic and a bit too straightforward and tactless. The eclectic group of people who are closely in Gemma’s life share various things: Jayne, best friend and romantic, gives her mothering when needed and sometimes is Ethel to Gemma’s Lucy, Grant shares friendship and as a fellow bookseller and would-be suitor, Ryan…continues to give mixed signals. Moriarty, the shop cat, adores almost everyone except Gemma, so going home to sweet pawsonality pup, Violet, is a wonderful treat. The people specific to this mystery, Renalta, Linda, Kevin, Robert, Paige, and Nancy, bring their own dimension of eccentric to the mix.

This is a very well-written, challenging mystery. Each plot twist provides a change to the number of suspects – either adding or eliminating them. The clues are masterfully placed to continually challenge Gemma and the reader. While I sometimes shake my head at Gemma’s determination to follow the clues in spite of the risks, I do admire her loyalty to her friends and desire for justice to be done. I did figure out who the culprit is, but didn’t have the right motive so there were still surprises. A couple plot twists almost changed my mind as the new clues presented were so compelling! What a great mystery! I highly recommend Vicki Delany’s newest offering in her Sherlock Holmes Mystery series. Well worth the read!

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