Fair mystery with a good setting marred by a grating lead character who trash talks about the police, steals evidence from the crime scene, breaks into hotel rooms, and generally annoyed the heck out of the reader. I kept hoping Gemma would get her comeuppance and wind up spending a day or two in jail. The reason for the murder was a little contrived, but I'm willing to overlook that since the number of suspects was sufficient to make me work harder to figure out whodunnit. The author should seriously consider the arrogance of the main character, however, as I doubt I'm the only one who finds her too much. M.C. Beaton has written a successful series with a character you often dislike, Agatha Raisin, but Gemma does not tread that thin line between active dislike and mild annoyance as well as Agatha.

In this, the third entry of this delightful cozy series, Gemma Doyle again sets out to solve a murder. The West London Theater Festival is putting on The Hound of the Baskervilles and their leading man used to be a very talented actor. Now he is just a very nasty drunk and that makes it hard to figure out who murdered him before he ever saw opening night. Just about everyone had a motive, even a person close to Gemma - her friend Jayne's mother. Gemma can connect the dots faster than the police and sets about to find the killer. Add some romance on the side, a cat, a bookstore setting I could get lost in and a twist at the end - it all makes for a very satisfying mystery.

It's summer on Cape Cod, and everyone in West London is excited about the opening production by The West London Theater Festival. The play will be The Hound of the Baskervilles and a famous star, Sir Nigel Bellingham, has been hired to play the lead. Gemma Doyle, the proprietor of The Sherlock Holmes Bookshop, is looking forward to all the new business that will be brought into the shop. Gemma's business partner, Jayne Wilson, is excited by the chance to cater the tea given for the stars, volunteers, and ticket-buying public. Jayne's mother, Leslie, was a minor actress on Broadway in her youth, so she is a volunteer for the event. Sir Nigel, however, turns out to be over the hill as far as acting is concerned. Not only that, he is a nasty, abusive drunk, who goes out of his way to offend everyone. When Gemma discovers Sir Nigel's body after the tea, and a clue which might implicate Leslie, she once again starts to investigate on her own. Detective Ryan Ashburton, a former flame of Gemma's, and his partner, Louise Estrada warn her off. Gemma, of course, pays no attention. There are plenty of suspects; the ambitious understudy, a fading actress, and Bellingham's downtrodden personal assistant. But the police are homing in on Jayne's mom.

The Cat of the Baskervilles is another enjoyable installment in prolific Vicki Delaney's series. Gemma is a likable character, despite her bluntness and stubborn determination to go her own way no matter what. The mystery is well-crafted and kept me guessing with plot twists. The Cape Cod setting in summer, the characters, and the romance between Ryan and Gemma, which seems to be heating up again, make for an enjoyable read.

Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for an advance digital copy. The opinions are my own.

RATING- 3.5 Stars rounded up to 4

The Cat of the Baskervilles: A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery
By Vicki Delany
Crooked Lane
February 2018

Review by Cynthia Chow

For Cape Cod’s Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, their West London Theater Festival’s upcoming production of The Hound of Baskervilles is an opportunity to promote the Emporium’s various wares. The small repertoire company has hired renowned actor Sir Nigel Bellingham to play the role of the Great Detective, with a fundraiser planned to lure donors into contributing enough to support future productions. The Emporium’s part-owner Gemma Doyle is optimistic that attendees will spend their pre- and post-show times browsing their collection of Sherlock and Victorian-related items, but she’s leery of her neighboring Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room catering the fundraising event. After all, Sir Nigel is about forty years past his best days and his undeniable alcoholism and arrogance make a successful performance unlikely. The odds drop to nothing when his final curtain call arrives before the play even has a chance to open.

An understudy, a past-due ingénue, and a much-abused personal assistant number among those prospering from the revised playbill, but it is baker Jayne Wilson’s mother who is first pulled in by the police. Gemma quickly gleans of the connection between Leslie Wilson and Sir Nigel, and unfortunately Gemma’s nemesis Detective Louise Estrada isn’t far behind. Protective of her friend and believing Leslie to be innocent, Gemma isn’t above a little discreet tampering with evidence, eavesdropping, or dropping in on interviews. It’s a good thing that Gemma has the assistance of rare book dealer Grant Thompson, although his presence is stirring up the testosterone levels of an increasingly irritated Detective Ryan Ashburton.

Gemma is less arrogant than the Sherlock Holmes played by Robert Downey, Jr., more sociable than Benedict Cumberbatch’s, and certainly not as drug-addicted or promiscuous as Jonny Lee Miller’s. Gemma is simply perplexed that others do not notice as much as she, or why she should her deductions should not be expressed so readily. She has learned to dampen down her opinions about Jayne’s inadvisable relationship with a handsome actor, and perhaps Gemma as well as Ryan are learning to accept one another for who they are. The cat of the title, Gemma’s personal Moriarty who continues to see her as a food provider and not much more, delights with his presence and irascible charm. The antics of the cast and crew make for a surfeit of humorous and entertaining moments, just as one would expect with a group of egocentric, attention-demanding personalities. Gemma’s wit is as sharp as her intelligence, and with every new installment she becomes more likable and entertaining. The friendship between Gemma and Jayne is allowing them to better one another, ensuring that they have become an outstanding and delightful detecting duo.

An engaging and entertaining look behind the scenes of small town theater. Our delightful, if outspoken, protagonist is from England. She adds extra charm with her English viewpoint and sayings. Clever murder, or was it suicide?. I look forward to reading the next one in this series.

The Cat of the Baskervilles by Vicki Delany is the third installment of this series.
Gemma is a wonderful main character. She speaks her mind, interferes in police investigations and is a loyal friend.
When her best friend and business partner falls for an actor, Gemma sees through his charade, but won't let it destroy her friendship.
When a well known actor turns out to be a drunk and a scoundrel, Gemma fights to the end to protect her friend's mother.

This book was a delight to read. I enjoy Gemma's spunk and her bluntness. She brings an interesting twist to the series.
The author has created a very likeable character and the cast of secondary characters are just as fun.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for choosing me to read an ARC of this book.

Cozy mystery readers will be delighted to read this book.

This is the third book in this highly entertaining Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series; I've read one other and enjoyed it, so when I was lucky enough to be approved by the publisher to read and review an advance copy in exchange for an honest review, I was a happy camper. When it turned out to be even better than that other one, well, my smile widened.

The cozy mysteries follow the amateur sleuthing of Gemma Doyle, co-owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium in West London, Massachusetts. Another of the three owners is Jayne Wilson, who also owns and operates a tea shop/bakery that's attached to the bookstore. Originally from England, Gemma has a nose for details and, it seems, loves nothing better than sticking it into the business of the local police (sometimes unintentionally, sometimes not). That both annoys and pleases police detective, Ryan - a former lover who "dumped" her and left the area for another job. Now he's back and the attraction is there, but they've since been holding each other at arms' lengths.

As this begins, the community is excited to learn that a well-known but aging stage actor, Sir Nigel Bellingham, will be in town to star in a local theater production of Holmes's "The Hound of the Baskervilles." As rehearsals begin, organizers decide to hold a fund-raising English tea at the home of one of the well-heeled theater-loving ladies - and Jayne convinces Gemma that their shops should handle the catering. Gemma is less enthusiastic, but she agrees. After all, it's a private event for about a hundred local hoity-toits - what could possibly go wrong?

Make that plenty - starting with the fact that Sir Nigel turns out to be a nasty old drunk. Still, everyone expects that his professionalism will surface long enough for him to get through the play; that is, until he's found quite dead at the bottom of a cliff on the property. To make matters even worse, if that's possible, the primary suspect is Jayne's mother Leslie.

Gemma is certain Leslie is innocent, and of course, she sets out to prove it while trying to keep her poking nose out of the sight of law enforcement. That proves next to impossible most of the time, which strains the already fragile relationship between Gemma and Ryan (as well as with Ryan's partner, who has butted heads with Gemma on more than one occasion and isn't fond of her meddling).

More details I must necessarily leave for other readers to discover, but I will say that anyone who enjoys an occasional respite from heavier reading (as I do) or simply the more lighthearted approach of an interesting cozy mystery won't go wrong by picking this one. Thoroughly enjoyable!

I give Cat an okay rating because the mystery was involved and we get to learn a little more (emphasis on the little) about some of the other characters, more so about Leslie, Jayne's mother. I can't give it higher because I don't feel you can follow the clues and work out who the bad person is. The evidence is very flimsy. Also, for me, the author walks a fine line between Gemma being unlikable or not. I know there are supposed to be parallels with Sherlock Holmes and his less than warm personality, but what works in books written over a hundred years ago, doesn't work that well for me now.

The romance element always takes a back seat (as it should in a mystery series) but is another irritant. Gemma's relationship with one man and it's obstacles doesn't ring true, her relationship with another suitor makes her seem like a user.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

REVIEW WILL BE POSTED ON THE JOHN H WATSON SOCIETY WEBSITE ON FEBRUARY 1ST.

General Review

When I saw this book available on NetGalley, I leapt at requesting it. I reviewed her first book (review here), and enjoyed it quite a bit. Although I didn’t review the second book for the Society, I did read it, and though I thought there were some weaknesses, I still loved it, especially since it focused on pastiche writers. This third book, however, I was incredibly eager to read. As a person who works in theatre, how could I resist a book that brings Holmesian theatre to the center of the plot?

I wasn’t disappointed at all (well, perhaps a little- there was no stage manager character, and as a stage manager, I’m always on the look out for my people!). I have always appreciated how each book in this series brings in a different aspect of Holmesiana. The first looked at the original Strand magazines and collectors; the second book focused on pastiches and their writers. Having the third book focus on theatre was excellent, as it forced Gemma and Jayne out of the book store more. Although the Sherlock Holmes book store and tea room are still an important location, it no longer becomes the site of so much death, and it lets the reader see the wider community as well.

Gemma continues to be a fun twist on the Holmes character, self-aware enough to know that some people don’t appreciate her insights, and yet too straightforward to stop herself in time. After the second book, where all the detective work was accomplished through conversations, I was pleased to see a return of footwork to Gemma’s investigations. While I appreciate the fact that Holmes was, before Watson, largely an armchair detective, I like to see a little more movement in my pastiches. Gemma got to do a spot of breaking and entering in this book, much to my delight, in addition to her gently (and occasionally not-so-gently) prying conversations. I also loved how very concerned she was for Jayne, our Watson, throughout the entire book. Too often Holmeses are portrayed as disinterested in their Watsons; I was pleased to see that this book did not go that route.

The mystery is light, and not terribly difficult for a reader to solve, but it’s enjoyable to watch how Gemma gets to the conclusion. I was intrigued by the way the author decided to wrap up the mystery in this book. It was not the traditional way at all, and while I solved the mystery itself, I still didn’t see the end coming.

This is a series where reading the previous books aren’t terribly necessary to understanding the plot, as the author does much recapping and explaining of who everyone is, so if the previous two books haven’t been of interest to you but this one sounds fun, I would recommend picking it up. It’s a very fun read, and perfect for anyone snowed in who wants to just curl up with something light while they drink their cocoa.

What About Our Watson?

I love Jayne Wilson. I think it’s fair to say that she isn’t a Watson in the most traditional sense (she is a somewhat reluctant partner during Gemma’s investigations), but there is something about her that makes me fiercely protective of her. She can be a little bit Bruce-ian at times—she has never really tried to notice things the way Gemma does—but if I had to assign a screen Watson to her, for comparison, I’d actually say she’s a bit like Galina Shchepetnova, the Watson from My Dearly Beloved Detective. Sweet, a little bit ditzy, but incredibly fierce when provoked.

One of the reasons I chose not to review Delany’s second book, Body on Baker Street, for the Society was that Jayne had a somewhat reduced role as compared to the first book. Much to my relief, Jayne returned to her role more fully in Cat of the Baskervilles. Given that her mother is the prime suspect in the mystery, we got to see Jayne through a full range of emotions, deepening her character quite a bit.

I also enjoyed seeing Jayne in a “military” mode—while catering for an afternoon tea event. She is very much in charge during the tea, and it was lovely seeing her as strong, capable, and the boss of Gemma. I also was very fond of the part where Jayne sets Gemma straight about her dating life. Gemma being protective of Jayne is something I enjoyed about this book, but I appreciated that Jayne is perfectly able to take care of herself, without Gemma “handling” things for her.

I truly love Jayne Wilson; she’s one of my favourite parts of this series, and I hope the author continues to expand her role.

You Might Like This Book If You Like:

Theatre; cozy mysteries; actor drama; romance

I have really been enjoying the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series. This was another great installment!

Gemma Doyle would be content to manage her bookstore during the summer theater season. After all, The Hound of the Baskervilles will be the featured production which should bring lots of business to her Sherlock Holmes themed store. But when the has-been famous actor brought in to play Sherlock is found dead at the bottom of a cliff and her friend Jayne's mother is the last one to see him alive, Gemma has to get involved.

Gemma is very observant and quick to put clues together. This does not endear her to police detective Louise Estrada who is automatically suspicious whenever Gemma gets near a case. Former boyfriend detective Ryan Ashburton is more used to Gemma's insights.

There are lots of wonderful suspects. It could be part of Sir Nigel's entourage. Is it the mousy personal assistant? The understudy who wishes that he had the role of Sherlock? The financial backer who didn't know how much of a has-been Sir Nigel has become? The director who sees him messing up her production? It is the odd man with the man-bun who is drifting around the periphery of the production?

When the understudy - Eddie Barker - starts dating Jayne, Gemma becomes even more suspicious of him. Gemma has to prove that Jayne's mother Leslie had nothing to do with Sir Nigel's death but she is the holder of a number of secrets about their shared past.

I enjoyed this mystery. I liked all the characters. I was glad to see that Gemma and Ryan's relationship was improving. I like that Gemma is like a female Sherlock Holmes in her ability to observe and deduce from small clues. I like that Gemma is the practical owner of a bookstore who is content with her business despite her shop assistant's many ideas to expand the business.

This is the third book in an engaging series which will appeal to fans of Sherlock Holmes and readers of cozy mysteries.

This book is a nice addition to the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery Series. In this one, Gemma becomes embroiled in investigating a murder when a famous start cast in a local rendition of The Hound of the Baskervilles goes missing and Gemma finds his body. Many people seem to have a motive for wanting him dead, but the mother of Gemma's friend, Jayne, becomes the police's prime suspect. Gemma and Jayne team up to investigate and find out the identify of the murderer.

The characters in the series were enjoyable, as in the previous book of the series. I really like Gemma. The storyline was entertaining and held my interest. I found the book fun to read, and am looking forward to more of Gemma's adventures. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a copy of the book in return for an honest review.

When the West London Theater Festival decides to put on a production of The Hound of the Baskervilles and casts well-known British actor Sir Nigel Bellingham to play Holmes. No one is more excited then Gemma Doyle co-owner of The Sherlock Emporium and Mrs. Hudson's Tea Shop. Not everyone is happy about the casting of Nigel because of his being past his prime and his drinking problem that makes him difficult to work with. All of that quickly becomes a moot point when he is found dead at the bottom of a cliff after an afternoon tea catered by Gemma and her business partner Jayne Wilson. Understudy Eddie Baker steps into the role, and is wooing Jayne on the side. Jayne is preoccupied by the fact that her mother Leslie has a secret to hide and is being questioned by the police. With the police only focusing on Leslie for Nigel's death Gemma with the help of Jayne is determined to uncover the real culprit. Also while trying to solve the murder Gemma is dealing with her feelings toward former love, Detective Ryan Ashburton, while being pursued by close friend and fellow book aficionado, Grant. This is a mystery with enough suspects and red herrings to keep the reader guessing until the solution is revealed at the end, along with a nice touch of humor and the ever present romance, makes a good combination for a very enjoyable story. I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books.

New years day I read Vicki Delany's upcoming February release The Cat of the Baskervilles. This is the third book in the A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. This was my favorite story in the series so far. It had a compelling mystery, great cast of characters and a very fun setting.
I like main character Gemma very much and her friend Jayne as well. They have a lovely relationship and yet a complicated one. I liked that this mystery did not feel rushed, or resolved too early in the book, the plot twists were subtle but delightful. This one is out February 13th by Crooked Lane Books and was a very enjoyable read.

Vickie Delaney’s writing skill effectively maintains her Sherlock Holmes' brand of cozy mysteries with her third entry, Cat of the Baskervilles. However, since the title referenced a cat I was disappointed to find that Gemma’s shop cat, Moriarty only had a walk-on role at best in the newest adventure.

Gemma, her partner Jayne and Jayne's mom, Leslie, are all involved in this one. A legendary film and stage star is set to play the lead in a local theater production of Hounds of the Baskervilles. Turns out he is an aging alcoholic and somewhat forgetful. Gemma, Jayne and Leslie get involved in catering a successful fund-raising tea for the theater group. Unfortunately, just after the event breaks up, Sir Nigel's body is discovered at the bottom of a cliff. And so, the game is afoot.

As usual, Gemma shares key traits with Sherlock Holmes: observation, deductive reasoning and quick intelligence. Leslie is a suspect so Gemma is determined to uncover the real culprit. The twists and turns in this one are as confusing as they are misleading. Ms. Delaney carefully weaves the fabric of this story in a way to keep the reader engaged, page after page. Waiting for the next one....

Gemma Doyle, owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, is excited when legendary movie star, Sir Nigel Bellingham, visits her shop to promote the local play, The Hound of the Baskervilles. Sir Nigel is slated to play the lead role, but Gemma senses there may be problems. Gemma’s best friend, Jayne, is helping her mother arrange a fundraising afternoon tea. When Sir Nigel is found dead and Jayne’s mother is a suspect, Gemma has to figure out the clues and whodunit before the wrong person is sent up the river.
This was an exciting mystery with enough suspects and red herrings to keep me guessing until the solution was revealed at the end. I thought the romantic undertones added suspense and flavor to the story. The protagonist was very blunt and open in her investigation. I thought that was very refreshing. An advanced reader’s copy was provided to me in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed this story. Gemma is a delightful character. She is English, cares deeply for her friends, loves all things Sherlock Holmes, and seems to have many of the same qualities as the great detective. Her friend Jayne is her sidekick who doesn't always want Gemma's advice. Sir Nigel is a great actor who has contracted to play Sherlock Holmes in a local theater group. When he is killed and Jayne's mother looks to be the favored suspect, Gemma starts to ask questions. I was so wrapped up in the story and characters that I was totally suprised when the murderer was revealed. I will read another book by this author.

Another great book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mystery series! Gemma Delaney, part-owner and proprietor of the Sherlock Holmes Bookstore, is back with her friend Jayne to solve another murder.

A well-known English actor named Nigel Bellingham has come to West London to star in the Hound of the Baskervilles. Nigel is past his prime, but the entire town is excited to see him nonetheless. Before he can get started, he falls to death and there is no shortage of suspects.

As in the two previous books, the characters are interesting and well-drawn, and the plot has plenty of twists and turns before the culprit is revealed.

I enjoyed this book very much and highly recommend it. Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

3.75 stars

This light-hearted series features the British proprietor of a Sherlock Holmes themed bookshop. Gemma Doyle has some deductive powers of her own, combined with a very straightforward (not to say blunt) way of speaking. This has not made her popular with the local police department.

The summer theater festival in Gemma's small town is putting on Hound of the Baskervilles, and has lured an aging, possibly has-been former star to play Holmes. Before the play has even gone into rehearsal the old sot manages to alienate the entire crew. Who is surprised when his body is discovered under mysterious circumstances?

There is a lot of dry humor in this series which makes it enjoyable to read. Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in return for my honest review.

Famous stage and movie star Sir Nigel Bellingham arrives in West London, Massachusetts to star in a stage production of The Hound of the Baskervilles put on by the West London Theater Festival. Before rehearsals can even start, Sir Nigel plunges to his death from the cliffs. Now it's a matter of whether it was suicide or murder.

Before the play opens, Leslie Wilson, mother of Gemma’s best friend Jayne, arranges a fundraising afternoon tea to be catered by Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room. The tea is a huge success, but when it’s time to leave, Sir Nigel has gone missing, only to be found at the bottom of the rocky cliff, dead. Unfortunately, Gemma not only finds the body, but she also finds evidence incriminating Leslie Wilson. When the police, in the presence of handsome detective Ryan Ashburton and suspicious detective Louise Estrada, focus their attention on Leslie despite the numerous other suspects, the game is once again afoot. Its again up to the highly perceptive Gemma and the ever-confused but loyal Jayne to clear Leslie before she is arrested.

--

Series: A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery - Book 3
Author: Vicki Delany
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

Anyone who enjoys Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's, Sherlock Holmes series will devour The Cat of the Baskervilles. Ms. Delany has created a wonderful series in the vein of Mr. Doyle right down to the memorable characters and the methods Sherlock employs to deduce the villain. The setting of West London, Mass is picture perfect, and theatre is a fitting setting for murder and mystery.

In today's world of formulaic stories, it is nice to come across one that is outside of the general cozy genre and which emphasizes the clues and deductions over simple romance and tired plots. The age of Doyle and Christie is alive and well, and readers will be drawn to stories that contain more than the average book.

Gemma is a great detective who uses reason and observation as her tools. She isn’t the average everyday sleuth. Running her business, The Sherlock Holmes Bookshop, she has an advantage over her Homes obsessed customers and even the police. She can deduce clues and motives faster and better. Often, before the police even realize a crime has been committed Gemma is already investigating.

Other characters such as Jayne and her mother, Leslie have personalities that compliment Gemma’s. Ryan and Grant are great love interests even though the reader will know from the beginning what Gemma’s heart wants.

This is the third book in the series, but it is not necessary to read the previous installments to understand what is going on and who the players are. The story is fun and entertaining as well as though provoking, and can be read in one sitting. The Cat of the Baskervilles Is highly recommended to anyone who enjoys Doyle or Christie, and any reader who just wants a good book.

An ARC was provided by NetGalley