Aaaaaannnnnnndddddddd we are back! Hallelujah!!

After the previous book, I had serious doubts about this series, which until said book, had been really amazing. Book 7 was decidedly not. Between formatting, a very weak story, the narrator being really off and again, a very weak story [though I will say that the premise was really good and unique and I was SO happy to see one of the characters from that story in this one, albeit very briefly, that didn't take away from a seriously weak story and some real frustration] and poor writing and I thought that maybe the series had run its length and needed to be over.

And then I got this one from NetGalley [along with the audiobook, though I was hesitant in that area] and figured I would give it a shot, simply because I have loved this series so much.
Ohhhhhh friends, I am SO GLAD I did. THIS is the writing and story-line that I have loved all along and this was, quite simply, how you open a new reading year IMO. It took everything I had to put it down the first day I started and finally, by yesterday [when I finished], I caved and just read/listened until I was finished. And what a finish! WOW.

I was absolutely sure I knew who the killer was. And if I was wrong [ ;-) ], I had an almost certain 2nd choice [they were a red herring, but such a BIG red herring that is was almost certain they were more than such. HA! I was wrong there too]. I was soooo wrong on both counts. VERY. VERY. WRONG. How absolutely glorious.

Gemma is at her absolute best here. She is seriously trying to NOT get involved in something that everyone actually WANTS her to be involved in and when she finally jumps in full force, things escalate very quickly. Jayne is again the perfect side-kick and I loved the addition of several characters [that I will not mention as to not influence those who have yet to read this] that really enhanced the story.

I was lucky to get the audiobook ARC of this book as well and the narrator [Kim Hicks] was back on track as well and I was so glad that I chose to take a chance on the audiobook and request it and then listen to it. I absolutely love how she does Gemma's voice and the only voice I dislike that she does is Detective Estrada - for some reason, that voice grates on my last nerve and I'd love it if that one changed by the next book. I realize that is easier said than done, but it was the only thing I had a full-issue with [well, the whole side story with Ashleigh and her disrespect of Gemma, but that is a whole 'nother conversation] and didn't detract from the story overall [and is very much a personal issue, not a story-line issue]. I look forward to [hopefully] listening to the next one.

On to book nine!!! Well done!!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Vicki Delany, Kim Hicks - Narrator, Crooked Lane Books, and Dreamscape Media for providing both the ARC and the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed the mystery in this one as it starts out as a paranormal investigation rather than a murder one, although that does happen eventually. The new characters added to the series are a welcome addition and I liked getting to know them and their quirky personalities. The mystery was well-paced and Gemma was in top form, using her observation skills to glean more from the suspects. Still not a fan of Sherlock and his techniques that are incorporated into the books but I love the setting and characters so much, it doesn’t bother me. Can’t wait to see what they get up to next.

Narration was well done, no issues

I've read several Vicki Delany books and really like her as an author. I've read two books in this series, both audiobooks. I understand the main character is supposed to be like Holmes, but I find I don't respect OR like Gemma Doyle. I suspect its the narrator's voice because I didn't like any of the characters. The mystery itself was fun and well-written. I'd recommend you pick up a paper copy.

4.5 stars

Ah, the cheeky Brit, Gemma, is back, in all of her glory. This installment of The Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries has everything that made me fall in love with the series: great character development with genuine relationships among them, engaging setting and episodic descriptions, and a well-paced plot line with enough original content to avoid cookie cutter genre traps. The narrator of the audio is good, especially with the primary character and the accents.

Thank you to Vicki Delany, Crooked Lane Books, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I had only discovered this series last month when searching for a new cozy mystery series but immediately fell in love with Gemma Doyle and her Sherlock Holmes themed bookstore. I listened to all the available books and was excited to see that the next one would be available January 10th. I immediately added it to my Audible preorders.

Then I noticed the audio ARC on NetGalley the other day and requested it and was happy to be approved. 😍

In this case, Gemma is asked to help figure out if the local historical society might have a ghost. I got several feelings of original Holmes stories including The Red Headed League and The Adventure of the Beryl Coronet while listening. The only thing I would have wanted was more of Detective Ryan ❤️ and his super snarky partner.

Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the advance audiobook copy of this lovely book in exchange for my honest review.

I will be checking out the author’s other cozy series soon. 😊