Gemma Doyle and Jayne Wilson are busy managing the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium on Baker Street and adjoining Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room in anticipation of the store's upcoming book signing with the illustrious Renalta Van Markoff, author of the controversial Hudson and Holmes mystery series. But during the author Q&A session, dedicated Sherlockian Donald Morris verbally attacks Renalta and her series for disgracing Sherlock's legacy, only to be publicly humiliated when the author triumphantly lashes back and gains the upper hand. That is until Renalta collapses on the table--dead. Donald insists he didn't do it and pleads to his friends to clear his name. Fortunately, Gemma and Jayne have no shortage of suspects between author's bullied personal assistant, her frustrated publicist, the hapless publisher, a handsome rare book dealer, an obsessively rabid fan, and a world of other Sherlock enthusiasts with strong objections to Renalta's depiction of the Great Detective. It's up to the shrewd sleuthing duo to eliminate the impossible and deduce the truth before the West London police arrest an innocent man in Body on Baker Street, the second Sherlock Homes Bookshop mystery perfect for fans of Miranda James and Kate Carlisle. (Summary via Goodreads)
One of the best things about reading books in a series is the familiarity of the story. In the first book you get to know the town and the people and what goes on in the town and with the people. When you pick up any book in the series after the initial book, it is like you are going back home for a visit.
Body on Baker Street by Vicki Delany is the second book in her Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series and as soon as I started to read it, I felt like I was home.
The series is set in West London Massachusetts, a summer tourist town and the main focus is the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium and Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room. The businesses are attached allowing access between the two through sliding glass doors. Gemma and her great uncle Arthur own the bookstore and half of the Tea Room. Gemma's best friend Jayne owns the other half of the Tea Room.
Gemma is a unique person in that she notices EVERYTHING and can remember EVERYTHING. She is very observant....to the point where it can drive people crazy. But it can also be very helpful, especially when someone is murdered and the crime scene is right in front of her. Unfortunately the police aren't very appreciateive of her insights.
You will get a kick out at Gemma's ability and the way she explains it to people. You will also love Jayne who is just your average baking enthusiastic, always there for her friends friend. And Ashley who works in the bookstore is a HOOT with her ever changing outfits....you will want to own her wardrobe by the end of the book.
Delany's ability to open the reader's mind so that you can see the town and the people is spot on !! Just the simple paragraph describing Gemma's walk home from the shop is as if you are watching the scene on a screen right in front of you.
If you want to not only get lost in a book but have a place that you can revisit and fall right into the story, I highly encourage you to check out this series and this author. The first book, Elementary, She Read sets the stage and gets you to fall in love with West London and all it has to offer. I personally cannot wait to go back !!!
Check the author out at : http://vickidelany.com/
Review by Missi S.
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