REVIEW: Body on Baker Street

Body on Baker Street
Author: Vicki Delany

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.**