Elementary, She Read
Author: Vicki Delany
I'm reading my way through series that have been on my bookshelves for a long time, but haven't been read yet. And, the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series finally made it to the top of my TBR list!
I read this first book in the series years ago when it first came out, and then lost track of the series. So, I just picked back up at the beginning again and re-read this one.
The basics: Gemma Doyle has moved from England to the American upper east coast to help her Uncle Arthur run his Sherlock Holmes bookshop. Adjoining the shop is Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room run by Gemma's friend, Jayne.
Trouble starts when a strange woman hides something of value in Gemma's shop and then is subsequently murdered. Gemma finds herself in the midst of a murder investigation where she is a suspect. Can she use her high perception skills to catch the killer, and avoid being arrested herself?
The plot of the story kept my attention from start to finish. There was plenty of amateur sleuthing and suspects. I just wish I liked the characters more. I found Gemma a bit annoying. From her constant remarks about Americans not being able to make tea to her hating her best friend's romantic partner, I just found her whiny and irritating. Jayne came off as a bit rude. The antagonism from the female detective character seemed without reason and overly dramatic. It got old by the end of the book.
I'm going to continue reading and see if the characters develop a bit more and if the series grows on me as I progress. So far.....I'm not really a fan. I think I'm realizing why I stopped reading this series. But, the concept is just too awesome for me to give up after only one book. But, I've set a limit. I'm going to read the first 3 books.If I'm not a fan by then, I have given myself permission to stop reading and move on. It might just be a great series that is just not for me.... But giving it a full chance before I make that call.
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