The Locked Room (The Baker Street Mysteries Book 3), by Holly Hepburn

 

Publication Jan. 20, 2026

First, I want to tell readers that such a job as held here by Harriet "Harry" White really did exist. Make sure you read the Author's Note before you dive into the book for more on that and some other relevant notes. Once you dive into the book, whether as a returning reader or a newbie, you're in for quite a ride. Harry, the grand-daughter of a baron, hardly fits the expected mold for women in 1930's London. She's smart, curious, independent, living on her own, and just can't resist answering the occasional letter herself as Holmes' assistant that she's been given to respond to for the fictional Sherlock Holmes and getting involved in investigating the "case". She's smart enough to know she doesn't have the latitude of Doyle's Holmes and can't do it all on her own. While not exactly fool hardy, she does seem to get herself into some tricky, dangerous situations, especially for a lady of her social status in England. Fortunately, she has two sleuthing buddies, with Beth playing a prominent and seemingly permanent role this go-round.

I don't want to dive too far into the plot as it'll be far more fun to discover it as you read but will say it starts with not a letter to Holmes but an advertisement/announcement in the newspaper from none other than Professor James Moriarty, Holmes nemesis. While assuming it's just a fun taunt, the game becomes deathly serious with not just the theft of a diamond but death. Watching Harry and Oliver, plus Beth, work their way through the clues and red herrings is fun and you'll get a tour of some old style gambling dens and underground London in the process. Harry is also trying to sort out her youngest brother Rufus' latest potential scandal, something that leads Harry into a side of London respectable young women didn't frequent. Wait to you see how she manages this. Oliver is right there beside her for much of this and has a few revelations of his own that startle Harry. Sometimes it's tough to disguise your feelings.

Okay, not saying much more other than that the visits themselves are wonderfully described and, oh, you will even get to experience a circus of the time. Cotton candy, anyone? I liked the characters and it was nice to get to know her brother Seb a bit better as well as Percy, Harry's mother's choice for a son-in-law. Oh, and Harry meets Scotland Yard's Inspector Wells, who you'll surely enjoy getting to know. The author does a great job setting the scene and I felt like I was right there with the characters on the streets and, well, elsewhere. As noted, the book works well as a standalone, so don't hesitate to jump in there. You'll be quickly caught up on the cast of characters and some of the social divisions of the time.  The mystery is clever and, oh, so devious. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks and #NetGalley for this early peek back into time to catch up on Harry's life. The ending already has me ready for the next episode. 

The Devil in the Details (A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery, #11), by Vicki Delany

 

Publication Jan. 6, 2026

I find myself always a bit of a weird combo of annoyed and amazed in a good way at Gemma's mind. In this case, annoyed that she didn't seem to be giving Jayne her full attention despite seemingly being the one charged with doing several chores to prepare for the upcoming wedding. True, one has to admire her ability to think on her feet and delegate tasks to others but, well, there are expectations of being a bride's maid, too. Good thing she's got organized, dependable people on hand to take up the slack. Also, while she's definitely made huge strides in controlling her own tendency to appear superior, she's still got a ways to go. And, you've got to admit that anyone who'd dive into frigid waters to try to save someone takes guts. I'm definitely not liking her meandering out at night and trying to sneak into a potential murder suspect's home...alone...however.

Nope, not really going to share how this all came about, but there is definitely lots going on in this story. Wedding planning should rule but, well, she's still got a business to run, worries about Bunny's flirtation with a new guy who may or may not be legit, concerns for friends who may be struggling in many ways, and more. All while pestering people and confronting them to ask pointed questions. Detective boyfriend Ryan is already stressed when removed from the murder investigation due to friendship with the initial suspect, though glad to see he's working hard to keep Gemma and her impulse problems safe. All this said, I've grown to like not just Gemma, even when annoyed with her, but her circle of family and friends. True, Moriarty, her cat, still doesn't seem to like her but she's grown on me. 

Bottom line, an enjoyable read that moves along at a steady pace, managing to create some vivid images of, uh, unusual wedding reception wear, let's say. Lots going on behind the scenes, too, including tension in the restaurant's kitchen staff. The investigation is bogged down a bit due to, well, missing Ryan's input and more than one investigation. And, of course, amidst the murder talk, it wouldn't be a Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mystery without lots of talk about Holmes and trying to keep up with Uncle Arthur's travels, which seem to happen in the blink of an eye. If you like clever mysteries with an equally clever sleuth, albeit a frequently annoying one, you'll enjoy this one. Thanks #CrookedLaneBooks for allowing me this early peek into Gemma's always interesting life. It's always fun to catch up with the characters and see if Gemma's social finesse has improved. Unlikely. Grin.  

The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime (A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery #10), by Vicki Delany

 Publication Jan 14, 2025

Life is never dull when Gemma Doyle is around. In London for her sister Pippa's wedding, she manages to get embroiled in not just a murder investigation but a high profile international event and, uh, oh, yes, a bar room brawl. And, not just any ol' bar room, mind you, but one with royal and well-known faces. And, why? Something to do with a book that may or may not exist. 

I've come to like Gemma far more as the series has progressed. I'm not sure if that means I've mellowed or Gemma has, though she does seem to make a more conscious effort to think of others now than she once did. Oh, she's still laser focused and determined but does seem to have added a layer of being aware that others just don't operate on her time schedule or priorities. I do grin at her efforts to tolerate Donald Morris's fixation on all things Sherlock Holmes to the exclusion of almost everything else, but he does prove a courageous ally when push comes to shove, as does Jayne. Let's just say, never mess with a woman with an overloaded purse. Boyfriend Ryan is somewhat shunted to the side for a fishing trip but does get into the action at times. I enjoyed spending time with them all, even Donald, and meeting some new faces along the way. We also get a grand tour of London, including its famed shopping district thanks to the fact Gemma's luggage didn't quite make the trip on her schedule.

As for the murder, I found it rather sad. The victim is Gemma's ex-husband Paul, who has fallen on hard times. I won't give away more of the plot but will note he asks Gemma to come have a look at a book, a special book, and that alone pulls her into investigating his death. Of course, she doesn't call it an investigation. She's merely asking questions, you see. As it turns out, there are ample suspects, some of them related to Gemma. She doesn't let that detour her, of course. As for danger, let's just say Ryan's fishing trip was the calm before the storm as he attempts to have Gemma's back. Thanks #CrookedLaneBooks for letting me make an early virtual trip to Pippa's wedding just in time to see Gemma in actions. Boy, given how Pippa's wedding day evolved, I can only imagine how what any wedding day for Gemma might be like.

The Cursed Writer (The Baker Street Mysteries, #2), by Holly Hepburn

 

Publication October 17, 2024

Journey back with me to 1930s London. Harriet/Harry White has a job that sounds at once both mind numbing tedious and potentially exciting. She's answering letters sent to the fictional Sherlock Holmes because the company she's employed by just happens to be located at that, oh, so famous Baker Street address. And, oh, there's the little matter of it being a bit of a demotion after she refused to be the victim of sexual harassment by her overseer. Having not read the first book in the series, I was a bit wary of jumping into this one given the frequently puzzling, complicated cases that come to mind when one thinks Sherlock Holmes but, well, what can I say. That name alone and a mention of "Hound of the Baskervilles" was enough to pull me in. I'm glad it did as I very quickly liked Harry and the author quickly got us up to pace on the background from book one. 

Just as she seems to have done in book one, Harry responds personally, well, as Holmes instead of using her tried and true normal line as Holmes' secretary about him being retired and unable to help. This time she was intrigued by a telegram arriving rather than a letter, however. I won't detail the plot, it's too much fun to sort it all out as it happens, but it involves a nephew worried about the health, both physical and mental, of his uncle. Let's just say his uncle seems to be in turmoil, panicked, and unable to function. John Arbor, the sender of the telegram, hopes Holmes can help. And, from there, Harry's rash action of responding sets off a series of events involving not just her but Oliver Fortescue, a childhood friend who, from what I can gather, seems to be in the midst of a very slow burn wannabe-romance with Harry. Remember, the setting is in the 1930s, so things do tend to move slower overall,  

Delightfully spooky, full of tales of a grim reaper of sorts known as the Ferryman,  ghostly spirits on the marshy fen that surrounds the estate, and the poor, afflicted man's loyal wolfhound, abound.....and that's just the main story. Not only does the author give us a dose of Holmes, but there are other side stories, all of which Harry finds herself involved in investigating. Without giving away too much, let's just say they seem to tie back to book one but even without reading it, I had no problems sorting out what was what and who was who. I definitely liked Harry and have my fingers crossed Oliver will perhaps be bolder in future books. Again, remembering the date, no pressure, Oliver. Grin. Harry's courage and, yes, even rashness at times, not to mention there's so much going on that it has the sense of moving right along without too much time spent spinning our wheels. In other words, while cringing at the role of women of that time and Harry's mother's hopes for her marriage to a suitable man, I thoroughly enjoyed the book/mystery and am already looking forward to my next virtual trip back to Baker Street in the author's lovely time machine. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for allowing me this early peek into this case and introducing me to these fascinating people.

The Body in the Bookstore (A Secret Bookcase Mystery #1), by Ellie Alexander

 

Publication June 19, 2024

A great start to a new series. As a fan of Alexander's bakeshop mysteries, I was as delighted to see she's begun a new series. While Annie Murray is a bit unsettling initially, for reasons that emerge quickly, I found myself liking not just Annie but the entire cast of probably regulars, including Annie's cat, Professor Plum. Pri (Priya Kapoor) sounds like she'll be an excellent sleuthing buddy and bookshop owner Hal seems to be a sweetie. I hope we hear much more about his possible Agatha Christie connection. Fletcher, Annie's co-worked, is obsessed with Sherlock Holmes, not a bad thing when you work for a mystery focused bookshop, and, hmm, something tells me Liam Donovan will be playing a much more important role as the series goes along. I liked them all and, quite frankly, even felt some sympathy for the suspects, most of them having ample reasons to want to see ultimate victim, Kayla, dead. Trust me, though Annie even found some sympathy for her, showing Annie's heart, you won't miss her much.

That's about as much as I'm going to say about the plot itself. Old school ties, friendships, relationships, and expectations all play a role, as do secrets. Toss in Annie leading the town to create a mystery themed book festival that utilizes some fun sounding activities, a cold case mystery that consumes Annie, and the unexpected reappearance of a college professor she admired greatly, and it's an interesting mix. And, to think, it all really started with a poorly attended book signing at The Secret Bookcase, Hal's book shop where both Annie and Fletcher work. Needless to say, you'll pick up lots of book talk but I found the learned discussions of not just the defense of cozy mysteries in general but the buried bits of investigative "rules" that Annie was able to call up from her college days. She'd once dreamed of being a private investigator.... until....well, read the book. You'll discovered lots of background for not just Annie but many of those involved, both suspects and the "good guys". It's all quite fascinating and I not only liked the various characters but found myself thinking about the book long after I'd put it down for the night, always a good sign that I'm hooked. 

Bottom line, it's a intriguing mystery, one bringing the past and present together in a sense. I liked the characters, even if I was fearful poor Annie was going to freak out more than once given her years of feeling guilty for a friend's death. She never used her degree in criminology but is delighted to discover how much she remembers. She proves an excellent organizer, too, and seems to have the ability to bring people together, not to mention deal with arrogance from those who'd doubt her. Then, there's Liam. Annie isn't looking for a relationship but, well, it may just find her anyway, not to mention others. The California setting sounds lovely and the town sounds like one we could spend hours window shopping in, not to mention finding "must have" items to buy or stopping by Liam's place for a drink. And, I bet you'll wind up wanting to go try to find that special book that opens up the hidden reading room. Thanks #NetGalley and #StormPublishing for introducing me to Annie and Redwood Grove. I'm already looking forward to seeing what's up next for Annie and her circle of friends, especially after that teaser of an ending.

AUDIO: The Sign of Four Spirits (Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery #9), by Vicki Delany

 

Publication Jan. 9. 2024    AUDIO: 8h 27m   Narrator Kim Hicks

I absolutely loved this. As much as I enjoyed the print version, there is something about having a narrator who is not only great at differentiating character voices as well as nuances of speech that might not be noticed by the eyes. Given that one of the early scenes involves a seance, yep, medium and contacting the dead, there were even more voices for Kim Hicks to provide and she did an outstanding job. She had Gemma's occasionally haughty, very British aristocratic voice as well as her more usual, conversational tone. Bottom line, Kim Hicks is excellent. 

I won't detail the plot but will post my original review of the ebook after this quick audio review. The chapter changes are simply introduced as "Chapter..." whatever. The various voices used suited the characters nicely, making it easy to differentiate between speakers. It definitely brought the story to life, from the thunder and lightning outside where the seance was being held to the supposedly unknown male voice that sounded angry during the seance. Things flow, well, aside from Gemma's occacionally long winded explanations of this or that. Let's just say, you'll learn much about the history and use of hat pins. Even those actually flow and you can sense the odd combo of impatience and bemusement from those on the receiving end. 

Bottom line, I absolutely loved this audio version. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys audio books or, for that part, simply intriguing mysteries. You won't come away feeling like Gemma is your new best friend but you'll definitely respect her observation skills and ability to put oblique clues together to pinpoint the killer. Thanks #DreamscapeMedia for giving me this sneak listen. Original review follows.

_____ Original Review ______

"Emma isn't going to the seance. Definitely not going. Nope. Not going. So, how'd she wind up there anyway, albeit perched outside the door where the event is taking place?

This has become a favorite series for me although, quite frankly, I still find Emma Doyle more annoying then likable. That said, she's definitely improved and grown on me over the series. I even think I'd like her as a friend, albeit one that'd wear on my nerves quickly. It isn't that she rivals Sherlock Holmes with her observation skills and ability to put complex clues together. That's impressive. It's just that her people skills need work. That said, it's obvious in this book that she's trying to be a better friend. She hesitates and doesn't always spout out what she's thinking, thoughts that are often negative toward the one she's speaking to/about. She doesn't make abrupt phone calls in the middle of the night, showing more awareness. It's Emma's smarts and ability to learn and change, albeit slowly, that keep me coming back. Toss in that Vicki Delaney/Eva Gates is a superb writer and hooks me from the very start and I find myself gravitating to this series, not to mention being so intent upon trying to sort it out that I tend to read the book in one or two sittings. 

So, who killed the medium? Why didn't she allow Gemma into the room for the seance? It doesn't matter whether we believe in such things or not, there are characters who do and that is the reason for the gathering. Or, is it? Why was Donald disappointed in the seance even before it really got started? Who was that last angry voice heard? Will Ryan, the detective/boyfriend, accept Gemma's help or not? Will Moriarty the cat ever warm up to Gemma? Why is the medium's assistant so interested in Bunny? Will Rebecca ever make peace with her step-son? And, once again, who is this diabolical killer? Can even Emma's masterful deduction skills find the truth in time? 

Bottom line, I loved this book/series. Great cover. The writing flows and the characters are fully-developed, even the minor ones. And, heck, you'll learn quite a bit about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in the process of reading, too, so a win-win. Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for allowing me to spend some time in Emma's world and mind. I think my mind is still spinning at how she put it all together."

The Sign of Four Spirits (Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery #9), by Vicki Delany

 

Publication Jan. 9, 2024

Emma isn't going to the seance. Definitely not going. Nope. Not going. So, how'd she wind up there anyway, albeit perched outside the door where the event is taking place?

This has become a favorite series for me although, quite frankly, I still find Emma Doyle more annoying then likable. That said, she's definitely improved and grown on me over the series. I even think I'd like her as a friend, albeit one that'd wear on my nerves quickly. It isn't that she rivals Sherlock Holmes with her observation skills and ability to put complex clues together. That's impressive. It's just that her people skills need work. That said, it's obvious in this book that she's trying to be a better friend. She hesitates and doesn't always spout out what she's thinking, thoughts that are often negative toward the one she's speaking to/about. She doesn't make abrupt phone calls in the middle of the night, showing more awareness. It's Emma's smarts and ability to learn and change, albeit slowly, that keep me coming back. Toss in that Vicki Delaney/Eva Gates is a superb writer and hooks me from the very start and I find myself gravitating to this series, not to mention being so intent upon trying to sort it out that I tend to read the book in one or two sittings. 

So, who killed the medium? Why didn't she allow Gemma into the room for the seance? It doesn't matter whether we believe in such things or not, there are characters who do and that is the reason for the gathering. Or, is it? Why was Donald disappointed in the seance even before it really got started? Who was that last angry voice heard? Will Ryan, the detective/boyfriend, accept Gemma's help or not? Will Moriarty the cat ever warm up to Gemma? Why is the medium's assistant so interested in Bunny? Will Rebecca ever make peace with her step-son? And, once again, who is this diabolical killer? Can even Emma's masterful deduction skills find the truth in time? 

Bottom line, I loved this book/series. Great cover. The writing flows and the characters are fully-developed, even the minor ones. And, heck, you'll learn quite a bit about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in the process of reading, too, so a win-win. Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for allowing me to spend some time in Emma's world and mind. I think my mind is still spinning at how she put it all together.

Bake Offed (A Five-Ingredient Mystery #8), by Maya Corrigan

 

Publication Nov. 29, 2022

This one had me hooked from the beginning with its nod to Agatha Christy's use of a list of characters at the beginning of the story. Toss in regular references to not just Christie, particularly "Murder on the Orient Express", Sherlock Holmes, and Miss Marple, and it was fun from the start. Val Deniston and her grandfather, Don, are attending the Maryland Mystery Fan Fest and find themselves involved in a real murder: Who killed Cynthia Sweet? 

Needless to say, surrounded by mystery buffs, the theories and suspects are many. In fact, many in the crowd seem determined to believe the murder and appearance of the police, not to mention the collapse of another attendee in the bar, are all part of the show. Toss in that the hotel was the site of another unsolved mystery a year ago and it's all just too exciting for many to believe reality has intruded again. 

 I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Val and Grandpa Don, both of whom are smart and able to think things through. For Don, however, he is a tad distracted by the disappearance of his Nero Wolfe inspired boxed book of recipes. Is that disappearance somehow connected? Cynthia had been accused of stealing others' ideas before, so why not a genuine, valuable keepsake. And, what does a tea kettle have to do with anything? Why were some attendees going to such extremes to disguise themselves? Poison rings? Inheritances? What would drive someone to murder?

Bottom line, this one grabbed my attention from the beginning and held it until the surprising end. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me to this so to speak, mystery fest gathering. Looking forward to spending more time with Val and her grandfather soon. Maybe he'll share more recipes!

The Game Is a Footnote (Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery #8), by Vicki Delany

 

Jan. 10, 2023

Rumors are flying about paranormal activity at a local museum, Scarlet House. Gemma Doyle has reluctantly agreed to spend a night there to try to discover what is going on. Friend Jayne and her soon-to-be-husband will be there, too, although Gemma has deliberately avoided involving Ryan, her detective boyfriend. Quite frankly, Gemma isn't expecting anything out of the ordinary. 

She was wrong. Strange noises, animals in the barn in turmoil, and items out of place. If this spook, spectral or not, expected Gemma to run away in terror, however, they picked the wrong person. Gemma doesn't believe in ghosts and her plan, much like Sherlock Holmes, is to eliminate the impossible and investigate whatever is left. Do you believe in ghosts? Tell me after you finish this one.

Unfortunately, finding a dead body, David, wasn't part of the impossible and adds to Gemma's incentive to get to the bottom of things. She's distracted, however, by the sudden disappearance of her dependable worker, Ashleigh. Never fear, however, Gemma is definitely capable of handling more than one puzzle at a time. Toss in the sudden visit of her sister Pippa from England and things only get more interesting....and complicated. 

I won't detail the plot, discovering it all piece by piece as you sort through the multitude of red herrings is, well, part of the fun. The characters we've gotten to know over the series are there, not to mention the critters. Moriarity the cat still hisses at Gemma, btw, but manages to provide an unwanted, scary distraction at one point.

Why is Scarlet House suddenly seemingly haunted? Who killed David? How does one lock oneself in a barn? Are hungry pigs dangerous? Why is Pippa really there? Is Gemma the least bit sorry for waking up Ryan at 3a.m.? That's debatable. That whole scene of the police trying to secure the scene of the crime in the rain, including a pig sty, creates a hilarious image in one's mind, must admit, so Ryan had to be exhausted. What does an aging pop star have to do with anything? What secrets are the various players in this drama keeping? Why....why don't I stop with the teasers now and just say, read this one. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for letting me drop in on Gemma and friends again. I'm always up for a bit of Sherlock sleuthing even if Gemma's tendency to get so caught up in her whirling mind means that she forgets we're there at times.

Fireside Reading of A Study in Scarlet, by Arthur Conan Doyle (audio)

Audio version read by Gildart Jackson. 

What a delightful reminder that Dr. Watson and Sherlock Holmes didn't just spring forth from the womb as the dynamic working team we all know. Written in 1887, it first appeared as an installment series in a magazine and, well, was less than a hit. Some hits obviously take a while to build up steam, I guess. I won't detail the plot, it is a classic after all and easily found, but will say that long-time readers of the series might do well to dive into this one to freshen up their memories. We've seen so many depictions of the duo on stage and screen that I found I'd forgotten details.

Besides, listening to Gildart Jackson's reading of the story is fun and reminds us how odd Holmes really must have seemed to not just John Watson but readers meeting Holmes for the first time, too. I must admit that I wasn't fond of the music heard between chapters but am still undecided if that was because of the music itself or my own impatience to get on with it. All in all, however, despite the big leap from London to the US that the setting takes us through, I enjoyed this and will be on the lookout for more interpretations from Gildart Jackson.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for inviting me back in time to meet the orginal Holmes and Watson.

A Three Book Problem, by Vicki Delaney

  A Three Book Problem, by Vicki Delaney

A Sherlock Holmes Bookstore Mystery, 7th in series

Thanks to #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for the ARC. 

First, I absolutely loved this book/series. Main character Gemma's observation and intuitive skills are amazing. True, she's off base a few times but more often than not she is right. An intriguing story, the seventh installment in the series, with many red herrings, suspects, and sub-plots. I give it five stars. I'd toss in another star if possible for the unique murder weapon.

That said, as much as I admire the skills of the heroine of the story, Gemma Doyle, who runs a Sherlock Holmes focused bookstore, is also blunt and rude at times. Her observation skills are such that, much like Holmes, she doesn't miss much in the surroundings or actions of those about her involved but, sigh, she often seems to forget the human element involved. She particularly annoyed me when she called her Uncle Donald at 1 a.m. without a thought that he might be sleeping. To his credit, he instantly becomes alert and is ready to come to her aid wherever she is. She barely notices. She simply asks her question and basically hangs up on him without explanation of apology.

Despite all these quirks that must wear on those about her at time, I couldn't help liking her. Perfect? Not even close. But, doesn't that make her all the more human? I don't know about you but I'm sure I have quirks that annoy my friends and vice versa, so this all helps make Gemma seem all the more real. True, I found it odd she'd never heard the ol' saying about "curiosity killed the cat" but maybe that isn't as well known in England where she grew up. Speaking of cats, her own cat doesn't seem to like her. Another quirk.

As for the murder itself, no one really seems upset that the victim died. Even Gemma seems detached and more an observer than participant finding the solution in at first. Perhaps because she had no real connection to the victim? It actually isn't until late in the book that she "turns on" her Shelockian deduction skills as she dives headfirst into investigating and solving the murder. She even manages to find a few other crimes lurking beneath the surface in the process. 

I won't even attempt to detail the plot more than I've already hinted as I'm sure others will do a far better job of doing so than me. I'll thoroughly enjoyed the book and, in fact, the entire series and as much as she annoys me at times, am looking forward to spending more time with Gemma and her friends. I may even have to do some brushing up on my Sherlock Holmes reading between now and the next as it took me the entire book to figure out the significance of the title. Who am I kidding? The book finally tells us. Nope. Not telling. You'll have to read it yourself to find out. If you love a good mystery, characters who are both endearing and annoying, you know, real people, and enjoy matching wits with the amateur sleuths (and real investigators), this is a must read.