Just in time for Sherlock Holmes’s 166th birthday, the fifth installment in national bestselling author Vicki Delany’s Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mystery takes Sherlockania to the max with a Holmes convention and historic 221 Baker Street.Gemma Doyle and her friends travel to London for a Sherlock Holmes convention–but will Gemma’s father take the fall for a felonious forger’s fatality? The 6th of … fatality?
The 6th of January is Sherlock Holmes’s birthday, and lucky for Gemma Doyle, January is also the slowest time of the year at both the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, and Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room. It’s a good time for Gemma and her friends to travel to England for a Holmes Convention. For Gemma, the trip provides an opportunity to visit her parents, Jayne Wilson is excited about seeing all the sites London has to offer, and Ryan Ashburton just wants to spend some time with Gemma. But the trip is immediately derailed when Gemma’s father Henry recognizes his brother-in-law Randolph Denhaugh, who disappeared more than thirty years ago on the night he stole a valuable painting from his own parents.
Henry, a retired detective with Scotland Yard, has been keeping tabs on the man’s career as a forger of Old Masters and he warns Randy to stay away from his family. It’s up to Gemma, with the help of her friends, to plunge into the “lowest and vilest alleys” of London to save her father from prison.
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There’s a Murder Afoot is the 5th book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries by Vicki Delany. I have read the previous books in this series and when this one became available, it was a must-read. I can easily say, it delivered a wonderful punch and earns 4.5 stars. Let’s dive into the review…
Gemma and Jayne are on a trip to London. They’ve been invited to an award ceremony in Uncle Arthur’s absence. Arthur’s decided to mind the shops while the girls are on a little getaway. They also bring a few friends with them, and when they meet Gemma’s parents, things get a little crazy. Mom has a younger brother no one knew anything about, and he’s a troublemaker. When he ends up dead, it looks like Dad killed his brother-in-law because of all the cons the man pulled. It’s up to Gemma and Jayne to solve the mystery in her homeland this time.
At first, I was concerned about the new setting. I loved the Massachusetts bookstore and all the supporting characters. Delany does a fantastic job at having Gemma’s shop employee, Ashleigh, call with all the issues, and there are a quite a few fun ones. Arthur simply cannot be left in charge again. On top of that, we are treated to Ryan, Grant, and another surprise visitor. Ryan, of course, tries to stop Gemma from investigating her uncle’s death, but Gemma’s sister, Pippa, insists she help. Pippa apparently has connections in the British government, and all indications point to her directly working for the Queen or someone close to the Queen.
As a mystery, there were several solid suspects. The setting was quite lovely, and I enjoyed the descriptions and the new characters. I like Gemma’s parents a lot, and the police in London are worse than the American police — so mean to Gemma! She should be allowed to investigate. LOL Even if she’s a bit cranky sometimes. That said… the book moves fast, and it’s going to be a fun setup for the future. Definitely recommend this one.
Welcome to London!!! We are going to
attend the Sherlock Holmes convention.
This event turns into a tale of suspense,
intrigue, mystery, vivid characters, murder,
deceit, sinister plots of fraud, revenge,
corruption, art fraud, attempted murder,
the challenge of solving a crime plus the
satisfaction of seeing the culprit brought
to justice.
Gemma Doyle, formerly from London who
now resides in Massachusetts, owns the
Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium,
and Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room was
volunteered by her friend to be to a
speaker at the Sherlock Holmes convention.
She will also be accepting an award for
her Uncle Arthur Doyle there. Gemma finds
herself meeting a man who turns out to be
her mother’s estranged brother.
The brother stole a painting from her
mother’s parent leaving the family destitute
then dropping out of site for years. He shows
up at the convention with his own art for sale.
But is it his own?
Gemma’s father and her new found Uncle
Randy have words.
Later Randy is found dead with Gemma’s
father trying to untie the noose from Randy’s
neck.
Her father has been hit on the back of
his head and has amnesia. He cannot remember
what happened. But a cleaning woman accuses
him of the murder plus the detective assigned to
the case has a grudge against her father from
before her father retired. Then he arrested.
So Gemma and her American friends that
accompanied her to London along with her
sister, mother and a sharp solicitor take on the
task to prove his innocence.
This is intricately woven puzzling murder mystery
story that will delight and entertain the reader.
The vivid description of London plus the various
famous landmarks add a geographic plus
historical background. It is so well written that
the reader will feel as if they are truly experiencing
the culture of London living.
The story takes off very quickly and keeps an
invigorating pace right up to its conclusion.
It provides the reader with an interesting array
of well fleshed, artsy, quirky, well described ,
colorful and relatable characters.
Highly Recommended Read for anyone who
loves historical fiction mysteries mixed with
authentic and well researched geographical
sites.
The is book # 5 in the Sherlock Holmes
Bookshop Mysteries series. It can be read as
a stand alone. It was the first book I read of
this series and look forward to reading the
others books.
I volunteered to read There’s A Murder Afoot.
Thanks to the author via the Cozy Mystery
Review Crew. My opinion is voluntary and
my own.
There’s a Murder Afoot by Vicki Delany may be the fifth installment in A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery, but it can be read on its own. The author includes the necessary background a new reader needs. This is my favorite book in the series. I found it to be well-written and it moved along at a steady clip. I enjoyed the author’s descriptions of London, the conference and especially the beautiful costumes worn by some of the attendees including Donald. Donald was in seventh heaven with all the Sherlock Holmes people he could talk to and the various places for him to visit including the Sherlock Holmes Museum. Gemma is enjoying spending time with her parent’s and being back in London. She just did not count on getting involved in a murder investigation (she really should have anticipated this turn of events). I like the humor injected into the story. The lengths they went to keep her friends occupied while she is out investigating and then there were Arthur’s antics at the bookstore. Gemma should have known things would not go smoothly with Arthur. The mystery was thought out with several suspects and good clues. I found it interesting and enjoyed following the investigation. The police in Scotland Yard did not appreciate Gemma’s interference any more than those back home in West London, Massachusetts. But Gemma had Pippa on her side. Pippa’s may say she is a clerk, but her job is complex, mysterious and suits her intellect (would have suited Gemma as well). I like how the mystery played out and the resolution. I like Gemma’s attention to detail and how it plays into the solving of the mystery. While I was not surprised by the guilty party (or who was murdered), I was entertained which is the purpose of this delightful tale. I look forward to the next A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery. My one wish is for West London to get a different detective who appreciates Gemma’s insights. There’s a Murder Afoot is a diverting cozy mystery with a black sheep sibling, a discriminatory detective, surplus of Sherlock, a vexing uncle, a sister’s secretive situation, and a parent’s puzzling predicament.
There’s a Murder Afoot is a wonderful cozy mystery and I enjoyed every minute spent in reading it. While I’ve read Vicki Delany before, I’m new to this series and eager to begin on previous books. The story is very well written, creatively plotted, and populated with endearing characters.
So many elements propel this story – sights and sounds of London, sightseeing, a polite tea custom where cookies are called biscuits, art galleries and masterpieces of old, and a world of Sherlock Holmes fans. London scenery is vividly conveyed and I loved the Sherlock Holmes convention and all that it entailed – costumes, artwork, souvenirs, etc.
The series regulars are delightful … Gemma, owner of a Cape Cod bookstore; Jayne, her close friend; Ryan, her boyfriend; Grant, a rare book collector; and Donald, fascinated by all things Sherlock. This story, however, takes them to London in a plot revolving around a Sherlock Holmes convention. Gemma’s sister, Pippa, is introduced and I found her intriguing – very businesslike, somewhat mysterious as to her job, no real friends. And who exactly does she work for? Possibly the Queen or some highly-placed individual?
There’s some delightful humor quietly placed here and there. For instance, if Gemma wanted to enjoy her trip, she probably shouldn’t have left Arthur in charge of her shop in West London, Cape Cod.
Another interesting element is that the villain and murder victim just happens to be Gemma’s newly-discovered uncle, with a background of art forgery that opens things up to several suspects. The mystery is well crafted and I loved that we don’t see one attack after another on Gemma as she prods around seeking to prove her father innocent. As for Ryan, Gemma’s police detective boyfriend, I’m not quite sure what I think of him. He seems to care for Gemma, but doesn’t want her investigating. While that’s probably natural, I’d like for him to be more supportive of Gemma.
There’s a Murder Afoot is a wonderful cozy mystery and I’m thrilled to have discovered this series. It’s also a clean read – no sexual scenes or profanity.
Highly recommended to cozy mystery fans.
I received a copy of this book through the Review Crew. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
“There’s a Murder Afoot” by Vicki Delany is the delightful fifth installment in a thoroughly enjoyable cozy mystery series. Main character Gemma Doyle runs a Sherlock Holmes-themed bookshop. Like the great detective, Gemma is also incredibly observant and detail-oriented, which makes her quite competent at investigating when her estranged uncle is found dead at a Sherlock-themed event, and her father is accused of the murder.
This book is extra-enjoyable because Gemma and her friends are in London this time around to attend a Sherlock Holmes conference at which Gemma is scheduled to speak. As a result, we finally get to meet Gemma’s family….her parents, plus sister Pippa. I’ve loved the character of Gemma since Book 1, but getting to know more about her family and earlier home life brings added dimension to her character. I feel like I now have a better understanding of her, and an even greater appreciation!
The author obviously either knows London well, or has done considerable research. The locations, customs, and people are all rendered beautifully, and I felt like I was actually there with the characters.
As always, the mystery itself was well thought-out, with plenty of clues (and red herrings) for the reader to follow. The pacing was just right, and I LOVE the way Gemma pro-actively and rationally investigates, instead of just waiting for clues to fall into the lap. This time around, she had some subtle help from Pippa, which raised as many questions as it answered, and was a great deal of fun.
As a Sherlock fan myself, I enjoyed the references to the great detective, and loved reading about the various events, vendors, and merchandise at the conference. It’s always a treat to spend time with Gemma & Company, and I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series, when everyone is back at home. I just hope the bookstore is still standing by the time Gemma returns!
I have been a big fan of this series since the very first book, but I have to say I think that this is my favorite in the series to date. I love that Gemma is not the typical cozy mystery protagonist. She has a unique personality with a few quirks. I think author Vicki Delany had done a great job of growing and developing that uniqueness while softening Gemma’s character a bit without taking away what I love about her. In this book, the gang is off to London for a Sherlock Holmes Conference and to pick up an award for Uncle Arthur. I thought the change of scenery worked well. As readers, we were introduced to Gemma’s family and able to get a glimpse of the people who helped make her who she is today. I like the intrigue around her sister Pippa and what she really does for a living. I was a bit surprised that she paired up with Grant but I think that opens up some different possibilities for future stories.
The mystery was well done and kept me guessing until the end. The author did a good job of creating a victim who was not sympathetic in the beginning but by the end of the book and the resolution of the mystery had quite possibly redeemed himself. While Gemma did annoy a few members of the London Police force, it wasn’t quite as antagonistic as her nemesis back in West London Massachusetts. The story unfolded at a great pace and a very satisfying resolution.
I love this series and any new book is always an automatic read for me. I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for Gemma and the rest of the cast in the next book, especially in light of Uncle Arthur’s surprise which was revealed at the end of this book.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
I am a huge fan of this series. Gemma, the main character, has a unique personality … a little quirky. The relationships among the family members and friends keep you laughing and rolling your eyes. They are all unique. This book will treat you to an adventure in London and the opportunity to meet Gemma’s family, including her sister, Pippa. She adds to the intrigue. A great mystery with lots of twists and turns.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Gemma, Jayne, Ryan, Donald, and Grant have traveled across the pond for a Sherlock Holmes Convention where Gemma is a featured speaker and she will accept an award on her Uncle Arthur’s behalf. She will also get to spend some time with her parents and her sister Pippa.
She also meets another member of her family, her mother’s brother, Randolph Denhaugh. The black sheep of the family, he disappeared 30 plus years ago after a valuable painting was stolen from her parent’s house. Gemma’s father, Henry, a retired Scotland Yard detective tried to keep tabs on the man who is said to be an art forger of the Old Masters. He wanted Denhough to stay away from his family but he never imagined he would be killed and that Henry himself would be the prime suspect.
Gemma has had a little experience as an amateur sleuth and she sees she is going to have to find the real killer herself because the lead detective has already decided Henry is guilty. Thankfully she has her friends along to help her and maybe her sister Pippa too. They are all committed to keeping Henry out of prison and won’t be flying back to the states until the real culprit is caught.
I loved that these characters traveled to London and that we were able to meet Gemma’s parents and sister. Gemma really traveled around to follow each clue to prove her father’s innocence. I found it quite funny the lengths she went to to keep her friends occupied when they weren’t helping her with the case. Donald was in his glory checking out the Sherlock Holmes sights and Grant became quite smitten with Pippa. It was nice to have Henry and Ryan hit it off and also that Jayne and Gemma’s mother Anne became quite close. Ryan didn’t like that Gemma was off investigating but he knew he couldn’t stop her. Pippa really pushed for Gemma to take on the case and she really couldn’t refuse.
The people back in the states were not forgotten. Gemma and Ashleigh checked in regularly with each call bringing more worry to Gemma. Arthur was definitely not the right person to leave in charge but one of the mishaps made me laugh out loud.
The mystery was a complicated one. Randolph Denhaugh was a man with few friends and plenty of enemies. Pippa was a woman of mystery herself which added some very intriguing twists to the story. She quickly became my favorite character in this book.
As a reader, I donned by virtual deerstalker cap to try to solve the whodunit before Gemma could but I failed miserably. Ms. Delany plotted this story out beautifully and totally surprised me with the big exciting reveal. The whiplash twist was great and pulled me to the edge of my seat. I really enjoyed the brisk pace of the story, there was always something happening.
There’s A Murder Afoot is now my favorite book in this series. I loved the realistic characters and the way Gemma’s friends really supported her throughout the whole adventure with only a few minor complaints. Their vacations definitely didn’t go as planned and I believe all the relationships grew stronger because of that.
Ms. Delany’s vivid descriptions of time and place really made me feel like I was tagging along with the characters the entire way. I do hope Ryan and Gemma get a real vacation soon and that this is not the last we see of Anne, Henry, and Pippa.
There’s A Murder Afoot – The author has written another solid mystery. I love that this book is set in England. The setting is described in such a way that readers feel as though they are actually there. The book flows well and is easy to read. The story line is logical and interesting and keeps you reading. The characters are well developed.
Gemma Doyle and her friends travel to London to attend a Sherlock Holmes convention. Gemma only has to give one speech, then she and her friends can have fun being tourists and spending time with Gemma’s family. Fun is derailed when Gemma’s father recognizes his long lost brother-in-law, Randolph. Randolph disappeared more than thirty years ago after he stole a valuable painting from his own parents. Gemma’s father, Henry, is a retired detective with Scotland Yard has kept tabs on Randolph over the years. Henry warns Randolph to stay away from his family. When Henry is found standing over Randolph’s dead body, Gemma has to clear her father’s name.
This mystery is well-written with several twists and turns along the way. I really enjoyed meeting Gemma’s family. Her sister, Pippa, was actually one of my favorite characters in this book. Pippa is definitely mysterious especially when it comes to her job but when she is with Grant she is just a normal woman. Also when Ashleigh and Gemma talk on the phone about what is happening back at the book store is very humorous. I think this is my favorite book in the series so far.
I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced by anyone.
Bookshop owner Gemma Doyle and her friends travel to London to attend a Sherlock Holmes convention. When, at the convention, Gemma’s father exchanges harsh words with Gemma’s heretofore unknown uncle, and this uncle is soon found murdered with an unconscious Henry Doyle by his side, it doesn’t take long for Scotland Yard to arrest Henry for murder! Gemma must work in tandem with her sister, Pippa (the Mycroft to her Sherlock), to solve the murder and investigate an art forgery ring. Very quickly paced, filled with interesting characters and locations, Vicki Delany’s 5th Sherlock Holmes Mystery is my absolute favorite so far in the series! A+++
“Gemma Doyle and her friends travel to London for a Sherlock Holmes convention–but will Gemma’s father take the fall for a felonious forger’s fatality”
This is my first cozy mystery and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I already love London and Sherlock Holmes! The characters are quirky and likeable, the dialogue is funny, and it’s very entertaining! I’ll be sure to read books #1 – #4 of the series. Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for making it available.
I’ve read the third book and now this fifth book and both times was able to follow along without feeling lost. The book is well written and moves along at a good pace. The descriptions, especially of London, made me feel like I was there. Gemma is a level headed, clever woman who sometimes finds herself in crazy situations and does her best to navigate. Her friends are interesting and in some cases odd, but are there for her no matter what she asks of them. This was a delight to read and I need to now go back and read the first book.
I received an advance copy from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley and this is my honest review.
This has been my favorite of the series so far. I enjoyed meeting Gemma’s family and getting to know some of her background. I like that her friends all went with her to London so we get to see them outside of their little town. Gemma’s friends and family are so caring and Gemma has definitely mellowed from book 1. The mystery was great with many twists, quite a few suspects, and some definite surprises at the end. Can’t wait for the next book.
This was a fun book that had Gemma and her friends heading to London for a Sherlock Holmes convention. Gemma meets an uncle she was unaware she had while there. It seems the uncle had been estranged from the family after supposedly stealing a painting from his parents. The uncle is a known art forger it seems. After the banquet at the convention, they find Gemma’s uncle dead and her father standing by the body. Gemma’s father has no memory of what happened and becomes the prime suspect awhen the detective in charge turns out to be a man who has a grudge against him. Gemma with help from her sister, Pippa, and her friends, sets out to find the truth. This was an intriguing book with lots of twists. I enjoyed getting to see the gang in a different setting and meeting Gemma’s parents and sister. Excited to see what’s next for Gemma and Ryan and the rest of their friends!!
This is such a good series, and it just keeps getting better! I enjoy the three-dimensional characters who continue to grow through their experiences, the wit, the setting – this time in England for a special event – and the mysteries, very challenging. This one is full of surprises.
Gemma Doyle, a London, England transplant to West London, Massachusetts, is part owner of Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium and Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room. Uncle Arthur Doyle, an active octogenarian, opened the store several years ago. Since Gemma has managed it so well, he is a silent partner so he can enjoy his world travels and sailing. Gemma’s best friend Jayne is part-owner of the Tea Room, its manager, and excellent baker.
Gemma, Jayne, Gemma’s boyfriend Ryan, and their friends Grant and Donald are in London for the Sherlock Holmes in the Modern World conference. Donald, an avid Sherlockian, had proposed Gemma as a speaker without her permission and she was chosen. Grant, a rare book dealer, hopes to find some rare tomes for his customers. Ryan, a West London police detective, is happy to have time away from home with Gemma, even if it means meeting her parents and sister.
The group met Anne, an attorney, and Henry Doyle, a retired detective, and their older daughter, Pippa. Just before they leave for the hotel restaurant, a man at another table calls out to Henry. He hustles the family and friends along, and Gemma sees him talking to the man. There is no love lost between the two men. Henry asks his daughter to not tell her mum. Later he shares that he is the black sheep of her mother’s family and hadn’t been seen since he stole a valuable painting from her grandparents that was to provide their retirement income.
Gemma runs into her long-missing Uncle Randy several times. He is selling his excellent pen-and-ink drawings at the Sherlock conference the next day. She hears a young woman accuse Randolph Denhaugh of stealing her ideas for the sketches. Gemma is given a message for Randolph from a big guy who looks and sounds like a hit man, that “his people” want what is theirs. Randolph tries to join the family after Gemma gives her talk, and Henry threatens him to stay away from Anne. The following night, after the banquet, Randolph is found dead, strangled, in a meeting room. Found with his hands on the rope is Henry. No matter that he has been hit over the head and remembers nothing – the detective on the case, a bitter former rival of Henry, looks only at Henry and later arrests him.
Without her usual contacts, Gemma is at a loss for how to help her father. Pippa has heard she has solved murders on Cape Cod, so will share whatever she finds out from contacts at her “government job”. Gemma has suspects from the strange people she saw around him at the conference, including the fiancée who dumped him. With the help of her friends, Gemma goes through London trying to track the real bad guy, or gal, with her impressive instincts. I didn’t know whodunit until Gemma revealed it really was; my guesses were wrong! I was happy to meet and learn about Gemma’s parents and Pippa and hope that one day soon Gemma and Ryan can get away for a real vacation! I highly recommend this to those who love well-written cozy mysteries, Sherlock Holmes, this series and author, and a London setting.
From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
There’s A Murder Afoot is the fifth book in Vicki Delanys delightful A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. I love this series and have read every book but , I do believe this is my favorite. The mystery as always was well written, easy to follow, with the right amount of twists and multiple suspects to keep you guessing as to the culprit.
In this book Gemma and her friends travel to London to attend a Sherlock Holmes convention, while in London we get to meet Gemma’s family, I really liked Pippa, Gemma’s sister, she was very mysterious and intriguing, and I hope we get to see more of her in the future, maybe she can make a trip to the bookshop!
I also enjoyed reading about London itself, the authors attention to detail here was impressive, the food and culture, were well represented.
What I enjoyed most in this book, was the way Gemma’s friends stood by her, even though they all needed to get home, they stayed by her side until the crisis was resolved.
Already looking forward to the next book! Can’t wait to see what adventure Gemma and friends go on next!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
“There’s a Murder Afoot” earns 5/5 Sherlock Awards…Entertaining Fun!
Hello, Holmes fans! As a fan of the original sleuth created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, I am also passionate about any creative twists to the Holmes franchise: a different era, mixing up the races, switching around genders. So, Vicki Delany’s mystery series with Gemma Doyle and her Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium and Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room is perfect! For this fifth book Gemma, partner Jayne, cop/boyfriend Ryan, an art dealer, and Sherlock fanatic travel from Cape Cod to London, England, to attend a Sherlock Holmes Convention where Gemma will give a speech and receive an award for her great-Uncle Arthur. Popping in on Gemma’s family will be a nice extra.
The story is more about family this time around, but it’s less happy family reunion and more awkward murder investigation. Uncle Randolph, her mother’s younger brother, disappeared thirty years ago after stealing a family painting, but it seems he has more than family who want him “disappeared” again. Gemma’s mother Anne is a barrister and her dad Henry is a retired Yard detective, who should have contained his anger when he sees Randy. When he is discovered, dazed, standing over the dead body of his brother-in-law, he shouldn’t be surprised that he becomes the perfect person of interest. It’s always family, isn’t it? Gemma’s older sister Pippa has an interesting story herself (a hint of Mycroft), and expects Gemma to investigate. She can’t refuse!
Delany’s writing style is very entertaining, descriptive with a bit of humor thrown in, and with enough clues to make my inner Sherlock itching to join in on the investigation. The story was clever, well-paced, a few twists and turns, and characters well-developed and what I like…realistic. There were enough references to background and character connections that I never felt at a disadvantage as a newbie. I love the London setting and noticed the similarities to the classic stories. I will be checking out the rest of the series!
Suggestion? I always like a little bonus in my cozies. It’s missing a recipe or two that the characters were able to enjoy or a humorous “How to” for an American tourist in London. Just saying.
There’s a Murder Afoot is the fifth book in Vicki Delany’s Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. Bookshop owner Gemma Doyle, along with her best friend and partner in Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room Jayne Wilson, avid Holmes fan Donald Morris, rare book dealer Grant Thompson, and Gemma’s boyfriend and West London, Ma, detective Ryan Ashburton, have traveled to Gemma’s hometown of London, England to attend the Sherlock Holmes in the Modern World conference. Gemma is giving a talk and is there on behalf of her Uncle Arthur C. Doyle to accept his award.
On the group’s first night in London, as they dine with Gemma’s parents and sister, a loud and obnoxious fellow confronts Gemma and her father Henry, a retired police detective. Up until this time Gemma had thought her mother an only child, but here confronting them is her estranged brother, Randolph Denbaugh. Randy had spent much of his life skirting the law having forged art and served time.
Over the next few days Gemma encounters Randy several times. He had a booth selling well done but disturbing artwork in the sellers gallery, she sees him in an intense argument with a Gypsy dressed woman saying he stole her ideas and a second woman who, in a fit of anger, broke off their engagement. Then there were the warning messages both Gemma and her mom were asked to give Randy by an smooth domed man.
The night of the awards dinner Gemma, her friends, and her family have a large table in the banquet room. After the dinner and Gemma’s receipt of the award, her father steps outside the room to stay awake during the less than invigorating speeches. When the group finds him after the dinner, Henry has been knocked unconscious and Randy has been killed.
In Ms.Delany’s wonderful writing style this is another fast paced mystery with twists and turns, wonderful characters, and a surprising conclusion. I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it!
What a fun book! I want to read the others in the series. Gemma and her friends have traveled to London, England to attend a Sherlock Homes Convention. While there, Gemma has the opportunity to visit her parents and sister. They attend the convention with her as she is accepting an award for her Great-Uncle. While at the convention Gemma meets an uncle she never knew about. Shortly thereafter, her father is arrested for his murder.
Gemma Doyle is very much like Sherlock Holmes. She notices small, but important things. Pippa, what she really does in the government is a mystery in and of itself, tells Gemma to snoop. Gemma pulls her friends in to help her with her sleuthing. This is fun, especially if you like Sherlock Holmes. Some twists and the murder was a surprise.
Thanks NetGalley for the opportunity to read and offer my honest review this book.