This and That with Karen : A Three Book Problem by Vicki Delany

Jan 5, 2022

A Three Book Problem by Vicki Delany

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “A Three Book Problem” the 7th instalment in "A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop" Mystery series by Vicki Delany. It can easily be read as a standalone but I recommend reading in order.

Gemma Doyle is back on the case in bestselling author Vicki Delany's seventh Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mystery when a poisoned dart ends in demise.

It's a crisp, early October weekend, and business is slowing down as fall descends at the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium and adjacent Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room. Wealthy philanthropist and prominent Sherlockian David Masterson has rented Suffolk Gardens House, where he plans to entertain his friends in a traditional English country house weekend.

As the chosen caterers, Jayne Wilson and Gemma Doyle get to work preparing lavish meals and setting up Sherlockian books and props for entertainment. Meanwhile, police detective Ryan Ashburton has taken time away from his duties to assist in the kitchen. It quickly becomes apparent that David's guests don't like each other--or their host. Plus, some of them aren't even acquainted with the adventures of the Great Detective.

Before Gemma can ponder their relationships a poisoned dart sails through the window of the library, presenting Gemma Doyle with a three-book problem.

I enjoyed this mystery, thought it flowed well and kept my attention. The setting of West London in Cape Cod is idyllic and this time we are at a big manor house .

I loved the characters of Gemma and BFF Jayne along with Donald and Ryan who the story entered around. Gemma and Ryan's relationship is progressing nicely and I like how they are compromising to keep things harmonious. I look forward to the next book in this series and seeing where their relationship goes.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, with enough twists to keep you interested. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.