The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime is book 10 in Vicki Delany’s series, A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery.
Gemma, some of her friends and family have gathered in London to celebrate her sister, Pippa’s wedding. As she’s leaving the wedding, Gemma runs into her former husband, who convinces her to visit him the next day at the bookstore they used to run together, saying he had something to show her. She assumed he wanted to show her a valuable book, so she brings her new brother-in-law who is a book dealer, and her Sherlock Holmes obsessed friend, Donald. Soon after arriving, they find Paul’s body in his office and call the police.
Although this is book 10 in the series, and I had not read any of the previous ones, I had no trouble following the story and relationships, so this book easily reads as a standalone.
I will start by just mentioning a couple of things that I found weird in this book and that is that Gemma talked about Paul, her ex-husband, as though he was a total stranger. Even when mentioning him to family, such as her parents, she called him by first and last name, as though no one would know who he was. I just found it really strange. In addition, Gemma was in a relationship in which her partner was ready to propose and she hadn’t told him she had been married before? Not only that but after an extended break up, they are back in a serious relationship and she still hasn’t mentioned it? And says there never seemed to be an appropriate time to mention it? That was weird to me.
That aside, I really enjoyed The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime. The mystery was interesting, with hints of possible espionage being involved in Paul’s death, as well as possibilities stemming from his lack of money and speculation that he was borrowing from the wrong people.
Donald provided comedic relief throughout the story the way he repeatedly attacked everyone with facts about his favourite fictional sleuth and his author. The reactions of those around him, after spending hours listening to his ramblings, made me laugh throughout the book, as did descriptions of his manner of dressing while in London.
I really enjoyed The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime, the characters were interesting, and the mystery kept me guessing. I recommend it to any lover of a good cozy mystery.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime will be available on January 14 2025.
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