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bibliotecadepueblo's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Si sois fans de Sherlock Holmes casi apostaría que este libro os va a encantar. O a mí, por lo menos, lo ha hecho.
Este primer libro dedicado al célebre detective es de lo más entretenido. Girando en torno a la aparición de una edición única escrita por Conan Doyle, "Elemental, querida lectora" es todo un homenaje a la obra del escritor escocés. Lo que más me ha gustado ha sido la de referencias que hay a sus libros, ser capaz de reconocerlas todas y, sobre todo, contar con el ejemplar al que se hace referencia en la trama (no el original, claro).
El misterio, aunque no demasiado complicado —averigüé quién era el asesino enseguida—, está lo suficientemente bien llevado como para que el libro no se haga aburrido a pesar de ello; se lee en un suspiro. Además la protagonista principal me ha caído genial, que eso para mí es un plus muy grande en los libros.
No creo que llegue a leerme todos los libros de esta serie aunque Alma los publique, porque son chorrocientos, pero alguno más caerá, eso lo tengo clarísimo.
Este primer libro dedicado al célebre detective es de lo más entretenido. Girando en torno a la aparición de una edición única escrita por Conan Doyle, "Elemental, querida lectora" es todo un homenaje a la obra del escritor escocés. Lo que más me ha gustado ha sido la de referencias que hay a sus libros, ser capaz de reconocerlas todas y, sobre todo, contar con el ejemplar al que se hace referencia en la trama (no el original, claro).
El misterio, aunque no demasiado complicado —averigüé quién era el asesino enseguida—, está lo suficientemente bien llevado como para que el libro no se haga aburrido a pesar de ello; se lee en un suspiro. Además la protagonista principal me ha caído genial, que eso para mí es un plus muy grande en los libros.
No creo que llegue a leerme todos los libros de esta serie aunque Alma los publique, porque son chorrocientos, pero alguno más caerá, eso lo tengo clarísimo.
asullivan445's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
holly_keimig's review
4.0
A very fun, cozy read. I am always worried that Sherlock Holmes spinoffs will be poorly done or overdone. This was not the case. The main character, Gemma, in this book, does notice more than the average person but it is not anything that isn't possible in real life. She owns a Sherlock Holmes bookstore at 222 Baker Street in the northeast and sells collectibles and other memorabilia along with books. A priceless magazine with one of the original Holmes stories turns up in her shop one day and her attempt to find the owner results in stumbling upon a murder. The mystery was good and well written and the ending not what I was expecting. I look forward to the next installment of this series.
kimlb's review
5.0
I've enjoyed everything Vicki Delany/Eva Gates has written. Somehow I overlooked this series. I love the first book in the series and can't wait to get the second title.
kimdavishb's review
5.0
While I read a lot of entertaining books that I really enjoy, every so often a new series comes along that, from the very first page, completely captivates me. Such is the case with ELEMENTARY, SHE READ by Vicki Delaney! From her quirky, endearing protagonist, Gemma Doyle (who may or may not be distantly related to the author of Sherlock Holmes) to the setting of the quaint New England Cape Cod town, I loved it all. And I was especially enthralled with Gemma’s shop, Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium located at 222 Baker Street, adjacent to her best friend’s shop, Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room. I wish it was a real shop because I could spend hours browsing there! Gemma is a British transplant and brings a unique inflection to the New England setting. She is amazingly perceptive at noticing the smallest of details yet is a bit of a klutz and quite forgetful at times. Gemma is also very outspoken and directly honest, which makes people around her uncomfortable at times, but she has a good heart and never does it with malice.
While I’ve never read any Sherlock Holmes books (gasp! I can’t believe I’ve overlooked them or am even admitting it!!!) I envision Gemma as a modern day type of Holmes with her best friend, Jayne, a reluctant Watson. The pair complement each other, bringing light humor to the situations they find themselves in. The plot moves along at a fast pace and the author weaves in a priceless magazine that contains the first published Sherlock Holmes story, with a reclusive multi-millionaire, feuding heirs, and a murdered caregiver. There are numerous suspects and Gemma methodically examines them all while dealing with the town’s new detective that seems to have it in for her. The reveal neatly wraps up the threads of the story in an exciting conclusion, leaving me wanting more!
I willingly provided a review after receiving a copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
While I’ve never read any Sherlock Holmes books (gasp! I can’t believe I’ve overlooked them or am even admitting it!!!) I envision Gemma as a modern day type of Holmes with her best friend, Jayne, a reluctant Watson. The pair complement each other, bringing light humor to the situations they find themselves in. The plot moves along at a fast pace and the author weaves in a priceless magazine that contains the first published Sherlock Holmes story, with a reclusive multi-millionaire, feuding heirs, and a murdered caregiver. There are numerous suspects and Gemma methodically examines them all while dealing with the town’s new detective that seems to have it in for her. The reveal neatly wraps up the threads of the story in an exciting conclusion, leaving me wanting more!
I willingly provided a review after receiving a copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
angievachon's review
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
karinlib's review
4.0
After finishing all the books in Vicki Delany's series Lighthouse Library mysteries (written as Eva Gates), I wanted to try her other series. I really enjoyed this first book in the Sherlock Holmes series. I found myself laughing quite a bit, and I liked the characters.
leebeeloves's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
pizzamyheart's review
3.0
This was a Hoopla 2022 August bonus borrows suggestion.
Fans of Sherlock Holmes would enjoy this. There was many references to Holmes, including the OG and adaptations. The MC moves around the storyline very similarly to A Holmes novel.
The story itself was clever and started strong. Some parts were definitely overembelished. By the middle of the story, my attention started the waver. The MC began to grind my gears. Her extra observant nature became obvious and her "better than though" attitude had me wishing they'd arrest her already so I could be done with her.
Buuuuuut I'd you like Sherlock then you won't mind this MC, because she is a wannabe Sherlock.
Unfortunately for me, I forgot that I can't stand Sherlock and his clever "this is how he did it and why!" Attitude. The act that everyone else is beneath them or not as clever or observant. Both he and the MC need a class on humility.
Ok enough complaints. The book was fine. Writing was fine. Plot was decent. Just not one I'll revisit.
Fans of Sherlock Holmes would enjoy this. There was many references to Holmes, including the OG and adaptations. The MC moves around the storyline very similarly to A Holmes novel.
The story itself was clever and started strong. Some parts were definitely overembelished. By the middle of the story, my attention started the waver. The MC began to grind my gears. Her extra observant nature became obvious and her "better than though" attitude had me wishing they'd arrest her already so I could be done with her.
Buuuuuut I'd you like Sherlock then you won't mind this MC, because she is a wannabe Sherlock.
Unfortunately for me, I forgot that I can't stand Sherlock and his clever "this is how he did it and why!" Attitude. The act that everyone else is beneath them or not as clever or observant. Both he and the MC need a class on humility.
Ok enough complaints. The book was fine. Writing was fine. Plot was decent. Just not one I'll revisit.