Kristina A. reviewed on 3/9/2023 + 1528 more book reviews

The Game is a Footnote by Vicki Delany is the eighth A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. I found The Game is a Footnote to be a slow starter as we are given the detailed history of Scarlet House in West London, Massachusetts. I normally enjoy each new addition to this series, but I could not get into The Game is a Footnote. The author gave detailed descriptions of people's attire along with their hairstyles (do I really need to know what each person is wearing down to their socks). In one scene, Gemma notes what is on the nightstand in an individual's bedroom. We are even told the title and author of the book along with the placement of the bookmark. Gemma is a smart woman who is quick to notice details. I found two scenes that were out of character. Jayne mentions to Gemma that spending the night at Scarlet House reminds her of childhood sleepovers and pajama parties. Gemma is clueless and needs an explanation (you cannot tell me she did not read about it in a book or see it in a movie). The other scene is regarding Moriarty and a lily plant. Gemma has no idea that a lily is poisonous to cats (would you let a cat chew on a plant). The mystery is straightforward. The whodunit can easily be solved. The why is a no brainer thanks to certain details being mentioned a few times. There is a subplot that did not fit. It distracts Gemma from the main mystery. I thought the person involved acted out of character. The romance between Gemma and Ryan baffles me. There does not seem to be any chemistry and he does not appreciate her problem-solving abilities. Gemma's sister, Pippa comes to town for a visit. Pippa is one smart cookie. I like what she added to the story and the mystery. It made the whodunit more intriguing. The Game is a Footnote has a spooky mystery with a historic house, a bruhaha in the barn, shifting items, a displeased detective, an absent assistant, and a sleuthing shopkeeper.

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