A Scandal in Scarlet

Gemma Doyle, owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, is walking her dog late one evening when they see the Scarlet House, a local museum, is on fire. When the museum needs to host a fundraiser, Gemma's friend, Jayne Wilson, co-owner of Mrs. Hudson's Tearoom, offers to hold an auction there. Just before the auction starts, the chair of the Scarlet House board, Kathy Lamb, has an argument with one of the shop owners, Maureen Macgregor. When Gemma finds Kathy murdered in the backroom, all fingers point to Maureen. Although Gemma and Maureen dislike each other, Gemma thinks the police have picked the wrong suspect. Kathy had her share of people who didn't like her, including her ex's new wife. Even Gemma, with her uncanny ability to analyze people, finds there are too many suspects. Then, a second murder destroys Gemma's theories. Cozy readers who appreciate a quirky, idiosyncratic sleuth will enjoy Gemma's attempts to have a romance with a police detective while beating him at the detecting game.