The Sign of Four Spirits is the ninth book in Vicki Delany’s charming Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. This is one of my favourite cozy mystery series and I’m always excited when a new book is released.
Title: The Sign of Four Spirits
Author: Vicki Delany
Series: Sherlock Holmes Bookshop
First Published: January 9, 2024
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Genres: Mystery
Acquired: from the publisher via Netgalley
*** Thank you to the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, for providing me with an e-copy of this book via Netgalley for review purposes. ***
When a psychic fair arrives in West London, Gemma Doyle, owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, wants nothing to do with it. But somehow, at the urging of Donald Morris, an enthusiastic Sherlockian, she finds herself talked into attending a séance, along with baker and best friend Jayne Wilson, store assistant, Ashleigh, and former pop star Bunny Leigh.
But to her surprise, Gemma finds herself banned from the séance and shown the door. Curious, she listens in from outside the room. The medium informs a disappointed Donald that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle will not be able to make it tonight. Then, Gemma hears a voice cut off, a cry for help, a scream. Gemma bursts into the library to see that someone has collapsed on the table–dead. The windows are all locked, and Gemma was guarding the only door. Someone in this room is a murderer. But who?
I love these characters
I absolutely adore this series and this book doesn’t disappoint! As with most of our amateur sleuths, Gemma has a hard time not getting involved when there’s a mystery to be solved. Her curiosity (and cynicism) has her partaking in a seance, but only from the outside once she’s kicked out of the seance room. This “locked room” murder definitely has Gemma’s interest and she doesn’t hide the fact that she wants to help solve the case.
Luckily, Gemma is dating the local detective, Ryan Ashburton, who knows how useful Gemma’s keen observational skills and quick, logical mind can be. Even Ryan’s partner, Louise Estrada, who has been hostile to Gemma from the start has warmed up since the first few books.
There is an abundance of characters, from familiar faces, like Gemma’s best friend Jayne, to quirky Sherlockian Donald to newcomers, including many new folks who are in town for the psychic fare. However, even with all the new names and faces, it’s not hard to keep track of everyone and I didn’t feel overwhelmed trying to sort out who’s who.
Another great story for this series!
While there were some developments in the personal relationships of the characters, it was a very minor plot point and this book reads well as a standalone (even though I HIGHLY recommend enjoying this series from the very beginning).
The new characters keep things interesting and there was a bit more focus on the paranormal – which was very relevant because the author of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, had a great interest in the occult and regularly consulted mediums himself.
The murder mystery plot was well done and evenly paced and there was a great build-up of tension. The stakes felt high and at one point I was genuinely worried for one of the characters! This isn’t something I find happens a lot in cozy mysteries, so it was a nice surprise.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Sign of Four Spirits and can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Quote from The Sign of Four Spirits
