The Sign of Four Spirits

Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery #9

by Vicki Delany

Gemma Doyle won’t be spooked when a body shows up at the psychic fair in bestselling author Vicki Delany’s ninth Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mystery.

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?

The game is once again afoot for Gemma Doyle, as she hunts a killer. But, this time, is the killer of flesh and blood or had the medium summoned doom from beyond the veil?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Audiobook, Contemporary, Paranormal

297 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 9, 2024

About the author

“It’s a crime not to read Delany,” so says the London Free Press.

Vicki Delany is one of Canada’s most varied and prolific crime writers.

She is the author of four cozy mystery series: The Tea by the Sea series from Kensington Books, the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series from Crooked Lane and the Year Round Christmas series from Penguin. Under the pen name of Eva Gates she writes the Lighthouse Library Series.
Visit Vicki at www.vickidelany.com , www.facebook.com/evagatesauthor, and twitter: @vickidelany

Vicki is part of Mystery Lovers Kitchen (http://www.mysteryloverskitchen.com) and Killer Characters (http://www.killercharacters.com)

Visit Vicki at www.vickidelany.com

Reviews

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the ninth book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries and I have read about half of them. It is not necessary to read them in order.

Gemma, the main character, runs and part owns a Sherlock Holmes themed bookshop, and when a psychic fair comes to town some of her devoted Holmes fans are determined to go along. Gemma lets herself be talked into attending a séance but when she gets there she is not allowed to participate and has to wait outside.

When someone is murdered in the darkened room, with all the doors and windows locked and Gemma outside the exit, it must mean someone in the room committed the murder. Or does it? Of course Gemma goes into full blown investigative mode and the fun begins.

This is a nicely written series and I enjoy the theme running through it of Sherlock Holmes. Gemma may not be quite at his level but she is smart and she gets answers. Worth reading. Four stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sign of Four Spirits is the latest installment in Vicki Delany's Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries. Set in New England, the series follows Gemma Doyle, a British transplant with a penchant for solving crimes, and a good friend who co-own a bookshop and a cafe dedicated to the late, great Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. A local resident and friend asks Gemma to attend a seance, only to regret it when someone ends up dead and our nosy little protagonist feels compelled to solve another crime. I enjoyed the plot, and the various characters were very well integrated into multiple side stories. I was not surprised by the killer, but it nevertheless made it a fun puzzle to solve. Delany is a master at the small town amateur mysteries, and I recommend her work.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this 9th book in the 'Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries', bookstore manager/amateur sleuth Gemma Doyle investigates murder at a séance. The book works fine as a standalone.

*****

British native Gemma Doyle now lives in the town of West London in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. There she co-owns and manages 'The Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium' for her Uncle Arthur, a nonagenarian who likes to travel and indulge in his hobbies.



Gemma and her friend Jayne.....



.....co-own 'Mrs. Hudson's Tearoom', which adjoins the bookstore, and both establishments do a lively business - especially during tourist season.



Gemma prides herself on having Sherlockian powers of observation, and often embroils herself in murder investigations. This sometimes helps Gemma's boyfriend, Police Detective Ryan Ashburton, who occasionally benefits from Gemma's insights.



The story opens during the summer tourist season, and a psychic fair is about to commence in West London.



Gemma's friend Donald Morris, a former Sherlock Holmes scholar, plans to attend the fair, and he'd like Gemma to go as well.



Donald is an avid fan of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who - in addition to writing the Sherlock Holmes stories - penned books about spiritualism, psychics, and paranormal phenomena.



For her part, Gemma thinks all fortune tellers and mediums are frauds, and she refuses to accompany Donald to the psychic fair. So Donald goes with Gemma's bookstore assistant Ashleigh, and Ashleigh's mother Bunny Leigh. The threesome enjoy the fair and arrange to attend a séance the next day. With much prodding, Gemma is convinced to go to the séance as well.

*****

The séance takes place in the library of socialite Rebecca Stanton's luxurious home, and thirteen people attend:

👻 Madame Lavalier - the medium, who claims she can contact people beyond the veil.



👻 Mary Moffat - Madame Lavalier's assistant.



👻 Rebecca Stanton - the hostess, who thinks of the séance as harmless entertainment.



👻 Daniel Stanton and his wife Eleanor - Daniel is Rebecca Stanton's stepson; he's angry that his deceased father left him nothing because Daniel always needs money.



👻 Miranda - Rebecca Stanton's niece, who's a student at Harvard; Rebecca is working at 'Mrs. Hudson's Tearoom' for the summer.



👻 Max and Larissa Greenwood - a rich couple who recently lost their son.



👻 Ashleigh - Gemma's vibrant bookstore assistant; Ashleigh is at the séance at the behest of her mother Bunny Leigh.



👻 Bunny Leigh - Ashleigh's mother, who only recently came into her daughter's life; Bunny would like to revive her old fame as a pop star.



👻 Donald Morris - an avid Sherlock Holmes fan who hopes to speak to the spirit of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

👻 Jayne Wilson - Gemma's friend, who came along to accompany her chum.

👻 Gemma - Gemma goes to the séance but is asked to leave the library before the activity begins, because her skepticism will stymie the spirits.

****

The lights go off, the participants join hands, and the séance begins - though Gemma has to sit outside and listen at the door. After a time there's a commotion in the library, and when the lights turn on, Madame Lavalier is dead. The psychic has been stabbed in the back of the neck with a long sharp hat pin.



The police come to investigate, but (of course) Gemma can't stifle her detective instincts and launches her own inquiries.

In addition to investigating, Gemma goes about her life, as do the other attendees.

Gemma runs her bookshop, walks her dogs, kibitzes with the bookshop cat Moriarty, and has dates with Ryan.

Daniel Stanton tries to convince his step-mother to fund his online menswear business.

Mr. and Mrs. Greenwood dine at the local yacht club.

Jayne prepares pastries and finger sandwiches for her tea shop, and plans her upcoming wedding to restaurateur Andy Whitehall; and so on.



There's another death before the mystery is solved, but Gemma figures it all out in the end.

This is an enjoyable addition to the Gemma Doyle series.

Thanks to Netgalley, Vicki Delany, and Crooked Lane Books for a copy of the book.

You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com

[Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 9th book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. I have read a couple of the books, but I have not read them all and I don’t think it hindered my enjoyment of this one at all. I really like this amateur sleuth and the mystery was interesting even if it wasn’t as twisty as I was hoping for. Gemma isn’t excited to hear there is a psychic convention in town, but it does seem to be boosting their sales. When her assistant and her assistant’s mother invite her to a seance she tries to refuse but ends up going. Despite being kicked out of the room for being a skeptic she listens in and is surprised when everything seems to go wild and the medium is found dead, stabbed in the neck with a hat pin.

[BonnieM☂️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sign of Four Spirits is the 9th book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. It takes place in the town of West London on Cape Cod. Gemma owns the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium on 222 Baker Street with her Great-Uncle Arthur. She is also co-partner with her best friend, Jayne with Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room that is attached to her book shop at 220 Baker Street, Ashleigh is Gemma's assistant. Her mother, Bunny Leigh is former pop sensation. Gemma's boyfriend is Ryan Ashburton a detective with the West London police. Andy Whitehall is Jayne's fiancé and owner of the restaurant, Blue Water Cafe.

There is a Psychic Fair that is in town and many tourists are there to see it. Donald Morris, he is a devotee of Sherlock Holmes and one of Gemma's good friend. He and Bunny are excited about the fair and plan to go together. At the fair Bunny and Donald set-up a special seance that will be held at Rebecca Stanton home in the evening at 9:00. Bunny wants Ashleigh to attend with her. Ashleigh does not want to go unless Gemma attends with her for support. Gemma brings Jayne with her. Madame Lavalier is the person who will be conducting it with her assistant, Mary Moffat.

Gemma and Jayne arrive at the house. Others there for the seance are Daniel Stanton, Rebecca's step-son and his wife Eleanor who are staying with Rebecca. Rebecca, Donald, Bunny, Ashleigh, Max Greenwood and his wife, Larissa and Miranda, Rebecca's niece who lives over her garage. A rain storm arrived and is a bad one. Mary comes into the Livingroom and gets them and takes them into the library. They sit around the table but Gemma is asked to leave. She sits outside the doors trying to hear what is going on. Madame calls the spirits and they are hearing various voices to their questions. All of a sudden a voice that Madame had not called makes his presence known. All went crazy. Jayne calls for Gemma who comes into the library and turns on the lights. They find Madame dead with a thin object imbedded in her neck, later identified as a antique hat pin. Police are called and Officer Stella Johnson arrives with Ryan and his partner, Louise Estrada, They interview everyone that is attending the seance.

This is where the story takes off. I will leave all the details to the reader to enjoy as there is too much going on to put on paper. The story builds up to an exciting and surprising conclusion,

I have enjoyed this series from the first book, Elementary She Reads. Many of the characters are from the first book which makes up the town as well as the new characters that add to the story. I look forward to the next adventure of Gemma and her friends in the next book.

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.

[Wanda Pedersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just when I think that Gemma Doyle has improved as a human being, Vicki Delany returns to writing her as an annoying know-it-all. I dislike the way Gemma takes advantage of her friend Jayne to do her dirty work and sneaks behind her detective boyfriend Ryan's back to “investigate." It's a variation on my least favourite theme in cozy mysteries, the assumption that the police need the assistance of a nosy amateur.

And yet, Delany writes a good mystery. She managed to distract me from the true identity of the killer (not that it's dreadfully difficult to do, mind you). There were good red herrings and convincing circumstances. And I confess that I requested that my library purchase this book and I waited in a queue to read it. So, even if Gemma irritates the hell out of me, I'll be waiting for the next installment.

[Linden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gemma, a British expat, owns a Sherlock Holmes themed bookstore in New England with her uncle, who's a silent partner. There is a psychic fair in town which not only brings in many customers, but also an invitation to a seance. Gemma is skeptical, but accompanies her friends Bunny and Jayne anyway. There is a murder at the seance, and of course Gemma wants to help her cop boyfriend with the investigation. This cozy mystery with a touch of the paranormal is part of a series, but I was able to read it as a standalone. Thanks to and the publisher for the ARC.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A psychic fair has arrived in West London. Gemma gets pulled into attending a seance. Gemma is there as a support to her assistant Ashleigh. Ashleigh believes her mom plans on trying to contact Ashleigh's dad. Gemma, however, is evicted because she is a non-believer. While Gemma is waiting for the end of the seance she hears someone scream for help. Gemma bursts into the room only to find one of the attendants has died. Since this was a locked room one of the other attendants had to be the murderer.

This is one of my favorite series. I love this modern nod to Sherlock Holmes. Gemma Doyle sometimes comes off as rude, but she is blunt and tells it as she sees it. I like this about her character. The other reoccurring secondary characters are likable and give an excellent contrast to Gemma. The mystery is full of red herrings. The storyline moves at a steady pace building to a surprising reveal. I recommend this book to fans of the series, Sherlock Holmes, and bookish cozy mysteries.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it, it was a good mystery . A bit confusing in spots ! It was better than the last one I read in the series. I will continue to read them. I was thankful that nobody was running or jogging in this book. I get so sick of all those people exercising in the various cozies.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summer tourist season is in full swing and the Sherlock Holmes Bookstore and Emporium is doing brisk business in... non-fiction?! Everyone has cleaned out the stock of Conan Doyle books relating to spiritualism because a psychic fair has come to West London and people have traveled from all over to the country to attend. While it's good for business, Gemma doesn't believe in psychics although she isn't ruling out the paranormal. However, Ashleigh's mother, Bunny, has invited her to a séance where Ashleigh thinks Bunny will try to contact the love of her life, Ashleigh's late father. Gemma is skeptical about that too but Ashleigh wants Gemma to come along for moral support. Gemma invites Jayne and everyone meets up at the home of Rebecca Stanton. They are not surprised to see Donald in attendance but very surprised to see Jayne's new tea shop assistant, Miranda and the well-dressed couple Miranda had a bad reaction to when she saw them in the shop. Also in attendance are Rebecca's stepson and his wife. The medium keeps them waiting and in the interval, a terrible storm brews up, adding to the atmosphere. When the medium is ready to begin, she bars Gemma from the room. Naturally Gemma sits outside the door eavesdropping and hears everything, including a strange man's voice no one expected. When a clap of thunder causes people to break the circle and they discover Madame Lavalier slumped over the table, dead, Gemma rushes in to investigate and secure the scene while Jayne calls 911. Gemma notes a hat pin sticking right out of the back of the medium's neck. With the windows locked and Gemma barring the door, no one could come in or out. Gemma refuses to get involved but Ryan actually asks her to get talking with the suspects and share what she learns! Gemma is pleased the police are actually taking note of her observational skills but the word on the streets is that a ghost killed the medium and THAT is one thing Gemma can not observe. Can she help Ryan and Detective Estrada figure this out before the psychic fair moves on and the guests leave town?

This was a really good mystery. I wasn't expecting to get caught up in it and didn't figure out who until the second murder. Then it was obvious but I never caught the link between the murderer and the first victim. I enjoy this series because it's pastiche and doesn't take itself seriously. If you're rolling your eyes the whole time, then this series isn't for you. It's supposed to be a pastiche of Sherlock Holmes and while I know little about the great detective, I like the fandom aspect of this series because it's just like any other literary or movie fandom.

Gemma has toned down her observational skills. She even, dare I say it, misses a few clues! She only offers her observations to the police to direct their inquiries and not to random people. She's learning better how to communicate with normal people who may find her a little odd. I like her a lot and don't think she's odd but I do think her investigations veer off into wild territory. She does some pretty crazy things in her investigations. Here she does one mildly, slightly illegal thing and one not so crazy in the grand scheme of things thing. That part was fun and amusing and I liked learning more about Gemma's background and her sister's as well. Jayne is still Gemma's wingwoman and very sweet and lovely. She's planning her wedding and starting to think about how coupling with someone is going to work with her own goals and ambitions. Gemma doesn't offer "advice" this time! Shocker! Donald is always a hoot. This time he's actually doing a great job promoting the shop and selling books for Gemma without her having to do anything. He was at the séance but isn't involved in the investigation this time. Perhaps he should be investigating the possibilities of a paranormal being killing a medium. I'm sure the great Sir Arthur had something to say about that!

Gemma and Ryan's relationship has heated up off page. They're madly in love and seem to be a couple. He takes her insights seriously and even Detective Estrada begrudgingly appreciates Gemma's observations. Ryan can be sweet and kind because obviously he loves Gemma but I think Louise is ALMOST nice to Gemma in this book. She reveals something about her private life which shows me she's thawing towards Gemma and they're bonding over girl stuff a bit. Louise would rather be shot than admit it though! Uncle Arthur is off on an adventure and I'm guessing it involves old friends, possibly female friends. He does seem to love the ladies and can't say no to them. He's thoughtless when it comes to Gemma though. The dogs are adorable and dog-like but not an integral part of the story.

Ashleigh's more vulnerable side is coming out. She wants to love and support her mother but she's well aware of her mother's faults and is being cautious. Bunny is stuck in the past, in her glory days of being a famous pop star. I have sympathy for her and I understand how it must be difficult to age in the industry and get pushed out as music tastes change and the fan base ages. It would be difficult for her to make a come back now, especially since she doesn't have the money to get the ball rolling. Bunny is very naïve at times and almost more like the child in the mother-daughter relationship. Ashleigh fears her mother is going to be hurt by the psychic's revelations or lack thereof. Ashleigh also seems worried for herself. She's always longed for a dad and he's dead but maybe he's a ghostly presence around her? Is that cool or creepy? Or maybe Bunny wants to contact someone else... Gemma thinks Bunny is more selfish than Ashleigh gives Bunny credit for. Gemma believes Bunny is motivated to make a comeback IF the medium says so. After all, it was a palmist who gave Bunny the words of encouragement to start her career in the first place. Oh brother! You wouldn't think a woman in her 40s would be so naïve as to believe that but I do know of a few adults who do believe in that stuff.

Rebecca is good friends with Bunny, for some reason. Rebecca is wealthy and a big philanthropist around town. She's nice to her friends and acquaintances personally but when dealing with one of her charities, she can be ruthless in getting what she wants. I didn't particularly like her at first but she seems nice in this book. She's friendly and open with Gemma anyway. Rebecca has family staying with her. Her beloved late husband had a son from his first marriage, Daniel, who is staying visiting from LA with his wife Eleanor. Eleanor is eager for the séance. She's been to several and hoping to contact her Nona. Oh how I miss my Nonnie but I know she'd NEVER show up at a séance and I guarantee you a phony medium wouldn't be able to capture her essence anyway. I WANT Eleanor to see her Nona though. I know Nonas are very important people. Daniel isn't too interested. He just wants to support his wife. Daniel is a ne'er do well who didn't get along with his father. He's a Mr. Wickham when it comes to school and jobs (not women). He has good ideas but no head for business and no idea how to execute a business plan or make money. He just likes to mooch. Eleanor isn't much better. She practically screams gold digger. Her reaction to the vase showcased her true colors. She seems to want to get her hands on Rebecca's supposedly expensive décor at least. Was Rebecca the intended murder victim and the psychic killed by mistake?

Rebecca's niece Miranda is a college student visiting her aunt for the summer. She seems high strung and nervous. I'm not sure what she's up to but I don't know if her visit with her aunt is a friendly one. I thought maybe this was going to turn into Sanditon (Jane Austen's last unfinished novel turned into sensational TV series). Miranda has a good reason to be nervy though and I feel bad for her. What she's been through is unimaginable.

The medium, Madame Lavalier, had a phony accent and had clearly looked up the participants, thus being aware that Gemma is hyper observant and would probably expose her tricks. She may or may not have been a phony medium but people have free will to see her or not, especially today. It's not the Victorian era any more. Anyone can get on their phone or computer and look this woman up and ask around if she's good, how she operates, how much she charges, etc. Her assistant, Mary, is Bunny's biggest fangirl. She's creepy to the point of stalkerish and I suspect she arranged the séance just to get close to Bunny. Mary has a lot of strange ideas. Gemma believes Mary was the brains behind the operation and it was Iris, the medium, who had all the acting talent necessary to pull off a scam. I'm not sure about that. I think Mary truly believes in psychic phenomenon and latches on to people who claim they can tap into it. As Gemma notes, why kill the golden goose? Mary needed Iris to make them both money. Unless Iris was about to go out on her own, possibly exposing Mary as an extortionist or something.

I figured out Max and Larissa Greenwood right away. He's clearly an alcoholic, much like Daniel, and they're a wealthy power couple. They scream old money and therefore they get away with things. I'm certain he's gotten away with drunk driving at least once. How can he live with himself? Miranda seems to recognize them but they don't recognize her which shows how little they pay attention to other people not in their circle. I did not guess why they were at the séance though. When Gemma finds out, then I felt bad about hating these people.

Since this is a Sherlock Holmes series, I'm wondering if there's a parallels to one of the original stories? The medium was sitting in front of a fireplace. Maybe the murderer was not one of the séance attendees but someone hidden inside the fireplace? Rebecca doesn't even consider her staff!

I am eager for more adventures from Gemma and crew and wish I could stop at Mrs. Hudson's next time I'm on the Cape. I sure could murder a cuppa by the time I get across the bridge! (Traffic to Cape Cod is notoriously awful).

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

West London, MA. Cape Cod. Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium. Vicki Delaney’s The Sign of Four Spirits (Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries #9) is a play on words referring to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s novel The Sign of Four featuring the ‘great detective’. A very catchy title! I also like the cover with Moriarty the bookshop cat front and center! Gemma Doyle, part owner with her Uncle Arthur of the bookshop, does not want any part of The New England psychic fair, but with her ‘uber’ observant personality and kind heart, she attends a seance which ends in murder. The author does a phenomenal job keeping the murderer under wraps, but Gemma helps the police and her love, Detective Ryan Ashburton, to discover the appropriate ‘nasty person’! Being a Sherlockian fan myself, I thoroughly enjoyed this addition to this great series. 5 stars.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas's Thoughts

Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium owner Gemma Doyle finds herself caught up in another murder mystery when she goes against her better judgment and attends a séance arranged by former pop star Bunny Leigh, with her best friend Jayne, her assistant Ashleigh, and her friend and avid Holmes fan Donald Morris. Donald hopes to connect with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. But before the séance begins Gemma is asked to leave the room by Madame Lavalier due to her skepticism, saying it would "disturb some her visitors".

Like any good amateur sleuth, she leaves the room but listens from the other side of the door. While she expected some shenanigans, she didn't expect a scream and a cry for help. Plunging through the door and turning on the lights she finds someone facedown on the table and quickly determines they are dead. There is only one exit out of the room and Gemma didn't see anyone come out. The windows are all locked too. The murderer is in this room! Gemma just isn't sure, is the killer a human being or a spirit?

____

Ms. Delany has penned a classic closed room whodunit in her 9th Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery and given her readers a real treat.

The characters in this series continue to shine. Gemma's sleuthing skills rival Mr. Holmes himself. When she does get a little off track Ryan, her detective boyfriend is there to bring her back. His partner, Detective Louise Estrada hates when Gemma butts into their cases but is getting used to it. Gemma and her best friend Jayne, half-owner and manager of Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room which is attached to her bookshop, meet every day for a "business meeting", but if there is a murder afoot that becomes the prime discussion. Gemma's assistant, Ashleigh has reconnected with her mother, former pop star Bunny Leigh who gets her involved in crazy things like a séance. Both Bunny and  Sherlockian Donald Morris are excited to attend the psychic fair. Donald's attendance is very beneficial for Gemma's bookshop as he promoted it to everyone he talked to as the prime place to get Arthur Conan Doyle's books not only featuring Sherlock Holmes but also his books about spirits and fairies.

There were twelve at the séance table including the victim when the murder occurred. All were suspects but Gemma knew her friends had nothing to do with the murder but may have noticed or heard something important. With seven suspects and an unusual murder weapon, Gemma shares with Ryan and Louise what little she knows about them and how the weapon may have been brought into the room. Then they start their official investigation while Gemma starts her unofficial one. I like that she shares her findings and theories with them rather than holding them back and trying to solve the whole thing by herself. That doesn't mean she doesn't find herself in an exciting showdown with the killer when all the clues snap into place though. I found myself at the edge of my seat as Gemma calmly tried to talk the killer out of their intentions anxious to see what would happen next.

The Sign of Four Spirits is a spirited well-plotted and well-executed cozy mystery with plenty of twists and turns. The well-developed characters easily draw readers into their lives. This story is entertaining from beginning to end. A Perfect Escape!

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

#TheSignofFourSpirits #NetGalley by Vicki Delany is a must read!
The cover of the book is eye catching, but the story inside will keep you guessing until the end.
A psychic fair is taking place in West London, MA, and Gemma wants no part of it.
She soon finds herself talked into attending a seance, and I'm sure she had no idea she'd be evicted from the gathering, or that she'd be involved in another murder investigation.
This is my favorite of the series so far, and I'm happy to recommend it to others.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.

[Toni Osborne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery book #9

Gemma Doyle, co-owner and manager of “The Sherlock Homes Bookshop and Emporium loves to turn into an amateur sleuth in her spare time and can’t help but to poke her nose where it doesn’t belong. “The Sign of Four Spirits” brings us to West London, Cape Code, Massachusetts during the tourist season when a psychic fair is about to open. Thinking they are a fraud, Gemma doesn’t believe in fortune tellers and mediums but with much probing by her friends she joins them at a séance held by Madame Levalier. During the séance, there is a commotion in the library and when the lights are turned on, Madame Levalier is dead stabbed in the back of the neck with a long sharp hat pin...Just the right incentive for Gemma to spring into action. I leave it to you to read this soft mystery and to come to your own decisions....

I enjoy soft mystery from time to time and I know one by Vicki Delany will answer my wish. Although we have a couple of murders, none are gruesomely described. Of course Gemma was there to help her cop boyfriend with the investigation and as the story builds up we have a touch of the paranormal and a hunt for the whodunit. Everything moves at a steady pace, no rushing around just smoothly said till we reach the surprising reveal. The plot is good and fun to follow.

Gemma is a good character who comes off as a rude, blunt at time but she doesn’t go around bushes and tells it as she see fit. We also have recurrent actors as well as a few new ones to enjoy; they are quite a contrast to Gemma. Readers should enjoy this cast. I simply love Moriarty, the cat.....

This 9th installment works fine as a standalone and should please most lovers of soft, well-said and well plotted mysteries.

My thanks to Crooked Lane Books for this ARC which I received via Netgalley

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sign of Four Spirits is book nine in Vicki Delany's Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. The owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, Gemma Doyle, was unhappy about the psychic fair arriving in West London. Sherlockian Donald Morris talked Gemma Doyle into attending a seance. Banned from the seance, Gemma Doyle had to listen at the door when one of the members screamed. On entering the room, one of the members of the room died. The readers of The Sign of Four Spriits will continue following Gemma Doyle's investigation to discover what happened.

The Sign of Four Spirits is an enjoyable, cozy mystery in which I engaged with the characters and the story from the beginning to the end of this book. I love Vicki Delany's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. The Sign of Four Spirits is well-written and researched by Vicki Delany. I like Vicki Delany's description of the settings of The Sign of Four Spirits, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.

Sign of Four Spirits readers will understand what a Saltbox Cape Cod design is and learn about what is involved in running a small business in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

I recommend this book.

[Elizabeth McFarland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 9 in this series, and I hadn't read the others. There was definitely some history I was missing out on, but overall, I followed everything just fine.

The Sign of Four Spirits involves a seance, a murdered medium, and Gemma Doyle there to help solve the crime. The mystery was well paced, and I genuinely didn't guess the culprit until the reveal.

This is a series I might be interested in going back and reading the previous installments. The characters seemed nicely developed, and I enjoyed the bookstore atmosphere. I especially liked all of the interesting facts about Sherlock Holms and Arthur Conan Doyle mentioned throughout.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Debbi]

DNF. I listened to the audiobook and couldn't warm up to the narrator. Her male voices were forced and after making it halfway through the book I gave up. I have read a couple of books in this series and enjoyed them. Print might be the better option.

[Luis Nuñez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always thrilled to know that a new book written by Vicki Delany will be published. I am also very thankful that she writes 4 books a year from her cozy mystery series.

I must say that I have never been disappointed in any of her books, and I immerse myself into her worlds, and bond with the beloved (and those who aren’t) characters that she so brilliantly describes.

When I read that this book contained a séance, and possibly some paranormal content, I was cautious, because I normally shy away from such themes. I was so pleasantly surprised that this book was written in such a clever way that I “forgot” that I don’t like paranormal themes. It is so easy to get hooked on Vicki’s stories, and this one was no exception. The only downside is that it was such a quick read…now I wait for her next book…

I highly recommend this 9th. book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries, and if you have not read the previous books, I encourage you to try and start from the first book…you will get hooked!

Thank you, Crooked Lane Books and Net Galley, for the opportunity to read this book and post a personal review and review.

[marita lazarus · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun and quirky whodunnit and a perfect installment in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery.

A big Spiritual/Psychic fair comes to the village of West London in Cape Cod, and Gemma finds herself in the thick of it. Not only is she invited to a seance, she is promptly kicked out of it, only to sit outside the library door and then find herself drawn into a murder. 12 suspects, no one in or out, a dark room, and everyone holding hands. Who did it?

Thank you Netgalley for another fun read.

[Bernadett · Rating 4 out of 5]

ive got an arc from netgalley
absolute gem. The easiest coziest read and I'm happy to have read it among other cat mysteries. Loved our main character who ties to step out of her famous relatives shadow and to prove herself , that she can stand on her own two feet. The writing was flowy and its a page-turner and I will be 1000% sure to pick up the other books in the series.

[Karen Stallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Sign of Four Spirits” the 9th instalment in "A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop" Mystery series by Vicki Delany. It can easily be read as a standalone but I recommend reading in order.

The game is once again afoot for Gemma Doyle, as she hunts a killer. But, this time, is the killer of flesh and blood or had the medium summoned doom from beyond the veil?

I enjoyed this mystery, thought it flowed well and kept my attention. The setting of West London in Cape Cod is idyllic and this time the action is centred around a seance.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, with enough twists to keep you interested. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gemma Doyle, owner of a Sherlockian bookstore on Cape Cod, knows that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (no relation) believed in spiritualism, but she doesn't. The last place she expects to find herself is in the hall outside a seance in a local mansion, but friendship has its claims on us all. When the medium is killed, there are only so many people who might be guilty, and it seems clear to Gemma the the medium's assistant--and the only one who knew her before that evening--must be guilty. When the murderer strikes again, however, the assistant has an unbreakable alibi. Gemma is determined not to interfere, until her boyfriend, the lead detective, asks for any ideas she may have. Gemma almost always has ideas...

[RottyReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book to start the new year with. I lovvveeee a good cozy mystery. Then you add in the faux paranormal twist and the plot twist. So good. Highly recommend!!

[Catherine T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just realized it's the ninth book in this series!!!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is one of my favorite cozy series. As per usual this one is fantastic, excellent mystery and setting, not to mention the adorable cover
Absolutely recommend to all cozy lovers

[Jenna (readinginjennaland) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A psychic fair has come to West London, MA. Donald has been sending lots of business to the bookshop. Sir Doyle was a big believer in Victorian Spiritualism. Bunny Leigh, Ashleigh and Donald are going to a seance at Rebecca Stanton's house. Ashleigh requests Gemma to come as support to the seance. Gemma reluctantly agrees and brings Jayne. Gemma notices there are only 13 chairs and 13 people. Then the medium kicks out Gemma. Gemma stays by the door listening and hears a scream. They discover that the medium is dead.

Gemma is very observant and hilarious. I really enjoyed this mystery. I loved reading about the things Gemma observed and how everything connected. A very well done cozy mystery. I definitely need to go to the beginning and read the whole series.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. I have read a previous book from this series and I enjoyed it. So I was very excited to receive another book from this author.
I enjoyed the story plot and the characters. This would be kind of a good book for Halloween 🎃 month which is right round the corner.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape media, and Vicki Delany for this audiobook ARC! I've never read anything with the Sherlock Holmes theme and I really enjoyed this delightful book. It always grabs me when one of the main characters works or owns a bookstore. The story is based in West London, Cape Cod, MA and the bookstore is called The Sherlock Holmes Bookstore and Emporium. There happens to be a psychic fair going on nearby and some of the patrons plan to go to a seance. Gemma, the bookstore co-owner, does not want to go but does tag along, only to be banned from the actual seance. What happens behind closed doors is the mystery of the book. Very good and I really enjoyed the characters. For some reason, it gave me "Vera" vibes (that's a British detective series on PBS). Anyhow, the narrator (Kim Hicks) British voice was perfect.

[Deborah Almada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another interesting trip to the Cape to spend time with Gemma and company. While Gemma really wants nothing to do with the Physic Fair in town, she is dragged in my her association with Bunny, Ashleigh's mother and Donald who loves educating folks on Sherlock Holmes connection to the beyond. While the medium conducting the seance, Ashleigh begs Gemma to attend with her and Bunny, throws her out, you know Gemma won't be far as Donald and Jayne are also inside. When disaster does strike the seance, when murder happens, Gemma is the ears of the event. No matter how hard she tries to distance herself, Gemma just can't turn off her mind and it's a good thing as more murder and choas ensue! Thanks to #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for the chance to read!

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, although not as many as previous books in the series. I thought the observations of Gemma were a bit late and minor to the case. I liked the characters though, they are full fleshed out, even the minor ones. The scene of the seance was very real. #TheSignofFourSpirits #NetGalley