Lori C. (dollycas) reviewed The Sign of Four Spirits (Sherlock Holmes Bookshop, Bk 9) on + 705 more book reviews
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!
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!
Cathy C. (cathyskye) -
Vicki Delany's Sherlock Holmes Bookshop cozy series continues to be one of my favorites. In The Sign of Four Spirits, the author uses Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's interest in the occult to bring a psychic twist to a strong locked room mystery.
However strong the mysteries are, the characters keep bringing me back to this series. Gemma's Uncle Arthur, who's never home, but feels free to volunteer Gemma for various community projects. Her best friend, Jayne Wilson, who is a marvelous baker and will follow Gemma anywhere even though she's never quite sure what's going on. And what about Gemma's employee Ashleigh, who says, "I've learned not to ask too many questions. Gemma comes, Gemma goes. Gemma does strange things." At least Gemma is in the store often enough to keep bestselling items ordered and delivered!
I highly recommend this series if you like bookshops, Sherlock Holmes, strong mysteries, and plenty of quirky, lovable characters. I'm looking forward to Gemma's next investigation.
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
However strong the mysteries are, the characters keep bringing me back to this series. Gemma's Uncle Arthur, who's never home, but feels free to volunteer Gemma for various community projects. Her best friend, Jayne Wilson, who is a marvelous baker and will follow Gemma anywhere even though she's never quite sure what's going on. And what about Gemma's employee Ashleigh, who says, "I've learned not to ask too many questions. Gemma comes, Gemma goes. Gemma does strange things." At least Gemma is in the store often enough to keep bestselling items ordered and delivered!
I highly recommend this series if you like bookshops, Sherlock Holmes, strong mysteries, and plenty of quirky, lovable characters. I'm looking forward to Gemma's next investigation.
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
