ARC Review: The Sign of Four Spirits by Vicki Delany

The Sign of Four Spirits
Author: Vicki Delany
Series: A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery (Book 9)
Publication: Crooked Lane Books (January 9, 2024)

Description: 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?

My Thoughts: The ninth book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series has Gemma Doyle attending a seance and investigating the death of the medium. Gemma wasn't enthusiastic about attending the seance but was talked into it by her friends. Her store assistant Ashleigh's newfound mother former pop star Bunny Leigh is looking for some guidance.

Among the attendees at the seance are Bunny, Ashleigh, Donald Morris a devoted Sherlockian, new waitress Miranda, and Gemma's best friend Jayne. The seance is being hosted by Rebecca Stanton who is also in attendance along with her stepson Daniel and his wife Eleanor. A couple of others are there too. Max and L wo arissa Greenwood saw a sign at the yacht club about the seance and have reasons of their own for wanting to attend. 

Gemma is barred from the seance by Mary Moffat who is Madame Lavialier's assistant, but she listens to the event from outside the doors. She's on the scene when the screaming starts and is one of the first to discover that one of the attendees has murdered the psychic. 

After Gemma shares her observations with the police including her boyfriend Ryan Ashburton, she's hoping that she won't have any more involvement with the case. However, her observations are needed when the case isn't quickly solved. 

I enjoy this series and really like Gemma who just can't help seeing and remembering things that others don't. She has a talent for putting the clues together to find solutions that is finally being recognized by the police detectives who aren't hesitant to ask for her help. 

Fans of the series won't want to miss this newest case for Gemma Doyle. 

Favorite Quote:

"I assume news of the death, at a seance no less, will have people rushing to attend the final day of the fair. Which makes me ask: why do psychics need social media? Shouldn't they already know what's going on?"

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.