Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Vicki Delany's The Sign of Four Spirits is the ninth installment in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series, and it delivers a delightful blend of classic locked-room mystery, intriguing characters, and the charming atmosphere of West London. When Gemma Doyle, owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, attends a psychic fair and becomes involved in a séance, the last thing she expects is a murder to occur right under her nose. When the body is discovered and the doors and windows are all locked, Gemma must rely on her sharp wit to untangle the mystery, all while navigating a range of quirky suspects.
Plot: ★★★★☆
The plot of The Sign of Four Spirits is a solid, entertaining whodunit with just the right amount of intrigue. The locked-room mystery aspect is a classic trope that Delany handles well, with the confined setting of the séance and the limited number of suspects adding to the tension. The pacing is good, with the investigation unfolding in a natural way, although it takes a while for the pieces to come together. While some of the twists were predictable, the journey to the resolution is thoroughly enjoyable, and Delany does a great job of keeping the suspense high throughout.
Characters: ★★★★☆
Gemma Doyle continues to be a strong, relatable protagonist. Her knowledge of Sherlock Holmes and his cases gives her an insightful perspective, and her determination to solve the case makes her a likable lead. The supporting characters, including her friend Jayne and the rest of the psychic fair attendees, bring a good mix of personalities that add depth and intrigue to the story. I particularly enjoyed how Delany weaves in the recurring characters from previous books in the series, allowing for character growth while still keeping the mystery at the forefront. However, I would have liked a bit more development of some of the secondary characters, as they occasionally felt a bit one-dimensional.
Writing Style: ★★★★☆
Delany’s writing is smooth and engaging, with a nice blend of mystery and charm that keeps readers hooked. Her descriptions of the setting, from the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop to the psychic fair, are rich and atmospheric, immersing readers in the world of the story. The dialogue flows naturally, and the pacing is steady, although there are moments when the narrative lags slightly. The book strikes a nice balance between the detective work and the personal relationships, making for an enjoyable, easy-to-read mystery.
Romance: ★★★☆☆
The romance in The Sign of Four Spirits is subtle but present. Gemma’s relationship with her love interest, Detective Ryan, continues to develop, but it’s very much on the backburner in this book. It’s clear that there’s affection between them, but the romantic elements don’t overshadow the mystery, which is a refreshing change for readers who enjoy a cozy mystery without a heavy romantic subplot.
Suspense/Thrill: ★★★★☆
The suspense in The Sign of Four Spirits is well-executed. The locked-room mystery aspect heightens the tension, as Gemma works to piece together clues while the group of suspects remains isolated. While the ultimate reveal may not be the most shocking twist in the genre, Delany builds the suspense in a way that keeps readers engaged and guessing. There’s a nice balance of clues and red herrings that makes the eventual conclusion satisfying without being too easy.
Overall: ★★★★☆
The Sign of Four Spirits is a strong addition to the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series, offering a cozy mystery with plenty of charm and intrigue. The locked-room mystery is a fun and familiar plot device, and Gemma Doyle remains a compelling protagonist. The book moves at a steady pace, with well-crafted tension and a solid resolution. Fans of the series will enjoy this latest installment, and it’s a great pick for those who enjoy cozy mysteries with a touch of classic detective work.
Overall Rating: 4/5
The Sign of Four Spirits offers a classic mystery with a modern twist, and it’s sure to satisfy both Sherlock Holmes fans and cozy mystery lovers. The engaging plot, memorable characters, and well-executed suspense make it a fun and rewarding read.
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