My favorite mysteries are locked room murders. Add to that a seance, a Sherlock Holmes-themed bookstore, baked goods, wigs, and a cat named Moriarty, and I was in high heaven.

In this 9th book of the series, owner Gemma, tea room partner Jayne, and sales associate Ashleigh are caught up in the fervor when a psychic fair comes to town. Gemma is a true blue skeptic, but when the medium is murdered at her friend's house while Gemma is right outside the door, her detective instincts kick in.

The townsfolk have deep ties to each other, and are lovely people (mostly). Excellent cozy mystery series that plays off the theme but not heavy handed. Gemma, like Sherlock, is a complex person, but loveable in her own way.

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.

The Sign of Four Spirits by Vicki Delany is due to be published January 9th 2024 and is 9th book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mystery series.
Let me start by saying Vicki Delany is one of my favorite cozy mystery authors and I absolutely love her writing and just how week she bring all of her characters together into the perfect story. I will be sure going back to the first one and going to be reading the whole series because it was so good.
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 fiancée 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.

I have not read the other books in the series so I was a bit confused but it definitely picked up and can’t wait to go read the rest in the series.

Thank you Netgalley, Vicki Delany and Crooked Lane books for the opportunity to read this amazing ARC.

The Sign of Four Spirits is the ninth novel in the Sherlock Bookshop Mystery series and the first book I’ve read by this author. Even though I haven’t read the previous books in the series I didn’t feel too lost when it came to the characters and all the background that would have been established in the previous books. The plot was intriguing and fast paced but I wasn’t a huge fan of the main character Gemma. I felt like the conclusion was a bit abrupt and not all that realistic. The author has easily digestible prose and I would be interested in reading her other works, maybe even start this series from the beginning! Overall, I was entertained and would recommend this to someone who is looking for a cozy mystery series to binge read!

Thank you to Crooked Lane Books for providing an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Fun little cozy mystery. Entertaining read and kept my interest. The Mystery kept me guessing until the killer was found.

This is the ninth book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mystery series. I haven't read any prior books, but this did make sense as a standalone novel. Sadly, I didn't care for Gemma. She came across as pushy and arrogant. I did enjoy the setting, as well as Jayne. It was fun to sleuth around with the characters. Some things did seem a bit far-fetched, particularly with the final reveal, but it's an okay read for cozy mystery fans.

This is a must read for those that have a thing for Sherlock Holmes stories. Anyone who has read other books by the author loves them and I totally agree if you love mysteries this book is for you. The story also has many twists and turns to keep you wanting more. I look forward to seeing what the author has in store next.

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review

This is the ninth book in the Sherlock Homes Bookshop mystery series, this was my first time reading a book from this series but plenty of background information is provided for newbies for to follow along. This story follows the main character Gemma, who is the owner of Sherlock Homes themed bookstore, as she attends a seance with some friends and it true cozy mystery fashion at this seance someone is murdered. Of course Gemma then gets herself involved in the investigation. I found the story to be entertaining and the characters were interesting but the final reveal seemed convoluted and the way Gemma states she solved the mystery seemed to come out of nowhere as the clues she provided are never mentioned by her until the very end. Overall it was a solid cozy mystery and I would read more books in this series.

With a psychic festival in town, Gemma Doyle finds herself attending a seance. While everyone in the room was holding hands, the lights room goes pitch black and the medium is found dead once the chaos calms down. Was it a spirit or was it a human that sent the woman packing across the veil? Murder, the paranormal, and books are taking up all of Gemma’s time as she works against he clock to find who is responsible for murder in her town, yet again.

Another solid entry in this great series! I love how the author always weaves in Sherlock Holmes along with her quirky and loveable characters. Each book is filled with mystery, mayhem and red herrings. This is what keeps me coming back time and again.

The ninth instalment of the Sherlock Holmes Mystery Series finds Gemma attending a seance. As always, trouble follows wherever Gemma goes and a fellow attendee is murdered. I really enjoyed this locked room mystery. Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books Press for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Gemma is invited to of all things, a séance, where of course she is not "allowed" to partake, but asked to leave. While waiting outside the room, she hears a strange voice, screams & rushes in to find the medium has been murdered. Twists & turns of who did it, Ryan asking Gemma to help, and the story moves along until the very end. I enjoyed this next edition to the series & look forward to book #10. Thanks to NetGalley, Ms Delany & Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

The Sign of Four Spirits is the 9th book of the Sherlocke Holmes bookshop mystery. Very good mystery up until the end. Loved the continued development of the relationship of the characters, especially Ryan Gemma and Estrada with how different their dynamic is from book 1. Very enjoyable murder mystery along with world building occurring throughout the books with the different people. Another amazing Sherlock book from Vicki Delany, can't wait til the next one!!!

I want so badly to like this series. I love Sherlock, and I love mysteries, but this series just doesn't do it for me. I tried, I really did. The story is great, I love how the author integrates easter eggs from the original stories.

When a psychic fair comes to West London on Cape Cod, Gemma Doyle find herself in the middle of a murder mystery again in this the 9th book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries. Gemma and her best friend/ business partner, Jayne, reluctantly attend a seance. But as things get intense, the medium is discovered murdered. And even though she wants to keep out of it, Gemma's gift for observing keeps her involved in another investigation.

This series has the perfect mix of a wonderful location, lovable characters, and mysteries that twist and turn up until the very end. I always love reading about Gemma and her friends in West London and this one did not disappoint.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.

Gemma Doyle never disappoints! Another winner for Vicki Delany!

Gemma gets caught up in an interesting murder that takes place at a seance - somewhere I would never expect to see Gemma, but nonetheless, she is there and someone gets killed. This puzzle is particularly interesting because the killer has to be from the small pool of people that were in the room during the seance. Now it's up to Gemma to figure out the culprit.

I have to say, I really enjoy the way that Gemma has transformed as a character - I don't want to say she was unlikable at first, but she was very hard and had no filter; she is much more likable and conscious of those around her and how they might not be as observant as she is.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars.

I love cozy mysteries and I was excited to read this new installment, Book #9 in this series. I haven't read all 9 books but have read most of them. Gemma, the main character, is strong willed, supersmart and pays attention to detail which is perfect for solving a mystery. Lots of red herrings throughout the book that kept you guessing until the very end. I look forward to Book #10. Another solid read by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

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.

I love the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series! This 9th installment, while not my most favorite, was a great read with a very interesting plot which includes a seance and a locked room. Definitely an "off the beaten path" twist. I have noticed many readers don't care for Genna and her personality but I do. Her intellect and keen sense of observation, along with her attention to detail, leaves little time for a bubbly disposition. I don't expect her to have excellent social skills. I much prefer sitting back and just watching her work! I love all the other regular characters and their social dynamic. I hope there are many more books in this series to come!

A psychic fair comes to town and Donald and Ashleigh talk Gemma into attending a private séance. Upon arrival at the séance, Gemma is not allowed in the room and must sit outside the room, where she eavesdrops on the action inside, obviously.

When a murder occurs in a closed room with Gemma sitting outside, it is quite the mystery. Who would want the psychic dead? Was it something she divulged during the séance or something from her past? With a closed room, the suspect list is pretty small once you discount Donald, Jayne, Bunny, and Ashleigh as suspects. Ms. Delany does a fine job giving us reasons as to why the remaining people could be suspects with only one person being a viable suspect.

Gemma is frustrated in her snooping due to not being in the room and having to rely on the memory of those who were. I think once she found out where everyone was sitting, it helped her figure out the killer. It was interesting that Ryan (Gemma’s detective boyfriend) and his partner Louise are embracing Gemma’s attention to detail and thought process to help them solve crimes. I think Ms. Delany did a fine job introducing characters as suspects and I thought one person in particular stood out, but that could be because I didn’t like them from the beginning.

I think people will enjoy the psychic aspect and the way Donald annoyed vendors at the fair by suggesting a certain book that Gemma carries. I find this a fun series with quirky characters and the way they interact with each other. I find Gemma’s mannerisms and the way she thinks both fun and mildly annoying, but it is what makes her a great character. I love her love/hate relationship with Moriarty the cat--it does seem as though the cat is trying to kill her from time to time. I hope for many more books in this series!

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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.