Conversations with Spirits is a darkly humorous tale unashamedly following in the footsteps of the Sherlock Holmes and Raffles tales with a knowing wink at the reader thrown in for good measure. The protagonist, the exquisitely damaged Trelawny Hart is a wonderful mixture of dashing, sad and haunted; an Edwardian Withnail jolted out of his self-indulgent, booze-filled haze by an intriguing mystery that will keep readers guessing throughout a plot that shimmers and shifts like the sunlight through a glass of cherry brandy. The biggest mystery of all is whether there could ever be a sequel? Because frankly you'll finish this book thirsty for more.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Troake
March 12, 2014 19:16