Conversations with Spirits by E. O. Higgins

by E.O. Higgins

Librarian Alternate Cover Edition for 1908717408 / 9781908717405.Amazon best seller. Nominated for The Guardian / Edinburgh Book Festival 'First Book Award' 2014.December, 1917.The Great War is rampaging through Europe – yet Trelawney Hart has scarcely noticed. The arch-sceptic and former child prodigy has lost his way, and now ekes out a lonely existence, taking his only comfort from the bottle.Hart’s dissolute lifestyle is interrupted, however, when spiritualist crusader and celebrated author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle arrives at the door of his London club and requests his help in investigating a man he believes to be a psychic medium of unparalleled gift.Driven on by his anticipation of exposing the psychic as a fraud, Hart accepts. But it is not long before he finds himself helpless amidst a series of seemingly inexplicable events – and he is forced to consider whether there may be much more to life than he had ever thought possible…

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Mystery, Book Club

Paperback

First published October 10, 2013

Reviews

[Justin Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm biased because I published it, but I think it's magnificent.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are distinguishable points in most novels from first time authors, where, if they are lucky, the reader decides that they may have discovered something very special. It might be a piece of dialogue, a clever turn of phrase or simply a well written observation, which lights a spark within the mind and eggs the reader to continue reading with eagerness and not a little avarice.

I am unfortunate to be the very ashamed owner of a hummingbird mind, quick to bore and forever giving up and moving on to the next book, desperately looking to get ‘caught’ by a story and its author. With ‘Conversations with Spirits’ by EO Higgins, I am glad to say that my mind remained unusually engaged and this magical moment where my imagination was captured happened very early on indeed.

The central character, ‘Trelawney Hart’, is in turn sharp, funny with a terrible habit of going too far in his witticisms and asides, before quickly switching to infuriating and despairing in his sometimes pathetic demeanour; the kind of man who could do with ‘a bloody good shake’. (I may quietly mention that I could see aspects of my own personality within these pages and I am not sure if this is something to be worried or comforted by).

Set in 1917, the tale, written in the form of report, finds Hart, a man for whom pure logical thinking is a habit he is unable to break, tasked by none other than Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to investigate a supposed psychic medium of unparalleled ability. This assignment forces him to make a rare, and, for him agonising, trip away from the safe confines of his club where he has hidden away in a state of ongoing and committed inebriation. His exploits take him to the south-eastern coast of wartime Britain, where he meets a variety of odd and beautifully crafted characters, (none more so than the quiet but solid Billy, an ideal foil for Hart’s reckless and nihilistic alcoholic).

One thing is certain though; as a character, you cannot take your eyes away from Hart. Throughout the course of the book it is his voice, and his relaying of the events of his lost weekend in Broadstairs, Kent, that are the single most important element. By the end of the novel, I found that his words and his actions (some of which are hilariously slapstick in the finest sense of the word) had stayed deep within my mind, returning on occasion like some maddening but much loved occasional friend. This is a feat for which EO Higgins should be congratulated, and indeed thanked.

That is not to say however that this novel is just a character study of a brilliant but dysfunctional man, far from it, there is much more to enjoy. Higgins’ use of the English language, through its perfect attention to detail, comfortably draws the reader into the age in which the tale is set. In fact its effectiveness resulted in my being not a little disheartened each time I closed the book, as this meant that I was forced to return to our modern age with all of its haste and complication.

So there you have it. In my opinion Conversations with Spirits is a remarkable and exciting book. I would recommend it to anyone who wishes to experience a first time author with a sharp eye for detail and a warm, heartfelt style of writing.

It is a rare thing to discover something such as this. There are so many ‘new authors’ vying for our time and attention, we live in a world filled with opportunities to read and enjoy but we have only a limited number of hours in the day. There are so many other things to do, and life, with its continual demands, can often steal away and hide that next ‘favourite writer’ whose writing you will treasure and whose books you will always return to. The most entertaining Mr Higgins has indeed provided me with such in this first novel and I eagerly await further stories and adventures from him.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a start to my new year reading list!

Conversations with Spirits is the debut novel of E O Higgins and it is an absolute hoot! Set in 1917 England and at the behest of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Trelawney Hart, the hard-drinking, chain-smoking anti-hero, starts out on a journey to uncover the truth behind recent stories of a medium who is gaining a strong reputation as a genuine psychic. Hart is a sceptic and believes in logic and materialism, so the thought of uncovering a fraud is intriguing to him. As he progresses, however, he finds his beliefs challenged and his logic failing to assist him. Along with his side-kick, Billy, he finds himself on a rollicking adventure that leads him to question his truth.

This book is completely absorbing and one of the few I have read recently that I wanted to devour in one bite and savour at the same time, so it didn't end too quickly. It is so entertaining and the characters are such great company, that I wanted to share more adventures with them. As a result, I dropped a note to Mr Higgins who assures me he is hard at work on another Trelawney Hart adventure, which is wonderful news!

Another thing that is completely brilliant about this book is that it came to be published through crowd-funding via Unbound.co.uk. For those of you who haven't heard of Unbound before, it is an online platform which allows authors to pitch their book idea and readers to support the idea by making various size donations. When the book reaches it's target, it gets published and the reader/donator gets various benefits, including copies of the book and many other things. This platform enables authors to bring books to the public that they may struggle to get published commercially, especially if they are working on a debut novel and do not have back list to support them. How fabulous is that! For more information take a look at www.unbound.co.uk.

As for Conversations with Spirits, I loved the book, cannot wait for the next yarn and am so delighted to have found this author. (Thank you to my lovely sister, Samantha, who sent me this book for Christmas and told me about Unbound).

[Edward Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nominated for The Guardian / Edinburgh Book Festival 'First Book Award' 2014.

The paperback edition of Conversations with Spirits is now available on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Conversations...

[Beano24 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I often begin to read many books, that if I'm being honest - and I'm being honest - I labour to finish.
Like a stubborn old man on a walking holiday, once I've set-off on my predetermined trip, no matter the way, I'll always endeavour to finish it. I'll heroically struggle through indeterminable thickets of plot; scale mountainously unsubtle messages; and flounder, helplessly, in the swamps of the badly written, just to reach the promised land, that is the end.

There are also books that are not guilty of any of the above sins, which for whatever reason, just don't do it for me. These books are actually often worse, for they leave one uncertain about their own ability as a reader. The author has, in the main, done their job, we recognise that, yet we remain cold and unresponsive as we lifelessly trudge towards the end.

But every now and then, a book comes along that enchants us like the first day of Spring, and deftly restores, with shoots of freshness, that solemn compact between reader and author.

This is one such book.

The story and the plot have already been outlined in other reviews, so all I will add is in other hands, we could have been gently steered toward the end, been steadily signposted from A through to B.
But in this authors hands we are danced, expertly, magically, through a tale. There is a feeling of supreme effortlessness that runs though out this book, which is a testament to the skill and consideration of its author, for such effortlessness is only ever attained by sheer and uncompromising graft.

This in short then was a rarity: it was an actual pleasure to read.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really good – and different – which is also good.
I wasn’t sure at first if I would like it when I read in the blurb: December, 1917. The Great War is rampaging through Europe… but fortunately the war was not a main topic in the book.
We meet Trelawney Hart… an anti-hero, seldom sober but nonetheless very charismatic… who is asked by the famous Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to investigate (if necessary debunk) a psychic medium.
Trelawney Hart is a sceptic and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle an obsessed believer in the supernatural.
I had a lot of fun reading about the main characters journey and would love to read another adventure of Trelawney Hart and his new found friend Billy.

My rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Aus Books & Reading

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful thing. It's an interesting story, colourful characters and it's very funny. You will find yourself wondering what's next for Mr. Hart and his newly assembled team. There must surely be another book...

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very enjoyable little novel. Essentially it is a tale that throws light upon Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s, often ridiculed obsession, with spiritualism and the supernatural. Throughout he is portrayed as a foolish man, who is easily duped and often falls prey to tricksters. In fact he really doesn’t come out in a very favourable light at all in this novel. I am an avid fan of the great man’s work, but I still found enjoyment in the story, despite E. O. Higgins’s portrayal.
The story follows Trelawney Hart, a well-known opponent of spiritualism, who has been publically critical of such practises in the past. He is employed by Doyle to ascertain, whether a man who claims to have a supernatural gift is speaking the truth, or if he is simply a fraud. He is to watch a performance by the man in question, in the seaside town of Broadstairs, whereby he will walk right through a ten foot thick wall constructed of bricks and mortar, built on the beach, and validate what he sees.
Trelawney is an obnoxious and deeply unlikeable man. He is an alcoholic who sees life as futile, since the death of his wife. His story is very sad, but the drinking is only the tip of the iceberg. He seems intent on being as irritating and rude as possible, to everyone he meets throughout. Trelawney aside, as the story progresses, it is actually quite apparent that all of the male characters are portrayed in an unfavourable manner. Although it is these qualities, or indeed lack of redeemable personality traits, that makes Trelawney such a compelling protagonist. However, he does seem to soften towards the end of the book. This is most apparent when he befriends a local tramp called Billy, upon arriving in Broadstairs. This is the only relationship that shows genuine and mutual affection for each other and they actually become very close friends and confidantes.
A relatively short novel, a mere two hundred and thirty three pages, it is potentially a great introduction to an intriguing character and hopefully a rather intriguing mystery series. I hope there is much more to come from Mr Trelawney Hart and his obnoxious behaviour.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bravo E.O.! (PS - I was finally able to get a hard copy of your book here in the US!)
Clever, humorous, unique and well-written! The protagonist, Trelawney Hart, is a quirky, intelligent man whose flaws are obvious but endearing. Other characters include: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle; a lovable simpleton, Billy (who perhaps is not simple at all but a rather smart man who fell into poor life-circumstances); and just a few others making this an easy-flowing and enjoyable read.

The idea of conversing with spirits is two-fold. The events of the story deal with the spirits of the after-world and "Doyle's" attempt to prove them (in opposition of Mr. Hart's attempt to disprove them.)
The character development and perhaps the deeper messages of the story are revealed through Mr. Hart's habit of tipping the bottle.

The conversations between Hart and Doyle are very entertaining: intellectual, acerbic yet polite, and downright funny. The relationship and events shared by Hart and Billy are equally amusing and provide a nice contrast to the relationship between Hart and Doyle.

The story is set in 1917 England with absolutely flawless dialogue (I could hear the accent of the characters and never had trouble deciphering it on the page) and humorous events. Trelawney Hart is determined to prove that all of the "miraculous" proof of the spirits that has so captivated Sir Doyle, is nothing more than a host of parlour tricks. While doing this however, he is shaken to the core with doubt and self-reflection of his own life and that of his late wife.

The ending was fabulous and satisfying and once you are nearing the end of the book, you will not be able to stop reading until you get to the last word.

I really enjoyed the book! I give it somewhere between 4 and 5 stars.

[aprille · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intrinsically woven story, laced with hints of humour and deeper issues.

Trelawney Hart is a very well-rounded, 3D character. It's not hard to both love and hate him. He's a complete arsehole, but has also somehow managed to become one of my favourite fictional characters.

Incredibly researched, with an very distinct voice, Conversations with Spirits is a must read for fans of Sherlock Holmes. I drew the parallels between Hart and Holmes almost immediately. However, Hart is infinitely more human. His friendship with Billy was a source of happiness throughout the book. I loved the scenes of them together.

Beneath Hart's facade of drunken arseholishness lies deep grief. Having lost his wife, he seeks comfort from seances and the idea of the afterlife, until his cold, logical side caught up, turning him into the sceptic of sceptics.

Therefore, it was incredibly cruel what Price and Beasant did to him during the seance. Unravelling such a hard character really got to me. This was the part of the book that affected me the most.

Higgins is an author to watch. In fact, I'm incredibly disappointed there isn't another title of his that I can turn to immediately. Mr Higgins, if you read this, please take note of my displeasure. I demand another novel. You have too much talent to stop at one book!

Also, just adding my two cents for the fan cast - Ewan McGregor would be a perfect Trelawney, in my mind. In fact, I was picturing him throughout the book.

This is a very quotable novel, and I hope it gets the recognition it deserves. Well done, Mr Higgins, have yourself a cherry brandy.

[Kevin Parr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy a drink, perhaps too much, but every now and again I sip an ale so fine that I fall off my stool. I’m not pissed, yet, but when you’ve sloshed through a zillion pints it is rare to find a beer that ruffles your hair, brings a smile and gives you a warm glow inside.
It was two o’clock on a midweek morning when I realised that my quick dip into Conversations with Spirits had seen half the pages vanish. If fine ale is unusual then a tale woven this well is a CAMRA champion.
EO Higgins takes us back to 1917, where we see the world through the eyes of Trelawney Hart. He’s a drunk, arrogant arse and we like him straight away.
The plot, in which Hart spends a weekend in Kent attempting to debunk a psychic medium, is pacey and immediately engaging. Hart’s own journey of self discovery is made though an endless stream of brandy and wit – offending, endearing and undermining pretty much everyone he meets.
Higgins explores the early twentieth century fascination with Spiritualism with great insight, cleverly working observations into dialogue to deliver facts and genuine disharmony without upsetting the rhythm of the narrative.
In simple terms, this is a brilliant novel. Clever, funny and well worth losing a few hours sleep for.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed the progress of this tale, something approaching a story of redemption for the main character, the intriguing Trelawney Hart. Raised in unorthodox fashion, Hart spends his days drinking cherry brandy until Sir Arthur Conan Doyle asks him a favour.

In particular, I found the language delightful and enjoyed Hart's temperament and attitude - always ready with a dry if not outright caustic comment, singularly condescending in his dealings with Doyle - and in fact everybody apart from Billy, with whom he forms a special and noteworthy friendship. Occasional descriptions add wonderful colour, such as a woman Hart observes on the train: "Unclasping the handbag resting on her knees, she delved inside and surreptitiously extracted a large pink saveloy, which she devoured hungrily."

Good fun, well paced, and a fairly quick read.

[Jill Hand · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I heard this book involved Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Harry Price, I had to read it, and when I finished reading it, I started at the beginning and read it all over again, more slowly this time, really savoring it.
E.O. Higgins is a very clever fellow. He gets Doyle and Price (the original ghost-hunter, who investigated Borley Rectory) just right.
The hero is a brilliant, flawed man with formidable powers of observation and rationality, and a serious substance-abuse problem who, quite amusingly, disparages Sherlock Holmes as being, in his words, "a big-nosed drug addict."
Conversations with Spirits, is funny, and poignant, and very well-researched. It may be the second-best book I've read all year, after Donna Tartt's The Gold Finch. It's that good.

[Suz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully rich language makes the settings and characters come alive. A delightful read. Pleased to read a story written in modern times, set in the past, which feels true to the setting's period. I've read several books this year in which this particular suspension of disbelief is impossible, but that is not the case here. I'll read it again one day just to revisit the places in the book. Fantastic.

[Tamasine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down...

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished reading this a month or two ago, but felt impelled to finally get round to writing my review because I watched "Arthur & George" on TV the other night. The true tale of Sherlock Holmes' creator turning detective, to take on institutional racism in the case of George Edalji and The Great Wyrley Outrages. (And if you don't know what that's about, then you'll just have to Google it.)

But you see, I thought to myself, "Well, that's interesting, Arthur Conan Doyle appearing in a TV show," and then my mind shuffled onwards a little further - someone had to invent those scenes to dramatise what went on and what we don't necessarily know happened (did Doyle ask for a tray of tea to be brought through? I don't know, but it'll work at this moment - enter the maid). But then consider Conversations with Spirits - Doyle appears in the cast list, and this didn't happen *at all*, yet still convinces.

Trelawney, this novel's protagonist, isn't a real person. Although I don't think he is, but he could contain certain elements of the author. Trelawney has had a very exacting, unusual, fact-based education at the hands of his father which, coupled with poor health, has ill-prepared him to voyage forth into the world of human beings and emotions (which makes him feel somewhat Holmesian). It does, however, make him perfect to go about debunking the claims of spiritualism, and at this point it behoves me to point out to any would-be reader of this novel that Mr. Higgins has an alter-ego which basically sends up the likes of Derek Acora and his fellow swindlers. (Am I allowed to call him a swindler? Well, I just have).

But as we know, Conan Doyle, despite creating perhaps the ultimate fact-based-logical-minded hero, became a believer in Spiritualism himself. He wants Trelawney to witness a feat to be performed by a medium, which he believes will once and for all convince Trelawney of the reality of the spirit realm.

As Trelawney is incapable of doing straightforward things that most human beings can do without really thinking, and because of the way Higgins manages to draw the reader into Trelawney's view of the world, his train journey and subsequent arrival in a rain-swept seaside town take on dimensions of risk and derring-do; an adventure tale translated into humdrum reality.

Higgins makes his Doyle sound very convincing - a blustery, credulous man, and there's another real person in the background too: one Harry Price, famous for his researches into the legendary haunting (or humungous leg-pull) at Borley Rectory. It actually came off quite well and I think anchoring the very odd Trelawney and his peculiar perspective with *actual historical figures* was an interesting touch. Chuck in a bemused tramp who Trelawney befriends as his local guide, as well as a gentleman's club run by a woman who, despite living in the 1910s dresses in mid-Victorian mourning garb, and you have a very interesting gallery of characters.

Does Trelawney debunk the Spiritualist? This was a sort of early 20th Century David Blane stunt, and I think Higgins handled very cleverly the different ways of seeing that people have - unthinking credulity versus logic. I think readers of Fortean Times would really enjoy this.

Trelawney's own mourning, and given the WW1 setting, the mourning of many, underpins the narrative. Spiritualism saw an upswing in popularity with the huge loss of life during that conflict, and the distant boom of the guns of war may be offstage but are never entirely absent from the narrative.

[Christoph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this story many years ago on a website called Jottify, a "social media" site for aspiring writers. Some of the people on there were clearly talented, some clearly had the drive to work on their story. E.O. Higgins had both the talent and the drive, and before long this story was the most read, most commented on, and probably most brilliant as well. Along with hundreds of others, I awaited each new chapter eagerly, until one day they stopped coming and I, to be honest, just moved on.
A lot in my life changed and while I never completely forgot about this story, I didn't actively seek it out. One day I learned that it had been published through Unbound, and I was happy for the author who always seemed a thoroughly decent chap. But it still took me more than a year until I finally went and bought the book.
Reading it now, I wonder why. The story of Trelwaney Hart, former child prodigy reduced to alcoholism by the loss of his wife, is very well told. My memory might betray me here, but it seems that Higgins smoothed the rough edges of his first draft, re-fined his craft and even further, and made the tale thoroughly enjoyable to read. We set out with Hart on a journey to little Kentish seaside town Broadstairs, commissioned by Arthur Conan Doyle of all people, to determine whether a local psychic is just another charlatan or living proof for spiritualism.
When first reading it, even more so than now, I was constantly in awe of the near perfect, often comic, recreation of an England long gone. Now, having moved to the country myself (though not to Kent), the novel strikes me as still particularly English, an unexpected pleasure. While I find some issues with the resolution of the puzzle, so to speak, and the ending, I'm now, once again, eagerly awaiting more, and will definitely not wait so long to pick up Higgins' next book.

[Sonya Lano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommended - but read this book for the writing and the characters, not for the plot, because I think it's the writing that really sets this book apart from a lot of other novels out there. It flows with a smooth, languid grace similar to what I imagine the mood must be over tea in England, with clever bits of exchanged wit and unspoken sentiments conveyed via meaningful looks over teacups (and now all my British friends will tease me forever after writing that sentence!).
From the exasperated, bustling Sibella and the cheeky, stoic Horrocks to distracted, endearing Beasant and the intemperate, caustic Trelawney himself (and his unexpected sidekick), every character in this book shines with their own individual personality and quirks. I enjoyed the dynamics between the characters most of all, and the amusing turns of phrases Higgins scatters throughout the narrative like gems, and because of that, I think any lover of words and books would enjoy it!
As to the plot, it wasn't the convoluted, complex, twisty thing that I suppose some readers of mystery might want, but it did keep me guessing which way it was going to go in the end, and little hints and clues were dropped here and there throughout the story for those who pay attention, and what Beasant says to Trelawney at the end actually sent chills down my spine... In fact, I really loved Beasant - to me he was portrayed so well and so vividly that I'm really hoping he'll show up in the sequel!
In short, I would recommend this to fans of lovely writing, subtle wit, cheeky turns of phrase, and excellently drawn characters.

[Tracey Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conversations with Spirits is an enjoyable easy to read novel, it was such a nice change to fly through a book without it weighing your arms down. The title is very apt both in the spiritual way and the abundance of alcohol, I will always think of Mr Hart next time I have a cherry brandy! E.O Higgins captures the essence of days gone by in his style of writing although my imagination just wouldn't allow me to place the story in the time of The Great War and kept picturing the late 1800's, but it still read well no matter what era my mind focused on. The characters were very well described and I developed a particular fondness for Billy, Mr Hart's quirkiness is managed patiently by Sibella and my female brain hopes for a relationship between them which might help him through his grief and alcoholic despair, maybe the possibility of a sequel Mr Higgins?
I would like to say a huge THANK YOU to E.O Higgins for unearthing a long buried memory for me..... about 30 years ago when leaving school I popped into my local library (strangely enough where I work now) and being a morbid type I brought home Harry Price's book on Borley Rectory which I lapped up, sharing it with my friends we spent months dreaming up a summer camping holiday in the grounds of the house whilst scaring each other out of our whits.Needless to say this escapade didn't happen but to read about Harry Price and Borley Rectory took me right back to my teenage years. Thank you!

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won't repeat the overview but I hope my comments make sense to those who've read the cover notes and think it may be of interest..

This was a good read, once I got into it. I must admit nearly being defeated after the Amazon sample - at first aquaintance, Mr Hart is not a character I wanted to spend too much time with. Nor could I see where the aquaintance with Mr Doyle was going - apart from to introduce him as a curiosity. However, sheer bloody mindedness made me buy the book, in full expectation of being thoroughly disappoined. I wasn"t. We got to know Mr Hart better, realised a little of why he is what he is (more than one tragedy creates such self-destructiveness, so I don't think we learn the whole) and saw more of the man he tried to hide through his relationship with an unfortunate called Billly, who, in turn, teaches us that appearances can be deceptive and emotionally punishes those who feel themselves above the Billy's in the world.

On one level, it was an entertaining romp. On another, there were a lot of unanswered questions. As for the ending, I felt lke I missed a chapter - someone (assumed to be Billy) turns up at Mr Hart's club, and there endeth the story.......one hopes, with so many open threads left to pick up, there is going to be a sequel?

[Pat Padden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fun. Brainiac bad boy and piss artist extraordinaire Trelawny Hart is peeled off the carpet at his club and set to work helping Sir Arthur Conan Doyle prove the veracity of the talent of psychic medium J.P. Besant. Along for the ride are Trelawny's down-at-heels sidekick Billy and world-famous ghost hunter Harry Price, best known for his investigation of the most haunted house in England, Borley Rectory. There's something akin to a Marx Brothers film about this book - people popping in and out of Trelawny's gentleman's club, in and out of hotel rooms, and in and out of trains at an alarming rate, wisecracking as they come and go. And there's a little something Conan Doyle-ish about it, too - so if you like a crooked smirk paired with some Holmesian armchair (or in Trelawny's case, bar stool) detecting, climb aboard the train for Broadstairs.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun read! This is sort of the other side of Sherlock Holmes. Trelawney Hart is a tragic drunk, suffering the loss of his wife and drowning his sorrows on a continuous basis. He's also a former child prodigy who survived an abusive childhood. He exists on brandy and cynicism, but has a very soft spot for those less fortunate. When Trelawney is contacted by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to play devil's advocate with regard to a spiritualist, Trelawney lurches off to prove that spiritualists are bunk. Along the way he takes under his wing a tragic but sweet homeless man, Billy, who becomes his version of Watson. The two struggle through daily bouts of drunkenness peppered with Trelawney's extremely witty and sarcastic humor. Hopefully Mr. Higgins will chronicle further adventures with Trelawney and Billy - they're a wonderful pair!

[Oldlady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trelawney Hart is the tragic hero in this beautifully written psychic mystery. When famous writer and spiritualist, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle asks him to investigate the ‘Broadstairs Miracle’, he begrudgingly accepts. Drowned in self-indulgence and cherry brandy, he sets out to expose the event as misdirection and trickery. Once there however, he witnesses things that even he can’t explain.

In Conversations with Spirits, Higgins paints a vivid and lingering picture of 1917 Broadstairs, filled with intriguing characters, strange happenings and an unlikely friendship. Expect surprise, tender moments and laugh out loud humour from the first page. For me, finishing this book was a bittersweet mix of satisfaction with sadness that it had to end. A fantastic read.

[Thomas Hocknell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought I had reviewed this at the time, but was clearly so flabbergasted at how good it was that I forgot. The fact I can write one a year or so after finishing it says it all.
If you like an immersive story, with huge shades of Conan Doyle and tight prose (and Broadstairs), then this is frankly unmissable.
The only thing wrong with this novel is that there is no sequel (as yet), and it demands one. As do I!
A fantastic achievement.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Considering I didn’t really know anything about the author (this book being his debut), I wasn’t really expecting too much. However, the book is actually brilliant.

It’s laugh-out-loud funny in places, very moving in others, and it’s just a really easy, interesting and fun read.

And, even though Conversations with Spirits is written in a way that successfully appropriates the style of Great War literature, it is, perversely, a novel that is bustling with energy and inventiveness.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

And on finishing this I hit my 2014 reading challenge target in the nick of time - hurrah!

Conversations with Spirits is certainly a diverting read, a real page turner, but it missed out on five stars from me because of a few historical and language-related anachronisms, which I found really jarring (being high priestess of pedants).

I did enjoy noting that Prof James Moriarty was one of the books backers. :)

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Features many of the things I like in a novel: story that is strong but not confusing, protagonist who is smart and charismatic but self-destructive with a hint of tragedy, very few typographical errors.
Only a brief mention of the sea, for which omission I am docking one star. But otherwise, really very enjoyable indeed. Highly recommended. You'll all be getting a copy for Christmas.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable read. I couldn't put this down. The style of writing is so effortless it draws you in - so that you are carried along into the adventure, awaiting Trelawney Hart to find ingenious solution to the bizarre 'miracle' laid before you in the book.

[Cate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quips and Smarmy Charm!

Witty, smart, reminiscent of my favorite Holmes qualities with an individual flair. I hope this gets adapted to a screenplay! Loved the duo of main characters.

[Josephine Halby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the way the story is interwoven...great reading. You become invested in the characters and story behind each one of them. I couldn't put it down.