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The Unquiet Stairs
A novel inspired by the 1659 witch trials in Dumfries, Scotland.
Divided by time, connected by ancestry. Is Anna the key to laying these ghosts to rest?
Fleeing her disastrous wedding day, Anna only thinks to recover from the manipulations of her parents and in-laws. But arriving in the Scottish Borders to work at historic Nuns’ Kirk Haugh Hotel, she finds a totally different kind of family connection. Why have the ghosts suddenly become more active? And is it just her presence, or are they also connected to Gary – night porter, would-be partner of her aunt, and her new best friend?
As Anna and Gary dig into the building’s past, helped by her psychic Aunt Rita, they discover links to a troubled time in Scottish history. How deep do the connections to the Scottish witch trials of the seventeenth century run? Was one of their ghosts murdered, mistaken for a religious dissenter in the same era? And how deep does the animosity run between the ghosts in the hotel and those in the grounds?
With Anna battling her own past alongside the ghosts’, the arrival of a new love interest in the form of the hotel’s new owner is a complication she can do without. Will he stay the course and back her up, or will he see her as trouble when her past catches up with her, and force her to leave not just the job but the only place she has to live?
This captivating time-slip novel of the past calling to the present in a family is perfect for fans of Rachel Burton, Irina Shapiro, Christina Courtenay, Callie Langridge, and Louisa Douglas.
The Unquiet Stairs is the first of a duo of novels telling Anna’s story, and will continue in Far From Over.
Divided by time, connected by ancestry. Is Anna the key to laying these ghosts to rest?
Fleeing her disastrous wedding day, Anna only thinks to recover from the manipulations of her parents and in-laws. But arriving in the Scottish Borders to work at historic Nuns’ Kirk Haugh Hotel, she finds a totally different kind of family connection. Why have the ghosts suddenly become more active? And is it just her presence, or are they also connected to Gary – night porter, would-be partner of her aunt, and her new best friend?
As Anna and Gary dig into the building’s past, helped by her psychic Aunt Rita, they discover links to a troubled time in Scottish history. How deep do the connections to the Scottish witch trials of the seventeenth century run? Was one of their ghosts murdered, mistaken for a religious dissenter in the same era? And how deep does the animosity run between the ghosts in the hotel and those in the grounds?
With Anna battling her own past alongside the ghosts’, the arrival of a new love interest in the form of the hotel’s new owner is a complication she can do without. Will he stay the course and back her up, or will he see her as trouble when her past catches up with her, and force her to leave not just the job but the only place she has to live?
This captivating time-slip novel of the past calling to the present in a family is perfect for fans of Rachel Burton, Irina Shapiro, Christina Courtenay, Callie Langridge, and Louisa Douglas.
The Unquiet Stairs is the first of a duo of novels telling Anna’s story, and will continue in Far From Over.
606 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2024
305 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 16, 2025
1st book in series. Fantastic story, historical events overlapping with modern events giving two stories in one but never became confused, really well written and easy to read and follow. Would definitely recommend.
September 27, 2024
First - very important - you NEED to print yourself a hardcopy of the author's geneology tree for the major 17th century protagonists AND the schematics of the property where both the 21st century and the 17th century action takes place. Keep these close to refer to as you read. Some of the 17th century characters are historical and therefore there are multiple Jonets/Jannets and Johns/Johnnes etc, etc. Even the 21st century has confusing elements with hotel room names like Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, etc. and when the author tells you that "Rosemary" is haunted but "Nutmeg" is not, you'd better have the schematic to refer to!
Overall I enjoyed this book, since I like historical fiction. Ms. Hutton takes great pains in her Introduction and Author's Notes to explain a lot about the background of the Scottish witch executions upon which this story is based. However, it is still very confusing and you'll find yourself rereading certain sections and referring to your printouts over and over.
However, my biggest complaint is that the story is not concluded in this one book! "The Unquiet Stairs" is the first of two books about 21st century Anna and the 17th century ghosts who are bound to the hotel property where Anna is living and working. "Far From Over" is the projected sequel and is scheduled to be published (according to her website) "in late 2024." Unlike most book series, which can be read over a period of time without losing much in the way of story, "The Unquiet Stairs" is REALLY only the first part of the story and one is left hanging with the stories of both Anna and the 17th century ghosts.
Overall I enjoyed this book, since I like historical fiction. Ms. Hutton takes great pains in her Introduction and Author's Notes to explain a lot about the background of the Scottish witch executions upon which this story is based. However, it is still very confusing and you'll find yourself rereading certain sections and referring to your printouts over and over.
However, my biggest complaint is that the story is not concluded in this one book! "The Unquiet Stairs" is the first of two books about 21st century Anna and the 17th century ghosts who are bound to the hotel property where Anna is living and working. "Far From Over" is the projected sequel and is scheduled to be published (according to her website) "in late 2024." Unlike most book series, which can be read over a period of time without losing much in the way of story, "The Unquiet Stairs" is REALLY only the first part of the story and one is left hanging with the stories of both Anna and the 17th century ghosts.
October 1, 2025
The description of this book had me hooked a love story, witch trials & unsettled ghosts. It is in theory a great story however I found it too long. Most nights I fell asleep whilst reading & never completed a chapter. I don't mind books jumping from past to present I did find I had to keep re-reading bits just to make it make sense. I kept going though finally making it to the end for the book to just end. To find out the ending that another book. Personally I'm not that interested to read the next one.
April 10, 2025
Couldn't put it down
Absolutely fantastic. I couldn't put it down, from the first page I was hooked, read this book very quickly. I love the back and forth from past to present and how the characters entwine. The in-depth history of the witch trials as well as history of 17th C Scotland is fascinating and has peaked my interest to discover it in more depth. Have fast become a fan of L
J Hutton's writing and will definitely be downloading the next book.
Absolutely fantastic. I couldn't put it down, from the first page I was hooked, read this book very quickly. I love the back and forth from past to present and how the characters entwine. The in-depth history of the witch trials as well as history of 17th C Scotland is fascinating and has peaked my interest to discover it in more depth. Have fast become a fan of L
J Hutton's writing and will definitely be downloading the next book.
August 28, 2025
Very good story
Really enjoyed this paranormal mystery. Combines history, ghosts, witch trials with present day story too. Gripping and beautifully descriptive, enjoyed the maps and family trees which made it feel real and helped as a reminder of the links between the many characters. I'm about to start on the second book and look forward to seeing how everyone's fate turns out.
Highly recommend.
Really enjoyed this paranormal mystery. Combines history, ghosts, witch trials with present day story too. Gripping and beautifully descriptive, enjoyed the maps and family trees which made it feel real and helped as a reminder of the links between the many characters. I'm about to start on the second book and look forward to seeing how everyone's fate turns out.
Highly recommend.
January 9, 2025
It's hard to put down. I'm laying in bed at 1.50am just finished the book, I've read during the kids asleep times so I don't miss anything... Hugh is my favourite past/ghost character his honour and respect towards women in a time where women were not much more than a husband/ father's possession is heart grabbing...the emotions. I can't wait to read the next book.
September 4, 2025
Good
I enjoyed this book about the ghosts and their connections. I did get a bit lost with the history of the ghosts I felt I was having a history lesson. I am looking forward to the next book in this seties.
I enjoyed this book about the ghosts and their connections. I did get a bit lost with the history of the ghosts I felt I was having a history lesson. I am looking forward to the next book in this seties.
January 6, 2026
I loved this book, now onto the second one, the history of 17th century Scotland being told by the ghosts that reside in the hotel.
Such tragedies to the women and their relationships with the modern day workers at the hotel and how they’re linked.
Such tragedies to the women and their relationships with the modern day workers at the hotel and how they’re linked.
August 3, 2024
an enthralling read.
A well written easy to follow account of a forgotten historical event. Set in a modern day setting. Would recommend.
A well written easy to follow account of a forgotten historical event. Set in a modern day setting. Would recommend.
October 27, 2024
Best read in a long time.
So good I stayed up half the night to finish it. I am looking forward to the next book. Thank you
So good I stayed up half the night to finish it. I am looking forward to the next book. Thank you
January 3, 2026
Fantastic
Living in Ringford nr Kirkudbright I was stunned to discover the happenings in my area. A thought provoking book made all the more real by knowing the places mentioned
Living in Ringford nr Kirkudbright I was stunned to discover the happenings in my area. A thought provoking book made all the more real by knowing the places mentioned
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August 18, 2024Wow
Anticipated this book and was not letting down at all. The family histories at times got a little confusing but well placed family trees helped. A pure delight to read and so excited to read on. I fell in love with the dogs and wanted feed them treats and hug them everytime they were mentioned. Thank you for another few hours of escape 😊
Anticipated this book and was not letting down at all. The family histories at times got a little confusing but well placed family trees helped. A pure delight to read and so excited to read on. I fell in love with the dogs and wanted feed them treats and hug them everytime they were mentioned. Thank you for another few hours of escape 😊
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews