Unquiet Spirits: Whisky, Ghosts, Murder

A Sherlock Holmes Adventure #2

by Bonnie MacBird

The new novel from the author of Art in the Blood. December 1889. Fresh from debunking a "ghostly" hound in Dartmoor, Sherlock Holmes has returned to London, only to find himself the target of a deadly vendetta. A beautiful client arrives with a tale of ghosts, kidnapping and dynamite on a whisky estate in Scotland, but brother Mycroft trumps all with an urgent assignment in the South of France. On the fabled Riviera, Holmes and Watson encounter treachery, explosions, rival French Detective Jean Vidocq...and a terrible discovery. This propels the duo northward to the snowy highlands. There, in a "haunted" castle and among the copper dinosaurs of a great whisky distillery, they and their young client face mortal danger, and Holmes realizes all three cases have blended into a single, deadly conundrum. In order to solve the mystery, the ultimate rational thinker must confront a ghost from his own past. But Sherlock Holmes does not believe in ghosts...or does he?

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Crime, Historical, Detective, Historical Mystery

512 pages, Hardcover

First published July 17, 2017

About the author

Bonnie MacBird has been a screenwriter (TRON), studio executive (Universal) producer (three Emmys), a playwright and a classically trained actor. She taught writing at UCLA Extension's Writers' Program, and is a regular speaker on writing, creativity, and Sherlock Holmes.

She has five Sherlock Holmes novels, out now: ART IN THE BLOOD (2015), UNQUIET SPIRITS (2017) and THE DEVIL'S DUE (2019), THE THREE LOCKS (2020) and WHAT CHILD IS THIS? (2021). A sixth is in work. All are for HarperCollins

MacBird lives in Los Angeles and London

Reviews

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unquiet Spirits: Whisky, Ghosts, Murder
By Bonnie MacBird
I get in the mood for a good old Holmes/Watson book with plenty of clues, intrigue, action, and more than one mystery to solve. This book filled my itch! I didn't know this author had a whole series of these books but now that I do, I will certainly look for deals!
Terrific story and narration!

[Cindy Burnett (Thoughts from a Page) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unquiet Spirits was a joy to read start to finish. I am not generally a fan of remakes or extensions of classics (as in another author retelling the original book or creating a sequel). For example, I love each and every Jane Austen book but do not love other authors revisiting or adding to her stories. However, Sherlock Holmes is the exception to this rule; recently while reading Unquiet Spirits and A Conspiracy in Belgravia, I was pondering why the character of Sherlock Holmes’ stories can be told effectively by other writers. His story also translates well to television – I am huge fan of both Elementary and Sherlock. My conclusion is that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote so many stories involving Sherlock Holmes (56 in all) that adding more to his canon of stories succeeds because there were a lot of story lines already where writing a sequel to Pride and Prejudice does not work so well (and believe me I should know - I have read a bunch).

Unquiet Spirits is simply phenomenal. Everything about the book is outstanding - the clever Preface, MacBird’s portrayal of Holmes and Watson, the mystery and ghost story they must unravel, and the supporting characters, including Holmes’ brother Mycroft. Even the cover is amazing. The author captures the tone of Conan Doyle’s tales, and Holmes and Watson are crafted authentically. I missed her first book, Art in the Blood, and plan to track it down soon. Unquiet Spirits is well worth the read, and I highly recommend it to any mystery lover. Thanks to HarperCollins for my copy. All opinions are my own.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sherlock Holmes returns in the very capable hands of Bonnie MacBird. In her second Holmes & Watson adventure our heroes investigate ghosts & murder from France to Scotland, & encounter a vast array of fascinating characters.
There are some wonderful surprises throughout the story, including a glimpse into the life of a young Sherlock Holmes. Like her first novel, Art In The Blood, this is a terrific adventure. If you only read one story featuring the great detective this year make sure it's this one.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this - the representation of Watson & Holmes was first class and the mystery was super engaging.
A must read for Sherlock fans :)

[John McDermott · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

[Mongorzel Stepowy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh My God...

This book is AMAZING! I love Bonnie MacBird's books, her adventures of Sherlock Holmes and his crazy cases, which always made my day and improved my mood. I can't wait when "The Devil's Due" will be translated into Polish and I will be first who read it!

I'm very nice suprised by the idea on Sherlock's past. His relation with Charlotte was gorgeous, though I never liked all relationships of Holmes and woman. But Sherlock was a student, he was nineteen or twenty, and he had the right for loving as clever woman as Charlotte. Sherlock was young and more emotional and I cried when I read Charlotte's letters for grandma about him. We let's not forget, that Sherlock's college days were hard and after Charlotte's dead became more terrible. His past was very sad for me and I think that if Charlotte never died, Sherlock would be absolutely different man who was when he was adult (twenty seven until his end). Bonnie MacBird's explaining why Sherlock was never interested in women is very beautiful, sad and moving, and I like it!

To sum up... "Sherlock Holmes and Unquiet Spirits" is absolutely wonderful, crazy and moving book, perfect for fan of Sherlock Holmes. Every fan of this detective should read this book and it will provide him with an unforgettable experience. Nothing to do but sit down with glass of good whisky by the fireplace and page after page immerse yourself in the world of intrigues, whisky distillation and... spirits? 🤭

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a real soft spot for these books, because they're just so damn enjoyable and almost indulgent. I say indulgent because they are a tad... predictable. But in the same comforting way that re-watching Friends for the 4th time is predictable. We know there's going to be some drama, we know John is going to be frustrated with Sherlock, and then Sherlock is going to almost die in some angsty way (seriously, BBC's 'Sherlock', anyone..?), and then John saves him before all the pieces fall together at last, and in that exact order. But we read it anyway because it's whumpy and gritty and full of suspense, while still retaining the characters' well known humour.

The other thing I love about these books is that it reads just like the BBC's version of the characters, especially John and Mycroft. What Macbird does so well is that she manages to capture every single reincarnation of Sherlock and mix them all up so that as we read, and while most times Cumberbatch's intense and cocky version prevails, sometimes we see hints of RDJ's eccentric passion, other times Conan Doyle's stoic original, even Christopher Plummer's version makes some appearances in the way Holmes glares at people.

My criticism for this sequel however, is that the plot was quite predictable. Especially the barrel/cask part. But again, we know it's coming but still want to see the horror on all the characters' faces when it happens. Also it just felt a little... lacking somehow with Sherlock not seeing what was right there, but I guess the whole the ghosts of ones past thing makes sense... *begrudging sigh*


(This may as well be a scene straight out of the book - it's just too entertaining at how utterly Sherlokian it is)

Going back and skimming through the first book (Art In the Blood) again, I really noticed the similarities though. If these books were flat 2D images with patterns plotting the events, they would just about match up if you overlaid them. Or maybe like two identical chocolate chip cookies, if we're talking about indulgent comfort items/food. I don't know if these analogies make any sense or if I'm just hungry, but either way, I'm still going to read the 3rd book.

4 stars.

[Carson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bonnie MacBird's "Art in the Blood" was impressive, but Unquiet Spirits - while it started out not necessarily as grippingly - was a masterpiece.

Having been a Holmes fan for much of my life - since I discovered Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories as a kid - I am a huge fan of well written pastiches and continuation stories, specifically ones that are written in that vein: detailed, character-driven, and painstakingly accurate to the way the originals and best were written. I believe I found one word in this entire 500 page work that likely would not have truly fit in 1889 England. The characters were well described, the story was masterfully crafted, there was enriching backstory provided from Holmes's life, and you are literally guessing about the way this one is going to end until you are reading the climax. Very truly impressed. I VERY RARELY rate a book 5 stars, but this one deserves all 5.

[Akvilina Cicėnaitė]

Well-written and intriguing, but I wish the author wouldn't have gone explaining Sherlock Holmes' past. I found that a bit too personal and would have liked it to remain mysterious. But overall it was enjoyable even though some elements were not entirely convincing. 
3.5*

[Kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This fell a bit flat for me. Not terrible, just not the best version of Holmes I've ever read.

First off, it felt like Holmes was more minimally in evidence than I would have expected. There was far more of Dr. Watson than there was of Holmes, and while I don't mind Watson, Holmes, with all his quirks is my favourite.

Also the people involved in this mystery were not very nice. Pretty much all of them were selfish or mean, and all of them were very mercenary and out for themselves, even at cost of their own family. I had trouble connecting with, or caring about, any of them. I always enjoy books better when I can care about at least one of the characters. That really didn't happen here.

The one thing I DID like about this, was getting a look at young Sherlock and some of the difficulties he went through and how he turned into the man he became. That was neat, and I enjoyed it.

Overall, though this series didn't grab me, and I probably won't read others in this series. Okay, but not great fit for me.

[Riju Ganguly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good read. Dark. Complex. Violent. Intriguing. Full of ghosts that are actual, metaphorical, spiritual. The story became so complex that I felt for Holmes. No, not about his intellectual abilities. I found that the story had grown too personal. While the modern approach indeed calls for stories of Holmesian deductions to be replaced by psychological crime thrillers, I believe that this novel rather overdid it. Anthony Horowitz had kept his tales more nuanced in that sense. But these works are becoming darker with every volume.
Therefore, a recommended read. But I have had enough of Bonnie MacBird's version of Holmes stories.

[Jayaprakash Satyamurthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The follow-up to Art In The Blood is another richly textured, multilayered Holmes pastiche. Once again, Mcbird shows an interest in industry, taking us deep into the workings of a whisky distillery in Scotland, as well as a suitably Gothic castle filled with secrets, ghosts and murders. Mcbird admirably captures the spirit of the originals while carving out a niche of her own in the crowded world of Holmes pastiche - a niche quite near the top of the heap. The 500 pages that make up this novel will fly by in a white heat of excitement and conjecture and there's room for a touching detour into Holmes' past too. I can't wait for the 3rd volume!

[Emily Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo, Macbird - you’ve excelled yourself. I thought it would be hard to top Art in the Blood but I think she’s managed it. A cracking Holmes-Watson revival and a plot that is to be savoured, like an exquisite red velvet layer cake with just the right amount of icing.

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very inventive story. I liked the research and honesty to the cannon and the times. A rather severely driven Holmes and a too curious Watson, but truthful.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A riveting read, full of twists and turns that'll keep you guessing to the end.
1889 and Holmes and Watson find themselves in the highlands of Scotland investigating the death of Laird McClaren's illegitimate daughter. Set in a Scottish castle and distillery it's not short of a few ghosts and a murder or two.
I loved the Art in the Blood and I'm looking forward to book three, The Devil's due.

[exncgal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really excited that my beloved husband found a new Sherlock Holmes series on a recent trip to the library, and picked this book out for me. Thanks, honey! I love you!

Unfortunately, I didn’t love the book. Maybe it’s because I’m not into whiskey (or whisky), but the whiskey-focused part of the plot just dragged on and on, and on... and then on some more. I found most of the events in that plotline to be predictable, so that the big reveals in the last few chapters made me feel smart rather than shocked. There also were some plot points (Mycroft’s errand, Dr Janvier, Holmes’s time at Fettes) that felt more like loose ends rather than red herrings or elements that advanced the story.

The author’s writing style was fine, and the story sounded like a reasonably authentic pastiche. I just don’t feel like seeking out the first in the series and muddling through it, though. There isn’t a big enough glass of whiskey/whisky for that.

[Bailey Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This originally had me annoyed, as Holmes seemed uncharacteristically annoyed with certain characters. As the story progressed, I saw why certain choices were made and have to admit they help to make the story stronger.

Also, you get to see Holmes be nice to children and woman; I find this is an aspect that is either ignored to prove a point or overplayed to prove a point. This was a nice middle and enjoyable to read.

Recommended 12+ for violence, death, mild romance, more death, and other topics not appropriate for younger readers.

[Natasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story itself was not bad, I feel the author missed Sherlock Holmes’s character, it didn’t feel like a good representation to me. This story would have been ok with a new detective, or as a secondary one but Holmes is a difficult character and the fact that ghosts were brought in and no explanation about them, or how they were involved, other than to scare Watson and Holmes I felt slightly lazy. An attempt was made, wasn’t for me.

[Michelle Mctaggart · Rating 2 out of 5]

Slow, dull and predictable

I love A good Sherlock Holmes adventure, but this was sadly not one. I didn’t ‘feel’ him as I do when I read Conan Doyle, who ensures the stoic Holmes comes truly alive through his impressive descriptive prose. However, I did like Watson, who was spirited and almost regal in this author’s portrayal. The story was predictable and boring.

[Wynter Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very captivating read, most definitely on par with Sir Arthur himself. Love the history that we get on Holmes, as well as the new stories from Dr Watson.

[HB · Rating 3 out of 5]

TL;DR: The second Sherlockiana volume from Bonnie MacBird read a lot like the first one. It's an interesting story but not a terribly memorable one; if you enjoy full-length Holmes & Watson, this is a solid pick, though it's a bit gruesome and doesn't need to be nearly as long as it is.

Pro-tip: no need to read the first book before this one. MacBird has done us the favor, at least as far as I can tell, of writing stand-alone novels featuring SH&JW. There are references to things in the previous novel, but nothing that requires any prior knowledge.

What I Liked
I didn't guess the ending! I figured about Fiona, and Cameron's subterfuge + loyalty felt like it was resting on something deeper, but I didn't see the actual final twist coming, for once. That sounds a little self-important, but it's more frustration with how transparent so many thrillers can be.

What I Loved
How Holmes interacts with Calum, the groundskeeper's little boy. Watson particularly notes how his friend gets along with children in a way he can't with adults; he doesn't press the point, but it's a nod to the Irregulars, and it's a good example of MacBird's humanizing of the almost-real protagonist.

What I Disliked
Truly, this book could do with some editing. The hardcover edition runs to 492 pages, and although it was a good story and I did enjoy it, there's at least 50-75 pages in there that don't begin to pull their weight. The entire Jean Vidoqc / Dr Janvier subplot was absolutely pointless: it sort of served to give Mycroft a reason to finance Sherlock's jaunt to the South of France, but I forgot about it entirely during the bulk of the action in Scotland, and it doesn't move the action along at all. Jean's scene at the end is so jarringly juxtaposed as to be almost comical, like having Puck drop in unannounced on Hamlet.

What I Hated
Okay tho: the mash tun scene. What the fuck. I get that there was an existing malfunction, but just... no. I guess my suspension of disbelief refuses to allow for any artistic license on this one, but I run a brewery, and this is such bullshit, it was honestly difficult to read. Rest assured, if this scene ever presented itself in your real life, your ending would be very different.

You Should Read This if You Like
Sherlockiana, historical fiction, murder mysteries, slow-burn thrillers, overly descriptive scenes set in aging Highlands castles

[Mark Sohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-crafted tale, Unquiet Spirits takes Holmes and Watson on a case spanning Europe - from the South of France to Scotland. But is there more to this case than there seems? Could the supernatural be involved? Well, I'm not saying - you'll have to shell out for the book, matey. But is it any good? Glad you asked... MacBird is a Screenwriter - and it shows, with cinematic flourishes throughout and vivid imagery. If this were to become a film, it would do well - and, perhaps wisely, rather than attempt to write with Conan Doyle's voice, the Author gives the characters her own - an honest approach that pays off. The female characters, for one, come alive in a way the originator never seemed to manage himself - and the inequality of Victorian Britain is laid bare. We also get a welcome insight to Holmes himself - why IS the man so aloof regarding women? Another bonus is the almost-incidental education in the Whisky business; MacBird's research is disseminated in an almost casual fashion, but you find yourself knowing a lot more about the Scottish falling-down water than when you started! The trick of a good writer is partly to educate - and for this aspect alone the book is worth the price. I'd have given Five Stars, except for a few points, such as aspects that dragged out somewhat - but overall this book deserves a place on any Sherlock Holmes' lover's shelf.

[Maryann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm hooked on most things Sherlock, from the classic Conan Doyle to the numerous stories written by other Holmesians. Bonnie Macbird is my newest find and I am impressed. Ghosts in a Scottish castle? Seems ordinary enough unless the castle belongs to the McLaren clan and there's a Royal Warrant from the Queen involved. Whisky, you know. Holmes doesn't want to get involved...Watson does, mostly because Isla McLaren, the daughter-in-law of the Laird, is fetching and convincing. Holmes however decides to take on a mission for Mycroft which leads the pair to the South of France. Coincidentally (not), the McLarens are there as well and Holmes is drawn into the thick of things when a corpseless head arrives on a dessert tray. Are Holmes' mission and the McLaren problem linked? You knew they would be, and the game is just beginning. Scotland seems to hold the answers to both, but what Holmes uncovers is far more than sabotage and the quest for Whisky supremacy.

Unquiet Spirits was both fun and frightening from the first hint of ghostly happenings to the final words of Watson. Macbird keeps Holmes and Watson true to form and creates villains and victims with skill. More please.

[Polly · Rating 5 out of 5]

EEEEEE I LOVE THESE BOOOOOKKKKSSS OMG I LOVE SHERLOCK SO MUCH AAAAHHHH ok the plot for this was crazy. Can I just say that the author for this is an absolute genius.

Sherlock- so believable and great, his mood swings were on point like a teenage girl (jokes he is though) his humour was excellent and his backstory was utterly heartbreaking 💔
John- oh how I love him. He’s so iconic. Him and Sherlock are much like my best friend and me. She just agreed. Anyway, his narration was perfect his concern so beautiful and their friendship is so cute 🥰
Side characters- I love it when a female Victorian woman is sarcastic and kick ass. It’s the best. Her backstory was also excellent.
Damn do the other detectives get on my nerves, and clearly they get on sherlocks too which I am thankful for because then he gets to be rude and entertaining (just how i like).

The plot was 🥹 actually amazing. I CRIED. MY PARENTS THOUGHT I WAS MENTAL WHEN I JUST BAWLED IN THE BACK OF THE CAR. and also Sherlock sobs with me aaaaahhhhhhhhh


JUST GOING TO SHERLOCK/ JOHNLOCK REFRENCE- I LOVE HOW EVEN IN THESE BOOKS SET WAYY BEFORE SHERLOCK THE SHOW WITH BC AND MF MARY STILL SHIPS JOHNLOCK BY THE SHEER AMOUNT OF TIMES SHES AWAY FOR JOHN TO SEE HIS BESTIE IN 221B

[Mary Pagones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read MacBird's series slightly out of order, but this final read is by far my favorite. The mystery makes effective use of its Gothic castle setting (the majority of it is located in Scotland), and the methods of death are appropriately gruesome. But my favorite aspect of this particular book was the way in which MacBird weaves a backstory for Holmes into the motivations for the crime. Ever since The Seven-Per-Cent Solution, I've always adored pastiches that offer psychological portraits of The Great Detective. Of course, they're all different, and all different from my own imagining, but it's the sort of stuff I turn to pastiche for in the first place.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I throughly enjoyed this book! So much fun! I fell in love with Holmes and Watson as a youngster, and have always sought out any written or visual material relating their stories. Not always with great success, and often much disappointment. I am not sure where exactly the following credit should lie, this author or Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman’s portrayals of these iconic characters, but this story blended so well with these actors and envisioning them as I read the tale elevated my experience tenfold. Beautifully written, capturing everything I loved about the original stories while still being able to infuse it with a new modern feel, even though it is still set in 1886. I look forward to reading her other offerings of their adventures!

[Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored this as I did the previous entry to the series. It's a fast paced and intriguing romp that's been faithfully written in the style of the originals. I particularly enjoy the way that the book encapsulated Watson's fanciful interpretations of Holmes' life and work, just as in the originals. The dips into Holmes' background are a bit far reaching for me, but definitely believable in context. Especially considering, again, that you view this I through the lens of John Watson. One or two parts seemed to come out of nowhere, but not enough to detract from the reading experience. I'm already excited for the next part to come out.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always a bit nerve-wracking to read an author's sophomore novel if you thoroughly loved their first novel. If the second novel isn't as breathtaking as the first, the disappointment will be great.

Fortunately, Bonnie MacBird's second book is just as well-written, mysterious, enchanting and ultimately satisfying as her first.

My only regret at this time (Aug. 24, 2o17) is that the printed version of the book is STILL not available in the US, while the UK release was a month ago. Fortunately for the Americans, it IS available on Audible if you, like me, couldn't wait another day!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good Sherlock Holmes mystery. It was fast paced with lots of intrigue. I would have given this five stars, however, there were a couple spots where things just came out of nowhere to make the story complete. This did not detract from my enjoyment of the book. This was one of the few books I had a hard time putting down. If you enjoy Sherlock or a good mystery then I recommend this book. I will be going back and reading this authors first I. The series and any additional releases.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bonnie Macbird has yet again created an enticing, page-turning, truly Holmesian story. It's rare that I pick up a book and actually hate to put it down, with this book, I stayed up all hours reading Macbird's perfect rendering of Holmes and Watson in this brand new adventure, and in my book that is exactly what a Sherlock Holmes adventure ought to be like.