4.2 (562 ratings)

The Unquiet Stairs

Name: The Unquiet Stairs
Rating: 4.2 (562 reviews)
Author: L. J. Hutton
ISBN: B0D7M7DPDZ

by L. J. Hutton

ghosts

About this book

Seeking refuge from a crumbling life and a disastrous wedding, Anna flees to the remote Scottish Borders to work at the historic Nuns’ Kirk Haugh Hotel. She expects a quiet escape, but she finds herself at the center of a haunting legacy. The hotel is alive with restless spirits, and as their activity intensifies, Anna realizes she is linked to them by blood. Alongside the charming night porter, Gary, and her psychic Aunt Rita, she begins to unravel a dark mystery rooted in the brutal 1659 Scottish witch trials.

This atmospheric ghost story weaves a complex tapestry of historical intrigue and modern-day suspense. As Anna digs into the building’s tragic past, she discovers that the boundary between the living and the dead is dangerously thin. Tensions escalate when a handsome new hotel owner arrives, forcing Anna to choose between a burgeoning romance and the safety of her sanity as her own past begins to collide with the vengeful spirits trapped within the walls.

Perfect for fans of immersive paranormal romance and time-slip mysteries, this novel is a haunting exploration of generational trauma. It is a slow-burn journey that demands your full attention, rewarding readers with a rich, deeply researched look at Scotland’s shadowed history.

Publication Date: May 25, 2026
ASIN: B0D7M7DPDZ

Reader Reviews

Very well written

August 5, 2024

I never write reviews but I really enjoyed this one. The characters are well developed and believable. Anyone who is interested in Scotland and its history should enjoy it. My great grandmother was born in Glasgow and after some research of my own I understand more about the difference between a highlander and a lowlander. This book explains a lot )

Not a quick and easy read

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,...

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. )

I do like a book which stimulates me into looking into people, or events, or both, which I don't know much about. This one does it in spades. I found the story entertaining, and very atmospheric. It is just a shame, that the writer creates the impression, that while our gt-plus grandmothers were not much less than saints, their husbands and fathers were absolutely anything but, and should have been drowned at birth! )

I have not been able to put this book down, I just had to read it all in one go! It's a long time since I have read such a wonderful story that completely draws you in with easily relatable warm characters and a fascinating storyline. It contains everything I love from family history, old historical buildings, supernatural occurrences and the links through time. I want to be Anna or Rita...cannot wait to read the next book. Please release it soon! )