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

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.

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! )