“Victorian yet gritty, a debut that will intrigue fans of police procedurals and historical fiction alike.” —Kirkus

“Lovers of well-written historicals will welcome Sim's first novel featuring Insp. Archibald Allerdyce and Sgt. Hector McGillivray, set in Scotland in 1865.… Sim does a fine job in bringing the mean streets of Victorian Edinburgh to life…. The absence of a pat resolution makes for a highly satisfying ending.” —Publishers Weekly

“Powerful and thought-provoking, this will appeal to readers who enjoy Ann Perry, Charles Finch, and other authors of Victorian mysteries.” —Library Journal

“This is a fabulous Victorian era police procedural that brings to life 1865 Edinburgh as well as the workings of the British bureaucratic aristocratic leadership of that period. The inspector and the sergeant are delightful leads... Alastair Sim provides a strong historical whodunit.” —Genre Go Round Reviews

“Lovers of Victorian Gothic mysteries will have loads of fun with this one, quite different in tone from the norm, while lovers of literary fiction will admire the author's ability to describe and bring the period to life, as he simultaneously conveys important sociological and religious issues.... The author's brilliant imagery makes the setting and atmosphere come alive, while the complexities of the plot reveal the author's comprehensive vision of society.” —MaryWhippleReviews.com

“Believe me when I tell you that The Unbelievers is one of the best historical mysteries I've read this year. It has an ending that is quite disturbing. I won't be forgetting this one for a long time. The killer was truly deplorable. I hope to see Inspector Allerdyce - if he fully recovers from his ordeals - and Sergeant McGillivray in a sequel.” —GumshoeReview.com

“A brooding, Victorian murder mystery set in the Scottish Highlands and featuring Inspector Allerdyce and Sergeant McGillivray... In the tradition of Charles Finch and The Somnambulist, Alastair Sim has crafted a memorable, atmospheric novel that covers new ground in the world of Victorian mysteries.” —NightOwlSuspense.com