I've quite enjoyed the 21 previous books I've read by this author, but this one definitely fell short. I liked the set up, but the plot points were very predictable, the reasoning weak, and I didn't really feel the chemistry between the two main characters.
Even then, it might have still been rounded up to a 3, but--- I was just so absolutely horrified by Henry's behaviour when he was butthurt that someone he'd known for like 2 days hadn't bared their entire soul and deepest darkest secrets to him off the bat. He was *wildly* out of line! Even if he had had a way better excuse for being so upset, it still reflects so incredibly poorly on who he is as a person! Anyone can be nice when they're pleased with you, it speaks volumes more how someone treats you when they're displeased (with respect? listening? privacy? Or like an absolute beast). I have zero trust in someone who might turn so incredibly vicious from one moment to another. I just cannot get over it. To his cousin as well, just because she gave him some truths he didn't want to hear. Holy cow, it was one of the meanest things he could have said to her. His words and their consequences were actually much worse, IMO, than if he'd just simply punched all three of them in the face. But I feel like we wouldn't be expected to just forgive him for the bruises, yet somehow we're supposed to forgive him for blatantly trying to destroy them in almost every other regard. (With the three of them already being marginalized by society to start with). And all on the word of a complete stranger too btw, like no report has ever contained faulty information. Sheesh. And hardly any groveling to boot. Totally unacceptable. Oh, also, just to add insult to injury, by that point in the story the other man had already *saved his life*, at risk to his own, three f***ing times! If that doesn't buy you a little grace I don't know what possibly could. Bah! I believe I will still try the next book, because of those 21 books I previously enjoyed, but I'll have to imagine an alternate version of those events if I'm ever to have anything but the lowest esteem for Henry. ( )

Parts of this story are quite creepy, which is just what I wanted. There are also some very serious undercurrents/themes addressed that a careless reader may gloss past, but I appreciated seeing, centering around respecting how another person chooses to live, and racial and sexist presumptions humans are still not great at. Better, maybe, but not great. And, hatred does damage. Always has, always will. The underlying logic behind the occult was pleasing, revealed as needed to great effect - often through the distorted lens of Henry's pride and temper. I confess, I find that sort of thing very uncomfortable, but it sure raised tensions.

This is where my subtracting a star comes in. There is an opportunity for a writer taking a character through attitude-altering trials to dig into powerful emotions, and for me that potential was passed over more often than not. I'm hoping the following books are better in this way. ( )

Henry Strauss has no time for psychics or mediums. His own experience witnessing their deception has led him to develop machines that can detect spirits without the need for a medium--total objectivity. And he's determine to prove that they work. So when he receives an invitation from Dominic Gladfield to investigate a haunted house and exorcise it of any malevolent beings, he jumps at the chance. Of course, the $500 prize is just as enticing.

Vincent Night received a similar invitation, but he doesn't bring any fancy equipment with him. He has his skills as a medium and those of his colleague. And he is equally determined to win the prize. But what neither Vincent or Henry count on is the spark of attraction that pops up when they meet and lingers between them as they investigate Reyhome Castle. And they don't exactly have time to explore the attraction while they're still competing for the prize and trying to stay safe from what appears to be a powerful, angry, and violent spirit. To get out alive, they may just have to put all of their misgivings aside...

I actually enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I was going to when I read the blurb. Paranormal mysteries with a romantic subplot seem to be all over the M/M romance sphere. But this one stood out as unique to me. For one, the author doesn't rely on tropes to carry the story. Yes, you can see them in the story since this is such a common framework. But aside from being the framework, the characters and their interactions have a spirit to them that is fresh and original. And each of the characters--including the side characters--has a rich backstory that comes into play at various points throughout the plot. Everything that happens is grounded in advancing the story, which keeps the momentum and the buildup to the climax going on an even pace.

I give this one a strong recommendation. ( )

What a cast! Really good book! ( )

Just as wonderful the second time through. Reread with Marco.

***

Original review from January 2015:

My first paranormal read...but certainly not my last. I absolutely loved this. It has just the right amount of scare, mystery, heat and suspense. Now while I have not read books like this before, I am fascinated by the paranormal. Movies freak me out and hell no would I ever participate in a seance, but I believe. I may not have seen or experienced paranormal activity first hand but I know several people who have, including members of my own family. So what do we have here...

Reyhome Castle...

Henry Strauss...
Johannes Huebl

Vincent Night...

Greg Kheel

The ghosts...

The cold...

The hidden staircases and passages (I have to say...as an Architect, I love these)...
Bran Castle in Romania

The seance... Well...let's just say that not all hands were left in plain view.

And gawwd just some well served sexual innuendo...
"I'm sure we'll all be able to restrain ourselves from touching your equipment," Night drawled. "No matter the temptation."
And let's not forget our two sidekicks to these gentlemen...no bullshit with these two...perfect companions.
The only let down...the resolution and reason for a side mystery. Yeah...that whole why didn't really add up for me. Oh well.
This is just the beginning...can't wait for more with these two. In the meantime, I'll just have to check out more from this author.
A fabulous BR with Momo (review), Sonia (review), Marte (review) and Elsbeth (review)...loved the chats girls!


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