Review: Ghostly by Kate Serzenta

I received an advanced review copy of this book for free via Reedsy Discovery. This did not affect my opinion of the book in any way.

Series: Perks of Being Paranormal #1
Published: June 2024
Pages: 353

Synopsis

He thought ghosting was just a dating term…

Daring lawyer Gabriel Vane has his dream job, a luxury high-rise apartment, a glamorous lover, and a massive scandal on his hands, possibly connected to said lover. To save his career, he needs to vanish—and what better place to hide than a dilapidated Victorian house in a sleepy town? He expects nosy neighbors and bad plumbing, but not a peppy ghost with anxiety issues.

Eternal incorporeal life has its perks, but after decades of binging sitcoms and lifestyle magazines, Ida Huxley wants proper, human company. Too bad her newest tenant—and the first person able to see her in over a century—is a work-obsessed, cynical snob.

In exchange for some peace and quiet, Gabriel agrees to fulfill the terms of a mysterious contract that will allow Ida to pass on and not end up a vengeful spirit. When sparks (and haunted objects) begin to fly, they have to either risk their carefully planned futures, figure out how to get sensual in two different planes of existence—or somehow bring Ida back to life.

My Thoughts…

This review was originally published on Reedsy Discovery.

Gabriel Vane has everything he desires: he is a renowned lawyer about to win a huge case, he has a glamorous apartment and an even more glamorous lover, and the promotion he’s worked so hard for is finally about to come his way. Until a massive scandal threatens to take everything away from him. So, Gabriel needs to lay low for a while, hiding out for just a few months in an old house in a sleepy town, with no plans to meet another living soul.

Except he didn’t quite account for Ida, a sprightly Victorian ghost haunting the house, and even less for the fact that he might actually be the only one in over a century to be able to see and hear her. In order to regain his peace and quiet so he can work on getting his old life back, Gabriel agrees to help Ida fulfill the terms of a mysterious contract that will allow her to pass on peacefully to the Great Beyond. But when things take an unexpected turn, Gabriel and Ida might be forced to re-evaluate their plans…

Ghostly is a cute, warm and fuzzy read filled with humour and heart. Gabriel and Ida are charming protagonists, their banter and interactions delightful and their chemistry absolutely on point. Ida in particular is a fabulous main character, displaying great resolve and curiosity while working to confront the challenges facing her, and the mental health element is tactfully handled. The small-town setting with its colourful cast of inhabitants is also deeply endearing, and the side characters add some variety and extra sparkle to the novel.

The plot is highly predictable, even though the contract and the rituals connected to it added an element of novelty, yet this somehow works in the novel’s favour instead of against it. The romance is constructed impeccably and in such a way that it feels believable despite the paranormal element, urging the reader to root for the main couple to make it against all odds, assisted by the fast-paced and engaging prose.

In a way, Ghostly is a “comfort blanket” book: pleasant, reassuring, and the perfect defence against the bleak outside world. Highly recommended to anyone looking for a light, heartwarming read.