A Plethora of Phantoms

by Penny Hampson

3.5 out of 5

Synopsis

What makes Freddie shiver? Is it the spooky happenings in his family’s stately home? Or is it Marcus, the handsome antique dealer who Freddie thinks he can’t have?

Freddie Lanyon has it all: a loving family, a privileged background, and a stately home filled with antiques. What his family don’t know is that Freddie is desperately unhappy.

Troubled by spirits that only he can see, Freddie Lanyon, the heir to Lanyon Park, is also in denial about his sexuality. It takes a meeting with handsome and psychic antique dealer, Marcus Spender, to convince Freddie that he might need to change.

When Freddie’s latest purchase of an antique dressing case triggers fresh poltergeist activity, he is awakened each night by an anguished spirit seeking help. Contacting the previous owner of the dressing case leads Freddie and Marcus on a journey to Cornwall, but what starts out as a straightforward quest soon turns into a challenge to their growing relationship.

Will Freddie’s restless spectral visitor be finally laid to rest? And will Freddie find the courage to be true to himself at last?

Review

Freddie's estate is full of ghosts, but the newest addition is causing some unrest. With the help of the handsome antique dealer Marcus, they bring to light the ghost's unfortunate story.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book I've read in this series. It's a stand-alone, and I didn't feel at any disadvantage for not having read The Unquiet Spirit first.

Freddie Lanyon is the oldest son of the local Earl and is back at the family estate to learn the ropes.

Ever since he was a child, he's been able to see ghosts, and he sees them as a normal part of his life.

He buys an antique dressing case, which comes along with a couple of unexpected attachments - a ghost that tidies Freddie's belonging; and the previous owner of the case, Marcus.

Marcus never meant to sell the privately-owned dressing case, but when his employee sells it by mistake, he gets to investigate the ghost; and find something more precious.

I enjoyed following the investigation into the ghost's story. It was an interesting contrast, watching a modern gay couple, compared to how gay men have been prosecuted in history.

And a reminder from some of the older side-characters that our changes have all been fairly recent.

The growing connection between Freddie and Marcus is really sweet.

I liked how the romance and mystery plot were balanced. Not too heavy on the romance, it really respects the mystery that brought Freddie and Marcus together.

As for the ghosts, this is more sweet than spooky. There are a few dark and troubled characters, but this story is about uncovering the truth, and letting the spirits rest.

The not-so-good.

I thought it was quite slow to get started. The way it was written, it felt like it was in the middle of the story; but even though this is the second part of the series, it's new characters, new plot, new setting.

I liked Freddie and Marcus for the most part, but there were a couple of blips that just went against their characters.

I thought Freddie was a bit of a numpty about the presence of a new ghost, trying to blame his brother for the weird happenings.

I was disappointed with Marcus' reaction to a couple of things. I mean, he's gay, and he sees ghosts. 99% of the time he's Freddie's perfect partner; but then he does stuff that just felt like it was awkwardly added for drama.

Overall, this was 3.5 out of 5. I will be reading the rest of the series.

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