Chasing Ghosts

Some interesting characters that it took awhile to decide if I liked any of them. Which was OK. It's not a spoiler to say there are Ghost Hunters on a weekend hunt. but they aren't the main characters. Although I was thinking of the GhostHunter show here in the US with the Roth-Rooter plumbers a few years ago.

Im not sure how to describe the rest except it kept my interest and enjoyed it. Will read the next installment.

Chasing Ghosts is the first novel in Dean Cole's Quentin Strange Mysteries series, a not-too-horrific horror story with an intense gothic vibe throughout. The story begins as guests arrive for a ghost hunting weekend at an allegedly haunted English country house. Among them are Quentin Strange and his new boss, Kat Brannigan, there to investigate the veracity of the house's ghostly credentials.

I loved Quentin pretty much straight away. He is older than his naivete would suggest and hopelessly out of his depth within his own life. I could identify with his bookish escapism as I also frequently avoid people by hiding in fictional worlds too. His complexities gave this character an authentic depth which convincingly rooted the story, allowing the fantastic and otherworldly events which soon surrounded him to also feel completely plausible. Quentin's central role is complemented by a fun supporting cast ranging from from the fabulous Esther to the adorable Cottontail. Kat's abrasiveness did rile me initially, but my fears that she would become too irritating were unfounded as it was interesting to watch both characters, Kat and Quentin, grow emotionally as their story progressed.

I was impressed with how successfully Dean Cole managed the pace and atmosphere of Chasing Ghosts. Traditional ghost story elements such as the appearance of crows and timely lightning flashes are mixed up with inspired original ideas (that I won't describe so as not to 'spoiler' them), all of which combines with a well-plotted mystery to make for a satisfying read. I think this novel would appeal just as strongly to mystery fans as ghost story readers. There are breathtakingly tense scenes, but also breaks for humour and even an endearing spot of romance so, all in all, Chasing Ghosts is quite the rollercoaster of a read. I'm actually now annoyed with myself for having kept this novel on my ereader for just over a year between buying it and reading it. I believe its sequel is due out imminently and I certainly won't be letting that one languish unread for quite so long!