Title: Looking for Love in All the Haunted Places

Author: Claire Kann

Publisher: Berkley

Genres: Romance, Paranormal

Format: paperback

I was given the e-book for a fair review

Will Be Published: May 21, 2024

Lucky Hart, a woman in need of a job and a place to live, seizes an opportunity when she discovers that “No Qualms Productions” is seeking a caretaker for a haunted web series. Armed with her unique ability to read people, she crafts a compelling audition tape and impresses the interviewers. What they don’t know is that Lucky’s resilience and courage are her greatest assets, even in the face of potential terror in the beautiful home.

Under the cloak of an NDA, Lucky is briefed about the daily interviews and the daytime filming. The Victorian house, a character in its own right, has seen three previous caretakers flee in fear after a few nights. When Lucky musters the courage to inquire about the house’s haunting, she’s handed five rules to abide by. Her curiosity, a trait that endears her to readers, only makes these rules more difficult to follow.

Upon entering, Lucky introduces herself to the house and senses its natural elements. No sooner does she comfortably settle in the bathtub than she notices the bedroom door slowly open wider. The house has also given her a purple flower in a mason jar. Lucky speaks to Maverick, who is part of the show crew, and she senses that he cares about her being safe. His daughter, Rebel, also has an interest in the paranormal. Because of this, they become closer.

When “The Caretaker’s” crew begins shooting, Lucky realizes that the show will be her official debut into the field of the supernatural. Lucky has researched the paranormal and backed away from friends to devote her life to her career. She intuitively follows where the house leads and speaks to ghost-like images of people as a way of communicating with the house and learning what it’s really after. She also participates in the filming of Rebel’s show.

LOOKING FOR LOVE IN ALL THE HAUNTED PLACES delivers “a creepy vibe” that stays until the end of the book. It’s difficult to explain what the house wants from the occupants without spoiling the end for you. I’ll say this, it enjoys socializing because it’s lonely. The problem is it doesn’t have any emotions. Lucky’s goal was to earn the house’s trust. I admire her courage and strength. I would think twice about reading this book at night.

Five out of five houses that would never sell

Denise Fleischer

gottawritenetwork.wordpress.com

April 20, 2024