Book Review: Scandalous Spirits

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Scandalous Spirits     Amazon US TPB Amazon Canada TPB
C. B. Scott
Class/Genre:   Fantasy   Supernatural
ImaJinn, Apr 2002, $14.50, 316 pp.

In Atlantic City, the three Van Buren siblings (Jonas, Isadore, and James) died when inebriated and they drove off the road into the nearby water. For the last seventy years they have haunted the family home at Laguna Vista, but the last decade has been boring, as no one has resided in the house. The ghosts know they are somewhat at fault with their pranks that have kept their descendants away. One of their relatives Marcus Van Buren hires novice ghostbuster Daisy Malone to certify that Laguna Vista is ghost free so he can get rid of this mausoleum. Her family needs the money, but ethics and knowing spirits live there provide Daisy with a moral dilemma. As three worried apparitions play matchmaker, Daisy and Marcus fall in love, but does this couple have a ghost of a chance to make a permanent relationship last when they disagree about the existence of Jonas, Isadore, and James?

The key to what makes SCANDALOUS SPIRITS so delightful a novel that paranormal romance fans will want to read is the strong cast. The lead couple and the ghostly support players seem real so that the audience believes in the magic of love and the authenticity of sprightly spirits. Surprisingly Jonas faces an angst-laden decision that will endear him even more to readers and showcase the abilities of C.B. Scott to convert the surreal into feeling so real.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner