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I have always had a soft spot for stories set in old houses with long memories, where the past lingers just a little too strongly in the present, so A Plethora of Phantoms immediately drew me in—and it more than delivered. What makes this novel stand out is not simply its ghostly elements, but the way it weaves those into a deeply personal story about family, identity, and the quiet courage it takes to face both.
At the heart of the story is Freddie Lanyon, a man returning to his family estate already carrying more than he quite knows how to manage. What I found especially compelling is how his internal struggles—his sense of duty, his reluctance to speak openly, and the weight of expectation—are mirrored by the disturbances unfolding around him. The haunting is not separate from his life; it is entangled with it.
Marcus adds a wonderful balance to Freddie’s character. Where Freddie hesitates, Marcus steadies. There is a calmness to him, but also an emotional depth shaped by his own past, and that contrast between them works beautifully. Their relationship feels immediate and intense, yet grounded in something genuine. It isn’t without its complications—misunderstandings, unspoken fears, and the simple fact that neither of them is dealing with an entirely ordinary situation—but that only makes it feel more real.
One of the aspects I enjoyed most was how the story expands beyond Lanyon Park itself. The trips to places like Bath, with its layers of history and quiet elegance, and the journey to Penhallow House, where the past begins to take on a more tangible form, add a real sense of movement and discovery. These moments of travel give the story space to breathe while also deepening the mystery, as each new location brings its own piece of the puzzle.
The historical investigation becomes just as engaging as the haunting itself. Letters, records, and fragments of lives long gone gradually come together, revealing a story of love, loss, and injustice that refuses to remain buried. What begins as something unsettling slowly becomes something far more emotional, and I found that shift particularly powerful.
The supernatural elements are handled with a great deal of care. The ghosts are not simply there to frighten; they are there because something was left unresolved. There is a sense throughout the book that the past is not finished with the present, and that understanding it is the only way forward.
I also appreciated how the novel balances its tone. There are moments of genuine tension and unease, but these are offset by warmth, humour, and the lively dynamics of Freddie’s family. The relationships feel authentic and lived-in, adding a comforting layer beneath the more unsettling aspects of the story.
What stayed with me most is how quietly the book builds its emotional impact. It does not rely on dramatic twists, but instead unfolds steadily, allowing both the mystery and the characters to develop in depth. By the time everything comes together, the resolution feels meaningful rather than simply conclusive.
This is a beautifully written, atmospheric story that blends romance, mystery, and the supernatural into something both moving and memorable. It feels complete in itself, yet leaves just enough lingering magic to make you wish for more time in its world.
A truly lovely and haunting read.
The Blurb
Penny Hampson writes mysteries, and because she has a passion for history, you’ll find her stories also reflect that. A Gentleman’s Promise, a traditional Regency romance, was Penny’s debut novel and the first of her Gentlemen Series. There are now four novels in the series, with the latest, An Adventurer’s Contract, released in November 2024. Penny also enjoys writing contemporary mysteries with a hint of the paranormal, because where do ghosts come from but the past? The Unquiet Spirit, a spooky mystery/romance set in Cornwall, is the first in the Spirited Encounters Series. Look out for A Plethora of Phantoms coming soon.
Penny lives with her family in Oxfordshire, and when she is not writing, she enjoys reading, walking, swimming, and the odd gin and tonic (not all at the same time).
If you’ve enjoyed any of Penny’s books please leave a review on Amazon, Bookbub, or Goodreads, and let other readers know!
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Thank you so much for hosting A Plethora of Phantoms! 📖
ReplyDeleteWe’re so grateful for your support and for sharing your thoughts—reviews like yours make these tours so special.
Thank you so much for reading and reviewing my book. I'm delighted that you enjoyed A Plethora of Phantoms!
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