This debut novel comes from fellow blogger, Jacqueline Smith (http://jackiesmith114.wordpress.com), with whom I’ve shared several interesting comments. As well as some excellent and very funny posts, you’ll also find some great photography there too. On another note, I’ve finally taken the trouble to start adding an actual book cover to my book reviews (can’t think why I never did this in the past), and have updated all my previous book reviews accordingly.

   Cemetery Tours, by Jacqueline E Smith

(Available in both print & via Amazon Kindle, and all other e-book formats)

The idea of being able to see and talk to ghosts is not a new one, but the way it manifests itself here most certainly is. This is a book that really hits the ground running. In the opening chapters the reader is introduced to the four main characters; Michael, who much to his own despair at times, can see and talk to ghosts, his two new neighbours, Kate and her brother Gavin, who both appear to be having problems of their own with the departed, and lastly, celebrity paranormal investigator, Luke, for whom ghosts are both his profession and a life-long interest. There are also a host other characters, namely the ghosts, one of whom is Michael’s friendly and often annoying flatmate.

The depth of characterization is as good as I’ve read in a very long time, and equally impressive is the crisp, sharp dialogue, the style of which reminds me very much of Hemmingway. Without giving too much away, there are some clever twists that effortlessly drive the story forward as Michael tries to use his largely unwanted ‘gift’ to help Kate and Gavin, as well as the slowly unfolding romance between Michael and Kate. Adding to the mix is the charismatic TV celebrity, Luke, with his expert knowledge of ghosts and the paranormal. But this is no simple story of some ‘medium’ trying to help a girl he ‘likes,’ to exorcise a few unwanted spirits; that Jacqueline Smith has skilfully provided all the hints and clues for all the twists and turns the take place, ensures that nothing ever feels contrived or laboured, instead leaving the reader thinking, ‘Ahh..I’d never have guessed that’, or, ‘wow, I never saw that coming,’ as all the pieces slowly fall into place to produce a truly thrilling and unexpected ending.

This is an ‘absolutely must read’ for all fans of the young adult and paranormal genres, as well as anyone who simply enjoys a great ghost story.