“I didn’t need to lie about anything, Levi. The reason it worked was because it wasn’t a con for me.” He smiles at what must be the confusion on my face. “I am psychic,” he says slowly, his wolf eyes steady and clear on mine. “I can see the dead.” He huffs. “I can also occasionally hear the fuckers, and worst of all, they keep trying to bloody talk to me.” [loc. 948]
Graphic artist Levi Black has experienced some major life changes recently: he's broken up with his long-term boyfriend, his mother has died, and he's left London to live in York, in the centuries-old house he's inherited. The problem is that the house has been empty for quite a while: within hours of crossing the threshold, Levi decides that he can't blame the previous owners. There are footsteps in empty rooms, an overpowering scent of lily-of-the-valley, windows and doors that mysteriously fly open ... Apparently a great deal of repair and modernisation will be needed before the house can become a home.
It doesn't help to hear a dashingly-handsome ghost walk guide describing Levi's residence as 'the Murder House'. Though it does give Levi an excuse to strike up a conversation with Blue Billings, who has a tragic past, an impecunious present, an affinity for ghosts, and blue hair.
This is a sweet M/M romance, with credible emotions and motivations for both characters, which is complicated by a century-old murder mystery and an increasingly nerve-wracking series of ghostly encounters. Blue's powers, though questioned by Levi, are real; Levi's intrinsic goodness, though mistrusted by Blue, is genuine and practical. There's a strong sense of place, too: the author clearly knows York well, and evokes the narrow streets and sense of history very effectively. Also, there is an excellent bookshop.
Despite being primarily a romance, there are some dark aspects to Blue's past, and to the house's history. Overall, though, a charming and often funny read.
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