Book Review: The Ghost in the Curve: A Small Town Romantic Paranormal Mystery by Violet Howe
There’s something about a remote cabin in Florida that instantly pulls me in, conjuring images of sleepy towns and hidden secrets waiting to be unraveled. When I stumbled upon The Ghost in the Curve, the first book in the Cedar Creek Mysteries series by Violet Howe, I couldn’t resist. A ghostly mystery entwined with a touch of romance? Count me in!
Our protagonist, Sloane Reid, is not your typical ghost-hunting heroine. Despite her career as a scream queen in horror films, she hasn’t ever believed in ghosts—until her life takes an unexpected turn. Retreating to her aunt’s cozy cabin after being told she’s "too old" for the roles she loves, Sloane’s plans for an escape quickly devolve when she meets Chelsea, a spirited ghost with unfinished business. Chelsea’s plea for help propels Sloane into a heart-pounding adventure that seamlessly weaves suspense, humor, and personal growth.
The chemistry between Sloane and local deputy Tristan Rogers crackles off the pages. Initially, Tristan oozes the kind of brooding charm that makes you question his motives, yet their interactions quickly establish a spark that kept me rooting for them. Sloane’s struggle to assert herself, not only as an actress but as a person navigating the aftermath of her perceived career failure, is both relatable and moving. Her journey of self-discovery is underpinned by the weight of Chelsea’s tragic past, and I found myself deeply invested in both characters’ quests for truth and redemption.
Violet Howe’s writing style is engaging and vivid, effectively transporting readers to the eerie setting of Cedar Creek. The pacing is brisk; I felt every twist, every revelation hit me like a gust of wind through the trees. One moment, I was laughing at Sloane’s witty remarks, and the next, I was holding my breath in suspense as old secrets began to unravel. There’s even a moment when Sloane reflects on her ghost-slaying roles, saying, “I’ve never believed in ghosts, but maybe it’s time to trust my instincts.” This blend of humor and introspection is a hallmark of how Howe keeps her readers captivated.
As I navigated through the pages, I could appreciate the myriad emotions packed within this tale. It’s a vibrant tapestry of friendship, love, loss, and confronting one’s fears. The heartwarming, witty exchanges and the underlying mystery kept me engaged until the very last page.
If you relish stories that blend quirky characters with supernatural intrigue and a pinch of romance, The Ghost in the Curve will surely delight you. It’s perfect for those cozy nights spent under a blanket, a cup of tea in hand, ready to uncover layers of mystery while also swooning at the undeniable chemistry between Sloane and Tristan. Personally, it struck a chord with me—I found myself not just entertained but also encouraged to reconsider what it means to embrace change and face fears head-on.
In short, if you love a good ghostly mystery wrapped in a romantic plot with strong characters, this book is a must-read. It’s left me eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the Cedar Creek saga. Violet Howe has certainly captured this reader’s attention—and heart!