A Ghost of a Chance by Josh Lanyon

From the blurb: 

Over a century ago Illusionist David Berkeley committed suicide in his mansion by the sea, thus dooming his restless spirit to wander forever. Or so the local legend goes...

Professor Rhys Davies, a part-time parapsychologist, is writing a book on California hauntings and he believes the crumbling ruins of Berkeley House will make a terrific chapter -- if he can gain access to the house and grounds. The only obstacle is brooding cop and self-appointed caretaker, Sam Devlin. As obstacles go, Devlin is a big one.

But you know what they say. The bigger they are, the harder they fall...

The Review:

A short novel narrated by the witty and self-deprecating Rhys.  Rhys is a parapsychologist but with a healthy dose of scepticism, making him a fun narrator. The opening scene of this book is action packed, awkward, and sets the stage for the struggle between Rhys and Sam Devlin.

Rhys is a bit of a hipster university lecturer - but he is quite feisty and sure of himself.  Sam Devlin stands in his way of getting information for his book on California hauntings.  Devlin is the big, brooding cop, but he's smarter and a better listener than Rhys initially gives him credit for.  

The backstory to this novel was intriguing but not overdrawn.  I particularly liked Rhys' trip to a small local museum. I feel Lanyon captured the feel of small town museums with very specific curiosities.  The sea-side small town setting is picturesque.  Rhys' tone as the narrator is witty, adding a nice contrast to the sombre, old-world style setting - a pastiche of modern and old bound together by an Illusionist's suicide.

The thing I loved most about this novel was the way the romance unfolds.  Rhys and Devlin do not get along at first, and it's only through small realisations on Rhys' behalf do we glimpse the gentle movement toward caring for Devlin.

It's not an original story line, but it's well done.  The romance is skilful and the paranormal elements are always left dangling tantalisingly on the fringes.  It's a great read for a cold afternoon perhaps with a full-bodied red wine.

Enjoy.

More Information:

Title: A Ghost of Chance
Author: Josh Lanyon
Genre: Paranormal/Romance
Publisher: Just Joshin
Publishing Date: 2012
Type: m/m