This book combines 3 of my favorite genres - paranormal, romance, and history - so is it any wonder I loved it! Heather Graham weaves history into her books depending on where they are set, and this one was set in Philadelphia, so we got a lot of information on Philadelphia that I didn't know. Of course there were ghosts, and docent Allison Leigh thought she was going crazy when a friend of hers, who died in the mansion, started following her around, trying to talk to her. One of the members of the board called in the Krewe of Hunters to get to the bottom of things, and they sent a private detective who is consulting with them for this case, Tyler Montague. Allison doesn't take to Tyler at all, but is tasked with helping him because she is an expert on the history of the house. Not long after that, another friend of Allison's, and a member of the board, dies under mysterious circumstances, so there is a sense of urgency to solve the case, especially when it appears that Allison is being targeted by the killer.

One thing I really liked about this book was the way the romance developed slower than in some of the other books in this series, so it felt more natural. The mystery was interesting, and the pacing was very well done. The characters were likable and relatable, and the setting was described in detail, which was appreciated. The conclusion was satisfying, as well.

All in all, I enjoyed this book very much, and look forward to reading the next book in the series.

5/5 stars.

I enjoyed the ghostly elements in this romantic suspense. My rating 4.25.

Allison is a local history professor and a docent at a historic mansion, the Tarleton-Dandridge House in Philadelphia. The house served as a British base in 1777 when British Lord “Butcher” Bedford reportedly murdered, Lucy Tarleton. The Tarleton family were supposedly supportive of the British, but Lucy secretly worked to take information to Washington’s troops. The house has had a history of strange deaths over many years.

At the end of a tour, Allison discovers one of her young colleague’s dead in the study. It appears to be a bizarre suicide but at least one member of the board doesn’t believe this. He calls in a very special FBI “Krewe”, a team that studies paranormal events.

Agent Tyler doesn’t make a good first impression on Allison. That could be because she has been grilled for hours by the police, but more importantly, she isn’t thrilled to have ‘ghost hunters’ traipsing through the carefully preserved house. Allison reluctantly works to guide Tyler in investigating the house where they find a ransacked attic. Allison continues to resist the paranormal elements until events force her to see otherwise. Tyler tries to explain to Allison that there may be paranormal forces involved but it is likely that the rummaging and murder were done by living humans.

A second person associated with the house dies in another bizarre ‘accident’. When it looks like Allison may be the next target, she finds herself sticking more closely with Tyler and their closeness turns to personal interest. Can Tyler and his team keep Allison safe while racing to find the true killer?

I liked Allison’s strong character and really enjoyed the quiet, determined personality of Tyler. His teammates are interesting and apparently the subject of other books in this series, which I would be interested in reading. The mystery is full of twists and a handful of suspects with red herring clues that kept me wondering until near the villain reveal.

I haven’t read Heather Graham for a number of years and I was pleased to enjoy this romantic suspense/paranormal romance where the mystery was primary and the romance a secondary element that added to the overall story. I recommend this to fans of paranormal mystery with romance.

Source: 2012 NetGalley.