I sadly ended up DNFing this one. I absolutely love the concept and would definitely give the author a try again, but this fell flat for me.

This was a very cool and clever book! I loved how everything was done so well! The characters, the plot, how everything was described well without being overly done. It was an engaging story and I was extremely sucked into the plot! Well done and wonderfully executed. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this masterful story in exchange for my honest opinion!

"The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery" is an enthralling read that masterfully intertwines elements of mystery, suspense, and emotional depth. The author’s vivid storytelling transports readers into a haunting yet beautifully atmospheric setting, where every detail feels alive with intrigue. The character of Gwendolyn Montgomery is both captivating and complex, drawing readers into her world with authentic emotions and a compelling narrative arc. The plot unfolds with perfect pacing, blending supernatural elements with heartfelt moments that resonate long after the final page. This novel is a must-read for fans of gothic fiction and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted, immersive story.

This was an engaging and well-written book that kept my interest throughout. The author delivered strong ideas and storytelling, with memorable moments that made it stand out. While there were a few areas that could have been expanded or polished further, overall it was an enjoyable and worthwhile read. I would recommend it to others looking for a thoughtful and rewarding experience.

I'm obsessed with this ghost-filled fantasy set in contemporary New York! As Spring Equinox approaches, the unsettled souls of El Intermedio are plotting to open the gates between the realms and wreak havoc in the living world. Two Panamanian American cousins with a gift for communicating with the dead have lost track of each other over the years, but they'll have to team up to save their city. The ghost/medium lore is excellent, and it balances genuinely scary moments with a vivid cast of characters and great sense of humor.

Clarence A. Haynes’s The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery was my first read by this author, and it’s a stylish, fast-paced urban fantasy that blends glamour, ghosts, and emotional reckoning with flair. Set in New York’s high-powered PR scene, the novel follows Gwendolyn Montgomery, a top-tier publicist whose carefully curated life begins to unravel after a supernatural incident at the Brooklyn Museum. As ghostly disturbances escalate, Gwendolyn is forced to confront long-buried secrets and a mystical past she’s tried to forget.

One of the novel’s strengths lies in the dynamic between Gwendolyn and Fonsi Harewood, a queer Latinx psychic from the South Bronx. Their interactions are layered with tension, wit, and reluctant trust, as Fonsi’s dire warnings push Gwendolyn out of denial and into action. The contrast between her polished exterior and his grounded mysticism creates a compelling push-pull that drives the story forward.

Haynes’s debut is both sensuous and cinematic, with a narrative that alternates perspectives and builds momentum without losing emotional depth. The ghostly elements are eerie but never overwrought, and the character relationships—especially the tangled love triangle involving Fonsi add texture and heart. It’s a confident first novel that promises even more from Haynes’s imaginative voice.

Where do I start, I absolutely enjoyed this book. This was my first time reading this author and I definitely will be reading more

The was a fun concept to read. I enjoyed the FMC’s quirkiness and wit. The pacing kept me reading and ready for more. I enjoyed this read.

The prose is clunky and vacant, like a transcript of a TV newscast, so bad it hurts to read. ("She’d become a PR go-to woman with the ability to create the most exquisite on- and off-screen personas [aka “brands”] for her clients.")

Accumulated detail is not the same as vivid description. The NYC setting is completely unrealistic; I don't know in what alternative universe someone could drive from Harlem to Crown Heights in half an hour on a Friday evening, but when I read that passage to my wife she burst out laughing. Take the subway, please.

I'm sorry. I really wanted to like this -- the premise is terrific -- but it's unreadable.

The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery was a quick paced tale about family, dark pasts, and returning to those you love. Gwendolyn is about to hit it big but a string of supernatural happenings are pushing her while she's on the rise. She has to return to something she never wanted to face again. It was a romp of a book and I had such a fun time with it! The characters were layered despite it's short page count, and the story had legs by the end that kept me guessing. I don't think this is necessarily the best book of 2025, but I think if you like non-spooky (and kind of scary) ghosts, messy magic, and some horror elements, add this to your TBR!

I figured this one might take me on a ride but I didn't think it'd be like that from the beginning! This was funny and intriguing and I couldn't wait to find out what actually happening. I would love to see this story adapted for a movie or limited series. As I was reading I could see it all playing out in my end so I think it would be perfect for that. I can't wait to read what Haynes writes next. This was a strong debut!


Rounded from 4.25 stars

It was a bit difficult to get into at first until we switched POVs then I couldn’t put it down. Some of the themes were dark but were handled well so they weren’t overwhelming.

The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery
Release Date: June 17, 2025
Length: 7 hours 45 minutes
Genre: Paranormal | Urban Fantasy | Queer Fiction

Huge thank you to Hachette Audio and the author, Clarence A. Haynes for the opportunity to read this novel in advance of it's publishing.

The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery first caught my attention with the gorgeous cover. Seeing dark skinned black woman on the cover immediately is an add to cart moment. TGoGM is a genre bending book that combines Magical Realism, paranormal elements and urban fiction all in one with many queer identifies. This book is billed as a fast paced soulful, culturally rich ghost story that blends Afro-Latina heritage, ancestral magic, and complex relationships. I found this novel caught me off guard at the start because there were some events that happened that were unexpected and I had to regain my footing. However, as I continued to read and got to know the characters and their motivations better I was able to connect with the characters more. Fonzi has got to be my favorite character because he is misunderstood and truthfully walked on by his ex because he is a kind soul. I have felt like Fonzi is my own life many times so I connected with him so much and I was so happy to see him grow into himself throughout the story. The element I loved the most was the occult, I have a fascination with occult things (which is hilarious since I am very much not into any religious practices) but I loved learning about mediums throughout this novel. This one really kept me on my toes and I appreciated the dabble into some tropes and genres I typically don't read.

Such a fun an interesting premise! I had high hopes for this one, but unfortunately it fell a little flat for me. It felt clunky and didn't flow well, and I wanted more ghost occurrences and scary stuff. Then it wrapped up too quickly without answers to some things, including how the public/rest of the world's reactions to what happened. However, I did enjoy the inclusion of Black American culture tied to Afro-Panamanian culture in the story and the characters and those were the most interesting parts for me. The descriptions of the "magic" and gifts were so cool. I liked Fonsi the most and enjoyed his chapters, but wanted more from Gwen. Her background was kept secret for too long, and I would have enjoyed it more if at least some of her past was revealed earlier or sprinkled throughout to connect with her better.

Overall a decent book, a like but didn't love, and I would still read more from this author in the future.

In The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery, we follow Gwendolyn, a fierce NYC publicist with a secret: she’s one of the most powerful spirit manipulators alive. She’s spent years burying her mystical gifts after a childhood tragedy until the veil between the spirit realm and the living world starts to unravel, and she has no choice but to face the past she’s been running from.

And then there’s Fonsi 😭 a queer Afro-Latinx medium from the Bronx, navigating love, loss, and a ghostly ex. He’s the bridge between realms, someone who literally walks between the living and the dead. Through him, we see how Afro-Latinx spiritual traditions are not just aesthetics, they’re survival, identity, and connection.

What makes this book special isn’t just the plot. it’s the energy. There are moments so deeply rooted in ancestral wisdom that it feels like the story is inviting you to reconnect with your own. It reminds us that healing often means calling in the ones who came before us. That we’re never truly alone..even in the chaos.

Haynes brings his Panamanian roots to every page, blending urban fantasy with horror, humor, and magic in a way that feels fresh, grounded, and necessary.

If you love books that honor Afro-Latinx storytelling and explore mystical realms where ancestors guide the way, The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery is for you.

Thank you NetGalley and Legacy Lit for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC.

I actually really liked this book.

This story is about Gwendolyn, PR extraordinaire, who starts to experience some targeted supernatural attacks at her events. And it's also about Fonsi, a medium and owner of La Playa, who helps people find closure with their deceased loved ones.

There was no part of this book that I found dull. I even loved the side characters Robyn, one of Fonsi's employees and my favorite side character; Arturo, a visual artist; James, an absolute sweetheart; Amede, a ghost that communicates with physical touch and notes written on the bathroom mirror; Ignacia, Fonsi's deceased mother (who I kinda feel bad for...); Duarte, who can go to hell and stay there; Raphael, who can also go to hell and stay there; Estelle, who took Fonsi in along with her husband; Tariq, Fonsi's best friend and Estelle's son...all great.

I'll even consider El Intermedio a character. A main character at that. It's basically limbo and if a spirit stays there too long, they can go a little coocoo.

I knew Gwendolyn and Fonsi would be connected somehow. That part was a little predictable, but I'm not mad at it.

Clarence, you did a good job.

A debut centered around two family members who are part of a mystical family that hail from the underrated beautiful country known as Panama. Something is happening in Manhattan and in order for the dead not to reappear, someone has to take charge 😏 Ghosts are a part of this story but so is regaining what once was yours as well as forging an identity that fits you best. I loved Gwen and Fonsi both as cousins interacting together and on their own. They learn to examine and take accountability as far as their roles when being mystics as well as confronting what it means to communicate with spirits. The respect and history behind orishas was so well done and I would read more from this author. There is a lot of rep in this book that makes it worth reading on its own. Afro Latinx (Panama / PR) New York setting. A gay male main character as well as a presumed non-binary side character.

⅘ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery
Author: Clarence A. Haynes

Thank you Netgalley, Hatchette Audio and Legacy Lit for my copy! This was such a fun and refreshing read. Gwendolyn Montgomery is a top publicist thriving in New York City. She’s enjoying her success, her new relationship, and the glamorous life, until a chilling encounter at the Brooklyn Museum brings her dark past into focus. When strange visions and ghostly disturbances begin to surface, her estranged cousin, a powerful medium, steps in to help. Together, they uncover secrets tied to their family’s legacy and a weakening veil between the human and spirit worlds. I loved the pacing and how it balanced quirk, mystery, and supernatural thrills. The audiobook was fantastic, and both narrators did an amazing job. This was such a clever and original concept, I really enjoyed it.

"The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery" was a miss for me. The aspects I enjoyed were overpowered by how easily I put the book down and struggled to pick it back up.

What worked:
1. The rich magic system rooted in Afro-Latine culture and spirituality. The colors and textures in the séance scenes were described with such vividness that it was almost as if I could reach out and touch the soft, vibrant yellow sunflower petals or inhale the viscous smoke drifting from the ember end of a stick of incense.

2. The complex nature of family relationships and the joy of found family, especially as they pertain to acceptance and choice. Honestly, the complex nature of humans, in general. We're complicated. We live in the gray. We're told to lean into the light, but we should also to embrace our shadow-selves. We can't have one without the other.

What didn't work:
1. Ghost sex (?).

2. Diction. When words feel unusual, jarring, or out of place, it takes me out of the world I'm building in my head, hindering me from getting lost in a story. If the word choice were adjusted in a handful of places, I feel this would read more smoothly and less like a YA novel:

• Body parts. If there's already cursing or slang throughout the story, I prefer that language stays consistent. It's distracting to come across words like "buttocks" and "behind" when scenes become intimate...

• Descriptors. I can't remember the last time I read the word "humongous", but it showed up 6 times in this book—twice within the same paragraph. It's just such a strange word that has so many synonyms.


2.5 stars for this one. I'm still excited to read Haynes' work in the future (I'm looking at "Nubia: The Awakening" on my bookshelf as I type this), but "The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery" didn't hit as hard as I was hoping.

This was such an intriguing paranormal story between cousins. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to more of the author's works.

Thank you to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for the gifted ARC.