The first half of this book had me completely hooked. The author masterfully wove Afro-Latino religions and spiritual rituals into an otherworldly and magical narrative. While the story maintained a compelling, fast pace, I found myself wishing the main characters had more time to truly process the highly emotional confessions revealed towards the end. Would've loved more sexy ghost scenes too........anywho.

The concept, cover (I mean, LOOK AT IT) and description all led to me requesting this ARC from NetGalley, and I'm so glad I did!

This book is a great multigenre blend, and is a bit of a wild ride. The beginning really hooked me, and I loved how descriptive the story was, along with being a celebration of Afro-Latinx culture. Our two main characters provide very different perspectives and experiences of their world, and it created a really engaging experience as a reader. While I enjoyed the story overall, I do feel like it fell off a bit at around 60% for me, but I think this is mostly because I wanted more from the story. We, are readers, are given glimpses into a number of things within this book, but I think I would've loved if the book was a bit longer so that some of these things could have been expanded upon. The beginning of the book was very visual but that seemed to lessen as the book went on, which I found a bit disappointing. I think a bit more length overall could have given the story a bit more depth in a way that I would've loved, BUT I really enjoyed the story, and Clarence A. Haynes is absolutely an author that I'll read again in the future.

This boook definitely ended up being enjoyable. They had me in the first half though—it’s definitely a slower starting book, only to set the stage though. Once it gets poppin’, it’s MOVINGG. Fonsi was my favorite character in this book. He seemed to be the only one who stayed true to himself all the way through, even when he knew he was wrong. Gwendolyn on the other hand, i’m happy miss girl finally picked her head up out the sand. Ancestry isnt something you can run from for long — especially hers.

If you want an unconventional find yourself read, this is perfect for you! Thanks to Clarence Haynes, Legacy Lit & the Hatchette Book Group for the advanced reader copy 🫶🏾

Deeply enjoyed this read. I can’t say for sure whether it’s horror or speculative fiction, but the complicated and moving mix of themes of self love, spirituality, culture, trauma and healing were potent. Giselda and Fonsi were complex Afro-Panamanian characters, dealing with their own stuff and in their own ways. I loved their journies back to themselves and each other through this book. Would highly recommend this to others and would read more from this author.

The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery is a campy horror-fantasy that is in turns ridiculous and horrifying. Thing start to go wrong for Gwendolyn, a high-powered publicist, when her star-studded events are sabotaged by mysterious means. At the same time, Fonsi, a queer psychic shopkeeper in a forbidden relationship with a ghost, discovers that the line between the human world and the place beyond is becoming dangerously thin, and Gwendolyn might be the only one who can save New York from an incoming horde of ghosts.

I really loved the premise, and Gwendolyn and Fonsi were both sympathetic and likable characters to follow; the sabotaging of Gwendolyn's events and Fonsi's ghost affair were great starts that pulled me in. Unfortunately, though, the story suffered from an overload of flashbacks and memory scenes that really dragged down the pacing, so I sort of lost interest by the time I got into the second half and things started coming together. Still, if a ghostly romp through NYC sounds like a good time, this one might be for you!

——
Is it queer? Yes!

Is it diverse? Yes!

How long did it take? Totally forgot to time this one, my bad.

Thank you to author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was pretty good, it was a mix of supernatural thriller and romance. I am not really into supernatural or fantasy books but the plot sounded interesting. II will say my only con is that this books moves slowly. Overall a good read.

3.5 ⭐️ Gwendolyn is a successful publicist with a secret past that she is hiding from those close to her. Fonsi is a medium who can visit the in-between and talk to spirits who haven’t fully crossed over. Together they must save New York City from angry ghosts. This is not a horror type ghost story at all, it’s more of a campy take on a ghost story. I didn’t find that this book moved slow like some other reviews did, I actually liked learning the back stories of the characters. I am not someone who likes long books and I can’t remember a time when I have thought that a book would have benefited from being longer but I think this book would have. I wish we got to know some of the side characters more, they were a few who initially seemed like they were going to be a big part of the story, only to end up going nowhere. Additionally, I would have liked to know more about how the antagonist became the way she was. 5/5 on the representation.

I received an advance copy via NetGalley. An additional disclaimer: Clarence has worked on three of my books as the developmental editor, and I have tremendous respect for him.

This book is a fast-paced, fun read, an urban fantasy that draws on Clarence’s own Afro-Latinx roots within an NYC setting. Gwendolyn Montgomery is a glamorous, in-demand publicist at a prestigious firm. But when her client’s events start getting sabotaged in horrific ways, she’s drawn back into a past she thought she left behind. The queer rep is strong, the characters unique. I loved the book. I read the entire thing in one day courtesy of a long day of travel, and this book was just what I needed to pull me away from stressful reality.

A must-read for fans of supernatural thrillers with a dash of romance! This book kept me hooked with its twists and turns. The main character, Gwendolyn, is great. The story felt very immersive and I can't wait to read more by this author. Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC opportunity for my honest review. Releases June 17th

I really enjoyed this paranormal thriller, the urban setting made it fun to read and the overall pace was page-turning in the best way. Gwendolyn Montgomery is a relatable main character who is battling through her own past as well as the current nightmare she’s trying to outrun. She’s fighting against her own ghosts both literally and figuratively, while on a mission to close the “gate” between between the living and the afterlife. With spooky elements, diverse characters, and rich storytelling The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery is a must read!

The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery follows the titular character, a PR baddie with a troubled past, and her cousin Fonsi, a medium who runs a store providing services and paraphernalia related to Afro-Carribbean mysticism. It turns out that Fonsi's skills will come in handy because buckle up, this is a paranormal thriller featuring ghosts, African deities, and a good bit of brujeria.

This was a wild ride, and it packed multiple romantic interests, a story of ghostly revenge, and Gwendolyn's troubled past into a fast-paced page turner. Haynes' conversational prose makes the characters come off of the page, and it's evident that the cultural elements were carefully constructed. Once I got going, I ate this book up over the span of a couple days.

There were, however, some problems with the pacing. In a relatively short book, there were quite a few emotional moments that would have benefitted from more time to let the reader feel their impact. Instead, it felt as though we were constantly hurrying on to the next thing. Also, I predicted most of the big reveals early on, which took away some of the suspense toward the end.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read and a solid debut with a unique premise. Thanks to NetGalley and Legacy Lit for sending me an early copy for review!

From the first page to the last, "The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery" delivers a truly exceptional reading experience! This isn't just a ghostly adventure; it's a vibrant, sexy, and surprisingly funny journey into the mystical underbelly of New York City. Gwendolyn Montgomery, a powerhouse publicist, is a fascinating protagonist. Her carefully constructed life begins to unravel in the most intriguing way as her secret past collides with a bizarre present. The author expertly balances Gwendolyn's professional polish with the vulnerability of her hidden history.

The introduction of Fonsi Harewood injects a unique and compelling energy into the narrative. As a queer Latinx psychic navigating his own complicated spectral love life, Fonsi is a breath of fresh air. His interactions with Gwendolyn are filled with sharp wit and a genuine sense of connection, making their unlikely partnership a highlight of the book. The author's portrayal of Fonsi's identity and experiences feels authentic and adds a rich layer of diversity to the story.

The plot moves at a perfect pace, seamlessly weaving together the threads of Gwendolyn's high-stakes career, her burgeoning romantic life, and the escalating ghostly threat. The "grisly, bizarre incident at the Brooklyn Museum" serves as a fantastic catalyst, propelling Gwendolyn (and the reader) into a world where the lines between the living and the dead are blurring. The stakes feel genuinely high, not just for Gwendolyn but for the world at large.

What truly sets this book apart is its tone. It manages to be both sensuous and funny without diminishing the underlying sense of mystery and danger. The dialogue is sharp and engaging, and the author's descriptive prose brings both the glamorous world of New York publicity and the eerie realm of spirits to vivid life. I found myself completely invested in Gwendolyn's journey as she grapples with her past and embraces a destiny she tried to outrun.

The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery" is a captivating blend of genres that will appeal to a wide range of readers. It's smart, sexy, spooky, and ultimately, incredibly satisfying. This book left me spellbound, eagerly turning the pages to uncover every secret and revelation. A definite five-star read!

4/5 stars: This is Haynes' BIPOC Paranormal Urban Fantasy stand-alone that follows a publicist and former mystical practitioner, who could tap into the metaphysical realm of the dead known as El Intermedio, who's thrust back into the spiritual world she left in her past after a series of grisly, bizarre incidents during events she planned for her elite clients. Reuniting her with her cousin, a medium, the two will have to face their past and present demons if their going to heal the breach in the barrier between humans and spirits and stop the spirit world unleashing itself on New York. A fast-paced, ghostly adventure, Haynes has crafted a sensuous, funny, mystical adventure that will leave you spellbound as you keep the pages turning. Told in dual POVs with humor and candor, Haynes' writing and character work are excellent; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining likable. Gwendolyn and Fonsi are the main POVs. Gwendolyn's (Gwen/Giselda) a tough lady and it's great to see her reconnecting with her power and finally coming to terms with her past. Fonsi's great and it was lovely to see him dealing with the events of the past and their consequences and see him grow into himself and learn his worth and power. Additionally, I really appreciated Haynes' world building which is infused with Afro-Latinx cultural elements and spiritual traditions harking to his own Panamanian upbringing. Haynes touches on some sensitive topics; so take care and check the CWs.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing | Legacy Lit in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

Thank you to NetGalley and Legacy Lit for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

Oh boy - I ate this one up and I think that it would be wonderful on audio as well!! The publicist named Gwen has a really long buried secret - that seems to be coming to light when a strange incident occurs that brings it all up. Enter the amazing psychic named Fonzi and his message from the spirits for Gwen and it just all comes undone.

This book is a really great blend of satire and seriousness - the characters are spunky and amazing and I really LOVED this unique book!

"The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery" by Clarence Haynes is a book I was really excited to dive into because of its intriguing concept. The story follows Gwendolyn Montgomery, a woman with the unique ability to communicate with ghosts, as she uncovers secrets about her family's past and the town's hidden history. The themes of identity, courage, and understanding one's heritage are beautifully woven into the narrative. However, I found that the pacing and structure didn't quite meet my expectations. I felt that the reveal of the connection between Gwen and Fonsi should have come much sooner, and some of the early parts involving Fonsi could have been left out. This affected my engagement with the book, and I only managed to read about 88% of it. Despite this, I might pick it back up in the future, as sometimes a different perspective can change the reading experience. Overall, I'd give it a 3-star rating.

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and Netgalley for the early copy. All opinions are my own

This book definitely has a lot of elements to it. Secret pasts 🤫, intriguing spiritual lore 🙏🏾, cultural representation 🇵🇦 🇺🇸, and an epic battle 🔪👻. The author did such a great job of storytelling that I was able to picture each scene in my head as if a movie was playing.

There were a few times where I felt the story moved a bit slow but it didn’t detract from enjoying the book. I’ve seen mixed reviews for this story and I can see why certain aspects may not be everyone’s cup of tea however I enjoyed it.

The final battle had me locked in and holding my breath 😬.

Fonsi was such a sweet and lovable character 💙 and I loved seeing him recognize toxic patterns and gain his self worth. Bye f-boys 💋. I am curious on how/if he and Amede move forward.

Gwendolyn. I was happy to see her embrace her past and make reconciliations. I do wish she would have told James the truth about what happened to him. I really hate when parts of stories get left out, no matter how well-intended.

Thank you, NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing, and Legacy Lit, for the advance copy of The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery is a unique urban Sci-Fi & Fantasy book.

The main character is Gwendolyn Montgomery. She is a beautiful woman who works in the fashion industry. Things were going well for Gwendolyn until terrible accidents happened.
Each of the shows she participated in was destroyed violently. She thinks someone is out to ruin her but can’t figure it out. At the same time, her long-lost cousin, Fonsi, is experiencing powerful supernatural encounters. He believes there is a rift between spiritual work and the natural world. Fonsi is alarmed when he hears of the accidents surrounding his cousin, Gwendolyn. He must find her because the supernatural world is out for her. They will do anything to come into the natural world to harm her and others.

The book was fast-paced and included vivid scenes. The author’s imaginative writing style kept me engaged. Especially the descriptions of spiritual encounters. I enjoyed it so much that I want to read more from the author.

The cover art and title are what drew me to request this book from Net Galley. Gwendolyn Mongomery. The best event/premiere Organizer of Sublime At the top of her game, living life and in a casual relationship with her current beau, James. Right out the gate, this book starts with a BANG! During a premier event for her most famous clients, Clive Sergeant, and LaMarque Fashion, her worst fear comes true: red everywhere with a message scrawled in blood, on the back wall of the runway: Traidora!
So begins the downward spiral of her “new life”. Enters, Fonsi. Gwendolyn’s cousin from back home. Very fond of spirits, and the spirit world and connecting with them, he is struggling with his own relationship issues, and running his own business, “La Playa”.
However, it is soon known that the spirit world has been turned upside down and loose. Fonsi must connect with Giselda, and Gwendolyn must come to grips with her past and “right” everything that has gone wrong. Can the spirit world be repaired, and the two cousins find their way to each other and reconnect their lives as it used to be and she remain hidden as a Guardian?
This was an exciting read. It did start off a little slow but picked up quick and had me turning pages in the middle of the night. The storyline kept me intrigued as new characters and plot twists were introduced along the way. Somewhat of a “coming to terms” with the past, learning, growing, and healing along the way. Everything fit together; vivid images in my mind of El Intermedio, the museum show, Fonsi and his “ghost”, and the star protagonist, Gwendolyn Montgomery. Well written, to send your mind into other worldly imagination. I am excited to see what author, Clarence Haynes writes next!
A must read if you are into spirits, thrillers, a mystery with a bit of romance, and a heroin for the ages!
Overall 4 stars.

Another case of don't judge a book by its cover. This is an instant page turner. Haynes crafted a fast paced and emotional story you can easily fall in love with.

Modern-day witches tackling the ancestral plane. Yes, please! In *The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery*, Clarence A. Haynes delivers a magical tale rooted in Afro-Latinx traditions and mythology, where family, loss, and the supernatural intertwine.

Gwendolyn Montgomery has built the life she always wanted as a top-tier advisor to celebrity artists. But when tragedy strikes—and strikes again—she distances herself from her roots. When mysterious forces begin sabotaging her events and dredging up her past, Gwendolyn is forced to reckon with her what she left behind.

Across town, Fonsi manages the local apothecary, still haunted by the disappearance of his cousin after “the incident”. When the Spirit Realm starts to fracture, Fonsi is drawn into a deeper mystery—and a search for the truth that connects them both. Together, they must face what was lost to restore balance between the living and the ancestral.

Haynes weaves African Orisha lore and Santería practices into the story with care and respect, illuminating cultural connections that are often overlooked. He offers glimpses into spiritual traditions that ground the magic in something deeply human.

The novel is fast-paced and engaging, though I found myself wishing for more depth in certain areas. Some side plots, like Humberto's storyline, felt like detours, while key supporting characters—especially Amede—deserved more attention. I would love to see a sequel that explores these threads more fully and builds on the resolution.

Think: *Blood Like Fate* meets *The Ghost Whisperer*—a supernatural mystery that’s more soul-stirring than spine-chilling.

Overall, this is an enjoyable, atmospheric read you can breeze through in a day or two. Perfect for readers looking for a ghost story with roots, heart, and magic.