4/5 Star Review
Ending Leaves Open For Potential Series (Hopefully)
LGBT Ghostbusters/ Strangers Things But Make It
Adult
Clunky Dialogue
Good worldbuilding.
Rambling paragraphs that can be condensed at times.
Would read a second or third installment.

Thank you to Netgalley and Grand Central for the Arc!
4 ⭐️

A popular NY publicist named Gwendolyn Montgomery with a secret mystical past is connected to an Afro-Latinx queer medium, Fonsi Harewood, who tries to find her to get her help. When the barrier between the human world and the spirit realm start to dissolve, chaos is on the horizon. This blend of love, grief, family, culture, drama, and secrets will keep you turning the pages! ✨

This story starts off slow and cutesy in the beginning, with your basic everyday things that people are concerned about. As the story went on, I realized I forgot it wasn’t gonna be sunshine and rainbows. Things start to get weird and we are left wondering when our main characters paths will cross and what the outcome will be. The book immediately takes a turn and speeds off into the chaos.

I wish this book would’ve been longer because we get a lot of events happening quickly back to back. It would’ve been nice to truly see how the characters processed all the events that happen in the story. There was so much that was touched upon that left me wanting more! I wish we also would’ve learned more about the spiritual elements within the book as well. ✨

This story will always have a special place in my heart because it was the first book I’ve read with Panamanian characters. I loved the little details about our food and places back in Panama so much, it made me want to know more about my parent’s home country. The way this book celebrated culture and the diaspora, but didn’t shy away from a piece of tragic history, will stay with me forever. 🇵🇦❤️ I loved the queer representation as well!! Perfect diverse read for Pride Month 🏳️‍🌈💕

The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery is a genre-bending, whip-smart novel that blends supernatural suspense with sharp social commentary, all wrapped in a glamorous New York City setting. At the heart of the story is Gwendolyn Montgomery, a high-powered publicist whose influence gives her clients an almost magical allure. With a glittering career and a seemingly perfect romance, Gwendolyn’s life appears charmed—until a gruesome, unexplained incident at the Brooklyn Museum cracks the polished surface of her world.

From there, the novel spirals into a deliciously eerie mystery, propelled by the reappearance of Fonsi Harewood, a queer Latinx psychic navigating his own complicated love triangle—with a ghost. Fonsi’s warning—that the veil between the living and the dead is thinning—forces Gwendolyn to confront the secrets she’s buried, the trauma she’s avoided, and the spirits that won’t let her move on.

Author [Name] expertly weaves dark humor, urban mysticism, and emotional truth into a story that is as much about personal reckoning as it is about spectral chaos. With vivid prose and biting wit, the novel explores identity, legacy, and the limits of control in a world teetering between the material and the metaphysical.

Equal parts chilling, cheeky, and emotionally resonant, The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery is a supernatural tale for the modern age—where confronting ghosts, literal and figurative, may be the only way to find freedom. It’s a spellbinding read that thrills while daring readers to question what haunts them most.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)

The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery is a story that ultimately delivers, but not without a bumpy start. For a good portion of the beginning, I found myself confused—unsure how the dual timelines and characters were meant to connect. The pacing felt uneven, and I struggled to stay grounded in the narrative.

That said, the story does come together in a satisfying way. Once the pieces began to align, I was able to appreciate the emotional weight and the clever structure the author built. There’s a strong payoff if you’re willing to push through the initial confusion.

While it wasn’t a perfect read for me, I’m glad I stuck with it. A solid story that rewards patience, though I do wish the early chapters had been a bit more accessible.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.

Thank you, Libro FM for the Advanced Listening Copy of the audiobook for The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery
Read if you enjoy:
-Mind-blowing debut books from naturally talented authors
-A diverse cast of characters with a range of sexual identities
-Urban fantasy, horror & occultism, cultural mythology and deities
-Powerful Black women slaying their business and relationship goals in NYC
-Representation of the Diaspora and Afro-Caribbean indigenous peoples

Favorite aspects:
-The Afro-Latine medium Fonsi is my favorite character brought to life perfectly by the narrator
-The ghost romance!
-The blend of multiple sub-genres within horror/fantasy, including comedy
-I loved Fonsi and his care and concern for his community of customers and employees at his business, La Playa
-Gwedolyn Montgomery is a strong, capable, complex and flawed woman with deeply hidden secrets and compelling reasons for doing so-I enjoyed watching her navigate a professional and personal crisis
-Ghost equinox! Kinda reminded me of that scene in Ghostbusters where all the ghosts are let loose on the city
The audiobook is amazing! Such a talented narrator capable of voicing diverse characters with unique voices and accents
I love this book and will forever recommend it to readers craving something fresh and new in paranormal/supernatural horror

The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery by Clarence A. Haynes is a beautifully haunting tale that takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster. The protagonist’s journey of confronting the past as it collides with the present is both poignant and powerful. Haynes masterfully blends the supernatural with deeply human themes of memory, grief, and acceptance. The writing is evocative, drawing you into every twist and revelation with heartfelt intensity. Though a few moments felt slightly drawn out, the emotional payoff was well worth it, making this a memorable and resonant read.

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!