Campbell's newest novel isn't a cheery Christmas novel with its Dicken's type ghost haunting the home, yet, one part of me could see this novel becoming a Christmas movie special, one where the viewers who were expecting a happy Christmas Eve gathering were somewhat disappointed by the darkness, fortunately too dark for Hallmark, but maybe just right for another venue. Readers are forewarned throughout the novel about the oldest sister's dark secret, and if they are impatient readers like me, will start formulating ideas about this secret, somewhat wishing we'd get to the end sooner to satisfy our curiosity.. Instead we watch this family get together, wary about last year's Christmas, when Sis, the oldest sibling, left the family gathering in shambles. But the true story begins nine years earlier on another Christmas Eve, when their father dies, and all the guilt, relief, and secrets evolved around this angry, dangerous father, the spirit that returns to haunt the family, as they all keep secrets, even Beth, the teenaged daughter, who has an uncanny memory of all details, and a deep quest to have the family forgive and forget, which finally more or less happens in this novel. A Lifetime version of this holiday novel would begin where this novel ends; but, alas, that's not how this story tumbles. It's a novel that reflects on families, how often family members are left to feel like damaged goods, yet, as Doug's girlfriend points out, they are a family of brave survivors, truly a marvel.

To unveil the event on Christmas Eve nine years ago that shattered the Whitby family into separate pieces, Bonnie Jo Campbell writes the story as if they are seated together for their traditional dinner in 'The Spirits'. As the story unfolds for the eldest son's girlfriend, each person shares their recollections of that night. In doing so, the family is reunited with a new understanding of one another. Truly a touching story.

Thank you W.W. Norton & Company and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this arc in return for an honest review.

I have never been fortunate enough to read Bonnie Jo Campbell before, and some of the elements of this book that make her such a huge success are a little foreign to me.
I was at the point where I thought….well, this is a beautifully written book that maybe just isn’t the book for me…when I started sobbing about (and for) the main character. So, maybe it is the book for me.
And now that I think about it…families acting badly during the holidays? People with certain yet incorrect information about family? People being haunted? These are a few of my favorite things.
While I read it in the heat of summer, this seems like a book one should read curled up by the fire on a stormy night.
I’m grateful to W.W. Norton & Company for the opportunity to read THE SPIRITS.

First, thank you so much to W.W. Norton and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
If you're picking this up thinking you're getting a modernized version of A Christmas Carol you'd be wrong but I don't think you'd be disappointed for long. This is a fast-paced novel that tells a tale of family drama, betrayal and ultimately redemption all set on Christmas Eve in rural America. It's quite disturbing at times, almost reads like a psychological thriller. This is my first book that I've read by this author but I'll definitely be reading more. This book is set to be published in October so I highly recommend you get yourself onto the library wait list asap!!