The Keeper of Lonely Spirits by E. M. Anderson ~ a Review

by MK French

Peter Shaughnessy was cursed to wander eternally with the ability to see ghosts and talk to plants. After losing everyone he's ever loved, he focuses on the dead. After arriving in Harrington, Ohio, Peter is soon drawn into the lives of the townsfolk, and may even be falling in love. The angry ghost he's hunting is causing trouble and is threatening the lives of the people he now cares for.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

March 2025;MIRA; 978-0778368526
audio, ebook, print (400 pages); fantasy

Peter stopped aging in his 70s, so he often takes on the role of an unassuming groundskeeper for cemeteries and places where he will be unnoticed. He moves from town to town, avoiding attachments, and helping ghosts move on to the afterlife. They get unburdened of their earthly attachments keeping them around and affecting things. Ghosts aren't the transparent ones from movies, mostly the scents, emotions, and memories of the person that's left behind. We see how effective he can be, and then he hears about a strong ghost in Harrington. Once there, he finds it difficult to stay detached from the people around him, and the ghost proves more difficult to track down than usual. 

There is so much grief, loss, and talk about family. Gradually, Peter grows to love the children who sneak into the cemetery, the historian, and the cemetery director. As he gets to know them, he tries so hard to break the connections, hurting them as well as himself. It also brings up memories of his own past and his losses. He can't bear to keep grieving, but it's all he does anyway. We see his growth, subtle as it is, and by the end, he accepts the fact that people love and lose, and it's still worth the grief to have the love while it's there.

Buy The Keeper of Lonely Spirits at Amazon

Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and a golden retriever.

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us. Get even more book news in your inbox, sign up for our newsletter today! Or Follow Girl Who Reads with Bloglovin. Girl Who Reads is an Amazon advertising affiliate; a small commission is earned when purchases are made at Amazon using any Amazon links on this site. Thank you for supporting Girl Who Reads.