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Book: Phantom Relics of Cheswick Hall
Year: 2025
Writer: Ian Flint
ISBN13: 9798231868797
Synopsis: when Lord Archibald Smythe is flattened by a chandelier and wakes to find himself a ghost, he's far more annoyed about missing breakfast than being dead. But when his feckless son puts Cheswick Hall - and its priceless relics - up for auction, Archibald must haunt, hustle, and hobnob with fellow phantoms to bring the artefacts home. From the rose gardens of England to penthouses in New York, this delightfully absurd tale of ghostly misadventure, upper-crust eccentricity, and spectral sabotage is a joyous romp through the afterlife of the 1920s aristocracy.
Now this isn’t a book that I’d normally wouldn’t read. I have corresponded with the writer, Ian Flint, so seeing that his next work was out, I was intrigued to give it a read. What I mean that this isn’t normally what I read is that I’d say this geared toward older children or young adults. That doesn’t take away from the fact that it is well-written. It is a fast read as well, which I always appreciate. It is a fun journey that we go on.
We start this getting to know our lead character, Archibald, until he tragically passes away. His wife has left and everything goes to his son. Due to what happened with his mother, he has no care for the legacy that Cheswick Hall brings. He decides to sell off the items. It is interesting that ahead of reading this, I had watched a film called The Ghost Goes West. There are interesting similarities here. The biggest being that Archibald is now haunting this manor until he can get back the artifacts that were sold off.
His adventures take him first to New York City, where he haunts the collector who purchased his bed. He needs to learn how to haunt, and fast, in order to get it back. There is a chance that everything could be sold by the winds if he doesn’t. He does get aid with the help of Oliver Pembroke, as well as his other ancestors who haunt Cheswick.
Getting back to what I said before, this would be a fun read for teens or young adults. There are tinges of horror with ghosts haunting. This is more in the vein of gothic, where they aren’t villains. In this case it could be the collectors and Archibald’s son who is selling items off. It quickly moves through things in a whimsical way. There are heartwarming aspects whereas Archibald gets better at being a ghost, his family starts to see that they’ve been too hard on him. This brings heart as they want him to be the best possible version of himself.
Now since this is written more for a younger audience, there isn’t as much drama. It moves through the different set pieces rather quickly. I’m not necessarily the target audience. This would be a book that I’d pick up for my daughter and son, when they’re older. Mackenzie, my oldest, is already starting to like spooky stuff thanks to me so I think this is something that she might be interested in.
In conclusion, this offers a lighthearted and enjoyable journey through the afterlife, despite not being my typical read. Flint delivers a well-written, fast-paced narrative that skillfully blends gothic themes with whimsical humor. While geared towards a younger audience, the book's charming characters and heartwarming family dynamics make it a delightful experience, perfect for introducing younger readers to spooky, yet not villainous, ghosts. It’s a read I’d readily recommend for teens and young adults.
My Rating: 7 out of 10