Paper Ghosts - by Sarah Addison Allen (Hardcover)

There is a special kind of excitement that comes with opening a new Sarah Addison Allen book, and Paper Ghosts arrived with all the promise of mystery, family secrets, and a touch of magic. Ever since I discovered Garden Spells, I have looked forward to each new release, and I was eager to settle in with this story. While Paper Ghosts unfolds at a gentler pace than I expected, that slower beginning gives readers time to step into its shadowy atmosphere and appreciate its quieter moments. The unexpected shifts in time add an intriguing layer, even as I found myself wishing for a smoother path through the characters’ histories. Wills has the beginnings of a truly compelling story, and I especially enjoyed the hints of her connection with her grandmother. I would have loved even more time with that relationship, particularly during Wills’s growing-up years, because those details could have made the family history feel even richer. Tug and Bailey also bring interesting possibilities to the story, and a deeper look at their lives would have added another warm layer to the family thread. Although this book leans darker than the author’s earlier work, with moments of violence and characters who are more complicated than cozy, it is still clear that Allen is exploring a different side of her storytelling. Most of all, I wanted to spend more time with the family’s gift—the magic that gives the story its spark—and I finished the book curious for more answers. Even though Paper Ghosts was not my favorite Sarah Addison Allen novel, it reminded me why I continue to follow her work: her stories always invite anticipation, conversation, and the hope of discovering something enchanting on the next page. I will happily be first in line for her next tale, ready once again for whatever magic she chooses to share.