"Anderson writes a curmudgeonly immortal protagonist and a (literally) haunting story full of heart; a delightful novel." --Library Journal starred review
"This heartwarming, thrilling book cleverly uses horror tropes to achieve a powerful effect, suffusing the reader with warmth and kindness." --The Washington Post
In this mesmerizing, wonderfully moving queer cozy horror fantasy, an immortal ghost hunter must confront his tragic past and solve a centuries-old mystery in order to embrace his found family.
Find an angry spirit. Send it on its way before it causes trouble. Leave before anyone learns his name.
After over two hundred years, Peter Shaughnessy is ready to die and end this cycle. But thanks to a youthful encounter with one o' them folk in his native Ireland, he can't. Instead, he's cursed to wander eternally far from home, with the ability to see ghosts and talk to plants.
Immortality means Peter has lost everyone he's ever loved. And so he centers his life on the dead--until his wandering brings him to Harrington, Ohio. As he searches for a vengeful spirit, Peter's drawn into the townsfolk's lives, homes and troubles. For the first time in over a century, he wants something other than death.
But the people of Harrington will die someday. And he won't.
As Harrington buckles under the weight of the supernatural, the ghost hunt pits Peter's well-being against that of his new friends and the man he's falling for. If he stays, he risks heartbreak. If he leaves, he risks their lives.
About the Author :
E.M. Anderson (she/they) is a queer, neurodivergent writer and the author of The Remarkable Retirement of Edna Fisher. Her work has appeared in SJ Whitby's Awakenings: A Cute Mutants Anthology, Wyldblood Press's From the Depths: A Fantasy Anthology, and Dark Horses: The Magazine of Weird Fiction. They have two master's degrees and a feral passion for trees, birds, pole fitness, and Uncle Iroh. You can find them on Instagram, BlueSky, and Tumblr at @elizmanderson.
Review :
"Anderson writes a curmudgeonly immortal protagonist and a (literally) haunting story full of heart; a delightful novel." --Library Journal starred review "Anderson's narration is rich in juxtaposition: brisk and fast-paced, except when it gives way to a tortured internal monologue or a chilling ghost attack....This heartwarming, thrilling book cleverly uses horror tropes to achieve a powerful effect, suffusing the reader with warmth and kindness." --The Washington Post
"Refreshing gothic romantasy... The love story is moving and has just the right level of spice. Meanwhile, the search for the ancient ghost delivers enough horror-inflected moments to keep readers on the edge of their seats. TJ Klune fans will want to check out this heartfelt queer romp." --Publishers Weekly
"A gentle, deeply human tale about love, grief, and family. Packed with both heart and whimsy, Anderson's whip-smart writing is like a warm hug--inviting, comforting, and inclusive. This book is the coziest of havens." --Chelsea Abdullah, author of The Stardust Thief
"This heartwarming, heartfelt cozy fantasy about an elderly immortal learning to live rather than just survive establishes the author as a powerful voice in the genre. Her expert handling of grief, queerness, moving on, and finding joy will linger with you like one of the many spirits of the book."
--Kamilah Cole, bestselling author of the Divine Traitors duology
"Anderson masterfully weaves the fears of death into a heartfelt story about having the courage to live." --J.R. Dawson, author of The First Bright Thing
"A perfectly bittersweet and endearing story of compassion, loneliness, and the bonds that tie us together. Wonderfully poignant and heartwarming. You'll fall utterly in love with these characters and never want to let them go." --Amy Avery, author of The Longest Autumn
"The Keeper of Lonely Spirits crosses literary genres, making it appealing to a variety of readers." --Toledo Blade
