Review: Gleams of a Remoter World

Gleams of a Remoter World by Fiona Glass

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Book Info: Genre: Paranormal Mystery; M/M romantic suspense
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: Fans of romantic suspense, ghost stories, stories with M/M romance
Trigger Warnings: negativity expressed toward gay men, historical murder and attempted murder

My Thoughts: From the synopsis and tags on this, I was a bit worried that this would end up being more romance than mystery, but my fears were unfounded; the romance aspect was fairly subtle and not at all formulaic. I was, however, more than a little annoyed at Chris's attitude about trying to make up his mind between men and women—after all, what is wrong with being bi? But maybe I have a different perspective on this one than most. I really liked Bill and Paulie; they had a great relationship, and I was so sad for Paulie after I learned about Bill (no more details than that, so as to avoid spoilers).

Jo infuriated me, and Chris's attitude toward Jo also infuriated me. She treated him like dirt, used him when she wanted, ignored him otherwise, dated whomever she wanted but went dragon-lady on him if he so much as looked at someone, or if someone so much as looked at him.

Overall the book wasn't bad, but it didn't exactly blow me away either. I enjoyed the descriptions of Ireland, and I mostly liked Chris. I found the ghost story aspect of the novel fairly interesting, but in the end I was fairly lukewarm about the story. If you like romantic suspense featuring M/M romance, if you like ghost stories, you might like this book. If you're looking for a very romantic book, this probably isn't for you as the romance is subdued and in the background.

Disclosure: I received an e-book ARC from Riptide Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis: Paranormal journalists Chris Mullins and Jo Perry are sent to Ireland's remote west coast to investigate tales of hauntings at a ruined church. Chris, who has an inbuilt sensor for ghosts, is drawn to the old priest’s house next door, where he faces an otherworldly encounter so strong it leaves him reeling. Their research leads to a tangled web of forbidden love, family rows, and even, possibly, murder.

Chris jumps at the chance not only to solve the mystery, but also to aim for the coveted Moondust Award, a prize for the first journalist who proves that ghosts exist. Jo, though, is less enthusiastic, both about the award and her on-off relationship with Chris. Things become even more confused when Chris finds himself falling for Paulie, one half of a gay couple on holiday in the same village.

Only the wild, haunted landscape of Ireland can give Chris the answers he so craves, but to find them, he may have to choose between the Moondust Award and the matters of his heart.



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