Spooky Season Alert: My Take on Ghosted by Amy Hutton
As the leaves begin to turn and the nights grow longer, there’s something about the transition into fall that always stirs my appetite for a good paranormal read. Enter Ghosted by Amy Hutton, which I impulsively pre-ordered, knowing it would fit perfectly into my Halloween reading lineup. Little did I know I’d be diving into a delightful mix of ghostly escapades, awkward romance, and charming characters that would leave me both smiling and a tad spooked. Spoiler alert: if you’re into a little paranormal chaos with a side of humor, this one’s for you!
The story centers around Holly Daniels, a spirited medium (pun intended) who doesn’t just see the supernatural; she actively fights it off with her “haunted but hot girl” energy. Picture her surrounded by ghostly apparitions, chanting Latin, and wielding holy water as if it were an everyday accessory. Then there’s Callam Jefferies, the dreamy host of a popular paranormal podcast. His flirty charm had me rolling my eyes with delight—he definitely looks like he strolled right out of a dream journal. Their flirty banter combined with Holly’s adventurous spirit added an irresistible layer of tension to the mix.
When Callam sends Holly a text, “Got a job. Need your help,” I felt my heart race with anticipation. It’s a hook that launches us into a narrative reminiscent of Ghost Whisperer meets Ghostbusters—but with a sprinkle of awkwardness and a lot of laughs. While the plot does contain its fair share of holes (seriously, some were big enough for a baby poltergeist to crawl through), the ride was too enjoyable to dwell on it for long.
Hutton’s writing shines through with a breezy quality that made it easy to devour. The descriptions were vivid, and the pacing was generally good, despite a slight drag in the middle. I appreciated how the narrative leaned more towards the haunting mysteries and historical undertones—especially the witch trials—rather than overwhelming readers with an in-your-face romance. Their chemistry was a slow burn, and I found that refreshing.
Although I did roll my eyes at the grammar gremlins that appeared here and there and winced at the miscommunication trope (yes, three times!), none of this tainted my overall enjoyment. The plot twist was predictable by page 150, but I didn’t even care; the joy was in the journey. Plus, can we talk about the side characters? Those adorable little old ladies gossiping with the ease of seasoned pros brought so much life and authenticity to the story. They were absolute queens!
Now, while I did find one particularly unnecessary spice scene that could’ve easily been cut, even that didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment. Honestly, the story was more impactful without it.
Would I recommend Ghosted? Absolutely! If you’re in search of something spooky yet light-hearted to transition you into Halloween season, this is your read. It may not be perfect, but it’s filled with ghostly goodness and delightful characters that make it an enchanting escape. I had a blast diving into this whimsical world, and I hope you do too. So grab a cozy blanket, maybe a pumpkin spice latte, and get ready for a hauntingly good time!👻📚