Midnight Lullaby by Cheryl Low
5 out of 5 stars
Benedict Lyon is the youngest son in a family of spiritualists, ghost whisperers, witches, and psychics. Once the black sheep of the family with no ability to see ghosts, Benedict now works as a ghost hunter to "cleanse" houses of the spirits that inhabit them. The only problem is, he still can't see ghosts. Well, except for one. Emmeline is the ghost of a murdered young woman that has been tied to Benny since he was a teenager. Since she showed up, he has learned to live with a ghost companion to the point where it's pretty clear that they love each other. She helps him bust ghosts, telling him where they are, what they are saying, and how to get rid of them. Because of Emmeline's help, Benedict is no longer considered the outcast of the Lyon family, finally earning their respect. However, when Benedict's mother dies, he must return to the family home with Emmeline in tow. While both are concerned about having a ghost in the house with a family of ghost hunters, they couldn't see her in the past, so what could go wrong?
I loved this book so much. It's a very emotional story, and while the supernatural horror is present, the real horror in this book is subtler and closer to home. I felt a deep connection to Benedict and Emmeline's relationship from the very beginning chapters. The way Low describes the emotional weight of not being able to have physical contact is excellent and gives a hint of sadness to their relationship. I also especially enjoyed the dynamics at play within the Lyon family. Every family has secrets, but when your family is steeped in the supernatural, those secrets hold more weight.
I'm a fan of quiet, emotional horror, and this book delivers that in spades. Even though the supernatural horror is present and terrific, The Midnight Lullaby shines with its ability to wrap the reader up emotionally and then cut deep. I felt for these characters and wanted them to be safe, happy, and to live out their ghost/human love story. One of the moments that made me feel that way was that Benny would hold open doors for Emmeline. Even though she's a ghost and could pass through the door, it makes them both feel like she's part of the world and that their relationship is a tangible thing. It's a beautiful and moment between characters that conveys so much about their relationship. I won't discuss the ending at all, but I will say that I thought it was perfect.
The Kindle edition of The Midnight Lullaby is available now, with the paperback being released at the end of July. I highly highly highly recommend that you read The Midnight Lullaby.