In the town of St. Hilaire, most make their living by talking to the dead. In the summer, the town gates open to tourists seeking answers while all activity is controlled by The Guild, a sinister ruling body that sees everything.
Dec Hampton has lived there his entire life, but ever since his parents died, he's been done with it. He knows he has to leave before anyone has a chance to stop him.
His best friend Russ won't be surprised when Dec leaves—but he will be heartbroken. Russ is a good medium, maybe even a great one. He's made sacrifices for his gift and will do whatever he can to gain entry to The Guild, even embracing dark forces and contacting the most elusive ghost in town.
But when the train of Annie Krylova, the piano prodigy whose music has been Dec's main source of solace, breaks down outside of town, it sets off an unexpected chain of events. And in St. Hilaire, there are no such things as coincidences.
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Rating: 3 Stars
My Review: "Prelude for Lost Souls" by Helene Dunbar offers an intriguing blend of supernatural elements and small-town mystery that kept me turning the pages. The novel's setting in St. Hilaire, a town known for its connection to the dead, is both atmospheric and eerie, providing a perfect backdrop for the story's events.
Dunbar excels in creating a compelling atmosphere and delving into the complexities of grief and loss. The main characters, Dec and Russ, are well-developed and their personal struggles are portrayed with empathy and depth. The addition of Annie, a pianist with her own secrets, adds an interesting dynamic to the plot.
However, the pacing of the story felt uneven at times. Certain plot points that seemed crucial were resolved too quickly, while others dragged on without sufficient development. Additionally, the supernatural elements, while fascinating, occasionally overshadowed the emotional arcs of the characters, making it difficult to fully connect with their journeys.
Despite these issues, "Prelude for Lost Souls" is an engaging read with a unique premise. Fans of paranormal fiction and character-driven stories will find much to appreciate in Dunbar's novel. It's a solid read, though not without its flaws, and leaves room for potential growth in future installments.
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