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Haunted Hearts
Geist Fleisch
Drawn by promises of excitement and freedom, Callum uncovers a Berlin he never knew. It's the end of 1932 and all types mingle in the Weimar capital. Under the shadow of imminent political disaster, he discovers a place where the dead mix with the living, an organization devoted to studying where they intersect, and a man in each world that could capture his heart... or destroy him.
Haunted Hearts – Everyone deserves a happy ever afterlife!
Haunted Hearts is an Own-Voices Paranormal Romance Series about love and the things that go boo in the night. Join us on our romantic journeys over ten books from some of your favorite authors! Be sure to read the entire series so you don’t miss a moment of falling in love, or sometimes falling into a happily ever after-life! Each book is a standalone but why not read them all? Everyone deserves the HEA!
Haunted Hearts – Everyone deserves a happy ever afterlife!
Haunted Hearts is an Own-Voices Paranormal Romance Series about love and the things that go boo in the night. Join us on our romantic journeys over ten books from some of your favorite authors! Be sure to read the entire series so you don’t miss a moment of falling in love, or sometimes falling into a happily ever after-life! Each book is a standalone but why not read them all? Everyone deserves the HEA!
176 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2024
17 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Christian Baines
17 books151 followersWriting quirky queer horror and dark fantasy, Christian Baines is an awkward nerd turned slightly less awkward author. Raised on dark humour and powered by New Zealand wine, he is the author of nine novels including gay paranormal series The Arcadia Trust, Puppet Boy, Skin, and My Cat’s Guide to Online Dating. Born in Australia, he now travels the world whenever possible, living and writing in Toronto, Canada between trips.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 19, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
Geist Fleisch is a historical paranormal story and part of the multi-author Haunted Hearts collection. It’s set in early 1930s Germany and there are clear references to Hitler, Nazis, and brownshirts. That said, readers should know that the rise of the Third Reich functions more like a subtle, sinister undercurrent. There is also unapologetic use of German–a favorite trope of mine as a professional linguist.
The first thing that struck me about Geist Fleisch is that it captured some of the energy from another Baines’ book, Skin (a story that lives rent free in my head as an exemplar of breathtaking twists). After some scene setting that establishes Callum as a fish-out-of-water as an Englishman in Germany, we see Callum make a visceral connection with Max. Though their initial meeting was short, it was intense and seemed to sustain Callum, like making a connection with Max finally made Callum feel like moving to Germany was worthwhile.
Anyone looking for a surprise supernatural story with a touch of horror is sure to enjoy this book. Fans of Baines’ work are in for a tremendous treat, especially as you enter the second half of the story.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
Geist Fleisch is a historical paranormal story and part of the multi-author Haunted Hearts collection. It’s set in early 1930s Germany and there are clear references to Hitler, Nazis, and brownshirts. That said, readers should know that the rise of the Third Reich functions more like a subtle, sinister undercurrent. There is also unapologetic use of German–a favorite trope of mine as a professional linguist.
The first thing that struck me about Geist Fleisch is that it captured some of the energy from another Baines’ book, Skin (a story that lives rent free in my head as an exemplar of breathtaking twists). After some scene setting that establishes Callum as a fish-out-of-water as an Englishman in Germany, we see Callum make a visceral connection with Max. Though their initial meeting was short, it was intense and seemed to sustain Callum, like making a connection with Max finally made Callum feel like moving to Germany was worthwhile.
Anyone looking for a surprise supernatural story with a touch of horror is sure to enjoy this book. Fans of Baines’ work are in for a tremendous treat, especially as you enter the second half of the story.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
October 9, 2024
In Geist Fleisch, Christian Baines masterfully intertwines pre-WWII history and the paranormal to create a haunting, emotionally charged tale of love, loss, and survival. Set in the bleak and decaying Berlin of the early 1930s, during the height of Germany's Great Depression, the novel immerses readers in a world crumbling under economic despair.
This novel captivates with its rich historical backdrop and the author's skillful depiction of otherworldly romance through evocative language. The fluid transition between the material and spiritual realms is truly mesmerizing. What particularly intrigued me was the focus on the post-WWI and pre-WWII era from a distinctly European perspective, delving into the period's cultural nuances and the interpersonal dynamics between the rich cast of characters. The portrayal of European differences, accents, and societal hierarchies, even among supernatural beings, added a captivating layer to the story that I found quite entertaining. In an environment pulsating with supernatural influence, I appreciate these facets of realism.
Baines skillfully weaves in thematic elements characteristic of the period, including exploration of sex and gender politics and the vibrant world of cabaret nightlife. Additionally, the author adeptly integrates the looming presence of the Nazi regime. Baine's unique ghost story seamlessly incorporates these themes without disrupting the main plot's narrative flow or overall comprehension. There was a moment early on where I sought further clarification on the protagonist, Callum's, intentions or the driving force behind the narrative. However, I quickly realized that my desire for more information was a testament to how invested I had become in the story. Great job!
Geist Fleisch is a superbly written, compelling paranormal historical gay romance with just enough horror action to appease readers who may be looking for that extra oomph! I could easily see a series based on Baines' version of Berlin and the entirety of this supernatural world he's created.
To read the full review go to www.ryanlawrenceauthor.ca
This novel captivates with its rich historical backdrop and the author's skillful depiction of otherworldly romance through evocative language. The fluid transition between the material and spiritual realms is truly mesmerizing. What particularly intrigued me was the focus on the post-WWI and pre-WWII era from a distinctly European perspective, delving into the period's cultural nuances and the interpersonal dynamics between the rich cast of characters. The portrayal of European differences, accents, and societal hierarchies, even among supernatural beings, added a captivating layer to the story that I found quite entertaining. In an environment pulsating with supernatural influence, I appreciate these facets of realism.
Baines skillfully weaves in thematic elements characteristic of the period, including exploration of sex and gender politics and the vibrant world of cabaret nightlife. Additionally, the author adeptly integrates the looming presence of the Nazi regime. Baine's unique ghost story seamlessly incorporates these themes without disrupting the main plot's narrative flow or overall comprehension. There was a moment early on where I sought further clarification on the protagonist, Callum's, intentions or the driving force behind the narrative. However, I quickly realized that my desire for more information was a testament to how invested I had become in the story. Great job!
Geist Fleisch is a superbly written, compelling paranormal historical gay romance with just enough horror action to appease readers who may be looking for that extra oomph! I could easily see a series based on Baines' version of Berlin and the entirety of this supernatural world he's created.
To read the full review go to www.ryanlawrenceauthor.ca
September 29, 2024
Let’s not bullshit, after the day I had yesterday, I had to stop and talk myself down from the DNF ledge. I was frustrated with everything irl and highly emotional, which spilled over to the fact that I wasn’t getting what I was reading. BPD and grief are not friends, my dudes.
So I did the smartest thing I’ve possibly ever done, and I started the fuck over. Just about 92% done, and I flipped the pages back to the beginning and I read it again.
And lo and behold, the intelligence I thought I’d lost forever was released from its smooth brain prison and it rejoiced, for it found itself something new and different and bad ass as hell to read.
Y’all don’t care about story time, though. Y’all care about this book. As you should. It’s fucking phenomenal.
It took me a minute to get the rhythm and style of the author’s writing, but that’s to be expected. I’ve never read their work, and I’m not exactly up on my historical romance or my spooky romance. Which, I’m not sure this is exactly a romance, but it’s definitely got the historical and paranormal/spooky vibes.
Anyway, once I got my shit together, I let myself fall into the story, and that my buds is where the magic happened. It was twisted, borderline confusing, fast-paced, and fantastical. I didn’t get what was going on (totally) at any point in time, and that added to the fun of the build-up. The history was interesting as fuck, I loved the fact that Nazis weren’t given any quarter, the characters were rich and held my attention with not much to go on, and the whole thing left me desperate for everything that wasn’t there. My need for MORE is mighty.
But if you think I’m just gonna be happy about the scant Max content, we’re gonna have to have kind words. I would die for him, and that’s pretty justifiable/fair considering how much good he deserves. Callum got some happiness and peace, dammit, so Max needs his! I have grabby hands and I will use them.
4.5/5. There were some editing whiffs here and there, and I really wish I was less of an ignorant American and had a better grasp on languages, but this book was refreshingly different than anything I’ve ever read before, and I loved it. If you’re looking for smut, look elsewhere, but if you want a banger of a story and characters you find yourself invested in and attached to without fully understanding why until the very end, come inside and get mindfucked. That’s a complete and absolute compliment, so don’t get it twisted.
So I did the smartest thing I’ve possibly ever done, and I started the fuck over. Just about 92% done, and I flipped the pages back to the beginning and I read it again.
And lo and behold, the intelligence I thought I’d lost forever was released from its smooth brain prison and it rejoiced, for it found itself something new and different and bad ass as hell to read.
Y’all don’t care about story time, though. Y’all care about this book. As you should. It’s fucking phenomenal.
It took me a minute to get the rhythm and style of the author’s writing, but that’s to be expected. I’ve never read their work, and I’m not exactly up on my historical romance or my spooky romance. Which, I’m not sure this is exactly a romance, but it’s definitely got the historical and paranormal/spooky vibes.
Anyway, once I got my shit together, I let myself fall into the story, and that my buds is where the magic happened. It was twisted, borderline confusing, fast-paced, and fantastical. I didn’t get what was going on (totally) at any point in time, and that added to the fun of the build-up. The history was interesting as fuck, I loved the fact that Nazis weren’t given any quarter, the characters were rich and held my attention with not much to go on, and the whole thing left me desperate for everything that wasn’t there. My need for MORE is mighty.
But if you think I’m just gonna be happy about the scant Max content, we’re gonna have to have kind words. I would die for him, and that’s pretty justifiable/fair considering how much good he deserves. Callum got some happiness and peace, dammit, so Max needs his! I have grabby hands and I will use them.
4.5/5. There were some editing whiffs here and there, and I really wish I was less of an ignorant American and had a better grasp on languages, but this book was refreshingly different than anything I’ve ever read before, and I loved it. If you’re looking for smut, look elsewhere, but if you want a banger of a story and characters you find yourself invested in and attached to without fully understanding why until the very end, come inside and get mindfucked. That’s a complete and absolute compliment, so don’t get it twisted.
October 1, 2024
This book pull you in to 1932 with a hit to the head. the characters looking for a place that he can fit right in. when finds solider that not of the normal world they travel down road together
November 1, 2024
Historical Ghost(ish) Story… Yes Please
Christian Baines continues to impress with his take on a historical ghost story. I wasn’t sure how this book was going to work out since the tale is set in 1932 Germany during the rise of the Nazis. However, Baines is an incredible author, and I wasn’t disappointed. The story follows Callum (an English man now living in Berlin), who has a unique condition that leaves him feeling unseen. This condition isn’t his only societal concern. He is a gay man living in a time when being gay could have gotten him killed or put away, even in Berlin during the height of gay culture for that time in history. These factors make the storytelling that much more impressive since Baines tackles the subject with the right amount of realism and fantasy. Making for a fun read.
I really enjoyed this story finding that Baines really puts you in the perspective of the main character as he includes quite a bit of German, making not only our protagonist confused at times, but us the reader as well, which I found enjoyable. The secondary characters were all unique and felt grounded for the time. Another plus to Baines writing and crafting of the story.
This is not your typical ghost story; however, the book has all the dark fantasy elements you want for a creepy novel. Definitely give the book a read.
Christian Baines continues to impress with his take on a historical ghost story. I wasn’t sure how this book was going to work out since the tale is set in 1932 Germany during the rise of the Nazis. However, Baines is an incredible author, and I wasn’t disappointed. The story follows Callum (an English man now living in Berlin), who has a unique condition that leaves him feeling unseen. This condition isn’t his only societal concern. He is a gay man living in a time when being gay could have gotten him killed or put away, even in Berlin during the height of gay culture for that time in history. These factors make the storytelling that much more impressive since Baines tackles the subject with the right amount of realism and fantasy. Making for a fun read.
I really enjoyed this story finding that Baines really puts you in the perspective of the main character as he includes quite a bit of German, making not only our protagonist confused at times, but us the reader as well, which I found enjoyable. The secondary characters were all unique and felt grounded for the time. Another plus to Baines writing and crafting of the story.
This is not your typical ghost story; however, the book has all the dark fantasy elements you want for a creepy novel. Definitely give the book a read.
January 14, 2025
Baines never ceases to amaze!
Geist Fleisch is a wild romp through pre-nazi Germany, where the supernatural are hidden, but known only to a handful - and those who want them, want to use them for the newly forming Reich.
Callum is disappearing, literally, and doesn't know why, or how. Baines keeps his readers guessing by crafting a rich story with interesting characters, a touch of violence, and just enough romance to keep those MM Paranormal fans happy.
What's better, is we see how Callum (Kelvin) becomes the Cloak Walker in the Arcadia Trust series - this is his origin story - and I loved it.
Awesome book! Read a Baines story - you won't be disappointed.
Geist Fleisch is a wild romp through pre-nazi Germany, where the supernatural are hidden, but known only to a handful - and those who want them, want to use them for the newly forming Reich.
Callum is disappearing, literally, and doesn't know why, or how. Baines keeps his readers guessing by crafting a rich story with interesting characters, a touch of violence, and just enough romance to keep those MM Paranormal fans happy.
What's better, is we see how Callum (Kelvin) becomes the Cloak Walker in the Arcadia Trust series - this is his origin story - and I loved it.
Awesome book! Read a Baines story - you won't be disappointed.
November 6, 2024
I finished this book over Halloween week and I absolutely loved it.
1930's Berlin comes alive in this book in all its pre-WWII decadence and its lively LGBTQ community. Callum is vacationing with his cousin and looking forward to visiting a more welcoming environment for men like him than exists at home in stuffy England, but what he doesn't count on is that welcome coming from a different realm altogether. Callum discovers he can cross the veil between worlds in a gay bar and visit a place where men dance with each other, but doesn't exist in real time. He begins to fall for Max, one of the men there, but inadvertently reveals that all these men are ghosts. Others are interested in this realm of the dead. Some are human, some are not, and Callum is rapidly losing his humanity to this strange series of events.
This is a gorgeous story, kind of a prequel to the author's Arcadia Trust series, which I adore. I highly recommend this beautiful and creepy as hell novel.
1930's Berlin comes alive in this book in all its pre-WWII decadence and its lively LGBTQ community. Callum is vacationing with his cousin and looking forward to visiting a more welcoming environment for men like him than exists at home in stuffy England, but what he doesn't count on is that welcome coming from a different realm altogether. Callum discovers he can cross the veil between worlds in a gay bar and visit a place where men dance with each other, but doesn't exist in real time. He begins to fall for Max, one of the men there, but inadvertently reveals that all these men are ghosts. Others are interested in this realm of the dead. Some are human, some are not, and Callum is rapidly losing his humanity to this strange series of events.
This is a gorgeous story, kind of a prequel to the author's Arcadia Trust series, which I adore. I highly recommend this beautiful and creepy as hell novel.
October 27, 2024
*I received an ecopy of this book from the author. This has not influenced my review.*
This was at times beautiful, at times sad, and altogether surprisingly unique! I want you to enjoy the fun and mystery of discovering it for yourself, so I'll just say, despite having read many paranormal books in my life, the paranormal elements in this one kept me intrigued. Well, I will say, *SPOILER* *END SPOILER* which you find out pretty early, but I've hidden it just in case. I know this author didn't invent the idea, but it's not something I'd ever read about with a main character before, so that was cool, and it wasn't even the thing I found most interesting in the book.
The 1932 Berlin setting was also interesting, especially since the main character is a gay man and there were a lot of queer characters.
Near the end, I got a little confused. I didn't really understand the villain's plan when it was first revealed or even what the villain was. And then some stuff felt deus ex machina. But everything else was still good.
I wouldn't call this overall a romance, but there is some romance in the book. And even though Callum and Max barely knew each other, I was oddly touched by what they had. It just felt beautiful.
This functions as a prequel to the author's Arcadia Trust series, but it could be read as a standalone. I also think you could read this either before or after starting the series. It's related, but it's still its own separate story. It's also part of the Haunted Hearts series, which is a collection of Own Voices paranormal books by queer male authors.
Overall, despite a bit of confusion, this was an interesting queer paranormal story that kept me hooked!
*Rating: 4 Stars // Read Date: 2024 // Format: Ebook via TTS*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes the supernatural, historical settings, own voices queer books, and stories that are unique, a little bit beautiful, and a little bit sad. Fans of Christian Baines's Arcadia Trust series, or new readers.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
This was at times beautiful, at times sad, and altogether surprisingly unique! I want you to enjoy the fun and mystery of discovering it for yourself, so I'll just say, despite having read many paranormal books in my life, the paranormal elements in this one kept me intrigued. Well, I will say, *SPOILER* *END SPOILER* which you find out pretty early, but I've hidden it just in case. I know this author didn't invent the idea, but it's not something I'd ever read about with a main character before, so that was cool, and it wasn't even the thing I found most interesting in the book.
The 1932 Berlin setting was also interesting, especially since the main character is a gay man and there were a lot of queer characters.
Near the end, I got a little confused. I didn't really understand the villain's plan when it was first revealed or even what the villain was. And then some stuff felt deus ex machina. But everything else was still good.
I wouldn't call this overall a romance, but there is some romance in the book. And even though Callum and Max barely knew each other, I was oddly touched by what they had. It just felt beautiful.
This functions as a prequel to the author's Arcadia Trust series, but it could be read as a standalone. I also think you could read this either before or after starting the series. It's related, but it's still its own separate story. It's also part of the Haunted Hearts series, which is a collection of Own Voices paranormal books by queer male authors.
Overall, despite a bit of confusion, this was an interesting queer paranormal story that kept me hooked!
*Rating: 4 Stars // Read Date: 2024 // Format: Ebook via TTS*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes the supernatural, historical settings, own voices queer books, and stories that are unique, a little bit beautiful, and a little bit sad. Fans of Christian Baines's Arcadia Trust series, or new readers.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
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October 25, 2025FLASH SALE: To celebrate the release of my new Haunted Hearts novel ANDALUSIA DOGS, US and UK readers can grab Geist Fleisch for one week only on Kindle for just 99c/99p. So if it's been haunting your 'To Read' list for a while, now's the time, my darklings!
August 20, 2025
Ghostly writing in the fleisch
After reading so many of the same books recycled by so many authors, you find yourself starting to wonder if there are any other authors writing anything more original in the MM genre. I mean how many more werewolf books do we need? That genre should have started and ended with the Wolfsong series. And as for gay vampire stories… please, didn’t Anne Rice do that already? But still authors churn out the same books with slightly different titles and the same shirtless men on the covers. So when I see a book like “Geist Fleisch”, that makes no apology for its German title, it’s liberal use of the language throughout the text, and it’s exploration of the darker side of Berlin during Hitlers rise to power… I thought, hold on, is someone trying to do something different in this stale old MM horror genre…? And after I read the first few paragraphs I realised … yes they were, and I was hooked!
Now on the face of it a lot of the themes in the book have been written about before. But Christian Baines writing and narrative structure have a “classical” feel to them but with more of a contemporary slant to his storytelling. Despite it being set just before the start of World War II, there is a freshness to this story which has at its heart an unusual mystery and a very different type of romance. As we follow Callum and his friend Anne, bar hoping through the seedy side of pre war Berlin, Callum gets drawn in to supernatural situations as the world around him starts to shift ever so slightly on a slightly more gothic type of axis. Now I don’t want to give any more away about the plot, as much of the pleasure from this book comes from discovering what is happening (especially when Callum stops being so stubborn and starts to listen to what his friends have to say) but suffice to say it’s original and different, and is a much needed pallet cleanser after some of the stodge I’ve had to endure this past year.
This book has an epic quality in feel. Not that it is trying to be as ambitious as LOTR but because it feels like there are more stories to tell here. In fact it feels like the book opens mid story, with half of the characters already involved in something our hero happens across. And if the epilogue is any indication, there is definitely much more to tell. But I suspect this will be just a standalone book and it will be left to our imagination to work out what does happen to this group when Callum returns to Berlin. And whether the war… the real war that is … is truly over.
After reading so many of the same books recycled by so many authors, you find yourself starting to wonder if there are any other authors writing anything more original in the MM genre. I mean how many more werewolf books do we need? That genre should have started and ended with the Wolfsong series. And as for gay vampire stories… please, didn’t Anne Rice do that already? But still authors churn out the same books with slightly different titles and the same shirtless men on the covers. So when I see a book like “Geist Fleisch”, that makes no apology for its German title, it’s liberal use of the language throughout the text, and it’s exploration of the darker side of Berlin during Hitlers rise to power… I thought, hold on, is someone trying to do something different in this stale old MM horror genre…? And after I read the first few paragraphs I realised … yes they were, and I was hooked!
Now on the face of it a lot of the themes in the book have been written about before. But Christian Baines writing and narrative structure have a “classical” feel to them but with more of a contemporary slant to his storytelling. Despite it being set just before the start of World War II, there is a freshness to this story which has at its heart an unusual mystery and a very different type of romance. As we follow Callum and his friend Anne, bar hoping through the seedy side of pre war Berlin, Callum gets drawn in to supernatural situations as the world around him starts to shift ever so slightly on a slightly more gothic type of axis. Now I don’t want to give any more away about the plot, as much of the pleasure from this book comes from discovering what is happening (especially when Callum stops being so stubborn and starts to listen to what his friends have to say) but suffice to say it’s original and different, and is a much needed pallet cleanser after some of the stodge I’ve had to endure this past year.
This book has an epic quality in feel. Not that it is trying to be as ambitious as LOTR but because it feels like there are more stories to tell here. In fact it feels like the book opens mid story, with half of the characters already involved in something our hero happens across. And if the epilogue is any indication, there is definitely much more to tell. But I suspect this will be just a standalone book and it will be left to our imagination to work out what does happen to this group when Callum returns to Berlin. And whether the war… the real war that is … is truly over.
September 24, 2024
4.5 stars
Geist Fleisch is the first book in the Haunted Hearts series.
Callum is an English boy who travels to Germany in late 1932 with his cousin. There he hopes to find the freedom to explore his sexuality that he cannot find in England.
One night, by accident, he discovers that he can move into the world of spirits. There he meets Max, a soldier who died in the First World War. Through this newfound power, he comes into contact with supernatural beings and is, moreover, the target of the new power rising in Germany. There is not much romance.
The setting is spectacular, the author recreates the Germany of 1932 in a perfect way, from the economic problems to the political situation. There was a detail about the political situation in Spain that year, which did not fit me, but thinking about it, I realized that it is not a mistake, but
The book is written in English, only some sentences are in German.
I would love to continue reading the series and the other books that the author has.
Geist Fleisch is the first book in the Haunted Hearts series.
Callum is an English boy who travels to Germany in late 1932 with his cousin. There he hopes to find the freedom to explore his sexuality that he cannot find in England.
One night, by accident, he discovers that he can move into the world of spirits. There he meets Max, a soldier who died in the First World War. Through this newfound power, he comes into contact with supernatural beings and is, moreover, the target of the new power rising in Germany. There is not much romance.
The setting is spectacular, the author recreates the Germany of 1932 in a perfect way, from the economic problems to the political situation. There was a detail about the political situation in Spain that year, which did not fit me, but thinking about it, I realized that it is not a mistake, but
The book is written in English, only some sentences are in German.
I would love to continue reading the series and the other books that the author has.
May 7, 2025
I was given this book as a gift. I was unfamiliar with this author, but wow, what a delightful experience reading Geist Fleisch was. "Captivating," "imaginative," and "heart wrenching" are just some of the words I could use to describe Christian Baines' storytelling. Engaging, intricate plot twists and character development frequently left me in a state of delight or sorrow. Anger, even! Each unexpected turn kept me on the edge of my seat and sparked my interest: a thrilling adventure of surprises and suspense. I need more gifts like this!
December 30, 2024
When Callum travels from Nottingham to Berlin, his only hope is to find himself.
Well, if he were being completely honest, he hopes to find himself in the arms of a German man. He’s heard tell that the men in Germany are a little bit freer and more liberal than the ones in Nottingham. They are not afraid to embrace the taboo of being gay.
Thankfully, his cousin Anne has given him houseroom and support. She knows well what it’s like to be different in a world that would have you behave a certain way. Callum feels a certain kind of freedom in Germany, even though there are still soldiers of the third Reich walking the streets.
When Anne takes him to a lesbian bar, Callum wishes only to drink away his sorrows and celebrate the fact that he’s around people like him. He goes to the water closet to relieve himself and is astounded when another man is within, promising Callum the wonders that he has been seeking since leaving the safety of Nottingham. He follows the man back out into the bar and realizes that it’s somehow turned itself into a completely different establishment.
He goes further into the bar, looking for his cousin, and that’s when he realizes that the bar is filled with men. They are all dancing and drinking together, with no shame for showing their affection so openly in a public establishment. Callum thinks that he has entered some kind of dream when he meets Max. The attraction is instant and, though they are quite taken with each other, Callum can’t help but wonder what caused the scars the mar Max’s complexion.
When he next goes to the washroom, Callum can’t wait to resume his conversation with Max, but the bar that he had been in first has rematerialized and Max is nowhere to be seen. He wonders if it was all a dream. Soon however, Callum is drawn into a world filled with shadows and terrible beings that only exist in fairy tales.
He learns that the darkness hides more than shame. It hides who he is ready to become. With thoughts of keeping Max safe and surviving the ordeal in front of him, will Callum prevail, or will the shadows of the flesh take him, too?
In a word, Geist Fleisch is incredible. It blurs genres. It’s a little bit of everything. It’s part wartime tale, part ghost story, part story of personal growth and Christian Baines does such a skillful job of interweaving all the different storylines to make this book a genre all its own.
The world building is top notch. He brings to life the time of the second world war and Berlin so well, it’s like I was there. I could hear the noises in the streets, feel the wisp of cold fog at night. What’s more, Baines has painted a real and true version of Germany but revealed a world underneath its surfaces that you would swear really existed. It all feels so real and so urgent like it would have been during that time in history.
I walked into this book expecting a jolly romp through Berlin and the treasures that were waiting to be found. What I found instead was a book that I related to so strongly about man going through an awakening, desperate to find himself in world that chose not to understand him and the personal growth that can only happen when you are fighting for something you love. The historical parts of Geist Fleisch do not shy away from what life was like for homosexuals during that time and it makes the story all the more amazing because it just feels so darn real.
It was a pleasure to watch Callum grow as a person and comes into his own light. I loved the fact that I was never able to guess what was coming or what was going happen. Baines did an excellent job of keeping me on my toes the entire way through Geist Fleisch. It defies and does away with every stereotype and trope and instead gives us something more: a novel about the powers of love in a war torn world and that, if you look out of the corners of your eyes, you might see where you truly belong.
Well, if he were being completely honest, he hopes to find himself in the arms of a German man. He’s heard tell that the men in Germany are a little bit freer and more liberal than the ones in Nottingham. They are not afraid to embrace the taboo of being gay.
Thankfully, his cousin Anne has given him houseroom and support. She knows well what it’s like to be different in a world that would have you behave a certain way. Callum feels a certain kind of freedom in Germany, even though there are still soldiers of the third Reich walking the streets.
When Anne takes him to a lesbian bar, Callum wishes only to drink away his sorrows and celebrate the fact that he’s around people like him. He goes to the water closet to relieve himself and is astounded when another man is within, promising Callum the wonders that he has been seeking since leaving the safety of Nottingham. He follows the man back out into the bar and realizes that it’s somehow turned itself into a completely different establishment.
He goes further into the bar, looking for his cousin, and that’s when he realizes that the bar is filled with men. They are all dancing and drinking together, with no shame for showing their affection so openly in a public establishment. Callum thinks that he has entered some kind of dream when he meets Max. The attraction is instant and, though they are quite taken with each other, Callum can’t help but wonder what caused the scars the mar Max’s complexion.
When he next goes to the washroom, Callum can’t wait to resume his conversation with Max, but the bar that he had been in first has rematerialized and Max is nowhere to be seen. He wonders if it was all a dream. Soon however, Callum is drawn into a world filled with shadows and terrible beings that only exist in fairy tales.
He learns that the darkness hides more than shame. It hides who he is ready to become. With thoughts of keeping Max safe and surviving the ordeal in front of him, will Callum prevail, or will the shadows of the flesh take him, too?
In a word, Geist Fleisch is incredible. It blurs genres. It’s a little bit of everything. It’s part wartime tale, part ghost story, part story of personal growth and Christian Baines does such a skillful job of interweaving all the different storylines to make this book a genre all its own.
The world building is top notch. He brings to life the time of the second world war and Berlin so well, it’s like I was there. I could hear the noises in the streets, feel the wisp of cold fog at night. What’s more, Baines has painted a real and true version of Germany but revealed a world underneath its surfaces that you would swear really existed. It all feels so real and so urgent like it would have been during that time in history.
I walked into this book expecting a jolly romp through Berlin and the treasures that were waiting to be found. What I found instead was a book that I related to so strongly about man going through an awakening, desperate to find himself in world that chose not to understand him and the personal growth that can only happen when you are fighting for something you love. The historical parts of Geist Fleisch do not shy away from what life was like for homosexuals during that time and it makes the story all the more amazing because it just feels so darn real.
It was a pleasure to watch Callum grow as a person and comes into his own light. I loved the fact that I was never able to guess what was coming or what was going happen. Baines did an excellent job of keeping me on my toes the entire way through Geist Fleisch. It defies and does away with every stereotype and trope and instead gives us something more: a novel about the powers of love in a war torn world and that, if you look out of the corners of your eyes, you might see where you truly belong.
October 6, 2024
Geist Fleisch, the first book in the Haunted Harts series, sets a captivating tone for a collection of stand-alone novels by various Own-Voices authors. Each book in the series explores different stories and characters, but all are united by themes of romance and the supernatural. In Geist Fleisch, Christian Baines masterfully intertwines history and the paranormal to create a haunting, emotionally charged tale of love, loss, and survival. Set in the bleak and decaying Berlin of the early 1930s, during the height of Germany’s Great Depression, the novel immerses readers in a world crumbling under economic despair. Through this backdrop, Baines crafts a story that is as dark and somber as the era itself.
The protagonist, Callum, an Englishman fleeing to Berlin with his cousin in search of freedom from societal constraints, quickly finds that the city offers more than just a fresh start. His journey of self-discovery takes a paranormal twist when he learns he can cross between the realms of the living and the dead. This is where he meets Max, a soldier tragically killed in World War I. Max is not just a ghost from the past; he represents the inescapable shadow of history, and his relationship with Callum gives the story both its heart and its tension.
What makes Geist Fleisch stand out is Baines’ ability to weave historical realism into a paranormal romance. The novel not only brings to life the despair of 1930s Berlin but also the emotional landscape of characters navigating impossible circumstances. Callum’s relationship with Max transcends physical and temporal boundaries, offering readers a poignant exploration of forbidden love in a world on the edge of war. The supporting characters also add richness to the narrative, each with their own struggles that echo the greater political and social tensions of the time.
However, readers expecting a traditional Happily Ever After (HEA) may be surprised. Baines takes a bold step by deviating from the genre’s norm, which ultimately deepens the emotional impact of the story. In a city as broken as Berlin, where death is a constant reminder of life’s fragility, a tidy conclusion would feel misplaced. Instead, the novel embraces its melancholy, making the absence of an HEA feel authentic and emotionally resonant. It’s a choice that not only complements the historical backdrop but also reinforces the novel’s thematic exploration of loss, longing, and the human need for connection.
As someone who enjoys both historical fiction and paranormal narratives, I found Geist Fleisch to be a deeply immersive experience. Baines’ attention to historical detail and his ability to capture the essence of 1930s Berlin make the novel stand out from typical romances. The atmospheric setting, combined with the deeply personal stakes of Callum and Max’s relationship, creates a gripping and bittersweet story that lingers long after the last page.
For readers who appreciate a blend of richly detailed historical fiction, emotional depth, and supernatural intrigue, Geist Fleisch offers an unforgettable and thought-provoking journey. It is a novel that doesn’t just tell a love story but explores the fragility of human connection in a world where everything, including time and life itself, feels impermanent.
The protagonist, Callum, an Englishman fleeing to Berlin with his cousin in search of freedom from societal constraints, quickly finds that the city offers more than just a fresh start. His journey of self-discovery takes a paranormal twist when he learns he can cross between the realms of the living and the dead. This is where he meets Max, a soldier tragically killed in World War I. Max is not just a ghost from the past; he represents the inescapable shadow of history, and his relationship with Callum gives the story both its heart and its tension.
What makes Geist Fleisch stand out is Baines’ ability to weave historical realism into a paranormal romance. The novel not only brings to life the despair of 1930s Berlin but also the emotional landscape of characters navigating impossible circumstances. Callum’s relationship with Max transcends physical and temporal boundaries, offering readers a poignant exploration of forbidden love in a world on the edge of war. The supporting characters also add richness to the narrative, each with their own struggles that echo the greater political and social tensions of the time.
However, readers expecting a traditional Happily Ever After (HEA) may be surprised. Baines takes a bold step by deviating from the genre’s norm, which ultimately deepens the emotional impact of the story. In a city as broken as Berlin, where death is a constant reminder of life’s fragility, a tidy conclusion would feel misplaced. Instead, the novel embraces its melancholy, making the absence of an HEA feel authentic and emotionally resonant. It’s a choice that not only complements the historical backdrop but also reinforces the novel’s thematic exploration of loss, longing, and the human need for connection.
As someone who enjoys both historical fiction and paranormal narratives, I found Geist Fleisch to be a deeply immersive experience. Baines’ attention to historical detail and his ability to capture the essence of 1930s Berlin make the novel stand out from typical romances. The atmospheric setting, combined with the deeply personal stakes of Callum and Max’s relationship, creates a gripping and bittersweet story that lingers long after the last page.
For readers who appreciate a blend of richly detailed historical fiction, emotional depth, and supernatural intrigue, Geist Fleisch offers an unforgettable and thought-provoking journey. It is a novel that doesn’t just tell a love story but explores the fragility of human connection in a world where everything, including time and life itself, feels impermanent.
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December 5, 2024I enjoyed the creativity of this new-to-me author whose plot twists often had my head spinning and my eyes virtually glued to the page so I wouldn’t miss a detail. However, I have to admit that the setup was difficult for me to comprehend at first. There’s so much going on in this tale of a young Brit who comes to Germany to shake off his boring life and enjoy the freedom of being gay in Berlin. It’s 1932 when he and his friend Anne arrive so the political stage is being set for a Nazi takeover, but this takes place before war is imminent and the only “brownshirts” we see are fulfilling a different role in the nightclubs. The country is still feeling economic effects from “the Great War” which took the lives of many young German men, some of whom, now ghosts, play a role in this tale. The author uses quite a bit of German dialogue so between taxing my brain to recall high school German classes and stretching my imagination to include the ghosts and the possibility that Callum may be something more than human, it took me a bit of time to get into the flow of the story.
Callum is indeed more than human as both he and readers learn. He’s a ghost walker, both ghost and human, hence geist fleisch. He’s able to enter a doorway from this world to another, one populated by young gay men who were killed during the war. With the help of a young man from 1932, who is studying the phenomena of a ghostly world intersecting with the human one, he’s able to cross over, but in an effort to help those ghosts, he accidentally causes them harm and he’s booted back out to the human realm. Throughout the story he passes back and forth a few times as he’s fallen in love with Max, one of the ghosts from the past, but he can’t find a solution for them to be together. Max does come to his aid in the human realm at one point when he needs it most and the brownshirts are threatening to exterminate him. There’s just so much to this story as it’s not a simple tale by any means, and Callum is not a simple man on a simple journey.
There’s plenty of horror and blood and gore as well as other-worldly beings like vampires and monsters from beyond the veil. Readers who like a thriller should enjoy this story. Unfortunately for those who love a romantic HEA, this book does not have that. We have Callum living a satisfying and long life but there’s no one partner to march off into the sunset with him. To be honest, that wouldn’t fit with this story as written, and the ending readers are treated to is just right for Callum.
DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review.
Callum is indeed more than human as both he and readers learn. He’s a ghost walker, both ghost and human, hence geist fleisch. He’s able to enter a doorway from this world to another, one populated by young gay men who were killed during the war. With the help of a young man from 1932, who is studying the phenomena of a ghostly world intersecting with the human one, he’s able to cross over, but in an effort to help those ghosts, he accidentally causes them harm and he’s booted back out to the human realm. Throughout the story he passes back and forth a few times as he’s fallen in love with Max, one of the ghosts from the past, but he can’t find a solution for them to be together. Max does come to his aid in the human realm at one point when he needs it most and the brownshirts are threatening to exterminate him. There’s just so much to this story as it’s not a simple tale by any means, and Callum is not a simple man on a simple journey.
There’s plenty of horror and blood and gore as well as other-worldly beings like vampires and monsters from beyond the veil. Readers who like a thriller should enjoy this story. Unfortunately for those who love a romantic HEA, this book does not have that. We have Callum living a satisfying and long life but there’s no one partner to march off into the sunset with him. To be honest, that wouldn’t fit with this story as written, and the ending readers are treated to is just right for Callum.
DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review.
October 2, 2024
After reading his Arcadia Trust series earlier this year, Baines has become one of my favorite new authors (new to me, at least), so when I saw this new novella I was intrigued by the premise. It definitely didn't disappoint, as I thought it was quite a fun story, with the added bonus of being a prequel to the Arcadia Trust series.
In some ways the setting of the story, 1930s Weimar Germany, is the star of the tale, as Callum is visiting a childhood friend of his in Berlin. While there, he accidentally stumbles upon a parallel plane of sorts where he meets ghosts from World War I, including a young man named Max. There's a definite attraction between the two and Callum finds himself torn between his present and if he can start a relationship with a ghost. In addition, Callum finds himself the subject of interest of two different parties as he turns out to have other abilities in addition to being able to communicate with ghosts.
It's an audacious adventure for Callum as he finds himself maneuvering to keep his ghost friends safe and escape the machinations of a Nazi contingent. At times, the tale even becomes a moving commentary on evil, for while there is a supernatural element at play here, there is also the question of the inherent evil of man as personified by the Nazis. There's a thrilling ending as Callum helps save the day- in fact, I found myself visualizing this story as quite the action adventure movie.
I'd recommend this book to adventurous readers who like paranormal adventures or horror stories. There's an element of romance here even if it isn't the prime focus here. And it works as both a standalone story and a prequel, quite well in fact.
There are several own voice authors now that I've found recently including 'Nathan Burgoine, and Kevin Klehr, along with "elder statesman" Rick R. Reed. All write compelling queer characters with occasional romance interspersed with a lot of fascinating character studies. To that list I'd add Baines: anyone with a taste for original stories and style would do well to check him out (at least if you don't mind the horror genre as he doesn't necessarily shy away in that area).
In some ways the setting of the story, 1930s Weimar Germany, is the star of the tale, as Callum is visiting a childhood friend of his in Berlin. While there, he accidentally stumbles upon a parallel plane of sorts where he meets ghosts from World War I, including a young man named Max. There's a definite attraction between the two and Callum finds himself torn between his present and if he can start a relationship with a ghost. In addition, Callum finds himself the subject of interest of two different parties as he turns out to have other abilities in addition to being able to communicate with ghosts.
It's an audacious adventure for Callum as he finds himself maneuvering to keep his ghost friends safe and escape the machinations of a Nazi contingent. At times, the tale even becomes a moving commentary on evil, for while there is a supernatural element at play here, there is also the question of the inherent evil of man as personified by the Nazis. There's a thrilling ending as Callum helps save the day- in fact, I found myself visualizing this story as quite the action adventure movie.
I'd recommend this book to adventurous readers who like paranormal adventures or horror stories. There's an element of romance here even if it isn't the prime focus here. And it works as both a standalone story and a prequel, quite well in fact.
There are several own voice authors now that I've found recently including 'Nathan Burgoine, and Kevin Klehr, along with "elder statesman" Rick R. Reed. All write compelling queer characters with occasional romance interspersed with a lot of fascinating character studies. To that list I'd add Baines: anyone with a taste for original stories and style would do well to check him out (at least if you don't mind the horror genre as he doesn't necessarily shy away in that area).
October 12, 2024
This is my first taste of this author's Arcadia Trust tales. I'm a huge fan of a couple of his more personal works, so this was a very different journey for me.
At first, we're taken to pre-WWII Berlin with all the eccentricity of Bob Fosse’s classic film version of Cabaret. One of my favourite scenes takes place at a live show where the onstage antics and the characters we meet, set the time and place beautifully.
But of course, things are going to get nasty in this time and place. And somewhere in the midst of Nazis being Nazis is a mysterious gay bar whose patrons are fallen Great War soldiers. This establishment is discovered by Callum, a British guy visiting Berlin with his lesbian friend, both keen to explore how normal it feels to be themselves in this city.
There is love. There is horror, both paranormal and real. And there are jumps in Callum’s day to day life which reveal who he has become, and the truth behind characters we’ve already met.
I loved how this story changed genres throughout. No part of it ever felt similar to previous chapters. Plus, I really liked the epilogue which again, changed the style and rounded up the whole experience of this read.
As I said at the start of this review, it’s not what I’m used to from Baines, but I enjoyed where he took me.
At first, we're taken to pre-WWII Berlin with all the eccentricity of Bob Fosse’s classic film version of Cabaret. One of my favourite scenes takes place at a live show where the onstage antics and the characters we meet, set the time and place beautifully.
But of course, things are going to get nasty in this time and place. And somewhere in the midst of Nazis being Nazis is a mysterious gay bar whose patrons are fallen Great War soldiers. This establishment is discovered by Callum, a British guy visiting Berlin with his lesbian friend, both keen to explore how normal it feels to be themselves in this city.
There is love. There is horror, both paranormal and real. And there are jumps in Callum’s day to day life which reveal who he has become, and the truth behind characters we’ve already met.
I loved how this story changed genres throughout. No part of it ever felt similar to previous chapters. Plus, I really liked the epilogue which again, changed the style and rounded up the whole experience of this read.
As I said at the start of this review, it’s not what I’m used to from Baines, but I enjoyed where he took me.
September 24, 2024
There is a whole lot of plot packed in to this novel. If you enjoy supernatural world building, WWII era Berlin - both history and description, some philosophizing, and a main character who is searching for himself and his place in the world - you'll enjoy this.
If you have ever been to Berlin and learned about the history of the LGBT scene, you will immediately recognize a lot of places and history. If you haven't, you'll get a decent look at the city on the brink. If you've ever been an anglo ex-pat you'll also empathize with a lot of Callum's experiences. The author did a great job blending real world elements with the supernatural plotline.
I will say that, at some points, I got a little confused or overwhelmed with the jumps between scenes as well as wondering why something specific was happening. I also don't know that I would bill this as a love story. I think it's more a story of human connection that also includes some romantic/ yearning elements.
Overall, an enjoyable read.
If you have ever been to Berlin and learned about the history of the LGBT scene, you will immediately recognize a lot of places and history. If you haven't, you'll get a decent look at the city on the brink. If you've ever been an anglo ex-pat you'll also empathize with a lot of Callum's experiences. The author did a great job blending real world elements with the supernatural plotline.
I will say that, at some points, I got a little confused or overwhelmed with the jumps between scenes as well as wondering why something specific was happening. I also don't know that I would bill this as a love story. I think it's more a story of human connection that also includes some romantic/ yearning elements.
Overall, an enjoyable read.
September 27, 2024
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This is unlike anything I’ve read before. Spooky and gritty. Set in Germany in 1932.
Callum is searching for a place where he can be free to be himself, so he joins his cousin in Berlin. One night out, things happen that are both confusing and intriguing. He discovers an alternate place where spirits reside. And Max, a soldier who died in the war.
There is political intrigue and suspense with others who want access to his abilities.
It’s hard to say more without giving things away. But I would say I’m inclined to call this a love story as opposed to a romance, which I don’t object to. It’s just good to know going in.
This was my first by Christian and I’m really very interested in reading more. It’s a unique style and it lends well to a spooky paranormal world.
This is unlike anything I’ve read before. Spooky and gritty. Set in Germany in 1932.
Callum is searching for a place where he can be free to be himself, so he joins his cousin in Berlin. One night out, things happen that are both confusing and intriguing. He discovers an alternate place where spirits reside. And Max, a soldier who died in the war.
There is political intrigue and suspense with others who want access to his abilities.
It’s hard to say more without giving things away. But I would say I’m inclined to call this a love story as opposed to a romance, which I don’t object to. It’s just good to know going in.
This was my first by Christian and I’m really very interested in reading more. It’s a unique style and it lends well to a spooky paranormal world.
October 2, 2024
4+ - This book was amazing and unlike anything else I've read in the mm romance genre. I love the historical richness of the 1932 Berlin setting (I had Cabaret in my mind a lot of the time) & the interplay with the gay bar scene there at the time as well as the interjection of supernatural elements. I just never knew where this story would take me next and it was definitely a wild ride! I especially loved the storyline of Callum and Max, the ghost of a soldier killed in WWI. Truly, this book was just so interesting! There were a few places where I wasn't always certain of what exactly was happening or how things happened, but I just let it take me where it wanted to go - I have zero regrets, lol!! There is no HEA & I wasn't expecting that at all (I was sad, yet there is hope at the end), but there is definitely love throughout the story. This book was really hard to put down and I pretty much read it in one sitting. I just want more Max, though.....
October 26, 2025
This was a letdown for me…
This doesn’t qualify as a romance & the description is also misleading in its description of Callum having a potential love interest in the past & the current which is only partly true & unfortunately I’m going to spoil it because this story took way too long to move along for how short it was & the epilogue wasn’t really a romance epilogue. I am aware that my verbiage choices could sound harsh but ultimately reviews are for potential readers & I’m learning to voice my criticisms more which makes me sad that this story has really great bones but a feeling of not much effort put forth to truly tell this story. Anyway, I digress. Callum & Max are the sweetest together & I think it’s a shame that the epilogue only eluded to Callum at some point going back to Max. Oh well, not off to a great start with the series but I’m moving on.
This doesn’t qualify as a romance & the description is also misleading in its description of Callum having a potential love interest in the past & the current which is only partly true & unfortunately I’m going to spoil it because this story took way too long to move along for how short it was & the epilogue wasn’t really a romance epilogue. I am aware that my verbiage choices could sound harsh but ultimately reviews are for potential readers & I’m learning to voice my criticisms more which makes me sad that this story has really great bones but a feeling of not much effort put forth to truly tell this story. Anyway, I digress. Callum & Max are the sweetest together & I think it’s a shame that the epilogue only eluded to Callum at some point going back to Max. Oh well, not off to a great start with the series but I’m moving on.
October 9, 2024
Having seen some documentaries about Berlin and Germany as a whole during this time period, I couldn't wait to read this book. It was even better than I hoped. Baines has the perfect writing style to capture this period. A time where people were pushing all kinds of boundaries and finding hope and freedom and where there was also clear signs of the great darkness that was about to descend. It was a time and setting where paranormal events and beings fit right into the story and one can reflect on how the humans are about to unleash an evil that even ghosties and demons might have shied away from. I loved Callum and Max and Max's background gives him a really interesting view of the story's present. If this book is any indication, this is going to be an unforgettable series.
September 30, 2024
4.5⭐️
This was crazy original and totally absorbing, what a great stat to this new series! I’ve not read this author before but quickly became a fan of the writing style and excellent storytelling. The 1930s Berlin setting was a highlight. It’s a perfect place for Callum to sow some oats, and also to explore the dark and dangerous political backdrop of 1930s Europe. I loved how Callum’s unexpected gift allows him to meet Max, a soldier who died during the First World War. This isn’t the ghostly romance that I expected, but that’s not a complaint - because this was so much more! Unexpected and original, I loved it a lot.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
This was crazy original and totally absorbing, what a great stat to this new series! I’ve not read this author before but quickly became a fan of the writing style and excellent storytelling. The 1930s Berlin setting was a highlight. It’s a perfect place for Callum to sow some oats, and also to explore the dark and dangerous political backdrop of 1930s Europe. I loved how Callum’s unexpected gift allows him to meet Max, a soldier who died during the First World War. This isn’t the ghostly romance that I expected, but that’s not a complaint - because this was so much more! Unexpected and original, I loved it a lot.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
October 8, 2024
I found this book fascinating. I just hadn't thought much about the Weimar period. When Callum, who is the protagonist, emigrates to Berlin, he finds himself caught between the two World Wars. He is able to move between a lesbian bar in Berlin of 1932, into a ghost bar filled with soldiers from the past. And without spoiling anything, his ability to enter this ghost bar has implications for the present and for the future.
Callum can move between the world of ghosts and the flesh. He falls for a ghost soldier. My only complaint about the novel is that this so brief and quick, that we have to take it as an article of faith. I believed Callum that he felt a connection, but I, as the reader, didn't feel it.
I will definitely seek out other books in this series and I will be reading Christian Baines' back catalog.
Callum can move between the world of ghosts and the flesh. He falls for a ghost soldier. My only complaint about the novel is that this so brief and quick, that we have to take it as an article of faith. I believed Callum that he felt a connection, but I, as the reader, didn't feel it.
I will definitely seek out other books in this series and I will be reading Christian Baines' back catalog.
October 26, 2024
This was a very interesting book. Callum visits Berlin with his friend Anne, and while visiting a lesbian bar with Anne he steps into the resteraunt, and into another bar with only men..Only these men are not flesh, they are ghosts, and Callum has the ability to move through realms. At the same time Callum is fading into invisibility, and doesn't know what is happening. He meets some very questionable people who offer to help him, some with nefarious reasons. It is set in 1930's Berlin, and the political turmoil of the time, also resonates through the supernatural. I was a little confused sometimes, mostly because I don't speak german, but it was a very interesting story.
October 1, 2024
This book really shines in its depths: there’s a craftsmanship to the world building both in terms of historical detail, which brings Weimar era Berlin to life on the page, and also in the scaffolding of the supernatural elements, which add depth and peril to an already complicated setting. Deep thoughts, deep themes, and a central character looking to make sense of it all, plus a love story to boot– all in all a compelling combination.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
October 9, 2024
If you're looking for romance....not this one....buuuuut it's still a good story !!
This is truly a haunting story ..... and not a romantic ghost story at all !! Just a guy who's discovering something new and trying to figure where he fits in. I loved the world the author has built and it's a new take on the supernatural .... really good ! And the story...it did take me a bit to get into it but once I did, I enjoyed the rest of the book. Great characters, true to the time period - plenty of twists and intrigue.... and dark'n'moody.....very noir !!!
This is truly a haunting story ..... and not a romantic ghost story at all !! Just a guy who's discovering something new and trying to figure where he fits in. I loved the world the author has built and it's a new take on the supernatural .... really good ! And the story...it did take me a bit to get into it but once I did, I enjoyed the rest of the book. Great characters, true to the time period - plenty of twists and intrigue.... and dark'n'moody.....very noir !!!
October 12, 2024
For the right person, this will be a wonderful book. I’ll be honest that I had a difficult time following it in some parts, but this could be because I was going through some personal issues with my child. One day I plan to pick it up and try it again. But I will caution do not pick this up if you don’t have time to devote your full time attention to this story, there’s many twists and turns along the way
December 18, 2024
Christian Baines has created an inventive story with Geist Fleisch. A wonderful blend of vampire fantasy and gay love story, this novel is an exquisite work written in the style of one of the great classics. Set in the 1930’s Berlin cabaret scene, Baines’ imagination shows no limits as he skillfully manipulates both the reader and the protagonist, Callum, as they slowly uncover the truth. If you love period mysteries, Geist Fleisch is a must-read.
October 1, 2024
Excellent world building in early 1930s Berlin, with some really unusual paranormal beings. The use of German phrases fit well (I do know some German) and the history felt very accurate. Sometimes I was a bit lost as there were a number of groups involved with different goals. The attraction between Callum and Max was appealing, although they didn't get a HEA as such. Very original.
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