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Shady Spirits #3
Phantom Pursuit
What’s a little danger when your dog’s in trouble, and the dead won’t shut up?
Enid’s in over her head again, but this time the life of a dear friend is on the line. To save her guardian from a ghastly fate, she must track down a mysterious villain leaving ghost-corpses in their wake—and she has no time to waste.
With only a few days to prove herself to the Spirit Body, she is forced to find a serial killer, but keeping her visiting mother in the dark is a tall order. To make matters worse, Ian Silva’s back in town.
This time…he’s not taking rain checks.
Enid’s in over her head again, but this time the life of a dear friend is on the line. To save her guardian from a ghastly fate, she must track down a mysterious villain leaving ghost-corpses in their wake—and she has no time to waste.
With only a few days to prove herself to the Spirit Body, she is forced to find a serial killer, but keeping her visiting mother in the dark is a tall order. To make matters worse, Ian Silva’s back in town.
This time…he’s not taking rain checks.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2025
123 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 20, 2025
I was totally ready to jump back into Jen Bair's Shady Spirits world again, so I am glad I could once again ARC read for her. Before I jump into specifics, I once again have to say that her stories are so fun and engaging to read. This series will forever be the perfect palate cleanser after a heavy read.
This time around, Enid has to fight to get her trusty canine friend Waffles back. It wasn't an easy parcours, but Enid powers through and gets shit done as usual. Enid is still a fun and quirky main character who you just want to support.
This book also introduced us to Enid's dad, who in contrast to her overbearing mom, seems like a calm and fun guy.
This time around I still wanted to throttle Enid's mom, although they also learn a lot from each other in this book I felt. Although I have to fight her on one thing, because grocery shopping is in fact a strenuous task, lady.
We also see more of other side characters. Randall, for example, is back in full force. And however weird he is, I like reading about him a lot.
Lexi is once again the MVP in this book three too. How she handled Enid's mother, should have ended in a medal for her effort.
This book also focused a little more on Ian Silva, and made him more interesting too in my personal opinion. I can't wait to see more of him in the next books.
And of course we can't forget Waffles. Her constant need to just run was absolutely adorable.
My favourite 'saying' in this book had to be 'a vanilla human'. I snorted so loud when I read that. I am kind of glad I was alone when I was reading.
Generally another home run from Jen Bair in this world. Every time I read a book in this universe, it immediately has me craving the next one. I hope this series gets all the love that it deserves, because I can't wait for it to get big so I can talk about it with other people.
This time around, Enid has to fight to get her trusty canine friend Waffles back. It wasn't an easy parcours, but Enid powers through and gets shit done as usual. Enid is still a fun and quirky main character who you just want to support.
This book also introduced us to Enid's dad, who in contrast to her overbearing mom, seems like a calm and fun guy.
This time around I still wanted to throttle Enid's mom, although they also learn a lot from each other in this book I felt. Although I have to fight her on one thing, because grocery shopping is in fact a strenuous task, lady.
We also see more of other side characters. Randall, for example, is back in full force. And however weird he is, I like reading about him a lot.
Lexi is once again the MVP in this book three too. How she handled Enid's mother, should have ended in a medal for her effort.
This book also focused a little more on Ian Silva, and made him more interesting too in my personal opinion. I can't wait to see more of him in the next books.
And of course we can't forget Waffles. Her constant need to just run was absolutely adorable.
My favourite 'saying' in this book had to be 'a vanilla human'. I snorted so loud when I read that. I am kind of glad I was alone when I was reading.
Generally another home run from Jen Bair in this world. Every time I read a book in this universe, it immediately has me craving the next one. I hope this series gets all the love that it deserves, because I can't wait for it to get big so I can talk about it with other people.
August 10, 2025
Enid’s mother visits in Phantom Pursuit, the third installment of Jen Bair’s Shady Spirits series.
Holy cow, that woman is A LOT. In the previous books, Bair sets up their relationship well, making it clear the relationship is unhealthy at best, and mentally abusive at worst. I wasn’t prepared for how well Bair captured the inner turmoil caused by having a parent like that. As the book progresses, we constantly see Enid wondering if there is more she could be doing to make their relationship better, even while knowing that the best thing for herself is distance from her mother. Her mother, unsurprisingly, shows an impressive lack of self-awareness. Thankfully Enid has the cute ghost Ollie and her cousin Lexy in her corner. Ollie constantly has Enid’s back, and Lexy has the family history to give Enid much needed perspective on her mother/daughter relationship. All the elements blended to make a believable arc.
As if Enid didn’t have enough problems with her mother in town, the Spirit Body, Silva, and Agent Lennix are all back, layering on the conflict. Continuing to show no concern whatsoever for Enid’s safety, the Spirit Body sics her on a ghost serial killer, giving her mere days to track down who or what has been leaving ghosts’ corpses all around town. The fate of her ghost Belgian Malinois, Waffles, depends on if Enid can solve the case.
Meanwhile, Silva continues to stalk her, insisting he only wants to talk. As the mystery of what Silva is unravels, the mythology of the Shady Spirits world expands nicely. I love when a sequel dives in more lore, and Phantom Pursuits did not disappoint.
With Silva comes law enforcement, and they have questions Enid can’t answer without outing her ability to see and talk to ghosts.
Bair handles each conflict with grace, weaving the page-turners I’ve come to expect from her. By the end, I was trapped in the story’s web wondering how in the world everything would resolve.
Thankfully, it’s not all chaos and conflict. The relationship between Enid and Ollie starts to grow from friends to something more, hinting at a lovely slow burn friends-to-lovers subplot to come. I’d pick up book four just for that. They’re adorable.
Holy cow, that woman is A LOT. In the previous books, Bair sets up their relationship well, making it clear the relationship is unhealthy at best, and mentally abusive at worst. I wasn’t prepared for how well Bair captured the inner turmoil caused by having a parent like that. As the book progresses, we constantly see Enid wondering if there is more she could be doing to make their relationship better, even while knowing that the best thing for herself is distance from her mother. Her mother, unsurprisingly, shows an impressive lack of self-awareness. Thankfully Enid has the cute ghost Ollie and her cousin Lexy in her corner. Ollie constantly has Enid’s back, and Lexy has the family history to give Enid much needed perspective on her mother/daughter relationship. All the elements blended to make a believable arc.
As if Enid didn’t have enough problems with her mother in town, the Spirit Body, Silva, and Agent Lennix are all back, layering on the conflict. Continuing to show no concern whatsoever for Enid’s safety, the Spirit Body sics her on a ghost serial killer, giving her mere days to track down who or what has been leaving ghosts’ corpses all around town. The fate of her ghost Belgian Malinois, Waffles, depends on if Enid can solve the case.
Meanwhile, Silva continues to stalk her, insisting he only wants to talk. As the mystery of what Silva is unravels, the mythology of the Shady Spirits world expands nicely. I love when a sequel dives in more lore, and Phantom Pursuits did not disappoint.
With Silva comes law enforcement, and they have questions Enid can’t answer without outing her ability to see and talk to ghosts.
Bair handles each conflict with grace, weaving the page-turners I’ve come to expect from her. By the end, I was trapped in the story’s web wondering how in the world everything would resolve.
Thankfully, it’s not all chaos and conflict. The relationship between Enid and Ollie starts to grow from friends to something more, hinting at a lovely slow burn friends-to-lovers subplot to come. I’d pick up book four just for that. They’re adorable.
October 14, 2025
Another very interesting book in this urban lit series I've come to really enjoy. As Enid tries to handle a serial killer, we also get to see her and her mother's relationship. I did find the part about the serial killer resolved a little bit too quickly, as if the author was getting to the end of the book and realized she hadn't tied those loose ends, but the part about Enid and her mother really shined through. We get to see why Enid is who she is towards her mother and although I won't excuse how her mother acted throughout the book, we also see her mother slowly try to come around. Most scenes and dialogues had me angry for Enid and rooting for her (maybe because their relationship hit a little too close to home), so I can say they were really weel-written.
I lvoed discovering more about the world, seeing Enid build strong relationships with Lexi and her ghost friends. The return of Waffles show how Enid is really starting to open up and care about others. I'm very hyped to read the next one in this series!
I lvoed discovering more about the world, seeing Enid build strong relationships with Lexi and her ghost friends. The return of Waffles show how Enid is really starting to open up and care about others. I'm very hyped to read the next one in this series!
August 12, 2025
You know that feeling when a book’s heroine feels so real you could grab coffee with her, and then she casually goes toe-to-toe with the supernatural? Yeah, that’s why I’m hooked on Jen Bair’s Shady Spirits series.
She’s real, she’s relatable, and she’s juggling modern-day problems that have nothing to do with magic… while also dealing with all the magical nonsense life throws her way.
Since this is book three, I can’t spill much about the plot. But what I can say—and what I adore about this series—is that it lets things breathe. Nothing happens in a snap. I’m firmly anti-insta-anything. I want the slow burn, the trial-and-error, the sweat-and-tears payoff, whether it’s about love, powers, or both. And this series delivers that.
Now, my one quip? Too much Mom, not enough Randall. Yup, I’m obsessed with Randall. And in this book, he’s still scarce :( We’ve got seven books in the series, so I’m crossing my fingers I’ll get my fill later. As for Mom... ugh. She’s irritating. She’s meant to be irritating, and yes, she adds tension to the plot, but still… ugh.
If you’re in the mood for a cozy urban fantasy that’s easy to follow but highly entertaining—packed with charming, evolving characters (okay, some evolve, but that’s fine)—check out the Shady Spirits series.
Oh yes, there are ghosts. Plenty of them. And yes, our adorable Enid is growing in power! Can't wait for Book 4! (But I need more Randall).
She’s real, she’s relatable, and she’s juggling modern-day problems that have nothing to do with magic… while also dealing with all the magical nonsense life throws her way.
Since this is book three, I can’t spill much about the plot. But what I can say—and what I adore about this series—is that it lets things breathe. Nothing happens in a snap. I’m firmly anti-insta-anything. I want the slow burn, the trial-and-error, the sweat-and-tears payoff, whether it’s about love, powers, or both. And this series delivers that.
Now, my one quip? Too much Mom, not enough Randall. Yup, I’m obsessed with Randall. And in this book, he’s still scarce :( We’ve got seven books in the series, so I’m crossing my fingers I’ll get my fill later. As for Mom... ugh. She’s irritating. She’s meant to be irritating, and yes, she adds tension to the plot, but still… ugh.
If you’re in the mood for a cozy urban fantasy that’s easy to follow but highly entertaining—packed with charming, evolving characters (okay, some evolve, but that’s fine)—check out the Shady Spirits series.
Oh yes, there are ghosts. Plenty of them. And yes, our adorable Enid is growing in power! Can't wait for Book 4! (But I need more Randall).
September 10, 2025
Phantom Pursuit by Jen Bair is book three in the Shady Spirits series, a fast moving, well thought out story about a young woman named Enid who is trying desperately to keep her life together, or as together as it can be be when all she does all day is see ghosts.
But in Phantom Pursuit Enid is learning to do a bit more than just survive. She is learning what it means to be a a real friend, and just what even true loyalty and devotion mean, if those are coming from (mainly) ghosts, two humans (possibly), and a who-knows-what he is prince of some type-cartel/drug lord.(or at least it's starting).
Enid is also learning that being a parent is a lot more complex and frustrating than she ever thought about before, and that the problems she had with her mother growing up could very well have been avoidable if Enid had been just a tiny bit more understanding. Learned one is quite a bit like one's parent after a lifetime of misunderstandings can be quite a pill to swallow, but with promises on both ends, Enid's hopeful maybe they two can finally become more than just friends. That maybe they can become the mother-daughter they were always meant to be.
And while Enid's busy trying to help the local ghosts, keep the Cartel off her back, do her waitressing job, and show her mother around who just showed up for a couple of days, Enid has to juggle the ghost governing body who stole her dog and the only way to get him back is to prove AGAIN, he isn't a menace to other ghosts.
Having read all three books, it is easy to say the stories get better as they go along. The stories don't have any real inter-connection, except a very slight interconnecting story arch, so it is very easy to pick up book three and read that before reading book one, however, for maximum enjoyment starting at the first book with Bad Beginnings is highly recommended.
But in Phantom Pursuit Enid is learning to do a bit more than just survive. She is learning what it means to be a a real friend, and just what even true loyalty and devotion mean, if those are coming from (mainly) ghosts, two humans (possibly), and a who-knows-what he is prince of some type-cartel/drug lord.(or at least it's starting).
Enid is also learning that being a parent is a lot more complex and frustrating than she ever thought about before, and that the problems she had with her mother growing up could very well have been avoidable if Enid had been just a tiny bit more understanding. Learned one is quite a bit like one's parent after a lifetime of misunderstandings can be quite a pill to swallow, but with promises on both ends, Enid's hopeful maybe they two can finally become more than just friends. That maybe they can become the mother-daughter they were always meant to be.
And while Enid's busy trying to help the local ghosts, keep the Cartel off her back, do her waitressing job, and show her mother around who just showed up for a couple of days, Enid has to juggle the ghost governing body who stole her dog and the only way to get him back is to prove AGAIN, he isn't a menace to other ghosts.
Having read all three books, it is easy to say the stories get better as they go along. The stories don't have any real inter-connection, except a very slight interconnecting story arch, so it is very easy to pick up book three and read that before reading book one, however, for maximum enjoyment starting at the first book with Bad Beginnings is highly recommended.
August 7, 2025
I can say with absolute certainly Jen is one of the best authors I know and I absolutely love this series with all my heart. Everything continues to go wrong for poor Enid when her beloved dog is dognapped and her condescending mother drops by for a visit. Then, it gets worse. Much worse. And in the end Enid is legg fighting for the life of a loved one. I absolutely love this series and am demolishing every book in a matter of days because I cannot put them down. I find myself reading at work, at dinner, in bed, at the store waiting. I can't put this series down and am excited every time a new one debuts. Jen is an author everyone needs to read. I love her and her books. I am so excited for more from Enid and her ragtag group of heros, and even my favorite character Ian Silva. He's got quite a plot in this book. Pick up this series. You won't regret it and won't be able to put it down. A truly thrilling series and a once in a lifetime author.
July 16, 2025
I just finished this third book, and I just have to say I loved it so darn much. I have come to really adore Waffles, Enid, Ollie, Frank, and all the other characters. In this latest, Enid’s mother has come to visit, and man did she throw a spanner in the works! There is so much going on in this one, it made my head spin. We learn a few unexpected details I didn’t see coming, and there are some plot questions left for the next book. I can’t wait for the next book, and I hope this series lasts for many, many books. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
September 5, 2025
Ive really enjoyed the series so far. I'm so glad Enids dog, waffles (who is a dead familiar) didn't permanently die.
Enids Mum was just the worst. I think there is a hidden secret behind her stubborn, critical behaviour.
Book 3 felt a little rushed; it is a fantastic read, i won't mark it down. However, i hope you dont mind me pointing out there are many, many errors. The finishing touches are important after you have written a book, you want it, no! You 'have' to have it perfect. (Jen Bair) If you are not the one to check your books over before publishing, consider firing your latent one for a half-hearted sloppy check.
Enids Mum was just the worst. I think there is a hidden secret behind her stubborn, critical behaviour.
Book 3 felt a little rushed; it is a fantastic read, i won't mark it down. However, i hope you dont mind me pointing out there are many, many errors. The finishing touches are important after you have written a book, you want it, no! You 'have' to have it perfect. (Jen Bair) If you are not the one to check your books over before publishing, consider firing your latent one for a half-hearted sloppy check.
February 24, 2026
I did enjoy this book, and the cliffhanger from the last book was tied up neatly. The story was great and so was the action. I'm not rating it higher because Enid frustrated me. I had to keep reminding myself that she is very young, but most of the time she doesn't act it. She's not TSTL, and shows a maturity beyond her years. Except when dealing with her mother. Then her default is to lie. I understand that was how she got through growing up, but she makes a point of saying she's an adult. Then acts like a teenager. Hopefully the detente they found at the end of the book moves forward in any future books.
October 8, 2025
4.5 stars
This is a very different take on fae.
First of all, I love the dog. She does teeth chatters just like a maligator and cracks me up with her reactions (note I'm a shepherd mom so I am biased).
Unfortunately, the mother reminds me of my mom and it is so spot on. The constant little digs and the other child not being treated that way - it's a real look at how that plays out.
I feel solid about most of the characters and am slightly torn on one of them, but that feels intentional and like it will get sorted later.
This is a very different take on fae.
First of all, I love the dog. She does teeth chatters just like a maligator and cracks me up with her reactions (note I'm a shepherd mom so I am biased).
Unfortunately, the mother reminds me of my mom and it is so spot on. The constant little digs and the other child not being treated that way - it's a real look at how that plays out.
I feel solid about most of the characters and am slightly torn on one of them, but that feels intentional and like it will get sorted later.
August 11, 2025
Okay, I borrowed this on KU first thing this morning... and it just didn't do anything for me.
I like the characters, for the most part, and the overarching story is getting more complicated and interesting, but there was just something about it that I just didn't mesh with. Sadly, I think this is truly a case of "it's not you, it's me", so while I didn't give it a high rating that doesn't mean that I think it was a badly written or uninteresting story. It just wasn't for me.
3 stars
I like the characters, for the most part, and the overarching story is getting more complicated and interesting, but there was just something about it that I just didn't mesh with. Sadly, I think this is truly a case of "it's not you, it's me", so while I didn't give it a high rating that doesn't mean that I think it was a badly written or uninteresting story. It just wasn't for me.
3 stars
August 31, 2025
Super enjoyable!
This was a great book! I suspect you would have to be reading the series to enjoy it… this is not a standalone. I’m excited to see how Ian plays out. As always, my favourite characters were Void Cat and Waffles!
This was a great book! I suspect you would have to be reading the series to enjoy it… this is not a standalone. I’m excited to see how Ian plays out. As always, my favourite characters were Void Cat and Waffles!
October 30, 2025
This is a good series!
Jen has managed to make a new spin on things, believable characters that easy to like, good plots, suspense and humor. I'm buying the next one adter writing this...
Jen has managed to make a new spin on things, believable characters that easy to like, good plots, suspense and humor. I'm buying the next one adter writing this...
January 25, 2026
Drama, adventure and excitement
And did we mention ghost dogs! Waffles is an AWESOME dog - Enid is lucky to have her.
If you haven't already, read the first two books in the series so you can appreciate this one even more.
I think Jen Bair is going to be a new fav author :)
And did we mention ghost dogs! Waffles is an AWESOME dog - Enid is lucky to have her.
If you haven't already, read the first two books in the series so you can appreciate this one even more.
I think Jen Bair is going to be a new fav author :)
October 31, 2025
Another nice entertaining read.
November 27, 2025
"Just a casual run-in with a cartel boss, a centuries-old ancestral witch, and a cosmic wolf-cat. No biggie."
January 11, 2026
loved it! super plots great action and love love love the characters.
don't waste time, get to reading it!!!
don't waste time, get to reading it!!!
February 5, 2026
I really like this series. So glad I read it.
August 12, 2025
"What’s a little danger when your dog’s in trouble, and the dead won’t shut up?
Enid’s in over her head again, but this time the life of a dear friend is on the line. To save her guardian from a ghastly fate, she must track down a mysterious villain leaving ghost-corpses in their wake"
As if that in itself wasn't crazy enough.... Enid's Mother is in town visiting, Silva has decided to pop up again, so we have Ghosts, Serial Killer Ghosts, Mysteries, Mothers, Cartel bosses & a deadline...... No pressure Enid 🤯
I have no nails left!! At this point I should just chomp on my arm when I pick up a Jen Bair book🤣 Embrace my inner Mal 😂
This is the Third "Shady Spirits" book & I'm loving it. The story pulls you in. You are just along for the ride, & what a ride it is!
Think I experienced just about every emotion in existence reading this..... I LOVE PEACH GROVE Enid, Waffles, Ollie, Lexie, Frank, Ty, Theo, Randall & Co are amazing! the writing of these characters is perfect. The relationships, the realness, the humanity, the banter, the snark...I'd happily sit down with a coffee & share some bacon with these guys (probably help plan Margies comeuppance) Brilliant!! I just need more.
Enid’s in over her head again, but this time the life of a dear friend is on the line. To save her guardian from a ghastly fate, she must track down a mysterious villain leaving ghost-corpses in their wake"
As if that in itself wasn't crazy enough.... Enid's Mother is in town visiting, Silva has decided to pop up again, so we have Ghosts, Serial Killer Ghosts, Mysteries, Mothers, Cartel bosses & a deadline...... No pressure Enid 🤯
I have no nails left!! At this point I should just chomp on my arm when I pick up a Jen Bair book🤣 Embrace my inner Mal 😂
This is the Third "Shady Spirits" book & I'm loving it. The story pulls you in. You are just along for the ride, & what a ride it is!
Think I experienced just about every emotion in existence reading this..... I LOVE PEACH GROVE Enid, Waffles, Ollie, Lexie, Frank, Ty, Theo, Randall & Co are amazing! the writing of these characters is perfect. The relationships, the realness, the humanity, the banter, the snark...I'd happily sit down with a coffee & share some bacon with these guys (probably help plan Margies comeuppance) Brilliant!! I just need more.
February 2, 2026
I've read and reviewed the two prior novels in the Shady Spirits series and they just get better!
The main character is a woman who has seen ghosts for as long as she can remember. Not only this, but she can communicate with them as well. One thing leads to another and now she has a dog as her familiar, ghost best friends, a witchy ancestor, the spirit council watching her, and the cartel is after her...not to mention the "Void Kitty" who seems to assist her in moments of peril.
What once was a quiet life for a woman working at a diner who spent her days ignoring the ghosts around her is now a wild rollercoaster of adventure.
I freaking love these books. They're light and funny but have characters and plot full of depth. They're so easy to enjoy!
The main character is a woman who has seen ghosts for as long as she can remember. Not only this, but she can communicate with them as well. One thing leads to another and now she has a dog as her familiar, ghost best friends, a witchy ancestor, the spirit council watching her, and the cartel is after her...not to mention the "Void Kitty" who seems to assist her in moments of peril.
What once was a quiet life for a woman working at a diner who spent her days ignoring the ghosts around her is now a wild rollercoaster of adventure.
I freaking love these books. They're light and funny but have characters and plot full of depth. They're so easy to enjoy!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews