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The Brentford Novels #2
A Field Guide to Library Ghosts
Fiona Gordon is starting over. Unbeknownst to her, so is her roommate George Manchester, although he’s been dead for over a century.
After a painful divorce, Fiona is trading big-city bustle for the sleepy charm of Brentford, Connecticut, and a job as director of the town library. She doesn’t realize that George—a dashing but irritable 19th-century gentleman trapped in a portrait—is going with her. Desperate to reunite with his lost love, Rose, George needs Fiona’s help. But first, he has to convince her he’s real.
As Fiona adjusts to her new life, she tries to keep her fascination with George secret—or risk being thought weird, to say the least. But when new friends turn out to have their own secrets, she must reconsider whether keeping things hidden is a good idea.
Searching for George’s Rose, organizing the library, and trying to figure out a new friendship almost overwhelm Fiona until she realizes that love, redemption, and perseverance can jump-start second chances that transcend even the boundaries of time.
Heartwarming, witty, and laced with supernatural intrigue, A Field Guide to Library Ghosts is a story of letting go, finding hope, and daring to believe in the impossible.
After a painful divorce, Fiona is trading big-city bustle for the sleepy charm of Brentford, Connecticut, and a job as director of the town library. She doesn’t realize that George—a dashing but irritable 19th-century gentleman trapped in a portrait—is going with her. Desperate to reunite with his lost love, Rose, George needs Fiona’s help. But first, he has to convince her he’s real.
As Fiona adjusts to her new life, she tries to keep her fascination with George secret—or risk being thought weird, to say the least. But when new friends turn out to have their own secrets, she must reconsider whether keeping things hidden is a good idea.
Searching for George’s Rose, organizing the library, and trying to figure out a new friendship almost overwhelm Fiona until she realizes that love, redemption, and perseverance can jump-start second chances that transcend even the boundaries of time.
Heartwarming, witty, and laced with supernatural intrigue, A Field Guide to Library Ghosts is a story of letting go, finding hope, and daring to believe in the impossible.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2025
4 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Gabi Coatsworth
9 books206 followersI was born in Britain, but have spent most of my life trying to figure out how America works by living there. So, if you find a British flavor in my books, don’t be surprised.
Atmosphere Press published my memoir, Love’s Journey Home (2022), and my first novel, A Beginner’s Guide to Starting Over (2023). My second novel, A Field Guide to Library Ghosts, came out in October, 2025.
Unlike many writers, I can’t write in coffee shops - they’re too distracting, and I only drink coffee as a last resort. I live in Connecticut in a cottage that’s American on the outside, and English inside. If I’m not reading, writing, or traveling, you'll find me in my flower garden holding a cup of her preferred beverage, strong English tea, and wondering whether to do some weeding.
To get advance news and special bonus materials, sign up for my newsletter or follow me on Substack.
Atmosphere Press published my memoir, Love’s Journey Home (2022), and my first novel, A Beginner’s Guide to Starting Over (2023). My second novel, A Field Guide to Library Ghosts, came out in October, 2025.
Unlike many writers, I can’t write in coffee shops - they’re too distracting, and I only drink coffee as a last resort. I live in Connecticut in a cottage that’s American on the outside, and English inside. If I’m not reading, writing, or traveling, you'll find me in my flower garden holding a cup of her preferred beverage, strong English tea, and wondering whether to do some weeding.
To get advance news and special bonus materials, sign up for my newsletter or follow me on Substack.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
February 10, 2026
Hooray! Today is pub day for the second of my Brentford Novels. I'm happy with the response it's been getting, and hope new readers enjoy it too.
Even though I'm the author, I find it a welcome relief from today's difficult world. I even crack myself up occasionally!
I love the way George Manchester, the benign ghost, is determined to find his wife in the afterlife. Since he's from the 1800s, I like his confusion about modern customs and technology - he doesn't realize that might be the only way to find Rose...
There's a happy-ever-after ending for some and a happy and optimistic ending for others...
Even though I'm the author, I find it a welcome relief from today's difficult world. I even crack myself up occasionally!
I love the way George Manchester, the benign ghost, is determined to find his wife in the afterlife. Since he's from the 1800s, I like his confusion about modern customs and technology - he doesn't realize that might be the only way to find Rose...
There's a happy-ever-after ending for some and a happy and optimistic ending for others...
Did not finish
October 15, 2025I read 20% of this before stopping. The writing style is choppy and the plot isn’t clear. I could not finish this book
October 27, 2025
Looking for a post-divorce fresh start, Fiona accepts a position as executive director at a Connecticut library. What she brought with her was a man's portrait, a portrait that seems to be inhabited by his ghost. As she settles into her new position, she also becomes friends (??) with him. It's a well- told story of helping him while making a new life for herself. Plenty of interesting characters in this sweet story. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 6, 2025
A cozy little starting over romance and second chance ghost romance rolled into one. I was absorbed. The short chapters and dual POV helped keep me turning pages which was inconvenient because this was the first NetGalley ARC that forced me to read it through the app on my phone instead of giving me the option to send to my kindle. Not a fan of that since I have poor eyesight but I digress…
The story hit all the right light fall reading notes for me and confused me as well. Like, why is Fiona not more freaked out when George leaves her a note? She has no reaction at all! If a ghost left me a letter in my locked apartment and I lived alone- I’d be more than a little freaked out.
The story hit all the right light fall reading notes for me and confused me as well. Like, why is Fiona not more freaked out when George leaves her a note? She has no reaction at all! If a ghost left me a letter in my locked apartment and I lived alone- I’d be more than a little freaked out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2025
I really enjoyed A Field Guide to Library Ghosts. Fiona, a divorcee, is putting her life back together when she discovers that the portrait she owns is actually haunted. The ghost, George Manchester, died young at 35 and just wants to be reunited with his wife. George is quite the character. He is frustrating, self-involved, but honestly hilarious.
The story alternates between Fiona trying to help George find peace and her figuring out her new job and life. It’s a great piece of fiction with just the right amount of paranormal. I also loved the writing style. It made the whole thing such an easy, enjoyable read.
The story alternates between Fiona trying to help George find peace and her figuring out her new job and life. It’s a great piece of fiction with just the right amount of paranormal. I also loved the writing style. It made the whole thing such an easy, enjoyable read.
October 9, 2025
Well, I kept reading with this book rather than chucking it right away because it had so many glowing reviews, but I feel like we must have read a completely different book. I grabbed it based on the title alone, and it very much disappointed me. First of all, you have a library hiring someone from a museum to be their director, which seems highly unlikely. But it's fantasy, so let's roll with it. Then, you have the new library director bringing a haunted painting with her on her move and promising to find what happened to the ghost's wife after he died. The author is British, and it shows because she gets U.S. conversation and small town libraries all wrong. Everyone's conversations are just not the way people talk or what they talk about.
I kept relaying library-related parts of this book to my librarian co-workers, and they just laughed. No, a small-town library isn't going to make $75,000 from their small town book sale. Our last sale in our small town library made about $350. And even if you sell a few rare books, $75,000 is still an outrageous amount. Then, the library in this book has a book-signing event with a famous author as a money making event with the idea that they're going to be making money through new library memberships. Most libraries have free memberships unless you're from out of the area. So, I'm not sure how they were making their money.
Basically, the plot revolves around making money for the library because the last director embezzled the money, doing genealogy research, taking walks around the nighborhood, and talking to the ghost in the painting (who just shouldn't try to talk at all). Then, there's a minor romance plot, blah blah blah.
Maybe this book reads better for some people, but it just wasn't for me, even if you don't factor in the unbelievable library fundraising bits. I guess I haven't had a great track record picking Netgalley early reads lately.
I kept relaying library-related parts of this book to my librarian co-workers, and they just laughed. No, a small-town library isn't going to make $75,000 from their small town book sale. Our last sale in our small town library made about $350. And even if you sell a few rare books, $75,000 is still an outrageous amount. Then, the library in this book has a book-signing event with a famous author as a money making event with the idea that they're going to be making money through new library memberships. Most libraries have free memberships unless you're from out of the area. So, I'm not sure how they were making their money.
Basically, the plot revolves around making money for the library because the last director embezzled the money, doing genealogy research, taking walks around the nighborhood, and talking to the ghost in the painting (who just shouldn't try to talk at all). Then, there's a minor romance plot, blah blah blah.
Maybe this book reads better for some people, but it just wasn't for me, even if you don't factor in the unbelievable library fundraising bits. I guess I haven't had a great track record picking Netgalley early reads lately.
October 13, 2025
The title of this book certainly caught my attention - as what avid reader does not like anything taking place in a library? And then adding a touch of paranormal to it beckons the curious reader. The story begins with Fiona needing to make changes in her life as she has watched her marriage end and now sees her ex-husband and new wife expecting a baby - that which she has yearned for and yet down been able to have. The only person who listens to her problems is George Manchester, whose family happens to have been the owners of the building she was living in, and whose portrait now hangs on her wall. Accepting a position as Executive Director at the Wentworth Library in a small Connecticut town, she leaves Philadelphia, bringing George along. What follows is an easy-read story of Fiona and George discovering the way to communicate with each other as he wants her to find what happened to his wife and daughters after his death. Fiona settles into the small town making unexpected friendships and finding herself becoming a part of the community, as well as discovering and accepting her ability to communicate with the library ghosts while helping George find answers. Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the opportunity to read and review this advance reader copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #NetGalley #AFieldGuidetoLibraryGhosts
October 19, 2025
Gabi Coatsworth's A Field Guide to Library Ghosts masterfully blends historical mystery with contemporary fiction. The story follows Fiona Gordan, who, fresh from a divorce, starts a new life as a library director in a quaint New England town. Her companion is a portrait of George Manchester, a handsome, charming ghost from the 1800s who needs her help finding what happened to his wife so they can be reunited in the afterlife. What makes the novel special is its clever twist on the dual-timeline narrative. The past, through George, interacts directly with the present, creating an amusing dynamic as his 19th-century worldview collides with Fiona's modern world. The book is utterly charming in its portrayal of small-town life, complete with eccentric characters, a budding romance, and the realistic insider challenges of running a library. The witty rapport between the proud, old-fashioned George and the capable Fiona drives the deftly planned plot forward. A Field Guide to Library Ghosts is a warm, witty, and engaging story that will leave you smiling. Highly recommended for fans of cozy mysteries, this is a heartwarming tale that made me want to become a small-town librarian myself.
May 31, 2025
Well written, imaginative, touching, and fun! With lots of humor.
I loved this book!
This story portrays past and future with equal accuracy and believability, and makes it feel conceivable that friendly ghosts might exist amongst us. I may never look at a painting of someone from the past in quite the same way again … instead I’ll be hoping to meet someone as interesting as George Manchester, the 19th century gentleman whose spirit resides in the painting purchased by the protagonist, Fiona.
I was rooting for Fiona, the whole way through as well, and loved how the changes within her life evolved within the plot.
Gabi Coatsworth’s writing just keeps getting better and better and I can’t wait to see what she reads next.
(I was lucky enough to read this novel before its publishing date, as I received an ARC from the author.)
I loved this book!
This story portrays past and future with equal accuracy and believability, and makes it feel conceivable that friendly ghosts might exist amongst us. I may never look at a painting of someone from the past in quite the same way again … instead I’ll be hoping to meet someone as interesting as George Manchester, the 19th century gentleman whose spirit resides in the painting purchased by the protagonist, Fiona.
I was rooting for Fiona, the whole way through as well, and loved how the changes within her life evolved within the plot.
Gabi Coatsworth’s writing just keeps getting better and better and I can’t wait to see what she reads next.
(I was lucky enough to read this novel before its publishing date, as I received an ARC from the author.)
October 21, 2025
What a fun novel! Fiona is nursing her wounds after a bruising divorce. It doesn’t help that she keeps bumping into her ex with his new, pregnant wife all around her hometown of Philadelphia. Needing a change, she accepts a job offer as the new executive director of a library in small-town Connecticut.
Along with her possessions, she takes along a painting: one that develops her sixth sense. Fiona learns she can converse with George, the 1870s gentleman in the painting. And George, in turn, enlists Fiona’s help in tracking down his long-lost love.
A new job, new friends and a possible love interest await her in Connecticut, along with the need to placate a very persuasive George in his quest to reunite with his soulmate. A highly enjoyable read – told through the alternating voices of Fiona and her amusing nineteenth century gentleman. Highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy - all thoughts are my own.
Along with her possessions, she takes along a painting: one that develops her sixth sense. Fiona learns she can converse with George, the 1870s gentleman in the painting. And George, in turn, enlists Fiona’s help in tracking down his long-lost love.
A new job, new friends and a possible love interest await her in Connecticut, along with the need to placate a very persuasive George in his quest to reunite with his soulmate. A highly enjoyable read – told through the alternating voices of Fiona and her amusing nineteenth century gentleman. Highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy - all thoughts are my own.
October 20, 2025
I received a free DRC of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. The title definitely attracted my attention as well as the lovely purple cover. The writing and story were pleasant, but the ending was predictable from early on in the book. I wish there had been more twists or suspense over what was going to happen. The side plot was pretty obvious too unfortunately with Fiona's love interest revealing his side occupation. I just wanted more. The small part with Andrew's daughter Ellie was actually one of the best parts of the book.
December 5, 2025
What could be more fun than a wry ghost who resides in a picture frame and manifests to consult with the owner of said picture about matters past and present? This is a delightful book about new beginnings and reconnections, featuring quirky characters (and ghosts) and a protagonist who’s assertive and capable, but with just enough self-doubt to be sympathetic. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Read
February 10, 2026Small town vibes. Check.
Town full of secrets. Check.
Light mysteries. Check.
Cute ghost. Check.
Some of the details are a little questionable but overall a very cute cozy little story. A post divorce woman looking for a fresh start far from the home she knew, and a ghost trapped in a painting trying to find out what happened to his family. Friendship and personal growth all around.
Town full of secrets. Check.
Light mysteries. Check.
Cute ghost. Check.
Some of the details are a little questionable but overall a very cute cozy little story. A post divorce woman looking for a fresh start far from the home she knew, and a ghost trapped in a painting trying to find out what happened to his family. Friendship and personal growth all around.
July 1, 2025
Fiona is looking for a fresh start after her divorce. She needs to escape Philadelphia where her ex-husband and his new wife still live. When a position opens up in a small Connecticut town’s historic library, she jumps at the chance to change her life. But Fiona finds small-town life takes some adjustments. There’s one more wrinkle in her new life: that antique oil painting she brought with her is haunted.
George is a very proper Victorian gentleman who died too young, and now his spirit is trapped in a painting. He’s desperate to locate his beloved wife in the afterworld but he’s been unsuccessful. His only hope is to communicate with Fiona to enlist her help in finding his true love.
“A Field Guide to Library Ghosts” is a sweet and poignant story that’s told from both Fiona’s and George’s points of view. I especially enjoyed George’s chapters, and his wry and witty observations are very much in the voice of a Victorian gentleman. All through the story, I was rooting for Fiona to find happiness in her new life, and for George to reunite with his true love.
The story reminded me somewhat of the old television series, “The Ghost and Mrs. Muir.” It’s a fun and light-hearted read, perfect for a summer afternoon.
George is a very proper Victorian gentleman who died too young, and now his spirit is trapped in a painting. He’s desperate to locate his beloved wife in the afterworld but he’s been unsuccessful. His only hope is to communicate with Fiona to enlist her help in finding his true love.
“A Field Guide to Library Ghosts” is a sweet and poignant story that’s told from both Fiona’s and George’s points of view. I especially enjoyed George’s chapters, and his wry and witty observations are very much in the voice of a Victorian gentleman. All through the story, I was rooting for Fiona to find happiness in her new life, and for George to reunite with his true love.
The story reminded me somewhat of the old television series, “The Ghost and Mrs. Muir.” It’s a fun and light-hearted read, perfect for a summer afternoon.
September 29, 2025
I absolutely loved A Field Guide to Library Ghosts! Gabi Coatsworth did an amazing job bringing the story to life, the atmosphere, the characters, and the unique touch of the supernatural were all so beautifully written. I really enjoyed reading it and could not put it down! Gabi Coatsworth’s writing is warm, engaging, and full of atmosphere. The story pulled me in right away and kept me hooked from start to finish. It’s beautifully written, unique, and left me thinking about it long after I finished. Such a wonderful read!
May 22, 2025
What an engaging story and enchanting cast of characters! Fiona, our protagonist, has a special ability to communicate with ghosts, particularly with a charming gentleman who resides in a painting in her own house. The two have different goals, but their stories are woven together in engaging ways. Fiona needs to heal from her painful past and learn to live again. As she adapts to her new smaller community and meets new people, we wonder whether she’ll find also find love again. And whether her ghost will ever reunite with his deceased wife and find peace. The story had some twists along the way that kept me reading from start to end.
May 27, 2025
A fun enjoyable read with well defined characters (some of whom you’ll recognize from Gabi’s first novel) and an intriguing plot!
December 22, 2025
Fun, cute little read.
October 18, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for this arc! This was a cute, fun read even if the ending was somewhat predictable.
November 6, 2025
Really enjoyed this! Fiona is such a cute woman with a strong independent personality that I related to. Once a man you loved wrongs you, it's really hard to let anyone in and trust. I think George the ghost really helps her with that because while exploring his history and conversing with him, I think it makes her realize that there is so much more life to live and explore. Like Andrew! tee hee!
Plus she left her terrible ex husband behind and found a community and friends that embraced her wholly.
Love the Connecticut rep too! Wooo!
Plus she left her terrible ex husband behind and found a community and friends that embraced her wholly.
Love the Connecticut rep too! Wooo!
November 19, 2025
I gave this book 3 stars out of 5 ☆☆☆
I enjoyed it but thought it was well written and great characters. I wish the MFC was a bit younger than 40. I think it was harder to relate to her because of how much older the characters were than me. Otherwise, it's a pretty good read.
I'm leaving this review voluntarily it was an arc copy from NetGalley.
I enjoyed it but thought it was well written and great characters. I wish the MFC was a bit younger than 40. I think it was harder to relate to her because of how much older the characters were than me. Otherwise, it's a pretty good read.
I'm leaving this review voluntarily it was an arc copy from NetGalley.
July 15, 2025
Finishing this book gave me the same fulfillment as when I’ve eaten a wonderful meal in pleasant company. I will miss it and its characters! The end was so satisfying that I confess I shed a tear or two.
Told from the perspectives of both modern-day Fiona and the 19th century ghost who lives in one of her paintings, it is an entertaining, heartwarming story about two people finding love. Their adventures in a small Connecticut town, and specifically in its historic library, will keep you turning pages, as will the excellent writing and dry wit of author Gabi Coatesworth.
Many thanks to the author for providing me with an advance copy of the book!
Told from the perspectives of both modern-day Fiona and the 19th century ghost who lives in one of her paintings, it is an entertaining, heartwarming story about two people finding love. Their adventures in a small Connecticut town, and specifically in its historic library, will keep you turning pages, as will the excellent writing and dry wit of author Gabi Coatesworth.
Many thanks to the author for providing me with an advance copy of the book!
June 3, 2025
Fiona is trying to put her life back together but George, a troublesome ghost who’s searching for his lost love, keeps getting in the way. A Field Guide to Library Ghosts is a delightful read. Highly recommend!
October 15, 2025
I was delighted to receive an ARC for Gabi’s second novel in the Brentford series, which did not disappoint. The logline says it all: Fiona Gordon is starting over. Unbeknownst to her, so is her roommate George Manchester, although he’s been dead for over a century.
Who wouldn’t be intrigued by such a premise? Gabi’s trademark understated humour and well-developed characters quickly draw the reader in. I was particularly taken by George, the irritating but delightful ghost whose voice rang remarkably true. I loved his puzzlement over the mores of 21st century America, and the way in which he and Fiona banged heads due to his chauvinism. His longing for his wife, Rose, was touching in the extreme. Also notable was the setting. I felt as if I were in Brentford and specifically at the Wentworth Library. I could see every room and almost smell the delicious aroma of well-loved books. As in the first Brentford book, we met a memorable collection of the town’s residents: the eccentric Elaine Johanssen, the irritating Channing Wentworth, and the painfully shy but mysterious maths professor, Andrew Mackenzie. Gabi paints all her characters with a deft hand and a great deal of humanity. If you are looking for a charming, feel-good read, I highly recommend A Field Guide to Library Ghosts.
Who wouldn’t be intrigued by such a premise? Gabi’s trademark understated humour and well-developed characters quickly draw the reader in. I was particularly taken by George, the irritating but delightful ghost whose voice rang remarkably true. I loved his puzzlement over the mores of 21st century America, and the way in which he and Fiona banged heads due to his chauvinism. His longing for his wife, Rose, was touching in the extreme. Also notable was the setting. I felt as if I were in Brentford and specifically at the Wentworth Library. I could see every room and almost smell the delicious aroma of well-loved books. As in the first Brentford book, we met a memorable collection of the town’s residents: the eccentric Elaine Johanssen, the irritating Channing Wentworth, and the painfully shy but mysterious maths professor, Andrew Mackenzie. Gabi paints all her characters with a deft hand and a great deal of humanity. If you are looking for a charming, feel-good read, I highly recommend A Field Guide to Library Ghosts.
October 22, 2025
I really wanted to enjoy this book, but unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me. The premise sounded genuinely intriguing and the blurb gave me the impression that I was in for an engaging, character-driven story. However, once I started reading, I found it far less compelling than I’d hoped.
My main struggle was with the characters. I couldn’t seem to connect with any of them on an emotional level, which made it difficult to stay invested in the story. Even when something significant happened, I felt oddly detached. It’s not that the characters were badly written — they just never quite came to life for me, and I found myself waiting for that spark that never arrived.
The writing style also wasn’t to my taste. It’s not poorly written by any means, but something about the tone and pacing made it hard to fully engage. I often found myself rereading passages to stay focused, and after a while, my attention started to drift.
I gave the book a fair try — I got through more than half before I began skim-reading just to see where the story was heading. By that point, I’d accepted that it wasn’t going to be a story that resonated with me.
That said, I can see how others might enjoy it, especially if they connect more strongly with the author’s style or the themes being explored. It simply wasn’t the right fit for me as a reader.
My main struggle was with the characters. I couldn’t seem to connect with any of them on an emotional level, which made it difficult to stay invested in the story. Even when something significant happened, I felt oddly detached. It’s not that the characters were badly written — they just never quite came to life for me, and I found myself waiting for that spark that never arrived.
The writing style also wasn’t to my taste. It’s not poorly written by any means, but something about the tone and pacing made it hard to fully engage. I often found myself rereading passages to stay focused, and after a while, my attention started to drift.
I gave the book a fair try — I got through more than half before I began skim-reading just to see where the story was heading. By that point, I’d accepted that it wasn’t going to be a story that resonated with me.
That said, I can see how others might enjoy it, especially if they connect more strongly with the author’s style or the themes being explored. It simply wasn’t the right fit for me as a reader.
October 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really wanted to love it!
The title and the description of the book really pulled me in. As a civil servant who has worked closely in community spaces such as libraries and campuses (and also believes in ghosts), it was right up my alley! My favorite parts of the book was all the interactions with George, since I found him the most interesting character.
Sadly, because of my close proximity to Fiona’s title, it was incredibly hard for me to relate to her and often times took me out of the immersion. She also was an incredibly judgmental character (which is called out eventually in the book), and it made it hard to read past some of her comments. She mostly just comes off as disingenuous.
The main story plot of aiding George to give him closure was intriguing, though moving points are few and far between. Everything about this book is a slow burn, which I enjoy, but this was a rare time I found myself impatient.
Overall, I think that the book has its moments and it’s still a good read for those who are looking for something cozy. A good book to have a nice cup of coffee with (Fiona’s favorite, it seems!). 📚☕️
I received this book as an ARC read on NetGalley! Thank you so much!
The title and the description of the book really pulled me in. As a civil servant who has worked closely in community spaces such as libraries and campuses (and also believes in ghosts), it was right up my alley! My favorite parts of the book was all the interactions with George, since I found him the most interesting character.
Sadly, because of my close proximity to Fiona’s title, it was incredibly hard for me to relate to her and often times took me out of the immersion. She also was an incredibly judgmental character (which is called out eventually in the book), and it made it hard to read past some of her comments. She mostly just comes off as disingenuous.
The main story plot of aiding George to give him closure was intriguing, though moving points are few and far between. Everything about this book is a slow burn, which I enjoy, but this was a rare time I found myself impatient.
Overall, I think that the book has its moments and it’s still a good read for those who are looking for something cozy. A good book to have a nice cup of coffee with (Fiona’s favorite, it seems!). 📚☕️
I received this book as an ARC read on NetGalley! Thank you so much!
November 4, 2025
When the weather turns chilly and the trees shake off their leaves, there’s nothing better than curling up with a good ghost story right before Halloween. Even better, a ghost story that has touches of mystery, romance, and humor. I was delighted to find all three of those elements in Gabi Coatsworth’s just-released novel A Field Guide to Library Ghosts.
The book is told in alternating viewpoints between Fiona and George, which makes for an interesting read. George’s voice is captured well, since he’s from an earlier era—he has antiquated viewpoints about women and the modern world, which clashes with the heroine of the tale. There’s a good amount of humor to the storyline too, and the style and voice of the writing is compelling and easy to devour. In fact, I read the whole book in one sitting and enjoyed it immensely.
I’d recommend this novel to readers who are looking for a storyline that’s not too heavy and spreads a positive message of love and redemption. If you’d like to escape the endless current news cycle of terrible happenings around the world, this is a wonderful change of pace that will keep you entertained from the first page to the last.
A longer review was originally published in the magazine ScribesMICRO: https://www.fairfieldscribes.com/issu....
The book is told in alternating viewpoints between Fiona and George, which makes for an interesting read. George’s voice is captured well, since he’s from an earlier era—he has antiquated viewpoints about women and the modern world, which clashes with the heroine of the tale. There’s a good amount of humor to the storyline too, and the style and voice of the writing is compelling and easy to devour. In fact, I read the whole book in one sitting and enjoyed it immensely.
I’d recommend this novel to readers who are looking for a storyline that’s not too heavy and spreads a positive message of love and redemption. If you’d like to escape the endless current news cycle of terrible happenings around the world, this is a wonderful change of pace that will keep you entertained from the first page to the last.
A longer review was originally published in the magazine ScribesMICRO: https://www.fairfieldscribes.com/issu....
October 1, 2025
Stop what you are doing and read this book! This is a five-star masterclass in psychological suspense that I tore through in a single, breathless sitting. From the first chapter, the author grabs you by the throat and never lets up, delivering a narrative that is both breakneck fast and deeply unsettling.
The brilliance here is in the narrator's perspective. You are locked into their unreliable, frantic point of view, and it creates a sense of delicious paranoia that makes every character a suspect, and every seemingly mundane event a potential clue. I thought I had the twists figured out—I really did—but the final sequence was an absolute jaw-dropper that completely blew my expectations out of the water.
If you love a thriller that is unputdownable, wickedly smart, and has you questioning everything you just read, this is it. It’s the kind of book that will be living rent-free in my head for weeks. Absolutely mandatory reading for thriller fans!
Thank you netgalley for the ARC copy.
The brilliance here is in the narrator's perspective. You are locked into their unreliable, frantic point of view, and it creates a sense of delicious paranoia that makes every character a suspect, and every seemingly mundane event a potential clue. I thought I had the twists figured out—I really did—but the final sequence was an absolute jaw-dropper that completely blew my expectations out of the water.
If you love a thriller that is unputdownable, wickedly smart, and has you questioning everything you just read, this is it. It’s the kind of book that will be living rent-free in my head for weeks. Absolutely mandatory reading for thriller fans!
Thank you netgalley for the ARC copy.
October 7, 2025
A Field Guide to Library Ghosts by Gabi Coatsworth is a gentle, charming novel that blends small-town life, second chances, and just the right touch of the supernatural. After her divorce, Fiona moves to Connecticut for a fresh start—only to find that the ghost from the portrait she’s been restoring has followed her. What unfolds is a story about grief, hope, and the unexpected ways the past can haunt (and help) us.
Coatsworth’s writing is warm and lyrical, full of quiet moments that feel both tender and true. I loved the setting—the cozy library, the quirky locals, and the slow uncovering of long-buried secrets. The ghost story element feels symbolic rather than spooky, and the emotional heart of the novel lies in learning to let go and start over.
A lovely read for fans of gentle mysteries, character-driven fiction, or ghost stories with heart rather than horror.
Thank you Net Galley for an advanced copy of this title. It is set to release at the end of this month!
Coatsworth’s writing is warm and lyrical, full of quiet moments that feel both tender and true. I loved the setting—the cozy library, the quirky locals, and the slow uncovering of long-buried secrets. The ghost story element feels symbolic rather than spooky, and the emotional heart of the novel lies in learning to let go and start over.
A lovely read for fans of gentle mysteries, character-driven fiction, or ghost stories with heart rather than horror.
Thank you Net Galley for an advanced copy of this title. It is set to release at the end of this month!
July 1, 2025
This is a cozy and compelling read about a woman who develops the ability to communicate with the dead through their portraits. Fiona is recently divorced and making a fresh start as the executive director of a library in a small town. George, who also takes turns narrating, passed away in the 1800s but lives on through the portrait hanging in Fiona's home; he wants to make contact with Fiona so he can find out what happened to his wife. I found George's POV particularly amusing, as he misinterprets facets of the modern world like cell phones, computers, and fashion. There were times when I laughed out loud at his snarky comments about Fiona's romantic subplot and the conversations he overhears! If you're looking for a cast of endearing small town characters, a touch of the supernatural, and a satisfying ending, this is the book for you!
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