What do you think?
The Malign Ghosts of Summer
Two-time Lambda Literary Award winner Ann McMan presents a lyrical, multi-voiced novel that explores the fragile architecture of the lives we build, the resilience it takes to reimagine them, and the enduring power of friendship that carries us through it all.
Told through the interwoven perspectives of four unforgettable characters—Meg, a gifted chef whose culinary journey anchors the story; Camille, her childhood best friend and unrequited love; Laurent, a sharp-tongued food critic and steadfast confidant; and Kip, a fearless documentary photographer who challenges Meg to live out loud—this richly layered novel spans decades, continents, and the full spectrum of human longing.
From postwar Paris to mid-century New York City to the quiet beauty of Vermont’s Lake Champlain Islands, The Malign Ghosts of Summer traces how the pursuit of love—in all its forms—can shape a life. As each character navigates loss, belonging, and the search for meaning, their voices converge in a story of reinvention, chosen family, and the radiant triumph of becoming who you were always meant to be.
For readers of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, The Hours, and Honey Girl, this is a tender, resonant celebration of resilience, love, and connection.
Told through the interwoven perspectives of four unforgettable characters—Meg, a gifted chef whose culinary journey anchors the story; Camille, her childhood best friend and unrequited love; Laurent, a sharp-tongued food critic and steadfast confidant; and Kip, a fearless documentary photographer who challenges Meg to live out loud—this richly layered novel spans decades, continents, and the full spectrum of human longing.
From postwar Paris to mid-century New York City to the quiet beauty of Vermont’s Lake Champlain Islands, The Malign Ghosts of Summer traces how the pursuit of love—in all its forms—can shape a life. As each character navigates loss, belonging, and the search for meaning, their voices converge in a story of reinvention, chosen family, and the radiant triumph of becoming who you were always meant to be.
For readers of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, The Hours, and Honey Girl, this is a tender, resonant celebration of resilience, love, and connection.
- GenresLGBT
440 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2026
About the author
Ann McMan
30 books587 followersCollege at an indifferent liberal arts institution taught Ann McMan that understanding subject/verb agreement was not enough to secure her fame and fortune. After graduation, she got a job driving a young adult bookmobile—and spent her days piloting the great rig across the dusty back roads of rural North Carolina. Her duties included making certain that the mobile library always contained at least six copies of "Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret", visiting the county detention unit (it was a great way to catch up with her brothers), and showing public service films about safe sex to pre-teens at 4-H Clubs all across her part of “The New South.”
Soon, the allure of higher education coaxed Ann back to school. For the past three decades, Ann has worked at a succession of premier institutions, designing marketing and advancement materials that promote, promulgate, and extol the benefits of indifferent liberal arts education.
Somebody has to do it.
All this time, she continued to write. And when, at the ripe old age of thirty, she realized that she was not like other girls, the great world of lesbian literature opened its arms, and provided her with a safe haven in which to grow and learn about her new identity. She will forever be indebted to those literary pioneers who had the courage, the talent, and the temerity to gift us all with an art form of our own. Ann’s first and subsequent attempts at writing lesbian fiction have been heartfelt attempts to pay that great gift forward.
Ann McMan is the author of three novels, JERICHO, DUST, and AFTERMATH–and the story collection SIDECAR.
In 2011, Ann, along with her novels JERICHO and DUST and her short story “I Saw Xena Kissing Senticles” were elected to The Royal Academy of Bards Hall of Fame. In 2012, she was awarded the Alice B. Lavender Certificate.
BACKCAST, further adventures of the CLIT-Con 13 (that zany cast of authors from SIDECAR’s “Bottle Rocket”) will be released in 2013.
Soon, the allure of higher education coaxed Ann back to school. For the past three decades, Ann has worked at a succession of premier institutions, designing marketing and advancement materials that promote, promulgate, and extol the benefits of indifferent liberal arts education.
Somebody has to do it.
All this time, she continued to write. And when, at the ripe old age of thirty, she realized that she was not like other girls, the great world of lesbian literature opened its arms, and provided her with a safe haven in which to grow and learn about her new identity. She will forever be indebted to those literary pioneers who had the courage, the talent, and the temerity to gift us all with an art form of our own. Ann’s first and subsequent attempts at writing lesbian fiction have been heartfelt attempts to pay that great gift forward.
Ann McMan is the author of three novels, JERICHO, DUST, and AFTERMATH–and the story collection SIDECAR.
In 2011, Ann, along with her novels JERICHO and DUST and her short story “I Saw Xena Kissing Senticles” were elected to The Royal Academy of Bards Hall of Fame. In 2012, she was awarded the Alice B. Lavender Certificate.
BACKCAST, further adventures of the CLIT-Con 13 (that zany cast of authors from SIDECAR’s “Bottle Rocket”) will be released in 2013.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 13, 2026
One of my first sapphic books was McMan’s Jericho and I loved it. This newest book starts out in 1940 and is a very deep story that takes place over a 15 year period from when Meg was 10 until she’s 26. she meets her best friend Camille while vacationing in Vermont at a lake house. Meg and Camille have lots of adventures as kids. Meg loves to cook and learns how to make simple meals on a wood stove. Camille wants to be a musician.
Meg is a curious kid, always in trouble, is sent to boarding school, then moves in with her gay aunt, Giselle in NYC. Where she meets her aunts friends and is exposed to the gay community when she’s 18. Giselle works in publishing and has a several influential friends that help Meg get into cooking school. Later she goes to Paris and meets Alice Kipling a young photographer.
I listened to the audio on this and really enjoyed all the French phrases and accents. This is also an historical fiction book, with scenes from WWII and afterwards. Several real life characters are in the story and add to the storyline. All the main characters have alternating 1st person chapters that helped develop each character.
This is written in a very literary style with several deep subjects taking place in Meg’s life. I really enjoyed reading/listening to it.
Meg is a curious kid, always in trouble, is sent to boarding school, then moves in with her gay aunt, Giselle in NYC. Where she meets her aunts friends and is exposed to the gay community when she’s 18. Giselle works in publishing and has a several influential friends that help Meg get into cooking school. Later she goes to Paris and meets Alice Kipling a young photographer.
I listened to the audio on this and really enjoyed all the French phrases and accents. This is also an historical fiction book, with scenes from WWII and afterwards. Several real life characters are in the story and add to the storyline. All the main characters have alternating 1st person chapters that helped develop each character.
This is written in a very literary style with several deep subjects taking place in Meg’s life. I really enjoyed reading/listening to it.
July 16, 2026
Ann McMan always has something to say and one of the things I loved about this book is that one of the main themes is around literature and the fact that all the important reads the ones we remember have something to say. They stay with us. They make us think and feel. It sometimes feels like that this is a dying art as authors chase what is palatable to mass markets. This book is one I will remember.
This book is told from multiple POV's and has a cast of characters that the author takes pains to ensure you understand. That is unusual. The world building takes investment but it is well worth it. A book set around real events with real historical figures and fictional ones thrown in is a story I always enjoy.
The fictional characters are thoughtful, funny, smart. The world you are presented with is layered and non binary. There are no white and black haters here. There is a lot going on the author takes on themes around nationalism, gender, class, sickness, the role of the arts, cuisine, found family. It has a gentle humour throughout but also moments of genuine gut wrenching sorrow, and overlaying all of that a hopefulness.
It is a book of it's time. It is definitely going on the reread pile for me.
This book is told from multiple POV's and has a cast of characters that the author takes pains to ensure you understand. That is unusual. The world building takes investment but it is well worth it. A book set around real events with real historical figures and fictional ones thrown in is a story I always enjoy.
The fictional characters are thoughtful, funny, smart. The world you are presented with is layered and non binary. There are no white and black haters here. There is a lot going on the author takes on themes around nationalism, gender, class, sickness, the role of the arts, cuisine, found family. It has a gentle humour throughout but also moments of genuine gut wrenching sorrow, and overlaying all of that a hopefulness.
It is a book of it's time. It is definitely going on the reread pile for me.
July 27, 2026
I will be back to say more once I’ve had a minute, but for now: holy shit.
Read
July 26, 2026Ann McMan's The Malign Ghosts of Summer is a fantastic novel that weaves together the journeys of four distinct individuals across continents and decades.
It's a powerful exploration of identity, profound connections, and the diverse forms of love that shape our lives – from family and friendship to romance. McMan brilliantly illustrates how chosen families and emotional bonds truly sustain us. Prepare for a heartwarming and resilient tale that will stay with you.
For an even more immersive experience, Christine Williams's exceptional audiobook narration is highly recommended.
It's a powerful exploration of identity, profound connections, and the diverse forms of love that shape our lives – from family and friendship to romance. McMan brilliantly illustrates how chosen families and emotional bonds truly sustain us. Prepare for a heartwarming and resilient tale that will stay with you.
For an even more immersive experience, Christine Williams's exceptional audiobook narration is highly recommended.
August 30, 2026
Best read of 2026 for sure!
I'd only read two other Ann McMan books before this one, Switch and Jericho. I loved Switch. I enjoyed Jericho, but I found it a little harder to really inhabit the world of that book since the characters lived lives that felt so very far removed from my own blue-collar existence. Yes, their emotional struggles could be related to, but I found myself lost when they'd get excited about fancy wine or symphonies. It quickly became apparent when I was reading Malign Ghosts that this would once again be the case.
The characters in Malign Ghosts all very affluent, very cultured. (And yes, I've partaken in many a Reddit discussion about how common that fact is in sapphic lit, and I'm not a stranger to reading about celebrities, about CEOs, about fashion designers and university professors!) I always say I love a book that makes me research the things an author mentions- I love to feel like I'm learning new things while I read. But I quickly had to abandon the research element while reading this book because there was just SO MUCH I'd never heard of!
That statement, admittedly, was something I found frustrating at first, but I want to encourage readers not to let the fact you've never tasted Pouilly-Fumé, listened to a Bartok symphony, or read Ulysses stop you from picking up this fantastic book. Because one of the main messages of this book is that so many experiences ARE universal and CAN transcend age, education, and personal interests. And McMan expresses this in such a beautiful, poignant story.
The main thing I think we can all relate to in this book is the transformation that an epidemic has on ourselves and our society, since we've all lived through Covid. Yes, this book deals with an epidemic and yes, that might be triggering, but the way the characters navigate fear, love, and loss was also very cathartic in its relatability.
This book's blurb mentions its appeal to fans of Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and I do see the parallels (despite the fact I think Malign Ghosts has a more satisfying ending!) as both books are formatted in an almost biographic style of first-person narrative that, as already mentioned, treat the reader as if they already have background knowledge about places, people, and things that the characters mention. Something I hadn't really known when I picked up the book was how much my love of cooking shows, cookbooks, and media that feature chefs/cooking (the tv show The Bear, movies like Sabrina and Julie and Julia) would be rekindled through reading this book. So if you also enjoy these things, I'd strongly encourage you to pick this up!
But most importantly, if you love heart-wrenching, snarky, poignant historical/literary fiction about people finding family and belonging through personal trials, courage, and hope, with the help of some delightful, quirky characters, DO NOT MISS THIS ONE!
I'd only read two other Ann McMan books before this one, Switch and Jericho. I loved Switch. I enjoyed Jericho, but I found it a little harder to really inhabit the world of that book since the characters lived lives that felt so very far removed from my own blue-collar existence. Yes, their emotional struggles could be related to, but I found myself lost when they'd get excited about fancy wine or symphonies. It quickly became apparent when I was reading Malign Ghosts that this would once again be the case.
The characters in Malign Ghosts all very affluent, very cultured. (And yes, I've partaken in many a Reddit discussion about how common that fact is in sapphic lit, and I'm not a stranger to reading about celebrities, about CEOs, about fashion designers and university professors!) I always say I love a book that makes me research the things an author mentions- I love to feel like I'm learning new things while I read. But I quickly had to abandon the research element while reading this book because there was just SO MUCH I'd never heard of!
That statement, admittedly, was something I found frustrating at first, but I want to encourage readers not to let the fact you've never tasted Pouilly-Fumé, listened to a Bartok symphony, or read Ulysses stop you from picking up this fantastic book. Because one of the main messages of this book is that so many experiences ARE universal and CAN transcend age, education, and personal interests. And McMan expresses this in such a beautiful, poignant story.
The main thing I think we can all relate to in this book is the transformation that an epidemic has on ourselves and our society, since we've all lived through Covid. Yes, this book deals with an epidemic and yes, that might be triggering, but the way the characters navigate fear, love, and loss was also very cathartic in its relatability.
This book's blurb mentions its appeal to fans of Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and I do see the parallels (despite the fact I think Malign Ghosts has a more satisfying ending!) as both books are formatted in an almost biographic style of first-person narrative that, as already mentioned, treat the reader as if they already have background knowledge about places, people, and things that the characters mention. Something I hadn't really known when I picked up the book was how much my love of cooking shows, cookbooks, and media that feature chefs/cooking (the tv show The Bear, movies like Sabrina and Julie and Julia) would be rekindled through reading this book. So if you also enjoy these things, I'd strongly encourage you to pick this up!
But most importantly, if you love heart-wrenching, snarky, poignant historical/literary fiction about people finding family and belonging through personal trials, courage, and hope, with the help of some delightful, quirky characters, DO NOT MISS THIS ONE!
July 19, 2026
Ann McMan has long been admired for her ability to combine emotional intelligence with narrative discipline. She creates characters who feel like people we might have known, and The Malign Ghosts of Summer may be her most ambitious expression of that gift. Spanning the years from 1938 to the early 1950s, the novel follows four interconnected lives across Québec City, Montréal, Paris, New York, and Vermont, weaving together history, friendship, love, loss, and reinvention into a story that feels both intimate and expansive. While its scope is impressive, the novel never mistakes breadth for depth. Every historical moment, every setting, and every relationship exists in service of the characters who inhabit them.
The novel unfolds through multiple perspectives, a structure that often risks fragmenting a story. McMan instead uses it to deepen one. Each narrator contributes something essential, revealing dimensions of both the characters and the larger narrative that no single viewpoint could fully capture. Rather than competing for attention, the voices complement one another, gradually forming a complete emotional portrait. The result is a novel that asks readers to invest themselves fully in its world, then rewards that investment with remarkable emotional clarity.
At its heart lies the lifelong relationship between Meg and Camille, childhood friends whose bond quietly shapes the course of both their lives. Meg’s unrequited love for Camille could easily have become melodrama in less capable hands. McMan wisely resists that temptation. Instead, she treats longing as something complicated, persistent, and deeply human. Camille is never reduced to an obstacle, something Meg must overcome. By the same token, Meg is not defined solely by her devotion to Camille. Both women are allowed the dignity of their own emotional truths, making their relationship as believable as it is heartbreaking.
This is where McMan delivers on her talent for untangling complex feelings and crafting scenes that elevate the storytelling. In fact, that emotional authenticity extends throughout the novel. Kip, Laurent, and the unforgettable Aunt Gisèle are not merely supporting players but fully realized individuals whose presence broadens the novel’s exploration of love, identity, and belonging. Together, they create one of the story’s most rewarding achievements: a deeply convincing portrait of found family. These relationships are built gradually through shared experience, loyalty, disappointment, forgiveness, and quiet acts of care, making their significance feel entirely earned.
McMan also demonstrates remarkable confidence in her historical setting. The aftermath of World War II, the shadow cast by polio, the evolution of culinary culture, music, art, and postwar society all become integral parts of the narrative without overwhelming it. Historical figures such as Julia Child and Patricia Highsmith also appear naturally within the story, enriching the atmosphere rather than drawing attention to the author’s research. Here, the history is never presented as spectacle; it is simply the world these characters inhabit.
Equally impressive is McMan’s refusal to simplify the novel’s larger ideas. Questions of nationalism, class, gender, illness, artistic ambition, and personal identity emerge organically through the characters’ lives rather than through overt commentary. Even as the novel explores grief and disappointment, it never loses sight of hope. Its humor is gentle, its sorrow genuine, and its optimism earned through resilience rather than sentimentality.
Readers expecting a conventional romance may be surprised to discover that The Malign Ghosts of Summer is ultimately about something even richer. Love certainly matters here, but so do friendship, mentorship, artistic purpose, and the families we build when life refuses to follow the paths we once imagined. McMan understands that becoming ourselves is rarely a single transformative moment. More often, it is the cumulative result of the people who challenge us, encourage us, and remain beside us through seasons of uncertainty.
Final remarks…
Beautifully structured, emotionally perceptive, and filled with characters that resonate with readers, The Malign Ghosts of Summer is historical fiction at its finest. It is a novel that trusts both its characters and its readers, allowing each emotional revelation to unfold with patience and honesty. In doing so, Ann McMan has crafted a story that is as intellectually satisfying as it is deeply moving, reminding us that while history shapes our lives, it is ultimately the connections we forge that define them.
A note about the audio version….
For those who choose the audiobook, Christine Williams delivers a narration that is every bit as thoughtful as McMan’s prose. Her performance captures not only the distinct voices of the characters but also the novel’s carefully measured emotional rhythms, allowing moments of quiet longing, humor, grief, and hope to emerge with remarkable clarity. Williams understands that McMan’s storytelling derives its power from emotional precision rather than dramatic excess, and she honors that balance throughout. The result is an audiobook that feels less like a reading of the novel than an extension of its artistry.
Strengths…
Characterization
Emotional authenticity
Structural control and literaryrestraint
Historical immersion
Thematic depth
Emotional balance
The novel unfolds through multiple perspectives, a structure that often risks fragmenting a story. McMan instead uses it to deepen one. Each narrator contributes something essential, revealing dimensions of both the characters and the larger narrative that no single viewpoint could fully capture. Rather than competing for attention, the voices complement one another, gradually forming a complete emotional portrait. The result is a novel that asks readers to invest themselves fully in its world, then rewards that investment with remarkable emotional clarity.
At its heart lies the lifelong relationship between Meg and Camille, childhood friends whose bond quietly shapes the course of both their lives. Meg’s unrequited love for Camille could easily have become melodrama in less capable hands. McMan wisely resists that temptation. Instead, she treats longing as something complicated, persistent, and deeply human. Camille is never reduced to an obstacle, something Meg must overcome. By the same token, Meg is not defined solely by her devotion to Camille. Both women are allowed the dignity of their own emotional truths, making their relationship as believable as it is heartbreaking.
This is where McMan delivers on her talent for untangling complex feelings and crafting scenes that elevate the storytelling. In fact, that emotional authenticity extends throughout the novel. Kip, Laurent, and the unforgettable Aunt Gisèle are not merely supporting players but fully realized individuals whose presence broadens the novel’s exploration of love, identity, and belonging. Together, they create one of the story’s most rewarding achievements: a deeply convincing portrait of found family. These relationships are built gradually through shared experience, loyalty, disappointment, forgiveness, and quiet acts of care, making their significance feel entirely earned.
McMan also demonstrates remarkable confidence in her historical setting. The aftermath of World War II, the shadow cast by polio, the evolution of culinary culture, music, art, and postwar society all become integral parts of the narrative without overwhelming it. Historical figures such as Julia Child and Patricia Highsmith also appear naturally within the story, enriching the atmosphere rather than drawing attention to the author’s research. Here, the history is never presented as spectacle; it is simply the world these characters inhabit.
Equally impressive is McMan’s refusal to simplify the novel’s larger ideas. Questions of nationalism, class, gender, illness, artistic ambition, and personal identity emerge organically through the characters’ lives rather than through overt commentary. Even as the novel explores grief and disappointment, it never loses sight of hope. Its humor is gentle, its sorrow genuine, and its optimism earned through resilience rather than sentimentality.
Readers expecting a conventional romance may be surprised to discover that The Malign Ghosts of Summer is ultimately about something even richer. Love certainly matters here, but so do friendship, mentorship, artistic purpose, and the families we build when life refuses to follow the paths we once imagined. McMan understands that becoming ourselves is rarely a single transformative moment. More often, it is the cumulative result of the people who challenge us, encourage us, and remain beside us through seasons of uncertainty.
Final remarks…
Beautifully structured, emotionally perceptive, and filled with characters that resonate with readers, The Malign Ghosts of Summer is historical fiction at its finest. It is a novel that trusts both its characters and its readers, allowing each emotional revelation to unfold with patience and honesty. In doing so, Ann McMan has crafted a story that is as intellectually satisfying as it is deeply moving, reminding us that while history shapes our lives, it is ultimately the connections we forge that define them.
A note about the audio version….
For those who choose the audiobook, Christine Williams delivers a narration that is every bit as thoughtful as McMan’s prose. Her performance captures not only the distinct voices of the characters but also the novel’s carefully measured emotional rhythms, allowing moments of quiet longing, humor, grief, and hope to emerge with remarkable clarity. Williams understands that McMan’s storytelling derives its power from emotional precision rather than dramatic excess, and she honors that balance throughout. The result is an audiobook that feels less like a reading of the novel than an extension of its artistry.
Strengths…
Characterization
Emotional authenticity
Structural control and literaryrestraint
Historical immersion
Thematic depth
Emotional balance
July 14, 2026
Sorry to say this was a DNF for me at about 30%.
I am usually a huge fan of historical fiction, and this one seemed to be right up my alley.
Late 1930’s. War is raging. The Great Depression is in full swing. And we have two friends who have been friends forever.
And then we go off on a whole gay/lesbian kick. Mind you I do not usually have a problem with this.
BUT… the book has so much going on in it already.
Does this have to be a MAIN COURSE in the book? Can’t it just be included without being overbearing??
Especially with the war. People being killed. Men MIA. Families wrecked.
I feel like it had so much potential… but then it just totally turned me off.
And, it lists ‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo’ as one to compare it to.
I absolutely LOVED that one! This one… not so much.
The Malign Ghosts of Summer by Ann McMan.
So, being as I’m not giving a glowing review, I will limit my post to NetGalley and Goodreads.
This one has not been released yet. Please look 👀 for it starting July 14, 2026!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @TantorAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷
I am usually a huge fan of historical fiction, and this one seemed to be right up my alley.
Late 1930’s. War is raging. The Great Depression is in full swing. And we have two friends who have been friends forever.
And then we go off on a whole gay/lesbian kick. Mind you I do not usually have a problem with this.
BUT… the book has so much going on in it already.
Does this have to be a MAIN COURSE in the book? Can’t it just be included without being overbearing??
Especially with the war. People being killed. Men MIA. Families wrecked.
I feel like it had so much potential… but then it just totally turned me off.
And, it lists ‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo’ as one to compare it to.
I absolutely LOVED that one! This one… not so much.
The Malign Ghosts of Summer by Ann McMan.
So, being as I’m not giving a glowing review, I will limit my post to NetGalley and Goodreads.
This one has not been released yet. Please look 👀 for it starting July 14, 2026!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @TantorAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷
September 24, 2026
Ann McMan has written something that is simultaneously a simple love-triangle romance and a sweeping epic. Granted, the "epic" part mostly has to do with locale; while the book begins bopping between Canada and an idyllic lake in Vermont, soon enough we're off to New York City and especially Paris.
In all honesty, I rarely read romances, as they're entirely too predictable, but that's something I will not say about this book. A couple big twists and turns I didn't see coming, and yet it fulfills all requirements of the genre. But it stands out to me because of its global sweep and the respect it gives to the aromantic personality - someone who doesn't need a big romance in their lives to feel utterly fulfilled. You don't see that much from most romance authors, and it was a lovely surprise.
In all honesty, I rarely read romances, as they're entirely too predictable, but that's something I will not say about this book. A couple big twists and turns I didn't see coming, and yet it fulfills all requirements of the genre. But it stands out to me because of its global sweep and the respect it gives to the aromantic personality - someone who doesn't need a big romance in their lives to feel utterly fulfilled. You don't see that much from most romance authors, and it was a lovely surprise.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
McMan delivers deep feels and expert storytelling (again); a must read
If you've ever been tongue tied trying to express to a friend, loved one, or total stranger why they must read a certain book, and had to resort to (gently but firmly) taking them by tank top straps and shaking them (gently) while clumsily word salad-ing your way thru a wholly insufficient explanation/plea, in part because pressing the book into their hands while exclaiming praise heavy but otherwise incoherent rantings to just read it might be off putting or problematic, welcome to my review attempt for The Malign Ghosts of Summer (and most of Ann McMan's other books for that matter).
It's tricky to review this book without getting into specifics that might lead to spoilers so instead I'll say that The Malign Ghosts of Summer will feed all of your senses, provide tasty nibbles for your brain and fodder for your imagination, charm your reading pants off, give your heart and soul a deep tissue massage that'll wring loose and surface deep emotion before soothing it, and linger with you long after you've read the last words. Ann McMan is a true wordsmith using language to elevate story while keeping it accessible rather than talking down to the reader. She crafts characters who slip under your skin and burrow in your heart, living rent free for years after you've finished the book that introduced them to you. She's equally adept at writing romantic relationships, friendships and chosen family dynamics with poignancy and hilarity. And in the course of her page turning storytelling she educates the reader about one thing or another without a soapbox or bullhorn, so you learn while you're being thoroughly entertained. You get all of this and more in The Malign Ghosts of Summer. Having read the book twice already I still cannot single out a favorite character from the cast as there are so many who are easy to love, cheer on, laugh at or with, or that wish you had in your own life.
I've read most of McMan's books (several of which I re-read annually) and this one is among her best yet, if not her best. It made me laugh, cry, and laugh-cry but it also got me thinking, stirred appetites and had me fully believing this story could have totally happened in real life. Books like hers are a much better and more satisfying feast for your senses and emotions than any movie or TV show out there could ever hope to be, so pick up TMGoS and her other writings, shut off/mute your electronics out of arms reach, curl up in a comfy chair with your fave bevvie and follow the fabulous characters on their various trajectories and intersections because you will not regret it one iota, although you may lose some sleep reading long past bedtime a time or two.
I highly recommend this book and look forward with curiosity and a small amount of impatience to seeing what McMan publishes next and where that story will take me in time and space. I hope she never runs out of stories to tell.
If you've ever been tongue tied trying to express to a friend, loved one, or total stranger why they must read a certain book, and had to resort to (gently but firmly) taking them by tank top straps and shaking them (gently) while clumsily word salad-ing your way thru a wholly insufficient explanation/plea, in part because pressing the book into their hands while exclaiming praise heavy but otherwise incoherent rantings to just read it might be off putting or problematic, welcome to my review attempt for The Malign Ghosts of Summer (and most of Ann McMan's other books for that matter).
It's tricky to review this book without getting into specifics that might lead to spoilers so instead I'll say that The Malign Ghosts of Summer will feed all of your senses, provide tasty nibbles for your brain and fodder for your imagination, charm your reading pants off, give your heart and soul a deep tissue massage that'll wring loose and surface deep emotion before soothing it, and linger with you long after you've read the last words. Ann McMan is a true wordsmith using language to elevate story while keeping it accessible rather than talking down to the reader. She crafts characters who slip under your skin and burrow in your heart, living rent free for years after you've finished the book that introduced them to you. She's equally adept at writing romantic relationships, friendships and chosen family dynamics with poignancy and hilarity. And in the course of her page turning storytelling she educates the reader about one thing or another without a soapbox or bullhorn, so you learn while you're being thoroughly entertained. You get all of this and more in The Malign Ghosts of Summer. Having read the book twice already I still cannot single out a favorite character from the cast as there are so many who are easy to love, cheer on, laugh at or with, or that wish you had in your own life.
I've read most of McMan's books (several of which I re-read annually) and this one is among her best yet, if not her best. It made me laugh, cry, and laugh-cry but it also got me thinking, stirred appetites and had me fully believing this story could have totally happened in real life. Books like hers are a much better and more satisfying feast for your senses and emotions than any movie or TV show out there could ever hope to be, so pick up TMGoS and her other writings, shut off/mute your electronics out of arms reach, curl up in a comfy chair with your fave bevvie and follow the fabulous characters on their various trajectories and intersections because you will not regret it one iota, although you may lose some sleep reading long past bedtime a time or two.
I highly recommend this book and look forward with curiosity and a small amount of impatience to seeing what McMan publishes next and where that story will take me in time and space. I hope she never runs out of stories to tell.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is hard to unpack without revealing spoilers. But I'll try. The story centers around Meg and Camille, who are childhood best friends in the late 1930s, then into adulthood throughout the 1940s and into the early 1950s. And we've all been there - Meg is hopelessly in love with Camille who is presented as heterosexual, but I think she's more ace (just my opinion). When their careers take them in different directions (across the pond in Meg's case), Meg meets Kip in Paris. Kip opens Meg's eyes to new possibilities. But Meg feels she still has a chance with Camille, and if not, she at least needs closure. Once Meg sets out to finally settle things with Camille, things in all their lives take a dramatic turn.
This book will give you drama, sadness, hope, joy and love - not necessarily in that order. It's not a light read, but it's an excellent one. I wanted to shake Meg and Camille a couple times, but overall they're both very likable. Kip was wonderful throughout. And Meg's aunt was by far my favorite side character. She's the gay aunt we all want.
While it's more of a somber read, it's not one of those that will have you sobbing throughout hoping for at least one good thing to happen. It felt very realistic. And I think a lot of things in the book were resolved as they would have truly happened, given the era and circumstances. As far as spice goes, it's pretty much just kissing, everything else is just implied.
The book was narrated by Christine Williams. She is new to me and I think she did an excellent job, especially with all of the characters and their different accents. Well done.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ALC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This book will give you drama, sadness, hope, joy and love - not necessarily in that order. It's not a light read, but it's an excellent one. I wanted to shake Meg and Camille a couple times, but overall they're both very likable. Kip was wonderful throughout. And Meg's aunt was by far my favorite side character. She's the gay aunt we all want.
While it's more of a somber read, it's not one of those that will have you sobbing throughout hoping for at least one good thing to happen. It felt very realistic. And I think a lot of things in the book were resolved as they would have truly happened, given the era and circumstances. As far as spice goes, it's pretty much just kissing, everything else is just implied.
The book was narrated by Christine Williams. She is new to me and I think she did an excellent job, especially with all of the characters and their different accents. Well done.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ALC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I love historical books, so when I saw this was exactly that, I was intrigued to start the read. The book is beautifully written that is clear without a doubt and on top of that the story told is something I will think about for quite a while. With that said I sometimes struggle with the multiple POVs and very short chapters, sometimes only two pages. When I read a book, I want to deep dive at once into the MCs, but here you must be persistent and in the right reading mode to get just that. If you have that patience and love a complex story, this may be the perfect read for you.
To follow the childhood best friends Camille and Meg and their life journey from 1938 to 1952 was such a special read. They go through so much, mainly after they move away from each other but still stay in touch. It is painful to read about how much Meg loves Camille, when Camille only sees Meg as a friend all her focus really on her music and planning a life with Édouard.
I love how Meg’s aunt Gisèle comes into her life and shows her that other ways to live a possibility. When Meg meets the photographer Kip in Paris a few years later, it is indeed made clear, but is that even a possibility when all she thinks about still is Camille? Kip is my favourite character in the story so she has my vote for sure.
My conclusion is that I was all in the last 20-30% of the book, that was such a powerful part of the book, that was a very special twist of the story I never saw coming.
I received a free ARC from the publisher and leave an honest review voluntarily.
To follow the childhood best friends Camille and Meg and their life journey from 1938 to 1952 was such a special read. They go through so much, mainly after they move away from each other but still stay in touch. It is painful to read about how much Meg loves Camille, when Camille only sees Meg as a friend all her focus really on her music and planning a life with Édouard.
I love how Meg’s aunt Gisèle comes into her life and shows her that other ways to live a possibility. When Meg meets the photographer Kip in Paris a few years later, it is indeed made clear, but is that even a possibility when all she thinks about still is Camille? Kip is my favourite character in the story so she has my vote for sure.
My conclusion is that I was all in the last 20-30% of the book, that was such a powerful part of the book, that was a very special twist of the story I never saw coming.
I received a free ARC from the publisher and leave an honest review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was absolutely incredible! I laughed, I cried, and I felt every emotion in between. This book had so many layers that I fear I’m going to be digging through in my head for weeks to come.
My favorite thing about this book was the found family aspect. It did such an amazing job of highlighting the importance of relationships that you build throughout your life with the people who care. It also did a great job of showing that those people aren’t perfect and everyone makes mistakes but you love them anyway.
I also loved the way that this book showed that life doesn’t always go according to plan and you may have to adapt to changing circumstances.
Christine Williams did such an awesome job narrating the audiobook. It was well paced, her voice was expressive, and she did each accent flawlessly.
I really loved every minute of this book and I’d recommend it to anyone looks for a historical romance with a love triangle. Thanks so much to Bywater Books and NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
My favorite thing about this book was the found family aspect. It did such an amazing job of highlighting the importance of relationships that you build throughout your life with the people who care. It also did a great job of showing that those people aren’t perfect and everyone makes mistakes but you love them anyway.
I also loved the way that this book showed that life doesn’t always go according to plan and you may have to adapt to changing circumstances.
Christine Williams did such an awesome job narrating the audiobook. It was well paced, her voice was expressive, and she did each accent flawlessly.
I really loved every minute of this book and I’d recommend it to anyone looks for a historical romance with a love triangle. Thanks so much to Bywater Books and NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2026
Ann McMan knocks it out of the park again with this wonderful book. Narrated by 4 characters, we get to know them all as it covers the years from 1940 to 1955. It could be all about Meg’s realisation of her sexuality and unrequited love for her best friend, Camille, but it’s so much more than just that. The perspective of different characters allows you to see the whole story - Meg’s failure to realise the quality of the person that’s right in front of her, Camille’s true love and obsession with music, Lauren’s development from gay man about town to true friend and lovely Kip…how could you not fall in love with someone like Kip?!! Some true life side characters - Julia Child anyone? And the backdrop of Paris, cooking, Montreal and the malign ghost of the title, skims over it all. Involving, complex, beautiful and at times heartbreaking…definitely one of those books that you don’t want to end. But sadly I have…I feel a book hangover coming on…
Did Not Finish
August 14, 2026I attempted to listen to this audiobook several times but each time the narrator didn’t click for me. I tried! I’m not sure if it was the accent, tone or pacing…but I just could not get through it.
Review of advance copy received from Shelf Awareness Pro
This was a book I enjoyed so much that I had to stop sometimes to contemplate and absorb the many emotions it stirred in me. I cried some tears of sadness and some tears of happiness, but loved every moment of the joy I received from reading this.
Although the story began in Québec City, Canada in 1938, Montreal, Paris and New York City were also prominent locations. The timeline spanned until the early 1950’s, anchored by two families whose father’s were both railroad executives. The daughters, Meg and Camille, were the main focus of the book. They were the closest and best of friends who knew their lives would always be entwined. Meg’s passion was cooking and Camille’s, music. The pursuing of their dreams was prominent to the story and involved tough decisions, emotional setbacks and the understanding and acceptance of disappointments.
Something I found to be fun during Meg’s time in Paris was how the use of the French language enhanced the story’s atmosphere as did some well-known names who were mentioned or even made cameo appearances, such as a fun encounter with Patricia Highsmith. I think the author did a great job creating this mostly-50’s feeling. Other mentions of well-recognized celebrities of the era enhanced the feeling of being in the time. Significantly, the always delightful Julia Child was an importantly welcomed addition and a big influence on Meg.
Other important influencers were Meg’s Aunt Gisèle, an eccentric lesbian who educated and opened Meg’s eyes, Laurent Bouchard, a food critic and significant friend who seemed to know everyone. Also important was Kip Malone, a fearless documentary photographer who assumed a prominent romantic role in the story. The romance in this story contained joyous moments, pain and disappointments as hurts and truths were faced with decisions that had to be made.
Yes, this was enjoyable and fun read, but it also had a serious side, touching on the ruins of WWII and the effects of the malign ghosts of summer, polio. Polio actually played a very significant role in the story that I found to be very interesting and educational.
Lastly, what can I ever say about Ann McMan’s writing and storytelling. The book had to have required a lot of historical research because it was rich in the delightful recognition of earlier times. She has a true gift with words that bring out feelings and emotions.
Although the story began in Québec City, Canada in 1938, Montreal, Paris and New York City were also prominent locations. The timeline spanned until the early 1950’s, anchored by two families whose father’s were both railroad executives. The daughters, Meg and Camille, were the main focus of the book. They were the closest and best of friends who knew their lives would always be entwined. Meg’s passion was cooking and Camille’s, music. The pursuing of their dreams was prominent to the story and involved tough decisions, emotional setbacks and the understanding and acceptance of disappointments.
Something I found to be fun during Meg’s time in Paris was how the use of the French language enhanced the story’s atmosphere as did some well-known names who were mentioned or even made cameo appearances, such as a fun encounter with Patricia Highsmith. I think the author did a great job creating this mostly-50’s feeling. Other mentions of well-recognized celebrities of the era enhanced the feeling of being in the time. Significantly, the always delightful Julia Child was an importantly welcomed addition and a big influence on Meg.
Other important influencers were Meg’s Aunt Gisèle, an eccentric lesbian who educated and opened Meg’s eyes, Laurent Bouchard, a food critic and significant friend who seemed to know everyone. Also important was Kip Malone, a fearless documentary photographer who assumed a prominent romantic role in the story. The romance in this story contained joyous moments, pain and disappointments as hurts and truths were faced with decisions that had to be made.
Yes, this was enjoyable and fun read, but it also had a serious side, touching on the ruins of WWII and the effects of the malign ghosts of summer, polio. Polio actually played a very significant role in the story that I found to be very interesting and educational.
Lastly, what can I ever say about Ann McMan’s writing and storytelling. The book had to have required a lot of historical research because it was rich in the delightful recognition of earlier times. She has a true gift with words that bring out feelings and emotions.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews