Five Scottish Castles Five Restless Ghosts Five Tales of Love
In Eliza Knight’s LAIRD OF SHADOWS, a decade old vow and an attack of Vikings brings Lady Elle Cam’béal to Dunstaffnage Castle seeking the help of the new, handsome, provocative laird with a beastly temper—Beiste MacDougall. As battles and treachery rain down upon them, Beiste and Elle find an unlikely ally in a ghost, and discover that a few stolen moments of passion can bring light from the shadows…
In Kathryn Le Veque's DEEP INTO DARKNESS, Findlater Castle in the Scottish Highlands becomes a place of mystery and doom for Jamison Munro and his wife,Havilland. Traveling across the highlands one dark and stormy night, they stumble upon a lonely Host in Findlater Castle, a pathetic soul waiting for his wife to return to him. It is a terrible tale of a tragic love story that the Host tells the travelers but when Havilland becomes curious about mysterious tapping sounds that go on in the middle of the night, she soon realizes the danger that she and her husband are in. It becomes a race against time for Havilland to free a trapped spirit and save both their lives in the process.
In Terri Brisbin’s UPON A MISTY SKYE, Alexander MacDonald and Isabel MacLeod were not supposed to meet or fall in love or marry. Now that they have, both of their parents plan to separate them, by any means possible. But the ghost of Duntulm Castle has other plans for the forbidden lovers and those who stand in the way of true love.
In Madeline Martin’s A GHOSTLY TALE OF FORBIDDEN LOVE, Gavin MacDuff is a laird with a cruel and bitter aunt he’s sworn to protect. Senara is the new lady’s maid at Castle of Park and has sacrificed everything for the betterment of her family. Their paths tangle and lead to a road of hidden longing and secret passion – all of which is threatened by the power of one ghost who is fixed on revenge.
In Ruth A. Casie’s THE MAXWELL GHOST, traitors, deception, murders and ghosts run rampant at Caerlaverock Castle. Jamie Collins, a man of reality not magic, serves Lord Herbert in exchange for a his own farm. Laura Reynolds, the Herbert's distant cousin comes to the castle to solve the murders and put the ghost to rest. The two, long-time friends find their destinies intertwined with hidden passions, but all is in jeopardy when Laura becomes the murderer’s next target. Jamie will find he needs some ghostly assistance to save Laura and declare his love.
Eliza Knight is an award winning, USA Today and international bestselling author. Her love of history began as a young girl when she traipsed the halls of Versailles and ran through the fields in Southern France. She can still remember standing before the great golden palace, and imagining what life must have been like. Growing up in the Washington, D.C. area, her weekends were filled with visits to museums, and historical reenactments. Escape into history for courageous heroines, irresistible heroes and daring escapades. Join Eliza (sometimes as E.) on riveting historical journeys that cross landscapes around the world. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society and Novelists, Inc., the creator of the popular historical blog, History Undressed, and a co-host on the History, Books and Wine podcast. Eliza also writes contemporary women's fiction as Michelle Brandon.
While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she tries to keep up with her three not-so-little children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain with her own knight in shining armor, three princesses, two very naughty Newfies, and a turtle named Fish.
CONFESSIONS OF A GRAMMAR QUEEN out now! LOST IN THE SUMMER OF '69 out June 9, 2026!
For more information about book club visits, downloadable reader guides, upcoming author events, book news, newsletter and more, visit her website: www.elizaknight.com
I’m a big fan of Ruth A. Casie and when she revealed she’s a part of this boxset, I was thrilled to read it. Just imagine: blending ghosts/spirits with Highland Romance from five of today’s bestselling authors. I was familiar with Casie but had not had the pleasure of reading the other authors. Here’s my short review for each story:
LAIRD OF SHADOWS – Vikings attack and Lady Elle has no choice but to seek sanctuary at Dunstaffnage Castle. Beiste, the new laird, is gruff and has a horrid temper but Elle can’t resist those haunting eyes of his. War is at their doorstep and deception surrounds Beiste and Elle like a thick fog. Can Beiste find Elle’s brother before it’s too late and can Elle trust her heart when it comes to love? A brilliant, sweeping Highland Romance that I didn’t want to end.
DEEP INTO DARKNESS – A new take on Poe’s classic poem, The Raven. A couple seeks refuge away from the storm at what appears to be a deserted castle. But all is not as it appears and Havilland must release the spirits or else she and her husband will become doomed, like the rest who have visited Findlater Castle. A spooky, intense ghost story that even Poe would find intriguing.
UPON A MISTY SKYE – A forbidden love by warring families is at the center of this story and I found myself comparing it to Romeo and Juliet. Two fathers separating this destined couple for their own gain and when it seems hopeless, a ghost becomes the couple’s best ally. A gritty, Medieval romance I enjoyed. A hair dark but you’ll love the historical accuracy.
A GHOSTLY TALE OF FORBIDDEN LOVE – Continuing on with the forbidden love theme, this tale has a laird and a maid falling in love. They both know it’s not proper but can’t help themselves. But when a ghost seeks revenge, Gavin must choose who he loves most. There’s plenty to like in this story but my favorite character in this story is Senara.
THE MAXWELL GHOST – Long-time friends Jamie and Laura team up to solve a double-murder. Jamie is a man of logic and doesn’t believe in ghosts, no matter what the residents of Caerlaverock Castle say. Laura believes in her gift and when her cousin, Lord Herbert, asks for assistance, she goes on behalf of her mother. Sparks fly between Jamie and Laura but both Laura and Jamie keep their feelings secret. It’s only when Laura’s life is in jeopardy does Jamie see the truth about his burning love for her and the identity of the murderer. This is a prequel to Casie’s The Guardian’s Witch (which I highly recommend). Casie sucked me in from the first paragraph and I actually cried out when it ended. I want more! Jamie is my favorite character in this story.
Favorite Quote from The Maxwell Ghost:
“How. Dare. You. Stop. Me.” She spat out each word. The men were silent, like reprimanded schoolboys. “I’ll make sure to tell my father how Lord Bryce takes liberties with Glen Kirk property or should I tell him a Ravencroft patrol lost their way in the forest and I needed to provide them with directions?”
Scarlet stains appeared on the leader’s cheek. Laura was aware of the enemy she’d made, but with good cause. The Mitchell men looked at each other, not knowing what to do.
Laird of Shadows - 5 stars, loved Beiste and Elle. He believes he is cursed and she needs his help to save her family and won't take no for an answer. Throw in a ghost, a missing brother, some steamy love scenes, a surprise revelation and a HEA and you have a fantastic novella.
Deep Into Darkness - 4 stars. This novella definitely wins the creepiest award. It features characters from the previous novel "The Red Lion". Jamison and Havilland are traveling back to his holding in the highlands and caught in a storm I need to stop for the night is Jamison is very ill. They stop it is seemingly abandoned castle only to discover they're not alone. Their host is a very odd man and things just get creepier and creepier and creepier. Of all the stories this one had the least amount of "romance". Basically this is a straight up horror/ghost story not a romance.
Upon A Misty Skye - 5 stars, Alexander and Isabel have a secret and a deep abiding love. But when Isabel's father decides to marry her off - can Alex save her? With the help of a good friend and a ghost seeking redemption, the impossible becomes achievable. Sweet story, steamy love scenes and a HEA for everyone.
A Ghostly Tale of Forbidden Love - 5 stars, Gavin and Senara are a charming couple. Gavin is the laird of Castle of Park and Senara has just been hired to be a lady's maid to his vile aunt. These two dance around each other for months and when tragedy strikes, they become closer. Just when happiness seems to be within reach, the aunt interferes and their newfound love is threatened. But thanks to a ghost with a taste for vengeance - these two are able to have their well deserved HEA. This was probably my favorite of the anthology, it is fast paced, has steamy love scenes and an incredible hero - Loved Gavin!
The Maxwell Ghost - 3 stars. I had a hard time following this story, it felt like the author expected me to know facts about the characters that I was not aware of. I felt like I picked up a book and started reading in the middle. And guess what? This novella ends in the middle of that book - you will have to buy the authors next book "The Highlander's English Woman" if you want to find out what happens between Jamie and Laura.
Once Upon A Haunted Castle bundle was really good... creepy good!! My favorite story though was Deep into Darkness, it was dark and engaging. I was at the edge of my bed with this one. I could clearly visualize what this author was describing every step of the way. I thought I was going to have nightmares, but that is meant as a very good thing. Tap, tap, tap... scary.
Laird of Shadows - Eliza Knight - 5 Stars! Lady Elle seeks safety from a Viking attack and goes to Laird Beiste MacDougall for protection, but her younger brother is missing and she fears for his life. Beiste proves to be a skilled warrior and finds himself attracted to Lady Elle. He promises to protect her and find her brother, which he does not seem to be able to do despite searching for him. I loved the descriptions of the battles, and I loved Beiste's character. And the story has a ghost! Will the ghost prove to be an ally to Beiste and Lady Elle? And what has become of her brother? This is a well-written story that pulled me in from beginning to end. I am sure that you will be pulled into the plot too. Wonderful story!
Deep into Darkness - Kathryn LeVeque - 5 Stars! When a very sick and feverish Jamison Monro and his wife Havilland are forced to take shelter at Findlater Castle they find themselves in the mist of mystery and horror! And what the devil is that tapping? Could it be a trapped spirit, and if it is can it be freed to find its peace? Will this husband and wife live to escape the castle's horrors? Read this exciting story to find out!
Once Upon a Misty Skye - Terri Brisbin - 5 Stars! Alexander MacDonald and Isabel MacLeod have a forbidden love and the odds of staying together in their hidden marriage seem overwhelming. Isabel's father is horrendously abusive to her when she defies his order to wed another and pays a severe price. Can Alexander come to her rescue? Will their love prevail? Help comes to them in the form of a ghost! Great story!
A Ghostly Tale of Forbidden Love - Madeline Martin - 5 Stars! Laird Gavin MacDuff has his hand full with his cruel and bitter aunt. Sentra, the new lady's maid, enters the picture and a forbidden love blooms. This story has a wonderful mystery and a ghost in it that I really loved. The ghost is very angry and set on revenge against the aunt, but why? The actions of this ghost against Gavin's aunt is blamed on Senara, and the aunt wants her banished from the house. Will the aunt prevail? Will Senara's innocence be proven? You will be shocked and at the same time enthralled when you read this wonderfully written story. Very well done! This one was my favorite in the set.
The Maxwell Ghost - Ruth A. Casie - 5 Stars! A murder has occurred at Caerlaverock Castle, and now it seems to be haunted by a ghost. Laura Reynolds is asked to go there to take care of the issue. Jamie Collins, her distant cousin, does not believe in magic but he agrees to accompany her and tries to humor her belief in magic. They both have hidden feelings for each other. As they work towards solving the murder, Laura's life is threatened when the murderer sets his sights on her. Will Jamie be able to save her? Will assistance come from the ghost of the castle? Read the story to find out what happens. Nicely written and great story.
I had mixed feelings about this anthology, mostly because I felt that not many of the stories successfully mixed the gothic with romance. Many were heavy on the romance with the ghostly aspect seeming like an afterthought, or very spooky with little romance.
Laird of shadows as my least favorite. I felt the ghost could have been taken out of the story and it wouldn't have changed much.
Deep into darkness - very good, very creepy and riveting story. BUT not really a romance. Love story of sorts but not a romance (2 people meet, like each other at the end)
Upon a Misty Skye - it's a tale of two lovers who are helped by a ghost but the ghost is briefly mentioned in the beginning and then doesn't show up until the very end. And I just felt like this one dragged.
A Ghostly Tale of Forbidden Love - this was the first story that I felt gave equal attention to the romance and the ghostly and it was well written.
Love these authors and loved these stories! Was surprised to see Kathryn Le Veque's story have a modern twist, since I read all her historical stuff but absolutely loved it! All the authors did an amazing job! If you love a good read, highly recommend these stories!
I like the fact these authors bundled together five novellas about ghosts. It was a fun Halloween read. However, I enjoy ghost stories anytime. I had read two of the five authors previously and was impressed by their stories, so when I got to sample three other authors’ works, it was only icing on the cake. All the stories were fun, entertaining, some more suspenseful than others. I read each and every one. Thank you, authors, for such an awesome group of stories!
Elle, the heroine, in this story fights her destiny, fights the appearance of a ghost and her fate of helping the fairies. She makes a decision to save her brother, Erik. She is also gifted something special from the fairies, a gift she has no choice to accept or reject.
A quote I lingered on from Laird of Shadows by Eliza Knight:
“Ye see, life is really only filled with the appearances of choice. The rest is simply our response."
*********************** Deep Into Darkness by Kathryn Le Veque is the only of the five novellas which take us into present day, peering into the year 1290 A.D. It’s very unique because it follows in part the poem of The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe. I’ve read many of Kathryn Le Veque’s stories and they are masterpieces, in my opinion. She takes the hero and heroine of The Red Lion, a book recently released, weaves them into a very scary, page-turning story.
Heather works at a show called “World’s Best haunts”. She and another woman, Lynn, travel to sites where history speaks of haunts, hence, that’s why she’s in a village close to Findlater Castle, trying to discover something about the castle. We are then moved to the past where Lady Havilland and Jamison Munro take refuge from a heavy deluge of rain, cold, miserable and hungry at Findlater Castle. They find much more than shelter. They find danger as they’ve never experienced before. Unfortunately, Jamie is terribly ill, leaving Lady Hallivand to take things into her own hands, but can she keep herself and her husband safe?
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Upon a Misty Skye, by Terri Brisbin: Captures the cruelty of greed where a father, Ranald MacLeod, tortures his own daughter so she should do his bidding, marry a man to fill Ranald’s coffers. She escapes his malvolent character, through Alex’s swift intervention. They had secretly married weeks before. They hide within the ruins of Duntulm Castle, only to confront another anguished soul whose offers protection. Through Isabel’s journey, she discoveres the love of her mother and those who would have her safe.
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In A Ghostly Tale of Forbidden Love by Madeline Martin, Senara is a strong, formidable woman, ready to take care of herself. A woman of fire and a heart full of bruises and yet her innocent and pure heart is apparent to Gavin, who happens upon her protecting herself against four villains trying to take her horse, Norbert. She is out to find her fortune so she can help her family who have been stripped of most of what they own. Gavin is fascinated and intrigued with her thinking and finds she completes what he wants from life.
Sweet words from Senara, speaking her mind to Gavin,
“Love is too special to be bought no matter how much wealth ye have” she shrugged her slender shoulders again. “Besides, it doesna matter.”
He frowned. “Why is that”?
Her grin turned playful. “Because I’ve no’ anything to my name but Norbert and a sword. They’re worth the weight of my heart, but I know my fortune. No man will marry me for anything but love.”
********************** Words from Jamie, pride shining in his words as he gazes at his home, Caerlaverock Castle from The Maxwell Ghost by Ruth A. Casie.
“It pulls at my heart with its beauty and purpose. I represents all I hold dear in a person, it that’s possible, heart, soul and strength.
Here the heroine rushes into battle, so to speak, to save a man’s soul, someone who had died in Caerlaerock and is haunting the place. Laura has a way with ghosts as her mother. Jamie Maxwell is attracted to Laura, who in secret is attracted to him. She takes him as a good friend, since he is known for his dalliances, but the attraction from both sides cannot be denied. They work together to free this ghost’s spirit. Time is of the essence, three weeks has past since the demise of Evan and the ghost haunting has begun. They had only one week to free him or he would continue as a ghost.
Once Upon A Haunted Castle bundle was really good...creepy good! My favorite story though was Deep into Darkness, it was dark and engaging. I was at the edge of my bed with this one. I could clearly visualize what this author was describing every step of the way. I thought I was going to have nightmares, but that is meant as a very good thing. Tap, tap, tap... scary.
Laird Of Shadows, by Eliza Knight. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Beiste MacDougall's father has just died from the wounds received in a battle. Now a woman has turned up with an army of Vikings chasing her. Elle Cam'b'eal is desperate for the help of Laird MacDougall. The Vikings are hunting for her and she has had to leave her little brother behind and hope he will be safe until she gets help. Our hero feels he has lived under a curse all his life. Every one he has ever loved including all of his immediate family is dead. Our heroine is a brave young woman who gets a ghostly visitor who demands something she makes a sacrifice. An exciting , spooky highland adventure with wonderful characters. ********************
Deep Into Darkness, by Kathryn Le Veque. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This story is set in two very different eras but there is no time travelling. A modern day ghost hunter is looking for a story in the ruins of a castle. Then we go back in time and join Jamison Munro and his wife Haviland when they shelter from a storm in what at first appears to be an abandoned castle. A really spooky story where I was shouting at our foolishly brave heroine DON'T GO DOWN THERE. A fun addition to the Red Lion's story. I loved it. ***************************
Upon A Misty Skye, by Terri Brisbin. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Isabel MacLeod has refused to marry the man her father has picked for her, so now she is going to be severely punished. Alexander MacDonald has heard about Isabel's punishment and is determined to rescue his wife from her father. The two clans are enemies. The young lovers knew their marriage would not be permitted. A difficult journey across the stormy isle of Skye and shelter in the ruins of a haunted castle is ahead of them. An emotional and at times heartbreaking story. I got thoroughly drawn in it on the first page. ***********************
A Ghostly Tale Of Forbidden Love, by Madeline Martin. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Gavin MacDuff has been trying to find a highborn wife because he needs an heir. His lands will be claimed by the Crown kid he doesn't. Senara has left her family behind to take work as a ladies maid to earn money for her little brother to one day buy a knighthood, like their father once had. The lady Senara is to serve is Gavin's bad tempered old aunt. That lady has an old secret buried in the castle that makes itself known in mischievous ways. A very good ghostly tale, with a truly wicked villainess. Our real hero is not of this world. Good fun. Just one little detail, there is mention of a click on the wall. I think 1604 is a bit too early for that. ********************
The Maxwell Ghost. By Ruth A. Casie. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Jamie Maxwell Collins and Laura Reynolds have a murder mystery to solve with a little help from the victims. The deaths have caused the castle families to each blame the other and tension is running high. Laura uses a little special talent to get her answers, while Jamie is much more direct in his questions. A fascinating, exciting murder mystery. I loved every page.
I found these stories romantic, enchanting and heroic. I really loved the different authors and the way their minds work. How they handled each set of problems. Thank you for allowing me to enjoy your work.
I had the pleasure of reading the portion authored by Eliza Knight as an ARC. Beiste has just lost his father and feels like it is his fault and is cursed because everyone he loved dies. Elle has come to Beiste's home because he father has promised to protect her and her family. The ghost of Beiste father helps guide Elle to make her decisions. Elle and Beiste eventually feel drawn to each other and Beiste feels he needs to follow up to the promise his father made.
Another great read that I did not want to put down.
This is a boxed set of stories about a ghost. The stories, like all short stories never are enough for me. They are very entertaining and written well. Each story by an author has their own way of telling a different ghost story. I found it refreshing and since I bought it because I know Terri Brisbin's books, because I have read quite a few, it was a chance to know other writers and how they tell their stories. You won't be disappointed in this book. I like ghost stories so it was what I like to read.
This anthology contains five novellas, each blending romance, mystery and paranormal occurrences into delightful ghost stories to scare and charm in equal measure. Each one is the perfect length for curling up and whiling away an autumn afternoon. While ghosts and spectres are not typically to my taste, this set of stories is well written and a perfect pre-Halloween read.
A collection of five Spooky short stories all set in Medieval Scotland. Laird of Shadows is a version of Beauty and the Beast. Deep into the Shadows was inspired by Edgar Allen Poe's: Raven, and includes a full version of the poem at the end of the story. Upon a Misty Skye is a happier version of Romeo and Juliet. A Ghostly tale of Love has Gavin MacDuff escorting Senara to Castle of Park to investigate a haunting. The Maxwell Ghost is a murder-mystery.
I loved this book..or books..every story in this collection is wonderful! One in particular in this collection, A Ghostly Tale of Forbidden Love, by Madeline Martin, really drew me in. A strong heroine and a sigh worthy Laird, go against a horrible, nasty, vicious Aunt and a ghost bent on revenge. What more could you ask for? Oh yeah, hot, steamy romance...got that too! I loved this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
As always, these authors do not disappoint. Each of these stories is a 5 star one and makes you put the new full novels that go with them on your list to be picked up as soon as they are available or pre-order. I have.
1st: Laird of Shadows by Eliza Knight 2nd: Deep into Darkness by Kathryn Le Veque 3rd: Upon a Misty Skye by Terri Brisbin 4th: A Ghostly Tale of Forbidden Love by Madeline Martin 5th: The Maxwell Ghost by Ruth A Casie
What a great collection of stories! All different, yet each one of them kept my interest the whole time! Some new authors to me and some old favorites. Fantastic read!