Review Detail

Reader reviewed by mlecompt

Horace is apprentice to a photographer in New York City in 1872. He is fascinated with photography and enjoys his job even though he doesn't think much of his boss. His opinion of his boss sinks really low when he decides to insert a ghostly image into a client's portrait to make her think her daughter's spirit is close by. The boss reckons this will drum up a lot of business, but Horace feels it is too dishonest. There is more to the client's family than meets the eye, however, and Horace finds himself entangled in the Von Macht family's business when he befriends of their servants. He also begins to see real ghosts and worries if he is the one bringing them into this world.

This book is mostly historical fiction with a ghost plot. The Von Macht's secret is well drawn out through the book and is an interesting start to Horace's friendship with their servant. The ghost plot is not overwhelming and is just creepy enough to give a few shivers. Post-Civil War New York is well-established, but I felt like it could have used a few more touches to make it seem more real for readers. Overall though, it's a great read for someone looking for historical fiction.