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A Plethora of Phantoms
(Spirited Encounters Book 2)
By Penny Hampson
(Spirited Encounters Book 2)
By Penny Hampson
Whose footsteps in the dark?
He is heir to the earldom of Batheaston and lives in an elegant, stately home, but handsome twenty-something Freddie Lanyon is not a happy man. Not only is he gay and dreading coming out to his family, but he’s also troubled by ghosts that nobody else can see.
When Freddie’s impulsive purchase of an antique dressing case triggers even more ghostly happenings with potentially catastrophic consequences, he has to take action.
Freddie contacts charismatic psychic Marcus Spender for help and feels an immediate attraction to this handsome antique dealer –– a feeling that is mutual. But the pair’s investigations unearth shocking, long-buried secrets, which prove a major challenge to their task of laying unhappy spirits to rest and to their blossoming relationship.
Being brave isn’t one of Freddie’s standout qualities, but he’ll need all the courage he can muster to rid himself of wayward phantoms and get his life on track.
A Plethora of Phantoms is an uplifting ghostly tale about love, friendship, and acceptance.
Publication Date: 3rd February 2026
Publisher: PP&M Publishing
Print Length: 259 Pages
Genre: Paranormal Ghost Romance / Gay Romance
Praise
“Plethora of Phantoms” by Penny Hampson is a richly atmospheric novel that blends paranormal suspense with emotional introspection, grounding its supernatural intrigue in the intimate realities of family, identity and belonging.
Yarde Book Promotion
My Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’ve always had a weakness for stories set in old family houses where the walls have clearly seen far too much, so A Plethora of Phantoms was exactly my sort of read. From the opening chapters, there’s a quiet sense of unease threaded through everyday life at Lanyon Park—nothing dramatic at first, just enough to make you feel that something is slightly off.
And then, naturally, it refuses to stay subtle.
What I particularly enjoyed is how the haunting builds. It doesn’t rush straight into full-blown chaos; instead, it starts with small, unsettling moments—footsteps, things not quite where they should be—and gradually becomes more intrusive. There’s a point where it’s impossible to dismiss anymore, and that shift is handled really well. It feels earned rather than forced, especially as it becomes clear that there is more than one presence at work — one that unsettles in quiet, almost domestic ways (and, if one is being generous, is arguably quite useful, given its apparent interest in tidying), and another that is far more overtly threatening.
Freddie is a very easy character to connect with. He’s thoughtful, a bit reserved, and very used to keeping things to himself, which makes the situation he’s in all the more difficult. He doesn’t leap to conclusions or act like a typical “brave” protagonist—he hesitates, second-guesses, and tries to rationalise what’s happening. It makes his reactions feel real, and his growth over the course of the book all the more satisfying.
Marcus brings a nice balance to that. He’s more grounded, more willing to face things head-on (even when they don’t make much sense), and I really liked the way his relationship with Freddie develops. There’s an immediate connection between them, but it’s not smooth or simple. There’s tension, uncertainty, and a fair bit left unsaid, which makes it feel natural rather than overly polished.
The setting is one of the strongest parts of the book. Lanyon Park isn’t just a backdrop—it feels like a presence in its own right. The history of the place hangs over everything, and as Freddie starts uncovering more about what’s happened there, the haunting begins to feel less random and more purposeful.
That was probably my favourite aspect of the story: the way the ghost is tied to something deeper. As the mystery unfolds, it becomes clear that this isn’t just about being frightened—it’s about something unresolved. There’s a real emotional weight behind it, and that gives the whole story much more impact.
I also liked how the book balances tone. There are definitely moments that are tense or unsettling, but they sit alongside warmth, humour, and the slightly chaotic energy of Freddie’s family. It keeps everything feeling grounded, even when things start to get strange.
If I had one small note, it would be that the pacing dips slightly in the middle, but honestly, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment. If anything, it adds to that slow, creeping atmosphere.
This is a really engaging and well-crafted ghost story with strong characters, a believable emotional core, and a mystery that unfolds in a satisfying way. It’s not just about what’s haunting the house, but why—and that’s what makes it stick with you.
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Penny Hampson
Penny Hampson writes mysteries, and because she has a passion for history, you’ll find her stories also reflect that. A Gentleman’s Promise, a traditional Regency romance, was Penny’s debut novel and the first of her Gentlemen Series. There are now four novels in the series, with the latest, An Adventurer’s Contract, released in November 2024. Penny also enjoys writing contemporary mysteries with a hint of the paranormal, because where do ghosts come from but the past? The Unquiet Spirit, a spooky mystery/romance set in Cornwall, is the first in the Spirited Encounters Series. Look out for A Plethora of Phantoms coming soon.
Penny lives with her family in Oxfordshire, and when she is not writing, she enjoys reading, walking, swimming, and the odd gin and tonic (not all at the same time).
If you’ve enjoyed any of Penny’s books please leave a review on Amazon, Bookbub, or Goodreads, and let other readers know!
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Thank you for taking the time to read my book and for leaving this great review. I'm delighted that you enjoyed A Plethora of Phantoms!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your fantastic review of A Plethora of Phantoms! ✨
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