26114291Title: Ghost Talkers

Author: Mary Robinette Kowal

Publisher: Tor Books

Publication Date: August 2016

Genre: Adult Fiction/Historical, Fantasy

Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone

 

Synopsis can be found here.

I borrowed a copy of this book from the library.

 

 

Review:

I wish I owned it! I borrowed it from the library but between the wonderful storytelling and beautiful cover, Ghost Talkers is one to own and share.

Ginger is a rich heiress who is also a medium. Tasked with taking their fallen solider’s last accounts in World War 2, Ginger is horrified to find there is a traitor in her mist. Someone high ranking, eager to spy for the Germans. Not only her life is at stake but the lives of everyone she knows and loves.

 

I love this paranormal twist on historical fiction. Ginger is truly a modern woman who questions everything in this true fearless way. I loved her wit and charm and her very clever mind. She is the best thing about the book. I can imagine that we would have been friends. That said, I wish we had more history on her backstory. There isn’t a lot of history on any of the characters and while they all grew and interacted organically, I wish I knew where they each came from, their upbringing. I think there’s a lot of past that could have been shown, especially about Ginger and Ben but sadly, it wasn’t.

Let’s talk about the world building. I was right there it was so good. I loved the fear and suspicion surrounding Ginger’s mission, but also the way the war and army affected their every move. It’s a time when women were seen as the lesser sex and mediums and the supernatural were all hoaxes. But that just gives Ginger more credibility to carry on. These two things wove seamlessly though the book and there a couple of really clever explanations about the operation. Well done!

I have only read Shades of Milk and Honey, the author’s YA paranormal historical fiction magical realism series. But this one has propelled me to read everything by her! It was such an entertaining read, I picked it up every time my daughter took her nap. And went to bed early to finish it.