The Lighter Side of Spooky

As part of my Halloween reading, I delved into Mary Ann Winkowski and Maureen Foley's debut, The Book of Illumination.

Now, although I enjoy just about anything paranormal, I have never tuned in to The Ghost Whisperer. Mary Ann Winkowski, it turns out, is the real life "ghost whisperer" inspiration for the show, and she's also a producer.

I wasn't sure, initially, if The Book of Illumination would be exactly my cup of tea. I did find the synopsis of the book rather intriguing, though, and was looking for some Halloween reads, so I decided it was time to try. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised to find that this was a quick and easy read. It is not horror, though the description wouldn't really lead you to think that it is anyway, but just in case I might accidentally be leading you to believe this, I want to reassure you that it is not. In fact, it is more along the lines of a cozy mystery with paranormal elements.

It is also the first in a series that I will be looking forward to continuing.

Anza O'Malley is a single mom with an exceptional gift: she can see and speak with earthbound spirits. Her focus of late, however, has been to take care of her son and work on her career as a bookbinder. When Sylvia, a friend of a friend and also in the bookbinding business, calls with a request for help, though, Anza is reluctant to turn down the request. Sylvia has been working to restore a collection of books. Her employer, recently deceased, left many of the tomes in the hands of the Anathaeum and Sylvia has been fortunate enough to be able to follow the collection. One of the most interesting pieces in the collection is an illuminated manuscript that Syliva believes might be the long lost Book of Kildare, a rare and very valuable illustrated text. Anza discovers that the book, and subsequently the Anathaeum itself, are haunted by the spirits of two monks who bear some responsibility for the book itself. Before Anza can help them, though, the book is stolen. Now Anza must help to recover it before it is lost forever.

The book is said to be inspired by Winkowski's own experiences. All I know is that The Book of Illumination makes for a very light and easy read. Winkowski and Foley make a good writing team and I'll be looking forward to following Anza's story in the future.

As of now, the follow-up title, The Ice Cradle, is due out next fall.