Reviewed by Taylin

TITLE: The Medium

AUTHOR: Bonnie Dee

PUBLISHER: Self-Published

LENGTH: 197 pages

RELEASE DATE:  May 29, 2018

BLURB:

Cast out of his family for being a freak, psychic Justin Crump helps others find peace by using his ability. When he’s called upon to release a distressed soul from a haunted house, a child’s angry spirit
draws him into a dark mystery. Equally intriguing is the skeptical homeowner, Albert, a man who has buried his sexuality deeper than the grave.

Albert Henderson humors his mother’s wishes by inviting the medium for a visit. While he doubts Justin’s gifts, he can’t deny one truth: the man stirs desire in him that Albert has spent a lifetime denying.
Slowly, the walls of his proper life crumble. And when Justin proposes some emotion-free experimentation, neither imagines it might lead to love…and danger.

After learning the terrifying truth about the deceased child’s persecutor, the two men pursue a perpetrator of great evil.  When they coax a confession from their quarry, the vengeful spirit unleashes power
nearly beyond control. To free the earthbound ghost from the past that holds it shackled, Justin must risk his own soul. And Albert must find the courage to break free of the chains of doubt that will deny him and
Justin the future of which they once only dreamed.

REVIEW:

A medium, Justin, meets cynic, Albert. What could possibly happen to make one change one’s mind?

Their first meeting was one of disbelief and scepticism. To Justin, Albert was handsome and scathing in his remarks. Albert found Justin easy on the eye but was of the opinion that the man was going to hoodwink his mother. However, Justin is truly gifted in his ability to help those in limbo find peace and move on.

Albert’s mother believes there is a soul at unrest in their mansion and needs Justin’s services. This results in the men being forced together and events take a turn forcing Albert to re-evaluate his thoughts.

Told in the first person from three points of view; this turn of the century historical drama was a delight to read. Albert is a middle-class man, raised in upper-class circles, and is at war with his true nature – a nature he has kept deeply buried for many years. Justin is a kind soul who embraced his sexuality, which coupled with his abilities saw him outcast from his family. Add to this a ghost who has unfinished business, and a living man who needs to stop what he is doing, and I had myself a story that I could get my teeth into.

There is something utterly charming about this era. Men in suits, Mr Darcy style – propriety forcing people to hold back, despite being starved of physical touch. One was afraid of being found out, the other fearful of being hurt again. It was only a matter of time before the damn broke.

Short of one little blip with the use of the word spreadsheet – which the etymology dictionary says wasn’t used until 1965, I found The Medium an utterly engaging story that moved at a pace right for me. There was no hanging about. At the same time, nothing was rushed.

This historical tale tackles, the class-divide, unvoiced feelings, sexual enlightening, abuse, justice, and supernatural elements. It was a combination that worked well and was a joy to read.

RATING:

BUY LINKS: 

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