The Passionate Ghost (A Haunting Regency Romance)

Rating:
Summary: Exit Sir Harry, Stage Left
Review: Finally, all the mysteries surrounding Steadford Abbey and its ghost are solved. In this culmination of the four-book series, Sheila Rosalynd Allen wraps up the loose ends of her "Ghost" series. "The Passionate Ghost" takes place chronologically one year after "The Helpful Ghost" and again the Abbey is taken over by a new owner. However, the new owner's last name is the same as the resident ghost's and other similar strange connections surface. The book pulls in characters from the previous books and flashes back forty years to tell the story that sets the context.

Again, there are small problems that make this book less than five-star. The romance is lacking; Ms. Allen concentrates more on wrapping up the entire story instead of working out a realistic plot. Other small plot inconsistencies make you sit up and think, "Wait a moment! That's not right!" (i.e., how the heroine knows the ghost's name though she was never told). And the ending is ridiculously abrupt.

On the other hand, "The Passionate Ghost" has Ms. Allen's most compelling opening chapters of any of the books. And the characters stay consistent and likeable throughout the book. The book does nicely wrap up the entire plot and explain most of the questions lingering from the previous books. Overall, it is a satisfactory conclusion to a very fun series.