Alice May Parker thought moving to the sleepy seaside town of Pacific Grove, California, would help her family start over after her mother's death. But nothing prepares her for the mysterious and terrifying events that unfold after a near-fatal kayaking accident. Saved from drowning by the handsome and enigmatic Henry Raphael Jasper, Alice soon discovers that he is unlike any boy she has ever known.
Henry is intelligent, romantic, and old-fashioned-yet there is something otherworldly about him. He seems to appear when she needs him most, to know her thoughts before she speaks, and to understand the pain that haunts her. As their connection deepens, Alice begins to realize that Henry is hiding a secret far darker than she imagined: he is not of this world.
Set against the mist-shrouded beauty of Monterey Bay, Ghost Maven: The Haunting of Alice May is a contemporary paranormal romance where first love meets the supernatural. As Alice and Henry's relationship intensifies, she becomes caught between the living and the dead, drawn into a centuries-old mystery that threatens both their souls.
When Alice's visions of the past grow stronger, she discovers that she may be more than just a girl in love-she may be a Ghost Maven, someone with the rare ability to bridge the worlds of the living and the spirit realm. But with dark forces gathering in the shadows of the Pacific, Alice must choose whether to embrace her destiny or risk losing Henry forever.
Filled with suspense, mystery, and a timeless sense of romance, The Haunting of Alice May combines the ghostly allure of Twilight with the emotional depth of Beautiful Creatures and the haunting atmosphere of Alfred Hitchcock's Rebecca. It is a story about grief, courage, and the power of love to transcend even death itself.
Perfect for readers who enjoy young adult fiction with heart and imagination, Ghost Maven explores what it means to believe in something unseen and to follow the pull of the heart even when the path leads into darkness.
Includes a bonus preview chapter from the upcoming sequel, The Curse of Henry Jasper, in which Alice, Christian, Emily, and their new non-binary friend Maya Chen must reunite to face a terrifying new spirit haunting Monterey Bay.
Industry Reviews
"A supernatural mystery, a coming of age story with romance, faith and hope. The biggest theme in the novel is what it means to be alive, focusing on Alice as she tries to navigate her grief for her mother, her new relationship, and her family. As history, a curse and ghosts plague the town, life and death are tackled in a unique way. Tony Lee Moral doesn't shy away from his characters questioning belief, and they are confronted with whether they need to see to believe, or believe to see. The plot comes full circle by the end, but the last page will leave you wanting more. It's clear this is just the beginning for Alice. A must read with strong prose that carries an eerie undercurrent, slowly delving into details as the mystery unfolds." - Readers' Favourite
"An enjoyable adventure story filled with love, angst and ghosts." - Writing Times
"Moral has a great story, with twists and turns that keep the reader turning the pages. It is part love story, part thriller - hardly surprising given Moral's previous work. The magical realism is a new diversion. . . It's clever." - Julia Webb Harvey
"This book is a great read for anyone who loves a great ghost story or paranormal romance." - Debbie McClure
"I loved the setting of this novel - Monterey, CA. It definitely added to the story and felt real. I liked Henry and some of the other characters." - The Story Sanctuary
Voted among 13 Ghost stories to read and enjoy on Halloween - The Treasured Bookshelf
"I was impressed by the reader friendly writing style and the way the author blends the past and present in a haunting tale. Beginning with Alice May being rescued from near drowning, the tale takes readers into a paranormal adventure that will have them turning the pages and falling into this story." - P.S. Winn
