The Vintage Medium
by Melanie Karsak
Summary
People think being haunted is a bad thing. That’s because they’ve never visited The Curiosity Curio. The spirits who linger in my store dance the jitterbug, look after the plants, and gossip about long-dead relatives. Even though no one believes me about my mediumistic gifts, it’s my job to aid these lost souls. I can help them, even if I gave up hoping to find someone who understood me long ago. Call me a vintage-items peddler, but it’s my duty to match ghosts—and the objects to which they are attached—with the people who need them.
That’s where James comes in. James Herringbone, the high-end antique dealer who looks like he just stepped out of an expensive cologne ad, possesses a pocket watch I desperately need. Until I get it back, the spirit of a flapper girl who haunts my shop will let me have no rest. Talking to James isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I mean, he is perfection in glasses and a tweed jacket, even if he looks down on junk-item antiquarians like me.
But when I try to bargain with James for the pocket watch, things get…complicated.
Of course they do.
Because this is Chancellor, where magic lives on every corner.
My Review
I absolutely adore this cozy fantasy novella series! While each book can technically be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading them in order since familiar characters from previous books make delightful appearances in this one.
Returning to the charming small town of Chancellor felt like coming home. I especially loved getting to know Tess and James! I was already intrigued by Tess and her shop, The Curiosity Curio, when she made an appearance in a previous novella, so I was thrilled that she finally got her own love story.
While the other books in the series have a magical feel, this one leans more into the paranormal, as ghosts play a key role in Tess’s story. She has the ability to see and communicate with spirits who are tied to objects from their past, which adds such an intriguing and unique twist. I really enjoyed the shift in tone with this fourth installment—it was a little spooky, incredibly sweet, and still had that signature coziness I love about this series.
Like the other books, this is a clean, closed-door romance, making it perfect for those who prefer sweet love stories without spice. And if you’re looking for the ideal fall or Halloween read, this one is perfect—it has all the cozy autumn vibes you could want for the season.
Highly recommend this one, especially if you love a touch of ghostly charm in your cozy fantasy!