The Misremembered Lighthouse

Hayley Hunter Mystery, #2

by

p.m. terrell

Spooky, intense paranormal mystery!

The Misremembered Lighthouse may be the second riveting Hayley Hunter Mystery by author p.m. terrell, but readers new to the series can easily dive right in and enjoy a great story. In this book, renowned historical fiction author Hayley Hunter returns to the U.S. after a year’s sojourn in Ireland, where she went to research her Irish roots for a book but stayed to pursue a new love and a slower, more rural lifestyle. Due to visa restrictions, she must leave Ireland for 1 year. She rents a secluded, long-decommissioned lighthouse near Raleigh, North Carolina, where she plans to research her Revolutionary War-era ancestors and their involvement during the conflict for her next novel. She soon discovers she may not be alone on the remote property as she glimpses ghostly, disappearing figures and the original lighthouse lamp that lights with a will of its own. 

Hayley is a gutsy gal, sticking around when she feels the ice-cold presence of spirits, hears disembodied voices, and inexplicably moved objects, as well as things that go bump in the night. She initially clings to logical explanations and excuses for what she sees, but when Shay MacGregor, her love from Ireland, arrives for an extended visit and corroborates her experiences, it becomes all too real. 

The book is two stories in one, as Hayley uncovers the journal of the original lighthouse keeper, Jonathan Corbyn. Jon is a tragic figure, coming from Scotland to the British colony of North Carolina after participating in the Battle of Culloden, only to end up on the losing side and deemed a traitor. He builds the lighthouse himself with the goal of a quiet, solitary, and peaceful future, but is caught between family and friends and the oath of royalty he swore to the Crown when he was granted his property in the new territory. 

The story is well-paced, with the ghostly activity beginning immediately. Hayley’s initial encounters are a little disconcerting but still deliciously creepy, and immediately evoked The Ghost and Mrs. Muir vibes. However, as the action progresses, the situation becomes more tragic and dangerous, and, while there is a romance, it is between the main character and her very much alive love interest. Unfortunately, the lighthouse keeper is not alone, and he has a story he’s determined for Hayley to uncover. I enjoyed the dual-timeline structure, with Hayley’s story unfolding in the present and Jon’s in early 1776, presented as journal entries. Hayley and Shay’s relationship is loving and strong, and it is a wonderful storyline that continues through the series. This book was a definite page-turner for me. 

I recommend THE MISREMEMBERED LIGHTHOUSE to readers of paranormal suspense. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.