The Haunting of Brynn Wilder by Wendy Webb (Lake Union Publishing)

Wendy Webb's "The Haunting of Brynn Wilder" invites readers into a world of mystery, romance, and the supernatural. The story follows Brynn Wilder, a young English professor who flees to the picturesque tourist town of Wharton on Lake Superior to escape her painful past. Seeking solace, she finds herself lodged in a charming boardinghouse for the summer, surrounded by a cast of enigmatic characters.

Among the inhabitants of the boardinghouse are the frail Alice, who possesses an enigmatic knowledge about Brynn and her fellow lodgers; a married couple devotedly caring for Alice; the eccentric owner LuAnn; and the attractive yet secretive Dominic. As Brynn immerses herself in this inviting environment, she uncovers strange events and an unsettling mystery that lingers in the halls.

Brynn's curiosity is piqued by Alice's mysterious insights and by a shuttered room that seems to be shrouded in the echoes of a recent death. Simultaneously, she finds herself drawn to Dominic, despite the unsettling rumors that surround him. In this haunting tale, Brynn must navigate the complex dynamics of love, loss, and fear, while confronting both her personal history and the paranormal forces at play within the boardinghouse.

Set against the backdrop of the stunning Lake Superior, Webb's novel weaves a tapestry of beautiful prose and haunting imagery that ensnares the reader. While the story leans more towards a mysterious romance with elements of the supernatural, rather than a spine-tingling thriller, it delves into universal themes of love, loss, transformation, and the inevitable confrontation with one's past.

As a first-time reader of Wendy Webb's works, I was drawn to her skillful exploration of magical realism. Webb's attention to detail and ability to create a palpable sense of place evoke a pleasant summer atmosphere by the lake, seasoned with literary references. Although I found the novel lacked the complexity I anticipated, I nonetheless recommend "The Haunting of Brynn Wilder" as an engaging summer read for those seeking a blend of mystery, romance, and the supernatural.

3/5