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A review by bookishmillennial
Looking for Love in All the Haunted Places by Claire Kann
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews. I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me here: https://linktr.ee/bookishmillennial
This is a slower-paced, character-driven novel as we follow Lucky, Black, bisexual, ace, ESP-powered MC, who gets a new job as the caretaker of the allegedly haunted Hennessee House, and works alongside the tv/podcasting team to discuss what is going on inside the house. Lucky gets to know Maverick, his kid Rebel, and the rest of the team as she unravels more about herself too. She can read people with her ESP when she first meets them and looks into their eyes, which is wild, and so damn cool, but also why she wears glasses to shield herself from doing this all the time, as it is draining!
Rebel, Maverick's kid, and how the team treats Rebel as a valid part of their team: "Watching them each talk to Rebel was fascinating. Under the hurt and disappointment, Lucky realized they were taking Rebel seriously. Being an intern wasn't some fun, honorary title because Maverick couldn't find a sitter. She really was a part of their team, held to the same standards as everyone else. Progressive discipline and all." (49) I appreciated this commentary on treating kids with dignity and respect, and giving them more credit than most folks do. Rebel was goofy, adventurous, brave, and like, her dad made his bed with naming her "rebel," idk mannnnn!
Maverick gave Lucky so much credit and validation too, both in Lucky's writing, her sexuality, her occupation, and her feelings. Maverick really is a wonderful LI, who affirms and tries to listen with an open mind and heart. Many cishet men could learn a thing or two from him, and I'm genuinely begging them to read *one* modern romance novel. Maverick was patient, gentle, and sincerely curious in getting to know Lucky. He was exactly the LI that Lucky needed, and I rooted for them to find their way to each other. "You can tell a person who they are after meeting them once. You're full of stories waiting to be written." (107) This is in response to Lucky claiming no one is interested in anything she has to write beyond essays and blog posts. Maverick isn't dismissing her feelings, but he is challenging the way she speaks poorly about herself.
This is a slower-paced, character-driven novel as we follow Lucky, Black, bisexual, ace, ESP-powered MC, who gets a new job as the caretaker of the allegedly haunted Hennessee House, and works alongside the tv/podcasting team to discuss what is going on inside the house. Lucky gets to know Maverick, his kid Rebel, and the rest of the team as she unravels more about herself too. She can read people with her ESP when she first meets them and looks into their eyes, which is wild, and so damn cool, but also why she wears glasses to shield herself from doing this all the time, as it is draining!
Rebel, Maverick's kid, and how the team treats Rebel as a valid part of their team: "Watching them each talk to Rebel was fascinating. Under the hurt and disappointment, Lucky realized they were taking Rebel seriously. Being an intern wasn't some fun, honorary title because Maverick couldn't find a sitter. She really was a part of their team, held to the same standards as everyone else. Progressive discipline and all." (49) I appreciated this commentary on treating kids with dignity and respect, and giving them more credit than most folks do. Rebel was goofy, adventurous, brave, and like, her dad made his bed with naming her "rebel," idk mannnnn!
Maverick gave Lucky so much credit and validation too, both in Lucky's writing, her sexuality, her occupation, and her feelings. Maverick really is a wonderful LI, who affirms and tries to listen with an open mind and heart. Many cishet men could learn a thing or two from him, and I'm genuinely begging them to read *one* modern romance novel. Maverick was patient, gentle, and sincerely curious in getting to know Lucky. He was exactly the LI that Lucky needed, and I rooted for them to find their way to each other. "You can tell a person who they are after meeting them once. You're full of stories waiting to be written." (107) This is in response to Lucky claiming no one is interested in anything she has to write beyond essays and blog posts. Maverick isn't dismissing her feelings, but he is challenging the way she speaks poorly about herself.
"She was so close to falling apart and he just sat there next to her. Patiently waiting and refusing to let her fake her way through an answer." (151)
Cishetwhite man of the year award goes to Maverick. I love him, your honor!!!
"He's the worst. I hate him."
"Yeah," Lucky agreed, fully aboard the sarcasm train. "It's kind of annoying how much he believes in people. How dare he." (172)
Truly, this just adds to Maverick's character of believing in, rooting for, and empowering people, especially the femmes around him. An icon if you will.
"You called me a collector. What is that?"
"That's who you are. You search for people and bring them in, give them somewhere to belong." (331)
*sobs*
The representation of Lucky as ace was lovely; Claire Kann writes her characters with such great care, and Lucky is so precious. Lucky feels unlovable, and as if no one will understand her, so she simply chooses to disengage from those relationships, rather than be left behind again and again. She leaves before anyone else can leave her, which is a specific heartache. Her family and friends had abandoned her and belittled her occupation/sexual orientation/interests, so finding folks who actually want to learn about her and encourage her to share her experience about being ace, and any other aspects about her is brand new, and uncomfortable because she almost can't believe people care this way. Lucky dialogues with Georgia about being ace (Georgia's brother is ace), and we slowly see Lucky break down her walls, and understand what chosen family could mean. That was lovely, and I appreciated that she was brave in sharing her feelings around sex and attraction.
Claire Kann notes she is a horror fan, and I can understand why she wrote this paranormal romance. It was a bit goofy, silly, but still invited reflection from this sentient house. I thought the way the house's intentions and how it operated was fascinating, and loved that commentary. It was another example of displaying this human need to try to provide what others need, and to want to be paid attention to. I love that about the horror genre in general.
Sometimes, it felt like a slog to get through, specifically between 30-60%. The pacing fell off a bit for me, and even though some of the chapters were indeed super short, I feel like another run through of shortening certain parts of this book would have been helpful to keep it a bit more succinct.
Overall, it was a fun, eerie, swoon-worthy story, and one that I'd gladly watch if it was optioned and adapted for tv!
Random things I loved about Lucky:
"Look, I'm not trying to be difficult, but I answered the question." (128)
I'm going to use this response when someone does not take my answer as sufficient
"I noticed you're an avid ketchup person."
"It's true. I am," she said. "But I hate tomatoes."
she is me and I am her!!!!!! This tomato-hater representation was everything, thank you!
"That's how I know people can do bad things and still be a fundamentally good person. They've just lost their way and need time to sort it out. But knowing that doesn't change how much they hurt me in the process."
It also didn't mean she had to forgive them or give them a second chance. That was for her to decide. (216)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Acephobia/Arophobia