A Sanctuary of Spirits

The New York City police department’s secret Ghost Precinct investigates crimes committed against spirits in this engaging sequel to 2018’s Spectral City. In 1899, someone is stealing body parts from corpses for an unknown purpose. Police spiritualist Eve Whitby and her team of mediums must uncover who’s behind this abominable practice in order to lay the victims’ souls to rest. Working closely with dashing Det. Jacob Horowitz, Eve cannot help developing feelings for the man, but there is little time to explore their attraction as the investigation draws the attention of powerful enemies. Hieber juggles the romantic and procedural elements of the plot against the atmospheric backdrop of turn-of-the-last-century spiritualism. Eve and Jacob’s will-they-or-won’t-they relationship can be frustratingly repetitive, but their chemistry is undeniably charming, and the investigation that drives the plot is serviceable, if never shocking. The diverse, lived-in world will draw readers in to this paranormal mystery. Agent: Paul Stevens, Donald Maass Literary. (Nov.)