A review by ristretto
If I Stopped Haunting You by Colby Wilkens

adventurous funny hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I would describe If I stopped Haunting You as spooky spicy. Rival writers Penelope and Neil find themselves attending a writing retreat at a haunted castle together. Both of them need this retreat to get their writing careers back on track and they are not backing out. Snowed in a with a mystery to solve they begin to grow closer but can they uncover the secrets of the castles past inhabitants or will they end up joining them.

There’s a lot to love here, the characters are funny and charming. The conflict between Pen and Neil and the discussion of indigenous voices in publishing was really interesting. The castle and the haunting is atmospheric and spooky and I was invested in the mystery. 

The weak point, for me, is when it comes to pacing and tone. There’s moments when the characters go from heart pounding terror and without a beat the reader is thrown into a spicy scene. Both scenes work but without a breather the tonal whiplash takes you out of the story. However all in all I had a really good time. I really like Wilkens voice and as a debut novel it was intriguing and entertaining. This is definitely a writer that I’m looking forward to reading more from in the future.

If you’re looking for spooky vibes with enemies to lovers, spicy moments, and lovable characters this is such a fun ride!

Thank you very much to NetGalley and the publisher. I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.