4.4 (378 ratings)

Little Haunting By The Sea: Dead good romantic comedy

Name: Little Haunting By The Sea: Dead good romantic comedy
Rating: 4.4 (378 reviews)
Author: Kate Johnson
ISBN: B07GL7X6FM

by Kate Johnson

ghosts

About this book

Jen is not your typical protagonist, mostly because her closest confidant is a chatty Victorian ghost. While she tries to navigate her life in the eccentric seaside town of Wirpness-on-Sea, she is desperately guarding secrets that could shatter her fragile equilibrium. Enter Quinn, a man who views the afterlife with healthy skepticism, despite being deeply haunted by the mysterious death of his twin brother. He arrives at the coast seeking the truth, unaware that he is walking straight into a collision course with Jen and the spectral history of the town.

This is far more than a lighthearted paranormal romance. While the book delivers witty banter and a simmering emotional connection, it is anchored by a complex, gripping mystery that feels like a darker, supernatural cousin to Broadchurch. It masterfully balances historical intrigue with modern trauma, ensuring that the stakes remain high and the atmosphere stays chillingly authentic.

If you are craving a story with bite, this is your next obsession. It subverts the cozy tropes of the genre, offering a narrative that is as spooky as it is romantic. Prepare for a hauntingly good read that proves some ghosts never truly leave the past behind.

Publication Date: May 25, 2026
ASIN: B07GL7X6FM

Reader Reviews

Not your average rom-com

November 4, 2018

The title of this book might make you think of some cosy rom-com, all candy floss romance and very little plot - think again! Yes, there is romance but there is PLOT in spades. This rom-com has bite (but no, there are no vampires - just ghosts) and a tough story to tell. I loved the characters - especially Jen and Quinn - and the locations. There's even a good section of it set in my home town of Dublin. There are parts of the story which aren't an easy read, but in the end it more than repays...

Read this book. If you don't like it check your pulse!

March 4, 2019

I absolutely loved this book, from the big themes to the small scenes. I am going to buy a paperback copy too so I can lend it to people who don't have kindles. That's how great this book is. To pick just one thing out: I was very touched by the fact that the romantic leads had physical scars. I have scars myself and wasn't expecting to be so moved to see my own experience in the story, but I really was. I don't normally read supernatural settings but that didn't matter. I want more books in...

Good and spooky, but read with care

July 21, 2023

This was darker than I had expected, the two main characters have a lot of trauma in their backgrounds. But I really liked the characters and the plot. I also liked that the history was a bit of a mystery. There were some spooky parts and the romance was good. ) One person found this helpful

10/10 no notes

November 2, 2024

Somehow, for me, right now, this was perfect. I wish it didn’t have to end. More complex than your average rom com, with wonderful handling of issues around trauma. )

This book is haunting me

April 12, 2024

I keep thinking about it after I finished it. I’ve read it twice in two days. It’s good but more than that is just…sticks with you. I think that’s rare and special for a book. Especially from me since I plow through them at a rate of 1-2 books/day. Will def read more from this author. )