I probably would have got to Kari Sperring’s debut novel sooner or later. I have, after all, met her at conventions, and I commissioned an article from her alter ego for Clarkesworld. What kicked me into action, however, was a conversation with another British writer who was enthusing about how good the book was. When writers I respect say that sort of thing I sit up and take notice. And I’m glad I did.

Living With Ghosts isn’t going to leap off the shelves with a cover in multiple shades of gray, but it is well worth picking up. The characterization in particular is well above what I normally expect from SF&F. The magic is interesting too: very subtly done. There were one or two points when I wasn’t quite convinced, but overall it is a very impressive debut. Here’s hoping there are more books to come.