The Mystery of the Spirits

The Mystery of the Spirits (2021) C.S. Poe (Snow & Winter)

This is the fifth Snow & Winter mystery. Sebastian and Calvin are happily married, and Sebastian has managed to avoid getting involved in murders–until now.

“We should get one of those OSHA scoreboards for the shop. You know, for recording accidents? Except we record how many days we can go before a mystery is dropped in your lap.”

“I’ve been doing very good,” I answered.

“I know. A new record. It’s been… 545 days.”

“Exactly. I haven’t— wait, for real?”

“Yeah, but now it’s zero,” Max explained.

I really enjoy spending time with these characters. And I especially love that Calvin’s PTSD and therapy remains important in the story.

His military service had forever changed who Calvin was as a man. But two years ago he couldn’t even admit to himself that he had a serious problem. A year ago he could hardly say, “I have therapy tonight.” Instead, he’d say, “I’m seeing Dr. Chambers tonight.” So yes, he’d cried at the recollection, he’d allowed that loss in the past to affect his decision-making in the current, but he’d also willingly told me that story. It was huge progress.

The mystery was interesting, and I particularly like how Sebastian was pulled unwillingly into the mystery, but once he was in, he was all in–which is why Calvin didn’t want him involved in the first place.

I’m glad I was able to spend more time with these characters. If we get another book, that’s great, but if we don’t, this is a lovely ending place.

Publisher: Emporium Press
Rating: 8/10

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