Robert Brighton opens The Phantom of Forest Lawn: Romance and Redemption in the City of the Dead with a prologue set “One summer long ago.” The man and the fey woman he meets are unnamed and the only hint of a setting is an old orchard. It is a superb piece of writing that promises romance even whilst it describes the beautiful tragedy of “an insect trapped in ancient amber.” The author delves deep into the history of Buffalo, a township one day to be swallowed up by New York City. Its people – a pair of unprincipled Irish immigrants, upright businessmen, families who aspire to appear classy at any cost, crooked police – are so alive that they step off the pages. There is an element of horror; should you wish to disinter a corpse, read the multi-faceted The Phantom of Forest Lawn.

Reading The Phantom of Forest Lawn cost me a night’s sleep; I couldn’t put it down. The history of the development of the future New York is captured in every nuance of this fast-paced thriller with passion at its heart. Nor can one ignore the author’s wry sense of humor, shown when two hungry poorhouse inmates escape from their cell in the silence of the night and raid the kitchen. Mary, a naïve Canadian immigrant, accepts an offer of work from a man with whom she falls in love. And hers isn’t the only romance! Every character is rounded, and every sentence is a gem. Buy, borrow, beg, or steal The Phantom of Forest Lawn, but don’t miss reading Robert Brighton’s twisted plot right to the unguessable explosive ending.

The Phantom of Forest Lawn: Romance and Redemption in the City of the Dead is a work of fiction in the historical fiction, gothic romance, and interpersonal drama genres. Penned by author Robert Brighton, this immersive novel tells the tale of Mary Carkriff in 1867 Buffalo, drawn into a world of smuggling led by George Eberly. Amidst the serene Forest Lawn Cemetery, where dark secrets of resurrection and grave robbery unfold, Mary discovers love and danger, especially around a mysterious mausoleum. This is a captivating journey into an unusual and interesting romance entwined with mystery and intrigue.

Mary Carkriff is brought to life in atmospheric, moody detail and she stands out vividly amidst the bustling city of Buffalo as someone destined for more. The tranquil solitude of Forest Lawn Cemetery provides a stark contrast, and every lavish scene is cinematically described and permeated with a sense of adventure and curiosity. The mysterious mausoleum and the secrets it guards teem with suspense, developing into a character in itself thanks to Robert Brighton’s confident tone of gothic charm. Readers will feel engrossed in Mary's quest for truth and love amidst grave robbers and hidden dangers. The themes of love, greed, and redemption bubble away under the surface of the narrative, creating a rich tapestry of emotions and historical detail that underpins the whole adventure with a serious, poignant tone. Overall, The Phantom of Forest Lawn is a compelling blend of romance and mystery that kept me guessing until the very end, and I would highly recommend it.