Our Darkest Hour, by Gabriella E. Mari

I was kindly sent this book as part of The Write Reads book tour, and had only the most basic information about it before diving in:

A group of supernatural investigators travel around America, hunting (but not busting!) ghosts.

This is accurate, but it’s also a gorgeous slow-burn queer love story - and it lovingly pokes fun at internet fame, online fandoms and ships!

Adrian is a budding psychic who is recruited by the CPRS - the Crossroads Paranormal Research Society. These not-quite-Winchesters soon become found family as they discover a dark force that seems to be targeting folk like him.

I wasn’t sure if I was going to get on with this book initially. The main plot really takes its time getting under way, but I realized that’s not the point. This book is a sweet tale of love, friendship and discovering one’s own power. The supernatural element is engaging, and the ongoing Reddit-style chats about the boys are hilarious! Who’d be an online celebrity?

The protagonists are beautifully drawn and I found myself worrying as I neared the end of the book - it’s the only thing this author has written, and I wish there was more already! It’s an absolute pleasure to read: gentle, fun and heartfelt, with a genuinely spooky undercurrent that keeps you guessing.

Perfect for curling up with on a dark night.