Book Review: Haze by Rebecca Crunden

Genre(s): Paranormal fiction

Content warning: There are some violent scenes in this book, as well as references to drugs/alcohol and addiction.

Five years after her sister Sam’s death, Eliza’s life is in shambles. Her family has become dysfunctional, she’s become involved with drugs, she has no ambition nor aim in life. And to top it all off, her former fiancé, Erik, has returned to town. Erik is still in love with her, but he fled two days after the funeral, leaving her alone. She hasn’t forgiven him, and doesn’t believe she can.

Both are seeking answers to how her sister died, both require closure. But as they begin to investigate and dig into the events of the past, they begin to believe the circumstances were anything but ordinary. It isn’t always places that are haunted; people can be haunted too.

Haze isn’t the usual ghost story, but I really liked the path the story took. While the ghostly experiences were at times strange, they weren’t scary. This is not a horror story, but rather something of a love story between two damaged souls seeking to find real love. The ghosts that appear are integral to the plot, yet the story truly is focused on Eliza and Erik as they attempt to salvage their shattered lives.

Both characters battle personal demons throughout the story. Eliza’s revolve around her addiction, the strained relationship she has with her parents, and her uneasy attachment with a drug dealer named Roger. Erik’s demons are almost entirely from his past; his abusive and dangerous father, in particular, and the circumstances surrounding Sam’s death. Their stories are both tragic and sad for much of the tale—but I can confirm they have a happy ending, once everything is said and done.

The writing was fluid and clear, the story well thought out, and the plot came with a few unexpected twists. Haze was an interesting read, and one I feel is fitting for the Halloween season.

Author website: rebeccacrunden.com