3 Review(s)

The novel is set in a fictional bookstore called Parnassus on Wheels, owned by Roger Mifflin, an eccentric and passionate book lover. When the story begins, Mifflin has retired from the bookselling business and has opened a new bookstore, The Haunted Bookshop, in Brooklyn, New York. The name of the store is derived from Mifflin's belief that books have a life of their own and continue to exert their influence on readers long after they have been written.The main protagonist is a young advertising man named Aubrey Gilbert, who becomes a tenant above The Haunted Bookshop. As the story progresses, Gilbert becomes entangled in a series of mysterious events, including the discovery of a coded message hidden in a book and the presence of suspicious characters who seem to have an interest in the shop. With the help of Mifflin and his assistant, the spirited Miss Titania Chapman, Gilbert sets out to unravel the mystery and protect the future of The Haunted Bookshop.Alongside the intrigue, the novel explores the love of literature, the transformative power of books, and the joy of reading. Morley imbues the narrative with his own deep affection for books, literary references, and witty conversations between the characters. Through their interactions, the novel celebrates the role of books as windows to knowledge, companions in solitude, and catalysts for personal growth."The Haunted Bookshop" also touches upon themes of societal changes, the impact of World War I, and the importance of intellectual curiosity and independent thought. Morley weaves these elements into a delightful story that combines lightheartedness with moments of reflection and insight.