From Publishers Weekly
resenting a delicious mix of romance and supernatural suspense, Carl (Ashes to Ashes) delivers yet another immensely readable tale. History graduate student Amanda Witham is working as the caretaker at Virginia's historic Melrose Hall and takes on the role of one of its 18th-century inhabitants, giving tours to visitors. Archeologists working on the site find a man's skeleton buried in the garden; that same night a ghost appears to Amanda in the house. The apparition is the dashing and handsome British officer James Grant, who supposedly died in battle during the Revolutionary War. But the way Grant died was actually quite different, and Amanda finds herself promising the ghost to help find out the truth behind his death. She also must figure out a way to pass on her "special" knowledge of Grant to those working on the house and grounds without revealing just how she knows who the skeleton really is. Amanda finds herself increasingly attracted to the ghost, but how can she fancy herself in love with a dead man? The trail to the truth behind Grant's death leads Amanda to Scotland and the Grant family's ancestral castle, where Amanda finds a very real Grant who just may hold the key to her future. If, that is, her ghostly lover will be willing to let go of the past. Carl has created an engaging cast and a very entertaining plot, spicing the mix with some interesting twists on the ghostly romantic suspense novel. (Dec.)Forecast: Readers may be put off by the high price of Carl's novel one of the first original titles from Wildside, a POD publisher of primarily SF, fantasy and horror but supportive blurbs from Anne McCaffrey, Lois McMaster Bujold and Carole Nelson Douglas could help offset sticker shock.
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From the Publisher
Shadows in Scarlet A Haunting Novel of Romantic Mystery
Shadows in Scarlet is definitely read-worthy, with snappy dialogue, well-developed characters, and a real nifty-nasty twist to the plot. I don’t think Lillian will have any trouble garnering devoted readers with this gracious story.
— Anne McCaffrey, The Skies of Pern
Shadows in Scarlet is a richly-written book, an appealing feast for both the intellect and the senses. The characters are immensely lively and vivid — even the ghostly ones! I’m already amusing myself trying to cast the movie.
— Lois McMaster Bujold, The Curse of Chalion
Barbara Michaels’ successor is hard at work producing delicious ghost stories. In Shadows in Scarlet Lillian has created the sexiest ghost to come along since Mrs. Muir’s, then given her plot a contemporary twist that will satisfy even the most sophisticated readers. Every time I thought I had this story figured out, Lillian surprised and delighted me with something totally unexpected.
— Victoria Thompson, Murder on Gramercy Park
Lillian Stewart Carl is a captivating writer who offers delight and insight as well as goose bumps. Shadows in Scarlet’s ghostly love story and centuries-spanning murder mystery make for an enthralling puzzle with a Scottish accent. This cozy but chilling roller coaster of a story will keep readers glued to their seats and significant others.
— Carole Nelson Douglas, Chapel Noir
Lillian’s wicked sense of humor and her excellent scholarship put Shadows in Scarlet far above the usual novel of romantic suspense. I read it in one sitting, staying up far too late, because I had to know what would happen to Amanda and her most lively ghost. I found the book delightful, altogether a wonderful escape.
— Sharan Newman, To Wear the White Cloak
