“Simon did not like the idea of whispering ghosts.”

Simon may be uncomfortable with many aspects of paranormal investigation, but he is most certainly in love with his partner in crime, Clara Barley. Indeed, their relationship has blossomed most beautifully since their introduction in Book One of Tom Hoffman’s exquisitely crafted series, The Ghost Ring. Here, in Book Five, the inseparability of the series’ two endearing protagonists is vital to their success in solving some really gruesome murders. They may poke each other relentlessly, with Clara especially fond of stirring Simon’s latent paranoia, but when it “comes to the crunch” or “push comes to shove” (often literally, in the author’s deftly quirky hands), they are bonded as strongly as the ring they often share to see the ghosts they might rather not—like that mangled girl eternally stranded in the abandoned hotel elevator.

What I say next must include the declaration that Book One of this marvelous Ghost Ring series already commands a 5-star rating for excellence and fascination; nonetheless, each book gets better and better, and Book Five is no exception. I state unreservedly that this latest chapter in Simon and Clara’s ghostly adventures is the best so far (and I entreat Mr. Hoffman to heed the words, ‘so far’). Partly because our two lovebirds’ relationship continues to mature so nicely, partly because the mysteries involved are even more complex and intriguing, and largely because the cast of characters becomes ever more beguiling with each addition—including the thoroughly unexpected and delightful appearance of Detective Watson—one must add a limitless plus-sign to the 5 stars already explicitly awarded.