The last words uttered in my review of Tom Hoffman’s initial Ghost Ring novel were, “Final Note to Author: Mr. Hoffman, if you do not write a sequel to this book, I will never forgive you.” I was not alone. I know he was reluctant at first to continue his uniquely engaging series. Cooler heads prevailed. Or maybe he was bribed or threatened. In any case, not only did he recently publish this second installment (note how I mean to imply future installments as well), but he exceeded my greatest expectations. Everything seems augmented and finely embellished in this narrative adventure shared by two teen paranormal investigators introduced in Book One.

In this second book – Shadows of Caligo Falls – Tom Hoffman augments and embellishes the relationship between Simon and Clara, the eccentricity and uniqueness of all the ghosts, and the complexity of the mystery to be solved, not to mention the seriously traumatic multiple murders investigated, revealed, and resolved. It might sound paradoxical to say it all makes for rollicking good fun. Perhaps the frequent injection of Hoffman’s incessant and inimitable good humor – which permeates all his stories — is on such great display in this most recent addition. In any case, amidst all the background blood and trauma, the reader never stops smiling and remains immensely engaged and ecstatically pleased with the delightful entertainment.

It might not work again, but I’ll rephrase and say it anyway: “Mr. Hoffman, I will never forgive you if you do not write a sequel to this book.”