Meredith Spies' Giving Up The Ghost is a captivating exploration of the supernatural, familial bonds, and the complexities of belief. The novel, with its intriguing premise and engaging characters, offers a unique blend of mystery, romance, and the paranormal, making it a compelling read for fans of the genre.

At the heart of the story is Julian Weems, a character whose skepticism about the supernatural is challenged by his experiences. Julian's journey is one of reluctant acceptance, not just of ghosts, but of the complexities that come with loving someone deeply entrenched in a world he struggles to understand. His relationship with Oscar Fellowes is central to the narrative, providing both tension and tenderness as they navigate the challenges posed by Oscar's family history and supernatural abilities.

Oscar Fellowes is a fascinating character, driven by a desire to understand the roots of his family's mediumship abilities. His excitement and relief at the prospect of uncovering long-held family secrets are palpable, yet Spies skillfully weaves in a sense of foreboding. The mysterious deaths and the enigmatic house that renders mediums powerless add layers of intrigue and suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

The theme of family is intricately explored through Oscar's interactions with his long-lost cousin. Spies delves into the complexities of familial expectations and the burdens of legacy, highlighting how these can shape and sometimes distort personal identity. The Fellowes family, with its rich history of mediumship, serves as a backdrop for Oscar's internal struggle between embracing his abilities and the fear of what they might entail.

Julian's skepticism and Oscar's fervor create a dynamic interplay that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Their relationship is a testament to the power of love and understanding in the face of uncertainty and fear. Spies does an excellent job of portraying the nuances of their partnership, capturing the moments of doubt, support, and ultimately, growth. Julian's protective instincts and Oscar's determination to uncover the truth about his family create a compelling narrative tension that drives the story forward.

One of the novel's strengths is its ability to balance the supernatural elements with the very human emotions of its characters. The ghosts and mysterious occurrences are not just plot devices but serve as catalysts for character development and thematic exploration. Spies uses the supernatural to delve into deeper questions about belief, identity, and the nature of reality, inviting readers to ponder these alongside the characters.

In terms of character development, Spies excels at creating multidimensional characters who are relatable and engaging. Julian's journey from skepticism to acceptance is handled with subtlety and care, allowing readers to empathize with his internal conflict. Oscar, on the other hand, is portrayed with a mix of vulnerability and determination, making his quest for answers both poignant and compelling.

The novel's pacing is well-executed, with a gradual build-up of tension that keeps readers invested in the unfolding mystery. Spies' writing is both descriptive and evocative, painting vivid pictures of the eerie settings and the emotional landscapes of the characters. The atmospheric descriptions of the haunted house and the chilling occurrences within it add to the novel's overall impact, creating a sense of unease that lingers long after the final page.

Comparatively, Giving Up The Ghost shares thematic similarities with works like Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book and Sarah Waters' The Little Stranger, both of which explore the intersection of the supernatural and the personal. However, Spies' novel stands out for its focus on the intricacies of a romantic relationship tested by the supernatural, offering a fresh perspective on the genre.

In conclusion, Giving Up The Ghost is a masterful blend of mystery, romance, and the supernatural, with well-developed characters and a thought-provoking exploration of belief and identity. Meredith Spies has crafted a story that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant, making it a must-read for fans of the genre. The novel's ability to balance the eerie with the heartfelt ensures that it will leave a lasting impression on readers, inviting them to question the boundaries between the known and the unknown.