The Most Unusual Haunting of Edgar Lovejoy

A haunted house designer meets a man who has been plagued by ghosts since childhood in this endearingly wholesome queer contemporary from Parrish (The Holiday Trap). New Orleans local Edgar Lovejoy, a perpetually anxious and undeniably adorable part-time delivery person and cat café worker, wishes to lead a peaceful life free from frightening phantoms. Unfortunately, due to his second sight, the best way to avoid interacting with unwanted spirits is to leave his house as little as possible. When the confident Jaime Wendon-Dale, a transmasculine burlesque performer whose day job involves designing highly detailed scare mazes, flirts with Edgar on a rare night out, he is instantly captivated and risks leaving his self-imposed isolation to get to know them. But when their first date is interrupted by a ghost, Edgar wonders if he will ever feel comfortable enough to explain why he appears constantly preoccupied and distraught. Through alternating chapters from Edgar and Jaime, Parrish develops a satisfying slow-burn romance and skillfully balances humor with poignant moments and thoughtful discussions of mental health struggles. The result is a delightful romance celebrating the courage required to fully embrace one’s true self. Agent: Courtney Miller-Callihan, Handspun Literary. (Sept.)