THE PHANTOM OF THE BATHTUB

Author: Eugenia Riley ISBN: 0505526522 8/2006 PARANORMAL/TIME TRAVEL Publisher: DORCHESTER
Time Period: 1896

Why ever would her new house be haunted? It was just a hangman’s house, next to the Hanging Oak on Savannah's Hangman's square, with an enormous cemetery nearby. Now all Viveca Stanhope needed to complete the spooky scene was a few black spiders and cobwebs. Instead she gets a phantom. In her bathtub. A ghost who insisted on whispering sweet nothings in her ear every time she sank into the bubbles. But it was her enigmatic neighbor who really made Viveca shiver at night—for a completely different reason. Maxwell Beecher had the uncanny ability to make Viveca forget her past and look toward the future. Not even a spectral lover could compare to the wicked delights she found in Max’s arms. Still, Viveca had ideas of her own—and a plan to exorcise both mischievous scoundrels. But she hadn't counted on Max's passionate determination to make a place for himself in her life. She had a sneaking suspicion that her phantom of the bathtub will soon have to move over for a new man in the house.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Don't judge Eugenia Riley's THE PHANTOM OF THE BATHTUB by its title or cover. Yes, granted, there is a phantom that happens to haunt the bathtub, but this book is so much more. THE PHANTOM OF THE BATHTUB is a paranormal, a mystery and a passionate romance. The setting is Savannah, Georgia, 1896, at a time where southern charm and hospitality rule and a time when the past still haunts it's residents. Let Eugenia Riley charm you with this unique story.

Viveca Stanhope plans on beginning a new life for herself in Savannah. After literally fleeing San Francisco and the man who ruined her, she buys an old, rundown southern manor. However, it's located on Hangman's square, next to Hanging Oak, and not to mention it was originally a Hangman's house. Viveca, not one who believes in ghosts and things that go bump in the night, is intent on fixing the old house up and teach piano lessons for income. What she doesn't plan on is her rude, yet devilishly handsome neighbor, Maxwell Beecher, tormenting her. She also doesn't plan on sharing her house and property with its ethereal occupants.

At this point in the story, things become rather scary. Viveca sees hanging corpses from the oak tree, an ax wielding apparition and a devious phantom that rather enjoys making Viveca very uncomfortable in her bathtub.

At least her public life is looking up—the town's handsome minister, who also happens to be Maxwell's cousin, is courting Viveca. Jealousy rears its ugly head soon enough because Maxwell wants Viveca all to himself. There's also the sneaky reporter who has her sights set on the minister and will do anything to have him, even if it means destroying the new life Viveca has made for herself. When her world begins to fall apart around her, it is Maxwell who is there to pick up the pieces.

Eugenia Riley pens a very passionate romance between Viveca and Maxwell. Both are very stubborn, yet sensual people. The paranormal aspect of THE PHANTOM OF THE BATHTUB is intriguing and really reels the reader into the story. The final outcome is a page turning, sensual, and sometimes eerie romp into the Old South.

Julie Kornhausl