Dark Souls by Paula Morris

Welcome to York, England.
Mist lingers in the streets.
Narrow buildings cast long shadows.
This is the most haunted city in the world. . . .

Miranda Tennant arrives in York with a terrible, tragic secret. She is eager to lose herself amid the quaint cobblestones, hoping she won't run into the countless ghosts who supposedly roam the city. . . .

Then she meets Nick, an intense, dark-eyed boy who knows all of York's hidden places and histories. Miranda wonders if Nick is falling for her, but she is distracted by another boy -- one even more handsome and mysterious than Nick. He lives in the house across from Miranda and seems desperate to send her some sort of message. Could this boy be one of York's haunted souls?

Soon, Miranda realizes that something dangerous -- and deadly -- is being planned. And she may have to face the darkest part of herself in order to unravel the mystery -- and find redemption.

Goodreads Summary

A car accident causes the main character to see ghosts in this novel, this is an unusual idea that many authors don't utilize.  The main character, Miranda, is somewhat cautious, caring, and inquisitive.  The setting really added to the book.  The author clearly did her research about the past and present York.  The reader can literally picture the environment.

The characters were the best part of the novel.  There weren't too many that the reader will get bogged down learning about all of them, there were just enough to get to know each of them very well.  The reader will find that the characters are all very likable and play different parts in the novel that set them each apart.  Miranda's family, even her parents, play a fairly large part in this novel.  This is impressive as not many young adult books do more than mention parents lately. 

Miranda and Nick have instant chemistry in the book.  The author doesn't take the romance too far though, just slowly develops their relationship.  Readers who are not enamored of love stories will find plenty more to enjoy about this book.  There is plenty of mystery, suspense, action, intrigue, and spookiness to go around.  This book is recommended to young adults/teens.

4 Stars