THE PROMISE OF LOST THINGS

(Sourcebooks Fire: July 5, 2022)
2023 Independent Publishers Silver Medalist - Young Adult Fiction

“...Told in alternating first-person narration, the novel’s three distinct voices together weave a delightfully atmospheric tale, and the story shines in presenting a refreshing, surprisingly uplifting exploration of grief and love. In particular, Russ’ romance with charming ghost Ian contrasted with the tentative friendship with sweet and very much alive Asher will make readers swoon and ache. Hauntingly Good.”
— Kirkus Reviews
“ ...The three narrators bring a lot of moving pieces to this plot, but the story unspools with intriguing suspense and satisfyingly resolves leftover mysteries from the first novel in the series, Prelude for Lost Souls. In a book dealing with the ethereal, Dunbar’s writing is grounded in richly detailed descriptions of physical sensations and emotions, and those qualities shine in a brief but exhilarating kiss Russ and Asher share. Fantastic elements layered in with poignant, human moments of grief make this ghost story a solid sequel. ”
— Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (BCCB)

Three characters with their own agendas converge in a town filled with mediums, where most residents make their living speaking to the dead...and there's no such thing as resting in peace.

Russ Griffin has always wanted to be a fantastic medium. Growing up in the town of St. Hilaire, where most residents make their living by speaking to the dead, means there's a lot of competition, and he's always held his own. But Russ knows the town he loves is corrupt, and he's determined to save it before the sinister ruling body, The Guild, ruins all he's ever wanted.

Willow Rodgers is St. Hilaire royalty. An orphan, raised by The Guild, she's powerful and mysterious. But she has secrets that might change everyone's fate. She's done with St. Hilaire, done with helping desperate customers who think mediums work for them. She wants to end the cycle for good and rid the town of ghosts, even if that means destroying the only home she's ever known.

Asher Mullen lost his sister, and his parents can't get over her death. They sought answers in St. Hilaire and were left brokenhearted. Now they want to expose St. Hilaire as a fraud. Asher is tasked with infiltrating the town, and he does that by getting to know Russ. The only problem is, he might be falling for him, which will make betraying Russ that much harder.

Russ, Willow, and Asher all have their own agendas for St. Hilaire, but one thing's for certain, no one will be resting in peace.