Nestled within the haunting confines of London’s Highgate Cemetery, Nob, an IT engineer, finds himself meandering and deep in thought. In an unexpected twist, he suddenly starts receiving telepathic messages from a rather illustrious cemetery resident, the famed philosopher Karl Marx. In an attempt to rectify misunderstandings about his ideologies, Marx seeks Nob’s assistance. This peculiar pairing sets forth on a whirlwind journey, tackling a series of outlandish challenges as they strive to address the misconceptions held by Marx’s critics.

The Ghost of Highgate by Bob Mazzei can be best described as a fusion of supernatural intrigue with a comedic flair. While some might anticipate the atmospheric tension found in the works of British author Brian Lumley’s Necroscope series, this narrative is reminiscent of the lighthearted fantasy of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series.

The originality of the plot—Nob joining forces with the spirit of Karl Marx—is undeniably one of Mazzei’s strengths, offering a refreshing narrative arc. While I enjoyed the story, maintaining the voice and intellect of Marx proves challenging. I feel that there are instances where the representation of Marx’s spirit seems less genuine. I felt that this occasionally affects the immersive quality of the story, causing readers to grapple with fully embracing the central premise.

Nevertheless, the ingenuity of the plot’s foundation certainly warrants exploration by readers. It’s evident that Mazzei ventured outside his comfort zone in crafting this novel—a commendable endeavor for any writer. It will be intriguing to see where his literary journey takes him next, possibly steering towards a narrative that resonates more seamlessly.

Pages: 226 | ASIN : B0CJRV854G