Dead of Night Review—Ghostbusting, Moats, and Mayhem in Fairhaven’s Supernatural Heart

If you’re not already obsessed with the Crossroads Queen series by Annabel Chase, book two—Dead of Night—is the perfect reason to get hooked. With its quirky cast, magical mayhem, and a protagonist who’s equal parts cranky and lovable, this installment proves that Fairhaven is one supernatural hotspot worth returning to again and again.

At a Glance

Lorelei: Reluctant Recluse and Relentless Problem-Solver

Lorelei thought she was moving to Fairhaven for some much-needed solitude. Instead, she bought herself a fixer-upper castle on a hill, complete with a smelly moat, a graveyard, and a revolving door of supernatural shenanigans. As much as she tries to keep to herself, trouble always seems to find her—and she’s not the type to turn her back on someone who needs help (even if she complains the whole way through).

This time around, she strikes a deal with Big Boss, a real estate mogul who promises to repair her moat—if she clears a haunted property he’s trying to sell. Simple, right? Not even close. The haunting turns out to be something much darker and far-reaching, drawing the attention of a sinister supernatural organization called The Corporation. Let’s just say the consequences are more than Lorelei—or Fairhaven—bargained for.

What Works So Well

Annabel Chase is a master of balancing fast-paced plots, clever world-building, and deeply enjoyable characters. Lorelei is such a refreshing lead—mature, independent, sarcastic, and absolutely done with everyone’s nonsense. Her interactions with ghosts, demons, and mysterious entities are equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. She even lets two elderly ghosts stay in her castle out of sheer soft-heartedness—on her terms, of course.

The supporting characters are equally delightful. Ray the ghost’s granddaughter gets herself into trouble, a demon sidekick starts showing signs of friendship, and the banter is top-tier. The dynamic dialogue and witty exchanges keep things lively even when the stakes are high.

What to Expect:

🏰 A crumbling castle with its own cemetery (and moat!)

👻 Ghosts with unfinished business

🧛‍♂️ Demons, vampires, werewolves & more

🌍 Cross-dimensional crossroads & world-jumping potential

💬 Sharp banter, slow-burning friendships, and budding alliances

💥 A growing threat from a supernatural corporation

🛠️ One fiercely independent woman and her home renovation drama

Final Thoughts

Dead of Night is an excellent continuation of a series that gets better with every book. The supernatural elements are layered with mystery, humor, and heart, and Lorelei continues to be one of my favorite urban fantasy heroines—grumpy, capable, and completely unforgettable.

Whether she’s exploring haunted properties, outsmarting demons, or trying not to get emotionally attached to anyone (good luck with that), Lorelei’s journey is one I’ll happily follow to the ends of Fairhaven—and beyond. On to book three!