“I’ve read about shapes like that appearing in haunted places. Darker than dark, formless but contained. I think it’s the beginning of a manifestation. An apparition trying to, well, appear.” – Glenn Quigley, Curse of the Stag’s Eye.
AS part of the Own-Voices Gay Paranormal Romance series “Haunted Hearts,” author Glenn Quigley’s Curse of the Stag’s Eye further explores the author’s fondness for writing stories, often period ones, that centre on or around the sea and lighthouses. His superb work with his novels featuring burly gay fisherman Robin Shipp (the guy’s last name alone speaks volumes) is very much the “proof is in the pudding!” Here, the author adds haunting and ghostly elements to his most recent gay/MM romance fiction—and boy, does it work.
The eerie tale of a gruesome murder that occurred centuries ago involving one of the lighthouse keepers provides a haunting backdrop for a small ghost tour. As guests explore the chilling events that unfolded at this notorious site, each step around the shadowy grounds reveals darker secrets of its tragic history. The grim story that lingers in the salty sea breeze draws them in deeper and deeper.
Whispers of ghostly tales linger around the Stag’s Head Lighthouse, an imposing structure standing sentinel against the crashing waves. Yet, one of our two main protagonists, Gaz, remains skeptical, convinced these eerie stories lack any credible foundation, no matter how charmingly recounted by his captivating and handsome tour guide, Rhys, our love interest.
Gaz is determined to unmask Rhys as a charlatan, while Rhys simply wishes to immerse himself in the thrill of the ghostly lore. It’s a literary trope, this incredulity that creates that expected initial barrier between our two soon-to-be kissing men, but it fits the genre perfectly. We need a somewhat instant lust, if not love, because this is not a long novel, but the author can’t make it too easy—and he doesn’t, which is delicious fun.
Quigley beautifully intertwines haunting, ethereal elements with the intricate dynamics that characterize so many relationships—gay ones included—inviting readers to immerse themselves in a vividly imagined world where the supernatural mingles with gay/queer life and love. And yes, we have some non-gay male support characters in Dawn and Nikesh, who also get development and are anything but throwaway background personalities.
This book is not a terrifying ghost story, and it doesn’t need to be to create an impactful, haunting ambiance. It certainly possesses moments in the vein of Henry James that send a chill down your neck. In talking about a ghost, Dawn says,“‘And he doesn’t like me. He doesn’t want me here. He doesn’t think I should be here. Ohhhh!’ She shivered violently. ‘It’s like there’s ice in my spine!’” The creeping build-up of tension is potent. The internal dialogues are definitely evocative, but when these moments of supernatural presence are spoken aloud, the feeling for the reader is quite visceral.
Glenn Quigley’s Curse of the Stag’s Eye offers a masterful blend of engaging pacing and well-crafted storytelling. The author intricately weaves in fascinating historical details and rich lore about lighthouses, adding depth and intrigue to his narrative. It shows that he flavours his work by putting aspects of himself, his personal interests, into his work. It’s noticed and appreciated.
Glenn Quigley is an author and artist from Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland. He currently resides in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, with his husband. Glenn is also the creator of the HH Logo (below)!
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