A haunted painting… A phantom’s game… And a nightmare that bleeds into reality. Sadie Stewart is ready to dazzle Chicago’s art world with her gallery’s Halloween show, a night meant for art and celebration. But when a mysterious painting appears—depicting Sadie herself in a desolate landscape of thorns and blood—her triumph turns chilling. Beneath the canvas lies a bloodstained scarf and a warning: Obey the phantom’s rules, or more will die. With only her intuition, her loyal dog Solomon, and the steady support of her best friend Daniel, Sadie follows a sinister trail of clues across Chicago, from haunted mansions to glittering masquerade halls. Each “treat” hides a trick, each riddle another snare in the phantom’s deadly game. Plenty of guests have something to hide—William Epton, the bitter art dealer who claims the gallery should have been his; Maya, his ambitious daughter whose envy burns bright; even billionaire JD Larocca and daring reporter Hugh Hartley, whose rivalry for Sadie’s heart only clouds her judgment further. As the phantom’s game escalates, Sadie realizes the horrific canvas is no mere painting—it’s a prophecy. One that promises the nightmare will end in blood, and not everyone will survive. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An absolutely wonderful Halloween mystery! Full of tricks, treats, danger and ghostly things. I absolutely loved the plot. It’s very well written. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Another wonderful book in the series! I really like the main characters and the plots the author comes up with. Well written and slightly shorter than many books. These books are among the very best cozy mysteries out there. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Perfect for an October mystery.
