This was an unusual little book but I thoroughly enjoyed it. There were a few quirky points I could nitpick about -- the characters are a little mannered and Mr. Mifflin, the eccentric but charming bookseller, is at his best discussing books and less interesting as an anti-war crusader, but these I wrote off to the time period the book was written. For me, they didn't distract much from the overall enjoyment of the book. Even the mystery to the plot turned out better than I'd expected. I haven't read the prior book, "Parnassus on Wheels" but I've added it to my future reading list.

Published at a time when booksellers were concerned that "speechless movies" would destroy the book trade, and the action hero of the day was Tarzan, The Haunted Bookshop stands up to any modern novel of political intrigue. The story line revolves around the events at the end of World War I. President Wilson, the upcoming peace talks, and a disappearing copy of Oliver Cromwell's speeches all come together in a mystery that is full of surprises.

Roger Mifflin, the proprietor of the Haunted Bookshop, is saddened to think he shall die with thousands of books unread. Yet, he finds the time to uncover a plot by a group of German thugs and prevents a tragedy that could have changed the course of world history. Allow yourself some time to stick with this book and like a visit to the Haunted Bookshop itself, you will find yourself exploring a fascinating place with many twists and turns just waiting to be discovered.

It's been years since I read The Haunted Bookshop, but it's one of those books that really stays with you. The proprietor of the bookshop has the proper attitude about selling books and has the sign posted right up on his wall: "We sell no fakes or trashes." I first read the book when I was in 9th grade, and remember thinking wistfully that I would love to visit the Haunted Bookshop. To my immense delight, I've discovered a few over the years, where I've made wonderful finds I never would have discovered at [local stores]. When you run across one of these bookstores, they are a joy to remember forever.

This is a cute little book. It can probably be read over a weekend. The main character in the story, Helen, has a brother who is a successful novelist who writes about farm life and its inhabitants. Helen has baked 6,000 loaves of bread in the past 15 years! When a salesman comes to their farm and wants to sell Parnassus (a traveling bookstore/van with a horse), Helen gets mad that her brother will go off yet again to have adventures which he will write a book about. Consequently, leaving her to tend the farm and all chores. Instead, Helen buys Parnassus off the man to spite her brother but then has an adventure of her own!

The sequal is 'Haunted Bookshop.' I also recommend, Used and Rare, Slightly Chipped, and Warmly Insribed-- all 3 by Larry and Nancy Goldstone. Also 84 Charring Cross Road and the Dutchess of Bloomsberry Street.

"A man who's fond of books need never starve." So reckons Roger Mifflin, the last of the truly independent booksellers, who loads a horse-drawn wagon with books and brings literature home to the plain man. Roger calls his wagon Parnassus on Wheels after the mountain sacred to the Muses. He believes all people need a book and that he is just the man to recommend the perfect book for each person. Roger may be the first book discounter because he thinks every book should be sold for its worth and not for the price the publisher has marked. Roger deems himself to be just the man to make that determination.

"Parnassus on Wheels" is also a sweet romance story between Roger and Helen McGill, a lonely woman who lives on a farm and whose life comes to life when Parnassus and Roger come swaying up her path. Roger sells her Parnassus on Wheels and teaches her how to promote books. Their adventures on the way to Brooklyn fill this book with contemporary color about a time during the beginning of the 20th century, when books were a rare and perfect mystery for the few. If you are a bibliophile, and you must be if you are reading this review of this obscure novel about bookselling, then you'll enjoy reading about Helen and Roger's adventures roaming the countryside to bring books to the masses.

Do you love books and learning? Do you delight in spending the afternoon browsing the stacks at the library? Are you in the mood for something light, amusing, captivating, and utterly delightful? Do you believe in true love, somehow, someway? If you said yes to most of these questions, then read Parnassus on Wheels. This is the most delightful and charming book I've come across in years. It brought tears to my eyes and made me laugh, and that doesn't happen often when I'm reading a book. In fact, I wish I had my own Parnassus and that I could travel the countryside selling books.

By the way, it's a page turner too! A great gift idea for a friend that loves to read. Enjoy.