"Toffee Haunts a Ghost" by Charles F. Myers is a comedic fantasy novel that follows Marc Pillsworth, a man whose life is turned upside down by a series of bizarre and supernatural events. The story begins with Marc narrowly escaping death multiple times in one morning, leading him to suspect that something otherworldly is at play. His suspicions are confirmed when he encounters Toffee, a dream-girl from his subconscious who has materialized into his waking life, and George, a ghost who claims to be Marc's own specter. George, the ghost, insists that Marc was supposed to die that morning, and his presence is meant to haunt Marc's office. However, Marc's survival complicates matters, as George is bound by the rules of the afterlife to haunt a deceased person. The ghost's attempts to rectify this situation lead to a series of comedic and chaotic events, including Marc being accused of insanity, his wife Julie's jealousy, and a run-in with a pair of bumbling criminals. Throughout the story, Toffee provides both assistance and chaos, her presence causing further complications in Marc's already tumultuous life. Her playful and mischievous nature contrasts with Marc's attempts to maintain some semblance of normalcy. As Marc navigates these challenges, he must also deal with the consequences of George's haunting, which includes a misunderstanding that leads to a near-death experience orchestrated by the criminals. In the end, the situation resolves when George, influenced by a fortune teller's prediction of Marc's long life, decides to leave, believing that his haunting duties are no longer necessary. Marc's relationship with Julie is mended, and the chaos subsides, leaving Marc to reflect on the surreal events that have unfolded. The novel concludes with a humorous glimpse into the afterlife, where George faces the consequences of his actions before the High Council of specters, pondering the possibility of encountering Toffee again in the future.
By Charles F. Myers · First published 2016 · Genre: Supernatural Fiction, Ghost Story, Horror