Shades is a complex, intellectual, short novel that is part mystery and part ghost story. It is also the account of a conflicted young man, paranormal investigator and sometime psychic-medium Michael Grainger, set against his experiences hunting and interacting with ghosts – "shades" – and his difficulty connecting with and gaining the respect and love of the living. The tale takes place in present time at Redthorn Hall in York, England where Grainger has come to investigate an alleged haunting. Masquerading as a genealogist to engender cooperation from those who might otherwise be skeptical about the very idea of ghosts or hauntings – or who may be disguised as ghosts to halt the sale of the estate – Grainger studies the ancient history of the Arden family at Redthorn Hall. As he explores the elegant house from basement to attic and attempts to make contact with lost souls from the past, he reflects on his relationships, his former ghost-hunting adventures, and his studies of the paranormal. Ultimately, he solves a 150-year-old mystery and uncovers something far beyond your average, garden-variety haunting, and it could very well be the downfall – or the much-needed salvation – of Michael Grainger.
