J.P. Smith has been writing books and screenplays for decades, but his output would be considered far from prolific. THE SUMMONING is just his ninth novel, but it may be the one that truly puts him on the map. Born in New York City, Smith became interested in writing after moving to England. You will not easily forget his latest effort as it broaches tender subjects such as grief, life after death, and family secrets in such a way that it toggles between literary fiction and supernatural horror the entire time.

“Remember that those we have lost are always with us. All we need is to summon them by showing that we mean no harm, no recrimination, nothing but whatever love we may bring to them…” This preamble is spoken prior to one of the many seances held by actor/psychic medium Kit Capriol. Whether you believe in Kit and her spiritual prowess or are convinced that she is nothing more than a con artist preying on the grieving, these words cut to the chase and attempt to alert the denizens of the spirit world that we mean them no harm by holding these sessions.

"THE SUMMONING is a creepy novel and quite an unsettling read.... It is one of the most unique books I have read this year."

The book opens with Kit approaching an elderly Irish woman about the spirit of her late daughter with whom she claims to have been in contact. It seems that every year, right around the anniversary of 9/11, Kit’s powers are heightened, and she sees it as her duty to provide solace or, at the very least, share messages that she has received from the netherworld. Kit is not unfamiliar with grief, having lost her husband Peter on that tragic September day. To make matters even worse, their only daughter, Zoey, remains in a coma that has brought about seemingly insurmountable medical bills. Can you begrudge a struggling actor not to find some way of making a living and paying off these enormous debts?

THE SUMMONING is a creepy novel and quite an unsettling read. It is full of symbolism and dream sequences that hold answers for those with the ability and patience to interpret them. Crows play a big part in the story and always seem to be hanging around at odd moments: “The world was full of signs and symbols, the universe a murder of portents.”

Kit tells her psychologist that her psychic bit is all an act. But what if it isn’t, and she just cannot come to terms with the fact that there may be some merit of truth behind what she does? When Kit gets mixed up with a rather unscrupulous NYPD detective, the story takes a strange turn, and you will be pulling for her even when she cannot find it in her heart to root for herself.

There is a great discussion guide worth exploring at the conclusion of THE SUMMONING, which deserves to be read and questioned long after the final page has been turned. It is one of the most unique books I have read this year.