The Fantastic Phantasmic Detective Agency: And the Case of the Missing Ghost is a work of paranormal fantasy fiction penned by author D. L. Dugger. Designed for readers from young adult up to adult, this exciting and wholesome paranormal mystery novel focuses on the world of ghosts and the UnderWorld beyond normal human living. We follow a trio of investigators, along with their irksome medium, as they try to locate a ghost who has gone missing from the usual haunt he frequents. Investigating the ghost-napping means exploring that dark other world itself, filled with its own strange powers and dangers. What follows is an adventure filled with thrills and spills.

Author D. L. Dugger has created a truly superb work of paranormal fun and frivolity, with a central mystery and loveable characters that can be enjoyed by several generations of the same family. I, as an adult reader, probably enjoyed Arthur Monsento the most – a relatable grump with plenty of depth – and the kids really reminded me of a Stranger Things kind of adventure atmosphere, very on-trend for the modern market. Yet Dugger has a truly unique concept and setting like nothing else out there at the moment, and her plot is by far the strongest element, well crafted and well-paced in every single chapter. I really enjoyed the mystery elements and the uncovering of the truth, as well as the vivid worldbuilding of the UnderWorld and the darkness that lies within it. Overall, The Fantastic Phantasmic Detective Agency is a delightful read highly recommended to all paranormal fiction fans.

When the Fantastic Phantasmic Detective Agency undertook a case to find a missing ghost, they had no idea what they would find themselves involved in. Joseph Green is not the only missing ghost, and his disappearance is not due to the standard exorcism. Someone is employing a medium to capture the spirits using a method unseen for a very long time. But since neither Otherworld nor Underworld has a need to pursue such undertakings, it begs the question of who is behind the disappearance of souls, and what do they hope to gain from it? Luckily Monsento and his gang of young sleuths are on the case, but do they have what it takes to unravel this mystery and survive?

The Fantastic Phantasmic Detective Agency and The Case of the Missing Ghost by D.L. Dugger is a paranormal fiction targeting young teenagers but is enjoyable by most age ranges. Abby, Toby, and Billy run a detective agency like no other, one which takes requests from the dead. To do this they have the help of their medium, Arthur Monsento. Written in the alternative first person of Arthur and Abby, readers are given both an adult and teenage perspective of unfolding events, allowing them to be drawn deeper into the intriguing mystery. The characters, like the plot itself, are fun and entertaining and at more than one point I found myself chuckling. I enjoyed the incorporation and adaptation of Greek mythology as well as the growth the characters displayed throughout the book.

While it is apparent that this is not the first book in the series, the author does a wonderful job in bringing the reader up to speed, thus allowing anyone picking up this book to enjoy the plot in full, while also being intrigued to learn what may have happened before. I enjoyed the playfulness of this book, and it reminded me a lot of the young sleuth mysteries I read as a child with one added bonus - this is heavily influenced by the paranormal, making it a more adult combination of Scooby-doo and Nancy Drew combined with the darker aspects of Strangers Things.