Cryptic crossword No 395

Hello, I'm finally back after a long absence. I took a break from cruciverbalism and took to a bit of story-writing instead. No idea which Muse presides over crossword-setting, but whoever she was, she gave way to Calliope - or possibly Melpomene (don't worry, none of the Muses' names are in this puzzle). Sorry I can't possibly catch up on ALL the excellent puzzles I'm sure have been posted here in the interim. There is my usual ghost-theme, obscure to some maybe but not needed for solving.

Brilliant. Witty (12a) and cleverly misleading (19d). Very enjoyable.

Lovely puzzle and enjoyed the theme, consequently particularly liked 6d 10a 12a. All nicely done. Other favourites were 7a 8a 22d 24d. Needed a little help on occasion with parsing - some clever stuff (25a and 28a beyond my limits as a solver)! Very good fun! Thank you

Very good, Laccaria - I enjoyed this, especially as the theme is right up my street (and I do enjoy your choice of cover pic, very apposite). Top clues for me were 8a, 11a, 18a, 1d, 17d, 19d and of course the laugh-out-loud funny 2d (though I don’t know what poor Nigel Davenport did to deserve it).

A very impressive puzzle Laccaria! Quite a bit of it too clever for me but having read your notes I’m full of admiration for the inventiveness of the wordplay. I really liked 11A, 18A, 2D, 9D and 24D

Welcome back Laccaria, that was a chewy one and took a while. All fair though, I did perhaps find a couple of your defs/synonyms a little stretchy for my taste, but I'm on to your style now, for your next. Particularly enjoyed 7A, 10A, 18A, 23A, 4D, 19D and the link between 22D and 24D. Nice to see a proper use of ellipses for a change. I find it's too often just for the surface.

Thanks to all who've commented: those I haven't replied to individually. I've been asked about the theme, so for those who don't know, see below: [SPOILERS]

Thanks Laccaria - I’ve been away awhile too, so am a bit late to this one. Some really enjoyable clues, esp the mischievous ones like 8a, 12a & 2d. The 22d, 24d combo very clever. Also liked 15a, 24a, 6d & 17d. Some constructions or synonyms a bit of a stretch for me, but that’s the point of doing these yes?

Hi Laccaria. I saw on 225 GD that you were coming back to this site and have been meaning to do this. But a lot of others appeared and I've been delayed on my own projects too. But it was worth the wait. A lovely crossword with plenty of inventiveness and some cracking surfaces throughout. Favourites include 7a, 12a, 18a, 25a, 28a (brilliant), 2d, 6d, 19d (lovely), 24d. SPOILERS IN REPLY.