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The Walker in Shadows
When a new family moves into the house next door to Pat Robbins's well-tended home, and Pat's teenaged son falls head over heels for new neighbor Kathy, Pat learns of the home's deepest evils. Reprint.
308 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1979
126 people are currently reading
679 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Michaels
97 books696 followersBarbara Michaels was a pen name of Barbara Mertz. She also wrote as Elizabeth Peters, as well as under her own name.
She was born in Canton, Illinois and has written over fifty books including some in Egyptology. Dr. Mertz also holds a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in Egyptology.
She was born in Canton, Illinois and has written over fifty books including some in Egyptology. Dr. Mertz also holds a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in Egyptology.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
September 25, 2015
I always enjoy re-reading my Barbara Michaels books. She consistantly differs from other "gothic" writers in that her characters are almost invariably on the sarcastic side, and she infuses her spooky stories with just enough humor to prevent them from taking themselves too seriously.
The Walker in Shadows isn't my favorite Michaels book (that will always go to Ammie, Come Home), but it retains the flavor of her snarky, suspenseful, spooky style to provide a light, enjoyable read. I couldn't rate it higher then a 3 stars because I wasn't convinced over the romantic coupling she gave the two adult characters. It wasn't fleshed out enough to convince me, and it seemed to happen too quickly. Likewise, the spooky elements were well done, but the ending was somewhat lackluster and wrapped up too quickly as well.
The only quibble I have with her books in general is that she tends to date her books with too many references to current events or personalities. The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, the gas crisis, long-haired hippies, etc. immediately take me out of her stories and back to the good 'ole '70's. It's inevitable that any old book will show it's age in one way or another, but that can be modified by keeping specific information out of a story (unless it pertains to the plot).
All in all, not her best book, but good.
The Walker in Shadows isn't my favorite Michaels book (that will always go to Ammie, Come Home), but it retains the flavor of her snarky, suspenseful, spooky style to provide a light, enjoyable read. I couldn't rate it higher then a 3 stars because I wasn't convinced over the romantic coupling she gave the two adult characters. It wasn't fleshed out enough to convince me, and it seemed to happen too quickly. Likewise, the spooky elements were well done, but the ending was somewhat lackluster and wrapped up too quickly as well.
The only quibble I have with her books in general is that she tends to date her books with too many references to current events or personalities. The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, the gas crisis, long-haired hippies, etc. immediately take me out of her stories and back to the good 'ole '70's. It's inevitable that any old book will show it's age in one way or another, but that can be modified by keeping specific information out of a story (unless it pertains to the plot).
All in all, not her best book, but good.
July 16, 2011
This is classic Barbara Michaels. This is a ghost story,with some interesting history. This book is copyrighted in the 70's and the terms and themes do reflect that. I got cracked up over certain things like Pat's knowledge of young people's use of LSD, and terms like women's lib. But, there is also dry wit and certain gothic arcitect, and themes that make it interesting. There is some "dated" romance involved also. But, the story itself is very good, and I really miss this type of novel. We either have straight up horror or urban fantasy/paranormal romance, which I happen to love, but the gothic novels of the 60's and 70's were super spooky with a little romance added in. Barbara Michaels is one the best!
March 3, 2021
One of my favorites from this author. It is filled with gothic/ghostly creepiness and very likable characters. We even get two romances (!) along with a serious helping of Maryland's Civil War history.
I lost track of this one over the years. Now that I've re-discovered it, it's going on the keeper shelf.
I lost track of this one over the years. Now that I've re-discovered it, it's going on the keeper shelf.
February 23, 2021
This is one of Barbara Michaels' classic ghost stories, a little bit reminiscent of her very popular Ammie Come Home. Pat Robbins and her son Mark live in an old house which use to be in the middle of nowhere when Pat and her late husband bought it, but is now surrounded by new estates. The only other old house is right next door, a house built at the same time and as a a mirror of theirs (the two houses were built for two sisters and their families).
The house next door has stood empty for years, until it's bought by Josef Friedrichs and his daughter Kathy. Mark's immediately out there trying to meet the very attractive Kathy, but is rebuffed by the very stiff-necked Mr Friedrichs. Until it becomes clear to all of them that some sort of supernatural presence is after Kathy, and then all bets are off.
One of my favourite elements in Michaels' books is the group of people working together to figure out some sort of supernatural mystery, and we definitely have that here. The ghost's activities are pretty undeniable, so there isn't a lot of doubt about what's going on, and Pat, Mark, Josef and Kathy are soon a team. I loved the way they dig around trying to figure out things, led by Mark (to Josef's disgust!), whose seemingly out-of-the-blue deductions seem to come true with suspicious frequency.
The dynamics in the little group are interesting. Mark is a bit of a know-it-all and completely convinced of the rightness of his theories, impatient with the others for not following along quite as quickly as he would like. It's mostly because he cares so much about solving the mystery and "saving" Kathy, but part of it is just the arrogance of the young male. His personality bugs the hell out of Josef, in a way that was partly completely understandable, but also a bit dated (the book is set in the late 70s). Kathy and Pat's roles are a bit dated as well, as they are relegated to a fairly secondary role in the investigation and mostly follow Mark lead. Although, so does Josef, so maybe it's not quite as dated as it seems! Anyway, by the end they've ended up as a family, with all the bickering and love involved in that.
The story that they uncover in their investigations is really quite interesting, as they quickly zero in on events that took place during the Civil War. One of the sisters married an abolitionist, while the other one's husband was a Confederate, and the picture we get Maryland during the 1860s, right on the border between North and South, was super interesting.
The resolution is well-done, too. Surprising, but in a believable way (in hindsight the clues were all there), and very chilling.
This was fun. A B+.
The house next door has stood empty for years, until it's bought by Josef Friedrichs and his daughter Kathy. Mark's immediately out there trying to meet the very attractive Kathy, but is rebuffed by the very stiff-necked Mr Friedrichs. Until it becomes clear to all of them that some sort of supernatural presence is after Kathy, and then all bets are off.
One of my favourite elements in Michaels' books is the group of people working together to figure out some sort of supernatural mystery, and we definitely have that here. The ghost's activities are pretty undeniable, so there isn't a lot of doubt about what's going on, and Pat, Mark, Josef and Kathy are soon a team. I loved the way they dig around trying to figure out things, led by Mark (to Josef's disgust!), whose seemingly out-of-the-blue deductions seem to come true with suspicious frequency.
The dynamics in the little group are interesting. Mark is a bit of a know-it-all and completely convinced of the rightness of his theories, impatient with the others for not following along quite as quickly as he would like. It's mostly because he cares so much about solving the mystery and "saving" Kathy, but part of it is just the arrogance of the young male. His personality bugs the hell out of Josef, in a way that was partly completely understandable, but also a bit dated (the book is set in the late 70s). Kathy and Pat's roles are a bit dated as well, as they are relegated to a fairly secondary role in the investigation and mostly follow Mark lead. Although, so does Josef, so maybe it's not quite as dated as it seems! Anyway, by the end they've ended up as a family, with all the bickering and love involved in that.
The story that they uncover in their investigations is really quite interesting, as they quickly zero in on events that took place during the Civil War. One of the sisters married an abolitionist, while the other one's husband was a Confederate, and the picture we get Maryland during the 1860s, right on the border between North and South, was super interesting.
The resolution is well-done, too. Surprising, but in a believable way (in hindsight the clues were all there), and very chilling.
This was fun. A B+.
October 9, 2014
I first read this book back when I was 10 years old -- it was the first "grown-up" book I read. I was complaining about having nothing to read and my mom handed it to me and told me to give it a try. As a lover of ghost stories, I devoured this book. As of now, I've read it at least five times.
Pat lives in an old house in Maryland with her son, Mark. One day, a man and his daughter move into the house next door. The arrival of the new occupants awakens something in the house that results in poltergeist activity and ghostly manifestations...in both houses. In an effort to find the source of the haunting, they research the histories of the houses. The two houses were built at the same time (in the 1800's) for twin sisters, so they are identical. However, as the Civil War looms, the two sisters' families are divided -- one supports the North, one supports the South. The conflicts that arise in these families set the stage for what happens over 100 years later.
Again, as with most Barbara Michaels books, it's important to keep the publication date in mind. This book was written in the late 70's, and so it includes references to the Bicentennial and to Women's Lib which date it a bit. In addition, looking up the history of the house includes visits to the library and historical society, which can feel unnecessary in an age when so much research can be done at home with the help of Google.
Reading this book makes me eye the shadows in my room nervously and question the intelligence of reading this particular book late at night. Even though I've read it several times, this remains a go-to book when I want a good ghost story.
Pat lives in an old house in Maryland with her son, Mark. One day, a man and his daughter move into the house next door. The arrival of the new occupants awakens something in the house that results in poltergeist activity and ghostly manifestations...in both houses. In an effort to find the source of the haunting, they research the histories of the houses. The two houses were built at the same time (in the 1800's) for twin sisters, so they are identical. However, as the Civil War looms, the two sisters' families are divided -- one supports the North, one supports the South. The conflicts that arise in these families set the stage for what happens over 100 years later.
Again, as with most Barbara Michaels books, it's important to keep the publication date in mind. This book was written in the late 70's, and so it includes references to the Bicentennial and to Women's Lib which date it a bit. In addition, looking up the history of the house includes visits to the library and historical society, which can feel unnecessary in an age when so much research can be done at home with the help of Google.
Reading this book makes me eye the shadows in my room nervously and question the intelligence of reading this particular book late at night. Even though I've read it several times, this remains a go-to book when I want a good ghost story.
September 14, 2021
3 Stars
I'm not a fan of rude jerk leading men. Barbara Michaels seems to have loved them though.
I'm not a fan of rude jerk leading men. Barbara Michaels seems to have loved them though.
November 27, 2012
I don’t really like ghost stories. But this was a book club read so… yeah. I read it. Thankfully it wasn’t scary, or I may have put it down. I don’t do scary things.
The rating system says a two star rating is for “it was okay”. And this book was okay, I guess, despite the general boringness and lack of development. I liked the writing style – it had that going for it.
I wasn’t impressed by the background or the supposed “twist” at the end. Which is strange because I generally enjoy historical fiction (not that that is what this was, but it had some elements). I loved Between Shades of Gray and The Russian Concubine series, and The Red Scarf is one of my all time favorite books. But this backstory failed to capture my attention. I found it all to be very uninteresting. The worst was the ghost. It only appeared at 1 AM? Was that ever explained? How unbelievable is that??
It’s obvious that the author really tried to focus on the romance of the story, but I just wasn’t buying it. Mark and Kathy’s (whose name definitely didn’t match her naïve, young girl personality – I could see Katherine or Katie or even Kath, as Mark sometimes referred to her as, but Kathy? It didn’t work for her) romance was practically nonexistent, if anything all appearances pointed to them being very good friends. And Josef and Pat’s romance? Where the hell did that come from? I sensed not one attraction even, through the entire course of the book, and all the sudden he’s jealous that some other man is touching her? And then they’re kissing?
So that was annoying. But there were some elements I enjoyed. The writing was very refined – I found the whole thing very easy to read. And I liked Mark’s character – my reaction to him was almost automatic. He lived a very humorous, easygoing existence and I found myself smiling whenever he would speak.
Mostly though, the book bored me. The backstory was very meh, and I literally fell asleep reading the last twenty pages. The romance was completely botched. The book just really wasn't for me.
The rating system says a two star rating is for “it was okay”. And this book was okay, I guess, despite the general boringness and lack of development. I liked the writing style – it had that going for it.
I wasn’t impressed by the background or the supposed “twist” at the end. Which is strange because I generally enjoy historical fiction (not that that is what this was, but it had some elements). I loved Between Shades of Gray and The Russian Concubine series, and The Red Scarf is one of my all time favorite books. But this backstory failed to capture my attention. I found it all to be very uninteresting. The worst was the ghost. It only appeared at 1 AM? Was that ever explained? How unbelievable is that??
It’s obvious that the author really tried to focus on the romance of the story, but I just wasn’t buying it. Mark and Kathy’s (whose name definitely didn’t match her naïve, young girl personality – I could see Katherine or Katie or even Kath, as Mark sometimes referred to her as, but Kathy? It didn’t work for her) romance was practically nonexistent, if anything all appearances pointed to them being very good friends. And Josef and Pat’s romance? Where the hell did that come from? I sensed not one attraction even, through the entire course of the book, and all the sudden he’s jealous that some other man is touching her? And then they’re kissing?
So that was annoying. But there were some elements I enjoyed. The writing was very refined – I found the whole thing very easy to read. And I liked Mark’s character – my reaction to him was almost automatic. He lived a very humorous, easygoing existence and I found myself smiling whenever he would speak.
Mostly though, the book bored me. The backstory was very meh, and I literally fell asleep reading the last twenty pages. The romance was completely botched. The book just really wasn't for me.
August 6, 2016
While written almost twenty years ago this is still a modern tale of secret passions, family quarrels and haunted houses with eerie appearances that are not of this world. The story is about Pat and Mark, a widow and her son who welcome new neighbors: Josef and his daughter Kathy into the house next door. Their homes are identical, build by the same architect and unknowingly to them they share a secret. Abandoned for a long time the house next door was solemn and dark but when new flesh moved in strange things started to happen. Unfriendly and hostile Joseph with his authoritative attitude kept Pat away until she got drawn into the lives of two strangers who managed to build a tangible hold on her and her son. Feelings, strong, some malevolent and others vague form between the neighbors, but when a secret romance starts to blossom things get hairy and the houses start to freak out. Apparently old history that dates back to the Civil War and the original owners doesn't want to leave the new owners in peace. New people in the house stir up freaky occurrences and that's when things get interesting! I dare not say anything else because this book is best savored when the reader doesn't know what waits around each corner.
This was another fun read from Michaels, her characters were likable but with flaws, making them real to me, and from time to time Josef would annoy me with his macho remarks and outburst but the way the book progressed I couldn't help but like him. The atmosphere was brilliant, and eerie creepy stuff started to happen right away. This isn't a book that one has to sit around for hours waiting for something to go bump in the night. Fun, easy and totally seductive, the book drew me in and I felt compassion and care for the main characters. The history parts were a bit drawn out but they didn't take away from the story. The set up was huge and I only wish the ending had a little more of a bang, other than that I loved it. Who else but Michaels can combine a haunted house, a mysterious diary, secret lovers and ghosts into such a lovely story.
- Kasia S.
This was another fun read from Michaels, her characters were likable but with flaws, making them real to me, and from time to time Josef would annoy me with his macho remarks and outburst but the way the book progressed I couldn't help but like him. The atmosphere was brilliant, and eerie creepy stuff started to happen right away. This isn't a book that one has to sit around for hours waiting for something to go bump in the night. Fun, easy and totally seductive, the book drew me in and I felt compassion and care for the main characters. The history parts were a bit drawn out but they didn't take away from the story. The set up was huge and I only wish the ending had a little more of a bang, other than that I loved it. Who else but Michaels can combine a haunted house, a mysterious diary, secret lovers and ghosts into such a lovely story.
- Kasia S.
March 13, 2025
Very Barbara Michaels, very much of its time (written in 1979) and very easy to read and like!
July 26, 2018
Barbara Michaels was the author who turned me on to the supernatural thriller/mystery genre back when I was a teenager. I read every one of her books I could get my hands on, and this was always one of my favorites. After almost 50 years, I have to say that it hasn't lost its magic for me, and you can't beat the creepy descriptions of the ghostly visitations. The first time I read it, I probably related to Kathy and Mark, but this time I definitely sympathized with the parents. The characters are very well fleshed out and three dimensional, and I especially enjoy cocky, impulsive Mark. I've always wished that I could see the actual houses because the architecture is such a solid presence in this story. The romance and ghost story might seem too "light" when compared to more modern writers, but this my type of book. No one ends up in bed with anyone else, but there's the promise of closer relationships ahead. I'm really glad I decided to read this book again. It's made me want to go back to all the Barbara Michaels books I've read in the past and see how they hold up today. I've even found a couple that I've never read before! I have no idea how that happened but I plan to fix it asap. Would most definitely recommend this book, especially if you like supernatural tales with well-described manifestations.
June 19, 2019
Very similar in plot and characters to Ammie, Come Home, almost a rehash, but quintessential Barbara Michaels. No one did modern gothic better, with ordinary, middle-aged women, usually Maryland settings, an old historical house, local color, a ghost mired in some past tragedy, and a romance.
While this author also writes as Elizabeth Peters, sadly (to me) the books she wrote under that name don't have the same attraction/flavor as the Michaels books, even though she wrote a few modern mysteries/gothics under that name as well as the Amelia Peabody books.
The Walker in Shadows to me is one of the best of Michaels/Peters books.
While this author also writes as Elizabeth Peters, sadly (to me) the books she wrote under that name don't have the same attraction/flavor as the Michaels books, even though she wrote a few modern mysteries/gothics under that name as well as the Amelia Peabody books.
The Walker in Shadows to me is one of the best of Michaels/Peters books.
February 3, 2020
So I am in the process of re-reading my Barbara Michaels (except when I am re-reading my Elizabeth Peters) I do this at least once a year and sometimes more. But I never mention them here. So this time I am. This not a complete re-reading of the works. Just most of them. Probably. Unless it's all of them.
I cannot read this book when I am in the house on my own. It's great.
I cannot read this book when I am in the house on my own. It's great.
January 3, 2021
I first read this book 8 years ago, but I think the 3 star rating holds up. It’s a nice creepy little ghost story, but the male romantic lead is not one of her most appealing. This is a recommended 3 star, though.
December 9, 2020
It took me three tries to get past chapter 2 because I kept drooling over the beautiful architectural details of the historic house, complete with stone towers. Civil War history buffs will also find plenty to hold their attention. And of course, for fans of the supernatural, there is a malevolent ghostly presence, seemingly fixated on the teenage girl who has just moved in next door.
I was thoroughly absorbed in the two families' search for answers by investigating the history of the house, which in the days before the internet involves a lot of digging through Historical Society records and antiquarian bookstores (beautiful!) in addition to thoroughly exploring the design of the twin homes, built in the 19th century for twin sisters.
They do ultimately resolve the issue of who the ghost was and how to make it stop, and while the final confrontation is anti-climatic -- the actual discovery of the is much more exciting than what comes next -- the answers to what happened to everyone are satisfying, if mostly sad.
Romance gets painfully shoehorned in, especially toward the end, and definitely has an 80s Romance Novel vibe -- for all the lip service to women's lib, I feel like both female characters in this story come across as easily twitterpated or confused and in need of the menfolk to step up, though at least this means that everything is super innocent -- but that's the only real flaw.
I was thoroughly absorbed in the two families' search for answers by investigating the history of the house, which in the days before the internet involves a lot of digging through Historical Society records and antiquarian bookstores (beautiful!) in addition to thoroughly exploring the design of the twin homes, built in the 19th century for twin sisters.
They do ultimately resolve the issue of who the ghost was and how to make it stop, and while the final confrontation is anti-climatic -- the actual discovery of the is much more exciting than what comes next -- the answers to what happened to everyone are satisfying, if mostly sad.
Romance gets painfully shoehorned in, especially toward the end, and definitely has an 80s Romance Novel vibe -- for all the lip service to women's lib, I feel like both female characters in this story come across as easily twitterpated or confused and in need of the menfolk to step up, though at least this means that everything is super innocent -- but that's the only real flaw.
August 15, 2023
DNF. This story seemed so dated, but I suppose it is based on the original publication date. It was a little hard to follow along with what was going on based on the writing. The son seemed to be very young, an older teen, or in his 20s at various points in the story and how he acted. The main character thought to herself a lot, but the writing wouldn't reveal exactly what she thought. It was all vague. For example, mom mentions to son a note she found written to another character. She at first didn't realize it was her son's handwriting?!? But then, recalls the whole note, recites it to him, but ominously 'leaves out a word'. What is the word? The Reader isn't told and it's a silly little note so it could be any word. All the characters are strange and aloof to each other. The dad, a lawyer, speaks like someone from the 1930s. The daughter, who we are told has finished high school early, but still attends a private school, acts like a preteen.
Not sure how this ended up on my To Read list, but I used to love this author so I thought I'd give this a go. Either this book was always not up to her usual standards or it has aged very badly and my reading has moved on.
Not sure how this ended up on my To Read list, but I used to love this author so I thought I'd give this a go. Either this book was always not up to her usual standards or it has aged very badly and my reading has moved on.
September 25, 2024
I read this one summer and I remember being quite frightened one afternoon when reading this all alone (parents were gone somewhere) frightened enough that I was thinking of running over to our babysitter’s for the rest of the evening. I did get a hold of myself after a while and stayed put at home.
I couldn’t remember the name of this book but people on Reddit helped me find the title:
70s or early 80s novel involving two teenagers and a malevolent female ghost:
a lady psychiatrist hears a commotion in her neighbors' house and enters thinking to rescue a teenage girl being attacked by her father but then discovers that the girl was having a fit and the father was trying to help her. The teenage girl has been becoming friendly with the said lady's son and as they grow closer this has set off a supernatural reaction namely upsetting a ghost who lives in the lady's building's basement. These two teenagers talk and meet through their respective windows and climb into each others' rooms without their parents' knowledge. The girl's mother and the boy's father are absent either through divorce or death.
I couldn’t remember the name of this book but people on Reddit helped me find the title:
70s or early 80s novel involving two teenagers and a malevolent female ghost:
a lady psychiatrist hears a commotion in her neighbors' house and enters thinking to rescue a teenage girl being attacked by her father but then discovers that the girl was having a fit and the father was trying to help her. The teenage girl has been becoming friendly with the said lady's son and as they grow closer this has set off a supernatural reaction namely upsetting a ghost who lives in the lady's building's basement. These two teenagers talk and meet through their respective windows and climb into each others' rooms without their parents' knowledge. The girl's mother and the boy's father are absent either through divorce or death.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2017
From the start this book draws you in with its eloquence speaking of a house and the keeper who takes care of it. When a new family moves in it jump starts a mystery that will keep you guessing from beginning to end. Sure you will call a few things, and you may get them right,but that's when you quickly discover things are not exactly as they seem.
Barbara Michaels not only sets up the strange energy threatening the household, but delves into the history of its first inhabitants as well as the conflict that surrounded it and the effort of the youngest to gain their immortality within the history of mirrored houses' walls as well as town records. When the climax came I was surprised to find I had missed many subtle clues -the mark of a good mystery in my opinion- and the denouement tied it up neatly. She knew just what to show and what to reveal to keep you coming back for more, but not quite put your finger on the whole of the mystery.
Would definitely recommend.
Barbara Michaels not only sets up the strange energy threatening the household, but delves into the history of its first inhabitants as well as the conflict that surrounded it and the effort of the youngest to gain their immortality within the history of mirrored houses' walls as well as town records. When the climax came I was surprised to find I had missed many subtle clues -the mark of a good mystery in my opinion- and the denouement tied it up neatly. She knew just what to show and what to reveal to keep you coming back for more, but not quite put your finger on the whole of the mystery.
Would definitely recommend.
October 16, 2020
In my opinion the ending was absolutely perfect, not necessarily the whole ending, but the last page certainly. As a trigger warning there are some slightly homophobic sentences though it wasn’t an overwhelming amount. The relationships are complex and interesting though there were some moments where certain relationships seemed to jump forward in their progress. All the characters have their own faults which is great. The book had nice light Halloween vibes without being terrifying. I enjoyed the few chills I got!
Some may take the strong hints of the 70’s as a negative but I really enjoyed it! If you’re looking for something light and spooky that feels a little vintage this is perfect.
Some may take the strong hints of the 70’s as a negative but I really enjoyed it! If you’re looking for something light and spooky that feels a little vintage this is perfect.
February 23, 2025
The Walker is Shadow by Barbara Michaels is a romantic suspense novel. The MMC is Josef and FMC is Pat, with secondary character of Mark and Kathy who stand out. This is book where each chapter is in parts as roman numerals which makes the story more complex. The twist and turns help make this a read one can’t put down.The compelling and complicated plot supports a character driven narrative. As the author herself says in her book blurb starts that something not right, gives a hint to the mystery and thriller element to this primary romantic suspense book. I highly recommended The walker and shadows by Barbara Michaels. Due to excellent plot I don’t want to given the complex plot away.
April 24, 2022
A ghost story that also addresses loss and adjustment to loss as Pat deals with her husband's death a year before. I liked the way the families that lived in the twin houses complemented each other, with Pat and her son Mark in one house and Josef and his daughter Kathy moving into the other. As Mark and Kathy's teenage romance gets off the ground, Pat and Josef's sneaks along behind it. The one thing I can say about Barbara Michaels is that her relationships are often sneaky that way.
July 24, 2022
Four and a half stars: Satisfyingly readable and entertaining. So far I have only found a few of Barbara Michael's books to be unrewarding ("Other Worlds" and "The Wizard's Daughter" for instance). Mostly they deliver exactly what I look for -- an easy to read book with likable characters, some supernatural element and a logic to the mystery. "The Walker In The Shadows" fills all those requirements. Thanks, Ms. Michaels, for another couple of hours of reading pleasure.
April 16, 2023
I enjoyed this author’s books when I was in my teens, but revisiting them decades later was a mistake. They are really dated and sadly I was disappointed in the plot line, characters and general story telling. Far too much telling and not enough showing. The ghost story was mediocre and predictable.
The romance between Pat and Josef came out of nowhere. The youngsters behaved like middle aged adults. So boring.
The romance between Pat and Josef came out of nowhere. The youngsters behaved like middle aged adults. So boring.
July 12, 2022
Okay, I'm a fan of Ms. Michaels, and this is one of her best. Thrill, chills and a great read! Her knowledge of history comes through with a light touch, not a dowdy, ho-hum addition. Her characters are interesting, loveable and soooo entertaining. This one deserves a plate of brownies and a fresh pot of coffee, favorite chair and uninterrupted time.
September 26, 2022
Great ghost story
I enjoy all of Barbara Michael's book, but her supernatural stories are my favorites. She combines just the right amount of spookiness, suspense and romance in her stories. That, combined with realistic likable characters, places her books among my favourite titles.
I enjoy all of Barbara Michael's book, but her supernatural stories are my favorites. She combines just the right amount of spookiness, suspense and romance in her stories. That, combined with realistic likable characters, places her books among my favourite titles.
December 26, 2025
I loved it. The dated views of drugs and hippies. The old ways of courtship. The stand offish father slowly melting away. The ghost. The Civil War connection. The rivalry between the girl’s father and the woman’s son. Great writing too, wonderful language. Is that the language of romance meeting horror? The Gothic surroundings. I wonder if the cops ever came?
August 31, 2018
Seventy, or so, pages in a ghost arrives. I like my fiction real so the book was over for me. That is not the author's fault. Up to that point I enjoyed her character development and architectural descriptions.
March 7, 2025
I love it. It's corny and semi predictable, the characters seem like out of a scooby doo episode with all their "correct guesses" but I still love it.
Read it roughly over 25 years ago and just finished it again. Stayed up late scaring myself with a fun ghost story.
Read it roughly over 25 years ago and just finished it again. Stayed up late scaring myself with a fun ghost story.
October 10, 2025
Suspense, history, ghosts and romance.
I read this book decades ago and enjoyed it then. The modern setting may be a bit dated, but the writing, plot and characters are great. Good setting for Halloween with spirits and horror.
I read this book decades ago and enjoyed it then. The modern setting may be a bit dated, but the writing, plot and characters are great. Good setting for Halloween with spirits and horror.
October 18, 2025
The premises was a good idea; the characters and setting were well described but when Pat and Mr. F. “Fell in love”. etc…that was totally unrealistic. He was an arrogant, misogynistic rude man who obviously did not like her son, and for her to get all mushy about him was ridiculous!
August 15, 2017
An easy-breezy read, with funny characters and a goofy plot.
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