Haunting Pasts

Mabel Davison #3

by Trevor Wiltzen

Mabel Davison runs a struggling motel and diner while raising two small boys in a mountain town where many hate her for what she's done.

Her search for missing girls had caused the demise of a local drug ring and the loss of gang money spent in town, and now she's shunned.

Desperate to rekindle fractured friendships, she is surprised one night by her estranged husband showing up on her porch, setting into motion events that could either unite her family or tear it apart.

Encouraged to restart her missing girls' cold case, she gets nowhere fast until she desperately questions a gang member she helped put in prison. His sordid tale is more lies and threats than truth. But the clues he gives point to her past, and she uncovers to her horror, a serial killer on the hunt.

And it could be a man she knows.

--

Set in an atmospheric Pacific Northwest town in the 1980s, the third standalone installment of the thrilling Mabel Davison historical mystery series exposes the deep "layers of good and evil (that) lie beneath the surface of what seems to be a safe haven."

Everyone's favorite big-hearted, amateur sleuth is back.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Ebooks, Thriller

259 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 15, 2023

About the author

Trevor Wiltzen is the author of the multi-award-winning Mabel Davison Historical Mystery series and has several more stories and series in development.

Reading sparked my passion for writing and telling stories. But after finishing various degrees in arts, science, and business, I pursued a thriving professional career, and my writing took a backseat. However, after getting married and becoming a parent of two wonderful boys, my passion for writing reignited, and I spent years in coffee shops before work, honing my skills and finding my voice. Get ready for more thrilling adventures and mysteries as we embark on this exciting ride together.

Readers can keep in touch by:
Youtube Channel: youtube.com/channel/UCcC8SCxCro9DgwXw...
E-newsletter: www.trevorwiltzen.com/books.


Check out his books on Amazon, Apple, Barnes and Noble, Google Play Center, Kobo:
Heart of a Runaway Girl (Book 1) https://bit.ly/buyheartofarunawaygirl
Missed Me (Book 2) https://bit.ly/buymissedme
Haunting Pasts (Book 3) https://bit.ly/buyhauntingpasts

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mabel Davison's motel and diner was a good money earner while the truckers and miners called in, and her friendliness meant her place was popular. She and her two sons, along with niece Kerry lived in the house next door, with her husband Bill not on the scene. Mabel had helped to bust a drug ring recently and half the town were angry with her because of the loss of income. But when Mabel began looking into the cases of missing girls which had never been solved, interviewing the families of the girls, she was determined to find out what had happened to them.

Bill turned up unexpectedly, telling Mabel he was a changed man. The boys were thrilled to see their dad and Bill helped Mabel with maintenance in the motel, and their home. But when she came close to a person she was wary of, a person who, to her mind, showed all the tendencies of her search, Mabel knew the person the police had in custody was the wrong one. What would be the outcome to this horrific case that scared her half to death?

Haunting Pasts is the 3rd in the Mabel Davison series by Trevor Wiltzen, which can easily be read as a standalone. The local sheriff, Dan, was on Mabel's side, but the detectives told her to stop interfering. Mabel is a complex character, with her part-time investigator badge meaning she wouldn't give up. It caused her some concern, but her courage and strength makes her a great character. I've only read #1 in this series before this one, but it was fine. Recommended.

With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, a large thank you to Trevor Wiltzen for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

After I discovered local author Trevor Wiltzen and his writing not too long ago, I was hooked. When WIltzen offered me an ARC of the latest in the Mabel Davison series, I could not agree fast enough. The series takes Mabel, a diner waitress and motel owner, out of her comfort zone and turns her into an amateur sleuth and private investigator. Her sole focus has been to discover the whereabouts of a number of missing girls around her part of Washington State. Add to it the fact that it’s 1987, away from a great deal of the tech seen in more modern thrillers I read, and the story takes on new dimensions that I cannot help but love. Wiltzen has a great following and I am pleased to be one of them, as this novel adds more tension, excitement, and mystery to a really great series.

Mabel Davison has a great deal on her plate, both literally and figuratively. Running a motel and diner in her small Washington State community, Mabel has been pulled into the middle of an investigation to find a number of missing girls. The case has gone cold but Mabel is not letting the local authorities deter her from getting to the root of the mystery. Juggling three kids at home and a husband who’s recently returned to her life, Mabel has little time to stop and think.

She’s keen to keep looking for the two remaining missing girls who have yet to be accounted for. This leads Mabel to the local jail, where one of the gang members she helped put away on another crime is willing to share a little intel. While there is a great deal of bravado and likely some lies, there’s a truth buried in there that Mabel cannot discount, leading her to open new pathways in hopes of locating these girls.

Scouring over the details, Mabel discovers that the man who could be behind this is not only a potential serial killer, but could also be someone she knew from her past. As Mabel tries to keep her family safe, she refuses to stand down, no matter the threat, in hopes of putting the final pieces together and solving a case many thought too inconsequential. These girls are out there, in some form, as is the man said to have been involved. Mabel will have to tread carefully, as she points the finger at someone and gathers evidence to convince the police to act.

Trevor Wiltzen is one of those authors who has a good thing going, but modesty keeps him from wanting to shout from the rooftops. I am not afraid to do that for him, as this series is a great collection and keeps readers on their toes throughout. Mabel Davison, like Wiltzen, just wants to get the job done, but deserves some praise for her dedication. She fits in nicely with the strong narrative and reveals much about herself as the story advances. A few plot twists emerge and keep the reader guessing where things are headed. Perhaps the best part of the story for me is the pre-tech boom sleuthing that takes place, where rotary telephones and microfiche are the dazzling items of the day. Wiltzen has a winner here and I hope others will take the time to read this series, if only to learn more about Mabel and those around her.

Kudos, Mr. Wiltzen, for keeping the series strong and providing readers with something amazing.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Susan Z (webreakforbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so happy to be back with one of my favorite amateur sleuths, Mabel Davison. This is book 3 in Trevor Wiltzen's series, set in the 1980s in the Pacific Northwest. It's full of all the nostalgia and atmosphere in the prior 2 books.

Although this is book 3 in the series, it can be read on its own since Trevor does a great job catching up the readers who are new to the series (or forgetful like me)

[Eline Mathiesen · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️

[Lise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mabel Davison's plate is full: owning and running a motel and diner, looking after two young sons, fending off her estranged alcoholic husband, and dealing with the fallout from taking down a drug dealer. Though her life is hectic, she has the support of the local sheriff who harbours his own secrets. It's when Mabel decides to add investigating the disappearance of many teenage girls from her region, that she begins to realise that one woman cannot do everything.

Set in the Pacific Northwest in the 1980s, this series edges dangerously close to thriller territory. I say "edges" because, for the most part, the author treats the story as more of a suspenseful burn, with the plot leading the telling of the tale. The main character drops "dear" and "Luv" at the drop of a hat, which feels inauthentic for the area and time. I really could not connect with her at all. One thing that gave me pause (covered by a spoiler tag as it could give a pertinent piece of the story away): I have never experienced make-up that feels wet. Even as a teen, when I (like many others my age) troweled on blush, foundation and the like, the texture felt dry once applied. This description pulled me out of the story.

I recommend this story to those who enjoy a slow and thorough investigation.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the third story in the Mabel Davison series, although for me it was the first one I read but I didn't feel lost or confused on anything it was very easy to catch up and understand things so because of this I'd say the books can be read as stand alone as well as part of the series.

Mabel, a diner and motel owner, has become some what of a outcast in town after previously bringing down a drug lord called Karl Larson, from her home town and causing other businesses to struggle because he was a main financial contributor to a lot of the town. I haven't read the previous books to know the ins and outs of things but what I can gather her niece went missing and in finding her niece she exposed not only Larson's drug ring but also his trafficking of young girls and she helped free 6 young girls from him.

This story focuses on her continuing to investigate the dissapearence of two young girls who she believes to be victims of Larson but she soon discovers that although he is linked he isn't the one who did it.

Amoungst it all we see the appearance of her husband Bill, who has a drinking problem and who had been away in the mountains working. He comes back claiming he wants to be a proper husband to her and a proper father to their two sons again and he starts helping her out with the repairs to the motel that was burnt down by Larson's men. However, once Bill is back in her good graces he reverts back to old behaviour, not treating her very kindly and not spending proper time with the boys claiming that men don't do that its all up to the mothers and men are just there to up keep the home and be the bread winners. I didn't like him all that much and then he started drinking again and left anyway.

Another character we see is the sheriff in town, Dan. Him and Mabel are very close friends and although he is frustrated with her investigation he is always there to help her and protect her. Dan is a man struggling with his sexuality. Although he isn't quite ashamed of being gay as he seems to accept that about himself and even has a boyfriend, he does keep it secret as he knows the town will hate him for it and though he gains some confidence and even tells his mother, her horrific reaction to it seals his decision and he stays firmly in the closet. Mabel is very supportive of him and encourages him in the end to keep his secret relationship with Kennie and says that he doesn't need to end it as he can just keep sneaking around. Although its unfair it does represent what things were like back in those days for gay people.

I did really enjoy this book, it kept be gripped and at the edge of my seat all throughout I did take away one star in my rating as some things did seem a little overly rushed. However, I still would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written, fast paced, amateur sleuth story.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Haunting Pasts, Trevor Wiltzen crafts an engaging tale of mystery, courage, and resilience. The protagonist, Mabel Davison, is a multifaceted character with roles as diverse as motherhood, entrepreneurship, and amateur detective work. Her acute intellect, indomitable resolve, and astute intuition characterize her. Unpopular among the townsfolk due to an inadvertent bust of a local drug ring, Mabel nonetheless perseveres in her pursuit of justice. Unfazed by the societal backlash, she relentlessly delves into a troubling situation of disappearances afflicting young women in her town.

The storyline propels forward on the strength of a primary lead, a gang member Mabel had previously helped incarcerate. As Mabel uncovers a trail littered with deception and tantalizing hints of the truth, she finds herself on a chilling collision course with a serial killer.

Haunting Pasts offers a riveting experience, masterfully challenging the reader's perception of time, trust, and reality. Wiltzen's prose exudes magnetism, effortlessly drawing readers into an immersive narrative environment. His adept manipulation of time, seamlessly entwining past and present, breathes life into the characters, making their tribulations tangible and their residual trauma palpable.

The plot's architecture is meticulous and true to the essence of detective fiction. Wiltzen has the ability to create an intricate jigsaw puzzle, each piece slotting into place as the narrative unfolds. As a result, observing the broader picture materialize is a uniquely satisfying experience, despite some periods of slower pacing as the narrative meticulously lays down plot details. These lulls are swiftly eclipsed by the mounting suspense and intrigue that ratchet up as the plot advances.

The exploration of the central theme of 'haunting pasts' offers a compelling, if straightforward, examination of psychological trauma and its aftermath. Wiltzen's approach is accessible, potentially inviting a broader audience to engage with these complex themes. For connoisseurs of the psychological thriller genre, the familiarity of certain plot elements may offer a comforting echo of classic narratives, providing a sense of nostalgia and grounding in well-trodden thematic terrain.

Haunting Pasts comes highly recommended for those looking to dip their toes into the genre or enthusiasts of 80s investigative dramas. Trevor Wiltzen's novel is a thrilling and immersive journey into the heart of a small town riddled with dark secrets.

[Plots and Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot understand women that get caught up in highly dangerous situations for years (i.e. with a cop, agent, etc) and don’t take personal defense lessons. Like YES, PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SIDE DANGER, PLZ!

𝗠𝘆 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: Mothers & Sons
𝗙𝗮𝘃 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿: John Ford
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Easy
𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲: Novel
𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Cozy mystery
3.8/𝟱

🌱THE EXCELLENT
~ Unencumbered writing
~ Mabel is finally getting-ISH some rest 🙌
~ Sense of danger is well felt

Although Mabel, the motel/diner owner, cook, cleaner, PI, newly rejected by the townsfolk, was able to find some missing girls from her last drug bust case, she notices two that seem to fit another pattern- the pattern of serial disappearances, & possible serial murder.

With a lessening of diner & motel duties and an increase in detective-work, Mabel investigates several missing girls who look remarkably the same and sick mother and son duo who seem to be the catalyst & cause of the missing garishly painted girls.

✨𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱.

🌱THE MEH
~ MC gives off typical randomly screaming female horror movie living 🙃 at times - with no focus on self defense 🤦
~ So many tearssss

♡🌱 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗺𝗲 ;)

—
🎁 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 @trevorwiltzen 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁.

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just finished this story, and while it was a quick read, and there were points that really sucked me in and I needed to keep reading, overall, it felt a little odd to me. First, I know that this is a book in a series, and having not read the previous books, I found it pretty easy to catch up enough to not be lost. Sometimes that isn’t the case, so this was a positive. Second, I found the dialogue to be so weird! It almost felt early 1900s British at some points. I don’t know if I just happened to notice it, so it stuck with me, or if it certain words were just overused (‘dear’, am I right?!), but it just felt weird. Finally, I thought the story was good, but there were parts of the story that seemed to go too fast or too slow. Some parts almost felt like they worked themselves out too fast. I would most likely read other books in this series, but wouldn’t actively seek others unless my TBR pile was empty.

I did receive an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Melissa T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. From the first chapter it had me hooked.

I fell in love with the main character, Mabel. This strong woman runs a struggling motel and diner while raising two young boys. Unfortunately, she isn't well liked by the locals - in her search for some missing girls she uncovered a large drug ring. With that money now gone instead of being spent within the town, most towns people are not a fan of poor Mabel. Mabel restarts her search for missing girls (now cold cases) and after speaking with one of the gang members she uncovers so many clues that points to a serial killer on the loose.

This was a quick, easy read. What I liked most about this story is how it was super easy to follow. I could walk away for a few hours and when I came back it was as if I hadn't put it down. I noticed after I read it that this is #3 in the Mabel Davison series. That being said, I wasn't lost at all! Everything was explained perfectly. I would LOVE to read the other 2 in the series. Such a great read!

[LilyRose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Haunting Pasts by Trevor Wiltzen is a suspenseful, mystery thriller. The book is the third in a series that follows PI Mabel Davison. Mabel runs a struggling motel and is raising two boys in a small Pacific Northwest mountain town in 1980’s America. Following on from her previous cases the town has turned their back on Mabel for exposing crime and destroying jobs and reputations in the process so when her ex husband returns she clings to the hope he can control his alcohol addiction and become a father figure for their boys. When a clue about a missing girls’ case comes to light it sets Mabel back on the path for truth and justice, but as she digs deeper it appears that all clues point close to home. It is a fast paced and engaging thriller with scenes of building atmosphere and suspense. The writing is very simple and based around speech with little depth or description. Mabel was a unique protagonist and a different viewpoint into the crime, thriller narrative but overall the book didn’t connect with me beyond this. It is the third in a series but the book gave background to each character and previous novels so was easy to pick up and enter this world. For fans of serial killer thrillers and mystery 3 Stars ✨.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book in exchange for honest feedback.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunting Pasts is Book 3 in the Mabel Davison Series by Trevor Wiltzen. I think that this series is excellent. Mabel is an awesome main character. She is a mother of 2 boys and guardian of her niece. She might not be perfect, but, she is strong. She has helped put bad men in jail and there are still girls missing… or they dead or have they been trafficked? On top of everything else she is dealing with, her almost ex, Bill, shows up at the motel, at least he is sober. I thought the author did a fantastic job of giving the reader a look at who or what contributed to the making of a serial killer. There are some intense moments where I was not sure if the heroes were going to live… did they live or die? Haunting Pasts is not to be missed. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Laura Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wiltzen is at the top of his game. Full of twists and turns, the plot draws you in and doesn’t stop. Mabel’s strength and heart make her such a multifaceted, memorable main character. I’ve always enjoyed her comradery with (sheriff) Dan. And, for as much as I love a good second chance romance, I was leary of Bill’s motives. He definitely had me second guessing.

While Book 3 in a series, there are enough references to the first books to give the reader an overall picture of the events leading up to Haunting’s inciting incident. That said, as someone who’s been #TeamMabel from the beginning, I recommend checking out the initial installments to fully appreciate the main character’s growth, as well as her heartbreaks.

Thank you to the author for the Advance Review Copy. These opinions are my own and are being expressed without bias.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haunting Pasts is the third book in the Mabel Davison series, and does read well as a stand alone book. There were a few details from the earlier stories that were mentioned, but nothing that completely confused me. I did have a bit of a hard time getting into this book for the first few chapters, but then started to really enjoy Mabel, and became invested in learning more about her life.

The book transformed into a “Criminal Minds”-type story, looking at the motives and behavioural analysis of suspects. I loved all of the twists and turns, and the connections that are eventually made. If you enjoy the psychology of crime, this book is a great read with a loveable character.

Thank you to the author for the Advance Review Copy. This review is completely my own and without bias.

[Margaret Both · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trevor Wiltzen is that rare author whose first book was phenomenal and his subsequent books in the series just keep getting better. Haunting Pasts main character, Mabel, is a decent human being that has self doubts, works hard, is a great mom, looks for the best in everyone yet doubts herself in all aspects of her life. Small towns that stagnate are a perfect Petri dish for racism, bigotry and pretty much anything that is different. They hate everyone and everything that they think might expose them.
This is an excellent well written book. Thank you Trevor. Please keep writing about Mabel and her world.

[Fireplace.Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is hard to review. It’s very plot driven without much else. It lacks imagery, characterization, the things that add depth and complexity to novels. Though, the plot did drag me in. I also haven’t read the two books prior as it was marketed as being able to be read as a stand alone. Maybe these things are in the first two, but I can’t help but think they’re also lacking these elements since truly every book should have more then just plot. I do plan to try book 1 and see, but ultimately this was just an okay read for me.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mable Davidson is a single mother with two young boys. She runs a motel and diner, plus is a private investigator. While looking for missing girls, she shut down a drug ring. But it hurt the town's financial support and half the town is not happy with her. She is still bothered by the missing girls, so re-opens the case, this doesn't make the town people happy. But can she find out what happened to those girls? I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Keith Withers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hauntingly dramatic

Mabel Davison, cafe and motel owner, is also a qualified private investigator. When she looks into a case involving missing teenage girls she becomes embroiled with all sorts of unsavoury characters. This puts a great deal of strain on her family life as well as her working life. Her involvement in pursuing possible kidnapping subjects put her in grave danger however she relies on good friends and the local sheriff for help and protection. Will she survive some really vicious attacks on her personal life....?

[Akshita · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly incredible story of a woman's determination, strength and passion to solve mysteries that led her to uncover & expose a drug gang & a murderer who were wreaking havoc in her town, even after being shunned by her community.

The author's penmanship, his way with words and style of transporting you back in time are really commendable. I would certainly recommend the book in my book club.

Note: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[HEATHER · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of twists and turns, and the plot draws you in and doesn’t stop. This was the first book I have read by Trevor and I can't wait to go back and read the other two books in this series. Mable was such a great character. I would recommend this book if you wanting a quick mystery read.



Thank You NetGalley and Trevor Witzen Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC in advance for my honest opinion.

[R.G. Tully · Rating 4 out of 5]

To me reading this book is like returning to an old friend. Trevor Wiltzen returns with the third book in the Maybel Davidson series. He has a great story and the talent to bring it to life. The plot is interesting and well thought through and has enough twists to keep the reader engaged and guessing about the end. Personally, I like that the story is set in the 1980’s during a time before modern technology was as prolific as it is today which adds more depth to the story. A great read, 4 stars

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite a riveting read!

Couldn't put this down, definitely a page turner! Enjoyed the characters who certainly reflect some of those we may meet in our day to day lives, except hopefully not the serial killers! I love the empathy that threads through the story and wish that society currently has positive views on issues in this story but sadly I don't think the world is that accepting! I highly recommend this author.

[Robyn Balmer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn’t finish “Haunting Pasts” by Trevor Wiltzen. I was a bit disappointed about the language used, not the sort of language I’m used to. The story was slow-paced and a bit boring, so I skipped to the end, and even that was ordinary. The book may impress some people but not for me, unfortunately.
The story was about an owner of a motel who was a part-time detective, who decided to look into the cases of a couple of missing girls. Sorry, but not for me.

[Ellen Aish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mabel wears many hats. She is a mother to young boys, owns a diner and motel and has a Private Investigator's license. Having brought down a drug baron who abused young girls, she still has missing ones she would like to find. What she uncovers is far more horrific than she could have imagined and puts her own life in danger. This is Mabel at her best but can she escape unscathed?

[Christina Frøkjær · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story.
The author does an excellent job of developing the main characters without going into too much detail. The scenes are set up well and again, no overly detailed descriptions.

Lots of dialogue makes the book fast-paced and many twists keep the reader interested. Really creepy outcome but overall good book.

[Ktmece · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing thriller! I got an advanced review copy for an independent review and I absolutely loved it! I read it all in one sitting. It's an entertaining, fast-paced read, and I love Mabel. I highly recommend it.

[Tam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well-written book with wonderfully-interesting characters. The suspense builds at just the right pace as the story unfolds. Worthy of your TBR list.

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

[RaCol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I really enjoyed this book. I love thrillers and this one kept me engrossed the whole time. Mabel was very likeable. I was drawn in by the plot and it kept me engaged.
This author is definitely on his up streak!

[Melinda Anders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mabel owns a motel and restaurant in a small town. She has become a PI and investigates murders. The town hates her but she is going to investigate again.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC and to the publisher Trevor Wiltzen.

[Robot Person · Rating 1 out of 5]

The mystery was kind of bland. The beats were predictable and the characters were pretty unlikable for my liking. The historical fiction element didn’t really help it’s case but it did make the read rather boring and at times pulled me out of the story.