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Servant
Not long after their move into Blackstone, married couple Mitch and Buck begin to witness strange sightings of shadowy figures, physical manifestations and inexplicable events taking place in the former Sheppard family estate nestled in the Northern Poconos of Pennsylvania. Through séances, they learn from the spirit of Jedidiah Sheppard that he has not been able to cross over into the afterlife because the truth behind his sudden disappearance in 1965 has never been solved. During this journey, Mitch and Buck and an eccentric psychic, Gladys Munch aka Madame Fortunesta, encounter interference from the spirit of a Lenape medicine man, Mesingwe Medeu, who protects Jedidiah’s spirit. Mitch and Buck eventually realize that they must find Jedidiah’s remains and let the authorities discover through modern detective work the evidence needed to try and convict the murderer. But is it too late for Jedidiah’s spirit to find eternal peace?
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 8, 2023
3 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 10, 2023
I loved this story, it checks all of my boxes. It has historical elements, it's LGBTQ+, deals with religious bigotry, it has paranormal stuff, and it has realistic characters.
Mitch and Buck are probably the only characters I have ever read who do exactly what I would do if my house was haunted (except for when they light ancient torches they find because that felt like a fire hazard). When they discovered the house they purchased is haunted, they do their research and actually try to help. As Buck says, "There is an injustice that needs to be corrected." Also, you can't live in a haunted house, so who wouldn't do some research and get to the bottom of things?
To me, the perfect sweet spot to a book's mystery parts are that the reader will guess some plot points correctly due to well done foreshadowing, and that other parts will come as a surprise because they weren't too obvious. Servant hit that sweet spot for me. I read through it trying to uncover each layer, and I was thinking about this paranormal story whenever I wasn't reading it. It's very addictive and pretty fast paced.
There is the added bonus of my being local to the area it takes place, so all the little inside aspects amused me greatly (the trip to what we called "the big city" growing up to get party supplies had me dying, and the car all the locals drive is literally the previous car I owned). But, I think a lot of those aspects are pretty relatable to anyone who lives in a rural area, or has experience with small communities.
Overall, this is a highly enjoyable read with the perfect amount of mystery, emotion (I got teary), and relatable characters. It would be the perfect spooky season read but I couldn't put it down in July either. I absolutely recommend it! But if you want your own copy you'd better get it now because I've already started buying out the bookstore's stock to give to everyone I know 😇
Mitch and Buck are probably the only characters I have ever read who do exactly what I would do if my house was haunted (except for when they light ancient torches they find because that felt like a fire hazard). When they discovered the house they purchased is haunted, they do their research and actually try to help. As Buck says, "There is an injustice that needs to be corrected." Also, you can't live in a haunted house, so who wouldn't do some research and get to the bottom of things?
To me, the perfect sweet spot to a book's mystery parts are that the reader will guess some plot points correctly due to well done foreshadowing, and that other parts will come as a surprise because they weren't too obvious. Servant hit that sweet spot for me. I read through it trying to uncover each layer, and I was thinking about this paranormal story whenever I wasn't reading it. It's very addictive and pretty fast paced.
There is the added bonus of my being local to the area it takes place, so all the little inside aspects amused me greatly (the trip to what we called "the big city" growing up to get party supplies had me dying, and the car all the locals drive is literally the previous car I owned). But, I think a lot of those aspects are pretty relatable to anyone who lives in a rural area, or has experience with small communities.
Overall, this is a highly enjoyable read with the perfect amount of mystery, emotion (I got teary), and relatable characters. It would be the perfect spooky season read but I couldn't put it down in July either. I absolutely recommend it! But if you want your own copy you'd better get it now because I've already started buying out the bookstore's stock to give to everyone I know 😇
November 14, 2023
Servant was a captivating page turner- the whimsical and fantastical connection between the real world and the supernatural was a space I wanted to stay in, but this was a quick read that was tough to put down!
Mitch and Buck quickly make their ways into your heart as a reader- their marriage and relationship is a refreshing representation of the lgbtq+ community. Finally a story were a gay couple’s biggest issue ISN’T being gay ;) characters like Gladys and Callie add the rounded out feel of a small town community, good, bad, and misunderstood!
The character of Jedediah was a playful yet serious presence, offering a unique way of knowing who he was only through his actions as a spirit in present day. I loved how Mitch and Buck came to know and grow attached to Jedediah- I loved knowing the characters were motivated by love rather than fear.
Can’t wait to see what comes next!
September 10, 2023
Servant was a fast summer read and I find myself wanting to reread it as we enter the spooky fall season. I loved the supernatural elements, fascinating characters, and all the plot twists. The author is highly descriptive of his characters and setting, which I thoroughly enjoyed as I live in the local area where Servant takes place. Looking forward to Patrick’s next page-turner!
May 23, 2023
This book is literally crack. If fall was in a book it’s this one. Although I read in the beginning of summer (my favorite season) this made me miss the crisp air of fall and the spookiness of it. This book also had me in tears of happiness and sadness. So excited to see what this author does next
August 17, 2023
Unique story line with underlying social themes. An interesting read.
May 26, 2025
Servant is an incredible and unforgettable tale that will introduce the reader to a married couple, Mitch and Buck as they settle into the historic Blackstone estate in Pennsylvania, only to encounter a series of eerie occurrences. They soon discover that the estate is haunted by the spirit of Jedidiah Sheppard, who vanished mysteriously in 1965. And so with the help of an eccentric psychic, Gladys Munch, Mitch and Buck communicate with Jedidiah’s spirit and learn that he is unable to move on until his disappearance is solved.
The reader will follow the trio on their investigation to change this but it gets even more complicated by the spirit of a Lenape medicine man known as Mesingwe Medeu. However they are determined to bring Jedidiah’s spirit peace, and they seek to uncover his remains and unravel the mystery surrounding his death, hoping that modern forensic methods will bring justice and closure, and what follows is a shocking and memorable tale!
The story of Servant is a magnificent one that is full of many exciting moments and many twists and turns. As the reader reads this book they will always be kept on edge thanks to the unexpected turns the reader will experience; these twists and turns will guarantee the reader keeps reading. They will feel compelled to do so, and that is the sheer beauty of this novel!
The excellent author of this novel, Patrick R. Field effortlessly takes the reader on a thrilling journey; Field’s words managed to keep me intrigued as well as entertained as I raced through this book. It is the kind of book that is impossible to put down, and when I had to I longed for it! I wanted to be reunited with the story I had grown to love and the characters I had become invested in.
The reader will follow the trio on their investigation to change this but it gets even more complicated by the spirit of a Lenape medicine man known as Mesingwe Medeu. However they are determined to bring Jedidiah’s spirit peace, and they seek to uncover his remains and unravel the mystery surrounding his death, hoping that modern forensic methods will bring justice and closure, and what follows is a shocking and memorable tale!
The story of Servant is a magnificent one that is full of many exciting moments and many twists and turns. As the reader reads this book they will always be kept on edge thanks to the unexpected turns the reader will experience; these twists and turns will guarantee the reader keeps reading. They will feel compelled to do so, and that is the sheer beauty of this novel!
The excellent author of this novel, Patrick R. Field effortlessly takes the reader on a thrilling journey; Field’s words managed to keep me intrigued as well as entertained as I raced through this book. It is the kind of book that is impossible to put down, and when I had to I longed for it! I wanted to be reunited with the story I had grown to love and the characters I had become invested in.
January 30, 2024
It's officially cozy season! what's better than curling up with the mystery book on a cold winter day? I really enjoyed the premise of this book and there were expected twists and turns and I honestly didn't know where it was going and whaat was actually happening happening until the very end. it effortlessly blends the allure of the supernatural and mystery. I was enthralled with the descriptive details of everything from the food,to the home, the personal relationship and the paranormal phenomenon.
The story follow a couple, Mitch and Buck who have been together for years as they embark on a new chapter in their lives moving from NYC to pennsylvania. Their dynamic relationship is realistic and fun every scene comes alive with details, making it feel as if you are right there, witnessing the event unfold firsthand. If you love a good mystery and a killer twist, this is definitely worth picking up!
The story follow a couple, Mitch and Buck who have been together for years as they embark on a new chapter in their lives moving from NYC to pennsylvania. Their dynamic relationship is realistic and fun every scene comes alive with details, making it feel as if you are right there, witnessing the event unfold firsthand. If you love a good mystery and a killer twist, this is definitely worth picking up!
August 15, 2023
"Servant" by Patrick Field is an engaging story that left me captivated from start to finish. With its intricately woven narrative, rich character development, and thought-provoking themes, this novel stands out as a truly remarkable work.
Patrick Field’s ability to effortlessly blend vivid descriptions with a subtle yet powerful emotional undertone creates an experience that pulls readers deep into the story's world. Every scene comes alive with details, making it feel as if you're right there, witnessing the events unfold firsthand.
"Servant" is a great-read. Anyone looking to truly immersive themselves in a story and connect with the characters should give it a read.
Patrick Field’s ability to effortlessly blend vivid descriptions with a subtle yet powerful emotional undertone creates an experience that pulls readers deep into the story's world. Every scene comes alive with details, making it feel as if you're right there, witnessing the events unfold firsthand.
"Servant" is a great-read. Anyone looking to truly immersive themselves in a story and connect with the characters should give it a read.
June 3, 2023
What an amazingly fun, fast-paced, and poignant novel! With colorful characters and forensic accuracy, the author creates an original and smart supernatural mystery for modern sensibilities. Exuding Southern charm and urban sophistication, the narrator ferries the reader through a labyrinthine investigation, populated by fascinating and relatable personalities, of a horrific crime to a shocking and satisfying conclusion. The conflict between America’s puritanical roots and its progressive ideals is deftly actualized in this fanciful and captivating tale.
August 17, 2023
This book is by an awesome author who is local to us.
The book starts out in one direction and goes in another. . .
All I can say is that this book is quite the read. Very intriguing and really makes you think and wonder.
I would most definitely recommend this great read!
The book starts out in one direction and goes in another. . .
All I can say is that this book is quite the read. Very intriguing and really makes you think and wonder.
I would most definitely recommend this great read!
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July 22, 2023A fun and easy read, something that would be perfect for a long flight or on vacation.
I was gifted the book, so I’ll leave the star rating blank for now.
I was gifted the book, so I’ll leave the star rating blank for now.
July 15, 2025
Happy, sad, scary and sweet, all rolled into one! Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews