I’m Rylan Flynn. I hunt for ghosts and restless spirits, and solve the mysteries that make them haunt the living.
I’ve learned to live with my “gift” but sometimes I long to escape. My aunt’s cabin, deep in the woods, is usually peaceful. But this time I can feel that something is different.
The ghost of a young woman approaches through the trees. She leads me to her body, then vanishes into thin air. With a flood of horror I realize she was murdered.
A killer is at work and my abilities could be the only way to prevent further deaths. But handsome Detective Ford Pierce makes it very clear he doesn’t want my help.
And any unexplained knowledge of the case could make me the perfect suspect.
When another body is discovered and blood at the scene points to my family, I race against time to untangle a web of dark secrets. But can I find answers before the killer claims another victim?
A heart-pounding mystery with a touch of romance, The Spirit Girls begins a new series of paranormal thrillers that are impossible to put down. If you love urban fantasy or psychic thrillers by Heather Graham and Wendy Wang, this book will grab you from the first page and never let go.
Dawn Merriman lives in northeastern Indiana on a small pig farm with her husband and teenage children. She enjoys animals, auctions, reading, snorkeling and writing small town murder mystery novels. Dawn Merriman completed her first novel in Middle School and a few others in High School and college. She won 1st place in the Northeast Indiana Young Writers short story contest in 1990. After a writing hiatus to raise her children, she published her debut novel, "How Murder Saved My Life" in 2019.
A girl with a dark ponytail walks deep into the woods while Rylan Flynn follows until the girl disappears and Rylan finds the girl's body. Rylan has always been able to see spirits. She helps them to move on. This time the spirit leads Rylan to its dead body. Rylan realizes the girl, Celeste Monroe, has been murdered with a coin left in her throat. What does the coin mean? Who could have done this?
Rylan decides to use her "gift" to catch the killer but the lead detective, Ford Pierce, has made it clear that she is to keep away from his investigation. Then another body is found, and Rylan is determined to prevent future deaths and catch a killer!
The Spirit Girls is the first book in the Rylan Flynn paranormal mystery series. It is a solid and enjoyable beginning to the series. I enjoyed how Rylan was compelled to help the victim(s). She is used to helping spirits move on, but this time it is a little different as the spirits have led her to their bodies, not being able to speak, but looking for help. I admired her determination to help even if it meant stepping on the toes of Detective Pierce.
This was an engaging mystery with a nice paranormal element. Like Rylan, I was invested in learning what happened to the young women and the circumstances around their deaths. I enjoyed the pacing and how the story unfolded.
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narration. I look forward to reading future books in this series. I have a feeling that Dawn Merriman is just getting warmed up!
Mysterious, shocking and fast paced!
3.5 stars
Thank you to Bookouture Audio, Second Sky Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dawn Merriman is the author of The Spirit Girls, a 210-page book set to be published on May 9th, 2023. The audio version, narrated by Stephanie Cannon, has a running time of 5 hours and 45 minutes. The Spirit Girls is anticipated to be the first installment in a series of novels.
Summary
Rylan Flynn, a girl living in Ashby, Indiana, has the ability to see spirits. While visiting her aunt's cabin, Rylan discovers the ghost of Celeste Monroe and her murdered body in the woods. As a coin with strange symbols is found in Celeste's throat, Rylan realizes that a twisted killer is likely at work. Although Rylan's abilities could help prevent further deaths, the town's detective, Ford Pierce, does not want her involvement. With another murder and evidence pointing toward her family, Rylan is determined to uncover the truth and find the murderer before they strike again.
My Thoughts
The Spirit Girls is a light, easy read that combines elements of paranormal, religion, romance, and mystery. While the author adeptly weaves these themes together, the book left me just a bit short. One of the major drawbacks was my difficulty in connecting with the main character, Rylan. Despite her traumatic past and her ability to see ghosts, her bubbly demeanor seemed somewhat unrealistic.
The police investigation also falls short of expectations, with their attitude and commentary often feeling far-fetched. Moreover, the characters, plot, and relationships skew towards young adult readers, with Rylan's language (Holy-Flip) and behavior (Jammin-Out in the car), as well as the budding romance, conveying a distinctly YA vibe. As such, those seeking a more complex mystery with darker paranormal elements may be left disappointed.
Stephanie Cannon delivers an excellent performance as the narrator, deftly managing multiple voices. However, her voice seems better suited for a YA novel than an adult paranormal murder story.
All in all, while The Spirit Girls is not a bad read, it may not satisfy readers looking for a more sophisticated mystery or a more nuanced characterization of its main protagonist.
Recommendation
While the writing may not be to everyone's taste the book will likely appeal to younger readers who enjoy lighter paranormal tales. It wasn’t an unenjoyable read—just not my cup of tea.
The Spirit Girls By Dawn Merriman I love a good ghost story and this has several! The main character can see and communicate with ghosts. Her family knows about it and she has a following online. But more amazing is her home life! He dead mother is haunting her home unintentionally. She was killed in her room and now she is still in her room but doesn't know she's dead. The gal has other things lurking in there too. I don't think I could ever sleep in there knowing they were there! Yikes!!!
The main mystery is that someone is killing girls and tying them to her aunt's tree. The girls are found in very similar conditions. She's able to communicate with the ghosts briefly.
It's a great adventure trying to figure out who is doing this and how and why! Also not getting caught by cops because they don't want her interfering. Good suspense, love all the ghostly intrigue, and the psychic in the story.
I love the characters and all the mysterious stuff around her home and life. I definitely want to read more in this series! There is so much going for this book! Even a hint of romance.
I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this great book! Going in my favorite folder!
This was a fun light hearted read- a great way to while away a lazy Saturday afternoon. This has a cosy mystery flavour although it is a paranormal investigation too. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.The Spirit Girls by Dawn Merriman is the first book in the Rylan Flynn paranormal mystery series. The story introduces readers to a young woman who possesses the ability to see spirits whom she helps to crossover the other side. Merriman delivered an interesting and suspenseful tale which will have readers flipping the pages.
Narrated from multiple POVs from Rylan to the villain, The Spirit Girls delivered a light, engaging and quick read. It weaves together the perfect blend of paranormal, witchcraft, mystery and religious themes. It reminded to some extent of the television show, The Ghost Whisperer.
In all her encounters with spirits, she never encountered ones seeking her help to find out who murdered them until now. The police, aware of her claims as a ghost hunter, warned her away from the case. She, however, decides to conduct her own investigation. A decision which places her in the killers’ crosshairs.
The Spirit Girls read like a young adult story, even though most of the characters were definitely over twenty-one. Despite the young adult vibe, I found the story engaging and the characters interesting. Rylan's family is aware of her gift, however not all of them willingly acknowledges same. She also faces ridicule from some of the townspeople. She doesn't let it bother her though and besides she has acquired a a lot of followers on her YouTube Channel.
The story hinted at the possibility of a romance between Rylan and the lead detective. Their attraction to each other was clear, but the author chose not to explore it. Hopefully, the upcoming books will deliver on this.
Stephanie Cannon narrated this delightful tale. Although this was my first experience with her narration, I would listen to her again. She delivered a solid performance by bringing the story and characters to life.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Dawn Merriman, Second Sky Publishing, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 9th May 2023.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is also the first book in the 'Rylan Flynn Mystery' series.
I was originally drawn to this book by its colourful cover and intriguing, sounding synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'A heart-pounding mystery with a touch of romance, The Spirit Girls begins a new series of paranormal thrillers that are impossible to put down. If you love urban fantasy or psychic thrillers by Heather Graham and Wendy Wang, this book will grab you from the first page and never let go’'. I am a fan of Heather Graham and am looking forward to seeing if this book lives up to this statement!! I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Second Sky (Bookouture). I have yet to read a book published by Second Sky or Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 32 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Indiana, USA 🇺🇲.
This book is written in first person perspective and the main protagonists are Rylan Flynn, Detective Ford Pierce and the killer. The benefits of books written in first person perspective with multiple protagonists are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them. If there are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on.
OMG!!! WELL THAT WAS NOT WHAT I WAS EXPECTING AT ALL!!! ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK, AN ABSOLUTELY PERFECT START TO WHAT PROMISES TO BE AN EXPLOSIVE SERIES!!
This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions that really put you in the storyline, feeling the hair on your arms raise and putting you on the edge of your seat!!!
As previously mentioned this book was not what I expected when I seen this book was published under Second Sky which is a science fiction and fantasy publisher within Bookouture and Hachette UK. I was expecting there to be a lot more scifi. Now, I must admit I am not a massive fan of scifi but I'm an eclectic reader and will give most books a try. I would say this book is more paranormal, ghost and horror than SciFi so if you are a paranormal, ghost story or love a chilling book that will raise the hair on your arms and not a SciFi or fantasy fan please give this book a read. Trust me, you really won't regret it!! In fact, it doesn't matter what genre you like to read give it a read!!! Paranormal Investigator Rylan Flynn sees ghosts and she helps them to pass on to the other side along with some help from her Dad who is a priest. When visiting her Aunt Val she follows a ghost who leads Rylan to her body before she disappears. The police are called and Rylan is told to stay away from the investigation. However, what fun would listening be? Rylan starts digging into what happened but another body is discovered and the blame is put too close to home. Rylan won't rest until she finds out who the killer is even when it puts her in danger herself. Filled with suspense, murder, witchcraft, ghosts, friendship, family, mystery and a sprinkle of romance in the air this book is an absolutely explosive and epic start to what promises to be an addictive must read series!! I absolutely love ,love, LOVED the unique storyline!! I have read so many books that it is getting harder and harder for me to find a truly unique plot but Dawn absolutely smashes it out of the park with this one!! I picked it up and even though I kept telling myself just one more chapter I just could not put it down as every time I went to something happened which meant I had to read just one more again until I ended up reading it in one sitting having been glued to my kindle for a few hours!! Dawn's evocative writing skills and descriptions really brought the storyline to life and I just cannot wait to get hooked into the next book in this fantastic new series!!!
Clear your schedules before turning a single page as this book is truly unputdownable!!!
It is always worrying when starting a new series as you have no idea who the characters are. It is very important for me to bond with not only the lead protagonists but also any characters that may make repeat appearances during the series too.
The characters are all strong, well rounded and realistic. I really enjoyed getting to meet and learn all about Rylan Flynn, her past, her unique abilities and discovering how she feels about Ford. I love how she refuses to back down even when she has been threatened with arrest!! She has a great likeable personality and my heart goes out to her when her gift turns into a curse, especially in regards to her Mum. I also liked her friend and camerawoman Mickey and they have a great friendship which I'm looking forward to continue reading about in the next book. I also really like Ford and I cannot wait to see if it goes anywhere between him and Rylan, I've got my fingers and toes crossed that it does!! I was completely invested in all these characters as well as Rylan's Dad and Aunt Val who I am also looking forward to meeting again in the next book in this absolutely fantastic series. I'm just hoping it doesn't take that long too come out!! Hint, Hint Dawn 😉. Dawn's evocative writing skilsn really brought each of the characters to life and I am already missing them!! Of course I can't finish without giving a mention of the handsome George who is definitely one of my favourite characters!! I am a huge fan of pets/animals in books being a massive animal lover and I loved meeting George and looking forward to meeting him again soon!!
The ending was an absolutely explosive twist that I did not see coming at all. What an shocking cliff hanger!!! I was genuinely gobsmacked and I really cannot wait to get hooked into book 2 'Almost Human: Evolution'.
This book is the BEST ghost thriller I have ever read !!! This book really is a truly unique page turner that I picked up this morning and could not put it down until I finished!!!
Well done Dawn on an absolutely fantastic succeess and here is to what is guaranteed to be many more 🥂
Overall an absolutely addictive, action packed paranormal suspense packed thriller that will keep you turning the pages until you've devoured the book in hours!!
Genres covered in this book include Witch & Wizard Suspense, Christian Fantasy, Ghost Suspense, Spiritual Mystery, Psychic Fiction, Urban Fantasy, Occult Suspense, Religious Science Fiction & Fantasy, Occult Fiction, Christian Fiction, Witch & Wizard Suspense, Metaphysical & Visionary, Witch & Wizard Thrillers, Psychic Thriller, Occult Thriller, Ghost Thriller, Paranormal & Urban Fantasy amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Heather Graham, Wendy Wang and anyone who loves a unique, creepy paranormal page turner!!
322 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £6.99 in paperback via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
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OH MY GOD! I have found my new addiction! I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK!! It has everything I love in a paranormal book with a hint of romance and something sinister hiding in a locked room! I have so many questions that I am already chomping at the bit for the next book – I just hope we don’t have to wait too long!
I adore Rylan! She is the perfect heroine in this book. I can’t fault her, despite her recklessness getting her in trouble! She has secrets and I am looking forward to uncovering them!
I read pretty much the entire book in the dark, for two reasons 1 I had a stinky migraine and although I knew I should have slept I was hooked. The second, come on it’s ghosts, you HAVE to read in the dark! I will admit the opening pages did send a shiver down my spine and the ominous dark shadow in my room appeared a bit bigger but after that, it settled down. I grew accustomed to the ghosts, all but one. One, we know nothing about it, but that it’s locked away and it’s not good. Thinking about it, *shudder*
I always love the idea of police and ghost hunters working together, but it wasn’t to be here. Here, Rylan is seen as interference, but she knows more than the police do, and of course, she investigates! OOOh I loved it!! I need more in the series and I need to know when I can get the next book. I am OBSESSED!
I literally raced through the book, needing to know what was happening to these poor girls and what was hunting Rylan. Plus, a splash of Ford is just what the doctor ordered indeed!! The head-turning local detective is going to be more than meets the eye, especially after that scene in the house! Nothing more to be said. Talking of houses, I am back to Rylan’s, and god the questions I have!! Plus I would love to visit it!! What a trove!!
This is the first book I have read by Dawn, but it’s safe to say she has a brand new cheerleader! This book had me hooked, it had me sinkered and it had me seeing things I always try to ignore! I am just buzzing from this book.
Rylan has a paranormal ability - she can see and interact with spirits that have not yet passed over to the afterlife. Rylan, along with her friend and colleague Mickey, have a YouTube channel, showcasing Rylan chasing shadows and ghosts and has gained a good following. She has the full support of her family - her dad - the local clergyman, her aunt - the local bakery shop owner and her brother, a lawyer.
When 2 girls are found murdered and tied to a tree on her aunts property, Rylan does all that she can to clear her aunts name, much to the frustration of local police officer, Ford but it’s kept light hearted as Ford is friends with Rylan’s brother.
I liked this book. I wouldn’t say I loved it but it’s a good storyline, interesting characters and some unanswered questions that will be answered as the series continues.
Dipping my toe into the paranormal genre, The Spirit Girls is an easy and quick read for those (like myself) that scare easy! Probably more satisfying as a Young Adult novel (I’m 41). I expected more paranormal content to make the hairs on my arms stand on end, but it wasn’t there for me.
Available from 9th May, I’m grateful to both NetGalley and publishers Second Sky for the ARC.
I had no expectation starting this. It was great, first of all FMC is 28 yo which I love, I am tired of reading about teenagers. Rylan is very likable, she is smart, funny AND can see ghosts. I will def finish this series.
I. COULD. NOT. PUT. THIS. BOOK. DOWN!!! (Except from when it was late at night and my imagination took over making me think I had someone watching me!) I was constantly kept on the edge of my seat and needed to know what happened next. Very easy read, and my time while reading it flew by. Loved Rylan’s character and I can’t wait to see what happens next for her. Will be looking out for the next book in this series for sure!
This book immediately grabbed me within the first chapter. This is not your typical who dunnit mystery, but one with an added paranormal aspect to it, she sees spirits.
This storyline kept me guess who the killer may be the entire time, and I did not see the plot twist coming. I absolutely love a book that keeps me listening/reading and on my toes as to who did it!
I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a mysterious murder mystery with that added interest of the MC connection with the spirits of those lost in these murderous acts.
I enjoyed this book via an ALC provided by NetGalley and the publisher. This narrator kept a great pace, and I was able to listen at a speed of 2x. Multiple female and male voices were completely and excucuted nicely.
I just reviewed The Spirit Girls (A Rylan Flynn Mystery Book 1) by Dawn Merriman. #TheSpiritGirls #NetGalley
This sucked me in and held me tight. This is a paranormal thriller that started quick and never let up. It has hints of romance, but focused much more heavily on the murders and ghosts. There is a religious theme in the book, with the main character being a Christian and praying to help ghosts cross over. It wasn’t overt and I didn’t think it took anything away from the storyline, but just a heads up if that isn’t your thing. I listened to this in less than a day, I didn’t want to stop. This is the first in a series, and I can’t wait for more.
Rylan is a ghost hunter and has a YouTube channel with her best friend. In addition to making videos, she also helps ghosts cross over and not be stuck in limbo. And when a ghost comes up to her and wants her to follow her? She obviously follows. But she wasn’t prepared to be led to that ghost’s former body, or the murder scene that it was in the middle of. Helping this ghost might take a bit more than praying and helping her towards the light.
Not a romance at all which is fine but just fyi. She does crush on her Brothers friend but he is a jerk and at the end, his ex fiancee shows up. They broke up two months c earlier so in the next book I don't see much happening between them. But we will see. This is about teenage girls getting murdered in the woods and part of some satanic ritual. Our heroine can see and talk to ghosts, and helps them on to the other side.
they were absolutely no flaws to this story. I am grateful I got to read this through netgallery.com cause I don’t think of anything else I would’ve preferred to do on this Sunday than reading this very well written paranormal mystery thriller. now i just have to worry how i’ll get sleep tonight …
This book takes you on a journey of Rylan Flynn and her gift to see and talk to ghosts that are stuck. She first just helps them to move on, but quickly into the story you feel she might be having private ghosts visiting her too. The story is mixed with romance parts as she’s having a long-time crush on the detective being on case of the murdered girls which ghosts she sees and tries to communicate with … A very good crime plot, I have to say.
Well done, Dawn!! Looking forward to more parts of Rylan Flyan!!
ps: i’m very open-minded about reading in different genres and then usually just stick to the ones I always read, so this was an adventure into a new genre and I have to say I absolutely loved reading this book. So if you ever thought of getting into reading a good mystery thriller, this book is a good choice.
RYLAN FLYNN can see ghosts. She is the host of a podcast Beyond the Dead Investigations. The police think she’s crazy.
A murder occurs and someone close to her is a suspect. She starts to investigate and won’t stop until she finds the killer. Even if it puts her in danger
This is my first time reading this author and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this story. It was fast paced and full of ghosts and intriguing characters that I really want to read more about. Hopefully there will be a little bit of romance in the future got Rylan and Ford.
Let me just say Stephanie Cannon has an arsenal of different voices OMG she even makes Ford sound hot! In this book at the beginning we meet Rylan and her friend Mickey there in an abandoned hospital getting footage for the YouTube channel called beyond the dead they get interrupted by Fraser the local police but when she comes out of the abandon hospital she sees Ford Pierce her brothers good friend and her longtime crush, he also chastise her for being in an abandoned building breaking the law and putting her self in danger. Duly noted her and Nikki make their way home the next day like all Fridays she goes to eat breakfast with her and Val usually her brother Keegan joins them but not on this day. While she’s waiting for breakfast to be ready she sees and feels a ghost nearby turning to look into the woods she glances a red T-shirt and a dark ponytail and gets up to follow it this is how she finds the dead body of Celeste Monroe she’s tied to a tree but Rylan can make out the name of a local band on her T-shirt. Aunt Val is beside herself she can’t believe a dead body and now a ghost is on her property soon Ford and Tyler show up and start their investigation and at first it looks like they’re going to blame and they’ll but after seeing her reaction to the girl and not knowing who she is they quickly demure but when another dead body is found on her property she’s going to get all of the blame. celeste was a new transplant from Toledo but the next victim is a hometown girl is there a Serial Killer loose in Rylynn’s Indiana community and when Rylan is targeted to be the next victim can Ford save her before it’s too late? Are usually am not into paranormal mysteries but this one got me from the summary and I am so glad I listen to it. If you like mysteries that cause heart palpitations and having you sitting on the edge of your seat the you’ll definitely love The Spirit Girls by Dawn Merryman. I hope all the books are narrated by Stephanie Cannon as she is so good and made the book so much better I always say an narrator can make a break a book and she certainly made this awesome I would’ve loved it hadn’t been a kindle book but the audio just gives it an edge and the narrator set the tone that heightens the suspense and OMG she is so good. I love this book and highly recommend it I received it from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
The Spirit Girls is book one in the Rylan Flynn paranormal mystery series, following our leading lady Rylan who can see the dead. Using her unique gifts, Rylan usually helps long lost souls - like little girls in cemeteries, or beloved family members, but never has one asked her to solve their murder. While on a visit to her aunt’s cabin, Rylan follows a spirit in the trees, leading the way to her body. Realising that she has stumbled upon a murder scene, the police are quickly called - bringing along Ford Pierce, handsome detective and Rylan's current crush. Rylan and her family quickly become suspects, but how can she explain how she found the body without telling her secret.
The writing style is engaging and creates a creepy atmosphere that adds to the tension of the story. Pacing is well-balanced, with moments of intense action and suspense alternating with quieter moments of introspection and brief character development, leaving plenty of material available for later stories. The Spirit Girls is a great opener for a paranormal series that will appeal to fans of murder and mystery with just a touch of romance. It is the perfect accompaniment to Ghost Whisperer, The Sixth Sense and Tru Calling.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture Audio, Second Sky & Dawn Merriman for an advanced copy to review. I read this as an audiobook and would highly recommend the narrator Stephanie Cannon.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #SecondSky for the copy of this book! Rylan Flynn sees ghosts. Not a psychic, she just as the gift of seeing ghosts as they present themselves to her. When a ghost in the woods of her aunt Val's property lures her into the woods, Rylan stumbles upon the body of the ghost, stuck to a tree. Turns out the victim is Celeste Monroe of Toledo, and she came to Rylan for help. A murder investigation ensues, and Rylan can't seem to steer clear of law enforcement. When another young girl is found murdered in the same location, Rylan turns to her gift to steer her in the direction that the officers and detectives cannot see.
I rated this 3 stars based off of the quick pace, lack of plot development - this had the potential to really build over the course of the book and it missed the mark. It was a very quick read, most likely because the plot failed to develop to its full extent. The character development was lacking as well. I feel as though there was so much opportunity and it failed to execute. I also feel like there wasn't a thrilling plot. I was expecting more paranormal interaction, as well as more juicy details in the murder investigation. I also felt as though it was a predictable ending. The twist didn't WOW me as much as I had hoped.
I was intrigued by the description of this book but did not fulfil its full potential for me. We meet Rylan Flynn who has always been able to communicate and see spirits - this hasn't led to the easiest of lives for her. The book alternates in first person POV from Rylan, Ford, Rylans aunt and brother plus the murderer. This does move the story along however the development of character was lacking for me. Rylan uses her gift to help stuck spirits to move on however has not tackled the lingering spirit of her murdered mother. She has her own Youtube channel detailing her investigations however not everyone believes that she can really see the dead - including the local police. Rylan becomes involved with a murder case when the spirit of the murdered girl finds her on her aunts back porch and leads her to her body. This gives Rylan a vested interest in finding justice for the murdered girl although her help is initially rebuffed by Ford her childhood crush now police detective. The pace of the story was about right and suspect that the characters will develop further in any future stories. It was an OK read but not quite enough to entice me to read any further. My thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for access to this ARC. All views are my own.
I really enjoy books that are police procedurals that have a fantasy element that takes place in contemporary times, or basically urban fantasy or paranormal mystery. I thought this was close to that and I was correct, even more than I thought. Rylan is a complex character, and she is, I think, fighting her own demons in more than one way. That wasn’t explored much, but there were signs which I hope is explored later. I loved the ghosts and the characters even if they didn’t occupy much of the story. The mystery wasn’t quite a surprise, and there isn’t much hunting for clues or a complex mystery, but this is really good anyway. I am really looking forward to more in this world, and I’m excited to find out more about Rylan’s past. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
This is a great start to a new series. If you like crime thrillers with a supernatural twist, then this book is for you. Rylan works as an investigator of supernatural occurrences and with Mickey filming her, has a successful online presence. She doesn’t expect to be pulled into a murder case when the dead victim beckons her into the woods to show her her body. Ford is investigating the murder and is a childhood friend of Rylan’s but she wishes it was more than just friendship. Rylan is warned to stay away from the murder investigation but she is determined to find the killer. I can’t wait to find out what’s in store next for Rylan. Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
4.0 This book was short and sweet. It has many elements that I love like, murder, mystery and the intrigue of the occult. This book follows our main character Rylan who has the gift of communicating with ghosts. Because of her paranormal talent Rylan, has made a YouTube channel that focuses on haunting s and ghosts alike. Then suddenly a spirit comes to her asking for help. Strange thing is though, spirits are not suppose to come to her, only she can go to them. This book had twist and turns and it was engaging all the way to the end. There is a little romance in the book but it doesn't hyper focus on it, which I appreciated, I love a good ole grumpy trope. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I got the opportunity to listen to this audiobook narrated by Stephanie Cannon. I thought she did a good job with the narration and the book was easy to listen to as she read.
Rylan Flynn has a gift that allows her to see and speak with spirits. She uses her gift to “ghost hunt” and solve mysteries.
When bodies are found in the woods near her Aunts cabin, Ryland works with the spirits to figure out what happened to them. Can Ryland and Detective Pierce work together to solve these crimes?
This is the first book in this young adult, paranormal series. There is a bit of romance and is a quick read as you delve into the mystery.
Thank you to author, Dawn Merriman, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this book. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
Girl sees ghost, lawyer brother is always embarrassed by her, crush on brother's best friend who just doesn't get it. Hm, where have I heard this before? This book is like Deja Vu but if the Deja Vu was worse than the actual incident. Was it a bad book? No. Was it a good book? Also no. The plot lines were fine and I think they could've had some potential if the author were willing to flesh anything out or elaborate on things further. The most annoying thing about this book was that it borrowed so many cliches that have been done a million times and then did absolutely nothing with them. Over all it was repetitive, boring, and just a bad knock off of its genre.
I'm willing to give it another book in the chance it gets better, but honestly, I'm not hopeful.
I quite liked the main character rylan , being able to communicate and see ghosts she is just the right amount of weird . It left me with a lot of unanswered questions which has left me wanting to read more about her adventures .
I quite liked the main character rylan , being able to communicate and see ghosts she is just the right amount of weird . It left me with a lot of unanswered questions which has left me wanting to read more about her adventures .