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Mary O’Reilly #6
Natural Reaction
The last few students climbed through windows, black smoke billowing out of them. The teacher turned to his student. “I’ll let you down first.”
“But Coach, whose going to help you?”
“Hey, you’re my best fielder, I expect to jump right into your arms,” he said. “Just promise not to whip me over to Smith for a double play.”
The young man, his face streaked with soot, grinned at his coach. “Yeah, Coach, I promise.”
He took the young man’s hands in a tight grip and slowly lowered him out the window. When he had extended his reach as far as he could, he let him go.
The student fell into the evergreen boughs, the prickly needles scraped his arms, but the branches kept him from hitting the ground. He rolled off the bushes and jumped up as fast as he could. He turned his eager face up to the window. “Okay, Coach,” he called.
The explosion violently blew the windows out of the building. Screaming students darted across the lawn, barely escaping the shards of glass raining down on them. All of the students except Stevo, who still stood below the gaping hole in the wall, oblivious to the blood running down his face and arms. “Coach, Coach,” he screamed. “I’m here, Coach. Coach, I’m here.”
Mary O’Reilly investigates the death of a beloved high school coach while she tries to overcome the repercussion of solving Jeannine’s murder.
“But Coach, whose going to help you?”
“Hey, you’re my best fielder, I expect to jump right into your arms,” he said. “Just promise not to whip me over to Smith for a double play.”
The young man, his face streaked with soot, grinned at his coach. “Yeah, Coach, I promise.”
He took the young man’s hands in a tight grip and slowly lowered him out the window. When he had extended his reach as far as he could, he let him go.
The student fell into the evergreen boughs, the prickly needles scraped his arms, but the branches kept him from hitting the ground. He rolled off the bushes and jumped up as fast as he could. He turned his eager face up to the window. “Okay, Coach,” he called.
The explosion violently blew the windows out of the building. Screaming students darted across the lawn, barely escaping the shards of glass raining down on them. All of the students except Stevo, who still stood below the gaping hole in the wall, oblivious to the blood running down his face and arms. “Coach, Coach,” he screamed. “I’m here, Coach. Coach, I’m here.”
Mary O’Reilly investigates the death of a beloved high school coach while she tries to overcome the repercussion of solving Jeannine’s murder.
308 pages, ebook
First published December 19, 2011
258 people are currently reading
434 people want to read
About the author
Terri Reid
105 books830 followersTerri Reid is the author of the Mary O’Reilly Paranormal Mysteries. An indie author, Reid uploaded her first book “Loose Ends” in August 2010. By the end of 2012, “Loose Ends” had sold over 82,000 copies and, as of the writing of this bio, was the number one bestselling book in Amazon’s ranking of Ghost Stories in the Book/Literature & Fiction/Genre Fiction/Horror/Ghosts section and the number two in the same area in the Kindle eBooks section. She has eight other books in the Mary O’Reilly Series and has enjoyed Top Rated and Hot New Release status for many of them in the Women Sleuths category through Amazon US. Her books have been translated into Spanish and Portuguese and are also now available through CreateSpace and Amazon in print versions. She is also working on an audiobook for “Loose Ends.”
Reid has been quoted in several books about the self-publishing industry, including “Let’s Get Digital” by David Gaughran and “Interviews with Indie Authors: Top Tips from Successful Self-Published Authors” by Claire and Tim Ridgway. She was also honored to have some of her works included in A. J. Abbiati’s book “The NORTAV Method for Writers—The Secrets to Constructing Prose Like the Pros.” She has also had the distinct privilege of guest blogging for Joe Konrath.
Reid is from Northwest Illinois, near the town of Freeport, the home of her fictional characters. Her background is in marketing and public relations. She is married, the mother of seven children, and the grandmother of twenty-three.
She has her grandchildren convinced that she talks to fairies and animals - and they talk back.
Reid has been quoted in several books about the self-publishing industry, including “Let’s Get Digital” by David Gaughran and “Interviews with Indie Authors: Top Tips from Successful Self-Published Authors” by Claire and Tim Ridgway. She was also honored to have some of her works included in A. J. Abbiati’s book “The NORTAV Method for Writers—The Secrets to Constructing Prose Like the Pros.” She has also had the distinct privilege of guest blogging for Joe Konrath.
Reid is from Northwest Illinois, near the town of Freeport, the home of her fictional characters. Her background is in marketing and public relations. She is married, the mother of seven children, and the grandmother of twenty-three.
She has her grandchildren convinced that she talks to fairies and animals - and they talk back.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
January 7, 2012
Overall I liked the entire series. The storyline was interesting and I liked the characters. I mean, I read the entire series in a week, so she definitely did something right. The only thing I disliked was that I felt like Reid used "he/she poured all his/her love into the kiss" and crushing their lips together way too much. I get it...they're in love and they can hardly keep their hands off each other, but I honestly don't think crushing lips is terribly romantic. I winced thinking "huh, that's gotta be painful..." nearly every time it was said. I'd give the series a solid 3 stars - good enough that I read them pretty quickly and enjoyed each and good enough that I'd recommend them to certain friends who wanted a fast and entertaining read.
November 30, 2016
Arrrghhh, I shouldn't have done it. So many things irked me in this book. The author has absolutely no idea how someone from Scotland talks; Ian's conversations were ridiculous. And now everyone sees ghosts - Mary, Ian, Bradley and even the little girl next door (who I suspect is Bradley's daughter). The author made Rosie so stupid this time - it was maddening. Everyone is scared for her welfare because a killer is after her and what do they do... they run off and leave her alone in the house. WTF? And if Bradley "crushes" Mary's lips one more time, I'm going to barf. Once again, only the gang can figure out that the fire was behind the victim, but his body was blasted from the side... really? wouldn't the coroner have noticed that? The motive for the killing is pretty weak, too... I don't buy it. I think the author needs to learn more about crime so she can write something that makes sense and isn't just convenient to the story. And please, don't add anymore characters that idolize Mary... the characters are all so cloying and sweet... This is definitely my last installment.
June 13, 2018
Another very good entry to the Mary O'Reilly Paranormal series, though it continued to have the unfortunate tendency to miss commas throughout. The next one is waiting in the wings.
July 5, 2014
As in so many books that are part of a series, there comes a point that it becomes a chore to read them. That was the case for this book. I really loved the first few and was excited to find a series to read for the summer. Actually, it became tiresome in #5. I get it, all the men love Mary and want to protect her. How original. In this book, there was no mystery at all. The character of Rosie now became an idiot. How many times is Ian going to profess his love for Rosie because of her baking. We get it, she's bakes great cinnamon rolls. And at the end, I could have sworn I was watching an episode of the Ghost whisperer. Writing a book is something I cannot do and understand how complex it is. But, at some point an author has to understand that readers want more than crap. If you can't properly develop characters, if you feel by introducing more characters will help the plot, if the mysteries all become the same, then maybe you need to retire the series and begin something new and stop turning out the same book over and over again just to make a buck.
February 12, 2012
I have been a fan since the very first Mary O'Reilly book I read. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy this with the same characters and their interactions, but where the other books had more of a finely honed edge to them, and more of a twist and mystery, this was very predictable and a very easy read.
I like an easy read sometimes, but I had begun to expect a higher quality to Ms. Reid's writings, and while this did me good to get over the craving for more of the story, it kinds of left me with a very dissatisfied feeling. Of course the other books made me wish for more right then and there too...but I was content to wait for the next installment. This kind of felt Mary O'Reilly Light. (Kind of funny too when there was a lot that went on...but still, it was just too predictable). I guess I like my ghosts a little more mysterious and layered.
At any rate...it was a good read and I look forward to the next installment to see where she takes us next.
I like an easy read sometimes, but I had begun to expect a higher quality to Ms. Reid's writings, and while this did me good to get over the craving for more of the story, it kinds of left me with a very dissatisfied feeling. Of course the other books made me wish for more right then and there too...but I was content to wait for the next installment. This kind of felt Mary O'Reilly Light. (Kind of funny too when there was a lot that went on...but still, it was just too predictable). I guess I like my ghosts a little more mysterious and layered.
At any rate...it was a good read and I look forward to the next installment to see where she takes us next.
November 23, 2013
Fun, enjoyable read like the others, but I was annoyed by some things. The mystery was predictable, which I don't mind too much, but where she takes the overall story at the end of the book is very obvious, and annoyingly convenient. I also don't understand why the love story has to be so corny and over the top.
April 24, 2016
I started off really liking this series. Now, I feel like I'm reading the lines to a sit-com, but one that isn't even funny. The characters are like sweet plastic that I'm chewing on, and all I want to do with them is spit them out.
July 11, 2014
Cant stop reading these books get swept into the story.
May 28, 2021
"Natural Reaction", book six in the Mary O'Reilly series, clearly shows both the strengths and weaknesses of the series. When it comes to emotion Terri Reid is a great writer, but the plotting continues to disappoint - essentially, reviewing the series so far, all cops are always completely incompetent, so Mary and her ghostly crew can solve very solvable mysteries.
After personally experiencing Jeannine's ordeal (it's a rather complicated hypnotism/inhabiting Jeannine's body during the being held hostage and giving birth experience) Mary has PTSD big time.
So, what better to get her back up and running than solving a 40 years old mystery involving a school science lab, a disastrous lesson, and a death. Which is all fine until it turns out that someone else solved it way back then - and those crappy cops just glossed over it.
The search for the daughter Jeannine gave birth to continues, while Mary worries whether she can have children of her own (post-operative "things may not be working down there").
And, it is surprising after six books that there has been absolutely no character development - Mary and Bradley are still in the kissing passionately at every opportunity phase of their relationship.
The ending (the very end) is a shocker but there is no way of knowing whether it is true.
When you are writing fiction you are free to give your imagination free rein but, when the highly unlikely, improbable and, sometimes, impossible happens time after time, it's a little bit strange to put it down to an invisible force (God) pulling the strings and manipulating the outcome. It kind of argues that you have free will to do what is in the script but not to move outside it - this is the stuff of theological nightmare :)
One more book, just because I want to see how it plays out.
P.S. What the hell is it with the covers, they are genuinely dreadful. I understand that Terri Reid is an independent author but the Internet is full of non-copyright images she could have used.
After personally experiencing Jeannine's ordeal (it's a rather complicated hypnotism/inhabiting Jeannine's body during the being held hostage and giving birth experience) Mary has PTSD big time.
So, what better to get her back up and running than solving a 40 years old mystery involving a school science lab, a disastrous lesson, and a death. Which is all fine until it turns out that someone else solved it way back then - and those crappy cops just glossed over it.
The search for the daughter Jeannine gave birth to continues, while Mary worries whether she can have children of her own (post-operative "things may not be working down there").
And, it is surprising after six books that there has been absolutely no character development - Mary and Bradley are still in the kissing passionately at every opportunity phase of their relationship.
The ending (the very end) is a shocker but there is no way of knowing whether it is true.
When you are writing fiction you are free to give your imagination free rein but, when the highly unlikely, improbable and, sometimes, impossible happens time after time, it's a little bit strange to put it down to an invisible force (God) pulling the strings and manipulating the outcome. It kind of argues that you have free will to do what is in the script but not to move outside it - this is the stuff of theological nightmare :)
One more book, just because I want to see how it plays out.
P.S. What the hell is it with the covers, they are genuinely dreadful. I understand that Terri Reid is an independent author but the Internet is full of non-copyright images she could have used.
September 3, 2017
I LOVE this series. In all honesty, I have suffered for years from clinical depression, and was suffering from a very serious downturn. This series helped get me through. The friendship, the camaraderie, the family, the love and laughter, helped tremendously. It was extremely helpful in getting me to that turning point back to me.
I laughed till my belly hurt, then cried until I couldn't see the words. I felt anger and betrayal for those whose journey was suspended. I found redemption, grace, and, most of all, hope. I loved the ghosts/spirits (except for those malevolent ones), the mortals, the story lines and resolutions. I loved the lessons these stories conveyed, and the poignancy with which they were told.
I have several favorite characters, Mary and Bradley (and, by extension, Clarissa), being the foundation. Ian is someone I want to meet, and get to know, and just listen to him talk. Hopefully, he wears the black shirt (but don't tell Gillian I said that...it's strictly platonic, I swear). Mike. Dear Mike. I cried so hard for him for some reason, especially the role he was given. It was a sweetness that I didn't even know i was craving. I love Mike. I want Mike on my side. Always. Rosie & Stanley, such a opposites-attract couple, yet full of love. The O'Reilly clan. Can I move in with them?? Or maybe just visit Ireland with Sean??
I suspended all other reading until I got through the entire series, and feel as though these characters are my friends and family. Please, please, please, give me more!
Note: I would love to give this series 4 1/2 stars, or even 5, but the grammatical and punctuation errors just don't cut it for me. Miss Terri, your writing is superb. Let it be polished until it glows. Let me be your proofreader (beta reader?).
I laughed till my belly hurt, then cried until I couldn't see the words. I felt anger and betrayal for those whose journey was suspended. I found redemption, grace, and, most of all, hope. I loved the ghosts/spirits (except for those malevolent ones), the mortals, the story lines and resolutions. I loved the lessons these stories conveyed, and the poignancy with which they were told.
I have several favorite characters, Mary and Bradley (and, by extension, Clarissa), being the foundation. Ian is someone I want to meet, and get to know, and just listen to him talk. Hopefully, he wears the black shirt (but don't tell Gillian I said that...it's strictly platonic, I swear). Mike. Dear Mike. I cried so hard for him for some reason, especially the role he was given. It was a sweetness that I didn't even know i was craving. I love Mike. I want Mike on my side. Always. Rosie & Stanley, such a opposites-attract couple, yet full of love. The O'Reilly clan. Can I move in with them?? Or maybe just visit Ireland with Sean??
I suspended all other reading until I got through the entire series, and feel as though these characters are my friends and family. Please, please, please, give me more!
Note: I would love to give this series 4 1/2 stars, or even 5, but the grammatical and punctuation errors just don't cut it for me. Miss Terri, your writing is superb. Let it be polished until it glows. Let me be your proofreader (beta reader?).
February 5, 2022
2.5⭐️After many years, I decided to catch up on books and series that have fallen into a deep hole, otherwise known as my Kindle—series such as this one. The book is an easy read, and it didn’t take long to catch up. I still love the protagonist, Mary O'Reilly, who sees and talks to ghosts; she helps them resolve whatever issues that keep them tethered here, thus enabling them to move on.
The other main character is the adorable Police Chief Bradley Alden who has a heart of gold and is Mary’s love interest. Further, the shenanigans of the recurring secondary characters, active seniors, Stanley and Rosie, still make me laugh-out-loud. Fireman Mike, a ghost who refuses to leave this earth’s plane and pops up at Mary’s house whenever he wants, is a real hoot.
In this book, a Chemistry teacher was killed by a lab explosion 40 years ago, but his ghost still remains at the lab. Why? That’s the mystery Mary feels compelled to solve. In addition, Mary is suffering from PTSD as a result of events that occurred in the previous book. Will Mary and Bradley take their relationship further, or will her fear keep her from advancing it? Will Stanley and Rosie continue to pretend they’re beginning to have feelings for each other? The mystery is captivating and the rest is gravy.
All told, this story is definitely intriguing and engaging. The humorous, whimsical moments make the book that much more entertaining. What was not so enjoyable for me were the numerous grammatical and proofing errors throughout the book. As a consequence, my rating reflects that frustration.
The other main character is the adorable Police Chief Bradley Alden who has a heart of gold and is Mary’s love interest. Further, the shenanigans of the recurring secondary characters, active seniors, Stanley and Rosie, still make me laugh-out-loud. Fireman Mike, a ghost who refuses to leave this earth’s plane and pops up at Mary’s house whenever he wants, is a real hoot.
In this book, a Chemistry teacher was killed by a lab explosion 40 years ago, but his ghost still remains at the lab. Why? That’s the mystery Mary feels compelled to solve. In addition, Mary is suffering from PTSD as a result of events that occurred in the previous book. Will Mary and Bradley take their relationship further, or will her fear keep her from advancing it? Will Stanley and Rosie continue to pretend they’re beginning to have feelings for each other? The mystery is captivating and the rest is gravy.
All told, this story is definitely intriguing and engaging. The humorous, whimsical moments make the book that much more entertaining. What was not so enjoyable for me were the numerous grammatical and proofing errors throughout the book. As a consequence, my rating reflects that frustration.
April 18, 2018
There seems to be a time in every series where the magic seems to wane a bit. After the emotions of book four I was unsure if I wanted to keep going. Book 5 was a bit deep and with Ian taking the center stage in that investigation the book was fine but lacked the heart that the earlier books did. Even though I already had Natural Reaction book 6 on my Kindle I read some of the reviews. Ok big mistake on my part. The "crushing kiss" gets mentioned in several reviewers. It personally didn't bother me. I have found several of the writers I like to read put imagery in their books that they use over and over again. If you are old enough to remember the Hirshfeld doodles where he would hide the word Nina in his drawings, that is what these repeated images seem like to me.
Back to Natural Reaction. I liked it. It had some drama but not in a bad way.
What I like: still no love triangle. The cast of characters is still larger than I would like. It is a fun fast read. The romance is pretty slow burn. Which works for me.
Dislike: the villains. In this book Rosie does the same thing Bradley did in a previous book and faced the same result. That the result was a surprise really should have been expected.
Back to Natural Reaction. I liked it. It had some drama but not in a bad way.
What I like: still no love triangle. The cast of characters is still larger than I would like. It is a fun fast read. The romance is pretty slow burn. Which works for me.
Dislike: the villains. In this book Rosie does the same thing Bradley did in a previous book and faced the same result. That the result was a surprise really should have been expected.
March 6, 2019
It was good and all the characters loved, well except for the bad guys. Rosie acted a little dense in this one didn't like that. The kids were great I thought I knew who Bradley's daughter was but not now that would make it to easy. Love Mike and Ian, but Ian has to stop saying he wants to marry Rosie getting old fast so is crushing his lips to her, Mary's and Bradley's lips must be pretty bruised another thing that's getting old it's in each book, enough please. I never want Mike to leave ever or Ian, Bradley needs to man up a little, he seems kinda week in the books were Mike comes off as being so Alpha, Ian needs his woman with him because he's getting to friendly with Mary. Still a good book except for the little pet peeves I've mentioned.
February 1, 2021
Mary is trying to heal and decides to take it Easy, She is suffering through PTSD, and flashbacks. Ian and Bradley are trying to help her. Now we get to meet Andy's little sister more Maggie, who may be Bradleys daughter because what a coincidence a 8 year old girl. Mary decides to help out her Doctors dad, also known as the old Chemistry teacher, Coach. Luckily Mary discovers it is a murder, and Rosie is put in danger, which definitely had my heart pumping. Have to say I stayed up l late finishing this book it was so suspenseful, and curious, and makes you wonder if Maggie is Bradleys daughter. I do say I love Ian he puts a nice spin to the characters, I hope we get to meet his finance soon.
Other than that it was a page turner.
Other than that it was a page turner.
February 13, 2017
Mary O’Reilly needs some downtime after her last harrowing case. So Ian, Rosie and Stanley suggest that they try to help Coach Thorne to pass thru the light after 40 years of haunting the local high school.
Coach Thorne died in a high school chemistry lab. Was it a lab experiment gone wrong, as asserted by the President/CEO Ephraim Brandlocker, the supplier of the chemicals?
Or, was it murder as claimed by a fellow teacher?
A light-hearted mystery with ghosts sharing their problems with Mary. The romance between Mary and Bradley is back on now that Bradley has been able to arrest the murderer of his wife, and has put her to rest. An enjoyable read to escape the cares of the day.
50
Coach Thorne died in a high school chemistry lab. Was it a lab experiment gone wrong, as asserted by the President/CEO Ephraim Brandlocker, the supplier of the chemicals?
Or, was it murder as claimed by a fellow teacher?
A light-hearted mystery with ghosts sharing their problems with Mary. The romance between Mary and Bradley is back on now that Bradley has been able to arrest the murderer of his wife, and has put her to rest. An enjoyable read to escape the cares of the day.
50
July 29, 2017
Natural Reaction
Wow!! I did not see that ending coming! Fantastic story and amazing characters. This series is quickly becoming one of my favorite paranormal mysteries. I love the relationship between the characters, especially Rosie and Stanley. They are just so cute!! Andy reminds me of my oldest nephew. The little stinker. LOL I highly recommend this series to mystery lovers.
Wow!! I did not see that ending coming! Fantastic story and amazing characters. This series is quickly becoming one of my favorite paranormal mysteries. I love the relationship between the characters, especially Rosie and Stanley. They are just so cute!! Andy reminds me of my oldest nephew. The little stinker. LOL I highly recommend this series to mystery lovers.
May 7, 2018
Very good mystery
The mystery is written very well but it is sad and kind of heart wrenching. More of Bradley former life becomes clear while other parts could possibly have a big impact on others close to Mary. Addictive series for sure because I keep reading the book's back to back just taking breaks to eat.
The mystery is written very well but it is sad and kind of heart wrenching. More of Bradley former life becomes clear while other parts could possibly have a big impact on others close to Mary. Addictive series for sure because I keep reading the book's back to back just taking breaks to eat.
April 20, 2018
Though all of these stories seem to be similar, they are all different and hit on a lot of different points of view of different types of murders/murderers. You definitely will not be able to put these stories down!!
July 31, 2018
Another fun Mary O’Reilly tale
Terri Reid really knows how to write a cozy mystery. Great lead characters that are easy to admire, and grow close to, a clever story arc, and a few nice surprises along the way.
Terri Reid really knows how to write a cozy mystery. Great lead characters that are easy to admire, and grow close to, a clever story arc, and a few nice surprises along the way.
November 19, 2018
This is such a "fun read," type of series! Great characters, great plots, a win win all the way! Love the LoL humor, the mystery and suspensg along with a ghostly twist intertwined in each book! I've had such a blast reading each one, can't wait for the next three on the way from Amazon!
June 4, 2019
Great story
Love it. A little obvious with the introduction of a new character& what is coming but very good. Face paced, well thought out plot. Nice to see Rosie involved in more than just cooking.
Love it. A little obvious with the introduction of a new character& what is coming but very good. Face paced, well thought out plot. Nice to see Rosie involved in more than just cooking.
February 24, 2024
Wow
This is a very touching story. It was full of mystery, bit so heartfelt, tears came to my eyes several times. Believe it's my favorite thus far. Thank you for the entertainment, & for causing Mr to blow my book budget for the month. 😋
This is a very touching story. It was full of mystery, bit so heartfelt, tears came to my eyes several times. Believe it's my favorite thus far. Thank you for the entertainment, & for causing Mr to blow my book budget for the month. 😋
February 3, 2017
Loved it
These books just seem to get better with every book as the series goes on. I can't wait for the next one so I guess I'll go and just do that.
These books just seem to get better with every book as the series goes on. I can't wait for the next one so I guess I'll go and just do that.
October 28, 2017
Very good series. Highly recommended this for any who enjoy cozy mysteries with a touch of paranormal.
March 6, 2018
Mary has a most unusual life!
Marys adventures are so unusual! She keeps me reading! Big happenings in this book. Rosie, Marys friend, gets an adventure in this one. Good book!
Marys adventures are so unusual! She keeps me reading! Big happenings in this book. Rosie, Marys friend, gets an adventure in this one. Good book!
March 31, 2019
I love this series....cannot stop reading
September 10, 2019
Good book
October 27, 2019
The story is good and a bit goofy with a little more smaltz than I generally care for but the plots are fun and the characters are okay, if maybe a bit too squeeky clean.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2019
I Knew It!
Can’t say anymore. You have to read the series and see what the excitement is all about. Absolutely love it!
Can’t say anymore. You have to read the series and see what the excitement is all about. Absolutely love it!
January 27, 2020
Fantastic book
Love love love this series. This is my 3rd time reading the series. Yes it is that good! A must read
Love love love this series. This is my 3rd time reading the series. Yes it is that good! A must read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews