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Ghost Hunter Mystery #7
What a Ghoul Wants
M. J. Holliday has the unusual ability to talk to the dead. But when it comes to a vengeful ghost and a mysterious drowning, this time she may be in over her head….
THAT SINKING FEELING
Kidwella Castle in northern Wales is rumored to be haunted by a deadly ghost—the Grim Widow, who allegedly drowns unsuspecting guests in the castle’s moat. Not long after M. J. and her crew arrive at the castle to film their ghost-hunting cable TV show, Ghoul Getters, two new victims are added to the Widow’s grisly roster.
Fear ripples through the castle, especially when it’s discovered that the victims may have had help into their watery graves from the land of the living. The local inspector suspects father-son serial killers, but M. J. thinks that theory is all wet. To catch the true culprit she will need to dive deep into the castle’s past and bring some long buried secrets to the surface.
THAT SINKING FEELING
Kidwella Castle in northern Wales is rumored to be haunted by a deadly ghost—the Grim Widow, who allegedly drowns unsuspecting guests in the castle’s moat. Not long after M. J. and her crew arrive at the castle to film their ghost-hunting cable TV show, Ghoul Getters, two new victims are added to the Widow’s grisly roster.
Fear ripples through the castle, especially when it’s discovered that the victims may have had help into their watery graves from the land of the living. The local inspector suspects father-son serial killers, but M. J. thinks that theory is all wet. To catch the true culprit she will need to dive deep into the castle’s past and bring some long buried secrets to the surface.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 24, 2012
58 people are currently reading
1540 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Laurie
47 books3,175 followersVictoria Laurie is the New York Times bestselling author of 32 books and counting. Over the past 16 years Victoria has created several series and a few stand-alone novels. Her mystery series include: The Psychic Eye Mysteries, The Life Coach Mysteries, and The Ghost Hunter Mysteries. She's also the author of two YA books, When and Forever Again, as well as a middle-grade series called The Oracles of Delphi Keep.
Currently, Victoria is working on the 17th book in both the Psychic Eye Mysteries and the 3rd book in the Life Coach Mysteries, along with also working to produce a brand NEW series called Spellbound set for release winter/spring 2020.
Victoria loves to connect with her fans, and you can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Victo...
Currently, Victoria is working on the 17th book in both the Psychic Eye Mysteries and the 3rd book in the Life Coach Mysteries, along with also working to produce a brand NEW series called Spellbound set for release winter/spring 2020.
Victoria loves to connect with her fans, and you can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Victo...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
December 30, 2012
Eh, it was a Victoria Laurie book, so I wasn't expecting to be wowed. I have to say, this series has come a long way from the first book or two. Remember the days when M.J. was dating Dr. Steven, who had the linguistic skills of a slow rabbit on meth? JFC, that was rough. Still, the premise was decent and this book certainly had potential.
The setting wasn't bad, although I kept getting it confused with every.other.fucking.place the cast has been. It's like the only setting Laurie feels comfortable with is some random Scottish/British/Irish/Welsh haunted castle. At least the New Mexico of the last book was a departure. Aren't there ghosts anywhere else in the world, Victoria?
Another issue I have is the "ZOMG GAYYYYYYYYZZ" angle that Laurie keeps throwing in. Gilley's gay. We get it. We're cool with it. Victoria, you don't have to keep "proving" how awesomely hip and tolerant you are by talking about it all the time or throwing in a bunch of random gay guys. I can just see her at her computer, dreaming up hot pink boas and tranny heels to parade Gilley around in, thus "shocking" the audience and simultaneously showing how cool and open-minded she is.
Along the same lines, Victoria, can you PLEASE stop stereotyping all the gay men? They're not all fairies and queens. They're not all staring at other men's asses (if I read about Gilley doing this one more time, I will cutabitch for real). They're not all sexpots (seriously, the straight characters are all monogamous, but in this book, Michel was screwing Franco, who was caught kissing a married man--and that went nowhere--and then Michel jumped on Gilley). TBH, I'd like it better if M.J. was the skank and Gilley had a longstanding boyfriend, maybe Heath.
it's just very aggravating that M.J. is a serial monogamist, and that's A-Okay, but Gilley is a whore simply because of his sexuality. No me gusta.
The plot development issues need to be resolved by the next book, though. In this one, there were far too many characters, so it was really difficult keeping everyone straight. Ironically, despite the plethora of characters, I knew immediately who the murderers were (Arthur was just too "old man sweet" and as soon as Mary was described as "spry for her age," I knew she was involved. Yawn).
I was also disappointed that Laurie seemed to be going towards a domestic abuse-haunting angle and just totally sailed past it. The fact that the husbands who were killed were wife-beaters and one of the ghosts was an abused wife could have really had potential. Instead of the crazy Widow ghost (or with that one), Lady Catherine could have been more involved in the haunting and possibly the murders. It was weird that she drew that parallel and then dropped it.
Otherwise, it wasn't terrible and was a somewhat typical beach read.
The setting wasn't bad, although I kept getting it confused with every.other.fucking.place the cast has been. It's like the only setting Laurie feels comfortable with is some random Scottish/British/Irish/Welsh haunted castle. At least the New Mexico of the last book was a departure. Aren't there ghosts anywhere else in the world, Victoria?
Another issue I have is the "ZOMG GAYYYYYYYYZZ" angle that Laurie keeps throwing in. Gilley's gay. We get it. We're cool with it. Victoria, you don't have to keep "proving" how awesomely hip and tolerant you are by talking about it all the time or throwing in a bunch of random gay guys. I can just see her at her computer, dreaming up hot pink boas and tranny heels to parade Gilley around in, thus "shocking" the audience and simultaneously showing how cool and open-minded she is.
Along the same lines, Victoria, can you PLEASE stop stereotyping all the gay men? They're not all fairies and queens. They're not all staring at other men's asses (if I read about Gilley doing this one more time, I will cutabitch for real). They're not all sexpots (seriously, the straight characters are all monogamous, but in this book, Michel was screwing Franco, who was caught kissing a married man--and that went nowhere--and then Michel jumped on Gilley). TBH, I'd like it better if M.J. was the skank and Gilley had a longstanding boyfriend, maybe Heath.
it's just very aggravating that M.J. is a serial monogamist, and that's A-Okay, but Gilley is a whore simply because of his sexuality. No me gusta.
The plot development issues need to be resolved by the next book, though. In this one, there were far too many characters, so it was really difficult keeping everyone straight. Ironically, despite the plethora of characters, I knew immediately who the murderers were (Arthur was just too "old man sweet" and as soon as Mary was described as "spry for her age," I knew she was involved. Yawn).
I was also disappointed that Laurie seemed to be going towards a domestic abuse-haunting angle and just totally sailed past it. The fact that the husbands who were killed were wife-beaters and one of the ghosts was an abused wife could have really had potential. Instead of the crazy Widow ghost (or with that one), Lady Catherine could have been more involved in the haunting and possibly the murders. It was weird that she drew that parallel and then dropped it.
Otherwise, it wasn't terrible and was a somewhat typical beach read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2013
These books are like crack to me; and now I have to wait until next year for my next hit? *melodramatic whimper*
Update (august 11, 2012): OMG it has a cover! ... and the cover is hideous. Hmm well. ok.
Update 2 (august 16, 2012): 5 likes! Next up, WORLD DOMINATION!
Update 3 (september 7, 2012): 7 likes! Feeling the mounting pressure to write something witty so more people will like my 'review'. In other news, they moved up the release date, and it looks like we'll have the book a few days earlier!
**
January, 2013: Well, now that I've read it... I gotta tell ya, I'm very, very disappointed. Oh well, maybe next time. (because there WILL be a next one, right??)
By the way, I see that this book tops the 'Unintentionally Hilarious' list. Unfortunately, this is exactly where it belongs.
Update (august 11, 2012): OMG it has a cover! ... and the cover is hideous. Hmm well. ok.
Update 2 (august 16, 2012): 5 likes! Next up, WORLD DOMINATION!
Update 3 (september 7, 2012): 7 likes! Feeling the mounting pressure to write something witty so more people will like my 'review'. In other news, they moved up the release date, and it looks like we'll have the book a few days earlier!
**
January, 2013: Well, now that I've read it... I gotta tell ya, I'm very, very disappointed. Oh well, maybe next time. (because there WILL be a next one, right??)
By the way, I see that this book tops the 'Unintentionally Hilarious' list. Unfortunately, this is exactly where it belongs.
August 30, 2019
3.75 stars rounded up
I know that the last book had horrible demons, but this also felt quite sinister, with the Widow imprisoning souls of dead people. I'm happy that the team stays solid -- even if I want to kick the network executive because all he sees is MONEY -- and Gil even had a possible new love in the horizon.
I know that the last book had horrible demons, but this also felt quite sinister, with the Widow imprisoning souls of dead people. I'm happy that the team stays solid -- even if I want to kick the network executive because all he sees is MONEY -- and Gil even had a possible new love in the horizon.
September 6, 2013
I've loved this series from the very beginning, and they're usually a favorite fast read, but the last couple of books just haven't done it for me. It took a while for me to get around to buying this and even longer to read it. Even then I only read a few chapters, and then forgot about it. The cast is becoming grating, as is the tone of the dialogue. It's starting to sound a bit sitcom-ish, and it distracts from the story. The story this time around felt a bit weak and convoluted. The word "insipid" comes to mind. I feel like the connection between the characters isn't there, and that even they are starting to get irritated with each other. I realize it's hard to fully flesh out an entire cast of characters, but even the main characters don't feel as three-dimensional. Recently, Heath seems like he's just there for a bit of beefcake boyfriend while everyone else flies off the handle and MJ searches for a nap. I'm starting to not like anyone in the series but Sam Whitefeather. Wasn't my favorite in the series, but I'm not ready to give the whole thing up.
November 27, 2013
If I read the word "Buddy" or "Dude" again in this book, I'm going to rip the page.
UPDATE:
So I finally finished it. It is a disaster, Victoria should end this series, it is getting ridiculous. The way she portrays "Gilley" a flamboyant gay man, is offensive to the Gay community. Somehow her idea of Gay men are five year olds with constant temper tantrums.
As for the other characters, somehow she wants us to believe that they all happen to be extremely dumb and waiting on her directions for everything, big or small.
The constant repetition of the same dialogue between M.J and heath, :"This is dangerous, are you sure you want to do that?" "I know it is very dangerous, but I have to do it, I have to save the poor souls." "But this is suicide." etc. etc. etc. over and over and over, in every chapter............made me want to scream, "WE GET IT, IT IS DANGEROUS, YOU GOT THE POINT THROUGH NOW MOVE ON!!!".
And finally the language, " No, Buddy...Hey dude.... wait Buster" etc... etc... is very very very annoying and juvenile.
UPDATE:
So I finally finished it. It is a disaster, Victoria should end this series, it is getting ridiculous. The way she portrays "Gilley" a flamboyant gay man, is offensive to the Gay community. Somehow her idea of Gay men are five year olds with constant temper tantrums.
As for the other characters, somehow she wants us to believe that they all happen to be extremely dumb and waiting on her directions for everything, big or small.
The constant repetition of the same dialogue between M.J and heath, :"This is dangerous, are you sure you want to do that?" "I know it is very dangerous, but I have to do it, I have to save the poor souls." "But this is suicide." etc. etc. etc. over and over and over, in every chapter............made me want to scream, "WE GET IT, IT IS DANGEROUS, YOU GOT THE POINT THROUGH NOW MOVE ON!!!".
And finally the language, " No, Buddy...Hey dude.... wait Buster" etc... etc... is very very very annoying and juvenile.
April 11, 2013
I really enjoy Victoria Laurie's books, especially the ghost hunter series. This one disappointed me. I was so turned off by Gilley's antics that I found myself flipping past pages and pages of his tantrums. For everyone's sake, send him home. Also wondered why there was a need to put Heath out of commission for awhile, just like in the last book. His role is largely for ogling his masculine goodness and some heavy petting The cameraman has a larger role in the book than Heath does; whether it's foreshadowing for later books or just laziness, I couldn't tell you. Mostly I'm disappointed by MJ's decreasing moxie. In the first book she wasn't afraid to push a ghost around to get it back in its portal; not so much in this last book. Just like in the Psychic Eye books, the paranormal quirks are being pushed to the back burner in favor of good old fashioned detective work with a lot of whining. And that's not why I read these books.
December 20, 2024
Re-read December 2024:
I actually loved this one upon my re-read, but I can see why I had so many issues with it originally.
Original review January 2013:
I have mixed feelings about this book. I sped through the entire series last month so this was the only one I've had to wait for so far, and I was really excited to read it.
On the one hand, I loved being back with this series. I'm not sure why I am loving this series so much but I really am!
On the other hand, this was probably the weakest book so far.
I brought up a lot of annoyances in my review of the last book, and unfortunately those kept going in this book. Gilley is still obnoxious (though I will say he was toned down a bit in this one) and the continuation of "This is the worst ghost we've EVER fought!" was still rampant. Look, this has got to stop. It's already downright ridiculous that
One other thing that was bothering me during this book is that M.J.'s awful family life has been alluded to heavily in the past but never fully explained. The back of this book featured a snippet of the next book and it looks like we are FINALLY going to get a glimpse of M.J.'s dad, so I'm excited about that. I am not, however, excited that Steven will be making an appearance. Blech.
I can't believe I now have to wait a year for the next book. Even with its faults, this series is so much fun and I can't wait for the next one.
I actually loved this one upon my re-read, but I can see why I had so many issues with it originally.
Original review January 2013:
I have mixed feelings about this book. I sped through the entire series last month so this was the only one I've had to wait for so far, and I was really excited to read it.
On the one hand, I loved being back with this series. I'm not sure why I am loving this series so much but I really am!
On the other hand, this was probably the weakest book so far.
I brought up a lot of annoyances in my review of the last book, and unfortunately those kept going in this book. Gilley is still obnoxious (though I will say he was toned down a bit in this one) and the continuation of "This is the worst ghost we've EVER fought!" was still rampant. Look, this has got to stop. It's already downright ridiculous that
One other thing that was bothering me during this book is that M.J.'s awful family life has been alluded to heavily in the past but never fully explained. The back of this book featured a snippet of the next book and it looks like we are FINALLY going to get a glimpse of M.J.'s dad, so I'm excited about that. I am not, however, excited that Steven will be making an appearance. Blech.
I can't believe I now have to wait a year for the next book. Even with its faults, this series is so much fun and I can't wait for the next one.
November 10, 2014
This book takes M.J., Gilley, Heath and their team of ghost busters to Kidwella Castle in northern Wales where a deadly ghost known as the Grim Widow is attributed to many deaths. Most have been drowned in the moat. She keeps them prisoner and they have been unable to move on.
While they are there filming for the TV show, several deaths occur but M.J. is thinking that not all of them can be triggered to the Grim Widow. Fast paced and full of spooky happenings and some romance thrown in makes this a fun read.
While they are there filming for the TV show, several deaths occur but M.J. is thinking that not all of them can be triggered to the Grim Widow. Fast paced and full of spooky happenings and some romance thrown in makes this a fun read.
April 19, 2018
This book has become my new favorite Ghost Hunter book!
I can’t say too much because it’s part of a series, but let me try! Lol
The overall mystery of this book was wonderful and very creepy. There were moments when I actually had happy/creepy chills!! The evil ghost had a fantastic backstory that made me so invested in the plot (and freaked me out lol). The twists were wonderful! I couldn’t solve the mystery. It kept me guessing till the end! I was just very impressed.
It’s a solid mystery, with incredible creepy moments and the same cast that you love. The additional characters in this book were amazing as well.
5 stars! Definitely worth your time. I read this for #OurLostLibrary Lost-A-Thon :)
I can’t say too much because it’s part of a series, but let me try! Lol
The overall mystery of this book was wonderful and very creepy. There were moments when I actually had happy/creepy chills!! The evil ghost had a fantastic backstory that made me so invested in the plot (and freaked me out lol). The twists were wonderful! I couldn’t solve the mystery. It kept me guessing till the end! I was just very impressed.
It’s a solid mystery, with incredible creepy moments and the same cast that you love. The additional characters in this book were amazing as well.
5 stars! Definitely worth your time. I read this for #OurLostLibrary Lost-A-Thon :)
June 26, 2023
I think this is the best entry in the series. Gilley is still annoying -- and I don't get why MJ doesn't have a serious talk with him about how juvenile and over the top is constantly is. I liked the location of this one -- a stately castle with a moat. And the outcome -- who the killer was and why was well done.
October 14, 2020
This was a good one; a bit better than the previous couple of books.
December 29, 2012
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi
*Beware of possible Spoilers*
What a Ghoul Wants is the seventh installment of Victoria Laurie’s fun series about a group of ghost hunters that go from location to location filming for their TV show, Ghoul Getters. While looking for spooks, they stumble upon various mysteries begging to be solved. Its Ghost Hunters meets Sherlock Holmes; an interesting concept for a series of books that I just couldn’t resist!
In this installment, M.J., Heath, and company have traveled to Wales to investigate Kidwellah Castle, known to be haunted by the Grim Widow, who drowns people in the castle’s surrounding moat. While the crew is there, bodies start showing up floating in the moat leaving the crew to wonder if the legends are true or if there is something even more sinister afoot.
First let me start off by saying that this is the first of the Ghost Hunter Mysteries that I have read. I was concerned that I’d be lost starting so late in the series, but I’m happy to report that wasn’t the case with this book. I felt like this truly was book one and it didn’t seem like I lost anything starting so late in the series. The author explains everything clearly and it was easy to understand the dynamics between characters and what everybody’s role was in the story.
I found the characters to be fun and engaging; especially Gilley, although he can get annoying at times, as he plays the scaredy-cat of the group. You will often see him shrieking like a girl and he constantly has to be convinced to do things. But the friendship between him and M.J. is undeniable and brings a little charm to the story.
I liked M.J. and Heath, but I would like to see more of them romantically speaking. Everything is about the case they’re working on and you don’t get to see anything behind the scenes. For example, they mentioned going to town and getting kicked out of pubs for the things they were trying to do ‘under the table’. I would have liked to have been present for one of the pubs where we could live through them and can see the interaction between the couple instead of M.J. just telling us that they got kicked out. Laurie could have detailed one incident and then had M.J. tell us how many more bars they got kicked out of before giving up and going back to the castle. I just want to feel their love a little more than I currently do and I think we just need to see them having fun together to accomplish that.
“I’m not quite sure which scout troop Heath belonged to, but it certainly wasn’t the “I will totally honor my previous promise of no hanky-panky in the shower” troop.”
I found the storyline of What a Ghoul Wants to be interesting and I had many theories about the dead bodies that were stacking up, and several of them were partially right, but I never got it 100% correct, and I wouldn’t have wanted to as it would have made the story boring.
Overall I enjoyed the story. It was good, but I kept waiting for that moment where something happened to throw me over the edge to loving this book, but it didn’t happen. But I liked the book nonetheless and would be interested in reading the next installment due out in January 2014.
http://openbooksociety.com/article/wh...
*Beware of possible Spoilers*
What a Ghoul Wants is the seventh installment of Victoria Laurie’s fun series about a group of ghost hunters that go from location to location filming for their TV show, Ghoul Getters. While looking for spooks, they stumble upon various mysteries begging to be solved. Its Ghost Hunters meets Sherlock Holmes; an interesting concept for a series of books that I just couldn’t resist!
In this installment, M.J., Heath, and company have traveled to Wales to investigate Kidwellah Castle, known to be haunted by the Grim Widow, who drowns people in the castle’s surrounding moat. While the crew is there, bodies start showing up floating in the moat leaving the crew to wonder if the legends are true or if there is something even more sinister afoot.
First let me start off by saying that this is the first of the Ghost Hunter Mysteries that I have read. I was concerned that I’d be lost starting so late in the series, but I’m happy to report that wasn’t the case with this book. I felt like this truly was book one and it didn’t seem like I lost anything starting so late in the series. The author explains everything clearly and it was easy to understand the dynamics between characters and what everybody’s role was in the story.
I found the characters to be fun and engaging; especially Gilley, although he can get annoying at times, as he plays the scaredy-cat of the group. You will often see him shrieking like a girl and he constantly has to be convinced to do things. But the friendship between him and M.J. is undeniable and brings a little charm to the story.
I liked M.J. and Heath, but I would like to see more of them romantically speaking. Everything is about the case they’re working on and you don’t get to see anything behind the scenes. For example, they mentioned going to town and getting kicked out of pubs for the things they were trying to do ‘under the table’. I would have liked to have been present for one of the pubs where we could live through them and can see the interaction between the couple instead of M.J. just telling us that they got kicked out. Laurie could have detailed one incident and then had M.J. tell us how many more bars they got kicked out of before giving up and going back to the castle. I just want to feel their love a little more than I currently do and I think we just need to see them having fun together to accomplish that.
“I’m not quite sure which scout troop Heath belonged to, but it certainly wasn’t the “I will totally honor my previous promise of no hanky-panky in the shower” troop.”
I found the storyline of What a Ghoul Wants to be interesting and I had many theories about the dead bodies that were stacking up, and several of them were partially right, but I never got it 100% correct, and I wouldn’t have wanted to as it would have made the story boring.
Overall I enjoyed the story. It was good, but I kept waiting for that moment where something happened to throw me over the edge to loving this book, but it didn’t happen. But I liked the book nonetheless and would be interested in reading the next installment due out in January 2014.
http://openbooksociety.com/article/wh...
June 22, 2015
Mon avis en Français
My English review
Ah, M. J. and her team! I am always intrigued when a new volume comes out and I often read them fast enough. I may be a little less attached to this one than the previous ones but it is still a very good novel.
Our small team is heading to Castle Kidwella where a widow is known to wreak havoc. But from the beginning, something fishy is looming and this survey may be the only that they could abandon before the end because of the danger it represents. Indeed, almost killing Heath by being sucked into the castle moat, our heroes are facing more and more questions about their career choice. Moreover, their boss Chris seems determined to get the story of the century under penalty of firing them all. And while the urge to drop everything becomes stronger, this is also accompanied by a number of deaths by drowning in the moat, Gopher offers them to make a real movie with more money than they hoped for at the key. Hard to say … especially when they realize that abandoning their posts would mean letting behind them all the poor ghosts killed by the widow, prisoners of that crazy woman. Our small team will face a new challenge that may well be more dangerous than expected, but which would deliver many souls.
The history of the castle was really interesting to follow. So many things happened and we gradually discover the truth about the former owners. I was quite curious to see how the clash of the widow would be realized, as it must be said that she isn’t an easy target. The relationship between Heath and M.J. is also changing as they realize that they have actually quite different plans for their future, especially the city they both want to stay in. However, they are very much in love with each other and they are a very nice couple together. New characters appear here, including Michael, the new Gil’s boyfriend. Well I must say that he is also much more courageous and it was nice to see him get used and be interested in our little group. I’m sure that we will have the opportunity to see him in the next novels.
The end of the novel allows us to discover the first chapter of Volume 8 and all that announces the return of Steven! I’m so impatient about all that and I feel that it’s going to be epic to attend the meeting between Steven/M.J./Heath.
My English review
Ah, M. J. and her team! I am always intrigued when a new volume comes out and I often read them fast enough. I may be a little less attached to this one than the previous ones but it is still a very good novel.
Our small team is heading to Castle Kidwella where a widow is known to wreak havoc. But from the beginning, something fishy is looming and this survey may be the only that they could abandon before the end because of the danger it represents. Indeed, almost killing Heath by being sucked into the castle moat, our heroes are facing more and more questions about their career choice. Moreover, their boss Chris seems determined to get the story of the century under penalty of firing them all. And while the urge to drop everything becomes stronger, this is also accompanied by a number of deaths by drowning in the moat, Gopher offers them to make a real movie with more money than they hoped for at the key. Hard to say … especially when they realize that abandoning their posts would mean letting behind them all the poor ghosts killed by the widow, prisoners of that crazy woman. Our small team will face a new challenge that may well be more dangerous than expected, but which would deliver many souls.
The history of the castle was really interesting to follow. So many things happened and we gradually discover the truth about the former owners. I was quite curious to see how the clash of the widow would be realized, as it must be said that she isn’t an easy target. The relationship between Heath and M.J. is also changing as they realize that they have actually quite different plans for their future, especially the city they both want to stay in. However, they are very much in love with each other and they are a very nice couple together. New characters appear here, including Michael, the new Gil’s boyfriend. Well I must say that he is also much more courageous and it was nice to see him get used and be interested in our little group. I’m sure that we will have the opportunity to see him in the next novels.
The end of the novel allows us to discover the first chapter of Volume 8 and all that announces the return of Steven! I’m so impatient about all that and I feel that it’s going to be epic to attend the meeting between Steven/M.J./Heath.
July 3, 2013
Victoria Laurie is one of my favourite cosy paranormal mystery writers, and, for me, the Ghosthunter series is top of the list of series that she writes. Ok to be fair I have only read the first of the ‘physic eye’ books – and really enjoyed that. As well as having me laugh so much my sides ache she has me hiding under the blankets when the truly creepy scenes happen. WHAT A GHOUL WANTS is the seventh book in the series and this time the ghost is a very nasty pasty – this one can hurt you, really hurt you to the point of death. And death by ghost is no laughing matter! I have seen ghost stories documentaries on cable and they are all filmed in black and white accompanied with suspenseful music – but no ghost. Not so much as a hint of one. They just seem to be people talking themselves into a scared frenzy over nothing. I wish there was a show like the fictional Ghoul Getters. But then maybe I don’t or I’d never get to sleep.
Fast paced and edgy there was no way I was going to stop reading and leave the ghost dangling in my imagination. The main characters are all wonderful – MJ is brave, loyal and thinks on her feet in a crisis; the love interest, Heath, is another strong character with American Indian mysticism to guide him through the tough spots; Gilley, the main comic relief, is the flamboyant chicken who faints at the mere hint of a ghost, after he has shrieked loudly enough to wake the dead – well more of the dead. Then there is the starring spook. You keep on thinking that the spook of each book in the series can’t be bested by a more evil entity – but Victoria Laurie manages to do it. What is even scarier is that book 8 is coming out in January 2014 and I am frighted all ready at what might be lurking among the pages to scare me. Move over Gilley I want to shiver with you!
Fast paced and edgy there was no way I was going to stop reading and leave the ghost dangling in my imagination. The main characters are all wonderful – MJ is brave, loyal and thinks on her feet in a crisis; the love interest, Heath, is another strong character with American Indian mysticism to guide him through the tough spots; Gilley, the main comic relief, is the flamboyant chicken who faints at the mere hint of a ghost, after he has shrieked loudly enough to wake the dead – well more of the dead. Then there is the starring spook. You keep on thinking that the spook of each book in the series can’t be bested by a more evil entity – but Victoria Laurie manages to do it. What is even scarier is that book 8 is coming out in January 2014 and I am frighted all ready at what might be lurking among the pages to scare me. Move over Gilley I want to shiver with you!
December 20, 2014
This is the 7th book in the Ghost Hunter Mystery series by Victoria Laurie. I have been reading Victoria Laurie's books since the second book in her Abby Cooper Psychic Eye series came out. I will admit that I prefer the Abby Cooper series just a bit more than the Ghost Hunter series, but both series have been on my must read list.
In this story, MJ and the crew are investigating a haunted castle that has been turned into a hotel. Gillie, her cousin and best friend since childhood has a bad feeling and throws a tantrum about not wanting to get off the plane at the very start of the book. When they finally get to the castle, their first nights sleep is disturbed by ghostly means followed by a murder and near death of MJ's fellow medium and boyfriend Heath. All this is topped with the pressure to get good footage for their tv show or it will be cancelled. This proves to be one of their toughest cases yet.
I hate to admit this, but I am getting really tired of Gilley's whining. At first it was kind of cute. But 7 books in, and I can't understand why MJ hasn't booted him in the ass. And Gopher, the producer of the show has become just a bit to mercenary for my taste. I am really hoping that with the conclusion of this book, that it will begin to head in a new direction. Because just like the 3 year old Gilley reminds me of, I am about to put this series into a time out.
I am giving this book 2 stars on Goodreads. I really wanted to like it, I just think it is time for the series to either move in another direction or change some characters around. There were several points in the book, I felt like, "Gee, didn't I read this already?" If this series doesn't get a fresh infusion soon, the stagnation may kill it.
In this story, MJ and the crew are investigating a haunted castle that has been turned into a hotel. Gillie, her cousin and best friend since childhood has a bad feeling and throws a tantrum about not wanting to get off the plane at the very start of the book. When they finally get to the castle, their first nights sleep is disturbed by ghostly means followed by a murder and near death of MJ's fellow medium and boyfriend Heath. All this is topped with the pressure to get good footage for their tv show or it will be cancelled. This proves to be one of their toughest cases yet.
I hate to admit this, but I am getting really tired of Gilley's whining. At first it was kind of cute. But 7 books in, and I can't understand why MJ hasn't booted him in the ass. And Gopher, the producer of the show has become just a bit to mercenary for my taste. I am really hoping that with the conclusion of this book, that it will begin to head in a new direction. Because just like the 3 year old Gilley reminds me of, I am about to put this series into a time out.
I am giving this book 2 stars on Goodreads. I really wanted to like it, I just think it is time for the series to either move in another direction or change some characters around. There were several points in the book, I felt like, "Gee, didn't I read this already?" If this series doesn't get a fresh infusion soon, the stagnation may kill it.
February 12, 2014
Let me start by saying that this is only the second book in the series that I have read. I read the first book in print many years back and thought it was cute but wasn't interested in rushing out to read more. However, when this book became available through one of Audible's 2-for1 credit sales the preview sounded interesting enough that I thought I'd give it a try. Many times with cozy series you don't have to read them all to be able to enjoy any of the books. And that wasn't a problem here either; I was able to follow the story and characters without being familiar with them. However, maybe if I had been invested in the characters from previous books, I would have been more interested in this story. As it was, despite all the action, I was bored. I just couldn't bring myself to care for the characters or what was happening. I gave up listening a little before halfway through.
Also, the narrator's voice didn't seem to fit the character. In my opinion, she sounds more like a teenager and less like a full-grown adult. Maybe this played in to my dislike of the book, as well. I think Eileen Stevens would do a great job reading a young adult novel as her pacing, cadence and voices were all spot on. She just didn't work for me for this book.
If you are already a fan of this series, you might like this book, though I'd stay away from the audio version (unless you've listened to them before and don't mind the reader). If you haven't read this series before, I wouldn't recommend starting with this one.
Also, the narrator's voice didn't seem to fit the character. In my opinion, she sounds more like a teenager and less like a full-grown adult. Maybe this played in to my dislike of the book, as well. I think Eileen Stevens would do a great job reading a young adult novel as her pacing, cadence and voices were all spot on. She just didn't work for me for this book.
If you are already a fan of this series, you might like this book, though I'd stay away from the audio version (unless you've listened to them before and don't mind the reader). If you haven't read this series before, I wouldn't recommend starting with this one.
April 12, 2015
M.J. and company are off to Wales to investigate the haunted Kidwella Castle. Things quickly get out of control when the Grim Widow decides to show them whose boss before they can settle into their new digs. M.J. finds herself at the center of a deadly murder mystery that is somehow tied to the powerful murderous ghost who imprisons the souls of the victims.
This is probably my favorite book in the series. I loved how ominous this castle and the people staying in it were from the very beginning. The new characters were very interesting and I thought that the Grim Widow and her demon pet were fascinating otherworldly opponents. I loved how their craziest opponent was so deeply connected to a living murder mystery. I really loved two of the new characters, which is why I’m sad to see one of them get left behind. However, I’m not sure that I can see this particular character returning unless they investigate a haunting near his new work place… Anyway, I absolutely loved this installment and I was sad when it came to a close.
This is probably my favorite book in the series. I loved how ominous this castle and the people staying in it were from the very beginning. The new characters were very interesting and I thought that the Grim Widow and her demon pet were fascinating otherworldly opponents. I loved how their craziest opponent was so deeply connected to a living murder mystery. I really loved two of the new characters, which is why I’m sad to see one of them get left behind. However, I’m not sure that I can see this particular character returning unless they investigate a haunting near his new work place… Anyway, I absolutely loved this installment and I was sad when it came to a close.
April 4, 2016
Audible version. I didn't connect well with the narrator, so that may have affected my enjoyment of the book. The accents, instead of adding depth, kind of startled me from the flow of the narrative. And sometimes the inflection of a phrase seemed off from the content. Also, I haven't read any earlier of the series, and haven't read a lot of paranormal mystery in general.
I enjoyed the character and relationship development of the ghost hunting crew, and the fictional history of Kidwella castle. I might try another on Kindle or with a different narrator.
I enjoyed the character and relationship development of the ghost hunting crew, and the fictional history of Kidwella castle. I might try another on Kindle or with a different narrator.
January 31, 2013
Do you remember the episode of Friends in which Joey talks about reading Cujo and throwing it in the freezer at the scary points? Yeah, that's how I feel about this book. From the start, I was on edge with fear. This series keeps getting scarier and scarier, but it also hasn't lost it's appeal. It continues to intrigue me and keep me coming back.
December 30, 2012
I absolutely love Victoria Laurie, but I was a little disappointed in this book. I felt like there was not enough of the actual characters -- I would have liked to have more of a plot that wasn't ALL centered around the ghosts. I think it is time for these characters to go home and deal with some real life situations .. and I need to see my fave parrot Doc!!
December 18, 2014
Okay i would not recommend reading this series one after another. Only because it can tend to be a little repeatative. Other then that it is the characters that keep your interest and are what make the series good. I will deffently read the next one in this series. I just hope the parrot is in the next one..lol
April 29, 2025
I loved this book! Only sorry I have taken so long to return to this series. The inspector and his family especially. This is one creepy ghost! The backstory and mystery kept me riveted, I love the new character Michel, it stayed thrilling. Until the next one!
November 21, 2013
I LOVE this series. Victoria Laurie always keeps my attention with these books. The writing is incredible and its all really scary!!! I can't wait till the next one comes out :)
August 2, 2013
Fantastic - the scariest one so far!!!
February 3, 2024
#7 in the Ghost Hunter Mystery series
As always, this series is full of interesting ghostly scenarios and a bit of romance, as well as some amusing banter. The team is now in Wales, staying at a castle hotel that has had more than its share of murders, mostly likely committed by a crazy ghostly widow. MJ and Heath find themselves in the haunted part of the castle and have an immediate visit with some deadly forces, which piques their interest and puts MJ's back up. As they investigate further, along with the local police inspector, they discover there may have been more than a ghost at work on these serial killings for the past several years. With a plan in place, some new equipment, and the help of Heath's grandfather, they solve the mystery and vanquish the evil ghosts and demon presence. This book was more interesting than the last one, and I enjoyed watching their activities, especially their methods of releasing the good ghosts and capturing the evil ones. Gilly is still annoying, but now he has a boyfriend, so things are looking up with him. Heath and MJ are still an item. I look forward to more shenanigans in the next book in the series.
As always, this series is full of interesting ghostly scenarios and a bit of romance, as well as some amusing banter. The team is now in Wales, staying at a castle hotel that has had more than its share of murders, mostly likely committed by a crazy ghostly widow. MJ and Heath find themselves in the haunted part of the castle and have an immediate visit with some deadly forces, which piques their interest and puts MJ's back up. As they investigate further, along with the local police inspector, they discover there may have been more than a ghost at work on these serial killings for the past several years. With a plan in place, some new equipment, and the help of Heath's grandfather, they solve the mystery and vanquish the evil ghosts and demon presence. This book was more interesting than the last one, and I enjoyed watching their activities, especially their methods of releasing the good ghosts and capturing the evil ones. Gilly is still annoying, but now he has a boyfriend, so things are looking up with him. Heath and MJ are still an item. I look forward to more shenanigans in the next book in the series.
January 25, 2026
This is just stupid. I can't believe I'm still reading this terrible writing.
M.J. is borderline TSTL and I just want to slap Gilley. He's becoming more and more a giant b***h and a drama queen.
And the silly plot. The whole murder angle. Just pathetic.
M.J. is borderline TSTL and I just want to slap Gilley. He's becoming more and more a giant b***h and a drama queen.
And the silly plot. The whole murder angle. Just pathetic.
November 5, 2017
MJ, Heath and Gilley go to a haunted castle in England. This is a castle with several ghosts, and a big moat. The moat continues to be the scene of accidental drownings. Or is it?
MJ and Heath are given VIP rooms in the closed section of the castle. However, it really isn't the VIP section but the haunted section of the castle's strongest and truly evil ghost.
Gopher arranges for this haunting to be turned into a full length movie and therefore more hours of film are needed but the evil ghost is not in agreement. People that drown in the moat are in fact captured by the evil ghost to spend eternity with an iron harness around their necks and not allowed to cross over.
This was a good tale and I couldn't read it at night. ;-)
How do so many accidental deaths occur in the moat is the mystery and well worth the read.
I have to wonder how the next in the series will top this one though.
MJ and Heath are given VIP rooms in the closed section of the castle. However, it really isn't the VIP section but the haunted section of the castle's strongest and truly evil ghost.
Gopher arranges for this haunting to be turned into a full length movie and therefore more hours of film are needed but the evil ghost is not in agreement. People that drown in the moat are in fact captured by the evil ghost to spend eternity with an iron harness around their necks and not allowed to cross over.
This was a good tale and I couldn't read it at night. ;-)
How do so many accidental deaths occur in the moat is the mystery and well worth the read.
I have to wonder how the next in the series will top this one though.
February 14, 2018
Victoria Laurie is the author of a successful series about a ghost hunting medium – M.J. Holliday - with a television show. What a Ghoul Wants is set in Wales, at a castle haunted by the Grim Widow. She is one nasty ghost; arguably the worst I have encountered in fiction. Early in the book M.J. and her medium boyfriend, Heath Whitefeather, have a terrifying encounter with the widow and an unidentified demon in the “closed” wing of the castle. Laurie does a great job of setting the table with tension and dread. This is a promising series and I will likely read more. I think Laurie dilutes the reading experience by going on too long, and over-involving annoying secondary characters. Still, recommended, late at night, with a cup of blood red wine.
October 17, 2019
Victoria Laurie packed this installment full of (fictional) history which helped form an incredible story!! M.J. and the Ghoul Getters TV show gang travel to Kidwellah Castle in Wales to look into a deadly ghost haunting the moat surrounding the castle. Without fail and not before long, M.J. and her boyfriend and fellow medium, Heath, are fighting for their lives.
As I said above, the history aspect Victoria Laurie developed with this book, along with the overall setting, works brilliantly and really works well in making your imagination thrive to bring the words to life in your head.
There are the classic run-ins with the spooks haunting the castle and tension filled actions sequences that gave me goosebumps!
Thank you, Victoria Laurie, for another fun read!!
As I said above, the history aspect Victoria Laurie developed with this book, along with the overall setting, works brilliantly and really works well in making your imagination thrive to bring the words to life in your head.
There are the classic run-ins with the spooks haunting the castle and tension filled actions sequences that gave me goosebumps!
Thank you, Victoria Laurie, for another fun read!!
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