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The Possess Saga #2

The Untimely Death of Brody Walsh

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Brody Walsh’s life is left in disarray when his girlfriend is found brutally raped and murdered. But it completely shatters when his best friend, Nolan is arrested for the crime.

Even as the media is portraying him as a monster, Brody knows Nolan isn’t capable of murder.

That leaves the question: Who is?

Once the trial begins, Brody discovers just how little he knew about his girlfriend, spurring him to dig into her past for possible answers. And as Aggie, his long time confidant and childhood crush, stands by his side through all of this, he finds his own past resurfacing when his feelings for her reignite. But as the media and the prosecutors close in on Nolan, ready to convict him for a crime he didn’t commit, Brody will be forced to make a choice.

A choice that will lead to his untimely death.

106 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 17, 2013

14 people are currently reading
250 people want to read

About the author

J.A. Howell

16 books148 followers
J.A Howell is an office drone by day, and a writer by night. Her love of writing took off when she was eleven years old and decided to fill a composition notebook with stories to read to her friends. Many years (and notebooks) later, not much has changed. She still loves writing and sharing her works with others. When she isn’t writing, she can often be found trying her hand at whatever artistic pursuit strikes her fancy.

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5 stars
84 (43%)
4 stars
55 (28%)
3 stars
35 (18%)
2 stars
13 (6%)
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4 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for PelicanFreak.
2,125 reviews
January 19, 2015
Another impossible-to-put-down read by J.A. Howell. After reading Possess (The Possess Saga Book 1) in one session, unable to put it down, I launched right into this one. While Book 1 does wrap up fairly well, I just had to have more of these characters. This novella is a great look at the group of friends prior to all of the tragedy that struck; a lot of the why's of the events are explained here and there is such great camaraderie amongst these very well designed characters.

Overall the book is well imagined and well written. I could never get enough of the small-town feel, these characters and this little Possess Saga world in general - it is a very addictive series and it reads really quickly. There is still a lot of mystery going on in this book, and there is some drama and lots of action. Howell does a great job of portraying a small Maine town.

It went as I suspected it to, but do not mistake my predictions for boredom. This is a highly addictive series and I'll likely be putting my life on hold to keep going.
Profile Image for Melissa Simmons.
Author 36 books118 followers
August 7, 2015
The Untimely Death of Brody Walsh is the second book in the Possess Saga by J.A. Howell. This is actually more of a novella compared to the other installments, and I'm so glad the author wrote it. It was nice to have the blanks filled in from book 1 and to learn more about Brody since he's so central to the story even though he's no longer among the living. This book was an excellent addition to the series.

The story is told mostly from the point of view of Brody Walsh, best friend of both Nolan & Aggie from Possess and it details the last bit of his life. It isn't pretty, frankly. Brody's girlfriend, Claire turns up murdered and it just gets worse from there. Brody's life is in shambles and he sets out to find answers--answers that wind up getting him killed. This book seriously broke my heart into tiny little pieces. Poor Aggie and poor Brody and poor Nolan and just poor everyone. All the awfulness belongs to this book. But it was fantastic. And essential to the overall series, in my opinion. Many kudos to J.A. Howell for writing it.
Profile Image for Jen.
35 reviews11 followers
January 22, 2015
It was fun getting to know Brody but sad knowing what had to happen. I kept hoping the end would somehow change. I would definetly read this book second even though it takes place before Possess. I'm looking forward to book 3.
Profile Image for Anny hernandez.
1,181 reviews13 followers
November 7, 2013
***** I received an ARC copy for an honest review *****

I'm so happy that I got to read this in one day, I couldn't put the book down, in this story you get to see what really happened to Brody and get to read how he really feels, about everything specially his feelings for Aggie

Holy Smoke I just finish reading this book and I did not think I was gone cried, but guess what I did cried like a baby, after reading Possess the first book, I kept wondering what would have been going on with Aggie and Brody well let me just tell that you get to find out in this book.

I really enjoy reading this book, and love it how you get to learned more about the death of Brody and what they all went through specially Nola, and that just makes you fall more in love with Nolan, after reading this book I really wish that Brody did not have to go through what he went through, and I have to say he is my favorite ghost now, while reading this story I really got into the character of Brody feeling the emotions that he was feeling, what can I say Awww I love him.

The story take place a week later after they found the body of Claire, Aggie when to drab Brody out of his apartment to take him to the pub when they walk in to the Pub, they when straight to the kitchen, that's when Aggie walk into Nolan office, and he was drunk that's when Nola decide it to tell Brody the truth about what happen between him and Claire, but only he did not get a chance to talk cause that's when the officers walk in to arrest him, and Brody found out through the officer, now Brody was pissed and did not want to know about anything, from their on he decide to dig into his ex girlfriend life to tried and save Nola.

I really glad that I got to read this book and got know Brody Walsh story. I hope that once you read it that you get to enjoy it and love it as much as I did. now I am reading to continue with the following book of this series that's is how much I am loving this series.

Now for the second time I want to say Thank You to Author J.A. Howell for this amazing characters and this awesome book.
Profile Image for Christi Snow.
Author 69 books738 followers
April 28, 2013
My Review:
This is such a tough book to read...you are following Brody's POV throughout it and there is never any doubt that he's going to die in the end. It makes it a bit heart-shredding to read, but it was so good to get this whole side of the backstory to what happened in Possess. I especially loved the heartbreaking insight into what Nolan went through....OMG, I wanted to simply weep for him.

This book is the second book in the series, but it actually pre-dates book #1 in that it tells the whole story of how Brody came to be murdered. This book fills in so much and even though it broke my heart to read it, I love how J.A. Howell did this novella. Seriously, every single little question from book #1 is answered...and the answers give you the reader so much. I feel like I should re-read Possess again now and see if knowing more of the story breaks my heart even more. I think it would, but I absolutely agree with the way that the author laid out the facts in the two books. Those little questions are what keeps you reading and involved 110% in this story.

I understand that Aggie's story is next. She's integral in this group of three friends: Nolan, Brody, and Aggie. She lost so much during these events. I'm ready to read her story and hope that she finds some happiness to come. It will be interesting to see if Brody's ghost hangs around for her book. That could make things REALLY interesting and I have to admit, I hope he does. Having him as a ghost makes his death a little easier to take.

I highly recommend the two books out so far in the series. They were amazingly entertaining and suspenseful reading. They kept me up WAY past my bedtime, but the loss of sleep was totally worth it!
Profile Image for Ange from Cover to Cover Book Blog.
212 reviews12 followers
November 13, 2014
This is book two in the Possess Saga. We meet Brody (well at least his ghost) in the first book, Possess. This book is all about his death and we learn everything about what happened to him.

Brody was in the worst of predicaments. He had a girlfriend, Claire that turned up murdered. There was evidence that his best friend, Nolan, had sex with her before her death and Nolan was therefore the prime suspect in Claire’s murder. Let’s not forget that he was in love with Aggie. (you’re thinking it too? OH MY GOD!!!)

I was thankful for this novella in the series. It brought so much to light and my heart cried for the characters. Brody refused to believe his best friend was responsible for killing his girlfriend. His attempts to try to find answers in the end cost him his life.

The true villain who was responsible took so many things. He took Claire’s life; Nolan’s freedom; Aggie’s chance for happiness with Brody; and ultimately, Brody’s life. There’s a saying that all things happen for a reason and I truly believe that applies with this series. You’ll learn more of that further down the road.

This book brought a lot of tears for me. It was really a great read and a must have for the 1-click enthusiasts out there! You can read this one on its own but I’d highly recommend that you read these in order to fully benefit from all that is J.A. Howell!
Profile Image for IC.
876 reviews48 followers
May 22, 2014
Thank you J.A for gifting me to read. It has taken me a little but I have finally read it.

The title says what it is, this is what happens to Brody when Claire dies all the way to when Harley moves into his apartment. I totally knew it was gonna happen but I shed a few tears when he died. Especially Aggie, because we know she loves him.
Profile Image for Paige Sprinkle.
8 reviews3 followers
December 3, 2013
Good to the end

I love the developed characters o f this story. I felt immerse ed in their world. caught myself wanting to read more of this story
Profile Image for Susan.
276 reviews5 followers
July 9, 2014
Pretty good, adds more insight to the first book in the series, "Possess".
Profile Image for Rebecca Waldron.
240 reviews1 follower
June 4, 2017
Oh, Brody!

I absolutely loved getting this side of the story! Learning about, and falling in love with Brody. I'm moving on to book 3, and I just know that it's going to be even more amazing than the first two!
Profile Image for Veronica.
397 reviews
October 5, 2022
2nd in a series from a different character's POV. I really enjoyed #1, but #2 is not much more than watching Brody self-destruct until his "untimely death." I'm sad that this didn't give me more of a back story, etc.
Profile Image for Sam.
406 reviews
January 29, 2022
I actually enjoyed this book. It was a good follow up to the first book. It makes me excited to finish the series.
Profile Image for Nora aka Diva.
188 reviews12 followers
March 15, 2017
Pointless

Didn't really cover anything of interest that want in the first book. Seemed like it could have been a prologue for book one.
Profile Image for Stefany.
117 reviews
March 16, 2013
For this book (which is very small by the way and is a quick read), there really are two main characters. Harley is there but she is more in the background. You have Brody and Aggie for most of this story. Brody turns out to be a true sweetheart, if not a bit dense when it comes to love. All I wanted to say to him was “geez man, the girl likes you. Get your head out of your butt and tell her you like her too!”… but I didn’t. I kept these harsh words to myself. I felt sorry for Brody too. He was shunned by his own community after the death of his girlfriend. Even though there is no evidence that he did it, he was still treated horribly. He is a good guy through and through though… how he is able to forgive the things that Nolan did to him… well, let’s just say he is better than I. I’m not sure I would be so forgiving.

That said, Nolan does play a role in this book but he is the one in jail and going through trial. This is where you find the full extent of what Nolan’s past is that Possess started talking about. Nolan really is a good guy doing a bad thing that leads to really bad consequences. The man learned a valuable lesson the day he decided to ummm, well he learned a valuable lesson when it came to Brody’s girl, Claire. (I am really trying not to give out spoilers on these books!)

I felt so bad for Aggie in this book. The poor girl kept giving her heart to Brody on a silver platter but he just kept giving it back. She must have really cared for him to put up with his dumb self for so long. Aggie’s pain upon Brody’s death was heart breaking. Ugh, I felt so bad for her. Her poor heart was just shattered. I wanted to hug her… and this is the reason I am excited to see more of her in the future of this series. The poor girl deserves love!

I enjoyed the way the second book expanded on what you already know plus gives you so much more detail into the story line. Brody’s story in The Untimely Death of Brody Walsh was touched on a lot during the first book but Brody tells the story in the second. I won’t give it away, but I also love how and to whom Brody is talking to during the second book.

These were really fun books to read and didn’t take much time at all to get caught up in the story. As you know, that is always a plus with me. Any book that can grab my attention and hang on usually ends up being a good read in my mind.
Profile Image for Tammy Gould.
39 reviews4 followers
August 12, 2015
This was another quick read for me, I do believe I read this in just a short 2 hour span. I did enjoy this book it took me in right away. You get to see things through Brody's eyes and see what he tried to do before his death. You want to cheer for him but because of the 1st book you know how it is ultimately going to end. So, there is a part of you that is telling him to not go snooping around. To listen to the warnings he is getting from those who are telling him to mind his own business.

I liked seeing the conflict between Brody, Aggie, and Nolan. Aggie knew that Nolan would not do anything to hurt Brody like he did but still Brody was betrayed by Nolan. You see that Aggie and him finally set their relationship in the way that needs to be set. You see the heartbreak between all of them. How they all support each other but at the same time they do not.

I kinda would of liked to have this book before the 1st book. But, I'm not sure if that would of been good seeing that I read the series and reading the 3rd book I'm not sure if it would of all fit. But, overall the book was excellently written and you found yourself emerged into Midtown once again.
Profile Image for Bookish Satty.
957 reviews32 followers
November 21, 2013

This book is the story of Brody Walsh and the tragic and horrific sufferings that he went through. Well I’m not saying anymore about the story because then I would have to give spoilers about book 1.
The writing style is great and this read is the most engaging than all the other instalments. From the very first page we get the POV of Brody Walsh which increased my interest to a very high level, after all we are getting the POV of the ghost!!! The shocking revelations that this book has really stunned me and the unpredictable twists made this read intriguing for me. Moreover the fast-pace and vivid descriptions of the surroundings was great to enjoy as well. Over all a must read for all the lovers of Possess and the others as well. Enjoy!!!
Profile Image for Amber Jones.
374 reviews8 followers
August 9, 2015
Such a fun short story. I loved hearing about Claire's death

from his perspective. My heart broke with Aggie, even though

I knew it was coming. I can't want to start book 3 in this

saga. Ms. Howell really knows how to captivate a reader.
Such a fun short story. I loved hearing about Claire's death

from his perspective. My heart broke with Aggie, even though

I knew it was coming. I can't wait to start book 3 in this

saga. Ms. Howell really knows how to captivate a reader.
It keeps you on the edge of your seat. Twists and turns. A

great mystery with a romantic twist to it with Aggie and

Brody that ends so sadly.It truly made me cry.
A must read for anybody who likes an emotional mystery.
5 stars
Profile Image for Tara Wood.
Author 11 books110 followers
July 3, 2013
This was a great little novella and companion piece to Possess. It was a quick and easy read, only saw one or two typos. Reading it really added to my enjoyment of the first book. I knew what was going to happen the entire time (spoilers not meant to be an issue), but getting to know Brody made it bittersweet in the end. The length was perfect, it could have easily gotten bogged down in courtroom and legal scenes, but Howell handled that with a deft touch. The insight into Brody's story was clear, engaging, and quite touching. I especially loved the ending scene, as it brought the first book full circle in a way. Great job, Ms. Howell!! The next book in the series is a must-purchase for me.
Profile Image for Roxanne Kade.
Author 2 books68 followers
December 12, 2013
I was super excited to get to read about Brody, and to see, through his eyes, what transpired at the time he was murdered.



I loved that this book was written in a way that has Brody telling his story to an unsuspecting Harley, before and during all the craziness that went down in Possess. It gave great insight into the characters I met in the first book, and I was finally able to better understand the dynamic between Brody, Aggie, Nolan and even Claire. It also touched on the more serious details of Nolan's time in prison and how it affected the trio, as well as a few other characters.



This was a short but great read. A wonderful addition to this series.
Profile Image for Lou.
328 reviews4 followers
December 28, 2013
This is the back story of Brody and is told from Brody’s POV.
From reading book 1 we know that Brody dies eventually and it’s heart shredding to read knowing that Brody will die.
Whilst reading the events in book 1 surrounding Brody I found that I did have a few questions, upon reading book 2 I found those questions to be answered.
This book is generally heart-breaking. I couldn’t help but feel like that for both Aggie and Nolan at different points in the story. For Aggy it was over Brody’s death, and for Nolan it was when he was in prison.
Profile Image for Tammy Hall.
401 reviews22 followers
November 11, 2013
This story helps put the pieces of the puzzle all come together for me as I learn more about Brody and how his death came to happen. I enjoyed this short novella as it helped me connect better to the characters from book one and get a better understanding of what exactly is going on and how Brody was connected to it all. The Untimely Death of Brody Walsh was an excellent addition to this saga. I am now totally vested into and have to find out more.
Profile Image for A.R..
Author 17 books60 followers
July 19, 2016
At first, I didn't think I'd like the second book in a series being a novella. I still don't like the idea of a series--I can barely forgive a trilogy--and the third book looks like a romance; I like that least of all. But this is a genuinely creepy tale that freaked me a bit. Good for said novella!
Profile Image for Joy Whiteside.
4,865 reviews112 followers
May 27, 2014
Another excellent read from JA Howell. I thought the others were amazing reads, this one was even better.

Both the characters and the story are awesome. I was very glad that I have had the oppotunity to read this.

On to the next one, cannot wait.
Profile Image for Kim Brown.
121 reviews3 followers
November 3, 2014
Well I'm quite pleased to say that Book Two in the Possess Saga is fully awesome!! It was good to get the background information on Brody Walsh. Reading about the relationship he had with Nolan and Aggie helped clarify some of the action in Part 1. Can't wait to read the rest of the series!!
Profile Image for Tina.
128 reviews26 followers
October 24, 2014
I was more impressed with book one. But I did enjoy this book. Will definitely read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Dionne .
58 reviews
October 25, 2014
Written well

Loved it. Even though I had already read Possess it completed it from his point of view. Just wonderful writing on this storyline
168 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2015
Overall, I wasn't as intrigued than the first book. I found this one a little boring. I hope that book three is better.

Can't wait to read it.
18 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2015
This is book 2 of a saga and it was great!! This book definitely bridged everything from book 1.
Profile Image for Bryan Morelock.
4 reviews
September 21, 2015
Another amazing read

Just as good as the first one. I'm looking forward to the third book. I still have 3 books to go.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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