Spectral Analysis: Seeking Lost Souls

by Joanne Alain Cook

When investigators of the popular ghost-hunting show Spectral Analysis find evidence of paranormal activity, they dive into searching for the origins of the specter and inadvertently awaken a curse. But not everyone believes in ghosts. Tech specialist Janine Stinger remains skeptical. After recently weaning off psychiatric medication, she wonders if her encounters are the product of post-traumatic stress from a past violent relationship. It seems likely, as, her new and passionate romance with Doctor Ian McNally has triggered unsettling flashback emotions. Ultimately, she must decide if she is falling for a good ghost story, or if a sinister entity is haunting and hunting for victims. Being wrong might cause her regression back into depression, or, even worse… cost the life of a precious child!

378 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 11, 2023

About the author

Joanne Cook earned her M.A. in education from Sacramento State University and her B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of California in Irvine. She has taught Chemistry and Physics for the past 20 years and is retired from the AF reserves. For half of her military service, she served as a C130 Navigator flying from Japan to Georgia to Alaska to the middle east and back again. She enjoys reading, writing, drawing and music.

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this story and well written but it was not my cup of tea overall/:

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exquisitely Researched

"Spectral Analysis" has a few flaws. But, those are minor things that are easy to overlook in comparison to the book's many strengths.

The plot is engaging and well-crafted and well-paced. It's also unique. I've read a lot of ghost stories, but never anything quite like this one. The characters are great! They're all separate from each other, and developed in their own right. By the end of the book, I felt as if the main cast had become friends.

But the research that went into this book, and the way the author portrayed research within it! Most authors tend to skimp on that point. Joanne Cook does not!

I have personally been a member of a ghost hunting group in the past. Currently, I am a member of the "Phantoms and Monsters" Fortean Research Team (Please contact me if you have a case!) and I know firsthand the time and research that goes into these cases. Most people don't. The author not only waded through all of the relevant research for this novel herself, but she also made it an integral part of the story. My proverbial hat is off to her for that - for showing that there's so much more to investigating the paranormal than EMF meters and EVP recordings. I cannot put into words how much that impressed me!

I picked up this entire trilogy at the same time. I plan to dive into Book 2 later today. I want to start it now, but it's after 2:30 AM, and I need to get up in less than five and a half hours.

Despite a few minor flaws, I can't recommend this book enough! It's a terrific read on several levels. Do yourself a huge favor, and grab a copy of "Spectral Analysis"!

[Ellis Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel follows the story of Janine Stinger, a tech specialist on the crew of a TV ghost-hunting show. Janine is deeply scarred by a previous relationship and especially vulnerable, although she does her best to hide it. When the team stumbles upon a story that dovetails with her own growing up, family history and local legend collide to confront Janine’s darkest fears. Is she part of a true haunting and curse? Her attempts to keep her past private start to crumble as her crush on the team’s lead paranormal investigator become mutual. How can she balance the past, the present, and the increasingly darker threats all while a river ghost lures people to their deaths?  

Janine’s character is well-developed as are the other supporting characters. The personal dynamics of work, family, and romantic relationships all play a role in this historical ghost story. The author provides wonderful technical details on ghost hunting, the equipment, and the process. I loved the historical details and research that provided the backstory of the book. The reader learns about the culture in which ghost stories arise and grow. Although this book deals with one haunting, the reader is deeply invested in Janine’s experience and what is in store for her next.

[Helen Castrucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not a person who believes in ghosts but after reading this book. I’m reconsidering this belief. The events in this book are definitely believable. The main character who is a non-ghost believer definitely starts to question her belief. I was so immersed in the story; felt like I was mouse observing everything. The ending left me a bit unsettled and wanting to know more about what transpires in the main character’s life. DEFINITELY A GREAT READ!

[S.A.McClelland S.A.McClelland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghostly romance

Skeletons in the closet. Check. A budding romance. Check. A haunting with a historic background. Check. If you're a fan of supernatural you'll want to pick this book up and give it a read. Highly enjoyable and would recommend for fans of the supernatural.