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Seeing Ghosts
Paul Herrera finds himself bequeathed a mysterious old house near the California central coast by a deceased aunt he never knew. The woman who shows it to him is the spitting image of his wife, taken from him three years before in a senseless car accident which also took his unborn son. While he deals with the ghosts of a past he cannot let go, there are new ghosts Paul must deal with - alone for the week in the expansive two-story house that he will soon discover holds many secrets. Eventually, he will see that he is surrounded by ghosts as he struggles to hold onto the only thing that he has left in this world - his sanity.
- GenresParanormalGhosts
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2013
2 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
James Garcia Jr.
6 books193 followersUpon discovering the likes of Stephen King, Clive Barker and Michael Slade while in his teens, James Garcia Jr. soon began creating his own dark worlds. Not prepared to write and be a mature husband and father, that passion was boxed away for nearly twenty years. Then, not wanting to allow regret to fester, he finally removed that box from the attic of his heart and opened it. He now has four novels: the stand-alone paranormal romance "Seeing Ghosts" and the three volume (so far) "Dance on Fire" crossover vampire series.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 29, 2018
I have waited 4 years since buying this novel to read it. It has been a worthwhile wait now that I have finished it. This is my first introduction to Garcia’s writing and I am impressed. I can now look forward to reading his Dance On Fire trilogy.
I loved this novel. It kept me captivated and involved. The pace is consistent with no peaks or troughs to alter the pace. Compared to some horror novels I have read, I would regard Garcia’s attempt as a medium to low level of horror, but this is not a negative for me. There is enough creepiness to spike a mystery and suspense response that gets the adrenaline flowing. I would say this novel is more character than a plot-driven novel which I feel is a good choice by Garcia as having the horror perceived through the main character gives the reader the best chance to experience it as well. Once a reader has been endeared to a character, they are on the character’s side and empathise with them from what they experience. So, when a character becomes scared, freaked out, or whatever, then the reader is likely to experience similar. This is a good way to create the elements of fear, horror, suspense and mystery. Garcia has created this well from this method.
I loved the personal background to Paul. I felt there was a good balance of his feelings towards dealing with the loss of his wife and unborn son three years earlier with the events of the haunted house and circumstances involving Aunt Flora and her supernatural quest. Having lost one unborn child and one newborn, I can relate to Paul’s feelings of loss and how this is magnified with the loss of his wife simultaneously. I became emotional at the relationship he developed with Paul Jr and the tenderness he shows towards this child and I imagined the same towards my own unborn son and daughter, who lived only a few days all those years ago. It is a sign of a talented writer when they can identify the feelings and experiences of others and portray them realistically in their storylines.
I am not one for romance when it is the main plot theme or genre, but I love romance when it is a subplot and written by male authors. Garcia has met those two criteria for me. I loved the relationship between Anne and Paul. I loved her patience and acceptance of his ongoing grief but need to let go and come to terms with his loss without dismissing it. It was encouraging to see a positive relationship develop between Jason and Paul. I wonder if this depiction is a reflection of the author’s own relationship between himself and his sons? Authors are encouraged to write from their knowledge/life experience database (translated as “write what you know”), so this could be the case. Either way, it is a real positive here.
I did wonder why Garcia portrayed Anne to be the near exact likeness of Paul’s deceased wife, Angie, but it is only towards the last quarter of the novel that I realised why. It was very effective in joining the plot arcs together for this! Until this happened, I kept thinking, having this likeness serves no purpose at all. But a clever author always ties up loose ends either towards the end of the novel or at its end. If left undone, then there had better be a sequel to deal with this! Thankfully this is not needed here.
I loved the horror elements of this novel. However, I would have liked to have had more explanation or depiction of the satanic practices that Patricia and Flora used. Garcia seems to have skirted around this issue. All we see if that these two dappled in the occult to achieve their quest but there was no explanation as to how they did this to achieve their aims and how this released all those “ghosts” that seemed to have no purpose in the novel other than to be misplaced entities whose only role seemed to be to add a scary element to the satanic/occultic quest of Flora and Patricia and freak out Paul, Anne and Jason. Now I am not certain for sure what Garcia’s beliefs are towards God and the Bible but there is reference to such, and Heaven, but I felt the supernatural elements would have been enhanced if these references were more detailed or shown what they are based on. I did like the reference to what Paul Jr states in the Epilogue to Anne and Paul relating to Who gave him permission to deal with Flora and the message to Anne, Paul and Jason. That was a great finishing touch to this story.
For me, reading this novel before any of Garcia’s other works has given me a great introduction to the talent and creativity of this author and I am now a fan.
Strongly Recommended. 4/5 Stars
I loved this novel. It kept me captivated and involved. The pace is consistent with no peaks or troughs to alter the pace. Compared to some horror novels I have read, I would regard Garcia’s attempt as a medium to low level of horror, but this is not a negative for me. There is enough creepiness to spike a mystery and suspense response that gets the adrenaline flowing. I would say this novel is more character than a plot-driven novel which I feel is a good choice by Garcia as having the horror perceived through the main character gives the reader the best chance to experience it as well. Once a reader has been endeared to a character, they are on the character’s side and empathise with them from what they experience. So, when a character becomes scared, freaked out, or whatever, then the reader is likely to experience similar. This is a good way to create the elements of fear, horror, suspense and mystery. Garcia has created this well from this method.
I loved the personal background to Paul. I felt there was a good balance of his feelings towards dealing with the loss of his wife and unborn son three years earlier with the events of the haunted house and circumstances involving Aunt Flora and her supernatural quest. Having lost one unborn child and one newborn, I can relate to Paul’s feelings of loss and how this is magnified with the loss of his wife simultaneously. I became emotional at the relationship he developed with Paul Jr and the tenderness he shows towards this child and I imagined the same towards my own unborn son and daughter, who lived only a few days all those years ago. It is a sign of a talented writer when they can identify the feelings and experiences of others and portray them realistically in their storylines.
I am not one for romance when it is the main plot theme or genre, but I love romance when it is a subplot and written by male authors. Garcia has met those two criteria for me. I loved the relationship between Anne and Paul. I loved her patience and acceptance of his ongoing grief but need to let go and come to terms with his loss without dismissing it. It was encouraging to see a positive relationship develop between Jason and Paul. I wonder if this depiction is a reflection of the author’s own relationship between himself and his sons? Authors are encouraged to write from their knowledge/life experience database (translated as “write what you know”), so this could be the case. Either way, it is a real positive here.
I did wonder why Garcia portrayed Anne to be the near exact likeness of Paul’s deceased wife, Angie, but it is only towards the last quarter of the novel that I realised why. It was very effective in joining the plot arcs together for this! Until this happened, I kept thinking, having this likeness serves no purpose at all. But a clever author always ties up loose ends either towards the end of the novel or at its end. If left undone, then there had better be a sequel to deal with this! Thankfully this is not needed here.
I loved the horror elements of this novel. However, I would have liked to have had more explanation or depiction of the satanic practices that Patricia and Flora used. Garcia seems to have skirted around this issue. All we see if that these two dappled in the occult to achieve their quest but there was no explanation as to how they did this to achieve their aims and how this released all those “ghosts” that seemed to have no purpose in the novel other than to be misplaced entities whose only role seemed to be to add a scary element to the satanic/occultic quest of Flora and Patricia and freak out Paul, Anne and Jason. Now I am not certain for sure what Garcia’s beliefs are towards God and the Bible but there is reference to such, and Heaven, but I felt the supernatural elements would have been enhanced if these references were more detailed or shown what they are based on. I did like the reference to what Paul Jr states in the Epilogue to Anne and Paul relating to Who gave him permission to deal with Flora and the message to Anne, Paul and Jason. That was a great finishing touch to this story.
For me, reading this novel before any of Garcia’s other works has given me a great introduction to the talent and creativity of this author and I am now a fan.
Strongly Recommended. 4/5 Stars
September 23, 2013
A great ghost story... reminiscent of Stephen King... I very much enjoyed this read! I would definitely recommend it to paranormal fans!
August 14, 2013
A moving and engaging ghost story with a touching twist.
July 9, 2013
Actual rating: 3.5 stars.
This review originally posted at My Book Addiction.
Paul is still mourning the loss of his wife, Angie, when the story begins. It’s been three years, but he is still feeling the emptiness that his one great love left behind. Luckily he has his brother, Ray, to help keep his wits about him. Ray is an awesome brother, always there for Paul whenever he needs him. When Ray calls one morning to tell him they’ve inherited a ranch home from an Aunt they never knew, they decide to take a road trip to see what they have acquired. They meet Annie, their Aunt’s estate representative to discuss the details, take a look at the property, and retrieve the keys. Both brothers almost lose their lunch when they see Annie, as she greatly resembles Paul’s dead wife. After taking a tour of the property and feeling assured that this is a good thing, Paul decides to stay for a while. He is a freelance writer and has nothing but the ghost of his dead wife back at home. Little does he know, there are ghosts in this house, too.
Seeing Ghosts is a haunting paranormal tale told from Paul’s POV. I loved the story with all of it’s mystery and dark secrets. And secrets there were! There were plot twists I never could have seen coming, which was a very pleasant surprise. Ghosts stories always take me back to my childhood, when it was fun to try to creep out your friends. As an adult I don’t scare very easily, so I enjoy losing myself in a story that can haunt me once again. Full of vivid imagery and ominous events, this story has a gripping essence that lingers long after the story ends. I do wish there was a little more personality in it, though. Some of the scenes felt a bit dry, or matter-of-fact. At times there was a little too much information, which made it seem a bit verbose, and I found it somewhat hard to get into at first, but that began to dissipate as the story progressed. Overall, I enjoyed the story and will definitely read more by this author.
This review originally posted at My Book Addiction.
Paul is still mourning the loss of his wife, Angie, when the story begins. It’s been three years, but he is still feeling the emptiness that his one great love left behind. Luckily he has his brother, Ray, to help keep his wits about him. Ray is an awesome brother, always there for Paul whenever he needs him. When Ray calls one morning to tell him they’ve inherited a ranch home from an Aunt they never knew, they decide to take a road trip to see what they have acquired. They meet Annie, their Aunt’s estate representative to discuss the details, take a look at the property, and retrieve the keys. Both brothers almost lose their lunch when they see Annie, as she greatly resembles Paul’s dead wife. After taking a tour of the property and feeling assured that this is a good thing, Paul decides to stay for a while. He is a freelance writer and has nothing but the ghost of his dead wife back at home. Little does he know, there are ghosts in this house, too.
Seeing Ghosts is a haunting paranormal tale told from Paul’s POV. I loved the story with all of it’s mystery and dark secrets. And secrets there were! There were plot twists I never could have seen coming, which was a very pleasant surprise. Ghosts stories always take me back to my childhood, when it was fun to try to creep out your friends. As an adult I don’t scare very easily, so I enjoy losing myself in a story that can haunt me once again. Full of vivid imagery and ominous events, this story has a gripping essence that lingers long after the story ends. I do wish there was a little more personality in it, though. Some of the scenes felt a bit dry, or matter-of-fact. At times there was a little too much information, which made it seem a bit verbose, and I found it somewhat hard to get into at first, but that began to dissipate as the story progressed. Overall, I enjoyed the story and will definitely read more by this author.
January 4, 2015
Paul Herrera hasn't fully recovered from the loss of his wife three years ago. When he and his brother Ray inherit a house from an aunt he never knew, he sets up in the house hoping to get away from things. Except there will be no peace found in Aunt Flora's house. Ghosts roam the grounds and a witch lives in the guest house. Flora hasn't left yet either, and she wants Paul for something. Haunted and depressed, Paul tries to keep hold of his sanity. As the secrets and horrors stack up, Paul might find he has nothing left to hold on to.
A wonderfully creepy story that reminded me of the chills Stephen King creates. Paul was a likable character and easy to sympathize with. A few times, I wasn't sure of his sanity just as he wondered. It was a fun roller coaster ride of emotions and it kept me on the edge of my seat.
The author provides us with great little details that heightened both the every day things and the supernatural. Flora's house was at the same time fascinating, lovely, and terrifying. Excellent job with setting and characterization. The plot lagged in a few spots, but I was hooked and couldn't stop reading until I hit the end.
A wonderfully creepy story that reminded me of the chills Stephen King creates. Paul was a likable character and easy to sympathize with. A few times, I wasn't sure of his sanity just as he wondered. It was a fun roller coaster ride of emotions and it kept me on the edge of my seat.
The author provides us with great little details that heightened both the every day things and the supernatural. Flora's house was at the same time fascinating, lovely, and terrifying. Excellent job with setting and characterization. The plot lagged in a few spots, but I was hooked and couldn't stop reading until I hit the end.
October 19, 2013
ok I am 1/2 way finished and this book is really good !! I cannot wait to finish it tonight. I really like this book and yes it's freaking me out. I love a good horror ghost story. Mr. Garcia Jr. could be on the list with Stephen king ...yes I actually believe that...so I will post again when im finished...:)
finished! this book was creepy and it made me cry. Such a great book. smooth as silk the word's jumping off the page !!
Had me pulling for the characters.
5 starts for sure for this book. ..I recommend this book. such a great read.
finished! this book was creepy and it made me cry. Such a great book. smooth as silk the word's jumping off the page !!
Had me pulling for the characters.
5 starts for sure for this book. ..I recommend this book. such a great read.
August 13, 2013
A complex and interesting story which I found hard to put down. Not a genre I usually go for but I was intrigued by the blurb. The characters haunted me and I loved the way the author coped with the subjects of ghosts giving them a original twist. James Garcia Jnr is a talented author and hopefully one who will have great success. I'm hoping he's working on another book, just as intriguing, as I'll be the first to buy it.
February 7, 2016
Seeing Ghosts by James Garcia Jr. is as scary as a ghost book should be. I found it to be well paced and written with engaging double plots of love and horror. I read it in one sitting. I could not put it down. I highly recommend this book.
September 7, 2020
Ever read a book that makes you think: now this would be a box office sensation? Yeah, Seeing Ghosts inspired that thought in my head, and here's why...Garcia has a talent for patiently revealing details. Garcia has this sort of fluency about his writing, a sort of graceful cadence toward perfection, and it makes every sentence in his book so fluid and purposeful. The simplicity in his imagery is clever. For instance, "carcasses of pizza boxes" (pg 5) or how the doorknob “squeaked in my hand as if it were a living thing and I was methodically torturing it” (page 30). Simply brilliant! I have nothing to criticize about this piece of art. I carried it everywhere, read it every chance I got, and loved every sentence of it!
July 18, 2013
Three years after losing his wife, Paul is still struggling to let her go. He thinks about her constantly to the point where he has not been able to move on with his own life. When Paul and his brother, Ray, inherit a house from an aunt they do not remember, Paul decides to move in to get away from things. Alone in the secluded house, strange things begin to happen, and Paul soon discovers his wife is not the only ghost hanging around.
I love good ghost story, and this one did not disappoint. I felt sorry for Paul and his struggles to live after loving the love of his life, though at times, especially in the beginning, I wanted to yell at him to just get over it. It had been three years…I get it, he loved her, but it is time to move on already. I enjoyed watching his progression throughout the story. He struggled still, but he was trying. The other characters were great as supporting roles, including Ray, the brother, and Anne, the real-estate lawyer.
The setting of this book was a little dark and a little creepy, just the way I like my ghost stories. Though I was able to guess some of the plot twists, there were enough surprises to keep me guessing and an overall haunting feel to the story (pun intended).
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love good ghost story, and this one did not disappoint. I felt sorry for Paul and his struggles to live after loving the love of his life, though at times, especially in the beginning, I wanted to yell at him to just get over it. It had been three years…I get it, he loved her, but it is time to move on already. I enjoyed watching his progression throughout the story. He struggled still, but he was trying. The other characters were great as supporting roles, including Ray, the brother, and Anne, the real-estate lawyer.
The setting of this book was a little dark and a little creepy, just the way I like my ghost stories. Though I was able to guess some of the plot twists, there were enough surprises to keep me guessing and an overall haunting feel to the story (pun intended).
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2013
Review Originally Posted: http://www.larissaslife.com/2013/07/m...
*No Spoilers !
Our Hero Paul Herrera is a grieving man, after loosing his wife and unborn child he seems to live life as a passive observer. When an aunt he never knew he had leaves him her house he grabs the opportunity to have a change of scenery.
As Paul begins to familiarize with his surroundings strange things start to happen, reality and paranormal clash and everything become a blur.
The things that I loved in Seeing Ghosts are the eerie atmosphere, the slow building tension, the unexpected turn of events, Thomas, Anne and Jason.
The things that made me pause are that at times the dialogues seemed childish and everyone reacted cool and collected to everything that was happening around them.
Seeing Ghosts is a book about a strange journey, a journey to unravel an unfulfilled love, to discover hidden secrets but also to put new roots to start a new life.
Definitely a must-read if you like looking behind your back!!!!
*No Spoilers !
Our Hero Paul Herrera is a grieving man, after loosing his wife and unborn child he seems to live life as a passive observer. When an aunt he never knew he had leaves him her house he grabs the opportunity to have a change of scenery.
As Paul begins to familiarize with his surroundings strange things start to happen, reality and paranormal clash and everything become a blur.
The things that I loved in Seeing Ghosts are the eerie atmosphere, the slow building tension, the unexpected turn of events, Thomas, Anne and Jason.
The things that made me pause are that at times the dialogues seemed childish and everyone reacted cool and collected to everything that was happening around them.
Seeing Ghosts is a book about a strange journey, a journey to unravel an unfulfilled love, to discover hidden secrets but also to put new roots to start a new life.
Definitely a must-read if you like looking behind your back!!!!
November 17, 2014
Awesome! Most read..
I really enjoyed reading "Seeing Ghost". I felt completely drawn in and captivated by each one of the characters. I did not want the story to end. You will not be disappointed by reading this book. I look forward to reading more by James Garcia.. I loved it!!!!
I really enjoyed reading "Seeing Ghost". I felt completely drawn in and captivated by each one of the characters. I did not want the story to end. You will not be disappointed by reading this book. I look forward to reading more by James Garcia.. I loved it!!!!
September 22, 2014
More like 3.5, but I rounded up to 4. I enjoyed the story. Some of the scenes were a bit mundane, but overall it had a nice creepy feel to it. A good ghost story.
May 28, 2014
loved. Suspense and a little romance.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews