On a well-deserved hiatus from the ghoulish grind of their TV show, Ghoul Getters, psychic medium M. J. Holliday, her boyfriend, Heath, and her best friend, Gilley, are back home in Boston. But there’s no rest for the weary ghost busters. M. J.’s ex comes to her for help—his fiancée’s brother Luke seems haunted by a sinister spirit.
The crew sets up surveillance cameras to watch for the possessive poltergeist while Luke is sleeping. But when he goes outside in the middle of the night and returns hours later covered in blood, they are all very concerned—especially when the news reports the murder of a young woman in the neighborhood.
Now M. J., Heath, and Gilley must remain self-possessed as they try to stop a wicked ghost whose behavior is anything but neighborly.
Victoria 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.
This book made me feel nostalgic as M.J. and Steven encounter each other again and it seemed like this was the way they should have broken up the first time with a little more wistful sadness than what happened before. The ghost part of the story was very scary and violent The unfolding of the story was chilling and very well fleshed out. This series is definitely getting darker but I like it.
By far the scariest of the series! MJ, Heath & Gilley are back home in Boston taking a small break after a hair-raising ghost bust in Europe. Out of the blue, MJ receives a call from her ex, Dr. Steven, pleading for help for his fiancée's brother. Fiancee? That was a little upsetting -- apparently they still have feelings for each other -- and surprising. They had both moved on so quickly. When they learn that brother Luke is seemingly periodically possessed, they have to decide whether or not they can help him. Shocking and funny in turns, our beloved characters will always do their very best -- even when in danger or scared straight out of their socks!
I really love this series – it is great for people who want a little terror in their lives without drowning in too much horror. So summed up, its scary with laughs. MJ and Heath have returned home for a rest when her ex-boyfriend and his fiancée ask for help with a possessed relative, Luke. The first shock is that her ex had a fiancée; the second shock is that it appears that Luke slaughters a woman while they are watching on the surveillance cameras. They see Luke leave but can’t get there quick enough to stop him from heading out into the night. This ghost is really, really creepy – he just popped in and took possession in a split second, very disconcerting if you are the possessee and you regain control of your body to find you’re charged with murder. Investigation by MJ, Heath and Gilley reveal that there is a connection to the apartment that Luke rents and the murders of a few girls of the past 25 to 30 years. The link has to be discovered and the conduit for the spook closed down before any more deaths occur.
THE GHOUL NEXT DOOR is a rollicking adventure with mystery, ghosts, romance and humour all blended together with a cast of well-loved realistic characters, some lovely evil characters (and not talking the ghost here) and lots of twists and turns to the plot. I can’t wait for the next one.
I have never read any books in this series before and starting with book 8 was probably not the best idea. However, I absolutely loved the book and I didn't feel like I missed a thing. I loved the characters and the plot idea really held my interest. I was totally drawn into the story and I stayed up to read it straight through to the end. I will definitely be looking for more of this series.
Victoria Laurie always brings readers a good scary mystery. Her latest in the Ghost Hunter series, The Ghoul Next Door doesn't deviate from the pattern. The creepers are a little closer to home in this one and Laurie brings back a past lover to add another dimension to the story. Readers who love paranormal cozies will fall in love with this one. Laurie does a great job of adding some pretty scary situations into this book, so readers beware... this one just might scare the pants off of ya! It's paranormal + mystery and it = a great read!
What I liked:
I like the author's commitment to her subject in this series. The author, Victoria Laurie is a psychic and she knows her stuff. That's what gives this series a ring of authenticity that other writers can't quite pull off with their paranormal cozies. Laurie uses a lot of over the top hijinks and a bit of humor as well, to bring it altogether. Basically, I like her style of writing in the Ghost Hunter series and especially in this book. She makes the sometimes unbelieveable seem like par for the course. That takes some talent.
As always M.J. is a great heroine. I liked the fact that she was having a bit of personal history making things difficult in this one. She and her boyfriend Heath are asked for help from her ex. which leads to a bit of confusion on M.J.'s part, that I thought made her seem more like a real person. Like everyone else that has issues in their lives. It made her easier to relate to and maybe even a bit more normal. Not that, that is necessary. In a paranormal cozy it's usually the weirder the better. But liked seeing her in a realistic situation.
The mystery in this one was a bit on the creepy side. Who wants to think of someone being possessed and possibly committing murder because of it? But it certainly made for some good reading. I liked Luke and I was really worried about what was going on with him. He was a good character. There was a lot going on in this one but Laurie has a knack for pulling it altogether so that the reader doesn't have a problem figuring out how she got there, when the big reveal comes. I liked the way the clues were placed and the way M.J. sorted them out in her head. Probably my favorite of this series so far.
What I didn't like:
Heath and M.J. seemed to take a bit of time figuring out just how serious this case really was. I felt like maybe they weren't taking things as seriously as they should have and were putting themselves in more danger by showing more attention to Gilley's feelings than was necessary. It's a beastie of the worst kind... what's more important than that?
Bottom Line:
Despite the lack of urgency in the first part of the book. I still really enjoyed this one. It is one of the best of the series and I think readers will enjoy M.J. getting back to her roots and her struggles with the mystery, and her personal life.
This is my favorite of the Ghoul Hunter series. Though I have enjoyed the other books, I found them a bit mechanical in comparison to Laurie's Abby Cooper books. This book brings ghoul hunting closer to home as those MJ cares about become possessed. It has the feel of a real whodunit, and is nicely complex and moves quickly. It also brings together several characters who have wildly different approaches with a common goal. While there is also a bit of old romance back into the picture, it doesn't overwhelm the book. I do wish Heath were a bit more (how can I put this?) "manly." I've always viewed him a bit asexually because he seems (to me) to be a manifestation of MJ's emotional needs rather than a full-fledged characters in himself. My only other complaint would be the level of denial through the first half of the book. Though useful as a plot device, there is always enough denial with Gilley's high maintenance laziness. But to see MJ and Heath be dismissive of danger when they have been assaulted by a malevolent spirit, was a bit annoying. Instead of being more vigilant in the face of imminent danger, they seemed to be less so. It's like they refused to break from routine even when people's lives were on the line. Lying to Gilley (though I understand why) also only brought danger closer -- I guess they were more afraid of the wrath of Queen Gilley than a murderous spirit. Hmmmm.
Unlike most of the other reviews I saw, this was my least favorite of the Ghost Hunter Mysteries to date and probably my least favorite of all Ms. Laurie's books.
The relationship between M.J. and Gilley has always been one of the things I liked best about the series and for some reason it just didn't ring true in this one. Gilley has always been a difficult diva type but in this one he was positively unlikable most of the time and just seemed like a really shrill pain in the ass. The whole phone mix-up thing almost made me stop reading, even as I realized it was the author's way of making sure M.J. missed the calls from Kendra, to advance the story, it was simply maddening to me on top of all the too-coincidental "oh, I forgot my phone" or "my phone has no charge" episodes.
While the storyline of the possession was interesting and unique, for me it was completely overshadowed (no pun intended) by the hysterics and pettiness in M.J. & Gil's dealings with each other. I just wanted them to solve the mystery so it would be over this time, which made me sad.
I'll read the next one in the series out of loyalty, hoping that it will be better and the ship will be righted, so to speak. If it isn't, however, I think I'll be done with the series.
After being disappointed with the previous book in this series I was thrilled when I discovered how good this one was. Wow! It was loaded with thrills and chills. Some of the passages were about the scariest I think Ms. Laurie has ever written. The mystery was convoluted and kept me guessing right up to the end. Even drama queen Gilley, who was so over-the-top in the last book, was much more appropriate and subdued. And there were several moments of well written humor that lightened the mood at just the right time. All in all, I loved this book. Color me sad that I have to wait until next year for the next one in the series.
I think this is definitely one of my favorites of the series. Mainly because M.J., Heath, and Gil return to Boston and the setting of this case is closer to home. Don't get me wrong, I like the different setting for the cases of the previous books -- Scotland, Ireland, New Mexico -- but Boston has its charms too. Plus there are some returning secondary characters and M.J. finally has (satisfying) closure with her ex-boyfriend Dr. Steven Sable.
The case actually relates to Steven. Now engaged, Steven comes to M.J. because his fiancée's brother is being possessed. Steven asks for M.J.'s help. And soon, the brother is accused of murdering a woman.
The story flows fast. I liked that Steven's new fiancée was kind and nice. Sure there were awkward moments when M.J. and Heath met with Steven and Courtney, but in overall I really liked how Victoria Laurie handled it.
The spook is scary (of course all of the spooks here are but it's still horrible how the ghost haunts a person rather a place this time) -- and the ending is rather sad. It's a good installment of this series for sure.
Gilley, MJ and Heath are taking a much needed rest from Ghoul Getters. Stephen call MJ looking for some help for a friend of his. Luke seems to be possessed by an evil spirit. MJ has never dealt with something like this before. Not only is Luke possessed but Heath and Gilley also find themselves in trouble. Can the group find the portal that evil spirit is using to get into our world in time to save Heath and Gilley?
This was a great story but not for the faint of heart. There was just something about this story that was just very scary to me. It also had a good mystery to go along with it. I found that reading it late at night was maybe not such a good idea!!! ;-)
Another good read from one of my favorite authors. I like how the relationship between MJ and Heath is progressing and it was nice to see Gilley settled down a bit. This was an interesting twist on a serial killer. The ending made me sad on two counts -- one how the one who enabled the ghoul got caught up in helping it and then, after reading the author's intro and what happened in her personal life was just so heartbreaking. If it affected me I can only imagine how much more painful it was for the author, especially being an intuitive.
3.5 stars I always enjoy these books and my reviews usually depend on how annoying Gilley is I’ve noticed! I mean I love this genre and always like the fun, but if he is extra annoying it puts me on edge – so 3.5 because of him lol.
Very dark and good follow-up to the last one now that MJ is home. There are some plot holes scattered here and there, but ah well. We get to see an early series original again for a bit with big news. The mystery in this one is especially fascinating.
The thoughts of ghouls can be frightening, but when psychic medium M. J. Holliday and her crew are on the job it can be oh so much more.
M. J., her boyfriend, Heath, and her best friend, Gilley, return to Boston for a well-deserved rest from their TV show, Ghoul Getters. The rest doesn’t last long when M. J.’s ex, Steven, ask for her help. It’s seems his fiancée’s brother, Luke, is being possessed by a sinister spirit.
Reluctant at first, M. J. agrees and the group sets up surveillance equipment to observe Luke while he sleeps. He wanders out during the night, returning covered in blood. They fear he’s been attacked, but quickly learn a young woman was murdered in the neighborhood and Luke is the prime suspect.
M. J. and the crew must stop the menacing poltergeist before more lives are lost. In addition, M. J. has to deal with her feelings for Heath, as well as returning feelings for Steven.
THE GHOUL NEXT DOOR offers a vast array of intrigue for readers from cozy mystery, paranormal, romance and even a bit of humor. Author Victoria Laurie blends all the elements together for a well-balanced entertaining read that will be hard to put down.
The core cast of characters, including the protagonist, are delightful, zany and realistic. Their interaction flows smoothly and makes for interesting twists and turns. Laurie’s eye for detail and extensive research adds to the story’s depth.
While this is the eighth installment in the series, it can be read on its own. New readers won’t be left in the dark and returning fans won’t be overwhelmed by too much repeated information.
I found THE GHOUL NEXT DOOR to be a stimulating bittersweet mystery that held my attention from beginning to end with moments of hair-raising surprises along the way. This is a fun cozy murder mystery that will have you believing in the paranormal.
FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
The Ghoul Next Door is the 8th book in the Ghost Hunter Mystery series.
This is the 5th book I have read in the series and must say I think it is the best. A very engaging and exciting book.
M.J., her boyfriend Heath and Gil have just returned from overseas after filming some shows for their Ghoul Getters TV series and looking forward to relaxing before they need to start work on the next season.
But before they can Steven, M.J.'s ex boyfriend, stops by and asks for their help with his fiancée's brother, Luke, is apparently possessed by an evil spirit. M.J. is all for saying no to helping, but Heath and Gil change her mind. It seems Luke has some kind of spirit that is occupying his mind and can barely function and has moved in with his sister. M.J. and Heath set up their cameras to watch Luke as he tries to sleep. Hopefully they will be able to get some clue as to what kind of spirit it is. As they watching Luke sleep, it suddenly gets up and leaves the house. They attempt to find Luke, but can't and head back to the house. A short time later returns covered in blood. Thinking Luke had been attacked they start cleaning him up and call 911. When the police arrive, M.J. learns that there has been a girl just killed nearby. Luke is arrested for the murder and M.J. and Heath are considered as accomplices for a while. M.J. and Heath feel that Luke is innocent of the murder set off to learn more about the spirit. They soon find that there have been several murders in that area and some that have never been solved. It's when they find a connection to a certain address that M.J., Heath and Gil's lives are put in danger.
This book is not particularly gruesome, but still will cause the hair on your neck to rise. Definitely a hard book to put down.
I am a self proclaimed addict to the MJ series and to the Abby Cooper series (both by Laurie). Some of the books have been better than others, but I have enjoyed every single book she has written. However, this one, is by far, the best one in a long time. I think other than the introductory book to the MJ series, this might be the best one in the MJ series! It didn't follow the usual pattern in her books...this one, while some moments were slightly predictable, literally kept you guessing until the very end. This was one of those books that stays with you after you read it--you keep thinking about the characters and the storyline. I feel like in the last few books--when it was constantly one Ghoul Getters after another--she was sticking to some prescribed storyline (find out about next shoot, protest going, go anyway to preserve job, scary stuff happens, life hangs in balance, some clue surfaces, problem fixed, go to next location, exhausted), and this book got back to the root of MJ's life and made it great. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!!
*Reread* I'm not going to lie, I picked this book up on the 30th and finished it yesterday because I couldn't stand the idea of ending my year off at 49 books! So I made it easy on myself and picked up one of my favourite comfort reads. Surprisingly I don't think I've ever written a review for this one so here goes. As I always say I absolutely adore MJ and Gilley they are two of my favourite characters of all time. It was fun to be back in boston for a change to solve a mystery, and i love that this book gets a lot darker than some of the earlier books. Whenever I reread a ghost hunter mystery it's like catching up with two friends I've known for over a decade now and even though I know the outcome of the story, I am totally entertained! I know that cozy fantasy is starting to rise in popularity in the book community lately, and I think anyone who loves that genre will absolutely love this series!
Another October book in celebration of Hallowwen! Another city, another haunting for M.J. and her team - this time in Boston and full of all kinds of starts and stops to find the cause of numerous murders over a number of decades.
Be sure to read the author's poignant dedication. It certainly explains so much about about the development and emotions that surround one of the characters in the book.
This time M.J. , her boyfriend,Heath, and her best friend, Gilley are drawn into an unusual case by M.J.'s former boyfriend,Steven. Steven wants their help for his future brother in law who seems to be possessed. When they start investigating they discover it goes much deeper with many murders over many years. The book was a quick easy read.
I just finished this book & as the next one isn't set to release until next January of 2015, I tried to stretch it out...but I couldn't help myself, it's that good! Just don't read it at night, as with this whole series, you will need a light on! :)
This latest story in this series took a slightly darker turn taking on a creepy Lisa Jackson vibe. The ghoul in this book possesses men who then slash the throats of innocent victims. Both Heath and Gilley are jumped by this ghoul also which makes the happenings really terrifying.
One of the best of the series. I loved the acknowledgments, it made the story even more special. There is also a sneak peek at the next book, No Ghouls Allowed due in Jan 2015, I can't wait.
The 8th book in the Ghost Hunter Mystery series!! One might think that with a series going on this long it may start to falter at times with its storytelling, but that is SO far from the case here! This book (and even the next one - I’m writing this after having read both book 8 and 9) truly brought some creepy elements to the table that ratcheted up the tension even more so than the others! At times the spook was downright sinister!!
M.J., Heath, her boyfriend, and Gilley, her best friend, return to Boston for a well deserved break from the filming of their television show. M.J. and Heath are hoping for a couple weeks of easy readings for people to connect with those they’ve lost but that is thrown off the rails due to the return of a past character, Steven! It was great seeing him again along with his fiancé, newly introduced for this book.
Steven’s fiancé seeks out M.J. and her crew to help her brother who hasn’t been right the past couple of weeks. As the chapters progress the main characters we all know and love find themselves, once again, thrown into a mystery that they have to solve! All the while a hostile spook is running around attempting to get into the minds of certain individuals.
Perhaps its that return to home for the characters, or at least for M.J. and Gilley. They’re on familiar stomping grounds. But knowing that a spook so deadly and intent on possessing those with likeminded ideas and thoughts of evil doings really made this book an entirely different reading experience! Before with M.J., Heath, and Gilley they would be going to a location with their Ghoul Getters television crew in tow in an attempt to get some scary footage. This time around it’s just the main three against something damn near diabolical!
This book really made me think about the show ‘A Haunting’ that used to air on the Discovery Channel. I used to watch that all of the time when I was little and I occasionally got random episode flashbacks while reading this book as it dealt entirely with possession.
As usual the characters all really shine and you can tell that Victoria Laurie really poured a lot of heart and soul into this book. Not that she hadn’t in the previous books, but there was just something extra special about both this book and the next that really made me enjoy the reading experience even more than usual! And as far as the ending, it really is something you just have to read for yourself. Thank you, Victoria Laurie!!