A Haunting in Oregon

The River #2

by Michael Richan

Mason Manor, tucked away in the forests of Oregon – historic, beautiful, and completely haunted. The estate, built in 1850, is now a bed and breakfast run by Pete and Sarah. Once a wonderful place to stay, now it’s not so great – guests don’t survive the night, and are found the next morning in bed, in a pool of blood. Pete and Sarah turn to an old friend, Roy, who has “the gift,” but are they too late to stop whatever malevolent force is prowling the halls at night?

Roy and Steven jump into the mystery and find things are much worse than they appear. They endure horrific encounters with the ghosts of the manor and discover a sinister force at work. Roy and Steven will need to use Roy’s gift and marshal the help of others to save Mason Manor from the terrors within.

A Haunting in Oregon is the second book in The River series.

Genres: Horror, Paranormal, Ghosts, Mystery, Fiction, Supernatural

220 pages, Paperback

First published July 27, 2013

About the author

Michael Richan lives in Washington State. He has written horror fiction for over forty years.

He's the author of several best selling series, including "The River," 'The Downwinders," and "The Dark River." All are set within The River universe.

He's also the author of other best selling titles such as "The Haunting of Pitmon House", "The Coldwater Haunting", and "The Seances".

Visit michaelrichan.com to learn more about the series and to see a suggested reading order. Follow Michael via email and receive the free novella "Residual". You can also follow him via Twitter @michaelrichan.

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, rounded up!

I won this book in a Good-reads giveaway, but before I read this, I bought and read the first book in the series. I'm glad I did! Although this book could certainly be a stand-alone, I love the feel of jumping into a book with familiar characters, and getting to see how they "grow". In this case, father and son (Roy and Steven), team up with their unique paranormal powers to help an old friend of Roy's. Their hotel is being besieged by a series of mysterious, gruesome deaths, and they need more help than the local police would ever be able to provide.

I loved the progression of Steven and Roy's relationship, and how they're working together while learning more about each other than they ever knew before. This is a very original tale, that intrigued me from the very start--I finished it in two sittings! The characters' actions made more sense to me now, and the plot line was great to immerse myself in.

There is a third book out in this series, and I plan on purchasing that one, as well! Great discovery of a new-to-me author!

Recommended!

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book grabbed me almost from the start. The author has a clear style of writing that is easy to read but still leaves you with a vivid picture of places and events happening in the book. The characters are likeable and the plot is riveting enough to keep you entertained from start to finish. its a perfect horror read without an overabundance of gore. Roy and Stevens journey to get to know each other better is as compelling as the their journey to discover and solve the problems plaguing the Mason Manor bed and breakfast. Now I need to backtrack and read the first book the series that I missed.

[Bookish Satty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really loved this but I think book 1 was much more creepy and suspenseful. This story read like a detective thriller with a sprinkling of horror. In my opinion the stakes for Roy and Steven in Book 2 were much lower compared to Book 1 which took away some of the excitement from my reading experience because the main characters were never in any danger themselves. Hope book 3 is better!

[Eileen Dandashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

About The Author:
Michael Richan, presently living in Seattle Washington, has been writing for many years, and has recently published The River Series: The Bank of the River, A Haunting in Oregon, and Ghost of Our Fathers. The last book in the series was published September 29, 2013. His review ratings are very good for this new series, connecting with many readers. You can follow him and his new releases with this link http://michaelrichan.com/


About The Story:
Roy has been requested by an old school friend, Pete, to help him with a small matter. Pete remembers from their fortieth year school reunion party that Rod has ‘abilities’. You see, Pete owns a mansion that he made into a bed and breakfast, but people who stay there die or get very sick. Not all of them, just some. The doctors think it’s some kind of virus. Pete thinks it’s something else and wants Roy to investigate.

Steve, Roy’s son, hasn’t known of his father’s abilities for many months. In fact, he had the same abilities, but never knew. He needs training to be able to master and understand what he is capable of. Steve comes to the mansion to help his father find out what’s wrong.

Sarah, Pete’s daughter, doesn’t believe that anyone can have abilities to see beyond what is seeable. She scoffs the idea and frankly is a bit sarcastic and unwelcoming to the father and son team. She feels that the bed and breakfast is doomed financially. They can’t support the mansion if people are frightened off by the deaths.


My Thoughts:
Normally I wouldn’t pick up a book that is classified Horror Fiction, but I wanted to read this book because the title had Oregon in it. You see, I grew up in Oregon, so a part of me still has a soft spot for the state.

I liked this book because it was connected to a bit of history that probably isn’t known. In 1850 more the one hundred Native Americans were killed by the U.S. Calgary due to an uprising at the Kelsey ranch. If you’d like to see how this bit of history fits into the story link to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloody_I... (check the link after you’ve read the story—don’t spoil the story for yourself)

I found Michael Richan’s book sort of, well fun to read—he has a nice way with words. But how can I say that when people are getting poked with tentacles which draw blood, dead people are unburied and hundreds of ghosts are running amok? Well, I don’t want to give the story away, but my point is, it was scary and just a fun read.

I liked the way Rod and his son, Steven connected. There was camaraderie between them and when Steven didn’t perform in a way that was best for eradicating a ghost, Rod wasn’t all over him. They made a very nice working team. I hope that Michael Richan continues his series. Well done! There were some secondary characters I would like to see again. Perhaps they are in his third book of the series.

[Angela Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the Description:

Mason Manor, tucked away in the forests of Oregon – historic, beautiful, and completely haunted. The estate, built in 1850, is now a bed and breakfast run by Pete and Sarah. Once a wonderful place to stay, now it’s not so great – guests don’t survive the night, and are found the next morning in bed, in a pool of blood. Pete and Sarah turn to an old friend, Roy, who has “the gift,” but are they too late to stop whatever malevolent force is prowling the halls at night?

Roy and Steven jump into the mystery and find things are much worse than they appear. They endure horrific encounters with the ghosts of the manor and discover a sinister force at work. Roy and Steven will need to use Roy’s gift and marshal the help of others to save Mason Manor from the terrors within.

A Haunting in Oregon is the second book in The River series.


As we all know sequels are rarely as good as the original, but that is not the case with Haunting. It was just as fun as the original! I love the way it shows the paranormal community as real people, not kooks. Some of the ghosts are genuinely creepy and others are sympathetic. The treatment of native myths and rituals was also well done. A good plot with a few twists thrown in made this a really enjoyable book to read. Loved the characters Roy and his son, Steven. A great book to spend the afternoon with and I look forward to part three. A solid 4 star read.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the River series. Mason Manor is located in the forest hills of Oregon. Pete and his daughter Sarah run a Bed and Breakfast there. This was once a great place to stay but not anymore. It seems that Mason Manor is haunted by ghosts. Pete turns to his old classmate Roy for help. Sarah does not believe in ghosts! Roy and his son Steven decide to help Pete and Sarah out. Roy and Steven will need help from others to get to the bottom of this. I have enjoyed the River series and plan on reading the other books about Roy and Steven adventures into the unknown.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roy and his son/trainee Steven are called out to investigate ghostly paranormal occurrences at historic Mason Manor. The manor is now owned by Roy's long time friend, Pete, and Pete's daughter, Sarah.

While this is part of a series, it is entirely possible to be read as a stand alone book.

The narrative is crisp, flows well, and is laced with humor in parts.

Clever dialogue allows insight into characters and their motivations.

The characters are authentic to life and not all are likable or entirely likeable, including some of the lead ones.

Overall, a fun read!

[Connie Wisniewski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so surprised by this book. It was great. I laughed a lot and there was always something to look forward. The characters were fantastic. I will try to catch up on the previous books, and look forward to those in the future. The story centers around a father and son ghost hunting team. sounds strange but believe me it could be real. If you want a lift with an unusual read, get A Haunting In Oregon. Thanks Goodreads for this opportunity.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was not at all what I thought when I bought it. It was even better than what I expected. I also had no idea it was a second book in a series of 6. I think that makes it a good book, I never felt lost not having read the first book. I never felt like there was back story I needed to have to understand what was going on. You could read this book as a stand alone and truly enjoy it. I on the other hand now feel compelled to read book 1 before doing anything else.

[Donna Akers forstner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this was a fun book. Light reading and kept my interest, but it was not one of those reads that you cannot wait to get back to. There are 2 more books in the series, I might read them.

[Willi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read!I loved the thriller,suspense & horror themes!It was a hard to put down book!

[Stu Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! Didn't realize this was book 2 in a series. Can't wait to read the others!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters in this book undergo growth and transformation as they strive to assist those in their midst. Every new character introduced is meticulously developed and seamlessly integrated into the existing world. While some individuals may not exhibit exemplary traits, their significance to the plot and its progression is evident.

Mason Manor is a charming historic building located in the forests of Oregon. It was built back in 1850 and is currently being operated as a bed and breakfast by a man named Pete and his daughter Sarah. However, the estate has a dark secret - it is completely haunted, and guests who stay there do not survive the night. Word has spread, and the business is now in trouble.

Pete reaches out to his old friend Roy, who has a special "gift" that could help them. Although Sarah is skeptical at first, Pete convinces Roy to help them save their business. Roy brings along his son Steven, and together, they delve into the mystery. However, they soon realize that the situation is much worse than they initially thought. They face terrifying encounters with the ghosts that haunt the manor and uncover a sinister force at work. Eventually, they must enlist the help of others to save their friend from the horrors within.

I finished this book that is both fast-paced and humorous, yet also had elements of suspense and supernatural gifts. What made the experience even better was that I had both read the book and listened to the audiobook version. The narrator did an excellent job bringing all the characters to life, adding depth to the story, and keeping me immersed in the world of the River. Kudos to Steven Cooper for his fantastic work!"

[Johann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Amazing Story!!!

This is the 2nd book in the River series but can be read as a stand alone.
Roy and Steven are back and have been enlisted to help solve the haunting at a Bed & Breakfast.
What they find is hundreds of ghosts and something is attracting them.
Could they be way over their heads or can they figure the mystery out before people start dropping like flies...
Pick this up...you'll love it !!!

[Cheri Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put this down!!

From the first word to the last word this book had me spell bound. It was phenomenal! The characters were fantastic! I loved the story line! It was a scary ghost story with lots of ghosts and some twists and turns I didn't see coming. This is a fascinating series and I'm so glad I started it! This author really knows how to spin a fantastic ghostly tale!!!!

[thais brockhagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burial grounds

Steven and Roy are very interesting and I have enjoyed all about them, and how Steven is learning the trade. These books are really such great fun to read. I find myself wishing I could write like the author. Keep them coming. Thanks

[Jan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I lost interest when the author started adding in different kinds of paranormal creatures. For me, the story started to lag right after the duo left the Inn in Oregon to visit some guy who could tell them who "paid" for the nightly visitations.

[Christine I. Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast and suspenseful

This is the second in a series. I’m enjoying them. They are imaginative and well written. There’s enough suspense to keep you interested. I will probably eventually read all of this author’s books

[Jeanine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well done ghost story.. Quite enjoyable.

[Erth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bravo! A good fast read! now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.

The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.

i would highly recommend this author and this book.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Michael Richan's A Haunting in Oregon is what it is -- it doesn't raise the bar, but it isn't something other than what it looks like. Don't worry; I'm going to explain further what I mean.

One impression that I allude to above is that this novel represents the very opposite of literary fiction. It's just a story, and there isn't anything wrong with that per se. I found the plot in and of itself pretty amusing. That said, the text consists exclusively of plot action and character dialogue. There's no framing of the narrative or technique used by the author to allow extra insight into what's happening as one reads. This bare bones narrative structure keeps subtext, and thus reading between the lines, to a minimum as far as literary interpretation goes.

The second respect in which I'd say this book "is what it is" has to do with the plain literary style the author employs in writing this novel. For example, the first line of this book, which you'll remember is entitled A Haunting in Oregon, is actually: "It looks haunted." The italics appear in the original, FYI.

If a story about a haunting is the essence of what you desire, you won't be disappointed with this selection. If you want more, look elsewhere, I'd say.

Please be advised I received a free copy of this book through the Goodreads Giveaway program.

[Icy-Cobwebs-Crossing-SpaceTime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review:  A HAUNTING IN OREGON by Michael Richan (River Book Two)

I initially read and enjoyed the first in this special Supernatural series, BANK OF THE RIVER, in Oct. 2013, then a few days ago read it again so I could go through the entire series consecutively.

BANK OF THE RIVER is set in Seattle. A HAUNTING IN OREGON takes Steven and Roy, the son and father newly become a team (Steven is in his fifties and has a son at University) farther afield to Oregon, to an expansive antique manor near Medford, a bed-and-breakfast for a number of years. Mason Manor is owned by Pete and his daughter Sarah, and is magnetic to ghosts. Something additional is wrong: several guests have died over the last few years. In order to solve this deadly puzzle, Roy and Steve will do some extensive traveling, from Seattle, their home base, to Mason Manor in Oregon, Albuquerque, Northern California, Seattle, and back to Oregon. Mr. Richan never settles for routine haunting or ghostly manifestations only, but works in supplementary threads, in this case Native American Spirituality, and the very ugly history of the whites' treatment of the indigenous populace on the West Coast.

[Debi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has captivated me from the first book learning about the growing dynamics between father and son team Roy and Steven. I enjoyed the storyline of a haunted B&B and the escalation of the hauntings bought on by an evil man who, of course, gets his due. The new characters are interesting as you learn the special skills they possess. Can't wait to read the next in the series!

[Lesley Looper · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a quick read, a nice follow-up to The Bank of the River, although I think this would be fine as a stand-alone book. The characters were likeable and the story moved along.

[carolyn smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A haunting in oregon

As the next book progresses I had trouble putting it down. I love the characters and the story line. I will probably read all MIchael RIchans books. What a story teller!

[Merrilyn McGloin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hauntingly Good Read

Just finished my first Michael Richan book! I'm hooked but good. Wonderful imagination, great story line and I
loved the father/son working together aspect. I highly
recommend this book to anyone who likes a little something to spook up their fun factor!

[Richard Turgeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun. Fast paced.

Book 2 picks up right where book 1 leaves off. Enjoyable, quick read ghost story and events consistent with the special ability of the main characters to deal with them. Sit back and get lost in this supernatural world that Mr Richan has created.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book even more than the first. Each turn or twist in the tale is more intriguing than the last.

[Mariejkt · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not what I thought it was did not like it. So not my cup of tea.

[Gleann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing was a bit simple but it wasn't to awful.Was a fun and easy read.