The Scream Sisters

Troubled Spirits #10

by J.R. Erickson

A dark paranormal mystery inspired by an eerie true crime...

Teagan Kelso's freshman year takes a chilling turn when her best friend and roommate mysteriously disappears. Determined to unveil the truth, Teagan follows a trail of clues that all converge on the enigmatic sorority her friend was rushing. In a race against time, she must navigate a treacherous web of secrets, risking everything to uncover the sinister reality lurking beneath the sorority's glamorous facade.

Don't miss this chilling ghost story.

Genres: Thriller, Ghosts, Horror, Mystery, Audiobook, Paranormal, Crime

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 10, 2023

About the author

J.R. Erickson writes novels that blend murder mysteries with haunted houses. Her Northern Michigan Asylum series are novels of paranormal suspense inspired by a real former asylum in Traverse City. Her current books, the Troubled Spirits series, are all inspired by real crimes, which she covers in her true crime podcast, Bitter Endings.

Jacki is a lifelong lover of all things spooky, and started penning scary stories in childhood. She grew up in Mason, Michigan and is a graduate of Michigan State University with a B.A. in Psychology. These days, Jacki resides near Traverse City, Michigan with her husband, son, and three cats.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I wasn't sure where this story was going. I'm not one for sororities, thank you very much. And this was all about sororities, and pledging, and... well, murder.

I didn't guess who did it this time! So yay!

[❀ Crystal ✿ - PEACE ☮ LOVE ♥ BOOKS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Within days of starting university with her best friend one of them goes missing. From the first moment she awakes and realizes her friend never came home, Teagan does the impossible to find answers. This was a pretty intense read because so many characters were untrustworthy. Even in the end while we have a main enemy, doubts linger into everyone’s knowledge of crimes committed. I really enjoyed Teagans dedication to her friend. Sure she may have committed a few small crimes herself on her journey for answers but without her meddling who knows what could have happened. Something on campus is targeting young women and it’s no surprise the university wants to keep it quiet to keep attendance up but it’s still a punch to the gut when they brush any incidents under the rug like a dirty little secret. Throw in the whole Greek life organization and it’s almost like asking for trouble given their secretive world. This was another good read with a blend of horror villain serial killers, paranormal spirits and mysteries that had me guessing till the end.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't read JR Erickson books, then wait no longer. The author writes intriguing, twisted, and chilling stories. This book was fantastic with unexpected twists that completely caught you by surprise. The characters are related, and the ending is geniusly executed.

[Terry and dog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riveting. Once you get into this story you have to find out what happens. There are some nasty hazing things going on here and appalling behaviors by both males and females. It takes a while to get to the horror and action, and I'd like to have seen it a bit sooner, there is a lot of teenage drama to go through first, but it was a good and easy read. You will probably come up with different killer scenarios along the way, but I didn't figure it out until I read it.

[Kris Frisk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the best one I have read so far, and I have read them all! I was surprised by the ending, and I love it when that happens. I have gotten really good at predicting where a story will go, but this one took me for a loop. She is a great author, and I can't wait for the next one that comes out!

[Barbara Veloz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to put down

From page 1 I was sucked into this story. The further I read, the harder it was to put down. It was surprising who Peggy was and the names in Harley’s family tree.

[Saundra Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each and every book by this author is mesmerizing. The characters are fresh and alluring. Nothing is predictable. This one had me guessing throughout. If you haven’t discovered J. R. Erickson yet grab Scream Sisters now!

[MiniMicroPup (X Liscombe) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was expecting OTT Slasher Cringies, but this was Deep.

Energy: Jovial. Secretive. Truthful.
Scene: 🇺🇸 A fictional American University in an unspecified campus town.
Perspective: We follow two main characters. One is a skeptical, introverted Yr 1 Pre-Med student trying to get campus authorities to investigate the sudden disappearance of her roommate/childhood bestie. The other is a reserved Yr 1 Uni student reluctantly pledging to a popular Sorority to continue their mother’s Greek Life legacy.

🐕 Howls: The immersive grief and sadness…but I just don’t like sad books so that’s me.
🐩 Tail Wags: The main characters. The toxic academia and toxic parent dynamics. Using true crime as inspiration without feeling ick or lazy. The true crime commentary.

🤔 Random Thoughts:
This read fast-paced slow-burn to me.

I felt like I was running along with Tegan trying to find her roommate and alternatively not make authorities angry to get them to take the disappearance seriously, while also being on the edge of snapping about their incompetence.

This is one of the few fictional stories I’ve read ‘inspired’ by a true crime case that didn’t feel like it was capitalizing on it, rather it was exploring and providing commentary around how these things can happen. It’s a controversial and slightly open-ended one (also irl) and one close to home that I remember being terrified of as a kid.

🤓 Reader Role: We are watching scenes unfold, almost from above as characters interact. Our narrator is also giving us bits of info in a non-intrusive way for context.
🗺️ World-Building: Easy to imagine. Little details are woven into text so we have a foundation for building the surroundings in our mind, and the author doesn’t wreck it later.
🔥 Fuel: Where is Tegan’s rooomate? Is she okay? If not, what happened? How can Tegan navigate dismissive academia and presumptive law enforcement to get her friend help? There’s also a side story around another student navigating parental abuse while pledging for a popular Sorority, and we wonder if she’ll stand up for herself or succumb to their toxicity.
📖 Cred: Plausible

Mood Reading Match-Up:
-Students laughing. House music. Distant parties. Birds chirping. Lecture halls. Grapefruit. Cotton candy. Bleach.
-Paranormal psychic/magical realism suspense
-New age contemporary fiction with missing BFF & Greek life
-Dark ‘true crime adjacent’ academia

Content Heads-Up: Missing friend. Narcissistic, controlling parent. Imprisoned parent. Body shaming (fat, thin, breast size). Fatphobia. Sexual harassment. Hazing. Addiction (alcoholism, Adderall.)

Rep: Dark and light skin tones. Ambiguously described Americans. Cisgender.

📚 Format: Kindle Unlimited

My musings 💖 powered by puppy snuggles 🐶

[Avignone A · Rating 5 out of 5]

The entire series was a great read. Lots of twists in these books. JR does not let you put the book down...you just want to keep on reading

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Troubled Spirit books namely as they are all contain aspects of a true crime. The series is one I wait for with bated breath to release from J.R (Author) and The Scream Sisters was no exception! I've had this on my TBR list for months!

Out of all the books this one I probably struggled with the most. It wasn't the story and mystery, both of those were brilliant and I loved how it all came together. Unfortunately it was one of the main characters, Teagan. I cannot abide judgemental people and at times she came across terribly so. Add to that her abrupt/no filter/tell you how she feels personality and I found it really hard sympathising with her over her missing friend Harley. Pushing people away who are truly trying to help you did her no favours. I will add Blair was the breath of fresh air though and she saved my dislike for Teagan!

The Usher University and the sorority setting were both interesting as it's something I never did (I think Uni life in the UK is VERY different especially with the sororities/hazing stories etc). The real mystery which I won't name (The author always tells you at the end of the book about the true crime mentioned) isn't one I'd heard of but sounds fascinating in a morbid way. This was a solid 4 stars! If you haven't read any of the pervious Troubled Spirits books you can grab them on Kindle Unlimited so free if you subscribe. The books sometimes mention previous characters but do not need to be read in order and could be read as standalones.

[Rhonda Lother · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one wasn't my favorite, although the latter half was suspenseful and moved very quickly.

1. Teagan was so abrasive and aggressive—even before her friend went missing. While it's admirable that she pursued the case so doggedly, she's rude and unfriendly.
2. The whole sorority thing. Hazing is ILLEGAL in all but six states. Hazing can carry misdemeanor and felony charges. During rush week, a Panhellenic Council oversees rush activities and checks in with pledges regularly. Any activity remotely like this would cause a sorority or fraternity to lose their charter.
3. Sororities and fraternities don't just party with one other group of the opposite sex. In the fall, they have mixers with every other Greek organization.
4. I figured out who the bad guys were.
5. Repetition of "murmured"—SIXTY-TWO times! 62! Sometimes twice on the same page.
6. I know each book in the series is a standalone, but I do like it when there is come kind of callback to a previous story. There wasn't one in this book.


Spoiler Question Below

Obviously, Margot changed her name after graduation. But her portrait is on the sorority's wall. Wouldn't her name be displayed as it was in college? If so, the whole come-apart scene where Blair scribbled the name on the wall would have been a dead giveaway.

[Beverly Laude · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several other books by this author and each of them are amazing! A mix of thriller and supernatural events keeps the reader entertained and racing to the wild conclusion! This book starts off with a tension filled walk through a dark college campus and the story builds from there.

Harley Rand and her best friend Teagan Kelso, have just arrived at Husher University and are thrilled to be starting their college journey together. While Teagan is mostly concerned with attaining her goal of Medical School, Harley wants to join a sorority. Her choice would be the sought after Rho Upsilon Nu, the most prestigious one on campus. A few days after arriving at Husher, Harley disappears and Teagan is determined to find out what happened to her.

The book is a mix of a psychological thriller, ghostly encounters, psychic phenomenon, and the antics of Rush week. There are plenty of twist and unexpected revelations along the way and I was totally caught off guard by the ending. I highly recommend this book (and others by the author) if you enjoy the mix of these genres.

[Deb Barringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Scream Sisters by J. R. Erickson is truly amazing and frightening all wrapped up in one fantastic place. The Scream Sisters is another excellent standalone in the author's Troubled Spirits collection. Highly anticipated, this novel was everything I have come to expect from this author and so much more. From beginning to end, it captivated my attention and never let go. It helps bring to light the mysterious world of sororities, and the pressure PNM's (Potential New Members) face during rush week. It is an amazing plot, filled with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole way through. The ending will really throw you for a loop!

Teagan shows great strength and tenacity as she desperately searches for her missing best friend/roommate who has disappeared without a trace during rush week. Blair is another PNM that becomes involved through her supernatural abilities. The characters are so well written and developed that you can feel their fear and frustration.

Overall, Scream Sisters is a phenomenal standalone novel set amongst the fantastic Troubled Spirits Series. I highly recommend it. You will not be disappointed at all!

[Mrs. Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Scream Sisters

Once again, J.R. Erickson has written a book you can not put down. I was concerned about reading it over the holiday with family while camping. However, again, once you start, you can not stop. I have been following and reading this author thru many, many of her books. Unlike most authors, her writing is not just the same plot with different characters. You know how, after reading a specific author, you can tell exactly where it's all going? Sometimes, by the end of the first page!?! Not so with any of J.R. Erickson's works. Characters are fully developed, and you feel as if they are either friends of yours.. or you are the character. Mind blowing how skillfully she pulls it all together and you never saw it coming. It's absolutely one of the best books I've read this year. You need this book. You will not be sorry you purchased this book. She is an outstanding author. One of my favorite authors, hands down.

[Josette Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read a book by this author I know that I will get some kind of novel based on a true story. This book was no exception. This book involved fraternities and sororities. During rush week, several different girls wanted to pledge. Blair only complied because of her mother’s insistence. Harley also wanted to pledge but her friend Teagan just supported her decision. When Harley goes missing, it becomes Teagan’s persistence that begins to draw Blair into her world. Blair can see ghosts but is aforesaid to share this information because her mother blames her ability on mental health issues.

I felt really bad for Blair. She obviously needed help and her mother was too worried about reputation than her daughter’s wellbeing. It was a shame that the university had so much pull in the town to keep secrets hidden. This was obvious when Teagan was ignored so many times. The victims cried out but were never heard. I would love to be able to help solve cold cases by listening to ghosts.

[Lisa Kubin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I never understood sororities so I loved it even more because it pointed out the catty, judgmental, torturous things women do to one another to feel better about themselves! The supernatural aspect of the book is intriguing! I wish we had more back story on Blair, but still she is a likable character that anchors the story (imho). I wish I had a friend like Teagan. She is so loyal and never gives up on her friend. Her tenaciousness allows her to find out the truth about Harley! There are so many twists and unexpected turns in this story that it makes you want to stay up all night to finish it. My only complaint is that Sloan doesn’t seem to have to face the consequences for her behavior. Highly recommend this book and all the others by this author! I can’t wait for the next story!!

[Samantha Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I really liked this one!

I'll preface this by saying that I am very much like the main character in my feelings toward Greek life, so that might be a bit of an influence. LOL

Whereas the last one left me feeling like it took too long to get into the action, this one hooked me right away. I never felt like the plot dragged, and the story was very believable. The supernatural component was cool and a bit gruesome, which I loved. Usually, I know the "whodunnit" right away, but this one kept me guessing for a while.

I'd give it 4.5 stars, mostly because it needed more editing. I don't usually deduct from ratings like that, but there were a few places where typos pulled me out of the story. That said, I really enjoyed this read and would recommend it to others. Can't wait to read the next Trouble Spirits tale!

[Sheri Corriero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teagan and Harley are starting at Husher University. They are best friends and very excited for their new start. They have completely different personalities. Harley is outgoing and social and wants to be in a sorority. Not any sorority though, only the one her mother was in before. Teagan is quieter and not into the social scene. Teagan wakes to find Harley missing from their room. She didn’t come back to the dorm room they share. She’s not answering texts or phone calls. Teagan goes to her work, and no one saw her after he last shift. She went to her classes and found she didn’t show up either. She finally reported her missing. Unknown to them, this isn’t the first time a girl went missing. As Teagan digs for information, some surprising secrets are exposed. It was very exciting. I love the Troubled Spirits books! I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest review.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A dark paranormal mystery inspired by an eerie true crime...

Teagan Kelso's freshman year takes a chilling turn when her best friend and roommate mysteriously disappears. Determined to unveil the truth, Teagan follows a trail of clues converging on the enigmatic sorority her friend was rushing. In a race against time, she must navigate a treacherous web of secrets, risking everything to uncover the sinister reality lurking beneath the sorority's glamorous facade.

I'm not a big fan of sorority stories, and this one was slow for me to begin with.
I'm also not a huge fan of the narrator. Some of the voices sound too soft and whispery.

Teagan was a very unlikeable character. She was too suspicious and angry. I get that her friend disappeared, but as Corbin said, her attitude made her make more enemies than friends.

It was a good read.

[Julie _ themysterymaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this audiobook!!!! And awesome, cool bonus…I know the narrator!!! I have an affinity for the very specific subgenre of sorority slashers and thrillers stemming from the endless supply of them on Lifetime 😁 And this story slides right into that category while adding an interesting element of the paranormal into the Pi Phi/Zeta Theta Delta/(or whatever) world. As a native Michigander, I enjoyed that the university setting is in the Mitten State. And having rushed a sorority and running into the usual stereotypes of sneaky, snarky, cruel sisterly “bonds,” the entire mystery surrounding a missing pledge was so fun to dive into without really being subjected to that world. (Kudos to anyone who joined a sorority and had a good experience.)

I hope the author has my friend narrate many more of her works! Well done to both ladies, but especially @angie_the_narrator

[Red Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Scream Sisters is an unputdownable book that has you turning pages till the end. What happens when Teagan Kelso's freshman year takes a chilling turn? This book has great characters and the twist and turns in this book you will not expect. The author wrote an amazing dark paranormal mystery filled with suspense. I highly enjoyed reading this and definitely recommend this book to others especially if you like paranormal books. Thank you to the author for this ARC book in exchange of my honest review.

[blueyed_cntry_girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

Oh My !! Another 5 star hit out of the park for JR Erickson !! This book had me from the beginning and let me tell you I was so invested I put off cooking Thanksgiving dinner til I was done. I HAD to know what happened and if they could figure it out. WOW !! I don’t think I’ve ever read one of JR’s books and not like them but I believe this is my favorite so far ! Love the title and the cover is so creepy correct. I got the chills ready this book…so DEFINITELY A MUST READ !!!!

I received this as an ARC and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Doreen Fernandes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Sorority with Dark secrets

Harley is a brilliant student who is trying to get into one of the prestigious sororities in her college. Her friend Teagan is her roommate. When Harley goes missing, Teagan leaves no stone unturned to find her. What she discovers is shocking and her own life is at risk. A heart breaking story which is suspenseful. The author aptly describes the dark scenario in the university and the depths of depravity to which some people can sink into. I found the story haunting as well as rivetting.

[Stefanie Silvestri · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.R. Erickson has done it again!!!! This is yet another book by her that I could not put down. this book kept me guessing until the very end.
Teagan Kelso starts her freshman year at college when suddenly it takes a horrifying turn when her best friend/roommate goes missing.
This book had twists and turns throughout and even has an ending that I did not see coming at all. I definitely plan on recommending this book to others because I absolutely loved it.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was absolutely phenomenal. Thrilling, suspenseful, paranormal, just amazing. Usually I'm pretty good at figuring out what's going on in a thriller and seeing plot twists but I did not see the twists that Erickson threw at me. I was kept on the edge of my seat the whole time and I couldn't put the book down, I finished it in a total of 12 hours! I cannot wait to see what Erickson comes up with next, by far one of my top thriller/paranormal authors!

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel felt like someone’s nightmare. I have a list of books to be read, but since reading one of J.R. Erickson’s novels, I can’t imagine not devouring everything this author has written first. This book started off sweet and naive; just two 18 year old girls, best friends, off to university. In the same dorm is a girl who has seen ghosts and had visions since she was little. Then one of the girls disappears, and she’s not the first to go missing from this school.

[Natalie Horseman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shocking in the best way!

This book was full of twists and turns that kept me guessing from start to finish. Each chapter ends in a way that leaves you eager to read the next. The Scream Sisters pulls you in with dark sorority secrets, eerie twists, and a fearless heroine you will root for. Perfect for fans of chilling campus mysteries, you will want to keep the lights on while reading. This is the first book I have read by J.R. Erickson and I can't wait to dive into another one.

[Kristi Schatz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another 5 stars!! It's a thrilling ghost story that has a twist that blew me away. This book is awesome, and the description in it makes you feel like you're watching a scary movie. The way Teagen, Harley, and Blair are connected is mind-blowing. I thought I had it figured out, but I wasn't even close! Loved it!

[Jennifer Fegel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another five star read! The Scream Sisters sucked me in from page one and took me on a wild ride. Teagan is so relatable as the best friend who might as well be a sister and I imagined myself in her shoes throughout the book. Just when I thought I had it figured out, along came one hell of a twist! I highly recommend this book. You won’t be disappointed!

[debb · Rating 5 out of 5]

As per norm, here is another Compelling, Eerie totally unput downable book by JR Erickson. Be prepared that once you start reading, you will only put it down for a bathroom break and maybe not even then. Knowing that the book is based on a true event only makes it more compelling. If you only read one book this year, this is the one not to miss. ARC Reader unbiased review