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The Ghost Files #1
The Ghost Files
Soon to be a major motion picture!
Cherry blossom lipstick: check
Smokey eyes: check
Skinny jeans: check
Dead kid in the mirror: check
For sixteen year old Mattie Hathaway, this is her normal everyday routine. She’s been able to see ghosts since her mother tried to murder her when she was five years old. No way does she want anyone to know she can talk to spooks. Being a foster kid is hard enough without being labeled a freak too.
Normally, she just ignores the ghosts and they go away. That is until she see’s the ghost of her foster sister… Sally.
Everyone thinks Sally’s just another runaway, but Mattie knows the truth—she’s dead. Murdered. Mattie feels like she has to help Sally, but she can’t do it alone. Against her better judgment, she teams up with a young policeman, Officer Dan, and together they set out to discover the real truth behind Sally’s disappearance.
Only to find out she’s dealing with a much bigger problem, a serial killer, and she may be the next victim…
Will Mattie be able to find out the truth before the killer finds her?
Cherry blossom lipstick: check
Smokey eyes: check
Skinny jeans: check
Dead kid in the mirror: check
For sixteen year old Mattie Hathaway, this is her normal everyday routine. She’s been able to see ghosts since her mother tried to murder her when she was five years old. No way does she want anyone to know she can talk to spooks. Being a foster kid is hard enough without being labeled a freak too.
Normally, she just ignores the ghosts and they go away. That is until she see’s the ghost of her foster sister… Sally.
Everyone thinks Sally’s just another runaway, but Mattie knows the truth—she’s dead. Murdered. Mattie feels like she has to help Sally, but she can’t do it alone. Against her better judgment, she teams up with a young policeman, Officer Dan, and together they set out to discover the real truth behind Sally’s disappearance.
Only to find out she’s dealing with a much bigger problem, a serial killer, and she may be the next victim…
Will Mattie be able to find out the truth before the killer finds her?
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2013
3183 people are currently reading
10848 people want to read
About the author
Apryl Baker
79 books1,828 followersSo who am I? Well, I'm the crazy girl with an imagination that never shuts up. I LOVE scary movies. My friends laugh at me when I scare myself watching them and tell me to stop watching them, but who doesn't love to get scared? I grew up in a small town nestled in the southern mountains of West Virginia where I spent days roaming around in the woods, climbing trees, and causing general mayhem. Nights I would stay up reading Nancy Drew by flashlight under the covers until my parents yelled at me to go to sleep.
Growing up in a small town, I learned a lot of values and morals, I also learned parents have spies everywhere and there's always someone to tell your mama on you. So when you get grounded, what is there left to do? Read! My Aunt Jo gave me my first real romance novel. It was a romance titled "Lord Margrave's Deception." I remember it fondly. But I also learned I had a deep and abiding love of mysteries and anything paranormal. As I grew up, I started to write just that and would entertain my friends with stories featuring them as main characters.
Now, I live Huntersville, NC where I entertain my family and watch the cats get teased by the birds and laugh myself silly when they swoop down and then dive back up just out of reach. The cats start yelling something fierce...lol.
I love books, I love writing books, and I love entertaining people with my silly stories.
You can reach me at any of these places:
Blog: http://apryl-baker.blogspot.com/
Twitter:@AprylBaker
The Promise Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO2zTi...
PS: DO NOT GET IN MY WAY IF THERE IS A SALE ON AT TARGET - my home away from home!
Growing up in a small town, I learned a lot of values and morals, I also learned parents have spies everywhere and there's always someone to tell your mama on you. So when you get grounded, what is there left to do? Read! My Aunt Jo gave me my first real romance novel. It was a romance titled "Lord Margrave's Deception." I remember it fondly. But I also learned I had a deep and abiding love of mysteries and anything paranormal. As I grew up, I started to write just that and would entertain my friends with stories featuring them as main characters.
Now, I live Huntersville, NC where I entertain my family and watch the cats get teased by the birds and laugh myself silly when they swoop down and then dive back up just out of reach. The cats start yelling something fierce...lol.
I love books, I love writing books, and I love entertaining people with my silly stories.
You can reach me at any of these places:
Blog: http://apryl-baker.blogspot.com/
Twitter:@AprylBaker
The Promise Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO2zTi...
PS: DO NOT GET IN MY WAY IF THERE IS A SALE ON AT TARGET - my home away from home!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,171 reviews
September 10, 2013
Goodreads, you have betrayed me and stolen 5 hours of my life.
4.59 average with over 170 reviews?!? This was easily the most misleading rating for anything on Goodreads I've come across in the past year. Such an inflated score that it seems fishy.
The premise sounded fairly interesting, but the plot was largely uneventful and overly simplistic and not scary in the least. It also was littered with annoying teenage girl neurosis covered in a pseudo confident shell. There was way too much whining and fake toughness followed by crying, followed by the main characters' constant references to cute boys and her 4 crushes (Seriously, make a decision and stick with it...)for it to ever get off the ground and feel like anything with substance, to be taken seriously or to be enjoyable. I really have to stop reading books with teenage girls as the main character... They seem overly focused on what they think of boys and what boys must think of them, they have no self esteem and their minds seem to be a tornado of over analysis of the most uninteresting things to me. Is this what it's really like living in the head of a teenage girl?? I feel like I wrote this same review for Divergent and that I should probably read another Jack Reacher book just to balance out all this estrogen.
But back to the story itself, there was no slow build of tension, and no real twists or turns as other reviewer's have noted and no rewarding revelation or unraveling of a story or mystery as it went along. Just basically, no progress, no progress, no progress...BAM you and the main character blindly stumble upon the killer by dumb luck thanks in no part to the work of the Police detective with the dreamy eyes and chocolate brown hair and the sensitive heart who as in all books like these, likes the awkward/strange/otherwordly girl just the way she is with all her flaws. Telling the audience more information on the perpetrator's history as the story is wrapped up is hardly a twist... And the cliffhanger of a last line in the book came far too late and doesn't really make me care to read the second book just to find out what the 1st should have at least somewhat covered; why and how she sees ghosts and what happened to her family. I just can't recommend this book at all despite it being a quick, easy read.
4.59 average with over 170 reviews?!? This was easily the most misleading rating for anything on Goodreads I've come across in the past year. Such an inflated score that it seems fishy.
The premise sounded fairly interesting, but the plot was largely uneventful and overly simplistic and not scary in the least. It also was littered with annoying teenage girl neurosis covered in a pseudo confident shell. There was way too much whining and fake toughness followed by crying, followed by the main characters' constant references to cute boys and her 4 crushes (Seriously, make a decision and stick with it...)for it to ever get off the ground and feel like anything with substance, to be taken seriously or to be enjoyable. I really have to stop reading books with teenage girls as the main character... They seem overly focused on what they think of boys and what boys must think of them, they have no self esteem and their minds seem to be a tornado of over analysis of the most uninteresting things to me. Is this what it's really like living in the head of a teenage girl?? I feel like I wrote this same review for Divergent and that I should probably read another Jack Reacher book just to balance out all this estrogen.
But back to the story itself, there was no slow build of tension, and no real twists or turns as other reviewer's have noted and no rewarding revelation or unraveling of a story or mystery as it went along. Just basically, no progress, no progress, no progress...BAM you and the main character blindly stumble upon the killer by dumb luck thanks in no part to the work of the Police detective with the dreamy eyes and chocolate brown hair and the sensitive heart who as in all books like these, likes the awkward/strange/otherwordly girl just the way she is with all her flaws. Telling the audience more information on the perpetrator's history as the story is wrapped up is hardly a twist... And the cliffhanger of a last line in the book came far too late and doesn't really make me care to read the second book just to find out what the 1st should have at least somewhat covered; why and how she sees ghosts and what happened to her family. I just can't recommend this book at all despite it being a quick, easy read.
December 14, 2014
After a 20h readathlon I have to say: This series is despite some flaws terrific. I simple couldn’t put it down and read both books in a row. If you are like me into ghost stories, mysteries with serial killer and main characters who don’t rely on boys to save them then this book is for you.
But first the things I didn’t like:
• The boys: Every male in this story is in one way or the other handsome AND is attracted to Mattie and she in return is attracted to them. I think the story could have done without the many hot boys hitting on Mattie. On the other hand it is way more realistic that way because let’s face it a 16/17-year old is hormonal and it was refreshing somehow to see a girl struggle through puberty and her first romantic encounters.
One thing though, the main focus of the story is not the romance. Imho, major cookie point here!
• The writing: I believe the “flow” of the story could have profited from a good editor. Unfortunately many expressions, thoughts and reflections are repetitive and sometimes annoyed me.
But first the things I didn’t like:
• The boys: Every male in this story is in one way or the other handsome AND is attracted to Mattie and she in return is attracted to them. I think the story could have done without the many hot boys hitting on Mattie. On the other hand it is way more realistic that way because let’s face it a 16/17-year old is hormonal and it was refreshing somehow to see a girl struggle through puberty and her first romantic encounters.
One thing though, the main focus of the story is not the romance. Imho, major cookie point here!
• The writing: I believe the “flow” of the story could have profited from a good editor. Unfortunately many expressions, thoughts and reflections are repetitive and sometimes annoyed me.
=> Because of those two things, some of the more emotional intended scenes left me rather cold or for lack of a better word “surprised”. I felt like there was not enough care put into the build-up of the romance and romantic interest.
Reasons this would make a terrific TV series?
• Despite those flaws it was an addicting read. I love a good, scary ghost movie so this book was right up my alley. The author does a great job in bringing the story to life. This is not only an enjoyable ghost mystery and a thriller about a serial killer but impresses with a well-executed, action-filled storyline. There never was a boring moment. This book is simply said a page-turner from the start with a fast-paced, thrilling plot, full of twists and suspense, lurking ghosts and chilling moments. If you like “Ghost-Whisperer” despite Jennifer Love Hewitt you will love The Ghost Files. Especially the last 30% of the book had me hooked and glued to the pages/kindle.
• Mattie Hathaway is not your typical young adult heroine. She hits first, thinks later. She has some very big trust-issues, which is not surprising giving her background as foster kid and the fact that her Mom tried to kill her. She is not everybody’s darling and she doesn’t want to be. But she is smart and above all else a survivor. I liked her flawed, witty and snarky character a lot. It makes me happy to see a strong female lead in young adult when so many authors have resorted to a helpless, annoying and boring Mary Sue.
Just read it you will not be disappointed.
April 18, 2016
This book. This book was so frustrating and just plain nonsensical at times I had to keep reading it because at times I said, well this can't be where the author is going. Oh wait, this is. Lovely (not really).
A young adult paranormal book that showcases the most beautiful girl in the world that has men and ghosts falling in love with her at a single glance. This is the first book in the Ghost Files series. If you can't tell that I have no intention of going near another book in this series, let me just say it here in the review. There is no chance of me reading the further adventures of sixteen Mattie Hathaway and her constant crushes on men and boys all around her.
Told in the first person, we have Mattie Hathaway introduced to readers when she is in a bathroom and she sees a ghost. Yeah we find out pretty quickly that Mattie can see ghosts. It takes a while for a possible explanation of why she can see ghosts. And FYI enjoy hearing about the incident that caused her to see ghosts a few times in this story because repetitiveness was the way to go in this book.
Heading out to a party with her high school boyfriend Jake, Mattie can't help to take time to needle her foster sister Sally (did I mention that Mattie is an asshole but boy oh boy men can't help but admire her gumption?) and prepares to deal with her sort of friend Meg (who is referred to Megan and Meg throughout the book which drove me bonkers, pick a damn name and stick with it) and her jerk of a boyfriend who of course wants to have sex with Mattie. Because though Mattie has dark hair and all she apparently inherited her real mom's boobs.
After attending the party for a quick second (and I mean a second) Mattie sees her foster sister's ghost and realizes that someone must have murdered her. Mattie demands to be taken home and there she attacked by a mysterious ghost which leads her to investigate what happened to her foster sister and is the same person who killed her linked to other deaths in this town.
This leads to Mattie meeting many other men who though they are older than her, with one of them calling her Jailbait by the way, all of them fall in love with her. I can't even wrap my head around the character of Officer Dan (what Mattie calls him) who is a 20 year old rookie who for some odd reason (oh wait, Mattie is the only beautiful 16 year old girl around) finds himself drawn to Mattie and oh acts like a jealous boyfriend about her having a boyfriend. This fool even invites Mattie home with him and she eats dinner with him and his family and his mother who apparently has better sense than Dan sees where this is going, though the father is tickled pink. WHO THE HELL ARE THESE PEOPLE?
Did I mention that Dan is a rookie police officer and is 20 and Mattie is 16? He even has the nerve to tell Mattie's boyfriend and Meg's jerk boyfriend that having sex with her would still be considered sex with a minor which would lead them to being charged. But hey I guess Dan somehow is exempt from this mess?
FYI there is no chemistry between Dan and Mattie. She acts like an asshole to him and everyone else around her. But apparently we are supposed to ruffle Mattie's hair and go you scamp.
The other characters in this book are not given anything to do at all besides admire Mattie or admonish her. Mattie's foster mother is a blank slate and her foster father is missing throughout this whole book. There are other characters introduced and dropped throughout this book (including the character of Jake) that I was sick of it by the end.
We also get introduced to a Doctor Infodump (not his name) who regurgitated a bunch of things which was really annoying. I hate infodumps via a character in a book like this because to me it shows the author didn't really think that hard about how to make the story work together. And of course the infodump led me to wonder how the hell did this Doctor find out all of the information that he did. What made me laugh out loud was when the Doctor goes that Mattie has a special power (of course she does) and I said oh look I think I hit the Mary Sue bingo.
The writing wasn't great. Mattie tells readers she doesn't swear though an earlier part of the book she says or thinks "arse" which led me to wonder if this book takes place in England somewhere (no it doesn't so the "arse" thing doesn't make sense.
Also, the repetition of words started to drive me around the bend. Do you like the word "buggers"? If not, don't read this book because Mattie keeps referring to ghosts as "buggers". Do you like reading about how Mattie is a virgin (of course she is) and that she hasn't done anything with a boy because she is very tough and has no intention of doing anything ever. What toughness has to do with her choosing to have sex baffled me and I don't really care to wonder why they were linked. I also felt like the author grabbed a few ideas she saw on the show "Dead Like Me" and incorporated them into this book.
The flow was terrible in this book. I mention the constant repetition. But we also get introduced it feels like to a ton of guys in this book and all they did was swoon all around Mattie which made the book drag. We also would have Mattie comment on each and every guy and say that there was nothing wrong with looking because she had a boyfriend. And we do get a great scene with Dan and his girlfriend when Mattie acts like a total asshole towards said girl because Mattie thought she was better than said girlfriend.
The setting of this book I figured out eventually was somewhere in North Carolina and with the setting not being utilized at all besides just being a place where this book takes place.
The ending was a mess. A reveal is made which had me rolling my eyes. I guessed at it just because there were not a lot of characters to choose from who were the big bad in this book. And of course we have undying love pledged to Mattie. We have a cliffhanger of sorts in the end, but since I don't care what happens to Mattie after this book I just hard shrugged when I got there.
November 14, 2014
Oh my goodness. I find it so hard to believe this book has SUCH a high rating. Goodreads, you have fooled me again.
I think my problem with this book is that I read it as adult fiction which might not be fair since it's clearly YA. I was almost continuously rolling my eyes at the dialogue and how the reader had to be constantly reminded that Mattie doesn't like to cry and how it's hard for her to trust people. We get it. You don't need to remind the reader that it's "out of character" for your main character to cry every single time she does so. Again, not sure if it's because I'm definitely out of the targeted audience for this book, but I was skimming it by the end. Also the boys in the book. My goodness! Does every boy have to be charming and handsome and in love with the main character? Can she stick with one love interest? I'm ok with two, but FOUR??
I hung on til the end because I really needed to know who the killer was and if Mary was alive. I'll give the author a few points for building the suspense and maybe like half a point for originality but seeing ghosts isn't really a new concept.
Also, my copy (I read it on Wattpad) had SEVERAL typos. I mean A LOT. We're talking mixing up pronouns (writing he instead of she) and leaving out words in a sentence. I'm not sure where the copy editor was on this, but they missed several mistakes.
Anyway I won't be recommending this book to anyone. Not to adults for the dialogue and constant hand-holding by the author. And also not to young adults as I found the content a little too gruesome for most teens. I wouldn't want my 16 year old cousin reading about rape and pedophiles.
I think my problem with this book is that I read it as adult fiction which might not be fair since it's clearly YA. I was almost continuously rolling my eyes at the dialogue and how the reader had to be constantly reminded that Mattie doesn't like to cry and how it's hard for her to trust people. We get it. You don't need to remind the reader that it's "out of character" for your main character to cry every single time she does so. Again, not sure if it's because I'm definitely out of the targeted audience for this book, but I was skimming it by the end. Also the boys in the book. My goodness! Does every boy have to be charming and handsome and in love with the main character? Can she stick with one love interest? I'm ok with two, but FOUR??
I hung on til the end because I really needed to know who the killer was and if Mary was alive. I'll give the author a few points for building the suspense and maybe like half a point for originality but seeing ghosts isn't really a new concept.
Also, my copy (I read it on Wattpad) had SEVERAL typos. I mean A LOT. We're talking mixing up pronouns (writing he instead of she) and leaving out words in a sentence. I'm not sure where the copy editor was on this, but they missed several mistakes.
Anyway I won't be recommending this book to anyone. Not to adults for the dialogue and constant hand-holding by the author. And also not to young adults as I found the content a little too gruesome for most teens. I wouldn't want my 16 year old cousin reading about rape and pedophiles.
February 5, 2016
Yikes. Yikes, this book was terrible. I don't even know where to begin.
Perhaps with an editor, which Apryl Baker very clearly did not utilize. Random moments of forgotten tenses, completely unnecessary plot developments, unreliable characters (and not in a psychological-thriller way, mostly in a this-character-is-not-behaving-the-way-the-author-tells-me-they-behave way--which is a sad result of the telling-not-showing writing style, one that Baker suffers from immensely).
The repetition was bad enough to make the Hail Mary prayer sound refreshing and new. I'm not sure how many times Baker had to tell you how good the doc was at storytelling or how weird it was for Dan to fester in Mattie's heart so easily or how Mattie never cries (she says she never cries but the main character shed so many tears in that novel I'm surprised they didn't soak through my kindle and ruin it). Every sentence must have been repeated (sometimes word for word) or rephrased at least once, making me believe it's actually a 138-page book at heart. If it had been edited.
Words and phrases were overused. Everything was so not good. Everything hurt like nobody's business. Every voice dripped with sarcasm (one time a voice was heavy with sarcasm and I was grateful not to be further rained on by so many drips). Please, Ms. Baker, end one more sentence with the words "not really," I don't think you put enough, not really.
But the worst part was Mattie's character. She seemed less like a person and more like a wish fulfillment for the author. She was above every girl. Every girl in the book was either dense, scared, helpless, or clueless and Mattie was the only one with any sensibility. And the guys? Of course every guy in the novel (EVERY guy, from adults to ghosts) fell in love with her. Baker also felt the need to toss in some extra unnecessary male characters just in case we didn't get the hint that all guys want to flirt with Mattie. (Hello and goodbye, Dan's friend who made an appearance long enough to harass Mattie for her number and then leave the book altogether.)
The inconsistencies hurt. Mattie loved her boyfriend Jake because he saw who she was and accepted her, but the moment he saw who she was he no longer accepted her (also are they still together? was there a breakup? she's in love with Dan? I understand that there's a second book but certain loose ends need to be tied by the end of the first book, otherwise Jake's character was pointless and needed to be burned). Mattie was supposed to be a tough fistful of a character but she never spoke up to her friend about the girl's terrible boyfriend, and she uncharacteristically grew helpless when there was a boy around to help her.
Also the interest between Mattie and Eric is the worst romantic subplot to come out of nowhere in the history of terrible, unedited literature. Mattie can't feel attachment to other people, but suddenly there's a ghost and suddenly they're in love with each other, even though Mattie is also in love with her boyfriend and she has strong feelings for this adult cop that comes into the picture.
Please. Please. A sixteen year old and a twenty year old is just. No. Just don't. Don't do that. This is fiction for teenagers. Everything about a twenty-year-old love interest in a teen novel screams further wish fulfillment from the author. I've seen it before: authors trying to make their teenage love interests as old and adultlike as possible so they can be sexy for an older audience (or for the authors themselves). Don't. Stop. Write about teenage boys and all their greasy acne'd glory and stop glorifying jailbait.
Perhaps with an editor, which Apryl Baker very clearly did not utilize. Random moments of forgotten tenses, completely unnecessary plot developments, unreliable characters (and not in a psychological-thriller way, mostly in a this-character-is-not-behaving-the-way-the-author-tells-me-they-behave way--which is a sad result of the telling-not-showing writing style, one that Baker suffers from immensely).
The repetition was bad enough to make the Hail Mary prayer sound refreshing and new. I'm not sure how many times Baker had to tell you how good the doc was at storytelling or how weird it was for Dan to fester in Mattie's heart so easily or how Mattie never cries (she says she never cries but the main character shed so many tears in that novel I'm surprised they didn't soak through my kindle and ruin it). Every sentence must have been repeated (sometimes word for word) or rephrased at least once, making me believe it's actually a 138-page book at heart. If it had been edited.
Words and phrases were overused. Everything was so not good. Everything hurt like nobody's business. Every voice dripped with sarcasm (one time a voice was heavy with sarcasm and I was grateful not to be further rained on by so many drips). Please, Ms. Baker, end one more sentence with the words "not really," I don't think you put enough, not really.
But the worst part was Mattie's character. She seemed less like a person and more like a wish fulfillment for the author. She was above every girl. Every girl in the book was either dense, scared, helpless, or clueless and Mattie was the only one with any sensibility. And the guys? Of course every guy in the novel (EVERY guy, from adults to ghosts) fell in love with her. Baker also felt the need to toss in some extra unnecessary male characters just in case we didn't get the hint that all guys want to flirt with Mattie. (Hello and goodbye, Dan's friend who made an appearance long enough to harass Mattie for her number and then leave the book altogether.)
The inconsistencies hurt. Mattie loved her boyfriend Jake because he saw who she was and accepted her, but the moment he saw who she was he no longer accepted her (also are they still together? was there a breakup? she's in love with Dan? I understand that there's a second book but certain loose ends need to be tied by the end of the first book, otherwise Jake's character was pointless and needed to be burned). Mattie was supposed to be a tough fistful of a character but she never spoke up to her friend about the girl's terrible boyfriend, and she uncharacteristically grew helpless when there was a boy around to help her.
Also the interest between Mattie and Eric is the worst romantic subplot to come out of nowhere in the history of terrible, unedited literature. Mattie can't feel attachment to other people, but suddenly there's a ghost and suddenly they're in love with each other, even though Mattie is also in love with her boyfriend and she has strong feelings for this adult cop that comes into the picture.
Please. Please. A sixteen year old and a twenty year old is just. No. Just don't. Don't do that. This is fiction for teenagers. Everything about a twenty-year-old love interest in a teen novel screams further wish fulfillment from the author. I've seen it before: authors trying to make their teenage love interests as old and adultlike as possible so they can be sexy for an older audience (or for the authors themselves). Don't. Stop. Write about teenage boys and all their greasy acne'd glory and stop glorifying jailbait.
October 16, 2013
Mattie Hathaway pretends she's a normal girl...well, as normal as a foster kid ever really feels. This is the closest she's ever been to a regular average girl next door. Her current foster family is a little odd, but they're nice enough. Mattie has a boyfriend she's happy with. So, what's holding her back?
Seeing ghost on a daily basis.
Even still, that's nothing new, she deals with it by ignoring the ghosts. Until her foster sister becomes one of them. Now Mattie must start listening to the ghosts clamoring for her attention and do something else she's never done before, trust someone with her secret.
Mattie's story is one readers will have a hard time putting down. Not only is Mattie a great character all around, the story is spooky and well planned, and Officer Dan is a whole other draw. But, one at a time.
Mattie is a complex character that readers will connect with from page one. Maybe not everyone knows what it's like to be a ward of the state and bounced around from home to home, but Baker has an effortless way of bringing readers into Mattie's life and showing the reality of her experiences without making it overwhelming. Mattie is strong, but not so strong that nothing can hurt her, quite the opposite in fact. Mattie is vulnerable in many ways, and overcoming her fear of being hurt or abandoned is where she truly shows her strength.
As Mattie struggles to identify the killer with the help of the ghosts, she is forced to accept the hep of a young police officer. I love Officer Dan. He's adorable and sweet and everything Mattie needs in this situation. He's a very likable character, and very realistic. What I really enjoyed was how Baker kept the status of their relationship balanced on the tipping point between caring for each other like siblings and romantic feelings. Their interactions are as big of a draw as the storyline, the characters are that good.
Now, for the story itself. I can honestly say, Baker had me guessing right up to the end. She wove a complex plot that kept me interested and eager to turn the page. I loved the interactions between Mattie and the ghosts, and especially learning more about who some of the ghosts were. Some of the interactions were downright scary, and a few might surprise you by how emotional they are.
My only word of caution with this is that it may be too scary for young readers. I'd definitely recommend this to older teens and adults looking for great characters and a fabulous scary story.
Seeing ghost on a daily basis.
Even still, that's nothing new, she deals with it by ignoring the ghosts. Until her foster sister becomes one of them. Now Mattie must start listening to the ghosts clamoring for her attention and do something else she's never done before, trust someone with her secret.
Mattie's story is one readers will have a hard time putting down. Not only is Mattie a great character all around, the story is spooky and well planned, and Officer Dan is a whole other draw. But, one at a time.
Mattie is a complex character that readers will connect with from page one. Maybe not everyone knows what it's like to be a ward of the state and bounced around from home to home, but Baker has an effortless way of bringing readers into Mattie's life and showing the reality of her experiences without making it overwhelming. Mattie is strong, but not so strong that nothing can hurt her, quite the opposite in fact. Mattie is vulnerable in many ways, and overcoming her fear of being hurt or abandoned is where she truly shows her strength.
As Mattie struggles to identify the killer with the help of the ghosts, she is forced to accept the hep of a young police officer. I love Officer Dan. He's adorable and sweet and everything Mattie needs in this situation. He's a very likable character, and very realistic. What I really enjoyed was how Baker kept the status of their relationship balanced on the tipping point between caring for each other like siblings and romantic feelings. Their interactions are as big of a draw as the storyline, the characters are that good.
Now, for the story itself. I can honestly say, Baker had me guessing right up to the end. She wove a complex plot that kept me interested and eager to turn the page. I loved the interactions between Mattie and the ghosts, and especially learning more about who some of the ghosts were. Some of the interactions were downright scary, and a few might surprise you by how emotional they are.
My only word of caution with this is that it may be too scary for young readers. I'd definitely recommend this to older teens and adults looking for great characters and a fabulous scary story.
April 29, 2019
Apryl Baker’s THE GHOST FILES is that “ghost” story that is as spellbinding as it is eerie and entertaining. Take a justifiably suspicious and snarky teen with a “gift’ for seeing ghosts, mysterious disappearances of her fellow foster kids, as well as a ton of terrifying events and I have to say, I was completely gone from this world.
Mattie is no ordinary teen, not in her speech, her tenacity or her need to help others, and she stole the show for me. Apryl Baker had me cringing away from some events they felt so real and then chuckling at some of Mattie’s verbal antics. Living in her mind, knowing what she is thinking and how painful her life has been, she was one heck of a heroine! With a young cop as a sidekick, they make an unlikely dynamic duo that was completely entertaining to watch. A lot of intrigue, a ton of danger some truly heartbreaking moments, and never once did I doubt that Mattie would save the day.
Although a young adult read, clearly, this is great reading for those who are young at heart, too!
Series: The Ghost Files - Book 1
Publisher: Limitless Publishing LLC (August 13, 2013)
Publication Date: August 13, 2013
Genre: YA Horror | Suspense | Paranormal
Print Length: 284 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Mattie is no ordinary teen, not in her speech, her tenacity or her need to help others, and she stole the show for me. Apryl Baker had me cringing away from some events they felt so real and then chuckling at some of Mattie’s verbal antics. Living in her mind, knowing what she is thinking and how painful her life has been, she was one heck of a heroine! With a young cop as a sidekick, they make an unlikely dynamic duo that was completely entertaining to watch. A lot of intrigue, a ton of danger some truly heartbreaking moments, and never once did I doubt that Mattie would save the day.
Although a young adult read, clearly, this is great reading for those who are young at heart, too!
Series: The Ghost Files - Book 1
Publisher: Limitless Publishing LLC (August 13, 2013)
Publication Date: August 13, 2013
Genre: YA Horror | Suspense | Paranormal
Print Length: 284 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
December 16, 2019
I really did enjoy this over-all. I was able to overlook some flaws (like quite a few typos and some cringey moments) because they didn't sour my enjoyment. I felt so much for Mattie. A foster kid who has been through absolute hell in her life. It was emotional and horrifying imo. Eventually I got to a point where I couldn't put it down and it had me on the edge of my seat. Plot twists left me stunned and felt like sucker punches. But there is one that leaves a bad taste in my mouth, however it's a spoiler so here (if you want to know)
That said I can understand it in some ways with all the pieces that are going on and can recognize that it's fictional. I'm interested to know where it goes. But i'm struggling to figure out a rating. Maybe i'll figure out a rating at some point, maybe not. If you are into paranormal horror, ghosts and don't mind some cliches you may enjoy it like I did.
Edit not a few minutes later: I went through my notes and yea...it did bug me quite a bit even as I was able to brush some things off. It's odd. I enjoyed aspects of it a lot but other aspects I really didn't. So it's hard to rate. And at this point I don't know if I want to continue the series or not. So I think i'll give it 3 stars for now at least.
Edit the next day: Going with 3.25 and I think I will check out book #2 because it has me intrigued enough, especially that ending.
That said I can understand it in some ways with all the pieces that are going on and can recognize that it's fictional. I'm interested to know where it goes. But i'm struggling to figure out a rating. Maybe i'll figure out a rating at some point, maybe not. If you are into paranormal horror, ghosts and don't mind some cliches you may enjoy it like I did.
Edit not a few minutes later: I went through my notes and yea...it did bug me quite a bit even as I was able to brush some things off. It's odd. I enjoyed aspects of it a lot but other aspects I really didn't. So it's hard to rate. And at this point I don't know if I want to continue the series or not. So I think i'll give it 3 stars for now at least.
Edit the next day: Going with 3.25 and I think I will check out book #2 because it has me intrigued enough, especially that ending.
December 8, 2014
This book was okay.
I too, thought the boy characters were annoying.
Also feel it was quite predictable.
I too, thought the boy characters were annoying.
Also feel it was quite predictable.
November 14, 2022
I'm having a hard time rating this book. Mostly due to the fact I didn't enjoy it all that much because of the writing style, but at the same time the story kept me interested enough that I wanted to continue reading on. I just wish the story itself had been fleshed out more, I think. It is an older story though, I believe originally published in 2013 and maybe on Wattpad first, so I kind of give it a pass for that too. Anyway, it's a solid 2 stars I'd say and I don't think I'll be continuing on with the series.
April 13, 2014
"A Haunting and Chilling Story"
This outstanding teenaged novel will definitely excite young readers, but it has also drawn this grandma into the drama. Mattie Hathaway is 16 years old. She has been in foster homes since she was five years old, and is pretty savvy. This evening she is getting ready to go to a party to which she and boyfriend, Jake Owens, have been invited. While checking herself out in front of the mirror of the bathroom, a young blond girl in a cute sundress appears to her. Mattie has been seeing ghosts since her young age of five, but she's learned that if she ignores them, they will fade away. Mattie has many secrets that she has never shared with anyone, even Jake who is a hottie and also team football captain who girls drool over. Her foster sister, Sally, would never go to such a party which is being held in an old, abandoned mill. Meg who is giving the party is the most popular girl in school, also head cheerleader, who enjoys spending daddy's money and hopes to keep her boyfriend, Tommy James, happy as he tends to have a roving eye. Maddie appears to be a more confident, mature teenager, able to take care of herself. She's not a member of any clique and seems to be acceptable to her school mates. Mattie doesn't drink and she's not enticed to experience sexual activities like some girls her age. She is a good student trying to qualify for a college scholarship. While at the party, she sees another ghost, with a bullet hole in her head just like the young girl in the bathroom earlier. But she panics, and needs to get home quickly ... as this ghost is her foster sister, Sally, with duct tape covering her mouth. Jake rushes her home without understanding the fear that Mattie exhibits. Sally's room is empty, she has disappeared while in her pajamas. After having a severe reaction and falling to the floor under such stress, she wakes up in a hospital bed. She's still panicky, and even though the police have been notified by Mrs. Olson, her foster mom, the police are confident that Sally has just run away. But the young officer, Dan Richards, takes time to listen to Mattie and she eventually divulges secrets to him which she's never done before. Together they seek the mysterious disappearance of not only Sally, but many other missing young people in and around their community. Gifted author Apryl Baker is certainly a very impressive author who has written a spellbinding, emotional, and very engaging story. I could not put it down as the mysteries intensify into unbelieveable, spooky ghost-filled scenes. There is much trauma in this story and I would only recommend this to older teens. Also adults, who like scary movies or stories, will love this powerful thriller.
This outstanding teenaged novel will definitely excite young readers, but it has also drawn this grandma into the drama. Mattie Hathaway is 16 years old. She has been in foster homes since she was five years old, and is pretty savvy. This evening she is getting ready to go to a party to which she and boyfriend, Jake Owens, have been invited. While checking herself out in front of the mirror of the bathroom, a young blond girl in a cute sundress appears to her. Mattie has been seeing ghosts since her young age of five, but she's learned that if she ignores them, they will fade away. Mattie has many secrets that she has never shared with anyone, even Jake who is a hottie and also team football captain who girls drool over. Her foster sister, Sally, would never go to such a party which is being held in an old, abandoned mill. Meg who is giving the party is the most popular girl in school, also head cheerleader, who enjoys spending daddy's money and hopes to keep her boyfriend, Tommy James, happy as he tends to have a roving eye. Maddie appears to be a more confident, mature teenager, able to take care of herself. She's not a member of any clique and seems to be acceptable to her school mates. Mattie doesn't drink and she's not enticed to experience sexual activities like some girls her age. She is a good student trying to qualify for a college scholarship. While at the party, she sees another ghost, with a bullet hole in her head just like the young girl in the bathroom earlier. But she panics, and needs to get home quickly ... as this ghost is her foster sister, Sally, with duct tape covering her mouth. Jake rushes her home without understanding the fear that Mattie exhibits. Sally's room is empty, she has disappeared while in her pajamas. After having a severe reaction and falling to the floor under such stress, she wakes up in a hospital bed. She's still panicky, and even though the police have been notified by Mrs. Olson, her foster mom, the police are confident that Sally has just run away. But the young officer, Dan Richards, takes time to listen to Mattie and she eventually divulges secrets to him which she's never done before. Together they seek the mysterious disappearance of not only Sally, but many other missing young people in and around their community. Gifted author Apryl Baker is certainly a very impressive author who has written a spellbinding, emotional, and very engaging story. I could not put it down as the mysteries intensify into unbelieveable, spooky ghost-filled scenes. There is much trauma in this story and I would only recommend this to older teens. Also adults, who like scary movies or stories, will love this powerful thriller.
January 2, 2014
Freaking AMAZING! This book is just amazing! I always loved ghost stories, but this one here is just more than great. Mattie is just the girl I imagine would be able to see ghosts. Strong and brave enough to fight! At first I thought it was something kind of like Ghost Whisperer, but it's totally different and absolutely amazing! I love that book and I'm so happy I read it <3 I recommend it to everyone who loves ghost stories and spooky, horror-ish books!
August 28, 2016
When you have no money for books, you just buy free Kindle books
October 27, 2016
I read this book for one of the challenges for the Read Your E-Reader read-a-thon. It is a great YA paranormal horror story. I love stories about ghosts, and this one sure did fit the bill. So glad I got the chance to read it and I am anxious to continue with the story. For a free kindle book it was definitely worth the read.
Synopsis
Cherry blossom lipstick: check
Smokey eyes: check
Skinny jeans: check
Dead kid in the mirror: check
For sixteen year old Mattie Hathaway, this is her normal everyday routine. She’s been able to see ghosts since her mother tried to murder her when she was five years old. No way does she want anyone to know she can talk to spooks. Being a foster kid is hard enough without being labeled a freak too.
Normally, she just ignores the ghosts and they go away. That is until she see’s the ghost of her foster sister… Sally.
Everyone thinks Sally’s just another runaway, but Mattie knows the truth—she’s dead. Murdered. Mattie feels like she has to help Sally, but she can’t do it alone. Against her better judgment, she teams up with a young policeman, Officer Dan, and together they set out to discover the real truth behind Sally’s disappearance.
Only to find out she’s dealing with a much bigger problem, a serial killer, and she may be the next victim…
Will Mattie be able to find out the truth before the killer finds her?
Wow I loved the plot to this story so much. It had just the right pacing to keep it exciting. I thought that it was so original. I felt like I was in the middle of everything while I read this. The imagery is fantastic, it makes everything feel so real and that is great storytelling. It is chock full of terror and creepiness and is sure to please fans of paranormal horror. No sugar coating anything in this book. There are some pretty disturbing parts in the story, so if you don't like descriptive horror, you may wanna stay away from this one.
The characters are pretty good. I loved all of them for whatever part they were playing. I have to say that I loved Mattie the most. She is snarky and sarcastic, but not to the point of not liking her. She is also very strong and bullheaded. There was one thing that bothered me about her though and that was the way she had to over analyze everything. I know that this is part of her character and I just had to deal with that part of it. Otherwise I think she was fantastic.
I have to recommend this book to anyone who loves paranormal horror, and to those who are looking for good ghost stories for this spook season. I would love to see this as a movie. I think they could do a lot with it and make it amazing. I look forward to reading the rest of the series and I will be looking for them in physical form soon.
Synopsis
Cherry blossom lipstick: check
Smokey eyes: check
Skinny jeans: check
Dead kid in the mirror: check
For sixteen year old Mattie Hathaway, this is her normal everyday routine. She’s been able to see ghosts since her mother tried to murder her when she was five years old. No way does she want anyone to know she can talk to spooks. Being a foster kid is hard enough without being labeled a freak too.
Normally, she just ignores the ghosts and they go away. That is until she see’s the ghost of her foster sister… Sally.
Everyone thinks Sally’s just another runaway, but Mattie knows the truth—she’s dead. Murdered. Mattie feels like she has to help Sally, but she can’t do it alone. Against her better judgment, she teams up with a young policeman, Officer Dan, and together they set out to discover the real truth behind Sally’s disappearance.
Only to find out she’s dealing with a much bigger problem, a serial killer, and she may be the next victim…
Will Mattie be able to find out the truth before the killer finds her?
Wow I loved the plot to this story so much. It had just the right pacing to keep it exciting. I thought that it was so original. I felt like I was in the middle of everything while I read this. The imagery is fantastic, it makes everything feel so real and that is great storytelling. It is chock full of terror and creepiness and is sure to please fans of paranormal horror. No sugar coating anything in this book. There are some pretty disturbing parts in the story, so if you don't like descriptive horror, you may wanna stay away from this one.
The characters are pretty good. I loved all of them for whatever part they were playing. I have to say that I loved Mattie the most. She is snarky and sarcastic, but not to the point of not liking her. She is also very strong and bullheaded. There was one thing that bothered me about her though and that was the way she had to over analyze everything. I know that this is part of her character and I just had to deal with that part of it. Otherwise I think she was fantastic.
I have to recommend this book to anyone who loves paranormal horror, and to those who are looking for good ghost stories for this spook season. I would love to see this as a movie. I think they could do a lot with it and make it amazing. I look forward to reading the rest of the series and I will be looking for them in physical form soon.
July 17, 2014
16 yr old Mattie Hathaway has been able to see ghosts since her mother tried to kill her when she was 5. Being in the foster care system is hard enough without everyone thinking you are crazy so she has never told anyone until she sees the ghost of Sally, a girl in the same foster home as her. She befriends a young cop named Dan, who doesn't necessarily believe her but wants to help her find Sally. A bit too YA for me at times, but a good read overall”
October 12, 2016
The Ghost Files, is super creepy and intense. I couldn’t get enough. I read this within a day. I don’t read many in this genre. I was scrolling through Facebook one day and this was on my feed. I thought this looks interesting, I’ll give it ago. Surprisingly, I read it pretty soon after I purchased. Usually, I don’t get to books till the next year, if I’m lucky.
Mattie is a foster kid, who just so happens to see ghosts. I don’t want to go into detail about the whole thing. Because then it really wouldn’t be a surprise. It really is a brilliant read. Bayker, is really an awesome writer. Sometimes, It was a little too much of the character backstory. But it didn’t take away anything from the story. I really did love this.
The mystery of it, was very well played out. One of my biggest pet peeves is when I can find out who the killer is, before the book is finished. And I had no idea. I was completely surprised. I loved the characters, the ghosts, just the overall theme. I’m not easily grossed out, but so the descriptions were right on. There are a few ew moments.
Overall, I give this book Five Boundless Stars. I can’t help it was awesome. This is a series, so I can’t wait to see what else happens with Mattie....Lissa
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
Mattie is a foster kid, who just so happens to see ghosts. I don’t want to go into detail about the whole thing. Because then it really wouldn’t be a surprise. It really is a brilliant read. Bayker, is really an awesome writer. Sometimes, It was a little too much of the character backstory. But it didn’t take away anything from the story. I really did love this.
The mystery of it, was very well played out. One of my biggest pet peeves is when I can find out who the killer is, before the book is finished. And I had no idea. I was completely surprised. I loved the characters, the ghosts, just the overall theme. I’m not easily grossed out, but so the descriptions were right on. There are a few ew moments.
Overall, I give this book Five Boundless Stars. I can’t help it was awesome. This is a series, so I can’t wait to see what else happens with Mattie....Lissa
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
February 18, 2024
So, the big lesson here is: don't revisit books you loved as a teen, just let the memories stay good.💀 Will I still check out the next book? Maybe. The idea behind the story itself is really good, but the execution fell short imo. And let's be real, there are some questionable things in this book that'd probably make this book cancellable if it was published today. For starters, sometimes the main character's thoughts venture into sketchy territory, like victim blaming or slut shaming. Mattie is definitely not a girl's girl, let's just say that. To make things worse she's a 16 year old high schooler and the love interest is a 20 year old cop who straight-up calls her jailbait multiple times. It's also one of those stories where maybe a little bit more research wouldn't have hurt. But hey, I really liked the whole investigating a serial killer while seeing the ghosts of their victims idea. There was also a nice twist at the end, so i might stick around for book two, just to see where it goes with that plotline. But I have to drop my rating from 4 stars to a 2-2.5-ish one. Especially because the mc's constant whining and boy obsession made me lose braincells. (seriously, she was in life death situations and would only think about how hot the boys were, like girly you are about to die, you have other priorities be fr 😭)
August 6, 2013
I was hooked on this book from the moment I read the synopsis. And as soon as I started reading it I could not put it down. I think I even stayed up late at night to finish it. I really enjoyed the main characters personality and how she was a strong female lead rather than a damsel in distress which is how many paranormal young adult stories are nowadays. Not only was that refreshing, but the plot itself and the suspense kept me on my toes and I had no idea what was coming, so it wasn't horribly predictable like some mystery novels inevitably end up being. The ending held a twist to it that left me shocked and eagerly awaiting the sequel. And to top it off, there was just enough romance to keep me interested but not make the plot shallow.
December 27, 2014
"Didn't I see Ava over there wearing knockoffs?"
"I know! Can't believe she thought she could pass those boots off as designer. I mean, really."
I almost put the book down right then, page 5. But I'm stubborn. I hate putting books down before I've given them a fair chance. So I struggled on. And I have to say, this may be the worst book I've ever read. I honestly have no idea how it got 5 stars or how it's in the process of being turned into a movie, but there's no accounting for taste.
I can understand why the main character's mother tried to kill her. I wanted to kill her. I rooted for her untimely death every time she faced a dangerous situation. Messed up, I know, but I really hated Mattie. I wanted to smack her almost every time she opened her mouth. I like a tough, snarky main character but she was a snot.
A little girl who had been shot- "The kid was at least 9 or 10- old enough to know better than to go off by herself. I knew that even before entering the foster care system at five years old! Really, how stupid can you be?"
More like how insensitive can you be? A little kid is dead and she's going off about how stupid the kid was for wandering away. And that was not the first or only time she went off like that. My first impression of her was that she was insensitive and shallow.
And "Office Dan". Wow. Firstly, a cop falling for a 16 year old snot head- I can't suspend my disbelief that far. He must not have valued his job very much when you also consider how much trouble he watched her get into without doing anything- like breaking into houses, and all he did was sit back and go, "Gee, Mattie, you really shouldn't do that." And it was decidedly a bizarre and awkward scene when she ends up sitting on his bed (in a band poster-plastered bedroom in his parent's house because of course) His parents hollering at them to "Leave the door open" only completed that awkward picture.
And let's not forget that she was dating a major hottie who she was totally in love with even though they'd only been dating for a week. And how she had the hots for pretty much every guy she came across and she must have been pretty hot shit because the guys (most of them 18+) all flocked to her. One word, guys- jailbait.
The dialogue felt horribly stilted and false, the characters badly fleshed and unlikable. I wanted to like this book, truly I did. The book cover was drop-dead fantastic but that's the only nice thing I have to say about the book. I almost put this book down several times during the process of reading it but I forced myself to finish it because I didn't think it would be fair to review it without having read the entire thing.
It felt like the author mashed Suze Simon (The Mediator series) and Rose Hathaway (Vampire Academy, same last name and everything) but did a horrible job of it. If you liked this book or if you hated this book but love paranormal romance and/or snarky main characters, I HIGHLY recommend that you pick up The Mediator series by Meg Cabot or Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead.
"I know! Can't believe she thought she could pass those boots off as designer. I mean, really."
I almost put the book down right then, page 5. But I'm stubborn. I hate putting books down before I've given them a fair chance. So I struggled on. And I have to say, this may be the worst book I've ever read. I honestly have no idea how it got 5 stars or how it's in the process of being turned into a movie, but there's no accounting for taste.
I can understand why the main character's mother tried to kill her. I wanted to kill her. I rooted for her untimely death every time she faced a dangerous situation. Messed up, I know, but I really hated Mattie. I wanted to smack her almost every time she opened her mouth. I like a tough, snarky main character but she was a snot.
A little girl who had been shot- "The kid was at least 9 or 10- old enough to know better than to go off by herself. I knew that even before entering the foster care system at five years old! Really, how stupid can you be?"
More like how insensitive can you be? A little kid is dead and she's going off about how stupid the kid was for wandering away. And that was not the first or only time she went off like that. My first impression of her was that she was insensitive and shallow.
And "Office Dan". Wow. Firstly, a cop falling for a 16 year old snot head- I can't suspend my disbelief that far. He must not have valued his job very much when you also consider how much trouble he watched her get into without doing anything- like breaking into houses, and all he did was sit back and go, "Gee, Mattie, you really shouldn't do that." And it was decidedly a bizarre and awkward scene when she ends up sitting on his bed (in a band poster-plastered bedroom in his parent's house because of course) His parents hollering at them to "Leave the door open" only completed that awkward picture.
And let's not forget that she was dating a major hottie who she was totally in love with even though they'd only been dating for a week. And how she had the hots for pretty much every guy she came across and she must have been pretty hot shit because the guys (most of them 18+) all flocked to her. One word, guys- jailbait.
The dialogue felt horribly stilted and false, the characters badly fleshed and unlikable. I wanted to like this book, truly I did. The book cover was drop-dead fantastic but that's the only nice thing I have to say about the book. I almost put this book down several times during the process of reading it but I forced myself to finish it because I didn't think it would be fair to review it without having read the entire thing.
It felt like the author mashed Suze Simon (The Mediator series) and Rose Hathaway (Vampire Academy, same last name and everything) but did a horrible job of it. If you liked this book or if you hated this book but love paranormal romance and/or snarky main characters, I HIGHLY recommend that you pick up The Mediator series by Meg Cabot or Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead.
July 17, 2014
Hands down, this story is one of the most amazing story I have ever read.
This story is written in first person and is about 16 year old Mattie Hathaway. Now shes a cool girl, and I really love that mouth she has on her. Despite what she has been through, she shows us that she is still human and makes it easy for readers like me to relate to her. (Apart from the talking to ghosts part, I wish...)
She has seen ghosts since she was 5 and she has ignored them all her life, until one of the ghosts that she sees is her foster sister, Sally. Then she meets the nice police officer Dan Richards and well... we all know what goes on from there. BUT! There's a twist, she has a lovely boyfriend Jake, who is supposedly prom king material but has the heart of a Buddha, now how nice is that?
Mattie and Dan team up as they try to find the murderer of Sally and all others. The author has done a very nice job in setting the pace of the story, it doesn't drag nor does it move too fast.
And the romance is just *sigh* so simple yet so realistic and beautiful. The most beautiful thing about this book is the romance, it is unlike any other book I've read. Most books mention how (when the girl and boy protagonist interact) they always feel butterflies and sparks and what-not. In this book, even though butterflies were mentioned (I mean, come on, everyone has felt at least a couple of butterflies in their lifetime xD) but that is not the whole point of this book. The romance here was simple and realistic, just like it would be in real life.
I have never been so nervous reading a book. I don't usually like scary stuff (I'm the type of person who can't even watch horror films) but I could not put this book down. The writer has an amazing talent and I was drawn to every word like I was actually the main character in the book, the story line is captivating and not once was I bored.
The only drawback it has would probably be the fact that - I get that the main heroine is probably very attractive - but the author seriously didn't need for every single male in this book to the drooling over her and vice versa. But other than that, GREAT JOB!!
Now onto the rest of the books!
This story is written in first person and is about 16 year old Mattie Hathaway. Now shes a cool girl, and I really love that mouth she has on her. Despite what she has been through, she shows us that she is still human and makes it easy for readers like me to relate to her. (Apart from the talking to ghosts part, I wish...)
She has seen ghosts since she was 5 and she has ignored them all her life, until one of the ghosts that she sees is her foster sister, Sally. Then she meets the nice police officer Dan Richards and well... we all know what goes on from there. BUT! There's a twist, she has a lovely boyfriend Jake, who is supposedly prom king material but has the heart of a Buddha, now how nice is that?
Mattie and Dan team up as they try to find the murderer of Sally and all others. The author has done a very nice job in setting the pace of the story, it doesn't drag nor does it move too fast.
And the romance is just *sigh* so simple yet so realistic and beautiful. The most beautiful thing about this book is the romance, it is unlike any other book I've read. Most books mention how (when the girl and boy protagonist interact) they always feel butterflies and sparks and what-not. In this book, even though butterflies were mentioned (I mean, come on, everyone has felt at least a couple of butterflies in their lifetime xD) but that is not the whole point of this book. The romance here was simple and realistic, just like it would be in real life.
I have never been so nervous reading a book. I don't usually like scary stuff (I'm the type of person who can't even watch horror films) but I could not put this book down. The writer has an amazing talent and I was drawn to every word like I was actually the main character in the book, the story line is captivating and not once was I bored.
The only drawback it has would probably be the fact that - I get that the main heroine is probably very attractive - but the author seriously didn't need for every single male in this book to the drooling over her and vice versa. But other than that, GREAT JOB!!
Now onto the rest of the books!
October 12, 2013
*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
The Ghost Files is a fast paced YA paranormal suspense that's virtually impossible to put down once started. From the very first paragraph I was hooked. The main characters, Mattie and Dan, are just fantastic. I was a bit sad when I reached the end of the novel since I was more than ready for another adventure with these two.
Mattie Hathaway ended up in the foster care system after her mother tried to kill her when she was five. On top of that trauma, her foster life was anything but easy. My heart bled for Mattie. She is such a tough, strong girl. Mattie has seen ghosts since she woke up in the hospital when she was five years old. She does a good job of ignoring them, until her foster sister shows up as a ghost. Mattie is determined to find her killer, even if it means risking herself to do it.
Twenty year old rookie Officer Dan takes Mattie's initial report on her foster sister's disappearance. Mattie opens up to him about the ghosts, and though skeptical, he still begins an investigation into the disappearance. Dan is an amazing guy. He's so supportive of Mattie, even when he has a hard time believing her story. It doesn't take long for Mattie to warm up to him.
I loved the interactions between Dan and Mattie, their conversations flowed so naturally. The dialogue between the two was witty and entertaining. Almost like listening to a brother and sister or old friends. The pacing of the mystery/suspense was well done, never a dull moment. I also enjoyed the paranormal, ghost hunting aspects of the story.
I highly recommend The Ghost Files to everyone high school and up that enjoys a great paranormal mystery. There were a few rather graphically violent scenes which depict not only blood and gore, but torture as well. These scenes were well written (while they didn't bother me, I could see some readers being affected by the torture) and add to the story. I can't wait to read more about Mattie and Dan!
*Added to my favorites*
The Ghost Files is a fast paced YA paranormal suspense that's virtually impossible to put down once started. From the very first paragraph I was hooked. The main characters, Mattie and Dan, are just fantastic. I was a bit sad when I reached the end of the novel since I was more than ready for another adventure with these two.
Mattie Hathaway ended up in the foster care system after her mother tried to kill her when she was five. On top of that trauma, her foster life was anything but easy. My heart bled for Mattie. She is such a tough, strong girl. Mattie has seen ghosts since she woke up in the hospital when she was five years old. She does a good job of ignoring them, until her foster sister shows up as a ghost. Mattie is determined to find her killer, even if it means risking herself to do it.
Twenty year old rookie Officer Dan takes Mattie's initial report on her foster sister's disappearance. Mattie opens up to him about the ghosts, and though skeptical, he still begins an investigation into the disappearance. Dan is an amazing guy. He's so supportive of Mattie, even when he has a hard time believing her story. It doesn't take long for Mattie to warm up to him.
I loved the interactions between Dan and Mattie, their conversations flowed so naturally. The dialogue between the two was witty and entertaining. Almost like listening to a brother and sister or old friends. The pacing of the mystery/suspense was well done, never a dull moment. I also enjoyed the paranormal, ghost hunting aspects of the story.
I highly recommend The Ghost Files to everyone high school and up that enjoys a great paranormal mystery. There were a few rather graphically violent scenes which depict not only blood and gore, but torture as well. These scenes were well written (while they didn't bother me, I could see some readers being affected by the torture) and add to the story. I can't wait to read more about Mattie and Dan!
*Added to my favorites*
April 3, 2015
Let me start by saying I'm a huge fan of horror films. And I love a good Stephen King. But I don't generally read books in the horror genre because I often find that it is the visual aspect of horror movies that really give me the biggest bang for my buck. It takes a truly talented writer to describe a scene well enough to convey terror and have me shaking in my boots.
So I'm really torn on how to rate this book........
The storyline is FABULOUS and it kept me turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next. I loved how the author explained how/why Mattie has a special gift with respect to ghosts. That deserves praise - because despite the fact that I didn't care for the first person, present tense nor did I care for the short, brisque sentences - I could not put this book down. The story is compelling. I cannot wait until this comes out as a film.
I really loved the protagonist - Mattie - a sixteen year old foster child who has suffered through a really rough upbringing. She is spunky and sarcastic and smart. Her personality is conveyed by the author by using short sentences and a very clipped / fast pace. Unfortunately that style does not lend itself well to building tension and fear in a a reader (or at least not this reader :-). So while I was "told" that the protagonist was scared out of her wits, I never really felt it. That is until the last third of the book when Mattie is relying on her sense of smell and hearing more than anything else. The pace slows down. Her thoughts are more rambling with a lot of insight into what was going on in her head. Finally the author was "showing" us what was happening / what Mattie was feeling. And my heart was racing.
I also loved Officer Dan and his relationship with Mattie. These two together were a riot.
So in the end I landed on a 4 star rating. I give the author 5 stars for a fantastic storyline and 3 stars for execution / writing style for an average of 4 stars. If you love horror stories then you really need to read this book.
So I'm really torn on how to rate this book........
The storyline is FABULOUS and it kept me turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next. I loved how the author explained how/why Mattie has a special gift with respect to ghosts. That deserves praise - because despite the fact that I didn't care for the first person, present tense nor did I care for the short, brisque sentences - I could not put this book down. The story is compelling. I cannot wait until this comes out as a film.
I really loved the protagonist - Mattie - a sixteen year old foster child who has suffered through a really rough upbringing. She is spunky and sarcastic and smart. Her personality is conveyed by the author by using short sentences and a very clipped / fast pace. Unfortunately that style does not lend itself well to building tension and fear in a a reader (or at least not this reader :-). So while I was "told" that the protagonist was scared out of her wits, I never really felt it. That is until the last third of the book when Mattie is relying on her sense of smell and hearing more than anything else. The pace slows down. Her thoughts are more rambling with a lot of insight into what was going on in her head. Finally the author was "showing" us what was happening / what Mattie was feeling. And my heart was racing.
I also loved Officer Dan and his relationship with Mattie. These two together were a riot.
So in the end I landed on a 4 star rating. I give the author 5 stars for a fantastic storyline and 3 stars for execution / writing style for an average of 4 stars. If you love horror stories then you really need to read this book.
December 17, 2013
I loved this book! Mattie is a sixteen year old girl who has been in the foster care system since she was five. Since her mother failed to kill her and then committed suicide. She is an intelligent, attractive young woman who is trying to live a normal life, going to school, making friends and going on dates with her boyfriend Jake. The problem is she "sees dead people"! After successfully ignoring the ghosts she sees, an encounter with her foster sister's ghost sends her into a frenzy, Sally has been murdered! How to prove it to the police and get people looking for the girl without disclosing her secret is a major problem for Mattie, especially when everyone believes the girl is just another runaway. She starts to see other murder victims and when she manages to convince officer Dan (as she calls him), a rookie cop to help her, the clock is ticking when she comes face to face with a still living victim's spirit, who's time is running out!
An enjoyable fast paced, witty and sometimes chilling read from a talented author.
An enjoyable fast paced, witty and sometimes chilling read from a talented author.
June 13, 2014
This book wasn't entirely what I expected. With the title I thought it was going to be intense and scary as hell. Instead, the plot focused a little more on the character's relationship concerns and teenage dramas than the ghosts.
But that aside, it was told really well. The character voice was strong, and definitely encompasses a teenage thought process. Her back story was also really detailed and reflected her current behaviour. The pace worked well for me, and I was completely engaged the entire way through.
There may not have been as many ghosts as I was expecting, but whenever they did appear they were sufficiently creepy.
I'd definitely recommend this book.
But that aside, it was told really well. The character voice was strong, and definitely encompasses a teenage thought process. Her back story was also really detailed and reflected her current behaviour. The pace worked well for me, and I was completely engaged the entire way through.
There may not have been as many ghosts as I was expecting, but whenever they did appear they were sufficiently creepy.
I'd definitely recommend this book.
May 5, 2017
Loved the ghost story plus the sinister plot, but I was not at all keen on the 'romance' drama, because Mattie's character is flitting in between 'boys' like a swing in the wind.
Nice cliffhanger ending... not too sure if it's enough for me to keep reading the series, as I don't think I'll be able to deal with the boy-drama.
Nice cliffhanger ending... not too sure if it's enough for me to keep reading the series, as I don't think I'll be able to deal with the boy-drama.
March 30, 2014
When you read about a world you don't know--in this case a foster kid who sees ghosts--you want to experience it as if you did know it. Baker does a marvelous job of getting the reader inside the character's head. My favorite character is Officer Dan, the policeman who befriends her. A great read!
August 6, 2013
Amazinggggg
Read
August 16, 2016**5 Boundless Stars** Full review and rating will be up at Boundless Book Reviews
November 8, 2013
The pros:
Officer Dan. Yep. Love him.
Mattie's attitude. I love sarcasm, and (while I think some things could have been done differently/less explained) Mattie had a lot of it. Apryl Baker never started making her soft, didn't start out with her being sweet and turning sarcastic or vice versa; Mattie's character developed as the story went, but her personality stayed true and she was a very fun protagonist.
Mattie starts out with a boyfriend, but what I really liked was that as we learned more about Mattie so did Jake. And that complicated their relationship. It made things complex.
The relationship between Dan and Mattie. It stayed on the edge between friendship and relationship, their banter was perfect, and the fact that they still have room to grow made any scene between the two of them the best part of the book.
The cons:
The relationship between Dan and Mattie. Yes, they were fun, and yes, they had excellent banter, but it felt like Baker couldn't decide on just what age to treat Dan. Technically he's 20, and a cop, and still in college, but sometimes he seemed much older than Mattie, and sometimes he was like a high school student. And I know that college students can totally be like that, but he didn't stay consistent enough for me. It was distracting, even though I liked his character.
Every boy in the book was in love with Mattie. She was hot and could take care of herself and was mysterious, but seriously, every guy spent the whole book hitting on her.
And she couldn't make up her mind. She's in love with Jake in the beginning, then she's trying to figure out how she feels about Dan (more than once), and then she gets Mason's phone number and thinks he's so super cute, then, all of a sudden at the end, she's IN LOVE with Eric. And that one seriously through me and kind of ruined the end of the book. WAY too sudden, unreal, and Baker spent the whole book building Dan up just to throw in this guy at the last second that Mattie is way too attached to, way too quickly... It didn't fit with the way the rest of the book had been going.
Overall:
Anyone who knows me well knows that I'm a big fan of scary stuff (horror movies, nighttime in general, getting good and truly spooked). So this book was fun: ghosts, murderers, mystery, oh my. And while the mystery was good and the ending was a surprise, there were things that were done well and then things that took away from the rest of it. Mattie's attitude was great, but the fact that the author told us more than once how sarcastic Mattie considered herself and explained the fact took away from it because it felt to me as the reader like the author thought I had to be told what sarcasm was. I loved Dan and Mattie's relationship, then then a dozen other guys jumped in and took away some of the depth. I wish it had all been more consistent, but it was still a fun read with a great protagonist and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in the sequel.
2.75 stars
Officer Dan. Yep. Love him.
Mattie's attitude. I love sarcasm, and (while I think some things could have been done differently/less explained) Mattie had a lot of it. Apryl Baker never started making her soft, didn't start out with her being sweet and turning sarcastic or vice versa; Mattie's character developed as the story went, but her personality stayed true and she was a very fun protagonist.
Mattie starts out with a boyfriend, but what I really liked was that as we learned more about Mattie so did Jake. And that complicated their relationship. It made things complex.
The relationship between Dan and Mattie. It stayed on the edge between friendship and relationship, their banter was perfect, and the fact that they still have room to grow made any scene between the two of them the best part of the book.
The cons:
The relationship between Dan and Mattie. Yes, they were fun, and yes, they had excellent banter, but it felt like Baker couldn't decide on just what age to treat Dan. Technically he's 20, and a cop, and still in college, but sometimes he seemed much older than Mattie, and sometimes he was like a high school student. And I know that college students can totally be like that, but he didn't stay consistent enough for me. It was distracting, even though I liked his character.
Every boy in the book was in love with Mattie. She was hot and could take care of herself and was mysterious, but seriously, every guy spent the whole book hitting on her.
And she couldn't make up her mind. She's in love with Jake in the beginning, then she's trying to figure out how she feels about Dan (more than once), and then she gets Mason's phone number and thinks he's so super cute, then, all of a sudden at the end, she's IN LOVE with Eric. And that one seriously through me and kind of ruined the end of the book. WAY too sudden, unreal, and Baker spent the whole book building Dan up just to throw in this guy at the last second that Mattie is way too attached to, way too quickly... It didn't fit with the way the rest of the book had been going.
Overall:
Anyone who knows me well knows that I'm a big fan of scary stuff (horror movies, nighttime in general, getting good and truly spooked). So this book was fun: ghosts, murderers, mystery, oh my. And while the mystery was good and the ending was a surprise, there were things that were done well and then things that took away from the rest of it. Mattie's attitude was great, but the fact that the author told us more than once how sarcastic Mattie considered herself and explained the fact took away from it because it felt to me as the reader like the author thought I had to be told what sarcasm was. I loved Dan and Mattie's relationship, then then a dozen other guys jumped in and took away some of the depth. I wish it had all been more consistent, but it was still a fun read with a great protagonist and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in the sequel.
2.75 stars
February 17, 2018
This is literally a knock off version of Meg Cabot's "I see ghosts" book, with the added addition of the author having zero clue how the foster system works, how police officers work, how addiction works, how serial killers operate... if she did any research at all I would be beyond surprised.
Dan is creepy (and a terrible police officer), Mattie is an asshole (please... I beg all YA authors to learn what sarcasm actually is) and this book has a bad ending. If I have to read the word squirt one more time I might legitimately blind myself. The jailbait sceneS are physically painful. Dan has CHOCOLATE GOOGY EYES y'all. Just in case you missed that in every single paragraph.
The scene where Dan's ADULT girlfriend, because he is an ADULT man says it's weird for him to be hanging out with a child and Mattie acts like a total asshole with an added dose of misogyny is a throwback to the atrocious YA of the mid 2000's. That's right kids, she's not like other girls, she's sarcastic and not a bimbo. Spectacular characterisation there buddy, why develop your characters when you can pull the "not like other girls" line instead? This is great if you're like 12 and deep in the "I'm not like other girls because I only shower once a week and wear converse" phase, but can we please for the love of god leave it in the past?
Just when you're like "hey, this might turn out okay, maybe they'll go back to the ghosts and not the ridiculous love square/scribble nonsense" she gets another MAN who is attracted to her. Because she's got a great rack that every male in the tristate area can't take their eyes off, even though she is a kid and they're adults.
I would genuinely like the last two hours of my memory wiped so it wasn't wasted on this book.
Dan is creepy (and a terrible police officer), Mattie is an asshole (please... I beg all YA authors to learn what sarcasm actually is) and this book has a bad ending. If I have to read the word squirt one more time I might legitimately blind myself. The jailbait sceneS are physically painful. Dan has CHOCOLATE GOOGY EYES y'all. Just in case you missed that in every single paragraph.
The scene where Dan's ADULT girlfriend, because he is an ADULT man says it's weird for him to be hanging out with a child and Mattie acts like a total asshole with an added dose of misogyny is a throwback to the atrocious YA of the mid 2000's. That's right kids, she's not like other girls, she's sarcastic and not a bimbo. Spectacular characterisation there buddy, why develop your characters when you can pull the "not like other girls" line instead? This is great if you're like 12 and deep in the "I'm not like other girls because I only shower once a week and wear converse" phase, but can we please for the love of god leave it in the past?
Just when you're like "hey, this might turn out okay, maybe they'll go back to the ghosts and not the ridiculous love square/scribble nonsense" she gets another MAN who is attracted to her. Because she's got a great rack that every male in the tristate area can't take their eyes off, even though she is a kid and they're adults.
I would genuinely like the last two hours of my memory wiped so it wasn't wasted on this book.
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