Adrienne's Ghost

by Leah St. James

FBI Agent Jackson Yates has never believed in ghosts...until now. Called to the deepest, darkest basement at FBI Headquarters to investigate the discovery of the body of agent recruit Adrienne Garza, Jack is forced to look beyond the earthly to the spirit world for answers. Shaken by what he finds, he turns to beautiful paranormal psychologist Rachael Sullivan for help. As he draws her into the investigation, finding himself drawn closer to her with each step, can he protect her from the killer’s wrath?

Rachael has spent her adult years seeking knowledge of life after death. She has focused those years on helping those stricken with grief, but when she receives messages from beyond the grave, messages that seem to have come from Adrienne herself, she is compelled to follow the trail. As the slain woman’s spirit reveals more and more of her killer, and of her past with investigating agent Jackson Yates, Rachael wonders if the clues are leading her to love, or death.

Brought together by forces beyond their control, beyond their understanding, together Jack and Rachael seek the killer. Together they encounter Adrienne’s Ghost.

Genres: Paranormal, Mystery, Romantic Suspense, Ebooks

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 28, 2011

About the author

Leah St. James grew up at the Central Jersey Shore, her face buried in a book when she wasn’t in school or playing with her sister, her friends, or dolls. Early on she discovered that she loves stories that evoke emotion—from the edge-of-your-seat thrill of suspense to the tenderness and passion of romance.

She began writing her own stories as an adult after reading what she says was “every romantic suspense novel” in her local library, and has never looked back.
Today she writes stories of good and evil, the mysteries of life, and the enduring power of love—all with her favorite elements of romance and suspense.

A member of Sisters in Crime and the Alliance of Independent Authors, she lives with her college-sweetheart husband in Richmond, Virginia. Together they have two grown sons, two wonderful daughters-in-law and several grand-critters. They love spending time with family, watching (and dissecting) movies and TV shows, and visiting historical sites.

Reviews

[Alicia Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adrienne's Ghost truly has it all. Leah St. James is a phenomenal author and anything she writes is definitely worth checking out. The cover will grab your attention, the first few pages will pull you in, and every page after will keep you on the edge of your seat, waiting to see how it all turns out for these amazing, memorable characters. This story contains just the right amount of creepiness, suspense, and gut-wrenching emotion. St. James has a way of turning a phrase and choosing just the right words for an emotional impact that's so strong, it's almost tangible. I adore, literally adore, both the hero and heroine. Neither are perfect, and that's one of the best things about them. (The heroine is a Yankees fan, but I tried not to let that color my opinion of her. The hero is a Red Sox fan, which was the final trait that pushed me from just in love, to totally, head over heels, crazy in love with him. ) Trust me when I say, this is a must read. I honestly can't say enough...the story stuck with me for days. Excellent job, Leah, keep them coming!

Alicia Dean

[Beverly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just not what I expected. I'm often disappointed when I read what I think is going to be a ghost story. There was some small amount of a ghost story but it felt to me that the author just uses an unsolved murder to bring two of the characters together for a romantic tryst. At least the "I just met you, let's have sex" appears to be a situation that both people consider to be a love match but with the story as short as it was I just thought the whole thing felt very rushed...necessarily so I guess.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghosts

This was a great thriller love story all in one. Haven't tried this author before but was very happy with this awesome reading

[Cheryl Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking.

If you believe in ghosts this story will confirm it. If you don't it will make you consider it. Great story line.

[Marsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes I feel like Dreadlocks and the three bears because some ebooks are too long, others are too short and few are just right. "Adrienne's Ghost" was a good read but just too short. When I say too short, I do not mean that I was so engrossed that I read it quickly. I mean the world building, characterizations and plot occured so quickly that it made the story line a bit unbelievable.

Jackson Yates is an FBI agent currently working in Washington D.C. He is scheduled to move to back home to Boston in three days; but, not before the decomposed body of a missing colleague is found in the basement of headquarters. Jackson is assigned to investigate the murder before he leaves. After hearing the voice of the deceased agent, he seeks additional understanding which lands him straight in the path of psychologist, Dr. Rachael Sullivan.

Immediately Rachael and Jack realize something supernatural is taking place. While they give in to their lust and curiosity, they come on the radar of the killer. Will someone else be harmed while seeking the truth and will they be able to secure justice for Adrienne so that she can finally rest in peace?

This was the first book I read from Lead St. James and I enjoyed it; but, like I stated earlier it just felt too rushed and forced. It began slowly and with huge promise but quickly began a roller coaster ride that left me feeling unfulfilled. I believe Ms. St. James lost an opportunity to showcase her talents to the fullest. I would recommend it but with the understanding that it was light on plot development.

[Martha Bryce · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there is a fault to be found in this novel, it is simply that the book is too short. Adrienne’s Ghost is a delightful book; a tantalizing combination of thriller, mystery, paranormal and romance. Jackson Yates, elite, Harvard educated FBI agent was in the same training class as Adrienne Garza, a young blue collar woman recruited from administrative obscurity in the FBI to train as a special agent. Despite the culture class, they became close until her mysterious disappearance one week before their graduation. Five years later, Yates is called in to solve the case when her rotting, partially dismembered body is found in two lockers in the FBI’s sub basement, legendary for its ghostly noises and presences. Jackson himself experiences a paranormal visitation from Adrienne and doubting it or perhaps his own sanity, he decides to visit the taping of a local TV show on paranormal experiences. Dr. Rachael Sullivan, LT, PhD is one of the guests, on the show, serving as the voice of reason among the psychics. However, when Dr. Sullivan feels the compulsion to call Jackson by a nickname that only he and Adrienne knew during what seems to be a visitation by Adrienne during the show, sparks fly. Jack and Rachael are drawn together into the investigation of Adrienne’s death and into each others arms. Danger lies ahead for both of them from the living and the dead.

[Kasia Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackson Yates is an FBI agent assigned to a case of his missing friend, whose body was found inside FBI headquarters. After returning home, he tries to unwind by watching TV, only to be mesmerized by Rachael, a paranormal doctor of psychology, doing an interview on the news. He looks her up and finds out she's scheduled to be on a show in his town, so he goes to check her out. While in the studio's audience, taping the show, something goes haywire. She utters something that only he and his friend knew, and he immediately brings her into questioning, though soon dismisses her as a suspect. He brings her in the investigation since she's an expert in her field, and soon they are on the trail of a killer. The pace of the book is quick, but definitely worth checking out.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short novella--135 pages, print length--so it dives right in and moves fast. That's the only complaint I have. The author writes well, giving lots of "show" versus "tell," involving the senses on every page. Her descriptions of physiologic reactions were fantastic, running the gamut of fear to lust and more. It got my blood pumping and the pages turning. This really could have been a full length novel, and should have been, hence my 4 stars. Just a little more plot development, a little more laying of the groundwork for Rachael's and Jack's romance, and a few more brick walls to hit in the investigation, and I would have been full-on loving this book! It was a really good, well written read, though, so I highly recommend it!

[Margaret Tidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

You follow and FBI agent that is trying to solve a murder that happened 5 years prior. The women that was killed was going through the training to become an FBI Agent with him. They found her body and so they gave him 3 days to solve it before he had to leave because he was being transferred. He then meets a lady and then fall in love. I won't tell the ending buts lets just say I was reading this at work and someone walked up while I was reading it and I jumped because this book was creepy to say the least. I like this book because he has the cute love story in it. I am going to find out if the author has any other books because I really enjoyed this book and her writing.

[Fierce Dolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was very easy to read, and evenly paced, for the most part. About 3/4 of the way through the development became a bit thinner, thus the plot predictable. Also, near the end, I found the main characters' knee jerk actions toward each other not grounded in the presentation of their personalities up to that point. Despite that, the story is well-developed, the characters are endearing, and even though it's not hard to figure out where it's all going, you want to stay with it. St. James is a skilled writer, and she's one to watch.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leah St. James has again created an extraordinary suspense. The main characters are compelling and leap off the page. It is a great book and it left me wanting more. This could be a great start to a series. This is excellent just like your last book, Surrender to Sanctuary. They are both well written and great reads. Leah St. James is an author to read from now on.

[Kristin King · Rating 4 out of 5]

The hint of ghosts infiltrating the FBI had me reading. Other reviews may criticize, but don't we want "the cold air" to creep over us in a ghost story? Adrienne's Ghost was a fun evening read for when you're in the mood for a light haunting. I must confess I skim past scenes too "sexy" for my taste (so be fore warned). Quite enjoyable time spent.

[Mimi Kronkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by Leah St. James that I have read and I LOVED it! Actually, I know the author - her son and mine went to school and karate together. It is exciting to read something written by someone you know! Leah is a great writer - taking you places you can hardly imagine. I can't wait to read the rest of her books!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad I found this book. I love finding a new author, and I can't wait to read more by this author! She is great at building the suspense, as well as the sexual tension. Strong characters, too.
Very good story. Off to find more by Leah St. James!

[C Estrada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Too short... I wanted more.

[Kim Hornsby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling, Creepy, Compelling, fast-paced novel with a killer premise and plot! St.James knows how to write a thriller suspense and the tension doesn't let up until the very end. Well done!

[Jenny Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book but it felt very rushed. Liked the plot & the characters & would love for it to have been longer/more involved.

[Rachel Hartmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book sucked me in from the beginning! Awesome read!

[Kerryn Forsyth · Rating 4 out of 5]

great read, I wish it had been longer