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Myron Vale Investigations #0.5
The Haunted Breadbox
Myron Vale sees ghosts. One hundred billion of them, to be precise.
In a world where everybody dies but nobody leaves, Myron Vale is the rare individual who completely straddles both sides of the great divide. In fact, he may just be the only one. His strange ability the result of a gunshot to the head while serving as a Portland police officer, a few years later he recovers to forge a new life as private investigator catering to both the living and the dead. His big problem? He can't tell them apart.
In this short story prequel to Ghost Detective, the first novel featuring Myron Vale, a house call to an old farmhouse finds Vale investigating the most unlikely of haunted places — a breadbox. What lies inside? It's not at all what Vale expects.
Includes an author's note explaining the origin of the story (which lead to the novel), as well as the opening chapter of Ghost Detective.
In a world where everybody dies but nobody leaves, Myron Vale is the rare individual who completely straddles both sides of the great divide. In fact, he may just be the only one. His strange ability the result of a gunshot to the head while serving as a Portland police officer, a few years later he recovers to forge a new life as private investigator catering to both the living and the dead. His big problem? He can't tell them apart.
In this short story prequel to Ghost Detective, the first novel featuring Myron Vale, a house call to an old farmhouse finds Vale investigating the most unlikely of haunted places — a breadbox. What lies inside? It's not at all what Vale expects.
Includes an author's note explaining the origin of the story (which lead to the novel), as well as the opening chapter of Ghost Detective.
34 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2013
93 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Scott William Carter
82 books172 followersScott William Carter’s first novel, The Last Great Getaway of the Water Balloon Boys, was hailed by Publishers Weekly as a “touching and impressive debut” and won an Oregon Book Award. Since then, he has published many books and short stories, his fiction spanning a wide variety of genres and styles. His book for younger readers, Wooden Bones, chronicles the untold story of Pinocchio and was singled out for praise by the Junior Library Guild. He is the author of the popular Garrison Gage mystery series set on the Oregon coast, as well as the provocative Myron Vale Investigations, about the private investigator in Portland, Oregon who works for both the living and the dead. He’s also the cartoonist behind the Run of the House comic strip.
If that wasn’t enough to keep him busy, in his “day job” life he works as an Instructional Designer and Digital Production & Publishing Specialist at Western Oregon University, where he manages the Digital Media Center and provides training and expertise to the campus community on a variety of topics, including Web page creation, digital video production, print-on-demand and ebook publishing, and many software applications related to publishing, distribution, and education in all its forms. He also teaches occasional classes for both the English department and the College of Education.
In past lives, he has been an academic technologist, a writing instructor, bookstore owner, the manager of a computer training company, and a ski instructor, though the most important job — and best – he’s ever had is being the father of his two children. He currently lives in Oregon with his wife and two children.
If that wasn’t enough to keep him busy, in his “day job” life he works as an Instructional Designer and Digital Production & Publishing Specialist at Western Oregon University, where he manages the Digital Media Center and provides training and expertise to the campus community on a variety of topics, including Web page creation, digital video production, print-on-demand and ebook publishing, and many software applications related to publishing, distribution, and education in all its forms. He also teaches occasional classes for both the English department and the College of Education.
In past lives, he has been an academic technologist, a writing instructor, bookstore owner, the manager of a computer training company, and a ski instructor, though the most important job — and best – he’s ever had is being the father of his two children. He currently lives in Oregon with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 13, 2021
An author who likes to write short stories and who has had tons of practice writing them.
For Scott the process seems to be about floating ideas, trying out scenarios or developing a character.
The Haunted Breadbox would spawn a new detective and become a series as the author found he had lots to say about Myron Vale and his unique ability to see ghosts.
Growing up watching fine British TV in the late 60’s and early 70’s I remember fondly Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased). A detective duo assisted in that one of them was a ghost.
Here Vale is still alive, but a bullet lodged in his brain has left him with a unique skill set. The ability to see and interact with ghosts.
Two things that struct me reading this which leaves me wanting more, are, the actual concept and the execution of that idea in the work Vale undertakes.
There is a sense of inclusion, almost a shared journey which the author through his detective is on.
Then there is the speculation as to why certain objects or places allow ghosts to become attached to a given location or item.
Interestingly this is mirrored perhaps in Vale’s own experience in not dealing fully with loss and an inability to move on.
Seeing ghosts, a blessing or a curse?
I think a fertile ground to base your imagination.
I loved the sense of a wagon train hunkering down outside the home of this case of the haunted breadbox. Perhaps also points to humour; but the subject does appear to be treated with respect and a seriousness that implies while the two worlds mostly co-exist without malice or evil intent there is scope for dire consequences if Vale gets it wrong. This darker side to the story means the writing is punchy, with real danger and accompanying thrills beyond white sheets, Casper and Who you going to call?
For Scott the process seems to be about floating ideas, trying out scenarios or developing a character.
The Haunted Breadbox would spawn a new detective and become a series as the author found he had lots to say about Myron Vale and his unique ability to see ghosts.
Growing up watching fine British TV in the late 60’s and early 70’s I remember fondly Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased). A detective duo assisted in that one of them was a ghost.
Here Vale is still alive, but a bullet lodged in his brain has left him with a unique skill set. The ability to see and interact with ghosts.
Two things that struct me reading this which leaves me wanting more, are, the actual concept and the execution of that idea in the work Vale undertakes.
There is a sense of inclusion, almost a shared journey which the author through his detective is on.
Then there is the speculation as to why certain objects or places allow ghosts to become attached to a given location or item.
Interestingly this is mirrored perhaps in Vale’s own experience in not dealing fully with loss and an inability to move on.
Seeing ghosts, a blessing or a curse?
I think a fertile ground to base your imagination.
I loved the sense of a wagon train hunkering down outside the home of this case of the haunted breadbox. Perhaps also points to humour; but the subject does appear to be treated with respect and a seriousness that implies while the two worlds mostly co-exist without malice or evil intent there is scope for dire consequences if Vale gets it wrong. This darker side to the story means the writing is punchy, with real danger and accompanying thrills beyond white sheets, Casper and Who you going to call?
August 7, 2017
A jewel!
Well written. Each image compliments the next. Voice general conceptions with a twist. Explains but never reveals. Keeps you guessing and waiting for more. Please read the novel 'Ghost detective' you won"t be able to put it down...
Well written. Each image compliments the next. Voice general conceptions with a twist. Explains but never reveals. Keeps you guessing and waiting for more. Please read the novel 'Ghost detective' you won"t be able to put it down...
April 10, 2020
Here it begins
I'm a fan of Myron Vale, a guilty pleasure - and this is his first outing, a whimsical little tale, where we meet for the first time. There are clear signs of what he will become, and you just want to know more!
I'm a fan of Myron Vale, a guilty pleasure - and this is his first outing, a whimsical little tale, where we meet for the first time. There are clear signs of what he will become, and you just want to know more!
September 29, 2023
A Nice Short Story
I way not be a big fan of short stories, but I am a fan of Myron Vale. I liked the first book and decided to get this intro story. It’s a cute story as them go but I’d much prefer a longer one. It’s not over and Don with so soon.
I way not be a big fan of short stories, but I am a fan of Myron Vale. I liked the first book and decided to get this intro story. It’s a cute story as them go but I’d much prefer a longer one. It’s not over and Don with so soon.
December 30, 2024
Great Read
So far I have enjoy reading the Haunted Breadbox and Ghosted Detective. Both are fun paranormal reads. I love Myron’s character. Starting second book. I believe will be just as fun in helping the dead!
So far I have enjoy reading the Haunted Breadbox and Ghosted Detective. Both are fun paranormal reads. I love Myron’s character. Starting second book. I believe will be just as fun in helping the dead!
October 15, 2017
Has me interested
A friend recommended this book, and it didn't disappointe me! Really enjoyed it and can't wait to read the next book.
A friend recommended this book, and it didn't disappointe me! Really enjoyed it and can't wait to read the next book.
June 30, 2018
the haunted breadbox
I chose the 5star because the writing was so good and I could actually see things as I read. I have been recomending the books to all my friends.
I chose the 5star because the writing was so good and I could actually see things as I read. I have been recomending the books to all my friends.
August 3, 2018
Breadbox
A short story to get you started in for a series. I don't like short story's but this was OK.
A short story to get you started in for a series. I don't like short story's but this was OK.
November 1, 2018
Nice, but very short, ghost story. It is an intro for the Myron Vale series. Something to definitely go on my to read list as I really enjoyed the Garrison Gage books by this author.
August 16, 2023
Ghost hunting! Myron is such a believable character I ran out and bought another offering from this author.
November 2, 2023
Fun short story. Great imagination.
March 13, 2017
It started when I read the initial Garrison Gage adventure which I enjoyed. In finding out more about Scott William Carter I uncovered Myron Vincent and his unusual ability to see the living and the dead. People die but they don't leave -- struck me as an interesting idea. As did the notion that the dead really don't care about the living. And a detective that drives a Prius! How could I resist?
March 9, 2017
I liked it!
I'm so glad I found this new-to-me series. I've already gotten the next book and am reading it now. Myron is great! He would be a hard friend to like or get along with. I love book one so far. Bravo Mr Carter!
I'm so glad I found this new-to-me series. I've already gotten the next book and am reading it now. Myron is great! He would be a hard friend to like or get along with. I love book one so far. Bravo Mr Carter!
April 18, 2021
Myron Vale sees ghosts, lots of them. In fact he can't tell the difference between the living and the dead at first sight.
In this short story, which led to a series, Myron investigates a haunted breadbox in a rural farmhouse.
It's over almost in the blink of an eye but it is interesting enough to warrant further reading, not immediately but sometime in the future.
Also included is an explanation of how Scott William Carter came up with the idea - the actual breadbox is in his kitchen!
It's too short to give it a true rating.
In this short story, which led to a series, Myron investigates a haunted breadbox in a rural farmhouse.
It's over almost in the blink of an eye but it is interesting enough to warrant further reading, not immediately but sometime in the future.
Also included is an explanation of how Scott William Carter came up with the idea - the actual breadbox is in his kitchen!
It's too short to give it a true rating.
June 22, 2013
Myron Vale, ghost detective
I enjoyed this short story sequel to Carter's book "Ghost Detective (A Myron Vale Investigation)."
Fun concept, interesting characters, a little spookiness. Who WOULD have guessed a ghost detective drove a hybrid?
I am looking forward to reading the novel (which hopefully will have been edited/proofread a tad better). "The Haunted Breadbox" wasn't terrible as far as errors but then it's a short story and shouldn't have taken too long to tidy up.
I enjoyed this short story sequel to Carter's book "Ghost Detective (A Myron Vale Investigation)."
Fun concept, interesting characters, a little spookiness. Who WOULD have guessed a ghost detective drove a hybrid?
I am looking forward to reading the novel (which hopefully will have been edited/proofread a tad better). "The Haunted Breadbox" wasn't terrible as far as errors but then it's a short story and shouldn't have taken too long to tidy up.
October 13, 2016
Myron Vale is a private detective with a unique ability that enables him to see the dead. His latest client has an interesting problem...a haunted breadbox. This was an enjoyable and slightly spooky ghostly mystery. I enjoyed the interaction between Myron and the old man and had a laugh at the description of the breadbox in question...I remember having one like it in my first apartment. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.
July 22, 2013
Very disappointed in this short story. It left me wanting so much more and so many questions unanswered.
September 13, 2013
Hooked straight away. The idea of a guy seeing ghosts is hardly new, but the setting for the story? Brilliant! A ghost in a breadbox. Looking forward to reading more from Mr Carter.
October 11, 2013
since this is a prequel and a short story, i decided to read it before i set my mind on Ghost Detective. this did not disappoint and hope to read more in the future
December 28, 2013
Short story. I thought it was going to be more. Hopefully a full book will be better.
February 18, 2014
Excellent ghost story.
June 1, 2015
Great spooky read. Didn't disappoint. I read Ghost Detective first. Just love Myron! On to the next Myron Vale story.
November 7, 2013
I highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews