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Bone Island Trilogy #1
Ghost Shadow
There are those who walk among us who are no longer alive, but not yet crossed over.
They seek retribution…vengeance…to warn. Among the living, few intuit their presence. Katie O'Hara is one who can. As she's drawn deeper and deeper into a gruesome years-old murder, whispered warnings from a spectral friend become more and more insistent. But Katie must uncover the could David Beckett really be guilty of his fiancée's murder? Worse—the body count's rising on the Island of Bones, andthe dead seem to be reenacting some macabre tableaux from history.
The danger is increasing by the moment—especially as Katie finds herself irresistibly drawn to David, who may be responsible for more than just one killing….
They seek retribution…vengeance…to warn. Among the living, few intuit their presence. Katie O'Hara is one who can. As she's drawn deeper and deeper into a gruesome years-old murder, whispered warnings from a spectral friend become more and more insistent. But Katie must uncover the could David Beckett really be guilty of his fiancée's murder? Worse—the body count's rising on the Island of Bones, andthe dead seem to be reenacting some macabre tableaux from history.
The danger is increasing by the moment—especially as Katie finds herself irresistibly drawn to David, who may be responsible for more than just one killing….
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2010
677 people are currently reading
4341 people want to read
About the author
Heather Graham
578 books6,874 followersAlso published as Heather Graham Pozzessere and Shannon Drake.
New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Heather Graham majored in theater arts at the University of South Florida. After a stint of several years in dinner theater, back-up vocals, and bartending, she stayed home after the birth of her third child and began to write, working on short horror stories and romances. After some trial and error, she sold her first book, WHEN NEXT WE LOVE, in 1982 and since then, she has written over one hundred novels and novellas including category, romantic suspense, historical romance, vampire fiction, time travel, occult, and Christmas holiday fare. She wrote the launch books for the Dell's Ecstasy Supreme line, Silhouette's Shadows, and for Harlequin's mainstream fiction imprint, Mira Books.
Heather was a founding member of the Florida Romance Writers chapter of RWA and, since 1999, has hosted the Romantic Times Vampire Ball, with all revenues going directly to children's charity.
She is pleased to have been published in approximately twenty languages, and to have been honored with awards frorn Waldenbooks. B. Dalton, Georgia Romance Writers, Affaire de Coeur, Romantic Times, and more. She has had books selected for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild, and has been quoted, interviewed, or featured in such publications as The Nation, Redbook, People, and USA Today and appeared on many newscasts including local television and Entertainment Tonight.
Heather loves travel and anything have to do with the water, and is a certitified scuba diver. Married since high school graduation and the mother of five, her greatest love in life remains her family, but she also believes her career has been an incredible gift, and she is grateful every day to be doing something that she loves so very much for a living.
New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Heather Graham majored in theater arts at the University of South Florida. After a stint of several years in dinner theater, back-up vocals, and bartending, she stayed home after the birth of her third child and began to write, working on short horror stories and romances. After some trial and error, she sold her first book, WHEN NEXT WE LOVE, in 1982 and since then, she has written over one hundred novels and novellas including category, romantic suspense, historical romance, vampire fiction, time travel, occult, and Christmas holiday fare. She wrote the launch books for the Dell's Ecstasy Supreme line, Silhouette's Shadows, and for Harlequin's mainstream fiction imprint, Mira Books.
Heather was a founding member of the Florida Romance Writers chapter of RWA and, since 1999, has hosted the Romantic Times Vampire Ball, with all revenues going directly to children's charity.
She is pleased to have been published in approximately twenty languages, and to have been honored with awards frorn Waldenbooks. B. Dalton, Georgia Romance Writers, Affaire de Coeur, Romantic Times, and more. She has had books selected for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild, and has been quoted, interviewed, or featured in such publications as The Nation, Redbook, People, and USA Today and appeared on many newscasts including local television and Entertainment Tonight.
Heather loves travel and anything have to do with the water, and is a certitified scuba diver. Married since high school graduation and the mother of five, her greatest love in life remains her family, but she also believes her career has been an incredible gift, and she is grateful every day to be doing something that she loves so very much for a living.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 449 reviews
October 19, 2016
Ten years ago, David Beckett was under suspicion for killing his ex-fiancée when her body was discovered in one of the displays of his family's museum. David was cleared and left Key West. Now Katie O'Hara wants to buy the museum. David doesn't want the museum to re-open, so he returns to Key West to put a stop to the sale. While he's back, he also wants the cold-case of his ex-fiancée's murder re-opened since the killer was never found. And then more murders start happening.
This was an extremely enjoyable romantic suspense story with a touch of paranormal. Katie and David were both very likable characters. I liked how Katie was able to see and communicate with ghosts, especially her ghost-friend, Bartholomew. It was creepy how the murder victims were placed in museum displays of famous people from Key West's history. I enjoyed reading about the history of Key West and some of its bizarre tales. The story was very atmospheric and I loved the Key West setting as it was preparing for its annual Fantasy Fest. The descriptions were well done and I felt like I was there in this thoroughly entertaining read.
This was an extremely enjoyable romantic suspense story with a touch of paranormal. Katie and David were both very likable characters. I liked how Katie was able to see and communicate with ghosts, especially her ghost-friend, Bartholomew. It was creepy how the murder victims were placed in museum displays of famous people from Key West's history. I enjoyed reading about the history of Key West and some of its bizarre tales. The story was very atmospheric and I loved the Key West setting as it was preparing for its annual Fantasy Fest. The descriptions were well done and I felt like I was there in this thoroughly entertaining read.
March 22, 2013
The premise of this book was so promising, but the execution of the story didn't live up to my expectations. The main character, Katie, was incredibly irritating-even though she sees ghosts. The conversations were painful--at one point the main love interest tells Katie that she has "grown up and out in all the right places." I didn't think the ending was as predictable as other people on GR, but I'm not always very quick on figuring things out. I did like the ghost Bartholomew and learning about the history and culture of Key West (and now want to go visit for a vacation).
dnf
February 18, 2013What would you a call a woman that, at 4am and all by herself, goes to the house where a dead body was found?
TOO STUPID TO LIVE
This happened at the beginning of the book so I'll take it as clue of how she'll act during the rest of the story.
DNF
TOO STUPID TO LIVE
This happened at the beginning of the book so I'll take it as clue of how she'll act during the rest of the story.
DNF
November 15, 2023
I see Heather Graham listed as books to read with other books I read. I seem to be in a reading doldrums lately, so I thought I'd branch out and try a new to me author. "Ghost Shadow" is a Paranormal Romantic Suspense, and I really liked it. The baddie wasn't apparent and after all the others were eliminated, I was somewhat surprised at who it turned out to be. I loved learning about the more bizarre history of Key West and felt the author really knew her environment and loved sharing it with her readers.
Katie O'Hara is from one of the oldest families on Key West, Florida. She is a Julliard graduate, but couldn't resist the pull of her hometown, so at 26 she is back working as Katie-okie at her uncle's bar. She also sees ghosts and a certain gentleman privateer has made her his human. Bartholomew is a very interesting character, and he watches out for Katie.
David Beckett is also from an old Key West family, but he left 10 years ago and never returned. Being accused of the murder of his ex-fiancée may have had something to do with that. He became a world-famous wildlife photographer, but the imminent sale of his family's long shuttered museum where his ex-fiancée's body was found to Katie O'Hara had brought him back to face his ghosts, literally and figuratively.
The crazy days of the island's Fantasy Fest are approaching, and another body is found, and David is again under suspicion. This time Katie knows he didn't do it, he was in bed with her. But someone is going to a lot of effort to make it seem like he did. Together, Katie, David and Bartholomew must find out who the murderer is before Katie ends up as a victim too.
Katie O'Hara is from one of the oldest families on Key West, Florida. She is a Julliard graduate, but couldn't resist the pull of her hometown, so at 26 she is back working as Katie-okie at her uncle's bar. She also sees ghosts and a certain gentleman privateer has made her his human. Bartholomew is a very interesting character, and he watches out for Katie.
David Beckett is also from an old Key West family, but he left 10 years ago and never returned. Being accused of the murder of his ex-fiancée may have had something to do with that. He became a world-famous wildlife photographer, but the imminent sale of his family's long shuttered museum where his ex-fiancée's body was found to Katie O'Hara had brought him back to face his ghosts, literally and figuratively.
The crazy days of the island's Fantasy Fest are approaching, and another body is found, and David is again under suspicion. This time Katie knows he didn't do it, he was in bed with her. But someone is going to a lot of effort to make it seem like he did. Together, Katie, David and Bartholomew must find out who the murderer is before Katie ends up as a victim too.
May 6, 2022
Just not sure on this one. I never know how to rate a book where I liked the story but didn’t really like any of the characters. I take that back I did enjoy Sean and Bartholomew. The mystery is very intriguing and the setting is phenomenal – makes me want to visit and explore Key West.
I had a hard time buying the romance between Katie/David. David is a very stiff character to the point even the narrator talked in a very formal stiff manner when voicing him. Very little emotion to help me feel like he really felt anything for anybody.
The story lost a star because the conclusion was so obvious early on that it made the characters in the book seem almost stupid for not realizing it sooner. The author also seemed to be in denial about the villain. She used “dramatic pauses” (I don’t know how else to explain it) where the characters go “OMG I know who the killer is” and then the scene changes. She also kept referring to “the killer” when it was well past time to use the character’s name.
The narrator was very good on the female characters but I got a little confused on the male characters except for David. I will continue the series as I already own it.
I had a hard time buying the romance between Katie/David. David is a very stiff character to the point even the narrator talked in a very formal stiff manner when voicing him. Very little emotion to help me feel like he really felt anything for anybody.
The story lost a star because the conclusion was so obvious early on that it made the characters in the book seem almost stupid for not realizing it sooner. The author also seemed to be in denial about the villain. She used “dramatic pauses” (I don’t know how else to explain it) where the characters go “OMG I know who the killer is” and then the scene changes. She also kept referring to “the killer” when it was well past time to use the character’s name.
The narrator was very good on the female characters but I got a little confused on the male characters except for David. I will continue the series as I already own it.
May 22, 2015
I just kind of happened across Ghost Shadow and to be completely honest, it's not really a genre I read or enjoy very much. It's pretty heavy on the romance, and that's not my thing at all. But that's not why I only gave it two stars.
GS had a fairly interesting premise... girl lives in fabulous place that I would like to visit, girl sees/speaks to ghosts, girl gets caught up in a murder mystery, fabulous place has all kinds of fascinating history. All things I could get into, but GS simply isn't put together well. The dialog often falls flat, particularly with David who often sounds strangely formal with almost Victorian vocabulary. I don't know anyone who talks like David. It was jarring and often pulled me out of the story.
There also isn't a whole lot of plot. Like other readers, I guessed the killer early on and their ultimate motive didn't make much sense to me. I'm still kind of scratching my head over that one... And oh, the repeated clues!
Well, actually, the repetition in general. Graham has several words/phrases she likes to use over and over, often in back-to-back sentences. I was going to list a few but there are literally so many...
I listened to the Audible version, and I do have to say that Angela Dawe was an excellent reader, especially with quite a large cast of characters to try to differentiate. One of those stars up there is given for her performance.
However, I wouldn't recommend this book and I won't be checking out any more of the series, or really anything else by this author.
GS had a fairly interesting premise... girl lives in fabulous place that I would like to visit, girl sees/speaks to ghosts, girl gets caught up in a murder mystery, fabulous place has all kinds of fascinating history. All things I could get into, but GS simply isn't put together well. The dialog often falls flat, particularly with David who often sounds strangely formal with almost Victorian vocabulary. I don't know anyone who talks like David. It was jarring and often pulled me out of the story.
There also isn't a whole lot of plot. Like other readers, I guessed the killer early on and their ultimate motive didn't make much sense to me. I'm still kind of scratching my head over that one... And oh, the repeated clues!
Well, actually, the repetition in general. Graham has several words/phrases she likes to use over and over, often in back-to-back sentences. I was going to list a few but there are literally so many...
I listened to the Audible version, and I do have to say that Angela Dawe was an excellent reader, especially with quite a large cast of characters to try to differentiate. One of those stars up there is given for her performance.
However, I wouldn't recommend this book and I won't be checking out any more of the series, or really anything else by this author.
July 8, 2017
I can't do it. I love the idea of the book and really want to love it but I just can't. The POV change is frequent and rough to the point where it gets annoying. The main character just got on my nerves and the dialogue...people do not talk like that. The only reason that I am giving this 2 stars instead of one is Bartholomew, the only character in the book that I enjoyed
February 15, 2011
There were a lot of things about this books to like, but a lot of things that just weren't quite right. The heroine was likable and relatable, but other characters were harder to read. The dialogue was pretty clunky at times, and the "exposition fairy" was such a constant presence that it was almost a character in and of itself. And sadly, I never really got a feel for the hero's personality, and I didn't entirely buy the chemistry between the two characters.... it seemed kind of forced to me.
However, it wasn't all bad. The author knew her history and her location, and this was a big plus. I know almost nothing about Key West, but its dark and mysterious history created a fascinating foundation for this story. It made me want to read more about the area (although the story of Elena de Hoyos is quite a horrifying thing to be famous for). And my prediction of who the killer was turned out to be wrong, so it wasn't as predictable as I thought. The ghostly character of Bartholomew was a lot of fun, yet more important than mere comic relief.
All in all, it was an interesting, easy read. It could have been done better, but it was still enjoyable.
However, it wasn't all bad. The author knew her history and her location, and this was a big plus. I know almost nothing about Key West, but its dark and mysterious history created a fascinating foundation for this story. It made me want to read more about the area (although the story of Elena de Hoyos is quite a horrifying thing to be famous for). And my prediction of who the killer was turned out to be wrong, so it wasn't as predictable as I thought. The ghostly character of Bartholomew was a lot of fun, yet more important than mere comic relief.
All in all, it was an interesting, easy read. It could have been done better, but it was still enjoyable.
April 22, 2022
Ghost Shadow by Heather Graham
2 Stars
Katie O’Hara can see and speak to ghosts. She plans on purchasing and refurbishing a wax museum where the gruesome discovery of a corpse was made several years before. Now, with the suspects returning to Key West and the new bodies piling up, Katie, with the help of her ghostly friends and the original victim’s ex-fiancé, must discover the identity of the killer before she becomes his next victim.
The macabre details of Key West’s history are very intriguing, however, they cannot compensate for the poor writing and predictable plot. Graham has a bad habit of repeating clues as if she thinks the reader will miss them - unfortunately, she even uses the same words to do so.
The killer is also predictable and can be guessed in the first third of the book.
One of the only other positive elements is the hilarious ghost, Bartholomew, whose wisecracks make the book somewhat readable.
I will not be reading any more in the series.
2 Stars
Katie O’Hara can see and speak to ghosts. She plans on purchasing and refurbishing a wax museum where the gruesome discovery of a corpse was made several years before. Now, with the suspects returning to Key West and the new bodies piling up, Katie, with the help of her ghostly friends and the original victim’s ex-fiancé, must discover the identity of the killer before she becomes his next victim.
The macabre details of Key West’s history are very intriguing, however, they cannot compensate for the poor writing and predictable plot. Graham has a bad habit of repeating clues as if she thinks the reader will miss them - unfortunately, she even uses the same words to do so.
The killer is also predictable and can be guessed in the first third of the book.
One of the only other positive elements is the hilarious ghost, Bartholomew, whose wisecracks make the book somewhat readable.
I will not be reading any more in the series.
October 13, 2019
I really enjoy anything steeped in history and the history of the Florida Keys is colorful by anyone's stardards.mix in a main character that sees and communicates with the dead, add a couple murders, shake and voila!
September 25, 2010
A little Spooky. A lot of adventure. A scrumptious mystery. All in all, a fantastic read.
April 13, 2019
Katie is a conch. That means she was born and raised in Key West where the history is varied and spooky. Between pirates and hanging there are sure to be ghosts hanging around. There are and Katie talks to them and sees them. Bartholomew is one such ghost - a privateer from the history of Key West.
One such mystery is the murder of the fiance of David Beckett, a friend of Katie's brother Sean. After the murder, all the closest to it left the area but are now back. Murders like the first 10 years previous have started again and David is again a suspect.
This was a great story and made Key West come alive for me. The descriptions were very well done. I gave the book a 4 however because I found the characters just a bit underdeveloped - although I loved Bartholomew. A quick enjoyable read.
One such mystery is the murder of the fiance of David Beckett, a friend of Katie's brother Sean. After the murder, all the closest to it left the area but are now back. Murders like the first 10 years previous have started again and David is again a suspect.
This was a great story and made Key West come alive for me. The descriptions were very well done. I gave the book a 4 however because I found the characters just a bit underdeveloped - although I loved Bartholomew. A quick enjoyable read.
March 2, 2020
This was a good romantic suspense featuring main characters Katie O'Hara and David Beckett. David's family operated a museum in the Key West area until his ex-fiance's body was discovered there. Ten years forward, Katie wants to buy the museum. David returns to the area after being away all those years, and he is very against selling the museum and seeing it re-open. Upon his return, the murders begin.
This was a good one with romance, suspense, and some paranormal. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters.
This was a good one with romance, suspense, and some paranormal. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters.
July 14, 2017
Enjoyed the mystery And suspense, it started slow for me, but quickly picked up.
July 1, 2020
Z Secondary Character - Danny Zigler
April 19, 2017
Voto: 3,5
Questo è il primo libro che leggo della Graham e leggendo la trama mi ero fatta un'idea sbagliata, per questo motivo mi aspettavo qualcosa di un po' diverso.
Non so perché, però credevo che la protagonista fosse un'investigatrice in grado di vedere i fantasmi, invece Katie O'Hara è solo una ragazza che gestisce il bar di famiglia a Key West, questo però non le impedisce d'indagare per conto suo su un vecchio omicidio irrisolto.
La storia di per sé non è male, però ho trovato alcuni capitoli piuttosto noiosi, inutili ai fini della trama, mentre in altri mi è sembrato che l'autrice si sia dilungata troppo rendendoli meno scorrevoli.
Tra l'altro, ho anche trovato la storia d'amore meno incisiva rispetto ad altri harmony, sembrava quasi che fosse meno importante rispetto alla parte riguardante gli omicidi.
Il personaggio che ho apprezzato di più è stato sicuramente il fantasma Bartholomew, che considero un co-protagonista del romanzo, al pari di Katie e David Beckett.
La cosa positiva è che la parte mistery è riuscita a coinvolgermi e, fortunatamente, non sono riuscita a capire chi fosse l'assassino, cosa che trovo fondamentale in un buon poliziesco/thriller.
Sono comunque curiosa di leggere gli altri due libri della trilogia, più che altro per conoscere meglio Sean O'Hara e Liam Beckett.
Questo è il primo libro che leggo della Graham e leggendo la trama mi ero fatta un'idea sbagliata, per questo motivo mi aspettavo qualcosa di un po' diverso.
Non so perché, però credevo che la protagonista fosse un'investigatrice in grado di vedere i fantasmi, invece Katie O'Hara è solo una ragazza che gestisce il bar di famiglia a Key West, questo però non le impedisce d'indagare per conto suo su un vecchio omicidio irrisolto.
La storia di per sé non è male, però ho trovato alcuni capitoli piuttosto noiosi, inutili ai fini della trama, mentre in altri mi è sembrato che l'autrice si sia dilungata troppo rendendoli meno scorrevoli.
Tra l'altro, ho anche trovato la storia d'amore meno incisiva rispetto ad altri harmony, sembrava quasi che fosse meno importante rispetto alla parte riguardante gli omicidi.
Il personaggio che ho apprezzato di più è stato sicuramente il fantasma Bartholomew, che considero un co-protagonista del romanzo, al pari di Katie e David Beckett.
La cosa positiva è che la parte mistery è riuscita a coinvolgermi e, fortunatamente, non sono riuscita a capire chi fosse l'assassino, cosa che trovo fondamentale in un buon poliziesco/thriller.
Sono comunque curiosa di leggere gli altri due libri della trilogia, più che altro per conoscere meglio Sean O'Hara e Liam Beckett.
October 27, 2010
*This is a review of the entire Bone Island Trilogy*
I promised myself no more Heather Graham after last year's ultra-disappointing "Flynn Brothers" trilogy. But I caved, yet again. As always, the premise of the book sucked me in. I had no expectations and thought this might be something light to read while recovering from an illness. I was actually pleasantly surprised. "Ghost Shadow" is genuinely creepy, even if the killer is somewhat obvious. The second book in the trilogy, "Ghost Night" is the weakest of the three, much less creepy and not as campy and fun. The last in the trilogy, "Ghost Moon" is a fun read, with some scary moments. There's definitely something to be said for light reading, and Heather Graham fits decidedly into that category. However, I must say I did learn some things about the ghostly legends of Key West. Which proves my theory that we learn something from everything we read. No matter how "light" it may be. I guess I can't promise myself I will never read another Heather Graham novel. I will just approach with caution and hopefully be pleasantly surprised.
I promised myself no more Heather Graham after last year's ultra-disappointing "Flynn Brothers" trilogy. But I caved, yet again. As always, the premise of the book sucked me in. I had no expectations and thought this might be something light to read while recovering from an illness. I was actually pleasantly surprised. "Ghost Shadow" is genuinely creepy, even if the killer is somewhat obvious. The second book in the trilogy, "Ghost Night" is the weakest of the three, much less creepy and not as campy and fun. The last in the trilogy, "Ghost Moon" is a fun read, with some scary moments. There's definitely something to be said for light reading, and Heather Graham fits decidedly into that category. However, I must say I did learn some things about the ghostly legends of Key West. Which proves my theory that we learn something from everything we read. No matter how "light" it may be. I guess I can't promise myself I will never read another Heather Graham novel. I will just approach with caution and hopefully be pleasantly surprised.
January 20, 2015
This was not a bad book--just not amazing or particularly wow-inspiring.
I loved the setting of Key West, and Ms. Graham portrayed the dark, mysterious and intriguing history and legends of the islands in a well-done, fascinating way.
Katie was a fairly likeable character with an amazing gift of seeing and communicating with ghosts. Speaking of which, Bartholomew was a ghostly entity who provided a lot of comic relief and was quite possibly my favourite character in the book. David was an okay guy and I didn't find too much to dislike about him, but, at the same time, I couldn't really feel the connection or chemistry between him and Katie, either.
The mystery was okay for the most part, even though it was somewhat predicatable. I guessed the identity of the villain early on (although I must say, it was a toss-up between him/her and another person). However, the motive eluded me until the end, and then it was kind of a what-the-heck moment for me when it was revealed. It just seemed so over-the-top and unbelievable.
All in all, not a bad book for those who enjoy mysteries with a touch of the paranormal.
I loved the setting of Key West, and Ms. Graham portrayed the dark, mysterious and intriguing history and legends of the islands in a well-done, fascinating way.
Katie was a fairly likeable character with an amazing gift of seeing and communicating with ghosts. Speaking of which, Bartholomew was a ghostly entity who provided a lot of comic relief and was quite possibly my favourite character in the book. David was an okay guy and I didn't find too much to dislike about him, but, at the same time, I couldn't really feel the connection or chemistry between him and Katie, either.
The mystery was okay for the most part, even though it was somewhat predicatable. I guessed the identity of the villain early on (although I must say, it was a toss-up between him/her and another person). However, the motive eluded me until the end, and then it was kind of a what-the-heck moment for me when it was revealed. It just seemed so over-the-top and unbelievable.
All in all, not a bad book for those who enjoy mysteries with a touch of the paranormal.
July 24, 2015
Oh sweet Jesus, the dialogue... SO BAD! Seriously, does the author really think people speak that way? As if the rest of the plot wasn't poorly executed enough, not even the characters were compelling/logical enough to save the story.
Also, repeating a characters full name doesn't need to happen every time they come up in conversation, meet up with the point of view character or a clue comes up that they're connected to. If you read this book after you read my short, pained review, then please keep a tally of how many times the name 'Danny Zigler' comes up. I'd recommend a drinking game, but you'd end up with alcohol poisoning before the halfway mark.
Also, repeating a characters full name doesn't need to happen every time they come up in conversation, meet up with the point of view character or a clue comes up that they're connected to. If you read this book after you read my short, pained review, then please keep a tally of how many times the name 'Danny Zigler' comes up. I'd recommend a drinking game, but you'd end up with alcohol poisoning before the halfway mark.
September 27, 2012
*** Attenzione: di seguito anticipazioni sulla trama (SPOILER) ***
EMBEH?
finito!
ma che dire..pensavo meglio e invece!
all'inizio è bello ti coinvolge e poi nn so come tutto diventa così "leggero".
la storia d'amore è messa lì tanto per dire che è un harmony. ma è senza spessore. sentimenti zero, passione zero, motivazione zero.
gli omicidi intrigano di più ma...che dire del finale? mah..mi ha lasciato interdetta.
personaggi: il più bello è fantasma Bartholomew, il resto non ha carattare.
in definitiva mi aspettavo altro dalla graham dopo aver letto i precedenti
EMBEH?
finito!
ma che dire..pensavo meglio e invece!
all'inizio è bello ti coinvolge e poi nn so come tutto diventa così "leggero".
la storia d'amore è messa lì tanto per dire che è un harmony. ma è senza spessore. sentimenti zero, passione zero, motivazione zero.
gli omicidi intrigano di più ma...che dire del finale? mah..mi ha lasciato interdetta.
personaggi: il più bello è fantasma Bartholomew, il resto non ha carattare.
in definitiva mi aspettavo altro dalla graham dopo aver letto i precedenti
April 9, 2017
Started off strong, but then everything sort of kept repeating. Talking a lot about the same few family trees, scuba-diving, Fantasy Fest, being a cop, and the Hanging Tree. Book could have been about 100 pages shorter. Kept getting the male characters mixed up because of their similar names; Danny, David, Sam, Sean, ect. Not the best ending. Wish there were more ghosts.
July 15, 2011
Nice solid romance. Graham did a wonderful job of bringing Key West to life and I really enjoyed the history of the islands that preceded the story. Bartholomew the ghost was probably my favorite character. I'm planning on finishing the trilogy at some point.
June 22, 2013
I actually started listening to this a few days ago. I really liked the storyline in this book. Then again, mixing mystery and history always sucks me in. Then throw in a little touch of ghosts and I'm hooked until the end. Now on to find the next book in the series!
May 25, 2020
Maljka - per RFS
.
Ho scoperto due grandi cose grazie a questa serie: una collana, la Bluenocturne, che pubblica fantasy a parer mio fantastici e l’altra è l’autrice stessa che è stata in grado di fondere tre tipologie di romanzo, creando una storia bellissima!
Qui gli amanti dei vari generi troveranno un romanzo per loro: ha fuso brillantemente lo stile paranormal in quanto è una storia di fantasmi, il giallo dato che compaiono degli omicidi, lo storico perché basato su delle ricostruzioni dell’epoca e non solo, e il romance data la storia, anzi le storie d’amore che fanno da sfondo.
Mi è piaciuta tantissimo anche la scelta iniziale dell’autrice che, ancor prima di iniziare la storia stessa, narra con riferimenti temporali precisi la nascita dell’isola, per far comprendere appieno tutte le vicende raccontate in seguito.
Ma veniamo al romanzo ora.
Tutto ha inizio nel 1600 a Key West, isola su cui si baserà la storia e che prenderà il nome di Island of bones proprio perché degli esploratori trovano per caso delle ossa risalenti alle tribù indigene. È una zona di intensa pirateria che negli anni è passata di mano tra Spagna e America.
Dopo un salto temporale David Becket è il primo protagonista che incontriamo, è una guida turistica museale, alto e moro con un fisico da marina militare, che torna sull’isola per scoprire chi, anni prima, ha ucciso la sua ex fidanzata Tanya, una ragazza bionda, bella e in grado di far girare la testa a qualunque uomo.
Fu trovata morta sul letto del museo, luogo in cui ci sono dei robot ricoperti di cera che rappresentano alcuni personaggi, con le varie ambientazioni storiche del luogo in cui sono vissuti. Per lei in particolare era stato scelto, dall’assassino, il letto di Elena, la leggenda dell’isola. La leggenda narra che la bella Elena venne ritrovata morta e mummificata oltre che rapita dalla tomba dopo la morte, dal suo fidanzato Von Cosel, ma vi lascio scoprire i dettagli di questa storia alquanto macabra durante la lettura del romanzo stesso…
David era il solo sospettato ma, data la sua comprovata innocenza, aveva deciso di andar via dall’isola.
L’altra protagonista indiscussa è Katie, proprietaria del karaoke più famoso sull’isola, il Katie-Oke, accompagnata in ogni luogo dal fedelissimo Bartolomew, un amico un po’ speciale.
Solo lei è in grado di vederlo e parlarci, grazie al suo dono scoperto da bambina, lui è un fantasma e un ex corsaro.
Dopo anni e risparmi messi da parte lei vorrebbe riaprire il museo delle cere, dopo una prolungata chiusura a causa dell’assassinio di Elena.
All’inizio tra i due è odio allo stato puro, lui non vuole assolutamente che quel luogo venga riaperto, ma per lei è un luogo di ricordi d’infanzia.
Ma si sa, amore e odio vanno di pari passo. Tra i due nascerà una storia meravigliosa di passione e amore.
A riaprire le indagini sarà Pete, il poliziotto più rinomato dell’isola.
Altre morti incontreremo sulla loro strada, ognuna di esse ci farà avvicinare all’assassino, la persona più insospettabile di tutte. A fare da sfondo alla storia ci sono antiche leggende e superstizioni.
Questa serie nasce come trilogia ma è possibile leggere i volumi anche separatamente, dato che ogni libro ha un finale a sé stante. Solo i personaggi vengono riproposti in tutti e tre ma, anche se non vengono letti in ordine, tutti all’inizio hanno una sorta di riepilogo.
Un romanzo che ho finito tutto d’un fiato e che consiglio vivamente agli amanti del genere!
.
Ho scoperto due grandi cose grazie a questa serie: una collana, la Bluenocturne, che pubblica fantasy a parer mio fantastici e l’altra è l’autrice stessa che è stata in grado di fondere tre tipologie di romanzo, creando una storia bellissima!
Qui gli amanti dei vari generi troveranno un romanzo per loro: ha fuso brillantemente lo stile paranormal in quanto è una storia di fantasmi, il giallo dato che compaiono degli omicidi, lo storico perché basato su delle ricostruzioni dell’epoca e non solo, e il romance data la storia, anzi le storie d’amore che fanno da sfondo.
Mi è piaciuta tantissimo anche la scelta iniziale dell’autrice che, ancor prima di iniziare la storia stessa, narra con riferimenti temporali precisi la nascita dell’isola, per far comprendere appieno tutte le vicende raccontate in seguito.
Ma veniamo al romanzo ora.
Tutto ha inizio nel 1600 a Key West, isola su cui si baserà la storia e che prenderà il nome di Island of bones proprio perché degli esploratori trovano per caso delle ossa risalenti alle tribù indigene. È una zona di intensa pirateria che negli anni è passata di mano tra Spagna e America.
Dopo un salto temporale David Becket è il primo protagonista che incontriamo, è una guida turistica museale, alto e moro con un fisico da marina militare, che torna sull’isola per scoprire chi, anni prima, ha ucciso la sua ex fidanzata Tanya, una ragazza bionda, bella e in grado di far girare la testa a qualunque uomo.
Fu trovata morta sul letto del museo, luogo in cui ci sono dei robot ricoperti di cera che rappresentano alcuni personaggi, con le varie ambientazioni storiche del luogo in cui sono vissuti. Per lei in particolare era stato scelto, dall’assassino, il letto di Elena, la leggenda dell’isola. La leggenda narra che la bella Elena venne ritrovata morta e mummificata oltre che rapita dalla tomba dopo la morte, dal suo fidanzato Von Cosel, ma vi lascio scoprire i dettagli di questa storia alquanto macabra durante la lettura del romanzo stesso…
David era il solo sospettato ma, data la sua comprovata innocenza, aveva deciso di andar via dall’isola.
L’altra protagonista indiscussa è Katie, proprietaria del karaoke più famoso sull’isola, il Katie-Oke, accompagnata in ogni luogo dal fedelissimo Bartolomew, un amico un po’ speciale.
Solo lei è in grado di vederlo e parlarci, grazie al suo dono scoperto da bambina, lui è un fantasma e un ex corsaro.
Dopo anni e risparmi messi da parte lei vorrebbe riaprire il museo delle cere, dopo una prolungata chiusura a causa dell’assassinio di Elena.
All’inizio tra i due è odio allo stato puro, lui non vuole assolutamente che quel luogo venga riaperto, ma per lei è un luogo di ricordi d’infanzia.
Ma si sa, amore e odio vanno di pari passo. Tra i due nascerà una storia meravigliosa di passione e amore.
A riaprire le indagini sarà Pete, il poliziotto più rinomato dell’isola.
Altre morti incontreremo sulla loro strada, ognuna di esse ci farà avvicinare all’assassino, la persona più insospettabile di tutte. A fare da sfondo alla storia ci sono antiche leggende e superstizioni.
Questa serie nasce come trilogia ma è possibile leggere i volumi anche separatamente, dato che ogni libro ha un finale a sé stante. Solo i personaggi vengono riproposti in tutti e tre ma, anche se non vengono letti in ordine, tutti all’inizio hanno una sorta di riepilogo.
Un romanzo che ho finito tutto d’un fiato e che consiglio vivamente agli amanti del genere!
November 22, 2024
Ghosts of the Past Return to Help the Living from the Present Day Evil
I absolutely loved this book.
I loved the characters.
I loved the setting ( Key West )
I loved the premise
A lovable ghost from the past, Bartholomew, helping solve crimes in the present.
Heather Graham totally immerses you into the Key West lifestyle, similar to the way Anne Rice immerses you in New Orleans for “The Vampire Lestat” series
Katie O’Hara, is the owner of Katie-oke.
This allows for fun nights that she holds at her family bar, run by her Uncle Jamie.
But!
As fun as this all is,Katie is desperate to buy the old Wax Museum that has been closed and lying dormant for ten years following a heinous, bizarre crime
The death of Tanya, ex wife of returned servicemen, David Beckett, whose family, own the Museum and are also part of the Key West “first families” David found her as part of one of the displays.
Not just ANY display, but the one revolving around the bizarre, romantic (?) story of Carl Tanzler ( aka Count von Cosel ) and his corpse bride, Maria Elena Milagros De Hoyos.
As David found his soon to be ex, all those years ago, while conducting a tour, he was in the frame for her murder, however, at her estimated time of death, he was with his well respected father
Thus, he was able to be dismissed as “ a person of interest” .
However, tongues still wagged, and David ended up leaving soon after.
The real murdered never caught, the story moves ten year into the future, where David, a well known photographer, is back in Key West, to pack up what remains of the old family Museum only to find out that his cousin Liam was finalising the paperwork for its sale…
To Katie.
David refuses the sale.
Katie, not happy
With the murder if Tanya never solved, David along with his policeman cousin, Liam get the case reopened
And, the moment they do, a new murder happens of working girl, Stella Martin.
A murder almost exactly like Tanya’s
As Katie, David, Liam team up, soon to be followed by Sam Barnard ( Tanya’s brother) and Sean ( Katie’s brother ) to try and find out the truth..
Another body is found.
This story had Key West as another one of its main characters.
The descriptive picture of the Florida Keys is mesmerising.
So cool to read.
Especially, if you google earth the settings for a more immersive experience.
I really enjoyed this first read by Heather Graham and it won’t be my last
I absolutely loved this book.
I loved the characters.
I loved the setting ( Key West )
I loved the premise
A lovable ghost from the past, Bartholomew, helping solve crimes in the present.
Heather Graham totally immerses you into the Key West lifestyle, similar to the way Anne Rice immerses you in New Orleans for “The Vampire Lestat” series
Katie O’Hara, is the owner of Katie-oke.
This allows for fun nights that she holds at her family bar, run by her Uncle Jamie.
But!
As fun as this all is,Katie is desperate to buy the old Wax Museum that has been closed and lying dormant for ten years following a heinous, bizarre crime
The death of Tanya, ex wife of returned servicemen, David Beckett, whose family, own the Museum and are also part of the Key West “first families” David found her as part of one of the displays.
Not just ANY display, but the one revolving around the bizarre, romantic (?) story of Carl Tanzler ( aka Count von Cosel ) and his corpse bride, Maria Elena Milagros De Hoyos.
As David found his soon to be ex, all those years ago, while conducting a tour, he was in the frame for her murder, however, at her estimated time of death, he was with his well respected father
Thus, he was able to be dismissed as “ a person of interest” .
However, tongues still wagged, and David ended up leaving soon after.
The real murdered never caught, the story moves ten year into the future, where David, a well known photographer, is back in Key West, to pack up what remains of the old family Museum only to find out that his cousin Liam was finalising the paperwork for its sale…
To Katie.
David refuses the sale.
Katie, not happy
With the murder if Tanya never solved, David along with his policeman cousin, Liam get the case reopened
And, the moment they do, a new murder happens of working girl, Stella Martin.
A murder almost exactly like Tanya’s
As Katie, David, Liam team up, soon to be followed by Sam Barnard ( Tanya’s brother) and Sean ( Katie’s brother ) to try and find out the truth..
Another body is found.
This story had Key West as another one of its main characters.
The descriptive picture of the Florida Keys is mesmerising.
So cool to read.
Especially, if you google earth the settings for a more immersive experience.
I really enjoyed this first read by Heather Graham and it won’t be my last
August 16, 2025
Me he leído esta novela prácticamente en dos sentadas. Es la primera novela dentro de la trilogía Bone Island, y va después de la precuela “Ghost Memories”.
En esta historia seguimos a Katie O’Hara, residente de Cayo Hueso (Key West), que puede ver fantasmas y es acompañada por su fantasmagórico amigo, el corsario Bartholomew. Ella se ve involucrada con David Beckett, fotógrafo que regresa a la isla a impedir que Katie compre el viejo museo de su familia, mientras decide reabrir la investigación del asesinato de su ex prometida, ocurrido diez años antes.
Un punto positivo es que esta novela tiene muy buen ritmo, la trama es interesante y la ambientación excelente. Realmente me encantó. No me ha costado nada sumergirme en la vida de la isla, en su pasado y en las investigaciones de Katie y David.
En cuanto a los personajes, creo que son todo lo predecibles que pueden ser dos protagonistas de suspense romántico, pero me gustaron. Sin embargo, mi favorito fue el fantasma del corsario Bartholomew, a quien ya había leído en la precuela. Sin embargo, siento que me faltó conocer mejor a los personajes secundarios, me hubiese gustado saber un poco mejor de ellos, sobre todo de Liam y Sean.
En el lado negativo, siendo que yo leí la precuela primero, he visto varias inconsistencias entre lo contado en ella y lo que se dice en esta novela sobre lo ocurrido con Bartholomew. Sin embargo, he tratado de que esto no me moleste demasiado. Por otro lado, el misterio de quién era el asesino fue algo predecible, ya que pude adivinar quién era. A pesar de ello, la historia igual me atrapó y disfruté mucho viendo cómo se desarrollaban los acontecimientos.
Tengo muchas ganas de leer la secuela. Espero que me guste tanto como esta.
En esta historia seguimos a Katie O’Hara, residente de Cayo Hueso (Key West), que puede ver fantasmas y es acompañada por su fantasmagórico amigo, el corsario Bartholomew. Ella se ve involucrada con David Beckett, fotógrafo que regresa a la isla a impedir que Katie compre el viejo museo de su familia, mientras decide reabrir la investigación del asesinato de su ex prometida, ocurrido diez años antes.
Un punto positivo es que esta novela tiene muy buen ritmo, la trama es interesante y la ambientación excelente. Realmente me encantó. No me ha costado nada sumergirme en la vida de la isla, en su pasado y en las investigaciones de Katie y David.
En cuanto a los personajes, creo que son todo lo predecibles que pueden ser dos protagonistas de suspense romántico, pero me gustaron. Sin embargo, mi favorito fue el fantasma del corsario Bartholomew, a quien ya había leído en la precuela. Sin embargo, siento que me faltó conocer mejor a los personajes secundarios, me hubiese gustado saber un poco mejor de ellos, sobre todo de Liam y Sean.
En el lado negativo, siendo que yo leí la precuela primero, he visto varias inconsistencias entre lo contado en ella y lo que se dice en esta novela sobre lo ocurrido con Bartholomew. Sin embargo, he tratado de que esto no me moleste demasiado. Por otro lado, el misterio de quién era el asesino fue algo predecible, ya que pude adivinar quién era. A pesar de ello, la historia igual me atrapó y disfruté mucho viendo cómo se desarrollaban los acontecimientos.
Tengo muchas ganas de leer la secuela. Espero que me guste tanto como esta.
December 26, 2023
There are those who walk among us who are no longer alive, but not yet crossed over. They seek retribution…vengeance…to warn. Among the living, few intuit their presence. Katie O'Hara is one who can. And that ability draws her into solving a decades old murder with love at stake.
A fun quick mystery romance read.
A fun quick mystery romance read.
December 13, 2017
Silly stuff. An interesting plot, a great setting (the Keys), but it was a tad shallow for my taste. And I really cannot stand when heroines act like helpless, naive, simpering balls of fluff.
January 30, 2019
Now this was a fun little mystery with a loveable ghost. This author and I don’t always mix but I’m giving her a thumb up for the strong woman and the enticing taste of The Keys.
March 11, 2021
Heather Graham never fails to entertain me. Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 449 reviews