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Ghost: A John Spector Novel: Volume 1
Protector and punisher…
Hunter and hunted…
Down-to-earth and otherworldly…
John Spector, aka GHOST, isn’t your ordinary investigator.
He carries a shiny badge, a billfold ID, and a mysterious silver suitcase. His mission? Seek the forgotten ones, the abandoned ones, the ones no one else can or will help. Visit blunt force trauma upon the world’s blackest souls and deny the devil his day by any means necessary. And never stop. Never.
For more than a decade, the "Smiling Jack" killer has been posting photos of his victims on the Web, daring anyone to catch him, daring anyone to care. But when no missing person files match and no victims are ever found, the FBI closes the case.
Years later, a digital camera washes up on shore, and GHOST finds it. Each macabre photo becomes a clue that will lead GHOST and FBI Special Agent Deanna Rezvani on the trail of one of the most diabolical killers of this world…or beyond.
"No one gets away with murder. Not for long."
NOTE: This book is intended for mature reading audiences. The appropriate reader age is: 16+
Hunter and hunted…
Down-to-earth and otherworldly…
John Spector, aka GHOST, isn’t your ordinary investigator.
He carries a shiny badge, a billfold ID, and a mysterious silver suitcase. His mission? Seek the forgotten ones, the abandoned ones, the ones no one else can or will help. Visit blunt force trauma upon the world’s blackest souls and deny the devil his day by any means necessary. And never stop. Never.
For more than a decade, the "Smiling Jack" killer has been posting photos of his victims on the Web, daring anyone to catch him, daring anyone to care. But when no missing person files match and no victims are ever found, the FBI closes the case.
Years later, a digital camera washes up on shore, and GHOST finds it. Each macabre photo becomes a clue that will lead GHOST and FBI Special Agent Deanna Rezvani on the trail of one of the most diabolical killers of this world…or beyond.
"No one gets away with murder. Not for long."
NOTE: This book is intended for mature reading audiences. The appropriate reader age is: 16+
Paperback
First published July 3, 2013
25 people are currently reading
294 people want to read
About the author
Wayne Thomas Batson
43 books929 followersWayne Thomas Batson was born in Seabrook, MD in 1968. He had an adventurous childhood and adolescence that included: building forts in the woods, crabbing and crayfishing in bays, ponds, and bayous, playing lead guitar in a heavy metal band, and teaching tennis lessons at the local recreation center. He attended Gabriel DuVal Senior High School where he wrote for the school’s newspaper and literary magazine. He was voted “Most Talented” in his senior year, and wrote this for his Yearbook Senior Goal: “To become a published author.” Little did he know that God had even greater plans.
Wayne Thomas Batson has spent the last thirty years teaching Reading and English to Maryland middle school students. Wayne Thomas Batson lives in Eldersburg with his extraordinary wife of 26 years. His four adult children intermittently live at home whenever their unexpected adventures lead them.
Batson’s writing career began in 2005 with the publication of fantasy epic, The Door Within. Since then, The Door Within, The Final Storm, Isle of Swords, and Isle of Fire have all appeared on the CBA Young Adult Bestseller List, including #2 for The Final Storm Fall 2007. To date, Batson has penned or coauthored seventeen novels and has sold well over half a million copies.
Wayne Thomas Batson gives thanks to God for the abundant life he’s been given. He continues to write for the people he cares so deeply about because he believes that, on a deep level, we all long for another world and yearn to do something important.
Wayne Thomas Batson has spent the last thirty years teaching Reading and English to Maryland middle school students. Wayne Thomas Batson lives in Eldersburg with his extraordinary wife of 26 years. His four adult children intermittently live at home whenever their unexpected adventures lead them.
Batson’s writing career began in 2005 with the publication of fantasy epic, The Door Within. Since then, The Door Within, The Final Storm, Isle of Swords, and Isle of Fire have all appeared on the CBA Young Adult Bestseller List, including #2 for The Final Storm Fall 2007. To date, Batson has penned or coauthored seventeen novels and has sold well over half a million copies.
Wayne Thomas Batson gives thanks to God for the abundant life he’s been given. He continues to write for the people he cares so deeply about because he believes that, on a deep level, we all long for another world and yearn to do something important.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 17, 2015
What it boils down to is this: I really liked John Spector, aka Ghost, and I am a sucker for a good action flick, which this book reads like. Lots of fighting, cool weapons, well thought-out concept of angels. (I wanted to say "story world" but that's not the right term. It's the angelic system, I guess.) The whole Earthveil / Netherview thing was cool. I liked Agent Rez, too. I could really picture all the places, all the action. The dialog was action-flick fun, but never crossed the line into cheesy/annoying.
Yes, the message of this book is overt. Is it preachy? In some spots. Will it bug you if you disagree with the author's views? Quite possibly. Actually, probably, because it's a rather hot-button topic. Does that have anything to do with the writing and story-telling? Nope. Separate those things and you can't deny Batson tells a good story.
Anyway, again, I just truly liked the main character, and while I could probably nit-pick some things about the novel, I won't. It looks like this is going to end up a series and I will absolutely read the next one.
My Website
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My YA fantasy series:
book 1
book 2
Yes, the message of this book is overt. Is it preachy? In some spots. Will it bug you if you disagree with the author's views? Quite possibly. Actually, probably, because it's a rather hot-button topic. Does that have anything to do with the writing and story-telling? Nope. Separate those things and you can't deny Batson tells a good story.
Anyway, again, I just truly liked the main character, and while I could probably nit-pick some things about the novel, I won't. It looks like this is going to end up a series and I will absolutely read the next one.
My Website
Find me on Facebook
My YA fantasy series:
book 1
book 2
July 12, 2013
Another excellent book by Mr. Batson. GHOST is one part supernatural, one part thriller, one part mystery, and a dash of humor. I turned virtual pages like I never have before because I just had to know what happens next. I'll be eagerly awaiting a second book in this series.
July 22, 2015
I really enjoyed this book and the audiobook just made it that much more enjoyable.
The narrator was perfect for this book!
The chemistry between John Spectre, aka Ghost aka Horseman, and FBI Special Agent Reznazi,aka Rez, was fantastic.
When a pro-choice serial killer known as Smiling Jack reappears after a four year hiatus, Ghost and Rez team up to track the killer down before he kills again. Rez's goal is to stop these killings and bring the killer to justice. Ghost, on the other hand, is seeking a more permanent and lethal end to the killer.
At first the FBI refuses to reopen the Smiling Jack case believing it to be a hoax. However, when a body turns up in Florida this time they can no longer deny that Smiling Jack is real, and they must take the case seriously if they are to catch the killer. Rez is pulled from the investigation that she started on her own time, and Ghost is threatened with federal jail time unless he backs off the case and lets the FBI handle things from here on out.
None of this stops Ghost and Rez from doing whatever they have to do to catch the killer. There are some supernatural events that slow Ghost down and make his life more difficult, but in the end Ghost overcomes all obstacles.
Brandon McKernan does a wonderful job as narrator. Only one time did I hear him mispronounce a word that I thought was a rather common word. His timing and pacing were very nearly perfect for this story. I never had a problem keeping up with who was doing the talking in any conversation. I think that I have found a new narrator to love.
The narrator was perfect for this book!
The chemistry between John Spectre, aka Ghost aka Horseman, and FBI Special Agent Reznazi,aka Rez, was fantastic.
When a pro-choice serial killer known as Smiling Jack reappears after a four year hiatus, Ghost and Rez team up to track the killer down before he kills again. Rez's goal is to stop these killings and bring the killer to justice. Ghost, on the other hand, is seeking a more permanent and lethal end to the killer.
At first the FBI refuses to reopen the Smiling Jack case believing it to be a hoax. However, when a body turns up in Florida this time they can no longer deny that Smiling Jack is real, and they must take the case seriously if they are to catch the killer. Rez is pulled from the investigation that she started on her own time, and Ghost is threatened with federal jail time unless he backs off the case and lets the FBI handle things from here on out.
None of this stops Ghost and Rez from doing whatever they have to do to catch the killer. There are some supernatural events that slow Ghost down and make his life more difficult, but in the end Ghost overcomes all obstacles.
Brandon McKernan does a wonderful job as narrator. Only one time did I hear him mispronounce a word that I thought was a rather common word. His timing and pacing were very nearly perfect for this story. I never had a problem keeping up with who was doing the talking in any conversation. I think that I have found a new narrator to love.
June 3, 2015
It interested me at the beginning, but it got tiresome about halfway in. The author is definitely anti-abortion, and devotes a significant amount of time having his characters talk about how evil Pro Choice people are, and in a "I'm a representative of God and this is what he says" way. There's nothing delicate in his message - he uses a sledgehammer.
I didn't think the action was that exciting, and toward the end, I didn't like the two main characters. I thought the decisions of both of the characters ended up being fairly stupid, and was deliberately stupid so that the author could set up some problems to be resolved in future books. Also, there were some weird changes to John Spector's personality in the middle of the book. He started off stoic, and then in the middle of the book starting making little jokes about what he was doing or experiencing. It was, for me, a strange shift in John Spector's character as initially established, and then at the end, he became Mr. Stoic again. Odd tonal shift.
I dragged myself through to the end, but no more of these books, or this author, for me.
I didn't think the action was that exciting, and toward the end, I didn't like the two main characters. I thought the decisions of both of the characters ended up being fairly stupid, and was deliberately stupid so that the author could set up some problems to be resolved in future books. Also, there were some weird changes to John Spector's personality in the middle of the book. He started off stoic, and then in the middle of the book starting making little jokes about what he was doing or experiencing. It was, for me, a strange shift in John Spector's character as initially established, and then at the end, he became Mr. Stoic again. Odd tonal shift.
I dragged myself through to the end, but no more of these books, or this author, for me.
July 9, 2015
Wow, is this going to be a difficult book to review.
Most of this book I really, really liked - 4 star easy.
HOWEVER, to say that this book is not Christian-message book (as some reviews have claimed) is just not accurate.
This book is massively anti-abortion and the message is clear and unequivocal.
Most of the book is a great read. Interesting plot, intriguing characters; but it regularly takes a break to thump you on the head with religion, and I just can't get past that. I am so sad because otherwise, I would love this book and the author. The fact that the non-sermon parts are so good is what kept this book from getting a 1 star.
I understand that being anti-abortion can be a characteristic (even a necessary one) for your character; BUT you need a lot of talent to handle it in a way that doesn't come across as a self-righteous sermon - and unfortunately, Mr. Batson does not have that talent.
Most of this book I really, really liked - 4 star easy.
HOWEVER, to say that this book is not Christian-message book (as some reviews have claimed) is just not accurate.
This book is massively anti-abortion and the message is clear and unequivocal.
Most of the book is a great read. Interesting plot, intriguing characters; but it regularly takes a break to thump you on the head with religion, and I just can't get past that. I am so sad because otherwise, I would love this book and the author. The fact that the non-sermon parts are so good is what kept this book from getting a 1 star.
I understand that being anti-abortion can be a characteristic (even a necessary one) for your character; BUT you need a lot of talent to handle it in a way that doesn't come across as a self-righteous sermon - and unfortunately, Mr. Batson does not have that talent.
October 15, 2013
5 stars
Absolutely loved this!!! John Spector aka GHOST works to rid the world of evil while helping the world's helpless and forgotten using any means available to him. Absolutely awesome read. Wayne Thomas Batson has been added to my list of "go to" authors for otherworldly, supernatural, paranormal authors. I really want to read more about GHOST! A must read
Bobbi the Book Monster
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August 16, 2025interesting mix of genres.
October 19, 2018
Bravo! A good fast read! now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
August 15, 2013
"You! You there… yes, the prospective reader for this book," calls a wearied, squeaky voice that seemed to belong to a small, ratty looking thing that might have been, at one time, a recognizable page... at least, if he weren't so... bedraggled and wet looking. He doesn't so much as pause before extending his hand, in it clenched a folded parchment note that was somehow, and no doubt miraculously, dry. "I bear a message for you. Sent by one of Sir Batson's biggest fans and prayer warriors, I believe. She--" the page paused, doubling over to catch his breath for several long moments before continuing, "--didn't have time to tell me her name. Said there was some 'angry antagonists' running after her? I'm really not quite sure… But... here is her letter."
Greetings, The-One-Who-Is-Reading-This-Review!
So, if I were to tell you the long, drawn out story about how I decided the read GHOST even though a) I might be a year under the guidelines for ages, b) thrillers aren't really things that I usually enjoy reading, and c) I end up with nightmares easily, it would take a long while. Logically, I should have listened to myself and decided it might be better for my future sanity not to read it. (Not that I have any, but for the sake of a somewhat "followable" explanation)
Looking back, I'm so pleased I ignored said logic that I could be giddy. Mr. Batson not only kept me up until 11:04 PM last night reading the marvelous conclusion to GHOST, but also wrote a story so drop-dead… well, thrilling that I almost wet my pants a few times. And that's not even the worst of it! I stayed up the night before reading the climax until 12 AM and the night before that until 1-2 (can't remember exactly) reading it. On all occasions I was either too exhausted to read (i.e. my eyes would not focus on the screen of my Kindle) or finished.
And when I finished... well, I could scarcely breathe… I would tell you but SPOILERS!!! Needless to say, I will be stalking Mr. Batson's blog until the next one comes.
This is truly a must read for all adventure takers... the way that Batson approached not only Pro-Life arguments (huzzah for Pro-Lifers!) and SPIRITUAL WARFARE for crying out loud... fantastic.
And then, of course, he made it better. As you will find as you read, there is a certain website mentioned about half-way through the book. And, Mr. Batson, being the amazing author that he is, actually went through the lengths to make the website real. As in, I can click on the link and I get an actual website. That's... that's just right out over-achievishly amazing right there.
So, as I said -- long story being short, GHOST was a jaw-dropping, wet-your-pants, thrilling (see what I did there?), exhilarating adventure and I regret nothing!
Greetings, The-One-Who-Is-Reading-This-Review!
So, if I were to tell you the long, drawn out story about how I decided the read GHOST even though a) I might be a year under the guidelines for ages, b) thrillers aren't really things that I usually enjoy reading, and c) I end up with nightmares easily, it would take a long while. Logically, I should have listened to myself and decided it might be better for my future sanity not to read it. (Not that I have any, but for the sake of a somewhat "followable" explanation)
Looking back, I'm so pleased I ignored said logic that I could be giddy. Mr. Batson not only kept me up until 11:04 PM last night reading the marvelous conclusion to GHOST, but also wrote a story so drop-dead… well, thrilling that I almost wet my pants a few times. And that's not even the worst of it! I stayed up the night before reading the climax until 12 AM and the night before that until 1-2 (can't remember exactly) reading it. On all occasions I was either too exhausted to read (i.e. my eyes would not focus on the screen of my Kindle) or finished.
And when I finished... well, I could scarcely breathe… I would tell you but SPOILERS!!! Needless to say, I will be stalking Mr. Batson's blog until the next one comes.
This is truly a must read for all adventure takers... the way that Batson approached not only Pro-Life arguments (huzzah for Pro-Lifers!) and SPIRITUAL WARFARE for crying out loud... fantastic.
And then, of course, he made it better. As you will find as you read, there is a certain website mentioned about half-way through the book. And, Mr. Batson, being the amazing author that he is, actually went through the lengths to make the website real. As in, I can click on the link and I get an actual website. That's... that's just right out over-achievishly amazing right there.
So, as I said -- long story being short, GHOST was a jaw-dropping, wet-your-pants, thrilling (see what I did there?), exhilarating adventure and I regret nothing!
Read
December 23, 2013Solid writing but I wanted more.
As a big Wayne Thomas Batson fan, I was looking forward to this book with a massive amount of anticipation. As a matter of fact, this book was the main reason I bought a Kindle in the first place and it was the first book I bought and read on my new Kindle. And while it was a solid read, I just kept found myself, page after page, wanting a bit more... I kept yearning for the next level of "oomph" of which I know the author is capable. The next surprising revelation of Ghost's world and the next jaw-dropping insight into his character.
Sadly, I'm still waiting...
Will I read the next Ghost book? Absolutely. Will I recommend this book to others? You bet. However, as solid as it was, I continually found it lacking in the slightest ways. I hope the next book solves that. ;)
As a big Wayne Thomas Batson fan, I was looking forward to this book with a massive amount of anticipation. As a matter of fact, this book was the main reason I bought a Kindle in the first place and it was the first book I bought and read on my new Kindle. And while it was a solid read, I just kept found myself, page after page, wanting a bit more... I kept yearning for the next level of "oomph" of which I know the author is capable. The next surprising revelation of Ghost's world and the next jaw-dropping insight into his character.
Sadly, I'm still waiting...
Will I read the next Ghost book? Absolutely. Will I recommend this book to others? You bet. However, as solid as it was, I continually found it lacking in the slightest ways. I hope the next book solves that. ;)
November 2, 2015
This book was amazing! I do think it's odd that people are actually offended that this Christian book would be prolife. Did you not understand the point of the book? That ALL life was precious. Did these same readers have a problem that the main charechter felt just as passionate about women being abused, misused and killed?
The whole point of the book was about things not being what it seams. The struggle, the true battle wasn't reall with people, but with the evil in this world. You know, kidnapping, raping, abuse and abortion. I think it was an amzing message, and left me hungry for each new part of the story. A thriller!
Again the cover says.... No one gets away with murder.
Great discussion for teens/adults, not for the young.
Where is the next Book!!!!! I need to know what happens next.
The whole point of the book was about things not being what it seams. The struggle, the true battle wasn't reall with people, but with the evil in this world. You know, kidnapping, raping, abuse and abortion. I think it was an amzing message, and left me hungry for each new part of the story. A thriller!
Again the cover says.... No one gets away with murder.
Great discussion for teens/adults, not for the young.
Where is the next Book!!!!! I need to know what happens next.
August 23, 2013
Gutsy. Batson ventures into Dresden Files-like territory with a righteous, supernatural protagonist. Dresden fans may find it too preachy on controversial topics (I wouldn't agree), but Christians might recoil from some depictions of the evil bad guys and their actions.
Batson has enough mystery, plot elements, humor, and character development to keep the pages turning. I did have trouble accepting the female lead - a bit too implausible.
There are big hints of a larger assortment of other-worldly conflicts and creatures, setting up a series. A few seemed a bit "convenient" for this story.
If you like the urban fantasy genre ( not my favorite), this is for you. I will read more.
Batson has enough mystery, plot elements, humor, and character development to keep the pages turning. I did have trouble accepting the female lead - a bit too implausible.
There are big hints of a larger assortment of other-worldly conflicts and creatures, setting up a series. A few seemed a bit "convenient" for this story.
If you like the urban fantasy genre ( not my favorite), this is for you. I will read more.
May 17, 2015
Enjoyable Thriller
Some books, lately, I've put down and not really given them too much thought. I kept wanting to come back and read this one! It has a different premise than most and I enjoyed the "supernatural" aspect as well as the theme. It's funny, but some have said this should be a Christian read. Just because God is mentioned, doesn't make it a Christian book. It would appeal to anyone who likes mystery and non-stop action. There is plenty of horror, blood shed...it just so happens the main character has a strong belief (but I didn't feel it was preachy). I recommend it and will read more in this series.
Some books, lately, I've put down and not really given them too much thought. I kept wanting to come back and read this one! It has a different premise than most and I enjoyed the "supernatural" aspect as well as the theme. It's funny, but some have said this should be a Christian read. Just because God is mentioned, doesn't make it a Christian book. It would appeal to anyone who likes mystery and non-stop action. There is plenty of horror, blood shed...it just so happens the main character has a strong belief (but I didn't feel it was preachy). I recommend it and will read more in this series.
September 12, 2013
Batson kept me guessing through much of the book. I like a good mystery, but I am not so keen on sci-fi. At first I thought we had that going on with the high-tech gadgetry and flipping between visible and invisible worlds. Gradually Batson revealed an unexpected twist, followed by another and another. This made for a fun read and must-turn pages. I did not give it a higher rating because of some--not many--obvious overlooked editing points. They created irritating roadbumps for me. However, don't let that discourage you from this book. It is a captivating story.
December 8, 2013
The Underground claimed that fans of Jim Butcher and Lee Child will like this book. Actually, I thought this book is more influenced by Child than Butcher. Otherworldly exceptional, except for some parts that I found a bit dragging, and won't affect the storyline if it was excluded (the waitress, the old man and his granddaughter). And I wish for the next book, there will be more part of the enigmatic Mr Scratch, his appearances was brief, but unforgettable. Overall, as someone who read Butcher and Child, I enjoy it.
May 1, 2015
Ghost: John Spector is a novel about a man who helps others. An odd man - seemingly attached permanently to his silver suitcase, who wipes most memories after each mission, and who is on a seemingly everlasting job, which he knows how to get to and where to begin, and nothing else.
Parts of the story are a bit tedious, but for the most part it moves along.
The dragged out nature of the reveal as to the bad guys whys and wherefores had me slogging a bit, but the investigation, the characters and the dialog (most of the time) kept me going.
Recommended as a first (e)book.
Parts of the story are a bit tedious, but for the most part it moves along.
The dragged out nature of the reveal as to the bad guys whys and wherefores had me slogging a bit, but the investigation, the characters and the dialog (most of the time) kept me going.
Recommended as a first (e)book.
November 2, 2014
Wow! I really enjoyed this. I really savoured the writing and how the story developed. John Spector is a very likeable protagonist.
I don't normally enjoy the mystery genre as much but the blend of the supernatural in this story makes it quite unique.
It is clear to me that the author holds a Biblical worldview. I really liked his take on angels and the way he portrays the Most High.
I'm really keen to read more John Spector novels....
I don't normally enjoy the mystery genre as much but the blend of the supernatural in this story makes it quite unique.
It is clear to me that the author holds a Biblical worldview. I really liked his take on angels and the way he portrays the Most High.
I'm really keen to read more John Spector novels....
February 2, 2014
Very enjoyable murder and detective story. Great escapism which kept me guessing for a long time into the plot. This is different, and not much more can be said without spoiling the pleasure for other readers. 2014 will bring a second John Spector novel, if it has as much suspense as this one I am in for a good read!
August 10, 2015
I've loved Batson's work since I read The Door Within. But this book truly took it to a new level! The amazingly supernatural violence as well as the incredulous mystery grasped me by the throat and took me on an insane journey. My favorite part of this novel was that throughout the book, I still didn't feel like I knew who the main character was. The perfect supernatural mystery/thriller!
March 10, 2017
This book was surprisingly good. I didn't even realize it was "Christian" fiction at first, which to me, is a good thing as I have found Christian fiction to be either cheesy or poorly written. I enjoyed the main character, John Spector and the mystery surrounding him. I am planning on reading the next book in this series.
June 10, 2014
This book was very interesting. I liked the plot and the whole idea. As for the book, I found it to be very dark. I understand why it is for 16 and up. It had some questionable material and some mild language.
May 12, 2015
Very interesting read
First time I've read this author and am so glad he chose to enter the adult fiction arena along with youth. This is an excellent read from characters to storyline. Keeps you intrigued and guessing.
First time I've read this author and am so glad he chose to enter the adult fiction arena along with youth. This is an excellent read from characters to storyline. Keeps you intrigued and guessing.
June 16, 2015
It's Different
I wanted to like the main characters Ghost and Rez but wound up disappointed. It started out interesting but I finally skimmed to the finish. Some will love it but not me.
I wanted to like the main characters Ghost and Rez but wound up disappointed. It started out interesting but I finally skimmed to the finish. Some will love it but not me.
September 2, 2013
A few things were explained away a little too easily and about half way through it felt like it lost some of its cohesiveness. I enjoyed it, though, and will read book #2.
August 22, 2013
I was prepared not to like the book...
But as I got into it the story line really took off...
I thoroughly enjoyed the read...
waiting for the next one in 2014 - Minister of Fire...
But as I got into it the story line really took off...
I thoroughly enjoyed the read...
waiting for the next one in 2014 - Minister of Fire...
August 7, 2020
A great read; I am looking forward to book two... Still waiting for book two, still an enjoyable story, still love John Spector... a very good story
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December 20, 2024If Frank Peretti and Dean Koontz coauthored a supernatural thriller, it might read something like this.
An engaging and relevant tale of urban fantasy that deserves a sequel.
An engaging and relevant tale of urban fantasy that deserves a sequel.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews