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Spookshow #1
The Spookshow
Life used to be normal for Billie Culpepper. Drab even. That all that changed after an accident left her in a coma for three days. That's when the spookshow really began, when Billie realized that she could see the dead.
And the dead could see her.
Now, they won't leave her alone.
Accompanying two friends through a haunted house, Billie uncovers a terrible secret that brings, not only the police, but the homicide detective responsible for putting her into the hospital in the first place. He's also the one man she sworn to stay away from.
And the dead could see her.
Now, they won't leave her alone.
Accompanying two friends through a haunted house, Billie uncovers a terrible secret that brings, not only the police, but the homicide detective responsible for putting her into the hospital in the first place. He's also the one man she sworn to stay away from.
175 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2014
1366 people are currently reading
3611 people want to read
About the author
Tim McGregor
40 books398 followersTim McGregor is an author living in Toronto with his wife and children. And a ghost. A really spiteful ghost.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 375 reviews
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July 7, 2015
The Spookshow is book one in the Spookshow series by Tim McGregor. I read this book as part of the ten book anthology, Powers, Spice, and Not So Nice.
Billie Cullpepper had an ordinary life, she was an ordinary woman, until the accident. Now she can see dead people. Does she want this, no way! But there doesn’t seem to be anything she can do about it. Two of her best friends are determined to visit a house that is slated to be torn down dubbed “The Murder House.” It is said that unspeakable things happened in this house and her friends want to see inside before it’s gone. Billie doesn’t want to go, she knows it won’t be pleasant but she can’t let her friends go alone.
The visit to The Murder House uncovers a long hidden secret and unleashes a series of events that will change the women’s lives. The police need to be called and who does Billie call but Ray Mockler, the police detective that caused her accident in the first place.
This book was surprisingly spooky. It was a quick read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There is an obvious attraction between Ray and Billie. The issue I had was that the accident that caused this new ability in Billie is never explained nor is the way that Ray was involved. Perhaps the author explains more about this in the following books. I did find myself wanting to know more about that though. I didn’t get to know Ray well in this book but did like him and have hopes that things might develop further between he and Billie.
I did enjoy this and look forward to more with Billie, Ray and Billie’s friends.
Billie Cullpepper had an ordinary life, she was an ordinary woman, until the accident. Now she can see dead people. Does she want this, no way! But there doesn’t seem to be anything she can do about it. Two of her best friends are determined to visit a house that is slated to be torn down dubbed “The Murder House.” It is said that unspeakable things happened in this house and her friends want to see inside before it’s gone. Billie doesn’t want to go, she knows it won’t be pleasant but she can’t let her friends go alone.
The visit to The Murder House uncovers a long hidden secret and unleashes a series of events that will change the women’s lives. The police need to be called and who does Billie call but Ray Mockler, the police detective that caused her accident in the first place.
This book was surprisingly spooky. It was a quick read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There is an obvious attraction between Ray and Billie. The issue I had was that the accident that caused this new ability in Billie is never explained nor is the way that Ray was involved. Perhaps the author explains more about this in the following books. I did find myself wanting to know more about that though. I didn’t get to know Ray well in this book but did like him and have hopes that things might develop further between he and Billie.
I did enjoy this and look forward to more with Billie, Ray and Billie’s friends.
June 21, 2016
I have a friend who works at a funeral home. He called once and said, in mock seriousness and in cryptic tones: I see dead people.
Tim McGregor’s 2014 publication Spookshow features a protagonist that, like the little boy in M. Night Shyamalan’s 1999 film The Sixth Sense, sees dead people.
Unlike that little boy, who was born with the ability, Billie Culpepper’s power seems to have come about after a recent near death experience. McGregor wastes no time getting to Billie’s ability, making off stage allusions to earlier events that led to the present narration.
Fast moving and creepy as advertised, McGregor has crafted an urban fantasy ghost story that draws from many paranormal influences to make a good start to a series.
Tim McGregor’s 2014 publication Spookshow features a protagonist that, like the little boy in M. Night Shyamalan’s 1999 film The Sixth Sense, sees dead people.
Unlike that little boy, who was born with the ability, Billie Culpepper’s power seems to have come about after a recent near death experience. McGregor wastes no time getting to Billie’s ability, making off stage allusions to earlier events that led to the present narration.
Fast moving and creepy as advertised, McGregor has crafted an urban fantasy ghost story that draws from many paranormal influences to make a good start to a series.
February 26, 2020
The Spookshow, Book 1
By: Tim McGregor
Narrated by: Caitlin Gallogly
This book is pretty good for a haunted house story. One of the gals can see ghosts and gets talked into going to a house that is supposed to be haunted. The house is scheduled to be demolished so the want to sneak in and have her see if there really is ghosts there. What happens next no one expected! The one complaint I have is that the author kept referring back to something that happened in the past but never made it clear what it was. That was frustrating. Should have been a prequel.
Narration was good.
By: Tim McGregor
Narrated by: Caitlin Gallogly
This book is pretty good for a haunted house story. One of the gals can see ghosts and gets talked into going to a house that is supposed to be haunted. The house is scheduled to be demolished so the want to sneak in and have her see if there really is ghosts there. What happens next no one expected! The one complaint I have is that the author kept referring back to something that happened in the past but never made it clear what it was. That was frustrating. Should have been a prequel.
Narration was good.
February 10, 2016
I probably would've loved this book when I was 12. But not so much now. The characters are absolutely awful. The story might've been ok but I just can't handle anymore from this series.
January 27, 2015
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. First of all I think the character ages should be made more clear. As the group of friends were going to visit a haunted house, I figured they were about 14, but then I found out that they live with their boyfriends. Due to this I added on a few more years to possibly eighteen or nineteen, but after finding out one of them has her own business, I'm now guessing early twenties. I liked the idea behind the story, but I think it could have been started from the memory of her waking up in the coma, rather than going to the house, as I would have been able to understand the back story a lot more then. The detail in the story was really good and I especially like the little twist at the end about the identity of the dead body!
July 14, 2017
I really liked this book. It was free so , I gave it a read. It was short & I purchased the second for $0.99. Little did I know that the second one was a prequel to this one. Started to buy the 3rd one but decided to read the description. GUESS WHAT? The 1st book is just PART of the 3rd book. It just missing another characters story & they want you to pay $4.99 for it!! WTH! I am not going to buy a book That I have already read 2/3 of. That is just ridiculous. I would love to see where the story goes but I am not going to skim through all of that book just to read the parts that were left out. So disappointing. This book is a good book. I want to give more stars but I cant based on this knowledge.
August 11, 2023
A scary, fun book. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
March 5, 2015
I have to admit that I've never read anything by this author before...With that being said, it makes me wonder what other books he has out that would capture my interests.
I picked up this book on Amazon for free...In fact just bought it today and was totally mesmerized by it. Before I knew it, it was over. A word of caution, this book is the first in the series, and many things pertaining to the past will be discussed slightly, and present situations/obstacles are portrayed. You will not get solid answers regarding past situations. Knowing the second book is out and reading the book description those answers about the past will be answered in the second book.
I rather enjoyed this book. I was so engrossed that I didn't realize that I was at the end...and what an ending...My curiosity is piqued wanting answers to the many questions that I have in regards to the past: why did the detective throws her off the harbour, how can she see the dead, what is her purpose, and what happened to her parents.
The pace of the story was fast and steady. This author has the unique ability to simplify his world and characters with few words. The characters were made realistic, though I found myself questioning the main character in her choice of friends.
I want go through the story, but if you like spooky, I think you will enjoy this book. I've added the second book to my wishlist already. I want answers for my questions. A girl who sees the dead and dealing with the apparitions as she goes along. Especially since she doesn't want this ability.
Happy Reading!!!!!!!!!!
I picked up this book on Amazon for free...In fact just bought it today and was totally mesmerized by it. Before I knew it, it was over. A word of caution, this book is the first in the series, and many things pertaining to the past will be discussed slightly, and present situations/obstacles are portrayed. You will not get solid answers regarding past situations. Knowing the second book is out and reading the book description those answers about the past will be answered in the second book.
I rather enjoyed this book. I was so engrossed that I didn't realize that I was at the end...and what an ending...My curiosity is piqued wanting answers to the many questions that I have in regards to the past: why did the detective throws her off the harbour, how can she see the dead, what is her purpose, and what happened to her parents.
The pace of the story was fast and steady. This author has the unique ability to simplify his world and characters with few words. The characters were made realistic, though I found myself questioning the main character in her choice of friends.
I want go through the story, but if you like spooky, I think you will enjoy this book. I've added the second book to my wishlist already. I want answers for my questions. A girl who sees the dead and dealing with the apparitions as she goes along. Especially since she doesn't want this ability.
Happy Reading!!!!!!!!!!
January 16, 2015
Life used to be normal for Billie Culpepper. Drab even. That all that changed after an accident left her in a coma for three days. That's when the spookshow really began, when Billie realized that she could see the dead.
And the dead could see her.
Now, they won't leave her alone.
Accompanying two friends through a haunted house, Billie uncovers a terrible secret that brings, not only the police, but the homicide detective responsible for putting her into the hospital in the first place. He's also the one man she sworn to stay away from.
I actually really like this one. Billie wasn't as, for a lack of a better term, "psychicy" as I'd hoped. I mean, you see people getting famous all the time for having apparent "psychic abilities" and here you have young Billie, who actually CAN see and feel ghosts and behold, no one believes her! Except for the crazy chick, but I don't want to get into that.
All in all, I really enjoyed this story, it was a rather quick read, but it was fast paced and eventful. However, the whole backstory between Billie and the homicide detective are a little iffy. It was a great book though. It was delightfully scary and it made me want more. I give this book a 5/5 stars.
If you liked my review, check out my other ones on my blog, itsnotjustabookbro.blogspot.com.
[Source: Amazon.com]
And the dead could see her.
Now, they won't leave her alone.
Accompanying two friends through a haunted house, Billie uncovers a terrible secret that brings, not only the police, but the homicide detective responsible for putting her into the hospital in the first place. He's also the one man she sworn to stay away from.
I actually really like this one. Billie wasn't as, for a lack of a better term, "psychicy" as I'd hoped. I mean, you see people getting famous all the time for having apparent "psychic abilities" and here you have young Billie, who actually CAN see and feel ghosts and behold, no one believes her! Except for the crazy chick, but I don't want to get into that.
All in all, I really enjoyed this story, it was a rather quick read, but it was fast paced and eventful. However, the whole backstory between Billie and the homicide detective are a little iffy. It was a great book though. It was delightfully scary and it made me want more. I give this book a 5/5 stars.
If you liked my review, check out my other ones on my blog, itsnotjustabookbro.blogspot.com.
[Source: Amazon.com]
April 29, 2015
Fabulous! It's no secret that ghost stories are my favorite, they hit my paranormal 'sweet spot' juuust right. And if they are good ghost stories then I'm over the moon in happiness & bliss. Yeah, a little over dramatic there, but seriously, I'm a ghost story ho, I can't help it, don't deny it & happily embrace my ghost loving self.
This story was a lot of spooky fun. I was a bit confused at times because there wasn't a lot of backstory about the characters, but as I've found out while reading book 2, that's exactly what book 2 is about. It's like the prequel but only it's after the first instead of before it. Kind of like it this way because now I'm going 'ohhh, so that's why....' & 'ahah! That explains that!'
I'm excited I found this book & excited to keep reading this series.
This story was a lot of spooky fun. I was a bit confused at times because there wasn't a lot of backstory about the characters, but as I've found out while reading book 2, that's exactly what book 2 is about. It's like the prequel but only it's after the first instead of before it. Kind of like it this way because now I'm going 'ohhh, so that's why....' & 'ahah! That explains that!'
I'm excited I found this book & excited to keep reading this series.
January 22, 2015
Tim McGregor is a pretty good storyteller. The circumstances of this tale are first rate and even if a bit past belief, good solid entertainment. The unfortunate situation with the book is that it was either not edited at all or at best very poorly done. Word selection is a bit strange as well. For example, he repeatedly overuses the word or variations of the word "clock", applying varying meanings from 'seeing' or 'noticing' to 'socking'. I'll still read the next in the series for the entertainment. But it could be so much better with a proper editing by a professional.
June 23, 2021
This is a quick read that does exactly what it suggests on the cover. To me it felt like the start of a TV series and I could easily imagine it as such. If you're looking for paranormal activity, a character who can communicate with the dead, and spooky shenanigans, you won't go far wrong. It's pacy, action-packed and very well written.
November 10, 2016
Actual rating - 3.5
The main character in this was okay, although some of the other characters annoyed me a bit.
This was a decent read, which I enjoyed. It started off quite good, and it managed to hold my interest throughout.
Overall, A decent read.
The main character in this was okay, although some of the other characters annoyed me a bit.
This was a decent read, which I enjoyed. It started off quite good, and it managed to hold my interest throughout.
Overall, A decent read.
August 8, 2019
Cute little read. I am not sure I will continue on with the series but it was interesting. I'll keep it on the back burner for now
December 3, 2015
Quick read
It was okay. Fast paced and easy to read. I read it in a few hours.
Definitely could use an editor due to wrong words, poor grammar, and odd sentence structure.
The back story was hinted at but never elaborated, this hurt the story.
Overall, it's a decent read.
It was okay. Fast paced and easy to read. I read it in a few hours.
Definitely could use an editor due to wrong words, poor grammar, and odd sentence structure.
The back story was hinted at but never elaborated, this hurt the story.
Overall, it's a decent read.
December 13, 2014
Great
Great book can't wait to read the second one. I love how Billy can see the dead and help the living.
Great book can't wait to read the second one. I love how Billy can see the dead and help the living.
June 21, 2025
Slowly working my way through everything Tim McGregor has written.
And this? This is a fun start to a series... and drops hints that there's a fair amount that occurred prior to the start, which I really like. Lets me know we'll be looking both forward and backward.
The thing that grabs me about anything McGregor writes is, while there's the main story... ghosts, werewolves, vampires, whatever... but there's always a really good underlying story that gets to the heart of the characters. They aren't just cardboard cutouts to roll through the story. They have lives and loves and worries... they come across as very real people. And that's what sucks me in.
I enjoyed this short little intro to the Spookshow world. Fun and creepy.
And this? This is a fun start to a series... and drops hints that there's a fair amount that occurred prior to the start, which I really like. Lets me know we'll be looking both forward and backward.
The thing that grabs me about anything McGregor writes is, while there's the main story... ghosts, werewolves, vampires, whatever... but there's always a really good underlying story that gets to the heart of the characters. They aren't just cardboard cutouts to roll through the story. They have lives and loves and worries... they come across as very real people. And that's what sucks me in.
I enjoyed this short little intro to the Spookshow world. Fun and creepy.
July 2, 2017
This book started off really slow for me, but as soon as Kaitlin went missing is started picking up. The parts where Billie and the detective were together or probably some of the weirdest parts of the story. Although, how Kaitlin was reintroduced into the story was quite interesting. The twist at the end is really making me consider continuing on with the series.
August 1, 2017
Awesome Thriller
This book was exciting to say the least! It was a very fast read that ends with a crazy cliff hanger! I loved all of the characters and how they were made and I can not wait to see them grow in the rest of the series!!! It was really nice to be able to download the second book for free for taking a chance on the first book! Read this series!!!
This book was exciting to say the least! It was a very fast read that ends with a crazy cliff hanger! I loved all of the characters and how they were made and I can not wait to see them grow in the rest of the series!!! It was really nice to be able to download the second book for free for taking a chance on the first book! Read this series!!!
June 30, 2023
Shortish book that I had fun with. I would've sacrificed some chapters or secondary plot lines to get some important info across, like how the MC got her powers, but overall it was good. I haven't read a horror book in forever.
July 22, 2020
This was just okay. Intriguing enough to see how the next one is!
dnf
October 27, 2020What is with me this year?
I have DNFed way too many books.
I have DNFed way too many books.
May 12, 2021
I love a bit of paranormal reading. This book had me hooked from the start. I enjoyed every moment reading this and look forward to reading more books by Tim McGregor
May 3, 2019
not really sure what i read. felt like it was missing some backstory. and the jumping around from person to person. i think maybe 2,5 stars.
March 1, 2017
Mysterious and interesting with a dash of romance
January 12, 2019
I held off rating this book until I read book #2 in the series. This one was like being dumped in the middle of sentence. You can figure out what is going on by syntax but it isn't very satisfying. I knew from the reviews that book 2 would answer all my questions and it did. The problem was that it didn't read like a book 2 with answers. It read like a book #1 released out of sequence. There were so many grammatical and spelling errors, instances of the wrong word being used. I am by no means perfect but I'm not publishing a book either. Billie read like a teenager but she was pushing 30. She was unlikable for me but I wonder if I would have liked her more if she actually was a teenager. Her responses would have been more understandable. The other thing that put me off was the wording. Was the author going for an old school detective type book by using words like Hooch? It didn't really work since the detective wasn't an older, hard boiled type. Sadly, I really liked the premise of this series. They were free which is a good thing. I'd like to know what happens next but I spent so much time annoyed throughout these two books I don't know that I want to pay for it.
June 26, 2016
I enjoyed the whole Spookshow series. Yes, it's kind of lame to post the same review for each novel, but I tore right through them and honestly can't remember which was which - they were all good.
These are good adventure tales populated by people who act in realistic ways when faced with impossible situations. There's no blindly stumbling into danger, or when there is it's because the characters honestly don't understand or can't accept what's going on. Finally, the characters are honestly traumatized by what happens to them, as they should be.
Finally, the best part is what's not there. No shiny vampires. No unsuspecting hero that masters her new powers in the space of one novel. And most importantly: No sappy, unrequited romance. (Yes, there's romance, but they approach it like real people: shy to admit to their feelings at first, insecure about how the others feel, but then they eventually gather the courage to do something about it. No endless, weepy pining.)
Hats off to the author for crafting an engrossing experience and keeping the quality high throughout all the novels. Keep it up!
These are good adventure tales populated by people who act in realistic ways when faced with impossible situations. There's no blindly stumbling into danger, or when there is it's because the characters honestly don't understand or can't accept what's going on. Finally, the characters are honestly traumatized by what happens to them, as they should be.
Finally, the best part is what's not there. No shiny vampires. No unsuspecting hero that masters her new powers in the space of one novel. And most importantly: No sappy, unrequited romance. (Yes, there's romance, but they approach it like real people: shy to admit to their feelings at first, insecure about how the others feel, but then they eventually gather the courage to do something about it. No endless, weepy pining.)
Hats off to the author for crafting an engrossing experience and keeping the quality high throughout all the novels. Keep it up!
August 11, 2015
Spooky, creapy, and I can still read it.
Usually I avoid horror like the plague. However I love a good ghost, phychic, paranormal story. That is how I found this book, a search of psychic fiction. I enjoyed this story because unlike recent story's I've read it didn't try to romanticize evil. Just classic good triumphs over evil. Not to say the authors doesn't still have issues with religion but he didn't ruin the story by making it a huge issue. I did like the warning that playing with the occult isn't wise. I look forward to getting a bit more details on how the detective almost kills the main character which leads to her being able to see ghost. It's mentioned in passing. Likewise since the detective is in relationship transition so his relationship with Billie is sort of a will they won't they position. Think I'm also doing a bit of the early holiday thing we Americans loved to do and enjoyed a Halloween tale. So it was a timely read when I wanted a bit of chill with my story.
Usually I avoid horror like the plague. However I love a good ghost, phychic, paranormal story. That is how I found this book, a search of psychic fiction. I enjoyed this story because unlike recent story's I've read it didn't try to romanticize evil. Just classic good triumphs over evil. Not to say the authors doesn't still have issues with religion but he didn't ruin the story by making it a huge issue. I did like the warning that playing with the occult isn't wise. I look forward to getting a bit more details on how the detective almost kills the main character which leads to her being able to see ghost. It's mentioned in passing. Likewise since the detective is in relationship transition so his relationship with Billie is sort of a will they won't they position. Think I'm also doing a bit of the early holiday thing we Americans loved to do and enjoyed a Halloween tale. So it was a timely read when I wanted a bit of chill with my story.
February 11, 2017
A very good read for the thrill seeker in everyone! Since I am a wuss I had to read this during the day when my son napped as opposed to night time. Quick, intense read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 375 reviews