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Soul Searchers #1
Soul Searchers
When John and Cathy Richwood move into their new home, they think they can finally settle down for good and raise their family. But what they didn't know is a terrible murder occured there. Now the victims' spirits want Cathy to find their killer and they'll do whatever it takes to force her. Even if it means revealing her own harrowing secret to her unsuspecting husband.
Susanne Hill has been plagued her whole life by ghostly visitations, She decides to use her abilities to help others after being visited several times by Sally, her deceased daughter. Thanks to some ethereal friends, the Soul Searchers, Susanne dedicates her life to helping lost and trapped souls move on to a better place. But there are other, darker spirits that lurk in the netherworld. Spirits that want those souls for themselves as Susanne knows all too well. After an horrific confrontation, Susanne vows never to use her abilities again. But when by chance Susanne and Cathy meet, she'll have to rethink everything she swore against. But will Susanne's gift be enough this time? And will it be too late?
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2023
78 people are currently reading
681 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
February 15, 2024
If this story hadn't been written by Boote I probably wouldn't have been super keen to pick it up because I'm not a fan of haunted house stories, I've read too many of them that felt like the exact same with the same cookie cutter characters. Boote managed to make it feel fresh and engaging all the way through with characters that felt like real people with all the irrationalities of being human and flawed.
Just a heads-up, if abortion is a sensitive topic for you, I'd recommend you approach with care.
Just a heads-up, if abortion is a sensitive topic for you, I'd recommend you approach with care.
November 7, 2023
When Cathy and John move into their new house, they have no idea what lurks within its walls.
Susanne is a medium who, together with her phantasmal guides, helps those who need her. But something on the other side is about to make its presence known to her.
As their worlds collide, can they oppose the nefarious forces that work against them?
Okay, confession time... Soul Searchers was my first Justin Boote experience.
There are so many of his books on my radar, so when the arc call went out, I jumped at the chance! Justin says he doesn't usually do cosy horror. And while Soul Searchers could be construed as cosy horror, especially compared to some of his other work, it's so much more than that. There's some horribly unsettling imagery and plenty of visceral scenes wrapped within that cosy covering. Justin is a wonderful writer who creates realistically flawed characters and a storyline that just pulls the reader in.
Highly recommend this one 👻
Susanne is a medium who, together with her phantasmal guides, helps those who need her. But something on the other side is about to make its presence known to her.
As their worlds collide, can they oppose the nefarious forces that work against them?
Okay, confession time... Soul Searchers was my first Justin Boote experience.
There are so many of his books on my radar, so when the arc call went out, I jumped at the chance! Justin says he doesn't usually do cosy horror. And while Soul Searchers could be construed as cosy horror, especially compared to some of his other work, it's so much more than that. There's some horribly unsettling imagery and plenty of visceral scenes wrapped within that cosy covering. Justin is a wonderful writer who creates realistically flawed characters and a storyline that just pulls the reader in.
Highly recommend this one 👻
July 27, 2024
I was torn on this as I really enjoyed some aspects that gave a creepy feeling but then wasn't taken with some parts too. Some of the choices made by the ghosts and characters were a little off at times, I think that's what let the story down a touch. That said, there were some really creepy and disturbing parts that were well executed. More of a fan of the author's other books, this sits at a 3.25* for me. If you like haunted house stories it's probably right up your street.
November 22, 2023
Okay.. okay.. let me start off by saying.. I haven’t read too many horror books about ghosts/hauntings. But I can 100% tell you that this? This is definitely a favorite now.
It had me utterly creeped out because I DO believe in ghosts and do believe people and places can be haunted, so this book gave me chills down my spine and gave me goosebumps.
The descriptions and details that Justin Boote put in this book were absolutely amazing and made it all the more eerie and atmospheric, which just added to the horror.
The way he describes these ghosts/entities in such vivid detail 😮💨😮💨😮💨
My heart was racing on every page of this book wanting to know what was going to happen. You never knew when they were going to appear or what they were going to do.
He did a phenomenal job with this book, and now I have to read more of his books.
It had me utterly creeped out because I DO believe in ghosts and do believe people and places can be haunted, so this book gave me chills down my spine and gave me goosebumps.
The descriptions and details that Justin Boote put in this book were absolutely amazing and made it all the more eerie and atmospheric, which just added to the horror.
The way he describes these ghosts/entities in such vivid detail 😮💨😮💨😮💨
My heart was racing on every page of this book wanting to know what was going to happen. You never knew when they were going to appear or what they were going to do.
He did a phenomenal job with this book, and now I have to read more of his books.
December 14, 2023
Ok, so first of all, Justin has been going around telling everyone this is 'cozy horror'. Let me tell you, there ain't nothing cozy about this book, its damned creepy is what it is, damned creepy horror!! I got freaked out reading this, seeing things out the corner of my eye, convincing myself I could hear things, I even had nightmares from it! (All plusses for me I might add!) I loved it! 🖤
Susanne Hill is a medium, seeking out lost souls and setting them free, with the help of The Soul Searchers, a group of ghosts that have stayed with her to help her do just that. Hired by Carol and her husband to help their daughter move on, something else gets inside her head, something dark and evil with a warning that pushes her to consider giving it all up.
When Cathy and John move into their new home, their cat, Sparky, soon lets them know he's unsettled by the place, especially the basement! When Cathy starts having horrific nightmares, their concerns that the house might be haunted are confirmed. The ghosts need her help, and they're prepared to do whatever it takes to get it, including revealing her long held secrets.
Is her past coming back to haunt her, along with the ghosts in the house? Cathy gets desperate and decides to seek the help of Susanne, but is she too late, can she convince the medium to help her? Can she find the whereabouts of the murderer, is he dead or alive, and what really happened to that poor family?
Shocking and horrendous discoveries unfold, with some pretty brutal imagery, and just when they think they have it all figured out, when they think it's all over, things take a sudden, dark turn. With a unique punishment dished out, a perfect revenge, a particularly sinister justice is finally served.
This story was exciting, dark, disturbing, bloody, creepy and tense, with several jump scares along the way. A brilliantly chilling atmosphere throughout, thick with anxiety, Boote teases you along with those little crumbs of information, to keep you guessing and turning the pages quickly. Breath catching moments of taut tension, extremely vivid visuals, and audio descriptions that are still ringing in my ears. This one will have you holding your breath and sleeping with the lights on, and if you have a cat or cats, they'll probably be sleeping outside for the foreseeable future! 😉
Susanne Hill is a medium, seeking out lost souls and setting them free, with the help of The Soul Searchers, a group of ghosts that have stayed with her to help her do just that. Hired by Carol and her husband to help their daughter move on, something else gets inside her head, something dark and evil with a warning that pushes her to consider giving it all up.
When Cathy and John move into their new home, their cat, Sparky, soon lets them know he's unsettled by the place, especially the basement! When Cathy starts having horrific nightmares, their concerns that the house might be haunted are confirmed. The ghosts need her help, and they're prepared to do whatever it takes to get it, including revealing her long held secrets.
Is her past coming back to haunt her, along with the ghosts in the house? Cathy gets desperate and decides to seek the help of Susanne, but is she too late, can she convince the medium to help her? Can she find the whereabouts of the murderer, is he dead or alive, and what really happened to that poor family?
Shocking and horrendous discoveries unfold, with some pretty brutal imagery, and just when they think they have it all figured out, when they think it's all over, things take a sudden, dark turn. With a unique punishment dished out, a perfect revenge, a particularly sinister justice is finally served.
This story was exciting, dark, disturbing, bloody, creepy and tense, with several jump scares along the way. A brilliantly chilling atmosphere throughout, thick with anxiety, Boote teases you along with those little crumbs of information, to keep you guessing and turning the pages quickly. Breath catching moments of taut tension, extremely vivid visuals, and audio descriptions that are still ringing in my ears. This one will have you holding your breath and sleeping with the lights on, and if you have a cat or cats, they'll probably be sleeping outside for the foreseeable future! 😉
November 22, 2023
Thank you to the author for providing a review copy.
I wanted to like this book. I've read a couple of Justin Boote's books and enjoyed those. This one just didn't do it for me. It doesn't add anything new or particularly interesting to the haunted house trope. The whole Karl arc didn't really wrap up for me or really even seem to have a point. And I found the real life aspects harder to believe than the ghosts. (Just calling up hospitals with a vague description and they just hand out patient info?) 2 sad stars.
I wanted to like this book. I've read a couple of Justin Boote's books and enjoyed those. This one just didn't do it for me. It doesn't add anything new or particularly interesting to the haunted house trope. The whole Karl arc didn't really wrap up for me or really even seem to have a point. And I found the real life aspects harder to believe than the ghosts. (Just calling up hospitals with a vague description and they just hand out patient info?) 2 sad stars.
April 10, 2024
This book is endlessly creepy and the only cozy thing about it would be the blankey or padded room you’ll be subjected to for days after reading this one. While it’s not extreme horror, Boote is skilled in the creep-factor, and this story evidences this brilliantly. Through visions, dreams, seances and the usual haunts, we are carried through a haunting journey within the walls of a haunted home… with a haunted ghost Hunter and her team of haunted soul searchers… and something sinister hunting them all.
September 15, 2024
So just a warning to put out there. This book does have abortion thoughts and ideas that were kind of jarring. Which kind of put me off that he would put it in there. Anyway, this was a quick read. The storyline was creepy and unsettling at times. The visceral images will keep you wanting more. The twist and turns are great but it fell apart with plot holes and unlikely scenarios.
June 15, 2025
I would say this is a 3.25 star for me. some parts I really enjoyed, but felt as if some of the choices the characters made were a little weird. Also, felt like one of the story arcs didn't really matter in the end?
November 9, 2023
Justin Boote's 'Soul Searchers' is the kind of ghost story I'd missed reading, without even realizing it. It felt like "Insidious" meets "Paranormal Activity," with some good ol' 80s vibes thrown in! All the necessary elements are here: a nice couple, a haunted house, a troubled relationship, an evil past, family murders, a sympathetic medium, a creepy basement, worrisome ghosts and helpful spirits, plus a sinister demonic entity in the background. Some scenes creeped me out, especially the one with the neighbors' child going into that basement. The cat's enigmatic behavior was also a nice touch! I also enjoyed the (very few) Easter Eggs Boote kept throwing around. Although I wouldn't say this is a "cozy" ghost story, it's certainly neither extreme nor gory, and will satisfy anyone who's after a tense and gripping ghost tale by a master storyteller!
December 5, 2023
Maybe not the best book to read while house hunting! Lol. I've already told my husband, with my luck I'll pick the haunted house.
Prior to this, I had only read books under his other pen name (J. Boote), which are more in line with the splatterpunk genre. That aside, I was extremely impressed by this title and will definitely look into more of his work in general. It's become quite apparent that Justin is a solid author who has a knack for writing in multiple horror genres.
I loved how he blended a tale of haunted houses, vengeful spirits, comuning with the dead, unsolved crime, and marital deceit into one spine-tingling and page turning novel. This was a chilling tale that I won't soon forget, especially as we continue looking for houses ( I might have to avoid basements for a while, though!)
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Prior to this, I had only read books under his other pen name (J. Boote), which are more in line with the splatterpunk genre. That aside, I was extremely impressed by this title and will definitely look into more of his work in general. It's become quite apparent that Justin is a solid author who has a knack for writing in multiple horror genres.
I loved how he blended a tale of haunted houses, vengeful spirits, comuning with the dead, unsolved crime, and marital deceit into one spine-tingling and page turning novel. This was a chilling tale that I won't soon forget, especially as we continue looking for houses ( I might have to avoid basements for a while, though!)
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2024
Creepy and Eerie
Soul Searchers by Justin Boote was a pretty creepy read. What started off as a traditional hauting type book quickly turned into a whodunit with ghosts.
This book really reminded me of the Insidious movies, with the older lady who can travel into the ghost plane, creepy kids and shadowy figures, and last but not least, a really scary blackish demon with hauting fire eyes.
I will forever picture the character Susanne as Lin Shaye from those movies.
The plot revolved around a married couple who moved into a new house. Almost immediately, the hauntings begin, and the ghosts want the couple to help solve their murder. With the help of an older bookshop owner and a detective, will they be able to solve it in time before the ghosts really start taking drastic measures?
There were a few issues I had with the book, more so some of the choices the characters made that drew me out of the story from time to time. But overall, this was a really enjoyable read.
I give this book 4 stars and will definitely have to look into both Justin Boote's and J. Boote's other works.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Soul Searchers by Justin Boote was a pretty creepy read. What started off as a traditional hauting type book quickly turned into a whodunit with ghosts.
This book really reminded me of the Insidious movies, with the older lady who can travel into the ghost plane, creepy kids and shadowy figures, and last but not least, a really scary blackish demon with hauting fire eyes.
I will forever picture the character Susanne as Lin Shaye from those movies.
The plot revolved around a married couple who moved into a new house. Almost immediately, the hauntings begin, and the ghosts want the couple to help solve their murder. With the help of an older bookshop owner and a detective, will they be able to solve it in time before the ghosts really start taking drastic measures?
There were a few issues I had with the book, more so some of the choices the characters made that drew me out of the story from time to time. But overall, this was a really enjoyable read.
I give this book 4 stars and will definitely have to look into both Justin Boote's and J. Boote's other works.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 30, 2023
So I've read some of Justin Boote's more extreme works (which I loved) so it was time to try one of his "tamer" books, now ghost books aren't normally my thing but I jumped at the chance to read this.
From the beginning you're greeted with interesting yet flawed characters who have to face not only the ghosts in their new home but the ghosts of their past as well. It's a fast-paced story with lots of creepy, unsettling, and sometimes visceral imagery which will keep you turning the page to find out what happens next. There are twists at the end to keep you guessing and overall the ending was perfect.
I highly recommend this book to everyone. 4.5 / 5
ARC Review - But at no point did Justin Boote threaten to haunt me or my cats.
From the beginning you're greeted with interesting yet flawed characters who have to face not only the ghosts in their new home but the ghosts of their past as well. It's a fast-paced story with lots of creepy, unsettling, and sometimes visceral imagery which will keep you turning the page to find out what happens next. There are twists at the end to keep you guessing and overall the ending was perfect.
I highly recommend this book to everyone. 4.5 / 5
ARC Review - But at no point did Justin Boote threaten to haunt me or my cats.
January 24, 2024
This was a great book! I love a good haunted house story, and the added element of a ghost hunter made this a fun, fast-paced, and very spooky read. There were a lot of layers to the characters and surprises throughout the book that makes you want to keep reading into the night.
My one constructive criticism is the dialogue isn’t very realistic. It was very noticeable and a bit distracting in the beginning of the book, but less so as the book progressed. That’s the only thing keeping this from being a 5 star book for me.
Thank you to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
My one constructive criticism is the dialogue isn’t very realistic. It was very noticeable and a bit distracting in the beginning of the book, but less so as the book progressed. That’s the only thing keeping this from being a 5 star book for me.
Thank you to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 17, 2023
I was given an awsome opportunity to read an advanced copy of Justin Boote s new book Soul Searchers. So of course I put aside my other books and dove right in, if it wasn't for the fact that I have a toddler I would have finished this book in a day because I couldn't put it down. I was hooked from the first sentence.
It was perfectly creepy and at times down right horrifying. The characters are so well developed and the writing is so vivid I thought I was there watching it all take place.It had everything you would want in a "cozy horror" book, vengeful ghosts, haunted houses, pure evil in both human and demonic form, blackmail, a dark secret, gore but it wasn't overly gory, likable characters, twists and turns. Several times I thought maybe there would be a happyish ending for a character but then Justin yanks the proverbial rug out from under you. The ending OMG it was so perfect and fit perfectly with the rest of the book and left me wanting more.
So if you are looking for a creepy ghostly read check this one out you will not be disappointed.
It was perfectly creepy and at times down right horrifying. The characters are so well developed and the writing is so vivid I thought I was there watching it all take place.It had everything you would want in a "cozy horror" book, vengeful ghosts, haunted houses, pure evil in both human and demonic form, blackmail, a dark secret, gore but it wasn't overly gory, likable characters, twists and turns. Several times I thought maybe there would be a happyish ending for a character but then Justin yanks the proverbial rug out from under you. The ending OMG it was so perfect and fit perfectly with the rest of the book and left me wanting more.
So if you are looking for a creepy ghostly read check this one out you will not be disappointed.
December 1, 2023
This one was so good it really was kind of like a mix of Insidious and Paranormal Activity. It had creepy ghosts and a mystery that needed to be solved, and I loved it. 🖤 I heard people say it's cozy horror. If this is cozy horror, I want more of it, lol 😉 Awesome job, Justin 👏
July 6, 2024
Ebook
October 22, 2024
This was a great story with some interesting characters. I would of loved to learn more about and spend more time with the soul searchers though.
December 2, 2023
I absolutely loved this book!!! Who doesn’t love good ghost story/haunted house story? This is an intriguing ghost story filled with mystery and suspense. When John and Cathy move into their dream house they have no idea what horrors await them. It turns out that they bought a haunted house
John and Cathy seek help from Suzanne who is a medium. Suzanne helps ghosts move on with the help of the Soul Searchers but something dark on the other side is about to make its presence known.
I could not put this book down. It is definitely a page turner. The ending was perfect and I was left wanting more. Hoping that may be there will be a sequel to come!!
John and Cathy seek help from Suzanne who is a medium. Suzanne helps ghosts move on with the help of the Soul Searchers but something dark on the other side is about to make its presence known.
I could not put this book down. It is definitely a page turner. The ending was perfect and I was left wanting more. Hoping that may be there will be a sequel to come!!
November 30, 2023
This was my first supernatural horror by Justin Boote, I've read The Monsters series (first three) and loved them and he has easily became one of my favourite authors. Some authors are made to write just one genre, but Justin does it easily in both, leaving you with a sense of dread and spookiness in a typical ghost story. Absolutely loved it and I need a sequel right about now!
December 1, 2023
Searching
John and Cathy just bought the perfect house. Except the cat stares at the basement door and acts strangely. Cathy hears things. What sinister past is this house hiding? Haunting tale full of chills.
John and Cathy just bought the perfect house. Except the cat stares at the basement door and acts strangely. Cathy hears things. What sinister past is this house hiding? Haunting tale full of chills.
May 7, 2024
This is a ghost story, but I struggled with this book. The titular spirits play an extremely minor role, which confuses me. There are two stories happening concurrently in this novel, yet the experiences of the main characters are repetitive and don't really intertwine until the end. Nothing moves forward in the story until the very end, and there were lots of loose ends that are not explained at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2024
Soul Searchers follows two stories as they eventually intertwine.
Susanne is a medium and owner of an occult shop. She follows in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother, and has grown a connection with a group of lost souls who she has deemed the soul searchers. Together, they work with the living to help their deceased loved ones cross over. However, there are some violently dark entities who want to put a complete stop to her work, leaving her to decide if she wants to continue helping spirits move on, or if she wants to risk her own life and the soul of her deceased daughter.
John and Cathy are a young married couple who have recently purchased a home sight unseen, and have put all of their savings into relocating. At first it seems absolutely perfect, and they're excited to start their new adventure together. It doesn't take long to realize that there's a reason their house came fully furnished and had been on the market for two years without any buyers. John starts hearing children crying in the house and seeing shadows moving beneath doors. Cathy notices the cat behaving strangely and feels eyes watching her even when she's alone in the house. At first it seems fun and quirky living in a haunted house, but things rapidly become sinister, leaving the couple to fear for their sanity and for Cathy to fear for a terrible secret to be revealed.
It took me far too long to read this book. I started it over my kids' spring break, figuring I'd have plenty of time to read it. Things kept coming up, and I was left only about twenty minutes tops per day to actually be able to sit and read. If I had the time, this easily would have been a read in one sitting kind of book. Thankfully this morning I had to bring my oldest to an orthodontist appointment, and after I dropped her off, I made myself go to my local coffee shop to finish the last 20% of the book. The barista may or may not have asked if I was ok when I audibly gasped near the end.
Even when I thought I knew where it was headed, I absolutely didn't. It creeped the hell out of me, particularly on my first night of reading when my son decided to make it an immersive experience. It was around 1130 at night, and I was reading in bed with the lights off. I got to the part where John first heard the ghostly wail of a child crying, when my door burst open to my sobbing son who woke up from a nightmare. Let's just say I was done reading for the night after that 🤣🤣🤣
Excellent book, even though I was no longer able to read it at night 🤣
Susanne is a medium and owner of an occult shop. She follows in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother, and has grown a connection with a group of lost souls who she has deemed the soul searchers. Together, they work with the living to help their deceased loved ones cross over. However, there are some violently dark entities who want to put a complete stop to her work, leaving her to decide if she wants to continue helping spirits move on, or if she wants to risk her own life and the soul of her deceased daughter.
John and Cathy are a young married couple who have recently purchased a home sight unseen, and have put all of their savings into relocating. At first it seems absolutely perfect, and they're excited to start their new adventure together. It doesn't take long to realize that there's a reason their house came fully furnished and had been on the market for two years without any buyers. John starts hearing children crying in the house and seeing shadows moving beneath doors. Cathy notices the cat behaving strangely and feels eyes watching her even when she's alone in the house. At first it seems fun and quirky living in a haunted house, but things rapidly become sinister, leaving the couple to fear for their sanity and for Cathy to fear for a terrible secret to be revealed.
It took me far too long to read this book. I started it over my kids' spring break, figuring I'd have plenty of time to read it. Things kept coming up, and I was left only about twenty minutes tops per day to actually be able to sit and read. If I had the time, this easily would have been a read in one sitting kind of book. Thankfully this morning I had to bring my oldest to an orthodontist appointment, and after I dropped her off, I made myself go to my local coffee shop to finish the last 20% of the book. The barista may or may not have asked if I was ok when I audibly gasped near the end.
Even when I thought I knew where it was headed, I absolutely didn't. It creeped the hell out of me, particularly on my first night of reading when my son decided to make it an immersive experience. It was around 1130 at night, and I was reading in bed with the lights off. I got to the part where John first heard the ghostly wail of a child crying, when my door burst open to my sobbing son who woke up from a nightmare. Let's just say I was done reading for the night after that 🤣🤣🤣
Excellent book, even though I was no longer able to read it at night 🤣
August 5, 2024
So Many Questions
***Spoilers***
So I was really enjoying this story, but it got weird. First of all this "main" character which it felt like they built up was killed and seemingly for nothing. Like why did we need her back story, why were there multiple entities that in the end didn't matter? Also towards the end, the entire way the detective handled everything was so unbelievable it really took me out of the story. The ending was even more confusing and while it upped the creepy factor, it doesn't explain who this entity is (I could guess, but there are a couple options.) It also doesn't explain why the daughter is creepy herself and why the cat hates her. There just seems to be a lot missing, not to mention that the title of the book ended up being as purposeless as the "main" character that died because they could have gotten the name of the hospital (it had already been mentioned) without her and the detectives were already on the right track. I also find it really odd that in the beginning of the book they talk about what a great guy and sweet and caring father the husband was and that he was only a monster when he drank. So I'm not sure why he remained this monster contrary to what we know long after the incident and sobering up. I gave this 3 stars because of how invested I was throughout the first half of the book and I felt like this was going to be a really great story. It had amazing potential. However the loose ends, things not adding up and pointlessness of key characters just took me out of it completely by the end. I still look forward to more by this author and have enjoyed his other work as well.
***Spoilers***
So I was really enjoying this story, but it got weird. First of all this "main" character which it felt like they built up was killed and seemingly for nothing. Like why did we need her back story, why were there multiple entities that in the end didn't matter? Also towards the end, the entire way the detective handled everything was so unbelievable it really took me out of the story. The ending was even more confusing and while it upped the creepy factor, it doesn't explain who this entity is (I could guess, but there are a couple options.) It also doesn't explain why the daughter is creepy herself and why the cat hates her. There just seems to be a lot missing, not to mention that the title of the book ended up being as purposeless as the "main" character that died because they could have gotten the name of the hospital (it had already been mentioned) without her and the detectives were already on the right track. I also find it really odd that in the beginning of the book they talk about what a great guy and sweet and caring father the husband was and that he was only a monster when he drank. So I'm not sure why he remained this monster contrary to what we know long after the incident and sobering up. I gave this 3 stars because of how invested I was throughout the first half of the book and I felt like this was going to be a really great story. It had amazing potential. However the loose ends, things not adding up and pointlessness of key characters just took me out of it completely by the end. I still look forward to more by this author and have enjoyed his other work as well.
April 7, 2024
“The spirits you’ve been seeing are just lost souls, nothing malicious about them at all” …
Susanne’s words could comfort the haunted and her unique abilities could guide the souls doing the haunting to a better place. Unfortunately for her, some souls, living and dead, don’t always have the best intentions…
I only picked this one up because I’m a huge fan of Mr. Boote. For me, haunted houses and ghost stories have become trope; they haven’t been my thing in years. I’m so delighted that his spin on this overused subject was uniquely “Justin” and downright creepy.
The storylines diverged in and out with a fluidity that can only be attributed to the robust characters. Their feelings and innermost thoughts are laid bare upon the page with soft intimacy that, at times, made a chill run down my spine.
And let me tell you, it wasn’t always a good chill.
I found myself looking around the darkness a little closer every night when I went to bed.
Listening a little harder for a scratching sound in my walls.
And Sparky, I’ve never missed having a cat so much…
“He says he’s coming to visit us soon.”
Those words are ringing in my ears… I need to know what’s going to happen next; but I’m also not looking forward to being fearful of the dark again.
This book is one of my top contenders in the Books of Horror, Indie Author Brawl. If you haven’t picked it up yet, I can’t recommend enough that you check it out, but maybe keep the lights on..
Susanne’s words could comfort the haunted and her unique abilities could guide the souls doing the haunting to a better place. Unfortunately for her, some souls, living and dead, don’t always have the best intentions…
I only picked this one up because I’m a huge fan of Mr. Boote. For me, haunted houses and ghost stories have become trope; they haven’t been my thing in years. I’m so delighted that his spin on this overused subject was uniquely “Justin” and downright creepy.
The storylines diverged in and out with a fluidity that can only be attributed to the robust characters. Their feelings and innermost thoughts are laid bare upon the page with soft intimacy that, at times, made a chill run down my spine.
And let me tell you, it wasn’t always a good chill.
I found myself looking around the darkness a little closer every night when I went to bed.
Listening a little harder for a scratching sound in my walls.
And Sparky, I’ve never missed having a cat so much…
“He says he’s coming to visit us soon.”
Those words are ringing in my ears… I need to know what’s going to happen next; but I’m also not looking forward to being fearful of the dark again.
This book is one of my top contenders in the Books of Horror, Indie Author Brawl. If you haven’t picked it up yet, I can’t recommend enough that you check it out, but maybe keep the lights on..
November 27, 2023
Soul Searchers was written by one of my go-to authors, Justin Boote. The books I am used to reading by Justin are under his penname, J. Boote, where he writes splatterpunk and extreme horror. He promised more of a cozy ghost story, so I had no idea what to expect.
The book focuses on two storylines that merge together. One is that of John and Cathy, a couple that just moved into a new home and started experiencing unnerving instances that the family cat alerts them to. The other is that of Suzanne, a medium who uses her gift to help people and assist their loved ones to cross over to find peace with the help of spirit guides called Soul Searchers.
Justin has a way of hooking the reader pretty quickly, and this one did that for me. The horrifying origin story may not have been as gruesome as his other books, but it had the perfect amount of bloody horror to hook me. I loved that one of the main characters has a secret that the ghosts use against them as leverage to help solve their murder. I loved using the beloved cat to signal the strange occurrences before they appeared for John and Cathy. I loved being able to immerse myself in the story.
Thank you to Justin Boote for gifting me an eArc copy of Soul Searchers. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The book focuses on two storylines that merge together. One is that of John and Cathy, a couple that just moved into a new home and started experiencing unnerving instances that the family cat alerts them to. The other is that of Suzanne, a medium who uses her gift to help people and assist their loved ones to cross over to find peace with the help of spirit guides called Soul Searchers.
Justin has a way of hooking the reader pretty quickly, and this one did that for me. The horrifying origin story may not have been as gruesome as his other books, but it had the perfect amount of bloody horror to hook me. I loved that one of the main characters has a secret that the ghosts use against them as leverage to help solve their murder. I loved using the beloved cat to signal the strange occurrences before they appeared for John and Cathy. I loved being able to immerse myself in the story.
Thank you to Justin Boote for gifting me an eArc copy of Soul Searchers. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 8, 2023
SOUL SEARCHERS- JUSTIN BOOTE
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Souls outside of the body are just ghosts after all, right?
You meet Susanna who plays an important part in the story. You then briefly meet Alex, Matilda, Darren and Jane.
Cathy and John finally have their dream home and they can start a family.
Immediately after moving in their cat is acting disturbed , opening doors, knocking over boxes and staring in corners. The couple shakes it off to new house jitters.
Soon Cathy and John are hearing things, seeing things and going mad that they might be living in a haunted house.
Time is running out for Cathy before her secret is revealed and she is desperate to keep this secret hidden. She has to seek out Susanna to help her to uncover what happened in their house and keep her secrets buried
This is a story of ghosts, a haunted house , blackmail and murder. This is well written but at times had me screaming to stop eluding to the secrets and just tell me, however, in due time because it is where it needed to be.
I’m beyond excited to read more by this author.
This book comes out December 1st but you can pre-order now!
https://mybook.to/Soulsearchers
December 7, 2023
I went into Soul Searchers blind. I read the blurb a long while ago, but didn't remember exactly what it was about. Thankfully, Justin Boote draws you into this story immediately and he doesn't let you go until it's over. We open on Susanne Hill communicating with spirits that she calls Soul Searchers. These entities help her guide lost souls to move on and rest in peace. However, in addition to the kind Soul Searchers, there are also dark entities beyond the veil. One of these demonic entities warns Susanne to stay away because he wants the lost souls for himself.
Meanwhile, John and Cathy Richwood have just moved into their first home together. It seems perfect, until noises, moved objects, and a freaked out cat named Sparky make them begin to wonder if their dream home is haunted. At first, they think it's fun and romantic to have a presence in the house. But eventually, the haunting turns sinister and is no longer fun.
Filled with creepy moments, scary dreams and visions, and secrets kept between the couple, this book kept me interested and turning pages the entire time. Definitely recommend for lovers of haunted houses and ghost stories.
Meanwhile, John and Cathy Richwood have just moved into their first home together. It seems perfect, until noises, moved objects, and a freaked out cat named Sparky make them begin to wonder if their dream home is haunted. At first, they think it's fun and romantic to have a presence in the house. But eventually, the haunting turns sinister and is no longer fun.
Filled with creepy moments, scary dreams and visions, and secrets kept between the couple, this book kept me interested and turning pages the entire time. Definitely recommend for lovers of haunted houses and ghost stories.
May 19, 2024
My latest read was Soul Searchers, by Justin Boote. It’s got horror, mystery, deception, good souls, angry ghosts, and dark spirits. I so wanted to give this book a higher rating because I really enjoyed it, but there were a couple of issues that took me out of the moment while reading which detracted from getting fully immersed in it at times.
I’ll start with the cons, so that I can end on a positive note. A few errors got past the editing process, which is no big deal, other than taking me out of the moment while reading. In addition to that, I found a couple of lines that had me scratching my head, causing “huh?” moments, mainly things that seemed contradictory. Not big deals, but enough to interrupt the flow for me.
As for the pros of this book, the story itself is strong, with just the right amount of creep factor. Also, while I did figure out one element of the story early on, there was enough of the story that I didn’t figure out to keep me engaged enough to enjoy it. I do wish there was more of a storyline with the soul searchers themselves, but that’s just a personal preference, not something I would hold against the author. I give this book a 4 out of 5.
I’ll start with the cons, so that I can end on a positive note. A few errors got past the editing process, which is no big deal, other than taking me out of the moment while reading. In addition to that, I found a couple of lines that had me scratching my head, causing “huh?” moments, mainly things that seemed contradictory. Not big deals, but enough to interrupt the flow for me.
As for the pros of this book, the story itself is strong, with just the right amount of creep factor. Also, while I did figure out one element of the story early on, there was enough of the story that I didn’t figure out to keep me engaged enough to enjoy it. I do wish there was more of a storyline with the soul searchers themselves, but that’s just a personal preference, not something I would hold against the author. I give this book a 4 out of 5.
November 13, 2023
What a great story of a haunted house and its new tenants!
The way Justin Boote writes so you get to know the characters through the book is fantastic.This one left me on edge the whole time and wanting for more. I read it in about 3 settings, most of it today! There is not one book by him that I have read and not liked!
When Cathy and John move into their new home, they have no idea the horrors that lay ahead. At first they attributed the noises and goings on to it being a new to them house and not knowing the sounds it makes and the cat exploring and getting to know it's new home.
Then they started hearing voices, a baby crying and seeing shadows. Cathy found it romantic and amusing at first, until things started getting out of hand. She sought out a known medium in town, who refused to help as she had given up her craft a while ago, after a devastating accident.
Like I said above, this was a great haunted house read and I highly suggest picking this one up when it comes out December 1st, you won't be disappointed!
The way Justin Boote writes so you get to know the characters through the book is fantastic.This one left me on edge the whole time and wanting for more. I read it in about 3 settings, most of it today! There is not one book by him that I have read and not liked!
When Cathy and John move into their new home, they have no idea the horrors that lay ahead. At first they attributed the noises and goings on to it being a new to them house and not knowing the sounds it makes and the cat exploring and getting to know it's new home.
Then they started hearing voices, a baby crying and seeing shadows. Cathy found it romantic and amusing at first, until things started getting out of hand. She sought out a known medium in town, who refused to help as she had given up her craft a while ago, after a devastating accident.
Like I said above, this was a great haunted house read and I highly suggest picking this one up when it comes out December 1st, you won't be disappointed!
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