Holy Flip……
Book Information
Dawn Merriman is the author of The Spirit Girls, a 210-page book set to be published on May 9th, 2023. The audio version, narrated by Stephanie Cannon, has a running time of 5 hours and 45 minutes. The Spirit Girls is anticipated to be the first installment in a series of novels.
Summary
Rylan Flynn, a girl living in Ashby, Indiana, has the ability to see spirits. While visiting her aunt's cabin, Rylan discovers the ghost of Celeste Monroe and her murdered body in the woods. As a coin with strange symbols is found in Celeste's throat, Rylan realizes that a twisted killer is likely at work. Although Rylan's abilities could help prevent further deaths, the town's detective, Ford Pierce, does not want her involvement. With another murder and evidence pointing toward her family, Rylan is determined to uncover the truth and find the murderer before they strike again.
My Thoughts
The Spirit Girls is a light, easy read that combines elements of paranormal, religion, romance, and mystery. While the author adeptly weaves these themes together, the book left me just a bit short. One of the major drawbacks was my difficulty in connecting with the main character, Rylan. Despite her traumatic past and her ability to see ghosts, her bubbly demeanor seemed somewhat unrealistic.
The police investigation also falls short of expectations, with their attitude and commentary often feeling far-fetched. Moreover, the characters, plot, and relationships skew towards young adult readers, with Rylan's language (Holy-Flip) and behavior (Jammin-Out in the car), as well as the budding romance, conveying a distinctly YA vibe. As such, those seeking a more complex mystery with darker paranormal elements may be left disappointed.
Stephanie Cannon delivers an excellent performance as the narrator, deftly managing multiple voices. However, her voice seems better suited for a YA novel than an adult paranormal murder story.
All in all, while The Spirit Girls is not a bad read, it may not satisfy readers looking for a more sophisticated mystery or a more nuanced characterization of its main protagonist.
Recommendation
While the writing may not be to everyone's taste the book will likely appeal to younger readers who enjoy lighter paranormal tales. It wasn’t an unenjoyable read—just not my cup of tea.
Rating
3 Jammin-Out Stars.