What do you think?
Rate this book
Ghost Hunter Mystery #11
A Ghoul's Gotta Do: A Ghost Hunter Mystery
A PICTURE PAINTS A THOUSAND SCCREAMSIn this long-awaited 11th installment of the New York Times bestselling Ghost Hunter Mysteries series, M.J. Holliday, her husband Heath Whitefeather, and their visiting best friend Gilley Gillespie are attacked in the Whitefeather home by a pair of demons intent on robbing Heath of his very soul and killing anyone else who stands in the way.
The demons emerge from the portraits of Heath's Native American ancestors, and now the artist and driving force behind the demons' appearance--Will Morningstar--is on the run. Worse yet, a stream of subsequent attacks and murders among a few powerful members of the Santa Fe Pueblo Tribal Council tells the ghost hunters that there are more portraits, demons, and a nefarious mystery person's agenda to contend with.
As circumstances change and become even more deadly, the only thing the ghost-hunting crew can count on, besides each other, is that, where Will's portraits are hung, a demon and death quickly follow.
M.J., Heath, and Gilley must hunt Will down, get to the bottom of the mystery behind the targeted attacks, and lock the demons back in hell before the evil force behind their unleashing murders them all.
The demons emerge from the portraits of Heath's Native American ancestors, and now the artist and driving force behind the demons' appearance--Will Morningstar--is on the run. Worse yet, a stream of subsequent attacks and murders among a few powerful members of the Santa Fe Pueblo Tribal Council tells the ghost hunters that there are more portraits, demons, and a nefarious mystery person's agenda to contend with.
As circumstances change and become even more deadly, the only thing the ghost-hunting crew can count on, besides each other, is that, where Will's portraits are hung, a demon and death quickly follow.
M.J., Heath, and Gilley must hunt Will down, get to the bottom of the mystery behind the targeted attacks, and lock the demons back in hell before the evil force behind their unleashing murders them all.
328 pages, Paperback
First published May 16, 2024
51 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Laurie
46 books3,175 followersVictoria Laurie is the New York Times bestselling author of 32 books and counting. Over the past 16 years Victoria has created several series and a few stand-alone novels. Her mystery series include: The Psychic Eye Mysteries, The Life Coach Mysteries, and The Ghost Hunter Mysteries. She's also the author of two YA books, When and Forever Again, as well as a middle-grade series called The Oracles of Delphi Keep.
Currently, Victoria is working on the 17th book in both the Psychic Eye Mysteries and the 3rd book in the Life Coach Mysteries, along with also working to produce a brand NEW series called Spellbound set for release winter/spring 2020.
Victoria loves to connect with her fans, and you can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Victo...
Currently, Victoria is working on the 17th book in both the Psychic Eye Mysteries and the 3rd book in the Life Coach Mysteries, along with also working to produce a brand NEW series called Spellbound set for release winter/spring 2020.
Victoria loves to connect with her fans, and you can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Victo...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
May 20, 2024
Wow... Just wow. MJ and tribe are back and boy was it worth the wait!!
A massive Victoria Laurie fan, I've read and re-read the MJ series (and Abby Cooper Psychic Eye series) for years. I was truely gutted when several years ago the MJ series ended (or so I thought).
This gripping installment came out a few days ago and let me tell you I hated every second I had to put it down to do normal life. By about 20% of the way in to the book I had literal goosebumps, from the storyline to the way it was written. Victoria Laurie creates characters that you cannot help but become attached to and adore and this story put our beloved trio through the ringer. Twists and turns, emotional havoc, demons and spirits and the ever eternal love between MJ, Heath and Gil - the only bad part of the book was when it ended!
I've said it before and I'll say it again 1000 times, if you enjoy the supernatural genre with a serving of sassy attitude, kickbutt action, humour and love then Victoria Laurie's books are definitely for you. Highly recommend this book but I would definitely say, start the series from the beginning to get the full impact of how intense the storyline is for the characters.
A massive Victoria Laurie fan, I've read and re-read the MJ series (and Abby Cooper Psychic Eye series) for years. I was truely gutted when several years ago the MJ series ended (or so I thought).
This gripping installment came out a few days ago and let me tell you I hated every second I had to put it down to do normal life. By about 20% of the way in to the book I had literal goosebumps, from the storyline to the way it was written. Victoria Laurie creates characters that you cannot help but become attached to and adore and this story put our beloved trio through the ringer. Twists and turns, emotional havoc, demons and spirits and the ever eternal love between MJ, Heath and Gil - the only bad part of the book was when it ended!
I've said it before and I'll say it again 1000 times, if you enjoy the supernatural genre with a serving of sassy attitude, kickbutt action, humour and love then Victoria Laurie's books are definitely for you. Highly recommend this book but I would definitely say, start the series from the beginning to get the full impact of how intense the storyline is for the characters.
November 20, 2024
This series was the first I read of this author, and I loved it so much I had to read everything else she has written. The series wrapped eight years ago. It was bittersweet, but I get that people freak out if you have characters who are moms going off and fighting all the ghosties and demons. It doesn't bother me, but I get that a lot of people would find that upsetting. Which is why the way this was done was so perfect. It completely made sense why the team had to come out of retirement to take this on, and I am so glad they did. I forgot how truly scary these books can be, and I honestly did not know who would make it through this. I appreciate how realistic this was in terms of the struggles of being older and out of practice when stepping back into something. 39 year old me could not do the same level of paranormal investigations 22 year old me was doing. Sitting on the floor? I am not getting up without help or throwing my back out. Functioning days at a time without sleep? I can't even sit on the couch without passing out every single night. We are all older, but MJ, Gilley and Heath stepped up and took on things that would honestly have had me moving out of state instantly. I missed these characters so much and loved the hell out of this. I definitely want to do a full series reread now.
August 22, 2024
It has been 5 years since the last book in the Ghost Hunter Mystery series, A Ghoul's Guide to Love and Murder, and I thought I already said goodbye to the Holliday-Whitefeather gang. Heck, even Gilley had starred in another series of Laurie. So I was pleasantly surprised when in Laurie's newsletter, she announced another book in this series.
I must say that this book went directly to 4th gear and didn't stop until the very last chapter! It was quite a ride for M.J., Heath, and Gilley because this time they're facing multiple demons. And the number of dead casualties in this book were even more than one person!
I was quite happy seeing the newest members of the Holliday-Whitefeather family, namely M.J. and Heath's children. It was lovely scenes between them and Gilley too. I also enjoyed the whole demon banishing business even if our heroes suffer quite a lot of cuts and bruises here. I hope they heal nicely though, and they could stay away from demons for more years!
I must say that this book went directly to 4th gear and didn't stop until the very last chapter! It was quite a ride for M.J., Heath, and Gilley because this time they're facing multiple demons. And the number of dead casualties in this book were even more than one person!
I was quite happy seeing the newest members of the Holliday-Whitefeather family, namely M.J. and Heath's children. It was lovely scenes between them and Gilley too. I also enjoyed the whole demon banishing business even if our heroes suffer quite a lot of cuts and bruises here. I hope they heal nicely though, and they could stay away from demons for more years!
Read
May 18, 2024Wowee!
What a ride! Another exhilarating, edge of seat gripping tale from VL! So excited to see MJ, Heath and Gilley again!
What a ride! Another exhilarating, edge of seat gripping tale from VL! So excited to see MJ, Heath and Gilley again!
May 29, 2024
MJ IS BACK! Enough said. Loved it and it makes me want to go back and read the whole series all over again.
July 10, 2024
I will read any mystery Victoria Laurie writes! I don’t understand why more people don’t read her books. They are well written, fast paced and have fantastic titles. They technically are cozy mysteries but don’t feel “cozy”. No over the top twists. Her characters are fully developed and grow throughout the series.
I was so surprised when I found this latest edition in the Ghost Hunter series. A few years ago the series was brought to a close. This book picks up several years after MJ, Heath and Gilley have stopped ghost hunting.Definitely worth the wait! I am hopeful that she will continue to write the series!!! Gilleyis in town visiting MJ, Heath and the kids when the ghoulies come knocking.
Full of creepy atmosphere. A few moments were down right chilling. Never so scary that I couldn’t sleep at night! Somehow Laurie balances the spooky with the fun. The trio get sucked back into ghost hunting when a demon is brought into their house via a painting. This was high stakes with plenty of action. Still filled with the usual zany antics and humor when Gilley is around. Loved the New Mexico setting.
You could jump into this series with this book without being confused. But starting at the beginning and experiencing the joy of all the books is my recommendation.
Highly recommend this book and the whole series! Still hoping to have Gilley be the main character in a book some day!
I was so surprised when I found this latest edition in the Ghost Hunter series. A few years ago the series was brought to a close. This book picks up several years after MJ, Heath and Gilley have stopped ghost hunting.Definitely worth the wait! I am hopeful that she will continue to write the series!!! Gilleyis in town visiting MJ, Heath and the kids when the ghoulies come knocking.
Full of creepy atmosphere. A few moments were down right chilling. Never so scary that I couldn’t sleep at night! Somehow Laurie balances the spooky with the fun. The trio get sucked back into ghost hunting when a demon is brought into their house via a painting. This was high stakes with plenty of action. Still filled with the usual zany antics and humor when Gilley is around. Loved the New Mexico setting.
You could jump into this series with this book without being confused. But starting at the beginning and experiencing the joy of all the books is my recommendation.
Highly recommend this book and the whole series! Still hoping to have Gilley be the main character in a book some day!
July 8, 2024
Oh, how I’ve missed this series, these characters, these harrowing situations! I loved being back in MJ and Heath’s world again and their happy-ever-after until it isn’t. The mystery was fascinating and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time; it’s creative, fresh, terrifying, and much gorier than I remember but it makes for a thrilling read. I don’t remember Gilley being this brave and adept at rushing in to save the day but this was a nice surprise (it's been awhile since I've read this series). I hope for many more in this series.
July 29, 2024
Was just ok
I loved her previous books in this series, but this one left me confused by the storyline. I also felt that the use of the F word was unnecessary and used way too many times.
I loved her previous books in this series, but this one left me confused by the storyline. I also felt that the use of the F word was unnecessary and used way too many times.
Read
September 7, 2025DNF
January 18, 2025
A Ghoul's Gotta Do is the eleventh book in the Ghost Hunter series by Victoria Laurie. This series originally ended in 2016 with A Ghoul's Guide to Love and Murder. Fans of the series bemoaned the ending of the series and Laurie added this installment in 2024.
MJ Holliday Whitefeather retired from ghost hunting (and demon-slaying) and has been living in New Mexico with her Native-American husband Heath, even giving up doing psychic readings for clients. She's now the mother of eight-year-old daughter Margot and six-year-old twins Skyler and Chase. Her BFF (from childhood to present), Gilly Gillespie has come for a visit. It's been eight years since the events of book 10, A Ghoul's Guide to Love and Murder. After the three barely survived those events and MJ's retirement, Gil moved to the Hamptons and now works with Cat Cooper, sister to Abby Cooper of the Psychic Eye series. (Cat and Gil star in the Life Coach series.)
Heath arrives at their new house with not only Gil, but with four large canvases, paintings of several of Heath's ancestors created by local artist Will Morningstar. It seems the ancestors have been appearing to Will in his dreams and he paints huge, very lifelike portraits of them. One of the portraits Heath brings home is of Sam Whitefeather, MJ's spirit guide, which they hang in a prominent place in their home.
That night, MJ is awakened from a disturbing dream and rises to check on the kids (and Gil). Happy that all appears fine, she heads back upstairs, but gets a creepy feeling halfway up. She looks to Sam's portrait for comfort and sees it disintegrating before her eyes. "A sinister monster, created of black ash and red blood oozed all over the canvas, forming claws, fangs, and blood-red eyes." Stupidly feeling safe, she and Heath have stored their old demon-slaying and protective gear off site, leaving them all unprotected.
She screams out to her spirit guide, Sam, only to hear something she's never heard or felt previously, Sam is screaming in pain. MJ is attacked by the monster only getting free when Margot screams in terror from the bottom of the staircase. She struggles to get to her daughter, and luckily Gil shows up in his old protective, magnetic vest and gets Margot out of the house. MJ calls for Heath, who seems to be enthralled by the demon and can't break away. MJ gets to her boys, finds some magnetic toys for them to hold onto, then goes back for Heath, finally breaking his connection to the monster. She's able to get all of them out of the house to temporary safety. Phew... And, that's just in the opening 40 pages.
Heath's uncle takes the kids to safety at his mother's place in Phoenix, AZ and the three demon slayers gear up and set out to find out what the heck is going on. Is Will knowingly painting portals for demons? MJ can't feel her spirit guide any longer. Has the demon "killed" him in the spirit realm? Who and how many more of the ancestor spirits are in danger or already gone? What about their very alive descendants and relatives? And, what about Heath who has been weakened by his encounter with the demon?
The three are joined in their quest by Sheriff Pena, who we met in book 6, Ghoul Interrupted, when the team--and Pena--barely survived facing down the the black hawk demon when vacationing with Heath's family in New Mexico. Heath's brother-in-law Brody and Julia Sisneros also join the team. Julia's uncle, Julio, is in a coma after encountering a demon that came out of an ancestor portrait he had hanging in his house. Turns out the demon sucks the soul out of the living and traps it in the underworld leaving the human body to die soulless and zombie-like if not discovered in time to get the comatose body to medical care.
Their search for Will, whose studio has been cleared of all art supplies--paints, canvases, etc.-- leads to his half-sister, who has been stabbed by a very human killer. Was it Will, who appears to be on the run? Who else is involved and why? What is to be gained from the attacks on the living and the spirits of the dead? Add in an old enemy... One thing MJ knows for sure is that the demon won't stop until all the Whitefeathers are gone, including her children and husband. She's not about to let that happen.
This book was a thrill ride from beginning to end (4.5 rolled down to 4). What I loved most about it was the familial love throughout the story. The ferocity of Mama MJ protecting her babies was fierce. She fought to save her family--all of it, spirit and human and the strong motherly love and protective instincts she felt for her children was front and center as was the love she felt for and shared with Heath. We get to see that same parental love from Heath as well. Even the familial bond she and Gil have was forefront as Gil braved facing the demon, sometimes on his own, in order to protect/save MJ--not something Gilly usually does as freely as he did in this outing. And, the love that saved in the end... Just WOW!
As for the mystery... I figured out the culprit, but not the reasons behind everything until the clues regarding them started dropping and one of the things I suspected was incorrect, so some red herrings. Overall, it was well done and the ending was as satisfying as it could be when the guilty can only really be held accountable for human crimes.
I'm sort of left with a question, which I'll spoiler tag because it does spoil part of the ending:
And one observation that doesn't spoil the ending, but could be an overall spoiler about the characters:
Sadly, this appears to be the last book in this series. Laurie stated in a recent newsletter, "Last year I spent a full 3 months writing the 11th book in the M.J. Holliday, Ghost Hunter Mysteries, (A Ghoul's Gotta Do) and a shockingly small number of my fabulous fans purchased it--definitely not enough generated in revenue to continue the series. So, M.J., is done. There will be no more in that series."
I am once again saddened that the series has come to an end, but I hope we'll continue getting Holliday-Whitefeather updates in Laurie's other two connected series, Psychic Eye and Life Coach. Heath has appeared in the Life Coach series a couple of times; ditto MJ in Psychic Eye. Even though Gil and Cat are besties, MJ is his BFF, his family. For him to call and get calls from MJ, Heath, and/or the kids would not be out of the ordinary. The Holliday-Whitefeathers could appear as consultants for Cat and Gilly and Abby now and then in person or via phone, with no demonic activity, only good old-fashioned crime-solving. I'd love to see the characters live on even if it's only the "cozy" stuff like what the kids are up to, how MJ and Heath are doing, how Heath's family is doing, etc.
NOTE: This series is darker than most cozy series. While there is a mystery to be solved, fighting demons can be (is) very violent--they're demons after all! The graphic action and some of the language is more "adult" than some readers are used to seeing in their usual cozy mystery. I love the series and am not bothered by the adult themes, action, and language. However, if you're worried about this, read some descriptions and reviews before picking up the series.
This book was not complimentary. I am reviewing it of my own free will because the book, or the experience of reading it, moved me to do so. All thoughts and opinions are my own, biased only by my experience(s), likes, and dislikes.
#Victoria_Laurie; #Ghost_Hunter; #MJ_Holliday; #Psychic_Eye; #Life_Coach
MJ Holliday Whitefeather retired from ghost hunting (and demon-slaying) and has been living in New Mexico with her Native-American husband Heath, even giving up doing psychic readings for clients. She's now the mother of eight-year-old daughter Margot and six-year-old twins Skyler and Chase. Her BFF (from childhood to present), Gilly Gillespie has come for a visit. It's been eight years since the events of book 10, A Ghoul's Guide to Love and Murder. After the three barely survived those events and MJ's retirement, Gil moved to the Hamptons and now works with Cat Cooper, sister to Abby Cooper of the Psychic Eye series. (Cat and Gil star in the Life Coach series.)
Heath arrives at their new house with not only Gil, but with four large canvases, paintings of several of Heath's ancestors created by local artist Will Morningstar. It seems the ancestors have been appearing to Will in his dreams and he paints huge, very lifelike portraits of them. One of the portraits Heath brings home is of Sam Whitefeather, MJ's spirit guide, which they hang in a prominent place in their home.
That night, MJ is awakened from a disturbing dream and rises to check on the kids (and Gil). Happy that all appears fine, she heads back upstairs, but gets a creepy feeling halfway up. She looks to Sam's portrait for comfort and sees it disintegrating before her eyes. "A sinister monster, created of black ash and red blood oozed all over the canvas, forming claws, fangs, and blood-red eyes." Stupidly feeling safe, she and Heath have stored their old demon-slaying and protective gear off site, leaving them all unprotected.
She screams out to her spirit guide, Sam, only to hear something she's never heard or felt previously, Sam is screaming in pain. MJ is attacked by the monster only getting free when Margot screams in terror from the bottom of the staircase. She struggles to get to her daughter, and luckily Gil shows up in his old protective, magnetic vest and gets Margot out of the house. MJ calls for Heath, who seems to be enthralled by the demon and can't break away. MJ gets to her boys, finds some magnetic toys for them to hold onto, then goes back for Heath, finally breaking his connection to the monster. She's able to get all of them out of the house to temporary safety. Phew... And, that's just in the opening 40 pages.
Heath's uncle takes the kids to safety at his mother's place in Phoenix, AZ and the three demon slayers gear up and set out to find out what the heck is going on. Is Will knowingly painting portals for demons? MJ can't feel her spirit guide any longer. Has the demon "killed" him in the spirit realm? Who and how many more of the ancestor spirits are in danger or already gone? What about their very alive descendants and relatives? And, what about Heath who has been weakened by his encounter with the demon?
The three are joined in their quest by Sheriff Pena, who we met in book 6, Ghoul Interrupted, when the team--and Pena--barely survived facing down the the black hawk demon when vacationing with Heath's family in New Mexico. Heath's brother-in-law Brody and Julia Sisneros also join the team. Julia's uncle, Julio, is in a coma after encountering a demon that came out of an ancestor portrait he had hanging in his house. Turns out the demon sucks the soul out of the living and traps it in the underworld leaving the human body to die soulless and zombie-like if not discovered in time to get the comatose body to medical care.
Their search for Will, whose studio has been cleared of all art supplies--paints, canvases, etc.-- leads to his half-sister, who has been stabbed by a very human killer. Was it Will, who appears to be on the run? Who else is involved and why? What is to be gained from the attacks on the living and the spirits of the dead? Add in an old enemy... One thing MJ knows for sure is that the demon won't stop until all the Whitefeathers are gone, including her children and husband. She's not about to let that happen.
This book was a thrill ride from beginning to end (4.5 rolled down to 4). What I loved most about it was the familial love throughout the story. The ferocity of Mama MJ protecting her babies was fierce. She fought to save her family--all of it, spirit and human and the strong motherly love and protective instincts she felt for her children was front and center as was the love she felt for and shared with Heath. We get to see that same parental love from Heath as well. Even the familial bond she and Gil have was forefront as Gil braved facing the demon, sometimes on his own, in order to protect/save MJ--not something Gilly usually does as freely as he did in this outing. And, the love that saved in the end... Just WOW!
As for the mystery... I figured out the culprit, but not the reasons behind everything until the clues regarding them started dropping and one of the things I suspected was incorrect, so some red herrings. Overall, it was well done and the ending was as satisfying as it could be when the guilty can only really be held accountable for human crimes.
I'm sort of left with a question, which I'll spoiler tag because it does spoil part of the ending:
And one observation that doesn't spoil the ending, but could be an overall spoiler about the characters:
Sadly, this appears to be the last book in this series. Laurie stated in a recent newsletter, "Last year I spent a full 3 months writing the 11th book in the M.J. Holliday, Ghost Hunter Mysteries, (A Ghoul's Gotta Do) and a shockingly small number of my fabulous fans purchased it--definitely not enough generated in revenue to continue the series. So, M.J., is done. There will be no more in that series."
I am once again saddened that the series has come to an end, but I hope we'll continue getting Holliday-Whitefeather updates in Laurie's other two connected series, Psychic Eye and Life Coach. Heath has appeared in the Life Coach series a couple of times; ditto MJ in Psychic Eye. Even though Gil and Cat are besties, MJ is his BFF, his family. For him to call and get calls from MJ, Heath, and/or the kids would not be out of the ordinary. The Holliday-Whitefeathers could appear as consultants for Cat and Gilly and Abby now and then in person or via phone, with no demonic activity, only good old-fashioned crime-solving. I'd love to see the characters live on even if it's only the "cozy" stuff like what the kids are up to, how MJ and Heath are doing, how Heath's family is doing, etc.
NOTE: This series is darker than most cozy series. While there is a mystery to be solved, fighting demons can be (is) very violent--they're demons after all! The graphic action and some of the language is more "adult" than some readers are used to seeing in their usual cozy mystery. I love the series and am not bothered by the adult themes, action, and language. However, if you're worried about this, read some descriptions and reviews before picking up the series.
This book was not complimentary. I am reviewing it of my own free will because the book, or the experience of reading it, moved me to do so. All thoughts and opinions are my own, biased only by my experience(s), likes, and dislikes.
#Victoria_Laurie; #Ghost_Hunter; #MJ_Holliday; #Psychic_Eye; #Life_Coach
June 7, 2024
I sure hope we get more MJ, Gilley, and Heath!! Such fun ghostbusting action!
October 6, 2025
Ohhhh to see M.J., Heath and Gilley again was such a treat!! Book eleven in the series… incredible! It was long awaited, even with book ten ending on a great note of finality! With such great characters it was tough to say goodbye.
God, reading this sent me back to 2019!!! I remember finding books one through six of the Ghost Hunter Mystery series at the local Goodwill (all autographed, too!) and once I started I fell in love with the characters and the fun and haunting stories!! I was able to check out the rest digitally from my local public library as time went on. I’ll admit I did binge read the series (something I’m trying not to do nowadays) but it was a binge that was well worth it simply because of how enjoyable the stories were!! Plus it was great being able to see the character developments occur a lot quicker than having to wait a year between installments. I still love how the writing changed a bit in book ten with how Victoria began including the word ‘fuck’. Haha! It was certainly fitting considering they were dealing with nasty demons and spooks and I loved that that same energy carried over into this story! I’m sure it helps readers feel a bit more connected because I know it’s certainly what I’d be saying if I was facing off against anything like what they do!
Last year I bought this as a gift for myself for my birthday but never got around to reading it until now. This year in October I wanted to read Halloween/spooky themed books to fully embrace the vibes of the holiday season. I knew I had to start with was this one!!
Side note, I kinda wish I’d have reread book six in the series, Ghoul Interrupted, beforehand. I even considered it but figured the knowledge one would need to know from previous installments would be mentioned again. But there were some returning characters from book six and I think if I’d have done a reread the stronger dose of familiarity would’ve been cool for this reading venture!
Nearly a decade has passed since we last saw this wonderful trio! M.J. and Heath have three kids, a daughter and two younger twins. M.J.’s best friend Gilley ‘Gil’ is in town visiting and after he and M.J. arrive back at her house Heath also arrives with some new decorative items. At two thousand bucks a pop he brings home five huge canvases. Thanks to good investments and the haunting show Ghoul Getters that they worked on long ago, hence the series and their travels, they’re able to afford such a purchase. M.J. comes around to the idea of keeping them when she sees them. They’re absolutely beautiful and incredibly lifelike recreations of Heath’s ancestors. They were created by artist Will Morningstar who got the inspiration to create such portraits after he was spoken to in a dream.
Speaking of dreams, after a night of catching up for our trio, M.J. wakes up from a nightmare. She checks on her kids and Gilley and on her way back up the stairs the things she’s hoped to never encounter again with her children now in her and Heath’s lives are back. A sudden cold envelopes her, her intuition is going haywire. She looks at the new painting of Sam Whitefeather, her spirit guide, hanging on the wall and sees black swirling ectoplasm disintegrating the image. She hears Sam cry out in pain and finally manages to alert Heath. Chaos ensues as the demon latches onto Heath and tries to drain him of his soul while M.J., with Gilley’s help, works on getting her kids out of the house before going back to rescue Heath.
After all this time M.J. quickly realizes how they aren’t cut out for this type of work anymore. They’re older, having to come out of retirement, so to speak, and they unfortunately don’t have the necessary tools in their immediate possession to combat the demons. Anything magnetized, such as spikes or magnets help repel and damage them, allowing them to drive them back to its portal and hopefully close it with a spike through the canvas or whatever the portal may be. While jumping into action M.J. luckily remembers that there’s a can of magnet putty in the twins’ closet. The shift from chapter one to chapter two was so freaking brilliant that I had goosebumps at some moments during the escape from their house. In chapter one it was all about reconnecting and reminiscing about old times. In chapter two the shit hits the fan!! Speaking of goosebumps the second to last chapter brought them back full force as I was picturing the story playing out in my head.
They manage to get to a pueblo, or reservation, where Heath’s Uncle Rex lives. The next day Rex leaves with the kids so that the trio can take care of the spooks that are wanting to attack their family. They decide to reconnect with an ally (from book six) and track down Sheriff Pena. He witnessed the supernatural happenings and was a part of the crew that took down the black hawk demon that they were up against in the past. After hearing that someone else called the police the previous night due to hearing screams in a neighbors home they begin wondering if other portraits created by Will Morningstar are also acting as portals and that it wasn’t just an attack against M.J. and her family.
There are a good number of fights in this story and a lot of the time our crew is getting their asses handed to them but they never give up! During the downtimes where they eat, sleep, refuel and discuss the overall mystery as to why this is going on and what the motivations might be it exudes classic Victoria Laurie cozy vibes along with some great humor! It felt like I’d come home to a series that I love. I read in one of Victoria’s newsletters that this installment didn’t sell as well as she’d hoped so there will be no more new stories. I’m hoping little by little she may construct a new story that gives the characters another reason to return to action, like how it was done in this one, because I’d buy it and support one of my favorite authors again in a heartbeat!
Victoria Laurie, thank you for the return to this wonderful series!! I sincerely hope this isn’t the end but if it is that’s ok! Much like when we all thought book ten was for sure the end, the note on which this one ends is satisfying enough for me if the characters finally get a chance to rest!
God, reading this sent me back to 2019!!! I remember finding books one through six of the Ghost Hunter Mystery series at the local Goodwill (all autographed, too!) and once I started I fell in love with the characters and the fun and haunting stories!! I was able to check out the rest digitally from my local public library as time went on. I’ll admit I did binge read the series (something I’m trying not to do nowadays) but it was a binge that was well worth it simply because of how enjoyable the stories were!! Plus it was great being able to see the character developments occur a lot quicker than having to wait a year between installments. I still love how the writing changed a bit in book ten with how Victoria began including the word ‘fuck’. Haha! It was certainly fitting considering they were dealing with nasty demons and spooks and I loved that that same energy carried over into this story! I’m sure it helps readers feel a bit more connected because I know it’s certainly what I’d be saying if I was facing off against anything like what they do!
Last year I bought this as a gift for myself for my birthday but never got around to reading it until now. This year in October I wanted to read Halloween/spooky themed books to fully embrace the vibes of the holiday season. I knew I had to start with was this one!!
Side note, I kinda wish I’d have reread book six in the series, Ghoul Interrupted, beforehand. I even considered it but figured the knowledge one would need to know from previous installments would be mentioned again. But there were some returning characters from book six and I think if I’d have done a reread the stronger dose of familiarity would’ve been cool for this reading venture!
Nearly a decade has passed since we last saw this wonderful trio! M.J. and Heath have three kids, a daughter and two younger twins. M.J.’s best friend Gilley ‘Gil’ is in town visiting and after he and M.J. arrive back at her house Heath also arrives with some new decorative items. At two thousand bucks a pop he brings home five huge canvases. Thanks to good investments and the haunting show Ghoul Getters that they worked on long ago, hence the series and their travels, they’re able to afford such a purchase. M.J. comes around to the idea of keeping them when she sees them. They’re absolutely beautiful and incredibly lifelike recreations of Heath’s ancestors. They were created by artist Will Morningstar who got the inspiration to create such portraits after he was spoken to in a dream.
Speaking of dreams, after a night of catching up for our trio, M.J. wakes up from a nightmare. She checks on her kids and Gilley and on her way back up the stairs the things she’s hoped to never encounter again with her children now in her and Heath’s lives are back. A sudden cold envelopes her, her intuition is going haywire. She looks at the new painting of Sam Whitefeather, her spirit guide, hanging on the wall and sees black swirling ectoplasm disintegrating the image. She hears Sam cry out in pain and finally manages to alert Heath. Chaos ensues as the demon latches onto Heath and tries to drain him of his soul while M.J., with Gilley’s help, works on getting her kids out of the house before going back to rescue Heath.
After all this time M.J. quickly realizes how they aren’t cut out for this type of work anymore. They’re older, having to come out of retirement, so to speak, and they unfortunately don’t have the necessary tools in their immediate possession to combat the demons. Anything magnetized, such as spikes or magnets help repel and damage them, allowing them to drive them back to its portal and hopefully close it with a spike through the canvas or whatever the portal may be. While jumping into action M.J. luckily remembers that there’s a can of magnet putty in the twins’ closet. The shift from chapter one to chapter two was so freaking brilliant that I had goosebumps at some moments during the escape from their house. In chapter one it was all about reconnecting and reminiscing about old times. In chapter two the shit hits the fan!! Speaking of goosebumps the second to last chapter brought them back full force as I was picturing the story playing out in my head.
They manage to get to a pueblo, or reservation, where Heath’s Uncle Rex lives. The next day Rex leaves with the kids so that the trio can take care of the spooks that are wanting to attack their family. They decide to reconnect with an ally (from book six) and track down Sheriff Pena. He witnessed the supernatural happenings and was a part of the crew that took down the black hawk demon that they were up against in the past. After hearing that someone else called the police the previous night due to hearing screams in a neighbors home they begin wondering if other portraits created by Will Morningstar are also acting as portals and that it wasn’t just an attack against M.J. and her family.
There are a good number of fights in this story and a lot of the time our crew is getting their asses handed to them but they never give up! During the downtimes where they eat, sleep, refuel and discuss the overall mystery as to why this is going on and what the motivations might be it exudes classic Victoria Laurie cozy vibes along with some great humor! It felt like I’d come home to a series that I love. I read in one of Victoria’s newsletters that this installment didn’t sell as well as she’d hoped so there will be no more new stories. I’m hoping little by little she may construct a new story that gives the characters another reason to return to action, like how it was done in this one, because I’d buy it and support one of my favorite authors again in a heartbeat!
Victoria Laurie, thank you for the return to this wonderful series!! I sincerely hope this isn’t the end but if it is that’s ok! Much like when we all thought book ten was for sure the end, the note on which this one ends is satisfying enough for me if the characters finally get a chance to rest!
January 20, 2025
I loved being back with MJ! This was independently published so it was edited and formatted a little oddly, but I had so much fun reading this.
One major gripe - MJ’s mom is referred to as Maggie, and it’s hinted they named their daughter Margot to honor her. However, MJ’s mom was named Madelyn, and her nickname was DeeDee. How did that get overlooked?!
One major gripe - MJ’s mom is referred to as Maggie, and it’s hinted they named their daughter Margot to honor her. However, MJ’s mom was named Madelyn, and her nickname was DeeDee. How did that get overlooked?!
July 19, 2024
When you open the paperback, the reader is first confronted with quirky formatting. This is a self-published and possibly a published-on-demand paperback, so you must take that into consideration. The margins are wide, the paragraphs consist of one or two sentences, and there is just too much stark whiteness (if that makes sense). I wondered if everything was spread out to reach a page count. The editing is not atrocious, but there is room for improvement with wrong word order, incorrect words, and plot inconsistencies. Once again, self-published.
Now, on to the body. There are good bones here, but does the reader need five paragraphs on the magnetization of a hunk of metal? As for my favorite character in Victoria Laurie’s books, Gilly is front and center. In this book, he shows maturity, but there is still a squeaky side. There is a sentence or two regarding his life with Cat, but for the most part, that part of Gilly, or his relationships, is not mentioned, and considering MJ is his BFF, that seemed strange.
The book picks up in the final third, but it loses steam when the reasoning behind the haunting involves something out of left field. I wished that the author had done a little more research in this area since it does not ring true since they are on tribal land. Granted, this is a book of fiction, and people will possibly breeze over this, but it bothered me. That is saying a lot since there were multiple times when I would say out loud, “That doesn’t make sense.”
I am uncertain if this marks the conclusion of the series, but for me, this is where I jump off this train.
Now, on to the body. There are good bones here, but does the reader need five paragraphs on the magnetization of a hunk of metal? As for my favorite character in Victoria Laurie’s books, Gilly is front and center. In this book, he shows maturity, but there is still a squeaky side. There is a sentence or two regarding his life with Cat, but for the most part, that part of Gilly, or his relationships, is not mentioned, and considering MJ is his BFF, that seemed strange.
The book picks up in the final third, but it loses steam when the reasoning behind the haunting involves something out of left field. I wished that the author had done a little more research in this area since it does not ring true since they are on tribal land. Granted, this is a book of fiction, and people will possibly breeze over this, but it bothered me. That is saying a lot since there were multiple times when I would say out loud, “That doesn’t make sense.”
I am uncertain if this marks the conclusion of the series, but for me, this is where I jump off this train.
January 2, 2026
I was really excited to see a new ghost hunter mystery. Overall, I enjoyed the book because I’m comforted by the nostalgia and spooky vibes. This one was particularly scary and gruesome, which I appreciate in my mystery/horror. The 2 things that I could not get over during the entire book was
1. Changing MJ’s daughter’s name to MARGOT when in the last book they very clearly stated they were naming her MADELYN after her mom. I think they also tried ti mention that MJ’s mom’s name was Margo and went by Maggie(?).
2. Some of the lingo used throughout the entire series changed. The “lower realms” changed to “shadowlands.” And they left behind some other details they used in previous books
All in all, I appreciated the comeback, the comfort, and having the team back together. I just wish I had answers
1. Changing MJ’s daughter’s name to MARGOT when in the last book they very clearly stated they were naming her MADELYN after her mom. I think they also tried ti mention that MJ’s mom’s name was Margo and went by Maggie(?).
2. Some of the lingo used throughout the entire series changed. The “lower realms” changed to “shadowlands.” And they left behind some other details they used in previous books
All in all, I appreciated the comeback, the comfort, and having the team back together. I just wish I had answers
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2024
MJ and Heath are BACK, and it was worth the wait. This latest installment of the Ghost Hunter series is just as scary as you remember it — and more. The demons are more powerful than ever and are set to take over the town unless MJ, Heath, and Gilley can stop them. Things about this book that I absolutely adored: MJ and Heath’s wonderful marriage and cutie-pie kids; Gilley and MJ’s friendship and hilarious dynamic; the setting of the Southwest is gorgeous, with wonderful supporting characters that you actually care about; the general badassness of our favorite ghostbusting trio; and lots more. Victoria Laurie has once again created a fun, breathless and nightmare-inducing story that you need to read ASAP — with the lights on!
September 24, 2024
another wonderful chapter in this series
I absolutely loved this book. Couldn’t put it down. I really missed MJ and Gilley’s ghost-hunting exploits, and this book did not disappoint. I was quite surprised by the outcome, which I like — I love it when the bad guy reveal surprises me. The picture Ms. Laurie paints of Native American life and lore is so vivid and respectful, it makes me feel like I’m there. She’s a wonderful author and, while I love all her series, this one is my favorite, so I hope MJ, Heath and Gilley have many more adventures together. And I have a feeling Margot might step into the “family business” at some point. Please, Ms. Laurie, keep this series going!
I absolutely loved this book. Couldn’t put it down. I really missed MJ and Gilley’s ghost-hunting exploits, and this book did not disappoint. I was quite surprised by the outcome, which I like — I love it when the bad guy reveal surprises me. The picture Ms. Laurie paints of Native American life and lore is so vivid and respectful, it makes me feel like I’m there. She’s a wonderful author and, while I love all her series, this one is my favorite, so I hope MJ, Heath and Gilley have many more adventures together. And I have a feeling Margot might step into the “family business” at some point. Please, Ms. Laurie, keep this series going!
May 28, 2024
I have so missed this series. I absolutely adore the team of MJ, Heath and Gilley and their ghost hunting exploits. Yes, I enjoy reading stories of Gilley and his new partner, Cat (Life Coach series), but you just can't top the original! It has been 8 years since MJ and Heath retired their ghost hunting practice. But when Gilley comes for a visit, all hell breaks loose...literally. And this time, not only are they threatening MJ's family, but suddenly she has lost contact with her spirit guide, Sam Whitefeather. This book kept me up all night, because I just had to finish it. I only hope that the author has more Ghost Hunter stories for the future.
November 6, 2024
My mind is still reeling. After reading book 10 and assuming it was the last in the series this book was such a great surprise. Let me tell you that book 11 brought on all the fears and shivers with a huge bang. It started 8 years after MJ and Heath left to live near his family. The baby she was pregnant at the time was born and they also had twin boys. Full on demon attacks that made them think this was it. In the end the demons were defeated and all was well. Gil was there too but no talk of his husband Michel (what happened to him?). There is so much more in this book but I don’t like to give the story away so if you want to know the whole thing you better read this fabulous book.
May 27, 2024
I really loved Victoria Laurie's new Ghost Hunter Mystery, Ghoul's Gotta Do! It was so scary. Omg! I didn't know how they were going to defeat the demons and stop the one bringing them into this world, but they did. And I always love reading things about Indigenous Americans. It does bother me a little that Gilly calls Heath his Native Friend. I wonder how Gilly would feel if Heath called him his White Friend, or his Colonizer Friend? Perhaps I'm being nitpicky.🤷 But I loved the story and look forward to more. Three cheers for MJ, Heath, and Gilly!
May 28, 2024
MJ and Heath are back after a VERY long break, and this new addition to the series is a winner. Filled with the same spooky plot, and mystery to solve. We also have Gilley as part of the team, even though he and Cat are having their own series and adventures. I liked the addition of Brody and Preen and hope to see them come up in other stories as they added a nice touch. If you have not read the others in the series, do not worry as you will not be lost, though I highly recommend that you do as it is a great series.
August 28, 2024
So thrilled for this much anticipated book in Victoria Laurie’s New York Times Best Selling Ghost Hunter Mystery Series! A Ghouls Gotta Do is well written and grips you right from the start with a clever story line and action-packed adventures that even get a little creepy at times! MJ, Heath and Gilley do not disappoint and reading this book is like being reacquainted with old friends. There is enough background, so you don’t have to read the books in order, but I do highly recommend all of the books in this fun series.
May 19, 2024
M.J. baaack!
M.J. and her husband Heath White feather have settled with their kids in Santa Fe, NM, waiting for her bestie Gilley, to come visit them. Its been 8 years since they gave up their ghost busting and were not prepared for the biggest, baddest ghost ever! set in beautiful N.M and across several pueblos, M.J. Heath and Gilley are not just in a fight for the lives, but their souls. Scary from the first chapter!
M.J. and her husband Heath White feather have settled with their kids in Santa Fe, NM, waiting for her bestie Gilley, to come visit them. Its been 8 years since they gave up their ghost busting and were not prepared for the biggest, baddest ghost ever! set in beautiful N.M and across several pueblos, M.J. Heath and Gilley are not just in a fight for the lives, but their souls. Scary from the first chapter!
June 25, 2024
LIKE VISITING OLD FRIENDS
I'm breathless... Victoria takes your hand and doesn't let go until she's done. This was by far the best one in this series and I'm so so glad there'll be more. I've missed MJ and Heath... and Gil!
Don't make a mistake and miss this book! Add it to your collection.
And a note to Victoria, MJ saw me through the pandemic... thank you so much for letting me visit with her again!
I'm breathless... Victoria takes your hand and doesn't let go until she's done. This was by far the best one in this series and I'm so so glad there'll be more. I've missed MJ and Heath... and Gil!
Don't make a mistake and miss this book! Add it to your collection.
And a note to Victoria, MJ saw me through the pandemic... thank you so much for letting me visit with her again!
May 24, 2024
Brilliant new book
MJ and her crew are my favourite in Victoria Laurie book. Am so glad she wrote another MJ book in the series.This one was one of the best and scariest could read it alight in the dark but loved every no it's reading it. Recommend to any one who like Victoria s book.
MJ and her crew are my favourite in Victoria Laurie book. Am so glad she wrote another MJ book in the series.This one was one of the best and scariest could read it alight in the dark but loved every no it's reading it. Recommend to any one who like Victoria s book.
May 25, 2024
As fiercely as M.J. and Heath love their kids must they fight a vicious demon targeting the family. Rusty after eight years of peace, the reunited Ghoul Getters mount a defense against a puzzling evil's relentless attacks.
Victoria Laurie pulls readers along the excruciating battle. It's an adrenaline-fueled adventure with never-higher stakes.
Victoria Laurie pulls readers along the excruciating battle. It's an adrenaline-fueled adventure with never-higher stakes.
May 25, 2024
MJ is back!
Gilley, MJ and Heath are back in a brand new adventure guaranteed to terrify. Demons threaten MJ and Health's kids, so the team goes back to work after 8 years apart to defeat the demons and the humans that called them forth. Excellent story. Can't wait for the next one!
Gilley, MJ and Heath are back in a brand new adventure guaranteed to terrify. Demons threaten MJ and Health's kids, so the team goes back to work after 8 years apart to defeat the demons and the humans that called them forth. Excellent story. Can't wait for the next one!
May 30, 2024
Worth waiting for.
OMG! I'm exhausted from holding my breath during the last few chapters of this book. I've always loved the ghost hunters books from Victoria Laurie and was devastated when there were to be no more. I was excited for this new book and it certainly lived up to my expectations. Thank you Victoria for bringing them back.
OMG! I'm exhausted from holding my breath during the last few chapters of this book. I've always loved the ghost hunters books from Victoria Laurie and was devastated when there were to be no more. I was excited for this new book and it certainly lived up to my expectations. Thank you Victoria for bringing them back.
June 9, 2024
Great to have MJ back
It was wonderful to catch up with the old characters and their lives now. The writing is just as wonderful as always and kept me hooked so I couldn’t put it down till I finished the whole book. I hope it won’t be long till we get another Ghost Hunter Mystery!
It was wonderful to catch up with the old characters and their lives now. The writing is just as wonderful as always and kept me hooked so I couldn’t put it down till I finished the whole book. I hope it won’t be long till we get another Ghost Hunter Mystery!
June 11, 2024
The only thing missing was hearing the wonderful pArrot speak. I've missed him so much.We still have to our African grey, Murphy who cracks us up daily. Terrific book.
Terrific book,Victoria.I waited a long time for my pArrot to come back.Couldn't you have had him speak a little? Thanks
Terrific book,Victoria.I waited a long time for my pArrot to come back.Couldn't you have had him speak a little? Thanks
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews