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Isabel: A Chilling Supernatural Thriller
A chilling supernatural thriller where facing up to your past can have deadly consequences.
Not all sins will be forgiven...
Beth had been haunted by her past for as long as she could remember. But now, with Nathan by her side, the life she had always dreamed of is finally within reach….and she will do whatever it takes to save it.
Determined to overcome her fear of the ocean, Beth and Nathan take a holiday to the sunny and windswept coast of Tarifa, Spain. One moonlit night, while strolling along the beach, Beth stumbles upon a vintage blood-red ruby ring in the surf - a lucky find. But who is that woman who keeps appearing no matter where she goes? And why can't she see her face?
When Beth returns home to England, something sinister has followed her back. Beth is desperate to know what this woman wants, but finding out means she will have to confront her own past and a horror worse than she could ever have imagined. Beth soon learns that her fear of the ocean, was the least of her worries.
(Previously published as The Lost Ring)
Not all sins will be forgiven...
Beth had been haunted by her past for as long as she could remember. But now, with Nathan by her side, the life she had always dreamed of is finally within reach….and she will do whatever it takes to save it.
Determined to overcome her fear of the ocean, Beth and Nathan take a holiday to the sunny and windswept coast of Tarifa, Spain. One moonlit night, while strolling along the beach, Beth stumbles upon a vintage blood-red ruby ring in the surf - a lucky find. But who is that woman who keeps appearing no matter where she goes? And why can't she see her face?
When Beth returns home to England, something sinister has followed her back. Beth is desperate to know what this woman wants, but finding out means she will have to confront her own past and a horror worse than she could ever have imagined. Beth soon learns that her fear of the ocean, was the least of her worries.
(Previously published as The Lost Ring)
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 8, 2024
25 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
J. Galliano
2 books22 followersJ. Galliano is a geographer and environmentalist, having graduated from the University of the West of England, Bristol. She is a horror bookworm and horror movie fanatic and loves to travel. The Inheritance is her chilling debut novel, perfect for those who love occult horror. Isabel is her second novel, a psychological horror that will keep you on the edge of your seat till the very end. She is currently working on her third novel, The Devil is in the Detail, which will be released in 2025.
You can follow her on Twitter @Janine_Galliano and Facebook @J.Galliano Books
You can follow her on Twitter @Janine_Galliano and Facebook @J.Galliano Books
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 2, 2024
Haven't been this chilled since Stephen King's Pet Semetary
In The Lost Ring, happy couple Beth and Nathan travel to Tarifa for what seems to be a dream holiday, before something sinister follows Beth home, turning her life with Nathan into a terrifying nightmare...
This supernatural horror explores family dynamics, sister relationships, past trauma and, to my intrigue, past lives and past memories. I haven't read anything like this before, and I loved how the author presented the dual narratives of Beth and Isabel. I thought this was very original and well executed.
I also really admired Beth and Nathan's relationship, and how the author doesn't rush this but instead lingers on the small things that actually mean a lot: the notes and text messages, the compliments exchanged, their evenings together - this small day to day attention to detail made their relationship, and the story, absolutely believable, so when the sinister entity starts to destroy their lives, you really care for them.
There are also some deeply chilling moments that made me shudder and my skin visibly crawl, especially the scene in the hospital. I haven't been shaken this much reading a horror since Stephen King's Pet Semetary.
As well as these moments, and the couple's relationship, my favourite aspect of The Lost Ring was the Old European Gothic romance feel in the first half: the scenes along the coast, the moon-washed beach, the ghostly figure that haunts the shore. I wished we'd spent a little more time here and I hope the author writes more gothic novels set in these old-world European locations, where the past intrudes into the present. It reminded me of classic gothic novels of Ann Radcliffe and Mathew Lewis.
I think The Lost Ring makes a perfect holiday read on the beach while the sun is shining, and there are no shadows to play tricks on the mind. Just don't bring any ruby rings home!
A superb supernatural horror. I think I enjoyed it even more than The Inheritance.
In The Lost Ring, happy couple Beth and Nathan travel to Tarifa for what seems to be a dream holiday, before something sinister follows Beth home, turning her life with Nathan into a terrifying nightmare...
This supernatural horror explores family dynamics, sister relationships, past trauma and, to my intrigue, past lives and past memories. I haven't read anything like this before, and I loved how the author presented the dual narratives of Beth and Isabel. I thought this was very original and well executed.
I also really admired Beth and Nathan's relationship, and how the author doesn't rush this but instead lingers on the small things that actually mean a lot: the notes and text messages, the compliments exchanged, their evenings together - this small day to day attention to detail made their relationship, and the story, absolutely believable, so when the sinister entity starts to destroy their lives, you really care for them.
There are also some deeply chilling moments that made me shudder and my skin visibly crawl, especially the scene in the hospital. I haven't been shaken this much reading a horror since Stephen King's Pet Semetary.
As well as these moments, and the couple's relationship, my favourite aspect of The Lost Ring was the Old European Gothic romance feel in the first half: the scenes along the coast, the moon-washed beach, the ghostly figure that haunts the shore. I wished we'd spent a little more time here and I hope the author writes more gothic novels set in these old-world European locations, where the past intrudes into the present. It reminded me of classic gothic novels of Ann Radcliffe and Mathew Lewis.
I think The Lost Ring makes a perfect holiday read on the beach while the sun is shining, and there are no shadows to play tricks on the mind. Just don't bring any ruby rings home!
A superb supernatural horror. I think I enjoyed it even more than The Inheritance.
December 9, 2020
Another fab book by J Galliano. Was hooked from the very beginning, great characters and intriguing teasers which were slowly revealed as you delve into the book. Really struggled to put down, kept finding 5mins here and there to get another chapter in ☺️ Thoroughly enjoyed!
February 16, 2021
This book
I knew I was going to love this book after reading only a few pages and can honestly say it's one of the best books I have read in quite some time.I often grasp how a story will end but this book had me wondering to the very end.An excellent story
I knew I was going to love this book after reading only a few pages and can honestly say it's one of the best books I have read in quite some time.I often grasp how a story will end but this book had me wondering to the very end.An excellent story
November 2, 2024
Amazing!
“Isabel” challenges us to reflect on our own pasts and the potential consequences of leaving sins unaddressed. With its blend of psychological depth and supernatural thrills, this book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a story that lingers in the mind, long after the final twist.
Beth's journey is both a physical and psychological one, as she grapples with her fear of the ocean—a metaphor for the deeper waters of her history. The discovery of the vintage ruby ring serves as a catalyst, pulling her into a supernatural mystery that intertwines with her darkest secrets.
Beth's evolution from a woman paralyzed by her past to one who confronts it head-on is both empowering and terrifying. The supernatural elements are woven seamlessly into the storyline, creating an unsettling atmosphere that lingers long after the last page. This is not just a tale of horror, but a profound commentary on how the ghosts of our choices can manifest in unexpected ways.
“Isabel” challenges us to reflect on our own pasts and the potential consequences of leaving sins unaddressed. With its blend of psychological depth and supernatural thrills, this book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a story that lingers in the mind, long after the final twist.
Beth's journey is both a physical and psychological one, as she grapples with her fear of the ocean—a metaphor for the deeper waters of her history. The discovery of the vintage ruby ring serves as a catalyst, pulling her into a supernatural mystery that intertwines with her darkest secrets.
Beth's evolution from a woman paralyzed by her past to one who confronts it head-on is both empowering and terrifying. The supernatural elements are woven seamlessly into the storyline, creating an unsettling atmosphere that lingers long after the last page. This is not just a tale of horror, but a profound commentary on how the ghosts of our choices can manifest in unexpected ways.
November 29, 2024
Great Story!
It is a chilling supernatural thriller about Beth, a woman determined to overcome her fears and build a new life with her partner, Nathan. While on holiday in Tarifa, Spain, she discovers a mysterious blood-red ruby ring on the beach.
This seemingly lucky find triggers a series of haunting events as a faceless woman begins to appear wherever Beth goes.
When Beth returns to England, she realizes that something sinister has followed her back. Desperate to understand what the mysterious figure wants, Beth uncovers horrifying truths about her past and is forced to confront her deepest fears. The story is a gripping exploration of trauma, guilt, and the lengths one will go to protect their future even when the past refuses to stay buried.
It is a chilling supernatural thriller about Beth, a woman determined to overcome her fears and build a new life with her partner, Nathan. While on holiday in Tarifa, Spain, she discovers a mysterious blood-red ruby ring on the beach.
This seemingly lucky find triggers a series of haunting events as a faceless woman begins to appear wherever Beth goes.
When Beth returns to England, she realizes that something sinister has followed her back. Desperate to understand what the mysterious figure wants, Beth uncovers horrifying truths about her past and is forced to confront her deepest fears. The story is a gripping exploration of trauma, guilt, and the lengths one will go to protect their future even when the past refuses to stay buried.
December 19, 2024
A Sinister and Atmospheric Thriller
This book is a must-read for fans of supernatural thrillers and horror. The author's use of atmospheric setting and descriptive language creates a sense of foreboding and unease that permeates every page. Beth's journey is a heart-pumping ride of twists and turns, with a complex and satisfying plot that will keep you guessing until the very end. The supernatural elements are expertly woven into the narrative, adding a layer of depth and complexity to the story.
This book is a must-read for fans of supernatural thrillers and horror. The author's use of atmospheric setting and descriptive language creates a sense of foreboding and unease that permeates every page. Beth's journey is a heart-pumping ride of twists and turns, with a complex and satisfying plot that will keep you guessing until the very end. The supernatural elements are expertly woven into the narrative, adding a layer of depth and complexity to the story.
September 23, 2025
Ghostly thriller
Beth had been isolated and ostracized from her entire family. Her father and sister blamed her for mom's death in a car accident. She does find her soul mate, Nathan. They vacation in Spain where she ends up with a spirit attachment. That begin intruding on her real life upon her return to England. My biggest problem was I had the entire ending figured out about 3/4 of the way through. It was entertaining though.
Beth had been isolated and ostracized from her entire family. Her father and sister blamed her for mom's death in a car accident. She does find her soul mate, Nathan. They vacation in Spain where she ends up with a spirit attachment. That begin intruding on her real life upon her return to England. My biggest problem was I had the entire ending figured out about 3/4 of the way through. It was entertaining though.
August 13, 2025
An intense read!
Wow!!! This book caught me completely off guard! It captivated me from the first page. Everytime you think you can predict what happens next, the author changes gears and you're headed down a different road. Also with just as many twists and turns.
I loved how the story developed, I loved the characters. Even the dead ones! LoL!
Amazing. Truly.
Wow!!! This book caught me completely off guard! It captivated me from the first page. Everytime you think you can predict what happens next, the author changes gears and you're headed down a different road. Also with just as many twists and turns.
I loved how the story developed, I loved the characters. Even the dead ones! LoL!
Amazing. Truly.
May 28, 2023
"The thick, harsh vines are heavy with swollen grapes, which look like dark violet eyes watching my every move." Galliano paints word pictures that place the reader in scene with her. Isn't that what magnificent writing is all about? Across gulfs of space and time, the imaginations of reader and writer connect, like magic. No spoilers: it is a ghost story with exquisitely engaging intricacies and fetid pale horrors that haunt the reader to its satisfying conclusion.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews