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The Ghosts of Castle Gray
Leslie Stafford, a rising author, inherits Castle Gray from her estranged grandfather with a condition to stay for two months. The neglected estate, surrounded by an apple orchard, holds secrets about her mother's past. As she uncovers hidden passages and faces eerie occurrences, Leslie, with her fiancé Brent, unravels a twisted family history and confronts a haunting presence.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2024
141 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 12, 2024
POSSIBLE SPOILERS!!
There was so much potential for this book! However, the author was in serious need of an editor. Here are the issues:
●typos - from improper words, i.e. "approve" instead of "prove" to basic typos
●characters - not fleshed out. They are one dimensional and even superfluous.
●redundant - the reader gets it. Her partner is perfect, her future brother-in-law is evil, her sister (whose name changes multiple times throughout the book Renee known as "Red" but referred to as Renee as often as she's referred to as Red) is her best friend. The reader didn't need these continuous reminders throughout the first 20 chapters (literally, I counted)
●research matters! Yes, this is a paranormal/supernatural book. But honestly, the author can't maintain some rules and forgo others. A Poltergeist is not going to be controlled by an object (we're not watching Scooby-Doo). Fentanyl, know the ways people OD on the drug, know the signs, and get the treatment correct. Otherwise, the story comes across as mediocre.
●pick a damn term! This is probably my biggest pet peeve in the entire book. The male lead is referred to as "husband to be", "fiancé", and "partner". The reader is supposed to believe this is a couple madly in love and on the brink of starting their lives together as a married couple. Unless a couple has been engaged for 10 years, they are not going to refer to each other as "partner".
●finally, pacing. The inconsistent pacing of the storyline is confusing. The climatic parts aren't intense or fast-paced. In fact, they are almost overlooked. The story starts off rather quickly, then becomes dreadfully slow (monotonous at times), quickens for a few paragraphs, then drops off to a snail's pace. It's speeds up for no genuine reason.
This book has potential, and I genuinely hope the author rewrites it someday when they have an editor and have done some research.
There was so much potential for this book! However, the author was in serious need of an editor. Here are the issues:
●typos - from improper words, i.e. "approve" instead of "prove" to basic typos
●characters - not fleshed out. They are one dimensional and even superfluous.
●redundant - the reader gets it. Her partner is perfect, her future brother-in-law is evil, her sister (whose name changes multiple times throughout the book Renee known as "Red" but referred to as Renee as often as she's referred to as Red) is her best friend. The reader didn't need these continuous reminders throughout the first 20 chapters (literally, I counted)
●research matters! Yes, this is a paranormal/supernatural book. But honestly, the author can't maintain some rules and forgo others. A Poltergeist is not going to be controlled by an object (we're not watching Scooby-Doo). Fentanyl, know the ways people OD on the drug, know the signs, and get the treatment correct. Otherwise, the story comes across as mediocre.
●pick a damn term! This is probably my biggest pet peeve in the entire book. The male lead is referred to as "husband to be", "fiancé", and "partner". The reader is supposed to believe this is a couple madly in love and on the brink of starting their lives together as a married couple. Unless a couple has been engaged for 10 years, they are not going to refer to each other as "partner".
●finally, pacing. The inconsistent pacing of the storyline is confusing. The climatic parts aren't intense or fast-paced. In fact, they are almost overlooked. The story starts off rather quickly, then becomes dreadfully slow (monotonous at times), quickens for a few paragraphs, then drops off to a snail's pace. It's speeds up for no genuine reason.
This book has potential, and I genuinely hope the author rewrites it someday when they have an editor and have done some research.
August 3, 2024
I felt the settings, descriptions were weak, as was the character development. The plot was very predictable from the first chapter. However, I did enjoy the last couple chapters most. With a little more development and editing it could have been a really good story. The typos were annoying too. Not many of them but still too many. It’s worth a read.
May 24, 2025
The book was interesting. Leslie, a new author, inherits a million dollar estate. She must stay there for a minimum of 2 months - spending the nights inside the mansion. The book has a boyfriend, devoted sister, mean - evil brother of the boyfriend, and of course ghosts. The tale that ensues is gripping.
August 2, 2024
Predictable From The Start
The writing was sophomoric. The characters were bland and flat. The plot was predictable (I had it figured out before the story developed). The scene settings were light and poor. I would look elsewhere for your next read.
The writing was sophomoric. The characters were bland and flat. The plot was predictable (I had it figured out before the story developed). The scene settings were light and poor. I would look elsewhere for your next read.
August 8, 2024
Good story
Story line was good. Story interesting. Very very wordy. Reiterating the same things five or six times in the same chapter. You could have started reading chapter 15 and learned every that went on.
Story line was good. Story interesting. Very very wordy. Reiterating the same things five or six times in the same chapter. You could have started reading chapter 15 and learned every that went on.
September 24, 2024
I enjoyed the story
It was different - a ghost story. It was also a mystery. The story moved right along and kept my interest. There was repetition about the main character’s feelings for her boyfriend. That seemed amateurish. The story also needs a good edit as there were typos.
It was different - a ghost story. It was also a mystery. The story moved right along and kept my interest. There was repetition about the main character’s feelings for her boyfriend. That seemed amateurish. The story also needs a good edit as there were typos.
July 30, 2024
Great
This is a great story with a storyline of suspense and love and ghosts. I loved the characters as well as the descriptions of the area. Truly a great story.
This is a great story with a storyline of suspense and love and ghosts. I loved the characters as well as the descriptions of the area. Truly a great story.
August 4, 2024
Hire a competent editor
Errors, errors, and more errors.
Had to push through the portion of the story that I managed to get through.
Errors, errors, and more errors.
Had to push through the portion of the story that I managed to get through.
September 12, 2024
This book was exciting
First time reading Marie Williams and I must say, what a talented writer. I look forward to reading more of her books. Great job.😁
First time reading Marie Williams and I must say, what a talented writer. I look forward to reading more of her books. Great job.😁
September 14, 2024
A book with lots of potential, but barely poorly written.
September 16, 2024
Story may have gotten better but the editor and / or proofreader didn't do their job. Author kept confusing two of the character names. Gave.up.
November 22, 2025
Good Read
This was a good read, looking for houses while investigating ghosts and trying to write books all at the same time could be pretty taxing on someone.
This was a good read, looking for houses while investigating ghosts and trying to write books all at the same time could be pretty taxing on someone.
July 31, 2024
A real ghost story that wasn't nightmare quality, for sensitive souls like me. It had just enough strange vibes for me to finish.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews