The River Ghost

Rylan Flynn #5

by Dawn Merriman

I’m Rylan Flynn. I hunt for ghosts and restless spirits, and solve the mysteries that make them haunt the living.

As I drive across an isolated bridge way out in the woods, a bright light blinds me. But it isn’t a car approaching. It’s a ghost, with a deadly secret to reveal.

I follow the spirit down to the river. There, below the water, I find the body of a young woman. A small square of skin is missing from her hip, and I’m certain she was murdered.

Detective Ford Pierce rushes to join me. Our friendship is turning into something deeper, and there’s nobody I would rather have by my side.

But when Ford sees the body his face turns pale. The girl in the water is his cousin, Kenzie Cross.

As a family member, Ford is forbidden from investigating. But he’s determined to find the killer, and he wants my help. Even if that means working outside the rules.

When the police discover that Kenzie had a secret boyfriend from a strict religious family, they’re certain this is a simple case. But I find evidence that links Kenzie to another mysterious death—years ago, beneath the very same bridge.

I’ve never worked so closely with Ford before, and the danger of the case puts a strain on our new relationship. Can we learn to work together, before another innocent life is taken?

Packed with mysteries, hauntings, shocking twists, and slow-burn romance, the Rylan Flynn series is a paranormal adventure perfect for fans of Noelle W. Ihli, Heather Graham, and Wendy Wang.

Genres: Mystery, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Thriller

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 15, 2024

About the author

Dawn Merriman lives in northeastern Indiana on a small pig farm with her husband and teenage children. She enjoys animals, auctions, reading, snorkeling and writing small town murder mystery novels. Dawn Merriman completed her first novel in Middle School and a few others in High School and college. She won 1st place in the Northeast Indiana Young Writers short story contest in 1990. After a writing hiatus to raise her children, she published her debut novel, "How Murder Saved My Life" in 2019.

Reviews

[Debra - can't post any comments on site today grrr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping, shocking, well thought out and hard to put down!!! The River Ghost: A thrilling and haunting paranormal mystery proved to be another fantastic addition to the Rylan Flynn series! I always get excited when I see Dawn Merriman has a new book in this series coming out and she did not disappoint!

Rylan Flynn can see the dead. Not only can she see and communicate with ghosts, but she also works tirelessly to help solve why they are haunting the living. One night she sees a ghost on a bridge who leads her to the body of a young woman who has been murdered. Detective Ford Pierce shows up and realizes he knows the victim - it's his cousin!

As Rylan and Ford begin to investigate on their own, they learn that this case is not so cut and dry as they thought. That there are secrets and lies working overtime to keep them from the truth. There is a lot for Rylan to figure out in this book. She continues to help the ghosts and murder victims while trying to have a private life. Her relationship with Ford continues to evolve in this book as well.

This book is part mystery, part romance, and part thriller. This book has a great paranormal element involving ghosts. I find this to be very intriguing. This book has some creepy moments, some moments of tension, dread and danger as well. I enjoyed the mysteries in this book (there are more than one) and the continued relationships that Rylan has with other characters in this book.

The River Ghost: A thrilling and haunting paranormal mystery left me wanting more as several elements of this book has my interest piqued to say the least. I continue to enjoy the characters, the character development, the paranormal aspect, and the mysteries.

Wonderfully written, well thought out, thrilling and left me wanting more!

Thank you to Second Sky who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖

[Debbie DiFiore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ford sucks

I think hrs breaking it off with her already! and.I have.to wait two months to find out! Dang. But I do like this,series. More ghosts and reveals are great I like that part the best! The evil from the room has escaped and I can't wait to see what happens! The little girl in the teddy bear was creepy for sure. That story needs,wrapping.up too

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The relationship that could have been. This was another great episode. Ford needs to get over himself but Ryland needs to be more careful. Ryland has finally started addressing the hoarding issue, however, they don’t try and have it done in one paragraph instead it’s a work in progress for her.

[Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading)]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review."River Ghost" marks the fifth entry in Dawn Merriman's Rylan Flynn mystery series. Merriman once again crafts a suspense-filled and enthralling story that is sure to please fans of crime fiction interwoven with supernatural aspects.

The story kicks off with Rylan stumbling upon a body beneath a bridge in the woods, a chilling find made even more intriguing by the assistance of a ghost. The plot thickens when it's revealed that the deceased is none other than the cousin of Detective Ford Pierce. Tied by blood to the victim, Pierce finds himself sidelined from the case. But determined to stay in the know, he recruits Rylan to help him unravel the mystery.

In addition to the mystery surrounding the death of Ford's cousin there were other story threads, all of which entails an encounter with ghosts There is an ongoing story thread, that has me totally invested in the series. I so look forward to learning what will concerning this particular thread.

The blossoming romance between Ford and Rylan has been a delightful journey to follow. As their bond strengthens, they seem to be thriving, yet a looming question remains: Will their love endure Rylan's tendency to court danger? The anticipatory answer to this question will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

The resolution of the mystery left readers satisfied, yet the overarching story arc remains open, promising more intrigue to come. "The River Ghost" proved to be a delightful and breezy addition to the series, offering a blend of suspense and charm that fans have come to appreciate.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading

[Zoé-Lee O'Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, we are getting so much closer to finding out about the beastie "behind" the door - what a clanger at the end - I am so excited for the next book!!! I NEED IT NOW!!

I bought the audiobook today as my reading is very glitchy at the moment, and I devoured it in a short few hours. I loved the narrator she got everyone spot on and I love the voices she does for everyone. What a story! Who doesn't love an urban legend of a woman on the bridge? So sad when we hear the true story about the girl at the beginning!

So many ghosts, and so many side stories, never detracting from the main story of Kenzie. I loved the side bit with the ghost talking to Ryaln about her cheating boyfriend and helping the girl in her old house! Although it was a shame there was nothing done about bringing the ex to justice. There is nothing I dislike about this book or series...ok, I lie one thing, FORD!!!! HOW DARE HE!

I am hoping he pulls his finger out! I mean how dare he! He made my blood boil.

I never want this series to end, but I know it will soon, but I don't want it to! Rylan is evolving, her mum is evolving. Even creepy bear Darcy is evolving. And there was a moment when even I joined Rylan shouting at her mum. I feel the shift with these new characters will be interesting to watch in the next book as now there is an awareness of what is happening, and the free-flowing of their movements...well... it's going to be interesting - I know all very cryptic!

I just love Rylan! I wish I could join her ghost-hunting team!

[loopyloulaura · Rating 5 out of 5]

A ghost directs Rylan Flynn to find a murder victim in the river. The body is that of Kenzie, the cousin of Rylan's detective boyfriend. He isn't allowed to investigate officially due to the family  connection but Ford and Rylan decide to work together to bring Kenzie's killer to justice...
The River Ghost is the 5th book in the paranormal murder mystery series featuring ghost hunter Rylan Flynn.
Rylan and Ford have only just moved from friendship to relationship but they already face their first crisis as they investigate the murder of his cousin Kenzie. Ford isn't allowed to get involved in the official case and his partner has to team up with someone new. Luckily Ford trusts Rylan enough to work with her to track down the killer and he relies on her skills with ghosts to get added insights that normal detectives are not privileged to.
There is a wonderful side plot about a haunted bear and ghosts continue to pop up and interact with Rylan. Rylan's hoarding and the emotional issues from her mother's murder are handled sensitively and there is still the mystery of the dark entities at her home.
The writing is warm and there is some gentle humour but the supernatural side of the plot really shines. There is plenty of emotion as Ford deals with his family's devastation at Kenzie's death and this is balanced by the procedural elements of a police investigation. I really love this series of books and the way that the supernatural is portrayed which is akin to my own beliefs.
The River Ghost is a brilliant addition to an excellent series.

[Diana Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Second Sky for the chance to read an ARC of The river ghost by Dawn Merriman. This is the 5th book in the Rylan Flynn series and I could not put it down. It was a fast, easy read and was perfect for the Halloween season! At the end of the previous book, Rylan and Ford have finally moved forward with their relationship, and this in turn has Rylan starting to move forward with her personal issues. After a ghost points Rylan to a murder victim, the case becomes personal for Ford, as the victim is his cousin. Taken off the case, Ford decides to continue investigating on his own, with Rylan's help. A secondary story is the haunting of the teddy bear Rylan had picked up at a garage sale. The bear seems to move from place to place, and then starts to talk ... ok, I will admit this part kinda freaked me out! Is this a trapped spirit, or an evil entity? As with the previous books it ends on a cliffhanger, leaving you impatiently waiting for the next book. Will we finally find out, who or what is trapped in her brother's bedroom???? I have my suspicions!!!!
The river ghost comes out November 15th, and while it indicates its a YA series, I believe its for the over 16 crowd.

[Spinneretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

WARNING! Cliffhanger! This one is probably about 3/5 - 4/5 on my trauma scale- it kind of depends on how you feel about Rylan’s situation at the end of the book!

This book picks up where the previous book’s hook left off, with Rylan and Mickey being lead to discover a body by a ghost.
When the body turns out to be related to Ford, he’s kicked off the case. He teams up with Rylan to try and find out “whodunnit”, and the two of them get a lot closer.
Meanwhile we have a mysterious spirit in a bear, the ghost hunter show going viral, some things happening with Rylan’s mum, and of course, some romantic developments we’ve all been waiting for!
Poor Rylan makes some great strides in this book, while also suffering some large setbacks. She’s still dealing with some trauma of her own, and this case brings back a few painful memories for her.
It all makes for an action packed, and at times quite creepy story.
It’s an entertaining addition to the series though, and I am looking forward to seeing what Rylan is up to next.
This series is complete at seven books (although we have a few days left at the time of writing this), so feel free to binge read your way through it. Recommended for paranormal mystery lovers and fans of Rylan.

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series really grows on me. I never thought I would say this about this genre, but I do and I really mean it. It goes to show it's good to step out of your comfort zone every once in a while and you might discover gems you would have missed otherwise. 

I really like the way Rylan always does her utter best to help the ghosts and the murder victims, but she does seem to forget to take care of herself. She also does not seem to realise that people who care about her, worry and she feels offended when they point this out to her.

Your loved ones do not want you to put yourself in danger and when you dismiss this when they point it out to you or maybe even become angry, you have to take in consideration you might chase them away...

I like the way the author decided to change the role of Rylan's mother and we have witnessed more than once how Rylan helps ghosts to go to the other side. This time she does something she has never done before to help a ghost. 

And then, as a special treat, there was a cliffhanger. A confusing one, I have to say and this makes me willing time to go faster so I can find out what it is all about. 5 stars

Thank you

[Vaishnavi · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book being a part of the series, i did miss few points of the connections between the chaarcters, and few mysteries which were continued from the previous book. So it was my mistake to choose a book from middle of the series so i would rate this book as a standalone, and if i happen go read the previous book, then i would implement the series factor.
Now coming to the story, it was interesting, but a lot predictable. So it being part of a series, the mystery of this particular book seemed not that good, but the greater mystery which is been continued in the series seemed a bit intersting. A littel more mystery and twist could have been put in this book’s mystery so that the book would have been even more enjoyable.

Coming to my rating : out of 5 stars
Title :⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cover :⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Character development :⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing style :⭐️⭐️⭐️
Originality :⭐️⭐️
Plot :⭐️⭐️
Overall :⭐️⭐️⭐️ my rating for this book is 2.5, but as this book is part of the series and i choosed it as a standalone, i am raising the rating to 3

[Bzz Kolla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Second Sky for this eCopy to review

I am hooked on the Rylan Flynn Mystery series. The 5th instalment The River Ghost is just as thrilling as the other books in the series. This time Rylan is shown a dead body by a ghost as she drives across an isolated bridge in the woods. The young woman is Kenzie Cross, who turns out to be Detective Ford's cousin, so he is ordered off the case. The plot twists and turns, revealing shocking secrets and putting Rylan in danger once again.

I love how Rylan and Ford's relationship progresses it is all going so well until the end, hopefully things can get back on track in book 6.

The River Ghost is a gripping paranormal mystery that kept me hooked from start to finish. With its twists and turns, complex characters, and tense atmosphere, kept me guessing until the very end. Warning this one ends on an epic cliff-hanger - I can’t wait for book 6!

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel until the last two chapters. There was a good and solid mystery, and the characters and their personal lives evolved interestingly.
This is the first time Rylan collaborates with Ford, who isn’t in charge of the investigation as it involves a member of his family. There are new twists, a complex mystery, and a big cliffhanger.
Everything was very good until the big revelation. I found the last two chapters a bit confusing and wasn’t a fan of the cliffhanger, as we have to wait for the next novel. Some parts seemed a bit rushed or out of character, and the closure was quite abrupt.
Even if the mystery part can be enjoyed as a stand alone it’s better to read the series in order as there’s background story that could be a bit complex if starting with this installment.
I cannot wait to read the next one. This one is recommended.
Many thanks to Second Sky for this ARC. All opinions are mine.

[Danielle Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the first page!
I'm loving the direction this story is taking! I love how Rylann goes about talking to ghosts, and helping them where she can. We are getting some forward momentum in a few parts of Rylann's life, with her relationship with Ford and with her mom.

Rylann and Mickey find a body thanks to the help of a ghost, Turns out the victim is a relative of Ford, and that has him and Rylann working closely together. Which led to exactly where I was hoping between the two of them. yay! I have been waiting for this since book 1!

The mystery is especially twisty with lots of suspects, and secrets coming to light. Of course, Rylann ends up in danger, she just can't seem to help it. And in an extra surprising twist with how she gets out of it. And that ending, well lets just say I need the next book asap!!

[Stéphanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The mystery of this book was much more predictable than the other books in the series. As soon as we learned about the number tattoo, it was so obvious that it was a date in the DDMMYY format. Since it was cut from Kenzie's body, it was also obvious that something nefarious happened on that date. Having previously learned about Miles's "suicide", it was once again obvious that the date referred to his death and that his death was in fact a disguised murder. It was really annoying that no one thought about the different date format (from the US format), not even the police. I would not expect a real detective/investigator to do that kind of mistake.

I must also admit that Riley running off on her own at the end of most books in the series is getting really annoying. She is never learning from her mistakes and the endings feel all similar because of that.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series has a lot of potential and so do the main female and male characters. However, the writing and the dialogue for this characters seems juvenile at times, like they are younger in words in thoughts than they are supposed to be. I just wish with some of the life experiences Rylan has had she should be more mature, not that she shouldn't have her issues, those are developed with the plot, but how she handles them most of the times, and this book started in on the male lead as well. The ending had a little abrupt, the plot has leading up tp the climax well bit everything seemed rushed in the end and needed a little more of an explanation. Rylan's family seems to be disappearing as well, and what happened to the evil force?

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this latest book in the Rylan Flynn series, and it gave me literal goosebumps…and then I got angry because I have to wait to see how this is going to affect poor Rylan. LOL! The last book saw the relationship between Rylan and Ford change, and in this one we see how they are dealing with this change. Not only that, but poor Rylan has to stay on the sidelines in the hunt for his cousin’s murder. This book brings some huge changes to Rylan’s life, and I am more than ready to see how this is all going to shake out in the next installment. Well-written, spooky, very entertaining addition to the series. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Alyce Gibson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher, Second Sky for the eARC of this book in return for my honest review.

Rylan Flynn sees ghosts, not just any ghosts, but ghosts that have had tragic ends. In this book the ghost leads Rylan to her body underneath a bridge. It's clear the poor woman was murdered. Fortunately Rylan's friend Ford Pierce is a detective and familiar with Rylan's gift to see ghosts. She immediately calls him. He arrives only to discover the dead girl is his cousin. He's sidelined from the official investigation but that doesn't stop Ford and Rylan from investigating on their own

I enjoyed the paranomal aspect and the storyline and the characters. It was a nice change from the police procedurals I usually read. Overall a good book. 3 out of 5 stars.

[Bridget]

5th book I am binge listening too. When a ghost leads Rylan to another body, it turns out it is the cousin of her want to be boyfriend, detective Ford Pierce. Since Ford can't work on the case, he decides to work with Rylan. They finally get together as a couple until the end when he becomes a total jerk in my opinion. The continuing black smoke that appears in objects by these demented killers seems to be leading to a big ending. Also Ford accepts that Ryaln is hoarding to deal with her grief, and one of the objects she bought, a big blue stuffed teddy bear is possessed by the spirit of a little girl. She frees the girl from the bear but she returns to Rylan's house and befriends Rylan's deceased mother.

[Julie Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series as it’s such a great combination of genres - crime and the supernatural.
Rylan can see and communicate with those that have passed away and always seems to come across a dead body before the Police.
Things were tense between her and the Police but now she has grown closer to Ford, things are a lot more easier.
However when he identifies the body of his cousin his boss tells him he’s off the case as it’s family. But this doesn’t stop Ford and Rylan carrying out their own investigations.
This is a great read and is a series I’d highly recommend.
Thanks to Second Sky for the opportunity to read this book.

[Lesley Barklay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another engaging instalment in the series. I liked the development of the mum in this book. It was nice to see her getting some more meaningful page time. Nice, too, to see Rylan begin to tackle her issues with hoarding. Darby freaked me out at first, and the ending was interesting, with the building tension from whatever was trapped in Keaton's room.

Ford and Rylan's relationship moves forward in this book, but I was sad to see the "I need space" at the end of the book. To be fair, I can see Ford's point. So many of Rylan's near misses with death could be avoided if she just waited fifteen minutes for back up before going into the dangerous situation.

[Nicole French · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rylan is back! And this time she is working with Ford trying to solve the case!

When Rylan discovers a body of a young young girl underneath a bridge-popular for teenagers - she calls Ford to investigate. Sadly, the body is identified as Ford's young cousin. Desperate for answers, he asks Rylan to help him solve the mystery.

The chemistry between the two leads is adorable and exciting for the reader as is the story of the murder. Who killed this young girl?

Great read and can't wait for the next one!!!!

[Sue Plant · Rating 4 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

when rylan finds a dead body under a bridge the police are out in force trying to find evidence

who murdered her and why

when there areny many suspects they pounce on a boyfriend an amish boy.... could he really have killed her

rylan is still seeing ghosts and helping them pass over though even she is surprised at the little girl in the teddy but its what she does that will cause rylan all sorts of problems

another great book in this series... cant wait for the next one

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this easy read fantasy series. Rylan Flynn ghost hunter and easer of spirits. The story continues with her getting closer to a romantic relationship with Ford, maybe; sorting out her house situation, maybe. Seeing ghosts, solving crimes and getting into trouble again? Well it is Rylan that I’m talking about so definitely. Entertaining read? Also definitely. Thank you to Second Sky and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

[Shelleen Toland · Rating 4 out of 5]

The latest book of the Rylan Flynn series. Another ghost ism seen and this time it leads Rylan to a body. So Rylan calls it in and now is out to solve who did it. Her boyfriend is a cop and the body was a relative so he is taken off the case but him and Rylan start to solve it on their own.
If you liked the show Ghost Whisperer then you will enjoy this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky for the ebook to review.

[Mrs Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes!

This latest installment in the series is a winner! I loved the emotional layers in the story. I enjoyed seeing the path that Rylan and Ford are on. My heart breaks for Rylan. I lost my mother in 2022 and if I could have her with me I’d want that too. I think deep down she knows this extra time with her mom is limited and it s ares her. At least that is my hot take.

I can’t wait for more!

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did my usual trick and didn't start the series until the 4th book, so have a bit of catching up to do. I'm loving what I've read from the series so far though!

It's a fast paced, exciting mystery featuring ghosts, ghosts and more ghosts. There's the question of who or what's hiding behind the door and so much more.

The characters are brilliant, the story thrilling and it ends on the worst cliffhanger EVER!

Here's to the next installment of Ryan's adventures.

[Chrstine Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book I have followed the series, I loved at long last Rylan was getting her life together and moving forward still helping the dead cross over,my best parts were when her and Ford finally came together I nearly cried (which) I don’t do at books when it their together was so short lived together they are a great team apart sad lonely people I have pre ordered the next book crossing my and toes they get back together if not don’t think I could read anymore about them 🙏

[Jennifer A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Nail Biting Rylan Flynn thriller!

I’ve been anticipating the release of this new Rylan Flynn book & it did not disappoint. I was worried towards the end of the book that the “bad guy” might not get caught, but Dawn Merriman pulled out a thrilling end to this whodunnit mystery. I can’t wait to read the next Rylan Flynn book!!!

[Amber Humphries · Rating 5 out of 5]

The River Ghost is another great book in the Rylan Flynn series. There was some strong character growth and a ton of great spooky ghosting. That is just what I look for in this series. I give The River Ghost 5/5 stars and can't wait for Rylan's adventures to continue.

Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky for the opportunity to review The River Ghost by Dawn Merriman.

[Tania Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ghost story

I enjoy reading Rylan’s adventures with the paranormal. I hope to find out who murdered her mother in a future book and that she and Ford figure out how to be in love. Dawn Merriman’s stories are always full of adventures and good mysteries. I have enjoyed reading this series so far and I can’t wait to read more.