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Berkley Street #2
The Lighthouse: Supernatural Horror with Scary Ghosts & Haunted Houses
Der ehemalige Marine Shane Ryan ist ein Geisterjäger, dessen sorgenschwere Vergangenheit ihn beinahe so schrecklich heimsucht wie die Geister, denen er bei seiner Arbeit begegnet. Er ist der Beste. Und seine Belohnung dafür? Wenn es darum geht, die schlimmsten Geister ihrer Art auszulöschen, ist er sehr gefragt – und diese Geister sind gefährlich.
Sein neuester Auftrag bringt ihn auf eine idyllische Insel mit blauem Himmel, kristallblauem Meer und einem ehrwürdigen alten Leuchtturm, der die Kulisse aussehen lässt, als sei sie einem Bilderbuch entsprungen… wären da nicht die böswilligen, mörderischen Geister. Wäre Amy, die Besitzerin, nicht Marie Lafontaines Cousine, hätte Shane sich von Squirrel Island und seinen diabolischen Toten ferngehalten. Aber Detective Lafontaine ist ein wichtiger Mensch in seinem Leben. Er würde alles für sie tun. Selbst, wenn das bedeutet, sich gegen Dorothy zu stellen, die untote Böse, die jeden, der ihr unheiliges Reich betritt, umbringt. Als schließlich noch zwei schiffsbrüchige Paare auftauchen, findet sich Shane in mehr Schwierigkeiten wieder, als ihm lieb sind.
Shanes Mission ist die Insel von Dorothy und den anderen Toten befreien, während seine neuen Gefährten am Leben bleiben. Aber wie könnte er wissen, dass er sich dafür dem schlimmsten Bösen stellen muss, das er sich je hätte vorstellen können?
***Überarbeitet im Dezember 2020.***
Sein neuester Auftrag bringt ihn auf eine idyllische Insel mit blauem Himmel, kristallblauem Meer und einem ehrwürdigen alten Leuchtturm, der die Kulisse aussehen lässt, als sei sie einem Bilderbuch entsprungen… wären da nicht die böswilligen, mörderischen Geister. Wäre Amy, die Besitzerin, nicht Marie Lafontaines Cousine, hätte Shane sich von Squirrel Island und seinen diabolischen Toten ferngehalten. Aber Detective Lafontaine ist ein wichtiger Mensch in seinem Leben. Er würde alles für sie tun. Selbst, wenn das bedeutet, sich gegen Dorothy zu stellen, die untote Böse, die jeden, der ihr unheiliges Reich betritt, umbringt. Als schließlich noch zwei schiffsbrüchige Paare auftauchen, findet sich Shane in mehr Schwierigkeiten wieder, als ihm lieb sind.
Shanes Mission ist die Insel von Dorothy und den anderen Toten befreien, während seine neuen Gefährten am Leben bleiben. Aber wie könnte er wissen, dass er sich dafür dem schlimmsten Bösen stellen muss, das er sich je hätte vorstellen können?
***Überarbeitet im Dezember 2020.***
225 pages, Paperback
Published September 9, 2024
723 people are currently reading
578 people want to read
About the author
Ron Ripley
252 books515 followersRon Ripley is a husband and father surviving in New England, a place which seems to be getting colder every day. He grew up across from a disturbingly large cemetery where he managed to scare himself every night before going to bed. Mostly because of the red lights that people put in front of the headstones. Those things are just plain creepy to a kid.
Ron enjoys writing horror, military history and driving through the small towns of New England with his family, collecting books and giving impromptu lectures on military history to his family, who enjoy ignoring him during those dreadful times.
Ron enjoys writing horror, military history and driving through the small towns of New England with his family, collecting books and giving impromptu lectures on military history to his family, who enjoy ignoring him during those dreadful times.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
January 1, 2020
Though this is the second book, I feel like I have missed a few things between books one and two. I have read included extra chapters and I am going to go looking for novellas. Apparently Shane and the detective got to know each other better and Shane did research on how to deal with malevolent ghosts and had some things made to carry around as light weaponry. That’s all I’m saying.
This continues the saga and appeals to the seafaring folk and those who live to hear about the lighthouses and shipwrecks. It did not disappoint in these areas at all. It was very haunting and interesting.
Shane’s character developed even more and you are primed to wonder what will happen to him and where will he turn next. What will develop with his abilities?
So far these are fascinating and the extra chapters are great insight. The ghosts are interesting and chilling.
This continues the saga and appeals to the seafaring folk and those who live to hear about the lighthouses and shipwrecks. It did not disappoint in these areas at all. It was very haunting and interesting.
Shane’s character developed even more and you are primed to wonder what will happen to him and where will he turn next. What will develop with his abilities?
So far these are fascinating and the extra chapters are great insight. The ghosts are interesting and chilling.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2017
3.5 stars.
THE LIGHTHOUSE (Berkley Street #2), is the second book in the Berkley Street series by Ron Ripley. Shane Ryan comes back to the scene, this time to help get rid of unwanted ghosts in the vicinity of an island's lighthouse. His friend from book 1, Marie, has a cousin who has purchased the island, and due to the suicide of the man she hired to fix it up--as well as the reputation of strange deaths and ghosts appearing there--she calls upon Shane's services to help things get back to normal.
However, for the lighthouse and the island it is situated on, this IS and HAS BEEN the norm for more years than Shane could imagine.
". . . Some ghosts aren't exactly pleasant or generous. Some aren't misunderstood ro unable to move on because of some horrible personal tragedy."
The ghosts here are under the influence of one particular, dominating woman, who rules them in death even as she did in life.
". . . Some simply like to hurt people . . . Some of them refuse to accept death and instead, begin to punish those around them. . . "
While the ghosts here are quite vicious and deadly, the only character I really "felt" for was Shane, himself. The others--even those whose backstories are told--never really felt as solid to me as the ones in the first book did. It seemed to me that there was more attention put on a budding romance between Shane and a young shipwreck victim, than on the ongoing horrors themselves. Additionally, I felt that the human protagonist was exceptionally easy to figure out early on, which took away much of the "shock element" for me.
Overall, some great horrific murders, descriptions, and challenges, but the characterization could have been stronger. I am planning on reading the next book in the series, however, to see if things are taken up a notch with Shane.
THE LIGHTHOUSE (Berkley Street #2), is the second book in the Berkley Street series by Ron Ripley. Shane Ryan comes back to the scene, this time to help get rid of unwanted ghosts in the vicinity of an island's lighthouse. His friend from book 1, Marie, has a cousin who has purchased the island, and due to the suicide of the man she hired to fix it up--as well as the reputation of strange deaths and ghosts appearing there--she calls upon Shane's services to help things get back to normal.
However, for the lighthouse and the island it is situated on, this IS and HAS BEEN the norm for more years than Shane could imagine.
". . . Some ghosts aren't exactly pleasant or generous. Some aren't misunderstood ro unable to move on because of some horrible personal tragedy."
The ghosts here are under the influence of one particular, dominating woman, who rules them in death even as she did in life.
". . . Some simply like to hurt people . . . Some of them refuse to accept death and instead, begin to punish those around them. . . "
While the ghosts here are quite vicious and deadly, the only character I really "felt" for was Shane, himself. The others--even those whose backstories are told--never really felt as solid to me as the ones in the first book did. It seemed to me that there was more attention put on a budding romance between Shane and a young shipwreck victim, than on the ongoing horrors themselves. Additionally, I felt that the human protagonist was exceptionally easy to figure out early on, which took away much of the "shock element" for me.
Overall, some great horrific murders, descriptions, and challenges, but the characterization could have been stronger. I am planning on reading the next book in the series, however, to see if things are taken up a notch with Shane.
October 13, 2020
This is the second book in a series and I enjoyed the first book enough to want to read this one. Shane Ryan grew up with ghosts in his family home and was always able to see them and developed friendships with some, though not all were friendly. Now he's a ghost hunter and his cop friend Marie has asked for his help when her cousin buys a small island with a lighthouse and it turns out to have some sort of nasty spirit causing strange deaths and suicides.
Of course it's never just one. As he's getting to know what's what some unexpected visitors end up on the island, which can't end well. The ghosts don't like visitors.
The set-up of this one looked good, but as the story progressed the believability factor became strained. It was still a good story and the characters are well-developed and kept my attention, but the premise that unfolds didn't quite work for me. I'm still likely to read more books from this series, but perhaps not all of them. There's one set in a prison that draws my interest.
I did like that some rules were established about what can affect a ghost. I don't remember the same information coming into the first one. I also enjoyed the bonus story at the end that tells back story for an interesting character. I thought that was a good way to do it without digressing the main story.
Overall an enjoyable read.
Of course it's never just one. As he's getting to know what's what some unexpected visitors end up on the island, which can't end well. The ghosts don't like visitors.
The set-up of this one looked good, but as the story progressed the believability factor became strained. It was still a good story and the characters are well-developed and kept my attention, but the premise that unfolds didn't quite work for me. I'm still likely to read more books from this series, but perhaps not all of them. There's one set in a prison that draws my interest.
I did like that some rules were established about what can affect a ghost. I don't remember the same information coming into the first one. I also enjoyed the bonus story at the end that tells back story for an interesting character. I thought that was a good way to do it without digressing the main story.
Overall an enjoyable read.
February 1, 2025
A fast paced ghost story that takes place on Squirrel Island. Shane winds up playing ghostbuster. With many live and dead characters. I like how this one didn't switch back and forth as the first book did. I am a fan of this series. I also like the bonus chapters at the end that give you a glimpse at a ghost past but don't interrupt the story.
August 12, 2023
I liked this a little more than the first one, but it was still pretty middle of the road for me.
November 18, 2018
I loved the first book in this series and this was a pretty good ghost stort with good characters, however, some of the reactions presented by the living characters were, at times, a bit unbelievable. That being said, the story itself was great and spooky but I would only buy another if it were on sale. Great narration by Thom Bowers.
January 25, 2023
Squirrel Island has long been reported to be haunted, although no one truly believes the stories. There are many disappearances that are tied to the island, but with the ocean surrounding the island, there is plenty of ways for a person to disappear, or have an unfortunate accident.
Shane is asked to go to the island to see if he can get rid of the ghosts. He plans to be there for a few days, but what he doesn't account for is a group of stranded boaters, who join him, and start dying off, as the ghosts move in.
This was a pretty good read. I enjoyed reading through this one, and learning a little more about Shane Ryan. Can't wait to see what the next book holds!
Shane is asked to go to the island to see if he can get rid of the ghosts. He plans to be there for a few days, but what he doesn't account for is a group of stranded boaters, who join him, and start dying off, as the ghosts move in.
This was a pretty good read. I enjoyed reading through this one, and learning a little more about Shane Ryan. Can't wait to see what the next book holds!
August 28, 2018
The Lighthouse (Berkley Street #2) by Ron Ripley
Shane, and ex-Marine and Ghost Hunter, is asked by his friend Marie, to rid The Lighthouse of an unwanted ghost (Dorothy). This is a task that he is used to, but peoples lives are in danger, so he must go about this with caution.
A fast paced thrilling paranormal story that moves at a fast pace. The plot is original, with a dash of humor, engaging dialog and Ghosts. Shane is very likable, plus they are on the East Coast in a Historic Lighthouse (which I found extremely enjoyable). I highly recommend The Lighthouse to those who love a great ghost story. Definitely five-stars!
Shane, and ex-Marine and Ghost Hunter, is asked by his friend Marie, to rid The Lighthouse of an unwanted ghost (Dorothy). This is a task that he is used to, but peoples lives are in danger, so he must go about this with caution.
A fast paced thrilling paranormal story that moves at a fast pace. The plot is original, with a dash of humor, engaging dialog and Ghosts. Shane is very likable, plus they are on the East Coast in a Historic Lighthouse (which I found extremely enjoyable). I highly recommend The Lighthouse to those who love a great ghost story. Definitely five-stars!
October 22, 2018
Better Than Book One!
The first book in this series was good but I have to say, this one was better!
Ripley's horror reminds me of those 'good-bad' 80's horror movies where gory body parts are being flung this way and that. It's all a bit over the top, and I love it!
Shane is a great well developed character whose journey is easy to get behind, and I want to keep reading about.
The first book felt a bit undeveloped and rushed at the end. This book was not that way. It was well paced and the bonus chapters at the end were amazing.
On to book 3!
The first book in this series was good but I have to say, this one was better!
Ripley's horror reminds me of those 'good-bad' 80's horror movies where gory body parts are being flung this way and that. It's all a bit over the top, and I love it!
Shane is a great well developed character whose journey is easy to get behind, and I want to keep reading about.
The first book felt a bit undeveloped and rushed at the end. This book was not that way. It was well paced and the bonus chapters at the end were amazing.
On to book 3!
January 24, 2019
Meh. Danced around a lot of cliches of the horror genre. The ghosts became a set of slightly different characters. No more no less. Overall, not as creepy as the original.
April 18, 2021
Shane gets invited to help remove the ghosts at a lighthouse in book 2 of the Berkeley Street series. These aren’t just scary ghosts, these are deadly ghosts. Ghosts with a plan. This lighthouse is on an island and the head ghost needs new spirits to enslave.
This is a well written, tense story but a lot of fun as well. I could do without the romance on the side but the death and disembowelment cancels that out. It was interesting to see how the victims were drawn out to the island and the variety of spirits inhabiting the island.
We know that Shane will make it off the island because there are seven more books in the series, but what about everyone else? Who will survive?
This is a well written, tense story but a lot of fun as well. I could do without the romance on the side but the death and disembowelment cancels that out. It was interesting to see how the victims were drawn out to the island and the variety of spirits inhabiting the island.
We know that Shane will make it off the island because there are seven more books in the series, but what about everyone else? Who will survive?
September 27, 2018
I am not sure that I liked this book as much as I did the first in the series. It was a quick read/listen and it was good, but it didn't have the impact on me that Berkley Street did. That said, I really liked it and am excited to get into the next. The post-story section was great and just like with Berkley Street, it was wonderful for giving background to the story which actually gave me a greater appreciation for The Lighthouse. If think I would have liked it better had these historical snipits been interwoven into the story as it went on though.
May 28, 2019
This is an amazing read that will pull you in from the first chapter to the last. The characters are easily to love especially Shane. The read is shrouded in mystery and suspense. I highly recommend this read.
July 22, 2020
Pretty much on par with the first book. Entertaining, but seen most of it before. And, yes, Ripley, we GET that the ghosts aren't solid, you don't need to have every character "realising he/she could see THROUGH him/her/it". Wish I kept a count of those realisations...
August 19, 2019
I'll be writing a review on my blog https://www.shelllouise.co.uk
February 6, 2017
So Shane's back but this time he is dealing with something even worse!! He is asked to help with a haunted lighthouse, which seems easy enough, but it's anything but. This island is riddled with the dead. What could possibly happen to Shane on a remote island filled with the dead?? ;) Well, read it to see!!!!
Here's me thinking that Berkley Street was scary, well welcome to The Lighthouse!! A place that is so captivating, you won't want to leave, well Dorothy doesn't give you much choice!! If you enter her domain, you are there to stay. When Shane gets there, he realises the scope of the problem, but he knows that he will only be there a day or two and some one will check on him, when no one does though, and two couples wind up washed ashore, Shane sees that there is more going on than meets the eye. With people being killed, can Shane figure things out before it's too late!!
Shane is just as awesome as the first book! He visits the Lighthouse as a favour to Detective Lafontaine, otherwise he would have stayed away!! He really grows as a character in this book, he is brave, selfless and does what he needs to in order to survive and help others.
In all, this was terrifying!! Dorothy was truly evil!! Finding out what she was like when she was alive was heartbreaking, but pales in comparison to what she does when she is dead! Lighthouses can be creepy places at the best of times, but add in lots of ghosts, and you have a chilling tale that will leave you wanting to sleep with the lights on.
Thom Bowers really knows how to bring a terrifying tale to life. He ramps up the tension when needed and did a great job with the atmosphere. Really enjoyed his narration and need to check out more from him.
*I received a free copy of this but voluntarily reviewed it. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.*
Here's me thinking that Berkley Street was scary, well welcome to The Lighthouse!! A place that is so captivating, you won't want to leave, well Dorothy doesn't give you much choice!! If you enter her domain, you are there to stay. When Shane gets there, he realises the scope of the problem, but he knows that he will only be there a day or two and some one will check on him, when no one does though, and two couples wind up washed ashore, Shane sees that there is more going on than meets the eye. With people being killed, can Shane figure things out before it's too late!!
Shane is just as awesome as the first book! He visits the Lighthouse as a favour to Detective Lafontaine, otherwise he would have stayed away!! He really grows as a character in this book, he is brave, selfless and does what he needs to in order to survive and help others.
In all, this was terrifying!! Dorothy was truly evil!! Finding out what she was like when she was alive was heartbreaking, but pales in comparison to what she does when she is dead! Lighthouses can be creepy places at the best of times, but add in lots of ghosts, and you have a chilling tale that will leave you wanting to sleep with the lights on.
Thom Bowers really knows how to bring a terrifying tale to life. He ramps up the tension when needed and did a great job with the atmosphere. Really enjoyed his narration and need to check out more from him.
*I received a free copy of this but voluntarily reviewed it. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.*
August 19, 2017
The wise and all powerful “Wife-en-Ator” got me to listen to an audiobook of the first story in the series. Having enjoyed Ron Ripley’s take on the ghost genre, we jumped right into the next. I imagine with Halloween creeping close, we will be sampling the next of the Berkley Street series. They are after all snack sized escapes…
There are many areas to be critical about these books (I did not properly review the first one, and so I am lumping it in). The main protagonist is sort of a “Gary Stu (Mary Sue ref)", there was some predictability, and much of the circumstances seem ridiculous. However, I realize that the critiques are minor, and that the examples I initially took issue with add a sort of charm. Let me explain…
Have you ever found yourself berating a character in a horror movie for doing something stupid? People are getting killed at an old camp ground! Why would you go in there?!?!? That scary dude in a mask took a bullet and kept coming! Why would you think that knife to the shoulder would stop him!?! The author has managed to duplicate those same grumblings in literary form, and for some reason I like it. The brutal and horrific murders also add to the odd charm. Maybe I’m also giving a head nod because the protagonist is a Jarhead.
These types of books are not normally my cup of tea, but I’m into them. I don’t know exactly what it is, but it works for me for the same reasons I kept watching Michael Myer and Jason Voorhees horror movies.
There are many areas to be critical about these books (I did not properly review the first one, and so I am lumping it in). The main protagonist is sort of a “Gary Stu (Mary Sue ref)", there was some predictability, and much of the circumstances seem ridiculous. However, I realize that the critiques are minor, and that the examples I initially took issue with add a sort of charm. Let me explain…
Have you ever found yourself berating a character in a horror movie for doing something stupid? People are getting killed at an old camp ground! Why would you go in there?!?!? That scary dude in a mask took a bullet and kept coming! Why would you think that knife to the shoulder would stop him!?! The author has managed to duplicate those same grumblings in literary form, and for some reason I like it. The brutal and horrific murders also add to the odd charm. Maybe I’m also giving a head nod because the protagonist is a Jarhead.
These types of books are not normally my cup of tea, but I’m into them. I don’t know exactly what it is, but it works for me for the same reasons I kept watching Michael Myer and Jason Voorhees horror movies.
May 12, 2022
Not nearly as good as the 1st.
The romance felt forced and awkward. It would have been better to have left it out.
Shane just allows people to get killed! He doesn’t even make a real go of trying to save anyone.
All the characters with the exception of Shane and Courtney, behave like b horror movie actors. No sense of self preservation.
I get it! Shane is freaking bald as a cue ball! Why does it have to be repeated so often. Does it affect the way the story plays out? No!
All of that I could overlook but the baddies motives were utterly ridiculous. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone, but when the reason for all of this craziness is laid out, it made me laugh. It wasn’t funny, it was stupid. Like the ending of a Scooby Doo cartoon.
One last thing that irked me. Why does Shane have magical rpg abilities? In every LitRPG book I’ve ever read the MC is given a boon to understand any language they hear and to then read and speak it fluently. It makes sense in the video game genre, but not in a horror series. Yeah, some of the ghosts are from other countries, but how about Shane’s ability be acquired through study? It is possible without magic. Or however he acquired the “gift”.🙄
I don’t know. I’ll keep on reading because I bought the “box” set of all 9 books for 4$. Hopefully the next one will be better.
The romance felt forced and awkward. It would have been better to have left it out.
Shane just allows people to get killed! He doesn’t even make a real go of trying to save anyone.
All the characters with the exception of Shane and Courtney, behave like b horror movie actors. No sense of self preservation.
I get it! Shane is freaking bald as a cue ball! Why does it have to be repeated so often. Does it affect the way the story plays out? No!
All of that I could overlook but the baddies motives were utterly ridiculous. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone, but when the reason for all of this craziness is laid out, it made me laugh. It wasn’t funny, it was stupid. Like the ending of a Scooby Doo cartoon.
One last thing that irked me. Why does Shane have magical rpg abilities? In every LitRPG book I’ve ever read the MC is given a boon to understand any language they hear and to then read and speak it fluently. It makes sense in the video game genre, but not in a horror series. Yeah, some of the ghosts are from other countries, but how about Shane’s ability be acquired through study? It is possible without magic. Or however he acquired the “gift”.🙄
I don’t know. I’ll keep on reading because I bought the “box” set of all 9 books for 4$. Hopefully the next one will be better.
November 16, 2017
I think I'm getting into this genre ;-) . I read the first book in the series and thought it much better than this one, but liked them both. Won't win any awards, but I like the main character, Shane, very much and will read others in the series. It is becoming addicting I guess. Never read ghost/horror much in the past, and I make sure to avoid the super scary books, but I do like Mr. Ripley's stories for a good shot of ghost creepiness.
(One critique below if I may, and it's a spoiler so be aware....)
At the end Shane came back to destroy the bones - with a bottle of lighter fluid and a book of matches (!!) Sure, right, that will work. That fire wouldn't be anywhere near hot enough to reduce bones to ashes. Crematoriums have fires in excess of 1400F to accomplish this. Oh well, liked the story anyway...;-)
(One critique below if I may, and it's a spoiler so be aware....)
At the end Shane came back to destroy the bones - with a bottle of lighter fluid and a book of matches (!!) Sure, right, that will work. That fire wouldn't be anywhere near hot enough to reduce bones to ashes. Crematoriums have fires in excess of 1400F to accomplish this. Oh well, liked the story anyway...;-)
May 19, 2018
Since I did not care much about the first book it's not surprising that I found the second just as simple and predictable. I like Shane as a character but his story is over, I suppose. Can't imagine how a third installment could happen, let alone all the other 7!
And this is way gorier than the first novel with so many gruesome, unecessarily graphic scenes that put me off the series entirely. My meager curiosity about what will happen between Shane and Courtney is not near enough to make me want to read the next installments...
And this is way gorier than the first novel with so many gruesome, unecessarily graphic scenes that put me off the series entirely. My meager curiosity about what will happen between Shane and Courtney is not near enough to make me want to read the next installments...
February 1, 2021
Squirrel Island Lighthouse Is Not Deserted
This second book in a series again features Shane Ryan, a middle-aged former Marine with a gift for languages and an unusual gift for perceiving ghosts. He's a great character, and in this book, he meets a number of new characters, some with more significant roles than others.
No matter how small their part, Ron Ripley uses skillful writing and understanding to make them clearly realized. This tale of Ryan's struggle with the dead is a horror novel, but it's also the story of people's lives, and for some, their deaths.
I really enjoy the way Ripley imbues his fiction with historical and technical details that further the story's realism. The nautical aspects of the book, coinciding with the end of Sea Shanty Month, were savory and authentic. Being on a boat, particularly in cold Atlantic waters, is perilous, even for the most experienced sailors and it's no wonder that this is featured in fantastical horror stories from the earliest times. I also liked that Ripley offered an island lighthouse as an alternative to the more typical haunted house.
There were a few references made to encounters that appear to have happened in between Berkley Street, the first book in the series, and this one. I think there might be a novella or short story I've missed, but there's no lapse in continuity that takes anything away from this terrifying misadventure. This book is scary and entertaining.
This second book in a series again features Shane Ryan, a middle-aged former Marine with a gift for languages and an unusual gift for perceiving ghosts. He's a great character, and in this book, he meets a number of new characters, some with more significant roles than others.
No matter how small their part, Ron Ripley uses skillful writing and understanding to make them clearly realized. This tale of Ryan's struggle with the dead is a horror novel, but it's also the story of people's lives, and for some, their deaths.
I really enjoy the way Ripley imbues his fiction with historical and technical details that further the story's realism. The nautical aspects of the book, coinciding with the end of Sea Shanty Month, were savory and authentic. Being on a boat, particularly in cold Atlantic waters, is perilous, even for the most experienced sailors and it's no wonder that this is featured in fantastical horror stories from the earliest times. I also liked that Ripley offered an island lighthouse as an alternative to the more typical haunted house.
There were a few references made to encounters that appear to have happened in between Berkley Street, the first book in the series, and this one. I think there might be a novella or short story I've missed, but there's no lapse in continuity that takes anything away from this terrifying misadventure. This book is scary and entertaining.
March 10, 2021
3.5. I guess I'm reading these books in one go as I did with the Collecting Death series although this one isn't so much a continuous story but they're short and easy enough and will keep me going for a bit while the library is still closed. I found a lot of bits annoying in this one: Despite that I thought it might also be a bit refreshing that
Also I'm sure at some point it said Marie was in another scene without comment? Maybe I'm misremembering.
Anyway, as I said they're quick and easy and you get what you expect, really. I'm not as much a fan of Shane as of though.
Also I'm sure at some point it said Marie was in another scene without comment? Maybe I'm misremembering.
Anyway, as I said they're quick and easy and you get what you expect, really. I'm not as much a fan of Shane as of though.
February 13, 2020
Disappointing
I had a hard time with this one. I found it be just be a little bit much. Too many parts of the story were far fetched: Marie having a psychopath for a cousin (but Marie having absolutely no idea). This cousin apparently needs Shane to come to the Squirrel island lighthouse to help rid of ghosts which turn out to be bloodthirsty murderers who savagely massacre anyone who comes to the island. Shane seems apathetic to all of the people who are dying around him, as if that’s just to be expected, and doesn’t go out of his way to protect them from the ghosts (even though he knows how to fend them off). The fact that there are so many bodies at the island, but nobody in the past has clued in to these murders + the new gruesome body counts which are supposed to be pinned on a small woman (doesn’t seem to add up). I found it almost redundant to add in the Marie/Shane love connection that went nowhere. So many things seemed rushed to me. I enjoyed the first book in this series but thought this one fell a bit flat.
I had a hard time with this one. I found it be just be a little bit much. Too many parts of the story were far fetched: Marie having a psychopath for a cousin (but Marie having absolutely no idea). This cousin apparently needs Shane to come to the Squirrel island lighthouse to help rid of ghosts which turn out to be bloodthirsty murderers who savagely massacre anyone who comes to the island. Shane seems apathetic to all of the people who are dying around him, as if that’s just to be expected, and doesn’t go out of his way to protect them from the ghosts (even though he knows how to fend them off). The fact that there are so many bodies at the island, but nobody in the past has clued in to these murders + the new gruesome body counts which are supposed to be pinned on a small woman (doesn’t seem to add up). I found it almost redundant to add in the Marie/Shane love connection that went nowhere. So many things seemed rushed to me. I enjoyed the first book in this series but thought this one fell a bit flat.
February 20, 2017
I listened to the Audiobooks edition of this book. It was a gift in exchange for a review. I listened to this one after Number 3, so it was a bit out of sequence. That did not lessen my enjoyment of the book however. It could work as a stand-alone but there are references to events and characters in the first book of the series.
As with the other books in the series, there is gore and violence in the story. Ripley's ghosts do not kill gently or with mercy. The killings are brutal and often bloody, but this is, after all, a horror story.
I am enjoying the audio versions of these stories. The narrator is very good with regional accents and voice inflections. This adds to the story.
I would recommend this series to anyone who likes a good ghost story or horror in general. They make you want more of it and that's what a series is supposed to do.
As with the other books in the series, there is gore and violence in the story. Ripley's ghosts do not kill gently or with mercy. The killings are brutal and often bloody, but this is, after all, a horror story.
I am enjoying the audio versions of these stories. The narrator is very good with regional accents and voice inflections. This adds to the story.
I would recommend this series to anyone who likes a good ghost story or horror in general. They make you want more of it and that's what a series is supposed to do.
April 25, 2020
The Lighthouse
Interested in lighthouses? Do you find them fascinating or intriguing? I do. In this book, lead make character Shane goes on assignment to Squirrel Island Lighthouse house. There's a problem... The Lighthouse and the property around it is believed to be haunted: too many deaths disappearances , and other strange events occur that are difficult to explain. So Shane takes the assignment knowing there's possible danger. One his first or second night in duty, he has some unexpected guests - a group of inebriated college age kids who preinstalled at the Island. Shane is is hospitable and takes them in. Soon after, strange, scary and even gruesome things occur. It is anyone's guess who will survive the nights and days or if any will ever leave the darkened Island. If you like suspense perhaps this is the book for you... Go ahead - read.
Interested in lighthouses? Do you find them fascinating or intriguing? I do. In this book, lead make character Shane goes on assignment to Squirrel Island Lighthouse house. There's a problem... The Lighthouse and the property around it is believed to be haunted: too many deaths disappearances , and other strange events occur that are difficult to explain. So Shane takes the assignment knowing there's possible danger. One his first or second night in duty, he has some unexpected guests - a group of inebriated college age kids who preinstalled at the Island. Shane is is hospitable and takes them in. Soon after, strange, scary and even gruesome things occur. It is anyone's guess who will survive the nights and days or if any will ever leave the darkened Island. If you like suspense perhaps this is the book for you... Go ahead - read.
November 16, 2018
This was a nice change of pace. Although still a quick read, the action is less frantic and more atmospheric.
There are strange presences haunting the small island, and Shane gets called in by a relative of his friend from the first Berkeley Street book to investigate. Along the way, he encounters strange goings on in all shapes and sizes, and literally fights to stay alive.
There are some nice twists and turns in this one, and the setting adds nicely to the feeling of abandonment, creating extra tension as there is absolutely nowhere to run. The characters are suitably creepy, and the bonus chapters are superb in detailing the history of the arrival of one of the 'residents'.
Another gem from one of my favourite horror writers.
There are strange presences haunting the small island, and Shane gets called in by a relative of his friend from the first Berkeley Street book to investigate. Along the way, he encounters strange goings on in all shapes and sizes, and literally fights to stay alive.
There are some nice twists and turns in this one, and the setting adds nicely to the feeling of abandonment, creating extra tension as there is absolutely nowhere to run. The characters are suitably creepy, and the bonus chapters are superb in detailing the history of the arrival of one of the 'residents'.
Another gem from one of my favourite horror writers.
December 26, 2021
Another good book from this author!
Finished this in Christmas day....yes, Christmas day! Day down ignored all the family drama and goings one just to read and finish this book! It very much compliments the first one very will. It keeps you debated, interested and anything more. Though I would have preferred Shane to not have fallen for such a young female that is still basically a child. Someone more is safe with a lot more wit, starts and life lived would have died in better. Someone who could carry him when he is weak and not him always having to he the strong one all the time would he nice. But they, nothing is perfect. Other than that.... Lived lived lived this book!!!!!
Finished this in Christmas day....yes, Christmas day! Day down ignored all the family drama and goings one just to read and finish this book! It very much compliments the first one very will. It keeps you debated, interested and anything more. Though I would have preferred Shane to not have fallen for such a young female that is still basically a child. Someone more is safe with a lot more wit, starts and life lived would have died in better. Someone who could carry him when he is weak and not him always having to he the strong one all the time would he nice. But they, nothing is perfect. Other than that.... Lived lived lived this book!!!!!
October 2, 2018
Another brilliant book by Ron Ripley, and for someone who didn't really read ghost books he has certainly changed my mind, it would seem that Shane Ryan might have taken on more than he can handle when he is asked to go to Squirrel Island where the deserted Lighthouse is, ...Or is it.
Bonus Scene -1.
Aboard The Thin Man,
I loved this short bonus story because it helps you to understand things that appear on Squirrel Island, although it happens before the Lighthouse story begins, both a really good read and a strong story-line, without all the silly Hoo Ha that I'd always associated with ghost story's.
Bonus Scene -1.
Aboard The Thin Man,
I loved this short bonus story because it helps you to understand things that appear on Squirrel Island, although it happens before the Lighthouse story begins, both a really good read and a strong story-line, without all the silly Hoo Ha that I'd always associated with ghost story's.
August 21, 2022
This is a great book. I'll try and stay away from spoilers, but this is the 2nd book in the series of Berkley Street. Shane Ryan is, I believe, Ron's most beloved character. He first shows up in the Series, Moving In, and he is so colorful and so determined, you just can't help but love him.
In this book, Shane's friend, Marie, asks him to help her cousin and check out a lighthouse they think may be haunted. Shane agrees and goes out to stay and find out what is going on. Dorothy makes her appearance fairly quickly, but she is not the only ghost on this island.
A very fun read!
In this book, Shane's friend, Marie, asks him to help her cousin and check out a lighthouse they think may be haunted. Shane agrees and goes out to stay and find out what is going on. Dorothy makes her appearance fairly quickly, but she is not the only ghost on this island.
A very fun read!
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