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Mary O’Reilly #13
Buried Innocence
Placing the bags on the counter, Donna slipped off her jacket and hung it on the back of a kitchen chair, and then she pulled an apron over her work clothes. She started unpacking the groceries, first putting the refrigerated foods away and then she started working on the canned goods. She smiled as she heard Ryan singing. It wasn’t a tune she was familiar with, so he must have learned it in daycare.
“Where did you learn that song?” she asked him, leaning over the open counter to listen more closely to the words.
“Liza taught it to me,” he said.
She smiled. Ryan’s invisible friend was certainly creative. “Well, say thank you to Liza for me,” she replied. “It’s a pretty song.”
He continued singing it, “Who will wipe away my tears? Who will chase away my fears? Who will sing me to sleep at night? Who will tuck me in real tight? Now that Momma’s dead and gone, now that Momma’s dead and gone.”
Slightly alarmed at the lyrics, Donna walked around the counter and entered the living room. “How would you like to watch your favorite cartoon?” she asked, picking up a DVD on a shelf next to the television set and sliding it into the DVD player.
“But Liza still wants to sing,” Ryan said.
“Well, Liza can sing and you can watch television,” she said. “How’s that for a compromise.”
He nodded. “I guess that will be fine.”
She turned on the television and waited until Ryan’s show started before returning to the kitchen to put away the rest of the groceries. She opened up a cupboard and was reaching up to the top shelf to put an extra jar of peanut butter away when she heard the soft voice behind her. It was high-pitched, like a little girl’s voice, but it held an ethereal quality to it as it filled the kitchen.
“Who will wipe away my tears? Who will chase away my fears? Who will sing me to sleep at night? Who will tuck me in real tight? Now that Momma’s dead and gone, now that Momma’s dead and gone.”
Mary O’Reilly receives a call from a friend in Galena urging her to drive there and speak with a woman who is sure her house is haunted by a little girl. Once she meets the child, she is astonished to discover the child was re-homed, an underground adoption practice still practiced in the United States. Unfortunately, her re-homing did not end well and Mary, Bradley and Mike search for a couple who “adopt” unwanted children and then murder them.
“Where did you learn that song?” she asked him, leaning over the open counter to listen more closely to the words.
“Liza taught it to me,” he said.
She smiled. Ryan’s invisible friend was certainly creative. “Well, say thank you to Liza for me,” she replied. “It’s a pretty song.”
He continued singing it, “Who will wipe away my tears? Who will chase away my fears? Who will sing me to sleep at night? Who will tuck me in real tight? Now that Momma’s dead and gone, now that Momma’s dead and gone.”
Slightly alarmed at the lyrics, Donna walked around the counter and entered the living room. “How would you like to watch your favorite cartoon?” she asked, picking up a DVD on a shelf next to the television set and sliding it into the DVD player.
“But Liza still wants to sing,” Ryan said.
“Well, Liza can sing and you can watch television,” she said. “How’s that for a compromise.”
He nodded. “I guess that will be fine.”
She turned on the television and waited until Ryan’s show started before returning to the kitchen to put away the rest of the groceries. She opened up a cupboard and was reaching up to the top shelf to put an extra jar of peanut butter away when she heard the soft voice behind her. It was high-pitched, like a little girl’s voice, but it held an ethereal quality to it as it filled the kitchen.
“Who will wipe away my tears? Who will chase away my fears? Who will sing me to sleep at night? Who will tuck me in real tight? Now that Momma’s dead and gone, now that Momma’s dead and gone.”
Mary O’Reilly receives a call from a friend in Galena urging her to drive there and speak with a woman who is sure her house is haunted by a little girl. Once she meets the child, she is astonished to discover the child was re-homed, an underground adoption practice still practiced in the United States. Unfortunately, her re-homing did not end well and Mary, Bradley and Mike search for a couple who “adopt” unwanted children and then murder them.
250 pages, ebook
First published June 25, 2014
194 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
Terri Reid
105 books830 followersTerri Reid is the author of the Mary O’Reilly Paranormal Mysteries. An indie author, Reid uploaded her first book “Loose Ends” in August 2010. By the end of 2012, “Loose Ends” had sold over 82,000 copies and, as of the writing of this bio, was the number one bestselling book in Amazon’s ranking of Ghost Stories in the Book/Literature & Fiction/Genre Fiction/Horror/Ghosts section and the number two in the same area in the Kindle eBooks section. She has eight other books in the Mary O’Reilly Series and has enjoyed Top Rated and Hot New Release status for many of them in the Women Sleuths category through Amazon US. Her books have been translated into Spanish and Portuguese and are also now available through CreateSpace and Amazon in print versions. She is also working on an audiobook for “Loose Ends.”
Reid has been quoted in several books about the self-publishing industry, including “Let’s Get Digital” by David Gaughran and “Interviews with Indie Authors: Top Tips from Successful Self-Published Authors” by Claire and Tim Ridgway. She was also honored to have some of her works included in A. J. Abbiati’s book “The NORTAV Method for Writers—The Secrets to Constructing Prose Like the Pros.” She has also had the distinct privilege of guest blogging for Joe Konrath.
Reid is from Northwest Illinois, near the town of Freeport, the home of her fictional characters. Her background is in marketing and public relations. She is married, the mother of seven children, and the grandmother of twenty-three.
She has her grandchildren convinced that she talks to fairies and animals - and they talk back.
Reid has been quoted in several books about the self-publishing industry, including “Let’s Get Digital” by David Gaughran and “Interviews with Indie Authors: Top Tips from Successful Self-Published Authors” by Claire and Tim Ridgway. She was also honored to have some of her works included in A. J. Abbiati’s book “The NORTAV Method for Writers—The Secrets to Constructing Prose Like the Pros.” She has also had the distinct privilege of guest blogging for Joe Konrath.
Reid is from Northwest Illinois, near the town of Freeport, the home of her fictional characters. Her background is in marketing and public relations. She is married, the mother of seven children, and the grandmother of twenty-three.
She has her grandchildren convinced that she talks to fairies and animals - and they talk back.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
June 20, 2014
My favorite so far! A very sad and disturbing subject, but incredible story! Whoa!!!
July 1, 2014
Mary O'Reilly gets a call from her friend to help a mother and her son with a possible haunting. There she meets the ghost of five year old Liza, who died an abusive and violent death. Her investigation leads her into the horrors of re-homing adoptive children and the pedophiles that prey on this new tragic practice. Another not to be missed adventure in this series, which keeps getting better as the main characters continue to grow in depth. Looking forward to the next one.
May 28, 2017
I have really enjoyed this entire series. While entertaining the reader, each book touches upon a difficult and timely topic plaguing our society. The topic covered in this novel was an especially disturbing one and, until I read this book, was one that I was totally unaware of. It is the practice of adoptive parents who, for whatever reason, decide that they no longer wanted their adopted child and "re-home" them. "Re-homing" does not involve any state agencies. There is no real screening, background checks, home visits or any of the thorough and careful placement of a child. Basically, the adoptive parents use social media, advertisements, Craig's List, etc. to "re-home" their adoptive child. As you can imagine, these innocent children are most often literally given into the hands of pedophiles, murders, sex traffickers, etc. Currently, according to the author at the time of the writing of this book, there are only FOUR states that prohibit this appalling practice. It literally makes me sick to think that this goes on, especially in this day and age when people are aware of just what is out there.
January 13, 2017
Wow
Really hard hitting and based pn real issues. Really scary to think there are this kind of perverts out there. It is also sad.
On to the next adventure.
Really hard hitting and based pn real issues. Really scary to think there are this kind of perverts out there. It is also sad.
On to the next adventure.
July 5, 2014
This series in general tends to be a bit of a light and fluffy, quick-read paranormal mystery series with the main character, a former cop, able to see the dead and now, is working as a private investigator to help them pass over. It has its darker moments of course--murder, kidnapping, abuse and crimes against children. In this 13th book it seems to take its darkest turn yet, delving into a subject that has been getting more attention lately--the re-homing of adopted children under the radar of the government and any laws or regulation, and the criminal activity that often surrounds it--including abuse, sexual abuse, and even murder.
Mary is working to help a young mother and her six-year-old son who have a ghost visiting them. The ghost is a young girl, Liza, who followed them home and who was abused and violently murdered. In her investigation, Mary with help from her Police Chief husband Bradley, finds out that Liza's death is part of a bigger ring of re-homing and the abuse of innocent children. Meanwhile, Mary is managing her pregnancy and Bradley's worries and is also looking into the death of a particularly gruesome looking and smelling ghost who doesn't seem to know his name and what happened to him.
Although a troubling theme, Reid handles it with sensitivity and the tone, as always in this series, is hopeful. Here's hoping book 14 gets here soon. ;-)
Mary is working to help a young mother and her six-year-old son who have a ghost visiting them. The ghost is a young girl, Liza, who followed them home and who was abused and violently murdered. In her investigation, Mary with help from her Police Chief husband Bradley, finds out that Liza's death is part of a bigger ring of re-homing and the abuse of innocent children. Meanwhile, Mary is managing her pregnancy and Bradley's worries and is also looking into the death of a particularly gruesome looking and smelling ghost who doesn't seem to know his name and what happened to him.
Although a troubling theme, Reid handles it with sensitivity and the tone, as always in this series, is hopeful. Here's hoping book 14 gets here soon. ;-)
June 28, 2014
I wish I could have a Bradley or a Mike or even a Stanley (who would be more age appropriate). :-) That is usually my first reaction after reading a Mary O'Reilly book. But let's not forget the wonderful women too, Mary and Rosie. It would be great to have a best friend like Rosie or a neighbor like Katie. Together they work to protect each other and, in this story, stop an unbelievable horror that is prevalent in today's world.
Mary seeks to help a little girl find her way to the light. She uncovers a depravity that makes me cringe and it is amazing how this can happen. This story focuses on the worst of monsters who exist in our society, preying on our most innocent, most precious gift - children. Mary, Bradley, new ghosts and new acquaintances courageously go after these monsters at no small risk to themselves.
Thanks Terri for telling this particular story.
Mary seeks to help a little girl find her way to the light. She uncovers a depravity that makes me cringe and it is amazing how this can happen. This story focuses on the worst of monsters who exist in our society, preying on our most innocent, most precious gift - children. Mary, Bradley, new ghosts and new acquaintances courageously go after these monsters at no small risk to themselves.
Thanks Terri for telling this particular story.
November 4, 2014
Awesome
Terri has done it again. Couldn't stop reading once I started. The only bad thing is now I have to wait for the next one. Terri please please please tell me it will be soon!!
Terri has done it again. Couldn't stop reading once I started. The only bad thing is now I have to wait for the next one. Terri please please please tell me it will be soon!!
June 30, 2014
Can't get enough
I love Mary O'Reilly!!! From the first book, I couldn't put it down. The only bad thing is that I read them to fast and have to wait for the next book!! Thank you Terri Reid for an amazing series!!!!
I love Mary O'Reilly!!! From the first book, I couldn't put it down. The only bad thing is that I read them to fast and have to wait for the next book!! Thank you Terri Reid for an amazing series!!!!
June 30, 2014
Wow a must read book
I love these books and for the author to write on such a horrible subject that needs brought to the attention of the world must have been hard for her and I applaud her this book is must read. re-homing I never knew existed and should be illegal
I love these books and for the author to write on such a horrible subject that needs brought to the attention of the world must have been hard for her and I applaud her this book is must read. re-homing I never knew existed and should be illegal
June 28, 2014
I love this series. They are always intriguing, quick reads that I finish the same day because I can't put it down. I can't wait for the next one.
September 3, 2017
I LOVE this series. In all honesty, I have suffered for years from clinical depression, and was suffering from a very serious downturn. This series helped get me through. The friendship, the camaraderie, the family, the love and laughter, helped tremendously. It was extremely helpful in getting me to that turning point back to me.
I laughed till my belly hurt, then cried until I couldn't see the words. I felt anger and betrayal for those whose journey was suspended. I found redemption, grace, and, most of all, hope. I loved the ghosts/spirits (except for those malevolent ones), the mortals, the story lines and resolutions. I loved the lessons these stories conveyed, and the poignancy with which they were told.
I have several favorite characters, Mary and Bradley (and, by extension, Clarissa), being the foundation. Ian is someone I want to meet, and get to know, and just listen to him talk. Hopefully, he wears the black shirt (but don't tell Gillian I said that...it's strictly platonic, I swear). Mike. Dear Mike. I cried so hard for him for some reason, especially the role he was given. It was a sweetness that I didn't even know i was craving. I love Mike. I want Mike on my side. Always. Rosie & Stanley, such a opposites-attract couple, yet full of love. The O'Reilly clan. Can I move in with them?? Or maybe just visit Ireland with Sean??
I suspended all other reading until I got through the entire series, and feel as though these characters are my friends and family. Please, please, please, give me more!
Note: I would love to give this series 4 1/2 stars, or even 5, but the grammatical and punctuation errors just don't cut it for me. Miss Terri, your writing is superb. Let it be polished until it glows. Let me be your proofreader (beta reader?).
I laughed till my belly hurt, then cried until I couldn't see the words. I felt anger and betrayal for those whose journey was suspended. I found redemption, grace, and, most of all, hope. I loved the ghosts/spirits (except for those malevolent ones), the mortals, the story lines and resolutions. I loved the lessons these stories conveyed, and the poignancy with which they were told.
I have several favorite characters, Mary and Bradley (and, by extension, Clarissa), being the foundation. Ian is someone I want to meet, and get to know, and just listen to him talk. Hopefully, he wears the black shirt (but don't tell Gillian I said that...it's strictly platonic, I swear). Mike. Dear Mike. I cried so hard for him for some reason, especially the role he was given. It was a sweetness that I didn't even know i was craving. I love Mike. I want Mike on my side. Always. Rosie & Stanley, such a opposites-attract couple, yet full of love. The O'Reilly clan. Can I move in with them?? Or maybe just visit Ireland with Sean??
I suspended all other reading until I got through the entire series, and feel as though these characters are my friends and family. Please, please, please, give me more!
Note: I would love to give this series 4 1/2 stars, or even 5, but the grammatical and punctuation errors just don't cut it for me. Miss Terri, your writing is superb. Let it be polished until it glows. Let me be your proofreader (beta reader?).
June 8, 2019
Lacking something
Ehhh... That's about all I can say about this book. I had never heard of re-homing children & it's scary & appalling to know this is happening here. The book lacked its usual spark. I found myself more annoyed with Mary & her actions - especially towards the end. Not even when they announced their baby's name at the gender reveal party could distract me from this disappointment of a book. The reader at the end when the book is finishing just made me roll my eyes. I may have to take a break from the series because either they are getting not as good or things I let slide before now annoy me. Mary is pregnant with her miracle baby, as she puts it, & yet she does things that out both her & the baby at risk. It's annoying.
Ehhh... That's about all I can say about this book. I had never heard of re-homing children & it's scary & appalling to know this is happening here. The book lacked its usual spark. I found myself more annoyed with Mary & her actions - especially towards the end. Not even when they announced their baby's name at the gender reveal party could distract me from this disappointment of a book. The reader at the end when the book is finishing just made me roll my eyes. I may have to take a break from the series because either they are getting not as good or things I let slide before now annoy me. Mary is pregnant with her miracle baby, as she puts it, & yet she does things that out both her & the baby at risk. It's annoying.
March 4, 2019
I can't get enough of this series. The mysteries are all different enough to keep it interesting, the cast of characters are likeable and entertaining, the stories are quick and easy reads and overall it's a great way to spend an afternoon in the world of Mary O'Reilly and friends.
This one was a bit more of a gruesome story which dealt with child trafficking and re-homing adopted children when the adoptive parents change their mind. As Mary evolves into a married woman and mother, the storyline seems to be focusing more around children, which is fine, but be warned this story may be a trigger for some.
This one was a bit more of a gruesome story which dealt with child trafficking and re-homing adopted children when the adoptive parents change their mind. As Mary evolves into a married woman and mother, the storyline seems to be focusing more around children, which is fine, but be warned this story may be a trigger for some.
February 10, 2024
Sad truth
This storyline brings something dear to my heart forward to the light. Remember the faces on the milk cartons. Some of you may be too wrong, ask someone older in your family, The FBI were the big dogs fighting these types of crimes, now it needs to be every good loving person to get involved even dual areas. One great organization is ZOE international that I personally belong to but there are others out there wanting to protect our children. Make sure you research them.
This storyline brings something dear to my heart forward to the light. Remember the faces on the milk cartons. Some of you may be too wrong, ask someone older in your family, The FBI were the big dogs fighting these types of crimes, now it needs to be every good loving person to get involved even dual areas. One great organization is ZOE international that I personally belong to but there are others out there wanting to protect our children. Make sure you research them.
March 25, 2017
A very informative book, unfortunately
This is a hard (emotional) book to read, especially for parents. But it gives the hard truth; there are very bad people in our children's lives, not easy to recognize. We, as parents, can't always spot them ourselves. And sometimes we are not as understanding as we should be, not only of others, but also of ourselves. We all make mistakes that challenge our own families.
This is a hard (emotional) book to read, especially for parents. But it gives the hard truth; there are very bad people in our children's lives, not easy to recognize. We, as parents, can't always spot them ourselves. And sometimes we are not as understanding as we should be, not only of others, but also of ourselves. We all make mistakes that challenge our own families.
July 20, 2017
I really enjoyed most of this book. I understand the author wants the reader to understand things like trafficking and all, but I do not like to read stories about those things. If I did not enjoy the series so much, I may not have read it. I'm a little worried for the baby and what's going on with Mike.
October 28, 2017
Great adventure!
A great adventure! I just love Mary's kick butt attitude, she's not afraid of anything or anybody, and with a guardian angel like Mike who can blame her? The book is a good, quick, easy read. I highly recommend it to anybody with a open mind to the paranormal or not.
A great adventure! I just love Mary's kick butt attitude, she's not afraid of anything or anybody, and with a guardian angel like Mike who can blame her? The book is a good, quick, easy read. I highly recommend it to anybody with a open mind to the paranormal or not.
November 25, 2017
Wondering if this series will ever move on. Really we are at book 13 and still in the same year Bradley and Mary got married. How may books will it take for readers see somthing besides the few months/first year of marriage?
June 5, 2018
In this book Ms. Reid introduces a subject I have never heard of, re-homing. It always amazes me what some people are capable of. Although there are many cruel and sadistic people out there, I know there are many more that are fighting to save these children.
March 12, 2018
A blessed event!
This one was scary to read! I learned things I didn't know in this book. Things that made me write to my Rep and Senators. I laughed and cried!
This one was scary to read! I learned things I didn't know in this book. Things that made me write to my Rep and Senators. I laughed and cried!
April 24, 2018
This book was probably the most troubling of all the books I have read by her. The topic was tough but handled well.
January 10, 2019
Great as always!
March 15, 2019
Such a emotional book.
November 14, 2019
So enjoyed every book in this series. Familiar areas, mystery and paranormal experiences right along with real life situations. Truly recommend.
September 27, 2020
A dark one, but great.
This one tore my heart out. Terri Reid certainly does her homework. It makes you wonder what she can think of next.
This one tore my heart out. Terri Reid certainly does her homework. It makes you wonder what she can think of next.
December 25, 2020
Another great read!
This book has everything: serious subjects, with comical characters who know how to laugh at themselves. My only suggestion is for Terri Reid to write faster!
This book has everything: serious subjects, with comical characters who know how to laugh at themselves. My only suggestion is for Terri Reid to write faster!
July 13, 2024
Great
Love the reveal. I could hardly wait to see boy or girl. Good outcome. Oh to hear Chief Chase eat her words.
Love the reveal. I could hardly wait to see boy or girl. Good outcome. Oh to hear Chief Chase eat her words.
April 1, 2018
again I can't put these books down
May 17, 2022
Mary O’reilly is not only a private investigator but also has the ability to see and communicate with spirits. Sad story line with a great ending. Quick read! I enjoyed it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews