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Pastor B and the Haunted Church: A Christian Mystery Suspense
Reverend Alan Burke was assigned to his last pastorate before retirement. The historic River Heights Church's glory days are past. Once the center of a thriving community, now located in a changing neighborhood, the church is experiencing a long, slow death. The priceless stained-glass windows, oak pews, and 100-rank pipe organ remain, but the congregation has faded away. Can Pastor Burke restore this church, or will he preside over its final rites? Along the way, Pastor Burke must deal with today's surprises and issues with an assist from ghosts of the past. His strong faith sees him through.
This work was originally published on Amazon as a Kindle Vella story in 53 episodes.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2025
About the author
Dorothy May Mercer
97 books33 followersDorothy May Mercer is a retired musician, busier than ever as president of two companies, writer and entrepreneur. She has published five books in seven months and is having a ball doing it! She and her husband have two lakefront homes in Michigan where they ski in winter and boat in summer. Hobbies are traveling, reading and playing the piano. The McBride series books are good old-fashioned detective cop stories with new technology and great looking girls thrown in.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 15, 2026
If you never see a ghost is haunting or a miracle? I found this book delightful, and not just because I used to work for a small community church. It has over 50 chapters, but the story is a fast read, and it is not all sunshine and roses. The situations the pastor faces are real and the way they are dealt with are true to form. Reading this book made me feel good as I found myself praying along with Pastor B.
August 7, 2025
For being a free book, I really enjoyed this. Through the eyes of protestant pastor Alan Burke, we see the daily life, trials, and triumphs of clergy. He has to deal with a congregant worried about his 8-year-old son who is transgender female; a wife named Sharon who is a constant support and sounding board (though he has a Zoom call with her which I think is weird over a phone call but whatever); the treasurer of the church seems shady while the secretary of finance committee tries to keep the finances in check and balanced; a congregant committing adultery; a young couple barely sees each other while trying to attend church with their toddler, and wish for more younger families to attend; he attends to sick and dying people, and deals with their families in different ways; the board chairman is not forthcoming about future plans he and unnamed others desire; someone attempting suicide suicide; congregants who are hard of hearing who would like better wiring and new equipment to ensure they can hear everything; and he has to deal with secretarial/financial/architectural issues that prevent him from pastoral duties.
After a wealthy man dies, a man whom Alan sat with in his death and prayed over him while waiting for his body to be taken to the morgue, the church via Alan is given a substantial amount of money to renovate. The son of this man doesn’t trust the board chairman and wants to do whatever he can to legitimately help out the church and not selfish endeavors.
I absolutely love how often Alan prays, for both minor and major things. I love that he is okay with not knowing the “why” of his feelings, trusting God and understanding that he doesn’t need to know everything. I love that he tries to be balanced in his decisions, especially because he is a new pastor to the church. I love how he prays for and with people, and uses the experiences for his sermons. I love how he does his best to bring families and individuals to better understand God through him, and how he strives to ensure future generations have a solid faith. I love how well he delegates while remaining the leader and finalizing everything, but still trusting others to their areas of expertise.
Throughout this is the “ghost story” aspect, where Alan goes into the old parts of the church that previously burned down. One of the rooms is that of the original pastor, Ebenezer, in which there is an old Bible that is randomly opened to a different verse each time Alan goes in the room. These verses are meant to guide him through some decisions, including church renovations.
A lot of things are wrapped up a bit too conveniently by the end, but it’s the nature of the book so it doesn’t bother me too much.
After a wealthy man dies, a man whom Alan sat with in his death and prayed over him while waiting for his body to be taken to the morgue, the church via Alan is given a substantial amount of money to renovate. The son of this man doesn’t trust the board chairman and wants to do whatever he can to legitimately help out the church and not selfish endeavors.
I absolutely love how often Alan prays, for both minor and major things. I love that he is okay with not knowing the “why” of his feelings, trusting God and understanding that he doesn’t need to know everything. I love that he tries to be balanced in his decisions, especially because he is a new pastor to the church. I love how he prays for and with people, and uses the experiences for his sermons. I love how he does his best to bring families and individuals to better understand God through him, and how he strives to ensure future generations have a solid faith. I love how well he delegates while remaining the leader and finalizing everything, but still trusting others to their areas of expertise.
Throughout this is the “ghost story” aspect, where Alan goes into the old parts of the church that previously burned down. One of the rooms is that of the original pastor, Ebenezer, in which there is an old Bible that is randomly opened to a different verse each time Alan goes in the room. These verses are meant to guide him through some decisions, including church renovations.
A lot of things are wrapped up a bit too conveniently by the end, but it’s the nature of the book so it doesn’t bother me too much.
September 1, 2025
Up From the Grave It Arose….
This is a highly enjoyable read, on a Sunday night or otherwise. It’s rare to read a modern tale of a pastor gently shepherding his flock through stormy seas and offering a genuine depiction of seeking guidance in prayer, without some heavy-handed instruction - or grime. The initial meeting with the board, where everyone wants Alan to take a position and he’s carefully schooled his face into neutrality….genius.
To be sure, the parishioners do not live perfect lives. One comes to the realization that he needs to seek restoration of broken relationships after theft, and sensibly follows suggestions of both the pastor and the group counselors. Another realizes that while he has lost a court case (and a good receptionist), he needs to learn how to parent as a partner with his ex. (The exploration of the specific parenting issues were fairly on-point, and I thought it was brave of the author to tackle contemporary issues with grace and goodwill.)
Pastor Alan has tact and diplomacy, without losing his grasp on the need for a firm push every once in a while. He manages more with empathetic silence and noncommittal encouragement than would be accomplished by ramming his agenda home. I especially appreciate the parts where he realizes that he’s been busy listening to everyone except his wife Sharon, and takes active steps forward in keeping love alive. (An ever-present danger in the life of anyone dedicated to ministry.)
Sharon’s firecracker nature shows in the late-night call from a policeman, and I feel this is also on point. Who in ministry hasn’t gotten a late-night call, or been tempted to slam a door shut on someone’s interfering foot when they won’t supply needed information for the sleepy husband who’s down for the count? And what spouse hasn’t snuck out of a room and then realized that all the care taken was an unnecessary extravagance - the spouse was out ‘like a mama bear in January’.
Anyone who has wished for the restoration of a sadly neglected church can see their dream realized in this book. (Sizable donations arise from kindly offered service to the community. Contractors don’t cheat. Second service is added.) It’s satisfying to see something happen quickly in fiction that would take years to accomplish in real life, but with tinges of real-life issues that keeps the story from becoming a hokey Hallmark tale. I loved the implication that the ‘spirit of Ebenezer’ is present in the old pastor’s study, until the Underground Railroad artwork blossoms under expert care and gets the attention it deserves.
Plus, Pastor B has Calvinist roots and a horror of extravagance. This endears me to him immensely.
This is a highly enjoyable read, on a Sunday night or otherwise. It’s rare to read a modern tale of a pastor gently shepherding his flock through stormy seas and offering a genuine depiction of seeking guidance in prayer, without some heavy-handed instruction - or grime. The initial meeting with the board, where everyone wants Alan to take a position and he’s carefully schooled his face into neutrality….genius.
To be sure, the parishioners do not live perfect lives. One comes to the realization that he needs to seek restoration of broken relationships after theft, and sensibly follows suggestions of both the pastor and the group counselors. Another realizes that while he has lost a court case (and a good receptionist), he needs to learn how to parent as a partner with his ex. (The exploration of the specific parenting issues were fairly on-point, and I thought it was brave of the author to tackle contemporary issues with grace and goodwill.)
Pastor Alan has tact and diplomacy, without losing his grasp on the need for a firm push every once in a while. He manages more with empathetic silence and noncommittal encouragement than would be accomplished by ramming his agenda home. I especially appreciate the parts where he realizes that he’s been busy listening to everyone except his wife Sharon, and takes active steps forward in keeping love alive. (An ever-present danger in the life of anyone dedicated to ministry.)
Sharon’s firecracker nature shows in the late-night call from a policeman, and I feel this is also on point. Who in ministry hasn’t gotten a late-night call, or been tempted to slam a door shut on someone’s interfering foot when they won’t supply needed information for the sleepy husband who’s down for the count? And what spouse hasn’t snuck out of a room and then realized that all the care taken was an unnecessary extravagance - the spouse was out ‘like a mama bear in January’.
Anyone who has wished for the restoration of a sadly neglected church can see their dream realized in this book. (Sizable donations arise from kindly offered service to the community. Contractors don’t cheat. Second service is added.) It’s satisfying to see something happen quickly in fiction that would take years to accomplish in real life, but with tinges of real-life issues that keeps the story from becoming a hokey Hallmark tale. I loved the implication that the ‘spirit of Ebenezer’ is present in the old pastor’s study, until the Underground Railroad artwork blossoms under expert care and gets the attention it deserves.
Plus, Pastor B has Calvinist roots and a horror of extravagance. This endears me to him immensely.
June 17, 2026
Pastor B and the Haunted Church by Dorothy May Mercer appears to be a fascinating blend of Christian fiction, mystery, and suspense that explores faith, community, and the enduring impact of the past. Set against the backdrop of a historic church facing decline, the novel presents a compelling story of restoration that seems to extend far beyond bricks and mortar.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the story is Reverend Alan Burke himself. Assigned to what may be his final pastorate before retirement, he arrives at River Heights Church during a difficult season. The church’s fading congregation and uncertain future create a meaningful challenge that appears to test not only his leadership but also his faith and perseverance. This setup immediately creates emotional investment as readers wonder whether renewal is still possible.
The church itself seems to function almost as a character within the story. Its beautiful stained-glass windows, pipe organ, and rich history stand as reminders of better days while highlighting the realities of change within the surrounding community. This contrast between past glory and present struggle appears to provide a thoughtful backdrop for the novel’s themes.
What particularly stands out is the way the mystery elements are woven into the narrative. The presence of ghosts from the past introduces an atmosphere of intrigue while also suggesting that unresolved stories and forgotten histories continue to influence the present. Rather than relying solely on suspense, the novel appears to use its supernatural elements to deepen the exploration of faith, legacy, and redemption.
Another appealing feature is the balance between spiritual themes and storytelling. Reverend Burke’s strong faith appears to guide him through the challenges he encounters, offering readers a story that combines mystery with encouragement and hope. The novel seems to ask meaningful questions about purpose, service, and what it means to remain faithful when circumstances appear discouraging.
Overall, Pastor B and the Haunted Church looks like an engaging Christian mystery that combines suspense, heartfelt character development, and themes of renewal. Readers who enjoy faith-based fiction, small-town mysteries, and stories about finding hope in unexpected places may find this book especially rewarding.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the story is Reverend Alan Burke himself. Assigned to what may be his final pastorate before retirement, he arrives at River Heights Church during a difficult season. The church’s fading congregation and uncertain future create a meaningful challenge that appears to test not only his leadership but also his faith and perseverance. This setup immediately creates emotional investment as readers wonder whether renewal is still possible.
The church itself seems to function almost as a character within the story. Its beautiful stained-glass windows, pipe organ, and rich history stand as reminders of better days while highlighting the realities of change within the surrounding community. This contrast between past glory and present struggle appears to provide a thoughtful backdrop for the novel’s themes.
What particularly stands out is the way the mystery elements are woven into the narrative. The presence of ghosts from the past introduces an atmosphere of intrigue while also suggesting that unresolved stories and forgotten histories continue to influence the present. Rather than relying solely on suspense, the novel appears to use its supernatural elements to deepen the exploration of faith, legacy, and redemption.
Another appealing feature is the balance between spiritual themes and storytelling. Reverend Burke’s strong faith appears to guide him through the challenges he encounters, offering readers a story that combines mystery with encouragement and hope. The novel seems to ask meaningful questions about purpose, service, and what it means to remain faithful when circumstances appear discouraging.
Overall, Pastor B and the Haunted Church looks like an engaging Christian mystery that combines suspense, heartfelt character development, and themes of renewal. Readers who enjoy faith-based fiction, small-town mysteries, and stories about finding hope in unexpected places may find this book especially rewarding.
Read
October 2, 2025The title threw me off a little. I thought, okay, so a church is haunted y a ghost. I decided to read it based on recommendations on Amazon and other sites. Wow! Was I surprised after reading the first few pages of Chapter 1 and saw it wasn’t a “ghost story “ in the traditional sense.
It became as if I knew Pastor B from my early childhood Pastor. As the main character in the book he caught my attention from day one. He is a fascinating personage that you can’t help but like.
His patience that is on display with other characters in the story draws you in to root for him from page to page.
I don’t know if he is based on a Pastor from the author’s past, but if so, she had a great childhood growing up in her church.
The book was so good I bought the next book in the series and anxiously await the next
I give this 5 out of 5 stars for excellent editing and writing.
It became as if I knew Pastor B from my early childhood Pastor. As the main character in the book he caught my attention from day one. He is a fascinating personage that you can’t help but like.
His patience that is on display with other characters in the story draws you in to root for him from page to page.
I don’t know if he is based on a Pastor from the author’s past, but if so, she had a great childhood growing up in her church.
The book was so good I bought the next book in the series and anxiously await the next
I give this 5 out of 5 stars for excellent editing and writing.
February 13, 2026
A faith driven mystery
Pastor B and the Haunted Church is a faith-centered mystery that weaves prayer and spiritual reflection directly into the dialogue and daily interactions of its characters. The story maintains a strong devotional tone throughout, placing overt expressions of belief at the forefront of the narrative. While the style wasn’t fully aligned with my personal reading preferences, readers who appreciate straightforward, dialogue-driven Christian fiction with a consistent spiritual emphasis may find it meaningful.
Pastor B and the Haunted Church is a faith-centered mystery that weaves prayer and spiritual reflection directly into the dialogue and daily interactions of its characters. The story maintains a strong devotional tone throughout, placing overt expressions of belief at the forefront of the narrative. While the style wasn’t fully aligned with my personal reading preferences, readers who appreciate straightforward, dialogue-driven Christian fiction with a consistent spiritual emphasis may find it meaningful.
June 5, 2025
For Christian families and fiction lovers, watch Pastor Alan Burke on his transformational journey as he converts a decrepit, 19th-Century spooky church into a glorious bastion of modern progress and peace, and his quest to unravel the mystery of its former founding pastors, Ebenezer Smithfield!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews