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Marie Bartek and the SIPS Team #1
Sullivan's Secret
Dr. Marie Bartek enjoys a simple life as the veterinarian of Sullivan's Island — until her psychic abilities suddenly return after eighteen years.
Shaken by the spirits that now haunt her every moment, Marie confides in her best friend. Together, they form the Sullivan’s Island Paranormal Society: SIPS.
As new and unlikely friendships begin, Marie learns to channel her powers. When they find out that the spirits are trying to warn her of an evil presence on the island, Marie and her friends set out to bring a vicious serial killer to justice.
"Communing with the spirits may leave you with some very unwanted responsibility. 'Sullivan's Secret' follows Marie Bartek as she rediscovers her talents to communicate with spirits. Working with friends in a paranormal society, she finds that her skill leaves her with the responsibility to stop murders from sweeping her town and she has to put out her own neck to stop the hysteria. 'Sullivan's Secret' is a fascinating read that will be hard to put down." - Midwest Book Review-
Shaken by the spirits that now haunt her every moment, Marie confides in her best friend. Together, they form the Sullivan’s Island Paranormal Society: SIPS.
As new and unlikely friendships begin, Marie learns to channel her powers. When they find out that the spirits are trying to warn her of an evil presence on the island, Marie and her friends set out to bring a vicious serial killer to justice.
"Communing with the spirits may leave you with some very unwanted responsibility. 'Sullivan's Secret' follows Marie Bartek as she rediscovers her talents to communicate with spirits. Working with friends in a paranormal society, she finds that her skill leaves her with the responsibility to stop murders from sweeping her town and she has to put out her own neck to stop the hysteria. 'Sullivan's Secret' is a fascinating read that will be hard to put down." - Midwest Book Review-
133 pages, ebook
First published April 14, 2011
103 people are currently reading
938 people want to read
About the author
Robin Murphy
9 books117 followersRobin Murphy, an Amazon best-selling author, writes across genres including paranormal mysteries, humorous romance, chick-lit, and nonfiction. She has also written her first children's book inspired by a lovely conversation with her granddaughter.
Based in Havre de Grace, Maryland, she also works as a self-employed virtual executive assistant and freelance writer. Her ability to blend imaginative fiction with practical, real-world topics showcases both her versatility and engaging narrative style. She is on a journey of rediscovery, a believer in peace, searching for her life purpose to help others.
Based in Havre de Grace, Maryland, she also works as a self-employed virtual executive assistant and freelance writer. Her ability to blend imaginative fiction with practical, real-world topics showcases both her versatility and engaging narrative style. She is on a journey of rediscovery, a believer in peace, searching for her life purpose to help others.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 27, 2014
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Because of the sentence above I feel very bad that I am leaving a less than positive review, but anything less would be phoney so here goes...
The premise of the story works for me. Successful smart relatively normal woman (despite being able to communicate with the dead) who runs her own veterinary. When the dead start to communicate with her at a rather alarming rate, she decides to form a Ghost Hunting group (SIPS) with her friends. In the meantime murders are occurring that appear to be by a serial killer. There is also a love interest.
My problem with the book is not the story but the lack of skill of the writer. I never lost myself in the book. Every character was flat & uninteresting, even the murderer. The ghosts, the police, the victims - everything. I never forgot I was reading a book. I'm grateful that it was a very short book as I cannot imagine slogging through it for much longer than I did.
The fact that the main character is a veterinarian is a moot point as she really doesn't do anything in her office after the beginning of the book except call to cancel due to other circumstances like a murderer on the loose. I didn't get to "know" her & therefore didn't care about her or any of the other characters.
When reading a paranormal book I expect as the reader to get a little more insight as to what is going on or at least if the author isn't going to initially reveal it, create enough suspense to make me tear through the book wanting the answer. Throughout the entire book every time they go out on a Ghost Hunting mission & capture all sorts of activity the author never says exactly what was revealed. Instead she has the characters say things about what they heard so as the reader you hardly ever really know in it's entirety what all was going on when they were doing their Ghost Hunting. It came across to me as a very lazy way to write a book.
The relationships are G rated which is fine but so little detail is given when they hop into bed together all I could think was, "Wait, what? Already?" I experienced no sense of romance or connection between the characters. - Sensing a theme here?
I'm sorry to say it is not a book that I would recommend.
Because of the sentence above I feel very bad that I am leaving a less than positive review, but anything less would be phoney so here goes...
The premise of the story works for me. Successful smart relatively normal woman (despite being able to communicate with the dead) who runs her own veterinary. When the dead start to communicate with her at a rather alarming rate, she decides to form a Ghost Hunting group (SIPS) with her friends. In the meantime murders are occurring that appear to be by a serial killer. There is also a love interest.
My problem with the book is not the story but the lack of skill of the writer. I never lost myself in the book. Every character was flat & uninteresting, even the murderer. The ghosts, the police, the victims - everything. I never forgot I was reading a book. I'm grateful that it was a very short book as I cannot imagine slogging through it for much longer than I did.
The fact that the main character is a veterinarian is a moot point as she really doesn't do anything in her office after the beginning of the book except call to cancel due to other circumstances like a murderer on the loose. I didn't get to "know" her & therefore didn't care about her or any of the other characters.
When reading a paranormal book I expect as the reader to get a little more insight as to what is going on or at least if the author isn't going to initially reveal it, create enough suspense to make me tear through the book wanting the answer. Throughout the entire book every time they go out on a Ghost Hunting mission & capture all sorts of activity the author never says exactly what was revealed. Instead she has the characters say things about what they heard so as the reader you hardly ever really know in it's entirety what all was going on when they were doing their Ghost Hunting. It came across to me as a very lazy way to write a book.
The relationships are G rated which is fine but so little detail is given when they hop into bed together all I could think was, "Wait, what? Already?" I experienced no sense of romance or connection between the characters. - Sensing a theme here?
I'm sorry to say it is not a book that I would recommend.
February 25, 2017
Okay, I had a really hard time rating this book. For one thing, it's not young adult, which was super different for me. In addition to that, this book wasn't even the same genre I usually read. And this is going to be kind of strange review, because I had some mixed feelings.
It took me a long time to read this book. Like, three and a half weeks. Which is weird, because it was a short book and I'm a fast reader. The reason I put it down the first time was because I wasn't enjoying it. I didn't really like the beginning of the book. It just sort jumped into Marie's life, and I don't think there was enough background or plot setup. Instead of the plot being a mountain or hill that you hike up, it felt more like I opened the first page and ran into rock wall. The plot was just suddenly there.
The second time I stopped reading was for a completely different reason: I was afraid to keep reading because I didn't want the characters to have anything bad happen to them. I was legitimately scared for them.
After I got past the beginning and the mystery started to pick up, I gradually liked it more and more until I got to the point where I realized that I truly cared what happened next. The story behind everything that was going on was actually pretty interesting.
I think my least favorite part of this book was the dialogue. I just couldn't imagine people talking like the characters did. But once I got over the individual details of the book that bothered me, I was able to look at the book as a whole, I decided that I actually did like it more than I'd thought I would.
It took me a long time to read this book. Like, three and a half weeks. Which is weird, because it was a short book and I'm a fast reader. The reason I put it down the first time was because I wasn't enjoying it. I didn't really like the beginning of the book. It just sort jumped into Marie's life, and I don't think there was enough background or plot setup. Instead of the plot being a mountain or hill that you hike up, it felt more like I opened the first page and ran into rock wall. The plot was just suddenly there.
The second time I stopped reading was for a completely different reason: I was afraid to keep reading because I didn't want the characters to have anything bad happen to them. I was legitimately scared for them.
After I got past the beginning and the mystery started to pick up, I gradually liked it more and more until I got to the point where I realized that I truly cared what happened next. The story behind everything that was going on was actually pretty interesting.
I think my least favorite part of this book was the dialogue. I just couldn't imagine people talking like the characters did. But once I got over the individual details of the book that bothered me, I was able to look at the book as a whole, I decided that I actually did like it more than I'd thought I would.
October 26, 2018
A serial killer goes up against a paranormal team
Great storyline and a nice twist at the end. Great characters that you can bond with.
Her psychic powers have lain dormant for years but suddenly they are back in force. To that end, she and other like minded individuals set up the paranormal society. Meanwhile someone has killed a young woman by hanging. When they get a call to investigate the library they encounter more ghostly activity only to find that they are too late to save the young woman. However the evidence does convince the police chief as do his growing feelings for her. More deaths and warnings follow but when she is abducted even with set protection will they be too late to save her or will the ghosts manage to get help to her in time?
Great storyline and a nice twist at the end. Great characters that you can bond with.
Her psychic powers have lain dormant for years but suddenly they are back in force. To that end, she and other like minded individuals set up the paranormal society. Meanwhile someone has killed a young woman by hanging. When they get a call to investigate the library they encounter more ghostly activity only to find that they are too late to save the young woman. However the evidence does convince the police chief as do his growing feelings for her. More deaths and warnings follow but when she is abducted even with set protection will they be too late to save her or will the ghosts manage to get help to her in time?
February 17, 2020
this seemed a book for the younger reader for the most part. I got the vibe of ghostbuster/ ghost hunters had some funny parts. I guess I was expecting alittle more from this.
June 12, 2016
Sullivan's Secret
By Robin Murphy
Sullivan’s Island is an idyllic seaside community with beautiful beaches and historical landmarks that make it a great place to travel but an even greater place to call home. That’s where Dr. Marie Bartek has settled, becoming the community’s veterinarian. However, there is more to the doc than most know. She has gifts that emerged as a child to where she can see spirits; gifts that have been absent for many years but have returned recently for reasons unknown.
One might think in a town as small as hers that having special gifts might make you a pariah; however, on Sullivan’s Island it’s nothing to hide away. As a matter of fact there is a small group of individuals who are interested in beginning a group of sorts; Sullivan Island Paranormal Society or SIPS for short.
As the group begins to organize, a pair of spirits begins desperately trying to communicate with Marie. At first it is difficult to understand what they are saying as her gifts are rusty one might say. However, as their message becomes clearer, she realizes they are trying to communicate with her about a recent rash of murders occurring in her town. With the help of the SIPS team, can Marie stop the next murder from happening? Or is there a possibility that the life she could be saving could be her own?
I began the Marie Bartek series by Robin Murphy for the same reason I begin any book, an author's request. In this case I didn't exactly do as requested simply because I was asked to read the two most recent of the series. However, as I began to read the second in a series of three I felt I needed background information that could only be garnered from reading the first. So, that is how I happened upon Sullivan's Secret. And I’m glad I read the first one because it was a great read.
As far as a storyline goes, I thought Sullivan’s Secret had a slightly abbreviated one. It’s safe to say I felt it was a bit rushed. Everything seemed to be in overdrive, not allowing the story to truly develop. The character development was adequate, but again it was in a full sprint. Even our primary characters weren’t developed as much as l typically like to see. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the confusion caused by the formatting and changes in POV from Marie to our murderer. Although told in 3rd person, the storyline would be following Marie and then without notice would switch to our killer. I have to say it became quite confusing and odd for several paragraphs to realize what actually had happened.
All in all, I would say that Sullivan’s Secret was a great, quick read. Although not as developed as I would like, it was interesting to solve to crime with the SIPS team and the help from Marie’s spirits. I’d definitely recommend this book to not only those who enjoy paranormal pieces, but also those who like a mystery/crime/who-dun-it type of book. As it stands now there are three books that follow this one; Secret of the Big Easy, Federal City’s Secret, and Secret of Coffin Island. All three are part of the Marie Bartek and the SIPS Team series. I’m definitely going to check these out as well and I encourage you to do so too!.
By Robin Murphy
Sullivan’s Island is an idyllic seaside community with beautiful beaches and historical landmarks that make it a great place to travel but an even greater place to call home. That’s where Dr. Marie Bartek has settled, becoming the community’s veterinarian. However, there is more to the doc than most know. She has gifts that emerged as a child to where she can see spirits; gifts that have been absent for many years but have returned recently for reasons unknown.
One might think in a town as small as hers that having special gifts might make you a pariah; however, on Sullivan’s Island it’s nothing to hide away. As a matter of fact there is a small group of individuals who are interested in beginning a group of sorts; Sullivan Island Paranormal Society or SIPS for short.
As the group begins to organize, a pair of spirits begins desperately trying to communicate with Marie. At first it is difficult to understand what they are saying as her gifts are rusty one might say. However, as their message becomes clearer, she realizes they are trying to communicate with her about a recent rash of murders occurring in her town. With the help of the SIPS team, can Marie stop the next murder from happening? Or is there a possibility that the life she could be saving could be her own?
I began the Marie Bartek series by Robin Murphy for the same reason I begin any book, an author's request. In this case I didn't exactly do as requested simply because I was asked to read the two most recent of the series. However, as I began to read the second in a series of three I felt I needed background information that could only be garnered from reading the first. So, that is how I happened upon Sullivan's Secret. And I’m glad I read the first one because it was a great read.
As far as a storyline goes, I thought Sullivan’s Secret had a slightly abbreviated one. It’s safe to say I felt it was a bit rushed. Everything seemed to be in overdrive, not allowing the story to truly develop. The character development was adequate, but again it was in a full sprint. Even our primary characters weren’t developed as much as l typically like to see. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the confusion caused by the formatting and changes in POV from Marie to our murderer. Although told in 3rd person, the storyline would be following Marie and then without notice would switch to our killer. I have to say it became quite confusing and odd for several paragraphs to realize what actually had happened.
All in all, I would say that Sullivan’s Secret was a great, quick read. Although not as developed as I would like, it was interesting to solve to crime with the SIPS team and the help from Marie’s spirits. I’d definitely recommend this book to not only those who enjoy paranormal pieces, but also those who like a mystery/crime/who-dun-it type of book. As it stands now there are three books that follow this one; Secret of the Big Easy, Federal City’s Secret, and Secret of Coffin Island. All three are part of the Marie Bartek and the SIPS Team series. I’m definitely going to check these out as well and I encourage you to do so too!.
September 24, 2025
This is the first book in the Marie Barteck and the SIPS Team series by Robin Murphy. Dr. Marie Bartek is a veterinarian on Sullivan’s Island living a quiet life until her psychic abilities resurface after eighteen years. Haunted by delusions and ghostly encounters, she confides in her best friend and together they form the Sullivan’s Island Paranormal Society (SIPS). As Marie learns to channel her gifts, she discovers that the spirits are trying to warn her about a serial killer lurking in their seaside town. With the help of her new team including Chief Cory Miller who is also her love interest. Marie dives into a chilling investigation that could save lives—including her own. With the help of close friends and a dash of romantic tension, the heroine embarks on a chilling journey of discovery, danger, and redemption in a deceptively peaceful coastal town. I really enjoyed this fantastic paranormal suspense mystery novel.
July 14, 2021
Marie is the local vet on Sullivan's Island, and a small boy, who's a ghost, appears to her, warning her about a murder. This happens on three different occasions, and indeed there were murders of local women, all whom look like her. She and her friends set up a paranormal investigation society and start investigating the murders. They discover a serial killer on the loose, and they begin to search for him.
December 2, 2015
I have to say I did really like the story it was quite interesting and brought you into the paranormal aspects pretty well. The overall story was enjoyable.
I did find though that the characters were a not as developed as they could have been, which made them a little dull. Also for a book already published there are a lot of errors that could have been picked up by having a few people proofread and I found it a little distracting to the story.
I will read the next book and see how it goes as I am intrigued by the premise and think a few tweaks and I would have given this 4 - 4 1/2 stars!
I did find though that the characters were a not as developed as they could have been, which made them a little dull. Also for a book already published there are a lot of errors that could have been picked up by having a few people proofread and I found it a little distracting to the story.
I will read the next book and see how it goes as I am intrigued by the premise and think a few tweaks and I would have given this 4 - 4 1/2 stars!
April 23, 2022
Sullivan’s Secret, the first novel in the Marie Bartek and the SIPS team series, is a good paranormal mystery. When Marie’s ability to see and talk to spirits return, a local group get together to form Sullivan’s Island Paranormal Society, or SIPS for short. They will learn that a killer is loose in their local community and must hurry to find him as one of their own is in danger. What a fun read. I enjoyed the storyline as well as the characters in this page turner and do look forward to reading SIPS next adventure.
December 31, 2011
Communing with the spirits may leave you with some very unwanted responsibility. "Sullivan's Secret" follows Marie Bartek as she rediscovers her talents to communicate with spirits. Working with friends in a paranormal society, she finds that her skill leaves her with the responsibility to stop murders from sweeping her town and she has to put out her own neck to stop the hysteria. "Sullivan's Secret" is a fascinating read that will be hard to put down.
June 11, 2022
This is a short read with suspense and paranormal blended in a fast-paced tale. Marie Bartek is a veterinarian on Sullivan's Island, she is also a person who can see ghosts and begins the Sullivan’s Island Paranormal Society (SIPS). Finding evil is alive and well takes Marie and friends on a paranormal mystery ride.
May 11, 2011
I'm not a big fan of paranormal mysteries but this book did capture my attention. I actually read it straight through! Robin Murphy is a new author and this is her first release--great job! I can't wait for the next!
November 16, 2014
VERY GOOD
I didn't want to put this book down once I got started. I enjoyed it and will look for the next one.
I didn't want to put this book down once I got started. I enjoyed it and will look for the next one.
October 2, 2024
Great book
A little slow to start and to get into it, but a great book. Maybe it was the audio reader I was listening to with it.
A little slow to start and to get into it, but a great book. Maybe it was the audio reader I was listening to with it.
June 20, 2021
A woman's repressed mediumistic abilties come back when her town is menaced by a serial killer. She and her BFF join forces with other psychics and form a psychic investigation group. In the meantime romance with the hunky sheriff blossoms.
You don't have to be psychic to figure out this slow predictable mystery. It plods along. The prose
is basic and even the killer is a bore. Disappointing
You don't have to be psychic to figure out this slow predictable mystery. It plods along. The prose
is basic and even the killer is a bore. Disappointing
February 9, 2022
I was glad it was a quick read
I wanted to like this book but there is simply no way the chief of police would take his girlfriend to a crime scene or provide police and forensic reports to his girlfriend and her group of paranormal investigators. Besides the fact that the chief kept holding her and kissing her, also at crime scenes. I don't intend to read more of this series.
I wanted to like this book but there is simply no way the chief of police would take his girlfriend to a crime scene or provide police and forensic reports to his girlfriend and her group of paranormal investigators. Besides the fact that the chief kept holding her and kissing her, also at crime scenes. I don't intend to read more of this series.
June 26, 2017
very good
December 3, 2018
This was a fun read. Although I figured out the villain early on that did not prevent me from enjoying the book. I think the series would be well worth following :)
January 20, 2019
Entertaining and interesting story. Would like to see more of the SIPS group in future books. The characters were well developed. Looking forward to more books by Robin Murphy.
April 5, 2020
Marie is a veterinarian,having Cory as a boyfriend, and some close friends. When she again started having the psychic ability to see others in a different dimension. Her friends were in the field of paranormal.also.When she is abducted it was this group who came thru to save her.
It was slow, but feel it was laying the ground of this group coming together. Overall was interesting and will see how book two is.
It was slow, but feel it was laying the ground of this group coming together. Overall was interesting and will see how book two is.
September 20, 2023
This is book 1 of the Marie Bartek and the SIPS Team and is a great introduction to the series.
I loved that this novel had elements of crime, supernatural and romance in it. It made for an interesting and enjoyable read.
It centers around the main character Marie who is a vet who possesses extra sensory perception. Along with her friend Gale, she sets up a paranormal group who try to connect with spirits from the afterlife.
When a serial killer begins striking in the vicinity Marie and the group try to help solve the crimes.
The characters were portrayed well. I liked the friendship between Marie and Gale and the romance with the skeptic police chief. The narrative flowed well with plenty of action which made me want to keep on reading.
This was a well written, quick read. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it. Five stars from me.
I loved that this novel had elements of crime, supernatural and romance in it. It made for an interesting and enjoyable read.
It centers around the main character Marie who is a vet who possesses extra sensory perception. Along with her friend Gale, she sets up a paranormal group who try to connect with spirits from the afterlife.
When a serial killer begins striking in the vicinity Marie and the group try to help solve the crimes.
The characters were portrayed well. I liked the friendship between Marie and Gale and the romance with the skeptic police chief. The narrative flowed well with plenty of action which made me want to keep on reading.
This was a well written, quick read. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it. Five stars from me.
November 26, 2014
I was asked to review this book and give my honest opinion THREE MONTHS AGO! This is no fault to the author as I really liked this novel and anticipate the next installment to the series. I usually have a great deal of time on my hands to enjoy actual reading. However, life changes and charity volunteering, watching my grandkids and my numerous physical therapy sessions got in the way of being still long enough to actually read anything.
I gave this book five stars because of the work to investigate and put into the story the actual aspects a paranormal group go through to investigate a suggested paranormal occurance. Then add in an interesting dialogue with romance between a skeptical Sheriff,(but trying to keep an open mind for the women he cares for), and the local Vet who has medium abilities coming forth that have been latent since childhood. And then there is the cast of characters of the SIPS crew. I love Gale and Tim's love/sex life is a hoot at times. I especially enjoyed Myra's spunk. Watch out for this old girl.
The romance between Marie and Cory was sweet, but was a bit flat. They're attracted to each other, they date a couple times before sleeping together and find that love is truly happening for them. This wasn't much of a romance novel even with a couple romances going on as more of a Ghost Hunter and suspence and thriller novel with a serial killer and spirits trying to help out his victoms by contacting the local medium.
As far as the paranormal, it was great read and enlightning as to what could happen with actual paranormal activity. I think any young adult and above would truly enjoy this series.
I gave this book five stars because of the work to investigate and put into the story the actual aspects a paranormal group go through to investigate a suggested paranormal occurance. Then add in an interesting dialogue with romance between a skeptical Sheriff,(but trying to keep an open mind for the women he cares for), and the local Vet who has medium abilities coming forth that have been latent since childhood. And then there is the cast of characters of the SIPS crew. I love Gale and Tim's love/sex life is a hoot at times. I especially enjoyed Myra's spunk. Watch out for this old girl.
The romance between Marie and Cory was sweet, but was a bit flat. They're attracted to each other, they date a couple times before sleeping together and find that love is truly happening for them. This wasn't much of a romance novel even with a couple romances going on as more of a Ghost Hunter and suspence and thriller novel with a serial killer and spirits trying to help out his victoms by contacting the local medium.
As far as the paranormal, it was great read and enlightning as to what could happen with actual paranormal activity. I think any young adult and above would truly enjoy this series.
January 19, 2016
I got this book as an ARC for an honest review and here is my review.
This story is very good it is a very interesting way to write a criminal novel. I liked the mix between paranormal, the police work, friendship and love. It is all very nicely balanced and gives the book a great depth and the story just flows and catches you and drags you in it.
This is the first novel in the series and I cant wait to read the others and to get the know the characters bette and to get involved with them again. They are very well written and feels real and the mix of them is just pure perfection. You get a little bit of everything.
there are some things I do not like and that takes on star away and it that it sometime where a lot of repetition and after a while it felt more like filling for the book. also I dont know if it is just my version but the layout and words who wasnt written porperly made it sometimes difficult to read.
The thing I dont really enjoy, but is very common among crime novells is that there is a lot about the story and the murdered and then the finally is like 1-2 chapters and really short. I can understand that you cant make it as a movie and I dont want it to be but it makes it a bit like an antiklimax. And this book has it but I still enjoyed this ending more than some other crime novels I have been reading and that makes it good.
This book is brillian and I think this is a must read book and I will read the other in the series as soon as I can. I love how the story works and how much feelings we get. I also like the paranormal aspect of the book and like to see this in a crime novel.
This story is very good it is a very interesting way to write a criminal novel. I liked the mix between paranormal, the police work, friendship and love. It is all very nicely balanced and gives the book a great depth and the story just flows and catches you and drags you in it.
This is the first novel in the series and I cant wait to read the others and to get the know the characters bette and to get involved with them again. They are very well written and feels real and the mix of them is just pure perfection. You get a little bit of everything.
there are some things I do not like and that takes on star away and it that it sometime where a lot of repetition and after a while it felt more like filling for the book. also I dont know if it is just my version but the layout and words who wasnt written porperly made it sometimes difficult to read.
The thing I dont really enjoy, but is very common among crime novells is that there is a lot about the story and the murdered and then the finally is like 1-2 chapters and really short. I can understand that you cant make it as a movie and I dont want it to be but it makes it a bit like an antiklimax. And this book has it but I still enjoyed this ending more than some other crime novels I have been reading and that makes it good.
This book is brillian and I think this is a must read book and I will read the other in the series as soon as I can. I love how the story works and how much feelings we get. I also like the paranormal aspect of the book and like to see this in a crime novel.
January 20, 2016
Sullivan's Secret
(Marie Bartek and the SIPS Team Book 1)
by Robin Murphy
*I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review*
I thought the basis of the story was really interesting. That's what caught my eye at first. I'm all about a good ghost story, throw in some love and suspense and...winner winner. Aside from the plot idea, I just couldn't get excited about the book. The characters and experiences had no depth to me. It all felt flat and monotonous. I needed more of a connection to the players in this game. At least to the main character.
The experiences they had in the book just happened. It was hard for me to keep up with what was going on and what the SIPS team were learning about the happenings. Nothing was really explained to me, as the reader. I felt lost. I need the book I'm reading to pull me along with the characters actions and emotions. I need to feel it right along side of them. Not sit, confused as to what is really going on.
This is book one of four. I can't start a series and not finish it because of one book. My brain would rebel haha. I'm interested to see how and if the author was able to evolve throughout this series. Stay tuned for my review of book two.
*DISCLAIMER*
I want to state that Paranormal is not a genre I have a lot of experience in. I am not a newbie to it at all, it's just not a genre that I spend a great deal of time reading. With that being said, my review is basically from an outsiders perspective. Regardless of that, this is my honest and personal review.
(Marie Bartek and the SIPS Team Book 1)
by Robin Murphy
*I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review*
I thought the basis of the story was really interesting. That's what caught my eye at first. I'm all about a good ghost story, throw in some love and suspense and...winner winner. Aside from the plot idea, I just couldn't get excited about the book. The characters and experiences had no depth to me. It all felt flat and monotonous. I needed more of a connection to the players in this game. At least to the main character.
The experiences they had in the book just happened. It was hard for me to keep up with what was going on and what the SIPS team were learning about the happenings. Nothing was really explained to me, as the reader. I felt lost. I need the book I'm reading to pull me along with the characters actions and emotions. I need to feel it right along side of them. Not sit, confused as to what is really going on.
This is book one of four. I can't start a series and not finish it because of one book. My brain would rebel haha. I'm interested to see how and if the author was able to evolve throughout this series. Stay tuned for my review of book two.
*DISCLAIMER*
I want to state that Paranormal is not a genre I have a lot of experience in. I am not a newbie to it at all, it's just not a genre that I spend a great deal of time reading. With that being said, my review is basically from an outsiders perspective. Regardless of that, this is my honest and personal review.
June 3, 2016
Marie Bartek is a veterinarian who can encounter spirits. She hasn't seen in any in years when they all of a sudden start visiting her again. With the help of her best friend, Gale Winters, they form SIPS - Sullivan's Island Paranormal Society with other people with abilities.
Although people in town have doubts, including Marie's love interest Police Chief Cory Miller, they are getting clues and finding out things that haven't even happened yet. And soon it begins to get personal for Marie and will she be able to be saved in time?
I liked the book but at times I found myself drifting a little. I think it's due to the author wanting you to learn so much information about everyone as it is the first book in the series. I enjoyed Marie and Gail and the friendship between the two. They both had good lives and it didn't seem that their relationship with "spirits" was fake, which made the book good and believable.
I did figure out who the killer was ahead of time but not all the reasons why and I really enjoyed discovering that as it did take me by surprise!
I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series as I think it does have great possibilities.
Although people in town have doubts, including Marie's love interest Police Chief Cory Miller, they are getting clues and finding out things that haven't even happened yet. And soon it begins to get personal for Marie and will she be able to be saved in time?
I liked the book but at times I found myself drifting a little. I think it's due to the author wanting you to learn so much information about everyone as it is the first book in the series. I enjoyed Marie and Gail and the friendship between the two. They both had good lives and it didn't seem that their relationship with "spirits" was fake, which made the book good and believable.
I did figure out who the killer was ahead of time but not all the reasons why and I really enjoyed discovering that as it did take me by surprise!
I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series as I think it does have great possibilities.
December 23, 2015
This is the first book in a series by Robin Murphy. Marie Bartek is a vet on Sullivan’s Island, SC who has been a phychic all her life. As a teen, she stops seeing spirits after a traumatic experience she had with a friend. Now, 18 years later, she starts seeing spirits again and doesn’t know what to do. She confides in a friend who is also interested in the paranormal and they decide to form the Sullivan’s Island Paranormal Society (SIPS).
The spirits who are coming to Marie are warning her of murders that are currently taking place on their small island. Can Marie and her team figure out what is happening and work with the local police department to stop the deranged killer before anyone else is killed?
This is a good beginning to a promising series. My only thought was if she really is a vet, she must not have a lot of clients because she is hardly in her office. Maybe she should have someone buy her business? Other than that, the writing is good. I love a good paranormal story mixed with action and suspense. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series…
The spirits who are coming to Marie are warning her of murders that are currently taking place on their small island. Can Marie and her team figure out what is happening and work with the local police department to stop the deranged killer before anyone else is killed?
This is a good beginning to a promising series. My only thought was if she really is a vet, she must not have a lot of clients because she is hardly in her office. Maybe she should have someone buy her business? Other than that, the writing is good. I love a good paranormal story mixed with action and suspense. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series…
January 15, 2016
This is the first book in a series by Robin Murphy. Marie Bartek is a vet on Sullivan’s Island, SC who has been a phychic all her life. As a teen, she stops seeing spirits after a traumatic experience she had with a friend. Now, 18 years later, she starts seeing spirits again and doesn’t know what to do. She confides in a friend who is also interested in the paranormal and they decide to form the Sullivan’s Island Paranormal Society (SIPS).
The spirits who are coming to Marie are warning her of murders that are currently taking place on their small island. Can Marie and her team figure out what is happening and work with the local police department to stop the deranged killer before anyone else is killed?
This is a good beginning to a promising series. My only thought was if she really is a vet, she must not have a lot of clients because she is hardly in her office. Maybe she should have someone buy her business? Other than that, the writing is good. I love a good paranormal story mixed with action and suspense. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series…
Reviewed by Cryssy
The spirits who are coming to Marie are warning her of murders that are currently taking place on their small island. Can Marie and her team figure out what is happening and work with the local police department to stop the deranged killer before anyone else is killed?
This is a good beginning to a promising series. My only thought was if she really is a vet, she must not have a lot of clients because she is hardly in her office. Maybe she should have someone buy her business? Other than that, the writing is good. I love a good paranormal story mixed with action and suspense. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series…
Reviewed by Cryssy
January 25, 2016
I love how the opening of this book puts you right into Marie’s world. There is a bit of back story to catch up on, but it flows really well within the story. Right away you are introduced to the SIPS team and find out about Marie’s Psychic gifts. Each of the SIPS characters is colorful, an infectious eclectic mix of personalities and strengths. You quickly become attached to them. Though a paranormal thriller, I think it is heavy on the paranormal and light on the thriller. The mystery has a strong basis and the story is well written. It is missing some of the suspense and red herrings usually found in the genre. It is almost as if the suspense is just a backdrop for the paranormal and romantic aspects of the story to shine. This was a terrific introduction to the series and quite an entertaining read
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
April 2, 2015
Midwest Book Review - "Communing with the spirits may leave you with some very unwanted responsibility. "Sullivan's Secret" follows Marie Bartek as she rediscovers her talents to communicate with spirits. Working with friends in a paranormal society, she finds that her skill leaves her with the responsibility to stop murders from sweeping her town and she has to put out her own neck to stop the hysteria. "Sullivan's Secret" is a fascinating read that will be hard to put down."
September 15, 2015
Very good read
A story about how Sulivan's Island paranormal activity is really discovered. This was very a very interesting tale of how friends commit to doing things together.
A story about how Sulivan's Island paranormal activity is really discovered. This was very a very interesting tale of how friends commit to doing things together.
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