The Last Haunting

Rylan Flynn #7

by Dawn Merriman

My mother’s spirit is trapped. To set her free, I must find her killer before it’s too late…

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

When I witness a fatal car crash, the police are quick to conclude that it’s an accident. Only Detective Ford Pierce is not convinced—could the healthy victim really have died at the wheel from a heart attack?

For once, I’m happy to let Ford investigate alone. Years ago, my mother was murdered in our home. Now, with her ghost begging me to find the killer, I will not be distracted from solving her cold case once and for all.

The evil spirit Roland is back, terrorizing the town. And when a brutal murder is uncovered, it’s clear he isn’t acting alone.

Are all the sinister events in Ashby more connected than they appeared at first glance?

As Ford and I edge closer to answers, it becomes clear that someone, or something, wants to keep their deadly secrets buried. Can I unmask this ruthless murderer before I become the next victim?

The exhilarating finale of a paranormal mystery series packed with heart-stopping twists, The Last Haunting is perfect for fans of Heather Graham, Wendy Wang, and Noelle W. Ihli.

Genres: Mystery

187 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 22, 2025

About the author

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

Reviews

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

Gripping, mysterious, atmospheric, chilling, full of tension, twists, and reveals!!!! Dawn Merriman delivered with The Last Haunting: An unputdownable and utterly gripping paranormal mystery!!!!! I can't believe that this is the 7th and last book in the Rylan Flynn series! It feels as if I just finished The Spirit Girls! Every book in this series was pure supernatural reading bliss! This book picks up where the events of the previous book, The Burning Soul, left off. Yes, yes, yes!!!!! Sometimes books in a series work well as stand-alone novels but I don't believe this book would. I highly recommend beginning with the first book in the series and going for there. They are fast and thrilling books that are less than 300 pages. Most being in the low 200-page counts!

Rylan Flynn can see ghosts. She not only sees ghosts, but she helps to solve the mysteries behind how they died and to help them pass over. She has been living with her mother's ghost for the entire series and she and her mother are both ready to find out how her mother died! Readers of the series have been waiting for this moment and Dawn Merriman gave fans of the series what we have been waiting for!!!!!! Thank you, Dawn! Whew! What a thrilling and chilling ride this series has been. This book also has Rylan dealing with her nemesis, Roland, an evil entity who has bad intentions and evil vibes.

A wonderful ending to an exciting, addictive, and fun series. I have enjoyed watching the character of Rylan evolve and grow. She has learned to trust, be vulnerable, let people in, and grow her relationships with others. I have also enjoyed watching her relationship with Detective Ford grow and transform as well. The mysteries have been wonderful, and I did not see the reveal in this book coming. I loved being shocked and seeing the storyline concerning her mother come full circle.

Such a wonderfully written and well thought out final additional to a wonderful series. It has been a pleasure, and I enjoyed the supernatural ride! All good things must come to an end and Dawn Merriman did her series, and fans of this series, proud. A final farewell was said and as the book closed, I was thankful for the time I spent being haunted by this book!

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

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

[Debbie DiFiore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is she really over

And what about Elsa? This was good but I am sad if this really is the last book. I feel like somebody died and I won't see them again. How do I get so.connected to characters from books!?!? They are so.real to me! I just loved this series and I really hope she comes back someday!? Why hasn't elsa crossed over? This can't be the end. Please?

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay 3.5 stars rounded up. I really liked the first half of this book. What took me out was guessing the bad guy and how it was wrapped up at the end. I do wish it had a different ending but enjoyed the book nevertheless! If you enjoyed the rest of the series I would highly recommend you read this to finish it off!

[Emmalynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has been a really great series up until this last book. It wasn’t a bad book, it just didn’t have the punch the other books did, especially as it’s the last book in the series. While threads are tied up, there’s still so many things left unanswered. It just feel… unfinished 🤷🏾‍♀️🤷🏾‍♀️🤷🏾‍♀️

[Bzz Kolla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Second Sky

Wow. The Last Haunting is everything I want in a paranormal mystery—gripping, emotional, and absolutely unputdownable. As the final book in the Rylan Flynn series, it delivers a powerful, satisfying conclusion that had me hooked from the first page to the last. I’ve followed Rylan’s journey from the beginning, and this finale gave me chills in all the best ways.

👻 Plot Summary
Rylan Flynn is no stranger to ghosts, but this time it’s personal. Her mother’s spirit is trapped, and the only way to set her free is to solve her decades-old murder. When Rylan witnesses a suspicious car crash, the police call it an accident—but Detective Ford Pierce isn’t convinced. As Rylan digs deeper into her mother’s cold case, she uncovers a chilling connection to the evil spirit Roland, who’s back and more dangerous than ever.

With the town of Ashby under supernatural siege and secrets surfacing from every corner, Rylan must confront her past, face her deepest fears, and stop a killer—before she becomes the next victim.

🕯️ What I Loved
Rylan’s Emotional Arc: This book hit hard. Watching Rylan confront the trauma of her mother’s death while trying to protect the living was raw and beautifully written.

High Stakes, High Tension: The pacing is relentless. Every chapter ends with a twist or revelation that kept me flipping pages late into the night.

Paranormal Meets Procedural: Merriman blends ghost-hunting with detective work so seamlessly. The supernatural elements never feel gimmicky—they’re integral to the mystery.

Ford & Rylan: Their dynamic continues to evolve in a way that feels earned and emotionally grounded. I loved their moments of quiet connection amid the chaos.

Series Payoff: Long time fans will appreciate how past threads are tied up. It’s clear Merriman planned this arc carefully, and the payoff is worth it.

🧾 Final Thoughts
The Last Haunting is a masterclass in how to end a series. It’s eerie, heartfelt, and packed with suspense. If you’ve followed Rylan Flynn this far, you’re in for a treat—and if you haven’t started the series yet, now’s the perfect time to dive in.

A full-hearted 5/5 from me. I’ll miss Rylan, but what a send-off.

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

This book had me feeling so many emotions. I cried reading this book, one because it's the last damn book, but that ending. Man, I need a tissue.

I can't believe one of my favourite book characters and series is over. I fell in love with Rylan and her powers from the second I met her in book 1. The books have always given me the tingles.

This book, though, is a personal one; it's the final one, and we see so many points of view this time, and I was here for that. And now we know the big bad. I might go back and read them again to see if I can notice the little nuggets. I was shocked when we learned it, but it made perfect sense, and I had an inkling just as it was announced. I didn't want to play detective; I wanted to uncover the truth at the same time Rylan did.

I knew I would fly through this book as soon as I started it. Dawn's writing is so familiar and easy to lose yourself in. I have a couple of complaints. I read it far too quickly, and I wanted more pages! There is also so much more I would love to know!!

These books are truly special to me, and it was a series I knew I needed before I started reading it.

I do hold hope that after the ending we got....that maybe one day we could go back and see Rylan. I'm not ready for her story to be over. I don't want her life to continue if I can't read about it!!!!!

Gutted, but I am so pleased I got to discover Dawn and Rylan. Plus, more of Dawn's books just happen to fall on my Kindle 🤣

[Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.The Last Haunting is the seventh and final installment in Dawn Merriman's Rylan Flynn series. As with many beloved series, its ending feels bittersweet. From the first book to the last, Merriman delivered stories that were gripping, mysterious, suspenseful, and rich with paranormal intrigue.

If you’ve been following my reviews of the series, you’ll know that Rylan has the rare ability to see and speak with ghosts. Throughout the books, she has lived with the constant presence of her mother’s spirit—her mother having been brutally murdered. In this final installment, Rylan faces her most difficult choice yet: uncovering her mother’s killer or allowing her mother’s spirit to remain in the earthly realm.

There comes a time when we have to let go and move on, and The Last Haunting aptly captures this. Rylan has been holding on to the ghosts of her past, preventing her from living freely. By taking the plunge to uncover her mother’s murderer, she finally finds the strength to release the past and embrace the present, opening the door to a bright future with the man she loves.

Rylan’s growth has been such a joy to follow with her learning to trust, opening up, while deepening her bond with Detective Ford. With this installment, revelations abound. Rylan uncovers the reason behind one person’s deep resentment toward her, and this, along with other startling discoveries, builds to an exciting and satisfying conclusion.

Overall, The Last Haunting is a fitting and powerful finale to the Rylan Flynn series. With suspense, shocking revelations, and emotional depth, it brings Rylan’s journey full circle while delivering closure for the series’ beloved characters. Fans of the series will find it both satisfying and unforgettable—a perfect end to a thrilling, supernatural ride.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad to see this brilliant paranormal series is coming to an end
It has been a very different series in which time to spend.
I have enjoyed each book, including this one, too,
And have no hesitation highly recommending them to you.

Rylan Flynn has the ability to see and communicate with ghosts and so
They often come to her with things to let her know.
Sometimes it is in regard to how they died
Or maybe about what their killer has tried....

Rylan's Mum was murdered in her home years ago
And now wants the identity of her killer to know.
She's asked for the help of Rylan and her friends
Though all are all unsure how the story will end.

A puppet acting under an evil spirit's control
Is something that plays a very key role.
Can Rylan and friends capture the puppet at last?
Can they discover the killer and his past?

An intriguing read with twists galore
As family history Rylan gets to explore.
Secret relationships, a deadly foe
Her life is in danger but does she know?

A fascinating dark read and a romance, too,
One I highly recommend to you.
For my copy of this book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.

[nickiknackinoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Haunting by Dawn Merriman was so good I jumped straight into the book and was engrossed from the first page!!!.
The story follows Rylan Flynn as she recovers from an attack. Her boyfriend Ford has moved in to care for her as she convalesces. I really hoped that they would move on in their relationship and live together permanently…..
As they are travelling to visit Rylan’s best friend, Ford and Rylan witness a car crash. Unfortunately the driver dies, but Ford is convinced that there is more to this accident than meets the eye. He just has a feeling…. .
Meanwhile, Rylan is trying to solve her mother’s murder and set her ghost free. This is her gift if you’ve not read the previous books!! (Start at number one!!!). You’ll love it!!!
Not only that, but there’s an evil spirit causing problems. Rylan knows that it is Roland. This isn’t good for her town….
An excellent story that you will be obsessed about just like me!!!
Many thanks to Second Sky for the opportunity to read this arc copy via Netgalley. My opinion is my own.
#Netgalley, #SecondSkyBooks, #DawnMerrimanNovelist.

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually, I had no intention at all of reading this series.
Paranormal stories aren’t really my thing, but when I signed up for the blog tour for book 2, I only realized once I started reading it that I had made a mistake. But when I commit to something, I go all in, so I began—somewhat skeptically.

That mistakes can lead to amazing things, I’m proving here today with the review of book 7. I devoured the series and was a huge fan of this author from the very beginning. The way she brings her characters to life, her writing style, and the emotions she conveys are simply top-notch.

But as they say, all good things must come to an end, and with this book, the series comes to a close. I’m going to miss the recurring characters—one in particular the amazing Rylan, of course.

Themes of farewell, murder, suspense, and seemingly hopeless situations take center stage, but emotions like love, friendship, and justice also play an important role.
Rylan also makes an announcement—but is it true…??

A powerful story full of emotion. 5 stars.

Thank you

[Autumn Danner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great last installment in the life of Rylan Flynn. Rylan communicates with ghosts as a normal part of her day, but also avoids specters and drawing attention to her abilities when she can. This connection to the dead seems like an exciting ability, but it colors her world and her interactions with the living. This is an exciting adventure where an evil foe from the past resurfaces, complicating Rylan's investigation into the murder of her Mother. Her investigation is so personal; she may want to learn what really happened to her mother, yet having her mother's spirit with her is obviously a comfort. I found the book to be parts exciting, mildly scary, heartbreaking yet also heartwarming. I feel that this book had Rylan admitting more people into her inner circle. Rylan is a genuinely relatable character; sad to see her 'retire.' Thank you to Bookouture/Second Sky for the ARC of this book, giving me a chance to read about love that survives the grave.

[Diana Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Second Sky for the chance to read The last haunting by Dawn Merriman. This is the 7th (and final) book in the Rylan Flynn mystery, and I am going to miss reading this paranormal mystery series! I am a fan of the author, and will definitely read more of her books! One of the ongoing threads throughout the series is that Rylan lives in her childhood home, with the ghost of her Mother, who was murdered there. Even though she connects with spirits and helps them cross over; you can tell, that she is somewhat reluctant to help her mother, who initially didn't realize she was dead, and has become a hoarder; filling the house to overflowing boxes and stuff. The stories are paranormal in natural, and has plenty of detective action, (think of the tv show Ghost whisperer) but as the series continued a bit of sinister evil entered into the plot. I enjoyed how the author finished the series and I definitely recommend the entire series!!!!

[loopyloulaura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rylan has one last case to solve: her mother's murder...
The Last Haunting is the 7th and final book in the Rylan Flynn series of supernatural murder mysteries.
Our lead character Rylan can see ghosts and helps them to find peace and the light. The only person she hasn't yet been able to help is her own mother who has only just realised that she is dead. Now there is a link with a supposed accident and Rylan fears a serial killer may be in town.
There are no spoilers from earlier books but some plot threads are continued. I felt that there was a slight change in vibe as her mum is now aware she is dead and has more personality. There is an interesting mystery for Rylan to solve as well as the ongoing issues with a malevolent puppet.
I thought that this was a fitting end to a wonderful series but felt that Elsa’s plot needed a proper conclusion.
The Last Haunting is a warmly toned paranormal mystery and I am so sad that the series had ended as I loved Rylan and her investigations.

[KDRBCK · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Haunting by Dawn Merriman, published by Second Sky, is book seven in the Rylan Flynn Mystery Series. This is not a stand alone, I recommend to read the books in order.
I'm a fan of this series and couldn't wait to read about Rylan's latest adventure.
The story picks up where the previous book was left off. Rylan was stabbed and shortly released from the hospital. She's still healing and her boyfriend Detective Ford is there to lend a helping hand. What he doesn't know is they're not alone in the house. Her mother's ghost and a little girlghost are residents too. Soon they all learn there's more behind the attacks on all of them. The perfect pnr mystery,excellently written, beautifully told, literally unputdownable. A pageturner of its finest, I recommend the book and the series, 5 stars.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all of the seven books in this fantasy, ghost whisper, murder mystery series. They are all short easy reads. My reading excitement has risen each time one of the books has been released. Rylan Flynn, her living and ghost family, her side kick Mickey and her boyfriend have been a welcome part of my reading over the past few years. This book wraps up all the lose ends. Rylan is now finished putting herself in danger and getting hurt, which seemed to have been part and parcel of her life helping ghosts move on. But we leave her with a secret close to her heart. A special thank you to Dawn Merriman for sharing Rylan with us.
Thank you to Second Sky and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

[Danielle Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last book in this series, and I'm so sad that it's over!
We are wrapping up long-running storylines, the longest one being the murder of Rylan's mom, and the most recent of the horrible little puppet dude running around, causing havoc and mayhem wherever he goes.

Just like each of the previous books in the series, I was hooked from the first page and couldn't put it down until I turned the last page. It was emotional, action-packed, and I love the romance between Rylan and Ford. The paranormal elements are very well done, and you can't help but feel for all the characters involved.

Even though this series is over, it's one I will revisit. And I can't wait to see what Dawn Merriman will come out with next.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, it’s over; this is the last book in the series, and I’m so gosh darn sad it is. This last book is a really doozy though. Rylan is doing what her mom asked, and she along with Ford and Tyler, are investigating her mother’s murder. What they discover along the way is a shock, and we find out that not everyone is as they seem. I am so sad it’s over, and I’m a little sad for Rylan at the end, but I can’t say why because of spoilers. However, I am happy that the author is working on another series, and I’m holding my breath waiting for it. Excellent ending to a great series. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Julie Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I really didn’t want this book to end as I knew it was the last one in this series.
I’ve loved reading about Rylan and all the crimes she has helped solve along with Ford and Tyler, as well as her communication with those who have been killed.
This is a great end to the series as Rylan is asked by her Mum to find out who killed her.
Roland is still causing mayhem and is determined to punish Rylan, so there’s plenty happening in this book.
This is a brilliant crime thriller with a paranormal twist in a great series that I’d highly recommend.
Thanks to Second Sky for the opportunity to read this book.

[Spinneretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Rylan’s story comes to an end, as she and Ford search for answers about her mothers murder.
In the meantime, there are still horrible things happening around town, and she’s certain Roland has not finished his campaign of terror yet!

This is the last book in Rylan’s story, complete with happy ending, and will all kinds of questions being answered.
It’s a quick read, as this is a short novel, but it does bring with it a great deal of satisfaction, as we learn the truth about what happened two years ago.

If you’re a fan of paranormal mysteries, and/or have been reading the rest of Rylan’s series, then this is a book you won’t want to miss.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last in this series that kept me hooked and grew on me. It's the closure of all the subplots, an explanations to events, and a new beginning.
We get to know Rylan's mother, what caused her death. We are kept reading in a series of twists that kept surprising me.
There's a good dose of horror even if not too gorey, there's plenty of action, and new evolutions on Rylan&Ford relationship.
There's something that would require a short story but it will be in the future
It's never easy to say goodbye to a series and I think there will be more new stories by Ms Merriman.
Many thanks to Second Sky for this digital copy, all opinions are mine.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfectly Imperfect

Honestly, I'm a little disappointed in this ending. Not because of who the killer turns out to be. That was spot on and made total sense to me. But the end..... SPOILER ALERT

.
.
.
.
.
the end when she lies to Ford (and everyone else) that she can no longer see/hear ghosts.
I don't get why she does this, especially with Elsa still there...???
And if this is the last book in this series, why hasn't Elsa got to move on too??
Just too much still in the air.

Oh, and I wanted Mickey and Rocko to move on because they were total jerks.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book, to finally close up several mysteries throughout the series, but it just felt incomplete in some parts. While the overall mystery was solved, it failed to fully connect some of the earlier paranormal mysteries Rylan faced that the author hinted was connected. Ford felt out of character as well, and the beginning an accident was weird and did not make sense. I also felt Rylan learned nothing from revealing her big lie and had no character growth. She is still lying!

[Amber Humphries · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Haunting is the final book in the Rylan Flynn Series. I enjoyed it, but not as much as some of the previous books in the series. I felt that we were trying to finish up all the loose ends. So it didn't have as much time to connect the various characters. I give this book 4/5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky for providing an ARC of The Last Haunting by Dawn Merriman. All opinions are my own

[Maureen ~Bitch Can Write A Book · Rating 3 out of 5]

I truly wanted to love this. From what I read this is the last book. And I expected so much more. In the beginning I really loved Rylan. I just felt like it wasn’t wrapped up. And I was disappointed that it ended in a lie. I see that some things were ‘wrapped up’ but I just didn’t feel satisfied.

But that’s the beauty of a book. We all take something different from reading it.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Rylan Flynn Mystery book and now I will be reading the first six to find out how she got into the situation she was in at the beginning of this book. This is a great quick read filled with ghosts and mysteries to solve. I liked that prayer was a part of the story. Many times the church is not a positive part of a paranormal romance, so this was a pleasant surprise.

[Stephen Levesque · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally enjoyed it! This is a well written and has well developed characters. The story is catching and with the strong characters makes for a very enjoyable read. Great Reading Everyone! Note to author: You might want to proof read this again. Still has a few errors. Like thing being used instead of think.

[Det Cornforth]

Haunting

The last chapter in any story can be impressionable or not. If there is another book to follow, then let's hope some explanations are given.
The last chapter seemed very rushed and left much hanging in the air. The ending was an absolute let down and I felt disappointed.
Perhaps you, the author, had a reason to end the story in that peculiar way.

[kimbletree33 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Weak ending

Very disappointing end. If I had known that the series would be wrapped up with a lie and with little fanfare, I would not have invested my time reading the preceding books. In addition, I was confused how the main character placed so much emphasis on her faith, but chose to live a lie for the rest of her life.

[Kandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent addition to this series. I love Rylan and the rest of the characters. I definitely had a hard time putting this book down when it was time to go to bed. Sleep is sometimes overrated.

[Katym521 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a book!

Dawn, This was an awesome book! I finished it with in a few hours! I wish there was another one coming but from your note at the end, I guess Rylan is not going to have anymore adventures.