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Spookshow #2
Welcome to the Spookshow
Drifting through life while her peers move on with careers and marriage, Billie Culpepper fears she will never discover what she was meant to do with her life.
Fate intercedes when she's injured during a pursuit between a mysterious Englishman and the police detective determined to apprehend him. Waking three days later in hospital, Billie is haunted by horrible apparitions that no one else can see. She worries over her sanity until the Englishman returns to inform her that her eyes are now open to the spookshow. Billie can see the dead and, unfortunately, they can see her too.
Like a wave from a magic wand, Billie is told of her true calling; that of a medium between this world and the next. There's only one snag. It's the last thing on earth she wants.
Fate intercedes when she's injured during a pursuit between a mysterious Englishman and the police detective determined to apprehend him. Waking three days later in hospital, Billie is haunted by horrible apparitions that no one else can see. She worries over her sanity until the Englishman returns to inform her that her eyes are now open to the spookshow. Billie can see the dead and, unfortunately, they can see her too.
Like a wave from a magic wand, Billie is told of her true calling; that of a medium between this world and the next. There's only one snag. It's the last thing on earth she wants.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2014
136 people are currently reading
317 people want to read
About the author
Tim McGregor
40 books398 followersTim McGregor is an author living in Toronto with his wife and children. And a ghost. A really spiteful ghost.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
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October 25, 2015
RATING 4.5 STARS
Welcome to the Spookshow is book one in the Spookshow series by Tim McGregor. This book was generously provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Sybil Culpepper, or Billie, as she is known as, is watching her three best friends find their places in life as adults. She still doesn’t know where she belongs, what she is supposed to do. So she works a few nights a week tending bar and just sort of bides her time. Billie’s mom was known as the town freak, and Billie lost her when she was eight years old in a violent way. At twenty nine years old now, she only has vague memories of her.
Billie is helping out her friend at a photography gig when she is approached by an English man. This is the second time he has approached her. She has no idea how he has found her again or what he wants but just as she is about to find out, another man barrels into them and knocks her into the water.
Technically, Billie died. She was dead for two full minutes. Then she spent three days unconscious. Once she woke up, her life would never be the same.
“That’s what those things are, luv. The spookshow that came out to greet you. They’re not a hallucination, nor a symptom of a bump to the head. They’re dead. You can see them. And they can see you.”
At first Billie thinks she is crazy, having hallucinations. But she soon realizes that what she is seeing is the dead. They are everywhere and they are drawn to her. How can she turn this off? How can she get rid of them? She does not want this.
The Englishman that approached her before her accident is John Gantry. He does help Billie somewhat in his own elusive way to understand what is happening to her. But does he truly want to help her or does he have some ulterior motive of his own?
Then there is the police detective that pushed her into the water starting all of this in the first place, Ray Mockler. From the start, there is an ease with him. And yes, if she admits it, an attraction. But Ray is not available.
Billie is trying to accept what she is now and twice she tried to help, once with her friend Jen, and then with Ray. Both times it was a disaster. Ray and his fiancé are in danger, serious danger. She wants to help but how? She even tried honesty, telling them about what she sees and the danger she knows they are in, but all she gets is the look that says they believe she is crazy.
This book is actually pretty spooky. I read right before bed time and was afraid I would have nightmares. And don't even get me started on the author's inclusion of the flies. 'shudder' I admit this is not my usual genre but in the spirit of the upcoming Halloween holiday, I thought it was the perfect time to read this. So if you like something with characters that are wonderfully easy to like and some definitely spooky aspects to it, this one is for you.
Welcome to the Spookshow is book one in the Spookshow series by Tim McGregor. This book was generously provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Sybil Culpepper, or Billie, as she is known as, is watching her three best friends find their places in life as adults. She still doesn’t know where she belongs, what she is supposed to do. So she works a few nights a week tending bar and just sort of bides her time. Billie’s mom was known as the town freak, and Billie lost her when she was eight years old in a violent way. At twenty nine years old now, she only has vague memories of her.
Billie is helping out her friend at a photography gig when she is approached by an English man. This is the second time he has approached her. She has no idea how he has found her again or what he wants but just as she is about to find out, another man barrels into them and knocks her into the water.
Technically, Billie died. She was dead for two full minutes. Then she spent three days unconscious. Once she woke up, her life would never be the same.
“That’s what those things are, luv. The spookshow that came out to greet you. They’re not a hallucination, nor a symptom of a bump to the head. They’re dead. You can see them. And they can see you.”
At first Billie thinks she is crazy, having hallucinations. But she soon realizes that what she is seeing is the dead. They are everywhere and they are drawn to her. How can she turn this off? How can she get rid of them? She does not want this.
The Englishman that approached her before her accident is John Gantry. He does help Billie somewhat in his own elusive way to understand what is happening to her. But does he truly want to help her or does he have some ulterior motive of his own?
Then there is the police detective that pushed her into the water starting all of this in the first place, Ray Mockler. From the start, there is an ease with him. And yes, if she admits it, an attraction. But Ray is not available.
Billie is trying to accept what she is now and twice she tried to help, once with her friend Jen, and then with Ray. Both times it was a disaster. Ray and his fiancé are in danger, serious danger. She wants to help but how? She even tried honesty, telling them about what she sees and the danger she knows they are in, but all she gets is the look that says they believe she is crazy.
This book is actually pretty spooky. I read right before bed time and was afraid I would have nightmares. And don't even get me started on the author's inclusion of the flies. 'shudder' I admit this is not my usual genre but in the spirit of the upcoming Halloween holiday, I thought it was the perfect time to read this. So if you like something with characters that are wonderfully easy to like and some definitely spooky aspects to it, this one is for you.
May 12, 2015
I'm completely hooked. I'm always leery of the second book when the first is really good. I'm more than expecting that second book curse, where it just can't measure up to the first. Not here. If anything, this one was better than the first. The first book was awesome, it drew me in, latched it's teeth into me & made me crave some more. Especially since it was a bit cryptic & mysterious. Same thing here with book #2, only now I'm completely sucked in. I love the characters, the MC, Billie (short for Sybil) isn't annoying or stupid. She makes decisions logically & with heart. Her choices go along with & flow with the story instead of being ridiculous & obviously stupid just to keep the story going. Very refreshing.
But I have to say one tiny little nitpick & it's just because I'm female & I get it. She rides her bike every where just about, borrowing a car on occasion from a neighbor when needed. In one scene she is dressing to meet a detective & she picks, of all things, a pencil skirt. To ride her bike. A pencil skirt. As soon as I read that I paused & went 'are you crazy?' But then my next thought was 'oh wait, a man wrote this'. Pencil skirts & bicycles don't mix well. It can be done, but no sane woman meeting a man she has a crush on would pick this skirt to ride a bike. Getting on the bike is a challenge, riding & trying to keep your knees together so the skirt doesn't end up around your waist is a challenge & I won't even go into the disaster that is the dismount.
But this doesn't take from my rating AT ALL. I'm not shallow like that, this book is way too good to not get a 5 star from me. It flows, it has a smart realistic MC, it is scary & intriguing, it is completely un-put-downable & best of all (as far as I'm concerned) it's a freaking fantastic GHOST STORY!!!
So, I'm on to the next one. I haven't been this excited about a series in a while. As always, what works for me might not work for you, so read it & find out. But if you like spooky ghost stories with great characters, read this! Enjoy :)
But I have to say one tiny little nitpick & it's just because I'm female & I get it. She rides her bike every where just about, borrowing a car on occasion from a neighbor when needed. In one scene she is dressing to meet a detective & she picks, of all things, a pencil skirt. To ride her bike. A pencil skirt. As soon as I read that I paused & went 'are you crazy?' But then my next thought was 'oh wait, a man wrote this'. Pencil skirts & bicycles don't mix well. It can be done, but no sane woman meeting a man she has a crush on would pick this skirt to ride a bike. Getting on the bike is a challenge, riding & trying to keep your knees together so the skirt doesn't end up around your waist is a challenge & I won't even go into the disaster that is the dismount.
But this doesn't take from my rating AT ALL. I'm not shallow like that, this book is way too good to not get a 5 star from me. It flows, it has a smart realistic MC, it is scary & intriguing, it is completely un-put-downable & best of all (as far as I'm concerned) it's a freaking fantastic GHOST STORY!!!
So, I'm on to the next one. I haven't been this excited about a series in a while. As always, what works for me might not work for you, so read it & find out. But if you like spooky ghost stories with great characters, read this! Enjoy :)
December 15, 2016
Actual rating - 3.5
I didn't love the main character in this, but she was okay.
I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as book one, but it was still a decent read. There were one or two times where I started to lose interest a bit, but most of the time it was okay.
Overall, A decent read.
I didn't love the main character in this, but she was okay.
I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as book one, but it was still a decent read. There were one or two times where I started to lose interest a bit, but most of the time it was okay.
Overall, A decent read.
May 24, 2024
Warning :) don't read it at night in bed.
Super creepy but wonderful. Could not put it down.
Super creepy but wonderful. Could not put it down.
March 18, 2015
This is a prequel to "Spook Show" that I received for free after completing "Spook Show". "Welcome To The Spook Show" is very good. Too damn good to have the problems that I found scattered throughout the book. The first book, "The Spook Show" was streamlined, almost concise in its less-is-more kick-ass punch. Book 2, "Welcome To The Spook Show" needs more of the TLC that was apparently given to Book 1. There are grammar issues, not many, but enough to be distracting during an intense scene, such as several instances of "your" that should be "you're", "ghastly" that should be "ghostly", and some very descriptive horror/thriller scenes, while correctly written, began to feel like "filler" rather than moving the story along. And while this may just be personal preference, the frequent use of "the girl" when referring to our heroine, IMHO, is annoying. Billie is 29, not 19, so use her name or the correct feminine pronoun, for cryin' out loud. I am being ticky and nit-picky, but this is a damn good story that should be 5+, and these issues are easily fixable. Fix it, please. Billie deserves it!!!
December 17, 2016
Really enjoyed this book. The timeline following (or rather NOT following) from the first book was a bit confusing, but it all falls into place eventually. The plot is original, the writing is good, the characters are mature and I like that they all battle to accept what is going on - makes it more believable. It is creepy and scary and just loads of fun to read. Thumbs up for this series
June 30, 2025
It's a novel written by Tim McGregor...how could I not enjoy it? The man has not let me down once.
This is, weirdly, the beginnings of Billie's Spookshow (I must say, I do hate that title) adventures, so it's a bit of a headscratcher as to why it came second in the series. For anyone reading this, I'd say, ignore the numbering convention and read this one first (unless there's something in the third installment that I don't know about that'll change my mind).
We find out more about Billie, her past, how she got her ability, and ended up falling in with Mockler.
As usual, McGregor elevates what could have been a standard, boilerplate story with some deep, heartfelt characterization and genuine emotion.
Two books in, I'm enjoying the Spookshow.
This is, weirdly, the beginnings of Billie's Spookshow (I must say, I do hate that title) adventures, so it's a bit of a headscratcher as to why it came second in the series. For anyone reading this, I'd say, ignore the numbering convention and read this one first (unless there's something in the third installment that I don't know about that'll change my mind).
We find out more about Billie, her past, how she got her ability, and ended up falling in with Mockler.
As usual, McGregor elevates what could have been a standard, boilerplate story with some deep, heartfelt characterization and genuine emotion.
Two books in, I'm enjoying the Spookshow.
February 24, 2015
I was given an electronic copy of this book by the author for an honest review. As a whole, this book produces many answers that book 1 "The Spookshow" did not provide. This book should have come first in the series, as it gives a good foundation for subsequent books to build upon. Billie's struggles to understand what is happening is intertwined with her desire to keep her friends and family safe. As she starts to come to terms with the direction her life is taking, Billie finally realizes that she must embrace her "gift" or it will be her ultimate demise. This series has a lot of promise, as there are so many possible plot lines. I am looking forward to reading more by this author, especially if there is a direct sequel to "The Spookshow".
May 23, 2016
This is the book I was expecting with I picked up 'Spookshow'. A lot of my questions from the first book were answered in this story. I almost wish this was the first book. It felt and read like the first installment. So much was introduced, that things feel a bit jumpy and overwhelming at times. It takes a while to see how everything flows together and for the main story to really start playing out. However I understand why 'Spookshow' is set up as the first book. It does draw you into the series. You want all the answers with the way everything is set up (so open ended), frustratingly so.
This book is perfect for when the summer thunderstorms roll through. It plays out just like a horror movie, messed up characters and all.
More: https://youtu.be/HabAkmfQ-C0
This book is perfect for when the summer thunderstorms roll through. It plays out just like a horror movie, messed up characters and all.
More: https://youtu.be/HabAkmfQ-C0
January 3, 2015
This was a good read. I only bought it because I got the first book, Spookshow, for free and it left you hanging. This book gave more of a background as to why she could see spirits and how she handled it once she did starting seeing them (not very well, as you can imagine). It was intriguing but I still did not find out what happened at the end of the first book! What happened to her friend in the hospital? I am interested to see if she builds a relationship with the cop after he broke up with his fiancée.
March 13, 2015
A good book and a good story, although it took me some time to be able to get into it, as its the second book and actually should have been the first. but it did give more about information about the people and how they became to know each other, and that was missing from the first book. To anyone new wanting to read this or the Spookshow, i would recommend that you read the second book first and not ignore other readers recommendations like i did.
March 26, 2015
Puts Stephen king to shame
This was the best,scariest book I.'ve read in a long time.I can.t say enough about it.I love it. I can,t wait for book 3 to come out. It kept me glued to my kindle.I had to save it for day reading.Excellent Job! I.m excited that I.'ve found a great New Author. Definitely a must read! I,m lending these to my friend. Congratulations Tim McGregor. Excellent books!
This was the best,scariest book I.'ve read in a long time.I can.t say enough about it.I love it. I can,t wait for book 3 to come out. It kept me glued to my kindle.I had to save it for day reading.Excellent Job! I.m excited that I.'ve found a great New Author. Definitely a must read! I,m lending these to my friend. Congratulations Tim McGregor. Excellent books!
August 27, 2016
I enjoyed this book. I did start with the official book one (Spookshow) but was too frustrated by the "jumping into the middle of the story" feeling of that one. Books out of chronological order are fine once the reader has a relationship with the characters but without that investment - just no.
However, as a first book of a series Welcome to the Spookshow (Spookshow #2) was a great book. The plot was interesting, the characters more so - can't ask for more.
However, as a first book of a series Welcome to the Spookshow (Spookshow #2) was a great book. The plot was interesting, the characters more so - can't ask for more.
August 18, 2015
I loved this book and could not put it down. It was just as good as the first. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
December 13, 2015
Great
The story pulled me in from the start it was very easy to read and follow. The concept I like and the characters are believable. I look forward to the next book
The story pulled me in from the start it was very easy to read and follow. The concept I like and the characters are believable. I look forward to the next book
May 22, 2015
Loved the book but felt this should be read first then Spookshow. Hope to have more of Billie.
May 17, 2021
Two of the last 3 books that I've read have been "person almost dies and recovers able to see ghosts".
The other one was light - Grandma was helping her to win at poker so that grandma could, once again, enjoy dirt-biking.
This one - not so light. The main spirit was the "Undertaker Man" who was spreading bad vibes to cause disharmony so that he could gather the enhanced bad vibes.
Strong ghost story
The other one was light - Grandma was helping her to win at poker so that grandma could, once again, enjoy dirt-biking.
This one - not so light. The main spirit was the "Undertaker Man" who was spreading bad vibes to cause disharmony so that he could gather the enhanced bad vibes.
Strong ghost story
November 30, 2016
In this novel, you go back before Billie knew she had the gift to see dead people. You go on a journey with Billie as she learns how to deal, or tries not to deal with the fact of what is happening. She's in denial that she has the gift. Billie is in the middle of her own crisis when she realizes Mockler a detective is in deep trouble with an evil spirit living in his home.
August 25, 2018
WHERE did this book come from?? What a hidden gem! I did follow the advice of reviewers and start with this book (listed as book 2). Apparently the books make more sense that way? It was recommended to read 2,3, then 1, in that order. I’ll overlook it, because I’m so excited about this series and the wonderful characters. Fast-paced and completely absorbing. Loved it!
December 11, 2025
I liked the first book better, but of course depending on how you read it, you could read this one first as it takes place before the first book. On to book 3. As per book one, fast easy read and if you like ghost stories you should love this and if you live in Norfolk County or Hamilton Ontario you will enjoy seeing some local towns etc mentioned throughout the books. 😄
July 18, 2017
Again another great story!! I love ghost stories anyway and Tim creates some really good scary ghouls!! May have to get the next book as the connection between Billie and herbal friend may be explained??! Can't wait!!
October 27, 2017
Book 2 ??
While I liked the book and have been captivated by the series, I really felt as if this should have been book #1. Its almost as if Tim McGregor wrote the first book without any other books planned for the future for these characters.
While I liked the book and have been captivated by the series, I really felt as if this should have been book #1. Its almost as if Tim McGregor wrote the first book without any other books planned for the future for these characters.
December 2, 2017
Creepy
I liked this book as well as or better than the first. I like that the story continues from book to book, that way nothing is rushed or forgotten. To me, a Believer, I like the detail and feelings Billie has. Just downloaded the 3rd book!
I liked this book as well as or better than the first. I like that the story continues from book to book, that way nothing is rushed or forgotten. To me, a Believer, I like the detail and feelings Billie has. Just downloaded the 3rd book!
April 20, 2018
Scary, creepy good fun!
This series is a little out of my comfort zone - pretty creepy stuff - but I'm really enjoying it. The main character is so relatable that I just have to see what she does next under these extraordinary circumstances. It's on to Book 3 for me!
This series is a little out of my comfort zone - pretty creepy stuff - but I'm really enjoying it. The main character is so relatable that I just have to see what she does next under these extraordinary circumstances. It's on to Book 3 for me!
September 2, 2018
A great read
This book was awesome! I wondered about it when I first purchases it but as I read it became hard to put down . I like the main character very much and hope she gets her happy ending.
This book was awesome! I wondered about it when I first purchases it but as I read it became hard to put down . I like the main character very much and hope she gets her happy ending.
December 9, 2023
I thought I messed up when I started this, but no, it really is book 2. I would have preferred to have read this first, so rather odd, IMO. I wasn't really interested in the "I must be crazy " trope, so I skimmed some of this. It was okay, but it was really stupid that it was #2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2024
Better and spookier
This story was exciting and crazier also spoiler than the last,but definitely morish.The characters are interesting and I am really looking forward to the next one.Recommended.
This story was exciting and crazier also spoiler than the last,but definitely morish.The characters are interesting and I am really looking forward to the next one.Recommended.
July 4, 2017
Welcome To The Spookshow
How Billie came back into her psychic abilities with lots of ghosts. This prequel cleans up loose ends and explains much.
How Billie came back into her psychic abilities with lots of ghosts. This prequel cleans up loose ends and explains much.
September 20, 2017
Unbelievable!!!
This was the scariest book that I have read in a long time!! It had me on the edge of my seat from the very beginning! On to book three😀
This was the scariest book that I have read in a long time!! It had me on the edge of my seat from the very beginning! On to book three😀
March 23, 2018
Easy to read, spooky in a clichéd way, a bit predictable but still enjoyable, made less so by the sprinklings of anti mental illness stuff sprinkled throughout.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews