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The Messenger
How do you bring a murderer to justice when the only eyewitness is a ghost?Jennifer has returned home after a relatively amicable divorce to discover her family’s big secret - the maternal line has the ability to talk to ghosts. Before Jen has time to digest this revelation, tragedy strikes, leaving both her and her mum Jacqui to navigate their gifts in ways they could never have imagined.
When a new ‘visitor’ is a missing woman from thirty years ago, Jen is determined to help her; but what will her choices cost, and can she keep her family’s past from coming back to haunt her?
Although loss is inevitable and not everything in life, or death, can — or, perhaps, should — be explained, the strength of a mother’s love and the power of trust can pull us through any hardship. Almost.
When a new ‘visitor’ is a missing woman from thirty years ago, Jen is determined to help her; but what will her choices cost, and can she keep her family’s past from coming back to haunt her?
Although loss is inevitable and not everything in life, or death, can — or, perhaps, should — be explained, the strength of a mother’s love and the power of trust can pull us through any hardship. Almost.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 9, 2025
Wow what a tense and spooky read!
We follow Jen who has returned home after her divorce and has to face a huge family secret that changes her whole life. But is it for the good or for the bad?
I don’t want to give too much away as this is quite a unique murder mystery story and I don’t want to give anything away. The blurb is all you’re getting out of me on that front!
But the intertwined story told in third person which I normally struggle with, but Claire manages to keep the story flowing and not confusing at all, incorporates so much suspense and tension my heart was in my throat so many times. The dark suspense was palpable with many moments I gasped out loud and cried with sadness at the sheer emotion of some of the situations especially the scenes between mother (Jacqui) and her daughter (Jen).
The character development had real depth and relatability considering things kick off pretty early on in the book, I felt deeply connected and invested with all of the characters and the main characters especially were very relatable and likeable. I loved the amount of honesty and love between the main characters and the grit and determination of Jen was endearing although you worried many times for her safety. The creepy paranormal elements were absolutely gripping, with the tension building and building and they felt so realistic with Claire’s amazing story telling. The description and depth to those creepy scenes had my heart racing so fast. Less gore and horror but more eerie and tense!
The storyline is so different to anything Iv already read, it was such a smooth flowing story with grit, depth and connection, I couldn’t stop turning the pages but also creeped myself out reading it at night 🤣
I swear I saw black shadows out the corner of my eye!!!
If a tense and gritty paranormal murder mystery is up your street this one is perfect! Heck I’d even suggest it to those who say it’s ‘not their thing’ because it’s so well written you can’t help but love the book.
I cannot believe this is Claire’s debut book, I cannot wait to see what comes next in the Jennifer Hartley mysteries series!
We follow Jen who has returned home after her divorce and has to face a huge family secret that changes her whole life. But is it for the good or for the bad?
I don’t want to give too much away as this is quite a unique murder mystery story and I don’t want to give anything away. The blurb is all you’re getting out of me on that front!
But the intertwined story told in third person which I normally struggle with, but Claire manages to keep the story flowing and not confusing at all, incorporates so much suspense and tension my heart was in my throat so many times. The dark suspense was palpable with many moments I gasped out loud and cried with sadness at the sheer emotion of some of the situations especially the scenes between mother (Jacqui) and her daughter (Jen).
The character development had real depth and relatability considering things kick off pretty early on in the book, I felt deeply connected and invested with all of the characters and the main characters especially were very relatable and likeable. I loved the amount of honesty and love between the main characters and the grit and determination of Jen was endearing although you worried many times for her safety. The creepy paranormal elements were absolutely gripping, with the tension building and building and they felt so realistic with Claire’s amazing story telling. The description and depth to those creepy scenes had my heart racing so fast. Less gore and horror but more eerie and tense!
The storyline is so different to anything Iv already read, it was such a smooth flowing story with grit, depth and connection, I couldn’t stop turning the pages but also creeped myself out reading it at night 🤣
I swear I saw black shadows out the corner of my eye!!!
If a tense and gritty paranormal murder mystery is up your street this one is perfect! Heck I’d even suggest it to those who say it’s ‘not their thing’ because it’s so well written you can’t help but love the book.
I cannot believe this is Claire’s debut book, I cannot wait to see what comes next in the Jennifer Hartley mysteries series!
September 14, 2025
I'm going to be completely honest, I started this and thought oh no it's a cosy horror/ crime book that's just like the BBC programme ghosts but but did it change. The first couple of chapters are a little bit like that but then it gets the meat on its bones so stick with it.
My the end there's twists and turns and such levels of suspense as it turns darker that you'll be gripped to the edge of your seat.
The ending, well all I can say without any spoilers is that I got goosebumps up my arms with the ending and that's no exaggeration.
I can't wait for number 2 to come out and it's a great first time book.
My the end there's twists and turns and such levels of suspense as it turns darker that you'll be gripped to the edge of your seat.
The ending, well all I can say without any spoilers is that I got goosebumps up my arms with the ending and that's no exaggeration.
I can't wait for number 2 to come out and it's a great first time book.
October 6, 2025
What a read! Full of twists and turns, The Messenger is a well written and gripping book.
I loved getting to know Jess and her mum Jacqui. Jen's unexpected gift and her wish to help solve the thirty years mystery kept me hooked. I finished this book in two sittings.
The paranormal aspects of this story are so well written, and intriguing. The ending is simply brilliant. Can't wait for the next book and really hope we don't have to wait too long.
I loved getting to know Jess and her mum Jacqui. Jen's unexpected gift and her wish to help solve the thirty years mystery kept me hooked. I finished this book in two sittings.
The paranormal aspects of this story are so well written, and intriguing. The ending is simply brilliant. Can't wait for the next book and really hope we don't have to wait too long.
October 6, 2025
The Messenger by Claire Bamford is the perfect spooky read for this time of year. Following her divorce Jen has moved back in with her mum Jacqui. Jacqui has a secret that goes back several generations down the maternal line of the family…she can speak to the dead. She tells Jen about this but then tragedy strikes and the following day Jen sees and speaks to her first visitor from the dead who just happens to be her mum! Jacqui is trying to help Jen navigate this newly acquired ability when Helen, a woman who disappeared thirty years ago in mysterious circumstances, appears to her. The Messenger is part ghost story part mystery thriller and is one of those books you just don’t want to have to put down and look forward to getting back to. It’s definitely a page turner and is the best fiction book I’ve read this year. I’m very much looking forward to the next book from Claire.
October 3, 2025
The tagline for this book 'How do you bring a murderer to justice when the only eyewitness is a ghost?', caught my attention immediately as the perfect spooky-seqson read, and I was not disappointed at all!
The murder mystery and paranormal aspects of this book were everything I could've hoped for, and I loved seeing our main character Jen's development throughout as she got used to the family 'gift' she inherited. I especially enjoyed that we learnt a lot about the history of the 'gift' and the 'no rules' aspects. I'm definitely excited to see how this develops further for Jen.
The parts of this book that touched me the most were the unexpected ones - the deep commentary on what it's like to lose a parent and how grief can affect your life. The relationship between Jen and her best friend, and between her and her dad. Claire's writung of these was fantastic and I was really emotionally attached to these characters! And then the ending!!! Can't wait for book two!
Thank you to the author and insta book tours for the gifted review copy.
The murder mystery and paranormal aspects of this book were everything I could've hoped for, and I loved seeing our main character Jen's development throughout as she got used to the family 'gift' she inherited. I especially enjoyed that we learnt a lot about the history of the 'gift' and the 'no rules' aspects. I'm definitely excited to see how this develops further for Jen.
The parts of this book that touched me the most were the unexpected ones - the deep commentary on what it's like to lose a parent and how grief can affect your life. The relationship between Jen and her best friend, and between her and her dad. Claire's writung of these was fantastic and I was really emotionally attached to these characters! And then the ending!!! Can't wait for book two!
Thank you to the author and insta book tours for the gifted review copy.
October 1, 2025
Jen has returned to her family home following getting divorced. Her mum Jacqui tells her a family secret, that the women in the maternal line have a gift - the ability to talk to and help visiting ghosts. Jen is suddenly and unexpectedly gifted this gift and wants to use it to help with the thirty year mystery of missing woman Helen Swift.
This is not my usual genre of book but I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought there was a good balance of light and shade with the darker themes of the story against the more tender parts. I liked Claire Bamford’s storytelling and I stayed engaged throughout the book, wanting to know the outcome. This is a great debut novel and I will definitely look out for more books by this author.
This is not my usual genre of book but I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought there was a good balance of light and shade with the darker themes of the story against the more tender parts. I liked Claire Bamford’s storytelling and I stayed engaged throughout the book, wanting to know the outcome. This is a great debut novel and I will definitely look out for more books by this author.
October 5, 2025
An eerie and emotional story that gripped me throughout. I loved the relationship between Jen and her mother and felt satisfied with the (shocking!!) ending. Overall a suspenseful journey into the paranormal.
October 8, 2025
What a book! This grips you from the start with intrigue & loss, and then captures you with a murder mystery you weren’t expecting. I felt so sorry for Jen, returning home after a divorce, then learning a long time family secret then the loss of her mum. But this kind of helped in the long run, teaching Jen to use her gift to the best of her ability.
Jen gets through this the best she can, with help and support from her best friend and an unusual source too. There’s some great characters in the book, Tola being the most unexpected one. Jen’s dad was so lovely, how he handled everything with such love for his daughter was just amazing to read.
I really liked this story, and read most of it in one day - definitely a page turner! I’m hoping this is the start of a fab series to come, we definitely need more of Jen and her gift.
Jen gets through this the best she can, with help and support from her best friend and an unusual source too. There’s some great characters in the book, Tola being the most unexpected one. Jen’s dad was so lovely, how he handled everything with such love for his daughter was just amazing to read.
I really liked this story, and read most of it in one day - definitely a page turner! I’m hoping this is the start of a fab series to come, we definitely need more of Jen and her gift.
October 2, 2025
I'm not one that gives a 5 star review here there & everywhere so when a book blows me away it's getting top marks from me!
Talking to ghosts & a murder mystery, I had a feeling l'd like this book just from reading the blurb & that turned out to be an understatement. From the first few pages I was hooked & genuinely could not put the book down. The development of the story went from strength to strength and I loved how I couldn't work out what was going to happen which is a welcome change for me.
The ending had me staring at the page thinking I can't possibly be left hanging here, I hope the next book isn't too far away from publishing!
Talking to ghosts & a murder mystery, I had a feeling l'd like this book just from reading the blurb & that turned out to be an understatement. From the first few pages I was hooked & genuinely could not put the book down. The development of the story went from strength to strength and I loved how I couldn't work out what was going to happen which is a welcome change for me.
The ending had me staring at the page thinking I can't possibly be left hanging here, I hope the next book isn't too far away from publishing!
November 11, 2025
Claire Bamford’s The Messenger quietly draws you in with its emotional focus and thoughtful pacing. The premise... an ordinary life touched by an extraordinary responsibility... allows Bamford to explore grief, connection, and small acts of courage with warmth and sensitivity. The prose is gentle and measured, giving space for the characters’ interior worlds to breathe and for the story’s quieter revelations to land.
The characters are sincere and relatable; their vulnerabilities feel earned, and the relationships at the novel’s core provide the book with its beating heart. Bamford handles emotional material with care, and the quieter moments... short conversations, small kindnesses... often prove the most affecting.
A small note of critique: the middle sections sometimes linger a touch too long in reflection, which may slow the momentum for readers who prefer a brisker narrative drive. A little tightening of a few reflective passages or sharper beats in the middle act would sharpen the arc without losing the novel’s contemplative tone. A couple of secondary characters could also benefit from slightly richer development to raise the stakes of the protagonist’s choices.
Overall, The Messenger is a tender, thoughtful read that rewards patient, empathetic readers. It’s the kind of book that stays with you... not because of dramatic plot twists, but because of its honest, human heart.
Thank you to Rowanvale Publishers for the opportunity to read and review this title. This review was written voluntarily.
The characters are sincere and relatable; their vulnerabilities feel earned, and the relationships at the novel’s core provide the book with its beating heart. Bamford handles emotional material with care, and the quieter moments... short conversations, small kindnesses... often prove the most affecting.
A small note of critique: the middle sections sometimes linger a touch too long in reflection, which may slow the momentum for readers who prefer a brisker narrative drive. A little tightening of a few reflective passages or sharper beats in the middle act would sharpen the arc without losing the novel’s contemplative tone. A couple of secondary characters could also benefit from slightly richer development to raise the stakes of the protagonist’s choices.
Overall, The Messenger is a tender, thoughtful read that rewards patient, empathetic readers. It’s the kind of book that stays with you... not because of dramatic plot twists, but because of its honest, human heart.
Thank you to Rowanvale Publishers for the opportunity to read and review this title. This review was written voluntarily.
December 4, 2025
ok, I'll admit this is not my usual genre just because of the ghost element, HOWEVER! I made the conscious choice to want to read the book because of that tagline attached to it: "How do you bring a murderer to justice when the only eyewitness is a ghost?" Well, isn't this intriguing? :)
Bad parts first? Okay :) I didn't really like the change of POV during the same scene. I know this is nitpicking, but it's only a personal preference and has nothing to do with how good the story was :)
That's it. That was everything that I wanted to "criticise"
Good parts? Let's see.. There's the intro of the paranormal bits. I liked a lot how it was done. That was the bit that got me hooked and kept me there in that "OMG! I want to know more" moment. I enjoyed the clues drips and how grief was handled (although that was a bit hard to read, this coming from a personal place).
I can't say I normally enjoy tension and this book made no exception, but I did myself a favour and didn't stop. Also, I had to read it during the day, not before bedtime. Regardless, it's a great story I enjoyed a lot and won't forget too soon :)
I received a free copy from Rowanvale, however I bought the book properly after reading it. The above is my honest opinion.
Bad parts first? Okay :) I didn't really like the change of POV during the same scene. I know this is nitpicking, but it's only a personal preference and has nothing to do with how good the story was :)
That's it. That was everything that I wanted to "criticise"
Good parts? Let's see.. There's the intro of the paranormal bits. I liked a lot how it was done. That was the bit that got me hooked and kept me there in that "OMG! I want to know more" moment. I enjoyed the clues drips and how grief was handled (although that was a bit hard to read, this coming from a personal place).
I can't say I normally enjoy tension and this book made no exception, but I did myself a favour and didn't stop. Also, I had to read it during the day, not before bedtime. Regardless, it's a great story I enjoyed a lot and won't forget too soon :)
I received a free copy from Rowanvale, however I bought the book properly after reading it. The above is my honest opinion.
November 25, 2025
I have always loved a good mystery story, and I was so happy to discover this particular one, as it was brilliant. It captivated me right from the start, and I found myself turning one page after the other, just to find out what happens. How do you bring a murderer to justice when the only eyewitness is a ghost? This really made me curious, and I am glad I read this book, as it is such a good story. A murder mystery with paranormal elements – what’s not to love? The author has a wonderful writing style, not to mention she has managed to create excellent characters. The story contains plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader invested, and I loved how the main character (Jen) evolved throughout the book. I think it was not easy for her to get used to the family gift she inherited, but in the end, she did manage to adjust. There are some serious aspects of the story, including about the loss of a parent and the influence of grief, I think these were perfectly blended. All in all, this is an excellent story, I am really curious to see how it continues. I received a free copy of this book from Rowanvale Books, but the opinion I posted is my own and not biased in any way.
December 3, 2025
The Messenger was one of the most engaging books I have read in ages!!! Absolutely fantastic, I can not praise this book enough. It was emotional, touching, terrifying, beautiful, intense and heartfelt in every way possible. The characters were so well-written they felt like family and the paranormal elements alternated between providing loving connections and horrifying consequences. The overall murder mystery kept me hooked, but there was just so much more to the book than just that with a more pressing, far-reaching mystery (that by the way, wasn't fully resolved - please PLEASE let there be a book 2!! LOL). The layers didn't stop there with a theme of strength, goodness and the interesting thematic contemplation of whether someone ever truly deserves their just desserts! I highly recommend The Messenger by Claire Bamford. Her writing has so much to offer! Despite Rowanvale Publishing providing me with a copy, the opinion here is entirely my own. I was even telling my mum about some of the story as I read it and now she wants to buy a copy! So if you haven't already, I would recommend reading this book! :)
December 4, 2025
Jen learns that her world is a lot more mysterious than she thought when grief comes with the reveal that she can speak to ghosts. And these spirits won't wait for her to understand said gift before they come knocking with some serious unfinished business.
Claire Bamford weaves a rich family backstory to introduce the supernatural ability which gave the story a lot of realism and depth. The maternal bonds in the story really tugged at my heartstrings. Jen and her mother, Jacqui, have a warm bond that is beautifuly written. There are some truly butter sweet moments between them.
I expected a much heavier tone but it was surprisingly comforting to explore grief with a slightly lighter humour that didn't leave me feeling drained. And to be fair, as the story reaches it climax there is a shift to darker supernatural happenings. So I feel this book will be satisfying to a variety of readers.
The Messenger is a fantastic debut novel so I wanted to share my thoughts on it. Though I admit I still prefer the all round darker ghost stories - this one did not disappoint. Thank you to Rowanvale Books for providing me with a free copy of the novel.
Claire Bamford weaves a rich family backstory to introduce the supernatural ability which gave the story a lot of realism and depth. The maternal bonds in the story really tugged at my heartstrings. Jen and her mother, Jacqui, have a warm bond that is beautifuly written. There are some truly butter sweet moments between them.
I expected a much heavier tone but it was surprisingly comforting to explore grief with a slightly lighter humour that didn't leave me feeling drained. And to be fair, as the story reaches it climax there is a shift to darker supernatural happenings. So I feel this book will be satisfying to a variety of readers.
The Messenger is a fantastic debut novel so I wanted to share my thoughts on it. Though I admit I still prefer the all round darker ghost stories - this one did not disappoint. Thank you to Rowanvale Books for providing me with a free copy of the novel.
October 16, 2025
Firstly as a paranormal girly the bit that got me hooked line and sinker was 𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒅𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂 𝒎𝒖𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒈𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒕!! I mean come on does it get any better?
I loved everything about this paranormal murder mystery and Claire wrote this book so well even with jumping in and out of 3rd person which usually I wouldn’t really enjoy but I did.
I absolutely loved our main character Jen, returning home after a divorce is never easy and then the losses that follow, seeing her develop and come to use the family gift she has. The relationship with her mother also touched my heart because who doesn’t want a relationship like that ❤️
I genuinely couldn’t work out what was going to happen next which always excites me when i get it wrong as i do love to be shocked. lol.
From the ending I don’t think i can wait much longer for the next book, because that was what we call a CLIFFHANGER!! 😮
December 3, 2025
This book was a great read! The premise of a family that is able to communicate with ghosts is unusual and engaging, creating a gripping read.
Though I read this book through access of Rowanvale Books, I really did thoroughly enjoy this title. To find out this was a debut novel of Claire Bamford was a shock.
The tagline “How do you bring a murderer to justice when the only eyewitness is a ghost?” Made me curious to read this book, as I had never encountered such a story before. However, this book did not fail to impress. The ghostly communication never feels gimmicky, instead, it amplifies the novels core of grief and the longing for closure.
The book leaves you thinking and stops you from ever wanting to put it down. It is a thoughtful thriller that I really enjoyed.
Though I read this book through access of Rowanvale Books, I really did thoroughly enjoy this title. To find out this was a debut novel of Claire Bamford was a shock.
The tagline “How do you bring a murderer to justice when the only eyewitness is a ghost?” Made me curious to read this book, as I had never encountered such a story before. However, this book did not fail to impress. The ghostly communication never feels gimmicky, instead, it amplifies the novels core of grief and the longing for closure.
The book leaves you thinking and stops you from ever wanting to put it down. It is a thoughtful thriller that I really enjoyed.
November 4, 2025
Thank you @clairebamfordwrites and @instabooktours for my copy!
I am not one who seeks out ghost books because I'm a massive wimp but this was so good that I just couldn't put it down! Especially as the book goes on, the twists had me on the edge of my seat and I may or may not have struggled to go to sleep as a result 😂
Definitely the perfect October book that is fast paced with short chapters and loveable characters ❤️
I am not one who seeks out ghost books because I'm a massive wimp but this was so good that I just couldn't put it down! Especially as the book goes on, the twists had me on the edge of my seat and I may or may not have struggled to go to sleep as a result 😂
Definitely the perfect October book that is fast paced with short chapters and loveable characters ❤️
February 22, 2026
I have to be completely honest, I really struggled to get into this for the first few chapters. Personally, I found the writing style to be a bit twee with character speech and conversation a little too proper. The storyline itself is reminiscent of The Ghost Whisperer TV series with the FMC delivering messages from the dead. The plot does pick up pace after a slow start leading into an enjoyable read with hints of paranormal horror.
October 15, 2025
Final rating is a 4.25 stars I thoroughly enjoyed this and am highly anticipating a second book from this author.
This was a great read from this author though and one i definitely recommend.
More thoughts to come...
This was a great read from this author though and one i definitely recommend.
More thoughts to come...
March 9, 2026
This book is well worth a read...an excellent, gripping page turner with great characters and enough twists and turns to keep you on your toes. I thoroughly enjoyed this original take on the paranormal and devoured it in a day. Thoroughly recommend.
April 21, 2026
One of the best books I’ve read for a long time…
One of the best books I’ve read for a long time, I didn’t want it to end.
A unique story, well told and completely engaging.
Very enjoyable, I highly recommend it.
One of the best books I’ve read for a long time, I didn’t want it to end.
A unique story, well told and completely engaging.
Very enjoyable, I highly recommend it.
October 19, 2025
Like Lisa Jewell crossed with Victorian gothic. Thoroughly enjoyed this gripping tale.
October 22, 2025
I was a bit skeptical I would like this book but I am always willing to try new books. And this book was just such an amazing story. I couldn’t believe it 💁🏻♀️
The writing makes it so easy to get lost in the story, I was so invested; I needed to know what was happening next.
I loved this book so much, I’ve already recommended it to my mum, my mother in law will be next to my list 😂😂
I will say I ended up reading this book before bed and it got to the weird timing where if I read anymore I wouldn’t be able to sleep cause I was so freaked out but I didn’t want to stop when I was so close to end. Ended up reading until the end and then couldn’t sleep for a few hours as I was so worked up 😂😂
I really enjoyed this book. Everything about this book is so well done, you can’t help but enjoy it.
The writing makes it so easy to get lost in the story, I was so invested; I needed to know what was happening next.
I loved this book so much, I’ve already recommended it to my mum, my mother in law will be next to my list 😂😂
I will say I ended up reading this book before bed and it got to the weird timing where if I read anymore I wouldn’t be able to sleep cause I was so freaked out but I didn’t want to stop when I was so close to end. Ended up reading until the end and then couldn’t sleep for a few hours as I was so worked up 😂😂
I really enjoyed this book. Everything about this book is so well done, you can’t help but enjoy it.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews