The Harbinger: Spectral Hunter Series

by Morgan Kessler

30–40% of serial killers are never caught. What if the reason was more terrifying than the murderers themselves?FBI profiler Evelyn Cross has spent her career inside the darkest minds in America. But when her daughter is killed under mysterious circumstances, the boundaries between the living and the dead begin to blur. In a devastating act of desperation, Evie orchestrates a deception that shatters her career—and her soul.

Now, years later, a new killer emerges—the enigmatic Cartographer, a remorseless predator mapping his victims in blood. Drawn back into the hunt, Evie must face both human monsters and an otherworldly force that offers her one impossible a chance at retribution.

But at what price?

As she navigates a world of corruption, occult crime, and supernatural horrors, Evie uncovers a hidden network where murder is procedural, and justice comes at a deadly cost. To stop the Cartographer, she must embrace the very darkness she’s denied existing—becoming something neither wholly human nor spirit.

In this paranormal police procedural filled with psychological suspense, The Harbinger delivers a haunting blend of supernatural mystery and serial killer thriller. Fans of Stephen King’s The Outsider and John Connolly’s Charlie Parker Series will be riveted by this dark, emotionally charged debut.

Discover a new kind of female detective series—where the line between profiler and possessed is razor thin.

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 4, 2025

About the author

Specializing in the paranormal and the unexplainable, Morgan dives into dark mysteries, and eerie encounters that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

The Spectral Hunter Series marks Morgan’s debut into the world of paranormal thrillers. With a sharp eye for suspense, a taste for the uncanny, and a healthy dose of tongue-in-cheek humor, Morgan crafts stories that are as chilling as they are entertaining.

When not plotting spectral hunts or scaring imaginary friends, Morgan enjoys wandering through forests, reading anything that smells slightly mysterious, and contemplating why ghosts never seem to follow the rules. Despite the danger of spirits, monsters, and the occasional overly curious cops, Morgan continues to write, fueled by coffee, curiosity, and a stubborn refusal to remain “internationally unknown” for too long.

Connect with Morgan Kessler online to explore the shadows, and maybe—just maybe—find out why some things should never be chased.

Reviews

[Josette Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was definitely a different take on the victims of serial killers. An FBI agent is forced to use unusual methods to track a serial killer with various backers to keep him untouchable. The agent’s daughter was missing because of misguided attempt at stopping a killer. The agent’s daughter could not let things go so she continued to hunt down clues. When it appears the killer will go free; the agent is visited by the spirits of the victims. It seems they want justice as much as the agent does. This novel is original and I love the idea of spirits helping to locate the killer and/or the bodies of the deceased. No one should have to live in limbo because of a killer’s crimes. It is beyond cruel to imagine how the families of loved ones feel when they do not know if a missing loved ones is alive or dead. I, for one, cannot say what is better. I only hope I never have to experience this tragedy. If only this scenario could be real not fiction.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was browsing a website and came across this title and thought I’d give it a try as it sounded very urban fantasy-ish. Well, it is in a way, but I’d categorize this as more horror-ish with a dash of urban fantasy. No matter how you categorize this, it was a very good read. I felt so much for poor Evie who had lost her daughter and was in the process of losing her marriage too. Until she takes on a spark from a murder scene and everything changes for her and her profession. I found this fascinating and a little dark, but I did enjoy the ride. While this isn’t exactly what I wanted to read, it still is a very well-written and interesting book, and I’ll read the rest when I’m in the mood for this type of book. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Jaiyah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Harbinger is a solid supernatural thriller that I’m convinced would make an incredible TV show. The atmosphere is moody and the "FBI agent meets occult ritual" hook is perfect for a weekend binge-watch. I can easily see this being a hit on screen because the core concept is so visually striking and high-stakes.

However, the reading experience was a bit of a struggle due to the overly detailed descriptions. While the world-building is thorough, the constant, dense prose often slowed the plot down right when things were getting good. It’s a great story, but I found myself wishing the pacing was as fast as the action it was describing.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cat B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is an intersting story here although I found the writing style not to my liking which made it a bit difficult to get through... for me.
I received a copy of this book via the author and BookSirens and I leave my voluntary opinion of the tale.

[John Bitsko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The story moves at a good pace and is full of twists and turns. The level of suspense rises throughout the story. Definitely recommended!

[Josh Darretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different take on a serial killer chaser, I enjoyed it. I had read the short prequel story before this, and would almost recommend it after (though it works both ways). I wasn’t quite sure what to expect coming into this as a story that at first seems like it will have a heavy supernatural element to it, though it read more like a standard thriller with touches of supernatural. I’m interested in continuing the series and would recommend it to others! Morgan, the author, did her research on the FBI and processes which helped make it feel more real. The personal life of Evie pulls you emotionally in a number of ways.

[Bougie Black Girl Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The Harbinger by Morgan Kessler pulled me in quickly with its dark, eerie atmosphere and steady sense of tension. The story has a great paranormal vibe without feeling overdone, and the pacing kept me turning pages.

What I enjoyed most was the lingering unease. It’s moody, engaging, and perfect for readers who like supernatural thrillers with a haunting edge. Definitely worth the read.

[Christine Miraflores · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review

I was intrigued by the premise, so I took a shot with this paranormal-detective novel. The idea felt fresh to me, and the pacing worked well.

The narration style was not for me--told in third person, but almost entirely centered on Special Agent Evie. She also has a lot of internal monologue with little meaningful interactions with other characters.

Evie herself came across as somewhat flat, not because she's inherently boring, but because her story is told almost exclusively through her own lens. Without other voices or perspectives, I felt like I wasn't being offered much beyond what she chose to reveal.

She's described as a classic Type A personality: systematic, scientific, operational. She blurs the line between professional and personal life, even insisting on working from home. That struck me as odd for an investigator, since there's just so much you can uncover remotely.

Her tragic past-- having lost a daughter without closure, which inevitably cokntributed to the breakdown of her marriage -- should have made her sympathetic. And I wanted to empathize with her. But again, the narration style is not doing me any favor.

Interactions matter. Even if no one believes her, she needs someone to serve as a soundboard. Without fresh perspectives, the story stalls. And as an impatient read, I will get easily bored.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this as a opening chapter to the Spectral Hunter series, it uses the suspension and worked with keeping me on the edge of my seat. It was a strong horror element and the characters felt like they belonged in this universe, it was engaging and enjoyed the overall feel of the world with the characters. Morgan Kessler has a strong writing style and left me wanting to read more in this series and from Morgan Kessler.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Micki-D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a different take on the victims of serial killers the FBI agent is forced to use unusual methods to track a serial killer. It definitely makes for an interesting read that is full of twist and suspense with good tension it’s has a great paranormal vibe that os moody and engaging.

[Craig Simons · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first three quarters of the book but then the last quarter of it took it out of me as it was giving me "written with AI" vibes