Critical Focus

by Meredith Dimick

Julie, Zach, and Nevin are just trying to film the third season finale of Paranormal Properties, a ghost-hunting show where sometimes they look for monsters because not finding ghosts every episode can get a little monotonous. When they’re sent to an abandoned farmhouse in rural New York, they’re told shadow figures, strange noises, and unexplained occurrences have plagued the property. A nighttime investigation is sure to expose the truth. But as the shadows lift, the trio has to decide if the truth is worth the turmoil. Or their lives.

403 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 30, 2025

About the author

Meredith Dimick is an indie author who loves words, exercise, and 15-minute naps. She is an editor with a bachelor’s in English and journalism who coaches youth sports, practices positive self-talk, and values sincerity over sarcasm. She also swears a lot.

Reviews

[Sarah Seekamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved most about Critical Focus was how Meredith Dimick managed to keep the tension high while still giving the characters personality, humor, and warmth. The scary moments hit hard, but the comedy kept everything feeling playful instead of overwhelming. It was such an addictive, entertaining read.

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hosts of Paranormal Properties, Julie and Zach, and cameraman Nevin are on site filming an episode of their paranormal television show. Between the hosts’ constant feuding and the exposure of Julie and Nevin’s relationship, the show is barely surviving. Julie is reaching her breaking point and vows this episode will be her last. Zach cares more about how he looks on camera than anyone’s feelings, and Nevin would love to invest his skills in a project that he was passionate about. But they have a job to do, and this one is a doozy.

The Youngsville House has got creepy written all over it—abandoned and dilapidated, with mentions of ghosts. But the trio quickly learns that the truth is far more terrifying than a good old haunting. There is blood on the floor, and something or someone has deactivated one of their cameras. Fighting for their lives is the only way out.

Critical Focus by Meredith Dimick is a spooky thriller, buttressed by well-developed multidimensional characters. This novel stands out from others in its genre for its sarcastic humor. In other words, not only is it going to scare the beejebus out of you, but it’s also going to have you chuckling at inopportune times. (Kind of like giggling at a funeral!) Jokes aside, Dimick delivers adrenaline-pumping suspense, thrilling chases, and shocking revelations. Plus, it all takes place in an abandoned house, complete with a hidden staircase and a tiny elevator. (I’m shivering just thinking about it!)

Beyond the chilling suspense, Dimick’s writing is infused with sarcasm and humor, particularly when it comes to Zach and Julie. The two have a love-hate type of relationship that will resonate with anyone who has to work closely with someone who gets under their skin. Zach’s disturbingly unprofessional comments and lewd one-liners incite some laughter (and rage), and Julie’s quick wit and sharp tongue make for some highly entertaining (and cheerworthy) encounters. Tensions reach an all-time high when Nevin, who usually keeps everyone in check, loses his cool. The author has done an excellent job of creating a hilariously dysfunctional cast of coworkers that simultaneously irritate one another and band together when necessary.

If you’ve got a penchant for dark humor and character-driven horror/thrillers, you’ll want to add Critical Focus to your reading list. Meredith Dimick has done an excellent job building suspense and twists I didn’t anticipate. 5 stars!

[Arlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. So much intrigue and suspense!