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Shima
In the quiet, rain-soaked town of Ashland, Maine, Kat Shaw is just trying to survive, juggling a dead-end job, a haunted past, and the suffocating weight of loss. But when her closest friend dies under mysterious circumstances and a massive, enigmatic wolf appears at her door, Kat’s world is upended. The wolf, Shima, is more than she seems—an ancient spirit guide with ties to Kat’s bloodline and the dark legends of the North Woods.
As Kat’s nights fill with visions, lost time, and chilling encounters, she’s forced to confront the supernatural forces that have stalked her family for centuries. Ghosts, demons, and shapeshifters emerge from the shadows, each with their own agenda, and Kat realizes she’s at the center of a curse older than the town itself. With only a handful of allies - her gruff landlord, a wise tribal elder, and the fiercely loyal Shima - Kat must unravel the secrets of her ancestry before the darkness claims her for good.
SHIMA is a gripping blend of supernatural thriller and emotional drama, weaving Native American folklore, small-town secrets, and raw human resilience into a story that’s as heart-wrenching as it is terrifying. Kat’s journey is one of survival, self-discovery, and the unbreakable bonds between the living and the dead. Each chapter peels back another layer of mystery, drawing readers deeper into a world where the line between reality and nightmare blurs, and where hope is as wild and untamable as the wolf at Kat’s side.
Perfect for fans of atmospheric horror and character-driven suspense, SHIMA will keep you turning pages late into the night. Will Kat break the grip of darkness and reclaim her life, or will the shadows of the past finally consume her? Step into the woods - if you dare - and discover the power of legacy, love, and the spirits that walk beside us.
As Kat’s nights fill with visions, lost time, and chilling encounters, she’s forced to confront the supernatural forces that have stalked her family for centuries. Ghosts, demons, and shapeshifters emerge from the shadows, each with their own agenda, and Kat realizes she’s at the center of a curse older than the town itself. With only a handful of allies - her gruff landlord, a wise tribal elder, and the fiercely loyal Shima - Kat must unravel the secrets of her ancestry before the darkness claims her for good.
SHIMA is a gripping blend of supernatural thriller and emotional drama, weaving Native American folklore, small-town secrets, and raw human resilience into a story that’s as heart-wrenching as it is terrifying. Kat’s journey is one of survival, self-discovery, and the unbreakable bonds between the living and the dead. Each chapter peels back another layer of mystery, drawing readers deeper into a world where the line between reality and nightmare blurs, and where hope is as wild and untamable as the wolf at Kat’s side.
Perfect for fans of atmospheric horror and character-driven suspense, SHIMA will keep you turning pages late into the night. Will Kat break the grip of darkness and reclaim her life, or will the shadows of the past finally consume her? Step into the woods - if you dare - and discover the power of legacy, love, and the spirits that walk beside us.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2025
1 person is currently reading
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 21, 2026
This story comes complete with an interesting cast of characters, and an intriguing storyline. A modern blend of legend, lore, and small-town reality. For those fascinated by spirit animals and the native insights for them... this is a fine read, you will enjoy it. We should all have a Shima at our side...
January 4, 2026
Just finished reading "Shima” by John Thayer; writer of many words. It starts quietly as he introduces you to the world of Kat, an indigenous member of a small Penobscot tribe in Maine, trying to make it on her own. Kat has all sorts of troubles — trouble with her foster dad, trouble with her work boss/landlord, oh and yeah, she sees dead people.
Some minor spoilers below -
What starts out slowly builds up very fast and before you know it, she’s neck deep in a paranormal thriller full of vengeful ghosts, homicidal spirits and a really nasty curse. But Kat gains an ally who won’t give up…her spirit wolf, Shima. Kat and Shima stand side by side as she quite literally fights for her life and the lives of those she cares about.
If you love paranormal thrillers with a some nice indigenous backstory and a faithful wolf, this story is perfect for you.
Some minor spoilers below -
What starts out slowly builds up very fast and before you know it, she’s neck deep in a paranormal thriller full of vengeful ghosts, homicidal spirits and a really nasty curse. But Kat gains an ally who won’t give up…her spirit wolf, Shima. Kat and Shima stand side by side as she quite literally fights for her life and the lives of those she cares about.
If you love paranormal thrillers with a some nice indigenous backstory and a faithful wolf, this story is perfect for you.
January 22, 2026
Shima is an intriguing and emotionally charged story that leans heavily into mystery, suspense, and darker paranormal elements, with a strong undercurrent of crime. The atmosphere is moody and compelling, pulling the reader forward with questions that keep unfolding as the story progresses.
The book is quite dialogue-driven, which gives it a cinematic feel and helps the characters’ emotions come through clearly. While the story would benefit from some additional editing and tightening in places, there are no major issues that detract from the overall experience.
The presence of the wolf - Shima - adds a powerful, symbolic layer. Everyone needs a Shima. Overall, it’s a dark, engaging read that will appeal to readers who enjoy emotionally resonant stories with paranormal mystery at their core.
The book is quite dialogue-driven, which gives it a cinematic feel and helps the characters’ emotions come through clearly. While the story would benefit from some additional editing and tightening in places, there are no major issues that detract from the overall experience.
The presence of the wolf - Shima - adds a powerful, symbolic layer. Everyone needs a Shima. Overall, it’s a dark, engaging read that will appeal to readers who enjoy emotionally resonant stories with paranormal mystery at their core.
February 12, 2026
Haunted by the deeds of past generations.
A dramatic tale of family secrets, friendship and resilience, interwoven with Native American folklore and the supernatural.
Beset by the loss of loved ones, Katona Shaw begins to get visions, and is tormented by supernatural forces. But there's more to these forces than she realises. They want revenge.
Enter Shima; she-wolf and spirit-guide. Together with a group of trusted friends, Kat and Shima battle the curse which has haunted her family for generations and lay these spirits to rest. An enjoyable read.
A dramatic tale of family secrets, friendship and resilience, interwoven with Native American folklore and the supernatural.
Beset by the loss of loved ones, Katona Shaw begins to get visions, and is tormented by supernatural forces. But there's more to these forces than she realises. They want revenge.
Enter Shima; she-wolf and spirit-guide. Together with a group of trusted friends, Kat and Shima battle the curse which has haunted her family for generations and lay these spirits to rest. An enjoyable read.
December 16, 2025
This story will stay with you. Kat struggles to cope with grief and anger but people surround her and help her fight her demons. Everything you need is here in this book, ghost, the paranormal, generational stories, curse, hexes, grief, love and realization by the character (maybe even yourself) are capable of more than you know.
December 18, 2025
The imagery in this book was wonderful! The author really sets the tone for a creepy, suspenseful novel. The main character is a strong female who will capture your heart. She has been through a few things and you want to reach out and give her a hug. Lucky for us though, Kat has Shima and the rest of her friends to see her on this path.
January 15, 2026
A supernatural adventure in the woods in Northern Maine
Kat has a friend in Shima and you are rooting for her the whole story. The woods in Northern Maine is a mystical setting for all the supernatural events that unfold. John, the Author, is a great supporter of other Indie Authors so glad I was able to read his books.
Kat has a friend in Shima and you are rooting for her the whole story. The woods in Northern Maine is a mystical setting for all the supernatural events that unfold. John, the Author, is a great supporter of other Indie Authors so glad I was able to read his books.
December 16, 2025
absolutely amazing. move this up on your reading list and curl up.
December 20, 2025
An engaging ride from start to finish. The story was solid with rich detail throughout.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews