Shima

by John R. Thayer

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.

281 pages, ebook

Published December 1, 2025

About the author

John Thayer lives in Riverview, Florida with his wife, Judy, and son, Jared. His debut novel, Jared’s Island, came out in September, 2012. Jared was John’s inspiration to begin writing, which is why there is always a character named Jared in his books. His latest work, SHIMA, is currently avaiable through amazon. You can follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jaredsisland. He also always loves to hear from people who have read his books and can be reached by email at Johnthayer11@gmail.com