To Kill for a Ghost

Dreaming Billabong #1

by Ryn Shell

This is an ACE of ASIN:B00EFAKD0S To Kill for a Ghost

A ghost may be heard if you walk by that billabong. Parents of lonely children be warned. Harry’s imaginary friend was real—well, she was to him.

To become the cattle king wasn’t a goal that Harry could easily accomplish, but the seven-year-old had that something extra that only neglected children would fully understand. He’d practiced for a year, since the day his sister Emily, the contender for his mother’s attention, was born. His tin soldier would storm the toy Fife Downs Cattle Station and take the male heirs of the property prisoners. He would make Mummy the cattle queen, and then she would have time to love him. It was just a child’s game—or was it?

Grandpa, Alan Fife, had his mystery friend too. His goals were for his teenage sweetheart Charlotte to find peace, settle the vengeance crimes that escalated when she was murdered beside the billabong decades earlier, and to leave before Alan's grandchildren became victims of payback.

But were the children already involved? This is a coming-of-age novel that at times becomes a psychological thriller.

BONUS: Back of book Glossary of Australian Words.

With the word billabong = waterhole, in the publisher's name, you will know that this book contains Australian words, e.g. station = ranch.

BONUS: Sample Chapters.

Included in this eBook is a three chapter excerpt from TO KILL OR ESCAPE, book 2 in the TO KILL Series.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Ryn Shell Author and Book Cover Artist and Designer

FREE chapters of current WIP & Newsletter

“THE STOLEN YEARS”
Historical, rural noir, family saga, open mystery series set in Australia,

The current COZY, Work in Progress features a female, former lawyer turned artist & retired detective amateur sleuths. Set in the beautiful high country of Victoria, Australia.

Ryn Shell is also an internationally acclaimed fine artist, formerly of Bunninyong Gallery.

Reviews

[Simon Okill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Billabong Ghost (Dreaming Billabong, #1) by Ryn Shell is a fantastic insight into the Australian culture set in the 1810s and 1940s. The author is particularly adept at showing life in the Outback, her descriptions are wonderful, so wonderful, this reader could taste and smell everything her characters could. And the characters were so believable as if the author was reciting past history.
The story revolves around the Fife family ranch or station to use the Australian vernacular. Young Alan Fife falls in love with Charlotte back in the 1880s, but their love hits many a rocky path. Here the reader lives life on a ranch, experiencing everything through the actions of the characters. And the action is furious, romantic and frightening.
Then the reader catches up on the family during the latter stages of WWII. The author perfectly captures the different feel, hope for hostilities to cease, a new beginning, the influx of out-of-work soldiers.
Finally there is the ghost around whom the entire story revolves ebbing and flowing from one era to the next with a seamless quality that this author has made her own.
This FIVE STAR romantic drama is a must read ad very highly recommended.

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Billabong Ghost truly changed my perspective on a lot of things. I purchased this book because it came up as one of my recommendations. I was bored one night, and decided to see what It's all about.

Wow, how it truly blew my mind away. Ryn Shell is INCREDIBLE! The imagery, scenery, descriptions; everything is perfect. Love the Australia lingo thrown in as well, truly makes you feel as if you are there.

This book haunted me; it kept me up for hours, I couldn't sleep until I read more of it. I truly got hooked on it. I am VERY happy to learn that there are other books in this series, because I truly did not want it to end.

Amazing storyline, and great characters. Highly recommend!

[D.K. Cassidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping!

I know a little about the history of Australia, but found there was so much more to learn. This novel is one of revenge, adventure, love, and loss. Author Ryn Shell has a way of pulling you into this complicated and fascinating story.

Her use of Australian dialect and terms enhances the realism of the book. Here’s an example, “Ah, can’t have damper without cocky’s joy on it.” Curious what this is referring to? Read this marvelous book to find out.

[AJourneyWithoutMap · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billabong Ghost by Ryn Shell is the first book in the Dreaming Billabong series. This beautifully crafted story set in the 1950’s Australian outback is a tragic tale of love and mystery surrounding the lead character Charlotte. Populated by a rich landscape of interesting and memorable characters, including settlers and aborigines, Ryn Shell weaves a magic spell that leaves one basking in the beauty of a story that is original in content and style.

At the heart of the story is Charlotte, who is brought to life through the mind’s eyes of Cattle King, Alan Fife, and whose undying love for her paves the way for him to communicate with her by the billabong, an ox-bow river or watering hole. The story alternates between the 1880s and mid-1940 as Alan, now in his sunset years, ponders over a life that has been lived. How well he lived his life is up to the readers to decide as well as to discover who Charlotte was. Suffice to Alan has fond memories, of a loved one who was killed during the 1880s.

You are certain to enjoy this Australian saga Billabong Ghost by Ryn Shell if you enjoyed the movie Australia. The author has painstakingly compiled a dictionary of Australian English words to help those who are unfamiliar with Australian language. The family tree showing several generations of Woggan-Wandong , Fife, Buckram and Mawson children, Jarrah, Harry, Emily and Charlotte is truly helpful. It is an impressive story that will delight many readers.

[Mary Yarde · Rating 5 out of 5]

The past is about to pay a visit to the settlers of Fife Springs, Queensland.

With the most articulate prose, Ryn Shell traverses time as she weaves a story about a neglected seven year-old-boy and what he thinks is his imaginary friend — his protector. But Charlotte is a restless spirit determined to have 'payback' on those who stole her life at the tender age of sixteen.

Billabong Ghost is an incredibly moving, and sometimes disturbing, tale of how a young woman was manipulated by those who were around her and how her death had far reaching consequences across the generations.

There is a lot of time shifts in this book, going from once century to the next, but woven together it made the most compelling read. The writing is elegant — there is no doubt about it, Shell is an incredible storyteller.

I have read several books in The Stolen Years series and each time I am just blown away by the attention to detail. Shell knows how to set a scene and how to hook her readers. Fabulous.

If you are are looking for a series to get your teeth into, then I Highly Recommend The Stolen Years. This series has a little bit everything, history, romance, hatred, revenge, and a heavy dose of the paranormal thrown in. I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.

I Highly Recommend.

[Stefania Mattana · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not the first book by author Shell that I read and again she did not disappoint me.
The mysterious death of Charlotte triggers a very interesting novel full of twist and turns. I don't know if it's completely intended by the author, but Billabong Ghost is a superb window on Australian history. I know that Aussie heritage is one of the main topic of the novel, hence I like to underline this detail of Shell's style.
I've never been in Australia, yet I could smell and see everything the characters lived. The historical age after WW2 war is often a main topic in European plots, while this time I had the chance to know more about Australia's story.
I quite liked the way the plot and the events flow on the book. I liked it so much that I spent an entire afternoon glued on it, turning the pages and not realising the time passing.
I think I'm going to buy also the rest of the series.

[Peter Crooks (Dalibor) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a remarkable book which disclosed the history of Australia in a different way. I could not put it down as it gripped me from the beginning. I found this book very interesting. The author put herself into her writing in a nice way which is really outstanding.

The story line is very entertaining. The character development is excellent with its organization. It will be a great series from my aspect. I will definitely recommend this book.

[J.S. Luxor · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story! I love the way Ryn Shell weaves both historical material in with a wonderful tale of life, love and Australian outback challenges. Ms. Shell has a real talent for using language to paint a picture (it helps that she's also an incredibly talented painter as well). This series really pulled me in with the story of Jarah and Emily. Love the family dynamics as well. You will not be disappointed!

[Heather Osborne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Initially, I was confused by the story jumping from character to character and back in time, but about halfway through the book, I began to really get into the story. I liked the setting, as Australia isn't something you often see as a location in historical fiction novels. The slang was easy to interpret based on the context and the novel itself was well-written. A solid four stars.

[Mette Barfelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It's interesting to read about Australia and the cultures.
I love the Australian setting and the author's descriptions of nature and landscape.
You'll find romance, mystery, suspense and a lot more.
Perfect if you enjoy historical fiction.
As always, very well written. Highly recommended!

[E.M. Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘To Kill for a Ghost’ is a refreshingly different story of lost love seen through the eyes of a lonely child. It’s a blend of historical Australian literature and intriguing paranormal mystery.
The story is set on Fife Downs Cattle Station and involves the extended family of the owner, Grandpa Alan Fife and the Aboriginal families who work on the property. Much of the story revolves around Alan’s grandson, seven-year-old Harry, whose parents abandon him just before the birth of his sister. As a teenager, Alan falls in love with Charlotte but destiny drives them apart. When Charlotte’s ghost visits Alan and Harry, Alan strives to find peace for Charlotte and settle a cycle of vengeance crimes.

Ryn Shell is a gifted story teller, who writes beautifully and creates such a strong atmosphere of a bygone Australia. The novel is set at the end of World War II with flashbacks to Alan’s youth. The rural property is authentic and believable with its billabong, Eucalypts, kingfishers, yabbies, damper and billy tea. Harry and Charlotte are especially well developed characters. You can’t help feel the injustice they have suffered and anger at Harry’s selfish parents for the indifference and neglect they inflict on him. As the two characters’ timelines cross back and forth, we learn that 16-year-old Charlotte was a victim of her times. She couldn’t marry the boy she loved because was promised to the local butcher in an era when women had no right to choose their mate or destiny.

This is a lovely book—such a great yarn. You get the impression there’s an epic tale brewing on Fife Downs with motives, history and generations of strong characters ready to provide rich fodder.

[Diana Febry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating tale - Ryn Shell knows how to tell a good tale and create just the right atmosphere.
The book is a mixture of genres. It tells the story of the Fife family from Scotland who settle in the Australian outback, as it jumps back and forth between events of 1880s and 1946. The story captures the harsh conditions the settlers faced and touches on attitudes at the time to the aborigines. It was also interesting to read about the ending of WW11 from an Australian point of view and how it affected families. Along with the romance between Alan Fife and Charlotte Buckram there is plenty to satisfy Historical Fiction fans.
Suspense builds as young Harry, Alan's grandson is filled with anger and resentment at his parents abandonment of him. There's a tangible sense of something not quite right about the boy's reasoning from the start and there's building concern for what he is going to do.
But for me, this book was an atmospheric and well-executed ghost story. We learn early on that Charlotte died young near the Dreaming Billabong but the full story of events surrounding and following her death are gradually revealed as the story progresses. It becomes increasingly apparent that the need for revenge remains strong and her aim is for history to be repeated.
A difficult book to categorise other than a great read. Although this book tells a complete story it is the first book of a series. Having read this one I'm going to have to read the others.

[Grant Leishman · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Kill for a Ghost is a compilation of, I think, three of Ryn Shell's novellas focusing on the Fife family of Australia. I am an enormous fan of Shell's writing, so I was thrilled when she put together this novel-length book, to satisfy my demand for more about the Fife's.
There is an element of flicking back and forth between the early 1800's and the 1940's, which takes a little getting used to, but it makes little difference to the enjoyment of the book.
Of all the characters Shell has introduced during this series, the ones I am most drawn to are Jane Mutta and Douglas Fife, the original founders of the Fife dynasty.
I loved reading how Jane and Douglas got together. There was a real element of whimsy and humour that I hadn't always seen in Shell's work to date. I absolutely want to read more about this couple after the shipwreck of the Admella. There are still some unanswered questions.
The style of Shell is so relaxed and conversational, it is impossible not to get drawn into the worlds she creates with words. I love her descriptions of the Australian outback and knowing there is an element of herself in all of these characters, especially Emily, just makes this book even more special.
I cannot read enough from this talented woman and I look forward to her next effort of combining three novellas into a full-length novel. Excellent work and long may it continue.

[Marta Tandori · Rating 5 out of 5]

If the genre of a book isn’t immediately evident, some readers may not give it a passing glance, sometimes to the detriment of the reader in having passed over a very good book. The issue of genre is certainly the case in To Kill For a Ghost by Ryn Shell. Reminiscent to some degree of the Cleary family in Colleen McCullough’s 1977 best-selling novel, The Thorn Birds, To Kill For a Ghost revolves around the Fife family, the owners of a cattle station in Australia. Richly resplendent with fascinating characters and setting, the story is part ghost story, part love story, part mystery and one hundred percent entertaining. Ryn Shell’s story centers around the mysterious Charlotte, who died in the late nineteenth century around Dreaming Billabong. The circumstances surrounding her death are slowly revealed as the story unfolds as does her connection to both Alan Fife, owner of the cattle station and to Harry, Alan’s grandson. Shell’s tale covers a broad spectrum of time, from the mid-forties after the war between Australia and Japan, all the way back to the late nineteenth century. A wonderful picture of Australia’s harsh, yet beautiful, terrain is painted by the author, offset by the age-old customs and cultures of the Aborigines and their oftentimes tenuous relationships with others who have inhabited their land. A highly recommended read!

[C.N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story revolves around Charlotte, the ghost of the bilabong and her relationship with Alan, her teenage sweetheart and Harry, his lonely and neglected grandson. Interwoven with the ghost are wonderful glimpses of Australia at two time periods and it is fascinating to see how one evolved from the other.

Alan was very much in love with Charlotte, a poorer girl with an unloving shrew of a mother and a selfish brother. As the son and heir to the ranch, Alan is expected to make a good marriage and it seems his parents are all too ready to pick his bride for him. What happens next leads to Alan's lifelong heartbreak and Charlottes haunting of the bilabong.

Harry is the son of Alan's daughter and she seems not to care for him, leaving him to fend for himself without arranging for anyone to come in to care for him when she goes into labor with his sister. He is a very young boy and this is terrible, but at the same time it brings Charlotte to him. Alan has wondered if Harry has inherited the Scottish fey sight from him and it he has indeed.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and have gained not only a darn good story, but also a real feel for Australia in two distinct time periods, something the outside world never sees. What an experience!

[Davidantman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a psychological thriller and ghost story set in Australia in 1945. Following the story of a major cattle king, Alan Fife, we are taken into the past – to 1882 to see how events unfold which affect Alan and his family in his old age.

It is an interesting social commentary, as we see how Alan feels entitled to impregnate any native women in his household or even on his land and, in his old age, he is surrounded by unacknowledged sons and grandsons. The uneasy sharing of land between white farmers and aborigines is very well depicted, but also rather harrowing.
The ghost story adds yet another dimension. This is a ghost story with an agenda, rather like Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black, and she fastens herself to Alan’s neglected legitimate grandson, Harry. He is a deeply troubled child and is easily manipulated by the vengeful ghost.

The story end as we finally learn about the atrocity visited on the native Aborigines and the vendetta that is still continuing and affecting Alan’s family.
The next book, ‘To Kill or Escape’ promises to follow Harry and his imaginary friend, whilst his Uncle Iain tries to rescue his niece and nephews from the culture of revenge crime.

[David Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a psychological thriller and ghost story set in Australia in 1945. Following the story of a major cattle king, Alan Fife, we are taken into the past – to 1882 to see how events unfold which affect Alan and his family in his old age.
It is an interesting social commentary, as we see how Alan feels entitled to impregnate any native women in his household or even on his land and, in his old age, he is surrounded by unacknowledged sons and grandsons. The uneasy sharing of land between white farmers and aborigines is very well depicted, but also rather harrowing.
The ghost story adds yet another dimension. This is a ghost story with an agenda, rather like Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black, and she fastens herself to Alan’s neglected legitimate grandson, Harry. He is a deeply troubled child and is easily manipulated by the vengeful ghost.
The story end as we finally learn about the atrocity visited on the native Aborigines and the vendetta that is still continuing and affecting Alan’s family.
The next book, ‘To Kill or Escape’ promises to follow Harry and his imaginary friend, whilst his Uncle Iain tries to rescue his niece and nephews from the culture of revenge crime.

[Sarah Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an unusual book to me because I’ve never, or not yet, visited Australia and know little about it beyond reading books set there, like Neville Shute’s great “A Town like Alice”: the glossary made it very easy to understand and I would recommend that readers look at that before they start.

I did wonder if beginning the series by reading book two, even though the blurb had intrigued me too much to resist it, would turn out to be a mistake, but it wasn’t; it can be read as a standalone the characters are so well grounded.

The story is set at two different times, the late nineteenth century and the middle of the twentieth, and both show haunting tragedy: one of them Charlotte’s who “wasn’t good enough”, in the opinion of Alan’s family who forced them apart, and the other, Harry, Alan’s neglected grandson.

This book has it all: revenge, tragedy, brilliantly written historical settings, strong characters, and I actually read parts of it twice, just for the descriptions of the beauty of a new and unknown land.

[Lf Gillis · Rating 5 out of 5]

In To Kill For A Ghost Ryn Shell does something that is very difficult...she creates a sympathetic villain. At least I felt sorry for Charlotte. How different her life could have been had it not been for a mother bent on using her to create a better life for every member of the family except Charlotte. Equally as sympathetic is the sometimes hard-hearted patriarch of the Fife family and cattle king, Alan Fife. Had he and Charlotte been left to their own devices the story may have taken a much lighter turn. While these two are in no way the focus of the story, they do enhance the central story, multiple children forced to grow up well before their times.

Weaved into this doomed love story, and not so doomed coming of age story, is glimpses of Australia's rich history, scenery, and multiple cultures.

My only wish is that the glossary was in the back of the book as I flipped through the first few pages looking for the story. Page flipping aside, this is an excellent story, one that I look forward to revisiting.

[Renee Spicuzza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryn Shell’s “To Kill For a Ghost,” is a thriller type novel, along with being horror styled because of the dark nature of the ghosts and the different characters’ backstories. I believe Shell has an Australian upbringing because the book took place within Australia and the slang of the characters made the book more believable. I feel as though the history that is being mentioned in the story, mostly about World War II, is very interesting because it is a different perspective from my own, as well as providing a nice history lesson that has never been spoken of in Western History books. Just the knowledge of Australia’s path is intriguing enough to purchase the book, however, the storyline of an unfairly killed girl who then seeks to help those that look for her is interesting because Charlotte isn’t written like a stereotypical vengeful ghost, but more of a benign creature, which makes the plot that much more intriguing.

[James Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a great tale of a family of Australian homesteaders through several generations, starting with the mid 1800's and a ship wreck, and ending in post world war ll era. Love the original language and vernacular of the outback of Australia. It has love, hate, tragedy, guilt and all the things you want in historical fiction and the author did a great job of capturing the time period. There was even the ghost of Charlotte who haunted the young and old of the offspring of the Fife family. Very well written and entertaining.

[LyndaVee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an intriguing story. It is billed as ‘a coming-of-age novel that at times becomes a psychological thriller”, but it is predominately a ghost story.

Set in Australia in 1945, part of the story is told in flashbacks to 1882, where the seeds are sown for acts of vengeance – ‘payback’ continuing into 1945.

A troubled and neglected seven year old boy seeks solace with the ghostly presence of a young woman, who was murdered in the past. She is a malevolent presence throughout the story, although learning about her life and actions, it is possible to have some sympathy for her. The ghostly, Charlotte, influences Harry into murderous actions.
This book teaches us a lot about life in Australia and the sometimes uneasy co-existence of the white settlers with the native Aborigines. I am very much looking forward to reading the next book in the series: ‘To Kill or Escape’.

[Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the Australian rural setting, the way the author describes both time periods, and the outback experience of a drover, billabongs and her commitment to the subject making the book and its setting very authentic. As an Australian myself, I felt akin to the setting and background and enjoyed the author's portrayal.

This book switches between two times and as a reader you are drawn into a story of these two times, with one key thing connecting, what seems to be a ghost/imaginary friend - Charlotte.

Its not a long read, but it did take me a while to really get into the story. However, in saying that I was truly engaged halfway through. The story has a continuation, as its a part of a series of books, and I'd be interested to see how this story really develops.

[Jana Petken · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this the first book, we are taken to aborigine land, and to the heart of Australian culture and language. The story moves deftly between 1946 and the 1880's to a woman named Charlotte who died in somewhat strange circumstances.

The writing is rich with colourful descriptions of the area, culinary foods, traditions, and a they intertwine with a great story involving characters which were as clear and individual, as the plots themselves.

I have already read books 2, 3 and 4 in this series. I wish I had read this first, but it was worthwhile going back to the beginning, and to have questions answered.

On to the next in the series. I hope it never ends.

[Erin Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in this series. The twists and turns and shocking revelations in To Kill for a Ghost set up the other books beautifully (I've read two of them and plan to read the rest) by revealing a horrifying incident that occurred in 1880's rural Australia. This incident destroyed a young love before it had a chance to fully bloom, as well as driving a wedge between two families that continued to have drastic consequences more than 60 years later. What an amazing, beautiful, heartrending book. Ryn Shell has a way of writing that draws you in completely as though you're right there with the characters. I've become such a fan of her work. Fabulous job!

[L.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Kill For a Ghost by Ryn Shell is a 149 page story. It has a foreword, prologue, clip art, 25 chapters, glossary, genealogy, author bio and sample from other books. This Australian author has written seven books for the To Kill series.
I loved the premise of an unsolved murder leading to a ghost haunting the area. Add in the Australian outback as the back drop and some great writing, and it was perfect book for me. I learned a lot about a different culture and especially enjoyed the slang. The plot built throughout the book and kept my attention. I am excited to find such a fun series. Onto book two.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating and unusual ghost story that works on several levels. Europeans know little about life in Australia in past times and this book sheds light on two separate eras: 1880 and 1945. The ghost in this story makes friends with some diverse characters. The ghost has her own story/ history to tell while there are more strands of narrative in the present of 1945.
Fascinating and rich in detail the story has a dark undertone. It is well plotted and satisfies the reader with outstanding characterisation and great intrigue.
The beginning of a series this could prove addictive.

[Lucinda Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read a book set in Australia since I read the Thornbirds, so this was a refreshing change from ones set in America or Europe. The story is quite complicated as it flashed from the earlier history to much later in the family saga. I had to concentrate quite hard to work out who was who. The story held together well, the words flowed and the characters were well drawn. I would suggest that to get the full appreciation of this book and the complete tale the whole series should be read at one sitting.

[T.L. Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

Firstly, it was refreshing to read a story set in Australia. And the style had that laidback feel to it. It had great descriptions, and I felt like I was there by the billabong.

The book switches between the memories of a crotchety old man (and the ghost of his long lost girlfriend) in the 1880s and the ‘present day’ 1940s. This is done smoothly and effectively.

However, I personally felt the book took a long time to get anywhere and not an awful lot happened.

This book is part of a series, so there’s no real ending to this book.

Overall verdict; it was good but not great.

[Gunnar · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was nice to read a novel set in Australia, particularly if it has a metaphysical and mystery element to it, which I'm a big fan of. It was a very well written and thought out introduction to the saga of novels that follow. It gets you in the mood of the writer's style and makes you want to read on, so very well done!