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Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper #5
House of Whispers
The luxurious Lathrop Grand Hotel is a Savannah institution that has entertained guests for more than a century and a half, offering some of the finest accommodations in the city. Famously haunted, the hotel draws tourists from around the world eager to encounter its numerous ghosts. The hotel is also known for being honeycombed with hidden doors and secret passages, enabling staff to appear and disappear quickly as they attend to the hotel's guests.
Now some of the spirits in the Lathrop Grand have turned violent, even murderous. Ellie and Stacey must determine which ghost has become dangerous and remove it from the hotel before it can claim any more lives. They soon learn the hotel has secrets even darker than the notorious string of nineteenth-century murders that made it famous, and the powerful entities inhabiting it don't intend to leave without a fight.
Now some of the spirits in the Lathrop Grand have turned violent, even murderous. Ellie and Stacey must determine which ghost has become dangerous and remove it from the hotel before it can claim any more lives. They soon learn the hotel has secrets even darker than the notorious string of nineteenth-century murders that made it famous, and the powerful entities inhabiting it don't intend to leave without a fight.
215 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2015
325 people are currently reading
429 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Bryan
53 books1,034 followersJ.L. Bryan studied English literature at the University of Georgia and at Oxford, with a focus on English Renaissance and Romantic literature. He also studied screenwriting at UCLA. He lives in the metro Atlanta sprawl with his wife and son. He is the author of the Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper books and some other assorted novels like Inferno Park, The Unseen, Jenny Pox, and basically a lot of supernatural stories, some of it dark, some of it very dark, some of it less dark than that.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
July 20, 2018
House of Whispers
Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper Series #5
By: J. L. Bryan
Narrated by: Carla Mercer-Meyer
I love this series! Ellie and Stacy go to a posh hotel to get rid of the murderous ghosts that are stopping the construction on the fourth floor. The one famous ghost that is being accused is not the only ghost they find but a whole town full of ghosts! None are happy! Good story with suspense and humor!
Wonderful narration! She is awesome!
Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper Series #5
By: J. L. Bryan
Narrated by: Carla Mercer-Meyer
I love this series! Ellie and Stacy go to a posh hotel to get rid of the murderous ghosts that are stopping the construction on the fourth floor. The one famous ghost that is being accused is not the only ghost they find but a whole town full of ghosts! None are happy! Good story with suspense and humor!
Wonderful narration! She is awesome!
October 2, 2015
I love those series that you just know you can pick up at anytime anywhere and have a great time with them. The ones that give you everything you are expecting, looking for, and craving. Ellie Jordan Ghost Trapper has become that series for me.
I love everything about it. From the creepy ghosts and shadow people, to the witty one liners. This truly is just a fun read that on more than one occasion has kept me up late reading into the night, with the lights on. And the very best part about this series is the simple fact that it just keeps getting better and better.
I so love the direction that this is going and I love all the characters. In fact, my only complaint about this fifth installment is that Michael wasn't in it more. I adore him and I really hope book six gives us more of him. The way he interacts with Ellie is just fun. In fact, the way all the characters get along and care about one another is endearing.
I am so excited for book six and I truly can't wait for more!
I love everything about it. From the creepy ghosts and shadow people, to the witty one liners. This truly is just a fun read that on more than one occasion has kept me up late reading into the night, with the lights on. And the very best part about this series is the simple fact that it just keeps getting better and better.
I so love the direction that this is going and I love all the characters. In fact, my only complaint about this fifth installment is that Michael wasn't in it more. I adore him and I really hope book six gives us more of him. The way he interacts with Ellie is just fun. In fact, the way all the characters get along and care about one another is endearing.
I am so excited for book six and I truly can't wait for more!
February 7, 2017
The luxurious Lathrop Grand Hotel in Savannah is notoriously known for being one of the most famously haunted hotels at it's time, drawing tourists around the world who are eager to experience the encounter of its numerous ghosts. When these encounters turn deadly, Ellie and Stacy are commissioned by the management to help remove the ghosts before they claim any more lives.
What I liked
I really loved that Bryan is branching out and taking Ellie and Stacy places that are no longer just client houses, but other properties. In the last one he took us for a ride on a ghost train and in this installment we get to explore the dark history behind Lathrop Hotel and not only its famous ghosts but the dark secrets that have been buried with for years.
While reading, I had a thought and did a bit of research, I came to wonder if perhaps the basis of this story was influenced by the famous Marshall House, whose history upon a little research I have come to realize is eerily similar to Bryan's version in the book. If so, I wonder how many other haunted places in Savannah have influenced his works. I find it very fascinating and it makes me want to dig around a bit in the history of Savannah. I do know that Bryan's ghost stories are original and even if they are based on the history of a real location, he expands on that basis and makes it into a very engrossing read that is difficult to put down.
This book is probably one of my favorite yet. It is dark, it is scary, and it's hard to read with the lights out. The ghosts that Ellie and Stacy were investigating were sinister and came with a lot of packages. But the history and the plot that Bryan wove into the story just really made this book for me.
We get introduced to the agency that is thinking of buying Calvin's and the two people that I think will become significant in Ellie's life her boss goes forward with the move.
What didn't I like
I am a sucker for romance and even thought it does not play a major part in the books, I still wish that we got a bit more. Something strange happens in the scene with Ellie and Michael when she does meet him and it makes me wonder what kind of a role it will play in the later books.
When Ellie and Stacy show up to the Hotel they have to sign a disclosure agreement. The way the manager of the hotel was acting and being pushy about it made me wonder if there was something else too it, but it never went anywhere beyond that.
I was a bit thrown off by how Ellie had come to the conclusion of who the bad guy was with all of these ghosts running around because the baddie wasn't really talked about much through the book. It made me pause and left me wondering what happened there. The whole ending had once again made me feel like it had faltered, just like it had in the last book. I am not sure what is going on. I loved these stories because the ghosts up until the last two books have sounded realistic and that is what made them creepy. The whole showdown with the end boss (heh, see what I did there?) felt a bit cartoonish at times and not what I have come to expect from Bryan's work. I hope there will be an improvement with endings because I am enjoying the books, oh so very much and cannot wait for more.
This review was originally posted on Night Owl Book Cafe
What I liked
I really loved that Bryan is branching out and taking Ellie and Stacy places that are no longer just client houses, but other properties. In the last one he took us for a ride on a ghost train and in this installment we get to explore the dark history behind Lathrop Hotel and not only its famous ghosts but the dark secrets that have been buried with for years.
While reading, I had a thought and did a bit of research, I came to wonder if perhaps the basis of this story was influenced by the famous Marshall House, whose history upon a little research I have come to realize is eerily similar to Bryan's version in the book. If so, I wonder how many other haunted places in Savannah have influenced his works. I find it very fascinating and it makes me want to dig around a bit in the history of Savannah. I do know that Bryan's ghost stories are original and even if they are based on the history of a real location, he expands on that basis and makes it into a very engrossing read that is difficult to put down.
This book is probably one of my favorite yet. It is dark, it is scary, and it's hard to read with the lights out. The ghosts that Ellie and Stacy were investigating were sinister and came with a lot of packages. But the history and the plot that Bryan wove into the story just really made this book for me.
We get introduced to the agency that is thinking of buying Calvin's and the two people that I think will become significant in Ellie's life her boss goes forward with the move.
What didn't I like
I am a sucker for romance and even thought it does not play a major part in the books, I still wish that we got a bit more. Something strange happens in the scene with Ellie and Michael when she does meet him and it makes me wonder what kind of a role it will play in the later books.
When Ellie and Stacy show up to the Hotel they have to sign a disclosure agreement. The way the manager of the hotel was acting and being pushy about it made me wonder if there was something else too it, but it never went anywhere beyond that.
I was a bit thrown off by how Ellie had come to the conclusion of who the bad guy was with all of these ghosts running around because the baddie wasn't really talked about much through the book. It made me pause and left me wondering what happened there. The whole ending had once again made me feel like it had faltered, just like it had in the last book. I am not sure what is going on. I loved these stories because the ghosts up until the last two books have sounded realistic and that is what made them creepy. The whole showdown with the end boss (heh, see what I did there?) felt a bit cartoonish at times and not what I have come to expect from Bryan's work. I hope there will be an improvement with endings because I am enjoying the books, oh so very much and cannot wait for more.
This review was originally posted on Night Owl Book Cafe
August 19, 2018
This is one of my favourites of this series so far. It had the right mix of spookiness, mystery story and character. I loved the setting of the haunted hotel and i liked the various layers of the mysteries they uncovered.
I felt like this also marked a turning point of this series. Till now its mostly been once of ghost mysteries with only a loose continuous storyline but in this book, the series storyline starts to take on as much importance as the ghost mystery they are solving and the two have started to become more intertwined.
I can't wait to read more of this series
I felt like this also marked a turning point of this series. Till now its mostly been once of ghost mysteries with only a loose continuous storyline but in this book, the series storyline starts to take on as much importance as the ghost mystery they are solving and the two have started to become more intertwined.
I can't wait to read more of this series
November 9, 2015
Ellie and Stacey are sent to a hotel in Savannah to rid the place of some very dangerous ghosts that seem to be wreaking havoc on the place. What they find is truly disturbing and hard to imagine. If they make it out of this alive it will be by some great miracle. Because these ghost are not playing around. In fact, it will be an all-out war to the end.
I have been waiting for the author to cover a storyline just like this one. I am a huge, HUGE fan of haunted hotels. Ever since I was little I have always traveled with my mother to Eureka Springs, AR for her to do her crafty thing. And each time we'd go, I would have to visit The Crescent Hotel. I won't go into all the details, but research it if you haven't heard it. It is definitely worth the time. And I have done the ghost tours it offers 3 times now. Such a fun experience.
Anyhow, back to the book. Like I mentioned, I knew the author would have to cover this storyline eventually and I am so glad he did. This book really rocked and I was creeped out more than once. Probably the fact that I started it on Halloween night. But oh so worth it. The author covered a lot of areas that ran parallel with that of the Crescent's history and hauntings. So everything was really believable for me. Now I have a big urge to head up there and take the tour again. *Sigh* If only I had the time to do it.
All in all, HOUSE OF WHISPERS was an excellent read and a fabulous addition to an already fabulous series. I am wondering what Bryan has in store for Ellie and the future of her personal life and work life. It is all up in the air at this point and could go just about anywhere. 5 Stars!
I have been waiting for the author to cover a storyline just like this one. I am a huge, HUGE fan of haunted hotels. Ever since I was little I have always traveled with my mother to Eureka Springs, AR for her to do her crafty thing. And each time we'd go, I would have to visit The Crescent Hotel. I won't go into all the details, but research it if you haven't heard it. It is definitely worth the time. And I have done the ghost tours it offers 3 times now. Such a fun experience.
Anyhow, back to the book. Like I mentioned, I knew the author would have to cover this storyline eventually and I am so glad he did. This book really rocked and I was creeped out more than once. Probably the fact that I started it on Halloween night. But oh so worth it. The author covered a lot of areas that ran parallel with that of the Crescent's history and hauntings. So everything was really believable for me. Now I have a big urge to head up there and take the tour again. *Sigh* If only I had the time to do it.
All in all, HOUSE OF WHISPERS was an excellent read and a fabulous addition to an already fabulous series. I am wondering what Bryan has in store for Ellie and the future of her personal life and work life. It is all up in the air at this point and could go just about anywhere. 5 Stars!
September 28, 2015
Four and a half stars: A creepy and thrilling tale that blends ghosts from different eras.
Ellie and Stacie are ready to take on their next case. They have been hired to investigate a death in the elegant and quite haunted Lathrop Grand Hotel. The hotel has hosted and entertained guest for one hundred and fifty years. The Lathrop has one famous ghost, Stabby Abby, a Confederate nurse who reportedly slashed the throats of Union Soldiers. Abby has been around for years, but for whatever reason, the paranormal activity has reached a new and dangerous level. Recently when construction workers were renovating the mysterious fourth floor, things turned deadly. Has Abby continued her murderous ways?
What I Liked:
*I am always thrilled to plunge into the next Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper Series because I know I will get an exciting and creepy tale with plenty of ghosts and history as well as fun gadgets and gizmos for capturing ghosts. If you are a fan of real life ghost hunters, this is a fun series that you need to check out.
*One of the things I love the most about this series is that all of the hauntings have a long and interesting history. I always enjoy when Ellie goes digging into the past to uncover who is behind the haunting and why. The series is set in Savannah, a city with a long, ghostly history, and I often wonder if Mr. Bryan uses real life ghost tales for the books.
*House of Whispers was my favorite book in the series to date. What made this book exciting was that it was set in a hotel with a long and sordid history. It has many ghosts from different eras. For instance, there is Stabby Abby, the hotel's most notorious ghost who haunts room 208. Abby was a young Confederate nurse who slashed the throats of enemy soldiers. Along with Abby, there are numerous Union Soldiers, as well as some yellow fever victims. Then there are the dangerous ghosts up on the fourth floor from the twentieth century. This group of ghosts in life were dabbling in spiritualism, psychic energy and other dangerous paranormal activity. It is up to Ellie and Stacie to sort through the hauntings and determine who is causing the problems. I thought the hotel was an excellent setting, with its long history and deaths, it was a creepy backdrop.
*I love the relationship between Ellie and Stacie. They work well together, and balance each other perfectly. Ellie is straight forward, serious and she is very aware of how dangerous her job is. Stacie is the opposite. She is more carefree and upbeat. She is quick to crack a joke or a smile, and she is a bit wacky. I enjoy watching them work together to trap the ghosts. Along with Jacob, the psychic, they make a terrific team. Speaking of Jacob, he continues to be fascinating. I always look forward to his psychic readings of each haunted spot.
*The ending is fast, furious and shocking. I have to admit, I didn't see it coming. It was a whirlwind. However, once the dust settled, I was completely satisfied with the way it all went down. I also love that this series refrains from cliffhangers. You get a complete ghost mystery with each book, which makes them all the more addictive. Yes, you can pick them up and read them out of order, but of course, they read best in sequential order.
And The Not So Much:
*This book picks up a theme from the last book regarding Ellie's boss wanting to sell the business. While there is a bit of development with that story line, I was left hanging. I was hoping for more resolution.
*While I loved that the ending caught me off guard and that it was a bit of a shocker, I wish that the reader had been clued into Ellie's reasoning. I wanted a better understanding as to what tipped her off as to who the real villain was. I was confused as well over how the young girl was kidnapped. Was she taken from her room or from somewhere else and how? I also wanted a bit more aftermath.
*I adore Jacob and Michael, and I keep hoping that we will get a bit more romance. We need more of the guys.
House of Whispers is my favorite book in the series to date. I loved the creepy setting, and the abundance of ghosts from different eras. This is a highly addictive series, and I appreciate that you can pick one of the books up and read it in a couple of hours and get a full story. If you are wanting a ghostly read on the realistic side, this is the perfect series for the Fall season. If you love ghosts, you must read these books!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
Ellie and Stacie are ready to take on their next case. They have been hired to investigate a death in the elegant and quite haunted Lathrop Grand Hotel. The hotel has hosted and entertained guest for one hundred and fifty years. The Lathrop has one famous ghost, Stabby Abby, a Confederate nurse who reportedly slashed the throats of Union Soldiers. Abby has been around for years, but for whatever reason, the paranormal activity has reached a new and dangerous level. Recently when construction workers were renovating the mysterious fourth floor, things turned deadly. Has Abby continued her murderous ways?
What I Liked:
*I am always thrilled to plunge into the next Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper Series because I know I will get an exciting and creepy tale with plenty of ghosts and history as well as fun gadgets and gizmos for capturing ghosts. If you are a fan of real life ghost hunters, this is a fun series that you need to check out.
*One of the things I love the most about this series is that all of the hauntings have a long and interesting history. I always enjoy when Ellie goes digging into the past to uncover who is behind the haunting and why. The series is set in Savannah, a city with a long, ghostly history, and I often wonder if Mr. Bryan uses real life ghost tales for the books.
*House of Whispers was my favorite book in the series to date. What made this book exciting was that it was set in a hotel with a long and sordid history. It has many ghosts from different eras. For instance, there is Stabby Abby, the hotel's most notorious ghost who haunts room 208. Abby was a young Confederate nurse who slashed the throats of enemy soldiers. Along with Abby, there are numerous Union Soldiers, as well as some yellow fever victims. Then there are the dangerous ghosts up on the fourth floor from the twentieth century. This group of ghosts in life were dabbling in spiritualism, psychic energy and other dangerous paranormal activity. It is up to Ellie and Stacie to sort through the hauntings and determine who is causing the problems. I thought the hotel was an excellent setting, with its long history and deaths, it was a creepy backdrop.
*I love the relationship between Ellie and Stacie. They work well together, and balance each other perfectly. Ellie is straight forward, serious and she is very aware of how dangerous her job is. Stacie is the opposite. She is more carefree and upbeat. She is quick to crack a joke or a smile, and she is a bit wacky. I enjoy watching them work together to trap the ghosts. Along with Jacob, the psychic, they make a terrific team. Speaking of Jacob, he continues to be fascinating. I always look forward to his psychic readings of each haunted spot.
*The ending is fast, furious and shocking. I have to admit, I didn't see it coming. It was a whirlwind. However, once the dust settled, I was completely satisfied with the way it all went down. I also love that this series refrains from cliffhangers. You get a complete ghost mystery with each book, which makes them all the more addictive. Yes, you can pick them up and read them out of order, but of course, they read best in sequential order.
And The Not So Much:
*This book picks up a theme from the last book regarding Ellie's boss wanting to sell the business. While there is a bit of development with that story line, I was left hanging. I was hoping for more resolution.
*While I loved that the ending caught me off guard and that it was a bit of a shocker, I wish that the reader had been clued into Ellie's reasoning. I wanted a better understanding as to what tipped her off as to who the real villain was. I was confused as well over how the young girl was kidnapped. Was she taken from her room or from somewhere else and how? I also wanted a bit more aftermath.
*I adore Jacob and Michael, and I keep hoping that we will get a bit more romance. We need more of the guys.
House of Whispers is my favorite book in the series to date. I loved the creepy setting, and the abundance of ghosts from different eras. This is a highly addictive series, and I appreciate that you can pick one of the books up and read it in a couple of hours and get a full story. If you are wanting a ghostly read on the realistic side, this is the perfect series for the Fall season. If you love ghosts, you must read these books!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
September 15, 2015
(I received a copy from the author, In exchange for an honest review.)
Ellie and Stacey continued to be likable characters. They're brave, work well together, and they can be pretty funny at times!
This was another enjoyable installment. It was interesting to see what was really going on at the hotel, and it was interesting to hear about the ghost's stories.
Looking forward to the next one!
Ellie and Stacey continued to be likable characters. They're brave, work well together, and they can be pretty funny at times!
This was another enjoyable installment. It was interesting to see what was really going on at the hotel, and it was interesting to hear about the ghost's stories.
Looking forward to the next one!
February 4, 2021
I think each book in this series gets better and better. This was definitely on the spookier side. Lots of scary, angry ghosts like, Stabby Abby, a Rasputin-like man, a bayonet-for-a-hand Civil War soldier. And poor Ellie, Stacy, and Jacob. They got a beating like no other in this book. I'm so glad there are more books in this series. As of this review, there are 14 books and this is the 5th. A lot of good stories to come.
April 25, 2016
Originally posted on Paranormal Sisters: http://paranormalsisters.blogspot.com...
*Was given a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review*
I originally started reading this back in the fall last year but sadly had to put it down because it reminded me to much of Ghouls just Haunt to Have Fun, which I finished right before I picked this one up. Though House of Whispers has no murders around every corner and the ghost mysteries are completely different, with both stories taking place in a haunted hotel I just felt the two weren't mixing well in my mind and I just kept thinking about GjHtHF the whole time, so I had to put it down for a while.
I finally picked it back up this year when J.L Bryan sent me an ARC of the next book in this series as I really want to continue following the stories of these amazing characters he has created! House of Whispers was a little slow going for me in the beginning because once again my mind was going back to GjHtHF. But as time went by I started to get into the story. However, whenever I had to set it down once I picked it up again it was slow to get back into it. I don't know why.
But I enjoyed this, though I wish we get more of there lives mixed into the story. In the third one, The Crawling Darkness, I really thought Ellie was making progress and she was opening up more. I thought it would continue throughout the series but I don't know, I feel like she's closing up again.
Overall for some reason I just couldn't connect to this story as much. I loved the ghost story and the creepy, graphic details of the ghost that roamed the halls! When the ghost were active I was glued to my seat and I loved how the story lead to them running into the paranormal group that's trying to buy out Ellie's boss, that was definitely an amazing twist to the story! But I'm hoping for more growth to Ellie so I can connect better and to feel she get's a happy ending when this series finally comes to the end. I know there's going to be a total of 8 books, I don't know if J.L Bryan is going to write more, but with only three more books to go I want more out of Ellie's character then just going on one ghost adventure after another ghost adventure, even though I love her ghost hunting!
October 19, 2015
The Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper series has been one I have thoroughly enjoyed. Each new installment brings more ghosts, more hauntings, and more trouble. I look forward to each new adventure I get to take with Ellie and Stacey, and House of Whispers is no exception.
Ellie and Stacey have to investigate a haunting at the The Lathrop Grand Hotel. A hotel that has been around for years, and has been host to victims of war, yellow fever, and sinister gatherings. The hotel is due for renovation in the closed off fourth floor, and although this hotel is famous for Stabby Abby, something else is going on. Before it gets worse Ellie and Stacey are called in to investigate and solve the hauntings.
House of Whispers has got to be one of the most complex hauntings that Ellie and Stacey have done so far. The hotel has a big history and trying to pin down the ghosts, find out who they were and why they are still haunting is not a small job, and the girls call on thier friends to help them dig up the past, and try to find out why the ghosts remain. The large variety of ghosts in this book certainly keeps you engrossed, from wounded soldiers, to children who died of yellow fever. The vast array of hauntings by these ghosts made for a spooky yet gripping read. Leaving me wanting to know more, to find out every single detail about the hauntings and what started them.
I have really enjoyed seeing Ellie and Stacey grow, not only as characters but as a team. They may be polar opposites but they really do now how to kick a ghost's butt. Ellie seems to be a lot more sure of things and is becoming more confident in her abilities, but also when the right time to run away is, by the end of the book, although her future is still in doubt, she at least knows what she wants to do. Stacey just has me laughing at a lot of the things she says or does, but I like how she is always cheerful, and I think that reflects on Ellie occasionally.
House of Whispers also brings in an unlikely companion in solving this case. I liked how everyone worked together, I don't think they could have succeeded individually, but I still don't trust them and even now, I'm still wondering if this is good or bad for Ellie.
Ellie and Stacey have to investigate a haunting at the The Lathrop Grand Hotel. A hotel that has been around for years, and has been host to victims of war, yellow fever, and sinister gatherings. The hotel is due for renovation in the closed off fourth floor, and although this hotel is famous for Stabby Abby, something else is going on. Before it gets worse Ellie and Stacey are called in to investigate and solve the hauntings.
House of Whispers has got to be one of the most complex hauntings that Ellie and Stacey have done so far. The hotel has a big history and trying to pin down the ghosts, find out who they were and why they are still haunting is not a small job, and the girls call on thier friends to help them dig up the past, and try to find out why the ghosts remain. The large variety of ghosts in this book certainly keeps you engrossed, from wounded soldiers, to children who died of yellow fever. The vast array of hauntings by these ghosts made for a spooky yet gripping read. Leaving me wanting to know more, to find out every single detail about the hauntings and what started them.
I have really enjoyed seeing Ellie and Stacey grow, not only as characters but as a team. They may be polar opposites but they really do now how to kick a ghost's butt. Ellie seems to be a lot more sure of things and is becoming more confident in her abilities, but also when the right time to run away is, by the end of the book, although her future is still in doubt, she at least knows what she wants to do. Stacey just has me laughing at a lot of the things she says or does, but I like how she is always cheerful, and I think that reflects on Ellie occasionally.
House of Whispers also brings in an unlikely companion in solving this case. I liked how everyone worked together, I don't think they could have succeeded individually, but I still don't trust them and even now, I'm still wondering if this is good or bad for Ellie.
November 12, 2016
It’s so hard to review books this far into the series. You can’t say much or you’ll be spoiling it.
I love a good haunting and what’s better than a haunted hotel. The Lathrop Grand Hotel has been around for a long time. Many ghosts haunt it’s halls. People come in large numbers and book a room, hoping they’ll have a ghostly encounter. They get much more than a brush with a spectre as the haunts become violent.
It’s up to Ellie and Stacey to find out why the ghosts are so threatening. If they don’t do a bit of ghost trapping, guests could be harmed, or worse, killed.
I swear I was a ghost myself as I followed these gals through the halls, down the stairs, and into secret passages. The atmosphere in this book gave me the shivers.
And I’ve become even more of a fan of the character’s. All of them are adapting to the many changes in their lives. Stacey is stepping up her game as she works with Ellie. And Ellie is becoming more confident and comfortable in her own skin.
This is another winner in the series and I’m now on to the next book, curious to see what these character’s get into next.
I received this book free of charge from the author.
I love a good haunting and what’s better than a haunted hotel. The Lathrop Grand Hotel has been around for a long time. Many ghosts haunt it’s halls. People come in large numbers and book a room, hoping they’ll have a ghostly encounter. They get much more than a brush with a spectre as the haunts become violent.
It’s up to Ellie and Stacey to find out why the ghosts are so threatening. If they don’t do a bit of ghost trapping, guests could be harmed, or worse, killed.
I swear I was a ghost myself as I followed these gals through the halls, down the stairs, and into secret passages. The atmosphere in this book gave me the shivers.
And I’ve become even more of a fan of the character’s. All of them are adapting to the many changes in their lives. Stacey is stepping up her game as she works with Ellie. And Ellie is becoming more confident and comfortable in her own skin.
This is another winner in the series and I’m now on to the next book, curious to see what these character’s get into next.
I received this book free of charge from the author.
October 12, 2015
So my least favorite part of the book is when I flipped to the back page and it said ***spoiler alert*** Ellie Jordan #6 wouldn't be out until Feb!!!!
Seriously!
I.
Don't.
Want.
To.
Wait.
That.
Long.
Everything before that was pure Ellie Jordan magic. I love that these books are scary as hell, funny, and have a little bit of romance. Ellie and Stacey have the best friend chemistry I've seen in a long time. It's nice to see two women who are friends with each other in literature. Usually a badass heroine like Ellie is a lone wolf or only hangs out with dudes. I love watching their relationship grow as the series progresses.
Each haunted world is fleshed out and built with enough intrigue to keep turning the pages. I love spooky haunted places from the comfort of my own home, and J.L. Bryan delivers time and time again.
If you're in the mood for spooky reads then pick up the Ellie Jordan series, it's definitely one of my favorites!
Seriously!
I.
Don't.
Want.
To.
Wait.
That.
Long.
Everything before that was pure Ellie Jordan magic. I love that these books are scary as hell, funny, and have a little bit of romance. Ellie and Stacey have the best friend chemistry I've seen in a long time. It's nice to see two women who are friends with each other in literature. Usually a badass heroine like Ellie is a lone wolf or only hangs out with dudes. I love watching their relationship grow as the series progresses.
Each haunted world is fleshed out and built with enough intrigue to keep turning the pages. I love spooky haunted places from the comfort of my own home, and J.L. Bryan delivers time and time again.
If you're in the mood for spooky reads then pick up the Ellie Jordan series, it's definitely one of my favorites!
October 12, 2015
So my least favorite part of the book is when I flipped to the back page and it said ***spoiler alert*** Ellie Jordan #6 wouldn't be out until Feb!!!!
Seriously!
I.
Don't.
Want.
To.
Wait.
That.
Long.
Everything before that was pure Ellie Jordan magic. I love that these books are scary as hell, funny, and have a little bit of romance. Ellie and Stacey have the best friend chemistry I've seen in a long time. It's nice to see two women who are friends with each other in literature. Usually a badass heroine like Ellie is a lone wolf or only hangs out with dudes. I love watching their relationship grow as the series progresses.
Each haunted world is fleshed out and built with enough intrigue to keep turning the pages. I love spooky haunted places from the comfort of my own home, and J.L. Bryan delivers time and time again.
If you're in the mood for spooky reads then pick up the Ellie Jordan series, it's definitely one of my favorites!
Seriously!
I.
Don't.
Want.
To.
Wait.
That.
Long.
Everything before that was pure Ellie Jordan magic. I love that these books are scary as hell, funny, and have a little bit of romance. Ellie and Stacey have the best friend chemistry I've seen in a long time. It's nice to see two women who are friends with each other in literature. Usually a badass heroine like Ellie is a lone wolf or only hangs out with dudes. I love watching their relationship grow as the series progresses.
Each haunted world is fleshed out and built with enough intrigue to keep turning the pages. I love spooky haunted places from the comfort of my own home, and J.L. Bryan delivers time and time again.
If you're in the mood for spooky reads then pick up the Ellie Jordan series, it's definitely one of my favorites!
April 27, 2025
I really liked this one, I mean: hunted hotel? Check me in!
Ellie and Stacey are up to some nasty ghosts, and I gotta say: I wasn't expecting the little twist! It's the second time J. L. Bryan manages to fool me. 😹
I love the research, the history behind the hauntings, J.L. makes everything really believable. The best thing about this one is that Ellie is struggling to deal with the decisions she has to make, about her work and about her love life (though I hated it how things where left with Michael cause I really like him!), but she knows exactly who she is and that fighting ghosts is part of her, so I'm really excited to see what J. L. has in store for us in the next book.
Ellie and Stacey are up to some nasty ghosts, and I gotta say: I wasn't expecting the little twist! It's the second time J. L. Bryan manages to fool me. 😹
I love the research, the history behind the hauntings, J.L. makes everything really believable. The best thing about this one is that Ellie is struggling to deal with the decisions she has to make, about her work and about her love life (though I hated it how things where left with Michael cause I really like him!), but she knows exactly who she is and that fighting ghosts is part of her, so I'm really excited to see what J. L. has in store for us in the next book.
December 14, 2015
This series has become one of my favorites this year. I love the characters and the humor. The case was very interesting. I also like the research and technical aspects of the cases. There is always some kind of twist or surprise in the end. I'm so happy to hear that there is supposed to be another book next in the series. I can't wait to see what happens next.
November 18, 2015
Awesome as always...next...
Well, this is the fifth book in the series, and now I am caught up and eagerly awaiting the sixth. Until then I will read more books by JL Bryan as well as other Authors. Hope this series keeps going, each one is awesome and they just keep getting better. Go ahead and get it if you haven't already.
Well, this is the fifth book in the series, and now I am caught up and eagerly awaiting the sixth. Until then I will read more books by JL Bryan as well as other Authors. Hope this series keeps going, each one is awesome and they just keep getting better. Go ahead and get it if you haven't already.
February 4, 2020
Not off to a good start. Not sure I'm going to be able to finish this one. They added a "Texan" character, and the moment they said the character was "Texan" I immediately shouted, "Noooo!" In a series about creepy ghosts and haunted locations, this terrified me the most out of anything so far.
Sure enough, it was about as painful as expected. The "Texan"-ness of the character is created, in writing, through the use of an endless stream of inextricable colloquialisms that are undoubtedly supposed to be "folksy," but which I, as a Texan born and raised, can honestly say I've never heard before in my life. And I'm a little offended by the line about how as a Texan she might appreciate a metaphor about horses. Yes. Cuz we all just ride on horses everywhere here in Texas. We all have a horse each. At least.
I might be able to suffer through this, but then add on top of that audiobook narrator Carla Mercer-Meyer's absolutely awful attempt at affecting a "Texan" accent, and the scant few minutes of the book I have listened to so far have been like ear knives.
Which is a shame, because I've enjoyed the series, and Mercer-Meyer's narration otherwise so far.
Full review will come later when, and if, I manage to finish this book.
I'm really going to need this author to stop shaming the way women dress. Especially older women. It's so incongruous with the rest of the series that seems to repeatedly bring up how creepy or awful dudes are. But then you do the do the extremely dude thing of shaming women's outfits. It's really bothering me. I know he's maybe just trying to make these characters into serious "characters," as in memorable goofballs or something, but it's notable that in 5 books so far he hasn't done the same thing to a single male, which means it's specifically women that he's attacking. You invented the characters. You don't have to make them dress in ways that you can the spend a lot of time insulting. Please, please stop.
"I hit the floor as graceful as a yak dropped from a helicopter." Reaching a bit too far for your metaphors, there, author guy.
I enjoyed, to an extent, the investigation of an old hotel. Especially since I went on a ghost tour last fall, and one of the places on that tour was a "haunted" hotel. The descriptions of the hotel in the book were all reminding me of that hotel, so that was kind of neat.
All and all, though, this was definitely the least interesting book in the series for me, by a pretty wide margin. Maybe I'm just burned out a little after having read 5 books in the series in very rapid succession, but I went from loving the series in book 4 to considering abandoning it altogether with this book. Not really a good sign. Still, I did manage to finish it, and I'm still going to be moving along with the series regardless for at least one more book. Hope that one picks up a little.
Sure enough, it was about as painful as expected. The "Texan"-ness of the character is created, in writing, through the use of an endless stream of inextricable colloquialisms that are undoubtedly supposed to be "folksy," but which I, as a Texan born and raised, can honestly say I've never heard before in my life. And I'm a little offended by the line about how as a Texan she might appreciate a metaphor about horses. Yes. Cuz we all just ride on horses everywhere here in Texas. We all have a horse each. At least.
I might be able to suffer through this, but then add on top of that audiobook narrator Carla Mercer-Meyer's absolutely awful attempt at affecting a "Texan" accent, and the scant few minutes of the book I have listened to so far have been like ear knives.
Which is a shame, because I've enjoyed the series, and Mercer-Meyer's narration otherwise so far.
Full review will come later when, and if, I manage to finish this book.
I'm really going to need this author to stop shaming the way women dress. Especially older women. It's so incongruous with the rest of the series that seems to repeatedly bring up how creepy or awful dudes are. But then you do the do the extremely dude thing of shaming women's outfits. It's really bothering me. I know he's maybe just trying to make these characters into serious "characters," as in memorable goofballs or something, but it's notable that in 5 books so far he hasn't done the same thing to a single male, which means it's specifically women that he's attacking. You invented the characters. You don't have to make them dress in ways that you can the spend a lot of time insulting. Please, please stop.
"I hit the floor as graceful as a yak dropped from a helicopter." Reaching a bit too far for your metaphors, there, author guy.
I enjoyed, to an extent, the investigation of an old hotel. Especially since I went on a ghost tour last fall, and one of the places on that tour was a "haunted" hotel. The descriptions of the hotel in the book were all reminding me of that hotel, so that was kind of neat.
All and all, though, this was definitely the least interesting book in the series for me, by a pretty wide margin. Maybe I'm just burned out a little after having read 5 books in the series in very rapid succession, but I went from loving the series in book 4 to considering abandoning it altogether with this book. Not really a good sign. Still, I did manage to finish it, and I'm still going to be moving along with the series regardless for at least one more book. Hope that one picks up a little.
October 8, 2020
I generally enjoy this series quite well so far, but there were more people who annoyed me a little bit in this one than usual. People making poor decisions and such. That isn't unrealistic necessarily (I feel like I've known some of these people who would make these decisions), but a little unhappy to read about so many of them at once. Given that, I am a little torn on this book, compared to the others I have read so far in this series. I think this one had the best backstory for the haunting and the ghosts, but the *other* stuff/people weren't necessarily as good to me. And I kind of felt a little like the 'Ellie figures out things about the haunting no one else can" payoff went too far. It felt more like 'the author decided to show her knowing things no one else can figure out because the script said it was time' rather than feeling earned. I won't say details, but there was an abrupt shopping trip that was explicitly there to make Ellie look like a super good at her job badass, which I don't mind, but some of what she figured out felt unearned. Anyway, still a good time, and I am sure I am still going to read the next book in this series, even if some of the characters/plot lines annoy me a little sometimes.
February 11, 2022
Nice, creepy ending on this one!
I still don't quite get what is going on with the company that wants to buy them out, but the rest of the story is pretty cool.
An old haunted hotel has suddenly got much worse, with the gentle lingering ghosts becoming much more unfriendly to staff and guests. Exploration reveals layer upon layer of hauntings, with each ghost having their own personal reason for sticking around, and maybe not wanting their affairs looked into too closely.
Fun and fast paced, .
Looking forward to carrying on with the series.
I still don't quite get what is going on with the company that wants to buy them out, but the rest of the story is pretty cool.
An old haunted hotel has suddenly got much worse, with the gentle lingering ghosts becoming much more unfriendly to staff and guests. Exploration reveals layer upon layer of hauntings, with each ghost having their own personal reason for sticking around, and maybe not wanting their affairs looked into too closely.
Fun and fast paced, .
Looking forward to carrying on with the series.
February 17, 2021
Ellie Jordan and Stacie are investigating a beautiful old hotel that has a murderous ghost.
This is another creative convoluted ghost adventure. This hotel is haunted by 4 different groups of ghosts. Each more disturbing and angry than the last. I really enjoyed discovering how even though the ghosts lived in completely different times, the house/hotel ties each of them together in morbid and graphic ways.
There is definitely enough mystery to keep you guessing and on your toes the entire time. The scare factor was not as high for this book as several of the previous ones but still spooky.
I enjoyed watching the several relationships grow and develope during this novel. I do wish we would get some more time for the psychic and the fire fighter. Still their minor appearances are quite satisfying.
Overall this is a fun story that doesn’t require a ton of brain power to analyze.
PG - Language- There was a little bit of language this time. Violence- several of the ghosts have the capability of hurting people and they do. Scary intense scenes of ghosts and what they look like.
This is another creative convoluted ghost adventure. This hotel is haunted by 4 different groups of ghosts. Each more disturbing and angry than the last. I really enjoyed discovering how even though the ghosts lived in completely different times, the house/hotel ties each of them together in morbid and graphic ways.
There is definitely enough mystery to keep you guessing and on your toes the entire time. The scare factor was not as high for this book as several of the previous ones but still spooky.
I enjoyed watching the several relationships grow and develope during this novel. I do wish we would get some more time for the psychic and the fire fighter. Still their minor appearances are quite satisfying.
Overall this is a fun story that doesn’t require a ton of brain power to analyze.
PG - Language- There was a little bit of language this time. Violence- several of the ghosts have the capability of hurting people and they do. Scary intense scenes of ghosts and what they look like.
September 10, 2018
Another original and inventive story from J.L Bryan. Ellie Jordan and her ever cheerful side kick Stacy are fast becoming some of my favourite characters. I love the way the dynamic duo never let their fear of the undead stop them from getting the job done.
In this book they are up against a very famous and grand haunted hotel. A place I would really love to visit myself. They battle against many unseen foe while keeping their sense of humour intact. Their boss, Calvin, is still undecided about selling his company to a major ghost hunting corporation. They do run in their rivals and find out a bit more about them.
All in all I enjoyed the story and as soon as I finished I bought the next in the series. I'm interested to see what spooky intrigue the girls will come up against next!
In this book they are up against a very famous and grand haunted hotel. A place I would really love to visit myself. They battle against many unseen foe while keeping their sense of humour intact. Their boss, Calvin, is still undecided about selling his company to a major ghost hunting corporation. They do run in their rivals and find out a bit more about them.
All in all I enjoyed the story and as soon as I finished I bought the next in the series. I'm interested to see what spooky intrigue the girls will come up against next!
September 26, 2021
I am beginning to not like the series. I mean really, the MC has trapped how many ghosts and yet every time she is "I'm so afraid I could pee myself". How many ghosts do you have to capture before you stop restating how afraid you are? Also if you're that afraid, go into a new line of work. It was fine in the beginning but now she just comes across as whiny. Also, the whole nonsense of I'm too afraid to let anyone close is bs. It just makes the MC look weak and broken. Maybe she should stop being a teenager and grow up. We have all suffered in some way, yet unless your this MC you get over it because life goes on. Maybe its time for the author to let her MC grow up. Because she sounds like a whiny teenager more than an adult.
May 30, 2023
It really does just keep getting better. I have grown so very fond of Ellie and Stacey. They may just be one of my favourite duos. I love each new haunting and how they approach it. They are both very fierce women and they compliment each other beautifully. And then you add in Jacob and Michael and you see a softer side to both ladies, but more so Ellie.
I honestly didn't think they were going to get through or survive some parts of this book buy they always find a way to get through. This haunting had so many layers that it kept you guessing the entire time what was going to happen and who was going to cause the most problems. Though the epic finally really had me on the edge of my seat.
Now on to the next.
I honestly didn't think they were going to get through or survive some parts of this book buy they always find a way to get through. This haunting had so many layers that it kept you guessing the entire time what was going to happen and who was going to cause the most problems. Though the epic finally really had me on the edge of my seat.
Now on to the next.
October 30, 2017
It's really more like 3.75 stars but I've rounded it up to 4. I enjoyed the book and there were plenty of really scary moments but some parts at the end seemed superfluous to the story. Maybe it was because I finished the book at 4:30 this morning and was tired but I found myself scratching my head and thinking "how was that necessary". Overall though, I did enjoy the book and, as I said, there were plenty of scary moments. There were even a few plot twists that I didn't see coming. Recommended if you want a good scare. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
November 4, 2022
Another Ghost Trapper book that I couldn't put down!! So far, all of these books grab you from page one and won't let go. They are high energy, spooky, funny and sometimes downright scary. They make a wonderful read for the Hallowe'en season but just as wonderful the rest of the time as well. This book didn't disappoint. I highly recommend this book and this series. If you are a lover of ghost stories with strong female heroines, run, don't walk, to your nearest device and order these books now! You won't be sorry!! 5*****
October 12, 2018
House of Whispers was an AWESOME READ!!
House of Whispers was an non-stop read!!
Ellie and Stacey take on a haunted hotel, that specializes in renting out rooms to people who want to experience finding ghosts there. We're talking about a multitude of ghosts, not just one or two!! They are hired after a worker helping on renovations on the hotel's upper floors is badly injured.
Can Ellie and Stacey get rid of all the ghosts??
You'll just have to read this book, to find out!!
House of Whispers was an non-stop read!!
Ellie and Stacey take on a haunted hotel, that specializes in renting out rooms to people who want to experience finding ghosts there. We're talking about a multitude of ghosts, not just one or two!! They are hired after a worker helping on renovations on the hotel's upper floors is badly injured.
Can Ellie and Stacey get rid of all the ghosts??
You'll just have to read this book, to find out!!
October 19, 2020
Hellva good spine tingling fabulous read!
Want a spooky thrill? Get cosy for a night fright...this book will grab you; and when you least expect it -- Blam! you're hooked! Must have hot tea or a good stiff hot toddie to keep away those creepy things that go bump in the night. PottsvillePA_10182020. All venues of readers, young and mature WILL love this book. Spooky Readings to all!
Want a spooky thrill? Get cosy for a night fright...this book will grab you; and when you least expect it -- Blam! you're hooked! Must have hot tea or a good stiff hot toddie to keep away those creepy things that go bump in the night. PottsvillePA_10182020. All venues of readers, young and mature WILL love this book. Spooky Readings to all!
January 12, 2023
Honestly
I read too much to.take as much time as I would prefer to review less than the most original or impressive stories.
This one is well worth reading, and thoroughly. Delightful. I will be reading the rest... Immediately, perhaps to " Good Vibrations"?
Very few " series" maintain original and delightful entertainment:
This is an outlier. Delightfully humerous, more than a mite twisted, well researched, yet enriched, yet purposefully good.
I read too much to.take as much time as I would prefer to review less than the most original or impressive stories.
This one is well worth reading, and thoroughly. Delightful. I will be reading the rest... Immediately, perhaps to " Good Vibrations"?
Very few " series" maintain original and delightful entertainment:
This is an outlier. Delightfully humerous, more than a mite twisted, well researched, yet enriched, yet purposefully good.
April 4, 2023
This was a fun book about a haunted hotel and a demon ghost cult leader. I felt like it could have used some serious content editing, though, which is why it's not getting the fifth star.
Was the equipment on the 4th floor broken or not? Why did they keep checking it after it was dashed up against a wall? It just bothered me.
I love this series, though. It moves quickly, they're scary and fun to read.
Was the equipment on the 4th floor broken or not? Why did they keep checking it after it was dashed up against a wall? It just bothered me.
I love this series, though. It moves quickly, they're scary and fun to read.
September 4, 2024
This book was excruciating to get through.
All of the different ghosts and timelines should have made for an extremely interesting and action packed story.
Instead it was clunky, disjointed and felt rushed.
The characters had no growth in this book, their story was practically abandoned entirely.
It's unfortunate because the books prior were fairly interesting and now I am done with the series.
I hate when one bad book can derail a good series!
All of the different ghosts and timelines should have made for an extremely interesting and action packed story.
Instead it was clunky, disjointed and felt rushed.
The characters had no growth in this book, their story was practically abandoned entirely.
It's unfortunate because the books prior were fairly interesting and now I am done with the series.
I hate when one bad book can derail a good series!
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