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The Ghost Files #3.5

The Ghost Files 3.5

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Tick tock…

Mary Cross has been forced to accept the world of the supernatural because of an experience that left her with the ability to hear—but not see—the supernatural. She survived three weeks of being kidnapped and tortured, and it has left her emotionally and physically scarred.

Across the street from her house, strange things are happening…

Mysterious noises haunt the residents, faucets turn on by themselves, and footsteps can be heard running up and down the stairs. It all centers around Noah, a two year old child. Babysitters have run screaming from the house.

Caleb Malone has been dumped into a teeming hornet’s nest…

He’s always been the good son, done everything asked of him, and even gave up graduate school to join the family business of hunting supernatural villains. He’s convinced himself he’s happy, that his duty to his gift should come before anything else.

Until he meets Mary Cross.

She gives him hope that things can be different, that he can be different.

Together, the two of them must solve the mystery of the two shadows stalking the child and save him from whatever has attached itself to him. Time is running out and to save Noah, forcing Mary to face her own demons.

But in doing so…has she put a target on her back?

76 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2015

214 people are currently reading
746 people want to read

About the author

Apryl Baker

79 books1,824 followers
So who am I? Well, I'm the crazy girl with an imagination that never shuts up. I LOVE scary movies. My friends laugh at me when I scare myself watching them and tell me to stop watching them, but who doesn't love to get scared? I grew up in a small town nestled in the southern mountains of West Virginia where I spent days roaming around in the woods, climbing trees, and causing general mayhem. Nights I would stay up reading Nancy Drew by flashlight under the covers until my parents yelled at me to go to sleep.

Growing up in a small town, I learned a lot of values and morals, I also learned parents have spies everywhere and there's always someone to tell your mama on you. So when you get grounded, what is there left to do? Read! My Aunt Jo gave me my first real romance novel. It was a romance titled "Lord Margrave's Deception." I remember it fondly. But I also learned I had a deep and abiding love of mysteries and anything paranormal. As I grew up, I started to write just that and would entertain my friends with stories featuring them as main characters.

Now, I live Huntersville, NC where I entertain my family and watch the cats get teased by the birds and laugh myself silly when they swoop down and then dive back up just out of reach. The cats start yelling something fierce...lol.

I love books, I love writing books, and I love entertaining people with my silly stories.

You can reach me at any of these places:
Blog: http://apryl-baker.blogspot.com/
Twitter:@AprylBaker
The Promise Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO2zTi...

PS: DO NOT GET IN MY WAY IF THERE IS A SALE ON AT TARGET - my home away from home!

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5 stars
676 (58%)
4 stars
286 (24%)
3 stars
165 (14%)
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30 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
Profile Image for Boo Vickery.
79 reviews10 followers
November 4, 2017
Amazing story. I loved seeing Mary's POV. She's so sweet and a good character.
I loved seeing how Mary and Caleb bond. It's so sweet.

Even though the story is short I loved it just like the rest. And I think it actually helps to move the series along. Great job! I will be reading the next in the series soon!
Profile Image for Mummy's Naughty Corner.
1,513 reviews88 followers
December 7, 2019
Okay this is Caleb and Mary. It was nice to get to know the lessor characters. What in the world did these girls do to deserve the lifes they have. Poor Mary has now got to get over a demon attack and it seems the demon has taken a liking to mary. I'm glad she saved Noah but it makes you wonder at what cost.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mac Dubista Keso The Bibliobibuli v(=∩_∩=).
544 reviews70 followers
February 28, 2018
🙂📖

+Good. But very short story. Enjoyed reading from different perspective. I was hoping for more. I would love to hear from ELI's POV. Somewhere in between. Still suggest to read this, add on for the whole series.

😉
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Bob.
66 reviews
March 27, 2019
The character I used for this one is from Risus the Anything RPG. She is a superhero character which has the Staff of One and uses Chaos Bood Magic. Her stats are Nico Witch 4, Sword Master 5, Computer Hacker 2. This character is similar to "Minoru".
Profile Image for Wendy.
2,371 reviews45 followers
December 27, 2015
"Ghost Files 3.5" is a chilling blend of the paranormal and mystery that begins with the adopted son of the Cross's neighbours, the Flynns being haunted by dual shadows. When Mary's asked to babysit because strange occurrences have freaked out other babysitters she agrees and enlists the help of ghost hunter Caleb Malone to ferret out an answer to the puzzle.

Cleverly Apryl Baker couples pieces of Mattie Hathaway's investigation of the eight murdered girls and Dan's near death experience from "Ghost Files 3" with the supernatural stalking of two year old Noah. The plot progresses smoothly and quickly, heating up when Mary Cross while babysitting the child is confronted with mysterious footsteps, flowing taps and ghostly shadows in the nursery.

Amid all the strange and terrifying happenings Mary Cross's healing continues from the emotional and physically scarring she experienced when kidnapped and tortured. Insecure about her appearance and able to hear ghosts she's drawn to Caleb Malone a ghost hunter who gave up his dream to do his duty, joining the family business. Arrogant and responsible , putting others needs before his own he's drawn to the sunny disposition and independence of Mary seeing hope and promise in her struggle to face her demons and overcome her fears to save the child. The two characters like the plot are riveting in all their complexity as they stoically face every challenge and find love in the process.

I thoroughly enjoyed this fascinating novella and will look for more novels by this talented author.
Profile Image for Brieanna.
14 reviews2 followers
December 1, 2015
The Ghost Files 3.5 is as well written as the previous novels in the series. Apryl Baker takes us into the world of The Ghost Files through Caleb and Mary’s point of view and shows us that there is more to these side characters that meets the eye, giving us a look into their budding romance and Mary’s ghost abilities. The novella takes place part way through The Ghost Files 3 showing the events of the novel through Caleb and Mary’s point of view and shows us what is going on with their lives besides the events of Mattie’s, giving us a sneak preview at some serious business going to go down with Mary. I loved these characters when they were introduced in the series and wanted more from them and that is exactly what Apryl Baker delivered. When I got the ARC it was exactly what I expect from Apryl, thrilling and fast paced. It left me feeling satisfied but also pining for more. Once again, Apryl Baker has delivered a masterpiece that lures you in from page one and keeps you reading well into the night. Apryl Baker is a genius and that is exactly why she is my favourite author. Keep up the amazing work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
2 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2025
I was so excited I got to read this book early and at first I was worried I wouldn't have enough time (College exams are evil), but I devoured this book in one sitting. I loved seeing things from Caleb and Mary's point of view. You could already see Mary was a dynamic character in the third book, but Caleb seemed very two dimensional, so I really loved that we got to see inside his head and learn more about him. I also liked seeing incidents from the third book through different eyes (Especially Caleb's feelings about a certain non-love interest person) and learning minor details about Dan and Mattie's connection (not going to lie reading about that made me squeal like a high school fan girl). And I absolutely LOVED the Noah story line. It was added in so perfectly and fit right into the world Apryl Baker has created. I won't say anymore about that storyline so it can be a surprise for other readers. I definitely want to read more from Mary and Caleb's perspective. Can't wait for the fourth book to come out!!
Profile Image for Wendy Shores.
80 reviews10 followers
May 24, 2022
Although I loved this series, (I am on book 4 now) this didnt do much for me. It was just a rehash of books 1-3 and my memory was good enough and I had read them recently enough that I didnt really need a rehash. If you have a bad memory this would be great for you to read. If its been a while since you read books 1-3 then this would also be a good idea for you to delve back into. If you are reading the series like a man dying of thirst would gulp down a jug of water like I am, this book is a waste of time. I was thrilled to find that after this series is done, she has another series called the Crane series or something that will prolong the story even more! YAY! Love this writer and so far, everything I have read of hers. She is extremely talented and knows how to keep her readers totally absorbed and entertained!
Profile Image for Laurie Stewart.
Author 11 books9 followers
December 1, 2015
Ghost Files 3.5 by April Baker.
ZOMG! What can I say?
I have always loved stories that let you experience their world from more than one character’s point of view. In the Ghost Files series, the stories are told from Mattie’s point of view. Of course, she’s the main character, the one who sees ghosts, and the one getting attacked.
But in Ghost Files 3.5 the story is from Mary and Caleb’s points of view. And since it covers parts of Ghost Files 3, we get to see those same events from a slightly different, and deeper (in some cases) character.
Full of wit, scares and heart-warming events, this may be THE book to get fans of YA paranormal romance.
Profile Image for India.
Author 14 books97 followers
November 30, 2016
Mary and Caleb like each other at first sight but between his arrogant tendencies and a whole load of demons and ghosts, not to mention Mattie’s penchant for trouble, everything gets in the way. When Mary’s life is in danger Caleb rushes to help her but Mary is stronger than she looks.
This series is so addictive that I couldn’t help but read it through the night. This book is a little darker than the previous one and Baker uses a baby with a demonic follower to ratchet up the fear factor. Mary’s character really gets a chance to shine in this book and Caleb becomes a stunning knight in shining armour making it a really good addition to a brilliant series.
1 review2 followers
December 2, 2015
I really enjoy the Ghost File series. When I first started reading Ghost Files 3.5, I was surprised to see it was told from Caleb and Mary’s point of view. I enjoyed seeing the other characters from their points of view. As always, the storyline was great. A little scare, a little intrigue, and a little romance mixed in with the bickering. Of course I wish it was a longer book. Maybe she will write more stories from their point of view? I am really looking forward to the release of Ghost File 4.
Profile Image for Jenn Hart-Mann.
13 reviews3 followers
December 23, 2016
Loved reading this book from a different perspective. Very interesting read. Can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Magical Pages  Book Blog .
Author 10 books109 followers
October 28, 2017
5 Demon-licious ⭐️ ‘s for Ghost Files 3.5 by Apryl Baker

100% SPOILER FREE REVIEW *for this story only*
This spin off Novella was the perfect reminder of everything that has happened since vol 1 leading up to the final installment in this EPIC series.

I will start with this Novella before revealing any spoilers for the rest of the series.
Here we follow Mary and Caleb. Two of the side characters in this series. This Story focuses on these two meeting, the instant chemistry between them. Which is sort of a love / hate relationship at first. We really get to know Caleb’s personality better, as he is drawn to the ray of light, known as Mary Cross. To Caleb she is just an “ordinary” girl who was thrown into a world of Hell. He doesn’t understand how someone can be so nonchalant about his powers when she has none of her own? Or does she?

Will Mary’s choice to allow Mattie, her new “sister” come with greater harm than good? After all Mattie is “the ghost girl” and along with seeing ghosts comes some dangerous disadvantages. Mary had accepted Mattie for all that she is and has thrown herself right into the middle of a war no one see’s coming. Mary thinks she has done the research she needs to keep herself safe; but, is Caleb right? Is Mary up against something she isn’t ready for? Will Mary only land them all in more danger by sticking her nose in places she shouldn’t? Or can Mary Cross hold her own? Will Caleb get what he wants? Which is Mary? Or will something else get to her first?

April has done exactly what her fans expected and more with this story. While it’s short, it has all it needs to be the perfect set-up for what’s to come and the perfect reminder (if you need one) before we finally get vol 5 in our greedy hands.

*** Spoiler Alert if you haven’t started this Series yet, and if you haven’t GET ON IT***

I have been in absolute love with this series since the beginning and anyone else who has read it will agree it’s the perfect mix of humor and haunting needed to make a great layered series and leave the fans waiting for the next installment.
In this story is where Delerial is first introduced and we find out why he has Mary in his crosshairs.
Again if you’ve read all but this one, absolutely grab it and read it while impatiently waiting for Halloween when we get to read vol 5, I didn’t think I forgot anything from this series, but this book proved me wrong. And I was super excited to find out exactly when the first demon came into the series and exactly why he wants Mary so badly.

*** recommended for Any and everyone of all ages *****

Profile Image for Terri.
315 reviews
September 4, 2017
Book Description:

Tick tock…

Mary Cross has been forced to accept the world of the supernatural because of an experience that left her with the ability to hear—but not see—the supernatural. She survived three weeks of being kidnapped and tortured, and it has left her emotionally and physically scarred.

Across the street from her house, strange things are happening…

Mysterious noises haunt the residents, faucets turn on by themselves, and footsteps can be heard running up and down the stairs. It all centers around Noah, a two year old child. Babysitters have run screaming from the house.

Caleb Malone has been dumped into a teeming hornet’s nest…

He’s always been the good son, done everything asked of him, and even gave up graduate school to join the family business of hunting supernatural villains. He’s convinced himself he’s happy, that his duty to his gift should come before anything else.

Until he meets Mary Cross.

She gives him hope that things can be different, that he can be different.

Together, the two of them must solve the mystery of the two shadows stalking the child and save him from whatever has attached itself to him. Time is running out and to save Noah, forcing Mary to face her own demons.

But in doing so…has she put a target on her back?

My Review:

Ghost Files 3.5 takes place in the time period in book 3 where Mattie is being haunted by the female victims of an active serial killer up to the night before the policeman's ball and follows the developing relationship between Mary Cross, Mattie's best friend and foster sister, and Caleb Malone, Officer Dan Richard's half brother. Caleb is reluctant to follow his family calling of exorcising demons and vengeful spirits and wants to do something "normal" with his life, but finds himself sucked in by the family business time and again. He finds himself drawn to Mary, a young woman who survived weeks of torture at the hands of a brutal murderer only to find that after all the time she spent hovering near death left her with the unusual gift of being able to hear the spirits that initially guided her to Mattie for help. Mary's neighbors, the Flynn's have newly adopted a two year old boy that Mary babysits. 2 year old Noah has a demon named Deleriel that has attached itself to him and Mary will stop at nothing to protect the baby from the danger.
Ghost Files 3.5 is a continuation of book 3 and sets up the story for book 4 in the series and should not be missed!
Profile Image for Heather Blake.
49 reviews25 followers
July 10, 2018
I absolutely loved this Ghost Files book! This book is more about Mary and Caleb. It’s Mary POV. Which I love! Mary is dealing with being able to hear ghost after going through the trauma from book 1. Caleb isnt so sure she can hear ghost and they start fighting. Mary also gets her first look at a demon named Deleriel who is after a baby named Noah, that Mary babysits for. Mary and Caleb with the help from Eli and Mr. Malone will have to find a way to get rid of the demon. In the end, Mary is forced to show the demon her abilities, which then puts a target on her back. I also like how you get to see Caleb’s feelings for Mary. I really hope their story continues. They are great for each other.
5 reviews
February 2, 2018
Awesome Series!

Awesome Series! I was very excited to find there were four more books to this series! Yeah! It is so good and I was wishing for more and got my wish! Oh Happy Day! So the characters have been very interesting and I have fallen in love with them all! The other than human characters have been very scary and thrilling! I love it! Who doesn't love to be scared? Great Series I would recommend highly! Starting number four now, and I'm so excited to find out what happens next to Mattie and Mary and little Noah. The brothers I wish I could really see in person as those eyes of theirs as described has me dreaming again! Lol
22 reviews4 followers
May 7, 2020
So deliciously frightening, but oh so good

I made a big mistake reading this after midnight...all alone! I read books 1-3 years ago before books 3.5, 4, & 5 were released; I remembered liking the story quite a lot, so I decided to re-read them and check for the remaining books in the series. I'm so glad I did, because not only is this story extremely creative, touching, & scary AF, but I have re-discovered Apryl Baker...who is ridiculously talented and so down to earth, you just wanna hang out with her and watch Supernatural all day long! It's just after 4a.m. I should hit the hay, but I'm so hooked, I'm about to start book 4!!
2 reviews2 followers
January 25, 2021
I've read volume 1, 2, and 3 I loved all of them and can't wait to read the others. Mattie and Dan start as strangers but as soon as they get to know each other they start a bond and they end up as friends. She meets Eli and Caleb...which soon ends up Caleb being Dan's brother. Eli and mattie start having feelings for each other the minute they talk and have this urge to come close to each other. Mary and Mattie are sisters now since Mattie saved Mary from Ms. Olsen when they were being abused and tortured.
3 reviews
October 6, 2025
A Must Read Piece of the Series

In the otherGhost File books,Mary , while an integral part of the story, comes across as a sidekick. This new perspective on the character from Apryl Baker not only provides critical information, it includes MARY as a significant and powerful component in the story. Her experiences and point of view are absolute must read, exciting, and necessary to the overall plot and storyline. This is a “can’t miss” and “can’t put it down” component in the series.
Profile Image for Amanda Lamb.
135 reviews2 followers
October 6, 2018
This was a short quick book which carries on from The Ghost Files 3. When Matties foster sister babysits we don't know much about it. This little book gives information about the situation which Mary got herself into whilst baby sitting. This is like from Mary's perspective.

Although it's short it's still definitely worth the read. And I cannot wait to read what happens with the demon and the little boy Noah in the next book! These are well and truly addictive books!
Profile Image for Laina V Barrett.
44 reviews1 follower
June 6, 2023
Rehash of Book 3

I understood this would be a continuation of Book 3 (3.5…makes sense), but it’s more from Mary’s perspective. Still had some of those scare factors and definitely had the creepy elements, but it felt all too familiar. Because I’d just read a lot of the plot points from Mattie’s perspective in book 3. That said, it’s a very quick read but also has its own surprises along the way.
Profile Image for Linda-Sophie.
57 reviews1 follower
December 24, 2023
First up… I love the Supernatural references. I laughed so hard. I mean who doesn‘t love Dean Winchester?!
This novella was more than I expected. I really liked the idea of getting the relationship between Mary and Caleb and I love it. Mary is one of my favorite characters and getting to know her ability and her upcoming story is amazing.
I really really liked it and I recommend reading this novella after the third book. It is giving important information to the reader.
Profile Image for Melissa Foster.
158 reviews
May 28, 2017
It was nice seeing the back story for Caleb and Mary...some of the conversations and story were copied directly from book 3 but with different ears hearing the info and their response. Definitely want to read while book 3 is fresh in mind.
Profile Image for Amy.
940 reviews2 followers
July 7, 2017
Great Add-on to a great story

Yes, Mary gets a chance to say her part! I hope Caleb and her get a HEA, they are great together! Their story is just as important as the others! What a wonderful series!
Profile Image for Elaine.
140 reviews7 followers
July 24, 2017
This was a quick read about caleb and mary. It caught you up on what was happening with their budding romance. This book keeps up with the rest of the books in this series. With all of Apryl Bakers' book, the first page sucks you in until the end. I now need to get book 4.
Profile Image for Tami Garcia.
251 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2017
A different point of view

This was quick ready but so worth it. I love how I got to see the story from Caleb and Mary's perspective. And I'm excited to read the next one to see how it all ties in!
Profile Image for C.L..
Author 1 book7 followers
September 19, 2017
Nice short story

Nice little short story from different characters perspectives, especially liked Caleb's POV and how he saw the whole love triangle with Mattie Dan and Eli starting to bloom. Would have liked a bit more on Deleriel at the end, he doesn't feel scary enough yet.
Profile Image for Barbra Athill.
257 reviews1 follower
January 28, 2018
So so

This book was basically book 3, but from Mary and Caleb's point of view. It felt like I was reading the same book again but just with a little bit extra.......I am enjoying the series so I'll give it 4 stars
55 reviews1 follower
April 11, 2018
It just becomes more complicated

More people become embroiled in this world. No one can be near these characters without becoming involved in the ‘Spooks’ business. I love these books !
770 reviews
May 20, 2018
Marys perspective

This book has a lot of scenes from an earlier story with Mattie and Dan. It is about what was happening to Mary, Matties foster sistet.

Interesting story and Mary is in so much trouble.
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