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Spookshow #5
Half-Boys and Lost Girls
A reluctant psychic tries to shut out the ghosts forever only to find that the dead won't let her go.
John Gantry's remains have vanished from the morgue, leaving Detective Mockler with another unsolved case on his hands. Kaitlin, suffering from post traumatic stress, is haunted by visions of her former ghost-hunting friends. The mysterious, legless ghost child clings to the one person who can see him. Reluctant psychic, Billie Culpepper, wants it all to stop.
Having laid her mother to rest, Billie is ready to start a new chapter in her life with detective Mockler but the ghosts of the past refuse to rest in peace. When her ability to speak to the dead threatens her last chance at happiness, Billie decides to shut out the ghosts and quit the spookshow forever.
John Gantry's remains have vanished from the morgue, leaving Detective Mockler with another unsolved case on his hands. Kaitlin, suffering from post traumatic stress, is haunted by visions of her former ghost-hunting friends. The mysterious, legless ghost child clings to the one person who can see him. Reluctant psychic, Billie Culpepper, wants it all to stop.
Having laid her mother to rest, Billie is ready to start a new chapter in her life with detective Mockler but the ghosts of the past refuse to rest in peace. When her ability to speak to the dead threatens her last chance at happiness, Billie decides to shut out the ghosts and quit the spookshow forever.
- GenresHorrorParanormal
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 25, 2015
47 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Tim McGregor
40 books398 followersTim McGregor is an author living in Toronto with his wife and children. And a ghost. A really spiteful ghost.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 9, 2016
Just fantastic.
Read the new book in one sitting.
I was so glad that previous characters have resurfaced and though at the end of the book it's not hard to make a guess at what's to come I cannot wait for the next one ( please hurry up ).
The characters are growing book by book and the story grows stronger never weakening.
The only disappointment is that it ends !!!.
Read the new book in one sitting.
I was so glad that previous characters have resurfaced and though at the end of the book it's not hard to make a guess at what's to come I cannot wait for the next one ( please hurry up ).
The characters are growing book by book and the story grows stronger never weakening.
The only disappointment is that it ends !!!.
July 30, 2025
It's wild, this installment in the series is very much a transitional one...yes, there's still a main plot, but the bulk of the book is the transition of characters...changes in relationships, changes in living arrangements, changes in states of life, changes in awareness about certain characters...there's a lot packed into this one.
And it's really well done. McGregor is a master of plot.
It's also a bit strange, because I don't think I noticed it before now...it's not overt, and it's not identical, but having almost hit the halfway point in this series, I'd now safely say I'd have no problem recommending to anyone who enjoys Jim Butcher's Dresden Files. My only caveat would be that it's a much smaller story, not one that spans Chicago and various other dimensions, but stays, for the most part, firmly rooted in Hamilton, Ontario.
Who knew Haunted Hamilton could be so darn creepy?
And it's really well done. McGregor is a master of plot.
It's also a bit strange, because I don't think I noticed it before now...it's not overt, and it's not identical, but having almost hit the halfway point in this series, I'd now safely say I'd have no problem recommending to anyone who enjoys Jim Butcher's Dresden Files. My only caveat would be that it's a much smaller story, not one that spans Chicago and various other dimensions, but stays, for the most part, firmly rooted in Hamilton, Ontario.
Who knew Haunted Hamilton could be so darn creepy?
January 2, 2016
Spookshow 5
I loved this book. I became completely absorbed in these characters lives. I constantly had to force myself to put the book down and go to bed, several times it was after 1am, but the book hangovers were worth it and I'd do it again and again.
"Nothing is ever perfect but the good stuff never comes out of perfection or a plan going exactly as it was supposed to. Something better comes out of the unexpected, the chaotic."
This quote stuck to me instantly. Sometimes I get stuck on a word or quote and reread it over and over, letting my mind go wherever that quote or word takes me till I come back to the book. This quote did this to me. I sat and contemplated things, reading it again, thinking more, rereading and thinking till it finally settled into the back of my mind and let me go on.
“Being kind is hard. It takes strength to be gentle and kind."
This. Just this.
"Duality exists in all things. Love and hate, life and death, and so on."
I just like this one.
Notes:
"The wine glass, three big tea mugs, the empty ice cream container and the standard issue tissue box."
After reading the part above I immediately thought, 'kind of cliche there.' But then the very next line was:
“Pretty cliche, huh?” Kaitlin shrugged at the mess."
I laughed out loud, acknowledging the cliche made it funny, it worked. :)
I have really enjoyed how the relationship between Kaitlin and Billie has developed through out this series. Billie needs a female friend she can talk to and confide in about her supernatural life and Kaitlin turned out to be a better friend all around than the other 2 girls (and she gets the spooky stuff!).
Maybe a mystery I'll clue into later.
If you read my other reviews you know that I have been drawn to Half-Boy from the beginning. Something about him just stuck on me and I look forward to seeing him in each book. So as one can guess, I was beyond thrilled to see the title of this book. And now that I've finished it, Half-Boy has worked his way even deeper into my heart, as well as Billie's. I love that little creepy dude and I can't wait to see where his story goes from here & how it relates to Billie. The ending was exciting, slight cliffhanger in a way, but more an exciting cliffhanger, not an annoying one. And it means there are more books to come!! This series is absolutely one of my favorites, always full of surprises, relatable characters I love and I just can't wait to see what's next in this story.
If you haven't read this series, start with the 1st book The Spookshow, you won't regret it. Enjoy!! :)
I loved this book. I became completely absorbed in these characters lives. I constantly had to force myself to put the book down and go to bed, several times it was after 1am, but the book hangovers were worth it and I'd do it again and again.
"Nothing is ever perfect but the good stuff never comes out of perfection or a plan going exactly as it was supposed to. Something better comes out of the unexpected, the chaotic."
This quote stuck to me instantly. Sometimes I get stuck on a word or quote and reread it over and over, letting my mind go wherever that quote or word takes me till I come back to the book. This quote did this to me. I sat and contemplated things, reading it again, thinking more, rereading and thinking till it finally settled into the back of my mind and let me go on.
“Being kind is hard. It takes strength to be gentle and kind."
This. Just this.
"Duality exists in all things. Love and hate, life and death, and so on."
I just like this one.
Notes:
"The wine glass, three big tea mugs, the empty ice cream container and the standard issue tissue box."
After reading the part above I immediately thought, 'kind of cliche there.' But then the very next line was:
“Pretty cliche, huh?” Kaitlin shrugged at the mess."
I laughed out loud, acknowledging the cliche made it funny, it worked. :)
I have really enjoyed how the relationship between Kaitlin and Billie has developed through out this series. Billie needs a female friend she can talk to and confide in about her supernatural life and Kaitlin turned out to be a better friend all around than the other 2 girls (and she gets the spooky stuff!).
Maybe a mystery I'll clue into later.
If you read my other reviews you know that I have been drawn to Half-Boy from the beginning. Something about him just stuck on me and I look forward to seeing him in each book. So as one can guess, I was beyond thrilled to see the title of this book. And now that I've finished it, Half-Boy has worked his way even deeper into my heart, as well as Billie's. I love that little creepy dude and I can't wait to see where his story goes from here & how it relates to Billie. The ending was exciting, slight cliffhanger in a way, but more an exciting cliffhanger, not an annoying one. And it means there are more books to come!! This series is absolutely one of my favorites, always full of surprises, relatable characters I love and I just can't wait to see what's next in this story.
If you haven't read this series, start with the 1st book The Spookshow, you won't regret it. Enjoy!! :)
April 28, 2016
This new story in the Spookshow series had me all over the place. By the end of the read I was emotionally drained but I love absolutely every minute of it.
The surprising part was, I found my self less invested in the love story, which I may have tuned out a bit, and more interested in the back story of Half-Boy and Gantry. To see them gain layers of depth as characters is what has pulled me into this series to begin with. I can't wait to see more of both of them.
That isn't to say I did not enjoy Billy and Mockler's dynamic change. I truly did, but it is the history and mythology of the underling story that just wont leave me alone.
The surprising part was, I found my self less invested in the love story, which I may have tuned out a bit, and more interested in the back story of Half-Boy and Gantry. To see them gain layers of depth as characters is what has pulled me into this series to begin with. I can't wait to see more of both of them.
That isn't to say I did not enjoy Billy and Mockler's dynamic change. I truly did, but it is the history and mythology of the underling story that just wont leave me alone.
January 2, 2016
After a few halting starts with the other books in the series (just wrong order, but still great reads); this book was perfect!!!! I love that we find out about Tom (finally); and can't wait to see what Tim McGregor has in store for him. I would also love to see what is up with Kaitlin and her 'gift'. So many ways to go with her story.
Looking forward to the next book in the series......
Looking forward to the next book in the series......
January 12, 2020
Gets better with each book ;)
July 15, 2016
A series that I've grown to look forward to, despite the fact that it freaks me out a bit.
I'm really enjoying Billie much more in this book than I have in the past. Her melancholy is fading, and she's FINALLY accepting who she is. She's gone as far as embracing it (a little), and her relationship with "half boy" is too cute. Now if those around her, the ones who claim to care for her could get with the program, and stop pretending that it's not happening!
Something I've loved about this series since the beginning is this author's ability to "get on with it!" There is lots of action, lots of ceremony, but it is all appropriately paced and placed. It's well choreographed, and I never get lost and have to flip back a page (or 2) to figure out how we got to this point. If only everyone could be so considerate.
Cried for Half boy, loved and feared this story, and can not wait for the next creepy installment!
I'm really enjoying Billie much more in this book than I have in the past. Her melancholy is fading, and she's FINALLY accepting who she is. She's gone as far as embracing it (a little), and her relationship with "half boy" is too cute. Now if those around her, the ones who claim to care for her could get with the program, and stop pretending that it's not happening!
Something I've loved about this series since the beginning is this author's ability to "get on with it!" There is lots of action, lots of ceremony, but it is all appropriately paced and placed. It's well choreographed, and I never get lost and have to flip back a page (or 2) to figure out how we got to this point. If only everyone could be so considerate.
Cried for Half boy, loved and feared this story, and can not wait for the next creepy installment!
February 23, 2016
Another corker read in The Spookshow series, it seemed like it was over before it began, I read it that quickly.
Such a wonderful flow to the story although the proofreader needs to go through the ebook again - quite a few typos & more than a missing word or two to stumble over.
This novel was slower paced than the previous four but it did not detract from the obvious enjoyment of reading it. It was wonderful to finally find out the story behind the Half-boy, see Billie's relationship with Ray develop & the girls become close again after their previous alienation.
I clapped with glee to find out in the Afterword that the author is intending to add more novels to the series. I await them with relish! Highly recommended.
Such a wonderful flow to the story although the proofreader needs to go through the ebook again - quite a few typos & more than a missing word or two to stumble over.
This novel was slower paced than the previous four but it did not detract from the obvious enjoyment of reading it. It was wonderful to finally find out the story behind the Half-boy, see Billie's relationship with Ray develop & the girls become close again after their previous alienation.
I clapped with glee to find out in the Afterword that the author is intending to add more novels to the series. I await them with relish! Highly recommended.
January 11, 2016
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this series.
Just finished reading this book!!!! I hope you already finished book 6 and it being released tomorrow! I can't wait. I would recommend this series to anyone. Tim McGregor is a genius his writing style just pulls you in, so that you are so invested in the characters you can't wait to see what happens next. Bring on book 6 is all I can finish with. Thanks Tim for an other fantastic read xxxx.
Just finished reading this book!!!! I hope you already finished book 6 and it being released tomorrow! I can't wait. I would recommend this series to anyone. Tim McGregor is a genius his writing style just pulls you in, so that you are so invested in the characters you can't wait to see what happens next. Bring on book 6 is all I can finish with. Thanks Tim for an other fantastic read xxxx.
January 3, 2016
I loved the Spookshow books and number 5 did not disappoint. Loose ends or tasters for number 6 etc. Will Katlin grow stronger, is Tom related to Billie ....... Can't wait for more. Well done Tim on another great Spookshow.
January 7, 2016
Best of the series - I love the Spookshow books!
July 21, 2016
At last! We find out more about Half-Boy \o/
February 23, 2019
A great read
The series keeps getting better with more characters introduced answered finally being revealed. I'm thrilled that I finally have a likeable female protagonist. Heading right into the next in the series. I'd really like to see a TV series based on this. Hey, Netflix, where are you?
The series keeps getting better with more characters introduced answered finally being revealed. I'm thrilled that I finally have a likeable female protagonist. Heading right into the next in the series. I'd really like to see a TV series based on this. Hey, Netflix, where are you?
July 23, 2019
Great series!!
This entire series has by far been my favorite series I have ever read and I have read ALOT of books and series! Never a dull moment. Always keeping you captivated! I highly recommend this series! The author done a awesome job on the characters, storyline, history, etc. This will be your next favorite series!
This entire series has by far been my favorite series I have ever read and I have read ALOT of books and series! Never a dull moment. Always keeping you captivated! I highly recommend this series! The author done a awesome job on the characters, storyline, history, etc. This will be your next favorite series!
March 30, 2018
The character development is a continuous process with these books. You find out a little more with each one yet you are left wondering still. Makes you want to keep reading to find out more. The plot is a course of twist and turns and continual surprises.
April 26, 2018
Another great book
Book 5 was just as enthralling as the previous books. Each book brings new insights into the main characters as we go deeper into the world Tim McGregor created. I'm looking forward to reading Book 6!
Book 5 was just as enthralling as the previous books. Each book brings new insights into the main characters as we go deeper into the world Tim McGregor created. I'm looking forward to reading Book 6!
February 12, 2019
Still hooked
I like how the story continues, unhurried with a natural flow to things. As the title suggests there is some insight as to who the Half-boy is. For one person in particular their past catches up to them.
I like how the story continues, unhurried with a natural flow to things. As the title suggests there is some insight as to who the Half-boy is. For one person in particular their past catches up to them.
June 1, 2019
Love the back story of Tom! I love this series and am on my 2nd time reading through them.
Love the back story of Tom! I love this series and am on my 2nd time reading through them. Keep them coming!
Love the back story of Tom! I love this series and am on my 2nd time reading through them. Keep them coming!
April 1, 2024
Poor. Tom indeed
This story was so different and very exciting. I really liked the one and outs of this series .It gets better and better. I can't wait for the next one..Recommended
This story was so different and very exciting. I really liked the one and outs of this series .It gets better and better. I can't wait for the next one..Recommended
July 9, 2017
Page Turner!
I haven't had a series I couldn't put down in a long time. This story is awesome and McGregor's writing style totally captivates me! Bring on book #6!
I haven't had a series I couldn't put down in a long time. This story is awesome and McGregor's writing style totally captivates me! Bring on book #6!
September 29, 2017
Loved e d it!
Can't wait to read 6. Tim really knows how to tell a good story . Keep up the good writing😀
Can't wait to read 6. Tim really knows how to tell a good story . Keep up the good writing😀
August 27, 2018
Another fantastic read. The storylines just keep getting better and better.
October 15, 2018
Excellent
I love this series it never fails to make me question my own abilities in the world of the paranormal
I love this series it never fails to make me question my own abilities in the world of the paranormal
August 18, 2020
Creepy and funny
I love this series.Gantry is funny,with his off the cuff remarks.And the half boy I want to hug.Bless him.I want more stories from Spookshow.
I love this series.Gantry is funny,with his off the cuff remarks.And the half boy I want to hug.Bless him.I want more stories from Spookshow.
February 10, 2021
This was an amazing story I loved it. I’m glad the half boy was given a great backstory and I hope to see him in the rest of the books for spook show.
August 9, 2021
I love this series! I have been late several times because I can't put it down.
December 18, 2023
I think I'm done with this series. There have been some really enjoyable storylines, but there's just too much relationship drama for me. More horror, less romance, please! Plus, her friends are kinda bitches.
March 22, 2017
In this next novel, we find ourselves again with Billie. Mockler is heading up another case. New year's day is on its way. She still has yet to discover who her Half-Boy is. The one who lives in her apt. and protects her home. She's about to find out.
June 26, 2016
I enjoyed the whole Spookshow series. Yes, it's kind of lame to post the same review for each novel, but I tore right through them and honestly can't remember which was which - they were all good.
These are good adventure tales populated by people who act in realistic ways when faced with impossible situations. There's no blindly stumbling into danger, or when there is it's because the characters honestly don't understand or can't accept what's going on. Finally, the characters are honestly traumatized by what happens to them, as they should be.
Finally, the best part is what's not there. No shiny vampires. No unsuspecting hero that masters her new powers in the space of one novel. And most importantly: No sappy, unrequited romance. (Yes, there's romance, but they approach it like real people: shy to admit to their feelings at first, insecure about how the others feel, but then they eventually gather the courage to do something about it. No endless, weepy pining.)
Hats off to the author for crafting an engrossing experience and keeping the quality high throughout all the novels. Keep it up!
These are good adventure tales populated by people who act in realistic ways when faced with impossible situations. There's no blindly stumbling into danger, or when there is it's because the characters honestly don't understand or can't accept what's going on. Finally, the characters are honestly traumatized by what happens to them, as they should be.
Finally, the best part is what's not there. No shiny vampires. No unsuspecting hero that masters her new powers in the space of one novel. And most importantly: No sappy, unrequited romance. (Yes, there's romance, but they approach it like real people: shy to admit to their feelings at first, insecure about how the others feel, but then they eventually gather the courage to do something about it. No endless, weepy pining.)
Hats off to the author for crafting an engrossing experience and keeping the quality high throughout all the novels. Keep it up!
February 12, 2016
Best of the bunch
Better copy editing, better storyline, but most importantly better characterizations. The characters have been fleshed out more in this, the fifth book of the Bookshops series. While "the ladies " are still caricatures, they are better drawn. An uncomplicated thriller moved forward by the character's desire to know more. Well worth the read.
Better copy editing, better storyline, but most importantly better characterizations. The characters have been fleshed out more in this, the fifth book of the Bookshops series. While "the ladies " are still caricatures, they are better drawn. An uncomplicated thriller moved forward by the character's desire to know more. Well worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews