What do you think?
Rate this book
Maggie York Paranormal Mystery #1
Ghost Walking
A Maggie York Paranormal Mystery Book One
Not believing won't make the ghosts go away.
New Orleans' homicide cop Maggie York is at the top of her game until a sniper's bullet changes everything. She flatlines, comes back. But not quite the same. She sees and hears things...ghostly things. And she blurts out enough to her doctors to end up on medical leave with a diagnosis of PTSD. If only.
Six months later, the voices have faded and the ghostly sightings are less frequent. The department still won't let Maggie return to the job. Oh, she's quit talking about ghosts, except to a few friends and the loony relatives who believe she's a witch, but Maggie doubts herself. Since inactivity is making it worse, she sets out to track down her shooter, only things get complicated...a ghostly witness wants his own murder solved, and sexy homicide cop, Josh Brandt—who just happens to be her replacement—wants her to butt out of his case.
After Josh catches her at the murder scene of a key witness, he wonders how the attractive redhead is staying one step ahead of him and how deeply her involvement goes. She doesn't appear as unstable as he's been told, but she's hiding something. He recognizes the signs...because he has secrets of his own. Unraveling her case soon draws them down twisted but intersecting paths.
And failure may cost Maggie her life.
Not believing won't make the ghosts go away.
New Orleans' homicide cop Maggie York is at the top of her game until a sniper's bullet changes everything. She flatlines, comes back. But not quite the same. She sees and hears things...ghostly things. And she blurts out enough to her doctors to end up on medical leave with a diagnosis of PTSD. If only.
Six months later, the voices have faded and the ghostly sightings are less frequent. The department still won't let Maggie return to the job. Oh, she's quit talking about ghosts, except to a few friends and the loony relatives who believe she's a witch, but Maggie doubts herself. Since inactivity is making it worse, she sets out to track down her shooter, only things get complicated...a ghostly witness wants his own murder solved, and sexy homicide cop, Josh Brandt—who just happens to be her replacement—wants her to butt out of his case.
After Josh catches her at the murder scene of a key witness, he wonders how the attractive redhead is staying one step ahead of him and how deeply her involvement goes. She doesn't appear as unstable as he's been told, but she's hiding something. He recognizes the signs...because he has secrets of his own. Unraveling her case soon draws them down twisted but intersecting paths.
And failure may cost Maggie her life.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 20, 2016
19 people are currently reading
454 people want to read
About the author
Ally Shields
19 books472 followersAlly Shields is the fantasy pen name of Janet L Buck, who also writes historical mysteries as J L Buck.
Ms Shields' Guardian Witch series was first released between 2012 and 2015 and were withdrawn by Etopia Press in 2023. Revised and updated editions were released later in 2023 with new covers and one title change.
Due to an ongoing story line, the author recommends this series be read in order, beginning with Awakening the Fire.
A sequel trilogy may be re-released in the future.
The Maggie York Paranormal Mystery trilogy, set in New Orleans and the Crosskeys trilogy may also be re-released with revised editions as time permits.
When not writing, Ms Shields reads multiple genres--urban fantasy, thrillers, mysteries, historical romance, and she loves to travel--anywhere, anytime.
Ms Shields' Guardian Witch series was first released between 2012 and 2015 and were withdrawn by Etopia Press in 2023. Revised and updated editions were released later in 2023 with new covers and one title change.
Due to an ongoing story line, the author recommends this series be read in order, beginning with Awakening the Fire.
A sequel trilogy may be re-released in the future.
The Maggie York Paranormal Mystery trilogy, set in New Orleans and the Crosskeys trilogy may also be re-released with revised editions as time permits.
When not writing, Ms Shields reads multiple genres--urban fantasy, thrillers, mysteries, historical romance, and she loves to travel--anywhere, anytime.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 27, 2016
I've read previous books, by Ally Shields, and was expecting very good things. Upon looking at the average review rate, I was a bit worried that my expectations might be unreasonably high. Nope. This book was absolutely brilliant. I truly enjoyed reading it and was entertained from start to finish. True to her style, Shields took everyday life, added a pinch of paranormal and then made sure to give us plenty of twists and turns so that we were always on our toes.
I loved the main character. She was snarky, strong and wouldn't take no for an answer. Instead of giving up, when she was basically let go because they thought she'd lost it, she decided to take it on her own, and show them that she could still do the job, plus it would result in her finding who put her in this mess as well.
As the story progressed, each character grew, changed and we really got to know them. I liked that, as it made it very easy to connect with them and feel really and truly invested in the story. I loved the cast of characters, with the full variety of people we met and felt that Shields had them interacting well.
The pace of the book was brilliant. It wasn't exceptionally fast, but did have a swifter pace, which matched the suspenseful story and chase. We were also given slower moments to get to know our main character and her replacement.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I am excited to read more and hope to do so very soon. I highly recommend this to those who are interested in suspenseful, mysterious paranormals.
** This is my honest and unbiased opinion and has not been affected in any way by my accepting this book.
I loved the main character. She was snarky, strong and wouldn't take no for an answer. Instead of giving up, when she was basically let go because they thought she'd lost it, she decided to take it on her own, and show them that she could still do the job, plus it would result in her finding who put her in this mess as well.
As the story progressed, each character grew, changed and we really got to know them. I liked that, as it made it very easy to connect with them and feel really and truly invested in the story. I loved the cast of characters, with the full variety of people we met and felt that Shields had them interacting well.
The pace of the book was brilliant. It wasn't exceptionally fast, but did have a swifter pace, which matched the suspenseful story and chase. We were also given slower moments to get to know our main character and her replacement.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I am excited to read more and hope to do so very soon. I highly recommend this to those who are interested in suspenseful, mysterious paranormals.
** This is my honest and unbiased opinion and has not been affected in any way by my accepting this book.
May 25, 2016
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have read some of Ally's other books and let me say she always brings great characters and a gret story! This book was no exception to the rule. She has done a great job with this book.
I love Maggie. She is strong and as a lead character she is able to draw you in. She has been through so much already and now she has to get used to a whole new world. Her whole world is changed once she is almost killed and that brings on a whole new way of doing things for her. I am slightly biased though, I love red heads and any time they are the main character I am always going to want to read more, hehe.
This book is one that I would recommended to any one who loves action and a bit of romance. If you are one of those book lovers that loves paranormal and fantasy, but don't want heavy romance, then this one is for you. You have the attraction between Josh and Maggie, but you are not getting the in your face romance that you get from some of the paranormal romance that is out there. This a a great thing, I can assure you. You get a little bit of everything in this book.
I can't wait to see what is next for Maggie and Josh!!
I have read some of Ally's other books and let me say she always brings great characters and a gret story! This book was no exception to the rule. She has done a great job with this book.
I love Maggie. She is strong and as a lead character she is able to draw you in. She has been through so much already and now she has to get used to a whole new world. Her whole world is changed once she is almost killed and that brings on a whole new way of doing things for her. I am slightly biased though, I love red heads and any time they are the main character I am always going to want to read more, hehe.
This book is one that I would recommended to any one who loves action and a bit of romance. If you are one of those book lovers that loves paranormal and fantasy, but don't want heavy romance, then this one is for you. You have the attraction between Josh and Maggie, but you are not getting the in your face romance that you get from some of the paranormal romance that is out there. This a a great thing, I can assure you. You get a little bit of everything in this book.
I can't wait to see what is next for Maggie and Josh!!
May 29, 2016
A nice detective story. Unfortunately the ghost aspect was merely glossed over, making the story the usual new orlean cliché. The other big problem was the villain, whose head had a big glaring neon sign on. So, basically you perfectly knew the culprit since the beginning. Pity.
April 29, 2016
***A complimentary copy of this read was furnished by Red Moon Publishing in exchange for an unbiased review***
Six months ago NOLA homicide detective Maggie York awoke for work and didn't believe in hocus-pocus, especially concerning ghosts. After she's shot and dies twice Maggie wakes with a new appreciation for chicanery. Telling others the truth convinces them she's hallucinating. But she believes! Maybe belief is too strong a word, but Maggie knows she's changed and doesn't dis-believe anymore.
Officially on medical leave and unofficially terminated from a job she loved, Maggie becomes enmeshed in the paranormal world while following the clues of her case. With help she learns to cope with her new secret gift that often puts her in suspicious circumstances with her former brethren in blue.
Despite warnings to back-off, Maggie's determined to help solve her own attempted murder. A not so stealthy visit to a murder scene brings her face to face with new to the precinct, sexy and handsome homicide Detective Joshua Brandt, whose not so sure what to think about the gorgeous and supposedly demented Detective York.
Meanwhile Josh is a man with secrets of his own and as pieces begin to leak, they cause problems at the station. Maggie and Josh had plenty of chemistry, as they worked through their personal and professional issues and obstacles on the way to learning trusting each other in a romantic partnership.
This new to me author made quite the impression by providing an intriguing synopsis, great cover art and a fulfilling read with minor quibbles. The mystery was enjoyable and tangled enough to keep this reader's interest and the villain and supporting characters were well written. This opener for a new urban fantasy series complete with a no-nonsense, 'believable' lead female was a fun read.
Rating 4.25
Six months ago NOLA homicide detective Maggie York awoke for work and didn't believe in hocus-pocus, especially concerning ghosts. After she's shot and dies twice Maggie wakes with a new appreciation for chicanery. Telling others the truth convinces them she's hallucinating. But she believes! Maybe belief is too strong a word, but Maggie knows she's changed and doesn't dis-believe anymore.
Officially on medical leave and unofficially terminated from a job she loved, Maggie becomes enmeshed in the paranormal world while following the clues of her case. With help she learns to cope with her new secret gift that often puts her in suspicious circumstances with her former brethren in blue.
Despite warnings to back-off, Maggie's determined to help solve her own attempted murder. A not so stealthy visit to a murder scene brings her face to face with new to the precinct, sexy and handsome homicide Detective Joshua Brandt, whose not so sure what to think about the gorgeous and supposedly demented Detective York.
Meanwhile Josh is a man with secrets of his own and as pieces begin to leak, they cause problems at the station. Maggie and Josh had plenty of chemistry, as they worked through their personal and professional issues and obstacles on the way to learning trusting each other in a romantic partnership.
This new to me author made quite the impression by providing an intriguing synopsis, great cover art and a fulfilling read with minor quibbles. The mystery was enjoyable and tangled enough to keep this reader's interest and the villain and supporting characters were well written. This opener for a new urban fantasy series complete with a no-nonsense, 'believable' lead female was a fun read.
Rating 4.25
February 3, 2023
Not believing won't make the ghosts go away.
This book is a combo of two of my favorite things, a well-written police procedural (with a female cop) and a ghost story.
Maggie York is on medical leave because she almost died in the line of duty. Actually she did flatline and was revived, and that whole process somehow triggered a latent “gift”—she can now see ghosts.
She sets out to find her shooter, but a ghost (who witnessed the shooting) shows up and wants her to solve his murder first. And her butting in to that case does not endear her to the sexy male cop who has taken her place on the homicide squad.
There’s a lot to like about this book. The pacing and character development are good, and the plot is complicated enough to be interesting (could have been more twists and turns, but there are a few surprises). But what I liked best was Maggie’s characterization. Her skepticism and reluctance to embrace her gift are very realistic, as is her resistance to the appeal of the sexy cop.
Unfortunately, this first-in-series is not discounted, but if you like character-driven police procedurals and ghosts, it’s worth the price. (Or watch for it to go on sale.)
This book is a combo of two of my favorite things, a well-written police procedural (with a female cop) and a ghost story.
Maggie York is on medical leave because she almost died in the line of duty. Actually she did flatline and was revived, and that whole process somehow triggered a latent “gift”—she can now see ghosts.
She sets out to find her shooter, but a ghost (who witnessed the shooting) shows up and wants her to solve his murder first. And her butting in to that case does not endear her to the sexy male cop who has taken her place on the homicide squad.
There’s a lot to like about this book. The pacing and character development are good, and the plot is complicated enough to be interesting (could have been more twists and turns, but there are a few surprises). But what I liked best was Maggie’s characterization. Her skepticism and reluctance to embrace her gift are very realistic, as is her resistance to the appeal of the sexy cop.
Unfortunately, this first-in-series is not discounted, but if you like character-driven police procedurals and ghosts, it’s worth the price. (Or watch for it to go on sale.)
December 1, 2016
This is my kind of book. I loved it. I love the paranormal where Ghosts are involved. I love cool kind of nuts lead characters. I love a book that drags you in almost immediately and leaves you craving more on the last page. I got all of that and more with this book. I also have the 2nd book in the series ready to go and I hope the 3rd book is close behind.
This story flowed nicely, left me on the edge of my comfy chair at times, made me laugh a few times, but kept me engrossed the whole time. Books like this are rare to find.
This is my first book by Ally Shields but it definitely wont be my last. I really liked her writing style. Her characters are strong and life like, even the ghosts. I like to take a break from reality with a good paranormal book and this one gave me a break I was really needing. I hope the 2nd book is just as good and that this series has a long life as I am addicted.
This story flowed nicely, left me on the edge of my comfy chair at times, made me laugh a few times, but kept me engrossed the whole time. Books like this are rare to find.
This is my first book by Ally Shields but it definitely wont be my last. I really liked her writing style. Her characters are strong and life like, even the ghosts. I like to take a break from reality with a good paranormal book and this one gave me a break I was really needing. I hope the 2nd book is just as good and that this series has a long life as I am addicted.
June 3, 2016
A little love, a lot of action. Ally Shield’s book "Ghost Walking" reminded me of "Grave Sight" by Charlaine Harris. And I have to admit, I’m a sucker for those kinds of books with strong, quirky characters and things that go bump in the night or in the day. Maggie is a resilient protagonist who loses a lot when she is shot. Ouch! Spunky heroine non-the-less, Maggie attempts to get her life back on track. This is hard to do with ghosts invading it.
Enter Josh, her rival turned love interest. When Maggie attempts to solve her own shooting, they find themselves having to deal with the other. Hmmm…tension anyone. I loved the well-drawn characters and the pacing in the books. The writing is effortless to read and not overly flowery but still descriptive.
A great summer read for fans of paranormal, romance, and mystery/thriller.
Enter Josh, her rival turned love interest. When Maggie attempts to solve her own shooting, they find themselves having to deal with the other. Hmmm…tension anyone. I loved the well-drawn characters and the pacing in the books. The writing is effortless to read and not overly flowery but still descriptive.
A great summer read for fans of paranormal, romance, and mystery/thriller.
May 24, 2021
The first few chapters of this book included almost too much background information. I prefer to be just dumped into the plot and pick up little bits and pieces of the background over a longer period of time. And I pegged the villain right away. I don’t really mind this because I’m more interested in how the crime is solved than I am in who committed it.
But once past the first few chapters I found myself pretty involved with the protagonist, the love interest, and the ghost. I usually read one chapter before I turn out my light at night. (This is why I’m rather slow to finish a book.) This kept me up past my bedtime a few times.
I love this slightly different way the author uses ghosts in the plot, and I’ll be looking for the second book in this series to see where she takes us.
But once past the first few chapters I found myself pretty involved with the protagonist, the love interest, and the ghost. I usually read one chapter before I turn out my light at night. (This is why I’m rather slow to finish a book.) This kept me up past my bedtime a few times.
I love this slightly different way the author uses ghosts in the plot, and I’ll be looking for the second book in this series to see where she takes us.
June 2, 2016
Ghost Walking has all the elements that keep me reading: strong female main character, mysterious and yummy love interest, complications that keep the plot moving along fast, and a mystery that imperils the main characters.
I love how Ms. Shields makes me feel part of Maggie's world. I feel her doubts, her ferocious determination to make her crazy world work and catch the killer who is not happy he didn't kill her the first time.
As much as I love a good ghost story, I love that Ms. Shields makes hers different. Maggie has to work to believe in ghosts and to believe she needs or wants them around. Feels real. Feels possible, which makes everything what happens that much more intense. And keeps my lights on at night.
I love how Ms. Shields makes me feel part of Maggie's world. I feel her doubts, her ferocious determination to make her crazy world work and catch the killer who is not happy he didn't kill her the first time.
As much as I love a good ghost story, I love that Ms. Shields makes hers different. Maggie has to work to believe in ghosts and to believe she needs or wants them around. Feels real. Feels possible, which makes everything what happens that much more intense. And keeps my lights on at night.
May 26, 2016
You can find a longer review on my blog: Raquel Gabrielle's Blog
I totally knew the bad guy from the first few chapters I just knew it and even though I knew it, it was still interesting and kept me reading. I loved the chemistry between Maggie and Josh, they were good together without being to hot and heavy and getting to much in the way of the actual plot. I also liked the paranormal aspect of it even though it was just a little bit not even that much really. I could definitely see me watching something like this on t.v.
I totally knew the bad guy from the first few chapters I just knew it and even though I knew it, it was still interesting and kept me reading. I loved the chemistry between Maggie and Josh, they were good together without being to hot and heavy and getting to much in the way of the actual plot. I also liked the paranormal aspect of it even though it was just a little bit not even that much really. I could definitely see me watching something like this on t.v.
August 23, 2016
"He should have believed you."
LOL. Are you kidding me? When you've been nothing but antagonistic/secretive, have all the evidence piled against you, DIDN'T BELIEVE HIM, are judgmental and accusatory yourself, invaded his privacy when he asked you not to just because you were curious (about his ill mother no less!), made his work place harder for him, and he's done nothing but try to help you?
Nope.
LOL. Are you kidding me? When you've been nothing but antagonistic/secretive, have all the evidence piled against you, DIDN'T BELIEVE HIM, are judgmental and accusatory yourself, invaded his privacy when he asked you not to just because you were curious (about his ill mother no less!), made his work place harder for him, and he's done nothing but try to help you?
Nope.
May 24, 2019
Quite straightforward storyline..
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews