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James Hansone Ghost Mysteries #1
A Ghostly Diversion: The first of the James Hansone Ghost Mysteries
A simple unplanned diversion past a lonely, abandoned cottage. That’s all it takes to turn James Hansone’s life upside down.James Hansone is a computer data expert who has recently relocated to Lincolnshire and is a sceptic of the paranormal. Until that is, he takes a diversion of his own making with far reaching consequences as he passes an abandoned cottage.Run-down, the cottage holds a mystery about a young girl who disappeared fifty years earlier.A missing person’s case that’s stalled and long forgotten.Until now...A Ghostly Diversion is the first book of the James Hansone Ghost Mysteries. If you enjoy ghost stories that are not too horrific but intrigue you, then follow James as he finds himself unwittingly becoming a ghost hunter.Grab A Ghostly Diversion now and join him as his adventures begin.
- GenresFiction
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 9, 2016
52 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Paul L. Money
26 books8 followersI'm a freelance Astronomer and recently retired as the Reviews Editor for the BBC Sky at Night magazine (2006 to 2024). Although born in Birmingham, spent almost all of my life in Lincolnshire where the skies are dark and the stars are bright.
Married to Lorraine and together since 1992, married in 1998. Has written the annual 'Nightscenes' guide to what to look out for in the night sky from 2000 to 2021 after which it was discontinued. Give talks on various aspects of Astronomy and Space across the UK either in person or for long distance talks via zoom.
Has now published the nine novels, 5 make up the 'James Hansone Ghost Mysteries' and the other four are Sci Fi/ Sci Fi apocalyptic novels.
James Hansone Ghost Mysteries:
Bk1: A Ghostly Diversion
Bk2: Secrets of Grasceby Manor
Bk3: Return to De Grasceby Manor and the Search for Helen
Bk4: James and the Air of Tragedy
Bk5: The Haunting of Grasceby Rectory (and the Devon Mystery)
Sci Fi:
Fragility series:
1: The Fragility of Existence
2: The Fragility of Survival
The StarVista 4 saga:
1: The last Voyage of the StarVista 4
2: The Fate of the StarVista 4
Lots more on the way!
Married to Lorraine and together since 1992, married in 1998. Has written the annual 'Nightscenes' guide to what to look out for in the night sky from 2000 to 2021 after which it was discontinued. Give talks on various aspects of Astronomy and Space across the UK either in person or for long distance talks via zoom.
Has now published the nine novels, 5 make up the 'James Hansone Ghost Mysteries' and the other four are Sci Fi/ Sci Fi apocalyptic novels.
James Hansone Ghost Mysteries:
Bk1: A Ghostly Diversion
Bk2: Secrets of Grasceby Manor
Bk3: Return to De Grasceby Manor and the Search for Helen
Bk4: James and the Air of Tragedy
Bk5: The Haunting of Grasceby Rectory (and the Devon Mystery)
Sci Fi:
Fragility series:
1: The Fragility of Existence
2: The Fragility of Survival
The StarVista 4 saga:
1: The last Voyage of the StarVista 4
2: The Fate of the StarVista 4
Lots more on the way!
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 4, 2016
A cracking read - especially for a first novel. Finished it in two nights, not done that for a while with a book.
November 4, 2021
Had to read a ghost story as it was Halloween and what a great story. Just what I like a derelict cottage with a ghost at the window perfect. So glad there is another one
July 19, 2016
***This review contains spoilers***
I received this book for my birthday, and read it in a day: this is about usual for me, for a novel of this length.
Now, before I start, remember: a 3-star rating means I liked it! Also, please be aware that I generally read books of this genre (and you'll see why this is relevant a little further down the page).
After an intriguing prologue, we open on James, stuck in traffic due to roadworks, and going nowhere fast. Been there, done that on a daily basis, so I immediately sympathise with him. He eventually pulls off the main road, following another car, to where he first passes through the village of Gracesby... and this is where things start to get odd for our protagonist.
Jenny is a lovely character; sixteen, sweet, in love... and a ghost. As we go further into the story, she bonds with James, and tries to get him to help her move on. This causes issues for James, as she can't speak, and can only really replay her death. James does all he can and enlists his workmate Craig early on, and they try and figure out who she is, and why she only appears to James (and one other, but we don't see that until a little later).
Throughout the book, we see James investigating and eventually figuring out what happened to Jenny, but not being able to do much with it until he speaks to the policeman who helped with the original investigation into the disappearance of Jenny in 1960.
It all turns out (mostly) well in the end, with everyone pretty happy by the last page.
As a fan of this genre, it was a lovely little read, if a little rough around the edges, but for a debut novel, this can be forgiven. It was also a little predictable in some parts, but as stated above, I think this was only because I am familiar with the way these types of stories turn out: for example, James wonders why it is only him Jenny appears to, and then suddenly it is mentioned that Jenny's mother was pregnant and then disappeared without a trace... and then it is mentioned again. And once more. That's not to say I didn't enjoy the reveal, as I love it when I figure out what the twist is, and then find out I'm right! (There are other twists as well, don't worry).
I also liked the way the author didn't go down the typical route regarding Jenny's part of the story - it was a refreshing change (and to find out what this is, read it!)
I would recommend this book to anyone from early teens upwards, due to the fact that, although in some parts it is a little spooky, I wouldn't place it in the horror genre at all - maybe supernatural suspense, if anything. It's an enjoyable little ghost story, with lovely, believable characters, of which I would like to see again...
...speaking of which - when's the next one out Mr Money?!
I received this book for my birthday, and read it in a day: this is about usual for me, for a novel of this length.
Now, before I start, remember: a 3-star rating means I liked it! Also, please be aware that I generally read books of this genre (and you'll see why this is relevant a little further down the page).
After an intriguing prologue, we open on James, stuck in traffic due to roadworks, and going nowhere fast. Been there, done that on a daily basis, so I immediately sympathise with him. He eventually pulls off the main road, following another car, to where he first passes through the village of Gracesby... and this is where things start to get odd for our protagonist.
Jenny is a lovely character; sixteen, sweet, in love... and a ghost. As we go further into the story, she bonds with James, and tries to get him to help her move on. This causes issues for James, as she can't speak, and can only really replay her death. James does all he can and enlists his workmate Craig early on, and they try and figure out who she is, and why she only appears to James (and one other, but we don't see that until a little later).
Throughout the book, we see James investigating and eventually figuring out what happened to Jenny, but not being able to do much with it until he speaks to the policeman who helped with the original investigation into the disappearance of Jenny in 1960.
It all turns out (mostly) well in the end, with everyone pretty happy by the last page.
As a fan of this genre, it was a lovely little read, if a little rough around the edges, but for a debut novel, this can be forgiven. It was also a little predictable in some parts, but as stated above, I think this was only because I am familiar with the way these types of stories turn out: for example, James wonders why it is only him Jenny appears to, and then suddenly it is mentioned that Jenny's mother was pregnant and then disappeared without a trace... and then it is mentioned again. And once more. That's not to say I didn't enjoy the reveal, as I love it when I figure out what the twist is, and then find out I'm right! (There are other twists as well, don't worry).
I also liked the way the author didn't go down the typical route regarding Jenny's part of the story - it was a refreshing change (and to find out what this is, read it!)
I would recommend this book to anyone from early teens upwards, due to the fact that, although in some parts it is a little spooky, I wouldn't place it in the horror genre at all - maybe supernatural suspense, if anything. It's an enjoyable little ghost story, with lovely, believable characters, of which I would like to see again...
...speaking of which - when's the next one out Mr Money?!
April 16, 2024
Nice idea and plot, but I really think it could have been better written. Far too many descriptive summaries of conversations between characters rather than actual dialogue. I saw the twists and turns coming a mile off and didn't find the book particularly suspenseful
It took me over a fortnight to read this as it just wasn't holding my attention long enough.
It took me over a fortnight to read this as it just wasn't holding my attention long enough.
May 5, 2017
Ghost story with a twist
I choose the 5star 🌟 rating because I was unable to put it down. The story booked me from the start spend more time reading it than playing the bingo I was supposed to be playing. Did not expect the ending***
I choose the 5star 🌟 rating because I was unable to put it down. The story booked me from the start spend more time reading it than playing the bingo I was supposed to be playing. Did not expect the ending***
June 15, 2022
First time I’ve read a book of this genre and thoroughly enjoyed it, it was lovely reading local place names and being able to picture where the characters were. The story was lovely, nice easy reading. I’m onto the second book now
March 4, 2025
Good book
I enjoyed this story, but I had worked it out very early .So it didn't grip me like other books I have read . I like the characters and the descriptive text of the book .
I enjoyed this story, but I had worked it out very early .So it didn't grip me like other books I have read . I like the characters and the descriptive text of the book .
January 14, 2017
Great book
Great read ,could not put it down,not too scary.
Looking forward to next book.
Cant wait for itto come into Kindle.
Great read ,could not put it down,not too scary.
Looking forward to next book.
Cant wait for itto come into Kindle.
January 18, 2021
Full circle
Family draws you together. Amazing life brings you full circle, you grow but your past needs to complete you. Good read
Family draws you together. Amazing life brings you full circle, you grow but your past needs to complete you. Good read
June 23, 2021
What an excellent storey, actually brought a tear to my eyes at the end
September 5, 2021
Excellent book.
Excellent book. I’m about to read the next one. I couldn’t put it down. Very well written and very imaginative.
Excellent book. I’m about to read the next one. I couldn’t put it down. Very well written and very imaginative.
September 12, 2021
Easy read and yes I saw that coming !
July 22, 2024
This was a great book. It was nicely paced with lovely characters. Great ending too and that twist, I didn't see that coming, but it was brilliant. Can't wait to read the next one in the series.
December 14, 2020
After pages and pages describing a man stuck in traffic, and the road, and the traffic again, I gave up. Was too boring.
July 28, 2024
Great supernatural tear-jerker.
Lovely gentle story of love, loss and the afterlife.
James was a huge sceptic about the existence of ghosts until he tried a diversion to pass the traffic gridlock one day....
Lovely gentle story of love, loss and the afterlife.
James was a huge sceptic about the existence of ghosts until he tried a diversion to pass the traffic gridlock one day....
February 27, 2017
A twist in the tail!
Well, I got the ending sort of wrong, and no, I'm not telling, you'll just have to read it yourself.
I think it's well crafted and very enjoyable. I look forward to reading the subsequent books by Mr Money.
Oh, and before you decide to tell me that I cannot spell, be sure to read the epilogue!
Well, I got the ending sort of wrong, and no, I'm not telling, you'll just have to read it yourself.
I think it's well crafted and very enjoyable. I look forward to reading the subsequent books by Mr Money.
Oh, and before you decide to tell me that I cannot spell, be sure to read the epilogue!
February 13, 2017
A quick read
an enjoyable read that was relatively quick but kept my attention throughout; like other readers i figured out the twist at the end but nonetheless i would recommend. i want to give it 3.5 but the scoring system doesnt allow it.
an enjoyable read that was relatively quick but kept my attention throughout; like other readers i figured out the twist at the end but nonetheless i would recommend. i want to give it 3.5 but the scoring system doesnt allow it.
February 28, 2017
After endlessly wandering around the back roads of Linconshire for seven chapters I'm delighted to say I actually ended up enjoying it....It was very short and the story had much more potential that the finished product displayed. Well done for a self publication though.
December 10, 2016
An absolute gem.
This is one of the most beautiful ghost stories I have ever read. It is not frightening in any way, but it grips from page one and is extraordinarily well written.
This is one of the most beautiful ghost stories I have ever read. It is not frightening in any way, but it grips from page one and is extraordinarily well written.
December 26, 2016
Enjoyable read
Just come to the end of an enjoyable read. The intriguing story was well paced and satisfying with just the right amount of ghostly content.
Just come to the end of an enjoyable read. The intriguing story was well paced and satisfying with just the right amount of ghostly content.
January 22, 2017
Good read
I really enjoyed this book, well written and good story, keep up the good work Mr Money. Can't wait for the next one
I really enjoyed this book, well written and good story, keep up the good work Mr Money. Can't wait for the next one
May 1, 2017
A Ghostly tale with a twist
Really enjoyed this ghostly tale about our ghost Jennifer. James has to take a detour home from work and comes across the old abandoned cottage where he sees the ghostly Jennifer. Super story unfolds where James tries to find out the history of Jennifer. Nice twist at the end.
Really enjoyed this ghostly tale about our ghost Jennifer. James has to take a detour home from work and comes across the old abandoned cottage where he sees the ghostly Jennifer. Super story unfolds where James tries to find out the history of Jennifer. Nice twist at the end.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews