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Isobel
She was in his car, again. Still the spirals of beautiful copper hair veiled her face. Shame she was dead.
Isobel is a ghostly tale, that brings together the deceased casualty, the firefighter who extricated her impaled body from the wreckage in 2010, and a malevolent spirit of a young soldier killed in 1944, that seeks retribution for his untimely death. Their sad union, and those of several others, all orchestrated by the Ferryman himself.
Isobel is a ghostly tale, that brings together the deceased casualty, the firefighter who extricated her impaled body from the wreckage in 2010, and a malevolent spirit of a young soldier killed in 1944, that seeks retribution for his untimely death. Their sad union, and those of several others, all orchestrated by the Ferryman himself.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2016
25 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Aden James
1 book6 followersHi. I'm a retired fire service chap who decided to write about a few of my experiences. Not just with fires but some ghosty bits too! Then stuck them all in a fictional story.
I hope you enjoy my 1st novel, 'Isobel'.
All profit from eBook sales go to the RSPCA (UK) and The Fire fighters Charity.
I hope you enjoy my 1st novel, 'Isobel'.
All profit from eBook sales go to the RSPCA (UK) and The Fire fighters Charity.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 6, 2020
4.5 stars
Wow that was a supernatural rollercoaster. Very scary but with characters both human and ghostly that you care about.
Wow that was a supernatural rollercoaster. Very scary but with characters both human and ghostly that you care about.
March 14, 2021
DNF - started strong but lost interest in the long-winded parts about the MC's occupation.
September 10, 2017
Steve, AKA Laz, had been a firefighter for countless years. It was a job he loved, a profession he was proud of. Over his years he had seen many horrors, but he tried his best not to bring them home. But sometimes there isn't a choice, sometimes things stay forefront in your mind, and others they simply cling to you and refuse to let go. There was something about the woman in that crash, and perhaps a reason she followed him everywhere she went. She had died, and since her death the strangest feeling had been following him, it was something which only grew worse. After one fateful night his views on everything he thought he knew were turned askew, something evil was drawn to him, somehow he needed to free himself of this burden before it harmed him, or worse still, someone else.
One of the first thing you'll notice when you delve into this book is how real some of the situations feel. It can be very atmospheric, and at time tense. The author starts by smoothly and effortlessly familiarising the reader with any jargon associated with the necessary roles. As you read it is easy to see yourself stood at the scene alongside Steve, or witnessing events from the distant past. I normally don't like first person POV, but this is yet another book that has successfully chipped away at my dislike for this perspective. The tone and style it is a written in was just so natural and fitting. Nothing about the book felt forced, and I was eager to find out what discoveries Steve would make as he sought out his own answers. This is a great read, and better yet, proceeds go to charity. A great story and a good deed in one, what more could you ask for?
One of the first thing you'll notice when you delve into this book is how real some of the situations feel. It can be very atmospheric, and at time tense. The author starts by smoothly and effortlessly familiarising the reader with any jargon associated with the necessary roles. As you read it is easy to see yourself stood at the scene alongside Steve, or witnessing events from the distant past. I normally don't like first person POV, but this is yet another book that has successfully chipped away at my dislike for this perspective. The tone and style it is a written in was just so natural and fitting. Nothing about the book felt forced, and I was eager to find out what discoveries Steve would make as he sought out his own answers. This is a great read, and better yet, proceeds go to charity. A great story and a good deed in one, what more could you ask for?
October 7, 2020
I really enjoyed this story and I loved the supernatural element to it. The main character was strong and I loved his sense of humour. I learnt a lot about the job of a fire station watch manager although I thought some of the related paragraphs were a little long winded. A new author for me but definitely a page turner that had me listening out for creaks and noises when reading it at night. I've just learnt there's going to be a book 2 so will definitely watch out for the next one.
December 1, 2020
I very much enjoyed Isobel, you wouldn't think this book had been written by a 1st time author. I loved all the firefighting parts and enjoyed all the supernatural elements, the two parts came together very well and I thought the book was very well written. I would definitely read more of Adens' books should he decide to write any more. I didn't realise until after I'd read it that all profits go to charity. Very commendable !
April 14, 2020
Fantastic read
Really enjoyed this book. Made the impossible seem real. Highly recommended. Hope there is a follow up. Would be great to see how it turned out.
Really enjoyed this book. Made the impossible seem real. Highly recommended. Hope there is a follow up. Would be great to see how it turned out.
April 14, 2020
Absolutely loved this book. Kept me turning pages well last bedtime.
October 10, 2020
What an absolutely fantastic story....loved every page!
October 21, 2020
Loved this book. Would def recommend.
March 14, 2021
3.5 stars
April 10, 2021
A fantastic horror story from start to finish, my only criticism would be the ease at which the ground was dug in December. Wonderful imagery throughout. Heart stopping moments galore.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2017
AN ABSOLUTELY CHILLING READ!!!
1. Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steve Moran is a Watch Manager for the Fire Department.
Lizzie Moran is Steve's wife.
Jackson Moran is Steve's 17 year old son.
Thomas Owdley is 18 years old and is in the military.
Ted Porster is training with Thomas.
2. Plot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steve Moran and his team are called to the scene of a fatal car accident. When they arrive, Steve sees that one woman was thrown from the car and another woman is pinned inside. He and Mark Bonsall carefully remove her from the car. Steve begins to "see" her and experiences great fear and anxiety.
Thomas Owdley is in Basic Training in September, 1943. His post training is as an Artillery Observer.
Steve, Lizzie and Jackson are going to Cornwall for an engagement party. Steve drops Jackson at his brother's house and he and Lizzie go to "The Cross Hotel". As they enter, Steve sees a certificate that says a "Paranormal Society has visited the Hotel"! Steve is not happy about that. During the night, Steve has weird things happen to him in his room which freaks him and Lizzie out. They pack their things and leaves the hotel.
In December, 1943 Private Owdley is headed to France as an Artillery Observer. He and his team were training and the gun barrel blew apart killing their instructor, Sgt. Buxton, Private Ted Porster and severely injuring Thomas.
Steve continues to experience paranormal activities. He thinks his severe headaches may be a pre-curser to a visit from the woman who he calls "Isobel" and since the experience at The Cross Hotel, he "sees" a young, angry soldier seeking revenge.
As Steve goes from one call to the next, he takes great care of the bodies he has to recover.
In January, 1944 Thomas is still in the hospital. He is on a plane to get better care. He finds out that Ted Porster committed suicide by rigging the cannon to explode.
Steve gets a call to a home where a young man is dead. It seems he lit charcoal and inhaled the fumes. He left a suicide note saying that he was tired of being haunted by a dead soldier. The dead man's name is Dave Porster!
3. Writing Structure ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It's interesting how the events from 1943 connect with Steve's life. Aden has done an excellent job of bringing the two stories together. It's also important how Steve and his team were respectful of the "casualties" they encountered. He weaves a story that is absolutely chilling!
4. Ending ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What can I say about the ending... it's incredible! Steve continues to see Isobel and the angry soldier, Thomas Owdley. Lizzie and Jackson see only Thomas. Steve goes back to The Cross Hotel where he finds what he's looking for with Isobel's help. Lizzie and Jackson are home alone and now Thomas is in the house. It's a race against time for Steve to get to the cemetery before the dead soldier gets his family!
5. Overall ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is Aden's debut book and it's a chilling read. I have not read a "ghost" story quite like this! It had me on the edge of my seat! The last half of the book I read in one sitting! Aden has also shown a side of the Fire Department that many of us don't see...the respect they have for the victims and casualties. When you read the book, you'll know what I mean! And guess what? All profits from the E-book is going to @firefighters999 and @RSPCA_official! It's a win-win for everyone! I look forward to the sequel!!
1. Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steve Moran is a Watch Manager for the Fire Department.
Lizzie Moran is Steve's wife.
Jackson Moran is Steve's 17 year old son.
Thomas Owdley is 18 years old and is in the military.
Ted Porster is training with Thomas.
2. Plot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steve Moran and his team are called to the scene of a fatal car accident. When they arrive, Steve sees that one woman was thrown from the car and another woman is pinned inside. He and Mark Bonsall carefully remove her from the car. Steve begins to "see" her and experiences great fear and anxiety.
Thomas Owdley is in Basic Training in September, 1943. His post training is as an Artillery Observer.
Steve, Lizzie and Jackson are going to Cornwall for an engagement party. Steve drops Jackson at his brother's house and he and Lizzie go to "The Cross Hotel". As they enter, Steve sees a certificate that says a "Paranormal Society has visited the Hotel"! Steve is not happy about that. During the night, Steve has weird things happen to him in his room which freaks him and Lizzie out. They pack their things and leaves the hotel.
In December, 1943 Private Owdley is headed to France as an Artillery Observer. He and his team were training and the gun barrel blew apart killing their instructor, Sgt. Buxton, Private Ted Porster and severely injuring Thomas.
Steve continues to experience paranormal activities. He thinks his severe headaches may be a pre-curser to a visit from the woman who he calls "Isobel" and since the experience at The Cross Hotel, he "sees" a young, angry soldier seeking revenge.
As Steve goes from one call to the next, he takes great care of the bodies he has to recover.
In January, 1944 Thomas is still in the hospital. He is on a plane to get better care. He finds out that Ted Porster committed suicide by rigging the cannon to explode.
Steve gets a call to a home where a young man is dead. It seems he lit charcoal and inhaled the fumes. He left a suicide note saying that he was tired of being haunted by a dead soldier. The dead man's name is Dave Porster!
3. Writing Structure ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It's interesting how the events from 1943 connect with Steve's life. Aden has done an excellent job of bringing the two stories together. It's also important how Steve and his team were respectful of the "casualties" they encountered. He weaves a story that is absolutely chilling!
4. Ending ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What can I say about the ending... it's incredible! Steve continues to see Isobel and the angry soldier, Thomas Owdley. Lizzie and Jackson see only Thomas. Steve goes back to The Cross Hotel where he finds what he's looking for with Isobel's help. Lizzie and Jackson are home alone and now Thomas is in the house. It's a race against time for Steve to get to the cemetery before the dead soldier gets his family!
5. Overall ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is Aden's debut book and it's a chilling read. I have not read a "ghost" story quite like this! It had me on the edge of my seat! The last half of the book I read in one sitting! Aden has also shown a side of the Fire Department that many of us don't see...the respect they have for the victims and casualties. When you read the book, you'll know what I mean! And guess what? All profits from the E-book is going to @firefighters999 and @RSPCA_official! It's a win-win for everyone! I look forward to the sequel!!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews