A week before Christmas, John and Laura Ray storm into Myron's office, desperate to find their missing daughter. Money? They don't have any. Clues? They have few. Plagued by mounting bills and a skull-crushing migraine, Portland's only ghost detective wants nothing more than to show them the door. But defying his conscience always proves tougher to Myron Vale than saying no, and he soon finds himself embroiled in one of the strangest cases of his career. The more he learns about this unique little girl and all of her extraordinary abilities, the more he feels a kinship to her. Who took Olivia Ray? And why?
The answers propel him toward a tantalizing solution to all of his problems — and a violent clash with a powerful personality, one who can cause irreparable harm to not just Myron, but everyone he loves.
Scott William Carter’s first novel, The Last Great Getaway of the Water Balloon Boys, was hailed by Publishers Weekly as a “touching and impressive debut” and won an Oregon Book Award. Since then, he has published many books and short stories, his fiction spanning a wide variety of genres and styles. His book for younger readers, Wooden Bones, chronicles the untold story of Pinocchio and was singled out for praise by the Junior Library Guild. He is the author of the popular Garrison Gage mystery series set on the Oregon coast, as well as the provocative Myron Vale Investigations, about the private investigator in Portland, Oregon who works for both the living and the dead. He’s also the cartoonist behind the Run of the House comic strip.
If that wasn’t enough to keep him busy, in his “day job” life he works as an Instructional Designer and Digital Production & Publishing Specialist at Western Oregon University, where he manages the Digital Media Center and provides training and expertise to the campus community on a variety of topics, including Web page creation, digital video production, print-on-demand and ebook publishing, and many software applications related to publishing, distribution, and education in all its forms. He also teaches occasional classes for both the English department and the College of Education.
In past lives, he has been an academic technologist, a writing instructor, bookstore owner, the manager of a computer training company, and a ski instructor, though the most important job — and best – he’s ever had is being the father of his two children. He currently lives in Oregon with his wife and two children.
In some ways I really like the series, and I like the personal interactions between the primary characters. Some of the ghost stuff gets a little too far out there. Not sure how I feel about all of the department of souls and organized ghost world things. All that being said, I like it enough to want to keep reading it. I certainly hope with the way this one ends, that there is a next book. Will definitely have to be on the watch for it.
This is the third book about Myron Vale.. I bought each one as soon as I'd read the previous as I found them unputdownable. It's a genre I hadn't read in years but the blurb made me really want to read them. I am so glad I did. I found them well written, with really engaging characters who I cared about. I just hope there's more in the pipeline. I have discovered a new favourite writer. If you haven't read him before, take a chance, you'll be glad you did.
This is a rather light, easy to read mystery with a paranormal twist, which I really liked. Love all the references to Portland and Oregon - I lived there for a number of years. I got a bit impatient with the romantic relationship issues - seemed to get in the way of the story. But overall a book/series worth recommending.
I hope there will be more books in the Myron Vale series. This poor guy seems destined to be in love with the wrong woman, it would be nice to see that resolved. Myron's ability to see the ghost of everyone who ever died certainly could be exploited more in future stories. So I'm hopeful.
I enjoyed this series however the ending left me wanting more and hoping questions would be answered possibly in another book with the director. Such as, can they get their memories back, what about the thing that took the ghosts…will they ever come back…what will finally become of Alicia, Jaqueline and Olivia??? Sigh…
I have read all three books in this series. Main characterI is abrasive which is unusual for me to read. I am a people pleaser and this guy is the opposite. Plus the interpersonal relationships are kind of wild to me. I will read these again maybe in couple of years. Highly recommend this series
Great book, very engaging. I look forward to reading Myron’s next adventure. His situation is unique to say the least. Maybe we will learn that it really “the” Elvis grilling hot dogs.
Another thrilling instalment from Myron Vale 's fascinating life. I can only recommend this as a truly compelling read, and say I am waiting for the next book...
Myron is a super hero to the underdogs of this world and the ghost world. Olivia is missing and he will save her or lose himself!
This story is about ghosts, sacrifice, evil, sadness and love. This was a unique series and I am glad it was recommended to me. I wish there were more.
I am glad that my beliefs don't follow Myron's experience. When I die, I believe I will go to a heavenly place with family and friends. Overall a good, clever story.
Don't know which character I enjoy reading more, Myron Vale or Garrison Gage. Just know that all of Mr. Carter's books are great reads. I highly recommend all of his books.