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The Ghost Files #4 Part 1

The Ghost Files 4: Part 1

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Sleep, little children,
all safe in your beds.
But when the boogeyman knocks,
if you are up watching…
he’ll make sure that you wish you were dead!

Once every one hundred and fifty years he emerges from the darkest depths to feed. With each soul he takes, he grows stronger. There is but one gift he needs in order to gain the power he seeks. One gift that will allow him to walk amongst all the precious little children.

And it’s the one gift Mattie Hathaway possesses…the ability to bring images to life with just a drop of her blood. The demon Silas has warned her to never reveal this ability, not even to her father who shares her power to communicate with the dead. She’s heeded his warning, but hiding it may no longer be an option.

Children are disappearing all over the Charlotte area. When their bodies are recovered, they are always the same—broken, beaten, and bruised. Fear is spiraling out of control in the Queen City as parents glance nervously around each corner, seeing the boogeyman in every shadow.

When one little girl goes missing in Mattie’s neighborhood, it’s up to her and Officer Dan Richards to find the truth. In doing so, she uncovers a far greater evil than she’s ever come up against. The one thing she was bred to defeat.

Deleriel. A fallen angel…one of the first demons. He is powerful, ambitious, and now that Mattie is on his radar, she’s all he needs to complete his arsenal.

Amid of whirlwind of secrets coming to light, Mattie is faced with uncovering the truth about her own heritage. She must come to grips with it before she can begin to prepare for the battle of a lifetime…a battle she never asked for but is caught in the middle of.

Can she face her own truths before it’s too late?

298 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 20, 2016

447 people are currently reading
620 people want to read

About the author

Apryl Baker

79 books1,826 followers
So who am I? Well, I'm the crazy girl with an imagination that never shuts up. I LOVE scary movies. My friends laugh at me when I scare myself watching them and tell me to stop watching them, but who doesn't love to get scared? I grew up in a small town nestled in the southern mountains of West Virginia where I spent days roaming around in the woods, climbing trees, and causing general mayhem. Nights I would stay up reading Nancy Drew by flashlight under the covers until my parents yelled at me to go to sleep.

Growing up in a small town, I learned a lot of values and morals, I also learned parents have spies everywhere and there's always someone to tell your mama on you. So when you get grounded, what is there left to do? Read! My Aunt Jo gave me my first real romance novel. It was a romance titled "Lord Margrave's Deception." I remember it fondly. But I also learned I had a deep and abiding love of mysteries and anything paranormal. As I grew up, I started to write just that and would entertain my friends with stories featuring them as main characters.

Now, I live Huntersville, NC where I entertain my family and watch the cats get teased by the birds and laugh myself silly when they swoop down and then dive back up just out of reach. The cats start yelling something fierce...lol.

I love books, I love writing books, and I love entertaining people with my silly stories.

You can reach me at any of these places:
Blog: http://apryl-baker.blogspot.com/
Twitter:@AprylBaker
The Promise Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO2zTi...

PS: DO NOT GET IN MY WAY IF THERE IS A SALE ON AT TARGET - my home away from home!

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5 stars
1,009 (63%)
4 stars
396 (24%)
3 stars
155 (9%)
2 stars
23 (1%)
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7 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
Profile Image for Tina H.
300 reviews40 followers
April 26, 2024
I am looking forward to part 2
Profile Image for Mummy's Naughty Corner.
1,513 reviews88 followers
December 14, 2019
Well what can i say. I'd never want to be Mattie for a day. Her life is just so full of hell it's unbelievable and I feel like we aren't even close to the end yet. We have children going missing but it's by an angel not a demon this time. Mary is in trouble and now boy trouble is coming for Mattie too. This series is sick and twisted and its dark but you just can't stop reading. You need to know what happens next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Marlee.
215 reviews
December 23, 2016
you can never go wrong with an Apryl Baker book, especially the ghost file series! i absolutely love it, they're quick reads but they have you on the edge of your seat every time. i never liked horror books before this, and now it's become one of my favourite genres. i loved that Apryl separated these books into parts, making the story last longer.. & everyone dying to know what's going to happen next.
this instalment continues from 3.5, where we see what the demon Delerial has planned. we also get to know more about Mattie and her background as a Reaper, how her powers came to be & whether she'll choose between Officer Dan and Eli Malone. it's not as scary as the first 3 books but it still has some scary parts, which will have you yelling out "f*ck that!" lmao (trust me, i was doing just that).
i seriously recommend this series to everyone! young or old, you'll love it. a solid 4.5 stars for this beauty.
Profile Image for Boo Vickery.
79 reviews10 followers
November 16, 2017
What can I say??? AMAZING!
Seriously! As you get farther into the story your mind wonders even more. The things I most think are: 'what more can she add to this story' 'whats going to happen next' and 'how will the story end'

I can't think about the last part. The last makes me sad and also happy, the thing of this series as finished..... wow. I can't even imagine when I read the last word. (Tissues anyone?)

Also it makes me happy to see where this story has gone. From book one two this book characters have grown so much. I am very happy with this series.

This book was amazing, such good twists and also very good characters. In this book you get introduced to new characters and I am very happy to meet them and I can't wait to see what else happens in the next book.

Apryl Baker, you are an amazing writer. I love this story! I can't wait to read the next! It will be amazing!

Read this book/series, you won't ever be disappointed!
Profile Image for Tania.
201 reviews3 followers
November 16, 2017
Enjoyed this book as much as the first 3. I was properly terrified at the end - horror at its best. Love Mattie's snarky wit.
Profile Image for Soraya (Kenji's version).
91 reviews21 followers
February 25, 2025
Each book in this series keeps getting better and better. This series makes me physically react. I've cried my eyes out, I've laughed outloud and I gasped so many times. I can't even explain how attached I am to this series and the characters in it. If I could buy/own a million versions of this series I would do it in a heartbeat.

Anyways, Istg if Silas ends up betraying Mattie, I will fall into depression. I just can't experience that
Profile Image for Zoë.
475 reviews4 followers
March 14, 2017
Hooked

I couldn't put this book down. Because it had been so long since I read the last book I was a bit confused but it had me gripped I can't wait read the concluding book
643 reviews10 followers
November 7, 2017
😁😁😁😁😁😁

I really love this series, if you like ghost stories I'm fairly certain that you will like these ----- I know I did.
Profile Image for ❀ Crystal ✿ -  PEACE ☮ LOVE ♥ BOOKS .
2,532 reviews307 followers
December 16, 2019
I don’t know how this series keeps dropping so many bombs but they keep coming. I’m always saying Mattie can’t catch a break but it’s becoming more clear she’s not alone, poor Dan has had his life upturned since meeting Mattie and now it seems her bad luck has rubbed off on him. This book picks up right after book 3 but also includes happenings from the novella which introduces the new demonic villain, one who has their sights set on Mary, Mattie’s sorta sister. Mattie is not just an unlucky human with gifts. That would be too simple for her. Silas the demon who keeps popping up in her life is actually her grandfather. He’s also the mastermind behind her birth and conception all because he wanted a tool (Mattie) to control in order to take out Delerial, oh who just so happens to be the BFF of Satan and devourer of children’s souls. Silas is also able to work his way around wards leaving Mattie vulnerable to his drop ins at his leisure. Mattie is not only part demon and part reaper, we also find out she’s part something else, something unknown. It’s this part of her that scares even God himself, what this part of her will turn out to be I have no idea. There’s so many zingers and whammies I wouldn’t be surprised if the author worked in her being part gargoyle lol. I was none too happy about dan either. After the last books I let him go, I gave up on him and Mattie being together but damn him for having a change of heart. That and now there’s a curse on Eli, where he’ll end up killing the person he loves most in the world so he and Mattie have to be separated. Ahhhhhhh it’s all insane and I can’t get enough lol. I can’t wait to see where it all leads and it’s becoming clearer and clearer that not only will Mattie save the people of Charlotte, she’s going to (as lame as it sounds) save the world. I’m just hoping she doesn’t end up having to give up her life or something so drastic in the end. Fingers crossed people, Mattie included, will stop being flayed alive and actually be granted at least a single day of peace from all the madness that is their lives.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mac Dubista Keso The Bibliobibuli v(=∩_∩=).
546 reviews70 followers
February 28, 2018
🙂📖

Story was good. The author was really awesome. She's actually one of my favorite author. I looovvvveee the plot! BUT one thing is really consistent in this series. Mattie is really annoying. Starting from the beginning of book 1 until now. Omg. The other characters was really good. It was ruined by the main character. I don't know if I will laugh or cry. Seriously. I hope, I REALLY REALLY HOPE that the last installment of the series will be worth it. :)

Of course, I recommend this book to everyone who loves ghost stories. *wink*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Elli.
448 reviews7 followers
August 7, 2018
I'm trash for this series.
Profile Image for Lucinda.
714 reviews1 follower
November 11, 2017
I swear these books are just getting better and better! Just how powerful is Mattie?? What is she capable of? OMG! Can't stop reading now!
Profile Image for Jana Gundy.
1,919 reviews17 followers
November 7, 2017
How can it still be this good?

As each book advances, it just gets better. The story evolves into something that is going to eventually burst and I can’t wait to find out what happens. Everyone is back and the relationships are the best part of the whole series.
Profile Image for Terri.
315 reviews
September 12, 2017
Book Description:

Sleep, little children,
all safe in your beds.
But when the boogeyman knocks,
if you are up watching…
he’ll make sure that you wish you were dead!

Once every one hundred and fifty years he emerges from the darkest depths to feed. With each soul he takes, he grows stronger. There is but one gift he needs in order to gain the power he seeks. One gift that will allow him to walk amongst all the precious little children.

And it’s the one gift Mattie Hathaway possesses…the ability to bring images to life with just a drop of her blood. The demon Silas has warned her to never reveal this ability, not even to her father who shares her power to communicate with the dead. She’s heeded his warning, but hiding it may no longer be an option.

Children are disappearing all over the Charlotte area. When their bodies are recovered, they are always the same—broken, beaten, and bruised. Fear is spiraling out of control in the Queen City as parents glance nervously around each corner, seeing the boogeyman in every shadow.

When one little girl goes missing in Mattie’s neighborhood, it’s up to her and Officer Dan Richards to find the truth. In doing so, she uncovers a far greater evil than she’s ever come up against. The one thing she was bred to defeat.

Deleriel. A fallen angel…one of the first demons. He is powerful, ambitious, and now that Mattie is on his radar, she’s all he needs to complete his arsenal.

Amid of whirlwind of secrets coming to light, Mattie is faced with uncovering the truth about her own heritage. She must come to grips with it before she can begin to prepare for the battle of a lifetime…a battle she never asked for but is caught in the middle of.

Can she face her own truths before it’s too late?

My Review:

This has got to be the creepiest book in the Ghost Files series so far. Still reeling from the deaths of their friends as well as Dan's near death, there is no time to rest and let themselves grieve for their lost friends, there is a killer on the loose. Children are disappearing and their poor, mutilated remains are being found weeks later. The police have no leads, the only ones that have any clue what's going on is Mattie and Officer Dan. They learn that the disappearing children are being taken by Deleriel, one of the oldest and most vicious demons who specializes in torturing innocents before consuming their souls. Deleriel has kidnapped the child of Mattie's neighbor and also has his sights set on taking Mary, Mattie's sister.
Profile Image for Magical Pages  Book Blog .
Author 10 books109 followers
December 21, 2016
I was given an ARC for an honest review, and this is 100% SPOILER FREE FOR VOL 4 ONLY.
If you haven't read the rest you really should.
I loved this story, being broken down into two parts I believe is what made it a bit slower of a read then the rest, but it's no deterrent that's for sure. The end does pick up to the fast paced thrill ride known to be The Ghost Files.
Will Mattie (the witty, clumsy, brave, smart mouthed main character of these stories) finally find the answers she has been searching for?
Will she find out if she has demon blood running through her veins and will she find a way to harbor all that extra Ghost energy she is carrying around with her or will it just turn out to be another downfall that could destroy her in the end?
Will Silas ever give up on her or will he be the salvation he seems to try so hard to be?
Will she find out the truth of her mother's side of her family, and if so will it be more than she can handle and will she take off as she always does?
Will she finally accept Zeke and the rest of the Cranes into her life as her true Family?
Does Mattie find out how to use her ever growing powers without almost killing herself every time she tries?
Now for the question we've all been waiting for, will she finally make her choice between ELI and DAN? If so who will she chose and why? If there is a choice made will it ruin the relationship she has with the other?
Most importantly what happened on that fateful night that took place on the last pages of Vol 3 that left us all screaming for more?
I most certainly can't wait to find out what else happens in this awesome adventure I've spent almost two years waiting to learn the truths behind the life of Mattie Hathaway, The Ghost Girl.
Apryl does an amazing job using a slow and steady build around the piece of this puzzle, and yes it leaves you on the edge of your seat waiting and needing to know more.
This too, does end on another cliffhanger that will have you bouncing around every scenario you can come up with to figure where Vol 4 part two and presumably the end of Mattie's journey will take us. I for one can't wait !!!
Profile Image for Kelsea.
318 reviews3 followers
March 15, 2019
I enjoy the story lines of these books.... but man does Mattie just get on my nerves.

Quick list of things that annoy me:
- THE SLUT SHAMING.
- Mattie perpetuating rape culture. (I honestly can't even remember if it even happens in this book? I think it does... because I swear its mentioned in like every single book. How many times are we going to have to listen to Mattie talk about how she's so much smarter than other women because she doesn't drinking and drinking = getting yourself raped? Newsflash Mattie, if you're raped when you're drunk - ITS STILL NOT YOUR FAULT.)
- Walmart. WE GET IT. YOU SHOP AT WALMART. I might scream if this is brought up one more time.

Don't get me wrong, overall - I do enjoy this series. I really like the creepiness of the ghosts and I like all the side characters. I'd even say I'm invested in continuing the series to find out what happens. I just really wish Mattie would GROW UP.

Also.... is it just me or did the butler's name change halfway through the story? He was definitely referred to as Montgomery in the beginning and then at the end was Jamison? So unless his name is Montgomery Jamison or Jamison Montgomery.... his name 100% changed.
Profile Image for Heather Blake.
49 reviews25 followers
July 28, 2018
The first fallen angel Deleriel is back and he’s kidnapping all the children in Charlotte. Deleriel is one of the first demons. There is just one piece of the puzzle he needs to complete is quest, Mattie Hathaway. Mattie has the ability to bring images to life with the drop of her blood, and Deleriel wants her.
When a little girl goes missing in Mattie’s neighborhood, it’s up to Mattie and Dan. They have to figure out who is taking all the children. Soon Mattie realizes it’s the same demon her sister Mary faced. Now Mattie has to figure out how to save herself, Mary and the children.
On top of everything Mattie has to face the realization Dan might have feelings for her. And she has to stay away from Eli. Eli is cursed and might try to kill her. Just another day in the life of Mattie Hathaway.
Apryl Baker did it again! I love this series. I was so bummed when Mattie realized she has to stay away from Eli. I love them together. I hope they can break the curse. Then finding out more about Mattie’s family blew my mind. Especially who her grandfather is. Wow! I am excited to start reading the next book.
Profile Image for Emily E..
63 reviews1 follower
June 22, 2019
Not as good as the previous

I have read all the books in this series thus far and I have enjoyed them. I like Mattie as a character, although I think as she's supposed to grow up and become more of an adult she really is written like one of those "quirky" girls that are made fun of with their own subreddit. The books can be extremely repetitive at times, and that gets annoying. Honestly, how many times do we need to be told that she's a foster kid with major trust issues?

I also noticed in this book and also in the 3rd book that the author changed the names of 2 characters. In the 3rd book Jake's brother is called Paul and then Mitch in the same paragraph. And in this book the butler is first called Montgomery and then called Jamison in a later chapter. There are some other editorial errors in this series but they've gotten worse and more noticable as it's progressed, rather than improved as the author has grown.

I am in no way trying to cut this book down. Like I stated before, I have enjoyed reading this series. I recommend it. I just want to see Apryl Baker's writing improve and have better editing because she does have a very good and creative mind.
Profile Image for ReaderMomCarissa.
210 reviews8 followers
March 19, 2019
Details!

If you’re going to write a series and you stretch it out, please be respectful of the people who read your books—pay attention to details! Hair color, eye color and names of characters keep changing in this installment and it was SO ANNOYING!
Profile Image for A.R. Broxham.
Author 2 books4 followers
July 10, 2025
there was no reason for the author to split this book!

I read this entire series and was unsure how I felt through the whole thing. To be honest the potential was there and it had me hooked and that’s the only reason I gave it a 3 stars! The book series was clunky, didn’t flow naturally, and added random new facts which were obviously an afterthought by the author and not seeded properly through the book. There was continuity errors throughout and the main character seemed to be surrounded by eligible attractive men who she was typically cringey and teenage with her descriptions and interactions. But in saying this it’s not a romance book at all! There is the odd kiss here or there and vows of platonic love, familial love and real love but honestly I don’t think any of the characters knew anything about their feelings and it really showed in the clunkiness of the writing. It read more like a fan-fic than a novel. But like I said the premise was fantastic!! It had so much potential! 3 stars!!
Profile Image for Cecilia.
602 reviews
May 28, 2018
I swear this series keeps getting better and better.
I really need to see this get made into a series or a movie.
Only thing I don't like about this series is the book cover hahah. I know I know you can't judge a book by its cover, but for me I'm not into gory types of films. So, I prefer a happier kind of cover.

35 reviews
October 31, 2020
Another awesome book, in this great series!

This was a great first part book, and I can't wait to read the second part book! These books never get boring in this series, so much is always happening to keep you interested and even at times in the edge of your seat. I love the authors imaginative ideas that she has used in these books. It's refreshing to read new ideas, for example about demons and how they interact with humans or etc...it's nice to not read the same rehashed ideas that others have used in many other books and movies. She has come up with original ideas on other things as well, but I don't want to spoil the book for anyone by listing them LOL. I mentioned demons, since they are mentioned in the description of this book. Over all this was a great book, a lot of mini cliff hangers, a several emotional moments, and a good many OMG moments too.
22 reviews4 followers
May 8, 2020
Gosh darn it, you've done it again Ms. Baker!!

I just love , love, love this series! I read all the time...like all. the. time. I don't write reviews for every book I read; even when I love the book; even when I abhor the book. Something in the way this extremely gifted author tells her tales, speaks to this heart that loves reading and writing. The imagination and intelligence one must possess to breathe life into their storytelling, is such an incredible blessing. I am now, and hope to forever be, an Apryl Baker supporter/fan. Thank you for sharing your art.

Btw..this book was just as scary/creepy, and utterly fulfilling as the three point five before it! A must read...during the day, surrounded by lots of people . **wink, wink**
Profile Image for Sara Brunetti.
5 reviews
July 8, 2025
Amazing series!

I downloaded the first book in this series not realizing what an absolute treasure I found. The stories are so realistic and down to earth and Mattie is definitely someone that I can relate to I like the fact that the author is able to portray her feelings and put them on paper in such a way that the reader feels as though she's right there with her. I like the fact that the female main character isn't some simple helpless girl that needs a man to save her I love the fact that she's able to stand on her own two feet and despite what others think of her stays true to herself. I am so excited to read more by this author I have laughed and cried and I'm absolutely hooked I can't wait!!!!
Profile Image for Angela Sanders.
Author 47 books976 followers
December 23, 2016
Ghost Files 4 was worth the wait!

The story keeps getting better and better! Mattie finds herself in even more danger than before, but this time she has a loving support system she thought she'd never have. Huge revelations about Mattie's parentage are discovered, not to mention, more supernatural baddies coming out of the woodwork.
I absolutely love this series! It's worth every penny... I can't wait to read what happens next. This series is a must-read! I suggest starting with the Ghost Files box set and go from there. Apryl Baker's writing will set your mind on fire, wanting more! 5 stars!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
239 reviews
December 27, 2016
*****3.5*****
It was good. Solid read, solid book. Definitely still love the series, it's a five star read as a whole (the series). This was just, not edited well and that did me in from the start. It felt short and lacking substance, in my opinion. It felt rushed. It's a GREAT installment to the series, but this plot just didn't feel complete. I would have liked to explore the characters deeper. I realize there is a second part to this book, but it left me feeling a bit disappointed. I can't wait for part two... just now I have to wait. Again. I'm hoping that part one and part two together will knock me off my axis. If you love the series as much as I did, you must read this book.
Profile Image for Dawn.
57 reviews
March 9, 2020
Great series but...

This is definitely an exciting/amazing paranormal romantic suspense series but I can't stand it when books from a series are cut off so abruptly like this one was. If both part 1 and part 2 were ALREADY available together via Kindle Unlimited, I didn't see it but it might have been a more enjoyable read if they WERE available to read together because, as I said...I just felt like this one cut off a little too abruptly where none of the previous books from the series had that issue. Of course, this IS just my opinion and I won't know how smoothly part 2 ends until I read it but I'll be finding out soon.
Profile Image for Sharee.
238 reviews
June 24, 2021
Dan is still ruining this for me. I cannot stand that selfish bastard. Why can't he just go away.😭 And if that's not bad enough, we have to see his worthless POV. He's just so useless. Jeez. "I really loved my girlfriend but I don't really care that she died." "I know the person who I called my mother, killed my actual mother but you can't be mad that I still love her." Oh fk off!!! I'm just about done with Mattie too. They're so quick to sacrifice other people's lives for each other. Fkn psychos. Eli deserves better. I keep hoping Dan would just drop dead lol. The plot itself is good. I would like to hear less about Danny the fkboy and their inappropriate relationship.
Profile Image for Cece G.
68 reviews
July 21, 2023
Hmm...where to begin. The plot is captivating. No doubt about that, but all the recaps. Way too much! I'm doing too much skim reading because I'm reading stuff I have already read before. Also, everyone adoring Mattie is a bit unrealistic, but I'm not new to a love triangle troupe. I still hope it is Eli though! Something about him gets me going.
Also, it is amusing how this book has incorporated demons, witches, etc. when it started with just a ghost supernatural plot line. It keeps things interesting, but it just feels like the plot is going all over the place. But two more books left, so let's see how this series concludes since I've made it this far.
Profile Image for Linda-Sophie.
57 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2024
Another great book in this series.
I recommend reading the novella of Mary and Caleb before this one, because it gives us a few information that are very important for the series!
I also loved that we finally got to know what Silas meant with ‘he made Mattie‘. I was really curious about that. And I was also very happy when we got Eric back!!! Lila Aahhh YESSSS! I am so excited how that will go, now that he is alive again. That will be a rollercoaster!
I am very excited about how this series will end! I just got the last two novels and the novella of Silas ahead of me and then it’s done :(
But lucky me there are ‘The Crane diaries’ series after the Ghost files!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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