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Shadow Detective #2
Soul Catcher
There are two worlds. The world of the living--and the world of the dead. Sometimes they overlap.
And sometimes they collide.
The spirit of a diabolical killer has returned from the grave to stalk the woman I love.
Guess who's going to pick a fight with a dead murderer and his legion of the damned?
My name is Mike Raven. I hunt monsters. But today the monsters are hunting me.
And sometimes they collide.
The spirit of a diabolical killer has returned from the grave to stalk the woman I love.
Guess who's going to pick a fight with a dead murderer and his legion of the damned?
My name is Mike Raven. I hunt monsters. But today the monsters are hunting me.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2017
189 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Want to read
February 26, 2018I dread this part 'the woman I love.'
I mean we survived just fine #1 without any woman's love, whatsoever! Well, let's see...
I mean we survived just fine #1 without any woman's love, whatsoever! Well, let's see...
April 8, 2018
It jumped right back to action -- again -- timeline is about 2 days after the event in book #1. In fact, the case that Mike Raven takes in the beginning is mentioned at the end of Cursed City: a model ghost haunting a club and killing people. Then the case is solved and they move into another one, this time involving a dead serial killer seems to taking revenge...
I can guess the twist ... but the part with is not one I see coming.
It's still action all the way; not enough story-building time. But again, it's novella length...
I can guess the twist ... but the part with is not one I see coming.
It's still action all the way; not enough story-building time. But again, it's novella length...
May 2, 2018
So, I meant to cancel Kindle Unlimited, missed the due date and it won't cancel for weeks now. Issue with that is it appears a significant number of KU authors expect to get more sales by latching onto cliffhanger endings with a death grip. I'm not a fan of cliffhanger endings (understatement). If I think the entire series is out and only a few books, I may continue - but this one is going to be DNF for the series for me.
November 15, 2018
As good a read as the first, as Raven chases an innocent man, an accidental vessel for spirits.
A good plot that could have done with being a little longer, and not in the first person. The twists are good and unexpected, the last one opening up a Pandora's Box that leads into the next, which I do want to read.
A good plot that could have done with being a little longer, and not in the first person. The twists are good and unexpected, the last one opening up a Pandora's Box that leads into the next, which I do want to read.
April 27, 2017
I'll keep this short. The second book in the series and it was much better than the first. This was a page turner for sure, while I stumbled a little getting into the first book I didn't have any such problem with this one. I'll be reading the next in the series for sure.
March 6, 2017
Well done
This exciting second book in the Shadow Detectives series kept me turning the pages until the very end. Massa has a great character in Raven. I was a little discouraged by the ending. Looking forward to the next one.
This exciting second book in the Shadow Detectives series kept me turning the pages until the very end. Massa has a great character in Raven. I was a little discouraged by the ending. Looking forward to the next one.
March 3, 2017
WOW
This book was definitely better than the first!!!! The first book was really good but this was really GREAT!!!!! Nonstop action and the ending was so unexpected. Can't wait for the next installment.
This book was definitely better than the first!!!! The first book was really good but this was really GREAT!!!!! Nonstop action and the ending was so unexpected. Can't wait for the next installment.
September 19, 2018
The second book in the Shadow Detective series might just change my opinion of the Urban Fantasy/Paranormal genre. The author William Massa is very talented: perfect pacing, edge-of-your-seat action sequences, nail biting situations, interesting/relatable characters and all around goodness. The world presented in the Shadow Detective series is very well rounded and vividly presented without any info-dumping or heavy handed world-building and that my friends, require some serious talent. I'm so happy that I took a chance (after reading the sample) on this series because this is the most fun and excitement I had reading a book in a long time. So if your even remotely interested in UF or a good creepy action-adventure story do yourself a favor and read M. Massa's offering.
March 5, 2017
Soul Catcher
This is the second book in the Shadow Detective series by William Massa. I really enjoyed this book probably more than the first one. Raven is at it again, strongholds into more trouble with ghosts and demons, this time a prison full. As he battles with the paranormal, the detective that he is in love with is shot and he makes a bad decision to save her life. I can't wait for the third book to come out.
This is the second book in the Shadow Detective series by William Massa. I really enjoyed this book probably more than the first one. Raven is at it again, strongholds into more trouble with ghosts and demons, this time a prison full. As he battles with the paranormal, the detective that he is in love with is shot and he makes a bad decision to save her life. I can't wait for the third book to come out.
November 4, 2017
If there's one thing that I've learned about prowling the Independent Publications sector of literature, it's that Sturgeon's Law is in full effect. For those who don't know, Sturgeon's Law is simple: 90% of anything is crap. No truer is that statement when it comes to independently published books. There are no editorial mandates, no requirements for double or triple-checking your work or even quality control. I bring all this up because it means that when it comes to books like these, I've had to adjust my standards a little.
Take Soul Catcher for example, the second in the Shadow Detective series. I reviewed the first of the series over at Amazon, which you can find here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
I found it lacking. Not bad, just mediocre. There was a severe lack of world building, the characters were one-note and forgettable and the plot was just meh. Soul Catcher on the other hand is a step in the right direction. The story is a lot more tightly-knit with more emphasis placed on characterization this time. I say SOME though. A number of side characters with importance in the plot are given little in the way of development and when the twists and turns in the story happened, I didn't care enough about the characters. During the book, Mike Raven, our resident grumpypants detective admits that he loves Police Officer Jane Archer, a love we only have his word on after a single night together and no real time between them where we see any semblance of love develop between them.
The plot is so-so. It checks all the right boxes and moves along at a brisk pace like a standard B-Movie (which is funny because Massa's writing credits literally include B-Movies) but there's not really anything to chew on. It's popcorn lit at its most standard.
So why did I give it three stars? Well that ties in with my first paragraph. I rated the first book 2 stars. This one while still suffering from the same issues as the first, is better written, less info-dumpy, tighter paced and marginally better than its predecessor. It's enough to want to make me read the next one, but it's not like I'm jonesing for my next fix of super-uber-emo-dark city with Mike 'I've got a voice like a blender full of gravel' Raven.
Take Soul Catcher for example, the second in the Shadow Detective series. I reviewed the first of the series over at Amazon, which you can find here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
I found it lacking. Not bad, just mediocre. There was a severe lack of world building, the characters were one-note and forgettable and the plot was just meh. Soul Catcher on the other hand is a step in the right direction. The story is a lot more tightly-knit with more emphasis placed on characterization this time. I say SOME though. A number of side characters with importance in the plot are given little in the way of development and when the twists and turns in the story happened, I didn't care enough about the characters. During the book, Mike Raven, our resident grumpypants detective admits that he loves Police Officer Jane Archer, a love we only have his word on after a single night together and no real time between them where we see any semblance of love develop between them.
The plot is so-so. It checks all the right boxes and moves along at a brisk pace like a standard B-Movie (which is funny because Massa's writing credits literally include B-Movies) but there's not really anything to chew on. It's popcorn lit at its most standard.
So why did I give it three stars? Well that ties in with my first paragraph. I rated the first book 2 stars. This one while still suffering from the same issues as the first, is better written, less info-dumpy, tighter paced and marginally better than its predecessor. It's enough to want to make me read the next one, but it's not like I'm jonesing for my next fix of super-uber-emo-dark city with Mike 'I've got a voice like a blender full of gravel' Raven.
April 24, 2018
Soul Catcher is the second book in this well written series by William Massa. I came across this series by sheer accident and was hooked by book one, and here we are, reading along the entire series. The author seems to start of the book with a small case that seems to be like a warm up for what's to come. This book has a real interesting main plot that I really enjoyed a lot! I am not sure how the author comes up with this unique plots but I for one am very happy he does. The vary from ghosts to demons or your super charged vampire.
The pace of the book is usually on the faster side, keeping you glued to the edge of your seat and keeping you reading on. This book was difficult to put down. There is a somewhat underlying thread of story that covers the main characters but other than that this book is a stand alone story.
Raven doesn't have it easy but always rises to the challenge. He does have some growing up to do, but he is not afraid to step up to the challenge!
The pace of the book is usually on the faster side, keeping you glued to the edge of your seat and keeping you reading on. This book was difficult to put down. There is a somewhat underlying thread of story that covers the main characters but other than that this book is a stand alone story.
Raven doesn't have it easy but always rises to the challenge. He does have some growing up to do, but he is not afraid to step up to the challenge!
February 13, 2023
Book 2 and not much here.
So I went ahead and tried book two of the series, and I'm trying to like the main character in the world that the authors building but it just is so unoriginal. I always compare books of urban fantasy to Dresden files and this is very far from it. The end of the book had a better ending and maybe he's trying to build the characters a little more but most of the dialogue is cringe and there's no real surprises as it goes from one trope to the next. It's not bad, it's just average and at best, an enjoyable simple read but a little forgettable. Sometimes it feels like a made for TV movie. It's also very short really book one and two should have been one book, however the way they were written they wouldn't merge very well without a lot of work.
So I went ahead and tried book two of the series, and I'm trying to like the main character in the world that the authors building but it just is so unoriginal. I always compare books of urban fantasy to Dresden files and this is very far from it. The end of the book had a better ending and maybe he's trying to build the characters a little more but most of the dialogue is cringe and there's no real surprises as it goes from one trope to the next. It's not bad, it's just average and at best, an enjoyable simple read but a little forgettable. Sometimes it feels like a made for TV movie. It's also very short really book one and two should have been one book, however the way they were written they wouldn't merge very well without a lot of work.
August 19, 2018
This book continues straight on from book one, it has a faster pace to it, as there is less back story to fill in. Raven is drawn in to a mystery that see's a ghost spirit of a death row killer, released back into the world on a path of revenge. Good book with a few nice twists, the series is progressing nicely.
September 11, 2017
The second book in the series did not disappoint! Really enjoyed this hard hitting action packed sequel. Spoiler alert - a cliff hangar left me reaching for the third book which I started straight away! A brilliant read, written by a great talented writer that leaves you wanting more.
November 24, 2017
A great book
I really enjoyed reading this book,I love the characters, all I can say is poor raven,I will definitely be reading the rest,I'm hooked I'd recommend this book and series to any urban fantasy fan
I really enjoyed reading this book,I love the characters, all I can say is poor raven,I will definitely be reading the rest,I'm hooked I'd recommend this book and series to any urban fantasy fan
January 8, 2019
Unbelievable
This book was so fast paced it Sent faster than the Speed Of Light from the beginning. The action sometimes paralysed My Heart With Fear! And The Ending You Will Never Never See Coming! You must read this book and I will be reading the series ASAP!
This book was so fast paced it Sent faster than the Speed Of Light from the beginning. The action sometimes paralysed My Heart With Fear! And The Ending You Will Never Never See Coming! You must read this book and I will be reading the series ASAP!
April 12, 2019
Stand aside ghost whisperer
Excellent story about a man who helps spirits/ helps detectives solve paranormal related crimes. I really enjoyed the twist at the end, too. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series.
Excellent story about a man who helps spirits/ helps detectives solve paranormal related crimes. I really enjoyed the twist at the end, too. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series.
June 6, 2019
Wow
What a ride with a totally unexpected ending.
Raven is up against evil coming from wild places. I never exoected this surprise ending.
I enjoyed this book so much I am ordering book three.
I looked up the car, equus bass. Wow, what a car.
What a ride with a totally unexpected ending.
Raven is up against evil coming from wild places. I never exoected this surprise ending.
I enjoyed this book so much I am ordering book three.
I looked up the car, equus bass. Wow, what a car.
May 25, 2020
Good book, worth the read
The plot is a bit easy to predict, but the story is well written enough that you can forgive that.
I enjoy the characters & their interactions. The story also moves along smoothly & quickly.
The plot is a bit easy to predict, but the story is well written enough that you can forgive that.
I enjoy the characters & their interactions. The story also moves along smoothly & quickly.
April 15, 2021
Another fast paced, crazy ride that I found very enjoyable. I am grateful that the books are fairly short because they really don't let up much.
The main storyline wraps up, but there is a cliffhanger finish. You have been warned.
The main storyline wraps up, but there is a cliffhanger finish. You have been warned.
May 28, 2017
Another great read
I enjoyed the second Raven book. With more action and adding more information on the developing story it was a page turner. Looking forward to read the next book
I enjoyed the second Raven book. With more action and adding more information on the developing story it was a page turner. Looking forward to read the next book
September 8, 2017
Loved it, found it very hard to put down.
December 23, 2017
Bad
I didn't finish it since about halfway through the book, I was rooting for the vengeful ghost.
TV stereotypes describe every character, all the action and the sketched in relationships. The two supernatural avengers have an escape tunnel built under their expensively furnished and rehabbed headquarters. Their garage has a camouflaged entrance to said tunnel and it opens to a second property's parking lot.
For two guys who have no explained income, they do certainly have money to spend. It makes the hipster supernatural detective shtick too much to bear.
A mention of Mayan history to lend some credence to the story, add a hodgepodge of magic, supernatural creatures, etc. and voila a series. Not a good one but a series.
The mandatory all prisoners are guilty sociopaths, when ninety percent of all prisoners in this country are convicted for drug related crimes (think marijuana possession, meth usage and walking while black or brown), made me sick. It went from vacuous to offensive.
I don't think that you can find any enjoyment in these books, unless you can overlook all the above and more.
I didn't finish it since about halfway through the book, I was rooting for the vengeful ghost.
TV stereotypes describe every character, all the action and the sketched in relationships. The two supernatural avengers have an escape tunnel built under their expensively furnished and rehabbed headquarters. Their garage has a camouflaged entrance to said tunnel and it opens to a second property's parking lot.
For two guys who have no explained income, they do certainly have money to spend. It makes the hipster supernatural detective shtick too much to bear.
A mention of Mayan history to lend some credence to the story, add a hodgepodge of magic, supernatural creatures, etc. and voila a series. Not a good one but a series.
The mandatory all prisoners are guilty sociopaths, when ninety percent of all prisoners in this country are convicted for drug related crimes (think marijuana possession, meth usage and walking while black or brown), made me sick. It went from vacuous to offensive.
I don't think that you can find any enjoyment in these books, unless you can overlook all the above and more.
March 8, 2018
A whole bunch of fun
I rushed for the next in the series lol me an addict. Gotta know what happens. Please keep writing soul catchers
I rushed for the next in the series lol me an addict. Gotta know what happens. Please keep writing soul catchers
June 2, 2018
Enjoyable book albeit not very original. I will probably read more in this series.
August 28, 2018
3.75*
September 17, 2018
💘💘💘💘💘💘💘💘 it
Loved it very much, Butcher meet seedy nickel store detective novel. Have read the first three back to back and will continue till I'm caught up.
Loved it very much, Butcher meet seedy nickel store detective novel. Have read the first three back to back and will continue till I'm caught up.
December 28, 2018
Love it!
I was not let down. I sometimes won't buy the 2nd book of a serial because usually it's a flop but I was not disappointed. Now I go to purchase the next one.
I was not let down. I sometimes won't buy the 2nd book of a serial because usually it's a flop but I was not disappointed. Now I go to purchase the next one.
Want to read
June 13, 2019Personal Note: See "Shadow Detective" on kindle
June 17, 2019
Definitely a dark, scary book
Well written supernatural thriller . I didn't read book 1, however I got the gist of it. Raven searches out evil to destroy it .
Well written supernatural thriller . I didn't read book 1, however I got the gist of it. Raven searches out evil to destroy it .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews