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Mary O’Reilly #19
Old Acquaintance
The spirit from the asylum has followed Mary O’Reilly home for the holidays. But there are no chestnuts roasting on the open fires he’s creating. With Rosie and Stanley in danger, will Mary and company be able to assure themselves of a Merry Christmas, or will things go terribly, terribly wrong?
316 pages, ebook
First published April 11, 2017
361 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Terri Reid
105 books828 followersTerri Reid is the author of the Mary O’Reilly Paranormal Mysteries. An indie author, Reid uploaded her first book “Loose Ends” in August 2010. By the end of 2012, “Loose Ends” had sold over 82,000 copies and, as of the writing of this bio, was the number one bestselling book in Amazon’s ranking of Ghost Stories in the Book/Literature & Fiction/Genre Fiction/Horror/Ghosts section and the number two in the same area in the Kindle eBooks section. She has eight other books in the Mary O’Reilly Series and has enjoyed Top Rated and Hot New Release status for many of them in the Women Sleuths category through Amazon US. Her books have been translated into Spanish and Portuguese and are also now available through CreateSpace and Amazon in print versions. She is also working on an audiobook for “Loose Ends.”
Reid has been quoted in several books about the self-publishing industry, including “Let’s Get Digital” by David Gaughran and “Interviews with Indie Authors: Top Tips from Successful Self-Published Authors” by Claire and Tim Ridgway. She was also honored to have some of her works included in A. J. Abbiati’s book “The NORTAV Method for Writers—The Secrets to Constructing Prose Like the Pros.” She has also had the distinct privilege of guest blogging for Joe Konrath.
Reid is from Northwest Illinois, near the town of Freeport, the home of her fictional characters. Her background is in marketing and public relations. She is married, the mother of seven children, and the grandmother of twenty-three.
She has her grandchildren convinced that she talks to fairies and animals - and they talk back.
Reid has been quoted in several books about the self-publishing industry, including “Let’s Get Digital” by David Gaughran and “Interviews with Indie Authors: Top Tips from Successful Self-Published Authors” by Claire and Tim Ridgway. She was also honored to have some of her works included in A. J. Abbiati’s book “The NORTAV Method for Writers—The Secrets to Constructing Prose Like the Pros.” She has also had the distinct privilege of guest blogging for Joe Konrath.
Reid is from Northwest Illinois, near the town of Freeport, the home of her fictional characters. Her background is in marketing and public relations. She is married, the mother of seven children, and the grandmother of twenty-three.
She has her grandchildren convinced that she talks to fairies and animals - and they talk back.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
April 15, 2017
Scary ghosts
Wow, another scary entity for Mary and her crew to vanquish. The spirit of Christmas prevails. Yippee
I love this series and Mary's crew. I get upset whenever I think one of them is going to die. I hope Terrie never gets tired of telling is stories.
Wow, another scary entity for Mary and her crew to vanquish. The spirit of Christmas prevails. Yippee
I love this series and Mary's crew. I get upset whenever I think one of them is going to die. I hope Terrie never gets tired of telling is stories.
April 13, 2017
Best series
I am never disappointed, I love these books! Terri Reid, thank you for sharing Mary O'Reilly with us. Thank You.
I am never disappointed, I love these books! Terri Reid, thank you for sharing Mary O'Reilly with us. Thank You.
July 1, 2017
Teri Reid doesn't disappoint! Good twists and turns in this one, and one scary ghost. And still no baby. Sigh! This pregnancy is taking longer than April the Giraffe.
May 22, 2017
Old Acquaintances
I love the Mary O'Reilly Paranormal Mysteries! Every time one is released I have to get it and read it right away! Keep writing Terri and ill keep reading!
I love the Mary O'Reilly Paranormal Mysteries! Every time one is released I have to get it and read it right away! Keep writing Terri and ill keep reading!
February 12, 2018
I don’t know why, but I didn’t really like this story. I still enjoyed reading about Mary, Bradley and Clarrisa and Adeline was an interesting addition, although Stanley does irritate me at times.
I think it is partly because I am beginning to find these books a bit too mushy and overly religious. I also found this story was pushing my disbelief more than normal. It just all felt too contrived and to be honest, rather ridiculous.
I think it is partly because I am beginning to find these books a bit too mushy and overly religious. I also found this story was pushing my disbelief more than normal. It just all felt too contrived and to be honest, rather ridiculous.
July 26, 2017
Probably closer to a 2-2.5 star book for me but for sentimentality for the series as a whole and the characters, I'm rounding it up to a 3 star. I did like parts of it but overall, closer to OK.
I have a definite fondness for this series and the characters but this book wasn't a favorite. The whole malevolent ghost/entity thing, a direction that has started and stopped in previous books just doesn't work for me in this series. In this case it's an evil child ghost/demon/whatever with more and different powers that Mary and team have faced before and it seemed like some very bad choices were made with who was protected and how, based on what happened and the info the team had to work with (that's vague as I don't want to give spoilers). Also, as noted in my last few reviews, Mary's pregnancy seems to be taking YEARS to get to the birth of Mikey. I get that the books run about month apart in the storyline (hence a holiday themed book published in April) but I'd like a jump and let her birth the baby already. Although there have been stronger books in the series, I will undoubtedly grab the next book to find out if the birth ever happens and see where the characters are going next.
I have a definite fondness for this series and the characters but this book wasn't a favorite. The whole malevolent ghost/entity thing, a direction that has started and stopped in previous books just doesn't work for me in this series. In this case it's an evil child ghost/demon/whatever with more and different powers that Mary and team have faced before and it seemed like some very bad choices were made with who was protected and how, based on what happened and the info the team had to work with (that's vague as I don't want to give spoilers). Also, as noted in my last few reviews, Mary's pregnancy seems to be taking YEARS to get to the birth of Mikey. I get that the books run about month apart in the storyline (hence a holiday themed book published in April) but I'd like a jump and let her birth the baby already. Although there have been stronger books in the series, I will undoubtedly grab the next book to find out if the birth ever happens and see where the characters are going next.
July 30, 2017
This one made me really sad. I hate that anything happened to Stanley. I absolutely loved the whole Spirit of Christmas idea! Great way to solve this case! Now I need the rest. What about Mikey!
June 3, 2017
Read this review and more on my blog at [Roxie Writes].
'Old Acquaintance' by Terri Reid
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Finished on May 25, 2017
Read with Kindle Unlimited Subscription
FREE on Kindle Unlimited | $3.99 on Kindle | $12.99 in Paperback
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
In the nineteenth installment of the Mary O'Reilly Paranormal Mystery Series, a heavily pregnant Mary brings home something malevolent from her visit to an asylum. It's the Christmas holidays, but there can be little jolly cheer this year as this entity's presence looms over them, threatening their safety. Mary and her crew have never faced something like this before, but they'll have to find a way to overcome this spirit before it's too late.
MY REVIEW:
We all know how much I look forward to a new Mary O'Reilly book. This is my favorite series in years, and I wait for them like a kid at Christmas. (How fitting that this is a Christmas-themed story, eh?)
After reviewing eighteen of these books, I feel like I've begun to say much of the same things over and over: "it's an uplifting story about family and friendship"; "the ghost stories are both creepy and heartwarming"; "the relationships between Mary and her friends/family/Bradley are authentic and touching"; "Reid has created a world that draws you in and keeps you there. You never want to leave, and when you do, you wait eagerly for the next time you can step back in"; "these characters become your friends". Well, every single one of these statements are true. They are the reasons I have read nineteen of these novels and will continue to read all of them that follow. And why I read all of Reid's other works.
'Old Acquaintance' is no different. By now, we've all gotten to know Mary, Bradley, Mike, Stanley, Rosie, Ian, and the rest quite well, and they've become real people to us. This novel wasn't my favorite of the lot, but I do feel like it was integral to the development of their characters. Especially Mary's.
We had yet to see Mary confront a spirit quite like this one. Up until now, they've all come to her looking for help and redemption, but this one had nothing but ill intent. She needed a whole new approach to tackle this one, and I also think it was important she tackle this spirit while she was still carrying Baby Mikey. Mary is an incredibly compassionate character, but she never fails to step up and be strong when she needs to be -- when she needs to protect those she loves. This instance proved that even further.
Reid is a remarkable storyteller. She writes simple and unadorned prose that appeals to a wide audience. It's no wonder she's had such success. As always, I look forward to the next book with bated breath. Keep 'em coming, Madame Reid!
'Old Acquaintance' by Terri Reid
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Finished on May 25, 2017
Read with Kindle Unlimited Subscription
FREE on Kindle Unlimited | $3.99 on Kindle | $12.99 in Paperback
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
In the nineteenth installment of the Mary O'Reilly Paranormal Mystery Series, a heavily pregnant Mary brings home something malevolent from her visit to an asylum. It's the Christmas holidays, but there can be little jolly cheer this year as this entity's presence looms over them, threatening their safety. Mary and her crew have never faced something like this before, but they'll have to find a way to overcome this spirit before it's too late.
MY REVIEW:
We all know how much I look forward to a new Mary O'Reilly book. This is my favorite series in years, and I wait for them like a kid at Christmas. (How fitting that this is a Christmas-themed story, eh?)
After reviewing eighteen of these books, I feel like I've begun to say much of the same things over and over: "it's an uplifting story about family and friendship"; "the ghost stories are both creepy and heartwarming"; "the relationships between Mary and her friends/family/Bradley are authentic and touching"; "Reid has created a world that draws you in and keeps you there. You never want to leave, and when you do, you wait eagerly for the next time you can step back in"; "these characters become your friends". Well, every single one of these statements are true. They are the reasons I have read nineteen of these novels and will continue to read all of them that follow. And why I read all of Reid's other works.
'Old Acquaintance' is no different. By now, we've all gotten to know Mary, Bradley, Mike, Stanley, Rosie, Ian, and the rest quite well, and they've become real people to us. This novel wasn't my favorite of the lot, but I do feel like it was integral to the development of their characters. Especially Mary's.
We had yet to see Mary confront a spirit quite like this one. Up until now, they've all come to her looking for help and redemption, but this one had nothing but ill intent. She needed a whole new approach to tackle this one, and I also think it was important she tackle this spirit while she was still carrying Baby Mikey. Mary is an incredibly compassionate character, but she never fails to step up and be strong when she needs to be -- when she needs to protect those she loves. This instance proved that even further.
Reid is a remarkable storyteller. She writes simple and unadorned prose that appeals to a wide audience. It's no wonder she's had such success. As always, I look forward to the next book with bated breath. Keep 'em coming, Madame Reid!
May 25, 2017
Another of Mary O'Reilly's books, and another book that I really loved. Even if the formula is well known, it's not getting old. There is a little difference in this book, because the ghost that's looking for Mary is not after her help, but it's something more sinister. I think that the title of old acquaintances is because we see more of a character that had already visited Mary in one of her books, or to be more specific in one of the short stories in her series, and we see more of another ghost that she had already fought once before in one of her books.
As always Mary has a lot of people around her that worries about her and are willing to do anything to help her, and then we have Mary, the one who worries about everyone and still has trouble accepting that she can't do everything by herself. At the end, we see how strong she is, and that she is not alone, even when it seems like she is, her good deeds guarantee her the help she needs when she needs it.
As always Mary has a lot of people around her that worries about her and are willing to do anything to help her, and then we have Mary, the one who worries about everyone and still has trouble accepting that she can't do everything by herself. At the end, we see how strong she is, and that she is not alone, even when it seems like she is, her good deeds guarantee her the help she needs when she needs it.
September 3, 2017
I LOVE this series. In all honesty, I have suffered for years from clinical depression, and was suffering from a very serious downturn. This series helped get me through. The friendship, the camaraderie, the family, the love and laughter, helped tremendously. It was extremely helpful in getting me to that turning point back to me.
I laughed till my belly hurt, then cried until I couldn't see the words. I felt anger and betrayal for those whose journey was suspended. I found redemption, grace, and, most of all, hope. I loved the ghosts/spirits (except for those malevolent ones), the mortals, the story lines and resolutions. I loved the lessons these stories conveyed, and the poignancy with which they were told.
I have several favorite characters, Mary and Bradley (and, by extension, Clarissa), being the foundation. Ian is someone I want to meet, and get to know, and just listen to him talk. Hopefully, he wears the black shirt (but don't tell Gillian I said that...it's strictly platonic, I swear). Mike. Dear Mike. I cried so hard for him for some reason, especially the role he was given. It was a sweetness that I didn't even know i was craving. I love Mike. I want Mike on my side. Always. Rosie & Stanley, such a opposites-attract couple, yet full of love. The O'Reilly clan. Can I move in with them?? Or maybe just visit Ireland with Sean??
I suspended all other reading until I got through the entire series, and feel as though these characters are my friends and family. Please, please, please, give me more!
Note: I would love to give this series 4 1/2 stars, or even 5, but the grammatical and punctuation errors just don't cut it for me. Miss Terri, your writing is superb. Let it be polished until it glows. Let me be your proofreader (beta reader?).
I laughed till my belly hurt, then cried until I couldn't see the words. I felt anger and betrayal for those whose journey was suspended. I found redemption, grace, and, most of all, hope. I loved the ghosts/spirits (except for those malevolent ones), the mortals, the story lines and resolutions. I loved the lessons these stories conveyed, and the poignancy with which they were told.
I have several favorite characters, Mary and Bradley (and, by extension, Clarissa), being the foundation. Ian is someone I want to meet, and get to know, and just listen to him talk. Hopefully, he wears the black shirt (but don't tell Gillian I said that...it's strictly platonic, I swear). Mike. Dear Mike. I cried so hard for him for some reason, especially the role he was given. It was a sweetness that I didn't even know i was craving. I love Mike. I want Mike on my side. Always. Rosie & Stanley, such a opposites-attract couple, yet full of love. The O'Reilly clan. Can I move in with them?? Or maybe just visit Ireland with Sean??
I suspended all other reading until I got through the entire series, and feel as though these characters are my friends and family. Please, please, please, give me more!
Note: I would love to give this series 4 1/2 stars, or even 5, but the grammatical and punctuation errors just don't cut it for me. Miss Terri, your writing is superb. Let it be polished until it glows. Let me be your proofreader (beta reader?).
October 17, 2018
Another book in one of my favourite series, this story has Mary, Bradley, Mike and the rest of the little family endangered by an evil spirit around Christmas time, and it will need all of their courage and determination (and perhaps a little help by someone else?) to face and banish this malevolent entity.
I do not have all of the book in this series yet, so I have not managed to read them all in chronological order, but like every other book in the series, this can be read as a standalone - any information the reader needs for the story is made available, and the rest, while it may rouse the curiosity, is not that important for this particular story.
I love the characters, and their unique way in dealing with situations as they arise, not easy considering it will always involve a ghost and some mystery.
This is storytelling at its best, and highly recommendable if you love paranormal, mystery, a bit of romance with humour thrown in as a bonus.
I do not have all of the book in this series yet, so I have not managed to read them all in chronological order, but like every other book in the series, this can be read as a standalone - any information the reader needs for the story is made available, and the rest, while it may rouse the curiosity, is not that important for this particular story.
I love the characters, and their unique way in dealing with situations as they arise, not easy considering it will always involve a ghost and some mystery.
This is storytelling at its best, and highly recommendable if you love paranormal, mystery, a bit of romance with humour thrown in as a bonus.
May 12, 2017
Christmas chills
Mary and Bradley brought something home with them from the asylum they investigated in their last case. It's very dangerous, malevolent and wants to hurt or maybe even kill everybody close to Mary. The evil spirit wants something from Mary and if they don't work out who the spirit is and what it wants there may be no Christmas celebrations this year. This is one of the most dangerous spirits Mary has ever faced and she will need the support of all her friends both living and dead to come through it unscathed.
Mary and Bradley brought something home with them from the asylum they investigated in their last case. It's very dangerous, malevolent and wants to hurt or maybe even kill everybody close to Mary. The evil spirit wants something from Mary and if they don't work out who the spirit is and what it wants there may be no Christmas celebrations this year. This is one of the most dangerous spirits Mary has ever faced and she will need the support of all her friends both living and dead to come through it unscathed.
May 24, 2017
Once again Terri delivers. I have followed Mary, Bradley, Stanley and Rosie from Book 1 Loose Ends to present. As a paranormal investigator myself, I love the stories that Terri weaves. With being just north of where Terri lives, the towns mentioned are a nostalgia that takes me back to all these places I grew up knowing.
As I continue to 'patiently' wait for the next Mary O'Reilly book (and the birth of Mikey), I will continue to cherish this wonderful series that is filled with laughter mixed with some serious happenings.
Kudos, Terri!! I look forward to many more Mary stories!
As I continue to 'patiently' wait for the next Mary O'Reilly book (and the birth of Mikey), I will continue to cherish this wonderful series that is filled with laughter mixed with some serious happenings.
Kudos, Terri!! I look forward to many more Mary stories!
June 25, 2017
Another great one!
If you have already started this series then you really don't even need the review. This whole series is charming yet has a great air of suspense. While I keep thinking, terri Reid isn't going to be able to come up with another ghost encounter that different than what we have already read, she proves me wrong each time.
In this book, Mary is at 8 months pregnant. Is dealing with a different spirit which is quite interesting. Usually she is helping spirits find the light and move on. In this one there is no light for this restless soul!
If you have already started this series then you really don't even need the review. This whole series is charming yet has a great air of suspense. While I keep thinking, terri Reid isn't going to be able to come up with another ghost encounter that different than what we have already read, she proves me wrong each time.
In this book, Mary is at 8 months pregnant. Is dealing with a different spirit which is quite interesting. Usually she is helping spirits find the light and move on. In this one there is no light for this restless soul!
September 14, 2017
I've read all the books in this series and I think this is the lowest rating I've ever given a Terri Reid book. And I'm sad about it. I really hope this is just an aberration as I recommend this entire series (and her other series the Blackwood files) highly.
I'm struggling to define why I disliked it so much, except that it made me miserable and it took me almost two weeks to bring myself to finish it. I normally read these books in their entirety the first night I download them.
There was no joy in it, very little of the usual fun and too much, too dark misery for me. Sorry.
I'm struggling to define why I disliked it so much, except that it made me miserable and it took me almost two weeks to bring myself to finish it. I normally read these books in their entirety the first night I download them.
There was no joy in it, very little of the usual fun and too much, too dark misery for me. Sorry.
May 16, 2017
I never really know how to write a review. I just want to say that as always Terri writes a great entertaining and clean book....Mary's encounters always keep me glued and waiting to see "who" else is going to crop up...It had me tearful at the end, but I am always hopeful there will be a happy ending...I love the new character that they have met and hope to see more of this one and once again, got to "see" Ian's gorgeous chest! Great work Terri, just waiting for more! :o)
November 26, 2017
Still reading about Mary's pregnancy.Leading up to Halloween she was 7 months pregnant, then leading up to Thanksgiving she was 8 months pregnant. And now leading up to Christmas again she was 8 months pregnant. I will probably not keep watch on this series and read anymore. I loved the series at first but with the books staying within the same year Mary and Bradley got married and not really moving forward this series has gotten to be a bore.
February 15, 2024
Fire fire
My biggest fear Is to end up in a fire And that's where my life ends because I am so afraid of fire What it does to Your body and Burn And it hurts a lot Just think of the little Burn you get when you Pull out something from the stove and don't pay attention And it gets on your arm So this is A book Facing your fears And overcoming them Enjoy the book Keep cheering on Mario Riley
My biggest fear Is to end up in a fire And that's where my life ends because I am so afraid of fire What it does to Your body and Burn And it hurts a lot Just think of the little Burn you get when you Pull out something from the stove and don't pay attention And it gets on your arm So this is A book Facing your fears And overcoming them Enjoy the book Keep cheering on Mario Riley
May 29, 2017
Creepy ghosts
Terri Reid's ghosts in Mary's stories give me the willies, this was a more menacing one. Of course it doesn't help reading alone late at night.
Another amazing story. With the chills there were tears. There was a groan too, but that was me. It will be Autumn 2017 before book 2 in Brigid's Cross series is here. I can't wait! Any Terri Reid book is worth the wait.
Terri Reid's ghosts in Mary's stories give me the willies, this was a more menacing one. Of course it doesn't help reading alone late at night.
Another amazing story. With the chills there were tears. There was a groan too, but that was me. It will be Autumn 2017 before book 2 in Brigid's Cross series is here. I can't wait! Any Terri Reid book is worth the wait.
November 26, 2017
FANTASTIC.
I absolutely love the whole series. I can't wait for the next one to be released. I was so drawn into the first book that I couldn't wait to read book two. Then I was addicted to the series. I couldn't put my Kindle down. Terri Reid is an amazing author. She grabs you in right from the first chapter.
I absolutely love the whole series. I can't wait for the next one to be released. I was so drawn into the first book that I couldn't wait to read book two. Then I was addicted to the series. I couldn't put my Kindle down. Terri Reid is an amazing author. She grabs you in right from the first chapter.
May 6, 2017
Great series!
This is not a very violent, spirit crazed series. It is a more laidback type of ghost story with loveable characters. It does involve some scary moments, and mystery, but it's not vile.
This is not a very violent, spirit crazed series. It is a more laidback type of ghost story with loveable characters. It does involve some scary moments, and mystery, but it's not vile.
May 17, 2017
Awesome
I love each and every book, I can't wait for each new book to come out.I love all the characters. Just wondering if the baby will have her z
Abilities. Can't wait for book 20!!!
I love each and every book, I can't wait for each new book to come out.I love all the characters. Just wondering if the baby will have her z
Abilities. Can't wait for book 20!!!
May 27, 2017
Very good! One of my favorites, a whole lot ofghosts help Mary solve this one. The more the merrier! I just loved all of them, Adeline is so lovely, and Dr, Buus, so wretched I thought, poor guy. A must-read for those who love the paranormal with Mary O´Reilly.
July 5, 2017
I worried that this one would be too dark. It was a little heavier than normal, but didn't cross into the terrible. The lead up to Ian and Gillian's story although alluded to wasn't as heavy handed as Sean's was in an earlier story. So all in all another good Mary O'Reilly story.
August 13, 2017
Loved this story.
This story kept your interest at every counter. This was a very fast read. I couldn't put the book down one I started to read it.
I would give this story a 5 star rating
This story kept your interest at every counter. This was a very fast read. I couldn't put the book down one I started to read it.
I would give this story a 5 star rating
August 23, 2017
Great story. As always Terri Reid keeps you hooked all the way to the end.
Loved the book. Couldn't put the book down
As always with a Terri Reid book I couldn't wait to get to the next page
Loved the book. Couldn't put the book down
As always with a Terri Reid book I couldn't wait to get to the next page
October 6, 2017
Love this series
Cannot wait to read the next book. It not only holds your attention wondering what will happen next . It also gives you insight of a caring family and friends. I would highly recommend this to anyone that likes ghost stories .
Cannot wait to read the next book. It not only holds your attention wondering what will happen next . It also gives you insight of a caring family and friends. I would highly recommend this to anyone that likes ghost stories .
December 22, 2017
I love the Mary O’Reilly series by Terri Reid. Mary is able to see ghosts since she was in a car accident. She helps them go to the light. This series (I’ve read them all (20) and they’re all wonderful. A lot of levity, too. Each on deserves 5 stars!
February 8, 2018
Better than most of her books. I do like her stories but I constantly find little spelling and grammar errors that distract me. And sometimes an overdose of cuteness. Not enough to stop me from following Mary O'Reilly.
March 27, 2018
A great series
No one ever has to cuss or be hateful in any Mary O'Reilly story. They are full of hope and healing and kindness. Definitely more of what this world needs now. Thank you, Terri Reid, for giving us hope.
No one ever has to cuss or be hateful in any Mary O'Reilly story. They are full of hope and healing and kindness. Definitely more of what this world needs now. Thank you, Terri Reid, for giving us hope.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews