Soul Mate

by William Massa

A CHILLING SUPERNATURAL THRILLER.

Not everyone you meet online is who they claim to be...

Dating apps. A great way to connect in a wired, increasingly busy world, but do you really know who hides behind the smiling pictures? The flirtatious text messages? What if the person on the other end of the dating profile isn't quite what they appear to be...

Mark found her photo on a popular dating site. Her name was Akasha, and she was beautiful. Seductive. Irresistible. She wrote that she was looking for friendship. Love. A real connection.
 

But Akasha is concealing a terrifying secret...

"FATAL ATTRACTION meets THE RING." -- Amazon Reviewer

"Very spooky novella. Original idea and some creepy moments." -- Mark Lukens - author of "Ancient Enemy"

* Soul Mate is a new edition of Match: A Supernatural Thriller. *

Genres: Horror

171 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 15, 2014

Reviews

[Amethyst · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited when I received William's latest book Match as Ive loved every book he's written (see my previous reviews) ...most authors stick with the same genre but not Mr Massa tinkers with different ones just to keep us alert so you never quite know what exciting read is round the corner for us.

Match is something quite different but another brilliant supernatural thriller which I read in one sitting. I don't want to give too much away but I can say its fast paced and keeps you turning those digital pages till the end.
Mark's brother Josh is mysteriously killed in a house fire and his last word to his brother Mark before he died was "Akasha"; but the fire department were happy it was a typical lads pot and drinking accident.
Mark finds and contacts Akasha to find out more about his brothers death; but of course its not going to end well and he opens a Pandora's box of problems from the outset. Fearing for his and his girlfriend Lynn's life; sends him on a detective hunt to find out whats behind her stunning Facebook and dating app profile.

Mr Massa has created a chilling skillfully woven story of the dangers of dating in making bunny boilers look tame; stalkers human or otherwise are scary enough as just meaningless meetings can be totally construed wrongly resulting in terrifying consequences as Mark finds out.

But what creates a stalker is not always what it seems...who is Akasha; I loved this fast paced storyline finishing this book in one sitting. An engaging read with believable characters you want to root for and realistic descriptive writing where you can almost feel the heat of the flames on your face.
Its another fab read from the library of William Massa and a brilliant novella for a weekend away to immerse yourself in supernatural horror.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good, it kept me at the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. Being a supernatural thriller I expected Akasha to be someone who had magic powers and would destroy anyone who did her wrong but what was actually happening and what was uncovered blew me away. Great story line and the main characters were easy to relate to in my opinion.

[Bandit · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve never tried this author before. This book was a kindle freebie that finally got thrown into my reading mix, mostly (to be honest) due to its brevity. And brief indeed it was, much more so than the page count actually suggests. The last quarter of the book is taken up by a preview and other than that the author’s storytelling style is so dialogue driven and breezy that the entire thing took only about 45 minutes for 182 pages. That’s probably the secret to the author’s prolificness…dictionary.com assures me this is an actual word. The man specializes in series and got tons of books under his proverbial belt, short sentences, short paragraphs, short chapters and skimpy on all other aspects too, such as character development, plot, etc., but he throws in just enough to entertain, albeit a not especially demanding audience. From author’s other titles and cheesiness of the cover, I didn’t go in expecting much (arguably the best way of going into things) and wasn’t disappointed. It was certainly a very lightweight fun, snack food of a book. Nothing special, nothing especially memorable or original, but it did entertain, at least enough for a quick free read. The basic plot involves such silly things as millennials and their social media obsessions and dating apps. Very much a story for our despicably digital times or disconnected interconnectedness. So if there are any lessons to be learned here is that…take care which way you swipe. Or even (gasp) don’t believe all you read on social media. But then again these characters are young, dumb, etc. and thus the story goes. Expect nothing and you might be mildly entertained.

[Michelle Bacon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and predictable

Match is a quick, easy read with a predictable outcome. A college student winds up dead in what appears to be a freakish accident. His brother is not convinced and starts his own investigation.
The brother delves into the world of online dating and uncovers a missing person cold case that quickly heats up and burns.
I enjoyed this short tale but I think the characters were just two -dimensional and needed to be fleshed out more to make the reader care more about the characters.

[Harry Sahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I like best about William Massa's books is that he can tell a great story in few words. Other reviewers complained that at 180 pages the story was too short. I appreciate that Mr. Massa can write a supernatural thriller with attention to details and no added fluff. The characters were believable and the mystery of what happens next made for a quick paced story I enjoyed very much.
The possible consequences from meeting a stranger on the internet can be scary through an experienced writer like Mr. Massa.
Blaze is a cell phone app that allows you to meet friends on Facebook. But when men accept a friend request from a woman named Akasha they wind up dead. Specifically, burned to death.
When the main character's brother dies, his final word is 'Akasha' and Mark is determined to find her. Setting up a meeting with this stranger from cyberspace to gather information should have been innocent enough but everything about Akasha proves to be dangerous. Mark tries to limit it to messaging her, but she sees things differently. Who is Akasha and why is she doing this?
Read this fast paced book to find out about Akasha's background. Is she a creepy stalker or a pitiful victim? I was pleased with the ending and then the epilogue makes one think there may be a sequel. If this happens, count me in for the next book.

[Jude · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, another “must-keep-reading” book from William Massa. Mr. Massa has perfected the art of sucking you right into the story from the beginning, and once there, you can’t leave it until you’ve finished it.

This time, Mr. Massa takes the reader into a frightening world where internet dating can have deadly consequences. The cover for the book says it all. It’s a chilling story and playing with fire can get you burned. It’s haunting and it’s frightening, but the strong will survive.

I particularly liked the attention to detail in William Massa’s writing. The hero and his girlfriend have everyday, standard names, Mark and Lynne. The elusive and eerily seductive and dangerous entity behind the profile photo, has the exotic name of “Akasha.” It’s a name to haunt you.

I had a problem, at first, with Mr. Massa writing in the first person present. This is purely a personal preference. But the story was so engrossing, my brain seemed to ignore it, because I just HAD to finish the book. Then I had to read it again to savour the chills.

When a William Massa book comes out, I know I’m in for a surprise, some chills, some thrills, and book I can’t put down.

[Ami Lea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really creepy. It reminds me a bit of some of the more popular horror flicks, like Dark Water or The Ring, where the dead come back to Earth to avenge themselves. There is a fun supernatural element in Match. If Akasha wasn't the ghost of a girl hell-bent on murdering any man who fails to offer her reciprocal love, she could be seen as an X-Men type of superhero or the kid in Firestarter. I love that the social dating app at the center of the story is called Blaze. It's a great play on words. There is something compelling about the idea of a scorned woman getting even. I also love that there are two stories playing along side each other. While the horror element is more prominent, there is also an underlying love story between the main character and his girlfriend, Lynn. William Massa did a good job with this. The story is to the point, and without any ridiculous conjecture or over-the-top discussion of feelings. He allows both of the scenarios play out and combines them in the final scene. It is very well done.
All in all, I liked this book. I wish it was a bit longer, but it is a great story.

[Shanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

***I won a free copy of this book via the First Reads Giveaway***

Even though the book is rather short (I finished it in a day) I enjoyed it. It's a murder mystery with a supernatural twist. A man and women hookup via a dating app. Something goes wrong and the girl ends up dead. Suddenly, the burnt bodies of young men start turning up all over the city. The one thing they all have in common is that they all used the same dating app. The story goes on from there and I don't want to give anything else away.

This is a good story, but it needs much more detail. Its missing the point-of-views of the killer and the police. The story feels one sided. There isn't much character development. I didn't feel like I was in the head of the characters. I was just being told a story, but not actually experiencing it. Its an interesting storyline, but it needs much more work to be considered a complete novel rather than a short-story.

[Suleika Santana -All About Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. Well written suspense story. It was a bit scary at parts but it's only because everything scares me, it might not scare a different reader.
The story was very interesting and it had me wondering what would happen. Loved how the author ended the story, it makes you think something then BANG, you read the Epilogue and you will be surprised.
It was a quick read, you can read it in one sitting and it will keep you reading. There are no boring parts in the story.
There is a lot of mystery. The story is not predictable at all.
I really liked the characters, even Akasha was well written.
There was one part that was a little sad but I don't think it will make anyone cry.
I will definitely recommend to my friends and will keep reading from this author, I really love his stories.

[Krissys Bookshelf Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love William Massa, his writing is superb. He never betrays his readers or his writing style and talent for delving into multiple subgenres to create his fabulous stories. Each book he's written holds strong and true to the depth that he can reach with both excitement and creativity. He has a well of gripping plots that he weaves and Match is one of those stories. As the world we live in now where we are surrounded by dating sites, webpages and hook up scenes on tv, radio and internet we rarely get to see what the negative affects or consequences of those type of things can bring to a persons life. Match creates that complex introduction then creates a twist that will keep you wondering to the end. I absolutely loved it. I hope that Match is expanded on in the future because you can just see so many ideas going to more places. It really makes your mind wander.

[Natasha House · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a devastation hit’s Mark’s life, he looks into what was the cause, pulling him into a world of on-line dating. He comes across a greater mystery than he anticipated. Fires—Facebook—a mysterious woman. What lies behind the name—Akasha?

Every time I pick up a William Massa book, I eat them up! Match is no different! I was excited to read this one, and Mr. Massa didn’t disappoint. Match will pull you right into the story as you encounter Mark’s crazy stalker experience and heart-racing action that will leave you turning page after page. I loved the mystery behind Match—Facebook—crazy woman—it all makes you question what lies behind that profile picture?

[Dru Milligan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be careful who you date! A good fast read. You won't be sure who makes it out alive til the end. I always seem to enjoy William Massa's work. Since my stroke, I've had trouble getting into a book, but once I get beyond the first few chapters on his books, I am reading non-stop.

[Betty Torrey]

Another page turner

Such a fast paced book. This story constantly had me wondering what would happen next. I could not put it down and after a late night of little sleep I got to the satisfying and yet still mysterious end. Definitely worth a read.

[LLona Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing is good and the story line may be wonderful for a reader who enjoys the supernatural genre. It's not for me. But I don't want to downgrade the author's work based on my personal preferences.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I loved the store and characters. The mystery of Akasha was really good. Loved the ending and the story and the epilogue. Would love to see more of Akasha. :)

[SHARON E GAHRMANN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

This book was a quick read that kept you interested. Good storyline and I like stories where the ghosts come out on top sometimes.

[Lori Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different kind of ghost story

I liked this book a lot. It was a different ghost story that I found very interesting. A woman died and was buried in the woods. That is when her ghost plays havoc with men on a dating website.

[Peter Cornell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Weird

A ghost story mystery. Quick read. Half the book was a preview of his next story. Could have told me it was a novella.

[Jan van Es · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blew me away! GREAT read!

[Sean Randall · Rating 2 out of 5]

an annoyingly vague epilogue and a lack of resolution lets this one down.
How many american college students have teakettles for their stovetops, I wonder? and of course our MC's lack of any sort of ability to think doesn't really help.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book and had such fun with it. Here's a guy that finally decides he's found the love of his life only to have his world turned upside down. In spite of all this he fights for answers and truth. Great read.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love is like a flame. It burns you when it’s hot.”

Cool cover, huh? An even cooler book. William Massa has come up with an interesting ghost
story, quite different, a story for the new age. The story grabbed hold right at the beginning and
was hard to let go until I finished.

Meet Mark, a young man arriving at his brother’s apartment ready to hang out and chill for the
evening. Instead he finds his brother’s “charred, smoldering body sprawled on the bed, clothing
baked into the skin.” With a final gasp, Mark’s brother Josh, utters the name Akasha.The fire
department theorizes that Josh fell asleep while smoking and set himself on fire, but Mark’s not
buying it.

Determined to find out what really happened Mark begins to investigate the odd circumstances,
starting with the name Akasha. Who is she and how is she involved with Josh. The deeper
Mark delves into Akasha’s background the more deadly things become. Mark finds others that
have dealt with Akasha, and is soon able to discern a pattern to Akasha’s evil doings. With his
own life now in jeopardy he needs to find answers before time runs.

This is a good supernatural thriller, easy to read and fast-paced. It is told in the first person, a
format that I don’t normally care for but it worked here. I think the author did a great job keeping
the main character’s tone conversational and thus giving the narration a relaxed flow. I think
you’ll enjoy it, I did.

[Scot · Rating 4 out of 5]

I receiced a copy of this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
A solid story of the unexpected perils and consequences of online dating. The setting of this story is the cold streets of New York winter, which only makes the story that much hotter. Men are dying and there is a connection. An online dating service called Blaze. Be wary when you log on... because not all is as it seems.
The story has a decent progression and believable characters you can care for. I actually feel bad for Akasha. I would've liked to have seen her story fleshed out a little more, but all said this book was an enjoyable read.
This isn't the first book by the author I have read and it won't be the last.

[The Good Fairy Nicci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly entertaining story. I really liked how Massa wrote the intro to the story in the third person, but switched gears afterward into the first person. It made for an interesting change after the events that kick off the story. The main character is likable and interesting, his motives are solid, but there's something missing that I just can't put my finger on. Overall, it was a quick thriller that will keep you hooked for a couple hours. My only complaint is that it breezed by too quickly. As with most of Massa's novels, I could envision it as a movie on the big screen, which is exactly why I read his novels. He does a great job of creating a visual and has stunning dialogue. The only visible flaw is the ease in which I predicted the ending.

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess scammers aren't the only ones we have to watch out for on dating sites. :) This was an awesome horror, with some mystery thrown in that kept me engaged with the story. It starts with a dating site called, Blaze. There's someone on there who wants revenge, and she's definitely getting it (I couldn't wait to get to the bottom of her history). I won't say too much more, but this was a creative little twisted story, and I loved it. :)

[Megan M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing was much better than I've come to expect from a free book on Amazon. It was apparent the author had done much research for this novel and I appreciate the authenticity that left me with as a reader. There were a few loose ends I feel that professional editing could have solved, but definitely worth reading. I'm looking forward to other works from Massa.

[Julie Donovan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really loved this story

Wish it was longer, read in one sitting. I love ghost stories and this is a great storyline. I was only disappointed it was such a fast read. More ghost and horror stories from this writer and I will be reading.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome story

This book kept me guessing and wanting to learn more. Very good and fast paced mystery/thriller/supernatural.... hard to find originals like this....

[Sean Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pulse-pounding, exciting story with the reader yearning to figure out what's going to happen!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unrequited love

A man died in home fire and brother doesn't believe it was accidental. William Massa has written another pages turned that will keep you up at night.