What do you think?
Rate this book
The Beginning
A murder twenty-five years forgotten, a female detective with the ability to communicate with the dead, and a killer without boundaries clash in the heart of winter.
It's Christmas, and there's been another murder. Rachel Harroway, a homicide detective gifted in the arts and communication with the dead, tracks a serial killer lurking in the shadows for the last twenty-five years. The closer Rachel gets to solving the mystery, the more the unforgiving Appalachian winter weather and supernatural energies push back, forcing Rachel to decide how far she'll go for a man society has forsaken.
It's Christmas, and there's been another murder. Rachel Harroway, a homicide detective gifted in the arts and communication with the dead, tracks a serial killer lurking in the shadows for the last twenty-five years. The closer Rachel gets to solving the mystery, the more the unforgiving Appalachian winter weather and supernatural energies push back, forcing Rachel to decide how far she'll go for a man society has forsaken.
123 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2017
406 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 20, 2018
This story had so much potential. The premise and plot kept me reading and I couldn't put my Kindle down. However, a good proofreader is needed. Badly. The typos and changing character names will keep me from searching out more of this author's work, although I really enjoy reading about main character and her ability.
January 12, 2018
If you are looking for a good police procedural, this isn't it!
Our protagonist is a cop with a very unique gift; she can feel danger, she sees ghosts, and if she touches their real body, she can see how they died. Our protagonist is the lead officer in a homicide unit...OK there are only two people in the unit but she started as the junior partner, but her gift has cleared the books of many murders, some new and some decades old.
Her partner is an atheist, who grudgingly accepts her gift because he has seen it affect her. He can't decide if this gift is the beginning of a leap in evolution or a weird mutation. However, he accepts her visions unconditionally and her respects her.
These two officers are called out on Christmas Day to a "body found" call and the body is that of a malnourished badly abuse man of indiscriminate age. Later when the young man is at the morgue, Rachel touches him and see the terror of the young man as he tries desperately to escape and is then hunted and shot...He wants this monster caught...Cut deep in his back is the number 1, is this a clue of more deaths to come? or does the monster have more captives?
There were several grammatical errors, usually a missing word, a or an which made reading this slightly choppy at times, but it never detracted from the unusual and magnetic story. Best described as a cross between Ghost Whisperer, NCIS, and Medium...
Our protagonist is a cop with a very unique gift; she can feel danger, she sees ghosts, and if she touches their real body, she can see how they died. Our protagonist is the lead officer in a homicide unit...OK there are only two people in the unit but she started as the junior partner, but her gift has cleared the books of many murders, some new and some decades old.
Her partner is an atheist, who grudgingly accepts her gift because he has seen it affect her. He can't decide if this gift is the beginning of a leap in evolution or a weird mutation. However, he accepts her visions unconditionally and her respects her.
These two officers are called out on Christmas Day to a "body found" call and the body is that of a malnourished badly abuse man of indiscriminate age. Later when the young man is at the morgue, Rachel touches him and see the terror of the young man as he tries desperately to escape and is then hunted and shot...He wants this monster caught...Cut deep in his back is the number 1, is this a clue of more deaths to come? or does the monster have more captives?
There were several grammatical errors, usually a missing word, a or an which made reading this slightly choppy at times, but it never detracted from the unusual and magnetic story. Best described as a cross between Ghost Whisperer, NCIS, and Medium...
April 29, 2018
Reading order:
The Haunting of Rachel Harroway: The Beginning
The Haunting of Rachel Harroway Book 1
The Haunting of Rachel Harroway Book 2
The Lost Orphans: Book 0
The Lost Orphans: Book 1
The Lost Orphans: Book 2
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
The Haunting of Rachel Harroway: The Beginning
The Haunting of Rachel Harroway Book 1
The Haunting of Rachel Harroway Book 2
The Lost Orphans: Book 0
The Lost Orphans: Book 1
The Lost Orphans: Book 2
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
November 2, 2017
I can't put my finger on it, but something kept my interest in the story. I'm just not sure what it was. The plot is resembles an episode of "Criminal Minds", but with ghosts ("Orphans" as they are called in the book). This is the first of the series I have read, but there is something here. The scenes with the "orphans" are atmospheric, sometimes gory, and possess a well-crafted creepiness to them. The book seemed to be building tension nicely over the first half of the book, but then got in way too much of a hurry to resolve the story in the second half. I wish the author had taken the time to maintain the slow-build throughout the book, instead of rushing the end. Despite the flaws, I like the idea and will check out the next story in the series.
October 28, 2017
The Lost Orphans...
Rachel is a detective in the mountains of N.C. She & her partner are the only detectives in this small town. Rachel has a problem. She has the "sight". Inherited from her mother she's not sure exactly what that means. Except she sees orphans. Lost little children who want that last step in their demise. And she's gonna help them...
I enjoyed this book. I like Rachel. She is a strong gifted woman who will fight to the very end. I would highly recommend to anyone who likes a paranormal mystery...😊
Rachel is a detective in the mountains of N.C. She & her partner are the only detectives in this small town. Rachel has a problem. She has the "sight". Inherited from her mother she's not sure exactly what that means. Except she sees orphans. Lost little children who want that last step in their demise. And she's gonna help them...
I enjoyed this book. I like Rachel. She is a strong gifted woman who will fight to the very end. I would highly recommend to anyone who likes a paranormal mystery...😊
December 17, 2017
SO GOOD!
Just finished book 0, though they always say you don't need to read the zero books, I always do because I hate feeling stupid, which I inevitably do when I don't read from the beginning. This book explained a lot in the way of opening the door but not showing you all the other rooms yet. If you want a light fairytale, this is not for you. This is a book for adults,not children. Ready for the next level....
Just finished book 0, though they always say you don't need to read the zero books, I always do because I hate feeling stupid, which I inevitably do when I don't read from the beginning. This book explained a lot in the way of opening the door but not showing you all the other rooms yet. If you want a light fairytale, this is not for you. This is a book for adults,not children. Ready for the next level....
November 10, 2017
Help from the dead
Having the gift to communicate with the dead made it easier to solve murders. Finding a dead man under the ice with a number one etched on his back was the beginning leading to the arrest of a murderer. This man had been killing for a over twenty years. The story is easy to read and interesting. Sit back and enjoy.
Having the gift to communicate with the dead made it easier to solve murders. Finding a dead man under the ice with a number one etched on his back was the beginning leading to the arrest of a murderer. This man had been killing for a over twenty years. The story is easy to read and interesting. Sit back and enjoy.
December 21, 2020
.
A new twist of souls waiting for retribution so they can move on. A police officer has ability to connect with "orphans", and solve crimes and capture the bad guys. Liked the characters and story line. Action moved at a good pace. I was left with questions, but not enough to spoil the book.
A new twist of souls waiting for retribution so they can move on. A police officer has ability to connect with "orphans", and solve crimes and capture the bad guys. Liked the characters and story line. Action moved at a good pace. I was left with questions, but not enough to spoil the book.
December 28, 2022
Rachel solves another
Rachel and Peak are the only detectives on the force. Peak knows about Rachel's gift. He is not sure if he believes but he can't argue she saulves.
A good story told with a different angle. I would recommend giving it a try.
Some descriptions may be upsetting.
Rachel and Peak are the only detectives on the force. Peak knows about Rachel's gift. He is not sure if he believes but he can't argue she saulves.
A good story told with a different angle. I would recommend giving it a try.
Some descriptions may be upsetting.
October 30, 2017
Interesting read.
I haven't read this type of novel in years, but it was good and held my interest. It needed editing in a few passages as wrong names were used, but it wasn't bad. Quick read.
I haven't read this type of novel in years, but it was good and held my interest. It needed editing in a few passages as wrong names were used, but it wasn't bad. Quick read.
November 1, 2017
I enjoyed this take on a police procedural/ psychic detective. I liked not having all the doubters to her gift and how the story was told. I would of liked the book to be bulked up some more but you know what I am going to look for the next in the series
November 10, 2017
Thrilling fast paced fabulous story
Excellent read! This is the third book i have read of this series and each one is fabulous. I love the fast pace and action. The orphans are an interesting plus in the story. I difinately recommend the book and series.
Excellent read! This is the third book i have read of this series and each one is fabulous. I love the fast pace and action. The orphans are an interesting plus in the story. I difinately recommend the book and series.
November 12, 2017
Excellent read
I believe there are spirits among us, but in this case,it was quite sad. How wonderful to use this gift to solve murders but you can feel the sadness in the detective with the gift of seeing ghosts. I would definitely read more of the author's books.
I believe there are spirits among us, but in this case,it was quite sad. How wonderful to use this gift to solve murders but you can feel the sadness in the detective with the gift of seeing ghosts. I would definitely read more of the author's books.
February 12, 2018
I really enjoyed this book.
The characters come alive on the pages. I was drawn in on page 1 and never lost interest. This author has great potential. A few editing issues, but not so distracting as to make me stop reading. With improved editing, this author will go far.
The characters come alive on the pages. I was drawn in on page 1 and never lost interest. This author has great potential. A few editing issues, but not so distracting as to make me stop reading. With improved editing, this author will go far.
June 19, 2018
Incredible book
From the beginning this book had me. I had a hard time putting it down and couldn't wait to do d out what happened. I smoking for the next book in the series so I can start reading the next part in this story!!
From the beginning this book had me. I had a hard time putting it down and couldn't wait to do d out what happened. I smoking for the next book in the series so I can start reading the next part in this story!!
July 19, 2018
Terrific book
I enjoyed this book The Lost Orphans, book 0 very much. The main characters are interesting and action is very quick paced and suspenseful. I look forward to starting the next book in the series.
I enjoyed this book The Lost Orphans, book 0 very much. The main characters are interesting and action is very quick paced and suspenseful. I look forward to starting the next book in the series.
October 29, 2017
Good read
The story itself is great. There are just quite a few mistakes throughout the book. Double words, words left out, words put in. It takes from the book
The story itself is great. There are just quite a few mistakes throughout the book. Double words, words left out, words put in. It takes from the book
October 29, 2017
very good look forward to reading more
November 1, 2017
Another great story
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters, Rachael and Jenson worked well together as a unit. I eagerly await the next book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters, Rachael and Jenson worked well together as a unit. I eagerly await the next book.
November 2, 2017
good story. A little tense at times which made the turning of the pages fast. Looking forward the next orphan story.
November 3, 2017
Kept me interested
This book had my attention from the first page until the last page. I'm starting the next book right now
This book had my attention from the first page until the last page. I'm starting the next book right now
November 5, 2017
Scary book
This book was scary but not so much that it helt my attention and made me want to read more. I felt it wasn't true to life.
This book was scary but not so much that it helt my attention and made me want to read more. I felt it wasn't true to life.
November 6, 2017
Quick, fun mystery
I'm looking forward to reading more books by J.S. Donovan. This was a very enjoyable mystery with a bit of the supenatural. A very fun read.
I'm looking forward to reading more books by J.S. Donovan. This was a very enjoyable mystery with a bit of the supenatural. A very fun read.
November 12, 2017
Excellent Book
Riveting story. I couldn't put it down. Didn't expect to enjoy it so much. I am definitely going to read more from this author.
Riveting story. I couldn't put it down. Didn't expect to enjoy it so much. I am definitely going to read more from this author.
November 27, 2017
Great book. Loved it!
December 4, 2017
Different take on a police story
The book was a good read except for a lot of typos and areas where the sentences didn't tie in properly is wrong names, etc
The book was a good read except for a lot of typos and areas where the sentences didn't tie in properly is wrong names, etc
December 7, 2017
Fab
Very fast moving. I couldn't put this down it was exciting, intriguing and gripping from start to finish. Well worth reading.
Very fast moving. I couldn't put this down it was exciting, intriguing and gripping from start to finish. Well worth reading.
December 19, 2017
It is a good read. There are a few errors in grammar and name change... Rachael is called Evelyn a couple times. Besides that I really like the story.
December 21, 2017
Nice pace
Very intense story nicely pace and interestingly riveting. Looking forward to the rest of the stories with this author love this character
Very intense story nicely pace and interestingly riveting. Looking forward to the rest of the stories with this author love this character
December 23, 2017
Oh dear.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews