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Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper #9
The Tower
Ellie's new case takes her far out of town, to an historic but crumbling nineteenth-century skyscraper in downtown Atlanta. The reclusive, once-prominent family living at the top of the tower are experiencing paranormal disturbances that grow more threatening by the day.
Ellie and Stacey must unravel the hidden history of the tower and the ancestors of the family who occupy it—a history full of crime, corruption, wealth, and power. With floor after floor of dark, haunted spaces, the labyrinthine antique tower presents one of the greatest ghost-trapping challenges that Ellie has ever faced.
Ellie and Stacey must unravel the hidden history of the tower and the ancestors of the family who occupy it—a history full of crime, corruption, wealth, and power. With floor after floor of dark, haunted spaces, the labyrinthine antique tower presents one of the greatest ghost-trapping challenges that Ellie has ever faced.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2017
310 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Bryan
53 books1,035 followersJ.L. Bryan studied English literature at the University of Georgia and at Oxford, with a focus on English Renaissance and Romantic literature. He also studied screenwriting at UCLA. He lives in the metro Atlanta sprawl with his wife and son. He is the author of the Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper books and some other assorted novels like Inferno Park, The Unseen, Jenny Pox, and basically a lot of supernatural stories, some of it dark, some of it very dark, some of it less dark than that.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
November 22, 2017
4.5 Stars!
It is always a sign of a good author when even though I am so tired I can barely keep my eyes open and it's the middle of the night and this book is super creepy, I still can't put it down. And not just can't, but I don't even want to, it is just that good.
That is what the whole Ellie Jordan series to date, has been like for me, a book drug that I just can't seem to get enough of.
Bryan not only knows how to write a story that is engaging and entertaining but so filled with look over your shoulder, feel goose bumps on your arm moments that it isn't even funny. I mean truly, sometimes these books freak me out so much, I have to leave a light on (usually the TV on mute) will I read them because, hello, the ghosts! The creepy crawlies, the darkness shudders, it can be a bit much and yet I absolutely love them and love Bryan for creating those moments where I have to look around to make sure no one is watching me and be nervous when the lights start to flicker (where are those Winchester boys when you need them?) because what if?
I loved how much darker this story seemed. With deep hidden family secrets and skeletons in every closet, it really was different from the others.
Ellie is still torn up by the events of the past few weeks and with everything that has happened, is more than happy to get away from it all, even if getting away means visiting a haunted tower that might be more dangerous and more creepy than anything she has encountered yet.
This book was so incredibly hard to put down and I flew through it even though I wanted it to last forever. It was so much fun. And just when I thought it wasn't going to be scary or creepy anymore Bryan would throw in something else to make me shudder and look over my shoulder and pull a blanket up around my shoulders and want to jump at every little noise I heard. It was creeptastic and probably one of my favorites to date. I loved everything about it.
It is always a sign of a good author when even though I am so tired I can barely keep my eyes open and it's the middle of the night and this book is super creepy, I still can't put it down. And not just can't, but I don't even want to, it is just that good.
That is what the whole Ellie Jordan series to date, has been like for me, a book drug that I just can't seem to get enough of.
Bryan not only knows how to write a story that is engaging and entertaining but so filled with look over your shoulder, feel goose bumps on your arm moments that it isn't even funny. I mean truly, sometimes these books freak me out so much, I have to leave a light on (usually the TV on mute) will I read them because, hello, the ghosts! The creepy crawlies, the darkness shudders, it can be a bit much and yet I absolutely love them and love Bryan for creating those moments where I have to look around to make sure no one is watching me and be nervous when the lights start to flicker (where are those Winchester boys when you need them?) because what if?
I loved how much darker this story seemed. With deep hidden family secrets and skeletons in every closet, it really was different from the others.
Ellie is still torn up by the events of the past few weeks and with everything that has happened, is more than happy to get away from it all, even if getting away means visiting a haunted tower that might be more dangerous and more creepy than anything she has encountered yet.
This book was so incredibly hard to put down and I flew through it even though I wanted it to last forever. It was so much fun. And just when I thought it wasn't going to be scary or creepy anymore Bryan would throw in something else to make me shudder and look over my shoulder and pull a blanket up around my shoulders and want to jump at every little noise I heard. It was creeptastic and probably one of my favorites to date. I loved everything about it.
December 3, 2018
The Tower
By: J. L. Bryan
Narrated by: Carla Mercer-Meyer
I love this series. The book is filled with suspense and sprinkled with humor. The women go to a skyscraper to check out odd things that almost get them killed! Lots of twists and turns until it ends in a surprise ending. I love the great humorous dialogue in these books!
The narration is tremendous! All the various voices and great way the narrator makes the suspense creepy and the fun even funnier!
By: J. L. Bryan
Narrated by: Carla Mercer-Meyer
I love this series. The book is filled with suspense and sprinkled with humor. The women go to a skyscraper to check out odd things that almost get them killed! Lots of twists and turns until it ends in a surprise ending. I love the great humorous dialogue in these books!
The narration is tremendous! All the various voices and great way the narrator makes the suspense creepy and the fun even funnier!
March 10, 2023
You know, Ellie's job might be going places (what? Atlanta is places.), but her social life is a barren wasteland. Poor lady. She's a mess after what happened between her and her dude and she's channeling all that...You know, I don't know what to call it. It's not quite heartbreak (although, I still hold out hope it could go that way if time and fate give them a second chance), but more like a sinking realization that her life doesn't intersect with many other people. Romantically or otherwise.
She has Stacey and Jacob and...that's about it.
Wow, Ellie. You need to cultivate some additional friends. ASAP.
Anyway. Let's talk about what shenanigans Ellie finds herself in the middle of in this book. Ghosts. Lots and lots of ghosts. Ghosts in a gloriously haunted skyscraper with a sinister past. And by gloriously haunted, I mean for me to read about, not for the people who are being haunted. Because the hauntees always get the short end of the stick, don't they?
Ellie and Stacey pull out all the stops and do their thang. Ellie only gets tossed around minimally (for once) and ...well, that's kinda the only positive for the poor lady. Dealing with malevolent spirits is not for the faint of heart. Or body.
Here's to hoping good things happen to her in the next book. Ha. No, I'm just kidding. Ellie's at her best when she's kicking ghostly butt and taking ghostly names. *nods*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
She has Stacey and Jacob and...that's about it.
Wow, Ellie. You need to cultivate some additional friends. ASAP.
Anyway. Let's talk about what shenanigans Ellie finds herself in the middle of in this book. Ghosts. Lots and lots of ghosts. Ghosts in a gloriously haunted skyscraper with a sinister past. And by gloriously haunted, I mean for me to read about, not for the people who are being haunted. Because the hauntees always get the short end of the stick, don't they?
Ellie and Stacey pull out all the stops and do their thang. Ellie only gets tossed around minimally (for once) and ...well, that's kinda the only positive for the poor lady. Dealing with malevolent spirits is not for the faint of heart. Or body.
Here's to hoping good things happen to her in the next book. Ha. No, I'm just kidding. Ellie's at her best when she's kicking ghostly butt and taking ghostly names. *nods*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
October 14, 2018
This is the ninth book in the series about Ellie, a ghost hunter. These books are fun, light reads. This installment takes us from Ellie’s home in Savannah to Atlanta to investigate a haunted skyscraper. There are some serious ghosts waiting for her and her partner, Stacy, when they arrive. They have to help the family and find a way to trap the evil entities. Covers are cheesy in my opinion but the stories keep me entertained.
August 31, 2018
Four and a half stars: A fantastically creepy edition in a ghostly series that should not be missed!
Ellie and Stacey are going on a road trip. They have been hired by a wealthy family in Atlanta to investigate a haunted skyscraper in downtown Atlanta. When Stacey and Ellie arrive at their destination, they can immediately tell that something is not right about the old tower. The building is dilapidated, lights flicker and the atmosphere is oppressive. Their clients, are from a prestigious Atlanta family, who want to get to the bottom of their ghost problem. Ellie and Stacey quickly learn that the building harbors some dark, family secrets and a history full of corruption, betrayals and death. This dark and dangerous skyscraper may prove to be the girls’ biggest challenge yet. Can they capture the ghosts?
What I Liked:
*I love diving into a new Ellie Jordan book, and this latest installment: The Tower, delivered everything I love about the series. There are lots of scary ghosts, a creepy atmospheric setting, history, thrills and chills and a touch of humor. If you are on the hunt for a ghostly book for the Fall season, this series is what you need.
*I appreciated that this book took the series back to the basics. The girls head to Atlanta, leaving Savannah and all the problems behind. No more agency buyouts, no boyfriend troubles, no deadly fire ghost trying to kill Ellie. Instead this is the girls solving the case at hand. It was so nice to have simple story.
*As always, Stacey and Ellie are so fun to follow. I love how different the girls are and how well they work together. Stacey is full of pep and life, she always is perky and she keeps things light and upbeat. When stuff gets dangerous, she steps up. Ellie is thoughtful, brooding and damaged. She is smart, skilled and she is fierce especially when she faces down some terrifying ghosts! Love these two. Of course, I can’t forget Jacob, the reluctant psychic. When Jacob shows up, things get intense. Jacob brings so much to the table, and I can’t imagine this series without him. Love these characters.
*This latest case is one of the scariest to date. The run down, century old skyscraper with its dark secrets provided the perfect backdrop. I thought Mr. Bryan did an exceptional job with the setting. It was so creepy!
*If you want ghosts, this one has them. There is a truly diabolical ghost in this one. Be prepared for some frightfully scary scenes!
*I liked that there was some humor sandwiched in between all the scary stuff, like the incompetent security guard and some of Stacey’s one liners.
*The climax is fast and furious. Think big scary showdown, and then throw in a big twist that you won’t see coming. It was fantastic.
*The ending was just right. After the dust settles, all is well for another day. No cliffhanger.
And The Not So Much:
*There was a big family tree of ghosts to try and keep track of in this one. There were so many names and dates, that it got to be overwhelming. Even Stacey got confused over all the ghosts. It was a challenge at the end to try and keep everyone straight.
*When the girls first arrive at the skyscraper, they meet with this creepy family lawyer, it seemed he was hiding something. Later, there was a reference made to the lawyer, but nothing was definitive. I was left wondering about the lawyer’s role.
*I am still confused over the twist and how a certain character managed to pull off what he did. I wanted more details.
The Tower proved to be another excellent addition to a favorite series of mine. I love that this series keeps on getting better and better. If you want a fantastic series that follows ghost hunters, you have to read these books. There are thrills and chills and everything you love in a ghost book. Don’t miss this one!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
Ellie and Stacey are going on a road trip. They have been hired by a wealthy family in Atlanta to investigate a haunted skyscraper in downtown Atlanta. When Stacey and Ellie arrive at their destination, they can immediately tell that something is not right about the old tower. The building is dilapidated, lights flicker and the atmosphere is oppressive. Their clients, are from a prestigious Atlanta family, who want to get to the bottom of their ghost problem. Ellie and Stacey quickly learn that the building harbors some dark, family secrets and a history full of corruption, betrayals and death. This dark and dangerous skyscraper may prove to be the girls’ biggest challenge yet. Can they capture the ghosts?
What I Liked:
*I love diving into a new Ellie Jordan book, and this latest installment: The Tower, delivered everything I love about the series. There are lots of scary ghosts, a creepy atmospheric setting, history, thrills and chills and a touch of humor. If you are on the hunt for a ghostly book for the Fall season, this series is what you need.
*I appreciated that this book took the series back to the basics. The girls head to Atlanta, leaving Savannah and all the problems behind. No more agency buyouts, no boyfriend troubles, no deadly fire ghost trying to kill Ellie. Instead this is the girls solving the case at hand. It was so nice to have simple story.
*As always, Stacey and Ellie are so fun to follow. I love how different the girls are and how well they work together. Stacey is full of pep and life, she always is perky and she keeps things light and upbeat. When stuff gets dangerous, she steps up. Ellie is thoughtful, brooding and damaged. She is smart, skilled and she is fierce especially when she faces down some terrifying ghosts! Love these two. Of course, I can’t forget Jacob, the reluctant psychic. When Jacob shows up, things get intense. Jacob brings so much to the table, and I can’t imagine this series without him. Love these characters.
*This latest case is one of the scariest to date. The run down, century old skyscraper with its dark secrets provided the perfect backdrop. I thought Mr. Bryan did an exceptional job with the setting. It was so creepy!
*If you want ghosts, this one has them. There is a truly diabolical ghost in this one. Be prepared for some frightfully scary scenes!
*I liked that there was some humor sandwiched in between all the scary stuff, like the incompetent security guard and some of Stacey’s one liners.
*The climax is fast and furious. Think big scary showdown, and then throw in a big twist that you won’t see coming. It was fantastic.
*The ending was just right. After the dust settles, all is well for another day. No cliffhanger.
And The Not So Much:
*There was a big family tree of ghosts to try and keep track of in this one. There were so many names and dates, that it got to be overwhelming. Even Stacey got confused over all the ghosts. It was a challenge at the end to try and keep everyone straight.
*When the girls first arrive at the skyscraper, they meet with this creepy family lawyer, it seemed he was hiding something. Later, there was a reference made to the lawyer, but nothing was definitive. I was left wondering about the lawyer’s role.
*I am still confused over the twist and how a certain character managed to pull off what he did. I wanted more details.
The Tower proved to be another excellent addition to a favorite series of mine. I love that this series keeps on getting better and better. If you want a fantastic series that follows ghost hunters, you have to read these books. There are thrills and chills and everything you love in a ghost book. Don’t miss this one!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
November 14, 2017
How can anyone not love Ellie? Even chirpy Stacey is growing on me. Never a dull moment with these two and their ghost trapping. Cannot wait for the next book.
November 24, 2017
I'm a big fan of the Ellie Jordan Ghost Trapper series, and I stalk online book shops eager to find out when I get the next instalment. Thankfully after unsuccessful stalking I soon found a copy of the book in my inbox from the author, and began reading.
As soon as I saw that The Tower was going to be based around a sky scraper I was stupidly excited. Although not technically named a 'sky scraper' and definitely not as tall as one, my own home is a high rise block of flats that is 12 stories high, and I sit right in the middle of the block. I know that lots of old buildings have ghosts or a history to them, and I honestly don't know much about the history of my block, I just know that it's been around since before I was born, and that I have definitely seen something in my flat as I've looked up from the street (yes it was my flat, no it wasn't the b/f he'd long left for work, I'm 100% sure it was my flat because of a fallen wire as well as counting the floors), as well as things constantly disappearing. I love reading about the old fashioned tower block, how extravagant and grandiose they are, and I couldn't wait to dig into the history of this tower block with Ellie and Stacey and uncover it's secrets.
Ellie and Stacey have been hired by Amberly and Thurmond Pennefort, to investigate the strange goings on within the Pennefort building. The family have no where else to stay and are trying to sell the building to recoup some losses and pay off debts left by Thurmond's Uncle. It's to be a quick and quiet affair with as little disruption as possible.
I really do love the working relationship Ellie and Stacey have, they are polar opposites but work well together, their personalities balancing each other out and each knowing what to do next without asking. Just following this series you can see how they have grown as a team, and in Stacey's case, somewhat matured. I loved this little conversation between Stacey and Ellie.
The Tower was a book that I really enjoyed for many reasons, the story itself, the intricate details of the building and its furnishings, the creepy old lifts, the secret doors, the spooky basement, and the deeper Ellie and Stacey dug, the more that was unearthed....and I loved every dodgy dealing and every seedy detail. I liked that nothing was ever what it seemed, and what you thought was going to happen got flipped around so fast you didn't know what was really going to happen. I think has to be one of the hardest hauntings for the girls to solve, with so much history to research, so many different ghosts to avoid or to ask for help, it's definitely not a simple solution or an easy ride.
The investigation into the building certainly unearths a very dodgy past, with a vengeful ghost intent on causing harm for the rest of the Pennefort's existence and Ellie and Stacey must work fast to uncover what's really going on. Admittedly I wasn't scared reading The Tower, but I was definitly creeped out by what happens, and how it all plays out in the end.......it also makes me want to rethink any wishful dreams I had of sleeping in one of these super extravagant apartments (you know, when I win some kind of lottery)
Final Verdict
I think I say this after every Ellie Jordan book, but The Tower has got to be my favourite so far. It kept me on my toes trying to solve the mystery and figure it all out. It also kept me on edge waiting for the next creepy thing to happen. I really did love this book, but it also makes me want to read the next haunting the girls investigate. You know a book is good when you finish it and NEED to have the next (unwritten) book in your hands right now (please)
As soon as I saw that The Tower was going to be based around a sky scraper I was stupidly excited. Although not technically named a 'sky scraper' and definitely not as tall as one, my own home is a high rise block of flats that is 12 stories high, and I sit right in the middle of the block. I know that lots of old buildings have ghosts or a history to them, and I honestly don't know much about the history of my block, I just know that it's been around since before I was born, and that I have definitely seen something in my flat as I've looked up from the street (yes it was my flat, no it wasn't the b/f he'd long left for work, I'm 100% sure it was my flat because of a fallen wire as well as counting the floors), as well as things constantly disappearing. I love reading about the old fashioned tower block, how extravagant and grandiose they are, and I couldn't wait to dig into the history of this tower block with Ellie and Stacey and uncover it's secrets.
Ellie and Stacey have been hired by Amberly and Thurmond Pennefort, to investigate the strange goings on within the Pennefort building. The family have no where else to stay and are trying to sell the building to recoup some losses and pay off debts left by Thurmond's Uncle. It's to be a quick and quiet affair with as little disruption as possible.
I really do love the working relationship Ellie and Stacey have, they are polar opposites but work well together, their personalities balancing each other out and each knowing what to do next without asking. Just following this series you can see how they have grown as a team, and in Stacey's case, somewhat matured. I loved this little conversation between Stacey and Ellie.
Oh. Well, there's probably something spooky on the thirteenth floor, too. I mean, there kinda has to be, in a creepy old building like this.
I'm not aware of any such law, so let's focus on what's actually been observed.
The Tower was a book that I really enjoyed for many reasons, the story itself, the intricate details of the building and its furnishings, the creepy old lifts, the secret doors, the spooky basement, and the deeper Ellie and Stacey dug, the more that was unearthed....and I loved every dodgy dealing and every seedy detail. I liked that nothing was ever what it seemed, and what you thought was going to happen got flipped around so fast you didn't know what was really going to happen. I think has to be one of the hardest hauntings for the girls to solve, with so much history to research, so many different ghosts to avoid or to ask for help, it's definitely not a simple solution or an easy ride.
The investigation into the building certainly unearths a very dodgy past, with a vengeful ghost intent on causing harm for the rest of the Pennefort's existence and Ellie and Stacey must work fast to uncover what's really going on. Admittedly I wasn't scared reading The Tower, but I was definitly creeped out by what happens, and how it all plays out in the end.......it also makes me want to rethink any wishful dreams I had of sleeping in one of these super extravagant apartments (you know, when I win some kind of lottery)
Final Verdict
I think I say this after every Ellie Jordan book, but The Tower has got to be my favourite so far. It kept me on my toes trying to solve the mystery and figure it all out. It also kept me on edge waiting for the next creepy thing to happen. I really did love this book, but it also makes me want to read the next haunting the girls investigate. You know a book is good when you finish it and NEED to have the next (unwritten) book in your hands right now (please)
February 13, 2018
Reviewed on Lili Lost in a Book
In this installment of Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper, we have a case outside of town, and it's a haunted skyscraper! How cool is that?
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Me every morning😂😭
I really loved the setting! Anyway, in this case, we have a seemingly cursed family that has been dying in mysterious ways for over 100 years! But is it actually a curse, or just a coincidence?
I found this case very interesting, and I really enjoyed going through their history and unraveling this family mystery and (possibly) curse. I was very surprised by the end, with the insane plot twist... just—
One thing about this book though, was the huge family tree and all the names that came along with it. It was insane and I had a hard time keeping track of all the family members. And this would normally bother me in a book, but it was actually acknowledged! I'm glad Stacey mentioned being overwhelmed by all the names and it wasn't just me. Lol.
So in this book, we have only Ellie and Stacey investigating (and of course, Jacob later on) the haunting. It was actually nice only having the girls doing the investigating, like in the good ole days, without Paranormal Solutions Inc. immediately there. I did miss Hayden though. He's pretty much the only new team member I actually liked after the company was bought.
One thing I really enjoyed that I already mentioned before was the different scenery! We get to see a different city and explore a skyscraper! We normally see the girls investigating houses, which don't get me wrong, I love! But it was just really cool to explore a freaking building! The girls did do some ghost hunting in a hotel once, and that was cool too, but that had a different feel than this.
And it was also nice to get away from all the drama of the new workplace and coworkers. But I'm also looking forward to going back to town and seeing what Ellie will have to deal with re: Anton (Ellie's personal demon/ghost), Paranormal Solutions, and especially Kara...
As always, I love all the characters in this series! Ellie is so likable and relatable and just—real. And I love Stacey! She is so cute and lovable and really funny! I really like Ellie and Stacey’s relationship—they’re so different, but that dynamic works so great!
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And of course, Jacob made an appearance. Not only does he have a cool power, but he's also really funny, and he and Stacey are just so cute together! I love them!
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I also really love the actual ghost hunting in this series—it's always fun! But there are actually also some really creepy moments with these ghosts. Speaking of, I loved the nicknames they gave the ghosts...
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I've mentioned it before, but this is definitely one of my most favorite series ever! I just love it and am looking forward to seeing what's in store for Ellie and her friends.
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In this installment of Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper, we have a case outside of town, and it's a haunted skyscraper! How cool is that?
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Ellie: “We don’t even know if there’s a real ghost involved yet, or just creaky floorboards and groaning pipes.”
“Well, I sure hope something’s haunted, because I had to wake up at headache o’clock today,” Stacey said.
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Me every morning😂😭
I really loved the setting! Anyway, in this case, we have a seemingly cursed family that has been dying in mysterious ways for over 100 years! But is it actually a curse, or just a coincidence?
I found this case very interesting, and I really enjoyed going through their history and unraveling this family mystery and (possibly) curse. I was very surprised by the end, with the insane plot twist... just—
One thing about this book though, was the huge family tree and all the names that came along with it. It was insane and I had a hard time keeping track of all the family members. And this would normally bother me in a book, but it was actually acknowledged! I'm glad Stacey mentioned being overwhelmed by all the names and it wasn't just me. Lol.
So in this book, we have only Ellie and Stacey investigating (and of course, Jacob later on) the haunting. It was actually nice only having the girls doing the investigating, like in the good ole days, without Paranormal Solutions Inc. immediately there. I did miss Hayden though. He's pretty much the only new team member I actually liked after the company was bought.
One thing I really enjoyed that I already mentioned before was the different scenery! We get to see a different city and explore a skyscraper! We normally see the girls investigating houses, which don't get me wrong, I love! But it was just really cool to explore a freaking building! The girls did do some ghost hunting in a hotel once, and that was cool too, but that had a different feel than this.
And it was also nice to get away from all the drama of the new workplace and coworkers. But I'm also looking forward to going back to town and seeing what Ellie will have to deal with re: Anton (Ellie's personal demon/ghost), Paranormal Solutions, and especially Kara...
As always, I love all the characters in this series! Ellie is so likable and relatable and just—real. And I love Stacey! She is so cute and lovable and really funny! I really like Ellie and Stacey’s relationship—they’re so different, but that dynamic works so great!
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“I let [Stacey] handle situations where “warm and perky” is the way to go. If you need sarcastic and a little prickly, that’s more my department. It’s not intentional on my part. It just comes naturally.”
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And of course, Jacob made an appearance. Not only does he have a cool power, but he's also really funny, and he and Stacey are just so cute together! I love them!
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Ellie: “I said ‘no,’ Stacey. Don’t make me repeat it in German. I know how much that language scares you.”
“Okay, okay.” Stacey held her hands in surrender.
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Jacob sighed. “Well, at least we got in a nice last meal together. Should we head down to the basement and die now, or prolong things a bit?”
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“Ooh, do you think the linen closet’s haunted?” Stacey asked, shining the light in there. “Because that would be a pretty convenient spot to haunt, if you were a ghost. You’d always have a fresh supply of clean sheets!”
Ellie: “Ha ha.”
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I also really love the actual ghost hunting in this series—it's always fun! But there are actually also some really creepy moments with these ghosts. Speaking of, I loved the nicknames they gave the ghosts...
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Stacey: “... Culty McBombface Hippie Roberts.”
Ellie: “That Nickname is way too long to stick.”
Stacey: “Whatever, it’s a good one.”
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Stacey: “Old Concrete-Face down in the basement?”
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Jacob: “What are you calling that ghost, anyway? Hotty McBurnface?”
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“I still think you should’ve gone with Hotty McBombface.” Jacob looked over her shoulder.
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I've mentioned it before, but this is definitely one of my most favorite series ever! I just love it and am looking forward to seeing what's in store for Ellie and her friends.
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“I hoped they’d be able to pay our bill, but my motives for this job ran deeper than getting a paycheck, anyway. Protecting the living from the dead is what I do, especially when there’s kids involved.”
August 29, 2021
My favorite kind of Ellie Jordan story--one focused completely on a client case with plenty of mystery and plenty of ghosts. Ellie and Stacey, along with the help of psychic, Jacob, investigate a haunted high rise owned by an old and wealthy Atlanta family. The assortment of ghosts range from creepy to tragic and eerie to vengeful. There are several spine-tingling encounters, and the roof-top ending is a nail-biter. An excellent entry in a wonderful series!
July 11, 2025
5 Stars:)
October 30, 2017
It seems like a long time since the last book...
And since I pretty much inhaled this one, there’s a long wait ahead. It was nice to see Ellie out of her environment, and I wish she had some happiness or resolution of her own. A fun read perfect for Halloween Eve.
And since I pretty much inhaled this one, there’s a long wait ahead. It was nice to see Ellie out of her environment, and I wish she had some happiness or resolution of her own. A fun read perfect for Halloween Eve.
October 18, 2018
The Tower was a pretty involved story about an old prominent family whose ghosts - literally - came back to haunt them. I'm a big fan of J.L. Bryan, mostly because his books have a strong creep factor to them. The only thing I didn't like about this book was there were so many family members talked about, I kept losing track of who was who. That problem aside, J.L. Bryan is always worth reading!
November 3, 2017
Lots of Fun
I am a total fan of the Ellis Jordan series, and although each book stands alone/can be read in any order, I do recommend reading them in order. I actually didn't and really enjoyed all of them, but in hindsight, reading them in order would be good. In a way, I am saying that because I would just buy all of them and enjoy them.
On to the nitty gritty.
Ellis is a wonderful, slightly snarky character, and she tells the story, which is always an interesting combination of ghost story and mystery. Most good ghost stories are at heart mysteries and so far, the series has not disappointed me. I should note that I have found them to be more fun than nightmare-inducing, but that is almost always true for me. I adore mysteries, both "normal" and paranormal, but I have to admit that I can't resist a good ghost story.
These aren't gore-fests, thankfully, and I find them truly enjoyable.
In this particular story, Ellie and her team are called in to investigate a haunted skyscraper. If you've ever had to work late in a skyscraper, you know how really creepy they can be with their long, deserted hallways, echoing lobby, and the sense of something lurking just out of sight. Especially the underground garage at night. They always have a high creepy coefficient. So it's easy to believe an old skyscraper in Atlanta could be haunted.
As always, Ellie really draws you into the story and there is a real sense of history as she researches what might have happened there. That is one of the reasons I love these books-the history seems so real and plausible.
The writing is excellent and smooth, told in Ellie's voice, and you appreciate her wry warmth and her concern for those she was tries to help. I don't like to do a blow by blow plot description as I don't want to ruin the mystery.
This book is a great example of a series that continues to entertain. I hope there will be many more.
I am a total fan of the Ellis Jordan series, and although each book stands alone/can be read in any order, I do recommend reading them in order. I actually didn't and really enjoyed all of them, but in hindsight, reading them in order would be good. In a way, I am saying that because I would just buy all of them and enjoy them.
On to the nitty gritty.
Ellis is a wonderful, slightly snarky character, and she tells the story, which is always an interesting combination of ghost story and mystery. Most good ghost stories are at heart mysteries and so far, the series has not disappointed me. I should note that I have found them to be more fun than nightmare-inducing, but that is almost always true for me. I adore mysteries, both "normal" and paranormal, but I have to admit that I can't resist a good ghost story.
These aren't gore-fests, thankfully, and I find them truly enjoyable.
In this particular story, Ellie and her team are called in to investigate a haunted skyscraper. If you've ever had to work late in a skyscraper, you know how really creepy they can be with their long, deserted hallways, echoing lobby, and the sense of something lurking just out of sight. Especially the underground garage at night. They always have a high creepy coefficient. So it's easy to believe an old skyscraper in Atlanta could be haunted.
As always, Ellie really draws you into the story and there is a real sense of history as she researches what might have happened there. That is one of the reasons I love these books-the history seems so real and plausible.
The writing is excellent and smooth, told in Ellie's voice, and you appreciate her wry warmth and her concern for those she was tries to help. I don't like to do a blow by blow plot description as I don't want to ruin the mystery.
This book is a great example of a series that continues to entertain. I hope there will be many more.
November 13, 2017
I was so excited to see this book had released. I had planned on diving in on Halloween and devouring it. Unfortunately I was sick and it never happened. Well, it did. Just slowly. Though no fault of it’s own, it took me almost 2 weeks to finish this amazing read. I hate when I get in a funk and it takes me so long to finish a book. Especially one as great as this one.
Ellie and Stacey are headed out of Savannah and into the heart of Atlanta to meet with some new clients that may or may not own a haunted skyscraper. I am so in love with this plot!! It is definitely a unique one for the series and I couldn’t wait to see what ghosts it held, if any. And yep, it sure did. And to me it was one of the scariest of the series. I for real got freaked out quite a few times. Bryan does such an fabulous job spinning tales that deliver the spooky and the ghoulish. All of it is well written, entertaining, and so very creepy.
I absolutely adore this series and love how each one is fresh and more importantly, original. Bryan is that great at his job as an author and does well giving us plots and storylines that never seem to sound repetitive. And that is real talent, especially 9 books in. I look forward to more books. I just hope he plans to keep writing this series for as long as possible.
My only hope as the series continues is for Ellie to find someone. I heart a good romance when I read books. And even though this series could stand on it’s own without it, I am still holding out hope that Bryan may help her out a little. I thought she had found someone, and maybe there is still hope for that drizzling relationship, but as the books progress it seems highly unlikely.
Amazing book, terrifically terrifying series...you need to get on this one as soon as possible. I highly recommend them all!!
Ellie and Stacey are headed out of Savannah and into the heart of Atlanta to meet with some new clients that may or may not own a haunted skyscraper. I am so in love with this plot!! It is definitely a unique one for the series and I couldn’t wait to see what ghosts it held, if any. And yep, it sure did. And to me it was one of the scariest of the series. I for real got freaked out quite a few times. Bryan does such an fabulous job spinning tales that deliver the spooky and the ghoulish. All of it is well written, entertaining, and so very creepy.
I absolutely adore this series and love how each one is fresh and more importantly, original. Bryan is that great at his job as an author and does well giving us plots and storylines that never seem to sound repetitive. And that is real talent, especially 9 books in. I look forward to more books. I just hope he plans to keep writing this series for as long as possible.
My only hope as the series continues is for Ellie to find someone. I heart a good romance when I read books. And even though this series could stand on it’s own without it, I am still holding out hope that Bryan may help her out a little. I thought she had found someone, and maybe there is still hope for that drizzling relationship, but as the books progress it seems highly unlikely.
Amazing book, terrifically terrifying series...you need to get on this one as soon as possible. I highly recommend them all!!
November 12, 2017
The most malevolent ghost yet.
Ellie and Stacey are out of town in this episode. Called in to investigate an old skyscraper situated in Atlanta, with offices and shops on twelve floors then with five floors given over to apartments. The building has become neglected with an opressive atmosphere which affects everybody who lives and works there. The Penneford family owns the building and have have lived on the top two floors since their ancestor built the building in the late 1800s. Now there's only a great niece in her late sixties and a great, great nephew his wife, twelve year old son and ten year old daughter left. Enter Ellie, Mr Pennefords wife is convinced the building is haunted and she's right but it's a haunting different from any Ellie and Stacey have investigated so far. First off they have no clues as to the identity of the ghosts or how many there may be (and there seem to be a lot) nor what is causing them to manifest and why they focus on the family. Ellie has never had so much interaction with the ghosts so fast normally they have to be coaxed or drawn out, not here, from the moment they step in the building the feelings of oppression and foreboding warm them this is not going to be an easy catch and release and they will need all their skill to come away unharmed with their clients safe, if that's possible. This is a multiple haunting on a scale Ellie is unused to and a ghost who may just prove to be too powerful to be stopped. It's m break from the high drama at the end of the last book between Ellie and Michael with personal relationships taking a back seat as we are given a straight haunted house story, which works brilliantly as I imagine we will be back to all of Ellie's problems next book. Excellent.
Ellie and Stacey are out of town in this episode. Called in to investigate an old skyscraper situated in Atlanta, with offices and shops on twelve floors then with five floors given over to apartments. The building has become neglected with an opressive atmosphere which affects everybody who lives and works there. The Penneford family owns the building and have have lived on the top two floors since their ancestor built the building in the late 1800s. Now there's only a great niece in her late sixties and a great, great nephew his wife, twelve year old son and ten year old daughter left. Enter Ellie, Mr Pennefords wife is convinced the building is haunted and she's right but it's a haunting different from any Ellie and Stacey have investigated so far. First off they have no clues as to the identity of the ghosts or how many there may be (and there seem to be a lot) nor what is causing them to manifest and why they focus on the family. Ellie has never had so much interaction with the ghosts so fast normally they have to be coaxed or drawn out, not here, from the moment they step in the building the feelings of oppression and foreboding warm them this is not going to be an easy catch and release and they will need all their skill to come away unharmed with their clients safe, if that's possible. This is a multiple haunting on a scale Ellie is unused to and a ghost who may just prove to be too powerful to be stopped. It's m break from the high drama at the end of the last book between Ellie and Michael with personal relationships taking a back seat as we are given a straight haunted house story, which works brilliantly as I imagine we will be back to all of Ellie's problems next book. Excellent.
November 21, 2017
I'm a big fan of the series, and there's been some ups and downs, and this is a definite up. I liked the change of location to Atlanta, and the setting in an old skyscraper. The author is very good at finding new and interesting locations for an investigation.
I'm just going to point out a few things I like about the series. I love how J.L. Bryan lays out all the possibilities, holding nothing back - while other writers hold clues back, trying to give a false sense of surprise when they spring it later in the story. Some writers seem to think that readers are too stupid to figure things out for themselves. So that kind of thing never works.
Bryan lays the cards out on the table, and the suspense is in figuring out which card will get played. The twists come with how they're played. A lot of the fun comes with the exploration. And the characters.
Stacey was particularly lively this time around. Ellie is obviously still grieving her relationship with her ex. I hope there is more resolution, or at least closure, in the next book.
My only real gripe at this point in the series is the lack of real weapons to use against ghosts. By this point, I think they need to really look into something more powerful. It only makes sense. They're doing something dangerous and they're criminally underpowered.
As usual, looking forward to the next book!
I'm just going to point out a few things I like about the series. I love how J.L. Bryan lays out all the possibilities, holding nothing back - while other writers hold clues back, trying to give a false sense of surprise when they spring it later in the story. Some writers seem to think that readers are too stupid to figure things out for themselves. So that kind of thing never works.
Bryan lays the cards out on the table, and the suspense is in figuring out which card will get played. The twists come with how they're played. A lot of the fun comes with the exploration. And the characters.
Stacey was particularly lively this time around. Ellie is obviously still grieving her relationship with her ex. I hope there is more resolution, or at least closure, in the next book.
My only real gripe at this point in the series is the lack of real weapons to use against ghosts. By this point, I think they need to really look into something more powerful. It only makes sense. They're doing something dangerous and they're criminally underpowered.
As usual, looking forward to the next book!
January 27, 2018
Nine books in and this series still thrills me.
Ellie and her co-worker, Stacey, might have bit off more than they can chew. Their new case takes them out of town to check out an old skyscraper. When they enter it’s doors, the heavy atmosphere is hard to ignore. With such an old building, it’s sure to be filled with many ghosts. Those suspicions are quickly confirmed and this could become their toughest case yet.
There are a lot of characters to keep track of. We’re talking generations, and it took me a bit to sort them out. As I began to see the connections, it got really interesting. And as the attacks came and the danger escalated, so did my excitement.
And it’s not just the hauntings that kept me glued to the book. Ellie was also dealing with some huge changes in her career and I was happy with how it all worked out.
I had worried this might be the last book in this incredible series, but then I realized there was one ghost that Ellie hadn’t trapped yet. One that could prove to be her undoing. I can’t wait for that show down!
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
Ellie and her co-worker, Stacey, might have bit off more than they can chew. Their new case takes them out of town to check out an old skyscraper. When they enter it’s doors, the heavy atmosphere is hard to ignore. With such an old building, it’s sure to be filled with many ghosts. Those suspicions are quickly confirmed and this could become their toughest case yet.
There are a lot of characters to keep track of. We’re talking generations, and it took me a bit to sort them out. As I began to see the connections, it got really interesting. And as the attacks came and the danger escalated, so did my excitement.
And it’s not just the hauntings that kept me glued to the book. Ellie was also dealing with some huge changes in her career and I was happy with how it all worked out.
I had worried this might be the last book in this incredible series, but then I realized there was one ghost that Ellie hadn’t trapped yet. One that could prove to be her undoing. I can’t wait for that show down!
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
November 2, 2017
Ellie and Stacey are off to a job in Atlanta working for a formerly prominent family in the city, the Penneforts. The Pennefort building was one of the first skyscrapers erected in 1899 with 17 stories. The clients have a residence near the top floor. Just entering the building gives both Ellie and Stacey the creeps. People working on the lower floors do not seem happy there.
This generation of Penneforts is into Ren Fest miniatures and art and dress everyday as if they were part of a certain time period. It’s an eccentricity that causes our duo to raise their brows but hey, paying customers. The daughter and son of the couple have both experienced the presence of hot and cold entities.
Ellie does the research and finds lots of mysterious deaths in the family. And the main problem is not the hot and cold entities seen by the children.
There is a slow buildup as all the incidences are put forward and connections are made. Then the action begins.
Another home run for Mr Bryan!
This generation of Penneforts is into Ren Fest miniatures and art and dress everyday as if they were part of a certain time period. It’s an eccentricity that causes our duo to raise their brows but hey, paying customers. The daughter and son of the couple have both experienced the presence of hot and cold entities.
Ellie does the research and finds lots of mysterious deaths in the family. And the main problem is not the hot and cold entities seen by the children.
There is a slow buildup as all the incidences are put forward and connections are made. Then the action begins.
Another home run for Mr Bryan!
December 7, 2017
Ellie and Stacy's latest case takes them to Atlanta, site of the Pennefort Building, a skyscraper built in 1899 and owned by the Pennefort's family for generations. But is it haunted and possibly responsible for any or all of the family's deaths over the years. As they make their way through the building, Ellie and Stacy realize that this may be their hardest case to resolve yet. This is a great series and each new Ghost Trapper case gets scarier and more exciting. I started reading this story at 1:00 a.m. and the dark atmosphere lent itself to the overall creepiness that the tale inspired. I also like how Ellie and Stacy are developing not only a friendship and business relationship, but Stacy is also stepping up in her actions and suggestions. And Jacob is a great addition to their team. As always, I look forward to the next book in this series.
December 4, 2018
Terror Tower
In this edition of the ghost trappers tales, Ellie and Stacy find themselves in Atlanta investigating a very haunted, old tower block. It's one of the oldest in Atlanta and full of spooky spirits. This is one of the most complicated stories so far and you feel the girls will never get to the bottom of the mysterious deaths. The family, who own the building, were once very prominent but are now a fading light in the community. I really liked the twists and turns in this book. You're never quite sure who, or what, is behind the ghostly goings on. The family that live in The tower are certainly affected by the past and I was rooting for our brave ghost hunters to help them out. I really enjoyed the ending...watch out for the twist. The tower is one place I wouldn't want to spend the night! Well done JL Bryan for yet another blood chilling tale.
In this edition of the ghost trappers tales, Ellie and Stacy find themselves in Atlanta investigating a very haunted, old tower block. It's one of the oldest in Atlanta and full of spooky spirits. This is one of the most complicated stories so far and you feel the girls will never get to the bottom of the mysterious deaths. The family, who own the building, were once very prominent but are now a fading light in the community. I really liked the twists and turns in this book. You're never quite sure who, or what, is behind the ghostly goings on. The family that live in The tower are certainly affected by the past and I was rooting for our brave ghost hunters to help them out. I really enjoyed the ending...watch out for the twist. The tower is one place I wouldn't want to spend the night! Well done JL Bryan for yet another blood chilling tale.
July 25, 2019
This wasn't my favorite Ghost Trapper story but I'm not sure why. There were plenty of ghosts and lots of scary situations but for some reason I didn't find this book as scary as previous stories. Maybe it was the way the author used thinly veiled references to the Lord of the Rings stories or maybe it was due to the lack of Ellie's love interest or perhaps it was the fact that I found Stacey really annoying. I've never been a big fan but in this book she really grated on my nerves. I did like the research Ellie and Stacey had to do to get to the bottom of the hauntings and there were a few real surprises but overall I was kind of "meh" about this book. I will definitely read the next one in the series as I realize not every one is likely to be a homerun for me.
November 3, 2017
Didn't really care for this one, although I've read all the others. IMO the author has turned completely to the YA market, which is fine, just not my cup of tea (being the, ahem, elder that I am) ;-) Some clever repartee is fine, but too much silliness from Stacey in this one (is she EVER going to grow up?). The story was disjointed and kind of boring at times, found myself scanning through pages. I know I'm in the minority here, but it's the last one for me.
I also find the cover juvenile and almost like a romance novel cover. (That's supposed to be Ellie I guess.) Again, aimed at the YA market. I'll look elsewhere for my 'ghost fix'.
I also find the cover juvenile and almost like a romance novel cover. (That's supposed to be Ellie I guess.) Again, aimed at the YA market. I'll look elsewhere for my 'ghost fix'.
August 13, 2018
Whoa! The ghost are getting scarier this time. Seriously, i got a goosebump in a certain page and i have to ga back again to make sure I got what Ellie means when she said "you're a ghost" (I hope it's not a spoiler).
This series seems different from the others, there are no other character beside Ellie, Stacey, and Jacob. Not even Calvin. That shows Ellie and Stacey are getting good in catching ghost. The conversation between them sure is witty, I love them. The story and mystery are so clever, I love them. I'll be sure to read the next series. The mystery of Anton Clay still...well a mystery.
This series seems different from the others, there are no other character beside Ellie, Stacey, and Jacob. Not even Calvin. That shows Ellie and Stacey are getting good in catching ghost. The conversation between them sure is witty, I love them. The story and mystery are so clever, I love them. I'll be sure to read the next series. The mystery of Anton Clay still...well a mystery.
July 23, 2020
Ufff. After a lot of family drama and work, I finally managed to stop and finish this one.
To be honest, I wasn't really buying the idea of a hunted tower, so I was pleasantly surprised with all the creepy moments Bryan managed to create. Now, there's a LOT of so it's a bit tricky to remember all the names and how they relate to each other. The end of it was a bit disappointing, I guess I was waiting for something different.
Nevertheless, I liked it a lot!
Ellie and Stacey never fail to make me smile, plus Jacob is shinning a lot more in this latest novels and I'm here for it.
To be honest, I wasn't really buying the idea of a hunted tower, so I was pleasantly surprised with all the creepy moments Bryan managed to create. Now, there's a LOT of so it's a bit tricky to remember all the names and how they relate to each other. The end of it was a bit disappointing, I guess I was waiting for something different.
Nevertheless, I liked it a lot!
Ellie and Stacey never fail to make me smile, plus Jacob is shinning a lot more in this latest novels and I'm here for it.
April 2, 2020
What a Series!
After reading all the books in this great series, Book 9 proved every bit as fascinating as all the rest!
Stacey is still annoyingly naive, despite being quite clever when needed and, Jacob, her boyfriend, a clairvoyant with extraordinary talent, enough to make him hold a more worthy role. In this book, he came in later than usual and I found myself wishing he would hurry up!
The investigation centred around an old skyscraper hotel, owned by the family. The past is causing problems for the newer family residents and Elle is on hand to sort it, as usual!
After reading all the books in this great series, Book 9 proved every bit as fascinating as all the rest!
Stacey is still annoyingly naive, despite being quite clever when needed and, Jacob, her boyfriend, a clairvoyant with extraordinary talent, enough to make him hold a more worthy role. In this book, he came in later than usual and I found myself wishing he would hurry up!
The investigation centred around an old skyscraper hotel, owned by the family. The past is causing problems for the newer family residents and Elle is on hand to sort it, as usual!
February 25, 2022
I have to admit that after reading the past 8 of the Ghost Trapper series over the last few months that I was ready to take a break - not because I don't like the books, but I just needed a change of scenery. But by the second half of The Tower I was hooked again. This is back to basics, just Ellie, Stacey (and sometimes Jacob) and lots of creepy ghosts - I loved it.
December 21, 2017
Well that escalated quickly. I am always to excited to see a new Ellie Jordan book come out. This one was great, there was some series spookiness going on and the bad guy was so excellently bad. I loved the twist, totally did not see it coming. Can't wait for the next one, this is such a great series and I'm astonished that this is already book 9. Each story is unique and adds to the series in such a way to elevate the danger and make the stakes higher with each book.
April 30, 2018
Scary stuff
The story lines are excellent, believable. The sour O am sure has many ghosts. I love the description of the mansions and the history of the houses and the seas the ghosts are from and the way they have to research. Sad as today people don't write letters, half can't even write in cursive, that's where our personality touches the paper. I really enjoy this series and hope Ellie finds the closure she seeks.
The story lines are excellent, believable. The sour O am sure has many ghosts. I love the description of the mansions and the history of the houses and the seas the ghosts are from and the way they have to research. Sad as today people don't write letters, half can't even write in cursive, that's where our personality touches the paper. I really enjoy this series and hope Ellie finds the closure she seeks.
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