What do you think?
Rate this book
GhostWriters #3
Temple of Ghosts
In the shadow of the jackal…
Medium Kate Carlsson has returned from Poveglia with Jackson, but there’s no time for domestic bliss. Something strange is happening in her sleepy Vermont town—water turns to blood, frogs fall from the sky, and an unlikely stowaway lurks in her kitchen. Even worse, Kate’s friend Eden, a noted Egyptologist, has gone missing.
Darkness surrounds Kate’s protégé, twelve-year-old Lily Walkins, and Lily’s uncle, a soldier who died in Egypt while working on a top-secret government project. Kate suspects the soldier’s untimely death holds the key to the disasters befalling Nightridge.
To solve the mystery and save Lily, Kate and Jackson journey to an ancient temple where the line between god and monster is blurred. With the help of an enigmatic Egyptian psychic, they must face their greatest foe yet.
Medium Kate Carlsson has returned from Poveglia with Jackson, but there’s no time for domestic bliss. Something strange is happening in her sleepy Vermont town—water turns to blood, frogs fall from the sky, and an unlikely stowaway lurks in her kitchen. Even worse, Kate’s friend Eden, a noted Egyptologist, has gone missing.
Darkness surrounds Kate’s protégé, twelve-year-old Lily Walkins, and Lily’s uncle, a soldier who died in Egypt while working on a top-secret government project. Kate suspects the soldier’s untimely death holds the key to the disasters befalling Nightridge.
To solve the mystery and save Lily, Kate and Jackson journey to an ancient temple where the line between god and monster is blurred. With the help of an enigmatic Egyptian psychic, they must face their greatest foe yet.
- GenresHorrorParanormal
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 5, 2017
6 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
J.H. Moncrieff
33 books260 followersJ.H. Moncrieff's City of Ghosts won the 2018 Kindle Book Review Award for best Horror/Suspense.
Reviewers have described her work as early Gillian Flynn with a little Ray Bradbury and Stephen King thrown in for good measure.
She won Harlequin's search for “the next Gillian Flynn” in 2016. Her first published novella, The Bear Who Wouldn’t Leave, was featured in Samhain’s Childhood Fears collection and stayed on its horror bestsellers list for over a year.
When not writing, she loves exploring the world's most haunted places, advocating for animal rights, and summoning her inner ninja in muay thai class.
To get free ebooks and a new spooky story every week, go to http://bit.ly/MoncrieffLibrary.
Reviewers have described her work as early Gillian Flynn with a little Ray Bradbury and Stephen King thrown in for good measure.
She won Harlequin's search for “the next Gillian Flynn” in 2016. Her first published novella, The Bear Who Wouldn’t Leave, was featured in Samhain’s Childhood Fears collection and stayed on its horror bestsellers list for over a year.
When not writing, she loves exploring the world's most haunted places, advocating for animal rights, and summoning her inner ninja in muay thai class.
To get free ebooks and a new spooky story every week, go to http://bit.ly/MoncrieffLibrary.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 18, 2019
**Re-read May 2019**
4.5 stars.
TEMPLE OF GHOSTS is Book #3 in the GhostWriters series by J.H. Moncrieff. This book picks up where we left off at Book #2, THE GIRL WHO TALKS TO GHOSTS. Kate and Jackson are once more drawn into a supernatural situation that seems to center around Lily, the young girl they had recently rescued from another psychic danger.
". . . Lily was the supernatural equivalent of an unlocked door in a bad neighborhood . . ."
This time, we are taken to Egypt, where a force claiming to be Anubis, the jackal-headed Egyptian god, leads them. What could Lily's recently deceased Uncle Bill, a military man most recently based in Egypt, possibly have done to forge this connection?
"It's traumatic for mainstreamers to encounter the spirit world . . . The brain isn't prepared to deal with it, so it rationalizes, denies, or goes quietly mad. I usually get the mad ones . . . "
The dynamics between Kate and Jackson continue to improve as they get to know more about each other, both personally and as business "partners". What I really love about this series is that Moncrieff keeps with the characters' original personalities, allowing them to grow as we would expect in a natural manner.
". . . perhaps aggravating her while she was driving hadn't been the best idea."
Jackson's smart-ass comments and direct approach are the perfect balance to Kate's more sensitive nature and "sit back and think about it" philosophy. Together, the couple is one that captures my attention at all times.
". . . that's the problem with lying to yourself. You never quite believe it . . . "
In addition to complimenting each other personality-wise, this duo have grown close enough to know what to expect from the other in most circumstances.
But then, in Egypt, the home to gods considered by most to be mythological, all bets are off.
"They trusted the dog-headed creature who massacred their best scientists? . . . I'm blown away by their stunning aptitude for troubleshooting."
Once again, Moncrieff takes us to an exotic land, and literally brings it alive to us with words, descriptions, and the interactions between our main characters and natives to that country. We get to see the true beauty behind the mask the governments put forth. The lifestyles of the people, architecture, and exquisite sites unique to Egypt are so boldly illustrated in the writing that I felt as if I were seeing it all through the characters' eyes.
". . . if there's anything in this world that makes my skin crawl, it's monsters masquerading as men . . . "
TEMPLE OF GHOSTS is a fantastic novel that ends on just the right note. As a bonus, readers get a sneak preview of another series the author is working on. This, too, looks extremely promising.
TEMPLE OF GHOSTS is highly recommended, as are its predecessors, CITY OF GHOSTS, and THE GIRL WHO TALKS TO GHOSTS. Also out now is the fourth book in the GhostWriters series, FOREST OF GHOSTS.
4.5 stars.
TEMPLE OF GHOSTS is Book #3 in the GhostWriters series by J.H. Moncrieff. This book picks up where we left off at Book #2, THE GIRL WHO TALKS TO GHOSTS. Kate and Jackson are once more drawn into a supernatural situation that seems to center around Lily, the young girl they had recently rescued from another psychic danger.
". . . Lily was the supernatural equivalent of an unlocked door in a bad neighborhood . . ."
This time, we are taken to Egypt, where a force claiming to be Anubis, the jackal-headed Egyptian god, leads them. What could Lily's recently deceased Uncle Bill, a military man most recently based in Egypt, possibly have done to forge this connection?
"It's traumatic for mainstreamers to encounter the spirit world . . . The brain isn't prepared to deal with it, so it rationalizes, denies, or goes quietly mad. I usually get the mad ones . . . "
The dynamics between Kate and Jackson continue to improve as they get to know more about each other, both personally and as business "partners". What I really love about this series is that Moncrieff keeps with the characters' original personalities, allowing them to grow as we would expect in a natural manner.
". . . perhaps aggravating her while she was driving hadn't been the best idea."
Jackson's smart-ass comments and direct approach are the perfect balance to Kate's more sensitive nature and "sit back and think about it" philosophy. Together, the couple is one that captures my attention at all times.
". . . that's the problem with lying to yourself. You never quite believe it . . . "
In addition to complimenting each other personality-wise, this duo have grown close enough to know what to expect from the other in most circumstances.
But then, in Egypt, the home to gods considered by most to be mythological, all bets are off.
"They trusted the dog-headed creature who massacred their best scientists? . . . I'm blown away by their stunning aptitude for troubleshooting."
Once again, Moncrieff takes us to an exotic land, and literally brings it alive to us with words, descriptions, and the interactions between our main characters and natives to that country. We get to see the true beauty behind the mask the governments put forth. The lifestyles of the people, architecture, and exquisite sites unique to Egypt are so boldly illustrated in the writing that I felt as if I were seeing it all through the characters' eyes.
". . . if there's anything in this world that makes my skin crawl, it's monsters masquerading as men . . . "
TEMPLE OF GHOSTS is a fantastic novel that ends on just the right note. As a bonus, readers get a sneak preview of another series the author is working on. This, too, looks extremely promising.
TEMPLE OF GHOSTS is highly recommended, as are its predecessors, CITY OF GHOSTS, and THE GIRL WHO TALKS TO GHOSTS. Also out now is the fourth book in the GhostWriters series, FOREST OF GHOSTS.
November 16, 2017
The first two books in this exciting new series gripped me and thoroughly entertained me. I am delighted to say this third volume keeps up the tension and compulsive story. There is an added bonus for me here, this time J.H. Moncrieff uses Egypt as her backdrop and now the two protagonists - psychic medium Kate and her writer partner-in-crime, Jackson - must face the full force of the anger of Anubis. Is he a god? Is he a monster? You decide.
The story starts with Lily, Kate's young protegee, in hospital and under threat from dark forces. Some force has unleashed the plagues of ancient Egypt and has captured and imprisoned thousands of souls. As Kate and Jackson delve further into the mystery, a whole series of unexpected twists and turns leads them to the inevitable and shocking conclusion that there are hidden motives behind the demonic activity - motives that are not entirely supernatural.
I read this book in one enthralled sitting. The interplay between the central characters is great. their chemistry simply works. I loved the way the story kept taking unexpected directions and racked up the suspense, mingled with ancient folklore. The fourth installment will be out next year and feature another of the key characters from this story. I shall be looking out for it.
The story starts with Lily, Kate's young protegee, in hospital and under threat from dark forces. Some force has unleashed the plagues of ancient Egypt and has captured and imprisoned thousands of souls. As Kate and Jackson delve further into the mystery, a whole series of unexpected twists and turns leads them to the inevitable and shocking conclusion that there are hidden motives behind the demonic activity - motives that are not entirely supernatural.
I read this book in one enthralled sitting. The interplay between the central characters is great. their chemistry simply works. I loved the way the story kept taking unexpected directions and racked up the suspense, mingled with ancient folklore. The fourth installment will be out next year and feature another of the key characters from this story. I shall be looking out for it.
November 18, 2017
Wow, this book was great! The first two in the series were strong, and it's normal to wonder if the author can sustain that level of brilliance throughout the series. Ha! Moncrieff drew me in right away. I wound up getting no sleep the first night, as I stayed up reading until I finished it at five in the morning: exhausted, wide-eyed, and saying "Holy crap!"
The story is awesome, of course. The freaking plagues of Egypt are something out of a nightmare, and our heroes Kate and Jackson aren't going to stand for it. Their protégé Lily may or not be involved in it; her dad's brother may or may not have helped cause it; somehow the ancient Egyptian gods are real (and may or may not be gods!); and there are exciting new characters who may or may not be on Kate's side. It's so good! I won't give away any of the details, other than to say that they go to Egypt, battle Anubis to save the world, and the ending is SO AMAZING! Seriously. Read it.
Moncrieff's books aren't wonderful reads just because of their plots, though. Moncrieff writes incredibly nuanced characters who come across like real people, not caricatures. And she's a really, really good writer, who has the rare ability to be able to immerse you in a world like few writers other than Stephen King and J.K. Rowling can do.
I wish there was an "author's cut" of this third book twice as long so I could keep reading it. I can't wait for the fourth book to come out!
The story is awesome, of course. The freaking plagues of Egypt are something out of a nightmare, and our heroes Kate and Jackson aren't going to stand for it. Their protégé Lily may or not be involved in it; her dad's brother may or may not have helped cause it; somehow the ancient Egyptian gods are real (and may or may not be gods!); and there are exciting new characters who may or may not be on Kate's side. It's so good! I won't give away any of the details, other than to say that they go to Egypt, battle Anubis to save the world, and the ending is SO AMAZING! Seriously. Read it.
Moncrieff's books aren't wonderful reads just because of their plots, though. Moncrieff writes incredibly nuanced characters who come across like real people, not caricatures. And she's a really, really good writer, who has the rare ability to be able to immerse you in a world like few writers other than Stephen King and J.K. Rowling can do.
I wish there was an "author's cut" of this third book twice as long so I could keep reading it. I can't wait for the fourth book to come out!
February 18, 2019
I received a copy of this book from the author, via Voracious Readers Only, in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this, it captured my imagination. I hadn't realised at first this was the third book in the series, but it didn't make much difference to me. A awesome book that took me along with Kate and Jackson, thru troubling Egyptian gods and plagues , all to help a girl named Lily. But also it seems a understanding of what kates true abilities are will come to light. Definitely going to read the first two and will be following more of the adventures from Kate and Jackson. Temple of Ghosts
I really enjoyed this, it captured my imagination. I hadn't realised at first this was the third book in the series, but it didn't make much difference to me. A awesome book that took me along with Kate and Jackson, thru troubling Egyptian gods and plagues , all to help a girl named Lily. But also it seems a understanding of what kates true abilities are will come to light. Definitely going to read the first two and will be following more of the adventures from Kate and Jackson. Temple of Ghosts
June 21, 2019
Yet another cracking good read in the Ghost Writer series from the amazingly talented Canadian author J.H.Moncrieff.
This is a book you will not want to put down! Third in the series, it is a stand alone story in itself, although the main characters will be familiar from previous stories, more insight into their relationship and background is revealed as the story unfolds. The Temple of Ghosts will keep you captivated from start to finish, from Vermont to the Pyramids of Egypt and back again, the action is non stop and every paragraph brings something new to the plot.
This is very clever entertaining writing, and lovers of dark tales and the supernatural will love it!
This is a book you will not want to put down! Third in the series, it is a stand alone story in itself, although the main characters will be familiar from previous stories, more insight into their relationship and background is revealed as the story unfolds. The Temple of Ghosts will keep you captivated from start to finish, from Vermont to the Pyramids of Egypt and back again, the action is non stop and every paragraph brings something new to the plot.
This is very clever entertaining writing, and lovers of dark tales and the supernatural will love it!
February 21, 2019
Gifted this book from the author via Voracious Readers.
I am hooked - gutted that it was book three as I will now have to get books one and two 👍🏻. What a fantastic read which I started this morning and then could not put down. The way the author writes, as you read you are there which, for me, is the mark of a great author. Will definitely be looking for more.
I am hooked - gutted that it was book three as I will now have to get books one and two 👍🏻. What a fantastic read which I started this morning and then could not put down. The way the author writes, as you read you are there which, for me, is the mark of a great author. Will definitely be looking for more.
April 30, 2020
This was a great read. I love Egypt and so this made the story intriguing as I read of the ancient gods. This is the third book in the series and having read the first, I jumped to the third when I saw the Egyptian connection. I can highly recommend and am looking forward to reading the fourth book in this series. You will not be disappointed.
November 14, 2017
Once more another compelling read from J.H. Moncrieff. Book reviews are not my strong point so please bear with me. The story grabbed my attention from the get go and I ended up reading it in one sitting (much to my wife's chagrin as I was supposed to be doing yard work...). As a writer I struggle with first person point-of-view so to read this where it is written from two characters point-of-view impressed me.
This is the fourth book I have read from this author and I will admit I am a fan. I only have one question. Why do I have to wait until next year for the next installment? Seriously, I recommend this book and this author. Great work, J.H.
This is the fourth book I have read from this author and I will admit I am a fan. I only have one question. Why do I have to wait until next year for the next installment? Seriously, I recommend this book and this author. Great work, J.H.
August 14, 2019
A Great Afternoon Read
Temple of Ghosts is a story which keeps you wondering what will happen next. Plus, it gives you fun conspiracy theories and an object look at Ancient Egyptian gods. Like I said it's fun and thrilling, so enjoy it with a nice mug of coffee or a cup of tea.
Temple of Ghosts is a story which keeps you wondering what will happen next. Plus, it gives you fun conspiracy theories and an object look at Ancient Egyptian gods. Like I said it's fun and thrilling, so enjoy it with a nice mug of coffee or a cup of tea.
October 2, 2021
Jackson and Kate return, in this, Moncrieff’s third entry into her fantastic Ghost Writers Series. The series itself now has six books out as well as the first in a spin off series, but I’m still plugging away, now having finished the third book. Moncrieff is one of my favorite writers, but with series’ it is always a dilemma. Do you dive into the next book right away? Do you take some time between releases?
In this case, I decided to take some time away, but am so happy to have returned to the ever expanding world of these two supernatural/paranormal helpers. After events in China and then Poviglia, we now see ourselves heading to Egypt, a place that’s always held a fascinating and mystical spot in my mind.
(Side note – I’ve already read Moncrieff’s next release – the amazingly dark ‘The Restoration’ out through Flame Tree Press at the end of October – don’t sleep on that one!)
What I liked: After the events in book two, we pick up shortly after in book three. Jackson and Kate realize something else is up and things ramp up and explode from there. It’s tough to really say a lot there as I like to stay as spoiler free as possible, but if you’ve read the first two then you’ll know what I’m alluding too here.
Jackson and Kate discover some eerie warning signs (think biblical events) and decide that all clues lead to confronting the demon that has arrived in Egypt. Moncrieff does a great job of keeping things fresh as we head overseas, but the use of secondary characters never felt more important, nor as well done within the series as it has in this release.
I loved the way the things fall into place once we arrive in Egypt and Moncrieff brings the hustle and bustle alive and vibrant. The action is really well done, I think of the three so far, I liked the descriptions and cinematic scope of these moments the best and we really see just how solid of a team, but also a couple these two have become.
The ending was great, and really does act as a natural ending to a trilogy, but did keep the door open for another release – which we know does happen.
What I didn’t like: As with book two and now in book three, Jackson’s jealous trait really annoys me and ground me when it would happen. Prime example – after discovering something in Kate’s place, they take it to an insect expert. Immediately, Jackson’s thoughts go to how this guy wishes he was with Kate and not just a friend.
Why you should buy this: A fantastic third entry in a series that continues to excite and grow and twist and change, Moncrieff really did a great job of keeping Jackson and Kate feeling fresh and the tension high. Awesome stuff, but would you expect anything less from Moncrieff?
In this case, I decided to take some time away, but am so happy to have returned to the ever expanding world of these two supernatural/paranormal helpers. After events in China and then Poviglia, we now see ourselves heading to Egypt, a place that’s always held a fascinating and mystical spot in my mind.
(Side note – I’ve already read Moncrieff’s next release – the amazingly dark ‘The Restoration’ out through Flame Tree Press at the end of October – don’t sleep on that one!)
What I liked: After the events in book two, we pick up shortly after in book three. Jackson and Kate realize something else is up and things ramp up and explode from there. It’s tough to really say a lot there as I like to stay as spoiler free as possible, but if you’ve read the first two then you’ll know what I’m alluding too here.
Jackson and Kate discover some eerie warning signs (think biblical events) and decide that all clues lead to confronting the demon that has arrived in Egypt. Moncrieff does a great job of keeping things fresh as we head overseas, but the use of secondary characters never felt more important, nor as well done within the series as it has in this release.
I loved the way the things fall into place once we arrive in Egypt and Moncrieff brings the hustle and bustle alive and vibrant. The action is really well done, I think of the three so far, I liked the descriptions and cinematic scope of these moments the best and we really see just how solid of a team, but also a couple these two have become.
The ending was great, and really does act as a natural ending to a trilogy, but did keep the door open for another release – which we know does happen.
What I didn’t like: As with book two and now in book three, Jackson’s jealous trait really annoys me and ground me when it would happen. Prime example – after discovering something in Kate’s place, they take it to an insect expert. Immediately, Jackson’s thoughts go to how this guy wishes he was with Kate and not just a friend.
Why you should buy this: A fantastic third entry in a series that continues to excite and grow and twist and change, Moncrieff really did a great job of keeping Jackson and Kate feeling fresh and the tension high. Awesome stuff, but would you expect anything less from Moncrieff?
October 22, 2018
What makes a series great is when the characters continue to grow and evolve, you experience different locations, and the stakes are often raised higher with each story. "Temple of Ghosts" offers all of these things as we follow Kate and Jackson to the land of Egypt with its tombs and air of mystery. This new case contains ties to a previous case which only invests you further in the outcome. Written with seamless transitions between the perspective of the two main characters, this writing style allows you to view things through the eyes of Kate, our beloved medium, and Jackson, our ever-evolving, wisecracking mainstreamer who may just have more to him than meets the eye. A great third installation to the GhostWriters series!
March 13, 2018
Awesome read - so happy to be back with Kate and Jackson again! This book was wonderful, I really connect with the characters and, as with the previous two books, I really adore the bits of true history woven into the story. Truly scary at times, incredibly emotional at others (no spoiler but I was heart broken at one point and completely didn’t see it coming). The only part I don’t like is having to wait for the next one.
February 9, 2019
This was a great story. I thoroughly enjoyed the Egyptian theme to this ghost story. It was interesting from the start and captured my attention. I hadn't realized it was the third in his series but have already gotten his 2nd book now to read as well. Can't wait to start it! I received a copy of this book via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest reading.
February 27, 2019
Hold on to your hats! This book by J.H. Moncrieff is one heck of a ride! While Icannot reccommend it in good conscience to people whose sensibilities are easily offended, because they will be: Jackson Stone doesn't mince words.I can reccommend it heartily to anyone who likes a good tale of adventure in exotic places,mystery and the occult..the characters are finely drawn and relatable. This third in the Ghostwriters series is handled with humor, compassion m and riveting suspense.
February 15, 2019
You absolutely have to read this!! I couldn't put it down and I'd love to read the whole series!!
February 5, 2018
Another great ghost story by Moncrieff. We see the story unfold from alternating perspectives of Jackson and Kate. We get a little more insight into their gifts and are drawn into the spirit world even further. I liked the ancient Egyptian elements, gods, and curses. Look out for the hounds of Hell and the presence of troubled souls! I also enjoyed seeing the relationship between Jackson and Kate develop. I'm looking forward to the release of Moncrieff's next book.
February 26, 2018
Just like the last two books, I was thoroughly entertained by this one. I enjoyed the Egyptian setting and the addition of a new character who proved to be very important as she helped Kate to understand her abilities more than she ever had to this point. There's so much I can't say because I don't want to include any spoilers. Just know that this is absolutely a book worth reading. Can't wait for the next one!
June 21, 2022
Temple of Ghosts
Kate and Jackson with a little help from friends managed to take on Anubis and win. I thought they’d get her friend back, that didn’t happen yet.
Kate and Jackson with a little help from friends managed to take on Anubis and win. I thought they’d get her friend back, that didn’t happen yet.
February 14, 2021
I’ve enjoyed this series from the start, but this is clearly my favorite so far. In this installment, Kate and Jackson are a solid team, even if they don’t have the greatest confidence in themselves, and it fuels the story. Plus, they get to travel to Egypt and explore a pantheon of gods not usually heard of in western culture. The introduction of likable, and even downright lovable, side characters made this story feel like home- in the sense that only at home and with the closest family and friends can you defeat anything that comes against you.
I love how both our main characters grow in this installment. This isn’t just another case of Kate using her abilities to save the day while Jackson acts as her anchor. I also love how, unlike many stories of this kind, as our characters gain in strength, they also face additional vulnerabilities.
Without spoiling too much, I think it’s important for interested readers to know that this one may make you cry, but it’s in no way a sappy story.
As always, I appreciate the diversity of the characters in this book and the respect in which each culture is represented. I can’t say enough good stuff about this book without spoiling it, so this is where I stop. Can’t wait for the next one.
Highly recommended to fans of horror, complex paranormal situations, diverse characters, strong female leads, and smart dark fiction.
I love how both our main characters grow in this installment. This isn’t just another case of Kate using her abilities to save the day while Jackson acts as her anchor. I also love how, unlike many stories of this kind, as our characters gain in strength, they also face additional vulnerabilities.
Without spoiling too much, I think it’s important for interested readers to know that this one may make you cry, but it’s in no way a sappy story.
As always, I appreciate the diversity of the characters in this book and the respect in which each culture is represented. I can’t say enough good stuff about this book without spoiling it, so this is where I stop. Can’t wait for the next one.
Highly recommended to fans of horror, complex paranormal situations, diverse characters, strong female leads, and smart dark fiction.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews