After reeling from the backlash of decades-old murders, the residents of Dawson Mills, Tennessee are more than ready to put the nightmare behind them. But Toni Harper, a reporter for the local paper, knows the trouble is just beginning. When the bodies of two men are found at the edge of the woods, their faces impossibly twisted, and mouths wide open on a scream, she believes the sheriff's men have missed a crucial piece of evidence. A simple revelation coiled up right under their noses, waiting for lightning to strike.
The hunt for answers leads Toni to a sinister world where the present rides parallel with a gruesome past. Shadows begin stalking her. Visions and chilling dreams haunt her. At the heart of the darkness, an ancient evil waits. Sly, calculating. Hungry.
Can she destroy the devil-thing that has a taste for her? Or will she soon join countless lost souls in an eternal death?
Thrust into a wicked, paranormal realm, Toni races against the clock, immersed in the shadowed mysteries of the occult, where her only hope of survival rests with the ghost of a long-dead witch.
Lost Souls by Anne Francis Scott is a paranormal mystery at the fringe of horror, guaranteed to keep you reading with the lights on...
Anne Francis Scott is a Readers’ Favorite award finalist author in paranormal fiction. She has a fascination for haunted houses, ancient cemeteries, and ghostly mysteries with a twist. Those passions fuel her writing, giving her the chance to take readers to an otherworldly place and leave them there for a while. She hopes that journey is a good one. . .
If you'd like to know more about Anne, visit her website, where she talks (okay, maybe rambles a little) about her personal paranormal experiences.
Toni had been digging in places she shouldn't have, first into the building development, then around the scene of a double murder. But she never imagined the trouble it would ensure. An attempt on her life brings into sharper focus the terror that followed her back from the murder site. Since she had seen that thing in the woods a dark presence has been stalking her, hijacking her mind, and playing sick games. Reality seems distorted, and sinister voices whisper within her mind. Toni does the only thing she can, she turns to Allison, a newly awakened Medium with more than a little experience with the paranormal, can they discover the true danger and unravel the truth before it is too late?
Be prepared to lose yourself in an amazingly descriptive paranormal fiction. Anne Francis Scott possesses a beautiful descriptive voice, her proverbial quill painting the images before you with such clarity it is easy to imagine yourself there. From scenery to mannerisms, there is no stone left unturned and you are left with an amazing impression of the characters and the places they see. While Lost Souls is book two of The Lost Trilogy, it does work as stand alone. Whilst I felt I had missed an amazing and tense adventure when Allison first uncovers her abilities in book one, and Toni begins digging into things she, perhaps, shouldn’t, I felt they were adequately addressed to provide a full enough picture to allow the reader to understand all they needed to, in fact, if anything, it made me want to read the first book. I love a good character driven plot, and I have always been a fan of writing that absorbs you. There is danger, threat, looming darkness, mystery, and the test of bonds and friendships as people are forced to accept and view things they never could have imagined.
“Yes, I believe in ghosts, because I’ve seen them, heard them and have shared a house with them.”
This is author Anne Francis Scott's words about her own life. I, as a reader and a writer, see a mirror image of myself in her revelation. Scott’s book Lost Souls transported me back to my younger years. I grew up in an overly paranormal region of the world with frequent appearances of women in white robes by midnight highways, weird nocturnal noises in long-abandoned tea estate bungalows, old and gloomy patches of villages with unsolved mysteries, witchcraft and black magic ravaging the countryside even today. Some of them have found their rightful places in my next novel.
In LOST SOULS, the narrator’s perspective gives the prose a mysterious power, producing shudders in the reader, not as often as one would expect, but “quite often.” The author depicts through her writing the real threats that our souls vividly experience and react to. This is not a tale of a woman’s everyday madness. It is much deeper.
“...In the clearing bordered by tall pines, fading daylight brushed a soft glow over two crossing ribbons of path. Straight ahead, a giant oak stood like a bastion. A canopy of hardy, bright gold leaves still clung to its branches...”
Anne Francis Scott, at times, writes deliberately frightening prose. There is, however, humor and beautiful descriptive prose in her writing, sometimes straining a reader’s patience, yet always remaining engaging. The author manages to locate her characters’ terrors in their anguished consciousnesses. Yes, her harmonious writing style generates a sort of real-world unease.
For the most part, the main character’s place in the paranormal world has been well-portrayed. What provokes a crisis in Toni Harper, the protagonist, is not as immediately evident as the cause that instigates her journey. But Toni is someone who will not quit. She is relentless and therefore adorable.
LOST SOULS held my undivided attention to figure out a crime where the “giant oak” holds something of scenic Tennessee in its forks of secrecy. Is this story a social commentary of friendship and bonding too? Sorry, but you will have to wait until not-the-end to find out how it takes us through amazingly extrasensory perceptions of psychic forces and more. This story will arguably go down as a tale of danger, mystery, darkness and beauty in the city of Tennessee.
Sidd Burth Author of THE POISON EARRINGS 17 September, 2018
I've read Scott's Lost Girl, and liked it very much. Scott's Lost Souls brings the reader back to Dawson Mills. This time, the story revolves around Toni. This is full of twists and mystery as there is also something sinister and chilling looming. I liked both books, but I think this is my favorite so far in this trilogy. Scott pens a magnificent story, and brings it to life. This is one of those you can't put down until the end. I look forward to whatever comes next in this trilogy.
I must first congratulate the author—for reminding me why I stopped reading Dennis Wheatley stories years ago. Needless to say, I may not be a big paranormal fan, but I am keen on a well-told story, and I enjoyed Lost Girl (first of the trilogy). Anne Francis Scott is an accomplished author, taking readers into a world which is scary at best … but terrifying when the time period is considered. We’re not looking here at a misty 17th century London, or Bavaria—this is modern day USA. Events are recalled from the first book, but the delivery is not contrived. Through well-placed character thoughts and dialogue, we are reminded of the horrors and the location. When the good guys are joining forces (on several levels), there is a sense of tension as one or two have to accept what it is they’re dealing with, and they have to put aside personal issues. There are scenes involving several characters which are well-choreographed. All of the characters (including the dog) are well-rounded and believable. The antagonist isn’t carrying a gun or blowing people up, but he is a shady character in the worst possible way. Henchmen are involved, as would be expected and they come out of the woodwork as the mystery deepens and the suspense builds. If you like that whisper in the wind, or that unexplained voice creeping inside your head, you’ll love this story. Imagery can be difficult in mainstream genres, but it takes a skilled hand to scare me in broad daylight—thanks again, Anne. I don’t know if I’m looking forward the third book.
I read this in a day and a half! I could not put it down. I was a bit hesitant to begin reading Lost Souls because I had read the first book in the series, Lost Girl, and absolutely loved it. My fear was that this book may not measure up to the previous. Boy was I wrong. Lost Souls is fantastic. I love that we are able to continue on with our favorite characters from book one, and we get to incorporate the first adventure with this one. Everything and everyone is tied together in some form or fashion that I kept thinking, "Wow! I never would have thought to do that!" The writing is superb and the story complex, but the author guides you through with such ease, you don't miss a second of the action or details needed for the story to come together. I loved Toni's character and personality in book one, but having this book from her perspective was a treat. She's a firecracker loyal to her cause and her friends. I love the dynamic and contrast between she and Allison, as well as the complex relationship between Toni and Ray. I just couldn't put this book down and CANNOT WAIT until the next book in the series. Highly recommend.
I was riveted by this unusual, gripping story. Anne Francis Scott writes a paranormal, mysterious, page-turning detective story with finely drawn characters who speak in pitch-perfect, contemporary language in a Smokey Mountains setting so hauntingly visceral it makes you keep looking over your shoulder. Lost Souls is wonderfully imaginative, but there is something so earthy and visual about it that it reads like a screenplay. With characters that balance the story, Journalist Toni Harper, Sheriff Ray McAllister, and psychic medium, Allison Weathers are characters with a common cause that we can relate to, as the dreams and shadows that inhabit their world will keep you on the edge of your seat.
I've always loved the chill of an eerie ghost story, especially if there's a demonic twist to it, and this one certainly hits the mark. The characters are believable, not simply one-dimensional, so you're drawn along with them into the unfolding nightmare. As you journey deeper and deeper into the mystery, the pace quickens like a runaway heartbeat. If you're a fan of the paranormal, this is a read well worth your time.
Ok hurry up I know something else exciting !s going to happen! !
Fast - paced and exciting the second book is better than the first and number three can't come fast enough. Whether you love paranormal or mystery Lost Souls has it all. Way to go Anne now hurry to the writing cave LOL
If you love a good ghost or demon story, this will definitely keep you interested. This is book 2 in the trilogy and doesn't disappoint.
Dead bodies are found at a new development site, and Toni seems to be at the center of all the action that transpires. She sees a scary thing in the forest, it makes eye contact, and now it wants her. This monster needs her power to live and will stop at nothing. Toni and her friends have to figure all this out and follow bread crumbs to get the help they need.
The ghost of a witch is also involved, as she herself tried to destroy this monster and failed. Now she presents herself, as best as she can, and leads Toni to the "key" and spells to destroy the thing that wants to take over the world. Toni has one shot at turning back time and destroying the murderer who will continue, if she doesn't stop him.
Parts of the story was confusing at times. There is a lot going on in this book, but the characters are strong and I liked the way they interacted and protected each other.
As with the first book, the story is well-written, with no errors to pull you out of the story. The characters keep you engaged, even laughing at times. I especially liked Toni calling the sheriff a mule. Suited him fine.
If you read the first book in the series and thought there were creepy characters, prepare yourself for even creepier -- and more deadly -- ones in this story. The paranormal is kicked up a notch or two, as well. You'll get your share of ghosts and so much more to keep you turning the pages as you huddle with your back to the wall so evil beings don't sneak up on you. Who knew such evil lurked within the state of Tennessee?
If you're a paranormal fan, you'll enjoy this story and series. I can hardly wait for the next book to come out, and see how it all ties in together.
It was a wonderful book. Creepy at times, especially the thing about the nightmares Toni had. I know how it feels to have nightmares ... I loved the little things in this book, like Toni saying sorry to a tree. So you can see and feel how precious nature and life is for Anne. I think there could be a little more funny moments with Jack though. Can't get enough of Jack. Love that dog. I'm not very good in reviews but I hope this will do. It was a great book, witch can give you nightmares, so watch it LOL.
This is the second book in The Lost Trilogy Series, a Paranormal Ghost Mystery. I love this addictive Series! I recommend to listen to this Series in order. In this installment, we follow Toni, Ray, Allison and Paul in a scaring adventure. I loved to have the mutiple POV. The story is complex and enthralling. Impossible to put it down! Lisa L. Wiley did a fantastic job with the narration. If you like paranormal ghost mystery, this series is definitely for you. I enjoyed it, and I HIGHLY recommend it. I need more!!
This is the 2nd book and it picks up a few months after Lost Girl. Toni is featured in this book, Allison, Paul, Ray and Jenna are also featured. As a reporter trying to get a story, Toni ends up in an abandoned house. She sees something in the woods. It looks like a monster. Is it a ghost- or worse is it a demon? As the story unfolds, Toni is concerned she’s loosing her mind. With the support of her friends and niece, she begins to unravel the truth about the thing in the woods, leading to an explosive ending. I can’t wait for the next book!
This book is well worth reading, if you like spooky!
A demon, a witch, and lots of victims keep the main characters busy trying to stay alive! Newly discovered psychic abilities are tested. This is well written and suspenseful, neither sexually or brutally graphic, just good old psychological scary stuff. I'm looking forward to the third book in this trilogy, and hoping for more!
I really liked the first book, but my issue with this author stands the same-- the story premise is such a complicated, tiny detail interwoven mish-mash of goings on and speculation that it gets really confusing. A lot of the group conversations are hard to follow because the speaker isn't always identified. I like the suspense, but felt a lot of the characters' talk (whether something was or wasn't probable) was too repetitive. Just not my cup of tea.
I bought both versions of this book the e book AND the audio. This is book two of this series and to say I was glued is putting it mildly. I loved everything about this particular book from ALL the characters you get a sense of your breath catching in your throat. You can try to guess what will happen next you may or may not be right. its one of those where its difficult to put down. the narration was very good as well this is one book I know you will definitely enjoy.
Part psychological thriller, part horror story and part ghostly mystery. An edge of your seat page turner with sleepless nights thrown in as an added benefit. Absolutely loved these first 2 books in this trilogy!! Can't wait for the third!!!!
I wanted to headline with"Good Book" meaning it really is a good book. So many times a review is so full of details you don't need to read the book. You need to read this book. The first book in the series was good, the second better, - I'm definitely ready for the next book!
The description of the men "running or racking their hand through their hair" gets old. All the time spent getting coffee and drinking wine seems words wasted. The story is good and the characters are interesting I would rather learn more about them or let the book be shorter.
Toni Harper a reporter, getting into something’s she shouldn’t. Ray works at the police station and would do anything to keep her safe. But there are strange things happening that Toni is the only one to solve. A big mystery to solve with a lot of magic involved. A great story and written very well. I would recommend this book.
Whoa! Intense! Toni finding out she has similar abilities to her niece, Jenna, was quite a shock! And everything escalated quickly! What she was up against was terrifying. This book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire book! I really loved it!
Great spooky mystery!! Lost Souls is the second book in the Lost Souls Trilogy. I really liked the first book and this one did not disappoint! Great writing style, storyline and characters. Makes for a terrific audio listen. The narration is well done! Cant wait for the conclusion!
I personally felt that book two was just as good as book one. I loved how we delved a little deeper into the characters and their gifts. I am hoping this author will bring us Jenna and Marcus’ story sooner than later.
I absolutely love this series. Paranormal mysteries are among my favorite types of books because it adds more to the twists and turns of a series. This author does a great job of world building and the narrator is fantastic at bringing that world to life. I definitely need more from both.
A well told story. Likeable characters from book 1, pulled into this new continuing story. I am sorry there wasn't a 3rd book in this series, but I think I will be looking for another one of this authors books to add to my tbr list.