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The Joining
Undercover at Victoria’s Empress Hotel, police detective Carol Ainsworth has to deal with two American Mafia cartels coming in for a wedding. Easy-peasy, everyone has a lovely cup of tea, says their ‘I Do’s’ and goes away happy. Or so it seems until young boys start disappearing, a crazy old psychic woman shows up bearing a crystal skull and one of the mobsters is found hanged in his room by what appears to be a ghost. Carol quickly discovers that Victoria has several satanic cults, more resident ghosts than all of Canada and something is rattling their chains.
Toss in a hunky FBI agent, a hunkier Italian mobster, both of which want to investigate more of Carol than she is willing to reveal and you’ve one threesome that is going to raise some hell. Literally.
Speaking of unwanted hellions being invited to town, and I’m not talking the red-headed whip-wielding dominatrix that shows up, there is one guest that generates more heat than a habanero-infused curry.
Come visit Victoria. No longer the staid, stiff-upper-lip, more-English-than-the-English town of fish and chips. Stick around while the tea is hot, the ghosts are walking and - did I mention? - the scones are pretty darn good as well.
Reviews
The ghosts of Victoria, BC are restless. The Joining is a riveting read for crime fiction lovers and those fascinated by tales of hauntings. Talaber expertly draws you into a multi-leveled world of local history, crime, and the supernatural , where a blue fairy , comprised of two sorrowful creatures, is more powerful than it knows. A perfect read for those foggy west coast nights.
Melanie Cossey,
A Peculiar Curiosity
I've read and reread his previous series, Stillwaters Run Deep, several times. Frank's writing is original and compelling. You run into characters and situations totally unexpected. Keeps you on the edge of your seat and your heart.
Greta Olsson
Your book kept my attention riveted from beginning to end. I liked the way you presented the female character being in control of the outcome and the fact the story was based on local
settings. i.e. Victoria, B.C. Canada Keep up the good work ..... Linda Low
Toss in a hunky FBI agent, a hunkier Italian mobster, both of which want to investigate more of Carol than she is willing to reveal and you’ve one threesome that is going to raise some hell. Literally.
Speaking of unwanted hellions being invited to town, and I’m not talking the red-headed whip-wielding dominatrix that shows up, there is one guest that generates more heat than a habanero-infused curry.
Come visit Victoria. No longer the staid, stiff-upper-lip, more-English-than-the-English town of fish and chips. Stick around while the tea is hot, the ghosts are walking and - did I mention? - the scones are pretty darn good as well.
Reviews
The ghosts of Victoria, BC are restless. The Joining is a riveting read for crime fiction lovers and those fascinated by tales of hauntings. Talaber expertly draws you into a multi-leveled world of local history, crime, and the supernatural , where a blue fairy , comprised of two sorrowful creatures, is more powerful than it knows. A perfect read for those foggy west coast nights.
Melanie Cossey,
A Peculiar Curiosity
I've read and reread his previous series, Stillwaters Run Deep, several times. Frank's writing is original and compelling. You run into characters and situations totally unexpected. Keeps you on the edge of your seat and your heart.
Greta Olsson
Your book kept my attention riveted from beginning to end. I liked the way you presented the female character being in control of the outcome and the fact the story was based on local
settings. i.e. Victoria, B.C. Canada Keep up the good work ..... Linda Low
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 31, 2018
2 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Frank Talaber
26 books25 followersWriter by Soul.
A natural storyteller, whose compelling thoughts are freed from the depths of the heart and the subconscious before being poured onto the page.
Literature written beyond the realms of genre he is known to grab readers; kicking, screaming, laughing or crying and drag them into his novels.
Enter the literary world of Frank Talaber.
Author Biography – Frank Talaber was born in Beaverlodge, Alberta, where the claim to fame is a fox with flashing eyes in the only pub, yeah, big place, that's why his family left when he was knee high to a grasshopper and moved to Edmonton, Alberta. Eventually he got tired of ten months of winter and two of bad slush and moved to Chilliwack, BC. Great place, Cedar trees, can cut the grass nine months of the year and, oh it does snow here once or twice. Just enough to have to find out what happened to the bloody snow shovel and have to use it. GRRR.
He's spent most of his life either fixing cars or managing automotive shops and is a licensed automotive technician. However it’s the little muses that keep twigging on his pencil won’t let his writing pad stay blank.
He's had several short stories published, short-listed in contests over the years and a few automotive articles published in RV magazines. He has several novels published through BWL publishing, which include the genres of urban fantasy, thriller, crime and romance. He also has written in science fiction, spiritual, erotica and comedy genres as well.
When asked once, "where does this creativity spring from?" He answered, "It’s the Gypsy blood from my mother’s Hungarian ancestry."
Literary madness that drives his wife crazy when he leaves their bed in the middle of the night to pound out some sort of prosaic induced brilliance. “Here we go again, the next War and Peace, Aka 21st century,” she moans, only to realize it’s either gibberish or there’s no lead in his pencil and he's scribbled on sixteen blank pages in the dark.
When asked about Frank Talaber’s Writing Style? He usually responds with: Mix Dan Millman (Way of The Peaceful Warrior) with Charles De Lint (Moonheart) and throw in a mad scattering of Tom Robbins (Even Cowgirls Get The Blues).
PS: He’s better looking than Stephen King (Carrie, The Stand, It, The Shining) and his romantic stuff will have you gasping quicker than Robert James Waller (Bridges Of Madison County).Or as is often said: You don’t have to be mad to be a writer, but it sure helps.
He is also working on a script and movie project and plans to get his works into films at some point.
Reviews
Just when I was beginning to wonder where the next great Canadian story teller would emerge from, Frank Talaber has written a modern crime mystery with a twist. In “Thunderbird’s Wake” Talaber weaves the richness of Canada’s west coast aboriginal spirituality into the science of modern forensics. CSI comes to Haida Gwaii as the shaman and the detective conduct an investigation that will take them and the reader on a journey to a place where murder, redemption and ancient mysticism intersect.
Michael G de Jong, QC
Minister of Finance, Government House Leader,
Province of British Columbia
There are many aspects true to First Nation’s beliefs. For example the transformation of animals and anomalies within our realm. Frank Talaber’s writing is clear and concise, leaving no grey areas. But his true talent as a writer is not only a sense of time, history and capturing First Nation’s humor, but going from the real to the surreal and the supernatural. A gift he plies very well.
Tom Patterson
Nuu-Cha-Nulth Artist and Master Carver
A natural storyteller, whose compelling thoughts are freed from the depths of the heart and the subconscious before being poured onto the page.
Literature written beyond the realms of genre he is known to grab readers; kicking, screaming, laughing or crying and drag them into his novels.
Enter the literary world of Frank Talaber.
Author Biography – Frank Talaber was born in Beaverlodge, Alberta, where the claim to fame is a fox with flashing eyes in the only pub, yeah, big place, that's why his family left when he was knee high to a grasshopper and moved to Edmonton, Alberta. Eventually he got tired of ten months of winter and two of bad slush and moved to Chilliwack, BC. Great place, Cedar trees, can cut the grass nine months of the year and, oh it does snow here once or twice. Just enough to have to find out what happened to the bloody snow shovel and have to use it. GRRR.
He's spent most of his life either fixing cars or managing automotive shops and is a licensed automotive technician. However it’s the little muses that keep twigging on his pencil won’t let his writing pad stay blank.
He's had several short stories published, short-listed in contests over the years and a few automotive articles published in RV magazines. He has several novels published through BWL publishing, which include the genres of urban fantasy, thriller, crime and romance. He also has written in science fiction, spiritual, erotica and comedy genres as well.
When asked once, "where does this creativity spring from?" He answered, "It’s the Gypsy blood from my mother’s Hungarian ancestry."
Literary madness that drives his wife crazy when he leaves their bed in the middle of the night to pound out some sort of prosaic induced brilliance. “Here we go again, the next War and Peace, Aka 21st century,” she moans, only to realize it’s either gibberish or there’s no lead in his pencil and he's scribbled on sixteen blank pages in the dark.
When asked about Frank Talaber’s Writing Style? He usually responds with: Mix Dan Millman (Way of The Peaceful Warrior) with Charles De Lint (Moonheart) and throw in a mad scattering of Tom Robbins (Even Cowgirls Get The Blues).
PS: He’s better looking than Stephen King (Carrie, The Stand, It, The Shining) and his romantic stuff will have you gasping quicker than Robert James Waller (Bridges Of Madison County).Or as is often said: You don’t have to be mad to be a writer, but it sure helps.
He is also working on a script and movie project and plans to get his works into films at some point.
Reviews
Just when I was beginning to wonder where the next great Canadian story teller would emerge from, Frank Talaber has written a modern crime mystery with a twist. In “Thunderbird’s Wake” Talaber weaves the richness of Canada’s west coast aboriginal spirituality into the science of modern forensics. CSI comes to Haida Gwaii as the shaman and the detective conduct an investigation that will take them and the reader on a journey to a place where murder, redemption and ancient mysticism intersect.
Michael G de Jong, QC
Minister of Finance, Government House Leader,
Province of British Columbia
There are many aspects true to First Nation’s beliefs. For example the transformation of animals and anomalies within our realm. Frank Talaber’s writing is clear and concise, leaving no grey areas. But his true talent as a writer is not only a sense of time, history and capturing First Nation’s humor, but going from the real to the surreal and the supernatural. A gift he plies very well.
Tom Patterson
Nuu-Cha-Nulth Artist and Master Carver
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 26, 2022
Undercover at Victoria’s Empress Hotel, police detective Carol Ainsworth has to deal with two American Mafia cartels coming in for a wedding. Easy-peasy, everyone has a lovely cup of tea, says their ‘I Do’s’ and goes away happy. Or so it seems until young boys start disappearing, a crazy old psychic woman shows up bearing a crystal skull and one of the mobsters is found hanged in his room by what appears to be a ghost.
Frank is able to weave a cast of characters that kept my attention throughout. Right form the first chapter we find ourselves in an action-packed scene where Jake Holden comes thumping toward the front desk, wearing only a towel because he's locked out of his room. right away, we get tension when the clerk asks for ID of a man only wearing a towel.
This book was such a great read. Definitely a page turner! I highly recommend The Joining (Ainsworth Chronicles Book 1) to anyone who loves a good story.
Frank is able to weave a cast of characters that kept my attention throughout. Right form the first chapter we find ourselves in an action-packed scene where Jake Holden comes thumping toward the front desk, wearing only a towel because he's locked out of his room. right away, we get tension when the clerk asks for ID of a man only wearing a towel.
This book was such a great read. Definitely a page turner! I highly recommend The Joining (Ainsworth Chronicles Book 1) to anyone who loves a good story.
January 30, 2025
Have you ever wondered what lies beneath the surface of an ordinary situation?
The Joining, the first in an intriguing Ainsworth Chronicles series, masterfully combines suspense, humor, and unexpected twists to create a narrative that keeps you hooked until the very end.
This book is an exciting read.
The highlight I loved was the way tension and mystery were layered into every moment. The storyline is unpredictable, ensuring that you’re constantly on edge, eager to uncover the next secret.
The author has a talent for creating characters and situations that feel both relatable and extraordinary. The writing is crisp and engaging, drawing you into the story effortlessly. It’s easy to lose track of time as the plot unfolds, making this book an absolute page-turner.
This book is a perfect pick for anyone who enjoys mysteries with a splash of wit and an unpredictable edge. I found this book to be both thrilling and entertaining, a combination that’s hard to resist.
The author’s ability to weave suspense and humor into the same scene is impressive. The dialogue feels natural, the pacing is spot-on, and the attention to detail adds depth to the narrative. I can’t wait to dive into the next book in the series!
Overall a suspenseful and thrilling masterpiece!
The Joining, the first in an intriguing Ainsworth Chronicles series, masterfully combines suspense, humor, and unexpected twists to create a narrative that keeps you hooked until the very end.
This book is an exciting read.
The highlight I loved was the way tension and mystery were layered into every moment. The storyline is unpredictable, ensuring that you’re constantly on edge, eager to uncover the next secret.
The author has a talent for creating characters and situations that feel both relatable and extraordinary. The writing is crisp and engaging, drawing you into the story effortlessly. It’s easy to lose track of time as the plot unfolds, making this book an absolute page-turner.
This book is a perfect pick for anyone who enjoys mysteries with a splash of wit and an unpredictable edge. I found this book to be both thrilling and entertaining, a combination that’s hard to resist.
The author’s ability to weave suspense and humor into the same scene is impressive. The dialogue feels natural, the pacing is spot-on, and the attention to detail adds depth to the narrative. I can’t wait to dive into the next book in the series!
Overall a suspenseful and thrilling masterpiece!
September 19, 2025
Unforgettable Journey
This book felt like a journey through multiple worlds crime, family, history, and the supernatural all colliding in unexpected ways. I admired how each thread added to the greater whole without ever feeling overwhelming. The pacing was sharp, but the atmosphere gave it time to breathe. I couldn’t help but imagine the streets of Victoria as described: haunted, alive, and holding onto too many secrets. The characters were flawed yet compelling, their struggles personal yet tied to larger mysteries. It’s a story that doesn’t just entertain, it lingers like a ghost long after finishing.
This book felt like a journey through multiple worlds crime, family, history, and the supernatural all colliding in unexpected ways. I admired how each thread added to the greater whole without ever feeling overwhelming. The pacing was sharp, but the atmosphere gave it time to breathe. I couldn’t help but imagine the streets of Victoria as described: haunted, alive, and holding onto too many secrets. The characters were flawed yet compelling, their struggles personal yet tied to larger mysteries. It’s a story that doesn’t just entertain, it lingers like a ghost long after finishing.
September 19, 2025
Beautifully Unsettling
There’s something about this novel that lingers. The descriptions of spirits, blue flames, and haunted places were unsettling yet strangely beautiful. The writing had a rhythm that carried me through eerie moments without ever letting go of the human core of the story. Carol’s struggles, both personal and professional, felt raw and real. The paranormal wasn’t just for shock value it reflected grief, longing, and the weight of history. I closed the book feeling both haunted and oddly comforted, like I’d glimpsed something just beyond the veil of the everyday world.
There’s something about this novel that lingers. The descriptions of spirits, blue flames, and haunted places were unsettling yet strangely beautiful. The writing had a rhythm that carried me through eerie moments without ever letting go of the human core of the story. Carol’s struggles, both personal and professional, felt raw and real. The paranormal wasn’t just for shock value it reflected grief, longing, and the weight of history. I closed the book feeling both haunted and oddly comforted, like I’d glimpsed something just beyond the veil of the everyday world.
September 20, 2025
Unseen Shadows
This story had me glancing over my shoulder more than once. The way it combined the ordinary hotel lobbies, family life, daily routines with the extraordinary made every page tense with possibility. I loved that the supernatural wasn’t just background decoration but an active force, shaping lives and destinies. The ghostly presences were written so convincingly that I could almost believe they were real. At its heart, though, it’s about people trying to protect what matters most, even when the odds are terrifying. It’s suspenseful, eerie, and surprisingly emotional all at once.
This story had me glancing over my shoulder more than once. The way it combined the ordinary hotel lobbies, family life, daily routines with the extraordinary made every page tense with possibility. I loved that the supernatural wasn’t just background decoration but an active force, shaping lives and destinies. The ghostly presences were written so convincingly that I could almost believe they were real. At its heart, though, it’s about people trying to protect what matters most, even when the odds are terrifying. It’s suspenseful, eerie, and surprisingly emotional all at once.
September 19, 2025
Chilling Depths
This story dives deep into places most mysteries only skim. The darkness isn’t just in the villains or the ghosts it’s in the grief, regrets, and choices the characters carry. I found myself completely absorbed in Carol’s journey, especially how her personal struggles intertwined with the supernatural. The way the city seemed to breathe with both history and haunting gave the book an eerie atmosphere I couldn’t shake off. It’s a story that lingers, reminding you that the past is never gone and the unseen world is closer than we imagine.
This story dives deep into places most mysteries only skim. The darkness isn’t just in the villains or the ghosts it’s in the grief, regrets, and choices the characters carry. I found myself completely absorbed in Carol’s journey, especially how her personal struggles intertwined with the supernatural. The way the city seemed to breathe with both history and haunting gave the book an eerie atmosphere I couldn’t shake off. It’s a story that lingers, reminding you that the past is never gone and the unseen world is closer than we imagine.
September 19, 2025
Gripping Tension
From the very first scene, the tension never lets up. Naked intrusions, mafia arrivals, missing children it all layers together into a narrative that feels unpredictable yet purposeful. I admired how the writing kept me invested in both the action and the emotional stakes. The blend of gritty realism with uncanny forces made for a thrilling combination. Just when I thought the danger was entirely human, another spectral twist reminded me otherwise. This is the kind of book that makes you keep reading long into the night, heart racing with every turn.
From the very first scene, the tension never lets up. Naked intrusions, mafia arrivals, missing children it all layers together into a narrative that feels unpredictable yet purposeful. I admired how the writing kept me invested in both the action and the emotional stakes. The blend of gritty realism with uncanny forces made for a thrilling combination. Just when I thought the danger was entirely human, another spectral twist reminded me otherwise. This is the kind of book that makes you keep reading long into the night, heart racing with every turn.
September 19, 2025
Spiritual Undertones
What struck me most was how much meaning ran beneath the surface of this story. Yes, there are mobsters, mysteries, and terrifying encounters, but there’s also a thread of spirituality that makes it unique. The references to Indigenous traditions, ley lines, and restless souls gave the novel a richness I rarely find in thrillers. It wasn’t just entertainment; it felt like an exploration of unseen forces shaping lives. I walked away thinking not only about the characters’ choices but about how our world might carry echoes of the same mysteries.
What struck me most was how much meaning ran beneath the surface of this story. Yes, there are mobsters, mysteries, and terrifying encounters, but there’s also a thread of spirituality that makes it unique. The references to Indigenous traditions, ley lines, and restless souls gave the novel a richness I rarely find in thrillers. It wasn’t just entertainment; it felt like an exploration of unseen forces shaping lives. I walked away thinking not only about the characters’ choices but about how our world might carry echoes of the same mysteries.
September 19, 2025
Heart and Horror
This novel scared me in ways I didn’t expect, but it also touched me. The horror is real supernatural flames, unsettling visions, ghostly figures but it’s the human heart that gave me chills. The bond between sisters, the desperation of a mother, the ache of grief all of it pulsed through the pages. That emotional core kept the story grounded even when things got wildly otherworldly. I don’t usually read paranormal crime fiction, but this one won me over completely. It’s not just about fear, but about love that refuses to surrender.
This novel scared me in ways I didn’t expect, but it also touched me. The horror is real supernatural flames, unsettling visions, ghostly figures but it’s the human heart that gave me chills. The bond between sisters, the desperation of a mother, the ache of grief all of it pulsed through the pages. That emotional core kept the story grounded even when things got wildly otherworldly. I don’t usually read paranormal crime fiction, but this one won me over completely. It’s not just about fear, but about love that refuses to surrender.
September 19, 2025
City of Secrets
Victoria came alive in these pages not just as a setting, but as a character filled with history, whispers, and secrets. The author captured the city’s haunted charm perfectly, weaving it into the plot so that every corner seemed to hide a mystery. The contrast between high-class hotels, dangerous mobs, and shadowy tunnels created an atmosphere of suspense that felt authentic and layered. It’s rare to see a place portrayed with such depth that it feels both real and ghostly. By the end, I felt like I had walked those haunted streets myself.
Victoria came alive in these pages not just as a setting, but as a character filled with history, whispers, and secrets. The author captured the city’s haunted charm perfectly, weaving it into the plot so that every corner seemed to hide a mystery. The contrast between high-class hotels, dangerous mobs, and shadowy tunnels created an atmosphere of suspense that felt authentic and layered. It’s rare to see a place portrayed with such depth that it feels both real and ghostly. By the end, I felt like I had walked those haunted streets myself.
September 19, 2025
Edge of Reality
This novel constantly blurred the line between what was real and what was imagined. One moment I was following undercover cops and mob families, the next I was face-to-face with spirits and forces beyond comprehension. That shifting ground made the suspense even sharper because I never knew what kind of danger would strike next. I loved how the ordinary hotel lobbies, family phone calls was placed right beside the extraordinary. It made the story feel grounded yet otherworldly at the same time. A clever, chilling mix of mystery and mysticism that kept me fully hooked.
This novel constantly blurred the line between what was real and what was imagined. One moment I was following undercover cops and mob families, the next I was face-to-face with spirits and forces beyond comprehension. That shifting ground made the suspense even sharper because I never knew what kind of danger would strike next. I loved how the ordinary hotel lobbies, family phone calls was placed right beside the extraordinary. It made the story feel grounded yet otherworldly at the same time. A clever, chilling mix of mystery and mysticism that kept me fully hooked.
September 19, 2025
Emotional Pull
What stayed with me most wasn’t just the suspense, but the emotional weight behind it. Family ties, broken hearts, and grief gave the novel a depth that elevated it above the usual crime thriller. I felt invested in every choice Carol made, not only because of the danger she faced but because of the people she was trying to protect. The supernatural elements were eerie, but they always circled back to something deeply human. That balance between fear and feeling made this book unforgettable. It’s both tense and tender, all in one.
What stayed with me most wasn’t just the suspense, but the emotional weight behind it. Family ties, broken hearts, and grief gave the novel a depth that elevated it above the usual crime thriller. I felt invested in every choice Carol made, not only because of the danger she faced but because of the people she was trying to protect. The supernatural elements were eerie, but they always circled back to something deeply human. That balance between fear and feeling made this book unforgettable. It’s both tense and tender, all in one.
September 19, 2025
Layers of Fear
What impressed me most was the layering. On the surface, it’s a suspenseful tale of mob intrigue and missing children, but just beneath is a steady pulse of fear ghosts, occult rituals, restless spirits that seeps into every scene. It made me feel like the city itself was a living, breathing character, full of menace and memory. The writing didn’t rely on jump scares but built dread carefully, like whispers getting louder in the dark. I found myself both frightened and fascinated, flipping pages quickly yet never wanting it to end.
What impressed me most was the layering. On the surface, it’s a suspenseful tale of mob intrigue and missing children, but just beneath is a steady pulse of fear ghosts, occult rituals, restless spirits that seeps into every scene. It made me feel like the city itself was a living, breathing character, full of menace and memory. The writing didn’t rely on jump scares but built dread carefully, like whispers getting louder in the dark. I found myself both frightened and fascinated, flipping pages quickly yet never wanting it to end.
September 19, 2025
Mystery with Soul
I came for the mystery but stayed for the soul of the story. Yes, the crime and supernatural elements are gripping, but what made this book shine was the way it explored resilience, connection, and what people are willing to risk for those they love. Carol’s determination and vulnerability made her an unforgettable character, and the supporting cast each added something meaningful. Even the ghostly presences carried a strange beauty. It’s rare to find a novel that balances suspense with emotional resonance so perfectly. This book truly has both heart and depth.
I came for the mystery but stayed for the soul of the story. Yes, the crime and supernatural elements are gripping, but what made this book shine was the way it explored resilience, connection, and what people are willing to risk for those they love. Carol’s determination and vulnerability made her an unforgettable character, and the supporting cast each added something meaningful. Even the ghostly presences carried a strange beauty. It’s rare to find a novel that balances suspense with emotional resonance so perfectly. This book truly has both heart and depth.
September 19, 2025
Haunting Threads
This book stitched together crime, family drama, and the supernatural in a way that felt seamless. Every thread mattered, and every detail pulled me deeper. I especially admired how the story respected the weight of grief and loss while still driving forward with action and suspense. The haunted atmosphere wasn’t just eerie it became part of the emotional landscape. I finished the last page with chills still running down my spine. It’s not just a story about mysteries solved, but about the hidden ties that bind us to the living and the dead.
This book stitched together crime, family drama, and the supernatural in a way that felt seamless. Every thread mattered, and every detail pulled me deeper. I especially admired how the story respected the weight of grief and loss while still driving forward with action and suspense. The haunted atmosphere wasn’t just eerie it became part of the emotional landscape. I finished the last page with chills still running down my spine. It’s not just a story about mysteries solved, but about the hidden ties that bind us to the living and the dead.
September 19, 2025
Relentless Suspense
Once I started, I couldn’t stop. The pace was relentless, each chapter ending with a revelation that made me desperate to know more. I loved how unpredictable the plot was every time I thought I knew the direction, another twist or supernatural encounter shifted everything. The tension between human danger and spectral threat kept me on edge the whole time. What surprised me most, though, was how much heart was packed into the chaos. It’s a rare thriller that can make you race through pages and still pause to feel.
Once I started, I couldn’t stop. The pace was relentless, each chapter ending with a revelation that made me desperate to know more. I loved how unpredictable the plot was every time I thought I knew the direction, another twist or supernatural encounter shifted everything. The tension between human danger and spectral threat kept me on edge the whole time. What surprised me most, though, was how much heart was packed into the chaos. It’s a rare thriller that can make you race through pages and still pause to feel.
September 19, 2025
Secrets Unveiled
This is a story where secrets drive everything family secrets, mob secrets, spiritual secrets. The way they all wove together felt masterful. I was especially drawn to the way the city itself seemed to hold answers, from old hotels to dark tunnels beneath the streets. The suspense worked on multiple levels, keeping me guessing about both the living and the dead. At its heart, though, it’s about truth how far people will go to hide it, and how hard others fight to uncover it. A gripping, layered read that stayed with me.
This is a story where secrets drive everything family secrets, mob secrets, spiritual secrets. The way they all wove together felt masterful. I was especially drawn to the way the city itself seemed to hold answers, from old hotels to dark tunnels beneath the streets. The suspense worked on multiple levels, keeping me guessing about both the living and the dead. At its heart, though, it’s about truth how far people will go to hide it, and how hard others fight to uncover it. A gripping, layered read that stayed with me.
September 20, 2025
Darkly Beautiful
This book completely surprised me. What begins as a crime mystery slowly unfolds into something deeper, richer, and far more haunting. The way the author wove supernatural elements into a real, modern city made me feel both unsettled and strangely moved. The characters felt layered and flawed, especially Carol, whose inner battles mirrored the chaos around her. The ghostly presences and cultural echoes gave the story a pulse that kept me awake long after finishing. It isn’t just about solving crimes it’s about facing what lingers in shadows. Truly unforgettable.
This book completely surprised me. What begins as a crime mystery slowly unfolds into something deeper, richer, and far more haunting. The way the author wove supernatural elements into a real, modern city made me feel both unsettled and strangely moved. The characters felt layered and flawed, especially Carol, whose inner battles mirrored the chaos around her. The ghostly presences and cultural echoes gave the story a pulse that kept me awake long after finishing. It isn’t just about solving crimes it’s about facing what lingers in shadows. Truly unforgettable.
September 20, 2025
Grit and Grace
I was hooked from the very first scene. The writing balances sharp suspense with moments of deep vulnerability, showing that courage doesn’t mean having no fear it means carrying it anyway. The mix of mob intrigue, family heartbreak, and paranormal twists made for a story that felt unpredictable at every turn. What I loved most was the human element. Even in the middle of rituals, hauntings, and crime, the characters’ choices felt real and raw. This book is bold, fearless, and filled with emotional grit. I couldn’t put it down.
I was hooked from the very first scene. The writing balances sharp suspense with moments of deep vulnerability, showing that courage doesn’t mean having no fear it means carrying it anyway. The mix of mob intrigue, family heartbreak, and paranormal twists made for a story that felt unpredictable at every turn. What I loved most was the human element. Even in the middle of rituals, hauntings, and crime, the characters’ choices felt real and raw. This book is bold, fearless, and filled with emotional grit. I couldn’t put it down.
September 20, 2025
Haunting Echoes
Reading this novel felt like walking into a dream you can’t quite leave behind. The descriptions of Victoria’s haunted corners were so vivid I could almost smell the damp air and hear the echoes of the past. What struck me most was how the story intertwined generations of pain, mystery, and hope. It wasn’t just eerie for the sake of being eerie every strange occurrence seemed to reflect something deeper about humanity and loss. The ending left me both unsettled and contemplative. If you enjoy stories that linger, this one will follow you.
Reading this novel felt like walking into a dream you can’t quite leave behind. The descriptions of Victoria’s haunted corners were so vivid I could almost smell the damp air and hear the echoes of the past. What struck me most was how the story intertwined generations of pain, mystery, and hope. It wasn’t just eerie for the sake of being eerie every strange occurrence seemed to reflect something deeper about humanity and loss. The ending left me both unsettled and contemplative. If you enjoy stories that linger, this one will follow you.
September 20, 2025
Suspenseful Layers
This isn’t your typical detective story. Every time I thought I had figured out where the plot was going, another layer opened up mob weddings, missing children, psychics, restless spirits, and secrets buried in history. I was fascinated by how these different threads didn’t clash but instead deepened the tension. Carol’s determination carried the narrative, but the city itself felt like a character, alive with hidden voices and energies. It’s rare to find a novel that keeps mystery, thriller, and supernatural elements balanced, but this one does it brilliantly.
This isn’t your typical detective story. Every time I thought I had figured out where the plot was going, another layer opened up mob weddings, missing children, psychics, restless spirits, and secrets buried in history. I was fascinated by how these different threads didn’t clash but instead deepened the tension. Carol’s determination carried the narrative, but the city itself felt like a character, alive with hidden voices and energies. It’s rare to find a novel that keeps mystery, thriller, and supernatural elements balanced, but this one does it brilliantly.
September 20, 2025
Emotion and Mystery
I loved how this book combined heart with suspense. Yes, there are high-stakes moments and terrifying encounters, but at the core is a story about family, loyalty, and what we’ll risk for those we love. Carol’s relationship with her sister and nephew added so much emotional weight to the mysteries she was unraveling. It made me care about the outcome on a deeper level. The paranormal elements only heightened that urgency, reminding me that danger doesn’t always come from people it can come from the past itself. A powerful, gripping read.
I loved how this book combined heart with suspense. Yes, there are high-stakes moments and terrifying encounters, but at the core is a story about family, loyalty, and what we’ll risk for those we love. Carol’s relationship with her sister and nephew added so much emotional weight to the mysteries she was unraveling. It made me care about the outcome on a deeper level. The paranormal elements only heightened that urgency, reminding me that danger doesn’t always come from people it can come from the past itself. A powerful, gripping read.
September 20, 2025
Powerful Blend
I didn’t expect such a seamless mix of crime thriller and mystical storytelling, but this book delivered both in spades. The mafia backdrop added grit and tension, while the spiritual undertones gave the narrative a timeless, almost mythic quality. The author has a talent for pacing moments of action give way to passages of deep reflection, and both matter equally. I felt drawn to the idea that past and present, human and spirit, are never far apart. It’s a rare story that can keep you turning pages and make you think.
I didn’t expect such a seamless mix of crime thriller and mystical storytelling, but this book delivered both in spades. The mafia backdrop added grit and tension, while the spiritual undertones gave the narrative a timeless, almost mythic quality. The author has a talent for pacing moments of action give way to passages of deep reflection, and both matter equally. I felt drawn to the idea that past and present, human and spirit, are never far apart. It’s a rare story that can keep you turning pages and make you think.
September 20, 2025
Eerie Brilliance
The imagery in this novel was absolutely stunning. From the flicker of blue flames in dark tunnels to the elegance of haunted ballrooms, every scene left me immersed. What I admired most was the bravery of its characters facing not only external threats but their own grief and unresolved pain. It’s this human struggle that kept me hooked even as the supernatural chaos built around them. I walked away from the book feeling like I had glimpsed a hidden layer of reality, one both terrifying and beautiful. It’s haunting brilliance.
The imagery in this novel was absolutely stunning. From the flicker of blue flames in dark tunnels to the elegance of haunted ballrooms, every scene left me immersed. What I admired most was the bravery of its characters facing not only external threats but their own grief and unresolved pain. It’s this human struggle that kept me hooked even as the supernatural chaos built around them. I walked away from the book feeling like I had glimpsed a hidden layer of reality, one both terrifying and beautiful. It’s haunting brilliance.
September 20, 2025
Family and Fear
At first, I thought this was only a mystery with some supernatural touches, but it quickly revealed itself as a story deeply rooted in love and family bonds. Carol’s determination to protect her nephew brought a raw, human urgency to the story, even when the forces at play felt larger than life. The suspense kept me invested, but the emotional weight made it unforgettable. It’s rare for a book to make me both bite my nails and wipe my eyes, but this one did. That balance is what makes it special.
At first, I thought this was only a mystery with some supernatural touches, but it quickly revealed itself as a story deeply rooted in love and family bonds. Carol’s determination to protect her nephew brought a raw, human urgency to the story, even when the forces at play felt larger than life. The suspense kept me invested, but the emotional weight made it unforgettable. It’s rare for a book to make me both bite my nails and wipe my eyes, but this one did. That balance is what makes it special.
September 20, 2025
Twists and Spirits
This book is full of surprises. Every chapter added another piece of the puzzle mob secrets, missing children, ancient rituals, restless ghosts. I loved how the twists never felt forced; they grew naturally from the story’s dark but compelling world. The supernatural wasn’t a gimmick but a living, breathing presence that made the stakes even higher. The ending left me satisfied yet thoughtful, still piecing together the echoes of what I’d read. If you like thrillers with depth and a hint of the otherworldly, this one will capture you completely.
This book is full of surprises. Every chapter added another piece of the puzzle mob secrets, missing children, ancient rituals, restless ghosts. I loved how the twists never felt forced; they grew naturally from the story’s dark but compelling world. The supernatural wasn’t a gimmick but a living, breathing presence that made the stakes even higher. The ending left me satisfied yet thoughtful, still piecing together the echoes of what I’d read. If you like thrillers with depth and a hint of the otherworldly, this one will capture you completely.
September 22, 2025
Reading this book felt like stepping into a vast tapestry woven with crime, mystery, and the supernatural. Every chapter added new colors some dark and chilling, others bright with flashes of resilience and love. The characters were strong, but the spirits and legends gave the story its unique weight. I admired how the novel never rushed, letting the atmosphere build naturally until I was completely immersed. The sense of place was incredible Victoria’s haunted history felt alive. It’s rare to find a book that balances suspense with such depth and artistry.
August 22, 2025
Major Twists and Turns in this Thriller!
Frank Talaber mostly writes adult books, and as such, contains topics and scenes I’m not a fan of. However, I’m interested in ghosts and the supernatural, so this was a great book for me. This book is my first real foray into the realm of crime fiction.
Written in the style of a TV show, this book is split more into scenes than into chapters. It follows numerous characters and storylines that are linked in ways that aren’t immediately apparent to the reader. It actually reminded me quite a bit of when I was watching Criminal Minds (though with a lot more sexual content).
Carol Ainsworth is our main character: an undercover cop posing as a hotel manager. She must deal with not only the two mob families staying at the hotel, but the colourful chaos that is running a hotel. From hot naked men to mind-reading old broads to the many ghostly inhabitants of the hotel, Carol must juggle her current case with the disappearance of her nephew and other young boys in the city.
There is a lot of sexual tension throughout this novel between Carol and several male love interests—some of whom are good picks, but most of whom are not. Her also forms a close bond with Ms. Teak, a psychic fortune teller with her crystal skull Cider, who is constantly reading her mind but is nonetheless a huge help on both of her open cases. Carol’s somewhat unique ability to see ghosts helps her find clues that are otherwise left undiscovered by the law enforcement around her.
Talaber’s plot is phenomenal, and I found all his characters on point, but as an editor and book designer I cringed heavily. As I was just casually reading, I found many spelling, punctuation, and grammar mistakes, and the formatting was quite a mess. This won’t be a problem for readers who value the story above all else, but for readers who hate seeing mistakes, the distractions are plentiful.
That said, I must once again reiterate that the plot was very interesting. The twists and turns of this story were surprising but fluid, and I learned so much about Victoria and the historical significance of different locations. Scenes were snappy and engaging, though I preferred to skip the graphic sex scenes.
A great read for ghost-lovers and readers of crime thrillers! Some very cool concepts in this novel!
Frank Talaber mostly writes adult books, and as such, contains topics and scenes I’m not a fan of. However, I’m interested in ghosts and the supernatural, so this was a great book for me. This book is my first real foray into the realm of crime fiction.
Written in the style of a TV show, this book is split more into scenes than into chapters. It follows numerous characters and storylines that are linked in ways that aren’t immediately apparent to the reader. It actually reminded me quite a bit of when I was watching Criminal Minds (though with a lot more sexual content).
Carol Ainsworth is our main character: an undercover cop posing as a hotel manager. She must deal with not only the two mob families staying at the hotel, but the colourful chaos that is running a hotel. From hot naked men to mind-reading old broads to the many ghostly inhabitants of the hotel, Carol must juggle her current case with the disappearance of her nephew and other young boys in the city.
There is a lot of sexual tension throughout this novel between Carol and several male love interests—some of whom are good picks, but most of whom are not. Her also forms a close bond with Ms. Teak, a psychic fortune teller with her crystal skull Cider, who is constantly reading her mind but is nonetheless a huge help on both of her open cases. Carol’s somewhat unique ability to see ghosts helps her find clues that are otherwise left undiscovered by the law enforcement around her.
Talaber’s plot is phenomenal, and I found all his characters on point, but as an editor and book designer I cringed heavily. As I was just casually reading, I found many spelling, punctuation, and grammar mistakes, and the formatting was quite a mess. This won’t be a problem for readers who value the story above all else, but for readers who hate seeing mistakes, the distractions are plentiful.
That said, I must once again reiterate that the plot was very interesting. The twists and turns of this story were surprising but fluid, and I learned so much about Victoria and the historical significance of different locations. Scenes were snappy and engaging, though I preferred to skip the graphic sex scenes.
A great read for ghost-lovers and readers of crime thrillers! Some very cool concepts in this novel!
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