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The Crane Diaries #3
Stained
I Am Death. I Am Darkness. I Am Creation. These are the simple truths Emma Rose Crane, AKA Mattie Hathaway, has run from for the last two years, but the situation she finds herself in will not let her flee her past anymore. It’s barreling toward her at the speed of a bullet. Mattie finds herself back in Charlotte, North Carolina, for the trial of Dan’s mother. She’s determined to see this ordeal through for Dan, even though his vindictive mother uses the situation to try to tear them apart. If that weren’t enough, she lands on a supernatural hit list and has to rescue a woman who’s close to death—and survive the psycho who took her to begin with. But just when things start to go right, the unthinkable happens. Three gunshots. Three truths. But in the end, will her past save her future…or will it take everything she cherishes from her?
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2019
211 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
Apryl Baker
79 books1,828 followersSo who am I? Well, I'm the crazy girl with an imagination that never shuts up. I LOVE scary movies. My friends laugh at me when I scare myself watching them and tell me to stop watching them, but who doesn't love to get scared? I grew up in a small town nestled in the southern mountains of West Virginia where I spent days roaming around in the woods, climbing trees, and causing general mayhem. Nights I would stay up reading Nancy Drew by flashlight under the covers until my parents yelled at me to go to sleep.
Growing up in a small town, I learned a lot of values and morals, I also learned parents have spies everywhere and there's always someone to tell your mama on you. So when you get grounded, what is there left to do? Read! My Aunt Jo gave me my first real romance novel. It was a romance titled "Lord Margrave's Deception." I remember it fondly. But I also learned I had a deep and abiding love of mysteries and anything paranormal. As I grew up, I started to write just that and would entertain my friends with stories featuring them as main characters.
Now, I live Huntersville, NC where I entertain my family and watch the cats get teased by the birds and laugh myself silly when they swoop down and then dive back up just out of reach. The cats start yelling something fierce...lol.
I love books, I love writing books, and I love entertaining people with my silly stories.
You can reach me at any of these places:
Blog: http://apryl-baker.blogspot.com/
Twitter:@AprylBaker
The Promise Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO2zTi...
PS: DO NOT GET IN MY WAY IF THERE IS A SALE ON AT TARGET - my home away from home!
Growing up in a small town, I learned a lot of values and morals, I also learned parents have spies everywhere and there's always someone to tell your mama on you. So when you get grounded, what is there left to do? Read! My Aunt Jo gave me my first real romance novel. It was a romance titled "Lord Margrave's Deception." I remember it fondly. But I also learned I had a deep and abiding love of mysteries and anything paranormal. As I grew up, I started to write just that and would entertain my friends with stories featuring them as main characters.
Now, I live Huntersville, NC where I entertain my family and watch the cats get teased by the birds and laugh myself silly when they swoop down and then dive back up just out of reach. The cats start yelling something fierce...lol.
I love books, I love writing books, and I love entertaining people with my silly stories.
You can reach me at any of these places:
Blog: http://apryl-baker.blogspot.com/
Twitter:@AprylBaker
The Promise Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO2zTi...
PS: DO NOT GET IN MY WAY IF THERE IS A SALE ON AT TARGET - my home away from home!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
February 3, 2019
Stained is the third book in The Crane Diaries series, a spin off from The Ghost Files.
This book starts with Mattie (Emma) and Dan back in Charlotte to attend the trial of Ann Richards, Dans mum. While in town ghosts always seem to find Mattie, needing her help and Mattie being Mattie just can’t so no. Nothing will ever go smoothly for Mattie but she’s always ready to risk her life to help others.
While helping out where she can, the trial begins and ends with a devastating result.
Can Mattie save the one she loves most this time? You’ll just have to read it to find out. I enjoyed this third book and highly recommend reading parts 1 and 2 first.
This book starts with Mattie (Emma) and Dan back in Charlotte to attend the trial of Ann Richards, Dans mum. While in town ghosts always seem to find Mattie, needing her help and Mattie being Mattie just can’t so no. Nothing will ever go smoothly for Mattie but she’s always ready to risk her life to help others.
While helping out where she can, the trial begins and ends with a devastating result.
Can Mattie save the one she loves most this time? You’ll just have to read it to find out. I enjoyed this third book and highly recommend reading parts 1 and 2 first.
March 15, 2020
Well some of the horror is starting to seep back into this series. I liked the story line in this one. How she's trying tot set up her life and start up new things but the ghosts are constantly there to remind her of her past. It's funny how if she's not the one in the hospital at the end of the book then it's Dan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2020
Seriously why does this author always have to drop nukes at the end of every story. Not cliffhangers per say but damn if they don’t make a colossal impact. Dans mom has never liked Emma/Mattie in fact she’s made it clear how much she essentially would prefer Mattie dead.
The last book ended leaving us hanging and wondering if Mattie gave up her V-card to Dan. We learn early on that they did do the nasty and according to Mattie Dan is a very attentive lover. I expected nothing less with how obsessed he is with her.
In this book dan and Mattie are back home awaiting the trial for Dan’s mother. Mattie wants to be there to support him because it’s really taking its toll on dan. That doesn’t mean Mattie doesn’t get dragged into some shit because this girl can never live a day without some ghostly drama and or ending up in the hospital. Mattie assists the police on a case and finds herself fighting another soul eater, which was actually one of the first hardcore ghosts she battled back in the first series.
This author I’ve learned holds nothing back especially when it comes to the ruthlessness of the spirits in regards to children and this book was no different. I think given Mattie’s upbringing she’s more emphatic than she knows and when it comes to children being hurt an uncontrollable fire takes hold of her and it’s often in these times she embraces her demon side reign free. I was blown by the ending because even though I knew dans mother hated Mattie with a passion, I had no clue how truly deep that hatred went. I’m eagerly looking forward to the next one and while I’m nervous for them I can’t wait to see what comes next.
The last book ended leaving us hanging and wondering if Mattie gave up her V-card to Dan. We learn early on that they did do the nasty and according to Mattie Dan is a very attentive lover. I expected nothing less with how obsessed he is with her.
In this book dan and Mattie are back home awaiting the trial for Dan’s mother. Mattie wants to be there to support him because it’s really taking its toll on dan. That doesn’t mean Mattie doesn’t get dragged into some shit because this girl can never live a day without some ghostly drama and or ending up in the hospital. Mattie assists the police on a case and finds herself fighting another soul eater, which was actually one of the first hardcore ghosts she battled back in the first series.
This author I’ve learned holds nothing back especially when it comes to the ruthlessness of the spirits in regards to children and this book was no different. I think given Mattie’s upbringing she’s more emphatic than she knows and when it comes to children being hurt an uncontrollable fire takes hold of her and it’s often in these times she embraces her demon side reign free. I was blown by the ending because even though I knew dans mother hated Mattie with a passion, I had no clue how truly deep that hatred went. I’m eagerly looking forward to the next one and while I’m nervous for them I can’t wait to see what comes next.
February 22, 2019
Another great book! I enjoy all the characters as they build stronger and life long bonds. This series of books is one of my favorites and I can't wait for more. Emma Rose Crane, AKA Mattie Hathaway is a great character and the people she chooses to surround herself with are just as great. Who doesn't love "Officer Dan"? Great book!
February 25, 2025
I'm like totally NOT crying bro pftt. 😭
January 27, 2020
Redundant much.
February 8, 2019
The third installment to The Crane Diaries which is a continuation of The Ghost Files. This book was very well written bringing a deeper connection between Mattie/Emma and Dan. Even though this series is based on Emma in New Orleans, Emma/Mattie and Dan have taken a Trip back to Charlotte for Dans mums trial. The story was brilliant. The characters again, brilliant. The drama and chaos that ensues around Mattie is brilliantly written. Loved it. Please read The ghost files before the crane diaries otherwise it wont make much sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2019
This is book 3 in the Crane Diaries series, a follow up to the Ghost Girl series. First, I love these characters, each and every one of them. They have grown in my head to hold a special place in my heart. Of course I adore Emma / Mattie but I have a real soft spot for Dan and his love of Mattie. This book picks up right on schedule with the end of book 2. Dan and Mattie have fully embraced their relationship together, they have a bond that cannot be broken, but it can be tried. They are headed to the trial of Dan's mother, Ann and bracing for all the emotional ups and downs that come with that. But, in true Mattie form, they can't have one simple means of distress, they have to find other cases to work along the way. I won't lie, this one is a nail-biter. Some things go down that will have you frantically flipping the pages, but you won't regret a single moment of it. Love it and can't wait to see what comes next for these two and their friends and family.
February 10, 2019
Stained is the 3rd book in the Crane Diaries series, which is a continuation of the Ghost Files series. Emma Rose Crane/ Mattie Hathaway & her boyfriend Dan Richards must go back to Charlotte, North Carolina for his moms murder trial. While E.R./M is trying to support Dan while he feels like he is in a tug of war between two families, they catch a new case. Unfortunately his case will bring lots of old her to the surface for E.R./M. and her emotions are still high from the last case she dealt with. If hat isn't enough pressure to break someone she also has to worry about being attacked by the powers that be, that are all waiting to see if she needs to be dealt with or if they will let her live.
I absolutely love this series, but this book in particular has marked itself into my favorites. With everything they are both going through E.R./M & Dan will still always choose each other first and foremost. And while everyone else thinks that this is a week spot that can be poked at to gain the upper hand, no one seems to realize that this is their actual strength in the darkest of times. there were a few times i held my breath in anticipation of what was to come next, how would they get themselves out of this mess. But as we learned in one of the previous books "everything happens for a reason"
I absolutely love this series, but this book in particular has marked itself into my favorites. With everything they are both going through E.R./M & Dan will still always choose each other first and foremost. And while everyone else thinks that this is a week spot that can be poked at to gain the upper hand, no one seems to realize that this is their actual strength in the darkest of times. there were a few times i held my breath in anticipation of what was to come next, how would they get themselves out of this mess. But as we learned in one of the previous books "everything happens for a reason"
February 11, 2019
Heart pounding non stop!!! I am so blown away by what has happened so far! Emma Rose keeps on amazing me with each book! I love love her character. She is super kick ass. My heart almost gave out at that one crazy moment in the story that almost changed everything for her. Author Apryl Baker's series is ridiculously AWESOME. I highly highly recommend this series as well as her other ones before this. You will become seriously addicted to reading it. Emma Rose has come a very long way. Her life never has a dull moment. I can't wait to see what happens next in her story. I know for sure i will never be disappointed when it comes to reading her story. It always gets better and better each time.
February 14, 2019
🥰🥰🥰
Love how she is finally embracing who she is. Excited that her and Dan are talking that next step, even though it scares her; it shows how much she has matured. I’m enjoying the relationship she is having with her brother in which I understand her reason to keep him at arms length but family is family. All in all I love the book. Can’t wait to see what happens now that she done pissed off people most would be terrified of, but I guess it’s just another day in the life of Mattie Hathaway Crane.
Love how she is finally embracing who she is. Excited that her and Dan are talking that next step, even though it scares her; it shows how much she has matured. I’m enjoying the relationship she is having with her brother in which I understand her reason to keep him at arms length but family is family. All in all I love the book. Can’t wait to see what happens now that she done pissed off people most would be terrified of, but I guess it’s just another day in the life of Mattie Hathaway Crane.
March 12, 2019
This has been one of my favorites in the series so far. I loved Emma's confrontation with Dan's mom. She is finally starting to release what she really is, which is very cool. This one had an interesting case and a definite focus on getting the family/friends back together in one place. The only disappointment, is the still didn't figure out the end of the case from book 2, so I hope book 4 will focus on finishing off the "roogie." I'll be waiting for the next one, I know some cool things are in store for Emma and her crew.
March 30, 2019
Ok so I absolutely love this series. This series just keeps getting better and better. This is the third book in the series and I am not disappointed. As I sat down to read it everything else was forgotten. I love dan ( swoon) he is my ideal man. Emma is a strong character that has grown in our very own eyes. I really enjoyed their make shift family. Peaches is my favorite!! I can’t wait to see what happens next. The storyline keeps you on your toes and the twists keeps you coming back for more.
B2B Sandra
B2B Sandra
February 11, 2019
The third book in the Crane Diaries series but so far from the little trespassing ghost girl we started out with in the first Ghost Diaries. Our little Mattie has grown and suffered so much. She has learned to trust and love, found family, and became true to herself. Now we see just how far she is willing to go for Officer Dan. Thus was a tear jerking and amazing read that I will enjoy rereading a lot.
I read this as an ARC and just loved it. Will definitely recommend to others.
I read this as an ARC and just loved it. Will definitely recommend to others.
February 13, 2019
Gosh i love this series.
I think you have to be a great writer for having book 8 in the series and it still being a page turner.
Again, I love the relationship Mattie/Emma has with Dan
And the relationship of everyone around her who loves her.
I think you have to be a great writer for having book 8 in the series and it still being a page turner.
Again, I love the relationship Mattie/Emma has with Dan
And the relationship of everyone around her who loves her.
June 16, 2019
Love love love
This has been my favourite book in the crane diaries so far. Although I feel like there could have been more to the makayla story there is so many questions that I need answers for.
On the whole this was a fantastic read. Finally dans mother got what she deserved! And this story had loads more ghosts and Emma doing what she does best!
Roll on the next book! Can never get bored of this series
This has been my favourite book in the crane diaries so far. Although I feel like there could have been more to the makayla story there is so many questions that I need answers for.
On the whole this was a fantastic read. Finally dans mother got what she deserved! And this story had loads more ghosts and Emma doing what she does best!
Roll on the next book! Can never get bored of this series
February 11, 2019
Page turner (no spoilers)
Emma Rose/Mattie accompanies her boyfriend Dan back to Charlotte, North Carolina for his mother's murder trial. Three shots force Emma to let go of her past and embrace all she is meant to be.
This is the third book in the Crane Diaries series. I didn't think Apryl could top the first two but she did. I look forward to the next one!
Emma Rose/Mattie accompanies her boyfriend Dan back to Charlotte, North Carolina for his mother's murder trial. Three shots force Emma to let go of her past and embrace all she is meant to be.
This is the third book in the Crane Diaries series. I didn't think Apryl could top the first two but she did. I look forward to the next one!
February 11, 2019
For some reason Emma / Mattie is always getting into trouble. This time is no different. She helps out on a police investigation. She's brought into the case, just to see if there are any spirits around. A woman and child had been murdered. Another woman missing.
This book is amazing. Apryl has a wonderful imagination. She comes up with the best stories. I can't wait to see what's next
This book is amazing. Apryl has a wonderful imagination. She comes up with the best stories. I can't wait to see what's next
February 13, 2019
One of the best books in this series so far. There were moments where my heart actually stopped and then there were moments where I felt like cheering for Mattie like, " You go girl!" In this book Mattie was forced to stop being afraid of her powers and take control of them. Eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.
February 18, 2019
What a series
I was hooked from the very first book, way back when and I’m still hooked to this day. There is no character in the written world quite like Mattie/Emma. This series and book are painful yet joyful, ugly things happen but so do beautiful ones. I will always love this series.
I was hooked from the very first book, way back when and I’m still hooked to this day. There is no character in the written world quite like Mattie/Emma. This series and book are painful yet joyful, ugly things happen but so do beautiful ones. I will always love this series.
February 19, 2019
I have so enjoyed this series so far, it has kept me in my seat, and made me keep turning the pages until there was nothing to read.
Emma and Dan are back in this one and they have a trial that they have to go through but as always something or someone is out to stop them from being happy and what a ride this story is taking us on.
Emma and Dan are back in this one and they have a trial that they have to go through but as always something or someone is out to stop them from being happy and what a ride this story is taking us on.
February 22, 2019
I can not get enough of this series! It is a wild paranormal ride that never seems to stop. There is always something happening to Emma Rose/Mattie and Dan their rolls are always nonstop. I love their connection but, I also love the paranormal/ horror aspect of the story.All I know is that I want more!
February 25, 2019
Mattie comes into her own
Mattie is getting stronger, but somethings can still being her to her knees. Going back to North Carolina brings Mattie heartache, satisfaction and she embraces all her aspects. I hope this continues because I really want to know what Georgina is up to and who will Nathaniel stand by in the long run.
Mattie is getting stronger, but somethings can still being her to her knees. Going back to North Carolina brings Mattie heartache, satisfaction and she embraces all her aspects. I hope this continues because I really want to know what Georgina is up to and who will Nathaniel stand by in the long run.
April 14, 2019
Yes Yes yes!!!
I am honestly so in love with the ghost files series and now the crane diaries! Oh Apryl, you seem to know how to just gut someone, pull on every heart string, make them ugly cry, then end up with a huge smile and a full heart! Seriously people, READ THESE SERIES!!!!
I am honestly so in love with the ghost files series and now the crane diaries! Oh Apryl, you seem to know how to just gut someone, pull on every heart string, make them ugly cry, then end up with a huge smile and a full heart! Seriously people, READ THESE SERIES!!!!
June 22, 2019
One of the best series EVER!
Apryl Baker is phenomenal! She has one heck of an imagination. And she can put it on paper in a way you will never forget. The Crane Diaries is the best follow up to The Ghost Files that I could ever ask for.
If you like snark, bad assed girls, ghosts and the whole paranormal scene, you MUST read both series.
Apryl Baker is phenomenal! She has one heck of an imagination. And she can put it on paper in a way you will never forget. The Crane Diaries is the best follow up to The Ghost Files that I could ever ask for.
If you like snark, bad assed girls, ghosts and the whole paranormal scene, you MUST read both series.
September 25, 2019
Always enjoy this series
So glad that the author never ended the story of Mattie Hathaway/Emma Crain in the end of THE GHOST FILES. I love following her adventures. She gets into trouble wherever she goes but with the help of her powers, family, and friends she always gets past them.
So glad that the author never ended the story of Mattie Hathaway/Emma Crain in the end of THE GHOST FILES. I love following her adventures. She gets into trouble wherever she goes but with the help of her powers, family, and friends she always gets past them.
November 6, 2019
Emma (who will always be Mattie to me) and Dan return for the trial of Dan's crazy, nasty mother. Mattie has really grown and matured and it is obvious in how she handles Ann's hatred and her support for Dan. I must admit I did enjoy it when she has finally had enough and gives Ann her ultimatum - she more that deserved it.
March 26, 2020
just great
A continuation of the Crane Diaries. Mattie who is now sometimes known as Emma is in college now 20, she's deeply in love with art, and her boyfriend Dan who is a detective. Dan's mom Ann is on trial in Charlotte, N. C. for murder. Mattie gets to know her half brother Nathaniel, and meets her birth mom, who attacks her.
A continuation of the Crane Diaries. Mattie who is now sometimes known as Emma is in college now 20, she's deeply in love with art, and her boyfriend Dan who is a detective. Dan's mom Ann is on trial in Charlotte, N. C. for murder. Mattie gets to know her half brother Nathaniel, and meets her birth mom, who attacks her.
December 13, 2020
Another great book, in an awesome series!
I am loving how her other powers are being revealed slowly. It's also great seeing how she uses them. I can't wait to see what is to come in the next book,with her powers, her abilities, her love life with Dan, her relationship with her brother and etc...
I am loving how her other powers are being revealed slowly. It's also great seeing how she uses them. I can't wait to see what is to come in the next book,with her powers, her abilities, her love life with Dan, her relationship with her brother and etc...
February 11, 2019
Truly fabulous! I am totally in love with these books and they just keep getting better and better. Watching Mattie/Emma go from childhood to adulthood has been great. I love that all her friends are right there with her in each book. And the things that they get into! Another great book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews