The Wantland Files

The Wantland Files #1

by Lara Bernhardt

"The Wantland Files gripped me from the beginning and didn't let go. Filled with suspense, romance, and mystery, this novel has all the right elements to keep you guessing until the end."--Tamara Grantham, RONE-award-winning author of the Fairy MD series

★Oklahoma Book Awards Best Fiction Finalist★

She sees dead people. He's sure they don't exist.

Psychic Kimberly Wantland investigates paranormal disturbances. Her television show, The Wantland Files, catapulted her from private paranormal investigator to media sensation. She receives thousands of requests for help every day, but during her latest investigation at a young mother's house, Kimberly senses something different. And disturbing.

As if she didn’t have enough problems with this case, renowned illusionist and confirmed skeptic Sterling Wakefield shows up unannounced, ready to disprove her psychic abilities.

A dark figure drifts through the halls.

Mysterious yowling echoes in the night.

Something dark haunts this house.

Before Kimberly can convince Sterling her powers can resolve this terror, she first must convince herself...

Genres: Paranormal, Supernatural, Ghosts

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 19, 2019

Reviews

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wantland Files by Lara Bernhardt is a great book about a psychic that has a TV show. She is really a true psychic but for her season finale, her boss wants to put the rival TV host of a similar show on her show as a guest. He is a jerk and a scam. He does everything to try to make her look like a fraud. Meanwhile she is trying to help this family get rid of a dark spirit in the house that is after the kids. I very exciting book and I wanted to punch that one guy in the nose. Great book. Well developed characters, great plot, good suspense, and made you want to hurt the co-host! LOL. Great writing.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spooky

Okay after I get started I realize this would have been a perfect Halloween book The One files is enemies to maybe lovers I don't know you'll have to judge that one on your own but it is fun it was spooky it was to choke one of your not wanted teammates and oh it had a humor too so if you want something that's a little spooky enemies to lovers kind of thing and well you get the you get the idea this was fun and I hope you enjoy it because I know I sure did.

[Ann Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the paranormal! The Wantland Files is a fun story with great characters. The relationships between the characters were well executed. I recommend this book to the believers and skeptics of the paranormal, and for those who like a little love story.

[Emma Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wantland files is book one in the wantland files paranormal series.
Kimberly is a paranormal investigator with her own t.v show. Her producers invite a skeptic called Sterling to co host the seasons final and tries to debunk things. Kimberley is determined to show that she is not a fraud and show sterling, what she believes is happening to the family who are being haunted.
I love Kimberly's determination to show what she believes in and prove to Sterling that she isn't a fraud and the banter between them. I truly recommend this book to other paranormal readers and also for romance readers to give it a read.
I love Lara's writing and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[David Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A paranormal investigator and a paranormal debunker team up to investigate a haunting for a TV show.

This was a really fun story. The mismatched main characters play off against each other very well. Their growing relationship works well to balance the mystery of the haunting. While parts of what was going to happen in the book were easy to guess, they were still fun reading.

The characters really make the story. They are well developed and are people that you wouldn't mind hanging out with. They interact well with each other. The mystery is solid and develops throughout the book.

[Stephanie Runion · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting spin on the paranormal, this story revolves around a paranormal investigation tv show. The main characters are at odds with each other which adds another layer to the storyline. This is an enjoyable read for anyone who finds paranormal investigations intriguing.

[Steph Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This easy-to-devour paranormal mystery follows odd-couple investigators Kimberley Wantland and Sterling Wakefield – one psychic, one sceptic – as they investigate a ghost cat together in an attempt to boost the ratings of their respective TV shows.

Alongside the mystery of the haunting is the early stages of an enemies-to-lovers romance sparking but this isn’t fully realised in this first book of the series. The best they really manage is enemies-to-frenemies! So this works as a standalone paranormal mystery but an ongoing friendship-romance saga… sound familiar to X-Files fans?!

Fans of TV shows like Medium or The Ghost Whisperer are likely to love this book and the relationship between the main characters definitely gives off reverse Mulder/Scully vibes but without the alien conspiracy stuff.

I was a little bit sad that the big reveal was more straightforward than I had thought it would be (I really liked my idea of how it might go!) but was hooked enough on the characters and series set-up to immediately treat myself to the rest of the series (so far?), so I’ll let you know how that goes…!

[Kimberly #Audiofile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kimberly is a paranormal investigator.
Sterling doesn’t believe in her abilities.
There’s a slight attraction between them even tho their beliefs are polar opposite’s.
They co host a show together, Kimberly’s show.

3 stars
Narration was ok
Gifted audio in exchange for an honest review.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very easy read, the Wantland Files is a fun paranormal investigation style novel. This book is perfect for the spooky season. I enjoyed the characters, and the storyline thoroughly thought Sterling did give me a bit of whiplash.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this story! Great editing, fast entertaining read, good story. Loved it.

[Tina Molloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started this book, I couldn’t put it down. The tension and banter between Kimberly and Sterling has me wanting to get the rest of the series to see the cases take them. Sterling is so determined to prove the paranormal can be explained away, while Kimberly just wants to do her job removing entities that derail people’s daily lives.

[Rick Ludwig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phantasms, foes, fear and fun in the Wantland Files.

I know people say this a lot but it is very rarely true for me - I couldn't put this book down. This author brings a freshness to this novel that makes it far more than a haunted house/ghost story. Her depiction of the young family dealing with an impossible challenge is as central as the conflict between the two main characters. Oh, and by the way, there is plenty of scary stuff. The danger present for the young children in the story is handled with a deft hand and the supernatural aspects are up to the reader to embrace or explain away. It just depends if your more like Kimberly or her myth busting challenger. Great characters, great story, and honest emotions make me hope this is the first of many novels in this series.

[L · Rating 2 out of 5]

Solid writing but a couple of issues for me...

The storyline was interesting, good hook, writing strong, but there were some character issues that ruined it for me.. 1) Sterling was a complete jackwad, no self-respecting woman would *should* be attracted to someone who consistently treated them so poorly. 2) The whole Amber\Sterling relationship was unbelievable because her primary goal as a succubus WAS to sleep with him, there is no way they'd been together for weeks and he had bought her lots of gifts, but they hadn't slept together yet?? 3) And then when Kimmy chose fighting the Dark (and making sure it was taped) over the safety of the baby, you lost me. And THEN offers to share her show with this total jerk?? So unbelievable, but fixable...there was so much good in the book, such a shame to make the 2 main characters so unlikable.

[Mandy Walkden-Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read with great characters and an enjoyable plot.

Darn, I somehow lost track of this book amongst the thousands in my library after my iPhone self-immolated and scrambled everything. Now kicking myself because it was such a good read!

Sterling Wakefield was rather annoying initially, but grew on me despite my best efforts to keep disliking him. Enjoyed his snark, whilst simultaneously wanting to smack some sense, or rather less sense, into him.

Great storytelling, polished writing and a terrific cast of characters, including the black cat, Felix. A surprisingly tense read, particularly in the latter stages.

Please tell me there are going to be more from this quirky group of characters!

Pleased I nominated this via Kindle Scout!

[Kay Ling · Rating 5 out of 5]

The events in this story take place over a few days, and the plot is intense, emotional, and full of snappy dialogue. The author did a great job describing the spiritual manifestations, which were truly creepy and literally gave me the shivers! I thoroughly enjoyed the interaction between all the characters, including the supporting characters who formed the film crew. I felt sorry for Kimberly, forced to work with the totally infuriating and skeptical Stirling, but it added to the plot tension and insured there would never be a dull moment in this book.

[QueenBeeQT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting, Scary & Hard to Put Down

Not your normal paranormal book. Kimberly & her crew are "ambushed" by Sterling who is trying to debunk her abilities. The chemistry of the crew is fantastic. The tension with Sterling is palpable. The ghosts are frightening. Excellent book. I'm 2 hrs past my bedtime because I couldn't put it down without knowing the ending. I voluntarily read & reviewed an advance copy of this book.

[Shelley Pagach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Destination Truth is the closest to a "ghost hunter" show I could ever get. Talk about creepy crawly. Eeeeew. I love The Wantland Files because I feel like I'm behind the scenes of one of my favorite TV shows. I am getting a first-hand look at the host experiencing a supernatural phenomenon, which usually looks pretty hoaky, but there's always that one episode that leaves you wondering. The awkward banter and creepy ghost cat in this story really make for a fun read. It's hard to put it down!

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a kindle scout of this book, I was not let down. It is well written and interesting. I enjoyed following Kimberly as she went through shooting her show with her crew and her ghost investigation. I like that Sterling the skeptic was thrown in to cause turbulence, he made the story even better. I found that every time I had to put this book down I was racing to pick it up again. Lara Bernhardt did a great job of pulling you into the story and creating wonderful characters.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non-believers, beware. You'll get a dose of fun, sometimes a bit scary, paranormal activity from this book as Kimberly and her team set out to send a ghost cat to cat heaven. Sterling, however, is determined to debunk all their beliefs. The story gives you an idea of what ghost-busters do: the equipment, the techniques. I wanted to slap Sterling a few times as he annoyed me with his absolute refusal to believe. A fun-filled adventure.

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually read the first two books in this series out of order because my interest in the Crescent Hotel is what drew me Lara Bernhardt's books. I loved "The Haunting of Crescent Hotel (Wantland Files Vol. 2)" so much that I had to go back and read the first book, and I was definitely not disappointed. Great writing and storytelling! Eagerly awaiting the next book in the series!!! #Kimberling

[Justin Lambe · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great suspense story?! Lara Bernhardt has nailed it when it comes to delivering a fantastic thriller. It will keep you wondering what is going to happen next, and can't wait to turn the next page. Great character development, great story setting. I recommend reading this novel!

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This first installment in Kimberly Wantland's paranormal world has gripped me thoroughly. As someone who considers themselves a skeptic, this book had me firmly planted on the side of the medium! I am excited to continue the series.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun supernatural mystery story with engaging characters.

[Michael Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not what I expected, and that's a good thing. A paranormal story with a distinctively different twist.

[A Look Inside: Reviews and Interviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lara Bernhardt’s The Wantland Files is a supernatural suspense novel that layers psychic intuition, scientific skepticism, and genuine human vulnerability into a hauntingly atmospheric mystery. Kimberly Wantland, a psychic medium with a complicated past and a rising media career, is at the center of a gripping narrative that challenges the boundaries between belief and illusion. As the host of a successful paranormal investigation show—also called The Wantland Files—Kimberly balances commercial success with her deeper mission to help people tormented by unexplainable experiences. That balance is tested when Danielle, a distressed young mother, pushes her way into the studio begging for help with a haunting that’s escalated beyond her control. Though her team dismisses the case—ghost cats aren’t exactly network gold—Kimberly feels something in Danielle’s energy that she can’t ignore: desperation, honesty, and a maternal fear too visceral to dismiss.

From the opening pages, Bernhardt sets a tone of emotional urgency and psychological realism. The dialogue is crisp and often humorous, especially in the exchanges between Kimberly and her director Michael, who reminds her of their transformation from grassroots ghost hunters to national TV personalities. “We’re not the Albuquerque Paranormal Society anymore. Now we’re The Wantland Files,” he tells her, a reminder that their actions are now filtered through network approval and audience metrics. Yet Kimberly’s decision to take Danielle’s case anyway speaks volumes about her character—empathetic, intuitive, and willing to risk her reputation for the truth. Her psychic connection is portrayed not as cinematic spectacle but as a deeply felt energy reading: “The heart chakra radiated stronger than all the others,” she observes, noting the emotional clarity in Danielle’s plea for help.

Adding a sharp edge to the unfolding mystery is Sterling Wakefield, a celebrity illusionist and known skeptic, who inserts himself into the case with a clear mission: debunk Kimberly's abilities. His presence introduces not only tension, but philosophical conflict—between empirical evidence and spiritual reality, between television theatrics and authentic hauntings. Kimberly’s internal struggle to maintain faith in her own abilities while confronting real danger and external doubt elevates the novel beyond formulaic ghost stories. This isn’t just about bumps in the night—it’s about trauma, belief, motherhood, and legacy.

The pacing is spot-on—swift enough to sustain suspense, yet reflective when it counts. Bernhardt’s prose is accessible yet evocative, weaving sensory detail and emotional nuance into every scene. The first chapter alone hooks the reader with both heart and mystery, and the suggestion that something sinister—really sinister—lurks in Danielle’s house builds a suspense that pulses beneath the surface of the narrative. “You didn’t feel what I felt. This is real. Something is haunting her family,” Kimberly insists—a declaration that not only sets up the central conflict, but also echoes the emotional backbone of the book.

The Wantland Files will appeal to fans of paranormal thrillers who prefer their scares served with substance. Readers who enjoy authors like Simone St. James, Wendy Webb, or even early Dean Koontz will find themselves immersed in a story that respects both logic and intuition. Bernhardt has created a compelling heroine in Kimberly Wantland—one who is as strong as she is uncertain, as gifted as she is human. With a dynamic cast, a tense case, and a chilling premise that blends the supernatural with emotional stakes, this novel is the kind of ghost story that lingers well after the lights are out.

[Stephen Bagley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t usually read supernatural suspense so “The Wantland Files” felt new and different. Lara Bernhardt does an excellent job of juggling action, drama, suspense, and supernatural elements. There’s even a hint of romance. Kimberly Wantland, the psychic heroine, displays compassion and passion in her quest to help people deal with unwelcome ghosts. Her work is filmed for her TV show “The Wantland Files.” (Think of Ghosthunters with a feminine slant.) Unfortunately, the show’s ratings are sagging so the producer and the director decide to bring in a skeptic, Sterling Wakefield, the host of paranormal debunking show “SpookBusters.” Sterling scoffs at Kimberly and openly calls her a fraud. It makes for good reality TV, but it’s additional stress for Kimberly. Adding to the pressure, for the show’s season finale, Kimberly has chosen a family that is haunted by...a cat, a choice that her director thinks is nuts. But Kimberly senses there is something darker going on, something dangerous that threatens the children, and maybe Kimberly herself. How she handles these and other complications make for an engaging and suspenseful start to a new series. I look forward to the next book. Write faster, Ms. Bernhardt!

[Audrey Halliwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an instant read when I saw this described as The X files meets Ghost Hunters. Even better, it lived up to my expectations.

This book is about a psychic with a hit television show on the paranormal/ghosts. When her ratings slip, her producers invite a skeptic with his own television show on the season finale to co-host with her. The pair has a unique chemistry despite polar opposite personalities and beliefs.

There was so much to love about this book. I sincerely appreciated the bits of humor throughout. And I felt like the characters were absolute perfection. It was fast paced, no lulls or boring sections. I liked the tension between several of the characters. The relationships and development felt natural and not forced. Honestly, I have absolutely no criticisms for this book.

I’ve read quite a few “psychic versus skeptic” books and this has been my absolute favorite. I enjoyed every minute reading it and dare say it was my favorite overall read in months. I’m hooked and can’t wait to read the other three books in the series.

Easily 5/5 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only. This was my voluntary, honest review.

[Rjsmommy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ghosthunters meets the X-Files.👻 She's(Kimberly) a psychic who believes in chakras, herbal remedies, and lost souls. He's (Sterling) a pompous, confident debunker (on the surface) of all things supernatural. They both host TV shows and after Sterling challenges Kimberly they end up hosting Kimberly's season finale together. Plenty of clashes with Sterling playing Scully's role debunking every piece of evidence Kimberly finds, while Kimberly tries not to disrupt her calm mantras by strangling him. Of course, there is the underlying mutual attraction that Kimberly refuses to acknowledge. If you are a fan of either (or both) of the aforementioned shows, like I am, you will enjoy this book. All those paranormal terms and equipment are on full display and I found myself torn between both Kimberly's devotion to her work and Sterling's disbelief. I laughed at many of Sterling's objections (I can't see anything even with you pointing it out, who can really understand what that EVP says, that just looks like a moth or a blur) as I've said the same things while watching paranormal hunter shows. This was a quick, enjoyable easy read with an interesting hunt. I will definitely re-visit this series.

[Caitlynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kimberly is a psychic who has her own t.v. show in its third season, the ratings have started to drop but its still successful. Sterling doesn't believe in the paranormal, everything has an explanation,  as he tries to prove on his show. He's challenged Kimberly to see if he can prove her wrong, that the paranormal doesn't exist. Kimberly wants nothing to do with this but her producer invites Sterling to co-host her season finale, where a mother of two is being haunted by a ghost cat.

The sparks between Sterling and Kimberly was great! I enjoyed all the scenes between them, from their disagreements to the quiet closeness. Plus his girlfriend!! And all that drama, I loved Kimberly's reaction and also wanted to hit him when he didn't listen. Doing it quick and telling the truth is always the best. The story was really interesting, I enjoyed the ghost part of it, Sterling not believing any proof Kimberly gets. He pushed her to get better proof. Also his worry and protectiveness was adorable. I really enjoyed the book and all the characters.

I received a free copy of this book through Voracious Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Proving Herself . . .

Kimberly Wantland is a psychic who investigates paranormal disturbances for her “Wantland Files” TV audience. Able to see dead people, she gets tons of requests to help with odd ghostly type occurrences and hauntings. Sterling Wakefield is convinced she is a fraud, so he arrives to prove she has no such abilities. Her producer and director think this is great to stir up interest, but this latest case could be troublesome.

Investigating a young mother's house, there seems to be something different going on. They thought the grandmother’s nasty cat was causing the problem. But whatever is haunting the house, it is evil, dark, and may be a threat to the child. Will Kimberly and Sterling survive this evil encounter? Is she sure that her powers are strong enough this time to deal with the danger?

(I was going to describe the cat-ghost as a “red herring” to this mystery, but that would probably be too “fishy” to believe.) Seriously, I enjoyed the story. It was well-written and the author did a great job convincing me. Is Sterling ready to consider he may have been wrong about Kimberly?