What do you think?
Rate this book
Clyde Barker Paranormal Mysteries #1
The Promise
Twenty-year-old murders, a mysterious haunting, and a reinvigorated killer invade the town of Hartwell, Georgia.
Filling the shoes of his father, pro bono lawyer Clyde Barker returns to Hartwell to collect his inheritance. However, he uncovers something much darker in his newfound plot of land. Obsessed with finding answers, Clyde risks everything to digs deep into the town’s history and his own past. The truth will either change his life forever and send him to an early grave.
Filling the shoes of his father, pro bono lawyer Clyde Barker returns to Hartwell to collect his inheritance. However, he uncovers something much darker in his newfound plot of land. Obsessed with finding answers, Clyde risks everything to digs deep into the town’s history and his own past. The truth will either change his life forever and send him to an early grave.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2020
1604 people are currently reading
300 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
August 8, 2019
Good story but horrible editing.
There is nothing that detracts from a good story more than bad editing. Unfortunately, this book is rife with editing errors as are all of J.S. Donovan's books. The story is solid, the build up of suspense is fantastic and there are lots of characters to try and peg as the bad guy. The main problem is that there are mistakes on every other page and that is just too many to excuse. I suggest getting an editor.
There is nothing that detracts from a good story more than bad editing. Unfortunately, this book is rife with editing errors as are all of J.S. Donovan's books. The story is solid, the build up of suspense is fantastic and there are lots of characters to try and peg as the bad guy. The main problem is that there are mistakes on every other page and that is just too many to excuse. I suggest getting an editor.
Read
August 12, 2019The Promise disappointing
Good idea. Some slow areas I skimmed. Author will probably get better but I won't be reading. Too many spelling mistakes and just wrong words. I don't believe a proofreader or even spell check was used before this book was published. Take a little pride in your work and hire a proofreader and use spell check at least once before submitting your manuscript.
Good idea. Some slow areas I skimmed. Author will probably get better but I won't be reading. Too many spelling mistakes and just wrong words. I don't believe a proofreader or even spell check was used before this book was published. Take a little pride in your work and hire a proofreader and use spell check at least once before submitting your manuscript.
August 4, 2019
Kept me reading....Clyde is an attorney. His uncle Andrew died and left house and property to Clyde. Little did he know that he would discover a haunting of his own.
August 6, 2019
Very good story.
April 24, 2020
Excellent Mystery
I enjoyed reading about the mysteries in this small town. They were complex and not easy to figure out. There were some typos and a few areas where there was a missing set up for a scene. For example, when Clyde met with the Native Americans he was standing talking to them and at the beginning of the next chapter he was already sitting drinking tea. It did not bother me but left me confused for a moment. I would have liked more details about how he came to see and believe he was seeing ghosts.
If you enjoy ghosts and solving crimes, this book is for you. I will be reading the others in the series.
I enjoyed reading about the mysteries in this small town. They were complex and not easy to figure out. There were some typos and a few areas where there was a missing set up for a scene. For example, when Clyde met with the Native Americans he was standing talking to them and at the beginning of the next chapter he was already sitting drinking tea. It did not bother me but left me confused for a moment. I would have liked more details about how he came to see and believe he was seeing ghosts.
If you enjoy ghosts and solving crimes, this book is for you. I will be reading the others in the series.
December 20, 2019
Only 3 Stars
I really liked this book and couldn't wait to finish it. But the editing! Incorrect spelling, grammatical errors, it goes on and on. Here are two of my favorite sentences.. " The gate's corner pressed into his cervix. " "His left eyes shut." This is why the book received 3 stars instead of 4.
I really liked this book and couldn't wait to finish it. But the editing! Incorrect spelling, grammatical errors, it goes on and on. Here are two of my favorite sentences.. " The gate's corner pressed into his cervix. " "His left eyes shut." This is why the book received 3 stars instead of 4.
September 29, 2019
Kindle edition has a lot of typos. Characters are flat, unlikeable, unappealing. The paranormal aspect, as it is written, comes off as preposterous. I stopped reading when I was 40% through the book. I gave it my best, but my time is too precious to waste on this caliber of writing.
January 9, 2020
Terrible grammar
This book could have been so much better if the storyline would have been filled out better. Plus all the grammatical errors were terrible. Evidently there must not have been anyone proofreading.
This book could have been so much better if the storyline would have been filled out better. Plus all the grammatical errors were terrible. Evidently there must not have been anyone proofreading.
March 17, 2020
Enjoyed the story
Only issue is the book should have been proofread better.
However, the story kept my interest, and I liked both Clyde and Sarah. The plot kept me guessing right to the end. Anxious to read the next book in the series.
Only issue is the book should have been proofread better.
However, the story kept my interest, and I liked both Clyde and Sarah. The plot kept me guessing right to the end. Anxious to read the next book in the series.
January 8, 2020
Way too many typos
Good enough story but the typos on every page distracted. Clearly there was not a thorough proofreader. Did others notice this?
Good enough story but the typos on every page distracted. Clearly there was not a thorough proofreader. Did others notice this?
August 14, 2025
The Promise is a very well-written, but poorly edited paranormal horror, murder mystery, the first book in the Clyde Barker Paranormal Mystery series written by J. S. Donovan. Ghost mysteries may make you think of Scooby Doo, but there are some very real horrific notes. I refer to the story beats as musical notes because there were variations in storytelling. There were eerie, subtle pieces, with some hardcore, slasher stalker, blood and gore.
I actually like the mix of eerie descriptions of setting: dense forest imbued in heavy fog saturating the ground, creating a mud so viscous that running is damn-near impossible. Clyde, is a lawyer taking some time to repair and modernize his inherited cabin in Hartwell. Little did he realize that there were a number of unsolved murders that had occurred in the county and the restless spirits were just waiting to find a vehicle to communicate their unhappiness with the irresolution.
Truth be told, Clyde was not even aware of his gift. However, once Clyde understands that the dead are trying to communicate with him, he rises to the task, and solves several murders. Strong story elements. Good characterization. Intriguing murderers. Fun read. The only negative involves the numerous editing issues throughout.
I actually like the mix of eerie descriptions of setting: dense forest imbued in heavy fog saturating the ground, creating a mud so viscous that running is damn-near impossible. Clyde, is a lawyer taking some time to repair and modernize his inherited cabin in Hartwell. Little did he realize that there were a number of unsolved murders that had occurred in the county and the restless spirits were just waiting to find a vehicle to communicate their unhappiness with the irresolution.
Truth be told, Clyde was not even aware of his gift. However, once Clyde understands that the dead are trying to communicate with him, he rises to the task, and solves several murders. Strong story elements. Good characterization. Intriguing murderers. Fun read. The only negative involves the numerous editing issues throughout.
April 19, 2020
Decent story
This was actually a decent story, but the editing was simply terrible. If the author has even one friend read the book before publication, it would make for a better experience for the reader - little things like calling a character by the wrong name, failing to put a "d" at the end of a past-tense word, poor sentence structure. I may try another of this writer's books in the hopes editing improves. I'd be glad to do it! Obviously he needs someone with attention to detail. But the story was good, though dialogue was a bit stilted at times.
This was actually a decent story, but the editing was simply terrible. If the author has even one friend read the book before publication, it would make for a better experience for the reader - little things like calling a character by the wrong name, failing to put a "d" at the end of a past-tense word, poor sentence structure. I may try another of this writer's books in the hopes editing improves. I'd be glad to do it! Obviously he needs someone with attention to detail. But the story was good, though dialogue was a bit stilted at times.
May 25, 2020
I like police precedurals, cozy mysteries, and some paranormal...nothing too out there. This book has everything, a main character with angst and history, a compelling story to tell, and an excellent voice to tell it. You don't want this story to end. There are so many twists and turns in this one that you really won't figure it out ahead of the reveal but it will make perfect sense once it does. I highly recommend this one. Oh, and the "paranormal" is handled in a way that makes perfect sense as well.
March 20, 2021
Enjoyable story
The story was enjoyable. However, I would highly recommend some serious editing. There were many instances of words left out, incorrect usage, and attempts to say something one way then changing to another way without deleting words, making for very awkward sentences and at least one double negative. There was one instance where I was unable to figure out what word the author had in mind. While these were very bothersome, the story was still enjoyable enough to read more in the series.
The story was enjoyable. However, I would highly recommend some serious editing. There were many instances of words left out, incorrect usage, and attempts to say something one way then changing to another way without deleting words, making for very awkward sentences and at least one double negative. There was one instance where I was unable to figure out what word the author had in mind. While these were very bothersome, the story was still enjoyable enough to read more in the series.
February 3, 2020
Good story
I enjoyed the story. The characters were well developed. The book kept my interest from start to finish. The author proved that a well written book didn't need swearing to convey strong feelings. One thing I think would make it better - get a better editor. There were some mistakes in spelling, grammar and inconsistencies in the storyline. However, all in all it was spellbinder equal to Agatha Christie.
I enjoyed the story. The characters were well developed. The book kept my interest from start to finish. The author proved that a well written book didn't need swearing to convey strong feelings. One thing I think would make it better - get a better editor. There were some mistakes in spelling, grammar and inconsistencies in the storyline. However, all in all it was spellbinder equal to Agatha Christie.
March 18, 2020
I felt like I fell into the middle of the book. The characters were strange and there was no background on them to help me try to understand or like them. But the worst part of the book was the lack of proofreading. Several times, he was used when it should have been she, or visa versa. This was really confusing. In other instances, could was used instead of couldn’t. Several other obvious typos. The book was too strange for me to enjoy.
May 28, 2020
This was an interesting and provocative read. I love cozy mysteries, and light paranormal, as well as a well-written crime mystery. This one combined all of the above into an engrossing, heart thumping adventure that had just the right touch of the paranormal...something you could believe while still making you wonder. J. S. Donovan's writing style leaves nothing for you to complain about as far as I can see. I highly recommend this book.
August 22, 2021
Editor? Good read though
I enjoyed the premise of the story and the character, but the editing (or lack of) in some parts was frustrating. Need an editor? Contact me, I’d love to clean up a kindle edition. Sometimes the wrong character was named in dialogue, sometimes there were just typos or mix ups. I was into the story and could figure out what was intended, but just saying, it seemed to have missed a part in the finishing touches stage.
I enjoyed the premise of the story and the character, but the editing (or lack of) in some parts was frustrating. Need an editor? Contact me, I’d love to clean up a kindle edition. Sometimes the wrong character was named in dialogue, sometimes there were just typos or mix ups. I was into the story and could figure out what was intended, but just saying, it seemed to have missed a part in the finishing touches stage.
April 14, 2022
Kept Me Guessing
A pretty good read. I love paranormal mysteries. Donovan, you do a good job but Darlin' hire yourself a good proof reader to get rid of those pesky grammatical
errors and filling in those missing words. They didn't trouble me immensely but I did find them a trifle distracting.
I did enjoy myself enough that I will now be moving on to the next Clyde Barker adventure. Thank you for the fun ride!
A pretty good read. I love paranormal mysteries. Donovan, you do a good job but Darlin' hire yourself a good proof reader to get rid of those pesky grammatical
errors and filling in those missing words. They didn't trouble me immensely but I did find them a trifle distracting.
I did enjoy myself enough that I will now be moving on to the next Clyde Barker adventure. Thank you for the fun ride!
January 7, 2020
A quick but enjoyable read.
I have been very ill lately so to take my mind off of things I chose this book to read and listen to at the same time. I must say it kept me on my toes, trying to figure out who was a bad guy, good guy or just plain crazy. Can't wait to read the next installment!
I have been very ill lately so to take my mind off of things I chose this book to read and listen to at the same time. I must say it kept me on my toes, trying to figure out who was a bad guy, good guy or just plain crazy. Can't wait to read the next installment!
March 14, 2020
Great characters are not the only one that has the balss of the game . The new York based business is now beautiful in the warehouse..
Great characters are always on a roll and they are the only ones who can get the job done.
And we will be in jail- and I will be back to you tomorrow morning at impeachment on the first 3AM in reno.
Great characters are always on a roll and they are the only ones who can get the job done.
And we will be in jail- and I will be back to you tomorrow morning at impeachment on the first 3AM in reno.
November 19, 2020
Mixed review
Pretty good book, but the ending felt a little forced and definitely felt like part of a multi I series instead of a standalone, which is a turnoff for me personally. But it was a good read even if a little cliche. Not as good as the first Rachel Halloway book and a bit of a letdown to read after that, but solid overall.
Pretty good book, but the ending felt a little forced and definitely felt like part of a multi I series instead of a standalone, which is a turnoff for me personally. But it was a good read even if a little cliche. Not as good as the first Rachel Halloway book and a bit of a letdown to read after that, but solid overall.
July 16, 2021
It had potential. But where was the editor? There were so many editing issues. Typos and incorrect words. It just made me cringe. I didn’t really love the main character. I don’t really need to go along another journey with him. In fact I don’t think I really liked any of the characters. But this book passed the time. And it had a solid conclusion.
January 20, 2023
Loved it! Clyde is a lawyer who goes back to his home town to the house his Uncle left to him.He finds a file of things that he may die for.What kind of secrets does this town hold? Cheryl May was a fine narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
January 8, 2020
Pretty good plot and pacing, but it was very distracting to see so many editing mistakes ( or lack of editing). How does an author get a book published with so many glaring errors? I probably won’t read another book by this author.
January 30, 2020
Good book, kept my interest. Had a hard time liking the main character, not sure why so it took me awhile to get into the story. But once I did I enjoyed and plan to read the other books in this series.
March 12, 2020
A lawyer who sees ghosts and has to find the answers to their murders...once I started, I had to finish but I wasn’t happy about it. There were several errors in the book that the proofreader did not catch...just annoying and did not change the outcome which was pretty formulaic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2020
The Promise by J.S. Donovan.
Twenty-year-old murders, a mysterious haunting, and a reinvigorated killer invade the town of Hartwell, Georgia.
Brilliant read. I love anything spooky with ghosts. Looking forward to the next book. 5*.
Twenty-year-old murders, a mysterious haunting, and a reinvigorated killer invade the town of Hartwell, Georgia.
Brilliant read. I love anything spooky with ghosts. Looking forward to the next book. 5*.
June 2, 2020
Mesmerizing story
Clyde is a lawyer, coming to Hartwell to settle his uncle’s estate and sell his house. Little does he know he is about to unlock a Gift, one he probably will not want but which will totally consume him and solve several murders in the quiet little town. I had trouble putting this book down!
Clyde is a lawyer, coming to Hartwell to settle his uncle’s estate and sell his house. Little does he know he is about to unlock a Gift, one he probably will not want but which will totally consume him and solve several murders in the quiet little town. I had trouble putting this book down!
July 3, 2020
Simply a great read
Since I like action more than kissy kissy romance, I was in my element. A fast journey with many hairpin curves and no brakes speeding down a high mountain. Look out below!
Since I like action more than kissy kissy romance, I was in my element. A fast journey with many hairpin curves and no brakes speeding down a high mountain. Look out below!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews