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Berkley Street #3
The Town of Griswold
The legend of Abel Latham
Who murdered and tortured with mayhem
He killed his own kids
Now he waits on the skids
For the man who comes to kill him
Taking a much-needed break, ghost hunter, Shane Ryan, spends a day exploring an old New England town. What starts as a hike, becomes a deadly game of cat and mouse with a malevolent ghost who preys upon unsuspecting visitors. Shane has seen his share of bad spirits, but nothing could have prepared him for the evil predator dogging his trail.
Abel Latham is the scourge of Griswold, a deathly quiet town populated by the undead. Abel stalks the hapless victims who stumble onto his unholy ground before torturing them to death. The police rarely notice who's missing until two brothers disappear and the only clues are the boys' abandoned trucks and blood. Lots of blood.
Though shaken by the gruesome details of Abel's depraved life and dreadful crimes, Shane knows his new job is to end Latham's reign of terror and his vengeance for blood. As Shane hunts his ghostly mark, he prays he won't be the next grisly artifact found in Griswold Forest!
Who murdered and tortured with mayhem
He killed his own kids
Now he waits on the skids
For the man who comes to kill him
Taking a much-needed break, ghost hunter, Shane Ryan, spends a day exploring an old New England town. What starts as a hike, becomes a deadly game of cat and mouse with a malevolent ghost who preys upon unsuspecting visitors. Shane has seen his share of bad spirits, but nothing could have prepared him for the evil predator dogging his trail.
Abel Latham is the scourge of Griswold, a deathly quiet town populated by the undead. Abel stalks the hapless victims who stumble onto his unholy ground before torturing them to death. The police rarely notice who's missing until two brothers disappear and the only clues are the boys' abandoned trucks and blood. Lots of blood.
Though shaken by the gruesome details of Abel's depraved life and dreadful crimes, Shane knows his new job is to end Latham's reign of terror and his vengeance for blood. As Shane hunts his ghostly mark, he prays he won't be the next grisly artifact found in Griswold Forest!
Audible Audio
First published August 31, 2016
344 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
About the author
Ron Ripley
252 books512 followersRon Ripley is a husband and father surviving in New England, a place which seems to be getting colder every day. He grew up across from a disturbingly large cemetery where he managed to scare himself every night before going to bed. Mostly because of the red lights that people put in front of the headstones. Those things are just plain creepy to a kid.
Ron enjoys writing horror, military history and driving through the small towns of New England with his family, collecting books and giving impromptu lectures on military history to his family, who enjoy ignoring him during those dreadful times.
Ron enjoys writing horror, military history and driving through the small towns of New England with his family, collecting books and giving impromptu lectures on military history to his family, who enjoy ignoring him during those dreadful times.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
February 27, 2018
Audible! 3.5 stars.
This guy’s series of spookies get better and better, almost like he’s really finding his feet now and getting into the swing of it! If you like your ghost stories creepy and gory give this author a shot.
Bit disconcerting sometimes though as audio books when you have your earplugs in - not the best thing to listen to when you’re strolling alone through some dark and dingy woods with just the dog for company 😂
This guy’s series of spookies get better and better, almost like he’s really finding his feet now and getting into the swing of it! If you like your ghost stories creepy and gory give this author a shot.
Bit disconcerting sometimes though as audio books when you have your earplugs in - not the best thing to listen to when you’re strolling alone through some dark and dingy woods with just the dog for company 😂
January 23, 2017
Here's me thinking that The Lighthouse was Shane's toughest job yet, but it's nothing compared to this!! Shane and his girlfriend decide to take a break by visiting an old New England town. They have heard the gossip, "The legend of Abel Latham" but decide to go see anyway. What starts out as a hike, soon becomes a matter of life and death!
This has to be the absolute baddest ghost I've read so far!! Abel Latham enjoys torturing his victims and even keeps part of them in his "lair". He let's his victims go in the woods and then huts them down. When Shane comes to Griswald, he is confronted with the ghost of a boy and his dog. They explain who Abel is and that there is no escape. The town is not only home to Abel, but also to his many, many victims.
Ron Ripley has never failed to deliver anything other than an incredibly scary and addicting read. This one is a lot bloodier, a lot messier, a lot scarier and a lot sadder than the previous two. Shane has to deal with an egotistical and insane ghostly serial killer, but also his two "best friends". I really thought that Shane wasn't going to come out on top this time, and truth be told, he doesn't, but I'm not going to say in what way because it's a spoiler ;)
In all, this was such a scary read. It gave me plenty of chills and spooked me a lot. The plot was well done and well written and I devoured the book. I loved how the author made a reference to his other series too, (which I really need to catch up on because it seems like something major happened in it!!) . Anyway, a suspenseful, creepy, fast paced and exciting read, this series is a must read!! I can't wait to see what this author comes up with next.
Again, Thom Bowers brings this book to life. He really brings the atmosphere and spookiness alive and knows how to tell the story properly. I highly recommend you check him out.
*I received this for free but voluntarily reviewed it. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.*
This has to be the absolute baddest ghost I've read so far!! Abel Latham enjoys torturing his victims and even keeps part of them in his "lair". He let's his victims go in the woods and then huts them down. When Shane comes to Griswald, he is confronted with the ghost of a boy and his dog. They explain who Abel is and that there is no escape. The town is not only home to Abel, but also to his many, many victims.
Ron Ripley has never failed to deliver anything other than an incredibly scary and addicting read. This one is a lot bloodier, a lot messier, a lot scarier and a lot sadder than the previous two. Shane has to deal with an egotistical and insane ghostly serial killer, but also his two "best friends". I really thought that Shane wasn't going to come out on top this time, and truth be told, he doesn't, but I'm not going to say in what way because it's a spoiler ;)
In all, this was such a scary read. It gave me plenty of chills and spooked me a lot. The plot was well done and well written and I devoured the book. I loved how the author made a reference to his other series too, (which I really need to catch up on because it seems like something major happened in it!!) . Anyway, a suspenseful, creepy, fast paced and exciting read, this series is a must read!! I can't wait to see what this author comes up with next.
Again, Thom Bowers brings this book to life. He really brings the atmosphere and spookiness alive and knows how to tell the story properly. I highly recommend you check him out.
*I received this for free but voluntarily reviewed it. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.*
September 13, 2017
Another enjoyable story in what has been a good series so far.
If you like ghost stories, you should give this series a go.
If you like ghost stories, you should give this series a go.
February 27, 2019
I was a little let down by this book, even though it was well written I did not enjoy where the writer went in this book. I almost did not finish the book I was disappointed in the writer, I realize that as a writer it is hard to keep people guessing and not do the same thing as other would do in a book however the decisions that are made keep people reading the books and I am not sure if I will keep reading them now.
June 15, 2022
😥😥😥😥😥😥😥😥😥😥
January 26, 2023
What starts out as a fun hike quickly turns deadly as a ghost is on the prowl. This one likes to hunt its prey, evoking massive amounts of fear.
Shane must try and figure out where the ghost is buried, and destroy the body, before anyone else dies.
Super fun read, and a few little shivers along the way.
Shane must try and figure out where the ghost is buried, and destroy the body, before anyone else dies.
Super fun read, and a few little shivers along the way.
November 14, 2025
Also Scarestreet ist ein Garant für Klasse Horror mit Gruseleffekt. Auch hier wird es aber heftig. Wer also lieber angenehmen Grusel möchte ist hier falsch. Man muss die vorherigen Bände nicht lesen. Es gibt selten einen Hinweis dass was war, aber auch keinen Rückblick dazu. Absolute Empfehlung für Horrorfans die es gerne bisschen stärker möchten, aber kein splatter
August 26, 2021
These books are a lot of fun. Spooky gore filled and easy to zip through
April 30, 2023
Another good addition. So far this series just gets better and better.
May 15, 2022
1.5 stars
A little better than the last one, but that’s not saying a lot.
Way too many characters for such a short book. I had trouble keeping track of who was who.
The first book was creepy in a more subtle way. I always find the monsters scarier when you can barely make them out. Or you might only catch a glimpse here or there. I do not like serial killer horror. That’s what the last two books have been like. These aren’t ghosts. They’re in your face, everyone can see them, and the killer is brutal. It reminded me of “Friday the 13th” or “Halloween”. I prefer my ghost stories to be like “The Shining” or the movie “Insidious”.
I really don’t like reading about child murder. There is a lot of it in these books. I still have the rest of the box set, but I think I’ll read something else for awhile.
A little better than the last one, but that’s not saying a lot.
Way too many characters for such a short book. I had trouble keeping track of who was who.
The first book was creepy in a more subtle way. I always find the monsters scarier when you can barely make them out. Or you might only catch a glimpse here or there. I do not like serial killer horror. That’s what the last two books have been like. These aren’t ghosts. They’re in your face, everyone can see them, and the killer is brutal. It reminded me of “Friday the 13th” or “Halloween”. I prefer my ghost stories to be like “The Shining” or the movie “Insidious”.
I really don’t like reading about child murder. There is a lot of it in these books. I still have the rest of the box set, but I think I’ll read something else for awhile.
November 24, 2023
The first in the series was not fantastic but solid. They have turned Shane into a chain smoking alcoholic who is completely unlikable. He calls his cradle-robbed girlfriend "Doll." Seriously? What is this, 1930's? There really isn't any horror, it is more of creepy settings with predictable plots and the bad guys are nearly invincible. I wish I wouldn't have bought the 9 together. Each one has been worse! There is a lot of violence but no real scares.
February 15, 2025
Book 3 of the Berkley Street series. Even when taking a break Shanes' ghostly adventures continue. This time in an old shut down lumber town. This ghost is pure evil. Fast paced horror with many victims. Once I started reading it was hard to put down. A keeper. I can't wait to read the next book to this series.
July 27, 2019
A wonderful ghost story, number three in a series that just keeps being great. I loved be the main character, Shane, and find his inner thoughts both human and amusing. Spooky, edge of your seat and unexpected twists and turns in the story, I look forward to the next one.
November 5, 2016
Fun read
This books is suspenseful, exciting, and fun; I really love this series. You will love it if you like a fun ghost story.
This books is suspenseful, exciting, and fun; I really love this series. You will love it if you like a fun ghost story.
February 5, 2021
A Nice Hike In a Town Best Forgotten
Now that I've finished this installment of the Berkley Street series, I'm trying to imagine exactly what Shane Ryan must look like. I know certain characteristics about him that would definitely make him stand out in a crowd even if I didn't know more, which I don't. I guess that's one of the best things about reading books vs watching movies or tv: you can imagine characters to look anyway you want, within reason. Also, if the actor becomes involved in some scandal or stupidity, you don't have your like for the character compromised if you've only read about them.
The Town of Griswold is a pretty creepy book. I know there's almost always blood and/or death in horror, but truthfully, that isn't what I like most about the genre. But, without great peril, there are few scares, and this book is plenty scary.
Ron Ripley is a skilled world builder and always makes me glad that Wikipedia is only a highlight and search away. I had no idea that a slang word for matches was 'lucifers' (and was even used as a brand name back in the day). Such details make the story's timeline vivid, giving you more bang for your buck if you like horror that has some historical credibility. He's also got good chops for technical details.
I highly recommend this book to all horror lovers, but I'd suggest reading the first books in the series if you want the full background. This isn't a cliffhanger though, so if you can't wait, read on!
Now that I've finished this installment of the Berkley Street series, I'm trying to imagine exactly what Shane Ryan must look like. I know certain characteristics about him that would definitely make him stand out in a crowd even if I didn't know more, which I don't. I guess that's one of the best things about reading books vs watching movies or tv: you can imagine characters to look anyway you want, within reason. Also, if the actor becomes involved in some scandal or stupidity, you don't have your like for the character compromised if you've only read about them.
The Town of Griswold is a pretty creepy book. I know there's almost always blood and/or death in horror, but truthfully, that isn't what I like most about the genre. But, without great peril, there are few scares, and this book is plenty scary.
Ron Ripley is a skilled world builder and always makes me glad that Wikipedia is only a highlight and search away. I had no idea that a slang word for matches was 'lucifers' (and was even used as a brand name back in the day). Such details make the story's timeline vivid, giving you more bang for your buck if you like horror that has some historical credibility. He's also got good chops for technical details.
I highly recommend this book to all horror lovers, but I'd suggest reading the first books in the series if you want the full background. This isn't a cliffhanger though, so if you can't wait, read on!
October 29, 2020
Another really good ghost story with my new favorite ghost hunter Shane Ryan. Now I know I've missed something because yet again there's a reference to a previous ghost hunt that isn't included in this series. I've done some research and think it's a spin off series that now I'll have to track down to see exactly what happened and how it all ties into this series. I did enjoy the atmosphere and backstories that made up this book. The bonus chapters at the end always add some additional creepiness to the story. I did not like the horrible choices many of the characters made in this book. I get that people will react reflexively but the ones who made a conscience choice to go back to Griswold with no plan or preparations just irritated me. And I can think of at least 4 of them off the top of my head. There were some unanswered questions about Abel that I wanted answered but overall a good, spooky, horrific read.
September 30, 2025
Another creepy fun read. I'm really enjoying this series. At this point I'm pretty confident that I'll enjoy the rest of this series and would pick up anything written by Ripley without needed to know details of the book.
February 13, 2017
I received the Audiobooks version of this book as a gift. It is the third in a series of very spooky stories of hauntings. The main character in these books is one Shane Ryan, a 40-something ex marine who seems to somehow keep getting caught up in the ghostly happenings in and around his home town of Griswold, New Hampshire. In this book, Shane and his reluctant allies face down an evil spirit who has a fetish for torturing his victims by carving deep cuts into the soles of their feet before killing them in particularly grisly manners, including his own children.
The interesting thing about this series is that the author uses various legendary "ghostbusting" techniques and tools to defeat the evil and save the day. Ghost stories are as old as fiction itself but these stories are fresh and unique enough to warrant a read. I highly recommend them.
The interesting thing about this series is that the author uses various legendary "ghostbusting" techniques and tools to defeat the evil and save the day. Ghost stories are as old as fiction itself but these stories are fresh and unique enough to warrant a read. I highly recommend them.
December 3, 2018
The Town of Griswold
The ghost town that Abel Latham built
By Ron Ripley
Shane Ryan ex Marine longtime ghost conduit and his girlfriend Courtney decide to have some R&R away from their recent tragedy on Squirrel Island. If your trying to escape the supernatural I'm not sure why they would decide on visiting a ghost town but there you go. Anyway what they stumble upon is unlike anything Shane has seen before, this place is a shrine of death. Soon it's a race against time for Shane to try and navigate his way through the horrific dead zone before the hunter captures them and imprisons their souls with the many for all eternity.
This was a great premise for a ghost story, what I didn't like however was how Mr Ripley kept throwing random characters into the town, it felt to me like his only objective was to greatly increase the death toll, this really wasn't needed.
3 BY 5 stakes
The ghost town that Abel Latham built
By Ron Ripley
Shane Ryan ex Marine longtime ghost conduit and his girlfriend Courtney decide to have some R&R away from their recent tragedy on Squirrel Island. If your trying to escape the supernatural I'm not sure why they would decide on visiting a ghost town but there you go. Anyway what they stumble upon is unlike anything Shane has seen before, this place is a shrine of death. Soon it's a race against time for Shane to try and navigate his way through the horrific dead zone before the hunter captures them and imprisons their souls with the many for all eternity.
This was a great premise for a ghost story, what I didn't like however was how Mr Ripley kept throwing random characters into the town, it felt to me like his only objective was to greatly increase the death toll, this really wasn't needed.
3 BY 5 stakes
March 17, 2021
Something I forgot to say in the reviews of the other books in the series: I actually find the whole thing really frustrating. It made more sense in the first one where he was clearly good at it after in his childhood home or the idea that he was practising with the ghosts in his home. But the way it is is all a bit "chosen one" for my liking.
Anyway, this book was disturbing, especially As an aside: it mentioned Eileen from the last book but kept calling her Elaine!
Anyway, this book was disturbing, especially As an aside: it mentioned Eileen from the last book but kept calling her Elaine!
August 12, 2019
Gripping stuff!!
This is the third book in the Berkeley Street series and is the best so far and that's saying something!
The character of Shane Ryan is developing well with promise of more to come. This tale of a haunted, abandoned town is so well crafted and written it puts other books of the same genre to shame. It keeps you trying to guess the outcome but there is always some surprise lurking around the corner to ambush you.
I am so pleased to have come across this author Ron Ripley, he is one to watch.
Highly recommended for those of us that like ghosts with a difference!!
This is the third book in the Berkeley Street series and is the best so far and that's saying something!
The character of Shane Ryan is developing well with promise of more to come. This tale of a haunted, abandoned town is so well crafted and written it puts other books of the same genre to shame. It keeps you trying to guess the outcome but there is always some surprise lurking around the corner to ambush you.
I am so pleased to have come across this author Ron Ripley, he is one to watch.
Highly recommended for those of us that like ghosts with a difference!!
April 28, 2025
"""BOOK 1 (BERKLEY STREET) - I really enjoyed this book. I read this book after meeting Shane in the MOVING IN series. This has been a very good series so far.
BOOK 2 (THE LIGHTHOUSE) - This has to be my favorite Ron Ripley story so far. The characters are all very well done.
BOOK 3 (THE TOWN OF GRISWOLD) - A nice book. The characters continue to be well done. So far I am enjoying this series more than the MOVING IN series....and I also enjoyed that series.
BOOK 4 (SANFORD HOSPITAL)
BOOK 5 (KURKOW PRISON)
BOOK 6 (LAKE NUTAQ)
BOOK 7 (SLATER MILL)
BOOK 8 (BORGIN KEEP)
BOOK 9 (AMHERST BURIAL GROUND)"""
BOOK 2 (THE LIGHTHOUSE) - This has to be my favorite Ron Ripley story so far. The characters are all very well done.
BOOK 3 (THE TOWN OF GRISWOLD) - A nice book. The characters continue to be well done. So far I am enjoying this series more than the MOVING IN series....and I also enjoyed that series.
BOOK 4 (SANFORD HOSPITAL)
BOOK 5 (KURKOW PRISON)
BOOK 6 (LAKE NUTAQ)
BOOK 7 (SLATER MILL)
BOOK 8 (BORGIN KEEP)
BOOK 9 (AMHERST BURIAL GROUND)"""
October 1, 2018
The series is getting better. I really liked the way this story developed. The historical portion at the end of the book was great as well. It is good to see that not every character is sacred to the author. There are, of course, similarities with the other stories, but it is nice to see how the broader story of Shane progresses through each of these encounters. I don't know how the future books will grow. I have hope that Ron Ripley has a good hand on it and will continue to build on the central story line without playing it to death.
November 19, 2020
This wasn't as gory as The Lighthouse, but it was still pretty brutal. I definitely prefer a psychological thriller to horror, and this tipped me over the edge of grossed out. I like ghost stories, though, and these are short enough to finish in one day.
The Town of Griswold was about a ghost town, which was interesting. There were some new characters (as well as some familiar ones). I noticed lots of typos in this book. That didn't bother me too much because it was a library book, but it would bug me if I'd paid for it.
The Town of Griswold was about a ghost town, which was interesting. There were some new characters (as well as some familiar ones). I noticed lots of typos in this book. That didn't bother me too much because it was a library book, but it would bug me if I'd paid for it.
October 4, 2021
Shane Ryan and Co make for entertaining reading
As mentioned in my review of the 1st two books Shane is a sympathetic and like able character. He is funny, traumatized, smart strong willed and a ghost hunter of sorts. The 3rd novel in the series has a memorable big bad, imaginative death scenes, great side characters and world building. I would have given it 5 stars if they had given our antagonist a little more character development. On the plus side I loved the bonus chapters. Wish there were more chapters. Great read.
As mentioned in my review of the 1st two books Shane is a sympathetic and like able character. He is funny, traumatized, smart strong willed and a ghost hunter of sorts. The 3rd novel in the series has a memorable big bad, imaginative death scenes, great side characters and world building. I would have given it 5 stars if they had given our antagonist a little more character development. On the plus side I loved the bonus chapters. Wish there were more chapters. Great read.
February 7, 2017
I've given up on this ship but now its slowly sailing again.
I'm quite surprised how I'm enjoying this series so much.
“I can’t,” he said, grinning. “I like you both. Therefore I think you would be good for each other.”
“We’re about as good as oil and water,” Marie said with a sigh.
“I am sorry to hear it,” Gerald said.
Marie glanced back at Shane’s house and said softly, “So am I, Uncle Gerry.”
I'm quite surprised how I'm enjoying this series so much.
December 21, 2019
Nothing like work impeding on your downtime.
How do you fight a ghost who is dead-set on killing you, slowly, and with glee? Bearing heavy scars from previous fights, Ryan uses his military instincts to look further into the hunter spectre's past when he becomes the prey. He discovers clues and trophies that might give him an upper-hand in a fair fight. But this isn't a fair fight. He just has to stay alive long enough to turn the tables.
How do you fight a ghost who is dead-set on killing you, slowly, and with glee? Bearing heavy scars from previous fights, Ryan uses his military instincts to look further into the hunter spectre's past when he becomes the prey. He discovers clues and trophies that might give him an upper-hand in a fair fight. But this isn't a fair fight. He just has to stay alive long enough to turn the tables.
February 6, 2020
I love the characters in the Berkeley St. series, especially Shane and his new lady friend, Courtney. The home’s ghosts are fun to read, too.
Shane heads out camping with Courtney. She knows all about him since they met on the haunted island where he helped rid it of the evil spirits that killed all who got in their way. They’ve now stumbled upon the abandoned town of Griswold where a sinister spirit hunts all who dare visit. Will they make it through alive?
Shane heads out camping with Courtney. She knows all about him since they met on the haunted island where he helped rid it of the evil spirits that killed all who got in their way. They’ve now stumbled upon the abandoned town of Griswold where a sinister spirit hunts all who dare visit. Will they make it through alive?
April 12, 2020
Creepy from the very beginning!
I’ve read a lot of horror books and most start with a slow burn and heat up along the way. Griswold started on fire from the first chapter! I read the story in two hours, with some needed breaks in between. I was creeped out from
beginning to end. And even then, I wanted more. I was delight to find more titles from Ron Ripley. I’ve added them to my library! I definitely recommend that horror fans read this book!
I’ve read a lot of horror books and most start with a slow burn and heat up along the way. Griswold started on fire from the first chapter! I read the story in two hours, with some needed breaks in between. I was creeped out from
beginning to end. And even then, I wanted more. I was delight to find more titles from Ron Ripley. I’ve added them to my library! I definitely recommend that horror fans read this book!
June 6, 2021
The one I liked best of the three, plot-wise.
But what's with Shane calling Courtney 'doll'? Is he a fan of Humphrey Bogart? And Courtney accepting it? Ugh! So wrong! Not that I thought much of her, mind you
The only complaint I have is that there a lot of characters that were thrown into the story with, apparently, only one function in it: get killed in horrific ways.
I'll probably listen to the fourth book.
But what's with Shane calling Courtney 'doll'? Is he a fan of Humphrey Bogart? And Courtney accepting it? Ugh! So wrong! Not that I thought much of her, mind you
The only complaint I have is that there a lot of characters that were thrown into the story with, apparently, only one function in it: get killed in horrific ways.
I'll probably listen to the fourth book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews