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The Crane Diaries #4
The Red Church
In the swamps of New Orleans sits an old church.
Its history is steeped in blood and death.
For over a century, this abandoned church has inspired fear, and the rumors of the creatures that inhabit it have kept the locals away.
The church has been sold, but work on the property has stalled. Centuries-old fears resurface when accidents start to befall the construction crews and ghosts are seen wandering the derelict stone building. No one dares go back until the property has been cleansed.
The Hathaway Foundation is hired to rid the property of ghosts so that work can begin again, only Emma Crane soon discovers it’s not the ghosts they have to fear, but something far more evil.
There was a reason the church was abandoned, a reason a powerful protection spell was put around the property, and a reason everyone from her father’s priest to Silas, her demonic grandfather, is warning her to stay away.
But now that she’s discovered what roams the halls, she can’t walk away. She can’t be responsible for innocents dying when she might have prevented it.
She’ll gather her team and go up against something she thought existed only in books and movies, something even the hunters in the area fear—a primordial evil, a creature that spawned the first vampires.
But can she stop the creature before it’s too late, before its family destroys hers?
Its history is steeped in blood and death.
For over a century, this abandoned church has inspired fear, and the rumors of the creatures that inhabit it have kept the locals away.
The church has been sold, but work on the property has stalled. Centuries-old fears resurface when accidents start to befall the construction crews and ghosts are seen wandering the derelict stone building. No one dares go back until the property has been cleansed.
The Hathaway Foundation is hired to rid the property of ghosts so that work can begin again, only Emma Crane soon discovers it’s not the ghosts they have to fear, but something far more evil.
There was a reason the church was abandoned, a reason a powerful protection spell was put around the property, and a reason everyone from her father’s priest to Silas, her demonic grandfather, is warning her to stay away.
But now that she’s discovered what roams the halls, she can’t walk away. She can’t be responsible for innocents dying when she might have prevented it.
She’ll gather her team and go up against something she thought existed only in books and movies, something even the hunters in the area fear—a primordial evil, a creature that spawned the first vampires.
But can she stop the creature before it’s too late, before its family destroys hers?
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 2, 2019
211 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
Apryl Baker
79 books1,830 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 74 reviews
June 30, 2019
Emma Crane, aka Mattie Hathaway, is hunting ghosts once again, after all, it’s what she does best. When her friend Cass contacts her asking for help to cleanse a house for a client, neither of them realise the enormity of the task they have taken on.
The Red Church is an ancient church which was accidentally sold to a person fully intent on demolishing the place to make way for new luxury apartments. Little did he know of the protection circle encompassing the property to keep in the blood demon of primordial evil.
Emma, with the help of her friends, prepare to take on an evil of the most epic proportions. Will everyone come out alive? You’ll have to read this latest edition of The Crane Diaries to find out. Highly recommend.
The Red Church is an ancient church which was accidentally sold to a person fully intent on demolishing the place to make way for new luxury apartments. Little did he know of the protection circle encompassing the property to keep in the blood demon of primordial evil.
Emma, with the help of her friends, prepare to take on an evil of the most epic proportions. Will everyone come out alive? You’ll have to read this latest edition of The Crane Diaries to find out. Highly recommend.
April 11, 2020
Woohooo I’m so glad this series got its mojo back. Mattie isn’t fighting just an ordinary ghost here and I was all for it. It was nice to see how dedicated she is to truly creating a program for hunters, one where the have all the tools they need available to them. Not only that but once she finds out there’s an evil that predates even demons at the church, she could care less that everyone she knew was terrified by it. As usual she didn’t have a care for herself but instead wanted to extinguish the evil that’d already had too much time on the planet to kill and torment. This girl just keeps getting more powerful and I was all over how she “dealt” with this problem. The girl is a fucking badass and it’s no wonder everyone loves her. I loved seeing her and dan continue to be obsessed with one another and I can’t begin to say how happy I am that they are now officially engaged, kinda, maybe, I’ll take it lol. Even better was seeing Silas, who I just cannot help but love. He’s such a softie at least when it comes to Mattie and we saw even more he much she means to him. I really just loved the book. The last book was good but it lacked the excitement of the other books. I was unsure if the author could top Deleriel, the fallen angel, but alas she did and all in one book. So eager for what could possibly come next. (Just have to comment how shocked I am that there was finally a book Mattie wasn’t spending 50% of her time in the hospital. This is a major improvement for her 😂😂)
April 9, 2020
Well this was a bit more like the older books but the horror has defiantly gone. I know they are still fighting evil spirits and stuff but it's not the same at all. The romance is getting good and I like how the story is going. Mattie deserves some good in her life.
February 25, 2025
Mau the love between Mattie and Dan ATTACK me. SO CUTE
June 30, 2022
Every book in this series just gets better and better. Read the entire Ghost Files series, now am in the midst of reading this series which is connected. On to the next book in the series, The Crane Diaries: Bayou Secrets! I dont know what I will do when I read everything Apryl has written... probably develop a deep depression until she writes something else! LOL Great writer, so far I have loved everything she's written! Highly recommend anything I've read by her!
February 22, 2020
vampires, demons, reapers, oh my
Can Mattie's AKA Emma's adventures get anymore insane? Probably. She has been my most favorite character in a fictional series. I am so glad the author did not not leave it at the last ghost files book.
Can Mattie's AKA Emma's adventures get anymore insane? Probably. She has been my most favorite character in a fictional series. I am so glad the author did not not leave it at the last ghost files book.
July 5, 2020
Epic
I love this series! Mattie/Emma are amazing her escapades are epic snd I can't wait to read more. I kind of wish we could get a book about her conception and childhood before her dad found her.
I love this series! Mattie/Emma are amazing her escapades are epic snd I can't wait to read more. I kind of wish we could get a book about her conception and childhood before her dad found her.
February 24, 2021
FANTASTIC AS ALWAYS! Kept me on my toes! I Struggled with every emotion that I have in me. Didn’t want the story to end.
I highly recommend this book!!!! A must read for anyone who likes the thrill and excitement of the unknown and a beautiful love story to boot.
I highly recommend this book!!!! A must read for anyone who likes the thrill and excitement of the unknown and a beautiful love story to boot.
August 15, 2021
The Crane Diaries
Really enjoyed reading this book just like the ones before it. Can't believe how much evil there is for her to fight. Highly recommend reading. Looking forward to the next book.
Really enjoyed reading this book just like the ones before it. Can't believe how much evil there is for her to fight. Highly recommend reading. Looking forward to the next book.
December 31, 2021
Nice!
Well this was an interesting monster Mattie encountered can’t wait for what she comes across next. I’m also interested in who took her earlier memories and rheas protection. Also way to go Dan on his proposal on Christmas Eve.
Well this was an interesting monster Mattie encountered can’t wait for what she comes across next. I’m also interested in who took her earlier memories and rheas protection. Also way to go Dan on his proposal on Christmas Eve.
January 2, 2022
Red Church
The red church was a riveting, exciting and scary at times book. I enjoyed it almost as the rest of this series. If you are into the super natural.and scify stuff it is a must read!
The red church was a riveting, exciting and scary at times book. I enjoyed it almost as the rest of this series. If you are into the super natural.and scify stuff it is a must read!
January 23, 2022
Another book I couldn't put down
There was a lot of buildup in this story and some different types of monsters! I still am left with questions which means I'm going to go ahead and download the next book right now(:
There was a lot of buildup in this story and some different types of monsters! I still am left with questions which means I'm going to go ahead and download the next book right now(:
February 8, 2022
I think I’ve finally accepted that it’s time for me to stop reading this series. It seriously pains me to do so… I have an overwhelming need to complete any series I start - But I’m just not enjoying these at all anymore.
February 11, 2022
Great story
I love the setting of this book in new Orleans with all it's history of ghosts, vampires, legends etc. This was a cool story tying into vampires and the real legends around old convents in new Orleans. I love the characters continuing journey
I love the setting of this book in new Orleans with all it's history of ghosts, vampires, legends etc. This was a cool story tying into vampires and the real legends around old convents in new Orleans. I love the characters continuing journey
July 6, 2022
They are actually real!!
So many changes throughout the years. Mattie is growing up and into her powers!
I have loved every single minute of this story!!
Fall in love with the characters... You'll be glad you did!
So many changes throughout the years. Mattie is growing up and into her powers!
I have loved every single minute of this story!!
Fall in love with the characters... You'll be glad you did!
September 16, 2023
I have read this book and giving my Honest review.
A new author.
Wow what a book from start to end.
Vampires demons you name it.
Creepy gruesome and nerve racking.
Excellent
Not spoiling hope you enjoy as much as I did .
A new author.
Wow what a book from start to end.
Vampires demons you name it.
Creepy gruesome and nerve racking.
Excellent
Not spoiling hope you enjoy as much as I did .
June 24, 2024
Phenomenal story☺️
This story was so moving, exciting, entertaining and interesting!!!. You go girl with your bad self🤗😘. Apryl is a PHENOMENAL storyteller and writer!!. Can't wait to start the next book☺️😊.
This story was so moving, exciting, entertaining and interesting!!!. You go girl with your bad self🤗😘. Apryl is a PHENOMENAL storyteller and writer!!. Can't wait to start the next book☺️😊.
February 5, 2025
I live between the pages
I love a book that is so well written that it draws you into the story. You are so engrossed that you lose track of time. When you are ripped away from your other reality, you can't wait until you can snatch another moment to dive back in.
I love a book that is so well written that it draws you into the story. You are so engrossed that you lose track of time. When you are ripped away from your other reality, you can't wait until you can snatch another moment to dive back in.
March 23, 2020
Love it
I love reading about the supernatural etc. she does a very good job of keeping you on your toes and not wanting to put the book down
I love reading about the supernatural etc. she does a very good job of keeping you on your toes and not wanting to put the book down
May 21, 2020
Loved it! As always this was a suspenseful adventure for Maddie and her friends. I have a hard time putting these books down.
September 1, 2020
What a ride! This series is so dang awesome. Every book gets better and better. Character development is epic! And the story lines are amazing. This author is so talented!
September 25, 2020
Scary
Learning there are more creatures that go bump in the night! Never a dull moment around Emma. Love her & Dan together
Learning there are more creatures that go bump in the night! Never a dull moment around Emma. Love her & Dan together
April 6, 2021
Yes yes yes
I urge you to read this book, especially if you have read any part of the series. But I have to go because I got to get to and read the next book!
I urge you to read this book, especially if you have read any part of the series. But I have to go because I got to get to and read the next book!
June 28, 2021
These books are so great! I am so glad the author decided to carry this story on. Just when you think you know what is about to happen something blows you away. Its awesome.
July 26, 2021
Where to now
I love, love, love this series. The stories are nail biting, peek through the fingers good. Once your caught your into it for the long haul.
I love, love, love this series. The stories are nail biting, peek through the fingers good. Once your caught your into it for the long haul.
July 10, 2022
Great books
I really enjoy the Ghost Files and the follow up of the Crane Diaries!! Now on to the next book.
I really enjoy the Ghost Files and the follow up of the Crane Diaries!! Now on to the next book.
September 24, 2024
Too many discrepancies...how can you let a priest have a full head of hair and 10 pages later talk about his bald spots....it's a pity nobody checks those discrepancies that keep returning.
February 5, 2020
Great book
I love the continued romance between Dan and Mattie/Emma. I read this book as fast as possible cause I just couldn't put it down!
I love the continued romance between Dan and Mattie/Emma. I read this book as fast as possible cause I just couldn't put it down!
January 27, 2020
😔
2 stars for the characters. No more, Matthie. Bye bye.
2 stars for the characters. No more, Matthie. Bye bye.
July 2, 2019
This is the next installment of Emma's (Mattie's) story. I want to say so much but I don't want to giveaway and spoilers either. First, let me start by saying that I adore all of the cast of characters in this series and I love that each book gives us one more layer to their identities as well as their relationships. The story always evolves at a steady but logical pace. I am thrilled to get more backstory for some of the characters as well as getting an introduction to some new players. Second, I can't tell you how much I love that this spin-off series has taken us to NOLA (which is what I call my soul city). I love that each story includes snippets of the character of the city and it's rich history and design.
So, the Red Church opens with Emma establishing the Hathaway Foundation to aid hunters and taking her first paid job to see that they ensure funding. Of course with Emma and the crew, no case is as simple as it sounds and this is so much more than clearing a ghost problem from an old building. This is a building steeped in mystery and danger. Everyone is deadset against Emma and the gnag working on this project but Emma can't let sleeping dogs lie, so to speak, because she can't live with the idea that innocents might die because of it. We get to see her working more with her family and her extended family. Full of twists and turns, danger and adventuer, emotional outpouring and more. Epic tale and I can't wait to see where we journey to next with little Ms . Crane and her rag-tag band of brothers and sisters. Excellent read!!
So, the Red Church opens with Emma establishing the Hathaway Foundation to aid hunters and taking her first paid job to see that they ensure funding. Of course with Emma and the crew, no case is as simple as it sounds and this is so much more than clearing a ghost problem from an old building. This is a building steeped in mystery and danger. Everyone is deadset against Emma and the gnag working on this project but Emma can't let sleeping dogs lie, so to speak, because she can't live with the idea that innocents might die because of it. We get to see her working more with her family and her extended family. Full of twists and turns, danger and adventuer, emotional outpouring and more. Epic tale and I can't wait to see where we journey to next with little Ms . Crane and her rag-tag band of brothers and sisters. Excellent read!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews