Mandy

Reach for the Dead #1

by Shani Struthers

When museum curator Annie Hawkins walks into a diner in Idaho Falls, seeking the help of twenty-two-year-old Shady Groves with an old broken doll named Mandy, life takes a dramatic turn for both of them. Psychometry is the ability to sense or read the history of an object just by touching it, and Annie has heard Shady has this psychic ability.

Mandy may look harmless, but Annie believes she’s possessed and, after handling her, Shady can only agree. She feels tainted by the doll that now invades her thoughts and dreams, terrifying her. There’s only one solution: to understand the doll, her history, what has possessed her, and why. Knowledge is power, Annie tells Shady. It’s protection.

The pair set off on a road trip—along with Shady’s old high school friend Ray—one that will take them from Idaho into the depths of Canada, desperate to trace Mandy’s past, to find out something, anything, about the demonic doll that accompanies them in the trunk of the car.

The truth, when it comes, is far deadlier than any of them could have realized…

Genres: Horror, Supernatural, Mystery

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 14, 2020

About the author

It's all about the ghosts...

Here's the order my books come in:

Psychic Surveys Series:

Psychic Surveys Book One: The Haunting of Highdown Hall

Psychic Surveys Book Two: Rise to Me

Psychic Surveys Book Three: 44 Gilmore Street

Psychic Surveys Book Four: Old Cross Cottage

Psychic Surveys Book Five: Descension

Psychic Surveys Book Six: Legion

Psychic Surveys Book Seven: Promises to Keep

Psychic Surveys Book Eight: The Weight of the Soul

Psychic Surveys Book Nine: The Devil's Liar

Psychic Surveys Companion Novels:

Eve: A Psychic Surveys Prequel

Blakemort (Corinna's story)

Thirteen (Ness's story)

Rosamund (Rosamund Davis - Ruby's great-grandmother's story)

Jed (the story of one of Psychic Surveys' most treasured and mysterious characters)

This Haunted World Series:

This Haunted World Book One: The Venetian

This Haunted World Book Two: The Eleventh Floor

This Haunted World Book Three: Highgate

This Haunted World Book Four: Rohaise

Reach for the Dead Series:

Reach for the Dead Book One: Mandy

Reach for the Dead Book Two: Cades Home Farm

Reach for the Dead Book Three: Walker

Jessamine Series:

Jessamine

Comraich

Carfax House - A Christmas Ghost Story (standalone novella)

The Damned Season - A Christmas Ghost Story (standalone novella)

Wildacre - A Christmas Ghost Story (standalone novella)

Summer of Grace - A standalone psychological thriller

Catch up with me via Facebook or on my website www.shanistruthers.com where you can sign up to my newsletter for all the latest information, offers and giveaways.

Reviews

[Shainlock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really good and I didn’t expect it to be so layered, but I loved all that it covered. I thought hooray— a haunted doll! This was a story about so much more though. I loved what it was ultimately about.... being different and acceptance and finding one’s way; finding balance.
I learned some things I did not know that make me very interested to know about another culture in the First Nations. I did know that so many women and children disappear and no one really has found any answers. That is creepy and chilling beyond belief. Why aren’t these ppl considered just as important ?! I can’t fathom why anyone would not take such a proud ppl seriously or why they would treat them as garbage. Native is in my blood and so is anthropology but still... most ppl would look at me and say white. Nope.
Anywho... This book got to me. Any culture or any ppl being treated like second class citizens makes me ill. This is a good book but there is a good lesson in it.
I recommend this. It’s got supernatural elements mixed in with family, trauma, & childhood. It’s about seeing what is beyond the exterior.

[Jon Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a massive fan of Shani and having read everything before Mandy, naturally I was awaiting this new offering with baited breath. Even more so when I learned that the story had gone Stateside!

One of the many things Shani does well is craft characters that you instantly warm to. And this book is no different. Shady, Annie and Ray instantly become firm friends in the readers mind, each bringing their own depth to the story.

The scene is set beautifully from the off and is weaved even more so as the story develops. The description of the journey into Canada immediately made me feel I was in the car with them!

If you have any initial thoughts (like I did) that this story is somewhat akin to the Annabelle franchise, please think again. Yes, they both contain a doll but that is where the similarity ends. Unlike the Annabelle stories, Mandy oozes a depth of meaning that stands it completely alone in its genre. It's not just about a doll, it's about human suffering, love, hate, family, tradition and heritage.

At times, the story reminded me of Susan Hill's The Woman in Black, the Sam Ramis film The Evil Dead and the setting and the way it was described also put me in mind of a Christopher Ransome novel, just without the pretension!

Theres a reason I finished this book in 48hrs. Its because its brilliant. A non stop page turner that you'll struggle to put down.

Plus, who doesn't love a cabin in the woods!?

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put this book down!

[Mark Tilbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mandy is just a doll - isn't she?
Upon first 'meeting' Mandy it's very easy to feel uncertain and a bit cautious of her. Things, bad things, have happened to those who have owned her in the past, and now Annie needs help before Mandy can cause any more harm.

Shady, who can pick up on an objects past when touching it, and her friend Ray, help Annie on a journey across America and Canada. They learn about Mandy's previous owners and the links between Mandy and the mysterious death of a young child.

I read this book quickly wanting to know more about Mandy's history and how she became an object of such fear. I wasn't expecting the book to become so emotional towards the end, but I'm also glad that it seemed as though Mandy became understood and loved.

As with Shani's other books, this a great piece of supernatural suspense that won't let you go until you've finished it.

[Michael Cushing · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm generally a Fan of Extreme Horror, and as such, I didn't think that I was going to enjoy this all that much. But being that I am a huge fan of the Occult, being highly Clairsentient myself, I was curious. This was the first Novel that I've ever read by Shani Struthers as well. Let me just say that I absolutely loved this Story. The deeper into the Novel I got, the more that I loved it. Since this is the first Book in a whole new Series, I'm excited to see what comes next in this World. And since Shani has all of her Books available on Kindle Unlimited, I'm downloading Eve tonight so I can take a deeper look into her world. If you love good Ghost Stories, you should try this one out.

[Gary Dowden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shady Groves is "fey" and can sense things from objects so when she comes into contact with museum based Mandy - an old, uncared for doll - it begins a trek across American and Canada to try and discover the evil she feels around Mandy.
This is almost a gentle paranormal story although it is dark in places and very atmospheric. Shady's companions, Ray and Annie are instantly likeable (as is Shady) and you genuinely want them to succeed and get to the root of the evil.
A good read, enjoyable and dark and great start to what will hopefully be another good series.

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read Shani’s other books and enjoyed them all but Mandy just jumped to the top of the list. Shady Grove (fabulous name) is the main character who goes in search of the reason why the doll Mandy became evil. In doing so she also discovers a lot more about herself. As the first book in a new series it’s certainly got me hooked. I’m now invested in Shady, Annie, Ray and even Mandy and Hurit. I hope It isn’t the last we’ve seen of Keme, the Native Canadian who helps them. Shani has spun a tale that keeps you turning the page, you need to know the story, you need to know why.
There’s just one question I want to ask.....how do I apply for a job in the museum 🤔.
To all lovers of supernatural, ghost stories and things that go bump in the night, read this. You won’t be disappointed

[Adele Marie Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Creepy, exciting and a thrilling read.
Shani Struthers approaches this subject at a run and takes us on the journey. Highly recommend this book, the characters, the darkness and the biting nail excitement; it's all within these pages.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook review

This was spooky & creepy. The stories from this author just get better as she writes them.
Mandy is a doll, but not just any doll. The story takes you on a journey into what is happening around her and the effects on others.
Excellent narrator as well.

[Vicky Peplow · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a huge fan of thus author's writing I was not let down with this book and read with a day. I look forward to what's to come next. Great work.

[Sarah A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I waited patiently for Mandy to be written and arrive on my Kindle. When it did, I devoured every word and loved it. Another fantastic read. I can't wait to read about what Annie, Shady and Ray will be getting up to next.
If you haven't purchased Mandy yet, get to it, you won't be disappointed.

[Nick Silverstein · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started out having the great potential. I thought this was about a doll who corrupted peoples thoughts and caused mayhem and chaos to happen in their lives. There were a few scary scenes but the rest of it was hard to follow. I think the creepy cover is very misleading.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5
I didn’t care for the writing style and the story definitely does not live up to the cover.

[Rumer Haven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another chilling and incredibly moving book by this author! I have followed Shani Struthers ever since her debut, and what she consistently does so well is build chillingly atmospheric and spooky stories for certain, but it's the human and emotional elements that truly grip the heart and imagination in the end. It's more than ghosts that haunt her characters, and Mandy is not just another haunted-doll story of the shock-value variety. This is the first time I've seen a well-developed reason behind why the doll is haunted, how an otherwise ordinary, inanimate toy could come to inflict such terror upon those who encounter it. And, true to Struthers' other work, there's a poignant message that shines a light on the shadows we encounter in humanity and must pay more attention to. This is an absolutely brilliant, engaging introduction to a new series with likeable characters, scenic settings, and rich cultural elements that I look forward to following across the USA!

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shady Groves still lives with her parents and works in a fast food outlet. It's a humdrum life for her changed only when friends might come to her and ask her if she can find lost items. She is what her mother Ellen calls Fey, she has a 6th sense and the beginnings of psychic ability. Ray comes into her life from the past. They were at school together and when she tells him what her 'little job on the side' is, he's not at all phased, he is instead, very interested.
Mandy is a battered and bruised baby doll from possibly the 1920's and she has had lots of owners. She now resides in the Mason Town Museum, which is some 30 miles away from where Shady lives, and the owner of the Museum is Annie, herself a possible Empath as she feels vibes from Mandy. So does Shady when she meets the doll and Ray also 'gets feelings' when he's near her.
The three people come together to try to find out why Mandy could possibly be possessed and by what or who by seeking out her previous owners.

[Kilgallen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun and atmospheric read from Shani Struthers. This author has a gift for storytelling and creating believable characters all wrapped up in a spooky bow. I loved the possessed object/ creepy doll storyline of this one and appreciated the addition of Canadian locations as well. I listened to the audio book and it was well done with one exception in my opinion. As In a previous review for one of this author's audio books, the narrator chosen did a fine job with most of the story. The exception was the constant mispronunciation of the U.S. and Canadian city and province/ state names. Also, it was hard to believe the accents of the supposedly American and one Native Canadian character. I am sure that listeners of audio books from the U.K. and other countries must have the same experience when narrators attempt to do their accents as well. It had nothing to do with the story, however it did have an impact on my reading/ listening experience.

[Jane James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shani Struthers’ world is like no other. Her books are no exception. In this first introductory book of a new series, we meet museum curator Annie Hawkins and her friend Shady who has psychic abilities. After coming across Mandy, a possessed doll, they decide to embark on a road trip like no other, joining forces with another of their friends in a bid to uncover the doll’s secretive past. Set in the US, this was a hauntingly dark and beautifully written tale that sets the scene for a deliciously dark series. Despite being atmospheric and creepy as hell, I really loved the theme of friendship that was explored in this book. I have come to expect well-drawn and authentic characters from this author, and I was not disappointed.

[Mrs V · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not an original storyline but well written.

I've read the Psychic Surveys series and thoroughly enjoyed them, so I decided to give this book a go.

This time the book is set in the USA and Struthers copes with the change of setting rather well even though the story revolves around a haunted doll, a premise which has been done many times before, but seemed to bring a freshness to this telling.

All in all, I enjoyed the book. The characters are pleasant and rather intriguing to a point but I feel that it may turn out to be a US version of Ruby and Cash. However I will read the next in the series in due course.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mandy

Shady has the ability to read objects for people. Out of the blue Annie approaches her and asks for help with a doll Mandy. What Shady doesn't know is that her encounter with Mandy will change her life for ever.
Shani Struthers has written a blinder of a book to start the Reach for the Dead series. Shady is a likeable character and I hope she Annie and Ray will continue to become more defined as the series continues. The story itself is gripping and I had to keep reading to see what was coming next.
Highly recommended.

[mmobsby · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good start to this new series. Lots of scope for interesting spooky stories. I liked the character of Shady and although I felt frustrated at how controlling I thought her parents were it suddenly all made sense later on. Ray is also interesting and there is obviously something more to him and I don't meant as a potential romantic figure. Lots of talk about light and dark and I'm wondering if Ray is named for a ray of light to balance shade. Looking forward to reading the next book. It only list a star because I get creeped out by lifelike dolls.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was Skeptical At First

I was skeptical at first when choosing this book, but man am I glad I did!
This book was awesum!
I loved the characters, great story line, and towards the middle to the end of the book, it just pulls u in! I stayed up the rest of the night cuz I just could not put the book down, it had me on the edge of my bed, I just had ta know more until finally without even realizing it, the book was over!
I really wish there was a sequel to this book with the same main characters

[PATRICIA KLOS · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book! It's very scary and for anyone who has a phobia about dolls, this is not for you! It also has it's humorous side and a little romance thrown in - it has everything!
Beautifully written with an unbelievable storyline - you just get right in there with them!
I don't like to go into details in my reviews - it annoys the heck out of me when I see people tell you so much of the story that it's not worth getting the book! I just tell you how it made me feel and that would be very scared but very intrigued - if not for personal problems happening, I would have just read this one non stop!
I highly recommend it and I'm now on the second one in the series!

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shady is what is known as a "fey", meaning she can feel and see things with inanimate objects.
She comes across a doll known as Mandy who is so engulfed in evil. Rather than destroying the doll, Shady is determined to learn more about the doll, even if there's chance that she will put herself in danger.
I want to thank Shani for writing such a brilliant book, and for giving me my reading mojo back.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book.

[Caroline Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strange things happen, and inexplicable deaths occur to those in possession of a damaged antique doll called Mandy. Is it purely coincidental or is there something evil lurking inside the creepy doll? A psychic and a museum curator set out to investigate the doll’s sinister past and uncover a series of horrific events witnessed by the doll, that have until now remained a disturbing memory in the doll’s history.

An excellent paranormal thriller and page turner.

[Phil Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one, being very creepy in places. The author has a knack of making your hairs stand on end even when the scene appears normal. Shady was a great character, slowly building up until we discover her past and how she came to be a 'fey'.

And there's Mandy. Haunted doll. But she's more than that. It was really interesting to see her backstory, which really gave the book a sinister edge. You actually start feeling for the doll. Well, almost...

Highly recommended.

[Michael John Paul McManus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mandy is an excellent read

I've given Mandy a five star rating as it totally drew me in from the start. I really enjoy reading books about creepy haunted dolls, and this book was perfect. Shady Grove has an exceptional psychic gift and has the ability to see into the spirit world. The story is also about Shady discovering her true self and connecting with her creed. A great read indeed.

[Beth Nethery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as creepy as it would be as a movie

I expected more creepiness and this is somewhat cozy targeted for teens to young adult. I used my Kindle reader guy so I could listen while cleaning, etc., so it was hard to tell when the characters change. Maybe I'll get the next book in series and actually read it myself.

[Excalibur Snape · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mandy took these characters for quite an adventure that just didn’t take place in the mundane world but in the metaphysical world and in the tween (life and death) it was a mystery within a mystery within a mystery.
During the adventure one of the main characters Shady Grove found out something’s about her family along the way.
I look forward to picking up the next in the series.

[Sylvia Howie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story I was spellbound from the first chapter. Shani is a beautiful writer, her words just flow so easily. With wonderful descriptions I found it hard to put down.

Well worth reading. As were all her other books. She has a great imagination and a way of capturing her ideas in the fluent flow of her penmanship.

[Wendy wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author never fails to deliver

Another gripping book
Finished the psychic surveys 8 books and eagerly started this one, first in a two parter
Great read as gripping as all the others
Just can't get enough of these and looking forward to starting the second part right now