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The Soul Searchers Mysteries #2
Donn's Shadow
Mackenzie Clair finally has this whole ghost-hunting psychic thing figured out. The Soul Searchers are a hit, she’s got pet-parenting down, and she even has a plan to banish the poltergeist running amok at a lakeside cabin. Best of all, Donn’s Hill feels like home. But not everyone loves the town as much as Mac.
A world-famous paranormal debunker thinks the psychics in Donn’s Hill are lying about their abilities. His determination to destroy the Soul Searchers threatens Mac’s livelihood, and when a killer strikes, the sheriff’s suspicions threaten her freedom.
Mac needs all the help she can get to find the real murderer and clear her name… even if that help comes from beyond the grave.
A world-famous paranormal debunker thinks the psychics in Donn’s Hill are lying about their abilities. His determination to destroy the Soul Searchers threatens Mac’s livelihood, and when a killer strikes, the sheriff’s suspicions threaten her freedom.
Mac needs all the help she can get to find the real murderer and clear her name… even if that help comes from beyond the grave.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2019
160 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Caryn Larrinaga
26 books212 followersCaryn Larrinaga is an internationally best-selling mystery and horror author. She has won multiple awards for her work, including the League of Utah Writers Gold Typewriter and the Cat Writers Association Muse Medallion. In 2021, she was named Writer of the Year by the League of Utah Writers.
In addition to her novels and short story collections, Caryn has written for tabletop RPGs, podcasts, literary journals, newspapers, and zines. Her work has been adapted for audio, short films, and a forthcoming animation. Her spooky supernatural whodunit, DONN'S HILL, topped the Amazon best seller lists for psychic mysteries and cozy animal mysteries.
Watching scary movies through split fingers terrified Caryn as a child, and those nightmares inspire her to write now. Her 90-year-old house has a colorful history, and the creaking walls and narrow hallways send her running (never walking) up the stairs. Exploring her fears through writing makes Caryn feel a little less foolish for wanting a buddy to accompany her into the tool shed.
Caryn lives near Salt Lake City, Utah, with her husband and their clowder of cats. She is an active member of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, the Horror Writers Association, the Cat Writers Association, and the League of Utah Writers.
Visit www.carynlarrinaga.com for free short fiction and true tales of haunted places.
In addition to her novels and short story collections, Caryn has written for tabletop RPGs, podcasts, literary journals, newspapers, and zines. Her work has been adapted for audio, short films, and a forthcoming animation. Her spooky supernatural whodunit, DONN'S HILL, topped the Amazon best seller lists for psychic mysteries and cozy animal mysteries.
Watching scary movies through split fingers terrified Caryn as a child, and those nightmares inspire her to write now. Her 90-year-old house has a colorful history, and the creaking walls and narrow hallways send her running (never walking) up the stairs. Exploring her fears through writing makes Caryn feel a little less foolish for wanting a buddy to accompany her into the tool shed.
Caryn lives near Salt Lake City, Utah, with her husband and their clowder of cats. She is an active member of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, the Horror Writers Association, the Cat Writers Association, and the League of Utah Writers.
Visit www.carynlarrinaga.com for free short fiction and true tales of haunted places.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 2, 2022
Huh...
I was expecting a cute maybe scary mystery and what I got was someone I really wanted to shake and ask what the heck??
This was not bad writing. I liked the atmosphere and paranormal parts but the mystery was easy to solve and the main MC kept doing stupid things.
I was expecting a cute maybe scary mystery and what I got was someone I really wanted to shake and ask what the heck??
This was not bad writing. I liked the atmosphere and paranormal parts but the mystery was easy to solve and the main MC kept doing stupid things.
September 26, 2019
I am not a fan of horror, at all. I loved Donn's Hill because of writing and the characters. This one involved me quickly, but was too close to my horror line. I still love the characters and the writer's descriptions are unique and put me in story. I am recommend
November 15, 2021
Note: While this is book 2 in the series it would work pretty well as a stand alone. Of course, book 1 is good, so I encourage people to check it out as well.
Mac has gotten caught up in the center of a drama in Donn’s Hill. A well-known myth buster or paranormal debunker Raziel is coming for a visit and many residents of the spiritual community are not happy. Raziel and his popular show have a reputation of viciously discrediting paranormal incidents and those who claim to have special supernatural gifts.
Right away, I was pulled into the story. I’m a skeptic when it comes to the paranormal (even though I love reading urban fantasy and the like), but I sympathized with Mac and her friends. There’s no need for Raziel to be mean about it, right? And yet I too don’t like seeing people who are in emotional distress bein cheated by frauds. So I was hoping for some kind of happy medium reconciliation between these two groups and I was looking forward to seeing how Mac would help make that happen.
Ha! And this tale had a twist early on meaning I wouldn’t being getting what I expected. Raziel arrives with his show’s productions team and immediately stat hanging out with the locals, making them uncomfortable. Mac’s best friend Kit really dislikes Raziel, but she is interested in Amari (Raziel’s personal assistant). Raziel really wants to tag along to a séance that Mac is leading but he’s turned down. Yet this man is sneaky. Lots of drama follows.
Next, murder! Yes! That’s what I’m here for. Some are relieved at the death, some are worried. Mac is concerned too. She had an altercation with the dead and then even stumbled upon the body. So of course the police have to look hard at her. Meanwhile, it feels like things are kind of falling apart. Plenty of people are having emotional outbursts that aren’t like them. There’s problems with the TV show Soul Searchers (run by Uri and Kit with Mac and Mark helping out). Mac even has an argument with Graham. Striker the cat gets a mysterious injury. And most disturbing to Mac, she learns that several of her friends have been faking their paranormal abilities.
I really enjoyed Mac’s exploration of this. People have a variety of reasons for faking their abilities and not everyone is out to make a lot of money. Mac turns to her friends Nick and Daphne and Steven to help make sense this. She feels that she’s been naïve and that some of the fakers have taken advantage of her.
There’s also ghosts and evil entities that cause Mac no end of trouble too. I liked that she reached out to her friend Gabriel (from book 1) even tho things aren’t the best between them right now. The suspense ramps up and then sneakily smacks you in the face with the answer as to who committed to the murder. I totally did not suspect that person at all. Meanwhile, there’s still a bigger mystery to answer dealing with the paranormal. The tale ends on a cliffhanger so luckily I have book 3 queued up! 4/5 stars.
The Narration: Jessica McEvoy was a great fit for Mac. She really had her voice down to a T and I especially liked how she captured Mac’s emotions throughout the story. McEvoy also provided a variety of accents for the cast of characters and I felt her international accents for Steven (rune reader) and Amari were very well done. The guys sound like guys too. The pacing was perfect & there were no tech issues with the recording. 5/5 stars.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Caryn Larrinaga. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
Mac has gotten caught up in the center of a drama in Donn’s Hill. A well-known myth buster or paranormal debunker Raziel is coming for a visit and many residents of the spiritual community are not happy. Raziel and his popular show have a reputation of viciously discrediting paranormal incidents and those who claim to have special supernatural gifts.
Right away, I was pulled into the story. I’m a skeptic when it comes to the paranormal (even though I love reading urban fantasy and the like), but I sympathized with Mac and her friends. There’s no need for Raziel to be mean about it, right? And yet I too don’t like seeing people who are in emotional distress bein cheated by frauds. So I was hoping for some kind of happy medium reconciliation between these two groups and I was looking forward to seeing how Mac would help make that happen.
Ha! And this tale had a twist early on meaning I wouldn’t being getting what I expected. Raziel arrives with his show’s productions team and immediately stat hanging out with the locals, making them uncomfortable. Mac’s best friend Kit really dislikes Raziel, but she is interested in Amari (Raziel’s personal assistant). Raziel really wants to tag along to a séance that Mac is leading but he’s turned down. Yet this man is sneaky. Lots of drama follows.
Next, murder! Yes! That’s what I’m here for. Some are relieved at the death, some are worried. Mac is concerned too. She had an altercation with the dead and then even stumbled upon the body. So of course the police have to look hard at her. Meanwhile, it feels like things are kind of falling apart. Plenty of people are having emotional outbursts that aren’t like them. There’s problems with the TV show Soul Searchers (run by Uri and Kit with Mac and Mark helping out). Mac even has an argument with Graham. Striker the cat gets a mysterious injury. And most disturbing to Mac, she learns that several of her friends have been faking their paranormal abilities.
I really enjoyed Mac’s exploration of this. People have a variety of reasons for faking their abilities and not everyone is out to make a lot of money. Mac turns to her friends Nick and Daphne and Steven to help make sense this. She feels that she’s been naïve and that some of the fakers have taken advantage of her.
There’s also ghosts and evil entities that cause Mac no end of trouble too. I liked that she reached out to her friend Gabriel (from book 1) even tho things aren’t the best between them right now. The suspense ramps up and then sneakily smacks you in the face with the answer as to who committed to the murder. I totally did not suspect that person at all. Meanwhile, there’s still a bigger mystery to answer dealing with the paranormal. The tale ends on a cliffhanger so luckily I have book 3 queued up! 4/5 stars.
The Narration: Jessica McEvoy was a great fit for Mac. She really had her voice down to a T and I especially liked how she captured Mac’s emotions throughout the story. McEvoy also provided a variety of accents for the cast of characters and I felt her international accents for Steven (rune reader) and Amari were very well done. The guys sound like guys too. The pacing was perfect & there were no tech issues with the recording. 5/5 stars.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Caryn Larrinaga. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
July 13, 2021
Not a 4 like the 1st was
I really hated to knock an entire star off this book, but since you’re not able to do half star ratings, I couldn’t, in good faith, give it a full 4. I didn’t feel it was fair to the 1st, which I had given 4 stars to. It makes it difficult in reading trilogies sometimes to try and give the 2nd and 3rd their own individual ratings, rather than keeping track as if it’s one.
I had an inkling early on in the series, that this one wasn’t going to be wrapped up properly by the end.
First off, there were way too many new characters to introduce in a 2nd to keep track of.
Second, with these characters came their own bylines and relationships with the main character.
Third, add the fact that characters that seemed to have been “sent” away in the 1st book, suddenly were mentioned again, and you knew they would somehow have a heavier hand and would be reappearing somehow in the future of the storyline, than you may like.
In the 1st of the trilogies, I didn’t really care for the fact that her mentor, and supposedly, her mother’s best friend, ended up in the position she did. I didn’t mention it in my first review because I was afraid of bringing in a spoiler. But than to have her reappear and expect the reader to reconcile with the fact that she hurt and let down the main hero, so drastically, and in such a vulnerable place, was a difficult situation in both, and now expected to be looked at as no longer the strong villain you originally went into the 2nd believing. The development of their relationship was never really strongly built up in the 1st to begin with.
Fourth, I totally did not care for the thrashing that Donn’s ended up getting toward the final of this book. You wondered how she was ever going to be able to remain in a place she had attached so many fond childhood memories, as well as positive experiences with her now deceased mother.
Fifth, so far the main character and her boyfriend are basically the only two people you now feel anything for. I get it that people move on, they have their own lives to live, but it puts into question the trustworthiness of the rest of the people she’s surrounded with. Also the fact that at the end of book 1, she was just becoming acquainted with the now boyfriend, was a bit jarring. I felt like I had missed something when he was introduced by this title on the first or second page of this book.
And sixth, to be uprooted at the very end, knowing in the supposed finale coming in the 3rd, you’re going to have to establish all new settings and places, and I’m assuming a new slew of people, leaves you wondering how it is going to be neatly buttoned up by the end of the series.
I know that’s a lot of negatives for a 3 star, but the main character makes you want to believe in the redemptive quality of the storyline, and the happily ever after for her.
I want to hold on to some of this if I’m to continue on and go into the 3rd, and not believe this may be a train wreck that got completely run off the tracks after so much investment into the first two books.
I really hated to knock an entire star off this book, but since you’re not able to do half star ratings, I couldn’t, in good faith, give it a full 4. I didn’t feel it was fair to the 1st, which I had given 4 stars to. It makes it difficult in reading trilogies sometimes to try and give the 2nd and 3rd their own individual ratings, rather than keeping track as if it’s one.
I had an inkling early on in the series, that this one wasn’t going to be wrapped up properly by the end.
First off, there were way too many new characters to introduce in a 2nd to keep track of.
Second, with these characters came their own bylines and relationships with the main character.
Third, add the fact that characters that seemed to have been “sent” away in the 1st book, suddenly were mentioned again, and you knew they would somehow have a heavier hand and would be reappearing somehow in the future of the storyline, than you may like.
In the 1st of the trilogies, I didn’t really care for the fact that her mentor, and supposedly, her mother’s best friend, ended up in the position she did. I didn’t mention it in my first review because I was afraid of bringing in a spoiler. But than to have her reappear and expect the reader to reconcile with the fact that she hurt and let down the main hero, so drastically, and in such a vulnerable place, was a difficult situation in both, and now expected to be looked at as no longer the strong villain you originally went into the 2nd believing. The development of their relationship was never really strongly built up in the 1st to begin with.
Fourth, I totally did not care for the thrashing that Donn’s ended up getting toward the final of this book. You wondered how she was ever going to be able to remain in a place she had attached so many fond childhood memories, as well as positive experiences with her now deceased mother.
Fifth, so far the main character and her boyfriend are basically the only two people you now feel anything for. I get it that people move on, they have their own lives to live, but it puts into question the trustworthiness of the rest of the people she’s surrounded with. Also the fact that at the end of book 1, she was just becoming acquainted with the now boyfriend, was a bit jarring. I felt like I had missed something when he was introduced by this title on the first or second page of this book.
And sixth, to be uprooted at the very end, knowing in the supposed finale coming in the 3rd, you’re going to have to establish all new settings and places, and I’m assuming a new slew of people, leaves you wondering how it is going to be neatly buttoned up by the end of the series.
I know that’s a lot of negatives for a 3 star, but the main character makes you want to believe in the redemptive quality of the storyline, and the happily ever after for her.
I want to hold on to some of this if I’m to continue on and go into the 3rd, and not believe this may be a train wreck that got completely run off the tracks after so much investment into the first two books.
June 22, 2020
As before, this was well written, totally absorbing and cunningly mysterious. This time, the author introduced a touch of horror, which made me wary since I'm no horror fan usually. Luckily, this was done in such a way that the story was intriguing enough to keep my attention, and the horror elements didn't overwhelm the mystery rather the tension ratcheted up several notches.
When the team set up ready to film at the lakeside after a spirit had previously harmed an innocent adventurer, they are rudely interrupted by the one man Mac had taken an instant dislike to. Raziel, a famous psychic debunker, arrived in Donn's Hill determined to out those he considered frauds. Such was his determination that he had Mac and the team on his radar too. So, when he was found murdered, Mac's name was quickly added to the suspect list. And, clearing her name proved more difficult than she expected.
The characters were well written, and Mac's past was developed further with some letters from her mom to Gabriela (a character from book one now awaiting trial for murder / manslaughter). Continuity from book one means reading or listening the first in the series is advised, as this is a series in every sense of the word but especially with character development. As before, Striker outclassed the human contingency, and some new characters cropped up with interesting businesses ...well, Donn's Hill is not the place for your regular entrepreneur ;)
The mystery was very well written, and the ending was another winner. This author knows how to finish a story with a flourish. Another great paranormal mystery, with superb narration. I really hope there'll be another in the series.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
When the team set up ready to film at the lakeside after a spirit had previously harmed an innocent adventurer, they are rudely interrupted by the one man Mac had taken an instant dislike to. Raziel, a famous psychic debunker, arrived in Donn's Hill determined to out those he considered frauds. Such was his determination that he had Mac and the team on his radar too. So, when he was found murdered, Mac's name was quickly added to the suspect list. And, clearing her name proved more difficult than she expected.
The characters were well written, and Mac's past was developed further with some letters from her mom to Gabriela (a character from book one now awaiting trial for murder / manslaughter). Continuity from book one means reading or listening the first in the series is advised, as this is a series in every sense of the word but especially with character development. As before, Striker outclassed the human contingency, and some new characters cropped up with interesting businesses ...well, Donn's Hill is not the place for your regular entrepreneur ;)
The mystery was very well written, and the ending was another winner. This author knows how to finish a story with a flourish. Another great paranormal mystery, with superb narration. I really hope there'll be another in the series.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
November 2, 2021
It’s been about one year since Mac Clair discovered that she is a psychic. Her job with Soul Searchers is going well and her relationship with Graham is going well. But when famous debunker Raziel sets his eyes on the Soul Searchers things are going to get heated. But Mac discovering another dead body puts her in the person of interest’s category again.
Mac is also up against a powerful ghost that directs her to a dybbuk box. The discovery of this book seems to put a curse on Mac and her friends. As everything seems to be crashing down around her it’s up to Mac to find the truth and learn to ask for help.
I really like this series and I think Jessica McEvoy breathes life to the characters and the story. Things seem to be going so well for the Soul Searchers and Mac. But this is going to change quickly. A séance brings a new and powerful spirit to Mac’s attention, and it seems he likes to follow her around. He also gets her mixed up with a cursed object that seems to be breaking up her life.
I enjoyed how things are going to Mac, but I did get frustrated by her naivety. I understand she wants to think the best of people, but it almost gets her killed. I still say Striker is my favorite character, but I have a soft spot for torties. Thank goodness she is there to guide Mac to what is under her nose.
I’m kind of torn on the ending. I understand how this is going to progress, but I worry about how this is going to work out in the next book. I guess I just need to read it to see.
If you are looking for a good, cozy, paranormal mystery you need to check this series out. Although you could start with this book, I would recommend starting at the Donn’s Hill so you don’t miss anything.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to listen to and post an honest review.
Mac is also up against a powerful ghost that directs her to a dybbuk box. The discovery of this book seems to put a curse on Mac and her friends. As everything seems to be crashing down around her it’s up to Mac to find the truth and learn to ask for help.
I really like this series and I think Jessica McEvoy breathes life to the characters and the story. Things seem to be going so well for the Soul Searchers and Mac. But this is going to change quickly. A séance brings a new and powerful spirit to Mac’s attention, and it seems he likes to follow her around. He also gets her mixed up with a cursed object that seems to be breaking up her life.
I enjoyed how things are going to Mac, but I did get frustrated by her naivety. I understand she wants to think the best of people, but it almost gets her killed. I still say Striker is my favorite character, but I have a soft spot for torties. Thank goodness she is there to guide Mac to what is under her nose.
I’m kind of torn on the ending. I understand how this is going to progress, but I worry about how this is going to work out in the next book. I guess I just need to read it to see.
If you are looking for a good, cozy, paranormal mystery you need to check this series out. Although you could start with this book, I would recommend starting at the Donn’s Hill so you don’t miss anything.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to listen to and post an honest review.
November 5, 2021
I chose to listen to this book after receiving a free audio copy from Audiobookworm Promotions. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. I listened to the first book, Donn’s Hill, recently and liked it so I was looking forward to listening to Donn’s Shadow.
Mac finds another body in Donn’s Hill and is briefly a suspect because she’d had an argument with the victim the night before. Fortunately, one of the officers knows that she’s a psychic and believes in her powers and her innocence. Mac is determined to figure out who the murderer is. It’s not as easy as it could be though because every time she tries to contact the murder victim, Horace, another spirit, appears and invades her mind.
The Soul Searchers, a group who help people find closure with ghosts, had hired her a while back but are they going to break up? If they do, Mac will have to find another job. That’s not all that she’s dealing with. Horace will tell her who the murderer is if she brings him a jewelry box. The Soul Searchers help her with the jewelry box, but it’s cursed. How many of the negative changes in her life are because of the box? All of them? None of them?
Mac is fairly likeable but she still has some growing up to do especially when it comes to relationships. The other characters are not as well-developed as Mac, but they add a lot to her story. My favorite character is Mac’s cat, Striker, who is as gifted as Mac in her own way.
Jessica McEvoy does a great job with the different voices in the story. She’s the perfect narrator for Donn’s Shadow. Once again, it is more a performance than a narration, and she brings the story alive.
I’m looking forward to listening the next book in the series!
Mac finds another body in Donn’s Hill and is briefly a suspect because she’d had an argument with the victim the night before. Fortunately, one of the officers knows that she’s a psychic and believes in her powers and her innocence. Mac is determined to figure out who the murderer is. It’s not as easy as it could be though because every time she tries to contact the murder victim, Horace, another spirit, appears and invades her mind.
The Soul Searchers, a group who help people find closure with ghosts, had hired her a while back but are they going to break up? If they do, Mac will have to find another job. That’s not all that she’s dealing with. Horace will tell her who the murderer is if she brings him a jewelry box. The Soul Searchers help her with the jewelry box, but it’s cursed. How many of the negative changes in her life are because of the box? All of them? None of them?
Mac is fairly likeable but she still has some growing up to do especially when it comes to relationships. The other characters are not as well-developed as Mac, but they add a lot to her story. My favorite character is Mac’s cat, Striker, who is as gifted as Mac in her own way.
Jessica McEvoy does a great job with the different voices in the story. She’s the perfect narrator for Donn’s Shadow. Once again, it is more a performance than a narration, and she brings the story alive.
I’m looking forward to listening the next book in the series!
November 7, 2021
I really liked this book. In comparison to book one, Donn’s Shadow the tone is very different. Book one is more campy and fun with some serious themes dropped throughout whereas this book is so much darker
In this book the paranormal world expands a lot more and explores many of the different types of powers in this world which I was really intrigued by. We also learn a lot more about Mack’s past
Right from the beginning we are introduced to many new characters, some who I liked, others who I hated but that just means that the author did a really awesome job of building these characters.
In this one the stakes are so much higher in this book. The Soul searchers may be at risk due to a new character who has arrived in town with some ulterior motives.
Mack also comes into contact with a scarier paranormal entity that gave me the creeps every time he turned up.
Throughout this story many discussions crop up about fraud within the psychic community and we see how naive Mack is when it comes to this world. She takes people at face value which gets her into some trouble.
I loved seeing Kit start a relationship with a women. I am here for the LGBTQ+ rep in this story. We get to see a different side of her. A more happy and softer side which was really refreshing because she can be quite a dark and broody character.
I thought there was one little thing missing from this book and that was more Striker! She was a huge character within Donn’s Hill and it really made me smile throughout book one. But she was not very present within this one which was sad.
I wasn’t really sure where this book was going but it turned into another murder mystery which was fun but also more dangerous because it’s a current death not just a body turning up. Towards the end of the book I guessed who the killer was but it didn’t ruin anything for me because I was so intrigued as to why they did what they did.
There was one little thing that also annoyed me within this story was that Mack didn’t try to contact Gabrielle earlier to get help but would just jump into situations she had no idea about because she believed she could do it because she saw it once before. This ended her in a lot of trouble throughout this book which was super annoying.
This is a very fast paced and easy to read story and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun but creepy read
In this book the paranormal world expands a lot more and explores many of the different types of powers in this world which I was really intrigued by. We also learn a lot more about Mack’s past
Right from the beginning we are introduced to many new characters, some who I liked, others who I hated but that just means that the author did a really awesome job of building these characters.
In this one the stakes are so much higher in this book. The Soul searchers may be at risk due to a new character who has arrived in town with some ulterior motives.
Mack also comes into contact with a scarier paranormal entity that gave me the creeps every time he turned up.
Throughout this story many discussions crop up about fraud within the psychic community and we see how naive Mack is when it comes to this world. She takes people at face value which gets her into some trouble.
I loved seeing Kit start a relationship with a women. I am here for the LGBTQ+ rep in this story. We get to see a different side of her. A more happy and softer side which was really refreshing because she can be quite a dark and broody character.
I thought there was one little thing missing from this book and that was more Striker! She was a huge character within Donn’s Hill and it really made me smile throughout book one. But she was not very present within this one which was sad.
I wasn’t really sure where this book was going but it turned into another murder mystery which was fun but also more dangerous because it’s a current death not just a body turning up. Towards the end of the book I guessed who the killer was but it didn’t ruin anything for me because I was so intrigued as to why they did what they did.
There was one little thing that also annoyed me within this story was that Mack didn’t try to contact Gabrielle earlier to get help but would just jump into situations she had no idea about because she believed she could do it because she saw it once before. This ended her in a lot of trouble throughout this book which was super annoying.
This is a very fast paced and easy to read story and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun but creepy read
July 6, 2020
Unfinished story
The book is good and interesting, but it leaves the main story unfinished. If you don't mind cliff-hangers and waiting an indeterminate amount of time, then you'll probably like the book. Some of the people are exposed as fakes and Mackenzie's world is rattled as she discovers people and spirits have been lying to her. The book ends abruptly with no indication from the author when the next book will follow. Months? Years? I dislike cliff-hangers, thus my frustration with this book. My thought is that if an author is good, you'll want to read the next book. Using a gimmick to get you to wait for the next book doesn't work with me. I've liked the two books so far and would have bought the next book. Not now, my dissatisfaction with the ending in this book will make me steer clear of this author.
The book is good and interesting, but it leaves the main story unfinished. If you don't mind cliff-hangers and waiting an indeterminate amount of time, then you'll probably like the book. Some of the people are exposed as fakes and Mackenzie's world is rattled as she discovers people and spirits have been lying to her. The book ends abruptly with no indication from the author when the next book will follow. Months? Years? I dislike cliff-hangers, thus my frustration with this book. My thought is that if an author is good, you'll want to read the next book. Using a gimmick to get you to wait for the next book doesn't work with me. I've liked the two books so far and would have bought the next book. Not now, my dissatisfaction with the ending in this book will make me steer clear of this author.
March 9, 2021
Mac Tries To Banish A Soul, But Who’s Spirit Is In The Building?
A mix of problems confront Mac as she risks everything to rid Donn’s Hill of a left-behind spirit who is causing problems. Not everything goes as planned, though, when a well-known paranormal debunker pushes his way into the group. The next thing she knows, someone is dead and Mac is the prime suspect. Deciding she must find the killer if she is going to clear her name, she finds herself in a deal with a powerful spirit.
Caryn Larrinaga has written a block-busting sequel that entwines all the characters from Donn’s Hill with new and dangerous elements of a new mystery. Mac’s psychic abilities continue to enhance even though she doesn’t always know what they are telling her. An engrossing story that draws you in and keeps you turning pages until the end. Now I’m on to book three in the series.
A mix of problems confront Mac as she risks everything to rid Donn’s Hill of a left-behind spirit who is causing problems. Not everything goes as planned, though, when a well-known paranormal debunker pushes his way into the group. The next thing she knows, someone is dead and Mac is the prime suspect. Deciding she must find the killer if she is going to clear her name, she finds herself in a deal with a powerful spirit.
Caryn Larrinaga has written a block-busting sequel that entwines all the characters from Donn’s Hill with new and dangerous elements of a new mystery. Mac’s psychic abilities continue to enhance even though she doesn’t always know what they are telling her. An engrossing story that draws you in and keeps you turning pages until the end. Now I’m on to book three in the series.
April 24, 2020
The story was very fun and built throughout the book. Characters that we new, were given enough time to know and care about them, as well as the relationship with them to Mac. I honestly thought it would be all about banishing at the cabin, and focus around that. I was pleasantly mistaken. As always there is more than meets the eye when Mac is involved. The parts on her mum, tug at the heart! It's a strong series, in a field that usually has cliche story lines. It goes on Mac's unique journey as a new psychic. But, is she really? Find the real, from the fake, and the friends from foes in this installment. 4.5*/5
July 11, 2020
Donn's Shadow continues Caryn Larrinaga’s The Soul Searchers Mysteries. I really enjoyed the first book in the series, Donn's Hill, and this one does not disappoint. It was great catching up with Mackenzie and seeing what would be happening next with her. I had the pleasure to listening to the audio version of this book. Once again, Jessica McEvoy, is the narrator and does a fantastic job bringing Mackenzie’s story to life. Great entertainment.
I am giving Donn’s Shadow four and a half stars. I am hoping there will be a third book releasing from The Soul Searchers Mysteries in the future.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I am giving Donn’s Shadow four and a half stars. I am hoping there will be a third book releasing from The Soul Searchers Mysteries in the future.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
August 3, 2020
I read the first books, Donn’s Hill, yesterday, and read Donn’s Shadow today. Obviously, it is an easy read, and I enjoyed it. So far, the bad guys are sort of not expected. I had expected Mac to try to contact her mentor, Gabriella, sooner—to learn more about her recently discovered psychic abilities before she could get in super trouble, but she didn’t, and, of course, she promptly got in over her head. I thought the chance to learn more about her mother would have been a strong motivation. I had some problems with the end of the book, where all the team seem to go separate ways, but that’s up to the author to handle, and I will be looking for the third title in the series.
September 13, 2020
Donn’s Shadow is a wonderful continuation of the story Caryn Larrinaga began with her award winning novel Donn’s Hill. I can see this following the path of its preceding work and bringing honors to Ms. Larrinaga. Both are great for young adults.
Following the style of the first book, there is a strong, well-written mystery. The clues are given to solve the murder. There are also plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing. When I got to the conclusion, it was the logical, surprising conclusion that makes a mystery story worth reading.
You can read the complete review at https://guildmastergaming.blogspot.co...
Following the style of the first book, there is a strong, well-written mystery. The clues are given to solve the murder. There are also plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing. When I got to the conclusion, it was the logical, surprising conclusion that makes a mystery story worth reading.
You can read the complete review at https://guildmastergaming.blogspot.co...
October 17, 2020
New psychics in town and another murder mystery.
There has been some changes in the town of Donn's Hill and some new psychics are helping Mac and The Soul Searchers out. But are they legit or frauds? The suspicious death of a famous paranormal debunker seems to indicate not every psychic is real, and even worse, Mac is a suspect! The mystery of Mac's abilities continues and now it appears that her mother had some mysteries of her own. What does the future hold for Mac and the Soul Searchers? I'll be getting book 3 as soon as it's released to find out!
There has been some changes in the town of Donn's Hill and some new psychics are helping Mac and The Soul Searchers out. But are they legit or frauds? The suspicious death of a famous paranormal debunker seems to indicate not every psychic is real, and even worse, Mac is a suspect! The mystery of Mac's abilities continues and now it appears that her mother had some mysteries of her own. What does the future hold for Mac and the Soul Searchers? I'll be getting book 3 as soon as it's released to find out!
May 26, 2020
A fun and entertaining paranormal mystery, with attractive and realistic, flawed characters and a good plot.
I liked the idea of a town in which paranormal is an everyday matter and the struggle is between old-timers and new-comers as some of the latter aren't very honest, to say the least.
I like that the sense of horror is brought by the mystery and not by gruesome happenings, and it never goes over the top.
The writing is really good and Jessica McEvoy's narration is truly great.
I liked the idea of a town in which paranormal is an everyday matter and the struggle is between old-timers and new-comers as some of the latter aren't very honest, to say the least.
I like that the sense of horror is brought by the mystery and not by gruesome happenings, and it never goes over the top.
The writing is really good and Jessica McEvoy's narration is truly great.
August 31, 2020
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review.
September 12, 2020
My two favorite things in one story - a murder mystery and paranormal investigation. When a paranormal investigator tries to contact one spirit, she encounters another, this leading to murder. There are no ghosts jumping out screaming "boo", just actions that appear normal, sort of. Greed coupled with misdirection keep this story moving. I received this audiobook at no cost from Audiobookworm for my honest review.
October 16, 2021
This series is for the die-hard paranormal junkie
I bought Donn’s Hill at FanX and started reading it when I returned to Alaska. It was so good that I downloaded Donn’s Shadow from Amazon and finished reading it in less than a day. So far each book in this series is hard to put down as the story lines keep you glued to each page of each book waiting for the paranormal events to resolve themselves. Great reads.
I bought Donn’s Hill at FanX and started reading it when I returned to Alaska. It was so good that I downloaded Donn’s Shadow from Amazon and finished reading it in less than a day. So far each book in this series is hard to put down as the story lines keep you glued to each page of each book waiting for the paranormal events to resolve themselves. Great reads.
November 26, 2024
Better and Better
Caryn Larrinaga's "Soul Searchers Mysteries, Book 2 is another hit! With twists and turns that will keep you guessing who did it? until the end! Packed with extremely likeable -and some, not so much - this is a lovely,worthy second installment that will entice you to solve the myriad riddles and mysteries that is the quaint, mystique-filled town of Donn's Hill. I'm off to read the next!
Caryn Larrinaga's "Soul Searchers Mysteries, Book 2 is another hit! With twists and turns that will keep you guessing who did it? until the end! Packed with extremely likeable -and some, not so much - this is a lovely,worthy second installment that will entice you to solve the myriad riddles and mysteries that is the quaint, mystique-filled town of Donn's Hill. I'm off to read the next!
May 27, 2020
This series is severely underrated. The audiobook with my favorite horror narrator Jessica Mcevoy is unbeatable, the writing is incredible, the characters unique. I love diving back into this world. Also THAT ENDING!!! I can’t wait for Book 3! I need more Striker the cat in my life. Please listen to the audiobooks for this series ASAP
August 6, 2020
This is the second book in this series.I loved it as much as the first!A psychic and her familiar,Striker the cat,are swept into another mystical murder.When a pshchic debunker comes to town to debunk the show,Kit starts acting crazy and people end up dead. Jessica McEvoy was te perfect narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
September 16, 2020
What a FANTASTIC ghostly mystery!!
Couldn't put it down! This was a real page
turner and attention grabber. I'm totally in
love with this series and so happy it will
be continuing. Absolutely adore Striker, the
cat, as well as all the characters. Story line
was phenomenal! Can't wait for the next
book in the series!!! Immensely fascinating
series!!!! Brilliant author!!!!!
Couldn't put it down! This was a real page
turner and attention grabber. I'm totally in
love with this series and so happy it will
be continuing. Absolutely adore Striker, the
cat, as well as all the characters. Story line
was phenomenal! Can't wait for the next
book in the series!!! Immensely fascinating
series!!!! Brilliant author!!!!!
January 20, 2021
This book was interesting and creepy. I didn't know who the killer was. Striker the tortoiseshell cat is my favorite character.
I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley for an honest review.
I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley for an honest review.
February 22, 2020
Review to come!
October 20, 2020
I hated putting this down!
Mac is a psychic that has only recently found that she has a gift for connecting with spirits, and a curse for also finding the bodies.
Mac is a psychic that has only recently found that she has a gift for connecting with spirits, and a curse for also finding the bodies.
May 29, 2021
Good action packed story. Great characters, a fun cat, descriptive ghost story. Onto book 3 now.
August 3, 2024
Really enjoying this series
Supernatural tale with overthrown in for good measure! I especially love Striker the very protective cat! She rocks!
On to book 3 in the series
Supernatural tale with overthrown in for good measure! I especially love Striker the very protective cat! She rocks!
On to book 3 in the series
December 30, 2020
So good
This second in the series was so good that I could barely stop reading! Now I’m onto the the next book...
This second in the series was so good that I could barely stop reading! Now I’m onto the the next book...
May 12, 2020
What I Did Like:
-Everything I said about Donn’s Hill still applies. This is well written, has great writing about the paranormal events, never forgets that it’s a mystery, and brings in horror in a good way.
-Add to that the horror going up a notch. The language mastery in this one allows the author to dial up the horror and make you FEEL that along with Mac. It’s really approaching read-it-in-the-daytime levels here.
-Characters. Specifically Mac, Kit, and Graham. They’re realistic, flawed (in an important way), and loveable. I adore all of them and I want more stories with them.
Who Should Read This One:
-Paranormal fans. The ghosts and psychics remain well written but this time we’re also bringing in other things that are well done.
-Mystery/Thriller fans who like trying to piece together puzzles.
-Horror fans. This one is even scarier than the previous book in this series.
My Rating: 5 Stars, again. This book will bring all kinds of readers great joy. Go get a copy!
For Full Review (including what I didn’t like): https://youtu.be/e27XHLzNjdg
-Everything I said about Donn’s Hill still applies. This is well written, has great writing about the paranormal events, never forgets that it’s a mystery, and brings in horror in a good way.
-Add to that the horror going up a notch. The language mastery in this one allows the author to dial up the horror and make you FEEL that along with Mac. It’s really approaching read-it-in-the-daytime levels here.
-Characters. Specifically Mac, Kit, and Graham. They’re realistic, flawed (in an important way), and loveable. I adore all of them and I want more stories with them.
Who Should Read This One:
-Paranormal fans. The ghosts and psychics remain well written but this time we’re also bringing in other things that are well done.
-Mystery/Thriller fans who like trying to piece together puzzles.
-Horror fans. This one is even scarier than the previous book in this series.
My Rating: 5 Stars, again. This book will bring all kinds of readers great joy. Go get a copy!
For Full Review (including what I didn’t like): https://youtu.be/e27XHLzNjdg
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