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Sullivan Gray #1
Black Candle
A missing teen. The ghost of a murdered woman. And one man whose struggles to save them both might cost him everything—including his own life.
Sullivan sees the ghosts of those who have died at the hands of another, and his own peace rests solely on his ability to help find theirs.
His family has helped shoulder his burden since childhood. But as a devastating storm threatens the city, Sullivan finds himself struggling to keep his head above water as his investigation into the disappearance of a teen girl leaves him increasingly on his own — but for the relentless spirit of a murdered woman who won’t let him rest until he saves the teen from becoming a ghost herself.
Sullivan sees the ghosts of those who have died at the hands of another, and his own peace rests solely on his ability to help find theirs.
His family has helped shoulder his burden since childhood. But as a devastating storm threatens the city, Sullivan finds himself struggling to keep his head above water as his investigation into the disappearance of a teen girl leaves him increasingly on his own — but for the relentless spirit of a murdered woman who won’t let him rest until he saves the teen from becoming a ghost herself.
196 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2018
1106 people are currently reading
643 people want to read
About the author
H.P. Bayne
34 books119 followersRaised on a farm on the Canadian Prairies, words quickly became my means of exploring the world around me and giving life to the one created in my imagination. Fascinated by ghost stories and crime fiction, I have been writing both for well over two decades, drawing on more than fifteen years in a career in a criminal justice setting. When not putting Scrivener through its paces, I enjoy reading, portrait drawing, travel and spending time with family and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
October 2, 2021
I was very much in need of a ghost story. Black Candle gave me ghosts, murder mysteries, and red herrings. Solid story telling and character development made the book even better.
Sullivan sees the ghosts of those who have met violent ends. They need him to help solve their murders or resolve issues they never had a chance to resolve on their own. His gift scares his beloved brother, Des, and the rest of the family. Where Sully races after ghostly clues, Des protectively follows.
The brothers are the best thing about the novel. Their love and concern for each other is endearing. Some have compared Sully and Des to Supernatural’s Sam and Dean. I can definitely see that; although, Bayne is able to write her characters in a unique way, without ripping off one of the best brotherly bonds in TV series history. I really cared about each brother, their backstories, and their bond with each other. Eva, Des’s wife, is a great secondary character. I wish we could have met the rest of the family in more depth but there was a mystery to solve and ghosts to meet so…maybe there’s more in the next book.
The mystery is solid. While I wasn’t shocked by the big reveal, I still thought it was well-written and the red herrings were placed just right to give me a slight pause to check my suspicions. The action is good and keeps a nice, thrilling pace as the situation becomes more tense.
If this is just the first in the series, I am excited to see where Bayne takes her characters. There’s a lot she has set up in terms of character issues, family secrets and unresolved mysteries. The hints may be a bit heavy but perhaps as I read the next one, I’ll find that the mystery will take me in a new direction. Excited to see where Sully and Des will take me next.
Sullivan sees the ghosts of those who have met violent ends. They need him to help solve their murders or resolve issues they never had a chance to resolve on their own. His gift scares his beloved brother, Des, and the rest of the family. Where Sully races after ghostly clues, Des protectively follows.
The brothers are the best thing about the novel. Their love and concern for each other is endearing. Some have compared Sully and Des to Supernatural’s Sam and Dean. I can definitely see that; although, Bayne is able to write her characters in a unique way, without ripping off one of the best brotherly bonds in TV series history. I really cared about each brother, their backstories, and their bond with each other. Eva, Des’s wife, is a great secondary character. I wish we could have met the rest of the family in more depth but there was a mystery to solve and ghosts to meet so…maybe there’s more in the next book.
The mystery is solid. While I wasn’t shocked by the big reveal, I still thought it was well-written and the red herrings were placed just right to give me a slight pause to check my suspicions. The action is good and keeps a nice, thrilling pace as the situation becomes more tense.
If this is just the first in the series, I am excited to see where Bayne takes her characters. There’s a lot she has set up in terms of character issues, family secrets and unresolved mysteries. The hints may be a bit heavy but perhaps as I read the next one, I’ll find that the mystery will take me in a new direction. Excited to see where Sully and Des will take me next.
November 30, 2019
A new series for me ..... and I loved it! Well written with complex characters, I'll definitely be reading more of the series. Paranormal murder mysteries should be done exactly like this. 😊
July 28, 2024
I liked this!
It took me some time to get used to the writing though. I hate it when authors sprinkle their books with phrases like: the older man, the taller man, his shorter friend.
I wish they didn't do this.
It was still fun even though I wasn't quite on board with some things.
Like all the stupid things Sully did. Like really stupid. I get that it was necessary for the story but come on!
Or how Dez and Eva are 23 years old but read like 33, with their whole life under control, good careers (both cops), and a 3 year old daughter.
In my opinion when you're 23 you're basically still a baby with your life in complete chaos and still finding your way. But hey, I just went with it.
It took me some time to get used to the writing though. I hate it when authors sprinkle their books with phrases like: the older man, the taller man, his shorter friend.
I wish they didn't do this.
It was still fun even though I wasn't quite on board with some things.
Like all the stupid things Sully did. Like really stupid. I get that it was necessary for the story but come on!
Or how Dez and Eva are 23 years old but read like 33, with their whole life under control, good careers (both cops), and a 3 year old daughter.
In my opinion when you're 23 you're basically still a baby with your life in complete chaos and still finding your way. But hey, I just went with it.
September 9, 2018
I was quite puzzled when I discovered this debut novel and simply had to read it. I had no idea what it was about, I just had a feeling it was going to be good. And I was right! This was a fantastic book. I can't wait for the next one (and two).
The author is new, yet her writing is impeccable, consistent and engaging, her plot is well executed and the characters are developed to perfection. I simply could not put the book down, the story drew me in.
The main character, Sully, sees ghosts of the people who died violently by someone else's hand. And the mystery starts. Sully is persistent, a bit stubborn, incredibly loving, caring and kind, and does not give up. Hundred percent lovable.
There is an array of great characters, Dez, Eva, Bulldog, and several others, with different levels of likeability but all equally well developed. The story is located in Kimotan Rapids and The Forks, small towns with propensity for natural disasters, which plays a big role in the story. It is amazing how the author incorporated that factor into the plot.
Overall, loved, loved, loved the story and can't wait to read more.
The next two books in the series have been announced: Harbinger (The Sullivan Gray Series Book One), and The Dule Tree (The Sullivan Gray Series Book Two).
The author is new, yet her writing is impeccable, consistent and engaging, her plot is well executed and the characters are developed to perfection. I simply could not put the book down, the story drew me in.
The main character, Sully, sees ghosts of the people who died violently by someone else's hand. And the mystery starts. Sully is persistent, a bit stubborn, incredibly loving, caring and kind, and does not give up. Hundred percent lovable.
There is an array of great characters, Dez, Eva, Bulldog, and several others, with different levels of likeability but all equally well developed. The story is located in Kimotan Rapids and The Forks, small towns with propensity for natural disasters, which plays a big role in the story. It is amazing how the author incorporated that factor into the plot.
Overall, loved, loved, loved the story and can't wait to read more.
The next two books in the series have been announced: Harbinger (The Sullivan Gray Series Book One), and The Dule Tree (The Sullivan Gray Series Book Two).
December 26, 2019
I downloaded this ebook during a free promotion. The main characters' conflicts were believable--Sully, a psychic who is compelled to help spirits resolve their earthly traumas, and Des, his overly protective cop foster brother, intent on keeping Sully alive. The pacing was good and I liked that the story itself was focused on a single haunting. As the mystery unfolded and clandestine relationships between many characters were revealed, there was a moment of self-awareness by the author when she wrote, "Is there anyone not a member of this coven?" That line gave me a chuckle. I would recommend this book to folks who enjoy a good haunted mystery with well-written characters.
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July 27, 2022This was a DNF for me, I just couldn't really get into it at all which is odd as its just the type of book I would normally enjoy and the story was fast paced. I think Dez didn't help out at all being so overprotective that he treated Sully more protectively than his own child! I may come back to this as the reviews are really good and think maybe this was just a case of its me, not you. But for now it's a DNF.
This was a kindle unlimited read so free if you subscribe. Please look at others reviews on the book as SO MANY have enjoyed this and I really believe its just my heads set at present. 37% read.
This was a kindle unlimited read so free if you subscribe. Please look at others reviews on the book as SO MANY have enjoyed this and I really believe its just my heads set at present. 37% read.
May 19, 2020
A little spooky a lot mystery and ghosts!
Really enjoyed this fast paced spooky mystery. Was well written and easy to read. I was hooked right away into the storyline and liked characters right away. Definitely kept me guessing until the end. I like how the story was wrapped up and then just a tidbit of a teaser for the next book. I will definitely keep reading H.P. Bayne!
Really enjoyed this fast paced spooky mystery. Was well written and easy to read. I was hooked right away into the storyline and liked characters right away. Definitely kept me guessing until the end. I like how the story was wrapped up and then just a tidbit of a teaser for the next book. I will definitely keep reading H.P. Bayne!
March 9, 2023
Hard
This book was so hard to read. I loved it though. Sully is a main character you want to wrap in bubble wrap and protect. He is just so wonderful. This is a new author for me as such my first book of hers. It won't be the last
This book was so hard to read. I loved it though. Sully is a main character you want to wrap in bubble wrap and protect. He is just so wonderful. This is a new author for me as such my first book of hers. It won't be the last
February 7, 2025
Interesting and fast-moving book.. I love how the family is all protective of itchader. I would definitely recommend
September 16, 2018
I was offered this book as an ARC to read and provide a review. As such, I read "Black Candle" over a two day period--a longer reading time than most of the books I read. "Black Candle" is a murder mystery with a great deal of suspense, and a complicated plot that cannot be solved by making guesses. The story starts out with a simple murder scenario and an obvious suspect...a man and his wife having an argument at home, resulting in her death. Breanna's husband, Danny, confesses to the murder, but then backpedals while under investigation. The focus of this mystery, however, is on Sullivan, the younger brother to Dex, who is a police officer. Sullivan..."Sully" has a unique psychic talent--Sully sees dead people...but not every kind of ghost that might be walking around. He sees only those who were murdered. And his ability is limited because he cannot hear them speak, so they must demonstrate for him visually what they want him to know. Sully sees Breanna, and the rest of the story is a long and convoluted chase to find the evidence that will lead to the discovery of her real murderer. More importantly, Breanna has a deep concern for another individual in the story--a young girl whose life could be in serious danger because the murderer is still at large. The story is very well written, filled with several frustrating twists, and I found that reading it from start to finish with breaks only for meals and sleep made the reading experience arduous and somewhat frustrating. But it was worth the effort at the last. The story ending was satisfying and I'm looking forward to reading the next story in the series.
April 14, 2025
good
Twenty year old Sullivan Gray is a seer, one who can see the ghosts of those who died in a violent way.
When he starts to see the ghost of a local charity worker, he realises that the wrong man is in jail for her murder.
With the help of his foster brother Dez (an older brother in every way except by blood), a young police officer in the local force, Sully is determined to find the truth, and keep the young woman that the ghost is worried about, from getting hurt.
With the storm of the century going on, it’s a tough job, and a dangerous one for the two men.
Atmospherically written, this book is a really good, if a little spooky, read.
Sully is an interesting character, at the start of his adult life, just trying to get by. His abilities have kept him apart from the rest of the world, though he is beloved, and lovingly accepted in all his unusual ways by his foster family. In fact, their relationship was one of my favourite parts of the book, I loved seeing the support that Sully was given, and the bond between him and Dez, despite the latter being a little timid around ghostly things!
The mystery was a little on the gritty side, but solveable if you pay attention, which is always a plus with such stories.
If you’re a fan of paranormal thrillers or paranormal suspense, then this is sure to entertain you, and maybe even creep you out a little!
It’s an engrossing read, and a fairly quick one, with a small hook at the end for the next book in the series, and I. Looking forward to seeing what happens next!
Twenty year old Sullivan Gray is a seer, one who can see the ghosts of those who died in a violent way.
When he starts to see the ghost of a local charity worker, he realises that the wrong man is in jail for her murder.
With the help of his foster brother Dez (an older brother in every way except by blood), a young police officer in the local force, Sully is determined to find the truth, and keep the young woman that the ghost is worried about, from getting hurt.
With the storm of the century going on, it’s a tough job, and a dangerous one for the two men.
Atmospherically written, this book is a really good, if a little spooky, read.
Sully is an interesting character, at the start of his adult life, just trying to get by. His abilities have kept him apart from the rest of the world, though he is beloved, and lovingly accepted in all his unusual ways by his foster family. In fact, their relationship was one of my favourite parts of the book, I loved seeing the support that Sully was given, and the bond between him and Dez, despite the latter being a little timid around ghostly things!
The mystery was a little on the gritty side, but solveable if you pay attention, which is always a plus with such stories.
If you’re a fan of paranormal thrillers or paranormal suspense, then this is sure to entertain you, and maybe even creep you out a little!
It’s an engrossing read, and a fairly quick one, with a small hook at the end for the next book in the series, and I. Looking forward to seeing what happens next!
November 25, 2018
Sometimes it really hurts me to read a book with so much potential and really, really awesome characters that I just...don't...get in to.
Sully is a bartender in Canadian town where a storm is bringing flooding and a ghost of a woman who died badly to haunt him, as they have all his life. His older brother, and copper, Dez, soon joins him in an investigation--although Dez is there mainly to protect Sully and yell at him over taking risks.
What follows is a convoluted and slow unraveling of the ghost woman's death-- not at the hands of her husband as the police think-- by an unknown assailant possibly tied to a group of Wiccans practicing in Sully's town.
All the characters here are fiercely stubborn or passionate or loyal or compassionate. Even the good ones make mistakes. Almost everyone has a tragedy in their life. And while Sully's quiet insistence on helping the ghosts is admirable, and his love for his family heart-warming, in the end, I wanted more from him than risk-taking. I also wanted more from Dez than blustery threats. Some of my disappointment stemmed from how the Dez/Sully dynamic was so compelling in the first part of the book but then went stale due to repetition for me.
On the other hand, this is a series starter, and only .99 cents, so what didn't hook me could very well hook others and at that price its certainly worth the risk of trying Sully out for a bit ;)
Sully is a bartender in Canadian town where a storm is bringing flooding and a ghost of a woman who died badly to haunt him, as they have all his life. His older brother, and copper, Dez, soon joins him in an investigation--although Dez is there mainly to protect Sully and yell at him over taking risks.
What follows is a convoluted and slow unraveling of the ghost woman's death-- not at the hands of her husband as the police think-- by an unknown assailant possibly tied to a group of Wiccans practicing in Sully's town.
All the characters here are fiercely stubborn or passionate or loyal or compassionate. Even the good ones make mistakes. Almost everyone has a tragedy in their life. And while Sully's quiet insistence on helping the ghosts is admirable, and his love for his family heart-warming, in the end, I wanted more from him than risk-taking. I also wanted more from Dez than blustery threats. Some of my disappointment stemmed from how the Dez/Sully dynamic was so compelling in the first part of the book but then went stale due to repetition for me.
On the other hand, this is a series starter, and only .99 cents, so what didn't hook me could very well hook others and at that price its certainly worth the risk of trying Sully out for a bit ;)
May 30, 2019
Thank you to Heather P. Bayne for the chance to read this book in return for my honest review,
Sullivan Gray – bartender – and Sully to his friends, sees dead people, but only the ones that have died at another’s hands and even then they don’t speak to him, so he pretty much has to guess what they’re trying to convey by their presence (and a few charades)
After a fire at the foster home he lived at Sully was taken in by the Braddock family and policeman-to-be Des became his older brother. The pair of them is fiercely protective of each other which lead to some near-death situations. Des’s wife Eva is protective of the both of them but also of her and Des’s daughter Kayleigh. Bring in Bulldog, one of Des’s oldest friends and brother of Bree, and you have a firm troupe.
Iris (Sparrow to her friends) has gone missing, and Bree (a ghost) is trying to let Sully know she needs his help. She also needs him to find the man who killed her as the police think they have the culprit – her Husband Danny – but he was not the man who murdered Bree. The man they are looking for has a black candle tattoo on his arm, which proves difficult, as – for reasons that become apparent – quite a few people have this same tattoo.
I really enjoyed this book, I liked Sully from the beginning and loved the sense of family they all portrayed.
I would definitely recommend the Black Candle.
Sullivan Gray – bartender – and Sully to his friends, sees dead people, but only the ones that have died at another’s hands and even then they don’t speak to him, so he pretty much has to guess what they’re trying to convey by their presence (and a few charades)
After a fire at the foster home he lived at Sully was taken in by the Braddock family and policeman-to-be Des became his older brother. The pair of them is fiercely protective of each other which lead to some near-death situations. Des’s wife Eva is protective of the both of them but also of her and Des’s daughter Kayleigh. Bring in Bulldog, one of Des’s oldest friends and brother of Bree, and you have a firm troupe.
Iris (Sparrow to her friends) has gone missing, and Bree (a ghost) is trying to let Sully know she needs his help. She also needs him to find the man who killed her as the police think they have the culprit – her Husband Danny – but he was not the man who murdered Bree. The man they are looking for has a black candle tattoo on his arm, which proves difficult, as – for reasons that become apparent – quite a few people have this same tattoo.
I really enjoyed this book, I liked Sully from the beginning and loved the sense of family they all portrayed.
I would definitely recommend the Black Candle.
March 29, 2019
I received this book as part of an ARC review. It is very intriguing and hard to put down. Sully sees the ghosts of those who died violently and when Bulldog comes in to the bar where he works, he has an added visitor. Bulldog's sister Bree is determined to help Iris or Sparrow as she is nicknamed. While Sully's brother, Dez is creeped out by the ghosts he sees, Dez is determined to be there for him. As they follow the clues that Bree gives, they run into another murdered ghost who almost gets Dez killed. Bree's murderer turns out to be the same one who killed the other girl and wants to kill Iris as well. Mixed up with this is a coven of Wicca who won't reveal other members and a flood that is threatening everything. In a nick of time, Bree with other ghosts help free Sully, Paul, Bulldog and Iris so Dez and Eva can get them all to safety along with the murderer, Zane. After Zane is convicted, Bree is able to move on. However I don't think things will stay quiet for Sully for long as Dez's little brother who drowned at five is trying to visit. While Sully isn't Dez's biological brother, the family considers him to be one of theirs. I certainly look forward to more of Sully and his family.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2019
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
Oh my. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was the perfect mix of ghost story and murder mystery. I was sucked in and tried to figure out the whodunit before it was revealed, and I only managed a few pages before the reveal. There were red herrings that I fell for. More than once.
Sullivan sees ghosts who die in violent ways. They want his help to solve their deaths and bring the proper closure. That's what brought Breanna's ghost to him during one hell of a storm.
Sully's character was dynamic. He's more mature than his 20 years because of his gift of dealing with these violent deaths. He hates that he has this gift, but he's also aware that he's the only one who can help them. His foster brother Desmond is a police officer who is determined to help Sully in any way he can. Even if it puts him in danger.
Even the supporting characters in this book have such a depth that it was like being a silent observer to these brothers trying to help bring closure to Breanna's ghost.
I'm looking forward to continuing to read the adventures that Sully gets into helping the ghosts who come to him.
Oh my. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was the perfect mix of ghost story and murder mystery. I was sucked in and tried to figure out the whodunit before it was revealed, and I only managed a few pages before the reveal. There were red herrings that I fell for. More than once.
Sullivan sees ghosts who die in violent ways. They want his help to solve their deaths and bring the proper closure. That's what brought Breanna's ghost to him during one hell of a storm.
Sully's character was dynamic. He's more mature than his 20 years because of his gift of dealing with these violent deaths. He hates that he has this gift, but he's also aware that he's the only one who can help them. His foster brother Desmond is a police officer who is determined to help Sully in any way he can. Even if it puts him in danger.
Even the supporting characters in this book have such a depth that it was like being a silent observer to these brothers trying to help bring closure to Breanna's ghost.
I'm looking forward to continuing to read the adventures that Sully gets into helping the ghosts who come to him.
December 15, 2020
Good Read
Mystery and occult together, pretty cool. I suspect that other reviews have given enough hints about the book to satisfy nearly everyone, so I'm going to follow a thread that wound around during my read.
What first caught my eye was the writing. There are "tells" that allow you to know where a person is from by the words they use even if you can't hear the accent. "Neighbourhood" clued me the fact I was reading someone much more in tune with "the Queen's English" than U.S. citizens are, but the order in the sentences wasn't British, nor Irish, nor Australian.
My guess was Canadian and it turned out right.
My second notice was that the author was close to the law enforcement field because writing about police procedure was so natural.
Two for two.
What did I miss? I never tumbled to the fact the author was a woman. But that's ok, I never tumbled to the fact Andre Norton was a woman, either.
I'll say it again, this is a good read. Good enough I have the next book in the series - in the suggested order in which to read.
Mystery and occult together, pretty cool. I suspect that other reviews have given enough hints about the book to satisfy nearly everyone, so I'm going to follow a thread that wound around during my read.
What first caught my eye was the writing. There are "tells" that allow you to know where a person is from by the words they use even if you can't hear the accent. "Neighbourhood" clued me the fact I was reading someone much more in tune with "the Queen's English" than U.S. citizens are, but the order in the sentences wasn't British, nor Irish, nor Australian.
My guess was Canadian and it turned out right.
My second notice was that the author was close to the law enforcement field because writing about police procedure was so natural.
Two for two.
What did I miss? I never tumbled to the fact the author was a woman. But that's ok, I never tumbled to the fact Andre Norton was a woman, either.
I'll say it again, this is a good read. Good enough I have the next book in the series - in the suggested order in which to read.
April 21, 2025
I picked up this series because you know I love ghost stories, and it was recommended that if you liked Odd Thomas, you'd like these. Sully is a 20 year old who sees ghosts, but not just any ghosts only those who have been murdered. His brother, Des is a police officer, totally afraid of them. Des is bound and determined to protect Sully at all costs. During a massive storm, Sully sees a ghost hovering over one of his friends. Supposedly this ghosts case is already solved, but Sully thinks there is more to the story. The ghost don't speak, so Sully has to understand a very strange sort of Charades, trying to understand what the ghost want. As the ghost attacks him, Sully is drawn into reliving her death, and witnesses so of the killer. His tattoo of a black candle, with wax dripping. No the hunt is on, with Des' help, to ride through this storm, looking for someone with that tattoo. Very good beginning to a series.
January 4, 2019
I got this book from a giveaway on InstaFreeby, or BookFunnel, and it has been waiting patiently in my TBR digital pile for a while. And, wow! I really wish I had get to it yet earlier!
This is a fantastic book: well-written, with full-fledged characters, and a great plot. Sully and his family are amazing characters, as a matter of fact, all of them are. The dialogues are fluid, the story tense and gripping, and the mystery... I was jumping from one suspect to the next for almost the whole book!
And the permanent rain... that rain is yet another character in the story, and it sets the mood seamlessly.
I'm so grateful that there is another book on this series! I'm going to get it as soon as I hit 'Save'
A most recommended read.
This is a fantastic book: well-written, with full-fledged characters, and a great plot. Sully and his family are amazing characters, as a matter of fact, all of them are. The dialogues are fluid, the story tense and gripping, and the mystery... I was jumping from one suspect to the next for almost the whole book!
And the permanent rain... that rain is yet another character in the story, and it sets the mood seamlessly.
I'm so grateful that there is another book on this series! I'm going to get it as soon as I hit 'Save'
A most recommended read.
March 7, 2023
This was an excellent book, and I plan to read them all (in order), and have already started book 2. This book exceeded my expectations. It was not an ordinary, average, murder-mystery. Sullivan had a rough past, and some of it unknown, as he was abandoned as a baby. The family who took him in is a normal, loving family. Although, his father, older brother, and sister-in-law are all police officers. That makes for interesting situations, since Sully sees the ghosts of those who have been murdered. A young woman is missing, and Sully has to follow the clues from a ghost, while his big brother needs to watch Sally’s back — and his own. And all this during the worst storm on record. I found myself holding my breath a couple times from the excitement.
November 29, 2018
Supernatural is not my genre of choice, but crime fiction is, so this book satisfied my inner crime junkie. I often find when I read that I gloss over paragraphs that set the scene or provide imagery, but with this novel I found those paragraphs so detailed and well-written that I was getting lost in the world of Kimotan Rapids. I could vividly picture the locations the characters attended to as if I were watching a movie. This quality of writing is a gift that not all authors have but H.P. Bayne sure does. I can't wait to get swept away by the next book, and I selfishly hope to see more from this author in a strictly crime fiction genre!
March 26, 2019
I found this novel engrossing from the beginning, and anticipate further books in the series (BLACK CANDLES is Book 1 in the Sullivan Gray Series). Sully Gray sees the Dead; or rather, a specific subset of the Dead--victims of homicide, those who want justice and want answers. Sully is a gentle young man who works as a bartender in a quiet pub and is very close to his long-term foster brother, police officer Dex, and Dex's family. On the approach of a potentially fatal flood, Sully is painfully visited by the apparition of a recent murder victim, who inspires Sully into a mission of investigation and rescue.
.
.
May 6, 2024
Format: audiobook
Narrator: John Downey
This was a perfect choice for me, I love supernatural stories and mysteries.
The relationship between the brothers leaves you in no doubt about the strength of the bond they share and at times had me teary with emotion.
Several well developed and complex characters all different and all with their own demons/secrets keep this story interesting and left me wanting more of this series so I’ve just downloaded book 2 and suspect I’m gonna binge on this whole series.
The narration was excellent, a pleasant voice to listen to and great portraying the different characters.
This narrator definitely enhanced the story.
Narrator: John Downey
This was a perfect choice for me, I love supernatural stories and mysteries.
The relationship between the brothers leaves you in no doubt about the strength of the bond they share and at times had me teary with emotion.
Several well developed and complex characters all different and all with their own demons/secrets keep this story interesting and left me wanting more of this series so I’ve just downloaded book 2 and suspect I’m gonna binge on this whole series.
The narration was excellent, a pleasant voice to listen to and great portraying the different characters.
This narrator definitely enhanced the story.
December 30, 2025
♾️/⭐️
First book in an amazing series. Heather immediately draws you into the world of Kimotan Rapids with strong characters you’re immediately drawn to. She manages to create a strong bond between Sully and Dez that is both emotional and fun. The side characters are really well developed and make you feel part of their world whilst the plot itself is very unusual with clever twists. Really love the buddy/ brother relationship which is very hard to find in a book. Overall the perfect start to the perfect series, all the stars! Thank you for this amazing series (and spin offs) Heather, highly recommend!
First book in an amazing series. Heather immediately draws you into the world of Kimotan Rapids with strong characters you’re immediately drawn to. She manages to create a strong bond between Sully and Dez that is both emotional and fun. The side characters are really well developed and make you feel part of their world whilst the plot itself is very unusual with clever twists. Really love the buddy/ brother relationship which is very hard to find in a book. Overall the perfect start to the perfect series, all the stars! Thank you for this amazing series (and spin offs) Heather, highly recommend!
March 31, 2019
Really good story with interesting characters
I enjoyed reading this book. The suspense was done perfectly and had me glued to the page. I wouldn't say that there is ground breaking premise or new ideas, but the story and characters were well written. I'm glad there are more books in the series as I genuinely liked these characters and enjoyed the dynamic between the brothers. There was just enough back story and just enough left unsaid to explore in new books. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes reading mystery, paranormal, or suspense books.
I enjoyed reading this book. The suspense was done perfectly and had me glued to the page. I wouldn't say that there is ground breaking premise or new ideas, but the story and characters were well written. I'm glad there are more books in the series as I genuinely liked these characters and enjoyed the dynamic between the brothers. There was just enough back story and just enough left unsaid to explore in new books. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes reading mystery, paranormal, or suspense books.
October 28, 2021
Sully is a great character! A wise old soul for one so young!! The ending! WOW!!
I love Sully!! His character is so amazing!! His back story sucked me in.. and some my heart. he is just so young but has an old soul! I can't wait to read the next installment!! The ending had me crying, i don't usually have such an emotional commenting to characters.. but the ending was so poignant. I can hardly wait to see what the the "visitor" sully met at the end will mean in book 2!!!! I read thin in 2 sittings couldn't put it down!!
I love Sully!! His character is so amazing!! His back story sucked me in.. and some my heart. he is just so young but has an old soul! I can't wait to read the next installment!! The ending had me crying, i don't usually have such an emotional commenting to characters.. but the ending was so poignant. I can hardly wait to see what the the "visitor" sully met at the end will mean in book 2!!!! I read thin in 2 sittings couldn't put it down!!
December 23, 2024
Black Candle is the first novel in the Sullivan Gray series. Sullivan Gray sees ghosts, but only those who’ve died horrible, violent deaths. Unfortunately, while they try to get their murders resolved with Sully’s help, he can’t hear them. Now, he has to follow the clues to find a missing girl before she becomes a victim. What a great read! This book has it all with a supernatural twist: action, mystery, suspense, and great characters. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
April 24, 2019
This is the first book in the Sullivan Gray series .
This was a great start too a new urban mystery series so far I'm really liking these characters and how these murder mysteries are being untangled . This book really had my on my toes I kinda of thought I knew what was happening but than I didn't and I like how this author wove the pieces together I also love the tight net family dynamic of this book .
This was a great start too a new urban mystery series so far I'm really liking these characters and how these murder mysteries are being untangled . This book really had my on my toes I kinda of thought I knew what was happening but than I didn't and I like how this author wove the pieces together I also love the tight net family dynamic of this book .
April 14, 2020
He sees ghosts and it is more of a curse than a gift and the ghosts were victims of murder. Now he has one ghost who wants him to help her and she will help find a missing teen. His brother helps him but the further he goes into the case, they seem further away. Will he help the ghost? Will he find the missing teen? See if he able to complete both tasks
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 27, 2023
Poorly written
The plot was well developed and the characters were well rounded. After the first thirty pages I wanted to put this book aside due to the poor quality of writing. At that point I was very invested in the plot and wanted to see how the story developed. Paranormal is one of my favorite genres so I was a little disappointed as to the scare factor. I won’t be reading the rest of the series, nor would I recommend this book to anyone who is annoyed by poor writing
The plot was well developed and the characters were well rounded. After the first thirty pages I wanted to put this book aside due to the poor quality of writing. At that point I was very invested in the plot and wanted to see how the story developed. Paranormal is one of my favorite genres so I was a little disappointed as to the scare factor. I won’t be reading the rest of the series, nor would I recommend this book to anyone who is annoyed by poor writing
July 15, 2024
I really enjoyed this, Sullivan can see ghosts who died in a bad way and need his help to resolve their deaths so they can move on. He has a cop foster brother and he tends to plunges after the ghosts without really considering his own safety to his brother's annoyance. The story hinges on a missing woman and he gets moved from person to person and back again, while he solves the problem and saves the girl. It's a great story one of seven and I intend to read the whole series.
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