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Mary O’Reilly #7
Secret Hollows
The man smiled at Timmy. “That would be nice of you. Why don’t you lead the way?”
Timmy moved past the man and started back up the hill. He heard the whoosh of something moving quickly through the air, but it hit him before he had time to react. He felt the impact against his head and his whole body flew sideways through the air. Landing in the dense ground cover, his face was momentarily buried in loose dirt, pine needles, dried leaves and twigs. Lifting his head, he took a deep breath and started to scramble away on his hands and knees. A strong hand caught him by the neck and pushed him back into the dirt.
“Sorry, Timmy, I can’t let you go now,” the man whispered. “You’d tell.”
Timmy Beck, fireman Mike Richards’ boyhood friend, was killed twenty years ago, but everyone in the town is sure they caught the right man…or did they? Why is Timmy’s ghost still haunting Lake Le-Aqua-Na?
Mary, Bradley, Ian and Mike investigate and find the true murderer may be much closer than they had ever expected.
Timmy moved past the man and started back up the hill. He heard the whoosh of something moving quickly through the air, but it hit him before he had time to react. He felt the impact against his head and his whole body flew sideways through the air. Landing in the dense ground cover, his face was momentarily buried in loose dirt, pine needles, dried leaves and twigs. Lifting his head, he took a deep breath and started to scramble away on his hands and knees. A strong hand caught him by the neck and pushed him back into the dirt.
“Sorry, Timmy, I can’t let you go now,” the man whispered. “You’d tell.”
Timmy Beck, fireman Mike Richards’ boyhood friend, was killed twenty years ago, but everyone in the town is sure they caught the right man…or did they? Why is Timmy’s ghost still haunting Lake Le-Aqua-Na?
Mary, Bradley, Ian and Mike investigate and find the true murderer may be much closer than they had ever expected.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2012
232 people are currently reading
434 people want to read
About the author
Terri Reid
105 books830 followersTerri Reid is the author of the Mary O’Reilly Paranormal Mysteries. An indie author, Reid uploaded her first book “Loose Ends” in August 2010. By the end of 2012, “Loose Ends” had sold over 82,000 copies and, as of the writing of this bio, was the number one bestselling book in Amazon’s ranking of Ghost Stories in the Book/Literature & Fiction/Genre Fiction/Horror/Ghosts section and the number two in the same area in the Kindle eBooks section. She has eight other books in the Mary O’Reilly Series and has enjoyed Top Rated and Hot New Release status for many of them in the Women Sleuths category through Amazon US. Her books have been translated into Spanish and Portuguese and are also now available through CreateSpace and Amazon in print versions. She is also working on an audiobook for “Loose Ends.”
Reid has been quoted in several books about the self-publishing industry, including “Let’s Get Digital” by David Gaughran and “Interviews with Indie Authors: Top Tips from Successful Self-Published Authors” by Claire and Tim Ridgway. She was also honored to have some of her works included in A. J. Abbiati’s book “The NORTAV Method for Writers—The Secrets to Constructing Prose Like the Pros.” She has also had the distinct privilege of guest blogging for Joe Konrath.
Reid is from Northwest Illinois, near the town of Freeport, the home of her fictional characters. Her background is in marketing and public relations. She is married, the mother of seven children, and the grandmother of twenty-three.
She has her grandchildren convinced that she talks to fairies and animals - and they talk back.
Reid has been quoted in several books about the self-publishing industry, including “Let’s Get Digital” by David Gaughran and “Interviews with Indie Authors: Top Tips from Successful Self-Published Authors” by Claire and Tim Ridgway. She was also honored to have some of her works included in A. J. Abbiati’s book “The NORTAV Method for Writers—The Secrets to Constructing Prose Like the Pros.” She has also had the distinct privilege of guest blogging for Joe Konrath.
Reid is from Northwest Illinois, near the town of Freeport, the home of her fictional characters. Her background is in marketing and public relations. She is married, the mother of seven children, and the grandmother of twenty-three.
She has her grandchildren convinced that she talks to fairies and animals - and they talk back.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
April 8, 2012
As usual I loved it! This book helps us understand Mike's unfinished business and I cried as several things tied together. It always makes me sad when the end comes in this series as I am already chomping at the bit to read the next book! Not my typical book genre but Terri Reid has me addicted.Love the unusual mystery and the relationships. Ian is definitely a favorite! Can't wait to move through some special moments that are bound to arrive in the next book. Great series!
April 10, 2012
OMG! How do you do this, over and over, book after book? With each Mary O'Reilly book, the characters become richer and more familiar. In this book, the interaction of Mary, Ian, Bradley and, especially, Mike is wonderful. As always, I am feeling all the reactions of the characters as they follow the tragic story of the murder of the little boys.
The ending blew me away! NO, I will NOT give it away. Suffice it to say that tenderness, humor and love collide in just a few pages to make for a lovely ending and excited anticipation, on my part, for the next book.
Sorry, I plow through them like a tray of fresh chocolate chip cookies and a carton of ice cold milk but I can't help it! I will be patient waiting for next episode but I'll have the cookie dough ready for another great night of reading!
The ending blew me away! NO, I will NOT give it away. Suffice it to say that tenderness, humor and love collide in just a few pages to make for a lovely ending and excited anticipation, on my part, for the next book.
Sorry, I plow through them like a tray of fresh chocolate chip cookies and a carton of ice cold milk but I can't help it! I will be patient waiting for next episode but I'll have the cookie dough ready for another great night of reading!
May 8, 2012
I saw that Book 7 was out and got it on my Kindle, bumped what I was reading for it and devoured it. This series has my heart--it's sappy at times, I always have the mystery solved fairly early on but love the characters and the premise of a big city cop who is shot, dies and comes back, can now see ghosts and turns into a small town paranormal investigator. I got teary at the end so I won't say more. This one answered a few questions left open from the last book but ends with its usual set up for the next one-hope it gets here soon. ;-)
May 16, 2012
I absolutely love this series. One of the best things about this series, is having just finished the 7th book, I didn't have the feeling of having already read the book while reading it. This is something I often run into when reading a series with an extensive number of books. Terri Reid is a fantastic, imaginative writer, who I thoroughly enjoy reading. If you like paranormal, mystery and suspense with a hint of romance and comedy thrown in, then this is a series for you!
June 25, 2012
Once again Terri Reid delivered a great beach read. The chemistry between the characters is great and along with a goody mystery the humorous antics had me laughing out loud. Would read until 2-3 in the morning and have to force myself to quit and go to bed. I've read them all and have my sister hooked now too.
April 10, 2012
I love these books! Allowing for the paranormal aspect of the plot, these characters are so real and down to earth. I find myself willing them to get to the bottom of the mystery, having a stab at solving it myself (was bang on with the culprit early on this time) and also sorting out their personal lives. I'm really glad Mary and Bradley didn't suffer any personal mishaps in their relationship this time round as they've been through so much already. I missed the interaction between them and Rosie and Stanley though as they were only minor supporting characters this time round.
Terri chose a difficult topic for the 'crime' this time and handled it well without feeling the need to go into graphic detail as some authors would. Mike is gorgeous and his plot line left me with tears.
I finished the book with goose-bumps, the ending leaving it perfectly set for the next book which I will wait impatiently for! Each Mary O'Reilly book is a treat that is for me at least over far to quickly.
Terri chose a difficult topic for the 'crime' this time and handled it well without feeling the need to go into graphic detail as some authors would. Mike is gorgeous and his plot line left me with tears.
I finished the book with goose-bumps, the ending leaving it perfectly set for the next book which I will wait impatiently for! Each Mary O'Reilly book is a treat that is for me at least over far to quickly.
April 8, 2012
This story is about finding the murderer of a ghost child....a boyhood friend of Ghost Mike. The story also follows Mary's recovery from her past harrowing experience, while embracing her new relationship with Bradley. I was a little puzzled about the purpose of one of the ghosts in this tale, but the author tied it together nicely at the end. I am looking forward to the next story in this series, since the whereabouts of Bradley's missing child still needs resolution.
April 21, 2012
Terri Reid has hit upon a great series. I love her books. This is a continuing story of Mary o'Reilly, private investigator with major paranormal abilities. With friends from both worlds helping her solve murders. there is such a rich back story that solving murders is only a small part that makes these books great. Love them!! Can't wait for the next one.
April 20, 2012
Excellent book; although it made me cry towards the end. This is the first one that did that! Can't wait for #8 to be released to find Alden's daughter, if that is their next adventure.
January 10, 2014
My favorite of the series so far.
July 24, 2012
As the seventh book in the Mary O'Reilly series I feel so deeply connected to all of the characters that I don't want it to end! EVER! In this book we get to find out a little more about Mary's ghostly friend, Mike. Did they really arrest the actual murderer or has the killer been allowed to roam free all this time? And what about Mary's friends are they finally going to bite the bullet and get married? They are such a sweet older couple you just have to cheer for them because they just make you laugh! I can't wait for book eight to come out! I haven't read any Terri Reid in awhile and I am missing her!
April 12, 2012
Secret Hollows continues to bring twist and turns to the lives of Mary O'Reilly and Bradley Alden. Ian and Mike helping Mary uncover the truth behind the deaths of five boys twenty years earlier. The secondary story has Mary involved with Ernie, a ghost teaching Mary how to box. It's a simply series, without the sex or triangles. Friends helping friends discover the truth and setting an innocence man free. As well as learning who is Ernie and why he needed Mary's help. We lose one of the characters in this story.... sad too. But, it helps the series move forward.
May 14, 2012
Love the series, love the characters, and love the way the characters interact with each other. Short, but oh so interesting read! Even though I read the book within a day, I still like this series of books. I do wish that the books were a little longer and not so able to predict, i.e., take on a new case, bad guys kinda figure that out, main character ends up in hospital, then gets better as case is solved and ghosts move on. Might be cool to channel the Ghosts of New Orleans book and expand on that vibe!
May 7, 2012
okay, I do enjoy this series, each book is a quick and easy read. The main character is interesting and a bit quirky. But, I'm beginning to notice a more overt/open religious nature that is, well, beginning to grate on my nerves. It's mostly because I really do like Mary and her crew, but not enough to endure a lot of religious junk to get to the heart of the story.
April 30, 2012
the next instalment in the Mary O'Reilly mysteries, thoroughly enjoyed as always, was great to get a resolution to Mike's story and a great tease at the end of the book about where the storyline is going next. Now to await the next instalment!
November 13, 2015
Laughs and tears
This one had more laugh out loud times and a few tears thrown in between. I love all the interaction with the characters and the way they are developing. On to number 8.
This one had more laugh out loud times and a few tears thrown in between. I love all the interaction with the characters and the way they are developing. On to number 8.
July 9, 2017
This story was absolutely heartbreaking!
June 5, 2019
Loved it
I have to say this book had a little more surprises than the others. Fast paced, loved the way it was tied together. Admittedly cried during the last few chapters. I knew it was coming but still... I love this series.
I have to say this book had a little more surprises than the others. Fast paced, loved the way it was tied together. Admittedly cried during the last few chapters. I knew it was coming but still... I love this series.
April 27, 2012
Another great Terri Reid! Loved it loved it Looking forward for the next book in this great series!
April 25, 2012
A GOOD STORY... AND TAKES THE LIVES OF THE MAIN CHARACTERS TO A GOOD PLACE. IM REALLY EXCITED WHAT TERRI REID WILL DO NEXT WITH MARY AND BRADLEY...... CANT WAIT TO READ THE NEXT ONE
April 23, 2012
loved it! I cant wait to read the next book.
May 9, 2012
Loved it and look forward to book #8! Until I will have to wonder how the characters are doing and coming along :)
May 8, 2012
another awesome story.. could not put it down. just had to finish it.. i'll miss u (im not a spoiler). can't wait for the next one.. thank you for this wonderful story..
June 17, 2016
Liked this one better than the last one, but what will we do without Mike? I may be in mourning for a couple of days...
January 9, 2017
Wow
Darn the tears come coming, but so do the laughs.
As usual with this series I didn't want to put it down. On to the next adventure.
Darn the tears come coming, but so do the laughs.
As usual with this series I didn't want to put it down. On to the next adventure.
May 21, 2018
I think this was one of the best of the Mary O'Reilly Series so far. I'm going to miss Mike Richards, but I loved learning his story and that of his childhood friend.
September 3, 2017
I LOVE this series. In all honesty, I have suffered for years from clinical depression, and was suffering from a very serious downturn. This series helped get me through. The friendship, the camaraderie, the family, the love and laughter, helped tremendously. It was extremely helpful in getting me to that turning point back to me.
I laughed till my belly hurt, then cried until I couldn't see the words. I felt anger and betrayal for those whose journey was suspended. I found redemption, grace, and, most of all, hope. I loved the ghosts/spirits (except for those malevolent ones), the mortals, the story lines and resolutions. I loved the lessons these stories conveyed, and the poignancy with which they were told.
I have several favorite characters, Mary and Bradley (and, by extension, Clarissa), being the foundation. Ian is someone I want to meet, and get to know, and just listen to him talk. Hopefully, he wears the black shirt (but don't tell Gillian I said that...it's strictly platonic, I swear). Mike. Dear Mike. I cried so hard for him for some reason, especially the role he was given. It was a sweetness that I didn't even know i was craving. I love Mike. I want Mike on my side. Always. Rosie & Stanley, such a opposites-attract couple, yet full of love. The O'Reilly clan. Can I move in with them?? Or maybe just visit Ireland with Sean??
I suspended all other reading until I got through the entire series, and feel as though these characters are my friends and family. Please, please, please, give me more!
Note: I would love to give this series 4 1/2 stars, or even 5, but the grammatical and punctuation errors just don't cut it for me. Miss Terri, your writing is superb. Let it be polished until it glows. Let me be your proofreader (beta reader?).
I laughed till my belly hurt, then cried until I couldn't see the words. I felt anger and betrayal for those whose journey was suspended. I found redemption, grace, and, most of all, hope. I loved the ghosts/spirits (except for those malevolent ones), the mortals, the story lines and resolutions. I loved the lessons these stories conveyed, and the poignancy with which they were told.
I have several favorite characters, Mary and Bradley (and, by extension, Clarissa), being the foundation. Ian is someone I want to meet, and get to know, and just listen to him talk. Hopefully, he wears the black shirt (but don't tell Gillian I said that...it's strictly platonic, I swear). Mike. Dear Mike. I cried so hard for him for some reason, especially the role he was given. It was a sweetness that I didn't even know i was craving. I love Mike. I want Mike on my side. Always. Rosie & Stanley, such a opposites-attract couple, yet full of love. The O'Reilly clan. Can I move in with them?? Or maybe just visit Ireland with Sean??
I suspended all other reading until I got through the entire series, and feel as though these characters are my friends and family. Please, please, please, give me more!
Note: I would love to give this series 4 1/2 stars, or even 5, but the grammatical and punctuation errors just don't cut it for me. Miss Terri, your writing is superb. Let it be polished until it glows. Let me be your proofreader (beta reader?).
March 7, 2019
This book was one of the best, poor sweet Timmy and Mike how he dealt with the guilt of not being there with Timmy when he was killed,. This book had me crying so much I was ready to put it down for the day but I couldn't I had to find out what and who did these cruel things to those little boys. Mary is really starting to make me mad, always getting into trouble because she has to plat the bad a** well it's getting real old. I won't say more except the bad guy will get his and Mike did some major butt kicking. Oh Mike how we love you.
February 1, 2021
This one got pretty dark.
We hear Mikes story in a previous book about his friend named Timmy. Than we learn Timmy did not move on. Mike immediately becomes protective but through Timmys answers and finding another murder victim, Mary, Bradley, Ian, and Mike are determined to help solve the mystery, this may be the answer to help Mike move on.
Without spoiling the story Mary and Bradley also make some leeway romantically, and overall I will say the ending does make me a bit sad but happy. I am also curious as we learn more about Bradleys daughter, and I am curious to see what happens next.
We hear Mikes story in a previous book about his friend named Timmy. Than we learn Timmy did not move on. Mike immediately becomes protective but through Timmys answers and finding another murder victim, Mary, Bradley, Ian, and Mike are determined to help solve the mystery, this may be the answer to help Mike move on.
Without spoiling the story Mary and Bradley also make some leeway romantically, and overall I will say the ending does make me a bit sad but happy. I am also curious as we learn more about Bradleys daughter, and I am curious to see what happens next.
September 29, 2017
Good Mystery
This is the seventh bok of this series I have read about a police women, Mary O'Reilly was shot in the line of duty. After she was shot the strange thing was she could see ghosts that have not passed on usually due to a murder. Mary is now a private investigator helping these earth-bound ghost find their murderers so they can move on.
This is the seventh bok of this series I have read about a police women, Mary O'Reilly was shot in the line of duty. After she was shot the strange thing was she could see ghosts that have not passed on usually due to a murder. Mary is now a private investigator helping these earth-bound ghost find their murderers so they can move on.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews