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Troubled Spirits #1
Dark River Inn
Inspired by a chilling true story...
It’s the day of his ex-wife’s wedding when Dan makes the winding mountain journey to a remote cabin for an escape from the life that another man has stepped into.
Less than 48 hours into his reprieve, the forest tranquility is shattered when he looks through a telescope and witnesses the violent abduction of a young woman.
Dan springs into action, but there’s no evidence of an abduction nor reports of a missing woman.
That is, until Dan sees the missing person’s poster for Ivy Trent.
He’s sure it’s the woman he saw get kidnapped just days before. There's only one problem. Ivy disappeared ten years ago.
If you’re searching for a paranormal thriller that you’ll be reading with the lights on, grab Troubled Spirits today-the first in a series of stand-alone haunted mysteries inspired by true stories.
It’s the day of his ex-wife’s wedding when Dan makes the winding mountain journey to a remote cabin for an escape from the life that another man has stepped into.
Less than 48 hours into his reprieve, the forest tranquility is shattered when he looks through a telescope and witnesses the violent abduction of a young woman.
Dan springs into action, but there’s no evidence of an abduction nor reports of a missing woman.
That is, until Dan sees the missing person’s poster for Ivy Trent.
He’s sure it’s the woman he saw get kidnapped just days before. There's only one problem. Ivy disappeared ten years ago.
If you’re searching for a paranormal thriller that you’ll be reading with the lights on, grab Troubled Spirits today-the first in a series of stand-alone haunted mysteries inspired by true stories.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2021
1373 people are currently reading
2588 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Erickson
39 books884 followersJ.R. Erickson writes novels that blend murder mysteries with haunted houses. Her Northern Michigan Asylum series are novels of paranormal suspense inspired by a real former asylum in Traverse City. Her current books, the Troubled Spirits series, are all inspired by real crimes, which she covers in her true crime podcast, Bitter Endings.
Jacki is a lifelong lover of all things spooky, and started penning scary stories in childhood. She grew up in Mason, Michigan and is a graduate of Michigan State University with a B.A. in Psychology. These days, Jacki resides near Traverse City, Michigan with her husband, son, and three cats.
Jacki is a lifelong lover of all things spooky, and started penning scary stories in childhood. She grew up in Mason, Michigan and is a graduate of Michigan State University with a B.A. in Psychology. These days, Jacki resides near Traverse City, Michigan with her husband, son, and three cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
November 28, 2022
Suspended police detective, Dan, escapes from the world following the wedding of his ex-wife. He witnesses a young women being violently abducted through his telescope, but as he reports the crime at the police department, he notices a poster on the noticeboard and discovers the girl he saw was actually went missing ten years earlier. Everything is set for a thrilling paranormal mystery, but it never really delivers the intrigue, the suspense, or the mystery it promises. It read OK, but no shivers were sent up and down my spine and the ending felt a little weak. Most people have provided very positive reviews, but for me, the real mystery was one of how it seemed to read quite well page after page yet failed to arouse a desire to begin reading again after each time I had put it down for a while. An OK read!
January 9, 2023
Audio - 5 Stars
Story - 3 Stars
Story - 3 Stars
June 29, 2022
As an author and editor in the horror genre, I'm constantly looking for new authors, new books, new experiences, new perspectives. Let me just say, I may have found my new favorite author!
Struggles: There were quite a few editing issues, leaving me rereading a couple of passages that weren't punctuated correctly. However, a less discerning reader will be able to skim right past these with ease and without any disruption. Don't let that deter you from reading this book! The novel is also heavy on the crime thriller, less on the paranormal. I would have preferred more amp to the ghost appearances and involvement, but what Erikson has done with this novel works.
Strengths: Too many to count! The narrative arc, the steady building of suspense, and the character development are masterful. Erikson uses real life cold case influences as the basis for the mystery in her novels. It's a great added bonus to read her take on the tragedy and then read the story that inspired it. The characters are believable and easy to invest in, and Erikson gives them rich backgrounds and interactions that make them multi-dimensional. The mystery within the novel itself has multiple layers—one more developed than the other. I would have liked for that less-developed mystery to be enhanced a bit more so its conclusion didn't feel so abrupt, but how Erikson did conclude it wasn't bad in any stretch.
Overall, great story! It was definitely one of the best novels I've read in a while, and I can't wait to get started on the second book.
Struggles: There were quite a few editing issues, leaving me rereading a couple of passages that weren't punctuated correctly. However, a less discerning reader will be able to skim right past these with ease and without any disruption. Don't let that deter you from reading this book! The novel is also heavy on the crime thriller, less on the paranormal. I would have preferred more amp to the ghost appearances and involvement, but what Erikson has done with this novel works.
Strengths: Too many to count! The narrative arc, the steady building of suspense, and the character development are masterful. Erikson uses real life cold case influences as the basis for the mystery in her novels. It's a great added bonus to read her take on the tragedy and then read the story that inspired it. The characters are believable and easy to invest in, and Erikson gives them rich backgrounds and interactions that make them multi-dimensional. The mystery within the novel itself has multiple layers—one more developed than the other. I would have liked for that less-developed mystery to be enhanced a bit more so its conclusion didn't feel so abrupt, but how Erikson did conclude it wasn't bad in any stretch.
Overall, great story! It was definitely one of the best novels I've read in a while, and I can't wait to get started on the second book.
October 28, 2022
This was a pretty intense and exciting murder mystery but I wish the end worked a bit better for me. While this book is not my favorite of the series (books are all standalones and I’ve read way out of order) it still delivers an engrossing read. The books main character is a middle aged divorced detective currently on suspension who just feels relatable given all his flaws. He’s not exactly likable but he’s damn committed to his job and profession, so much so that he takes it upon himself to look into the case of a girl who went missing ten years ago while he’s supposed to be nursing his wounds at his brothers cabin. From the first day he arrives to the cabin on his ‘time off’ he witnesses what appears to be a kidnapping and he jumps into action. Over the next week or so he makes more headway than the cops had in all these years and as he’s getting closer everything just builds to the climax. The end was ok for me and I’m glad we got answers I’m just a bit peeved the hero didn’t have a bit more foresight that could have lead to a more satisfying conclusion.
December 29, 2021
5 stars story and audio
March 26, 2023
Its pretty good! I think the next one is gonna be better. Hope I'm right!!
August 16, 2022
⇢ Actual rating: 3.75🌟
⇢ What to expect:
∘ Paranormal Thriller
∘ Mystery
∘ Suspensful atmosphere
∘ Twists and turns
∘ Great storytelling
— RTC.
⇢ What to expect:
∘ Paranormal Thriller
∘ Mystery
∘ Suspensful atmosphere
∘ Twists and turns
∘ Great storytelling
— RTC.
February 1, 2023
So I enjoyed this one. It was definitely more murder mystery than horror. However, there was a ghost and all. As I said, I enjoyed it and am thinking of continuing the story. There were a few things I had trouble believing. I left them in spoilers though as it does spoil some of the story.
March 15, 2024
Funny how I chose to read the first book of the series last. But since they're all stand alones I read them completely out of order.
I liked this! It was creepy and I was curious to see who the murdered was.
I liked this! It was creepy and I was curious to see who the murdered was.
June 24, 2023
First book of my adult life and I wish my journey did not start so mediocre. After reading what I thought would be a Paranormal Thriller it turned out to be a substandard "whodunit". I was taken on a unemotional rollercoaster with the main character Dan.
I thought the writing style was decent but it did not blow me away, the plot was below par but if you want a easy read or something to pass the time this might be up your alley. I felt like this almost read as a film script which I do not mind but I would much rather watch a similar film.
As this is the first book in the Troubled Spirits series I was expecting more paranormal activity and maybe for it to be more thrilling, suspenseful and creepier. I will not be watching out for this author again as this was not my cup of tea.
I thought the writing style was decent but it did not blow me away, the plot was below par but if you want a easy read or something to pass the time this might be up your alley. I felt like this almost read as a film script which I do not mind but I would much rather watch a similar film.
As this is the first book in the Troubled Spirits series I was expecting more paranormal activity and maybe for it to be more thrilling, suspenseful and creepier. I will not be watching out for this author again as this was not my cup of tea.
September 24, 2024
This is the first book I’ve read by J R Erickson and I’m addicted!
This book tells a story of a man who is staying at his brother’s cabin when believes he sees an abduction of a woman from across the lake through a telescope. He races around the lake to try and stop the abduction but, there’s no trace of the crime. His mission becomes to figure out what actually happened. What did actually happen?
This story is based on an actual crime. How could this be true? You will be left with questions about the afterlife.
This book tells a story of a man who is staying at his brother’s cabin when believes he sees an abduction of a woman from across the lake through a telescope. He races around the lake to try and stop the abduction but, there’s no trace of the crime. His mission becomes to figure out what actually happened. What did actually happen?
This story is based on an actual crime. How could this be true? You will be left with questions about the afterlife.
February 1, 2021
I was a big fan of Ms Erickson's Northern Michigan Asylum series and was anxious to see if she could carry that formula in to a new series. The setting is a creepy abandoned house on the banks of the Ohio River across from the place a girl was abducted and disappeared ten years earlier. Dan is a detective from Michigan suspended after getting too involved in a case that cost him his marriage who goes to his brother Bennie's cabin on the Ohio River to figure things out and see an abduction across the river. The story is based on a abduction of a woman from Kentucky in 1995. Ms Erickson takes that story and runs with it, developing it into a most satisfying paranormal thriller. I enjoyed the characters, Dan, Cass the fly-fishing guide, the old couple that runs a general store across the river in WV, and the rich family who owns the inn. They seemed quite realistic. The story had twists and turns Dan didn't see coming and neither did I. I look forward to the next book in this series.
September 5, 2023
I think if you liked Hidden Pictures you’ll also love this. Sucked me in right away and kept my attention throughout.
November 4, 2021
This was a fast-paced, interesting read, that I found I did not want to put down! Great, multi-faceted characters. Suspenseful and thrilling. Kept me intrigued from the first page to the last. Simply a GREAT read!
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did-not-finish
August 16, 2025DNF @ 18%
The first couple of chapters were interesting, but that was it. The writing, POV character, and plot set up isn't working for me/capturing my attention.
The first couple of chapters were interesting, but that was it. The writing, POV character, and plot set up isn't working for me/capturing my attention.
February 3, 2024
Dark River Inn is a contemporary mystery thriller set in the 2010's. We follow a disgruntled and shamed police detective who is on a vacation at his brother's cabin, where he witnesses a kidnapping that somehow took place over 10 years prior. We follow Dan as he gets personally involved with the case and the town.
Overall;
3/5 - decent, would recommend to people who like this genre or author. This book is labeled as a horror/thriller, but I felt it was more suspense than either. It was somewhat predictable but did have some things I had to guess. The writing is pretty clear.
Overall;
3/5 - decent, would recommend to people who like this genre or author. This book is labeled as a horror/thriller, but I felt it was more suspense than either. It was somewhat predictable but did have some things I had to guess. The writing is pretty clear.
October 19, 2021
I really enjoyed this ghost story/detective mystery. I’ll be looking for more books by this author :)
October 19, 2024
I wasn't sure about this book when I first started it but it turnout to be a great read
January 11, 2023
Overall, I think I enjoyed the story, but not as much as I would've wanted. Warning : slight spoilers ahead.
The story follows Dan, a detective whose life has been turned upside down by his own actions. He decides to spent some time in his brother's cabin and there, while looking through a telescope, he sees a young woman being abducted while sunbathing. Only there's no evidence of what he witnessed and he later finds out the woman he saw had disappeared 10 years earlier...
That's the basic premise of the book and it seemed intriguing to say the least. I was curious to see how the author would blend the paranormal with the thriller element in this book, while also basing it on a true crime story. The story is purely fiction, but I liked the fact that the author remained respectful towards the victim, since she's based on a real-life person.
Other than that I found the book easy to read, but I think that's pretty much it. I expected the paranormal factor of the book to play more of a major role than it did. The blurb said that the reader would want to read with lights on. I didn't find it that creepy to be honest. It was just a ghost that appeared a few times. The only chilling thing about this was the fact that's it's based on real life as I said before.
Also, it's called Dark River Inn, but we hardly spent any time there and it seemed like such a missed opportunity for a paranormal/horror(?) thriller book. A creepy, haunted inn? It would be so good. But, alas...the story didn't take place there, even though this was a significant location. Another thing that put me off was the revelation of who had killed Ivy (the girl who disappeared in the book). I found it predictable and I guessed it when the whole affair thing was discovered.
I forgot to mention there was some 'romance'. I didn't see the need for that and to me it felt like it offered nothing to the overall story. Things would've worked out even if Dan and Cass hadn't developed that kind of relationship.
I'm giving this three stars because I like the author's writing and it made the book very easy to read, even though the story lacked something. I needed more suspense, more chilling moments that would make the hair on the back of my neck rise. A more creepy vibe in general what with the ghost and the abandoned inn being somewhat haunted by the victim.
The story follows Dan, a detective whose life has been turned upside down by his own actions. He decides to spent some time in his brother's cabin and there, while looking through a telescope, he sees a young woman being abducted while sunbathing. Only there's no evidence of what he witnessed and he later finds out the woman he saw had disappeared 10 years earlier...
That's the basic premise of the book and it seemed intriguing to say the least. I was curious to see how the author would blend the paranormal with the thriller element in this book, while also basing it on a true crime story. The story is purely fiction, but I liked the fact that the author remained respectful towards the victim, since she's based on a real-life person.
Other than that I found the book easy to read, but I think that's pretty much it. I expected the paranormal factor of the book to play more of a major role than it did. The blurb said that the reader would want to read with lights on. I didn't find it that creepy to be honest. It was just a ghost that appeared a few times. The only chilling thing about this was the fact that's it's based on real life as I said before.
Also, it's called Dark River Inn, but we hardly spent any time there and it seemed like such a missed opportunity for a paranormal/horror(?) thriller book. A creepy, haunted inn? It would be so good. But, alas...the story didn't take place there, even though this was a significant location. Another thing that put me off was the revelation of who had killed Ivy (the girl who disappeared in the book). I found it predictable and I guessed it when the whole affair thing was discovered.
I forgot to mention there was some 'romance'. I didn't see the need for that and to me it felt like it offered nothing to the overall story. Things would've worked out even if Dan and Cass hadn't developed that kind of relationship.
I'm giving this three stars because I like the author's writing and it made the book very easy to read, even though the story lacked something. I needed more suspense, more chilling moments that would make the hair on the back of my neck rise. A more creepy vibe in general what with the ghost and the abandoned inn being somewhat haunted by the victim.
November 28, 2021
Dan, a police detective on suspension, has imploded his life. On his ex-wife's wedding day, he just has to get away so he travels to his brother's cabin near the Ohio River. Time to think. Time to relax. Time to forget. But he's not there even two whole days before he gets pulled into a mystery.....a girl who disappeared years before. What happened to Ivy Trent?
This book is SO good!! I started reading on my PC while doing laundry. Over the course of the day I had to switch from PC to my Iphone to my Ipad....back and forth technology hopping. I read while standing in line at the grocery.....in a parking lot waiting for my son to get off work.....as I folded laundry....even while cooking dinner. This story sucked me right in and kept me reading until the last word. Loved it!
This story is a mix of mystery and supernatural...with just a splash of romance added in. Well-written and quite suspenseful! This is the first book by JR Erickson that I've read, and I'm definitely reading more! Like... All. The. Books. Yep....I'm hooked. Thanks for the great story, Jacki!
There is a bonus epilogue to the story that readers can download (link included at the end of the story in the Kindle book), and a freebie story called Kerry Manor as well (link on author's website at http://jrericksonauthor.com/ ). Plus, the series is included in Kindle Unlimited for those who subscribe to that service.
There are four books in the Troubled Spirits series so far. I've got book two - Helme House - queued up in my Kindle app already! Can't wait to start reading!
This book is SO good!! I started reading on my PC while doing laundry. Over the course of the day I had to switch from PC to my Iphone to my Ipad....back and forth technology hopping. I read while standing in line at the grocery.....in a parking lot waiting for my son to get off work.....as I folded laundry....even while cooking dinner. This story sucked me right in and kept me reading until the last word. Loved it!
This story is a mix of mystery and supernatural...with just a splash of romance added in. Well-written and quite suspenseful! This is the first book by JR Erickson that I've read, and I'm definitely reading more! Like... All. The. Books. Yep....I'm hooked. Thanks for the great story, Jacki!
There is a bonus epilogue to the story that readers can download (link included at the end of the story in the Kindle book), and a freebie story called Kerry Manor as well (link on author's website at http://jrericksonauthor.com/ ). Plus, the series is included in Kindle Unlimited for those who subscribe to that service.
There are four books in the Troubled Spirits series so far. I've got book two - Helme House - queued up in my Kindle app already! Can't wait to start reading!
January 26, 2024
What a mystery, there was so much going on. I love a good ghost story. As much as Dan gave himself all his problems, I did feel really bad for him and ended up really loving his character. He was truly a good, caring person. I think he just got caught up in a web of manipulation.
I could not put this down or stop thinking about it. I had to solve the mystery, which I did not do. Every time more evidence surfaced or Ivy pointed Dan in a direction, I had a new suspect. I felt a little silly for at one point doubling down on the sheriff based on 1 tiny thing that didn’t add up with anything else.
The writing was great, it kept me on the edge the whole time. I could not believe where it was going and what kept unfolding. Also I think an author that is able to make you love a character that screwed themselves with their choices is really impressive. I have had plenty of books where I have hated main characters.
Anyone who has a missing child deserves closure. I don’t know what I would do if one of my kids went missing, it would break me. This story is loosely based on the disappearance of Heather Teague. Her case to this day still remains unsolved. Her body was never found. If you have any information at all please contact Kentucky state police at 502.782.1800.
I could not put this down or stop thinking about it. I had to solve the mystery, which I did not do. Every time more evidence surfaced or Ivy pointed Dan in a direction, I had a new suspect. I felt a little silly for at one point doubling down on the sheriff based on 1 tiny thing that didn’t add up with anything else.
The writing was great, it kept me on the edge the whole time. I could not believe where it was going and what kept unfolding. Also I think an author that is able to make you love a character that screwed themselves with their choices is really impressive. I have had plenty of books where I have hated main characters.
Anyone who has a missing child deserves closure. I don’t know what I would do if one of my kids went missing, it would break me. This story is loosely based on the disappearance of Heather Teague. Her case to this day still remains unsolved. Her body was never found. If you have any information at all please contact Kentucky state police at 502.782.1800.
January 13, 2022
TW: Suicide, suicide attempt, mental health
This book was a fast and entertaining read, just be aware this book is purely for entertainment. It's one of those books that can help you get out of a reading slump, not one where there is in-depth character development. It's is solely to entertain and get its point across.
With that being said, there are very difficult and sensitive topics that are covered and were hard for me to read at times.
Also, props to the author for getting the inspiration for this book based on the missing person’s case of Heather Teague in Kentucky (my home state).
This book was a fast and entertaining read, just be aware this book is purely for entertainment. It's one of those books that can help you get out of a reading slump, not one where there is in-depth character development. It's is solely to entertain and get its point across.
With that being said, there are very difficult and sensitive topics that are covered and were hard for me to read at times.
Also, props to the author for getting the inspiration for this book based on the missing person’s case of Heather Teague in Kentucky (my home state).
November 9, 2021
A good read!
A murder mystery with a supernatural back drop, that's how I would describe this story. Until the end of the book ghostly goings on were, mainly, on the periphery of the story. An emotionally damaged detective, on sick leave from his job, becomes involved in a missing persons case. A case similar to the one that triggered his original breakdown. Fast paced and intriguing, this was a tale to test the reader's imagination.
A murder mystery with a supernatural back drop, that's how I would describe this story. Until the end of the book ghostly goings on were, mainly, on the periphery of the story. An emotionally damaged detective, on sick leave from his job, becomes involved in a missing persons case. A case similar to the one that triggered his original breakdown. Fast paced and intriguing, this was a tale to test the reader's imagination.
September 3, 2023
The paranormal wasn’t over done in this intriguing story of two somewhat parallel disappearances or deaths of two young women. A detective on suspension investigates both risking his career and mental health. Keeps one turning the pages to learn what happens next. Satisfying conclusion.
January 6, 2024
4.3
Psychological thriller, Paranormal thriller, Whodunit All in one.Packed with plot twists.
Exceeded my expectations tbh.Great!✅✨
Psychological thriller, Paranormal thriller, Whodunit All in one.Packed with plot twists.
Exceeded my expectations tbh.Great!✅✨
January 12, 2024
Needs work….
Good storyline and build up, But the end seems so rushed. I’m going to try a few more of this authors books & hopefully over time the endings get better.
Good storyline and build up, But the end seems so rushed. I’m going to try a few more of this authors books & hopefully over time the endings get better.
January 30, 2024
Read it!
This book gave me chills and I liked it. The writing style was great and meshed well with the characters
This book gave me chills and I liked it. The writing style was great and meshed well with the characters
February 10, 2024
3 stars for a haunted story. This book was okay. It wasn't a bad read. But I didn't really care about the characters, and I figured out most of what happened before i finished the first 100 pages.
November 4, 2025
WOW
Such a good book! Kept me on the edge of my chair! Or however that saying goes. Good characters, good writing, good book!
Such a good book! Kept me on the edge of my chair! Or however that saying goes. Good characters, good writing, good book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews