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Mystery House #2

The Case of the Abandoned Warehouse

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Over three hundred bodies were lost in Tulsa in 1921...

When Ellen and her two best friends travel to Tulsa for Sue's daughter's wedding, they get the crazy idea of flipping another historical home--only this time, it's an abandoned warehouse.

When they hear from the locals that the place is haunted, Ellen and Sue convince Tanya to investigate, and what they uncover is one of Tulsa's and the nation's most horrifying secrets.

311 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 11, 2017

234 people are currently reading
819 people want to read

About the author

Eva Pohler

113 books1,739 followers
Eva Pohler is a USA Today bestselling author of over forty novels in multiple genres, including mysteries, thrillers, and young adult paranormal romance based. Her books have been described as "addictive" and "sure to thrill"--Kirkus Reviews.

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5 stars
183 (39%)
4 stars
168 (36%)
3 stars
85 (18%)
2 stars
18 (3%)
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6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for Mackey.
1,255 reviews357 followers
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January 4, 2023
This is written as a cozy paranormal mystery but it is about one of the worst, if not THE worst racial slaughters in US history, the Race "riot" of Tulsa. As a historian, I didn't even know of the facts about this horrific massacre of Black Americans and a dozen or more Creek Natives. After reading this book, I spent weeks researching the massacre, other massacres and riots in the US and was horrified to learn there were so many, not just in the southern part of the country but all over the US. That led me to more research on "sundown towns" and the shock that I actually live in a town that once was a sundown town and, I suspect, isn't far from that today. Shock, horror, education and more came from what I thought was going to be a little light reading. I love this series but this one knocked me for a loop. It is among my favorite reads for 2022.
Profile Image for Kim.
507 reviews5 followers
September 7, 2021
A horrific history lesson coupled with an engaging paranormal mystery…

This is the second installment of the Mystery House Series by Eva Pohler. In this story, our 3 leading ladies, Ellen, Sue, and Tanya, decide to renovate a building which served as a community center before being abandoned and left to the inauspicious fate befalling derelict buildings at the hands of vagrants and vandals. It turns out that the building, which had long been considered haunted, is inextricably tied to Tulsa’s Race Riot of 1921. The story unfolds at a brisk pace maintained throughout the book’s entirety as the protagonists face challenges, threats, setbacks, and self-doubt. It is a paranormal mystery with all the expected trappings of such a story (spirits, seances, sage cleansing rituals, Ouija board messaging, etc.) but it is also much more. The author offers a wonderful group of likeable characters, a riveting mystery, a history lesson showcasing an authentic but truly dismal chapter in U.S. history, and a gratifying resolution that rekindles one’s faith in the possibility of goodness and justice prevailing over the seemingly pervasive evil and inhumanity perpetuated by mankind. The audio version of this story is narrated by Debbie Andreen who does an outstanding job of conveying each character’s distinct personality while reading each scene at a pace and tone appropriate to the current circumstances. Overall, this was an amazing story and a beautifully performed audiobook sure to intrigue and enthrall any enthusiast of this genre.

I was gifted an audio copy of this book by the author and the above is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Msgypsy.
107 reviews4 followers
April 13, 2022
I was really excited to read this book. It came highly recommended and since it featured older women like myself I thought it would be a great read. I was very disappointed.

That this was the second book in a series was a problem but it's not why I rate the book so low. It was my own fault that I didn't check before I started reading. That said, I don't think reading the first book would have made my experience that much better.

The protagonists are middle aged women who have recently discovered a calling to "heal" ghosts. I am not turned off by that idea. It was part of the book's initial appeal for me. When I realized it was going to take place in Tulsa I wondered if there would be any mention of the tragic attack on the black community of Tulsa in 1921 and was surprised to find out that this was the focus of their ghostly encounter(s).

So...these three white women come to Tulsa with money to spend on a building renovation and they happen to find one connected to the infamous Tulsa Race Massacre. What's more, they manage to find the one where is a huge amount of paranormal activity directly caused by that event. AND they manage to find a homeless Native American woman who seems to have close ties to the spirits in the building. (We later learn that she's the only homeless person who has been able to remain there for any length of time due to the haunting, something that is abstractly connected to her native heritage. But I digress.)

They decide to restore the building (which, contrary to the title, not a warehouse but an old community center) to its earlier glory and in doing so they hope to help revitalize the whole community. And, voila, THEY SUCCEED! (This is so not a spoiler! By the time they start discussing it this part of the ending is pretty clear.)

Then they STRIKE OIL on the property!

But I digress.

Three middle class, middle aged white ladies. They, with help of a psychic and a homeless Native American woman and a forensic anthropologist and the ghost of a police officer and...oh, never mind, you get the idea. They solve a whole slew of mysteries left from the time of the massacre, they win the love of the initially hostile homeless woman, they stand up in the face of racist threats, and they get rich in the process, gracefully and generously sharing their newfound wealth with the community around their new renovation property. They appear to ditch one of the psychics they consult, possibly because that psychic is black and not terribly grateful to them for what they are doing. (They keep the other, whose ethnicity and race are not given but he has a Spanish sounding surname so I guess that make it all okay...)

Look, I'm a middle aged white woman. And I hope to hell I never suffer from White Savior Syndrome but if I do, I hope someone tells me and slaps me silly.

Back to the book. I mentioned threats. They run through the book. The woman are followed around Tulsa (did I mention they're from San Antonio and just visit Tulsa a lot?), they are sent threatening messages, they are attacked and one of them is severely injured. Vandals leave racist graffiti on the building they are renovating. Towards the end a threat is leveled against one of their children. The threat is taken care of in, like, two pages. And.....then the book ends. Just, you know, ends. There's like an epilogue in which we find out that it's all coming up sunshine and pixie dust now. Okay, maybe not THAT great. I think I'm just really, really disappointed and my mind is exaggerating the annoyance I felt.

Maybe next week I'll realize I was over-reacting. But for right now, I'm having trouble finding a good thing to say about this. Well, I have one. It was clearly edited for grammar and spelling and continuity. So there is that...

Just to be thorough, it's been several months. I never realized I was over-reacting because I don't think I was. It really is that annoying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
695 reviews3 followers
December 12, 2019
>2 stars. Here’s the deal. I liked the writing. Got spooked with the ghost stories, etc. Had a dream last night of going to a haunted place. So far it was being really effective in getting my imagination going. The problem that had me giving it 2 stars were big ones in my book.

1). The storyline went nowhere. No resolution, nothing finalized, it just ended with a building in partial repair, an oil rig putting out oil, a squatter being offered to be put in a contract as a tenant/caretaker in terms of sale, and awaiting the word from a judge on whether a case would go to trial. It ended so poorly I was surprised and disappointed

2). If you want to read a book about race issues, written by someone in the majority who thinks they understand the minority without consulting them, this is the book for you. All the saviors and demons were white, all the victims were black (using terminology from the book instead of saying “Caucasian” and “African American”). The blacks in this book had no voice except what the white characters allowed them to have (from beginning to end). Really, all you could muster was pity and sympathy for blacks and relief that there were enough whites willing to be brave enough to bring justice to the poor black people. There was also a Native American woman who ran away from her tribe because of her abusive husband and was squatting in the building, but have no fear the whites saved her, too. I can’t even with this book. I applaud wanting to write a book addressing race relations in the past, but the only modern black person who wasn’t portrayed as a victim needing their protection was their lawyer and even then they needed to verify the document because the lawyer apparently never asked where it came from, so, at worst, she was slightly incompetent. It was too much. They talked to everyone else, but not the politicians who Myrtle worked with. The only other nationality that was mentioned was Tanya’s husband who was Hispanic as if that gave all of them permission and validity to be upset by race issues. Ugh! And double Ugh!! I was surprised a sensitivity reader wasn’t consulted. Write about diverse characters, but make sure your books are read for a sensitivity edit. It was difficult for me to see the bias manifested repeatedly. I wish I’d passed on this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rabid Reader.
959 reviews16 followers
October 21, 2019
This is an entertaining ghostly mystery story that also highlights a dismal chapter in U.S. history. Ellen, Sue, and Tanya travelled to Tulsa, Oklahoma for a wedding, and while there they decide to buy and renovate a long ago abandoned, old, commercial building that the locals consider to be haunted and is linked to the 1921 Tulsa race riot. Challenges, threats, setbacks, secrets, and strange happenings make this flip project a lot more challenging and dangerous than the women could ever have expected.
This is a great paranormal mystery with ghostly activity, Ouija board messages, seances, paranormal investigation, psychics, bigots, and discoveries that tell of the dark history of Tulsa. You can not help but like these three women, they are easy to relate to, determined and have individual, realistic personalities. I loved the compassion, perseverance and strength they showed as they tried to discover secrets that many people wanted to remain hidden. The plot is thrilling, and the author did a wonderful job of weaving facts about the race riot into the story.
The narration of the audiobook was very well done. She brought out the individual personalities of the women well and created anxiety, fear and tension in all the right places.
This second book in the Mystery House series has a bit more bite to it than the first one. It has intrigue, suspense, action, dangerous scenarios and lots of paranormal happenings. It is a very enjoyable story and can be easily read/listened to as a stand alone.
Profile Image for Mary Dean.
747 reviews1 follower
November 11, 2019
Another great mystery and adventure for my favorite group of ladies. Ellen, Sue & Tanya are great friends and they have already gone through one adventure together when they bought a house to fix up with a mystery. After that adventure life goes back to normal and they feel like something is missing. They need another mystery. They end of finding an abandoned warehouse for sale and they hope to fix it up like the last house. This building also has a history. But this history is anything but pretty. Before they know it the women are thrown in to a town secret and they aren't just in danger of losing money on the place. Their lives are actual in danger with threats from some bad people who don't want them digging up certain things in the past. With the help from the other side and some new friends these women take on a cause that will help people of the past and present. I loved this book! I was on the edge of my seat. I didn't know if they would actually survive this one. And the stand they were taking was so important. I couldn't help but cheer them on. I loved the issues that this book touched and I hope others that read/listen get the message that was being told. I wish I knew these ladies in real life. They are a hoot! Can't wait for more from them and their mystery loving selves.

276 reviews
March 16, 2021
Abandoned warehouse

A Good read. The girls are getting better at communicating with the ghost. There still trying to help the living and the dead.
Profile Image for Riley.
970 reviews65 followers
November 21, 2019
Audiobook Review
Story 5 stars
Narration 3 stars

The Case of the Abandoned Warehouse takes place in Tulsa. The Tulsa Race Riot of 1921 is a big part of the plot. I appreciated the author’s research. The relating of the events of those historical days was purposeful and poignant. In the story, Ellen, Sue and Tanya were determined to do what they could to uncover the truth about what happened and put Tulsa on the road to healing for all. Their quest gets them into lots of trouble, but they have a few friends and ghosts to help them out.

I did not care for the narration of this book. When the story got intense due to eminent danger, I just did not feel it because Ms. Andreen sounds a bit like a 1st grade teacher reading to her class. As I continue with the series, I will switch to the e-book.

I really like this Mystery House series. Probably because it features women of an age with me. But also because these three friends have an appetite for truth, adventure and friendship.
Profile Image for Angela Sanders.
Author 47 books976 followers
February 27, 2017
The mystery continues...

Ellen, Tanya and Sue visit Tulsa, but something paranormal pulls them toward an old warehouse. What they find is even more disturbing than the Gold House in San Antonio. They're determined to help the tortured souls find peace. What they don't realize is the danger they're bringing upon themselves - dark history of Tulsa buried beneath the ashes. Many dangerous people will kill to keep those secrets hidden, but it's up to the three women and their allies to bring the truth forward. Will they be able to complete their mission without dying by the hands of crazed stalkers?
This is a must-read and I must say, even better than book one! It was full of suspense, thrills, frightening scenarios; not to mention, compassion for those who needlessly lost their lives. Eva wrote a mystery masterpiece! 5 stars!
Profile Image for Maranda.
28 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2021
I can’t even finish this. As much as I love the three main characters and want to delve into another adventure, the privileged white woman approach to the Race Riots boils my blood. The white savior complex is alive and well in this one, and no amount of story line can make me suffer through this. It’s completely insensitive and the author really missed the mark at becoming educated about this situation. I’m skipping to book three of the series now and hope she does a better job with the story line. This one just made me want to smack some sense into the woman🤷🏼‍♀️
Profile Image for Laura.
2,495 reviews83 followers
October 1, 2019
I absolutely love this series!!
I didn’t know about the tragedy that happened in Tulsa, Race Riot. I was shocked when I googled it to find out it actually happened. Eva did a wonderful job incorporating a sad tragedy and weaving it in her story. The mystery and paranormal activity kept me on edge while I listened to the audiobook. I highly recommend that you pick this series up. Must read!
The narrator does a fabulous job as well.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
467 reviews
February 21, 2021
I really liked this book! This is the second in this series and the 3 ladies have really grown on me. They get into more trouble without meaning to, and deal with spirits along the way.
I almost want to call this a tiny bit of Historical, due to the fact it deals with the 1921 race riots. But I don't feel it is what I would call a true Historical fiction.
It's a really fast read and one that I didn't want to put down.
Profile Image for Jenn.
548 reviews32 followers
February 20, 2019
Very entertaining second book in the mystery house series. The author weaves history into the mystery brilliantly. Love the three main characters. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
19 reviews2 followers
October 24, 2019
The Case of the abandoned Warehouse

Very intriguing story based on actual events. Definitely a well written book and an enjoyable read, good. I will definitely read the next book in this series.☺
Profile Image for Rhonda Jones.
2,794 reviews17 followers
October 22, 2021
Fascinating

And heartbreaking. And timely. A haunted warehouse with an interesting history. Ghosts asking not to be forgotten. Racism at its worse, both in the past and the present. This adventure is very dangerous for the three best friends. I loved the book.
Profile Image for Jes.
40 reviews
October 18, 2020
What a fun story! The MCs are so loveable! Great eerie atmosphere to these books!
22 reviews
July 29, 2018
Great read

I feel in love with this series,I can't wait for book 3. You get addicted right away and will stay up to read it, love the characters
Profile Image for Faye Carey.
112 reviews
December 15, 2019
Love these ladies and the adventures they have together! This second book did not disappoint!
Profile Image for Linda. Lemelin.
130 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2020
Loved the mystery and the solving of 100 year old wrong finally made right, good characters each with their own unique personality.
Profile Image for Tanya Marie.
Author 3 books1 follower
January 21, 2021
I enjoyed The Case of the Abandoned Warehouse. I used to live in Tulsa so, it was neat reading about the places that were familiar. Another great read!
Profile Image for A Belle & A Book.
681 reviews28 followers
September 13, 2021
Audiobook Review

Pohler took a dark event in history and twisted it into an epic ghost story. Narrator Debbie Andreen then brought it screaming through my speakers.
Profile Image for Lisa Reeder.
38 reviews
March 28, 2023
“The case of the abandoned warehouse “ by Eva Pohler.
Apple books wouldn't let me leave a review of this book so I'm posting it here.
First of all, I want to say that I really loved this book; it is well written and engaging. It is a mystery novel that added elements of history and social injustice and even social justice to the fictional mystery. Sam Wolf loves solving mysteries and along with two friends they investigate an abandoned warehouse leading them to discover a connection to the dark history of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
Eva Pohler Author does a fabulous job of integrating historical context of the race riot into the fictional mystery.
Overall this book is an important and thought-provoking novel that sheds light on a little-known piece of history.
Profile Image for Annissa.
129 reviews1 follower
August 14, 2023
Wow!! Just WOW!

I feel as if I did NOT do an adequate job on the review for the first book! I also didn't realize what I was diving into starting this series!

Once I started the second book I realized that each of these books are going to tackle obscure moments/subjects of history. Book 1 was the Rest Cure and book 2 [this one] is the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot, didn't know there was one? Me neither! But I have spent time looking up both subjects while reading or after reading both books.

If you love learning and reading, these are absolutely amazing! Going to dive into the third book now!
Profile Image for Karen.
112 reviews
November 2, 2024
This one fell flat for me. The story needed some editing as I felt it was all over the place. Lots of characters to keep track of , especially the mediums.
Some of the language made me uncomfortable as well as the idea of white people saving the day. I did appreciate that the authour shared this piece of history that seems to have been buried. This is a horrific story and important for the victims that it is not forgotten.
The violence was a bit over the top and I had a hard time understanding why they didn’t follow through with police after Sue was shot and the others were struck and forcibly confined.
I like the ghosts and the older main characters, so will try the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rachel.
167 reviews17 followers
July 8, 2018
Another great story..

This time Ellen, Sue, & Tanya are in Talsa Oklahoma amd get an abandoned warehouse to workon. They have a lot of great adventures and some scary stuff that happens along the way. The warehouse's history is one that will have you on edge with every swipe(turn) of the page. These ladies go through a lot more with this building than the first. If you like a great mystery series this one is for you ladies if you ready Nancy Drew growing up I would call this the adult version. Once you start the series you will not be able to stop.
Profile Image for Crystal Gray.
1,088 reviews33 followers
February 6, 2020
I really enjoyed this! I got so excited when I seen it was the same ladies from the first book. I somehow had it in my head that they weren't connected at all. Boy was I wrong. You can read this one as a standalone thought, there are a few references to the Gold House from the first book but nothing major.

I listened to the audio book and finished it in a day. The narrator did great!

The only reason this is a 4 star and not a 5 is because the ending felt rushed and unfinished. We only got to see part of the reno. I am hoping book 3 has any answers I might still be looking for.
Profile Image for BRT.
1,825 reviews
December 20, 2021
For those who might have been disappointed that there wasn't a lot of paranormal activity in the first book of the series will be much happier with this book. (The first book was still a good read just more like hints of paranormal and winning over of a skeptic.) Set in Tulsa, the middle-aged women embarking on a career of flipping haunted properties find an abandoned warehouse with a tragic past and end up threatened by angry forces both living and dead. Lots of action and paranormal with a bit of history in this one. The constant references to food and whining about references by one of the characters is beginning to annoy. A woman is more than her weight and it's not amusing, let it go. Also, the horrific tragedy of the 1921 massacre may not have been the best topic for a cozy mystery as the conclusion seemed a bit too pat and unsatisfying given the lack of consequences for the past and present perpetrators. Also, while the facts of this tragedy are horrific enough, the book incorporates rumor and speculation as fact. Still a good read, however.
1 review
August 11, 2019
Overall, I did enjoy this novel but the ending was a disappointment. The author never concluded what happened to some of the minor characters making the ending feel incomplete. I probably wouldn’t have read the next book because I was so annoyed by it, but I’d already purchased it so I decided to anyways. I’m glad I did. It made me feel better about how Book 2 ended and I highly recommend that people keep reading the series.
Profile Image for Jacquie.
Author 1 book7 followers
December 28, 2022
I love the historical content of this series. This particular book could be used to infuse the desire for justice of the Native Americans and their mistreatment by not only our government, but local residents as well. The story made me want to learn more about Native Americans' history, not just the surface information. Eva Pohler's writing took through a gambit of emotions: anger, rage, sympathy. Characters are great, descriptions of location is awesome, and the history is informative.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews

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