Close your doors and cabinets tight, or Jack will climb out to see you tonight.
The former railroad stop of Timbermill, Georgia has grown ever more quiet and empty since its boom era faded decades ago. Reduced to little more than a ghost town, it is suddenly revitalized by suburban sprawl from the city of Savannah, its long-vacant downtown storefronts gradually reopening as boutiques for weekend shoppers.
But Timbermill has a dark legend unknown to the newcomers. Stories whispered from one generation of children to the next warn of a supernatural figure who emerges from the doors of closets and cabinets left carelessly open at night. As the children grew up and moved away, the town shrank, windows were boarded over, and the old stories were almost lost.
One recently relocated couple is restoring an antique house for themselves and their children rather than buying into one of the new neighborhoods, but an unsettling figure from the local legend appears to be stalking them. They turn to Ellie and Stacey for help against an old evil that, while nearly forgotten, was never fully buried.
J.L. Bryan studied English literature at the University of Georgia and at Oxford, with a focus on English Renaissance and Romantic literature. He also studied screenwriting at UCLA. He lives in the metro Atlanta sprawl with his wife and son. He is the author of the Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper books and some other assorted novels like Inferno Park, The Unseen, Jenny Pox, and basically a lot of supernatural stories, some of it dark, some of it very dark, some of it less dark than that.
This series truly is a favorite for a reason. It never ceases to amaze me. It gets better and better as it goes and never gets old. Each new "case" is even more terrifying, even more mysterious and even more entertaining. Bryan has done an amazing job keeping this series alive, interesting, and super hard to put down.
I thought the last book was my favorite, and it was at the time but this latest installment really kept me on my toes and is by far, my most favorite (yet). It was creepy, it was super strange, it was absolutely unique and most of all so realistically done that you could imagine the horror of the situation. I seriously freaked myself out so many times throughout reading this. Jumping at small noises, seeing things out of the corner of my eye, not paying attention to things around me because I was engrossed in the story and then looking up and someone was talking to me (promptly stopping my heart and then having it restart again at full speed). I loved every single second of it.
If you haven't tried this series yet, run to Amazon and grab it (I believe the first book is free still!) and read it, you won't be disappointed. Ellie, Stacey and gang are just so much fun not to mention the situations and stories they get themselves into are just so interesting, well thought and potted out. Truly a stand out series not only in its genre, but in all genres.
This series strikes me as a sort of sleeping giant. It's not widely promoted and is not by one of the popular authors but still it's managed to make it to 18 books (of which this is no 16) the lead character is Ellie Jordan a young woman who works as a detective. A paranormal detective, her boss was a police officer who ran across something unexplainable while investigating a case and left the force to devote himself to the cases with no rational explination. Ellie lost her family when she was a teenager in a fire, the fire was started by an evil entity that Ellie actually saw and she was then the one that got away, from that day she has known the entity is waiting to get another chance at her. Ellie teams up with her boss to help people like her whose homes are infested by supernatural entities intent on harm, people with nowhere else to go and no-one else to turn to, they are usually families with young children. A junior associate is Stacey who is brought in to work the electronic equipment and the last member is Jacob a psychic who after a near death experience can see and communicate with the dead. So that's the basics, in each book Ellie and Stacey help their client deal with a supernatural problem maybe a haunting, a boggle, a haunted train, a firestarter, an evil ghost or a monster that steals children (which is this book) . A children's rhyme warns to make sure all your cupboards and doors are closed or Cabinet Jack may come and steal you away, but what happens when it's not just a rhyme but a monster that's been stealing children for almost a hundred years. How do you fight such an enemy? Ellie and Stacey better work it.out fast as four children's lives are at risk. ............... Not to mention their own..... P.s. Book one in the series is Ellie Jordan Ghost Trapped if you enjoy urban fantasy/horror check her out....
I love this series. It’s spooky but has some funny lines between Ellie and Stacy. This book was not my favorite. I rank it 3.5 stars and I can’t put my finger on what exactly was the issue. It was written much like the rest of the series but it just didn’t grab my attention.
We're back with Ellie and crew (actually, mostly just Stacey, but let's not get technical here or anything) and they're on the case of a nasty, nasty ghostie. Which is pretty normal for Ellie and all, so she jumps right in to do her thing. As one does.
This time around, Ellie and Stacey are brought in to help a family who are experiencing THINGS in their new house. Things. As in possible ghosts. The deeper into the investigation Ellie and Stacey wade, the more unsettling it becomes. Mostly because that old town and those houses and all the things that happened in them were creeeeeeepy.
I don't want to give too much away, so let's just say there's a high creep factor, a family that's rattled by what's going on, a couple of town secrets that are itching to bubble to the surface, and a whole lot of ghosts. Because it's not a Ellie Jordan book if there aren't a lot of ghosts, amirite?!?!
I always enjoy spending time in Ellie's world. It's dark and dangerous and Ellie's determined to do what she can to protect those who need it most. *thumbs up*
Another Ellie Jordan novel in the bag! And I, of course, enjoyed it 😉 Lol. In this book, Ellie and Stacey investigate a very interesting case. We have a classic haunted house case, yes, but the house itself was very interesting! It had all this cabinetry built in, secret passages, and all these little nooks and crannies kids (and spooks!) could hide in. And then Jack himself... what a creep! The things he did... yikes! His story was very interesting though. Messed up, but interesting. I always like the part where the girls do research because it always brings up some interesting things. And this was no different! Learning about the legend of Jack and the history of the town was very fascinating! And at one point we even got a bit of action in the middle of research, so that was fun. Lol.
After so many books in this series, I don't know how Jeff still manages to write really interesting cases for the girls to investigate. But he does it and it’s great every time! It also helps that I love these characters. The banter between Ellie and Stacey is one of my favorite things! Oh, and then Ellie and Michael had a little talk at the beginning that was very interesting... I don’t know if I should be excited yet, but I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next.
But yeah, I really enjoyed this book! That should come as no surprise, as I’ve loved this series from the start 😆 It was a great read with an intriguing mystery, action, and fun banter between the characters. I’m already looking forward to the next Ellie Jordan book!
Closets. I’ve always been afraid of them. In daylight, not so scary. You don’t have to reach in and turn on the light to see what’s inside. At night. Super scary. You reach into the dark, feeling for the light switch. Hoping and praying something doesn’t grab you. I think it started when I was a young girl. I was lying in bed. In the dark. Heard something. Looked at my closet…and saw someone standing in there. It turned out to be my brother playing a prank. I wanted to destroy him. LOL
Welcome to Timbermill, Georgia. New life is being breathed into it. And old life too. Cabinet Jack. Whispered about. Feared. Is he real? One family believes he is. And they need Elle and Stacey to rid them of the mysterious figure.
Cabinet Jack. The name is super creepy. The idea of something coming out of your closet or cupboard at night is super creepy. This whole book turned out to be super creepy. But, there were some lighter moments. I was introduced to a nice, normal family. And, as always, there’s Elle and Stacey. Their back and forth always makes me grin.
This series keeps on giving. Giving me smiles. And giving me the creeps!
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
You know you’re in for a crazy ride when the author warns you that the story is weird. For the record, the author wasn’t wrong because Cabinet Jack most definitely was weird, in the best kind of spooky, crazy, scary sort of way that I’ve come to expect from this series. ❤
This time around, Ellie and Stacey are tasked with finding out what’s going on in an old boarding house. It doesn’t take long for them to figure out that there’s even more going on than the family suspects and a lot more dangerous than imaginary friends.
I really don’t want to give anything away, because there were a lot of twists and turns in Cabinet Jack. There were also a lot of secrets that more than one person intended to keep hidden. This is one that you definitely need to experience for yourself, but be warned, the creep factor is totally off the charts.
One of the things I like most about this series are the characters. They’re witty, honest and most of all, imperfectly real. The banter and dialog between the characters is fun – even when they’re in life and death situations, which seems to happen more often than not. Ellie goes above and beyond to fight the evil that terrorizes her clients and regardless of where she needs to go, she’s got a great group of friends that always have her back. I know that 16 books in a series seems daunting, but this is one series that just seems to get better with each new book. I can’t wait to see what J.L. Bryan has in store for Ellie and her loyal crew next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of Cabinet Jack. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thoroughly enjoyable and chilly. I could feel and smell the swamps, see the crooked tunnels, feel the dead fingers *shudder*. The author really knows how to paint a picture and have it come alive in the mind. Nothing is ever as it seems, including the storyline. I've been dong a back-to-back read of all these books and so far have never been bored - and that's something, seeing as this is book 16.
“From behind the painted door leaned out a stick figure with a big smile and angry-slash eyebrows, holding a simple triangle of a blade in its three-fingered hand. Below that, in the same paint, were the words Close your doors and cabinets tight or Jack will come out and get you tonight.” This was from the end of the first chapter which you can see already has given you chills which is why I love this series. Plus making you want to make sure all your cabinets and doors are closed properly. You have my favorite duo Ellie and Stacy not only trying to rid the ghost but solve a mystery which is just as crazy and twisted as ever. I cannot believe how many books of this series there are I read it just sucks you in and still gets good with each book. I was excited when the book came out earlier. I am waiting in anticipation for the next one.
I'm always afraid that the next Ellie Jordan adventure won't standup to the last one but it always does. After 16 tales in this ghost hunting series, the characters are still fun and growing. The author continues to come up with new puzzles and situations. I love that these stories keep coming up fresh and interesting. In this latest installment, Ellie and Stacey have been called in by a family renovating an old home in a town outside Savannah that is trying to rebuild. The children are terrified of the local legend Cabinet Jack and it appears they are justified in their terror. Hang on to your seat though. There are some great twists I didn't see coming. I loved this latest book and have already pre-ordered the next installment.
This is book 16 of the series and it is awesome and I am ready for the next book. It took me a while to read this one because I have been having problems with my left eye, which is my good eye, and it turns out I have the beginning of Glaucoma so I have to take eye drops every day twice a day now, and once that was under control, the same eye had the vitreous sac detach causing my vision to get worse but I kept fighting and was finally able to finish the book, and I loved it. I also figured out how to get Alexa to read books to me, but although it is helpful it isn't the same experience as me reading it. Enjoy the book and I hope he keeps writing more. Can't wait to check out the other new Series about shifters. 😀
I love when a new Ellie Jordan novel comes out. Seeing it pop up on my kindle when I've pre-ordered it is like finding that present tucked way back under the Christmas tree when you thought you were all done opening presents. Another great ghost story with my favorite ghost hunting duo. Some really good creepy moments and one chapter that actually gave me chills. I like that this haunting was more than just a location, almost an object, but even more involving the entire neighborhood. I feel like there was a lot of discussion of the future in this book and I'm just not sure that's going to end well. Can't wait for the next one!
That house, houses, would be amazing. I’d have to make some changes though, for sure. I know these books are Elle point of view but I do wish the other characters were used more actively. Stacy has grown on me and Jacob’s part is something I look forward to. Even all these books later those two characters are background noise. Especially Stacy could have a stronger role and be a needed balance to Elle. She has a death wish. Despite the authors attempts to lighten her up with Micheal she still reads dark. I just feel sorry for Micheal he deserves someone without one foot in the grave.
I’ve enjoyed every book in this series and I have no idea how the author still comes up with spookier stories for each new book. I love old houses and finding hidden things so this was one I knew I had to read, and it did not disappoint.
I enjoyed the story behind the haunting, and also how creepy the house was (remind me never to go exploring hidden doors and places in houses). The build up to the reveal and what happens after was unexpected, and I honestly thought this was never going to have closure.
I love following Ellie on her ghost adventures and can’t wait to take another one which her soon.
Definitely one of the best books in the series. There were lots of chills and downright scary scenes. And what could be more frightening than children in peril? Honestly, I think these books get better with each new entry. The detailed descriptions of the intricate wood work in the Brown house was amazing. Could there actually be a place like that? A thoroughly enjoyable and scary read. My only complaint is that Ellie continues to keep love interest Michael at arms length. Would it hurt to move the relationship to the bext level? I think not. Recommended!
Cabinet Jack is super creepy and weird in all the best ways. After finishing it feel like I need to make sure all the doors room my cabins and closets are 100% closed.. This series is one of my all time favorites, if you love a good ghost story that will keep you up at night, and make you rethink all those creeks and groans your house makes then you should absolutely read these books. I can't wait for the next book to come out, I've already pre-ordered !
Ellie and Stacey and their van continue to be an enjoyable partnership. Their sniping is actually believable, and Stacey is just this side of TOO cutesy - but she remains bearable and just about convincing as a character.
Cabinet Jack comes complete with a well drawn geography - it's a believable southern setting - some cinematic scary ghost kids, and a chase scene and villain reminiscent of Freddie Kreuger.
I really love this series. It's a favorite when I need something engaging and entertaining and soothing all at once, and these books always fit the bill. And as always, the settings are fantastic! I love all the odd places we go in these books, and I really like that we get so much history of all the haunted places. We get so many interesting types of ghosts, too. This one had some fascinating oddities in the settings, and I could just picture all the old and intricately carved woodwork.
Ellie and Stacy are on the job again, this time trying to banish a child murdering ghost. We are introduced to an interesting cast of new characters in the form of the clients and the townspeople, as well as the ghostly entities. After what seemed like a slower than usual start, the storyline sped up culminating in a creepy resolution to the ghosts. I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
I really do love this series and each new book makes me fall in love with them. Ellie and Stacey make such an amazing duo and excellent main characters.
The story of Cabjnet Jaco had me in the edge of my seat and my god did I know want to put it down until I found out what was going on. And I wasn't disappointed. No two of these books ever read the same. Every ghost has its unique story from beginning to end.
Ellie and Stacy have their hands full in this one. One of their spookiest case. A ghost town trying bring itself back to life its being thwarted by an evil ghost from many years back whose crimes when alive was killing children and now it seems he has been able to continue to do that even from the grave.
I love JL Bryan’s books! Ellie Jordan is a great series. I love that these are written about cities in my state. I’ve been to Savannah so many times and to Tybee that I can physically walk through these stories in my head. I will be preordering the next book like I always do and sit impatiently waiting for it.
Exciting! Spooky! Fun! Everything a reader expects when opening an Ellie Jordan Ghost Trapper novel! This one scared me at every turn of the page and yet, I couldn’t put it down! I’m still jumping every time I hear the jostling of a door handle! JL Bryan does not disappoint with this new addition to this collection!
Awesome book! I really enjoy this series and I'm never disappointed with each new spooky obstacle Ellie and team have to face. As always I was very impressed with the detail put into this books ghosts and their back stories. I can't wait for the next book and definitely recommend this one.
Great note to finish my k.u. time on. Creepy as always, with an ancient town legend of a cabinet maker, entombed and buried alive in the final cabinet of his own making.
Fun and fast, and sufficiently dark, I'll be looking forward to chasing up the new side project the author is working on at some time in the future, too.
Good paranormal story JL Bryan finds away of telling a story with a different perspective each time. The ending seems to change with each story which adds to the mystery
He finds a way to add humor which also adds to the story Waiting for book 17 and the new Sable series
I still absolutely love these books. The plot is intricate without being confusing, the characters are strong women who know how to get the job done while still being feminine and there is always a twist at the end. Powerful, edge of your seat ghost story. I highly recommend this book and this series.
Once again, another creepy ghost story as Ellie and Stacy are called out to investigate possible hauntings at a family’s newly acquired real estate venture. Despite this being book #16 in the series, these stories remain fresh and exciting. I already have the next one on pre-order.