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A Riveting Haunted House Mystery #36
The Haunting of Jonas Estate
The world thinks that Jacob Shepherd can speak to the dead. He can’t. For years, he has gotten by through deception and intuition. When hired to clear a country estate of angry spirits, Jacob sees it as a great opportunity for a much-needed getaway with his six-year old daughter Grace. But relaxation turns to terror as Jacob and Grace are pulled into a web of lies, betrayal, murder, and very angry ghosts.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2021
127 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 19, 2024
I don't really enjoy supernatural, ghost stories, (they generally have the same story beats with a huge emphasis on mood, such as creaking doors, and drafty rooms) but this is one of those mystery-type ghost stories where a living person capable of paranormal abilities is hired to cleanse the house. One problem: Jacob Shepherd is a charlatan. That's not a spoiler. The blurb communicates that bit of information, readily.
Shepherd has been out of the limelight for a short while, because his wife has died of cancer, and his television program has remained on indefinite hiatus to respect his grieving period. However, a millionaire wants him to clear the ancestral estate in order to make it part of a museum. Easy money for a grifter.
Shepherd also feels the gig will help him connect with his 6-year-old daughter, spending quality time together. Little has Shepherd realized that he has placed his daughter in very real danger, with real ghosts and a secret that could not only ruin an affluent family, but the town that bears their name.
For me, this was a satisfying mystery, horror, with some gore and blood splashed around. I have never read a Vincent Valentean novel, and I liked this one in spite of myself. I keep finding ghost stories that break the plodding tropes of supernatural stories that are so focused on setting that the story seems like more of an after-thought, than anything else. Here, this actually is an engaging story with really fleshed out characters.
Shepherd has been out of the limelight for a short while, because his wife has died of cancer, and his television program has remained on indefinite hiatus to respect his grieving period. However, a millionaire wants him to clear the ancestral estate in order to make it part of a museum. Easy money for a grifter.
Shepherd also feels the gig will help him connect with his 6-year-old daughter, spending quality time together. Little has Shepherd realized that he has placed his daughter in very real danger, with real ghosts and a secret that could not only ruin an affluent family, but the town that bears their name.
For me, this was a satisfying mystery, horror, with some gore and blood splashed around. I have never read a Vincent Valentean novel, and I liked this one in spite of myself. I keep finding ghost stories that break the plodding tropes of supernatural stories that are so focused on setting that the story seems like more of an after-thought, than anything else. Here, this actually is an engaging story with really fleshed out characters.
January 30, 2022
captivating story, great writing
Thoroughly enjoyed this story. I found myself thinking about it all day, just waiting to be able to read a little more. It is well written and flows beautifully. Well done.
Thoroughly enjoyed this story. I found myself thinking about it all day, just waiting to be able to read a little more. It is well written and flows beautifully. Well done.
January 8, 2022
This was an incredible mystery!! I could not put it down as there was something new on each page and you did not find out the ending until the last few pages. Jacob Shepherd is a TV personality whose claim to fame is being able to speak to the dead. His wife dies and he is left with his 5 year old daughter, Grace. They visit the Jonas Estate and strange things start happening. We meet the towns people and they each hold a key to the occurrences at the Jonas Estate. The book is full of twists and turns!!
March 25, 2022
The book is good, but
The story was simple and the plot easy to figure out, but it was still a good read. The book was free with my unlimited kindle, so I paid the reduced amount for the audible. No offence meant to the audible reader, but for me, her voice did not match with the telling of the story. It was so off putting, that I stopped the audible and just read the book for myself. Read the book, but skip the audible.
The story was simple and the plot easy to figure out, but it was still a good read. The book was free with my unlimited kindle, so I paid the reduced amount for the audible. No offence meant to the audible reader, but for me, her voice did not match with the telling of the story. It was so off putting, that I stopped the audible and just read the book for myself. Read the book, but skip the audible.
January 4, 2022
WOW!!!
WHAT A PLOT!! I've been reading supernatural books longer than many of you have had birthdays, but this is absolutely the best one I've ever read, bar none! Do yourself a favor and read this one...you'll go through all The emotions I felt and you'll be pleased with the ending...I look for more books from this very creative author!!!
WHAT A PLOT!! I've been reading supernatural books longer than many of you have had birthdays, but this is absolutely the best one I've ever read, bar none! Do yourself a favor and read this one...you'll go through all The emotions I felt and you'll be pleased with the ending...I look for more books from this very creative author!!!
January 5, 2022
It's not often that I give 5 stars but this was a very good read. It was nice to read a plot that wasn't the usual - you know - distant unknown relative leaves an old mansion to a struggling couple but they have to live there and cant sell it?
Finally something new and fresh. The ending was a bit dragged out and over the top - but I did enjoy it and in my opinion, deserves the full 5!
Finally something new and fresh. The ending was a bit dragged out and over the top - but I did enjoy it and in my opinion, deserves the full 5!
June 23, 2025
Very well thought out and written
This is probably the best written story I've had the pleasure of reading in quite a while. Not your normal haunted house story and very enjoyable. Vincent Vale team is a very gifted writer. I think you'll like him. Give him a try and be ready to be captivated.
This is probably the best written story I've had the pleasure of reading in quite a while. Not your normal haunted house story and very enjoyable. Vincent Vale team is a very gifted writer. I think you'll like him. Give him a try and be ready to be captivated.
December 24, 2021
Spooky storyline
I enjoyed the storyline and found it interesting similar to another famous medium out there in real life. Only reason I gave it a three was because of editing. Needs re-done badly, it takes away from the story with misspelling and wrong usage
I enjoyed the storyline and found it interesting similar to another famous medium out there in real life. Only reason I gave it a three was because of editing. Needs re-done badly, it takes away from the story with misspelling and wrong usage
February 26, 2022
Incredible!!!
What a fantastic story. I once thought it might be Rachel when she would always remain outside the house. I also thought it could be Travis. But I won't tell who. I highly recommend this book.
What a fantastic story. I once thought it might be Rachel when she would always remain outside the house. I also thought it could be Travis. But I won't tell who. I highly recommend this book.
May 14, 2022
Well written storyline
I enjoyed this book however there seems to have been some final editing mistakes,wrong names used, tenses mixed up here and there and spelling mistakes but other than that it was a good book
I enjoyed this book however there seems to have been some final editing mistakes,wrong names used, tenses mixed up here and there and spelling mistakes but other than that it was a good book
May 15, 2022
I see a screenplay
This would make for a great movie. I flew through the book. Darcy Coates is still the best writer of this genre in my mind, but I enjoyed this book a lot, particularly the relationship between father and daughter. I didn’t see the end coming.
This would make for a great movie. I flew through the book. Darcy Coates is still the best writer of this genre in my mind, but I enjoyed this book a lot, particularly the relationship between father and daughter. I didn’t see the end coming.
July 2, 2022
Started at chapter 3!
As I started to read, I found myself not enjoying this book. I decided to jump ahead and give it one more chance. I am so glad I did! I would recommend this book to everyone.
As I started to read, I found myself not enjoying this book. I decided to jump ahead and give it one more chance. I am so glad I did! I would recommend this book to everyone.
September 3, 2024
Amazing!!
It’s been forever since a horror novel has bout a tear to my eye. Brilliantly written, thank you <3
( you may want to go through and make some edits though, there was quite a few mistakes and double ups)
It’s been forever since a horror novel has bout a tear to my eye. Brilliantly written, thank you <3
( you may want to go through and make some edits though, there was quite a few mistakes and double ups)
December 27, 2021
Wow, great haunting. Little Grace was amazing for a 6 year old. This book was so good, I could not put it down. Great Author
December 28, 2021
Excellent
Could not put it down !!! The mystery and suspense was totally engrossing. Father and oh so young daughter, what a team !!
Could not put it down !!! The mystery and suspense was totally engrossing. Father and oh so young daughter, what a team !!
December 29, 2021
Scary
A mysterious, scary story with flawed family values. A psychic fraud that in end really believed in ghosts. A recommended read for all who love a good ghost story
A mysterious, scary story with flawed family values. A psychic fraud that in end really believed in ghosts. A recommended read for all who love a good ghost story
January 3, 2022
Loved this one.
Had me on the edge once or twice.
Great fun.
Like ghosts with problems read this
Wish there were follow ups
Had me on the edge once or twice.
Great fun.
Like ghosts with problems read this
Wish there were follow ups
January 9, 2022
This was such a great book. It sure keeps your attention and the end was awesome.
January 16, 2022
Great reading
Kept me on edge all the way through. Really enjoyed, couldn't put it down. Highly recommend it if you like ghost stories.
Kept me on edge all the way through. Really enjoyed, couldn't put it down. Highly recommend it if you like ghost stories.
January 19, 2022
Couldn't put it down!
Good plot, believable characters. Felt as if a few were friends of mine; a few others were easily disliked. Good read!
Good plot, believable characters. Felt as if a few were friends of mine; a few others were easily disliked. Good read!
January 22, 2022
Best book I've read in years
There were several misquotes and misspellings but the story was great. I totally loved this book and would like to read more from this author!!!
There were several misquotes and misspellings but the story was great. I totally loved this book and would like to read more from this author!!!
February 17, 2022
wonderful story
Starts off a little slow but finished up great. Loved the writing entirely, only complaint is the story suffered from some poor editing.
Starts off a little slow but finished up great. Loved the writing entirely, only complaint is the story suffered from some poor editing.
February 26, 2022
Paranormal
Interesting from page one. Each character, had a fierce, a fight, a meaningful way to be in the story. A reason to love, hate, and beyond.
Interesting from page one. Each character, had a fierce, a fight, a meaningful way to be in the story. A reason to love, hate, and beyond.
April 12, 2022
Great novel
I have read many ghost stories, and this one is an absolute winner. I enjoyed it very much. Must read.
I have read many ghost stories, and this one is an absolute winner. I enjoyed it very much. Must read.
May 3, 2022
Intriguinge
A new author for me, so I was not used to his writing. That made this a slow starter for me. I kept with it though and enjoyed it.
A new author for me, so I was not used to his writing. That made this a slow starter for me. I kept with it though and enjoyed it.
December 21, 2024
What a really fun read. It had a really good twist at the end. I've loved all of the Valentean Riveting Haunted House Mystery books that I've read so far.
January 5, 2025
Slow to start out but ended up really enjoying the main character and his daughter. Nice little ghost story
November 23, 2022
Could not put it down!!!
I read Mr. Valentean’s story, “The Haunting of Jonas Estate”, and finished the book within 24 hours! Absolutely loved it!!
I read Mr. Valentean’s story, “The Haunting of Jonas Estate”, and finished the book within 24 hours! Absolutely loved it!!
March 27, 2022
very good storyline
I liked this book. Might be interesting to revisit these characters. Will read more of this author. Good storyline with some twists along the way.
I liked this book. Might be interesting to revisit these characters. Will read more of this author. Good storyline with some twists along the way.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews