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Lively Deadmarsh #3
Abandoned: Chaos and Corruption
The Sinclair Resort Hotel has many secrets. Some, it wants to share, and others it wants to keep buried deep.
Lively and Minerva have discovered that they are connected to the hotel in more ways than one and that their involvement in the disappearance is more significant than they could have ever believed.
John Harder and Amanda Jansen continue their investigation and find that things once thought buried beneath decades of sin and obscured by a century of corruption now have new life.
Each must put aside their fears and doubts if they want to have any hope of solving the mystery of the Sinclair and help put to rest the horrors that lurk behind the hotel’s thick stone walls.
Lively and Minerva have discovered that they are connected to the hotel in more ways than one and that their involvement in the disappearance is more significant than they could have ever believed.
John Harder and Amanda Jansen continue their investigation and find that things once thought buried beneath decades of sin and obscured by a century of corruption now have new life.
Each must put aside their fears and doubts if they want to have any hope of solving the mystery of the Sinclair and help put to rest the horrors that lurk behind the hotel’s thick stone walls.
- GenresHorror
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 24, 2021
232 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Katie Berry
12 books134 followersKatie Berry is a Canadian Author of Thrillers.
Born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Katie moved west to British Columbia during a family migration that occurred during the later-half of the 20th century.
A longtime writer and voracious reader, Katie enjoys a variety of creative and recreational activities when she's not absorbed in the written word.
With many years of keyboard experience, Katie is an avid digital musician, involved in many musical theatre and stage productions in the beautiful West Kootenay region of BC over the past several years.
An eye for detail helps Katie capture many magical moments with her camera as she interprets the natural beauty of the world that surrounds her through its lens.
Always looking for something new to advance her artistic experimentation, Katie is an accomplished sketch artist. She specialises in detailed drawings of friends, family and clients, including fur-babies, such as cats, dogs and the odd ferret.
After a lifetime of experience in numerous fields of endeavour, Katie now spends her days, and most nights, doing what she loves, bringing stories alive for people who enjoy a tale where the everyday suddenly becomes something much, much more...
Born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Katie moved west to British Columbia during a family migration that occurred during the later-half of the 20th century.
A longtime writer and voracious reader, Katie enjoys a variety of creative and recreational activities when she's not absorbed in the written word.
With many years of keyboard experience, Katie is an avid digital musician, involved in many musical theatre and stage productions in the beautiful West Kootenay region of BC over the past several years.
An eye for detail helps Katie capture many magical moments with her camera as she interprets the natural beauty of the world that surrounds her through its lens.
Always looking for something new to advance her artistic experimentation, Katie is an accomplished sketch artist. She specialises in detailed drawings of friends, family and clients, including fur-babies, such as cats, dogs and the odd ferret.
After a lifetime of experience in numerous fields of endeavour, Katie now spends her days, and most nights, doing what she loves, bringing stories alive for people who enjoy a tale where the everyday suddenly becomes something much, much more...
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 1, 2022
Another wonderful addition to this series. The characters get better with each progressive novel. The storyline moves quickly but keeps the reader's interest all the way thru. There are surprises and suspense around each corner and on every floor, which holds a different mystery. Multiple universes are at play throughout the story arc. With a cliff-hanger well thought out and quite shocking. Cannot wait until the next novel comes out from this author.
I received an advanced reader copy at no charge in exchange for my insight.
I received an advanced reader copy at no charge in exchange for my insight.
December 26, 2021
Welcome once more to the Sinclair Resort. With this installment we are introduced to new victims. I use this word because this resort seems to capture and keep visitors as one would collect rag dolls. We now get to follow along with Will Weston, reporter for Entwistle Express. I wonder if he expected to fall into what would be a truly unbelievable event. The fact that the reader meets Constable Eric Eggelson while exploring with Will and then once more for me was a “well did not expect that” moment. The question as to what happened to the Constable does get answered eventually.
Lively is still working towards getting answers but now he seems to have managed to transport back to the events of 1981. He figures out a way to let his sister know where he is and as a result Minerva has an idea how to communicate with him in the past. While exploring the 1981 version of the resort Lively meets Ricky Rosenstein. He figures out that this man is another piece to solving the mystery of the hotel, another character introduced is Selene Deadmarsh also known by her stage name of Selene Hammond. Each new discovery only leads to more questions that only lends to the fact that nothing is simple and straightforward for the characters in this story. Meanwhile Minerva is once more on her own, now and again Doppelively makes an appearance although she knows he is not her Lively his company is welcome. She takes the time to put forth her theory in the hopes that Dopplelively will be able to help her shed light on what is happening. Charlie is present and still seems to be a helpful arachnoid at least for now.
This installment sets up all the moving pieces that with luck will give answers to all the events that have occurred within the walls of the Sinclair over the many years it has lived. John Harder having lost his wife to the Sinclair, Amanda now retired still needs to find answers to the obsidian stone she kept all these years and also to settle the issues caused by Danny Harder and his part in all this. The one thing that the reader will learn is that Sinclair is a living entity, and will, as with all living things, do what it needs in order to thrive. There seems to be multiple layers that add to the eeriness of the Sinclair. You just keep cresting only to find that up ahead is another level to climb, the Sinclair weaves herself into your dreams as only a well written paranormal tale can. I must say the best line in this was “ Hello, son.”
Lively is still working towards getting answers but now he seems to have managed to transport back to the events of 1981. He figures out a way to let his sister know where he is and as a result Minerva has an idea how to communicate with him in the past. While exploring the 1981 version of the resort Lively meets Ricky Rosenstein. He figures out that this man is another piece to solving the mystery of the hotel, another character introduced is Selene Deadmarsh also known by her stage name of Selene Hammond. Each new discovery only leads to more questions that only lends to the fact that nothing is simple and straightforward for the characters in this story. Meanwhile Minerva is once more on her own, now and again Doppelively makes an appearance although she knows he is not her Lively his company is welcome. She takes the time to put forth her theory in the hopes that Dopplelively will be able to help her shed light on what is happening. Charlie is present and still seems to be a helpful arachnoid at least for now.
This installment sets up all the moving pieces that with luck will give answers to all the events that have occurred within the walls of the Sinclair over the many years it has lived. John Harder having lost his wife to the Sinclair, Amanda now retired still needs to find answers to the obsidian stone she kept all these years and also to settle the issues caused by Danny Harder and his part in all this. The one thing that the reader will learn is that Sinclair is a living entity, and will, as with all living things, do what it needs in order to thrive. There seems to be multiple layers that add to the eeriness of the Sinclair. You just keep cresting only to find that up ahead is another level to climb, the Sinclair weaves herself into your dreams as only a well written paranormal tale can. I must say the best line in this was “ Hello, son.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2022
Just read it if you haven't already. There isn't a single moment you'll be bored.
January 13, 2025
Just minding my own business and making my way through these...and boom - a new kind of incestuous flirting! lol What is up with this? That aside, these are still a quick entertaining jaunt through the halls of the mysterious Sinclair Resort Hotel. Works really well as an audiobook.
March 13, 2022
This is a great series! Looking forward to book 4 coming out soon!
March 3, 2022
Katie Berry is amazing
The adventure, in the first book, started with an enticing mystery. The second book was a natural extension, adding more mystery and questions. The highly anticipated third book met all my expectations, expanding on the hotel's secret history, the characters' personalities, the scientific theories, more questions, ah-ha and heart-pounding moments. MS Berry, waiting anxiously for your next book
The adventure, in the first book, started with an enticing mystery. The second book was a natural extension, adding more mystery and questions. The highly anticipated third book met all my expectations, expanding on the hotel's secret history, the characters' personalities, the scientific theories, more questions, ah-ha and heart-pounding moments. MS Berry, waiting anxiously for your next book
January 18, 2022
Wow....need the next book now.
This series is amazing. No romance clouding the issues just extraordinary ghost hunting. The twins are just perfect and the way it is written introducing all the back history and characters in a labyrinth story line with dead ends and unexpected malevolent and benevolent creatures keeps you hooked. I can wait for the next installment.
This series is amazing. No romance clouding the issues just extraordinary ghost hunting. The twins are just perfect and the way it is written introducing all the back history and characters in a labyrinth story line with dead ends and unexpected malevolent and benevolent creatures keeps you hooked. I can wait for the next installment.
January 23, 2023
Mind blowing mystery wrapped in a web of(WTF) happens next. Can wait to read the next book
May 7, 2024
This is an interesting premise for these books! I do like how the action keeps you moving forward and the books do not seem nearly as long as they are at your reading them. I find them actually be fairly quick reads! I am looking forward to reading the fourth and final installment to find out what happens to everybody, including lively, and his sister, and all of the inhabitants of the hotel.
April 13, 2024
Captivating
This series has captivated me. Lively and Minerva are fascinating characters and the story is keeping me on my toes! Surprise after surprise.
This series has captivated me. Lively and Minerva are fascinating characters and the story is keeping me on my toes! Surprise after surprise.
December 6, 2023
Wow!! What a Shocking Ending!!!
So I just finished this and I must say I never saw that coming: how this book ended! It totally caught me off guard!! And now I cannot wait to start the last book in this series to see what all of this mysterious stuff is about. This is without doubt the most brilliant thing I have read in a long time!
So what else can I say? I loved the brief scenes with Charlie. I do hope the final book will explain a few things about him?
And of course the plot in here is so clever, twisty, unique and totally unguessable! Which of course is what makes this so good. There's plenty of action, scary scenes and so many surprises too. Plus it has so much detail too. Back stories. And very real well written characters.
I have no idea how this book series will end - but I am eager to find out! This is a series that will keep you reading!
So I just finished this and I must say I never saw that coming: how this book ended! It totally caught me off guard!! And now I cannot wait to start the last book in this series to see what all of this mysterious stuff is about. This is without doubt the most brilliant thing I have read in a long time!
So what else can I say? I loved the brief scenes with Charlie. I do hope the final book will explain a few things about him?
And of course the plot in here is so clever, twisty, unique and totally unguessable! Which of course is what makes this so good. There's plenty of action, scary scenes and so many surprises too. Plus it has so much detail too. Back stories. And very real well written characters.
I have no idea how this book series will end - but I am eager to find out! This is a series that will keep you reading!
July 27, 2024
What the heck is going on?!?!
This series is getting more and more crazy! So much going on with Lively being trapped in the past, Minerva trying to figure things out on her own in the present. We're still learning of things that happened at the original event and the days following with John and Amanda. So many questions yet to answer. Oh, and that ending...totally did not see that coming!! Must read the final book now! Highly recommend
This series is getting more and more crazy! So much going on with Lively being trapped in the past, Minerva trying to figure things out on her own in the present. We're still learning of things that happened at the original event and the days following with John and Amanda. So many questions yet to answer. Oh, and that ending...totally did not see that coming!! Must read the final book now! Highly recommend
May 19, 2023
This is the third book in the series of 4. Definitely an improvement on the other two in terms of the dialogue between the twins. Now they are separated. I really like the introduction of new characters and how more of the plot is explained. I’m really excited to read the conclusion of the book since I have no clue what will happen.
August 25, 2024
3.5
This story picked up so much faster than the last two. I really enjoyed the suspense in Lively trying to figure everything out in the other frequency. Many things come to light. Looking forward to the conclusion!
This story picked up so much faster than the last two. I really enjoyed the suspense in Lively trying to figure everything out in the other frequency. Many things come to light. Looking forward to the conclusion!
September 21, 2024
For some reason I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as I did the previous one, but it certainly sets things up for the final installment. The reveal at the end really surprised me as I did not see it coming at all! I can't wait to read the final book and see how everything concludes!
July 10, 2022
Great story!
The story is so interesting but mind boggling at the same time! Somethings you just can't see coming! I can't wait for book 4!!
The story is so interesting but mind boggling at the same time! Somethings you just can't see coming! I can't wait for book 4!!
December 23, 2023
Really loving this series!
January 9, 2024
I liked this book better as there wasn’t as much “witty banter” between the characters. It’s distracting and I find in fake. The story is great and visually told!
November 4, 2024
I'm so sad Hoopla doesn't have the 4th book in this series. Luckily, I can get it from Amazon. A really clever supernatural mystery!
July 28, 2022
This is essentially a review for the entire series. There’s a lot of potential for serious fear in this series about an evil hotel. Psychic investigators Lively and Minerva are looking into the disappearance of over 100 people, 40 years prior. The hotel seems almost sentient and is filled with secrets. Additionally we have possible kelpies, ghosts, zombies, quantum entanglement, animated inanimate objects, the multiverse, wendigo, seances…you name it, it’s in the series. Unfortunately Lively and Minerva show so little fear response that I did not feel fear either. They seem too confident.
This also feels like one very long novel chopped into four books. None of the books can really stand alone and the first three end on a cliffhanger. Not a huge deal now that they are all out, but I’m not sure I would have chosen to continue if I didn’t want some resolution to the many questions. It started to feel like homework after awhile. Just know you pretty much have to read all 4 books or be left wondering.
They are included with Kindle Unlimited.
This also feels like one very long novel chopped into four books. None of the books can really stand alone and the first three end on a cliffhanger. Not a huge deal now that they are all out, but I’m not sure I would have chosen to continue if I didn’t want some resolution to the many questions. It started to feel like homework after awhile. Just know you pretty much have to read all 4 books or be left wondering.
They are included with Kindle Unlimited.
August 25, 2023
My, my, things are really getting intense as the third book in this series concludes. The standout moment for me throughout the entire series was undoubtedly the very last line of this book: "Hello, Son." What an absolute cliffhanger to leave us hanging on! I would have probably felt a bit let down if it weren't for the fact that I don't have to endure months of waiting for a sequel. I've already dived straight into the final installment of the series (which I've already started) to find out how this spooky story will unfold. Given all that has happened, I confess that I currently have no clue how it's all going to wrap up.
In a sense, I kind of regret stumbling upon Katie Berry's writing so early. I find myself wishing I had begun reading her books when she had already written 20+ books. For example, I only came across the books by Preston and Child, particularly their Pendergast series, after they had already produced more than thirty books combined. That meant I could indulge in an uninterrupted reading binge. With Katie's incredible storytelling skills, I often feel like someone who just had the most divine slice of cake but has to patiently wait before treating themselves to another.
By the way, today is shaping up to be a long one. Katie had me up until the wee hours of the morning to wrap up this book.
In a sense, I kind of regret stumbling upon Katie Berry's writing so early. I find myself wishing I had begun reading her books when she had already written 20+ books. For example, I only came across the books by Preston and Child, particularly their Pendergast series, after they had already produced more than thirty books combined. That meant I could indulge in an uninterrupted reading binge. With Katie's incredible storytelling skills, I often feel like someone who just had the most divine slice of cake but has to patiently wait before treating themselves to another.
By the way, today is shaping up to be a long one. Katie had me up until the wee hours of the morning to wrap up this book.
September 19, 2022
Well, it's getting better...a bit. The story is still taking entirely too long to tell. I find myself now skipping pages, skimming for dialog and key words. The Harder storyline is going NOWHERE. Definitely tired of the snarky dialog from Lively and Minerva. However, this was the best of the 3 books so far!
June 26, 2024
The first book in the series was pretty good, but I did not care particularly for the second and third in the series. I did not care for the banter between the brother and sister “ghost hunters”. there’s a fourth book, but I don’t think I’m going to pay money to read it.
August 26, 2023
What the heck! Lively and Minerva’s mom! This story gets better and better. I’m so attached to lively and Minerva. Really looking forward to the end but it will be one of those where I’m sad that it ended. I think Charlie has become such a favorite character with his little leg wags.
January 24, 2024
Loved it
February 28, 2024
1st two books were better! I’m this far in - I might as well finish and hope the 4th is fantastic.
May 21, 2024
3.5 stars - a bit better than book 2 but still wish there was more answers! I know we will get there, but all I think all 4 books could have been condensed into 1 or 2.
June 24, 2025
deadmarsh
This book didn’t really add more to the mystery until the very last line. This could have been a two-book series. I do enjoy the characters however.
This book didn’t really add more to the mystery until the very last line. This could have been a two-book series. I do enjoy the characters however.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews