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The Archivist
Ghost: An Andrea Kelley Mystery
Yesterday, her BFF didn’t believe her. She’d give anything for it to be yesterday again.
When archivist Andrea Kelley scores a sweet rental in Charleston, WV, she discovers it’s already occupied. But the early rising, bacon-loving ghost of six-year-old Billie Mae makes for a tolerable roommate—until two missing kids are found dead at a nearby lake.
Detective William Taka is pretty sure his BFF is losing the plot, until Billie Mae throws a haunting hissy fit even the neighbors notice. Taka’s gut tells him the deaths are related—but Billie Mae’s mother confessed to her murder thirteen years ago. The case is closed. And she’s in prison for life.
Driven by Taka’s encouragement and Billie Mae’s phantom fury, Andrea digs into the strange circumstances surrounding the little girl’s death. Using her considerable research skills and workplace connections, she soon discovers a frustrating lack of evidence. Billie Mae’s mother might be innocent.
Which means the real killer is still at large…and way too close to home.
Modern Southern Gothic meets Sleuthing Procedural in this atmospheric murder mystery.
Typical violence for genre. LGTBQ-friendly. Diversity.
#willtheyorwon'tthey #reallifewithghosts #alittlegritty #alittlesouthern #notallwestvirgiansarewhite #notallwestvirgiansarestraight #murder #PTSD #hurtcomfort #detectivefiction #Charlestonwestvirginia #lovealwayswin
When archivist Andrea Kelley scores a sweet rental in Charleston, WV, she discovers it’s already occupied. But the early rising, bacon-loving ghost of six-year-old Billie Mae makes for a tolerable roommate—until two missing kids are found dead at a nearby lake.
Detective William Taka is pretty sure his BFF is losing the plot, until Billie Mae throws a haunting hissy fit even the neighbors notice. Taka’s gut tells him the deaths are related—but Billie Mae’s mother confessed to her murder thirteen years ago. The case is closed. And she’s in prison for life.
Driven by Taka’s encouragement and Billie Mae’s phantom fury, Andrea digs into the strange circumstances surrounding the little girl’s death. Using her considerable research skills and workplace connections, she soon discovers a frustrating lack of evidence. Billie Mae’s mother might be innocent.
Which means the real killer is still at large…and way too close to home.
Modern Southern Gothic meets Sleuthing Procedural in this atmospheric murder mystery.
Typical violence for genre. LGTBQ-friendly. Diversity.
#willtheyorwon'tthey #reallifewithghosts #alittlegritty #alittlesouthern #notallwestvirgiansarewhite #notallwestvirgiansarestraight #murder #PTSD #hurtcomfort #detectivefiction #Charlestonwestvirginia #lovealwayswin
370 pages, Hardcover
First published March 13, 2020
614 people are currently reading
288 people want to read
About the author
Elle Andrews Patt
28 books25 followers Elle Andrews Patt writes speculative and mainstream fiction. Her short fiction has been published in internet mags and print anthologies. Her debut paranormal mystery, GHOST (The Archivist Book One), is available on Amazon. She is represented by Paul Stevens of Donald Maass Literary Agency. Visit her at www.elleandrewspatt.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
July 5, 2020
Elegantly written, GHOST does an admirable job of bending genre lines. It's both a ghost story and a convincing, cleverly plotted mystery novel. Fans of either genre will find much to like here. West Virginians will enjoy the heck out of it.
August 12, 2020
This was a good start for this author. You are reeled in right away thanks to the ghost of a girl whom Andrea sees. The reason is another as you get involved also in a lone of killings and the clues are discovered that will lead to a unexpected. But oh wabted more from the one relationship so a twist too is done. Alas though this author needs to add more to write more to end the misery.
February 16, 2022
This one kept me reading late into the night and had so many elements that I enjoy in a story. There is mystery, mayhem, romance, friendship/love and ghosts. Who could ask for more? The only reason I didn't give this one 5 stars is due to the twists and ending. Not that it wasn't good, because it was, I just wanted more, before it ended and for certain things to be realized.
Andrea is an archivist at a well known, well funded company. Her best friend is Willian Taka, who is a detective. They grew up together and have a tight bond. They take care of each other and are a devoted pair, but not romantically involved.
Andrea lives in a small home that is haunted by a tiny girl, Billie Mae. The child's mother is in prison and has confessed to her murder. The little girl keeps telling Andrea "I drowned" in her babyish voice. Andrea is determined to find the truth, and how this all ties into the newer child murders in the area. Is Billie Mae's mother guilty or not?
She does a deep dive and stirs up more trouble than she imagined, while in the process, and brings down serious trouble to her best friend. Andrea has uncovered links and suspects, along with a trooper ghost who ends up helping in most unusual ways. Great story. Looking forward to book 2.
Andrea is an archivist at a well known, well funded company. Her best friend is Willian Taka, who is a detective. They grew up together and have a tight bond. They take care of each other and are a devoted pair, but not romantically involved.
Andrea lives in a small home that is haunted by a tiny girl, Billie Mae. The child's mother is in prison and has confessed to her murder. The little girl keeps telling Andrea "I drowned" in her babyish voice. Andrea is determined to find the truth, and how this all ties into the newer child murders in the area. Is Billie Mae's mother guilty or not?
She does a deep dive and stirs up more trouble than she imagined, while in the process, and brings down serious trouble to her best friend. Andrea has uncovered links and suspects, along with a trooper ghost who ends up helping in most unusual ways. Great story. Looking forward to book 2.
Read
May 29, 2022DNF at 34%. Really not into the characters. The phrasing is a bit weird to me, and there’s so much description of things we don’t need descriptions of—do we really need to know about the spaghetti sauce that ran onto the stove? And some of the descriptions are just weird. Also not into the gun stuff.
February 12, 2021
Meh.
The characters were interesting, but for me the story seemed to move very slowly. It was allicould do to keep reading and not just put the book down and go read something else.
The characters were interesting, but for me the story seemed to move very slowly. It was allicould do to keep reading and not just put the book down and go read something else.
December 18, 2021
Andrea sees ghosts. In particular, a little girl with blonde hair. She soon discovers that this little girl is Billie Mae, who was allegedly murdered in the house where Andrea now lives. Taka, her best friend (and maybe something more someday?) is a cop under investigation for what appeared to be a justifiable shooting. Andrea is determined to find out the truth about what happened to Billie Mae and Taka wants to help, while at the same time dealing with the ongoing investigation.
I really enjoyed the paranormal aspects of this book, and the characters of Andrea and Taka were engaging and likeable. I also enjoyed the LGBTQ+ representations. What didn't work for me were the overly complicated story lines which were very hard to follow. Multiple new characters were introduced late into the book with not enough background for me to make sense of what was going on and keep track of who they all were. I could have used a few less storylines all playing out at the same time.
That being said, I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be reading the next in the series to see what happens with Andrea and Taka, and whatever ghosts come into their lives next.
I really enjoyed the paranormal aspects of this book, and the characters of Andrea and Taka were engaging and likeable. I also enjoyed the LGBTQ+ representations. What didn't work for me were the overly complicated story lines which were very hard to follow. Multiple new characters were introduced late into the book with not enough background for me to make sense of what was going on and keep track of who they all were. I could have used a few less storylines all playing out at the same time.
That being said, I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be reading the next in the series to see what happens with Andrea and Taka, and whatever ghosts come into their lives next.
November 24, 2020
Ghost it is
This book was very enjoyable It starts out slow but once the action starts it is a good read
Andrea is an archivei oh yyst
,
Billie Mae is the main ghost. Her death hugs at the heart. Andre is the sleuth, and is able to see Billie Mae. Ghosts send messages but they are abstract and vague. The clues Andrea gets help her figure out the mystery. Taka her best friend is a Detective under investigation for shooting a person. The shooting brings to mind public and political issues involved reminiscent of contemporary challenges of our country today. I enjoyed reading it and guessing who dunit
The book starts out slow, I almost put it down about a third of the way in the read. Then it becomes very active and there is moderate suspense that goes into page turning compulsion. The descriptions of people and scenery allows you to be there. I loved the paranormal episodes. I would recommend this book if you like mystery and want a good story.
AA
N
This book was very enjoyable It starts out slow but once the action starts it is a good read
Andrea is an archivei oh yyst
,
Billie Mae is the main ghost. Her death hugs at the heart. Andre is the sleuth, and is able to see Billie Mae. Ghosts send messages but they are abstract and vague. The clues Andrea gets help her figure out the mystery. Taka her best friend is a Detective under investigation for shooting a person. The shooting brings to mind public and political issues involved reminiscent of contemporary challenges of our country today. I enjoyed reading it and guessing who dunit
The book starts out slow, I almost put it down about a third of the way in the read. Then it becomes very active and there is moderate suspense that goes into page turning compulsion. The descriptions of people and scenery allows you to be there. I loved the paranormal episodes. I would recommend this book if you like mystery and want a good story.
AA
N
May 26, 2020
This is the first time I have read a book by the author Elle Andrews Patt, but it won't be my last! On the surface, it's a paranormal thriller, but it's so much more than that. This emotionally nuanced story is about the struggle of humans to be true to themselves despite society's bias, how opening your mind to the possibilities of spirit connections can positively affect your life and about the enduring strength of deep friendships. The author has deftly drawn complex and compelling characters. Things I really enjoyed were the relationship between protagonist Andrea Kelley and her friend/love interest Taka, Andrea's gutsy approach to danger, the realistic (but not over-the-top) depictions of torture and hostage confinement, the endearing (spirit) Billie as she attempted to steer Andrea towards her actual murderer and ultimately to others'. I found the action well-paced and the twists and turns towards the end riveting. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
February 23, 2022
Great read!
From the book description, I thought this would be a maybe I’ll be able to finish it book. The first couple of chapters felt a little stiff, and then suddenly the book took off! It got better and better as I read. The ghost of a little girl is appearing to Andrea. Her best friend Taka is stuck between believing her and worry that she may have something wrong with her brain. There are several storylines running through this book that keep it moving. The relationship between Andrea and Taka is core. The ghost of Billie Mae opens a mystery that sends Andrea researching to find the answers. What ensues leads to a stunning conclusion. I will definitely continue this series!
From the book description, I thought this would be a maybe I’ll be able to finish it book. The first couple of chapters felt a little stiff, and then suddenly the book took off! It got better and better as I read. The ghost of a little girl is appearing to Andrea. Her best friend Taka is stuck between believing her and worry that she may have something wrong with her brain. There are several storylines running through this book that keep it moving. The relationship between Andrea and Taka is core. The ghost of Billie Mae opens a mystery that sends Andrea researching to find the answers. What ensues leads to a stunning conclusion. I will definitely continue this series!
July 18, 2022
This was the best story I have read in a long time. It centers around Andrea and Taka and children who have been murdered and dumped in a pond. Andrea is an archivist working for a well known company and Taka is a cop who killed a young man that murdered his girlfriend. Andrea lives in the home where Billy mae was murdered and she can see and talk to Billy but no one believes her until Taka her best friend gets a glimpse of her after waking up. This story is riveting and keeps you engrossed in what was happening. I couldn't put it down. My only issue is the sudden ending which seemed abrupt but I look forward to reading book 2. I highly recommend this if you like paranormal stories. There is also LGBTQ storyline in this also.
April 22, 2023
This book was wonderful, up to a point, but I wish it had said in the summary that it was an LGBTQ story. Gripping, it had me from the first page and I couldn't put it down. Until about the middle of the book, that is. I'm not one for sex in my books, I don't care who they are; main characters, villains, man and woman or anyone else. Starting around the middle of the book one of the main characters, Taka, reveals he's bi-sexual and the gay guy sex scenes began. They add nothing to the story line, but I guess these days writers think they have to put this in their book in order for them to sell. I only skimmed from then on, mainly to see who-dunnit. I won't be reading the rest of this series.
March 13, 2020
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book. This is my honest review. After reading the description, I really thought it was mainly a paranormal story. It is SO much more than that! It's a compelling mystery. There is so much action, tension, suspense and more. The characters are interesting and complex. Andrea and Taka are both embroiled in cases and dealing with the reality of ghosts in their lives. Their relationship is not what I expected. It is complicated and draws you in. I became so invested in them, I didn't want to put the book down. There are so many things to love about this book. I am so glad it is a first in series because it absolutely left me wanting more!
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April 16, 2020Pretty good story
Starts with the ghost of 6 year old Billie Mae Robbins appearing in Andrea Kelly's bedroom . Her platonic friend Detective Taka is there . BFF ' S since middle school, they have a remarkable bond. Andrea is an archivist working for a world renown library . Billie Mae was murdered by her mother, who is currently incarcerated . There are complicated relationships, a few murders , multiple mysteries which may or may not be related . A very interesting investigation .
Starts with the ghost of 6 year old Billie Mae Robbins appearing in Andrea Kelly's bedroom . Her platonic friend Detective Taka is there . BFF ' S since middle school, they have a remarkable bond. Andrea is an archivist working for a world renown library . Billie Mae was murdered by her mother, who is currently incarcerated . There are complicated relationships, a few murders , multiple mysteries which may or may not be related . A very interesting investigation .
September 4, 2020
I found this book on Kindle Unlimited and downloaded it because the blurb looked interesting. I was so surprised when I started reading it and I was immediately hooked. Elle Andrews Patt is amazing. Her characters are real, likeable and flawed. Her descriptions are detailed, but they don't get in the way of the story. She creates a realistic world that includes the dead. Very exciting paranormal thriller. It made me want to read everything she's written. (I hope she's a fast writer! -- No pressure!)
April 17, 2021
Things held together both old and new
I throughly enjoyed this story. It’s thought provoking, intriguing and edge of your seat drama.
If you like ghost stories, murder mystery and friends both old and new, you will definitely like and enjoy this book.
Taka and Andrea have been best friends forever. Taka is a detective who is being accused of shooting a person of interest who supposedly shot a coed and turned his gun on the police.
Andreas house is the home of a little ghost girl who shows up unexpectedly and helps her with investigations.
Excellent read.
I throughly enjoyed this story. It’s thought provoking, intriguing and edge of your seat drama.
If you like ghost stories, murder mystery and friends both old and new, you will definitely like and enjoy this book.
Taka and Andrea have been best friends forever. Taka is a detective who is being accused of shooting a person of interest who supposedly shot a coed and turned his gun on the police.
Andreas house is the home of a little ghost girl who shows up unexpectedly and helps her with investigations.
Excellent read.
March 22, 2021
All I Can Say Is Wow!
First time reading by this author and definitely will not be my last!
I loved the characters especially the main ones Andrea and Taka!
This book was so good and would definitely make a damned good action/thriller/paranormal movie!
I am excited that there will be a sequel and I CANNOT WAIT!!!!!
Loved it but saddened that I finished reading it, this is the typea book that I never wanted it to end!
First time reading by this author and definitely will not be my last!
I loved the characters especially the main ones Andrea and Taka!
This book was so good and would definitely make a damned good action/thriller/paranormal movie!
I am excited that there will be a sequel and I CANNOT WAIT!!!!!
Loved it but saddened that I finished reading it, this is the typea book that I never wanted it to end!
April 4, 2023
I didn't think I was going to like this after the first page. No way they are going to pull off that dynamic in a way that isn't hokey as all heck, I thought to myself. They did it. This story has the hook of a cozy paranormal mystery, but with the rules and standards of a police thriller that make so many cozy mysteries feel cheesy. Between the historical details and believable characters, the pages flew.
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March 16, 2020This is a great book! I loved it!
I can't wait to get the next book! These characters are so well written, and the plot phenomenal! I was not able to stop reading this once I started. The paranormal aspects added extra suspense, but not much graphic violence or innuendo. Well done!
I can't wait to get the next book! These characters are so well written, and the plot phenomenal! I was not able to stop reading this once I started. The paranormal aspects added extra suspense, but not much graphic violence or innuendo. Well done!
July 27, 2020
Worth the Read
Very good story, Taka is an interesting character with lots of quirks that keep you wanting to know more about him. Andrea, the amateur sleuth, is one tough cookie in her own way. Their relationship and interaction is fascinating; best friends, combatants, or soon to be lovers? Won't know until you read their story! Love this book!
Very good story, Taka is an interesting character with lots of quirks that keep you wanting to know more about him. Andrea, the amateur sleuth, is one tough cookie in her own way. Their relationship and interaction is fascinating; best friends, combatants, or soon to be lovers? Won't know until you read their story! Love this book!
Read
September 23, 2023Wild ride
It's 12:30 am and I'm supposed to be sleeping. But I had to finish this book. A little slow in the beginning, it really takes off quickly. It's worth it!
The death of a little girl really peaks Andrea's interest especially since the little girl keeps showing up in her house. Great story!
It's 12:30 am and I'm supposed to be sleeping. But I had to finish this book. A little slow in the beginning, it really takes off quickly. It's worth it!
The death of a little girl really peaks Andrea's interest especially since the little girl keeps showing up in her house. Great story!
September 22, 2024
amazing read
Really. Great ghost story. Loved the character development. A little confusing and slow in spots but it keeps you guessing. Then when you think you know, BAM! You’re taking another course. Love the premise of the law, historical and paranormal all rolled into one. Loved the depth to all the characters alive and well not….
Really. Great ghost story. Loved the character development. A little confusing and slow in spots but it keeps you guessing. Then when you think you know, BAM! You’re taking another course. Love the premise of the law, historical and paranormal all rolled into one. Loved the depth to all the characters alive and well not….
September 16, 2025
The characters and story were overall pretty good. I think it was a mistake to use Taka going missing in the book description and he felt like more of a main character than Andrea. I did think the characters were interesting and enjoyed their complexities, though I think more background should have been given earlier.
April 5, 2020
Really enjoyed this book.
I really enjoyed this book. I love the relationship between the main character and her best friend. Love the incorporation of the spirits and their part throughout the book.
I really enjoyed this book. I love the relationship between the main character and her best friend. Love the incorporation of the spirits and their part throughout the book.
May 25, 2020
Good read
Took me at least twenty five percent of the book to get interested in it. But once I reached that, I could hardly put it down. Way to much background to get to the meat of the story.
Took me at least twenty five percent of the book to get interested in it. But once I reached that, I could hardly put it down. Way to much background to get to the meat of the story.
August 1, 2020
Great storyline
I gave this book a full five stars because it kept me interested all the way through it. The characters and their relationship with each other were well developed. I loved the supernatural element.
I gave this book a full five stars because it kept me interested all the way through it. The characters and their relationship with each other were well developed. I loved the supernatural element.
August 1, 2020
Loved this book
Recommend. Very entertaining and keeps you interested. Couldn't put it down. Can't wait to read another, fabulous characters. I have now found another author to follow.
Recommend. Very entertaining and keeps you interested. Couldn't put it down. Can't wait to read another, fabulous characters. I have now found another author to follow.
August 1, 2021
I enjoyed this book! Enough twists and turns to keep you interested but not too heavy. After I finished I immediately went to get Book 2 in the series titled Spirit, but sadly couldn’t find it. I’m hoping to see this series continue…..
November 1, 2021
Great read
I loved these characters. I would be delighted to call them "friends" and would be proud to do so. The storyline was intense and kept me focused. I'm looking forward to reading more in the next book.
I loved these characters. I would be delighted to call them "friends" and would be proud to do so. The storyline was intense and kept me focused. I'm looking forward to reading more in the next book.
April 9, 2022
A little confusing but eventful.
Felt like i couldn't keep a handle on all the characters. For an intro book i expected a little more background surrounding events and people. You need to be open minded to enjoy the romance of this story.
Felt like i couldn't keep a handle on all the characters. For an intro book i expected a little more background surrounding events and people. You need to be open minded to enjoy the romance of this story.
April 21, 2022
Loved It!
The characters are great, I loved the interplay between Andrea & Taka, the romantic tension. I loved BillieMae, the clues she was able to provide and then Oh My! another ghost gets involved. Can’t wait to read the next one.
The characters are great, I loved the interplay between Andrea & Taka, the romantic tension. I loved BillieMae, the clues she was able to provide and then Oh My! another ghost gets involved. Can’t wait to read the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews