What do you think?
Rate this book
OutFoxing the Paranormal #1
The Forgotten Dead
Parapsychologist Dr. Nigel Taylor doesn’t work with psychic mediums. Until, that is, a round of budget cuts threatens his job and an eccentric old woman offers him a great deal of grant money. The only catch: he must investigate a haunted house with a man she believes to have a true gift.
Oscar Fox, founder of the ghost-hunting team OutFoxing the Paranormal, has spent his life ignoring the same sort of hallucinations that sent his grandmother to an insane asylum. When he agrees to work with the prestigious—and sexy—Dr. Taylor, he knows he’ll have to keep his visions under wraps, so his team can get a desperately needed pay day.
Soon after Nigel, Oscar, and the OtP team arrive at the house, the questions begin to pile up. Why is there a blood stain in the upstairs hallway? What tragedy took place in the basement? And who is the spirit lurking in the closet of a child’s bedroom?
One thing is certain: if Oscar can’t accept the truth about his psychic abilities, and Nigel can’t face the demons of his past, they’ll join the forgotten souls of the house…forever.
Oscar Fox, founder of the ghost-hunting team OutFoxing the Paranormal, has spent his life ignoring the same sort of hallucinations that sent his grandmother to an insane asylum. When he agrees to work with the prestigious—and sexy—Dr. Taylor, he knows he’ll have to keep his visions under wraps, so his team can get a desperately needed pay day.
Soon after Nigel, Oscar, and the OtP team arrive at the house, the questions begin to pile up. Why is there a blood stain in the upstairs hallway? What tragedy took place in the basement? And who is the spirit lurking in the closet of a child’s bedroom?
One thing is certain: if Oscar can’t accept the truth about his psychic abilities, and Nigel can’t face the demons of his past, they’ll join the forgotten souls of the house…forever.
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2022
103 people are currently reading
1369 people want to read
About the author
Jordan L. Hawk
84 books2,646 followersJordan L. Hawk is a trans author from North Carolina. Childhood tales of mountain ghosts and mysterious creatures gave him a life-long love of things that go bump in the night. When he isn’t writing, he brews his own beer and tries to keep the cats from destroying the house. His best-selling Whyborne & Griffin series (beginning with Widdershins) can be found in print, ebook, and audiobook.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
Read
June 14, 2022A modern-set paranormal, heavier on the ghost story than the romance, and the ghost story is SODDING TERRIFYING. Jordan pulls out the stops here, I was getting antsy reading this outside in full sunlight. Really creepy in the John Connolly vein, where human evil and paranormal mingle to perfect(ly dreadful) effect.
The romance is very sweet and pretty much zero angst or conflict, with big football player/accountant/medium Oscar and paranormal researcher Nigel. Here to note that Nigel is a trans guy, Oscar's team include an enby and a queer woman, and there is no sort of coming out issues and no bigotry: everyone's just accepted as they are while they get on with the whole "fighting scary dead psychopath" thing. Which really should be the priority as a general rule. Great fun.
The romance is very sweet and pretty much zero angst or conflict, with big football player/accountant/medium Oscar and paranormal researcher Nigel. Here to note that Nigel is a trans guy, Oscar's team include an enby and a queer woman, and there is no sort of coming out issues and no bigotry: everyone's just accepted as they are while they get on with the whole "fighting scary dead psychopath" thing. Which really should be the priority as a general rule. Great fun.
February 14, 2025
Gruesome ghost tale or adorable love story? I'm bisexual, so why not both?
April 21, 2022
4.5 stars
It took me a few days to read this one even though it is only 178 pages long. Why? Welllll, I’m a wimp and there were parts that were a wee bit creepy as all get out so I had to put it down. I finally wrapped it up late last night and believe it or not, I loved it.
It looks like The Forgotten Dead is an introduction to the new OutFoxing the Paranormal series. We get to meet Oscar Fox and his crew when Parapsychologist, Dr. Nigel Taylor, asks them to investigate a haunted house. Of course, that’s when the creepiness starts right up and they are told exactly what happened all those years ago.
I really liked all the characters, the only niggle I had was the insta-attraction between Oscar and Nigel. Other than that, almost a 5 star read for me and I can’t wait until book 2, Rattling Bone, which doesn’t sound terrifying at all. I can't even imagine listening to the audiobook for this one 😨
It took me a few days to read this one even though it is only 178 pages long. Why? Welllll, I’m a wimp and there were parts that were a wee bit creepy as all get out so I had to put it down. I finally wrapped it up late last night and believe it or not, I loved it.
It looks like The Forgotten Dead is an introduction to the new OutFoxing the Paranormal series. We get to meet Oscar Fox and his crew when Parapsychologist, Dr. Nigel Taylor, asks them to investigate a haunted house. Of course, that’s when the creepiness starts right up and they are told exactly what happened all those years ago.
I really liked all the characters, the only niggle I had was the insta-attraction between Oscar and Nigel. Other than that, almost a 5 star read for me and I can’t wait until book 2, Rattling Bone, which doesn’t sound terrifying at all. I can't even imagine listening to the audiobook for this one 😨
April 19, 2022
The ghost part was good. Very creepy in places. The romance was insta-love/lust and I wasn’t buying it. I felt zero chemistry between them. This was an average read. Not sure if I’ll read the next one or not. 🤷♀️
April 16, 2022
CREEPY & SWEET!
One hell of a ghost story with a sweet little romance for fun! 3.5 Stars.
I wish this had been longer.
Here’s what you get:
Opposites attract
A football playing, ghost hunting accountant
A trans parapsychologist
A crew
A very haunted house
A guilty conscience
A buried past
A good time!
Triggers: creepy af ghosts, no sex.
One hell of a ghost story with a sweet little romance for fun! 3.5 Stars.
I wish this had been longer.
Here’s what you get:
Opposites attract
A football playing, ghost hunting accountant
A trans parapsychologist
A crew
A very haunted house
A guilty conscience
A buried past
A good time!
Triggers: creepy af ghosts, no sex.
May 13, 2022
It has a nice cover.
I really wanted to like this and kept hoping the characters would click for me, sadly they didn't. Left it some days before reviewing and my remaining impression of it is vague, nothing about it stands out.
Nigel was perhaps a poor choice as main narrator; he's distant and keeping secrets, Hawk has researched and given Nigel a clinical fact based view which emphasised the distancing rather than making me empathise. While the team accepted and immediately wanted to protect him, I kinda resented the secret keeping. Yet it's insta-lust/love Nigel's first impression of Oliver is 'I could climb him like a tree' ...not that he wants to necessarily, but that Oliver is tall so he could. A niggly thing but I reread that line thinking 'huh?' because it came from nowhere.
The initial stating of pronouns at the casual introduction felt odd to the situation, reading it it felt a point was being made.
The mystery aspect had some chills but wasn't really a suprise but I really needed some connection to the characters to make me care. I thought Nigel's old professor was the most sympathetic character, not the most likeable person perhaps, but justifed reactions.
I still don't understand why Oliver would choose to this line of work. He doesn't know he's a medium, fears it means he's crazy. So why visit haunted houses as a hobby? Self-preservation would shout avoid them!
The setting and ideas were here, but the characterisation let it down.
I really wanted to like this and kept hoping the characters would click for me, sadly they didn't. Left it some days before reviewing and my remaining impression of it is vague, nothing about it stands out.
Nigel was perhaps a poor choice as main narrator; he's distant and keeping secrets, Hawk has researched and given Nigel a clinical fact based view which emphasised the distancing rather than making me empathise. While the team accepted and immediately wanted to protect him, I kinda resented the secret keeping. Yet it's insta-lust/love Nigel's first impression of Oliver is 'I could climb him like a tree' ...not that he wants to necessarily, but that Oliver is tall so he could. A niggly thing but I reread that line thinking 'huh?' because it came from nowhere.
The initial stating of pronouns at the casual introduction felt odd to the situation, reading it it felt a point was being made.
The mystery aspect had some chills but wasn't really a suprise but I really needed some connection to the characters to make me care. I thought Nigel's old professor was the most sympathetic character, not the most likeable person perhaps, but justifed reactions.
I still don't understand why Oliver would choose to this line of work. He doesn't know he's a medium, fears it means he's crazy. So why visit haunted houses as a hobby? Self-preservation would shout avoid them!
The setting and ideas were here, but the characterisation let it down.
April 21, 2022
Yes, the insta-love relationship between Nigel and Oscar runs GUNS-BLAZING in this one; like claiming to be a boyfriend (before even going on ONE SINGLE DATE) and calling endearment in mere days... I should've been annoyed because that's usually one of my pet peeves in romance... Hey, at least they don't have sex yet *lol*
BUT, I admit that I sort of blocked that relationship plot from my brain and instead focusing on the paranormal aspect of this story. While it's not something new in terms of haunted house trope, but I always find it interesting to read. Yes, murderous ghosts, spirits trapped, a bunch of "ghost-buster" team trying to help the spirits... ALWAYS entertain me so much, even with repetitive formula used.
So I enjoy this book for THAT plot. My eyes also got teary during the final scene between Nigel and one of the ghosts.
I will look forward to the next book because I want to read more of this team's adventure with ghosts.
BUT, I admit that I sort of blocked that relationship plot from my brain and instead focusing on the paranormal aspect of this story. While it's not something new in terms of haunted house trope, but I always find it interesting to read. Yes, murderous ghosts, spirits trapped, a bunch of "ghost-buster" team trying to help the spirits... ALWAYS entertain me so much, even with repetitive formula used.
So I enjoy this book for THAT plot. My eyes also got teary during the final scene between Nigel and one of the ghosts.
I will look forward to the next book because I want to read more of this team's adventure with ghosts.
April 19, 2022
3.5
It's Jordan Hawk, so it is of course above average.
Still, the insta-attraction + insta-love between the two MCs are too... insta.
The ghosts were very believable, that is very creepy, even though the plot was quite predictable.
I appreciated the fact that one of the protagonists, Nigel, is a trans man and there is no big fuss about this.
I also liked the cover.
It's Jordan Hawk, so it is of course above average.
Still, the insta-attraction + insta-love between the two MCs are too... insta.
The ghosts were very believable, that is very creepy, even though the plot was quite predictable.
I appreciated the fact that one of the protagonists, Nigel, is a trans man and there is no big fuss about this.
I also liked the cover.
April 23, 2022
2.5 stars
I really wanted to like this. I’m a big horror fan and horror and M/M romance combined should have been a guaranteed winner.
But while I did like the horror aspect of it, I didn’t feel any connection to the characters. :(
I felt as if the characters didn’t have any depth. Not our two main characters, and not the side characters.
And not only that, but I even strongly disliked some of them. Like Nigel’s old professor. She was pretty nasty tbh. But her demeanor was supposed to prove that she cared. Not my kind of person...
Besides my issues with the characters, this also didn’t actually have much romance. I think there is a kiss somewhere, but that was it.
Overall I just didn’t feel it. :(
I really wanted to like this. I’m a big horror fan and horror and M/M romance combined should have been a guaranteed winner.
But while I did like the horror aspect of it, I didn’t feel any connection to the characters. :(
I felt as if the characters didn’t have any depth. Not our two main characters, and not the side characters.
And not only that, but I even strongly disliked some of them. Like Nigel’s old professor. She was pretty nasty tbh. But her demeanor was supposed to prove that she cared. Not my kind of person...
Besides my issues with the characters, this also didn’t actually have much romance. I think there is a kiss somewhere, but that was it.
Overall I just didn’t feel it. :(
August 16, 2022
An abandoned house with a nightmarish history. The ghost-hunting team, with the help of a parapsychologist, to study the spirits and get them to cross over. And a sweet romance on top of that (a haunted house is the perfect location for sparks to fly, don't you think?).
The Forgotten Dead is spooky paranormal goodness, with a great romance in between the sinister goings on. Love the rep here too!
Need the next book now!!
The Forgotten Dead is spooky paranormal goodness, with a great romance in between the sinister goings on. Love the rep here too!
Need the next book now!!
March 27, 2023
Pretty good! I knocked off a star because the romance was very insta-attraction/love and not particularly well-developed, but Hawk is such a good writer that he can get away with that kind of thing; the main ghost story was very good and very creepy!
July 7, 2025
4.5 stars: I absolutely loved this book. The writing was engaging and the story moved forward and a nice pace. I enjoyed the characters their dynamic. As a fan of ghost hunting videos, I found the whole atmosphere of the haunted house so creepy. It felt like I was with the OutFoxing the Paranormal crew.
I’ve never read Jordan L. Hawk before but have had his Whyborne & Griffin books on my radar for a long time. This gives me more incentive to pick them up. The writing was excellent. I’m going to be continuing with this series. Glad to see they’re available through Kobo+!
**contains trans and nonbinary characters
I’ve never read Jordan L. Hawk before but have had his Whyborne & Griffin books on my radar for a long time. This gives me more incentive to pick them up. The writing was excellent. I’m going to be continuing with this series. Glad to see they’re available through Kobo+!
**contains trans and nonbinary characters
January 27, 2023
Definitely a good start to a series. Romance? You have it. Horror? You have it! If you're in for a good, short read, definitely try this.
March 18, 2022
This was a fun read about a professor of parapsychology teaming up with a band of ghost-hunters to confront a haunted house with a traumatic connection to the professor’s own childhood. The ghost hunter side of the story was very well drawn, with compelling details about aspects like how to responsibly explore an abandoned house. The professor, Nigel, is very likeable and makes a plausible professor of parapsychology; I would’ve liked to see a little bit more of what that entails, though I thought the book still worked without it. (Hoping we get more of Daily Life of a Parapsychology Professor in the next book.) The lead of the ghost-hunting team, Oscar, is also very likeable, and I thought there was an interesting balance achieved in creating a character who is a natural medium, who was raised to reject what he saw and live in fear that he was going crazy, who nonetheless picks up a hobby exploring abandoned sites for potential hauntings. And then when Oscar is ready to start believing what he sees, I really loved the way that Hawk uses Oscar’s college football career as a skillset to draw on for mediumship. Unlikely transferable skills are just candy to me.
From a heat-level/intimacy perspective, this was downright chaste, in a way that I found consistent with the characters and story. This relationship starts on the footing of Nigel securing the professional services of Oscar’s team, and both characters are very aware of not wanting to violate professional boundaries. And then there’s a night when the whole team needs to stay at a motel, and I have to say, I sort of loved it that Hawk had the characters sharing a room that actually had two beds. Like, this would have been an easy moment to pull an “only one bed,” and maybe I’m overthinking this, but I just thought it ended up feeling like a cute nod to that trope without actually taking it that direction. So, there does end up being a very sweet relationship arc and with a little cuddling and kissing, but no outright steamy bits.
I enjoyed this very much. I'm already looking forward to the next book.
From a heat-level/intimacy perspective, this was downright chaste, in a way that I found consistent with the characters and story. This relationship starts on the footing of Nigel securing the professional services of Oscar’s team, and both characters are very aware of not wanting to violate professional boundaries. And then there’s a night when the whole team needs to stay at a motel, and I have to say, I sort of loved it that Hawk had the characters sharing a room that actually had two beds. Like, this would have been an easy moment to pull an “only one bed,” and maybe I’m overthinking this, but I just thought it ended up feeling like a cute nod to that trope without actually taking it that direction. So, there does end up being a very sweet relationship arc and with a little cuddling and kissing, but no outright steamy bits.
I enjoyed this very much. I'm already looking forward to the next book.
June 21, 2022
Been a few days since I finished this. Random thoughts: Average read. Heavy on the paranormal, light on the romance. The creepy parts were fun, but the romance was insta and pretty dull. Great rep, love the complete absence of homophobia. The pronoun dropping at the group’s initial meeting was weird and random. Doubt I will continue with the series.
May 16, 2022
I enjoyed this one a lot. I appreciated that this version of a paranormal world stuck very close to what today's world would be like with just the acceptance that ghosts are real. I liked that this was based on a scientific approach to try to prove their existence. Dr. Nigel Taylor is a determined professor of the paranormal. He has spent his life studying ghosts, but proving to scientific standards that they have a conscious after death is not an easy task.
Oscar Fox has spent his life trying to ignore the things he sees and hears, worried he's going crazy like his grandmother, convinced it's just all hallucinations. He hides his reactions even amongst the team he's put together to play weekend ghost hunters. I liked that their little group really did feel like any paranormal encounters show you would see.
The thriller/ghost aspects of this story were definitely spooky. The atmosphere was really well done. I felt for Nigel as he faced his past. It was a pretty traumatic one and going back into that house was always going to be difficult. Add in a pretty nasty spirit and things get hairy fast. This was eerie and spooky. I liked the group of ghost hunters. If there was one downside to this story it was that Nigel and Oscars relationship didn't seem as deep as it could be. It seemed to come out of nowhere and and not really develop in a way that felt natural, though I loved how accepting Oscar was of Nigel. There was no judgement at all. I hope over the next couple of books things will deepen and we'll see more development of their relationship along with more epic ghost hunting.
Oscar Fox has spent his life trying to ignore the things he sees and hears, worried he's going crazy like his grandmother, convinced it's just all hallucinations. He hides his reactions even amongst the team he's put together to play weekend ghost hunters. I liked that their little group really did feel like any paranormal encounters show you would see.
The thriller/ghost aspects of this story were definitely spooky. The atmosphere was really well done. I felt for Nigel as he faced his past. It was a pretty traumatic one and going back into that house was always going to be difficult. Add in a pretty nasty spirit and things get hairy fast. This was eerie and spooky. I liked the group of ghost hunters. If there was one downside to this story it was that Nigel and Oscars relationship didn't seem as deep as it could be. It seemed to come out of nowhere and and not really develop in a way that felt natural, though I loved how accepting Oscar was of Nigel. There was no judgement at all. I hope over the next couple of books things will deepen and we'll see more development of their relationship along with more epic ghost hunting.
February 10, 2025
Ghost stories, especially those about haunted houses are always a bit predictable because there aren't so many variations you can think of. So it's not so much what story you're telling but how you tell it; it's the atmosphere you create and the backstory you allow your characters. This is Jordan L. Hawk, so there's no need to worry about believable characters with fetching backgrounds and of course he also managed to balance the atmosphere and didn't went overboard. While he delivered the creepiness and the suspense in the right amount, he didn't forget to care about the romantic entanglement and to give the support characters their time to shine. Maybe I could have done with a bit more horror and slower attraction but overall it was one of the better haunted house romances.
July 19, 2022
YT Ghost hunting never looked so dangerous.
3.5 ⭐An enjoyable romp. I like the whole gang, Oscar, Tina, Chris, and Dr. Nigel Taylor.
When Dr. Taylor is given the chance to earn grant money to fund his research into ghost phenomena, he's willing to return to the scene of his best friend's death, despite the feelings of guilt he's carried since childhood. Meeting the team from OutFoxing the Paranormal, and especially Oscar Fox, is a bonus.
Though the attraction is a bit too fast between them, I think Nigel and Oscar make a sweet couple. I look forward to seeing them grow in their relationship.
The scenario of visiting an abandoned house, the mold, and even the slamming of doors in empty rooms is well done. I felt like I was watching an episode of 'Paranormal Quest' or 'Twin Paranormal' (actual shows on YouTube). Though the rest is fairly standard fare for haunted house stories, it's enough send a chill up your spine without overdoing it.
Overall, an entertaining read.
3.5 ⭐An enjoyable romp. I like the whole gang, Oscar, Tina, Chris, and Dr. Nigel Taylor.
When Dr. Taylor is given the chance to earn grant money to fund his research into ghost phenomena, he's willing to return to the scene of his best friend's death, despite the feelings of guilt he's carried since childhood. Meeting the team from OutFoxing the Paranormal, and especially Oscar Fox, is a bonus.
Though the attraction is a bit too fast between them, I think Nigel and Oscar make a sweet couple. I look forward to seeing them grow in their relationship.
The scenario of visiting an abandoned house, the mold, and even the slamming of doors in empty rooms is well done. I felt like I was watching an episode of 'Paranormal Quest' or 'Twin Paranormal' (actual shows on YouTube). Though the rest is fairly standard fare for haunted house stories, it's enough send a chill up your spine without overdoing it.
Overall, an entertaining read.
April 24, 2022
This is one of those rare romances where I actually enjoyed the plot far more than the romance itself. That very well could be because of my unashamed love for ghost hunting shows (okay fine, I'm a Ghost Adventures fangirl). The idea of parapsychology research continuing to the present day and having legitimate university departments is very cool. It makes the premise and supernatural events that much easier to be drawn into.
And then... the romance. I can't stand insta-love. All the two main characters can think about when they meet is how cute the other one is. And I don't understand how two grown adults can possibly blush so frequently with such little cause. Instant attraction I get, but these two are thinking about the long term after only knowing each other for like a day. Personally, if someone I had met literally two days ago started calling me 'babe,' I'd throw up.
And then... the romance. I can't stand insta-love. All the two main characters can think about when they meet is how cute the other one is. And I don't understand how two grown adults can possibly blush so frequently with such little cause. Instant attraction I get, but these two are thinking about the long term after only knowing each other for like a day. Personally, if someone I had met literally two days ago started calling me 'babe,' I'd throw up.
January 17, 2024
4.5 stars
There’s quite a range of characters. I love that there’s both a transgender (main!) character and someone who uses they/them pronouns. It’s great that in the initial email, one of the characters listed his pronouns by his name and the return email did too. It was also great that not only does no one have a problem with this but when the trans character mentions he was trans, the cis main character doesn’t act surprised. He doesn’t bat an eye. The trans character also has no problem going topless with his top surgery scars showing. The author is trans but that doesn’t mean he is a good enough writer to pull this all off but he is a fantastic writer and he did.
I don’t like that the only main female character is the least likable and more prone to freaking out. All the ghosts are male, too, with the two females having passed on. But both the professor and the one that hired them are female so that’s good. It’s great that there’s a senior character too. But nothing indicates that any of them are not white. I don’t like when authors mention the race of someone if they’re not white but don’t if they are. But there are non-race-centric ways to give at least the impression of another culture.
I love that taking testosterone is mentioned and that another of the characters takes meds with no explanation.
Overall this is a good read with lots of excitement and action. I wish the main characters had been more injured in the end but I’m always kind of a sadist for my protagonists to be maimed so the love interests freak out and show how much they care.
There’s quite a range of characters. I love that there’s both a transgender (main!) character and someone who uses they/them pronouns. It’s great that in the initial email, one of the characters listed his pronouns by his name and the return email did too. It was also great that not only does no one have a problem with this but when the trans character mentions he was trans, the cis main character doesn’t act surprised. He doesn’t bat an eye. The trans character also has no problem going topless with his top surgery scars showing. The author is trans but that doesn’t mean he is a good enough writer to pull this all off but he is a fantastic writer and he did.
I don’t like that the only main female character is the least likable and more prone to freaking out. All the ghosts are male, too, with the two females having passed on. But both the professor and the one that hired them are female so that’s good. It’s great that there’s a senior character too. But nothing indicates that any of them are not white. I don’t like when authors mention the race of someone if they’re not white but don’t if they are. But there are non-race-centric ways to give at least the impression of another culture.
I love that taking testosterone is mentioned and that another of the characters takes meds with no explanation.
Overall this is a good read with lots of excitement and action. I wish the main characters had been more injured in the end but I’m always kind of a sadist for my protagonists to be maimed so the love interests freak out and show how much they care.
March 11, 2022
The start of a new series, and an excellent beginning. Dr Taylor, a parapsychology academic at Duke University, is worried that his job may be cut due to budget cuts and a lack of proven evidence from his research. A former benefactor offers him funding to investigate a haunted house, working with a team of ghost hunting film makers, who are also rather short of funds. But Dr Taylor has personal knowledge of the house in question, and an involvement with the events that took place there. The ghost hunters' leader also has reservations, as he is hiding an ability he has been brought up to fear. But money, and job security, both talk, and they team up to investigate and record all that they find, using the latest equipment. When they reach the house, its atmosphere, appearance, and the presence of furniture and possessions abandoned as if in haste, trigger anxiety, bad memories and guilt. What will they find there? What will happen over the next three days?
July 23, 2022
Wonderful start to a new series.
May 3, 2022
Unlikeable characters, boring pronoun prattle.
April 15, 2022
Reviewed for Rainbow Gold Reviews. A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
I am a huge fan of Jordan L Hawk, so it is no surprise that I jumped at the chance to read this new series by the author. Every series by this author is different and usually offer characters of the paranormal variety. Though OutFoxing the Paranormal is not connected to any other series, it slightly reminds me of the Spirits series because of its combination of science and ghosts.
Nigel is a transman who works for the Institute of Parapsychology at Duke university. When Nigel was young, his best friend’s family was murdered across the street from where he lived. There was, and still is, a lot of survivors guilt, and I think it’s why he goes into parapsychology, survival research, specifically. Nigel is a likable character but his personality seems a little washed out. Maybe because of his past, or because his job is hanging on a thread.
Enter a wealthy benefactor who wants to give Nigel grant money if he works alongside a group of ghost hunters who have an online show. Oscar Fox and his friends/crew could really use the money that this benefactor offers, also. All they and Nigel have to do is investigate the house that has stood empty since Nigel’s friend, the friend’s family, and the murderer died there.
Oscar is an ex-college football player, and an accountant who ghost hunts on the side. His grandma was put away for hearing “voices,” so he largely ignores the weird feelings and voices he sometimes hears while ghost hunting, fearing that he might be crazy. I really like Oscar and even though he gets mad when he finds out the real story of the house Nigel had him explore, he does get over it without too much drama.
Oscar’s crew is a small but diverse group, and I love the representation in this story. The ghost scenes are probably not too scary for most people, but since I’m sort of a wuss when it comes to horror-ish books and movies, they did give me a chill or two. It was an enjoyable book, though not particularly long. There also isn’t a lot of intimacy on page. I could have used just a little bit more connection between Oscar and Nigel, but I think that will grow with further books in the series, and I look forward to reading them.
9/10 Pots of Gold (90% Recommended) – Compares to 4.5/5 Stars
I am a huge fan of Jordan L Hawk, so it is no surprise that I jumped at the chance to read this new series by the author. Every series by this author is different and usually offer characters of the paranormal variety. Though OutFoxing the Paranormal is not connected to any other series, it slightly reminds me of the Spirits series because of its combination of science and ghosts.
Nigel is a transman who works for the Institute of Parapsychology at Duke university. When Nigel was young, his best friend’s family was murdered across the street from where he lived. There was, and still is, a lot of survivors guilt, and I think it’s why he goes into parapsychology, survival research, specifically. Nigel is a likable character but his personality seems a little washed out. Maybe because of his past, or because his job is hanging on a thread.
Enter a wealthy benefactor who wants to give Nigel grant money if he works alongside a group of ghost hunters who have an online show. Oscar Fox and his friends/crew could really use the money that this benefactor offers, also. All they and Nigel have to do is investigate the house that has stood empty since Nigel’s friend, the friend’s family, and the murderer died there.
Oscar is an ex-college football player, and an accountant who ghost hunts on the side. His grandma was put away for hearing “voices,” so he largely ignores the weird feelings and voices he sometimes hears while ghost hunting, fearing that he might be crazy. I really like Oscar and even though he gets mad when he finds out the real story of the house Nigel had him explore, he does get over it without too much drama.
Oscar’s crew is a small but diverse group, and I love the representation in this story. The ghost scenes are probably not too scary for most people, but since I’m sort of a wuss when it comes to horror-ish books and movies, they did give me a chill or two. It was an enjoyable book, though not particularly long. There also isn’t a lot of intimacy on page. I could have used just a little bit more connection between Oscar and Nigel, but I think that will grow with further books in the series, and I look forward to reading them.
9/10 Pots of Gold (90% Recommended) – Compares to 4.5/5 Stars
September 21, 2025
“He was cute, if you were into intense, slightly scruffy academics. Which, judging by his immediate reaction to the picture, Oscar apparently was.”
3.5⭐️
I wanted to give this more than 3.5⭐️, but after thinking back on it, I couldn’t really push it up to 4. I liked this a lot, don’t get me wrong. I enjoyed our main characters, Nigel and Oscar, and Oscar’s OTP team. The premise itself is really interesting too. This is my second Jordan L. Hawk book, and it had a very different plot than Blind Tiger.
For what the book offered in its light 178 pages, it was worthwhile reading. I enjoyed the atmosphere and the background we got on not just the haunting, but also the scientific study of ghosts. What didn’t work for me was, honestly, the lack of pages. 178 just didn’t feel like enough for what this book was trying to offer in terms of storyline. If it had been longer, with more time to breathe in the atmosphere they were building, it could have been extremely spooky and emotional.
I shed a single tear, but the premise of Nigel and the haunting had so much depth that could have been explored. Toward the end, though, everything felt a little rushed. The romance also suffered from this — it felt rushed because of the page count. If the plot had been simpler, with fewer emotional ties that demanded a meaningful ending, it may have worked better. But making Nigel such an important part of the haunting meant the rushed wrap-up just felt underwhelming, which is why I couldn’t rate it higher.
By the end, I just felt let down, which really upset me because the setup was so strong. I may or may not continue the series — I’ll have to figure out if I’m willing to pay more money just to risk being let down again. That said, I do believe this author is popular, and I liked the other book I read by them, so maybe it’s just this series that isn’t working for me.
3.5⭐️
I wanted to give this more than 3.5⭐️, but after thinking back on it, I couldn’t really push it up to 4. I liked this a lot, don’t get me wrong. I enjoyed our main characters, Nigel and Oscar, and Oscar’s OTP team. The premise itself is really interesting too. This is my second Jordan L. Hawk book, and it had a very different plot than Blind Tiger.
For what the book offered in its light 178 pages, it was worthwhile reading. I enjoyed the atmosphere and the background we got on not just the haunting, but also the scientific study of ghosts. What didn’t work for me was, honestly, the lack of pages. 178 just didn’t feel like enough for what this book was trying to offer in terms of storyline. If it had been longer, with more time to breathe in the atmosphere they were building, it could have been extremely spooky and emotional.
I shed a single tear, but the premise of Nigel and the haunting had so much depth that could have been explored. Toward the end, though, everything felt a little rushed. The romance also suffered from this — it felt rushed because of the page count. If the plot had been simpler, with fewer emotional ties that demanded a meaningful ending, it may have worked better. But making Nigel such an important part of the haunting meant the rushed wrap-up just felt underwhelming, which is why I couldn’t rate it higher.
By the end, I just felt let down, which really upset me because the setup was so strong. I may or may not continue the series — I’ll have to figure out if I’m willing to pay more money just to risk being let down again. That said, I do believe this author is popular, and I liked the other book I read by them, so maybe it’s just this series that isn’t working for me.
February 27, 2023
Overall book rating: 3.5
Audio book: N/A
Book cover: 4 Stars>
I enjoyed it. The spooky part was SPOOKY
The romance, neh.. I didn't really feel it.
I liked the characters. Just thought maybe
the relationship part needed a little
more focus of it's own, maybe AFTER
the spooky stuff. It made it feel a little
unrealistic to me. The relationship part.
Also made me feel as if I can't really
get a feel for the characters. I would
have liked more time with their
development.
It could be my mood.
Enjoyed it very much though.
The ghost thing was entertaining and
I was a little rattled at times. LOL
Audio book: N/A
Book cover: 4 Stars>
I enjoyed it. The spooky part was SPOOKY
The romance, neh.. I didn't really feel it.
I liked the characters. Just thought maybe
the relationship part needed a little
more focus of it's own, maybe AFTER
the spooky stuff. It made it feel a little
unrealistic to me. The relationship part.
Also made me feel as if I can't really
get a feel for the characters. I would
have liked more time with their
development.
It could be my mood.
Enjoyed it very much though.
The ghost thing was entertaining and
I was a little rattled at times. LOL
April 2, 2022
This is sooooo exciting !!! Jordan Hawk of Widdershins, SPECTR, and Hexworld Series fame, has begun a new series!!! Out Foxing The Paranormal Book #1 releases today April 15th…. And I am soooo excited !!!
This newest was masterfully written as we can expect from Jordan, and their masterful scenes had me going thru the entire book!
Dr, Nigel Taylor finds himself in a predicament. Working as a Parapsychologist, his funding is running dry. He is coerced by a very rich elderly woman to who says she will fund him a large stipend of grant money if he will work with a young man who she feels has a ‘gift’.
Oscar Fox is the person she thinks is gifted. He has founded a group of ghost hunters and they are called Outfoxing The Paranormal. Oscar has been haunted since he was a child…His grandmother dying in an insane asylum. So when he was a child mentioning any oddity to his father, brought such anger out scaring Oscar that he was going to die like his grandmother and to stifle these feelings.
The two men met and Oscar was wary, but he agreed and brought his team to the house they were to investigate. I will not give anything away, you will have to jump and have chills and nightmares like I did….Its a Ghost Hunter on steroids story, just as you would expect from this author!
Jordan this is an excellent start…..I loved that Oscar and Nigel were so sweet together….Looking forward to book #2….Nicely Done!!!!
This newest was masterfully written as we can expect from Jordan, and their masterful scenes had me going thru the entire book!
Dr, Nigel Taylor finds himself in a predicament. Working as a Parapsychologist, his funding is running dry. He is coerced by a very rich elderly woman to who says she will fund him a large stipend of grant money if he will work with a young man who she feels has a ‘gift’.
Oscar Fox is the person she thinks is gifted. He has founded a group of ghost hunters and they are called Outfoxing The Paranormal. Oscar has been haunted since he was a child…His grandmother dying in an insane asylum. So when he was a child mentioning any oddity to his father, brought such anger out scaring Oscar that he was going to die like his grandmother and to stifle these feelings.
The two men met and Oscar was wary, but he agreed and brought his team to the house they were to investigate. I will not give anything away, you will have to jump and have chills and nightmares like I did….Its a Ghost Hunter on steroids story, just as you would expect from this author!
Jordan this is an excellent start…..I loved that Oscar and Nigel were so sweet together….Looking forward to book #2….Nicely Done!!!!
May 3, 2025
A very good read. I was very interested in the story. Wanted a little more character development but still a great story. Looking forward to the next in the series.
May 7, 2022
Ghosts!
This is a really good start to a new series! Very slow burn with a trans MC and an accountant/ghost hunter/medium. Both characters were likeable, the ghosts creepy. I cried bittersweet tears at one particularly moving scene. I will definitely continue the series!
This is a really good start to a new series! Very slow burn with a trans MC and an accountant/ghost hunter/medium. Both characters were likeable, the ghosts creepy. I cried bittersweet tears at one particularly moving scene. I will definitely continue the series!
September 29, 2023
Really enjoyed this. And, ironically, it had some "spookier" moments than some of the recent horror I've read. But believe me, it really wasn't much. Mostly, this is all different sorts of incredibly sad. Not only for the Matthews family, but Oscar and Nigel...
I really liked the horror/mystery aspect here, and definitely understood why Nigel held things back, especially in the beginning so the others could see the place first. And damn, talk about being throw into the deep end. They'd had some minor experiences before, but this held nothing back.
The characters were great as was the whole background set up for the paranormal studies and whatnot. Even the ones that just pop up at the beginning and then at the end. Dr. Lawson was a good addition as well. At first, I was concerned that it was going to get too technical or that she was going to take over the show (so to speak), but I think she was critical to Oscar's role later on. I was going to be very frustrated later when things picked up by the ghosts and I thought that .
There was so much understanding throughout. And I loved that. It's through all their voices, even though Nigel and Oscar's POV are the only we get (and thank you so much for that!). It's still conveyed through the other characters' behavior and voice.
Oscar worried he wasn't eating enough...but he probably shouldn't say anything, since he didn't know for sure what Nigel's relationship with food might be.
This bit was more than appreciated, especially since they've barely known each other!
Speaking of barely knowing each other... Thedreaded dropped "babe" already. Ugh. At least it's acknowledged. I guess? So annoying. But definitely a huge pet peeve of mine so... Yep. Luckily, it is closer towards the end and only used a few times. Phew.
This also has some funny moments which I truly appreciated.
"It's professional," Nigel said. "I mean, we're professionals. Keeping things professional."
Tina snickered as she dropped into the seat beside Oscar. "Well that was certainly some professional handholding."
Overall, very much enjoyed and will definitely be picking up the next in this series.
Although I thought it fitting at first how OutFoxing the Paranormal's short was OtP. It should be OFtP since the F is capitalized in the beginning but... Minor pick and I get it. It does make more sense in the OtP regard. ;p Shh.
I really liked the horror/mystery aspect here, and definitely understood why Nigel held things back, especially in the beginning so the others could see the place first. And damn, talk about being throw into the deep end. They'd had some minor experiences before, but this held nothing back.
The characters were great as was the whole background set up for the paranormal studies and whatnot. Even the ones that just pop up at the beginning and then at the end. Dr. Lawson was a good addition as well. At first, I was concerned that it was going to get too technical or that she was going to take over the show (so to speak), but I think she was critical to Oscar's role later on. I was going to be very frustrated later when things picked up by the ghosts and I thought that .
There was so much understanding throughout. And I loved that. It's through all their voices, even though Nigel and Oscar's POV are the only we get (and thank you so much for that!). It's still conveyed through the other characters' behavior and voice.
Oscar worried he wasn't eating enough...but he probably shouldn't say anything, since he didn't know for sure what Nigel's relationship with food might be.
This bit was more than appreciated, especially since they've barely known each other!
Speaking of barely knowing each other... The
This also has some funny moments which I truly appreciated.
"It's professional," Nigel said. "I mean, we're professionals. Keeping things professional."
Tina snickered as she dropped into the seat beside Oscar. "Well that was certainly some professional handholding."
Overall, very much enjoyed and will definitely be picking up the next in this series.
"You saved my life," he mumbled against Oscar's lips. "You're my hero."
Oscar laughed breathlessly. "I'd rather be your boyfriend."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews