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The Secrets of Selkie Moon #0.1
Laying Ghosts
A strange message, a deserted beach house, a shocking incident from the past …
Selkie Moon’s life will change forever.
When a text message from a long lost friend lures Selkie Moon to Crystal Cottage, the chilling events from a house-party four years earlier wrap her in ghostly fingers and turn her life upside-down.
A prequel to the Selkie Moon Series plus your bonus first chapter of The First Lie.
Read Laying Ghosts for a standalone 60-minute adrenaline rush or as a taste of the Secrets of Selkie Moon Series: The First Lie, The Second Path, The Third Note and The Fourth Door.
Selkie Moon’s life will change forever.
When a text message from a long lost friend lures Selkie Moon to Crystal Cottage, the chilling events from a house-party four years earlier wrap her in ghostly fingers and turn her life upside-down.
A prequel to the Selkie Moon Series plus your bonus first chapter of The First Lie.
Read Laying Ghosts for a standalone 60-minute adrenaline rush or as a taste of the Secrets of Selkie Moon Series: The First Lie, The Second Path, The Third Note and The Fourth Door.
Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2022
About the author
Virginia King
15 books83 followersVIRGINIA KING has lived most of her life in Sydney, but has travelled to many places. Her books blend her love of mystery, travel, psychology and folklore in a fast-paced style.
In the past, Virginia has been a teacher, an unemployed ex-teacher, an audio-book producer, the author of over 50 childrenʼs books, a workshop presenter and an award-winning publisher. These days she’s a full-time writer who paints a bit, living in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney with her husband, three pet alpacas and four chickens.
In the past, Virginia has been a teacher, an unemployed ex-teacher, an audio-book producer, the author of over 50 childrenʼs books, a workshop presenter and an award-winning publisher. These days she’s a full-time writer who paints a bit, living in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney with her husband, three pet alpacas and four chickens.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
November 29, 2016
On her own for the weekend, Selkie Moon was relaxing with a bottle of wine and some nibblies when she received a text. It shot Selkie straight back to a nightmare from four years prior – she hadn’t seen her best friend in that four years so she was excited to hear she was back in town. But Selkie was also puzzled as to why Rina wanted to meet her at Crystal Cottage, the place where the nightmarish events had unfolded…
I loved catching up with Selkie Moon again – the prequel to The First Lie is excellent; short but definitely sweet – gripping with a fast pace, and though a quick read, thoroughly enjoyable. Laying Ghosts by Aussie author Virginia King has just whetted my appetite for the third in the Selkie Moon series – I hope it’s not too long to wait! Recommended.
I loved catching up with Selkie Moon again – the prequel to The First Lie is excellent; short but definitely sweet – gripping with a fast pace, and though a quick read, thoroughly enjoyable. Laying Ghosts by Aussie author Virginia King has just whetted my appetite for the third in the Selkie Moon series – I hope it’s not too long to wait! Recommended.
July 2, 2020
Such a great cover and tagline for Laying Ghosts, The Secrets of Selkie Moon #0.5 by Virginia King, I couldn’t resist grabbing it. It’s a quick read at 48 ebook pages.
Selkie’s home along, after declining an invite to spend time at a beachside resort with her honey, Andrew, who has to attend a conference. She has no use for beaches, other than to fear them and stay as far away from them as she can BUT…
She ends up at the beach anyway, when she receives a text:
Help me at Crystal Cottage. Rina.
She had lost touch with Marina, when she left with Frank and his band to go to London. Something doesn’t feel right and she has very bad memories of Crystal Cottage, but that won’t stop her.
Most of the characters leave a lot to be desired, even the possessive Andrew, who monitors her every move.
Wow, that was every which way of weird and surprising. I was tossed here and there, never knowing where I was going until I got there. I want more of Selkie…a lot more.
Love it!
See more at fun
Selkie’s home along, after declining an invite to spend time at a beachside resort with her honey, Andrew, who has to attend a conference. She has no use for beaches, other than to fear them and stay as far away from them as she can BUT…
She ends up at the beach anyway, when she receives a text:
Help me at Crystal Cottage. Rina.
She had lost touch with Marina, when she left with Frank and his band to go to London. Something doesn’t feel right and she has very bad memories of Crystal Cottage, but that won’t stop her.
Most of the characters leave a lot to be desired, even the possessive Andrew, who monitors her every move.
Wow, that was every which way of weird and surprising. I was tossed here and there, never knowing where I was going until I got there. I want more of Selkie…a lot more.
Love it!
See more at fun
June 15, 2021
I would've loved this as a standalone, more fleshed out, rather than a prequel for the Selkie Moon series. It felt quite random and too short, I needed to know more to feel satisfied.
All in all I felt quite meh about it and I'm not sure if I want to dip my toes in the actual series.
All in all I felt quite meh about it and I'm not sure if I want to dip my toes in the actual series.
March 18, 2017
This work is a prequel to the Selkie Moon series.
An exceptionally quick read, being more a short story rather than a novella, it kept you entranced with a gripping plot subtly woven with a sense of eerie tension. The flashback scenes are well written with an effortless transition between present and past, which I think are hard to write successfully. The inclusion of the first chapter of what is the first book in the series leaves you wanting more ..... and I have already downloaded it!
An exceptionally quick read, being more a short story rather than a novella, it kept you entranced with a gripping plot subtly woven with a sense of eerie tension. The flashback scenes are well written with an effortless transition between present and past, which I think are hard to write successfully. The inclusion of the first chapter of what is the first book in the series leaves you wanting more ..... and I have already downloaded it!
March 4, 2017
This is a prequel to the Selkie Moon mystery series. It is a new to me author and is also a short story that ended all to soon. It is even worth it to read the Author's notes. Interesting info on the song in the story.
Wow great story. Grabs you from the beginning with an eerie text Help me at Crystal Cottage Rina. This story takes you back to a night 4 yrs. ago at Crystal Cottage. Eerie and sad. Virginia King is now added to my favorite list of authors.
Wow great story. Grabs you from the beginning with an eerie text Help me at Crystal Cottage Rina. This story takes you back to a night 4 yrs. ago at Crystal Cottage. Eerie and sad. Virginia King is now added to my favorite list of authors.
December 1, 2018
In King's series, we first meet Selkie Moon after she's left her old life. This story shows us that old life and why she decided to leave it. Strong writing. Fast paced. Surprise at the end.
July 8, 2017
Spooky and tightly-crafted intro to a great series.
March 12, 2017
I was enticed to read this short for three reasons.
The first was an email from the author explaining the origin of the name, Selkie. It was original and a new topic for me. I had never heard of Selkies!
The second was she was running a contest if you read the book then did something. Like email a link to her or answer questions. Idk. I wasn't gonna be able to meet her deadline. I had other commitments.
The third was I love horror stories based -even loosely or retellings - on urban legends, fairy tales, or songs.
Needless to say, I was hyped to read this.
It was ... good? Meh. It was okay.
The thing about it, she couldn't figure out the relationship between Selkie and her husband.
First, we learn:
“We met at university when we were thrown together on a project: ‘Feminism in the 1970s’. Over bottles of cheap wine we created a post-modern play, laughing and crying at our clever monologues that contrasted the reasons for the choices women make. Ironic that we both flipped from feminism to living under the close control of our men.”
(The initial 'we' being Selkie and Rina.)
Then we learn:
“An orgy.
It made me want to run. Being paired with Andrew since my teens meant I’d led a sheltered life. No lovers. No experimenting with substances. No orgies.”
Finally, we are told:
“I’ve been telling myself it’s what happens when you marry someone older – they get over-protective. Now I see it for what it is: control.”
So Selkie was paired with Andrew, an older man, while they were in their teens, but she was a feminist in college before they got married?
*eye roll*
Yeah. This was really well thought out.
And yeah, she breaks into a house and watches tv there ... okay ... Aussie law must be lenient they didn't charge her with any breaking and entering *coughs* and rent for staying the night! :D
It's corny and stupid. And a nearly wasted hour. I do want to look up the history or folklore now.
One star. Would not recommend. Would not follow the author nor the series.
The first was an email from the author explaining the origin of the name, Selkie. It was original and a new topic for me. I had never heard of Selkies!
The second was she was running a contest if you read the book then did something. Like email a link to her or answer questions. Idk. I wasn't gonna be able to meet her deadline. I had other commitments.
The third was I love horror stories based -even loosely or retellings - on urban legends, fairy tales, or songs.
Needless to say, I was hyped to read this.
It was ... good? Meh. It was okay.
The thing about it, she couldn't figure out the relationship between Selkie and her husband.
First, we learn:
“We met at university when we were thrown together on a project: ‘Feminism in the 1970s’. Over bottles of cheap wine we created a post-modern play, laughing and crying at our clever monologues that contrasted the reasons for the choices women make. Ironic that we both flipped from feminism to living under the close control of our men.”
(The initial 'we' being Selkie and Rina.)
Then we learn:
“An orgy.
It made me want to run. Being paired with Andrew since my teens meant I’d led a sheltered life. No lovers. No experimenting with substances. No orgies.”
Finally, we are told:
“I’ve been telling myself it’s what happens when you marry someone older – they get over-protective. Now I see it for what it is: control.”
So Selkie was paired with Andrew, an older man, while they were in their teens, but she was a feminist in college before they got married?
*eye roll*
Yeah. This was really well thought out.
And yeah, she breaks into a house and watches tv there ... okay ... Aussie law must be lenient they didn't charge her with any breaking and entering *coughs* and rent for staying the night! :D
It's corny and stupid. And a nearly wasted hour. I do want to look up the history or folklore now.
One star. Would not recommend. Would not follow the author nor the series.
May 8, 2019
I love ghost stories. I find them enticing. This one's summary, book cover and book title all had me thinking am in for something worth reading. The story is OK but it is filled with loopholes. I can't even begin explaining it. Too many things going on. Extremely boring. The concept is actually interesting, I get it. But the way it's presented, it's really sloppy. I couldn't relate to any of the characters. Won't recommend it at all.
May 23, 2018
Leaving Birds – A companion to Laying Ghosts consisting of four different stories, of which one is a true event. An interesting note is how these four items were the sparks of a fire known as Laying Ghosts. These were well written, intriguing stories; all different. The author did a wonderful job with Peig’s Place. I would recommend reading this after reading Laying Ghosts, The First Lie, The Second Path and The Third Note. I received this after reading the above listed books. 4*
Laying Ghosts – The beginning of the story repulsed me, but I hung in there and ending up liking the short story. The text gave me a heads up and I figured out the ending. Well-written, repulsive and good characters, good ending to the story for a worthy character. 4*
The First Lie – A well written, intriguing, paranormal suspense with believable and quirky characters and a rich plot that draw you in and you can't put the book down. This book picks up where Laying Ghosts ended; the main character starting her new life in a new country. There's a prologue, which I appreciate and a glossary of Hawaiian words. Laying Ghosts is a must read before First Lie; a good foundation short story. 5*
The Second Path – This is a wonderfully intriguing, suspense filled sequel to The First Lie and Laying Ghosts. It was hard to put the book down, so when real life called I couldn't wait to start reading again. I savored the complex story, taking longer to read it then I usually do with good books. The reader is mesmerized by the flowing, surprised filled plot. The original characters keep growing in their development as the pages flow past. There are some wonderful new characters that make the story more magical and their friendship and guidance help Selkie discover the meaning of her quest.
Included after TSP is a glossary of Hawaiian terms and the short story Laying Ghosts. This short should be read before TSP and The First Lie, it lays a foundation that the other stories build upon. 5*
The Third Note – Another well written, complex novel that’s full of intrigue and suspense. Selkie continues to grow and develop her talents, with the help of her great-grandmother. The complex plot keeps the reader on edge and the components make a well blended mix to keep the reader mesmerized. The characters are realistic and don’t follow the usual stupid formula, and Ms. King’s descriptions paint vivid pictures as the scenes unfold.
For some reason, the Epilogue is separate from TTN, but has a link at the end of the story to obtain it from Bookfunnel. There’s a glossary of various terms. I look forward to reading more of Ms. King’s books; she’s doesn’t disappoint the reader. The Epilogue to The Third Note is very short, but entertaining and clears the air between some of the people who threatened Selkie throughout the story. 5*
On The Spooky Trail: Travels in Supernatural Wales – A very short read containing a few snippets of places of the supernatural stories of Wales. The reader will probably be disappointed in this brief, simplistic read after reading her other books. The snippets aren’t complex, just informative – like a casual conversation. There are three photographs that along with the snips fill 61 percent of this book; the rest is peeks into her other books and a free offering of Laying Ghosts. It’s entertaining enough for a coffee break. 3*
Laying Ghosts – The beginning of the story repulsed me, but I hung in there and ending up liking the short story. The text gave me a heads up and I figured out the ending. Well-written, repulsive and good characters, good ending to the story for a worthy character. 4*
The First Lie – A well written, intriguing, paranormal suspense with believable and quirky characters and a rich plot that draw you in and you can't put the book down. This book picks up where Laying Ghosts ended; the main character starting her new life in a new country. There's a prologue, which I appreciate and a glossary of Hawaiian words. Laying Ghosts is a must read before First Lie; a good foundation short story. 5*
The Second Path – This is a wonderfully intriguing, suspense filled sequel to The First Lie and Laying Ghosts. It was hard to put the book down, so when real life called I couldn't wait to start reading again. I savored the complex story, taking longer to read it then I usually do with good books. The reader is mesmerized by the flowing, surprised filled plot. The original characters keep growing in their development as the pages flow past. There are some wonderful new characters that make the story more magical and their friendship and guidance help Selkie discover the meaning of her quest.
Included after TSP is a glossary of Hawaiian terms and the short story Laying Ghosts. This short should be read before TSP and The First Lie, it lays a foundation that the other stories build upon. 5*
The Third Note – Another well written, complex novel that’s full of intrigue and suspense. Selkie continues to grow and develop her talents, with the help of her great-grandmother. The complex plot keeps the reader on edge and the components make a well blended mix to keep the reader mesmerized. The characters are realistic and don’t follow the usual stupid formula, and Ms. King’s descriptions paint vivid pictures as the scenes unfold.
For some reason, the Epilogue is separate from TTN, but has a link at the end of the story to obtain it from Bookfunnel. There’s a glossary of various terms. I look forward to reading more of Ms. King’s books; she’s doesn’t disappoint the reader. The Epilogue to The Third Note is very short, but entertaining and clears the air between some of the people who threatened Selkie throughout the story. 5*
On The Spooky Trail: Travels in Supernatural Wales – A very short read containing a few snippets of places of the supernatural stories of Wales. The reader will probably be disappointed in this brief, simplistic read after reading her other books. The snippets aren’t complex, just informative – like a casual conversation. There are three photographs that along with the snips fill 61 percent of this book; the rest is peeks into her other books and a free offering of Laying Ghosts. It’s entertaining enough for a coffee break. 3*
June 24, 2017
I had this gifted to me after reading the first novel in the Selkie Moon series. It didn't disappoint.
Because I had already read The First Lie, I knew to expect a suspenseful read. It's convincing, with a truthful feel to it (despite the supernatural tilt) and bodes well for the rest of the series, which I've started buying. Almost can't wait til when I've finished my current box set :-)
A well paced and well written fast read that I really enjoyed.
PS. I have a suggestion for the collective noun query - a smarm of creeps. Enjoy.
In case you are interested -
I give 5 stars to books I want to reread and often buy as gifts after reading AND want to buy the whole of the author's back catalogue, 4 to ones I immediately want to buy the entire back history and 3 to books I enjoy but don't quite meet those criteria. If something doesn't at least meet a 3 star, then I won't review it - I don't have the skill or the talent to write so who am I to criticise someone who does.
Because I had already read The First Lie, I knew to expect a suspenseful read. It's convincing, with a truthful feel to it (despite the supernatural tilt) and bodes well for the rest of the series, which I've started buying. Almost can't wait til when I've finished my current box set :-)
A well paced and well written fast read that I really enjoyed.
PS. I have a suggestion for the collective noun query - a smarm of creeps. Enjoy.
In case you are interested -
I give 5 stars to books I want to reread and often buy as gifts after reading AND want to buy the whole of the author's back catalogue, 4 to ones I immediately want to buy the entire back history and 3 to books I enjoy but don't quite meet those criteria. If something doesn't at least meet a 3 star, then I won't review it - I don't have the skill or the talent to write so who am I to criticise someone who does.
October 11, 2017
*I received a free ARC of this short story. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
I absolutely loved this short story; a prequel to Virginia King’s Selkie Moon mystery series.
The balance between plot and character is perfect. Reader tension is held as the story flashes back and forth between past events and current actions, building as the author chooses to show us some things whilst only hinting at others.
Trigger warning: There are references to domestic violence and sexual coercion that are central to the plot, so if these things trigger you then this one is best avoided.
Otherwise I highly recommend this story and will be adding the Selkie Moon series to my Ever-increasing Wishlist!
I absolutely loved this short story; a prequel to Virginia King’s Selkie Moon mystery series.
The balance between plot and character is perfect. Reader tension is held as the story flashes back and forth between past events and current actions, building as the author chooses to show us some things whilst only hinting at others.
Trigger warning: There are references to domestic violence and sexual coercion that are central to the plot, so if these things trigger you then this one is best avoided.
Otherwise I highly recommend this story and will be adding the Selkie Moon series to my Ever-increasing Wishlist!
July 25, 2017
It was just about 20 some pages and gave just a hint of the whole story.
It is about a married woman Selkie Moon who apparently isn't happy with her marriage. A past incidence somewhat haunts her which involves her friend Marina Polivanova.
It all starts with a message that Selkie receives from Marina, calling her for help at the same place where the 'past incidence' happened like 4 - 5 years ago. She goes there to find no one there and with no idea about who sent the message and then about her friend whereabouts, things start becoming a bit complicated as a few facts are known and more graves to be dug.
I guess I would like to read further.
It is about a married woman Selkie Moon who apparently isn't happy with her marriage. A past incidence somewhat haunts her which involves her friend Marina Polivanova.
It all starts with a message that Selkie receives from Marina, calling her for help at the same place where the 'past incidence' happened like 4 - 5 years ago. She goes there to find no one there and with no idea about who sent the message and then about her friend whereabouts, things start becoming a bit complicated as a few facts are known and more graves to be dug.
I guess I would like to read further.
July 9, 2020
Laying Ghosts is a Selkie Moon prequel story. It's short, but packs a lot of story into it. Selkie receives a text message from an old friend that she hasn't spoken to in years. The text is a call for help and to meet up at a place they'd visited 4 years earlier. Selkie drops everything to go help her friend. As the story unfolds, you learn about the past and the present.
I think that the story is brilliant and well-told. Right from the start, you know how you feel about Selkie and about her husband. I really thought that I knew how this story was going to end, but I was surprised.
I'd tell you more, but I have the next Selkie Moon book to go read.
I think that the story is brilliant and well-told. Right from the start, you know how you feel about Selkie and about her husband. I really thought that I knew how this story was going to end, but I was surprised.
I'd tell you more, but I have the next Selkie Moon book to go read.
October 31, 2018
Wow, what a great start to a series!
This was the first book I read by this author. It was disturbing, spooky, and very well written. I grew to like the main character who has her own issues with a controlling husband. I was left wanting to know more about Selkie which is what the author ultimately hopes they can achieve. I definitely want to read more.
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
This was the first book I read by this author. It was disturbing, spooky, and very well written. I grew to like the main character who has her own issues with a controlling husband. I was left wanting to know more about Selkie which is what the author ultimately hopes they can achieve. I definitely want to read more.
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
December 7, 2018
The opening was hard to read because I had no context of what I was getting into. I figured it out pretty quickly and was sucked right through this short prequel to King’s 'First Lie'. The story had me guessing and the otherworldly texts from Selkie’s estranged friend were haunting in their simplicity and their repetition. It’s a solid foundation piece and sets the stage for whatever comes next and left me wanting more.
November 28, 2020
This prequel is an interesting, captivating tale with a paranormal element, although that isn't apparent at the start.
The characters are nicely drawn, even if most of them are pretty unpleasant, but some of them lay the groundwork for the Selkie moon series.
The story is well told, and we are kept guessing right up to the end just what is happening, which I enjoyed.
I received a review copy of this book, but have voluntarily reviewed it.
The characters are nicely drawn, even if most of them are pretty unpleasant, but some of them lay the groundwork for the Selkie moon series.
The story is well told, and we are kept guessing right up to the end just what is happening, which I enjoyed.
I received a review copy of this book, but have voluntarily reviewed it.
May 7, 2017
Prequel to the Selkie Moon Mystery Series, a quick short read. I think this is a great way to introduce the readers to Selkie Moon. I think this was well written and another great book from Virginia King. I think this is going to be a wonderful and exciting series! * I received this book from the author---this is my honest review*
August 10, 2017
A quick read that kept me intrigued. Even though it was a short story, it was full and rich with well developed characters and storyline. It could have been a full-length novel. It was that good!
It was a nice introduction to this author's writing style. I look forward to reading more books from this author.
It was a nice introduction to this author's writing style. I look forward to reading more books from this author.
April 1, 2018
This short story caught me from the first paragraph and I couldn't put it down. The author has an easy reading style of writing and the characters and their dialogue are realistic. There is just enough quirkyness in the twists and turns of the plotline to have kept me interested throughout the story.....And its ending is unexpected, a plus!
April 2, 2018
I was quite surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. It gave just enough information to want to read more about Selkie Moon. I really do believe that some people have such a connection that you get a feeling that something might be wrong or maybe you're needed. I look forward to more from this author.
December 26, 2021
Some nightmares seem so real!
A mystery that will leave the hairs standing up on the back of your neck! So well written that the plot is 100% believable! It was so good that this is my second time reading this book! I read it last year and decided to read it again! Some stories can be lessons we don't ever have to learn from experience!
A mystery that will leave the hairs standing up on the back of your neck! So well written that the plot is 100% believable! It was so good that this is my second time reading this book! I read it last year and decided to read it again! Some stories can be lessons we don't ever have to learn from experience!
November 7, 2018
what an enjoyable read! A very quick entertaining read that manages a surprise or two. A hint of the supernatural, but I didn't find it scary. I will read more to see where this story goes..... and why her mother named her after a sad mythical creature.
September 27, 2021
This is a great introduction to the series.
I so enjoyed this that I bought books one through four and am looking forward to some entertaining reading.
I received a free copy of Laying Ghosts through Bookfunnel and have chosen to leave a review.
I so enjoyed this that I bought books one through four and am looking forward to some entertaining reading.
I received a free copy of Laying Ghosts through Bookfunnel and have chosen to leave a review.
June 30, 2022
Loved the story, couldn't put it down and finished in one sitting. Filled with the usual spooky suspense that this author does so well. Full of anticipation that twists and turns into something else and stimulates the imagination. Great ending.
October 14, 2017
I love ghost stories and was a little disappointed that this was not a typical ghost story. Oh it was a ghost story but it really took a few unexpected twists and turns that I ended up just loving.
June 2, 2018
For me this was a weird weird book, but yet, I totally loved it.. Short book. Look forward to reading the next book in this series..
October 31, 2018
Eerie story
A short but very eerie story. Selkie receives a text from an old friend and is taken back to the scene of a crime. What happens after determines Selkie's own future.
A short but very eerie story. Selkie receives a text from an old friend and is taken back to the scene of a crime. What happens after determines Selkie's own future.
November 29, 2018
Very interesting short story. Some twists you don't see coming. Loved it!
January 5, 2019
This was a quick read, like a short story. I enjoyed it. This is the first I've read from this author. I will definitely be buying more. Thoroughly enjoyed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews