Ghost Mark

by J.P. McLean

Jane’s nightmares are back—and this time, they’ve unleashed a brutal killer. Jane Walker’s nightmares aren’t imaginary—they’re glimpses into the traumatic past; and the past can be dangerous, especially now that Jane’s protective birthmarks are gone.

Worse, she’s no longer invisible within her dreams—and learns this the hard way while using her power to incriminate a ruthless killer. Inadvertently revealing her ghost form, she launches him on a relentless hunt to track her down.

Even more disturbing, Jane knows this man. She once tried to use her power to save him from injury, but instead set him on a path of violent crime. Now, he’s targeted the man she loves, and Jane must keep one step ahead of this cold-blooded assassin before he gets rid of Ethan permanently.

Jane has one last chance to fix the mistake that altered this man’s history, but that means taking her most dangerous dream journey yet—one from which she might never awaken.

Ghost Mark is the second installment of the Dark Dreams Series by JP McLean, an author whose writing the Ottawa Review of Books calls “relentless and original.”

B.R.A.G. MEDALLION HONOREE
GOLD LITERARY TITAN MEDALIST
WISHING SHELF AWARD FINALIST

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2022

About the author

Welcome to my Goodreads page.

I'm very fortunate to live in a writer's paradise on one of the small northern Gulf Islands off the eastern shore of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The rugged beaches and towering fir and arbutus trees that surround me often end up in my stories. When I'm not pouring my imagination into my computer, I'm futzing in gardens, making a mess of the kitchen or hiking local trails. I write stories that entice you to believe the impossible and escape the everyday for a while. Enjoy the read!

I'm also on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/JPMcLeanBooks

Reviews

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Ms. McLean has done it again in this captivating nail-biter that will leave the reader thirsting for more!

Read full review in the 2022 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Genevieve Chinaza.N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghost Mark by JP McLean is a supernatural thriller revolving around Jane Walker, a girl with the ability to dream about the past. It is the second book in the Dark Dreams series.

Jane has dreams, but not any ordinary dreams—dreams about the past. She is a Witness. Ever since her blood marks disappeared, she is no longer invisible in these dreams. In one of these dreams, she made a drastic mistake that altered the lives of some people close to her. In her recent dreams, she sees Joey and Garvin, two thugs involved in some shady business with Riptide. This throws Jane into a web of danger and begins another chapter in her life.

The plot involves a mix of supernatural elements, mystery, and suspense. Jane's dreams set her on a dangerous adventure filled with intrigue as she tries to navigate them. This book transports readers to a world where the supernatural and ordinary collide, keeping them hooked as they unravel the mysteries alongside the protagonist. One of the things I loved about the book was that it was not only written from the protagonist's perspective. This causes the readers to view the book from different perspectives. This was a really intriguing supernatural thriller. There were plot twists in it that I did not anticipate. I was cheering for Jane and hoping that she would be safe.

I loved strong protagonists, and Jane did not disappoint me. She was my favorite character. She faced things head-on with great bravery. It must have been scary to be in her position and to experience those dreams, yet she bravely accepted her role as a witness. It was truly remarkable. The fact that she was surrounded by encouraging people like Ethan and Sadie also helped.

The masterful world-building creates a sense of danger and suspense that is palpable throughout the novel. The descriptions of the dreams were vivid, transporting readers into an immersive world. The characters were richly developed. This was a well-written book with impeccable editing.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. There was absolutely nothing to dislike. I recommend it to lovers of supernatural thrillers. It offers a thrilling and suspenseful reading experience that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

[Shubham Lakhina · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Ghost Mark" by JP McLean is a relentless and thrilling addition to the Dark Dreams Series, delving into a world where nightmares are a terrifying reality. Protagonist Jane Walker faces a haunting truth: her nightmares aren't merely figments of imagination; they're harrowing glimpses into a traumatic past, now made more perilous with the loss of her protective birthmarks.

McLean weaves a gripping narrative as Jane discovers that she's no longer invisible within her dreams. When she inadvertently reveals her ghost form while using her power to incriminate a ruthless killer, she becomes the target of a relentless pursuit. What's more alarming is her connection to this man, whom she once tried to save from injury, inadvertently leading him down a path of violent crime.

The stakes heighten as the man targets Jane's loved one, Ethan, forcing her into a race against time to outmaneuver the cold-blooded assassin. Driven by the need to correct the mistake that altered the man's history, Jane embarks on her most dangerous dream journey yet, risking everything in a bid to right the wrongs of the past.

JP McLean's storytelling in "Ghost Mark" is relentless and original, echoing the sentiments expressed by the Ottawa Review of Books. The novel is a fast-paced and enthralling thriller, offering a unique blend of suspense, action, and the eerie world of dreams turned deadly.

This second installment in the Dark Dreams Series is an electrifying read that captivates readers with its intense plot, complex characters, and the unsettling reality where nightmares are not only vivid but also pose tangible threats. McLean's writing keeps readers on the edge of their seats, creating a page-turner that explores the deep complexities of human choices and their far-reaching consequences in a thrilling and darkly captivating tale.

[Scribble's Worth Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

And off we go with the second book in the “Dark Dreams Series”, and if you are new to it do check out our review on the amazing first book, Blood Mark that will set the stage for this original and thrilling series by JP McLean.

With the last scene of book one still in mind, we will resume the storyline with nothing but the guilt of the main character as she sees the consequences of her actions, and starts to realize how much tweaking with the past will destroy the present beyond repair.

And to add icing to the cake, after months of not having dreams that will paralyze and send her unwillingly to a journey to the past,, the other characters that know about your dreams and are trying to help her are telling her, that the dreams will come back sooner than later, hahahahah, heck they are even praying for them to come back. Hahahahah, isn’t that nice? To have dreams where people can kill you and will do so if you are not careful enough wished upon you and prayed for in order to come back to haunt you. Such a pleasure, lol!

It’s all fun, good and sexy, until one day the prayers come true and the marks of the main character come back, but this time, with other properties and powers… but, she discovers this with a lot of skin in the game, hahahahah. Surprise!! The author did induce humor in order to bring the reader even deeper in the start of the book.

Mystery and thrillers must have one thing in order for them to be good and interesting: details, and JP McLean did an excellent job at this. There are scenes that everything is catalogued, and all the properties of the scenery are told to the reader through the main character’s eyes, which always makes sense to read because she needs to pay attention at these details as they might save her life, or give her clues as to where she was and why she was there. Very well thought out.

As readers of the series, we still have some questions, like why do the powers change, why do things don’t happen at once, and the like, but don’t worry, all of your possible questions about the powers of Jane will be covered and answered throughout the book and things will make a lot of sense.

Note on the book: Although it’s fiction, there are some tones to the book that female readers might not be aware of, and that’s with Sadie’s past. All we have to say is that a woman’s past matters a lot to a man, and a bad past will destroy your chances with a man that is “worth it” or “the right guy” , in real life, of course.

Karma will be a very sarcastic goddess, and of course, a bitch, because the main character will start having dreams about the person she tried to save and, let us just say that she did worse by doing good and messing with fate. Now she has to make things right, without messing it up again.

Riptide, the bar is sailing in stinky, bad waters, but which waters the club is sailing? That is to be discovered, because there are a lot of shadows to be put into the light and apparently, the owner of the club is in it neck deep. Will it sink or sail to calmer seas?

It’s impressive how the author sets several rope-plot-tips ablaze and then slow-burns them and expands the story outside of what’s happening with Jane. You have Riptide’s troubles, the gangs and the drug-dealing and blackmailing, the financial troubles of Sadie and the MC’s legal problems with the court and the future trial of Rick and how’s that going to go, so there is not a moment in the book that the plot isn’t interesting or leading somewhere exciting. Very well done by the author.

Imagine if you wanted or needed to put someone in jail for their crimes, to which they were clearly guilty, but in order to do that you would have to tell the truth, and such truth would be so paranormal that no one would believe you, and the moment you said it, it would set the person free for being so crazy in nature. Now imagine that the person that was on trial had the power to destroy you if it was ever free. Yeap… that’s one of the predicaments of this story, and it’s only about to get better, or worse, lol.

So the MC doesn’t want to be seen as weak, and doesn’t want protection and yet she gets hurt because her boyfriend doesn’t want her to get hurt and keeps some distance for her own safety by not allowing her to help in situations that she might and will get herself killed due to her stubbornness and belief that she can go toe-to-toe with armed gangsters. LOL. It’s funny really once you think about it because it totally fits the MO of women in general, hahahhahah.

This book is a very well done, we have to give it to the author and readers. In all the aspects that truly count, the author nailed it, the mystery, the tension, the several plots leading the reader in little details that will keep the story enticing, the paranormal factors and properties are original and well thought out, explained in ways that make sense and with a graduality to them that you discover things as the book rolls, which makes all the difference in relation to most books on the genre.

If you love to read paranormal books about strong women that keep you on your toes with their plot lines and characters full of challenges while giving you an original story, this book and series are a must-read. For those who haven’t read the first book, here’s the review of it, so do grab your copy now and jump in the ghostly adventures of Jane as Karma tries to punish her for her mistakes, lol.

Pros:
Excellent narrative, very engaging
Several intertwined plotlines that progress slowly and with tension
Consistency of plot between books
Karmatic consequences that affect the main character
More powers to the MC, that make sense and are explained slowly
Thrilling read all the way
Great portrayal of emotions

Cons:
Nathan seems like a “badboy”, but is submissive to Jane at times.

Lesson of the story: Ride Karma out.

Cover Score: 8.5/10

Book score: 8.5/10

[W.L. Hawkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Screenwriter Blake Snyder claims there are only ten types of stories, and I believe him. Given the vast amount of books and films being launched today, that makes it nigh impossible to create an original concept. But JP McLean’s Dark Dreams Series strikes me as something unique. The series begins with the multi-award-winning Blood Mark—a sexy noir crime novel starring a bold, intelligent superhero who seeks justice for her past transgressions despite her strange affliction.

In Blood Mark, we meet three series characters who take turns telling the story: twenty-four-year-old Jane who works at a plant nursery; her best friend Sadie who’s seduced by the kind of cash prostitution offers; and Jane’s love interest, the sexy biker and bar manager, Ethan Bryce. Their stories continue in Ghost Mark as does their love triangle—neither Sadie or Ethan trust each other—which makes for tense unending drama.

Abandoned at birth, Jane suffers with vivid blood-red marks that snake around her body, horrific nightmares, and trauma from growing up in the foster care system. She discovers early on that, not only are her dreams about real people who are being stalked by a killer, but she’s appearing in these scenes as a shadowy figure.

Her blood marks, given to her in the womb during an ancient Inca ritual, are a form of protection. According to the Inca scholar, Jane is a Witness. As a Witness, she mustn’t act in any way that can change history. But how does one slip in and out of time without changing history? It’s virtually impossible, and one instinctive act of kindness haunts her through both books.

When Jane’s blood marks begin to disappear, she’s left feeling vulnerable. By the time we get to Ghost Mark, not only have Jane’s blood marks completely vanished, she’s now entering her dreams in a visibly translucent form—looking like a ghost, if you will. And to complicate things, people can now see her, and she appears in the dream scene wearing whatever she was wearing, or not wearing, when she fell asleep. After turning up naked in one dream, she starts sleeping fully dressed in jeans, motorcycle jacket, and boots with hidden knife, in case her narcolepsy catches her unaware. Not only that, Jane discovers a vivid white “escape valve” on the back of her hand that “doesn’t just rewind a dream. When I trace the mark clockwise, it jumps me out of the dream entirely.”

Unique concept? Absolutely.

McLean’s writing is as ingenious as her protagonist, ranging from grunge to snappy repartee to sophistication to laugh-out-loud snarks. My favourite line? “Careful, Ethan. You might just trip over your bravado and land on your ass.” Delivered by Sadie, of course. The plot twists as vividly as Jane’s blood marks. Intelligent stake-raising, mysterious dreams, and a tortuous ordeal in a freezing Alberta museum will have you flipping pages far into the night.

Life is bleak and gritty in this novel, and the Vancouver landscape honestly portrayed. Both Jane and Sadie are scarred by the foster care system. Jane discovers in a dream that Ethan’s scars happened another way. The antagonists are as manipulative, cruel, and evil as you could hope for in a crime novel, and Jane as tough a hero as it takes to put them in their place.

McLean’s first supernatural series, The Gift Legacy, included seven books. I’m hoping “dark dreams” continue to haunt the author so she continues to write sequels.
Trust me. Ghost Mark is gripping. You won’t put it down till it’s done.

[J.M. Northup · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Emotional Follow-up

Though the trial is still waiting to play out from events that happened in book 1, Blood Mark, this series continues with new adventures for our beloved characters. This time, the mistakes Jane has made impact her life in unexpected ways that haunt her in more than just her dreams. They create a new plot that is as thrilling as it is emotional.

The character arcs are beautifully written. It was lovely to see how each person is growing past what occurred in their past to try to have a better future. The connections between them are tested, but the love is enduring. That was something I loved in book 1 and was happy to see continue throughout book 2. Their struggles were painful for me because I am invested in these people. I would suggest strongly that readers pick up Blood Mark before delving into Ghost Mark. The story can stand on its own, but you will miss the emotional nuances if you don't read them in order.

The dynamic of this tale is different from book one because the villains are completely opposite. You have typical thugs, but then you are also surprised by some of the betrayals that come unexpectedly. There's a tremendous amount of action, but it has its own pace and style. I found it refreshing to see such a unique twist to the storytelling from the author. It showed her versatility while keeping me interested in what all these characters could encounter.

I was somewhat disappointed by a few small errors I noted. There were a few examples of inconsistencies that happened in the text (Garvin being called Gavin or Ethan texting a list to Hunter at a moment when he wasn't supposed to have a phone). The attention to detail I noted in book 1 was not as present. For me, it pulled me out of the story, which is why I gave this a 4-star rating instead of a 5.

I do highly recommend this book and series. I've become quite a fan of J.P. McLean, and I cannot wait for the next installment of Dark Dreams. There's still a lot on the table to discover. The author's tantalizing tales have me hooked!

[Billy Buttons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Ghost Mark
Author: JP McLean

Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 7/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 5/5

Of the 15 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers’ Comments
“There’s so much going for this novel, the strong pacing, the determined protagonist, but it’s the originality of the plot that stands out the most. Loved it!” Female reader, aged 27
“This is such a wonderful supernatural thriller. I loved the twisting plot, the memorable characters (Jane is the best) and the suspense. I would recommend this to anybody who enjoys fantasy thrillers.” Male reader, aged 52
“A few tiny errors, but nothing big. The plotting is spot on as is the atmosphere – dark, brooding, a bit gritty. Excellent novel.” Female reader, aged 66
“I enjoyed both Blood Mark and Ghost Mark. I did think the first book was the best, but this is still a gripping story. There’s a lot of character development for the female protagonist, and it’s compellingly dark. The author is a talented writer who knows her readership and what they want: unpredictability.” Male reader, aged 29

To Sum It Up:
‘A fast-paced, supernatural thriller with a strong cast of memorable characters. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

[Kristin Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghost Mark is the second installment of the Dark Dreams Books, which means the story featured many of the same characters as Book I, Blood Mark, though the degree of their involvement in the story was accelerated. Even so, settling in to read was kind of like slipping on a pair of comfortable old slippers.

In this episode, Jane's witness dreams continue, embroiling her, her boyfriend Ethan, and her BFF Sadie in another crime/mystery. Jane's deepening relationship with Ethan complicates matters. Ethan wants to protect Jane from her dreams, and Jane does not want protecting. Moreover, she feels guilty about dragging him into her strange sleep world and feels that it is she who should be protecting him. It doesn't help that Sadie and Ethan dislike and distrust one another. On the whole there is a whole lot of misunderstanding going on, because no one is being straight with anyone.

Of course, Jane's dreams are only part of the problem. Not only are they dangerous for Jane while she's sleeping, but they cross over into the real world, dragging her, Ethan, and Sadie deeper into trouble. Ethan is bent on saving his boss who has inadvertently gotten mixed up with mobsters, one of whom is someone Jane knew in the past, and she feels totally responsible for his deterioration into crime.

It's a tangled web to be sure, and there are a multitude of twists and turns and surprises. I couldn't explain it if I tried, so you'll just have to pick up the book and figure it all out for yourself. This novel could be enjoyed as a stand alone, but for maximum pleasure, I suggest reading Blood Mark first. You won't be sorry. And after that, be sure to complete the set with Scorch Mark. That's where I'm headed now.

[Giselle Roeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghost Mark – by JP McLean
After I read J.P.’s book “Blood Mark” I knew I had to see how the story would continue. And when I received an ARC through Book Funnel of the next book, “Ghost Mark” I couldn’t wait to start reading it. Quite a few times I had to stop, I would look into the distance and ask myself: “How the h… can anyone dream up a story like this? With all these different characters, different actions, and reactions, how can J.P. keep all of this in such order? Does she use the scrivener program? Or millions of notes on a wall? And how does she know so much about the ‘underworld,’ drug lords, people pulled into the criminal gangs without wanting to be part of it, undercover agents, or girls who try to get out of being used? Even about superstitions, dreams, and psychics?”
The book ‘Ghost Mark’ has it all - and more. Occasionally I must have stopped breathing and hoped certain characters escape danger and trouble. But, as a reader, I got involved in an unknown world. J.P. pulled me in, and I was dead for my surroundings or the hours of the day or the night. So I am not surprised she is getting one award after the other. J.P. is an incredible writer with an imagination that keeps one wondering: Does she ever have brain overload? I know that anybody reading “Ghost Mark” would feel the same. And once you finish it, you will want more.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second installment in JP McLean’s supernatural thriller series continues the story of Jane Walker and her best friend Sadie. Having survived a near-fatal ordeal in book one, Jane’s hoping to lead a normal life again, however, her dream visions have returned. To make things worse, the people she now sees in her dreams can also see her. Jane has no idea why, but after witnessing a murder, her life’s in jeopardy and the culprits are connected to the bar where her boyfriend works.

McLean’s unique plot provides a lot of depth by showcasing Jane’s emotional turmoil. Guilt and regret from events in book one are compounded by new circumstances. It doesn’t help that she keeps a lot of things bottled inside. In fact, trust and communication are major hurdles as Jane drawers nearer to a confrontation with the criminals. The final chapters had me on the edge of my seat, wanting to yell at Jane to be careful. But true heroines risk it all and triumph. It also makes for a very satisfying ending.

[Kazz Mossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking forward to reading this second book of a new series by JP McLean. It wasn’t quite what I expected. It was even better!

The friendship between Jane, the main character, and Sadie was realistic. Best friends argue, but their love and respect for each other always shines through. The two had been brought up together in children’s homes. Sadie knew of Jane’s dreams and was there to support her.

The dreams introduced the bad guys who offered protection, laundered money, and sold drugs. Jane became a witness to their crimes, and it involved the bar her boyfriend Ethan worked at.

There were some great secondary characters. Ethan, ripped, tattooed, and fiery. Hunter, the private detective, who I just knew would come into his own. Then Joey and Garvin, the scary bad guys.

This is an exciting story, the first book, Blood Mark, set the pace, and Ghost Mark takes off with a powerful plot, exciting twists, and a mind-blowing finale. As it reached its climax, I literally couldn’t put it down.

Afterwards, I missed Jane and JP Mclean's wonderful prose. I’m more than ready to devour the third book, although it’s not out yet.

This is a cracking read that will get the full five stars from me. I’d recommend it to those who love lots of action, twists, and strong characters with an interesting story to tell.

[Elinor · Rating 5 out of 5]

JP McLean has worked her magic again, mining her fertile imagination for a second book that is just as thrilling as the first in the Dark Dreams series. Born with a mysterious chain of crimson birthmarks that snake around her body, Jane Walker learned in Blood Mark that her hated marks protect her against an evil force. Now the marks are gone -- or are they? Invisible to the naked eye, Jane’s ghost marks glow with an unearthly light, putting her in danger. And the nightmares that plagued her during the first book haven’t stopped. In her sleep, she still witnesses brutal murders that happened in the past, and makes it her mission to track down the killer. Unfortunately, the slayer also knows about her uncanny ability . . . and he wants her dead and gone. I’m a huge fan of the author’s The Gift Legacy series, about a woman who can fly, and this one is just as gripping.

[Autumn Danner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in the series was very creative, and this is a thrilling book 2 in the series. Jane's abilities have morphed from seeing the past to actually being present in the past. She sees the actions of a killer, and her new abilities put her in danger as now he can see her too. She also has to deal with the one time she changed the past and ended up changing the future. Her small effort to help someone close to her left large ripples in the lives of so many people. Jane is even given the opportunity to correct the change she made. She manages her birthright, her doubts, her new relationship and a local crime spree, and does it all with grace and perseverance. I hope the series continues because Jane is a force to be reckoned with - I love her!

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghost Mark byJP McLean.
Book 2 of Dark Dreams.
Jane Walker’s nightmares aren’t imaginary—they’re glimpses into the past; and the past can be dangerous, especially when Jane inadvertently reveals her ghost form to a ruthless killer. Now he’s come looking for her and targets the man she loves. Jane must keep one step ahead of this cold-blooded assassin before he gets rid of Ethan permanently. She has one last chance to derail him, but that means taking her most dangerous dream journey yet—one from which she might never awaken.
Brilliant read. Loved it. 5*.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was another great entry in the Dark Dreams series, it was what I was hoping for in a sequel. The world was interesting and I was already invested from the first book. The characters were really well done and I look forward to getting to read more with these characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andrew Platten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved book one, and the first part of this book (book two) was as good. But then I woke at 2am and thought, I’ll just read a chapter-couldn’t put it down… up until 6am. I need to read book three but must catch up on my sleep before I download it. Great characters, interesting supernatural plot development, Vancouver backdrop realistic and colourful.

[Roxy Boroughs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enter a gripping world of dark, dangerous dreams!

A compelling, well-written sequel with a juicy, complex plot. You don't have to read the first book ("Blood Mark") to enjoy this second installment...but you're going to want to. The series is just that delicious.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing read filled with visions, danger, great characters, and a developed FMC. I loved this enjoyable and entertaining read an am looking forward to more in this series and from this author. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are proud to announce that GHOST MARK (Dark Dreams Book 2) by JP McLean has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.

[MaD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great continuation from the first book. I like that jane's marks are evolving...not just continuing in a same vein. The dynamic between all the characters is interesting and convoluted while the plot keeps the readers on their toes.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A worthy sequel to Blood Mark. I enjoyed the mystery, the turns and the twists! Thank you! Can't say more without giving it away. Looking forward to the next!