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Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper #18
Sunset House
The old Heusinkveld mansion overlooks the mostly shuttered main street of the small town of Burdener's Hill. Once a testament to local wealth and aspiration, the brooding edifice now clings to life as the Sunshine House, a retirement home inhabited by an eccentric collection of locals bound together by fond memories of their shrinking hometown.
When a newly arrived resident finds herself tormented by a threatening specter from her past, paranormal investigator Ellie Jordan is called in to confront it. The entity puts up a strong fight, resisting capture, and soon more residents are in danger. With nowhere else to go, they need Ellie to remove the ghost before it inflicts serious harm or death on those who have made the strange old house their home.
When a newly arrived resident finds herself tormented by a threatening specter from her past, paranormal investigator Ellie Jordan is called in to confront it. The entity puts up a strong fight, resisting capture, and soon more residents are in danger. With nowhere else to go, they need Ellie to remove the ghost before it inflicts serious harm or death on those who have made the strange old house their home.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2023
242 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Bryan
53 books1,035 followersJ.L. Bryan studied English literature at the University of Georgia and at Oxford, with a focus on English Renaissance and Romantic literature. He also studied screenwriting at UCLA. He lives in the metro Atlanta sprawl with his wife and son. He is the author of the Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper books and some other assorted novels like Inferno Park, The Unseen, Jenny Pox, and basically a lot of supernatural stories, some of it dark, some of it very dark, some of it less dark than that.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
March 1, 2023
I absolutely adore this series. It is well written. has wonderfully relatable characters, a fun interesting plot line always full of twists and turns, and some of the scariest ghosts I have ever read about. It always keeps me on my toes and turning the pages, not to mention jumping at every shadow, creak, and bump in the night.
This installment was just so much fun. From the quirky spunky characters to the haunting old folks setting, I absolutely adored it. What isn't to love about banishing those bumps in the night and oh yeah, catching a killer along the way as well.
Truly a wonderful addition to the series!
This installment was just so much fun. From the quirky spunky characters to the haunting old folks setting, I absolutely adored it. What isn't to love about banishing those bumps in the night and oh yeah, catching a killer along the way as well.
Truly a wonderful addition to the series!
March 27, 2023
Ellie and Stacey In an old people's home.
This is a fun one, well sort of. The characters are fun, a bunch of eccentric old men and women living together in an old country mansion. Arden and Charlotte live on the ladies floor (the first floor) Hugh, Joe, Spencer and Wallace share the mens area (the ground floor) Chrissie (the owner operator) and Tag her eight year old son live in the second floor, with the attic closed off. Arden calls in Ellie and Stacey when she is confronted by the spirit of her long deceased father, he was abusive in life and death has only made him worse. Chrissie isn't impressed and believes the girls are out to take advantage of Arden and her delusions. Grudgingly Chrissie allows them to put in a few pieces of equipment and monitor them overnight but after an apparition appears to Charlotte causing a great deal of disruption Ellie and Christy are asked to leave. Feeling they have lost their chance to help the girls are a bit despondent but Ellie decides to continue investigating the history of the house so they can be ready just in case they are let back in. They do receive an invite back sooner than expected, the apparition has turned it's focus into Chrissie now. Ellie thinks she's worked out what the problem is, but finding it's true identity and being able to remove isn't going to be easy. The characters in this book are fun, each of the oldies has their.own quirks and foibles making it a lighter read than normal.........................
This is a fun one, well sort of. The characters are fun, a bunch of eccentric old men and women living together in an old country mansion. Arden and Charlotte live on the ladies floor (the first floor) Hugh, Joe, Spencer and Wallace share the mens area (the ground floor) Chrissie (the owner operator) and Tag her eight year old son live in the second floor, with the attic closed off. Arden calls in Ellie and Stacey when she is confronted by the spirit of her long deceased father, he was abusive in life and death has only made him worse. Chrissie isn't impressed and believes the girls are out to take advantage of Arden and her delusions. Grudgingly Chrissie allows them to put in a few pieces of equipment and monitor them overnight but after an apparition appears to Charlotte causing a great deal of disruption Ellie and Christy are asked to leave. Feeling they have lost their chance to help the girls are a bit despondent but Ellie decides to continue investigating the history of the house so they can be ready just in case they are let back in. They do receive an invite back sooner than expected, the apparition has turned it's focus into Chrissie now. Ellie thinks she's worked out what the problem is, but finding it's true identity and being able to remove isn't going to be easy. The characters in this book are fun, each of the oldies has their.own quirks and foibles making it a lighter read than normal.........................
March 2, 2023
Ellie's on a new job and she has a bit of a difficult case this time around seeing as the owner of the house doesn't believe she's needed. Which isn't to say things don't turn around kind of quickly because the ghosties in Ellie's world are predictably dangerous and you can only pretend things are fine for so long before everything comes crashing down on you. Not literally, fortunately.
Anywho. The elderly residents of Sunshine House know something's up (or at least they figure it out once they start seeing ghosts of those long dead) and Ellie isn't about to let anybody deal with dangerous ghosts if she can do something about it. Which means she and Stacey are soon skulking around town, eating at the local diner, and contemplating climbing rickety balconies to do some reconnaissance.
To be fair, there's also a road trip or two, a little digging through old history, and some questionable meals. There are also donuts (albeit briefly) and donuts make (almost) everything better.
Ghosts, regrets, a talent show, and a not-so-fun staircase. I always enjoy spending time in Ellie's world and I'm thrilled to see her doing her thing again. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Anywho. The elderly residents of Sunshine House know something's up (or at least they figure it out once they start seeing ghosts of those long dead) and Ellie isn't about to let anybody deal with dangerous ghosts if she can do something about it. Which means she and Stacey are soon skulking around town, eating at the local diner, and contemplating climbing rickety balconies to do some reconnaissance.
To be fair, there's also a road trip or two, a little digging through old history, and some questionable meals. There are also donuts (albeit briefly) and donuts make (almost) everything better.
Ghosts, regrets, a talent show, and a not-so-fun staircase. I always enjoy spending time in Ellie's world and I'm thrilled to see her doing her thing again. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
March 15, 2023
I LOVE this series! Ellie Jordan never fails to give me a great, fast paced read.
There are always diverse characters and the back stories suck me right in.
Can't wait for Ghost Trapper #19!
There are always diverse characters and the back stories suck me right in.
Can't wait for Ghost Trapper #19!
November 24, 2023
The title and cover are perfect for this one. An old mansion on a run down street that’s converted into a retirement home. Hence the eerie house on the cover and Sunset in the title. These people are living out their last years.
I’m always looking for horror stories with more mature characters. Got a lot of them in this book. And they aren’t going down without a fight. Some real tough cookies. And some don’t think they need Ellie. That changes pretty quickly as events become more and more dangerous.
I loved some of these characters. I think they’d have taken on the evil presence with canes and walkers. Any ghost should think twice before taking on these senior citizens. They’ve been around a long time. Got plenty in their bags of tricks.
I remember how much I loved this series when I started reading it and I still do. The author continues to give me new settings and evil beings to keep it fresh. Not that it could ever fall short for me. I’ll always be waiting for the next book.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
I’m always looking for horror stories with more mature characters. Got a lot of them in this book. And they aren’t going down without a fight. Some real tough cookies. And some don’t think they need Ellie. That changes pretty quickly as events become more and more dangerous.
I loved some of these characters. I think they’d have taken on the evil presence with canes and walkers. Any ghost should think twice before taking on these senior citizens. They’ve been around a long time. Got plenty in their bags of tricks.
I remember how much I loved this series when I started reading it and I still do. The author continues to give me new settings and evil beings to keep it fresh. Not that it could ever fall short for me. I’ll always be waiting for the next book.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
March 22, 2023
These books just keep getting better and better. The plot is well rounded and so are the characters. Mystery, chills, thrills and a plot twist that I didn't see coming. A wonderful ghost story that I devoured in one sitting. I highly recommend this series and this book. 5*****
January 15, 2024
I wasn’t quite as happy with this installment of Ellie and Stacy. The haunting takes place in a senior community and the wisecracks between Stacy and Ellie are enhanced by the wisecracks from some the residents. This was a quick read but it seemed a little off. I liked the characters a lot though.
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August 3, 2023Excellent as always
I have worked in retirement homes before and love older people so, this one really hit home. The secrets they carry, and pain.
I have worked in retirement homes before and love older people so, this one really hit home. The secrets they carry, and pain.
March 29, 2023
Reviewed on Lili Lost in a Book
I always look forward to new books in the Ellie Jordan series—it's one of my favorites! In this installment of the series, you have a classic haunted house case, except this house has been converted into a retirement home. I love a good haunted house story, so I really enjoyed this one!
The thing haunting the house was very creepy! The way it presented itself, no one would even really know that the place was haunted. Especially in a retirement home where, unfortunately, death is not uncommon.
The history of the house and the way it tied into the entity was very interesting. I always enjoy when Ellie and Stacey jump into the research to unravel the mystery. And this one in particular was very intriguing because according to an author's note at the end of the books, this case was based on true events! Crazy! I mean, probably not the haunting, but all the deaths that led up to the haunting definitely were based on true events.
But yeah, I really liked this one, which should not come as a surprise. Lol. The retirement house had a lot of fun characters, my favorite being Arden. She was very snappy and no nonsense and I loved her! Lol. And you know I love Ellie and Stacey and their banter. I just really enjoyed the story and unraveling the mystery of the Sunshine House.
I always look forward to new books in the Ellie Jordan series—it's one of my favorites! In this installment of the series, you have a classic haunted house case, except this house has been converted into a retirement home. I love a good haunted house story, so I really enjoyed this one!
The thing haunting the house was very creepy! The way it presented itself, no one would even really know that the place was haunted. Especially in a retirement home where, unfortunately, death is not uncommon.
The history of the house and the way it tied into the entity was very interesting. I always enjoy when Ellie and Stacey jump into the research to unravel the mystery. And this one in particular was very intriguing because according to an author's note at the end of the books, this case was based on true events! Crazy! I mean, probably not the haunting, but all the deaths that led up to the haunting definitely were based on true events.
But yeah, I really liked this one, which should not come as a surprise. Lol. The retirement house had a lot of fun characters, my favorite being Arden. She was very snappy and no nonsense and I loved her! Lol. And you know I love Ellie and Stacey and their banter. I just really enjoyed the story and unraveling the mystery of the Sunshine House.
April 9, 2023
I want to start off by saying how amazing does this cover look!!
Going into new books in this series is always a mystery, you never know what you are going to ‘meet’ within the pages. As it starts we join Ellie and Stacey as they go to investigate a haunting at a residential home, and they soon discover there is more going on than what they thought. To start with their arrival isn’t exactly welcome, but they soon figure out a way around this hurdle, then find out what is really going on.
I liked how this haunting wasn’t what was expected, and had lots of little ties to the residents, as well as a link to the building itself. I enjoyed seeing the layers peeling back as secrets were slowly revealed, some that were buried deep for a long time.
This is another great instalment to the series from the author and as always I’m looking forward to seeing what adventure comes next for this duo.
Going into new books in this series is always a mystery, you never know what you are going to ‘meet’ within the pages. As it starts we join Ellie and Stacey as they go to investigate a haunting at a residential home, and they soon discover there is more going on than what they thought. To start with their arrival isn’t exactly welcome, but they soon figure out a way around this hurdle, then find out what is really going on.
I liked how this haunting wasn’t what was expected, and had lots of little ties to the residents, as well as a link to the building itself. I enjoyed seeing the layers peeling back as secrets were slowly revealed, some that were buried deep for a long time.
This is another great instalment to the series from the author and as always I’m looking forward to seeing what adventure comes next for this duo.
March 4, 2023
I literally drop everything I’m doing when a new Ellie Jordan comes out. This one did not disappoint! Fun and spooky! Finished this in less than 24 hours. It’s a series I wish I could read again from the beginning without knowing everything, I enjoy it so much. As far as this book: Loved the setting and the initial hesitation of the homeowner. It seemed very realistic that not every one of their potential clients will believe them. I already pre ordered the next one. Someone tell me how I can be an arc reader for this series!
March 14, 2023
Really loved this one. Not that I don't love all the book in this series :)
The latest case takes Ellie and Stacy to a retirement home that one of the residents claim is haunted. One of the best parts of the books were the residents. They supply a ton of humor, and the author did such a great job of making them so believable. The haunting part of the book was downright creepy, and I thought a fresh play on how they haunt.
Ellie and Stacy have their hands full not only from the residents but also from the ghost and plenty of surprising twists.
The latest case takes Ellie and Stacy to a retirement home that one of the residents claim is haunted. One of the best parts of the books were the residents. They supply a ton of humor, and the author did such a great job of making them so believable. The haunting part of the book was downright creepy, and I thought a fresh play on how they haunt.
Ellie and Stacy have their hands full not only from the residents but also from the ghost and plenty of surprising twists.
August 15, 2023
I thought the story started out a bit slow but first impressions were deceiving. Big time! The story had many surprises as well as thrills and chills galore. Definitely up to the author's standards. The personalities of the retirement home's lodgers and staff were fun, varied, and interesting. Definitely a solid entry in the series. My only complaint is that I wish Ellie and Michael's relationship would move forward. Or maybe that's just the romantic in me. Anyway, I am looking forward to more ghostly adventures with Ellie and Stacy.
May 12, 2023
Very Talented Author
I'm a kindle unlimited customer & rarely will buy a book, however I have purchased every one in this series. I look forward to each next new book as the stories are well structured with wonderful descriptions of characters, scenery, & plot progression. The only problem is that I get hooked & can't put the book down until the end which makes for quick reading with great anticipation for the next.
I'm a kindle unlimited customer & rarely will buy a book, however I have purchased every one in this series. I look forward to each next new book as the stories are well structured with wonderful descriptions of characters, scenery, & plot progression. The only problem is that I get hooked & can't put the book down until the end which makes for quick reading with great anticipation for the next.
February 9, 2025
While I still liked the ghost story itself, I missed Jacob and what was going on with Micheal?
Ignoring the boys MIA status or meh attitude that wasn't really delved into as much as I would have liked, the coming and going of Ellie and Stacey was a bit repetitive towards the end.
Overall, this one just felt a bit less polishes than others and, while I'm glad I've read it, there's definitely others in the series that I've enjoyed a lot more.
Ignoring the boys MIA status or meh attitude that wasn't really delved into as much as I would have liked, the coming and going of Ellie and Stacey was a bit repetitive towards the end.
Overall, this one just felt a bit less polishes than others and, while I'm glad I've read it, there's definitely others in the series that I've enjoyed a lot more.
March 22, 2023
Another great read...
Delving into the elderly characters and a past dysfunctional family. This one has plenty of mystery, and the twists and turns are quite dizzying. Everyone has to deal with their past eventually, but Ellie and Stacey didn't expect do do it in this big house with a cranky owner and elderly inmates.
Delving into the elderly characters and a past dysfunctional family. This one has plenty of mystery, and the twists and turns are quite dizzying. Everyone has to deal with their past eventually, but Ellie and Stacey didn't expect do do it in this big house with a cranky owner and elderly inmates.
April 12, 2023
I'm always so excited to read another Ellie and Stacy story. This one was excellent! The pacing was perfect, not too fast with the lead into the ghosts and not too slow with their research for who the ghost was. Lots of great characters in this one as well. And the added bonus of a solvable murder along with the historical murder makes this one of my favorites.
June 10, 2023
I always enjoy my time with Ellie and Stacey!
The girls had fun and made friends with a quirky group of characters all while hunting down the entities that were trying to kill them!
These books are always an entertaining spooky read, I have already pre ordered the next installment!
The girls had fun and made friends with a quirky group of characters all while hunting down the entities that were trying to kill them!
These books are always an entertaining spooky read, I have already pre ordered the next installment!
June 12, 2023
I liked this one. Fun setting and interesting backstory for the ghosts. I felt like Ellie was a little too obsessed about finding that backstory too soon in the proceedings. I also feel like the Coach Joe storyline was weirdly out of place. It didn't feel necessary, and it didn't help the main story at all. But it was still a fun read overall, just not my favorite of the Ellie Jordan stories.
September 3, 2023
I have loved this series from the very first book. Now that I finished Sunset House, I am starting the next one The Funtime Show and will be looking to go on to the next one. J.L. Bryan puts the reader right into the story. I feel the fear a I picture each page. I would recommend this series to anyone who loves surprises especially terrifying ones.
November 25, 2023
Love this series so much that I now hate that I'm almost out of books in the series. Ellie and Stacy investigate an old home that's been turning into a senior facility. One of the residents is having issues and hires the spirit investigators. As always, the ghosts get nastier and the ladies get the job done.
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April 27, 2024Good creepy fun as is every book in the series!
Good creepy fun as every book in the series! Another ghost story with bits of lighthearted fun scattered throughout against a dramatic family story loosely based upon a real life tragedy. A fun fast read as all the books have been in this series! Yes, I've read all of them. You should too!
Good creepy fun as every book in the series! Another ghost story with bits of lighthearted fun scattered throughout against a dramatic family story loosely based upon a real life tragedy. A fun fast read as all the books have been in this series! Yes, I've read all of them. You should too!
August 10, 2024
Another seriously creepy offering from J L Bryan! Warning this one has a few 'triggers' so beware. A shapeshifting entity plays on the guilt of each of the residents of the Sunset House retirement home presenting Ellie & Stacey with one of their toughest challenges yet. You won't want to switch the light off at night and I actually shed a tear in one part. No spoilers - you will need to read for yourself!
March 4, 2023
Great!
I really love the whole Ellie Jordan series. Each book picks up the same well developed characters in a new story of haunting. This novel was particularly unique with a shape shifting ghost and the ghosts weren’t trapped but moved on themselves.
I really love the whole Ellie Jordan series. Each book picks up the same well developed characters in a new story of haunting. This novel was particularly unique with a shape shifting ghost and the ghosts weren’t trapped but moved on themselves.
March 7, 2023
This zauthor is awesome.
I really like this author's books in this series. I have already pteordered the next one. Keeps me interested and I like the characters. No bad words just a good story.
I really like this author's books in this series. I have already pteordered the next one. Keeps me interested and I like the characters. No bad words just a good story.
March 13, 2023
I just love this series! Such a prolific writer who creates the absolute best characters! The Ellie and Stacey relationship is so relatable. The ghosts are described so well. The residents on this book sucked me in and kept me chuckling. Once again, another victory for J. L. Bryan!
March 25, 2023
Another great read
A few twists and turns throughout totally unputdownable enjoyed every single page looking forward to the next one as all the books so far have been extremely readable
A few twists and turns throughout totally unputdownable enjoyed every single page looking forward to the next one as all the books so far have been extremely readable
April 2, 2023
I love these books, I am always all in for all of these books. This one I liked just a tiny bit less than some of the others. There was a random small story that I didn’t think needed to be included nor was relevant. Otherwise loved it the same as always! Cool concept for this type of ghost!
May 14, 2023
Excellent!
I just love this series! Ellie and Stacy head to a retirement home which is in an old house. The characters are just wonderful and the story is definitely creepy with lots of twists and turns that kept me unable to put this book down! Eagerly awaiting the next one!
I just love this series! Ellie and Stacy head to a retirement home which is in an old house. The characters are just wonderful and the story is definitely creepy with lots of twists and turns that kept me unable to put this book down! Eagerly awaiting the next one!
December 1, 2023
Love This Series
Been reading the Ellie Jordan for several years. Enjoyed all of them. Some were more lighthearted while others scared me, which was fun, too. Great series, but I think it is time for some romance between Ellie and her funky firefighter!
Been reading the Ellie Jordan for several years. Enjoyed all of them. Some were more lighthearted while others scared me, which was fun, too. Great series, but I think it is time for some romance between Ellie and her funky firefighter!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews