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Harrison Investigation #1
Haunted
When guests and staff complain of a ghostly presence in Melody House, a Colonial manor in Virginia, the owner must concede that something otherworldy is going on. He reluctantly hires a "ghostbusting" firm, who investigate a murder that supposedly occurred in the nineteenth century. But the more they investigate, the more they begin to believe that another murder has taken place more recently.
378 pages, Paperback
First published August 25, 2003
1545 people are currently reading
5497 people want to read
About the author
Heather Graham
593 books6,951 followersAlso published as Heather Graham Pozzessere and Shannon Drake.
New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Heather Graham majored in theater arts at the University of South Florida. After a stint of several years in dinner theater, back-up vocals, and bartending, she stayed home after the birth of her third child and began to write, working on short horror stories and romances. After some trial and error, she sold her first book, WHEN NEXT WE LOVE, in 1982 and since then, she has written over one hundred novels and novellas including category, romantic suspense, historical romance, vampire fiction, time travel, occult, and Christmas holiday fare. She wrote the launch books for the Dell's Ecstasy Supreme line, Silhouette's Shadows, and for Harlequin's mainstream fiction imprint, Mira Books.
Heather was a founding member of the Florida Romance Writers chapter of RWA and, since 1999, has hosted the Romantic Times Vampire Ball, with all revenues going directly to children's charity.
She is pleased to have been published in approximately twenty languages, and to have been honored with awards frorn Waldenbooks. B. Dalton, Georgia Romance Writers, Affaire de Coeur, Romantic Times, and more. She has had books selected for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild, and has been quoted, interviewed, or featured in such publications as The Nation, Redbook, People, and USA Today and appeared on many newscasts including local television and Entertainment Tonight.
Heather loves travel and anything have to do with the water, and is a certitified scuba diver. Married since high school graduation and the mother of five, her greatest love in life remains her family, but she also believes her career has been an incredible gift, and she is grateful every day to be doing something that she loves so very much for a living.
New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Heather Graham majored in theater arts at the University of South Florida. After a stint of several years in dinner theater, back-up vocals, and bartending, she stayed home after the birth of her third child and began to write, working on short horror stories and romances. After some trial and error, she sold her first book, WHEN NEXT WE LOVE, in 1982 and since then, she has written over one hundred novels and novellas including category, romantic suspense, historical romance, vampire fiction, time travel, occult, and Christmas holiday fare. She wrote the launch books for the Dell's Ecstasy Supreme line, Silhouette's Shadows, and for Harlequin's mainstream fiction imprint, Mira Books.
Heather was a founding member of the Florida Romance Writers chapter of RWA and, since 1999, has hosted the Romantic Times Vampire Ball, with all revenues going directly to children's charity.
She is pleased to have been published in approximately twenty languages, and to have been honored with awards frorn Waldenbooks. B. Dalton, Georgia Romance Writers, Affaire de Coeur, Romantic Times, and more. She has had books selected for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild, and has been quoted, interviewed, or featured in such publications as The Nation, Redbook, People, and USA Today and appeared on many newscasts including local television and Entertainment Tonight.
Heather loves travel and anything have to do with the water, and is a certitified scuba diver. Married since high school graduation and the mother of five, her greatest love in life remains her family, but she also believes her career has been an incredible gift, and she is grateful every day to be doing something that she loves so very much for a living.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 461 reviews
December 13, 2011
This book pissed me off so much that if it had been a real paperback, I would have torn it in two just so I could throw both parts against the wall.
At first, it was just annoying and boring. Despite the fact that Matt is antagonistic and hostile, Darcy is falling for him. He calls her a fraud and a liar so frequently it's a red flag for future abuse, instead of getting as far away from this jerk as she can, she's so overwhelmed with lust she falls right into bed with him. Fine, another romance book where the theme is the love of a really hot woman can turn any mildly attractive douchebag into husband material.
Around the first sex scene, I started to hate. The sex was so hot she obeyed the laws of physics. I guess all other times she doesn't?
page 105
"There was simply response, for every action, a reaction, and she followed every law of physics, Spiraling, arching, twisting, and gasping with every electric jolt of lightning that filled and awakened her. She had to touch, stroke, taste, caress and evoke in return, and in minutes, they were tangled flesh and limb. She flourished, as if long accustomed to an arid life, her world had suddenly been filled with the thrill of a waterfall, and in the end, she wanted so much that it couldn’t be, that a hoarse and gasped out cry of impatience ripped from his lungs, and they were truly melded together. "
Yes, I looked it up. Because I had to make sure that's what she wrote. It's not like we can just arbitrarily decide "eh, fuck the laws of physics. Today, I want to FLY!"
A few more chapters in, I realized that I hated each and every character. Every single one. They are all assholes. One scene they are all chummy, the next scene they are accusing each other of the most horrific things. Then right back to being besties.
I spent the last thirty pages trying to figure out what mental disorder the author has because it seemed like she was writing characters and events based on stuff she had learned about human interaction, not any that she might have had herself.
ugh. I should have kept count of the amount of times I fell asleep while trying to plow through this piece of shit. at least 4.
At first, it was just annoying and boring. Despite the fact that Matt is antagonistic and hostile, Darcy is falling for him. He calls her a fraud and a liar so frequently it's a red flag for future abuse, instead of getting as far away from this jerk as she can, she's so overwhelmed with lust she falls right into bed with him. Fine, another romance book where the theme is the love of a really hot woman can turn any mildly attractive douchebag into husband material.
Around the first sex scene, I started to hate. The sex was so hot she obeyed the laws of physics. I guess all other times she doesn't?
page 105
"There was simply response, for every action, a reaction, and she followed every law of physics, Spiraling, arching, twisting, and gasping with every electric jolt of lightning that filled and awakened her. She had to touch, stroke, taste, caress and evoke in return, and in minutes, they were tangled flesh and limb. She flourished, as if long accustomed to an arid life, her world had suddenly been filled with the thrill of a waterfall, and in the end, she wanted so much that it couldn’t be, that a hoarse and gasped out cry of impatience ripped from his lungs, and they were truly melded together. "
Yes, I looked it up. Because I had to make sure that's what she wrote. It's not like we can just arbitrarily decide "eh, fuck the laws of physics. Today, I want to FLY!"
A few more chapters in, I realized that I hated each and every character. Every single one. They are all assholes. One scene they are all chummy, the next scene they are accusing each other of the most horrific things. Then right back to being besties.
I spent the last thirty pages trying to figure out what mental disorder the author has because it seemed like she was writing characters and events based on stuff she had learned about human interaction, not any that she might have had herself.
ugh. I should have kept count of the amount of times I fell asleep while trying to plow through this piece of shit. at least 4.
October 6, 2019
I regret to say that this is not a good book. I would even dare to say that this is one of the worst books from Heather Graham I have read. And I quite enjoyed some of her other books. Unfortunately, this one is extensively poorly executed.
The whole idea is not that bad. The haunted house mixed with some modern crimes may not be the most refreshing idea, especially if you read a book or two by Heather Graham, but it could work. Unfortunately, the plot is weak, undeveloped and unimaginative. Though, I have to admit that the whole atmosphere of gore is pretty suggestive and I was a bit spooked while reading at night from time to time. But the atmosphere alone is not enough to rescue this novel.
What ultimately plunges this book are the badly written characters. Just look at Darcy and Matt! Their personalities are so inconsistent they were driving me mad all the time. Matt sometimes seems to believe in Darcy's gift and then he gets furious at her accusing her of faking it. They are paper-thin and completely unremarkable. And the romance between them (love even!) is totally unbelievable and unconvincing. I would even prefer if the book give up on classic happy ending and go for HFN. It would be more accurate. Also, Clint and Carter seem indifferent to me. I couldn’t distinct one from the other and the fact that they both have names starting with C doesn’t help at all.
I’m disappointed with this book. I seriously hope that no one is going to start his adventure with Graham books with this one.
The whole idea is not that bad. The haunted house mixed with some modern crimes may not be the most refreshing idea, especially if you read a book or two by Heather Graham, but it could work. Unfortunately, the plot is weak, undeveloped and unimaginative. Though, I have to admit that the whole atmosphere of gore is pretty suggestive and I was a bit spooked while reading at night from time to time. But the atmosphere alone is not enough to rescue this novel.
What ultimately plunges this book are the badly written characters. Just look at Darcy and Matt! Their personalities are so inconsistent they were driving me mad all the time. Matt sometimes seems to believe in Darcy's gift and then he gets furious at her accusing her of faking it. They are paper-thin and completely unremarkable. And the romance between them (love even!) is totally unbelievable and unconvincing. I would even prefer if the book give up on classic happy ending and go for HFN. It would be more accurate. Also, Clint and Carter seem indifferent to me. I couldn’t distinct one from the other and the fact that they both have names starting with C doesn’t help at all.
I’m disappointed with this book. I seriously hope that no one is going to start his adventure with Graham books with this one.
October 15, 2019
**DNF**
I could not finish this due to I can't stand heroines that are doormats! I wanted to throw my Tablet through the window!
I love Ms. Graham's series, Krewe of Hunters, but so far this series is off to a bad start for me. I'm gonna give the next book a shot though.
I could not finish this due to I can't stand heroines that are doormats! I wanted to throw my Tablet through the window!
I love Ms. Graham's series, Krewe of Hunters, but so far this series is off to a bad start for me. I'm gonna give the next book a shot though.
February 2, 2012
Two and a half stars. I gave it three stars because I finished it and wasn't tempted not to. Having said that, I wanted a paranormal story. This is not. It's romance. And not even terribly believable romance. Matt is surly and insulting to Darcy. And the conflict that is supposed to leave you wondering if they'll get together is because he doesn't believe in ghosts, so she gives him the willies? Didn't work for me. I really would have liked much more time to be spent on the paranormal aspects of the story.
As for the writing, I would fire the editor. This came from a publishing house? Why does everyone complain ad nauseum about self-published writers that have a few typos or whatever in their works, but nobody says boo about this? This book had two of the longest, most horrific sentences I've ever seen strung together, and a lot of the dialog didn't flow as well as it could have.
However, as I said, I did find it engaging enough to keep reading, which merits more than two stars in my book, no matter what other problems it may have had.
As for the writing, I would fire the editor. This came from a publishing house? Why does everyone complain ad nauseum about self-published writers that have a few typos or whatever in their works, but nobody says boo about this? This book had two of the longest, most horrific sentences I've ever seen strung together, and a lot of the dialog didn't flow as well as it could have.
However, as I said, I did find it engaging enough to keep reading, which merits more than two stars in my book, no matter what other problems it may have had.
September 15, 2024
Heather Graham can be a hit or miss for me, but this was a good solid read for me. She writes what I want to read about. Love ghost stories mixed up with romance. Matt, a true non-believer of ghost however, when his family historical 1700's era home starts having guest attacked by what people are claiming ghosts, he makes a call Harrison Investigations for help. Adam Harrison runs a paranormal investigation firm, he also used to be friends with Matt's grandfather. So Adam, who can't get away from what he is working on sends Darcy instead. Thus begins the tempestuous relationship of Matt and Darcy, the non-believer and the medium/ghost hunter. It was a good read with scary ghost and things that go bump in the night. But in the end of course, it is someone not of this earthy realm or very much someone in the mood to commit murder? Think I will give the 2nd book in the series I look see and find out if this was a one off.
November 12, 2023
I'm so glad I found this book on the Libby app. It was exactly the kind of book I love.
January 24, 2013
As I put down the recent “Idiot’s Guide to writing a Horror Story”, I have to wonder where have all the dysfunctional, psychotic, and downright creepy writers gone? Was there a mass relocation I missed? Have they gone into hiding or been taken down by a group of angry soccer moms? Or has it simply been turned into giving the people what you think they want and no longer infusing your own nightmares into it? (I’m looking at you Mr. D’Ammassa.)
The book started out so good, with a plot that was both chilling and curious, only to switch to more romance than horror. With a story remade countless times, Ms. Graham had the opportunity to make it her own, and instead chose the path that has been well traveled. The atmosphere is hazy with a dark overcast, neither good or bad, it worked for this book. The pace in the story is level with the exception of the end, which ties up way too rapidly. Graham’s style of writing is heavy with considerably more dialogue than description.
The characters were boring, stereotyped, and unintentionally hilarious, my favorite being the main character. She is supposed to be an experienced ghost hunter, and yet turns into a skittish kitten the first time she experiences a noise. Even Shaggy and Scooby would have slapped her.
Overall, this book may not be terrifying or scary, but it was one of the funniest books I have read in awhile. I give this book a 2 . The next time you think of revisiting your old grade school horror books, just go to the library and borrow this one.
-As reviewed for Horror-Web.com
The book started out so good, with a plot that was both chilling and curious, only to switch to more romance than horror. With a story remade countless times, Ms. Graham had the opportunity to make it her own, and instead chose the path that has been well traveled. The atmosphere is hazy with a dark overcast, neither good or bad, it worked for this book. The pace in the story is level with the exception of the end, which ties up way too rapidly. Graham’s style of writing is heavy with considerably more dialogue than description.
The characters were boring, stereotyped, and unintentionally hilarious, my favorite being the main character. She is supposed to be an experienced ghost hunter, and yet turns into a skittish kitten the first time she experiences a noise. Even Shaggy and Scooby would have slapped her.
Overall, this book may not be terrifying or scary, but it was one of the funniest books I have read in awhile. I give this book a 2 . The next time you think of revisiting your old grade school horror books, just go to the library and borrow this one.
-As reviewed for Horror-Web.com
January 7, 2018
I really love Heather Graham. She does great romantic chemistry with a ghost story thrown in. The characters are fun and the location really becomes a character in its own right. Many of her stories are set in New Orleans, but this first volume in the Harrison Investigation series is set in Virginia.
This one sets up a plot twist which is a red herring, and then throws in a second one for the finish. One thing I like that it starts out paranormal, but there is an actual mystery/suspense story there too.
This one sets up a plot twist which is a red herring, and then throws in a second one for the finish. One thing I like that it starts out paranormal, but there is an actual mystery/suspense story there too.
June 16, 2011
Overall I enjoyed this book - I enjoy Ms. Graham's thrillers and paranormal books, but I am not a fan of romance novels and this book reminded me why - because she stuck right to the formula when playing the romance. Why oh WHY does a guy who is normally perfectly nice turn into an obnoxious jerk when he meets the woman to whom he is attracted? And WHY does a woman who is normally fairly self-assured start questioning her every move and motivation? And WHY WHY WHY do they need to spend practically every encounter at each others' throats and then suddenly at the end of the book it is happily ever after? It drives me mad. I am absolutely certain there are other ways of creating dynamic tension - mainly because I HAVE read other paranomal romance thrillers that utilize them.
But the other characters are very well written, the mystery is tight and keeps you guessing, the paranormal aspects are very well done and highly believable and overall I have to give the book 4 stars because other than the romance aspect, I did enjoy it. If you like romances, you won't have any troubles with Ms. Graham's book here - if you like thrillers and mysteries, she has other wonderful books that have much less romance cluttering up the scenery, also. She's a very well-rounded writer, overall. Give her a try.
But the other characters are very well written, the mystery is tight and keeps you guessing, the paranormal aspects are very well done and highly believable and overall I have to give the book 4 stars because other than the romance aspect, I did enjoy it. If you like romances, you won't have any troubles with Ms. Graham's book here - if you like thrillers and mysteries, she has other wonderful books that have much less romance cluttering up the scenery, also. She's a very well-rounded writer, overall. Give her a try.
January 20, 2020
I picked this book for my January book club - start a new series. It is a ghost story so I was all in and I always wanted to read Heather Graham. The setting of the book is Virginia so that was why I chose this book over the Krewe of Hunters series. Well, I should have gone with the other series.
I had to look at the date of publication because it seems like it was written in the 80s or 90s but no, it was published in 2003. Matt, the male main character, was such a jerk, treating Darcy, the female main character, like crap, telling her that he doesn't believe in ghosts and thinks she can't do anything. Of course, she is beautiful and that means she is stupid but all the guys want her. I read a few of the other reviews and it seems like there is a case of instalove and the couple jump into bed right away. No thanks.
I have read some of the authors other books and those were good. I guess it's a hit and miss here.
I had to look at the date of publication because it seems like it was written in the 80s or 90s but no, it was published in 2003. Matt, the male main character, was such a jerk, treating Darcy, the female main character, like crap, telling her that he doesn't believe in ghosts and thinks she can't do anything. Of course, she is beautiful and that means she is stupid but all the guys want her. I read a few of the other reviews and it seems like there is a case of instalove and the couple jump into bed right away. No thanks.
I have read some of the authors other books and those were good. I guess it's a hit and miss here.
September 1, 2018
#RitoRita2 #RitaGraham
Meh. La verdad es que me esperaba muchísimo más del libro. La sinopsis tenía buena pinta, y los primeros capítulos me mantuvieron bastante entretenida. Pero incluso antes de llegar a la mitad, la historia se estanca en un pozo de arenas movedizas y no sale de ahí hasta el final.
Los personajes me parecieron chatos y muy repetitivos en sus acciones y discursos; sobretodo el protagonista, que me resultó un arisco malhumorado que se niega rotundamente a aceptar lo que está frente a sus ojos. El grupete de personajes secundarios hicieron la historia un poco más llevadera y agradable, pero también comienzan a cansar un poco a medida que se va desarrollando el final.
El misterio de los asesinatos se veía venir de lejos y, si bien la trama de los fantasmas sí estuvo un poco más interesante, termina por quedar en la nada misma hacia el final. La historia de amor me resultó totalmente forzada e innecesaria (sí, ya sé que se supone que el libro entraría en la categoría de "romántica paranormal", pero en este caso estuvo completamente de más) para lo que es la trama en sí. No me crei ni por un instante la atracción entre ellos y mucho menos el amor que se profesan al final.
En fin, un libro no muy recomendable que da vueltas y vueltas para terminar en ningún lado. Una lastima porque si hubiese seguido el ritmo de los primeros capítulos, ahora no me estaría quejando tanto. Lo único que rescato son los personajes de Josh y Adam, que me llegaron a enternecer bastante, y las leyendas del pueblo en el que se desarrolla la historia.
Meh. La verdad es que me esperaba muchísimo más del libro. La sinopsis tenía buena pinta, y los primeros capítulos me mantuvieron bastante entretenida. Pero incluso antes de llegar a la mitad, la historia se estanca en un pozo de arenas movedizas y no sale de ahí hasta el final.
Los personajes me parecieron chatos y muy repetitivos en sus acciones y discursos; sobretodo el protagonista, que me resultó un arisco malhumorado que se niega rotundamente a aceptar lo que está frente a sus ojos. El grupete de personajes secundarios hicieron la historia un poco más llevadera y agradable, pero también comienzan a cansar un poco a medida que se va desarrollando el final.
El misterio de los asesinatos se veía venir de lejos y, si bien la trama de los fantasmas sí estuvo un poco más interesante, termina por quedar en la nada misma hacia el final. La historia de amor me resultó totalmente forzada e innecesaria (sí, ya sé que se supone que el libro entraría en la categoría de "romántica paranormal", pero en este caso estuvo completamente de más) para lo que es la trama en sí. No me crei ni por un instante la atracción entre ellos y mucho menos el amor que se profesan al final.
En fin, un libro no muy recomendable que da vueltas y vueltas para terminar en ningún lado. Una lastima porque si hubiese seguido el ritmo de los primeros capítulos, ahora no me estaría quejando tanto. Lo único que rescato son los personajes de Josh y Adam, que me llegaron a enternecer bastante, y las leyendas del pueblo en el que se desarrolla la historia.
February 10, 2024
My first book I've DNF this year. I just couldn't get through it and read like 4 or 5 other books in between this one. It's kinda like a cozy mystery and I did like the story and wanted to finish it and like it...but it just dragged way too much for me.
August 15, 2019
3.5 stars, maybe 4. Much in the same vein as the Krewe of Hunters books, which isn't surprising since the Harrison of Harrison Investigations is the same Adam Harrison who formed and oversees the Krewe. Review to come.
February 11, 2012
I enjoyed the first half of this book so much, but then Darcy's relationship with Matt kind of made me want to stop reading a few times. I feel like it was too fairy tale-esque. They only knew each other for a few weeks before they started thinking about how they might not be able to live without each other. Honestly, relationships like that make me sick and make me believe that it will never work out. They acted more like a high school couple than a pair of grown adults with rational mindsets.
I was also put off by how all the guys seemed to drool over Darcy. It was annoying to read about how every male was trying to get with her at some point. A strong main character should have relatable qualities, and I just find it quite difficult to believe that every person who reads this book to be able to relate to Darcy. She felt more like the person so many wish they could be and it just got quite redundant whenever she left the Melody House. In fact, almost every female that was in this book seemed to have the same 'beauty queen' qualities and it just got annoying after a while. There really wasn't a character any one could relate to. The characters that came close to be realistic were Clint and Carter in how they seemed to want to go through woman like no tomorrow. I'm not saying every male is like, but I've known a few who are like that.
There were a few parts in the book that came across kind of cheesy to me. Like the Seance part, in which Darcy gets 'possessed' and starts talking in a completely different voice. It was just an expected thing and the way it was carried out made it feel like the book belonged more in the young adult category than a mystery/suspense. The only parts of the book that really seemed 'suspenseful' were when the bones disappeared and when Matt connects the names of the missing women to Carter.
The ending was kind of disappointing and rather anti-climatic. The ghost of woman that Carter killed was the one to kill him. It was what I expected to happen after Matt made the connection to Carter. I would have liked to have seen it end a little differently. I almost wanted Darcy to get hurt just because she seemed to escape every other misfortune that I think the story would have benefited from having her get hurt a little more than she did. I loathed that after encounter to harm, she would insist she was fine. I personally wouldn't be fine after all that she had been through; falling through a library floor, getting pushed into grave while it's storming out and have a tree branch fall over the grave while she was in it, and then have Carter put a knife to her throat. Yeah, I'm sure I'd be just fine after all that.
I was also put off by how all the guys seemed to drool over Darcy. It was annoying to read about how every male was trying to get with her at some point. A strong main character should have relatable qualities, and I just find it quite difficult to believe that every person who reads this book to be able to relate to Darcy. She felt more like the person so many wish they could be and it just got quite redundant whenever she left the Melody House. In fact, almost every female that was in this book seemed to have the same 'beauty queen' qualities and it just got annoying after a while. There really wasn't a character any one could relate to. The characters that came close to be realistic were Clint and Carter in how they seemed to want to go through woman like no tomorrow. I'm not saying every male is like, but I've known a few who are like that.
There were a few parts in the book that came across kind of cheesy to me. Like the Seance part, in which Darcy gets 'possessed' and starts talking in a completely different voice. It was just an expected thing and the way it was carried out made it feel like the book belonged more in the young adult category than a mystery/suspense. The only parts of the book that really seemed 'suspenseful' were when the bones disappeared and when Matt connects the names of the missing women to Carter.
The ending was kind of disappointing and rather anti-climatic. The ghost of woman that Carter killed was the one to kill him. It was what I expected to happen after Matt made the connection to Carter. I would have liked to have seen it end a little differently. I almost wanted Darcy to get hurt just because she seemed to escape every other misfortune that I think the story would have benefited from having her get hurt a little more than she did. I loathed that after encounter to harm, she would insist she was fine. I personally wouldn't be fine after all that she had been through; falling through a library floor, getting pushed into grave while it's storming out and have a tree branch fall over the grave while she was in it, and then have Carter put a knife to her throat. Yeah, I'm sure I'd be just fine after all that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2010
I didn't mean to read this book so quickly, but I kept coming back to it. So it's gets a 4 from me. I wasn't even tempted to skip to the end and cut it short.
Haunted is part of a loosely connected series of books, all involving the Harrison Investigations series--"Ghostbuster". I've listened to several. All have had suspense, romance, ghosts, and real flesh and blood killers.
The suspense in Haunted was good, although I had a pretty good outline of the rest of the book in my head by the middle. Still, the author did a good job of getting where she was going.
The romance does include sex if that is a deal maker or breaker for you.
I can picture the villain being played in a movie by one of those really terrific actors that can look totally normal until the moment when they aren't, and then the do a really great creepy.
My one little beef is that there was a little side issue that was never addressed, but that could be sloppy reading on my part. I did skim here and there.
Haunted is part of a loosely connected series of books, all involving the Harrison Investigations series--"Ghostbuster". I've listened to several. All have had suspense, romance, ghosts, and real flesh and blood killers.
The suspense in Haunted was good, although I had a pretty good outline of the rest of the book in my head by the middle. Still, the author did a good job of getting where she was going.
The romance does include sex if that is a deal maker or breaker for you.
I can picture the villain being played in a movie by one of those really terrific actors that can look totally normal until the moment when they aren't, and then the do a really great creepy.
My one little beef is that there was a little side issue that was never addressed, but that could be sloppy reading on my part. I did skim here and there.
September 9, 2014
This is a random book I picked up from our communal bookshelf at work. Paranormal investigation sounded great! I liked the beginning where we learn about how Darcy got her psychic powers. And then we switch and meet this haunted house. But when Grown Up Darcy comes to investigate it, the main guy, Matt is unreasonably mean and rude. And they say oh it's because of his ex. But even so, it's just a bit unbelievable that he would act that way. Of course it's so they can do this whole are they gonna get together or not thing. I just have so many other books I could be reading that I don't need to watch her fall for him and realize he's a good guy under all that and him to mend his jerk ways, which jerk ways only come out with her since he's apparently super nice to everyone else. The ghost investigation part just doesn't seem strong enough to keep me reading.
March 7, 2011
I gave this a two because while I liked the story line the writing kind of stunk. It was choppy, awkward, and just... yeah... The story? It's the Typical Graham storyline. There's a girl. There's a guy. There's something ghosty like and woogy. Boy and girl get closer, and things get woogier (or more woogy if you will). Sex type stuff happens followed by tension and doubt. Everything resolves itself when $%^& hits the fan, and the woogy mystery is solved by boy and girl, and the obligatory set of sidekick friends. Nice mindless storyline, but not enough to stop your eyes from twitching with this one.
August 16, 2015
I first read this book back in high school and I've reread it a few times over the years, and I've never ceased to love it. The mystery of it is highly entertaining, and the romance is interesting but not too overbearing in the story.
An excellent paranormal mystery, definitely worth reading.
An excellent paranormal mystery, definitely worth reading.
February 16, 2015
Oh, I really enjoyed this book, much more then I was expecting! The first book in a long series, that spun off another long series, and yeah, I had to read the ending near the beginning of reading this book, so I knew who the bad guy was, and loved how it all came together!
May 24, 2009
One of Heather Graham's better books; I really enjoyed the story. The combination of paranormal, romance and suspense is well balanced out.
August 5, 2009
this book was poorly written, i didn't bother finishing it. Dialog was so bad!! I love a good, easy read, but this was just brainless drivel.
May 29, 2014
Good ghost story. enjoyed the suspense.
May 9, 2016
Fantastic story with great atmosphere!
April 21, 2018
Melody House in Virginia has a reputation for being haunted. Matt Stone, the owner, loves his family home and works hard to maintain it while working as the town Sheriff. He refuses to believe in the supernatural occurrences reported by his employees and guests of the house but agrees to allow Adam Harrison and his employee, Darcy Tremayne, to conduct an investigation. When Darcy shows up, all sorts of interesting and challenging events being to happen, not the least of which is Matt's strong attraction to her, something he resists greatly because he quite frankly thinks she's crazy to believe in ghosts. Naturally, as the situation progresses, the case becomes more intense as does the couple's attraction to each other.
Heather Graham does such a good job combining a good paranormal story with a romance. I also enjoy the way she adds a present day mystery to the whole plot, making a very entertaining reading experience. It also helps that she chooses some amazing settings for her books!
Heather Graham does such a good job combining a good paranormal story with a romance. I also enjoy the way she adds a present day mystery to the whole plot, making a very entertaining reading experience. It also helps that she chooses some amazing settings for her books!
January 24, 2023
Love is everywhere. . .
When does a gift become a curse?
Matt Stone doesn't believe in ghosts. But there are those who are convinced his home, a historic Virginia estate that dates back to the Revolutionary War, is haunted. Pressured to get at the truth about some strange happenings at Melody House, he agrees to let Harrison Investigations explore the house. But he isn't ready for beautiful, intriguing Darcy Tremayne.
As a paranormal investigator, Darcy has learned to believe in the unbelievable. And she's given Matt fair warning: sometimes people don't like the skeletons she finds. She never dreamed that the warning would apply to herself. For she's about to discover that Melody House holds much more than a simple mystery form the distant past. What it holds is a very real and lethal danger, one that will cast her into a struggle against the worlds of both the living and the dead.
When does a gift become a curse?
Matt Stone doesn't believe in ghosts. But there are those who are convinced his home, a historic Virginia estate that dates back to the Revolutionary War, is haunted. Pressured to get at the truth about some strange happenings at Melody House, he agrees to let Harrison Investigations explore the house. But he isn't ready for beautiful, intriguing Darcy Tremayne.
As a paranormal investigator, Darcy has learned to believe in the unbelievable. And she's given Matt fair warning: sometimes people don't like the skeletons she finds. She never dreamed that the warning would apply to herself. For she's about to discover that Melody House holds much more than a simple mystery form the distant past. What it holds is a very real and lethal danger, one that will cast her into a struggle against the worlds of both the living and the dead.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2020
Okay so, I really wanted to love this book. Ghost hunting, psychics, romance, and historic homes...some of my favorite things! But there were a few things that kept me from loving it. The first is that the author has a way of repeating herself over and over again. Not just with things that the characters say but specific words. Not normal words either... one of her favorites in this novel is “sinew”. Who says that!? It actually started becoming humorous when a character would mention sinew. The book wasn’t terrible though which is why I gave it three stars. It was an easy read and although both main characters irritated me beyond belief more than a few times, I’m glad I read it. I’d say if you’re considering it, go for it.
September 29, 2020
Several years ago I accidently read book 8 in this series and I enjoyed it so I have been meaning to start from the beginning of the series for awhile. I liked this book, it even creeped me out sometimes with the ghost parts of it. Your first instinct is maybe to shelve this as paranormal romance, because there is romance and there are ghosts. But that's not right, this book is more mystery/romantic suspense and it's a great blend of both.
August 11, 2018
Since the death of a friend at prom, Darcy Tremayne has been able to see ghosts. Now part of a paranormal investigation team, she is asked to visit a pre-Civil War home in Virginia that has had strange sightings. But Darcy feels more darkness than usual. Could there be danger in the present as well as the past?
Reprint of 2003 publication.
Reprint of 2003 publication.
February 20, 2025
4 stars since it took me longer than I’d like to finish it and really get into the book. Super good mystery. I had several inklings about who it could be. I knew it was Matt, Carter, or Clint. I was however wrong about who they killed. I’ll leave that as the spoiler. More spice than I was expecting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2025
More like a 3.5
I really enjoyed the investigative aspects of this one but I didn't enjoy the romantic aspects at all. I will be continuing with the series as I enjoyed most everything else about the story. I'm hoping that the romantic aspects won't be an issue for me in future installments of the series.
I really enjoyed the investigative aspects of this one but I didn't enjoy the romantic aspects at all. I will be continuing with the series as I enjoyed most everything else about the story. I'm hoping that the romantic aspects won't be an issue for me in future installments of the series.
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