Imprints of the Past

by Gareth Ian Davies

Winner of the Gold Medal for Paranormal Fiction at the 2023 Global Ebook Awards!


D doesn’t believe in ghosts. Not really. But they may ruin his life anyway.

Recently released from prison, D’s just trying to live a normal life in his hometown of St. Louis. He has a job, an apartment, and a girlfriend he adores. But the city has changed since he’s been away. Something otherworldly lurks behind its storefronts, inside its houses and apartments, unheeded by almost everyone but D. His unease turns to panic when confronted with visions of past lives, visions only he can see. And if he can’t control his panic it may trigger what he fears more than any ghost: a return to the cage that swallowed twelve years of his life.

Hope arrives in the form of a middle-aged schoolteacher who doesn’t believe in ghosts either. However, she also senses what D senses and, more important, controls and even eliminates the phenomena. Desperate to learn how, D joins her in a battle against something neither of them understand, for unknown stakes, and with risks that would terrify them if only they knew. And somebody does…

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 26, 2023

About the author

Gareth Ian Davies was born and raised in the south of London , during which time he wrote many terrible things and dreamed of becoming a novelist. Instead, he earned a degree in Physics from the University of Bristol and didn’t quite know what to do with it. After moving to the American Midwest he flirted with a career in nuclear engineering before taking the somewhat safer path as a software architect.

He spent the next three decades writing code and technical documentation, before finally realizing his dream by publishing his first novel. Gareth lives in St. Louis with his wife, her sadly declining fish population, two cats, and a cockatiel.

Reviews

[Johanna Miller]

Not your typical ghost story. Set in St. Louis, very descriptive (also I love that he added the Cubs bc I’m from Chicago and I’m a Cubs fan), even if you’ve never been to St. Louis you can really feel and see everything. There is a lot of suspense in this book and I was guessing a lot (not always correctly), D was a relatable protagonist (even if I haven’t been to jail), Rosalind is so well written, she will quickly become a favorite character. Rosalind helps D figure out what is going on and I enjoyed how their friendship/mentorship type relationship developed during the book. I can’t wait to see how the rest of the books in the series go, I’m not sure if I would put this in fantasy or paranormal but I definitely enjoyed it.

[Heather.]

Imprints of the Past was a great read. I really enjoyed how the story progressed and I can't wait to find out what happens next!

[Kisa Rayen]

I loved this book! It was easy to sink into the world that Gareth gave us. Set in St. Louis, a beautiful city and he absolutely nails the description of it perfectly. St. Louis Zoo is one of my favorite zoos and would agree with D that it is indeed one of the best. What I loved so much was that Gareth absolutely nails the first person narrative and also the histories of St Louis that made me want to know more about the city.

The characters are very relatable. D, an ex con and cook, doesn't believe in ghosts at first and meeting Rosalind who is easily one of my favorite female characters in books now, he's getting help understanding what he experienced at his friends. Rosalind doesn't even believe in ghosts but this story really draws the two together so elegantly, that I couldn't stop reading. I had to know more, to understand exactly what was happening. Small kudos to the inclusion of the Chicago Cubs, my home state and city. Even in the small capacity.

Overall, this became a comfort read for me and I look forward to rereading it again and reading the second book.

Favorite quote:

"I have theories, but I don't know. I'm making this up as I go."

"I don't do exorcisms, Mark. I don't believe in evil spirits anymore than I believe in ghosts. Sorry if that offended your belief; I know your church is very orthodox."

[Ligia Wit]

I loved the concept, first and foremost. Pretty unique and interesting and I wanted to know more. Not your typical “ghost” story (if you can call this “ghost”) and again, the idea is grabbing!
I liked how Gareth Ian Davis took us to Saint Loius, getting to know part of the city besides some interesting historical tidbits.
First-person narrative isn’t as easy as it seems, but Davis nailed it. The narrative felt fluid and effortless, a joy to read.
There’s nothing like a good twist, and I was surprised to find an unexpected surprise at the end, which gave this story brownie points, for sure!
D was a likable protagonist and someone I could follow without an issue. Rosalind was truly a box of surprises and an interesting character.
What could be improved: the story sagged in the middle and there were some unnecessary details to this reader, not to mention I was expecting something to happen by the end of the third act and the antagonist didn't have enough weight (I would have liked more villain presence and more obstacles, but that could be my preference).
Not everything was answered so I guess there will be a book 2!
I highly recommended it.

[Eric Woods]

Fun Paranormal Thriller

The first book in the Of Imprint & Erasure series is my very first read from author Gareth Ian Davies. This fun, paranormal venture pits an ex-convict (Dex, or “D”) trying to get on with his life after spending more than a decade in prison. Unbeknownst to him, he’s about to take on a brand new (and bizarre) mission: erasing memories trapped in buildings. I love this premise, as D and his partner Rosalind aren’t ghost hunters or exorcists, but they instead battle vivid memories that cause hauntings in these buildings. As someone who has no idea what has been happening around him, D must learn on the fly as to how to deal with these memories. The book is filled with suspenseful scenes throughout, as the group encounter some extremely bizarre memories, many (but not all) involving violent deaths. The characters were well laid out, and I especially loved how mysterious Rosalind was, and how we learn more about her with every scene. The twist near the end of the book was a perfect way to set up for the next entry to the series.

[Arielle (CorruptedRosePA)]

This book, right here? AMAZING!! EVERYTHING about this book from the development of characters to the development of the story itself..it is jus SO good to the point it gives me goosebumps!! I am learning that I am VERY similar to D and how he is as a person, I relate to him the most in a LOT of ways and his relationship with jess melts my heart!! Rosalind is just an amazing sweetheart but she is NOT weak by any means, she is indeed a force to be reckoned with! One of my favorite parts about this book, is how the story builds, layer after layer. I DO NOT regret reading this book whatsoever and honestly, will probably end up finishing the whole series within the next week or two because I am THAT in love, another 5 star read for sure! I would HIGHLY recommend this series!!!

[Alison]

Four stars, because it felt like it dragged occasionally or had too much extraneous detail, but close to five as I enjoyed the overall concept and was already wanting to read more, knowing the book was almost finished. D turned out to be much more interesting and thoughtful than I first expected and I want more Rosalind! Jess developed nicely and I’d like to see more of her.

This take on “haunted” places was interesting and while a little more explanation might be nice, it works in the setting that they don’t really know what they’re dealing with either.

So I hope there’s a sequel soon!

I received a copy for voluntary review. My opinions are my own.

[Wendra Colleen]

We have a troubled, lonely figure of a main character who, not long out of jail, discovers he can experience memories trapped in various dwellings – from houses to apartments to hospitals. People want them gone, but they can be devastating and overwhelming for him to dispel. He reluctantly ends up teaming with someone who rids dwellings of these “imprints,” but will he survive to learn this new trade? This book is almost more urban fantasy than paranormal with its rich, detailed descriptions of St. Louis that make you feel like you're walking the streets right along with the characters. If you like a gritty noir tone sprinkled with paranormal elements, this is the book for you.

[Geri]

What happens when powerful emotions from the past linger on in present-day places?

D doesn't believe in ghosts. And yet, he finds himself trying to rid places of the forces that haunt them. The novel explores D's troubled past and introduces Rosalind, D's mentor and a compelling character in her own right. Rosalind helps D harness his gift. But their work may be more dangerous than either knows.

Imprints of the Past is an engrossing urban fantasy novel; a page-turner you won't want to put down.

[Theresa]

D an ex-con is a practical, down to earth guy who is happily employed as a cook. Although he doesn't believe in ghosts D has strange "feelings" at times that he just doesn't understand. A chance meeting with Rosalind changes his life ...... for the better? Recognizing D's unique ability Rosalind becomes his mentor. An eclectic mix of characters, unexpected twists, a bit of mystery and challenging situations with the paranormal made me eager to continue reading to the surprising ending. I received this ARC from Book Sirens and this is my honest review.

[Dee Layton]

I absolutely loved this series by Gareath Ian Davies! The of imprint & Erasure series is a one of a kind Paranormal fantasy that will leave you utterly speechless! Imprints of the past is the first in this series. D don’t believe in ghost a then he is introduced to Rosailand who becomes his mentor an helps D to harness and control his gift. This book also speaks on D troubled past. This book to me was amazing all the adventure and emotions through it were the absolute best an i could not wait to read book 2. I love Gareath Ian Davies books i think he is an amazing author!!

[Maren Campbell]

I haven’t read an urban fantasy in a hot moment but I loved diving into this one!
This has just the right amount of paranormal to keep me hooked and the found family D has in this book, *chef’s kiss*
I’m genuinely excited to dive right into book two, I can’t wait to see what else is in store for D, Jess, and Rosalind!

[Sandra Lowe]

Wonderful first (but not last) read from this author. That I am acquainted with the author is a bonus. I love the paranormal and the additional character of the location (I dont often get to read novels that take place in my backyard). I like D. I will definitely follow their next adventure.

[Jasmine Castro]

Very inter and left you wanting more.

[Geri]

What happens when powerful emotions from the past linger on in present-day places?

D doesn't believe in ghosts. And yet, he finds himself trying to rid places of the forces that haunt them. The novel explores D's troubled past and introduces Rosalind, D's mentor and a compelling character in her own right. Rosalind helps D harness his gift. But their work may be more dangerous than either knows.

Imprints of the Past is an engrossing urban fantasy novel; a page-turner you won't want to put down.

[Brian Mcclain]

Super interesting urban fantasy/paranormal story with solid characters and solid pacing.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.