Magpa: Sorrow

by Daniel J. Barnes

Abigail Jones was not the first child to go missing in Hope Springs.

Private Investigator Jimmy Johnson. Jr, is hired to find the missing girl, but soon discovers that there is more to the case than meets the eye.

Could an absurd urban legend be responsible for the missing children?

Are the people of Hope Springs concealing a secret that even they can’t face?

306 pages, Paperback

Published January 8, 2023

About the author

Author of the novels Monster Home, Blood Stained Canvas, The Vatican: Angel of Justice series, Dinner Party, Maple Falls Massacre, Fear Trigger, Welcome to Crimson & Monster Meals.

Creator/Writer of several independent comics Vatican: The Angel of Justice (1 issue), Monster Home (3 issues), Starlex (2 issues), Revenge is Geek (1 issue).

Reviews

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god what a read! This now has to be my Favourite SHH (Secret Hunters Horde book) Absolutely loving this series can’t wait to see what’s next in store!

When picking up a book I love to be gripped and pulled into the adventure as if I’m right there throughout with the character going through it all. Dan never fails to create this, this book was one hell of a car chase and a thrill of a ride that I didn’t want to get off! Or perhaps I did 😉

The character Jimmy is a much lovable one and I created a soft spot for Denny.

After reading this book I also may possibly be right with my theory about one of Dan’s other ideas. But if you would like to find out more go check out Dans books! Once you have you will be gripped and wanting more!

Favourite book of 2023 reading challenge!!!!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant book! Jimmy- the main character is instantly likeable and I can’t wait to read more of his story. A must read!!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhhhhhhh the last 2 chapters! Brilliant story had me hooked all the way through. Love the idea of this creature, so unique, could really build up an image from the descriptions. Amazing read.

[Mathew Brookes · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant book had me hooked from the first page right through to the last page another great book by Daniel Barnes.

[Lylith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A children's nursery rhyme, "One for Sorrow", predicts good or bad luck according to the number of magpies seen - superstition believing them to be a bird of ill omen. Magpa Sorrow takes the premise of that rhyme and creates a unique story filled with mystery and terror, as well as a terrifying creature called Magpa. The reader is left to wonder throughout if an urban legend could be responsible for all the missing children in Hope Springs or if there is a darker secret that the town is hiding. This was a fast-paced read, full of action, humour and chilling scenes leading to a thrilling and heart-racing conclusion. This is the second book I have read by Barnes, and I absolutely loved it.

[Baz West · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely cracking book. Dan has smashed another one out the park and personally I’m gonna say this is now my favourite of all the djb universe books.
Very well written and a great story that’s full of all the emotions. You can’t help be feel invested as the story progresses.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gripping novel from DJB. I love how Dan's attention to detail makes for such a gripping story.

No spoilers but this is one of those that you can't put down.

Brilliant.

[W Hearsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jimmy Johnson Jr. Is hired to investigate the disappearance of Abigail Jones, a teenage girl who has been missing for three weeks. With no leads, the police are baffled. But Abigail is not the only resident of Hope Springs to have vanished without trace. The moment Jimmy hits town he is being watched, by a strange man called Denny. He is considered harmless by the Chief Of Police, but to many of the townsfolk, Denny is behind the disappearances. And as Jimmy investigates, this case is not as simple as he first thought, there is something truly terrifying happening in this small town. But it's only the crazies who believe the missing children, are being taken by the bird witch. A folklore myth, named Magpa. An unsettling, atmospheric folklore horror and a brilliant compelling fast paced page turning read.. Loved it!

[Sandra Damiani · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Magpa: Sorrow, Investigator Jimmy Johnson looks into a case involving a missing girl, but after meeting the town's police chief and an unpredictable man named Denny, Investigator Jimmy Johnson learns that there are more missing girls and different views on what is happening in the town. I especially like the character Rhonda. She went from serving cookies to holding blood-stained bones in her hand. This book will keep you entertained with all the twists and turns. I give this book a Bright Shiny 5-star review and can't wait to read more from this author.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book it has the reader gripped from the start the characters are well written and made the reader want to get to know them more. I hope there are future books in this series.