What do you think?
Rate this book
Ghost Huntress #5
The Discovery
After some time off, Kendall’s ready to begin ghost hunting again. But her life is still in flux. She misses Patrick, her new love. She needs to find a photographer to replace Taylor. Plus, she may have discovered who her real father is, but to be sure, she has to convince his family she’s not a fake.And then there’s a certain doll that seems to be out to get her and her friends. A doll? How could that be? Unless, perhaps, it’s not just a doll. Maybe it’s a vessel containing the soul of a man so evil in life, not even death could stop his reign of terror. This could be Kendall’s most terrifying and deadliest encounter yet.
264 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
6 people are currently reading
734 people want to read
About the author
Marley Gibson
39 books277 followersMarley Gibson is the author of the hit young adult paranormal fiction series, "Ghost Huntress," from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s Graphia line, as well as "Radiate," which is a fictionalized version of the cancer she went through as a teenage cheerleader.
Gibson was featured on the premiere episode of The Biography Channel’s "My Ghost Story," as well as being interviewed by CNN.com for a Halloween feature on ghost hunting in 2008. She appeared on the Travel Channel's "Paranormal Challenge," as we as an episode of "Ghost Adventures."
Her publishing credits include "Ghost Huntress: The Awakening," "Ghost Huntress: The Guidance," and "Ghost Huntress: The Reason," "Ghost Huntress: The Counseling," "Ghost Huntress: The Journey," and soon to come, a Christmas novella, "Ghost Huntress: The Tidings."
She has also co-authored a teen ghost hunting how-to guide entitled “The Other Side: A Teen’s Guide to Ghost Hunting and the Paranormal" with her husband, Patrick Burns, from TruTV's "Haunting Evidence," and Travel Channel's "Paranormal Challenge," and "Ghost Adventures."
Gibson is also the co-author of the wildly successful "Christmas Miracles," and it's sequel, "The Spirit of Christmas," published by St. Martin’s Press and co-written with New York Times bestselling author, Cecil Murphey.
Gibson holds a Bachelors of Arts in Communication with an emphasis in Advertising and a double minor in Political Science and Speech Communications from The University of Alabama. She has worked on several political campaigns, as a United States Congressional intern, and has been a marketing events manager in the medical, higher education, financial, and technology sectors, but is now happy being a full-time author, creating stories and characters for fans to love.
An avid SCUBA diver, closet gourmet chef, and electronic music lover, Marley and her husband, Patrick, live in the Florida Keys with their two rescue kitties, Madison and Boo, in an RV they lovely call, Midge.
She can be found online at www.marleygibson.com and www.radiatebook.com on Facebook at MarleyGibson Author and on Twitter @MarleyGison
Gibson was featured on the premiere episode of The Biography Channel’s "My Ghost Story," as well as being interviewed by CNN.com for a Halloween feature on ghost hunting in 2008. She appeared on the Travel Channel's "Paranormal Challenge," as we as an episode of "Ghost Adventures."
Her publishing credits include "Ghost Huntress: The Awakening," "Ghost Huntress: The Guidance," and "Ghost Huntress: The Reason," "Ghost Huntress: The Counseling," "Ghost Huntress: The Journey," and soon to come, a Christmas novella, "Ghost Huntress: The Tidings."
She has also co-authored a teen ghost hunting how-to guide entitled “The Other Side: A Teen’s Guide to Ghost Hunting and the Paranormal" with her husband, Patrick Burns, from TruTV's "Haunting Evidence," and Travel Channel's "Paranormal Challenge," and "Ghost Adventures."
Gibson is also the co-author of the wildly successful "Christmas Miracles," and it's sequel, "The Spirit of Christmas," published by St. Martin’s Press and co-written with New York Times bestselling author, Cecil Murphey.
Gibson holds a Bachelors of Arts in Communication with an emphasis in Advertising and a double minor in Political Science and Speech Communications from The University of Alabama. She has worked on several political campaigns, as a United States Congressional intern, and has been a marketing events manager in the medical, higher education, financial, and technology sectors, but is now happy being a full-time author, creating stories and characters for fans to love.
An avid SCUBA diver, closet gourmet chef, and electronic music lover, Marley and her husband, Patrick, live in the Florida Keys with their two rescue kitties, Madison and Boo, in an RV they lovely call, Midge.
She can be found online at www.marleygibson.com and www.radiatebook.com on Facebook at MarleyGibson Author and on Twitter @MarleyGison
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 30, 2011
This book was full of paranormal events. The Ghost Huntress team winds up investigating some pretty creepy stuff. There will not be a boring narration in this book. Personally I have always had a closet fear of chucky and the doll in this book has a similar creep factor to my childhood fear. Dolls are just creepy in general to me though.
Kendall and Patrick continue to make a cute couple. Although, I am waiting for the shoe to fall with them. Reading each other's thoughts and feelings will not always result in a "happy couple" but they are still in that cute honeymoon phase. I think it will be interesting to see what happens with them especially after the way the book ended.
One of the reasons I enjoy this series so much is Celia's character is so scientific. She is always trying to find concrete evidence that can't be explained any other way. All of the characters in this story bring something to it in their own unique way. While it is narrated by Kendall you don't get a lot of the angsty teenage girl voice because she is busy interacting with her friends and family.
I also love all the research that Marley has done in the Ghost Hunting area. She uses real equipment and procedures that make you feel as though you are there. It also doesn't feel like it is being stretched thin for paranormal explanations.
I was so glad to see that Kendall pursued the search for her father. I think that was a really interesting side story. I won't say how it turns out but there were some surprises in that area.
The ending to this book is really interesting. It's not a huge cliffhanger but it has left me waiting to see what will happen in book 6! I give this book a 4/5. It was a quick fun read, definitely worth picking up.
www.donotdisturbmybooks.blogspot.com
Kendall and Patrick continue to make a cute couple. Although, I am waiting for the shoe to fall with them. Reading each other's thoughts and feelings will not always result in a "happy couple" but they are still in that cute honeymoon phase. I think it will be interesting to see what happens with them especially after the way the book ended.
One of the reasons I enjoy this series so much is Celia's character is so scientific. She is always trying to find concrete evidence that can't be explained any other way. All of the characters in this story bring something to it in their own unique way. While it is narrated by Kendall you don't get a lot of the angsty teenage girl voice because she is busy interacting with her friends and family.
I also love all the research that Marley has done in the Ghost Hunting area. She uses real equipment and procedures that make you feel as though you are there. It also doesn't feel like it is being stretched thin for paranormal explanations.
I was so glad to see that Kendall pursued the search for her father. I think that was a really interesting side story. I won't say how it turns out but there were some surprises in that area.
The ending to this book is really interesting. It's not a huge cliffhanger but it has left me waiting to see what will happen in book 6! I give this book a 4/5. It was a quick fun read, definitely worth picking up.
www.donotdisturbmybooks.blogspot.com
September 15, 2012
well i've officially become bored with the ghost huntress series. i'm not really sure why but i just can't bond with the main character kendall and find all the supporting characters kind of weak. the book even got a bit god-heavy with an entire chapter dedicated to an episcopalian (i think) mass kendall attends and she further annoys us all by carrying on about her newfound faith in her psychic abilities that she received from "her Creator" the lord jesus christ yadda yadda amen and no-thank-you. next time try not to isolate your other non-christian readers ms. gibson. i was really hoping you wouldn't go there, but you did.
December 9, 2011
The history, ficional or otherwise, Marley Gibson jammed into this book has blown my mind - and has even gone as far as scaring hell and four dollars out of me at one point or another.
Ghost Huntress: The Discovery is a roller coaster in all aspects, may it be with Kendall's ghost hunting, love life or family affairs. And Marley Gibson changed up the case this time around for Kendall and her gang from the usual spirit to a much more unexpected and unusual, though all-around creepy, menace.
But after all is done, there are new adventures awaiting ahead for Kendall, Patrick, Celia, Becca and a few unexpected characters in Marley Gibson's next novel Ghost Huntress: The Journey
Ghost Huntress: The Discovery is a roller coaster in all aspects, may it be with Kendall's ghost hunting, love life or family affairs. And Marley Gibson changed up the case this time around for Kendall and her gang from the usual spirit to a much more unexpected and unusual, though all-around creepy, menace.
But after all is done, there are new adventures awaiting ahead for Kendall, Patrick, Celia, Becca and a few unexpected characters in Marley Gibson's next novel Ghost Huntress: The Journey
January 18, 2012
OMG! i love this book ive read all of them already and i couldnt put any of them down....once a new one came out when i started the series i jumped to the store and got it....i totally recommend this book to people that like paranormal stories and friendship and love stories because these books do have some romance in them... =] i totally hope a 6th book comes out because i will definitley get it! :)
February 8, 2014
I like the series, but i don't know about this case.
I'm kinda hooked at first because it reminds me of ghost hunt series House of Doll, and as the case was progressing it really gets good but sadly when they are on the actual scene/place where it all started well it sort of kinda let down unlike the first cases that really gets intense when they face the entity but nonetheless i still love the series.
I'm kinda hooked at first because it reminds me of ghost hunt series House of Doll, and as the case was progressing it really gets good but sadly when they are on the actual scene/place where it all started well it sort of kinda let down unlike the first cases that really gets intense when they face the entity but nonetheless i still love the series.
June 26, 2011
I cannot wait for the next book! The ending has the reader wanting more, I need the next book!
November 28, 2012
OMG. OMG. OMG. OMG. OMG.
Can't wait for the next one O_O
Can't wait for the next one O_O
August 8, 2023
I used to be obsessed with this series but re-reading it made me realize how childlike Kendall was. Viewing her as someone who acted like a ten-year-old girl changed my perspective on the series altogether.
June 13, 2019
4,5. I'm a little annoyed with the cliché drama at the end of the epilogue.
February 6, 2020
The book was great, not many complaints.
January 31, 2025
Could not go past the second page, after reading the first 4 books, on the basis of the blatant transphobia:
"So either my real dad had a sex change (eww!)"
"So either my real dad had a sex change (eww!)"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2019
First read in 2013, reread in 2016.
This was an interesting book, bringing Kendall and her friends back together in the South, and dragging her boyfriend into Georgia as well. I liked the way that the author used the story to tie into the Underground Railroad, a historical pathway to freedom that is both mythical and real.
One of the things I don’t like about the story is that the characters, while realistic, do not reflect the historical background of the community. There were black slaves, Indians (or as the word warriors would have us say, Native Americans), rich people, poor people, good people, bad people. For the most part, we only see the white, uppercrust, misfits. The preppy types are for the most part bad, and the poor people ignored. When other races are brought in they are mainly stereotyped (a black guy who has rhythm, a Native American who is a shaman) or with Alfred Hitchcock style appearances.
This book did explore a different twist, in that the hauntings were tied back to the Underground Railroad, and the fact that slavery was a horrible episode in the USA. It was marvelous the way that the author used Kendall’s findings in the end to make a special point (read the book, you will see what I mean).
These books are written for teens, so part of the issues I have can be attributed to the author making a lighter story, with a serious side, for those younger readers. However – and again I say However! – the stories appear to be romance novels, as each character now is part of a boy-girl set. That was not high school as I remember it – at least half of my friends never dated in high school, and very few had a single special person.
Still, overall, this is a really good book, with a little revealing in each story in the series of the darkness that exists beneath the surface of any old city. Just a suggestion though – let’s have a fun ghost – more Farah, less Phillip. I rate this a 5 for history, a 3 for spook treatment, and a 3.5 for characters.
This was an interesting book, bringing Kendall and her friends back together in the South, and dragging her boyfriend into Georgia as well. I liked the way that the author used the story to tie into the Underground Railroad, a historical pathway to freedom that is both mythical and real.
One of the things I don’t like about the story is that the characters, while realistic, do not reflect the historical background of the community. There were black slaves, Indians (or as the word warriors would have us say, Native Americans), rich people, poor people, good people, bad people. For the most part, we only see the white, uppercrust, misfits. The preppy types are for the most part bad, and the poor people ignored. When other races are brought in they are mainly stereotyped (a black guy who has rhythm, a Native American who is a shaman) or with Alfred Hitchcock style appearances.
This book did explore a different twist, in that the hauntings were tied back to the Underground Railroad, and the fact that slavery was a horrible episode in the USA. It was marvelous the way that the author used Kendall’s findings in the end to make a special point (read the book, you will see what I mean).
These books are written for teens, so part of the issues I have can be attributed to the author making a lighter story, with a serious side, for those younger readers. However – and again I say However! – the stories appear to be romance novels, as each character now is part of a boy-girl set. That was not high school as I remember it – at least half of my friends never dated in high school, and very few had a single special person.
Still, overall, this is a really good book, with a little revealing in each story in the series of the darkness that exists beneath the surface of any old city. Just a suggestion though – let’s have a fun ghost – more Farah, less Phillip. I rate this a 5 for history, a 3 for spook treatment, and a 3.5 for characters.
May 3, 2011
This latest installment of the Ghost Huntress brought new heights of creepy to this fun and fabulous read. Kendall has just returned from a seminar by a world famous television ghost hunter and is armed with a few new methods. Her ex and his twin have left the area leaving an opening for a photographer and a boyfriend. She meets Patrick at the retreat and quickly falls in love with him. It also doesn't hurt that they can communicate telepathically. She is also searching for her birth father and finally gets a strong lead. The creep factor in this book is due to a doll made by a slave and infused with a spirit to protect her charge from harm. The doll turns evil and the town is beset with accidents and a death.
Kendall and her gang try to unravel the secrets of a local historical home and in turn release the spirit that is a poltergeist of hurt. They discover a devastating secret about the house's owner that makes Kendall wonder if she is strong enough to deal with it. The story is well balanced with the fun and flirt of Kendall's budding romance with Patrick and scary part of the ghost hunt. The door is left open again for another installment and more closure about her birth parents. I love this series and you probably could read this one as a stand alone, but I think each book builds upon the next, so it would be best to start with Kendall's complete history.
This is best suited for teens older than thirteen since there are some disturbing images. There is a few instances of bad language, some kissing but nothing more than that. I have recommended this series to teens that are reluctant readers since it has enough action to keep them interested and they are quick reads. If you have read Marlene Perez's Dead Is series, you will love this one just as much.
Kendall and her gang try to unravel the secrets of a local historical home and in turn release the spirit that is a poltergeist of hurt. They discover a devastating secret about the house's owner that makes Kendall wonder if she is strong enough to deal with it. The story is well balanced with the fun and flirt of Kendall's budding romance with Patrick and scary part of the ghost hunt. The door is left open again for another installment and more closure about her birth parents. I love this series and you probably could read this one as a stand alone, but I think each book builds upon the next, so it would be best to start with Kendall's complete history.
This is best suited for teens older than thirteen since there are some disturbing images. There is a few instances of bad language, some kissing but nothing more than that. I have recommended this series to teens that are reluctant readers since it has enough action to keep them interested and they are quick reads. If you have read Marlene Perez's Dead Is series, you will love this one just as much.
June 10, 2022
**cw: character death**
out of all the books so far, the plot in this book was my favorite. it's probably because a dude gets sent to hell but we're just going to ignore that. we also finally have some casualties! i wasn't expecting anyone to actually die, especially since this series has been pretty tame so far, so farah's accident was an interesting twist. i also liked how the author acknowledged that not every spirit is forgiving and moves on to heaven. sometimes this book got borderline preachy with the religious aspect though. i'm not religious and i kind of just skipped over that part, but i can see how it might be annoying/rude to people who care more about that kind of stuff.
at this point, i've accepted that romantic relationships in this series will make absolutely no sense. kendall claims to be over jason but is still talking about him right up to the end of the book. i guess it was included to either compare what jason lacks in comparison to patrick or to hint at jason's arrival at the end of the book. either way, it was unnecessary because i already knew that patrick was superior, and i think it would have been better to make it seem like kendall was over jason and then drop the whole jason-coming-back at the end to see how kendall reacts. the familial relationships are pretty cool though. i'm excited to see kendall's bond with her biological aunt develop in the next book.
one question i do have is: how exactly did patrick get over his fear of coming into contact with everything? he could barely brush hands with kendall at the beginning of the 4th book. was it because of the time where he and kendall tried to find hailey together? idk his healing seemed kind of abrupt to me.
out of all the books so far, the plot in this book was my favorite. it's probably because a dude gets sent to hell but we're just going to ignore that. we also finally have some casualties! i wasn't expecting anyone to actually die, especially since this series has been pretty tame so far, so farah's accident was an interesting twist. i also liked how the author acknowledged that not every spirit is forgiving and moves on to heaven. sometimes this book got borderline preachy with the religious aspect though. i'm not religious and i kind of just skipped over that part, but i can see how it might be annoying/rude to people who care more about that kind of stuff.
at this point, i've accepted that romantic relationships in this series will make absolutely no sense. kendall claims to be over jason but is still talking about him right up to the end of the book. i guess it was included to either compare what jason lacks in comparison to patrick or to hint at jason's arrival at the end of the book. either way, it was unnecessary because i already knew that patrick was superior, and i think it would have been better to make it seem like kendall was over jason and then drop the whole jason-coming-back at the end to see how kendall reacts. the familial relationships are pretty cool though. i'm excited to see kendall's bond with her biological aunt develop in the next book.
one question i do have is: how exactly did patrick get over his fear of coming into contact with everything? he could barely brush hands with kendall at the beginning of the 4th book. was it because of the time where he and kendall tried to find hailey together? idk his healing seemed kind of abrupt to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2012
great story!! Patrick and Kendall are cute together! :) the Xander Doll was just friggin' creepy and weird!! the ending was awesome!! they released tht spirit of the phillip guy who tortured people and abused his own kids! :O Plus, Father Mass and Loreen are getting married!! :D Taylor and Jason came back at the end too!! altho, i find jason to be an asshole, really. he never called kendall back and started hanging out with tht zelda freak LOL i look forward to reading the next ghost huntress book :) can't wait to see if jason and patrick are gonna be fighting over kendall. I'm all TEAM PATRICK THOUGH!! :D
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2011
Book 5. There was a little less brand-name dropping this time around but the overall story-lines aren't doing anything for me anymore. The ghost hunting stuff is good but the teen story in the background has become too annoying. This is an OK YA series, but there're way too many cuss words to make it appropriate for J! It's a teen version of the Ghost Whisperer TV show, which I got tired of just before the final season, and I'm not coming back for another season of Ghost Huntress either.
November 29, 2011
not bad....though i find kendall in this one annoying at times, even patrick. i just don't see the chemistry between them anymore like i did in book 4. though the story was good hence the 3 stars. but the characters, they don't appeal to me anymore. xander the doll was more entertaining for me....a doll what the heck! lol!
June 18, 2011
This book was amazing one of the best in this series! Kendall is back to ghost hunting and with Patrick by her side she is more confident then ever! The ghost story this time has to do with slaves, the underground railroad and of course a haunted doll. what more could you ask for and then there's the surprise you get at the end! Marley Gibson did not disappoint!
September 21, 2011
I Loved so much!
Im so excited for book 6.
I Bought the whole set Book 1-5
I never missed a single detail!
Kendall has this amazing abilities, i kinda wished i had one. haha. She's Smart, Beautiful and such a caring friend. and NEVER let any ghost past her way. ;)
i love Patrick and Jayson. Kendall has SUCH a Drama in her love life. haha. Thumbs UP! :)
Im so excited for book 6.
I Bought the whole set Book 1-5
I never missed a single detail!
Kendall has this amazing abilities, i kinda wished i had one. haha. She's Smart, Beautiful and such a caring friend. and NEVER let any ghost past her way. ;)
i love Patrick and Jayson. Kendall has SUCH a Drama in her love life. haha. Thumbs UP! :)
June 20, 2012
I don't really like how this one ended because it kind of leaves you hanging, waiting to see what happens. Everything gets really complicated, but the other book isn't out yet for the story to continue, which is really depressing because I hate cliff hangers, but it's still a good book anyways,.
Read
April 8, 2013IT WAS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was so surprised at the end... *SPOILER ALERT!!!* When Jason was back. I can't wait to read the next book!!!!! Jason and Kendall earn THE WORST COUPLE award. I love Patrick and Kendall. They deserve, THE BEST COUPLE award! :)
I was so surprised at the end... *SPOILER ALERT!!!* When Jason was back. I can't wait to read the next book!!!!! Jason and Kendall earn THE WORST COUPLE award. I love Patrick and Kendall. They deserve, THE BEST COUPLE award! :)
September 10, 2016
A wonderful end to the Ghosthuntress books...although I still have the Christmas story to finish reading. This volume is only available via e-book which is a bummer; I couldn't get it via the library.
December 6, 2016
As Kendall dives into another ghost hunt, she realizes that there is a doll called Xander, that is haunting the area, and is out for revenge. With help of her friends and a few ghosts not yet passed, she goes to solve the mystery and finds out something different about Xander.
Read
July 6, 2020Loved it
May 24, 2011
I love this series. It's creepy with great characters. It's like watching the Ghost Hunters cast only 24/7 with kids.
April 27, 2011
I love this series. And book number 5 did not dissapoint. There were an array of touching moments and a few surprises along the way. And you might need a few tissues toward the end.
Read
June 26, 2012it's very interesting and perfect for young adults age 13 and above
September 12, 2016
Amazing, can't wait for the next one
January 5, 2016
love this book just as good as the rest can't wait to start the next one which I just bought a min ago lol
March 23, 2017
I love this series! I own all the paperback. the stories are interesting and I love all the character, they are well developed and I love all their quirks!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews