Haunted (Harrison Investigation)

This is my first Heather Graham novel and though the dialogue didn't quite seem to me that it matched with how people in the south speak, it was still very interesting and a decent mystery. I think I will try more by her!

This is my first Heather Graham novel and though the dialogue didn't quite seem to me that it matched with how people in the south speak, it was still very interesting and a decent mystery. I think I will try more by her!

While some of the writing could've been better, the entire story and the way it unfolded, had me riveted. I couldn't get enough, and got disappointed every time I had to put it down lol. So for me, it gets 5 stars :)

Love Heather Graham's Bone Island Trilogy. She keeps you guessing on who the killer is. I loved Bartholomew. Her ghosts have personality. I have been to Key West and the places she describes bring back many great memories. I also love the recipes at the end of the books. Thank You for a great read.

I love a gripping mystery with a convincing dose of romantic complications to make things interesting. This is my first foray into the writing of Ms. Graham and I think I made a lucky pick because this book knocked my socks off. Talk about an edge of your seat mystery where anyone or anything could be the killer. Is the killer a ghost? A disturbed entity from the town’s many onsite battles come to right a wrong? Enter an intrepid paranormal investigator with a past as fascinating as any ghost. Darcy is not a typical heroine and I was completely enthralled. When I first met her as a teenager, my sympathies were engaged almost immediately. They were firmly in her corner right after the funeral. The rest is a journey like no other.

Matt, the sheriff and male lead opposite Darcy is a facts man. He doesn’t believe in the paranormal and is a firm believer that everything can be explained by science, and usually a human is behind any crime. But he was forced to admit something weird was going on so he called a good friend in for help. First, he didn’t expect Darcy in place of his friend; his reaction was fun to watch. Second, the poor guy had a real hard time coming to grips that maybe, just maybe, his house wasn’t as safe and benign as he believed. Watching him slowly face the unimaginable was both painful and kind of funny, in a dark kind of way. He liked Darcy, but didn’t want to; he trusted her but didn’t and he wanted to believe her and in her, but that meant that he has to accept that he, as sheriff, and a take charge alpha male, did not have all the answers. Not only that, but you can’t cuff a ghost. Poor Matt. He was a bit discombobulated. The plot sure got interesting when he could sink his law teeth into something he could understand and deal with, but it wasn’t enough to solve the mystery. There was more, much more to come and I was glued to this book’s pages.

I enjoyed the slow buildup of tension, the red herrings and the challenge of trying to figure out just what or who could be behind all the weirdness at Melody House. I liked meeting all the secondary characters and Ms. Graham imbued her cast with unique and individual characteristics that contributed to the feel and flow of the novel. By the time I read three fourths of the book, I finally had an inkling as to a possible motive, victim and culprit. I was right on only one account which meant I was taken by surprise. I loved it!

Another treat were the sparks that ignite between Matt and Darcy. Of course it reached a flashpoint and their coming together was ever so satisfying. It wasn’t smooth, easy or without its bumps but it sure was romantic and passionate. Eventually, Matt comes around and a happy ever after is guaranteed. It’s who helped Matt past that final hurdle in believing that made me sniffle a time or two. I was filled with a lot of emotions at that point and I credit that to the excellent writing skill of Ms. Graham.

If readers have yet to discover Ms. Graham, then they are missing out. I was missing out. No more. Haunted has whet my appetite for more books by this author. This was an amazing read that’s made an indelible impression and I can’t wait to read more. I can wholeheartedly recommend this novel to romantic suspense/mystery readers everywhere. It’s a winner.

originally posted at long and short reviews

"Haunted" an exciting blend of mystery, the paranormal and romance in a spine-tingling thriller begins when Darcy Tremayne is dumped by her boyfriend just before the senior prom. Hurt and angry she persuades Josh Harrison her shy, geeky best friend with a precognitive ability to take her only to have their car run off the road by a hot-tempered bully. Injured but surviving the crash and gifted with the ability to see ghosts Darcy years later joins Harrison Investigations a company owned by Josh's father that probes into strange occurrences in old houses.

Sent to Melody House to investigate the strange happenings in the Lee Room that sent a naked honeymooner screaming downstairs and a maid threatening to quit her job, Darcy meets Matt Stone the sheriff of Stoneyville who refuses to believe in ghosts especially those that haunt the old mansion he owns. But as she uncovers clues to the haunting Darcy discovers deception, danger and violence that 's very real.

Heather Graham sets her plot in the small town of Stoneyville in Melody House a mansion known for its history, tradition, murder and mayhem where the atmosphere of the Lee Room is "heavy, cloud-like and dense" wrapping around Darcy when she enters. Tension builds quickly after Darcy's terrorized and frightened by a malignant spirit, only to continually dream of a lady in white who suffers the deadly violence of a killer in her past. The mystery thickens and the action never stops as Darcy not only struggles to uncover clues to the haunting, but joins forces with Matt to find the person who whacked her on the head, loosened the floorboards in the library and tried to push her over a railing.

Stalked by reality as well as dreams of the past as intensity and suspense escalate, Darcy finds herself losing her heart to Matt Stone a man haunted by a bad marriage and a dislike of redheads. As the danger increases the chemistry between Darcy and Matt ignites, even though he holds tight to his skepticism. Only with the intervention of a ghost from the past when Darcy's life is threatened does Matt finally acknowledge the truth.

The characters are complex and draw you swiftly into a riveting story you can't put down until the end. Tall, smart and dignified Darcy Tremayne is ethical, sincere and never gives up when pursuing answers even when her life is threatened. Practical and cynical, Matt Stone can be hard-headed and heavy-handed until he opens his mind to a new possibility. Paying Matt to investigate the house, Adam Harrison is determined, trusting and understanding while Penny Sawyer the custodian of the Melody House and a firm believer in the supernatural is loyal and good-natured. All these fascinating personalities and many more add to the excitement, high-energy and drama of the story.

I liked Heather Graham's intertwining of reality and the paranormal in "Haunting", an intriguing and gripping romantic thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

I have never read anything by Heather Graham though I had heard a lot of good things. While this book did not Wow me in a big way it did give me something to look forward to because I did enjoy it quite a bit. The writing was straight forward and easily understood. There were no major grammar issues or misuse of words. It was a bit slow to get where it was going but it got there eventually and the journey was nice enough that you can forget that there were patches that made you want to stop. The characters were well imagined because I felt them as real individuals who made me want to know them more, though one or two were a little less vivid they still managed to be interesting. These are modern people who talk like they live in the world of today and act the same.

Matt Stone inherited Melody House on the death of his grandfather and really wishes to keep it in the family and not a part of some historical society. In order to do this he has to open the house to tours in order to pay for the upkeep on such a large estate. His house manager conducts ghosts tours of the manor house even though he does not believe in the supernatural at all. Then a bride runs out of the room she has rented for her honeymoon stark naked and raving about a ghost who was threatening her. Matt has to do something, even though he does not believe in order to convince others that there is no such thing as ghosts.

Darcy Tremayne has worked for Harrison Investigations, a paranormal investigation agency since she graduated from college. Adam Harrison was the father of her best friend from high school and offered to help Darcy any way he could after the death of his son. When Adam is contacted by Matt, the grandson of his old friend to come and prove one way or the other that Melody House is haunted he jumps at the chance. Darcy is sent ahead to assess the situation with her special gifts and runs into opposition even though they were invited. Is there something paranormal happening in the house or is the threat more down to earth?

This has a nice feel of suspense as well as supernatural threat. The mystery of who the entity was haunting the room or if there were more ghosts was definitely good. I did not like Matt to start with because of his hatred of all things supernatural being carried over into how he treated people. There was a romance but it was very dysfunctional at the beginning. Worth reading but do not expect a lot.

Heather Graham is a great author, but this was not one of her best works. It is a decent and average romantic suspense novel but readers have come to expect more from heather graham than average.
Haunted tells the story of ghost-buster Darcy. The book actually starts out great w/ the prologue that introduces Darcy and how she came to obtain her paranormal gifts. But once it comes into the present story, the book loses its steam. it should have stuck with the original characters- darcy, josh, hunter. But instead, we get Darcy who is called to investigate the haunted house of Sheriff Matt Stone.
Matt is predictable as the skeptical small town sheriff. Darcy must overcome his attitude and skepticism while she investigates the ghosts of Melody House. Darcy starts to have dreams about past murders and must figure out who haunts the house. Soon, Darcy herself is placed in danger with suspicious accidents - falling into an open grave, falling through rotting floor boards etc. And she soon finds out that the hauntings of Melody House have a very real and present cause.
Heather Graham fans may be disappointed as this book is not up to her usual caliber, but it is a decent read. Some of the dreams/hauntings are quite creepy and the plot does have some twists (but not surprising ones).

Matt Stone owns a historic bed and breakfast home, Melody House, in Virginia that was built before the Revolutionary War. When people start telling him the house is haunted, Matt agrees to let Harrison Investigations check out the strange happenings even though he doesn't believe in ghosts!

Darcy Tremayne is a paranormal investigator for Harrison Investigations who does believe in ghosts. She is also a bit on the psychic side, guided by her dead friend Josh, she often sees things others don't. When the ghosts appear to Darcy one issues a warning. Darcy tries to prove that they not only exist, but one is trying to tell Darcy who killed her. This is when accidents begin to happen to Darcy - someone doesn't want the truth to be told.

In this romantic suspense genre, nothing is left out - you have a mix of romance, suspense, murder, lies and cover-ups. The story line starts out as a typical romantic "who dun it", but soon has you holding on for a wild ride - Graham changes directions as quickly as free-fall roller coaster.

Heather Graham has excellent character development and creates a support cast that is wonderful. Darcy and Matt are both strong characters and often debate any issue at hand. Penny, has worked for Matt for years as the caretaker of Melody House, is like part of the family, and truly believes the house is haunted wanting to use that as a marketing ploy for the bed and breakfast trade. Carter is Matt's childhood friend and Clint is his cousin, both stay near Melody House and help Matt with the upkeep and everyday chores. Carter also dabbles in Real Estate. They both have their individual charm and charisma. Clara is the resident ghost - yes, she's been seen and everyone except Matt believes she exists. Along with this cast, we're given glimpses of colorful town folk -Mae the bar owner, Lavinia the ex-wife, Mrs. O'Hara the librarian, Delilah newly elected town councilwoman and a host of others. This diverse group only adds to the charm and witty exchanges found throughout HAUNTED.

HAUNTED is tricky and the reader will think they know the identity only to have red herrings tossed out and the doubt begins. I figured it out about half way though the book, but enjoyed Graham's attempts to distract me. She is a master at deception and only the die-hard mystery fans won't be fooled!

This was a fun paranormal romance with plenty of twists and turns, ghosts, and sizzeling chemistry between Matt and Darcy.
Secondary characters were important to this tale of a haunted historic landmark set in Virgina. Darcy speaks to ghost's and with help from a childhood friend who died early in life, attempts to set things right in order to give these tortured souls a chance to rest. What she is not expecting is falling for her rather reluctant host Matt who does not believe in ghosts or things that go bump in the night, nor does she expect to feel the fear that accompanies each encounter with the lady in white.
When things start happening and Darcy starts to experience rather dangerous accidents she wonders if the ghost is really human and why she poses such a threat. Matt wonders if he will be able to get over the fact that he is falling for a ghost buster and he fears for her safety.
This was a fast paced read. The only complaint that I have is that I didn't think Josh was used enough. He was a character that I would have like to have seen more often. Outside of that this was a good read that was entertaing and fun. If you like romance, ghosts, and suspense...then you will like this story.