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Mike Travis: Paranormal Investigator #1
The Crowsmoor Curse
The dead of Crowsmoor are light sleepers.
Some say they sleep with one eye open, keeping watch over the restless ones.
When Beth Trevithick is sent as parish priest to the isolated and scattered community of Crowsmoor, in the middle of bleak Bodmin Moor, Cornwall, she finds a community entrenched in fear and superstition and belief in an ancient curse born of dark magic.
She gets unexpected help in the form of Mike Travis, ex RAF helicopter pilot medically discharged after crashing in war torn Afghanistan, he has turned to his other love, the paranormal, devoting all of his time to paranormal investigation.
Beth soon discovers the fear and superstition in Crowsmoor are well founded
and together with Mike fights for her own sanity and her life.
Some say they sleep with one eye open, keeping watch over the restless ones.
When Beth Trevithick is sent as parish priest to the isolated and scattered community of Crowsmoor, in the middle of bleak Bodmin Moor, Cornwall, she finds a community entrenched in fear and superstition and belief in an ancient curse born of dark magic.
She gets unexpected help in the form of Mike Travis, ex RAF helicopter pilot medically discharged after crashing in war torn Afghanistan, he has turned to his other love, the paranormal, devoting all of his time to paranormal investigation.
Beth soon discovers the fear and superstition in Crowsmoor are well founded
and together with Mike fights for her own sanity and her life.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2011
94 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
About the author
Jan McDonald
12 books16 followersHi,
I’m Jan McDonald, the author of the Mike Travis Paranormal Investigations. I live close to the Welsh borders which have their own mystical quality and provide endless resources in the way of legends and folklore surrounding the paranormal. I love all things paranormal and have loved reading the best, Dennis Wheatley, Stephen King (his early work) Edgar Allan Poe, Bram Stoker, H.P. Lovecraft and all those authors that excel in the creepy or down-right scary.
When I embarked on the Mike Travis series I realised that the field of paranormal investigation is more than we see on the popular TV programmes and above all else I wanted to be accurate and so I trained as a Paranormal Investigator and studied parapsychology. I love researching my books, so this was no chore. I’m also the author of the Father Beckett Vampire Trilogy (Part One: Midnight Wine and Part Two: Lycan ). The research for this series was fun and entailed a journey to Transylvania with The London Vampire group! Going to revisit next year.
Please visit me on my website www.jan-mcdonald.co.uk or my publisher or on twitter and on Facebook.
You can also keep in touch by signing up to my mailing list....www.janmcdonaldemailsign-up.gr8.com. You'll also get a free short story as a thank you and a free story every month, exclusive to subscribers. Plus news of giveaways and competitions. Promise not to bung up your inbox with junk! Its a great way to keep in touch with my lovely readers.
I’m Jan McDonald, the author of the Mike Travis Paranormal Investigations. I live close to the Welsh borders which have their own mystical quality and provide endless resources in the way of legends and folklore surrounding the paranormal. I love all things paranormal and have loved reading the best, Dennis Wheatley, Stephen King (his early work) Edgar Allan Poe, Bram Stoker, H.P. Lovecraft and all those authors that excel in the creepy or down-right scary.
When I embarked on the Mike Travis series I realised that the field of paranormal investigation is more than we see on the popular TV programmes and above all else I wanted to be accurate and so I trained as a Paranormal Investigator and studied parapsychology. I love researching my books, so this was no chore. I’m also the author of the Father Beckett Vampire Trilogy (Part One: Midnight Wine and Part Two: Lycan ). The research for this series was fun and entailed a journey to Transylvania with The London Vampire group! Going to revisit next year.
Please visit me on my website www.jan-mcdonald.co.uk or my publisher or on twitter and on Facebook.
You can also keep in touch by signing up to my mailing list....www.janmcdonaldemailsign-up.gr8.com. You'll also get a free short story as a thank you and a free story every month, exclusive to subscribers. Plus news of giveaways and competitions. Promise not to bung up your inbox with junk! Its a great way to keep in touch with my lovely readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 31, 2015
"Holidays in Cornwall will never be the same"
Deepest, darkest Cornwall; there are evil forces at work. The trick is to work out who is evil and who is not in this paranormal mystery. The descriptive passages set the perfect atmosphere. I could almost smell the sulphur. Good characterisation and a pacy, well thought out plot. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, but I suggest you keep a bright light on throughout. Just in case.
Deepest, darkest Cornwall; there are evil forces at work. The trick is to work out who is evil and who is not in this paranormal mystery. The descriptive passages set the perfect atmosphere. I could almost smell the sulphur. Good characterisation and a pacy, well thought out plot. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, but I suggest you keep a bright light on throughout. Just in case.
August 29, 2015
Great book. Will be reading more in the series.
April 20, 2018
An enjoyable read
The book held my interest and kept me turning the pages. However I found the ending a little convoluted and had to re-readl several passages
to make sure I got the gist of it. I also found it hard to accept a priest hero who also was an alcoholic and a slut. Then there was a cheap, needless reference to a pedofile priest. I guess that"s life in the 21st century.
The book held my interest and kept me turning the pages. However I found the ending a little convoluted and had to re-readl several passages
to make sure I got the gist of it. I also found it hard to accept a priest hero who also was an alcoholic and a slut. Then there was a cheap, needless reference to a pedofile priest. I guess that"s life in the 21st century.
June 28, 2018
Enjoyable Read
Really enjoyed this book. Liked the main characters, who were believable and likable. Although some predictability, there were also some surprises. One of the better occult books I’ve read in quite awhile.
Really enjoyed this book. Liked the main characters, who were believable and likable. Although some predictability, there were also some surprises. One of the better occult books I’ve read in quite awhile.
March 6, 2019
Wow!
This book was amazing! I can't recommend Jan McDonald high enough! Fantastic location and great characters makes for a awesome book! One of my new favorite authors!
This book was amazing! I can't recommend Jan McDonald high enough! Fantastic location and great characters makes for a awesome book! One of my new favorite authors!
March 15, 2019
Good read
Enjoyable story, played out like a movie. Will be reading the rest of the series! Try it, you'll like it!
Enjoyable story, played out like a movie. Will be reading the rest of the series! Try it, you'll like it!
July 29, 2021
Unputdownable!!!!
I liked the characters and the whole creepy setting of the town. I had quite the movie going on in my head!
I liked the characters and the whole creepy setting of the town. I had quite the movie going on in my head!
January 16, 2022
Bloody too much
What a great read, dark and provocative. I am very much looking forward to reading the rest in the series.
What a great read, dark and provocative. I am very much looking forward to reading the rest in the series.
July 11, 2022
Gripping
Atmospheric and gripping wiith a sense of place but perhaps short on character development. Recommended series for fans of Phil Rickman.
Atmospheric and gripping wiith a sense of place but perhaps short on character development. Recommended series for fans of Phil Rickman.
January 20, 2013
Beth is a naive woman vicar posted to a remote parish in Cornwall, an insular community still tied very much to ancient "pagan" beliefs. The plot of her story revolves around the 300 year old legend of an evil squire, who, to this day, must be kept in his grave by a specific daily ritual. When one of the key players in the ritual dies without an heir, the village fears that the squire will emerge from his carefully tended grave.
The Crowsmoor Curse has the makings of a good, conspiratorial ghost story, but there are a couple of problems that interfere. First, the details of the plot are transparent, readily discernible by the reader, but not, alas, to the vicar. While events in most of the tale are reasonably credible, the ending goes way over the top. Second, it contains so many run on sentences, devoid of basic punctuation, that in places the narrative is comically nonsensical. Was it even edited? Example: "As time passed by and still no-one attended the church he had continued to hold his services to empty pews becoming more and more reclusive and being seen walking around the moor muttering to himself under his familiar black bowler hat."
As it stands, The Crowsmoor Curse reads like a first or second draft manuscript. With additional work, it could be so much better.
The Crowsmoor Curse has the makings of a good, conspiratorial ghost story, but there are a couple of problems that interfere. First, the details of the plot are transparent, readily discernible by the reader, but not, alas, to the vicar. While events in most of the tale are reasonably credible, the ending goes way over the top. Second, it contains so many run on sentences, devoid of basic punctuation, that in places the narrative is comically nonsensical. Was it even edited? Example: "As time passed by and still no-one attended the church he had continued to hold his services to empty pews becoming more and more reclusive and being seen walking around the moor muttering to himself under his familiar black bowler hat."
As it stands, The Crowsmoor Curse reads like a first or second draft manuscript. With additional work, it could be so much better.
September 25, 2015
The Crowsmoor Curse was a struggle to finish. I love a good paranormal story, and this story had the bones of a good paranormal story, but knowledge of human interaction and key expected details were missing. For example, a vicar is a main character in the story. However, you never see the vicar contemplate spirituality or speak about Gods will or prepare for (or give) sermons until the very end. The vicar also acts in a very unvicarlike fashion, yet there is no contemplation of those acts against a Christian indoctrination or the expectations of their role. And there is a tremendous emphasis of the vicar's appearance.. but really no significant emphasis of their spirituality. I found it very distracting. Also, this story took a very "kitchen sink" approach. Towards the end it felt like the author threw in every related element she could think of. It exceeded my ability to wrap it all in a plausible net of storytelling. Check it out. Maybe you will disagree.
November 25, 2013
While there were some things in here that probably would displease members of the Church of England, I hope that they won't take it too hard. The things that went on were necessary to the story, and I think that's it.
Vicar Beth Trevithick had been sent under a haze of shame to the isolated, superstitious village of Crowsmoor. The locals believe an old evil will return to life if certain rituals aren't carefully followed, including one that involves Beth's daily rote prayer said over the 300 year old grave of a seriously bad dead guy. I know that the reader often knows more than the main character, but I was mad at Beth several times for being stupider than she should have been. But even so, this story had plenty of surprises, the least of which was not the rollicking ending. We need some editing clean up here, but other than that, I say pretty well done.
Vicar Beth Trevithick had been sent under a haze of shame to the isolated, superstitious village of Crowsmoor. The locals believe an old evil will return to life if certain rituals aren't carefully followed, including one that involves Beth's daily rote prayer said over the 300 year old grave of a seriously bad dead guy. I know that the reader often knows more than the main character, but I was mad at Beth several times for being stupider than she should have been. But even so, this story had plenty of surprises, the least of which was not the rollicking ending. We need some editing clean up here, but other than that, I say pretty well done.
August 8, 2014
In a novella titled Beginnings we learn how Mike Travis becomes the way he is. Great short, short story.
His very first case as a Paranormal Investigator is in Crowsmoor. He received a letter from a dying on man. There was something about the letter that rang true so he goes.
In this little parish he meets Beth the pastor of the little town that time forgot. Full of superstitions and dark tales. Our hero, Mike, arrives. The troubles really begin to happen.
The mystery of what was happening and why keep me reading the pages until way into the night. This series really stole my sleep. But I'd do it again.
The story really had me guess who the bad guys were. It wasn't until the end that I found out. Totally blown away. Who would have thought that.
Loved this series so much that I purchased all the others. They are on my to be read list.
His very first case as a Paranormal Investigator is in Crowsmoor. He received a letter from a dying on man. There was something about the letter that rang true so he goes.
In this little parish he meets Beth the pastor of the little town that time forgot. Full of superstitions and dark tales. Our hero, Mike, arrives. The troubles really begin to happen.
The mystery of what was happening and why keep me reading the pages until way into the night. This series really stole my sleep. But I'd do it again.
The story really had me guess who the bad guys were. It wasn't until the end that I found out. Totally blown away. Who would have thought that.
Loved this series so much that I purchased all the others. They are on my to be read list.
March 12, 2015
This book is a great paranormal themed thriller. Much of it deals with Beth the Vicar in Crowsmoor and Mike Travis does not really play a part until later in the book. An atmospheric tale in the tradition of classic English thrillers and paying ode to Dennis Wheatley, this book relies more on atmosphere and unsettling scenarios than actual boogeymen. It kept me reading and turning the pages wanting to further unravel the curse of Crowsmoor. If you love classically styled occult thrillers and ghost stories where more is done in shadows than the bright light of day or if you are a fan of Wheatley's work, then you will not be disappointed. Jan McDonald has done her research and done it well when it comes to her knowledge of paranormal investigation and it shows by making this book a rewarding experience.
January 30, 2016
* It was a good mystery. It kept me curious through all pages.
* It was well-written. Although it just needs an editing for the your/you're mistakes which can be found in a few pages.
* It has an element of romance, but didn't focus on the romantic relationships only like some other cheesy books.
* The descriptions of the Satanic rituals were really good, I felt disturbed while I was reading, as if I was watching the ritual.
* Of course there were things that you could guess from the beginning but there were also very good twists, which attributed to the element of surprise which is essential for mystery novels of any kind.
* I felt like the end was a tiny bit rushed.
I have already purchased the second book, and hope that it is as good as the first one.
* It was well-written. Although it just needs an editing for the your/you're mistakes which can be found in a few pages.
* It has an element of romance, but didn't focus on the romantic relationships only like some other cheesy books.
* The descriptions of the Satanic rituals were really good, I felt disturbed while I was reading, as if I was watching the ritual.
* Of course there were things that you could guess from the beginning but there were also very good twists, which attributed to the element of surprise which is essential for mystery novels of any kind.
* I felt like the end was a tiny bit rushed.
I have already purchased the second book, and hope that it is as good as the first one.
October 13, 2016
Off To A Good Start.
This books a little slow to begin with but over time begins to get better. Given it's the first one in the series, the author has to flesh out its main characters and provide the reader with their background, of which there's plenty. The tales a good one and quite spooky, (in its own way) but takes a while to get there, (almost the finale chapter) then it's over in a flash which is a bit sad really. Still, as a spoiler, I've just started book two which has gotten off to a cracking start, so I guess we just have to be patient, go along for the ride with the characters and see what happens to them next in the series. Four stars to start with and a good enough read all the same.
This books a little slow to begin with but over time begins to get better. Given it's the first one in the series, the author has to flesh out its main characters and provide the reader with their background, of which there's plenty. The tales a good one and quite spooky, (in its own way) but takes a while to get there, (almost the finale chapter) then it's over in a flash which is a bit sad really. Still, as a spoiler, I've just started book two which has gotten off to a cracking start, so I guess we just have to be patient, go along for the ride with the characters and see what happens to them next in the series. Four stars to start with and a good enough read all the same.
April 25, 2016
I enjoyed this story but it lacked something. I love Cornwall so that aspect appealed to me. I loved the creepiness of the story. The actions of the Vicar were somewhat questionable and it would have been better to not have had the main character in this role, It just seemed bland in part but that said it was a book that was easily read and I liked the story itself. It would not deter me reading more in the hope that they build up to that special something that is needed but lacking in book one. Worth reading.
July 28, 2015
I was a bit excited when I started to read this, because I had liked the prequel so much. After the first few chapters, i had to check the title to make sure I was reading the same series.
It was a decent read overall, but Mike Travis, the guy who I signed up to read didn't really do a whole lot, in my opinion. I would like to try one more book at least before making any final judgements on the series.
It was a decent read overall, but Mike Travis, the guy who I signed up to read didn't really do a whole lot, in my opinion. I would like to try one more book at least before making any final judgements on the series.
July 19, 2014
Atmospheric but a bit predictable. Had a good mix for a creepy book; folklore, superstition, supernatural and of course the setting an isolated village in rural Cornwall a place I adore. However, it just lacked a certain something that would make this book stand out from the crowd. All in all, an enjoyable quick read.
December 29, 2014
It was a nice easy read. Although a good number of things were rather predictable I enjoyed most of it. The atmsphere actually reminded me of the older Midsomer Murders stories with less deaths and more supernatural.
I did not give it three stars because I was disappointed by the ending, the last few chapters felt rushed and read like a script to a nineties tv film.
I did not give it three stars because I was disappointed by the ending, the last few chapters felt rushed and read like a script to a nineties tv film.
August 15, 2015
I don't usually go for this type of book, I'm more a crime/thriller reader, but I am so glad I read this, it was brilliant, wound me in and then had the hair standing up on the back of my neck,It's got to be one of the best paranormal stories I have ever read, and I shall certainly look for more from this author. :)
December 6, 2015
Simply could not bring myself to finish. Apart from the Kindle version's lack of proof reading, the clichés of rural Cornish folk, the female vicar recovering from a broken heart who has palpitations over the local blacksmith, and the ghosts and occult rituals done many times before, it all got a little much to waste my time on I'm afraid. Moving on.
March 29, 2016
What a good book. I would have given 5 stars except that a few times I felt that I was being fed random info that was just dropped into the story as an after thought in order to make the story line work. Having said that it was only mildly distracting. And there were some surprises in the end. I'm going to read the next book also.
January 15, 2015
Wow, I will have to add Mike Travis books to my following authors, I love the paranormal within the stories, although this was more demonic in some ways if you have a good imagination, well, it makes books like these come alive.
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May 28, 2015Excellent read!
Excellent read! Suspenseful, with interesting plot twists! Great character development! I'd recommend this to any suspense/romance fan! Had a tough time putting it down!
Excellent read! Suspenseful, with interesting plot twists! Great character development! I'd recommend this to any suspense/romance fan! Had a tough time putting it down!
October 31, 2015
Well-thought out plot and great characters. A few minor typos that distracted me but then I started out as an English major. All in a all, a good solid read. I will be looking for more of this author's books.
August 22, 2016
A good, atmospheric mystery where good writing brings characters to life and a plot to keep you hooked. Seems well researched and has an authentic sense of place, too.
I don't give spoilers but will say that this story is worth a look.
I don't give spoilers but will say that this story is worth a look.
September 30, 2016
This was a good story, but I found it a bit annoying. The main female character was in tears nearly the whole time, and also was totally naive about the men around her. Apart from that, I did enjoy it.
December 28, 2016
I was really into this book couldn't put it down well written full of intrigue however the end spoiled it a little for me as it just seemed a little far fetched. Still a good read over all though.
October 7, 2012
ummmm slightly bemused so far.....well didn't improve though I did finish it so not all bad. Won't be delving into any more by author methinks.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews