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Mary O’Reilly #11
Bumpy Roads
Hurrying to the old bridge that crossed Yellow Creek, Courtney stepped to the side as a car came up behind her. The bridge was only wide enough for one car and even foot traffic had to climb up on the narrow ledge for safety. The car slowed and the driver’s side window rolled down. A familiar face greeted Courtney.
“Hey, Courtney, how about a ride?” he asked.
She shook her head. “No, thanks, I’m good,” she said. “It’s only a few more blocks.”
The driver looked up to the sky. “You won’t make it before the storm hits,” he argued. “Come on, I’ll feel guilty all night if I leave you here.”
She smiled. “Okay, if you put it that way,” she agreed, jogging over to the passenger side of the car and letting herself in.
The door lock clicked as she buckled her seatbelt and she looked up in surprise. “It does that automatically,” the driver said with an apologetic shrug.
Courtney scooted against the door and grasped the handle. “You know, I think I’ll just walk anyway,” she said, pulling against the handle.
But the door didn’t open. She tried it again, but it was still locked tight.
“Child locks,” the driver said, a smile on his face. “You can’t get out until I let you out.”
She pressed the window button, but it also stayed in place. “Listen, I don’t want to be in this car,” she said firmly. “Now please let me out or I’m going to scream.”
He chuckled softly, leaned forward and placed his hand against her cheek, rubbing it intimately. “If you scream, no one will hear you,” he said, as he slipped his hand down to her neck. “But you can do it if you like. I always love to hear a girl’s scream.”
# # # #
For ten years, young girls have been disappearing from the streets of Freeport and the surrounding towns. Can Mary solve the mystery before Clarissa is the next victim?
“Hey, Courtney, how about a ride?” he asked.
She shook her head. “No, thanks, I’m good,” she said. “It’s only a few more blocks.”
The driver looked up to the sky. “You won’t make it before the storm hits,” he argued. “Come on, I’ll feel guilty all night if I leave you here.”
She smiled. “Okay, if you put it that way,” she agreed, jogging over to the passenger side of the car and letting herself in.
The door lock clicked as she buckled her seatbelt and she looked up in surprise. “It does that automatically,” the driver said with an apologetic shrug.
Courtney scooted against the door and grasped the handle. “You know, I think I’ll just walk anyway,” she said, pulling against the handle.
But the door didn’t open. She tried it again, but it was still locked tight.
“Child locks,” the driver said, a smile on his face. “You can’t get out until I let you out.”
She pressed the window button, but it also stayed in place. “Listen, I don’t want to be in this car,” she said firmly. “Now please let me out or I’m going to scream.”
He chuckled softly, leaned forward and placed his hand against her cheek, rubbing it intimately. “If you scream, no one will hear you,” he said, as he slipped his hand down to her neck. “But you can do it if you like. I always love to hear a girl’s scream.”
# # # #
For ten years, young girls have been disappearing from the streets of Freeport and the surrounding towns. Can Mary solve the mystery before Clarissa is the next victim?
257 pages, ebook
First published July 29, 2013
219 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
Terri Reid
106 books832 followersTerri Reid is the author of the Mary O’Reilly Paranormal Mysteries. An indie author, Reid uploaded her first book “Loose Ends” in August 2010. By the end of 2012, “Loose Ends” had sold over 82,000 copies and, as of the writing of this bio, was the number one bestselling book in Amazon’s ranking of Ghost Stories in the Book/Literature & Fiction/Genre Fiction/Horror/Ghosts section and the number two in the same area in the Kindle eBooks section. She has eight other books in the Mary O’Reilly Series and has enjoyed Top Rated and Hot New Release status for many of them in the Women Sleuths category through Amazon US. Her books have been translated into Spanish and Portuguese and are also now available through CreateSpace and Amazon in print versions. She is also working on an audiobook for “Loose Ends.”
Reid has been quoted in several books about the self-publishing industry, including “Let’s Get Digital” by David Gaughran and “Interviews with Indie Authors: Top Tips from Successful Self-Published Authors” by Claire and Tim Ridgway. She was also honored to have some of her works included in A. J. Abbiati’s book “The NORTAV Method for Writers—The Secrets to Constructing Prose Like the Pros.” She has also had the distinct privilege of guest blogging for Joe Konrath.
Reid is from Northwest Illinois, near the town of Freeport, the home of her fictional characters. Her background is in marketing and public relations. She is married, the mother of seven children, and the grandmother of twenty-three.
She has her grandchildren convinced that she talks to fairies and animals - and they talk back.
Reid has been quoted in several books about the self-publishing industry, including “Let’s Get Digital” by David Gaughran and “Interviews with Indie Authors: Top Tips from Successful Self-Published Authors” by Claire and Tim Ridgway. She was also honored to have some of her works included in A. J. Abbiati’s book “The NORTAV Method for Writers—The Secrets to Constructing Prose Like the Pros.” She has also had the distinct privilege of guest blogging for Joe Konrath.
Reid is from Northwest Illinois, near the town of Freeport, the home of her fictional characters. Her background is in marketing and public relations. She is married, the mother of seven children, and the grandmother of twenty-three.
She has her grandchildren convinced that she talks to fairies and animals - and they talk back.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
August 5, 2013
The plot twist at the end was painfully freakin obvious since the very beginning of the book and it was beyond annoying that Mary didn't figure it out on her own. The who of the whodunit was a lot more obvious than the previous books have been too. A LOT more obvious.
I know Clarissa has been through a lot but I wanted to punch her for being a little bitch to Mary and, honestly, to her friend Maggie. She wasn't seeming insecure so much as ungrateful for the most part though.
I was disappointed at the lack of paranormal in this book! I don't need ghosts popping up everywhere and Mike was around a lot but aside from him there was only really mention of ghosts in the car (as this happens rather early in the story I don't feel like it's giving away anything to say this).
It felt like this book was really rushed. The plot didn't have a whole lot of depth. There was only the slightest bit of character development or overall story advancement. The editing was lacking significantly moreso than usual and made the characters sometimes sound like cavemen. And then the whole bit about the obviousness of it all... If I didn't already like the series I don't think I would've been able to finish this one. Hopefully the next one is better :/
I know Clarissa has been through a lot but I wanted to punch her for being a little bitch to Mary and, honestly, to her friend Maggie. She wasn't seeming insecure so much as ungrateful for the most part though.
I was disappointed at the lack of paranormal in this book! I don't need ghosts popping up everywhere and Mike was around a lot but aside from him there was only really mention of ghosts in the car (as this happens rather early in the story I don't feel like it's giving away anything to say this).
It felt like this book was really rushed. The plot didn't have a whole lot of depth. There was only the slightest bit of character development or overall story advancement. The editing was lacking significantly moreso than usual and made the characters sometimes sound like cavemen. And then the whole bit about the obviousness of it all... If I didn't already like the series I don't think I would've been able to finish this one. Hopefully the next one is better :/
August 1, 2013
Admittedly as I read this series, I find myself struggling a bit. Some pros/cons below.
- I don't get why everyone is just so enamored by Mary. She's likable, sure, but I wouldn't say that I'm so enamored by her myself. Maybe I just can't relate.
- The relationship with Mary and Bradley has always been extra cheesy. I was glad when they started experience normal human interaction problems that typically occur in any serious relationship and/or marriage. I would like to let their overtly expressive affectionate gestures slide because for all intents and purposes, this is Mary's first and only love and who wasn't excessively and annoyingly starry-eyed with their first love. That said, I find that I'm hating every scene between Mary and Bradley.
- Ian and Gillian being as cheesy? Not believable in the slightest and I would have liked to have seen them be a "normal" couple to contrast the cheesiness that is Mary and Bradley.
- I really liked the Clarissa angle. This is a kid who entered the world in awful conditions, lost everything twice, and is still finding her way. Loved this storyline.
- The excessive "my daughter" plot. We get it. Mary loves Clarissa, but raising someone else's child is not so black/white. This goes back to how perfect and wonderful Mary is and appears to everyone around her.
Sure, there are things that rile me but at the end of the day, I've read all the books and despite my hangups, I have a fun time reading them. And yes...easily foreseeable cliffhanger and all, I'm glad I get to continue reading this series.
- I don't get why everyone is just so enamored by Mary. She's likable, sure, but I wouldn't say that I'm so enamored by her myself. Maybe I just can't relate.
- The relationship with Mary and Bradley has always been extra cheesy. I was glad when they started experience normal human interaction problems that typically occur in any serious relationship and/or marriage. I would like to let their overtly expressive affectionate gestures slide because for all intents and purposes, this is Mary's first and only love and who wasn't excessively and annoyingly starry-eyed with their first love. That said, I find that I'm hating every scene between Mary and Bradley.
- Ian and Gillian being as cheesy? Not believable in the slightest and I would have liked to have seen them be a "normal" couple to contrast the cheesiness that is Mary and Bradley.
- I really liked the Clarissa angle. This is a kid who entered the world in awful conditions, lost everything twice, and is still finding her way. Loved this storyline.
- The excessive "my daughter" plot. We get it. Mary loves Clarissa, but raising someone else's child is not so black/white. This goes back to how perfect and wonderful Mary is and appears to everyone around her.
Sure, there are things that rile me but at the end of the day, I've read all the books and despite my hangups, I have a fun time reading them. And yes...easily foreseeable cliffhanger and all, I'm glad I get to continue reading this series.
August 4, 2013
I've loved the Mary Reilly books and this felt abrupt and thoughtlessly written. I was very disappointed since I've enjoyed the rest of the books. If Ms Reid has no more ideas for the characters, then how about a farewell book and let us wave goodbye to Mary, Bradley, Clarissa, et al.
September 5, 2013
I have read every one of the mary o'reilly books. While they all made me cry, this one hit me the hardest for some reason. I guess because children, both living and dead, are involved.
Any plot that stir emotions that much gets my highest praise. I must say I'm a little worried about Ms. Reid though. I can't imagine being able to write such heart-breaking stories without falling apart. Yet she does it again and again and each is better than the last.
Ms. Reilly, if you are reading this, I want you to know I mean this with utmost respect; as much as I love these stories, if they are hurting you mentally or emotionally (which I can't imagine not being the case at least a little bit), step back for awhile.
We love the stories and will continue reading them. But we can all take a breather if the writing is getting too hard. I don't know you or your circumstances. I just worry that a very talented author may be pushing herself too hard. This last book made me an emotional wreck and all I did was read it! Take care of yourself and God bless.
Any plot that stir emotions that much gets my highest praise. I must say I'm a little worried about Ms. Reid though. I can't imagine being able to write such heart-breaking stories without falling apart. Yet she does it again and again and each is better than the last.
Ms. Reilly, if you are reading this, I want you to know I mean this with utmost respect; as much as I love these stories, if they are hurting you mentally or emotionally (which I can't imagine not being the case at least a little bit), step back for awhile.
We love the stories and will continue reading them. But we can all take a breather if the writing is getting too hard. I don't know you or your circumstances. I just worry that a very talented author may be pushing herself too hard. This last book made me an emotional wreck and all I did was read it! Take care of yourself and God bless.
October 2, 2013
I've read all of the Mary O'Reilly books, and for the most part have really enjoyed them. This latest one just fell kind of flat for me, though. It felt very rushed and was really lacking in the paranormal element that has kept me coming back to the series. The "mystery" was pretty much non-existent, and the very end literally made me groan. Kind of cliche, I thought.
Potential Spoiler:
I think what really irritated me, though, was Clarissa's behavior. I get that the kid has had a rough life and is only 8 years old, but in the previous couple of books she seemed over the moon at the prospect of being a part of her new family and was ecstatic when Mary and Bradley were getting married. I just don't get how all of a sudden she became such a spiteful little brat, knowing full well that her behavior was wrong and her actions were dangerous.
I hope that if this series continues it goes back to its roots- mysteries and ghosts is what I really want.
Potential Spoiler:
I think what really irritated me, though, was Clarissa's behavior. I get that the kid has had a rough life and is only 8 years old, but in the previous couple of books she seemed over the moon at the prospect of being a part of her new family and was ecstatic when Mary and Bradley were getting married. I just don't get how all of a sudden she became such a spiteful little brat, knowing full well that her behavior was wrong and her actions were dangerous.
I hope that if this series continues it goes back to its roots- mysteries and ghosts is what I really want.
February 23, 2021
So I normally really like the series but I have to say Clarissa drove me crazy I feel like in all the other books they’ve had many discussions of how they feel about her and they all love her and for her to feel like that’s not true it’s just crazy. I understand that she still barely knows them but I just feel like it’s so out of character even after everything she’s gone through we talk about how strong she is and how well she’s coping and then all of a sudden this book comes out and she’s almost like a teenager/pain in the butt which I feel like it’s not her personality so this book was really hard to read because Clarissa just felt wrong. So I understand why the writer did this but I still feel like Mary and Bradley should’ve realize all ofThis right away it was almost like nobody took into consideration how people gossip and the minute Clarissa started acting weird why was there no confrontation. I will see the ending did not surprise me that much
January 11, 2017
Love it
Wonderful ending. I just love a good ghost story. Murder, mayhem and a good ending.
On to the next adventure.
Wonderful ending. I just love a good ghost story. Murder, mayhem and a good ending.
On to the next adventure.
November 26, 2013
another great story. cried again. I am really happy for Mary. but I kind of miss Ian. :)
January 6, 2020
The book was just 'okay' for me. I think it is the weakest in the series thus far. I like my ghost stories not so perverted as this one. The editing issues, present in every book, seem to increase with each new book -- wrong word, missing word, grammatical mistakes, etc. They do not detract too much from the story, but seem rather unprofessional.
Is anyone else getting really tired of the amorous antics of Mary and Bradley? They act like hormonal teenagers. Constantly over the top; and if I read any more about her 'bruised lips' I will scream. How about a normal adult married relationship. Does this author write bodice-rippers?
Was Clarissa possessed in this book? Wow, her actions were really unrealistic, at least to me. However, I don't have children so maybe not? :)
I have started the next book and am liking it a lot more (almost finished actually ;-).
It has a really good mystery and interesting ghosts.
Is anyone else getting really tired of the amorous antics of Mary and Bradley? They act like hormonal teenagers. Constantly over the top; and if I read any more about her 'bruised lips' I will scream. How about a normal adult married relationship. Does this author write bodice-rippers?
Was Clarissa possessed in this book? Wow, her actions were really unrealistic, at least to me. However, I don't have children so maybe not? :)
I have started the next book and am liking it a lot more (almost finished actually ;-).
It has a really good mystery and interesting ghosts.
April 21, 2018
This has been my least favorite book so far. I am going to take a break from the series because the charm of the other books was absent. There are good life lessons in this book. I guess if your target audience is a much younger demographic, these lessons might be important. As a woman who is older than 25 it is a lesson I didn't need to learn. In fact the way the author portrayed on of my formerly favorite characters I am not sure I can care like I did. I understand the psychology behind their actions and choices but I'm not sure I can forgive/forget. Maybe some time away from this series and this character in particular will help.
As a side note even when Bradley was breaking Mary's heart it was easier to keep liking him. Maybe because the other characters didn't cut him slack for being as asshat.
As a side note even when Bradley was breaking Mary's heart it was easier to keep liking him. Maybe because the other characters didn't cut him slack for being as asshat.
February 11, 2024
I have absolutely loved this series so far, but I did have to pause and really consider before I gave this book 5 stars. I know the storyline needed Clarissa to act the way she did, but it felt so out of character for her from what we have read so far. She certainly would be having those feelings after everything she had been through, but it was such a change from the strong, kind, and caring little girl from the previous books it just threw the whole story off for me. If I had read this as a stand alone with no prior knowledge of Clarissa I would have definitely said 5 stars, but I have to give it 4.5 because it just didn’t sit right with me.
February 28, 2018
As with the rest of the series, I couldn't put it down. I needed to find out how everything would come together. This had some tough situations with children that while eluded to, I'm glad the author didn't go there. The series is fun to read with likeable characters that really help you step away from the world. This story was not as excellent as some of the other stories in the series but I'm sure it was a necessary piece of the tale.
May 24, 2018
Not much paranormal
There's really nothing paranormal in this book. It's just a perverted child killer. The characters are still likeable even though Clarissa was awful mean. Clarissa has had a horrible couple of years and she's only eight years old. Her unstable behavior is totally understandable.
There's really nothing paranormal in this book. It's just a perverted child killer. The characters are still likeable even though Clarissa was awful mean. Clarissa has had a horrible couple of years and she's only eight years old. Her unstable behavior is totally understandable.
December 27, 2019
Good Character Development of Blended Family Relationships
I have been reading this series but somehow missed this book so for me it helped to define the characters and the challenges that they faced becoming a family. I would highly recommend not only this book but the whole series.
I have been reading this series but somehow missed this book so for me it helped to define the characters and the challenges that they faced becoming a family. I would highly recommend not only this book but the whole series.
July 12, 2024
Brat
I can tell you no matter how much C Apologies or grows up that brat you made unlikable. And let's go back to rescuing other people than M or B. And the molesting of v girls or women is making me sick. Are you obsessed with this??? If v the v next one starts out like this I quit.
I can tell you no matter how much C Apologies or grows up that brat you made unlikable. And let's go back to rescuing other people than M or B. And the molesting of v girls or women is making me sick. Are you obsessed with this??? If v the v next one starts out like this I quit.
July 17, 2017
Disliked that, again, this book was about children being hurt. Although that is such a common thing these days, I don't enjoy reading about it. I could figure this plot out well before the action began. Entire plot was completely obvious. Still, I did enjoy the book enough for a 3.
March 10, 2018
Ghosts, kids acting out and Hospital visits!
Never a dull moment in Freeport! Married with children is a busy life! Marys adventures in Illinois never end and are never boring! A wild ride indeed.
Never a dull moment in Freeport! Married with children is a busy life! Marys adventures in Illinois never end and are never boring! A wild ride indeed.
June 7, 2019
A bit of a stumble
Not as good as I would have expected. Clarissa annoyed me - not just with Mary but everyone she came in contact with. It ruined the whole book for me. No real surprises in the book. Not even the ending - it was obvious. Disappointed would be an understatement.
Not as good as I would have expected. Clarissa annoyed me - not just with Mary but everyone she came in contact with. It ruined the whole book for me. No real surprises in the book. Not even the ending - it was obvious. Disappointed would be an understatement.
January 11, 2020
I ended up putting this book in time out for a few years. Mainly due to the content about kidnapping and killing children. It was a little rough to read compared to the previous books in the series but I'm still hooked and ready to move onto the next book to see what happens next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2020
One of the very BEST!
I really enjoyed this read, had me on the edge of my seat.. Terri Reid is definitely growing as a writer and I'm looking forward to what else she has in store for the Alden family!!
I really enjoyed this read, had me on the edge of my seat.. Terri Reid is definitely growing as a writer and I'm looking forward to what else she has in store for the Alden family!!
February 8, 2024
Interesting interesting
As many of us has found mixing families is hard. Yours, mine and ours. Good movie about blended families but throw in ghostbuster, Hannibal lecture and what do you have an exciting book
As many of us has found mixing families is hard. Yours, mine and ours. Good movie about blended families but throw in ghostbuster, Hannibal lecture and what do you have an exciting book
November 25, 2017
Really enjoying this series. I hope to finish soon.
January 2, 2018
I enjoy these books but I am beginning to feel like I am reading one gigantic novel, each book seems to be a chapter.
March 1, 2018
Awesome as always
Great read as always with the Mary O'Reilly series! Love Bradley and Mary together! Can't wait to dig in the next one
Great read as always with the Mary O'Reilly series! Love Bradley and Mary together! Can't wait to dig in the next one
May 29, 2018
I really loved this book.
September 26, 2020
What a blast
I loved this book. Childhood fears and everything else kicks Mary into momma bear mode...awesome job! Terri Reid leaves you wanting more.
I loved this book. Childhood fears and everything else kicks Mary into momma bear mode...awesome job! Terri Reid leaves you wanting more.
January 2, 2025
This one had a bit too much of the 'irrational female' going on for my tastes. I still enjoyed the ride and look forward to continuing the series.
September 22, 2018
Love this series!
She dis it again! I’m on book 13 now but read this one again! I would say my favorite so far is treasured legacies!
She dis it again! I’m on book 13 now but read this one again! I would say my favorite so far is treasured legacies!
March 4, 2019
I can't get enough of this series. The mysteries are all different enough to keep it interesting, the cast of characters are likeable and entertaining, the stories are quick and easy reads and overall it's a great way to spend an afternoon in the world of Mary O'Reilly and friends.
Keep them coming!
Keep them coming!
February 28, 2024
Very good book. Very enjoyable series. I rate this one 5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews