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Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper #19
The Funtime Show
Come here, children, play with me,
I'm the friend in your TV...
The Calvert family's new home used to belong to the recently deceased creator of a forgotten children's program from the early days of television. The family's younger kids are fascinated by the basement rooms, a chaotic wonderland of discarded stage sets, props, costumes, and puppets.
At first, the parents are glad to see the kids put down their screens and play creatively with the old theatrical elements, but their performances and their experiences grow more disturbing over time.
In this house, the reruns of a dark past never stop playing, and paranormal investigator Ellie Jordan must protect the family from a malevolent presence trying to draw them into the infernal show.
I'm the friend in your TV...
The Calvert family's new home used to belong to the recently deceased creator of a forgotten children's program from the early days of television. The family's younger kids are fascinated by the basement rooms, a chaotic wonderland of discarded stage sets, props, costumes, and puppets.
At first, the parents are glad to see the kids put down their screens and play creatively with the old theatrical elements, but their performances and their experiences grow more disturbing over time.
In this house, the reruns of a dark past never stop playing, and paranormal investigator Ellie Jordan must protect the family from a malevolent presence trying to draw them into the infernal show.
309 pages, Paperback
First published July 20, 2023
89 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Bryan
53 books1,035 followersJ.L. Bryan studied English literature at the University of Georgia and at Oxford, with a focus on English Renaissance and Romantic literature. He also studied screenwriting at UCLA. He lives in the metro Atlanta sprawl with his wife and son. He is the author of the Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper books and some other assorted novels like Inferno Park, The Unseen, Jenny Pox, and basically a lot of supernatural stories, some of it dark, some of it very dark, some of it less dark than that.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
August 1, 2023
This series is just so much fun, entirely creepy, so hard to put down and just entertains me the whole way through. These characters have almost become like family to me. People I feel like I should know and care about in real life, I just adore them, and each new spooky adventure they take us to next. And let me tell you, this new installment is indeed nightmare-inducing. I absolutely hate puppets, dolls, mannequins, you name it, they are just so stinking creepy, and Bryans made them even more so in this book *shudders*.
I could not put this one down and absolutely loved it! Another fabulous adventure-filled read that once again had me wanting to leave the lights on at night.
I could not put this one down and absolutely loved it! Another fabulous adventure-filled read that once again had me wanting to leave the lights on at night.
August 19, 2023
Creepy, Never did like puppets!!!
July 23, 2023
Hoo-boy. Ellie and Stacey are on a case that has a creep factor of 11. Because dolls. I mean, technically they're puppets and/or marionettes, but in the grand scheme of things those are a subset of dolls and NOOOOOO. Seriously, no. Like I said, creep factor of 11. ELEVEN. Maybe even 12.
Anywho. This is one of those fun cases where one half of a couple (the wife, this time around) is all "We have a problem" and the other half (the husband) is all "You're probably wrong and I'm begrudgingly humoring you, but I'm not going to make things easy on the investigators you've asked to look into this." Which means Ellie and Stacey spent part of their investigation skulking around the house and woods and the other half trying to figure out if the husband was legitimately skeptical or actually possessed. Because ghosts are creeps like that.
They also had some children they needed to keep safe who were WAY too into those puppets. Seriously, subset of dolls and NO.
So. A case with a bit of mystery since there wasn't a lot of history for Ellie and Stacey to work with. Puppets (which are dolls with the added bonus of occasional movement. Gross.). A family in danger. PUPPETS THANKYOUBUTNO. A creepy workroom. A long-reaching evil. Ellie being thrown around kind of a lot. Some solid food choices on all fronts (these books always make me hungry because of the intriguing foods Ellie and Stacey get to sample). Did I mention the puppets? Yeah, creepy with a side of danger. YIKES! (But also GOOD STUFF because these books are wildly fun even when they have to deal with potentially possessed dolls.)
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Anywho. This is one of those fun cases where one half of a couple (the wife, this time around) is all "We have a problem" and the other half (the husband) is all "You're probably wrong and I'm begrudgingly humoring you, but I'm not going to make things easy on the investigators you've asked to look into this." Which means Ellie and Stacey spent part of their investigation skulking around the house and woods and the other half trying to figure out if the husband was legitimately skeptical or actually possessed. Because ghosts are creeps like that.
They also had some children they needed to keep safe who were WAY too into those puppets. Seriously, subset of dolls and NO.
So. A case with a bit of mystery since there wasn't a lot of history for Ellie and Stacey to work with. Puppets (which are dolls with the added bonus of occasional movement. Gross.). A family in danger. PUPPETS THANKYOUBUTNO. A creepy workroom. A long-reaching evil. Ellie being thrown around kind of a lot. Some solid food choices on all fronts (these books always make me hungry because of the intriguing foods Ellie and Stacey get to sample). Did I mention the puppets? Yeah, creepy with a side of danger. YIKES! (But also GOOD STUFF because these books are wildly fun even when they have to deal with potentially possessed dolls.)
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
August 14, 2023
Probably the creepiest so far
Ellie and Stacey have over this series faced some really dangerous demonic entities but nothing like this. Therese a family in a new house with creepy things happening (as usual) and as ever it's the wife and mother who contacts the girls wanting help. She's seen a dark shape spying on her through the skylight in her bathroom, added to a general.feeling of unease along with a dislike of the basement and what it contains, .......................though her children are thrilled with the basement. The previous owner was a puppeteer, at one time he had his own T.V. Show and in the basement are all the edge from the show along with all the puppets and old V.H.S. Tapes of the show. So plenty of creepy puppets, who seem to be really lifelike while being obviously made of wood................. Nothing to be scared of there then, till the girls start investigating and see the projector magically playing episodes along with the shade outside getting more aggressive in it's attempts to gain entry to the house. Oh and one.of the puppets seems to have a strange pull on Ellie, almost like she's been hypnotized by it.................I know I won't sleep well tonight.
Ellie and Stacey have over this series faced some really dangerous demonic entities but nothing like this. Therese a family in a new house with creepy things happening (as usual) and as ever it's the wife and mother who contacts the girls wanting help. She's seen a dark shape spying on her through the skylight in her bathroom, added to a general.feeling of unease along with a dislike of the basement and what it contains, .......................though her children are thrilled with the basement. The previous owner was a puppeteer, at one time he had his own T.V. Show and in the basement are all the edge from the show along with all the puppets and old V.H.S. Tapes of the show. So plenty of creepy puppets, who seem to be really lifelike while being obviously made of wood................. Nothing to be scared of there then, till the girls start investigating and see the projector magically playing episodes along with the shade outside getting more aggressive in it's attempts to gain entry to the house. Oh and one.of the puppets seems to have a strange pull on Ellie, almost like she's been hypnotized by it.................I know I won't sleep well tonight.
January 20, 2026
As usual another great installment from Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper. This time it was all about puppets and how they can carry pieces of the soul.
August 4, 2023
Funtime Show
I get more and more invested in Ellie and Stacie with each foray into the Ghost Trapper books. I wonder if we will ever tackle the ghost that killed Stacie's brother. That could be sooo scary. And this one was quite the chiller, as I find puppets a trifle disconcerting starting in my childhood with Pinocchio. And trust me, Pinocchio this was not. Way too eerie for that, simply delicious. I quit reading 2 other books just to read it, couldn't wait!! Very well done.
I get more and more invested in Ellie and Stacie with each foray into the Ghost Trapper books. I wonder if we will ever tackle the ghost that killed Stacie's brother. That could be sooo scary. And this one was quite the chiller, as I find puppets a trifle disconcerting starting in my childhood with Pinocchio. And trust me, Pinocchio this was not. Way too eerie for that, simply delicious. I quit reading 2 other books just to read it, couldn't wait!! Very well done.
January 16, 2024
Haunted puppets are in this story and they possess a family. Puppets, Marionettes and creepy rock cairns in the woods by the house. Super creepy and entertaining.
July 25, 2023
Reviewed on Lili Lost in a Book
In this latest case, Ellie and Stacey head to a family’s home to investigate a creepy lurking shadow. What they find is a place filled with puppets... creepy puppets.
It turns out that the house and puppets previously belonged to someone who had a kid's puppet TV show back in the day, The Funtime Show. But Ellie and Stacey soon discover there’s more to these puppets than just their objective creepiness. One thing I like about this series and Ellie is that even though this is Ellie’s job, getting rid of ghosts, her client’s safety is always the number one thing, especially when there are kids involved. And this family has three of them! So when Ellie notices their attachment to these puppets (so much so that one of them got in trouble at school for, get this, excessive puppetry 😂), she and Ellie race to figure out what is happening in this house and protect the family from whatever malevolent spirit is lurking.
I really enjoyed this! The whole puppet thing was creepy, but I really enjoyed the story! The history of the house and the owner was complex, and messed up, honestly. I enjoyed unraveling the mystery there and seeing how all that affected the family that now inhabited the house. There was also one aspect of the mystery that I was not expecting but loved!
But yeah, I really enjoyed this! I love Ellie and Stacey and their banter, the story was fairly creepy with the puppets but also really interesting. And everything that happened was just insane! All the manipulation that went on was unreal! But I cannot wait for more Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper! I love this series!
In this latest case, Ellie and Stacey head to a family’s home to investigate a creepy lurking shadow. What they find is a place filled with puppets... creepy puppets.
It turns out that the house and puppets previously belonged to someone who had a kid's puppet TV show back in the day, The Funtime Show. But Ellie and Stacey soon discover there’s more to these puppets than just their objective creepiness. One thing I like about this series and Ellie is that even though this is Ellie’s job, getting rid of ghosts, her client’s safety is always the number one thing, especially when there are kids involved. And this family has three of them! So when Ellie notices their attachment to these puppets (so much so that one of them got in trouble at school for, get this, excessive puppetry 😂), she and Ellie race to figure out what is happening in this house and protect the family from whatever malevolent spirit is lurking.
I really enjoyed this! The whole puppet thing was creepy, but I really enjoyed the story! The history of the house and the owner was complex, and messed up, honestly. I enjoyed unraveling the mystery there and seeing how all that affected the family that now inhabited the house. There was also one aspect of the mystery that I was not expecting but loved!
But yeah, I really enjoyed this! I love Ellie and Stacey and their banter, the story was fairly creepy with the puppets but also really interesting. And everything that happened was just insane! All the manipulation that went on was unreal! But I cannot wait for more Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper! I love this series!
May 15, 2025
Seriously creepy
I’ve read all 19 of these books and really enjoyed them. Some I’ve read more than once. The characters are interesting, the story flows, and they have interesting experiences and plot lines. I don’t get creeped out by much and read a lot of books in the psychological thriller genre without so much as a slightly uncomfortable feeling. I have no issue with dolls, or puppets or clowns, no matter what you do to them.
This book made me creeped out (which is nearly impossible to do). There were moments I wanted to make sure all my windows and doors were locked. I was definitely not going to dangle my leg off the bed while I was reading at night. I didn’t want to look out the window into the darkness, and I was certainly glad the woods are far off. I don’t know why this particular book hit differently for me, but it did! The puppets were just as much central characters as Ellie and Stacey, and the things that happened in the dark were quite unnerving. Even after finishing the book, I’m glad I don’t have a skylight or a basement.
At its core, I think the themes of media and obsession are far too relatable in today’s world. We’re constantly plugged in, doomscrolling, taking in so much from the media that no one can seem to stop searching it out. Constantly waiting for someone to post something new, influence us, give their opinion on things, turn our attention to something new. I don’t know that that’s what the author intended to portray, but something this book made me think about.
I really enjoyed this one, and I think it’s a great read. If you e read the previous 18 books in this series, don’t stop now!
I’ve read all 19 of these books and really enjoyed them. Some I’ve read more than once. The characters are interesting, the story flows, and they have interesting experiences and plot lines. I don’t get creeped out by much and read a lot of books in the psychological thriller genre without so much as a slightly uncomfortable feeling. I have no issue with dolls, or puppets or clowns, no matter what you do to them.
This book made me creeped out (which is nearly impossible to do). There were moments I wanted to make sure all my windows and doors were locked. I was definitely not going to dangle my leg off the bed while I was reading at night. I didn’t want to look out the window into the darkness, and I was certainly glad the woods are far off. I don’t know why this particular book hit differently for me, but it did! The puppets were just as much central characters as Ellie and Stacey, and the things that happened in the dark were quite unnerving. Even after finishing the book, I’m glad I don’t have a skylight or a basement.
At its core, I think the themes of media and obsession are far too relatable in today’s world. We’re constantly plugged in, doomscrolling, taking in so much from the media that no one can seem to stop searching it out. Constantly waiting for someone to post something new, influence us, give their opinion on things, turn our attention to something new. I don’t know that that’s what the author intended to portray, but something this book made me think about.
I really enjoyed this one, and I think it’s a great read. If you e read the previous 18 books in this series, don’t stop now!
December 19, 2023
This book is truly, deliciously creepy, and plenty of the usual twists and turns we expect from an Ellie Jordan novel. One of the coolest aspects of this series is the research and basis on real historical events/places/occurrences, which gives it the depth needed to continue for 20 books.
J.L. probably doesn’t read these reviews, but if he does, please give us an arc with Stacey’s growth/tackling of her past demons! We got the arc with Ellie’s past, but Stacey has just as much trauma and somehow remains sunny in spite of all they’ve seen. She’s a really interesting character, so give us more! It’s time.
We also haven’t had a check in from that paranormal institute that took them over in a really long time. There were a lot of interesting twists with the technology they were developing around catching ghosts/harnessing ghostly power. Don’t get me wrong—I’ll enjoy every monster-of-the-week Bryan puts out, but there are dangling threads that would be so interesting to resolve.
J.L. probably doesn’t read these reviews, but if he does, please give us an arc with Stacey’s growth/tackling of her past demons! We got the arc with Ellie’s past, but Stacey has just as much trauma and somehow remains sunny in spite of all they’ve seen. She’s a really interesting character, so give us more! It’s time.
We also haven’t had a check in from that paranormal institute that took them over in a really long time. There were a lot of interesting twists with the technology they were developing around catching ghosts/harnessing ghostly power. Don’t get me wrong—I’ll enjoy every monster-of-the-week Bryan puts out, but there are dangling threads that would be so interesting to resolve.
November 24, 2023
All of the Ellie Jordan books are scary, but I was seriously creeped out by this one. The lifeless eyes in dolls and puppets have always made me shudder. I imagine them suddenly blinking, their heads turning and something terrible coming out of their mouths. There’s this scene where Ellie puts her hand inside the puppet. Eew. What if it gets stuck or possesses her? See, they’re creepy.
Ellie and Stacey have their work cut out for them. The Calvert’s are in real danger. Something wants in. And something else already is. Once again, Ellie does her research and Stacey mentally paces back and forth, ready to get to the good stuff. The ghost trapping. And a ghost trapping they will go.
Still loving this series and the characters. And I’m really curious where it goes next. I’ll be waiting……….
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
Ellie and Stacey have their work cut out for them. The Calvert’s are in real danger. Something wants in. And something else already is. Once again, Ellie does her research and Stacey mentally paces back and forth, ready to get to the good stuff. The ghost trapping. And a ghost trapping they will go.
Still loving this series and the characters. And I’m really curious where it goes next. I’ll be waiting……….
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
September 21, 2023
Going into this Series is always a surprise and you never know what to expect. The hauntings start pretty early on in The Funtime Show and get you thinking about what is going on. Growing up I saw puppets on my TV shows, but I don’t think I’d like to see these puppets up close and personal.
I really enjoyed getting to explore with Ellie and Stacey again, I love how their friendship and teamwork is a well oiled machine and how they can also have fun together. I liked that we get to revisit an old haunting and see what’s happening for them.
The Funtime Show Show is another great instalment to this series, if you like creepy puppets, run down puppet shows, old mansions, and old museums, then his is the book for you.
I really enjoyed getting to explore with Ellie and Stacey again, I love how their friendship and teamwork is a well oiled machine and how they can also have fun together. I liked that we get to revisit an old haunting and see what’s happening for them.
The Funtime Show Show is another great instalment to this series, if you like creepy puppets, run down puppet shows, old mansions, and old museums, then his is the book for you.
September 23, 2025
An interesting instalment overall.
I liked the idea of this one, and the puppets were creepy as anything. I do think the puppets kind of got in the way of the actual ghosts and their stories, whether that could have been solved with more backstory and involvement with the main puppet entity I'm not sure.
I don't particularly enjoy when the client is such a hinderance either, and the whole story with the husband was a little meh.
Overall, though, Bryan is just so good at atmosphere and creating places I can visualise so clearly in my head. The occasional creepy moment almost makes me want to check there's no one in my room as well.
Enjoyed, and can't wait to pick up the next one.
I liked the idea of this one, and the puppets were creepy as anything. I do think the puppets kind of got in the way of the actual ghosts and their stories, whether that could have been solved with more backstory and involvement with the main puppet entity I'm not sure.
I don't particularly enjoy when the client is such a hinderance either, and the whole story with the husband was a little meh.
Overall, though, Bryan is just so good at atmosphere and creating places I can visualise so clearly in my head. The occasional creepy moment almost makes me want to check there's no one in my room as well.
Enjoyed, and can't wait to pick up the next one.
August 1, 2023
Book #19 with Ellie Jordan and each adventure is creepier than the last one. This one was especially eerie, involving puppets. As a child, my parents bought me a Howdy Doody type puppet and I hated it. It would sit on a chair in the bedroom, tumbled over, and his mouth always seemed to hang crookedly open. So to this day, puppets are scary to me. This was a wonderfully spooky story with plenty of haunted puppets for Ellie and Stacie to deal with. You can bet I mostly read this story during daylight hours! I already have the next book on preorder.
October 7, 2023
I love reading about Ellie and Stacey's ghostly exploits. This one was different in that it didn't start out with a horrific ghost attacking everyone in sight. This one was much more circumspect with it's possessions and mind manipulation. I actually liked the slower build up in this one, and the more cerebral solutions to fighting the ghosts. Less outright trapping and more subtle alterations to achieve the desired result. Still creepy and atmospheric. And the ending was action packed and suspenseful. Sad that it's over. But always looking forward to the next one in the series.
October 13, 2024
This is a really intense and fun story. I was worried it was going to go too big again, but it didn't. The characters were interesting and the situation kept me wondering there for a while. It had a good build and a great climax. I was on the edge of my seat wondering how Ellie and Stacey were going to get out of this one and rescue their clients! Just like most of the others, a good romp and an exciting read.
February 2, 2026
The Fun Time Show
I have enjoyed all the books so far. This one kept you in it like each of the others have done. Ellie and Stacey have sure been threw some horrible time in 19 books. I am not sure I would keep doing what they do. Like all 19 books can be read alone and be done. But I personally like to read them and when I Finnish a book. Its kind of like you lost a friend. You want them to come back again. until you start the next book. I find they are hard to put down.
I have enjoyed all the books so far. This one kept you in it like each of the others have done. Ellie and Stacey have sure been threw some horrible time in 19 books. I am not sure I would keep doing what they do. Like all 19 books can be read alone and be done. But I personally like to read them and when I Finnish a book. Its kind of like you lost a friend. You want them to come back again. until you start the next book. I find they are hard to put down.
September 24, 2023
Funtime
Creepy story for those of us who really don't like puppets! The Ghost Trapper team is called upon by a woman who feels haunted, but without her husbands knowledge. The new house they've recently moved into is an architectural beauty, built by a man in the 1950's. Strange things are happening and she needs help!
Another great story by JL Bryan.
Creepy story for those of us who really don't like puppets! The Ghost Trapper team is called upon by a woman who feels haunted, but without her husbands knowledge. The new house they've recently moved into is an architectural beauty, built by a man in the 1950's. Strange things are happening and she needs help!
Another great story by JL Bryan.
October 28, 2023
I don't care for dolls or puppets so I found this book scary as hell. And the fact that it took a couple of very unexpected turns made it doubly so. I would not recommend reading this book alone and late at night with the lights turned down low. The books in this series just get better and spookier as the series progresses. Need I say "highly recommended"?
February 21, 2024
Another great read!!
I really love these books! Lots of action, great characters, and creepy as heck! This author tells a great ghost story. Each of his books is well plotted out with interesting story elements that draw you in to the haunting at hand. I’ve read every book and would definitely recommend giving them at try.
I really love these books! Lots of action, great characters, and creepy as heck! This author tells a great ghost story. Each of his books is well plotted out with interesting story elements that draw you in to the haunting at hand. I’ve read every book and would definitely recommend giving them at try.
July 27, 2023
Great!
I love the whole Ellie Jordan series! This novel is a great continuation of the series. Not too scary- but just enough chills, the way I like it. I can’t wait to read the next in line.
I love the whole Ellie Jordan series! This novel is a great continuation of the series. Not too scary- but just enough chills, the way I like it. I can’t wait to read the next in line.
August 4, 2023
Great read!
I've read - and loved - all the Ellie Jordan books. I do believe this is one of my favorites. The storyline is very unique, very interesting, and at times quite intense! I couldn't put it down! Truly awesome story!
I've read - and loved - all the Ellie Jordan books. I do believe this is one of my favorites. The storyline is very unique, very interesting, and at times quite intense! I couldn't put it down! Truly awesome story!
August 4, 2023
This is a great series that never fails to dissaapoint, always a new twist, location and type of haunting. Glad ellie finally recognised grave dirt is useless though ! Terribly good fun, bring on the next one
August 11, 2023
Another masterpiece devoured!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The plot was written in a different manner in this book. The twists and turned kept you guessing. Thank you for the journey.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The plot was written in a different manner in this book. The twists and turned kept you guessing. Thank you for the journey.
August 11, 2023
Sinister puppet mayhem.
I will always pre-order the next volume of Bryan's ghost trapper series until the day he retires her. They are the perfect read,even rereading them.
Thank you for entertaining us with your great stories.
I will always pre-order the next volume of Bryan's ghost trapper series until the day he retires her. They are the perfect read,even rereading them.
Thank you for entertaining us with your great stories.
August 12, 2023
Another cracker of a show!
My wife would have had nightmares reading this book. She was frightened of puppets. Original and spooky, and soon draws you in. Ellie and Stacy, our intrepid ghosthunters are great characters and this adventure is one of the best.
My wife would have had nightmares reading this book. She was frightened of puppets. Original and spooky, and soon draws you in. Ellie and Stacy, our intrepid ghosthunters are great characters and this adventure is one of the best.
August 13, 2023
Puppets are not my thing but J L
Puppets are not my thing but J L Bryan made it work! Good job Mr Bryan! Waiting for your next installment of Ellie Jordan and Stacy's adventures. Even if Ellie seems to get aggravated with Stacy's "nonsense" sometimes, they work well together.
Puppets are not my thing but J L Bryan made it work! Good job Mr Bryan! Waiting for your next installment of Ellie Jordan and Stacy's adventures. Even if Ellie seems to get aggravated with Stacy's "nonsense" sometimes, they work well together.
August 14, 2023
Another great one, looking forward to the next
It is so impressive how ellie, Michael, Stacey and Jacob continue to learn and grow and evolve.
I really feel like one of the family.
It is so impressive how ellie, Michael, Stacey and Jacob continue to learn and grow and evolve.
I really feel like one of the family.
August 21, 2023
Ellie and Stacey take on an exceptionally creepy new nemesis in a case involving an old children’s television show, mysterious nocturnal airings of said show in the basement, and puppets. Lots and lots of puppets.
August 22, 2023
Brilliant book
These books are brilliant, Ellie and Stacey have a bit of a tough time in this one. They are called to look into a possible haunting and end up in a house with a basement full of creepy puppets. Five stars for the creep factor.
These books are brilliant, Ellie and Stacey have a bit of a tough time in this one. They are called to look into a possible haunting and end up in a house with a basement full of creepy puppets. Five stars for the creep factor.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews