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Memoirs of the Human Wraiths #2

Objects in the Rearview Mirror

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Memoirs of the Human Wraiths

Their new home on Frederick Street in Clay Center, Kansas, was supposed to give writer Jonathan David and his husband, clinical psychologist Dr. Eddie Dorman, an opportunity to enjoy married life. Jonathan has just released his first major bestseller, and he hopes to finally escape his traumatic past and find the quiet existence he has always craved. Eddie has taken a job at the Kansas State University psychology department, and they intend to begin anew.

They have barely settled in when the nightmare begins. Noises, disembodied voices, and mysterious apparitions make Jonathan’s life hell. Part of the house has decided to bare its teeth, show its jagged edges, and bring back the worst of Jonathan’s past. At first, Eddie cannot perceive the spectral events and fears for his husband’s sanity. When he’s also affected by the haunting, he’s unsure of what to do but refuses to be beaten.

Together, they seek a way to fight the forces trying to tear them apart. The world is a frightening place, but confronting their fears plunges Jonathan and Eddie into absolute horror.

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 4, 2014

3 people are currently reading
233 people want to read

About the author

F.E. Feeley Jr.

19 books255 followers
Noted author, poet, producer, and all-around badass, F.E. Feeley Jr. is one of the most important queer voices writing today. He lives in the Deep South with his fur babies, campaigning for social justice, and occasionally howling at the moon.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
Profile Image for Heather K (dentist in my spare time).
4,062 reviews6,530 followers
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November 8, 2014
DNF at 27%. No rating... this book is just not my taste.

I really wanted to finish this because the author kindly gifted me a review copy, but as I read further and further I quickly realized that this is NOT the book for me.

I have a thing against established couple stories. Unless it's a series where the couple meets in the first book and then it continues on, I really tend to avoid them. I find that it is much more difficult for me to feel something for a couple if they are already in love in the beginning of a story.

This book combines established couple with a creepy ghost. Now, I read my fair share of ghost stories (see shelf) but when they veer towards scary, horror elements, I tend to check out. I dislike the more spooky paranormal stories and this fell into that category for me.

To top it off, the beginning of this book was both kind of depressing and sort of... boring. I felt my attention wandering and I had difficulty motivating myself to pick it back up again.

I just think that this story and I are not a good fit.
Profile Image for LenaRibka.
1,462 reviews433 followers
September 23, 2014


It's the second book in the series Memoirs of the Human Wraiths but you can read the both books as a stand-alone.

I've mentioned already that PRN doesn't belong to my regular genre, but it doesn't mean I can't enjoy a good written haunting paranormal book. And here the writing and characterizations grabbed me from the start.

I wouldn't identify Objects in the Rearview Mirror as exclusively paranormal story. Yes, there are ghosts here and a haunted house is the setting for the book.



But it is not the main message of the book IMO.
And even if I risk to sink in the melodramatic sentimentality, I'd like to claim that it is in the first place a true love story.

"Please don't ever let me go," Jonathan whispered.
Eddie wrapped his arms around him and drew him closer.
"Never. Hey. Look at me," Eddie said, Jonathan tilted his head up, and Eddie gave him a gentle smile. "Never. I'll always be here."




We met the main characters at the time when many books normally end.
"The prince married his love and they lived happily ever after."

Writer Jonathan David and his husband, clinical psychologist Dr. Eddie Dorman started their new life as a couple in their new house in a small town Clay Center, Kansas. They wanted to enjoy thier married country life in a beautiful house with a nice neighbourhood. But things didn't go according to plan.

Objects in the Rearview Mirror is less a haunting paranormal novel but in the first place a powerfully written psychological drama of child abuse, painful memories, burdensome experiences and how love can help to overcome the horrors of the past and to win the fears. To overcome the ghosts.

It was my second book of F.E. Feeley Jr. and I liked it even more than the first book. He has a very smooth and flowing writing style that perfectly matches with me!

Objects in the Rearview Mirror has also a tragic parallel story that made me very sad, though I was emotionally satisfied at the end.

The author did a great job. Highly recommended.



***I would like to thank the author for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my fair and honest review.***
Profile Image for Ann.
1,452 reviews136 followers
February 27, 2014
Damn, that was an amazing story. It was a ghost story, a love story and a mess-with-your-head-nine-ways-from-Sunday story and I LOVED it.

This book is the perfect melding of a classic ghost story, a true love story and a psychological drama all wrapped up in an incredibly well written package.

Objects in the Rearview Mirror is ultimately a story about fear and what damage fear can do in both this world and the next. There are two stories going on in this book plus the house that brings them together. It starts with a heartbreaking prologue that tells the fate of Alan Pemberly in 1975. That alone had me hooked and the tale of Alan’s aborted homecoming sets up the connection between Alan in 1975 and Jonathan and Eddie in 2013.

Jonathan and Eddie are a married couple who have moved to Clay Center, Kansas to make a fresh start. It was refreshing reading about an established couple who are so obviously committed to each other. There are allusions to troubles in their past, but nothing that most normal couples don’t deal with for the most part. They do have a couple of major issues that set them apart though. Firstly, Jonathan has an incredibly painful past that Eddie, being a licensed clinical psychiatrist, had tried so hard to help Jonathan work through. The fact that Eddie is a mental health professional is a bit of a blessing and a curse. He definitely has helped Jonathan put the pains in the “rearview mirror” but that doesn’t make them go away. Secondly, the house they have moved to seems to have all the classic symptoms of a haunted house. Strange things start happening very subtly at first and the bumps in the night are written so well that the creep factor was perfect.

Turns out the house Jonathan and Eddie have moved into is the same house that Alan Pemberly grew up in. The painful upbringing of both Jonathan and Alan causes an unnatural connection to form between them and this is where the really great psychological drama comes in. Jonathan has been wandering for years, never settling and this is something that has been hanging over his relationship with Eddie for a long time.

“ . . . his lover wasn’t wandering toward something in the hopes of finding new and exciting things; he was wandering away from something that followed him like a shadow attached to his feet, always just a step behind him.”

When the supernatural starts happening at home it’s almost too easy to blame Jonathan’s past and how he deals with it. Being a psychiatrist it’s natural for Eddie to head that direction, Jonathan must be having some sort of breakdown, even though Eddie has witnessed some crazy events himself. Jonathan begins to doubt himself, Eddie begins to doubt himself and the fear of what all this means is driving a wedge between them. Jonathan could only ever show his vulnerability to Eddie and now showing that vulnerability felt like a threat to his sanity. Throughout though, I never doubted their love and commitment to each other and that made the fear more real, I was anxious for them. There were a couple of really painful conversations and damn if those didn’t hurt to read. They were completely realistic though and I think that’s what made the whole paranormal aspect of the story work so well.

The supporting characters really added to the story and next door neighbor, Maggie was a calming force and wealth of knowledge to them both. Jonah was quite the sage who was a later addition to the tale, but his conversation with Jonathan alone is worth a mention. He tells Jonathan,

“I am going to give you some fatherly advice: when this is over, when all this is done, stop looking backward. Life isn’t lived in that direction. Your future isn’t in that direction. It’s forward, out into the horizon ahead of you. Stop clinging to dead things – they’ll drag you down with them and will destroy everything you two have worked so hard to create. You’ve got a man in there that loves you. He’s in the here and now.”

The journey through the rearview mirror has to be read and I don’t want to spoil any of the uber creepy moments for you. I honestly could not put this down until I knew how the story would resolve and I was really impressed how it all came together. Heroes were made and happy endings were had, and they didn’t come easy, but man, what a ride.
The epilogue is a very sweet wrap up and gives a nod to the series here which I love because it means the author is planning on more stories. I loved his one too much to be done.


Thank you F.E. Feeley Jr., that was a good reading time.

Profile Image for Cindi.
1,673 reviews85 followers
February 7, 2014
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.


Objects in the Rearview Mirror has so many things that drew me in. I am a huge fan of books with ghosts and things that go bump in the night. I am a sucker for a good romance and this definitely has that. What I didn't expect was to be sucked into a story so unique that I had a difficult time putting my Kindle down even for a little while.

The love story is beautiful, as two men have to battle the horrors of one's past in order to move on and be happy. Then there are the ghosts, one of which battled his own demons as a child. When both stories collide - both in the physical world and not - is when the past is brought back and must be faced head-on in order for everyone to find peace, whether it be in the living world or the afterlife.

I smiled. I shed a lot of tears. I even got creeped out quite a bit. In the end, I was so happy I read this.

An outstanding book.

F.E. Feeley, Jr. writes ghosts and romance well. I can't wait to see what he puts out next.



This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Deeze.
1,713 reviews285 followers
March 29, 2014
3.5

Another hard one for me to rate.

There were so many parts I loved in this book. It brought me to tears both happy and sad. It had a spooky side that I enjoyed seeing play out. It had to guys in love that for the most part I enjoyed.

But it also had a lot of niggles and dissatisfaction for me. The writing style was probably the hardest part for me. I found myself often questioning things. Mainly Eddie and Jonathon's relationship. We are told they had a rough and rocky life together but we never really got to see any of it. We got a glimpse of Jonathon's childhood but nothing really of Jonathon and Eddie together, apart from knowing they got together early. I would of liked a bit more insight into their struggles rather than just being told they existed.

I found Maggie to be another female that just grates on me. Purely personal but her role went from stranger to confident way to fast for me. Throwing Jonah in at the end as her love interest just bored me.

Personally I was much more interested in

So while I enjoyed the story, and the supernatural stuff was intriguing, I also found it very easy to put down. I'm going to round up to a 4 star as most of my problem wasn't with the story, just the way I struggled with the telling.
Profile Image for John The Cosmic Wanderer.
435 reviews44 followers
March 16, 2014
My god! Amazing! This is so much more than a ghost story and so many great moments. The last chapter just made me lose it.



Moral of the story - When you let fear run your life, you lose sight of everything, even love.

Im looking forward to reading the 1st book The Haunting of Timber Manor and F.E. Feeley Jr.'s future books.

Definitely one of the best in 2014!
Profile Image for Lisa Arbitrary - AttentionIsArbitrary M/M Blog.
332 reviews136 followers
June 26, 2014
~ ~ ~

4 Stars


There are books that have backstory and things you need to know about the character’s past, but this brought it all forward and aligned the main character’s history with his present day in a way that was engrossing and unsettling, as it’s meant to be.

THE CHARACTERS

Jonathan David - Complex.

Eddie Dorman - Wonderful.

Alan Pemberly -Tragic.

THE STORY

You can’t run away forever, the annoying voice chided him. Jonathan wrapped a mental hand around its throat and warned it that if it spoke again, he would choke the life out of it. In fear, the voice quieted.


This is a unique mix of romance and suspense with a strong PNR element. The modern day struggles of a couple just getting their lives in sync, tempered by a darker past, has a balance that is at once honest and frustrating. Jonathan and Eddie just want to plant roots and settle down, but even though they try to deny the past and move forward, that past is coming for them.

The romance isn’t perfect and, in fact, is downright rocky, but I had no doubt that this was a relationship worth fighting for.

The way the author showed today’s contemporary life of a committed gay couple and mirrored it against the, not nearly distant enough, past is particularly well done. Done so well, in fact, that you may not even notice it happening. We may think we’ve come a long way, but that doesn’t mean we’re not still fighting things we thought we’ve overcome.

THE WRITING

It also occurred to him that, in the process of making the yard produce what they wanted it to, the earth had to be scarred and beaten up.


I found some of the time shifts and flashbacks confusing. Possibly much of this was intentional, but instead of being mystifying it was often unclear. There was also, in my opinion, an entirely unnecessary bigot inserted into the storyline.

However, I also found the writing to be, mellow. Not in a dull or slow way, but in a way that helped me keep my calm through a story that may have been overwritten otherwise. This isn’t intended to be a thriller or an edge-of-your-seat read – although it does have its moments – it’s intended to feel introspective while fully gripping you with the story. Achieved.

This is my first read by Mr. Feeley, but it won’t be my last.

~ ~ ~

I would like to thank the author for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

Also, a big thanks to Grammy at http://www.paranormalromanceguild.com/ for another, great recommendation.


~ ~ ~

Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
Visit My Blog
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.com

Profile Image for The Novel Approach.
3,093 reviews137 followers
October 27, 2016
It’s the month of October, and I like to search my shelves for spookies to read to get me in the mood for Halloween. I’m ashamed to say this little ghost story has been sitting on my TBR shelf for a while. From the first page of Objects in the Rearview Mirror I was captivated, and I had trouble putting it down to do something silly—like work and sleep.

It starts off with Alan Pemberly waking up with a hangover, only to find out he’s had a one-night-stand with a stranger. And, to his surprise, the guy is married. Alan’s life has just gone from bad to worse since he’s just broken up with his boyfriend, and, he’s homeless. Sneaking out of the office building, Alan realizes it’s time to go home to his estranged, alcoholic father.

Unfortunately, circumstances are against him…

Now, the blurb pretty much covers the introduction of Jonathan and Eddie. But what it doesn’t mention is what an interesting character Jonathan really is. I mean, this guy has had a pretty rough childhood, and he seems to have turned out okay without becoming too much of an a-hole. I think a lot of it has to do with Eddie, his husband, who’s been Jonathan’s anchor when it comes to those times he’s had to deal with his husband’s bad moments. Eddie has a set of balls and he’s not afraid to use ‘em when it comes to working on the rough patches in their relationship. I also liked the reference to Meatloaf’s song as Jonathan is tearing up the highway to meet his husband, and enter their new home for the first time. And that Eddie is about to find out his husband has a special talent.

Objects in the Rearview Mirror, when it wasn’t giving me the willies, stirred up a few other emotions, like a bit of anger towards abusive people, compassion for those that suffer from alcoholism, and a bit of sadness for the one who tried to turn his life around, only to have it screw with him. And, when I finished the last page I had questions: Who was that strange woman, and will there be more of Jonathan and Eddie? Soon? Also, why isn’t this in audiobook format yet? I mean, this is something I would love to listen to!

F.E. Feeley Jr. has a new fan, and he’s become an auto-buy for me. Now, I’m off to read Still Waters. Thanks, Sammy, for the wonderful review of this one—it made me curious to try this author. Ooooh, I do so love a good ghost story!

This a 5 Star read and highly recommended!

Reviewed by Kim for The Novel Approach Reviews
Profile Image for Romanticamente Fantasy.
7,823 reviews234 followers
August 27, 2021
Maljka - per RFS
.
Molte storie partono da un tradimento, molte altre rinascono da un tradimento ed è il nostro caso.

Questa serie di romanzi l’ho letta al contrario, nel senso che sono partita dall’ultimo, passando poi per il primo e per ultimo questo, il secondo. Scelta casuale in realtà, perché sono tutti autoconclusivi, l’unico punto in comune è che in tutti e tre troviamo delle relazioni amorose e di sesso tra uomini e ci sono dei fantasmi, parecchi direi, più o meno violenti.

Ah dimenticavo… io adoro le storie di fantasmi!!!

I due protagonisti indiscussi di questa storia sono Eddie e Jonathan, il primo fa l’insegnante, in realtà è uno psicologo clinico, motivo per cui è stato assunto da poco nella cittadina in cui si sono trasferiti, Clay Center in Kansas e il secondo è uno scrittore affermato.

I due sono sposati ma, in realtà, la ragione per cui hanno deciso di trasferirsi ha radici nel passato di Jonathan: scappa da un padre violento e da atti di bullismo giovanile.

A far compagnia loro, in tutta questa storia, sarà la vicina Maggie, la classica signora anziana in stile americano, amorevole e che regala torte ma con un carattere molto tosto.

Poi ci sono anche altri due individui, se così li possiamo chiamare, ovvero Alan e Mark, i due infestatori della casa che faranno vedere i sorci verdi ai suoi occupanti.

Il primo, in particolare, viveva con un padre padrone violento e ubriacone, soprattutto dopo la tragica morte della moglie e qualcosa gli fa scattare l’interruttore e rivedere la sua vita in quella di Jonathan.

Rumori, voci, apparizioni e stoviglie infrante faranno da padrone in questa storia di fantasmi. Chiaramente quando sei uno psicologo clinico e hai a che fare con un evento di questo tipo pensi che tu e chi ti sta intorno siate impazziti, fino a quando non tocchi con mano ciò che accade. Sarà quello il momento in cui i due decideranno di contrastare le forze maligne che hanno preso possesso della loro vita e del loro nuovo nido d’amore ma… il confronto con la vecchia vita e con le proprie paure può essere mostruoso e terrificante a volte.

Un romanzo che si legge tutto d’un fiato con delle piacevoli scene d’amore, anche spinto a volte, ma mai troppo preponderanti nella storia. Le atmosfere cupe e spettrali rendono il tutto molto d’effetto tanto da far vivere al lettore la storia come se fosse lì sulla scena. È un romanzo che ti fa innamorare dei suoi personaggi, sia buoni che cattivi. In realtà, dopo averli letti tutti e tre, direi che è la prerogativa di questo scrittore. Un autore mm che non conoscevo ma di cui in futuro, se ci sarà la possibilità, leggerò sicuramente altri lavori

Mi è piaciuta molto la sua scelta di voler rompere i luoghi comuni, e trattare un tema purtroppo ancora così delicato come l’omosessualità, partendo da se stesso e dalla sua esperienza. Molti faticano a leggere mm, sono io la prima che difficilmente li cerco, forse perché non riesco ad immedesimarmi completamente nei personaggi, ma questi tre romanzi mi sono davvero piaciuti e ve li consiglio.

Buona lettura a tutti!
Profile Image for Jamie.
128 reviews302 followers
March 15, 2014
I kept thinking, as I read this novel, that it was reminiscent of the 1982 film "Poltergeist"... except that "Objects in the Rearview Mirror" makes more sense. I did find some of the investigations into the paranormal activity in the novel to be a bit over the top -- real-life paranormal investigators would be ecstatic (as indeed the ones in the book were) if they were able to record some of the events occurring here.

My biggest quibble was how quickly Eddie jumps to the conclusion that Jonathan is schizophrenic. As a trained psychologist, he would know that diagnosis is extreme. Clearly Jonathan is suffering from PTSD (that's mentioned as a previous diagnosis, I believe), and his early experiences seeing ghosts in the house are actually very common. I know a number of people who claim to see ghosts, but people don't generally think about schizophrenia unless other symptoms come into play. In any event, this doesn't go on for too long before Eddie and his coworkers begin to realize something else is happening.

But the core of the novel is about a survivor of childhood abuse who is able to connect with the spirits trapped in the house, because of the abuse that occurred there many years ago. On that level, F.E. Feeley Jr.'s passion as a writer serves the story well. It's an emotional subject, and though some scenes lapse a bit into melodrama, the overall story is powerful, with a climax that's tearful and emotionally satisfying.

Another aspect I enjoyed was the fact that our heroes move into a small midwest town and encounter diverse reactions to their relationship. Some people are cold when they realize they're dealing with a gay couple, but others are perfectly fine. This is far more realistic (and in sync with my experiences living in the country) than we often see portrayed. Small towns get a bad rap.

Overall, a very sweet novel with a strong relationship at its center and some good emotional moments. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for John Inman.
Author 42 books440 followers
May 8, 2014
There are so many five star reviews of this book, I thought to myself, wow, really? Well, after reading it, I gotta say, yep. Five stars all the way. I really enjoyed THE HAUNTING OF TIMBER MANOR when I read it, but I must say this book is even better. The writing and plotting is a little tighter, the book simply has more depth to it than its predecessor had, although like I said, I loved the first one too. F.E. Feeley Jr. is a wonderful writer, a wonderful story teller. I even love the cover of OBJECTS IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR, but since I've never known Paul Richmond to turn out a bad cover, I guess I shouldn't be surprised by that. I can't wait to see what Mr. Feeley writes next. He is quickly becoming one of those writers whose books I automatically order even before reading the blurb. Well done, sir. This is a very good book.
Profile Image for Stephen Osborne.
Author 75 books134 followers
March 24, 2014
4.5 Stars. I love a good ghost story. They also have to be done right. I realize I've started this series with book 2 so I'll have to go back and read The Haunting of Timber Manor, but that's okay. I'm looking forward to it and anything else this author puts out.
There were some chills here, and some romance. The reading went smoothly, and there were no "where the heck did that come from" moments. I liked Jonathan and Eddie and their neighbor, Maggie. They were well rounded characters, with flaws and all. Looking forward to more!
Profile Image for Hart_D (ajibooks).
355 reviews10 followers
November 3, 2018
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author, but his generosity didn't influence my review.

The blurb makes this book sound like a horror novel, but the haunting is not all that scary. So, even if horror is a genre you avoid, you shouldn't avoid this book. However, although the supernatural aspects didn't bother me, the real-life themes upset me a lot. This story is really about two survivors of child abuse and how that trauma shaped who they are. A parent also dies (in flashbacks) and her illness is described in detail.

So, the material is heavy, and the characters are unhappy for most of the book. The depiction of Jonathan and Eddie's love for each other does temper the sadness, though. Their relationship is sweet, and while they do have a conflict in the middle of the story, it gets resolved pretty quickly. I also liked their fast friendship with their new neighbor, an older lady named Maggie. This version of small-town life overall feels real to me; Maggie knows almost everything about her old neighbors, and she's always been willing to help any way she can. In general all of the dialogue feels very natural to me.

Overall, the book is well written, with some lovely prose. The theme of abuse survivors helping each other find peace is interesting, and the author executed it with both skill and sensitivity. There is also an uplifting ending. I didn't have strong feelings about any of the major characters, but that was okay, since it's mainly a plot-driven book.

I recommend the audiobook. The narrator has a calm and ordinary delivery, and his performance really works well for such a serious book.

I haven't read the other books in this series, but this one stands alone. There's only a very short bit at the end which is completely unrelated to this book and probably ties it in to the series.
Profile Image for multitaskingmomma.
1,359 reviews45 followers
February 11, 2014
Original Blog Post: http://headouttheoven.blogspot.com/20...

This was one INCREDIBLE read!

Objects In The Rearview Mirror, the title, sounds more like a psychological drama than a story of haunting. Once the reader gets deep into the story, they see that what the author, F.E. Feeley Jr., did, was to combine the two. As well he should. For what is a ghost story that is not really a psychological drama in disguise? A haunting is really a reflection of the demons we all lived in that crosses over to the paranormal state of hell as we imagine it.

In this story, we have husbands Jonathan and Eddie who move to Kansas to basically start their life over after years of struggles. Jonathan, a successful author, has a few issues to deal with being a veteran of war and a child abuse survivor. Eddie has just been awarded a job in the KSU psychology department. They have just bought a new house, they spend time redoing the place and were in the middle of enjoying a new life when things that bump in the night started - well - bumping. Thumping.

Creaking.

BOOM!

Just like any normal and healthy individuals, they blame the thumps and bumps to noises that come with old houses. They relax a bit and when things calmed down, things get more normal.

Then it started all over again. Stronger at times and disturbingly scary at others. When the men start questioning their sanities without confiding with each other, this is when things start escalating. As they finally face their paranormal realities and search for answers that would get them out of the mess, it may be too late. They are facing an evil force they may not escape sane.

It is hard writing this review without getting to spill spoilers that may ruin the impact of the read. Feeley has written an intense psychological thriller laced with paranormal and ghostly goings on that can send chills down the spine, cause my hands to tighten on my poor ereader and my teeth to ache from gritting too hard. There were points where all I could do was just hold on to the reader and just plow through this.

This is a highly visual and auditory read that it was quite difficult to get myself out of the scenes unfolding clearly in my mind's eye. The technical aspects of the hunt was so well written it brought back memories of when I had to study for the course in school. The psychological backgrounds to the fears of the men and the ghosts were all so well twisted and integrated together it was just incredible.

As for the haunting?

Make sure to read this during the day. That is all I am saying.

Profile Image for Melissa.
1,371 reviews93 followers
November 12, 2016
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I didn't know what to expect with this story. The blurb doesn't do the book justice. To start, this is not a horror story in any way. It is paranormal, but with romance, along with child abuse (trying to move past it), alcoholism, cancer, murder and suicide. There is a lot going on in this story but nothing is overshadowed, and I could not put it down.

This is a stand-alone novel (even though it says it's #2 in a series). Eddie and Jonathan are a married couple of ten years who have moved to Kansas for a fresh start. It's not explained what happened before and why they need a fresh start, but it's alluded to that they needed to get away from where they were living and those memories.

Jonathan is a writer and Eddie is a PHD psychologist. They love each other very much and that love comes across in every page, with every touch, with every look. They are about to be tested when the house they just bought turns out to be haunted, and those who are haunting them suffer from the same abusive past as Jonathan does.

I highly recommend this story if you love a good redemption story. The ghosts are tormented and trapped in a loop with no idea how to get out. We are shown pieces of their life through a neighbor, Maggie, who befriends Jonathan and Eddie. It's a tragic story, but it does have a happy ending. As I said, there is paranormal activity, but I enjoyed it; it's not scary, IMO.

There are possible triggers, child abuse, alcoholism, cancer, murder, suicide, as well as a brief struggle with possible mental psychosis. The writing is very well done and handles each of these situations with the respect they each deserve. It all felt very genuinely expressed.

4.5 stars
Profile Image for A.B. Gayle.
Author 16 books193 followers
September 6, 2016
Really enjoyed this, and normally I'm not a fan of paranormal or ghost stories. The author really made me care for both the ghosts and for the people who encounter them. Mark and Alan's story is all kind of sad.
But what I really liked was the theme of the story, ie dealing with fear.
Finding a way to cope with a bad past.
It's one of those books that doesn't fit the mm romance tag and should be seen as what it is, a cracking good story that just by chance deals with gay characters in a loving relationship.
Profile Image for Giada.
843 reviews13 followers
May 10, 2022
Dopo aver letto il primo libro della serie ero emozionata e curiosa di scoprire cosa mi avrebbe riservato questo secondo capitolo. È una lettura che mi ha conquistato portandomi ad amare ulteriormente l'autore e la sua abilità di riuscire a unire in una narrazione omogenea generi diversi senza mai vacillare. Fin dalla prima pagina mi sono sentita coinvolta ed emozionata e posso dire di aver amato questo libro molto più del precedente. Proprio come nello scorso capitolo abbiamo a che fare con il mondo del paranormale che si insinua nella vita di tutti i giorni portando i protagonisti a vivere un vero e proprio incubo e a dover sfidare le proprie paure e convinzioni per uscire da una situazione che sfida ogni logica umana. Abbiamo modo di conoscere una coppia amorevole e determinata formata dallo psicologo Eddie Dorman e da suo marito, lo scrittore Jonathan David. I due uomini si amano da molto tempo, sono sposati e non desiderano altro che condividere la vita insieme creando il proprio nido d'amore e per questo decidono di acquistare una casa tutta per loro. Quella dimora dovrebbe essere un punto di svolta, un nuovo inizio per entrambi, dovrebbe permettere a Jonathan di dedicarsi alla scrittura dimenticando i traumi del suo passato turbolento e a Eddie di rilassarsi senza dover costantemente preoccuparsi per la salute del proprio compagno. Un buon proposito che ahimè si scontra con l'oscuro passato della magione. Per i due coniugi, una volta varcata quella soglia, inizierà un vero e proprio incubo che porterà entrambi ad affrontare i fantasmi che ancora si muovono tra quelle mura e ancora di più i fantasmi che non hanno mai abbandonato i ricordi e i sogni di Jonathan. Ci ritroviamo tra le mani una storia intrigante e appassionate. Rispetto al volume precedente viene dato molto più spazio al rapporto umano tra i due protagonisti inserendo si l'elemento paranormale ma impedendo a quest'ultimo di prevalere su tutto il resto. Il rapporto tra Eddie e Jonathan è una delle cose che ho apprezzato maggiormente in questo libro. I due uomini sono molto diversi tra di loro eppure riescono perfettamente ad aiutarsi supportandosi e capendosi a vicenda. Jonathan è un uomo fragile e dal passato tormentato. Fin da ragazzo ha dovuto subire gli abusi fisici e mentali di una famiglia religiosa e ossessiva e che gli ha impedito per molto tempo di avere una vita normale costringendolo a seguire rigidi dogmi e subendo l'ira del padre in caso di rifiuto. Quella vita lo ha segnato molto e ancora porta i segni della violenza, questo trauma lo porta a vivere costantemente con la paura di non essere abbastanza forte, abbastanza bravo, semplicemente di non essere mai abbastanza, sopratutto per il compagno. Eddie dal canto suo è uno psicologo e capisce il trauma del marito supportandolo e aiutandolo in ogni passo e gesto. Il rapporto tra i due è molto umano, molto realistico e si scontra con le presenze nella casa. In quella dimora ancora si muovono i fantasmi del passato. Quelli di Mark Pemberly e di suo figlio Alan. Entrambi i personaggi ci vengono presenti all'interno della narrazione alternando la storia del loro passato alle vicende della coppietta che ora vive nella casa. Anche nel caso dei due spiriti ho trovato la storia intensa e suggestiva. Alan e Mark sono due uomini che hanno dovuto sopportare dolori diversi e hanno affrontato la vita in modo diverso, una vita dolorosa e conclusasi ahimè con un tragico destino. Mark è stato costretto a sopportare il peso della morte della propria compagna cadendo vittima della depressione e dell'alcool e arrivando a prendersela con il suo stesso figlio Alan. Il ragazzo a sua volta ha dovuto subire non solo il lutto per la perdita della madre ma anche l'ira costante del padre che lo ha portato a scappare prematuramente da casa infilandosi in una relazione ancora più instabile e violenta perdendo per sempre la sua innocenza. Due uomini che portano il lettore ad empatizzare e a cercare di capire i loro pensieri e sentimenti e chiedersi cosa avrebbe fatto nei loro panni e nella loro situazione. Tutti i personaggi sono interessanti e ben caratterizzati permettendo al lettore di affezionarsi e portandolo a leggere per scoprire sempre più dettagli. Ho apprezzato moltissimo come è stata sviluppata la storia e il modo in cui è stata scritta. Tutto viene curato alla perfezione creando una perfetta atmosfera che riesce ad alternare momenti pieni di tensione dovuti ai fenomeni paranormali ad altri più intimi e personali che portano i protagonisti a fare i conti con i propri sentimenti e limiti. Una storia perfetta sia per gli amanti del paranormale, che avranno pane per i propri denti, sia per quelle persone che magari solitamente disdegnano il paranormale ma che adorano la psicologia e il modo in cui i personaggi vengono creati e caratterizzati. È una storia che ti prende e trascina in un incubo portandoti a fare i conti con presenze che sembrano inarrestabili ma che non si dimentica anche di insegnarci messaggi positivi di amore e speranza, mostrandoci
come anche le situazioni più assurde e al limite dell'umana comprensione posso comunque essere risolte con l'aiuto della persona amata, mostrano come proprio grazie all'amore e all'affetto sincero si possa migliorare se stessi, sconfiggere i propri demoni e finalmente guardare con occhi nuovi il futuro. Un libro che mi è piaciuto molto, persino più del primo, e che mi sento di consigliarvi caldamente. Se avete amato il precedente capitolo rimarrete stregati da questa nuova storia e se diversamente non avete mai letto nulla dell'autore questa è sicuramente la perfetta occasione per iniziare. Ben scritto, ben strutturato, ben realizzato insomma... Promosso a pieni voti!
Profile Image for W.S. Long.
Author 29 books53 followers
January 25, 2018
4.5 star story.

Loved the expressive writing that the author employs. The characters are highly individual and the plot is both unique and interesting. It's a contemporary romance with a paranormal twist.
Profile Image for Paul.
648 reviews
October 19, 2016
This was better written than the first book but they are 100% stand alone's so far. Great ghost story though.
Profile Image for Lila.
910 reviews9 followers
August 30, 2015

4 solid stars from me.

description

On its surface, Objects in the Rearview Mirror is a story about haunted house. It has everything you expect to read in one: flickering light, furniture moving on its own, scientific team researching paranormal phenomenon and getting ridiculously excited about it, and of course, ghosts. But, in a more subtle way we are reading a parallel story about a haunted man, man who can't leave his past behind.
Basic premise is is simple enough: Jonathan and Eddie are married couple, who just moved to another state. Their new house is everything they wanted, but soon they begin experiencing strange things.
I didn't realize this is part of series, but I read first book as well and common theme is haunting and presence of ghosts, but it features different characters, so you don't have to read them in order.
In my opinion, this book was miles better from first book in series. Story is more rounded, writing is stronger and plot is less predictable, but the thing I liked the most is the fact that Feeley wrote a more complexed and conflicted character- Jonathan. Frankly, this book is his show.Jonathan is a writer, war veteran and a child abuse survivor. When he starts seeing strange blond boy and hearing things that are not there, he thinks he is going crazy and he is scared and mad at the same time....Author is also trying to convey important message/advice/support through Jonathan and I think he managed to do it. There is this whole meaning behind Meat Loaf song and how he rely to it and the opening chapter where Jonathan is driving to Kansas and listening music; thinking about his life is my favorite. When I ordered this book, I was thinking to myself that cover doesn't really give paranormal vibe (comparing to The Haunting of Timber Manor), bur after reading this scene I can understand why they decided to depict it.
I love to read haunted house stories. There is this slow-burning, but steady creepiness about them (I think that "Did I leave this open?" thing would drive anyone crazy). Since ghost aspect was my objection from first novel, I can say that it was done much better here. It was more subtle and there were more sensory manifestations (like smell) and fleeting thoughts (bathroom tiles) that are completely useless if you don't know what's going on...
The reason for my star deduction lies in Eddie. I think he should have been more fleshed. He is a psychologist and taking in consideration Jonathan's state of mind, I think he could have had a bigger role in some way. Any way. In the end Jonathan figured everything on his own and other characters were just there...
I am so glad I decided to pick second book from this author and I'm looking forward to next installment. (and I hope there is more books, because it's a great idea for series! ) :)

Profile Image for LiveYourLife BuyTheBook.
616 reviews58 followers
March 4, 2014
4 Stars
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review

As the blurb suggests this book was a ghost story but it’s also a book about healing. There’s a connection of physical and mental child abuse between one of the MCs and a haunting spirit.

It’s not a romance, though there is a really beautiful and realistic relationship that’s established before the book even begins. So, don’t expect angst in this book at all. There’s no denying the couple is in it for the long hall. The conflict really comes in dealing with their pasts.

Jonathan is at a great place in his life. He’s a published writer, married to a man he loves and, owner of a brand new home in a new town. His husband Eddie has a few weeks until he starts his new dream job, so they decide to fix up the house. Almost right away, weird things start to happen. Strange noises. Things out of place. Cold spots in the house. Jonathan starts dreaming of a blond haired man he learns is named Alan. Alan grew up in the house he’s just bought. The weird thing is their pasts are mixed up in his dreams. Jonathan witnesses the most painful and horror filled moments of this stranger’s past but has no idea why. Jonathan has his own demons and abuse he’s never totally dealt with. The dreams trigger memories Jonathan would rather stay hidden. With Jonathan’s past issues of PSTD, and strange behavior, Eddie thinks maybe he’s cracking. That’s an easier explanation than ghosts haunting you, right?

The prologue of this book had me hooked. I was almost disappointed when it switched characters because I wasn’t happy with how Andy’s story ended obviously. Then the author slowly lets you get to know Eddie and Jonathan. How they’re enjoying their fresh start. Then the creepiness seeps in. It wasn’t hair raising creepy for me but it did pull me in. Then the ghost gets violent which takes it to another level.

Although this is a ghost story, I think the emphasis is on child abuse. Both Andy and Jonathan were physically abused as children. That and sharing a home-made a connection between the guys that transcended life and death. The flashbacks were horrific. Not overly graphic but man did they have an impact. Andy’s father had turned his life around and was on the road to mending the relationship with his son when tragedy struck the final blow to their family. I cried almost every time he came on page as a regretful man. It’s so easy to hate an abuser but reading about his pain and regret made my heart hurt. I’m not one who forgives easily, so this part particularly struck me.

The book’s tone is kind of heavy with the haunting and abuse but there is a love story. Eddie and Jonathan love each other. There’s no denying that. No drama about their relationship. Their relationship is the constant and the hope that keeps the entire book grounded. It was pretty refreshing.

The ending with the woman and the powers has me intrigued. Will there be more to come? I enjoyed this book. It’s certainly a great break from your normal m/m romance. I’d recommend it.
Profile Image for Riina Y.T..
Author 7 books60 followers
August 5, 2016
"Stop looking backward. Life isn’t lived in that direction. Your future isn’t in that direction. It’s forward, out into the horizon ahead of you."

Eddie and Jonathan are happily married; together they move to Kansas where they want to spend the rest of their lives in each others arms. Both are very sweet and loving men, absolutely and happily in love with one another. Their settling down though, doesn't go as smoothly as they thought it would....

Their new house is without a doubt - haunted.

Neither of them wants to believe that there is some sort of ghost or spirit messing about. Eventually they have to accept that something definitely isn't right. Both can feel it.

It isn't all that easy though, because Jonathan went through a very bad childhood - abusive parents - and still suffers from nightmares and after effects of his terrible past.

He wondered when it would end, when it would eventually get better. He had been to therapists, talked about it with them, talked about it with close friends, talked about it with his siblings, and sometimes he could get by like that. Then other times, the poison built up too quickly and made him sick again. It could bring him to the brink of madness and break his heart and make him afraid of the world again. It made him want to be reckless, drink excessively, find a drug dealer, find a stranger whom he didn’t have to care about, anything that would give him the ability to leave his tormented...


As more and more weird things happen, the ghost reaching out to Jonathan through his dreams and later in "person" - Eddie is almost convinced that it isn't paranormal but fears Jonathan might be schizophrenic.

Turns out he isn't - but some sort of medium and well, the center of everything. When Jonathan not only dreams and sees the ghost but it also possess him they have to stop it before it's too late.

-----

Their romance was very touching.

"But I guess no matter where you go, there you are. We’ve been through hell already, fighting to stay together, and now of all things, of all the craziest things in the world to happen, we wander right into hell again.”


“I’d rather spend every day of my life in hell with you than a single day in heaven with you nowhere to be found.”


"I let you drag me here because there isn’t a place in the world I would rather be than wherever you go."





-----
Overall I was rather pleasantly surprised with the outcome of this novel, considering I had no real idea what to expect. It's also my first by this F.E. Feeley.

The writing is engaging and easy-going. The imagery sometimes was very detailed and wonderful to picture. It wasn't as creepy as I hoped but to be completely honest the thought of a ghost haunting my house gave me an actual nightmare *laughs* So I'd say it served its purpose after all ;)


Profile Image for Gay Media Review.
171 reviews31 followers
February 25, 2014
This haunting paranormal novel by F.E. Feeley JR.....Objects in the Rear View Mirror!

Jonathan David just released his first novel and it was a huge hit and did better than he ever expected. His husband, Dr. Eddie Dorman, is a Clinical Psychologist who just accepted a job at the Kansas State University Psychology Department and convinced his husband to move to Kansas for a new start and with Jonathan's book doing so well they were able to afford to buy their new house. They just moved to Frederick's Street and once you start reading this brilliantly written book you will understand what that house on Frederick Street always means and you will gasp!



On their first night Jonathan has an eerie experience when selecting a room for his office in their new 100 year old house that was so bone chilling written that made my heart beat fast. He soon hears noises, voices and the house has now decided to play hard with them and given no time for them to relax and enjoy their new life together. Jonathan soon has to comfort his worst part of his past and come to learn how much this house is connected to his past! Eddie is not seeing or feeling what his husband is going through and soon comes to worry about his sanity until the house decides to let Eddie experience what Jonathan is dealing with and what the house has in store for them. Together they have no choice but to fight the house and also their fears and plunges them into a haunting and paranormal hell!

This was an amazing haunting story that I gripped page by page. It is more difficult to review as I do not want to give anything away to spoil anything for the readers as so much happens. This paranormal and ghostly book was written so well as I was glued to every scene and heart racing to turn the page as I wasn't sure what the author had in store for us. What I loved was that this wasn't a typical haunting story and there is no predicting what the guys had coming to them, I felt so bad these two men as hell has been unleashed on them. I loved how the author connected Jonathan's past to this very haunting house that will leave you shocked and shaken. Will Jonathan be able to face his past and fears? Will Jonathan and Eddie's marriage survive the haunting or will the house win? I highly recommend this beautifully and intelligent written, haunting paranormal story, Objects in the Rear View Mirror!



I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Christy.
4,259 reviews124 followers
October 26, 2014
'Objects in the Rearview Mirror' is the second book in F.E. Feeley, Jr.'s series, 'Memoirs of the Human Wraiths'. Having enjoyed the first book, it was certainly no hardship to read this, as I knew I'd be in for excitement, and thrills.

Jonathan and Eddie. Finally starting their life, their life they didn't expect for several more years, except Jonathan's first book hit the New York Times bestseller list, and took off running. All their dreams for the future, were able to come true a little sooner than planned. Eddie got a job as a professor at Kansas State, and they bought their first home, where Jonathan is planning on writing his next book. But, from the moment they move in, strange things happen. A kitchen cabinet refuses to stay closed, the sounds of someone walking upstairs when it's just the two of them at home, the pockets of frigid air that hit them, the nightmares/memories that Jonathan has from his childhood, but which feature a young man who wasn't there, in reality, but is there in the dreams.

There is bad mojo in the bones of this house. A forty year old tragedy, which can't seem to let go. None of this is helping Eddie and Jonathan's marriage, either. Although, I have to admit to being a little irritated at Eddie's immediate belief that his husband was suffering a psychotic break. Really? Eddie, you're the one who first experienced some of the weirdness in the house. Thank goodness Eddie figured out it was his own ego, and professional pride getting in the way of seeing the situation clearly. Then, when Eddie gets help from a couple of colleagues, they start to get to the bottom of the issue.

Wow. I'm a little speechless. This was so much better than I thought it'd be. I mean, I was expecting a really good story. What I got, was an exceptional one. This book focuses on two very prevalent problems in our society - child abuse and domestic violence. The author has written a compelling, and intriguing, story, while reminding the reader of the horrors of these issues. A wonderful book, that I more than enjoyed.

NOTE: The author provided this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Le letture di Anya.
462 reviews23 followers
October 12, 2021
4,5 STELLE - RECENSIONE DI SILVIA M.

È molto difficile trovare libri con coppie che stanno insieme da anni. Solitamente, quando succede, nella coppia c’è aria di crisi o sta per arrivare. In questo volume, invece, i nostri protagonisti si amano incondizionatamente, di uno di quegli amori che puoi immaginare che esistano perché ne leggi, appunto, sui libri, ma che incontrare nella realtà è davvero difficile.

Jonathan David è uno scrittore famoso e il suo unico libro ha riscosso un enorme successo. Con i soldi che guadagna decide, assieme al marito Eddie Dorman, di cambiare aria e così si trasferiscono in Kansas, in una casa che rappresenta tutti i loro sogni. Sistemarla a loro piacimento è una cosa emozionante, come un nuovo inizio, come il lasciarsi alle spalle i terribili ricordi di un’ infanzia fatta di traumi che non vogliono andarsene. Jonathan, infatti, ha un passato tormentato, che non gli permette di trovare pace, il suo stato di perenne inquietudine rappresenta per il marito psicologo un pensiero costante.

CONTINUA SUL BLOG

https://leletturedianya.altervista.or...
Profile Image for A.J. Rose.
Author 18 books663 followers
August 29, 2015
I'm a sucker for a good paranormal story, and this one gave me chills. It's got bumps in the night, goosebump-inducing activity, and other holy shit moments that make it a fantastic ghost story. It's also got a realistic relationship between the two MCs and believable characterization that make it a gem regardless of the paranormal elements.

Poltergeist is my all time favorite paranormal movie and some of the sequences regarding the spirits in this book reminded me of that, from experiencing the pure adrenaline I feel every time I watch the movie to some of the "we're not crazy, are we?" uncertainty of the characters. Jonathan and Eddie were people I think I'd have fun hanging out with in real life, and that says a lot about how well they were drawn. They're real enough to have a beer with. I also enjoyed the return to memory lane since the story takes place in a location I know pretty well. Overall, a great experience, realistic and interesting, until the last page is done. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Feel The Book.
1,739 reviews54 followers
May 6, 2021
Recensione a cura di Persefone per Feel the Book

Voto 4,5

Se con il precedente volume della serie l’autore ci aveva introdotto nel mondo dei fantasmi, del paranormale, con ottimi risultati, con “Prospettive ingannevoli” ha raggiunto un livello decisamente superiore.

La struttura del romanzo, i continui colpi di scena, la cura dei particolari e lo studio dei personaggi, rendono questo libro un’opera per gli amanti dell’horror da non perdere.

La lettura di questo libro è molto coinvolgente, capace di rapire il lettore che, vi assicuro, in alcune pagine sarà talmente concentrato da sentire la pelle accapponarsi.

Merito assoluto dell’autore che non rende il protagonista principale solo un semplice spettatore di fenomeni particolari, ma partecipe all’azione quasi un alter ego di uno degli spiriti coinvolti. La casa in cui Jonathan e Eddie si sono trasferiti è il luogo in cui un padre violento ed un figlio ripetono all’infinito la loro triste esistenza, quasi fosse in atto una guerra infinita, stretti tra le maglie della paura.

Jonathan condivide con il giovane spirito gli abusi subiti dal padre, e diviene una sorta di richiamo dei fenomeni che avvengono nella casa, ritrovandosi a rivivere sia il suo passato che quello del giovane.

Eddie si ritrova spaesato di fronte al suo compagno che pare vivere in una sorta di schizofrenia, quando però si ritrova anche lui a fare i conti con una casa che pare volerli distruggere abbandona la razionalità ed apre la mente ad un mondo che scorre parallelo.

L’autore riesce a rendere i fenomeni e le immagini del passato in modo così vivido che paiono reali.

La parte romance lascia spazio all’interiorità del protagonista, alle sue sensazioni e alle sue paure, ma anche alla sua determinazione per arrivare alla fine di tutto.

Circondati da un gruppo di amici e di esperti, forti per un legame che sarà decisivo, Jonathan e Eddie arriveranno a sconfiggere il demone che ha dato origine a tutto, ma le ultime parole del libro non possono non lasciarci con una strana sensazione.

Una lettura consigliatissima e ora attendo il terzo volume.

Editing a cura di Lilith.
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