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Veil of Pines: A Dear Celeste Novel
Kidnapped. Trapped. Haunted.
Celeste wakes in an isolated cabin, imprisoned by the man she once loved. As hours bleed into days, pain and psychological manipulation begin to fracture her sense of reality and her hope of escape.
Detective Harris Mayne knows something is wrong the instant Celeste vanishes. His own brush with death left him sensitive to the unseen—and when logic offers no answers, he is forced to follow cryptic, otherworldly messages instead.
As Celeste searches desperately for a way out, she uncovers a dark decades ago, a brutal murder occurred in the cabin—and the restless dead are stirring once more.
Don't miss this haunting tale of obsession, betrayal, and paranormal suspense.
Celeste wakes in an isolated cabin, imprisoned by the man she once loved. As hours bleed into days, pain and psychological manipulation begin to fracture her sense of reality and her hope of escape.
Detective Harris Mayne knows something is wrong the instant Celeste vanishes. His own brush with death left him sensitive to the unseen—and when logic offers no answers, he is forced to follow cryptic, otherworldly messages instead.
As Celeste searches desperately for a way out, she uncovers a dark decades ago, a brutal murder occurred in the cabin—and the restless dead are stirring once more.
Don't miss this haunting tale of obsession, betrayal, and paranormal suspense.
- GenresMystery
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2026
44 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Erickson
39 books911 followersJ.R. Erickson writes novels that blend murder mysteries with haunted houses. Her Northern Michigan Asylum series are novels of paranormal suspense inspired by a real former asylum in Traverse City. Her current books, the Troubled Spirits series, are all inspired by real crimes, which she covers in her true crime podcast, Bitter Endings.
Jacki is a lifelong lover of all things spooky, and started penning scary stories in childhood. She grew up in Mason, Michigan and is a graduate of Michigan State University with a B.A. in Psychology. These days, Jacki resides near Traverse City, Michigan with her husband, son, and three cats.
Jacki is a lifelong lover of all things spooky, and started penning scary stories in childhood. She grew up in Mason, Michigan and is a graduate of Michigan State University with a B.A. in Psychology. These days, Jacki resides near Traverse City, Michigan with her husband, son, and three cats.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 4, 2026
** Spoiler alert previous book **
I have been with Celeste from the start ive been so lucky to have these as Arcs from the author and im so grateful these books have been a pleasure to read. Im a little sad to see it all completed but wow what a ride. This one we follow on from the last books cliffhanger of Jonathan kidnapping Celeste and boy does this get exciting and heartbreaking fast!
Celeste has to keep fighting for her and her unborn baby as Johnathan becomes increasingly erratic and his partner in crime Liz gets spooked by the ghosts celeste can see. Harris is desperately searching to find her and omg this is just the best.
Thank you J.R. Erickson for bringing us this story and i promise i didnt cry at the end.
I have been with Celeste from the start ive been so lucky to have these as Arcs from the author and im so grateful these books have been a pleasure to read. Im a little sad to see it all completed but wow what a ride. This one we follow on from the last books cliffhanger of Jonathan kidnapping Celeste and boy does this get exciting and heartbreaking fast!
Celeste has to keep fighting for her and her unborn baby as Johnathan becomes increasingly erratic and his partner in crime Liz gets spooked by the ghosts celeste can see. Harris is desperately searching to find her and omg this is just the best.
Thank you J.R. Erickson for bringing us this story and i promise i didnt cry at the end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When Liz asks Celeste to meet her, regarding her old job, she is shocked to be abducted by her killer ex-husband, Jonathan in collusion with Liz. They take her to a remote cabin where there is no chance of escape. Celeste is psychologically and physically tortured by Jonathan and Liz to gain access to her assets. Will her friend, Harris, along with her other team of friends, find her or is she doomed to die at Jonathan's hands? A riveting suspense filled page turner with a touch of the paranormal. The description of the remote cabin surrounded by pines and its dark history is graphic. I was enthralled by the well crafted plot.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have to say, I'm sad to see this series end, but it sure did go out with a bang! What a great way to wrap things up. Definitely give it a read!
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February 6, 2026Veil of Pines is a gripping novel that will grab you by the throat and force you to face your worst nightmare. J. R. Erickson has done it again with her 5th and final Dear Celeste story. Only this time the stakes may be too high. Kidnapped by Jonathan and drugged by Liz, Celeste fears for both her life and that of her unborn baby. Will Harris and the gang rescue her? Will she get away in time to save herself? The storyline is phenomenal, fast-paced and very well written. We see Celeste as she realizes that everything is connected, all of her thoughts and actions have led to this moment. Over the past five books the characters have become very well developed. I felt as if I was standing beside Celeste as she went through this terrible trauma. Overall, Veil of Pines is a very appropriate and fantastic finale to the exceptional Dear Celeste Collection. I know all good things must come to an end, but, Celeste, you will be missed!
February 13, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ An Incredible Finale to an Unforgettable Series!
I absolutely loved Veil of Pines — the perfect way to cap off the Dear Celeste series! This final book delivered everything I hoped for and more: heart-pounding suspense, deep emotional stakes, eerie paranormal twists, and Celeste facing her toughest challenge yet as she finds herself kidnapped, trapped, and haunted in a remote, chilling cabin. From the first page to the very end, I couldn’t put it down. Erickson masterfully weaves together the threads of Celeste’s journey, tying up long-standing mysteries while introducing fresh surprises that kept me hooked. The atmosphere was dark and immersive, the haunting elements genuinely creepy, and the character growth throughout the series makes this finale feel incredibly satisfying and earned.
If you’ve read the previous books, this is exactly the kind of conclusion this amazing series deserves. A truly unforgettable read — I already miss these characters!
I absolutely loved Veil of Pines — the perfect way to cap off the Dear Celeste series! This final book delivered everything I hoped for and more: heart-pounding suspense, deep emotional stakes, eerie paranormal twists, and Celeste facing her toughest challenge yet as she finds herself kidnapped, trapped, and haunted in a remote, chilling cabin. From the first page to the very end, I couldn’t put it down. Erickson masterfully weaves together the threads of Celeste’s journey, tying up long-standing mysteries while introducing fresh surprises that kept me hooked. The atmosphere was dark and immersive, the haunting elements genuinely creepy, and the character growth throughout the series makes this finale feel incredibly satisfying and earned.
If you’ve read the previous books, this is exactly the kind of conclusion this amazing series deserves. A truly unforgettable read — I already miss these characters!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love Celeste and I’m so sad to see it end!
Celeste always finds herself in trouble, or should I say, trouble finds her lol Harris, who she just started dating realizes she has gone missing and all of her family and friends come together to try to find her. They have a vigil for her with everyone too. Harris is a detective so he’s always looking out for clues. Both him and Celeste have had near death experiences and can see things other people can’t.
Harris insists it’s Celeste’s husband Jonathan who kidnapped her, but was it him or someone putting a hit out on her for her being responsible for getting them locked away?
Will Celeste make it home to Harris? Will her abducter have other plans? This book had me so captivated that the noise in my surroundings didn’t even affect me. This is a great read and last installment of Dear Celeste.
Celeste always finds herself in trouble, or should I say, trouble finds her lol Harris, who she just started dating realizes she has gone missing and all of her family and friends come together to try to find her. They have a vigil for her with everyone too. Harris is a detective so he’s always looking out for clues. Both him and Celeste have had near death experiences and can see things other people can’t.
Harris insists it’s Celeste’s husband Jonathan who kidnapped her, but was it him or someone putting a hit out on her for her being responsible for getting them locked away?
Will Celeste make it home to Harris? Will her abducter have other plans? This book had me so captivated that the noise in my surroundings didn’t even affect me. This is a great read and last installment of Dear Celeste.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank You to the author for this free digital ARC read in exchange for my honest review of Veil of Pines.
This has been an amazing ride and I am sad to see it all completed, but can't wait to read new books from this author. In this one Celste ends up kidnapped, haunted and also captured in this page turning read that had me hooked from the start. We wonder if her friends can save her? If she will ever get away? Will Celeste friend's psychic insights be enough? Make sure to read this book to find out!
The author wrote this well and every character in this was amazing. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. This was a fantastic finish to an amazing series. I loved this one and would recommend it to any reader, especially to those who love paranormal suspense.
This has been an amazing ride and I am sad to see it all completed, but can't wait to read new books from this author. In this one Celste ends up kidnapped, haunted and also captured in this page turning read that had me hooked from the start. We wonder if her friends can save her? If she will ever get away? Will Celeste friend's psychic insights be enough? Make sure to read this book to find out!
The author wrote this well and every character in this was amazing. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. This was a fantastic finish to an amazing series. I loved this one and would recommend it to any reader, especially to those who love paranormal suspense.
February 14, 2026
This was an amazing way to wrap up this series! I have mentioned before that this series could be read as stand alones but there is the underlying story pertaining to Celeste's hit-and-run accident that we get more information about throughout the other books that ultimately need to be read before you jump into this one. The author has done an amazing job as always with her characters and her scenes. We get call backs to characters from other books throughout as well. They're small and a few, I'll be honest, I forgot about but they're kind of brief which makes me think that they weren't like main characters before...but I could be totally wrong since I've read more in the last few years than I have in a long time!
Full review on my website on 2.17.26.
www.mommodeloading.com
Full review on my website on 2.17.26.
www.mommodeloading.com
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a gripping conclusion to the Dear Celeste series. I’m genuinely sad to see it end, and I can only hope we’ll hear from Celeste again someday. In this final installment, Celeste and her friends face their biggest challenges yet—and that’s saying a lot. If you haven’t already, do yourself a favor and read the entire series from the beginning. It’s absolutely worth the journey.
I felt every moment of what Celeste was going through, to the point where I wanted to step into the pages and help her myself. That’s how powerfully written this story is. Mystery, surprises, and heart‑stopping moments fill these final chapters. Happy reading!
I felt every moment of what Celeste was going through, to the point where I wanted to step into the pages and help her myself. That’s how powerfully written this story is. Mystery, surprises, and heart‑stopping moments fill these final chapters. Happy reading!
February 13, 2026
I read an ARC copy of Veil of Pines provided to me by the author.
Veil of Pines is the 5th and final book in the Dear Celeste series, and boy, does it grab you right from the start! I couldn't put the book down. The imagery and storytelling are dark, graphic, and alluring. As much as this story is about the abduction and the horrible truth about the cabin they are in, it is really a culmination of the life Celeste has worked so hard to build for herself and the relationships she has developed and nurtured.
Veil of Pines is the 5th and final book in the Dear Celeste series, and boy, does it grab you right from the start! I couldn't put the book down. The imagery and storytelling are dark, graphic, and alluring. As much as this story is about the abduction and the horrible truth about the cabin they are in, it is really a culmination of the life Celeste has worked so hard to build for herself and the relationships she has developed and nurtured.
February 14, 2026
FAVORITE BOOK OF 2026, SO FAR! What a fantastic, gripping, journey this book takes you on! This was a very compelling story with a unique, captivating plot and well-developed, multi-faceted characters. I felt every emotion. I did not want to put my Kindle down. Kept me intrigued from the first page to the last. You CANNOT miss out on reading this book!!!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
February 8, 2026
I love the Dear Celeste series. I was able to be an Advance Reader and got an early copy of the book. This book did not disappoint! This book reminded me of The Shining in certain places. Veil of Pines grabbed me from the first page and had me on the edge of my seat till the end. While I would love for this series to continue, the author does a great job of wrapping up Celeste’s story that leaves you satisfied.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This novel marks the end of the Dear Celeste series, and I'm feeling rather down about turning the last page. Veil of Pines is an intensely gripping story that takes hold of you from page one and doesn't let go, as Celeste finds herself abducted and tormented in a desperate bid for survival, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, wondering if her friends, aided by their unique psychic insights, can rescue her and unravel the truth.
February 13, 2026
WOW!!
Veil of the Pines is a MASTERPIECE! J.R Erickson puts the protagonist through a brutal emotional gauntlet. One minute I was certain she’d escape, the next she was captured, and the rescues and uncovered secrets were always heart-pounding. I don't want to spoil the surprises, but the constant suspense makes this a phenomenal read. Truly an addictive read!
Veil of the Pines is a MASTERPIECE! J.R Erickson puts the protagonist through a brutal emotional gauntlet. One minute I was certain she’d escape, the next she was captured, and the rescues and uncovered secrets were always heart-pounding. I don't want to spoil the surprises, but the constant suspense makes this a phenomenal read. Truly an addictive read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Waking up was a horrible experience for Celeste. This was not where she wanted to be.
How would she escape? Could her friends rescue her? Would their “Psychic insights” be enough? Their thoughts can cross the veil to receive insights from beyond. Not always clear, but taken as a whole show the way.
Celeste now knows these connections. She expresses them to Liz: “I realized there are invisible threads tying us all together. One kind act, one choice, reverberates across time and space, linking us to everyone and everything. And the unkind acts work the same way. I experienced every hurt I’d caused and realized it all mattered. Even the most mundane choices matter.”
In the end the story documents "the long, terrible days that had almost ended her life, and the miracle of waking up in Harris’s arms". It a mystery wrapped in the psychic insights that allow Harris to make leaps of faith which are not completely supported by the facts.
How would she escape? Could her friends rescue her? Would their “Psychic insights” be enough? Their thoughts can cross the veil to receive insights from beyond. Not always clear, but taken as a whole show the way.
Celeste now knows these connections. She expresses them to Liz: “I realized there are invisible threads tying us all together. One kind act, one choice, reverberates across time and space, linking us to everyone and everything. And the unkind acts work the same way. I experienced every hurt I’d caused and realized it all mattered. Even the most mundane choices matter.”
In the end the story documents "the long, terrible days that had almost ended her life, and the miracle of waking up in Harris’s arms". It a mystery wrapped in the psychic insights that allow Harris to make leaps of faith which are not completely supported by the facts.
February 13, 2026
A Beautiful Ending
This one had me frantically twirling my hair like I do when i'm nervous. I absolutely loved the ending, or should I say the beginning of a great life for the characters. I highly recommend this entire series to everyone who enjoys mystery and ghost stories.
This one had me frantically twirling my hair like I do when i'm nervous. I absolutely loved the ending, or should I say the beginning of a great life for the characters. I highly recommend this entire series to everyone who enjoys mystery and ghost stories.
February 13, 2026
I'm so sad this series is over but this book was great! I read it in two sittings because I couldn't put it down. The whole series is the perfect mix of spookiness, action, and mystery. I can't wait to see what Erickson does next!
February 14, 2026
I am really sad this is the last one of this series. This book is as good, if not better than the others! I am so glad Celeste gets everything she deserves and so does Jonathan lol I can't wait to read whatever JR Erickson does next!
February 13, 2026
The book was great it kept my attention and couldn’t put it down once I started. Read it in one day.
February 13, 2026
This was such a great conclusion to the series. The story was pedal to the metal from start to finish and I couldn’t put it down. So many connections that I didn’t see coming, twists that left me shocked, heartwarming moments, and even some tears shed by me all came together to make this an easy 5 star read! J.R. Erickson truly has a gift for story telling. I would highly recommend this book and anything else by her. Can’t wait to read whatever she comes up with next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A bittersweet goodbye
This final installment in the Dear Celeste series is intense. I have been a fan of J. R. Erickson for a long time but this series with it's long term plot and ensemble cast of characters is some of her best writing yet. It's bittersweet saying goodbye. However, this finale won't let you down. From silent despair to pulse pounding action, you won't close the book until the last page.
This final installment in the Dear Celeste series is intense. I have been a fan of J. R. Erickson for a long time but this series with it's long term plot and ensemble cast of characters is some of her best writing yet. It's bittersweet saying goodbye. However, this finale won't let you down. From silent despair to pulse pounding action, you won't close the book until the last page.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Celeste is facing her biggest challenge. Taken captive somewhere spirits surrounding her. Can those she loves find her in time? Tension filled thriller. Edge of your seat read.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews