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The Ghost of Tobacco Road
On the banks of the Skeleton River in a remote part of North Carolina lies the small town of Starlight. Once known for its tobacco fields and rural charm, Starlight has seen better days. Now most of the stores on Main Street are boarded up, and many of the residents have left town for good.
Logan Shaw, a down and out used-car salesman living in Wilmington is convinced that the letter he has received from a small law firm in Starlight has to be a mistake. The letter states that Logan has been named the sole beneficiary in the last will and testament of one of Starlight’s residents, a reclusive old woman recently found dead in her home on the outskirts of town.
After arriving in town, Logan meets an attractive young woman named Colby who has lived in Starlight all of her life. No one knows better than Colby about the stories passed down over the years of what can happen when the harvest moon rises over the tobacco fields outside of town.
With Colby by his side, Logan struggles to comprehend the unspeakable evil that has entered his life, and to understand how he is strangely connected to it. Under the light of the harvest moon he will learn of the dark secret that Starlight holds, and of the legend the locals refer to as “the ghost of tobacco road”.
Logan Shaw, a down and out used-car salesman living in Wilmington is convinced that the letter he has received from a small law firm in Starlight has to be a mistake. The letter states that Logan has been named the sole beneficiary in the last will and testament of one of Starlight’s residents, a reclusive old woman recently found dead in her home on the outskirts of town.
After arriving in town, Logan meets an attractive young woman named Colby who has lived in Starlight all of her life. No one knows better than Colby about the stories passed down over the years of what can happen when the harvest moon rises over the tobacco fields outside of town.
With Colby by his side, Logan struggles to comprehend the unspeakable evil that has entered his life, and to understand how he is strangely connected to it. Under the light of the harvest moon he will learn of the dark secret that Starlight holds, and of the legend the locals refer to as “the ghost of tobacco road”.
181 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2015
404 people are currently reading
1293 people want to read
About the author
Dale J. Young
9 books92 followersDale Young was born in North Carolina. His family has deep roots in the Blue Ridge Mountains, a dark and spooky land where superstitions about the dead run deep. The ghost stories and tales of wandering spirits passed down through his family over the years caused him many sleepless nights and inspired him to become a writer at an early age.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 9, 2021
3.5 Stars ⭐️
I loved a lot of the book but there were just a few things I wanted more of and less of so to speak. But, I still enjoyed it!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
I loved a lot of the book but there were just a few things I wanted more of and less of so to speak. But, I still enjoyed it!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
June 6, 2018
This book had its ups and downs for me. The plot and the paranormal elements were really good and I enjoyed the actual story immensely. The author's writing however, was pretty shoddy at times and it was hard to overlook some of the poor construction.
For example, there was one character, "Sexy Sarah," that we were introduced to at the beginning but her story was completely forgotten about and never wrapped up.
And speaking of "Sexy Sarah," that wasn't the only cheezy name we were forced to endure. "City Boy" and "Country Boy" wers used more times then I even want to count.
Also, in one chapter, two of the characters, Harmon and Logan, were having a conversation and in every sentence the author restated the characters names i.e. How are you Logan? I'm doing good Harmon. Logan, have you looked at those papers? No, Harmon I've been busy with Sexy Sally...
It just went on and on and on. I'm not a professional writer or anything but to me, if it's crystal clear that two characters are conversing with each other, there is no need to repeat their names over and over again, in every single sentence.
So there were some pretty big bumps andpot-holes plot-holes along Tobacco Road, but if the author would hire a good editor, this could be a 5 star story.
*Buddy Read with Marie : )
For example, there was one character, "Sexy Sarah," that we were introduced to at the beginning but her story was completely forgotten about and never wrapped up.
And speaking of "Sexy Sarah," that wasn't the only cheezy name we were forced to endure. "City Boy" and "Country Boy" wers used more times then I even want to count.
Also, in one chapter, two of the characters, Harmon and Logan, were having a conversation and in every sentence the author restated the characters names i.e. How are you Logan? I'm doing good Harmon. Logan, have you looked at those papers? No, Harmon I've been busy with Sexy Sally...
It just went on and on and on. I'm not a professional writer or anything but to me, if it's crystal clear that two characters are conversing with each other, there is no need to repeat their names over and over again, in every single sentence.
So there were some pretty big bumps and
*Buddy Read with Marie : )
June 6, 2018
This was a iffy read for me as I enjoyed the atmospheric ghost story, but some of the book was a little disjointed. Some of the story was left in limbo as the author forgot to tie up some loose ends.
Logan Shaw is a down and out used car salesman who inherits a house that sits in the middle of a tobacco field from an aunt he knows nothing about. He receives a letter in the mail from an attorney who handled the estate and the attorney wants him to come to the town of Starlight to receive the inheritance.
When Logan starts checking out the house and decides to move in, he doesn't know that the house and property are haunted. Ghostly apparitions, murdering ghosts, noises in the attic, bumps and thumps in the house all surround him as he still tries to come to grips with what he has inherited.
There was a character introduced in the beginning of the book named "Sexy Sarah" who was a girlfriend of sorts that Logan would see once in awhile. After reading about "Sarah" and what she was doing in the book, she ends up disappearing entirely from the story when Logan moves over to the town of Starlight. The reader is left with wondering what happened to "Sarah". There is the first loose end.
The second loose end is the attorney as something happens in the book concerning him, but it leaves the reader wondering exactly how the attorney was involved with the aunt. He was her attorney, but there are unanswered questions as the reader gets more involved with the story.
Also the dialogue with the characters talking back and forth was overdone as every sentence when the characters were talking to each, the author overused the names.
I was disappointed with the ending as it just seemed to not mesh with the story. The reader is left with questions that need answers at the end of the book.
I really gave this book 3.5 stars, but since we as readers are not able to rate it that way I went ahead and rounded it up to 4.
Logan Shaw is a down and out used car salesman who inherits a house that sits in the middle of a tobacco field from an aunt he knows nothing about. He receives a letter in the mail from an attorney who handled the estate and the attorney wants him to come to the town of Starlight to receive the inheritance.
When Logan starts checking out the house and decides to move in, he doesn't know that the house and property are haunted. Ghostly apparitions, murdering ghosts, noises in the attic, bumps and thumps in the house all surround him as he still tries to come to grips with what he has inherited.
There was a character introduced in the beginning of the book named "Sexy Sarah" who was a girlfriend of sorts that Logan would see once in awhile. After reading about "Sarah" and what she was doing in the book, she ends up disappearing entirely from the story when Logan moves over to the town of Starlight. The reader is left with wondering what happened to "Sarah". There is the first loose end.
The second loose end is the attorney as something happens in the book concerning him, but it leaves the reader wondering exactly how the attorney was involved with the aunt. He was her attorney, but there are unanswered questions as the reader gets more involved with the story.
Also the dialogue with the characters talking back and forth was overdone as every sentence when the characters were talking to each, the author overused the names.
I was disappointed with the ending as it just seemed to not mesh with the story. The reader is left with questions that need answers at the end of the book.
I really gave this book 3.5 stars, but since we as readers are not able to rate it that way I went ahead and rounded it up to 4.
October 13, 2021
Title: The Ghost of Tobacco Road
Author: Dale J Young
Book # 98-2021
Start/Finish: 10/11 - 10/13/2021
Rating: 4 stars
Setting: Starlight & Wilmington, North Carolina
Length: 261 pgs ; 34 chapters
Published: 2/2015
Stand Alone
Got chills when I read this in the evening while at home alone so I put it away and watch TV instead. I tried reading it afterwards when my family got home but just couldn't, I had to wait till this morning to finish up. A little slow in the beginning, great middle, and a little corny towards the end but only the last few chapters.
Author: Dale J Young
Book # 98-2021
Start/Finish: 10/11 - 10/13/2021
Rating: 4 stars
Setting: Starlight & Wilmington, North Carolina
Length: 261 pgs ; 34 chapters
Published: 2/2015
Stand Alone
Got chills when I read this in the evening while at home alone so I put it away and watch TV instead. I tried reading it afterwards when my family got home but just couldn't, I had to wait till this morning to finish up. A little slow in the beginning, great middle, and a little corny towards the end but only the last few chapters.
September 6, 2016
This is one spooky southern ghost story. I might be partial because it takes place in North Carolina... but setting aside, this is a great read. The mystery has enough twists and turns, and the answers in the end are unexpected and original.
I like the characters. Logan, the used car salesman, is stepping up to be the hero - he goes from a luxury evening being firing up the charcoal grill outside his trailer and cooking up a store-bought steak to having a giant house and tons of good tobacco producing land dropped in his lap. At his side, the dame from the local diner - having to educate him everything a city boy has missed out on. And of course the goon is a boorish hick bent on bullying his way to claiming the woman of his dreams. The small town lawyer figure is so stereotypical, but more realistic than most people realize.
My favorite parts of the book were the descriptions of the sprawling house, and the eerie things going on inside. Definitely chilling - and like any good ghost story has you begging them not to open that door or not to take another step...
Logan and Colby's relationship is a bit too whirlwind for my taste. For readers who want to know about content, there are some sex scenes, however they aren't particularly descriptive or drawn out. Part of the guy-and-girl-vs.-goon centers around the fact that goon is determined to have his way with girl at all costs, but again, this doesn't go into explicit detail either (and spoiler alert, but not a big surprise.... goon loses).
Anyone who grew up in the country with legends and ghost stories will appreciate this book. I promise you'll find something of your hometown or your upbringing in there somewhere. I can definitely relate to the small town people having to explain things to outsiders with phrases that start with "You're not from around here are you..." and explaining there are places or things you avoid because you just do - that's just how it's always been.
Overall, a well-paced ghost story with likeable characters and a good surprise ending.
I like the characters. Logan, the used car salesman, is stepping up to be the hero - he goes from a luxury evening being firing up the charcoal grill outside his trailer and cooking up a store-bought steak to having a giant house and tons of good tobacco producing land dropped in his lap. At his side, the dame from the local diner - having to educate him everything a city boy has missed out on. And of course the goon is a boorish hick bent on bullying his way to claiming the woman of his dreams. The small town lawyer figure is so stereotypical, but more realistic than most people realize.
My favorite parts of the book were the descriptions of the sprawling house, and the eerie things going on inside. Definitely chilling - and like any good ghost story has you begging them not to open that door or not to take another step...
Logan and Colby's relationship is a bit too whirlwind for my taste. For readers who want to know about content, there are some sex scenes, however they aren't particularly descriptive or drawn out. Part of the guy-and-girl-vs.-goon centers around the fact that goon is determined to have his way with girl at all costs, but again, this doesn't go into explicit detail either (and spoiler alert, but not a big surprise.... goon loses).
Anyone who grew up in the country with legends and ghost stories will appreciate this book. I promise you'll find something of your hometown or your upbringing in there somewhere. I can definitely relate to the small town people having to explain things to outsiders with phrases that start with "You're not from around here are you..." and explaining there are places or things you avoid because you just do - that's just how it's always been.
Overall, a well-paced ghost story with likeable characters and a good surprise ending.
September 10, 2020
Personally
Personally I loved the book. I enjoyed the story line and every one of the ghost. They had their own storyline.
Personally I loved the book. I enjoyed the story line and every one of the ghost. They had their own storyline.
February 2, 2020
When down-and-out used car salesman inherits a mansion right in the middle of tobacco fields, he gets more than he bargained for. Like a curse on his land and several ghosts. But he also gains the attention of a local waitress and her homicidal admirer. So life gets complicated. I kinda enjoyed this book, though i didn't find it convincing. Still, i went along for the ride and had a good time along the way.
October 29, 2017
Logan Shaw, is a used car salesman. He has not sold a car in almost three weeks. If he does not sell a car pretty soon, he will not be able to pay his bills. The next day, Logan receives a piece of mail from a lawyer, in the town of Starlight, North Carolina. The only time Logan ever gets a letter from a lawyer, is when somebody is trying to sue him, for the car that they purchased. Logan, tosses the letter on his desk and decides, maybe he will look at it tomorrow. The next day, Logan goes into work and sells two cars. While sitting at his desk, Logan decides to open the letter from Harmon Blackwell, from the town of Starlight. Logan has never heard of this town before. He decides to Google, the law firm, but has no luck. He called Blackwell office and was told, that no information could be given out over the phone. So he set up an appointment to come and see Blackwell about the letter he received. Logan packs a few things, and heads off to Starlight. Blackwell tells Logan, that he is the only living relative of Rosemary Shaw. Rosemary left Logan, a big house and a large parcel of land, with tobacco growing on it. After meeting with Blackwell, Logan goes to the local diner and meets this very attractive woman name Colby. Colby has lived all her life in Starlight, and she knows all about the ghosts in the tobacco fields. Every few years, during a harvest moon, someone is torn to shreds in the Shaw fields after dark. Logan decides to spend his first night in Starlight, in his brand new home. While trying to get to sleeps, Logan hears some noise in the hallway. He gets up and see a little girl with a yellow flower in her hand. Can Logan and Colby defeat the evil that haunts the Shaw tobacco fields? I recommend this book.
September 18, 2017
Great Premise, Poorly executed
The story line is creative and unique. However, the interaction of the characters was unrealistic at best. Their motivations were out of sync with their actions and reactions.
I don't believe this author would have been published if Kindle did not exist. The writing was amateurish. Although I will say that I give him credit for his bravery in writing books. It is not an easy thing to be an author I would imagine.
I would suggest that he work on spending more time on the development of his characters. I would also suggest that he spend more time evaluating the reactions of his characters to the different scenarios that are posed to them.
The story line is creative and unique. However, the interaction of the characters was unrealistic at best. Their motivations were out of sync with their actions and reactions.
I don't believe this author would have been published if Kindle did not exist. The writing was amateurish. Although I will say that I give him credit for his bravery in writing books. It is not an easy thing to be an author I would imagine.
I would suggest that he work on spending more time on the development of his characters. I would also suggest that he spend more time evaluating the reactions of his characters to the different scenarios that are posed to them.
August 15, 2019
Murder in the Tobacco field
Logan Shaw is a down and out used car dealer who figures has done all the good it is going to give to him. When he receives a letter from a lawyer in the little town of Starlight Logan figures it is joke. Just to make sure he makes a trip to Starlight and meets a young lady working at the diner named Colby who knows the town and is willing to tell about the ghosts who live in the mansion he inherited from a great-grandmother he never knew.
All the murders in the Shaw tobacco fields are hard for him to grasp but he believes his new friend.
This is a new author to me and one I will have to read more books by. A page turning for sure.
Logan Shaw is a down and out used car dealer who figures has done all the good it is going to give to him. When he receives a letter from a lawyer in the little town of Starlight Logan figures it is joke. Just to make sure he makes a trip to Starlight and meets a young lady working at the diner named Colby who knows the town and is willing to tell about the ghosts who live in the mansion he inherited from a great-grandmother he never knew.
All the murders in the Shaw tobacco fields are hard for him to grasp but he believes his new friend.
This is a new author to me and one I will have to read more books by. A page turning for sure.
September 7, 2018
Yellow flowers
I enjoyed reading this story.
The characters were well formed and the plot flowed freely.
I would gladly of given a 5 rating, but the grammar errors were too many to ignore.
Great read!!
I enjoyed reading this story.
The characters were well formed and the plot flowed freely.
I would gladly of given a 5 rating, but the grammar errors were too many to ignore.
Great read!!
June 10, 2018
First, let me say I enjoyed the story. I happened to be vacationing in North Carolina while reading the book, so it helped me visualize the setting. It was a good story with plenty of suspense, backstory, and action threaded through.
However, it often felt as if I was reading a rough draft, or first draft, at best. It’s clear the book wasn’t edited as it’s full of misspellings, odd and misplaced punctuation, mixed pronouns, and awkward grammar. The dialog was clunky in spots, but appropriately efficient in others.
Additionally, there are some loose ends, too. What happened to Sexy Sarah? (Don’t even get me started on that cliche of a moniker.) And the transformation of Logan’s character from a shady, sheisty used car salesman to an upstanding man who happens to catch the eye of an attractive and sought after diner waitress was abrupt and difficult to reconcile. What was with the vision of Rosemary pulling heads off of dolls all about? Good creep factor, but what was the point?
I normally give books 2-3 errors/typos/what have you’s before I stop reading it. This was chock full of them, but the story was interesting enough to keep reading and overlook them. The setting was well laid out, the history of the area, the Shaw land, ancestors and the house was well done and folded into the plot quite well. The antagonists were diabolical yet believable.
I’d be interested to read another story by this author, I just hope the writing and craftsmanship are superior in his other books.
However, it often felt as if I was reading a rough draft, or first draft, at best. It’s clear the book wasn’t edited as it’s full of misspellings, odd and misplaced punctuation, mixed pronouns, and awkward grammar. The dialog was clunky in spots, but appropriately efficient in others.
Additionally, there are some loose ends, too. What happened to Sexy Sarah? (Don’t even get me started on that cliche of a moniker.) And the transformation of Logan’s character from a shady, sheisty used car salesman to an upstanding man who happens to catch the eye of an attractive and sought after diner waitress was abrupt and difficult to reconcile. What was with the vision of Rosemary pulling heads off of dolls all about? Good creep factor, but what was the point?
I normally give books 2-3 errors/typos/what have you’s before I stop reading it. This was chock full of them, but the story was interesting enough to keep reading and overlook them. The setting was well laid out, the history of the area, the Shaw land, ancestors and the house was well done and folded into the plot quite well. The antagonists were diabolical yet believable.
I’d be interested to read another story by this author, I just hope the writing and craftsmanship are superior in his other books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2021
Great suspense stiry
If you are looking for a great shape setup mystery to read on a dark night, this is a great choice! It kept me interested from beginning to end. Moments that kept me on the edge of my seat. Moments of humor and a hint of romance. A well written story with great characters! My only problem with it was poor editing. The editing mistakes were frequent and sometimes broke me away from the focus of the story. Other than that, it was great!
If you are looking for a great shape setup mystery to read on a dark night, this is a great choice! It kept me interested from beginning to end. Moments that kept me on the edge of my seat. Moments of humor and a hint of romance. A well written story with great characters! My only problem with it was poor editing. The editing mistakes were frequent and sometimes broke me away from the focus of the story. Other than that, it was great!
November 15, 2021
Good ghost story.
Starts out slow. The pace picks up in the middle. The parts with the ghosts are good. There is graphic violence. There are surprises in the plot. There is a character called Sexy Sarah. Logan, the main character, thinks about her in the beginning. I thought she would be a major character. She is not , and she is not in most of the book. Overall, I enjoyed this story.
Starts out slow. The pace picks up in the middle. The parts with the ghosts are good. There is graphic violence. There are surprises in the plot. There is a character called Sexy Sarah. Logan, the main character, thinks about her in the beginning. I thought she would be a major character. She is not , and she is not in most of the book. Overall, I enjoyed this story.
January 13, 2018
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I thought it was a great ghost story with lots of tie-ins to history. Some of the characters need to be tweaked or more developed in my opinion. I also thought that in certain parts a more detailed or better picture could have been drawn. But over all I would recommend this book to a friend. Good rainy day read.
April 12, 2021
AMAZING GHOST STORY
Such a good read. I thought it wasn't for me at first but kept on reading anyway. So glad! I highly recommend for anyone that enjoys period stories as this one nicely goes back and forth from present to many decades in the past.
It's also interesting info about early tobacco growers lives
Such a good read. I thought it wasn't for me at first but kept on reading anyway. So glad! I highly recommend for anyone that enjoys period stories as this one nicely goes back and forth from present to many decades in the past.
It's also interesting info about early tobacco growers lives
August 19, 2023
S-C-A-R-Y
I will probably have nightmares tonight, but this book was so enthralling I couldn't put it down. Stopped long enough to start supper and kept right on reading right through the meal. It's now six hours later and I'm so glad it ended, but there's still unanswered questions: Why the flower on the step? Still gives me shivers.
I will probably have nightmares tonight, but this book was so enthralling I couldn't put it down. Stopped long enough to start supper and kept right on reading right through the meal. It's now six hours later and I'm so glad it ended, but there's still unanswered questions: Why the flower on the step? Still gives me shivers.
January 4, 2018
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you. It reminded me of a Victorian ghost story. I thought it was an excellent read. Full of interesting details. I was quickly drawn in by the characters and the events surrounding them. I would definitely recommend.
May 17, 2018
I loved the book. The ending left as if there was going to be another part to it. Is there? This is the second book I have read by Dale J. Young and he didn't disappoint me. I can't wait to read more if his books. Keep up the great writing. 😊
September 9, 2018
Murder mystery and ghost story just enough to keep you on the edge of your seat a used car salesmen who never knew his grandmother or anyone in his family. His grandmother leaves him a fortune in money and land
October 2, 2018
Great read
I wasn't sure about this book when I began reading it, but the more I read, the less I could put it down. Word of warning, you will want to finish the whole book. I do recommend it and don't skip to the end and spoil it
I wasn't sure about this book when I began reading it, but the more I read, the less I could put it down. Word of warning, you will want to finish the whole book. I do recommend it and don't skip to the end and spoil it
March 17, 2019
loved it!
Great book. Read it straight through. Grew to love the characters. Many surprises and twists. Hoped meet to meet everyone and thing in another book. Will read this author again!
Great book. Read it straight through. Grew to love the characters. Many surprises and twists. Hoped meet to meet everyone and thing in another book. Will read this author again!
May 18, 2019
Ghosts put to rest
Logan, a used car salesman down on his luck, suddenly inherits a tobacco farm. He doesn't know it comes with ghosts and murders. He meets the local waitress Colby, fights off the McPhale brothers and appeases the ghost. Great ghost story.
Logan, a used car salesman down on his luck, suddenly inherits a tobacco farm. He doesn't know it comes with ghosts and murders. He meets the local waitress Colby, fights off the McPhale brothers and appeases the ghost. Great ghost story.
August 11, 2019
Exciting every page
I don't read ghost of spirit stories but this one almost made me believe in them. The story is so well written I could not put it down. From pages first to last this book is a winner. It is a must read this year.
I don't read ghost of spirit stories but this one almost made me believe in them. The story is so well written I could not put it down. From pages first to last this book is a winner. It is a must read this year.
August 26, 2019
What a GREAT story
I think I’ve been converted. Ghost stories have never been my thing. Not any more! That being said, it’s gonna hardy to find one that even approaches this one, but I think It’ll be worth the hunt.
Thanks for a really good read.
I think I’ve been converted. Ghost stories have never been my thing. Not any more! That being said, it’s gonna hardy to find one that even approaches this one, but I think It’ll be worth the hunt.
Thanks for a really good read.
May 29, 2020
What a story
The story was amazing. Every detail gave me a clear picture of every character and every event. I only wish I could have seen the amazing house in person. Even though, when I close my eyes, it feels like I have
The story was amazing. Every detail gave me a clear picture of every character and every event. I only wish I could have seen the amazing house in person. Even though, when I close my eyes, it feels like I have
July 13, 2020
Scary, very well written
The writing was excellent; the characters were real. The suspense built up so I couldn’t put it down. I enjoyed the love story between the two main characters.
The writing was excellent; the characters were real. The suspense built up so I couldn’t put it down. I enjoyed the love story between the two main characters.
June 9, 2021
Excellent read
Slow starting and wasn't sure I would continue. Boy am I glad I did. Kept me interested and I love mysteries. For the life of me I could not guess the answers and I tried. Very good read.
Slow starting and wasn't sure I would continue. Boy am I glad I did. Kept me interested and I love mysteries. For the life of me I could not guess the answers and I tried. Very good read.
February 2, 2022
A haunting mystery
This book kept you on your toes until the end. I usually don't like paranormal stories but this one really kept you interested until the end. Loved the two main characters. Would highly recommend this author.
This book kept you on your toes until the end. I usually don't like paranormal stories but this one really kept you interested until the end. Loved the two main characters. Would highly recommend this author.
December 30, 2017
Tobacco's Roads ghost
Did not want to put it down, great story. Is there going to be a continue? I enjoyed this Authors writing and will bee buying more of his books
Did not want to put it down, great story. Is there going to be a continue? I enjoyed this Authors writing and will bee buying more of his books
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews