The Omen Days

by J.T. Ellison

Autumn disappeared from his life once. And he's not going to let her do it again.

Zack Aukey hates Christmas—despises it, actually. December carries painful memories of his first love Autumn Cleary, who left him during the holiday season. But when Autumn mysteriously shows up in Nashville on Christmas night bearing gifts and apologies, Zack knows this is a holiday he won't soon forget.

And then he sees the police report.

From New York Times bestselling author J.T. Ellison comes her first Christmas story, marrying the magic of the season with her signature thriller twist.

Genres: Mystery, Novella, Short Stories, Christmas

89 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 8, 2015

About the author

J.T. Ellison is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 30 novels, and the EMMY® award winning co-host of the literary TV show A WORD ON WORDS. She also writes fantasy under the pen name Joss Walker.

With millions of books in print, her work has won critical acclaim and prestigious awards They have also been optioned for television, and published in 28 countries.

J.T. lives in Nashville with her husband and twin kittens, one of whom is a ghost, where she is hard at work on her next novel.

Reviews

[Carole (Carole's Random Life) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really well done short story. I was completely drawn into the story from the start and I was captivated until the very end. I thought that the main character was very well developed, especially for such a short piece. I felt his heartbreak, his joy, and his determination. There was a pretty big twist, some action, and a rather compelling mystery. I was more than satisfied with how everything wrapped up.

Book Source: Kindle Freebie

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nashville.

Undercover cop Zack Aukey absolutely loathes Christmas since the love of his life announced it was time for change and headed west without another word....for seven long miserable years.

But now she's back filled with regret, apologies and promises of love, not to mention a special gift and mystery to solve.

Although quite predictable, a quick read and good little ghost story.

[Mackey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a holiday gift from author J.T. Ellison, a thriller writer, and what a great gift it was: a holiday themed ghost story. Who could ask for more? Although this novella is just that - short and sweet - it gives the reader a good feel for Ellison's writing style. Since I never had read her before it was a nice introduction. Regardless of whether you are a fan or new to her, this is a good read in or out of the holiday season.

[Sheila Beaumont · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this first-rate short story by J.T. Ellison, a twisty and suspenseful ghost tale set during the Twelve Days of Christmas. I've enjoyed all of this author's novels, and it's good to see that she can write a thrilling short story too. I'm looking forward to reading more of them.

[Lynette Ott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not stop until I finished!

Those who like J. T. Ellison will love this story! Suspense, ghosts and love - a great quick read at Christmas time!

[Frosty61 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the mystery aspect of this novella, the twist (albeit, a little predictable) near the end, and the character development as well as the writing style. It's definitely not your average Christmas story. That said, it seemed like it could've taken place at any time of year - Christmas didn't feature prominently in the story other than to show the change in the main character's feeling about the holiday after solving the mystery of his girlfriend's disappearance. It seems to me that the title takes away the suspense. Still, a fun, short read for the holidays.

[MELISSA · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I have come to expect from Ms Ellison, even her novellas and short stories are fully realized with great characterization, plots, action and simply overall excellence. This "ghost" story is no exception. As a matter of fact, this is my second read in two years. Just as good the second time around. A police officer has and old flame (who he still loves) visit him after 7 years. And that is all the hints I am giving. The tale is full of anger, anguish, and love. Just great!

[Sonia Christensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A ghostly short story

I was completely into this from the start like I was in for a long drawn out story. A captivating short story that was an easy read. A romance, mystery, day of the dead short but sweet story of love finding its way through the most difficult situation in a slightly different way. Love J.T. and since I've already read the Joss Walker books I felt a little Joss in this writing too. Perfect way to spend my snowy morning sipping coffee over a short story.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short story by J.T. Ellison who I love. Little story about love, murder and maybe a ghost.

Ms. Ellison also includes an interview and some history and a couple of excerpts from other books. Id recommend this book.

[Jewlsbookblog · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story had a fantastic blend of mystery, romance, and suspense! I loved the twist-wasn't expecting it at all!

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very short, but topically Christmas themed for a quick read on Christmas Eve.

[Blem · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good short story. Reminds me of the love in 50 days of Summer

[Rebecca Guinn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay I know the word “ghost” was in the subtitle but JTE generally writes thrillers. Zack was a deluded, wimpy mess. I really liked Lie To Me and Tear Me Apart.

[Amanda Ho · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore JT Ellison! This was great, she is so interesting with her word and plot choices in so many of the things she writes and I love it.

[Zully Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a decent short horror story. I was expecting something a little crazier just based on how it begin, but it was still good.

[Lopsided · Rating 3 out of 5]

UsesF word and other profanity. Some crass sex talk.

[thebonebreaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa! What a spectacular short story!
This story is currently only $1 on Kindle. I definitely recommend buying it.

Looking for something short and sweet, with perhaps some Christmas flair, I decided upon this story; my first by J. T. Ellison, and it definitely will not be my last!

Ellison had me completely enraptured from the very first page until the very last page! Fortunately, I had just put my kids to bed, because I read this one straight through, uninterrupted (a Christmas miracle!)

Not only will you get a great story, for a buck, you also get some great "special features" - including the author telling you about the story's inspiration, as well as some other author's notes, plus an interview with the author, an essay written by Ellison, and upcoming peeks - great stuff!

Enjoy and have a very Merry Christmas!

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great Christmas Ghost story about Nashville Detective Zack Auckey who is still trying to get over a breakup with his one true love which happened at Christmas, so Christmas is not a good time for him.

But when he see Autumn Cleary, the one that got away, he thought he was hallucinating until the next time on Christmas eve she comes to him telling him she loves and wants to comes back to him, she offers him a really expensive watch, which she tells him to never take off. After a night of sex and passion she just disappears.

I really enjoyed this short story by J T Ellison, it made you wonder what other Christmas miracles could happen at Christmas, especially when it could be your soulmate.

[Cindy Boepple · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great novella

Short but sweet. A great story
I loved the storyline with the ghost. Recommend this book I also really
liked the characters

[Lori Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this novela

I loved this novella and it is perfect for Christmas!!! I was in a mood for something short and this is it!! A ghostly visit with a clue is what this is about

[Torrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

great short story and perfect Christmas theme with love, friendship, heartache, suspense, paranormal and joy in new beginnings!

[Kandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very short story of a lost love and a possible murder mystery.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent Christmas time novella. Well written with great characters. Loved the twist ending!! I totally recommend.

[John Clintsman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story gets 5 stars but giving it 4 because it just wasn't enough.

[Brandee · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful short story! Great setting, fully fleshed out characters, and great twists. As I read, it played in my head like a movie only I could see. Loved it!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review For honest review. Autumn Cleary there after 7 years since they broke up .Zack is a undercover cop but when Autumn goes missing the same day he sees her he will stop at nothing to find her. Very good short story.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read all of J.T. Ellison's novels but just discovered that she has some short stories also. This is the first I've read and I really liked it. I don't usually like short stories but this one had good character development and a good plot.