Phantom Touch

Phantoms #1

by Jessica Hawke

Bridget Young would be perfectly happy with an average, boring existence, but the car accident that killed her sister took away everything normal in her life. As if high school wasn’t hard enough on its own, now she spends her days helping unhappy ghosts move on to the afterlife. Dealing with death on a daily basis is too much for one girl to handle, so when she finds a way to get rid of her supernatural sight, she jumps at the chance. But when a missing student turns up as a freshly murdered ghost with a taste for vengeance, Bridget realizes she's the only one who can find the killer. With innocent lives hanging in the balance, Bridget must decide if she’s willing to sacrifice her one chance at a normal life.

Join Bridget and her rag-tag team of ghostly companions for a nail-biting mystery that will keep you up all night.

Genres: Young Adult, Paranormal, Supernatural, Fantasy, Horror, Ghosts, Fiction

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 28, 2013

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phantom Touch by Jessica Hawke
1st book in the Phantoms series. Intense YA paranormal.
Bridget sees dead people. It started after her sister was killed in a car accident two years ago. Valerie stuck around to be with Bridget. Now Bridget is helping other ghosts get past their unexpected deaths. When a student goes missing, Bridget knows she didn’t simply run away. But what can she do? She’s only a 16 year old kid. Or so she tells everyone.

An intense thriller you’ll want to read in one sitting. Bridget may only be 16 but she’s smart and willing to put herself on the line.
This book was gripping and captivating. Touches of humor and sentimental tears at the end, I love it all the way through.
I will definitely come back and read the rest of this series.

[Mara YA Mood Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good solid 3.5 stars. A good YA psychic murder mystery. The first half of the book was about to be DNF category but wow I’m glad I stuck around because the rest of the book was definitely the page turner all the other reviews promised me.

I’m so happy I started my #spooktober in September, I can relax and really get through my spooky tbr plus some extras along the way. My favorite time of year!
9/25/2023

[Angela Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love stories like this. I’ve always been intrigued with the supernatural and the possibility of seeing ghosts or spirits. Phantom Touch is an excellent read by Jessica Hawke. Had I not planned on spacing it out for a few days, I could have finished it in one. With each swipe of my Kindle, I found myself unable to set the book down. It was very rare—if there was even a spot—where the story lagged.

The storytelling was engrossing and the light humor top notch. The star of the book, Bridget Young, is your typical, normal sixteen years old: she’s trying to survive high school and getting past the death of someone close to her. Only, she’s not normal. She sees spirits, most of who had wrongfully died many years ago. When a young girl shows up, just weeks before Bridget’s seventeenth birthday, she realizes she must solve her murder for more reasons other than just letting the girl rest in peace.

Since no one, even Bridget’s best friend, knows her ghostly secret, she has to rely on the dead girl’s spirit and Bridget’s guardian, Kale, to reach the bottom of the truth. Along the way, Bridget learns more about the spirit world and herself.

There were two parts that I can think of off the top of my head that would have served better earlier in the story, such as when Bridget described her features in the narrative. I would have preferred to know what she looked like within the first few pages, rather than waiting until I read about thirty percent. This way, I could have built the character in my mind, rather than changing it later.

Phantom Touch had a mixture of horror, comedy, and pain, which formed together to create an amazing read. Aside from a few wrong tenses in the writing, it flowed quite nicely. The world and fantasy rules were formed magnificently. It certainly intrigued me enough to want to pick up the rest of Jessica’s books in her Phantom series.

*For more book reviews, visit https://angelakaysbooks.com/book-revi...*

[Tamye Whitener · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense, Page-turner!

Not what I expected, yet so much more. This is not your angsty teenage highschool drama. Yes, the heroine is a junior in high school, and yes there is the social hierarchy, which Bridget would prefer to avoid. But that's not what this is about.

Bridget sees ghosts, her older sister being one of them. Bridget is a character most teens and even others (we've been there - decades ago) but even then I was able to connect with her. The characters are so real that I could relate in some way to all of them. Okay, maybe not the killer. But like people you could see in your community.

The book is fast-paced, riviting, and intense and I couldn't put it down. The author puts you smack-dab in the middle of the book like you're there. I wanted to tell a few of the kids off, shake Bridget's mom, and hug her during some of the scenes that had me balling like a baby.

I highly recommend this book to older more mature teens and up. I will be looking for more books by this author.

[Scott Shjefte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I see dead people; similar to the movie 'Sixth Sense'.
murder mystery

[Amber Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phantom Touch is listed as a ya novel, but it is intense and mature enough that adults will enjoy it too! Bridget's ability to talk to ghosts would be hard enough for a fully grown person to deal with never mind a teenager. I felt so badly for her throughout most of the book. She had next to no one to confide in and those she could were dead! It was a complex story full of heart and I enjoyed it very much. This series is off to a great start!

[Dolorianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stayed up all night to finish this book. I was not expecting it to be so intense. The author gave Bridget the full ghost experience and I was totally on-board.

I read the prequel, so I knew all about the accident that took her sister and gave her the ability to see ghosts ... which is good because this novel starts up 2 years later. I liked seeing how Bridget had adapted to help others find peace, but it was sad to see how much of a toll it was taking on her.

And then it gets real, a ghost that pushes the boundaries and forces her to re-evaluate everything. It was a wild ride from that point on. All the "YA, friendly ghost, cozy mystery" norms are thrown out the window and Bridget finds herself in an all out war. I alternated between thinking that she's taking it so much better than I would and OMG, someone get that child an adult ally NOW.

There were many twists and turns ... plenty to keep me on my toes. I know there is more to come, especially with all that Bridget has learned and become, but the book made sure to tie up the main storyline. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what comes next.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the Prequel to this series Phantom Light, I could not wait to get my hands on this book. Phantom Touch starts the story of Bridget who after losing her sister in a car accident and dying a few minutes herself comes back to life with the ability to see dead people. Her Guardian Kale, may look like an angel all the dreamy hottie ways but I have a feeling there is a lot more to this one than first looks. As Bridget learns to deal with her new ability, gift or curse as she calls it some days, she finds herself dealing with one angry spirit, a serial killer and a fight for her life. Let us not forget she is still dealing with the drama of being a teenager. YIKES! I could not get enough of this book and the story line kept me on the edge of my seat for what was to happen next.

[Crystal P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I was pulled in from chapter one. I loved Bridget! There were ghosts, there were moments that gripped you, there was intrigue, there was a mystery... the list goes on. I cried at one point and that is also something that makes me rate a book highly - I was that invested that I physically hurt when the main character did. I want to read more!!!!

[Suzanne Bourgeois]

I would not want to be in Bridget's shoes at all. if cranky ghosts pestering her to find a serial killer wasn't bad enough, there is the homecoming court too. This was amazing! I really like view of ghosts and how the author writes about them. I also like the subtle sub-theme of grief and everyone handles it diffferently. i guess, because i've been dealing with recent grief of my own, i notice things like that more now and when it treated with the respect it deserves, the book goes up in my estimation. So this book gets an A+ all around!

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a new author to me and I enjoyed this YA book. Bridget is a ghost whisperer. There are good ghosts, like her sister Valerie, and some nasty ghosts like Natalie. I enjoyed Kale, her protector, and Sal, the sweet cop who help her solve the murders of a serial killer. There was some comedy, teenage angst, sorrow, bitterness and loss. I did wonder why Michael was just dropped as a friend/bf potential - will he show up in other books?

[Alexandria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to a series

Bridget’s world was turned upside down after losing her sister in a car accident. She was also injured and died briefly in surgery. This gives her the ability to see and talk to the departed.

I did not want to put this book down once I started. I felt like I was in the edge of my seat towards the end of the book.

I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Ashley Yungbluth · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Phantom Touch" is book one by Jessica Hawke in the "Phantoms" series. I absolutely loved this book and couldn't get enough of it. Jessica did an amazing job describing things and keeping my attention. Bridget lost her sister a couple of years ago and has had her showing up since the accident. Bridget also now has other ghosts calling her for help when there is a serial killer who is kidnapping and killing young women. Bridget feels she can't tell anyone about what is going on and feels the need to find the killer on her own (with the help of her new ghost friends). There was a scene that tugged at my heart and made me emotional, but it was such a wonderfully written scene. I can't wait to continue on in this series and see what happens next with Bridget.

[Patrick Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a reader, I tend to be very easy to please. My mindset is that if a book does what I want it to - engages me, keeps me interested, makes me want to keep reading, and either gives me a satisfying conclusion or a cliffhanger that makes me want more, then it's done it's job, and it's earned five stars in my book.

However, even though it can't really be measured in "stars", there is a difference between "pleased" and "impressed". And there is also a difference between "impressed" and "ginormously, monumentally, supercalifragalisticexpialadociously impressed."

"Phantom Touch" by Jessica Hawke fits that last category.

Two years ago, Bridget Young survived a horrific car accident that claimed the life of her older sister, Valerie. And now ... she sees dead people. (Yeah, just like that Bruce Willis movie.) When she's not underachieving at school, she does her best to help these wayward spirits find closure and move on to the afterlife. Because if they don't? Well, it ain't pretty.

And then a girl from her high school goes missing, and as Bridget investigates - with the help of the girl's mega-hawt brother - she finds evidence that a vicious serial killer has been operating in her town right under the noses of everyone. And when the crime-spree threatens to hit even closer to home, Bridget must spring into action and solve the case before her seventeenth birthday, which is only days away - the day she will kiss her supernatural powers goodbye.


For a book to send me over the moon, it has to has to make me laugh, make me cry, and make me want to stay up till all hours so I can finish reading it. It has to have a great premise, a great main character and enough tense moments to have me white-knuckling my Kindle.


I'd like to cite some examples of Ms. Hawke's humor, which is some of the funniest s*** I've read in years:

"I was the black sheep. No, I was the goat that was busy chewing on an old Coke can while the rest of the sheep tried to figure out what dumbass shepherd let me in."

"Beating a dead girl in a battle of wits was like beating a toddler in arm-wrestling."

"My mouth tasted like something small and furry had nested there overnight, then vacated after taking a morning dump."


There were also plenty of moments that made me feel so raw emotionally, like Patrick-Swayze-saying-goodbye-to-Demi-Moore raw, which is always a good sign, as well as some slasher-movie scary moments that will make you want to turn all the lights in the house on (or at least turn the brightness level of your Kindle up to max.)

Bridget is a GREAT main character. She's the typical teenage girl - shy, awkward, unconfident, but with a streak of bravery and an indomitable spirit that instantly endears her to readers.

I cannot recommend this book more highly. This will end up being one of my favorite books of the year, and I can say that even though we're not even three months in. I will be moving right on to the sequel, "Phantom Traces," forthwith.

If you like YA books, or Paranormal books, this is the PERFECT book for you.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bridget helps the wrongfully dead pass on to the hereafter. It’s not something she wants to do, but if it earns her a shot at a normal life, she’s up for it. In the opening chapter, while she prepares to send off the ghost of a middle aged woman, her sister Val sits irreverently on a headstone and keeps her company. Bridget has researched the woman, and after she’s shown pictures of her children and grandchildren, and the ghost moves along. Bridget has one week left until she can perform a ceremony that will shut off this strange ability. She’s anxious to get rid of it, but she’s also dreading it a little. First she has to let go of Val, who died two years earlier in a car accident.

On the way home, Bridget sees a missing person’s poster for Natalie Fullmer. She gets a very strange feeling when she sees it. The girl’s mother believes she’s run away again and has washed her hands of the mess. Natalie’s totally hot little brother, Michael, is holding out hope, and that brings him and Bridget together. Of course, things get complicated when Natalie attacks Bridget from beyond her shallow grave. Because Natalie doesn’t want Michael to know she’s dead, Bridget has to pretend to be looking for her when she’s actually looking for the killer.

Also in Bridget’s life is an annoying little brother who plays video games at jet engine volume; a divorced mother who works as hard to forget she had an older daughter as she does to put food on the table; and a best friend who is in dire need of a spanking.

Phantom Touch is a young adult paranormal story, told in a very believable teen voice, which focuses more on the complications of Bridget’s personal life than the boy who’s walked into it. That’s right. Even though Bridget has a crush, and it would appear that Michael likes her, too, both kids are too preoccupied with the sisters that are lost to them to start much of a relationship with each other. The two (living) girls in the story have conversations about parents, and concerts, and classmates, making Phantom Touch one of the most realistic teen stories I’ve read in the YA paranormal genre. At the same time, the serial killer arc brings attention to the dangers and the seeming innocent things that can make someone vulnerable to the evil that lurks below the surface of society.

I very much enjoyed seeing how Bridget’s story unfolded. It appears to be a standalone novel, but like the pilot of a television show, the ending left open the possibility of a long-running series. The novel includes some violence and a serial killer that target problem teen girls. I don’t recall coarse language and there are no touchy/feely scenes. She did, however, make me cry, so that has been taken into account in my 5-star rating.

[SheReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll preface this review by saying I don't typically like the whole ghost genre. My sisters and mom watch those shows on TV and all I do it laugh. I figured a book having to do with ghosts would be just as hokey. I was wrong.

I was surprised how in to this book I got. It just sucked all my will power that would have made me want to actually get things done, because all I wanted to do was read. It's a touchy subject that takes a great writer to make it a serious and entertaining book rather than a joke.

Bridget is a young girl who has had a near death experience that brought her an unimaginable gift. She can see ghosts and help them with unfinished business. On the bright side of this, she can see and talk to her dead sister. But, she isn't normal and desperately wants to be. Her guardian promises he can help her get rid of her gift, but what will be the cost? When a ghost companion sets her on the trail of a dangerous serial killer, will she still want to give up her gift, knowing it could put more people in danger?

Bridget herself is an absolute joy. She isn't the headcase you'd expect and I found myself drawn to her instantly. My KU subscription expires soon and you can bet I'm going to try to get book 2 in before it does.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phantom Touch is the first book in a YA series but will definitely appeal to adults as well teens. Bridget Young has been able to see ghosts since she was in an accident that killed her sister. Bridget now helps spirits move on by helping them fix whatever is keeping them on earth. This is a lot to put on a 16-year-old girl. As a result, she has lost most of her friends and is doing poorly in school. She has no one to share her burden except the ghost of her sister and her spirit guardian Kale. Phantom Touch is an intense and suspenseful story. It is at times scary and at times heartbreaking. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes paranormal suspense stories.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hawke's Phantom Touch is a thoroughly engaging red. Bridget, a young girl who can see ghosts, is perfectly charming. Her friend, Emily, is at times, irritating, but overall she is loyal.

When Bridget is faced with a spirit that frightens her, the stakes get higher. No longer can she hope to be normal, and perhaps, risk her own life.

This book was a great YA read. I look forward to reading more of Hawke's work.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Love It When I Find A New Author And Love It All The More Knowing She is Also A New Favourite!!
This is the first book of Jessica's that I have read (that I can review about that is) and what an awesome storyteller she is.

I have just shared various experiences with Bridget on her new path in life, since the car accident in which her sister Valerie died and she herself almost died. Due to flatlining temporarily in the hospital she found she had a new ability and with it came the guardian spirit Kale. Bridget's ability attracted wrongfully deceased spirits and not all were of the friendly persuasion.

I felt every emotion that Bridget was feeling so needless to say I was literally on pins reading the book. I loved how the author portrayed each of the characters, Natalie was an awesome ghost from hell. The scenes set were written in a way that I found ease in picturing where the author herself was picturing.

The book grips you from the first few pages and it just keeps on getting better the more you read. Believe me when I say you won't want to put it down. I myself would have read it quicker than I did but a certain author had me in tears and it's not easy to see when your eyes are full of water.

Excellent book, go ahead and read it already 😊

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this book and will dive into the series. Bridget survived a tragic car accident in which her older sister dies. She dies briefly on the operating table but survives but with the gift/curse of being able to see ghosts. One of the ghosts is her sister. Bridget spends a great deal of her time helping ghosts so they can move on but alone. She hasn’t told anyone what she can do. Luckily, she has Kale who calls himself her guardian but only she can see him. Kale has told her of a ritual she can do just before her 17th birthday and only her 17th that will free her of this ability. Bridget has slowly been gathering the materials for this spell and counting down the days until she will be “normal” again. This is a very poignant story of love and loss. I cannot wait to dive into the next book.

[Diana Blick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woohoo, what a ride!

This book is a roller coaster of paranormal spills and chills, with twists and turns as we chase a serial killer. Our YA heroine is new to the experience of seeing ghosts and she's all alone. I know that's not a new plot, and I rarely give out fives without it but this author writes so well and the suspense is so tight that you forget that there's not much new under the sun. What's fresh is that it's so very well written and this mixed genre book will captivate both lovers of the supernatural and lovers of suspense that don't mind a few ghosts. Grab it quick before this author gets so well known that the price goes up. Right now it's a real bargain--great writing at bargain basement prices.

[Jessica Buckingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is absolutely amazing! I love supporting local authors (GA/SC) this series was recommended to me and it was by far (so far) my favorite reads. It was nostalgic, familiar, and suspenseful. The character dynamics were well thought out, in this case it definitely helps create the feeling of being in the story. Experiences that we’ve all been through dealing with situations that everyone encounters. Love, loss, and strategic planning laced into an amazing almost true crime feel. It still holds a ethereal innocence. I still have 2 more to read but I can’t let this series go unnoticed!!! My kid has even expressed an interest in the story from opening the book (randomly) and reading a few pages!

[Carol Riggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel has a feisty, fun main character who often does really foolish and dangerous things, but the storyline is engaging and the ending is satisfying. Overall, I was a little uneasy with the occult presentation and the dabbling into the darker spirit world. Bridgett’s attraction to Kale seemed underdeveloped and strange to me, especially since he’s deceptive and obviously not a good spirit (maybe one who’s trying to earn a higher place or mend his ways?). Anyway, I liked how Bridget solved things despite setbacks, and her interaction with Detective Fulbright was fun to read. Bridget’s emotions and reactions were well-written, the theme of death and grieving nicely explored. Content note: some bad language.

[Irene O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghosts and a serial killer

This book is excellent read for all those interested in psychics and those who like the idea that the dead will help the living to find out to has killed them and help to keep others Alice's and safe.
The books begins with Bridget talking to Valerie, her dead sister, and helping spirits to go over to the afterlife. She is soon embroiled in the search for a missing student whose ghost appears to her demanding that she find her killer.
Bridget puts herself in danger and pulls the is off a serial killer who prays on runaways.
A must read for all readers of supernatural.

[Josette Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has to be one of the best ghost books I have read in awhile. Bridget just wants to be a normal girl when she is suddenly gifted with the power to see ghosts of the wrongfully killed. She handles this new power with the help of her sister (who passed away in the accident Bridget was injured in) and Kale, her guardian. What she does not expect is to be haunted by a spirit that demands Bridget find her killer before a new victim is killed. This book is filled with lots of action and emotions that anyone would fell dealing with talking to ghosts. I cannot wait for the next entry!

[Elda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story!

I loved reading this story. Jessica Hawke did a great job making it all so believable. My emotions were all over the place as I read. But especially toward the end, I was crying like a baby. Happy and sad tears. There is a little bit of a cliffhanger in the end just enough to motivate you to continue reading on to the next book in the series. But for the most part, the story wrapped up pretty nicely. I will definitely keep reading on and highly recommend that all teenagers of all ages (I'm a teenager over 60 ;;-)) read this.

[Alexa · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Bridget and her sister get into a car accident on her birthday she wakes up and starts seeing the spirits of people who have died. Her guardian is the first ghost that she is able to encounter, but then soon after she starts to see her own sister. This thriller was a fast read and had me flying through the pages to see who ended up being the killer and how Bridget would cope with being a new found medium. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghost Mysteries; Oh my

This was so good. Currently up there for 2024 reading challenge. It had the supernatural aspect the mystery aspect and a relatively great description of teenage girlhood. It wasn’t heavily reliant on prevalent pop culture reference/ technology so I can see it holding up. Not sure what’s good but I currently only see the next book on Amazon, I may need to fork out the dough to read the next book in the series.

[Suze Prescot · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good

A teenage girl who sees ghosts and gets involved in a missing person case, while trying to make up lost time at school, and grieving a death.
This is such a great read. Faultless in its execution, filled with teenage angst, plenty of humour and thrills to chill as she tries to help the living as well as the dead.
Hawke has created wonderful characters, and she is convincing in her adolescent struggles.
Brilliant!

[Keith Bornmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. I enjoyed this story very much. This is one of those books that kept my attention. I couldn't put it down. I loved that it was clean and not too much violence. I'd recommend this for anyone over 13 yrs old. There are some graphic murder scenes.

The main character basically became a sort of superhero by the end of the story.