What do you think?
Rate this book
Moving In #4
The First Church
Brian Roy is a ghost hunter extraordinaire. His latest adventure involves headless Japanese soldiers wreaking havoc in a New Hampshire church. The stats are grisly. Two boys blinded. Another boy shot. Cops killed. The bodies keep piling up and the ghosts’ thirst for vengeance is as insatiable as their thirst for saké!The phantom soldiers cut a swath of murder through the congregation until all that’s left of Brian’s local allies are Jim Bogue and his grandfather, Luke Allen, who is a blind Marine vet. They are all that stand between the dreadful ghosts and the helpless locals. Even as a second threat lurks in the shadows, just as deadly as the gruesome specters, the ghostbusters race against time to save the town.While trying to protect the living, Brian and his crew are thrust into the unforgiving world of the undead. When the last battle finally begins, Brian wonders if he’s met his own personal Hiroshima...
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2016
131 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Ron Ripley
252 books508 followersRon Ripley is a husband and father surviving in New England, a place which seems to be getting colder every day. He grew up across from a disturbingly large cemetery where he managed to scare himself every night before going to bed. Mostly because of the red lights that people put in front of the headstones. Those things are just plain creepy to a kid.
Ron enjoys writing horror, military history and driving through the small towns of New England with his family, collecting books and giving impromptu lectures on military history to his family, who enjoy ignoring him during those dreadful times.
Ron enjoys writing horror, military history and driving through the small towns of New England with his family, collecting books and giving impromptu lectures on military history to his family, who enjoy ignoring him during those dreadful times.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 25, 2016
This was more of a paranormal mystery than a horror so it was a little outside my preferred genre. Horror Light; almost YA. Not bad for what it was if you like this type of story. Well written, well narrated.
2.5 stars for the story, 4 for the audio.
I received a free copy from audiobookboom.
2.5 stars for the story, 4 for the audio.
I received a free copy from audiobookboom.
January 14, 2023
What happens when you begin to release ghosts into a community? Well, murder for one. As bodies start to stack up, Brian is doing his best to stop the killings, but he is going to have to call in some additional help.
This was a fabulous story, and I enjoyed the plot! Another winner from Ron Ripley.
This was a fabulous story, and I enjoyed the plot! Another winner from Ron Ripley.
September 29, 2016
There were more lovable characters, unique plot, yay for some returns. This was my least favorite in the series, so far, plot wise.
June 4, 2018
What a blast. The church was a nice change of scenery and the slower storyline a pleasant change after the goings on in Middlebury Sanitarium.
That's not to say that this book is weaker - far from it. The ever developing storyline becomes more and more gruesome in typical Ron Ripley fashion. There are some new characters to get to know, Leo returns to add an element of mild humour to the proceedings and the idea of the ghosts reason for vengeance is superbly thought out.
Do yourselves a favour and read a Scare Street story, I can't get enough of these!
That's not to say that this book is weaker - far from it. The ever developing storyline becomes more and more gruesome in typical Ron Ripley fashion. There are some new characters to get to know, Leo returns to add an element of mild humour to the proceedings and the idea of the ghosts reason for vengeance is superbly thought out.
Do yourselves a favour and read a Scare Street story, I can't get enough of these!
December 9, 2019
Loved it ! Shane ,awesome !
November 16, 2020
A very original plot and fascinating characters. I'm sure horror fans will enjoy the entire series!
October 18, 2019
Took me a minute to get into but it was good. Great plot.
July 24, 2019
Here's me thinking what could Ron Ripley come up with next for the poor Leonidas group?? I would never, in my wildest dreams, think of Japanese soldiers, whom relish in death and whom reside in a church because some creep put their bones there, just so the ghosts could do what they wanted! Plus these ghosts can shoot ghostly bullets, and cause people to have heart attacks. Which isn't an ideal situation for Brian, considering the amount of heart attacks he's had.
As per usual, Ron Ripley has created another scary edition to this novella range of stories. I have come to expect creepy settings, but here we have a church that's still in use!! It's not abandoned nor particularly scary, well that is until a headless ghost appears suddenly and pokes out the eyes of 2 boys! More and more ghosts seem to be making the church their home, so Brian and the team have to figure out a) why the ghosts are there, b) who put them there and c) how to contain them.
This series has quickly became a kind of bite sized pleasure of mine! The author knows how to capture your attention and he knows how to make your hackles rise and goose bumps appear! I love reading these, but not at night time ;)
In all, another awesome addition to the series. I so can not wait for the next one to come to audio, and that is thanks to the amazing narrator!!
As I've said with all the rest of the books I've listened to that was narrated by him, Thom Bowers made this book so much better. He really knows how to bring a story and the characters to life. He has plenty of tones, cadences and knows what inflection to use when needed! Highly recommend his work!!
*I received a free copy of this from Audiobook boom. This in no way affected my thoughts.*
As per usual, Ron Ripley has created another scary edition to this novella range of stories. I have come to expect creepy settings, but here we have a church that's still in use!! It's not abandoned nor particularly scary, well that is until a headless ghost appears suddenly and pokes out the eyes of 2 boys! More and more ghosts seem to be making the church their home, so Brian and the team have to figure out a) why the ghosts are there, b) who put them there and c) how to contain them.
This series has quickly became a kind of bite sized pleasure of mine! The author knows how to capture your attention and he knows how to make your hackles rise and goose bumps appear! I love reading these, but not at night time ;)
In all, another awesome addition to the series. I so can not wait for the next one to come to audio, and that is thanks to the amazing narrator!!
As I've said with all the rest of the books I've listened to that was narrated by him, Thom Bowers made this book so much better. He really knows how to bring a story and the characters to life. He has plenty of tones, cadences and knows what inflection to use when needed! Highly recommend his work!!
*I received a free copy of this from Audiobook boom. This in no way affected my thoughts.*
October 28, 2016
The First Church is the fourth book of the Moving Series, after Moving In, The Dunewalkers and Middlebury Sanitarium. After Middlebury Sanitarium lived up to my hopes, it was The First Church that I picked up for reading. The book, just as the previous one, is engaging and brings the protagonists in another ghostly adventure. What follows is a scary but interesting story.
The new adventure of Brian Roy in The First Church is pretty much interesting and scary as well. The book remains interesting right up to the end. Although I did not find it better than Middlebury Sanitarium, it manages to maintain the standards if not increasing them.
You may read the full book review here The First Church (Moving in #4) by Ron Ripley – Book review
The new adventure of Brian Roy in The First Church is pretty much interesting and scary as well. The book remains interesting right up to the end. Although I did not find it better than Middlebury Sanitarium, it manages to maintain the standards if not increasing them.
You may read the full book review here The First Church (Moving in #4) by Ron Ripley – Book review
April 21, 2025
Entire Series Review: No spoilers
"Book 1 Moving In: This was an entertaining story. I do have questions after finishing the story.....I am rating 4 stars for now. I know that this is a series so it is possible that some of the questions will be answered in later installments. It is entertaining enough that I will continue on with the series.
Book 2 The Dunewalkers: Ok. Still a four star book. I do feel like some of the questions remaining from the first book were answered in this book. That is good. I am still going to continue to rate this as a 4 star book. While the story is entertaining, I do feel like things could be wrapped up a bit tidier at the end.....I am still entertained enough to continue on with the series.
Book 3 Middlebury Sanitarium: Still 4 stars. Some of the questions from the first book were never answered. Also, each individual ""ghost case"" presents it's own set of questions. I still feel some of those should have been answered better.
Book 4 The First Church: So far, I seem to be pretty consistantly rating these at 4 stars. The stories are still entertaining. The characters are still fun. I do wish that each book was a bit longer so more things could be explained/explored.
Book 5 The Pauper's Crypt: An entertaining enough story. Again, there is enough story for it to be worth the read. Still 4 stars.
Book 6 The Academy: Same conclusion. Four stars. I may try this collection for a second time and take notes as I go. There seem to be things that are never answered and things within the ghost ""lore"" of this series that change to serve the purpose of the story. I do get a bit annoyed by these kinds of inconsistencies. I did, however, enjoy this series enough to continue on to the Berkley Street series. It is the story of Shane which is a character that was in this series a bit."
"Book 1 Moving In: This was an entertaining story. I do have questions after finishing the story.....I am rating 4 stars for now. I know that this is a series so it is possible that some of the questions will be answered in later installments. It is entertaining enough that I will continue on with the series.
Book 2 The Dunewalkers: Ok. Still a four star book. I do feel like some of the questions remaining from the first book were answered in this book. That is good. I am still going to continue to rate this as a 4 star book. While the story is entertaining, I do feel like things could be wrapped up a bit tidier at the end.....I am still entertained enough to continue on with the series.
Book 3 Middlebury Sanitarium: Still 4 stars. Some of the questions from the first book were never answered. Also, each individual ""ghost case"" presents it's own set of questions. I still feel some of those should have been answered better.
Book 4 The First Church: So far, I seem to be pretty consistantly rating these at 4 stars. The stories are still entertaining. The characters are still fun. I do wish that each book was a bit longer so more things could be explained/explored.
Book 5 The Pauper's Crypt: An entertaining enough story. Again, there is enough story for it to be worth the read. Still 4 stars.
Book 6 The Academy: Same conclusion. Four stars. I may try this collection for a second time and take notes as I go. There seem to be things that are never answered and things within the ghost ""lore"" of this series that change to serve the purpose of the story. I do get a bit annoyed by these kinds of inconsistencies. I did, however, enjoy this series enough to continue on to the Berkley Street series. It is the story of Shane which is a character that was in this series a bit."
February 5, 2021
When Brian Met Shane
This fourth book in the Moving In series, featuring Brian Roy, was another original and scary horror tale. I had, in fact, read it quite a while ago, but it was just as good the second time around. The reason for rereading it was to discover more about when Brian Roy meets Shane Ryan, another reluctant ghost hunter who's featured in Ron Ripley's Berkley Street series.
Ripley is an accomplished horror author and is adept at creating characters it's easy to care about and sympathize with. He also is a wiz at taking well-worn story scenarios and making them seem shiny and new. I recommend any of his books with enthusiasm.
This fourth book in the Moving In series, featuring Brian Roy, was another original and scary horror tale. I had, in fact, read it quite a while ago, but it was just as good the second time around. The reason for rereading it was to discover more about when Brian Roy meets Shane Ryan, another reluctant ghost hunter who's featured in Ron Ripley's Berkley Street series.
Ripley is an accomplished horror author and is adept at creating characters it's easy to care about and sympathize with. He also is a wiz at taking well-worn story scenarios and making them seem shiny and new. I recommend any of his books with enthusiasm.
May 9, 2023
A very entertaining and well written book by Ron Ripley. I love that Shane appeared in this book, as I love the Berkley Street series. Brian Roy is just as likeable of a protagonist, and I like him more and each series. This one probably had some of the best death scenes in the series thus far. Despite military and war being a main factor of the book, it wasn't done so in a way that was obnoxious. Being in the service is a part of these characters personalities but isn't their WHOLE personality. Super excited for book 5! Gonna start it next week, as I have some other books planned before it.
December 21, 2019
Headless Japanese soldiers, oh my!
And now, at last, we have a series of headless Japanese soldiers who are still fighting the war. But why are they fighting in a New Hampshire church, of all places? As Brian Roy comes in to contain these ferocious soldiers who are fighting with their all for honor, he must also try to keep those around him alive. This is definitely a wild ride.
And now, at last, we have a series of headless Japanese soldiers who are still fighting the war. But why are they fighting in a New Hampshire church, of all places? As Brian Roy comes in to contain these ferocious soldiers who are fighting with their all for honor, he must also try to keep those around him alive. This is definitely a wild ride.
July 10, 2020
I Love This Series
What I like about these is the different ghost especially Leo. He makes me laugh. But it has violence, adventure and none stop action. But i won't give spoilers but just to say if you love a good ghost story then pick this series up. 5 headless Japanese ghost out of 5
What I like about these is the different ghost especially Leo. He makes me laugh. But it has violence, adventure and none stop action. But i won't give spoilers but just to say if you love a good ghost story then pick this series up. 5 headless Japanese ghost out of 5
December 8, 2017
I liked it, but not as much as the first 3 in the series. This one was a little plodding and I didn't really care for this particular storyline with the Japanese ghosts. Also, I found it a little disjointed and choppy. Looking forward to the next one.
January 30, 2018
Another excellent book
Loved the characters and storyline in this book. Was thrilled with the return of Leo!! Love him so much! Also love the bonus chapters at the end of each book.
Loved the characters and storyline in this book. Was thrilled with the return of Leo!! Love him so much! Also love the bonus chapters at the end of each book.
December 4, 2023
The First Church takes the premise of the previous Moving In novels and adds a helping handful of darkness. The ghosts in this novel are attached to physical objects and have...needs which must be met.
May 2, 2018
Not bad, ending seemed a tad rushed, but I enjoyed it still.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2019
gooood
February 6, 2020
Good book, aimed more for YA in my opinion.
November 2, 2020
This book intoduces Brian Roy to Shane. love it.
December 31, 2020
Chillingly great!! Love how one story is unique from each of the others. Another most read.
January 2, 2021
This series balances creepy and suspenseful action with character development and an enjoyable storyline. I liked it quite a bit.
September 12, 2021
I was lucky enough to have gotten a free audio book code from the Scare Street. I am volunteering to leave this review. Excellent audio book loving this series.
December 2, 2025
Enjoyable, but nothing stand out. Good narration.
December 29, 2020
This was an ok story line, but a lot of weird stuff happened. It took me in different directions, but held my interest enough where I just could not wait to keep reading, even at low points.
February 25, 2017
Another great book by Ron Ripley and wonderfully narrated by Andrew Tell.Brian,a ghost hunter,is called to a church where people are being maimed and killed by ,of all things,Japanese war ghosts.The chatting with ghosts who can help and those who can't is pretty interesting.I hope there is a 5th book!I may have been given this book by the author or narrator...or I may have bought it.I can't remember anymore.
May 29, 2016
Review: THE FIRST CHURCH by Ron Ripley
[MOVING IN Book 4]
Author Ron Ripley deserves a wide audience and more acclaim, for truly his imagination never ceases. [Japanese soldier ghosts, in life practitioners of Shinto, housed in a New England Congregationalist Church!?! Strictly surreal!] This novella is fourth in the MOVING IN series, a series I hope never ends. Poor Brian Roy, the accidental ghost hunter, is called in on what turns out to be a seriously nasty, violent, and dangerous case (the "lucky" victims only suffer heart attacks--which is a real threat for Brian because of his cardiac history). These soldiers are mean!! Just because they've been deceased seventy years doesn't mean they're not both really, really sadistic, and terribly violent. So yes, a fair amount of blood and grisly and "not for the faint of heart" moments; but to be fair, some of the scenes, in other hands, would have been a whole lot more splatter-y. So I won't call this "extreme." However [rare event] the ending made me tearful (twice).
[MOVING IN Book 4]
Author Ron Ripley deserves a wide audience and more acclaim, for truly his imagination never ceases. [Japanese soldier ghosts, in life practitioners of Shinto, housed in a New England Congregationalist Church!?! Strictly surreal!] This novella is fourth in the MOVING IN series, a series I hope never ends. Poor Brian Roy, the accidental ghost hunter, is called in on what turns out to be a seriously nasty, violent, and dangerous case (the "lucky" victims only suffer heart attacks--which is a real threat for Brian because of his cardiac history). These soldiers are mean!! Just because they've been deceased seventy years doesn't mean they're not both really, really sadistic, and terribly violent. So yes, a fair amount of blood and grisly and "not for the faint of heart" moments; but to be fair, some of the scenes, in other hands, would have been a whole lot more splatter-y. So I won't call this "extreme." However [rare event] the ending made me tearful (twice).
July 4, 2016
The First Church (Moving In Series Book 4)
This Thrilling Scary Ghost Story is a tale of men and 1 boy , Jim , who brave the threat of their own deaths to capture EVIL, DEAD.. SIX SOLDIER GHOSTS , SEEKING VENGEANCE. Not against the people who killed them, but against anyone unlucky enough to cross their paths.. This story is as much about the growing to manhood of Jim, as he faces the possible loss of his beloved grandfather. A WONDERFUL, MOVING SUPERNATURAL MYSTERY you will truly enjoy. I RECOMMEND!
This Thrilling Scary Ghost Story is a tale of men and 1 boy , Jim , who brave the threat of their own deaths to capture EVIL, DEAD.. SIX SOLDIER GHOSTS , SEEKING VENGEANCE. Not against the people who killed them, but against anyone unlucky enough to cross their paths.. This story is as much about the growing to manhood of Jim, as he faces the possible loss of his beloved grandfather. A WONDERFUL, MOVING SUPERNATURAL MYSTERY you will truly enjoy. I RECOMMEND!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews