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The Haunting of Rachel Harroway #0
The Haunting of Rachel Harroway: The Beginning
In 1983, a family of four was murdered in their nineteenth century Queen Anne manse. There were no witnesses, no real investigation, and no survivors.
Over thirty years later, the house is suddenly back on the market. Ready to settle down, a young married couple moves from New York City to their dream home in the quiet town of Highlands, North Carolina. However, as past secrets come to light and unpredictable strangers violate their privacy, the couple’s hope for a fresh start twists into the fuel for their darkest nightmares.
Over thirty years later, the house is suddenly back on the market. Ready to settle down, a young married couple moves from New York City to their dream home in the quiet town of Highlands, North Carolina. However, as past secrets come to light and unpredictable strangers violate their privacy, the couple’s hope for a fresh start twists into the fuel for their darkest nightmares.
122 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
September 17, 2017
I love a good ghost story. When I saw the cover for this ebook and read the description, I knew I needed to read it. I'm glad I did! I thoroughly enjoyed this spooky read!
In this short introduction to the Rachel Harroway series, Rachel and her husband Brett move to Highlands, NC and purchase an old Victorian house. The Hadley House, built in the 1890s, has seen better days, but Rachel looks forward to restoring the old home with her husband. After moving in, strange things start happening in the house. Rachel does some research and learns that a family was murdered in the house in the early 1980s. When their ghosts start appearing to her, calling for her to find their killers, Rachel realizes she needs to investigate the murders to keep from losing her mind.
There are some editing errors in this book -- just small ones -- some grammar mistakes and little things that caught my attention, but only for a second or two. The story is much more interesting than nit-picking for minor grammar errors. This story of a haunting isn't anything new.....spirits wanting closure or justice is a pretty standard haunting theme. But, the story is well-written and suspenseful, building to an awesome, exciting ending. The story kept my attention to the very end. So, it doesn't matter that it isn't a new spin on the ghost theme -- it's a well-told story that has me wanting to read more from this author. This prequel to the Rachel Harroway series is a quick read at 123 pages. There are two more books in the series.
J.S. Donovan also writes the kidnapped and EMP series.
In this short introduction to the Rachel Harroway series, Rachel and her husband Brett move to Highlands, NC and purchase an old Victorian house. The Hadley House, built in the 1890s, has seen better days, but Rachel looks forward to restoring the old home with her husband. After moving in, strange things start happening in the house. Rachel does some research and learns that a family was murdered in the house in the early 1980s. When their ghosts start appearing to her, calling for her to find their killers, Rachel realizes she needs to investigate the murders to keep from losing her mind.
There are some editing errors in this book -- just small ones -- some grammar mistakes and little things that caught my attention, but only for a second or two. The story is much more interesting than nit-picking for minor grammar errors. This story of a haunting isn't anything new.....spirits wanting closure or justice is a pretty standard haunting theme. But, the story is well-written and suspenseful, building to an awesome, exciting ending. The story kept my attention to the very end. So, it doesn't matter that it isn't a new spin on the ghost theme -- it's a well-told story that has me wanting to read more from this author. This prequel to the Rachel Harroway series is a quick read at 123 pages. There are two more books in the series.
J.S. Donovan also writes the kidnapped and EMP series.
October 6, 2017
This was good, not too scary but creepy. This could use a good dose of editing, which sadly distracted me a bit from the story but not enough to quit reading it or to stop me from continuing on with the next book.
Overall a solid little read perfect for the fall season.
Overall a solid little read perfect for the fall season.
October 6, 2017
In this first story, Rachel and her husband Brett purchase an old Queen Anne manse in the Highlands, North Carolina. Strange things begin to occur, doors opening, and objects being moved. We learn about Rachel’s mother who is institutionalized and watch Rachel come unraveled as something in the house wants her attention. Donovan does an excellent job of building suspense and setting up events that will ultimately change Rachel’s life. Dark, suspenseful the beginnings delivered from the murder-mystery to the paranormal woo-woo. The tale wraps up nicely as Rachel solves the case and we are given a firm direction for the overall theme of the series. This book is Perma-free on Amazon and available from audible. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
July 18, 2018
Rachel and Brett have left NYC to move to Highlands, North Carolina buying a house with a history. It doesn't take long before Rachel begins to sense that something is going on in the house and that history is about to repeat itself.
This was very good. It starts off with an intense beginning and does not let up. I liked how you feel like you are involved in these characters lives. Great beginning to a series.
This was very good. It starts off with an intense beginning and does not let up. I liked how you feel like you are involved in these characters lives. Great beginning to a series.
September 21, 2017
Although I doubt anyone will ever read this review, I am writing it for my own benefit, particularly when many of the reviews are rewarding 'The Haunting of Rachel Harroway: The Beginning" five stars.
To begin, the book needs a significant review by an editor. The grammatical errors and misspellings are not only glaring, to the point of frustrating a serious reader, but they are continual and all-encompassing. What I mean by all-encompassing is that they touch on almost every aspect of grammar and spelling such as the following examples:
1) With the help of "doily" carts and rental movers, Rachel and Brett funneled all the objects of their lives into Hadley House, (I am sure the author did not intend that Rachel and Brett would fill Hadley House with doilies.)
2) She wouldn't to do it. (An extra preposition erroneously left in the sentence).
3) "What do you want from me?" Rachel said, surprised she could even say speak. (The author erroneously left the verb say in the sentence with the verb speak.)
4) Rachel fold her arms around Brett - her life raft - and sniffled. (improper present tense use for the word fold, should be folded).
5) Was she really taking to their killer right now? (Taking should be talking).
6) "Do your shoot go well?" Rachel asked (improper present tense)
In any case, these errors continue throughout the book, which distracts from the flow of the story. Consequently, I am astonished that anyone can award this book five stars, which to me would be a novel that is not only flawless, but, inspiring and thought provoking. This book lacked all of those requirements. In fact, the story (another "I see dead people" story) was unoriginal and predictable. The ending didn't even provide a plot twist.
There were two redeeming features in this book. At points, notwithstanding the continual errors, the action is engaging. In addition, the writing is clean, and the reader doesn't need to worry about inappropriate language or scenes. Considering the author is still writing, I hope she learned "really quick (another quote from her book)" the importance of writing literature and not just distributing a trite unedited book.
To begin, the book needs a significant review by an editor. The grammatical errors and misspellings are not only glaring, to the point of frustrating a serious reader, but they are continual and all-encompassing. What I mean by all-encompassing is that they touch on almost every aspect of grammar and spelling such as the following examples:
1) With the help of "doily" carts and rental movers, Rachel and Brett funneled all the objects of their lives into Hadley House, (I am sure the author did not intend that Rachel and Brett would fill Hadley House with doilies.)
2) She wouldn't to do it. (An extra preposition erroneously left in the sentence).
3) "What do you want from me?" Rachel said, surprised she could even say speak. (The author erroneously left the verb say in the sentence with the verb speak.)
4) Rachel fold her arms around Brett - her life raft - and sniffled. (improper present tense use for the word fold, should be folded).
5) Was she really taking to their killer right now? (Taking should be talking).
6) "Do your shoot go well?" Rachel asked (improper present tense)
In any case, these errors continue throughout the book, which distracts from the flow of the story. Consequently, I am astonished that anyone can award this book five stars, which to me would be a novel that is not only flawless, but, inspiring and thought provoking. This book lacked all of those requirements. In fact, the story (another "I see dead people" story) was unoriginal and predictable. The ending didn't even provide a plot twist.
There were two redeeming features in this book. At points, notwithstanding the continual errors, the action is engaging. In addition, the writing is clean, and the reader doesn't need to worry about inappropriate language or scenes. Considering the author is still writing, I hope she learned "really quick (another quote from her book)" the importance of writing literature and not just distributing a trite unedited book.
June 25, 2017
2.5 stars. A pretty standard "restless spirits seeking justice" story. What made me knock it down a half star, though, was the grammatical errors. There weren't many, but enough to be annoying. "Brett and her did X" (used twice) was the one that made me cringe the most, plus the nearly ubiquitous (in self-published novels) "alright."
September 26, 2018
So Rachel and her husband move into a house and the weird things start to happen. Well, weird once you get past Rachel drawing pictures of people dying in all types of way. The question is whether or not Rachel is seeing ghosts or is so traveling down the path of maddness that took her mother.
The confusion and worry of Rachel comes across quite well. The relationship between her and her husband is well drawn. Her husband does get upset and worried, so he does push back to her lies.
It was a fun read, even if there were a couple strange typos.
The confusion and worry of Rachel comes across quite well. The relationship between her and her husband is well drawn. Her husband does get upset and worried, so he does push back to her lies.
It was a fun read, even if there were a couple strange typos.
August 28, 2017
This was a bit different from what I was expecting, but it was a pleasant surprise too.
Rachel and her husband buy a home in a very rural setting, away from town and nowhere near neighbors, and before they can even finish unpacking, strange things begin happening in their "new" home. Rachel begins "seeing" things, and since her Mother has been institutionalized for being "crazy" she begins to doubt herself, and fear for her own sanity. But it seems that there had been a massacre of an entire family in their "new" home many years earlier and the killer was never found. So is she really losing her mind, or what?
The story flowed easily, the characters likable, and I thoroughly enjoyed the read. This is the first of 3 in a series, but it is also a complete story and can stand alone if you don't want to read the rest of the series. I already have all 3 books, and I think I'm in for a few more fun reads.
Rachel and her husband buy a home in a very rural setting, away from town and nowhere near neighbors, and before they can even finish unpacking, strange things begin happening in their "new" home. Rachel begins "seeing" things, and since her Mother has been institutionalized for being "crazy" she begins to doubt herself, and fear for her own sanity. But it seems that there had been a massacre of an entire family in their "new" home many years earlier and the killer was never found. So is she really losing her mind, or what?
The story flowed easily, the characters likable, and I thoroughly enjoyed the read. This is the first of 3 in a series, but it is also a complete story and can stand alone if you don't want to read the rest of the series. I already have all 3 books, and I think I'm in for a few more fun reads.
August 21, 2017
A 3.5 star read.
A haunting little novella that sends shivers up your spine! The story not only surrounds the mystery of who killed the family but also the reason why only Rachel can see the ghosts and what really happened to her mother.
An intriguing start of what looks to be a series. It'll be interesting to see what happens next in Rachel's new venture and whether her relationship will survive.
A haunting little novella that sends shivers up your spine! The story not only surrounds the mystery of who killed the family but also the reason why only Rachel can see the ghosts and what really happened to her mother.
An intriguing start of what looks to be a series. It'll be interesting to see what happens next in Rachel's new venture and whether her relationship will survive.
July 4, 2017
I see huge potential here!
I was going to give it a 4star rating at first, but after really thinking about it, and being under the impression that this is a relatively new horror author, I just had to give five, There were a few little errors and a few little things that could be tweaked a tiny bit, overall I enjoyed it. I was able to connect to Rachel and had to get the next book. I like her character and her struggle over the "orphans" is quite interesting. This author will only get better as they grow into their comfort zone. Thumbs up!
I was going to give it a 4star rating at first, but after really thinking about it, and being under the impression that this is a relatively new horror author, I just had to give five, There were a few little errors and a few little things that could be tweaked a tiny bit, overall I enjoyed it. I was able to connect to Rachel and had to get the next book. I like her character and her struggle over the "orphans" is quite interesting. This author will only get better as they grow into their comfort zone. Thumbs up!
August 11, 2017
I didn't finish this book because I couldn't get past the cliches. It didn't present anything original. In every ghost story there's front doors opening, cabinets opening and the shadow behind the shower curtain. If you enjoy and reading these familiar events comforts you, then you'll like this book. Sorry, I just couldn't.
April 29, 2018
Reading order:
The Haunting of Rachel Harroway: The Beginning
The Haunting of Rachel Harroway Book 1
The Haunting of Rachel Harroway Book 2
The Lost Orphans: Book 0
The Lost Orphans: Book 1
The Lost Orphans: Book 2
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
The Haunting of Rachel Harroway: The Beginning
The Haunting of Rachel Harroway Book 1
The Haunting of Rachel Harroway Book 2
The Lost Orphans: Book 0
The Lost Orphans: Book 1
The Lost Orphans: Book 2
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
December 15, 2018
I thought the story line was well paced and somewhat original. However, the blatant use of poor grammar made me want to stop reading it on at least 3 occasions. J.S. Donovan needs to take a class in basic grammar or find an editor who is capable of editing well. I am baffled how this was published. Sentences such as "Brett and her went downstairs....... " Really? This is one of the easiest rules of grammar to remember: break it down and ask yourself if her is a subject pronoun. ie.... "Her went downstairs..." vs. "She went downstairs....." If this mistake had occurred only once, I would think it was a typo or a miss by the editor. However, this same construction was used at least 3 times. If not for the interesting plot, I never would have continued reading it and will not continue with this series. I would have given it 3 maybe 4 stars if it was written well. There are too many other great books to read without having to muddle and cringe through this one. I am glad it was a quick read and free with Kindle Unlimited.
April 9, 2018
I liked the story, even though it is a rip-off of The Sixth Sense.....She sees dead people. However, whoever edited this book should be fired! There were so many mistakes (unnecessary words - like the author thought of two different ways to say something and just left both ways in, so that the reader had to decide which word(s) shouldn't be read). Also, the author needs grammar lessons. She has no grasp of the proper use of pronouns (He/him, She/her). This was not due to dialect....it was like nails on a blackboard (e.g. Her and I went...). And I think I missed something in some series, because the story went from Rachel being a weird artist to suddenly being a cop. Could not locate a book that explained that one.
October 18, 2018
The ending to this book was complete fiction. While this novel is classified as a psychological thriller found under fiction, that should not inhibit the author to base fiction on reality. The ending was a total disappointment. It was as if Donovan was tired of this book and ended it with a couple of paragraphs that veared so far south, it became a work of fantasy. To top it off, the entire series is racked with mistakes it became annoying to read. I found myself wondering why Donovans' lives one's abstained from helping him by pointing out at least some of the mistakes or why an editor was not utilised and if one was, can Donovan get refunded any and all monies forked over to so-called editor.
December 27, 2018
I really liked this book. It grabbed me right from the beginning, and I was interested and eager to get back to reading during the few days it took me to finish it.
The bad: editing was a little shoddy on this one *kindle version*...I found multiple instances of mispellings, improper grammar and missing punctuation; but these things were sporadic and though annoying, were not found so often that I was distracted by it.
The good: great story line, a creepy feel throughout, and clear, concise telling of the story without confusing the reader as to what was happening. The plot was good, made sense and flowed in a way that enabled me to get through the story quickly. Would have given four stars but for the editing problems.
The bad: editing was a little shoddy on this one *kindle version*...I found multiple instances of mispellings, improper grammar and missing punctuation; but these things were sporadic and though annoying, were not found so often that I was distracted by it.
The good: great story line, a creepy feel throughout, and clear, concise telling of the story without confusing the reader as to what was happening. The plot was good, made sense and flowed in a way that enabled me to get through the story quickly. Would have given four stars but for the editing problems.
July 25, 2017
"The Haunting of Rachel Harroway," was a very suspenseful part story, part thriller, and a great ghost story!
The book is just the right length for a quick day or two of reading. The characters are intriguing, the plot was exceptional, the settings were well developed. And did I mention that the book was impossible to put down, even when bedtime came and went? Well, it was a ghost story brilliantly told. All in all, I would love to read the second book, even though this one was neatly finished up without any cliffhangers and can stand on it's own as a finished story. Thanks J.S. Donovan, I loved reading your book, well done! I look forward to reading your next book.
The book is just the right length for a quick day or two of reading. The characters are intriguing, the plot was exceptional, the settings were well developed. And did I mention that the book was impossible to put down, even when bedtime came and went? Well, it was a ghost story brilliantly told. All in all, I would love to read the second book, even though this one was neatly finished up without any cliffhangers and can stand on it's own as a finished story. Thanks J.S. Donovan, I loved reading your book, well done! I look forward to reading your next book.
October 30, 2017
The Haunting of Rachel Harroway is a quick read, but It had all the ingredients for a spooky story; a murder mystery, creepy strangers, an old house & a mother who was placed into a psych ward for going through the same thing as Rachel. Is Rachel actually seeing ghosts? Or is she going "crazy" just like her mother? How come her father & husband aren't seeing the same things she is?
Overall it's a fairly good read, but I think some more editing would really boost this book up to level I feel it could reach. I give this 3.5 stars. I'm definitely interested in seeing how the rest of the series progresses.
Overall it's a fairly good read, but I think some more editing would really boost this book up to level I feel it could reach. I give this 3.5 stars. I'm definitely interested in seeing how the rest of the series progresses.
June 30, 2017
Thank you!!!!!
Thank you so much for an exciting and vivid account of a haunting and for tying up all the loose ends in one book. I have started to dislike the book series that make you wait for an ending to a story that you've invested so !such time in, and having to wait til the next book before you know how the story ends. This type of series, where a complete story under oner cover that moves on to something brand new in the next, is definitely worth my precious time to read and keep reading. Thank you.
Thank you so much for an exciting and vivid account of a haunting and for tying up all the loose ends in one book. I have started to dislike the book series that make you wait for an ending to a story that you've invested so !such time in, and having to wait til the next book before you know how the story ends. This type of series, where a complete story under oner cover that moves on to something brand new in the next, is definitely worth my precious time to read and keep reading. Thank you.
July 29, 2017
A for captivating
I chose this book because of its intriguing synopsis; I was not disappointed. The first few pages pulled me into the story and I felt as though I couldn't stop reading - I didn't want to. Lead female character Rachael is being haunted by the murdered family who one lived in her home. I admire her determination and relentless work to solve what happed and why. I think I'll read the remaining books in this series. I want to see what the future has in store for Rachael.
I chose this book because of its intriguing synopsis; I was not disappointed. The first few pages pulled me into the story and I felt as though I couldn't stop reading - I didn't want to. Lead female character Rachael is being haunted by the murdered family who one lived in her home. I admire her determination and relentless work to solve what happed and why. I think I'll read the remaining books in this series. I want to see what the future has in store for Rachael.
December 12, 2017
I had gotten this book for free at some point, and as it's nearly Halloween, I thought I'd give it a try. Others mentioned the editorial errors, but said that they weren't distracting. I disagree. There were many wrong word errors, including many cases of "her" for "she" and "I" for "me". As it wasn't a long book, I did finish it, but I just can't say that I really enjoyed it. I did think that the story was spooky, but the actions of the "haunters" didn't really make sense to me. That coupled with the editorial issues is enough that I won't be continuing on with the series.
July 14, 2017
Orphan
J. S. Donovan has done an absolutely brilliant job with stirring The Haunting of Rachel Harroway!
If you love a good horror and mystery then I highly suggest that you read this book.
Rachel Harroway has either been cursed or blessed with " the gift" of seeing the dead.
This is a well written book with little errors. There is a certain flow that keeps you spellbound throughout the book.
J. S. Donovan has done an absolutely brilliant job with stirring The Haunting of Rachel Harroway!
If you love a good horror and mystery then I highly suggest that you read this book.
Rachel Harroway has either been cursed or blessed with " the gift" of seeing the dead.
This is a well written book with little errors. There is a certain flow that keeps you spellbound throughout the book.
July 21, 2017
I love it!
I really liked this book! It is a prequel for a series, I read it first. It was very well done aside from a few typos (which drive me nuts) but the story line was awesome! It's a quick read and it keeps you in suspense and the main character is very easy to relate too. I believe it probably lays the groundwork for the first book in the series. Looking forward to the next book. Read it you will like it!
I really liked this book! It is a prequel for a series, I read it first. It was very well done aside from a few typos (which drive me nuts) but the story line was awesome! It's a quick read and it keeps you in suspense and the main character is very easy to relate too. I believe it probably lays the groundwork for the first book in the series. Looking forward to the next book. Read it you will like it!
November 9, 2019
The Haunting of Rachel Harroway is like the Ghost whisperer in book form. As cheesy as some of the scenes were in this book, I was actually hooked from the beginning. The tragedy and all the information behind it that no one knew about.
Rachel has no choice but to deal with the ghost children in her new home. She ends up discovering they're not trying to hurt her... more like they need her help.
Rachel has no choice but to deal with the ghost children in her new home. She ends up discovering they're not trying to hurt her... more like they need her help.
April 22, 2020
I have come to really enjoy having the supernatural intertwined with my love of mystery novels. This one does not disappoint. The writing is very fluid and easy to read. I found myself very interested in the characters, especially Rachel who still seems to be finding herself in her late thirties.
I especially liked the twists and turns of the plot which kept me interested and ready to read the next book in the series.
This is a great bit of escapism in such an uncertain time.
I especially liked the twists and turns of the plot which kept me interested and ready to read the next book in the series.
This is a great bit of escapism in such an uncertain time.
July 4, 2017
Review at 4 stars
I loved the characters. The descriptive delivery of people and places was excellent. The story moved quickly and ended well. My only complaint are the many miss spelled words and misused words. Thus the proof reading/editing lacked professionalism. You are a good writer, stay with it.
I loved the characters. The descriptive delivery of people and places was excellent. The story moved quickly and ended well. My only complaint are the many miss spelled words and misused words. Thus the proof reading/editing lacked professionalism. You are a good writer, stay with it.
July 4, 2017
J. S. Donovans book, the haunting of rachel harroway is a refreshing and delitefiul ghost story. I was caught up at once the characters. Their lives and the shadows that surrounded them. I'm going to begin reading the next book right now. You wil
You will love the way you are pulled into. Rachel s investigation of events, and the way she finally wins.
You will love the way you are pulled into. Rachel s investigation of events, and the way she finally wins.
July 13, 2017
Totally not a typical book that I would pick but on a whim I started reading and could not put it down. I jumped to the conclusion that she was losing her mind and then flip flopped back & forth. I liked this book and was tough to set it aside to complete my work. I recommend it and I can just picture where it goes from here. She is really one strong woman. Try it you'll like it.
June 4, 2018
Haunting of Rachel Harroway book 0.
Great book!! Can’t wait to read the rest in this series!
My only complaint about this book is all of the typographical errors. I often found myself having to spend time figuring out what was wrong with the sentence before I could go on. Other than that, this was a wonderful read.
Great book!! Can’t wait to read the rest in this series!
My only complaint about this book is all of the typographical errors. I often found myself having to spend time figuring out what was wrong with the sentence before I could go on. Other than that, this was a wonderful read.
September 12, 2018
Haunting of Rachel Harroway: The beginning
This was one of the few books I read non stop until the end. Very good story line, lots of suspense, "ah" moments and surprises. I enjoyed this book from the first page to the last. I would highly recommend reading this book with the lights on!!!
This was one of the few books I read non stop until the end. Very good story line, lots of suspense, "ah" moments and surprises. I enjoyed this book from the first page to the last. I would highly recommend reading this book with the lights on!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews