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Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper #10
The Monster Museum
Just outside the small but colorful mountain resort town of Foxboro, Tennessee lies Dr. Weirdman's Mountain Museum of Monsters, Curiosities, and Ancient Mysteries. A tourist draw for earlier generations it offered travelers the amusement of touring unusual underground caves, and pseudo-scientific exhibits ranging from strange creatures to the supposed artifacts of lost civilizations.
Now the museum is a crumbling relic of an older age, fallen into disrepair. Its long-time owner has died, leaving it in the hands of a younger distant relative who knows nothing of how to run a failing tourist-trap of a museum, but who is desperate to make a living and provide for his own children.
The museum has a serious ghost problem, though, and Ellie Jordan is called in from Savannah to help. An unexpected old friend joins Ellie at the last moment so they can spend a snow-filled Christmas together in the mountains...if the ghosts of the restless dead don't turn the holidays into a horrific tragedy.
Now the museum is a crumbling relic of an older age, fallen into disrepair. Its long-time owner has died, leaving it in the hands of a younger distant relative who knows nothing of how to run a failing tourist-trap of a museum, but who is desperate to make a living and provide for his own children.
The museum has a serious ghost problem, though, and Ellie Jordan is called in from Savannah to help. An unexpected old friend joins Ellie at the last moment so they can spend a snow-filled Christmas together in the mountains...if the ghosts of the restless dead don't turn the holidays into a horrific tragedy.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2018
346 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Bryan
53 books1,035 followersJ.L. Bryan studied English literature at the University of Georgia and at Oxford, with a focus on English Renaissance and Romantic literature. He also studied screenwriting at UCLA. He lives in the metro Atlanta sprawl with his wife and son. He is the author of the Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper books and some other assorted novels like Inferno Park, The Unseen, Jenny Pox, and basically a lot of supernatural stories, some of it dark, some of it very dark, some of it less dark than that.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
December 19, 2018
The Monster Museum
By: J. L. Bryan
Narrated by: Carla Mercer-Meyer
Series: Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper, Book 10
This book takes Ellie to a creepy old museum with a hot and sexy guy with kids. Unfortunately she traveled with her ex-boyfriend and his sister. This story has lots of twists and surprises. Ending not what I liked. Oh well!
Narration was great as usual for these books, thanks!!!
By: J. L. Bryan
Narrated by: Carla Mercer-Meyer
Series: Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper, Book 10
This book takes Ellie to a creepy old museum with a hot and sexy guy with kids. Unfortunately she traveled with her ex-boyfriend and his sister. This story has lots of twists and surprises. Ending not what I liked. Oh well!
Narration was great as usual for these books, thanks!!!
August 24, 2018
Sometimes after ten books a series can go stale, get old, and become unoriginal. I'm happy to say that isn't the case with the Ellie Jordan series.
After ten books, if anything, it is even more original, creepy and exciting. Truly this has quickly become one of my all time favorites that I look forward to and eagerly await each new release because I always know I will get something unique, fun, and most importantly, something that keeps me on the edge of my seat and constantly looking around me to make sure nothing is lurking in the shadows.
Full of not only all the things that go bump in the night but cases and characters that are every bit as intriguing and interesting.
I love the direction this series turned. Without going into too much detail it had more of certain characters I was really hoping we would see again and even more so, the ghosts!
I loved the intense mystery not only about the museum and ghosts that were haunting it but Ellie's own ghosts, both mentally and physically. We get more background, more info on them all and I just soaked it up.
I love too, weirdly enough, that this one ended on a cliffhanger of sorts because, I really am excited about were the story is going to go from here and can't wait for the next book. I know it's going to be even more intense, scary and personal. Personal for Ellie and all the characters as they battle one of the worst ghosts they have ever come across. I just can't wait!
After ten books, if anything, it is even more original, creepy and exciting. Truly this has quickly become one of my all time favorites that I look forward to and eagerly await each new release because I always know I will get something unique, fun, and most importantly, something that keeps me on the edge of my seat and constantly looking around me to make sure nothing is lurking in the shadows.
Full of not only all the things that go bump in the night but cases and characters that are every bit as intriguing and interesting.
I love the direction this series turned. Without going into too much detail it had more of certain characters I was really hoping we would see again and even more so, the ghosts!
I loved the intense mystery not only about the museum and ghosts that were haunting it but Ellie's own ghosts, both mentally and physically. We get more background, more info on them all and I just soaked it up.
I love too, weirdly enough, that this one ended on a cliffhanger of sorts because, I really am excited about were the story is going to go from here and can't wait for the next book. I know it's going to be even more intense, scary and personal. Personal for Ellie and all the characters as they battle one of the worst ghosts they have ever come across. I just can't wait!
October 9, 2018
Four stars: A not so Happy Holidays at the haunted Monster Museum. Prepare for chills, thrills and a startling finale.
Ellie was planning on spending a quiet Christmas at home, but when she receives a desperate plea from a man in a Monster Museum in Tennessee, she takes the case as young children are involved. Surprisingly, an old friend decides to join her on her holiday trip. Once Ellie arrives at the museum, she learns of a terrifying ghost that looks like a snake man. What has Ellie gotten herself into?
What I Liked:
*The Ellie Jordan Ghost Trapper Series never seems to disappoint. I love that this series continues to evolve, and that is original. If you want a thrilling ghost series, this is the one to read. I can’t get enough.
*This installment is a little different from previous books. First of all, it takes place during the holidays. It was interesting to have Christmas cheer mixed with terrifying ghosts. The setting was also very different. This time, Ellie visits a Monster Museum with a ghost that appears to be reptilian in nature. How creepy is that? I liked the creepy, run down museum with its pseudo exhibits. It provided a creepy back drop.
*I was pleasantly surprised by Ellie’s new found humor. She makes some rather funny side comments and bad jokes and puns that cracked me up. I am continuing to enjoy Ellie’s evolution.
*I was completely surprised by the thrilling climax. The tension builds and builds as stunning revelations come forth. The mystery behind the Snake Man was particularly eye opening. I wasn’t expecting that! There is another big reveal, that I saw coming, but it was still a stunner. Then it explodes with a terrifying conclusion.
*Even though this one ended with a cliffhanger, I wasn’t disappointed because first, Mr. Bryan expects to release the next book some time late Fall/ Winter of 2018, and it fit the story.
And The Not So Much:
*I missed Stacey and Jacob. The two of them were visiting Stacey’s family for the holidays. The book wasn’t the same without Stacey and Jacob.
*One of the characters, who shall remain nameless in this review to prevent spoilers, completely annoyed me throughout. There was a good reason for the behavior, and because of the way this character acted, it was easy for me to figure out what was going to happen well in advance. I was surprised that Ellie didn’t clue in. I was so irritated by this character that it took away some of my enjoyment.
*I wasn’t a fan of the pseudo love triangle vibe that was going on in the book. It was annoying.
This latest installment in the Ellie Jordan Ghost Trapper Series was another thriller. I enjoyed the creepy setting, the ghosts and the thrilling climax. This one presents a unique ghost, and an ending that will have you clamoring for the next book. Have you tried the Ellie Jordan series?
I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
Ellie was planning on spending a quiet Christmas at home, but when she receives a desperate plea from a man in a Monster Museum in Tennessee, she takes the case as young children are involved. Surprisingly, an old friend decides to join her on her holiday trip. Once Ellie arrives at the museum, she learns of a terrifying ghost that looks like a snake man. What has Ellie gotten herself into?
What I Liked:
*The Ellie Jordan Ghost Trapper Series never seems to disappoint. I love that this series continues to evolve, and that is original. If you want a thrilling ghost series, this is the one to read. I can’t get enough.
*This installment is a little different from previous books. First of all, it takes place during the holidays. It was interesting to have Christmas cheer mixed with terrifying ghosts. The setting was also very different. This time, Ellie visits a Monster Museum with a ghost that appears to be reptilian in nature. How creepy is that? I liked the creepy, run down museum with its pseudo exhibits. It provided a creepy back drop.
*I was pleasantly surprised by Ellie’s new found humor. She makes some rather funny side comments and bad jokes and puns that cracked me up. I am continuing to enjoy Ellie’s evolution.
*I was completely surprised by the thrilling climax. The tension builds and builds as stunning revelations come forth. The mystery behind the Snake Man was particularly eye opening. I wasn’t expecting that! There is another big reveal, that I saw coming, but it was still a stunner. Then it explodes with a terrifying conclusion.
*Even though this one ended with a cliffhanger, I wasn’t disappointed because first, Mr. Bryan expects to release the next book some time late Fall/ Winter of 2018, and it fit the story.
And The Not So Much:
*I missed Stacey and Jacob. The two of them were visiting Stacey’s family for the holidays. The book wasn’t the same without Stacey and Jacob.
*One of the characters, who shall remain nameless in this review to prevent spoilers, completely annoyed me throughout. There was a good reason for the behavior, and because of the way this character acted, it was easy for me to figure out what was going to happen well in advance. I was surprised that Ellie didn’t clue in. I was so irritated by this character that it took away some of my enjoyment.
*I wasn’t a fan of the pseudo love triangle vibe that was going on in the book. It was annoying.
This latest installment in the Ellie Jordan Ghost Trapper Series was another thriller. I enjoyed the creepy setting, the ghosts and the thrilling climax. This one presents a unique ghost, and an ending that will have you clamoring for the next book. Have you tried the Ellie Jordan series?
I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
November 25, 2018
I look forward to the email arriving with a copy of the latest instalment of this series, this one was an unexpected surprise but one that was worth it. I love a good spooky book, and with the Ellie Jordan series you never know what will happen with each new instalment, and The Monster Museum definitly keeps you on your toes.
Ellie is contacted, just before Christmas regarding a haunting in a museum. Ellie is initially delaying this investigation until she realises that children are involved, and against he better judgement of Stacey plans to go it alone to start the initial assessment. But Ellie soon finds herself with the company of Michael and Melissa, who plan to make a Christmas holiday out of it.
I loved the contrasting elements to The Monster Museum, the setting is an idyllic little town, covered with a blanket of snow ready for Christmas, yet the haunting itself is as far away from idyllic as it can get. It's creepy, the setting is possibly the strangest setting so far, and the added twist on things just puts this haunting into the 'no way I'm going there' category.
I liked how Ellie is committed to her work, and how she is determined to make sure these children get a good Christmas. I enjoyed seeing the children together, as well as what they do individually and how it's linked to the haunting. The story behind some of the objects was creepy but fits the setting, real or not. The town itself sounds like a perfect town, but things definitly don't go as perfectly planned as hoped, for both the haunting and the 'Christmas holiday'.
I liked that we get to see the friendship between Michael and Ellie start up again, and seeing them try to make their friendship work again. Seeing more of Melissa was both good, as well as odd, and my ideas brewing away in my head were so far off the mark about why it's so odd. However I did miss Stacey and her dose of comic relief, I'm hoping she comes back to help Ellie after her time away.
The Monster Museum was a book I really enjoyed. I loved the creepy factor, the surprise ghosts, but I also did not see it ending the way it does...and that just leaves me desperate for the next instalment.
Ellie is contacted, just before Christmas regarding a haunting in a museum. Ellie is initially delaying this investigation until she realises that children are involved, and against he better judgement of Stacey plans to go it alone to start the initial assessment. But Ellie soon finds herself with the company of Michael and Melissa, who plan to make a Christmas holiday out of it.
I loved the contrasting elements to The Monster Museum, the setting is an idyllic little town, covered with a blanket of snow ready for Christmas, yet the haunting itself is as far away from idyllic as it can get. It's creepy, the setting is possibly the strangest setting so far, and the added twist on things just puts this haunting into the 'no way I'm going there' category.
I liked how Ellie is committed to her work, and how she is determined to make sure these children get a good Christmas. I enjoyed seeing the children together, as well as what they do individually and how it's linked to the haunting. The story behind some of the objects was creepy but fits the setting, real or not. The town itself sounds like a perfect town, but things definitly don't go as perfectly planned as hoped, for both the haunting and the 'Christmas holiday'.
I liked that we get to see the friendship between Michael and Ellie start up again, and seeing them try to make their friendship work again. Seeing more of Melissa was both good, as well as odd, and my ideas brewing away in my head were so far off the mark about why it's so odd. However I did miss Stacey and her dose of comic relief, I'm hoping she comes back to help Ellie after her time away.
The Monster Museum was a book I really enjoyed. I loved the creepy factor, the surprise ghosts, but I also did not see it ending the way it does...and that just leaves me desperate for the next instalment.
September 6, 2018
I have been known to rave about Ellie Jordan novels, frankly I love them, and I had this one on pre-order. Unfortunately, I found this one disappointing and frustrating, let me tell you why.
I love Ellie Jordan novels because they are exciting and mysterious spook hunts with a side of personal tension for the main characters, each adventure has a beginning and an end, and then there may or may not be a background arc that continues into the next book or two. Well, in this one, I was left with an impression that it's more personal angst for Ellie with a tiny side of ghosts.
Each story focuses on a haunted location, with Ellie and friends solving the mystery of who the ghost is and how to get rid of them and the important bit - they solve the problem, that's the satisfying ending. Well, in this book, that gets lost in two things:
- Ellie obsessing about her attraction to two men - now Ellie has a tendency to brood about relationships, but this goes way beyond that and just gets frustrating, it doesn't really have a point, or take the plot anywhere and doesn't get handled realistically at the end
- so that brings me to the second thing, the end, which is swamped by a huge drama mostly unrelated to the haunted location that diminishes the build up and mystery to a point where I thought it was all rather pathetically handled, undervaluing the trauma and drama of the haunted location and its inhabitants .
This felt like a good story (The Monster Museum piece) sacrificed to the 'background' arc, which took control (not very originally IMO - spotted it from the moment it was hinted at and just hoped throughout the book we weren't going in that repetitive direction, but we did) and left a cliffhanger that really got me annoyed (I don't like cliffhangers at the best of times, but when it undermines any satisfaction in the solution to the mystery at the heart of the title of the book, I get stompy).
Please, please, please, make the next book better, I don't want to stop reading what is one of my favourite series ever.
I love Ellie Jordan novels because they are exciting and mysterious spook hunts with a side of personal tension for the main characters, each adventure has a beginning and an end, and then there may or may not be a background arc that continues into the next book or two. Well, in this one, I was left with an impression that it's more personal angst for Ellie with a tiny side of ghosts.
Each story focuses on a haunted location, with Ellie and friends solving the mystery of who the ghost is and how to get rid of them and the important bit - they solve the problem, that's the satisfying ending. Well, in this book, that gets lost in two things:
- Ellie obsessing about her attraction to two men - now Ellie has a tendency to brood about relationships, but this goes way beyond that and just gets frustrating, it doesn't really have a point, or take the plot anywhere and doesn't get handled realistically at the end
- so that brings me to the second thing, the end, which is swamped by a huge drama mostly unrelated to the haunted location that diminishes the build up and mystery to a point where I thought it was all rather pathetically handled, undervaluing the trauma and drama of the haunted location and its inhabitants .
This felt like a good story (The Monster Museum piece) sacrificed to the 'background' arc, which took control (not very originally IMO - spotted it from the moment it was hinted at and just hoped throughout the book we weren't going in that repetitive direction, but we did) and left a cliffhanger that really got me annoyed (I don't like cliffhangers at the best of times, but when it undermines any satisfaction in the solution to the mystery at the heart of the title of the book, I get stompy).
Please, please, please, make the next book better, I don't want to stop reading what is one of my favourite series ever.
September 17, 2018
Ten books into this series and I am sure by now I am sounding like a broken record with my love for it. But guys, this was another fantastic addition to this phenomenal series. I mean seriously. 10 books in and it continues to gets better and more creepier. I honestly cannot see an end in sight and that is fine by me.
I think I have loved this one more than the others because we saw a new side of Ellie. She is questioning a lot of her life choices and the direction her life has gone. Would she have chose a different path had Anton Clay not have interfered in trying to burn her alive and killing her parents?
We also have Ellie and Michael talking again. Will they be able to work things out since Michael broke up with her? Or will his sister cause trouble for them? I really loved all that transpired in this book between the two of them.
I loved the whole idea this story surrounded: a museum full of monsters and oddities. It was simply fascinating. I did, however, miss Stacey and Jacob not making an appearance. Here’s to hoping we see them in the next book.
5 Stars!
I think I have loved this one more than the others because we saw a new side of Ellie. She is questioning a lot of her life choices and the direction her life has gone. Would she have chose a different path had Anton Clay not have interfered in trying to burn her alive and killing her parents?
We also have Ellie and Michael talking again. Will they be able to work things out since Michael broke up with her? Or will his sister cause trouble for them? I really loved all that transpired in this book between the two of them.
I loved the whole idea this story surrounded: a museum full of monsters and oddities. It was simply fascinating. I did, however, miss Stacey and Jacob not making an appearance. Here’s to hoping we see them in the next book.
5 Stars!
August 28, 2018
4.5 - 5 stars...
Have you ever read a book and had the urge to jump in and warn the characters because you figured something out before they did? A life or death something? Something that they really, really needed to know? Yeah, that’s pretty much how I felt at least halfway through The Monster Museum and there was absolutely nothing I could do about it. That realization was almost as terrifying as the monsters Ellie was attempting to protect her clients agains. *sigh*
Running head long into danger is nothing new to Ellie Jordan. She pretty much does it all the time, but this time was different. This time she had no back-up. At least no back-up that she felt comfortable taking advantage of. That “old friend” that is hinted at in the description is Michael. And before you get upset about me “spoiling” anything, it’s revealed in the first chapter. Those of you who have followed the series know that Michael and Ellie aren’t exactly on the best of terms, at least they haven’t been. I know that when things were good between them, he was good for Ellie. I’m still not sure how I feel about him though. He was pretty hard on Ellie, but there’s also no one who’s harder on her than Ellie herself.
There was a lot going on even beyond the ghost trapping in The Monster Museum. We get a lot of Ellie’s personal feelings in this story that readers don’t normally get. Ellie would be the first to tell anyone that she doesn’t do relationships. Her job is too dangerous and it’s not the kind of thing she can leave at the office. Her emotions are jumbled and she doesn’t even trust them most of the time. She spends a lot of time in this story doing some self analysis and readers got to see a whole different side to her.
Heart stopping danger and an atmosphere that was more than a little spooky kept the pages turning and then… well, you’ll just have to read The Monster Museum to find out. This series is not for the faint of heart, so consider yourself warned. And even though you can’t really call the ending of The Monster Museum a cliff hanger, the danger is far from over and there’s a lot more in store for Ellie and company. Although I liked the one on one time spent with her, I’m hoping that the rest of the cast of characters returns for the next installment. FYI, if you haven’t started this series yet, the first book, Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper is currently FREE at Amazon. 😉
I received The Monster Museum in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Have you ever read a book and had the urge to jump in and warn the characters because you figured something out before they did? A life or death something? Something that they really, really needed to know? Yeah, that’s pretty much how I felt at least halfway through The Monster Museum and there was absolutely nothing I could do about it. That realization was almost as terrifying as the monsters Ellie was attempting to protect her clients agains. *sigh*
Running head long into danger is nothing new to Ellie Jordan. She pretty much does it all the time, but this time was different. This time she had no back-up. At least no back-up that she felt comfortable taking advantage of. That “old friend” that is hinted at in the description is Michael. And before you get upset about me “spoiling” anything, it’s revealed in the first chapter. Those of you who have followed the series know that Michael and Ellie aren’t exactly on the best of terms, at least they haven’t been. I know that when things were good between them, he was good for Ellie. I’m still not sure how I feel about him though. He was pretty hard on Ellie, but there’s also no one who’s harder on her than Ellie herself.
There was a lot going on even beyond the ghost trapping in The Monster Museum. We get a lot of Ellie’s personal feelings in this story that readers don’t normally get. Ellie would be the first to tell anyone that she doesn’t do relationships. Her job is too dangerous and it’s not the kind of thing she can leave at the office. Her emotions are jumbled and she doesn’t even trust them most of the time. She spends a lot of time in this story doing some self analysis and readers got to see a whole different side to her.
Heart stopping danger and an atmosphere that was more than a little spooky kept the pages turning and then… well, you’ll just have to read The Monster Museum to find out. This series is not for the faint of heart, so consider yourself warned. And even though you can’t really call the ending of The Monster Museum a cliff hanger, the danger is far from over and there’s a lot more in store for Ellie and company. Although I liked the one on one time spent with her, I’m hoping that the rest of the cast of characters returns for the next installment. FYI, if you haven’t started this series yet, the first book, Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper is currently FREE at Amazon. 😉
I received The Monster Museum in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 25, 2018
Excitement all around
Absolutely loved this book. Kept me on the edge of my seat. Couldn't put the book down. Can't wait for the book to come out. A must read.
Absolutely loved this book. Kept me on the edge of my seat. Couldn't put the book down. Can't wait for the book to come out. A must read.
August 25, 2018
Love 💘
I am absolutely in love with this series, I can't wait for more! Ellie deserves happiness, I liked Ryan and his children , hope to see more of them in the next book!
I am absolutely in love with this series, I can't wait for more! Ellie deserves happiness, I liked Ryan and his children , hope to see more of them in the next book!
August 25, 2018
Amazing!
I absolutely loved this book! Full of many twists and turns ! I can't wait to read the next one!
I absolutely loved this book! Full of many twists and turns ! I can't wait to read the next one!
March 12, 2023
Ellie's life is certainly a bumpy ride. I mean, the issues with her job get ironed out, but her boyfriend is possessed and ends up breaking up with her (understandable, really. I mean, the guy went through A LOT during that time.). She's alone and sort of resigned to that and then AND THEN (please read that dramatically, because I said it REALLY dramatically in my head when I wrote it) Michael comes to terms with his possession and now he's looking to see if there's still a place for him in Ellie's life.
Which I'm cool with, in case you're wondering. Ellie needs people and Michael was good for her. The unfortunate possession was sucktastic and I get that he needed time to work things out in his head. Michael's a pretty stand up guy and I hope things stick between him and Ellie.
On the ghost hunting front, this one was a sort of problematic job. Not because of the ghosts necessarily, but because Ellie's guilt and sense of obligation led her to do things on her own she probably shouldn't have done. Plus, there's a little something going on in the background that affects things in a BIG way.
But that's a story for another book.
Ellie takes chances here. With her usual cohorts spending time away for the holidays, Ellie feels very alone. She might have a certain someone close by, but she's determined to do everything she can to protect those she cares about from the ghosties who haunt her and that puts her in a vulnerable position.
For a ghost trapper, that's not a great place to be.
THINGS are happening here. BIG THINGS. I'm dying (figuratively) to see what happens next.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Which I'm cool with, in case you're wondering. Ellie needs people and Michael was good for her. The unfortunate possession was sucktastic and I get that he needed time to work things out in his head. Michael's a pretty stand up guy and I hope things stick between him and Ellie.
On the ghost hunting front, this one was a sort of problematic job. Not because of the ghosts necessarily, but because Ellie's guilt and sense of obligation led her to do things on her own she probably shouldn't have done. Plus, there's a little something going on in the background that affects things in a BIG way.
But that's a story for another book.
Ellie takes chances here. With her usual cohorts spending time away for the holidays, Ellie feels very alone. She might have a certain someone close by, but she's determined to do everything she can to protect those she cares about from the ghosties who haunt her and that puts her in a vulnerable position.
For a ghost trapper, that's not a great place to be.
THINGS are happening here. BIG THINGS. I'm dying (figuratively) to see what happens next.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
October 7, 2018
Ellie never does an investigation by herself. That’s the number one rule. She tells herself she’s only going to go and see what the deal is. Do some research. Maybe set up some equipment. And wait for the rest of her team. But there isn’t enough time to wait. Seriously bad stuff is occurring at Dr. Weirdman’s Mountain Museum of Monsters, Curiosities, and Ancient Mysteries. Young ones are caught in the middle. They’ll all need lady luck on their side to make it through this alive.
I’ve been reading this series from the beginning and it never gets old. Ellie is my hero. She knows what’s out there, lurking unseen, waiting to harm the innocent. It’s her job to stop that from happening. People she loves have been hurt, and she’s got enough baggage to slow down a speeding train. But, she never hesitates to help someone in need.
Something I’ve been hoping for just might happen this time. Ellie used to have a significant other until he was possessed by an evil entity and she almost had to kill him. It seems he’s ready to talk, but she’s got a lot of guilt. Still loving him doesn’t mean she’s ready to let him back into her life. Who says it will ever be safe to care about someone that much again. Her life and that of those around her will always be at risk as long as she keeps doing what she does. I’d love for Ellie to have love in her life again.
One seriously creepy lizard thing creeps through the dark hallways. Stranger and stranger events happen. The suspense builds. I quickly devour every sentence, until I reach the end and immediately start thinking about what the next book might bring.
As long as the author keeps writing this series, I’ll surely keep reading it.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
I’ve been reading this series from the beginning and it never gets old. Ellie is my hero. She knows what’s out there, lurking unseen, waiting to harm the innocent. It’s her job to stop that from happening. People she loves have been hurt, and she’s got enough baggage to slow down a speeding train. But, she never hesitates to help someone in need.
Something I’ve been hoping for just might happen this time. Ellie used to have a significant other until he was possessed by an evil entity and she almost had to kill him. It seems he’s ready to talk, but she’s got a lot of guilt. Still loving him doesn’t mean she’s ready to let him back into her life. Who says it will ever be safe to care about someone that much again. Her life and that of those around her will always be at risk as long as she keeps doing what she does. I’d love for Ellie to have love in her life again.
One seriously creepy lizard thing creeps through the dark hallways. Stranger and stranger events happen. The suspense builds. I quickly devour every sentence, until I reach the end and immediately start thinking about what the next book might bring.
As long as the author keeps writing this series, I’ll surely keep reading it.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
September 14, 2018
Reviewed on Lili Lost in a Book
Ellie Jordan’s latest case takes her to Foxboro, Tennessee where there is a museum called Dr. Weirdman's Mountain Museum of Monsters, Curiosities, and Ancient Mysteries that is apparently haunted, for real. It’s almost Christmas but Ellie decides to take the case because there’s children involved and she’s worried about their safety. That’s the kind of amazing person she is.
Anyway, she is joined on this trip by two old friends and it was very interesting. And I’m glad it happened, otherwise Ellie would’ve spent Christmas alone. Calvin, her kind-of father figure and former boss, retired and moved away. Stacey and Jacob are away on holiday visiting his family. And she’s still broken up with Michael.
It’s sad because it’s true. She’s such a good person, but her job is very dangerous. And in this book she was very funny and I loved it, but I also understood that it was a sort of coping mechanism, and it just hurts my heart.
Amidst all this, Ellie is also still worrying about Anton, as she should cause he’s super dangerous. But lately he’s been oddly quiet.
So the client has twin girls who share this really uncanny connection, and apparently Ellie has twin cousins who are like this too. Well, I have twin brothers and they are nothing like this. They’re lame. Lol. This is random, I know, but I just find twins fascinating especially when they have a creepy connection like this! (My brothers aren't very fascinating. Lol.)
Anyway, I very much enjoyed this book! I liked the new setting with the weird museum, and the ghosts were very interesting too. Especially the main lizard guy. We get this ghostly flashback and it was awful! I mean, It was great, but the situation was awful! It was very interesting to see where this ghost came from. There was also a little bit of Egyptian mythology going on, and you know how much I love mythology! The writing was great too—I loved all the creepy imagery! I did miss Stacey and Jacob though. This was a solo job for Ellie even though they told her to wait. But it definitely qualified as an emergency when kids are involved. I just love Ellie.
This book ends in a bit of a cliffhanger, but the case in this book does get wrapped up, so I really liked that. I cannot wait for the next book! This is one of my favorite series and I cannot recommend it enough!
Ellie Jordan’s latest case takes her to Foxboro, Tennessee where there is a museum called Dr. Weirdman's Mountain Museum of Monsters, Curiosities, and Ancient Mysteries that is apparently haunted, for real. It’s almost Christmas but Ellie decides to take the case because there’s children involved and she’s worried about their safety. That’s the kind of amazing person she is.
Anyway, she is joined on this trip by two old friends and it was very interesting. And I’m glad it happened, otherwise Ellie would’ve spent Christmas alone. Calvin, her kind-of father figure and former boss, retired and moved away. Stacey and Jacob are away on holiday visiting his family. And she’s still broken up with Michael.
Ellie: “I’m kind of a hazard to the people around me.”
Calvin: “That sounds like an excuse for being alone the rest of your life.”
It’s sad because it’s true. She’s such a good person, but her job is very dangerous. And in this book she was very funny and I loved it, but I also understood that it was a sort of coping mechanism, and it just hurts my heart.
Amidst all this, Ellie is also still worrying about Anton, as she should cause he’s super dangerous. But lately he’s been oddly quiet.
So the client has twin girls who share this really uncanny connection, and apparently Ellie has twin cousins who are like this too. Well, I have twin brothers and they are nothing like this. They’re lame. Lol. This is random, I know, but I just find twins fascinating especially when they have a creepy connection like this! (My brothers aren't very fascinating. Lol.)
Anyway, I very much enjoyed this book! I liked the new setting with the weird museum, and the ghosts were very interesting too. Especially the main lizard guy. We get this ghostly flashback and it was awful! I mean, It was great, but the situation was awful! It was very interesting to see where this ghost came from. There was also a little bit of Egyptian mythology going on, and you know how much I love mythology! The writing was great too—I loved all the creepy imagery! I did miss Stacey and Jacob though. This was a solo job for Ellie even though they told her to wait. But it definitely qualified as an emergency when kids are involved. I just love Ellie.
This book ends in a bit of a cliffhanger, but the case in this book does get wrapped up, so I really liked that. I cannot wait for the next book! This is one of my favorite series and I cannot recommend it enough!
August 4, 2020
The Monster Museum was sooo creepy! I read this one so fast haha. I will say that my heart goes out to Ellie, seeing glimpses of a life she could have had...I can see her having that life with Ryan.
I'm so ready for Clay to be brought down, who else was just mad at him? I need to Stacy and Jacob to show up fast in the next book!
As much as I don't think Michael is the right one for Ellie, I mean there are clearly signs. I think we can all agree Michael has really stuck with Ellie ...considering what he's been put through.
I'm so ready for Clay to be brought down, who else was just mad at him? I need to Stacy and Jacob to show up fast in the next book!
As much as I don't think Michael is the right one for Ellie, I mean there are clearly signs. I think we can all agree Michael has really stuck with Ellie ...considering what he's been put through.
November 1, 2018
Nooooooooo!!
What a horrible ending! (cliffhanger and other reasons)
Despite the ending, the story and side characters in this one were excellent. I also loved Ellie's growth in this story which pleasently surprised me after the last installment's stagnation.
What a horrible ending! (cliffhanger and other reasons)
Despite the ending, the story and side characters in this one were excellent. I also loved Ellie's growth in this story which pleasently surprised me after the last installment's stagnation.
January 19, 2019
Very disappointing and weak storyline
I found this book very disappointing and the story was extremely weak. Ellie's character was totally unbelievable, rushing off to a job at Xmas was ridiculous and the constant reference to her nemesis was boring. I think she needs therapy and to move on with her life before she loses what little spark she has.
I found this book very disappointing and the story was extremely weak. Ellie's character was totally unbelievable, rushing off to a job at Xmas was ridiculous and the constant reference to her nemesis was boring. I think she needs therapy and to move on with her life before she loses what little spark she has.
October 19, 2018
Another entertaining book in this series. Great setting in the monster museum. There was a lot going on this book and it needed on a bit of a cliffhanger. I also missed Stacy and Jacob in this one. I love the dynamic between her and Ellie.
June 4, 2025
I don’t like Ellie. She makes stupid choices in almost every book up to this one. She seems abrasive (as opposed to awkward). Really, she needs therapy and to get on with her life. Being a ghost hunter is not “exorcising her past” just belaboring it.
I get that ghosts are scary. I mean, really I do - I’ve been freaking out about cold spots and hot spots and what-was-that?! out of the corner of my eye stuff since I started this series. I’m a horror whimp and I’m ok with that. But … it’s Ellie’s job and she’s been doing it to some extent since she was 15. Lots of people have scary jobs with scary things that biologically cause adrenaline spikes … but they get used to it. That’s how humans work. Why doesn’t Ellie have that calm by this point?
From reading reviews, I see a lot of people don’t like Michael. I do. He seems like a nice, mature guy that also happens to be hot :p but regardless of whether I liked him as a character or not, what was up with Ellie and the client in this book? Her level of focus/desire for a guy she just met … especially while still trying to figure things out with Michael AND it was her client, was bothersome and makes me like her even less.
The plot was stupid and obvious. I don’t appreciate that it was a cliff hanger, and I don’t appreciate how marginalized the actual haunting was (was it even fully resolved?).
I’m tired of Anton, and I’m tired of Ellie’s obsession with him. I get why she would be, but once again: therapy! I hope he’s finished in the next book. I hope Ellie matures with the removal of the ghost who destroyed her childhood and apparently stopped all further mental/emotional development.
One positive- the author does a good job at creating jump-scares in a written format. That can’t be easy!
I don’t know if I’ll keep reading the series. Maybe because the ghosts’ stories are interesting.
I get that ghosts are scary. I mean, really I do - I’ve been freaking out about cold spots and hot spots and what-was-that?! out of the corner of my eye stuff since I started this series. I’m a horror whimp and I’m ok with that. But … it’s Ellie’s job and she’s been doing it to some extent since she was 15. Lots of people have scary jobs with scary things that biologically cause adrenaline spikes … but they get used to it. That’s how humans work. Why doesn’t Ellie have that calm by this point?
From reading reviews, I see a lot of people don’t like Michael. I do. He seems like a nice, mature guy that also happens to be hot :p but regardless of whether I liked him as a character or not, what was up with Ellie and the client in this book? Her level of focus/desire for a guy she just met … especially while still trying to figure things out with Michael AND it was her client, was bothersome and makes me like her even less.
The plot was stupid and obvious. I don’t appreciate that it was a cliff hanger, and I don’t appreciate how marginalized the actual haunting was (was it even fully resolved?).
I’m tired of Anton, and I’m tired of Ellie’s obsession with him. I get why she would be, but once again: therapy! I hope he’s finished in the next book. I hope Ellie matures with the removal of the ghost who destroyed her childhood and apparently stopped all further mental/emotional development.
One positive- the author does a good job at creating jump-scares in a written format. That can’t be easy!
I don’t know if I’ll keep reading the series. Maybe because the ghosts’ stories are interesting.
September 23, 2018
Fabulous BUTTTTTT
Ok so as usual Ellie does not disappoint BUT!! Yes there’s a but.... I feel like this book took a hard left turn. I’m so glad Anton came back (and with a vengeance) but I feel like her use of “Clay” was way out of left field. She has never called him that or even referred to him as such, or maybe I’m losing by my mind. Also where the hell did all the other douche b’s go!? What happened to the company who bought out Calvin!? What happened to all her stupid paper work and scary Inga!? (Yeah I know that’s not her name but it really escapes me right now.) how is it that Ellie just takes off on her own and goes hunting all on her lonesome on Christmas and no one says a word about it? Seems unlikely they would let this happen since they were keeping such an eye on her previously. She doesn’t even mention them once in this book. Not once.
There was a real problem with consistence with the buy out since she’s kind of resentful about that in the other books. And Stacey and Jacob seem like afterthoughts. The whole ending was totally rushed with Ryan. I know this book was super long and I loved it because it was very worth it but it felt rushed at the end. And Melissa just vanishing like that.... not even a charred piece of wood in her wake.... totally lame.
Ok so as usual Ellie does not disappoint BUT!! Yes there’s a but.... I feel like this book took a hard left turn. I’m so glad Anton came back (and with a vengeance) but I feel like her use of “Clay” was way out of left field. She has never called him that or even referred to him as such, or maybe I’m losing by my mind. Also where the hell did all the other douche b’s go!? What happened to the company who bought out Calvin!? What happened to all her stupid paper work and scary Inga!? (Yeah I know that’s not her name but it really escapes me right now.) how is it that Ellie just takes off on her own and goes hunting all on her lonesome on Christmas and no one says a word about it? Seems unlikely they would let this happen since they were keeping such an eye on her previously. She doesn’t even mention them once in this book. Not once.
There was a real problem with consistence with the buy out since she’s kind of resentful about that in the other books. And Stacey and Jacob seem like afterthoughts. The whole ending was totally rushed with Ryan. I know this book was super long and I loved it because it was very worth it but it felt rushed at the end. And Melissa just vanishing like that.... not even a charred piece of wood in her wake.... totally lame.
December 27, 2018
A creepy Christmas tale
Another Ellie story over and I really pray ( to JL Bryan, of course) that the conclusion of this story is not going to be the end of the series...please!!! I could not put this story down.
Once again Ellie's expertise is called upon, this time to get rid of a scary spirit in a rather haunted museum of monster exhibits. Ellie is with a surprise companion...I'll give nothing away but it will make some very happy. All I know is I wouldn't spend one moment alone in that place...not ever. Creepy, weird and down right dangerous! Ellie is on the case and determined to rid the place of all things ghostly because there are innocent children involved. I found this family really entertaining, especially the cute dad.
There are really two mysteries at work in this tale and I sort of worked out part of it long before Ellie. That just made the story more exciting because I felt like shouting at Ellie to 'watch your back!'
There is a cliff hanger ending and I be waiting impatiently for the next book. JL Bryan, your character Ellie is seriously becoming one of my favourites along with Kate Daniels ( sadly missed) and Mercy Thompson!
Another Ellie story over and I really pray ( to JL Bryan, of course) that the conclusion of this story is not going to be the end of the series...please!!! I could not put this story down.
Once again Ellie's expertise is called upon, this time to get rid of a scary spirit in a rather haunted museum of monster exhibits. Ellie is with a surprise companion...I'll give nothing away but it will make some very happy. All I know is I wouldn't spend one moment alone in that place...not ever. Creepy, weird and down right dangerous! Ellie is on the case and determined to rid the place of all things ghostly because there are innocent children involved. I found this family really entertaining, especially the cute dad.
There are really two mysteries at work in this tale and I sort of worked out part of it long before Ellie. That just made the story more exciting because I felt like shouting at Ellie to 'watch your back!'
There is a cliff hanger ending and I be waiting impatiently for the next book. JL Bryan, your character Ellie is seriously becoming one of my favourites along with Kate Daniels ( sadly missed) and Mercy Thompson!
February 25, 2022
So, a spoiler to start with .
The Monster Museum has Ellie on a ghost hunt on her own, but travelling with Michael and Melissa.
Unpopular opinion alert... I don't particularly like Ellie and Michael as a couple, I actually thought she had more chemistry with Nicholas and I thought for a moment there was a spark between her and Jacob at the theatre in Lullaby, but Ellie and Michael don't work for me.
So, I enjoyed the parts of The Monster Museum when Ellie was working best. This was a creepy ghost story but not one of my favourites.
The Monster Museum has Ellie on a ghost hunt on her own, but travelling with Michael and Melissa.
Unpopular opinion alert... I don't particularly like Ellie and Michael as a couple, I actually thought she had more chemistry with Nicholas and I thought for a moment there was a spark between her and Jacob at the theatre in Lullaby, but Ellie and Michael don't work for me.
So, I enjoyed the parts of The Monster Museum when Ellie was working best. This was a creepy ghost story but not one of my favourites.
March 4, 2022
3 1/2 stars. Genuinely creepy horror museum, even if most of the props set up in it don't have payoff in the story.
Guess we get to read on and find out, hey.
Guess we get to read on and find out, hey.
February 16, 2021
Despite the 3 stars, I did like this book. There were two things, though, that diminished my enjoyment of this otherwise-amazing series. For one, not much happened in the first half of the book. Still en enjoyable read because I like the characters, but didn’t keep me as engaged as usual. Also, no Stacey and Jacob in this one, which I found I missed. The second thing is Melissa. It’s extremely obvious from the very beginning that she is possessed by Clay. What I found hard to swallow is that Ellie, who usually jumps to (mostly correct) conclusions based on the most minimal evidence does not even consider this possibility. I found that extremely hard to believe to the point of it being distracting. I mean, REALLY??? She’s been chasing this ghost for 10 years, knows he is missing, knows how he made Michael act when he was possessed and yet having Melissa acting the same way is totally overlooked. Anyway, still love the series, tough!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2020
Worst of the Series
I'm sorry; I enjoy this author's Ellie series, but a quarter of the way through chapter 34, I was done. I really wanted to muddle through it, but just slightly skimmed to the last pages. I was frankly astounded that I almost wanted to waste my time reading to the end.
Big fans of this series will undoubtedly understand why I write this, and because I will not indulge in accidental spoilers, but I thought, from the title of this book, I was in for a great ride.
Unfortunately, fans will now be subjected to some more Anton foolery ( no spoiler; look at the title of the next book in this series) that is a continuation of this book, and frankly, I 'm not sure if I care to continue. For the sake of this author, I might just give it a shot.
I'm sorry; I enjoy this author's Ellie series, but a quarter of the way through chapter 34, I was done. I really wanted to muddle through it, but just slightly skimmed to the last pages. I was frankly astounded that I almost wanted to waste my time reading to the end.
Big fans of this series will undoubtedly understand why I write this, and because I will not indulge in accidental spoilers, but I thought, from the title of this book, I was in for a great ride.
Unfortunately, fans will now be subjected to some more Anton foolery ( no spoiler; look at the title of the next book in this series) that is a continuation of this book, and frankly, I 'm not sure if I care to continue. For the sake of this author, I might just give it a shot.
September 13, 2020
Series turned another new corner. For now, Eeh
This series has the habit of temporary evolution, snatching progress back like the author is carving different directions to choose from to get to the end of the road. I wish Ellie had gone to staceys families. It could have been fun. The characters are starting to look stupid. These are intelligent folks I’m rolling my eyes at. Mellisa.. duh truck.. duh check on her college fund..duh. Does Ellie really think clay would kill her then die happily ever after, really? She’s the problem. Definitely a Harry Potter theme. I just hope I keep getting good stories along the way.
This series has the habit of temporary evolution, snatching progress back like the author is carving different directions to choose from to get to the end of the road. I wish Ellie had gone to staceys families. It could have been fun. The characters are starting to look stupid. These are intelligent folks I’m rolling my eyes at. Mellisa.. duh truck.. duh check on her college fund..duh. Does Ellie really think clay would kill her then die happily ever after, really? She’s the problem. Definitely a Harry Potter theme. I just hope I keep getting good stories along the way.
March 12, 2020
The Monster Museum Review
Awesome as always! Unfortunately nasty ghosts don't take a break for the holidays so that means neither does Ellie. Her personal and professional life keep getting more and more intertwined and that is not making anything easy for her. It almost makes giving into a crazed pyromaniac ghost that wants to burn you alive sound like a good idea just to get it over with. Ellie has a dark journey ahead and I'm very interested to see where it leads her. I would definitely recommend it.
Awesome as always! Unfortunately nasty ghosts don't take a break for the holidays so that means neither does Ellie. Her personal and professional life keep getting more and more intertwined and that is not making anything easy for her. It almost makes giving into a crazed pyromaniac ghost that wants to burn you alive sound like a good idea just to get it over with. Ellie has a dark journey ahead and I'm very interested to see where it leads her. I would definitely recommend it.
June 11, 2023
Only got to about 30% and gave up. One word that pops to mind is.... BORING! Geez, the first third of this book was a real snooze. I've read a lot of MR. Bryan's books and never was bored. Of course, it's very possible I'm missing out on an eye-popping, jaw-dropping final 2/3 of the book, but I have so many books in my TBR pile I really don't care.
OH, by the way, please please get rid of Michael and his sister!!! (maybe they were devoured in the monster museum, guess I'll never know.. ;-) That would have made the last 2/3 of the book better.
OH, by the way, please please get rid of Michael and his sister!!! (maybe they were devoured in the monster museum, guess I'll never know.. ;-) That would have made the last 2/3 of the book better.
October 3, 2018
The Monster Museum was an AWESOME READ!!
Ellie Jordan is who you want to call, when you and your home are troubled by ghosts! Especially those troublesome spirits.
Ryan inherited a Monster Museum from a deceased family member. He moves his 3 children there with him, as he tried to refurbish the old place. Plagued by an unseen entity, he contacts Ellie. Troubles galore find Ellie, he as almost boyfriend, Michael and his sister Melissa.
Ellie Jordan is who you want to call, when you and your home are troubled by ghosts! Especially those troublesome spirits.
Ryan inherited a Monster Museum from a deceased family member. He moves his 3 children there with him, as he tried to refurbish the old place. Plagued by an unseen entity, he contacts Ellie. Troubles galore find Ellie, he as almost boyfriend, Michael and his sister Melissa.
April 8, 2020
Things are getting heated!
Ellie is back, so is Michael and Melissa (?)
This story is more about the three Amigo's Christmas trip, though Ellie is working to rid the Monster Museum of the troublesome visitors, bothering the single father of three who has inherited it from his late uncle!
The atmospherics are well set out allowing the readers imagination to soar
making the happenings seem more scary, even for Ellie!
Ellie is back, so is Michael and Melissa (?)
This story is more about the three Amigo's Christmas trip, though Ellie is working to rid the Monster Museum of the troublesome visitors, bothering the single father of three who has inherited it from his late uncle!
The atmospherics are well set out allowing the readers imagination to soar
making the happenings seem more scary, even for Ellie!
June 2, 2020
I thoroughly enjoy this book series and don’t want to put them down.
The monster museum full of surprises from dark scary caves with Ellie’s nemesis again on the scene causing havoc and injury - seemed to leave loose ends - when did they remove the equipment . Nice to see some love element but having read out of sequence when was she on her own and not tied to the agency? Starting next book today!!!!
The monster museum full of surprises from dark scary caves with Ellie’s nemesis again on the scene causing havoc and injury - seemed to leave loose ends - when did they remove the equipment . Nice to see some love element but having read out of sequence when was she on her own and not tied to the agency? Starting next book today!!!!
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