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Haunted Shores Mysteries #1

Blood on the Chesapeake

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★★★★★  " A book that I could not put down.  I read the last 250 pages in a single day. It grabs your attention right away and doesn't let go..." -- an Amazon Reviewer

A dangerous love, the hope of never being discovered.

A new school. A new start for a teacher devastated by a cheating fiancee.

Please Help Me Find Justice.  The cry from a desperate ghost.

★★★★★  "Beautifully written, with many exciting twists and turns ..." --  another Amazon Reviewer

A Murder Mystery, a Ghost Story, and a Dangerous Romance all combine to make Blood on the Chesapeake a Suspense Thriller That You Just Cannot Put Down.

Wilshire, Maryland. A quaint shore town on the Chesapeake, promises Darrell Henshaw a new start in life and a second chance at love.

That is, until he learns the town hides an ugly secret . A thirty-year-old murder in the high school. And a frightening ghost stalking his new office.

Burned by an earlier encounter with the spirit world, Darrell does not want to get involved, but when the desperate ghost hounds him, he concedes.

Assisted by his new love, he follows a trail that leads to the civil rights movement, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and even the Ku Klux Klan.

Then, when two locals who try to help are murdered, Darrell is forced to decide if he is willing to risk his life - and the life of the woman he loves - to expose the killers of a young man he never knew.

Blood on the Chesapeake is an incredible suspense thriller that forces the reader to recognize the ignorance and evils of a history that seems not so long ago. This murder mystery is skillfully written to present a cold case that should never have been forgotten.

This ghost story challenges our sense of right and wrong , and condemns the injustice of complacency and of letting silence hide the truth.

One great read, one story you won't easily forget, one thoroughly entertaining novel that you'll save - to read again, to share with friends, to ensure we learn from the past.

Ideal for book clubs! You can even arrange your own personal book club Skype with the author.

410 pages, Paperback

First published April 10, 2019

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About the author

Randy Overbeck

7 books174 followers
Dr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator, author and speaker. As an educator, he served children for more than three decades in a range of roles captured in his novels, from teacher and coach to principal and superintendent. His thriller, LEAVE NO CHILD BEHIND (2012) and his recent mysteries, the Amazon No. 1 Best Seller, BLOOD ON THE CHESAPEAKE (2019), CRIMSON AT CAPE MAY (2020) and SCARLET AT CRYSTAL RIVER (2021) have earned five star reviews and garnered national awards including “Thriller of the Year”—ReadersFavorite.com, “Gold Award”—Literary Titan, “Mystery of the Year”—ReadersView.com and “Crowned Heart of Excellence”—InD’Tale Magazine.
As a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Dr. Overbeck is an active member of the literary community, contributing to a writers’ critique group, serving as a mentor to emerging writers and participating in writing conferences such as Sleuthfest, Killer Nashville and the Midwest Writers Workshop. When he’s not writing or researching his next exciting novel or sharing his presentation “Things Still Go Bump in the Night,” he’s spending time with his incredible family of wife, three children (and their spouses) and seven wonderful grandchildren.


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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Amber J.
895 reviews59 followers
September 20, 2019

"The spirit believes there is something he needs to do. I sense he needs your help to conclude his business. Only then, can he find peace and cross over."
― Randy Overbeck, Blood On The Chesapeake


I won a free copy of this book from a goodread giveaway. I try to express only my most honest opinion in a spoiler free way. If you feel anything in my review is a spoiler and is not already hidden in spoiler brackets please let me know. Thank you.


Darrell Henshaw is moving to Wilshire, Maryland to teach history and coach football at the high school. A new start after a bad break up, and despite making a few friends and possibly finding new love, Darrell's new life is anything from perfect. For one thing, there is something off about the school and the town. There are hardly any black people, and the few there are, are in lower ranking working positions. For another thing, Darrell is being haunted. By a ghost you supposedly hanged himself and this is not his first run in with a ghost. His first ending bad enough that he never wanted to see another again, but as the ghost gets more insistent, Darrell tries to find out what really happened to him.


I really enjoyed this book. For some reason after I got it. I did not want to read it. I don't know why, but I just couldn't get started on it. So I decided to try reading just 50 pages the first day. Those went by pretty fast and the next day I read another 50. On the third day is when this book really took off for me. It is such a great story. I have some issues with the characters, but not due to the writing, some of them just rubbed me wrong lol. The mystery was really a great one to see unfold and I loved the parts with the diary, it was like going back in time. It shows not only the racism that existed in the past, but of the racism that still existed today.


How I choose my rating:
1* Did not finish, or hated it but forced myself to finish.
2** Didn't really like it. Didn't hate it but not sure why I finished it other then for some closure.
3*** I liked it. I had some issues with it, but as a whole it was good. I probably won't reread again ever, but there is a chance I might finish the series. (If part of one) But if not it's not a huge loss.
4**** I really liked this book. Maybe not a work of genius, but highly entertaining. I might reread this again, and I will finish the series. (If part of one) I would recommend to those I know hold interest in this books content.
5***** I loved this book. I found little to no issues with it at all. I will definitely be rereading this and probably more than once. I will finish the series and reread it multiple times. (If part of one) I will recommend this book to EVERYONE!!!!

Profile Image for Aristotle.
631 reviews68 followers
May 30, 2021
Book lacked rhythm. An ebb and a flow to it was sorely lacking
I recently read Stephen King's Joyland and Later so I'm always up for a good ghost story but this was sub par.


The main character Darrell Henshaw was dull. His romancing the redhead was told in an amateurish way.
The secondary characters were also dry. The overall storytelling was sub par.
I look forward to living in the authors story but when it becomes a chore it's time to move on.

Skip it and try author C.J. Tudor for a good haunting
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 2 books26 followers
April 28, 2019
Darrell Henshaw is new to the Chesapeake Bay area. He needs a new start from the ghosts of his past as well as distance from his former fiancé that apparently thought monogamy was an option, not a requirement of their relationship. Much to his delight, he is hired at the local high school as a history teacher and the football coach. He is settling in just fine until he starts getting the familiar prickling in the hairs on the back of his neck. There are spirits in the school that are not at rest searching him out. He tries to ignore the feelings and strange happenings, but the restless ghost needs Darrell’s help and isn’t going away any time soon.

Meantime, he is really enjoying connecting with the kids in his history class. It isn’t easy, the diverse group doesn’t really like the newcomer and most of them dislike history in general. But Darrell brings a spark of life to the classroom they cannot ignore. By assigning a report that will delve into the local area’s past the students begin to engage, but strangely enough the community and school leaders seem reluctant to participate. Could they be hiding something? Darrell may be flying too close to the flame to notice he might ignite something that cannot be extinguished. And he might die trying.

But Darrell is far from all work and no play. He has found a new friend to hang out with, Al. Also a teacher at the school, Al lightens up the mood by telling bad jokes that make you groan and chuckle. Most of them are rated G so you can tell them to your kids. And then there is Erin. Darrell is not looking for love again, but she has caught his eye and just might be the one to thaw his heart.

Overbeck’s characters are interesting and engaging. Darrell has a bit of OCD going on, reminding me of the Monk series by Lee Goldberg. It is endearing and a bit comical, but the reader will quickly know that Darrell has to wash his hands twice and dry them on precisely three paper towels. His newfound girlfriend Erin, is much more carefree. She is the perfect balance to the baggage Darrell brings into the relationship but she is ready for the challenge. The other character that stands out for me is the medium/lady of the evening, Natalia – I hope to see more of her in the next book in the series.

I loved this paranormal mystery by new author Randy Overback. True to his main character, the events taught to the class about the Civil Rights Movement and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. are factual, but the places and dates are not per the Author’s note at the beginning of the book. So technically it is a paranormal historical mystery – but whatever box you want to check about this book, be sure to include it on the must read list.

A prolific writer of trade journals and professional texts, Overback’s first novel, Leave No Child Behind is the 2011 Silver Award for Thriller of the Year winner. It would not surprise me one bit to see Blood on the Chesapeake winning awards in the near future also. The title page of Blood on the Chesapeake, adds “The Haunted Shores Mysteries”. Because this is Mr. Overbeck’s first novel in the series, we can assume there will be more to hear from Darrell and Erin in the future. The Chesapeake area is rich in history, therefore, must be rich in ghosts that need their help. I am excited to add this new series to my list of must reads, and recommend picking up your copy today.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy that I can keep for consideration in preparing to write this content. I was not expected to return this item after my review. Copyright © 2019 Laura Hartman
Profile Image for Shirley .
1,892 reviews56 followers
April 28, 2019
I’m not sure how I found Blood on the Chesapeake, but I’m glad I did. This author is new to me and while the genre isn’t outside my normal reads, random mysteries aren’t necessarily my “go-to”. Yet, that’s how I’ve found some of my favorite authors. The title drew me in and after reading the description, I knew I had to give it a try. I’ve always lived within a couple of hours’ driving distance from the Chesapeake Bay, but for the past 20 years, I’ve lived on the Eastern Shore. Finding a good mystery with a paranormal twist just added to the draw. 😉

So, did Blood on the Chesapeake live up to my expectations? Most definitely. I liked Darrell from the very first chapter. He had one other ghostly encounter in his past and he wasn’t happy that his “gift” was making itself known again. He wanted to ignore this particular ghost, but he couldn’t help himself from wanting to find out more about him. As the danger mounted and people around him weren’t safe, he wanted to back away from the mystery, but that wasn’t as easy as it seemed.

I have to admit that I figured out who the “bad guys” were long before Darrell. I think he might have too, but he was reluctant to place blame on people he didn’t know really well. There were times that he really should have followed his gut feelings, but that’s not always easy either. The supporting characters were great and Darrell found himself surrounded by people who really cared and most importantly, believed in him.

As for the rest of the story, I’m sad to say that Overbeck’s portrayal of a small town on the Eastern Shore wasn’t far off from reality. Although I live on the Virginia end of the Shore, there are places here, just like everywhere, that prejudice is the norm. The character’s love of history helped with the research and I loved that aspect of the story as well. The only one little pet peeve I had while reading Blood on the Chesapeake was that I wished Darrell didn’t compare his ex to his current love interest quite as much as he did.

It looks like this book will be part of a series, and I hope it is. I have no idea if it will include Darrell or not. The Eastern Shore of both Maryland and Virginia are full of ghostly stories and haunted buildings, so I can’t wait to see what Randy Overbeck has in store for readers next.

I received Blood on the Chesapeake in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Shirley .
1,892 reviews56 followers
August 10, 2020
I’m not sure how I found Blood on the Chesapeake, but I’m glad I did. This author is new to me and while the genre isn’t outside my normal reads, random mysteries aren’t necessarily my “go-to”. Yet, that’s how I’ve found some of my favorite authors. The title drew me in and after reading the description, I knew I had to give it a try. I’ve always lived within a couple of hours’ driving distance from the Chesapeake Bay, but for the past 20 years, I’ve lived on the Eastern Shore. Finding a good mystery with a paranormal twist just added to the draw. 😉

So, did Blood on the Chesapeake live up to my expectations? Most definitely. I liked Darrell from the very first chapter. He had one other ghostly encounter in his past and he wasn’t happy that his “gift” was making itself known again. He wanted to ignore this particular ghost, but he couldn’t help himself from wanting to find out more about him. As the danger mounted and people around him weren’t safe, he wanted to back away from the mystery, but that wasn’t as easy as it seemed.

I have to admit that I figured out who the “bad guys” were long before Darrell. I think he might have too, but he was reluctant to place blame on people he didn’t know really well. There were times that he really should have followed his gut feelings, but that’s not always easy either. The supporting characters were great and Darrell found himself surrounded by people who really cared and most importantly, believed in him.

As for the rest of the story, I’m sad to say that Overbeck’s portrayal of a small town on the Eastern Shore wasn’t far off from reality. Although I live on the Virginia end of the Shore, there are places here, just like everywhere, that prejudice is the norm. The character’s love of history helped with the research and I loved that aspect of the story as well. The only one little pet peeve I had while reading Blood on the Chesapeake was that I wished Darrell didn’t compare his ex to his current love interest quite as much as he did.

It looks like this book will be part of a series, and I hope it is. I have no idea if it will include Darrell or not. The Eastern Shore of both Maryland and Virginia are full of ghostly stories and haunted buildings, so I can’t wait to see what Randy Overbeck has in store for readers next.

I received Blood on the Chesapeake in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Melanie Adkins.
790 reviews16 followers
June 29, 2020
Darrell was starting a new life and Wilshire was as good a place as any to get the ball rolling. Though a small town, Wilshire hid a huge secret. Darrell wasn't concerned about the secret, he didn't want to get involved. Something seems to be pulling at Darrell. Telling him to keep his eyes open. Darrell takes the advice and is shocked by what he does see.

I love that this book includes some history. It makes the story more interesting. The characters are very human and lovable. Humor, suspense and romance are all included. Mr. Overbeck weaves a tale like a master story teller. He never gives you much about the secret and that keeps you reading. This should be on your TBR pile for summer reading.

I found no issues.

I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because everyone needs to read it. copy of book provided by author and I voluntarily reviewed it
Profile Image for Jan.
4,674 reviews49 followers
July 9, 2020
The original crime/ghost hail from the Civil Rights era but the backlash is felt by the current ghost sensitive who is the new teacher at the local high school and already has enough baggage from the last ghost he encountered. This exploration into crimes committed in the 20th century is written with sensitivity and imagination with very realistic characters and a suitably twisty and suspenseful plot. Rather timely and very well done!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from The Wild Rose Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
7,157 reviews85 followers
September 15, 2020
This is a thrilling mystery with a paranormal twist. The author does a fantastic job building the story and had me glued to the pages with all the suspense. He brings both his characters and scenes to life with his detailed and descriptive writing and delivers a realistic read. It's well written,moves fluidly and is a true page turner. Loved and would recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
150 reviews6 followers
March 8, 2019
A complete review will be on Myshelf.com in the near future. This was a fun read involving mystery and the paranormal
Profile Image for Rox Burkey.
Author 42 books103 followers
February 27, 2021
Author Randy Overbeck knows how to raise the goosebumps from head to toe on the reader. Darrell Henshaw arrives at the new school set on the Chesapeake Bay to teach and coach the students.
Darrell has a gift that manifested initially at 13; he sees and senses ghosts. Upon touring the school and his new office, Harriet Sinclair reveals that a young black man committed suicide many years before. When he felt the unworldly sensation, thoughts of outrunning his gift vanish as he learns more about the young man.

The suicide took place in the 60s at the height of civil rights unrest. The author adds in an event with Dr. M.L. King to help frame the times for readers. Young black boys and white girls were not permitted to have romantic involvement, but love can be blind.

He visits a medium, an interesting minor character who helps clarify his elusive visitor.

"Here in Wilshire, you have had a second encounter…vith another spirit."
"Yes."
"This spirit is not someone known to you." She squeezed his hands again. "I see…the essence of a young man…a large black youth."
"Yes," Darrell said again, no longer concerned with how she knew these things, only relieved she did.
"Tell me what you have encountered, and I vill interpret."
So, there in the darkened apartment, wrapped in the aroma of vanilla and human perspiration, Darrell talked. In hushed, urgent tones, he told this sultry, exotic woman about the apparitions and about his visions and dreams of the ghost, while flickering candle flames made the shadows of their figures sway. Her hands never released their grip on his, but halfway through his narrative, her eyes returned to normal, and her intent gaze focused on his again. When he finished, the words spilling out of him like water from a burst dam, she said nothing at first."


This story takes readers on a journey thirty years in the past of thrills, chills, and coverups. No one in town wants to relive or remember the events of the past. The theme being let sleeping dogs lie.
The characters, both primary and secondary, are distinctive and memorable as Darrell tries to uncover those who know the truth about Hank. As things start happening, someone clearly doesn't want Darrell investigating the past.

There is an excellent romantic element with Erin, the fearless, helping Darrell and Pogo, the puppy, having a vital role in the outcome. The suspects are surprising even as the guilty parties go to great lengths to keep their secret dead.

Not only is Randy Overbeck an accomplished storyteller, but he takes this paranormal to the high-water mark. This story races along like a sailboat with perfect wind, cutting in suspense, surprise, and an unexpected yet satisfying ending. This book is recommended to lovers of thrilling paranormal and ghosts.

I look forward to more stories from this author. Thank you for the imagery that will not fade.
Profile Image for Reader Views.
2,101 reviews72 followers
October 2, 2019
Reviewed by Robert Leon Davis for Readers Views (9/19)

“Blood on the Chesapeake” is the first story in The Haunted Shores Mysteries by Randy Overbeck.

Darrell Henshaw, a high school teacher, is newly hired by Wilshire High School. This school is a little different though, as it has the reputation of being a haunted school. It began years ago, when a former student committed suicide; and it's constantly reported that he walks the halls of the school. Henshaw, as soon as his classes began, noticed this strange silhouette of a person, standing in various parts of the school, including his classroom! Later, the teacher learns a very disturbing fact. He learns this town and the people have hidden a very ugly secret – a 30-year-old murder in the high school! Henshaw and his new love begin to follow a trail, a dangerous trail, that eventually leads to the murders of two more individuals. Should he keep up his investigation? Could he be the next victim? His lover?

As with many mysteries, you can't give away certain information, as this has the tendency to taint the storyline. But one thing I can tell you out the box – this novel is zig zag! I'll explain what I mean. Ever attempted to finish someone’s sentence and they didn’t go where you thought they were going? Ever thought you were certain you knew the ending to a movie or television program and was totally wrong? Yes, this is one of those types of books!

The story from its inception is a set up! The author brilliantly places you on a known journey, and later you realize you've been duped! That's what I mean when I stated zig and zag. While you expect a zig, he zags! While you move right, he goes extremely left. When you duck, he dips. The narrative is fast paced, which is designed to further draw you into the "trap." It's sort of Alfred Hicthcock-ey! Secret doors, trap entrances, and slippery slopes. Great stuff!

“Blood on the Chesapeake” by Randy Overbeck is a classic novel, obviously well-researched, thoughtful, compelling, and a rapid-fire story. It'll touch all your various emotions from start to finish, and is the beginning of what promises to be a great series. Well done. 5 stars.
Profile Image for Sandra Dailey.
Author 6 books36 followers
January 25, 2021
I loved this book. This was the first Randy Overbeck book I’ve read. I was so impressed; I have a second one ready as soon as I finish this review.
The description doesn’t really give you an idea of the extent this story goes to with thrills, chills, and trickery. If you like a truly scary story, (without too much blood, guts, and gore), you’ll find it here.
The main character, Darrell has an odd personality, which I thought the author conveyed well. Events in his life have left him with a few quirks. However, he’s willing to go to any lengths to uncover the secret that’s caused thirty-plus years of haunting at his new job.
Some of the town’s people don’t want the old story dredged up and throw obstacles in his way which include a few dead bodies. You really don’t know how he’ll survive let alone reveal the truth.
The secondary characters are strong enough to stand on their own. Some are good and some are questionable. With knowing how many bad guys had caused the initial event I had to wonder which of the suspects they were – big surprise.
There’s a great romance story weaved into all this. I loved Erin. She was no shrinking violet when it came to digging into the investigation by his side. She was the perfect partner for Darrell.
To sum it up – this is the kind of story that sticks with you. Full disclosure: I read it twice. Congratulations, Randy Overbeck, for being a skilled storyteller. Five stars from me.
21 reviews
September 28, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Voracious Readers in exchange for an honest review.
Darrell Henshaw has moved from the north to the Chesapeake Bay in search of a new beginning as a coach and history teacher at Wilshire High School - away from his previous supernatural experiences and a bad romance. But he quickly realizes that Wilshire High has its own secrets, secrets that Darrell cannot escape.
In the era of Jim Crow laws, love cannot be colorblind. Brown vs. Board of Education desegregated schools in name only, but ethnicity dictated rules far above the law. Darrell soon learns that his new position comes with rumors about a young, black student committing suicide at Wilshire in the '60s, and that his presence has been sighted throughout the years. Not long after beginning his new career, Coach Henshaw is introduced to the resident ghost, and he has a request - find him justice!
Will Darrell be able to uncover the school's secrets and find peace, or will he find himself a spirit in search of justice?
This book was riveting and full of mystery, romance, and suspense. I could not put this book down once I was past the fist chapter. I would find myself reading late into the night telling myself "just one more chapter"- just one more chapter would turn into 50 or 60 pages. Excellent book with a hint of history lessons to enrich our lives.
Profile Image for C.J. Zahner.
Author 8 books649 followers
February 7, 2021
What a fun ride this was. Wonderful character development, twisty storyline, and great writing made this an enjoyable book.

New coach and teacher Darrell Henshaw encounters a school ghost, H for Hank. H is trapped between worlds while seeking justice over the circumstances of his death thirty years prior. Darrell becomes enamored with the spirit’s sightings and the school’s history. He isn’t quite sure who in the town or administration to trust, but he motors on, researching H’s death. He finds himself in grave danger after several people involved lose their lives.

Inspired to take this job because of a breakup with his girlfriend, when Darrel meets the spunky Erin Caveny, this story heats up. Erin jumps on board to investigate Hank’s death.

Without a spoiler, I’ll say Overbeck masterfully combines a tale of social justice, love, and the paranormal. If you like a good paranormal romance, you’ll love this story because its plot is meatier than most.

Loved! Five stars. Looking forward to reading Overbeck’s next novel.
Profile Image for Richard Meredith.
2 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2020
A crime of hatred and prejudice, long hidden by the denizens of a small Chesapeake village, is finally revealed by two outsiders—one from out of state, one from another dimension.

In Blood on the Chesapeake, Randy Overbeck transports his reader to a bucolic village on Maryland’s Eastern Shore where a young teacher, Darrell Henshaw, is haunted by visions of a teen murdered thirty years before at the height of the Civil Rights Movement. In his quest to seek the truth and right a tragic wrong, he encounters racial bigotry and class divisions once thought deeply buried but percolating just below the surface of polite society.

Henshaw’s world is replete with compelling characters: medium and part-time hooker who guides his spectral quest, the town’s leaders readily willing to bury the past, a cadre of teachers and friends—some even on his side, a beautiful nurse and charter boat captain who keeps Henshaw on an even keel, and an apparition with all the answers if only Henshaw can divine them.

Blood on the Chesapeake is a supernatural mystery I enjoyed and highly recommend. It is a story you will think about days later and one you can’t help but draw contemporary parallels.

Richard Meredith, author of Sky Dance and The Crow’s Nest
Profile Image for Jan Sikes.
Author 26 books157 followers
January 29, 2021
This story grabbed me from the first page and didn't let go until the last. Overbeck has touched on so many different facets in this book from the civil rights unrest in the 60s to a murder covered up as a suicide set in a high school. Throw in a ghost that will not leave the new coach, Darrell Henshaw, alone and you've got a great combination for a story. The new coach arrives in the small town on the Chesapeake Bay running from a disintegrating relationship. He needs a new life - a new start and he certainly finds one. One thing that would not be tolerated in that small town in the early sixties was a black boy and a white girl involved romantically. And it ended with a gruesome hanging. Coach Henshaw has a gift. He can communicate with ghosts, just as he did at the age of 13. But it is not something he welcomes or wants. The author took me on a riveting journey through the process of solving the murder/suicide and exacting revenge. Plus there is a blossoming love story thrown in the midst of it all. I love how the author accurately depicts attitudes and beliefs and how he brings the beautiful setting of the bay to life in vivid color. I highly recommend it for any reader who likes a well-paced, well-written story with twists!
September 9, 2019
Mr. Overbeck’s Mystery Blood on the Chesapeake offers far more than an intriguing mystery. It’s an amazingly complex, detailed novel that offers well-developed characters, a stunning backdrop, and an unpredictable story line.

Darrell is a very human, flawed main character, who happens to have a sense of the spirit world. And a need to right a wrong. Part of him might regret involvement…as well as involving his girlfriend. He might want to focus on all that is right in the world, as well as the beauty of Maryland’s shoreline. Its easy for readers to find themselves savoring the details of sailing, and enjoying the picturesque setting.

Yet, there is a ghostly presence that so wants justice for a murder. And, this is no minor ‘wrong’- it’s from an important point in history. We find ourselves intrigued by the circumstances; and soon realize, though the initial crime was years ago, the danger is still very much present today. The building tension makes this into something of a thriller.

‘Haunting’ is the right word for this mystery, in more ways than one! 5 stars and truly a page turner.
1,559 reviews22 followers
July 3, 2020
History teacher and sports coach Darrell Henshaw has moved to the small town of Wilshire, Maryland to get away from his past. While he manages to leave his broken heart behind, his past experience with a ghost seems to have followed him when he sees a ghost in his new office. When the ghost won’t stop trying to get Darrell’s help, the coach tries to understand what the spirit needs from him.

But how far is Darrell willing to go to help the Wilshire ghost? With bodies dropping like flies the closer Darrell gets to uncovering the past, he has to decide how much he’s willing to risk to solve the ghost’s murder.

I went to school in Southern Maryland and spend significant time on the Eastern shore, hearing ghost stories of the region, so this book was a must read the second I saw it. From page one I was invested and the book kept me reading far longer than I should have…because it’s that good! Cannot wait for the second book in the series to drop.
October 14, 2020
A Teacher/Coach looking for a new life; a tormented ghost who won’t let him have it!

Dr. Randy Overbeck’s Blood on the Chesapeake is a top-notch mystery novel and ghost story from start to finish. As I completed one chapter, my fingers reached for the next! Characters are well-developed and believable, and Randy masterfully weaves lead character Darrell Henshaw’s new and blossoming love interest together with thrilling episodes from the “other-world” (wouldn’t you break into a cold sweat if your prized souvenir – a basketball signed by Michael Jordan, fell from it’s resting place and emerged, donning a different player’s signature, when you went to return it?). I have just ordered Randy’s newest book (the second in his Haunted Shores Mystery Series), Crimson at Cape May. Thank you Randy, for a great read with “Blood”. I’m looking forward to “Crimson”!
Profile Image for Yvette Calleiro.
Author 10 books59 followers
June 11, 2021
This was such a great story. From the very beginning, I was pulled into Darrell's ability to see ghosts. The author does a phenomenal job in giving each of his characters unique personalities; even the ghost was well-developed. The diary entries gave me a glimpse of real life events, and the teacher in me loved how Darrell taught how to authenticate primary sources. Lol! The author did a wonderful job in slowly bringing the story to the surface. He balanced the historical love tragedy with the present danger to Darrell and Erin's lives.

The settings of the story had so much details that I could imagine myself there. Whether it was his office or his house or the sailboat, I felt right there with the characters. The suspense jumped off the pages and made my heart speed up several times. This was a fantastic story, and I recommend it to everyone! :-)
Profile Image for Darlene Fredette.
Author 13 books49 followers
September 7, 2021
A great mystery, ghostly haunting story. The plot is well-developed with a visual setting and interesting characters. As the storyline moves along, you become part of the story, wanting to help Darrell find evidence to help Hank find justice. Darrell is a likable lead, and Erin is a solid match for him. The romance element is low, but present enough to see these two characters grow closer. The cast of secondary characters each have their own unique part in the story that continues the development of plot. Readings from the diary hold a significant piece of the puzzle, and the hauntings are the spotlight. The historical aspects of discrimination were done well and created an emotional pull. While the story is long (not a one sitting read), you’ll keep turning the pages to discover who the villains are before they strike again. Reviewed for Still Moments Magazine.
1 review
August 27, 2019
I absolutely loved this book. It grabbed me right at the start and held on for more than 400 pages. I read the last 250 pages in one day. I could not put the book down.

It is a thrilling unraveling of a murder mystery on the Eastern Shore of Maryland along the Chesapeake Bay. There are enough Maryland references (the Bay Bridge, Maryland She Crab soup to name two) to take the reader to the area when the story takes place.

If you don't believe in ghosts, you might start believing after you read this book.

There are enough twists and turns to keep you guessing even if you think you know the outcome.

The book is a bargain at any price. I look forward to the next one by Dr. Overbeck. Maybe Part II of this one? I hope so.
14 reviews
October 31, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of this book via voracious readers in exchange for a frank review. A tale about a newly appointment high school teacher who is seeing the ghost of a former pupil alleged to have committed suicide. As the story evolves it turns into a dark tale of past corruption, racism and murder putting the main protagonist and his lady friend in danger from a group of men who will stop at nothing to hide what they did in the past and stop the truth from emerging. Even if it means murdering those who know the truth and want it to be known. A well written tale with plenty of twists and turns that will grip you from start to finish. I look forward to reading more from this author. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Katy.
1,389 reviews4 followers
February 18, 2021
Darell has a chance to start over when he takes a coaching position at a small town located on the Chesapeake Bay. He also finding a second love. But he has a problem, one that haunted him before he came to his new town and job. Ghosts appear to him, and they will not leave until he solves their murder.

He loves his job, but he should have known something was askew when he saw the ghost appear on the widow's walk outside his office when he was taking the campus tour, even before he was offered the job. So begins the story of solving a 30-year-old death that was called a suicide, involving secrets the town wants to keep hidden about its racial past.
Profile Image for Patricia.
112 reviews
May 29, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! Mystery is not a genre I typically pick up/read but I received a copy of this book from the author and was excited to read it.
I grew up on the Chesapeake and in Michigan, both places mentioned on this book.
The plot moved quickly and I really enjoyed the characters, even the ghost character.
I appreciated the history and the time put into describing the area/time period.
Everything was done really well. I'm going to venture out and read more mystery books now and definitely buying another book by this author.
458 reviews2 followers
July 26, 2020
The ghost of a young man who was killed by racially arrogant men in 1964 reaches out to the new teacher in Wilshire, Maryland Will this evil continue to kill the innocent to remain covered or will the truth finally be revealed?
I enjoyed this edge-of-your-seat book. It is both hopeful and frightening to look back to the 1960s and see some of the changes we have made. But the evil is still there: the ugly prejudice and hatred. We have much to overcome!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cecilia  Davison.
26 reviews1 follower
September 23, 2019
*received free for review*

I enjoyed reading Blood on the Chesapeake. It is a wonderful story that I couldn’t put it down. The author has created a setting, plot and characters with colorful and defining descriptive language. It permits the reader to escape their day to day reality into an exciting and challenging set of events that progress with unexpected twists, culminating in a satisfying conclusion.
52 reviews1 follower
October 25, 2019
I read this book complements of Voracious Readers and am so glad I did.
Unlike other books of this genre it involves the history of the slave trade and lingering racist attitudes in the south far into the 1960’s.
A teacher and coach moves to Wiltshire to escape his past only to find the hauntings of his school lead him into all kinds of trouble.
An excellent, well written story. I would definitely recommend this book. It’s excellent!
Profile Image for Cassandra Struble.
162 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2021
This book grabbed me from the beginning. It is about a ghost in a school that is appearing to the new teacher and coach. The ghost is asking for help to get justice. It dives in to the early 60s when a black student hanged himself to committ suicide...or so they say. The twist kept going right up to the end. I kept thinking I knew how it was turning out, but boy was I wrong! I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Annarella.
10.9k reviews105 followers
April 28, 2020
A good mystery with a paranormal side. It's well written, engrossing and entertaining.
I liked the characters, the plot and the setting. The mystery kept me guessing.
I want to read other books in this series.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
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