Soul Sign: A Zackie Story of Supernatural Suspense

by Reyna Favis

An old house, a creepy doll, and photographs of dead Victorian children.
Just another day at the office when you are a servant of the Psychopomp.

When snarky psychic medium Fia finds a doll made from human hair, she and her curmudgeon mentor Cam must uncover the link between the doll and a cache of photographs hidden in an old house--Victorian memento mori of dead children.

With the clues pointing to a terrified lost soul and her involvement in a centuries-old murder, the team must unravel truth from lies before a vengeful spirit unleashes fire and death on innocent people.

Perfect for readers who enjoy a little humor in their horror. The Zackie Stories of Supernatural Suspense will keep you reading long into the night.

The third novel of the ZACKIE STORIES.

Genres: Paranormal

391 pages, Paperback

Published October 23, 2019

About the author

REYNA FAVIS is an Amazon Bestselling Author. She writes about things that go bark in the night. Readers have praised her novels for the very human stories behind the hauntings that create unexpected plot twists, drama, and even moments of humor. Reyna served as a K9 handler and ground pounder for search and rescue for over 10 years. She was frequently found on her belly as she was dragged through the woods by a search dog. If you do not enjoy walks in the woods, she invites you to connect with her on Facebook. Reyna has a Ph.D. in biology and was one lab accident away from becoming a supervillain before she took up writing. She lives as an unapologetic introvert with her husband, dogs, and cats in New Jersey.

Reviews

[Haly Hoards Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5☆
The way Favis begins each book as an immediate succession from the previous book is seamless. The main characters Fia, Cam, Zackie and Lucas continue to feel like reuniting with old friends.

Favis has carried the Lenape (Delaware) American Indian characters Roy Falling-Leaf and Lenora Ottertooth into this book from the previous book. They are a great addition to the family.

In this supernatural episode the team address the horrible treatment of African American slaves from the 1700s. It all begins with the discovery of a braided hair doll found in a former slave owners home.

The action is white knuckle throughout much of the book. The threats the team faces are more life threatening.

I truly appreciate the research Favis has done for every one of the books in this series. Next we head to Scotland! The history nerd in me is excited for the journey and what spirits the team will encounter next.

Favorite Quote:
"'It's the curse of growing older. You eventually encounter all manner of things you wish you could un-see.'"
Cam Ramsay

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just in time for Halloween and it doesn’t disappoint. Fia and her crew take on adversaries both dead and alive. The story is complete with a heart wrenching love triangle, plenty of humor, a bit of history, LOTS of action and a very freaky hair doll. It’s not to be missed!

[Judy Ferrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slaves and stalkers

Fia's stalker has become a problem as the group investigate slave ghosts. Not as much rescue in this one but more relationships. A highly recommended book.

[Sean O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the interests of transparency, there are two things I should state up front. Firstly, I have the privilege to be a member of the same writer's group as the author, Reyna Favis. Secondly, I was a beta reader for Soul Sign.

I'm a relative newcomer to the urban fantasy / supernatural genre. I generally read science fiction, detective novels, or spy thrillers instead. But I can that being unfamiliar with the conventions of the genre is no obstacle to the Zackie stories. The few bits of spiritual jargon that are used are discussed by the characters to create an organic exposition that smoothly flows through the story. Likewise, the author's use of description is tight, concise, and gives enough detail to give a full impression of what the characters are seeing/experiencing, without getting bogged down in extraneous verbiage. Sights, sounds, and particularly smells and tastes are invoked, allowing for a more immersive sensory experience for the reader. The real highpoint, however, is the characters. Reyna Favis has created a colorful cast of characters that are easy to relate to, despite their paranormal abilities. The protagonist, Fia, is in particular a joy, being a sarcastic young woman with an interesting job, a bottomless appetite, a relationship complicated by a jealous dead wife, and hand that is no longer truly her own. And then there's the star of the series, Zackie, the Plott Hound Pyschopomp, who is at once an ancient, unfathomable, immortal spirit creature, and a mischeivous, too-smart hound dog who enjoys getting the better of her humans.

I highly recommend Soul Sign to fans of the supernatural genre and newcomers alike. An excellent novel!

[Max · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had ordered this from my bookstore and waited what seemed weeks. Finally I got it home and put it on the shelf waiting for just the right time, when I would have the time, to read and become totally absorbed because I knew I would not be able to I put it down. I thought I had written reviews on the first two books, but who knows with computers. I did find in the second book's review that I wrote something in anticipation of the third. (If you are reading this, gentle reader, you do not need to know this, I write mostly for myself. But if interested, before going on read what I wrote for the second book.)

I like these books because of the local history. But the author is not an historical writer thank goodness. She uses historical facts, tells you what is true and where she diverges. She takes care. She is funny, she is witty. Her writing is getting better. But I digress. I did pick this book up ahead of schedule and started it, finished it, and nothing has gotten done. Now I struggle to put down-a review. Oh time where does it go?

So, this series starts with a take off and maintains a basis in search and rescue. I like this. I am learning and appreciating what some people do. As a sideline, we learn of the heroine's job-that of cleaning up the environs where the god awful has occurred and we shouldn't ever have to see or clean up like the dead abed for three weeks before being found, bits and pieces of suicide, and restaurant bacteria warfare in the kitchen.

But, the dog. You know, your friend, or friend of a friend that has had an "experience"? Seen something, someone from the-other-side? How do we get to the other side? If we can't find our way, who will help us? who will guide us?

The dog. The dog is a psychopomp. I had to look it up, you should too.

The books build on each other. Now at the third book, it seems the author's ideas have gained structure. Throughout the books is a perception of the world that we do not normally perceive and I find that it's presentation at this point, feels natural. And, as the dog guides, so does the author, through thoughts, emotions and judgements of chaotic human actions. She does well.

I have to get in my car now and find this place where the mystery starts and hope I don't have to wait so long for the fourth book.

[Melody F]

Full disclosure: this is not a genre I typically read.

Reyna poured her heart into her book and it shows. I had read drafts of the first half of her book and it's neat to see the finished version. I found myself invested in the lives of many of the characters and intrigued by the storylines, especially with significant and accurate historical, psychological, and cultural things woven in (all topics I'm interested in). History can often be dry, but Reyna's book made it interesting without it ever being too much at once.

*Possible spoiler*

I also appreciated that through her characters, her book touched on things like PTSD and anxiety and people having trouble letting go or making things right, etc. It made me think of how easily things are often misunderstood during people's lifetimes and although I see things differently, in her book she gives characters the chance to finally understand each other and make things right even after death. And can any dog lover resist a story with a dog-hero?

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't normally like paranormal/supernatural thrillers, but I enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it! It's full of mystery and suspense, complex characters, humor, and even philosophy. I appreciated the glimpse into the world of search and rescue and references to historical events like Paul Revere's ride and slavery. The romantic subplot was also a nice surprise (I didn't expect any romance), and even though this is the only Zackie Story I've read, I didn't feel lost or confused. Overall, the book is well-written and has something for everyone!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fia, Cam, Ron, Lenora and not forgetting Zackie are still trying to have Zackie take Phillis and Phoebe through the gateway to the world they should be in, but it won't be easy, they don't want to go, and Phoebe is more than happy to remain with her unwilling host, Ron.
Any time spent with Lucas becomes a threesome, with Hannah his deceased wife, always at his side.
Will things be easier when Ria and Lucus meet up again in Scotland where Lucus is currently filming for his paranormal television programme.
Another great Zackie story and I am hoping upon hope that it won't be the last one written by Reyna Favis.

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soul Sign is the third book in The Zackie Stories series and the first book I have read by this author. I loved this entertaining piece of haunted goodness. It is well written and captured my interest from the very start. The characters are wonderful, especially Lia and Zackie, the Plott Hound Pyschopomp. This story also has interesting historical details, search and rescue information, humour, creepy death dolls, an old murder, and lost souls and spirits.

I cannot wait to read more Zackie Stories!
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.

[Pat Eroh · Rating 5 out of 5]

As this is the first book I have read in the series, I had no reference for some of the story but it was no concern. The book is a really interesting and creepy story that kept me reading!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Doris Switsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters seem like old friends!

This third book is my favorite . I hope that Hannah, Lucas' dead wife will leave him alone to start a relationship with Fia! Really enjoyed the descriptions of the Scottish battle fields .

[Donna King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rate the book!

I have thoroughly enjoyed these books. What a great storyteller and what wonderful characters. I would recommend these books to anyone who loves to read and loves ghosts. Dogs, also.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good book by Reyna Favis. I enjoyed this book as much as I did the first two books in this series. I am now reading the fourth book.

[Michael Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good boy, Zackie!!!

Definitely adding this series to my list of favorite books, it started out a bit odd, but it very definitely grew on me. Absofreakinlutely looking forward to seeing more of Zackie in the future 🤠🤠🤠

[Neil MacNeill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soul Sign review
A creepy doll, vengeful spirits, and a psychopomp with an attitude – it’s a great mix for a tale of supernatural suspense from Reyna Favis. Full disclosure: Reyna and I are members of a local writers’ critique group, so I have more than a passing familiarity with her writing. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Soul Sign…for its wry humor, especially from the character of Lenora, its truly horrifying scenes of hellish spirits, and most of all by the first-person narration by Fia, a fully realized character who enjoys her food almost as much as she enjoys sparring with Cam, her mentor. And the psychopomp, Zackie? While she resembles a Plott Hound, Zackie is an ancient soul who helps wayward spirits pass on to the afterlife. Although Zackie’s personality is expressed in canine traits, she is worldly wise and world-weary, seemingly resigned to her role in helping humans attain their final rest. There’s a lot going on in Soul Sign, and you’ll find yourself laughing aloud in places, and cringing in horror in others. This is Book 3 in the Zackie series, the best one, I think. But while you don’t have to read Soul Search and Soul Scent first, I recommend that you do for a fuller appreciation of the characters and their intriguing back stories. And here’s an inside tip – there’s a fourth book in the works!

[Elizabeth R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

(review to come later, when I'm at a keyboard. We need another installment asap!)

[Lottie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and series so far. I love the characters and diversity. The paranormal element is exciting. I am hoping for a sequel soon!

[Angel Ackerman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reyna Favis is a local author and has found some success on Amazon with her Zackie series. I picked this series up toward the end because of its connections to a local landmark, and I think some of my issues with the book stem from starting in the middle so to speak. I feel like the author did not leave enough snippets and clues to acclimate the new reader. I didn't realize until Zackie started sniffing something on the table that Zackie was the dog. Now maybe that's because I was a negligent reader-- there is a dog on the cover, but until that point the dog was referred to as a roommate and did behaviors like lay on the bed and travel between the realms of the living and dead. Humans can do those things to... right?

I would be very interested to start this series from the beginning because the author has a lot of activity, a lot of characters, and a lot of "past" in this book that I'd like to understand better. The main character, Fia, for instance, has a "dead hand," that I thought might be a reference to a sentient creature like Thing on the Addams Family but then it became clear it was attached to her. So then I thought it was a prosthetic but then she mentions that cadaver dogs can sniff it out, which meant that somehow she really does have a dead hand on her body. I would love to go back in the series and see how that happened.

This particular volume of the series features Phillipsburg, N.J.'s Roseberry House and explores the region's relationship with slavery. The author is a past member and supporter of the Phillipsburg Historical Society-- and I purchased her book as part of a fundraising effort for that group-- so she does a magnificent job conveying both history and setting.

I did not realize that the author had experience with various types of working dogs and her use of dogs is both educational and entertaining. (One scene/section chronicled what service dog handlers go through and what is legally required of them as public access animals, and I must say that I have mixed feelings about this because 1. the public needs to know more about the "rules" and responsibilities of businesses and animal handlers BUT 2. As someone on the waiting list for a mobility service dog, I do not like seeing any animal masquerade as a service animal. The author wrote one very humorous scene inspired by a Facebook post which led to Zackie licking elevator buttons in front of a woman who did not like dogs. The dog later saved her life and the side character learned her lesson. But in my mind, I saw a working dog masquerading as a service animal and then misbehaving in public.)

This book covers a LOT of ground, a LOT of geographic territory and a LOT of relationships. Kudos to the author for tying it all up in the end, I wasn't sure she would be able to. More importantly, again, her use of detail to convey history, dog stuff and cultural differences was stunning.

The other minor but difficult issue for me was the book formatting. The book is very thick, in part because the formatting did not follow traditional book spacing and type faces. And the 350+ page book is divided into only four chapters, the first of which is 72 pages long and the second about 100. The chapters of divided into subsections but the way the material is set up makes it very hard to navigate.

I look forward to reading more from this author because she's crafted a complex universe where her characters explore a lot more than just helping the dead, they explore the mistakes, foibles and experiences of the living. And when fiction can help the past come back to life, that's never a bad thing.

[Ginny Shephard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Psychic soul saver faces fire and fierce specters.
Soul Sign, book three of Reyna Favis’ Zackie stories, continues Fia’s growth as a psychic facilitator of distressed spirits, helping them cross over to their post-death lives. Three tortured souls, all former slaves, two of whom are definitely malevolent, threaten Fia, Cam, and the psychopomp Zackie with gripping peril. Favis opens up Fia’s life, allowing avid readers to experience Fia’s trials as a search and rescue worker, a technician who cleans up murder scenes, and especially, as a psychic who sees—and communicates—with spirits.
As she matures, the demands upon her escalate, adding to her food foibles, a great character quirk. Her developing, on-again-off-again, love story and the threat from a stalker carried over from Soul Scent complicate her already packed life. I was delighted to see Favis kept Native Americans Ron and Lenora in this story as well. I marveled at how much I learned from Soul Sign. I like this crew of soul savers and, even though it was a nail biter (leavened with Fia’s humorous spunk) I loved the read. I think you’ll love it too.

[George Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is Hannah going to go??

I love these books. I love the characters and the ghosts . I too have seen dead relatives. My Momma came to me 5 years after she died. And I have heard my Brother-in-law several hours after he drowned . So the books are very intriguing to me. And as I type this, my daddy's name, Ernest ,appeared in my predictive text . He died in 1989. I love the books because they are well written, with strong characters and not too lengthy . I can finish it in less than a day. And sweet Zackie, what a beautiful animal.! I can see her soulful eyes, and makes me wish I could just hug her. . Highly recommended for emotional content,and enjoyable reading.

[Sharon H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horrors & Hideous Practices

Fia's naivete at a critical point causes Zackie to show her a whirlwind tour of humanity's cruelty to each other, leaving Fia's distracted & disheartened while trying to help the spirits of colonial era slaves who had been punished beyond anything Fia's could have previously suspected. A trip to Scotland finds Lucas in the clutches of his dead wife and Ron's anger issues under the control of a vengeful, bitter spirit.
In my opinion, this is the best of the Zackie books so far.

[Pam Bales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fia, Cam, Lucas, Ron, Lenora, and Zackie are the main characters. The main idea of the story with varying complications is to help souls who are stuck on this side of the veil and can't pass to the other side. Lots of danger, sad stories, hard lessons learned through history, a bit of romance, and dangers from both sides of the veil. If you enjoy a good ghost story, this series is for you. Highly recommend.

[Teresa Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've thoroughly enjoyed this series!

I'm not going to go though the whole story in my review, I just want to say it's very well written, the story definitely kept my attention so much that like the first and second books in the series I read it in one sitting. Can hardly wait for the next one!

[Linda M Galvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each story feels me with warmth and compassion

Each story feels me with warm yan’s compassion for what hurt souls have gone through from an historical standpoint. Compassion for ourselves and underscores our motivations hurting others either internally or unconsciously. Her theme of hurt causes more hurt and forgiveness and compassion and love lead to peace

[Michele M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good research

Its a innovative series about a four footed psycho pomp and her friends. I really hope they continue. Its difficult to find new ideas in the "fantasy" genre.
Also following up on the research MS Davis has done with links is something I wish more authors wld do. Fascinating reading!

[MARTHA EPPINGER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book gets better

This books story line makes it hard to put the book down. Yes parts of the story are hard to read about because of the ugliness of the person or ghost actions but that is also what makes you want to know what happens next. Does evil win or does the goodness in people overcome what is bad.
Looking forward to the next book.

[jeanie c. riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dog aids ghosts to pass when they are unable! She is Zackie and has helpers!

Zackie has lived a long life ! A special dog helping to aid those who decide it is time to cross over! Great series try it!

[Kathy Kaufman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!

It is so unique with the main characters trying to aid the dead to reach the Afterlife, but some are not so willing or able! At the end of each book I'm trying to turn just one more page, I hate to see the end!

[Marsha Pereira · Rating 5 out of 5]

great story line

This is the 3rd book I’ve read and after this review is finished, I will promptly start the next. Good storytelling n the characters are believable in this supernatural tale even Zackie a more than a dog character

[Alexandria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Gem!

I simply love the story line and the characters in this series. Being acceptable to the Supernatural has been with me since I was a small child, so this series definitely meets my heart!