What do you think?
Rate this book
Riley Thomas #2
Shuttered Secrets
He doesn’t want her to focus on the past.
It’s been six months since Riley Thomas, reluctant medium extraordinaire, has had a ghost haunting her apartment, and she prefers it that way. Life is less complicated when the dead aren’t trying to get her attention. Her best friend is getting married and wants to DIY her way through wedding prep—Riley’s got no time for ghosts.
One of Jade’s wedding must-haves is vintage film cameras her guests can use to help document the big day. The months-long hunt for relics leads to a thrift shop jackpot, and Riley adds the cameras to the growing pile of wedding supplies in her apartment. That night, Riley gets a midnight wake-up call from a ghostly black woman in a yellow dress.
Even after the haunted cameras are removed from the apartment, the ghost woman keeps popping up, both in Riley’s dreams and in the corner of her eye. Tracking down the previous owner of the cameras proves difficult, and as Riley digs deeper, she uncovers a link between the cameras and two murdered women—one white, one black, yet neither one is Riley’s mystery woman.
Though the identity of the ghost proves to be as elusive as her predator, Riley is determined to uncover the truth of what happened to these women. But now someone knows she’s looking … and he’s hell-bent on making sure he finds her first.
It’s been six months since Riley Thomas, reluctant medium extraordinaire, has had a ghost haunting her apartment, and she prefers it that way. Life is less complicated when the dead aren’t trying to get her attention. Her best friend is getting married and wants to DIY her way through wedding prep—Riley’s got no time for ghosts.
One of Jade’s wedding must-haves is vintage film cameras her guests can use to help document the big day. The months-long hunt for relics leads to a thrift shop jackpot, and Riley adds the cameras to the growing pile of wedding supplies in her apartment. That night, Riley gets a midnight wake-up call from a ghostly black woman in a yellow dress.
Even after the haunted cameras are removed from the apartment, the ghost woman keeps popping up, both in Riley’s dreams and in the corner of her eye. Tracking down the previous owner of the cameras proves difficult, and as Riley digs deeper, she uncovers a link between the cameras and two murdered women—one white, one black, yet neither one is Riley’s mystery woman.
Though the identity of the ghost proves to be as elusive as her predator, Riley is determined to uncover the truth of what happened to these women. But now someone knows she’s looking … and he’s hell-bent on making sure he finds her first.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2021
About the author
Melissa Erin Jackson
18 books378 followersMelissa is a professional pet sitter and an author of paranormal mysteries. There are two books out in her Riley Thomas mystery series--The Forgotten Child, and Shuttered Secrets. Her Witch of Edgehill cozy paranormal mystery series is complete at five books. The first book in her urban fantasy series, The Charm Collector, is out now: Diabolical Sword. Wicked Treasure is up next! She owns too many pets and lives in Northern California with her equally pet-obsessed boyfriend. For information about her books, you can join her newsletter at melissajacksonbooks.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 6, 2021
Shuttered Secrets
(Riley Thomas #2)
by Melissa Erin Jackson
Our psychic is back in another great story! Her friend is getting married and she buys some old cameras. In one of the cameras is old film. Once developed, it leads back to a string of murdered and missing girls. One being the ghost that came with the camera! Great mystery and suspense as the murderer goes to get his camera out of storage and finds it was sold for non payment. He is not above killing another one.
(Riley Thomas #2)
by Melissa Erin Jackson
Our psychic is back in another great story! Her friend is getting married and she buys some old cameras. In one of the cameras is old film. Once developed, it leads back to a string of murdered and missing girls. One being the ghost that came with the camera! Great mystery and suspense as the murderer goes to get his camera out of storage and finds it was sold for non payment. He is not above killing another one.
May 14, 2021
Riley is a psychic medium, and is also the maid of honor in her best friend Jade's wedding. Jade wants to find some old fashioned cameras for the wedding, so they visit a secondhand shop. The cameras they find look perfect, except they cause Riley plenty of stress when ghostly women appear.
nearby. Could these women all be victims of a serial killer from years before? Will the roll of undeveloped film provide any clues? Riley wants to find out so that she can give the ghostly women and their families some closure. This is the first Riley Thomas book I've read by Melissa Jackson, but I've enjoyed all of her Witch of Edgehill series. Recommended for readers who enjoy a paranormal mystery with humor and likable characters. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
nearby. Could these women all be victims of a serial killer from years before? Will the roll of undeveloped film provide any clues? Riley wants to find out so that she can give the ghostly women and their families some closure. This is the first Riley Thomas book I've read by Melissa Jackson, but I've enjoyed all of her Witch of Edgehill series. Recommended for readers who enjoy a paranormal mystery with humor and likable characters. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
May 25, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐ -- Enjoyed this one a lot!
PROS
-- Gorgeous cover.
-- Well written.
-- Worked well as a standalone (this is book two in a series).
-- Loved that the author included a summary of book one at the beginning.
-- Engaging plot.
-- Loved the bits of humor sprinkled throughout.
-- A relatively large cast of interesting and likable characters.
-- Satisfying ending.
CONS
-- The pace of this one was a little up and down. I found the story dragged in parts, and moved along at a good pace at other times.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
PROS
-- Gorgeous cover.
-- Well written.
-- Worked well as a standalone (this is book two in a series).
-- Loved that the author included a summary of book one at the beginning.
-- Engaging plot.
-- Loved the bits of humor sprinkled throughout.
-- A relatively large cast of interesting and likable characters.
-- Satisfying ending.
CONS
-- The pace of this one was a little up and down. I found the story dragged in parts, and moved along at a good pace at other times.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
Read
June 1, 2022Ebook! --> https://geni.us/DlvxqoU
Audio! --> https://geni.us/b1vz
Audio! --> https://geni.us/b1vz
May 9, 2021
I tried not to, yet waited impatiently to get my hands on the ARC of this book. I must have mailed Melissa half a dozen times asking for updates.
I got the first peek at the book cover, and loved it... So much vintage atmosphere... The blurb just heightened my impatience. As someone who has used a film camera, and lived the anticipation of waiting for the negatives to be developed and prints made, I could understand Jade's enthusiasm in wanting this experience to be part of her wedding day.
I tried not to, yet started reading this new Riley book with a lot of expectations, and Riley and Melissa did not disappoint.
The book is more than just about Riley using her psychic gift to find a killer. Riley's character arc develops through the book, as she fights against her fear of her past paranormal experiences, and finds the strength to grow as a person and a psychic.
I read every moment I got till I was done reading the book, and I look forward to more stories as Riley comes into her own.
I got this book from the author in exchange for a candid review.
I got the first peek at the book cover, and loved it... So much vintage atmosphere... The blurb just heightened my impatience. As someone who has used a film camera, and lived the anticipation of waiting for the negatives to be developed and prints made, I could understand Jade's enthusiasm in wanting this experience to be part of her wedding day.
I tried not to, yet started reading this new Riley book with a lot of expectations, and Riley and Melissa did not disappoint.
The book is more than just about Riley using her psychic gift to find a killer. Riley's character arc develops through the book, as she fights against her fear of her past paranormal experiences, and finds the strength to grow as a person and a psychic.
I read every moment I got till I was done reading the book, and I look forward to more stories as Riley comes into her own.
I got this book from the author in exchange for a candid review.
September 25, 2022
I hope there are more
I really love Riley Thomas and I hope there are more books. The author keeps you so engaged in the story, that it is over before you know it. I really enjoy her writing style. This book starts with some old cameras that are found in a thrift store and hold haunting memories. There are some really sad points during the book that made me tear up. One is where the Mother of one of the missing girls is talking about her daughter when Riley sees the daughters ghost sit down next to her and makes Riley talk about her dog. It was very poignant and comforted the grieving Mother. This is an excellent series and I just hope there are more. Her group of friends are so real too. I need to know what happens with them!
I really love Riley Thomas and I hope there are more books. The author keeps you so engaged in the story, that it is over before you know it. I really enjoy her writing style. This book starts with some old cameras that are found in a thrift store and hold haunting memories. There are some really sad points during the book that made me tear up. One is where the Mother of one of the missing girls is talking about her daughter when Riley sees the daughters ghost sit down next to her and makes Riley talk about her dog. It was very poignant and comforted the grieving Mother. This is an excellent series and I just hope there are more. Her group of friends are so real too. I need to know what happens with them!
October 23, 2021
Oh My! What a sequel. Riley Thomas ❤
Looking for a spooky read to savor this season? Shuttered is for you!
If you have read 'The Forgotten Child', you are acquainted with the young Riley and her special abilities. Being empathetic and just a plain kind hearted person, she steps into yet another mystery that calls out to her from the 'otherside'.
Un-put-downable 😁
Looking for a spooky read to savor this season? Shuttered is for you!
If you have read 'The Forgotten Child', you are acquainted with the young Riley and her special abilities. Being empathetic and just a plain kind hearted person, she steps into yet another mystery that calls out to her from the 'otherside'.
Un-put-downable 😁
September 24, 2021
The first book The Forgotten Child was amazing and a wonderful introduction to Riley who is a most complex woman with a gift that will only become better with use I am sure. With Shuttered Secrets the author brings Riley and the rest of her family both through blood and spirituality closer to each other. Michael and his family as well as her mom and dad are the fun that Riley needs to offset what she sees both families support her and encourage her to use her gifts. Being fortunate to have friends that also have her back and encourage her makes this assortment of characters endearing.
Nina along with Olivia show Riley just how spectacular her gifts are with this knowledge she begins to become more confident in her talent. I like the term ‘indigo child” as this speaks to all the clairvoyants that are in this world. This installment has fully made me a fan who will follow the life of Riley for as long as this author decides to grow her.
I also wish to thank Melissa Erin Jackson for being unafraid to bring forth the overlooked women and children who do not get the coverage and full determination of law enforcement to find where they are, who took them so that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Nina along with Olivia show Riley just how spectacular her gifts are with this knowledge she begins to become more confident in her talent. I like the term ‘indigo child” as this speaks to all the clairvoyants that are in this world. This installment has fully made me a fan who will follow the life of Riley for as long as this author decides to grow her.
I also wish to thank Melissa Erin Jackson for being unafraid to bring forth the overlooked women and children who do not get the coverage and full determination of law enforcement to find where they are, who took them so that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
May 29, 2021
Warning: This is the story of a serial killer who raped his victims before killing them. It is not graphic in that sense, but constantly mentioned.
6 months have passed since the visit to the Jordanville Ranch. Riley and Michael are happy with their relationship, while Jade is about to get married to her boyfriend. Clearly Riley is her bridesmaid. The problem is that Jade is determined to do everything with her own hands for her wedding (for real, like, she even wanted to cook 🤣), so she has been dragging Riley all over town.
Since Melissa said that this guy was even more psycho than the ones in the previous book, I was very scared, however this book was less terrible for me in that sense, since we are not inside his head like we were in Orin's, which it was what really traumatized me.
However, it is just as terrible as the previous one in terms of the history.
Really my favorite part of these books is how they manage to mix the paranormal, with mystery and police investigation, with horrors, but also with things as mundane as a marriage or the development that Riley and Michael's relationship is having, even showing us a food contest with his family. This not only helps to relax the tension of the book quite a bit, but it helps to connect more and more with Riley.
This is a thriller and ghost story book, but it's not really scary in that regard. The terrible thing is the serial killers and especially knowing that this part is not fiction. If you like mega dense mysteries without romance, this is not your book, it is a thriller a little "lighter" for saying, much more focused on the emotional. Again a round story for me. I hope Riley goes on her unelected detective path. What worries me is Melissa's search history which must be full of phrases like “how to hide a body” 😅.
6 months have passed since the visit to the Jordanville Ranch. Riley and Michael are happy with their relationship, while Jade is about to get married to her boyfriend. Clearly Riley is her bridesmaid. The problem is that Jade is determined to do everything with her own hands for her wedding (for real, like, she even wanted to cook 🤣), so she has been dragging Riley all over town.
The problem with Jade was that she was obsessed with ghosts. The whole reason the spirits of serial killer Orin Jacobs and little Pete Vonick had entered Riley's life in the first place had been because Jade forced Riley to attend a ghost hunting investigation weekend at Orin's former home. And now another ghost was in her life, thanks to Jade.Riley's abilities can't be turned off, so even going to the supermarket became a problem when she encounters a raging ghost in an aisle. What to say when, after buying some old cameras for Jade's marriage, a ghost appears in her own room… again.
Maybe she needed a new best friend.
A voice in the back of her head told her she couldn't blame the Poltergeist of Aisle 3 on Jade. Or the weeping woman from miniature golf. She told the voice to shut up.
Which meant two things. First, at least one of those cameras that sat in a box in her living room was haunted.The cameras were connected to the death of the young woman in the yellow dress who appeared to Riley. And when her dreams make her suspect that she is not the only victim, Riley has no choice but to reconnect with Nina, the medium she met at the ranch, and go back into solving these cases.
Dammit.
And second? She had to call Nina.
Double dammit.
Since Melissa said that this guy was even more psycho than the ones in the previous book, I was very scared, however this book was less terrible for me in that sense, since we are not inside his head like we were in Orin's, which it was what really traumatized me.
However, it is just as terrible as the previous one in terms of the history.
Really my favorite part of these books is how they manage to mix the paranormal, with mystery and police investigation, with horrors, but also with things as mundane as a marriage or the development that Riley and Michael's relationship is having, even showing us a food contest with his family. This not only helps to relax the tension of the book quite a bit, but it helps to connect more and more with Riley.
"Ooh," Michael said from across the table. "If we're going somewhere tropical, sister dear, your ass will be going swimming with dolphins."Melissa does an incredible job of also showing how some cases receive more attention than others, which in fact was what prevented these murders from being discovered in the beginning, since being of “different levels” it was impossible for them to be connected.
Donna shuddered violently beside Riley.
"She was bitten by a dolphin at SeaWorld when she was a kid," Carla told Riley.
"Demon fish," Donna whispered softly to herself.
Riley suppressed a laugh.
This is a thriller and ghost story book, but it's not really scary in that regard. The terrible thing is the serial killers and especially knowing that this part is not fiction. If you like mega dense mysteries without romance, this is not your book, it is a thriller a little "lighter" for saying, much more focused on the emotional. Again a round story for me. I hope Riley goes on her unelected detective path. What worries me is Melissa's search history which must be full of phrases like “how to hide a body” 😅.
The men chuckled.
"Ah, so psychics have a dark sense of humor, too?" McGregor asked.
"It's that or I curl up in a fetal position and never get up again."
Howard grinned at her. "Same."
May 23, 2021
This was my first ARC and I wasn’t sure what to expect but WHAT A WAY TO START!
Before I review I must admit that I didn’t realise that this book was a sequel in the Riley Thomas series, luckily a short summary was included at the beginning of the book and the story was independent enough that it didn’t matter and I could still enjoy this one.
The story follow Riley, a psychic medium whose clairvoyant powers are growing stronger after she solved a cold case of a serial killer in the last book. Her best friend is getting married and wants some vintage cameras for wedding guests to use but upon touching one, Riley sees a ghost connected to the camera by energy. After looking at the film she realises the ghost is part of a serial killer cold case and begins to use her powers to solve it.
I’m getting really into murder mysteries lately but the addition of a medium was so much better. It sort of reminded me of what I loved about Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo but without the Dark academia and magic.
This book was really fast-paced and I finished it in two days, the characters were sarcastic and witty and I loved the relationship between Riley and the other clairvoyants Nina and Olivia. Seeing her come to terms with the powers she has feared for so long and the despair she felt from seeing these ghosts which can’t receive justice for themselves was so much more emotional than I was expecting and I thought that there was a lot of information (such as the factors of social class and race) about why a victim was selected that was sadly very accurate to what you see in a lot of true crime documentaries.
I especially enjoyed the chapters in the POV of the killers. It was quite chilling way of looking into a villain/characters mind and although it may be revealed earlier who is involved in the crimes, it’s really exciting seeing Riley piecing it all together.
Thank you so much to Xpresso Book Tours for this ARC, I really enjoyed it and am now definitely going to be checking out any more of Melissa Erin Jackson’s writing.
Before I review I must admit that I didn’t realise that this book was a sequel in the Riley Thomas series, luckily a short summary was included at the beginning of the book and the story was independent enough that it didn’t matter and I could still enjoy this one.
The story follow Riley, a psychic medium whose clairvoyant powers are growing stronger after she solved a cold case of a serial killer in the last book. Her best friend is getting married and wants some vintage cameras for wedding guests to use but upon touching one, Riley sees a ghost connected to the camera by energy. After looking at the film she realises the ghost is part of a serial killer cold case and begins to use her powers to solve it.
I’m getting really into murder mysteries lately but the addition of a medium was so much better. It sort of reminded me of what I loved about Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo but without the Dark academia and magic.
This book was really fast-paced and I finished it in two days, the characters were sarcastic and witty and I loved the relationship between Riley and the other clairvoyants Nina and Olivia. Seeing her come to terms with the powers she has feared for so long and the despair she felt from seeing these ghosts which can’t receive justice for themselves was so much more emotional than I was expecting and I thought that there was a lot of information (such as the factors of social class and race) about why a victim was selected that was sadly very accurate to what you see in a lot of true crime documentaries.
I especially enjoyed the chapters in the POV of the killers. It was quite chilling way of looking into a villain/characters mind and although it may be revealed earlier who is involved in the crimes, it’s really exciting seeing Riley piecing it all together.
Thank you so much to Xpresso Book Tours for this ARC, I really enjoyed it and am now definitely going to be checking out any more of Melissa Erin Jackson’s writing.
May 19, 2021
***I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review
In book 2 of the Riley Thomas Mystery Series, Riley's best friend Jade is getting married, and they go shopping in thrift shops for some vintage cameras the guests can use to document the big day. They find 3 at one of the shops they go to, only to bring home an unexpected surprise along with the cameras...the ghost of a woman. As Riley, the reluctant medium, begins to dig into the history of the cameras, and communicate with the woman in yellow, she discovers that there are even more women. She realizes that the cameras belonged to a serial killer and that until she can name all of the victims and the killer himself, no one will be able to rest, including herself.
I didn't read the first book in the series, but it gave such a good overview at the beginning I didn't feel at all lost when I was reading this one. I do want to go back and read the first one now though, since I enjoyed this one so much. Riley is really uncomfortable with her psychic abilities and is still trying to get a handle on them, but she has a great group of friends who also have psychic abilities who can support and help her, and her boyfriend and other friends are really supportive as well. The book was like a combination ghost hunters & mystery, so I think it would appeal to anyone who liked paranormal or mysteries. This is a great series, and I look forward to seeing what adventures Riley and her friends gets up to in future installments.
In book 2 of the Riley Thomas Mystery Series, Riley's best friend Jade is getting married, and they go shopping in thrift shops for some vintage cameras the guests can use to document the big day. They find 3 at one of the shops they go to, only to bring home an unexpected surprise along with the cameras...the ghost of a woman. As Riley, the reluctant medium, begins to dig into the history of the cameras, and communicate with the woman in yellow, she discovers that there are even more women. She realizes that the cameras belonged to a serial killer and that until she can name all of the victims and the killer himself, no one will be able to rest, including herself.
I didn't read the first book in the series, but it gave such a good overview at the beginning I didn't feel at all lost when I was reading this one. I do want to go back and read the first one now though, since I enjoyed this one so much. Riley is really uncomfortable with her psychic abilities and is still trying to get a handle on them, but she has a great group of friends who also have psychic abilities who can support and help her, and her boyfriend and other friends are really supportive as well. The book was like a combination ghost hunters & mystery, so I think it would appeal to anyone who liked paranormal or mysteries. This is a great series, and I look forward to seeing what adventures Riley and her friends gets up to in future installments.
May 18, 2021
This is a well written paranormal suspense with strong characters and an intriguing story line. The author does a fantastic job developing the story and painting her scenes in vivid detail. She pulled me in with the mystery of the unsolved murders and kept me glued to the pages right to the end. Loved and recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
May 22, 2021
brilliant second installment
This is a great continuation of Riley’s story. I really appreciated the recap at the beginning of the book to remind me of her previous adventure. I couldn’t stop thinking about it when I wasn’t reading (it also jumped two books on my TBR). Love watching this series develop.
This is a great continuation of Riley’s story. I really appreciated the recap at the beginning of the book to remind me of her previous adventure. I couldn’t stop thinking about it when I wasn’t reading (it also jumped two books on my TBR). Love watching this series develop.
April 5, 2023
Like the first in the series this was entertaining and fun while finding a nice combo of true crime/supernatural, but this had less of a supernatural element (I personally love a Ouija story so I missed that type of thing from the first one). Still pretty good and would still continue to read these books by this author if there are more coming.
April 8, 2021
Riley, Michael, and Jade are back! I'm excited for all of Melissa's new readers to continue to sink into this wonderful world. The more Riley learns about herself and her abilities, the more that the possibilities begin to open before her...and us as her readers. Can't wait to see where it goes from here!
April 9, 2023
If you love ghost stories and crime novels, this will be right up your dark, haunted alley. It serves up a good dose of paranormal with the feel of true crime. Riley is back and encountering more ghosts than ever, on the trail of a series of unsolved murders. She even dips her toe into professional paranormal investigation with EVPs.
Riley is relatable, sensitive, and easy to root for. Her best friend Jade is awesome. Her boyfriend Michael is a cuddly teddy bear. Nina is a professional paranormal investigator and helping Riley grow in her communication with the paranormal world. You get to know the women whose lives were taken and peek into the inner-dialogue of the murderer (eek!).
Riley is relatable, sensitive, and easy to root for. Her best friend Jade is awesome. Her boyfriend Michael is a cuddly teddy bear. Nina is a professional paranormal investigator and helping Riley grow in her communication with the paranormal world. You get to know the women whose lives were taken and peek into the inner-dialogue of the murderer (eek!).
May 13, 2021
Oooh, she left us with a little cliffhanger at the end of this one......before you look away, she ties up THIS story just fine, don't panic, but leads us into book 3 with another little mystery to solve, which I'm really looking forward to. As we neared the end of this one I was hoping that particular incident wouldn't be forgotten about but was also puzzling about it being a rush-job when I saw I was nearing the end so now I know we'll get to learn more in the next tale !!
Once again, we meet the same characters as in book 1 which I was happy to see as I do like Riley's little bunch of family and friends very much. The author has created some very appealing characters indeed.
Now, something I MUST mention, which other authors writing a series never do, is that she gave us a little synopsis before this one starts to remind us of the previous story and how things were left. That was so useful and I do wish other writers would do the same. Unless you binge a whole series like you maybe would a show on Netflix there are going to be parts you forget about, however much you enjoyed it !! So this is a great idea and well done for thinking of your readers, Ms Jackson !!
There were some very funny little remarks in this one again. I do like that Baxter travels along with Michael to stay with Riley as well.....a nice touch. I enjoyed the special meal with Michael's family a great deal and also REALLY get a kick out of the Barnyard plates, too. Yet a few parts had me really quite sniffy, especially when Ruthie was discussed.
I did highlight the mention of killers getting so much information courtesy of their potential victims thanks to social media and posting all your stuff all the time. When will people learn ? The internet is a murderer's wet-dream !!
And yes, there were errors in the book but the author kindly emailed over an ARC so I will email her back the ones I spotted so she can get it tidied up perfectly. I'm really keen to get onto Riley's next adventure.
Once again, we meet the same characters as in book 1 which I was happy to see as I do like Riley's little bunch of family and friends very much. The author has created some very appealing characters indeed.
Now, something I MUST mention, which other authors writing a series never do, is that she gave us a little synopsis before this one starts to remind us of the previous story and how things were left. That was so useful and I do wish other writers would do the same. Unless you binge a whole series like you maybe would a show on Netflix there are going to be parts you forget about, however much you enjoyed it !! So this is a great idea and well done for thinking of your readers, Ms Jackson !!
There were some very funny little remarks in this one again. I do like that Baxter travels along with Michael to stay with Riley as well.....a nice touch. I enjoyed the special meal with Michael's family a great deal and also REALLY get a kick out of the Barnyard plates, too. Yet a few parts had me really quite sniffy, especially when Ruthie was discussed.
I did highlight the mention of killers getting so much information courtesy of their potential victims thanks to social media and posting all your stuff all the time. When will people learn ? The internet is a murderer's wet-dream !!
And yes, there were errors in the book but the author kindly emailed over an ARC so I will email her back the ones I spotted so she can get it tidied up perfectly. I'm really keen to get onto Riley's next adventure.
January 7, 2022
I received Shuttered Secrets, Riley Thomas #2, by Melissa Erin Jackson and it was a very good read. A nice surprise, by an author I haven’t read before and the 2nd book in the series. The book read like a stand alone but I will go back and read the first one. Riley Thomas, has shanties apartment and she hears ghosts. They tell her things and they hardly ever leave her alone. The ghosts are leaving her alone for a bit and she is very happy because she can help her friend get ready for her wedding. Jade has an idea to put old cameras on the tables at her wedding. She wants the guests to use them during the wedding and then she can see them when the wedding is done.
As they search for the cameras though, Riley starts to hear from the ghosts. They actually very insistent and Riley can not ignore them. The first woman comes at midnight in a yellow dress..Riley gets freaked out and takes the cameras out of the apartment in hopes that the ghost won’t come back, no such luck.. Riley must get help in this one. She starts to research the cameras that they got at one shop. They seem to be from the same person. Can she develop the film? Before she knows it she finds out that the camera has to do with two other woman, who were also murdered. One white and one black and neither are the first woman. As she continues to figure this out… she finds more clues that totally emerge her into this mystery.. can she find out the truth before the murderer finds her? Can she give peace to these girls families? This story was very good and I loved the writing. I couldn’t stop reading because i needed to know how it ended…
As they search for the cameras though, Riley starts to hear from the ghosts. They actually very insistent and Riley can not ignore them. The first woman comes at midnight in a yellow dress..Riley gets freaked out and takes the cameras out of the apartment in hopes that the ghost won’t come back, no such luck.. Riley must get help in this one. She starts to research the cameras that they got at one shop. They seem to be from the same person. Can she develop the film? Before she knows it she finds out that the camera has to do with two other woman, who were also murdered. One white and one black and neither are the first woman. As she continues to figure this out… she finds more clues that totally emerge her into this mystery.. can she find out the truth before the murderer finds her? Can she give peace to these girls families? This story was very good and I loved the writing. I couldn’t stop reading because i needed to know how it ended…
March 29, 2023
The Riley Thomas series is my new favorite series and I'm really sad that there are only two books in the series. Melissa Erin Jackson, when will there be another Riley Thomas book?
The first book, The Forgotten Child, had less ghost interaction but had some good creepy elements. This book had more ghost interaction, but fewer creepy elements. I did tear up at the end when the all the ghosts appeared. I won't spoil anything so I won't say anymore about it.
THE REST OF THIS IS 100% SPOILER. I'M WRITING IT SO i CAN REMEMBER WHAT TH EBOOK IS ABOUT LATER. IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE I'LL FORGET WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS BOOK BUT I WILL. I READ A LOT, AND WILL NEED A REFRESHER WITH SPECIFIC EVENTS FROM THE STORY TO HELP ME REMEMBER.
Riley is helping her friend plan her wedding. They buy old film cameras for the wedding guests to use. The girls buy the cameras and along with the cameras, there's a ghost. The ghost appears to Riley and is a super sad ghost. The girl is part of a group of girls that were followed and photographed by a "p.i." for hire that follows women so they can get raped, tortured, and murdered. The camera has an undeveloped roll of film. She gets the filmed developed she sees there is another woman in photos as well. Both women were followed by the same man and then murdered by another man. When all is said and done, both men are arrested, and there were 6 women that had been murdered. Riley worked with the other two woman that are also physics from the first book. Together the three of them find where the bodies are buried. In the end Riley finally starts to accept her gift as a physic medium.
The first book, The Forgotten Child, had less ghost interaction but had some good creepy elements. This book had more ghost interaction, but fewer creepy elements. I did tear up at the end when the all the ghosts appeared. I won't spoil anything so I won't say anymore about it.
THE REST OF THIS IS 100% SPOILER. I'M WRITING IT SO i CAN REMEMBER WHAT TH EBOOK IS ABOUT LATER. IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE I'LL FORGET WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS BOOK BUT I WILL. I READ A LOT, AND WILL NEED A REFRESHER WITH SPECIFIC EVENTS FROM THE STORY TO HELP ME REMEMBER.
Riley is helping her friend plan her wedding. They buy old film cameras for the wedding guests to use. The girls buy the cameras and along with the cameras, there's a ghost. The ghost appears to Riley and is a super sad ghost. The girl is part of a group of girls that were followed and photographed by a "p.i." for hire that follows women so they can get raped, tortured, and murdered. The camera has an undeveloped roll of film. She gets the filmed developed she sees there is another woman in photos as well. Both women were followed by the same man and then murdered by another man. When all is said and done, both men are arrested, and there were 6 women that had been murdered. Riley worked with the other two woman that are also physics from the first book. Together the three of them find where the bodies are buried. In the end Riley finally starts to accept her gift as a physic medium.
June 22, 2021
Riley is going to be maid of honor for best friend Jade. In an effort to make the wedding reception unique Jade wants to look for used cameras to put on the tables so the guests can take pictures. They go to a second hand store and find three older cameras. They inspect the cameras to be sure they are still in working order and find an old roll of undeveloped film. Once the cameras are purchased Jade hides them so her fiancé doesn't get curious and try to take them apart. Meanwhile, Riley is trying to avoid her encounters with the paranormal. She calls her friend Nina to help her but Nina suggests that Riley needs to decide what she wants from these encounters in the future and then they should meet again to discuss. Riley sees an image of a lady in a yellow dress and is convinced it is somehow tied to the camera and the film. She will reach out to her friends and contacts to try to solve the mystery.
This is a light hearted story about clairvoyants and physic mediums. The story was interesting at the start but it dragged some after that. There was also a strange game of mystery food that I could have done without. All in all it was a nice afternoon read.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
This is a light hearted story about clairvoyants and physic mediums. The story was interesting at the start but it dragged some after that. There was also a strange game of mystery food that I could have done without. All in all it was a nice afternoon read.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
July 16, 2021
I loved Shuttered Secrets! This book follows a psychic medium named Riley who is just developing her ability and is able to connect with ghosts. She gets drawn into a murder mystery when she buys some vintage cameras for her best friend's wedding. This leads her to discover the work of a serial killer who had been targeting a women using his abilities as a photographer.
I won't give away any twists, but the story kept me on my toes and I couldn't put it down. There are some great family moments too and fantastic side characters. Melissa Erin Jackson is great at fleshing out characters in a short time and allowing the reader to easily bond with them. The gore/violence is at a minimum, so even though this is for fans of true crime and thrillers, cozy readers can love it as well.
I love that Melissa Erin Jackson isn't afraid to look at social issues like race and class and is inclusive in her books. This is the second book in the series, but you can read it as a stand alone. Keep in mind there are many spoilers to the first book.
I can't wait to see where this series goes. Highly Recommended!
I won't give away any twists, but the story kept me on my toes and I couldn't put it down. There are some great family moments too and fantastic side characters. Melissa Erin Jackson is great at fleshing out characters in a short time and allowing the reader to easily bond with them. The gore/violence is at a minimum, so even though this is for fans of true crime and thrillers, cozy readers can love it as well.
I love that Melissa Erin Jackson isn't afraid to look at social issues like race and class and is inclusive in her books. This is the second book in the series, but you can read it as a stand alone. Keep in mind there are many spoilers to the first book.
I can't wait to see where this series goes. Highly Recommended!
July 1, 2021
Although I happened across the second book in this series it was not hard to follow along and get caught up to a point where the character relationships made sense.
The main character, Riley Thomas, is a clairvoyant and although she is unsure and resistant about her powers, in this book she starts to understand the importance of her gifts.
Seeing ghosts randomly in daily life must be startling and downright draining. After Riley's best friend buys some retro film cameras from an antique store however, she is motivated to use her clairvoyance to put an end to her interactions with the sorrowful woman in the yellow dress that keeps appearing.
A twisted plot unfolds proving to be dark and complicated, including a few camera fanatics using their photography for morbid & merderous means, and a poltergeist pushing around the new family living in her home.
This was a slightly darker plot to an otherwise cozy mystery. I would be interested to see how Riley's journey progresses.
The main character, Riley Thomas, is a clairvoyant and although she is unsure and resistant about her powers, in this book she starts to understand the importance of her gifts.
Seeing ghosts randomly in daily life must be startling and downright draining. After Riley's best friend buys some retro film cameras from an antique store however, she is motivated to use her clairvoyance to put an end to her interactions with the sorrowful woman in the yellow dress that keeps appearing.
A twisted plot unfolds proving to be dark and complicated, including a few camera fanatics using their photography for morbid & merderous means, and a poltergeist pushing around the new family living in her home.
This was a slightly darker plot to an otherwise cozy mystery. I would be interested to see how Riley's journey progresses.
May 16, 2021
Riley is maid of honor for Best friend. In a quest to find an ols fashioned camra for the wedding photos. In a secondhand store they found one that was perfect. Findind a roll of undeveloped film-the film seemed to have alot of ghostly women attached to it. As they try to unravel the mysterious film, to give closure and justice-mabey.
Riley, Jade-bride to be, Nina a professional paranormal investiator. All work together to solve the "case". Will it cause more damage? Is a possible killer still around wanting the dead/ and forgotten to stay that way? Will they figure it out and not have the wedding interupted by the mystery? Will Riley get peace from the Ghostly women when the mystery is solved?
Riley, Jade-bride to be, Nina a professional paranormal investiator. All work together to solve the "case". Will it cause more damage? Is a possible killer still around wanting the dead/ and forgotten to stay that way? Will they figure it out and not have the wedding interupted by the mystery? Will Riley get peace from the Ghostly women when the mystery is solved?
July 27, 2021
The author of this book kindly sent me a free copy before release in May, but unfortunately I haven’t been able to read it until now. I didn’t dislike this book, but I didn’t love it either. I really enjoyed the Forgotten Child. It was truly spooky - a great ghost story and I enjoyed the characters. It’s hard to put my finger on it, but Shuttered Secrets seemed like it was missing something. Maybe if the ghosts’ stories were more fleshed out or the ending would have been different…After how secretive the Client was for years, it seemed odd to me that he would own up to his crimes so quickly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2022
Riley Thomas had me gripped from the start. Excellent storytelling and clear descriptions which almost made it feel like I was there. From an angry ghost in a supermarket to a young girl in a yellow dress. Riley is such a good investigator and she now has a couple of contacts in police and FBI. I would love to see her team up with her 2 other psychic friends and start a private psychic investigation business. Her psychic abilities seem to be growing as she is accepting her gift as time goes on. Can’t wait for the next story. 5 stars all the way.
May 20, 2021
I read the first Riley Thomas book 2 years ago and all the other books by Melissa Erin Jackson too and I absolutely adore her stories and her lead characters.
Riley’s story continues and her life isn’t getting any easier. Another ghost needs her help and then some so she has to woman up and find out who this latest ghost was. As her investigation continues she finds more ghosts that need her help but she also finds old and new friends who show her that her abilities are a gift.
Charachter developement is definitely one of Jackson’s strong suit. She creates amazing and lovable leads and support characters. I love Riley and Michael and Jade ane Nina, they complement each other.
I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy. I received a free copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Riley’s story continues and her life isn’t getting any easier. Another ghost needs her help and then some so she has to woman up and find out who this latest ghost was. As her investigation continues she finds more ghosts that need her help but she also finds old and new friends who show her that her abilities are a gift.
Charachter developement is definitely one of Jackson’s strong suit. She creates amazing and lovable leads and support characters. I love Riley and Michael and Jade ane Nina, they complement each other.
I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy. I received a free copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
July 7, 2021
Wait, what am I reading!?!? I have been glued to this book from the first page. Unfortunately, I did not read the previous book in the series, but that will shortly be remedied. While reading, not only could I imagine what Riley would feel throughout the book, but I could see it in my mind's eye. Do not hesitate to read this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 22, 2022
Riley to the Rescue
This is the second book in the series about psychic medium Riley Thomas. She sees and speaks to ghosts that need resolution about their deaths. Sometimes they just want her to find their bodies. As in the first book, the writing skills, creative storyline, and lots of ghosties are the best in a real paranormal tale. I definitely recommend this book. I hope there are more in this wonderful series.
This is the second book in the series about psychic medium Riley Thomas. She sees and speaks to ghosts that need resolution about their deaths. Sometimes they just want her to find their bodies. As in the first book, the writing skills, creative storyline, and lots of ghosties are the best in a real paranormal tale. I definitely recommend this book. I hope there are more in this wonderful series.
April 6, 2023
This is the second book in the series, and I sure hope there are more. I love ghost stories. I love murder mysteries. This combines it in a way that is somewhat unique and very interesting. In both this book and the first book, the story starts out one way, but then expands and turns into something unexpected at the end. I haven't come across a character in this series that isn't likable. (Other than the murderers and boy are they awful! Which is how it's supposed to be.)
May 21, 2021
The second book in the Riley Thomas Mystery series a well written paranormal suspense story that kept me turning pages I had to know what was happening and why. This Author makes this story come to life it is almost like you can see it unfold.I would recommend. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews