Review of Pastor B and the Haunted Church

Post by **Bertha Jackson** » 14 May 2025, 14:55

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Pastor B and the Haunted Church" by Dorothy May Mercer.]

5 out of 5 stars

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Pastor B and the Haunted Church: A Christian Mystery Suspense by Dorothy May Mercer is the first book in the Christian series about the River Heights Church. The River Heights Church is a 100-year-old mansion with a spooky history dating back to the 19th century, which the older congregation likes to tell stories about. Although Bishop Remarque thought assigning this declining church would be a relaxing experience before Reverend Alan Burke’s retirement, things changed when a non-member of the church established the George Mountbatten Reed Memorial Fund. Opportunities arise to renovate this old church instead of building a new church in a better part of the city. As Alan learns more about the church's history, he discovers that it is built on the site of a church that had been burned down when it was a stop for the Underground Railroad. How will this discovery impact the current church's renovations? Who established this fund and why? What are the spooky stories that the older members enjoy talking about?

Dorothy May Mercer does an excellent job keeping the mystery and suspense throughout the storyline, with deceit, jealousy, greed, embezzlement, gambling, the Underground Railroad, and a suicide attempt all playing significant roles. As if this isn't enough, add in a child transgender conflict between parents and paranormal activity. This is a lot of topics, but the author's writing skill keeps all of them flowing smoothly throughout the plot. One of my favorite aspects of this book is Alan's faith in God and the Bible and how they influenced his decisions. I admired Alan's insight on making surprise visits to people's places of employment to gain insight into their lives. The author also did a good job of showing how good leadership skills can be developed while volunteering at your church. For example, how do you deal with latecomers to a meeting, because most of the time, someone is always late? Alan and his wife, Sharon, were my two favorite characters because they always worked harmoniously to meet their individual goals. However, at times, Sharon had to take a backseat to Alan's religious duties, which made it more realistic. I laughed at Alan's effective way of getting church members to sit in the front pews.

I enjoyed this book so much that I am eager to read the next book in the series, which the author provided a short synopsis of at the end of this book. I gave this professionally edited book 5 out of 5 stars because of my reading enjoyment, the positive aspects discussed above, and the many life lessons I took away from it. There were no negative aspects to justify a lower rating for this book.

I recommend this book to mature readers who enjoy mysterious, suspenseful, historical, and paranormal Christian fiction. However, if non-borderline profanity or the topic of children considering transgender surgery offends you, you will want to avoid this book.

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Pastor B and the Haunted Church
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Theodora Adjabeng · Post by **Theodora Adjabeng** » 17 May 2025, 08:50

Here's a quick summary of the review:

The story centers around River Heights Church, a 100-year-old mansion with a mysterious past.

Reverend Alan Burke is assigned to this old church before retirement.

The church is built on the site of a previous church that was burned down when it was part of the Underground Railroad.

Alan and his wife, Sharon, are highlighted as good characters who work harmoniously toward their goals for the church.

The story explores leadership, mystery, church renovation, and hidden history.

The reviewer found it enjoyable, realistic, and full of life lessons.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Recommendation: For mature readers who enjoy Christian fiction with mystery, suspense, and historical elements.

Let me know if you'd like a shorter version or help writing your own review!

André Ribeiro Moes · Post by **André Ribeiro Moes** » 22 May 2025, 09:45

This is a great account of a book that is as complex and layered as it is.
I was very intrigued by the many types listed within the same book, as mentioned in the review: mysterious, suspenseful, historical, and paranormal Christian fiction.
The book seems to have a very complete development taking into account many details relevant to the story, which makes me want to read this book for sure!

VARUNH · Post by **VARUNH** » 03 Jun 2025, 04:49

You know, I picked up 'Pastor B and the Haunted Church' by Dorothy May Mercer on a whim, and it turned out to be a surprisingly charming read. It's not going to keep you up all night with terror, but it's got this really sweet, almost cozy mystery vibe with a touch of the supernatural.

Post by **Kibet Hillary** » 03 Jun 2025, 05:02

The lesson on how to encourage and even make church members sit in the front pews would, definitely, help many, as I have witnessed several instances where people decline to obey the call in other fora. I wonder how Alan did it, as it is not just something that affects churches. I am happy that the book also entails lessons on faith in God. Many thanks for the informative review, @Bertha Jackson.

Abeeb Opeyemi 1 · Post by **Abeeb Opeyemi 1** » 03 Jun 2025, 05:19

Dorothy May Mercer’s Pastor B and the Haunted Church transcends its seemingly straightforward Christian mystery suspense label, offering a surprisingly resonant exploration of faith confronting the unsettling unknown within the very walls meant to be a sanctuary. While delivering cozy charm and gentle suspense, Mercer crafts a narrative rich with thematic depth, examining the nature of fear, the power of community, and the reality of spiritual warfare through the lens of a relatable, faithful protagonist.

At its heart, the novel uses the classic "haunting" trope not merely for chills, but as a profound catalyst for introspection and spiritual growth. The eerie phenomena plaguing Pastor B’s historic church – the unexplained noises, the sudden chills – become potent metaphors for the insidious ways doubt, anxiety, and unseen spiritual battles can infiltrate even the most devout communities. Mercer masterfully avoids sensationalism. The horror here is less about jump scares and more about the profound violation of sacred space and the erosion of peace. We experience this deeply through Pastor B himself, a refreshingly grounded hero. He is no exorcist superhero, but a humble man of God wrestling authentically with fear, responsibility, and the tension between seeking rational explanations and acknowledging the potential supernatural dimension through faith.

This leads to the novel's core strength: its authentic portrayal of **spiritual warfare made accessible**. Mercer reframes the concept not as grand, cinematic battles with demons, but as the daily struggle against darkness manifesting as fear, discord, and the erosion of trust within the congregation. Pastor B's investigation is a dual pursuit: he diligently looks for physical causes (faulty wiring, local troublemakers) while simultaneously engaging in fervent prayer, seeking divine wisdom and protection. His faith isn't a magic shield against fear; it's the anchor that steadies him *amidst* the fear. This nuanced approach makes the spiritual themes deeply relatable, emphasizing reliance on God, discernment, and the power of communal prayer as legitimate weapons.

Furthermore, the "haunting" brilliantly serves as a **mirror for communal vulnerability**. The strange occurrences expose hidden fractures and anxieties within the church family. Mercer uses the suspense to explore how shared trauma – even perceived supernatural threat – can either fracture a community or galvanize it into deeper unity and reliance on their shared faith. The supporting cast, from the pragmatic Mrs. Abernathy to the worried parishioners, adds warmth and realism, grounding the supernatural elements in a tangible, caring community. The resolution, therefore, is deeply satisfying not just because the mystery is solved, but because it involves **restoration** – the restoration of peace to the physical church, the restoration of faith shaken by fear, and the restoration of bonds within the congregation, strengthened through shared trial and reliance on God's light.

In conclusion, *Pastor B and the Haunted Church* is far more than a simple ghost story with a Christian veneer. Dorothy May Mercer delivers a cozy yet compelling mystery suspense that delves into the profound depths of faith confronting tangible fear. It’s a testament to the power of steadfast belief, the importance of community, and the quiet, persistent strength found in turning towards the Divine Light when faced with unsettling darkness – making it a uniquely rewarding and thought-provoking read, perfect for those seeking suspense with genuine spiritual substance. I genuinely recommend this

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Post by **Mr Benj** » 03 Jun 2025, 05:26

"Pastor B and the Haunted Church" by Dorothy May Mercer, a book that features a church and its history. It will be interesting to read about the Bishop and his administration and the long history of this church.

Post by **Mr Benj** » 03 Jun 2025, 05:27

"Pastor B and the Haunted Church" by Dorothy May Mercer, a book that features a church and its history. It will be interesting to read about the Bishop and his administration and the long history of this church.

Post by **Rebecca De Figueiredo** » 03 Jun 2025, 06:44

Pastor B’s church is on ancient grounds and is said to be haunted. I love this idea, although I’m not religious. The reviewer does a good job with summarising it, and on opening the book it has a comfortable and inviting way about it.

Post by **Limpho Mojakisane** » 03 Jun 2025, 07:35

Thanks for the detailed review. I like how the book mixes real issues like faith, leadership, and church life with mystery and suspense. The mix of history, paranormal events, and personal struggles sounds deep but well handled. Alan and Sharon seem like a strong team, and I’m curious how the old church’s past shapes the story.

Post by **Sushan Ekanayake** » 03 Jun 2025, 07:45

A haunted 100-year-old church, a mysterious fund, and secrets tied to the Underground Railroad—"Pastor B and the Haunted Church" by Dorothy May Mercer blends suspense, history, faith, and even paranormal twists. A gripping Christian mystery with heart and depth. Congratulations on being BOTD!

Chi Chiu Michael Mak · Post by **Chi Chiu Michael Mak** » 03 Jun 2025, 08:01

Pastor B and the Haunted Church is a book that mixes up elements you wouldn't expect to go together. What kind of story puts spooky things and a church renovation side by side? Alan is shaping up to be a likeable character for his wholesome faith. Great Book of the Day!

Post by **Stephanie Gail Stephen** » 03 Jun 2025, 08:32

I haven't read this book yet, but this review definitely captures my interest. I'm particularly intrigued by the combination of mystery and faith elements, and it seems the author handled some complex topics with great care. I wouldn't have come across this title on my own and your review has convinced me to dive in. I’m adding it to my to-be-read list for sure.

Post by **Elise Sylcox** » 03 Jun 2025, 08:34

Pastor B and the Haunted Church: A Christian Mystery Suspense by Dorothy May Mercer may be one of the first books I've ever heard of that has includes Christian aspects such as pastors, going to church, faith, and the Bible, along with "mystery and suspense... deceit, jealousy, greed, embezzlement, gambling, the Underground Railroad, and a suicide attempt." I can't tell if this book is going to be a nice party or a rave, but I can say for sure, it sounds mighty interesting from this review.

Post by **Sanju Lali** » 03 Jun 2025, 08:51

One can find a wonderful Christian mystery story in the book "Pastor B and the Haunted Church" by Dorothy May Mercer. The story follows River Heights Church, which is a 100-year-old mansion with a spooky history dating back to the 19th century.