Review of The Ghost of Mackey House
Posted: 10 Sep 2021, 08:45
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Ghost of Mackey House" by R.A. Johnson.]
Jan Sorrensen’s first two books were successful. He channeled all the ill-will he felt for his ex-wife, who broke his heart, into his work. But writing his third novel was proving to be nothing more than a blank screen and lack of inspiration. That is until he arrives at the Mackey House bed and breakfast, and a series of haunting events occur. Who knew that the perfect horror novel was right under his nose?
When a shocking murder-suicide rocks the walls of the quaint bed and breakfast, Sandy and Dan, the owners, are left with sweeping cancelations. No one wants to stay in a place terrorized by ghosts. But then, Dan, who has always been committed to Sandy and the house, just up and disappears one day, leaving his already rattled wife reeling.
Jan, with the help of Deputy Kathy Jenson, decides to do some research. They delve deeper into the history of the old hotel, including the beautiful but horrific statue that stands in front of the property. The more Jan digs, the more shocking revelations he unearths. Why did Dan disappear? Is the house haunted, and what does Sandy have to do with all of it?
Could the chilling history be material for Jan’s newest novel? Read this thrilling book to find out.
The Ghost of Mackey House by R.A. Johnson is a chillingly addictive novel that will have readers perpetually looking over their shoulders. The book is written from the third-person perspective. It follows Jan while occasionally switching to Kathy Jenson’s point of view. The unlikely pair team up, seeking information regarding the strange occurrences at the Mackey House. They look into the disappearance of Dan Adams, Sandy’s increasingly bizarre behavior, and if there is any truth to the gossip surrounding the historical stigma attached to the town of Dundee, specifically the Mackey House.
There were so many things to love about the book. But my favorite was the author’s talent for writing a story that jumped off the pages, and like a movie in my head, it came to life. The creepy factor surged as supernatural events were described in vivid detail. From the presence of a terrifying black shadow to the movement of the hypnotic statue, it was a chill-inducing experience!
If you’ve read any of my other reviews, you know well-developed characters are a non-negotiable for me. The Ghost of Mackey House did not disappoint. Between a self-deprecating novelist and a tough-as-nails female sheriff, this book delved deep into the lives of multidimensional characters. Jan’s struggle with his inadequacies as a writer and a lover was thoroughly conveyed to the reader, and I enjoyed seeing his confidence evolve. Kathy had weaknesses of her own that drove her. The plight of being a female deputy was deepened further by her sexual orientation and race. She used the relentless bullying from her male counterparts as motivation—she was the definition of girl power.
This book reeled me in quickly, and despite the significant length, I devoured it in a few sittings. Needless to say, I was sad when it ended, but that’s when you know the author accomplished what they set out to do. There is nothing to dislike about the book, and I’d love to read more from R.A. Johnson! The cherry on top of this spectacular book was that it was exceptionally well edited with no visible errors.
I have chosen to give The Ghost of Mackey House a rating of four out of four stars. The storyline was exciting and suspenseful—everything you’d want from a horror/mystery. Furthermore, the characters were likable and multidimensional. It was easy to root for them.
If you love mysteries with ghostly phenomena, do yourself a favor and pick up this novel. The book may be unsuitable for those who find paranormal activity unsettling. There are also some otherwordly sex scenes and profanity that some readers may find offensive. Nevertheless, for those undeterred but the details mentioned above, read this book. You’re welcome.
******
The Ghost of Mackey House
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Jan Sorrensen’s first two books were successful. He channeled all the ill-will he felt for his ex-wife, who broke his heart, into his work. But writing his third novel was proving to be nothing more than a blank screen and lack of inspiration. That is until he arrives at the Mackey House bed and breakfast, and a series of haunting events occur. Who knew that the perfect horror novel was right under his nose?
When a shocking murder-suicide rocks the walls of the quaint bed and breakfast, Sandy and Dan, the owners, are left with sweeping cancelations. No one wants to stay in a place terrorized by ghosts. But then, Dan, who has always been committed to Sandy and the house, just up and disappears one day, leaving his already rattled wife reeling.
Jan, with the help of Deputy Kathy Jenson, decides to do some research. They delve deeper into the history of the old hotel, including the beautiful but horrific statue that stands in front of the property. The more Jan digs, the more shocking revelations he unearths. Why did Dan disappear? Is the house haunted, and what does Sandy have to do with all of it?
Could the chilling history be material for Jan’s newest novel? Read this thrilling book to find out.
The Ghost of Mackey House by R.A. Johnson is a chillingly addictive novel that will have readers perpetually looking over their shoulders. The book is written from the third-person perspective. It follows Jan while occasionally switching to Kathy Jenson’s point of view. The unlikely pair team up, seeking information regarding the strange occurrences at the Mackey House. They look into the disappearance of Dan Adams, Sandy’s increasingly bizarre behavior, and if there is any truth to the gossip surrounding the historical stigma attached to the town of Dundee, specifically the Mackey House.
There were so many things to love about the book. But my favorite was the author’s talent for writing a story that jumped off the pages, and like a movie in my head, it came to life. The creepy factor surged as supernatural events were described in vivid detail. From the presence of a terrifying black shadow to the movement of the hypnotic statue, it was a chill-inducing experience!
If you’ve read any of my other reviews, you know well-developed characters are a non-negotiable for me. The Ghost of Mackey House did not disappoint. Between a self-deprecating novelist and a tough-as-nails female sheriff, this book delved deep into the lives of multidimensional characters. Jan’s struggle with his inadequacies as a writer and a lover was thoroughly conveyed to the reader, and I enjoyed seeing his confidence evolve. Kathy had weaknesses of her own that drove her. The plight of being a female deputy was deepened further by her sexual orientation and race. She used the relentless bullying from her male counterparts as motivation—she was the definition of girl power.
This book reeled me in quickly, and despite the significant length, I devoured it in a few sittings. Needless to say, I was sad when it ended, but that’s when you know the author accomplished what they set out to do. There is nothing to dislike about the book, and I’d love to read more from R.A. Johnson! The cherry on top of this spectacular book was that it was exceptionally well edited with no visible errors.
I have chosen to give The Ghost of Mackey House a rating of four out of four stars. The storyline was exciting and suspenseful—everything you’d want from a horror/mystery. Furthermore, the characters were likable and multidimensional. It was easy to root for them.
If you love mysteries with ghostly phenomena, do yourself a favor and pick up this novel. The book may be unsuitable for those who find paranormal activity unsettling. There are also some otherwordly sex scenes and profanity that some readers may find offensive. Nevertheless, for those undeterred but the details mentioned above, read this book. You’re welcome.
******
The Ghost of Mackey House
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
