Member Reviews
If you are a sucker for ghosts and mysteries, like a little romantic interest, and don’t mind a little graphic detail (I’d have called this a cozy but for that), The Spirit Girls fits the bill.
Through multiple points of view we get to know Rylan through her engagement with her family and town—ghosts and all.
The story was entertaining and well organized. I’d have liked a little more development of side characters, who sometimes seemed like little more than props — there when needed and otherwise not. Perhaps more from several of them in their own POVs to help me dig into and feel the different characters as the story progressed to a conclusion. Detective Ford Pierce, the second main POV and Rylan’s crush since they were in school, is the exception. This relationship potential is one reason I might pick up book two. Another is to understand more of Rylan’s relationship with her mother.
3.5 This was fun listen for a rainy afternoon! I love mystery stories with paranormal elements and this one delivered on that. There is a hint of romance, but this definitely leans wholesome. I love that the FMC can communicate with the spirit world and this is how she helps to solve the case.
In terms of the audiobook, I think that Stephanie Cannon did a great job making the voices distinct and performed very well. Her voice is not my fave, though, and she maybe sounded a bit young for the characters (but not egregiously so). Overall, this was enjoyable.
I absolutely loved this book I enjoyed the ghost characters plot of this book I think it was written very well I had feelings for all the characters even the mean ones I would recommend this book
I read this book when it first came out and honestly it wasn't really my thing. There was a bit of a religious subtext that felt out of place. I have no problem with religion in books in the same way I have no problem with explicit sex in books. But it needs to belong and it just felt out of place.
All in all the narration in the audiobook improves the experience. I originally rated the book 3 Stars and I'm inclined to bump it up to 4 Stars just because the narration smooths the experience.
In this great audiobook, narrator Stephanie Cannon brings Dawn Merriman's paranormal thriller to life.
Rylan Flynn, a psychic who can see (and help) spirits, stumbles on the ghost of a murdered girl near her aunt's cabin. While Rylan dives into her own investigation, considerate and handsome Detective Ford Pierce (love that name!) tells her to steer clear of the case. But when a second body pops up and it looks like it's linked to Rylan's family, she's hell-bent on getting to the bottom of it.
This is very much a clean contemporary mystery, Rylan doesn’t even curse once. It is safe for new adult, possibly even mature YA readers. It’s set in Indiana, her dad is a minister, and her unrealised love interest is a police officer, all very wholesome. Overall, it gives me Stephanie Plum series vibes, (but clean!) which I love. Be aware, that there are slightly graphic depictions of injuries leading to death, including suicide.
Stephanie Cannon's voice really captures Rylan Flynn's go-getter attitude and the vibe of the story. The audio narration makes the book's fast-paced, suspenseful plot even better. Cannon's lively delivery keeps you engaged, I listened to it non-stop!
Thank you to Second Sky and NetGalley for providing a review copy of this audiobook.
3.5 stars
I was very surprised by all the religious mentions, I was not expecting this to be a christian story, more just a paranormal mystery. Maybe I should have, since people relate spirits to other religions aspects, but I was not expecting that aspect of the book since I never seek out religions fiction. The mystery was interesting enough, a completely random plot that was a good twist. The police procedure aspect of the story missed the mark for me and my actual knowledge of how policing works, but maybe this lack of rules is more suited for a laid-back small town dynamic then the big city functionality I know of.
Overall this was a very quick and interesting paranormal mystery, where the main mystery wrapped up but the ending began the next book's plot. Also there are tons of details about the main character that are hinted at but never actually discussed that were interesting enough that I would read more to see if they are revealed.
The Spirit Girls by Dawn Merriman Narrated by Stephanie Cannon is the first book in the new Rylan Flynn paranormal mystery series and what a brilliant book this was. It's a totally gripping from the very chapter till the very end. It's full of twists and turns from the very beginning and will have you sitting on the edge of your seat.
I am loving the character Rylan Flynn.
The Narrator Stephanie Cannon was excellent.
I highly recommend this audiobook.
Big Thank you to Bookouture Audio, and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
While listening to this, my phone stopped working. Once I received my new phone and downloaded the Netgalley app I lost all my downloaded audiobooks. I was unable to finish.
This is the first book in the series and I always get excited to hear that a new paranormal series is out. And OH MY WORD what a fantastic start to a series this is. It is absolutely brilliant. Something that little bit different and pure ecapism.
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There is so much I want to say about this book but I don’t want to give to much away. What i can tell you is, that we follow a story about murder with a mixture of paranormal when we meet Rylan who is gifted and can see and hear dead people. With an OMG opening I was hooked from start to finish and loved everything about it.
I must say that I actually listened to this on audio and I literally couldn’t stop listening to it. The Spirit Girls is totally addictive and incredibly twisty. The narrator’s done a brilliant job bringing the story to life. I felt like I was watching it on television. Not forgetting it is only 5 hours and 48 mins long! This is a quick and easy listen which takes you out of the zone and gives you pure entertainment.
Rylan is a brilliant strong character. I am looking forward to finding out more about her in the next book.
It is perfect for fans of Caroline Mitchell. Grab yourself a copy on the link below.
This is a paranormal thriller with a good main character. It was well paced with great atmosphere. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end and I'm excited that this is listed as Book 1 - which means we will get more!
"Spirit Girls" by Dawn Merriman is a thrilling and addictive read that had me hooked from beginning to end. The story had a way of constantly keeping me on the edge of my seat, filled with suspense and unexpected twists. Time seemed to slip away as I delved deeper into the lives of the characters and their extraordinary abilities.
One aspect that stood out to me was the ease of reading this book. Merriman's writing style flows effortlessly, making it a breeze to devour page after page. The pacing was spot-on, delivering just the right balance of action, mystery, and character development. Before I knew it, I had finished the book, craving more.
Rylan, the main character, particularly captivated me. Her complexity and relatability made her journey all the more intriguing. I found myself rooting for her as she navigated through the challenges and discoveries that unfolded before her. Merriman's skillful crafting of Rylan's character left me invested and eager to witness her growth in future books.
Speaking of future books, I was thrilled to learn that "Spirit Girls" is just the beginning of a series. The prospect of more adventures and revelations leaves me eagerly awaiting the next installment. Merriman has created a world filled with possibilities, and I can't wait to explore it further.
If you're looking for a thrilling and immersive read, "Spirit Girls" is definitely worth your attention. With its gripping plot, well-developed characters, and the promise of more to come, this book has firmly secured a spot on my must-read list. I highly recommend it to fans of supernatural mysteries and those who appreciate a fast-paced story that keeps you guessing until the very end.
‘The Spirit Girls’ by Dawn Merriman is the first book in series featuring psychic Rylan Flynn who can see and communicate with spirits. The book also follows Rylan’s romantic interest in detective Ford Pierce who she has known since childhood. The book is essentially a crime thriller with a spiritual twist and it feels like it would appeal more to a young adult audience.
If the cozy mystery genre had a baby with the paranormal thriller genre, this would totally be the perfect book baby.
Rylan can see and speak to the dead that haven't crossed over. She hosts a paranormal show that takes her viewers on her trips to help those needing to cross. When she follows a haunt into the woods and finds a dead body, thats where the story really picks up.
Merriman melds a mix of the occult, hauntings, religion, mystery and thriller into one easy to read, fast paced novel. The audiobook is narrated by Stephanie Cannon with a cadence and tone that fits the more positive persona of Rylan. I alternated between reading and listening and couldn't choose a better format. I enjoyed both equally.
I did feel that this reads more along the lines of young adult with some of the language and decisions. I was not slowed though. I was sucked in and adored how the plot flowed without filler or repetitive inner monologues. I enjoyed each aspect the characters brought to the story and there is one particular dark part in relation to child abuse that I would've liked more backstory on to flesh out the villain so to speak.
This is the first book in the Rylan Flynn series and I'm definitely looking forward to more. I may dare say that if you're a fan of the Mediator series by Meg Cabot like myself, you'd enjoy this one as well (just minus the ghost romance).
This book has an interesting premise. I love anything paranormal. It reminded me of a younger version of the ghost whisperer tv show that I watched ages ago. I look forward to seeing how this series will go forward.
This was my first Dawn Merriman's book, and won't be my last. This is the first book in the Rylan Flynn Mystery Series, a gripping Christian Supernatural Mystery Thriller. I love ghost stories! The storyline is original, intriguing, and captivating. The characters are well developed. Rylan Flynn is an amazing character, strong, smart, and kind. Ford, the Ashby’s head detective, is handsome, and supportive. The cast of supporting characters is impressive. The story is told from multiple POV, which is great. I liked the mystery, the intrigue, the investigation, the small town feel, the clean slow-burn romance, and the unexpected twists and turns. The plot is well crafted, fast-paced, and thrilling. Stephanie Cannon did an outstanding job bringing this story to life. She has a beautiful voice, and a great range of voices. Looking forward to listening to The Shadow Girl, the next book in the series. If you like Paranormal Mystery Thriller, this series is for you! I received a copy of this book through NetGalley, a Bookouture Audio, Second Sky Books, for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4 stars
Rylan Flynn can see ghosts in her hometown of Ashby, Indiana. She and her bestie have a paranormal show online. She tries to help the ghosts and ends up getting involved in some murders. Good start to a new series and I look forward to reading more about Rylan.
Stephanie Cannon did an excellent job narrating.
This was pretty good. It's a good start to a series. The book is basically about a woman who has always been able to see ghosts. She does a paranormal show in her town so she's been labeled a freak by most everyone. One night, at her Aunt's house, she sees a dead body and soon the spirit that used to inhabit it. She shes all the ghost as they were when they died (I'm not sure if that's all the time or just if something tragic happened to them).
I really enjoyed this book though thought certain parts of the end were just silly. However, on the whole the book is worth reading and it's a lot of fun.
If you get the chance and like audiobooks, the narrator for this one is good. I don't think that it'll made a big difference if you read or listen because it's not one of those audios that is any better or worse than just reading it but it is good if you like books that way.
The book was well written, I enjoyed listening to it. It kept you thinking. I will be checking out more of the books in the series.
I absolutely loved this paranormal mystery. The author manages to blend the lighthearted with the darkness to make the whole story sound very normal and realistic. Once I started I couldn't put this book down and I listened to it in one go. I couldn't move with the excitement of the suspense and tension. The ritualistic murders were creepy and dark. The supernatural aspect was spooky but also poignant when helping the ghosts cross over. There was enough humour in the book to offset the darker elements and I loved the banter between Rylan and Ford. Both characters were very endearing and fun to watch. I can't wait to find out what happens in book two.
I really enjoyed the narration of the audiobook. The characters were brilliantly performed and it really enhanced my enjoyment of the story.
This book is the absolute chef's kiss! It is short but packed with so much goodness. There are no extra bits as everything in this story is there to move the plot forward. We start off with Rylan interviewing a ghost for her YouTube channel, and of course she's the only one that can see the ghost. Then she gets busted for trespassing and is in trouble with the police, and she will continue to be in trouble with the police.
Rylan isn't a ghost detective, she isn't there to solve these ghost murders or deaths she is simply there to help the pass on and monetize when she can. Then we have Ford the handsome police detective that Rylan is in secret unrequited love with we can see a little of what may be to come with his story, or at least what I'm hoping.
Rylan has a ghost lead her to her dead body, Rylan then wants to solve this girls murder and, like a sane person, Ford doesn't want Rylan messing in a police investigation especially as more people end of up dead. It wouldn't be a fun story if she listened.
I like how Rylan was created as a person, she had so much character and is so interesting, I hope someone breaks into her house to help her though. Rylan has some trauma literally locked up in her home, and I can't wait to learn more about the big scary thing in the future.
This book is a perfect amalgam of thriller, cozy mystery, paranormal, with a hint of maybe a budding romance. I can not wait to read more.