My 2 for 1 review for Randy Overbeck

 

Blurb:

Wilshire, Maryland, a quaint shore town on the Chesapeake, promises Darrell Henshaw a new start in life and a second chance at love. That is, until he learns the town hides an ugly secret. A thirty-year-old murder in the high school. And a frightening ghost stalking his new office. Burned by an earlier encounter with the spirit world, Darrell doesn't want to get involved, but when the desperate ghost hounds him, he concedes. Assisted by his new love, he follows a trail that leads to the civil rights movement, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and even the Klu Klux Klan. Then, when two locals who try to help are murdered, Darrell is forced to decide if he's willing to risk his life—and the life of the woman he loves—to expose the killers of a young man he never knew.

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My review:

I loved this book. This was the first Randy Overbeck book I’ve read. I was so impressed; I have a second one ready as soon as I finish this review.

The description doesn’t really give you an idea of the extent this story goes to with thrills, chills, and trickery. If you like a truly scary story, (without too much blood, guts, and gore), you’ll find it here.

The main character, Darrell has an odd personality, which I thought the author conveyed well. Events in his life have left him with a few quirks. However, he’s willing to go to any lengths to uncover the secret that’s caused thirty-plus years of haunting at his new job.

Some of the town’s people don’t want the old story dredged up and throw obstacles in his way which include a few dead bodies. You really don’t know how he’ll survive let alone reveal the truth.

The secondary characters are strong enough to stand on their own. Some are good and some are questionable. With knowing how many bad guys had caused the initial event I had to wonder which of the suspects they were – big surprise.

There’s a great romance story weaved into all this. I loved Erin. She was no shrinking violet when it came to digging into the investigation by his side. She was the perfect partner for Darrell.

To sum it up – this is the kind of story that sticks with you. Full disclosure: I read it twice.

Congratulations, Randy Overbeck, for being a skilled storyteller. Five stars from me. *****

Blurb:

No matter how far you run, you can never really escape a haunted past.

Darrell Henshaw—teacher, coach, and paranormal sensitive—learned this lesson the hard way. Now, with his job gone and few options, he heads for Cape May to coach a summer football camp. The resort town, with gorgeous beaches, rich history and famous Victorian mansions, might just be the getaway he needs. Only, no one told him Cape May is the most haunted seaport on the East Coast.

When a resident ghost, the Haunted Bride, stalks Darrell, begging for his help, he can't refuse, and joins forces with Cassie, another sensitive. As Darrell and the street-wise teen investigate the bride's death, they uncover something far more sinister than a murder. Can Darrell and Cassie expose those behind the crimes before they end up becoming the next victims?

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My Review:

Hero, Darrell Henshaw, is once again facing a ghost desperate to have the truth revealed. The haunted bride doesn’t just want justice for herself – she says the truth will save others. Talk about pressure. Especially since Darrell is only a visitor in Cape May.

His girl friend Erin, (from Blood on the Chesapeake), shows up to assist, but he also has Cassie, another paranormal sensitive. I loved this Goth teenager. Her character was colorful even though she had a traumatic past.

The pace of this book is incredible. I’d describe it as a runaway train. You won’t be able to put it down. You’ll hardly be able to take a breath in some places.

Let me tell you something I’ve noticed about this authors writing style. He doesn’t allow any waste. Not a wasted scene, line, or even word. When he introduces a new character, they have a purpose. Every new scene has something pertinent to show. There isn’t a dull moment in the entire story.

This may be a shorter review, but I hope it convinces you to give the book a try. After reading the first two stories in this new series I have to say, I am a fan.

Here’s another five stars, Mr. Overbeck! *****