Title: Objects in the Rearview Mirror
Series: Memoirs of the Human Wraiths 02
Author: F.E. Feeley Jr.
Genre: Paranormal, Ghosts/Spirits
Length: Novel (200pgs)
ISNB: 978-1-62798-427-0
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (5th February 2014)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Their new home on Frederick Street in Clay Center, Kansas, was supposed to give writer Jonathan David and his husband, clinical psychologist Dr. Eddie Dorman, an opportunity to enjoy married life. Jonathan has just released his first major bestseller, and he hopes to finally escape his traumatic past and find the quiet existence he has always craved. Eddie has taken a job at the Kansas State University psychology department, and they intend to begin anew.
They have barely settled in when the nightmare begins. Noises, disembodied voices, and mysterious apparitions make Jonathan’s life hell. Part of the house has decided to bare its teeth, show its jagged edges, and bring back the worst of Jonathan’s past. At first, Eddie cannot perceive the spectral events and fears for his husband’s sanity. When he’s also affected by the haunting, he’s unsure of what to do but refuses to be beaten.
Together, they seek a way to fight the forces trying to tear them apart. The world is a frightening place, but confronting their fears plunges Jonathan and Eddie into absolute horror.
Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4690
Review: Jonathan is looking forward to settling in his new house with his husband Eddie, it’s to be a new beginning for the couple away from the bustle of the city. But as they set the house to rights, strange occurrences begin and Jonathon begins to doubt his sanity especially when Eddie refuses to acknowledge the paranormal. Eddie worries for Jonathan, thinking that Jonathon is sinking into despondency caused by an abusive past, but soon even Eddie can’t deny that the houses past is rearing its ugly head and Eddie will have to support Jonathon as he confronts the past and lays the ghosts to rest.
This is an incredible well-written story that draws you in and holds your attention from the very first page. This story actually opens up in the past, laying the groundwork for the present, it shows us the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate spirits that linger. Jonathon is haunted by his past. Even though he tries to look forward sometimes, the past creeps up on him leaving him feeling despondent. Eddie does what he can to ease Jonathon but even he feels the strain sometimes. Moving was to be a new beginning for them both, the chance to leave the past behind them with only the future to look forward to, but their new house has a surprise in store for them and they have to stick together to come out the other side stronger than ever.
I really enjoyed this story with its strong paranormal aspects and the way that the characters have to examine the past to move forward to the future. Both Eddie and Jonathon are excellent characters, their relationship is strong but feels the strain of Jonathon’s despondency and when you throw in the strange occurrences you can see why Eddie acts as he does at first. I adored how Eddie rallied round when he could no longer deny the truth, supporting his husband and doing everything, he can to solve the problem. With Jonathon, you feel his despair as things start to get too much and I loved that he could open up and accept the help that was offered, even if it was grudgingly.
The paranormal aspect was brilliantly written, a father and son held by fear and regrets caught in a cycle that neither could break until a connection is made to someone who has suffered and is haunted by his own past. It is wonderfully described with the pain, fear, and anger shining through. This really is a great story where the past and the present collide and where the only answer rests with confronting the past for all concerned and the steadfast love of an understanding spouse.
I recommend this to those who love tortured souls, facing the past, steadfast love and commitment, brilliant characters and a wonderful ending.