Title: The Spirit Key
Series: Lock and Key 01
Author: Parker Williams
Genre: Ghosts/Spirits, Mystery/Suspense
Length: Novel (210pgs)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (January 15, 2019)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts
Blurb: When he was eight years old, Scott Fogel died. Paramedics revived him, but he came back changed. Ghosts and spirits tormented Scott for over a decade until, thinking he was going mad, he did the only thing he could.
He ran—leaving behind his best friend, Tim Jennesee.
Scott’s had five normal, ghost-free years in Chicago, when the spirit of Tim’s mother comes to him and begs him to go home because Tim’s in trouble and needs him.
He isn’t prepared for what he finds when he goes home—a taller and sexier Tim, but a Tim who hasn’t forgiven Scott for abandoning him… a Tim whose body is no longer his own. The ghost of a serial murderer has attached itself to Tim, and it’s whispering dark and evil things. It wants Tim to kill, and it’s becoming harder for Tim to resist. To free the man who has always meant so much to him, Scott must unravel the mystery of the destiny he shares with Tim.
ISBN-13: 978-1-64405-121-4
Product Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK
Reviewers: Shorty & Pixie
Shorty’s Review: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts
A fascinating tale about two young men, Tim and Scott, who find out they are more than they thought. Their journey is not without heartache, loss and self discovery as well as ghosts calling out for help and a an evil spirit hellbent on continuing his evil existence and work no matter the cost.
I truly loved everything about the paths that Tim and Scotty found themselves on from a young age. They had to deal with things they were too young to understand at the time. Scotty decides to run from the ghosts and travels to Chicago when he’s a young man. After five years the ghost of Tim’s mother implores him back to help Tim before something bad happens. Upon seeing Tim Scotty knows he never should have left and so begins the journey of discovering who they are and what their purpose is in life to each and others.
I loved all the side characters as they added a better understanding to the story. The serial killer ghost was a nasty piece of work to say the least. I could not believe how long he had been around for doing what he was doing. Tim has some bitter feelings for Scotty which was understandable.
The explanation of what the lock and key were was fascinating. I was swept up in the entire story from start to finish and was sad when it ended as I wanted more. The only thing I wanted to know at the end which was not revealed was what Tim did to the ghost that had been trying to possess him.
Fast paced, edge of your seat, suspenseful and intriguing beginning to a series that I am looking forward to diving into further.
Fantastic read and highly recommended.
Pixie’s Review: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts
I’ll be honest, there isn’t much that I can add to Shorty’s review.
The Spirit Key is a superbly crafted paranormal story that drags you in and holds on till you get to the last page. Both Scotty and Tim are excellent characters, they have quite a bit to work through to get to on the same page. It’s far from easy and there are one or two scenes that have you gritting your teeth and praying that they can work things out.
Now, Tim proves to be possessed so I am gonna warn you that it is a truly evil spirit and it makes Tim do some things that he would never dream of doing. It is hard to read in those moments and know that the evil spirit gets whats coming to it.
Scotty has a lot to discover about his gifts and how to accept them, and Tim has a lot to overcome. Both men will need to forgive themselves for them to move forward with their relationship, and it’s not easy for either of them.
The background story really is fascinating and as we delve into the responsibility of the Lock and Key we understand just what Scotty and Tim face in the future.
I recommend this to those who adore stories of spirits, forgiveness, finding a new future, returning to the love of your life, and a very interesting ending.