An abandoned house, a serial killer, and a victim reaching out from the grave. A woman must unearth deadly family secrets before she becomes a ghost herself.
EVIL DOES EXIST
Madeline Anderson goes to Isabelle Island, Washington, to sell a family home abandoned over forty years before. Bizarre things occur the moment she steps on the property. Inside the dilapidated old house, items move about of their own accord. Strange noises come from empty rooms. She has a vivid, recurring dream of a woman running for her life. The wind rustling through the trees sounds like urgent, murmuring voices. When the cacophony dies down, one single word emerges:
MADELINE,MADELINE,MADELINE.
At first, Doug Lindstrom, the hot fireman helping Maddy restore the old home, doesn't believe anythingis going on. He’s certain Maddy is jumping at shadows because she heard the local kids call the house haunted. That is, until he witnesses horrific violence himself that he can't explain away. After Maddy’s life is threatened not once, but twice, Doug vows there will not be a third time.
While searching for answers, Maddy uncovers astonishing secrets about her aunt's past. Finding more questions then answers, she digs deeper until she stumbles across evidence of a cold case involving a serial killer nicknamed The Seaside Strangler. Together, Doug and Maddy must unmask a killer. The lives they save just might be their own.
Excerpt
“And your brilliant idea would be?” Maddy asked, smiling.
Angie got off the floor, sat on the ottoman across from her and leaned over clasping her hands. “We’re going to have a séance, ask the spirits why they’re here.”
Maddy jerked her hands back. “No way, you have no idea how scary this is. Believe me.”
“Exactly. I’ve always wanted to see a ghost, now here’s my chance!” Angie tried to grab her hands again, but Maddy held them out of her reach.
“No, you don’t understand, this is not a game.”
“Don’t be silly, I’ve seen this done on TV hundreds of times.”
“This could be dangerous, something could go wrong. When I was a kid I remember hearing stories of people conjuring up ghosts with the Ouija board. Ghosts that killed and maimed!”
“Those are just urban legends. Besides, we already have the ghosts, and we’re not using a Ouija board.” Insistently she shook her open hands at Maddy and waited for her to comply.
Maddy stared at her new friend a moment. “I don’t know, Ang, what did you say about malevolent beings?”
“Those are rare. Besides, if you had one of those, you would be dead already. Now shush and give me your hands.”
“Great, I feel so much better.” Her voice dripped with sarcasm. Reluctantly Maddy relinquished her hands.
“Okay, close your eyes and I’ll do the rest.”
Angie was quiet a moment, then said, “We are addressing the spirits that live in this house, tell us why you are here.”
The women sat in silence, waiting.
Maddy squinted with one eye. “It’s not working, maybe we should give up.” She pulled her hands back.
“Shh!” Angie opened her eyes and snatched Maddy’s hands back impatiently. “We are addressing the spirits that live in this house. Show us a sign!” Angie spoke a little louder this time.
Again, nothing. The women sat in silence looking around the room, then at each other.
Suddenly the fire in the hearth flared up twice its size, reaching out toward them, knocking the screen down with its force. They screamed and jumped out of the way. A door slammed upstairs, then another. Doors all over the house slammed one at a time.
Maddy swallowed hard. “Ang,” she whispered.
“Shh,” When all was silent again, Angie yelled at the ceiling. “Tell us why you are here?”
“Angie, please. Don’t make them mad!” Maddy pleaded in a hushed tone while she held tight to her friend’s arm.
“It’s okay. They’re just acknowledging our presence.” Angie assured her, patting her hand.
A crash came from behind.
They spun around.
A lamp from the end table smashed against the opposite wall.
Maddy gasped.
Out of nowhere, a book flew toward Angie, she ducked just in time.
Maddy screamed, her head jerked backward.
“What?” Angie turned in time to see Maddy’s hair floating in the air.
“Someone just yanked my hair, hard!” Maddy answered rubbing the back of her head.
Professional Reviews
MacDonald is the new Stephan King..., By Janet Juengling-Snell
When I was in my late twenty's I was a huge fan of Stephen King, James Patterson and Peter Straub. I also enjoy Dan Brown's books. Later on in life I switched to romance novels, which I have been reading since then. I have always wished for a good mystery, psychological thriller/supernatural and romance novel, but sadly have never found one what satisfied me...It now!
Spirit in the Trees by Morgan Hannah MacDonald fulfilled that wish. It was a mysterious and captivating story that scared the crap out of me. At one point during reading, late at night mind you, while reading by myself in the living room, I became so spooked that I went to bed with my book, so I could lay next to my husband. (Made me feel safe) But, I couldn't put the book down.
All I will reveal is, there is EVIL living in this house!!!
DAMN THIS WAS A FANTASTIC BOOK!!!! I started reading about 5 pm and didn't finish till 4 am the next morning.
If you enjoying a story that is menacingly sinister with a paranormal twist, that has a touch of romance, Sprits in the Trees is for you.
BUCKLE UP FOR AN AMAZING RIDE!,By Skye Doggett (Oklahoma City, OK)
Morgan Hannah MacDonald does it again! When I read "Sandman", I thought it can't get any better than this but Spirits in The Trees does just that! I know, "I couldn't put it down" is highly overused but it is the truth. I started reading it first thing in the morning, and literally got nothing done until I finished it (thank goodness it was my day off)! It has the best of everything; edge of your seat suspense, a mystery that deepens with each page, a nail biting ghost story, and a passionate love story. Ms. MacDonald breathes flesh and life into characters that are deep and whom you come to care about very quickly. I love that the main character Maddie, though she endures more than your average woman in a mystery story (not giving away any spoilers!), still comes across as having strength. I highly recommend this book to anyone loving a good mystery/suspense/ghost story with a healthy dose of romance.
A MYSTERY WITH A SPIRITED TWIST!, By Carol (Idaho)
I read the first book by Ms. MacDonald and found it a very excellent read, so that when this book came along I was excited to dig into it. I wasn't sure what the book was about and when I found it was a paranormal, I hesitated as I do not read those kinds of books, but continued because of "Sandman". I have to say I was not disappointed. I was laughing so hard in parts of the book that I began snorting (terribly embarrassing at work, I was on my lunch break) and my cat thinks I'm crazy. Other parts will have you biting your nails.
I truly love the way Ms. MacDonald writes; she doesn't bog you down with a lot of detail, allowing your mind to wonder and imagine and if there are ghosts around, well, it becomes a rollercoaster of a ride!
The hero in this was exciting and I too, would have been drooling over him. I like the fact that the heroine was able to overcome tragedy, live through strange occurrences, and welcome love.
This is one author to watch for; her mysteries are exactly that, and to also to tell your friends about, I know I have!
Great work, can't wait for your next book. A trilogy? Brilliant!
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