This is a Tag Team Event hosted by myself and Sherry.
It’s always a pleasure
For today, I’m sharing my review of Deadly Spirits,book four of the Mac McClellan Mystery Series.
After reading my review, head on over to Sherry’s blog at fundinmental and check out her review. Leave a comment for more entries!
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Deadly Spirits
A Mac McClellan Mystery #4
by E. Michael Helms
Genre: Mystery
My Review
This is my favorite in the series so far. I think it’s because I’m falling more for these characters with each new book. That and there’s something a bit more mysterious.
Mac McClellan is branching out from private investigations. His girlfriend talks him into joining the Palmetto Paranormal Society. Now he’s ghost hunting. Not one for whimsy, his military background formed him into a no nonsense man, he’s skeptical about things that go bump in the night.
It’s not long before his lark with the paranormal becomes real. The president of the society is found dead under suspicious circumstances and, as Mac does his thing investigating the death, more bodies start piling up.
Since the dead aren’t speaking, Mac investigates the only way he knows how, checking suspects off his list, digging up knew ones (pardon the pun), and stepping on toes. He may not be subtle, but he’ll get his man, or woman.
I really like Mac. I admire his discipline and bravery. Adore his affection for his dog, sneaking him human tidbits even though the dog will thank him with odiferous emissions later. And he’s quite the ladies man. Though he’s not fooled by a pretty cover. He’s just as likely to open a ladies door as to grill her when he suspects something fishy. And he doesn’t stray from his lady love. Mac knows a good thing when he’s got it.
The author gives you a wide variety of suspects and more than one mystery to solve. He puts you in the setting, feeling the humidity of the southern air, smelling the fishy scent of the ocean, and hearing the calls of the soaring gulls. I’m a southern gal and felt right at home. Minus a dead body or two.
There’s also plenty of action. Things get burnt up and bullets fly. SSDD for Mac.
If you’re looking for a fun detective series with a great storyline, look no further.
5 Stars
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Synopsis
When PI Mac McClellan’s girlfriend convinces him to join the Palmetto Paranormal Society, he becomes embroiled in a case of whooodunnit. The society president, while investigating an old hotel, is found dead at the foot of the stairwell, his neck broken. The man’s secretary and current squeeze stands horrified beside his body. Authorities rule the death an accident. Mac has doubts—no one heard the man tumbling down the stairs. Then the secretary dies in an apparent suicide. Two deaths in two paranormal investigations, and not a peep out of either victim. Mac suspects there’s more going on than a vengeful spirit.
Book 4 in the Mac McClellan Mystery series, which began with Deadly Catch.
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Author E. Michael Helms
His memoir of the war, The Proud Bastards, has been called “As powerful and compelling a battlefield memoir as any ever written … a modern military classic,” and remains in print after 25 years.
The Private War of Corporal Henson, a semi-autobiographical fictional sequel to The Proud Bastards, was published in August 2014.
A long-time Civil War buff, he is also the author of the historical saga, Of Blood and Brothers.
Seeking a respite from writing about war, Helms decided to give mysteries a try. The first novel of his Mac McClellan Mystery series, Deadly Catch, was published in November 2013 and was named Library Journal’s “Debut Mystery of the Month.” The second Mac McClellan Mystery, Deadly Ruse, premiered in November 2014. It won the 2015 RONE Award for “Best Mystery.” Deadly Dunes was published in March 2016 by Camel Press. Deadly Spirits is scheduled for release in January 2017.
With his wife, Karen, Helms now lives in the Upstate region of South Carolina in the shadow of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. He enjoys playing guitar, hiking, camping, fishing, canoeing, and is an avid birdwatcher. He continues to listen as Mac McClellan dictates his latest adventures in his mystery series.
Represented by Fred Tribuzzo, The Rudy agency.
Website / Facebook / Goodreads / Twitter / Amazon / Google +
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The grand prize is a $25 Gift Card, and available for anyone in the U.S. or Internationally, where legal. Also giving away 4 ebooks ( U.S. and/or International, in whichever available format you prefer). And two paperbacks (US Only).
Entry is easy. Just leave your email address so I can contact you if you win, let me know which format you are entering for, and answer this question:
Have you ever went ghost hunting or had a paranormal experience?
Now hop on over the Sherry’s post on fundinmental for her review. Be sure to comment for more entries!
Giveaway ends January 30th
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Other Books in the series.
My review for Deadly Ruse coming soon.
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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!
For a list of my reviews go HERE
For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE
To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!
I have never gone ghost hunting or had a paranormal experience, thank goodness 🙂 Would like to win a paperback
jslbrown2009 at aol dot com
I like to think I’d be brave, but I’d probably scream and run if I ever came face to face with a spirit.
I visited a closed down hospital one time. It was a ghost tour, but alas no ghosts. Still scary.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Yeah, sometimes the atmosphere can be just as scary.
I really have not. I have gone on ghost tours but still ever saw anything.
debby236 at g mail dot com
Makes you wonder how you’d react if you did. LOL
Fabulous review, Laura!
sherry @ fundinmental
Thanks, Sherry. So was yours. I knew you’d love Mac’s Dobie! LOL
🙂
I really need to try this series! My aunt and I went and stayed in a haunted hotel once but though some strange things happened I am not sure if it was ghost…lol. It was a lot of fun though!
Stormi
booklady2007 at gmail. com
Yeah, sometimes the hunt is fun even if nothing scary happens. I know you’d have fun with this series, Stormi.
I have never gone ghost hunting or had a paranormal experience.
peggyhyndman(at)att(dot)net
I wish I could find some groups to join around here.
I really have not 🙂
I would like epub format.
v_theberge@hotmail.com
I sometimes wonder why I’d ever want a real encounter. I’d probably cry. LOL
I haven’t gone on a ghost tour nor experienced a paranormal occurrence.
Would you if you were invited?
Hi everybody, and thanks for the wonderful review, Laura! I DID have a rather “unnerving” paranormal experience, which helped lay the foundation for DEADLY SPIRITS. My two young grandsons love watching those “ghost hunter” shows on TV. So I purchased a “ghost hunting” kit so they (we) could do some investigating of our own. One night we sat around my dining table with our newest “toy,” a ghost–or spirit–box, the same model used by some of the TV paranormal investigators. My daughter & son-in-law were also present. (My wife was visiting family in California.)
We began by introducing ourselves and inviting any friendly spirits/ghosts to communicate with us. Three distinct voices (two male, one female) called several of us by name. A few other questions were answered by “yes” or “no.” Eventually, my son-in-law asked if anyone knew his wife’s (my daughter’s) nickname. I had forgotten all about the nickname, and it had never been used, to my knowledge, in our ten-year-old home. A few seconds after the question, two very distinct voices (one male & one female) said: “Hello Puah,” and then, “Hi Puah.”
Let me tell you, jaws around the table dropped. I’m sure the chills I felt racing up and down my spine were also felt by all of us (on THIS side, that is).
I’m still “on the fence” when it comes to fully being convinced that ghosts/spirits exist, but I can assure you what I described actually happened as I’ve written it. We were so “spooked” that we thanked all those who had “visited and shared” with us, and then we signed off. It’s been quite a while since our last paranormal investigation. 🙂
Thanks for all your comments, and best of luck to you all!
–Michael
Wow, that’s intense. And unnerving. LOL Thanks for sharing, Michael.
I have heard of others psychic experiences, and I don’t want to rain on anyone’s parade, but I still need to experience it for myself. I do believe there is more to the world than meets the eye, so anything is possible.
I worked at the Hotel Del Coronado where there was a haunted room. One night while I was working a guest staying in that room called down to complain about the people above him making lots of noise, but he was on the top floor, there was no guests above him. Thanks for the giveaway! Mobi is the format I use.
micklovesbooks@gmail.com
Ooh, how creepy. I think I’d ask for a different room!
I have never gone ghosthunting, and I don’t think I’m brave enough. I have had an eerie experience, though, just after my mom died.
I like to think I’d be brave.LOL
While on vacation in Nashville TN we visited a home that was used as a hospital during the Civil War. While we were in the room they used for the surgeries, I felt a cold chill around me. It was a really eerie feeling.
My email address is diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
That gives me the shivers. bet it did for you too!
Mick loves books: My mom stayed at the Hotel Del Coronado and says someone knocked on her door and when she went to answer it, no one was there. She was spooked because of all the ghost stories surrounding the hotel.
I’ve been to two creepy places. The Winchester Mystery House and the Hayes Mansion. Both in San Jose, CA. They are both CREEPY, but I didn’t have anything weird happen. Although they both felt like something could happen at any minute!
Michael: Your story gives me chills!!! I would’ve been screaming and running out of the house.
The book sounds great. I’d love an ebook. taylordeanbooks@gmail.com
I think I’ll skip staying at the hotel. LOL And I’d be the one running in front of you, Taylor. LOL
Hi, Taylor. That experience really creeped me out! My wife is from San Jose and has visited the Winchester house. That poor lady was a little “bonkers” in my humble opinion. But she had to spend her money on something, I suppose. Good luck in the contest! 🙂
The retirement home I use to work…lot of strange stuff, especially at night.
whistleinthewind74(At)hotmail(Dot)com
Uh, Whistle . . . your “name” is a mite creepy if you ask me! (Kidding!) 🙂
I love a good ghost story! I have had some paranormal experiences, in my child hood home(s). I am all about finding ghosts and watching ghost shows. This book sounds really good. Thanks for sharing!
I do too. I think Mac would have liked a ghost or two to come forward and give him some answers. LOL
This sounds awesome and I’m loving the creepy cover. Of course, when you mentioned his relationship with his dog, my C-ADHD creeped in and I had to add it to the wishlist.
I knew you’d notice the dog, Barb. LOL
Thanks Barb! I’m super-pleased with the cover the publisher came up with. I think “creepy” is the perfect word. Good luck!
–Michael
I am entering for either Print or epub, we’ve gone ghost hunting at the cemetery, but I think we just scared ourselves more than anything. my email is cmh62789@gmail.com
Yeah, I’d probably scare myself too. LOL
Hi Courtney! Get yourself a ghost/spirit box and give it a try. I’d be willing to bet you would be pleasantly (hmm, or UNpleasantly) surprised at the results! Good luck in the giveaway! 🙂
–Michael
cheetahthecat1986(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you:)
Does waking up one Christmas eve and seeing a ghost standing at the end of your bed watching you sleep count? I’d love to read Michael’s book. It sounds wonderful. I’m a Canadian, so I guess it’s ebook. Wendy at bluehavenpress@gmail.com
That definitely counts! Yikes!
Double YIKES–that would sure count in MY book, Wendy! Hey, you can always win the gift card and buy the printed book! Good luck! 🙂
–Michael
Awesome! My email address is:
Nickelodeon43(at)hotmail(dot)com
Thanks!
I’ve never been ghost hunting, but I once had a ghost visit me…story for another day! I’d love to win this book. jsheluk at rogers dot com.
I hope it was a friendly visit:)
Well DANG, Judy–you really tweaked my curiosity with THAT statement! Come on, I gotta know! 🙂
–Michael
It’s not a happy story. It was many years ago, when I was 14. A very close friend of the family had recently died of cancer. In the middle of the night, she came to visit me in my bedroom. She was wearing a long flowing white gown, very gauzy, and she told me that she was sorry but my father would have to go away. He was healthy at the time, but was diagnosed with stomach cancer 3 months later, and did within 8 weeks. He was 42. To this day I know Aunt Hannah came to warn me. I never saw her or any other ghost again, but I believe I closed myself off to them. If I had the courage, I’d open myself to them, but I don’t.
my ghost piss me off here he turn water on and off and then slam the bath room door but i used to have 2 women in house who would trow thing at you if they did not get there way and then one in ark she was killed in the hosue and she saved me form chocking on my tongue and then she prevent the dog and me getting hurt by the hot water tank blew up i seen over 1000 of them sprits at the loretta lyns place and then the batte it made me sick and elevis place is haunted bad
Holy cow! Thanks for sharing all of this with us!
Judy, that is a sad story indeed. So sorry for your losses. But in a way perhaps there was some comfort in the message from Aunt Hannah, knowing that death is but a door. Thanks for sharing such a personal story.
–Michael
We stayed at a castle in Dubrovnik and my husband work me as I was having a nightmare. I know the place was haunted (at least I think so).
That’s a scary thought. That something affected your dreams!
My email address is mnleona@aol.com
Nope, never…life can be scary enough! I’ve read E. Michael Helms’ books and they are always fantastic! He is a very well-rounded and talented author. Thanks for a great giveaway and best of luck to Michael!
babyblue7299@yahoo.com
Why, thank you, Lady Dii–I think. Hmm, well-rounded huh? . . . are you referring to my manly figure, or??? I suppose I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt this time. 🙂
–Michael
I’ve never had an encounter with a ghost or gone looking for one.
International, so ebook please.
lyndajdickson@gmail.com
I used to want to go looking. Not so sure about that after all of the books and movies I’ve seen. I’d probably be terrified. LOL
I have not had any paranormal experiences but believe. Pennsylvania girl here.
I think there’s something out there. Just not sure what.
I’m not going to leave my email publicly, so if I should win, just comment on one of my blog posts. Goof luck with the book!
And yes, I have. I used to live in a haunted house. Fortunately the ghostly inhabitants were friendly!
Hi Maggie. You’re email is hidden from when you sign in to comment. I got it:)
Hi! Congrats on the new book and good luck on the book tour! I am entering for the gift card format please. No, I haven’t ever been ghost hunting or had a paranormal experience before. I’ve been curious, but more scared to actually look lol. Thanks – allyswanson at hotmail dot com.
I’m thinking I might be getting a little old to chase ghosts. LOL
Thanks Ally, and best of luck to you! 🙂
–Michael
Never “hunted” for ghosts, seen and heard and felt them all my life. Prefer Mobi. Craving the cover house.:)
Yep. The house on that cover sure looks haunting!
Yes! My husband and I love ghost hunting and have gone several times. We’ve even captured one or two interesting photos. We’ve also had some paranormal experiences in the process 🙂
Sounds like I should go with you two if I want to experience something!
I went on a ghost tour in Charleston, SC. No ghosts seen, but we had a great tour guide. We had a ghostly legend near the town where I grew up. I drove out there, but alas, no ghosts showed up there either.
I am happy to take an ebook copy, mobi format. roger.jackson2011 at gmail dot com.
SC is a great place to try! Lots of history there. We have some abandoned houses that I pass on the way to work. A friend and I have talked about exploring them, but too chicken. LOL
I havent had a paranormal or ghostly experience, Guess I havent got luck yet. If chosen will take an a pdf or mobi. p_dewolfe at yahoo dot ca
We can only hope we’re lucky if we do!
I’ve never had a paranormal experience. Even though I’m the sceptic in my friend-group, I always wanted a “proof” if something like ghosts really exit. So far no luck. Funny thing how those who want to “see” never see/experience anything. :/
I forgot… serena91291@gmail(dot)com and epub format.
Yeah. Wanting to and not seeing makes you wonder, is something messing with you. LOL
No, I haven’t. Could be fun! When I was a kid, my uncle managed a cemetery and we spent lots of late nights exploring it.
meredithfl at gmail dot com
I used to like to visit cemeteries and do etchings. Not so brave now, especially at night!
I have never, but does watching it on TV count??
Probably not. LOL But it sure is fun to watch them:)
I have had Paranormal experiences just no bad ones. We lived in this house for 25 years and we were pretty sure the ghost were kids. I grew up there and just moved in 2015, but for as long as I could remember they would play little tricks or games. It seemed like they really liked to do it to new people. Like one night a friend had to stay at our house and he thought we were messing with him by opening the fridge door and leaving it opened. He said he had to get up and close it like 10 times. He said it wasn’t just a crack but wide open. But nothing bad ever happened.
Very interesting, Melissa. Seems like there are “friendly” ghosts/spirits, and some “not-so-friendly.” Glad yours was the friendly type! Good luck. 🙂
–Michael
Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!!
Magickangel102 (At) gmail (dot) com
Edit to my original comment. No I’ve never been ghost hunting before but I believe I’ve been present for a supernatural spiritual encounter. Very startling scary and intriguing.
Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!!
Magickangel102 @ gmail .com
I forgot to add that I’d love the paperback copy.
I haven’t been ghost hunting but in college we were all really into weird NJ magazines. We used to drive around north jersey finding abandoned homes and creepy roads. I was a bit of a coward so I was usually the lookout!
I’d love a paperback copy!
I’d like to think that I had enough courage to try and find a ghost, but I don’t. 🙁
My email is iread78 at yahoo dot com
I have never went ghost hunting but I have had many paranormal experiences especially when my grandmother was dying everyone in the house heard footsteps up and down the hall that sounded like my grandfather but he had passed away 6 months before. I would love to get a paperback please. Thanks for the chance.!
I forgot to add my email address sorry?
danyellewadsworth@gmail.com
That’s creepy, but if you were pretty sure it was your grandfather, then it might’ve been even a bit comforting. 🙂
–Michael
Yes. I have gone ghost hunting, and yes, I have had many paranormal experiences..did I give you goose bumps? Lol.
Yep, on top of ones I already have! 🙂
–Michael
No..but wish I have.
I’ve been on the tour at Waverly Hills Sanatorium. It was certainly an experience and I want to go back again. Mobi format please. ?
Dale_jr_fan4ever at yahoo dot com
ebook.
I have never gone ghost hunting and I’ve had friends who’ve had paranormal experiences, not myself.
I’ve never had a paranormal experience with ghosts or anything related, but I do have dreams that tend to come true, especially when I dream of myself pregnant or with a new born it means a woman close to me (family, friend) is pregnant, worked every time.
Email: kings.tfomd@gmail.com
Format: mobi
Let’s win
Went on a ghost tour in Tasmania but no ghosts:(