Title: A Long Way Down
Series: Ghostly Investigations Spin-Off
Author: Edward Kendrick
Genre: Parnormal, Romance, Ghosts
LGBTQ+ Category: MM Gay
Publisher: JMS Books
Pages: 105
Reviewer: Maryann
Get It On Amazon
About The Book
A Ghostly Investigations story
Homeless, Daw has managed to survive on the streets. That is, until a killer throws him off the rooftop where he has crashed for the night and he becomes a ghost.
Luckily Brody Ellis, also a ghost, finds him moments later, and takes him home to meet the rest of the “Ghostie Boys,” who have chosen to remain in this world.
Because Daw doesn’t know who killed him, the six ghosts put their heads together to find his murderer so he can move on. In the process, they run into Russ, a young acquaintance of Daw’s, who is another of the killer’s victims, and bring him home with them.
Will the ghosts, with some help from their human friends Mike and Sage, be able to stop the killer before he strikes again? More to the point, because of the growing attraction between Daw and Russ, will they want to move on, thus separating them for eternity, if the ghosts can prove who the man was who murdered them?
The Review
I like the direction Edward Kendrick takes with this spin-off from the “Ghostly Investigations” series. Mike Harris and Sage Crewe actually step back with this investigation, being it’s more difficult to prove a serial killer is involved in the deaths of the homeless. Mike and Sage leave Brody, with his law enforcement experience, to guide the “Ghostie Boys” on solving the mystery. Everyone of the “Ghostie Boys” brings their own suggestions and purpose to help solving the crime.
Kendricks takes the loner Daw and young Russ in a new direction, as both have faced the struggles of being homeless. Daw and Russ find their own special purpose in striving to help others.
With the start of this spin-off and the new business endeavor for the “Ghostie Boys”, it seems everyone is excited about the new idea and have found a place to really fit in. As in all the novels in “A Ghostly Investigations” series it’s bitter-sweet as everyone has had to make a choice if they will stay or move beyond. “A Ghostly Investigations” has been one of my favorite series from Edward Kendrick and I hope there’s more mysteries for the “Ghostie Boys” to get into.
The first book that started this series is “Ghostly Investigations”. It introduces Jon Watts, just a normal young man and undercover cop Brody Ellis. Jon and Brody eventually meet Sage Crewe who is a medium/landscape architect and Detective Mike Harris who is a skeptic. It’s followed with: “Searching for My Killer”: Jon and Brody along with Sage and Mike are back trying to solve a new case that takes place in the theatre. Tonio Burton is a lighting technician and meets his demise. Mike is quick to close the case but the “Ghostie Boys” discover new evidence and Mike finds himself re-opening the case. “Dead and Hating It”: Jon, Brody, Sage and Mike return to solve another mysterious death. Kurt Foster thinks he’s found the love of his life but not all is what it seems. Tonio who has had a rough time with his ghostly situation gives-in and helps with the investigation too. This is a complex mystery to solve and the “Ghostie Boys” have their work cut out for them. “A Haunting of Ghosts”: the “Ghostie Boys” along with Sage and Mike have a drive-by murder mystery to solve. Van and Gene are writers and life partners. They are currently researching two cold cases. One of the cases happens to be Jon’s. Could Van and Gene’s research solve Jon’s case?
The “Ghostly Investigations” is entertaining and a fun series to read. It’s mixed with different mysteries, bitter sweet moments and mischief. The characters are all likable and bring something new and valuable to each story. In each of these novels, the characters all struggle with their own dilemmas as they have to make their own choices and decide what each of their purpose is and whether to continue as a ghost or move on.
Even though “A Long Way Down” is addressed as a spin-off, it could very well be a book five in the series. However Edward Kendrick decides to continue with this, as another installment to the series or the beginning of a new series, it’s a welcome addition, with a new direction for all the characters.
The Reviewer
Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California. Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018. My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen. New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.
I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.
My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012. She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series. Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book!
As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.
My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing. I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.
I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews. One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group. Joining her site was such an eye opener. I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.
But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.