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Help for the Haunted
Help for the Haunted
Author: John Searles
John Searles's Help for the Haunted is an unforgettable story of a most unusual family, their deep secrets, their harrowing tragedy, and ultimately, a daughter's discovery of a dark and unexpected mystery. — Sylvie Mason's parents have an unusual occupation "helping haunted souls" find peace. After receivi...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780060779641
ISBN-10: 0060779640
Publication Date: 7/15/2014
Pages: 304
Edition: Reprint
Rating:
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
 18

3.5 stars, based on 18 ratings
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

SierraK avatar reviewed Help for the Haunted on + 195 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
I really enjoyed this book. It's a bit hard to describe, as the story is part murder mystery, part ghost story, and part teenaged coming-of-age. The author slowly unwinds the story bit by bit, making it a real page-turner.
nightprose avatar reviewed Help for the Haunted on + 112 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Sylvie Mason is a young girl trying to make sense of her family and the world. Her older sister Rose is angry and often estranged, and their parents are very religious ghost hunters.

One cold night, the Mason's receive a late phone call asking them to meet the estranged Rose at the local church. The parents take Sylvie along. When the father is gone for several minutes, the mother goes into the church looking for him. Sylvie falls asleep, but is startled awake by loud gunshots. She turns off the car, and approaches the church. Her investigation leaves her orphaned and confused.

Angry and rebellious Rose takes custody of Sylvie. Things only get worse, as she is detached and offers no answers or security for Sylvie. The town ostracizes Sylvie and their family based upon the fact that the parents were known ghost hunters, even advertising their "Help for the Haunted".

Sylvie sets out to find answers about her parents, her sister, their basement, and the paranormal activity surrounding them all. Both curious and afraid, the journey is confusing and difficult for Sylvie.

John Searles has written a very intense novel. The title is fitting for the field that the Mason's worked in, but also for Sylvie's journey for answers.
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Chocoholic avatar reviewed Help for the Haunted on + 291 more book reviews
This is a book that reminds me of the movie, "The Conjuring," though it is in no way related to it. It is the story of a family, the Masons: the mom, dad, and their two daughters. Mom and Dad Mason are demonologists and ghost hunters and try to help people with their pesky ghost problem. One night Mom and Dad Mason go out on a mission and don't come back, leaving behind their daughter, Sylvie, who may have witnessed the whole thing. This book quickly becomes a murder mystery where absolutely everyone is a suspect including a creepy doll. The author deftly weaves together the story, teasing you with just enough information to keep you going. I really enjoyed this book and would read more by this author!


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