Chasing Ghosts by Dean Cole

Haunted pasts. Terrifying apparitions. Dark secrets. Quentin Strange is … well, strange. But it isn’t just his anachronistic sayings and dress sense, the fact that he’s a socially awkward, book-loving loner who’s possibly still a virgin at nearly thirty. He’s seeing and hearing things. Odd things. Ghostly things. Getting the gig as photographer for The Cricklewood Gazette, he travels with his new partner, journalist Katrina (make sure you call her Kat) Brannigan, to Hilderley Manor, an enormous manor house nestled in the remote countryside of Northern England that is believed to be one of Britain’s most haunted buildings. The pair join a ghost hunting team and a group of fellow guests for a long weekend of ghostly activities. But something dark haunts the draughty corridors of the house. And it links to a decades-old mystery that is about to be uncovered. A mystery like no other. A story of the supernatural. Of death, and what it does to the living. The first book in a new series, Chasing Ghosts is a quirky British mystery that explores the supernatural elements of our world with touches of LGBT romance, humour and horror.

Ablem's Sanctuary by Briar Esterline

Right outside the small town of Burriston, Pennsylvania is Ablem’s Sanctuary: a luxurious inn with freshly-painted walls, sparkling windows, and a manicured apple orchard all run by the reclusive Ablem family; it’s a place straight from a fairytale. Then people start going missing in the late summer of 1995, vanishing without a trace and returning... different. Stanley Dolmen has his own problems: he's still reeling from his mother’s sudden death and an uncontrollable power awakening within him. But when his path crosses with the Ablems, he soon finds himself drawn into their world of wealth, secrecy, and the affection he’s been starved of in his own family. However, it seems to come with a hefty price. He begins to question their intentions when his world descends into terror, his family is caught in the crosshairs of dangerous people, and a supernatural force is growing wrathful in the surrounding woods. With the help of the outcasts in his neighborhood, he is forced to decide whether to believe the Ablem's checkered past or have the rest of the town pay the ultimate price for his mistakes.

Angel Eyes: The Haunting of January House by A.N. Willis

Indie Recs Indie

Everyone in Ashton, Colorado, knows that January House is haunted. Tucked away on an isolated hillside, the place has seen grisly murders and unsolved disappearances. An artists’ commune took up residence there in the 1970s, creating a controversy that still divides the town. Now, a reclusive painter has died in the crumbling house. The police say it’s natural causes. But they don’t know why she fired a gun before she collapsed. Or why she called Bryce Wright, a man she hardly knew, and left a voicemail filled with her screams. Bryce turns to his sister, Penny Wright. She’s seen ghosts all her life, but she’s reluctant to get involved with the mysteries of January House. But everything changes when Bryce meets Eliza Davies—a young attorney who’s just arrived to ready the old house for sale. Bryce is convinced that Eliza is in danger. When Penny agrees to help, she soon discovers that her hometown harbors more dark secrets than she ever imagined. And this time, it might be the living who pose the greatest threat of all.

Kept From Cages by Phil Williams

SPFBO7

No one returns from Ikiri. Reece’s gang of criminal jazz musicians have taken shelter in the wrong house. There’s a girl with red eyes bound to a chair. The locals call her a devil – but Reece sees a kid that needs protecting. He’s more right than he knows. Chased by a shadowy swordsman and an unnatural beast, the gang flee across the Deep South with the kid in tow. She won’t say where she’s from or who exactly her scary father is, but she’s got powers they can’t understand. How much will Reece risk to save her? On the other side of the world, Agent Sean Tasker’s asking similar questions. With an entire village massacred and no trace of the killers, he’s convinced Duvcorp’s esoteric experiments are responsible. His only ally is an unstable female assassin, and their only lead is Ikiri – a black-site in the Congo, which no one leaves alive. How far is Tasker prepared to go for answers? Kept From Cages is the first part in an action-packed supernatural thriller duology, filled with eccentric characters and intricately woven mysteries. Click BUY NOW or READ NOW to start your journey to Ikiri today.

Emergency Shift by Daniel Potter

SPFBO7

Never promise a fey anything. With magic leaking back into our world, working the nightshift as a paramedic comes with danger. But I handle it. I’ve got a shotgun for the zombies and my lycanthropic rage hasn’t escaped my apartment. Life is normal-ish. All that changes when I’m called to help a dying fey knight and I make a promise. There’s a little girl with big eyes and a heart-rending sniffle. I can’t say no. Of course she’s not human. She’s their key to opening the long-closed gates and feasting on humanity. Now an entire world I know nothing about is trying to kill me. And if I don’t protect her, the teeth around my heart will finish the job. If I learn fast and bargain the right parts of my soul, the girl and I might make it out alive. Otherwise the cruelest winter will freeze even the warmest hearts in the city. Read my story now and ride along for a wild Emergency Shift. Fans of Patricia Briggs and Anne Bishop will love this collision of shifter and fairy worlds.

The Wayward Wizard by Alesha Escobar

SPFBO7

I’m the last person a secret government agency wants to call for help. I spend my days selling New Age trinkets to humans and my nights drinking with a street-hustling alchemist. Not exactly the law and order type. But when monsters from our childhood nightmares become flesh and blood, snatching people from the streets, I’m one of the few wizards alive who can uncover who’s behind it. My past threatens to catch up with me, and I’m not sure I can outrun it. After losing my family in a fire and being whisked away by my caretaker to train at the Akashic Academy, my life was further turned upside down when I emerged from my final test to find three dead master wizards. Despite being cleared of all charges, most in my community believe I killed them. They call me the Wayward Wizard. I may be a black sheep among magic-users, but I deliver results. Which is why this secret agency has dragged me out of bed, slapped the bottle of whiskey out of my hand, and placed me with Alanna Reid. She’s their best (and most uptight) agent who’s been ordered to keep an eye on me and make sure I get the job done—or, put a bullet in me. But as good as Alanna is, even she may not be prepared for what’s coming. And if I can’t shut down the mysterious wizard wielding stolen powers, then I have a demigod looking over my shoulder, salivating at the thought of bringing on the Apocalypse as punishment. It’s like the teacher penalizing the entire class for one asshat’s actions, but on a cosmic level. Since I like living, the choice is clear. But something tells me that in unraveling the truth, I’ll also have to face my own monsters, which can be just as deadly.

EXODUS 2022 by Kenneth G. Bennett

SPFBO7

Eco, sci-fi, thriller EXODUS 2022: "Bennett, after a neat Dean Koontz–style curtain-raiser, keeps raising the stakes… Deft storytelling and a riptide of action propel this cataclysmic narrative." --KIRKUS REVIEWS IS HE LOSING HIS MIND-- OR HIS WORLD? Joe Stanton is in agony. Out of his mind over the death of his young daughter. Unable to contain his grief, Joe loses control in public, screaming his daughter’s name and causing a huge scene at a hotel on San Juan Island in Washington State. Thing is, Joe Stanton doesn’t have a daughter. Never did. And when the authorities arrive they blame the 28-year-old’s outburst on drugs. What they don’t yet know is that others up and down the Pacific coast—from the Bering Sea to the Puget Sound—are suffering identical, always fatal mental breakdowns. With the help of his girlfriend, Joe struggles to unravel the meaning of the hallucination destroying his mind. As the couple begins to perceive its significance—and Joe’s role in a looming global calamity—they must also outwit a billionaire weapons contractor bent on exploiting Joe’s newfound understanding of the cosmos, and outlast the time bomb ticking in Joe’s brain.

Last Time She Died by Niki Kamerzell

A rainy night. A slick road. A car crash. ‘A puff of yellow dust blew from the vent, and the car filled with a strong sulfur smell. Laughter whispered through the speakers, then blared at full volume.’ Everything changes for Alexia Harper the night she leaves late from her waitressing job. When voices threaten her through the radio, she wonders if she’s gone crazy. Then lightning explodes close by, and Alexia crashes. Following the accident, every day is the same. Every night the same nightmare stalks her. It’s like her life is on repeat, but she can’t shake the fearful warning her subconscious is screaming at her. When Leland starts working at the diner, Alexia is drawn to him. He’s kind, funny and handsome, and he’s…familiar. It’s like they’ve spent the past eight lifetimes getting to know each other. Now, the memory-like dreams make sense. She recognizes people she doesn’t know—and they are giving her clues; answers she desperately needs to stop the thing that’s coming for her. Coming for all of them. Again.

Alchemy of Chaos by Ruth Miranda

FIfteen years after the suicide of two of his friends, Ezra King returns to the prestigious University of St. Cyr, this time as a teacher. Following on the footsteps of his former mentor Darren Whitford, he reopens the elitist study group specialising in Chaos Alchemy, guiding his students in the pursuit of results that will make life easier for all the Nonpareil.When those connected to the prior group, of which Ezra was a part of, start showing up dead, his own demons resurface, and the ghosts lying dormant in St. Cyr threaten to rise from their graves...

Working Wonders by Thomas Allen

The world-famous occult shop, Working Wonders, sits on the corner of 1st Street and Hurlbert, in the heart of the Business District, one of the areas of the city with the densest populations of supernatural beings. Two weeks before Christmas, a dead body is found crumpled on Hurlbert, not far from the abandoned Beasley Inn. Sergeant Thomas Parkland is suspicious, not just because of the location of the body, but also because it appears to have been mummified. Realizing he may be out of his element, Sergeant Parkland reaches out to members of the supernatural community, eventually finding himself inside of Working Wonders. However, the owner of the shop, and his two employees, are reticent to offer any assistance to the police. Quickly, it becomes clear that Sergeant Parkland’s hunch about the dead body is justified. By the time the owner of Working Wonders decides to help him solve the mystery, another dead body is found on a wooded pathway in Crockett Memorial Park, a mythical creature of death is on the loose, a violent agent from a clandestine government agency is prowling about, and the world itself may be in danger. Is it just a coincidence that the solution to Sergeant Parkland’s investigation resides in the upstairs storage room of Working Wonders?

Donn's Hill by Caryn Larrinaga

Ghosts. Psychics. Murder. Just another day in Donn's Hill. Mackenzie Clair needs a fresh start. The death of her father and a broken relationship rendered her old life unlivable. What better place to build a new one than Donn’s Hill, the most haunted town in America and her favorite childhood vacation spot? But returning to Donn’s Hill awakens more than nostalgia. As memories resurface, so does a lost psychic ability to talk to the dead... a power the poltergeist haunting Mac’s apartment is eager to use. Aided by her new roommate—a spirited Tortoiseshell cat named Striker—and the ghost-hunting crew of the Soul Searchers, Mac struggles to control her newfound talents. She’d better get a handle on them fast, because someone in town is hiding a deadly secret. If Mac can’t divine the truth, Donn’s Hill will never be the same. First in a new series, this cozy supernatural mystery was the 2017 winner of the League of Utah Writers Silver Quill award. "A genre-bending gem of a book, cozy meets horror meets cat fancier in a unique town of psychic tourism and ghostly secrets." -Johnny Worthen, award winning author of THE FINGER TRAP, THE BRAND DEMAND and WHAT IMMORTAL HAND

Eldritch Sparks: Shadows of Otherside Book 2 by Whitney Hill

The deal that secured Arden Finch a measure of freedom came with strings, and now everybody wants to pull them. Arden has carved out a place for herself in Otherside—at a price. Pressure mounts as she juggles her day job as a private investigator with her new obligations, fraying relationships, and growing elemental powers. If that wasn't enough, a lich has appeared in the Triangle, sowing violence and raising zombies. Everyone wants Arden to get rid of it⁠, including the gods. But the lich offers something Arden has always wanted: enough power to stand alone. All she has to do is put herself first for once...and betray everyone she cares about. Urban fantasy and paranormal fans of Kim Harrison, Faith Hunter, Seanan McGuire, and the early Anita Blake series will find a kick-ass heroine in Arden. Praise for Eldritch Sparks: Shadows of Otherside Book 2 "A compelling book of Otherside that goes from strength to strength." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Magister's Bane (Call of the Elements #1) by Yvette Bostic

SPFBO6

Magic can’t be real, right? Tell that to the werewolf glaring at me with his near-black eyes or the handsome vampire in the corner. Did I enjoy growing up rejected by everyone I encountered because of my physical abnormalities? Hell no! The only thing I ever wanted was to be accepted by someone. Not everyone, just anyone. A normal job and one solid meal a day would’ve been nice too. You know that old saying, “Be careful what you wish for?” Yeah, that one really sucks. After a vampire kidnapped me, I suddenly become wanted by all the wrong people. Why would those blood sucking fiends want a deformed, malnourished woman who looked more like a little girl? I only get more questions when an elemental mage steals me from the vampires and thrust me into a role I wasn’t prepared for. I thought I wanted to know the answers, but discovering the truth forced me into a fight for my life. One I wasn’t sure I could win.

Hell Hound (Jane Doe Chronicles #1) by M.J. Sylvester

SPFBO6

A foul-mouthed bounty hunter and assassin, Jane Doe is not your average witch. Working for the ruling magical class in Britain - the Merlins - she takes on the jobs and creatures that other members of the magical community wouldn't touch with a six-foot spell staff. As rumours spread that a powerful being wants to free a horrific hound from its prison on Dartmoor, Jane and her assistant, Dawn, are tasked by their Handler to find the perpetrator and stop them using any means possible.

Fade (The Faders #1) by E.G. Bateman

SPFBO6

An invisible enemy. A mysterious school. Can a troubled teen use her incredible powers to uncover the deadly truth? As the only child of a widowed father, Jenna Banks has learned to handle whatever the world throws her way. But when she encounters a strange boy who vanishes before her eyes, she never expected sparks of electricity to leap from her fingertips in response. Confused by her strange new ability, she barely has time to process the freak accident that kills her father and leaves her an orphan. Devastated and alone, she’s sent to a prestigious academy filled with bloody deeds and dark secrets. As she meets her classmates, Jenna learns she’s not the only one with powers. But until she controls her strange gift, she’ll never be able to track the vanishing creature bent on turning her world upside down. Can Jenna survive the school long enough to hunt down her target before her future fades away? Fade is the first book in an electrifying YA urban fantasy trilogy. If you like headstrong heroines, paranormal powers, and jaw-dropping twists, then you’ll love E. G. Bateman’s exciting coming-of-age adventure.

Dames and Demons by G. Campbell

SPFBO6

Twenty years ago, a pandemic ripped through the world and forever changed society. Where Man once stood, now stand the Women and the Demons. They rule the city through magic and money. Men like Tom and Chris Redfield have nothing. The brothers live under the heel of society and fight over the scraps dropped by the upper classes. Or at least they used to. Things change with the discovery of a Demonic book. The brothers might have a shot at a better life, but they’re not ready for the chaos the book unleashes. Suddenly, the Redfields are thrown into the tangled machinations of the spiteful Sororities and the fastidious lords of Hell. Forced to become players in an intricate game, the brothers will have to use their wits and all the magic they can afford if they hope to survive. Cock your pistols, sharpen your swords, and fill your magic reserve… Not everyone’s going to make it out alive.

The Clay Queen (Children of Clay #1) by Ono Ekeh

SPFBO6

With her armies defeated, Queen Nouei’s enemies march north to condemn her. The earth god’s only hope is to change history before they arrive. To become stronger she must restart her divine journey by reincarnating as Bridget Blade. But what if Bridget doesn’t want to be a god? All Bridget wants is a simple life with love and family. But she is confronted by a destiny she doesn’t even understand and burdened by powers and impulses she struggles to control. Bridget must choose a path that leads her to Nouei or, must force the Queen to settle for Bridget’s modest ambitions. Two women, one life, conflicting desires. Who will prevail?

Atonement (Heaven Sent #1) by J.L. Rothstein

SPFBO6

To Hell, this world is fractured and faithless, perfectly ripe for the picking. Sent by Heaven, Guardians defend against a malevolent onslaught of demonic intrusion. For hundreds of years the nine siblings of the O’Mara family have been engaged in this merciless battle, fighting to protect the souls of all humanity. Heaven and Hell have been waging this infernal war bound only by the rules of a contentious accord. On the anniversary of her husband Gabriel’s disappearance, Genevieve O’Mara’s lingering sorrow manifests into a murderous rage unfurled upon a demon. Vengeance is coming, not just for Genevieve, but for all those she loves.

The Thief of Eyes by Michael McCaskill

The world is not what it seems. Creatures of myth and legend walk among us. Some just living life like humans do, but others are less interested in such mundane pursuits. Enter the Choir, a clandestine organization that polices the supernatural world in secret and limits the damage from the world behind the veil. In the American northwest, a child away at camp drowns in the middle of the night. This sad but mundane event triggers a doomsday prophecy that could drag the world into oblivion. Allison Piper and Donna "Don" Kyle, agents of the Choir, must race against the clock to unravel the dark future before it is too late.

Tom's Gift by Karen Plautz

Tom has a unique gift which he feels, at times, is more of a curse. Art is investigating a series of murders, but the clues are lacking. Pulled together by circumstances, Art and Tom become unlikely allies as Art is forced to suspend disbelief and trust in Tom’s gift before it's too late.

Sticks by Pippa Greene

Damnable, broom-handle-sized sticks keep tumbling out of Nowhere and materializing into wretched Barbara's, Spartan apartment. But why? Before the appearance of the sticks, Barbara, was already far too anxious. Now she is losing sleep and, as a consequence, has grown decidedly snappish at work. Barbara's boss directs her to the "company" psychiatrist, a charming man, who, quite predictably, prescribes talk therapy and a dose of anti-depressants. Nevertheless, other pestering apparitions begin to present themselves--even in spite of Barbara's determination to live a quiet, utterly predictable, and rigidly unvaried life. Ultimately, the ghost of Barbara's father appears, rapping on the walls of Barbara's apartment, issuing orders via the "Ouija Board," and worse, using Barbara as a means of satisfying its own carnal appetites. Then one night unexpectedly, Father declares that he had never ever engineered his own presumptive suicide. Now had he? Father demands, therefore, that Barbara uncover his murderer. As Barbara begins to unmask the past, Barbara is faced with disturbing realities. In fact, one of these, in human form, is plotting to bludgeon Barbara to death...

Silvertongue by Casey White

After another long day at work, all Jon Christensen wanted was a cheap burger and some peace and quiet. When he pulled into the McDonald’s, Jon only had the usual cares on his mind. His sister. The bills. A career with seemingly nowhere to go. But after a confusing encounter at the cash register triggers a violent episode in the parking lot, he’s quickly pulled into a world he doesn’t understand. His few careless sentences - and the odd gift of languages he’s kept hidden for years - wind up thrusting him right into the middle of a chaotic magical free-for-all, a battle taking place in the shadows of society. Entangled in an increasingly complex web of violence and lies, he's left with a choice: adapt, or die. Surrounded by strangers, Jon must struggle to survive, searching out friends amidst a sea of foes. If he can get his group of strays and rejects to work together, there’s a chance they might just make it out alive. Should he fail, the consequences will be dire - not only for Jon, but also for those he loves.