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Messages of Murder #1
Message in the Bones
Long-buried bones, psychic visions, a tattoo with messages from above, and a clown-masked murderer chasing through a corn maze. Will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last word!
Freak is a nasty word, but many people in this small town have no trouble calling me a freak, or worse. It’s not my fault I awoke with the ability to “sense” things after I was nearly killed and my father was murdered. Touching certain items often gives me visions, sometimes horrifying ones. Most people here are afraid of that kind of thing.
Especially my brother, Dustin. As head detective of the River Bend police department, he’d rather pretend I don’t exist than believe in my gift. The long-buried bones of a murder victim force him to ask me for help. I should have know better. I should have stayed comfortable and safe hiding from the world.
No one believes me anyway. Only one man believes the messages I got from the bones. The killer. And now he hunts me.
Freak is a nasty word, but many people in this small town have no trouble calling me a freak, or worse. It’s not my fault I awoke with the ability to “sense” things after I was nearly killed and my father was murdered. Touching certain items often gives me visions, sometimes horrifying ones. Most people here are afraid of that kind of thing.
Especially my brother, Dustin. As head detective of the River Bend police department, he’d rather pretend I don’t exist than believe in my gift. The long-buried bones of a murder victim force him to ask me for help. I should have know better. I should have stayed comfortable and safe hiding from the world.
No one believes me anyway. Only one man believes the messages I got from the bones. The killer. And now he hunts me.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2021
2710 people are currently reading
2576 people want to read
About the author
Dawn Merriman
32 books210 followersDawn Merriman lives in northeastern Indiana on a small pig farm with her husband and teenage children. She enjoys animals, auctions, reading, snorkeling and writing small town murder mystery novels. Dawn Merriman completed her first novel in Middle School and a few others in High School and college. She won 1st place in the Northeast Indiana Young Writers short story contest in 1990. After a writing hiatus to raise her children, she published her debut novel, "How Murder Saved My Life" in 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 340 reviews
April 30, 2024
Dawn Merriman’s Message in the Bones is book # 1 in the Messages of Murder Series.
Gabby is a psychic who is labeled a freak in the small town community she lives in. Not many people believe her ability to see things but when a long-buried skeleton is unearthed, the local police have no choice but to ask for her help.
I love stories with psychic elements and I understand why this was popping up as a must-read recommendation in Kindle Unlimited. However, the story worked only in parts for me. The visions, Gabby’s trauma after having those visions, the small-town attitude of ridicule, these parts were interesting. The warmth of the relationship between Gabby and her grandmother and the cold and distant relationship with her brother has been explored well but I do wish the author had provided a little more depth into the working of the local police. The police are made to look like fools and the situations where they are involved purely adds only a backdrop for Gabby’s visons to work. The ending was thrilling thou, so in all, it was an easy enjoyable read but not too engrossing.
There are hints about Gabby’s past that sound exciting, so I would definitely check out further books in the series.
This review is published in my blog Rain'n'Books, ##Goodreads, ##Amazon India, ##Facebook, ##Twitter.
Gabby is a psychic who is labeled a freak in the small town community she lives in. Not many people believe her ability to see things but when a long-buried skeleton is unearthed, the local police have no choice but to ask for her help.
I love stories with psychic elements and I understand why this was popping up as a must-read recommendation in Kindle Unlimited. However, the story worked only in parts for me. The visions, Gabby’s trauma after having those visions, the small-town attitude of ridicule, these parts were interesting. The warmth of the relationship between Gabby and her grandmother and the cold and distant relationship with her brother has been explored well but I do wish the author had provided a little more depth into the working of the local police. The police are made to look like fools and the situations where they are involved purely adds only a backdrop for Gabby’s visons to work. The ending was thrilling thou, so in all, it was an easy enjoyable read but not too engrossing.
There are hints about Gabby’s past that sound exciting, so I would definitely check out further books in the series.
This review is published in my blog Rain'n'Books, ##Goodreads, ##Amazon India, ##Facebook, ##Twitter.
January 8, 2024
Really like this series
I already downloaded book 2 and can t wait to read it. I am team Lucas for the romantic interest angle. I hope she picks him. Her mother needs to be cleared for murder. The next book is about that. I am also wondering if her brother Customs little boy has the shine like his aunt. He was crying when she was being hurt. But it could just be a coincidence. It would serve Dustin right after being so mean to his sister. Great story.
I already downloaded book 2 and can t wait to read it. I am team Lucas for the romantic interest angle. I hope she picks him. Her mother needs to be cleared for murder. The next book is about that. I am also wondering if her brother Customs little boy has the shine like his aunt. He was crying when she was being hurt. But it could just be a coincidence. It would serve Dustin right after being so mean to his sister. Great story.
April 6, 2023
The story has multiple points from Gabby to victims. At just around six hours, it’s an interesting cozy mystery, and I could finish it in two listens.
As Gabby follows leads from above and her information gleaned from the bones of the victim, she sets out to solve the murder and discovers more. In the meantime, we learn what life is like in a small-town where your mother murdered your father. Townsfolk call her witch and fear her. Heck, her own brother, the local lead detective, doesn’t believe your gift. His partner, her cat and her grandmother seem to be the only ones in Gabby’s court. There are hints of romance, but it looks like it will be a slow burn throughout the series.
Merriman does a good job of giving us some backstory and hooking us with the mystery. The story is narrated by Matt Godfrey & Gina Rogers. Gina gives us Gabby’s perspective and that of the victims. Matt provides a voice for her brother and his partner. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
As Gabby follows leads from above and her information gleaned from the bones of the victim, she sets out to solve the murder and discovers more. In the meantime, we learn what life is like in a small-town where your mother murdered your father. Townsfolk call her witch and fear her. Heck, her own brother, the local lead detective, doesn’t believe your gift. His partner, her cat and her grandmother seem to be the only ones in Gabby’s court. There are hints of romance, but it looks like it will be a slow burn throughout the series.
Merriman does a good job of giving us some backstory and hooking us with the mystery. The story is narrated by Matt Godfrey & Gina Rogers. Gina gives us Gabby’s perspective and that of the victims. Matt provides a voice for her brother and his partner. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
January 27, 2024
Book: Message in the Bones
Read By: Ebook
Author: Dawn Merriman
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Recommend: Yes
< b>Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
My feelings:
As if guided by fate, I stumbled upon this on Amazon. Set in the idyllic small town, this paranormal murder mystery immediately grabbed my attention and refused to let go until the very last page. It's the first book in a series that I am now eagerly anticipating finishing. After experiencing the tragic loss of her father and a near-death experience herself, young Gabby discovers she has been bestowed with a special gift - the ability to see both past and present.
Fighting with Nathan, angry words that mean nothing. Driving, worrying. Empty country roads and loud music. Regret and return. Kitchen covered in blood. Sliding through the slick. Gabby on the ground. DON’T BE DEAD! She’s breathing, she’s alive. Nathan where are you?
With a tingling sensation coursing through her veins, she turns to God for guidance and is able to uncover long-buried truths. But as word spreads about her strange abilities, Gabby faces ridicule and even dangerous stalking from those who label her as a freak. Thankfully, with the unwavering support and wisdom of her beloved Grandma Dot, Gabby stays strong and continues to use her gift to help others.
“The only thing I really remember was Steven’s daughter babysat for you and Dustin a few times.” “Rachel?”
This gripping page-turner will have you on edge, flipping through the pages at lightning speed while still yearning for more. The seeds of intrigue are masterfully planted throughout Book 1, strategically withholding answers to keep readers hooked and desperate for resolution. It's an adrenaline-fueled rollercoaster ride where readers will feel every ounce of fear and exhaustion alongside Gabby, rooting for her every step of the way.
Guilty, choking sobs of grief for the life I lost when my father was killed and my mother taken away. I cry for the shattered pieces of my life I can’t seem to fit back together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2024
Stumbled across this in the Libby app and it was pretty fun! My library has the next two and I will definitely be checking those out.
January 30, 2025
4 Stars:)
June 27, 2021
Idea wise, this was an okay book. Not original by any means though. It was not well written and it was entirely predictable. The characters were under developed enough that the story just didn’t work. The writing was... in need of a whole lot of editing.
September 3, 2020
Enjoyed the book. It kept me interested. Look forward to the next book in the series.
January 1, 2024
Ran into this totally on accident on Amazon, downloaded it and boy am I glad I did. A small town paranormal murder mystery and the 1st book in a series that I will finish!
After her father was killed, and she nearly was, Gabby has a special 'power' or 'ability' where she can see things. She can see the past and the present. She gets a buzzing feeling and asks God to direct her to what He wants her to see - and she does. She is called a freak, is made fun of and even stalked, but with the help of her Grandma Dot, she stays the course and does what she is supposed to do.
This is a fast-paced, page turning thriller that you will be barrelling through and still need to get to the next. The seeds are planted all through Book 1 that intentionally leave the right questions unanswered so the reader needs more.
A pulse pounding adventure where the reader will be afraid for Gabby, be tired when she is and cheer her on!
After her father was killed, and she nearly was, Gabby has a special 'power' or 'ability' where she can see things. She can see the past and the present. She gets a buzzing feeling and asks God to direct her to what He wants her to see - and she does. She is called a freak, is made fun of and even stalked, but with the help of her Grandma Dot, she stays the course and does what she is supposed to do.
This is a fast-paced, page turning thriller that you will be barrelling through and still need to get to the next. The seeds are planted all through Book 1 that intentionally leave the right questions unanswered so the reader needs more.
A pulse pounding adventure where the reader will be afraid for Gabby, be tired when she is and cheer her on!
February 18, 2025
Estuvo bien para ser un libro que obtuve gratis. Una historia corta de misterio con un buen ritmo.
Se siente un poco "incompleto" el contexto de los personajes principales pero es porque es el primer libro de una serie de 8 y seguramente el desarrollo completo se a da a lo largo del resto de los libros.
Se siente un poco "incompleto" el contexto de los personajes principales pero es porque es el primer libro de una serie de 8 y seguramente el desarrollo completo se a da a lo largo del resto de los libros.
August 1, 2023
Great Paranormal!
I thought this story was well written and fast paced. I plan to get the next book in this series.
I thought this story was well written and fast paced. I plan to get the next book in this series.
October 31, 2024
A good story
An interesting story about the psychic as a reluctant crime solver. She silently sends prays to God. I wonder if that will become and issue in later stories?
An interesting story about the psychic as a reluctant crime solver. She silently sends prays to God. I wonder if that will become and issue in later stories?
September 1, 2025
this book lost major points with me for the amount of times the phrase “crap on a cracker” was used.
February 26, 2024
I got this book on the Stuff your Kindle Day. When I read the summary I was like, this might be really good. The reason it took me so long to finish is because life ended up happening and I would start reading and then I would put it down and forgot about it and read another book. So today I decided to read the rest of it and I’m glad I did. It was really good. It is another a young girl who has super powers and can see visions. She touched a deceased woman’s bones and saw her tragic death but didn’t see who the killer was so she had to figure out who was the killer of her and the man she was having an affair with. I kept thinking it was one person and then all of a sudden it proved me wrong and caught me off guard lol there are more books to the series on kindle unlimited and I will definitely read those when I get the chance. I want to see if her and Lucas get together or if she chooses Preston her neighbor and if her brother finally decides to be in her life and not shun her like he’s been doing. And I am hoping that the mom gets out of prison and they find out who really killed the father.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2022
The characters were well-written and the protagonist had a unique, believable voice. The story was entertaining and kept me turning the pages. I wish I could have given this book 5 stars, but there were a few things that didn't gel for me. While I was swept away by the story and suspension of disbelief came easily, allowing me to believe in a woman with psychic abilities helping to solve crimes, the Gabby character was allowed to do little things that put her in danger and made no sense. For example, a woman under threat does not go running in the woods by herself with earbuds in both ears, blasting music. (Most women not living under threat keep at least one ear open to the surroundings while running alone.) I also found it bothersome that once it was clear that Gabby's life was in danger, she didn't use her gifts to suss out the people around her. It appeared that poor Gabby had little in the way of self-preservation instincts, and that took me out of the story. The saving grace was strong writing and an authentic voice.
February 7, 2022
The story is about a woman who has a psychic capability and how she uses her special skills to solve murder. The story is not well built and character is not well written. From the first incident that she showed and knew she has a special skill to the current murder event, more than 10 years have passed. In the decades, she hasn't shown any psychic capability. One is an accident. How could policy trust her capability since she only showed once? If she could sense the thought of another person by touching hands separated by plexiglass, what is the need that she wears gloves to prevent touching others. How dramatic! She is NOT Elisa. Every time, she showed up in some setup, it turned a drama episode. What a drama queen!
Besides, the detective tells his wife about the murder case that he is working on. The detective partner takes a civilian along on a chase. How childish. The whole book read as a child play.
Besides, the detective tells his wife about the murder case that he is working on. The detective partner takes a civilian along on a chase. How childish. The whole book read as a child play.
August 7, 2023
3 stars because the killer wasn’t the obvious choice and I’m very thankful for that. Otherwise it would have been 2 stars..this just wasn’t it. I can’t get over the fact that the main character has “psychic”/paranormal powers but yet says thanks to God before/after her visions. Those two just do not go together.
The whole idea of her seeing visions of what has happened and getting tingles when she is needed or something is going wrong, is really cool! But I just couldn’t get past the part of adding the faith aspect into it.
I will not be finishing the series.
The whole idea of her seeing visions of what has happened and getting tingles when she is needed or something is going wrong, is really cool! But I just couldn’t get past the part of adding the faith aspect into it.
I will not be finishing the series.
October 16, 2023
DNF. I’m sorry, but this book really pissed me off in the beginning, but what really caused me to stop was the moment they introduced the murderer. I don’t know who it was, nor do I care. But this bitch only killed two people (as far as I know, again, don’t care) why the hell is he acting like that!? I’m sorry, but “my blood on my knife will be replaced with her’s” is stupid and cheesy and just made me go “ah hell no!”
June 6, 2024
I came across this book in Kindle Unlimited during a reading slump. I just could not find a book to satisfy my reading need. I saw the title and read the blurb and thought hmmmm this might be what I am looking for. I am so glad I picked it. From the very first page I could not put this book down. It was unique and unusual. I absolutely loved it. I read it it in just one night.
This book starts out with a character whom has a special gift. A gift or a curse the poor girl really can't decide. This special gift allows her to see things others cannot and it has pretty much ruined her life. People label her a "Freak", a "Fake". Her life is not easy by no means, but you can see the special person she is deep down. One who really loves and cares deep, but is afraid to show it.
This particular story centers around a set of old bones found on a construction sight and takes off from there. A 20 year old story that is dying to be told. It is a twisted and horrible tale.
This book has a eclectic mix of feelings throughout. It is full of torment, danger, lies, kidnapping and torture. There is a hero or two and a start of a love triangle. The supporting characters in the story are perfect as well. There is the brother who is ashamed and afraid, the loving dotting grandmother, a crush and a love interest. I can't wait to see how the life of the MC unfolds.
Binge time. I highly recommend this book for those who love a bit of danger, romance and thrills.
This book starts out with a character whom has a special gift. A gift or a curse the poor girl really can't decide. This special gift allows her to see things others cannot and it has pretty much ruined her life. People label her a "Freak", a "Fake". Her life is not easy by no means, but you can see the special person she is deep down. One who really loves and cares deep, but is afraid to show it.
This particular story centers around a set of old bones found on a construction sight and takes off from there. A 20 year old story that is dying to be told. It is a twisted and horrible tale.
This book has a eclectic mix of feelings throughout. It is full of torment, danger, lies, kidnapping and torture. There is a hero or two and a start of a love triangle. The supporting characters in the story are perfect as well. There is the brother who is ashamed and afraid, the loving dotting grandmother, a crush and a love interest. I can't wait to see how the life of the MC unfolds.
Binge time. I highly recommend this book for those who love a bit of danger, romance and thrills.
April 24, 2025
good
Gabby McAllister has been able to “see” things with just a touch since she was a teenager.
When her police detective brother and his partner ask her for her help in identifying some bones they discovered on a building site, she agrees, never realising just was she was letting herself in for.
Poor Gabby has been traumatised by her gift, and the isolation it has caused her, as people rarely look at her in a positive light. It makes her a little quick to react, and to draw away from others, and it means her relationship with her brother is very tense.
She’s a well written character, and that means that at times the reader might actually feel frustrated with her, as well as sorry for her!
This is an enjoyable, paranormal mystery, though not quite cosy (it’s closer to thriller or suspense) with a small town setting and interesting characters.
The plot moves well, making for a fairly quick read, and although not all mysteries mentioned in the book are resolved by the end of it, the main one was satisfactorily wrapped up by the end.
The paranormal aspect of the book revolves around Gabby’s psychometry, and is otherwise very light. Gabby herself seems to be religious in some aspects too.
Ultimately, this was a good, entertaining read for paranormal mystery lovers, and is otherwise look forward to seeing where Gabby heads next!
Gabby McAllister has been able to “see” things with just a touch since she was a teenager.
When her police detective brother and his partner ask her for her help in identifying some bones they discovered on a building site, she agrees, never realising just was she was letting herself in for.
Poor Gabby has been traumatised by her gift, and the isolation it has caused her, as people rarely look at her in a positive light. It makes her a little quick to react, and to draw away from others, and it means her relationship with her brother is very tense.
She’s a well written character, and that means that at times the reader might actually feel frustrated with her, as well as sorry for her!
This is an enjoyable, paranormal mystery, though not quite cosy (it’s closer to thriller or suspense) with a small town setting and interesting characters.
The plot moves well, making for a fairly quick read, and although not all mysteries mentioned in the book are resolved by the end of it, the main one was satisfactorily wrapped up by the end.
The paranormal aspect of the book revolves around Gabby’s psychometry, and is otherwise very light. Gabby herself seems to be religious in some aspects too.
Ultimately, this was a good, entertaining read for paranormal mystery lovers, and is otherwise look forward to seeing where Gabby heads next!
May 14, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Haunting, Twisty, and Utterly Addictive!
The Burning Soul completely blew me away. From the very first fiery scene, I was hooked. Rylan Flynn is the kind of heroine you root for—tough, intuitive, and emotionally complex, especially as she juggles paranormal danger, a fractured relationship, and a mystery that keeps deepening.
The blend of ghost-hunting and murder mystery is executed flawlessly. The ghostly appearances are chilling, the stakes feel real, and every twist hit me hard. And when it’s personal—like when Rylan’s close friend becomes a suspect—the tension is off the charts.
The emotional rift between Rylan and Detective Ford Pierce added so much depth. Their dynamic is full of friction, longing, and unresolved tension that makes you desperate for resolution—not just in the case, but between them too.
What I especially loved was how seamlessly this book combined supernatural suspense with real-world danger. It never feels gimmicky—everything has weight, consequences, and heart.
If you love a paranormal mystery with actual stakes, emotional twists, and a fierce, unforgettable main character, The Burning Soul is a must-read. I can't wait to follow Rylan into her next case.
The Burning Soul completely blew me away. From the very first fiery scene, I was hooked. Rylan Flynn is the kind of heroine you root for—tough, intuitive, and emotionally complex, especially as she juggles paranormal danger, a fractured relationship, and a mystery that keeps deepening.
The blend of ghost-hunting and murder mystery is executed flawlessly. The ghostly appearances are chilling, the stakes feel real, and every twist hit me hard. And when it’s personal—like when Rylan’s close friend becomes a suspect—the tension is off the charts.
The emotional rift between Rylan and Detective Ford Pierce added so much depth. Their dynamic is full of friction, longing, and unresolved tension that makes you desperate for resolution—not just in the case, but between them too.
What I especially loved was how seamlessly this book combined supernatural suspense with real-world danger. It never feels gimmicky—everything has weight, consequences, and heart.
If you love a paranormal mystery with actual stakes, emotional twists, and a fierce, unforgettable main character, The Burning Soul is a must-read. I can't wait to follow Rylan into her next case.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2024
Psychic by touch
An enjoyable, quick read. The main character is a bit of a recluse because she can touch things with her left hand and 'see' certain things. When she was 14 she knocked unconscious and woke up w this gift that she believes is gods way of showing her what needs to be seen. In this case, its how a person died and what they were feeling for a time beforehand. At one point she touches a living person and sees or rather feels his feelings about the things he's done. This particular book centers around her trying to help her detective brother and his partner find the murderer of 2 people from 20 yr old bones- a couple having an affair that were thought to have run away together, leaving their children and spouses behind. We are presented w 2 love interests, a loving grandmother, a brother who is scared of her gift, townspeople who are both nice and frightened of her, and her own interesting familial drama. It isn't what I would call a fantasy novel with creatures and magic, just a normal woman who has a gift of being able to see things. No sex scenes and no cussing that I recall, for those that mind it.
An enjoyable, quick read. The main character is a bit of a recluse because she can touch things with her left hand and 'see' certain things. When she was 14 she knocked unconscious and woke up w this gift that she believes is gods way of showing her what needs to be seen. In this case, its how a person died and what they were feeling for a time beforehand. At one point she touches a living person and sees or rather feels his feelings about the things he's done. This particular book centers around her trying to help her detective brother and his partner find the murderer of 2 people from 20 yr old bones- a couple having an affair that were thought to have run away together, leaving their children and spouses behind. We are presented w 2 love interests, a loving grandmother, a brother who is scared of her gift, townspeople who are both nice and frightened of her, and her own interesting familial drama. It isn't what I would call a fantasy novel with creatures and magic, just a normal woman who has a gift of being able to see things. No sex scenes and no cussing that I recall, for those that mind it.
December 8, 2024
This is the first book in the Messages of Murder by Dawn Merriman. Gabby Williams is a young woman who has the ability to sense things through her visions by touch even touching dead bones. When Gabby’s father was found murdered, she woke up with the ability to touch things and see visions. Her psychic ability makes Gabby an outcast in her small town, but also makes her a crucial piece to solving the murder of two victim's bones which are unearthed. Gabby’s brother Dustin is the Head Detective with the River Bend Police Department and Detective Jake (Lucas) Collins seek Gabby’s help to solve the decade’s old mystery. When Gabby touches the bones and is able to relive the murder she uncovers clues to the killer. As Gabby and Lucas track down the killer, Gabby becomes a target with the killer hunting her down. This story is filled with mystery, suspense with elements of the supernatural making this a thrilling read. I really enjoyed this fantastic psychic suspense mystery thriller novel.
May 10, 2021
Since finding the new genre of Paranormal Women's Fiction, I've found a slew of new authors to read. This author actually friended me. I usually shy away from authors like that. However her books sounded interesting.
I read this first book in her series and finished it in one day. I enjoyed the story. It was a quick, easy read. Cozy, Paranormal Mystery. Gabby can get visions by touching items. She is asked to help a friend in a new mystery. The cops are baffled when human remains are found at a construction site. The cops seem a bit inept as they turn to a psychic right away. But it's a very small town, so I'll give them a pass. Gabby's brother is one of the cops. They do not have a good relationship. He and most of the town think she's a fake. When things start to turn out true, they tag her as a freak.
It's a good story, I'm interesting in seeing where this goes. As Gabby and her brother have a back story that needs to be explored.
I read this first book in her series and finished it in one day. I enjoyed the story. It was a quick, easy read. Cozy, Paranormal Mystery. Gabby can get visions by touching items. She is asked to help a friend in a new mystery. The cops are baffled when human remains are found at a construction site. The cops seem a bit inept as they turn to a psychic right away. But it's a very small town, so I'll give them a pass. Gabby's brother is one of the cops. They do not have a good relationship. He and most of the town think she's a fake. When things start to turn out true, they tag her as a freak.
It's a good story, I'm interesting in seeing where this goes. As Gabby and her brother have a back story that needs to be explored.
May 7, 2023
Dnf. I hardly ever dnf. This book was covered in plot holes and inconsistencies before I could even finish! I'm completely shocked at the star reviews for this.
She says the body is stabbed but yet there's a bullet hole? She and her brother describe her house with a garage but then she lives in an apartment? She goes the entire time without attempting to help her mother all of those years ago when she has the gift? Then all of the grammatical errors were astounding. I truly found myself editing sentences while I was reading. It seemed like a child's book report with clipped sentences but then overly descriptive scenes when it should have been put toward something else.
I was looking forward to a psychic read, since I am one and it's hard to find this genre to relate to, but it was such a disappointment.
She says the body is stabbed but yet there's a bullet hole? She and her brother describe her house with a garage but then she lives in an apartment? She goes the entire time without attempting to help her mother all of those years ago when she has the gift? Then all of the grammatical errors were astounding. I truly found myself editing sentences while I was reading. It seemed like a child's book report with clipped sentences but then overly descriptive scenes when it should have been put toward something else.
I was looking forward to a psychic read, since I am one and it's hard to find this genre to relate to, but it was such a disappointment.
June 25, 2025
A surprisingly emotional thriller with a touch of the supernatural that actually works.
“Message in the Bones” pulled me in with its gritty crime setup but kept me hooked thanks to strong, layered characters—especially the main character, Danni, who’s haunted by both visions and her past. The small-town setting is claustrophobic in all the right ways, and the mystery twists had me second-guessing everyone.
Dawn Merriman balances suspense, grief, and hope so well. Danni’s “gift” isn’t overdone—it’s eerie and grounded, which makes the whole story feel more real. And while the crimes themselves are intense, the emotional pull is what stuck with me most.
If you like crime thrillers with a sprinkle of psychic vibes and emotional depth, add this one to your list. I’ll definitely be continuing the series.
“Message in the Bones” pulled me in with its gritty crime setup but kept me hooked thanks to strong, layered characters—especially the main character, Danni, who’s haunted by both visions and her past. The small-town setting is claustrophobic in all the right ways, and the mystery twists had me second-guessing everyone.
Dawn Merriman balances suspense, grief, and hope so well. Danni’s “gift” isn’t overdone—it’s eerie and grounded, which makes the whole story feel more real. And while the crimes themselves are intense, the emotional pull is what stuck with me most.
If you like crime thrillers with a sprinkle of psychic vibes and emotional depth, add this one to your list. I’ll definitely be continuing the series.
February 5, 2025
This cozy mystery was a bit predictable, but I still found it enjoyable and fun. The story is told from multiple POVs, including Gabby, Dustin, and Gabby’s love interest. One of my favorite parts of the story was the heartwarming relationship between Gabby and her grandmother. They’re always there for each other.. Gabby’s strained relationship with her brother was also intriguing, especially in how it developed and how he still perceives her. I liked the love interests and am eager to see which path Gabby chooses. My only critique is that some chapters ended abruptly and transitioned to new scenes without much continuity, which felt a bit jarring at times. The narrators, Matt Godfrey, and Gina Rogers were great. I feel like they portrayed the characters very well.
September 7, 2020
Very Awesome Read!
This is the first book I have read with by Dawn Merriman and I find her to be one of my new favorite authors. The story line keeps you hooked in to where you can't stop reading because you have to know what's going to happen next. I totally fell on love with the main character Gabby. She gives the reader am insight on to what out of like to be the underdog but shows you that the underdogs are usually the ones who have the most heart, compassion and can achieve more in life then the bullies. I love this book and I'm super excited to get started on the next on this trilogy.
This is the first book I have read with by Dawn Merriman and I find her to be one of my new favorite authors. The story line keeps you hooked in to where you can't stop reading because you have to know what's going to happen next. I totally fell on love with the main character Gabby. She gives the reader am insight on to what out of like to be the underdog but shows you that the underdogs are usually the ones who have the most heart, compassion and can achieve more in life then the bullies. I love this book and I'm super excited to get started on the next on this trilogy.
April 8, 2023
A tragic past.
A gift from God.
A brother and sister at odds.
If you're looking for a quick, character-driven mystery that can easily be devoured.. this may be just what you're looking for.
I'm a pretty big fan of the 'psychic' trope.
Ghosts, visions, all kinds of delightfully spooky creepy crawlies? I love it.
Sadly.. I feel like the storyline and characters here had so much more to give, which is probably due to it being the first in a series, but I'm not sure I'm all that interested in pursuing this series further.
It wasn't bad, it just wasn't for me.
Be sure to check out my book blog @ ReadBetwixtWords.com for book reviews, lists, recommendations, and more!
A gift from God.
A brother and sister at odds.
If you're looking for a quick, character-driven mystery that can easily be devoured.. this may be just what you're looking for.
I'm a pretty big fan of the 'psychic' trope.
Ghosts, visions, all kinds of delightfully spooky creepy crawlies? I love it.
Sadly.. I feel like the storyline and characters here had so much more to give, which is probably due to it being the first in a series, but I'm not sure I'm all that interested in pursuing this series further.
It wasn't bad, it just wasn't for me.
Be sure to check out my book blog @ ReadBetwixtWords.com for book reviews, lists, recommendations, and more!
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