Introduction

Bailey Khane is a renowned author visited by ghostly guests-murder victims seeking the peace of the grave. Unbeknownst to her, they were all slain by the same man. Caught between the growing shadow of his knife and the unholy fury of the dead he has left in his wake, she is forced to call upon obscure knowledge of the occult, superstition and myth to survive.

When Andy Bennett searches for the answers to his sister's murder he is drawn into a web of horror and shambling corpses-with Bailey high on his list of suspects. Sheriff Jay Carson and Deputy Raines fight to form a line between their citizens and the creatures that crave to destroy them.

"With Apparitions, author Raven Bower manages to weave a suspenseful crime story with paranormal elements into a chilling read. She reaches deep down into the razor-sharp wire of her imagination and cuts a tale of stark terror. Definitely a writer to watch!" Darren Franz Author of JACK FROST and GHOST TRAIN.

"Raven Bower's work shows an intimate awareness of the dark things and the malevolent side of human nature. Unsettling scenes abound in APPARITIONS, and there's not a doubt in my mind that we'll be seeing much more of Ms. Bower in the future. A writer with great promise!" Kealan Patrick Burke Bram Stoker Award-Winning Author of CURRENCY OF SOULS, THE TURTLE BOY, and THE HIDES.

"First-time novelist Raven Bower has written a genuine horror story, filled with twists and turns and enough chills to keep readers turning the pages.that is, until the sun sets." Steve Alten New York Times Bestselling Author of MEG & THE LOCH

Editorial Review

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Excerpt

Prologue

She was one of them and she had to die.
His senses palpated with the truth and a surreal awareness. His nerves chimed, his senses heightened. He didn’t
make mistakes anymore. In the beginning he took the lives of
innocent women, but that didn’t matter much in light of the
Mission and his ultimate goal.

He cloaked himself in the shadows of the trees, his keen
eyes watching her every move. He’d stalked her for days. He
knew her routines right down to the way she undressed. He
didn’t normally invest such hours in dispatching one of the
“creatures.”

Erika…ah, she was an exception. Her corrupt spirit reverberated from within; its dark energy extended—calling others of her kind to solidify the vile sisterhood to which they all belonged. A creature of her strength and status bore the right to an elaborate, calculated demise. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

1.) Bailey has the ability to see ghosts and to tell their stories. Would you see this ability as a gift or a curse? How would you react to ghosts wanting to communicate with you?

2.)Crime and law play a large role in Apparitions. After reading the novel do you see law enforcement or criminals in a different light than before? Has it solidified or shaken your views?

3.) Andy has to get over his initial suspicion of Bailey, who he believes has murdered his sister. If you were in his place what would it take to prove her innocence or guilt?

4.) Bailey is a very superstitious person – some of her superstitions turn out to be true in the novel. Has Apparitions changed your view on such beliefs? Do you hold to any superstitions?

5.) Throughout Apparitions the author weaves the mystical in with reality. Does something have to be scientifically proven before we admit that it might or does exist? Do you believe there are still mysteries yet to be discovered?

6.) Bailey’s faith, and at some points lack thereof, have a strong influence on the plot. Do you believe there is an ultimate good and evil? If so can one affect the other?

7.) Andy is stuck in town when he realizes that the killer has found Bailey and she is in danger. Have you ever been in a situation where you felt helpless and the clock was ticking? How would you have reacted if you were Andy?

8.) At the end of Apparitions it seems that Bailey and Andy end up together. Given their differences do you think they’ll have the strength to work through their issues together? Do you think their relationship will go further in the sequel, Windigo, or fall apart?

9.) Bailey has to face the killer, the apparitions, her own fears and accept what she is. Do you think this conclusion will change how she sees her ability in the future? With the death of the killer do you think her ability will change, go dormant or become stronger in Windigo?

Weblinks

»	Publisher's Book Info
»	Raven's web site
»	Author Events
»	Raven's Bio
»	Q&A with Raven
»	Audio clip of interview and reading
»	Works in Progress

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