The Haunting of Rachel Harroway - J.S. Donovan - A Short Summary & Review

 The Haunting of Rachel Harroway - J.S. Donovan - A Short Summary & Review

By: a.d. elliott | Take the Back Roads - Art and Other Odd Adventures

A Rite of Fancy Book Recommendation and Review

The making of a detective who sees dead people.

A short summary:

The Haunting of Rachel Harroway follows the formation of a reluctant detective whose gift is also a curse: she can see and communicate with the dead. As Rachel navigates crime scenes layered with lingering spirits, she is forced to confront not only the mysteries left behind by the murdered but also the emotional weight of carrying their unresolved stories. What begins as a supernatural twist on a detective novel slowly becomes a study in grief, intuition, and the cost of being unable to look away from the past.

My favorite quote from the book:

"Still, be the light you wish you saw, and you can give what you may never have."

 - J.S. Donovan, The Haunting of Rachel Harroway

Questions to ponder while reading:

Would you be afraid?

Would you lock yourself in your home?

My review:

This was a genuinely fun and spooky thriller that balances classic detective elements with a generous helping of ghosts. The mystery unfolds at a steady pace, and the supernatural elements feel additive rather than gimmicky; each haunting deepens the emotional stakes instead of distracting from them. I especially enjoyed watching Rachel’s transformation from someone unsettled by her abilities into someone learning how to live and work with them. If you like your crime novels moody, atmospheric, and populated by restless spirits, this one delivers.

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About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life

She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.

You can also browse her online photography gallery at shop.takethebackroads.com.

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