The Ghost Illusion
Kat Martin
September 26, 2023

Eve St.Clair inherited her uncle’s old estate in Sunderland, England. In its day it was a beautiful home with a huge acreage of gardens and an elaborate design. When Eve left the States she sold most of what she had remembering how lovely a place it was. When she arrived however she found it an abandoned old manor that needed much work. She wondered if she could make it liveable as she couldn’t bring herself to sell the property. After the first few nights of frightening noises and eerie sightings, she moved down to the main floor to sleep on the couch. Could this place be haunted by those who spent their lives in the mansion? She did research and contacted a businessman from Seattle. Ransom King is a hotel connoisseur yet he had developed a site online called Paranormal Investigations Inc. She contacted him and then wrote him letters explaining the nightly haunted visions she was living with. He soon contacted her and took his team to study the events that were occurring in Sunderland.
The Ghost Illusion will be published by Kensington Publishing on September 26, 2023. I was able to read and review Kat Martin’s latest novel via NetGalley. This was something new for Martin. She had always wanted to write a ghost story. It is indeed quite a thriller, frightening yet historical. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Ms. Martin’s fans will read it as it is her latest book but it is one that many suspense fanatics will appreciate. Do pick up The Ghost Illusion!

What happens to Eve St Clair in her Victorian house in Sunderland England? For starters she needs help from Ransom King and his team when Eve starts hearing ghostly voices at the house. Can Ransom and his team truly help Eve and get rid of these ghostly voices? Will Ransom be able to save Eve? The Ghost Illusion is a 3 Star book for me because I couldn't connect to the two main characters, did not like the romance in the book since one minute they do love each other and then don't, The other plot of the book with human trafficking it did not make sense to me at all and for me it did not give a spooky vibe. The parts of the book I liked was the side characters and the main plot of the book was okay. I would recommend this book to others if they like the author or if they like paranormal romance books. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for the ARC copy of this book.

The Ghost Illusion by Kat Martin is another one of her wonderful paranormal romance suspense novels. From the start, we meet Dr. Eve St. Clair, our heroine, who has recently moved to England, when her uncle passed away and left the Victorian family house to her. Eve lived in Boston most of her life, and after a divorce, she made the decision to move. In the two months she has lived in the house, she has heard noises, such as men whispering, children running on the stairs, and angry man; giving her creepy vibes. Eve does some research to find someone to help her, and calls a Paranormal Investigators group.

Ransom King, is a billionaire, with many successful businesses, and also owns the Paranormal Investigators. Ransom lost his wife and daughter years ago to an accident, and opened up his Paranormal business. When Ransom gets a call from Dr. Eve St. Clair, he understands her panic and fear, and is compelled to help her; he gathers his team, Jesse, Katie, Zane and they arrange to fly to Sunderland, England

Ran and his team determine that there is an evil presence that is haunting her house, which they will need to find a way to identify the entity. While the team manages to get some vague videos, Eve, who is also a part time psychologist, will recognize a ghost of the past, an imaginary young friend, named Wally. Eve and the team, will try to call Wally, and to get him to move on to the light. The evil spirit becomes very dangerous, trying to stop Wally and other children from moving on. With Zane doing research at the library, we learn about the Victoria Hall Disaster of 1883 (true story), that almost 200 children were crushed to death during a magic show; and an abandoned orphanage near Eve’s house also had evil spirits and demon. Ran calls a friend and former priest, to help them stop the evil demon.

In a short time, Eve and Ran become very attracted to each other, with a sizzling romance. Ran has strong feelings for Eve, and is determined to keep her safe, especially from the dangerous spirit/demon. But he still can’t move on, always blaming himself for his wife and daughter’s death.

What follows is an intense, exciting, scary, action-packed edge of your seat thriller. I really liked all the main characters, especially Eve and Ran; Jesse, Katie, Zane and Luke were all great. The Ghost Illusion was a fantastic story from start to finish, and so very well written by Kat Martin. If you enjoy exciting intense ghost stories, I suggest you read The Ghost Illusion.

I am not sure if I misread the description but this wasn’t the book I was expecting from this author.
The book is well written and the characters well developed but I am giving it 3 stars as it had no mystery

Eve enlists the help of a team run by Seattle billionaire Ran King to run down and rid the home in the UK she inherited from her uncle of the ghosts that seem to be rampant there. This plays off a real life tragedy when children were crushed in a rush to get toys at a Christmas party and then brings in human trafficking as well (for me It would have been more impactful to have one or the other, not both). And, of course, there's romance. Ran has been mourning the death of his wife and daughter- is Eve his future? Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Was a bit meh for me but over to others.

A spine-tingling tale this is not. I was ready to get my gothic vibe on but the dragged out descriptions in this one ruined it for me. I am all for atmospheric writing but this went completely overboard and wrecked the experience.

This is supposed to be a thriller but yet again a female author has gone to the romance side so this is more like a suspenseful romance. The two main characters were not very likable and the romance was for no good reason other than the fact that the male is rich and handsome with smoldering ice-blue eyes. BARF!🤮

I had no connection to the people on these pages, they were more like caricatures than characters. The lead guy's name is Ransome King and they call him Ran. I nearly died laughing...I mean really? The book also loses points for the religious aspects and the side plot of human trafficking got more time than the ghosts did. There was no proper plot development, not enough ghosts and too much of the sexy time. This is a wildly popular author and the book has a 4.43 rating (WTF!?) so I guess I am an outlier once again...Well, I like it like that!

I guess I should have guessed from the title but I wasn’t aware this book was about ghosts and evil possessions, not my favorite genre. Despite that I finished the book, it held my interest enough that I wanted to see what happened. I’m not sure why the trafficking issue was part of the story, didn’t seem like it fit. If you enjoy this genre you will probably enjoy this book. For me it was a solid 3*. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

Who doesn’t love a good ghost story? This one is complete with a hidden basement and tunnel, a spooky asylum, and a priest who performs exorcisms. Throw in some romance and lots of suspense, and Kat Martin does it again with her latest novel, The Ghost Illusion.

Eve St. Clair lives in England in a home her uncle willed to her upon his death. She hears voices and believes there is something or someone in her home. When she has had enough, she seeks the help of a paranormal investigations team from the US, run by billionaire, Ransom King. Here is where the true story begins.

I loved the originality of this novel. Each member of the investigations team had their own unique job and place in the story. Although not as spooky as I hoped, this book is definitely full of suspense.

Thank you, NetGalley and Kensington Books, for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed above are my own.

If you like paranormal investigating, also known as ghost hunting, you will love this story! I love investigating and watching some of the shows.

This story has me wanting to go investigating since it's been a while. I would love to go to a place like our characters in this story.

Eve contacts a paranormal team she inherited a house in England, and things and things happening aren't normal. Ransom King and his team offer to help Eve. They quickly dind out there is a lot going going on and some of it is scary.
Eve doesn't know her talent, and seeing her come into is cool. There is so much heartbreak in this story, along with some romance.

I would like some more of the secondary characters' stories as I felt connected just as much to them as I was to Ransom and Eve

The Ghost Illusion by Kat Martin

I will be upfront —- Net Galley and Kensington Books gave me an ARC for my honest opinion of The Ghost Illusion by Kat Martin. I could not put this book down! The more I read, the more I was invested in the story—plot twists and turns — and characters. I like Kat’s characters because intelligent and independent heroines are paired with strong alpha heroes. Even secondary characters are well-developed. Kat .is one of my favorite authors. In The Ghost Illusion (*based on a true event), she takes us on a journey of good vs. evil through suspense, paranormal activity, emotions, romance and healing.

Eve St. Clair inherits her uncle’s house in England, where she spent many happy times throughout her childhood. As she settles in, sinister events occur in the house —- she hears whispers, running feet and other creepy sounds. After much researching, she decides to contact Ransom (Ran) King’s paranormal investigation company in Seattle. . Eve’s emails describe haunting and frightening events. Ran is intrigued by the events —and Eve. He and his specialized team head to England .

The first night they set up the sensitive cameras and sound equipment, malevolent ghosts attack and try to drive them out . The team discovers hidden doors, a basement, tunnels and a dilapidated orphanage. Eve remembers playing with Wally, a secret childhood “friend” dressed in strange clothes. Eve tries to connect with him. He appears along with Herbie, an orphan child ghost . When Eve and Ran investigate the orphanage, they discover more ghost children. The evil ghosts manifest and attack Eve several times. They try to prevent Eve and Ran’s team from “freeing” the orphans. Ran offers Eve comfort and emotions grow. Ran still carries the guilt of a car accident that killed his wife and child.

This is just a brief synopsis of the events in the book. There is SO much more going on! Buy the book —you won’t be disappointed!

(*The Victoria Hall disaster happened in 1883. At a holiday magic show, almost 200 children were crushed to death in a rush for free toys ).
#BTCInsider

The Ghost Illusion by Kat Martin
This was a great ghost story - kept me on the edge of my seat. The main characters were all unique and likable - especially Eve St. Clair and Ransom King. There is evil in the house Eve inherited, and she contacts Ran for help. There is some real history in the book with the tragedy of the Victoria Hall disaster where 183 children died in 1883. There is angst, danger, evil spirits, trapped spirits, with a side crime, some laughs and tears and some steam all to get to a HEA.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Tragic Action-packed Haunting Informative Witty Entertaining Happily Ever After Tear-jerker Scary Unpredictable Twisted Wonderful characters Steamy Page-turner Romantic Easy-to-read Great world building.

If you enjoy watching ghost shows or reading paranormal investigation stories with a horror twist, then this is the perfect recommendation for you.

Seattle billionaire Ransom King has spent his time researching parapsychology and exposing frauds who take advantage of the grieving, ever since the passing of his wife and daughter. Psychologist Eve St. Clair has inherited a Victorian house in Sunderland, England from her uncle, but is struggling to distinguish reality from her own fears as she hears ghostly voices within its walls. She is in need of assistance.

This is a tragic and suspenseful story that may evoke emotions and surprise you with unexpected plot twists. The characters are likable and the historical real event (The disaster of 1883, where close to 200 children were crushed to death at a holiday magic show in a rush for free toys ). Multiple POV. However, the inclusion of human trafficking seems out of place and disconnected from the overall story. The main characters are both dealing with past hurts and the romance seems a little rushed. They are together, then not, and then they profess their undying love... content: open-door romance, explicit sex content, child trafficking, good and evil.

Many thanks to NetGalley, and Kensington Books, who kindly provided me with an eARC of this novel. This is my honest opinion.

I usually do not read paranormal romances, but I love Kat Martin, so I couldn’t resist. She did a great job of mixing the paranormal with reality and of course the romance between Ran and Eve is spot on! Eve’s house has some weird happenings going on that appear malevolent so she reaches out to Ran and his crew for help.

Ran is drawn to Eve which he struggles with since he is a widower. He feels very protective over her as the goings on become more violent and dangerous.

Great story and great romance. I hope we see more stories around Ran’s crew!

Thanks to the publisher for a review copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Ghost Illusion - Kat Martin
When Eve St.Clair starts her life over by moving into her uncles old house that she inherited, she never could have imagined the darkness that was waiting to come out. Eve starts feeling bad vibes, hearing footsteps and voices. She does her research and reaches out to Random King and his team to investigate.
As Random King and his team begin their investigation, the activity picks up, and Eve begins to feel attacked. When they find an old door that had been covered up, they discover the tunnels that had been hidden, that contained a darkness like no other, full of a dark history connected to an old orphanage.
The further into the investigation they get, the more danger they find themselves in, and they realize they're closer to solving this mystery.
As Eve faces the darkness interfering with her life, Random tries to come to terms with the darkness of his own past in hopes that he can save his future.
Okay, I dove into this book without high hopes. The synopsis didn't really do it justice (nor does mine). However, this book will definitely be one of my favorites of the year. It was a mix of spooky ghosts, dark history, and a little bit of a love story. My favorite aspect though is that they took a true tragedy that I had never heard of, and brought some attention to it. I ended up going down the Google rabbit hole to read up on the actual history and was shocked. If you looking for a read to start off spooky season, this comes out September 26th! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5!!

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!

Martin wrote a deliciously creepy story just in time for Halloween. Eve inherited her uncle’s house in England. After months of denying it, she finally admits the house is haunted and finds help on the internet. Ransom King (ok, the name is lame, expect shortened to Ran all the way through the book) is intrigued by both Eve and the haunting, and he brings his ghost hunting team to see what is happening at her abode.

The clues release slowly. There is a wild goose chase with some trafficking that has zero to do with the ghost story (should have left out that part) and terrific side characters.

The ghost story is a 5 star story, but the distraction of the trafficking story brings it to a 4. It really interferes with the story. Still. I loved the book. Great story and I would love to read another ghost hunter novel about this bunch.

I love Kat Martin romances but this one was very different. I will admit I am not a fan of her ghost series. Eve St. Clair desperately needs help when ghosts seem to haunt her Victorian house in Sunderland, England that she inherited from her uncle. She reaches out to Ransom King and his handpicked team of investigators for help.
Since the deaths of his wife and daughter, Seattle billionaire Ransom King has devoted himself to researching ghosts and hauntings. King senses a very real danger stalking Eve. As his interest in her case turns personal, he will not stop until uncovers the truth to save Eve. As I said this book to me was not my favorite.

I love everything that Kat Martin has written. This is a first paranormal ghost that I've read by her. It is well written and truly drew me in. I read the book in two days. Would have been one but I chose to stop somewhat early in the day so my sleep wouldn't be disturbed by nightmares hopefully.
I loved how everyone on the team has a part to play. Together they are able to do unbelievable things.

I really enkoy the ghost adventure in this book, the story was good, detail and make me enjoy almost the chapters. Then trafficking came and i was thinking why? I think this girl purchase for sacrifice in that asylum but nooo its totaly different story.

Thank you to NetGalley for provide this book, it is pleasure to review this book.

#TheGhostIllusion #KatMartin #KensingtonBooks #NetGalley #ARC

This is a little different from there books I've read by this author and I really enjoyed it. There's romance, suspense, paranormal, a bit of horror, and a journey of healing. The characters are great. I loved Ran and Eve. I was completely sucked into the story. I became invested not only in the story but the whole cast of characters. I'd love to see this become a series. I want more of the Paranormal Investigations Inc. team!

This was so good!!!!!!! 🤯

You have romance, suspense, and paranormal. With a twist of horror. I didn't know what to expect at any point in this book and I loved that.

This is one of those books where you just go along for the journey and don't try and predict.

Now I am an extremely big fan of Kat Martin and I've loved all the other books by her. I've read but there is something special about this book. It had so much emotion throughout it and that's something I've never really felt this intensely with her books before.

I loved absolutely everything about this book. And I can definitely see myself reading this again.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Kensington books for an arc in exchange for an honest review