The History Major: what we see may not be real

The History Major by Michael Phillip Cash is a mystery thriller in which Amanda Greene is sent on a series of events occur which makes her question everything around her.

Amanda wakes from with a heavy hangover. All she can remember is that she had a horrible fight with her boyfriend, Patrick, the night before. As she wakes up, she realizes that something is different about her dorm room. First, her roommate is someone who doesn’t recognize and things have changed around the room. She goes off to class and realizes that she’s enrolled in a history class she never wanted. She tries her hardest to get out of but to no avail. She must take this class. As she sits down, she recognizes one guy but she isn’t sure how she knows him. In walks in the professor wearing a toga. Soon Amanda is taking on a journey of memories into the distant past of Joan of Arc and Lucrezia Borgia. And her own painful past of abuse, abandonment and trauma. Is Amanda dreaming? What is the meaning of her visions of Joan of Arc and Lucrezia Borgia? Can she find the meaning before it is too late?

I have enjoyed Michael Phillip Cash’s books for their unique storytelling. I received an advanced reader’s copy and I must admit when I started reading The History Major I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy it. By the end, I did. I enjoyed the lesson in which Amanda must learn and a lesson we need to learn as well. Without giving too much away of the ending, I say the lesson is something that we haven’t learned yet. The book did come with a warning that the story contains sensitive subjects of trauma, grief, child abuse and other emotional topics. I thought it would be an emotional story as I have experience a few of the “emotional topics” warned about. But I didn’t experience any emotional response as I read the story. Other readers may, so take heed of the warning. Otherwise, I recommend The History Major as an interesting take on history and our experiences.

The History Major

is available on Amazon

on the Kindle for $0.99 and free with Kindle Unlimited

and in paperback for $10.99

Monsterland: a theme park of monsters. What could possibly go wrong?

Monsterland by Michael Phillip Cash is a story about a theme park of monsters. Exhibits and rides featuring vampires, werewolves and zombies. What could possibly go wrong?

18-year-old Wyatt Baldwin lives with his mother, Claire, his younger, Josh and his stepfather, Carter White. A new theme park is set to open on the outskirts of town. Monsterland is marketed as a zoo of sorts for the various monsters in order to protect them from. Dr. Vincent Conrad is in charge and is able to entice Wyatt and his friends, Howard and Melvin, to attend the grand opening of the park, despite the reservations of his parents. With heighten security, the boys make their way into the park and get the VIP treatment as they explore Vampire Village and the other areas. Soon things began to go awry and chaos ensues. Can Wyatt and his friends get out of Monsterland alive?

While I am not a fan of vampires, werewolves or zombies, I enjoyed this book. It built the intrigued as you follow Wyatt on his visit to the park. He knows, you know, something is off and nothing seems right. The story has a slow build to the action but once it gets there, it’s a fast paced, heart beating fight of survival. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys stories about these monsters. A story to enjoy on Halloween or any night you need a scary adventure with vampires, werewolves and zombies, oh my!

Monsterland is available

On Amazon

on the Kindle for $0.99

free with Kindle Unlimited

and

in paperback for $12.99

Pokergeist: a ghost story in the seedy side of Las Vegas

Pokergiest by Michael Phillip Cash is story of a man who is down and out and gets help from the ghost of a poker legend. A story of life with unfinished business and a life trying to get back on its feet in the bright lights of Las Vegas.

Telly Martin is a former IT consultant who lost his job when the economy turned sour. He and his girlfriend, Gretchen, are living a hotel while they both get back on their feet. Telly is trying to make enough money by playing poker. The problem is he isn’t very good. Until he is visited by the ghost of Clutch Henderson, a poker legend who died the year before after losing in an international poker tournament. Near his breaking point and despite his doubts, Telly reluctantly agrees to ty poker one more time. With Clutch’s help, Telly is able to earn enough money to enter in the International Series of Poker (Cash’s version of the World Series of Poker which is held in Las Vegas every year). Will Telly be able to win? Will anyone believe that he sees the ghost of a poker legend?

I enjoyed Pokergeist as I have enjoyed other Michael Phillip Cash’s books. When I received the book, it came with a parental advisory note. It stated that the book is intended for mature audience because it includes strong language. I was shocked. I have never read a book before which came with an advisory. Keeping this in mind, I read the book and I didn’t see anything which would require an advisory. There was some strong audience but nothing I haven’t heard on TV. I really enjoyed the relationship between Telly and Gretchen. I also enjoyed the scenes at the poker tables. Mr. Cash really captures the tension and psychological mind games which occurs during poker games. I recommend Pokergeist to anyone who enjoys a good ghost story and the game of poker. 

Witches Protection Program: a book review

Witches Protection Program by Michael Phillip Case is about a secret government agency whose mission is to protect good witches and rid the world of the bad witches. Partners, Alastair Verne and Wes Rockville, must protect an heiress from her aunt’s evil plans.

The story opens with Wes Rockville in trouble for a botched case. He is being transferred to the Witches Protection Program as his last chance to remain in law enforcement. There he meets, Alastair Verne, a veteran witch protector. The program protects the good witches known as Davinas while investigating the evil witches known as Willas. They soon hear of an evil plot from within the Pendragon Cosmetic Company and the CEO, Bernadette Pendragon’s plans to take over the world. They must also protect heiress, Morgan, from danger. Along with Davina, Junie Meadows, they must stop Bernadette and her evil minions before they can carry out their evil plot.

I enjoyed this book as it was a fast paced and easy read. It was interesting to see the twist on the Witness Protection Program. Although the story was predictable, it was fun and engaging. The author had all the commonly known aspects of witches, such as cat familiar, shape shifting, spells, magic wands and the ability to fly. There was some humor and plenty of action. I recommend this book for those who enjoy the supernatural stories with a modern twist. 

The After House: three mysteries all rolled into one exciting book!

The After House by Michael Phillip Cash is his new ghost story. An after house is in the deckhouse nearest the stern of a ship, a place when the men go to stay of the elements and was said to the safest place on the ship. An old house on Long Island holds many secrets as it could a safe haven or a tomb.

The story begins with Captain Eli Gaspar, sailing off the coast of Puerto Rico, 1840, is hunting whales. He’s been at sea for 13 months and he thinks about all he has missed. When a whale they are hunting rams the ship, destroying it. Captain Eli is left adrift. Flash forward to 2014, Cold Springs Harbor, Long Island where Remy Gallway and her daughter, Olivia are settling in to their new house. Olivia feels as if someone is watching them as strange things happen around the house. Rooms left in disarray, the electric goes on and on and a strange orb is seen around the house. The audience learns that Captain Eli is in the house and is trying to get Remy and Olivia to leave. He soon realizes that they don’t scare easily until someone tries to kill Remy on multiple occasions and Eli feels very protective. He tries to warn Remy of the coming danger.

I enjoyed this story as it has a great mystery about what happened to Eli after his ship was destroyed, what happened to Eli’s wife and children and who is trying to kill Remy. The resolutions of all three mysteries were excited and something I did not expect. This book was a fast read as it held my attention and had me eagerly awaiting the next piece of the puzzle. This is not a ghost story that is out to scare or frighten its audience. It is simply a mystery which involves a ghost who is searching for his family as well as protecting the one in his house. I highly recommend it.

The After House by Michael Phillip Cash is available

on Amazon on the Kindle for $0.99

Stillwell a haunting on Long Island: a great mystery that will keep you on your toes

Stillwell a Haunting on Long Island by Michael Phillips Cash is a haunting story about a sudden death and the impact it has on the ones left behind with a great ghost story weaved in.

The story opens with Paul, a recent widower who is preparing to restart a life with his three children. His wife, Allison, dies after a sudden and fast moving illness which has left everyone unable to understand it all. The entire book takes place in one week. Starting with Sunday as his kids return home from his sister’s. His oldest children, 13 year old twins Veronica and Jesse, act out as teenagers will do. His youngest child, Stella acts like a 9 year old would, holding on to childish fantasies. Paul returns to work as a successful realtor when he agrees to sell Stillwell Manor for an old friend. The mansion has recently been involved in a murder-suicide and has a dark past. Strange occurrences begin to happen at the manor and at home, that leaves Paul questioning his sanity as well as wondering if someone is truly trying to communicate with him from beyond the grave.

I really enjoyed this book. The struggles of Paul and his children felt potent and very real. I enjoyed the ghost story of Stillwell Manor and the resolution of the hauntings is great. I would recommended this book if you enjoy a good ghost story intertwined with a real human experience.

Stillwell a Haunting on Long Island is available on Amazon

 in paperback for $12.99 and on the Kindle for $0.99

The Hanging Tree: a mystery and a curse

The Hanging Tree by Michael Phillips Cash is a novella about a long family curse. The story opens with Arielle who is rebelling against her father and his new girlfriend. She and her boyfriend, Chad, are hanging out by the The Hanging Tree in Oyster Bay. Unknown to the couple, there are spirits watching them from the branches of the tree, each with a story tied to a curse and this particular tree.

The story then turns to the same area in 1649, Goody Bennett has been raising her granddaughter since her son’s death. Goody is known as a healer but when her remedies don’t work anymore, trouble rumbles from the village. Tragedy strikes and Goody Bennett curses the family of the local reverend. How will the curse be broken? Who will fall victim? The story weaves between past and present in order to explain the curse and how it must be broken. Is the curse broken or will someone else fall as its next victim?

I enjoyed this book. For a novella, it had depth and action that I was not expecting. I highly recommend this book for all who enjoy a great story. 

The Hanging Tree is available on Amazon for the Kindle for free and in paperback for $6.99

The Flip: a haunting new novel

The Flip by Michael Phillip Cash is a ghost thriller about a young married couple who flip old houses. Their latest house has them on their toes. Julie and Brad are currently renovating the Hemmings House, an old Victorian house which sat vacated for years. Julie fell in love with the house instantly while Brad had his reservations. While work beings, strange occurrences begin to happen as they tear down walls and unlock the houses secrets. The house is haunted by Tessa and Gerald whose stories are told as new discoveries are found in the house and how they came to haunt it. Tessa and Gerald make mention of The Sentinels, an entity that is never really explained who or what they were. With each discovery, Julie and Brad make surprising discoveries about the house’s history.

My first impressions of the book is that I didn’t like the double spaced lines of the text. I’m not sure it was done for style but it was distracting. Also, the chapters start on the left page rather than the right. It seemed odd to be as every book I’ve read started on the right side page. I loved the character of Brad and really didn’t like Julie. I didn’t see how they could be attracted to each other but opposites do attract by the end of the book with their shared experience in the house, they seemed a more compatible couple. I really can't say more about the book without revealing very important plot points. Overall, The Flip is a good ghost story that holds your attention. If you like ghost stories and haunts, this book is for you.

The Flip is available on Amazon for the Kindle for $0.99 and in paperback for $14.99