“When people you love die, you build a wall around yourself. You use bricks of remorse, guilt, anger, the things you wish you had said, the things you wish you had never said. You think if you build the wall strong enough, maybe it will keep you safe from the hurt and pain. But sometimes, that wall also keeps the person you lost a prisoner. That can be the worst part. Then you are both trapped.”
As a descendant of Comanche Spirit Talkers, Rachael Greystone has denied having special abilities since childhood, insisting it was all superstition. However, superstition doesn’t explain the woman in a long white dress along a lonely stretch of mountain road - particularly when Rachael stops and finds a necklace by the roadside and the woman vanishes before she can return it.
Rachael has been hired by Jason Coleman to restore the historic Coleman Theater as part of his plan to revitalize the gold mining town of Copper Creek that his great-great-grandfather founded. But there are forces in the valley that resist change. Some locals say it is an ancient Indian curse on Spirit Mountain. Jason believes that the forces are the locals themselves and, with Rachael’s background, besides the restoration, he believes she can help convince people there is no such thing as a curse.
A huge thank you to the author, for providing a copy of this book. I was meant to read this last year, but I didn't have chance to read it as soon as I had hoped. The eventual experience of this book was rewarding, far beyond expectations. This novel is really unique. I don't think I've ever read anything like this before. It blends so many genres and doesn't just fit into one. It has fusions of historical mystery, spiritual reflection, religion and paranormal aspects, even thriller vibes and some romantic elements.
From the very beginning, the prologue pulls readers back in time to the harrowing explosion of the mountain mine, an event not just placed for shock or drama, but one that lays spiritual and emotional groundwork for the entire story. This moment shattered through generations, and it's from this foundation that the novels theme, loss and secrets are built. It's great to see a historical moment used deliberately and effectively.
The novels emotional depth was tied to the spiritual core, which was one of my favourite aspects. The gentle presence of Rachael's father, long since passed was portrayed with care not as a 'typical' ghost figure, but a loving, protective spirit who continues to guide her where appropriate. That theme of ancestral kind of love enduring beyond life, is healing.
"Your father loves you and wants to help you, but eventually, you must let him go. He knows you are strong. He wants you to trust the abilities you inherited from your mother. You have to rely on them when the time comes."
Another favourite element of mine is the setting. The mountain town of Copper Creek and its surroundings. I'm unsure if this is based on a real place, but the way it's written makes it feel alive. It's described with such vivid precision. The imagery is cinematic and yet it doesn't overwhelm the narrative, it enhances it. I loved the historical context with this novel, especially portrayed through the diary entries from 1841, this was another highlight for me. They served as time capsules integral to the book, written in the language and tone of that era. This deepened the mystery whilst we figure out if there indeed was a curse on the land. I loved the references and insights into early Western America, and the varying cultures who worked together, although sad to read as people were treated differently. The author didn't attempt to over explain any traditions, instead weaved them into the story offering glimpses of curiosity and respect, including the religious undertones that surfaced through the appearance of the old bible. The balance between faith, folklore, heritage felt authentic. Every character served a purpose. There were no unnecessary placeholders and everyone had a reason to be there. At times this book felt like a western, and other times like a ghost story told beside a fire, it's hard to put into words, and despite this it always felt grounded, rooted in community, space and character. I would call it 'cosy' but not in the way people expect or that the themes are light, but it offers readers a sense of being part of something, and living in a small town. The cover deserves a mention too as it captures the tone of the story perfectly. I found myself returning to it in between chapters.
I think this is more than just a compelling narrative, it invites reflection. It asks us to consider how the past shapes the present, how cultures can intersect and how the seen and unseen coexist in our lives. It keeps you on your toes and is a real page turner. It's not really just a story that you just read. It's a place you visit. I only wish more people discover this book, it deserves to be discussed, shared and if I'm honest cherish.
The only issue for me is that I wish the ending wasn't over as quick as it was, and I really hope the author has a second installment in mind, as I'd love to know what happens after the epilogue. Overall, great book, enjoyable read on a journey to find out if the Indian Curse is truly real.
To follow the author:
SpiritsofIdaho (@SpiritsofIdaho) / X
Spirits of Idaho Books
To buy the book:
https://amzn.to/3Hpfw77
(Also available on Kindle Unlimited)
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