Reviewed by Valerie
TITLE: Jon and Mack’s Terrifying Tree Troubles
SERIES: Jon’s Mysteries Case #5 and Mack’s Marvelous Manifestations #4
AUTHOR: AJ Sherwood
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 246 pages
RELEASE DATE: January 13, 2023
BLURB:
It’s like a bad game of Telephone.
Grant locates a murdered teen in McMinnville. He calls Jon.
Jon locates the girl’s ghost. He calls Mack.
Mack talks to the ghost who leads them to more ghosts. Who lead them to even more ghosts.
And why are all the murder victims buried under trees?
The boys are ready for this game to end, please. (Donovan especially.)
REVIEW:
Jon and Mack’s new mystery might be terrifying but it’s also totally terrific! This crossover book combines the characters and their different psychic abilities from Jon’s Mysteries, and Mack’s Marvelous Manifestations series. The paranormal story is all about the ghosts as Jon and Mack, along with Donovan and Brandon, work to solve a series of murders – hate crimes – spanning more than 200 years.
It’s been nearly two years since Sherwood released Jon’s Boom Shaka Laka Problem and more than a year since Mack’s Rousing Ghoulish Highland Adventure, two books I loved. I was more than ready to dive into another story about the psychics.
Grant (from Alan’s Utterly Accidental Dream-Cute, which I didn’t even know existed) is called in to find a missing sixteen year old girl but determines she’s already dead. Her aunt hires Mack to find her body and killer. He, in turn, calls in Jon for assistance. It becomes a ghost-a-palooza with many, many, many ghosts to Donovan’s utter dismay. It is an expansive case with an untold number of unsolved murders. Did I mention the ghosts? They save the day when Jon and Mack need help the most.
The author seamlessly mixes their elements of mystery and suspense with humor and romance, although less of the latter than I would’ve liked. The well thought out mystery dominates and it’s gripping and compelling with conspiracy, deep-seated hatred, and psy-phobia. The story’s climax is truly frightening. Obviously we know our boys will be okay in the end but we have no idea how much pain and suffering there will be along the way. Outside of the case, there are sexy times for both couples and life with family, but I would’ve enjoyed even more scenes of everyday life for the men. The only other way the book could’ve been improved upon, for me, would be the inclusion of characters I really enjoy – Mack’s FBI colleague, Eli, and her anchors/husbands, Quinn and Booker.
This is a fantastic addition to both series. I loved having all four men together. I can’t wait for the series’ to continue, although I know we’re nearing the end. Highly recommended.
RATING: 
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