Reviews

The Forgotten Dead by Jordan L. Hawk

heabooknerd's review

4.0

THE FORGOTTEN DEAD starts off a new series for Jordan L. Hawk and I enjoyed how spooky this was! Oscar Fox, along with two friends, run a youtube channel where they explore haunted locations but when they pair up with parapsychologist Dr. Nigel Taylor to investigate a house with a tragic history, they discover more than they were bargaining for. I was quickly pulled into the story, the mystery around the house, and Oscar's acceptance of his medium abilities.

The romance was fairly light, just some kisses, but I liked the connection that formed between them and I'm looking forward to seeing more of their romance in future books. I also really enjoyed Oscar's partners, Tina and Chris, as well as Nigel's advisor who makes a few appearances.

My only "complaint" is that I didn't understand why in the world Oscar would get involved in ghost hunting when he's trying to avoid the idea that he might be a medium. This never really made sense and wasn't explained.

Overall, this was a great introduction to the OUTFOXING THE PARANORMAL series -- it pulled me in, creeped me out, made me smile at the sweet romance, and has me looking forward to more.

Content Warning: survivors guilt; hauntings; recounting of an entire family being murdered and the killer committing suicide; Oscar's grandmother was sent to an insane asylum

areaderheart's review

adventurous dark mysterious tense

4.0

gillianw's review

3.0

I enjoyed the supernatural part but the romance was clumsy and unbelievable. Very few MCs will live up to the brilliance of Whyborne and Griffin but a little more effort on Hawk's part would've been nice. Instalove is a bore.

saveyourtears's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I had this on my tbr as a Queer mystery but it’s more a horror/mystery crossover. I’m not easily creeped out by things I read, but this one was truly spooky. Might have waited to finish this in the morning rather than at night. I liked the characters but maybe the romance was a little rushed. Really looking forward to reading the next book. 

 

vortacist's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

netslummer's review

5.0

The Forgotten Dead follows parapsychology professor Dr. Nigel Taylor and the OutFoxing the Paranormal amateur ghost hunting team, headed by hunky Oscar Fox, as they meet and investigate the long abandoned Matthews house in rural Georgia. Nigel has a bit of a history with this house but that remains his secret until that secret comes back to bite the team.

Honestly? This book was incredible. It was everything I've been searching for to fulfil my two niche loves of adorable queer romance and spooky haunted house. Its not a scary book but its a bit creepy and the budding romance between Nigel and Oscar is cute as hell.

The author obviously did some research or has knowledge of paranormal research and that makes me happy. As a fellow spooky boi, I love when things in this genre are "factual" (for want of a better word).

If you like ghosts and lots of queer rep coupled with an adorable romance, I highly recommend this book.

youshouldreadthisif's review against another edition

dark emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

the_discworldian's review

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

selaana01's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny hopeful mysterious sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

msjessc's review

3.0

I want to start with the truth that I love this author. He writes endearing and unique characters in a beautifully built world with fantastically crafted lots. No one creates ambiance and tension/nerves like Jordan Hawk.

Unfortunately, this book was not that. Almost everything I love about Mr Hawk was missing. The pace of the story was 0-60. So fast that nothing made sense. Not the relationship between the MCs, nor the way either of them processed their personal trauma. (Which was half the point of the story.) What ended up happening was more telling than showing and a lot of emotional leaps that were distractingly unrealistic. I did love the plot and enjoyed the characters, but it felt like he was trying to fit a full storyline into almost half the space.

I guess not everyone can be perfect all the time. :) Still looking forward to whatever his next book is!