Sticks and Stone ~ Review with Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 

Sticks and Stone by David James Warren, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Sticks and Stone

The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone #3

By David James Warren

Rembrandt Stone has a problem, one of his own making though it began accidentally. First he isn't the man he knows and thought himself to be. No he isn't delusional, though that would be preferable to the reality he now finds himself living. His wife is not his wife and she never was. His daughter has never existed though he has another daughter he never knew. And his best friend/ex-partner is married to his wife who was never his wife. If you think you are confused you have just a small understanding of what Rem's week is like. And this doesn't even touch the serial killer who he somehow enabled with his major blundering through the past!

Rem doesn't want to keep messing up and he doesn't want to ruin Eve's life more than he has, but he keeps being drawn to the past and the killer whose killings are all on him. Can he figure out what he messed up without totally destroying his future? Or will he forever be changing who he is?

This is one series where reading the books out of order will seriously mess with your mind. This is the third book and you have to read them in order! This newest book finds Rem once again totally clueless when it starts and how do you carry on a conversation with anyone when everything you thought you knew yesterday has changed overnight and you've lost years of memories in the process. You have memories but they are the wrong ones for the life you are now living.  I have to say I really feel Rem - he has a life that he is satisfied with, a wife and daughter he loves, and then everything is gone with a simple windup of a watch. With three books to go in the series, one has to wonder if it is possible to restore what he has lost and what the ultimate cost will be to him and those around him. 

This series reminds me of a Star Trek Voyager episode (The Year of Hell) when a scientist in an attempt to help his people inadvertently affects the universe around him and deletes his wife from existence he then spends decades trying to restore what he has lost. What means the most to him is the one thing he can't restore.

If you are looking for a read that takes you from your every day and demands that you suspend your disbelief you absolutely have to read Sticks and Stone, after reading the two previous titles - Cast the First Stone and No Unturned Stone.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion ~ All thoughts expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The continuing adventures of Rembrandt Stone from the creative minds of James L. Rubart, Susan May Warren, and newcomer David Curtis Warren, writing collectively as David James Warren.

Title: Sticks and Stone 
Series: The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone #3
Author: David James Warren
Publisher: TriStone Media
Release Date: June 1, 2021
Genre: Time Travel Detective Series

When Rembrandt goes back to stop the untimely death of his partner, he finds himself wrapped up in the disappearance of two missing children in the middle of an epic Minneapolis blizzard. But, can he save the children in time--and if he does, will he also be able to save his partner?

The continuing adventures of Rembrandt Stone from the creative minds of James L. Rubart, Susan May Warren, and newcomer David Curtis Warren, writing as DAVID JAMES WARREN.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | BookBub

BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

CONNECT WITH REMBRANDT STONE: Website | Instagram

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

James L. Rubart is 28 years old, but lives trapped inside an older man’s body. He’s the best-selling, Christy Hall of Fame author of ten novels and loves to send readers on mind-bending journeys they’ll remember months after they finish one of his stories. He’s dad to the two most outstanding sons on the planet and lives with his amazing wife on a small lake in eastern Washington. More at http://jameslrubart.com/

CONNECT WITH JAMES: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and RITA award–winning author of more than eighty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. The mother of four grown children, and married to her real-life hero for over 30 years, she loves traveling and telling stories about life, adventure, and faith. For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com. 

CONNECT WITH SUSAN: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter 

David Curtis Warren is making his literary debut in these novels, and he’s never been more excited. He looks forward to creating more riveting stories with Susie and Jim, as well as on his own. He’s grateful for his co-writers, family, and faith, buoying him during the pandemic of 2020, and this writing and publishing process.

CONNECT WITH DAVID: Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of the first three books of The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 8, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 15, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Come Back to Me ~ Review

Come Back to Me

Waters of Time #1

By Jody Hedlund

Marian Creighton and her father are obsessed with their research. But where Marian's research relies heavily on science her father's has delved into the fanciful in Marian's opinion. But when her father falls into an unexplainable coma his research shows just how extraordinary his research truly is. He was on the cusp of discovering the cure to all diseases and ills. But his research hints at the Tree of Life and the ability to cross back in time - utter crazy talk until it isn't. 

Could the cure her father sought have trapped him in the past? There is only one way to find out. But some research carries greater risks than ever imagined and what Marian is about to discover is that she is in no way prepared for what she is about to experience. And in no way is she prepared to live a life in the Middle Ages caught in the middle of a peasant revolt. And her only protection is a knight who has offered her the protection of his name as his wife. 

Trapped in the past Marian continues to search for the holy water that could be the answer to her father's years of searching and the cure her sister desperately needs. And if she hopes to return to her present, Marian needs to work quickly before the past claims her heart and her life.

Come Back to Me is unlike any of Jody Hedlund's previous works in the premise that is the foundation of this book. Yet it is also familiar in the excellence of writing and in the multilayered depth of the story. I really enjoyed this book that was most definitely a time-slip story. While the majority of the book was spent in the past there was enough set in the present to whet one's appetite for what is to come in book 2. Now while there is a second book still to come the main focus of the book is not left in a cliffhanger fashion so you can read, enjoy and be satisfied while waiting for what comes next. Now the science fiction aspect of this book is important and yet it does not make this book feel like a sci-fi book - I'd say it is more on the speculative side rather than the the fantastical. It is a wonderful blend of what one is familiar with and a touch of something new where Jody Hedlund is concerned and it is a not to miss read - perfect for those hot days of summer.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own. 

About the Book:

The ultimate cure that could heal any disease? 

Crazy.

That's exactly what research scientist Marian Creighton has always believed about her father's quest, even if it does stem from a desire to save her sister Ellen from the genetic disease that stole their mother from them. But when her father falls into a coma after drinking a vial of holy water believed to contain traces of residue from the Tree of Life, Marian must question all of her assumptions. He's left behind tantalizing clues that suggest he's crossed back in time. Insane. Until Marian tests his theories and finds herself in the Middle Ages during a dangerous peasant uprising.

William Durham, a valiant knight comes to Marian's rescue and offers her protection . . . as his wife. The longer Marian stays in the past, the more she cares about William. Can she ever find her father and make it back to the present to heal her sister? And when the time comes to leave, will she want to?

Bestselling author Jody Hedlund is your guide down the twisting waters of time to a volatile era of superstition, revolts, and chivalry in this suspenseful story.

Begotten ~ Review with Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for
Begotten by Lisa T. Bergren, 
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Begotten

The Gifted #1

By Lisa T. Bergren

A forbidden scripture long believed destroyed has been hidden for hundreds of years. The illuminations reveal something that those who have now come together must figure out - a gathering of the Gifted. 

The Gifted are to make known God's great love for all people. Known through the gifts that each has been given. "The power of Christ within."  And they have much to fear as what they do is not ordained by the Church and those in power fear that change will be a threat to the power they wield.

Are the Gifted truly of God or are they a threat to the Church? Soon the Gifted find themselves in a battle - a battle of the spiritual and their very lives are in danger as they prove to be a threat to Lord of Darkness and those who lust after the empty promises of power and wealth.

Begotten is the first book in The Gifted series and it most definitely leaves the reader wanting to know what comes next. Those who fans of the work of Frank Peretti, James Rubart, Ted Dekker, and Tosca Lee should enjoy reading Begotten. This book is set in the Middle Ages in the general vicinity of Rome and is an era and place I have not read too many books in. Altogether I would say this was a good read and I'd recommend it.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own. 

About the Book:

Title: Begotten
Series: The Gifted Trilogy #1
Author: Lisa T. Bergren
Publisher: BCG Press
Release Date: April 26, 2021
Genre: Christian, Supernatural Suspense

Begotten is an edited, new edition of a novel previously released in 2006, The Begotten.

At the height of the Inquisition, a secret half a millennium old is about to be exposed—a lost letter believed to have been written by Saint Paul but never part of the Christian canon. The letter speaks of men and women—the Gifted—with profound spiritual gifts that will strike fear in the heart of a Church dedicated to maintaining power. Now the letter has surfaced and the Gifted are gathering. But so are their enemies…

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Christianbook

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa T. Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 60 books in a variety of genres, from children’s picture books to contemporary romance to supernatural suspense novels. She lives in Colorado Springs in a brand-new home she and her husband just finished building and intend to never leave because she’s discovered she loathes moving. You can find out more about her at LisaTBergren.com

CONNECT WITH LISA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed print copy of Begotten, a custom Gifted candle, and a $50 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. The full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway began at midnight April 27, 2021, and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 4, 2021. The winner will be notified within 2 weeks of the close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

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TOUR SCHEDULE

Launch Post @JustReadTours

No Stone Unturned ~ Review with Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 
No Unturned Stone by David James Warren, 
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

No Unturned Stone
The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone #2
By David James Warren

He's done it. Rembrandt Stone has successfully changed the past. Unfortunately he destroyed his future in the process. He is determined to fix it but you can't mess with the past without it extracting a cost. And for him the cost was and is his family. 

As Rem works his way through a past that he remembers and a present that he has no memory of get to he has one goal in mind - restore his family and never lose them again.

No Unturned Stone is just as riveting as book one in the series Cast the First Stone. And a word of warning this series must be read in order or you will be as lost (if not more so than) Rembrandt Stone. The pacing and tone of this book will keep you turning the page (unless your reader runs out of battery time) so get fully charged sit down in a hidden corner and prepare to face the impossible.

I totally am hooked by this series and can't wait for book three (which thankfully is shortly to release). The collective talents of the authors who have collaborated to write as David James Warren is no to be missed! If you enjoy suspense, murder mysteries, romance, and a small dose of speculative fiction grab this book and series and don't look back! Perfect for a book group read or to give as a gift. And remember that dream of the past just might be a step back in time so don't make the mistake of changing your future or tomorrow may not be as you remember.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own. 

ABOUT THE BOOK

The continuing adventures of Rembrandt Stone from the creative minds of James L. Rubart, Susan May Warren, and newcomer David Curtis Warren, writing collectively as David James Warren.

Title: No Unturned Stone
Series: The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone #2
Author: David James Warren
Publisher: TriStone Media
Release Date: April 6, 2021
Genre: Time Travel Detective Series

The One Rule Is, Don’t Mess With The Past

But he did, and now ex-detective Rembrandt Stone is reaping the devastation of ignoring those words when he traveled back in time to solve the one case that had haunted his dreams.

Yes, he solved the crime. Yes, he saved lives. But Rembrandt returns to find the unthinkable has happened and his life has shattered.

There’s only one answer: break the rule again. Go back in time once more, fix what went wrong, save what went right, and yeah, in his spare time solve another brutal crime.

But it’s not so easy to change time, especially when time turns you into a target. And of course there’s the strong possibility if he goes again, he’ll never get back.

Get ready for your mind to be blown in Book 2 of the time-travel suspense series, The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

     

CONNECT WITH REMBRANDT STONE: Website | Instagram

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

James L. Rubart is 28 years old, but lives trapped inside an older man’s body. He’s the best-selling, Christy Hall of Fame author of ten novels and loves to send readers on mind-bending journeys they’ll remember months after they finish one of his stories. He’s dad to the two most outstanding sons on the planet and lives with his amazing wife on a small lake in eastern Washington. More at http://jameslrubart.com/

CONNECT WITH JAMES: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and RITA award–winning author of more than eighty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. The mother of four grown children, and married to her real-life hero for over 30 years, she loves traveling and telling stories about life, adventure, and faith.

For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com.

CONNECT WITH SUSAN: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

David Curtis Warren is making his literary debut in these novels, and he’s never been more excited. He looks forward to creating more riveting stories with Susie and Jim, as well as on his own. He’s grateful for his co-writers, family, and faith, buoying him during the pandemic of 2020, and this writing and publishing process.

CONNECT WITH DAVID: Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Cast the First Stone & No Unturned Stone!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight April 6, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 13, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

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Visit the Launch Page at JustRead for the full Tour Schedule

Burden of Proof ~ Review

Burden of Proof

By Davis Bunn

Ethan's life has been a course of missed chances. Now that he has the chance to look back upon it he has regrets, regrets that have just added one upon the other. His biggest regret, his brother's murder, and the anger between them that was never resolved before Adrian was stolen out of his life forever. Now Ethan has been given a chance to undo the past, but there is a catch. Saving the past for his brother will cost Ethan his future.

Burden of Proof has an intriguing premise one that most people would most likely be at least tempted by. Do you have regrets? Is there one incident in the past that you would undo if you could? If you could stop a loved one from making a choice that would destroy their life would you? And how would this change affect the world? I have to say I really enjoy books that make one think about what if. What if I could change the decision I made that put me on a specific life path. Would I seize the opportunity or would I rather live with the regrets I know? 

I will say the first couple chapters, to me, seemed to drag as we are introduced to Ethan in his "now" life, which is for the most part is a sad reflection on a life that never reached its full potential. This reflection sets us up for the choice Ethan's sister-in-law offers him - give up his future for the chance to stop Adrian's murder. He just needs to remember as he displaces his younger self. 

The majority of this book takes place in Florida, so I really liked taking a trip back to Jacksonville, a place that I was familiar with as a kid as I lived near there. Occasionally we took a trip into the big city and this literary visit reminded me of memories that included my grandparents and my dad. But it was fun reading a book in which I was actually familiar with the locale.

Overall I really enjoyed this book especially after Ethan made his transit to the past. It was interesting to see how the characters changed due to the change that Ethan's new perspective had on how he was living. That is the one thing I like with the various works that Davis Bunn puts forth one never feels as if it is all cookie-cutter cutouts that have been redecorated but rather a whole new recipe that is never to be repeated and therefore not to be missed when the opportunity to sample it is presented. Don't miss out on this newest literary delight that has a twist of the speculative thrown into a mystery.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Just weeks before his twenty-first birthday, Ethan missed the chance to save his brother's life when he was murdered on the steps of the courthouse in Jacksonville, Florida. Ever since that fateful day, Ethan has sensed a deep disconnect between the man he should have been and the one he has become. His days play out a beat too slow, his mind replaying the scene of his failure again and again.

But when his brother's widow appears, asking for his help in uncovering what was really behind his brother's death, Ethan is stunned to hear that she and her late husband were involved in a much larger case than he knew--one that threatens the global power structure. As Ethan joins the search for answers, he will enter into his own past--and discover a means of redeeming his future.

Bestselling and award-winning author Davis Bunn invites you into a world of intrigue as a man held captive by his failure learns how to move forward with hope.

Nine ~ Review

Nine

By Rachelle Dekker

Someone feels that Lucy needs to escape. There is just one problem Lucy doesn't know anything about the world out there. And the world is dangerous enough when you aren't being hunted by the very people you are trying to escape from.

Zoe Johnson knows she shouldn't get involved, but there is something about Lucy that is just drawing her in. She can't leave someone so innocent, so naive to figure it all out on her own. Though Lucy's few details about herself seem a tad far-fetched. 

But all too soon Lucy's claims have seemingly become reality and now Zoe is on the run. But who is after them, after Lucy and why?

But Lucy is more than she appears and what she doesn't know or remember could get all of them killed.

Nine is a story about choice versus programming. What makes a person a person? When does one's humanity end and all that is left is a living, breathing tool? These are the questions that, to my mind, define this book. 

I really enjoyed this new offering from Rachelle Dekker. The genre is considered suspense but this is such an inadequate classification as there is so much more to this book. Yes, it most definitely has moments of suspense but there is a depth to it as the various characters are faced with a decision. Can a person programmed to obey any and all orders change? Can a person disconnected from their humanity overcome everything they have ever known to make a choice of their own? Can love restore what should have been? 

Something about this book, while totally different reminds me of Jill Williamson's Replication: The Jason Experiment. Can someone, programmed for a single purpose, be something more? In my opinion, this book delves into this question, examines it, and answers it in an interesting and entertaining manner. Would I recommend it? Yes, I would. Though not considered science fiction or fantasy I feel fairly certain that those who enjoy these genres might enjoy this title as well.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion ~ All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Zoe Johnson spent most of her life living in the shadows, never drawing attention to herself, never investing in people or places. But when a wide-eyed, bedraggled teenager with no memory walks into the diner where Zoe works, everything changes. Now, against her better judgment, Zoe, who has been trying to outrun her own painful memories of the past, finds herself attempting to help a girl who doesn't seem to have any past at all. The girl knows only one thing: she must reach a woman in Corpus Christi, Texas, hundreds of miles away, before the government agents who are searching for her catch up to them.

Award-winning author Rachelle Dekker throws you into the middle of the action and keeps the pressure on in this page-turning story that, asks Are we who the world says we are--or can we change our story and be something more?

Heaven Came Down ~ Teaser Reveal and Spotlight

Bryan Davis has a new book coming out that is a post-apocalyptic science fiction novel called Heaven Came Down. This will be the first book in the Oculus Gate series.

Today we are having a cover tease reveal and it is most definitely a tease to one's imagination. Fortunately, we don't have long to wait for the full cover, which is scheduled to be revealed on May 18th along with all the preorder information.

But before we get to the teaser reveal enjoy the back cover blurb:

Heavenly Messengers or Deadly Parasites?

In the chaotic aftermath of apocalyptic war, the strange lights in the sky heralding the coming of unearthly beings seemed like an answer to prayer. When the heavenly visitors entered selected people and transformed them into angels who demanded obedience in exchange for the restoration of order, the majority accepted their new rulers.

But Ben Garrison and his siblings, Jack and Trudy, have seen a dark side to these so-called angels. They join a rebel faction with one goal: destroy the invaders and free the world from their tyranny.

When the rebels catch wind of an angel plot to invade the resistance region and spread a deadly contagion, the Garrisons embark on a crucial mission to swap the angel troops’ vaccine with a fake injection, stealing the real vaccine to save the rebels. The catch: Ben and Trudy, in disguise as doctors, must volunteer to become implanted by angels and fake their implantation.

The rebels’ plan, however, is soon exposed, jeopardizing the mission and their lives. Their only hope for rescue lies in an odd bounty hunter, a young angel priestess, and a mysterious spy embedded among the angels—a woman whose identity the rebels have yet to discover.

And now to the cover teaser reveal...

Let the Ghosts Speak ~ Review

Let the Ghosts Speak
By Bryan Davis

Justin Trotter seems like your average hard-working individual. But as we get into the book, we learn that he and his twin sister Justice were sent from England to France following the execution of their father and their mother's disappearance. The book appears to be a journal of Justin's life in Paris and addressed to his mother.

Justin has become friends with Marc Noël, a young man of means who insists that Justin join a party that his mother is hosting in a soon to be destroyed abandoned schoolhouse. Reluctantly Justin agrees, the deciding factor being his infatuation with Marc's sister Francine. It is an invitation Justin may regret for the rest of his life accepting.

Let the Ghosts Speak is a tad slow at the opening, but all too soon, the tone shifts as the party Justin is invited to becomes a meeting of the most interesting characters and is highlighted by murder. And due to an unfortunate chain of events, Justin finds himself the prime suspect. And the only individuals who believe in Justin's innocence are four beings who have come back from the grave.

Let the Ghosts Speak is one book that will keep you from putting it down. As the story progresses, the suspense continues to climb. Doubt is cast on several as to being the potential killer. But can Justin trust his own memories of events when he is speaking and listening to ghosts? Do they genuinely have his best interests at heart? Or are they figments of a mind teetering on the very edge of sanity?

Those who are familiar with Bryan Davis's previous works are in for something different from him. This is a standalone book that is easy to get into and has a clearly defined ending. There is not a dragon present in this work, and it has a contemplative thread through it that speaks to the reader as plainly as the ghosts talk to Justin. All too often, we are blind to what we don't want to see, we allow our heart and mind to not see the truths that others see clearly. Highly recommended enjoyable reading and, in my opinion, perhaps the author's best work to date, at least of the books I've read.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Supernatural suspense set in 1860 Paris.

In nineteenth-century Paris, Justin Trotter, an immigrant from England, is making his way as a book translator while paying for his blind twin sister's care. One evening, Marc Noël, Justin's well-to-do friend and fellow thespian, invites him to a masquerade party at an abandoned schoolhouse. Justin hopes this will be an opportunity to get to know Marc's lovely though sharp-tongued sister, Francine.

At the event, Justin meets four ghostly strangers—two adults and two children—who warn him that the party guests are in danger and must leave at once. True to their prediction, a murder takes place, and Justin is the prime suspect. He escapes and becomes a fugitive, hiding in the Paris catacombs.

Mystery and intrigue swirl as the ghost of Joan of Arc and other martyrs guide Justin on a lonely journey to prove his innocence and protect his sister from an abusive caretaker. Who really committed the crime? Marc? Francine? A ghost? And does seeing these ghosts mean he is going insane? Maybe he really is the murderer after all.

There is only one way to find out, let the ghosts speak as they reveal the mysteries within Justin's mind.