I have been enjoying the Wake-Robin Ridge series by Marcia Meara this last few months and this week one of the books that I have read is book three – Harbinger
About the book
Continuing in the tradition of Wake-Robin Ridge and A Boy Named Rabbit, Marcia Meara’s North Carolina mountain series takes a shivery turn with the Appalachian Legend of Ol’ Shuck, the Harbinger of Death.
“. . . he felt the wet slide of the dog’s burning hot tongue on his face, and the scrape of its razor sharp teeth against the top of his head. A white-hot agony of crushing pain followed, as the jaws began to close.”
The wine-red trillium that carpets the forests of the North Carolina Mountains is considered a welcome harbinger of spring—but not all such omens are happy ones. An Appalachian legend claims the Black Dog, or Ol’ Shuck, as he’s often called, is a harbinger of death. If you see him, you or someone you know is going to die.
But what happens when Ol’ Shuck starts coming for you in your dreams? Nightmares of epic proportions haunt the deacon of the Light of Grace Baptist Church, and bring terror into the lives of everyone around him. Even MacKenzie Cole and his adopted son, Rabbit, find themselves pulled into danger.
When Sheriff Raleigh Wardell asks Mac and Rabbit to help him solve a twenty-year-old cold case, Rabbit’s visions of a little girl lost set them on a path that soon collides with that of a desperate man being slowly driven mad by guilt.
As Rabbit’s gift of the Sight grows ever more powerful, his commitment to those who seek justice grows as well, even when their pleas come from beyond the grave.
My 5 star review for the book October 20th 2020
Another lovely chapter in the life of Rabbit as he adapts to life as the adopted son of Mac and Sarah and brother to baby Branna. This magical little boy is an old soul with a special gift that sometimes shakes him to the core. He feels and sees people and events that others cannot even conceive of, and it is a heavy burden at times. But Rabbit feels obligated to do what he can to help other people.
In this new case that the local sheriff has had on his desk for twenty years, Rabbit and Mac partner up to make the best use of modern technology and the boy’s unique gift. The mystery that surrounds the disappearance of a young girl twenty years before haunts both the sheriff and her family, and they are all looking for closure.
There is also a dark soul who is haunted by the mythical Ol’ Shuck, a large black dog that prowls the outer edges of sanity looking for an opportunity to pounce. Secrets are about to be exposed and lives torn apart by the actions of the past and Rabbit and Mac are caught right in the middle of the events.
Beautifully written as always; the author draws us in and reinforces the connection readers have made to Rabbit and his family in the previous two books. New characters expand the circle of family and friends, and others involved in the life and death struggle in this particular book, are interesting and stand both sides of good and evil.
I suggest you read books one and two of the series and I can recommend the series to readers who enjoy paranormal, supernatural mysteries and thrillers.
Read the other reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK
A selection of books by Marcia Meara
Marcia Meara, Buy: Amazon US – And : Amazon UK – Marcia Meara on: Goodreads – Blog:Marcia Meara Writes – Twitter: @MarciaMeara
Marcia Meara lives in central Florida, just north of Orlando, with her husband of over thirty years, four big cats, and one small dachshund.
When not writing or blogging, she spends her time gardening, and enjoying the surprising amount of wildlife that manages to make a home in her suburban yard. She enjoys nature. Really, really enjoys it. All of it! Well, almost all of it, anyway. From birds, to furry critters, to her very favorites, snakes. The exception would be spiders, which she truly loathes, convinced that anything with eight hairy legs is surely up to no good. She does not, however, kill spiders anymore, since she knows they have their place in the world. Besides, her husband now handles her Arachnid Catch and Release Program, and she’s good with that.
Spiders aside, the one thing Marcia would like to tell each of her readers is that it’s never too late to make your dreams come true. If, at the age of 69, she could write and publish a book (and thus fulfill 64 years of longing to do that very thing), you can make your own dreams a reality, too. Go for it! What have you got to lose?
Thanks for dropping by today and I hope you have enjoyed my review and will check out this book and the others by Marcia Meara. Thanks Sally
You can find all my other reviews for books I have enjoyed: Smorgasbord Book Reviews
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Rabbit is one of my favourite characters. Ever. He creeps into your heart and takes up residence there. ❤
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Sorry I missed your comment, Trish, but glad to see it this morning! I love that YOU love Rabbit so much. It does my heart good, for sure. 😀 Thanks so much for stopping by and for taking a moment to comment. And while I’m not sure if there will be another WRR novel or not, I’m pretty sure there are going to be some spinoff novellas in the future. (Sarah seems to think there are stories yet to come.) 😀 ❤
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♥
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I’ve heard such good things about this series. I must get to it in my pile! Plus, Marcia’s one of the coolest/sweetest people I know, so there’s that too 🙂
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She is that Jessica and love her knowledge of flora and fauna too in Florida.. wonderful..hugs
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❤ ❤ ❤ And back atcha, Sally. Well, excerpt for that Florida flora and fauna part. I doubt you see many alligators in Ireland. 😀
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Only two legged ones Marcia…lol..♥
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NOW look what you’ve done, Jess! I’ve got tears plopping into my Earl Grey! Tsk!! Making an ol’ granny cry? Is this what they teach you at the Senior Complex Management School?? (Ha! Betcha don’t think I’m so cool and sweet now, do ya??? Snort!)
Okay. I forgive you. It’s worth fixing a fresh cup of tea to find such a lovely comment here this morning. Seriously. You are always so much fun to chat with, and I’m really happy that you said that. (Even if you’re thinking of retracting it now.) And I do hope you get a chance to read the WRR stories one day. I would really be interested in your thoughts, especially when you get to Book 2, wherein Rabbit usurps the entire slightly paranormal romantic/suspense series and makes it his own.
Thanks so much for stopping by today. You’ve just made my morning brighter! 🙂 ❤
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Awww, it’s not a good day unless I have a crying granny on my shoulder 🙂
Seriously, I’m an INFJ – I only give credit where credit is due. And that clinches it. Rabbit is going up my TBR pile!
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Aw, that’s so cool, Jessica! I guilted you into checking out Rabbit! Hehehehe. *My work here is done!*
Okay, maybe not. But no matter the reason why. I’ll just be tickled pink if you check out the series, and am looking forward to hearing what you think about this little mountain boy with an extra-special ability. Or two. 😀 Hope you enjoy meeting him. (And Sarah, Mac, and assorted nasty ghosties and thingies along the way, right from the start. But be gentle. Wake-Robin Ridge was my first book, and since I wasn’t planning to write another, I crammed that one full of everything I’d ever wanted to write about, and unknowingly, set the stage for Rabbit’s appearance in book 2.)
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So good to see Marcia featured here, Sally. I will eventually get to this one. So many books, sigh. What a nice problem to have!
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Thanks Pete.. and it is a nice problem to have…xx
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I’m right there with you, Pete. I really resent having to SLEEP at night when I could be reading!! 😀 Thanks so much for stopping by, and I hope you’ll enjoy Rabbit’s stories when you find time to check them out. 🙂
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A wonderful review, Sally – Marcia’s books sounds like a beautiful and intriguing read. Toni x
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Thanks Toni.. this series has been a delight from the beginning and looking forward to the next in line which is on my reader…hugsx
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Thanks so much, Toni. I write what speaks to my heart–except when I’m writing what might give be a heart attack, of course! 😀 But overall, I like to think people will be smiling by book’s end, no matter the journey taken. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to say hello. 🙂
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❤️
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Fab review Sal. It sounds a bit to me from your review that this 3rd book gets a little scary? ❤
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There are definitely a few moments…a great read..♥
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❤
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Fair warning in the blurb … Ol’ Shuck is NOT something you want to find waiting for you on your doorstep. 😀 But I don’t think there’s anything TOO dire in the descriptions of the scary bits. Probably. 😉
Thanks for stopping by, Debby. It was such a pleasure getting this review. 🙂 ❤
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Congrats again Marsh. Lol, I had to ask because I didn’t get that scary feel from the first book. I have both other books in the series, just need to gauge the level of fear LOL 🙂 ❤
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Well, Rabbit was just learning that he actually had skills in his first book, and though he had some scary moments with a real, live person, though. But once his gift of the Sight grows in unexpected ways, and he is determined to use it to help others whenever he can. Even if the dangers are scary ones. 😀
And as you might have figured out, no matter how scary the danger is, Rabbit will prevail. (My readers would come after me with pitchforks if I let anything too awful happen to him. 😀 😀 😀 )
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No worries Marcia… we know Rabbit is a brave little boy and well able to take on the challenges. ♥
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Beautiful review, Sally. It’s on my list as well, this series and other books by Marcia. Thanks for the reminder!
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Thank you Olga..and certainly a lovely experience meeting Marcia’s characters..xx
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That’s great to hear, Olga! Hope you’ll enjoy reading any or all of them, when you get a chance. Thanks for stopping by to say hi! 🙂
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I loved this whole series. Rabbit is so endearing. And I love the blend of folklore in this novel.
Excellent review, Sally. Congrats to Marcia!
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Thanks Mae.. looking forward to the fourth book sitting waiting on my reader..x
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It was a great review to wake up to, Mae! Made my morning! 😀 And thanks for your kind words. It does my heart good to know how much you like Rabbit. Thanks so much for stopping by to share your thoughts on Harbinger. It’s greatly appreciated! 🙂
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Shutting down for the night Marcia..thanks for all the responses.. will check in again in the morning..hugs ♥
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Great review, Sally:) I adore Rabbit and this is up soon my my reading list. Cant wait!
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Fantastic Denise and happy reading ..hugsx
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I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed Rabbit’s story so fat, Denise, and I can’t wait to see what you think of Harbinger, and Ol’ Shuck, when you meet him. 😀 Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts today, too. I really appreciate it! 🙂
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This is a wonderful review, Sally. Thanks for sharing.
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Glad you enjoyed thanks Robbie ♥
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Thanks so much, Robbie. I thought it was wonderful, too. 😀 And thanks for stopping by to say hello. I really appreciate it. 🙂
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Super review Sally. It Is terrific seeing Marcia featured here. 😁
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Thank you, John. The review really jumpstarted my day! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and taking a moment to say hello! 🙂
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Thanks John.. delightful book..xx
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This is the next book up in this series for me – I’m such a Rabbit fan!
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Wonderful to hear that, Teri! That little boy will sneak right into your heart and make a home there, I’m told. 😀 I sure hope you enjoy this one when you have time to check it out. I’ll be very eager to hear your thoughts. And thanks so much for stopping by today! 🙂
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There is a huge fan club… Marcia has created a wonderful character…hugsx
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Great review, Sally. I love Rabbit and it is a great series. I have the last one still waiting on my Kindle and looking forward to it.
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Aw, Mary, that’s so nice of you to say, and I DO hope you’ll enjoy The Light when you get to it. You’ll meet some new characters, at least one of which will impact Rabbit greatly. Can’t wait to read your thoughts. In the meantime, just take care of yourself! Thinking of you every day! 🙂 ❤
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I’ll get to it as soon as I can, Marcia. Delayed gratification is good for us 🙂
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I agree! 🙂
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Thanks for adding your recommendation Mary.. and I have the last one already too.. looking forward to it..hugs
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Wonderful review, Sally. I’m so happy to see Marcia featured on your lovely site and to receive a 5-star recognition. ❤
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And just think how happy *I* am, Gwen! 😀 What a treat to wake up to this morning! Thanks so much for stopping by today! 🙂 ❤
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♥
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Thanks Gwen.. a lovely series and looking forward to the next book..♥
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I’m a huge fan of this series and Harbinger is next, right after Emissary 3. Great review, Sally. And congrats to Marcia on her wonderful books and well-deserved reviews. :-D.
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Thanks so much, Diana! I do hope you’ll enjoy Harbinger and The Light, when you have a chance to check them out. And I definitely hope you’ll enjoy how I decided to wrap up TE3. I’ll be interested in your thoughts when you’ve had a chance to read that one, too. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
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Thanks Diana.. I will move on to Emissary series after the last Wake-Robin Ridge… now where did I put those few extra hours I ordered…xxx
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Ha ha. I know.
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Thank you so much for such a lovely review, Sally! It means the world to me that this boy and his family have captured your heart. When I wrote the first book in the series, I had a romantic suspense series in mind, featuring various couples in the area around Wake-Robin Ridge. But before I started Book 2, Sarah whispered in my ear (just as I was falling asleep one night) that there was a little boy alone in the wilderness and I needed to tell HIS story, instead. By the time I awoke, I knew who he was and why he was alone in those wild mountains, and my romantic suspense series was history. Rabbit arrived on the Ridge to usurp the entire thing, and it was a lucky day for me when he did.
Now he lives in my head making droll comments about the world he sees around him in my life, and telling me everything that happens to him in his so I can write it down in each book. I’m so glad that you’ve enjoyed Rabbit’s story so far, and I hope you’ll feel the same way about his latest adventure in The Light. New mystery, new characters, and new perils, but the same brave little boy who just can’t ignore a call for help, no matter the source.
Thanks again for making my morning! Heck, I’m pretty sure this wonderful review has made my whole day! 🙂 ❤
And lest you forget, you still and always ROCK!
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Entirely my pleasure Marcia and Rabbit and you deserve every star available for creating such an enchanting series.. and we will keep rockin’ together..hugs ♥♥
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❤ ❤ ❤
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Thank you for the amazing review, Sally! I will start with the previous books too. Getting much more familiar with the characters. Michael
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Fantastic Michael I am sure you will enjoy..hugsx
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Yes, Sally! I am sure too.Your review was very pushing.
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I hope you’ll enjoy the entire series, Michael, when you have a chance to read it. Thanks so much for stopping by today! 🙂
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I am sure, Marcia. There seems to be a lot of time for reading in near future, if the virus is spreading furthermore. Make the good out of the bad. 😉 Have a beautiful week! Michael
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Wonderful review, Sally. Thanks for the recommendation.
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Thank you Craig…so pleased to have met the gang on Wake-Robin Ridge..xx
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Thanks for stopping by today, Craig. I hope you’ll get a chance to meet Rabbit one day. I’d love your opinion! 🙂 In the meantime, I appreciate your visit here and your support, overall. 🙂
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Rabbit’s a doll. He’s found a special place in my heart. Nice to see Marcia’s work here. Thanks, Sally.
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In mine too Staci.. a dear little boy…hugsx
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Thanks so much, Staci! Rabbit was a gift from On High, I think, to me as much as to the Cole family. He’s so much fun to write!
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Great review. I have this series on my TBR. Thanks for sharing, Sally. Hugs xx 🙂
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Thanks Harmony and I am sure you will be enchanted by Rabbit when you meet him in book two..hugsx
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Thanks for stopping by today, Harmony, and I do hope you enjoy the series when you have time to check it out. (OH, for unlimited reading hours, eh? 😀 )
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