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The Crossing: Whispers on the River
Fourteen-year-old Joe Miller thought Bannerman's Island was just an urban legend—a creepy abandoned castle to scare tourists. But when he and his cousin sneak onto the forbidden island on Halloween night, they discover the legends are real. Three spirits have guarded this place for centuries, holding back something dark that's trying to cross over. As paranormal activity escalates, Joe realizes he's witnessed a threat to everyone along the Hudson River. The question isn't whether the darkness will break through. It's when.
172 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 22, 2025
About the author
Jaimie Hope
34 books21 followers"I was born November 3, 1976 in New York. Growing up one of my favorite time of the day was story time.
Even at an early age, I became wrapped up in whatever story was being read. At the time, I just wanted to be part of the story.
It wasn't until high school that I decided I wanted to be a writer. This is when my ideas for the Adventures of Baby Jaimie started forming.
I was on the newspaper staff for two years in high school and really enjoyed it. We didn't have assigned stories, but we were able to do investigative reporting if we chose to. I was usually more into the freelance style of writing about whatever happened to be on my mind at the time.
In my senior year, I took a creative writing course where I got to explore the depths of my creativity.
After graduation in 1995, I put writing aside for a while. I went to college and did what most people try to do, "try to find myself". I got my Associates degree in 1999.
In 2002, I moved to Florida. I did quite a lot while I was there. I was an active volunteer in the local historical society. I also did volunteer work at the local library.
During this time, I also sang on a few demos at the local studio, tried my hand at songwriting and ran a book club.
It wasn't until 2005, when I picked up The Adventures of Baby Jaimie and started working in earnest to get it done. I finished the text of my manuscript within a month. I submitted it to a handful of publishers, only to be rejected.
Again, I shelved The Adventures of Baby Jaimie, temporarily, when I moved back to New York in the spring 2006 that I even thought about picking it up again. I had lunch with a friend one day in the summer of 2006 who told me about a friend of hers who was also an author. She put me in contact with him, and he gave me advice on how to go about making my dreams of becoming a published author come true.
In November of 2006, AuthorHouse released The Adventures of Baby Jaimie.
After the release, I got busy trying to promote it, and as they say, life happened. I began to try my hand at writing a novel. This proved to be a slow process as well, but not as slow as my first book.
In July of 2008, PublishAmerica released my first short novel, Who Says You Can't Go Home.
You may be asking yourself what's next. Only time will tell."
-Jaimie Hope (http://www.amazon.com/Jaimie-Hope/e/B...)
Even at an early age, I became wrapped up in whatever story was being read. At the time, I just wanted to be part of the story.
It wasn't until high school that I decided I wanted to be a writer. This is when my ideas for the Adventures of Baby Jaimie started forming.
I was on the newspaper staff for two years in high school and really enjoyed it. We didn't have assigned stories, but we were able to do investigative reporting if we chose to. I was usually more into the freelance style of writing about whatever happened to be on my mind at the time.
In my senior year, I took a creative writing course where I got to explore the depths of my creativity.
After graduation in 1995, I put writing aside for a while. I went to college and did what most people try to do, "try to find myself". I got my Associates degree in 1999.
In 2002, I moved to Florida. I did quite a lot while I was there. I was an active volunteer in the local historical society. I also did volunteer work at the local library.
During this time, I also sang on a few demos at the local studio, tried my hand at songwriting and ran a book club.
It wasn't until 2005, when I picked up The Adventures of Baby Jaimie and started working in earnest to get it done. I finished the text of my manuscript within a month. I submitted it to a handful of publishers, only to be rejected.
Again, I shelved The Adventures of Baby Jaimie, temporarily, when I moved back to New York in the spring 2006 that I even thought about picking it up again. I had lunch with a friend one day in the summer of 2006 who told me about a friend of hers who was also an author. She put me in contact with him, and he gave me advice on how to go about making my dreams of becoming a published author come true.
In November of 2006, AuthorHouse released The Adventures of Baby Jaimie.
After the release, I got busy trying to promote it, and as they say, life happened. I began to try my hand at writing a novel. This proved to be a slow process as well, but not as slow as my first book.
In July of 2008, PublishAmerica released my first short novel, Who Says You Can't Go Home.
You may be asking yourself what's next. Only time will tell."
-Jaimie Hope (http://www.amazon.com/Jaimie-Hope/e/B...)
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 24, 2025
This book opens at a pace I would describe as fairly fast. For a horror novel, a fast pace offers several advantages, as long as it does not move so quickly to the point that the narrative becomes disjointed. The teenage protagonist(s) in this book add an extra dimension to the narrative, as they are, after all, teenagers whose thought processes are frequently influenced by various factors, such as the desire to prove themselves in front of their peers; anything but pure logic, basically. This is precisely what makes the story engaging.
I recall this one passage that describes the relationship our protagonist have with his mother, who raises him alone through immense hardship. He understands the extent of her sacrifices — ensuring he has food, shelter, and access to education — yet he still commits actions early in the book that ultimately working against his well-being. And he is filled with deep regret and sorrow for his own doings. That, to me, really captures the complexity of being a teenager. It is a phase where every adult has passed through, and one that, even later in life, we struggle to properly explain why we made certain choices in our teenage years, or why those decisions felt so unquestionably right and reasonable to us at that period of time.
I would also say that although there was an “incident” between the protagonist and the mother that caused some kind of a rift in their relationship, their bond remains resilient enough to withstand any obstacle the universe might throws at them, which I find quite moving for us as readers to follow.
As for the horror scenes, I really appreciate that the horror is handled with restraint and built through various elements, including an eerie mood and folkloric aspects, so the reader’s imagination is not overly constrained by heavy-handed detail and restrictive descriptions.
Even so, there are a few trivial aspects that I find somewhat interfering with my experience, but not to the extent that I feel compelled to close the book and stop our journey midway. I noticed the exact same sentence reappearing in the part where they were preparing to get on the small boat, when Halloween had arrived. It wasn’t particularly consequential, but it did annoy me a bit. It also reminded me of the part where the uncle retold those spooky stories (that were framed as “legends”.) I assumed they would only be referenced briefly, since our main character had already heard them during the car ride with his uncle, but instead the uncle narrated them again shortly after with the other kids present. It struck me as rather unnecessary to revisit them in such detail.
Then, when the protagonist’s cousin — who is depicted as sensible and intellectually capable — agrees to be talked into a high-risk “expedition adventure” with him, I feel a certain lack of coherence. As a well-behaved teenager, he should fully understand the conquensences of doing that. And in fact, he is. But at the same time he longs to stop being seen as “only” the good child by his parents and to embark on his own “adventure”, which makes it difficult for me to fully criticise this choice. It just leaves me with mixed feelings.
I recall this one passage that describes the relationship our protagonist have with his mother, who raises him alone through immense hardship. He understands the extent of her sacrifices — ensuring he has food, shelter, and access to education — yet he still commits actions early in the book that ultimately working against his well-being. And he is filled with deep regret and sorrow for his own doings. That, to me, really captures the complexity of being a teenager. It is a phase where every adult has passed through, and one that, even later in life, we struggle to properly explain why we made certain choices in our teenage years, or why those decisions felt so unquestionably right and reasonable to us at that period of time.
I would also say that although there was an “incident” between the protagonist and the mother that caused some kind of a rift in their relationship, their bond remains resilient enough to withstand any obstacle the universe might throws at them, which I find quite moving for us as readers to follow.
As for the horror scenes, I really appreciate that the horror is handled with restraint and built through various elements, including an eerie mood and folkloric aspects, so the reader’s imagination is not overly constrained by heavy-handed detail and restrictive descriptions.
Even so, there are a few trivial aspects that I find somewhat interfering with my experience, but not to the extent that I feel compelled to close the book and stop our journey midway. I noticed the exact same sentence reappearing in the part where they were preparing to get on the small boat, when Halloween had arrived. It wasn’t particularly consequential, but it did annoy me a bit. It also reminded me of the part where the uncle retold those spooky stories (that were framed as “legends”.) I assumed they would only be referenced briefly, since our main character had already heard them during the car ride with his uncle, but instead the uncle narrated them again shortly after with the other kids present. It struck me as rather unnecessary to revisit them in such detail.
Then, when the protagonist’s cousin — who is depicted as sensible and intellectually capable — agrees to be talked into a high-risk “expedition adventure” with him, I feel a certain lack of coherence. As a well-behaved teenager, he should fully understand the conquensences of doing that. And in fact, he is. But at the same time he longs to stop being seen as “only” the good child by his parents and to embark on his own “adventure”, which makes it difficult for me to fully criticise this choice. It just leaves me with mixed feelings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2026
Review: The Crossing: Whispers on the River by Jaimie Hope
Jaimie Hope’s The Crossing: Whispers on the River is, at its heart, a coming‑of‑age story wrapped in the eerie shimmer of the supernatural. What begins as a tale of a fatherless boy entering his teen years on newly found shaky ground, walking with a new crowd. His testing of the adolescent waters against the backdrop of residing in a home of an overworked single momma, sends him to a fork in the road. His mother making a wise decision to send him to live with his Uncle Dan, Aunt Judy and cousin Sam; Sam, who is the same age. The two boys stumbling into danger becomes something far more meaningful: an initiation of sorts, where they are entrusted with warnings, responsibility, and a kind of protection that forces them to grow long before they feel ready, yet in a miniscule amount of time.
The novel captures the familiar turbulence of adolescence—homes with overworked or emotionally distant parents, the distractions that pull young minds in every direction, and the choices that quietly shape who we become. Yet Hope adds another layer: the idea that sometimes our path is nudged not only by circumstance, but by forces we can’t fully explain.
Joe’s transformation is the emotional anchor of the story. As he reflects near the end of the school year, he realizes “he’d learned that courage wasn’t about not being afraid; it was about being terrified and still doing what needed to be done.” His missteps—trespassing, acting out, running from his own insecurities—become unlikely catalysts for growth. What he witnesses on the island doesn’t just frighten him; it reshapes him. It teaches him that “true courage wasn’t about seeking
danger; it was about knowing when to walk away from it.”
The guardians he and his friend encounter seem to recognize this shift. As the book suggests, it is because the boys eventually respected the boundaries, because they chose not to exploit what they’d seen, that they were allowed to leave. “We were lucky to survive,” one says. “We were. But we also earned it… We just bore witness. And I think that’s why they let us leave.”
Hope’s narrative hints at a deeper idea—that perhaps we are not merely haunted by the past or by the unknown, but honored by the connections that reach us through dreams, memory, and the stories we carry forward. As the book beautifully puts it, there is a quieter kind of magic in “witnessing, remembering, and in the telling of true stories about impossible things.”
By the end, Joe understands that strength isn’t found in isolation but in allowing others in. The world, he realizes, is “strange and dangerous and beautiful,” and for the first time, he feels ready to live in it.
The Crossing: Whispers on the River succeeds not because of its supernatural elements alone, but because it uses them to illuminate the very real, very human journey of learning who we are—and who we might become—when we finally stop running from ourselves, possibly via a nudge of something ancient.
Jaimie Hope’s The Crossing: Whispers on the River is, at its heart, a coming‑of‑age story wrapped in the eerie shimmer of the supernatural. What begins as a tale of a fatherless boy entering his teen years on newly found shaky ground, walking with a new crowd. His testing of the adolescent waters against the backdrop of residing in a home of an overworked single momma, sends him to a fork in the road. His mother making a wise decision to send him to live with his Uncle Dan, Aunt Judy and cousin Sam; Sam, who is the same age. The two boys stumbling into danger becomes something far more meaningful: an initiation of sorts, where they are entrusted with warnings, responsibility, and a kind of protection that forces them to grow long before they feel ready, yet in a miniscule amount of time.
The novel captures the familiar turbulence of adolescence—homes with overworked or emotionally distant parents, the distractions that pull young minds in every direction, and the choices that quietly shape who we become. Yet Hope adds another layer: the idea that sometimes our path is nudged not only by circumstance, but by forces we can’t fully explain.
Joe’s transformation is the emotional anchor of the story. As he reflects near the end of the school year, he realizes “he’d learned that courage wasn’t about not being afraid; it was about being terrified and still doing what needed to be done.” His missteps—trespassing, acting out, running from his own insecurities—become unlikely catalysts for growth. What he witnesses on the island doesn’t just frighten him; it reshapes him. It teaches him that “true courage wasn’t about seeking
danger; it was about knowing when to walk away from it.”
The guardians he and his friend encounter seem to recognize this shift. As the book suggests, it is because the boys eventually respected the boundaries, because they chose not to exploit what they’d seen, that they were allowed to leave. “We were lucky to survive,” one says. “We were. But we also earned it… We just bore witness. And I think that’s why they let us leave.”
Hope’s narrative hints at a deeper idea—that perhaps we are not merely haunted by the past or by the unknown, but honored by the connections that reach us through dreams, memory, and the stories we carry forward. As the book beautifully puts it, there is a quieter kind of magic in “witnessing, remembering, and in the telling of true stories about impossible things.”
By the end, Joe understands that strength isn’t found in isolation but in allowing others in. The world, he realizes, is “strange and dangerous and beautiful,” and for the first time, he feels ready to live in it.
The Crossing: Whispers on the River succeeds not because of its supernatural elements alone, but because it uses them to illuminate the very real, very human journey of learning who we are—and who we might become—when we finally stop running from ourselves, possibly via a nudge of something ancient.
January 7, 2026
REVIEW OF "THE CROSSING: WHISPERS ON THE RIVER " BY JAMIE HOPE
Analyzing a book like "The Crossing: Whispers on the River" by Jaimie Hope requires looking past the surface-level plot and into the emotional mechanics of Hope’s writing style. As an author often associated with themes of resilience and human connection, Hope uses the "river" both as a literal setting and a powerful metaphor for the flow of time and the weight of secrets.
1. CHARACTER QUALITY: The Weight of the "Whispers"
Jaimie Hope’s characters are rarely archetypes; they feel like people you might meet in a small town who are carrying heavy burdens they haven't yet named.
Vulnerability as Strength: The protagonist is often defined by a "quiet" kind of strength. Hope excels at depicting internal monologues where the character struggles between their past and the necessity of moving forward.
Relatability: The character quality is high because they are flawed in ways that feel organic—indecision, fear of confrontation, and the hauntings of previous trauma. They don't always make the "heroic" choice immediately, which makes their eventual growth feel earned rather than scripted.
The Supporting Cast: The secondary characters serve as "anchors" or "mirrors." They reflect different ways of handling the same environment, providing a rich social texture to the story.
2. PLOT QUALITY: Narrative Pacing and Atmosphere
The plot is not a breakneck thriller; it is a slow-burn drama that relies heavily on atmosphere.
Pacing: The story moves at a deliberate pace, mirroring the flow of the river itself. At times, the "whispers" (the secrets or history) can feel a bit repetitive, but this serves to build a sense of inescapable history.
The Central Conflict: The tension doesn't come from external villains as much as it comes from the friction between truth and silence. The "Crossing" represents a threshold—a moment where the characters must decide to leave their old selves behind or be swept away by their circumstances.
Structural Integrity: Hope is skilled at weaving sensory details into the plot. The setting isn't just a backdrop; it’s an active participant that influences the characters' moods and decisions.
3. GENERAL REVIEW: A Study in Resilience
My Personal View: What stands out most is the emotional intelligence of the prose. Jaimie Hope has a way of articulating "the things unsaid" that many other authors gloss over. The book feels deeply personal, as if the author is inviting you into a private space to discuss grief, hope, and the courage it takes to change.
While the pacing might feel too slow for readers looking for high-octane action, it is perfect for those who enjoy character-driven narratives that prioritize "feeling" over "doing." It is a meditative read that rewards patience with a profound sense of closure.
Analyzing a book like "The Crossing: Whispers on the River" by Jaimie Hope requires looking past the surface-level plot and into the emotional mechanics of Hope’s writing style. As an author often associated with themes of resilience and human connection, Hope uses the "river" both as a literal setting and a powerful metaphor for the flow of time and the weight of secrets.
1. CHARACTER QUALITY: The Weight of the "Whispers"
Jaimie Hope’s characters are rarely archetypes; they feel like people you might meet in a small town who are carrying heavy burdens they haven't yet named.
Vulnerability as Strength: The protagonist is often defined by a "quiet" kind of strength. Hope excels at depicting internal monologues where the character struggles between their past and the necessity of moving forward.
Relatability: The character quality is high because they are flawed in ways that feel organic—indecision, fear of confrontation, and the hauntings of previous trauma. They don't always make the "heroic" choice immediately, which makes their eventual growth feel earned rather than scripted.
The Supporting Cast: The secondary characters serve as "anchors" or "mirrors." They reflect different ways of handling the same environment, providing a rich social texture to the story.
2. PLOT QUALITY: Narrative Pacing and Atmosphere
The plot is not a breakneck thriller; it is a slow-burn drama that relies heavily on atmosphere.
Pacing: The story moves at a deliberate pace, mirroring the flow of the river itself. At times, the "whispers" (the secrets or history) can feel a bit repetitive, but this serves to build a sense of inescapable history.
The Central Conflict: The tension doesn't come from external villains as much as it comes from the friction between truth and silence. The "Crossing" represents a threshold—a moment where the characters must decide to leave their old selves behind or be swept away by their circumstances.
Structural Integrity: Hope is skilled at weaving sensory details into the plot. The setting isn't just a backdrop; it’s an active participant that influences the characters' moods and decisions.
3. GENERAL REVIEW: A Study in Resilience
My Personal View: What stands out most is the emotional intelligence of the prose. Jaimie Hope has a way of articulating "the things unsaid" that many other authors gloss over. The book feels deeply personal, as if the author is inviting you into a private space to discuss grief, hope, and the courage it takes to change.
While the pacing might feel too slow for readers looking for high-octane action, it is perfect for those who enjoy character-driven narratives that prioritize "feeling" over "doing." It is a meditative read that rewards patience with a profound sense of closure.
February 21, 2026
“I think knowledge is always better than ignorance, even if we can’t stop what’s happening, understanding it will help us prepare for it”
From the first page, this book screams adventure, and I love stories that start fast.
Joe is a teenager who gets into trouble, and his mother, seeking an improvement and help with his education, sends him to live with his uncle Dan and his family, including Sam, his cousin. Together they fall into the trap of curiosity to explore a small island, which has kept a mystery around it, and of course this will get them into trouble.
"Knowing you can face fear and come through it, that's valuable knowledge to have."
I liked that all the characters felt real, that is, with internal struggles, successes and failures, which we people make in reality, but at the same time, they proved to be heroes of good stories, specifically Joe and Sam. And I know any adult might say they won't read it because it's a teen story, but I'm here to tell you to give it a try. Besides, there's Latino representation, which was one of the best parts.
“Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is walk away.”
Now, I won't deny that I was a little disappointed with the ending, but then the epilogue came along, and it answered a few things, which I appreciated.
For escaping reality and having a good time, this is a perfect book.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“I think knowledge is always better than ignorance, even if we can’t stop what’s happening, understanding it will help us prepare for it”
Desde la primera página, este libro grita aventura, y como me gustan las historias que inician rápido.
Joe es un adolescente que se mete en problemas, y su madre buscando una mejoría, y ayuda con su educación, lo envía donde su tío Dan y su familia, entre ellos Sam, su primo. Juntos caen en la trampa de la curiosidad por ir a explorar una pequeña isla, que ha mantenido un misterio a su alrededor, y por supuesto que esto los meterá en problemas.
"Knowing you can face fear and come through it, that's valuable knowledge to have."
Me gusto que todos los personajes se sintieron reales, es decir con luchas internas, aciertos y desaciertos, que cometemos las personas en la realidad, pero que al mismo tiempo, demostraron ser héroes de buenas historias, específicamente Joe y Sam. Y mira que cualquier adulto podría decir que no va a leerlo por ser historia de adolescentes, pero estoy aquí para decirles, que lo intenten con este. Aparte de que hay representación latina, eso fue de lo mejor.
“Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is walk away.”
Ahora, no voy a negar que un poco me desilusioné con el final, pero justo llegó el epílogo, y a unas cuantas cosas me dio respuesta, y lo agradecí.
Para olvidarse de la realidad y pasar un rato agradable, este es un libro perfecto.
From the first page, this book screams adventure, and I love stories that start fast.
Joe is a teenager who gets into trouble, and his mother, seeking an improvement and help with his education, sends him to live with his uncle Dan and his family, including Sam, his cousin. Together they fall into the trap of curiosity to explore a small island, which has kept a mystery around it, and of course this will get them into trouble.
"Knowing you can face fear and come through it, that's valuable knowledge to have."
I liked that all the characters felt real, that is, with internal struggles, successes and failures, which we people make in reality, but at the same time, they proved to be heroes of good stories, specifically Joe and Sam. And I know any adult might say they won't read it because it's a teen story, but I'm here to tell you to give it a try. Besides, there's Latino representation, which was one of the best parts.
“Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is walk away.”
Now, I won't deny that I was a little disappointed with the ending, but then the epilogue came along, and it answered a few things, which I appreciated.
For escaping reality and having a good time, this is a perfect book.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“I think knowledge is always better than ignorance, even if we can’t stop what’s happening, understanding it will help us prepare for it”
Desde la primera página, este libro grita aventura, y como me gustan las historias que inician rápido.
Joe es un adolescente que se mete en problemas, y su madre buscando una mejoría, y ayuda con su educación, lo envía donde su tío Dan y su familia, entre ellos Sam, su primo. Juntos caen en la trampa de la curiosidad por ir a explorar una pequeña isla, que ha mantenido un misterio a su alrededor, y por supuesto que esto los meterá en problemas.
"Knowing you can face fear and come through it, that's valuable knowledge to have."
Me gusto que todos los personajes se sintieron reales, es decir con luchas internas, aciertos y desaciertos, que cometemos las personas en la realidad, pero que al mismo tiempo, demostraron ser héroes de buenas historias, específicamente Joe y Sam. Y mira que cualquier adulto podría decir que no va a leerlo por ser historia de adolescentes, pero estoy aquí para decirles, que lo intenten con este. Aparte de que hay representación latina, eso fue de lo mejor.
“Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is walk away.”
Ahora, no voy a negar que un poco me desilusioné con el final, pero justo llegó el epílogo, y a unas cuantas cosas me dio respuesta, y lo agradecí.
Para olvidarse de la realidad y pasar un rato agradable, este es un libro perfecto.
December 25, 2025
Thank you, 🙏 Booktasters, for giving me the opportunity to read The Crossing: Whispers on the River. I truly appreciate being selected as a reviewer. It was a rewarding reading experience, and I am grateful for the chance to discover and review this story. Thank you for the trust and for supporting readers and authors through your platform.
“The Crossing: Whispers on the River” is a gripping, emotionally deep, and beautifully layered coming-of-age story that surprised me in the best way. From the very first chapter, the book pulls you into Joe Miller’s world, a boy struggling with anger, loss, and the weight of choices that are pulling him in the wrong direction.
Jaimie Hope writes with a raw honesty that makes every scene feel real. Joe’s relationship with his exhausted but determined mother, his fall into bad influences, and the moment everything breaks is portrayed with compassion and clarity. His move to Newburgh brings new characters, new struggles, and new mysteries, but the emotional heart of the story never fades.
What stood out most to me was the balance of emotion, suspense, and atmospheric storytelling. The haunting legends of Bannerman’s Island, the tension between past mistakes and the hope for redemption, and the complex bond between family all come together to create a narrative that feels both intimate and cinematic.
The pacing is excellent, the dialogue feels genuine, and the blend of realism with subtle eerie undertones keeps the pages turning. It’s a story about consequences, second chances, and the courage it takes to rebuild yourself when everything feels lost.
A powerful, engaging, and heartfelt book that stays with you long after you close the final page. Highly recommended.
“The Crossing: Whispers on the River” is a gripping, emotionally deep, and beautifully layered coming-of-age story that surprised me in the best way. From the very first chapter, the book pulls you into Joe Miller’s world, a boy struggling with anger, loss, and the weight of choices that are pulling him in the wrong direction.
Jaimie Hope writes with a raw honesty that makes every scene feel real. Joe’s relationship with his exhausted but determined mother, his fall into bad influences, and the moment everything breaks is portrayed with compassion and clarity. His move to Newburgh brings new characters, new struggles, and new mysteries, but the emotional heart of the story never fades.
What stood out most to me was the balance of emotion, suspense, and atmospheric storytelling. The haunting legends of Bannerman’s Island, the tension between past mistakes and the hope for redemption, and the complex bond between family all come together to create a narrative that feels both intimate and cinematic.
The pacing is excellent, the dialogue feels genuine, and the blend of realism with subtle eerie undertones keeps the pages turning. It’s a story about consequences, second chances, and the courage it takes to rebuild yourself when everything feels lost.
A powerful, engaging, and heartfelt book that stays with you long after you close the final page. Highly recommended.
January 21, 2026
3.5stars!
I received a free review copy of this book through Booktasters, and I’m genuinely glad I picked it up!
This is ultimately a coming-of-age story told through a paranormal lens. Joe, a fourteen-year-old boy still grieving the loss of his father to cancer, is an instantly relatable and sympathetic protagonist. He’s struggling to cope with grief, unsure of where he belongs, and unintentionally placing emotional strain on his mother as she navigates life as a single parent. In trying to fit in, Joe makes some poor decisions and briefly falls in with the wrong crowd, but what makes his character work so well is that he is never portrayed as bad- just lost, vulnerable, and human. Something you'd expect from a teenager.
The prose is vivid and atmospheric, perfectly capturing the eerie mood of an October setting near Halloween. The supernatural elements are handled in a way that keeps you guessing, with sudden twists that make the story hard to put down.
Although there were a few minor inconsistencies with character names, they didn’t significantly affect my enjoyment. What stood out most was the hopeful tone of the ending. Despite dealing with grief, fear, and the unknown, the story ultimately feels reassuring and meaningful.
Overall, this is a well-written, atmospheric YA novel that balances spookiness with heart. It’s a story about loss, curiosity, and growing up; one that stays with you even after you’ve finished reading.
I received a free review copy of this book through Booktasters, and I’m genuinely glad I picked it up!
This is ultimately a coming-of-age story told through a paranormal lens. Joe, a fourteen-year-old boy still grieving the loss of his father to cancer, is an instantly relatable and sympathetic protagonist. He’s struggling to cope with grief, unsure of where he belongs, and unintentionally placing emotional strain on his mother as she navigates life as a single parent. In trying to fit in, Joe makes some poor decisions and briefly falls in with the wrong crowd, but what makes his character work so well is that he is never portrayed as bad- just lost, vulnerable, and human. Something you'd expect from a teenager.
The prose is vivid and atmospheric, perfectly capturing the eerie mood of an October setting near Halloween. The supernatural elements are handled in a way that keeps you guessing, with sudden twists that make the story hard to put down.
Although there were a few minor inconsistencies with character names, they didn’t significantly affect my enjoyment. What stood out most was the hopeful tone of the ending. Despite dealing with grief, fear, and the unknown, the story ultimately feels reassuring and meaningful.
Overall, this is a well-written, atmospheric YA novel that balances spookiness with heart. It’s a story about loss, curiosity, and growing up; one that stays with you even after you’ve finished reading.
March 6, 2026
Possible mild spoilers
Once I got past what I thought was a beginning full of overused stereotypes, a clunky transition to the main location of the book, and my confusion as to where the book was headed on the whole, I ended up very much enjoying this book. But I didn’t realize just how much until I was done and thinking back on it. Mainly it comes down to how many things about it ended up being out of the ordinary when compared with similar fiction I have read in both the young adult and adult genres. For example, it was a definite plus that the characters were not treated stereotypically (minus the beginning); without spoiling too much the adults were adults without being overly heavy-handed (they actually listened to the kids instead of just delivering punishments and then fading into the background again!), and the teenagers were mostly good kids who occasionally do stupid stuff. Mainly, though, a lot of books will talk about it being more about the journey than the destination but this one really IS more about the journey. It’s not a simple, concise, ending (getting more specific would be way too spoiler-y), but it fit the main character(s) well. A final, but important, note: I would not recommend reading this book in the dark (unless you like being really creeped out). There was an incident with a loose lightbulb right after reading one of the particularly freaky parts and it took a while for my blood pressure to return to normal.
Once I got past what I thought was a beginning full of overused stereotypes, a clunky transition to the main location of the book, and my confusion as to where the book was headed on the whole, I ended up very much enjoying this book. But I didn’t realize just how much until I was done and thinking back on it. Mainly it comes down to how many things about it ended up being out of the ordinary when compared with similar fiction I have read in both the young adult and adult genres. For example, it was a definite plus that the characters were not treated stereotypically (minus the beginning); without spoiling too much the adults were adults without being overly heavy-handed (they actually listened to the kids instead of just delivering punishments and then fading into the background again!), and the teenagers were mostly good kids who occasionally do stupid stuff. Mainly, though, a lot of books will talk about it being more about the journey than the destination but this one really IS more about the journey. It’s not a simple, concise, ending (getting more specific would be way too spoiler-y), but it fit the main character(s) well. A final, but important, note: I would not recommend reading this book in the dark (unless you like being really creeped out). There was an incident with a loose lightbulb right after reading one of the particularly freaky parts and it took a while for my blood pressure to return to normal.
December 25, 2025
A story of a troublesome teenager, who has faced a change in family setting. This is because of the death of his father.
So in trying to cope with his loss _ he finds himself in the company of a wrong group of peers. He starts doing what he knows to be wrong in the name of not being labelled as a coward.
The only way such people mature (get their act right) is by heeding to their curiosity. The characteristic of these people is that they rarely accept what others believe _ they conduct their own research.
Just to pursue their all-consuming curiosity, they break rules, taking life threatening risks.
"Once you see something, you can never un-see it"
The story contains sudden turn of events. This uncertainty makes a reader even more gripped to the book.
"There are things in this world we can't explain, doesn't mean they are not real".
For us to live the way we are, many sacrifices were made by our ancestors and other forces. Hence, there is need to be grateful and not take life for granted.
I would like to suggest that you (Jaimie) remain consistent in terms of the names of characters, i.e, where you introduced aunt Judy and the parts where she is referred to as Carol.
Overall, Jaimie is such a story teller... Cheers.
So in trying to cope with his loss _ he finds himself in the company of a wrong group of peers. He starts doing what he knows to be wrong in the name of not being labelled as a coward.
The only way such people mature (get their act right) is by heeding to their curiosity. The characteristic of these people is that they rarely accept what others believe _ they conduct their own research.
Just to pursue their all-consuming curiosity, they break rules, taking life threatening risks.
"Once you see something, you can never un-see it"
The story contains sudden turn of events. This uncertainty makes a reader even more gripped to the book.
"There are things in this world we can't explain, doesn't mean they are not real".
For us to live the way we are, many sacrifices were made by our ancestors and other forces. Hence, there is need to be grateful and not take life for granted.
I would like to suggest that you (Jaimie) remain consistent in terms of the names of characters, i.e, where you introduced aunt Judy and the parts where she is referred to as Carol.
Overall, Jaimie is such a story teller... Cheers.
March 3, 2026
I’ve seen better horror movies, namely, The Notebook and La La Land. Okay i’m kidding.
The Crossing: Whispers on the River follows the tale of fourteen year old Joe, struggling to balance the loss of his dad and the impulsiveness of his youth. Some bad choices were made, then measures were taken, which led to our lead exploring haunted houses. AT FOURTEEN.
At fourteen I was hopelessly infatuated with a pimply lean boy my age, who wouldn’t look at me twice.
Safe to say I enjoyed this story. Was I scared? Of course. I mean I watched Alladin from behind my fingers, I do not have the mental fortitude for anything remotely scary.
So beautiful to watch the world through a child’s eyes. To see him grow to understand and accept responsibility. Yes, not all phenomena can and/or should be explained or solved, and it nudges both the ordinary and extraordinary.
The fact that some things just can’t be controlled. And it’s okay.
Lots of thanks to the author and community for letting me read this masterpiece! <3
The Crossing: Whispers on the River follows the tale of fourteen year old Joe, struggling to balance the loss of his dad and the impulsiveness of his youth. Some bad choices were made, then measures were taken, which led to our lead exploring haunted houses. AT FOURTEEN.
At fourteen I was hopelessly infatuated with a pimply lean boy my age, who wouldn’t look at me twice.
Safe to say I enjoyed this story. Was I scared? Of course. I mean I watched Alladin from behind my fingers, I do not have the mental fortitude for anything remotely scary.
So beautiful to watch the world through a child’s eyes. To see him grow to understand and accept responsibility. Yes, not all phenomena can and/or should be explained or solved, and it nudges both the ordinary and extraordinary.
The fact that some things just can’t be controlled. And it’s okay.
Lots of thanks to the author and community for letting me read this masterpiece! <3
November 6, 2025
When I saw the cover of this book and read the blurb, I was intrigued. In this eerie YA read, fourteen-year-old Joe and his cousin Sam are investigating the mystery of Bannerman's Island. Joe and Sam have heard so many stories about this legend, but what really happens on the island? Follow their adventure, as Joe and Sam try to find out the truth.
The story takes place in October, around Halloween, and I found myself reading it at the beginning of November, so you could argue that I came to it just a little bit too late. That's okay though, as a good spooky story is something I can appreciate anytime, especially with ghostly or paranormal themes.
This reminded me a little bit of the Goosebumps books that I enjoyed as a child and teenager; the kind of thing where you know you're going to be scared, but that's part of the fun.
The story takes place in October, around Halloween, and I found myself reading it at the beginning of November, so you could argue that I came to it just a little bit too late. That's okay though, as a good spooky story is something I can appreciate anytime, especially with ghostly or paranormal themes.
This reminded me a little bit of the Goosebumps books that I enjoyed as a child and teenager; the kind of thing where you know you're going to be scared, but that's part of the fun.
January 21, 2026
I love stories like this because there is usually a great ending to them. The story is about a boy named Joe and the night he was forced to make a choice between doing what is right and staying on the wrong side of the law. The story starts with Joe and his friends breaking into a local pharmacy and getting caught by police. It then begins to become a story filled with mystery for joe as he is sent to stay with a relative in order to turn his live around. As he is staying with his uncle in a small town, he and his new friend are test when they discover a mystery island and a gang of criminals. As they witnessed a crime they must find away to uncover the truth about not just the crime but the three spirits that are said to protect the island. The Crossing is a great read and I highly recommend it to all who love mysteries. I gave it a 5 out of 5 stars.
December 23, 2025
4.5 stars rounded down
I got a free review copy with Booktasters, so thank you to them and the author.
I really enjoyed this read. The prose was very good, the descriptions were so vivid, and the general premise was really intriguing. Joe was a great protagonist; he was instantly sympathetic and in trouble due to bad decisions, but he decidedly was a good kid and trying his best. Having lost his dad to cancer, he's trying to find his place in the world, whilst unintentionally putting a lot of pressure on his mum as a single parent.
When Joe goes to live with his uncle, he hears stories about a mysterious island where ghostly figures are seen regularly. Together with his cousin, Sam, they explore the island but get much more than they bargained for. The experience fundamentally shapes who Joe grows up to be and it's a bonding experience for him and his family.
I really liked the inclusion of Native American oral traditions; it was a definite highlight in the book and really well woven into the narrative.
I especially liked the hopeful tone of the ending.
I got a free review copy with Booktasters, so thank you to them and the author.
I really enjoyed this read. The prose was very good, the descriptions were so vivid, and the general premise was really intriguing. Joe was a great protagonist; he was instantly sympathetic and in trouble due to bad decisions, but he decidedly was a good kid and trying his best. Having lost his dad to cancer, he's trying to find his place in the world, whilst unintentionally putting a lot of pressure on his mum as a single parent.
When Joe goes to live with his uncle, he hears stories about a mysterious island where ghostly figures are seen regularly. Together with his cousin, Sam, they explore the island but get much more than they bargained for. The experience fundamentally shapes who Joe grows up to be and it's a bonding experience for him and his family.
I really liked the inclusion of Native American oral traditions; it was a definite highlight in the book and really well woven into the narrative.
I especially liked the hopeful tone of the ending.
March 20, 2026
I am truly sorry but I completely forgot to post this review back when Booktasters sent me the book. I am so glad I write my reviews down, lol!
Okay for the review:
I honestly went into this completely blind but I wasn't expecting this to be such a page turner. I don't read mysteries often but this one was so hard to put down. This reminded me of the old fashion mysteries, I use to read back in middle school which I love the feel of nostalgic. I honestly felt like the ending could have been a little bit better though.
Okay for the review:
I honestly went into this completely blind but I wasn't expecting this to be such a page turner. I don't read mysteries often but this one was so hard to put down. This reminded me of the old fashion mysteries, I use to read back in middle school which I love the feel of nostalgic. I honestly felt like the ending could have been a little bit better though.
December 18, 2025
What a beautiful and warm coming-of-age story!
A story of redemption, bravery and trust. Thanks to Joe's beautiful mother, Maria, who never gave up on him and his second-found family in Uncle Dan's house. His growth and change were beautiful to read, and it brought a tear to my eye.
And for Bannerman's island, shhh... let's not talk about that. But it was definitely an unforgettable and life-scaring incident.
A story of redemption, bravery and trust. Thanks to Joe's beautiful mother, Maria, who never gave up on him and his second-found family in Uncle Dan's house. His growth and change were beautiful to read, and it brought a tear to my eye.
And for Bannerman's island, shhh... let's not talk about that. But it was definitely an unforgettable and life-scaring incident.
February 22, 2026
This novel blends coming-of-age vulnerability with slow-burn dread. Joe’s reckless need to prove himself collides with the haunting history of Bannerman’s Island, where guilt, curiosity, and darkness intertwine. It’s not just a ghost story, it’s about consequences, the fragile line between rebellion and self-destruction, and how some places seem to remember what humans try to forget. Atmospheric, tense, and quietly unsettling.
December 30, 2025
when you think the stories about the old castle is just a myth and it's for children and holloween. but when during the time of holloween. The protagonist who enters the castle comes to know that old legends are true.
the main problem is these are going to become a danger. when is the question!
this novel is spooky and it's perfect for a holloween season. I liked how the story unfolds.
the main problem is these are going to become a danger. when is the question!
this novel is spooky and it's perfect for a holloween season. I liked how the story unfolds.
January 20, 2026
Adventure, thrill, suspense, mystery, all wrapped up with a fantastic supernatural bow! This book had me on edge, with character development that didn't feel forced or rushed.
I found myself reading "just one more chapter" a couple of times until the whole book was finished, and I felt myself go through the same experiences as the characters.
Kudos to the writer!
I found myself reading "just one more chapter" a couple of times until the whole book was finished, and I felt myself go through the same experiences as the characters.
Kudos to the writer!
January 19, 2026
This is a story on mystery, boyhood, family and history. This book was brilliant, in a lot of frontiers. I was a fan of the vivid imagery it painted as well as the character development of the main character. I liked that it was short so it can easily be read within a day if that's your vibe.
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