“Find Them” by Julia Ash

Find Them

Julia Ash
Independently Published (2023)
ISBN: 978-1734871364
Reviewed by Stephanie Elizabeth Long for Reader Views (07/2023)

Nora Bliss is understandingly shaken after being brutally shoved onto the tracks at Union Station in D.C. The near-fatal attack propels her and her husband to leave the chaos of the city behind for rural life. They purchase a beautiful and remote home in Boulder that boasts an idyllic view and sizable acreage for farming. The property had been sought after for years by locals. Still, the previous landowner had it in his will that the resale of the land was prohibited for seventy years. Nora and Dex had been in the right place at the right time and reaped the rewards of the newly available land.

Almost immediately, Nora is bombarded with eerie experiences—slamming doors, indistinguishable wailing, a sinkhole in the foundation, and late-night visits from the spirit of a young woman named Isabelle. Her husband, Dex, accredits her visions to trauma from the accident, but Nora is certain this is something different. After coming across “Find them” written on the flagstone and fingered onto the dusty television screen, Isabelle’s frequent visits, and a series of aggressive paranormal attacks, it’s obvious someone is trying to send her a message. Does Isabelle need her help?

An angry swath of flies, an unrelenting presence, and nefarious encounters with a spirit will send shivers done your spine as you read “Find Them” by Julia Ash. The terrifyingly immersive book presents a classic haunting—a family relocates to a remote home rich in history, only to be inundated with paranormal activity. Still, Ash offers a fresh perspective, chock-full of dizzying revelations and scenes that will make the hairs on your neck stand on end. With the author’s artful descriptions, one cannot help being enthralled by the breathtaking views of Windy Hill Farm (picture a remote paradise rife with beautiful rock and sprawling fields) while simultaneously wanting to run away from it.

Nora Bliss was a fantastic choice for a protagonist in this suspenseful tale. She was introspective without being overly emotional and developed an enviable don’t-mess-with-me attitude after being targeted by a sinister entity in her home. Throughout the book, I questioned what I would do in her situation, and every time I would come to the same conclusion that I could never be as brave as her. Hopefully, I never have to test out my theory. Nora continuously exuded strength and resourcefulness when tackling the ominous forces invading her home, which resulted in many close calls and cheer-worthy encounters. I thoroughly enjoyed her character evolution.

“Find Them” is a fascinating story that combines thrilling suspense, paranormal activity, and a deeply concealed family secret. Readers who enjoy horror stories, especially those rich in history, will be reeled into Ash’s masterpiece. But be prepared; the content may have you shivering and looking over your shoulder in fear as the haunting story unravels!