Haunted

By: Randy Wayne White

Narrated by: Renée Raudman

Hannah Smith returns in the stunning new adventure in the New York Times–bestselling series from the author of the Doc Ford novels.

The house is historic, some say haunted. It is also slated to be razed and replaced by condos, unless Hannah Smith can do something about it. She’s been hired by a wealthy Palm Beach widow to prove that the house’s seller didn’t disclose everything he knew about the place when he unloaded it, including its role in a bloody Civil War skirmish (in which two of Hannah’s own distant relations had had a part), and the suicides—or were they murders?—of two previous owners.

Hannah sees it as a win-win opportunity: She can stop the condo project while tracking her family history. She doesn’t believe in ghosts, anyway. But some things are more dangerous than ghosts. Among them, as she will learn, perhaps fatally, is human obsession.

Critic reviews

Praise for Haunted

“Action-packed new thriller . . . The Civil War references in “Haunted” are fascinating and, as Hannah deciphers her great-uncle’s diary we learn along with her the enormous impact that Florida and its residents had on the war. White tells a great story and one always learns something along the way. It’s a win-win.”—Naples Daily News

“Haunted contains some of Mr. White’s best writing ever. He has deepened Hannah’s character, addressing her demons, passions, intelligence, and moral fiber in ways both compelling and profound. He has painted the area around Florida’s Caloosahatchee River with artistic brilliance, often using the darkest pigments on his palette. He has collected a gallery of grotesques – human and near-human – that will make your blood curdle. He has once again dangled a bit of local history, this time Civil War era, to complicate while enhancing our understanding of the present action, layering its impact and meaning. . . . Breathtaking, harrowing, and immensely suspenseful, the chills and thrills of Haunted will leave readers smiling.”—Florida Weekly

“In Haunted [Hannah Smith] will just about out-Ford Ford for resourcefulness, stamina and courage . . . As always, White peppers Hannah's adventures with all manner of fascinating Florida arcana. . . . Readers will be breathless about what's next.”—Tampa Bay Times

“Haunted vividly illustrates Florida's scenery and its role in the Civil War, bringing to life a neglected history. The wartime diary brings surprising twists to the plot and gives insight to what life was like in that era. . . . Haunted shows that White is a skilled tour guide for a visceral visit to Florida.”—South Florida Sun-Sentinel

“Action-packed . . . The Civil War references in “Haunted” are fascinating and, as Hannah deciphers her great-uncle’s diary we learn along with her the enormous impact that Florida and its residents had on the war. White tells a great story and one always learns something along the way. It’s a win-win.”—Naples Daily News

“Fans of the Doc Ford series will be pleased.”—Booklist

riveting

one exciting chapter after another. I wonder how Randy Wayne White comes up with these stories. I am enjoying the Hannah Smith stories as much as I liked the Doc Ford series.

Ok but disliked the narration

I like this authors Hannah Smith novels.

This one was a bit weird (it is Florida) but enjoyable.

I did not enjoy the narration. The narrators constant slurring her S’s gets irritating.

I know this speech pattern was very popular for a while, coined by Dan Rather. Its time is past and as I said-irritating.

If this narrator has an impediment, my apologies.

Otherwise, it comes off as contrived.

Follow your moral compass

Good sale book. Not my favorite of the series, but still entertaining. Narrator did an excellent job on this book and I’ve learned that she has quite a bit of hidden talent. She does some excellent characters in this book.
These are standalone books with characters that reappear.
Where my comments of help

Out of ammo again

would someone please buy hannah another clip and a box of shells. she's out of ammo again.

It was a little wordier than his other books

I love doc ford , this one had too many long explanations and various rabbit trails but overall I liked the story line

Great story! Great detail, another great book.

Great story line. Brother White has another great book to his library. Love the stories about Florida.

always good stories

the author always includes great Florida history to his stories. this story was no exception.

Enjoyable but slow moving

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed the book but found that it moves slower than the Doc Ford series,

Which scene was your favorite?

Favorite scene would have to be Birdie freaking out in the house when things fall on her.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I listen to all my books while driving to and from work.

Any additional comments?

I have enjoyed Randy's books for some time now and always look forward to the Doc Ford and Hannah Smith series. I just wish that Randy gave Hannah a bit more something.

I'm enjoying this series

I especially like the way White uses unique aspects of FL history & culture to create a cast of flawed, one-of-a-kind characters who become embroiled in equally strange but plausible plots.

didnt like

What was most disappointing about Randy Wayne White’s story?

didn't like story, couldn't relate. too wordy.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

voice

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Haunted?

Any additional comments?

I live in FL and just couldn't get with this, Too much additional information to make a good story,