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Billy Bean's Ghost

John York

November 2021 9780999387078

DESCRIPTION:

Now Available as an Audiobook onAudible.com

Billy Bean lives alone in the small attic apartment of an old, unoccupied mansion. His cheap rent is subsidized by an agreement to watch over the place while the owner is away. A bank teller and chronic introvert, Billy’s life is one boring, mind-numbing day after another. Since the age of four, at the exclusion of all the normal social interaction of activities other children his age enjoyed, he worked toward becoming a concert pianist. But, at age 18, after the horrific death of his father and then a rejection from the San Francisco Music Conservatory, Billy had plunged into a deep depression. He no longer felt the passion, the drive, or the need to play the piano, so he quit. 

During his weekly inspections of the old mansion, Billy discovers a treasure, a beautiful Steinway concert grand piano.  He is so inspired by the magnificent instrument that he tentatively begins playing again, but there is a slight catch.  Each time he plays this marvelous piano, he hears an imploring voice inside his head.

The mysterious voice compels Billy to visit psychiatrist, Abigale Applebee, who agrees to help him sort out what kind of mental health problem he’s experiencing.  They soon discover the voice is not the result of a psychosis, but rather something far more sinister.  Led by the voice, Abby and Billy unexpectedly uncover the horrific secrets of a long-forgotten cellar below the house.  But who is going to believe them?

EXCERPT:

Her pain was excruciating.  She was bound hand and foot, gagged, and thrown face down into a hole.  She was sobbing hysterically, trying desperately to breathe through her snot-filled nose.  Terror had taken control of her mind and body, yet her eyes bulged with renewed horror as she felt dirt being thrown on top of her body.  They were going to bury her alive.  That couldn’t be true.  How could anyone do such a thing?  She tried to scream, but the gag and the increasing soil piling up around her face transformed the sound into an animal-like moan of anguish.

REVIEWS:

"Billy Bean’s Ghost is a fast-paced murder mystery paired with a sweet romance. It perfectly balances the mystery and the humor. The murder mystery was fascinating. I really liked that the author kept the cast of characters small, but also managed to throw suspicion off everyone. Woven with the murder mystery is a sweetly awkward romance. Neither Billy nor Abigale really seems to know what to do, but it felt like their hearts just yearned for each other."  Kat: The Lily Cafe -  thelilycafe.com

"Fun mystery, surprise ending. I had a hard time to put it down, burned through it in several days. I have read all John York's books, this one was different, as are the others. I like that in a writer, keeps it fresh. Can't wait for the next book, keep them coming John." -Amazon reader

"Excellent read, well written, full of suspense and interesting characters." - Amazon reader

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