Editorial Review: The Healing by Karen E. Stokes

After purchasing some books at a local market, a mother discovers that one contains a mysterious photograph that seems to trigger paranormal events disrupting her life and that of her seven-year-old son.  The Healing is set in the quiet town of Friary Ridge, where a woman named Jess is trying to pick up the pieces of her life after some marital issues caused her husband to move out. Jess works at the local flower shop and has a seven-year-old son named Jonas. Jess buys some books at the local market, hoping to get Jonas to read, and, in the process, receives a "third free title" with her purchase. However, this title, which Jess distractedly grabs from the "giveaway" pile, turns out to contain a photograph of a young woman. Unfortunately, this photograph appears to be the catalyst for the appearance of a ghostly boy. Jonas quickly befriends the spirit, but as his presence becomes darker, Jess begins searching for the woman in the photograph. She believes that the woman might have been the ghost boy's mother and could provide her with answers to why his restless spirit is refusing to move on.The Healing stands out from typical ghost stories in several ways. It's not about an evil spirit terrorizing a haunted house, nor is it a tale of people inviting evil into their lives. Instead, it's the story of Jess, an ordinary mother dealing with the dramas of her marriage, friendships, and work. The last thing she needs is a ghostly boy vying for her attention. This means she can't just drop everything and go on a quest to solve the ghostly mystery. Initially, Jess is exasperated by the havoc the ghostly intrusion causes in her life and not impressed when it causes her and Jonas to have to go live with her mother for a while. However, when it becomes clear that the ghostly boy will not just fade away, Jess begins to dig a little deeper and makes some heartbreaking discoveries. At its core, The Healing is a suspense title, but it delves deeper into the emotional struggles of its protagonist, Jess. In addition to the supernatural events, Jess grapples with her own doubts, fears, disappointments, and regrets. As the story unfolds, Jess not only confronts the supernatural intruder in her home but also her personal issues, leading to a satisfying conclusion. The Healing also features a cast of interesting secondary characters, such as her mother, a psychic medium and empath. While her special skills play a role in the story, it is Jess who puts in the bulk of the work to solve the mystery. Overall, The Healing succeeds in delivering a chilling ghost story as well as a suspenseful tale of a mother trying to look out for her child while her own life is crumbling. Due to the supernatural elements, there are some creepy scenes, especially towards the end, but nothing too horrific. The conclusion also feels logical and well-deserved, which many ghost stories fail to deliver. The Healing is not the type of ghost story that will leave you sleeping with the lights on after you have read it, but it is memorable all the same.