Step into the chilling world of The River, where the Pacific Northwest’s misty forests hide secrets darker than the shadows. Michael Richan’s supernatural thriller series follows Steven and Roy, a father-son duo with a unique 'gift' for seeing and battling malevolent spirits. Blending horror, paranormal mystery, and heartfelt family drama, this nine-book saga hooks readers with its eerie settings and emotional depth, making every haunted manor a pulse-pounding adventure.
From haunted bed-and-breakfasts to sinister estates, The River weaves tales of ghostly encounters and the unbreakable bond between a skeptical son and his ghost-whispering father. If you love spine-tingling stories with a touch of heart, this series is your next obsession.
How The River Began
Michael Richan, a Washington State native with a lifelong passion for horror, launched The River in 2013 with The Bank of the River. Inspired by the Pacific Northwest’s brooding landscapes and rich history, Richan crafted a universe where the supernatural feels as real as the fog rolling through Seattle. His goal? To create a series that balanced creepy thrills with relatable characters, drawing readers into a world where family ties are tested by forces beyond the grave.
Richan’s knack for storytelling grew from decades of writing horror fiction, and The River quickly gained a loyal following for its fast-paced plots and vivid settings. The series’ unique premise—ordinary people with extraordinary gifts facing otherworldly evils—set it apart in the crowded supernatural genre.
The Heart of The River
The River series kicks off with The Bank of the River, where Steven, a rationalist reeling from divorce, moves into a haunted house and discovers his father Roy’s supernatural abilities. Together, they uncover a sinister force far worse than ghosts, setting the stage for their thrilling journey. In A Haunting in Oregon, the duo tackles a deadly bed-and-breakfast where guests don’t survive the night, battling a malevolent entity in a historic manor. Eximere, the fourth book, takes them to the haunted Unser Estate, where secret tunnels and an evil spirit named Anita push their skills to the limit. The Suicide Forest, the fifth installment, dives into darker, bloodier territory as they face a family plagued by a horrifying force in Washington’s secluded woods.
Richan’s series thrives on themes of family legacy, belief versus skepticism, and the thin veil between life and death. The Pacific Northwest setting, with its foggy forests and historic estates, becomes a character itself, amplifying the eerie atmosphere. Each book blends horror and mystery with emotional stakes, as Steven and Roy’s evolving relationship anchors the supernatural chaos. Fans praise the series’ fast pacing and creepy yet accessible style, perfect for readers who want chills without overwhelming gore.
Why The River Resonates
The River has carved a niche in the supernatural thriller genre, earning praise for its relatable characters and immersive storytelling. Fans on Goodreads and Amazon call it 'truly scary' and 'impossible to put down,' with many hooked by the father-son dynamic and Richan’s ability to make the paranormal feel real. The series’ blend of horror and heart appeals to readers who crave both thrills and emotional depth, while its Pacific Northwest backdrop adds a unique flavor.
Though not a household name, The River’s loyal fanbase and Richan’s prolific output—over fifty horror novels—cement its status as a hidden gem. Its influence lies in proving that small-scale stories, rooted in personal bonds and regional charm, can pack a punch as powerful as any blockbuster franchise.
- First Book Published: 2013 (The Bank of the River)
- Total Books: Nine
- Setting: Pacific Northwest, USA
- Author’s Hometown: Washington State
Grab The Bank of the River and dive into The River’s haunting world of ghosts, mysteries, and family ties. Your next sleepless night awaits!