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Imprints #0.5

First Touch

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Can she find the missing girl before it’s too late?


Detective Shannon Martin believes Autumn Rain’s gift is a hoax. But he is desperate to find the missing little girl. Can they put aside their differences and find her before it’s too late?


Autumn Rain didn’t always possess the ability to read emotions imprinted on objects. If you’ve enjoyed the Imprints series or are just beginning the adventure, you don’t want to miss this new prequel about Autumn's first case as a consultant to the Portland Police Bureau. See how she came into her ability, and how Detective Shannon Martin reacts when he realizes this crazy so-called psychic might just be telling the truth.


From the


I hope you enjoy this introduction to my paranormal suspense mystery series. Readers have asked me for this story, so here it is! Though this is a shorter story and as such cannot contain the intricacies of the rest of the series, it is a complete book with no cliffhangers. Enjoy!

104 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2018

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About the author

Teyla Branton

40 books218 followers
Teyla Rachel Branton grew up avidly reading science fiction and fantasy and watching Star Trek reruns with her large family. They lived on a little farm where she loved to visit the solitary cow and collect (and juggle) the eggs, usually making it back to the house with most of them intact. On that same farm she once owned thirty-three gerbils and eighteen cats, not a good mix, as it turns out. Teyla always had her nose in a book and daydreamed about someday creating her own worlds. She is now married, mostly grown up, and has seven kids, so life at her house can be very interesting (and loud), but writing keeps her sane. She thrives on the energy and daily amusement offered by her children, the semi-ordered chaos giving her a constant source of writing material. Grabbing any snatch of free time from her hectic life, Teyla writes novels full of mystery, romance, and imagination. She warns her children that if they don’t behave, they just might find themselves in her next book! She’s been known to wear pajamas all day when working on a deadline, and is often distracted enough to burn dinner. (Okay, pretty much 90% of the time.) A sign on her office door reads: DANGER. WRITER AT WORK. ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK. She loves writing fiction and traveling, and she hopes to write and travel a lot more. She also loves shooting guns, martial arts, and belly dancing. She has worked in the publishing business for over twenty years.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
Profile Image for Jacob Proffitt.
3,198 reviews1,931 followers
January 29, 2018
This is short and an excellent introduction for a new series. The characters are sharp, and the story has all the elements I expect to find in the coming stories. I'm not quite sure how to tag it because it's not quite Urban Fantasy. Indeed, the only really supernatural element is Autumn's psychometry. With that, though, at least everything made sense and hung together reasonably well. I particularly like the development between her and Shannon. His skepticism was reasonable and so is his antagonism (which could have easily gone over board).

The best thing it sets up, though, is the tone of the subject matter. This story deals with kidnapping and abuse and death of little girls and the villain is a true monster. And Autumn pays the price of reading/experiencing those emotional events. Her personality and environment is light enough to counter that dark material, at least a little, but I can see how that could alter and develop over time.

Anyway, the story does what it needed to—interest me in the rest of the series. I've already picked up the next one and am looking forward to more of these characters.
Profile Image for Jana Brown.
Author 9 books51 followers
January 16, 2018
This short was fun and interesting and a little painful all at once.

Shortly after the death of her father Autumn Rain, owner of an antique store, learns that she can pick up imprints of strong emotions and thoughts off of objects. Not every object, but those touched or otherwise handled when the person in question is going through these strong emotions. The imprints always occur with the most recent first. She keeps her ability quiet, using it to help people on occasion, but mostly just getting on with her life. Right until the police walk into her shop with a missing child case they must solve.

The characters in this short are interesting and fun. From Autumn who goes barefoot and has a crush on her best friend, to Shannon the cop who doesn't believe in Autumn's abilities, but wants the case solved more than his pride soothed, and Jake the best friend who knows when to bring over food and movies. I want to read more about all of them.

The case itself isn't graphic, but it's still brutal in it's own way. I have a daughter and after reading situations like this I always promise myself she's staying home where I can see her until she's 40.

This is a prequel to a series... and I think book 1 is on my Kindle. Go figure.
395 reviews2 followers
August 21, 2019
Very nicely done. Once again, a new author for me and a great beginning to what should be a great series. Missing kids, a touch of mysticism to sweeten the pot, and now I have a great reason to come back for more. My thanks to Teyla Brandon. I was well pleased with this introduction and look forward to more.
Profile Image for Vicki.
229 reviews
December 20, 2020
Interesting read.
I enjoyed reading this book, it was different to the norm. The story line was well planned with a few unexpected twists and turns. Well done
Profile Image for A.A. Bavar.
Author 4 books19 followers
May 15, 2018
First Touch is a well written short with a hint of suspense and very little to no fantasy.

Ms. Branton is a talented writer with an easy to read style. I enjoyed the story and would have liked it to be longer, since the premise would have easily allowed for a full length novel.

Autumn Rain, who can read imprints left on objects, and Detective Shannon are forced to work together when a little girl goes missing. The tension development between these two characters is well done without being cliché, and the setting adds to the desperation felt by the characters, forcing Shannon to look for help outside his comfort zone.

As a prequel intended to paint a clear picture of Autumn's sudden abilities, the story didn't quite accomplish the task. We are giving glimpses of what happened, a bombing - which I presume was terrorism related - kills Autumn's father and somehow triggers her new found abilities. Unfortunately, that's all we get about that, so not comprehensive at all.

Is the story original? Not really. The dynamic between the characters is well developed and interesting, however, the story follows a cookie cutter arc with little to no surprises. I never felt pulled into the suspense and there was minimal tension build up. The resolution of the case was rather bland and followed the dots with no twists - everything was just too easy.

Are the characters well developed? Yes, absolutely. Each character is well defined and has a unique voice. The only disappointing character was the antagonist. I wanted more details about his deranged personality, to really get into his head and fear him - hate him. Yes, he was a vile person, but we only get that through Autumn reading imprints, and not through interactions with the character. Bottom line, we're told and not shown that crucial piece of information which would have built the tension necessary in a suspense thriller.

Does the story move at a good pace and keep you wanting more? Yes, but as I mentioned above, it was way to straightforward and missing any kind of twist or aha moment.

Is the manuscript well edited? Yes. I did have a bit of trouble with how I was moved in and out of the imprint readings, but nothing major.

Any recommendations? Yes. The plot will improve greatly with the introduction of a few twists here and there, making it more suspenseful and not so straightforward. The buildup and release of mini-tensions is essential to any suspense story.

Do you recommend this book? Yes.
Profile Image for KIM.
284 reviews1 follower
September 2, 2018
I read this free prequel because it sounded interesting and I knew if I liked it there would be more stories to read and a new author to follow. I loved it. For me books are character driven. If I like the characters I can overlook most other flaws in a book. Having a good story and decent editing is a plus. Having great characters like Autumn the gift/burden and Detective Shannon the sceptic, a great story and well written plot, makes this a five 🌟 read for me. I like a paranormal where you don't need to completely suspend reality due to totally unreasonable content (that's called fantasy). A good paranormal leaves you with a sense that different can be normal and believable.
Profile Image for Rachel Isaacs.
253 reviews29 followers
November 24, 2020
This books is a great prequel in what I’m expecting to be a great series I’m going to enjoy. It’s free on the kindle, which is why I got it, and I’m so glad I did.

We basically have my two favorite things here. Action or mystery combined with a bit of supernatural. (That’s what I’m calling her imprints anyway). Can’t wait to get into the first actual book of the series.
Profile Image for Fred Hewett.
174 reviews10 followers
January 3, 2020
An interesting start to a series

Told in the first person by a somewhat unusual person, this story sets up the series perfectly. The usefulness and limits of Autumn's ability are clear, as are her relationships with the principal characters. There are holes (like her adoption and long separation from her twin sister) that provide hooks for future developments.

I will definitely read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Jen.
1,362 reviews17 followers
May 13, 2019
It'd be difficult to not leave an impression upon the world as you move through it, but in First Touch by Teyla Branton a woman can read the imprints people leave upon objects to help answer important questions.

To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.

While at the funeral for her father Autumn Rain suddenly develops the ability to read the emotions imprinted upon objects, allowing her glimpses into the perspective of those who touched them before her. This skill, while occasionally emotionally overwhelming and draining, has the ability to help solve larger questions that people have regarding the truth of a particular matter. Called upon by a desperate father through an incredibly skeptical Detective Shannon Martin, Autumn uses her ability to assist the investigation in an active missing child case, but will she be able to help, and convince the detective that she is telling the truth, before something terrible befalls the young girl?

An interesting combination of police procedural and the supernatural, this story brings in psychometric abilities into the harsh and dark realities of difficult to solve cases. A prequel for a larger series of stories, this narrative is well-contained as its own entity, is easy to read despite the more somber subject matter, and characters are decently introduced for those new to the series (such as myself); however, I found Autumn's persistent focus on the males surrounding her a bit over the top, and the development of her ability wasn't so much explained as shown where it first began and how she became a consultant with the police department. Though sad, I found it realistic that there wasn't a completely happy ending for the investigation, lending some believablity to the story that was otherwise fairly typical.

Profile Image for Mara.
2,508 reviews254 followers
January 29, 2018
Cute, but not particularly fresh or intriguing. Yes, I know it is a novella, but as it's where all began she should let us know how or why she wakes up different. It should have been a must in world building...
I didn't connect with MC, both a cliché.
Profile Image for Literary .
267 reviews17 followers
June 5, 2018
Sunday Read

Sundays are usually the best days to sit back, relax, and read. Unfortunately, I work Sundays.

This Sunday, while I wasnt feeling well, I cuddled up with the second book on my Kindle reading list “First Touch”.

The synopsis doesn’t do this book justice.

It’s a paranormal mystery. Our characters are Autumn, Summer, Winter, Jake, and Detective Shannon Martin.

Autumn’s adoptive parents are gone. All she has left is a twin she met years later, her antiques store, and her best friend Jake. I’m walks Detective Martin. Gorgeous, charismatic, with a no nonsense manner beyond what his own two eyes can see.

A little girl is missing. Time is running out and only Autumn can find her.

I admit, I was really surprised by this book. It sucked me in and before I knew it, I was draw into a world darkness, paranormal, and one impressive woman.

I love Autumn’s character. She doesn’t take anyone’s crap about her and has an amazing support system.

Detective Martin became an unlikely hero and I wasn’t expecting him to change.

I didn’t like the book was shor, ending at 71% with the remaining percent of the book a chapter from book two of the series.

I felt more could’ve been added to lengthen the story and take it beyond its eight chapters.

There was more to the plot. A deeper story than the one we were given. At one point I felt the story had been rushed and nearly tied with a bow.

Some questions weren’t answered, especially involving the crime of the book. My questions of when, why, and how weren’t answered.

When did the crimes start for the perp? Why did he start those crimes? How had he carefully gotten away for so long?

I think had the story been built a little on each charcatr and giving them their due, this would’ve been a remarkable, perfect story to get lost in.

Still, it’s definitely worth the read.
Profile Image for Amelia.
789 reviews19 followers
January 5, 2018
Since I really enjoy books with suspense plus any stories that have paranormal aspects, I was very interested in reading FIRST TOUCH, as it contains both of my favorite genres. A woman suddenly becomes able to receive impressions left by a person who previously touched an object, and she likes using her new talent to help others. When a police detective reluctantly comes to her for assistance on a case, it quickly becomes a race against time to save the life of a child.

A traumatic event in the life of Autumn Rain seems to have triggered an unexpected ability in her. When she puts her hand on an item, she is able to sense the emotions of a person associated with that particular object. This capability allows her to do all sorts of things, and finding someone missing is especially rewarding. After a young girl disappears, the father gets Det. Shannon Martin to request the aid of Autumn. Though the Portland cop is very skeptical, he does ask and just might be stunned by her findings.

This story is a great way to learn about Autumn and the people in her life. It focuses on her recent skill of getting information from something a person has touched, and how her first case working with the police developed. Teyla Branton has created an original premise, where details are genuine and individuals react in realistic ways. The suspense is nerve-wracking while any paranormal elements are always convincing. I believed every scene as depicted, and I enjoyed the sharp-witted discussions between Autumn and Shannon. After finishing this story, I am definitely eager to read the full-length books in the Imprints series.
Profile Image for Pamela.
1,755 reviews38 followers
March 3, 2019
Autumn Rain has a gift. It did not show until her adopted Father died in a tragedy , and bombing of a bridge they had both been affected by. She now saw imprints ,in her mind on items as she touched them It was nothing she could rely on, but she was willing to try. Detective Shannon, or just Shannon, as she now referred to him, worked on a child abduction case with her. He believed more towards the end, but none of the other police approved, of her touching things at a crime scene. She only knew there were others girls in danger, and she would face any criticism, to be in time to save them. This is every parents worst night mare A beautiful little blond child riding her new birthday bike around the block, and gone. It was emotional, and frightening when you know this happens a lot. You felt her, and the detectives frustration, when some imprint wasn't what they needed. I liked that they learned to work as a team, and had respect for each other by the books end. I give this a 4. . it felt like a preview of a new series, although it did have a conclusion. I wish it had been a bit longer. It is not clear if the books will be about just her talent, or if he will involve her in cases. Her insight really helped with the cases, but police believe in facts, not emotions, or visions gained by touch.
Profile Image for Tammy.
626 reviews9 followers
December 12, 2022
This is a very good introduction to the Imprints series.
Autumn and her father are crossing a bridge when a bomb goes off, Autumn survived but lost her father. Since this tragedy, Autumn developed a gift/curse that she cant explain. She is able to see images and the thoughts of people that have touched an object.
A 10 year old girl goes missing and the father begs the cops to ask Autumn for her help before time runs out. The cops are skeptical but want to exhaust all avenues.
The cops let Autumn touch her bike and Autumn is able to tell the cops what happened and to give a description of the kidnapper, only to have the cops now suspect her as being involved with the kidnapping.
Autumn just wants the cops to be open minded and stop wasting time and listen to what shes telling them so they can find this little girl before its to late.

I would love to read another in this series to see how Autumns gift/curse is able to help others.
Profile Image for Patricia.
156 reviews7 followers
February 6, 2018
A solid introduction to a series. The characters were likable and the 'magic system' (imprints) were very interesting to read about. In the beginning, the book reminded me of the show Ghost Whisperer, so I feel like anyone who enjoyed that show would definitely enjoy this read as well. It reads as an episode of a series and it intrigued me to the point of wanting to continue on to the full novels. Although I can't say I am a fan of the covers for the other books as it's a bit of a letdown after the beauty of this cover. For anyone that was invested in the game Beyond Two Souls, I would also recommend this book as the imprints are very much alike how Aiden provides them for the main heroine in the gameplay.
Profile Image for DEBBIE  W..
79 reviews
November 7, 2018
Awesome! Was not disappointed in this start of a new series.

Teyla Branton kept my interest all through her Unbounded series.
I therefore decided to try out this start to her new Touched series. I am really glad I did. It seems like get another great storyline is emerging and I want to see where it leads. I have bought 1,2and 3 without even reading the teasers because this one is so reminiscent of her other work that I know I will call for this new series as well.
It seems to me this author is every bit as great an author as Steven King and Anne MacCaffrey. I just would love to have a conversation with her to pick her brain about how and where her ideas for her stories come to her. That would be awesome!
435 reviews8 followers
January 7, 2018
A crime mystery with a rwist

Autumn Rain, is given a gift the day her dad is being put to rest. She can read imprints of feelings and thoughts left by someone on objects. The trama that caused this gift to surface was all too real. When a man in search of his daughter demands the officers speak with Autumn, her once reasonably simple life changes forever. Even the non believers have to see something is real when she reads objects. The problem is the non believers are the officers she is working with. Will Autumn be able to help find the missing girl, will she be okay and what happens when the case is over? Good short read!!
Profile Image for Bette.
773 reviews
February 3, 2018
Autumn Rain didn’t always have the ability to read emotions imprinted on objects – psychometry, it seemed to come with death of her father following a bombing. Now, when Sgt Martin of the Portland Police Dept comes asking for the help in a disappearance of a child she feels she can’t refuse.

This is the prequel to the Imprint Series by Teyla Branton, giving us a more detailed background to the series. This book was available free on Kindle Unlimited or I would not have read it. The characters who people this series, they are diverse and interesting, the flow is even-paced and definitely exciting at moments. I would like to read more as I found the subject matter interesting.
2,054 reviews12 followers
April 22, 2019
A good start to a series!

A girl has been missing for three days and her desperate parents insist that Detective Shannon Martin ask Autumn Rain to use her psychic ability to help in the search. Detective Martin believes Autumn is a charlatan but when she is able to offer information that no one else can, he either has to consider her a suspect in the abduction or accept that she might actually be a psychic.

It was an enjoyable read but I wish it had been longer. Just when I was really getting into the story it ended! I would like to read more books in the series to see where the characters lead.. I received a free copy but my review is voluntary.
Profile Image for Vibliophile.
1,568 reviews127 followers
April 1, 2022
And so it begins...

This novella sets up the author's Autumn Rain series called Imprints. Being only 8 chapters does make it feel like things happen a little too fast, but because of the race-against-time style of plot, it largely works. It's a really fascinating concept and the potential for an enemies-to-lovers relationship to develop between Autumn & Shannon is enticing as well - looking forward to exploring what the author does with it

*Potential content: the story revolves around a serial child predator; there's no graphic details but may be difficult for those who are sensitive
40 reviews
July 28, 2019
I had previously read Telya Branton's Unbounded series, so I knew that I enjoyed her writing style, and I wouldn't be bogged down with typos. I enjoyed getting to know the characters in this book so much that I bought the remaining series in a group for Kindle.
The idea of imprints is intriguing and I enjoyed the friction between Autumn Rain and Detective Shannon Martin. I actually laughed out loud when Autumn meets the detective, because my boss is a man named Shannon.
I would recommend to those looking for a slightly paranormal touch in a good mystery setting.
Profile Image for Cathleen.
735 reviews19 followers
July 4, 2020
Great Reading

I picked up this Novella a while ago and this morning was when I picked this story to read. I was in the mood for something a little bit different. This author certainly provided that in "First Touch". It had all my favorite genre's rolled up into a great storyline. Paranormal, mystery, murder and mysticism.

So, if you fellow readers out there need something different to read, give this story a try. It is a Novella so on the short side, but will provide you with enough to see if this author is someone you would like.
Profile Image for Elda.
1,203 reviews6 followers
January 7, 2018
A psychic and a skeptical cop???

Well not exactly a psychic but a woman who reads objects. I rather enjoyed the relationship between Rain and Detective Shannon. A little snarky enough to make it interesting. These two work great together. I look forward to reading more about these two and the crimes they will be solving. Also how their relationship develops. I see romance in their future, but then I’m not a psychic. 😏
574 reviews1 follower
February 4, 2018
I am so glad Teyla wrote The First Touch. I always wondered what Autumn and Shannon’s first meeting and case was like. Once again, she writes a great story that continues to let us into and love Autumn. While the case they work is very disturbing and sad, it is a good case for her to get involved with. Although it would start before Autumn gets her powers I would love to her how she found Tawnia.
I leave this honest review after receiving a free copy of this book.
Profile Image for Susan Harrowa.
239 reviews
April 17, 2018
A quick, emotional paranormal read

Autumn suddenly finds herself able to read emotional imprints people leave behind on objects. But not everyone believes in her talent, especially cops. But that disbelief doesn't stop one asking for her help in a missing child case. He is desperate for answers. This read is short, but it has humor, sadness, and hope. An excellent option if you're looking for quick and paranormal.
Profile Image for Marylin.
1,131 reviews29 followers
May 18, 2018
Very Interesting Story

I was pleasantly taken in by this book.
I'm not one to believe in the paranormal or psychics, yet this story might have changed my thinking.
The characters were believable and well written.
Tryna Branton is a new author to me and I've enjoyed her writing style. The story flowed smoothly and was captivating.
I like just have to look into the rest of the series.
2 reviews
August 25, 2018
A good start

This is the very first time I read something written by Teyla Brandon, and it is a good start for me to continue on exploring more. Although the plot does not seem to be quite standout from those of the same genre, the relationship between the two leading characters, Autumn and Shannon, somehow captured my attention. I would love to find out more about them in the next ones.
Profile Image for Will Decker.
Author 23 books12 followers
February 19, 2019
This short story was an enjoyable read. The characters come to life and you find yourself quickly invested in the plot, which moves right along. Combined with super clean editing and an ending that leaves you looking forward to the next in the series, this is a hit. NOTE- this is NOT a cliff hanger but a great introduction to a promising series. I definitely want to see more interaction between the detective and the barefoot psychic! Or shouldn't we refer to her as psychic?
758 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2019
A intriguing start

I was not sure how dark this book/series was going to be so I went in a bit skeptical. I read for enjoyment and try to stay away from too much gore, pain and gruesome death. The topic of child abuse is one I find disturbing so I did not enjoy this book in my usual way. But the idea of the talent to read imprints on object is compelling and Summer was likable with her innocence and wit. I am intrigued and hope the next topic is a little less intense.
Profile Image for Louise Pledge.
1,292 reviews27 followers
March 30, 2020
I've been reading about Autumn Rain and was surprised and thrilled to learn she has a talent picked up after the death of her father, Winter Rain. She can touch objects and relive what the owner was doing/thinking as he/she handled it. In this story, Autumn was asked to help find a missing little girl. So there's a touch of mystery (my favorite genre).

I've already started on the next one in the series!
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