Wednesday, August 26, 2015

The House on Seventh Street by Karen Vorbeck Williams

I asked to review this book because of the story line and the fact it was likened to a grown up Nancy Drew book. I loved Nancy Drew as a young girl so could not resist. It does in fact remind me of Nancy Drew. I am not sure if it is the narration or style but it did bring back memories. It is also a nice novel in its own right. The story is engrossing and the characters are rich and well developed. Chapters switch to different time periods but it is done artfully and adds much to the story. I would love to read another novel by the author with the same idea in mind (Nancy Drew). A well done homage to the Nancy Drew series and a nice gentle mystery to boot! I received a copy of this novel from Netgalley and the author in exchange for an honest review.

Three out of Five stars

Sunday, August 23, 2015

The Undying by Ethan Reid

I was attracted to this book by the idea of Americans being stranded in Paris after a cataclysmic event and trying to survive with a newborn baby while "things" that seem to be a cross between zombies/vampires hunt the survivors. I found that at times the story dragged and I lost interest a bit but I was able to continue mainly because I was intrigued by the story and the knowledge that this is the first in a series. I am also interested in these creatures that do not seem to fit any one description. I am interested enough to want to continue the series and find out more about this strange world. I am looking forward to book two in the series. I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Three out of Five stars

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Seeing Evil by Jason Parent

I decided to read this book because of a friend's suggestion. I had thought it would be an ok read but was surprised to find that it is one of the best suspense thrillers I have read in a very long time.
In lesser hands it would have been a decent read but the author's skill in setting the scene, character development, and story telling makes this a far superior novel.
The premise is simple. A teenager who witnessed a family massacre when he was a toddler develops precognition abilities. A police detective who worked on the family massacre and has stayed in his life is working on a case that may not only end her career but her life as well.
I was drawn in from the beginning and found the story just kept building and building to the point where I could not put it down.
Very highly recommended. I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Five out of Five. 

Monday, August 17, 2015

Awake by Natasha Preston

I received a copy of Awake from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I requested Awake because I was intrigued by the idea of a young girl who has lost all memory of her early years and a fanatical cult who tries to get her back at any cost. To be honest, if I had read this book from the viewpoint of an adult I probably would not like it, but as this is a YA novel I tried to read it from the viewpoint of a young adult. As such, I enjoyed it. It was a light thriller with the typical love interest. It didn't have enough character development for me to like Scarlett but the author did a good job imagining how a young girl would feel and react if faced with the reality that her family is not what they seem and she is the "chosen" one for a fanatical cult. The same can be said for her love interest. It is hard to like Noah but you are able to understand his dilemma as to what is the right thing to do and how can he resolve knowing that all you have been brought up to believe is wrong? I also feel a bit unsettled not knowing what really happened to Scarlett's sister but then that may be what the author intended. All in all, Awake was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it to young people who enjoy psychological thrillers.

Three out of Five stars

Sunday, August 16, 2015

Blood and Rain by Gleen Rolfe

Where oh where should I start with describing this book? I love a good werewolf story but have become jaded as it seems hard to find quality horror novels sometimes. Blood and Rain happens to be one of those quality horror novels that keeps you turning pages late into the night. Glenn Rolfe's description of the woods and storms is so well done that you feel as if you are right there listening for sounds (howls) in the woods while you are drenched in the rain in the dark of the night. He develops the characters just as well and you are able to understand each character and know what make each person tick. The werewolves are incredible and are major bad-asses. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to looking up his other novels. I received a free copy of Blood and Rain from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Five Out Of Five Stars

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Silk by Chris Karlsen

I have always been interested in the world the infamous Jack the Ripper inhabited: in particular; Victorian London, and Jack's crimes and victims. I requested this novel from Netgalley because of the plot and the incredible cover and was not disappointed.
While Jack the Ripper is stalking London's East End, police are busy searching for another killer. Leading the investigation is Metropolitan Detective Inspector Rudyard Bloodstone. I was impressed by not only the development of the main characters but also the description of a time and place long gone. I have always enjoyed thrillers and mysteries that take place in a different time period (Ellis Peters and Bruce Alexander for example) and which has an interesting main character. This book has both in abundance. I am looking forward to the next book in this promising series.

Sunday, August 9, 2015

Haunting Investigation by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro

I really liked this book.....a lot. It takes place just after the first World War and has a strong female reporter who is defying society's ideal of a woman's role. There is also a ghost who feels he owes her a great debt. Add a murder mystery and you have the workings of a very interesting story. The author blends historical knowledge with fiction so well that I stayed up late reading. This is the first time I have read Chelsea Quinn Yarbro's novels and this was a wonderful introduction and a treat to read. I am hoping that she will continue this mystery series. I think she has a winner here. I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

The Red Mohawk by Anonymous

I really wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this book. I ended up staying up late to finish reading it. I honestly didn't notice the typos or grammatical errors that others seem to have noticed but then I was engrossed in the story itself. It is very tongue in cheek and needs to be read as a parody. The characters are such obvious stereotypes of typical slasher/horror films characters as is the small town with hidden secrets. There is a lot of blood and gore/sex/gross situations but then if you think back to the cheesy slasher movies of the 70's and 80's, they are chock full of the same. All in all, I found the book to be a fun read which brought back fond memories of cult classic slasher/horror movies. I am not surprised in the least that the novel is being developed into a movie by none other than Tobey Maquire's Material Pictures. Thank you to the author and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this fun book!