The Exterminator: (a Mike Delaney action crime & mystery thriller) by David Callinan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A potent reader's hook launches Mike Delaney, former assassin and currently member of an investigative website, into a cunningly concealed conspiracy-for-change that is literally global in scope and figuratively earth-shaking. Now that he "knows too much," he then becomes a target for assassination himself.
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WHO
WHO'S COMING DOWN YOUR CHIMNEY TONIGHT?
Charles Stross, "Overtime"
2018: CTHULHU FOR CHRISTMAS
Monday, September 30, 2019
Review: Taylor's End
Taylor's End by N.H. Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Pity the tiny community of Taylor's End, bucolic, peaceful, stultifying--until now. A new player has come to town, bringing horror implacable.
A lonely runaway, missing memories, shouldn't create much of a flap in this community. But young Ella is no ordinary runaway, and by the end of the story, my hair stood on end, goosebumps rippled, and I pondered, "What if this could really happen?"
Heaping helpings of heavy-duty gore, violence, extreme horror, and obscenity season a very rapidly paced tale of a quiet town suddenly cast into uncountable chaos.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Pity the tiny community of Taylor's End, bucolic, peaceful, stultifying--until now. A new player has come to town, bringing horror implacable.
A lonely runaway, missing memories, shouldn't create much of a flap in this community. But young Ella is no ordinary runaway, and by the end of the story, my hair stood on end, goosebumps rippled, and I pondered, "What if this could really happen?"
Heaping helpings of heavy-duty gore, violence, extreme horror, and obscenity season a very rapidly paced tale of a quiet town suddenly cast into uncountable chaos.
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Sunday, September 29, 2019
Tour_DARK LORD CLEMENTINE
Read An Excerpt!:
?
NOT.
CHIPPING.
Clementine Morcerous awoke one morning to
discover that her father had no nose.
This was not
exactly unexpected. Several mornings
previously,
the Dark
Lord
Elithor
Morcerous
had greeted
her with
slightly
less nose
than usual,
and a
bit of
a weaker
chin. The
difference
was so
small that
Clementine,
who was
quite small
herself, barely noticed
it. She did notice something different
about
him—he
was her
father,
after all—but
she thought perhaps he
had gotten a
rather unflattering
haircut.
An unflattering
haircut
could not
explain the
next few
days, however,
as the Dark
Lord Elithor’s nose
became skinnier
and skinnier,
and his chin
weaker and
weaker. It
1
Read my Review!:
5 Stars!
If I could read epic fantasy, whether MG, YA/NA, or Adult, as enthralling as this utterly delightful MG DARK LORD CLEMENTINE, I would delightfully engage in reading Fantasy every day. What a joy is the irrepressible, grandly determined, feisty "Empress of Snark" (my phrase) Clementine, only child and sole heir of the current Dark Lord of Castle Brack. Even in childhood, she is strong in character and impetus, creative, imaginative, and forward-thinking. I so adored devouring her story!
Review: The Ridge
The Ridge by John Rector
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was one of my fastest one-session reads, and I adored it. I recommend it to anyone who loved Robert Jackson Bennett's AMERICAN ELSEWHERE , Jack Finney's INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS, or Ira Levin's THE STEPFORD WIVES, all of which peeled the veneer from Suburbia. THE RIDGE rocks, with utmost tension, suspense, fear--and yes, Conspiracy Theorists will devour it.
Welcome to Willow Ridge, home of The Institute. You'll soon be singing the lyrics to "Hotel California."
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was one of my fastest one-session reads, and I adored it. I recommend it to anyone who loved Robert Jackson Bennett's AMERICAN ELSEWHERE , Jack Finney's INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS, or Ira Levin's THE STEPFORD WIVES, all of which peeled the veneer from Suburbia. THE RIDGE rocks, with utmost tension, suspense, fear--and yes, Conspiracy Theorists will devour it.
Welcome to Willow Ridge, home of The Institute. You'll soon be singing the lyrics to "Hotel California."
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Saturday, September 28, 2019
Review: Unfollow Me: A Novel
Unfollow Me: A Novel by Charlotte Duckworth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I had to work at it to find characters with whom I could empathize, although nonetheless I enjoyed the novel. A major reason for that is the constant twists upending my assumptions and mistaken conclusions practically on every page. Also it was watching the "train wreck" of two of the characters over two decades: both self-driven obsessive Narcissists lacking either moral value or character gumption. Like magnets, they continually attracted then repelled each other, and watching them was exactly like viewing a train derailment: the suspense was in wondering who this time would get hurt (not these two) and how badly.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I had to work at it to find characters with whom I could empathize, although nonetheless I enjoyed the novel. A major reason for that is the constant twists upending my assumptions and mistaken conclusions practically on every page. Also it was watching the "train wreck" of two of the characters over two decades: both self-driven obsessive Narcissists lacking either moral value or character gumption. Like magnets, they continually attracted then repelled each other, and watching them was exactly like viewing a train derailment: the suspense was in wondering who this time would get hurt (not these two) and how badly.
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Review: The Haunting of Crow House
The Haunting of Crow House by A.W. James
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I've been devouring Haunted House stories in great proliferation for over 6 decades, and let's face it: the trope has been "done to death." (Pun intentional) But: it's still possible to carry it off winningly, imaginatively, and frighteningly. (Examples: Susan Hill's THE WOMAN IN BLACK and Peter James' THE HOUSE ON COLD HILL.) THE HAUNTING OF CROW HOUSE similarly affected me. The author utilizes quite a variety of tropes--certainly more than I expected--and weaves them in expertly. Yes, frightening; and also presenting a variety of empathetic characters.
I found it a champion read all around, and worth re-reading.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I've been devouring Haunted House stories in great proliferation for over 6 decades, and let's face it: the trope has been "done to death." (Pun intentional) But: it's still possible to carry it off winningly, imaginatively, and frighteningly. (Examples: Susan Hill's THE WOMAN IN BLACK and Peter James' THE HOUSE ON COLD HILL.) THE HAUNTING OF CROW HOUSE similarly affected me. The author utilizes quite a variety of tropes--certainly more than I expected--and weaves them in expertly. Yes, frightening; and also presenting a variety of empathetic characters.
I found it a champion read all around, and worth re-reading.
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Friday, September 27, 2019
Review: Monster on the Moors
Monster on the Moors by Top Publications
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
MONSTER ON THE MOOR is an exciting YA mystery set in England, the sequel to THE LOST TREASURE. Both star Bobby Holmes, whose mother is a Scotland Yard Special Investigator. Bobby has Second Sight--clairvoyance--which isn't always perfectly revelatory. Bobby, cousin Brenda and her two friends Stevie and Michael in the U.S., find their vacation on the North Yorkshire Moors both enlightening and dangerous as they encounter both a shapeshifter and sorcery.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
MONSTER ON THE MOOR is an exciting YA mystery set in England, the sequel to THE LOST TREASURE. Both star Bobby Holmes, whose mother is a Scotland Yard Special Investigator. Bobby has Second Sight--clairvoyance--which isn't always perfectly revelatory. Bobby, cousin Brenda and her two friends Stevie and Michael in the U.S., find their vacation on the North Yorkshire Moors both enlightening and dangerous as they encounter both a shapeshifter and sorcery.
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Thursday, September 26, 2019
Review: One by One
One by One by D.W. Gillespie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I foresee nightmares. I really shouldn't have read this at night.
It seemed so simple: a big old isolated house in the woods, selling at a ridiculously low price. Sure, the house was an architectural oddity, a little unsettling. Reminiscent in a mild fashion of Lovecraftian non-Euclidean geometry. But not haunted. Just....odd.
Until ten-year-old Alice uncovers the stick-figure painting in the hall. Family members change. Then the cat--. But it's also subtle until about two-thirds of the way in: then my hair stood on end, my eyes bugged out, goosebumps covered me from head to.toe, nightmares entrenched themselves...no, no longer subtle at all.
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My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I foresee nightmares. I really shouldn't have read this at night.
It seemed so simple: a big old isolated house in the woods, selling at a ridiculously low price. Sure, the house was an architectural oddity, a little unsettling. Reminiscent in a mild fashion of Lovecraftian non-Euclidean geometry. But not haunted. Just....odd.
Until ten-year-old Alice uncovers the stick-figure painting in the hall. Family members change. Then the cat--. But it's also subtle until about two-thirds of the way in: then my hair stood on end, my eyes bugged out, goosebumps covered me from head to.toe, nightmares entrenched themselves...no, no longer subtle at all.
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Review: Preacher Sam
Preacher Sam by Cassondra Windwalker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I found this novel to be exceptionally intriguing, delving deep into emotional states, relationships, and exhibiting surprising psychological revelations and character evolutions. I also must add that the eventual denouement did disturb my sleep and keep me awake, churning "Why?"s and "How could?"s and "What will happen now?"s through my overactive brain. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book very much and only hope our faith-driven, penitential, overanalytical protagonist Sam will reappear in a subsequent offering, because I definitely warmed up to Sam, his baker-bookseller sister Dani, her seven-year-old son Parker, Sam's former wife (a Hospice nurse), and new pastor Rufus Ffaukes.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I found this novel to be exceptionally intriguing, delving deep into emotional states, relationships, and exhibiting surprising psychological revelations and character evolutions. I also must add that the eventual denouement did disturb my sleep and keep me awake, churning "Why?"s and "How could?"s and "What will happen now?"s through my overactive brain. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book very much and only hope our faith-driven, penitential, overanalytical protagonist Sam will reappear in a subsequent offering, because I definitely warmed up to Sam, his baker-bookseller sister Dani, her seven-year-old son Parker, Sam's former wife (a Hospice nurse), and new pastor Rufus Ffaukes.
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Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Review: The Family Upstairs
The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
THE FAMILY UPSTAIRS is a stunner! If my progress through the novel were captured in animation, my head would be twitching back and forth and quite frequently spinning. So convoluted that the book's cover image should be the new illustration for that term!
The novel is fascinating, horrifying, startling, mysterious, expansive, illuminating. I couldn't move my eyes from the page. I felt compelled to read, and to read to completion. I can't recommend THE FAMILY UPSTAIRS highly enough.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
THE FAMILY UPSTAIRS is a stunner! If my progress through the novel were captured in animation, my head would be twitching back and forth and quite frequently spinning. So convoluted that the book's cover image should be the new illustration for that term!
The novel is fascinating, horrifying, startling, mysterious, expansive, illuminating. I couldn't move my eyes from the page. I felt compelled to read, and to read to completion. I can't recommend THE FAMILY UPSTAIRS highly enough.
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Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Review: Innocence Lost
Innocence Lost by Sherilyn Decter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
First in THE BOOTLEGGERS CHRONICLES, INNOCENCE LOST is a lyrical fictional examination of Philadelphia during the Prohibition Era, the 1920's. The frisson of danger and illegality was all part of the fun; till danger became deadly. There was plenty of money to be acquired, and where wealth is possible, human greed is right at hand, irregardless.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
First in THE BOOTLEGGERS CHRONICLES, INNOCENCE LOST is a lyrical fictional examination of Philadelphia during the Prohibition Era, the 1920's. The frisson of danger and illegality was all part of the fun; till danger became deadly. There was plenty of money to be acquired, and where wealth is possible, human greed is right at hand, irregardless.
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Monday, September 23, 2019
Review: Alex McKenna & The Geranium Deaths
Alex McKenna & The Geranium Deaths by Vicki-Ann Bush
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A really enjoyable and fascinating YA Paranormal Mystery, strongly grounded in family, tradition, heritage, and Italian culture (and cuisine). The story also interweaves local heritage and family ties, and some terribly spooky and horrifying elements--both paranormal and human evil. Quite a compelling and fascinating read, eliciting empathy for the characters throughout.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A really enjoyable and fascinating YA Paranormal Mystery, strongly grounded in family, tradition, heritage, and Italian culture (and cuisine). The story also interweaves local heritage and family ties, and some terribly spooky and horrifying elements--both paranormal and human evil. Quite a compelling and fascinating read, eliciting empathy for the characters throughout.
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Review: The Bigfoot Murders
The Bigfoot Murders by Megan Gaudino
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
THE BIGFOOT MURDERS is a complex and convoluted YA mystery, so layered with puzzles and mystery that at times I wanted to shout, "What is really true here?" Needless to say I was quite absorbed throughout. I identified with protagonist Fiona and also with Archie, a strong secondary character. The backdrop plotlines were strong and foundational, making for a compelling reading experience.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
THE BIGFOOT MURDERS is a complex and convoluted YA mystery, so layered with puzzles and mystery that at times I wanted to shout, "What is really true here?" Needless to say I was quite absorbed throughout. I identified with protagonist Fiona and also with Archie, a strong secondary character. The backdrop plotlines were strong and foundational, making for a compelling reading experience.
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Saturday, September 21, 2019
Review: To Summon A Hellcat: A Supernatural Thriller
To Summon A Hellcat: A Supernatural Thriller by R.P. Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Occult horror by the author of DEAD GOD OF HOLDREDGE VALLEY. A tiny mining community in the mountains of West Virginia will never be the same, as a prideful Vietnam vet turned mayor crosses purposes with a prideful new pastor of the only church in town, and controlling the chaos is a demon cat summoned by a mistaken rite resulting in unintended blood sacrifice. The mayor is the first-person unreliable narrator.
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My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Occult horror by the author of DEAD GOD OF HOLDREDGE VALLEY. A tiny mining community in the mountains of West Virginia will never be the same, as a prideful Vietnam vet turned mayor crosses purposes with a prideful new pastor of the only church in town, and controlling the chaos is a demon cat summoned by a mistaken rite resulting in unintended blood sacrifice. The mayor is the first-person unreliable narrator.
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Review: The Water Dancer: A Novel
The Water Dancer: A Novel by Ta-Nehisi Coates
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Seldom have I encountered a book so lyrically beautiful, so breathtakingly compelling, so delineating of "both sides of the story," the lives and travails of both "the Tasked" (slaves) and the privileged planter class of pre-Civil War Virginia. Heartwrenching and heartpounding, there is yet a greater joy in store as the novel unfurls. Author Ta-Nehisi Coates is now a member of my personal pantheon of awe-inspiring geniuses, along with the late Stephen Hawking, Tim Powers, John Connolly, and Victor LaValle.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Seldom have I encountered a book so lyrically beautiful, so breathtakingly compelling, so delineating of "both sides of the story," the lives and travails of both "the Tasked" (slaves) and the privileged planter class of pre-Civil War Virginia. Heartwrenching and heartpounding, there is yet a greater joy in store as the novel unfurls. Author Ta-Nehisi Coates is now a member of my personal pantheon of awe-inspiring geniuses, along with the late Stephen Hawking, Tim Powers, John Connolly, and Victor LaValle.
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Thursday, September 19, 2019
Review: The Girl Who Grew Nasty Things
The Girl Who Grew Nasty Things by Wil Mara
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Maddie Dragonette is one mean girl. It's mot just adolescent angst siffusing her very nature, it's anger, rage, and hatred. Maddie is a barely suppressed volcano if rage. She's also Narcissistic and not very self-aware of her own limitations. She would have bern successful as a bloodthirsty pirate or a successful CEO. However, Maddie thinks whatever she wants she must have, and in her late grandmother's greenhouse are plants no one's ever heard of....A brilliantly cautionary tale!
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Maddie Dragonette is one mean girl. It's mot just adolescent angst siffusing her very nature, it's anger, rage, and hatred. Maddie is a barely suppressed volcano if rage. She's also Narcissistic and not very self-aware of her own limitations. She would have bern successful as a bloodthirsty pirate or a successful CEO. However, Maddie thinks whatever she wants she must have, and in her late grandmother's greenhouse are plants no one's ever heard of....A brilliantly cautionary tale!
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Review: A Rock and a Hard Place: An American Geologist's Adventures in Africa
A Rock and a Hard Place: An American Geologist's Adventures in Africa by George Zelt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Delightfully adventurous, reading George Zelt's nonfiction narrative of his decades in geology and petrology is akin to enjoying the wild adventures of his heroes, such as Mark Twain, Jules Verne, and Jack London. Mr. Zelt is well blessed with both the "stories to tell" and the talent and wit to express them well for the edification of readers, many of whom are "armchair travellers" enjoying vicariously.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Delightfully adventurous, reading George Zelt's nonfiction narrative of his decades in geology and petrology is akin to enjoying the wild adventures of his heroes, such as Mark Twain, Jules Verne, and Jack London. Mr. Zelt is well blessed with both the "stories to tell" and the talent and wit to express them well for the edification of readers, many of whom are "armchair travellers" enjoying vicariously.
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Review: The Stranger Inside
The Stranger Inside by Lisa Unger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
THE STRANGER INSIDE is a compelling crafted and diligently researched suspense thriller about the consequences of trauma to the psyche, justice vs. mercy, and vigilantism.
Three twelve years old in an abduction years ago; two survived, but at what cost physically, psychologically, and psychically? Does the long dark night of the soul subsequent to horrific trauma ever cease? And is vigilantism an appropriate response when the justice system either overlooks, or fails?
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
THE STRANGER INSIDE is a compelling crafted and diligently researched suspense thriller about the consequences of trauma to the psyche, justice vs. mercy, and vigilantism.
Three twelve years old in an abduction years ago; two survived, but at what cost physically, psychologically, and psychically? Does the long dark night of the soul subsequent to horrific trauma ever cease? And is vigilantism an appropriate response when the justice system either overlooks, or fails?
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Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Review: Saving Buddy: The Heartwarming Story of a Very Special Rescue
Saving Buddy: The Heartwarming Story of a Very Special Rescue by Nicola Owst
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh how this precious non-fiction narrative made me cry but also enthuse with joy! Buddy is a special animal indeed, and so too is his owner special. I very much resonated with her story of growing up mostly alone and how Buddy's abandonment, serious illness, and subsequent separation anxiety spoke to her heart and soul. Although some portions are painful to read, this book instilled a song in my heart.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh how this precious non-fiction narrative made me cry but also enthuse with joy! Buddy is a special animal indeed, and so too is his owner special. I very much resonated with her story of growing up mostly alone and how Buddy's abandonment, serious illness, and subsequent separation anxiety spoke to her heart and soul. Although some portions are painful to read, this book instilled a song in my heart.
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Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Review: The Secret Santa
The Secret Santa by Trish Harnetiaux
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
THE SECRET SANTA is a remarkably twisty tale with a surprisingly vicious villain (very sneaky and Machiavellian) and some feckless "innocents" and undeserving villains. This was a one-sitting read as I raced through breathlessly awaiting the unraveling of the puzzles.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
THE SECRET SANTA is a remarkably twisty tale with a surprisingly vicious villain (very sneaky and Machiavellian) and some feckless "innocents" and undeserving villains. This was a one-sitting read as I raced through breathlessly awaiting the unraveling of the puzzles.
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Sunday, September 15, 2019
Review: No One's Home
No One's Home by D.M. Pulley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Quite a while ago I read the contemporary/historical novel THE DEAD KEY by D. M. Pulley, and was intensely engrossed. I'm delighted that her newest, NO ONE'S HOME, is every bit as enthralling. If you love history and pondering the ways in which it affects the present, I believe you will find this a gem, as did I. Set in Cleveland's prestigious Shaker Heights Community, the novel relates the stories of several families occupying an upscale home built in 1922. Is it haunted? Is it history? Is it family and personal dysfunction? Greed and cupidity? Will the cycle ever end? Read on and discover.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Quite a while ago I read the contemporary/historical novel THE DEAD KEY by D. M. Pulley, and was intensely engrossed. I'm delighted that her newest, NO ONE'S HOME, is every bit as enthralling. If you love history and pondering the ways in which it affects the present, I believe you will find this a gem, as did I. Set in Cleveland's prestigious Shaker Heights Community, the novel relates the stories of several families occupying an upscale home built in 1922. Is it haunted? Is it history? Is it family and personal dysfunction? Greed and cupidity? Will the cycle ever end? Read on and discover.
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Saturday, September 14, 2019
Review: Legion
Legion by William Peter Blatty
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
LEGION is a sequel to THE EXORCIST, featuring Lieutenant Kinderman as a lovable and articulate continuing character. The late priest Father Damien Karras is also a sort of backstage character. LEGION is suffused with philosophy, theology, metaphysics, and literature. Kinderman is a philosopher-detective and Big Thinking is always a running program in his background. This is also true of a secondary character, Dr. Vincent Amfortas, a neurologist. There's also plenty of psychiatry, gore, homicides, and some really spooky events.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
LEGION is a sequel to THE EXORCIST, featuring Lieutenant Kinderman as a lovable and articulate continuing character. The late priest Father Damien Karras is also a sort of backstage character. LEGION is suffused with philosophy, theology, metaphysics, and literature. Kinderman is a philosopher-detective and Big Thinking is always a running program in his background. This is also true of a secondary character, Dr. Vincent Amfortas, a neurologist. There's also plenty of psychiatry, gore, homicides, and some really spooky events.
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Friday, September 13, 2019
Review: Beyond the Gate
Beyond the Gate by Mary SanGiovanni
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Mary Sangiovanni is a past master at subtly unveiling the terrors of Cosmic Horror, of the Knowledge that Lovecraft cautioned us to avoid. In this third book of her Kathy Ryan serirs, occult consultant and troubleshooter Kathy is called in by a secretive corporation which has opened a portal to an alternate universe; a portal which unfortunately is permeable to infection from that other universe. Soon Kathy and three companions are beyond the gate, hunting the lost explorer-scientists, and struggling to avoid an eternity of unending suffering.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Mary Sangiovanni is a past master at subtly unveiling the terrors of Cosmic Horror, of the Knowledge that Lovecraft cautioned us to avoid. In this third book of her Kathy Ryan serirs, occult consultant and troubleshooter Kathy is called in by a secretive corporation which has opened a portal to an alternate universe; a portal which unfortunately is permeable to infection from that other universe. Soon Kathy and three companions are beyond the gate, hunting the lost explorer-scientists, and struggling to avoid an eternity of unending suffering.
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Thursday, September 12, 2019
Review: The Dinner Party
The Dinner Party by R.J. Parker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Protagonist Ted, well-meaning and principled but too easily swayed by others, at one point asks himself, "How was he meant to be thinking about his friend?" For me, that approach describes the crux of this psychological mystery. Eight individuals--four couples. They consider themselves "a dinner group," not really socializing beyond that--or so Ted thinks. I think there's too much thinking going on among this group. Self-analysis is well and good, until it becomes "what does my spouse/friend/therapist think? Maybe I should change my mind?"
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My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Protagonist Ted, well-meaning and principled but too easily swayed by others, at one point asks himself, "How was he meant to be thinking about his friend?" For me, that approach describes the crux of this psychological mystery. Eight individuals--four couples. They consider themselves "a dinner group," not really socializing beyond that--or so Ted thinks. I think there's too much thinking going on among this group. Self-analysis is well and good, until it becomes "what does my spouse/friend/therapist think? Maybe I should change my mind?"
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Review: The Dinner Party
The Dinner Party by R.J. Parker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Protagonist Ted, well-meaning and principled but too easily swayed by others, at one point asks himself, "How was he meant to be thinking about his friend?" For me, that approach describes the crux of this psychological mystery. Eight individuals--four couples. They consider themselves "a dinner group," not really socializing beyond that--or so Ted thinks. I think there's too much thinking going on among this group. Self-analysis is well and good, until it becomes "what does my spouse/friend/therapist think? Maybe I should change my mind?"
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My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Protagonist Ted, well-meaning and principled but too easily swayed by others, at one point asks himself, "How was he meant to be thinking about his friend?" For me, that approach describes the crux of this psychological mystery. Eight individuals--four couples. They consider themselves "a dinner group," not really socializing beyond that--or so Ted thinks. I think there's too much thinking going on among this group. Self-analysis is well and good, until it becomes "what does my spouse/friend/therapist think? Maybe I should change my mind?"
View all my reviews
Review: The Dinner Party
The Dinner Party by R.J. Parker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Protagonist Ted, well-meaning and principled but too easily swayed by others, at one point asks himself, "How was he meant to be thinking about his friend?" For me, that approach describes the crux of this psychological mystery. Eight individuals--four couples. They consider themselves "a dinner group," not really socializing beyond that--or so Ted thinks. I think there's too much thinking going on among this group. Self-analysis is well and good, until it becomes "what does my spouse/friend/therapist think? Maybe I should change my mind?"
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My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Protagonist Ted, well-meaning and principled but too easily swayed by others, at one point asks himself, "How was he meant to be thinking about his friend?" For me, that approach describes the crux of this psychological mystery. Eight individuals--four couples. They consider themselves "a dinner group," not really socializing beyond that--or so Ted thinks. I think there's too much thinking going on among this group. Self-analysis is well and good, until it becomes "what does my spouse/friend/therapist think? Maybe I should change my mind?"
View all my reviews
Review: The Dinner Party
The Dinner Party by R.J. Parker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Protagonist Ted, well-meaning and principled but too easily swayed by others, at one point asks himself, "How was he meant to be thinking about his friend?" For me, that approach describes the crux of this psychological mystery. Eight individuals--four couples. They consider themselves "a dinner group," not really socializing beyond that--or so Ted thinks. I think there's too much thinking going on among this group. Self-analysis is well and good, until it becomes "what does my spouse/friend/therapist think? Maybe I should change my mind?"
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My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Protagonist Ted, well-meaning and principled but too easily swayed by others, at one point asks himself, "How was he meant to be thinking about his friend?" For me, that approach describes the crux of this psychological mystery. Eight individuals--four couples. They consider themselves "a dinner group," not really socializing beyond that--or so Ted thinks. I think there's too much thinking going on among this group. Self-analysis is well and good, until it becomes "what does my spouse/friend/therapist think? Maybe I should change my mind?"
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Review: The Dinner Party
The Dinner Party by R.J. Parker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Protagonist Ted, well-meaning and principled but too easily swayed by others, at one point asks himself, "How was he meant to be thinking about his friend?" For me, that approach describes the crux of this psychological mystery. Eight individuals--four couples. They consider themselves "a dinner group," not really socializing beyond that--or so Ted thinks. I think there's too much thinking going on among this group. Self-analysis is well and good, until it becomes "what does my spouse/friend/therapist think? Maybe I should change my mind?"
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My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Protagonist Ted, well-meaning and principled but too easily swayed by others, at one point asks himself, "How was he meant to be thinking about his friend?" For me, that approach describes the crux of this psychological mystery. Eight individuals--four couples. They consider themselves "a dinner group," not really socializing beyond that--or so Ted thinks. I think there's too much thinking going on among this group. Self-analysis is well and good, until it becomes "what does my spouse/friend/therapist think? Maybe I should change my mind?"
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Review: Then She Was Gone
Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Up to about page 140, this novel seemed to be in the usual vein of North London psychological thriller (which I equate as captained by THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN). Interspersed were a few champion "Oh no!" moments (such as when we discover who unexpectedly may have been the last person to see Ellie), and many truly enterprising instances of substantial character delineation. But it wasn't until about page 140'-about 37% in--that a certain conversational intent had me chortling, "Oh ho! So that's going to be the way it is, is it?" and shouting at Laurell, the protagonist, "Listen up! Don't disregard this. You're being taken for a ride." Noting that this was almost 40% into the story before I grasped for the brass ring reinforces my point that the novel could have/should have been trimmed. I had the same complaint (more strongly) about the author's THE GIRLS IN THE GARDEN. I noticed this again with the lengthy section concerning Ellie and Noelle, feeling this could have benefited from a good trimming. In general I found the story too long drawn out, interspersed with shock points.
View all my reviews
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Up to about page 140, this novel seemed to be in the usual vein of North London psychological thriller (which I equate as captained by THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN). Interspersed were a few champion "Oh no!" moments (such as when we discover who unexpectedly may have been the last person to see Ellie), and many truly enterprising instances of substantial character delineation. But it wasn't until about page 140'-about 37% in--that a certain conversational intent had me chortling, "Oh ho! So that's going to be the way it is, is it?" and shouting at Laurell, the protagonist, "Listen up! Don't disregard this. You're being taken for a ride." Noting that this was almost 40% into the story before I grasped for the brass ring reinforces my point that the novel could have/should have been trimmed. I had the same complaint (more strongly) about the author's THE GIRLS IN THE GARDEN. I noticed this again with the lengthy section concerning Ellie and Noelle, feeling this could have benefited from a good trimming. In general I found the story too long drawn out, interspersed with shock points.
View all my reviews
Review: The Ring's List
The Ring's List by Jade Nicole-Bracken
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Sometimes even a good guy suffers... Driving to work, Steve comes upon what he thinks is a car accident and stops to play Good Samaritan. The consequence is arrest, trial, and conviction for murder [admittedly, I found this far-fetched]. Eventually released, Steve changes his name and moves from England to Scotland, employed in a prisoner release program. His sole goal, unstated, is to uncover the facts. Who killed the bank manager, and why was Steve railroaded? Why are those with inside information disappearing? How extensive is the mortgage fraud conspiracy? If Steve perseveres in investigating, will he even survive?
View all my reviews
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Sometimes even a good guy suffers... Driving to work, Steve comes upon what he thinks is a car accident and stops to play Good Samaritan. The consequence is arrest, trial, and conviction for murder [admittedly, I found this far-fetched]. Eventually released, Steve changes his name and moves from England to Scotland, employed in a prisoner release program. His sole goal, unstated, is to uncover the facts. Who killed the bank manager, and why was Steve railroaded? Why are those with inside information disappearing? How extensive is the mortgage fraud conspiracy? If Steve perseveres in investigating, will he even survive?
View all my reviews
Review: The Ring's List
The Ring's List by Jade Nicole-Bracken
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Sometimes even a good guy suffers... Driving to work, Steve comes upon what he thinks is a car accident and stops to play Good Samaritan. The consequence is arrest, trial, and conviction for murder [admittedly, I found this far-fetched]. Eventually released, Steve changes his name and moves from England to Scotland, employed in a prisoner release program. His sole goal, unstated, is to uncover the facts. Who killed the bank manager, and why was Steve railroaded? Why are those with inside information disappearing? How extensive is the mortgage fraud conspiracy? If Steve perseveres in investigating, will he even survive?
View all my reviews
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Sometimes even a good guy suffers... Driving to work, Steve comes upon what he thinks is a car accident and stops to play Good Samaritan. The consequence is arrest, trial, and conviction for murder [admittedly, I found this far-fetched]. Eventually released, Steve changes his name and moves from England to Scotland, employed in a prisoner release program. His sole goal, unstated, is to uncover the facts. Who killed the bank manager, and why was Steve railroaded? Why are those with inside information disappearing? How extensive is the mortgage fraud conspiracy? If Steve perseveres in investigating, will he even survive?
View all my reviews
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
Review: Nobody Move
Nobody Move by Philip Elliott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This "L.A. Crime" novel sort of turns the expectations of Los Angeles Noir on their heads, with a Feckless Hero who is actually too good at heart to save himself from a misguided life. Eddie Vegas reminds me of Hollywood's "heart of gold" "ladies of the night" of 1930's and 1940's films. So too does his "love interest," Dakota, a Native American searching for her long-lost sibling. A different Eddie would be more cunning, more fortunate, or a better decision maker; but he wouldn't be Eddie.
Prepare for harsh language, gratuitous violence, some nasty villains, some skewed but hilarious "bad guys," and one very determined and very clever female police detective.
NOBODY MOVE is a debut novel and a promising takeoff.
View all my reviews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This "L.A. Crime" novel sort of turns the expectations of Los Angeles Noir on their heads, with a Feckless Hero who is actually too good at heart to save himself from a misguided life. Eddie Vegas reminds me of Hollywood's "heart of gold" "ladies of the night" of 1930's and 1940's films. So too does his "love interest," Dakota, a Native American searching for her long-lost sibling. A different Eddie would be more cunning, more fortunate, or a better decision maker; but he wouldn't be Eddie.
Prepare for harsh language, gratuitous violence, some nasty villains, some skewed but hilarious "bad guys," and one very determined and very clever female police detective.
NOBODY MOVE is a debut novel and a promising takeoff.
View all my reviews
Review: 29 Seconds
29 Seconds by T.M. Logan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
29 SECONDS is the stunning new thriller (Release date Sept. 10) by TM Logan, author of the superb 2017 thriller LIES. The very timely subject matter reflects the #MeToo Movement, and recent disclosures of workplace harassment in network media, films, and high-society philanthropy. Sarah is a gifted scholar specializing in sixteenth-century playwright Christopher Marlowe, author of Doctor Faustus, a play which comes to symbolize her life.
29 SECONDS demonstrates a victimized academic in a situation both Orwellian and Machiavellian, as she determines to make a stand. Must she deal with the devil, as playwright Marlowe's Doctor Faustus did, in order to free herself from another devil?
View all my reviews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
29 SECONDS is the stunning new thriller (Release date Sept. 10) by TM Logan, author of the superb 2017 thriller LIES. The very timely subject matter reflects the #MeToo Movement, and recent disclosures of workplace harassment in network media, films, and high-society philanthropy. Sarah is a gifted scholar specializing in sixteenth-century playwright Christopher Marlowe, author of Doctor Faustus, a play which comes to symbolize her life.
29 SECONDS demonstrates a victimized academic in a situation both Orwellian and Machiavellian, as she determines to make a stand. Must she deal with the devil, as playwright Marlowe's Doctor Faustus did, in order to free herself from another devil?
View all my reviews
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
FRIGHTFALL!!! 2019
At: sign-up
And Kingtober!
And Month 2 of R. I. P. (Readers In Peril)
And Kingtober!
(Also.Month 2 of R.I.P.)
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/20350596-3rd-annual-kingtober
Books Read:
1. DOVES & CROWS. Paranormal, psychological, horror/thriller.
2. THE SECRET OF COLD HILL (COLD HILL BOOK 2) by Peter James. Supernatural Horror.
3. THE DEVIL'S END by D. A. Fowler. Horror, Supernatural.
4. THE DEVIL'S DUE by Bonnie MacBird. Sherlock Holmes.
5. ONE NIGHT IN THE DRAKE MANSION by Channing Whitaker. Horror/paranormal/psychological. Contemporary and Historical. Skeptic vs. Paranormal believers.
7. THE SOUND OF SNOW FALLING
Werewolf. Literary.
8. TRAIL OF HANA K'ILO by Channing Whitaker. Alaska. Cryptozoology. Skeptic vs. True Believers.
Werewolf. Literary.
8. TRAIL OF HANA K'ILO by Channing Whitaker. Alaska. Cryptozoology. Skeptic vs. True Believers.
9. THE DARK STUFF by Paul Seiple. Supernatural horror. Demonic. Spirit Board.
10. KEEP THE FAITH (ECHOES OF WAR BOOK 5) by Daniel Gibbs. Military SF. Faith foundational.
11. THE FURIES by Katie Lowe. Seaside England. Private school. Sisterhood and female rage.
11. THE FURIES by Katie Lowe. Seaside England. Private school. Sisterhood and female rage.
12. FINDING MIRANDA by Iris Chacon. North Florida cozy mystery. Humorous.
13. NINTH HOUSE by Leigh Bardugo. Yale. Secret Societies. Magic Is Real.
14. . BEFORE THE DEVIL FELL by Neil Olsen. New England Legacy Witchcraft.
15. WITCH BOX by Laura A. Ellison. Small town folk witchcraft. Michigan.
16. BULWARK by Brit Lunden. Small town evil. Witches, werewolves, vampires. Cyclical. Georgia.
17. EVIL SUSHI. Fishing village. Near future SF. Canadian Challenge.
17. EVIL SUSHI. Fishing village. Near future SF. Canadian Challenge.
18. IF ONLY I COULD TELL YOU. London. Family secrets/Dysfunction. Psychological.
19. DARK ANGELS PREY. Florida/Massachusetts/Quebec. Metaphysical/Mystical/Multicultural (inc. Mexico).
Canadian Challenge.
20. PROCYON SHATTERED. French SF. Strong heroine.
21. THREE HORROR SHORT STORIES (SCARE STREET). Horror, implacability, poetic justice (2 of 3).
22. KITTY CONFIDENTIAL by Molly Fitz. Cozy Mystery, Cat. Snarky self-aware heroine.
23. THE BATTLE FOR ROCKHOLD by Ike Hamill. Maine. Near-future SF. Social Commentary.
24. HAVENFALL Excerpt by Sara Holland. Reviewed at NetGalley.
25. GHOSTERS 3: SECRETS OF THE BLOODY CTOWER by Diana Corbitt. YA/MG "ghost detectives." London. Contemporary + Medieval history.
26. MOLLY: THE TRUE STORY OF THE DOG WHO RESCUES CATS by Colin Butcher. UK. Nonfiction.
27. COFFIN CEMETERY by Ron Ripley. New England Supernatural. Ghosts!
28. MOLTEN MUD MURDER by Sara Jackson. NZ, Maori, Mystery.
29. THE SUNKEN TOWER by Tait Howard. Fantasy (Medieval). Graphic novel.
30. ARTICLE 15 by M. T. Bass. Financial Thriller.
31. MIDNIGHT IN THE GRAVEYARD Anthology. Horror.
32. AMBER HOLLOW by Edgar Swamp. Small town, cursed. Supernatural. Horror.
33. EVERY FOUL SPIRIT by William Gorman. Small town, cursed. Supernatural. Horror. Sequel to BLACKWATER VAL (2016).
34. STRANGERS AT THE GATES by Catriona McPherson. Scotland. Psychological thriller.
35. SHORT HORROR STORIES by Team Scare Street Vol. 2. Horror.
36. THE PROTO PROJECT by Bryan Anderson. MG SF. AI.
37. BOUND BY FLAME by Katherine Kayne. Hawai'i. Alternate History. History. Strong Female Characters. Suffrage.
38. APARTMENT 412 by Pamela McCoy. Horror. Southern California. Seniors.
39. LADDERMAN by Angela Archer. England. Folk Horror.
40. CLOWNS VS. SPIDERS by Jeff Strand. Virginia. Humor. Horror.
41. THE CHILL by Scott Carson. Supernatural Horror. Dam. Upstate NY.
42. KAZOKU by Tara A. Devlin. Japanese Horror.
43. THE HAUNTING AT ST. LUCIAN PEAK by Cat Knight. England. Horror.
44. MONKSPIKE by Sarah England. Occult rural England Horror.
45. BEYOND KIDDING by Lynda Clarke. Contemporary psychological thriller.
46. THE POOR AND THE HAUNTED by Dwight McKissen. Oklahoma/Arizona. Family Horror.
47. SCREAM AND SCREAM AGAIN! Anthology by Mystery Writers of America. Intro by R. L. Stine. Horror.
48. OVERCOMING YOUR FEAR OF FLYING by Donelle Hargrave. Nonfiction. Canadian Challenge.
49. DARK DEITY by David Longhorn. Horror. The Asylum Book 3. England.
50. SHORT HORROR STORIES VOLUME 3 by Team Scare Street.
51. WRITE LIKE HELL ezine by Sentinel Collective. Horror. South African.
52. HAUNTED! Sparkly Badgers Anthology #2.
53. THE GHOST-SENSITIVE. Pacific NW and Savannah. Ghosts.
54. WHEN THE CLOCK STRIKES ON HALLOWEEN. Children's. Gently spooky.
55. THE WENDIGO by M.G.Herron. Native American Horror. American Southwest.
56. THE OWLMEN by Sarah England. Occult rural English folk horror.
57. ANGER AND DEATH by Ron Ripley (TORMENTED SOULS BOOK 2) New England. Ghosts. Horror.
48. OVERCOMING YOUR FEAR OF FLYING by Donelle Hargrave. Nonfiction. Canadian Challenge.
49. DARK DEITY by David Longhorn. Horror. The Asylum Book 3. England.
50. SHORT HORROR STORIES VOLUME 3 by Team Scare Street.
51. WRITE LIKE HELL ezine by Sentinel Collective. Horror. South African.
52. HAUNTED! Sparkly Badgers Anthology #2.
53. THE GHOST-SENSITIVE. Pacific NW and Savannah. Ghosts.
54. WHEN THE CLOCK STRIKES ON HALLOWEEN. Children's. Gently spooky.
55. THE WENDIGO by M.G.Herron. Native American Horror. American Southwest.
56. THE OWLMEN by Sarah England. Occult rural English folk horror.
57. ANGER AND DEATH by Ron Ripley (TORMENTED SOULS BOOK 2) New England. Ghosts. Horror.
October Frightfall Reviews:
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-doves-crows.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-secret-of-cold-hill.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-devils-end.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-devils-due_82.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-one-night-in-drake-mansion_91.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-dark-stuff.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-trail-of-hana-kilo.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-trail-of-hana-kilo.html?m=1
https://intotheabyssreviews.blogspot.com/2019/10/reviewkeep-faith-echoes-of-war-book-5.html
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-furies.html?m=1
https://malloryheartscozies.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-finding-miranda-by-iris-chacon.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-if-only-i-could-tell-you.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-furies.html?m=1
https://malloryheartscozies.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-finding-miranda-by-iris-chacon.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-if-only-i-could-tell-you.html?m=1
https://intotheabyssreviews.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-procyon-shattered.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-short-horror-stories-vol-1-scare.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-short-horror-stories-vol-1-scare.html?m=1
https://intotheabyssreviews.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-battle-for-rockhold-by-ike-hamill.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-evil-sushi_55.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-evil-sushi_55.html?m=1
https://intotheabyssreviews.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-sunken-tower-by-tait-howard.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-article-15-griffith-crowe.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-midnight-in-graveyard.html
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-article-15-griffith-crowe.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-midnight-in-graveyard.html
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/reviewevery-foul-spirit-by-william.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-strangers-at-gate-by-catriona.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-strangers-at-gate-by-catriona.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-proto-project-by-bryan-r-johnson.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-ladderman.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/reviewclowns-vs-spiders-by-jeff-strand.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-chill-by-scott-carson.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-coffin-cemetery-by-ron-ripley.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-haunting-of-st-lucian-peak-by.html?
m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-monkspike-by-sarah-england.html?
m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-beyond-kidding.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-poor-and-haunted-by-dwight.html
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-haunting-of-st-lucian-peak-by.html?
m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-monkspike-by-sarah-england.html?
m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-beyond-kidding.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-poor-and-haunted-by-dwight.html
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3030495485. Canadian Challenge
Due to recent synchronous acquisitions, my King stack (which now includes the King/King collaboration Sleeping Beauties) is, literally, chest high.
I plan to read:
(All Kindle reads)
Rereads:
Some of the short story collections.
Possible first-time reads:
And Month 2 of R. I. P. (Readers In Peril)
Review: Down a Dark Hall
Down a Dark Hall by Lois Duncan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My third consecutive YA Paranormal thriller read by Lois Duncan thankfully left my "spooky sense" engaged but without the psychological turmoil I experienced while reading both DAUGHTERS OF EVE and GALLOWS HILL. DOWN A DARK HALL was far more relaxing, despite the clear presence of spectral entities. Psychological horror exists here too as the author examines the lengths to which some individuals will go when the results are considered to justify the mode. Protagonist Kit and her three fellow students are well-drawn exemplars who readily elicit our attention and empathy to cheer them on through this inexplicable nightmare.
View all my reviews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My third consecutive YA Paranormal thriller read by Lois Duncan thankfully left my "spooky sense" engaged but without the psychological turmoil I experienced while reading both DAUGHTERS OF EVE and GALLOWS HILL. DOWN A DARK HALL was far more relaxing, despite the clear presence of spectral entities. Psychological horror exists here too as the author examines the lengths to which some individuals will go when the results are considered to justify the mode. Protagonist Kit and her three fellow students are well-drawn exemplars who readily elicit our attention and empathy to cheer them on through this inexplicable nightmare.
View all my reviews
Monday, September 9, 2019
Review: Gallows Hill
Gallows Hill by Lois Duncan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The amount of foreshadowing in this YA novel, both direct and psychic (nightmares, history, potential past lives, verbal warnings) is really weighty. I read with dread. Just as Ms. Duncan's YA novel DAUGHTERS OF EVE examines the psychological and practical fallout of one charismatic fanatic's psychosis (which reminded me of how demagogues Hitler and Jim Jones manipulated populaces), GALLOWS HILL examines paranoia, mass hysteria, and word of mouth propaganda, and how mob hysteria can immediately ignite into a lynch mob mentality and full-blown witch hunt. As a lifetime history and psychology aficionado, I remember all too well what such incidents lead up to. I read GALLOWS HILL in behalf of my September Banned and Challenged Books Challenge, and found this a terribly unsettling novel.
View all my reviews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The amount of foreshadowing in this YA novel, both direct and psychic (nightmares, history, potential past lives, verbal warnings) is really weighty. I read with dread. Just as Ms. Duncan's YA novel DAUGHTERS OF EVE examines the psychological and practical fallout of one charismatic fanatic's psychosis (which reminded me of how demagogues Hitler and Jim Jones manipulated populaces), GALLOWS HILL examines paranoia, mass hysteria, and word of mouth propaganda, and how mob hysteria can immediately ignite into a lynch mob mentality and full-blown witch hunt. As a lifetime history and psychology aficionado, I remember all too well what such incidents lead up to. I read GALLOWS HILL in behalf of my September Banned and Challenged Books Challenge, and found this a terribly unsettling novel.
View all my reviews
Review: Daughters of Eve
Daughters of Eve by Lois Duncan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Originally published in 1979, this is a revised (culturally updated) edition released in 2011 [the characters have cell phones, for example; many of the high school students drive their own cars). Lois Duncan was noted for her prolific publication in the YA Genre; in an interview appended to this edition, she stated that because her first published novel was YA, the publisher then contracted for further YA, and then on.
I found DAUGHTERS OF EVE immensely engrossing, yet ultimately unsettling [to the point of sleeplessness]. The tiny community of Modesta, Michigan is such a 1950's-era anomaly: to the point that the chauvinism is not only stifling, but revolting. It also proves to be dangerous, for the town's female population and for the abusers.
The novel is also a microcosm of an ideologue's descent into psychosis, and a charismatic individual's talent to warp minds and psyches. I'm not at all surprised that this novel has been a Challenged book, as its plot threatens the patriarchal status quo and the "powers that be." It's also psychologically disturbing. I read DAUGHTERS OF EVE pursuant to my September Banned and Challenged Books Challenge.
View all my reviews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Originally published in 1979, this is a revised (culturally updated) edition released in 2011 [the characters have cell phones, for example; many of the high school students drive their own cars). Lois Duncan was noted for her prolific publication in the YA Genre; in an interview appended to this edition, she stated that because her first published novel was YA, the publisher then contracted for further YA, and then on.
I found DAUGHTERS OF EVE immensely engrossing, yet ultimately unsettling [to the point of sleeplessness]. The tiny community of Modesta, Michigan is such a 1950's-era anomaly: to the point that the chauvinism is not only stifling, but revolting. It also proves to be dangerous, for the town's female population and for the abusers.
The novel is also a microcosm of an ideologue's descent into psychosis, and a charismatic individual's talent to warp minds and psyches. I'm not at all surprised that this novel has been a Challenged book, as its plot threatens the patriarchal status quo and the "powers that be." It's also psychologically disturbing. I read DAUGHTERS OF EVE pursuant to my September Banned and Challenged Books Challenge.
View all my reviews
Sunday, September 8, 2019
Review: Missing Person
Missing Person by Sarah Lotz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
MISSING PERSON is a remarkable novel, rich in emotion and suspense and deeply-layered. The author has a keen appraisal of both human emotions, and contemporary Internet-fed and celebrity-driven "culture." Weaving contemporary events and investigations with those of the mid-1990's, she delves deeply into quite a cast of characters as we watch the consequences of their choices and their struggle against prevailing societal mores.
View all my reviews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
MISSING PERSON is a remarkable novel, rich in emotion and suspense and deeply-layered. The author has a keen appraisal of both human emotions, and contemporary Internet-fed and celebrity-driven "culture." Weaving contemporary events and investigations with those of the mid-1990's, she delves deeply into quite a cast of characters as we watch the consequences of their choices and their struggle against prevailing societal mores.
View all my reviews
Saturday, September 7, 2019
Review: The Extinction Agenda
The Extinction Agenda by Michael Laurence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
THE EXTINCTION AGENDA is a remarkably engrossing thriller which hooked me and held me from the very start. I was at once agreeably surprised, since the story stars certain of those Federal agencies I prefer not to consider and also, let's face it, Gentle Reader: hasn't in the past the Pandemic trope been "done to death"? (Forgive the pun.) But this author delivers it in a realistic, vivid, "in your face" way that inspires the reader to realize, "Hey, this could happen," then pray it doesn't. Definitely a page-turner I could not walk away from. In fact, I remained breathless throughout: a high-quality thriller indeed.
View all my reviews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
THE EXTINCTION AGENDA is a remarkably engrossing thriller which hooked me and held me from the very start. I was at once agreeably surprised, since the story stars certain of those Federal agencies I prefer not to consider and also, let's face it, Gentle Reader: hasn't in the past the Pandemic trope been "done to death"? (Forgive the pun.) But this author delivers it in a realistic, vivid, "in your face" way that inspires the reader to realize, "Hey, this could happen," then pray it doesn't. Definitely a page-turner I could not walk away from. In fact, I remained breathless throughout: a high-quality thriller indeed.
View all my reviews
Thursday, September 5, 2019
Review: The Sixth Wicked Child
The Sixth Wicked Child by J.D. Barker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I'm relieved and gratified that after the intrigue of THE FOURTH MONKEY followed by the slow pace Noir of THE FIFTH TO DIE, I discovered THE SIXTH WILD CHILD to be thrilling and riveting.
This stunning, suspenseful, and incredibly convoluted conclusion to the FOURTH MONKEY TRILOGY gloriously fulfills the promise and potential of the introductory THE FOURTH MONKEY. I was engrossed, couldn't sleep till I finished it, and even then spent a night pondering "But what then? And what happened to---?" And "Did the End mean this? Or did it mean something else entirely? Or what really happened?" So I can't say I'm quite satisfied with the ending; but I certainly became immensely involved throughout. Kind of sorry to see it end.
View all my reviews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I'm relieved and gratified that after the intrigue of THE FOURTH MONKEY followed by the slow pace Noir of THE FIFTH TO DIE, I discovered THE SIXTH WILD CHILD to be thrilling and riveting.
This stunning, suspenseful, and incredibly convoluted conclusion to the FOURTH MONKEY TRILOGY gloriously fulfills the promise and potential of the introductory THE FOURTH MONKEY. I was engrossed, couldn't sleep till I finished it, and even then spent a night pondering "But what then? And what happened to---?" And "Did the End mean this? Or did it mean something else entirely? Or what really happened?" So I can't say I'm quite satisfied with the ending; but I certainly became immensely involved throughout. Kind of sorry to see it end.
View all my reviews
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
Review: Ban This Book
Ban This Book by Alan Gratz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I can't praise this children's chapter book highly enough! Although the characters are (primarily) fourth graders, the content abd philosophy can appeal to middle school, YA, and adults. Whose flame doesn't ignite to combat Banned Books? Certainly mine does.
This novel is a multicultural, divergent, subtly philosophical treatise in stimulating fictional style of the importance of celebrating Reading Divergence and the freedom to read. When a classmate's mother decides to remove certain books from the elementary school's well-stocked library, fourth-grader Amy Anne starts a crusade which soon blossoms into a campaign to free the books. It's a glorious event to witness.
I chose this title in celebration of Banned Books Week 2019.
View all my reviews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I can't praise this children's chapter book highly enough! Although the characters are (primarily) fourth graders, the content abd philosophy can appeal to middle school, YA, and adults. Whose flame doesn't ignite to combat Banned Books? Certainly mine does.
This novel is a multicultural, divergent, subtly philosophical treatise in stimulating fictional style of the importance of celebrating Reading Divergence and the freedom to read. When a classmate's mother decides to remove certain books from the elementary school's well-stocked library, fourth-grader Amy Anne starts a crusade which soon blossoms into a campaign to free the books. It's a glorious event to witness.
I chose this title in celebration of Banned Books Week 2019.
View all my reviews
Review: Ban This Book
Ban This Book by Alan Gratz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I can't praise this children's chapter book highly enough! Although the characters are (primarily) fourth graders, the content abd philosophy can appeal to middle school, YA, and adults. Whose flame doesn't ignite to combat Banned Books? Certainly mine does.
This novel is a multicultural, divergent, subtly philosophical treatise in stimulating fictional style of the importance of celebrating Reading Divergence and the freedom to read. When a classmate's mother decides to remove certain books from the elementary school's well-stocked library, fourth-grader Amy Anne starts a crusade which soon blossoms into a campaign to free the books. It's a glorious event to witness.
View all my reviews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I can't praise this children's chapter book highly enough! Although the characters are (primarily) fourth graders, the content abd philosophy can appeal to middle school, YA, and adults. Whose flame doesn't ignite to combat Banned Books? Certainly mine does.
This novel is a multicultural, divergent, subtly philosophical treatise in stimulating fictional style of the importance of celebrating Reading Divergence and the freedom to read. When a classmate's mother decides to remove certain books from the elementary school's well-stocked library, fourth-grader Amy Anne starts a crusade which soon blossoms into a campaign to free the books. It's a glorious event to witness.
View all my reviews
Monday, September 2, 2019
Review: The Fifth To Die
The Fifth To Die by J.D. Barker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I read the initial mystery in this series, THE FOURTH MONKEY, in one day. THE FIFTH TO required two days, seemed much slower-, and really, I didn't like it much at all. Much more Noir than police procedural, and with Detective Sam Porter, star of THE FOURTH MONKEY, now "out in the cold" and acting on his own recognizance, I just could not develop the interest as I had with THE FOURTH MONKEY.
View all my reviews
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I read the initial mystery in this series, THE FOURTH MONKEY, in one day. THE FIFTH TO required two days, seemed much slower-, and really, I didn't like it much at all. Much more Noir than police procedural, and with Detective Sam Porter, star of THE FOURTH MONKEY, now "out in the cold" and acting on his own recognizance, I just could not develop the interest as I had with THE FOURTH MONKEY.
View all my reviews
BANNED BOOKS SEPTEMBER 2019
September 22-28 is Banned Books Week.
Banned Books Week
I'm commemmorating Banned and Challenged Books throughout the Month of September,
by Reading Contemporary and Classics either Banned or Challenged and reviewing each.
BOOKS READ:
BAN THIS BOOK! by Alan Gratz
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-ban-this-book.html?m=1
DAUGHTERS OF EVE by Lois Duncan
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-daughters-of-eve.html?m=1
GALLOWS HALL by Lois Duncan
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-gallows-hill.html?m=1
DOWN A DARK HALL by Lois Duncan
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-down-dark-hall.html?m=1
- CORALINE by Neil Gaiman. Reread.
LEGION by William Peter Blatty
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-legion.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-legion.html?m=1
R. I. P. 2019
Peril One: 4 Books (more like 40-60, for me, since I live for Horror, Paranormal, Mystery, Suspense, Speculative) COMPLETED
Peril of Short Story (I have a plethora of Anthologies to read, hence, Short Stories)
COMPLETED
1. MIDNIGHT IN THE GRAVEYARD, Various Authors. Edited by Kenneth W. McCain. Horror!
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-midnight-in-graveyard.html
2. SCREAM AND SCREAM AGAIN! Anthology by Mystery Writers of America.
Peril of the Review: I review every title I read. So, there's that. COMPLETED
This is also fits well with September Banned Books, as I'll be reading Horror Banned Books such as the Goosebumps Series, along with others.
Books Completed:
SEPTEMBER:
1. THE FIFTH TO DIE by J. D. Barker (THE FOURTH MONKEY #2). Mystery, thriller, suspense, horror
2. THE SIXTH WICKED CHILD by J. D. Barker (THE FOURTH MONKEY #3). Mystery, thriller, suspense, horror
3. BAN THIS BOOK! by Alan Gratz. Elementary grades, freedom of reading. Read for Banned Books Werk/month
4. THE EXTINCTION AGENDA by Michael Laurence. Technothriller, pandemic, human evil, New World Order, Nazis.
5. MISSING PERSON by Sarah Lotz. Horror/thriller/mystery/killers/internet/family dysfunction
6. DAUGHTERS OF EVE by Lois Dumcan.
YA: Psychological Horror/Psychosis/Charisma/Fanaticism/Family Dysfunction
7. GALLOWS HALL by Lois Duncan. YA: paranormal and psychological horror. Historical background (contemporary setting). Charismatic manipulation. Mob hysteria.
8. DOWN A DARK HALL by Lois Suncan. YA:
Contemporary paranormal. Mediumship.
9. 29 SECONDS by TM Logan. Workplace harassment. Academia. British. Thriller.
10. NOBODY MOVE by Phillip Elliott. LA Noir with a Difference. Feckless "Hero." Strong Female Characters.
11. CORALINE by Neil Gaiman. Reread from October 2014 for Banned and Challenged Books September. YA urban fantasy/horror. Black-eyed.
12. THE RING'S LIST by Jade Nicole-Bracken. UK Conspiracy thriller. Debut.
13. THEN SHE WAS GONE by Lisa Jewel. Psychological horror. Family dysfunctions.
14. BEYOND THE GATE by Mary Sangiovanni. Cosmic Horror. Lovecraftian.
15. LEGION by William Peter Blatty. Catholicism. Judaism. Psychiatric. Police Procedural. Philosophy, Metaphysics, Theology. Sequel to THE EXORCIST.
16. NO ONE'S HOME by D. M. Pulley. Contemporary/historical weave. House focus. Haunting. Family Dysfunctions.
17. SHIFT by Chris Dolley. Near-futuristic. Science Fiction. Higher Dimensions. Psychiatry.
18. AN EYE FOR AN EYE: THE DOLL by John Daul (The Blackstone Chronicles Book 1). Horror.
19. TWIST OF FATE: THE LOCKET by John Saul (The Blackstone Chronicles Book 2). Horror.
20. ASHES TO ASHES: THE DRAGON'S FLAME by John Saul. Horror. (The Blackstone Chronicles Book 3)
21. THE SECRET SANTA by Traci Harmetiaux. Horror.
22. IN THE SHADOW OF EVIL: THE HANDKERCHIEF by John Saul. )Thr Blackstone Chronicles Book 4). Horror.
23. DAY OF RECKONING: THE STETHOSCOPE by John Saul. (The Blackstone Chronicles Book 5). Horror.
24. ASYLUM by John Saul. (The Blackstone Chronicles Book 6). Horror.
25. THE BLACKSTONE CHRONICLES COMPLETE SET.
26. LOVE, PRIDE, VIRTUE, AND FAITH by Bharat Krishnan. Stories retold of Hindu Mythology.
27. SAVING BUDDY by Nicola Owt. Animal Rescue!
28. THE STRANGER INSIDE by Lisa Unger. Psychological Suspense. Horror. Vigilantism. Thought-provoking.
29. A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE by George Zelt Ph.D. Adventures in Geology in Africa.
30. LAST PEN STANDING by Vivian Conroy. Cozy Mystery. Montana.
31. TIDE AND PUNISHMENT. Cozy Mystery. Outer Banks NC.
32. THE WATER-DANCER by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Magical Realism. Historical fiction. (Pre-Civil War Virginia). Race conflict/relations. Slavery/plantation culture.
33. TO SUMMON A HELLCAT by R. P. Wood. West Virginia. Occult. Demon.
34. THE BIGFOOT MURDERS by Megan Gaudino. YA Mystery.
35. ALEX MCKENNA AND THE GERANIUM DEATHS. YA Paranormal Mystery.
36. THE MIRACLES OF THE NAMIYA GENERAL STORE. Japan. #YARC. Inspirational. SciFi.
37. THE BIGFOOT SINGULARITY. Near future SciFi. Alien Technology. Bigfoot.
38. INNOCENCE LOST by Sherilyn Decter. Prohibition Era Philadelphia.
39. THE FAMILY MAN by Lisa Jewell. Mystery. Theology. Indianapolis.
40. PREACHER SAM by Cassondra Windwalker. Mystery. Theology. Character Evolution. Indianapolis.
41. ONE BY ONE by D.W. Gillespie. Paranormal psychological thriller. Haunting. Insanity. Tennessee.
42. MONSTER ON THE MOORS by J. M. Kelly. YA Supernatural. England.
43. THE HAUNTING OF CROW HOUSE by A. W. James. Supernatural. Contemporary with Historical Roots. Rural England.
44. UNFOLLOW ME by Charlotte Duckworth. London. Psychological thriller. Convoluted Mystery.
45. THE RIDGE by John Rector. Suburbia SF. Conspiracy. Suspense Thriller. Psychological Horror.
46. DARK LORD CLEMENTINE by Sarah Horwitz. MG Epic Fantasy. Humor. Coming of Age.
47. ALONE by Scott Stuart. Children's picture book. Science Fiction. Friendship.
48. TAYLOR'S END by NH Brown.
49. NETTED by S. J. Higbee. SF. Futuristic.
50. THE EXTERMINATOR by David Callinan.
September 2019 Total Read = 50
OCTOBER:
1. DOVES & CROWS. Paranormal, psychological, horror/thriller.
2. THE SECRET OF COLD HILL by Peter James (COLD HILL BOOK 2). Supernatural Horror, British.
3. THE DEVIL'S END by D. A. Fowler. Horror, Supernatural.
4. THE DEVIL'S DUE by Bonnie Macbird. Sherlock Holmes.
5. ONE NIGHT IN THE DRAKE MANSION by Channing Whitaker. Horror/paranormal/psychological. Contemporary and Historical. Skeptic vs. Paranormal believers.
6. TRAIL OF THE HANA K'ILO by Channing Whitaker. Alaska, cryptozoology, Skeptic vs. Cryptid believers, horror.
7. THE SOUND OF SNOW FALLING
8. THE DARK STUFF by Paul Seiple. Supernatural horror. Demonic. Spirit Board.
9. KEEP THE FAITH (ECHOES OF WAR BOOK 5) by Daniel Gibbs. Military SF. Faith foundational.
10. THE FURIES by Katie Lowe. Seaside England. Private school. Sisterhood and female rage.
11. FINDING MIRANDA by Iris Chacon. North Florida cozy mystery, humorous.
12. NINTH HOUSE by Leigh Bardugo. Yale. Secret Societies. Magic is Real.
13. BEFORE THE DEVIL FELL by Neil Olsen. New England Legacy Witchcraft.
14. WITCH BOX by Laura A. Ellison. Small town folk witchcraft. Michigan.
15. BULWARK by Brit Lunden. Small town evil. Witches, werewolves, vampires. Cyclical. Georgia.
16. EVIL SUSHI. Fishing village. Near future SF. Canadian Challenge.
17. IF ONLY I COULD TELL YOU. London. Family secrets/Dysfunction. Psychological.
18. DARK ANGELS PREY. Florida/Massachusetts/Quebec. Metaphysical/Mystical/Multicultural (inc. Mexico).
Canadian Challenge.
19. PROCYON SHATTERED. French SF. Strong heroine.
20. THREE SHORT HORROR STORIES VOL. 1 (SCARE STREET). Horror, implacability, poetic justice (2 of 3).
21. KITTY CONFIDENTIAL by Molly Fitz. Cozy Mystery, Cat. Snarky self-aware heroine.
22. THE BATTLE FOR ROCKHOLD by Ike Hamill. Near-future SF. Maine. Social Commentary.
23. HAVENFALL Excerpt by Sara Holland. Reviewed at NetGalley.
24. GHOSTERS 3: SECRETS OF THE BLOODY TOWER by Diana Corbitt. YA/MG "ghost detectives." London. Contemporary + Medieval history.
25. MOLLY: THE TRUE STORY OF THE DOG WHO RESCUES CATS by Colin Butcher. UK. Nonfiction.
26. COFFIN CEMETERY. New England Supernatural. Ghosts!
27. MOLTEN MUD MURDER by Sara Jackson. NZ, Maori, Mystery, Romantic Suspense.
28. THE SUNKEN TOWER by Tait Howard. Fantasy (Medieval). Graphic novel.
29. ARTICLE 15 by M. T. Bass. Financial Thriller.
30. MIDNIGHT IN THE GRAVEYARD. Anthology. Horror.
31. AMBER HOLLOW by Edgar Swamp. Small town, cursed. Supernatural. Horror.
32. EVERY FOUL SPIRIT by William Gorman. Small town, cursed. Supernatural. Horror. Sequel to BLACKWATER VAL (2016).
33. STRANGERS AT THE GATE by Catriona McPherson. Scotland. Convoluted psychological thriller.
34. SHORT HORROR STORIES by Team Scare Street Vol. 2. Horror.
35. THE PROTO PROJECT by Bryan Anderson. MG SF. AI.
36. BOUND BY FLAME by Katherine Kayne. Hawai'i. Alternate History. History. Strong Female Characters. Suffrage.
37. APARTMENT 412 by Pamela McCoy. Horror. Southern California. Seniors.
38. LADDERMAN by Angela Archer. England. Folk Horror.
39. CLOWNS VS. SPIDERS by Jeff Strand. Virginia. Horror. Humor.
40. THE CHILL by Scott Carson. Supernatural Horror. Dam. Upstate NY.
41. KAZOKU by Tara A. Devlin. Japanese Horror.
42. THE HAUNTING AT ST. LUCIAN PEAK by Cat Knight. England. Rectory. Horror.
43. MONKSPIKE by Sarah England. Occult rural England Horror.
44. BEYOND KIDDING by Lynda Clarke. Contemporary psychological thriller.
45. THE POOR AND THE HAUNTED by Dwight McKissen. Oklahoma/Arizona. Family Horror.
46. SCREAM AND SCREAM AGAIN! Anthology by Mystery Writers of America. Intro by R. L. Stine. Horror.
47. OVERCOMING YOUR FEAR OF FLYING by Donelle Hargrave. Nonfiction. Canadian Challenge.
48. DARK DEITY by David Longhorn. Horror. The Asylum Book 3. England.
49. SHORT HORROR STORIES VOLUME 3 by Team Scare Street.
50. WRITE LIKE HELL ezine by Sentinel Collective. Horror. South African.
51. HAUNTED! Sparkly Badgers Anthology #2.
52. THE GHOST-SENSITIVE. Pacific NW and Savannah. Ghosts.
53. WHEN THE CLOCK STRIKES ON HALLOWEEN. Children's. Gently spooky.
54. THE WENDIGO by M.G.Herron. Native American Horror. American Southwest.
55. THE OWLMEN by Sarah England. Occult rural English folk horror.
56. ANGER AND DEATH by Ron Ripley (TORMENTED SOULS BOOK 2) New England. Ghosts. Horror.
20. THREE SHORT HORROR STORIES VOL. 1 (SCARE STREET). Horror, implacability, poetic justice (2 of 3).
21. KITTY CONFIDENTIAL by Molly Fitz. Cozy Mystery, Cat. Snarky self-aware heroine.
22. THE BATTLE FOR ROCKHOLD by Ike Hamill. Near-future SF. Maine. Social Commentary.
23. HAVENFALL Excerpt by Sara Holland. Reviewed at NetGalley.
24. GHOSTERS 3: SECRETS OF THE BLOODY TOWER by Diana Corbitt. YA/MG "ghost detectives." London. Contemporary + Medieval history.
25. MOLLY: THE TRUE STORY OF THE DOG WHO RESCUES CATS by Colin Butcher. UK. Nonfiction.
26. COFFIN CEMETERY. New England Supernatural. Ghosts!
27. MOLTEN MUD MURDER by Sara Jackson. NZ, Maori, Mystery, Romantic Suspense.
28. THE SUNKEN TOWER by Tait Howard. Fantasy (Medieval). Graphic novel.
29. ARTICLE 15 by M. T. Bass. Financial Thriller.
30. MIDNIGHT IN THE GRAVEYARD. Anthology. Horror.
31. AMBER HOLLOW by Edgar Swamp. Small town, cursed. Supernatural. Horror.
32. EVERY FOUL SPIRIT by William Gorman. Small town, cursed. Supernatural. Horror. Sequel to BLACKWATER VAL (2016).
33. STRANGERS AT THE GATE by Catriona McPherson. Scotland. Convoluted psychological thriller.
34. SHORT HORROR STORIES by Team Scare Street Vol. 2. Horror.
35. THE PROTO PROJECT by Bryan Anderson. MG SF. AI.
36. BOUND BY FLAME by Katherine Kayne. Hawai'i. Alternate History. History. Strong Female Characters. Suffrage.
37. APARTMENT 412 by Pamela McCoy. Horror. Southern California. Seniors.
38. LADDERMAN by Angela Archer. England. Folk Horror.
39. CLOWNS VS. SPIDERS by Jeff Strand. Virginia. Horror. Humor.
40. THE CHILL by Scott Carson. Supernatural Horror. Dam. Upstate NY.
41. KAZOKU by Tara A. Devlin. Japanese Horror.
42. THE HAUNTING AT ST. LUCIAN PEAK by Cat Knight. England. Rectory. Horror.
43. MONKSPIKE by Sarah England. Occult rural England Horror.
44. BEYOND KIDDING by Lynda Clarke. Contemporary psychological thriller.
45. THE POOR AND THE HAUNTED by Dwight McKissen. Oklahoma/Arizona. Family Horror.
46. SCREAM AND SCREAM AGAIN! Anthology by Mystery Writers of America. Intro by R. L. Stine. Horror.
47. OVERCOMING YOUR FEAR OF FLYING by Donelle Hargrave. Nonfiction. Canadian Challenge.
48. DARK DEITY by David Longhorn. Horror. The Asylum Book 3. England.
49. SHORT HORROR STORIES VOLUME 3 by Team Scare Street.
50. WRITE LIKE HELL ezine by Sentinel Collective. Horror. South African.
51. HAUNTED! Sparkly Badgers Anthology #2.
52. THE GHOST-SENSITIVE. Pacific NW and Savannah. Ghosts.
53. WHEN THE CLOCK STRIKES ON HALLOWEEN. Children's. Gently spooky.
54. THE WENDIGO by M.G.Herron. Native American Horror. American Southwest.
55. THE OWLMEN by Sarah England. Occult rural English folk horror.
56. ANGER AND DEATH by Ron Ripley (TORMENTED SOULS BOOK 2) New England. Ghosts. Horror.
Reviews Completed:
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-ban-this-book.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-extinction-agenda.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-extinction-agenda.html?m=1
- https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-missing-person.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-daughters-of-eve.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-gallows-hill.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-down-dark-hall.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-29-seconds.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-nobody-move.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-rings-list_12.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-then-she-was-gone.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-legion.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-no-ones-home.html?m=1
https://intotheabyssreviews.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-shift-by-chris-dolley.html?m=1
https://intotheabyssreviews.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-love-pride-virtue-and-fate-by.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-saving-buddy-heartwarming-story.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-stranger-inside.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-rock-and-hard-place-american.html?m=1
https://malloryheartscozies.blogspot.com/2019/09/reviewlast-pen-standing-by-vivian-conroy.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-to-summon-hellcat-supernatural.html?m=1
https://intotheabyssreviews.blogspot.com/2019/09/reviewthe-water-dancer-by-ta-nehisi.html?m=1
https://malloryheartscozies.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-tide-and-punishment-by-bree-baker.html?
m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-gallows-hill.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-down-dark-hall.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-29-seconds.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-nobody-move.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-rings-list_12.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-then-she-was-gone.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-beyond-gate.html
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-legion.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-no-ones-home.html?m=1
https://intotheabyssreviews.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-shift-by-chris-dolley.html?m=1
https://intotheabyssreviews.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-love-pride-virtue-and-fate-by.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-saving-buddy-heartwarming-story.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-stranger-inside.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-rock-and-hard-place-american.html?m=1
https://malloryheartscozies.blogspot.com/2019/09/reviewlast-pen-standing-by-vivian-conroy.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-to-summon-hellcat-supernatural.html?m=1
https://intotheabyssreviews.blogspot.com/2019/09/reviewthe-water-dancer-by-ta-nehisi.html?m=1
https://malloryheartscozies.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-tide-and-punishment-by-bree-baker.html?
m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-alex-mckenna-geranium-deaths.html?m=1
https://intotheabyssreviews.blogspot.com/2019/09/reviewmiracles-of-namiya-general-store.html?m=1
https://intotheabyssreviews.blogspot.com/2019/09/reviewthe-bigfoot-singularity.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-innocence-lost.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-family-upstairs.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-preacher-sam.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-one-by-one.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-monster-on-moors.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-haunting-of-crow-house.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-unfollow-me-novel.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-ridge.html?m=1
https://malloryheartscozies.blogspot.com/2019/09/reviewalone-by-scott-stuart.html?m=1
https://intotheabyssreviews.blogspot.com/2019/09/reviewmiracles-of-namiya-general-store.html?m=1
https://intotheabyssreviews.blogspot.com/2019/09/reviewthe-bigfoot-singularity.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-innocence-lost.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-family-upstairs.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-preacher-sam.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-one-by-one.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-monster-on-moors.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-haunting-of-crow-house.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-unfollow-me-novel.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-ridge.html?m=1
https://malloryheartscozies.blogspot.com/2019/09/reviewalone-by-scott-stuart.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-taylors-end.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/tourdark-lord-clementine.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/tourdark-lord-clementine.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-exterminator-mike-delaney-action.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-doves-crows.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-secret-of-cold-hill.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-devils-end.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-devils-due_82.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-one-night-in-drake-mansion_91.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-trail-of-hana-kilo.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-dark-stuff.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-haunting-of-st-lucian-peak-by.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-monkspike-by-sarah-england.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-beyond-kidding.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-poor-and-haunted-by-dwight.html
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-doves-crows.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-secret-of-cold-hill.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-devils-end.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-devils-due_82.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-one-night-in-drake-mansion_91.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-trail-of-hana-kilo.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-dark-stuff.html?m=1
https://intotheabyssreviews.blogspot.com/2019/10/reviewkeep-faith-echoes-of-war-book-5.html
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-furies.html?m=1
https://malloryheartscozies.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-finding-miranda-by-iris-chacon.html?m=1
https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-short-horror-stories-vol-1-scare.html?m=1https://thehauntedreadingroom.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-furies.html?m=1
https://malloryheartscozies.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-finding-miranda-by-iris-chacon.html?m=1
https://intotheabyssreviews.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-battle-for-rockhold-by-ike-hamill.html?m=1
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