This authoress and title were bewilderingly hard to find out anything about. “The Door To The Tower” is a great story by Sylvia G.L. Dannet in 1966! FThis authoress and title were bewilderingly hard to find out anything about. “The Door To The Tower” is a great story by Sylvia G.L. Dannet in 1966! Fellow readers: whenever you have author information, say from a hardcover dust jacket biography, please identify their countries of origin and anything about them. These are valuable records for the internet.
It has non-paranormal but gripping, gothic mystery elements: an old mansion, with weird family dynamics the heroine is thrown into. A few behavioural traits and decisions betray tropes I dislike in old eras of stories. You wonder why she would stay with her mother and new husband’s family, whom she dislikes. You roll your eyes when he asks her to keep away from neighbours. She is not ten years-old! The chilling, mysterious tone prevails, 46 years later. This is a university age protagonist suited to youths and any veteran lovers of this genre. Sinister events and unidentified hostility in the family keep your interest throughout.
Gothic mysteries predate ‘cozy mysteries’ by far. Sylvia a was unopposed to writing some violence or death. She did not follow a perplexing habit for many; forgetting the world outside a sinister house! This protagonist does consult with police and check family and property history with others. She explores beyond their grounds, goes to town, and attends university elsewhere for a while. You aren’t annoyed by the question in weak stories: “why doesn’t she ask others what’s going on”! It is unpredictable, and the twists and turns it reveals are a surprise.
If Ms. Dannet wrote more I would definitely look for those novels; even if she herself is tricky to research. I do not know how much she wrote but if there is more, you can count on me to share all the details about it....more
“Le Matou Marin” is an absolutely joyous story: exquisitely, emotionally depicting the most adorable cat you ever saw, in a captain’s hat! ‘Bébert’ is“Le Matou Marin” is an absolutely joyous story: exquisitely, emotionally depicting the most adorable cat you ever saw, in a captain’s hat! ‘Bébert’ is presumably ‘Zoom’ from the English “Zoom At Sea”, famous in Tim Wynne-Jones stories. Determining the English title was tricky. French doesn’t translate well and there is a different artist for this French version I encountered at a garage sale. Ken Nutt isn’t listed on English titles but every page is wonderfully vivid, with the effect of bringing mobility to life. Readers feel the action tangibly in black & white drawings of tremendous depth!
This polite, creative kitty fulfills his wish to go sailing for real. Bébert habitually used household items like wooden spoons, wicker baskets, and the kitchen tap to simulate rowing experiences for fun. In an attic, he discovers the portrait, telescope, captain’s hat, and diary of an ‘Oncle Roy’. He is elated that a relative loved sailing like he does and had actually pursued it. Better still, there was a business or name card with an address he could take a bus to. My favourite portrait is of ‘Maria’ answering the door to this daintily-sitting white cat on the doorstep, cute and of the utmost manners, smiling hopefully with the telescope at his feet.
There is no explanation of how she does it, or why sea birds and other marine life emerge out of jugs, pots, and pans in her home. It’s exciting that at the turn of an impressive dial, her home opens up to the sea and Bébert sails a real raft to his heart’s content. He thanks her for this marvellous day and is welcomed to return as much as he likes. This story, that I’d love to see extended more deeply, is pure bliss and joy all the way through....more
Authors tend to be long-lived and since I too aspire to long life and authoring; my career choice is encouraging indeed! I advocate that physically prAuthors tend to be long-lived and since I too aspire to long life and authoring; my career choice is encouraging indeed! I advocate that physically printed books are enormously valuable. Even those out-of-print can be discovered anew at garage sales and other unexpected places; costing almost nothing. They too live long, to garner fans each time they are passed around: such as “Spooky Tricks”. It was written in 1968 by a husband and wife team, Rose Wyler & Gerald Ames.
I like hearing about authors I enjoy and was sad to find that Rose died in 2000 at age 90. The age of this Hallowe’en-themed manual exceeds mine and my respect for older publications has me accustomed to the news of authors passing away. I read that this title is Rose & Gerald’s most popular of all and am not surprised. The cover is compelling, the illustrations inside are very bold and vibrant, and the hoary tricks taught on each page can be achieved very successfully in any home. Some of them are no-brainers that we have heard of long ago but they are explained very clearly and the new activities are worth learning. They are geared for children, each page only taking moments to absorb, so they are accessible to everyone.
Adults can roll up their sleeves. Many like creating interesting Hallowe’en festivities and it’s worth exposing the olden day language and ideas to today’s youngsters. Rose Wyler loved collecting rocks and plants as a child and decided at 11 that there should be more books about nature and science for children. Her heart was dedicated to teaching them. That would resonate in any of their books we are fortunate to encounter. I am giving this to my nephew. My whole family in Toronto will find it a hoot!...more
Because I buy interesting stories discovered on sale, it can be years before they’re read. This served me well with Juliet Blackwell. Her San FranciscBecause I buy interesting stories discovered on sale, it can be years before they’re read. This served me well with Juliet Blackwell. Her San Francisco series has unique angles that are up my alley. But I dislike the troll and was blunted with hardcore witchcraft on page one without any introduction to the setting. I didn’t think I’d pursue more but my buying trend had already gathered most of the series. I loved “A Cast-Off Coven” and was so glad the series meshed with me more; that I next leapt to “Hexes And Hemlines” as an anticipating fan.
I find volume III even better, a case of polishing each release. I dislike the demon angle of previous titles and troll. Observations about being “oh so powerful” diminished and it only takes omission of niggling areas to love someone’s work. Amy Tan remarked to Stephen King that of all questions, fans never inquire about language. Juliet’s descriptions, life breathed into characters, and narration are top notch. Even the guy sitting outside the store makes me laugh, saying: “Dude”! It helps relate to Lily that she is a person with down home manners and an accent that is conveyed exceptionally well. I adore the sprinkling of Spanish too, because a Texan would have the basics and I happen to speak it. Cultural flair is always of great interest to me and the best way to tangibly portray people.
The previous back story about French nuns and art school were fictional but Juliet blends a majesty of history I can’t get enough of. Uncovering research is an exciting part of adventures. In this case of the seventh zodiac and omitted month, those ancient details are enchanting but also satisfying to learn. I enjoyed the closer look at Bronwyn and Aidan this time too....more
I wish lead character Maggie had had the balls to tell her family about Marcus and that she is happy. The O’Neills only knowing because Marcus answereI wish lead character Maggie had had the balls to tell her family about Marcus and that she is happy. The O’Neills only knowing because Marcus answered her Grandpa’s question, is disappointing. Happily, we sidestepped the disdain I expected; perhaps with attention on Melanie’s difficult labour in the former novel. I like that her sister is overcoming strife and not a pampered housewife. In “Home For A Spell”, Maggie has lived with Marcus about three weeks. Madelyn Alt mercifully dispensed with drama. The family knows Marcus is caring for Maggie’s sprained ankle and accepts it.
We don’t see anything paranormal and Maggie ought to admit catholocism no longer suits her. Marcus answered his Aunt Marion with honesty, Pat’s best friend. The four could discuss it; with Marion present to warn Pat not to judge him, Liss, or her daughter. Liss and Steff appear much more, which is what fans favour and we’ve overcome smugness with Tom. The diary and town history Devon mentioned was appealing but didn’t come to fruition, unless Madelyn uses it later.
Maggie refuses her cozy scenario with Marcus; with whom the author has shown no sex. Two mysteries have involved sexually explicit photos and even transgender. No one’s asking for porn but after delaying the couple we want to see for several novels, much like Susan Wittig Albert; can’t we do better than kisses? The author described a PAP test in more thorough detail, than any intimacy with Marcus! The mystery is more interesting than the previous. There can be discomfort with topics that sound ‘unchristian’; even if wiccans have no monopoly on healing herbs and meditation. However since Madelyn has gone to the trouble of labelling this a witchcraft series and scaring away some readers: entertain us! I do like the decision the couple achieves....more
I read Madelyn Alt with eagerness but agree protagonist Maggie is spineless, allowing her Mom to speak as she does. You don't demand: "why didn't you I read Madelyn Alt with eagerness but agree protagonist Maggie is spineless, allowing her Mom to speak as she does. You don't demand: "why didn't you call back sooner"? How hard is it to say you savoured a pleasant evening without phones? There’s also no fear in telling parents, under whose roof you don't live, who your boyfriend is. Even if you don't relish a disdainful reaction, it was stupid Maggie stammered about Marcus before everyone. All she needs to say is: "I don't look forward to picking up the phone because you are unpleasant. Every word is a complaint and I mean no disrespect that you make it impossible to enjoy your company. Let me be myself, if you want me comfortable with you".
I’m glad we sidestepped "woe is me" regarding Tom. She chose her soul mate for Pete's sake! We mostly avoided cliché remarks "here you are at a crime scene again". The author must STOP rearranging grammar, a period following one word, with which she presumes to indicate emphatic speech. Also adjectives and adverbs are too diminutive: for instance "pretty serious" instead of firmly stating that something IS serious. The annoying 'okie dokie' language is significantly cleaned up, thank goodness. What I also favoured about "A Witch In Time" is that Maggie devotes it to Marcus and Steff.
The publisher should re-think advertising "Stony Mill's latest witch". This series is devoid of witchcraft after volume II. "A Charmed Death" had an explosive, promising ending. Some sequels amplified ghosts but none justify the “something’s wrong with the town” introduction we keep wading through. I agree with a ‘Goodreads’ comment that Madelyn seems to fear her Grandma reading her books! Intimacy is overdue. Sex doesn’t stop for a phone and a birth vigil can wait half an hour!...more
I’m late sampling mystery pioneers, thinking old English might be stilted with Shakespeare-like dialogue. Additionally, a 1980s television program porI’m late sampling mystery pioneers, thinking old English might be stilted with Shakespeare-like dialogue. Additionally, a 1980s television program portrayed Sherlock Holmes coldly and John Watson as chubby & flustered. General perception should stand corrected that they weren’t balding elders like most images show but no more than twenty-five, mistaken as students. John was a soldier, thin from illness and discharged to 9 month of convalescence. Sherlock exuded the warm humour of Hercule Poirot, delighted to meet John at the university and excited about chemistry lab work, to the point of hopping. At my first sample of Arthur Conan Doyle, I’m impressed to numerous degrees.
The mystery portions maintain a keen level of fascination, despite “A Study In Scarlet being written in 1887. Shaking the order of novels, a suspect is suddenly arrested in the middle. My regard lowers on two counts: a room of people treat the death of the landlady’s pet nonchalantly. Next, zealots terrorize a family for wanting out of Mormonism but excommunicate themselves, in five years. Their tentative allegiance is mismatched to the cruel hunting of a family who merely sought happiness.
Notably assailing expectations, is a shift from the police case.... to a western saga! Sherlock promises to explain two murders but we turn from London, to a desert in the USA. I admire the imagination of the segue and the depth in weaving it. My critique is inability to focus, until familiar men’s names are dropped several pages later. The contrast is so bizarre, I wondered if the detective fable ended and a stray story was mistakenly inserted! I did root for the trapped trio and applaud the London murders. Arthur’s writing is beautiful too. I laughed and re-read passages: “that great cesspool into which all the idlers of the Empire are irresistibly drained”!...more
I have a habit that fares well. With music, I know a few songs before collecting every album an artist has. With books, print longevity and used storeI have a habit that fares well. With music, I know a few songs before collecting every album an artist has. With books, print longevity and used stores are hit & miss. If an author looks good and there’s a bargain, I snatch it up. Since it takes time to absorb a lifelong pile... I do acquire all related titles before opening any of the books. This risky approach saved my interest in Juliet Blackwell!
I was wise to start with Madelyn Alt, whose witch content is very light (too light as of volume III). Next, Shirley Damsgaard’s descriptions niggled but regularly displayed talent and ‘magick’. Like the fairytale where one bear’s bed is soft and another, a happy middle; Juliet’s introduction, “Secondhand Spirits” was too bold. The first pages thrust forward: a cauldron-user and a shape-shifting troll that I find silly and wish the series would omit. I was also irritated by some of the book’s adjectives. Added to an uncomfortable start, when ‘Lily’ dumped a bat into a cauldron for a spell; I didn’t want to read any more. However I had two other volumes and furthermore, would need to buy “A Cast-Off Coven” to get to them. It would be wasteful not to read on and I hoped the books improved.
I’m really pleased to share they did and I am a fan! The vintage San Francisco premise and wonderful cast had promise. This time nothing grated and I’m relieved I tried again. I enjoy Juliet’s writing tremendously. I’d rather spirits be ghosts instead of demons and the protagonist could ease up on “I’m so powerful, I’m nervous to have sex or use a computer”. However the acquaintance of personal flavour at home and adventure pace are excellent. Mystery research is informative, tantalizing, and very well done....more
* I work hard on these pieces and this has never received a comment since 2012! It is one of my favourite novels of all time. So help me, COMMENTS are* I work hard on these pieces and this has never received a comment since 2012! It is one of my favourite novels of all time. So help me, COMMENTS are what I am looking for on this! :) *
I adore the late Lyn Hamilton. I discovered “The Celtic Riddle” at a sale my fiancé & I attend biannually. Last year, we were leaving when the Celtic theme caught my eye. Lukewarm Amazon comments had deterred me from this series before. However I have Irish heritage and noting the author is Canadian, I was sold. I’ve never found public feedback more off-base than about this body of work. Lyn’s style or extravagant locations get nitpicked but also garner five-star enthusiasm. Each novel highlights a culture of the world; fascinating, real information fused with well-paced adventure.
Aside from minor development of the core cast: Lara McClintoch, best friend Moira, endearing neighbour Alex, RCMP friend Rob, and his teenager Jennifer; the stories are individual. However I collected the prior three and at last have the pleasure of this one. Peculiarly, it appears to be least liked but I enjoyed it best. I’m glad to bring balance to broad input! Lara and company make a vacation of a will reading Alex attends. Beneficiaries each receive a line of the ancient “Song Of Amairgen” poem, leading to secondary clues that locate a valuable artifact.
This is what I call a real mystery: riddles and a quest! Most novels today hinge on identifying murderers. This too is present but a profusion of other secrets make this book a treat I gobbled up with gusto. Lyn is noticeably more descriptive and I can’t guess how tricky it was to draft complicated details and back stories. I just read another mystery set in Dingle, Ireland. My interest is peaked. Secondary characters always grace these novels and the author is gifted at making fond of them. The hilarious elderly trio are my favourites hands down and were indispensably knowledgeable about the Milesians: ancient predecessors to the Celts....more
So much goes into creative work, appreciated from vastly differing angles. Some want scenic and character detail. Others groan at doses of education ~So much goes into creative work, appreciated from vastly differing angles. Some want scenic and character detail. Others groan at doses of education ~ while many devour cultural, historical, and archaeological flavour. We can examine genre, action, narration, language, literary quality. However what causes our reactions to books is inconsistent and the same criteria can’t be the gauge. It has to come down to blatant enjoyment of each story. I loved everything about this novel!
Lyn Hamilton is tremendously adept at conveying everything, which carries through to novel #3, "Moche Warrior", 1999. Lara’s McClintoch’s thoughts, awkwardness between people, the atmosphere of a village, intricate painting on a vase; whatever she lays out is amply perceived. What immediately caught my attention, is an exceptional ability to know what to omit. For instance, I don't think there's a specific picture of Lara and I find that I don't care. She's forty, a strawberry blonde of average height and build and the mind is satisfied with that outline. The purpose of books versus films, is that we should fill in the basics. Lyn Hamilton gets straight to the action and information that matters.
Some readers cite ‘cardboard culprits’ but who needs their psychological backgrounds? Deviations can leave us impatient to return to the plot. Secondary and tertiary characters of this series are drawn with very distinct traits, which is impressive because there are so many of them. As long as action sticks with the protagonist; I absorb any detail that is woven in. I hadn’t heard of the Moche and am inspired to know them. The mysteries are exciting, the dialogue humorous and very natural. I’m fulfilled by the summaries at the end of each book. It’s a blow to Canadians and fans that cancer took Lyn so soon. I treasure her writing....more
"The Secret Of Cravenhill Castle" peaks interest even if kids drive the narrative. Too bad I coasted on my own hype, saving this for years, because th"The Secret Of Cravenhill Castle" peaks interest even if kids drive the narrative. Too bad I coasted on my own hype, saving this for years, because the highly original scenario didn't culminate. First, I issue an unusual compliment. I learned Angela Elwell Hunt pursues youth ministry. Spirituality resonates strong in me but I dislike fiction promoting a religion. I'm impressed Angela didn’t turn this into 'Christian lit' / 'inspirational'. Prayer is mentioned during a few harried moments that felt natural and the plot is sound.
Thirteenth and fourteenth descendents of John Shea face taxes that threaten ownership of their small Irish castle and island. Mrs. Shea befriends an American travelling with her daughter Laura and friends: Meredeth, Kim, Christine, Nicki and asks them over. The son, Trant describes a treasure that would resolve things. A published professor, studying their unique geology and weather, makes an excellent ingredient.
There is danger and three spectacular phenomena highlight the novel. I grant three stars for these and a wonderfully creative plot. Beyond that, the foundation wasn't filled in. This is volume 8 of a series, in which the girls solve cases regularly. Laura is so whiny her incorporation is useless, without her mother. The legend was illogical: John I does what the Danes ask but is memory-wiped so he can’t re-located the treasure? Trant’s broken leg seems contrived, leaving the complete newcomers to explore his beach! This was juvenile for its 'young adult' label but series fans would prefer the boy. There were no clues; the girls merely began to dig and a cat strolled by another location. They explored in the dark and the book ends without the satisfaction of seeing it in daylight. Some portions were very well researched. Then, it was as if Angela suddenly wanted to wrap things up....more
Anne Enright is an award-winning Irish author and I reluctantly stoop to my first one-star result. Unfavourable reactions don’t mean there’s no talentAnne Enright is an award-winning Irish author and I reluctantly stoop to my first one-star result. Unfavourable reactions don’t mean there’s no talent, as I remarked about two novels by the great Mary Roberts Rinehart. I respectfully concede that feedback needs to come from enjoyment. “The Gathering”, 2007 was laborious for me and I forced myself to finish.
I have no trouble following metaphors, flickers between periods, brash tones, peculiar narration, expression with a flourish, anything outside the box. Neither do I mind taking time to reach the crux. I know the power of explaining the root of an outcome, so readers value the impact it has in the future or present. However I disliked how the elements were put together here. Sexuality is important and I enjoy its treatment in books. Although I applaud the effort of this one to present biology bluntly; the musings were bizarre, always seemed out of place, and only resulted in me being disgusted.
If we spilled our guts uncensored, anyone would sound sick in the head. Some fragments made sense: remembering a fly near a deceased Grandparent, the hesitation of his wife to squash it. Otherwise, ugliness and disordered time frames bog you down, if you don’t care for any characters. Leaping between all three tenses, even to illustrate why Veronica and Liam functioned as they did; removed the sense of getting anywhere. Absence of chronology harmed the book and after trudging through tangents, the gathering solely occurred in a few pages. This is entirely about Veronica spurting thoughts. It all felt comprised of run-on sentences, none reaching me personally. Anne made some excellent points: we’re always going home, or away from it. She’s supremely capable of conveying things well. I'm glad for others to enjoy the narration more than I did....more
I enjoyed this memoir. Rose O'Donnell is hilarious, caring, straightforward, a talented actress, and hostess. I see through uncensored speech, to a waI enjoyed this memoir. Rose O'Donnell is hilarious, caring, straightforward, a talented actress, and hostess. I see through uncensored speech, to a warm person with strong emotions. There are varied impressions of what makes a good book and as a writer, I pay attention. Creative, intelligent writing can miss the mark if protagonists or contents don't resonate with you. Conversely, great characters, plots, and settings can be hindered by their writing. It doesn't take fast-paced chases, nor poetic flair, to carry an audience, either. The key is keeping a reader's interest.
Not planning to read this anytime soon, I glanced at the first line. I kept going and found myself unable to help it. That's the mark of a good book. Public opinion is irrelevant, as you learn the perspective of this person. You feel Rosie's bewilderment about the lack of freedom on the show "The View", who wanted on-air hostesses beholden to an ear-piece for receiving directions. She defended true artistry, by declining the ear-piece and 'winging it'; the way live television used to be handled. A professional can take cues about commercial breaks and timing, without feeds from a control room. There is no art in being told what to say.
Rosie was frank about declining $50 million to continue her original talk show, which speaks to her prioritization of motherhood. She shares the awe of celebrity, knowing what it's like to be outside looking in; such as Barbara Walters's swanky apartment. Directly addressing us in this book, it unravels in sequence, harkening back to earlier times to illustrate what these events meant to her. I say three stars because this isn't the most electric content there could be. It is a well-done memoir of a period in the public eye, of some celebrity turmoil that many recall....more
This is an excellent novel by Mildred A. Wirt in 1944, unrecognized as its author for years. Unless pertaining to computers or freedom, I disregard reThis is an excellent novel by Mildred A. Wirt in 1944, unrecognized as its author for years. Unless pertaining to computers or freedom, I disregard remarks about a story feeling outdated. It would be silly to expect literature or films to accommodate 2012 (and all the years my review gets read). A story is current when it’s composed. People shouldn’t penalize era of origin in feedback.
A man in a declining mansion he can’t afford, is raising his Granddaughter, Susan. Her Dad Philip March, a deceased soldier and composer, identified hidden sheet music for his late wife in coded letters. Publishing the songs would bring money Susan and her Grandpa desperately need but some were located and stolen. This sub-plot is weak because one cannot pose as a musician and bring music notes to a radio station, airing a finished product in a week! That's my sole critique: suggesting sheet music is an instant commodity, as accessible and valuable as stealing a key or social insurance number. However if we take the rest as is, this is a compelling mystery.
Nancy cons a disliked peer, sneaks into a high security factory, and works on codes. I am always excited by secret compartments and rooms. They are ample here, to heart's content! Nancy's Dad, who is a lawyer, has tremendous respect for her by utilizing her investigative talents on difficult cases. It was also extremely brave for a 20 year-old to glean information from a family she dislikes and to sneak into a rival laboratory after hours. Like “Harry Potter”, don't be dissuaded by the target demographic. I maintain that the most enthralling, suspense-raising mysteries, are those that involve anything except 'a dead body'! Most fiction siphons their plots from a murder. Secrets and clues are far more original and gripping!...more
I like this author, pen-named 'Casey Daniels'. Amongst an array of series, often similar despite being numerous; this one is original. Even the theme I like this author, pen-named 'Casey Daniels'. Amongst an array of series, often similar despite being numerous; this one is original. Even the theme of ghosts is approached in the delightfully bizarre setting of graveyard tourism! Casey created a lead character 'Pepper', who is uneducated about the afterlife. Readers learn as she does. She is a fashion-conscious daughter of a ritzy family, made relatable due to their fall from financial grace. More people see eye to eye with her struggle to support herself. The opening premise is that in her privileged upbringing, she didn't develop career skills with self-sufficiency in mind. Graveyard tourism was 'better than nothing' in her situation.
She suddenly finds herself able to communicate with an old time mobster ghost, who wants his murder figured out. The twists and second-guessing in this novel are fantastic and even when we know who is behind Gus's death; there is an emotional history that reaches several people. Poignancy was rare and the tale should have ended on that note, instead of introducing the next volume.
I find the protagonist's attraction to men exaggerated and shallow. I don't go nuts over accessories and clothes and thus, there are a few areas in which I don't relate to the heroine. I’d love to work in a historic location! However I appreciate enough about the character to care about the outcome of the plots. One often grows more attached after another book, in a setting with increasing familiarity as well. I don't find the paranormal atmosphere scary or enchanting enough, perhaps because it takes Pepper a long time to confirm she was seeing a ghost and isn't insane. I think the novels would be stronger with more mysticism and wonder and I look forward to seeing if Casey Daniels adds such a tone....more
"The Man In Lower Ten", 1909 had a dry protagonist and start. "The After House", 1914 is more clear and sympathetic, even if only a little more intere"The Man In Lower Ten", 1909 had a dry protagonist and start. "The After House", 1914 is more clear and sympathetic, even if only a little more interesting. A medical graduate falls seriously ill before he builds a practice.... and income. He watches a ship refurbishment from a hospital window and feels a working trip is ideal to regain his strength and savings. I learned what an ‘after house’ is.
I brushed aside instant attraction to a lady. Rapid romance is a staple of old fiction that I dislike. More notable is that fellow crew and passengers don’t know he's a doctor. The alcoholic owner fights with the captain and goads the first-mate to drink with him. Both are blamed when the captain, a stewardess, and guest are killed. The author successfully keeps you monitoring progress and clues. You feel the danger of the unique situation: sailing with an unknown murderer, taking days to reach land, evidence disintegrating. The court case later might seem dry in comparison but the testimony of each passenger is short, a useful itemization of evidence and events. You really are glad for a dirty, undermanned, stressful trip to reach the dock.
The deranged mind and background at the root, are too obscure to guess but there's nothing wrong with letting a story unravel and be what it is. Too many complain about "easily figuring it out", an inappropriate gauge of a novel's worth. I like that suspicion stretches to several possibilities. A strength of vintage fiction, is heavy incorporation of clues and the chronology of numerous scenarios. Unfortunately the end occurs mostly by accident. I have liked other Mary Roberts Rinehart novels better, so I look forward to others with faith in their quality. After all: she created the infamous phrase "The butler did it"!...more
It’s fun to follow an author's voice for the first time; like opening a fresh music album. It’s an instant change from other narration. You ascertain It’s fun to follow an author's voice for the first time; like opening a fresh music album. It’s an instant change from other narration. You ascertain quickly if you like your guide and if the contents keep your interest. Even if the spiritual realm works differently, I happily boarded Victoria Laurie's ride in "What's A Ghoul To Do", 2007. Fiction is meant to entertain without needing to match real life and I was keen on a professional ghost hunter.
Maybe because I read profusely, I've noticed some authors repeat a pet word. The one used frequently herein was "groused" but that's all right. I'm uncertain I'm a fan of the over-anxious and stereotyped Gilley but I like the protagonist, M.J. Confident in extra-sensory ability, she is direct with her best friend and accepts constructive criticism from him. A reader doesn't mind the description of an attractive, 'size 4' lady because it is balanced by an insecurity of dating that sounds normal. I appreciate that M.J. firmly refuses work as a medium, even if would generate more income, because she dislikes it.
It seemed far-fetched for a bullet to reach the doctor's particular hiding place, also ending his career. After surviving a much more tricky situation, it came across as a purposeful equalizer so that a character wasn’t 100% unscathed. However it’s a minor flaw and his other career choice has promise. I noted a lack of spookiness in the whole novel; while Gilley’s terror in his own profession was unrealistic. If he were that paralyzed by the paranormal, he couldn’t handle observing it from a van either. However there was a sufficiently-layered mystery concerning two ghosts, with regret over a tragedy from decades earlier. I see myself enjoying another novel in this series and am glad to have started it....more
I gobble this series, partly from familiarity and because this is truly a unique storyline. A likeable Grandmother is a herb and energy healer, teachiI gobble this series, partly from familiarity and because this is truly a unique storyline. A likeable Grandmother is a herb and energy healer, teaching her Granddaughter. Occult front covers misrepresent gentle, positive pages because Abby and Ophelia are witches in the folk medicine sense. I was new to the witch theme and found Shirley Damsgaard's books a light, benign introduction. This title wasn't any more dynamic than investigating a biker gang but is a worthwhile mystery with one expected culprit and two twists that are achieved very well.
When you enjoy a story or whole series, you are just glad to spend time with personalities you like. As it is with family, some habits grate on nerves, which is why frustration is mixed into reviews. Maybe others notice Ms. Damsgaard doesn't compose dialogue without someone "narrowing their eyes" and it’s surprising that the extreme over-use went unnoticed. It's also hard to believe people physically dragging each other out of seats and across rooms like Darci and Ophelia do. I'm a hugger and hand-holder but the space invasion in these novels drives me to distraction. From volume one, the author tried to establish Ophelia as a psychometry psychic, who disliked the toll of physical contact.
The unusually aggressive touchy-feely instances, along with habitually narrowing eyes, feel like the author is cut out as a film director. Her stories and characters are excellent. She just needs the advice that a book isn't a movie because imagination should have room to fill basic things in. Even self-explanatory punctuation like suspension points, regularly accompany the redundant description: "I let my voice trial off"... If this lovely author would lay out stories without this approach of logistically directing every visual element; she'd find her threads and audience unravelling together, with personal perception to spare....more
I fell in love with Maeve Binchy’s person-to-person conversation in "Aches & Pains" and see the brilliance of her fiction in "The Lilac Bus", 1984. WeI fell in love with Maeve Binchy’s person-to-person conversation in "Aches & Pains" and see the brilliance of her fiction in "The Lilac Bus", 1984. We think a novel needs extreme action, ghosts, treasure, or crime to attract a reader. No. The supremely gifted Maeve, rest her soul, pulls us in with 8 average people! The inner thoughts and dialogue of everyday folks are unbelievably interesting.
"The Lilac Bus" is a van that takes the driver and 7 other Rathdoon neighbours home from Dublin. We are shown one week-end from each perspective: what the work day was like before they boarded, their receptions at home, and a little personal history is filled in. They pass each another in their Irish town, with varied reasons behind their behaviour. You realize throughout, like in Maeve's"Dublin 4"; that when we know what a person is thinking behind the scenes; it is easy to develop compassion. Most of them improve something that is rewarding in this small space of time. I'd love another ride, to see them interact after the various resolutions they would carry back to Dublin.
Our irreplaceable author has tapped into the most recognizable musings of family life and universal likelihood of relating to them, makes them satisfying to read. This one-of-a-kind writer has an astounding talent for drawing you to the most normal subjects in the world. All of her work defies the parameters of what should make a novel enthralling; what keeps us turning pages. I like a good haunted house and secrets to decipher. I seldom touch general fiction. Maeve is a unique blessing to the heritage of literature, who surpasses expectation and genre. Every time I finish any of her books, I feel like I've received and experienced a gift. I will surely read them all....more
C. (Comment, never msg).
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Books:
riedel-titles-2012
(60)
