REVIEW:Bending the Paw

 Bending the Paw
Author: Diane Kelly

Officer Megan Luz and her trusted K-9 partner Brigit are back in the 9th Paw Enforcement mystery! I love this series. Megan is a feisty, intelligent main character....and Brigit is capable and loyal! They are a well matched team! The plots are always entertaining and a nice mix of background story, investigation and humor. 

This time, Megan and Brigit are called to a bloody crime scene. Despite all the gore and an obvious hint at a murder, there is no body. The duo also investigate some home repair scammers. 

I love the fact that this series doesn't just have the point of view of the main character. Brigit gets to make her opinions and thoughts known, as do the bad guys. I don't usually go for POV flip-flopping, but in this series it really works! This newest book in the series kept my attention from start to finish. The story develops at a nice pace, and there are several side plots woven in as well. Never a dull moment! 

I enjoyed this newest book, and look forward to the next! 

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St Martin's Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Curses are for Cads

 Curses are for Cads
Author: Tamara Berry

I have to admit that I accidentally requested this review book. It's book #3 in the Eleanor Wilde Mystery series. I am usually a book-series-must-be-read-in-order sort of person....so it was a departure for me to jump into a cozy series at book 3. While it did take me awhile to figure out the characters and their history....I did get sucked into the story and the humor pretty easily. And now I can backtrack and start at book 1! 

The basics: Eleanor is a fake medium. She visits clients homes, and puts on a real performance of ridding them of whatever spirits or demons might be plaguing them. For a price. In the end, she justifies her fakery because the client's feel more secure with their homes evil spirts "exorcised' and she has the money she needs to live. Win-Win, right? This time, Eleanor and her boyfriend are asked to visit a castle to search for cursed gold. 

The story definitely kept my attention from start to finish. The plot moved at a nice pace. There was lots of action, humor and twists to keep things moving. I like the characters and the premise. The story is just entertaining and fun! Perfect relaxing cozy read! 

I'm definitely taking the time to go back and read this series starting at book one! This is the first book by Tamara Berry that I've read and I'm definitely looking forward to the next book! 

**I voluntarily read this book from Kensington. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Panic Broom

 Panic Broom
Author: Sara Bourgeois

Things are looking up for Brighton Longfield. She's had a lot to contend with since coming to Coventry. But she's confident that things are getting better. Her personal & love life are both coming along nicely, and she's made some great friends. After dealing with a witch feud, murders, a shapeshifter....what else could possibly go wrong?

Zombies. Necromancy. More murder. 

Life in Coventry is definitely never boring! 

Panic Broom is the 5th book in the Wicked Witches of Coventry series. The series is entertaining....a nice mix of cozy mystery, paranormal and humor. I like the characters, the setting and the plots. I needed a lighter series to enjoy, and this fits that perfectly! 

I listened to the audio version of this story. The audio is just shy of 3 hours long -- a nice, quick listen! Rebecca Mitchell does a great job as narrator. All in all, an entertaining listening experience. 

Sadly I have come to the end of the available audio books for this series....so switching over to ebook format. That means no more binge listening. I zipped through the first 5 books in this series within a week. The stories were fun to listen to....so I enjoyed them one after the other during my daily commute and while doing household chores. :) Slowing down now, as I can only read print/ebooks in the evening or on weekends....but that's ok! 

There's also a spin-off series -- The Kitten Familiar Mysteries -- that can be read after reaching book 10 of the Wicked Witches of Coventry series (got the reading order directly from the author on her Facebook group). Can't wait to start that series too! 

I really needed something fun, light and entertaining to read because 2020 is just being a real b. This series definitely fits what I was looking for! 

On to the next book -- Sweep Stakes! 

REVIEW: One By One

 One By One
Author: Ruth Ware

As I listened to the first part of this book, I found myself sympathizing with one character so much that it pulled me out of the story. Long ago....in a freshly-divorced nightmare of a life....I took a job where I felt like a fish out of water. I attended seminars and events feeling like I didn't belong in this throng of horrid people. They came to seminars to sleep with each other, get drunk, act like completely over-indulged jerks (one woman sent her plate back at a restaurant we went to THREE times...not because something was wrong with the food but because she decided she wanted something else. In the end, she picked at a dessert instead, while loudly complaining and having another drink or two.) Add in the uncomfortable and incredibly expensive clothing, fake social exchanges, dog-eat-dog power plays and catty exchanges with women in similar positions (any woman in a professional position has had those encounters and understands exactly what I mean).....I exited stage left and moved on with my life as quickly as possible. The weight on my shoulders was immensely lighter and the sunshine brighter the minute I walked away from that nightmare.....    I didn't belong. And didn't want to belong.

Liz. A former employee of Snoop (an app that allows you to listen to the music people you follow are enjoying in real-time) is at a retreat with execs of the company. Beautiful location. Lovely food. Completely uncomfortable and anxiety-ridden situation.

I sympathized with her totally from page one. Warily though -- as this is a Ruth Ware novel (see what I did there? ha ha)

Things rapidly go downhill (and not just because they are at a ski chalet). After disagreeing on a proposed buyout of Snoop, an avalanche traps them at the chalet. One by one, a murderer begins picking them off....

Interesting story. I like Ruth Ware's books and Imogen Church is a fantastic narrator. All in all, the suspense was good. The plot kept my attention most of the time. The second half of the book dragged a bit for me, and I have to admit I skipped a few chapters because the story was just taking too long after I knew the killer's identity. I do understand wanting to place readers inside the head of a killer, but I felt I was just in there a bit too long. So.....I just moved the audio ahead a bit and jumped back in at the moment of confrontation. 

An enjoyable listen, despite the dragging. I can't wait to see what Ruth Ware publishes next!

REVIEW: Untold Mayhem

 Untold Mayhem
Author: Mark Tullius

It took me awhile to get through all 24 stories in this story anthology. Not because they weren't good -- but because I wanted to take my time and enjoy just a couple tales at a time. 

I  love it when I come across a collection of horror stories that are as varied as this one. Every story was different.....some atmospheric and violent, some gory, others just downright creepy. While I liked some of the tales more than others, there wasn't a single one I didn't enjoy. 

This is my first venture into horror by Mark Tullius. I'm definitely going further down this dark path -- I like his writing! 

I listened to the audio book version of this story collection. Great listening experience. All the narrators were talented. I love horror stories on audio -- just adds an extra dimension to the creepy experience! 

**I voluntarily listened to a review copy of this audio book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Greyfriars Reformatory

 Greyfriars Reformatory
Author: Frazer Lee

Emily has mental health issues. Her dissociative disorder and its behavior issues lands her in a reformatory. Not just any institution....but Greyfriars Reformatory. Creepy place. Creepy staff. Creepy secrets.....

This story is so atmospheric! I could almost place myself on that rickety, horrible bus riding to Greyfriars with the girls. This story would make an awesome movie! 

I'm not going to say much about the plot -- no spoilers. This is definitely a story that is better with absolutely NO prior knowledge of events. Don't read reviews....don't read blurbs --- read the book!!!

This story kept my attention from start to finish. Creepy atmosphere. Great character development. Excellent suspense. And lots of twisty goodness! Loved it! 

This is the second book I've read by Frazer Lee. Hearthstone Cottage is also a very good, suspenseful story. I'm definitely going to read more -- I like Lee's style! 

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Flame Tree Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: The Portal

 The Portal
Author: Russell James

Allie Layton returns to Stone Harbor. She expects her return to be a great place to restart her life away from the pressures and rat-race of LA and Hollywood. Scott Tackett -- part of her past -- is there, too. He now runs his father's hardware store. Just as it appears they are going to rekindle their old friendship, a strange man comes to the island. Joey Oates. He's more than just dark, creepy and disturbing....he might just be the devil himself. And, he's there to finish a ritual that was interrupted 300 years ago. A ritual that will open the portal to hell.....

Oh my! This book definitely kept my attention from start to finish. The characters, plot and descriptions are well-crafted. This story has some rather disturbing elements and touches on some heavy topics -- rape, death of children, etc. But....if the devil was present tempting an island of unsuspecting people in preparation to open the gate to hell....bad, bad things would go down. So, definitely disturbing....but not overdone. 

This is the first book by Russell James that I've read. I'm definitely going to read more! This story creeped me out! Very entertaining!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Flame Tree Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. No deals with the devil were made in the writing of this review. Honest.**

Voodoo Heart

Author: John Everson

This book is an interesting mix....a blend of hard hitting detective novel and occult horror Voodoo style. Set in New Orleans, the story has a lot of rawness about it -- sex, blood, human sacrifice, pure evil....

Although I enjoyed the story, I just couldn't get away from the thought that I'd read so many stories like this before. There are 10000000 New Orleans Voodoo blood and guts everywhere books out there. And this is really just another one on the stack. I didn't particularly get into the characters, the action or the horror edge. 

This is a well-written story....and I did enjoy reading it for the most part. In the end, I think it's just a matter of the story not being for me. I've read too many jaded-detective-gets-embroiled-in-evil stories before,and just didn't get lost in this story like I wanted to. But that is just my opinion. It didn't work for me....doesn't mean others won't absolutely love it. 

It's a miss for me this time. I do look forward to more by this author though. The next book might be something I really love!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book by John Everson. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: After Sundown

 After Sundown
Author: Various

October is the perfect time to publish an anthology of horror stories! I decided to read this one for review for several reasons: I have enjoyed many horror novels published by Flame Tree Press; I love horror short story collections; and, 16 of these stories are by published authors I am familiar with and four of them were chosen from submissions sent to FTP. I'm always up for reading something by new-to-me authors! 

Any time a reader delves into a collection of 20 stories there will be tales they love and ones that just missed the mark. That's the joy of a short story anthology -- what one reader doesn't like, another one will. So there is something for everyone! There weren't any stories in this collection that I didn't finish or that I completely disliked. Some were awesome....others were just ok....and there were a couple that just didn't hit the mark for me. But, not every story is for every reader. For the most part, I enjoyed the offerings in this demented little horror collection!

This book definitely primed my desire to start reading horror stories. I get into Halloween mode once September starts every year. I love autumn....and I love horror stories! So I enjoy making the season last as long as possible!

I believe this horror anthology is going to be an annual thing for FTP. I'm definitely in line to buy a copy each year! The stories in this first anthology are varied, interesting and definitely creepy fun to read! 

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Flame Tree Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: A Clean Sweep

 A Clean Sweep
Author: Sara Bourgeois

I love books, but I tend to fall into ruts where I'm reading the same genre or two for months. And then I get to the day where I need something different. I usually go looking for a new-to-me author to jump into a series that bumps me out of my genre rut. That's how I found Sara Bourgeois' books....I wanted to try something different. And I'm so glad I did. This series is just FUN to read! I like the characters. The plots are interesting and entertaining. And, I like the mix of mystery, paranormal and humor. Plus, the audio books are short enough that I've been able to binge listen up to book four in a week. There are new books coming out -- and I want to start reading on release day! Then I don't fall victim to spoilers like I did with the earlier books in this series. (An author, of all people should know better than to post a huge plot spoiler in a review! I accidentally read it while posting my review for a book I had just finished. So annoying!)

A Clean Sweep is Book 4 in the Wicked Witches of Coventry series. Ghost hunters are in town to investigate. Brighton, Remy and the gang are called upon by the city to escort the ghost hunters around town (and to make sure they don't catch any video footage or EVPs that give away Coventry's hidden secrets). But (of course) things go wrong. Very wrong. Murderously wrong.....

I listened to the audio book version of this story. At 3.5 hours, the audio is a nice, quick listening length. I enjoyed listening on my commutes, while doing household chores after work, etc. Rebecca Mitchell does a great job of narrating. She has a pleasant voice and reads at a perfect pace. Not too slow....and not too fast. She rings the characters to life....even the snarky kitty cat familiar. :) 

Fun series! Moving on to Book 5....Panic Broom. This is the last of the series that I could find on audio, so will have to move through the rest of the series at a slower pace. I can only read print/ebooks in the evening or on weekends, but I'm definitely going to keep reading! And there is a spin-off series, Familiar Kitten Mysteries, that I'm really looking forward to reading! 

REVIEW: Broom with a View

 Broom With a View
Author: Sara Bourgeois

Things in Coventry keep getting weirder....     Brighton wakes up one morning to see a very hunky man working in her yard. What's the stranger doing there? Plus there may be a killer lurking in the shadows....and one of her family shows up. Never a dull moment!

The Witches of Coventry is an entertaining, fun cozy mystery series. I'm enjoying the characters, the plots and the touch-of-paranormal in this series. Definitely a great cozy series to enjoy in October!

Brighton is intelligent, just coming into her witchy powers, and a great amateur sleuth. Her familiar is snarky and quite talented. Annika and Remy great side characters. Thorne is a bit brooding, but still likable. 

I like the mix of mystery, paranormal and humor in this series. I'm enjoying the shorter length as well. The audio books range in length from 3-4 hours each. I can easily listen during my commute and while doing housework and finish a story in 1-2 days. Nice listening length! Rebecca Mitchell does a great job narrating. She really brings the characters to life. 

Broom With a View is the 3rd book in the series. I have been binge listening.....streaking right through the first 3 books and on to the 4th now within the same week. After book 5 though I will have to slow down -- no audio books. Books 6-11 will have to be evening and weekend reading. And, then there's a spin off series -- Familiar Kitten Mysteries! 

I'm glad I found this series! I needed something entertaining and fun to read/listen to that was a shorter length. Something less involved...and just....FUN. Brain candy. A story to get lost in that lets me relax and just enjoy reading. Covid19......the pace of my job.....home responsibilities....just the stress of 2020 in general ---- I needed a break. This series fits that perfectly!!!!  

REVIEW: Escape Room

 Escape Room
Author: Maren Stoffels

I enjoyed Fright Night by this author, and really wanted to enjoy this story as well. But, the story line was just a bit too disjointed for me. I expected a creepy story about an escape room, but this book ended up being a mish-mash of slasher/crazy killer, teen angst, and disintegration of friendships. For me, the plot line suffered from identity crisis....is it a horror story? or a coming of age reality tale where friends reveal their sexuality, secrets and real feelings? Just too confusing to have a story that tries to do both.

The confusion over where the plot was going made the twists in the story line just not work for me. 

I'm definitely going to try more by this author. I liked Fright Night, and she is a skilled writer. This particular story was just not for me. 

REVIEW: Doom and Broom

 Doom and Broom
Author: Sara Bourgeois

Doom and Broom is the second book in the Witches of Coventry series. The feud between Brighton Longfield's family and the Skeenbauer witches continues. All Brighton really wants to do is fix up the home she inherited -- Hangman's House -- and mind her own business. But someone steals her protection amulet leaving her vulnerable to magical attacks. Things get steadily worse. It seems drama and danger are going to be par for the course as she tries to settle into her new life in Coventry!

I'm enjoying this series! The mix of supernatural, cozy mystery, and humor is entertaining and fun! I like Brighton as a main character and her kitty cat familiar is awesome as well. 

I listened to the audiobook version of this story. The short length -- just a bit over 4 hours -- makes this book a quick, entertaining listen. I listened while doing housework at home on a Sunday. 

The story had enough plot and suspense to keep my attention from start to finish, and enough humor to make it a very entertaining, relaxing listen. Rebecca Mitchell did a great job as narrator. Her voice acting skills really bring the characters to life! 

I can't wait to find out what happens next in this cute, cozy series!

REVIEW: Broken Wish

 Broken Wish
Author: Julie C. Dao

Magic. Evil. Magic Mirrors. Witches. This book has all the perfect ingredients for a lovely, dark fairy tale! I loved the story!

I'm not going to say much about the plot -- no spoilers. This book is a tale best enjoyed with no prior knowledge of events. I accidentally read a spoiler in a review before reading.....and I would have enjoyed it much more without knowing anything beforehand. 

The story is fast paced and entertaining. The characters are wonderful. The book kept my attention from start to finish. I couldn't stop reading! And, the cover art is amazing!

This is the first book by Julie C. Dao that I've read. I am DEFINITELY reading more! 

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Disney/Hyperion. All opinions expressed are entirely my own**

REVIEW: A Brotherhood Betrayed

 A Brotherhood Betrayed
Author: Michael Cannell

Given the many True Crime novels, podcasts and youtube videos that I enjoy....and my love of history...one would think that I probably would have learned a bit about the history of organized crime and the mob along the way. But when I first learned this book was coming out, I realized that organized crime, its origins, downfall, and key players are really a gaping hole in my knowledge of American history. I've pretty much avoided the subject and I'm not sure why. Instead of pondering why my knowledge of the mob is limited to watching The Godfather movies years ago, I decided to educate myself. I started by reading this book. 

A Brotherhood Betrayed tells the story of Abe Reles, a former mob hitman who turned informant in 1940. It didn't go well for him....

Author Michael Cannell obviously did copious amounts of research to write this book. He traces Reles' career in crime from his childhood clear up to his mysterious death. The tale of corruption and violence made me uncomfortable and intrigued at the same time. There is something mesmerizing about power and ruthlessness. It makes for a great book....but I'm glad my only contact with that world is reading a non-fiction book about it. So many people's lives ruined...so many murders, threats and bribes....all for money, power and greed. It makes me uncomfortable, I think, because it points to a huge flaw in human nature....the drive to succeed and have everything no matter what the cost. And the knowledge that those who live by the sword often die by it. Reles certainly did. 

Great book! When a well-crafted book on history can make me incredibly uncomfortable, it's well done. This story is quite thought provoking. It definitely kept my attention from start to finish. And I learned about a segment of American history I have avoided until now. I need to learn more! It's a topic that is interesting, intriguing and horrifying at the same time. Imagine what could have been accomplished if these incredibly smart, cunning and dedicated men had turned their lives towards the public good rather than crime? It wouldn't be such a dramatic story, but might have prevented such waste of human lives and intelligence.....just a thought. 

Great book! 

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St Martin's Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: If the Broom Fits

 If the Broom Fits
Author: Sara Bourgeois

Thanks to some lovely other Bibliophiles, I recently discovered Scribd. Since I returned to working full time at the beginning of 2020, I find myself listening to many more audiobooks. I can listen during my commute, on breaks at work, in the evening while I catch up on household chores...   It allows me to get my reading fix when I don't have a lot of time to sit and read a physical book. But, my selection of audiobooks was severely limited until recently. Now, between my local library, Audible+ and Scribd, I can always find something entertaining to listen to. 

I love it when I find a new-to-me author that I really like! I came across this book on Scribd and the cover art and blurb caught my interest. I really needed a cute, cozy story that was a bit Halloween-ish....and this fit that need perfectly. This is the first book by Sara Bourgeois that I have read -- and I'm definitely sticking around for more! I like the characters and the plot -- fun, entertaining, well-written. The short length was nice too....I finished this first story in two days and already have book 2 queued up on my phone. 

The basics: Brighton Longwood's life is falling apart. She is newly divorced, childless, and got fired from her job. So, she packs everything she owns into a U-haul and heads to Hangman's House, a long empty mansion she inherited from her Aunt. The place is dirty, a bit neglected and she has no funds for renovation, but Brighton is determined to start over. That's when things start to get a bit weird. Turns out her aunt -- nicknamed Mad Maude -- might not have been so crazy after all. The little town of Coventry has a real witch of a secret! Soon Brighton not only finds herself a suspect in a murder investigation...but she's smack dab in the middle of a witch feud, discovers she has a family familiar, and strange things even happen to her hair. Her life is definitely taking a new direction -- just not one she could have ever expected!

I'm definitely going to be reading/listening to the rest of the books in the Witches of Coventry series. This story kept my attention the entire time -- entertaining and fun! Brighton is an interesting main character. I'm curious to see where character development goes for her...and for several of the side characters. And I adore her familiar! 

Readers who like cozy mysteries with paranormal aspects and a dash of humor will enjoy this series!

REVIEW: Fangoria Presents Dreadtime Stories Volume 2

 Fangoria Presents: Dreadtime Stories Volume 2
Author/Narrators: Various

I have been a fan of Old Time Radio audio dramas since I was a little girl. I missed the era of OTR by decades but got to enjoy shows like Suspense, CBS Radio Mystery Theater, Lights Out, and others on NPR. The shows were hard to find anywhere else in the pre-internet days I grew up in. Once in awhile I would come across a cassette or audio book release, but not often. Then came the internet, and OTR was suddenly widely available. Then podcasters came along, sharing episodes of all sorts of shows....and creating new audio dramas. I am in heaven! Whenever I see full-cast horror story anthologies, I jump right on them and spend hours listening. Horror in the air is back! :)

I'm also a big fan of classic horror and monster movies. So when I saw Fangoria Magazine's name on a horror audio story collection, I downloaded it immediately (another awesome Audible+ find!). I'm glad I did! The production level of Dreadtime Stories 2 is awesome! Full cast, sound effects, music and awesome stories! This was a very entertaining listening experience. The audio runs about 4.5 hours and features six horror tales from various authors. The vibe reminds me of a podcast I really enjoy -- The No Sleep Podcast. 

I liked all six stories. I had only heard one before. The rest were all new to me. I have added Dreadtime Stories Volume 1 to my wishlist at Audible. Definitely listening to more! The stories in Volume 2 were varied, the right ratio of horror, humor & cheesy, and fun to listen to! The gore level was not too low or too high, but just right. The sound effects are superb and add to the stories, rather than being overdone and drowning out the narrators. All of the voice actors gave great performances. Loved it! 

REVIEW: The Ghost and Mrs. McClure

 The Ghost and Mrs. McClure
Author: Cleo Coyle

I read the first five books in the Haunted Bookshop series more than 10 years ago and fell in love with the characters. I was SO happy in 2018 when the author started adding new books again! Then the audio books popped up on Audible+, so I decided to revisit the series from the start! I have the whole series in paperback on my keeper shelf, and now I can enjoy having them read to me! Woot! 

The basics: Penelope McClure is recently widowed. She decides to start a new life, moving to Rhode Island to help her aunt run her bookshop. Just when things start looking up, a best-selling author drops dead in the middle of a book signing and Penelope discovers the bookshop is haunted by the ghost of a long-dead detective, Jack Shepard. 

I love this series! I love ghost stories and cozy mysteries -- and this is a fun blend of both. The humor and a big dose of old time detective-speak make these stories entertaining. Penelope and Jack make a great crime fighting duo!

Narrated by Caroline Shaffer and Traber Burns, the audio book is just over 7 hours long. Shaffer and Burns do a great job of voice acting! Very entertaining listen!

So happy this series is included in Audible+. I'm going to listen to the entire series! 

 

[7/22/2023 - I just listened to this audio book again because I'm listening to the series from start to finish. I tried to do this a few years ago and life interrupted. So started over at the beginning again! I just love the characters, esp Jack, of course.]

REVIEW: Zombie Fallout - Zero

 Zombie Fallout: Zero
Author - Mark Tufo

In the fall, once the temperatures start to fall and the trees on the mountains here in western NC start to change color, I start getting that feeling.....that Halloween I-Want-to-Read-All-Things-Horror feeling! And there is nothing I like better than a good apocalyptic zombie tale! I found this lovely little series starter on Audible+ and dove right into the zombie goodness!

The basics: The government rolls out a flu vaccine. All personnel on military bases and civilians are required to get the shots. The vaccine is distributed world-wide in fact. Millions line up....    But there's more involved than a simple flu vaccine. Something else was added....something vile and purposeful. And....out of control. Instead of a controlled culling...the military creates the zombie apocalypse. Ooooooops....

This story has a lot of action and suspense.....and gore, biting and shuffling hordes. Perfect! I liked the military vibe of this prequel. Tufo also adds in some humor and sarcasm. Makes for a fun read! 

I have not read any of the Zombie Fallout series yet. Mark Tufo is a new-to-me author. I did read in other reviews that this story is a prequel to the Zombie Fallout series and doesn't really involve most of the characters from the actual series. It's more of an origin story for how the zombie invasion got started. I like series prequel stories. It gives me a chance to try out a bit of the author's writing and story to see if it's something I want to investigate further. For readers of the Zombie Fallout series, this story just gives some background to how events unfolded. 

Narrated by Sean Runnette, the audio is just under 3 hours long. Runnette does a great job of voice acting. He brought the characters to life and kept the action exciting. Great listening experience!

I'm definitely going to read the Zombie Fallout series. I like Tufo's story telling style, and I'm always up for a great zombie tale!

REVIEW: Jaws

 Jaws
Author: Peter Benchley

When I saw this book pop up on Audible+, I had to listen to it! I first read the book my freshman year of high school...and have watched every single movie multiple times (even the horrible 3D one!). There is just something about a monster shark story. I enjoy them all!  From Jaws to Sharknado to The Meg -- it's a way for me to encounter something that scares me (being eaten alive is a pretty scary thought!) without actually being in danger. 

I enjoyed re-reading the novel that started my love of Killer Shark tales. Revisiting it as an adult, rather than a 14 year old teen, gave me some new insights into the characters. The Sheriff and his wife's marital issues....an affair based on need, nostalgia and bitterness....small town political drama. I didn't understand most of that when I read this as a kid....but I certainly did this time. And the shark was the same toothy eating machine he has always been. Oh hey look a surfer --- MUNCH! lol

The beach and the ocean are two of my favorite places to visit. But, the ocean and the creatures in it are also unpredictable and sometimes frightening. The shark didn't mean it personally ..... it's in its basic nature to hunt and kill. That is its purpose. I can't fault a creature for following its inner programming...but I can avoid it. I still remember vividly a trip to Spain I took with a school group in 1984. We were happily paddle boating and swimming at Torremolinos, when it dawned on me that I couldn't see my feet. We were in deep water. Beautiful blue...the white sand beach in the distance. But......what was swimming near me, under me.....???  I got back in the boat. Immediately. Why?  THIS BOOK!! 

I listened to the audio book version of this story. The audio is just over 9.5 hours long and narrated by Erik Steele. Steele has a pleasant voice and did a great job of bringing the story to life. An entertaining listening experience! I'm now going to watch the movie again. The movie version differs from the book, but the plot is basically intact. They just removed the affair and some of the sub plot to make time for more munching and screaming. The movie has one of the best, and most recognizable, theme songs ever! :) 

And, I will also admit that thanks to Peter Benchley, I still get nervous when I swim in the ocean and realize I'm in deep enough that I can't see my feet. I always head for shore at that point....    :) 

REVIEW: The Haunted

 The Haunted
Author: Bentley Little

Fall is my favorite season...not just because of the cooler weather and the leaves on the mountains near my home turning color, but also because it's close to my favorite holiday of the year...Halloween. Once the calendar hits September, bring on the ghosts and creepy stories! :) A good ghost story is great any time of year, but it's even better in autumn. Because I returned to full time work in 2020, this season is a bit different. I'm listening to more books on audio now because I can listen while I drive, during breaks, while getting things done around the house, or while working in the yard....I still need to get my reading time in, but I have a lot less time to work with now. The great thing is: I have discovered that having a narrator read a horror story to me is just....wonderful! It adds a whole new aspect to the story for me! It took me a long time to come around on audio books. At first I didn't like the format....and now, I'm a convert. I can't do without them! 

The Haunted not only gave me a good creepy story fix, but also introduced me to a new-to-me writer. This is the first book by Bentley Little that I have read. And I will definitely be reading/listening to more!

The basics: The Perry family buys a new house. Their old neighborhood was getting bad, so they move. The house is older and the neighborhood much quieter. Things will be perfect now.....right?? But almost immediately there are warning signs. Nightmares, things moving in the house, dark shadows.....a presence. And soon the creeping darkness permeates not only the house, but their very lives. 

The audio version of this book is narrated by Dan Butler. It takes a certain sort of voice and style to narrate a haunted house story -- and Dan Butler does a superb job! His voice and tone are perfect, and he brought the characters to life expertly. Great listening experience!

For the most part, I enjoyed this book. It has the suspense elements I like in a family-buys-a-haunted-house story and a great sense of growing darkness. The book is well written, and the plot is engaging. The characters are flawed, but so are Real People, so it all came together into a creepy Scary House tale. I kept wondering what my own family would do if faced with the same situation. I'm not sure -- it would be horrible!

But there were some elements of the story I didn't really enjoy..... 

I  have to admit I found some of the sex scenes disturbing. I'm not against sex -- even graphic sex -- in an adult horror novel, or I wouldn't be able to enjoy the genre as much as I do. But, I found myself turned off after the first couple gross, weird sex scenes. None of it really furthered the plot....it was just there....and weirdly icky. After a scene of semi-public masturbation with a Barbie doll and lurid descriptions of the doll's head being used in ways it never should have been (poor Barbie...lol), I just started fast forwarding The Action after that. I needed the plot to move along -- something vital to happen to keep me plugged into the story. But the sex and some gore seemed added purely for ambiance....for me it just slowed the plot development down and made me hit the fast forward button multiple times. Some of the gory scenes seemed just a bit overdone to me as well. And repetition of similar scenes. Yes, I get it....they are seeing faces where they shouldn't see them. What are they going to DO about it?? For me, it added up into some serious Delay-of-Plot-Development. 

And the ending seemed a bit of a let down, or....maybe "too easy'' is a better phrase? But.....it was still a good close to the story. Just not the one I thought was coming. 

So, all in all, a great intro to a new-to-me author. A creepy suspenseful ghost story. And, a great addition to my autumn creepy reading this year! I will definitely be reading more by Bentley Little!