REVIEW: Ghosts

 Ghosts
Author: Kelli Brucken

I came across a copy of this children's book, and thoroughly enjoyed reading about ghosts. From stories about ghostly encounters to facts about what might cause people to think they see ghosts, this book shares all sorts of  spooky information for kids. 

The pages are brightly colored with lots of full-color photos and illustrations. Many pages have brightly colored boxes that contain facts or information about ghosts. In the back is a glossary, index and list of books for further reading. This book could definitely be used in a classroom setting as supplemental reading, enticement for reluctant readers to enjoy something different, or as a Fall/Halloween writing prompt for students to write their own ghost stories. 

I read all things ghostly or spooky in the Fall gearing up for Halloween. Glad I found a copy of this book -- thoroughly enjoyed it (even though I am a hard skeptic I still love a good ghost story!)

REVIEW: The Last House on Needless Street

 The Last House on Needless Street
Author: Catriona Ward

I have to admit that several times while reading & listening to this story, I almost stopped. But....I couldn't stop. I had to keep on....because I wanted to know The Truth & The Ending! There are a lot of deep, dark things in this story -- abuse of children and animals, violence, etc -- that some readers may need to be aware of before reading this book. Then again, it's a heavy, gothic, horror novel....not a peek-a-boo picture book. We horror readers pretty much know what we may be in for if we delve further than Chapter One. (Just felt it had to be mentioned on this one since there are instances of animal abuse/torture and child abuse - be aware before reading). 

What a weird, confusing at times, creepy, disturbing and utterly fantastic bit of horror this is! Dark, disturbing, demented -- loved it! I have to admit that I had no earthly clue what was going on for the first few chapters of this book....a obviously crazy hermit guy, his cat, other weirdness....but it WORKS! Horror is supposed to be uncomfortable and I love crazy, creepy stories that make me wonder WTF is going on. 

I'm not going to say anything about plot....best to go in to this story not knowing what is going on. Be confused. Be uncomfortable. Let the story envelop you. Let the creepy build on its own. Don't read reviews with spoilers. Let this sneak up on you....

I had both an ebook arc and a review audio book....sometimes I read, sometimes I listened, sometimesI did both at once. I find I really love horror novels on audio....it's like ghost story time around a campfire! :) The audio book is narrated by Christopher Ragland. He did a wonderful job! 

I look forward to more by this author -- she managed to creep me out! :) 

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Macmillan/Tor and listened to a review copy of the audio book from Macmillan Audio. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Suicide Forest

 Suicide Forest
Author: Jeremy Bates

Aokigahara Forest, Japan. The Suicide Forest. A beautiful, haunting wilderness near Mount Fuji that is infamous for the number of people who go there every year to kill themselves. Scary. Hauntingly scary.

Book #1 in Jeremy Bates' World's Scariest Places series, Suicide Forest is definitely a creepy read! I loved it! 

The Basics: Bad weather prevents a group of friends from climbing Mt. Fuji. So, they decide to camp in the neighboring Aokigahara Forest instead. Bad idea. Very, very bad idea. 

I listened to the audio book version of this story (Tantor Audio). The audio is just over 10 hours long and narrated by Joe Hempel. Hempel gives a great voice acting performace -- totally creeped me out! 

I enjoy Jeremy Bates' stories! Definitely making more of this series part of my Halloween reading this fall! 

REVIEW: Be My Ghost

 Be My Ghost
Author: Carol J. Perry

I enjoy Carol Perry's Witch City Mystery books. So, when I saw book 1 of her new Haunted Haven series I jumped right on it. A must-read! 

The Basics: When Maureen loses her job as in fashion marketing, she needs a new direction for her life. An unexpected inheritance gives her just what she needs....a new start in Florida for her and her Golden Retriever, Finn. As soon as she walks into her new inn, the adventure starts. The inn needs updating, the manager is snarky....plus her office is haunted. And....a guest drops dead. All on the first day.....     New beginnings mean new challenges, right? 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The story kept my attention from start to finish, even though I pretty much figured out the mystery very early on. And, I got some unexpected laughter out of the audio book.  Every time the narrator put in a "Woof!'' (Finn making commentary to his owner in the story), my Pom Chi would woof back. :) 

I started reading a review copy of the ebook.....and finished with the audio book version. I really try hard to get books reviewed before release day when I have an ARC, but the continuing Covid mess and mucho overtime at work because of it has truly messed up my ability to meet deadlines.  But in this case, the situation did give me the joy of sharing the audio experience with my enthusiastic dog, Princess. 

CSE Cooney narrates the audio book (Tantor Audio). The audio is about 8 hours long and Cooney does a great job of voice acting. Very entertaining listening experience. 

Full stars from me. Full barks from Princess. It's a success, Carol! 

**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy from Kensington, and listened to audio from Tantor Audio. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Ghost Mine

 Ghost Mine
Author: Hunter Shea

Teddy Roosevelt sends two former Rough Riders to investigate strange events at Hecla, Wyoming. It's not going to be an easy trip. He previously sent an entire troop of soldiers to investigate the town. Every man disappeared. Turns out there is a lot more in the mine at Hecla than rock and gold.....a lot more. 

Another great horror story from Hunter Shea! I enjoyed the Old West flair of this story. The story definitely kept my interest from start to finish. I had to keep listening to the audio book every chance I got because I wanted to know what happened to Nat and his friend Teta....and I had to know what evil lurked in that mine!! 

The audio book is a bit over 11 hours long and narrated by John Chancer. Chancer does a great job of voice acting. Very entertaining audio book! 

REVIEW: The Lake Has Eyes

 The Lake Has Eyes
Author: Marc Layton

I kick off my Halloween reading season each year in September so I can get in as many macabre, horrifying, scary reads as possible before my favorite holiday. :) After reading the blurb for this story and seeing the creepy cover art, I knew I needed to read it! 

The basics: Rachel is a teenager recovering from a lengthy, serious illness. Her parents decide to buy a summer home on a lake and fix it up, so they pack up Rachel and her little brother Ben and head to the house. Bridge Manor is run-down and more than a little creepy. When Rachel starts seeing and hearing things in the house, her parents don't believe her. So Rachel begins to investigate the story behind the creepy house on her own. Can she get her parents to listen before it's too late?

Very creepy tale! It definitely kept my interest from start to finish. Although there were some plot points I wish had been elaborated on a bit more, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. This house is definitely not a place I would like to spend a summer vacation! Nope, double nope....even triple nope! 

The Lake Has Eyes is a short, easy read - 8 chapters. But there is a lot of story crammed into those 8 chapters! I like the fact it was a short read -- I started reading at the nail salon while I got a mani-pedi, and was finished before it was time for the technician to start on my nails. Perfect! I did not see the end coming. A gruesome surprise! Nicely done! 

All in all a very entertaining, spooky read! I'm definitely reading more by this author! 

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this novella by Marc Layton. All opinions expressed are entirely my own**

REVIEW: Raccoon Racketeer

 Raccoon Racketeer
Author: Molly Fitz

Never enter into a deal with a raccoon. Even if he's a friend....well sort of a friend. Well, maybe an acquaintance? A very sneaky acquaintance.

Annie Russo and her feline sidekick Octo-Cat find out just how slick and sneaky Pringle the Raccoon can be in the 7th book of the Pet Whisperer P.I. series by Molly Fitz. 

I love this series! It's a perfect feel-good, cozy mystery series! The books are short length (about 20 chapters) and easy, entertaining reads. Always cute animals & an engaging mystery! 

In Raccoon Racketeer, Annie gets mixed up in missing mail, missing documents and a family secret. To solve the case & discover clues about the secret, she has to hire Pringle to help her with a little detective work. Lots of entertaining action and cute animal antics in this one! It kept my attention from start to finish! 

I hope Pringle comes back to help Annie and Octo-Cat again! He's entertaining and has snark equal to Octo himself! 

Another great book in this series! These books never fail to put a smile on my face! 

REVIEW: Striking Range

 Striking Range
Author: Margaret Mizushima

The Timber Creek K-9 series is one of my favorites! I love the setting, the characters and the plots! I have yet to be disappointed with this series. 

Striking Range is the 7th book in the series. The plot is fast-paced with lots of twists and sub-plots. Entertaining as usual! Mattie travels to question a suspect in a Colorado prison, but the prisoner dies leaving some mysterious clues in his cell. Add in a missing pregnant woman, puppies and a blizzard -- it all adds up to the usual great Timber Creek K-9 story! 

This newest book is one of my favorites in the series so far! The action was non-stop and I couldn't stop reading! I am eagerly awaiting the next book.

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Chihuahua Conspiracy

 Chihuahua Conspiracy (Pet Whisperer PI #6)
Author: Molly Fitz

I love this series! The books and audio are shorter length (20 chapters or so) which makes them quick reads that I can easily slip into snippets of free time (commutes to and from work, breaks, lunch, before bed etc). Plus Octo Cat's antics never fail to make me smile. This series makes for a great break from life stress and current world issues. In 2020, I caught up to the last book in this series and lost track of it amid the shuffle of work, a pandemic, my husband being forced to retire from his job, etc.  Then I saw a newsletter email from Molly Fitz in my inbox a few days ago, and memories of Octo Cat and this fun, entertaining book series came flooding back into my tired brain. 

I was excited to see that in my time away from this series six more books and one in-between story have been added! Yay! 

I downloaded the audio book for Chihuahua Conspiracy immediately and had the best time listening! Narrated by Ann Richardson, the audio is just over three hours. I listened while cleaning the house and doing laundry. Great story! 

The Basics: Octo Cat is unhappy when Nan adopts a cute little chihuahua named Paisley from the animal shelter. Turns out the local shelter is also overcrowded and it seems funds have been disappearing. Angie has a mystery to solve on the home front as well -- who keeps breaking things in the house? Embezzled funds, a pouting tabby and smashed china -- so much going on! 

Cute, entertaining story! Richardson does an excellent job of voice acting. Fun listening experience! And a great reminder why I love this series -- it makes me smile and takes my mind off all the things going on at the moment. :) 

On to the next book -- Raccoon Racketeer! 

REVIEW: Murder by the Bookends

 Murder by the Bookends
Author: Laura Gail Black

Jenna Quinn is hosting a grand re-opening for her bookstore, Twice Upon a Time. A damper is put on the festivities when the a local librarian is murdered in spectacular fashion. The man's head was bashed in with an antique glass bookend....yikes!

I live in NC so I love cozies set here! This is the second book in the Antique Bookshop Mystery series.  I love the setting, the characters, the plot...and the dog, of course! The plot moves along at a nice pace and there were multiple suspects. The book definitely kept my attention from start to finish. I will definitely be reading more of this series. 

I wish the NC town I live in had a bookshop like Twice Upon a Time! I would be there all the time! 

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Mrs Morris & the Ghost

 Mrs. Morris & the Ghost
Author: Traci Wilton

I read this book in 2019 when it first came out. Loved it! There are now 4 books in this series and a 5th coming out soon, so I decided to revisit Mrs. Morris and her haunted Salem B&B. In audio this time! 

I love ghost stories. Always have. When I first read the blurb for this book, I knew I would enjoy the story. And I did! For me, this book was a mix of nostalgia for favorite haunting tales like The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, and my love for cozy mysteries with a ghostly theme.

The basics: Charlene Morris relocates to Salem, MA after her husband's death. She just couldn't stand living in the house and city where she and her husband had been happy for so many years. So, she bought a large estate in Salem with the intent of opening a bed and breakfast. Charlene doesn't have much time to get the house set up because it's almost Halloween, and that would be a perfect time to debut a new B&B in Salem. As she busies herself with hiring contractors to paint, buying furniture for the bedrooms and readying herself to start taking reservations, she notices something strange about the house. It seems she isn't alone. She left the ghosts of her past behind in Chicago only to trade them for a real ghost in a large house in Salem. To rid herself of the ghost, Charlene finds herself investigating a death. Was it a natural death....or something much more sinister?

The audio, narrated by Callie Beaulieu, is about 9.5 hours long. Beaulieu does a great job of voice acting. She brought the story and characters to life! 

I'm going to listen my way through the first four books in this series to be ready for the new book. Listening on Hoopla through my local public library! 

REVIEW: Reading Between the Crimes

 Reading Between the Crimes
Author: Kate Young

Reading Between the Crimes is the second book in the Jane Doe Book Club Mystery series. 

I haven't read book one, but was easily able to understand the characters and setting. The plot moves along at a nice pace with some entertaining surprises! I like the setting, the characters and the plot. I loved the idea of a book club banding together to solve a real murder mystery. Fun! A very enjoyable cozy!

This is the first book by Kate Young that I've read. I'm definitely backtracking to read the first book in this series, On Borrowed Crime. 

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: World War Z - The Complete Edition

 World War Z: The Complete Edition
Author: Max Brooks
Narrator: Various

I'm a big fan of Zombie stories....and full-cast audio books -- so I jumped in the queue immediately on my public library's digital site. This book was well worth the wait! 

There are two versions of this audiobook. The original audio from 2006 is abridged with some of the stories/first person accounts from the original book left out. This newer audio (The Complete Edition) is unabridged. I loved the fact that some voices are recognizable favorites -- Alan Alda, Mark Hamill, Simon Pegg, Carl Reiner, Rob Reiner, David Ogden Stiers & others. And the first person perspective stories of the zombie apocalypse and the aftermath are awesome! 

The audio is just over 12 hours long. It kept my attention from start to finish. I would have liked a few more stories about normal people escaping the zombies, but the military perspective was interesting and seemed very realistic. 

Definitely a entertaining audio experience for this zombie tale lover! I've never watched the movie....but I heard it had little or nothing to do with the book. I might watch it now that I've listened to the book so that I can complain that it isn't anything the same as the book. :)