Coleen

I did like the homage to Lovecraft, the Necronomicon and Frankenstein because Charles “Danny” Jacobs is a mad scientist obsessed with electricity. Charlie/Danny starts his journey as a pastor who is only a little interested in electricity and what I'd call a hobbyist. By the last page when Jamie who is telling us this story and Charlie/Danny have their final battle so to speak the the antagonist has gone into full on obsession like only a good mad scientist can.

This book isn't one of my favorite of King, but I really liked the ending. Sometimes when I read Stephen King's books (not short stories) I'm all “WOW” This is GREAT! This book is scaring me a lot


Then BAMMMM!


At least this time it made sense and I think it had great build up. Jamie was just okay as a character but I did enjoy the malevolence of the antagonist. It was definitely well written. Wish we'd had more of it but I'll be satisfied with the amount I got and the great climax.

Actually this book was really very good in my opinion. Historical fiction with some supernatural mystery thrown in. I liked how it dealt with many aspects of the supernatural from the trolls to banshees to werewolves. You get very attached to the main characters Abigail Rook and of course the main title namesake Jackaby. Even though this novel wraps up very nicely with most of the mysteries solved I am looking forward to the projected book #2 in this series.

I now officially give up on Heather Graham. She isn't the worst author ever but her supernatural stories which sound good in theory are just mediocre.

Actually this story was more of a 4.5 star one but I'm feeling I'll err on the side of nice and say 5, but not put it on my 5 star list. Anyway, this is a cool little ghost, supernatural mystery about a young twenty something year old man A. who is originally from England and inherits a house with “supernatural enhancements” from a long lost barely related cousin he's never heard from in the U.S. He goes with his mute girl friend to go live the life of a new millionaire. There is a mystery to solve of his cousin who was studying the occult before he jumped out a window. A ghost that is playing with their heads and a secret society that meets every year on the winter solstice to do secret things that he and his friend are trying to figure out. All this time the main character A. is having these horrendous realistic nightmares that are really messing with his head.

I liked the style this book was written in sort of House of Leaves with only one story about the haunted house and secret cult and Paranormal Actvity with the inclusion of letters to home, diary enteries, video and audio bits etc. Sort of old fashioned mostly (takes place mid 90's) found footage. The suspense is just enough because it is found footage style and if we know anything from Blair Witch, Paranormal Activity it's that these things usually don't end well for all involved. I also enjoyed both main charcters the only downfall was A.'s crush on Niamh that he doesn't want to admit because she is younger then he. I think it implied she was under 18 while he is 23. I think the crush was written fine but was written about enough times to kind of distract from the story a little for me which is why this would actually be a 4.5 book if Goodreads let you do half star ratings. I'd also like a rating that is “for the love of all that is holy this may have been one of the worst books I've finished reading”. Like a NO! rating with just the circle with the line through the middle that I'd give some books that NO! rating to if Goodreads had it.I figure if I'm talking about the wish for half stars rating I'd mention my wish for a NO! rating too.

I'd recommend this to supernatural mystery fans.

I just read a sample of this and instead of waiting patiently on the hold list at my local library I'm going to buy it. GASP! Judging by the sample I'm already EXTREMLY interested and think this is a book I'm going to like it A LOT!

Actual review of finished book later (oh please don't disappoint me).

You know there are many Stephen King books that I love until all of the sudden the end happens. Not because the book is ending but I just don't like the ending it almost feels like someone else wrote the ending. His short stories are a different matter those I usually love how they're written, ending and all. Anyway the reason this book got a 4 star rating was because I actually liked the ending. The book was very good, more thriller mystery rather than horror. Although the scenario where a person who has serious mental health issues and probably PTSD from their screwed up childhood(yes PTSD happens in abused children) kills people on a whim and find he/she likes it is a horror story. Unfortunately this horror is pretty based in reality here in the U.S. Writing and story overall good but I'm giving extra points because I liked how the ending was written.

So I reread this and it was better than I remembered. I did like Ruthie she was relatable. Over all a decent book that I would recommend.

It is times like this I wish half star ratings were available. There were moments in the book I liked and moments I REALLY liked, and if I could give half star ratings I'd say this was actually a 3.5 star book. I liked the story of Cas the ghost hunter and Anna the ghost he's hunting. I actually loved the sidekick characters of Thomas and Carmel and wished there had been a bit more with them. I know whySpoiler Cas couldn't kill Anna, but I didn't understandhow he went from just wanting to kill her to wanting to kiss her. I think that is my problem with the book was that I wanted more ghostbusting supernatural story than I got. I'm fine with paranormal romance as long as it isn't over the top, and this wasn't, but maybe it was just too much teen angst mixed in with the paranormal romance that stopped me from just liking the Anna and Cas love story into REALLY liking their love story.

Anyway, overall good book and I definitely plan to read the second in the series just to see what happens next in Cas's story.

I wavered between giving this 2 stars and 3, but decided in the end to only give it 2. Yes it has 2.5 to 3 star moments but mostly I just thought this book was okay. Colby Stevens is interesting and I like the fairies just nothing in the book said WOW. Mostly it just said “meh”.

I think this is a fun book. Action, mystery and fun science experiments to do, most of which fall under the category of “try this at home*” *don't blow up your house trying this at home so ask a parent or adult first. The relationship between Nick and Tesla is really believable. As an adult I also wondered why they were sent to stay with their absent minded uncle while their parents were away. SpoilerOn a super secret, yet to be revealed mission, that the kids were lead to believe involved soybeans, but most likely doesn't. Unless soybeans is a black ops code name. Cue dramatic music!

It is a book I'll definitely be recommending to the more action inclined young patrons who visit the library.

The author did a great job with making me as a reader invested in Judith. First you get brief bursts of knowledge about her in this wonderful and lyrical second person narrative. These beginning short burts are so beautifully written. It starts out like Judith cut off from her neighbors and her family because she is made mute by a man and her mother's orders because she has didsdain for the girl she came back as with half her tongue cut out. The short bursts become longer and longer as Judith realizes that there is more to herself than just these small glimpses.

I'd recommend this to those who like historical fiction, don't mind second person narrative and a book that has wonderful lyrical moments.

This is the first book I've read by this author, but I definitely want to read more after reading this great book. The characters are mostly likeable, and you get to know them well enough that you do want them to somehow survive this horror. However, since you're reading a horror novel you know that isn't going to happen, it is just a question of who will die, who willl survive and how they go about trying to survive once the carnage starts. It also doesn't help this novel takes place during a really bad snowstorm, and there is currently lots of snow outside now and when I was reading the book. Definitely a recommended read for horror lovers, especially monster horror. Very well written.

This book was very delightful. I think the main character is wonderfully written. Intelligent and daring for a girl in the 1918. I've read about Spanish Influenza and the horrors that were WWI, but there were lovely touches that made you feel like the author just took a picture of the time for a 16 year old girl dealing with so much.

The touches about everyone being so paranoid about being thought of as anti-American, the fact that spiritualist and spirit photography was so popular even the fact that people had lots of homemade remedies (which included lots of onions) to fight against catching the flu just seemed to make the story more relatable. Mary Shelley is trying to fond her place in a new town, where her childhood sweetheart lives, because her father is jailed as a possible traitor for helping some men avoid going to war. The story is filled with mystery,love, sadness, and bravery. Along with a touch of the supernatural Spoiler since she speaks with her childhood sweetheart's ghost.

Like any good book it did leave me wanting more to the story. While the ending was satisfying I did want to know how things turn out for Mary Shelley and her familySpoiler Stephen's ghost ask her while she is unconscious/having an out of body experience/dead? to tell him what she has done with her life when she is an old woman. I definitely appreciate the author's research into the time period and the life she gave all these characters. I'd love to read more books from Ms. Winters.

I've read Joe Hill's other works, and this one is my favorite so far. It was just the right amount of creepy. Really well written.

I had higher hopes for this book. It sounded like such a great slightly supernatural (ghost) story of friendship surpassing boundaries. It is about a ghost (who is both/neither boy or girl) and a girl who become friends which I did like, but couldn't get behind 100%. I liked Liesl and Po but I didn't really buy into their friendship as written since SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER Po seemed so indifferent to Lisel at points until he/she was in the living world more and then Po would back slide somewhat to indifference. There were qualities of this book that I enjoyed and believe a certain type of child, teen or adult would also enjoy it. Unfortunately the qualities I did enjoy were fewer than I expected so I had to only give it 3 stars.

Quirky, mysterious, a little Gothic and fun. Max, 10 year old genius, Otto an older brother who never takes off his scarf and refuses to speak out loud, but instead uses an invented sign language that only his sister Lucia really understand. One of these children is the author of this book but is forced to stay anonymous by his/her siblings because it is their story. I'd say this is best for children and adults who'd like a slightly cheerier Lemony Snicket. I'd recommend it for those who don't mind a little peril inflicted upon the child characters but SPOILER ALERT things turn out okay in the end.

Advice for those wanting to read this book,if characters who can't focus or finish their task until the last second annoy you this book may not be for you. I understand how it may appeal to a certain audience, and I predict that the tween book club I supervise will mostly have liked it, but I must say the book was not for me. I was annoyed by Terry's character. His creativeness wasn't written in an endearing way or even his lack of focus. However since I see where it can appeal to some, mostly reluctant readers or comic/humor fans I'll give it 3 stars.

Actually a 3.5 rounded up for the side characters. The main character was much more wishy washy than I'd prefer. The house and of course Mr. Morningside and his writings were the really good part in my opinion. Does have a nice mix of supernatural and stories about fae, banshees etc.

I had heard the author on the web or some such and I was intrigued by the concept of this book. A book to figure why cats behave the way they do and maybe make me a better cat owner sounds terrific! Not the book I got at all. While there is some interesting facts in the book a lot of it doesn't tell you a lot of the basic why your cat is not as weird as you think and how you can be a better cat owner. I did learn that cats are trainable via treats, but I kind of knew that since my cat does a very cute sit up and ask for her treats on command. It is the only thing I've ever trained her to do. Nice to know maybe I can convince her to do more adorable stuff with food bribes. This book definitely has it's dry science and history side so if neither of those things especially concerning human and cat interaction interest you I would not suggest this book for you.

I don't think this book is poorly written just not what I was looking for. Maybe some day I'll catch that red dot and understand cats, then I can rule the world under my cat gods.

I've read splatterpunk and been less disturbed I think because it was based on a true story made it hard for me to stomach. It wasn't for me.

Okay this star rating is just based on the extended preview, but so far this book is GREAT and I can't wait for the full release. I'm already loving Melanie.

Just finished this book and I LOVED it! Melanie is so well written. It's interesting to see this zombie novel from different characters perspective. You don't have to wonder at their motives just sit back and enjoy the story. Well written and I'd suggest it to anyone who likes a novel that explores what characters are thinking and how they're reacting in the situation the author has put them in. To sum it up zombie outbreak that happened a couple decades before, now there is a research outpost trying to find the cure for those who aren't zombies. Research outpost gets invaded and then you get a road trip where their goal is a safe haven. As I said LOVED Melanie, loved the book!!

Not as suspenseful or thrilling as her other two. Actually my least favorite of all her books. I was totally not surprised when Nadine figures out that Spoiler she was sexually abused as a child by cult leader Aaron Quinn. Who is supposed to be creepy, but seemed like a cookie cutter cult leader who is supposed to be charismatic, but of course the main character had his number and felt very uncomfortable around him at a young age even before the sexual abuse started. While this isn't a bad suspense novel I just wasn't satisfied as I have been with Chevy Stevens other novels.

I may be a 40+ year old ,but when I grow up I want to be as sure of myself as Rama Khan (“RAMA KHAN!”)and as creative in my thinking as Mysti. Mysti would love to be the character in a book and she makes up interesting stories about her life. Her real life is confusing. Her “best friend” is performing an experiment in which Mysti becomes the butt of his teasing at school and they have to pretend to not be friends during school. Her mother is agraphobic and her dad is hospitalized due to a fall. Mysti's mom refuses to ask for any help so Mysti has to worry about trying to figure out how to take care of her family while their food supplies dwindle. She has to deal with her “best friend” making her the butt of his jokes at school and worrying about school and friends. However she finds her way with the help of some friends and a Texas loving history teacher.

Great story would recommend it to all those who like well written realistic fiction and don't mind reading books written for middle school kids. I know I'm recommending it to lots of my patrons as a children's library assistant.

I was fooled into reading this by all the stellar reviews, and book jacket description. As I read the book I wondered if this would be the time I was so disgusted with a book that I would throw it. Which in my mind is something I DON'T do because I respect books too much to do that. The only thing preventing me from throwing it at a wall this time was that it was a library loan. I'm not going to talk about it much besides the fact that my loathing for this book is deep. The only reason I finished it was it was a book club choice. Otherwise it'd be on my books I despised and refuse to finish pile.

I just reread this for a book club I chaperone/run and I'd forgotten how exciting it was. I haven't felt this bad for “orphans” since Harry Potter, but at least these three have each other and the thought that their parents might not be dead.
Kate , Michael and Emma are 3 siblings who have been going from orphanage to orphanage for 10 years when they're finally sent to an orphanage in Cambridge Falls a place no one has ever heard of. They're the only “orphans” at this orphanage though. Of course right after they get settled the magic begins. They travel in time using a blank book and a photograph, lose Michael and go back in time to rescue him. They find out about an evil Countess who wants the magic book they just found, and is holding a whole town hostage to find it. They meet many supporting characters who are trying to help them.
Interestingly described magical world and the magic book, cool characters, harrowing adventure,time travel,and magic. I had forgotten how violent some of the scenes are for a tween book, but not so graphic that I'd put it closer to YA than tween. Depends on the sensitivity of the reader. I've decided after the reread to see how everything turns out for these three so I of course would say read this interesting magical book.