The Sassy Bookworm
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Book Review: The Knocking by Laura Lee Bahr 📚✨
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✩
I recently finished The Knocking by Laura Lee Bahr and found it to be an intriguing blend of historical fiction and gothic mystery set in mid-19th century New York. The story follows Edith Ann "E. A." Howe, a bold journalist and advocate for women's rights, who is sent to document the eerie abilities of Cathie Fox, an eleven-year-old medium under the care of Horace Greeley, the famous newspaper founder. Cathie’s mediumship centers on communicating with the spirit of Horace’s late son, Pickie, whose ghostly presence brings both comfort and unease to the household—especially as Horace’s wife’s condition deteriorates under mysterious circumstances. 👻🕰️
As E. A. digs deeper, she encounters warnings from sharp-tongued housekeepers about staying away from the attic and unnerving messages from beyond the grave. Meanwhile, Cathie’s claim that the house itself is consuming her adds a haunting layer of suspense. Adding to the complexity is Cathie’s English governess, whose presence stirs something buried in E. A.'s past. Throughout, E. A. must untangle whether the real danger lies with the supernatural forces at play or the living inhabitants of this haunted residence. 🕵️♀️🏚️
One thing I immediately noticed was how captivating the cover art is—definitely a book that stands out on the shelf! The atmosphere Laura Lee Bahr creates is thick and immersive, perfectly evoking that gothic vibe. The characters feel well-drawn and authentic, and the writing style is articulate and engaging. That said, I did find the pace a bit slow at times, which made the book a longer read for me than I expected. Whether it was due to a busy schedule or just not fully clicking with the narrative flow, I sometimes struggled to stay completely absorbed. 🎨📖⌛
Overall, The Knocking offers a compelling historical gothic experience with rich setting details and a complex mystery at its core. While it didn’t quite grab me as intensely as I hoped throughout, I appreciated the craft and creativity behind it enough to give it a solid 3.5 stars. Fans of atmospheric ghost stories with layered characters might find it well worth their time. 🌒🔍
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Originally posted at tinyurl.com.
Book Review: The Knocking by Laura Lee Bahr 📚✨
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✩
I recently finished The Knocking by Laura Lee Bahr and found it to be an intriguing blend of historical fiction and gothic mystery set in mid-19th century New York. The story follows Edith Ann "E. A." Howe, a bold journalist and advocate for women's rights, who is sent to document the eerie abilities of Cathie Fox, an eleven-year-old medium under the care of Horace Greeley, the famous newspaper founder. Cathie’s mediumship centers on communicating with the spirit of Horace’s late son, Pickie, whose ghostly presence brings both comfort and unease to the household—especially as Horace’s wife’s condition deteriorates under mysterious circumstances. 👻🕰️
As E. A. digs deeper, she encounters warnings from sharp-tongued housekeepers about staying away from the attic and unnerving messages from beyond the grave. Meanwhile, Cathie’s claim that the house itself is consuming her adds a haunting layer of suspense. Adding to the complexity is Cathie’s English governess, whose presence stirs something buried in E. A.'s past. Throughout, E. A. must untangle whether the real danger lies with the supernatural forces at play or the living inhabitants of this haunted residence. 🕵️♀️🏚️
One thing I immediately noticed was how captivating the cover art is—definitely a book that stands out on the shelf! The atmosphere Laura Lee Bahr creates is thick and immersive, perfectly evoking that gothic vibe. The characters feel well-drawn and authentic, and the writing style is articulate and engaging. That said, I did find the pace a bit slow at times, which made the book a longer read for me than I expected. Whether it was due to a busy schedule or just not fully clicking with the narrative flow, I sometimes struggled to stay completely absorbed. 🎨📖⌛
Overall, The Knocking offers a compelling historical gothic experience with rich setting details and a complex mystery at its core. While it didn’t quite grab me as intensely as I hoped throughout, I appreciated the craft and creativity behind it enough to give it a solid 3.5 stars. Fans of atmospheric ghost stories with layered characters might find it well worth their time. 🌒🔍
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Originally posted at tinyurl.com.
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