Book Review: Eighth Gave After Dark (Charley Davidson) by Darynda Jones

 Eighth Gave After Dark is part of the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones.  I am still binge reading, and still recommend reading the series in order. Not only will it make the read more fun, but it is well worth the time.   

With twelve hellhounds after her, pregnant Charley Davidson takes refuge at the only place she thinks they can’t get to her: the grounds of an abandoned convent. But after months of being cooped up there, Charley is ready to pop. Both metaphorically and literally since she is now roughly the size of a beached whale. Fortunately, a new case has captured her attention, one that involves a murder on the very grounds the team has taken shelter upon. A decades-old murder of the newly-vowed nun she keeps seeing in the shadows is almost enough to pull her out of her doldrums. Charley’s been forbidden to step foot off the sacred grounds. While the angry hellhounds can’t traverse the consecrated soil, they can lurk just beyond its borders. They have the entire team on edge, especially Reyes. And if Charley didn’t know better, she would swear Reyes is getting sick. He grows hotter with every moment that passes, his heat scorching across her skin every time he’s near, but naturally he swears he’s fine. While the team searches for clues on the Twelve, Charley just wants answers and is powerless to get them. But the mass of friends they’ve accrued helps. They convince her even more that everyone in her recent life has somehow been drawn to her, as though they were a part of a bigger picture all along. But the good feelings don’t last for long because Charley is about to get the surprise of her crazy, mixed-up, supernatural life 

Eighth Gave After Dark is more emotionally charged than some of the previous books, and all the threads are coming together. I like that the characters continue to stay true to what readers know about them, even as new revelations and complications continue to arise. I think that this is really a turning point in the series were the goofiness of Charley's personality stops being quite so entertaining, and things are consistently more serious and complicated. Charley is still funny, but the really amusing bits seem further apart and the intrigue and danger really ramp up. The series is still a very engaging read, but the charm that captured my attention really seems to have faded a bit. I know it returns in the next book, because I have read ahead, and that all the serious moments are needed for the larger story line. However, this is where the series lost some of its shine for me. 

Book Review: Samhain Secrets (Wiccan Wheel) by Jennifer David Hesse

Samhain Secrets is the fourth book in the Wiccan Wheel Mysteries by Jennifer David Hesse. I have not read the previous books in this series, and think that returning readers will get more out of it than newcomers. However, I think I was able to catch up pretty quickly and could fully enjoy the read.

After her recent promotion to junior partner, Keli is putting in overtime to juggle her professional career and private Wiccan spiritual practice. With Halloween fast approaching, her duties include appearing as a witch at a “haunted” barn and hand-holding a client who’s convinced her new house is really haunted. But it’s the disappearance of Josephine O’Malley that has Keli spooked. The missing person is Keli’s aunt, an environmental activist and free spirit who always seemed to embody peace, love, and independence. When Josephine is found dead in the woods, Keli wonders if her aunt’s activities were as friendly as they seemed. As Keli comes to terms with her loss—while adjusting to having a live-in boyfriend and new demands at work—she must wield her one-of-a-kind magic to banish negative energy if she’s going to catch a killer this Samhain season. Because Keli isn’t ready to give up.

Samhain Secrets is a fun read. I like that Keli is still fairly new to the practices of Wicca and is finding her ways and path. I think this allows readers that might be unfamiliar with the traditions and beliefs in the religion to learn more right alongside her. I was a little annoyed with some of the unsettled nature of her relationship, there were way too many hints at who else is interested in her to make me feel like she is happy and committed. As a related note her inability to think about letting people know where she is or what she is up to bothers me. Maybe its the mom in me, or the over planner, but when I share a house or have other commitments with people I would let them know I was going off in a canoe, hiking in the woods, or calming ghost related fears. However, aside from her self centeredness I rather liked the characters (including Keli for the most part) and how they interacted.  The mystery and red herrings were very well laid out, and I liked the way things kept circling around in new ways. I liked a lot about this read, and think I would have enjoyed it more with the prior knowledge from the previous books. 

Samhain Secrets is a good cozy mystery with a good set of twists, interesting characters, and a satisfying ending that still leaves plenty of room for more to come.

Book Review: Fifth Grave Past the Light (Charley Davidson) by Darynda Jones

Fifth Grave Past the Light is part of the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones, which I am currently binge reading and sharing about more slowly here on the blog. Please read it in order, it will be much more enjoyable and fun that way.

Charley Davidson isn't your everyday, run-of-the-mill grim reaper. She's more of a paranormal private eye/grim reaper extraordinaire. However, she gets sidetracked when the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, moves in next door. To further complicate matters, Reyes is her main suspect in an arson case. Charley has vowed to stay away from him until she can find out the truth...but then dead women start appearing in her apartment, one after another, each lost, confused, and terrified beyond reason. When it becomes apparent that her own sister, Gemma is the serial killer's next target, Charley has no choice but to ask for Reyes's help. Arsonist or not, he's the one man alive who could protect Gemma no matter who or what came at her. But he wants something in return. Charley. All of her, body and soul. And to keep her sister safe, it is a price she is willing to pay.

Fifth Grave Past the Light is a heavily packed addition to this series. I think I got so much more about Charley and exactly who and what else might be inhabiting her world in this book than I have so far in the entire series. She is not only facing her issues head on, dealing with relationship changes and challenges, and the changes in how the dead are approaching her all combine with her more mundane cases. I have to fess up that I look like an idiot when I am reading these books, because I find myself randomly grinning or cringing as Charley and crew entertain me. I really like that not all the danger Charley and her circle face are from the supernatural, 'normal' people are just as scary and dangerous as the paranormal and more likely to do serious damage. I liked the interactions between Reyes and Charley, and that they are tackling their relationship on several levels.  I admit that I was fully expecting a particular twist to arise, and still expect it to come up in the near future. Although I was floored with the surprise on the very last page of the book. 

Fifth Grave Past the Light is so much more than I had expected. Even the slightly cliffhanger ending was not the twist that I was expecting. I am diving into book six now!

Book Review: Second Grave on the Left (Charley Davidson) by Darynda Jones

Second Grave on the Left is the second book in the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones. I have read the first and ninth book in this series, and have finally gotten around to downloading the entire series and filling in the gaps, and then continue on. I do recommend reading the series in order (although I clearly did not follow my own advice since I read the ninth book first).

Take it from Charley Davidson, part-time P.I. and full-time Grim Reaper. The deceased find her very sparkly. Demons find her irresistible. And one entity in particular wants to seduce her in every way possible. When Charley and Cookie, her best friend slash receptionist, have to track down a missing woman, the case is not quite as open and shut as they anticipate. Meanwhile, Reyes Alexander Farrow (otherwise known as the Son of Satan. Yes. Literally.) has left his corporeal body because he's being tortured by demons who want to lure Charley closer. But Reyes can't let that happen. Because if the demons get to Charley, they'll have a portal to heaven. And if they have a portal to heaven, well, let's just say it wouldn't be pretty. Can Charley handle hot nights with Reyes and even hotter days tracking down a missing woman? Can she keep those she loves out of harm's way? And is there enough coffee and chocolate in the world to fuel her as she does?

Second Grave on the Left is a wild ride with plenty of humor, danger, and twists that had me wondering what would happen next. I really like Charley's character. She underestimates herself, but uses humor and bravo to talk her way through just about everything. I thought the hunt for Reyes and her active case were very well balanced, and I liked the exchanges she has with friends and enemies alike. One never knew if the danger or immediate threat was related to the case, Reyes, or something else entirely. Charley has the kind of wit I always wanted, and the lack of concern for the opinion of others that can be a blessing and a curse. I thought this return to Charley's world was engaging and had me turning pages well past time I should have been doing something else, several times in fact. I love that while there is a satisfying conclusion, there is enough about Charley and her circle that has me eager for the next installment. 

Second Grave on the Left is just as well written and engaging as the first, and I fully plan on binge reading this series in its entirety- although I will schedule the reviews so that they are not all in a row.

Book Review: Midnight Reynolds and the Agency of Spectral Protection by Catherine Holt

Midnight Reynolds and the Agency of Spectral Protection by Catherine Holt is the second book in the Midnight Reynolds series. I do recommend reading the series in order, as it will help explain some of the connections and background. Although I do think a determined reader could catch on. 

Twelve-year-old Midnight Reynolds has a huge secret—she’s a spectral protector, someone who helps ghosts cross over into the afterlife. Alongside her best friend Tabitha, Midnight is busy juggling the wilds of middle school with her undercover ghost-hunting job. When mysterious and dangerous robberies start happening in their small town, all signs point to some sort of spectral manipulation, and Midnight’s boss asks her to take over the investigation. Can Midnight find the culprit and stop them before the spectral energy endangers their town?

Midnight Reynolds and the Agency of Spectral Protection is a mystery and coming of age story that works well as part of a series. Midnight is still trying to find her balance, working to solve the mysteries of the spectral enhanced robberies while her mother plans a wedding, her sister dates a new guy, and her own social life continues to become more complicated. I like how the social and personal growth for Midnight and her family is just as important as the mystery of who is staging the robberies. Nothing is in story as filler, it is all important to the growth of the characters and the forward movement of the story. While I do not know any kids running around dealing with spectral energy, but I do know many that are (or have) gone through the struggles of balancing different parts of their lives and wanting to be perfect in every separate moment. I really enjoyed the ride, and while I had my suspicions with the mystery, I loved the way it played out and how the characters dealt with all of the challenges they faced. 

Midnight Reynolds and the Agency of Spectral Protection  is a wonderful follow up to the first book in this series. I cannot wait to see what Midnight and crew get involved in next. 

Book Review: Ghost Friends Forever #2, Witches Get Things Done by Monica Gallagher, Kata Kane

Witches Get Things Done is the second issue in the Ghost Friends Forever graphic novel series written by Monica Gallagher and illustrated by Kata Kane. I would recommend reading the series in order, but if you are determined to start here I think readers could catch up with the major points quickly.

Magic is the only thing that will help Sophia Greene-Campos reunite with Whitney, her ghost girl crush who died in the 1990s. Frustrated, Sophia is determined to find Witney. Soon Sophia befriends a witch named Charlotte who quickly becomes a trusted friend. While Sophia is busy disobeying her parents, her ex-boyfriend Jake is struggling between expressing his romantic feelings for her and helping her to get Whitney back. And Felix is suffering the nightmarish after effects of creating a Banishment Portal at such a young age. In order to help him, their parents Joanne and Oscar might be forced to reveal more of their knowledge about portals, two-headed poltergeists, and other secrets about The Paranormal Incident that split the family.

Witches Get Things Done is an entertaining read, and I was glad to see what come next for Sophia, Felix, Jake, and Whitney. I really liked getting to see some new characters, and that neither new or old characters seemed to be neglected or left behind in the story telling- which sometimes happens when the field gets crowded. I liked the development of the new and changing relationships, partial because it was as unsure, complicated, and messy as real life. I felt like some of the ghostly and science based paranormal aspects were glossed over or secondary to the angst Sophia has about her relationships. Even the danger is not really focused on as much as I thought it could have been. However, I enjoyed the story and only wish I got a little more from each issue. 

Witches Get Things Done is a nice continuation to the story. I enjoyed the read and the art. It was nice, but did not wow me, although I do plan on continuing the story.

Book Review: First Grave on the Right (Charley Davidson) by Darynda Jones

First Grave on the Right is the first book in the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones. Charley Davidson is a part-time private investigator and full-time grim reaper. Meaning, she sees dead people, and it's her job to convince them to "go into the light." But when these very dead people have died under less than ideal circumstances (like murder), sometimes they want Charley to bring the bad guys to justice. Complicating matters are the intensely hot dreams she's been having about an entity who has been following her all her life...and it turns out he might not be dead after all. In fact, he might be something else entirely. But what does he want with Charley? And why can't she seem to resist him? And what does she have to lose by giving in?

First Grave on the Right is an urban fantasy with a great blend of humor, danger, and steam. Charlie can see and interact with ghosts, she is also their portal into the afterlife. She is also a private investigator and consultant with the police department, work that is made significantly easier (but harder to explain) due to her ghostly communications. I love her snark, and find her inner vulnerability and concern for those that cannot defend themselves to be very well balanced and believable. I thought the Reyes storyline and the complication of their possible relationship to be well played and the larger storyline it leads to is intriguing, and I want more. I like the way that the cast of secondary characters were introduced, and how much depth each were given. There were moments that felt like I should already know something about a character, or that there might have been a prequel or backstory that I somehow missed, but most of those were quickly explained and fixed in the story. Ithink the fact that Charlie does not have all the answers but is figuring things right along with readers goes a long way to forge a connection between the reader and her character. I like that I was not able to solve the mystery, and that some things surprised me as much as they did Charlie. Too often I have my theories about who is pulling the strings too early in the story, but in this instance I was as shocked as the characters when certain reveals were made. As a whole I am engaged with the story and the characters, and while there was closure to the story, I still want more (in a good way).

First Grave on the Right is a fun and engaging read. While this is not a new series, I have read one of the more recent instalments and wanted to see where it all started. I was not disappointed. Now I need to binge read the whole series. I highly recommend that other urban fantasy fans that have somehow missed this series to pick it up.

Book Review: Girl in the Green Silk Gown (Ghost Roads) by Seanan McGuire

Girl in the Green Silk Gown is the second book in the Ghost Road series, set in the same world as the InCryptid series) by Seanan McGuire. I do recommend reading the series in order so that the relationships have more meaning to readers. You do not need to have read the related series however, to fully enjoy this one.

For Rose Marshall, death has long since become the only life she really knows.  She’s been sweet sixteen for more than sixty years, hitchhiking her way along the highways and byways of America, sometimes seen as an avenging angel, sometimes seen as a killer in her own right, but always Rose, the Phantom Prom Date, the Girl in the Green Silk Gown.The man who killed her is still out there, thanks to a crossroads bargain that won’t let him die, and he’s looking for the one who got away.  When Bobby Cross comes back into the picture, there’s going to be hell to pay—possibly literally. Rose has worked for decades to make a place for herself in the twilight.  Can she defend it, when Bobby Cross comes to take her down?  Can she find a way to navigate the worlds of the living and the dead, and make it home before her hitchhiker’s luck runs out? There’s only one way to know for sure.

Girl in the Green Silk Gown is the next chapter in Rose's story. I was glad to get more of her story, and to get a better understanding of Laura's character. I was so proud of Rose for her ability to resist temptation at several turns, it would have been so easy for her to end up at the crossroads. However, her struggles with the changes she faces during the trip alternated between being hysterical and a little annoying as she whined about things. I really enjoyed her journey, and the lengths she goes through not just to get back to where she could be, but to also help others when she can, had me eager to see how things would resolve this time around. I am still waiting for Bobby to earn his due, and for a few other bits to resolve, but I am surely enjoying the ride.

Girl in the Green Silk Gown is another fantastic book from McGuire. My only problem is that her audio book reader is too good, and so I often hold out for that version rather than reading right away. But, the wait is oh so worth it!

Book Review: A Passion for Haunted Fashion (Haunted Vintage Mystery) by Rose Pressey

A Passion for Haunted Fashion is the sixth book in the Haunted Vintage Mystery series by Rose Pressey. I have not read the books from this series before, but I have read other books by the author. I think return readers to the series will get more out of it than newcomers, but I felt like I was able to get into the story and setting easily despite my lack of prior knowledge.

Folks say the Sugar Creek Theater is haunted, but that doesn’t scare off Cookie Chanel. She is the owner of Georgia’s chicest vintage clothing store, It’s Vintage Y’All, and just so happens to talk to the ghost of her grandmother every day through her cat Wind Song and a ghostly sidekick named Charlotte. Still, after she agrees to be in charge of costumes for a production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, she’s surprised to find the specter of a young woman in the theater, keeping watch over a trunk of 1950s dresses. And when Cookie's best friend Heather is found standing over a stabbed actor, she has two mysteries to solve. This is not a dress rehearsal. A desperate killer is waiting in the wings. If Cookie doesn't tread the boards lightly, it'll be curtains for her as well.

A Passion for Haunted Fashion is a well paced cozy mystery that had a couple surprises and some fun distractions. I liked the characters, I thought that Cookie was smart and independent- with her own insecurities and flaws. He ghost companion, friends, and boyfriend were all interesting characters. I do think return readers will get more significance and have more invested in their interactions than I was. I will admit the hints at changing up the romance or adding a bit of a love triangle annoyed me a bit, but that is because I am have seen it too much- not because it was overt or badly bone. I enjoyed the unraveling of the dual mysteries and the crazy conversations ad situations Cookie gets herself in along the way. I do think she made a decision or two that made me want to kick her, because they were not all that smart, but they were needed to get to the final scenes. 

A Passion for Haunted Fashion is a fun cozy mystery with some quirky characters and plenty of twists. I enjoyed the read, and think that fans of the series will enjoy it even more than I.

Book Review: Sir Simon Super Scarer by Cale Atkinson

Sir Simon Super Scarer by Cale Atkinson is a picturebook. Meet Sir Simon, Super Scarer. He's a professional ghost who has been transferred to his first house. And just in time! He was getting tired of haunting bus stops and forests and potatoes. And to top it off, this house is occupied by an old lady -- they're the easiest to haunt! But things don't go as planned when it turns out a KID comes with this old lady. Chester spots Simon immediately and peppers him with questions. Simon is exasperated, until he realizes he can trick Chester into doing his ghost chores. Spooky sounds, footsteps in the attic, creaks on the stairs -- these things don't happen on their own, you know! After a long night of haunting, it seems that maybe Chester isn't cut out to be a ghost, so Simon decides to help with Chester's human chores. Turns out Simon isn't cut out for human chores either. 

Sir Simon Super Scarer is a story about friendship and taking responsibility. Simon is excited about his new haunting spot, but takes advantage of Chester, who comes to stay with his grandmother. They each have their chores, and things they need to do, but Simon tries to get Chester to do his work. I like that Simon realizes what he has done and tries to help Chester in return.  Neither does a good job, but friendship and appreciation fore each other is created. I liked the illustrations, and thought that it did a good job of adding to the story and settling the mood. While the concept sounds fresh and original, I feel like have have read something similar in the past.  I cannot place the title now, but as a whole it felt too familiar to me. I do have to admit that there were some formatting issues with the digital copy, making it hard to read. However, I know that this will be solved by the final print and publish so I tried not to let that affect my feelings toward the story. 

Book Review: Sparrow Hill Road by Seanan Mcguire

Sparrow Hill Road by Seanan Mcguire is the first book in a new series, set in the same world as the Incryptid series but with new characters and dealing with the more ghostly residents. 

Rose Marshall died in 1952 in Buckley Township, Michigan, run off the road by a man named Bobby Cross—a man who had sold his soul to live forever, and intended to use her death to pay the price of his immortality. Trouble was, he didn’t ask Rose what she thought of the idea. It’s been more than sixty years since that night, and she’s still sixteen, and she’s still running. They have names for her all over the country: the Girl in the Diner. The Phantom Prom Date. The Girl in the Green Silk Gown. Mostly she just goes by “Rose,” a hitchhiking ghost girl with her thumb out and her eyes fixed on the horizon, trying to outrace a man who never sleeps, never stops, and never gives up on the idea of claiming what’s his. She’s the angel of the overpass, she’s the darling of the truck stops, and she’s going to figure out a way to win her freedom. After all, it’s not like it can kill her. You can’t kill what’s already dead.

Sparrow Hill Road was not what I expected, but in the very best ways. I was expecting something very much like the books I have already read from Mcguire, and while the skill and style were definitely on par the characters and legends felt fresh and new. Rose is a small town girl, turned ghost, dealing with her new 'life' as a hitchhiking ghost and her new obligations. I enjoyed getting to know Rose. While she honestly wants to help and do the right thing, she is not perfect. She has a temper, sometimes makes mistakes, and is sometimes too soft a touch. All of these traits come together to make her a wonderfully real character. The use of urban legends and well known ghost stories was wonderfully done, I have always been fascinated on how legends both ancient and more modern change and grow, so this was right up my alley. The action is paced well, giving nail biting moments interspersed with backstory and important character development. The secondary characters are not flat, while not quite as developed as Rose they are well layers and complex. Even the characters we only see for one interaction are not stereotypes or simple, they feel real and dynamic. Mcguire is wonderful at making characters that I feel like I know, and whose stories I just want more of after the book is over.

Sparrow Hill Road starts what i hope is another long and highly entertain series from Mcguire. In fact, I already have the next book, The Girl in the Green Silk Gown waiting for me on my kindle and I am looking forward to the read.

As a side note- if you prefer audio books I highly recommend giving this book a listen as well as her other books. I have listened to several books from her other series and while she does have a couple different narrators they are all wonderful. 

Book Review: Read and Gone (Haunted Library Mysteries) by Allison Brook

Read and Gone is the second book in the Haunted Library Mysteries series by Allison Brook. I do recommend reading the series in order, to get the backstory of the characters and set up, but I think newcomers could catch on fairly quickly.

A devoted dad is as precious as diamonds, but Carrie Singleton wouldn't know since her dad Jim's been on the lam most of her life. In an unusual family reunion, she finds Jim breaking into her cottage in the middle of the night. The fun really starts when he begs her to help him recover his half of a seven-million-dollar gem heist he pulled off with the local jeweler, Benton Parr. When she refuses, Jim takes off again. Carrie finds her father again behind bars for the recent murder of Benton Parr. Who made the connection? Unbeknownst to her, Carrie's boyfriend Dylan, an insurance investigator, has been searching for the gems. Determined to find the jewels herself, she starts examining every facet of Parr's life. She turns up a treasure trove of suspects, one of whom bashes her on the head as she's searching the victim's country cabin. Retreating to the quiet confines of the library where she works, Carrie watches as Smokey Joe, the resident cat, paws at a hole in the wall. Is he after the library's ghost Evelyn, or something shinier?

Read and Gone is a solid continuation to this series. I enjoyed that Carrie and the secondary characters continue to grow, and that I am still learning new things about them even though they feel like old friends. The addition of her father and the mystery and murder that follow in his wake was well done. I found the mystery to be multi layered and well handled, and even with the amount of suspects and twists I never felt like there was so much going on that I could not keep track of it all. I will admit that I had my suspicions about who might be involved in the big reveal, and I was mostly right. However, I really enjoyed the journey to get to those answers. While I enjoyed Jim, Carrie's dad, and his role in the action and felt that the emotional rollercoaster Carrie was dealing with were well written, I have to admit that I got frustrated with her on occasion. She seems a little quick to cut people out, and them gets upset when they take her at her word. However, as annoyed as I was I felt both sides were completely realistic and in character for them. It felt like giving advice to a friend who then ignores your coaching and does something completely different, normal but still bothersome. 

Read and Gone is an engaging read with plenty of twists and turns to keep mystery readers happy and enough character development and emotion to keep everyone turning those pages.

Book Review: The Girl Who Ignored Ghosts (Unbelievables) by K.C. Tansley

The Girl Who Ignored Ghosts is the first book in the Unbelievables series by K.C. Tansley is a young adult novel. Kat Preston doesn’t believe in ghosts. Not because she’s never seen one, but because she saw one too many. Refusing to believe is the only way to protect herself from the ghost that tried to steal her life. Kat’s disbelief keeps her safe until her junior year at McTernan Academy, when a research project for an eccentric teacher takes her to a tiny, private island off the coast of Connecticut. Accompanied by her research partner, her best friend, and another student, she investigates the disappearance of Cassie Mallory and Sebastian Radcliffe on their wedding night in 1886. Evan’s scientific approach to everything leaves Kat on her own to confront a host of unbelievables: ancestral curses, powerful spells, and her strange connection to the ghosts that haunt Castle Creighton. But that’s all before Kat’s yanked through a magic portal and Evan follows her. When the two of them awaken 129 years in the past with their souls trapped inside the bodies of two wedding guests, everything changes. Together, Kat and Evan race to stop the wedding-night murders and find a way back to their own time—and their own bodies—before their souls slip away forever. 

The Girl Who Ignored Ghosts is a book that captured my imagination. I liked Kat's intelligence and perseverance. She is not opposed to working hard, and is willing to pitch in even when it puts her personal safety at risk. Ignoring the ghosts has worked well thus far, but surrounding herself with the research about a murder and curse is not helping her keep the ghosts at bay.  Jumping in further with the research trip makes it impossible to keep her shields up. I liked the dynamic between Kat and her best friend Mallory, and the humor that fellow student Seth brings to the group. I will admit that I was initially creeped out a bit by the connection between Kat and Joshua- the next possible victim of the curse the group is investigating. I enjoyed the enemy to friend vibe between Kat and Evan, but I could enjoy a gothic style mystery without any kind of romance hinted at just fine- not all girls are looking to forge romantic relationships their entire lives. I would love to pick up a young adult or new adult novel that skips hints at love triangle and romance once and awhile, particularly when it is not vital to the mystery or larger story line. That being said, I found that the mystery and paranormal aspects of the story were the focus for the majority of the book. The magical time travel was well done, and I liked the explanation of ghosts, spirits, and the differences between them. The curse and mystery surrounding it were well constructed, and interesting to watch unravel. I liked the layers and complexity of the curse, mystery, and the paranormal aspects that connect them and the characters. I did get a little bored with some of the ritual and spell work, and the emotional games being played in the past. However, I did enjoy the read and might pick up the next book if I run across it. However, I am not going out looking for it at this point.

The Girl Who Ignored Ghosts is a good mystery with gothic and paranormal aspects. While I do not have patience with emotional games, I think there are many readers that will enjoy the read and get fully invested with the characters and mystery.

Book Review: The Graveyard Girl and The Boneyard Boy by Martin Matthews

The Graveyard Girl and The Boneyard Boy by Martin Matthews is a young adult novel. 16-year-old albino Drake Stevenson lives a life alone in his world of video games and comic books, dreaming of one day saving a real princess. But fantasy becomes reality when his lawyer father suffers a heart attack, and the Stevensons are forced to move to flyover country in order to take up the family business: Stewardship of the oldest and largest cemetery in the state. There, among the weeping angels and willows of Centralia Cemetery, Drake meets Scarlet, an unusual girl who needs his help to find her killer. Complicated by his albinism, a mentally unstable sister bent on high school domination at any cost, and a jock with a deadly secret, Drake sets out to find the shattering truth about a murder no one will speak of, to help a girl no one can see.

The Graveyard Girl and The Boneyard Boy captured my attention right away, and kept me guessing through the entire book. Drake has a self effacing sense of humor. while dealing with his own issues and the family issues around him he keeps his feet fairly well grounded while still able to laugh at himself and wonder how things could be better. I liked the introduction of setting and characters, it was faced well and worked perfectly in the story. I did not care for some of the love triangle hints, thought it was unnecessary. Why couldn't he just be friends with Sasha or Scarlett, or both for that matter. Why would he pursue both, and why would Scarlett pursue Drake when she was in a happy relationship before all this began? I just do not understand the need for all relationships to include a romantic component when sometimes a good friend is much more important. Love triangle rant over, because that was really the only fault I could find with the book. I adored Drake's character, while sometimes he felt really young and I did not always agree with his decisions, I think he was a well built character. His parents and sister were important to the arch of the story, and the way Drake connected with others.The dichotomy of his sister's personality, the way everyone viewed her, and the way everyone viewed him was realistic and still hit me right in the feels, because doesn't everyone sometimes feel like they have gotten the short end of the stick socially, in the family, or in some other way.  I like how thorough and well planned that built up the family and personal dramas were. Even the secondary characters had plenty of family or personal information shared to make them dynamic and explain them. The mystery surrounding Scarlet, the car accident, and more had me at the edge of my seat and turning pages well past my bedtime. 

The Graveyard Girl and The Boneyard Boy is a well done young adult novel with complex characters, compelling mystery and coming of age drama, and a solid resolution. Although, I admit that I would love to see a follow up about our characters in five or ten years to see just how things end up in the long term. 

Book Review: Ghost Friends Forever: My Heart Lies in the 90's by Monica Gallagher, Kata Kane

Ghost Friends Forever: My Heart Lies in the 90's is the first installment in a graphic novel series for teens and tweens written by Monica Gallagher and with artwork by Kata Kane. Sophia Campos is only just getting used to her new life with her divorced dad and managing their business of helping ghosts, when she meets a ghost girl who changes everything. Not because she’s a ghost - but because of what it brings out in Sophia. Soon her brother, her best friend (who is also her old crush) Jake, and her parents are all entangled together on solving the case of the dead girl. Because she’s not just any average ghost girl. She also holds a piece of the puzzle to something Sophia cares about very much -what was the paranormal event that caused her parents to split up in the first place?

Ghost Friends Forever is a graphic novel that combines family drama, school conflicts, and the supernatural. I like that while many pieces of the story (crushes, divorce,school) are universal, I found that those universal feels carried over the the mystery and ghostly aspects of the story as well, making even the most fantastic moments feel real. Part of that was the deep character work with Sophia, and to a lesser extent the others. Family and relationship drama is something every tween and teen will face (not necessarily in the same degrees) and it just brings the emotional struggles Sophia faces more powerful. I liked the development of her brother as well, even though he does not always make the wisest choice, and the goodness of Jake just made me smile when the way their lives were interconnected was made clear. The art work added the detail and emotion needed to keep readers turning pages and enthralled in the story. I look forward to the chance to keep reading.

Ghost Friends Forever is a wonderful start to a new series. I liked the characters, their relationships, the underlying premise, and the artwork. I am eager to see what comes next. 

Book Review: Archival Quality by Ivy Noelle Weir, Steenz

Archival Quality is a graphic novel written by Ivy Noelle Weir with artwork by Steenz. It would be best for young adult and older readers. After losing her job at the library, Celeste "Cel" Walden starts working at the haunting Logan Museum as an archivist. But the job may not be the second chance she was hoping for, and she finds herself confronting her mental health, her relationships, and before long, her grasp on reality as she begins to dream of a young woman she's never met, but feels strangely drawn to. Especially after she asks Cel for help. As Cel attempts to learn more about the woman, she begins losing time, misplacing things, passing out—the job is becoming dangerous, but she can't let go of this mysterious woman. Who is she? Why is she so fixated on Cel? And does Cel have the power to save her when she's still trying to save herself?

Archival Quality is a graphic novel about dealing with mental illness, and solving a mystery of past and present horrors. Cel needs to learn to trust herself, to accept help when needed, and to trust that those around her care about her and are more than willing to help if she lets them. I liked seeing the trust and friendship develop- and the secrets be slowly revealed.  I liked the combination of mystery, mystical, and trying to find your way. I could empathize with most of the characters, including the secondary players. I liked the story, and think it will keep readers thinking about the story well after they finish it. I know I am still thinking about Cel's journey, and they way she finds herself. I was not thrilled with the art style, it felt a little clunky for some of the characters, but others looked fantastic. The back grounds and details are very well done, and add to the story well- it is just the style a few of the characters that did not work for me. I liked that the story of the books creation was included in the afterwords, and that further reading and museums to explore are offered up as well. The sketch pages were interesting to see as well, to see how the characters were envisioned and changed as the book came together. 

Archival Quality is an interesting and engaging graphic novel that I think will speak to young and new adults, as well of those that have been considered adults for longer than we might want to admit. The mystery and spooky aspects are on point, and the handling of friendship and mental illness was very well done and might speak to others struggling.

Book Review: Sweet Tea and Spirits (Southern Ghost Hunter) by Angie Fox

Sweet Tea and Spirits is the fifth book of the Southern Ghost Hunter series by Angie Fox. I have read most, but not all of the books in this series, and think that the mystery portion of the book can stand up fine as a stand alone, the complicated relationships make reading the books as a series more satisfying than reading any of the installments as a stand alone.

Southern girl Verity Long is about as high society as her pet skunk. Which is why she’s surprised as anyone when the new head of the Sugarland social set invites her to join the "it" girls. But this is no social call. Verity’s new client needs her to go in undercover and investigate strange happenings at the group’s historic headquarters. But while spirits are whispering hints of murder, the socialites are more focused on Verity’s 1978, avocado-green Cadillac. And when Verity stumbles upon a fresh body, she's going to need the long-dead citizens of Sugarland to help her solve the crime. Good thing she has the handsome deputy sheriff Ellis Wydell on hand, as well as her ghostly sidekick Frankie. The bad thing is, the ghosts are now whispering about the end of a certain ghost hunter.

Sweet Tea and Spirits is a mystery with a few surprises along the way. I liked that Frankie and the ghost of the story got significant action. The investigation reveals much more than anyone could have imagined, and continues to complicate the relationship between Verity and Ellis' mother. I liked the mystery, and the history that is uncovered. I was honestly surprised by a couple of the revelations- while other things were more than expected. My only real disappointment here is that while Frankie become a more developed character, I feel like Verity and Ellis have not become any more developed individually or as a couple. I know it is a hard thing to balance, since I do not like when romance overwhelms the mystery in series like these, but some movement would be satisfying.

Sweet Tea and Spirits is at the same quality level as the rest of the series, and I enjoyed the read. I thought the mystery and small town business is all well handled, I just would like more character and relationship development along with the ghosts and mystery.

Early Book Review: How to Make Friends with a Ghost by Rebecca Green

How to Make Friends with a Ghost by Rebecca Green is a picturebook currently scheduled for release on September 5 2017. What do you do when you meet a ghost? One: Provide the ghost with some of its favorite snacks, like mud tarts and earwax truffles. Two: Tell your ghost bedtime stories (ghosts love to be read to). Three: Make sure no one mistakes your ghost for whipped cream or a marshmallow when you aren't looking! If you follow these few simple steps and the rest of the essential tips in How to Make Friends with a Ghost, you'll see how a ghost friend will lovingly grow up and grow old with you. 

How to Make Friends with a Ghost is a fun and original picturebook which outlines what you should to in order to meet a ghost and be a good friend to it. I liked the quirky information given, and think it could be a perfect book to give a child that is currently scared of the things that go bump in the night. The story describes ghosts as shy but loyal, with some interesting dietary favorites. A ghost friend likes most of the same things a child does, but needs some protecting in the world. I enjoyed seeing the ghost stick around the young girl as she grew up, had a family, and eventually grew old. The ending did have a slightly dark leaning, making it clear that a ghost will be a forever friend, but it worked for me. 

Book Review: Between a Wolf and a Hard Place (Heart of the Wolf) by Terry Spear

Between a Wolf and a Hard Place is the twenty first book in the Heart of the Wolf series by Terry Spear. Alpha werewolf Brett Silver has an ulterior motive when he donates a prized family heirloom to the Silver Town hotel. Ellie MacTire owns the place with her sisters, and he's out to get her attention. Ellie is even more special than Brett knows. She's a wolf-shifter with a unique ability to commune with the dead. Ellie has been ostracized in the past, so she protects herself and those she loves by revealing nothing-not even when strange and dangerous things begin to happen in Silver Town. And especially not to the devastatingly handsome and generous wolf who's determined to win her over.

Between a Wolf and a Hard Place picks up pretty close after the 17th book in the series, A Silver Wolf Christmas, and continues the pairing of of the Silver brothers and the MacTire sisters. Along with the romance we get some ghostly mysteries and interfering families- all to be expected when you look at the series and the players involved. I liked Ellie's character, she is strong and independant, with out making foolish decisions. Brett was a nice guy, with the possessive attitude that comes with being an alpha wolf, but seems to be good at tamping it down when that is the smarter path. However, I have to admit hat I never really connected with him- feeling more like he was the expected character, with the expected personality, rather than a person in his own right. I cannot pinpoint anything that left me flat, but something just did not work for me. The same with the danger level- the majority of Spear's romance has some serious danger in store for one or both of the major players, I never really felt that here. I just was never on the edge of my seat. 

Between a Wolf and a Hard Place is a decent read, but I think I might be done with this series ( after I read the next two with I already have on my Kindle). The story is still a good read, but not as engaging and suspenseful as the first few I have read. With the amount of books I still want to read, this just might be one of the series I need to put aside.

Book Review: The Dead Seekers by Barb & J.C. Hendee

The Dead Seekers is the first book in a new series by the same name by Barb & J.C. Hendee. It is set in the same word as their Noble Dead saga, which I have not read. However, I think that readers with no prior knowledge of the world will be able to fully appreciate the story, as I did. Although I will admit that I am now intrigued to see what was written before. 

In the dark reaches of the eastern continent, Tris Vishal travels from village to village, using his power to put unsettled spirits to rest. He works alone, having learned that letting people close only leads to more death. Still, he finds himself accepting the help of the Móndyalítko woman who saves his life—a woman whose gifts are as much a burden as his own. Mari Kaleja thirsted for vengeance since the night her family was taken from her. She has searched far and wide for the one she thinks responsible, known only as “The Dead’s Man.” But before she can kill him, she has to be sure. Mari hopes traveling with Tris will confirm her suspicions. But as they embark on a hunt where the living are just as dangerous as the dead, she learns the risks of keeping your enemy close. Because it’s no longer clear who is predator and who is prey.

The Dead Seekers is a book that is unique and captured my attention very quickly. I enjoyed learning about the world this takes place in, and how Tris and Mari fit into it. I liked the level of internal conflict for both Mari and Tris, as it made their pasts and current situation much more engaging. I could understand Mari's desire for vengeance, and her vulnerability. I think the duality of her nature- with the strength and vulnerability she tried so hard to hide- made her character so interesting that I could not help but become engrossed in her story. I also wanted to know more of how Tris came to be who and where he was- while most of it was explained, I think there must be so much more to his story that I do not know yet. It just makes me want to read more from the author to see if those moments are in another book. The danger and relationship development were very well paced, with enough surprises and intrigue to keep me reading happily. 

The Dead Seekers is an intriguing read that left me satisfied, but still wanting more. To me, this is a sign of a well crafted book.