Audiobook Review: The Family Plot by Cherie Priest

Posted on October 31, 2016 by Jenn
Audiobook Review: The Family Plot by Cherie PriestThe Family Plot by Cherie Priest
Also by this author: Maplecroft
Published by Macmillan on September 20th 2016
Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic, Urban
Pages: 336
Format: Audiobook
Source: personal copy
Music City Salvage, owned by Chuck Dutton, thrives on stripping historic buildings and reselling what they've salvaged.  Business has been slow, so Chuck is thrilled when he gets a call from Augusta Withrow.  Her offer is risky but has the potential to be quite lucrative.  She's offering the entirety of her family estate, no questions asked, for a single price.  The price is hefty, but the potential for it to be a goldmine makes it worth the risk.

Chuck assigns his daughter, Dahlia, to oversee the project. Dahlia takes a small crew, a few trucks and some equipment and drives down to Chattanooga. Upon their arrival, they find the home, along with a barn and carriage house full of resellable fixtures and pieces.  It's in remarkably good shape, considering it's due to be demolished in a matter of days.

It's not long before they understand Augusta's desire to destroy the home.  Something very angry is in the home, something or someone tied to the family plot on the property.   An evil buried for decades, one that has one last chance to get revenge before the house is gone forever...

Already a fan of Priest’s work, I was thrilled to see that she was writing a haunted house novel.  The moment I had an opening in my audio book schedule, I squeezed this one in. Boy, was it worth it!

Priest already excels at writing the dark and creepy. Something about this one, however, sent chills down my spine.  Could it be the fact that I listened to it, showcased by the stunning narration of Kate Udall (a new-to-me narrator).  There isn’t a think about this novel I would change.

A fan of restoration shows on television, I had an instant connection before I even began to listen. It was much like my favorite salvage show, Salvage Dawgs. Having this familiarity made it easy for me to connect to the characters, to become engrossed in what transpired. Add to that Priest’s truly talented writing and this is truly a gem of a listen.  The fact that my audiobook kept pausing itself at particularly chilling scenes added to the atmosphere of the read.  I most definitely blame this on my quirky phone rather than something form the beyond…or do I?

In any case,  whether you are a fan of Priest’s writing or new to her work, I can’t recommend this title enough. Highly, highly recommended.

 

Posted in Audiobook, Murders, Monsters, & Mayhem | 2 Comments

Review: Graveyard: True Hauntings from an Old New England Cemetery

Posted on October 27, 2016 by Jenn

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: Graveyard: True Hauntings from an Old New England CemeteryGraveyard by Ed Warren, Lorraine Warren, Robert David Chase
Published by Graymalkin Media on December 2nd 2014
Genres: Body, Mind & Spirit, Demonology & Satanism, General, Horror, Non-Fiction, Religion
Pages: 220
Format: Paperback
Source: the publisher
Graveyards carry with them a sense of foreboding.  Within their gates are individuals whose time on Earth has ended. Most move on, yet some remain....

In this text, Ed and Lorraine Warren share their history of investigating hauntings, starting with Union Cemetery in Monroe, Connecticut, right in their own backyard.

Yesterday, I shared my review of one of many books about/by Ed and Lorraine Warren. This is a much tamer book, devoid of any gore, filled to the brim with stories to be retold around a campfire, or curled up on a dark fall day.  Certainly not terrifying, but perfect for those looking for a light horror read.

Again, like with yesterday’s review, the language is quite simple, making it easy for readers of all ages to enjoy it.  I personally wouldn’t read it all in one sitting, for that sort of takes the chill away, instead perhaps focusing on each account individually.

Bottom line: if you are looking for a light scare for the Halloween season, this is the perfect title. Recommended!

 

 

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Review: The Demonologist: The Extraordinary Career of Ed and Lorraine Warren by Gerald Brittle

Posted on October 26, 2016 by Jenn

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: The Demonologist: The Extraordinary Career of Ed and Lorraine Warren by Gerald BrittleThe Demonologist: The Extraordinary Career of Ed and Lorraine Warren by Gerald Brittle
Published by Graymalkin Media on July 18th 2013
Genres: Biography & Autobiography, Fiction, Occult & Supernatural, Religion, Religious, Spiritual Warfare
Pages: 238
Format: Paperback
Source: the publisher
Ed and Loraine Warren, for the last half-century, have been regarded as America's foremost experts on demonology and exorcism.  In this text, they divulge details of well-known hauntings, including the terrifying doll, Annabelle.

I knew I needed to throw in some non-fiction as part of this year’s Murder, Monsters & Mayhem. When I was approached to review this title, I knew it was the perfect fit.

So many of us know about the Warrens, if anything due to their involvement in the case that inspired The Conjuring. Admittedly, I was a bit wary when I started reading, certain I was going to get preached at with religious statements and beliefs (the Warrens are devout Catholics) or that the content was going to be…cheesy.  Instead, I was chilled to the bone. Truly. Everything was done in a factual tone, no bible-thumping or overt expressions of faith.  The Warrens are serious about their work and serious about making this often taboo subject known and relevant.

While the writing isn’t profound or dynamic, it does get the point across. If anything, it’s layman’s terms, written in a style easily understood by readers of all ages.  The pictures, the stories, the descriptions of the events that transpired? Truly terrifying. I was intentionally vague in the summary, for this is one of those titles you should definitely embrace on your own, without any preconceived expectations. Highly, highly recommended.

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Review: How to Hang a Witch by Adriana Mather

Posted on October 25, 2016 by Jenn

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: How to Hang a Witch by Adriana MatherHow to Hang a Witch by Adriana Mather
Published by Random House Children's Books on July 26th 2016
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Horror, Paranormal, Occult & Supernatural, Social Themes, Young Adult Fiction
Pages: 368
Format: ARC
Source: the publisher
Samantha (Sam) Mather and her stepmother are recent transplants to Salem, Massachusetts. The expense of caring for her father in New York City was just too much and the move was inevitable.  While Sam is new to Salem, her family name is not.  One of her ancestors was, you guessed it, Cotton Mather, one of the men responsible for the Salem witch trials.  Within days of her arrival in Salem she already has a group of enemies.  They are referred to as The Descendants, their ancestors were the witches at the heart of the trials.

Now living in the Mather family home, Sam finds it is full of family secrets, history...and a ghost.  At first, their relationship is rocky.  Soon, she's forced to rely upon him when she finds out she is part of a deadly curse, one that demands she works with those that hate her most, The Descendants.  Without their help, there is no way to put an end to the deaths that continued long after the last witch was hanged.

This review copy has been sitting in my book pile since the spring. When I saw it sitting there, all lonely and unread, I quickly added it to my pile of books to review for Murder, Monster & Mayhem.  Then last week, as I was preparing for the read-a-thon I added it to that pile. It was meant to be. Truly.

I know I’m not alone in my obsession with the Salem Witch Trials. It started long before I read The Crucible (which, by the way, my teen is reading now!).  A town so rich in a deep dark history, I find it completely fascinating.  This novel, and this author (yes, an actual descendant of Cotton Mather), is the absolutely perfect read for fans of this time in our nation’s history.   The author is paying homage to her family and the town’s rich and vibrant history.  She also modernizes it, adding the topic of modern-day bullying to the mix.

The characters are rich, well defined and developed.  I think she captures the angst and emotions of teen life in an exceptional way, not at all cliche or exaggerated. I couldn’t get enough of this book, I devoured it in a manner of hours.The best way to describe it is a combination of The Craft meets Mean Girls.  All in all, a highly engaging and engrossing read. Highly, highly recommended.

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Review: Hex by Thomas Olde Heuvelt

Posted on October 24, 2016 by Jenn

I received this book for free from personal copy in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: Hex by Thomas Olde HeuveltHEX by Thomas Olde Heuvelt
Published by Macmillan on April 26th, 2016
Genres: Dark Fantasy, Fantasy, Fiction, General, Horror, Thrillers
Pages: 448
Format: Hardcover
Source: personal copy
From the outside, Black Spring looks like your typical quaint Hudson Valley town. In reality, however, it holds a deep dark secret.  It's haunted by the Black Rock Witch, a woman from the 17th century accused of being a witch, her eyes and mouth sewn shut. She walks the streets of Black Spring without abandon, entering homes at her will.

The elders of Black Spring have developed an elaborate surveillance system to keep the town curse secret from outsiders. As long as the Black Rock Witch is undisturbed during her routine travels throughout town, the citizens are Black Spring are safe.

Or so they think.

I purchased this title upon release after much acclaim by readers whose opinions I trust and value. There’s even a blurb from the king of horror himself on the cover!
All of the acclaim was so, so worth it. What a chilling and wholly unique premise!!  It reminded me a bit of Wayward Pines, in that the town has a deep dark secret it’s trying to keep hidden.

What makes this even more terrifying is that the citizens of the town were forbidden to leave.  Doing so made them physically (or mentally) ill, the town claimed them as its own the moment they move in.  The elaborate technology the elders used to keep track of the witch was downright ingenious, as was the methods they used to hide her if she came out when visitors came to town.

This was truly a phenomenal read; I have no issues or qualms with it! I cannot wait to read what’s next from this fresh new voice in horror fiction!

Posted in Horror, Murders, Monsters, & Mayhem, Review | 1 Comment

October 2016 Dewey’s 24-Hour #Readathon Wrap-up Post

Posted on October 23, 2016 by Jenn

dewey

I opted to go to to sleep around midnight. We’re planning baking today and I knew I’d need my sleep.

Here are my final stats:

Books read

Hex by Thomas Olde Heuvelt
The Demonologist by Gerald Brittle
How to Hang a Witch by Adriana Mather
Graveyard by Robert David Chase

My favs were definitely Hex (spooky) and How to Hang A Witch (hello, Salem!)

Total time spent reading: 12 hrs, 25 minutes

Total number of pages read: 1253

All in all, I consider this a very successful read-a-thon!  How about you, did you participate?

Posted in Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-thon | 3 Comments

October 2016 Dewey’s 24-Hour Readathon Update Post!

Posted on October 22, 2016 by Jenn

dewey

 

Happy read-a-thon Day to You!  Ahhh, I’m so excited to start!

I have my comfy reading clothes!

fullsizerender

 

 

This will serve as my update post for the read-a-thon.  Rather than inundate you with dozens of update posts, we’re just going to limit it to just one.  Below I’ll link my updates (which will be posted on Tumblr).

 

My updates will follow this format:

 

Currently Reading:

Books Finished:

Pages read since last update:

Running total of pages read:

Total time spent reading:

Snacks:

 

Updates:

Kick-Off Post!
Update #1: 9:00 AM
Update #2: 1:00 PM
Update 3: 5:30 PM
Update 4: 9:30 PM
Update 5: 11:30 PM

 

 

 

Good luck to all who are participating!!!

Posted in Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-thon | 1 Comment

Dewey’s October 2016 #Readathon!

Posted on October 21, 2016 by Jenn

dewey

 

I just love Fall!  Dewey’s 24-Hour Read-a-thon is just one of the many activities I look forward to! I mean, Fall brings perfect reading weather! Cool brisk temps leave me wanting to burrow up under some blankets and read all day!  I did a calculation and this makes the 13th Dewey’s Readathon I’ve participated in! Wow!

I have my snacks lined up, including the traditional cinnamon roll breakfast I’ve become known for.  My comfortable reading attire has been selected (leggings and a hoodie, of course!)

Here’s the beginnings of my readathon pile!  I’m likely to change this based on my  mood, but as you can see here, my October readathon books tend to lean more toward the spooky reads :).  Have any other suggestions for books I should add?

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I’ll only be posting one general update post here tomorrow morning. All updates will be done via Tumblr or Instagram and then linked to that blog post. I don’t want to inundate everyone with dozens of blog posts!

 

Are you participating? What books do you plan to read?

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Review: The Women in the Walls by Amy Lukavics

Posted on October 19, 2016 by Jenn

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: The Women in the Walls by Amy LukavicsThe Women in the Walls by Amy Lukavics
Also by this author: Daughters Unto Devils
Published by Harlequin on September 27, 2016
Genres: Horror, YA
Pages: 288
Format: ARC
Source: the publisher
Lucy Acosta grew up without a mother; her own passed away when she was three.  Her father is cold and distant, never really concerned about Lucy's well-being, rather focusing on keeping the reputation of the Acosta name alive.  Lucy's real family is her cousin, Margaret, and her aunt, Penelope.  Lucy and Margaret spent their childhood roaming the dark, mysterious halls of their estate.

When Penelope goes missing, Lucy loses the only mother she has ever known.  Margaret begins acting mysteriously, retreating to the attic.  She's certain she can hear her mother speaking to her from the walls.  Margaret's sanity continues to spiral out of control and Lucy can do nothing but stand by and watch.

When she herself begins to hear voices, Lucy realizes Margaret's sanity wasn't to be questioned. Instead, they are haunted by a legacy that has affected the women in her family for generations.  Already tortured by her own personal demons, Lucy must face the past in order to guarantee her own future, and those that follow her.

A few weeks ago, I listened and loved Daughters Unto Devils, the author’s previous work. That title chilled me to the bone.  This one? Not so much.

While the concept is chilling (generations of women haunting their descendants) I don’t feel nearly as connected or invested in this read.  It’s almost as if more depth should have been added to the characters, more explanation about the history of the “curse” and perhaps I would have felt more of a connection?  This isn’t to say this read wasn’t enjoyable; I read it one sitting.  Yet, I did find myself skimming through the dialogue, rushing to get to another scene of action.

All this said, I would still recommend this title to those looking for a chilling October read. Perhaps if I hadn’t read the previous novel first, and had nothing to compare it to, I might have enjoyed it more. Perhaps my expectations were too high?  Either way, give it a try yourself. Report back about what you thought about it!

Posted in Horror, Murders, Monsters, & Mayhem, Review | 1 Comment

Audiobook Review: Harvest Home by Thomas Tryon

Posted on October 18, 2016 by Jenn
Audiobook Review: Harvest Home by Thomas TryonHarvest Home by Thomas Tryon
Published by Audible Studios on October 28, 2013
Genres: Horror
Format: Audiobook
Theodore "Ned" Constantine, his wife, and teen daughter opt to leave the city air of New York City in attempt to find a calmer life.  Life in this city is difficult on his daughter, a severe asthmatic. They find the perfect 19th-century home in the charming farming village of Cornwall Coombe.

They are the first "outsiders" to maintain residence in Cornwall Coombe.  Luckily, they are befriended by the village's matriarch, the Widow Fortune.  Her approval makes their transition to the quiet village life easy, natural.  The village has close ties to the past; annually they hold an ancient festival, Harvest Home, which celebrates the fall harvest.  Ned soon catches wind of something sinister afoot in Cornwall Coombe, a dark and sinister past covered up by the annual celebration.  The odd superstitions surrounding the seasons and the village's corn crop are a bit eerie, putting Ned on edge. At first it was all curious and humorous, but when they take on a more deadly spin, he questions his family's safety. He's alone in his feelings; both his wife and daughter have found a home in Cornwall Coombe. As he discovers more about the village's history and beliefs, Ned soon finds himself in a dark and deadly position.  He's unable to resist investigating the villages secrets, unfortunately at his own risk...

 

 

This novel was originally released four years before I was born, a horror classic that I discovered when I was a teen. When I found myself on the hunt for a classic horror read, I knew this would be it.

This is the type of horror novel that is slow building.  It’s not full of action or terrifying scenes, but a true classic in every form of the word. When there is a terrifying scene it is brutal, carnal, and terrifying. As I read, I couldn’t help but wonder how this title would have fared in the current publishing environment.  There are quite a few scenes that likely would have been banned or edited, for this is true, hard-core classic horror. While there is gore, it doesn’t rely on those scenes for its success. The eeriness of the townspeople is enough to terrify any reader.

If you are looking for a truly terrifying classic horror novel, this is the one for you.  The audio production was outstanding, the narration adding to the chill and tone of the book.  All in all, highly recommended (with warning)!

 

Posted in Horror, Murders, Monsters, & Mayhem, Review | Tagged , , | 2 Comments