The Hidden Demon

The Hidden Demon by Monica La Porta

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I received a free ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have loved everything I have received from this author and this book is no exception.

Book #4 of the Immortals series, we are introduced to Peter who is a demon that has the job of reading the last moments of the dead. Ophelia, who we met in book #3 is still pining for Samual and doesn't know if she will ever find her true mate. The characters of Peter and Ophelia are so similar you wonder if they will ever fit together but at the same time how can they stay apart.

Peter and Ophelia come together to solve the mystery of the deaths of two lovers found entwined in a grave, one is the skeleton of a vampire which shouldn't exist in the first place. Peter's touch gives him the ability to see the last moments of someone before they die. His touch also has a powerful affect on a woman. His reputation proceeds him and Ophelia is instantly drawn to this demon and he is to her but soon he decides he wants more than a one night stand. What results is a powerful emotional tug of war that leaves you wondering if these two will ever hook up or remain stubborn and heartbroken.

All of the books in the Immortals series can be read as stand alone books or in order. I've read them all and each are great, this one so far is my favorite. I love the strong characters of both Ophelia and Peter as well as the mystery that encompasses them. Its a great story and one that shouldn't be missed.



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Mortal Danger

Mortal Danger by Ann Aguirre

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


There were things I liked and things I didn't like about this read. Making it meh on the rating scale.

Edie is a girl that has been bullied for years. Her parents are nerdy and have been no help in the matter and Edie is at the end of her rope. She's done her research and is preparing to commit suicide when she is stopped by a gorgeous guy and made a Faustian offer that she can't refuse. A great premise that goes awry from there. Edie wishes to be made beautiful so that she can get back at the Teflon group at school. Wait....what? ..... Yep, beauty will be the answer to all her problems and turns out it is. Along with beauty she gained instant confidence and turns out she can overlook the transgressions of the bullies. (And actually what they did to her would have been a prosecutable offense.)


The love affair with stalker Kian is somewhat believable. After all, they share a bond of the knowledge of what is really going on. However, my feelings toward Kian are in a gray area. I'm not so sure I believe him. I think there may be more there than Edie realizes. Her instincts are screaming and her hormone induced feelings are not listening.

The world building is interesting, too bad the plot is somewhat ify. Too much has been left unexplained. We have two "companies" that are fighting over the world. But they aren't sure why and its not really the outcome of the game that its important. Ok.... so are they just bored? or is there some other point here. And then there are all these sideline players who are interfering but again we don't really know why. The rules of the game are what? Again, no one seems to know.


Overall, I rated it meh mainly because its really shallow. Beauty doesn't solve all your problems and it doesn't make someone being mean to you ok. The Faustian contract is interesting and the world building is unique although the plot needs work. I'm hoping that some of my questions are answered in the next book and give me hope that the series will get better.



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The Murder Farm

The Murder Farm by Andrea Maria Schenkel

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is a fictional account of a true story and is told in an unconventional way. Interviews are given to people who live near where a gruesome murder has taken place. Chilling accounts are given as we hear from the friend of the little girl that was murdered as well as other friends and neighbors of the family. The story gradually unfolds as we learn the fate of the entire family and their maid.

Its a short read but one that packs a punch. I was pulled in right from the beginning and couldn't put it down til it was finished. Definitely made me want to double check my locks at night. Creepy and scary its a must read for mystery fans.



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Beyonders #1 A World Without Heroes

A World Without Heroes by Brandon Mull

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I generously gave this book 4 stars, its more like 3.5. I loved the Fablehaven series so I had high hopes for this book. Maybe too high.

This book reminded me so much of a more modern Alice in Wonderland. Jason and Rachel arrive in Lyrian through unusual means just as a group of musicians commit suicide by going over a waterfall and the crowd there sees this as normal. More unusual characters are met along the way as they attempt to complete their quest for the Word.

This is a middle grade age book, and its suitable for the age group. The characters aren't too in depth and the setting is unusual. Its an adventure that will appeal to a young audience but not one, as an older reader, am just drawn to.

Overall, its not a horrible read, but at the same time not a great one either. The twist at the end and the cliffhanger is what prompted me to round up to 4 stars. I will probably, at some point, continue with the series but its not one that I just can't wait to get my hands on. Maybe the next book will be a bit better.



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The Lunatic's Curse

The Lunatic's Curse by F.E. Higgins

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I love the Tales from the Sinister City. However, this is a bit much for the age group it was written for. Reminiscent of RL Stein or Ray Bradbury, this read is a dark and creepy. It contains elements of horror that children may not understand such as cannibalism.

The Lunatic's Curse involves the mystery of the madness and death of the famous inventor Grammaticus. The creepiness level is increased by setting the story at the local lunatic asylum. Murder and mystery abounds through this book as Rex and his new friend Hildred try to discover what's happening. With escaped lunatics and a monster in the bottomless lake, there is much mystery, adventure, and evil about.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. Once I started reading it I couldn't quit and was sorry to see it end. I want to know more about what happened and can't wait for the next installment. However, I think it is not appropriate for the intended audience of the younger persuasion with the underlying theme of cannibalism. Its not for the feint of heart to be sure.



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Looking for the Inklings

Looking for the King by David C. Downing

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Tom McCord and Laura Hartman have both ventured to England where they meet and find they have similar interests. Both are searching historical sights, Laura in search of answers for re-occurring dreams, Tom is writing a book. They seek out the aid of some very famous authors who help them get the answers they are looking for.

I really wanted to like this book. I love historical fiction and some of my favorite authors are included in it. But I can't say that I particularly enjoyed it. In the blurb it seems that Tom is searching for clues to King Author. But that doesn't turn out to be the King that is really discussed. Its very Christian/religious oriented, not that there is anything wrong with that. It just wasn't what I was expecting nor my cup of tea. I ended up skipping several passages because they really didn't pertain to the story. It felt like I was being preached to about having faith.

If you enjoy religious fiction with a bit of a mystery than this is the book for you. The writers being written about remind you that there is still great writing in the world and this book can't even come close to them. Overall, not a bad story but its lucky to get 3 stars from me.



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Hollow City

Hollow City by Ransom Riggs

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is the second in the Miss Peregrine's series and is very much like the first. It picks right up where the first one left off not giving much of a re-cap as to what had come before it. I wish that I had refreshed my memory with the first book before I started this one.

I love the premise of the book with all the strange photographs that make up the story. The picture on the front is one of my favorites and the story its attached to in the book is strange as well. I'm glad things continued in the 1940s and feel like even in todays time war is something that sadly even children have to relate to. The children did so some skipping into other time zones but I sometimes had trouble discerning what year we was in.

There were many twists and turns throughout their adventure. It definitely kept my attention as I wondered what they would encounter next or how they would get out of a particular situation. The ending itself was definitely a surprise. I can't imagine how they will manage to save Miss Peregrine or what actions they will take as their story continues.

If you enjoyed the first one you will like this one too. The pictures alone make these books worth a look.



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The Eyeball Collector

The Eyeball Collector by F.E. Higgins

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is the third story in the Tales From the Sinister City Series. Its a bit gothic, creepy, and a bit on the dark side and wonderful fun for all.

Hector lives on the wealthy side of Urbs Umida and enjoys crossing over to the wrong side of the river for adventure until he finds himself an orphan with no other place to go. Filled with revenge against the sinister Truepin, he soon finds himself embroiled in a mystery.

Mysteries woven into other mysteries, this story contains threads of the previous books but is a story all its own. I love how some of the previous loose ends are almost tied up but not really explained making you want to know more.

Overall, I love the series and can't wait to read more. This book as well as the series, is great for the kid in all of us. A cross between Poe and Dickens, a little bit dark, but a whole lot fun.



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100 Cupboards

100 Cupboards by N.D. Wilson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Wow! What a fun read!

Henry goes to live with his aunt and uncle in Henry, Kansas. Along with his cousin Henrietta, they finds 99 cupboards of all sizes, shapes, and colors along his bedroom wall. They come to learn that these are magic cupboards that go to all kinds of other places. Some are dark and sinister and others are simply whimsical. Henry also finds out a lot of other information about his past that just adds to the adventure.

I loved this fun, magical read. As a kid I remember playing in small spaces pretending to go to other places, and this book definitely took me back to those days. I can't wait to find the next book and continue this story. I would recommend it to young and old alike that enjoy a bit of magic and adventure.



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The Bone Magician

The Bone Magician by F.E. Higgins

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is a wonderful middle grade age mystery that is a paraquel to The Black Book of Secrets, meaning they take place at the same time. This story is set in the fictional town of Urbs Umida which is split by a foul smelling river into north and south sections. The north is where the wealthy live and often smells better than the south.

There is more than one mystery taking place in this story. Some are more easy to untangle than others. Pin Carpue is searching for his father who has been accused of killing Pin's uncle when he runs across the Bone Magician that has the ability to speak for the dead. Pin is determined to find this secret. Meanwhile, there is a serial killer terrorizing the city and everyone is afraid to go out at night.


I loved the new characters as well as the tangle of mysteries taking place and the ties to the Black Book of Secrets. I'm intrigued to see how things continue in the books to come. And I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a bit of a dark mystery. Its not just a good read for kids. I loved it.



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The Madman's Tale

The Madman's Tale by John Katzenbach

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Hands down 5 stars! I absolutely loved this mystery. There is nothing typical about this read from the POV to the characters to the setting all are original.

Francis Petrel is an aging schizophrenic living on his own when a visit to his former mental hospital that is being renovated brought back memories. Upon returning home Francis "C-bird" Petrel begins to write his story, having no, he writes upon the walls. Spiraling back down into madness, C-bird relives a harrowing time at the hospital. Told from his point of view we see life as it was in the hospital as well as how it felt to be Francis. To hear the whispers of the voices as they directed him. How he fought to be sane.

This book is in no way condescending of the mentally ill. Quite the contrary. Francis was not only brave in the face of evil but also in relation to his own inner struggles. Its also no quick read. Although its only 450 pages it took me quite a while to get through it as every word is important. I love the way the story is woven in the past and the present. And how threads of different aspects and characters are woven together to create stories within the story.

This is an awesome read for so many reasons. I would recommend this to anyone that loves a good mystery or anyone that wants something more than a YA drama that tends to be so popular these days. (not that there's anything wrong with those, its just that sometimes you want more).



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The Green Mile

This was hands down a five star read. Having watched the movie and loving it more than once over the years I jumped at the chance to read this when these serials were passed to me. I did read the serials and not one long book and I really enjoyed this change of format. It reminded me of how I watched the mini-series on tv.

If, like me, you have seen the movie at some point over the years then you know the story. An elderly man is telling of a time when he was in charge of death row back in the 1930's and the miraculous
things that happened with a certain prisoner.  This was a story that is so much more than just this synopsis.  Its a story that crosses generations from the elderly life of the nursing home to memories of youth and all aspects of life and death. From the murders committed by those on death row as well as their  own deaths and also death from sickness, old age, and accident. On the flip side is life. Life taken back from sickness, and stretched out as a burden in old age. As well as the horrors that man commits against man.

Overall, I loved the characters. I loved the story-line and I loved how well everything was brought to life. This is one of those books that I would suggest that everyone read. It was a wonderful book that grabs you from the first page and makes you sad to see it end. Loved it!!!!!!

Identity

Identity by Ted Dekker

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I got this book as a free kindle read and I have some mixed feelings about this book so I might stretch this up to 3.5 stars. It was definitely entertaining. I thought it was a quick read and a definite page turner. I kept wanting to know what was happening next. And its a cliff hanger being the first of four short books in a series.

Christy and Austin have a semi-romantic relationship and they have been spending time in an old storage room of a hospital. Christy goes in search of a missing locket and finds herself trapped in the psych ward. Austin goes looking for her and ends up trapped too.

Review of Chonicles of M: Ammit

Chronicles of M: Ammit by Nicholas Forristal

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.


This was such a fun read! This is the second book in the Chronicles of M series and it picks up right where part one leaves off. Thomas and Samuel are trying to figure out how to exercise the demon from M. The story continues and we learn alot more history of Thomas and M and along with it comes many more questions. We lose some of the characters from part one (I hated to see Samuel leave, hope he comes back) and we meet some new ones (mortal and immortal). We also come to know a lot more about Dixie (she is so cool!)

This series melds science fiction and superheroes and thows in a bit of magic and mythology for the perfect balance of an awesome read. There are some definite twists and tangents that I didn't see coming and that just added to the action. And although this can be read without reading the first one, you will enjoy this series more if you read them both.

Overall, I loved it and recommend it for anyone that likes sci/fic and superheroes. This is a read full of cool characters and lots of action. Its one that I didn't want to put down once I started.



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The Headless Horseman

The Headless Horseman by Kevin Richey

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I received a free copy of this book for review.

As usual Kevin Richey doesn't disappoint. This retelling of the Headless Horseman zombie style is one of my favorite of the zombie fairytales so far. Its full of the characters that you remember from the Legend of Sleepyhollow but with a twist that you don't see coming.

Ichabod Crane shows up in the village of Sleepyhollow along with the arrival of the Headless Horseman. The mystery of who is committing thsese murders plagues the town as they also fight to keep the horde of living dead at bay.

This was a fun, quick read that anyone that enjoys a good horror mystery will enjoy. It seems like each new Zombie Fairytale is better than the last and this one is one of my favorites so far.



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Adventures In Funeral Crashing

Adventures in Funeral Crashing by Milda Harris

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I received a free copy of this in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this one! It was such a fun read, a wonderful YA mystery that that was quite an adventure.

Chronicles of M

Chronicles of M - Book 1 by Nicholas Forristal

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, this was such a fun read! It definitely had a little bit of everything espionage, secret operations, science fiction, super heroes and a touch of mystery.

Deadly Eyes Giveaway

I'd like to thank author Mike Meyer for this guest post and great giveaway. Following the blog post is your chance to win a copy of Deadly Eyes being given away internationally in your choice of Kindle or PDF formats.

I was a professor of writing for four years at the University of the Virgin Islands, St. Croix campus. I fell in love with the Caribbean. It truly is American paradise. I

have always loved a good mystery, especially one with never-ending twists, turns, and surprises. Local color is important to me, so I saw that placing a mystery on the romantic island of St. Croix was a win-win situation for me, since I am like a reader when I write, never quite knowing what will happen next.
I thoroughly enjoyed every second of writing DEADLY EYES. The varying elements all seemed to fit together so perfectly. Reggae, calypso, swaying palms and sandy beaches provide such a terrifying contrast to the fact that a romantically linked couple is so brazenly stalked in such an idyllic setting, which sets the perfect tone for what I wanted to achieve in this mystery. Romance, beauty, and mystery are all intermingled in DEADLY EYES.
Since I know the island of St. Croix so well, having lived there, the setting posed no real writing problems at all for me. In fact, the setting actually enhanced everything I was attempting to achieve. The local color is authentic, but the plot is my own creation, the bits and pieces falling into place as I dug deeper into the story.

In The Mailbox

New reads this week:



This is not just another book about personal finance.Forget the old concept of struggling in a financial rut and never getting ahead. There is no need to miss enjoying today by socking it all away for an uncertain tomorrow. The old boring way of managing your finances is gone forever. Today's generation is smarter, faster, and lives in a more complicated world, so it only makes sense that you need a simple system that will work for you.

In the Mailbox

Here are a few new reads that I have received this week.



Synopsis

A House of Cards...

When you build an entire life on a foundation of lies, it only takes one truth for the whole thing to come crashing down. I never invited the truth in. I never went searching for it. I never had any reason to suspect that the two people I loved most were dishonest with me every second of every day.