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Out of the Dark
8.0
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A special story for the literacy charity Quick Reads, about the healing power of love. Rob Stone...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2171 KP) rated Haunted House Murder in Books
Aug 30, 2019
Cozy Halloween Hauntings
This collection of three novellas focuses on Halloween. The book opens with the title story featuring Leslie Meier’s protagonist Lucy Stone. A couple has moved into the old abandoned house in town, but they are rebuffing efforts from Lucy and others to welcome them to town. Then strange things start happening and rumors start flying. What is happening? Up next is “Death by Haunted House” by Lee Hollis which takes up back to 2009 and shows us what life was like for Hayley Powell while she was married. When the house next door, which is rumored to be haunted, gets a new family, Hayley’s husband Danny is certain that they are up to something. The discovery of a dead body in the nearby woods just confirms his theory – at least to himself. Is he right? Finally comes “Hallowed Out” from Barbara Ross. The local Haunted House tour is gearing up for Halloween, trying to bring some more people to town in the fall. However, when a reenactment of a crime leaves an actor dead, Julia Snowden must figure out what happened.
As you might expect in a collection of stories by various authors, some are stronger than others. Personally, I found the opening story to be the weakest – I think it might have worked as a short story, but even as a novella is was too long. The middle story was better, with some fun scenes and a good twist to the mystery. I adore Barbara Ross’s Maine Clambake mysteries, so it was the reason I picked up the book. It also means I found the third story to be the best, with some good twists and a very fun sub-plot. While each story has plenty of fall atmosphere, these stories aren’t that spooky – they are by cozy mystery authors after all. Still, fans of these authors will enjoy picking up the book.
As you might expect in a collection of stories by various authors, some are stronger than others. Personally, I found the opening story to be the weakest – I think it might have worked as a short story, but even as a novella is was too long. The middle story was better, with some fun scenes and a good twist to the mystery. I adore Barbara Ross’s Maine Clambake mysteries, so it was the reason I picked up the book. It also means I found the third story to be the best, with some good twists and a very fun sub-plot. While each story has plenty of fall atmosphere, these stories aren’t that spooky – they are by cozy mystery authors after all. Still, fans of these authors will enjoy picking up the book.
Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated Craven Manor in Books
May 15, 2018
Craven Manor by Darcy Coates ended up as the first pick for the #spookyfriendsbookclub, a buddy read group I started initially on Litsy – a social media app for readers. When we selected it, I only knew that we’d be reading a haunted house story and of course, I was excited. Haunted houses are, after all, my first love when it comes to horror. In that regard, Coates doesn’t disappoint.
Craven Manor tells the story of a long-forgotten house and a similarly forgotten town hidden away in the woods. With an elaborate backstory woven into its history, she pens an intricate plot that, once you think you’ve got it figured out, she quickly tells you otherwise. When young Daniel Kane ends up employed at the Manor to clean it up, the mystery quickly unravels and what has been forgotten is soon remembered.
The characters are just as unique, with none of the cast fitting into any one stereotype – which is a much welcomed change from many of the books I’ve read lately. Although, I can say that I thoroughly disliked Daniel’s cousin, Kyle. He an asshole, and I think anyone who has read this book will agree with me on that.
Coates clearly masters the creepy in her work and I certainly look forward to reading more of her work. If you haven’t checked her out, I highly recommend it.
Craven Manor tells the story of a long-forgotten house and a similarly forgotten town hidden away in the woods. With an elaborate backstory woven into its history, she pens an intricate plot that, once you think you’ve got it figured out, she quickly tells you otherwise. When young Daniel Kane ends up employed at the Manor to clean it up, the mystery quickly unravels and what has been forgotten is soon remembered.
The characters are just as unique, with none of the cast fitting into any one stereotype – which is a much welcomed change from many of the books I’ve read lately. Although, I can say that I thoroughly disliked Daniel’s cousin, Kyle. He an asshole, and I think anyone who has read this book will agree with me on that.
Coates clearly masters the creepy in her work and I certainly look forward to reading more of her work. If you haven’t checked her out, I highly recommend it.
The Invited
7.0
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A chilling ghost story with a twist: the New York Times bestselling author of The Winter People...
fiction ghost ghost story ghosts supernatural paranormal
B (15 KP) rated Stuff You Missed in History Class in Podcasts
Jan 10, 2018
Stuff you Missed in History Class is all the things I wish I would have actually learned in school. From the stories you think you have already heard to things you would not think to look into this podcast covers them all. In the coverage, the overviews are often more informative then hours in the classroom. I love listening to Tracy and Holly tell the well-researched and well thought outlines full of what is promised history. This podcast leaves out most of the personal feelings of the hosts, which is very nice as well. Episode suggestions: New England Vampire Panic and Building Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion.
Anne Still (2 KP) rated House Of Leaves in Books
Apr 28, 2018
Yes, it is challenging..
I know a few people that gave up on this one.. while I have reread it multiple times.. The author challenges the reader in multiple ways. I honestly loved the fact that by the end you almost felt like you were also on the edge of sanity.. you are witnessing the building insanity in the main character, all due to the ravings of a mad man.. Now, if you happen to have POE'S album Haunted, play it while you read.. she wrote the music while he wrote the book... It brings a unique sense of continuity.
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Live Ghost (1934) in Movies
Feb 23, 2019
Okay mid-period Laurel and Hardy short. Stan and Ollie are hired by regular antagonist Walter Long to help kidnap men to crew his allegedly-haunted ship; perhaps inevitably, they end up press-ganging themselves. Better not mention the ghost to the captain...
About as close to over-plotted as you can get with a L&H movie; some good stuff near the start but it gets a bit busy as it goes on - too much story, not enough slapstick. Concludes by recycling the (slightly gruesome) closing gag from the same year's Going Bye-Bye! Has its moments, but not as many as some other films from the boys.
About as close to over-plotted as you can get with a L&H movie; some good stuff near the start but it gets a bit busy as it goes on - too much story, not enough slapstick. Concludes by recycling the (slightly gruesome) closing gag from the same year's Going Bye-Bye! Has its moments, but not as many as some other films from the boys.
Mark Halpern (153 KP) rated Ghostbusters (1984) in Movies
Jan 16, 2018
Who ya Gonna Call
One of the most iconic movies of the 1980's. 3 scientists believe there is a way to catching a ghost and keeping trapped in a containment system. A single woman believes she is being haunted by a ghost and seeks their help With the help of a 4th they are accomplishing their goal when of course a federal government worker screws it all up and unleashes hell on NY.
This movie will always be known for it's lovable casts (RIP Harold Ramis) and great antics. The movie is full of comedy and action and a 50ft marshmallow man what cant be fun about that.
This movie will always be known for it's lovable casts (RIP Harold Ramis) and great antics. The movie is full of comedy and action and a 50ft marshmallow man what cant be fun about that.