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Book Review: Suspicion by Alexandra Monir

   Suspicion by Alexandra Monir

Delacorte Press, December 2014

ISBN: 978-0385743891

Available: Pre-order (hardcover and Kindle edtions)

 

Hot on the heels of her two previous books (Timeless, Timekeeper), author Alexandra Monir gives us Suspicion, a tale of secrets and suspense that lurk behind the iron gates of a modern day “Downton Abbey,” the magnificent and mysterious Rockford Manor.

Imogen lived in New York as a young girl, but she would often spend summers in Wickersham, England with her family at the grand estate known as Rockford Manor. One summer, while Imogen, her cousin Lucia, and friends Sebastian and Theo, are busy helping the groundskeeper plant flowers, Imogen accidentally discovers that she has supernatural powers – and a remarkable green thumb.

One night as she and Lucia are asleep in the boathouse, Imogen wakes to a raging fire in the garden, and sadly, both girls lose their parents to the devastating blaze. But not before Imogen’s father reveals there’s something special hidden within the garden’s curious maze. It’s decided that young Lucia will stay on at Rockford Manor in the care of her grandfather and a house full of servants, while Imogen is whisked back to New York, to live with friends of her family.

Over the years, the girls lose touch. Yet right before her high school graduation, Imogen’s past catches up with her. She receives word that both her grandfather and cousin have died, making Imogen sole heir to Rockford Manor and all of its twisted secrets.

For fans of The Princess Diaries or the classic Rebecca, this is a good fit —  and it looks like the author has left some wiggle room for a sequel, too. Recommended for ages 12 and over.

Contains: Teen Romance

 

Reviewed by Tina Mockmore

 

Posted on September 28, 2014 by , Reply

Book Review: Darling by Brad Hodson

Darling by Brad C. Hodson

Bad Moon Books, 2012

ISBN-13: 978-0-9884478-1-3

Available: Used paperback, Kindle edition

 

At its heart, Darling is a classic haunted house novel. It doesn’t cross genres, or break any daring new ground, but that’s okay. It centers around Raynham Place, an apartment complex built on land that has a history of violence and death going back more than a century; t was the site of a Civil War battlefield, and then became a tuberculosis hospital. This setting might sound like old hat, but it is created with style and unfolds perfectly within the plot. Although the story takes place in the present, the classic haunted atmosphere has a great 80’s horror novel feel— similar to books published under Dell’s Abyss imprint (I loved many novels in that line…reading this novel is like slipping on a favorite old shirt.)

 

The story begins when Dennis decides that his younger friend, Mike, move into Raynham Place. Once in the building, they start to notice strange things afoot. The behavior of the main characters begins to change, and the building’s past is slowly divulged. Hodson’s timely uncovering of the elements of his plot, from the background of the building, to the personal history between the main characters, is carefully revealed to perfect effect. This extended suspense, combined with Hodson’s gift for super creepy tone, makes the whole thing work perfectly. Darling is an excellent horror novel, and readers who are looking for a fresh voice telling classic-style horror tales have a new author to check out. Highly recommended.

 

Contains: violence and psychological terror.

Reviewed by David Agranoff

 


Posted on July 16, 2014 by , Reply

Book Review: Break My Heart 1,000 Times by Daniel Waters

Break My Heart 1,000 Times by Daniel Waters
Hyperion 2012
ISBN: 978-1-4231-2198-5
Available: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle

The sight of ghosts has become commonplace to Veronica and her friends since the “Event”. Ghosts are everywhere–walking about in classrooms, standing on street corners, going to the mailbox, and even reading books in the local library. Veronica also sees the ghost of her father sitting at the table reading the newspaper every morning, while the ghost of a teenage boy named Brian hangs out in her bathroom. These days though, it seems the ghosts are gaining power.

It’s not long before Veronica realizes maybe it’s not the ghosts she should be quick to step around, but the living instead, as Mr. Bittner, one of her teachers at Montcreif High, begins to stalk her in the creepiest of ways, like popping up at the coffee shop when she stops in for a quick cup of tea, and staring at her a little too long in class. Why is he following her?  What does he want?  And why does the ghost of Mary Greer appear on his front steps every morning?

Fans of author Daniel Waters, who also wrote the Generation Dead series, will likely sink their teeth into this stand-alone supernatural story filled with paranormal suspense, ghostly chills and fast-paced action.

Recommended: YA Ages 12 to 18

Contains: Minor Violence

Reviewed by Tina Mockmore

 

Posted on July 9, 2014 by , Reply
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