I’ll admit to not being a regular reader of paranormal books, and those labelled as “horror� tend to have me running for the hills, but I will always I’ll admit to not being a regular reader of paranormal books, and those labelled as “horror� tend to have me running for the hills, but I will always make an exception for E. Denise Billups, and in particular for the Simone Doucet series.
Why? Well, simply because this series is more than simply a story, it’s an experience. The author writes so eloquently, so evocatively that it’s impossible not to feel involved, included and in so deep you have no choice but to read till the end.
In this, the third book of the series, Simone is house-sitting for a friend, using the time to write up the story she uncovered during her last encounter with one of her ancestral spirits. What she is not aware of � and what her friend has kept from her � is the gruesome history of Ballard House. And it takes but moments for Simone’s sixth sense to alert her to something that will soon endanger her own life.
For Ballard House was the scene of an horrific crime one hundred years ago, and the victims still seek an acknowledgement of what happened, as well as a reckoning for the culprit, but more than that they seek closure. Within the walls of Ballard House lies a secret so sad, so haunting that Simone cannot ignore. The spirits need to be heard. They need someone to act for them. They need Simone to finish what was left unresolved.
As the story progresses, however, the spirits are aware of another evil, and this one threatens Simone’s ability to help, and even her life. They cannot allow evil to win again, nor will they. In telling Simone their stories, she is able not only to make sense of the events back in 1919, but also to understand that history has distorted the facts. He who was presumed guilty of the killings was not the infamous murderous axe-man that the city feared. And while revenge lay at its core, his was not the only act of vengeance that festered through successive generations.
Lies, secrets, jealousy and revenge blend together in this heady cocktail of death and devastation, and Simone � as the conduit to unravel the mysteries � discovers that her presence in Ballard House is the only way to bring peace the spirits and let the house become a home once more. But she has to survive the ordeal first.
Beautifully written, intoxicatingly immersive and hugely engrossing, Echoes of Ballard House will keep you engaged throughout. The spirits are determined to be heard, and for Simone, their stories run skin deep. The way in which the author weaves that final twist, the one that makes it so personal to Simone, seems effortless and yet inspired.
After reading this, the idea of house sitting � even for a friend or family member � may forever be off the cards, but if you must, remember to take notice of the parrot (other pets may be available)!...more
As a story, this had me willing the characters to talk to each other. The plot became unnecessarily elongated because of that - the protagonists oftenAs a story, this had me willing the characters to talk to each other. The plot became unnecessarily elongated because of that - the protagonists often stuck in their own heads for long spells, so the "will they/won't they" element dragged on, and the ending - after all that introspection - was too easily achieved. That said, the characters did have chemistry - they just withheld it for too long andmade everything a reason for not getting together. I did struggle with the narration, the accent for Tom too strong and fast, and often breathy which affected the quality of the sound. ...more
"Friends for life" seems like the perfect description of Niamh, Lauren and Heather until something happens that sees them fall out big style, not cont"Friends for life" seems like the perfect description of Niamh, Lauren and Heather until something happens that sees them fall out big style, not contacting each for fifteen years. Each goes their own way, but life doesn't always turn out the way they expected. Niamh- the wannabe air hostess intending to travel the world- is a mother before her career has any chance of taking off. Lauren - the one most likely to settle down and start a family - struggles to conceive, and Heather - who absolutely nobody had any expectations of - becomes a big name in the travel world with her social media lifestyle.
The reunion, when it comes, is not easy and each of them resists. As the reader, we don't know why for a very long time (and, if I'm honest, the reason does seem to have been blown up out of all proportions) but even so, we're rooting for them to bury the hatchet and rekindle their friendship. I loved how their story mirrored that of Lauren's grandmother and her friends, a group of women who managed to weather the storm despite great distances between them. These older ladies bring wisdom to the younger ones, enabling to see that despite a rocky few years, they really are - and always will be - friends for life.
This is an emotional story with engaging characters, and regardless of the slow start, it soon becomes a book you won't be able to put down. A heart-warming tale that shows how true friendship is not always easy, but it's definitely worth the effort. #Netgalley #TheSunriseSwimmingSociety...more
Why would an educated woman leave a comfortable home in Hampshire with her daughter for the Scottish Highlands to take up the role of a housekeeper, hWhy would an educated woman leave a comfortable home in Hampshire with her daughter for the Scottish Highlands to take up the role of a housekeeper, having been used to having staff of her own? To escape the clutches of an abusive and tormenting husband, that's why? With the little savings she has amassed and a job arranged for by her bishop, Ingrid Barker and daughter, Susan head for pastures new, Ingrid having persuaded Susan to tell anyone who asks that her father is dead. It's a big ask of a seven-year-old, but fortunately Straithbairn is so remote that they have few people to lie to. and, they're not the most hospitable bunch either, certainly not the type to whom Ingrid would want to tell her life history, assuming they showed any interest in her anyway. In fact, they are some of the rudest and most inhospitable people she has ever met, both upstairs and down. While Ingrid hopes she has made the right decision to flee Hampshire, Straithbairn is a difficult place in which to enjoy life. Her employer, a drunken bully; his children, three grudge-bearing, bickering and damaged siblings; the staff, wary and unrelenting. And everyone has a secret that they're happy to scream at each other about, but no-one will enlighten Ingrid as to why nothing seems to make any of them happier. So much angst, so many secrets, so much moody tension. The grim atmosphere of the outside is reflected inside and there is little light relief until another young man, Hamish, arrives as an unexpected party guest. With Hamish, Ingrid gets to explore the nearby abbey, take picnics and see the glorious sunsets. Could Hamish be the one to bring her the happiness she seeks? Or will her husband discover her whereabouts? The dreary state of the big house, the miserable family and their arguments, mysterious letters and diaries, the murkiness of the surrounding bog and the abandoned abbey, and not forgetting the smell of sage in the attic... all make for a tense gothic novel filled with intrigue and drama.
I was initially caught out by the sudden change in point-of-view and recognising the switch wasn't always obvious. It's a darker read than I'm used to when reading historical fiction, and a little too heavy on descriptive detail that I found myself skimming at times, but it gets full marks for creepiness and for the most dysfunctional family ever. Fans of gothic hist-fic will lap it up. ...more
I thoroughly, absolutely loved this and raced through it in just a couple of days, not wanting to put it down. Three sisters in occupied France work tI thoroughly, absolutely loved this and raced through it in just a couple of days, not wanting to put it down. Three sisters in occupied France work together to keep the Nazis at bay despite events conspiring against them and marking them out as "bad French". Not unlike The Three Musketeers, Gaby (the pianist) and her sisters Martine and Simone vow to only act if they're all in agreement, and sometimes those lines are blurred. After finding a pigeon, the obvious debate is whether to eat it or not, but with it being a British War Office pigeon, they decide to use their knowledge of the Nazi setup in their home of Boulogne-Sur-Mer to help the allies. When their efforts are acknowledged, the urge to do more is compelling. However, the German authorities are aware of "The Heroines" and are keen to catch them. Gaby is "obliged" to work for the Commandant who is looking for them, as a piano teacher to his step-daughter, and attending his home to give lessons soon becomes common knowledge amongst the villagers. The story tells of their efforts to cause maximum harm to the Nazis' plans while being shunned by their neighbours. Across the channel, the man who sent the pigeons wants to ensure the sisters are safe, but his hands are tied too. Romance, family conflicts, war secrets, and spies are all in the mix in The Secret Pianist, and the relationships between the main characters are fully-developed and wholly believable. As with any good story, there are unexpected twists and all is definitely not how it seems, making this a real page-turner. That said, the ending did seem rushed as all the storylines were tied up rather too quickly. Of course, as a fan of Andie Newton, I expected a great story and was totally immersed in the characters' lives and predicaments. More please! ...more
This is a very original Christmas story with two plots running in tandem. You may think that baker Noelle and Doctor Carson are the main characters - This is a very original Christmas story with two plots running in tandem. You may think that baker Noelle and Doctor Carson are the main characters - and you'd be right... up to a point, since this is a story within a story and Noelle and Carson are fictitious characters in a Christmas movie. Aren't all fictional characters fictitious, you may well ask? Sure, but here's the bit that makes this so original... Noelle and Carson's romance mirrors that of the actors playing them. Actors? Yes. Clever, eh? Played by (the also fictitious, but not quite as much) Carrie and Braxton, Noelle and Carson's story is set by the script... and the Christmas holidays trope. But when Carrie and Braxton look as though they're falling in love off-screen, it becomes a case of life imitating art. As for the setting, well, it couldn't be more perfect. It has all the makings of a Christmas movie and would not look out of place on the Hallmark channel. Having listened to the audiobook, I can visualise Gingerbread Falls already. There's a bit more heat than you might find in your regular Christmas romance, and the story handles some interesting topics well (Note, none of these are graphic but they definitely give the characters a realistic backstory that is not all sugary sweet) This was the perfect story to listen to in the run-up to Christmas. ...more
This was probably the longest audiobook I've ever listened to: 19 hours 24 min. A really epic saga of the Alexander family, this was like having a famThis was probably the longest audiobook I've ever listened to: 19 hours 24 min. A really epic saga of the Alexander family, this was like having a family tree come to life with all its branches having their own story. The downside was having so many characters to keep track of, and just as I was invested in one, the story switched to another. That said, the reunions were magnificent, their traditions so beautifully upheld and the relationships between siblings truly impressive. Despite the length of the story, I wasn't ready to say goodbye and will now happily check out the other stories in this series. ...more
I haven't read the first in this series but I'm definitely going back to check it out even though this seems to stand alone.
Newly wed Jessica and MurpI haven't read the first in this series but I'm definitely going back to check it out even though this seems to stand alone.
Newly wed Jessica and Murphy have an unusual dilemma to solve: Jessica's nightmares are causing her to hit, scratch and even bite him during her sleep - even on their honeymoon. The reason behind the nightmares relates to an incident Jessica witnessed several years before, the memories of which she has suppressed, though snippets of the incident - a murder - are coming back bit by bit. After speaking to Dallas Walker, it seems that Jessica may have witnessed the Pine Bridge Massacre, a story Dallas (as an investigative reporter) is revisiting. They decide to return to the scene of the crime to see if, indeed, these memories of Jessica's may hold the key to the mystery. Hopefully, if Jessica can get to the root of the problem causing her nightmares she will see an end to them too. So, with Spencer (or is it Candy) the dog in tow, they head to Pine Ridge where very odd characters (I'm talking about you, cousin Celestino) and a haunting lady in white sees them dice with many dangers as they seek to solve the crime. There are plenty of twists in this tale that throws the case up in the air several times and kept me listening long into the night. Another reason for my attentiveness has to be down to the great narrator who really brings everything to life and maintains a great pace of suspense and high stakes with some funny, light-hearted moments to balance things out. A new-to-me author whose back catalogue I can't wait to explore....more
This was such a good read from many angles. These former CIA agents have retired to Purity, Maine, looking for a quiet life. But when a past case brinThis was such a good read from many angles. These former CIA agents have retired to Purity, Maine, looking for a quiet life. But when a past case brings danger to their door, the former spies find their old skills are not as rusty as they thought they might be. Great characters with fascinating backstories and a strong bond that, combined with their innate sense of curiosity sees them "run" the investigation themselves, much to the annoyance of the local police chief. I loved the relationships between the spies - and the conundrum it throws up for the main character, Maggie - but I also enjoyed the friendships she has found since moving to Purity with Luther and Carrie. The ending is compelling and leaves me wanting more from The Martini Club. ...more
I loved the blurb for Agnes and was excited to read an advanced copy. I wasn't disappointed. It was so good and heart-warming to watch Agnes's transfoI loved the blurb for Agnes and was excited to read an advanced copy. I wasn't disappointed. It was so good and heart-warming to watch Agnes's transformation throughout the story from the vulnerable and self-doubting young woman almost hiding away from life, making her bears, to the much stronger, grounded and determined woman we see at the end. I couldn't help but root for her and to see her becoming empowered, standing up for herself, no longer going with the flow for an easy life, made me want her to have the happy ending she deserved.
The story is one of nurturing friendships, particularly with Niina (who is amazing) and the old woman in Sweden, but also a story of her finally feeling free and comfortable in her own skin with Guy in Australia. And despite all the obstacles and disappointments she faces, she finds the strength to do what she knows in her heart is right. Her personal growth aside, the story reflects the value of good friends and being true to yourself. Agnes is creative, intelligent and caring - worthy of more than she seemed ready to settle for, so the resolution of her story is all the more satisfying (but watch out for the added mystery that brings clarity to her family history and which she handles with grace and integrity, not expecting to benefit from its outcome). A most enjoyable debut novel and a new author for me to follow. ...more
Aside from the title which - to me - had nothing to do with the story at all, this was an enthralling kidnapping mystery. When the firs** Audiobook **
Aside from the title which - to me - had nothing to do with the story at all, this was an enthralling kidnapping mystery. When the first victim turns up, drugged, confused and with a huge tattoo on his back, the police don't believe the teenage boy is a victim of a kidnapping, rather that he got high on drugs, lost track of time and ended up getting a tattoo. One detective, however, reckons there's more to the case and insists on following it through. Having had a similar childhood to the victim (growing up on a trailer park with few opportunities), he sees past the boy's circumstances and senses something bigger is afoot. And he's right ... a serial kidnapper is on the loose and when more boys show up with the same story, there's definitely a case to solve. A great, intriguing story with a fab narrator that kept me enthralled and always wanting to listen to one more chapter. ...more
When the case under investigation is some 60 years old, you might be concerned that evidence has been lost, and more to the point that witnesses are nWhen the case under investigation is some 60 years old, you might be concerned that evidence has been lost, and more to the point that witnesses are no longer around. But that didn't deter Annie and Rose - well, not too much anyway.
Now, Annie and Rose are polar opposites: Annie suffers with her arthritic knee and Rose (not one to admit to her real age) is a yoga fan, her limbs and mind more supple and adventurous than Annie's. The contrast in their personalities couldn't be more stark, and their different attitudes - both set in their ways - often impact their progress, causing some terse moments between them that puts their ability to solve the case at risk. Yet, with the help of their families (and shared romance between their offspring) they rub along together well enough to crack the mystery of Renè's death and to prove Annie's instincts right. The cold case, however, is not as cold as you might expect, with many similarities to present-day political shenanigans that cannot be ignored and which, when seen in conjunction with the past, help to solve the mystery and deliver justice to the past and to the present. I enjoyed the charming setting in France and the Christmas traditions that occurred as the case unravelled. An enjoyable read, an off-the-wall sleuthing partnership, and a captivating cosy tale. ...more
As a huge fan of courtroom dramas, I really enjoyed this and especially the switch between timelines - then and now. Emily has argued with her best frAs a huge fan of courtroom dramas, I really enjoyed this and especially the switch between timelines - then and now. Emily has argued with her best friend, Shell, and feels invisible at school, so when one of the more popular girls takes a liking to her, Emily is delighted. And so begins the spiral of wanting to please her new friend so that she can fit in. Yet, it takes just one ordinary event to change Emily's life for good - babysitting. By joining her friend on an evening's babysitting, Emily is introduced to the family she is later accused of negligently killing. It's a page turner to understand Emily's inner thoughts, to recognise how the need to fit in drives her to give in to peer pressure even though she knows that leaving the young children on their own is wrong. That fateful weakness lands her in a whole load of trouble - could it be any worse than ending up on a manslaughter charge? The court case is riveting, as those in her "new friendship group" are not above twisting the truth to save themselves. Yet it is the care shown to her by her family and old friends that gets her through the darkest moments - until she decides to testify in the case herself. Can she really explain away the events of that night after others have painted her in such a poor light?
A compelling story, told in such a way as to maintain the pace and keep the reader guessing as to how it might end. 4.5 stars overall....more
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