Given that it's a Stephen King book, I expected a horror novel. In fact, it was a mystery thriller novel - Well, more thriller than mystery. It was reGiven that it's a Stephen King book, I expected a horror novel. In fact, it was a mystery thriller novel - Well, more thriller than mystery. It was really good in that it was up to Stephen King's usual quality....more
this book was so different than I thought! The summary in audible emphasized an unpleasant and many layered family vacation, and it sort of mentioned this book was so different than I thought! The summary in audible emphasized an unpleasant and many layered family vacation, and it sort of mentioned haunted house feeling; it was a full fledged horror story that included an uncomfortable family vacation. Wow, what a complex and layered plot! it was enjoyable to experience and examine so many kinds of situations and levels of haunting and evil! I don't consider myself a big horror story type, but this ran through emotions and feelings across the board....more
Meh... The very end kind of vindicated it, but for a horror story. it wasn't much. Don't get me wrong, it WAS Enjoyable, but it wasn't really what I exMeh... The very end kind of vindicated it, but for a horror story. it wasn't much. Don't get me wrong, it WAS Enjoyable, but it wasn't really what I expected from something that was supposed to be a horror book; and the Dolby was distracting and annoying...more
It isn't actually a book but a short story � and not a particularly good one at that. I have heard wonderful things about Neil Gaiman, but my experienIt isn't actually a book but a short story � and not a particularly good one at that. I have heard wonderful things about Neil Gaiman, but my experience with him so far is definitely more negative. I know the story was overall a fundraiser, but it is really pretty pathetic. The other book that I've read by him is Norse mythology, which also didn't stand up to my hopes or expectations. Sigh....more
I know that it's a classic, but I had no idea what to expect or what it's about, and although it's indicated somewhere that it's a horror story, the oI know that it's a classic, but I had no idea what to expect or what it's about, and although it's indicated somewhere that it's a horror story, the only horror that is evident is the way people treat each other! And yes, there were things that "should" have been done for both Mary and the uncle; I'm not sure what they are. And was (the older sister; I'm blanking on her name) to blame? Clearly not, but somehow she should have had the appropriate tools (psychiatric and social) available! It's sad but engulfing, and I really like the book...more
Such an unsatisfying case! And, of course, I am convinced that I know what happened � or didn't as the case may be � despite the fact that people who Such an unsatisfying case! And, of course, I am convinced that I know what happened � or didn't as the case may be � despite the fact that people who have been there and physically examined and worked on the case are of mixed feelings. And I like to believe that I KNOW more science and motivational promptings than anyone there does! And really, it should be extremely easy. And given all of the possibilities, it should be very clear. But it's not. The book is presented in such a way that the reader FEELS clear about everything, until he/she isn't! Even by the end of the court case, I was totally convinced of the overall situation and guilt. Again, until I wasn't� A totally enthralling and engrossing story presented extremely well!...more
I do so like Mary Poppins! The books by PL Travers are SO MUCH better than the movie!! The whole personality of Mary Poppins is so much better in the I do so like Mary Poppins! The books by PL Travers are SO MUCH better than the movie!! The whole personality of Mary Poppins is so much better in the books, and it seems to treat children overall with much more respect � although there is no arguing with the fact that there is magic, and at first glance, Mary Poppins seems harsh and shrew- like. She has a reputation for not explaining anything, but the children need to learn and absorb realities on their own � but certainly Mary Poppins provides them the environment. I love her, and I hate the movie�...more
I don't know why I had not yet read or listened to this book! Of course, I was familiar with the common tropes from it, but the book itself is so fullI don't know why I had not yet read or listened to this book! Of course, I was familiar with the common tropes from it, but the book itself is so full of character and story that the common folklore doesn't even begin to describe it! For one thing, the dawning on the vampire does NOT kill him! For another thing, the vampires simply biting the neck of his/her victim does not clearly define the horror possibly transmitted!! Oh, and "bats" are not the only form that vampires can take; there are foxes and wolves at least in addition, not to mention mist� I enjoyed the whole full story that clearly points out the errors and shortcomings of the common myth!
I don't know what version of the book I Read for this previous review- It was certainly not the unabridged Blackstone version Which I just read. It was so much more complete In the common mythology That we are all familiar with, and I don't know now The reason that it is so Highly reputed And haunting. It's not just the story, but the creepy feelings all through....more
Well, I only gave it three stars instead of two because my son reminded me that it was a new year and I should be generous. The book actually was goodWell, I only gave it three stars instead of two because my son reminded me that it was a new year and I should be generous. The book actually was good: it kept me going and thinking, and the intrigue was very appealing and well done � BUT, there were so many open questions and so much left to tell! I absolutely hate when a book leaves me hanging! This was the third book of the series, and although the first two did not totally close the door to subsequent installations, this book, well, it mentioned the overall mysterious and evil character from the first two and implied that it was going to do more with her, then it just left the reader hanging! And I know the tactic was intentional, and I truly expect that I will continue with the series much to my annoyance, but I really hate feeling manipulated like this, although I expect it's better than being murdered like various characters from the book are�...more
A great continuation of a haunting story involving several people with human sensitivities and a few who are straight monsters! I finished the first oA great continuation of a haunting story involving several people with human sensitivities and a few who are straight monsters! I finished the first one yesterday, and I feel that I didn't give it enough points, but this one was equally good. The author painted a complex situation which appeared to be "no-win"! All of the evidence appeared to go against everything that the reader wanted to believe and everything that should've been right! Most of the questions were answered by the end, but she (the author) did leave a brief possible handle and to the conclusion of the story! I believe that there is one more book in the series, and though it's not necessary to feel that the story is over, I'm glad that there is a possible link....more
I hope this is part of the series and that there are more coming. What an interesting and fun concept! I guess this is the third in the series, and I'I hope this is part of the series and that there are more coming. What an interesting and fun concept! I guess this is the third in the series, and I'm not sure I really care about the first two (although maybe�). But I really am looking forward to any further "installations". The writing is good, and the characters are well presented. In the middle of the first big scene, the reader is introduced to the potentialities, and the conclusion is a more appropriate circumstance than it might be. There is a lot of ongoing potential.
This is the third book of the series, the first two of which I have not read � although I probably ought to remedy that. The aspects of the main character that are particularly engrossing are usually evil and terrifying, but this book turns that all on his head! The end of it makes me interested in seeing how the series continues...more
Maybe it's just age, or combination of age and reading experience, but I don't find horrifying books as horrifying as I used to 30 years ago. Or maybeMaybe it's just age, or combination of age and reading experience, but I don't find horrifying books as horrifying as I used to 30 years ago. Or maybe, it's because I read the book _The Shining_ when I spent winter break in my dorm unlike Michigan which was an old hotel bought by the University and converted to dorms, and it was basically empty� I don't know, but somehow this book, although it should've been wasn't as terrifying as the original! I loved the characters of Dan and Abra (sp? -Since I only listened, I couldn't see how the name was actually spelled�), and "The True Nut" (again, I can only go from what I heard in terms of spelling) were truly evil and distasteful! And once the reader realize what "cycling" was, the importance became quite clear. Even though it didn't terrify me as I think it was supposed to do, it was a great book! My son's mother-in-law, Annie Iverson, recommended that, and I'm glad I read it. It does leave kind of tingling and questioning feelings. I haven't read a lot of Stephen King, but this was good....more
I guess this book was pretty good, but somehow it didn't fit my feelings for a "horror" book. I don't know, I suppose the situation should have been tI guess this book was pretty good, but somehow it didn't fit my feelings for a "horror" book. I don't know, I suppose the situation should have been terrifying, but I just didn't "FEEL" it. It was good, and things followed from each other, but meh, it didn't do it for me�...more
Victorian lives were apparently as lascivious and corrupt as those in the Bible! This is a fun collection of real Victorian stories of murder, suicideVictorian lives were apparently as lascivious and corrupt as those in the Bible! This is a fun collection of real Victorian stories of murder, suicide, murder-suicide, bigamy, and more. Anyone who thinks that we have the origin of any of this in modern day, is absolutely wrong! I guess this gives a flavor to "true crime"....more
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