Zoey’s a down-to-earth and highly likable thirty-something who deserves better. After recently dumping her philandering ex, she’s rebuilding her life,Zoey’s a down-to-earth and highly likable thirty-something who deserves better. After recently dumping her philandering ex, she’s rebuilding her life, enjoying living independently (in a loft apartment), and getting back into playing music—all a great start for me.
It’s no secret that I love small towns as a reader or writer. Zoey lives in Bridgeport, a well-fleshed-out, cosy-feel town with its bookstore, the centre square for events, an inn, and plenty more. Fitting in rather nicely with that setting is the array of Zoey’s family and friends, who all played their part in adding to the atmosphere and helping push the mystery forward.
Zoey’s ex arrives at her door, asking for help before the real story starts. The next time she sees him, he’s deceased and in ghost form! From that moment, her life is interwoven with the supernatural world as she works through suspects, from her ex’s mistresses to the odd ruffians recently appearing in Bridgeport. Then there’s that attractive new artist in town, Renfield Baker.
The story occurs in the US in October, with autumn vibes and Halloween’s approach as a backdrop for the spookiness. In terms of fantasy aspects, as the title says, you can expect ghosts and a demon.
I had meant to read Heather Elizabeth King’s 'Zoey Matthew, The Undead Ghost, and the Demon' for the longest time because I suspected it would fall into my sweet spot genre mix, including treating dark elements with a light touch. And I was correct.
A super enjoyable read with a lovable, independent character I could get behind, light fantasy elements, more weighted towards mystery rather than romance, and set with small-town goodness. An easy four stars for me....more
I consider this 'classic fantasy genre' - if that's a thing (if not, it should be), and it was done very well. The novel covers three stories - distinI consider this 'classic fantasy genre' - if that's a thing (if not, it should be), and it was done very well. The novel covers three stories - distinct yet linked. We meet Syra, Morei, and Cyrus, and the tale is told from the three points of view, each with their own history and adventures.
The plot swept me through 'The Blood of the Lion' effortlessly, with rarely a dull moment. It offers excellent world-building (maps included), tons of thrills, and errs on the dark side.
"The storm never really left; people just grew better at managing its howling winds and bellowing cries," writes McKenna, and there's the thing. This world is complicated and harsh, but an epic and exciting story is found within it for those who persist.
This was an audiobook read so firstly I need to say that the narrator, Carey Mulligan, was a delight to listen to. Regarding the story it spoke to me. This was an audiobook read so firstly I need to say that the narrator, Carey Mulligan, was a delight to listen to. Regarding the story it spoke to me. I'm grateful to Matt Haig for writing it to be honest. :)...more
A great werewolf tale! A bit raunchy in bits, not really my thing, but very well done. I liked the relationship between Elena, the main, and Clay. I fA great werewolf tale! A bit raunchy in bits, not really my thing, but very well done. I liked the relationship between Elena, the main, and Clay. I found it quite gripping. In fact overall it was well-written and engaging - there was always action to keep pushing me through the pages. My one gripe? A bit long. That’s a common gripe for me. I will be seeking out book two when I can, though. :)...more
Strong start - I mean, zombies!! (Well, kinda) - but not my favourite Tremblay. My main gripe - I wasn’t keen on one of the main characters. On the plStrong start - I mean, zombies!! (Well, kinda) - but not my favourite Tremblay. My main gripe - I wasn’t keen on one of the main characters. On the plus side though, zombies (kinda, sorta), and I love the little references and links to what is actually happening in American politics and with the pandemic....more
I enjoyed this just as much as the first book even though I had a large break between 85% finished and actually finished - it wWhoa! What an ending...
I enjoyed this just as much as the first book even though I had a large break between 85% finished and actually finished - it went back to the library and I had to wait my turn to get hold of it again. :P...more
Roanoke Ridge is a paranormal mystery just over 200 pages. Paranormal because it’s about tracking bigfoot. Yes, the mythical hairy man-creature aka saRoanoke Ridge is a paranormal mystery just over 200 pages. Paranormal because it’s about tracking bigfoot. Yes, the mythical hairy man-creature aka sasquatch. Plenty to like in this quirky, imperfect, little mystery set in beautiful north-west USA. I would have given it 3 1/2 stars but I’ve rounded it up to 4.
Things I enjoyed about this novel: - Bigfoot. Yeah, I enjoyed this aspect. The bigfoot enthusiasts, the ‘squatchers� - who go looking, the Bigfoot festival. It was all entertaining. - The setting in Oregon had a natural beauty that Dupuis described well. - Our current environmental crisis wasn’t focused on but was incorporated into the book in a natural way, rather than ignoring it. - One of the main characters was Saad, a Pakistani American. - I was happy with the ending.
There wasn’t much I didn’t like about Roanoke Ridge. There were a few formatting issues, though it wasn’t difficult to navigate them. To be honest I find that with most ebooks I read.
Roanoke Ridge had a few moments of so-so writing but those moments didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book. They were quickly forgotten in among solid writing, plenty of action that kept me going through to the end, and characters I liked.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Dundurn Press for my copy of the book in return for an honest review, and to the author, J.J. Dupuis....more
The Hunger Games is hugely popular and I can see why. I loved the films, loved the books. The basic premise for the books of 'the hunger games' was soThe Hunger Games is hugely popular and I can see why. I loved the films, loved the books. The basic premise for the books of 'the hunger games' was so brilliant, and Katniss makes for a strong, imperfect character - so good. I read as an audiobook but I may well read the actual book at some point. Now that's saying something!...more
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