Status Update

So, again, it's been a long time between posts, but as always I have a signed excuse! New business ventures, moving, the whole routine of life....these things sometimes get in the way and as much as I hate it, they have to be dealt with. But again, I've decided to take a new direction with this blog site as once more the direction of my life seems to be swaying, so look soon to see reviews of graphic novels (comic books!) and child fiction.

And no, I haven't forgotten this place or the novels that have come my way in the past months. They are all neatly stacked in my reading corner and are slowly but surely being read, the reviews jotted down for more detailed and relevant posts....all just waiting to be posted here! So keep checking back...I promise they will appear!!!

Review: Lost Mojo by Kris Sedersten

Lost Mojo (Mojo #1)
Author: Kris Sedersten
Purchase: Barnes & Noble | Amazon


Lost Mojo by Kris Sedersten is the prequel to the novel I've previously reviewed, Mojo, the first novel in the Mojo series. Revised since it's previous release, this novel sports a haunting tale of young ghost chasers and their indoctrination into the world of the paranormal.

Overall, this novel has a great plot and likable characters. There's a chilly aire to the novel pthat perfectly brings out the eeriness of the paranormal, you know, those feelings that make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. Cleverly devised, Sedersten is masterful at bringing you into the haunted worlds she creates sucking your into the story to where you stay up late into the night just to see what happens next.

The only critism I found in the novel is that some of the dialogue can be a little rigid. Every now and again the flow of the story is broken by the rigidity, but the overall enjoyment of the novel tends to make one over look these minor bumps in an otherwise smooth road. Also, the perspective shifts can be a little sudden and even blurred in places making you have to take a moment and sort out where in the world you are and who's eyes you are seeing it through.

In the end though, this novel is a definite must read. I found it to be enjoyable and addictive. Definitely what I've come to expect from Sedersten when it comes to ghostly tales and she delievers full force! So if you're in the mood for a chill, be sure to pick Lost Mojo up, it won't disappoint!

My Raiting: 4 out of 5 Scars

The Puppet Masters by Robert A Hienlein

The Puppet Masters
Author: Robert A. Hienlein
ISBN: 143913376X
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

The Puppet Masters by Robert A. Hienlein is a time tested classic of the science fiction genre. With action, aliens, and a healthy dose of paranoia, this novel is an interesting if not engrossing read.

Travel with a host of characters in a world that no longer resembles the world we know. Set in a distant future you are set to tag along with the governments clandestine agents to stop the invasion of an alien species that take humans' bodies hostage, using them for their own nefarious purposes.

Clevely written with interesting characters, this is an action packed, non-stop action novel that will have you gripping the edge of your seat in some spots. However, there are a few lag points and a few areas where you do have to push through a bit throwing off the flow of the novel. Getting used to the new futuristic world was also a little bit of a challenge as you are just sort of plunged in, there's very little ease. But, on the plus side this makes for a novel that starts with a bang!

Overall, I enjoyed the novel and have always been a fan of the premise. If you like aliens, science fiction, or just a little action, then this is definitely a read worthy of the beach!      

My Rating: 3 out of 5 Scars

 

Review Submission Format Change

This is just a note to say that the acceptable format for Reviews has changed. Unfortunately at this time I am no longer capable of accepting eBooks in any format. I apologize for this inconvenience. If you have not heard back from me and you have requested a review, please consider this as it may not simply be from disinterest. If you are capable of providing a hard copy (ie any printed copy be it bound or simply printed from a computer printer) then please resubmit your request.

Agatha Raisin and the Haunted House by M.C. Beaton

Agatha Raisin and the Haunted House
By: M.C. Beaton
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 0312994826
Purchase:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble 

Agatha Raisin, snug and warm in her Carsley cottage, has that same old feeling-boredom-until a report of a haunted house sends her and new neighbor, handsome Paul Chatterton, to investigate. Suddenly, middle-aged Agatha is aglow with romance and excitement.
But the glow fades fast. It turns out Paul is a cad. The victim of the haunting is a universally disliked old biddy. And the ghost is most likely someone playing a dirty trick. Then an old lady is soon found murdered. But never fear! For Agatha, solving a homicide is more fun than hunting a ghost. She quickly has a theory and a risky scheme. And she is about to make a startling discovery which can be her greatest triumph ... or leave her heartbroken, in trouble with the police, and in danger of losing her reputation - or her life.

Agatha Raisin and the the Haunted House is the 14th novel in this cozy mystery series featuring a cranky, eccentric amateur sleuth that is both likable and unique. With enjoyable locals, gossip and all the intrigue of the bustling metropolis of London, this small town mystery holds an a full size serving of fun.

 Agatha Raisin and the the Haunted House is a quaint British cozy that utilizes a host of characters and interactions that can range from the droll to the maddening with all of the gossip and intrigue of a small English village. While the mystery often takes a back seat to some of the relationship dynamics, this novel presents a great character analysis that is easy to read and entertaining. Full of back-biting, in-fighting and yes, even a little bit of romance, this makes for an interesting "who-done-it".   However, while I did greatly enjoy the novel, there were some aspects that may be a little irksome to the avid mystery fan. For instance, the mystery at times can take a back seat the the man-hungry Agatha's pursuit of her neighbor, but overall, this doesn't detract from the fun and colorful characters, nor the persnickety nature of Agatha herself.  

Cleverly written with tidbits of British humor, this is one series that I recommend for some light reading while at work or on a rainy day. I will definitely be picking up more of this series as I find them!   Rating: 4 out of 5 Scars