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Ashlyn's Radio
Ashlyn Caverhill has left behind her senior year of high school to live with her grandmother, and she's not happy about it. Small-town Maine has nothing on Toronto. But her mother is ill, and there's nowhere else to go. Even though it contains one Caden Williams--the hottest guy she's ever seen--Ashlyn thinks Prescott Junction is the deadest place ever.
She may be right. A lot of people seem to die mysteriously down by the long-abandoned train tracks. Her own father died there before she was born.
The townspeople whisper about a ghost train that comes for the souls of Prescott Junction's most troubled citizens, but Ashlyn scoffs--until one night she sees the train for herself and its ghoulish conductor nearly coaxes her on board.
Ashlyn's fear grows when she finds an old radio that haunts the Caverhill family. They've thrown it out. It comes back. They've buried it. It comes back. They've sunk it in the lake, and still it comes back. Even though it's never plugged in, the radio broadcasts stories of future events that always come to pass. Imagine Ashlyn's horror when the radio's top story is "Ashlyn Caverhill boards the ghost train." Now, with the help of Caden and her new friend Rachel, Ashlyn must find a way to escape the radio's curse before she's forced to ride the ghost train forever.
She may be right. A lot of people seem to die mysteriously down by the long-abandoned train tracks. Her own father died there before she was born.
The townspeople whisper about a ghost train that comes for the souls of Prescott Junction's most troubled citizens, but Ashlyn scoffs--until one night she sees the train for herself and its ghoulish conductor nearly coaxes her on board.
Ashlyn's fear grows when she finds an old radio that haunts the Caverhill family. They've thrown it out. It comes back. They've buried it. It comes back. They've sunk it in the lake, and still it comes back. Even though it's never plugged in, the radio broadcasts stories of future events that always come to pass. Imagine Ashlyn's horror when the radio's top story is "Ashlyn Caverhill boards the ghost train." Now, with the help of Caden and her new friend Rachel, Ashlyn must find a way to escape the radio's curse before she's forced to ride the ghost train forever.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 17, 2011
16 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
About the author
Wilson Doherty
2 booksWilson Doherty is the writing team of NORAH WILSON and HEATHER DOHERTY. Norah is published in romantic suspense, cozy mystery and soon paranormal romance. Heather is published in literary, and writes children's and young adult literary. Together they write exciting young adult paranormal stories under the extremely imaginative pseudonym WILSON DOHERTY.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 16, 2012
Not bad for a YA paranormal mystery romance. Indeed pretty spooky. Could not read it last night and had to put it aside until daylight. LOL. Written in such a way that for the most part you can focus on the story and not on the writing. I like that. A few times the author incorrectly used the subjunctive tense but it's my curse to notice stuff like that. Three teenagers (17-18), all of them misfits or outcasts of one sort or another bond in friendship and a need to deal with a threatening supernatural force. I really like the "misfit" characters, perhaps because I felt that way throughout high school. The wee criticism I might have is that in the final ten pages everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, gets resolved and tied up in pretty pink ribbons. Ugh! Didn't like that much. In general however, I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys the genre.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
January 25, 2024
SO FUNN!!! i got this book because i found it on goodreads cause MY NAME IS ASHLYN. i had no expectations about this book, i didn’t know what it was about, but i thought it was so interesting and different and i just love the plot about the ghost train and radio 📻. ashlyn was very likable if i do say so myself, that’s not biased or anything :)
February 6, 2012
This was a pretty creepy story. It reminded me a lot of Ray Bradbury’s Something Wicked This Way Comes (one of my favorite books of all time). The books don’t have much in common except for the spooky supernatural element that lingers on every page in the book.
The story line was highly original in this book. There are several things going on at once. First, there is this ominous radio that has haunted generations of Caverhill women. You don’t know whether it is run by a force of evil or not until the end of the story. Then, there is the demonic train conductor that is determined to capture Ashlyn on his train. Those two supernatural elements are in constant motion while the other plots have their turn. For the romance lover, there are tons of smooches and a few hot moments between Ashlyn and her boyfriend, Caden. Although the insta-love aspect annoyed me a bit, I managed to overlook it.
The best part of this book was the character Rachel. She was the so-called “town witch.” However, she was far from a witch. While she did wear gothic like clothing and go out of her way to spook people in the small town, she had many secrets. She was the victim of horrible abuse at home, and her pain was evident in every word she spoke. I think of all the characters in the book, she was the best written and the most believable. I loved her.
I’m not a huge fan of horror fiction, but this one held my attention. There was enough suspense to keep me eagerly turning the pages until the very end. I even got a little misty eyed at some points in the story! I would give this one a solid 3 ½ flashlights, but since I don’t do half ratings, a three will have to do. There are some “harsh” words and sexual content that make this one suitable for the older YA reader.
The story line was highly original in this book. There are several things going on at once. First, there is this ominous radio that has haunted generations of Caverhill women. You don’t know whether it is run by a force of evil or not until the end of the story. Then, there is the demonic train conductor that is determined to capture Ashlyn on his train. Those two supernatural elements are in constant motion while the other plots have their turn. For the romance lover, there are tons of smooches and a few hot moments between Ashlyn and her boyfriend, Caden. Although the insta-love aspect annoyed me a bit, I managed to overlook it.
The best part of this book was the character Rachel. She was the so-called “town witch.” However, she was far from a witch. While she did wear gothic like clothing and go out of her way to spook people in the small town, she had many secrets. She was the victim of horrible abuse at home, and her pain was evident in every word she spoke. I think of all the characters in the book, she was the best written and the most believable. I loved her.
I’m not a huge fan of horror fiction, but this one held my attention. There was enough suspense to keep me eagerly turning the pages until the very end. I even got a little misty eyed at some points in the story! I would give this one a solid 3 ½ flashlights, but since I don’t do half ratings, a three will have to do. There are some “harsh” words and sexual content that make this one suitable for the older YA reader.
February 10, 2012
I am a real sucker for good old creepy ghost stories. And this book is one of them.
Moving Canada to a small village in the US, Ashlyn was ready for the akward days at home with her stranger of a grandmother and her insignificant senior year at school but nothing prepared her for a talking indistrucable radio in the basement of her house that could predict the future and a ghost train with a conductor bend to trap whatever soul crossed his path.
I really liked this story. It was sweet and creepy at the same time. Loved the whole village and the legend of the ghost train. I also really enjoyed Ashlyn although some times her libido was overwhelming and totally adored Caden, he is so sweet and so protective.
The creepy parts were really creepy but not scary. I could love this book even more if there was more horror in it, but as I said before is a really sweet, creepy book that left me with a smile in my face.
Moving Canada to a small village in the US, Ashlyn was ready for the akward days at home with her stranger of a grandmother and her insignificant senior year at school but nothing prepared her for a talking indistrucable radio in the basement of her house that could predict the future and a ghost train with a conductor bend to trap whatever soul crossed his path.
I really liked this story. It was sweet and creepy at the same time. Loved the whole village and the legend of the ghost train. I also really enjoyed Ashlyn although some times her libido was overwhelming and totally adored Caden, he is so sweet and so protective.
The creepy parts were really creepy but not scary. I could love this book even more if there was more horror in it, but as I said before is a really sweet, creepy book that left me with a smile in my face.
November 30, 2020
What a strange story, supernatural, a good read though. I did enjoy it.
September 28, 2011
Ashlyn’s Radio was one of the creepier books that I’ve read in a while. Ghost trains? Possessed household appliances? A terrifying soul-stealing conductor who is evil personified? An inevitably doomed fate? Wilson Doherty, a collaborative writing team made up of Norah Wilson and Heather Doherty, did an excellent job of steadily building the mounting tension and using their vivid, detailed descriptions to capture those feelings of pure horror and dread. The radio in particular gave me chills, and I’m sure they’ll be satisfied to know that for the last few nights, I’ve been totally creeped out by the television in my bedroom. You know… just in case it decides to turn on by itself and start spouting dire predictions of the future in technicolor.
Yes. I’m a total wimp with an incredibly overactive imagination. But I digress…
The books I tend to enjoy the most are the ones in which I’m able to create a real emotional connection to the characters or a specific character. For some reason, I had a lot of trouble connecting to Ashlyn in the beginning. I’m still not exactly sure why. But thinking more about it, perhaps it’s because she actually acted more like a typical teenager than most YA protagonists. Most of the heroines in today’s young adult fiction have a real gravity to them, wisdom beyond their years, a better grasp of the consequences of their actions; they’re more adults than kids. And in the paranormal genre, this is due largely to the life-and-death, world-ending situations that authors throw their young characters into. That’s not to say that there aren’t extremely mature teens out there, there are. And that’s not to say I find Ashlyn to be extremely immature, I don’t. I find Ashlyn refreshing in that she acts seventeen – her age. It’s nice to meet a character who’s not a 30-year old trapped in a 17 year old’s body, I just didn’t connect with her as much as I would’ve liked and that might have had more to do with my own age (shhh!) than anything else. However, I think Ashlyn’s character, once she realizes what she’s up against, matures as a result of her situation and I found her a lot more relateable toward the end of the novel.
The character I felt the strongest connection to was Ashlyn’s friend, Rachel. The authors did an excellent job bringing her to life – her vices, fears, her deep-seated emotional troubles, her issues – and they’ve created this wonderfully paradoxical character who is a strong personality, unique and witty and yet completely vulnerable and emotionally broken. This girl has real problems and not just of the paranormal variety. She is a sympathetic character who steals each of her scenes and who sees a real transformation over the course of the book.
Another thing I really enjoyed about Ashlyn’s Radio was the romance. Though slightly venturing into insta-love territory, the detour is forgiven, because Caden is just so adorable, sweet, funny….and a photographer. Their connection feels genuine, even though it develops quickly. Another thing I appreciated about Wilson Doherty’s portrayal of Caden is that he’s a person of color, an African American. How incredibly refreshing! I really believe that racial and ethnic diversity is something sorely lacking in today’s young adult US market and kudos to the authors for breaking out of those stereotypical young adult molds.
While there were many things I loved about Ashlyn’s Radio there were just a few things that didn’t quite work for me. The origins of the train and radio were a little confusing and didn’t thrill me as much as I had hoped. That said, the fast pace and well-crafted tension helped ease some of this. But while the revelations were interesting, I was hoping for that gasp-worthy, “AHA!” moment. I also wish that more of the creepy, small town vibe would’ve been communicated through the residents of Prescott Junction. I felt like I really didn’t get to see much of the town, let alone memorable, quirky individuals. It could be that I read this coming off of a “Haven” marathon – the paranormal SyFy show also set in a creepy, sleepy town in Maine – but I guess I was expecting a little more “Twin Peaks” than I ended up getting.
I also feel it’s important to note that there are some heavier, non-paranormal themes going on in this novel such as abuse, substance abuse, self-mutilation, and to some extent, suicide. I wish that Ashlyn had been a little more proactive about seeking help for those people who had these issues, but the truth is – once again – that Ashlyn dealt with these issues like a teenager probably would. I think it’s important for teens to realize however, that sometimes outside, adult help is needed to ensure the well-being of a friend or loved one.
Overall, Ashlyn’s Radio was a deliciously creepy, fun and fast-paced read that I would recommend to anyone who loves spine-tingling chills and thrills.
(Ebook provided by author for review)
Yes. I’m a total wimp with an incredibly overactive imagination. But I digress…
The books I tend to enjoy the most are the ones in which I’m able to create a real emotional connection to the characters or a specific character. For some reason, I had a lot of trouble connecting to Ashlyn in the beginning. I’m still not exactly sure why. But thinking more about it, perhaps it’s because she actually acted more like a typical teenager than most YA protagonists. Most of the heroines in today’s young adult fiction have a real gravity to them, wisdom beyond their years, a better grasp of the consequences of their actions; they’re more adults than kids. And in the paranormal genre, this is due largely to the life-and-death, world-ending situations that authors throw their young characters into. That’s not to say that there aren’t extremely mature teens out there, there are. And that’s not to say I find Ashlyn to be extremely immature, I don’t. I find Ashlyn refreshing in that she acts seventeen – her age. It’s nice to meet a character who’s not a 30-year old trapped in a 17 year old’s body, I just didn’t connect with her as much as I would’ve liked and that might have had more to do with my own age (shhh!) than anything else. However, I think Ashlyn’s character, once she realizes what she’s up against, matures as a result of her situation and I found her a lot more relateable toward the end of the novel.
The character I felt the strongest connection to was Ashlyn’s friend, Rachel. The authors did an excellent job bringing her to life – her vices, fears, her deep-seated emotional troubles, her issues – and they’ve created this wonderfully paradoxical character who is a strong personality, unique and witty and yet completely vulnerable and emotionally broken. This girl has real problems and not just of the paranormal variety. She is a sympathetic character who steals each of her scenes and who sees a real transformation over the course of the book.
Another thing I really enjoyed about Ashlyn’s Radio was the romance. Though slightly venturing into insta-love territory, the detour is forgiven, because Caden is just so adorable, sweet, funny….and a photographer. Their connection feels genuine, even though it develops quickly. Another thing I appreciated about Wilson Doherty’s portrayal of Caden is that he’s a person of color, an African American. How incredibly refreshing! I really believe that racial and ethnic diversity is something sorely lacking in today’s young adult US market and kudos to the authors for breaking out of those stereotypical young adult molds.
While there were many things I loved about Ashlyn’s Radio there were just a few things that didn’t quite work for me. The origins of the train and radio were a little confusing and didn’t thrill me as much as I had hoped. That said, the fast pace and well-crafted tension helped ease some of this. But while the revelations were interesting, I was hoping for that gasp-worthy, “AHA!” moment. I also wish that more of the creepy, small town vibe would’ve been communicated through the residents of Prescott Junction. I felt like I really didn’t get to see much of the town, let alone memorable, quirky individuals. It could be that I read this coming off of a “Haven” marathon – the paranormal SyFy show also set in a creepy, sleepy town in Maine – but I guess I was expecting a little more “Twin Peaks” than I ended up getting.
I also feel it’s important to note that there are some heavier, non-paranormal themes going on in this novel such as abuse, substance abuse, self-mutilation, and to some extent, suicide. I wish that Ashlyn had been a little more proactive about seeking help for those people who had these issues, but the truth is – once again – that Ashlyn dealt with these issues like a teenager probably would. I think it’s important for teens to realize however, that sometimes outside, adult help is needed to ensure the well-being of a friend or loved one.
Overall, Ashlyn’s Radio was a deliciously creepy, fun and fast-paced read that I would recommend to anyone who loves spine-tingling chills and thrills.
(Ebook provided by author for review)
October 6, 2012
I am not usually into books about ghosts that are in the current, but this book was just fantastic. It was full of mystery, intense suspense and thrilling action. And romance of course.
Ashlyn Caverhill thought she was a typical 17 year old until her Mother became ill and was admitted into a psychiatric ward near her Grandmother. Ashlyn is now living with her Grandmother in a little town called Prescott Junction, or Podunk Junction as Ashlyn calls it.
There is a mystery in the town that nobody likes talking about. There is a ghost train that comes through the abandoned station at night. Nobody goes out at night, it's just not done. All the towns folk know about the mysterious train, but all they do is hide in their homes and ignore it. At night Ashlyn hears the train's whistle and music from the Radio. When she asks her Grandmother about it, she just tells Ashlyn to stay in her bed and do not go out at night.
Ashlyn starts school and almost immediately makes friends with Rachel, the witch, the local loco. Rachel is willing to tell Ashlyn about the ghost train and has told her she has seen it many times.
Ashlyn's Grandmother breeds show dogs and hired a boy to help maintain the kennels. Ashlyn looks out her bedroom window to see the boy playing with the dogs. Caden Williams is the most handsome boy she has ever laid her eyes on. She introduces herself and they soon become friends and even more than friends. Rachel, Caden and Ashlyn become good friends and Rachel offers to show them THE ghost train.
One Friday night Ashlyn sneaks out to visit the train with her friends. She is hoping it is all a hoax and tries to calm her nerves. But too soon they all hear the trains whistle coming down the tracks. Ashlyn and Caden cannot believe their eyes, it is a monster of a train, black and full of trapped souls. The conductor is part flesh and part bones, the most hideous creature Ashlyn has ever seen. Rachel is drawn to the train and Ashlyn and Caden are on a mission to not let Rachel get on board.
There is an old story about the Caverhill women, starting with Ashlyn's Great Grandmother. She is the one that bought the radio back when the war began. Ashlyn discovers her Grandmother in the basement with a shotgun one night and is appalled to see her Grandmother trying to blow up the radio. The radio is blown to pieces but it still broadcasts the song and news. Ashlyn is shocked and frightened, but she does hear some of the words in the news broadcast about the towns people.
Can Ashlyn stop her friend from boarding that train? Will Caden and Ashlyn's relationship last after the frightening events on that night with what they witnessed? Can Ashlyn find out the true story of the train, the radio and her father? Can the train ever be stopped and the souls set free?
This is a wonderfully frightening story. The song "She'll be coming 'round the mountain" has been stuck in my head ever since starting the book. I go to bed at night with it stuck there and thinking about this black ghost train full of souls. Norah Wilson and Heather Doherty have created a very imaginative tale that you can't put down. I was laughing at Rachel's quirkiness and Ashlyn's attempts to seduce Caden; crying with tears streaming down my cheeks with Ashlyn visiting her Mother and her Grandmother's fear. You can't help but be drawn into the mystery and the frightening story behind ghost train. A must read!
Ashlyn Caverhill thought she was a typical 17 year old until her Mother became ill and was admitted into a psychiatric ward near her Grandmother. Ashlyn is now living with her Grandmother in a little town called Prescott Junction, or Podunk Junction as Ashlyn calls it.
There is a mystery in the town that nobody likes talking about. There is a ghost train that comes through the abandoned station at night. Nobody goes out at night, it's just not done. All the towns folk know about the mysterious train, but all they do is hide in their homes and ignore it. At night Ashlyn hears the train's whistle and music from the Radio. When she asks her Grandmother about it, she just tells Ashlyn to stay in her bed and do not go out at night.
Ashlyn starts school and almost immediately makes friends with Rachel, the witch, the local loco. Rachel is willing to tell Ashlyn about the ghost train and has told her she has seen it many times.
Ashlyn's Grandmother breeds show dogs and hired a boy to help maintain the kennels. Ashlyn looks out her bedroom window to see the boy playing with the dogs. Caden Williams is the most handsome boy she has ever laid her eyes on. She introduces herself and they soon become friends and even more than friends. Rachel, Caden and Ashlyn become good friends and Rachel offers to show them THE ghost train.
One Friday night Ashlyn sneaks out to visit the train with her friends. She is hoping it is all a hoax and tries to calm her nerves. But too soon they all hear the trains whistle coming down the tracks. Ashlyn and Caden cannot believe their eyes, it is a monster of a train, black and full of trapped souls. The conductor is part flesh and part bones, the most hideous creature Ashlyn has ever seen. Rachel is drawn to the train and Ashlyn and Caden are on a mission to not let Rachel get on board.
There is an old story about the Caverhill women, starting with Ashlyn's Great Grandmother. She is the one that bought the radio back when the war began. Ashlyn discovers her Grandmother in the basement with a shotgun one night and is appalled to see her Grandmother trying to blow up the radio. The radio is blown to pieces but it still broadcasts the song and news. Ashlyn is shocked and frightened, but she does hear some of the words in the news broadcast about the towns people.
Can Ashlyn stop her friend from boarding that train? Will Caden and Ashlyn's relationship last after the frightening events on that night with what they witnessed? Can Ashlyn find out the true story of the train, the radio and her father? Can the train ever be stopped and the souls set free?
This is a wonderfully frightening story. The song "She'll be coming 'round the mountain" has been stuck in my head ever since starting the book. I go to bed at night with it stuck there and thinking about this black ghost train full of souls. Norah Wilson and Heather Doherty have created a very imaginative tale that you can't put down. I was laughing at Rachel's quirkiness and Ashlyn's attempts to seduce Caden; crying with tears streaming down my cheeks with Ashlyn visiting her Mother and her Grandmother's fear. You can't help but be drawn into the mystery and the frightening story behind ghost train. A must read!
August 13, 2012
I must admit, I haven’t read many horror books lately since I get scared really easily, but I actually genuinely enjoy horror books. It’s like, I WANT to know what happens next, but at the same time, I’m also afraid to read further because of what images I might conjure in my head. Ashlyn’s Radio literally creeped the living daylights out of me but I just couldn’t put it down because I was obsessed with finding out answers and unravelling the secrets.
The story starts off with Ashlyn being sent to live with her grandmother in Prescott Junction after her mum is hospitalised in a mental institute. Prescott Junction is no ordinary town. Everyone stays locked up in their rooms every night, pretending to not hear the ghost train that rolls through the town. Once in a while, people will wind up dead beside the train tracks, with no obvious cause of death. Ashlyn is initially sceptical about the legendary ghost train until she sees it for herself and the price people pay for accepting the ticket to board the train. Added to this, Ashlyn finds out about the Caverhill curse, and her great-grandmother’s antique radio that seems to predict the future. I found the storyline particularly intriguing. It wasn’t merely about a ghost train that rolled through town every once in a while, but there was more depth, and a reason behind the regular appearance of this train. I liked how this had more to do with souls – the train claimed tortured souls and by boarding the train, your soul would be forever stranded and lost. This was a very different and unique concept to me since I’ve never read a book that focused on trapped souls before, but I really enjoyed it!
Ashlyn was a brilliant protagonist. She was totally fearless and incredibly loyal and protective of those she loves. Throughout the entire book, she was constantly looking out for her best friend Rachel (who was definitely in need of looking after) and towards the end, she was acutally able to help Rachel turn over a new leaf. I also liked how Ashlyn became more caring, more considerate towards her grandmother. At first, she was constantly having these teenage tantrums where she would just swear, curse and scream at her grandmother, but they eventually developed a bond and mutual understanding, which was nice to see. Ashlyn was also exceptionally brave. She faced her fate head on, and was willing to sacrifice herself if it meant she could save other peoples’ lives. I wish I could possess her outstanding traits!
I should also mention that the whole radio coming to life aspect seriously creeped me out. It isn’t n every day that you read about a radio that just would not shut up. The ghost train arriving to claim souls was also both interesting and frightening, especially the conductor who handed out the tickets. I actually debated whether I should go to sleep with the lights on since I was constantly envisioning this boney, corpse-like figure with a malevolent smirk pasted on his face. Thinking about it now still makes me shudder.
Overall it was exciting, intense and downright scary. Although I wished there was a more thorough explanation on why Ashlyn’s mother was in the mental institute. Was it something to do with the Caverill Curse? Nevertheless, Ashlyn’s Radio was a very enjoyable read and I highly recommend it!
The story starts off with Ashlyn being sent to live with her grandmother in Prescott Junction after her mum is hospitalised in a mental institute. Prescott Junction is no ordinary town. Everyone stays locked up in their rooms every night, pretending to not hear the ghost train that rolls through the town. Once in a while, people will wind up dead beside the train tracks, with no obvious cause of death. Ashlyn is initially sceptical about the legendary ghost train until she sees it for herself and the price people pay for accepting the ticket to board the train. Added to this, Ashlyn finds out about the Caverhill curse, and her great-grandmother’s antique radio that seems to predict the future. I found the storyline particularly intriguing. It wasn’t merely about a ghost train that rolled through town every once in a while, but there was more depth, and a reason behind the regular appearance of this train. I liked how this had more to do with souls – the train claimed tortured souls and by boarding the train, your soul would be forever stranded and lost. This was a very different and unique concept to me since I’ve never read a book that focused on trapped souls before, but I really enjoyed it!
Ashlyn was a brilliant protagonist. She was totally fearless and incredibly loyal and protective of those she loves. Throughout the entire book, she was constantly looking out for her best friend Rachel (who was definitely in need of looking after) and towards the end, she was acutally able to help Rachel turn over a new leaf. I also liked how Ashlyn became more caring, more considerate towards her grandmother. At first, she was constantly having these teenage tantrums where she would just swear, curse and scream at her grandmother, but they eventually developed a bond and mutual understanding, which was nice to see. Ashlyn was also exceptionally brave. She faced her fate head on, and was willing to sacrifice herself if it meant she could save other peoples’ lives. I wish I could possess her outstanding traits!
I should also mention that the whole radio coming to life aspect seriously creeped me out. It isn’t n every day that you read about a radio that just would not shut up. The ghost train arriving to claim souls was also both interesting and frightening, especially the conductor who handed out the tickets. I actually debated whether I should go to sleep with the lights on since I was constantly envisioning this boney, corpse-like figure with a malevolent smirk pasted on his face. Thinking about it now still makes me shudder.
Overall it was exciting, intense and downright scary. Although I wished there was a more thorough explanation on why Ashlyn’s mother was in the mental institute. Was it something to do with the Caverill Curse? Nevertheless, Ashlyn’s Radio was a very enjoyable read and I highly recommend it!
February 27, 2012
What could possibly be worse than having your mother have a complete mental breakdown and be institutionalized? Or being forced to leave behind all your friends in Toronto at the beginning of your senior year and move to a Podunk little town in Maine with a grandmother you barely know? Ashlyn Caverhill finds out.
Prescott Junction isn’t just a sleepy little town in the middle of nowhere. The town is deserted at night, and people do stay in their beds after dark, but sleep is hard to come by when a ghost train intent on stealing souls rumbles through town several nights a week. Add to that an indestructible radio that only Ashlyn’s family can hear – it predicts the future, but only the sad and tragic future – and suddenly, Prescott Junction is far from a boring little town. Unless a seductive, skeletal ghost train conductor can be considered boring.
Ashlyn is thrown into a situation where she may be the town’s only hope. As if that isn’t enough, her new best friend, Rachel, believes that she is next to board the train. Abused, lonely and self-destructive, Rachel believes it may be her only chance to escape the hell she lives in. Caden, Ashlyn’s sexy new boyfriend, cares about them both and will do whatever he can to keep them safe.
Ashlyn’s Radio by Norah Wilson and Heather Doherty, is a unique look at curses, the supernatural and real life issues such as abuse. The characters in the book face not just a ghost train and a doomsday warning radio, they also have to face the real life issues of prejudice, depression, fear, physical and emotional abuse, and falling in love. Wilson and Doherty do an excellent job addressing all of the above. With the exception of being too blasé in the beginning of the book about the idea of cutting to deal with anger, depression and pain, I believe they did a good job of getting into the teenage mind. I was happy to read that the act of cutting is taken more seriously later in the book. Speaking as an adult, the abuse issues were also hard to read without wanting to shake the characters and want them to do something about it, to stop it. But, in situations like that, most teenagers don’t have the slightest idea what to do when a friend is in this kind of trouble. That’s not a problem with the book. Ashlyn’s Radio simply points out a societal squeamishness to address the problem head on, leaving children at a loss as to how to help or get help.
Overall, Ashlyn’s radio is a wonderful read with just enough eeriness to keep it interesting, and enough memorable characters to make it lovable. Though the issues in the book could have made this book a sad journey, Wilson and Doherty were able to keep it a light, entertaining read while still getting their points across. I thank the authors for a review copy and I give the book 4 ½ stars.
Prescott Junction isn’t just a sleepy little town in the middle of nowhere. The town is deserted at night, and people do stay in their beds after dark, but sleep is hard to come by when a ghost train intent on stealing souls rumbles through town several nights a week. Add to that an indestructible radio that only Ashlyn’s family can hear – it predicts the future, but only the sad and tragic future – and suddenly, Prescott Junction is far from a boring little town. Unless a seductive, skeletal ghost train conductor can be considered boring.
Ashlyn is thrown into a situation where she may be the town’s only hope. As if that isn’t enough, her new best friend, Rachel, believes that she is next to board the train. Abused, lonely and self-destructive, Rachel believes it may be her only chance to escape the hell she lives in. Caden, Ashlyn’s sexy new boyfriend, cares about them both and will do whatever he can to keep them safe.
Ashlyn’s Radio by Norah Wilson and Heather Doherty, is a unique look at curses, the supernatural and real life issues such as abuse. The characters in the book face not just a ghost train and a doomsday warning radio, they also have to face the real life issues of prejudice, depression, fear, physical and emotional abuse, and falling in love. Wilson and Doherty do an excellent job addressing all of the above. With the exception of being too blasé in the beginning of the book about the idea of cutting to deal with anger, depression and pain, I believe they did a good job of getting into the teenage mind. I was happy to read that the act of cutting is taken more seriously later in the book. Speaking as an adult, the abuse issues were also hard to read without wanting to shake the characters and want them to do something about it, to stop it. But, in situations like that, most teenagers don’t have the slightest idea what to do when a friend is in this kind of trouble. That’s not a problem with the book. Ashlyn’s Radio simply points out a societal squeamishness to address the problem head on, leaving children at a loss as to how to help or get help.
Overall, Ashlyn’s radio is a wonderful read with just enough eeriness to keep it interesting, and enough memorable characters to make it lovable. Though the issues in the book could have made this book a sad journey, Wilson and Doherty were able to keep it a light, entertaining read while still getting their points across. I thank the authors for a review copy and I give the book 4 ½ stars.
October 22, 2011
Ashlyn's Radio is made from one part Heather Doherty and the other part Norah Wilson. These two blessedly talented ladies have created a story that is to die for! I don't know how many times I was in the middle of reading and had to stop just to think of how amazing this book was. So scary, it'll give Stephen King nightmares!
Since Ashlyn's mom has been admitted to the psych ward, Ashlyn had no choice but to move back to her mother's hometown. This is the same hometown that her mother was trying to prevent Ashlyn from ever visiting. Ashlyn doesn't know this, just like her mother doesn't know that that's where Ashlyn now resides.
All seems to be well for Ashlyn living in Prescott Junction. She now lives with her grandmother who has lived there for years. There is even a rather hot boy that works for her grandmother and if she plays her cards right, she just might snag him! The only odd thing is that she hears music playing at night. When she questioned her grandmother, she watched her face turn white while she warned Ashlyn to stay in bed at night. When the whistle blows, stay in bed. Everybody does, it's just what all the town people do. And the weird thing? Ashlyn has noticed that her grandmother is right. Not even teens sneak out at night. How odd.
Late one night, Ashlyn finally sneaks out with her friend Rachel as well as the hottie, Caden. Rachel knows all about what goes on while everyone sleeps. The dead bodies that people have found. Rachel knows what really caused it, and now she's going to show them.
Now, Ashlyn realizes just what the whistle belongs to. The ghost train. The train running on the tracks that nobody uses anymore. Those same tracks that have been shut down for years. And once the train approaches, they all watch as the souls inside look at them in despair. The conductor collects them. Lures people out of their beds, only to have others find their lifeless bodies by the tracks the next morning.
What Ashlyn doesn't know, is that the music she hears has a connection to the train. She has far more history in Prescott Junction than she knows, and is about to find out she's in for a world of trouble. She's going to learn why everyone races home once dark.
When that conductor hands you that ticket, don't take it!
Since Ashlyn's mom has been admitted to the psych ward, Ashlyn had no choice but to move back to her mother's hometown. This is the same hometown that her mother was trying to prevent Ashlyn from ever visiting. Ashlyn doesn't know this, just like her mother doesn't know that that's where Ashlyn now resides.
All seems to be well for Ashlyn living in Prescott Junction. She now lives with her grandmother who has lived there for years. There is even a rather hot boy that works for her grandmother and if she plays her cards right, she just might snag him! The only odd thing is that she hears music playing at night. When she questioned her grandmother, she watched her face turn white while she warned Ashlyn to stay in bed at night. When the whistle blows, stay in bed. Everybody does, it's just what all the town people do. And the weird thing? Ashlyn has noticed that her grandmother is right. Not even teens sneak out at night. How odd.
Late one night, Ashlyn finally sneaks out with her friend Rachel as well as the hottie, Caden. Rachel knows all about what goes on while everyone sleeps. The dead bodies that people have found. Rachel knows what really caused it, and now she's going to show them.
Now, Ashlyn realizes just what the whistle belongs to. The ghost train. The train running on the tracks that nobody uses anymore. Those same tracks that have been shut down for years. And once the train approaches, they all watch as the souls inside look at them in despair. The conductor collects them. Lures people out of their beds, only to have others find their lifeless bodies by the tracks the next morning.
What Ashlyn doesn't know, is that the music she hears has a connection to the train. She has far more history in Prescott Junction than she knows, and is about to find out she's in for a world of trouble. She's going to learn why everyone races home once dark.
When that conductor hands you that ticket, don't take it!
January 20, 2012
Wanting a good scary novel ? One that in it's own way brings back the world of ghost stories , a world before Vampires, Werewolves and any other supernatural creature took over our literary hemisphere ?
The one thing that stood out more than anything reading Ashlyn's radio was the fact that it was in fact a good scary story , it reminded me of the stories I used to read when I was younger, books in the tradition of Christopher Pike's Remember Me .
We discover that Ashlyn's mother Leslie is in a mental hospital after hearing the evil and not being able to get it out of her system , she fears for her daughter's life as she knows that the evil is after her. Ashlyn goes to live with her grandmother Maudette in a small town called Prescott Junction. Ashlyn on her first night , hears the noises of trains and music - though everyone she talks to is keeping their mouths shut. As it turns out there is a train that comes through , but it isn't a good train , it's a train that collects souls and for Ashlyn she catches a glimpse of her father Patrick on that train. The radio part comes in as a curse past down through the Caverhill women, a radio that can predict the future and bad things that are going to happen. When it latches itself onto Ashlyn , is she to accept the fate of the Caverhill women before her or will she break the curse ?
Tune In to Find out in Norah Wilson and Heather Doherty's book "Ashlyn's Radio".
The one thing that stood out more than anything reading Ashlyn's radio was the fact that it was in fact a good scary story , it reminded me of the stories I used to read when I was younger, books in the tradition of Christopher Pike's Remember Me .
We discover that Ashlyn's mother Leslie is in a mental hospital after hearing the evil and not being able to get it out of her system , she fears for her daughter's life as she knows that the evil is after her. Ashlyn goes to live with her grandmother Maudette in a small town called Prescott Junction. Ashlyn on her first night , hears the noises of trains and music - though everyone she talks to is keeping their mouths shut. As it turns out there is a train that comes through , but it isn't a good train , it's a train that collects souls and for Ashlyn she catches a glimpse of her father Patrick on that train. The radio part comes in as a curse past down through the Caverhill women, a radio that can predict the future and bad things that are going to happen. When it latches itself onto Ashlyn , is she to accept the fate of the Caverhill women before her or will she break the curse ?
Tune In to Find out in Norah Wilson and Heather Doherty's book "Ashlyn's Radio".
August 21, 2011
Ashlyn's Radio. The moment you hear that title you'll think oh its a book about this person Ashlyn's Radio but nope. It started out with that household appliance and became much more.
This was my first true ghost book. It held its creepiness but the book wasn't engrossing enough to have me scared though it still held a mild captivating reel with the author's writing. As the story goes, it began at a regular pace with great chapter cuts and awesome characters who are strong and all the way lovable especially Caden. The story was surrounded around our protagonist Ashlyn Caverhill and how she moves in with her Grandmother while her mother is in a mental institution going crazy because of a haunted radio that her Grandmother keeps. The story behind the radio was really interesting and fascinating to read about and the best thing of all! The love story stayed like it should always in every book "REALISTIC" this clearly has a point when I rate it.
The plot was really concrete and the authors' wrote about it with clear confidence that you can't help but notice. They wrote "Ashlyn's Radio" with clear uniqueness, witty characters, and a concrete plot that's definitely horror movie material!
http://unputdownablebookies.blogspot....
This was my first true ghost book. It held its creepiness but the book wasn't engrossing enough to have me scared though it still held a mild captivating reel with the author's writing. As the story goes, it began at a regular pace with great chapter cuts and awesome characters who are strong and all the way lovable especially Caden. The story was surrounded around our protagonist Ashlyn Caverhill and how she moves in with her Grandmother while her mother is in a mental institution going crazy because of a haunted radio that her Grandmother keeps. The story behind the radio was really interesting and fascinating to read about and the best thing of all! The love story stayed like it should always in every book "REALISTIC" this clearly has a point when I rate it.
The plot was really concrete and the authors' wrote about it with clear confidence that you can't help but notice. They wrote "Ashlyn's Radio" with clear uniqueness, witty characters, and a concrete plot that's definitely horror movie material!
http://unputdownablebookies.blogspot....
January 24, 2013
I am a real sucker for good old creepy ghost stories. And this book is one of them.
Moving Canada to a small village in the US, Ashlyn was ready for the akward days at home with her stranger of a grandmother and her insignificant senior year at school but nothing prepared her for a talking indistrucable radio in the basement of her house that could predict the future and a ghost train with a conductor bend to trap whatever soul crossed his path.
I really liked this story. It was sweet and creepy at the same time. Loved the whole village and the legend of the ghost train. I also really enjoyed Ashlyn although some times her libido was overwhelming and totally adored Caden, he is so sweet and so protective.
The creepy parts were really creepy but not scary. I could love this book even more if there was more horror in it, but as I said before is a really sweet, creepy book that left me with a smile in my face.
Moving Canada to a small village in the US, Ashlyn was ready for the akward days at home with her stranger of a grandmother and her insignificant senior year at school but nothing prepared her for a talking indistrucable radio in the basement of her house that could predict the future and a ghost train with a conductor bend to trap whatever soul crossed his path.
I really liked this story. It was sweet and creepy at the same time. Loved the whole village and the legend of the ghost train. I also really enjoyed Ashlyn although some times her libido was overwhelming and totally adored Caden, he is so sweet and so protective.
The creepy parts were really creepy but not scary. I could love this book even more if there was more horror in it, but as I said before is a really sweet, creepy book that left me with a smile in my face.
September 10, 2016
This was an excellent read. I am very careful how I pick eBooks to read. There are a zillion authors out there and just as many eBooks. Unfortunately, most of those eBooks aren't worth the time of day it takes to read the first sentence. This one was a wonderful surprise. It was written professionally, and edited professionally. It was a joy to read and a real page turner. The characters were well developed and complex. The story was meant to be scary and put you on the edge of your seat. It did that and more. I allow only so much time during a day to read fiction and so much for non fiction. The rest of the time I write. I begrudge the time I spend on a book that is poorly written and edited, as well as poorly thought out. I couldn't say this enough about this book, it's a real jewel. Everything I've come to expect from a book, and one meant to be scary, was met and more. I highly recommend this book.
August 23, 2016
From the moment I started reading Ashlyn's Radio, I was hooked! It is a fantastic Young Adult Suspense Thriller, that grips you right from the start and just doesn't let go. It's probably bad form to compare a book to a movie, but there is a song that is central to this book that kept bringing to mind the movie "1408" with John Cusack (which is based on a Stephen King Novella - that I have not read) - and the creep factor is strong and heavy. If you liked that movie and enjoy reading YA Fiction, this book is for you.
I wanted to stay up all night last night to finish reading - so be here's your warning - make sure you have time to read this book - because it won't let you go once you start!
I wanted to stay up all night last night to finish reading - so be here's your warning - make sure you have time to read this book - because it won't let you go once you start!
March 1, 2012
After Ashlyn's mother is hospitalized for a mental breakdown, she is forced to move from Toronto to the tiny town of Prescott Junction, Maine to live with her grandmother. Unless you believe the local legend about a ghost train that carries off lost souls, nothing ever happens...
I enjoyed reading a paranormal story that didn't involve vampires, werewolves or zombies. The heroine isn't some sort of secret magical princess, and there's no real love triangle with all the associated angst.
What you do get with Ashlyn's Radio is a compelling horror story, with some nice imagery and some uniquely scary moments. (I will never think of the old song "She'll Be Comin' Around The Mountain" quite the same way again.)
Recommended to anyone willing to give a young adult paranormal novel a shot.
I enjoyed reading a paranormal story that didn't involve vampires, werewolves or zombies. The heroine isn't some sort of secret magical princess, and there's no real love triangle with all the associated angst.
What you do get with Ashlyn's Radio is a compelling horror story, with some nice imagery and some uniquely scary moments. (I will never think of the old song "She'll Be Comin' Around The Mountain" quite the same way again.)
Recommended to anyone willing to give a young adult paranormal novel a shot.
November 10, 2011
This is a great ghost story. I really loved it. It was really thrilling to read and I finished it in a day more or less. Of course there was also a great love story, and who can resist that. And I must say that this particularly love story was great I loved Ashlyn and Caden. They were just so sweet with each other and they did not take any bull shit form anyone. Ashlyn is a really strong Character. She knows what she wants and she wants Caden. Her friend Rachel is also a very interesting character in the book and a real but troubled friend to Ashlyn. I most definitively recommend this book, it was a great read and I enjoyed it a lot.
February 26, 2012
This was a cracking read - super creepy.
I like it that it was a complete story and yes I suppose that the characters we not a filled out as I would have liked... But never the less a really good read and some really heavy issues are covered like self harming.... but this was covered in a positive way i felt..
I will definately be looking for more by this duo (this is written by two authors).
I like it that it was a complete story and yes I suppose that the characters we not a filled out as I would have liked... But never the less a really good read and some really heavy issues are covered like self harming.... but this was covered in a positive way i felt..
I will definately be looking for more by this duo (this is written by two authors).
April 23, 2012
I enjoyed this YA book. It was creepy, but not too creepy. It addressed some heavy topics in an approachable way, including cutting, abuse, interracial dating, single parenting, unplanned pregnancy, infidelity, and more.
The main character is a virgin, but she and her boyfriend do "anything but," looking foward to her eighteenth birthday. Nothing is graphic, but the end of the book is replete with makeout sessions.
Overall the message in the book is a good one.
The main character is a virgin, but she and her boyfriend do "anything but," looking foward to her eighteenth birthday. Nothing is graphic, but the end of the book is replete with makeout sessions.
Overall the message in the book is a good one.
March 2, 2012
This was an awesome book. It is a YA book so I skimmed through the teenaged hormone overload bits. I've been there and done that. The story was very interesting and the book only took me a couple days to read.
November 4, 2013
Interesting premise. I think this is supposed to be a Young Adult novel, but I would not recommend it for anyone under 18 due to sexual content. The author was trying for a level of suspense, but never quite reached it. The characters weren't as interesting as I had hoped.
February 21, 2012
Enjoyed this book. It's more of a young adult thriller. You won't guess the ending.
Read
April 28, 2012Why does this book have so many good ratings? I can't get into it.
. Sorry giving up on this
. Sorry giving up on this
July 20, 2012
Gripped me from the beginning. I love supernatural stuff, and this was different. It didn't skirt around issues, or make issues out of nothing. A good read.
August 10, 2012
Interesting read, different story. Worth the time.
December 22, 2012
This was the best YA novel I've read in a long time. It was spooky and fast pace, had love, friendship, family. It was simply awesome. Highly recommend.
October 9, 2013
I would not run out to buy a book by this author but I did like the book. It is very different from my normal genre.
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