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The Haunting of Pico
Pico, Texas is full of secrets, as Chris discovers when his family unwittingly moves into the town’s haunted house.
As an Asian adoptee relocating from a big city, Chris worries about fitting into a small-town high school still using a Rebel soldier for its mascot. But, to his relief, the attitudes of the town are changing, and soon he has friends, a job, and a cute new neighbor.
Still, the shadow of a less tolerant time lingers.
Sixty years ago, Charlotte Monroe was murdered in Pico, hanged from the oak outside of Chris’s bedroom window. Chris is sure that it’s her ghost he hears every night. As the weeks go by and Charlotte’s midnight wailing gives way to violent outbursts, Chris knows that to save his family he must put the sins of the past to rest.
As an Asian adoptee relocating from a big city, Chris worries about fitting into a small-town high school still using a Rebel soldier for its mascot. But, to his relief, the attitudes of the town are changing, and soon he has friends, a job, and a cute new neighbor.
Still, the shadow of a less tolerant time lingers.
Sixty years ago, Charlotte Monroe was murdered in Pico, hanged from the oak outside of Chris’s bedroom window. Chris is sure that it’s her ghost he hears every night. As the weeks go by and Charlotte’s midnight wailing gives way to violent outbursts, Chris knows that to save his family he must put the sins of the past to rest.
292 pages, Paperback
First published December 4, 2011
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876 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 2, 2012
First thing's first, the book was engaging. As a matter of fact, I was up until 2am reading it and read it first thing while on the train to work this morning. I continued reading the book until I was done an hour later. Ssh, don't tell the boss.
I really dig Patrick Kampman's style of writing. The principal character, Chris, was genuinely funny and intelligent and I enjoyed reading the story from his point of view. Generally, the paranormal aspect of this book was more like a distant side character as we were more in the throes of teenage relationships and social order. It's good for a YA book, but admittedly, I had purchased the book as I thought it was going to be more along the lines of a horror novel. This is actually a shame as the story of Charlotte and the subsequent heartbreaking reveal of Emily's character was a superb nod to traditional gothic horror. I wish that Chris would have seen glimpses of the little girl and her tragic mother or have interacted with them more. Was the little girl even old enough to write "Mommy?" This plot alone could have lended itself to some genuine horrific moments but unfortunately, Chris seemed to be rather ambivalent to it all.
Let's also look at the other cast of characters. What was the deal with Mr. Sherman and Savannah's sniffing of objects? What was hidden in the closet of the comic book shop? Never explained. And Rose? Although never explicitly said, I guess she was a vampire but this additional facet of her character was not necessary. Why not make her a ghost related to the story?
As previously stated, the central horror premise was brilliant but the layers of additional supernatural elements were extremely unnecessary. The author has the potential to be a great horror writer as he can really drum up engaging characters and provide a vivid back horror story. If anything, get back to basics, simplify, and have the one story be the only story. There was simply too much going on in terms of the paranormal background stories.
I really dig Patrick Kampman's style of writing. The principal character, Chris, was genuinely funny and intelligent and I enjoyed reading the story from his point of view. Generally, the paranormal aspect of this book was more like a distant side character as we were more in the throes of teenage relationships and social order. It's good for a YA book, but admittedly, I had purchased the book as I thought it was going to be more along the lines of a horror novel. This is actually a shame as the story of Charlotte and the subsequent heartbreaking reveal of Emily's character was a superb nod to traditional gothic horror. I wish that Chris would have seen glimpses of the little girl and her tragic mother or have interacted with them more. Was the little girl even old enough to write "Mommy?" This plot alone could have lended itself to some genuine horrific moments but unfortunately, Chris seemed to be rather ambivalent to it all.
Let's also look at the other cast of characters. What was the deal with Mr. Sherman and Savannah's sniffing of objects? What was hidden in the closet of the comic book shop? Never explained. And Rose? Although never explicitly said, I guess she was a vampire but this additional facet of her character was not necessary. Why not make her a ghost related to the story?
As previously stated, the central horror premise was brilliant but the layers of additional supernatural elements were extremely unnecessary. The author has the potential to be a great horror writer as he can really drum up engaging characters and provide a vivid back horror story. If anything, get back to basics, simplify, and have the one story be the only story. There was simply too much going on in terms of the paranormal background stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2012
A young adult ghostly mystery with a male protagonist
Fifteen-year-old Chris and his beautiful, fourteen-year-old sister Eve are quite unhappy when their parents decide to move from laid-back urban life in California to the small town of Pico in Texas. Chris and Eve are non-biological siblings who were separately adopted by their parents from Korea, and at first Chris is worried that his Asian heritage will lead to prejudice against him and Eve in Pico. Fortunately, that does not happen, but he soon discovers that he has far greater problems than his social life. His parents have unknowingly purchased an old house for Chris's family that has been haunted for over 60 years by a previous owner of the house who was murdered on the property. The rage-filled ghost poses a serious threat to Chris and his sister, and he is determined to solve the mystery of what is holding the ghost to this world in order to send it on its way.
Both teens and adults who enjoy a paranormal mystery with a strong climax will be pleased with this story. It is also suitable for boys as much as girls, because it has a strong male protagonist, something that is much too infrequent in YA fiction. Chris is a sympathetic, compelling hero, and the coterie of friends he draws to himself are quite entertaining, as well.
While this novel has some excellent comic repartee scattered throughout, I would label the story primarily drama. And at certain moments it moves from mystery into suspense or downright thriller because of some truly creepy villains who crank up the action. (Note: I myself am not a fan of horror, and anyone who loves horror may not find this novel particularly scary. But for readers such as myself who don't read horror or can't stomach extreme violence, this story is plenty frightening, particularly in the ultimate resolution of the main plot.)
For fans of romantic triangles in YA, there is a quite unusual and interesting one in this book for you to enjoy.
I particularly recommend this fun, paranormal mystery to anyone who loves the Dead Is YA paranormal mystery series by Marlene Perez or enjoyed the male hero in Also Known as Rowan Pohi by Ralph Fletcher.
For those concerned about the age appropriateness of this story: There are a few sexual situations (though discretely handled), a bit of underage drinking, and several scenes of strong violence. Because of these things, some parents may consider this story more appropriate for teens 16 and above.
I rate this book as follows:
Hero: 5 stars
Subcharacters: 5 stars
Villain(s): 5 stars
Mystery Plot: 5 stars
Paranormal Elements: 5 stars
Overall Rating: 5 stars
Fifteen-year-old Chris and his beautiful, fourteen-year-old sister Eve are quite unhappy when their parents decide to move from laid-back urban life in California to the small town of Pico in Texas. Chris and Eve are non-biological siblings who were separately adopted by their parents from Korea, and at first Chris is worried that his Asian heritage will lead to prejudice against him and Eve in Pico. Fortunately, that does not happen, but he soon discovers that he has far greater problems than his social life. His parents have unknowingly purchased an old house for Chris's family that has been haunted for over 60 years by a previous owner of the house who was murdered on the property. The rage-filled ghost poses a serious threat to Chris and his sister, and he is determined to solve the mystery of what is holding the ghost to this world in order to send it on its way.
Both teens and adults who enjoy a paranormal mystery with a strong climax will be pleased with this story. It is also suitable for boys as much as girls, because it has a strong male protagonist, something that is much too infrequent in YA fiction. Chris is a sympathetic, compelling hero, and the coterie of friends he draws to himself are quite entertaining, as well.
While this novel has some excellent comic repartee scattered throughout, I would label the story primarily drama. And at certain moments it moves from mystery into suspense or downright thriller because of some truly creepy villains who crank up the action. (Note: I myself am not a fan of horror, and anyone who loves horror may not find this novel particularly scary. But for readers such as myself who don't read horror or can't stomach extreme violence, this story is plenty frightening, particularly in the ultimate resolution of the main plot.)
For fans of romantic triangles in YA, there is a quite unusual and interesting one in this book for you to enjoy.
I particularly recommend this fun, paranormal mystery to anyone who loves the Dead Is YA paranormal mystery series by Marlene Perez or enjoyed the male hero in Also Known as Rowan Pohi by Ralph Fletcher.
For those concerned about the age appropriateness of this story: There are a few sexual situations (though discretely handled), a bit of underage drinking, and several scenes of strong violence. Because of these things, some parents may consider this story more appropriate for teens 16 and above.
I rate this book as follows:
Hero: 5 stars
Subcharacters: 5 stars
Villain(s): 5 stars
Mystery Plot: 5 stars
Paranormal Elements: 5 stars
Overall Rating: 5 stars
February 5, 2012
"The Haunting of Pico"
Pico Texas, that is. A small town full of secrets, which contains one very haunted house.
The main character Chris Harding, his sister Eve, and their parents make the move to Pico from California, when their dad gets transferred to a new job. They move into a huge Victorian mansion, which just so happens to be the aforementioned haunted house.
Sixty years previously, Charlotte Monroe who lived in the house, was lynched by the locals for being a witch; they used the oak tree outside what would be Chris's bedroom window. Through the night, Charlotte makes her presence known; walking around, banging on things and occasionally crying. As the weeks go by, Charlotte's midnight wailing turns into violent outbursts. Chris must find a way to put the sins of the past to rest, in order to save his family.
This was a very enjoyable book and I absolutely loved it! It contained all the right elements for a suspenseful, spooky, yet very fun read.
Told from Chris's perspective, the author draws you in and successfully keeps the story moving smoothly at a steady pace.
Well written, likeable, believable characters, who are easy to become involved with, and to care about. I actually enjoyed the time I spent with them, which doesn't happen that often. I started missing them as soon as I finished the book. As with Mr. Kampman's first novel, "Chance in Hell", I hated to see this book end.
I honestly hope Mr. Kampman has many more books in the works. I loved Pico Texas and hope he decides to write more about the little town. But honestly, I'll read anything with Patrick Kampman's name on it - he's that good! Give him a try; you won't be disappointed.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author for review purposes. (Thank you Patrick Kampman for the opportunity to read your wonderful book). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Pico Texas, that is. A small town full of secrets, which contains one very haunted house.
The main character Chris Harding, his sister Eve, and their parents make the move to Pico from California, when their dad gets transferred to a new job. They move into a huge Victorian mansion, which just so happens to be the aforementioned haunted house.
Sixty years previously, Charlotte Monroe who lived in the house, was lynched by the locals for being a witch; they used the oak tree outside what would be Chris's bedroom window. Through the night, Charlotte makes her presence known; walking around, banging on things and occasionally crying. As the weeks go by, Charlotte's midnight wailing turns into violent outbursts. Chris must find a way to put the sins of the past to rest, in order to save his family.
This was a very enjoyable book and I absolutely loved it! It contained all the right elements for a suspenseful, spooky, yet very fun read.
Told from Chris's perspective, the author draws you in and successfully keeps the story moving smoothly at a steady pace.
Well written, likeable, believable characters, who are easy to become involved with, and to care about. I actually enjoyed the time I spent with them, which doesn't happen that often. I started missing them as soon as I finished the book. As with Mr. Kampman's first novel, "Chance in Hell", I hated to see this book end.
I honestly hope Mr. Kampman has many more books in the works. I loved Pico Texas and hope he decides to write more about the little town. But honestly, I'll read anything with Patrick Kampman's name on it - he's that good! Give him a try; you won't be disappointed.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author for review purposes. (Thank you Patrick Kampman for the opportunity to read your wonderful book). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
July 11, 2012
This is a really good book. I'm sure this was meant for a younger audience than I but I really enjoyed it....well, almost all of it. the very end has left me puzzled. Perhaps someone else who has read it can enlighten me? Before I start adding spoilers, I do highly recommend this book. It kept my interest, the characters were very well written and it's a really good story, 4 solid stars.
Now....SPOILERS BELOW
Ok, I'm enjoying this book, moving along, waiting to hear what Rose is all about and how she ties into Charlotte and Emily and the missing children and then abruptly as if he were writing this story in a classroom and all the sudden the teacher says "5 minutes", suddenly Rose is telling Chris he has to come with her or his friends will die and he just say's ok? Then all the sudden the friends come along, have all the answers and end it all and then they want to put Rose in the cellar? Huh? First off, who is Rose? Why is she here? What does she have to do with Charlotte and Emily? What about all the other kids that disappeared? What did she do with them and why? If she's now dead and you just brought up a dead body from the cellar because it was haunting you, why on earth would you put another body down there? Is that the set up for book two and I missed it somehow? I'm left with more questions than I should. I think the last chapter needs to be re-written and Rose needs to be more explained. Can anyone clear this up for me? I enjoyed 99% of this book, if only the last chapter could be better defined, I'd give in 5 stars.
Now....SPOILERS BELOW
Ok, I'm enjoying this book, moving along, waiting to hear what Rose is all about and how she ties into Charlotte and Emily and the missing children and then abruptly as if he were writing this story in a classroom and all the sudden the teacher says "5 minutes", suddenly Rose is telling Chris he has to come with her or his friends will die and he just say's ok? Then all the sudden the friends come along, have all the answers and end it all and then they want to put Rose in the cellar? Huh? First off, who is Rose? Why is she here? What does she have to do with Charlotte and Emily? What about all the other kids that disappeared? What did she do with them and why? If she's now dead and you just brought up a dead body from the cellar because it was haunting you, why on earth would you put another body down there? Is that the set up for book two and I missed it somehow? I'm left with more questions than I should. I think the last chapter needs to be re-written and Rose needs to be more explained. Can anyone clear this up for me? I enjoyed 99% of this book, if only the last chapter could be better defined, I'd give in 5 stars.
August 31, 2012
Great book, even though it was written for a younger audience. The end was very exciting and I found myself not wanting to put it down. Don't pass this up, it's a quick read that will not leave you disappointed.
February 25, 2012
Received as part of a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.
Chris and his family have just moved to Pico, Texas from California. Chris and his sister, Eve, are adoptees from South Korea. Remember this if you care, because there is absolutely no reasonable mention in the book other than an over-the-top description of how "disgusting" kimchi smells. There are neither bits of California in the whole of the family nor bits of any Korean heritage other than "what our parents make us do".
In other character news, there are many characters that are there for the sole purpose of filling up space. There really is very little characterization or character growth, save for the relationship between Chris and all the girls in his life. The best character progression here belongs to Eve, the not-from-the-same-parents sister, and that's marginal. As far as the other girls in the book, there's very little to show growth or change. You might expect it, but its like every human in Pico is a flittering bundle of, well, I can't remember the word.
As a book about a haunting, this particular tale falls flat. I don't really know if this was meant to be written as suspense, horror or whatever but in any case it really doesn't work that well. Sure the "haunting" begins immediately and progresses throughout the book but there is very little emotion that comes from reading it. Even when there is a sufficient danger, it's all in telling and not in showing, which makes the whole thing feel far less important than it should have been. And that's pretty substandard for a published author, so far as I'm concerned.
The ending is anticlimactic and borders in the ridiculous. Obviously there is going to be a dangerous moment, but the character that "saves the day" and how exactly it happens is just silly. It all felt very "oh by the way, I brought my...", which was mentioned once in the story proper and given no reason for it to ever come up again. But oh by the way, I just felt like having this for some weird reason today. Whatever. On top of that, the big reveal, which was just as bland as sterile water, made that last save even more ridiculous. First, the author skirts around the big reveal as if everyone should already know what's going on, and if you don't, too bad. Then after that, the way in which the problem was resolved just doesn't fit with any kind of mythology real or imagined or in the book.
But I liked reading it, I guess. If this book had been written "The Women of Chris's Life in Pico" it would've made much better sense. It was somewhat amusing to read the relationships that existed and how other people responded to them.
TLDR? Weak haunting, weak characterization, weak plot, terrible resolution. Dialogue was great, though. This would've been immensely more interesting had the author did a lot more showing and a lot less "The Look"ing (I HATE THAT).
Chris and his family have just moved to Pico, Texas from California. Chris and his sister, Eve, are adoptees from South Korea. Remember this if you care, because there is absolutely no reasonable mention in the book other than an over-the-top description of how "disgusting" kimchi smells. There are neither bits of California in the whole of the family nor bits of any Korean heritage other than "what our parents make us do".
In other character news, there are many characters that are there for the sole purpose of filling up space. There really is very little characterization or character growth, save for the relationship between Chris and all the girls in his life. The best character progression here belongs to Eve, the not-from-the-same-parents sister, and that's marginal. As far as the other girls in the book, there's very little to show growth or change. You might expect it, but its like every human in Pico is a flittering bundle of, well, I can't remember the word.
As a book about a haunting, this particular tale falls flat. I don't really know if this was meant to be written as suspense, horror or whatever but in any case it really doesn't work that well. Sure the "haunting" begins immediately and progresses throughout the book but there is very little emotion that comes from reading it. Even when there is a sufficient danger, it's all in telling and not in showing, which makes the whole thing feel far less important than it should have been. And that's pretty substandard for a published author, so far as I'm concerned.
The ending is anticlimactic and borders in the ridiculous. Obviously there is going to be a dangerous moment, but the character that "saves the day" and how exactly it happens is just silly. It all felt very "oh by the way, I brought my...", which was mentioned once in the story proper and given no reason for it to ever come up again. But oh by the way, I just felt like having this for some weird reason today. Whatever. On top of that, the big reveal, which was just as bland as sterile water, made that last save even more ridiculous. First, the author skirts around the big reveal as if everyone should already know what's going on, and if you don't, too bad. Then after that, the way in which the problem was resolved just doesn't fit with any kind of mythology real or imagined or in the book.
But I liked reading it, I guess. If this book had been written "The Women of Chris's Life in Pico" it would've made much better sense. It was somewhat amusing to read the relationships that existed and how other people responded to them.
TLDR? Weak haunting, weak characterization, weak plot, terrible resolution. Dialogue was great, though. This would've been immensely more interesting had the author did a lot more showing and a lot less "The Look"ing (I HATE THAT).
April 1, 2012
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So even though this book is kind of a young adult horror (and as we all know from my past reviews I am not a huge fan of young adult, and horror just freaks me out), I was actually pretty excited about this book. And here is why, it takes place in my Texas, my home state which I miss terrible, second because the high school has a rebel for a mascot, my high school had a rebel for its mascot, oh and third I'm adopted too! It's always fun when a book has different parts about it that you can identify from your own life.
For me this book was way more mystery than horror (yay cause I really don't like horror). It still had some of the standard horror elements like ghosts, but it for me the story felt more about the characters themselves and figuring out what happened/is happening to the respective characters in the book. The fact that it read more like a mystery with a paranormal element made the book easier to read for me. In fact the suspenseful elements and mystery made me have to know what was going on, and made me want to read faster so I could find out what was going to happen next.
I found that I liked the book was written as well. One of my bigger complaints with YA is that the author has a tendency to talk down to the reader or "dumb it down", but this book did not have that feel about it at all. In fact I think writing was pretty smart. There were so comedic elements throughout the book which I think adds a bit of relief to a overall serious book, which can be important to have in YA. I think that it's written from a male point of view makes it stand out in a crowd of other YA books, which is important now that so many YA books are coming out. And even though it's being told from the male point of view I could easily see the appeal of the book for both male and female readers.
I thought the character of Chris was really well written. I think he is well thought out, has enough depth to him that I think almost anyone could find one element of themselves in the character, and therefore identify with him. And I also like that the book didn't just stick to the paranormal element, Chris' life is impacted by way more than just the paranormal, he is impacted also by real life, and real things that real people can identify with.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was a really easy read. In fact I think it may have been my favorite YA book I have read this year, and shockingly I have read a lot of really good YA books this year, so the fact that this is my favorite so far is saying something. I think anyone who enjoys paranormal would enjoy this book, even if you are a person who doesn't enjoy YA. But if you do enjoy YA then this book is for sure one that you should check out!
So even though this book is kind of a young adult horror (and as we all know from my past reviews I am not a huge fan of young adult, and horror just freaks me out), I was actually pretty excited about this book. And here is why, it takes place in my Texas, my home state which I miss terrible, second because the high school has a rebel for a mascot, my high school had a rebel for its mascot, oh and third I'm adopted too! It's always fun when a book has different parts about it that you can identify from your own life.
For me this book was way more mystery than horror (yay cause I really don't like horror). It still had some of the standard horror elements like ghosts, but it for me the story felt more about the characters themselves and figuring out what happened/is happening to the respective characters in the book. The fact that it read more like a mystery with a paranormal element made the book easier to read for me. In fact the suspenseful elements and mystery made me have to know what was going on, and made me want to read faster so I could find out what was going to happen next.
I found that I liked the book was written as well. One of my bigger complaints with YA is that the author has a tendency to talk down to the reader or "dumb it down", but this book did not have that feel about it at all. In fact I think writing was pretty smart. There were so comedic elements throughout the book which I think adds a bit of relief to a overall serious book, which can be important to have in YA. I think that it's written from a male point of view makes it stand out in a crowd of other YA books, which is important now that so many YA books are coming out. And even though it's being told from the male point of view I could easily see the appeal of the book for both male and female readers.
I thought the character of Chris was really well written. I think he is well thought out, has enough depth to him that I think almost anyone could find one element of themselves in the character, and therefore identify with him. And I also like that the book didn't just stick to the paranormal element, Chris' life is impacted by way more than just the paranormal, he is impacted also by real life, and real things that real people can identify with.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was a really easy read. In fact I think it may have been my favorite YA book I have read this year, and shockingly I have read a lot of really good YA books this year, so the fact that this is my favorite so far is saying something. I think anyone who enjoys paranormal would enjoy this book, even if you are a person who doesn't enjoy YA. But if you do enjoy YA then this book is for sure one that you should check out!
June 5, 2016
An Entertaining Teen Dramedy With Some Ghosty Stuff to Keep It Moving
If I get to choose between teen angst or ghosts and creepiness as the frame for a wise, funny teen coming of age tale, I'll take the ghosts every time, and I'll certainly take Patrick Kampman's ghosts.
Asian adoptee Chris moves with his family from the big city to tiny Pico, Texas, and he's not sure this is going to be a good move. We start right off with his opening days at school and get an immediate feel for how Kampman is going to handle this story line. The standard approach is some bullying by the football team, mean girls, racist comments, sneering small minded teachers and all of that sort of thing. But no, Kampman moves in an entirely different direction.
Chris meets and almost immediately develops a tight circle of interesting friends. And get this - they are funny, insightful and worth reading about. They fill Chris in on the ghosty history of his new house and just like that we are in a teen dramedy version of Scooby-Doo, with girl issues, some sharp and witty cross-talk, and a lot of wry and deadpan observations about school, family, small towns, being adopted, being Asian in Texas, and, of course, teen life. Did not see that coming.
Meanwhile, the two, (or three or more), interrelated supernatural storylines keep rolling along, providing a scary kick from time to time and giving everybody a reason to keep talking and doing things. A lot of the plotting is vague around the edges and some things that seem important just end up window dressing. There are a few loose ends and a head scratcher or two, but this is a ghost story not a math textbook, and everything doesn't have to add up for the reader to have a good time.
Bottom line - I liked our hero's vibe and attitude, even if he was a bit gormless at times. I liked the strong and capable teen girls, who held their own just fine. I enjoyed the rest of the pals, the secondary characters, Chris's family, and even the bad guys. This was a very appealing ensemble cast, and between the well rendered small town atmosphere, the sharp writing, and the knowing generosity of the author this ended up being a very entertaining read. A nice find.
(Please note that I found this book a while ago while browsing Amazon Kindle freebies. It is currently a kindleunlimited choice. I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
If I get to choose between teen angst or ghosts and creepiness as the frame for a wise, funny teen coming of age tale, I'll take the ghosts every time, and I'll certainly take Patrick Kampman's ghosts.
Asian adoptee Chris moves with his family from the big city to tiny Pico, Texas, and he's not sure this is going to be a good move. We start right off with his opening days at school and get an immediate feel for how Kampman is going to handle this story line. The standard approach is some bullying by the football team, mean girls, racist comments, sneering small minded teachers and all of that sort of thing. But no, Kampman moves in an entirely different direction.
Chris meets and almost immediately develops a tight circle of interesting friends. And get this - they are funny, insightful and worth reading about. They fill Chris in on the ghosty history of his new house and just like that we are in a teen dramedy version of Scooby-Doo, with girl issues, some sharp and witty cross-talk, and a lot of wry and deadpan observations about school, family, small towns, being adopted, being Asian in Texas, and, of course, teen life. Did not see that coming.
Meanwhile, the two, (or three or more), interrelated supernatural storylines keep rolling along, providing a scary kick from time to time and giving everybody a reason to keep talking and doing things. A lot of the plotting is vague around the edges and some things that seem important just end up window dressing. There are a few loose ends and a head scratcher or two, but this is a ghost story not a math textbook, and everything doesn't have to add up for the reader to have a good time.
Bottom line - I liked our hero's vibe and attitude, even if he was a bit gormless at times. I liked the strong and capable teen girls, who held their own just fine. I enjoyed the rest of the pals, the secondary characters, Chris's family, and even the bad guys. This was a very appealing ensemble cast, and between the well rendered small town atmosphere, the sharp writing, and the knowing generosity of the author this ended up being a very entertaining read. A nice find.
(Please note that I found this book a while ago while browsing Amazon Kindle freebies. It is currently a kindleunlimited choice. I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
February 13, 2012
I won this book in a Good-reads giveaway. And was very glad I did.
The Haunting of Pico is about a young family that has been relocated to Pico, TX from California. A sixteen year old Christopher and his beautiful sister Eve are non-biological siblings adopted by the Harding’s at a young age from Korea. He is worried at first that he we will not fit-in due to his heritage, but that soon changes. He makes several great friends and a job. But not is all as it seems in the sleepy town of Pico.
Sixty years ago, Charlotte Monroe was murdered and hung from the tree outside of Chris’s bedroom window. He soon finds out that she has not left the property. Every night he is woken up by footsteps above his head, crying, and crashing sounds from somewhere in the house. His sister doesn’t believe him till she too starts to be woken up as well. A first is starts out very subtle and quickly becomes violent outbursts. They know they have to stop this, but how? With the help of their friends, they are determined to solve the mystery. Chris knows to save his family he has to put the ghost to rest.
I really enjoyed this story. This story is told throw the eyes of a teenage boy. Besides dealing with a ghost, He is also dealing with being the new kid at school, parents, and girls. He makes mistakes like every teenager does. He is a typical kid and it shows as the story goes on. It is like having two stories in one. You have Chris who is trying to make his way in a new town and then the story of the haunting. They are both essential to the climax of the story. I would not say this book is scary but keeps you guessing and has it suspenseful moments. I love the wittiness, humor, and the relationships that form between the characters. Mr. Kampman did a great job telling the story and keeps it flowing from begin to end. The characters are well developed and the story is set a steady pace. I cannot wait to read another one of his stories.
The Haunting of Pico is about a young family that has been relocated to Pico, TX from California. A sixteen year old Christopher and his beautiful sister Eve are non-biological siblings adopted by the Harding’s at a young age from Korea. He is worried at first that he we will not fit-in due to his heritage, but that soon changes. He makes several great friends and a job. But not is all as it seems in the sleepy town of Pico.
Sixty years ago, Charlotte Monroe was murdered and hung from the tree outside of Chris’s bedroom window. He soon finds out that she has not left the property. Every night he is woken up by footsteps above his head, crying, and crashing sounds from somewhere in the house. His sister doesn’t believe him till she too starts to be woken up as well. A first is starts out very subtle and quickly becomes violent outbursts. They know they have to stop this, but how? With the help of their friends, they are determined to solve the mystery. Chris knows to save his family he has to put the ghost to rest.
I really enjoyed this story. This story is told throw the eyes of a teenage boy. Besides dealing with a ghost, He is also dealing with being the new kid at school, parents, and girls. He makes mistakes like every teenager does. He is a typical kid and it shows as the story goes on. It is like having two stories in one. You have Chris who is trying to make his way in a new town and then the story of the haunting. They are both essential to the climax of the story. I would not say this book is scary but keeps you guessing and has it suspenseful moments. I love the wittiness, humor, and the relationships that form between the characters. Mr. Kampman did a great job telling the story and keeps it flowing from begin to end. The characters are well developed and the story is set a steady pace. I cannot wait to read another one of his stories.
October 4, 2012
2.5 stars
This was another one of those "Good premise, not the best execution" books for me.
First of all, I actually quite liked the characters in the book, Monica being my favorite. She plays the dumb blonde role well, but I enjoyed the twist that she was actually very smart. Additionally, I felt like most of what the characters said and did were in line with normal teenagers. That said, I'm amazed that Chris and Eve's parents (and the parents of all the students) weren't a little more concerned that their 14, 15, and 16 year olds were going to parties and getting drunk. It just seems like a bit much for such young teens...[Yeah, I know this kind of thing happens, but it would have been easier for me to swallow had they been older teens (16-18) since you're more likely to have later curfews and such].
Second, I liked the idea of the book - a woman, Charlotte, is killed in a small town for being a witch and everyone claims she haunts the house she lived in, now inhabited by Chris and his family. There's a pretty good twist and I actually liked the resolution to this portion of the story. I would have loved to learn more about Charlotte, but I understand why the extra information was left out. Had the book ended with just that, I would have liked it a lot more.
Unfortunately, there was this entire second plot that revolved around a neighbor girl, Rose, who no one else seems to know exists because she only visits Chris for the first half of the book until she's finally introduced to everyone. Strangely, everyone else seems to know what she's up to, except Chris, but no one actually thinks it's necessary to fill him in on it. I didn't feel that this subplot really lent anything to the book other than creating a love triangle and shoe-horning in a means to a sequel. It wasn't horrible, but it did make me groan inwardly when I realized what her deal was (which was only alluded to and kind of leaves you guessing what was going on with her).
This was another one of those "Good premise, not the best execution" books for me.
First of all, I actually quite liked the characters in the book, Monica being my favorite. She plays the dumb blonde role well, but I enjoyed the twist that she was actually very smart. Additionally, I felt like most of what the characters said and did were in line with normal teenagers. That said, I'm amazed that Chris and Eve's parents (and the parents of all the students) weren't a little more concerned that their 14, 15, and 16 year olds were going to parties and getting drunk. It just seems like a bit much for such young teens...[Yeah, I know this kind of thing happens, but it would have been easier for me to swallow had they been older teens (16-18) since you're more likely to have later curfews and such].
Second, I liked the idea of the book - a woman, Charlotte, is killed in a small town for being a witch and everyone claims she haunts the house she lived in, now inhabited by Chris and his family. There's a pretty good twist and I actually liked the resolution to this portion of the story. I would have loved to learn more about Charlotte, but I understand why the extra information was left out. Had the book ended with just that, I would have liked it a lot more.
Unfortunately, there was this entire second plot that revolved around a neighbor girl, Rose, who no one else seems to know exists because she only visits Chris for the first half of the book until she's finally introduced to everyone. Strangely, everyone else seems to know what she's up to, except Chris, but no one actually thinks it's necessary to fill him in on it. I didn't feel that this subplot really lent anything to the book other than creating a love triangle and shoe-horning in a means to a sequel. It wasn't horrible, but it did make me groan inwardly when I realized what her deal was (which was only alluded to and kind of leaves you guessing what was going on with her).
February 10, 2012
This was a good read. I liked the characters and the central character, Chris, is just a darling, and clueless about girls in an adorably bemused sort of way.
Chris stumbles through the plot (the book is told from his point of view, first person, so it is very intimate with him), from his first day in Pico, through making friends at High School, to the dramatic climax, and just occasionally I wanted to kick him up the bum, but then so did his friends for being a dufus, but, most of the time, it wasn't his fault. :)
I picked up this book in the morning and didn't put it down until I'd finished it at lunch time, it was that engaging.
The only reason I gave it 4 not 5 stars is that, given the pace of the rest of the book, which is steady and slightly longer than other YA books I've read, I was disappointed that the two plots that were running side by side were both dealt with in very short measure at the end of the book. I wanted more on both, not really much more plot, but more depth to the climaxes of both the plots. I also thought that Tim's fate was gratuitous to the point of being callous (which was fine, Rose was a callous bitch in the end, but there should have been some reaction from Chris, but it is rattled off in the epilogue without much depth) and I would have thought that killing someone and dealing with their dead body, even a vampire, and dumping it in your hidden basement would have had its effect on the teenagers, but no, apparently Strip Karts is much more distracting than the dead person in the basement.
Apart from that, great book :)
Chris stumbles through the plot (the book is told from his point of view, first person, so it is very intimate with him), from his first day in Pico, through making friends at High School, to the dramatic climax, and just occasionally I wanted to kick him up the bum, but then so did his friends for being a dufus, but, most of the time, it wasn't his fault. :)
I picked up this book in the morning and didn't put it down until I'd finished it at lunch time, it was that engaging.
The only reason I gave it 4 not 5 stars is that, given the pace of the rest of the book, which is steady and slightly longer than other YA books I've read, I was disappointed that the two plots that were running side by side were both dealt with in very short measure at the end of the book. I wanted more on both, not really much more plot, but more depth to the climaxes of both the plots. I also thought that Tim's fate was gratuitous to the point of being callous (which was fine, Rose was a callous bitch in the end, but there should have been some reaction from Chris, but it is rattled off in the epilogue without much depth) and I would have thought that killing someone and dealing with their dead body, even a vampire, and dumping it in your hidden basement would have had its effect on the teenagers, but no, apparently Strip Karts is much more distracting than the dead person in the basement.
Apart from that, great book :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2013
Review of The Haunting of Pico by Patrick Kampman
I was fortunate to win a copy of this novel via the Goodreads First Reads program. It’s delightful, winning, and very well done. The underscoring tension between good and evil, multicultural diversity and bigotry, selflessness and self-centeredness, humility and hubris, is deftly woven and no threads are dropped. Mr. Kampman is also particularly skilled at characterization just as much as he is at plotting; and readers will immediately find themselves drawn into the story, and upon finishing, wishing it could continue.
Chris and his family transfer from San Jose, California, to Pico, Texas consequent on his father’s career. Chris, fifteen, and his sister Eve, fourteen, are both of South Korean lineage, each adopted in infancy, but not related genetically, raised by Caucasian Irish parents. In California, that didn’t seem odd; in Pico, the occasional Hispanic is about as “exotic” as the town gets, and as Chris and Eve quickly discover in the unfolding plotting, this community has a long history of racism and white tyranny.
This town also has ghosts, other entities, and a statistically inexplicably high rate of missing persons disappearances. For all of these, there are reasons, and Chris and Eve , along with their new friends, are persevering to find out the truth.
I was fortunate to win a copy of this novel via the Goodreads First Reads program. It’s delightful, winning, and very well done. The underscoring tension between good and evil, multicultural diversity and bigotry, selflessness and self-centeredness, humility and hubris, is deftly woven and no threads are dropped. Mr. Kampman is also particularly skilled at characterization just as much as he is at plotting; and readers will immediately find themselves drawn into the story, and upon finishing, wishing it could continue.
Chris and his family transfer from San Jose, California, to Pico, Texas consequent on his father’s career. Chris, fifteen, and his sister Eve, fourteen, are both of South Korean lineage, each adopted in infancy, but not related genetically, raised by Caucasian Irish parents. In California, that didn’t seem odd; in Pico, the occasional Hispanic is about as “exotic” as the town gets, and as Chris and Eve quickly discover in the unfolding plotting, this community has a long history of racism and white tyranny.
This town also has ghosts, other entities, and a statistically inexplicably high rate of missing persons disappearances. For all of these, there are reasons, and Chris and Eve , along with their new friends, are persevering to find out the truth.
April 2, 2012
This review is based on a free copy of this book received from the author through the Goodreads First Read program.
Pico Texas can't be that bad, or can it? Moving from California to a small town in Texas Chris is not impressed. Particularly when he finds out that a so called witch named Charlotte Monroe was hanged on the tree outside his bedroom by the fine citizens of Pico.
Starting the first night, Chris finds that sleep is hard to come by with creaking noises coming from his ceiling like someone is walking in the attic. And it keeps on happening and increasing in volume. It also moves to other areas of the house but despite Chris's best efforts he can't find the source. Could the house really be haunted ?
He soon runs into Rose who says she is from the neighbours house, but has an uncanny nature of defeating window and door locks to get into his bedroom, and aggravate him.
So now night time is a living hell as Charlotte and Rose continually disturb his sleep.
When Chris goes next door one day to see Rose, Mr Given tells him outright that he is the only person in the house. Then who the heck is Rose ? Charlotte Monroe never had any children so it can't be her daughter ?
There is a twist at the end of the book.
A good read
Pico Texas can't be that bad, or can it? Moving from California to a small town in Texas Chris is not impressed. Particularly when he finds out that a so called witch named Charlotte Monroe was hanged on the tree outside his bedroom by the fine citizens of Pico.
Starting the first night, Chris finds that sleep is hard to come by with creaking noises coming from his ceiling like someone is walking in the attic. And it keeps on happening and increasing in volume. It also moves to other areas of the house but despite Chris's best efforts he can't find the source. Could the house really be haunted ?
He soon runs into Rose who says she is from the neighbours house, but has an uncanny nature of defeating window and door locks to get into his bedroom, and aggravate him.
So now night time is a living hell as Charlotte and Rose continually disturb his sleep.
When Chris goes next door one day to see Rose, Mr Given tells him outright that he is the only person in the house. Then who the heck is Rose ? Charlotte Monroe never had any children so it can't be her daughter ?
There is a twist at the end of the book.
A good read
February 15, 2012
I received a copy of The Haunting of Pico as a Goodreads First-reads giveaway, and am thrilled to have been chosen to receive such a wonderful book!
The story of Chris and his family moving to a small town in Texas after spending the first 15 years of his life in San Jose, California is, in my opinion, very well executed by the author! The character development was wonderful, and I felt Mr. Kampman accurately captured the emotions and mannerisms of high school age teens. The challenges Chris and his sister face when moving to a new town and going to a new school brought me back to my years in high school. I felt as though I was right there with Chris as events unfolded - something I greatly appreciate in a book.
I chose to only rate this with 4 stars because 4.5 was not an option. While I felt much of the book was predictable, I still craved to know how the characters would handle the situation. Being typical teens - there is always a balance of predictability and unpredictability. I also would have liked the main story line to have had a bit more follow-through...unless, of course, the author is planning a sequel! If this is the case, sign me up for the next one!
The story of Chris and his family moving to a small town in Texas after spending the first 15 years of his life in San Jose, California is, in my opinion, very well executed by the author! The character development was wonderful, and I felt Mr. Kampman accurately captured the emotions and mannerisms of high school age teens. The challenges Chris and his sister face when moving to a new town and going to a new school brought me back to my years in high school. I felt as though I was right there with Chris as events unfolded - something I greatly appreciate in a book.
I chose to only rate this with 4 stars because 4.5 was not an option. While I felt much of the book was predictable, I still craved to know how the characters would handle the situation. Being typical teens - there is always a balance of predictability and unpredictability. I also would have liked the main story line to have had a bit more follow-through...unless, of course, the author is planning a sequel! If this is the case, sign me up for the next one!
February 21, 2013
this was a free book, I choose my ratings for this because it was a pleasant read with good high school story lines, except for it didn't lead to too much of a Haunting. kept waiting for something to be discovered.
Made me think of school days back with friends always finding something to gossip about, all the popular kids and football games, not too much Haunting going on, a few eerie sounds and some stuff flying in a main room, the bigger picture I got from this book was about a mystery Neighbor that seemed to be too good to be true as well as a little spooky, would of been a little more history and suspense of the ghost's life style and terror on how she became the main thoughts of the haunted house could of gone a little further in this one. only a little bit of history on the supposed to be the main ghost was about all we got from it. Maybe the spooky neighbor is meant for another story-line down the road on Rose. I read it cause it was a pleasant read about kids in their youth with peers, brought back memories that were a nice scenery to Imagine.
Made me think of school days back with friends always finding something to gossip about, all the popular kids and football games, not too much Haunting going on, a few eerie sounds and some stuff flying in a main room, the bigger picture I got from this book was about a mystery Neighbor that seemed to be too good to be true as well as a little spooky, would of been a little more history and suspense of the ghost's life style and terror on how she became the main thoughts of the haunted house could of gone a little further in this one. only a little bit of history on the supposed to be the main ghost was about all we got from it. Maybe the spooky neighbor is meant for another story-line down the road on Rose. I read it cause it was a pleasant read about kids in their youth with peers, brought back memories that were a nice scenery to Imagine.
February 21, 2012
I won this book through a Goodreads first reads giveaway. The description caught my attention, but the book surpassed my expectations.
The reader is introduced to a cast of very likable characters. The main character, Chris, gives a good insight into the life of an adopted minority. While the books description emphasizes the supernatural aspect of the plot, following Christopher in his new town, dealing with typical teenage issues provides for an intriguing dual plot. While I hate spoilers in reviews I will say that this story is not always what you expect.
This book was classified as young adult but as an avid fiction/ supernatural adult reader I found it very enjoyable. I actually sat down tonight with the intent of reading the first chapter or two, and here I am a few hours later finished with the entire book. I loved the town and it's people so much that I hope the author considers writing more about their mysteries.
The reader is introduced to a cast of very likable characters. The main character, Chris, gives a good insight into the life of an adopted minority. While the books description emphasizes the supernatural aspect of the plot, following Christopher in his new town, dealing with typical teenage issues provides for an intriguing dual plot. While I hate spoilers in reviews I will say that this story is not always what you expect.
This book was classified as young adult but as an avid fiction/ supernatural adult reader I found it very enjoyable. I actually sat down tonight with the intent of reading the first chapter or two, and here I am a few hours later finished with the entire book. I loved the town and it's people so much that I hope the author considers writing more about their mysteries.
February 4, 2012
First off I was surprised that this was a Young Adult book, I guess I should have figured it out by reading the description, but I didn’t. The characters are, for the most part, high school age and their speech and actions reflect that.
The book is well written, and the town and characters are fleshed out and fun. The author seems to concentrate more on creating a humorous escapist ghost story rather than a social commentary on small town racism. As an adult reader I think that would have been an interesting path, but it ended up only hinted at, not really the focus of this book.
The story is good, though slow paced. It is really two stories in one, interleaving and building to the finale. I wouldn’t say the book is particularly scary, but there are definite moments of suspense and terror. For what I suppose is typical of YA fiction there is plenty of relationship angst, witty dialog, and humor.
It’s a fun quick read that’s not deep, but is entertaining.
The book is well written, and the town and characters are fleshed out and fun. The author seems to concentrate more on creating a humorous escapist ghost story rather than a social commentary on small town racism. As an adult reader I think that would have been an interesting path, but it ended up only hinted at, not really the focus of this book.
The story is good, though slow paced. It is really two stories in one, interleaving and building to the finale. I wouldn’t say the book is particularly scary, but there are definite moments of suspense and terror. For what I suppose is typical of YA fiction there is plenty of relationship angst, witty dialog, and humor.
It’s a fun quick read that’s not deep, but is entertaining.
April 3, 2012
Received as a Goodreads giveaway.
Who doesn't love a creepy old house with hidden doors?! The Haunting of Pico is a fun romp through Pico, Texas through the eyes of 15 year old Chris. Chris has just moved from California with his family, but the sleepy little town of Pico quickly proves to be full of secrets - some of them fatal.
For the most part, I enjoyed this book. It was well-written, and I found the characters believable. I wasn't completely thrilled with the "twist", but that's mainly just me since I'm not a fan of that particular fad in young adult literature. There were also a few swear words I could have done without. But the plot itself was good and well-paced. I found myself absorbed in the story and ended up staying up way too late to finish it last night. It was worth it. :)
Who doesn't love a creepy old house with hidden doors?! The Haunting of Pico is a fun romp through Pico, Texas through the eyes of 15 year old Chris. Chris has just moved from California with his family, but the sleepy little town of Pico quickly proves to be full of secrets - some of them fatal.
For the most part, I enjoyed this book. It was well-written, and I found the characters believable. I wasn't completely thrilled with the "twist", but that's mainly just me since I'm not a fan of that particular fad in young adult literature. There were also a few swear words I could have done without. But the plot itself was good and well-paced. I found myself absorbed in the story and ended up staying up way too late to finish it last night. It was worth it. :)
February 4, 2012
I won this from Good Reads.
I would say this is more like 2.5 stars.
Here are my qualms:
*Slow to start, and to finish
*The paranormal aspect is lacking. The 'haunting' part was anticlimactic for me. And the whole deal with Rose is kinda weird. They never call her for what she is, and they 'kill' her in a way that doesn't make sense and the bit about hiding her body is the basement is unbelievable.
*There wasn't much character development. I had a hard time believing that everyone just *accepted* a haunted house and started doing seances.
I will say that the way it is written (from Chris's POV) does seem to fit into a teenagers vernacular. I could see teens having these kinds of conversations.
I would say this is more like 2.5 stars.
Here are my qualms:
*Slow to start, and to finish
*The paranormal aspect is lacking. The 'haunting' part was anticlimactic for me. And the whole deal with Rose is kinda weird. They never call her for what she is, and they 'kill' her in a way that doesn't make sense and the bit about hiding her body is the basement is unbelievable.
*There wasn't much character development. I had a hard time believing that everyone just *accepted* a haunted house and started doing seances.
I will say that the way it is written (from Chris's POV) does seem to fit into a teenagers vernacular. I could see teens having these kinds of conversations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2015
I got this for free as a Goodreads First Read.
I really enjoyed this book! I found myself not being able to put it down. The thing with a lot of young adult books is that the dialog is just choppy, unrealistic, or way over the top. That was not a problem here. I could have done with a bit more of the creep factor though. A little more on the haunting would have been nice. Toward the end the story went in a different direction I wasn't really expecting, but it wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Overall I think it was well written and I will definitely be recommending it. I believe I will have to read some more from this author.
I really enjoyed this book! I found myself not being able to put it down. The thing with a lot of young adult books is that the dialog is just choppy, unrealistic, or way over the top. That was not a problem here. I could have done with a bit more of the creep factor though. A little more on the haunting would have been nice. Toward the end the story went in a different direction I wasn't really expecting, but it wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Overall I think it was well written and I will definitely be recommending it. I believe I will have to read some more from this author.
February 7, 2012
The basic plot is that a couple of high school kids (and their parents) move from big city California to small town Texas, and find out that they are living in the town's haunted house. Chris, the protagonist, takes on the task of investigating the ghost. Helping him are his new friends from school and the odd girl living next door. They end up finding out a terrible secret about the past.
The characters are likable and funny (except for Chris's enemy at school who is totally UNlikeable, of course - the guy you love to hate!) though the parents are too lenient to be realistic. The dialog is a little immature (like the characters), but the plot kept me up late.
The characters are likable and funny (except for Chris's enemy at school who is totally UNlikeable, of course - the guy you love to hate!) though the parents are too lenient to be realistic. The dialog is a little immature (like the characters), but the plot kept me up late.
January 2, 2012
Just finished the kindle edition. I liked it a lot! The characters made this book for me -- they were a lot of fun. It's unusual for a book like this to have a male lead, but I liked him -- it definitely worked, and was a good balance to the strong and non-typical female characters.
The story itself was good, fast paced (after a slow start), and well written. There were also a couple of totally unexpected twists that kept things interesting. The author kept things open for a sequel(s), which I'll be looking forward to.
The story itself was good, fast paced (after a slow start), and well written. There were also a couple of totally unexpected twists that kept things interesting. The author kept things open for a sequel(s), which I'll be looking forward to.
Read
May 15, 2012This was a book I couldn't put down, even though it's aimed at the YA audience and I am definitely not the YA demographic.
Well written and fast-paced, THE HAUNTING OF PICO is a YA horror novel about a lynching, a ghost, small-town Texas life and the angst of teenagers trying to fit in and find friends. It's even got _____ in it (not identifying the suprise).
Try his other novel, too. CHANCE IN HELL. Both of these should entertain young and not so young alike.
Well written and fast-paced, THE HAUNTING OF PICO is a YA horror novel about a lynching, a ghost, small-town Texas life and the angst of teenagers trying to fit in and find friends. It's even got _____ in it (not identifying the suprise).
Try his other novel, too. CHANCE IN HELL. Both of these should entertain young and not so young alike.
August 3, 2016
The book had an air of mystery. There are clearly supernatural things happening in the little Texas town of Pico, but nobody talks about them (except in ghost stories). I enjoyed the fact that no character was called out as being *insert mythological monster here*.
I received this book through the Goodreads First Read program.
I received this book through the Goodreads First Read program.
October 6, 2012
This is a YA book but was still enjoyable. I read it because it is set in Texas..my favorite state.
October 8, 2014
free on kindle
2.5 stars rounded to 3
It started out ok, but as I got closer to the end there were inconsistencies, things were assumed, and then things got rushed. It could have been better.
2.5 stars rounded to 3
It started out ok, but as I got closer to the end there were inconsistencies, things were assumed, and then things got rushed. It could have been better.
October 31, 2016
Good plot but I'm really confused on how Rose fit in the story.
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