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The Nightmare Collection #1
The Mystery Box
Soccer mom Yvette Palmer lives an ordinary life in San Antonio, Texas when a box is delivered to her by mistake, and in taking it to its rightful owner—a crotchety neighbor named Mona who shares her back fence—is drawn into a strange and haunting tale.
Mona’s ratty robe, mood swings, and secretive behavior all raise red flags, and Yvette is sure someone else is living there despite Mona’s claim to live alone, but Yvette is unable to break away as she listens to how Mona transformed from a young college woman about to be married to the odd, reclusive, ghost of a woman she is now.
As Yvette listens to her neighbor's tale, she discovers a shocking connection, but doesn't know whether Mona's come to help or to harm her and her family.
Mona’s ratty robe, mood swings, and secretive behavior all raise red flags, and Yvette is sure someone else is living there despite Mona’s claim to live alone, but Yvette is unable to break away as she listens to how Mona transformed from a young college woman about to be married to the odd, reclusive, ghost of a woman she is now.
As Yvette listens to her neighbor's tale, she discovers a shocking connection, but doesn't know whether Mona's come to help or to harm her and her family.
314 pages, Paperback
First published May 2, 2011
1182 people are currently reading
3825 people want to read
About the author
Eva Pohler
113 books1,739 followersEva Pohler is a USA Today bestselling author of over forty novels in multiple genres, including mysteries, thrillers, and young adult paranormal romance based. Her books have been described as "addictive" and "sure to thrill"--Kirkus Reviews.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 375 reviews
January 30, 2015
This has to be one of the strangest books I've ever read, and I only did so due to my book club. I thought it might be interesting somehow because much of it takes place in San Antonio and surrounding areas, but oh was I wrong.
Two things jumped out at me with this book--either the writer is just a very bored housewife who watches too much news on TV and tried to cram a variety of sensational stories into this book (Taliban, child abduction, etc) OR that it was really written by a bunch of high school kids doing some sort of tag team writing (where one person writes one chapter then passes the next off to another who goes off in another direction). Then the author would randomly insert some regional Texas historical fact into the story.
This was just the type of book that left me shaking my head thinking what the heck was Eva Pohler smoking when she wrote this?
Would I recommend it to a friend? No way, Jose!
Two things jumped out at me with this book--either the writer is just a very bored housewife who watches too much news on TV and tried to cram a variety of sensational stories into this book (Taliban, child abduction, etc) OR that it was really written by a bunch of high school kids doing some sort of tag team writing (where one person writes one chapter then passes the next off to another who goes off in another direction). Then the author would randomly insert some regional Texas historical fact into the story.
This was just the type of book that left me shaking my head thinking what the heck was Eva Pohler smoking when she wrote this?
Would I recommend it to a friend? No way, Jose!
March 24, 2016
I loved this book . It took me almost one month to finish it (not because I couldn't , but I was feeling a bit lazy to read online) and it was great. I was excited to start reading it , and I liked the beginning , the way the author put every character in its role .
When I started reading it , I found myself reading more than 100 pages in one day . And than I thought that finishing this book was easy , but in the middle of the book, I got bored. That's why I felt too lazy to continue reading it . But last night I decided to finish it , even I would stay awaken all the night long.
I loved Yvette and I thought she was cool . I couldn't bear Mona's stories sometimes , but sometimes they were great too .
Why did I rate this book with only 4 stars?
As I mentioned upper , it took me a long time to finish it , and I got bored on Mona's stories . That's the main thing that made me rate with only 4 stars .
3.5/5 stars.
When I started reading it , I found myself reading more than 100 pages in one day . And than I thought that finishing this book was easy , but in the middle of the book, I got bored. That's why I felt too lazy to continue reading it . But last night I decided to finish it , even I would stay awaken all the night long.
I loved Yvette and I thought she was cool . I couldn't bear Mona's stories sometimes , but sometimes they were great too .
Why did I rate this book with only 4 stars?
As I mentioned upper , it took me a long time to finish it , and I got bored on Mona's stories . That's the main thing that made me rate with only 4 stars .
3.5/5 stars.
June 12, 2015
This novel is simultaneously mellow and intense. Pohler mixes intrigue with suspense to keep you on your toes throughout. By writing in the present tense Pohler gives a sense of the here and now, adding to the suspense of the tale. She also flashes back to provide the background for current events in a very captivating manner. I fully admit that at the beginning I found myself wondering where the story was going, but once it took off I was hooked. The genetics and history worked into this novel really had me hooked.
I love the fact that the main character was quite easy to identify with. She lives the stereotypical life of a stay at home housewife yet is quite true to herself, if only in thought. I loved journeying along with her, getting to know her family and those who have a profound effect on her life. Pohler’s character development in this novel is brilliant. Each individual is developed to suit their role perfectly. They are also true to their character. No one magically becomes someone else nor do they miraculously have a moment when they ‘see the light’.
As a whole this novel was well written and thought out. It’s not a light read, but rather a work that really makes you think. It was emotional and suspenseful, combining elements that I would never have dreamed of putting together. This was an intriguing start to Pohler’s new series and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
I love the fact that the main character was quite easy to identify with. She lives the stereotypical life of a stay at home housewife yet is quite true to herself, if only in thought. I loved journeying along with her, getting to know her family and those who have a profound effect on her life. Pohler’s character development in this novel is brilliant. Each individual is developed to suit their role perfectly. They are also true to their character. No one magically becomes someone else nor do they miraculously have a moment when they ‘see the light’.
As a whole this novel was well written and thought out. It’s not a light read, but rather a work that really makes you think. It was emotional and suspenseful, combining elements that I would never have dreamed of putting together. This was an intriguing start to Pohler’s new series and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
April 7, 2017
I got a slow start reading this ... started with audible and the beginning didn't really grab my interest but then... It got so good! The suspense was well done as I wondered if Mona was tricking Yvette. It was a story within a story and it just kept getting better as the three women grew and changed. I was especially pleased by how Yvette was affected by Mona's story. From about 75% I just couldn't put the book down and when I got to the end I was sad that it ended. I wanted more although it wasn't lacking a good ending...it was just that good.
March 4, 2014
The Mystery Box by Eva Pohler
I’m giving it 3.5 Stars (rounding down to 3) I’d have given it a full 4 Stars, but just didn’t like Yvette’s character.
There are two stories going on, the present with Yvette, her family and her receiving a package meant for her hated, strange neighbor Mona. After Yvette delivers said package she becomes entranced with the story Mona tells her about her past that deals with love, suspense, mystery, action and betrayal.
Mona’s story is gripping, exciting and there are some dark aspects of it also. There are some twists to the story, so I don’t want to spoil it. However, I think most astute readers will not be surprised by them.
The Good: Mona’s story is exciting and I would not wait to find out more about what happened with her in the past. Her parts of the book are a serious page turner. Mona’s past catches up to current time and involves Yvette’s family as well.
The Bad: Yvette the main character is depressing, indecisive & wishy washy. She is an idiot or an idiot on morphine, liar, and has no back bone. If you don’t believe me, there is not a page that goes by that she does not say these things to her self over and over again.
There are also several places early in the book before Mona’s story takes off that could have used better editing such as, Yvette can’t wait to hold the baby over tea. Yvette wonders how an ambulance would find an address if she can’t find it.
I’m giving it 3.5 stars because the good story outweighs the bad. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I look forward to the next book in the series.
I’m giving it 3.5 Stars (rounding down to 3) I’d have given it a full 4 Stars, but just didn’t like Yvette’s character.
There are two stories going on, the present with Yvette, her family and her receiving a package meant for her hated, strange neighbor Mona. After Yvette delivers said package she becomes entranced with the story Mona tells her about her past that deals with love, suspense, mystery, action and betrayal.
Mona’s story is gripping, exciting and there are some dark aspects of it also. There are some twists to the story, so I don’t want to spoil it. However, I think most astute readers will not be surprised by them.
The Good: Mona’s story is exciting and I would not wait to find out more about what happened with her in the past. Her parts of the book are a serious page turner. Mona’s past catches up to current time and involves Yvette’s family as well.
The Bad: Yvette the main character is depressing, indecisive & wishy washy. She is an idiot or an idiot on morphine, liar, and has no back bone. If you don’t believe me, there is not a page that goes by that she does not say these things to her self over and over again.
There are also several places early in the book before Mona’s story takes off that could have used better editing such as, Yvette can’t wait to hold the baby over tea. Yvette wonders how an ambulance would find an address if she can’t find it.
I’m giving it 3.5 stars because the good story outweighs the bad. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I look forward to the next book in the series.
February 12, 2014
A book that you will not put down...
This book was not at all what I was expecting. I read it in less than 16 hours as I could not put it down. Ms.Pohler weaves a story that will leave you turning pages as fast as you can to see what happens next. Actually, there is a story within a story. Yvette is feeling stuck in her hum drum life when a package leads her to Mona, a batty old neighbor. As Mona tells her life story, Yvette becomes powerless to stay away... even at the risk of missing family time with her family. Yvette comes to realize that her hum drum life is exactly what she wants as she gets involved in Mona's crazy life. This book is well written and the ending is ...well...there aren't any words. It will be on my mind for quite a while. Thank you, Ms Polher for just the book I was looking for.
This book was not at all what I was expecting. I read it in less than 16 hours as I could not put it down. Ms.Pohler weaves a story that will leave you turning pages as fast as you can to see what happens next. Actually, there is a story within a story. Yvette is feeling stuck in her hum drum life when a package leads her to Mona, a batty old neighbor. As Mona tells her life story, Yvette becomes powerless to stay away... even at the risk of missing family time with her family. Yvette comes to realize that her hum drum life is exactly what she wants as she gets involved in Mona's crazy life. This book is well written and the ending is ...well...there aren't any words. It will be on my mind for quite a while. Thank you, Ms Polher for just the book I was looking for.
March 13, 2025
This was a bit slow and then I wasn't really surprised by the ending
June 18, 2014
I really didn't know what to expect from this book. It's a mystery thriller with many different emotions running through it. Yvette and her family live in Texas. They share a fence with a cranky women they've nicknamed Cruella she moans when their dog barks and the kids are too noisy. One day a mystery package arrives and Yvette discovers it belongs to Cruella.
Cruella's real name is Mona and when Yvette deliveries the package she finds a strange lonely woman who has a tale to tell. Mona invites Yvette to her house and begins a spine chilling story. Yvette becomes hooked by the tale and Mona drip feeds her instalments each day. However all Yvette's instincts are on high alert, something's not right.
A second story evolves, Yvette's life is mundane and she's becoming estranged from her husband. Memories of her childhood and relations with her mother surface as the book continues. Yvette is appalled by Mona's tale but each day she's left on a cliff edge and like a drug she wants to hear more. But who is Mona? She tells Yvette about the Taliban spy's lover and her relationship with Professor Ahmed Jaffar.
Yvette believes Mona may have suffered from the Stockholm syndrome. Feelings of affection of a kid-napping victim for their captor. With the family away camping Mona's tale comes to a shocking end. One which makes Yvette flee, but running won't keep Yvette and her family safe.
I was never sure if Mona could be trusted or not, and like Yvette my instincts saw red. This was a very clever tale which turned eerily sinister.
Cruella's real name is Mona and when Yvette deliveries the package she finds a strange lonely woman who has a tale to tell. Mona invites Yvette to her house and begins a spine chilling story. Yvette becomes hooked by the tale and Mona drip feeds her instalments each day. However all Yvette's instincts are on high alert, something's not right.
A second story evolves, Yvette's life is mundane and she's becoming estranged from her husband. Memories of her childhood and relations with her mother surface as the book continues. Yvette is appalled by Mona's tale but each day she's left on a cliff edge and like a drug she wants to hear more. But who is Mona? She tells Yvette about the Taliban spy's lover and her relationship with Professor Ahmed Jaffar.
Yvette believes Mona may have suffered from the Stockholm syndrome. Feelings of affection of a kid-napping victim for their captor. With the family away camping Mona's tale comes to a shocking end. One which makes Yvette flee, but running won't keep Yvette and her family safe.
I was never sure if Mona could be trusted or not, and like Yvette my instincts saw red. This was a very clever tale which turned eerily sinister.
February 21, 2014
Housewife and mother of three Yvette lives a normal everyday life but is bored, and she wants something to happen. When a package is misdelivered to her address and she decides to deliver it to the rightful recipient, neighbour Mona, she doesn’t realise that she is about to open up a can of worms and something is definitely about to happen. Mona insists on talking to her, saying that she has a story to tell that Yvette must hear. It is a long winded story and all the time Yvette is convinced that Mona is a liar and not to be trusted, but she just cannot help going back to Mona time and again to hear more of the story. Mona claims to live alone, but Yvette is convinced that is not the case, and if so, then just who else is in the house, and why are they hidden? Mona tells a story of events in her past, and it is a dark, sinister tale and eventually her past and Yvette’s present converge in a terrifying way.
It is a story full of suspense which absolutely gripped me. It was a little far fetched at times, but I still had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen. I did suss out what the connection between Mona and Yvette was, but not long before it was revealed in the book anyway, so it didn’t spoil the read for me. This is an unusual tale, and well worth a read.
It is a story full of suspense which absolutely gripped me. It was a little far fetched at times, but I still had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen. I did suss out what the connection between Mona and Yvette was, but not long before it was revealed in the book anyway, so it didn’t spoil the read for me. This is an unusual tale, and well worth a read.
March 20, 2014
This book brought my emotions flowing out like water. Water pouring down my face.
);
A fight over a child.
A mere child.
A child with a name... Anna/Casey.
Killing, crying, sympathy, romance, all in one book.
Ahmend kidnaps Mona and suddenly Mona holds Ahmend's baby in her womb. Mona may love Amhend a little, but she desires freedom from her creepy husband even more. Amhen have been doing illegal expiriments on people, making them suicide...
Yet one victim survive his torment.
Her name is....
Fatima
One day Fatima and Mona escape together with the baby.
Mona's child, Anna is later born.
Then Mona gives up Anna...
To Yvette. Who names her Casey.
And Mona happens to be Yvett's neighbor. Yvett doesn't know the dangerous fact that Amhend is looking for Anna/Casey and will kill anybody that gets in the way.
So, read this book.
But i gave it four stars. Why? 'Cause i want to be a critic for once with books.
Like @Khanh(Destroyer Of Dreams) She writes wonderful reviews!
Go ahead and like her! She is also my BFFOG
@Krishna and @Jamien is my BFFOG (Best female friends on goodreads) go friend them!
And all my other friends are wonderful! So, go on...NOW!!
(:
);
A fight over a child.
A mere child.
A child with a name... Anna/Casey.
Killing, crying, sympathy, romance, all in one book.
Ahmend kidnaps Mona and suddenly Mona holds Ahmend's baby in her womb. Mona may love Amhend a little, but she desires freedom from her creepy husband even more. Amhen have been doing illegal expiriments on people, making them suicide...
Yet one victim survive his torment.
Her name is....
Fatima
One day Fatima and Mona escape together with the baby.
Mona's child, Anna is later born.
Then Mona gives up Anna...
To Yvette. Who names her Casey.
And Mona happens to be Yvett's neighbor. Yvett doesn't know the dangerous fact that Amhend is looking for Anna/Casey and will kill anybody that gets in the way.
So, read this book.
But i gave it four stars. Why? 'Cause i want to be a critic for once with books.
Like @Khanh(Destroyer Of Dreams) She writes wonderful reviews!
Go ahead and like her! She is also my BFFOG
@Krishna and @Jamien is my BFFOG (Best female friends on goodreads) go friend them!
And all my other friends are wonderful! So, go on...NOW!!
(:
May 27, 2016
Okay, I might be one of very few readers who are going to condemn this book to one star. The only reason I even granted it one star is because I FINISHED it. I wanted to put it down more than once, but I already abandoned one book this week and abandoning TWO books in one week is just too cruel for my literary heart.
Reading this book was very similar to watching day-time soap operas. It is such a load of crap, but the writers know the art of cliffhanging. You just want to know what is happening at the end of this scene.....
I won't recommend this novel, unless you are like my grandmother: she used to watch Santa Barbara while recording The Young and the Restless. Then she will watch Days of our Lives while recording The Bold and the Beautiful. And then she watched Egoli in the kitchen preparing supper. After supper and when everyone goes to bed, she watched the recorded episodes. Goodness Gracious me.....
Reading this book was very similar to watching day-time soap operas. It is such a load of crap, but the writers know the art of cliffhanging. You just want to know what is happening at the end of this scene.....
I won't recommend this novel, unless you are like my grandmother: she used to watch Santa Barbara while recording The Young and the Restless. Then she will watch Days of our Lives while recording The Bold and the Beautiful. And then she watched Egoli in the kitchen preparing supper. After supper and when everyone goes to bed, she watched the recorded episodes. Goodness Gracious me.....
March 13, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I found that Mona's character was very odd at first, but I enjoyed reading the path that led to her strange qualities. Yvette seems to think poorly of herself at times, but ends up being stronger than she thinks she is. The tale started off a bit slow at first. Once I got further into the story, I was hooked! I ended up staying up until 2am one night because I HAD to find out what happened with the characters. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series, The Mystery Tomb. It looks like it's even better than this one.
This is a different kind of story than what I usually read. I tend to steer towards the romance genre. I am glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone and gave this book a chance.
This is a different kind of story than what I usually read. I tend to steer towards the romance genre. I am glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone and gave this book a chance.
September 12, 2016
The Mystery Box is a brilliant page-turner that kept me reading until 2 AM. The concept is haunting, the characters are relateable, and the unease is always there through every word of Mona's story.
However, the great execution faltered at the last minute. The events piled up too quickly, felt extremely rushed, and the ending wasn't believable. The actual build-up tension was well done, though; it's just the ending which prevented me giving the book full stars.
Also, the repeated "Liar" and italic thoughts were repetitive after a while. They no longer had impact after their third repetition, but continued to appear anyway.
However, the great execution faltered at the last minute. The events piled up too quickly, felt extremely rushed, and the ending wasn't believable. The actual build-up tension was well done, though; it's just the ending which prevented me giving the book full stars.
Also, the repeated "Liar" and italic thoughts were repetitive after a while. They no longer had impact after their third repetition, but continued to appear anyway.
Read
February 27, 2014Eva Pohler writes like no other. Every book of hers that I have read has been a non stop read. I can't put them down until I am finished with them. She has done it again with The Mystery Box. The book has so many twists and turns you don't know which way you are going until you get there. It kept me on the edge of my seat and up at night until I was finished. So happy that I was able to read this book and can't wait to start the next. Everyone should read this book. Eva knows just how to keep the reader interested in the book and doesn't hold anything back.
January 29, 2016
I could NOT stop reading this book!! I figured out the connection about half way through the book but it didn't stop my enjoyment. I questioned Mona until the author revealed the truth. Seriously VERY good. The Kindle version I got called it "The Mystery Box Collection", but after reading the synopsis' of her other books, I don't think they're related. I will definitely be reading them though if they are as good as this was.
March 31, 2017
I devoured this book. This is free on iBooks and I've never felt so grateful for that app before - this is truly a gem amongst rubble found on there. It has such an unusual plot line; unlike anything I've read and definitely not what I expected. Full of surprises and suspense. Read this if you love thrillers and crime fiction, you'll enjoy it.
October 4, 2012
I received this book thru Goodreads giveaways. Really enjoyed!
February 21, 2014
I found the writing resembled everything one would expect of a writing 101 class. While the story held suspense the storyline was far fetched and in many ways predictable.
November 10, 2015
Nicely done, Ms Pohler! Just as Mona sucked in Yvette with her story, so have you. Like Yvette, you kept your readers wondering if Mona was delusional or just a con or?
February 13, 2016
I couldn't read this fast enough. gripping page turner. you are drawn into the story line as the characters life stories unfold. unpredictable and moving.
February 20, 2020
My wife wanted 5 stars, it is a 4 star page turner hard to put down.
This is a story of what-ifs that keep you reading and guessing what the hell is going on. Is the mother of two dealing with a deranged killer or a mad woman. Hang on for the ride of where ever your imagination takes you with this thriller full of twists and turns.
This is a story of what-ifs that keep you reading and guessing what the hell is going on. Is the mother of two dealing with a deranged killer or a mad woman. Hang on for the ride of where ever your imagination takes you with this thriller full of twists and turns.
June 1, 2017
A very strange and implausible tale that nonetheless sucked me right in, and I couldn't stop turning pages. A couple of typos in the Kindle edition were off-putting (you're for your, for example), but this was a compulsively readable mystery/thriller. I enjoyed it!
March 23, 2017
3.5 stars. Couldn't put it down.
March 6, 2024
Listened to on youtube
September 7, 2020
A random pick from my kindle, I was immediately drawn into Mona's story. Some parts of this book dragged as Mona became trapped in the far fetched kidnap scenario but I warmed to Mona by the dramatic end. I didn't really connect to Yvette but it was an unusual story that kept me interested.
February 22, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. It's a difficult one to put your finger on--there is nothing innately thrilling or suspenseful that happens through the majority of the novel. Yet, somehow, I couldn't put it down. Eva Pohler is a master of building intensity and suspense in subtle, yet eloquent, ways. I loved the duel-narration, and found myself engrossed in Yvette's present as much as I was in Mona's past. It was an interesting--yet brilliant--decision for Pohler to narrate Mona's compelling tale in first-person, especially considering that Mona, in many ways, was not the protagonist of this story.
I struggled a bit with Fatima's character. From what I understand of psychology, Fatima's Stockholm Syndrome, brain washing, and psychological attachment to Ahmed Jaffar would have been so severe that by the time Mona attempted to save her, there is no way she would have left with Mona willingly (not to mention a woman as emaciated as Fatima would never have been able to swim through that river and such to make the journey back into the U.S). Plus Fatima often seemed far too lucid, intelligent, and 'aware' for a woman eating her own hair. I liked Fatima, I just found her character to be inconsistent.
I also struggled with the infallibility of Ahmed Jaffar. His character came across as a little too invincible. It irks me in novels when the 'bad guys' are too powerful--unrealistically so. There were several times in the story where I felt like a quick call to the police would end Jaffar's rein of torment. The author rationalizes this by explaining Jaffar's Taliban connections--connections that apparently have their fingers in everything (including the police), but I found this to be a bit far-fetched.
These, however, were minor hiccups in what was otherwise an intriguing and masterfully told story. I look forward to reading more from Eva Pohler.
Jodi Perkins
Author of Chasing Echoes
jodiperkins.com
I struggled a bit with Fatima's character. From what I understand of psychology, Fatima's Stockholm Syndrome, brain washing, and psychological attachment to Ahmed Jaffar would have been so severe that by the time Mona attempted to save her, there is no way she would have left with Mona willingly (not to mention a woman as emaciated as Fatima would never have been able to swim through that river and such to make the journey back into the U.S). Plus Fatima often seemed far too lucid, intelligent, and 'aware' for a woman eating her own hair. I liked Fatima, I just found her character to be inconsistent.
I also struggled with the infallibility of Ahmed Jaffar. His character came across as a little too invincible. It irks me in novels when the 'bad guys' are too powerful--unrealistically so. There were several times in the story where I felt like a quick call to the police would end Jaffar's rein of torment. The author rationalizes this by explaining Jaffar's Taliban connections--connections that apparently have their fingers in everything (including the police), but I found this to be a bit far-fetched.
These, however, were minor hiccups in what was otherwise an intriguing and masterfully told story. I look forward to reading more from Eva Pohler.
Jodi Perkins
Author of Chasing Echoes
jodiperkins.com
April 21, 2014
I loved this story. It's not the typical paranormal book that Eva would write, which makes it that much better. Filled with suspense, action, and the mysterious question on why this box was sent to Yvette to begin with. Finding the rightful owner of the box, she stumbles upon her nosey, yet 'not all there' neighbor Mona.
Mona has a story to tell to Yvette, but when Yvette questions her reasoning to listen due to Mona's behavior, mood swings, strange noises from the house, Yvette doesn't know if the story Mona is telling her each day, even for a few hours is true. Patiently listening, yet intrigued with what is being told to her, once the truth comes out about the box, and who Mona really is, Yvette is determined to keep her family safe, at all costs.
I loved the characters both good and bad in their own way, and the plot behind the story make it seem as if I was really there, watching it all unfold right before my eyes. I was happy to know that when my own questions appeared, they were quickly answered. I was so wrapped up in this story, once it was finished, I was left with this satisfying high of relief for not only the characters in the book, but because it reminded me that even though it is just a book, things like this can actually happen in real life.
I really enjoyed this book, reading it in one setting. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book, The Mystery Tomb!
Mona has a story to tell to Yvette, but when Yvette questions her reasoning to listen due to Mona's behavior, mood swings, strange noises from the house, Yvette doesn't know if the story Mona is telling her each day, even for a few hours is true. Patiently listening, yet intrigued with what is being told to her, once the truth comes out about the box, and who Mona really is, Yvette is determined to keep her family safe, at all costs.
I loved the characters both good and bad in their own way, and the plot behind the story make it seem as if I was really there, watching it all unfold right before my eyes. I was happy to know that when my own questions appeared, they were quickly answered. I was so wrapped up in this story, once it was finished, I was left with this satisfying high of relief for not only the characters in the book, but because it reminded me that even though it is just a book, things like this can actually happen in real life.
I really enjoyed this book, reading it in one setting. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book, The Mystery Tomb!
February 9, 2014
The Mystery Box by Eva Pohler is a contemporary story with elements of romance, suspense, action, and mystery. The story focuses on Yvette, a wife and mother who is a little bored with her life. One day a box is delivered to her house but it's not for
her. When she delivers the contents to the rightful owner, her neighbor Mona, she becomes entranced with the story Mona tells her.(It's hard to say anything else about the plot without giving too much away and including spoilers.)
This story is very intriguing and really captured my interest. I became immersed in the story and I found myself experiencing the emotions along with Yvette. I had tears in my eyes as I read the last 15-20% of the book because I was so emotionally vested.
The story was well written and flowed smoothly. Although a few of Yvette's memories slowed down the pace. Mona's story was captivating and I kept wanting Yvette to go back over and hear more of the story. There were a few minor grammatical mistakes but they didn't distract too much from the story.
Overall, this was a great read and I'll definitely be reading the next book in the series
her. When she delivers the contents to the rightful owner, her neighbor Mona, she becomes entranced with the story Mona tells her.(It's hard to say anything else about the plot without giving too much away and including spoilers.)
This story is very intriguing and really captured my interest. I became immersed in the story and I found myself experiencing the emotions along with Yvette. I had tears in my eyes as I read the last 15-20% of the book because I was so emotionally vested.
The story was well written and flowed smoothly. Although a few of Yvette's memories slowed down the pace. Mona's story was captivating and I kept wanting Yvette to go back over and hear more of the story. There were a few minor grammatical mistakes but they didn't distract too much from the story.
Overall, this was a great read and I'll definitely be reading the next book in the series
July 20, 2014
This was a different story by author Eva Pohler and it's surprising to discover just how good Eva is. I still have two audio books in the Gatekeeper's Saga but I listened to Purgotorium and The Mystery Box and loved them both. I love Eva's stories and I get so excited when I discover she has written a new book. I always look forward to see where she will take me next.
I will also say the narrator was really good and did a great job with the accents. Narrator Nancy J. Alexander did an exceptional job with distinguishing the voices. I would listen to other audios narrated by Nancy.
Eva Pohler is a wonderful writer. I find her to be like some other authors I've found and believe Eva to be like them. Authors who can write anything and it would be perfect. Eva has such a vivid imagination and she makes most stories she writes, well especially the last two I listen to almost real. I can really see The Mystery Box and The Purgatorium to be stories that could be real life. I highly recommend anything written by Eva Pohler, either read it or listen to the audios.
My review will be available on Audible. I will update this page and add that I've posted my review on Audible.
I will also say the narrator was really good and did a great job with the accents. Narrator Nancy J. Alexander did an exceptional job with distinguishing the voices. I would listen to other audios narrated by Nancy.
Eva Pohler is a wonderful writer. I find her to be like some other authors I've found and believe Eva to be like them. Authors who can write anything and it would be perfect. Eva has such a vivid imagination and she makes most stories she writes, well especially the last two I listen to almost real. I can really see The Mystery Box and The Purgatorium to be stories that could be real life. I highly recommend anything written by Eva Pohler, either read it or listen to the audios.
My review will be available on Audible. I will update this page and add that I've posted my review on Audible.
December 1, 2014
I read the Mystery Box when it first came out and it still has stayed with me. I was drawn in by the fact that Yvette was a housewife who felt stuck in a rut and in need for excitement. She receives a package delivered to the wrong address, and returns it reluctantly to it's rightful owner. The owner, a strange woman named Mona, begins to tell her over the course of days the story that coincides with the box. My patience was tested right along with Yvette waiting for the next day that I could not put this book down. The deeper we fell into Mona's story, the more involved I felt. It was as if this woman was in my house, telling me this crazy, unbelievable story, and as bad as I wanted to call bs on Mona's story and write her off as completely insane, I was afraid to quit reading. So I read, and that's when the twist came, one right after the other. It was like contractions, just when I thought there was no other way to keep going, Eva went a completely unexpected way. I laughed and bawled at the end of this book. It was a phenomenal read!
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