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Pandora English #3
The Skeleton Key
In the third Pandora English mystery, Pandora is still negotiating her double life as a lowly assistant at a New York fashion magazine with the reality that she has great supernatural powers and responsibilities.
Pandora – with her special skeleton key – is slowly unlocking the mysteries of the haunted mansion where she lives with her great aunt Celia. What sinister experiments did the architect Dr Edmund Barrett conduct there before he died? Where is his laboratory? And what are the strange noises emanating from the basement?
On the centenary of the mysterious fire that supposedly killed Dr Barrett, he returns to the mansion. He has a message for Pandora. But he has brought with him a dark force that threatens to tear apart the delicate balance between the worlds of the dead and living...
Pandora – with her special skeleton key – is slowly unlocking the mysteries of the haunted mansion where she lives with her great aunt Celia. What sinister experiments did the architect Dr Edmund Barrett conduct there before he died? Where is his laboratory? And what are the strange noises emanating from the basement?
On the centenary of the mysterious fire that supposedly killed Dr Barrett, he returns to the mansion. He has a message for Pandora. But he has brought with him a dark force that threatens to tear apart the delicate balance between the worlds of the dead and living...
286 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2012
18 people are currently reading
473 people want to read
About the author
Tara Moss
30 books1,004 followersTara Moss is an internationally bestselling author, documentary host and human rights advocate. She is the author of 15 books, published in 19 countries and 13 languages. Her latest, The Italian Secret, follows on from the internationally bestselling historical thrillers The War Widow, and The Ghosts of Paris, both set in the postwar 1940s and featuring '‘staunchly feminist, champagne-swilling, fast-driving Nazi hunter’ investigator' PI Billie Walker.
Moss is an outspoken advocate for the rights of women and children, and people with disabilities, and has also published two best-selling non-fiction books, The Fictional Woman and Speaking Out - A 21st Century Guide for Women and Girls.
She has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2007 and as of 2013 is UNICEF Australia’s National Ambassador for Child Survival, and has visited Australian hospitals, maternity wards and schools as well as Syrian refugee camps in Lebanon in her UNICEF role. In 2015 she received an Edna Ryan Award for her significant contribution to feminist debate, speaking out for women and children and inspiring others to challenge the status quo.
Her in-depth novel research has seen her tour the FBI Academy at Quantico, spend time in squad cars, morgues, prisons, the Hare Psychopathy Lab, the Supreme Court and criminology conferences, take polygraph tests, shoot weapons, conduct surveillance, pass the Firearms Training Simulator (FATSII) with the LAPD, pull 4.2 G’s doing loops over the Sydney Opera House flying with the RAAF, and acquire her CAMS race driver licence. She has hosted the true crime documentary series Tough Nuts – Australia’s Hardest Criminals on the Crime & Investigation Network, ‘Tara Moss Investigates’ on the National Geographic Channel and the author interview show Tara in Conversation on 13th Street Universal. In 2014 she was recognised for Outstanding Advocacy for her blog Manus Island: An insider’s report, which helped to break information to the public about the events surrounding the alleged murder of Reza Barati inside the Australian-run Manus Island Immigration Detention Centre.
She has earned her private investigator credentials (Cert III) from the Australian Security Academy.
Moss is a dual Australian/Canadian citizen. Visit her at TaraRaeMoss.com
Recent Awards and Accolades:
2012 Australia’s 20 Most Influential Female Voices
2013 Australia’s Most inspiring Women ‘who push boundaries, create change and motivate’
2014 Outstanding Advocacy Award for Manus Island: An insider’s report
2014 Cosmo’s The Women Who Made 2014 Better for The Fictional Woman
2014 Influential Women of 2014, alongside Malala, Laura Bates, Angelina Jolie and more
2014 The Hoopla‘s The Female Eunuch Award for The Fictional Woman
2015 Best Designed Non-Fiction Book Award, for The Fictional Woman designed by Tara Moss and Matt Stanton
2015 Part of the University of Sydney’s Leadership for Good
2015 Edna Ryan Award - ‘Grand Stirrer Award’ for making a feminist difference by speaking out for women and children, for a significant contribution to feminist debate and inciting others to challenge the status quo
2016 Champion of the West award for community service
2017 The Order of Lambrick Park
2018 International Top 50 Diversity Figures in Public Life ‘recognises the achievements of individuals who have used their position in public life, for example as a campaigner, politician or journalist to make an impact in diversity.’ Listed alongside Malala Yousufzai, Angelina Jolie, Bernie Sanders, Emma Watson, His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet and more.
Moss is an outspoken advocate for the rights of women and children, and people with disabilities, and has also published two best-selling non-fiction books, The Fictional Woman and Speaking Out - A 21st Century Guide for Women and Girls.
She has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2007 and as of 2013 is UNICEF Australia’s National Ambassador for Child Survival, and has visited Australian hospitals, maternity wards and schools as well as Syrian refugee camps in Lebanon in her UNICEF role. In 2015 she received an Edna Ryan Award for her significant contribution to feminist debate, speaking out for women and children and inspiring others to challenge the status quo.
Her in-depth novel research has seen her tour the FBI Academy at Quantico, spend time in squad cars, morgues, prisons, the Hare Psychopathy Lab, the Supreme Court and criminology conferences, take polygraph tests, shoot weapons, conduct surveillance, pass the Firearms Training Simulator (FATSII) with the LAPD, pull 4.2 G’s doing loops over the Sydney Opera House flying with the RAAF, and acquire her CAMS race driver licence. She has hosted the true crime documentary series Tough Nuts – Australia’s Hardest Criminals on the Crime & Investigation Network, ‘Tara Moss Investigates’ on the National Geographic Channel and the author interview show Tara in Conversation on 13th Street Universal. In 2014 she was recognised for Outstanding Advocacy for her blog Manus Island: An insider’s report, which helped to break information to the public about the events surrounding the alleged murder of Reza Barati inside the Australian-run Manus Island Immigration Detention Centre.
She has earned her private investigator credentials (Cert III) from the Australian Security Academy.
Moss is a dual Australian/Canadian citizen. Visit her at TaraRaeMoss.com
Recent Awards and Accolades:
2012 Australia’s 20 Most Influential Female Voices
2013 Australia’s Most inspiring Women ‘who push boundaries, create change and motivate’
2014 Outstanding Advocacy Award for Manus Island: An insider’s report
2014 Cosmo’s The Women Who Made 2014 Better for The Fictional Woman
2014 Influential Women of 2014, alongside Malala, Laura Bates, Angelina Jolie and more
2014 The Hoopla‘s The Female Eunuch Award for The Fictional Woman
2015 Best Designed Non-Fiction Book Award, for The Fictional Woman designed by Tara Moss and Matt Stanton
2015 Part of the University of Sydney’s Leadership for Good
2015 Edna Ryan Award - ‘Grand Stirrer Award’ for making a feminist difference by speaking out for women and children, for a significant contribution to feminist debate and inciting others to challenge the status quo
2016 Champion of the West award for community service
2017 The Order of Lambrick Park
2018 International Top 50 Diversity Figures in Public Life ‘recognises the achievements of individuals who have used their position in public life, for example as a campaigner, politician or journalist to make an impact in diversity.’ Listed alongside Malala Yousufzai, Angelina Jolie, Bernie Sanders, Emma Watson, His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet and more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
January 24, 2016
I really enjoyed the story plot. The Book Cover is very appealing. I give this book 5 stars.
March 11, 2019
4.5 stars
Aww, no more books. I can only hope at some point in time Tara Moss will decide to self-publish her fourth Pandora English book so this fun and quirky series can continue. As always lots of paranormal activity happening in the fictional town of Spektor, New York and an unusual love triangle which I would love to read more about.
A fabulous series that really did end too soon.
*Book #3 of my coffee table to-read pile challenge
October 5, 2025
Nie bawiłam się źle, ale nie mogę z czystym sumieniem dać nic wyżej, kiedy ta trzecia część brzmi jak definitywne zamknięcie, tylko że finał jest z dupy, bo przed wielkim marszem zombie więcej uwagi dostaje życie uczuciowe Pandory niż antagonista tej części. I ja wiem, że oni się zawsze pojawiają w tej serii na koniec tomu, ale zwykle jednak czujesz ich obecność już wcześniej. Tu? Nic. Gdyby ta seria zakończyłaby się na pierwszym tomie to chyba byłoby najlepiej.
August 11, 2013
Very repetitive as though actual paragraphs were copied and pasted from previous books, a too quick and easy ending.
April 8, 2024
This is book three in a series but can easily be read as a stand alone as there is enough information in the story of what happened in the previous book. Unfortunately I didn't really enjoy the majority of the story and skimmed a lot of it, having said that I did enjoy the "magical" element to the story and wished that there was more of it throughout. Sadly this is a miss for me.
July 26, 2017
3.5/5 stars
January 12, 2013
The third Pandora English novel is just as quirky and fun as the previous books, filled with humour, action and ZOMBIES! The Skeleton Key follows Pandora as she uses the special key to unlock the secrets of her great aunt’s house and the creepy suburb of Spektor. And my, what she finds is definitely creepy!
One of my favourite things about the series is Pandora, because she’s so familiar and relatable, without the ‘endearing’ traits of having low self-esteem or bad coordination. She has to make a conscious effort to be brave, to face her fears, she’s not afraid of new social settings but is understandably nervous, and she worries about things before going to bed each night. But Pandora isn’t whiny, doesn’t expect special treatment and is very much in control of her life. All admirable qualities in a main character! I also love that The Skeleton Key allowed us a glimpse into Pandora’s great-aunt Celia, and we get to see her witchy powers in action.
An increasing source of discomfort for me, as the series goes on, is Pandora’s attitude regarding the two men in her life: the ghostly Lieutenant Luke and the handsome Jay Rockwell, who is blessedly normal. I understand the conflict they cause for Pandora, who craves both the normalcy that Jay provides and the supernatural help that Luke gives her. But I don’t like that she is constantly skipping between the two like a pendulum. She rationalizes going out on a date with one right after the other, and when she’s in their company she completely forgets about the other until she gets home, and then she has a long think about the situation she’s gotten herself into. I think a lot of confusion would be avoided if she stopped seeing both until she cleared her thoughts, but I guess that’s not entertaining to read about.
I really like the supernatural world that has slowly developed over these three books, but there are many more questions to be answered so I’m glad that it looks like there are a few more books to come. As usual, the necromancy/zombie lore used in this book is well researched and doesn’t feel like it has been contrived to fit the story, which is great, and I beginning to really enjoy the unique spin that Moss puts on her supernatural creatures. I also liked the place that the house has in this book – it has been almost like another character in the books, and now with some of its mysteries revealed, the feeling has been compounded.
The Skeleton Key is not to be missed by fans of the Pandora English series, and readers who enjoy paranormal romance with more emphasis on the ‘paranormal’ than ‘romance’ should give the series a try. I am looking forward to following Pandora’s further adventures as the series progresses.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review.
You can read more of my reviews at Speculating on SpecFic .
One of my favourite things about the series is Pandora, because she’s so familiar and relatable, without the ‘endearing’ traits of having low self-esteem or bad coordination. She has to make a conscious effort to be brave, to face her fears, she’s not afraid of new social settings but is understandably nervous, and she worries about things before going to bed each night. But Pandora isn’t whiny, doesn’t expect special treatment and is very much in control of her life. All admirable qualities in a main character! I also love that The Skeleton Key allowed us a glimpse into Pandora’s great-aunt Celia, and we get to see her witchy powers in action.
An increasing source of discomfort for me, as the series goes on, is Pandora’s attitude regarding the two men in her life: the ghostly Lieutenant Luke and the handsome Jay Rockwell, who is blessedly normal. I understand the conflict they cause for Pandora, who craves both the normalcy that Jay provides and the supernatural help that Luke gives her. But I don’t like that she is constantly skipping between the two like a pendulum. She rationalizes going out on a date with one right after the other, and when she’s in their company she completely forgets about the other until she gets home, and then she has a long think about the situation she’s gotten herself into. I think a lot of confusion would be avoided if she stopped seeing both until she cleared her thoughts, but I guess that’s not entertaining to read about.
I really like the supernatural world that has slowly developed over these three books, but there are many more questions to be answered so I’m glad that it looks like there are a few more books to come. As usual, the necromancy/zombie lore used in this book is well researched and doesn’t feel like it has been contrived to fit the story, which is great, and I beginning to really enjoy the unique spin that Moss puts on her supernatural creatures. I also liked the place that the house has in this book – it has been almost like another character in the books, and now with some of its mysteries revealed, the feeling has been compounded.
The Skeleton Key is not to be missed by fans of the Pandora English series, and readers who enjoy paranormal romance with more emphasis on the ‘paranormal’ than ‘romance’ should give the series a try. I am looking forward to following Pandora’s further adventures as the series progresses.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review.
You can read more of my reviews at Speculating on SpecFic .
January 30, 2013
This is the third book in the series and I just do not know whether I will continue or not. I thought after the second novel that things would pick up but I just found this novel heading in the same direction. I have to admit it I was disappointed and I cannot identify just why I did not really get into this novel.
We again have Pandora facing down an end of the world type scenario and again she tries to resolve the situation with little or no information about what was is going on. Pandora is beginning to border on inept. She bumbles her way through the great event that is coming her way and has no idea what she is meant to be doing. It was too numerous how many times that I wanted Pandora to grab Deus, her Aunt, Luke and whoever else and say ‘enough with the so-called mystery, I know something is coming so how up you tell wtf it is.’ It was just frustrating reading over and over, something evil coming, something evil and powerful is in the house and no one will tell Pandora what it is. Let me recant that, what is annoying is that Pandora never forces the issue she just accepts that people will tell her no more. I really wanted to see Pandora more proactive, instead she just seems to muddle along and somehow survives and everyone applauds how much power is. I do appreciate that Pandora struggles to be brave, struggles to make decisions just as any person would but she seems so ease at having all this power and not understanding it.
I really do like the research Moss has done, it weaves it way through the story and you never feel you are being lectured. I like that there is more to the story than a paranormal romance and that Pandora struggles to understand her place in the normal world, like everyone else does.
I do not know why but the novel just seems to lack something and I am not sure what. Maybe I was expecting something more from this book.
It was a super quick read and I knocked it over in a day and a bit. Maybe the problem was that I wanted a denser more complex novel so I could really be carried off into this marvelous world Moss has created.
We again have Pandora facing down an end of the world type scenario and again she tries to resolve the situation with little or no information about what was is going on. Pandora is beginning to border on inept. She bumbles her way through the great event that is coming her way and has no idea what she is meant to be doing. It was too numerous how many times that I wanted Pandora to grab Deus, her Aunt, Luke and whoever else and say ‘enough with the so-called mystery, I know something is coming so how up you tell wtf it is.’ It was just frustrating reading over and over, something evil coming, something evil and powerful is in the house and no one will tell Pandora what it is. Let me recant that, what is annoying is that Pandora never forces the issue she just accepts that people will tell her no more. I really wanted to see Pandora more proactive, instead she just seems to muddle along and somehow survives and everyone applauds how much power is. I do appreciate that Pandora struggles to be brave, struggles to make decisions just as any person would but she seems so ease at having all this power and not understanding it.
I really do like the research Moss has done, it weaves it way through the story and you never feel you are being lectured. I like that there is more to the story than a paranormal romance and that Pandora struggles to understand her place in the normal world, like everyone else does.
I do not know why but the novel just seems to lack something and I am not sure what. Maybe I was expecting something more from this book.
It was a super quick read and I knocked it over in a day and a bit. Maybe the problem was that I wanted a denser more complex novel so I could really be carried off into this marvelous world Moss has created.
January 4, 2013
I think Tara Moss must have had a ton of fun writing this novel. Her cheeky, wry witting style will take you on an epic journey full of mystery and fun. The Skeleton Key has a plot with more detail than the first two books in the series - this third book has more action, more suspense and more trickery. The Pandora series is not the typical paranormal romance because its focus is foremost on the paranormal rather than the romance. There are certainly genuinely creepy scenes with black magic, witches, ghosts, zombies and vampires (called Sanguines in the books).
Pandora is given a special key (the Skeleton Key of the title) by her great aunt Celia. She is told she will know when and how to use it when the time is right. When she delves deeper into her investigations into the haunted mansion she learns more about the late occupant Dr Barrett and his strange experimentations. She is now embracing her paranormal abilities but she still wants to live a normal life as well. One night when she is out on a date with a guy she is visited by Dues a very old and very powerful Sanguine who insists she must come with him at once. Dr Barrett has returned and he is not alone for a dark spirit has attached itself to the doctor. This unwanted 'passenger' is hell bent on unleashing an army of zombies and starting the great 'Revolution of the Undead'. Pandora realises that her Skeleton Key is the solution to stop this revolution. How will she use it to stop the encroaching plague of zombies? Does she have the strength? Who will be her unlikely ally? Can she find the balance between her paranormal life and her human life?
I really enjoy the humour in Tara Moss' narrative and her talent for developing the characters as this series unfolds. Each character is an individual and different traits are unveiled as the story unfolds. I appreciate Pandora's vulnerability and it is rather funny that she doesn't know exactly what she is doing at times but relies on her instincts. The mystery will continue with more titles in the series and I can’t wait!
Pandora is given a special key (the Skeleton Key of the title) by her great aunt Celia. She is told she will know when and how to use it when the time is right. When she delves deeper into her investigations into the haunted mansion she learns more about the late occupant Dr Barrett and his strange experimentations. She is now embracing her paranormal abilities but she still wants to live a normal life as well. One night when she is out on a date with a guy she is visited by Dues a very old and very powerful Sanguine who insists she must come with him at once. Dr Barrett has returned and he is not alone for a dark spirit has attached itself to the doctor. This unwanted 'passenger' is hell bent on unleashing an army of zombies and starting the great 'Revolution of the Undead'. Pandora realises that her Skeleton Key is the solution to stop this revolution. How will she use it to stop the encroaching plague of zombies? Does she have the strength? Who will be her unlikely ally? Can she find the balance between her paranormal life and her human life?
I really enjoy the humour in Tara Moss' narrative and her talent for developing the characters as this series unfolds. Each character is an individual and different traits are unveiled as the story unfolds. I appreciate Pandora's vulnerability and it is rather funny that she doesn't know exactly what she is doing at times but relies on her instincts. The mystery will continue with more titles in the series and I can’t wait!
January 9, 2013
The third in the Pandora English series, it didn’t quite grab me as much as the first two, but I can’t put my finger on why. However, it was still VERY enjoyable to read. Picking up from when ‘The Spider Goddess’ finishes off Pandora is still trying to understand what exactly her role as ‘The Seventh’ is going to be in the upcoming battle between the dead and living. Everyone in the hidden paranormal world of New York seems to expect her to save the world with her wonderful gifts – but they are all less forthcoming in telling her HOW to do it and what the gifts actually are! Still not knowing what to do hasn’t stopped Pandora from being dragged into an adventure and this book is no different. As with the previous books Pandora learns about more of her powers by accident as she fights to close a door to the realms of the dead without becoming one of them.
I love how Pandora lives in two worlds - the ‘normal’ and the ‘paranormal’ – to her it is just as normal to see ghosts as it is to make coffee for her boss, who she suspects has been turned into a vampire. The characters, even the wacky undead ones, are very believable; as is the concept of a whole suburb called Spektor that no-one in New York has heard of. There are still some mysteries to be solved such as how to save the world, why does her elderly great-aunt look so young and beautiful, and which is best a human boyfriend or a ghost one?
I love how Pandora lives in two worlds - the ‘normal’ and the ‘paranormal’ – to her it is just as normal to see ghosts as it is to make coffee for her boss, who she suspects has been turned into a vampire. The characters, even the wacky undead ones, are very believable; as is the concept of a whole suburb called Spektor that no-one in New York has heard of. There are still some mysteries to be solved such as how to save the world, why does her elderly great-aunt look so young and beautiful, and which is best a human boyfriend or a ghost one?
December 17, 2012
High 3.5 stars
This is the third Novel in the Pandora English series. After defeating the Spider Goddess, Pandora finally gets told what it means to be the Seventh- it involves standing between the dead that want to rule the world and us mortals who inhabit it. Unfortunately, she doesn't know exactly "how" she's meant to stop this from happening. It also involves having powerful supernatural beings naturally seeking her out- oh joy!
I liked seeing Pandora's powers emerge. With this book I felt like the series was really starting to pick up its pace.
This novel focuses on the creepy mansion that is Pandora's new home. Pandora has been given the skeleton key to the mansion and told to go explore. But when Lieutenant Luke says there's a powerful force within the mansion before disappearing himself, you kinda wish Pandora would stop exploring and just go hid in her room.
I found this book to be a lot creepier than the last two. Probably because I have a phobia of haunted mansions. Give me vampires, werewolves or fey over ghosts any day. And the creepy ghost of one of the originally owners, (who doesn't speak but just expects Pandora to follow) makes me shudder. Maybe, as crazy as it seems, this is the reason I enjoyed this book more than the others. By half way through I could ignore the frustration of not knowing what was going on, and just go along with the ride that is The Skeleton Key.
This is the third Novel in the Pandora English series. After defeating the Spider Goddess, Pandora finally gets told what it means to be the Seventh- it involves standing between the dead that want to rule the world and us mortals who inhabit it. Unfortunately, she doesn't know exactly "how" she's meant to stop this from happening. It also involves having powerful supernatural beings naturally seeking her out- oh joy!
I liked seeing Pandora's powers emerge. With this book I felt like the series was really starting to pick up its pace.
This novel focuses on the creepy mansion that is Pandora's new home. Pandora has been given the skeleton key to the mansion and told to go explore. But when Lieutenant Luke says there's a powerful force within the mansion before disappearing himself, you kinda wish Pandora would stop exploring and just go hid in her room.
I found this book to be a lot creepier than the last two. Probably because I have a phobia of haunted mansions. Give me vampires, werewolves or fey over ghosts any day. And the creepy ghost of one of the originally owners, (who doesn't speak but just expects Pandora to follow) makes me shudder. Maybe, as crazy as it seems, this is the reason I enjoyed this book more than the others. By half way through I could ignore the frustration of not knowing what was going on, and just go along with the ride that is The Skeleton Key.
December 4, 2012
I love this instalment of Pandora English. I started to read it and 3 hours later i was finished. The storyline reels you in and hooks you, just could not put it down.
Spektor revels more secrets and Pandora learns more about being the 7th.
Pandora goes on a real date with Luke for the first time and Jay her first date in New York re-enters the picture still suffering amnesia from his encounter with the Blood Countess in the first book.
Can't wait for the next book
Spektor revels more secrets and Pandora learns more about being the 7th.
Pandora goes on a real date with Luke for the first time and Jay her first date in New York re-enters the picture still suffering amnesia from his encounter with the Blood Countess in the first book.
Can't wait for the next book
March 22, 2017
Still great but definitely my least favorite of the three. I was excited for Pandora to explore the house, but it didn't go as in depth as I hoped. The scenes with the stranger were quite unnerving; and I'm so glad that Jay ended up being quite the important character. I would have loved more Barrett backstory.
January 6, 2013
I have no words. The Pandora series just seems to go from strength to strength. Surprises and twists from every corner. It's no wonder I normally finish these in a day or two. I can never put then down.
January 6, 2016
This series is fabulous and fun. This instalment had Matilda Reid as the narrator and I loved her. I cannot wait for the next Pandora English to be released and the audiobook format.
August 28, 2020
The third book in the Pandora English series, 'the skeleton key' is a YA fantasy novel set in the glittery world of New York.
On number 1 Adams avenue (if you didn't know author Tara Moss is a giant Adams family fan and love to include little names from the series in her own series), Pandora's great- aunt Celia's apartment occupies the penthouse of the giant gothic structure that is number 1 Adams avenue.
Pandora is special, she is the seventh daughter of the seventh daughter and with the army of the dead approaching, Pandora must find out how she is supposed to stop the army of the dead from destroying New York.
With Pandora finding the sword that will allow her spirit guide, Lieutenant Luke to materialise in solid form the night of the full moon. She will finally be able to go out on a date with the guy who is quickly becoming her safety. Only something horrible happens and it causes him to disappear. And its only when she finally meets Dr. Edmund Barrett, the scientist who experimented with necromancy, she uncovers a plot to not only raise the dead but a passanger who is hell bent on killing both Pandora and her great aunt.
I love the creativity behind Moss' book. The word vampire is used so frequently amongst many fantasy novels, Tara was creative enough to change their name to Sanguine. Her written language is phenomenal and it makes for such an interesting book with so many twists and turns. I was constantly guessing what was next. Her characters are really well developed and easy to connect with.
Most importantly, i loved the uniqueness of this story. There are many YA fantasy novel's centring around vampires, werewolves and ghosts (which i actually found super scary by the way), but i loved how all of this was mixed in with the New York fashion scene. It made for an interesting storyline, and a comical take on many aspects of the fashion world.
I highly highly recommend this book. I could not put it down, and i cannot wait to read the next instalment : the cobra queen.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Happy reading.
On number 1 Adams avenue (if you didn't know author Tara Moss is a giant Adams family fan and love to include little names from the series in her own series), Pandora's great- aunt Celia's apartment occupies the penthouse of the giant gothic structure that is number 1 Adams avenue.
Pandora is special, she is the seventh daughter of the seventh daughter and with the army of the dead approaching, Pandora must find out how she is supposed to stop the army of the dead from destroying New York.
With Pandora finding the sword that will allow her spirit guide, Lieutenant Luke to materialise in solid form the night of the full moon. She will finally be able to go out on a date with the guy who is quickly becoming her safety. Only something horrible happens and it causes him to disappear. And its only when she finally meets Dr. Edmund Barrett, the scientist who experimented with necromancy, she uncovers a plot to not only raise the dead but a passanger who is hell bent on killing both Pandora and her great aunt.
I love the creativity behind Moss' book. The word vampire is used so frequently amongst many fantasy novels, Tara was creative enough to change their name to Sanguine. Her written language is phenomenal and it makes for such an interesting book with so many twists and turns. I was constantly guessing what was next. Her characters are really well developed and easy to connect with.
Most importantly, i loved the uniqueness of this story. There are many YA fantasy novel's centring around vampires, werewolves and ghosts (which i actually found super scary by the way), but i loved how all of this was mixed in with the New York fashion scene. It made for an interesting storyline, and a comical take on many aspects of the fashion world.
I highly highly recommend this book. I could not put it down, and i cannot wait to read the next instalment : the cobra queen.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Happy reading.
February 16, 2022
Gorier than the others, because this book actually did warrant graphic depictions of decaying human flesh, a strange surprise. I’m coming to care less about Pandora’s relationship with Lt Luke Thomas, he just doesn’t interest me that much. He has no discernible personality. Finding out mo0re about Aunt Cecilia and Desus is always exciting. I just wish there was more time in the series to know more about them as this is the second last published work. I’m also waiting for Jay to either be a BBEG or cheat on Pandora… It’s bound to happen, so she ends up with boring ghost man. Well written, interesting premise, meh on the characterisation and trope following.
September 14, 2019
The third of Pandora English. Because of the long span between books, you forget that the story is set only a few months apart, which explains why Pandora is still adjusting to the paranormal and asking questions. If only everyone would be straight with her (I'm looking at you Aunt Celia). Though discovery is part of the process.
While Pandora is only 19 from a small country town, she seems to adjust well to this world. She's always been different so this probably helps her adjust.
I did find some parts repetitive - especially references to Jay, her boss. Also even though we know she is the 7th, the whole action and conclusion seems to happens too quickly. Perhaps it seemed that way because I listened to the audio version.
If there is ever a fourth book, I will continue to read the series.
While Pandora is only 19 from a small country town, she seems to adjust well to this world. She's always been different so this probably helps her adjust.
I did find some parts repetitive - especially references to Jay, her boss. Also even though we know she is the 7th, the whole action and conclusion seems to happens too quickly. Perhaps it seemed that way because I listened to the audio version.
If there is ever a fourth book, I will continue to read the series.
January 18, 2021
This wasnt what i expected....i had seen a movie called "Skeleton Key" so when i brought this book i thought it was based on that.....but no.
So i was throughly pleased with this once i got into...
The story of Pandora English who is living with her Great Aunty in Spektor....from ghost, the living dead and much more coming the depths of the earth.
I will actually look for the other books in this range to finish the collection.
So i was throughly pleased with this once i got into...
The story of Pandora English who is living with her Great Aunty in Spektor....from ghost, the living dead and much more coming the depths of the earth.
I will actually look for the other books in this range to finish the collection.
October 31, 2019
Suspense, intrigue, romance and excitement.. that’s what this book had!
I love everything about this book and series.. the characters, the story, even Celia’s annoying tea addiction in the height of danger lol 😂
I can’t wait for the next book to come out next year for lots of reasons, very intrigued to see what’s going to happen next in Spector and with the romance side of things. 💜
I love everything about this book and series.. the characters, the story, even Celia’s annoying tea addiction in the height of danger lol 😂
I can’t wait for the next book to come out next year for lots of reasons, very intrigued to see what’s going to happen next in Spector and with the romance side of things. 💜
March 22, 2024
I’m only leaving a review based on the one 10yrs ago saying the books are repetitive. They aren’t. Some of the important details of the story line are repeated at the start of the books which give them a nice flow to refresh the details. I actually really enjoyed reading little reminders of the house and it helps to picture the story. I love this series, can’t wait to start the next book.
July 12, 2019
A supernatural romance and thriller that was based in New York City. Pandora is a vampire who has the ability to speak to and bring back the dead. It is 3 stars because during the middle of the book it was exciting but then it was just all about Pandora's dates.
September 9, 2021
A continuation of the mystical adventures of Pandora English and her journey to discover who she is. Sanguines, Ghosts, Zombies (?!), two potential lovers and a cat named Freya, what could possibly go wrong?
November 27, 2021
You can tell when a writer has a lot of fun in her book as Kate had with this fast moving tale involving the undead. You have to read this to realise how different Kate's style of story telling augers so well from other writers covering this jenre. Refreshingly different.
December 4, 2016
I enjoyed this series far more than I expected and am a little disappointed there are no more at this stage.
December 5, 2017
Was good, but no more books? It seems to just come into its own fantastic story (third book in). Hope there are more!
May 20, 2020
Excellent cant wait to read Book 4.
October 29, 2020
Light and fluffy but enjoyable. Good concept, simple development, adeptly delivered. The characters are likeable and the paranormal New York setting is interesting and fresh. A nice change of pace.
January 8, 2021
Intresting.
September 24, 2021
Cool and scary
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews