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Taylor Blake #1

The Paper Doll Museum

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ASIN B00A05XOX0 moved to the most recent edition here

Retired, divorced and addicted to eggplant, Taylor Blake is seeing things. That aren't there. Determined to forestall the inevitable trip to a locked facility, she skillfully hides the fact that her life has become a horror movie. Then, at a club dance, an octogenarian stalker in a Tom Mix costume invites her to The Paper Doll Museum.

There Taylor's fears are banished in a reality beyond imagining. She isn't crazy; she's a Revenant, one of the few who have regained the magical perceptions of childhood. But the magic is accompanied by childhood's dark side as well. There really is something hiding in the dark. There always was. Fortunately, Taylor Blake can kick ass.

418 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 31, 2012

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Abigail Padgett

36 books76 followers

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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Lisa Vegan.
2,912 reviews1,316 followers
January 8, 2013
Oh the pressure. I’m already feeling guilty that I won’t do justice to this book in my review. I really loved it. I think I enjoyed it as much as I did the books in this author’s Bo Bradley series, and that says a lot coming from me. (All those books and this one might even be eligible for my favorites shelf.) I enjoyed this novel from the beginning, but liked it more & more & more as it went on. I am experiencing my all too familiar writer’s block, so this review is probably going to be what Anne Lamott calls a shitty first draft, though I might eventually edit it and add to it, or make it more concise, but better.

I have too long a “recommend to” list to effectively use the field Goodreads provides. I recommend this to women 50+, all readers who like quirky novels, readers who enjoy paranormal books (I usually don’t) and mysteries. Readers 12 and up who vividly remember childhood, its terrors and its delights, and those who feel as though they have to fight a darkness from within or who have struggles, and people who have experienced the benefits of having a circle of close friends are also likely to appreciate this book. It’s a wonderful story for anyone who understands the power of stories, and of memories, especially those particularly interested in childhood and childhood memories and how our adult years are influenced by who we were as children. Anyone interested in troubled kids and childhood trauma are likely to also be interested in this story. People who have vivid memories of childhood will likely find powerful recognition in parts of this story. Anyone going through a major change, a loss, or those starting a new, perhaps intimidating, endeavor, well this book would make a great gift (or recommendation) for them.

Thank you to Abigail Padgett for giving me an autographed paperback copy of this book and giving me the opportunity to read it now. I probably would have gotten to it anyway, but given the lengths of my to-read and on-deck shelves, it might not have been a for a while. I had earlier made the acquaintance of this author because of being a fan of her Bo Bradley series.

I am so glad the author kept this story about baby boomers and seniors (including some adolescent and child characters) vs. changing it to a young adult book to satisfy her publisher, not just because I am baby boomer age, but because the premise of the book and the story are so much more meaningful with its older characters. In my opinion the publisher was an idiot to not recognize the huge audience for this book as it is, and I can say this even though young adult books are one of my favorite book genres. A smart publisher will grab this book and professionally publish it, and any future books in the series if they’re anywhere as good as this first book.

I got a huge kick out of the middle aged and senior superhero idea, especially as it regards characters that could otherwise be considered ordinary people. While people 50+ will have particular appreciation for this story, I can honestly say I’d have also enjoyed it when I was much younger than 50.

The book is very well written. After all, a recently retired English teacher narrates the story, and her voice sounds authentic. It’s also very funny, especially in the beginning. At times it’s also very scary and suspenseful.

I love Taylor, the narrator, all her friends and her fellow Revenants, and the idea of Revenants, Taylor’s dog Sadie, all the teens and kids in the book, and I love how Taylor is with the kids, particularly her grandson TJ, but also with Seiji and the young thug at the police station and Darcy. I love that the book is fun, funny, and surprisingly deep, has a lot of material about stories, about art, and especially about music. I love that each chapter starts with a song title (lyrics) and the singer, and how music of all types plays an integral role within the story proper. I love how it’s understood how music and odors can bring up such clear memories and how they can be so strongly associated with emotions. I like that the story is gay positive. I like the inventive interpretation of some mental illnesses. I’m impressed with how even the more minor characters come across so vividly and how they’re written with such depth, and kindness. The author has an amazingly deft way of depicting children and adolescents and her character Taylor has an exceptionally deft touch when dealing with kids. Sadie’s adoption story had me practically dissolved in tears; the author gets dogs too. I think that all the various relationships were shown spot on.

I love the few mysteries in the story, and appreciate how the red herrings further the events in ways that make sense and how they’re also a major part of the story. I enjoyed figuring out some things before Taylor does, but with rare exceptions didn’t feel Taylor was made to be too stupid to figure them out before I did, and even then I thought there were explanations that made perfect sense.

So much resonated with me: the dog(s) for sure, and the friendships, the troubled kids, how kids can see what most adults can’t (my personal “ghouls” lived in both my closet and under the bed, not to mention many in “real life”), and the wanting to know everything however unpleasant. I appreciated the whole idea of asking for and getting help when needed, and how that was presented, in more than one way for more than one person.

I enjoyed the San Diego (including the Hotel del Coronado) and the Boston settings.



This book worked as a fine comfort read for me, despite the frightening parts and the fact that I do scare easily, and despite some sad feelings it brought up. Overall, it was gripping and incredibly entertaining and delightful to read.

This book works fine as a standalone book, but it’s meant to be the first book in a new series, and I do hope there will be more books. I am eager to see what happens next, and so many of the characters seem so vivid and realistic to me I know I’m going to be wondering what’s going on with them. There was so much room left to continue with the story/stories.

A tiny fraction of a star off for: having the narrator use first and last names of characters one or two times more than I think she would; it seems more realistic she’d have used just first names after their initial introductions to the reader, and also for having the tone go from mostly hilarious to leaning toward sinister and scary, with not quite enough humor continuing throughout. And I found a couple typos. These are minor quibbles. Given how well crafted this story is, I feel it’s unfair to mention them, but they were things I noticed.
Profile Image for Una Tiers.
Author 6 books374 followers
May 15, 2015
An intriguing start to what is more fantasy than mystery. However, sixty percent of the way into the story, the author repeated phrases needlessly and to my complete annoyance. The ending was sad in a socially acceptable way although the entire plot works against this.
Some phrases were lovely: a sound like rice spilling on stone.
1 review
January 26, 2014
Abigail Padgett is a gifted and talented writer. Her Bo Bradley series is absolutely stellar and one that I have gone back to read and enjoy time and again. But even as a devoted fan, I have to admit I was a bit skeptical about a Magical Mystery. Then shortly after meeting Taylor Blake, I was captivated not simply by the story but conceptually by what was being created. Earlier in her life, Taylor met her Grandmother for the first and only time. Grandma's advice? "Hide inside life for as long as you can. Hide but get ready."

Hide inside life. Grandma was a wise woman sharing her secrets with young Taylor. And I thought what a simple and profound concept. Don't we all hide inside life? Not wanting to be exposed but to be accepted. I am a Vietnam veteran and I know what it means to hide inside life. When we returned Stateside and were told not to travel home in our uniforms. That the uniforms might make us targets of this unpopular war. So we hid much the same as Taylor did.

Then life became about conventions and traversing around the barriers that life unexpectedly constructs. But as a new retiree, Taylor begins a new journey of self-discovery. Now free of the boundaries of work life, she finds herself imagining what was once unimaginable. She is helped along by a wide ranging cast of characters who each plays a different role in her journey. But none is more important and so joyously welcomed as her best friend Jude. A true child of the 60's, she is a treasure trove of pop psychology and the latest trends found on the internet. Jude is never dull and my candidate for best character in a supporting role.

Taylor soon learns that she is one of a unique group who call themselves Revenants ... people who with aging have regained their ability of childhood perceptions. Again, conceptually this is spot on. As we become older there is a feeling of new freedom. The past moves closer to us as we age and short term memory starts to diminish. But, as your story warns, it is a double edged sword. While we can certainly rejoice in this second childhood, there is also a big downside.

The demons that once lurked in the darkened corners of our childhood return with vengeance. And have we not the strength to fight, these demons will consume us. Unrealistic? Perhaps but for those of us who have visited a Nursing Home and seen elderly men and women clutching dolls and stuffed animals the demons are all too real. We hold on to those things that will best protect us.

And so, Abigail Padgett has crafted a wonderful magical mystery that is well grounded in the realities of aging. Open your heart and mind to the world only a skillful story teller could imagine.
Profile Image for Linda Lange.
Author 1 book24 followers
February 23, 2014
I’ve picked up a couple of Abigail Padgett’s Bo Bradley novels at my public library, but I first became really aware of her in the Boomer Lit group on Goodreads. I’m glad I did, because I found “The Paper Doll Museum” totally enthralling.

From the start, something in Ms. Padgett’s narrative evoked Edgar Allan Poe for me, even before I learned that her heroine, retired English teacher Taylor Blake, is an expert on Poe. Taylor's life has become as fantastic as one of Poe's tales. She has been experiencing weird visions and resurfacing memories. Taylor soon discovers that she is a Revenant—“an adult to whom the perception of childhood has returned, now refined by the experience of a lifetime.” And that it is up to the Revenants to save humanity from a threat out of another dimension.

“The Paper Doll Museum” was thoroughly enjoyable reading. I loved the camaraderie between Taylor and her Boomer-aged friends. They’re appealing characters, and I wanted them to be my own friends. Taylor tells a rather involved story in an easy, first-person, conversational style. Although her tale is one of magic, mystery, and terror, it is leavened with a good deal of humor. I loved the mentions of toys from my own childhood, as well as the familiar musical references that head each chapter. This is true Boomer Lit.

I was delighted that the end of the book holds the promise of further adventures—and a possible love interest—for Taylor. I’ll be watching for more installments of Ms. Padgett’s Magical Mystery series.
Profile Image for M. Locke.
Author 30 books486 followers
December 12, 2012
Another wonderful book by Abigail Padgett

The Paper Doll Museum has all the elements you expect from a book by this author, beautiful writing, a tight suspenseful plot, a wry sense of humor, a cast of quirky supporting characters, and a protagonist who is like no other you have ever encountered. Taylor Blake, retired English teacher and hip grandmother, like so many of those of us who are baby boomers, is trying to reconcile her internal image, which is stuck somewhere back in her twenties and thirties, with the reality of being a senior citizen. Imagine her surprise when she discovers the existence of her own personal ghoul who threatens her life and her sanity, a band of "Revenants" who are out to save the world, and her own supernatural powers.

This book will keep you turning pages, shivering with delight, laughing out loud (when you get to the department store dummies you will know what I mean), and begging for more. If you liked Padgett's Bo Bradley series, you will love this book And for all of those younger readers out there, those of you under the age of 60, well, you just may never look at your parents and grandparents the same way again!

M. Louisa Locke
Profile Image for Jack.
29 reviews1 follower
January 21, 2013
I stumbled on this book somewhat accidentally. I've read other books by this author.

This one is different from her other books, in that she incorporates magical elements. It really works! The conceit is that certain people can see a side of reality that is invisible to the rest of us.

Padgett has a wonderful talent with descriptions of people and places. The action takes place in San Diego and Boston -- so if you are familiar with either of those places, you'll get some nice looks at places you know.
746 reviews
April 28, 2015
A great story. Paranormal with a different slant. I was dubious for the first 3 chapters but thanks to the good reviews, I persevered and was rewarded with an interesting story. There were many threads in it, as there are in real life, and it did all woven together. The main character, Taylor, was lovely. She was quite long winded but then some people just are. I loved that the characters were over 60 too.
The ghoul idea was a little strange and I am still unsure that it worked. I just didn't quite buy it. But aside from that, I would recommend the book.
123 reviews2 followers
July 4, 2018
AN AMAZING ADVENTURE!








Some books are somehow more than books...they are an entire world. This is one such book. These are people I wish were in my circle of friends. I'm not going to talk about anything that happens in this splendid story. Instead, I am going to suggest that readers who enjoy stories that are hard to put down will be missing a great deal of sleep. There are so many layers to this book that I am going to read it again simply to wallow in its marvelous imagery. To those readers about to begin the journey...ENJOY!



Profile Image for Bette.
785 reviews
December 30, 2022
The Paper Doll Museum is about the scary but frequently hilarious magic that accompanies long experience, not about dewy-eyed teenagers pitted against evil elders who've made a total mess of things. Of course, that battle is required of the young in every generation. But the real battle lies elsewhere and requires wisdom as well as magic. A very different story from Abigail Padgett but very intriguing. There are so many different aspects of the story I enjoyed.
Profile Image for Cyndi.
268 reviews
November 15, 2021
Action packed

This story was very different from other books I've read. I was drawn into the story and read breathlessly to the end. The ending was a disappointment as it stopped abruptly with no conclusion. Cliffhangers are such a let down after hours of reading and getting to know the characters.
218 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2018
Mystery read.

What an excellent build up. Introducing interesting characters, creating mystery as their lives progress within the plot. Can be read on its own however I do wonder if there is another book coming along in the future.
Profile Image for Kara Su.
11 reviews1 follower
June 27, 2018
Astonishingly beautiful

I was caught off guard by this well-written, dark story of magical realism, family, friendship, and hope - and couldn't put it down. It was so good, in fact, that I texted and recommended it to a reader friend out of the blue.
Profile Image for Tj Munoz.
6 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2018
Fascinating

A little slow at first but well worth the wait. The time it took to develop the characters made me invested in to what happened next. The second half of the book I could not put down.
309 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2020
I loved it

So wonderful to read about a strong woman, her grandson and her pup. Would recommend this book to friends and family.
Profile Image for Lynne.
195 reviews25 followers
August 22, 2015
I enjoyed this book. I wouldn't buy this for the cover (I nearly passed it over), but the title caught my eye and the synopsis sounded interesting. I was happy overall, and I ended up liking the characters and the story very much.
I appreciated reading a book where the main characters are my own age (around 50), however I believe this book would also be enjoyed by younger readers (and by younger, I mean late teens or 20's on up).

I need to check out this author's other books.
Profile Image for Jasmin.
1 review
October 27, 2015
Very enjoyable reading; with just a touch of scare now and then. It is carefully written, in a style befitting the narrator. A bit long-winded at times, but that's not always a bad thing, I liked that the book was a long read. I felt that the Revenant theme was left a bit unclear, but there is enough other stuff going on, I was particularly taken with the storyline of Taylor's grandson. I do hope there will be more books in this series.
Profile Image for ABCme.
382 reviews53 followers
November 15, 2013
Taylor, a retired teacher, thinks she's going crazy when she starts seeing things. Ordinary situations trigger childhood memories that land her in a parallel world. But danger is out there!
This is a weird concept, yet so well crafted, you will believe every word. It's fast and fun with no loose ends. Couldn't stop reading!
10 reviews
August 5, 2014
Engrossing

I am not usually a reader of this genre but this was a terrific story with characters that stay with you. Can't wait for the next in the series. I think I also liked the over-50 set as heroes! I would recommend this to readers of Sara Addison Alan.
Profile Image for Laura Lewis.
54 reviews2 followers
April 23, 2015
Weirdly excellent

This book is beautifully written, complicated, odd, scary, and I strangely bonded with the main character. It is a bit slow in places but so compelling and fascinating, I couldn't stop reading.
Profile Image for Ashley.
344 reviews
May 13, 2015
It was a little hard to get into the book at first. I felt the author was all over the place in the beginning. But once I got into it, I really enjoyed it!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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