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Verliege
1st Place Runner up - Literary Fiction Award 2014 - GH - The Paranormal Awards 2014.
Winner: TURNING THE PAGES 2013 Book of the Year - Supernatural
Semi-Finalist: KINDLE BOOK REVIEW Best Indie Books Award of 2012 - Suspense/Horror
CAN YOU BARGAIN WITH THE DEAD?
Alicia was everything to Adrian Bolt; long overdue success finally afforded him the dream of taking her to Germany. They purchased Verliege Castle while vacationing. It was the perfect atmosphere for a writer. Their life took a new direction. A ghostly world lay in wait for anyone living within the walls of the castle; waiting, watching for eternity to keep the Mueller name upon its registers.
Verliege, a chilling paranormal and urban fantasy mystery, begins at Arlette Mansion in the mountains of West Virginia. Prisoner and author Adrian Bolt was transferred there accused of the brutal murder of his wife. She was found brutally murdered by an antique sword. His conviction by a German court was as swift as the sword that killed her. Adrian had not spoken since her death ...until... Dr. James Pellitere was able to break his silence.
A deal was offered to Pellitere. Travelling to Germany with a paranormal investigative team they searched for evidence that would clear Adrian and prove him innocent. While at the castle, Pellitere is confronted by the supernatural residents. A battle begins over the secret of the 9 and a prophecy is in jeopardy of becoming unfulfilled.
Winner: TURNING THE PAGES 2013 Book of the Year - Supernatural
Semi-Finalist: KINDLE BOOK REVIEW Best Indie Books Award of 2012 - Suspense/Horror
CAN YOU BARGAIN WITH THE DEAD?
Alicia was everything to Adrian Bolt; long overdue success finally afforded him the dream of taking her to Germany. They purchased Verliege Castle while vacationing. It was the perfect atmosphere for a writer. Their life took a new direction. A ghostly world lay in wait for anyone living within the walls of the castle; waiting, watching for eternity to keep the Mueller name upon its registers.
Verliege, a chilling paranormal and urban fantasy mystery, begins at Arlette Mansion in the mountains of West Virginia. Prisoner and author Adrian Bolt was transferred there accused of the brutal murder of his wife. She was found brutally murdered by an antique sword. His conviction by a German court was as swift as the sword that killed her. Adrian had not spoken since her death ...until... Dr. James Pellitere was able to break his silence.
A deal was offered to Pellitere. Travelling to Germany with a paranormal investigative team they searched for evidence that would clear Adrian and prove him innocent. While at the castle, Pellitere is confronted by the supernatural residents. A battle begins over the secret of the 9 and a prophecy is in jeopardy of becoming unfulfilled.
246 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2012
10 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
Micheal Rivers
7 books228 followersBESTSELLING SUPERNATURAL THRILLER AUTHOR
I write under my real name Micheal Baugham and use the pen name of Micheal Rivers for my fiction and non-fictional tales of the paranormal. My Cherokee heritage brings me to the spiritual nature of the world around us. Thirty years of experience investigating the paranormal has brought me to the conclusion that there is another world we do not fully understand. I weave many of the experiences into each of my supernatural stories.
Travel Channel asked me to appear as a guest on Mysteries of the Outdoors, Season 2 that originally aired in July 2017.
I'm currently working on a series detailing the lives of people involved with the side of government few have the privilege to witness. First Strike, the first in the series was released in 2018 and written under my real name, Micheal Baugham.
https://www.amazon.com/First-Strike-D...
Authors that have influenced my writing are Edgar Allen Poe, Alexandre Dumas, Henry David Thoreau, W. K. Mashburn, Jr. and Don Pendleton.
My life has been well spent growing up on the inner banks of North Carolina with extensive travel. I am the lead investigator for the Smokey Mountain Ghost Trackers. The passions in my life are my wife, family, Boxer Delilah affectionately known as DeeDee, and the great outdoors. I am a USMC veteran and served during Vietnam.
Contact me to be a guest for your book club, blog, or radio/TV show at mdbaugham@yahoo.com
Visit Micheal's website http://michealrivers.com
Follow him on Twitter https://twitter.com/micheal_rivers
Chat with him on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MichealRiver...
Smokey Mountain Ghost Trackers https://www.facebook.com/SmokeyMtnGho...
What others are saying about Micheal's books:
"...Like Gilman, Hodgson, and Lovecraft, the richness of dialog is not lacking in Rivers's prose...Rivers does not so much stand upon the shoulders of these giants as he rubs elbows with them."
- Amy K. Marshall, Staff Reviewer, Dark River Press
"...well written, completely engrossing..." - Michael Juvinall, Horror Society
"...I couldn't put the story aside..." - Mallory Heart Reviews
"...I loved this tale of undying love and dedicated friendship ... " - Tracy Riva
“Be the host to your ghost” – quote by Micheal Rivers
I write under my real name Micheal Baugham and use the pen name of Micheal Rivers for my fiction and non-fictional tales of the paranormal. My Cherokee heritage brings me to the spiritual nature of the world around us. Thirty years of experience investigating the paranormal has brought me to the conclusion that there is another world we do not fully understand. I weave many of the experiences into each of my supernatural stories.
Travel Channel asked me to appear as a guest on Mysteries of the Outdoors, Season 2 that originally aired in July 2017.
I'm currently working on a series detailing the lives of people involved with the side of government few have the privilege to witness. First Strike, the first in the series was released in 2018 and written under my real name, Micheal Baugham.
https://www.amazon.com/First-Strike-D...
Authors that have influenced my writing are Edgar Allen Poe, Alexandre Dumas, Henry David Thoreau, W. K. Mashburn, Jr. and Don Pendleton.
My life has been well spent growing up on the inner banks of North Carolina with extensive travel. I am the lead investigator for the Smokey Mountain Ghost Trackers. The passions in my life are my wife, family, Boxer Delilah affectionately known as DeeDee, and the great outdoors. I am a USMC veteran and served during Vietnam.
Contact me to be a guest for your book club, blog, or radio/TV show at mdbaugham@yahoo.com
Visit Micheal's website http://michealrivers.com
Follow him on Twitter https://twitter.com/micheal_rivers
Chat with him on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MichealRiver...
Smokey Mountain Ghost Trackers https://www.facebook.com/SmokeyMtnGho...
What others are saying about Micheal's books:
"...Like Gilman, Hodgson, and Lovecraft, the richness of dialog is not lacking in Rivers's prose...Rivers does not so much stand upon the shoulders of these giants as he rubs elbows with them."
- Amy K. Marshall, Staff Reviewer, Dark River Press
"...well written, completely engrossing..." - Michael Juvinall, Horror Society
"...I couldn't put the story aside..." - Mallory Heart Reviews
"...I loved this tale of undying love and dedicated friendship ... " - Tracy Riva
“Be the host to your ghost” – quote by Micheal Rivers
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 19, 2020
What a great ghost story! Fronted by murder and intrigue, castle Verliege is an imposing estate in rural Germany with a very dedicated husband and wife team as staff. Rumors of spirits and paranormal goings on highlight the beginning of the story, but the ghosts become the main characters in the last hundred pages. Very fulfilling ending, one I did not see coming but that just made it that much more satisfying.
May 6, 2012
Verliege by Micheal Rivers is an incredible read. I love a good ghost story, but Verliege is so much more. The book begins with the current owner of Castle Verliege recounting his tale to a psychiatrist. For me, just this section of the book alone was enthralling. River’s has a gift for description and writing in a smooth, fluid prose. I could imagine every inch of the castle and come to understand its complex and intriguing history as Adrian Bolt described it. It’s the rare writer who can accomplish this without leaving the reader feeling bogged down by too much detail.
The second part of the novel takes place at the castle itself. Instead of choosing one point of view from which to write, Rivers’ writes from several. He does this masterfully. Each character is well developed and has a strong voice, and that includes the ghosts! This adds to the twists and turns of the plot in Verliege, leaving the reader wondering who the protagonist is and who the real villains are. Everyone at the castle wants something, including its ghostly inhabitants, but just what is it they want and who’s willing to kill for it?
The combination of Rivers’ use of detail and excellent command of characterization allow the reader to suspend reality completely. I walked down every Castle passageway, felt the chill of every ghost’s approach, and saw sacred symbols in my head. Micheal Rivers’ Verliege is part history, part ghost story, and part whodunit. It will keep you on your toes, delight your senses and whisk you away into another world!
The second part of the novel takes place at the castle itself. Instead of choosing one point of view from which to write, Rivers’ writes from several. He does this masterfully. Each character is well developed and has a strong voice, and that includes the ghosts! This adds to the twists and turns of the plot in Verliege, leaving the reader wondering who the protagonist is and who the real villains are. Everyone at the castle wants something, including its ghostly inhabitants, but just what is it they want and who’s willing to kill for it?
The combination of Rivers’ use of detail and excellent command of characterization allow the reader to suspend reality completely. I walked down every Castle passageway, felt the chill of every ghost’s approach, and saw sacred symbols in my head. Micheal Rivers’ Verliege is part history, part ghost story, and part whodunit. It will keep you on your toes, delight your senses and whisk you away into another world!
September 1, 2012
I haven't read a good ghost story in a long time. I'm excited to say I finally found one in VERLIEGE by Micheal Rivers, but don't be fooled, it's so much more than that!
The first part of this novel is told by Adrian Bolt to his doctor James Pellitere. Adrian is accused of killing his wife and refuses to not only tell his side of the story, but to talk at all until he meets James.
The tale he tells is beyond creepy. I'm not one for spoilers so I'll only say that Adrian and his wife are haunted from the time they first step onto the grounds at Castle Verliege. This section ends with a twist that I definitely didn't see coming and couldn't help but turn the page to see how it would all turn out.
The second part takes us with James and a group of researchers to the castle itself. That's when things go from creepy to downright spine-tingling.
Rivers real art throughout this novel is in keeping the reader guessing on who the protagonist is. Even after I finished, I'm still not sure if there was one. The fact that I'm still trying to figure it out shows you how good this novel is.
I'm truly looking forward to reading more from this amazing author. A must read for thriller and paranormal readers!
The first part of this novel is told by Adrian Bolt to his doctor James Pellitere. Adrian is accused of killing his wife and refuses to not only tell his side of the story, but to talk at all until he meets James.
The tale he tells is beyond creepy. I'm not one for spoilers so I'll only say that Adrian and his wife are haunted from the time they first step onto the grounds at Castle Verliege. This section ends with a twist that I definitely didn't see coming and couldn't help but turn the page to see how it would all turn out.
The second part takes us with James and a group of researchers to the castle itself. That's when things go from creepy to downright spine-tingling.
Rivers real art throughout this novel is in keeping the reader guessing on who the protagonist is. Even after I finished, I'm still not sure if there was one. The fact that I'm still trying to figure it out shows you how good this novel is.
I'm truly looking forward to reading more from this amazing author. A must read for thriller and paranormal readers!
November 20, 2020
Can you bargain with the dead? That’s the big question.
Historian Adrian Bolt, owner of a German castle, is convicted of murdering his wife, Alicia. Maintaining his innocence throughout, he tells psychologist James Pellitere of the strange occurrences within the castle and on its grounds. As the supernatural takes hold of Alicia, her personality changes and she is hardly the same person at the time of her death. Soon after relaying his story to psychologist James Pellitere, Adrian dies a mysterious death.
Pellitere is commissioned to travel to the castle and investigate the matter, and as with Adrian, experiences strange happenings. As Pelltiere methodically uncovers the castle’s dark history, spirits grow angrier and bolder. Conflict arises not only between man and spirit, but among the spirits themselves, culminating in a final battle.
It seems that all too often, horror, gore, and ghosts are synonymous in the genre of paranormal, so I found Verliege a nice departure from the norm. I’m partial to psychological intrigue and appreciate the manner in which the spirits were represented - as three-dimensional characters (spiritually speaking, that is) rather than spirits who simply possess and kill people without rhyme or reason just for the shock value.
Verliege is a good paranormal thriller and I enjoyed following Pellitere’s investigation as he lures the reader ever deeper into the mystery. That being said, I thought the dialogue a little too formal was at times, but certainly not to the point of being a distraction.
I would certainly recommend this book, particularly for those who enjoy mysteries and the paranormal without the blood and guts.
Historian Adrian Bolt, owner of a German castle, is convicted of murdering his wife, Alicia. Maintaining his innocence throughout, he tells psychologist James Pellitere of the strange occurrences within the castle and on its grounds. As the supernatural takes hold of Alicia, her personality changes and she is hardly the same person at the time of her death. Soon after relaying his story to psychologist James Pellitere, Adrian dies a mysterious death.
Pellitere is commissioned to travel to the castle and investigate the matter, and as with Adrian, experiences strange happenings. As Pelltiere methodically uncovers the castle’s dark history, spirits grow angrier and bolder. Conflict arises not only between man and spirit, but among the spirits themselves, culminating in a final battle.
It seems that all too often, horror, gore, and ghosts are synonymous in the genre of paranormal, so I found Verliege a nice departure from the norm. I’m partial to psychological intrigue and appreciate the manner in which the spirits were represented - as three-dimensional characters (spiritually speaking, that is) rather than spirits who simply possess and kill people without rhyme or reason just for the shock value.
Verliege is a good paranormal thriller and I enjoyed following Pellitere’s investigation as he lures the reader ever deeper into the mystery. That being said, I thought the dialogue a little too formal was at times, but certainly not to the point of being a distraction.
I would certainly recommend this book, particularly for those who enjoy mysteries and the paranormal without the blood and guts.
August 21, 2015
The reader initially believes the story to be focused around the psychologist who is treating a man imprisoned for the murder of his wife. The man describes his experiences living in a haunted castle, and his interactions with the ghosts of the castle. While the reader believes the story to be focused on this psychologist, the plot unfolds into something much bigger, much greater, with dark and light.
This story is fast-moving, and it completely catches you off-guard time and time again. It is interesting, creative, and intriguing. It is dark, but it ends on a positive note, and I felt satisfied with the ending.
The only thing that could have been better is a more in-depth explanation of how Weis is connected with the Druids and the inhabitants of the house. I would have also liked to find out what happens to the housekeeper and the groundskeeper, as it seems they were instrumental in the story, but are not included in the ending.
There are scary scenes, and some macabre. There is one sex scene and rare use of bad language (I think only the f-word is used one time). It touches on religion and God a bit also. I would allow my 18+ teens to read the story.
I do recommend the book for those of you who like stories with a paranormal twist.
This story is fast-moving, and it completely catches you off-guard time and time again. It is interesting, creative, and intriguing. It is dark, but it ends on a positive note, and I felt satisfied with the ending.
The only thing that could have been better is a more in-depth explanation of how Weis is connected with the Druids and the inhabitants of the house. I would have also liked to find out what happens to the housekeeper and the groundskeeper, as it seems they were instrumental in the story, but are not included in the ending.
There are scary scenes, and some macabre. There is one sex scene and rare use of bad language (I think only the f-word is used one time). It touches on religion and God a bit also. I would allow my 18+ teens to read the story.
I do recommend the book for those of you who like stories with a paranormal twist.
April 19, 2012
Verliege had me hooked from the beginning. I love a good ghost story & this one, by Michael Rivers, kept me thinking about it even when I was not reading it. Between reads I could not wait to get back to see what was going to happen next. The story kept me in constant suspense. The details made everything seem so real, as if I was actually in the old haunted castle swept back in time with the occupants and the ghosts. It was like no other ghost story i have read before. The story had detailed descriptions of scenes, the castle, furnishings, landscape, etc., but there was also the twist of the occupants living among the ghosts as if it were normal, for a while, that made me think " this could really be happening somewhere".
The ghosts felt as real as the people. Each character (ghosts included) had his/or her own little story and part to play in this ever twisting roller coaster ride. I have a thing for ghost stories and castles, antique furnishings etc. and this story really keeps me thinking about it even after I finished reading. One important thing I think I missed... Who was the affair with? Should I just assume? Lol. Yes, there is greed, murder, ghosts, secrecy, cover ups, government involvement, heroes, non believers, good, suspense, bad, evil, love, and even an affair. This story had it all.
This is the second Michael Rivers book I have read, and it was very different than the first (Moonlight). Mr. Rivers has a real talent for painting a crystal clear picture with his words. The fact that the two books were so different, but amazing in their own way, makes me want to read more of his work to see how, or if he can top this one. GREAT READ!
The ghosts felt as real as the people. Each character (ghosts included) had his/or her own little story and part to play in this ever twisting roller coaster ride. I have a thing for ghost stories and castles, antique furnishings etc. and this story really keeps me thinking about it even after I finished reading. One important thing I think I missed... Who was the affair with? Should I just assume? Lol. Yes, there is greed, murder, ghosts, secrecy, cover ups, government involvement, heroes, non believers, good, suspense, bad, evil, love, and even an affair. This story had it all.
This is the second Michael Rivers book I have read, and it was very different than the first (Moonlight). Mr. Rivers has a real talent for painting a crystal clear picture with his words. The fact that the two books were so different, but amazing in their own way, makes me want to read more of his work to see how, or if he can top this one. GREAT READ!
September 13, 2012
This fantastic book by Micheal Rivers gripped me from the very first page and would not let go of me! It begins with Adrian Bolt (who is accused of murdering his wife)confiding to his doctor James Pellitere. After two years of complete silence he tells the unbelievable story of Verliege.
The story is a very chilling one, Castle Verliege is haunted and the spirits inside of the castle took hold of Adrian's wife from the moment she took her first step into the castle. There is an incredible twist that not only took me by surprise, but had me ignoring my house phone for over an hour until I could finally drag myself away from this gripping story!
About half way through the story, it takes on a whole new direction which intrigued me further, James Pellitree assigns a team to go and stay at the castle in search of the truth. This is where it turns beyond chilling to a whole new level of fear...
Wow this really was one of those unforgettable stories I am so pleased I bought. The authors style of writing flows like water and draws the reader in from the offset. It keeps you wondering all the way through and really keeps your mind ticking over. Pure Genius! Well done to the author on a superb book. I will most definitely be reading more of his work...
The second part takes us with James and a group of researchers to the castle itself. That's when things go from creepy to downright spine-tingling.
Rivers real art throughout this novel is in keeping the reader guessing on who the protagonist is. Even after I finished, I'm still not sure if there was one. The fact that I'm still trying to f
The story is a very chilling one, Castle Verliege is haunted and the spirits inside of the castle took hold of Adrian's wife from the moment she took her first step into the castle. There is an incredible twist that not only took me by surprise, but had me ignoring my house phone for over an hour until I could finally drag myself away from this gripping story!
About half way through the story, it takes on a whole new direction which intrigued me further, James Pellitree assigns a team to go and stay at the castle in search of the truth. This is where it turns beyond chilling to a whole new level of fear...
Wow this really was one of those unforgettable stories I am so pleased I bought. The authors style of writing flows like water and draws the reader in from the offset. It keeps you wondering all the way through and really keeps your mind ticking over. Pure Genius! Well done to the author on a superb book. I will most definitely be reading more of his work...
The second part takes us with James and a group of researchers to the castle itself. That's when things go from creepy to downright spine-tingling.
Rivers real art throughout this novel is in keeping the reader guessing on who the protagonist is. Even after I finished, I'm still not sure if there was one. The fact that I'm still trying to f
April 14, 2012
VERLIEGE is a fine paranormal thriller in which both the people and the ghosts are seldom what they appear.
Michael Rivers’ novel divides into two basic parts. In part one, a psychiatrist travels to a secret American prison to meet with a convicted murderer. In the course of his treatment, the doctor is able to draw out the man’s story, which borders on madness.
Rivers uses a technique in this first section that reminded me of the early chapters of THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATOO. He has the convict tell the story in a long, uninterrupted narrative. The style of the narrator’s prose has an intentionally archaic sound to it, which adds to the mystery of the novel’s set up.
Because the doctor believes his patient’s fantastic story, he finds himself in the second part of the book on a journey to Castle Verliege in Germany. There he hopes to uncover the true facts of the murder. Soon the doctor and his team of investigators discover that the castle harbors generations of ghosts who have their own agendas.
We see the story through the eyes of many participants, human and ghostly. Until the last page, we feel there is something yet to come, a mystery still unrevealed.
Because the apparitions retain their human emotions, they teach us that treachery is a universal pastime. They also remind us that it is the nature of a scorpion to sting.
Those who enjoy paranormal adventures should take a look at this book.
I reviewed this book as part of the Read and Review team at World Literary Café. Although I received a free review copy, I also purchased the book from the Kindle store.
Michael Rivers’ novel divides into two basic parts. In part one, a psychiatrist travels to a secret American prison to meet with a convicted murderer. In the course of his treatment, the doctor is able to draw out the man’s story, which borders on madness.
Rivers uses a technique in this first section that reminded me of the early chapters of THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATOO. He has the convict tell the story in a long, uninterrupted narrative. The style of the narrator’s prose has an intentionally archaic sound to it, which adds to the mystery of the novel’s set up.
Because the doctor believes his patient’s fantastic story, he finds himself in the second part of the book on a journey to Castle Verliege in Germany. There he hopes to uncover the true facts of the murder. Soon the doctor and his team of investigators discover that the castle harbors generations of ghosts who have their own agendas.
We see the story through the eyes of many participants, human and ghostly. Until the last page, we feel there is something yet to come, a mystery still unrevealed.
Because the apparitions retain their human emotions, they teach us that treachery is a universal pastime. They also remind us that it is the nature of a scorpion to sting.
Those who enjoy paranormal adventures should take a look at this book.
I reviewed this book as part of the Read and Review team at World Literary Café. Although I received a free review copy, I also purchased the book from the Kindle store.
April 16, 2012
This is the second book I've read my this author. I really enjoyed the other book, so I was anxious to see if he could capture me again... Yes, yes he could!
There are all kinds of twists and turns to this book, and the story moves along at a good, fast pace. I often find with a story of this type, authors get bogged down in telling the back story, and how it relates to the current story, the story line suffers for it. That didn't happen with this book. The reader is given the information that is needed, but it's worked into the story line so well that you never feel as though the story has slowed down! Every bit of information is something that answers a question, or sets the scenario for the next plot point.
The characters are interesting (all of them!), and they all have a story to tell. The twists and turns come fast, and even when the you think you know what's coming next, it's never quite what you think it's going to be. The ending took me totally by surprise, of all the things I expected, that wasn't one of them!
Verliege is a fun, entertaining, interesting read, and I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys the genre, and loves a good story. This is one author that is on my to read list. I look forward to future stories by Mr Rivers!
There are all kinds of twists and turns to this book, and the story moves along at a good, fast pace. I often find with a story of this type, authors get bogged down in telling the back story, and how it relates to the current story, the story line suffers for it. That didn't happen with this book. The reader is given the information that is needed, but it's worked into the story line so well that you never feel as though the story has slowed down! Every bit of information is something that answers a question, or sets the scenario for the next plot point.
The characters are interesting (all of them!), and they all have a story to tell. The twists and turns come fast, and even when the you think you know what's coming next, it's never quite what you think it's going to be. The ending took me totally by surprise, of all the things I expected, that wasn't one of them!
Verliege is a fun, entertaining, interesting read, and I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys the genre, and loves a good story. This is one author that is on my to read list. I look forward to future stories by Mr Rivers!
April 8, 2012
I read this book for the author. The book sounded interesting and it did not disappoint. This book is nothing like anything I've ever read before.
I was hooked on the book from the very first page. I wondered what was Aiden's story. Did he really kill his wife? The truth is something I never saw coming. To be honest this book was written so beautifully and with such vivid imagination that I never saw any of the twists or turns coming. It was amazing to read.
The author has such a vivid imagination and a gifted way to get his story across. I saw everything play out in my mind just as the words described. It was like being there.
I would love to visit a castle. Think of all the history that is within those walls. Life was so different than it is today.
I was hooked on the book from the very first page. I wondered what was Aiden's story. Did he really kill his wife? The truth is something I never saw coming. To be honest this book was written so beautifully and with such vivid imagination that I never saw any of the twists or turns coming. It was amazing to read.
The author has such a vivid imagination and a gifted way to get his story across. I saw everything play out in my mind just as the words described. It was like being there.
I would love to visit a castle. Think of all the history that is within those walls. Life was so different than it is today.
April 6, 2012
Some things are better left alone. Secrets are better left buried. Sometimes greed and curiosity will cause you to loose your life, or take a life. Micheal Rivers's Verliege is a short tale but will leave you feeling like you just finished a 300+ page novel. A spooky ghost story of a read, quite a few times I would have goosebumps all up my arms. Rivers's writing is so descriptive you will feel like you are there, in the story, watching as every single person who walks through those castle doors has their life changed forever. This is the third book I have read by Rivers, and is quite possibly my favorite. Fans of a good ghost story will LOVE Verliege. Don't try to figure out the story ahead of time. Be patient and enjoy the read!
April 6, 2012
Review posted on Amazon from TKSwann
Michael Rivers has done it again with Verliege. This book grabbed me with the first paragraph and although I have since finsished it, I feel as though I am still being held. You will think you know the direction the book is taking, but Michael has cleverly inserted paths to lead you down that you are unaware of until you're on them. You will feel like a character from the book, not knowing what's coming next. Your intelligence will not help you here, you cannot figure out what twists and turns Michael has in store for you, you must trust him and let him lead you. Michael, this is the best one yet, keep writing and entertaining us all.
Michael Rivers has done it again with Verliege. This book grabbed me with the first paragraph and although I have since finsished it, I feel as though I am still being held. You will think you know the direction the book is taking, but Michael has cleverly inserted paths to lead you down that you are unaware of until you're on them. You will feel like a character from the book, not knowing what's coming next. Your intelligence will not help you here, you cannot figure out what twists and turns Michael has in store for you, you must trust him and let him lead you. Michael, this is the best one yet, keep writing and entertaining us all.
June 8, 2012
I enjoyed this book very much even though I usually do not read thrillers. I do believe in ghost and hope most of them are nicer than the ghosts in this novel. I had wanted several of the characters to be the hero in the story but I am not sure any lived up to what I would call a hero. Each character was written very well and you either like them or you hate them. I understand the author Micheal Rivers is no stranger to ghosts and I read more novels by this author you can count on it. If I could change the rating icon I would make it 5 BIG Castles, Nicely done Micheal Rivers.
December 3, 2013
I think this book is an excellent example of a Paranormal Mystery. It has a whodunit factor - the question is was it human or spirit?
Dr. James Pellitere was visiting his patients at a unique sanatorium. He met and heard Adrian Bolt's story. After which he became entangled in a series of events that had him visiting Verliege for himself.
If you love Paranormal and/or Mystery books then I highly recommend Verliege. Warning: you might not want to read it in a haunted building.
Dr. James Pellitere was visiting his patients at a unique sanatorium. He met and heard Adrian Bolt's story. After which he became entangled in a series of events that had him visiting Verliege for himself.
If you love Paranormal and/or Mystery books then I highly recommend Verliege. Warning: you might not want to read it in a haunted building.
September 5, 2013
When Dr. James Pellitere arrives at Arlette Mansion, a federal prison, his patient, Adrian Bolt refuses to speak. After all, his wife is dead - Bolt stands convicted. After James wins Adrian's trust, what follows is an incredible ghost story from a castle in Germany - Verliege. Gathering a team of experts, James sets out to prove Adrian's innocence - and in the process encounters generations of Ghostly occupants. Great story expertly told.
January 15, 2014
This is a rather weird ghost story. It starts off as a "who did it" murder mystery with the possibility that the murderer is a ghost. This seemed promising so I kept reading but now I wish I hadn't. I think the author was trying to combine a ghost story with political intrigue and druidism but it just became an abomination. At the end of it I was left scratching my head wondering what the hell it was that I just read.
November 24, 2012
Wow this was such an amazing book! Micheal Rivers is such a talented writer and this story will take you on a journey from the first page! Wow! Loved it !
September 21, 2020
A book with a lot of potential to be an excellent chiller, this haunted castle story somehow missed the mark for me. Still, it has some good scares and overall I think the majority of readers will be entertained. But for my taste, I found it mediocre at best.
The biggest issues I had lay squarely in the writing style. Rivers prefers very choppy sentences that each convey a singular point rather than a variety of different structures tailored to the complexity of the narrative action or the need to create pleasing, flowing prose. Thus, his book often felt like it was being read aloud by a fourth grader. Also, despite the simplicity of the storytelling, he sometimes forgot to qualify his sentences so that the reader would not get lost. So when more than one male character is on the scene, it was difficult to know which "he" to which the author was referring. Sometimes characters ended up going places or doing things that Rivers forgot to mention or clarify. A minor example was when the owner of the castle Verliege finds some jewels, he enlists the services of an appraiser. Rivers states that the appraiser seemed less interested in the jewels than he was getting out of the castle. I didn't know he was even in the castle in the first place! So that meant that the jewler was invited to the castle to do the appraisal I guess. Another example is when a character shows up in a scene badly bruised directly after saving his love interest from being strangled by a spectral assailant. I thought at first that his injuries were from getting pummeled by the ghost during the rescue, but no. Evidently, a further physical encounter occurred "off-screen" that was unrelated and left him all beaten up. This is done so subtlety and abruptly that I kept going back to the rescue scene to see how the character could have gotten hurt. If you are a speedy reader, you will easily and quickly not know what is going on.
The first third of the book consists entirely of a psychiatrist listening to a patient, who has been accused of brutally murdering his wife in the castle Verliege, tell the story about how he came to purchase the castle and the subsequent hauntings he experienced. The narration here is very dry and dull, which is not a great way to engage the reader early on, and so I found this to be an awkward stylistic choice. Things pick up by the middle of the book when the psychiatrist forms a team to investigate the castle, but then it starts to feel like a budget knock-off of "Hell House."
"But Warren, you who ghoulishly devour all manner of ghostly delights," I hear you ask, "is it scary?" Well, yes. Sort of. You see, people read ghost stories to feel that certain chill down the spine that I believe tales of haunted houses and cosmic horror deliver so well. It is the unknowable Thing that darts across the edge of your vision, or which whispers in your ear when no one is there, or blows out the candle by the bed, or which growls from out of the pitch darkness. Rivers tries to create a bit of that spooky tension here, but just like his choppy sentences, he fails to linger there for a while, letting his readers build up that tension for the glorious release at the end.
So much for "Verliege." If you think you've gotten close to reading every ghost story there is, but still haven't discovered this one, give it a try.
The biggest issues I had lay squarely in the writing style. Rivers prefers very choppy sentences that each convey a singular point rather than a variety of different structures tailored to the complexity of the narrative action or the need to create pleasing, flowing prose. Thus, his book often felt like it was being read aloud by a fourth grader. Also, despite the simplicity of the storytelling, he sometimes forgot to qualify his sentences so that the reader would not get lost. So when more than one male character is on the scene, it was difficult to know which "he" to which the author was referring. Sometimes characters ended up going places or doing things that Rivers forgot to mention or clarify. A minor example was when the owner of the castle Verliege finds some jewels, he enlists the services of an appraiser. Rivers states that the appraiser seemed less interested in the jewels than he was getting out of the castle. I didn't know he was even in the castle in the first place! So that meant that the jewler was invited to the castle to do the appraisal I guess. Another example is when a character shows up in a scene badly bruised directly after saving his love interest from being strangled by a spectral assailant. I thought at first that his injuries were from getting pummeled by the ghost during the rescue, but no. Evidently, a further physical encounter occurred "off-screen" that was unrelated and left him all beaten up. This is done so subtlety and abruptly that I kept going back to the rescue scene to see how the character could have gotten hurt. If you are a speedy reader, you will easily and quickly not know what is going on.
The first third of the book consists entirely of a psychiatrist listening to a patient, who has been accused of brutally murdering his wife in the castle Verliege, tell the story about how he came to purchase the castle and the subsequent hauntings he experienced. The narration here is very dry and dull, which is not a great way to engage the reader early on, and so I found this to be an awkward stylistic choice. Things pick up by the middle of the book when the psychiatrist forms a team to investigate the castle, but then it starts to feel like a budget knock-off of "Hell House."
"But Warren, you who ghoulishly devour all manner of ghostly delights," I hear you ask, "is it scary?" Well, yes. Sort of. You see, people read ghost stories to feel that certain chill down the spine that I believe tales of haunted houses and cosmic horror deliver so well. It is the unknowable Thing that darts across the edge of your vision, or which whispers in your ear when no one is there, or blows out the candle by the bed, or which growls from out of the pitch darkness. Rivers tries to create a bit of that spooky tension here, but just like his choppy sentences, he fails to linger there for a while, letting his readers build up that tension for the glorious release at the end.
So much for "Verliege." If you think you've gotten close to reading every ghost story there is, but still haven't discovered this one, give it a try.
October 10, 2022
Excellent
This book is a wonderful read from start to finish. Read this book in a day.
It's about living in a castle filled with ghost and one evil ghost by the name of Devoya.
If you like an exciting book then this is for you. Starts with love then murder and the husband starts the tale but then there's a few surprises. Please read you won't be disappointed.
This book is a wonderful read from start to finish. Read this book in a day.
It's about living in a castle filled with ghost and one evil ghost by the name of Devoya.
If you like an exciting book then this is for you. Starts with love then murder and the husband starts the tale but then there's a few surprises. Please read you won't be disappointed.
July 9, 2017
Hard Reading With A Tight Plot
The books is tightly written and has quite an in depth plot. I guarantee this read is more then you bargained for.
The books is tightly written and has quite an in depth plot. I guarantee this read is more then you bargained for.
May 23, 2021
This is a fast moving novel that draws you in very early on.
October 6, 2021
What started out as an intriguing haunted castle mystery turned into a giant mess. It feels like a different person took over the writing about halfway through.
January 30, 2013
It was something I approached unawares. I think I started the journey around 8 o’clock that night. As Adrian Bolt’s tale began to unfold, it appeared as though time stopped, except that it was well past midnight when I chanced a glance at the clock again.
In a nutshell, Dr. James Pellitere, a psychiatrist of some renown finds himself on the grounds of Arlette Mansion—a sanitarium of sorts—faced with the baffling case of one Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian Adrian Bolt, accused of the brutal slaying of his wife at the castle of Verliege, their newly acquired home in Germany. Not a victim of post-traumatic stress disorder or some catatonic fit, Adrian Bolt has merely chosen to not speak of the events surrounding the death of his wife. The problem is, he isn’t saying anything about anything at all. His lack of defense results in his conviction on the charges and subsequent incarceration at Arlette. It is Dr. Pellitere’s job to attempt to wring something—anything from the silent historian.
He does.
The story woven by Bolt (and Rivers) is so believable that any assertion that the reader has to try to suspend any disbelief is nonsense. We do believe, and even though Adrian admonishes Pellitere (and us) that we should reserve judgment until the story has reached its conclusion, we all agree that everything that leaves his lips is not only plausible, but the God’s truth.
I was reminded of Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper” (1892) and William Hope Hodgson’s accounting of the final voyage of the Mortzestus (1909), and the telling of Lovecraft’s “The Statement of Randolph Carter” (1919). Such is the narrative of this in comparison with these types of confessional stories. Like Gilman, Hodgson, and Lovecraft, the richness of dialog is not lacking in Rivers’s prose. The creatures of Verliege have some similarities with Tim Powers’s nephilim in The Stress of Her Regard, but without the vampiric tendencies. I hope the reader realizes that I am tossing out these comparisons to illustrate the depth of craft honed in Verliege. Rivers does not so much stand upon the shoulders of these giants as he rubs elbows with them.
I am loathe to give much detail of the story as it progresses because the twists and turns are all part of the charm and the fun of it (in a scary way, if that is your definition of fun). It does progress, rapidly, and the pacing is just in line for an excellent story of a haunting. Not overly graphic or exploitatively gruesome, it uses gore when necessary, but in such few words that Mr. Rivers believes his audience has good imaginations. That is refreshing because so many authors forget that. Sometimes the terror is in what is not said rather than what is said.
If you’re looking for a well-crafted, spooky, unsettling tale for a wind-swept night, look no further. Verliege has just what you’re after.
In a nutshell, Dr. James Pellitere, a psychiatrist of some renown finds himself on the grounds of Arlette Mansion—a sanitarium of sorts—faced with the baffling case of one Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian Adrian Bolt, accused of the brutal slaying of his wife at the castle of Verliege, their newly acquired home in Germany. Not a victim of post-traumatic stress disorder or some catatonic fit, Adrian Bolt has merely chosen to not speak of the events surrounding the death of his wife. The problem is, he isn’t saying anything about anything at all. His lack of defense results in his conviction on the charges and subsequent incarceration at Arlette. It is Dr. Pellitere’s job to attempt to wring something—anything from the silent historian.
He does.
The story woven by Bolt (and Rivers) is so believable that any assertion that the reader has to try to suspend any disbelief is nonsense. We do believe, and even though Adrian admonishes Pellitere (and us) that we should reserve judgment until the story has reached its conclusion, we all agree that everything that leaves his lips is not only plausible, but the God’s truth.
I was reminded of Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper” (1892) and William Hope Hodgson’s accounting of the final voyage of the Mortzestus (1909), and the telling of Lovecraft’s “The Statement of Randolph Carter” (1919). Such is the narrative of this in comparison with these types of confessional stories. Like Gilman, Hodgson, and Lovecraft, the richness of dialog is not lacking in Rivers’s prose. The creatures of Verliege have some similarities with Tim Powers’s nephilim in The Stress of Her Regard, but without the vampiric tendencies. I hope the reader realizes that I am tossing out these comparisons to illustrate the depth of craft honed in Verliege. Rivers does not so much stand upon the shoulders of these giants as he rubs elbows with them.
I am loathe to give much detail of the story as it progresses because the twists and turns are all part of the charm and the fun of it (in a scary way, if that is your definition of fun). It does progress, rapidly, and the pacing is just in line for an excellent story of a haunting. Not overly graphic or exploitatively gruesome, it uses gore when necessary, but in such few words that Mr. Rivers believes his audience has good imaginations. That is refreshing because so many authors forget that. Sometimes the terror is in what is not said rather than what is said.
If you’re looking for a well-crafted, spooky, unsettling tale for a wind-swept night, look no further. Verliege has just what you’re after.
April 27, 2012
In compliance with FTC guidelines, I disclose that I received this book for free from the author, as a followup to winning a contest through Goodreads First Reads. That being said, I found Verliege to be a fascinating book, from beginning to end. I can't wait to see the movie; the special effects will be fantastic! (Is anybody in Hollywood reading this?) I'm not really sure how to classify this book. Although it is loaded with ghosts, it is definitely not a Horror composition. While it relies heavily on historical times, it really isn't a Historical Fiction, either. The only classification that really fits is, it's a Fascinating Fiction! That may not be a recognized category, but the powers that be may have to consider it as such, after they read Verliege. It begins with a psychiatrist meeting with a convicted killer, at the behest of his friend, a Senator. The client, who is housed in an extravagant, secluded prison for important prisoners, has not spoken a single word since his arrest. When this psychiatrist comes into his room, he begins telling his story, prefacing it by telling the doctor he will only be further convinced the man is insane after hearing the story. Over several days events transpire, leading the doctor to assemble a team of specialists to travel to the German castle where the murder occurred, to try finding answers to the many questions left unanswered by the trial. As everybody knows, all old castles are haunted, and this one is no exception. Therein lies the tale, and I'd only spoil it for you to tell much more. This not only is a great book, it also seems to be a pretty good study of human nature. I highly recommend this book. I also have to add, this is not the first book I've read that Micheal Rivers wrote, and I feel confident in recommending anything written by him. He's a remarkable author.
September 30, 2012
Micheal Rivers novel, Verliege, I found engaging and difficult to put down. As usual, life interfered with me reading this in a couple of sittings.
In the story, Author Adrian Bolt and his wife, Alicia buy a castle in the town of Verliege in Germany. After living there several years, Alicia is found murdered. Since Adrian was the only one home at the time, he is convicted of her murder and sent to private seclusion in the Arlette Mansion in West Virginia to be treated by Psychiatrist Dr. James Pellitere.
James gets Adrian to talk to him, the first time he’s talked to anyone since the murder, about his experiences while living in Verliege. He tells stories of living among ghosts that inhabited the castle and their history from the time the castle was built hundreds of years ago. These tales take James to Verliege to investigate.
There are a couple of interesting twists to this story that makes this more than a paranormal/ghost/mystery story. Each of these twists was unexpected by this reader.
I couldn’t give this book a five star rating for a couple of reasons. I didn’t find a strong emotional connection to the characters. This may possibly be because it is written occasionally in an omniscience point of view. Some of the time it stuck to a third person limited point of view. My preference first or third person limit point of view that the author gets deep in character’s head.
The other reason was the protagonist shifted from James, to another character towards the end of the book. This shift as the story as plotted needed to happen. Yet it came as a surprise making this reader wonder if it’d shift back to James.
Regardless of those issues, I enjoyed this book. There’s a preview of The Black Witch at the end of the book that will make me buy and read that book soon.
In the story, Author Adrian Bolt and his wife, Alicia buy a castle in the town of Verliege in Germany. After living there several years, Alicia is found murdered. Since Adrian was the only one home at the time, he is convicted of her murder and sent to private seclusion in the Arlette Mansion in West Virginia to be treated by Psychiatrist Dr. James Pellitere.
James gets Adrian to talk to him, the first time he’s talked to anyone since the murder, about his experiences while living in Verliege. He tells stories of living among ghosts that inhabited the castle and their history from the time the castle was built hundreds of years ago. These tales take James to Verliege to investigate.
There are a couple of interesting twists to this story that makes this more than a paranormal/ghost/mystery story. Each of these twists was unexpected by this reader.
I couldn’t give this book a five star rating for a couple of reasons. I didn’t find a strong emotional connection to the characters. This may possibly be because it is written occasionally in an omniscience point of view. Some of the time it stuck to a third person limited point of view. My preference first or third person limit point of view that the author gets deep in character’s head.
The other reason was the protagonist shifted from James, to another character towards the end of the book. This shift as the story as plotted needed to happen. Yet it came as a surprise making this reader wonder if it’d shift back to James.
Regardless of those issues, I enjoyed this book. There’s a preview of The Black Witch at the end of the book that will make me buy and read that book soon.
April 27, 2015
I'm not prone to reading ghost stories, but Michael's premise intrigued me. The tale unfolds from the mysteriously built Arlette Mansion, built to hose those whose crimes were worthy of prison, but whose money could buy them a more comfortable place than the typical concrete cell block. Adrian Bolt, I love this mane by the way, is at once a hypnotic and auspicious character. Having not spoken to anyone since his wife's demise. So his motives for opening up to the Doctor, James Pellitere is immediately called into question by me.
Adrian tells a tale of spirits converging on his home in the castle of Verlige. Taking to talking to them he and his wife are instantly victims as well as friends to some of them. His wife even going so far as to seem to be in a romantic relationship with one! The ligistics of that boggles the mind!!
James listens intently to Adrian's telling of the goings on in the castle. Tales of murder and intrigue at the hands of the ghosts themselves. Some while they were alive and others fro beyond the grave. Adrian puts it to James to go and prove the tales he has told and James takes himself to Germany to do just that.
This is when things really get weird. But I'm not going to give the story away. you need to read it for yourself. The images and the characters are well written and instantly transport you back to a world that is rich, and filled with betrayal and copious amounts of murder.
Go ahead give it a try. I dare you!
Adrian tells a tale of spirits converging on his home in the castle of Verlige. Taking to talking to them he and his wife are instantly victims as well as friends to some of them. His wife even going so far as to seem to be in a romantic relationship with one! The ligistics of that boggles the mind!!
James listens intently to Adrian's telling of the goings on in the castle. Tales of murder and intrigue at the hands of the ghosts themselves. Some while they were alive and others fro beyond the grave. Adrian puts it to James to go and prove the tales he has told and James takes himself to Germany to do just that.
This is when things really get weird. But I'm not going to give the story away. you need to read it for yourself. The images and the characters are well written and instantly transport you back to a world that is rich, and filled with betrayal and copious amounts of murder.
Go ahead give it a try. I dare you!
June 17, 2012
I had a hard time rating this book. I rated this 4 stars because it was good. I didn't love it. I certainly didn't hate it.
It started out strong. Adrian telling the story to his doctor. It was spooky and mysterious. I thought for a while that Adrian was a ghost himself but I was just trying too hard to figure out the plot ahead of time. The end of Adrian's part of the book was a shock and made me ready for part 2. I was looking forward to seeing the haunted castle through the doctors eyes. Was Adrian crazy? Had he imagined it all? No. It was real and creepy as hell. Vengeful ghosts, ulterior motives by many of the humans, a castle with a mysterious history and tons of secrets - all makes for a good read.
Negatives: I was confused as to why James was assigned to prove Adrian's innocence and find out what really happened to his wife when he himself was suspected of a murder. Once the doctor, James, and his team of ghost hunters and crime solvers and the money man/liaison got there the writing style changed too much. James' personality changed completely and there was no real explanation. It was the same with the others on the team. The ending was too abrupt.
Positives: It was a ghost story that gave me the shivers. I had to finish the book to find out what happened. I finished it even when I had others on my list I was ready to get to. That is the sign of a good book. It was exciting and a lot happens to push the reader to go further and further into the book.
It started out strong. Adrian telling the story to his doctor. It was spooky and mysterious. I thought for a while that Adrian was a ghost himself but I was just trying too hard to figure out the plot ahead of time. The end of Adrian's part of the book was a shock and made me ready for part 2. I was looking forward to seeing the haunted castle through the doctors eyes. Was Adrian crazy? Had he imagined it all? No. It was real and creepy as hell. Vengeful ghosts, ulterior motives by many of the humans, a castle with a mysterious history and tons of secrets - all makes for a good read.
Negatives: I was confused as to why James was assigned to prove Adrian's innocence and find out what really happened to his wife when he himself was suspected of a murder. Once the doctor, James, and his team of ghost hunters and crime solvers and the money man/liaison got there the writing style changed too much. James' personality changed completely and there was no real explanation. It was the same with the others on the team. The ending was too abrupt.
Positives: It was a ghost story that gave me the shivers. I had to finish the book to find out what happened. I finished it even when I had others on my list I was ready to get to. That is the sign of a good book. It was exciting and a lot happens to push the reader to go further and further into the book.
December 20, 2012
Review of Verliege by Micheal Rivers
5 stars
“Verliege” is a fast-paced Supernatural mystery/thriller which keeps readers simultaneously intrigued and guessing “What’s next?” Focusing on a German castle built very early In the 17th century, and the American couple which comes to possess (and be possessed by) it, the story will have readers checking over their shoulders and listening for strange, unexpected, footsteps and voices. The cliché is: “If something is too good to be true-often it isn’t true.” Adrian and Alicia tour a beautiful ancient German castle, nestled above a tiny anachronistic village, and Alicia falls in love with it. Discovering they can buy it for only $300,000 American (unbelievable!), they purchase it, and historian Adrian sets about discovering the secrets of the castle, both through research and by questioning a devoted groundskeeper-caretaker. As days pass, it becomes apparent that Alicia also has inroads into the Castle’s past, but certainly not via the same venues as Adrian-for she is in contact with denizens of the past-literally.
I couldn’t put the story aside, and I venture to say the same will be true for you, Gentle Readers. Of course, remember to look behind you every now and then, and glance toward the door of the room, just in case someone unexpected is passing by.
An e-book copy was provided to me by the author in return for my fair and impartial review.
5 stars
“Verliege” is a fast-paced Supernatural mystery/thriller which keeps readers simultaneously intrigued and guessing “What’s next?” Focusing on a German castle built very early In the 17th century, and the American couple which comes to possess (and be possessed by) it, the story will have readers checking over their shoulders and listening for strange, unexpected, footsteps and voices. The cliché is: “If something is too good to be true-often it isn’t true.” Adrian and Alicia tour a beautiful ancient German castle, nestled above a tiny anachronistic village, and Alicia falls in love with it. Discovering they can buy it for only $300,000 American (unbelievable!), they purchase it, and historian Adrian sets about discovering the secrets of the castle, both through research and by questioning a devoted groundskeeper-caretaker. As days pass, it becomes apparent that Alicia also has inroads into the Castle’s past, but certainly not via the same venues as Adrian-for she is in contact with denizens of the past-literally.
I couldn’t put the story aside, and I venture to say the same will be true for you, Gentle Readers. Of course, remember to look behind you every now and then, and glance toward the door of the room, just in case someone unexpected is passing by.
An e-book copy was provided to me by the author in return for my fair and impartial review.
March 12, 2014
Dr. James Pellitere, a well-respected criminal psychiatrist, is directed to a secret prison for wealthy convicted felons in order to assess one of the inmates, Adrian Bolt, who was convicted of chopping up his wife, Alicia, in a German castle they had acquired overlooking the town of Verliege. Adrian has not said a word for over two years since he was found next to his wife's body holding a bloody sword, so Dr. James is surprised when Adrian suddenly begins to calmly tell him about the castle and the ghostly residents he and his wife discovered and interacted with right up to the time of his wife's murder, for which Adrian proclaims he was not responsible. A shocking event soon forces Dr. James to recruit a team of investigators to move into the castle to discover the truth about Alicia's murder and Adrian's claims. It doesn't take long for the spectral denizens to make themselves known, disrupting the team's skepticism and confidence in whether they will make it out of the castle alive. This was a very well-written ghost tale that grabbed my interest and pushed my fear buttons with the deadly twists and turns, bringing back memories of another classic novel, "Hell House" by Richard Matheson. I did find the thematic foundation of the ending to be controversial, but acceptable for paranormal fiction.
November 28, 2012
Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for reviewing it.
After reading a preview of this book, I was very excited to delve into it. Sure enough, I was rewarded with a mesmerizing tale. The author is quite gifted with prose, and his flowing sentences draw you in to the world of psychiatrist Dr James Pellitere and his new client, Adrian Bolt. Adrian has been convicted of killing his wife, and has not spoken a word to anyone. Dr Pellitere gets him talking, and Adrian has quite an intriguing tale to tell about how he and his wife came to own and live at Castle Verliege. I was enthralled with the story, which gave me goosebumps, and could not wait to read more.
Unfortunately, the book changed focus a couple more times, and I felt that it really lost momentum and intrigue. To me, this book tried to be too many things. It also seemed as if some parts (in the later chapters) were rushed or left out. The ending wasn't particularly satisfying either. I felt sad, because I thought I was going to love this book. If only the whole book had been as phenomenal as the first section. Having said that, I will definitely be checking out this author's other works. He clearly has a gift. :)
After reading a preview of this book, I was very excited to delve into it. Sure enough, I was rewarded with a mesmerizing tale. The author is quite gifted with prose, and his flowing sentences draw you in to the world of psychiatrist Dr James Pellitere and his new client, Adrian Bolt. Adrian has been convicted of killing his wife, and has not spoken a word to anyone. Dr Pellitere gets him talking, and Adrian has quite an intriguing tale to tell about how he and his wife came to own and live at Castle Verliege. I was enthralled with the story, which gave me goosebumps, and could not wait to read more.
Unfortunately, the book changed focus a couple more times, and I felt that it really lost momentum and intrigue. To me, this book tried to be too many things. It also seemed as if some parts (in the later chapters) were rushed or left out. The ending wasn't particularly satisfying either. I felt sad, because I thought I was going to love this book. If only the whole book had been as phenomenal as the first section. Having said that, I will definitely be checking out this author's other works. He clearly has a gift. :)
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