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Lure: Sam Flock Adventures, Book 1
Sam Flock is a good cop, but when she has a paranormal experience on the job that causes her to drive into the side of an ambulance, her career in law enforcement meets its end. Determined to find answers, she forms a paranormal investigation agency with her friend, Shells. Though they are perhaps the world's worst paranormal investigators, they find something beyond their wildest imaginings.
Audible Audio
First published February 17, 2012
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About the author
Brian Rathbone
44 books1,592 followers
A former horse trainer and computer programmer, Brian Rathbone used his old world knowledge and love of fantasy fiction to create The World of Godsland fantasy series, which begins with The Dawning of Power trilogy.
The World of Godsland fantasy series includes:
Call of the Herald
Inherited Danger
Dragon Ore
Regent
Feral
Regal
The Fifth Magic
Dragonhold
The Seventh Magic
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 20, 2019
3.75 STARS for Lure: A Sam Flock Adventure (audiobook) by Brian Rathbone narrated by Rhonda Carpenter. It’s a fun adventure that incorporates lots of classic rock music and great classic American muscle cars. How can you beat that. That’s where the paranormal adventure begins.
April 8, 2012
About the story: Sam becomes the target of ridicule after she reports seeing a ghost. After bieng fired from her job, she starts up a paranormal investigation agency with her feisty sidekick Shells. A job offer about mysterious lights takes them on the road to Lake Lure in North Carolina.
My thoughts: Sam and Shell's escapades often landed them in trouble and their bumbling attempts at investigating had me laughing out loud. Both of these ladies are strong willed and sassy and I enjoyed their back-and-forth banter. While Shells got on my nerves a bit, I thought that maybe that was the authors intent. It made the characters more genuine.
As for the investigation in Lake Lure, you'll just have to read the book!
Thank you Brian. I wuold love to read more about these two friends.
My thoughts: Sam and Shell's escapades often landed them in trouble and their bumbling attempts at investigating had me laughing out loud. Both of these ladies are strong willed and sassy and I enjoyed their back-and-forth banter. While Shells got on my nerves a bit, I thought that maybe that was the authors intent. It made the characters more genuine.
As for the investigation in Lake Lure, you'll just have to read the book!
Thank you Brian. I wuold love to read more about these two friends.
April 8, 2012
Title: Lure
Author: Brian Rathbone
Rating: 3.5 stars
Summary: Sam Flock is a good cop, but because of a paranormal experience during a job, she drove into the side of an ambulance, and she is suddenly off the force. In her search for answers she forms a paranormal investigation agency with her friend, Shells. They are among the worst paranormal investigators, however, they find something that is beyond their wildest imaginings.
Review: I’d received this book for free from the Author for an honest and unbiased review, that is what I will give. While the story in and of itself, was good, there were a couple of things that jarred me while reading this book. There was some frustration over the fact that while the promise of plot was good, there was not a good delivery on it (which frustrated me to no end and I hate being frustrated while reading a book). There is missing details that were needed, side issues, and incomplete instances. There was a smoothness that was decidedly not there and that is something that irked me more than anything. I keep waiting for there to be some development, some growth for Sam, but it never really happened. There was no learning experience, there was no growth from where she was in the beginning of the story. Shell, really got on my nerves and because of this character I have for the most part stripped the word ‘dude’ from my vocabulary because it was just about every other word from her mouth.
However, I did keep reading, because I do not often like to put down a book, stop reading it simply because it annoys me to no end (and to think of it I’ve only done that once). Despite all of the above, despite any complaints I was intrigued by the story, and think that it could have had a bit more development and some of the loose ends could have been tied up a bit more by the end of the story.
Recommendations: Paranormal readers.
Author: Brian Rathbone
Rating: 3.5 stars
Summary: Sam Flock is a good cop, but because of a paranormal experience during a job, she drove into the side of an ambulance, and she is suddenly off the force. In her search for answers she forms a paranormal investigation agency with her friend, Shells. They are among the worst paranormal investigators, however, they find something that is beyond their wildest imaginings.
Review: I’d received this book for free from the Author for an honest and unbiased review, that is what I will give. While the story in and of itself, was good, there were a couple of things that jarred me while reading this book. There was some frustration over the fact that while the promise of plot was good, there was not a good delivery on it (which frustrated me to no end and I hate being frustrated while reading a book). There is missing details that were needed, side issues, and incomplete instances. There was a smoothness that was decidedly not there and that is something that irked me more than anything. I keep waiting for there to be some development, some growth for Sam, but it never really happened. There was no learning experience, there was no growth from where she was in the beginning of the story. Shell, really got on my nerves and because of this character I have for the most part stripped the word ‘dude’ from my vocabulary because it was just about every other word from her mouth.
However, I did keep reading, because I do not often like to put down a book, stop reading it simply because it annoys me to no end (and to think of it I’ve only done that once). Despite all of the above, despite any complaints I was intrigued by the story, and think that it could have had a bit more development and some of the loose ends could have been tied up a bit more by the end of the story.
Recommendations: Paranormal readers.
April 24, 2012
Originally posted on my blog http://ufreview.com/2012/04/23/lure/
Ok so I am gonna try to be fair, but I have to say upfront I really didn't like this book it was just so bloody juvenile. The main character Sam was a cop when her career in law enforcement ends she starts a paranormal investigation business with her best friend Michelle (Shells). The two of them as characters were just so godawful, think Beavis and Butthead meet Ghostbusters.
Sam used to be a cop, so you expect some kind of seriousness not having her hanging out at keg parties with a bunch of stoners and waking up with nothing but duct tape on her nipples. Shells was no better, she spent most of the time saying "Dude" and playing air guitar to bad eighties heavy metal...thus the Beavis and Butthead comparisons. I spent most of the book rolling my eyes and cringing and not in that good amused kinda way. Although the author does warn the book contains bad behavior...he ain't kidding! It just gave me less reason to like or relate to the characters in any way.
The plot was lacking continuity, nothing much happens to move the plot along more than half this book could have been edited out and wouldn't affect the overall story. Sam and Shells are supposed to be paranormal investigators but there is very little paranormal going on. They are invited to Lake Lure from an Inn owner to investigate some ghosts and most of the "paranormal" events in the book are about Sam seeing ghosts. It started getting sort of interesting when they got to Lake Lure and started touring around, but then all the characters got drunk again and nothing much happened. The ending was just weird and didn't really tie in to the rest of the story. On the positive side it was a quick read so I managed to finish quickly, all in all not something I would recommend.
2/5 Meh skip it!
Ok so I am gonna try to be fair, but I have to say upfront I really didn't like this book it was just so bloody juvenile. The main character Sam was a cop when her career in law enforcement ends she starts a paranormal investigation business with her best friend Michelle (Shells). The two of them as characters were just so godawful, think Beavis and Butthead meet Ghostbusters.
Sam used to be a cop, so you expect some kind of seriousness not having her hanging out at keg parties with a bunch of stoners and waking up with nothing but duct tape on her nipples. Shells was no better, she spent most of the time saying "Dude" and playing air guitar to bad eighties heavy metal...thus the Beavis and Butthead comparisons. I spent most of the book rolling my eyes and cringing and not in that good amused kinda way. Although the author does warn the book contains bad behavior...he ain't kidding! It just gave me less reason to like or relate to the characters in any way.
The plot was lacking continuity, nothing much happens to move the plot along more than half this book could have been edited out and wouldn't affect the overall story. Sam and Shells are supposed to be paranormal investigators but there is very little paranormal going on. They are invited to Lake Lure from an Inn owner to investigate some ghosts and most of the "paranormal" events in the book are about Sam seeing ghosts. It started getting sort of interesting when they got to Lake Lure and started touring around, but then all the characters got drunk again and nothing much happened. The ending was just weird and didn't really tie in to the rest of the story. On the positive side it was a quick read so I managed to finish quickly, all in all not something I would recommend.
2/5 Meh skip it!
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October 26, 2020DNF @ 50%
The Story's Good, the narrative could've been better (It was a free audiobook so i didn't really expect much, but the background sounds were annoying..)
I tried getting into the story, but always found a better book to read..Now after struggling to complete it For 10 months, I'm DNF-ing it. It's the 1st book I haven't completed, Maybe I'll start it again sometime in the future *shrug*.
The Story's Good, the narrative could've been better (It was a free audiobook so i didn't really expect much, but the background sounds were annoying..)
I tried getting into the story, but always found a better book to read..Now after struggling to complete it For 10 months, I'm DNF-ing it. It's the 1st book I haven't completed, Maybe I'll start it again sometime in the future *shrug*.
January 29, 2020
Bizarre story. I found it very hard to follow, especially at first. I ended up skim reading it because it annoyed me so much.
April 17, 2021
I listened to the audiobook. I didnt love it but i didnt hate it either. it was pretty good to listen to. it made me laugh in a couple parts.
April 7, 2013
This book had me feeling a little bit like the 2 main characters were Lucy Ricardo & Ethel Mertz from the I Love Lucy Show. Always getting into trouble when they know what they should not do & go for it anyway. Parts of this were very funny at the beginning & you were sucked into the vortex that was Lure Lake. As the reader I was very interested to figure out what was going on at Lake Lure & way such police action was needed at the time & place. Being that Sam is a "ghost hunter" I did except more on that side of the paranormal to be explained. She sees dead people right after they die & can see certain ghosts. I would have liked for the writer to give us a little more of the ghost in her hotel room & some footage on the haunting's that brought them to the Lure Lake area in the 1st place. Brian Rathbone did not explain any of the haunts or findings which I found a little disappointing. They conclusion of the book was good because you did get to see what all the commotion was about around the Lake Lure area & why the police were needed. This book also suggests that there is sexual content & while it is true that there is some funny tidbits about sex there are not truly any hot sex scenes in this book. If you are looking for hot and steamy this is not the book for you. If you are looking for a small adventure with a bit of mystery & a hint of humor with a side of fun then I would suggest giving it a try. I would read the next in the series.
April 17, 2012
I received this book for free from the Goodreads group Making Connections in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
All in all I ended up liking this story since it did keep my interest, but it was also very frustrating. The plot really appealed to me when I read the synopsis, but the delivery seemed disjointed, almost like it was written as stream of consciousness (which I'm not a huge fan of) rather than a coherent story.
As for the characters. I really wanted to like Sam, but I was not overly impressed with her. I just kept waiting for her to learn a lesson, grow up, something, but that just never seemed to happen. Perhaps it wasn't supposed to, I'm just not entirely sure. And I have to say WTH is up with Shells. I am all for quirky, funny sidekicks, but this was ridiculous. I almost stopped reading because of her. I personally find the occasional use of urban slang to be amusing, but when it apparently makes up the bulk of your vocabulary you just end up sounding like a moron!
Despite all of the above, despite any complaints I was intrigued by the story, and I think the characters did actually work together since there were many laugh out loud moments, especially from Sam and Shells investigations. I just suggest cooling it with the "straight up yo"'s.
All in all I ended up liking this story since it did keep my interest, but it was also very frustrating. The plot really appealed to me when I read the synopsis, but the delivery seemed disjointed, almost like it was written as stream of consciousness (which I'm not a huge fan of) rather than a coherent story.
As for the characters. I really wanted to like Sam, but I was not overly impressed with her. I just kept waiting for her to learn a lesson, grow up, something, but that just never seemed to happen. Perhaps it wasn't supposed to, I'm just not entirely sure. And I have to say WTH is up with Shells. I am all for quirky, funny sidekicks, but this was ridiculous. I almost stopped reading because of her. I personally find the occasional use of urban slang to be amusing, but when it apparently makes up the bulk of your vocabulary you just end up sounding like a moron!
Despite all of the above, despite any complaints I was intrigued by the story, and I think the characters did actually work together since there were many laugh out loud moments, especially from Sam and Shells investigations. I just suggest cooling it with the "straight up yo"'s.
June 10, 2012
Overall, this book was good. Sam and Shells pretty much partied all the time and were pretty funny together, always getting into some sort of trouble. Sam is a strong female lead who doesn't take crap from anyone and doesn't back down from a challenge.
Sam is an ex-cop turned paranormal investigator, together with her friend Shells. They are called to Lake Lure to investigate some paranormal activity and jump at the chance to get out of town for a while. This story started off good, but ultimately never went anywhere. We saw a lot of Sam and Shells partying, and that's about it. The buildup to the ending was a bit slow, though entertaining, but once we got there it was very anticlimactic. It seemed that throughout the whole book I was waiting for something that never came, and I was left wanting something more out of the book.
That being said, if you're looking for a quick, humorous story about two friends on a cross country trip, this is it.
Sam is an ex-cop turned paranormal investigator, together with her friend Shells. They are called to Lake Lure to investigate some paranormal activity and jump at the chance to get out of town for a while. This story started off good, but ultimately never went anywhere. We saw a lot of Sam and Shells partying, and that's about it. The buildup to the ending was a bit slow, though entertaining, but once we got there it was very anticlimactic. It seemed that throughout the whole book I was waiting for something that never came, and I was left wanting something more out of the book.
That being said, if you're looking for a quick, humorous story about two friends on a cross country trip, this is it.
March 24, 2012
To be honest, I have mixed feeling about LURE. This is partially due to the frustration I felt as I was reading the book. (And, we know that is never good!) The plot held so much promise, but for me, it never quite delivered. Instead, there were a lot of side issues, a lack of needed details, and some incomplete happenings. Nothing seemed to fit together smoothly. Also, I kept waiting for Sam to learn something - to develop a bit of confidence - to grow. Unfortunately, she never did. (Maybe she wasn't suppose to, and I just missed the point.) Sam's sidekick, Shell, just irritated me - mainly because of her dialogue. I swear, one more "dude" from her mouth, and I would have . . . I don't know . . . screamed, thrown my reader, quit reading.
However, I kept reading the story. I had to because, despite all of my complaints listed above, I was intrigued by the story line. I wanted to know what happened next. That is why I gave it 3 stars.
However, I kept reading the story. I had to because, despite all of my complaints listed above, I was intrigued by the story line. I wanted to know what happened next. That is why I gave it 3 stars.
December 12, 2021
Absolutely horrible right from the start. I NEVER abandon a book partway through, but could not stand this one & had to stop reading! It was just that terrible. If I could give it zero stars, I would.
December 21, 2019
Not a bad book, had a good story, some very funny parts.
January 28, 2020
Listened to audiobook while running. Shells was by far the best character. Storyline got kind of far fetched at the end
January 27, 2021
Good story but the description is misleading.
August 15, 2020
This was not the book for me. Most of the characters drove me insane.
Then there's this type of writing, "The echos of massive gun fire echoed through the valley."
One star because there were a few interesting parts.
Then there's this type of writing, "The echos of massive gun fire echoed through the valley."
One star because there were a few interesting parts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2012
Lure was given to me by the author. Recommend by Tana one of the moderators of the The Nexus group on Goodreads. Lure is about two girls, Sam and her partner Michelle (Shells). Sam can see ghost and this upset Sam. She wanted to know why she saw the ghost so after her accident that cost her her job more or less. Sam and Shells start their own paranormal investigation firm.
When they start having a hard time finding work in their hometown, Sam and Shells are hired by Michael to do a little paranormal investigation at the Inn where he works in New Jersey. The girls do a little side betting to get the money to buy the equipment they need and to get them to this Inn. After they arrive they find that Sam's boyfriend, Greg is there on Vacation using his Uncle's boat. Greg helps Sam and Shells with their investigation.
I liked Lure but there was so much missing from the story. When I started reading Lure I was not that into it. It just didn't hold my interest that well so I put it down and started reading something else. I kept thinking about these two girls Sam and Shells. I kept thinking who are these two girls? In what book did I read about them? I couldn't remember. Then I knew I had to finish Lure because it was sent by the author and I do like to finish what I start if at all possible so I picked it back up and there were those two girls. So I guess I enjoyed Lure more than I thought.
Sam is one tough chick that thinks she can take care of her self. She does need to grow up and learn that there is a time to party and a time not to party. She needs to be more responsible when making decisions while on a job.
There were some pretty amusing times in Lure. Shells made me laugh at times with the stuff she came up with and said. That is very UN usual for me, I don't normally see the humor in things like watching comedy movies that others see and get although there are some where I do laugh and understand the humor. I guess I am more of a serious type person although I do know a joke when I hear it.
When they start having a hard time finding work in their hometown, Sam and Shells are hired by Michael to do a little paranormal investigation at the Inn where he works in New Jersey. The girls do a little side betting to get the money to buy the equipment they need and to get them to this Inn. After they arrive they find that Sam's boyfriend, Greg is there on Vacation using his Uncle's boat. Greg helps Sam and Shells with their investigation.
I liked Lure but there was so much missing from the story. When I started reading Lure I was not that into it. It just didn't hold my interest that well so I put it down and started reading something else. I kept thinking about these two girls Sam and Shells. I kept thinking who are these two girls? In what book did I read about them? I couldn't remember. Then I knew I had to finish Lure because it was sent by the author and I do like to finish what I start if at all possible so I picked it back up and there were those two girls. So I guess I enjoyed Lure more than I thought.
Sam is one tough chick that thinks she can take care of her self. She does need to grow up and learn that there is a time to party and a time not to party. She needs to be more responsible when making decisions while on a job.
There were some pretty amusing times in Lure. Shells made me laugh at times with the stuff she came up with and said. That is very UN usual for me, I don't normally see the humor in things like watching comedy movies that others see and get although there are some where I do laugh and understand the humor. I guess I am more of a serious type person although I do know a joke when I hear it.
April 24, 2012
Overall, this is a dandy book. Note that 3 stars does not stand for "hated it" but for "liked it."
Some things in it held back my enthusiasm. I sensed a lack of "femaleness" in both Sam and Shells. Since the author is named Brian, I can forgive it somewhat. I wonder, however, why not make Sam a guy. There's very little that she does that couldn't be done by a male.
The story is mostly straightforward. A young woman has experienced seeing a ghost and blabs to a town full of the worst backwoods rednecks to live in New Jersey. The nitwits call her names and make fun of her in ways befitting their double-digit IQs. She takes to drinking heavily (first page she wakes up with a hangover lying on the kitchen floor). She's become an outcast with nothing much to do with her life without a job, money, and very few friends. Speaking of which, Shells is a hard-core butch dyke. I have no problem with that, but I've never met a lesbian who treated women with such disrespect. Shells might as well have been one of the double-digit IQs.
Still, Shells stands up for Sam and helps her find a way to use her ability to see ghosts. Hey! Ghost Hunters! Why not?
In an investigation at a resort town by a manmade lake (called Lure), Sam doesn't get around to actually investigating much of anything since the equipment she needs to record ghostly voices or spectra hasn't arrived yet. So, she and Shells proceed to party. When a bunch of psychics show up at the lake, Sam finds she's not the only one to be lured (get it?) by Lake Lure.
Enough of the plot. The fun of reading is discovery.
Despite its flaws of character and plot, I read the whole book quickly. My good book radar won't let me finish a bad book (only my personal taste of what is bad), so I got to say I liked it.
I wouldn't discourage anybody from reading it. It's a bargain book on Amazon (only 99 cents). It's also the first in a series about Sam Flock, Paranormal Investigator.
Some things in it held back my enthusiasm. I sensed a lack of "femaleness" in both Sam and Shells. Since the author is named Brian, I can forgive it somewhat. I wonder, however, why not make Sam a guy. There's very little that she does that couldn't be done by a male.
The story is mostly straightforward. A young woman has experienced seeing a ghost and blabs to a town full of the worst backwoods rednecks to live in New Jersey. The nitwits call her names and make fun of her in ways befitting their double-digit IQs. She takes to drinking heavily (first page she wakes up with a hangover lying on the kitchen floor). She's become an outcast with nothing much to do with her life without a job, money, and very few friends. Speaking of which, Shells is a hard-core butch dyke. I have no problem with that, but I've never met a lesbian who treated women with such disrespect. Shells might as well have been one of the double-digit IQs.
Still, Shells stands up for Sam and helps her find a way to use her ability to see ghosts. Hey! Ghost Hunters! Why not?
In an investigation at a resort town by a manmade lake (called Lure), Sam doesn't get around to actually investigating much of anything since the equipment she needs to record ghostly voices or spectra hasn't arrived yet. So, she and Shells proceed to party. When a bunch of psychics show up at the lake, Sam finds she's not the only one to be lured (get it?) by Lake Lure.
Enough of the plot. The fun of reading is discovery.
Despite its flaws of character and plot, I read the whole book quickly. My good book radar won't let me finish a bad book (only my personal taste of what is bad), so I got to say I liked it.
I wouldn't discourage anybody from reading it. It's a bargain book on Amazon (only 99 cents). It's also the first in a series about Sam Flock, Paranormal Investigator.
April 27, 2012
I just couldn’t get into this book. I put it aside and a few days later went back to it and gave it another try and I have to be honest and say that I did struggle to finish it.
When I read the synopsis, the plot and the characters...an ex-cop driving a souped up car and who is interested in the paranormal sound good to me. But as I turned the pages, I was so disappointed....I found her totally uninteresting and as for her friend Shells (I hated the name...sorry!!!!)..if I heard “dude” one more time, I was going to scream and smack her!!!!! I could not engage with any of the characters and after a while I skipped a few lines and at times pages.
I could not connect. I kept waiting for something to happen....and really nothing to pull me right into the story.
This could have been a good book but I felt it lacked something.
March 22, 2012
I found this book awkwardly put together. The dialogue seemed stilted to me and somewhat overblown and burdened with too much description of the character's facial expressions or angst. The plot seemed short on content and a bit jerky. On more than one ocassion an incident was introduced that seemed compelling, but the author ignored it and the possibilities it contained completely after the initial contact. It is the "little things" that are the mortar of a good story, the details that keep the pace. Mister Rathbone missed the mark. I believe he is a creative individual, but his creativity was short on direction and left me short on interest. Almost a good book, but just almost.
August 10, 2013
While I liked the story I had to lower my rating. Because if I had a loud mouthed friend like Sam does in Shell "Michelle", I'd have kicked him or her to the curb a long time ago. This character was an annoyance and a drag throughout the whole story. This book was a big disappointment compare to the previous book I read by this author "Call of the Hearld".
As long as Shell remains, I can't recommend this or any future book with her to other reader.
As long as Shell remains, I can't recommend this or any future book with her to other reader.
May 11, 2012
When I first read the blurb, I got really excited, but then I started reading, and I'm sorry to say the book didn't hold my interest. I found the characters to be one-dimension, and as much as I wanted to like/hate them, I just couldn't connect with them. The mystery could have been interesting, but it was lost in the characters' bad behavior. I struggled to finish the book.
July 20, 2012
Just couldn't make myself keep reading this one. Boring and not well written.
February 2, 2016
Did not finish..too fluffy for me with paranormal searches, etc.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews