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The Adventures of Lydia Trinket #1
Ghost in the Canteen
Ghost hunter Lydia Trinket is trapped in a netherworld with all the spirits she's sent there. And it turns out that resting in peace isn't really a thing.
326 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2014
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670 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
January 3, 2016
This review will be hard for me to write because it's going to be pretty harsh, and no matter how much I disliked a book I try to be respectful of writers as creators. In this case the operative word is going to be "try," and to that end I'll say that it's quite possible that Ms. Rasmussen is a good writer in other contexts/platforms/genres. I understand that she writes a blog, so perhaps she is good at that.
What she's not good at is writing paranormal fiction.
I was astonished to realize, perhaps a third of the way through, that I wasn't buying it. I was not able to suspend disbelief to read this. That has quite literally never happened to me before, ever. I've been reading some form of paranormal pretty much since I could read, and I've always suspended disbelief easily, willingly, even eagerly. Not this time. But it wasn't the nature of the story or its setting that caused the problem; the protagonist banishes spirits. That's not hard to believe at all, for me. What made it impossible to suspend disbelief was the writing.
We have the tired story line of the protagonist not knowing all the necessary information; ok, if you don't want to be more original than that, fine. I can go with it. But as we read along we find that the problem isn't only that the protagonist doesn't know what's going on - the author doesn't either.
As indicated in one of my updates, the protagonist is an idiot. There's no there there. Turns out we're supposed to put up with that so it can be addressed in later installments, but we don't know that as we're reading along, so we're just supposed to put up with it.
So we've got a weakly depicted, stupid protagonist, and bad writing. Why am I slogging through this, again? In case it gets better, probably.
It doesn't. It gets worse. The contradictions speed up so much they literally occur with paragraphs. I could keep going, but I'm not going to. Suffice it to say that I should have been the perfect target demo for this one, and it didn't even just fall flat - it dented the floor. I wouldn't read the next one for anything - life's too short to read bad books.
What she's not good at is writing paranormal fiction.
I was astonished to realize, perhaps a third of the way through, that I wasn't buying it. I was not able to suspend disbelief to read this. That has quite literally never happened to me before, ever. I've been reading some form of paranormal pretty much since I could read, and I've always suspended disbelief easily, willingly, even eagerly. Not this time. But it wasn't the nature of the story or its setting that caused the problem; the protagonist banishes spirits. That's not hard to believe at all, for me. What made it impossible to suspend disbelief was the writing.
We have the tired story line of the protagonist not knowing all the necessary information; ok, if you don't want to be more original than that, fine. I can go with it. But as we read along we find that the problem isn't only that the protagonist doesn't know what's going on - the author doesn't either.
As indicated in one of my updates, the protagonist is an idiot. There's no there there. Turns out we're supposed to put up with that so it can be addressed in later installments, but we don't know that as we're reading along, so we're just supposed to put up with it.
So we've got a weakly depicted, stupid protagonist, and bad writing. Why am I slogging through this, again? In case it gets better, probably.
It doesn't. It gets worse. The contradictions speed up so much they literally occur with paragraphs. I could keep going, but I'm not going to. Suffice it to say that I should have been the perfect target demo for this one, and it didn't even just fall flat - it dented the floor. I wouldn't read the next one for anything - life's too short to read bad books.
November 13, 2014
This is a difficult review to write. How can I tell you how terrific Ghost in the Canteen is, without giving away anything of importance? Should be easy, but the trouble is, everything in this story is of importance. Nothing is a throw-away, and it all ties together so very nicely, I'm left floundering for something to say. (Alert the media! She has nothing to say!)
Okay, I do have a few things to say. First, Jen Rasmussen's writing is first-rate. The story pulled me in immediately, and the characters were interesting and engaging, especially the snarky heroine, ghost hunter Lydia Trinket. Lydia's been doing her job of sending recalcitrant spirits through to the Other Side for years. Or so she thinks. Turns out, Lydia has been somewhat misled about what she's actually doing, and therein lies a tale. A really scary tale.
The canteen referred to in the title is a switchel ring--a clay container designed to slide over one's arm to hold switchel, a very unusual drink you'll learn more about when you read this book. Which I hope will be soon, because...did I mention?...it's good. Lydia's switchel ring is a portal through which ghosts can move on to their next stop. (Heaven or hell, presumably.) Or is it? Sometimes things are not what they seem. "A kiss is still a kiss, a sigh is just a sigh"...but a switchel ring might be more than a container for a cooling drink. And a portal...well, I think you should find out about that for yourself. Personally, I'll never look at even a Thermos bottle the same way again. :shock:
Along Lydia's journey, you'll meet all sorts of interesting and creepy...and downright terrifying...characters. I loved every single word of this book, and I suspect most of you will, as well. Go get it. But maybe leave all the lights on while you're reading. And definitely be sure you're not alone in the house.
I can't wait for the next Lydia Trinket book, Peak of the Devil. (You gotta love the title.) And what are you waiting for? Start reading Ghost in the Canteen today. You'll be glad you did.
Bookin' It
The Write Stuff
Okay, I do have a few things to say. First, Jen Rasmussen's writing is first-rate. The story pulled me in immediately, and the characters were interesting and engaging, especially the snarky heroine, ghost hunter Lydia Trinket. Lydia's been doing her job of sending recalcitrant spirits through to the Other Side for years. Or so she thinks. Turns out, Lydia has been somewhat misled about what she's actually doing, and therein lies a tale. A really scary tale.
The canteen referred to in the title is a switchel ring--a clay container designed to slide over one's arm to hold switchel, a very unusual drink you'll learn more about when you read this book. Which I hope will be soon, because...did I mention?...it's good. Lydia's switchel ring is a portal through which ghosts can move on to their next stop. (Heaven or hell, presumably.) Or is it? Sometimes things are not what they seem. "A kiss is still a kiss, a sigh is just a sigh"...but a switchel ring might be more than a container for a cooling drink. And a portal...well, I think you should find out about that for yourself. Personally, I'll never look at even a Thermos bottle the same way again. :shock:
Along Lydia's journey, you'll meet all sorts of interesting and creepy...and downright terrifying...characters. I loved every single word of this book, and I suspect most of you will, as well. Go get it. But maybe leave all the lights on while you're reading. And definitely be sure you're not alone in the house.
I can't wait for the next Lydia Trinket book, Peak of the Devil. (You gotta love the title.) And what are you waiting for? Start reading Ghost in the Canteen today. You'll be glad you did.
Bookin' It
The Write Stuff
December 28, 2015
Review: GHOST IN THE CANTEEN by Jen Rasmussen
[The Adventures of Lydia Trinket #1]
I love this book. It is touching, heartfelt, inventive, cozy (yes, cozy--despite containing ghosts, apparitions, fiends, and a really vicious deceased mother-son pair). It's open-hearted, warm, loyal, and delightful; and I can't wait to read the next two in the series. May Lydia continue into eternity!
Lydia Trinket is a banisher, of unwanted spirits, ghosts, nasty apparitions, continuing the work of her late brother, who had succeeded wizard Cyrus. Additionally she is Aunt Mom to Warren, adopted son of brother Nat's husband Charlie. Banishing cost Nat's life, and Charlie wants Lydia to quit--especially after a fiend she tries to banish flips her into the netherworld instead!
[The Adventures of Lydia Trinket #1]
I love this book. It is touching, heartfelt, inventive, cozy (yes, cozy--despite containing ghosts, apparitions, fiends, and a really vicious deceased mother-son pair). It's open-hearted, warm, loyal, and delightful; and I can't wait to read the next two in the series. May Lydia continue into eternity!
Lydia Trinket is a banisher, of unwanted spirits, ghosts, nasty apparitions, continuing the work of her late brother, who had succeeded wizard Cyrus. Additionally she is Aunt Mom to Warren, adopted son of brother Nat's husband Charlie. Banishing cost Nat's life, and Charlie wants Lydia to quit--especially after a fiend she tries to banish flips her into the netherworld instead!
January 15, 2016
I'm keeping it simple: This book was a freebie and I figured I had nothing to lose.
LOVED IT! I felt engaged with the characters, I was drawn into the story, and I was left wanting more.
Within the first chapter, I immediately downloaded the other two books, and I'm now reading the second book.
I'm looking forward to the next books in this series!
LOVED IT! I felt engaged with the characters, I was drawn into the story, and I was left wanting more.
Within the first chapter, I immediately downloaded the other two books, and I'm now reading the second book.
I'm looking forward to the next books in this series!
March 1, 2017
Way too slow and no boundaries
I dislike a book where there are no limits. Need a silver knife because your about to be eaten by a werewolf... Bam it's in your hand. Need to fly to get somewhere. Ok, you can fly. No challenge, no boundaries, is what this book is about.
I dislike a book where there are no limits. Need a silver knife because your about to be eaten by a werewolf... Bam it's in your hand. Need to fly to get somewhere. Ok, you can fly. No challenge, no boundaries, is what this book is about.
to-read-own
December 29, 201512-29-15 Free for Kindle.
May 7, 2020
I got this book as a Kindle freebie years ago (back when it was available on Kindle), and I went into it not expecting much. And to my delight, I was pleasantly surprised by the story I got. Ghost stories aren't my preferred genre, but this book was a unique and fascinating take on the traditional ghost story. It's also helped along by well-done, relatable characters, both living and dead.
Lydia is a ghost-hunter, banishing spirits who refuse to leave their homes with help from an enchanted canteen. While still haunted by the death of her brother, killed by one of the very ghosts he sought to banish years ago, she does her best to follow in his footsteps and help raise the son he left behind. But when a banishing goes terribly awry, she finds herself trapped in the canteen... along with every ghost she, her brother, and their mentor have ever banished. Can she find her way out of the canteen, or will the angry spirits she has banished over the years take their revenge on her and those she loves?
"Ghost in the Canteen" moves along at a nice clip, keeping the pacing steady without rushing the events. The limbo-world inside the canteen is vividly portrayed and fascinating -- and terrifying -- to explore. The rules of how banishing ghosts and other creatures work can be complex at times, but thankfully the internal logic of the "magic" system is mostly consistent.
The characters and their story arcs are the best part of this book, in my opinion. Lydia in particular has a lot of learning and growing to do, as she is forced to confront the path her life has taken and how her brother's death has truly affected her life. Her ally in the world of the canteen, a ghost named Thomas, has his own story arc as well, and his relationship with Lydia has touches of possible romance (or at least attraction) but is handled well enough that it doesn't come across as obnoxious. And of the three major villains in this book, two of them are actually complex villains with believable, tragic reasons behind their falls and the horrific things they do. (The third is pretty much just a stock monster, but hey, two out of three is pretty good.)
A fascinating ghost story, with just the right amount of chills, romance, and character development. It's a shame this book is no longer available on Kindle, but if you can find a copy, it's definitely worth a read. Also, I learned about the drink switchel for the first time in this book, so if you're feeling adventurous you can mix up a glass of it while you read...
Lydia is a ghost-hunter, banishing spirits who refuse to leave their homes with help from an enchanted canteen. While still haunted by the death of her brother, killed by one of the very ghosts he sought to banish years ago, she does her best to follow in his footsteps and help raise the son he left behind. But when a banishing goes terribly awry, she finds herself trapped in the canteen... along with every ghost she, her brother, and their mentor have ever banished. Can she find her way out of the canteen, or will the angry spirits she has banished over the years take their revenge on her and those she loves?
"Ghost in the Canteen" moves along at a nice clip, keeping the pacing steady without rushing the events. The limbo-world inside the canteen is vividly portrayed and fascinating -- and terrifying -- to explore. The rules of how banishing ghosts and other creatures work can be complex at times, but thankfully the internal logic of the "magic" system is mostly consistent.
The characters and their story arcs are the best part of this book, in my opinion. Lydia in particular has a lot of learning and growing to do, as she is forced to confront the path her life has taken and how her brother's death has truly affected her life. Her ally in the world of the canteen, a ghost named Thomas, has his own story arc as well, and his relationship with Lydia has touches of possible romance (or at least attraction) but is handled well enough that it doesn't come across as obnoxious. And of the three major villains in this book, two of them are actually complex villains with believable, tragic reasons behind their falls and the horrific things they do. (The third is pretty much just a stock monster, but hey, two out of three is pretty good.)
A fascinating ghost story, with just the right amount of chills, romance, and character development. It's a shame this book is no longer available on Kindle, but if you can find a copy, it's definitely worth a read. Also, I learned about the drink switchel for the first time in this book, so if you're feeling adventurous you can mix up a glass of it while you read...
November 4, 2022
I debated between giving it a 3 or 4 star rating.
The story was a bit chaotic. The ghosts were too resilient to be believable. Lydia's life was hit or miss in details. What happened to her mother and one of her brothers? They were barely mentioned but not about whether they were living or dead or where they lived. There was little said about their relationship with Lydia. There is a LOT of backstory that would help straighten out this story. Some of the ghosts' stories would be great...Tom's haunting, Gemma's story, and how Cyrus came to own the Switchel ring and banish ghosts and fiends.
The story was a bit chaotic. The ghosts were too resilient to be believable. Lydia's life was hit or miss in details. What happened to her mother and one of her brothers? They were barely mentioned but not about whether they were living or dead or where they lived. There was little said about their relationship with Lydia. There is a LOT of backstory that would help straighten out this story. Some of the ghosts' stories would be great...Tom's haunting, Gemma's story, and how Cyrus came to own the Switchel ring and banish ghosts and fiends.
October 6, 2017
Lydia Trinket is a ghost hunter. She goes to homes and businesses that have ghosts and tries to make the ghost crossover thru reasonable discussion but when that doesn’t work she will banish them to her canteen.
But the poltergeist she is trying to remove from a house instead traps her in her canteen, now she is inside she needs to learn how to navigate the netherworld and find a way out of the canteen.
A different take on how ghost hunters work. A fast read.
But the poltergeist she is trying to remove from a house instead traps her in her canteen, now she is inside she needs to learn how to navigate the netherworld and find a way out of the canteen.
A different take on how ghost hunters work. A fast read.
April 12, 2021
Twisted for sure
Great story. Written much different than most thrillers. Loved the roller coaster ride of multiple characters. Totally recommend this. Such a great Story. Fun and thrilling read!! Rebecca in Carmichael!!!
Great story. Written much different than most thrillers. Loved the roller coaster ride of multiple characters. Totally recommend this. Such a great Story. Fun and thrilling read!! Rebecca in Carmichael!!!
September 6, 2022
I loved the weird unpredictability of this story, the combination of mundane and extraordinary, and the complex and changing morality. I've made it sound challenging, but it's also a really fun read. Highly recommended.
July 27, 2017
Interesting premise
Ghosts and evil spirits. Can you right then in their realm that to banished them to? Which realm will you choose in the end?
Ghosts and evil spirits. Can you right then in their realm that to banished them to? Which realm will you choose in the end?
October 28, 2021
Huh. Well, that was weird
May 26, 2017
It's official. Murderous toddlers are the creepiest characters ever. It may take me a while to trust children again. *shivers*
The heebie-jeebies are real.
The heebie-jeebies are real.
October 17, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
September 30, 2016
Spooky, unique and filled with characters that felt real even in the supernatural setting.
April 20, 2016
Another book down, I am on a roll! Just finished Ghost in the Canteen by Jen Rasmussen and what a ride that was! Real quick, let me get this out of the way; not only does this book deal with the supernatural and paranormal, it deals with broken/openly gay families, death, violence, a little bit of(possible? It's complicated) witchcraft, and ghosts. Lots and lots of ghosts. This book is firmly for adults. Alright, so, Lydia Trinket is a divorced housewife for her brother-in-law and his son after the death of her brother (yes her brother was gay and married but dead before the book starts) and has a side business banishing ghosts. She and her brother were taught how to banish ghosts using an ancient incantation they don't understand and a ring shaped canteen that's also used to make switchel, which, honestly, sounds disgusting. Things get rough for Lydia when a ghost she attempts to banish stops her and sends her into the canteen, despite the fact she's still alive. Inside the canteen she meets ghosts she's banished and realizes that she's not sending them to whatever afterlife they belong in but into a netherwrold of sorts where they can make their own little world in their individual plots. While plenty of the ghosts are happy to be there, there are a few who aren't, including Tom, a WWII vet she banished who just wanted to stick around for his daughter, and Helen and Rodrick, a mother and son who were murdered and became very vindictive ghosts who were able to kill living people, including Lydia's brother. Now, Lydia has to escape the canteen, make things right for Tom, banish the ghost who sent her into the canteen, and keep Helen and Rodrick in. The whole book is a fast paced, first-person emotional roller-coaster and very exciting. It's also solidly secular. Lydia says several times she doesn't have the proper authority to banish ghosts using a Catholic exorcism but she is still able to banish ghosts. The entire time she's dealing with these ghosts, her brother-in-law is telling her she needs to decide between helping him raise her nephew or continuing her dangerous side job. Her neighbor, Martha Corey, upholds and perpetuates that she's a witch, just like the historical Martha Corey. It's a lot to take in, specially for Christian readers, but for those who like a good ghost story, totally worth it. This is the first book of a trilogy but I'm going to hold off on reading the next few books purely to get through other books on my list.
November 4, 2014
I don't usually read horror, which means that this book was just a tad too scary for me. But it still gets five stars for phenomenal world-building and excellent characters.
I almost wish I hadn't read the blurb, though, because otherwise, when the first big twist occurred, I would have gasped in surprise. But even with the advance warning, the book kept me on the edge of my seat. Rasmussen doesn't present the light, fluffy magic you'll see in other books, but instead introduces you to a well-thought-out, deep, dark world of fiends, ghosts, and incantations.
Then there are the characters, who kept me reading through the scary parts. Our heroine is Aunt Mom to the adopted son of her dead brother's husband, and I loved both the intricacies of her living arrangements and also the contrast between her PTA life and her ghost-busting life. The gray areas that arise in relation to her vocation later in the book are also fascinating, but I don't want to spoil them here. And did I mention the surprising bursts of laugh-out-loud humor?
To sum it all up --- read this book! It's a one-of-a-kind page turner that shouldn't be missed. Looking forward to book two!
I almost wish I hadn't read the blurb, though, because otherwise, when the first big twist occurred, I would have gasped in surprise. But even with the advance warning, the book kept me on the edge of my seat. Rasmussen doesn't present the light, fluffy magic you'll see in other books, but instead introduces you to a well-thought-out, deep, dark world of fiends, ghosts, and incantations.
Then there are the characters, who kept me reading through the scary parts. Our heroine is Aunt Mom to the adopted son of her dead brother's husband, and I loved both the intricacies of her living arrangements and also the contrast between her PTA life and her ghost-busting life. The gray areas that arise in relation to her vocation later in the book are also fascinating, but I don't want to spoil them here. And did I mention the surprising bursts of laugh-out-loud humor?
To sum it all up --- read this book! It's a one-of-a-kind page turner that shouldn't be missed. Looking forward to book two!
November 5, 2014
Full disclaimer: Jen Rasmussen is one of my two constant and fantastic critique partners. I read the first draft of Ghost in the Canteen and loved it even in its protean state.
That said, I am also a reviewer for Chapter 16, the literary website of the Tennessee Humanities Council. I read a lot of books for them and for myself and write about them.
I have read horror all my life, from H.P. Lovecraft, Edgar Allen Poe, and Wilkie Collins to Charlaine Harris and Stephen King. Jen's novel and her heroine, Lydia Trinkett, hold their own in this genre. In terms of voice, which Jen calls "dark snark," it raises the bar.
The plot is intricate, the demons satisfyingly evil, and the imbalance of baking cupcakes for PTA with one hand and fighting off biting baby spirits with the other is fabulous.
She ties the bundle off with a bow and best of all puts more books in the pipeline for our reading pleasure, unlike other series writers who shall remain loathed but unnamed.
So step aside, Sookie, there's a new series in the netherworld.
That said, I am also a reviewer for Chapter 16, the literary website of the Tennessee Humanities Council. I read a lot of books for them and for myself and write about them.
I have read horror all my life, from H.P. Lovecraft, Edgar Allen Poe, and Wilkie Collins to Charlaine Harris and Stephen King. Jen's novel and her heroine, Lydia Trinkett, hold their own in this genre. In terms of voice, which Jen calls "dark snark," it raises the bar.
The plot is intricate, the demons satisfyingly evil, and the imbalance of baking cupcakes for PTA with one hand and fighting off biting baby spirits with the other is fabulous.
She ties the bundle off with a bow and best of all puts more books in the pipeline for our reading pleasure, unlike other series writers who shall remain loathed but unnamed.
So step aside, Sookie, there's a new series in the netherworld.
July 24, 2016
This book surprised me completely.
At first the writing style threw me off a bit. It would jump from thought to thought without much warning and sometimes none at all. Or scenes, or times. It was a bit jarring at first, but it was easily adjusted to.
I really liked the honest way Lydia spoke or thought, I felt this was realistic as a character and at times incredibly funny. And I found myself wanting so much for her to have a 'happy ending' through this book.
The world building was unique in a sense of rolling a bunch of aspects of paranormal together and making one seamless world. I also liked that this wasn't labeling too much into any specific religion as most ghost stories or demon stories can do, not heavy on the exorcism and bearing of crosses and such, but that's just my own personal preference.
But it's an enjoyable and interesting ghost adventure, and I'll be picking up the next one!
At first the writing style threw me off a bit. It would jump from thought to thought without much warning and sometimes none at all. Or scenes, or times. It was a bit jarring at first, but it was easily adjusted to.
I really liked the honest way Lydia spoke or thought, I felt this was realistic as a character and at times incredibly funny. And I found myself wanting so much for her to have a 'happy ending' through this book.
The world building was unique in a sense of rolling a bunch of aspects of paranormal together and making one seamless world. I also liked that this wasn't labeling too much into any specific religion as most ghost stories or demon stories can do, not heavy on the exorcism and bearing of crosses and such, but that's just my own personal preference.
But it's an enjoyable and interesting ghost adventure, and I'll be picking up the next one!
February 19, 2016
I did not think I'd like this book; I added it as a "maybe" to my queue on Kindle Unlimited. I was pleasantly surprised and can't wait to read the next installment.
The main character was smart and likable while retaining a very human vulnerability. Sounds easy but most writers have a hard time with that balance.
I loved how it ended, because it wasn't the mushy ending I expected. I appreciate being surprised. Also, while there are a few things there that can be worked into future books in the series, the story was tied up well. Nothing major left unfinished, which makes the book strong enough to stand alone.
It induced a full-on "Reader's Trance." I can give it no higher praise.
The main character was smart and likable while retaining a very human vulnerability. Sounds easy but most writers have a hard time with that balance.
I loved how it ended, because it wasn't the mushy ending I expected. I appreciate being surprised. Also, while there are a few things there that can be worked into future books in the series, the story was tied up well. Nothing major left unfinished, which makes the book strong enough to stand alone.
It induced a full-on "Reader's Trance." I can give it no higher praise.
December 31, 2015
Life's too short to waste finishing this book
I really wanted to like this story. I thought the concept was good.
But from the very first chapter the writing was very disjointed. In one paragraph the main character would be talking to a client and then the very next paragraph she has switched to an entirely different scenario, talking to someone else in a different location. It was so bad that I actually thought the book didn't download correctly. I finally gave up at chapter 7.
This ranks as one of worst books I've ever almost read.
I really wanted to like this story. I thought the concept was good.
But from the very first chapter the writing was very disjointed. In one paragraph the main character would be talking to a client and then the very next paragraph she has switched to an entirely different scenario, talking to someone else in a different location. It was so bad that I actually thought the book didn't download correctly. I finally gave up at chapter 7.
This ranks as one of worst books I've ever almost read.
March 8, 2016
Clever
So the story is great. I love the description of the plots. There seem to be some minor editing/proofing issues about a quarter of the way through the Kindle version, but nothing you can't move past and five back into the story.
I did feel it was a little too much to continually bring up the infertility, but it was never out of context, so it could be my opinion.
All in all, I enjoyed the read, and will look forward to reading the next book now that the explanation and backstory has been laid out.
So the story is great. I love the description of the plots. There seem to be some minor editing/proofing issues about a quarter of the way through the Kindle version, but nothing you can't move past and five back into the story.
I did feel it was a little too much to continually bring up the infertility, but it was never out of context, so it could be my opinion.
All in all, I enjoyed the read, and will look forward to reading the next book now that the explanation and backstory has been laid out.
May 8, 2016
I wasn't planning to get the second one in the series but the excerpt is honestly intriguing. I liked parts of this a lot but had trouble connecting with the nether-realm stuff. Tom was still an interesting character though. I'd also love to read a book about Nat and from his point of view before his death. Interesting to have a dead brother as a woman's sad backstory instead of the other way around.
July 19, 2015
I picked this up for free on Amazon and was not expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. It was hard to put down. This isn't your typical ghost story and that is part of what I liked about it. I don't really want to give any spoilers so I'll leave it at - I really enjoyed this book. If you like ghost stories or supernatural stories check out this book.
July 12, 2016
Really disappointed with this book, really disliked Lydia, found her incredibly stupid, who does that and doesn't question it or understands what she is doing. The only reason I wasn't rooting for the bad guys is that they were even worse. Was so far into it I had to finish but just felt messy, won't be bothering with 2 and 3.
September 30, 2016
Unique to any book I have read before. The first half of the book was better than the last, but maybe that was because it got a little too gory for my taste. I didn't love the language either, which got progressively worse. Despite these two negatives, I was on the edge of my seat. It was scary, intense, and even funny and mildly romantic at times.
February 24, 2016
Held my interest
I thought it was well written. Although I think it was supposed to be the first book of a series, it has a stand alone quality. There is not a "cliffhanger", where you have to buy the next book to find out what happened. Refreshing new slant on a usually tired subject. I'll buy the next one.
I thought it was well written. Although I think it was supposed to be the first book of a series, it has a stand alone quality. There is not a "cliffhanger", where you have to buy the next book to find out what happened. Refreshing new slant on a usually tired subject. I'll buy the next one.
April 5, 2016
This entire series is so unique. A story about ghosts and other worlds that is clever, unpredictable, and believe it or not, hilariously funny! The main character is an average gal, with an extraordinary job and her ghost-fighting dog as her constant companion. I look forward to reading more from this author.
January 11, 2017
Intriguing
I chose these book because I needed something to read and boy was in glad. I loved the intrigue in finding out about the demon and getting rid of them. I started out not sure if I would enjoy as its completely out of what I normally go for, but I can't wait to read the next one in the series. A really fab read.
I chose these book because I needed something to read and boy was in glad. I loved the intrigue in finding out about the demon and getting rid of them. I started out not sure if I would enjoy as its completely out of what I normally go for, but I can't wait to read the next one in the series. A really fab read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews