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Although Thirteen feeds into the bestselling Psychic Surveys series, and is the story of sub-character, Ness, it can also be read as a STANDALONE
Don’t leave me alone in the dark…
In 1977, Minch Point Lighthouse on Skye’s most westerly tip was suddenly abandoned by the keeper and his family – no reason ever found. In the decade that followed, it became a haunt for teenagers on the hunt for thrills. Playing Thirteen Ghost Stories, they’d light thirteen candles, blowing one out after every story told until only the darkness remained.
In 1987, following her success working on a case with Sussex Police, twenty-five year old psychic, Ness Patterson, is asked to investigate recent happenings at the lighthouse. Local teen, Ally Dunn, has suffered a breakdown following time spent there and is refusing to speak to anyone. Arriving at her destination on a stormy night, Ness gets a terrifying insight into what the girl experienced.
The case growing ever more sinister, Ness realises: some games should never be played.
Don’t leave me alone in the dark…
In 1977, Minch Point Lighthouse on Skye’s most westerly tip was suddenly abandoned by the keeper and his family – no reason ever found. In the decade that followed, it became a haunt for teenagers on the hunt for thrills. Playing Thirteen Ghost Stories, they’d light thirteen candles, blowing one out after every story told until only the darkness remained.
In 1987, following her success working on a case with Sussex Police, twenty-five year old psychic, Ness Patterson, is asked to investigate recent happenings at the lighthouse. Local teen, Ally Dunn, has suffered a breakdown following time spent there and is refusing to speak to anyone. Arriving at her destination on a stormy night, Ness gets a terrifying insight into what the girl experienced.
The case growing ever more sinister, Ness realises: some games should never be played.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2017
121 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Shani Struthers
48 books508 followersIt's all about the ghosts...
Here's the order my books come in:
Psychic Surveys Series:
Psychic Surveys Book One: The Haunting of Highdown Hall
Psychic Surveys Book Two: Rise to Me
Psychic Surveys Book Three: 44 Gilmore Street
Psychic Surveys Book Four: Old Cross Cottage
Psychic Surveys Book Five: Descension
Psychic Surveys Book Six: Legion
Psychic Surveys Book Seven: Promises to Keep
Psychic Surveys Book Eight: The Weight of the Soul
Psychic Surveys Book Nine: The Devil's Liar
Psychic Surveys Companion Novels:
Eve: A Psychic Surveys Prequel
Blakemort (Corinna's story)
Thirteen (Ness's story)
Rosamund (Rosamund Davis - Ruby's great-grandmother's story)
Jed (the story of one of Psychic Surveys' most treasured and mysterious characters)
This Haunted World Series:
This Haunted World Book One: The Venetian
This Haunted World Book Two: The Eleventh Floor
This Haunted World Book Three: Highgate
This Haunted World Book Four: Rohaise
Reach for the Dead Series:
Reach for the Dead Book One: Mandy
Reach for the Dead Book Two: Cades Home Farm
Reach for the Dead Book Three: Walker
Jessamine Series:
Jessamine
Comraich
Carfax House - A Christmas Ghost Story (standalone novella)
The Damned Season - A Christmas Ghost Story (standalone novella)
Wildacre - A Christmas Ghost Story (standalone novella)
Summer of Grace - A standalone psychological thriller
Catch up with me via Facebook or on my website www.shanistruthers.com where you can sign up to my newsletter for all the latest information, offers and giveaways.
Here's the order my books come in:
Psychic Surveys Series:
Psychic Surveys Book One: The Haunting of Highdown Hall
Psychic Surveys Book Two: Rise to Me
Psychic Surveys Book Three: 44 Gilmore Street
Psychic Surveys Book Four: Old Cross Cottage
Psychic Surveys Book Five: Descension
Psychic Surveys Book Six: Legion
Psychic Surveys Book Seven: Promises to Keep
Psychic Surveys Book Eight: The Weight of the Soul
Psychic Surveys Book Nine: The Devil's Liar
Psychic Surveys Companion Novels:
Eve: A Psychic Surveys Prequel
Blakemort (Corinna's story)
Thirteen (Ness's story)
Rosamund (Rosamund Davis - Ruby's great-grandmother's story)
Jed (the story of one of Psychic Surveys' most treasured and mysterious characters)
This Haunted World Series:
This Haunted World Book One: The Venetian
This Haunted World Book Two: The Eleventh Floor
This Haunted World Book Three: Highgate
This Haunted World Book Four: Rohaise
Reach for the Dead Series:
Reach for the Dead Book One: Mandy
Reach for the Dead Book Two: Cades Home Farm
Reach for the Dead Book Three: Walker
Jessamine Series:
Jessamine
Comraich
Carfax House - A Christmas Ghost Story (standalone novella)
The Damned Season - A Christmas Ghost Story (standalone novella)
Wildacre - A Christmas Ghost Story (standalone novella)
Summer of Grace - A standalone psychological thriller
Catch up with me via Facebook or on my website www.shanistruthers.com where you can sign up to my newsletter for all the latest information, offers and giveaways.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 12, 2018
I love all Shani Struthers' books, particularly the Psychic Surveys series. This is one of the companion novels which can also be read as a standalone. This book gives us the back story of Ness, one of my favourite characters from the Psychic Surveys team.
Ness is invited to Skye to look into recent happenings at the local lighthouse - which in turn links current goings on with her own past.. As you would expect from Shani, this is a tense, atmospheric, spooky tale, full of wonderfully descriptive prose throughout, which all make for an excellent read which I could not put down. Highly recommended to lovers of ghost stories with a touch of the supernatural.
Ness is invited to Skye to look into recent happenings at the local lighthouse - which in turn links current goings on with her own past.. As you would expect from Shani, this is a tense, atmospheric, spooky tale, full of wonderfully descriptive prose throughout, which all make for an excellent read which I could not put down. Highly recommended to lovers of ghost stories with a touch of the supernatural.
February 11, 2018
My thanks to the Author via the TBConFB for the opportunity to read this story in exchange for an honest review. I gave this an 8/10 or 4 stars.
Whilst, it can be classed as part of a series it can easily be read as a standalone. This is the first story that I've read by this Author and I will in due course be looking out some of her past novels. Shani Struthers knows how to draw the reader in, her writing is to the point without the need to embellish her point unnecessarily. I enjoyed both the story and the writing style.
As the title suggests the number 13 figures quite heavily in this story. To a lot of people the number
13 can be an unlucky number and one that people have a phobia about. I wouldn't say that I had a phobia per se, but I do prefer to read a few pages into Chapter 13 rather than leaving it at the beginning when I'm putting my book down. Likewise, I never stop reading at page 13 either.
Ness Patterson is a 25 year old psychic who has had some success in the past at solving problems for the Police. Following events at a lighthouse on the isle of Skye, where a group of youngsters got involved in things they shouldn't and as a result several of them haven't been the same since. Ally, one of the teens has been particularly affected by the events. As Ness arrives on Skye, she realises that what she is about to become involved with in her investigations might remind her of things in her past, that she would rather stayed exactly there.
It's not long before Ness comes up with a plan, but the plan involves other people who she needs to try to convince that this is the right thing to do. Will Ness's plan work or will it backfire not just on her, but on other people too?
Whilst, it can be classed as part of a series it can easily be read as a standalone. This is the first story that I've read by this Author and I will in due course be looking out some of her past novels. Shani Struthers knows how to draw the reader in, her writing is to the point without the need to embellish her point unnecessarily. I enjoyed both the story and the writing style.
As the title suggests the number 13 figures quite heavily in this story. To a lot of people the number
13 can be an unlucky number and one that people have a phobia about. I wouldn't say that I had a phobia per se, but I do prefer to read a few pages into Chapter 13 rather than leaving it at the beginning when I'm putting my book down. Likewise, I never stop reading at page 13 either.
Ness Patterson is a 25 year old psychic who has had some success in the past at solving problems for the Police. Following events at a lighthouse on the isle of Skye, where a group of youngsters got involved in things they shouldn't and as a result several of them haven't been the same since. Ally, one of the teens has been particularly affected by the events. As Ness arrives on Skye, she realises that what she is about to become involved with in her investigations might remind her of things in her past, that she would rather stayed exactly there.
It's not long before Ness comes up with a plan, but the plan involves other people who she needs to try to convince that this is the right thing to do. Will Ness's plan work or will it backfire not just on her, but on other people too?
February 11, 2018
Shani Struthers delivers another heart stopping read in the Psychic Survey Series. Minch Point Lighthouse on the Isle of Skye holds dark secrets, a group of teenagers decide to visit the lighthouse, after being told to stay away for many years, they play a game of Thirteen Ghosts, after the final game one girl is left in such state she is unable to utter a word about what happened on that fateful night. Enter Tess Patterson a psychic investigator called in to help, now you will have to read the book yourself to learn the spine chilling events that have occurred through the decades. No one does supernatural like Shani Struthers, she lays the foundation and builds up the tension until you are fit to burst!, her imagination is so pure it brings the scenes she is describing to vivid life and you feel you are immersed into the scene yourself , following the characters as the story unfolds, and believe me that will have you holding your breath!... How many authors can see a building and weave the most imaginative story around it, thus bringing the very heart of that building to life? ..Shani Struthers the Queen of Supernatural can. .. So highly recommended!..
January 25, 2018
A fantastic mystical read which I enjoyed from start to finish. A must for all supernatural lovers, written by this very popular author whose books never fail to deliver.
January 25, 2018
This is the second book I've read of Shani's after loving The Eleventh Floor.
The beginning of the book is gripping and the writing masterful in her build up of suspense. I really flicked from page to page immersed in the story.
There was a slight release in the tension in the latter half and hints of romance took over. I think I was hoping for more gruesome goings on.
That said, I barely put the book down and will look forward to my next Struther's with great anticipation.
The beginning of the book is gripping and the writing masterful in her build up of suspense. I really flicked from page to page immersed in the story.
There was a slight release in the tension in the latter half and hints of romance took over. I think I was hoping for more gruesome goings on.
That said, I barely put the book down and will look forward to my next Struther's with great anticipation.
January 26, 2018
Another great companion novella to add to the Psychic Surveys series. This one introduces Ness Patterson who is a Psychic Investigator. It gives a good insight into her character, how she is as she is and what makes her tick.
Ness travels to the Isle of Skye to investigate spooky and sinister goings on at a lighthouse. Thirteen is unlucky for some and it definitely is in this tale! I loved the setting, just right for a ghost story - it’s very atmospheric and wonderfully described. I could just visualise the remoteness of the island and the unpredictable weather conditions. The characters are very believable and realistic. What more could you want from a spine tingling eerie read!?
Just keep your lights shining! You never know what’s out there.
Ness travels to the Isle of Skye to investigate spooky and sinister goings on at a lighthouse. Thirteen is unlucky for some and it definitely is in this tale! I loved the setting, just right for a ghost story - it’s very atmospheric and wonderfully described. I could just visualise the remoteness of the island and the unpredictable weather conditions. The characters are very believable and realistic. What more could you want from a spine tingling eerie read!?
Just keep your lights shining! You never know what’s out there.
December 21, 2017
An enjoyable supernatural story
With Shani Struthers' books you always get what it says on the tin. A modern day English ghost story. No gratuitous horror, just a creepy tale to keep you absorbed throughout the book. In many ways this book had the hallmarks of a Dennis Wheatley story and you can't get better than that. Well recommended.
With Shani Struthers' books you always get what it says on the tin. A modern day English ghost story. No gratuitous horror, just a creepy tale to keep you absorbed throughout the book. In many ways this book had the hallmarks of a Dennis Wheatley story and you can't get better than that. Well recommended.
January 28, 2018
I have read books by Shani Struthers before and they were really good but this one excelled my expectations. Ness goes to the isle of Skye when a friend asks her to look into why the lighthouse has such a bad reputation and what has happened to the local resident Ally Dunn who refuses to speak about the game they played in the lighthouse one dark night. Teenagers are always drawn to the one place they have been told to avoid and the lighthouse was one of these places so of course that's where they decided to tell ghost stories but something went horribly wrong. The way Shani Struthers describes the the surrounding and the ever changing weather it really sets the scene very skilfully.I couldn't wait to see what happened next and I was not disappointed.
This also has some of Ness's back story and it is great getting an insight into why she never talks about her family and her first encounter with the psychic world.
I read this as a standalone book but will definitely be reading the first book now.
This also has some of Ness's back story and it is great getting an insight into why she never talks about her family and her first encounter with the psychic world.
I read this as a standalone book but will definitely be reading the first book now.
May 12, 2018
Audiobook review
Shani has yet again written a great story. I love Ness. She’s so real but so are all the central characters in this story.
The build up to full creepy is great. You get engrossed in the lives and why they’ve done this.
This series is great. I honestly can’t wait to find out what’s next.
The narrator is brilliant. She’s cool & calm then builds the creep factor up just as it’s needed.
Def one to listen to or read or both!
Shani has yet again written a great story. I love Ness. She’s so real but so are all the central characters in this story.
The build up to full creepy is great. You get engrossed in the lives and why they’ve done this.
This series is great. I honestly can’t wait to find out what’s next.
The narrator is brilliant. She’s cool & calm then builds the creep factor up just as it’s needed.
Def one to listen to or read or both!
January 1, 2018
As I think most of my family and friends know, I'm a huge fan of Shani's books and Thirteen didn't disappoint. It can be read as a stand alone, but it does give an insight into the childhood and development of one of the main characters of her Psychic Surveys series books. I loved the atmospheric setting, which the author describes beautifully. I don't want to give too much away, but it's safe to say I'll never again make a midnight trip to the bathroom without all the lights on!
January 30, 2018
Another excellent ghost story by the ever imaginative Shani Struthers :) I have read most of this author's books and I always get drawn in by the clever way she mixes real places with a reputation for being haunted and then creates a story around it. I can well imagine ghosts haunting these places so I am completely swept up in these stories and this one was no different.
Ness has gone to the island of Skye, to check out an abandoned lighthouse which has been used by teenagers for years for scary games, only this time one of them seems to be badly affected. Despite being bogged down by her own past, Ness takes on the task of trying to unravel what might have happened at the lighthouse, with the help of a local lad, Angus, and with the support of his mother, Eilidh (who gives her some mothering which has been sadly lacking from her life). I love the characters in this book, Angus and his mum were such nice people. I loved Ness too, she is clearly damaged but she tries so hard to do good for others.
As Ness tries to figure things out on Skye, all I could think of is how creepy it would actually be, being in an abandoned lightkeepers house, knowing that lighthouses are always in remote spots in the first place and Skye is plenty remote by itself. If I ever go to an abandoned house, I am taking lots of torches with me, plus lots of strong friends, that's for sure!
I loved this book, I give it a 4.5 :) I would love it if Ness goes back to Skye at some point, just saying ;)
Ness has gone to the island of Skye, to check out an abandoned lighthouse which has been used by teenagers for years for scary games, only this time one of them seems to be badly affected. Despite being bogged down by her own past, Ness takes on the task of trying to unravel what might have happened at the lighthouse, with the help of a local lad, Angus, and with the support of his mother, Eilidh (who gives her some mothering which has been sadly lacking from her life). I love the characters in this book, Angus and his mum were such nice people. I loved Ness too, she is clearly damaged but she tries so hard to do good for others.
As Ness tries to figure things out on Skye, all I could think of is how creepy it would actually be, being in an abandoned lightkeepers house, knowing that lighthouses are always in remote spots in the first place and Skye is plenty remote by itself. If I ever go to an abandoned house, I am taking lots of torches with me, plus lots of strong friends, that's for sure!
I loved this book, I give it a 4.5 :) I would love it if Ness goes back to Skye at some point, just saying ;)
October 9, 2018
Thirteen is the second companion novel by Shani Struthers in the popular Psychic Servery’s Series. So, to my knowledge there are three companion novels and five core novels.
Before I begin my review, I would like state that all reviews I post regarding books are unbiased. I do not read ARC copies for review. I believe that as the reader is my responsibility to purchase the work(s) and review them to show my full support to authors.
Thirteen is a psychic thriller that is set on the wild isle of Skye. This title could be read as a standalone. However, there are links to other core characters in this that relate to the main series titles and I feel that having read the books in order that this would be best read chronologically, to allow the reader to have a better understanding of the characters mentioned and their relationship within the world the author has created thus far.
This Title follows Ness (short for Vanessa) one of the lesser explored characters of the core novels. She is quiet, yet opinionated. I am starting to get the impression tat these novels will cover each of the core characters in the team individually. Which I find extremely pleasing as I do enjoy a good back story or spin off.
Unlike Blakemort, which is more of a memory of a haunting; thirteen is written in the present tense. Although, it covers events that happen before Ness joins Ruby Davis and Psychic Servery’s. Ness is as you might have guessed a Psychic who works with the Sussex police to help solve murders. This is a huge clue to why she is reluctant to talk about her past in the core novels. Police work I can imagine would be some of the hardest for someone with a gift like Ness. My thoughts are confirmed as her reason for taking a private case on Skye is to take a break from the police and try and come to terms with the last case she worked on. A double murder of two young girls.
The client who isn’t a resident of Skye but an uncle of on plans to turn an old lighthouse into a guest house. The issue is that it appears to be haunted and that haunting has spilled out into some teenagers who used the abandoned building for a right of passage style game one dark night and since then unusual things have been happening to the teens, affecting one.
Ness quickly learns that the ghost story game the teens had been playing has been playing in the same room of the lighthouse for decades only this time something dark has made itself known. So, her investigation begins. The level of haunting and the type is revealed quite early in the investigation. Ness visits the room that the teens had used and is very aware of a malevolent presence that appears to be hiding but also very much there. After a few moments she tries to leave and that is when the entity attacks her using mental images of death and rituals that have been carried out in the building over many years. It also brings to the front of her mind her own past and the secret she is so desperate to keep hidden.
I really enjoyed the history aspect and how it has been written regarding Ness’s past. As a child she was always able to sense spirits, see and communicate with them. The strongest of which is her sister, her identical twin who died at birth but who hung around and appears to grow at the same rate as Ness in the spirit realm as Ness does in the physical. Ness’s ability is shunned by her family especially her mother who appears to hate her. This was very hard to read, I feel it really was a needed element though to really explain Ness and the person is has become. I am not going to go into anymore detail here as I do not want to spoil the book for potential readers.
Numerology is a huge lead in this book and I have always found it a fascinating subject despite my hatred for mathematics in general. The number thirteen is incredibly important and is mention many times in different locations. The number seven is also mentioned a few times. If you have any knowledge of numerology you will see were this is leading, if not you will find out within the pages of the story.
My favourite part of any book is always the descriptions. I have a pretty good imagination, but I do like to be led in the direction the author has imagined the scene. One of the reasons I enjoy this author work so much is her ability to give the reader enough to send the imagination racing but not enough to limit us to one idea. The choice of location is perfect and very well described. I know the author travels a lot visiting real places to include in her work so there is a good chance she has been to this lighthouse on Skye. That is quite an amazing thing and I believe it enriches the book exponentially.
Ness’s character development is great to read, she has always been a bit of an enigma so far so to finally learn more about her, her human side, he weaknesses and strengths was wonderful and so well written that I feel that she could be a real person now.
I enjoyed the back and forth aspect of the book, many locations are referenced and points in history that are relevant just add that richness that every reader craves. The flash backs into Ness’s childhood were one of my favourite inclusions. I love flash backs I am one of those people who always wants to know more, so to be given so much was amazing and really cured that ache for knowledge. Ness like the others in the eventual team at Psychic Surveys is flawed. This is another aspect that the author always includes with her characters. None of them are perfect. Given the genre in my opinion it makes the story more chilling as it all feels more authentic. It’s a very important skill to have when writing a thriller/ horror of this kind and the author manages it pull it off flawlessly.
I fancy myself a bit of a detective and thought rather arrogantly that I had the haunting sewn up quite early on in this title. Around chapter five I was confident that I had it figured out and beaten the author this time. I really hadn’t, not even close. The author is one of the best I have read in terms of keeping the reader guessing without it becoming a bit of a wild goose chase. Every scene is carefully written. The clues are there but with the clever interwoven past and present and the introduction of key places and information smattered throughout. As the reader it was frustratingly delicious to be kept guessing until the end.
As all good things, this book had to reach its conclusion. So, imagine my horror that after such an amazing case and a story of self-discovery in many ways for Ness I was once again left with a major unanswered question. I love to hate cliff-hangers. This one is no exception. Now to most if you have read it or as a potential reader you may not agree that this is a true cliff-hanger. To me it is and I was gobsmacked. Having said that I am confident that the author will bring closure in another title. I know I said that at the end of Blakemort and I will forever live in hope that both books are revisited, and those answers are revealed to the readers.
In conclusion, this has been the hardest review to write as I really didn’t want to give too much away. It is also a story woven within a story, within a story. I hope this review does the book justice and hasn’t spoiled it for anyone. It is a great thriller with an in-depth storyline. I think we can all look back on our own teenage years and recall doing something like what takes place within the pages of Thirteen. Though hopefully without the dire consequences.
I give this book 5 STARTS of a possible 5 STARS
Before I begin my review, I would like state that all reviews I post regarding books are unbiased. I do not read ARC copies for review. I believe that as the reader is my responsibility to purchase the work(s) and review them to show my full support to authors.
Thirteen is a psychic thriller that is set on the wild isle of Skye. This title could be read as a standalone. However, there are links to other core characters in this that relate to the main series titles and I feel that having read the books in order that this would be best read chronologically, to allow the reader to have a better understanding of the characters mentioned and their relationship within the world the author has created thus far.
This Title follows Ness (short for Vanessa) one of the lesser explored characters of the core novels. She is quiet, yet opinionated. I am starting to get the impression tat these novels will cover each of the core characters in the team individually. Which I find extremely pleasing as I do enjoy a good back story or spin off.
Unlike Blakemort, which is more of a memory of a haunting; thirteen is written in the present tense. Although, it covers events that happen before Ness joins Ruby Davis and Psychic Servery’s. Ness is as you might have guessed a Psychic who works with the Sussex police to help solve murders. This is a huge clue to why she is reluctant to talk about her past in the core novels. Police work I can imagine would be some of the hardest for someone with a gift like Ness. My thoughts are confirmed as her reason for taking a private case on Skye is to take a break from the police and try and come to terms with the last case she worked on. A double murder of two young girls.
The client who isn’t a resident of Skye but an uncle of on plans to turn an old lighthouse into a guest house. The issue is that it appears to be haunted and that haunting has spilled out into some teenagers who used the abandoned building for a right of passage style game one dark night and since then unusual things have been happening to the teens, affecting one.
Ness quickly learns that the ghost story game the teens had been playing has been playing in the same room of the lighthouse for decades only this time something dark has made itself known. So, her investigation begins. The level of haunting and the type is revealed quite early in the investigation. Ness visits the room that the teens had used and is very aware of a malevolent presence that appears to be hiding but also very much there. After a few moments she tries to leave and that is when the entity attacks her using mental images of death and rituals that have been carried out in the building over many years. It also brings to the front of her mind her own past and the secret she is so desperate to keep hidden.
I really enjoyed the history aspect and how it has been written regarding Ness’s past. As a child she was always able to sense spirits, see and communicate with them. The strongest of which is her sister, her identical twin who died at birth but who hung around and appears to grow at the same rate as Ness in the spirit realm as Ness does in the physical. Ness’s ability is shunned by her family especially her mother who appears to hate her. This was very hard to read, I feel it really was a needed element though to really explain Ness and the person is has become. I am not going to go into anymore detail here as I do not want to spoil the book for potential readers.
Numerology is a huge lead in this book and I have always found it a fascinating subject despite my hatred for mathematics in general. The number thirteen is incredibly important and is mention many times in different locations. The number seven is also mentioned a few times. If you have any knowledge of numerology you will see were this is leading, if not you will find out within the pages of the story.
My favourite part of any book is always the descriptions. I have a pretty good imagination, but I do like to be led in the direction the author has imagined the scene. One of the reasons I enjoy this author work so much is her ability to give the reader enough to send the imagination racing but not enough to limit us to one idea. The choice of location is perfect and very well described. I know the author travels a lot visiting real places to include in her work so there is a good chance she has been to this lighthouse on Skye. That is quite an amazing thing and I believe it enriches the book exponentially.
Ness’s character development is great to read, she has always been a bit of an enigma so far so to finally learn more about her, her human side, he weaknesses and strengths was wonderful and so well written that I feel that she could be a real person now.
I enjoyed the back and forth aspect of the book, many locations are referenced and points in history that are relevant just add that richness that every reader craves. The flash backs into Ness’s childhood were one of my favourite inclusions. I love flash backs I am one of those people who always wants to know more, so to be given so much was amazing and really cured that ache for knowledge. Ness like the others in the eventual team at Psychic Surveys is flawed. This is another aspect that the author always includes with her characters. None of them are perfect. Given the genre in my opinion it makes the story more chilling as it all feels more authentic. It’s a very important skill to have when writing a thriller/ horror of this kind and the author manages it pull it off flawlessly.
I fancy myself a bit of a detective and thought rather arrogantly that I had the haunting sewn up quite early on in this title. Around chapter five I was confident that I had it figured out and beaten the author this time. I really hadn’t, not even close. The author is one of the best I have read in terms of keeping the reader guessing without it becoming a bit of a wild goose chase. Every scene is carefully written. The clues are there but with the clever interwoven past and present and the introduction of key places and information smattered throughout. As the reader it was frustratingly delicious to be kept guessing until the end.
As all good things, this book had to reach its conclusion. So, imagine my horror that after such an amazing case and a story of self-discovery in many ways for Ness I was once again left with a major unanswered question. I love to hate cliff-hangers. This one is no exception. Now to most if you have read it or as a potential reader you may not agree that this is a true cliff-hanger. To me it is and I was gobsmacked. Having said that I am confident that the author will bring closure in another title. I know I said that at the end of Blakemort and I will forever live in hope that both books are revisited, and those answers are revealed to the readers.
In conclusion, this has been the hardest review to write as I really didn’t want to give too much away. It is also a story woven within a story, within a story. I hope this review does the book justice and hasn’t spoiled it for anyone. It is a great thriller with an in-depth storyline. I think we can all look back on our own teenage years and recall doing something like what takes place within the pages of Thirteen. Though hopefully without the dire consequences.
I give this book 5 STARTS of a possible 5 STARS
February 2, 2018
https://noemptyshelveshere.blogspot.c...
Another brilliant book from Shani Struthers and how wonderful to find out more about Ness and her past. Thirteen is a brilliant book of fear, hope and light and once again had me on the edge of my seat willing the book to just go on and not finish. Also just to add that although this book is a second part in the Psychic Surveys series, it can be read as a standalone novel.
The book is based around an old lighthouse on Skye, that has been left by its last occupants to rot away in the harsh weather and darkness that surrounds it. It certainly has its own strange past, but that doesn’t stop teenagers taking refuge there and play a decades old game of thirteen ghost stories.
But it goes wrong and the last lot to play the game are affected by some sort of dark energy, that is slowly overtaking their lives. So here comes Ness, psychic girl, who on occasion helps Police find bodies of victims of violent crimes and someone with her own past still haunting her.
I can’t say anymore other than the fact that Ness soon learns that she must trust in herself and the people around her, as together they can create the light needed to banish even the darkest spirits hiding in the corners of the abandoned lighthouse. But it can come at a cost.
I am always excited to read one of Shani’s books and even more excited to write about it so thank you very much to TBConFB and Shani for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Another brilliant book from Shani Struthers and how wonderful to find out more about Ness and her past. Thirteen is a brilliant book of fear, hope and light and once again had me on the edge of my seat willing the book to just go on and not finish. Also just to add that although this book is a second part in the Psychic Surveys series, it can be read as a standalone novel.
The book is based around an old lighthouse on Skye, that has been left by its last occupants to rot away in the harsh weather and darkness that surrounds it. It certainly has its own strange past, but that doesn’t stop teenagers taking refuge there and play a decades old game of thirteen ghost stories.
But it goes wrong and the last lot to play the game are affected by some sort of dark energy, that is slowly overtaking their lives. So here comes Ness, psychic girl, who on occasion helps Police find bodies of victims of violent crimes and someone with her own past still haunting her.
I can’t say anymore other than the fact that Ness soon learns that she must trust in herself and the people around her, as together they can create the light needed to banish even the darkest spirits hiding in the corners of the abandoned lighthouse. But it can come at a cost.
I am always excited to read one of Shani’s books and even more excited to write about it so thank you very much to TBConFB and Shani for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2017
Enjoyed
This story was painful at the start of this book. Painful in the what happened to the children who donned what had become a tradition and ritual over the years. Teenagers go to the deserted lighthouse for kicks or something to do.
It was also painful to hear exactly what happened to Ness in her childhood, until she became 13 years old.
The number 13 figures a lot of times in this book and the significance becomes clear as you read.
I would definitely recommend this book to all those who have read the psychic surveys series as you learn more about one of the chief members of the team.
This book can also be read as a stand-alone book.
I don't want to go into details about what happens, just to say that I couldn't put it down as I had to find out more.
Shani is a fantastic author who really draws you in with her imagination and along with the readers' own imagination conjures up great ghost stories. She has become one of my favourites and I would highly recommend her books.
This story was painful at the start of this book. Painful in the what happened to the children who donned what had become a tradition and ritual over the years. Teenagers go to the deserted lighthouse for kicks or something to do.
It was also painful to hear exactly what happened to Ness in her childhood, until she became 13 years old.
The number 13 figures a lot of times in this book and the significance becomes clear as you read.
I would definitely recommend this book to all those who have read the psychic surveys series as you learn more about one of the chief members of the team.
This book can also be read as a stand-alone book.
I don't want to go into details about what happens, just to say that I couldn't put it down as I had to find out more.
Shani is a fantastic author who really draws you in with her imagination and along with the readers' own imagination conjures up great ghost stories. She has become one of my favourites and I would highly recommend her books.
December 8, 2017
A great spooky spine tingling book
Well first of all I have to say this book was amazing!. If you have not read the previous books in this series i suggest you do so now, not only will it help get a better insight to who Ness is but the are amazing. From reading the other psychic series books I was always curious as to what's Ness' story was, and I was not disappointed! The storyline was completely enthralling and I was hooked from the start. The characters throughout were easy to connect to which definitely help the flow of the storyline making me sad to finish. The atmosphere created in the pages of this book is captivating and I could picture everything that happened thanks to Shani's amazing descriptive writing. A dark, magical and spine tingling story which kept me up reading late into the night! Well done to Shani for pulling off another great read and I am already eagerly awaiting the next!!!
Well first of all I have to say this book was amazing!. If you have not read the previous books in this series i suggest you do so now, not only will it help get a better insight to who Ness is but the are amazing. From reading the other psychic series books I was always curious as to what's Ness' story was, and I was not disappointed! The storyline was completely enthralling and I was hooked from the start. The characters throughout were easy to connect to which definitely help the flow of the storyline making me sad to finish. The atmosphere created in the pages of this book is captivating and I could picture everything that happened thanks to Shani's amazing descriptive writing. A dark, magical and spine tingling story which kept me up reading late into the night! Well done to Shani for pulling off another great read and I am already eagerly awaiting the next!!!
April 30, 2019
Id never heard of Shani Struthers or knew much about what books she wrote.
I found this book very cheap on Amazon (with free postage!) so I clicked right on!!
It's a pretty short book (that's why it's only four stars) but I loved it. The story is good, the characters are very likeable and the setting sounds very, very nice, it's a place I'd like to visit regardless of this story.
I am now looking out for more books from this author and if you haven't yet, my advice is to Definately give Shani Struthers books a go. I believe you'd love them too.
I found this book very cheap on Amazon (with free postage!) so I clicked right on!!
It's a pretty short book (that's why it's only four stars) but I loved it. The story is good, the characters are very likeable and the setting sounds very, very nice, it's a place I'd like to visit regardless of this story.
I am now looking out for more books from this author and if you haven't yet, my advice is to Definately give Shani Struthers books a go. I believe you'd love them too.
February 4, 2018
Shani Struthers is an amazing writer! I'm going through her books one by one and each book, so far, has had me completely hooked! This story was no exception and kept me up late into the night eager to finish it.
Ness is a strong but obstinate character who's had a unloving childhood but has come through it to fight the good fight on behalf of Scottish families on Skye! My father's family come from the Isle of Arran so I could imagine the atmosphere throughout the story!
I'm currently reading the 'Christmas' book which is already proving to be another whammy!
Ness is a strong but obstinate character who's had a unloving childhood but has come through it to fight the good fight on behalf of Scottish families on Skye! My father's family come from the Isle of Arran so I could imagine the atmosphere throughout the story!
I'm currently reading the 'Christmas' book which is already proving to be another whammy!
December 4, 2017
Excellent read
Although this is a novella the story is perfectly formed and executed. Believable characters make you want to continue reading with a longing for the next book. Shani struthers is a writer who exudes warmth and familiarity.
Although this is a novella the story is perfectly formed and executed. Believable characters make you want to continue reading with a longing for the next book. Shani struthers is a writer who exudes warmth and familiarity.
February 11, 2018
Gosh I thought that the first book in this series was hauntingly scary, but wow this one takes the reader further. The reader delves into the life of Ness and her search for the truth. Ness is one brave lady. You wouldn’t see me for dust anywhere near the Lighthouse. The author manages to weave a very spooky story intertwined with a main character who is human in all its glory. I hope to read more from this Author very soon!
April 22, 2020
Reflecting
If anyone comes from a traumatic childhood, this particular book could help you move through or to it to overcome how you have been crippled by trauma from family members. This is a deep story line that I could appreciate.
If anyone comes from a traumatic childhood, this particular book could help you move through or to it to overcome how you have been crippled by trauma from family members. This is a deep story line that I could appreciate.
December 9, 2017
If you love tales of the supernatural, that sound a bit too true, you’ll love this one! Try it, it won’t disappoint.
June 18, 2018
Great Story!
I love a good story, and this book manages to connect several , in a way that succeeds beautifully. Set on the isle of Skye, in Scotland, the story sets up a strange mood right from the start: twins are born, one alive, the other dead. As they grow, the living twin shares life with the presence of her dead twin...I won't spoil the story, but rather recommend you read it for yourself. A+ Bravo!
I love a good story, and this book manages to connect several , in a way that succeeds beautifully. Set on the isle of Skye, in Scotland, the story sets up a strange mood right from the start: twins are born, one alive, the other dead. As they grow, the living twin shares life with the presence of her dead twin...I won't spoil the story, but rather recommend you read it for yourself. A+ Bravo!
August 9, 2018
Fantastic read
It's been a long time since I've read so many books from one series straight after each other.
This story from Ness continues the high quality Psychic Surveys series.
Really feel for Ness, she sure needs some comfort in her life.
It's been a long time since I've read so many books from one series straight after each other.
This story from Ness continues the high quality Psychic Surveys series.
Really feel for Ness, she sure needs some comfort in her life.
February 10, 2018
I seem to be saying ‘not my usual genre’ a lot at the moment and am thoroughly enjoying ‘reading’ out of my usual. This is one of those books and it was great. This drew me in and kept me reading. Very good story line (without to much background) and would definitely like to see what’s next for Ness.
February 10, 2018
Thirteen by shani struthers.
An old lighthouse is haunted. Ness is asked to see if she can help. Can and will she help?
A fantastic read. Love shani books. Each one is different. Highly recommended. 5*.
An old lighthouse is haunted. Ness is asked to see if she can help. Can and will she help?
A fantastic read. Love shani books. Each one is different. Highly recommended. 5*.
January 17, 2018
Ness is a psychic and is asked to visit the Isle of Skye after a teen prank goes terribly wrong.
All children growing up on the island does as teens do they drink and fool around. The place they choose is the isolated abandoned lighthouse with a past all it’s own!
Ness uncovers it’s history with Angus and his mother to find out what is affecting the teens and her.
A gripping read as ever from Shani can’t wait for the next in the series.
All children growing up on the island does as teens do they drink and fool around. The place they choose is the isolated abandoned lighthouse with a past all it’s own!
Ness uncovers it’s history with Angus and his mother to find out what is affecting the teens and her.
A gripping read as ever from Shani can’t wait for the next in the series.
January 26, 2018
Brilliant!
Absolutely loved Ness’s story! It ties in to the Psychic Surveys series, and explains a lot about Ness.
The tale this novel covers is rich in depicting the Isle of Skye and the abandoned lighthouse Ness has been asked to investigate. I loved the way it flowed, and the layout and reveal for both past and present happenings. I also love the way the history of a location such as the lighthouse is detailed. I’ve always been interested in such things.
I would love to read more about Ness and her career as another companion to the Psychic Surveys series!
Absolutely loved Ness’s story! It ties in to the Psychic Surveys series, and explains a lot about Ness.
The tale this novel covers is rich in depicting the Isle of Skye and the abandoned lighthouse Ness has been asked to investigate. I loved the way it flowed, and the layout and reveal for both past and present happenings. I also love the way the history of a location such as the lighthouse is detailed. I’ve always been interested in such things.
I would love to read more about Ness and her career as another companion to the Psychic Surveys series!
March 4, 2018
Keeps you on the edge of your seat. I didn't want the story to end but as they say (nothing good lasts forever)
Looking forward to my next read.
Looking forward to my next read.
July 13, 2018
I've been wondering about Ness and her own story as I've reading the rest of the Psychic Surveys series. She often comes across as aloof and preferring her own company. This novella offers an insight into her childhood and younger years whilst showing how her personality grew and developed.
Shani has done a fantastic job of creating images in this readers mind of the scenery and and setting on the isle of Skye. Good weather or bad, I could picture the locations and see events unfold in my mind.
This is another excellent addition to the series - and I love the cover too. Just one thing... when do we find out what Ness had discovered at the end of the book? She (and Shani) can't leave us wondering!
Shani has done a fantastic job of creating images in this readers mind of the scenery and and setting on the isle of Skye. Good weather or bad, I could picture the locations and see events unfold in my mind.
This is another excellent addition to the series - and I love the cover too. Just one thing... when do we find out what Ness had discovered at the end of the book? She (and Shani) can't leave us wondering!
January 11, 2018
Another great read from a Shani Struthers. I love a good ghosty story!
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