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Strange Series #2
Even Stranger: A Roller-Coaster Of A Psi-Fi Thriller
"I thought I’d knocked him out, but in a flash he’d turned on to all fours and was crawling swiftly, spider-like, back towards us. He still held the knife, so I set fire to the handle. The wood flamed and he hissed in pain but didn’t let go. It was all turning rather awkward.”
With the swinging sixties staggering, shamefaced and flustered, into the slightly staider seventies, life for Stella, isn’t going as smoothly as she’d like. As an ordinary person, who happens to have some extraordinary abilities, it's frustrating to find that something as simple as holding down a job, throws up unexpected hurdles.
She'd be a darn sight better off if she could ditch the conviction she knows best which, together with a chronic inability to keep her mouth shut and her nose out of other people's business, has led her more than once off the straight and narrow into the dodgy and dangerous. Plans for a safer future, include setting herself up in business, squashing her over-active conscience and steering clear of risky and unpleasant.
Unfortunately, the best laid plans can lead to the darkest places.
With the swinging sixties staggering, shamefaced and flustered, into the slightly staider seventies, life for Stella, isn’t going as smoothly as she’d like. As an ordinary person, who happens to have some extraordinary abilities, it's frustrating to find that something as simple as holding down a job, throws up unexpected hurdles.
She'd be a darn sight better off if she could ditch the conviction she knows best which, together with a chronic inability to keep her mouth shut and her nose out of other people's business, has led her more than once off the straight and narrow into the dodgy and dangerous. Plans for a safer future, include setting herself up in business, squashing her over-active conscience and steering clear of risky and unpleasant.
Unfortunately, the best laid plans can lead to the darkest places.
260 pages, Paperback
First published April 28, 2016
26 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Marilyn Messik
37 books28 followersMarilyn was a regular feature and fiction writer for national magazines when her children were small. She set up her first business from home, selling toys, books and party goods, before opening first one shop then another. When she sold both shops, she moved into the world of travel, focusing on B & B’s and Country Inns in New England, USA. Her advisory, planning and booking service flourished and she concurrently launched a publishing company, producing annual, full-colour accommodation guides to the areas.
In 2007 she set up a copywriting consultancy, to help businesses shape their messages to optimum effect. She’s blogged for The Telegraph online; published the Vintage Ladies Collection; written four Business Books and four Paranormal Thrillers.
She’s been married to her very patient husband for more years than he deserves, and they have two children, five grandchildren and, somewhat to their surprise, several granddogs.
In 2007 she set up a copywriting consultancy, to help businesses shape their messages to optimum effect. She’s blogged for The Telegraph online; published the Vintage Ladies Collection; written four Business Books and four Paranormal Thrillers.
She’s been married to her very patient husband for more years than he deserves, and they have two children, five grandchildren and, somewhat to their surprise, several granddogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
September 9, 2016
Having thoroughly enjoyed Relatively Strange, which was the first book in this series, I was really looking forward to reading Even Stranger, and I’m pleased to announce it did not disappoint.
I love the characters that Marilyn Messik has created for this series, and not just because they manage to make me feel less strange. It was great seeing a more mature and confident Stella a few years on from the first book too.
Although, overall, I wouldn’t describe this book as particularly scary, I think it needs to come with the following warning:
“Remove all potentially creepy dolls (and even the cute ones, if you wish them to remain cute in your mind) before reading this book.”
One part of this book spooked me so much, I think it knocked a few years off my life. I almost had a heart attack when I looked over at my beautiful doll, Betony, while I was reading, only to discover she had moved position and was staring straight at me! I was on the verge of jumping out of the upstairs window, until I remembered I moved her for the first time in ages, just a few days earlier to show her to my friend. Phew! She still gave me the creeps though, as she was giving me the look, while I stared at her suspiciously. I was even suspicious of her the following night, but we’re back on good terms again now, thank goodness.
There were parts of this story that made me giggle and one part that left me craving aniseed balls for about two days. Now I’ve reminded myself about them, I’m craving them again. They are one of my dad’s favourite sweets, so I grew up eating them, and adore the smell and taste of aniseed.
You will need to read Relatively Strange before reading Even Stranger, but if you enjoy the first book, then I highly recommend reading this book too.
I would like to thank the publisher, Troubador Publishing Ltd for allowing me a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I love the characters that Marilyn Messik has created for this series, and not just because they manage to make me feel less strange. It was great seeing a more mature and confident Stella a few years on from the first book too.
Although, overall, I wouldn’t describe this book as particularly scary, I think it needs to come with the following warning:
“Remove all potentially creepy dolls (and even the cute ones, if you wish them to remain cute in your mind) before reading this book.”
One part of this book spooked me so much, I think it knocked a few years off my life. I almost had a heart attack when I looked over at my beautiful doll, Betony, while I was reading, only to discover she had moved position and was staring straight at me! I was on the verge of jumping out of the upstairs window, until I remembered I moved her for the first time in ages, just a few days earlier to show her to my friend. Phew! She still gave me the creeps though, as she was giving me the look, while I stared at her suspiciously. I was even suspicious of her the following night, but we’re back on good terms again now, thank goodness.
There were parts of this story that made me giggle and one part that left me craving aniseed balls for about two days. Now I’ve reminded myself about them, I’m craving them again. They are one of my dad’s favourite sweets, so I grew up eating them, and adore the smell and taste of aniseed.
You will need to read Relatively Strange before reading Even Stranger, but if you enjoy the first book, then I highly recommend reading this book too.
I would like to thank the publisher, Troubador Publishing Ltd for allowing me a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 4, 2020
After seeing the rave reviews for book 1 in this series, I was excited and prepared for a fantastic read. After reading a quarter of “Even Stranger” I had mixed feelings, wondering whether I was correct about my perception of the book’s weaknesses or if I had just missed the point.
Author Marilyn Messik began the book with an excerpt from the future, designed to excite the reader and drag us unwillingly into the story. I’ve grown tired of this ploy, and even more dismayed when the story I was dropped into seemed to ramble aimlessly during the first 25%.
At the same time there were positives to the book, which can be read as a standalone (I have not read book 1). With everything I listed above, why did I keep reading? Because the author has an incredible voice and the manner employed to construct sentences is refreshing. Stella is the main character and the story is told in first person. Stella is witty without being snarky (at least, not the lighthearted snarkiness present in so many characters nowadays) and even though I felt the plot could be moving forward in a quicker manner, I was interested in what she was doing in her day-to-day existence. Hats off to Ms. Messik as this is definitely her five-star element in this novel.
I came to view the story as a series of vignettes sharing space, weaving Stella’s personal life in-between her forays into the strange. Upon reflection, “Even Stranger” feels like a sci-fi noir novel, which is something one doesn’t come upon every day. Stella is “Strange,” part of a loose community of people who have mental abilities (and who, for obvious reasons, keep their talents hidden from the rest of the world). While some parts of the book possess an easygoing quality, the chapters where Stella uses her abilities can be quite dark.
By the end of the book, I was captivated by Stella and her struggles to live a normal life despite the constant pull by others to use her talents. I am definitely planning on reading the first book in the series and, based upon a bit of foreshadowing in this book, I am looking forward to Book 3. Four stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for a complimentary ebook of this title.
Author Marilyn Messik began the book with an excerpt from the future, designed to excite the reader and drag us unwillingly into the story. I’ve grown tired of this ploy, and even more dismayed when the story I was dropped into seemed to ramble aimlessly during the first 25%.
At the same time there were positives to the book, which can be read as a standalone (I have not read book 1). With everything I listed above, why did I keep reading? Because the author has an incredible voice and the manner employed to construct sentences is refreshing. Stella is the main character and the story is told in first person. Stella is witty without being snarky (at least, not the lighthearted snarkiness present in so many characters nowadays) and even though I felt the plot could be moving forward in a quicker manner, I was interested in what she was doing in her day-to-day existence. Hats off to Ms. Messik as this is definitely her five-star element in this novel.
I came to view the story as a series of vignettes sharing space, weaving Stella’s personal life in-between her forays into the strange. Upon reflection, “Even Stranger” feels like a sci-fi noir novel, which is something one doesn’t come upon every day. Stella is “Strange,” part of a loose community of people who have mental abilities (and who, for obvious reasons, keep their talents hidden from the rest of the world). While some parts of the book possess an easygoing quality, the chapters where Stella uses her abilities can be quite dark.
By the end of the book, I was captivated by Stella and her struggles to live a normal life despite the constant pull by others to use her talents. I am definitely planning on reading the first book in the series and, based upon a bit of foreshadowing in this book, I am looking forward to Book 3. Four stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for a complimentary ebook of this title.
September 9, 2016
Having thoroughly enjoyed Relatively Strange, which was the first book in this series, I was really looking forward to reading Even Stranger, and I’m pleased to announce it did not disappoint.
I love the characters that Marilyn Messik has created for this series, and not just because they manage to make me feel less strange. It was great seeing a more mature and confident Stella a few years on from the first book too.
Although, overall, I wouldn’t describe this book as particularly scary, I think it needs to come with the following warning:
“Remove all potentially creepy dolls (and even the cute ones, if you wish them to remain cute in your mind) before reading this book.”
One part of this book spooked me so much, I think it knocked a few years off my life. I almost had a heart attack when I looked over at my beautiful doll, Betony, while I was reading, only to discover she had moved position and was staring straight at me! I was on the verge of jumping out of the upstairs window, until I remembered I moved her for the first time in ages, just a few days earlier to show her to my friend. Phew! She still gave me the creeps though, as she was giving me the look, while I stared at her suspiciously. I was even suspicious of her the following night, but we’re back on good terms again now, thank goodness.
There were parts of this story that made me giggle and one part that left me craving aniseed balls for about two days. Now I’ve reminded myself about them, I’m craving them again. They are one of my dad’s favourite sweets, so I grew up eating them, and adore the smell and taste of aniseed.
You will need to read Relatively Strange before reading Even Stranger, but if you enjoy the first book, then I highly recommend reading this book too.
I would like to thank the publisher, Troubador Publishing Ltd for allowing me a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I love the characters that Marilyn Messik has created for this series, and not just because they manage to make me feel less strange. It was great seeing a more mature and confident Stella a few years on from the first book too.
Although, overall, I wouldn’t describe this book as particularly scary, I think it needs to come with the following warning:
“Remove all potentially creepy dolls (and even the cute ones, if you wish them to remain cute in your mind) before reading this book.”
One part of this book spooked me so much, I think it knocked a few years off my life. I almost had a heart attack when I looked over at my beautiful doll, Betony, while I was reading, only to discover she had moved position and was staring straight at me! I was on the verge of jumping out of the upstairs window, until I remembered I moved her for the first time in ages, just a few days earlier to show her to my friend. Phew! She still gave me the creeps though, as she was giving me the look, while I stared at her suspiciously. I was even suspicious of her the following night, but we’re back on good terms again now, thank goodness.
There were parts of this story that made me giggle and one part that left me craving aniseed balls for about two days. Now I’ve reminded myself about them, I’m craving them again. They are one of my dad’s favourite sweets, so I grew up eating them, and adore the smell and taste of aniseed.
You will need to read Relatively Strange before reading Even Stranger, but if you enjoy the first book, then I highly recommend reading this book too.
I would like to thank the publisher, Troubador Publishing Ltd for allowing me a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2016
I love interesting characters and this book is full of them.
Upfront though, I will say that I had not realized this was a 2nd book in a series. Even though there's recapping here and there, I think I would have enjoyed it better having finished the first book first. There's simply too many places where plot elements from the first book appear relevant to the current point in this story.
So go get the first book and read it now.
As it says in the synopsis, Stella has an unusual talent that tends to be more trouble than it's worth. At this point in her life (the second book), she's done with the getting by lifestyle.
And starts her own business. With the unsolicited help of her 88 year old grandmother. One of the aforementioned interesting characters.
It's a service business. Simply, need help doing something? She will help you. Whether it's driving a kid to work, helping with secretarial work, or finding something. She's there to help!
One of the things I liked about this book that others might not, there's more than one "conflict" in the book. Most times there's a single event that drives the plot. This one has about three if I recall correctly.
It was a very enjoyable read and now I must go find the first book and catch up! And mark Marilyn Messick as an author to watch for the next chapter in Stella's world.
Thank you to the publisher for the free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Upfront though, I will say that I had not realized this was a 2nd book in a series. Even though there's recapping here and there, I think I would have enjoyed it better having finished the first book first. There's simply too many places where plot elements from the first book appear relevant to the current point in this story.
So go get the first book and read it now.
As it says in the synopsis, Stella has an unusual talent that tends to be more trouble than it's worth. At this point in her life (the second book), she's done with the getting by lifestyle.
And starts her own business. With the unsolicited help of her 88 year old grandmother. One of the aforementioned interesting characters.
It's a service business. Simply, need help doing something? She will help you. Whether it's driving a kid to work, helping with secretarial work, or finding something. She's there to help!
One of the things I liked about this book that others might not, there's more than one "conflict" in the book. Most times there's a single event that drives the plot. This one has about three if I recall correctly.
It was a very enjoyable read and now I must go find the first book and catch up! And mark Marilyn Messick as an author to watch for the next chapter in Stella's world.
Thank you to the publisher for the free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 11, 2016
Even Stranger is the sequel to Relatively Strange and in my opinion is Even Better! We meet Stella 7 years on from where we left her and she's trying to build a business and live a "normal" life. With the author's deadpan humour and observational wit, I read this book with a huge smile on my face eagerly following Stella through her various exploits. A truly fabulous series which I hope has at least one more book to come as I need to know what happens next. 5 stars.
June 19, 2016
Another brilliant book from Marilyn Messik, as the story of Stella continues into adulthood. Although this could be read as a stand alone, I personally think reading the first book, Relatively Strange, is a must. In Even Stranger, Stella continued to make me laugh out loud with her antics, although there was a more serious undertone. There were some really gripping moments and I enjoyed it enormously. Thank you to Helen Boyce, THE Book Club on Facebook, and Marilyn Messik for this review copy.
November 10, 2020
I just love Stella. The depiction of this bossy, short-fused, and unwilling telepath is absolutely gripping, as well as being both funny and terrifying by turns. Messik has managed to produce one of the most compelling protagonists I’ve read in a long time and I can’t get enough of her. In addition, I find the prose absolutely addictive, which is a real shame because I am inhaling this series, far too fast. I want to know there are more books due to be published – because by the time I finished the next one in this series I am going to come down so hard, I’m liable to crack my reading glasses.
The writer in me is still scrambling to work out just why these books have got me in their thrall. No doubt the sparky, clever first person narrative has drawn me in; the series of hair raising adventures that teeter between farce and danger certainly kept me turning the pages right through into the early morning; and it’s also got to have something to do with the fact that the 1960s and 70s are portrayed with pin sharp accuracy. There is also a lovely group of supporting characters – it’s a pleasant change to find a character with such unusual powers surrounded by a very tight-knit, loving family and friends, who completely accept her for what she is, even if most of them aren’t aware of exactly what she is. No wonder she has such a strong sense of her own worth – and quite right too.
As ever, when confronted with such a wholly delightful reading experience, I’m conscious that anything I say here won’t fully convey the full measure of my emotional response. I’m not going to claim that these books are high literature – they aren’t. But they are a thumping good read that has completely transported me away from my own issues and into Stella’s world. Highly recommended.
10/10
The writer in me is still scrambling to work out just why these books have got me in their thrall. No doubt the sparky, clever first person narrative has drawn me in; the series of hair raising adventures that teeter between farce and danger certainly kept me turning the pages right through into the early morning; and it’s also got to have something to do with the fact that the 1960s and 70s are portrayed with pin sharp accuracy. There is also a lovely group of supporting characters – it’s a pleasant change to find a character with such unusual powers surrounded by a very tight-knit, loving family and friends, who completely accept her for what she is, even if most of them aren’t aware of exactly what she is. No wonder she has such a strong sense of her own worth – and quite right too.
As ever, when confronted with such a wholly delightful reading experience, I’m conscious that anything I say here won’t fully convey the full measure of my emotional response. I’m not going to claim that these books are high literature – they aren’t. But they are a thumping good read that has completely transported me away from my own issues and into Stella’s world. Highly recommended.
10/10
December 28, 2019
Stella’s life continues in book two and a lot of the previous characters return as well as delving deeper into them. There is also the humour included like the first book and I have to say I enjoyed this book more than the first.
I think that unless you have previously read book one you may become a bit lost with the characters as there is not too much recap of the first book, which I might add is not a bad thing as it’s very frustrating reading lengthy recaps of a previous book, so I’m glad that this was not done here.
Again, a clever plot, great world-building and very well-written.
I think that unless you have previously read book one you may become a bit lost with the characters as there is not too much recap of the first book, which I might add is not a bad thing as it’s very frustrating reading lengthy recaps of a previous book, so I’m glad that this was not done here.
Again, a clever plot, great world-building and very well-written.
December 16, 2019
This was so full of suspense in every page. I loved it. One of the best series I have read this year.
June 9, 2016
I thought I'd knocked him out, but in a flash he'd turned over on to all fours and was crawling swiftly, spider-like, back towards us. He still held the knife and I knew what he wanted to do with it. I set fire to the handle. The wood flamed and he hissed in pain, but didn't let go. It was all turning rather awkward.
With the swinging sixties staggering, somewhat shamefaced and flustered, into the slightly staider seventies life for Stella. Isn't always as smooth as she'd like. As an ordinary person, who just happens to be able to do some extraordinary things, it's not she can't handle sticky situations, of course she can, she just doesn't want to. Going forward, she's determined to stick to normal and steer clear of anything remotely risky.
This is the brilliant follow up to Relatively Strange which must be read first!
Marilyn has done it again, I really did enjoy this follow up.. It is set out perfectly, well written, contains short chapters and has a beautiful ending which is why I awarded five stars. I would highly recommend these two stories to you all especially if you enjoy mystery's, fantasy and drama! I won't forget these stories for a long time and they are definitely STRANGE... I was hooked yet again throughout and enjoyed every minute of reading both these stories. A big thanks to Marilyn for letting me review her stories, it's been a pleasure.
Enjoy, bookworms! I loved them.
With the swinging sixties staggering, somewhat shamefaced and flustered, into the slightly staider seventies life for Stella. Isn't always as smooth as she'd like. As an ordinary person, who just happens to be able to do some extraordinary things, it's not she can't handle sticky situations, of course she can, she just doesn't want to. Going forward, she's determined to stick to normal and steer clear of anything remotely risky.
This is the brilliant follow up to Relatively Strange which must be read first!
Marilyn has done it again, I really did enjoy this follow up.. It is set out perfectly, well written, contains short chapters and has a beautiful ending which is why I awarded five stars. I would highly recommend these two stories to you all especially if you enjoy mystery's, fantasy and drama! I won't forget these stories for a long time and they are definitely STRANGE... I was hooked yet again throughout and enjoyed every minute of reading both these stories. A big thanks to Marilyn for letting me review her stories, it's been a pleasure.
Enjoy, bookworms! I loved them.
September 25, 2016
Building on the enjoyable Relatively Strange , we join an older Stella trying to control her strangeness and enjoy a 'normal' life (aren't we all?! No?! Just me then). The thing is, strangeness appears to attract strangeness and the Peacock sisters, along with their cohort of strange individuals, are never far away.
Marilyn Messik's beautiful writing and humour, along with her original storyline, made this a really captivating and original read. I'd say even more so than the first in the series.
I hope there's soon to be another as I'm eager to see what happens next!
Many thanks to THE Book Club and Marilyn Messik for the opportunity to read this book in return for my honest review.
Marilyn Messik's beautiful writing and humour, along with her original storyline, made this a really captivating and original read. I'd say even more so than the first in the series.
I hope there's soon to be another as I'm eager to see what happens next!
Many thanks to THE Book Club and Marilyn Messik for the opportunity to read this book in return for my honest review.
June 18, 2016
I received a copy from TBC on FB in exchange for an honest review, so thank you for the opportunity.
After reading the first book "Relatively Strange", I was so pleased to be able to get stuck into this one! The same high standard of writing applied, and the story line was just as awesome. This book focuses on Stella in her adult years, which gave a slightly different yet equally thrilling atmosphere as you grew with the characters. I still have questions about the plot so I'm hoping its a "To Be Continued" as I would happily read this as a series! A truly original book that I would find difficult to pigeon-hole into a genre and I can't wait to read more from Marilyn Messik.
After reading the first book "Relatively Strange", I was so pleased to be able to get stuck into this one! The same high standard of writing applied, and the story line was just as awesome. This book focuses on Stella in her adult years, which gave a slightly different yet equally thrilling atmosphere as you grew with the characters. I still have questions about the plot so I'm hoping its a "To Be Continued" as I would happily read this as a series! A truly original book that I would find difficult to pigeon-hole into a genre and I can't wait to read more from Marilyn Messik.
June 24, 2016
Having read and enjoyed the previous book 'Relatively Strange' I was really enjoying read the next book...and I wasn't disappointed!
Thoroughly enjoyed reading it and again found it amusing. I enjoyed reading how Stella 's character had grown and developed..as well as the characters from the previous book!
I would definitely recommend reading 'Relatively Strange' first as this book refers to parts of the first book which may leave you a little confused if you had not read it.
The book has short chapters which some readers may prefer.
Definitely worth a read and now one of my favourite author's...looking forward to reading more from Marilyn Messik.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading it and again found it amusing. I enjoyed reading how Stella 's character had grown and developed..as well as the characters from the previous book!
I would definitely recommend reading 'Relatively Strange' first as this book refers to parts of the first book which may leave you a little confused if you had not read it.
The book has short chapters which some readers may prefer.
Definitely worth a read and now one of my favourite author's...looking forward to reading more from Marilyn Messik.
May 28, 2016
brilliant follow on from the first book. I was so glad that there wasn't many reminders of the first book as that really puts me off, I was able to carry on and everything tied in perfect. loved how the characters grew and was so chuffed to learn that Sam is doing great. I really hope there is another one on its way as I have to see where it ends. fab story by a bloody brilliant author. thank you to TBC for picking me to read and review and a massive thank you to Marilyn Messik for sending me signed paperbacks for my book case
December 8, 2019
Having first met Stella as a child in Relatively Strange we now encounter her once again as an adult in the early 70s in Even Stranger. She is trying hard not to stand out by keeping her powers hidden as much as possible. From book one we know she can fly (though it's more difficult when you're bigger), move objects and use her mind to read other people's. Following a series of unremarkable and often unsuccessful jobs, she decides to start her own service business. Whatever you need doing Stella will do it - from typing and research to picking up children and house sitting dogs (more of the latter later).
It's been six years since her debacle with a group of people with similar abilities including the Peacock sisters, Gloria, Ed and Hamlet (a giant dog) plus Sam who they rescued from a dangerous government research facility looking into children with psi powers. Stella is aided in her new venture by her eccentric 83 year old aunt Kitty and Brenda who is employed to help them. There is also a snooty Borzoi (whom she acquired from a recently deceased client). I said there would be another dog. In this book Stella pits her wits and powers against three different foes and puts herself in danger as a result. Oh yes and there's a new romance!! And creepy dolls.
It's yet again a fabulous roller-coaster ride. Please don't try to rationalise her powers - this is psi-fi and you need accept them from day one or you'll be disappointed. I love Stella and her family and can't wait for book three.
It's been six years since her debacle with a group of people with similar abilities including the Peacock sisters, Gloria, Ed and Hamlet (a giant dog) plus Sam who they rescued from a dangerous government research facility looking into children with psi powers. Stella is aided in her new venture by her eccentric 83 year old aunt Kitty and Brenda who is employed to help them. There is also a snooty Borzoi (whom she acquired from a recently deceased client). I said there would be another dog. In this book Stella pits her wits and powers against three different foes and puts herself in danger as a result. Oh yes and there's a new romance!! And creepy dolls.
It's yet again a fabulous roller-coaster ride. Please don't try to rationalise her powers - this is psi-fi and you need accept them from day one or you'll be disappointed. I love Stella and her family and can't wait for book three.
December 23, 2019
Another great story in Marilyn Messik's STRANGE series. This is the second and Stella is now a very independent-minded young woman. I wasn't sure it would be possible to capture the same humour, courage and capacity to be surprised that Stella showed as a child in the wonderful first volume but I realised, even from the introduction before chapter one, that the author has done it again.
There's not only a fast-paced story, some wonderful characters and some pretty frightening bits; the world of STRANGE is explored further to reveal many more facets and complications. There are gifts, talents and almost (but not quite) magical powers to be discovered. These are revealed through the plot without any boring 'splaining. Nevertheless, they are well thought through and should satisfy most science fiction readers who need everything to 'hang together'.
I'll certainly want to read the third volume, especially as the story just began another up-tilt of the roller-coaster in the last chapter. I'm already hoping there may eventually be more than three in the series.
There's not only a fast-paced story, some wonderful characters and some pretty frightening bits; the world of STRANGE is explored further to reveal many more facets and complications. There are gifts, talents and almost (but not quite) magical powers to be discovered. These are revealed through the plot without any boring 'splaining. Nevertheless, they are well thought through and should satisfy most science fiction readers who need everything to 'hang together'.
I'll certainly want to read the third volume, especially as the story just began another up-tilt of the roller-coaster in the last chapter. I'm already hoping there may eventually be more than three in the series.
November 29, 2019
I loved the first book and I really loved the second too. I felt like I was meeting old friends. In this second book Stella is older, and trying to live a 'normal' life. She sets up a company to help others in whatever they may need such as taking people to appointments or shopping, organising events, or generally helping out wherever she is needed. Her first, somewhat unexpected, employee is her Grandmother who joins the company to keep an eye on her.
When her 'Strange' friends ask her to keep her mind open to listen for those in danger, she finds that against her will someone is entering into her dreams and giving her horrible nightmares.
Stella can't help herself, and just listening out ends up putting herself, her Grandmother, in mortal danger.
This is a book that will have you on the edge of your seat, but more importantly it will have you smiling all through the book. Another triumph. Book 3 please?
When her 'Strange' friends ask her to keep her mind open to listen for those in danger, she finds that against her will someone is entering into her dreams and giving her horrible nightmares.
Stella can't help herself, and just listening out ends up putting herself, her Grandmother, in mortal danger.
This is a book that will have you on the edge of your seat, but more importantly it will have you smiling all through the book. Another triumph. Book 3 please?
December 22, 2019
Having thoroughly enjoyed the first novel in the series 'Relatively Strange', I was looking forward to reading this second novel and I certainly wasn't disappointed!!
Even Stranger can be read as a standalone novel, however I do think that reading the first one is advisable and adds to the reader's understanding of Stella's crazy life and the situations she reluctantly finds herself in.
The story picks up 7 years after the first novel and finds Stella still trying to live an ordinary 'normal' life despite her extraordinary abilities.
The author writes with incredible humour despite some very strange and scary situations and showcases her talent throughout with beautiful prose and incredibly well written, complex, believable characters.
A must read series and I certainly hope there is more to follow!
Even Stranger can be read as a standalone novel, however I do think that reading the first one is advisable and adds to the reader's understanding of Stella's crazy life and the situations she reluctantly finds herself in.
The story picks up 7 years after the first novel and finds Stella still trying to live an ordinary 'normal' life despite her extraordinary abilities.
The author writes with incredible humour despite some very strange and scary situations and showcases her talent throughout with beautiful prose and incredibly well written, complex, believable characters.
A must read series and I certainly hope there is more to follow!
December 24, 2019
Having read the first 'Strange' book I was looking forward to this one and it didn't disappoint me it was even better than the first. Stella has matured now and seems to have her strangeness under control, well most of the time and she has set up her own business . Her life is going relatively well but that is all going to change when Ruth gets in touch with her. She hasn't heard from 'the gang' in several years but when she gets the call she has to answer even though she is not keen on the task she makes sure it is carried out but listening for desperate cries from people is taking it's toll on her sleep. I loved the short chapters and the sometimes funny way in which the author told the story, I found myself laughing, crying and on the edge of my seat and sometimes all at the same time.
I can't wait for the next instalment.
I can't wait for the next instalment.
November 26, 2019
The second in the series and I must agree it is even stranger than the first one which is also a must-read. I love Stella she is so quirky and unique and part of a very crackpot family who think they know what's best for her, she also has some very weird acquaintances who don't need to phone to get in touch!!!. It's seven years since the hullabaloo of the first book and nothing remarkable seems to have happened but that is all set to change. Although the book is of the paranormal genre with all the scary stuff that you would expect there are also lots of laugh out loud moments intertwined. If you like something a bit different I can highly recommend this book.
December 22, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series and couldn’t wait to read the second and I was not disappointed. It is a slow starter, the story meandering along Stella’s attempts of leading a ‘normal’ life for quite a while before our old friends reappear and the action kicks off. The writing is so lovely though, the characters so well drawn, I didn’t mind the meandering one bit.
Once it gets going, it quickly gets more and more sinister, with a superb cast of old and new acquaintances - and a love interest for Stella.
Weird and wonderful series by a brilliant writer - long may it continue!
Once it gets going, it quickly gets more and more sinister, with a superb cast of old and new acquaintances - and a love interest for Stella.
Weird and wonderful series by a brilliant writer - long may it continue!
December 3, 2019
I love this little series and hope there is more to come. I think you need to the first one before reading this one but it is really worth it.
Stella is now a young woman, and the first half of this book focuses on her trying to be in the normal world- mostly! However this is Stella and it doesn't last. Despite the wonderful Kitty, and other family and an aloof borzois Stella finds herself in trouble.
We meet new characters, and old, strange folk and some with paranormal abilities. We also meet some rather scary ones.
Absolutely riveting and a very enjoyable read.
Stella is now a young woman, and the first half of this book focuses on her trying to be in the normal world- mostly! However this is Stella and it doesn't last. Despite the wonderful Kitty, and other family and an aloof borzois Stella finds herself in trouble.
We meet new characters, and old, strange folk and some with paranormal abilities. We also meet some rather scary ones.
Absolutely riveting and a very enjoyable read.
December 6, 2019
I received a copy of this book from TBC Reviewers request- Thank you
This is the second book in the series and I would definitely recommend reading the books in order to get the best from the series.
Marilyn brings us back to Stella when she is 7 years older and ‘wiser’ than the end of the first book, Stella is desperately trying to fit in and become ‘normal’- whatever that may be and failing miserably! She’s set up a business with help from her grandmother helping(!)
A brilliant addition to the series, I can’t wait for the next book!
This is the second book in the series and I would definitely recommend reading the books in order to get the best from the series.
Marilyn brings us back to Stella when she is 7 years older and ‘wiser’ than the end of the first book, Stella is desperately trying to fit in and become ‘normal’- whatever that may be and failing miserably! She’s set up a business with help from her grandmother helping(!)
A brilliant addition to the series, I can’t wait for the next book!
December 8, 2019
Loved this second instalment in this series!
Stella has grown up, and it is still a delight to follow her adventures, her attempts at a normal life, and ultimately her failure at having one. After all, she is still Strange...
I was glad to see that Stella was still reluctant in getting involved in risky situations. As much as we'd like to believe, we are not all eager to be heroes. It's a nice departure from some stories you can read (and watch on tv), and way more relatable.
All in all, this was a strong follow up to a (already good) first book, so all I can do now is find book n#3!!
Stella has grown up, and it is still a delight to follow her adventures, her attempts at a normal life, and ultimately her failure at having one. After all, she is still Strange...
I was glad to see that Stella was still reluctant in getting involved in risky situations. As much as we'd like to believe, we are not all eager to be heroes. It's a nice departure from some stories you can read (and watch on tv), and way more relatable.
All in all, this was a strong follow up to a (already good) first book, so all I can do now is find book n#3!!
May 14, 2021
Reserve your expectations
A light light read; overuse of commas and a few grammatical errors. This is not a tale to inform or reveal; rather a fairly entertaining vehicle to simply entertain. If one has been reading a number of horror, thriller, procedural, or classic novels, this book will lighten and refresh the mind. It served its purpose well for me, but I will wait through the reading of several more grim/sober/intricate books before considering returning to this series.
A light light read; overuse of commas and a few grammatical errors. This is not a tale to inform or reveal; rather a fairly entertaining vehicle to simply entertain. If one has been reading a number of horror, thriller, procedural, or classic novels, this book will lighten and refresh the mind. It served its purpose well for me, but I will wait through the reading of several more grim/sober/intricate books before considering returning to this series.
February 8, 2023
Stella is quickly turning into one of my most favorite fictional characters! I loved this book and had such an enjoyable time reading it. The writing style just picks you up and transports you right into Stella’s world. The rest of the cast of characters continues to develop and I have definitely grown to love them all.
I highly recommend this book to those who love the psi thriller genre but also anyone who loves a strong, capable female main character.
I could go on and on about how great this book series is but I’m off to read book 3! If you haven’t started the series yet, do it today!
I highly recommend this book to those who love the psi thriller genre but also anyone who loves a strong, capable female main character.
I could go on and on about how great this book series is but I’m off to read book 3! If you haven’t started the series yet, do it today!
August 7, 2017
Stella getting into more hijinks
This 2nd book follows on the story of Stella and her gifts and her group of friends and family.
She's growing up and learning more about the world and her gifts and finding out when's the best time to use them.
Trouble is she sometimes gets it wrong, a great book well written and well explained on psy abilities and how people are affected.
Please read this book you don't be disappointed.
This 2nd book follows on the story of Stella and her gifts and her group of friends and family.
She's growing up and learning more about the world and her gifts and finding out when's the best time to use them.
Trouble is she sometimes gets it wrong, a great book well written and well explained on psy abilities and how people are affected.
Please read this book you don't be disappointed.
March 23, 2021
Wonderful! The "English" english doesn't bother me a bit. The first book was fun and had several 'mouth dropping' incident's while we came to know Stella and her 'strange' friends. I am a dog lover so it is great fun to have them, keep them safe. The second book had me springing about with anger and excitement. Just starting on #3 and anticipate another wild ride. Thanks for the fun! Please keep the Strangeness coming!!
Carolyn Lemmer
Carolyn Lemmer
October 12, 2021
It's Complicated
If you read book one, you know Stella has strange psi abilities. She is grown up now, trying to live an independent, 'normal' life. But there are occasions when she is called upon (by her conscious or others) to use those abilities for good. And there are times when her abilities put her at risk. She finds herself in some very risky situations in this book. Highly entertaining.
If you read book one, you know Stella has strange psi abilities. She is grown up now, trying to live an independent, 'normal' life. But there are occasions when she is called upon (by her conscious or others) to use those abilities for good. And there are times when her abilities put her at risk. She finds herself in some very risky situations in this book. Highly entertaining.
January 23, 2022
All grown up
Stella is all grown up and decides to open her own business. A service based business that allows all sorts of services such as providing rides for people in need to get somewhere and have no car. She even, occasionally, uses her abilities to verify clients and gain insight from victims and the perpetrator.
Stella is all grown up and decides to open her own business. A service based business that allows all sorts of services such as providing rides for people in need to get somewhere and have no car. She even, occasionally, uses her abilities to verify clients and gain insight from victims and the perpetrator.
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