What do you think?
Rate this book
Tradd Street #6
The Christmas Spirits on Tradd Street
Melanie Trenholm should be anticipating Christmas with nothing but joy--after all, it's only the second Christmas she and her husband, Jack, will celebrate with their twin babies. But the ongoing excavation of the centuries-old cistern in the garden of her historic Tradd Street home has been a huge millstone, both financially and aesthetically. Local students are thrilled by the possibility of unearthing more Colonial-era artifacts at the cistern, but Melanie is concerned by the ghosts connected to the cistern that have suddenly invaded her life and her house--and at least one of them is definitely not filled with holiday cheer....
And these relics aren't the only precious artifacts for which people are searching. A past adversary is convinced that there is a long-lost Revolutionary War treasure buried somewhere on the property that Melanie inherited--untold riches rumored to be brought over from France by the Marquis de Lafayette himself and intended to help the Colonial war effort. It's a treasure literally fit for a king, and there have been whispers throughout history that many have already killed--and died--for it. And now someone will stop at nothing to possess it--even if it means destroying everything Melanie and Jack hold dear.
And these relics aren't the only precious artifacts for which people are searching. A past adversary is convinced that there is a long-lost Revolutionary War treasure buried somewhere on the property that Melanie inherited--untold riches rumored to be brought over from France by the Marquis de Lafayette himself and intended to help the Colonial war effort. It's a treasure literally fit for a king, and there have been whispers throughout history that many have already killed--and died--for it. And now someone will stop at nothing to possess it--even if it means destroying everything Melanie and Jack hold dear.
538 pages, Hardcover
First published October 22, 2019
1152 people are currently reading
9572 people want to read
About the author
Karen White
42 books7,551 followersWith more than 2 million books in print in fifteen different languages, Karen White is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 34 novels, including the popular Charleston-set Tradd Street mystery series.
Raised in a house full of brothers, Karen’s love of books and strong female characters first began in the third grade when the local librarian issued her a library card and placed The Secret of the Old Clock, a Nancy Drew Mystery, in her hands.
Karen’s roots run deep in the South where many of her novels are set. Her intricate plot lines and compelling characters charm and captivate readers with just the right mix of family drama, mystery, intrigue and romance.
Not entirely convinced she wanted to be a writer, Karen first pursued a career in business and graduated cum laude with a BS in Management from Tulane University. Ten years later, in a weak moment, she wrote her first book. In the Shadow of the Moon was published in August, 2000. Her books—referred to as “grit lit” (Southern Women’s Fiction)—have since been nominated for numerous national contests including the SIBA (Southeastern Booksellers Alliance) Fiction Book of the Year.
Karen’s next book, THAT LAST CAROLINA SUMMER, will be published by Park Row Books in July, 2025.
When not writing, Karen spends her time reading, scrapbooking, playing piano, and avoiding cooking. Karen and her husband have two grown children and currently live near Atlanta, Georgia with two spoiled Havanese dogs.
- See more at: http://www.karen-white.com/bio.cfm#st...
Raised in a house full of brothers, Karen’s love of books and strong female characters first began in the third grade when the local librarian issued her a library card and placed The Secret of the Old Clock, a Nancy Drew Mystery, in her hands.
Karen’s roots run deep in the South where many of her novels are set. Her intricate plot lines and compelling characters charm and captivate readers with just the right mix of family drama, mystery, intrigue and romance.
Not entirely convinced she wanted to be a writer, Karen first pursued a career in business and graduated cum laude with a BS in Management from Tulane University. Ten years later, in a weak moment, she wrote her first book. In the Shadow of the Moon was published in August, 2000. Her books—referred to as “grit lit” (Southern Women’s Fiction)—have since been nominated for numerous national contests including the SIBA (Southeastern Booksellers Alliance) Fiction Book of the Year.
Karen’s next book, THAT LAST CAROLINA SUMMER, will be published by Park Row Books in July, 2025.
When not writing, Karen spends her time reading, scrapbooking, playing piano, and avoiding cooking. Karen and her husband have two grown children and currently live near Atlanta, Georgia with two spoiled Havanese dogs.
- See more at: http://www.karen-white.com/bio.cfm#st...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 965 reviews
November 16, 2019
The Christmas Spirits on Tradd Street by Karen White is a 2019 Berkley publication.
A Christmas present for Tradd Street fans!!
Melanie is not exactly in the holiday spirit- so to speak- mainly because she’s harboring a secret from Jack, which is a big no-no, and she knows it, despite all of her rationalizations.
She’s also dealing with renovations, an ongoing mystery, a bit of sibling rivalry, Jack’s publishing woes, and her constant craving for sugar.
But, when it comes to her attention that there is the possibility of lucrative treasure buried somewhere on her property, and that her arch enemy is trying to locate it, she plunges herself into a revolutionary aged mystery full of intrigue and heartbreak, as she desperately tries to hold on to everything she holds dear.
I just love this series! Melanie is such a human character- she’s realistically flawed, conflicted and maybe a bit damaged, but I still root for her even when I know she's headed for trouble. While I understand all this about Melanie, sometimes I think people are too hard on her, dismiss her, or take her for granted- which is why I suppose I still feel sympathetic towards her despite her self- sabotage.
This installment has some truly interesting history, which was right up my alley. In fact, the mystery is one of the best in the series, in my humble opinion.
However, the conclusion left me breathless and heartbroken!! AARRGH! I hope we won't have to wait too long for book seven!!
Overall, I’m thankful for this holiday edition of one of my favorite series!!
A Christmas present for Tradd Street fans!!
Melanie is not exactly in the holiday spirit- so to speak- mainly because she’s harboring a secret from Jack, which is a big no-no, and she knows it, despite all of her rationalizations.
She’s also dealing with renovations, an ongoing mystery, a bit of sibling rivalry, Jack’s publishing woes, and her constant craving for sugar.
But, when it comes to her attention that there is the possibility of lucrative treasure buried somewhere on her property, and that her arch enemy is trying to locate it, she plunges herself into a revolutionary aged mystery full of intrigue and heartbreak, as she desperately tries to hold on to everything she holds dear.
I just love this series! Melanie is such a human character- she’s realistically flawed, conflicted and maybe a bit damaged, but I still root for her even when I know she's headed for trouble. While I understand all this about Melanie, sometimes I think people are too hard on her, dismiss her, or take her for granted- which is why I suppose I still feel sympathetic towards her despite her self- sabotage.
This installment has some truly interesting history, which was right up my alley. In fact, the mystery is one of the best in the series, in my humble opinion.
However, the conclusion left me breathless and heartbroken!! AARRGH! I hope we won't have to wait too long for book seven!!
Overall, I’m thankful for this holiday edition of one of my favorite series!!
August 4, 2019
As a huge fan of this series, I was very much looking forward to this book. And while the mystery itself was compelling and well written as always, I find myself losing patience with the main characters. Jack and Mellie are middle-aged with small children at this point. I hope the author will stop placing their relationship in peril as a device to keep bringing readers back for the next book. It is disappointingly manipulative to the reader and makes these two "adults" very unlikeable.
Full Disclosure--NetGalley and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
Full Disclosure--NetGalley and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
October 29, 2019
It’s no secret the Tradd Street books are one of the few series I’ve kept up with from start to finish. I simply adore Karen White and can’t miss a book, though I do have a few standalones saved for good measure.
Melanie is back and celebrating Christmas with her husband and twin babies. At the same time, a Colonial era cistern is being excavated from her garden. But since this is Tradd Street, there are ghosts…
…and the cistern has many that are now in Melanie’s house, and they aren’t really holiday (friendly) ghosts!
…also, there are more relics to be found and cherished on Melanie’s property.
The mystery was the strength of the book! I loved it, and it truly came to life. Each little piece of the puzzle came together in a way that was just right.
The Christmas Spirits on Tradd Street was another wonderful visit to this historically rich and vibrant setting, and I loved that the holidays were sprinkled in for a special twist.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
Melanie is back and celebrating Christmas with her husband and twin babies. At the same time, a Colonial era cistern is being excavated from her garden. But since this is Tradd Street, there are ghosts…
…and the cistern has many that are now in Melanie’s house, and they aren’t really holiday (friendly) ghosts!
…also, there are more relics to be found and cherished on Melanie’s property.
The mystery was the strength of the book! I loved it, and it truly came to life. Each little piece of the puzzle came together in a way that was just right.
The Christmas Spirits on Tradd Street was another wonderful visit to this historically rich and vibrant setting, and I loved that the holidays were sprinkled in for a special twist.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
April 28, 2020
I'll probably still keep reading them, but this one wasn't my favorite. I enjoyed the mystery part, but Jack and Mellie's relationship is getting annoying, and the ending felt pretty abrupt with a lot of unfinished business. Also, I could do without the constant references to everybody in Mellie's life trying to stop her from eating sweets...just let her eat a freaking donut once in a while.
October 22, 2019
After reading my first Tradd Street series book, I was not only hooked on Karen White's writing but on the series itself and the best part, is that the series keeps getting better and better as the characters grow, sometimes in painful, very realistic ways. The ghosts are creepier, the mysteries even more solid, and the relationships and bonds more endearing.
I adore everything about this series and while Melanie sometimes frustrates me with her thought process, she is an endearing character who's growth is very much true to how most of us actually grow and learn, with lots of mistakes and bumps and bruises along the way.
And while I can't say that I loved how this ended, with so much left unsaid, undone, and unfinished, I did adore the whole book and all the scary moments and happy things that did occur along the way.
It reminded me all over again, why I love this series and will continue to read it and look forward to each new installment and hope that many more are still in the works and will be out there to devour because this is definitely a series that you will want to devour once you have started it. I can't recommend it enough for those that love a good bump n the night story and mystery that will keep you interested, turning the pages and on the edge of your seat in both anticipation and chills with what will come out of the dark next.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
I adore everything about this series and while Melanie sometimes frustrates me with her thought process, she is an endearing character who's growth is very much true to how most of us actually grow and learn, with lots of mistakes and bumps and bruises along the way.
And while I can't say that I loved how this ended, with so much left unsaid, undone, and unfinished, I did adore the whole book and all the scary moments and happy things that did occur along the way.
It reminded me all over again, why I love this series and will continue to read it and look forward to each new installment and hope that many more are still in the works and will be out there to devour because this is definitely a series that you will want to devour once you have started it. I can't recommend it enough for those that love a good bump n the night story and mystery that will keep you interested, turning the pages and on the edge of your seat in both anticipation and chills with what will come out of the dark next.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
November 14, 2019
I didn't realize this was sixth in a series, but it worked out fine. The author did a nice job of filling in the backstory. Really enjoyed the Charleston, NC setting with the history.
Karen White has an easy writing style that allowed me to enjoy this Tradd Street mystery. The quirky characters, roaming spirits and "ghost" mystery were entertaining.
Thanks to NG and the publisher for my review copy. This one published on October 22, 2019
Karen White has an easy writing style that allowed me to enjoy this Tradd Street mystery. The quirky characters, roaming spirits and "ghost" mystery were entertaining.
Thanks to NG and the publisher for my review copy. This one published on October 22, 2019
August 24, 2019
Involved and crazy! Did Not like the ending. She needs to mellow out, be a parent and wife.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This new book picks up right where the last Tradd Street story left off. Ghosts are hanging around trying to tell a story and making themselves well known enough that you just have to listen.
One thing that did catch me off-guard and kind of bothered me a bit is the fact that the main character is constantly overwhelmed and constantly surrounded by other people.
Whether they’re digging in her yard, trying to steal her house from her, or volunteering her home for progressive dinners, I was exhausted reading about all of the activity. Not to mention relatives you can’t help but hate!
It also made me a bit sad because Melanie never seems have time for the children and her husband which caused a huge rift. That lead to an ending that was less than ideal for me.
A positive note is that the story is packed full of history and mysteries of the American Revolution and the town of Charleston. From crypts and mausoleums to creepy happenings going bump all times of the night and day, the exciting twists do keep you going page after page.
Entertaining and fast-paced, this is one Christmas story that will captivate you all the way through.
* copy received for review consideration
full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-christma...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This new book picks up right where the last Tradd Street story left off. Ghosts are hanging around trying to tell a story and making themselves well known enough that you just have to listen.
One thing that did catch me off-guard and kind of bothered me a bit is the fact that the main character is constantly overwhelmed and constantly surrounded by other people.
Whether they’re digging in her yard, trying to steal her house from her, or volunteering her home for progressive dinners, I was exhausted reading about all of the activity. Not to mention relatives you can’t help but hate!
It also made me a bit sad because Melanie never seems have time for the children and her husband which caused a huge rift. That lead to an ending that was less than ideal for me.
A positive note is that the story is packed full of history and mysteries of the American Revolution and the town of Charleston. From crypts and mausoleums to creepy happenings going bump all times of the night and day, the exciting twists do keep you going page after page.
Entertaining and fast-paced, this is one Christmas story that will captivate you all the way through.
* copy received for review consideration
full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-christma...
September 19, 2020
3.5 stars rounded down
I've really enjoyed this series, but I feel like it's the same thing over and over and over again... Everyone keeps sweets away from Melanie. Melanie and Sophie just make fun of each other's clothes. Melanie and Jack continue to lie and keep things from each other. Melanie is in a snit over something. It's gotten old. If there wasn't just 1 book left in the series, I honestly don't know if I'd continue with it...
I've really enjoyed this series, but I feel like it's the same thing over and over and over again... Everyone keeps sweets away from Melanie. Melanie and Sophie just make fun of each other's clothes. Melanie and Jack continue to lie and keep things from each other. Melanie is in a snit over something. It's gotten old. If there wasn't just 1 book left in the series, I honestly don't know if I'd continue with it...
February 11, 2020
Oh. My. Freaking. Word.
(BEWARE: Spoilers ahead.)
(Big, fat, rant-filled spoilers)
(So much ranting.)
Basically this entire plot can be summed up like this:
Everybody who knows Melanie constantly goes out of their way in every scene, on every page of the book, to let the poor woman know that she is always and forever NOT GOOD ENOUGH. "Don't eat so much sugar!" "Run and exercise like we do!" "Matching clothes and being super organized is very anal and lame-not to mention harmful for your children!" "Join more social groups!" "Volunteer and fill up your already very busy life with what we think you should do!"
Point out that Melanie's recently discovered sister has a better relationship with Melanie's own parents than she does.
Throw in a few scary ghost scenes, but mostly just talk about Melanie shivering or feeling like she is being watched or having sinister forebodings. Add a tiny historical mystery that doesn't take up too much room or add much to the plot. Talk more about how a friend has the ghost of a dead sister hanging around, but don't solve that.
Mention often that Melanie's scheming cousin wears too much pink. Talk about Christmas parties and cards just a little bit.
Have the husband Jack lament often on how Melanie (who was abandoned by her mother and raised by an alcoholic father) doesn't trust him, which hurts him so badly because he will never, EVER leave her.
End with Jack moving out of the house and leaving Melanie because she doesn't trust him to always be there.
Make sure the mother (who abandoned Melanie for decades) points out that this is Melanie's fault because she is a flawed, flawed person.
Ta-da! The end.
Why did I read this thing? The previous installment in the series didn't leave a good taste in my mouth so why did I pick up this one?
That, friends, may be the biggest mystery connected to this book.
(BEWARE: Spoilers ahead.)
(Big, fat, rant-filled spoilers)
(So much ranting.)
Basically this entire plot can be summed up like this:
Everybody who knows Melanie constantly goes out of their way in every scene, on every page of the book, to let the poor woman know that she is always and forever NOT GOOD ENOUGH. "Don't eat so much sugar!" "Run and exercise like we do!" "Matching clothes and being super organized is very anal and lame-not to mention harmful for your children!" "Join more social groups!" "Volunteer and fill up your already very busy life with what we think you should do!"
Point out that Melanie's recently discovered sister has a better relationship with Melanie's own parents than she does.
Throw in a few scary ghost scenes, but mostly just talk about Melanie shivering or feeling like she is being watched or having sinister forebodings. Add a tiny historical mystery that doesn't take up too much room or add much to the plot. Talk more about how a friend has the ghost of a dead sister hanging around, but don't solve that.
Mention often that Melanie's scheming cousin wears too much pink. Talk about Christmas parties and cards just a little bit.
Have the husband Jack lament often on how Melanie (who was abandoned by her mother and raised by an alcoholic father) doesn't trust him, which hurts him so badly because he will never, EVER leave her.
End with Jack moving out of the house and leaving Melanie because she doesn't trust him to always be there.
Make sure the mother (who abandoned Melanie for decades) points out that this is Melanie's fault because she is a flawed, flawed person.
Ta-da! The end.
Why did I read this thing? The previous installment in the series didn't leave a good taste in my mouth so why did I pick up this one?
That, friends, may be the biggest mystery connected to this book.
December 31, 2019
THE CHRISTMAS SPIRITS ON TRADD STREET is the sixth book in this series, though I haven't read any of the previous ones. It probably wasn't the best idea to start here, since I felt like I was missing a lot of backstory for the characters & their relationships. I love a good ghost story, though there was nothing particularly Christmas-y about the spirits Melanie was dealing with. The Revolutionary War mystery was rather intriguing, and though the plot was slow in parts, the ending was exciting.
I've read and loved several stand-alone novels by Karen White, but this one was so-so. I'll probably read the first Tradd Street book & decide then how I feel about the series. ♥
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I've read and loved several stand-alone novels by Karen White, but this one was so-so. I'll probably read the first Tradd Street book & decide then how I feel about the series. ♥
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2019
It's difficult when you're invested in a series and the books start to degrade but that seems to be the case with the Tradd Street books. There is too much repetition and no real development with the main character . . . she likes sweets, I get it . . . she's OCD, I get it . . . she wants to pretend that she doesn't communicate with spirits, I get it. The descriptions of Charleston and the curiosity to see what will happen have kept me coming back, and I'm sure I'll read the final installment when it comes out, but honestly, this series should have ended after book 4.
I received an advanced copy of this title from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.
I received an advanced copy of this title from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.
October 22, 2019
I loved finally getting to go back and visit Melanie, Jack and the twins. I was so excited for another Tradd street story and for the most part I wasn’t disappointed. I loved seeing the twins older and getting into mischief and I enjoyed getting back to the other supporting characters. I also found the mystery to be delightful. It was well done and rich in history and full of creepy ghosts and a really creepy setting. Overall it was a pretty great book.
*Spoilers Ahead*
The one thing I didn’t like, and was even mad about, was the ending. The epic relationship disaster between Melanie and Jack felt like a ploy to get me to read the next book and was not necessary. I also watched Melanie struggle with becoming a better person for the entire book, only to lose it in the end? There was enough drama and tension without that and it made me angry. I love this series and I’ll still read the next one but I’m going to be annoyed at that ending for a while.
*Spoilers Ahead*
The one thing I didn’t like, and was even mad about, was the ending. The epic relationship disaster between Melanie and Jack felt like a ploy to get me to read the next book and was not necessary. I also watched Melanie struggle with becoming a better person for the entire book, only to lose it in the end? There was enough drama and tension without that and it made me angry. I love this series and I’ll still read the next one but I’m going to be annoyed at that ending for a while.
November 7, 2019
I'm sorry to say that this book is not as good as the previous books in this series. Many of the characters, particularly Melanie, have become caricatures. Melanie has evolved into a character that is even more judgmental and shallow. The way she talks to her friend Sophie about her fashion choices is uncomfortable to read.
Her relationship with Jack is an illogical mess. Leaving that mess (and Jack's career issues) unresolved was annoying, as was the lack of resolution for the secondary mystery. Perhaps that mystery could have been it's own book.The storylines that were left hanging were presumably left that way for a subsequent installment, but it felt incomplete to me.
Her relationship with Jack is an illogical mess. Leaving that mess (and Jack's career issues) unresolved was annoying, as was the lack of resolution for the secondary mystery. Perhaps that mystery could have been it's own book.The storylines that were left hanging were presumably left that way for a subsequent installment, but it felt incomplete to me.
December 24, 2019
What a fabulous book! Is it a ghost story? Is it a Christmas read? Is it a mystery? Is it historical? The answers are yes, yes, yes, and yes! Karen White has brilliantly woven together threads of ghosts, holiday cheer, intrigue, and history. I have not read the previous books in the series and that was not a problem at all, but now I am anxiously waiting for the next. This book was such a puzzle. I loved piecing it together with the characters along with all the history involved. Loved getting to know Melanie, Jack, and the entire family. The setting of Charlotte North Carolina was perfect. I really loved the combination of spooky ghosts and festive vibes. An entertaining story filled with quirky characters and a compelling storyline.
This book in emojis. 🎄 👻 🧩
*** Big thanks to Berkley for my copy of this book ***
This book in emojis. 🎄 👻 🧩
*** Big thanks to Berkley for my copy of this book ***
December 8, 2019
Tradd Street is a fun & light hearted series that is nice to pick up to give my brain a rest from all the ‘heavier’ novels I find myself gravitating toward. Unfortunately, this is probably my least favorite of the series thus far. It wasn’t bad I just didn’t like the storyline as much as I’ve enjoyed others. Hated the ending. Thought it felt very out of place and unrealistically dramatic even for this series. Still love me some Karen White & will always be giddy when I see a new book. 3.5 stars.
October 29, 2019
I was so disappointed in this book. Karen White does not provide resolution to two mysteries first introduced two books ago; instead there is more of the same with Jack & Melanie’s relationship. Guess I’ll read the next one since it is the last if only to find out who killed Adrienne!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2019
Only 5% of this book is Christmas related. It has a horrible stupid ending. Easily the worst Tradd novel.
Read
January 1, 2020Melanie is always such a ninny. I hate that about her. But I love the mysteries, so I keep reading. But come on! You're an adult! If you want a doughnut, eat a damn doughnut! If your housekeeper is making cookies, you get a cookie! She is your employee! Your underage daughter is your daughter and doesn't get to tell you how to eat. That annoyed me so much!
I did like the mystery and the puzzle but they were all fools to trust Anthony.
I enjoyed the Christmas setting. It sounds beautiful and earned this book a star. The city of Charleston earned the book a star. It needed it since Jack's jerky behavior lost two stars! My goodness what a donkey's rear end! "Oh no! I was sick so you left me to recover while you went to investigate something! I'm divorcing you, you've broken my trust." What kind of equine excrement is that?! She didn't cheat on him. She didn't lie to him. She didn't sell him out. He blew that way out of proportion! What a dick move! Completely ruined the end of the book.
And yes, I can't wait to read the next one. I want to see what happened to Adrianne if nothing else. Anyone else think the husband was involved?
I did like the mystery and the puzzle but they were all fools to trust Anthony.
I enjoyed the Christmas setting. It sounds beautiful and earned this book a star. The city of Charleston earned the book a star. It needed it since Jack's jerky behavior lost two stars! My goodness what a donkey's rear end! "Oh no! I was sick so you left me to recover while you went to investigate something! I'm divorcing you, you've broken my trust." What kind of equine excrement is that?! She didn't cheat on him. She didn't lie to him. She didn't sell him out. He blew that way out of proportion! What a dick move! Completely ruined the end of the book.
And yes, I can't wait to read the next one. I want to see what happened to Adrianne if nothing else. Anyone else think the husband was involved?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2023
Karen White drew countless fans with this solid ‘paranormal mystery’ series. They are not ‘horror’, ‘cozy’, nor thank God, ‘historical fiction’. I do not observe people noticing how rare modern adult adventures with spirits are. These are so gratifying to me that until now, all of these mysteries garnered five stars, which I asked for new as birthday presents.
I have often found the grand atmosphere of spirits and ‘non crime mystery’ in youth literature, requiring a sift through some family drama. Karen’s two such blemishes grew and her final two novels dropped to three stars for me. In “The Christmas Spirits On Tradd Street”, 2019, the great parts no longer overrode the annoyances.
You know how words we dislike blare if they reoccur repeatedly? I scan to see if authors keep “S” in “towards”, “backwards”, avoid contractions, and the verb “tug”. Then I will enjoy their pages in peace. People normally say “pull”. My vocabulary nemeses dominate Karen’s habits. She frequently, jarringly abbreviated “I’d been”. Maddeningly, she must have repeated “towards” (sans “S”!) twenty times per page! Her phrasing became unquestionably bizarre, never directly stating “went to” or “looked at”!
Her mysteries and sensitivity for spirits are wonderful. The overdone, always hated scenarios readers are DONE with are: friends stealing dessert from the 42 year-old Mom and Jack STILL causing Melanie to question his devotion. I usually ignore low grades of beloved books but Karen did a disservice by skipping them. Sometimes criticism is from fans, who steer authors from spoiling the assets of their niches. Review rants were in synch with me this time, showing me new ways to express the problem: friends should not want to change us. I laugh in agreement: let the woman have a fucking cookie! This story’s ending was a terribly chosen downer.
I have often found the grand atmosphere of spirits and ‘non crime mystery’ in youth literature, requiring a sift through some family drama. Karen’s two such blemishes grew and her final two novels dropped to three stars for me. In “The Christmas Spirits On Tradd Street”, 2019, the great parts no longer overrode the annoyances.
You know how words we dislike blare if they reoccur repeatedly? I scan to see if authors keep “S” in “towards”, “backwards”, avoid contractions, and the verb “tug”. Then I will enjoy their pages in peace. People normally say “pull”. My vocabulary nemeses dominate Karen’s habits. She frequently, jarringly abbreviated “I’d been”. Maddeningly, she must have repeated “towards” (sans “S”!) twenty times per page! Her phrasing became unquestionably bizarre, never directly stating “went to” or “looked at”!
Her mysteries and sensitivity for spirits are wonderful. The overdone, always hated scenarios readers are DONE with are: friends stealing dessert from the 42 year-old Mom and Jack STILL causing Melanie to question his devotion. I usually ignore low grades of beloved books but Karen did a disservice by skipping them. Sometimes criticism is from fans, who steer authors from spoiling the assets of their niches. Review rants were in synch with me this time, showing me new ways to express the problem: friends should not want to change us. I laugh in agreement: let the woman have a fucking cookie! This story’s ending was a terribly chosen downer.
December 5, 2019
The Christmas Spirits on Tradd Street is number 6 in a series. I picked this novel out without realizing I missed a whole series so I missed some vital information. I look forward to starting this series from the beginning.
November 27, 2019
Audiobook
Story: C, Narration: A
Not a review, just some thoughts for personal reference. Spoilers.
Oh, man. Where to start? There were some things I liked about this book, but other things that really annoyed the heck out of me.
On the annoying front:
--Marc Longo. I really dislike him, but he's so OTT evil that it's hard to take him seriously sometimes. He needs a big mustache he can twirl. But everyone has to be nice to him because that's what good manners require. No. Marc needs to go away permanently. Or have a terrible encounter with a malevolent ghost that puts the fear of God in him and causes a massive change in him.
--Rebecca. Totally annoying ditz. And, really, she is Marc's enabler so Melanie and her family need to just cut her out of their lives instead of clinging to the "but she's familyyyy" line and putting up with her crap.
--Melanie's little quirks are getting so old and tired--her OCD, her fixation on sweets, her keeping secrets, etc. And the jealousy of Jayne. I do get that it's not unreasonable for her to feel some of the things she does, and the people she loves should be more aware and understanding, but she just goes overboard. Please grow up, Melanie. (She's not a bad person, and her quirks in moderation would be amusing, but everything is just so overdone.)
--Why are the "good guys" such pushovers? Why were they so suckered by Anthony? Did he need to wear a neon sign for them to catch on? It was like a bad horror movie where I wanted to yell at the TSTL characters, "Don't go in the basement!"
--Jack is a douche. His bad behavior is somehow ok, but Melanie's is a deal-breaker. Part of me really hopes that Melanie would kick him to the curb for good, but I know that won't happen. It's going to take some really good writing on Karen White's part for me to buy any kind of reconciliation that doesn't involve Jack doing some major groveling, and I'm 100% positive that's not going to happen. I'm seething already.
--I wish the Revolutionary War mystery had been a bit more developed. (And some of it was so obvious--like the word clues being paintings--were pretty obvious from the outset.)
--Another mystery (the death of Adrienne) progressed at a snail's pace with no resolution.
On the plus side:
--I do like that Marc and Anthony were thwarted in at least one thing. Finally.
--I actually like the majority of the characters, so it is like revisiting some old friends. Nola has been a pleasant surprise.
--Despite some issues, I liked the Revolutionary War mystery.
I'm not sure, but I believe the next book is supposed to be the last in the series. This book was a bit of a slog for me, but I'll read the next one just to see how things end up but, honestly, I'm ready for the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2019
Over the years I have had my eye on the Tradd Street series by Karen White. I have read Karen White’s other books and collaborations but have yet to pick up her more popular Tradd Street series.
I really have no particular reason other than I just don’t think if it when I go on the hunt for a mystery. Well this book came up for review and the lovely cozy Christmas cover hooked me.
As always, I had some trepidations about picking this book up with is being number 6 in the series, but I simply couldn’t pass on this adorable cover and the perfect excuse to pick up this series once and for all!
While this book can be read as a standalone, I could tell there were some side plots that were well established and had I started the series from the beginning, then I would have probably appreciated the side plots more. I thought Melanie was always rather busy, it seemed like there was always a lot of activity around her which causes a strain on her marriage etc. I thought Melanie was a great depiction of the modern mother being pulled in a million directions and I think a lot of readers will connect with her over this aspect of the story.
The characters were well realized and formed and I could tell there was a lot of back story readers could glean from the other books in the series. While I am a new reader, it wasn’t distracting but rather made me want to read the other books and find out what all I had missed along the way.
Where this book shines though is the mystery and history! I am not a huge fan of Revolutionary history but White had a daft hand with this history and sprinkled the right amount of detail in and I loved it! I enjoyed all the little spooky parts of the mystery and how it was all resolved. The mystery held my interest all the way through until the end and I felt satisfied with that arc of the story being resolved.
What I struggled with a bit though was the unresolved arc of Melanie and Jack. The way the book ended was too much of a cliff hanger for me. I wanted to see things just a little more resolved going into the next book, but I can also understand that in a series, cliff hangers are common place and often expected but I was hoping for a little more closure before this one ended.
That said, I loved the holiday feel of this book. It had a little holiday cheer but enough spookiness that made the transition from Halloween reading to Christmas reading feel less jarring!
See my full review here
I really have no particular reason other than I just don’t think if it when I go on the hunt for a mystery. Well this book came up for review and the lovely cozy Christmas cover hooked me.
As always, I had some trepidations about picking this book up with is being number 6 in the series, but I simply couldn’t pass on this adorable cover and the perfect excuse to pick up this series once and for all!
While this book can be read as a standalone, I could tell there were some side plots that were well established and had I started the series from the beginning, then I would have probably appreciated the side plots more. I thought Melanie was always rather busy, it seemed like there was always a lot of activity around her which causes a strain on her marriage etc. I thought Melanie was a great depiction of the modern mother being pulled in a million directions and I think a lot of readers will connect with her over this aspect of the story.
The characters were well realized and formed and I could tell there was a lot of back story readers could glean from the other books in the series. While I am a new reader, it wasn’t distracting but rather made me want to read the other books and find out what all I had missed along the way.
Where this book shines though is the mystery and history! I am not a huge fan of Revolutionary history but White had a daft hand with this history and sprinkled the right amount of detail in and I loved it! I enjoyed all the little spooky parts of the mystery and how it was all resolved. The mystery held my interest all the way through until the end and I felt satisfied with that arc of the story being resolved.
What I struggled with a bit though was the unresolved arc of Melanie and Jack. The way the book ended was too much of a cliff hanger for me. I wanted to see things just a little more resolved going into the next book, but I can also understand that in a series, cliff hangers are common place and often expected but I was hoping for a little more closure before this one ended.
That said, I loved the holiday feel of this book. It had a little holiday cheer but enough spookiness that made the transition from Halloween reading to Christmas reading feel less jarring!
See my full review here
September 3, 2019
3.5 stars
Melanie is seeing ghosts and keeping it a secret. Jack is having troubles with his publisher. Marc is causing lots of trouble in their lives.
The characters are the best part of the series. Melanie and Jack are a great couple, but they don't feel like a team most of the time. Melanie constantly withholds information from Jack. It's annoying because there isn't a good reason for it and it the cause of most of the relationship issues between them. Being married and being a mother has changed Melanie. Her constant desire for junk food is mentioned too often.
The mystery was entertaining. A new character was introduced that helped with the case. There was a twist at the end, but there were a few hints that indicated it would happen. Everything with the mystery was solved, but there was a cliffhanger involving Melanie and Jack. His reaction at the end seemed extreme, but I'm looking forward to see how everything gets resolved in the next book.
I received this from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Melanie is seeing ghosts and keeping it a secret. Jack is having troubles with his publisher. Marc is causing lots of trouble in their lives.
The characters are the best part of the series. Melanie and Jack are a great couple, but they don't feel like a team most of the time. Melanie constantly withholds information from Jack. It's annoying because there isn't a good reason for it and it the cause of most of the relationship issues between them. Being married and being a mother has changed Melanie. Her constant desire for junk food is mentioned too often.
The mystery was entertaining. A new character was introduced that helped with the case. There was a twist at the end, but there were a few hints that indicated it would happen. Everything with the mystery was solved, but there was a cliffhanger involving Melanie and Jack. His reaction at the end seemed extreme, but I'm looking forward to see how everything gets resolved in the next book.
I received this from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2019
geeeez... glad he left her, she is so annoying in this book
December 18, 2019
Melanie should be enjoying Christmas but the excavation of their centuries-old cistern in the garden of her historic home is causing problems. The ghosts that she and her sister can see are haunting her. A past adversary is sure there is a treasure buried at her home and is determined to buy the home from her. Since their finances are shaky they agree to let him film a movie there. It was interesting seeing how they figured out codes and the past happenings at the hoe. Melanie is jealous of her sister and also having trouble in her marriage.
December 18, 2020
Review to come...
February 11, 2020
A coworker turned me on to the Tradd Street series and I have mostly enjoyed them. One of my biggest complaints throughout the series has been about Melanie, the main character, not having a spine. She's a bright, intelligent woman who's a success in her real estate business but yet she simply does not have the capacity to say "no" to others in her life. This book was a hot mess and very disappointing. Yet again, Melanie is forced into doing things she really does not want to do nor does she really have time to do, because she cannot put her foot down. But I suppose her doing those things was necessary for the Christmas theme of the book. Another complaint is the series sleazeball, Marc Longo, who continues to run roughshod over Melanie and her husband Jack, simply because Melanie spurned him before she began her relationship with Jack. While Marc does seem to get somewhat of a comeuppance at the end of this book, it's vague enough to suggest we haven't heard the last of him - and his useless weasel of a wife Rebecca, who is a cousin of Melanie's, and because of that "family relationship," Melanie keeps letting Rebecca get away with a lot of crap. I was so annoyed with Melanie at the end of the book that I honestly doubt I'll read the next book in the series. And you know there will be one because of the way this one ended. To Karen White, in case she reads reviews: Your next book needs to be titled "Melanie Grows a Spine on Tradd Street."
December 27, 2019
ARC received courtesy of Berkley Publishing
I absolutely love the characters in this series and am sad that I started at #6! Hopefully, I'll get back to #1 and be able to read the entire series. Although, I was able to read and enjoy the story without having read any of the previous novels, I'm intrigued to know the background of the characters. Barring going back and starting with #1, I'll definitely be on the lookout for #7!
Melanie and her family live in Charleston, SC; a very haunted city. Melanie and the female members of her family and many of the supporting cast see the spirits of the dead. Not in a spooky, horror story way; in a way that makes you root for them to be able to leave their places.
While Melanie and her family try to solve a mystery of Revolutionary War treasure, she also has to host part of the Christmas progressive dinner for her step-daughter's school. Her house is home to many spirits as is everyplace she goes. I love the descriptions of the spirits that she sees and the way she talks to them!
While this is a story of spirits and treasure, it's also a story of a family with all of the good and bad that comes with that! It was such a treat to meet such interesting characters that are true to their southern heritage!
I absolutely love the characters in this series and am sad that I started at #6! Hopefully, I'll get back to #1 and be able to read the entire series. Although, I was able to read and enjoy the story without having read any of the previous novels, I'm intrigued to know the background of the characters. Barring going back and starting with #1, I'll definitely be on the lookout for #7!
Melanie and her family live in Charleston, SC; a very haunted city. Melanie and the female members of her family and many of the supporting cast see the spirits of the dead. Not in a spooky, horror story way; in a way that makes you root for them to be able to leave their places.
While Melanie and her family try to solve a mystery of Revolutionary War treasure, she also has to host part of the Christmas progressive dinner for her step-daughter's school. Her house is home to many spirits as is everyplace she goes. I love the descriptions of the spirits that she sees and the way she talks to them!
While this is a story of spirits and treasure, it's also a story of a family with all of the good and bad that comes with that! It was such a treat to meet such interesting characters that are true to their southern heritage!
December 12, 2019
I loved this. I like all her books.
April 25, 2020
I loved this series, the key word being loved.
The story keeps talking about how Melanie hasn't changed. She's changed so much. By force! This woman has no friends. Don't be fooled. They can't accept her for who she is. She can't eat what she wants, she can't dress how she wants, she can't let her talents shine. Everything she does is wrong. It's horrible.
The body shaming in the last two books are simply unacceptable. I get it, I'm an organic smoothie eating tree hugger- but I don't force my friends to be something they're not. And honestly, if Jack kisses Melanie one more time to shut her up..... I'd be going behind his back to get the job done too!
The story keeps talking about how Melanie hasn't changed. She's changed so much. By force! This woman has no friends. Don't be fooled. They can't accept her for who she is. She can't eat what she wants, she can't dress how she wants, she can't let her talents shine. Everything she does is wrong. It's horrible.
The body shaming in the last two books are simply unacceptable. I get it, I'm an organic smoothie eating tree hugger- but I don't force my friends to be something they're not. And honestly, if Jack kisses Melanie one more time to shut her up..... I'd be going behind his back to get the job done too!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 965 reviews