Hattie Vavaseur

by M. Rebecca Wildsmith

If you enjoy the suspense of Agatha Christie, the cerebral Sherlock Holmes mysteries by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the descriptive writing style of Daphne du Maurier, or the humor of P.G. Wodehouse, you'll adore this supernatural mystery, sprinkled with humor and romance.

Suffering from memory problems in her old age, Hattie Vavaseur is swept off to a curious, old mansion, where she meets the enigmatic and volatile master of the house. With the assistance of a flamboyant medium, she also tries to help discover the murderer of an American salesman. Yet throughout her adventures, Hattie's existence evolves into a single purpose: uncovering the greatest mystery of her past.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Humor, Ebooks, Paranormal, Mystery Thriller

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 10, 2020

About the author

M. Rebecca Wildsmith lives near the Florida coast with her husband and daughter. She enjoys perusing British literature, writing frivolous songs on the guitar, beach combing, and wearing dangerously tall stiletto heels (not, of course, simultaneously).

Reviews

[Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vavaseur made sure to give her readers a little something for everyone. No matter what your taste is, this book will give you something to love.

Thank you, Goodreads Giveaways, and to the author, Hattie Vavaseur for this absolutely "AMAZING" book!

"SUPERB"

#KUDOS

#WINNER!

#GOODREADSGIVEAWAYS!

[Sudasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever wondered if you can find love after death, this is the book for you! 'Hattie Vavaseur' is definitely worth a read. Check out my full review of this wonderfully different book here:
https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...

Thank you to onlinebookclub.org for a free copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

[AvidBibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recollections Hazy 🔮 Ask Again Later

A woman with a prejudiced repulsion to the color pink finds herself enveloped in blush tones as her muddleheaded malaise has her battling repeated bouts of memory loss. Despite her wrinkles and rheumatism, she remains as intellectually spry as ever. An occultist named Vamelda challenges all previously held beliefs about psychic mediums, séances, and clairvoyants, but this story has a lovely mix of humorous quips and tense moments of danger woven throughout! A deranged debutante is actually a demoness in disguise, but the wicked temptress’s enticing demeanor gives her a magnetism few can resist.

There are flamboyant hats, somber funerals, butlers, chauffeurs, gas lamps, winding staircases, horse stables, immaculate gardens, antiquated documents, and a sprawling estate full of libraries and an enchanting incandescence, but flickering apparitions, missing mirrors, and vanishing specters will have readers on the edge of their seats. French tutors, forbidden lovers, romantic entanglements, inevitable heartbreaks, generous accommodations, curative salves, unsolved murders, and peculiar circumstances abound. Sometimes “it’s a pleasure to have your eccentricities touted as advantageous,” and this storyline definitely brings “spirited conversations” to a whole new level! 👻

[Nanna B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author has the most beautiful writing style that evokes such vivid pictures and colorful characters. Several story threads kept me guessing and wanting more until the very end. This story is so much more than a whodunnit, as it sparked questions in my own mind about the afterlife, the paths not taken in life, and the closeness of the spirit world around us. Hattie takes us on a thrilling adventure!

[Laura Lobato Sánchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book was a fun experience, the main character has a witty sense of humor and is overall a great character. The other characters, their relationships, and the romance were all well constructed, the plot was interesting and has a unique premise and the mystery kept me guessing.
This was a clever and funny cozy mystery. It even has a hidden message!


I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review for onlinebookclub.org

Official rating 4 out of 4 stars

Full Review: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...

[Claire A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, this book was WEIRD. From word one weird. At first, I couldn’t get my bearings in the story, which mirrors the lead characters’ confusion & disconnects also. It took a few chapters to pull me in, but then there I was. Twisty, unbalanced and darkly humorous. Not a comedy, not a tragedy, not a love story. But a delightful combination of all three. I wonder if Mr. Carrington will return?

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! If you love the classics, mysteries, or love stories, you’ll love it too. Just when you think you have the plot figured out, a new twist takes you in a different direction. The last half of the book is a rollercoaster! I couldn’t put it down.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review Link:

https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a thrilling book! I loved the characters and their personalities. Can’t wait for another book!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was really a load of fun!

[Ashley Gutierrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful addition to the mystery genre complete with ghosts and a haunted mansion but without the terror! The plot is unique and refreshingly devoid of offensive language with colorful characters complete with quirks and flaws both endearing and relatable. The intrigue keeps you guessing til the end with unexpected twists and turns. A most compelling and enjoyable read!

[STEPHEN TORNIO · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a strange and captivating book. I know I had read a description of what the book was about but I truly only remembered "if you like Agatha Christie and the supernatural". Needing something to download to my kindle (Ipad) I chose this. As I started reading it I had no clue what was going on. But it kept me reading to find out and when I did I was tickled. Yes a mystery, and yes about the supernatural, but, no, I never have seen the two woven so well together. And the fact that by the end one does start to wonder about what is real an what is.....not? Recommend the book and will look forward to other reviews.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! There’s something about the way Wildsmith writes that makes the book so hard to put down, especially as I got closer to the ending. I simply had to spend an hour reading until I was finished. I can’t wait to pick up her next book and get reading again!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have been looking for a supernatural mystery and romance story, then Hattie Vavaseur by M. Rebecca Wildsmith is the book for you. Hattie finds herself leaving a funeral and chauffeured to a mansion in Market Foolsbury. She doesn’t know whose funeral she’s leaving. She doesn’t know that Bertram is the name of the chauffeur. She doesn’t know why she is taken to the mansion. The master of the house and those who tend the house all know why she is there, but she does not. Bertram takes Hattie against her will to an occultist. Vamelda Anstruthers can speak to the dead, commune with gods and wants to help Hattie with her memory issues.

This novel has rich characters and an interesting twist to the classic murder mystery. I enjoyed the 1920s slang, dialect, and some antiquated words. Any book that correctly uses words like obdurate or rapscallion is worth a look. Wildsmith’s characters have strong and developed personalities. Hattie being so proper and snobbish balanced well with Vamelda’s eccentric and relaxed manners. The unsung hero of the book is Teddy, a secondary character, but one that added to the story each time he was on the page. There were no throw-away characters or stories. For most of the story, I couldn't put the book down. I wanted to know more about Hattie, the master of the house, Teddy, Mr. Carrington, Lydia, Vamelda, Gerald, Syd and all the rest.


For the rest of the review check out: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...

[Redmakesmyheartsing · Rating 4 out of 5]

M Rebecca Wildsmith introduces the reader to Hattie Vavaseur when she is at a funeral. Hattie is perturbed that she doesn't know why she is at the funeral and has no idea who has died! After the funeral, Hattie is whisked off by John Bertram, who seems to think that at one time he was employed by Hattie as a chauffeur, to a mansion with a taciturn owner. In the beginning, I wondered if Hattie had dementia, it's not until chapter 4 that we find out the truth of Hattie's situation. Until then, all we know is that Hattie can only remember being a child brought up by a strict aunt and uncle who disliked her and that Hattie hates the color pink. Every character brings their own story, which means the reader is constantly on the edge of their seat, turning the pages to find out what happens next. We travel with Hattie while she learns about her past and future. Wildsmith is a writing genius. Her book contains humor, mystery, suspense, ghosts, the supernatural, and romance.

You can read the rest of my review here :
https://onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by...

Thank you to OnlineBookClub.org for a free copy of this book in exchange for an impartial review.

[Isaura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since a faithful recount of events during this mystifying yet charming novel might foretold too much, instead I’ll share that the premise cannot entail how entertaining the plot twists are, speciality if you are into british noir crime stories since this is set around the 1920’s pairing eccentric characters with a disoriented english lady, memory loss and the dangerous subject that is murder.

Besides these factors, there is a love story that wasn’t for me, even though it helps reinforce the found family and personal growth that our main character faces in order to claim back a life stolen from her, that I was very much into.

Hence I can recommend reading Hattie Vavaseur by author Rebecca Wildsmith to everyone who can believe in second chances or something beyond their current reality, just beware the whimsical chaos accompanied by empowering messages coming your way considering this book helped me embrace suspense and odd enjoyment throughout life.

[Lauren McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun read! Each day I looked forward to spending time with Ms. Vavaseur to uncover her past and the other mysteries that await her. There were plenty of twists and turns and kept me on my toes. Highly recommend!

[Sterlingcindysu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note to self: Write somewhere *how* I found a book to put on my TBR list. None of my friends have read it so perhaps it was a ghostly hand that typed it in?

Continuing on with my Kindle Unlimited freebies.

First, the description isn't a good indicator of what the story's about. I was expecting an old lady with dementia story but nope, that's not the focus of this story. I was pleasantly surprised by the first half. Great fun and some mystery but Hattie was a tough old broad...

until...

the last third turned into a Harlequin romance and was just way over the top. Nosedive. This should certainly be put under the romance genre. There were also questions about who could be seen or who could see who or speak to who while I was reading that I finally just gave up worrying about. (Also, really, servants were happy to serve in their "retirement"?)

I kept thinking the house Hattie was staying in was The Haunted Mansion in Walt Disney World.
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[R.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hattie Vavaseur by M. Rebecca Wildsmith was a hoot of a paranormal mystery. Hattie, with the help of a Medium, a mysterious man, and other members of a mansion, is thrust into a situation with fatal consequences. I loved the characters and how the information unfolded.

I would say if you are looking for a cozy type mystery with higher stakes, paranormal/super natural aspects, and some romance, check this book out! I don't want to spoil anything but I'm glad I read it and can't wait to read her second book!

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hattie Vavaseur

A cute story about fixing the wrongs in life after death. Being stuck in an in-between world, one must solve their own mystery. Having little or no memories, the dead must rely on the living to help them piece together who they were when they were among the living. Mixing that together with rules specifically for the dead, they can figure out the mystery meant for them. Upon completion, they can rest happily ever after.

#GoodreadsGiveaway

[Christa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed every minute I spent reading the book Hattie Vavaseur. The reveals came at the right times and perfectly surprised me while also making sense. Wildsmith is adept at writing in a voice that is both contemporary and reminiscent of another time. I haven't read anything like this in awhile and can't wait to start on her next book, which I just got. I am recommending this fun paranormal mystery to everyone!

[Janiel Woodland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful! Slip into Hattie’s world and hang on to your hat. With delightful humor, romance, & mystery, the story line is packed with intrigue from start to finish, complete with a wildly unexpected conclusion! Loved the zany characters and meticulous detail to the time period. Highly recommended for the adventurous reader! Looking forward to reading it a second time!!

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hattie Vavaseur is a bit of an odd story that I neither really liked nor found totally bad, just odd.
While I fully read this book it just did not provide the enjoyment or fulfillment I hope to gain through reading. 3 stars.

[Candie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought that this book was weird. It took quite a while to get into it. Once I got into it, I couldn't wait to find out how Hattie, Reginald, and Lydia were all connected. There were some things that I never really understood, like why Bertram and Harold were not afraid of the mirrors when everyone else was.

[Sienna S'Zell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very strange story, but it kept me interested and engrossed. However, I thought it very strange that Hattie didn't ask the name of her host at the beginning of the book, even though that would have given everything away. Tricks of authors, I guess.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ending

Interesting book, with a great ending to the story. Good vs evil in it's finest form. The characters came alive and were very relatable as you progressed through this book.

[Beverly Allen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very strange book.

This was a very strange book. I kept reading not only to see what happens but to try and figure out just what was going on. I finished the book with more questions than answers, but I would still recommend reading it.

[Carol-Ann Rudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected!

I have to give this novel high marks for the delightful fun it provided. It started off slowly, without a hint of its eventual conclusion but I came to thoroughly enjoy the whole read.

[Joseph Wilbur · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is outside the genres I normally read. That said, I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed it. It was a good palette cleanser after getting bored with my TBR lately. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a supernatural mystery with a dash of romance.