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The Summoning
When it comes to contacting the dead, it's easy to go a step too far
Every year, as the anniversary of 9/11 inches closer on the calendar, Kit Capriol scans the memorials published in the New York Times. It's a simple thing to look up a name and phone number, to reach out to surviving family members who might still be yearning for connection with their lost loved one... to offer assistance. After her husband went down in the north tower, Kit scraped by as an actress, barely supporting herself and her daughter. But now Zoey is in the hospital, bills are due, and the acting work has dried up. Becoming a medium is almost too easy for someone used to pretending for a living—and desperate clients aren't hard to come by.
Now, though, something has changed. The seances Kit holds in her apartment are starting to feel unsettlingly real, and the intriguing man she met at a local bar could be more complicated than he seems. As the voices of the dead grow louder in her head and the walls of her apartment close in, Kit realizes that despite her daughter's absence, she hasn't been quite as alone as she thought...
Every year, as the anniversary of 9/11 inches closer on the calendar, Kit Capriol scans the memorials published in the New York Times. It's a simple thing to look up a name and phone number, to reach out to surviving family members who might still be yearning for connection with their lost loved one... to offer assistance. After her husband went down in the north tower, Kit scraped by as an actress, barely supporting herself and her daughter. But now Zoey is in the hospital, bills are due, and the acting work has dried up. Becoming a medium is almost too easy for someone used to pretending for a living—and desperate clients aren't hard to come by.
Now, though, something has changed. The seances Kit holds in her apartment are starting to feel unsettlingly real, and the intriguing man she met at a local bar could be more complicated than he seems. As the voices of the dead grow louder in her head and the walls of her apartment close in, Kit realizes that despite her daughter's absence, she hasn't been quite as alone as she thought...
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2021
49 people are currently reading
3401 people want to read
About the author
J.P. Smith
10 books161 followersJ.P. Smith was born in New York City and began his writing career in England, where he lived for several years with his wife and daughter, and where his first novel was published. As a screenwriter, he was an Academy Nicholl Fellowship Semifinalist in 2014.
His ninth novel, The Summoning, a psychological thriller, was published on September 7th, 2021.
His ninth novel, The Summoning, a psychological thriller, was published on September 7th, 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 250 reviews
November 25, 2021
Kit is a struggling actress who uses her acting skills to defraud people who lost loved ones, especially in 9/11. She convinces the vulnerable that she can contact the dead. Then, some of the dead seem to really be speaking to her. This sounds spookier and more interesting than it turned out to be. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Ann Marie Lee. I didn’t care for the narration and thought that it was irritating and seriously overacted throughout. The book may be better if you don’t listen to it.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the publisher.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the publisher.
October 4, 2021
I listened to the audiobook of The Summoning by J.P. Smith and really enjoyed it. The narrator, Ann Marie Lee was wonderful. The Summoning was a slow burn psychological thriller with lots of twists, turns and suspense. I really enjoyed the main character, Kit Captiol.
Kit lost her husband on 9/11. Peter died when the twin towers were attacked. He had been a chef in the Windows on the World restaurant and was working when the planes attacked. Kit was an actress but parts were hard to come by. To make ends meet, Kit had become a medium. Every anniversary after 9/11, Kit would scan the newspapers for memorials that were being held. Kit would contact the surviving family members and offer to help them make contact with the loved ones they had lost. Soon the seances Kit conducted became increasingly more real. Kit felt weird sensations and actually started hearing voices. She was no longer acting. Kit felt the presence of actual spirits. Around this time, Kit met a handsome and charming man at a bar she often frequented. His name was Dave and he was a detective. Kit enjoyed his attention and started to develop feelings for him. Kit also had a daughter, Zoey. Kit and Zoey had been waiting for a train to go home one afternoon after Zoey’s piano lesson when Zoey witnessed a horrific act and was now in a coma. Kit’s life was about to get even more complicated and a bit more dangerous if that was possible.
I was not sure what to expect from The Summoning but I really enjoyed it. This was the first book that I have read by J. P. Smith even though this was his ninth novel. I will definitely read more of his books in the future. The Summoning was published on September 7, 2021.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media LLC for allowing me to listen to this advanced audiobook of The Summoning in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Kit lost her husband on 9/11. Peter died when the twin towers were attacked. He had been a chef in the Windows on the World restaurant and was working when the planes attacked. Kit was an actress but parts were hard to come by. To make ends meet, Kit had become a medium. Every anniversary after 9/11, Kit would scan the newspapers for memorials that were being held. Kit would contact the surviving family members and offer to help them make contact with the loved ones they had lost. Soon the seances Kit conducted became increasingly more real. Kit felt weird sensations and actually started hearing voices. She was no longer acting. Kit felt the presence of actual spirits. Around this time, Kit met a handsome and charming man at a bar she often frequented. His name was Dave and he was a detective. Kit enjoyed his attention and started to develop feelings for him. Kit also had a daughter, Zoey. Kit and Zoey had been waiting for a train to go home one afternoon after Zoey’s piano lesson when Zoey witnessed a horrific act and was now in a coma. Kit’s life was about to get even more complicated and a bit more dangerous if that was possible.
I was not sure what to expect from The Summoning but I really enjoyed it. This was the first book that I have read by J. P. Smith even though this was his ninth novel. I will definitely read more of his books in the future. The Summoning was published on September 7, 2021.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media LLC for allowing me to listen to this advanced audiobook of The Summoning in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 18, 2021
The leading ladies narrative is quite strong and well written. In fact, I was sure this was a female author. And was very surprised to learn I was wrong. Props to J. P. Smith for fooling me; and for keenly understanding that strong, smart women can still be nervous or unsure at times. I appreciated the dynamic here of our lonely widow and her struggles; but how she’s persevered regardless. The heroine of the story and her character’s voice is what makes this story for me.
Mystery/Thriller
I was pleasantly surprised by this mystery/thriller (with a hint of supernatural) to it. This is not my usual genre; but I was intrigued by the psychic medium spin and in the mood for something a bit different. I’m glad I read it. While not amazing or perfect; and maybe 3.5 stars would be more appropriate than 4, the reality is that I truly enjoyed the strong narrative voice in The Summoning. The slow burn of the story felt very well paced to me and quite realistic. Added to that the supernatural element tossed in and I was hooked.
The End
The ending is the key to this story and you won’t know what the plot really is until you’re almost done with the novel. Without giving it away, I can say it brings up questions of societal power, gender roles, grief, and the assumption or expectation (if you will) that most people are inherently good. This skewing of people and the ‘goodness’ of our society comes crashing down even as I still asked myself ‘am I sure whose the villain?’ Not because it’s not obvious in the end but because of the blend of the otherworldly with stark, assured realism.
Overall
Clever is the best description for The Summoning. You think you’re reading one type of story; only to realize that maybe it’s not as cut and dry as it seems. A wonderful blend of realism and paranormal. While a few moments felt slightly ripped off (I swear it’s Sleep Away Camp referenced) none of these moments change the impact of the ending. Thankfully I enjoyed the characters a lot, and found the pacing to my taste (which is to say that some might find it a touch slow). I liked how realistic the set-up (and ending) felt given the occult inclusion. This is one you have to read to decide if it’s for you as I can’t say too much because it would spoil the whole experience and ending.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
Mystery/Thriller
I was pleasantly surprised by this mystery/thriller (with a hint of supernatural) to it. This is not my usual genre; but I was intrigued by the psychic medium spin and in the mood for something a bit different. I’m glad I read it. While not amazing or perfect; and maybe 3.5 stars would be more appropriate than 4, the reality is that I truly enjoyed the strong narrative voice in The Summoning. The slow burn of the story felt very well paced to me and quite realistic. Added to that the supernatural element tossed in and I was hooked.
The End
The ending is the key to this story and you won’t know what the plot really is until you’re almost done with the novel. Without giving it away, I can say it brings up questions of societal power, gender roles, grief, and the assumption or expectation (if you will) that most people are inherently good. This skewing of people and the ‘goodness’ of our society comes crashing down even as I still asked myself ‘am I sure whose the villain?’ Not because it’s not obvious in the end but because of the blend of the otherworldly with stark, assured realism.
Overall
Clever is the best description for The Summoning. You think you’re reading one type of story; only to realize that maybe it’s not as cut and dry as it seems. A wonderful blend of realism and paranormal. While a few moments felt slightly ripped off (I swear it’s Sleep Away Camp referenced) none of these moments change the impact of the ending. Thankfully I enjoyed the characters a lot, and found the pacing to my taste (which is to say that some might find it a touch slow). I liked how realistic the set-up (and ending) felt given the occult inclusion. This is one you have to read to decide if it’s for you as I can’t say too much because it would spoil the whole experience and ending.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
September 5, 2021
I'm not quite sure what I just read. The premise and title of this book sound so spooky and intriguing, I expected creepiness, atmosphere and a dark slow burn. But, this was just bad, I'm sorry to report. There was no coherent plot, the characters were two dimensional at best and the writing felt wooden and stilted. Poor, unrealistic dialogue, strands of storylines floundering desperately without any sort of tether. There may be an audience out there for this, but I didn't connect with it at all.
September 5, 2021
From the title I expected this one to be mega creepy. Another book to read with ALL the lights on. Unfortunately this book wasn't that but it was still an enjoyable read.
Kit is a struggling actress who also works part time as a medium. Although the way in which she finds her work could be argued as unethical. Searching obituaries and seeking out grieving family members. You can't say she isn't crafty...
I will say I found one particular part of the story could have been explored a lot more. It was extremely interesting and then just kind of disappeared without much closure. I thought for sure there was more to come and it just never did.
Overall this is an interesting read. I was questioning so much while reading and love a book that doesn't just give you all the answers. That plot twist at the end was fantastic! Very nicely executed.
Thanks so much to Poisoned Pen Press for my gifted copy!
Kit is a struggling actress who also works part time as a medium. Although the way in which she finds her work could be argued as unethical. Searching obituaries and seeking out grieving family members. You can't say she isn't crafty...
I will say I found one particular part of the story could have been explored a lot more. It was extremely interesting and then just kind of disappeared without much closure. I thought for sure there was more to come and it just never did.
Overall this is an interesting read. I was questioning so much while reading and love a book that doesn't just give you all the answers. That plot twist at the end was fantastic! Very nicely executed.
Thanks so much to Poisoned Pen Press for my gifted copy!
April 22, 2021
I love a story with a touch of paranormal, and The Summoning delivers in a suspense starring Kit, an out-of-work actress who survives by faking seances for family members of 9/11 victims…until the voices of the dead grow real. A dark and murky slow-burn that will take you by surprise.
August 26, 2021
3.5⭐! This was really good on audiobook, narrated by Ann Marie Lee who did a fantastic job. This a short, fun, spooky book. A good one to read during fall/halloween! I love a book with paranormal elements to it. It's a slow burn, and the tension builds as it progresses.
Kits husband died in the towers on 9/11. After that she found out she was pregnant. Her daughter Zoey, 14 years later, winds up in a coma after an accident. She's been in a coma for 3 years, and as Kit us an actress not getting much work, she is having trouble getting by. She becomes a medium, thinking since acting comes easy, she can earn money this way. Then she meets David, who is making her feel happy again, but now, as she's holding seances with him...the voices and spirits start to feel very real. I don't think this was an edge of your seat read, but it was entertaining enough, and I liked the way it played out in the end.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy/audiobook. All options are my own!
Kits husband died in the towers on 9/11. After that she found out she was pregnant. Her daughter Zoey, 14 years later, winds up in a coma after an accident. She's been in a coma for 3 years, and as Kit us an actress not getting much work, she is having trouble getting by. She becomes a medium, thinking since acting comes easy, she can earn money this way. Then she meets David, who is making her feel happy again, but now, as she's holding seances with him...the voices and spirits start to feel very real. I don't think this was an edge of your seat read, but it was entertaining enough, and I liked the way it played out in the end.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy/audiobook. All options are my own!
June 16, 2021
When I started reading this, I wasn’t sure about it. I was feeling some kind of way about the main character. She seemed wrong to me. I’m not going to give you specifics as to why. I’ll just say this: if it starts getting you that way, stick with the book. It all makes sense soon enough. And I’ll tell you that I never did grow to like her, but I did like reading her.
What starts as mysterious soon turns into a tense suspense thriller. There are so many wrong characters doing so many wrong things and I was happily lost in their machinations.
I enjoyed this. It wasn’t remotely what I expected it to be!
*ARC provided via Net Galley
What starts as mysterious soon turns into a tense suspense thriller. There are so many wrong characters doing so many wrong things and I was happily lost in their machinations.
I enjoyed this. It wasn’t remotely what I expected it to be!
*ARC provided via Net Galley
November 12, 2025
The Summoning has been sitting on my TBR list for quite a while, and truth be told, I had great expectations about it. A captivating premise, an intriguing plot, and the first chapter read so promising: I mean, a fake medium who scams people in order to pay the hospital bills? Talk about dubious morality and shades of grey. I was hooked.
Problem is, the rest of the book didn’t deliver.
Problem is, the rest of the book didn’t deliver.
September 2, 2021
The Summoning is a story of grief & loss as much as it is about the paranormal. I wasn’t really expecting the story to take this direction; I was expecting more of an eerie supernatural tale and even though the spooky element was there, there were other themes going on. I’m okay with this because I loved the intertwining of elements and how well they worked together.
The main character Kit has suffered much since 9/11 and she’s doing whatever she can to make ends meet. This includes ‘summoning’ the dead to ease the suffering of their living loved ones – it’s not quite on the up and up until one day, it is. Kit hears a disembodied voice asking for help and the story goes from there. It is suspenseful, twisty with great pacing and the interwoven elements gave it a depth that I really enjoyed.
I listened to this on audiobook in one day! The narrator is spectacular; she really drew me in to the story and kept me invested. An absolute pleasure to listen to!
My thanks to Dreamscape Media for the ALC and to Poisoned Pen Press for the gifted ARC.
The main character Kit has suffered much since 9/11 and she’s doing whatever she can to make ends meet. This includes ‘summoning’ the dead to ease the suffering of their living loved ones – it’s not quite on the up and up until one day, it is. Kit hears a disembodied voice asking for help and the story goes from there. It is suspenseful, twisty with great pacing and the interwoven elements gave it a depth that I really enjoyed.
I listened to this on audiobook in one day! The narrator is spectacular; she really drew me in to the story and kept me invested. An absolute pleasure to listen to!
My thanks to Dreamscape Media for the ALC and to Poisoned Pen Press for the gifted ARC.
August 28, 2022
✨ 4
Although The Summoning is filled with uncanny coincidences, séances, psychological, and paranormal-like themes, I wouldn't say that this is a horror novel as some others have suggested. At least for me, there was nothing in this book to keep me up listening to the things that go bump in the night. The slow-burn mystery that was unraveling itself though...that was enough to keep me up past bed time. J.P. Smith's writing style took some getting used to, but once settled in, it was hard to put The Summoning down. With short, teasing chapters, it was easy to say "just another chapter".
Where Kit ordered a "double vodka rocks, same as always." I ordered another chapter every night before bed time.
At times things were a little bit all over the place, but I do feel that this was intentional. Faced with overwhelming financial stress, coated with a sticky layer of emotional and mental stress, grief, and all the gritty in-betweens, Kit's headspace is overloaded. With poor coping mechanisms (try alcohol abuse), Kit is generally speaking, an unreliable narrator seemingly spiraling down a path of madness. This in itself can make things a bit all over the place. Yet, there is more than meets the eye here...and whenever I found myself wondering why Kit wasn't thinking about things, or looking into things, that seemed like glaringly obvious red flags, I had to remind myself of these factors. J.P. Smith added an interesting layer to Kit by making her self-aware of her mental health issues. I was a little let down by the ending and without saying too much, I had hoped for an ending with a little more umph. Although I appreciated the coda, it did feel a smidge rushed.
Overall this was an entertaining read. If you're a fan of psychological/mystery/suspense/paranormal reads, I recommend giving The Summoning a try.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily because books are cool!
Content/Trigger Warnings ⚠️:
"Listen with your eyes. Seek out the sound in the darkness..."What starts off as curious and mysterious, soon melds itself into the suspenseful, psychological-thriller, paranormal-like world of Kit Capriol. At first I didn't know what to make of Kit. There was just something about her that I couldn't quite put my finger on. But as the chapters unfolded, Kit Capriol and the intricacies of her world urged me to keep turning the pages.
Although The Summoning is filled with uncanny coincidences, séances, psychological, and paranormal-like themes, I wouldn't say that this is a horror novel as some others have suggested. At least for me, there was nothing in this book to keep me up listening to the things that go bump in the night. The slow-burn mystery that was unraveling itself though...that was enough to keep me up past bed time. J.P. Smith's writing style took some getting used to, but once settled in, it was hard to put The Summoning down. With short, teasing chapters, it was easy to say "just another chapter".
Where Kit ordered a "double vodka rocks, same as always." I ordered another chapter every night before bed time.
At times things were a little bit all over the place, but I do feel that this was intentional. Faced with overwhelming financial stress, coated with a sticky layer of emotional and mental stress, grief, and all the gritty in-betweens, Kit's headspace is overloaded. With poor coping mechanisms (try alcohol abuse), Kit is generally speaking, an unreliable narrator seemingly spiraling down a path of madness. This in itself can make things a bit all over the place. Yet, there is more than meets the eye here...and whenever I found myself wondering why Kit wasn't thinking about things, or looking into things, that seemed like glaringly obvious red flags, I had to remind myself of these factors. J.P. Smith added an interesting layer to Kit by making her self-aware of her mental health issues. I was a little let down by the ending and without saying too much, I had hoped for an ending with a little more umph. Although I appreciated the coda, it did feel a smidge rushed.
Overall this was an entertaining read. If you're a fan of psychological/mystery/suspense/paranormal reads, I recommend giving The Summoning a try.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily because books are cool!
Content/Trigger Warnings ⚠️:
September 3, 2021
This was my first JP Smith book and now I’ll be looking for THE DROWNING as I’m hearing that’s another good book of his. (Apparently he has seven novels out? Had no idea!)
I typically am skeptical of paranormal books because nine times out of 10, I can’t stand them. Case and point, I did not like BEHIND HER EYES at all. HOWEVER, I really enjoyed THE SUMMONING!
It told a story of love and loss and tied it to a real, tragic event. It explained why Kit was where she was at in her life and I felt for her and I also understood why she was doing what she was doing.
There were times in the book I got so angry with how some of the characters were treating her, but truly appreciated the ending. Also, one twist in there that I was shocked and didn’t like because I absolutely did not expect it.
Yes, this book has paranormal/ghostly aspects, but it wasn’t over the top and eye-rolling. It was done with a nice subtlety to it (if that is even a thing).
I definitely recommend THE SUMMONING and can’t wait to get my hands on THE DROWNING.
Would love to hear if you’ve read THE SUMMONING and what you thought? 👇🏼
**THE SUMMONING publishes Sep 7, 2021. A HUGE thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for my gifted copy!**
I typically am skeptical of paranormal books because nine times out of 10, I can’t stand them. Case and point, I did not like BEHIND HER EYES at all. HOWEVER, I really enjoyed THE SUMMONING!
It told a story of love and loss and tied it to a real, tragic event. It explained why Kit was where she was at in her life and I felt for her and I also understood why she was doing what she was doing.
There were times in the book I got so angry with how some of the characters were treating her, but truly appreciated the ending. Also, one twist in there that I was shocked and didn’t like because I absolutely did not expect it.
Yes, this book has paranormal/ghostly aspects, but it wasn’t over the top and eye-rolling. It was done with a nice subtlety to it (if that is even a thing).
I definitely recommend THE SUMMONING and can’t wait to get my hands on THE DROWNING.
Would love to hear if you’ve read THE SUMMONING and what you thought? 👇🏼
**THE SUMMONING publishes Sep 7, 2021. A HUGE thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for my gifted copy!**
April 21, 2024
I wish I could give a book zero stars. This shit was so incredibly confusing. I truly believe that this was two separate books that got smushed into one. Full of plot holes. It made me so angry.
September 26, 2021
J.P. Smith has been writing books and screenplays for decades, but his output would be considered far from prolific. THE SUMMONING is just his ninth novel, but it may be the one that truly puts him on the map. Born in New York City, Smith became interested in writing after moving to England. You will not easily forget his latest effort as it broaches tender subjects such as grief, life after death, and family secrets in such a way that it toggles between literary fiction and supernatural horror the entire time.
“Remember that those we have lost are always with us. All we need is to summon them by showing that we mean no harm, no recrimination, nothing but whatever love we may bring to them…” This preamble is spoken prior to one of the many seances held by actor/psychic medium Kit Capriol. Whether you believe in Kit and her spiritual prowess or are convinced that she is nothing more than a con artist preying on the grieving, these words cut to the chase and attempt to alert the denizens of the spirit world that we mean them no harm by holding these sessions.
The book opens with Kit approaching an elderly Irish woman about the spirit of her late daughter with whom she claims to have been in contact. It seems that every year, right around the anniversary of 9/11, Kit’s powers are heightened, and she sees it as her duty to provide solace or, at the very least, share messages that she has received from the netherworld. Kit is not unfamiliar with grief, having lost her husband Peter on that tragic September day. To make matters even worse, their only daughter, Zoey, remains in a coma that has brought about seemingly insurmountable medical bills. Can you begrudge a struggling actor not to find some way of making a living and paying off these enormous debts?
THE SUMMONING is a creepy novel and quite an unsettling read. It is full of symbolism and dream sequences that hold answers for those with the ability and patience to interpret them. Crows play a big part in the story and always seem to be hanging around at odd moments: “The world was full of signs and symbols, the universe a murder of portents.”
Kit tells her psychologist that her psychic bit is all an act. But what if it isn’t, and she just cannot come to terms with the fact that there may be some merit of truth behind what she does? When Kit gets mixed up with a rather unscrupulous NYPD detective, the story takes a strange turn, and you will be pulling for her even when she cannot find it in her heart to root for herself.
There is a great discussion guide worth exploring at the conclusion of THE SUMMONING, which deserves to be read and questioned long after the final page has been turned. It is one of the most unique books I have read this year.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
“Remember that those we have lost are always with us. All we need is to summon them by showing that we mean no harm, no recrimination, nothing but whatever love we may bring to them…” This preamble is spoken prior to one of the many seances held by actor/psychic medium Kit Capriol. Whether you believe in Kit and her spiritual prowess or are convinced that she is nothing more than a con artist preying on the grieving, these words cut to the chase and attempt to alert the denizens of the spirit world that we mean them no harm by holding these sessions.
The book opens with Kit approaching an elderly Irish woman about the spirit of her late daughter with whom she claims to have been in contact. It seems that every year, right around the anniversary of 9/11, Kit’s powers are heightened, and she sees it as her duty to provide solace or, at the very least, share messages that she has received from the netherworld. Kit is not unfamiliar with grief, having lost her husband Peter on that tragic September day. To make matters even worse, their only daughter, Zoey, remains in a coma that has brought about seemingly insurmountable medical bills. Can you begrudge a struggling actor not to find some way of making a living and paying off these enormous debts?
THE SUMMONING is a creepy novel and quite an unsettling read. It is full of symbolism and dream sequences that hold answers for those with the ability and patience to interpret them. Crows play a big part in the story and always seem to be hanging around at odd moments: “The world was full of signs and symbols, the universe a murder of portents.”
Kit tells her psychologist that her psychic bit is all an act. But what if it isn’t, and she just cannot come to terms with the fact that there may be some merit of truth behind what she does? When Kit gets mixed up with a rather unscrupulous NYPD detective, the story takes a strange turn, and you will be pulling for her even when she cannot find it in her heart to root for herself.
There is a great discussion guide worth exploring at the conclusion of THE SUMMONING, which deserves to be read and questioned long after the final page has been turned. It is one of the most unique books I have read this year.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
December 9, 2021
2.5 stars :/
i dont know how to feel. i kinda feel like i got whiplash from this book.
i really wanted to like this. like so bad. its such an interesting premise and there were some good thriller parts, but the structure is just so weird. the sequence in which things are revealed just did not work for me. and the timeline confused me at one point. even the parts where things were being revealed confused me and i had to re-read a chapter 3 or 4 times bc i had no idea what was happening. i feel like i solved a math problem the wrong way but somehow ended up to the right answer but definitely could not do it again. like wtf did i just read?
i did round it up to a 3 bc it got me. it was thrilling. the paranormal aspects were just.. a little cheesy. and honestly now that im thinking abt it the paranormal and thriller aspects is probably what threw it. if it had been purely paranormal or purely thriller, it woulda worked much better imo.
anyway, yeah. gonna go put ice on my brain cause i got that mind whiplash.
i dont know how to feel. i kinda feel like i got whiplash from this book.
i really wanted to like this. like so bad. its such an interesting premise and there were some good thriller parts, but the structure is just so weird. the sequence in which things are revealed just did not work for me. and the timeline confused me at one point. even the parts where things were being revealed confused me and i had to re-read a chapter 3 or 4 times bc i had no idea what was happening. i feel like i solved a math problem the wrong way but somehow ended up to the right answer but definitely could not do it again. like wtf did i just read?
i did round it up to a 3 bc it got me. it was thrilling. the paranormal aspects were just.. a little cheesy. and honestly now that im thinking abt it the paranormal and thriller aspects is probably what threw it. if it had been purely paranormal or purely thriller, it woulda worked much better imo.
anyway, yeah. gonna go put ice on my brain cause i got that mind whiplash.
October 30, 2021
CW: The 9/11/01 Terrorist attacks and aftermath are discussed and play a large part in the plot.
Two stars.
After reading the blurb, I was expecting this one to be a lot creepier than it was. I'm not sure I got this one... I thought it had a lot of promise, but it never really came together for me. I thought it was supposed to be more of a ghost story, more macabre, more disturbing… more SOMETHING. The dialogue seemed stilted and fake, and I didn't really connect with any of the characters. A lot of aspects of the story could have been developed more -- like Kit's sudden abilities. Were they real? Why did they suddenly appear? Was she haunted? Was it all in her head? The ending was a sort of confusing let-down, and the "twist" just seemed there for shock value. The potential was here… I just wanted more.
Thanks to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read and review The Summoning.
Two stars.
After reading the blurb, I was expecting this one to be a lot creepier than it was. I'm not sure I got this one... I thought it had a lot of promise, but it never really came together for me. I thought it was supposed to be more of a ghost story, more macabre, more disturbing… more SOMETHING. The dialogue seemed stilted and fake, and I didn't really connect with any of the characters. A lot of aspects of the story could have been developed more -- like Kit's sudden abilities. Were they real? Why did they suddenly appear? Was she haunted? Was it all in her head? The ending was a sort of confusing let-down, and the "twist" just seemed there for shock value. The potential was here… I just wanted more.
Thanks to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read and review The Summoning.
September 7, 2021
As the weather has begun to finally cool off, I have been in a serious mood for fall. Snickerdoodles, pumpkin cream cold brew and, of course, spooky reads. I immediately chose The Summoning by J.P Smith and it was exactly what my mood ordered.
The concept of the novel drew me right in: Kit, an out of work actress turned con woman, who uses the obituaries to fuel her business as a medium. However, something begins to change, and Kit starts to feel unsettled as her seances begin to feel more real. As the tagline for the novel states, when it comes to contacting the dead, it's easy to go a step too far.
I am usually hesitant with any type of paranormal thriller since it is very easy for the plot to become a.) too convoluted b.) too far-fetched and hokey or c.) a quick start with a disappointing ending. I was pleased to find out that this novel had none of those issues.
Smith chooses to lay out the story with a multi-perspective narration that was really was a treat. Between Kit’s inner workings of her business and her panic as things begin to unravel, and the police who are zoning in and then surprised to find themselves wrapped up in something paranormal, I was completely engaged. The novel is definitely more of a slower burn at the beginning and, to be honest, I didn’t find Kit very likeable initially; however, this characterization is exactly what made me want to keep reading. For such a short read (coming in at around 300 pages), I was expecting the story to be fairly straightforward, but I was pleased with Smith’s ability to keep me guessing and was genuinely shocked by the ending.
This read just felt like fall and, to me, that is one of the highest compliments. I’d absolutely recommend this one.
The concept of the novel drew me right in: Kit, an out of work actress turned con woman, who uses the obituaries to fuel her business as a medium. However, something begins to change, and Kit starts to feel unsettled as her seances begin to feel more real. As the tagline for the novel states, when it comes to contacting the dead, it's easy to go a step too far.
I am usually hesitant with any type of paranormal thriller since it is very easy for the plot to become a.) too convoluted b.) too far-fetched and hokey or c.) a quick start with a disappointing ending. I was pleased to find out that this novel had none of those issues.
Smith chooses to lay out the story with a multi-perspective narration that was really was a treat. Between Kit’s inner workings of her business and her panic as things begin to unravel, and the police who are zoning in and then surprised to find themselves wrapped up in something paranormal, I was completely engaged. The novel is definitely more of a slower burn at the beginning and, to be honest, I didn’t find Kit very likeable initially; however, this characterization is exactly what made me want to keep reading. For such a short read (coming in at around 300 pages), I was expecting the story to be fairly straightforward, but I was pleased with Smith’s ability to keep me guessing and was genuinely shocked by the ending.
This read just felt like fall and, to me, that is one of the highest compliments. I’d absolutely recommend this one.
September 6, 2021
My Review Of
THE SUMMONING
By Author, J.P. Smith
Gifted & Published by PoisonedPenPress
On Sale: 9/7/21 - Purchase Link in my Bio
******
Here I’m thinking I’m going to be reading about Ouija boards and the dead but it’s so much more. It is an exceptional thriller that also touches on loss, healing and survival after someone near and dear has died under extraordinary circumstances. There’s a touch of mystery and detective work involved and then you get hit with some terrifying moments that pack this all in to make a psychological & spiritual thriller.
When Kit Capriol loses her husband in the 9/11 attacks she is overwhelmed with loss but finding out she is pregnant she must go on and provide for her and her daughter Zoey. Kit, an actor not making much to make ends meet, looks to contacting relatives of the deceased in obituaries and letting them know their passed on loved one is trying to contact them. Kit is not really a medium but does her research and provides a calming message that keeps people fooled into coming back. But there are police onto her scam and watching her. To make matters worse, three years prior, her daughter Zoey witnessed a woman falling and getting hit by a train and she herself then fell and hit her head and has been in a coma ever since. Dr.’s cannot figure it out. What exactly did Zoey see? Was it really an accident?
Now, suddenly Kit has crossed over and she’s able to talk to the dead and it’s no more acting. And it comes just in time because someone is after her and her daughter because they’ve both gone beyond further than someone likes and they are willing to scheme and deceive just about anything to stop them.
THE SUMMONING
By Author, J.P. Smith
Gifted & Published by PoisonedPenPress
On Sale: 9/7/21 - Purchase Link in my Bio
******
Here I’m thinking I’m going to be reading about Ouija boards and the dead but it’s so much more. It is an exceptional thriller that also touches on loss, healing and survival after someone near and dear has died under extraordinary circumstances. There’s a touch of mystery and detective work involved and then you get hit with some terrifying moments that pack this all in to make a psychological & spiritual thriller.
When Kit Capriol loses her husband in the 9/11 attacks she is overwhelmed with loss but finding out she is pregnant she must go on and provide for her and her daughter Zoey. Kit, an actor not making much to make ends meet, looks to contacting relatives of the deceased in obituaries and letting them know their passed on loved one is trying to contact them. Kit is not really a medium but does her research and provides a calming message that keeps people fooled into coming back. But there are police onto her scam and watching her. To make matters worse, three years prior, her daughter Zoey witnessed a woman falling and getting hit by a train and she herself then fell and hit her head and has been in a coma ever since. Dr.’s cannot figure it out. What exactly did Zoey see? Was it really an accident?
Now, suddenly Kit has crossed over and she’s able to talk to the dead and it’s no more acting. And it comes just in time because someone is after her and her daughter because they’ve both gone beyond further than someone likes and they are willing to scheme and deceive just about anything to stop them.
September 7, 2021
In The Summoning, Kit is a fraud.
Kit’s tale is tragic. Her husband is missing after 9/11. Her teenage daughter has been in a coma for three years. As an aspiring, rather than working, actor, Kit is barely covering her bills by pretending to be a medium. The NYC police are trying to make a case against her. But now, Kit has a more difficult issue. It seems that real dead people are interrupting her fraudulent seances. Could Kit really be psychic? Or is she just becoming schizophrenic like her mother?
I was swept from emotion to emotion by this powerful book. I was invested in Kit and sorry to have the book end. The Summoning is one of those books that I will remember for days, if not years. 5 stars and a favorite!
Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Kit’s tale is tragic. Her husband is missing after 9/11. Her teenage daughter has been in a coma for three years. As an aspiring, rather than working, actor, Kit is barely covering her bills by pretending to be a medium. The NYC police are trying to make a case against her. But now, Kit has a more difficult issue. It seems that real dead people are interrupting her fraudulent seances. Could Kit really be psychic? Or is she just becoming schizophrenic like her mother?
I was swept from emotion to emotion by this powerful book. I was invested in Kit and sorry to have the book end. The Summoning is one of those books that I will remember for days, if not years. 5 stars and a favorite!
Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 23, 2021
J.P. Smith’s ninth novel, THE SUMMONING, has been described as a slow burn and that description is perfect. The novel is ostensibly a supernatural tale about a struggling actress, Kit Capriol, who claims she can communicate with the dead, albeit out of financial necessity, a morally ambiguous pursuit which, as we get to know her, is perhaps more of a coping mechanism for the loss of her own husband on 9/11, and her daughter, who remains in a coma after an accident some years earlier.
A chance encounter with a man turns Kit’s life upside down and strange occurrences begin to impact both her life and her seances, leading her to question her own sanity, and the novel develops into a psychological thriller filled with unexpected twists and turns.
Smith is a master of this kind of story. As with his recent novels, IF SHE WERE DEAD and THE DROWNING, the reader is slowly dragged into the minds and worlds of his characters until the tension becomes unbearable. Beautifully written, the novel does not disappoint and delivers a stunning ending.
THE SUMMONING is a novel by a writer at the top of his game and is very highly recommended. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author!
A chance encounter with a man turns Kit’s life upside down and strange occurrences begin to impact both her life and her seances, leading her to question her own sanity, and the novel develops into a psychological thriller filled with unexpected twists and turns.
Smith is a master of this kind of story. As with his recent novels, IF SHE WERE DEAD and THE DROWNING, the reader is slowly dragged into the minds and worlds of his characters until the tension becomes unbearable. Beautifully written, the novel does not disappoint and delivers a stunning ending.
THE SUMMONING is a novel by a writer at the top of his game and is very highly recommended. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author!
September 7, 2021
Kit Capriol lost her husband when the North Tower went down on 9/11. Over the years she has scraped by as an actress, barely supporting herself and her daughter. But now her daughter, Zoey, is in the hospital, bills are due, and the acting work has dried up. Becoming a medium is almost too easy for someone used to pretending for a living. Kit scans memorials published in the New York Times looking for individuals who call to her. It’s a simple thing to look up a name and phone number, to reach out to surviving family members who still might be yearning for connection with their lost loved one. She wants to offer her assistance. In the past it has always been easy , but now the seances Kit holds in her apartment are starting to feel unsettlingly real.
I love when mystery books succeed in incorporating a paranormal aspect into their storyline and that’s exactly what THE SUMMONING accomplished. This is a slow burn surrounding the life of our main character, Kit, and the odd happenings that occur during her seances. She has started to hear voices and visualize the final moments of those she is trying to commune with. These seances aren’t cheesy or unrealistic, which is sometimes how paranormal elements can come off when not done right.
What I loved most about this book was the way the paranormal aspect aids in driving the story forward. There’s a lot going on in Kit’s life and at first it wasn’t clear how everything would connect, but I really enjoyed the way Smith tied everything together. THE SUMMONING would make an excellent addition to any spooky season TBR!
A huge thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for my gifted copy!
I love when mystery books succeed in incorporating a paranormal aspect into their storyline and that’s exactly what THE SUMMONING accomplished. This is a slow burn surrounding the life of our main character, Kit, and the odd happenings that occur during her seances. She has started to hear voices and visualize the final moments of those she is trying to commune with. These seances aren’t cheesy or unrealistic, which is sometimes how paranormal elements can come off when not done right.
What I loved most about this book was the way the paranormal aspect aids in driving the story forward. There’s a lot going on in Kit’s life and at first it wasn’t clear how everything would connect, but I really enjoyed the way Smith tied everything together. THE SUMMONING would make an excellent addition to any spooky season TBR!
A huge thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for my gifted copy!
June 25, 2021
I thought that I knew how this book was going to play out, based on the first half of the story. However, just when you get into the groove with it, the book picks up and goes in a different direction than anticipated. The paranormal action was done well and held my attention, with a few creepy moments as well.
Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2021
I didn't read the synopsis odd this book before I started it. I'm glad I didn't. It allowed me to view it in an unbiased way.
This was, at once, a haunting, chilling paranormal suspense and murder mystery. It was sad and funny and sweet and diabolical. Literally ALL AT ONCE!
I really liked this book. I think a paranormal/mystery fan would as well.
WARNING! SPOILER!
I did not see Kit's death coming! I had David figured out fairly quickly. The last line of the last chapter threw me for a MAJOR loop. But the EPILOGUE (CODA)! WOW!
Trigger Warnings: Death, Stalking, light violence, swearing
Thank you to Netgalley, JP Smith and Poisoned Pen Press for allowing me to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.
This was, at once, a haunting, chilling paranormal suspense and murder mystery. It was sad and funny and sweet and diabolical. Literally ALL AT ONCE!
I really liked this book. I think a paranormal/mystery fan would as well.
WARNING! SPOILER!
I did not see Kit's death coming! I had David figured out fairly quickly. The last line of the last chapter threw me for a MAJOR loop. But the EPILOGUE (CODA)! WOW!
Trigger Warnings: Death, Stalking, light violence, swearing
Thank you to Netgalley, JP Smith and Poisoned Pen Press for allowing me to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2021
Okay that ending though. Daaaaammm Gina! Like holy moly that was a ride. This book was given to me in my unplugged book box for October and it did not disappoint. Especially given it's spooky season. It has seances, haunting, death and mystery . I really enjoyed the flow of the story and it had a nice twist at the end.
December 11, 2021
I found this one harder to get into to start but once I gave it a good 60/70 pages, I found it so intriguing. A great winter/spooky season read that delves more into fantasy.
March 15, 2022
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
April 21, 2024
The one star is for Lil Penny
September 8, 2021
The summoning by J. P. Smith is a story made of grief, loss and how it impacts all of us.
The plot sounds promising, Kit is a widower who holds seances for people who have lost their loved ones. Her own husband was lost during 9/11 and more tragedy has struck her since then.
This book really made me think. Usually these things were big years ago but what would this look like in the 21st century? Here was have a version of it.
I liked Kit. She seemed such a gentle caring person, helping people despite the fact that she needed the money. Her sense of isolation and that she accepted it so readily speaks volumes about her grief and how she deals with it.
I liked the secondary story put in there but won't say what it is so as not to spoil it. It added some suspense to the story.
This was not spooky or scary for me but haunting in the way that it's so real. This could be any of us. It had to much of a slow pace for me and the chapters were short.
I give this 3 stars. Unfortunately it just did not hold my attention and I struggled through but this is my personal opinion. The writing is clear, descriptive without over doing it. Definitely give it a try if your intrigued.
The plot sounds promising, Kit is a widower who holds seances for people who have lost their loved ones. Her own husband was lost during 9/11 and more tragedy has struck her since then.
This book really made me think. Usually these things were big years ago but what would this look like in the 21st century? Here was have a version of it.
I liked Kit. She seemed such a gentle caring person, helping people despite the fact that she needed the money. Her sense of isolation and that she accepted it so readily speaks volumes about her grief and how she deals with it.
I liked the secondary story put in there but won't say what it is so as not to spoil it. It added some suspense to the story.
This was not spooky or scary for me but haunting in the way that it's so real. This could be any of us. It had to much of a slow pace for me and the chapters were short.
I give this 3 stars. Unfortunately it just did not hold my attention and I struggled through but this is my personal opinion. The writing is clear, descriptive without over doing it. Definitely give it a try if your intrigued.
October 9, 2021
This creepy little book was so awesome!!
It follows a washed up, down on her luck actress who is trying to make ends meet while her daughter lies in a coma. To make money, she poses as a medium and helps connect families with their long lost loved ones. But detectives are trying to stop her operation as they think it's a big scam. Meanwhile, she really does start to have strange things happen in her apartment. Then she meets a cop who promises to protect her from the detectives...but can he be trusted?
This book was a lot of fun. An unreliable narrator, loopy clients, cops who all seem a little shady, and people dying left and right. I figured this one out pretty early on but it didn't take away the fun. I still wanted to know how it was all going to come together, if the killer could be stopped, and what would happen to her daughter.
A quick, entertaining read for fall!
It follows a washed up, down on her luck actress who is trying to make ends meet while her daughter lies in a coma. To make money, she poses as a medium and helps connect families with their long lost loved ones. But detectives are trying to stop her operation as they think it's a big scam. Meanwhile, she really does start to have strange things happen in her apartment. Then she meets a cop who promises to protect her from the detectives...but can he be trusted?
This book was a lot of fun. An unreliable narrator, loopy clients, cops who all seem a little shady, and people dying left and right. I figured this one out pretty early on but it didn't take away the fun. I still wanted to know how it was all going to come together, if the killer could be stopped, and what would happen to her daughter.
A quick, entertaining read for fall!
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