The Second Path

The Secrets of Selkie Moon #2

by Virginia King

A rock ripped from the soil, a message scrawled in lipstick on the floor, a torn photo, a silver spoon… What do they all mean?

Only her subconscious knows.

When we last left Selkie Moon, she was running towards the source of her deepest primal fear: the sea. Now she finds herself naked on the beach, stunned that she has no memory of the past two weeks.

Recovering at a friend’s house, Selkie wakes up to discover a bizarre collection of items scattered across the floor. Items she apparently gathered in her sleep. Finding the ho'ohihi – the interconnectedness – between them will carry her around the globe, from Honolulu to Sydney to Paris. A dark fairy tale journey filled with fear and despair, laughter and hope, The Second Path has Selkie searching for her place in the world, in her relationships, and in herself.

Searching for home.

Genres: Mystery, Paranormal

ebook

First published July 1, 2015

About the author

VIRGINIA KING has lived most of her life in Sydney, but has travelled to many places. Her books blend her love of mystery, travel, psychology and folklore in a fast-paced style.

In the past, Virginia has been a teacher, an unemployed ex-teacher, an audio-book producer, the author of over 50 childrenʼs books, a workshop presenter and an award-winning publisher. These days she’s a full-time writer who paints a bit, living in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney with her husband, three pet alpacas and four chickens.

Reviews

[Melissa (Mel’s Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars.
I really enjoyed the second instalment of the Selkie Moon series! I fell in love with The First Lie and was so excited to see where Selkie’s adventures would take her next! I absolutely recommend reading The First Lie before this one. I feel you will lose the majority of the essence of the story and the characters if you do not.

After washing up naked on the beach a whole two weeks following her disappearance, and unable to remember anything from that time, Selkie feels like she is missing something. Her journey of self discovery takes her halfway across the world to France. Will she find her true home? What of her friends and her relationship with the elusive Alastair? And where on earth was she for two weeks?

There was just something so magical about The First Lie. Something about the writing and the atmosphere. It was truly something that I had never encountered before in a book. It was thoroughly captivating. The Second Path didn’t quite grab me like The First Lie did, however I think that is because I have started getting used to Selkie, and the unique writing of the series. By the time I got into this one, I was in the groove already.

However, even though it didn’t grab me exacltly like the first one did, I still loved it. Selkie is just the most amazing character. I loved how she was starting to get used to her intuition and the bizarre things that were happening to her and around her. I just adored all the other characters, especially the fleeting ones. I thought it was a fantastic plot idea to bring her and Genevieve into each others lives. There were many twists and turns and it took me to places I had no idea we were going!

Love the relationship between Selkie and Alastair! Man, the TENSION! Love it!

I am extremely interested and excited to see where the next book takes Selkie. I feel she still has a lot in store, and a lot to learn and accept.

Would I recommend The Second Path?

Absolutely! This series is so unique, I can’t even explain it! So very different to anything I have read before! Highly recommend that you give it a go!

So much thanks to author Virginia King for a copy of The Second Path in exchange for my honest review! I can’t wait to read the third one!

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[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The confusion and heartache of Derek, Nigel and Alister hadn’t lessened; but when Derek discovered a naked, shivering and confused Selkie on the beach, her friends were ecstatic. Having not given up hope, they certainly hadn’t expected Selkie to reappear on the beach – the area had been searched multiple times; the police had given up hope of ever finding her body; only her friends believed. But Selkie Moon had been missing for two weeks – and she had no memory of what had happened in that time. She recalled the cliffs and the beach the night she vanished; nothing more was in her memory – was it amnesia or something different?

Unsettled and without a place to call her own, Selkie continued to be tormented by Andrew, her ex-husband back in Sydney. His domineering manner had finally pushed her away, but her escape to Hawaii hadn’t give her the peace and freedom she sought. Her father, step-mother and sister continued to live in Sydney, but she had no desire to return. So when her path and the cryptic clues pointed her to France, plus a seminar for her business was also on the agenda, she decided to follow her intuition.

Challenges of a different kind continued to torment her along the way – and her determination to find the answers left her breathless. Her life as she had known it was changing; various people were crossing her path – some good, some not so good. Would her seminars bring her peace? Or would it become another disaster in her life? Would Selkie manage to head down the second path in life’s journey?

The Second Path by Aussie author Virginia King is the second in the Selkie Moon mystery series. This one continues with Selkie’s journey as she uncovers her true direction; her psychic nature (which scares her to death at times) and her ties to the past while she tries to forge ahead into her future. Mystic, mysterious and intriguing, The Second Path is filled with psychological suspense and is a great addition which leaves me looking forward to #3 in the series. Highly recommended.

With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

When we left Selkie Moon in Book I, The First Lie, she was stranded, naked on the beach. We do get a recap of how she came to be there, but I recommend reading the series in order to get the full picture.

It’s hard to write reviews for the second book in a series without giving anything away and I sure don’t want to spoil Selkie’s adventure as she struggles to find her home. Where does she belong? How will she find peace and escape the danger that seems to be following her? It’s hard to decide who is friend and who is foe, but with her wonderful group of friends, she won’t have to do it alone.

Derek is her guardian angel. He’s angry over her disappearance, but he will be there for her, no matter what. Alister, oh how he makes her heart skip a beat, but she can’t commit to a relationship. Will she find romance? And Nigel. I can relate to Selkie. I too have had more male friends than girl friends. She does have Wanda, her ex roommate and after what happened, I wonder if she will be her roommate again.

She has her favorite restaurant, The Pearl, who’s owner, Eugene, is a sage, he sees things others don’t, while Coral has a permanent spot on the bus line and is an oracle, a psychic that tells her ‘Ala’ (path). Her adventure is not over and there is a path, A Second Path, that she must walk. Davina makes her creations through divine intervention and makes Selkie the most awesome dress ever, while helping her sort through her thoughts.

I am loving watching Selkie patch her life back together, moving on, finding her true self, but I keep waiting for something more. What? I don’t know. She walks her path, her journey, finding herself and a new friend. People enter and leave her as she travels around the world, looking for her HOME.

Once I got past my expectations I was able to truly enjoy Selkie’s adventure and appreciate the story that Virginia King had to share. I look forward to reading more of her work.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Second Path by Virginia King.

See more at fundinmental

[Jan Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Heart is where the home is'

Finally the long awaited (for me anyway!) second volume in the series. I got completely drawn in with the first book and utterly fascinated by Selkie her new life in Hawaii and her past in Australia. Considering I’ve never been to either place (yet) the author manages to paint such a vivid picture that it really came alive to me – and that’s just the setting. What she does with the characters is even more amazing and in this book it only gets better as we meet new intriguing people who weave their own stories with that of Selkie and at the same time help her (sometimes unknowingly) in unraveling the mystery of her disappearance. The real clincher for me is the pace that the author develops – this is really one of those rare books that allows you to take the journey of uncovering the clues and answers along with the main character – it’s tantalizing but you’re never allowed to get ahead of the game and keep pace with Selkie throughout as she finds out the truth, brilliant!

There are so many things to love about this book as the detail is exquisite – Selkie’s dress, the spoon bracelets (had me googling where to get one!), the franglais poems, the creativity of Fabienne, the butcherbird call and more. Very skillfully managed and I can’t wait for more!

[Texas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leaving Birds – A companion to Laying Ghosts consisting of four different stories, of which one is a true event. An interesting note is how these four items were the sparks of a fire known as Laying Ghosts. These were well written, intriguing stories; all different. The author did a wonderful job with Peig’s Place. I would recommend reading this after reading Laying Ghosts, The First Lie, The Second Path and The Third Note. I received this after reading the above listed books. 4*

Laying Ghosts – The beginning of the story repulsed me, but I hung in there and ending up liking the short story. The text gave me a heads up and I figured out the ending. Well-written, repulsive and good characters, good ending to the story for a worthy character. 4*

The First Lie – A well written, intriguing, paranormal suspense with believable and quirky characters and a rich plot that draw you in and you can't put the book down. This book picks up where Laying Ghosts ended; the main character starting her new life in a new country. There's a prologue, which I appreciate and a glossary of Hawaiian words. Laying Ghosts is a must read before First Lie; a good foundation short story. 5*

The Second Path – This is a wonderfully intriguing, suspense filled sequel to The First Lie and Laying Ghosts. It was hard to put the book down, so when real life called I couldn't wait to start reading again. I savored the complex story, taking longer to read it then I usually do with good books. The reader is mesmerized by the flowing, surprised filled plot. The original characters keep growing in their development as the pages flow past. There are some wonderful new characters that make the story more magical and their friendship and guidance help Selkie discover the meaning of her quest.

Included after TSP is a glossary of Hawaiian terms and the short story Laying Ghosts. This short should be read before TSP and The First Lie, it lays a foundation that the other stories build upon. 5*

The Third Note – Another well written, complex novel that’s full of intrigue and suspense. Selkie continues to grow and develop her talents, with the help of her great-grandmother. The complex plot keeps the reader on edge and the components make a well blended mix to keep the reader mesmerized. The characters are realistic and don’t follow the usual stupid formula, and Ms. King’s descriptions paint vivid pictures as the scenes unfold.

For some reason, the Epilogue is separate from TTN, but has a link at the end of the story to obtain it from Bookfunnel. There’s a glossary of various terms. I look forward to reading more of Ms. King’s books; she’s doesn’t disappoint the reader. The Epilogue to The Third Note is very short, but entertaining and clears the air between some of the people who threatened Selkie throughout the story. 5*

On The Spooky Trail: Travels in Supernatural Wales – A very short read containing a few snippets of places of the supernatural stories of Wales. The reader will probably be disappointed in this brief, simplistic read after reading her other books. The snippets aren’t complex, just informative – like a casual conversation. There are three photographs that along with the snips fill 61 percent of this book; the rest is peeks into her other books and a free offering of Laying Ghosts. It’s entertaining enough for a coffee break. 3*

[Steph Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, I definitely recommend reading The First Lie first!

This series is packed with mysteries, but the overall thematic link is the personal journey of Selkie into her own psyche, and so you get the most from the books if you are there from the start of her path. That said, the story here does contain a number of self-contained mysteries too, and the necessary backstory for the plot is filled in briefly as you go along.

As with book 1, The Second Path is bursting with symbolism and psychological puzzles to solve: there are cryptic clues, dreams and visions, mysterious objects and sounds. In fact, every word is a carefully crafted piece of the whole story-jigsaw and nothing is wasted or insignificant.

There is plenty of mythology included too; not only relating to selkie legends, but to the various artefacts Selkie gathers and the places she visits (France features in her travels this time). Virginia King cleverly balances the spiritual and paranormal with the rational and mundane, so the reader can choose what to believe about events. Personally I like to think that there is more to heaven and earth…

‘Being Sleek’ makes a reappearance in the plot and perfectly represents the blend of magic and reality; creativity and logic; freedom and control, that makes Selkie and her adventures so compelling.

My only minor quibble is that Selkie’s relationship with Alister made me feel a little uncomfortable. Her ambivalence and anxiety (the urge to continually hide and flee) gave me the impression that whilst she likes him, she either doesn’t like him enough or she just isn’t ready for a relationship yet. I really wanted him to give her more space and I wanted her to make a decision one way or the other. Luckily, the author must have read my mind, as the situation developed over the course of the book (as did Selkie’s character).

I definitely recommend these books for readers who enjoy both mysteries and cryptic crosswords, and like their stories to be driven by character and full of soul.



Something I must remember. Something important. I try to hold it but it dives into darkness.
Derek’s shoulders slump. “Amnesia only happens in bad movies.”
“It’s not amnesia. I know who I am.” That feels important.
“If I put this scenario in one of my stories, my editor would call it convenient.”
“This isn’t a story.”
“Isn’t it? You’re living out your own fairytale, Selkie. Disappearing for two weeks, then turning up in the same place everyone’s looked a hundred times, with no memory of where you’ve been, naked and without even a scratch.”

– Virginia King, The Second Path

Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...

[Dawn Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third Selkie Moon I've read, and the first I've paid for. The first two were downloaded as part of 'Book Club Gold' / a gift for signing up to the newsletter. I shall be buying the next in the series
This series manages to be compelling, haunting, a bit weird yet wonderous and extremely well written.
They combine elements of celtic folklore with modern mysticism, yet the characters feel rounded and very much like real people.
Within this novel there are many coincidences, which I would usually find rather contrived, but because of the psychic element, felt totally genuine and 'normal'
It's unusual for an author to be able to locate a character so convincingly, but this author's attention to accent and dialect is spot on.
I'm not convinced the category of Mystery is quite the right one for such a unique style of story telling; but I doubt that there are any other novels written about a collective of people so attuned to their sixth senses. Makes me think afresh about auras, healing crystals and the like!

In case you are interested -
I give 5 stars to books I want to reread immediately and often buy as gifts after reading AND want to buy the whole of the author's back catalogue, (often I buy these in physical form too); 4 to ones I immediately want to buy the entire back history and 3 to books I enjoy but don't quite meet those criteria. If something doesn't at least meet a 3 star, then I won't review it - I don't have the skill or the talent to write so who am I to criticise someone who does.

[Diana Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Second Path by Virginia King, Fascinating, Intriguing With A Writing Style Reminiscent Of The Classics!!
Naked, wearing only her cowry shell still tied around her neck, Selkie awakens on the beach with no idea she's been missing 14 days while her friends Nigel, Derek and Alister have taken turns in a vigil, certain of her safe return!
An overnight sensation, the woman who's returned from the sea, has reporters and the internet aflame with stories and tales of where she may have been. Unfortunately, Selkie herself has no idea, not only where she's been for those two weeks but what happened during that time that's making her feel lost, homeless!
One night she wakes on the kitchen floor to find numerous objects she's collected with her subconscious mind and realizes she's created a puzzle that with the help of friends may help find what she's mourning and where she's been!
From Hawaii, to Sydney, and on to France Virginia King writes with such colourful and descriptive words that I felt I was seeing, smelling and experiencing everything with Selkie as she begins a journey to find her way home!!
A brilliant read, a mystery filled with folklore, the mystical, karma and fate, can destiny be changed?
I was provided with a copy of The Second Path to read and review after purchasing The First Lie and signing up for Virginia's newsletter and although The Second Path is book 2 in the series it definitely can be read as a standalone novel!

[Ghada · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first started my journey with Selkie Moon in the first book of the series ( The First Lie) where I was instantly bedazzled in a surreal world.
Selkie is always seeking something, her true self, her freedom and sense of identity and independence, her heritage, the meaning of the messages she receives along her path..here we accompany Selkie in her search of home, of belonging and becoming a whole. She takes us around the globe in her search to decipher the meaning of the items she gathered in her subconscious sleep walking state. We meet again with her wonderful group of friends and get the chance to know new amazing ones including a telepathic dog and a whispering lizard. Get prepared to enter a fascinating world where a spoon is not just a spoon neither is a rock or a crack.
I have to thank the author Virginia King for my copy of the book and for writing the Selkie Moon series.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Second Path is the second book in the Secrets of Selkie Moon series by Virginia King.

This picks up just a few weeks after The First Lie ends. Selkie has been missing for two weeks with no memory of where she’s been.

Selkie sleepwalks and gathers several odd objects that don’t make sense at the time. Through the book, it all starts to make sense about what they mean.

Along with trying to recall where she was for two weeks, Selkie still has to deal with her angry ex-husband and figure out her new relationship with Alister.

It is interesting to follow Selkie on her journey. I loves this series because you can’t predict where the story is going. You just hang on and go along for the ride.

I received this book as a gift and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Catherine Stratman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read in this series!

Wow, this book was even better than the first one! It picks up right were the last one left off (well, within a couple of weeks!). And has Selkie globe trotting trying to solve the mysteries to her past. It has all the elements of the first in series with mystery, light romance, and supernatural. It feels like we learn all Selkie's mysteries along with her. Ms King has a wonderful knack to put you right in the story with all her characters. I did not see the end coming but it answered a lot of questions about Selkie's path to discovery. Can't wait to read the next book!

I received an ARC. This is my honest review.

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selkie is missing for 2 weeks. She does not remember what occurred during that time. She discovers symbols of items she tries to find the meaning to. She travels to Sydney to Paris trying to solve the mystery. Along the was she meets a women that lost her husband at the same location Selkie was lost. His body was never found. They meet again in Paris where the woman sees a look alike of her husband. Selkie helps her find a conclusion. Selkie also has an ex husband in Sydney she is battling over their property. A world wind tour to find clues and return to Honolulu.

[Annemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selkie's journey to find her 'home' sees her heading to France to present her Being Sleek seminar. Andrew's attempt to sabotage her seminar and discredit her, backfires hugely. The clues Selkie has left for herself have led her to meet, help and be helped by some very wonderful people. Yet, the more she tries to remember the events of her lost two weeks, the more those memories elude her. Will returning to Bantry's Bluff be her salvation?

This book is part of The Secrets of Selkie Moon Mystery Series Box Set purchased 21.08.2021

[Samantha Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this one as soon as a finished reading The First Lie and, much like the first, was captivated from the first page. Virginia's style of writing is a mix of mystery and intrigue, all wrapped up in utterly relatable human emotion. Loved it.

[Jean powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overwhelmed

...again!! Just as with the first one, I didnt want to put it down! Then half way through, couldn't wait to see how it ended and was afraid it would! Selkies adventures and her new friends are not to be missed!

[Kandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an adventure. Going with Selkie as she traveled to find her way home. So many interesting characters that she meets along the way. I can't wait to see where her next adventure will take her.

[Gayle B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner! We follow Selkie from Honolulu to Paris to Tours, France to continue her journey into her struggle to leave her haunting past and begin anew. With the help (?) of her intuitive, sometimes psychic friends, she searches the beach where she disappeared and caves in France to find answers. Meanwhile Selkie tries to make a living with her seminars, Being Sleek. All while having strange dreams, writing messages in her sleep, and trying her hand at art to help her bring her answers. Then there is Alister, who seems to be the perfect person to be in her new life, but she keeps pushing away. The writing of the story is magical; lots of great descriptions of not only the landscapes, and tangible things, but of the quirky people Selkie continues to meet and her own thoughts and the process of making sense of everything. Surprise ending. At least to me.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Selkie Moon wakes up naked and disoriented on a Hawaiian beach, two weeks after last being seen by anyone, the authorities have given up on trying to find her. They figure if she were alive, she would have turned up by now. But Selkie Moon is very much alive, and it’s lucky for her she has such good friends who have kept a constant vigil for her on the beach.
While her friends take care of her physical needs, Selkie tries to remember where she’s been and what’s happened to her. The last Selkie remembers she went to visit her mother’s gravesite at the famously accursed Bantry’s Bluff. To find the answer Selkie will have to do more than just search her memory, she’ll have to piece together a mystical puzzle which will take her to the other side of the world in her quest for clues.
I very much enjoyed following Selkie on her journey. King skilfully manages the difficult feat of combining mystery, psychology and folklore to make for a beautiful tale of love lost, and found.
After having read, and loved, The First Lie, I had high expectations for the second book. King did not fail to deliver the results I was hoping for. The Second Path is every bit as intriguing as The First Lie, and while this novel could be read as a standalone, I’d highly recommend that readers enjoy them together. I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in this fantastic series!

[Katrina Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Second Path: A Selkie Moon Mystery. By Virginia King.

I brought The Second Path: A Selkie Moon Mystery after really enjoying the first one. And I wasn't disappointed this novel is just as magical and gripping as the first. And I loved how the path for home took Selkie on a journey that helped her tie up some of her emotions from the past and meet some new friend along the way.

I found this novel had a lot of emotion in places mixed with a need to find oneself or at least find where the paths lead no matter if the path has a return ticket or not. I also loved the fairy tale feel to this story and in a lot of ways reminded me of being a child and hearing enchanting fairy-tales with underlining messages. I also found all the characters to leap off the page especially Nigel and Derek and of course Alister and Keith.

I hope that there will be another book because I would so love to know more about Davina and her story along with seeing how Selkie's life changes after the end.

I wasn't able to put this book down and ended up on a night or two reading spree to see how it all ended. I would recommend this book if you like to sink into a magical adventure with interesting characters and a roller-coaster of emotion along the way. With an ending that leaves oneself satisfied and wanting more all at the same time.

This book is a real credit to the author.

[Veritas Vincit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following the success of the First Lie, this second installation in the Selkie Moon Mystery Series does not disappoint and maintains the same level of cryptic mystery and subtle storytelling style. Selkie continues to fascinate readers as she is once again plunged into an inexplicable web of intrigue, psychological suspense, folklorish mystery, and danger. The book begins strong, with Selkie already embroiled in a mysterious situation - having no idea how she has ended up in Hawaii, nor why she feels so drawn to France. As in the first book, we remain on pace with Selkie, discovering the next impossible step in her journey along with her, and when we don't feel "ahead of the game" of the protagonist, we are much more engaged with her journey, and with the confusion and desperation she feels at times. The supporting characters in this novel are strange and suspicious, and we're never quite sure who we're supposed to trust. It makes for a riveting read that doesn't let up as we slowly discover that all of this is connected (as expected), but in ways that we never saw coming. Can't wait to see where her adventures take her next..... Selkie Moon is a wonderful character that I will enjoy following for a long time to come.

[Robin Perron · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Second Path by Virginia King is the second book in the Selkie Moon Mystery Series. It is also my second book by Virginia King. When I finished the first book in the series, The First Lie, I was anxious to read more about Selkie, her quirky friends, and her mystery. Now that I have, I am hoping that there is another book in the series for her me to read in the new future. That is how good the book, no, the series, is. While you could read The Second Path in isolation, you will get so much more out of the story and the character development if you read the books in order. What I love about this book is that King takes you down a path with many twists and turns. I know something about the folklore surrounding a Selkie (a human/seal who leaves there pelt under a rock when they come to shore and are stuck if someone finds it) so that gave me some clues about what might happen, but even with that background knowledge I was completely surprised by where the path took Selkie. In addition, the characters are wonderfully different. I love how they interact with each other and how they grow throughout the series. I know I already said it, but I’m going to say it again, I can’t wait for the next book.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Selkie Moon continues to entertain and thrill in this second book, and I was eager to dig into a new adventure. Just as in the first book, this story was steeped in mystery and the pieces never seem to make sense until things begin falling into place. The structure of these novels is truly impressive, as it not only gives us a riveting plot to trace, but also plenty of development for Selkie. We find ourselves one step behind the truth on every page, and this determined heroine pursues her gut with wild abandon. The setting descriptions were vivid and believable, and the pace was fantastic. I never felt bored, or that the author was "cheating", per se. All of the events were justified, all the cryptic clues eventually made sense, and the story as a whole was wrapped up very nicely. Without giving away the ending, you won't see it coming, and you'll find yourself gripping the edges of your Kindle with white knuckles as this one catapults to its ultimate close. King is building quite a foundation on this character, and I'm excited to see what comes next.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a non-traditional and unpredictable mystery novel then you have come to the right place. The Second Path by Virginia King is the second book in the Selkie Moon Mystery Series. While it is most definitely a mystery novel, it is not a mystery in the sense that you would normally think. Selkie’s mystery revolves around solving a puzzle that her subconscious has created for itself after from returning from a disappearance (you’ll need to read book one to find out what leads up to the disappearance). What I really love about the Selkie Moon Mystery Series is that Selkie has a wonderful group of friends who helps each other out whenever they need it. They are a bit odd and very quirky, but they are loving people who want what’s best for their friends. Another thing that I love about this series is that the mystery unfolds at a good pace and the ending is not even a little predictable. I hope that there are more books to come about Selkie because I love her and the community that surrounds her.