What do you think?
Rate this book
Drowning Rapunzel
Recently released from a mental institution, Beth Gregory accepts a job as a live-in secretary/PA to the reclusive painter Josh Warrington. Beth’s long red hair fascinates him from the first moment he sees her and Josh wants her to be his Rapunzel for a series of fairy tale paintings he’s working on.
Beth has two major that she will be sent back to the mental hospital and the visions which landed her there in the first place will return. They do; this time giving her glimpses of murders before they happen. Beth becomes the main suspect in the murder investigation and then she has the most disturbing vision of she will become the next victim…
Beth has two major that she will be sent back to the mental hospital and the visions which landed her there in the first place will return. They do; this time giving her glimpses of murders before they happen. Beth becomes the main suspect in the murder investigation and then she has the most disturbing vision of she will become the next victim…
- GenresParanormal
Nook
First published April 1, 2003
2 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Annette Gisby
23 books115 followersAnnette Gisby grew up in a small town in Northern Ireland moving to London when she was seventeen. Being a very small town there were no bookshops and a small library. When she’d devoured every book she could get her hands on in the library, she started writing her own stories so she would always have something to read later.
When not writing she enjoys reading, cinema, theatre, walks along deserted beaches or wandering around ruined castles (great places for inspiration!)
She still lives in England with her husband, a collection of porcelain dolls and stuffed penguins and enough books to fill a small library. It’s diminishing gradually since the discovery of ebooks but still has a way to go.
When not writing she enjoys reading, cinema, theatre, walks along deserted beaches or wandering around ruined castles (great places for inspiration!)
She still lives in England with her husband, a collection of porcelain dolls and stuffed penguins and enough books to fill a small library. It’s diminishing gradually since the discovery of ebooks but still has a way to go.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 8, 2013
4.5 stars
After a bout in a mental hospital, Beth Gregory wants a fresh start including a new job as live-in secretary to eccentric painter Josh Warrington. Her transition is not smooth though when Josh’s pseudo mom/housekeeper is intent on getting her to leave and the visions which once hospitalized her begin again and the murders are close to home.
Hypnotic story, this had a very gothic feel to it. I was entranced from the beginning, the murderer is after Beth and all of the victims have one thing in common, long flowing hair. You are left guessing until the very end on who is behind all the killings. Can’t wait to read what is next from this talented author.
After a bout in a mental hospital, Beth Gregory wants a fresh start including a new job as live-in secretary to eccentric painter Josh Warrington. Her transition is not smooth though when Josh’s pseudo mom/housekeeper is intent on getting her to leave and the visions which once hospitalized her begin again and the murders are close to home.
Hypnotic story, this had a very gothic feel to it. I was entranced from the beginning, the murderer is after Beth and all of the victims have one thing in common, long flowing hair. You are left guessing until the very end on who is behind all the killings. Can’t wait to read what is next from this talented author.
April 11, 2013
Review of Drowning Rapunzel by Annette Gisby
5 stars
If you love the novels of Victoria Holt; if you raptly devoured Daphne Du Maurier’s “Rebecca”; if you’re an aficionado of the sub-genre that in the 1950’s and 1960’s was termed “Gothic romantic suspense,” be assured you are going to LOVE “Drowning Rapunzel.” Not only do the settings, the plotting, the locales, and the characters remind me of this beloved sub-genre, but so does the author’s smooth and cosy writing style, almost in a sense tongue-in-cheek not-quite-omniscient narration.
Beth has had visions, or as the medical profession would term it, “hallucinations,” and that has caused her time in an institution. Now released and working for her aunt Sarah in the latter’s antique shop, Beth craves to get on her own, get a different full-time job, and eventually buy a residence. When she is immediately hired by reclusive and eccentric painter Josh Wainwright as a secretary/personal assistant, she is ecstatic, even though her brother Andrew (not too stable himself) and Josh’s housekeeper Flora disapprove. Beth’s main concern is whether she was hired as an assistant, or because of her long, beautiful, Pre-Raphaelite reddish-gold curls. She certainly will not pose nude, if that’s what the painter wants! But on her first day in the Wainwright establishment, the visions return; now they involve death and the deceased, and someone trying to kill her, even though she is alone at the time. With Beth’s background (the institutional duration) it would be easy to “gaslight” her, to convince her she is once again mentally disturbed; but what if her visions are real, and refer to actual events? What is someone IS attempting to kill her?
5 stars
If you love the novels of Victoria Holt; if you raptly devoured Daphne Du Maurier’s “Rebecca”; if you’re an aficionado of the sub-genre that in the 1950’s and 1960’s was termed “Gothic romantic suspense,” be assured you are going to LOVE “Drowning Rapunzel.” Not only do the settings, the plotting, the locales, and the characters remind me of this beloved sub-genre, but so does the author’s smooth and cosy writing style, almost in a sense tongue-in-cheek not-quite-omniscient narration.
Beth has had visions, or as the medical profession would term it, “hallucinations,” and that has caused her time in an institution. Now released and working for her aunt Sarah in the latter’s antique shop, Beth craves to get on her own, get a different full-time job, and eventually buy a residence. When she is immediately hired by reclusive and eccentric painter Josh Wainwright as a secretary/personal assistant, she is ecstatic, even though her brother Andrew (not too stable himself) and Josh’s housekeeper Flora disapprove. Beth’s main concern is whether she was hired as an assistant, or because of her long, beautiful, Pre-Raphaelite reddish-gold curls. She certainly will not pose nude, if that’s what the painter wants! But on her first day in the Wainwright establishment, the visions return; now they involve death and the deceased, and someone trying to kill her, even though she is alone at the time. With Beth’s background (the institutional duration) it would be easy to “gaslight” her, to convince her she is once again mentally disturbed; but what if her visions are real, and refer to actual events? What is someone IS attempting to kill her?
March 22, 2013
There was a lot I liked and didn't like about this book. The opening pages are eye-popping. It made me doublecheck the title to make sure I knew what i was reading.
The romance made me say, uh oh! She already wants to fix him! Instant dislike for the brother, Andrew, and that remains strong throughout the book. What a jerk.
While I liked some of the characters and the romance, this book just seemed very disjointed to me and jumped around. The book itself comes across a little reserved in a weird, old-fashioned way that made me question if this was current or set in the past. It's nearly timeless, but not quite. The characterizations are kind of "springed" on you in sudden, jolting ways. For example: that last "confrontation" or whatever you wish to call it with Andrew ended abruptly and without enough explanation that I couldn't make sense of it. Then there's barely talking to the guy you're crushing on and suddenly everyone is full blown in love. The idea of the plot was very good, but it just didn't come together for me.
As always, reading is subjective so perhaps this is just one of those books I didn't "get".
The romance made me say, uh oh! She already wants to fix him! Instant dislike for the brother, Andrew, and that remains strong throughout the book. What a jerk.
While I liked some of the characters and the romance, this book just seemed very disjointed to me and jumped around. The book itself comes across a little reserved in a weird, old-fashioned way that made me question if this was current or set in the past. It's nearly timeless, but not quite. The characterizations are kind of "springed" on you in sudden, jolting ways. For example: that last "confrontation" or whatever you wish to call it with Andrew ended abruptly and without enough explanation that I couldn't make sense of it. Then there's barely talking to the guy you're crushing on and suddenly everyone is full blown in love. The idea of the plot was very good, but it just didn't come together for me.
As always, reading is subjective so perhaps this is just one of those books I didn't "get".
March 18, 2013
An ever-accelerating roller coaster ride of a novel, culminating in a scene that will knock your socks off. There were so many twists, turns, and red herrings that I truly did not know what to expect next. Everyone was a suspect, but the identity of the killer still surprised me. The idea that this person was the killer did cross my mind at one point (like I said, everyone is a suspect), but I didn’t pursue that line of thought seriously. Out of all of the suspects, this person was the one I suspected least of all. It’s one of those books that you’d like to go back and read again to look for all the clues you may have missed during your first read through. The blossoming romance between Beth and Josh was sweet, but not overly so. The characters were well thought out, each with their own distinct personality. The author’s British background, evident in the terminology that was used (such as referring to an elevator as a lift) added a touch of class and charm. This book was a pure delight to read. I look forward to diving into more of Annette Gisby’s work.
June 19, 2015
suspense & some romance
"Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair, so that I may climb the golden stair."
having been released from a mental institution, Beth Gregory moves on with her life and one of the steps she takes to do that is to get employed. she is hired as a live-in secretary/PA to tthe reclusive and wealthy painter Josh Warrington. yet not everyone is as welcoming as her employer at Holly Lodge mansion. someone in the shadows is stalking her and her visions of murder are getting more frequent.
as a whole, i liked the novel. author Annette Gisby has the skill to create characters that could either endear them to you with their virtues or annoy you with their flaws. there is Flora, the housekeeper, who gets on Beth's case before she even steps inside Holly Lodge. there is Sylvia, Josh's agent, who glares at Beth with contempt and jealousy. there is Andrew, Beth's brother, whose behavior is quite incorrigible. there is Sarah, Beth's aunt, who raised her and her brother after their parents died. then there is Josh with his charm and artistic temperament. there are other players as well whose roles take on significance as the story progresses.
from the get go, the mystery/thriller/suspense elements are clearly drawn and sustained throughout. i cannot say the same thing with the romantic angle though. it felt rather thin. for sure, the fascination Beth felt for Josh the minute she laid eyes on him were crystal clear and her internal monologues give her away. Josh's feelings, on the other hand, are veiled until he articulates them much later. i just felt that the way it advanced from attraction to love lacked enough heat, depth and passion to be labelled romantic.
i also find Beth's frailty and aptitude to faint a bit excessive. it is understandable but only to a certain point. after all, she was a former patient in a mental hospital and sees visions of murdered victims most of the time. still, it could have been toned down a notch. readers already know what she went through and was going through. her fainting spells would have been more at home in a Victorian era setting rather than a contemporary one.
two more things that kept me in the dark the whole time - Alice, Beth's best friend and Julia, Josh's niece. there were critical events involving these two yet after they transpired, no more further details and explanations were forthcoming. i wanted some closure but did not get any.
however, the last remaining chapters got me excited as the whodunit and whydunit parts were disclosed. the revelation may be a tad predictable perhaps but the way it was laid out was acceptable for me. it was the epilogue, though, that i really loved. after everything that Beth went through, what was in store for her in that section clinched the deal.
this is the second book written by Annette Gisby that I have read. regardless of the few points i raised here, i had my fill of being entertained and that is sufficient motivation on my part to look forward to reading more of her works.
*Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
"Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair, so that I may climb the golden stair."
having been released from a mental institution, Beth Gregory moves on with her life and one of the steps she takes to do that is to get employed. she is hired as a live-in secretary/PA to tthe reclusive and wealthy painter Josh Warrington. yet not everyone is as welcoming as her employer at Holly Lodge mansion. someone in the shadows is stalking her and her visions of murder are getting more frequent.
as a whole, i liked the novel. author Annette Gisby has the skill to create characters that could either endear them to you with their virtues or annoy you with their flaws. there is Flora, the housekeeper, who gets on Beth's case before she even steps inside Holly Lodge. there is Sylvia, Josh's agent, who glares at Beth with contempt and jealousy. there is Andrew, Beth's brother, whose behavior is quite incorrigible. there is Sarah, Beth's aunt, who raised her and her brother after their parents died. then there is Josh with his charm and artistic temperament. there are other players as well whose roles take on significance as the story progresses.
from the get go, the mystery/thriller/suspense elements are clearly drawn and sustained throughout. i cannot say the same thing with the romantic angle though. it felt rather thin. for sure, the fascination Beth felt for Josh the minute she laid eyes on him were crystal clear and her internal monologues give her away. Josh's feelings, on the other hand, are veiled until he articulates them much later. i just felt that the way it advanced from attraction to love lacked enough heat, depth and passion to be labelled romantic.
i also find Beth's frailty and aptitude to faint a bit excessive. it is understandable but only to a certain point. after all, she was a former patient in a mental hospital and sees visions of murdered victims most of the time. still, it could have been toned down a notch. readers already know what she went through and was going through. her fainting spells would have been more at home in a Victorian era setting rather than a contemporary one.
two more things that kept me in the dark the whole time - Alice, Beth's best friend and Julia, Josh's niece. there were critical events involving these two yet after they transpired, no more further details and explanations were forthcoming. i wanted some closure but did not get any.
however, the last remaining chapters got me excited as the whodunit and whydunit parts were disclosed. the revelation may be a tad predictable perhaps but the way it was laid out was acceptable for me. it was the epilogue, though, that i really loved. after everything that Beth went through, what was in store for her in that section clinched the deal.
this is the second book written by Annette Gisby that I have read. regardless of the few points i raised here, i had my fill of being entertained and that is sufficient motivation on my part to look forward to reading more of her works.
*Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2013
Beth finds herself at a crossroads. Recently out of a mental hospital, she needs to support herself but she also doesn’t want to abandon her aunt. She applies for the job of personal secretary and begins a new life, one hopefully free of the terrifying visions that landed her in the hospital to begin with.
The characters in this novel were difficult to like. Her brother Andrew was a pompous, masochistic bully. He treated Beth like she was a child, not a grown adult. Her boss, Josh was tricky to get a read on. He seemed legitimate but his behaviour brought out my suspicions regarding his motivation. And Josh’s housekeeper Flora was a bitter woman who didn’t trust any other women around Josh.
Shortly after starting work with Josh, a murder occurs on the property. Beth realizes she saw the victim in a vision before she was discovered and instantly becomes a suspect. This begins a series of events where Beth is pulled into the mystery of the numerous murders in the area involving water.
I thought the romance aspect of this story could have been expanded. One moment Beth and Josh are employer/employee and the next they are declaring their love. There was no build up of the feelings, it felt unrealistic. This story jumped quite a bit from scene to scene, feeling a bit choppy. Something traumatic would happen and the next moment everything was fine, with minimal resolution. And the ending with the revelation of who Andrew’s wife was felt off. I thought it seemed too contrived.
I was impressed with how the identity of the murderer was clouded in mystery. I found myself suspecting numerous other characters before realizing who it actually was in the end.
Determining the time period this novel was set was a bit tricky. I assumed present day but the attitudes of some of the characters, such as Andrew, felt extremely archaic.
Overall, a great story idea that could have had some items cut and others expanded to create a better flow.
3 out of 5 stars.
I received a copy of this book for an honest review
The characters in this novel were difficult to like. Her brother Andrew was a pompous, masochistic bully. He treated Beth like she was a child, not a grown adult. Her boss, Josh was tricky to get a read on. He seemed legitimate but his behaviour brought out my suspicions regarding his motivation. And Josh’s housekeeper Flora was a bitter woman who didn’t trust any other women around Josh.
Shortly after starting work with Josh, a murder occurs on the property. Beth realizes she saw the victim in a vision before she was discovered and instantly becomes a suspect. This begins a series of events where Beth is pulled into the mystery of the numerous murders in the area involving water.
I thought the romance aspect of this story could have been expanded. One moment Beth and Josh are employer/employee and the next they are declaring their love. There was no build up of the feelings, it felt unrealistic. This story jumped quite a bit from scene to scene, feeling a bit choppy. Something traumatic would happen and the next moment everything was fine, with minimal resolution. And the ending with the revelation of who Andrew’s wife was felt off. I thought it seemed too contrived.
I was impressed with how the identity of the murderer was clouded in mystery. I found myself suspecting numerous other characters before realizing who it actually was in the end.
Determining the time period this novel was set was a bit tricky. I assumed present day but the attitudes of some of the characters, such as Andrew, felt extremely archaic.
Overall, a great story idea that could have had some items cut and others expanded to create a better flow.
3 out of 5 stars.
I received a copy of this book for an honest review
August 3, 2013
This was an unique story involving the supernatural, horror, mystery, and romance.
Beth has gone to work for the very eccentric Josh Warrington. Beth herself has a history of mental illness. Beth is seeing visions, and people are turning up dead. There are so many possibilities of who the killer may be.
I enjoyed the plot, and the fact that it wasn’t predictable. The characters were not all well-defined, but that fit with the mystery of the plot. There’s a romance in the story, but it’s not at all a typical. There were a couple heart-warming scenes, though, despite the general oddness of the characters.
The story flowed nicely and had a smooth pace. There were a couple times that things seemed a little unbelievable, though. For instance, Beth was nearly drowned in a sink in one of her visions, only to act like it was no big deal. I was also annoyed a couple times by the rudeness Beth had towards Josh at times. I would chalk up these times to her just being comfortable with him. Still, it bothered me.
Overall, I enjoyed the characters and the plot. I found myself pleading with the author to not let the murderer be Beth or Josh. I won’t give away the ending. You’ll have to read it yourself! I rate it 4 stars, and I look forward to reading more from Annette Gisby!
Warnings: some mild gore and horror
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
Beth has gone to work for the very eccentric Josh Warrington. Beth herself has a history of mental illness. Beth is seeing visions, and people are turning up dead. There are so many possibilities of who the killer may be.
I enjoyed the plot, and the fact that it wasn’t predictable. The characters were not all well-defined, but that fit with the mystery of the plot. There’s a romance in the story, but it’s not at all a typical. There were a couple heart-warming scenes, though, despite the general oddness of the characters.
The story flowed nicely and had a smooth pace. There were a couple times that things seemed a little unbelievable, though. For instance, Beth was nearly drowned in a sink in one of her visions, only to act like it was no big deal. I was also annoyed a couple times by the rudeness Beth had towards Josh at times. I would chalk up these times to her just being comfortable with him. Still, it bothered me.
Overall, I enjoyed the characters and the plot. I found myself pleading with the author to not let the murderer be Beth or Josh. I won’t give away the ending. You’ll have to read it yourself! I rate it 4 stars, and I look forward to reading more from Annette Gisby!
Warnings: some mild gore and horror
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
March 6, 2013
I felt like I stepped into another world or another era, perhaps when I began reading the first lines of this riveting thriller, almost as if I stepped into a Daphne Du Maurier world, which is a sublime treat. I felt immediate sympathy and compassion for the lead character, Beth, who seems too sensitive for this sometimes cruel world. Although perfectly sound of mind and disposition, she has psychic gifts which, like a double edged sword can be informative about the world around her, warning her of danger but these visions and feelings but can also be very terrifying to witness and confusing to experience and understand their meaning. When she takes a live-in position at the estate of a wealthy and irresistibly handsome artist, we can see right away what she herself cannot see: she is in way over her head. As her visions increase portending murder to others and possible threat of life to herself, I protectively felt like screaming to her, "get the heck out of there!" Infatuated with her handsome employer, she stayed and death murder and mayhem did indeed ensue. I had no idea till the final chapter who was behind it all and how it was going to resolve. I wasn't disappointed.
March 14, 2013
**4 Stars**
I received a copy of this book for an honest review as part of a blog tour.
MY OVERVIEW: I really enjoyed the mystery of this book. I like how the author threw a little supernatural in there.
PROS: I wish I could see the paintings. The author described them really well and I know I would love to have one in my home. Beth was great. I loved reading about, really, her coming of age story. She went through a fantastic journey and I enjoyed being there with her through it.
CONS: I did not like Andrew. There was something that just seemed off about him. He was also really old fashioned when it came to Beth. She shouldn’t wear certain clothes, or act a certain way. He was waaay too over protective of her, but not in a good way at all.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS: I really enjoyed this book and hope that the author writes more stories about Beth and Josh. I know there is a short novella about Beth and I look forward to reading it.
I received a copy of this book for an honest review as part of a blog tour.
MY OVERVIEW: I really enjoyed the mystery of this book. I like how the author threw a little supernatural in there.
PROS: I wish I could see the paintings. The author described them really well and I know I would love to have one in my home. Beth was great. I loved reading about, really, her coming of age story. She went through a fantastic journey and I enjoyed being there with her through it.
CONS: I did not like Andrew. There was something that just seemed off about him. He was also really old fashioned when it came to Beth. She shouldn’t wear certain clothes, or act a certain way. He was waaay too over protective of her, but not in a good way at all.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS: I really enjoyed this book and hope that the author writes more stories about Beth and Josh. I know there is a short novella about Beth and I look forward to reading it.
August 9, 2013
Drowning Repunzel was a wonderfully written romantic suspense novel. I haven’t read a book in a while where I couldn’t figure out who the “bad guy” is. This one kept me guessing until the very end. I constantly switched who I thought the killer was and who I wanted Beth to end up with. I would have to say my only real criticism about this book is I wish it had been a bit longer. I wish I had seen more of Josh and Beth’s romance and relationship develop. The suspense/thriller part of the book was very well done and like I said earlier will keep you guessing til the very end, but I would have like to have seen a bit more of the romance. I am a bit of romantic at heart so that may just be my preference. Overall, this was a fantastic read that read quickly and smoothly. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good whodunit with some kissing thrown in.
March 19, 2013
Paranormal Mystery Romance… Enjoyed It!
A young woman gets a job with a renowned artist, only to find herself plagued with visions of people who later turn up dead. The search for the murderer was the main theme of this novel, but the plot was spiced up with romance between the main character and her employer.
Drowning Rapunzel successfully pulled off the paranormal aspects of the story, but I find myself wondering if the mystery was handled equally well, because at the end, I wasn’t convinced there were enough hints in the story to link the perpetrator to the crimes, although my observation did not deter me from enjoying this story.
A young woman gets a job with a renowned artist, only to find herself plagued with visions of people who later turn up dead. The search for the murderer was the main theme of this novel, but the plot was spiced up with romance between the main character and her employer.
Drowning Rapunzel successfully pulled off the paranormal aspects of the story, but I find myself wondering if the mystery was handled equally well, because at the end, I wasn’t convinced there were enough hints in the story to link the perpetrator to the crimes, although my observation did not deter me from enjoying this story.
February 28, 2012
A young woman struggles to build a future for herself and must learn to come to terms with her very disturbing precongitive abilities. When her visions show herself as the next victim, Beth is filled with terror and uncertain of who she can trust. This suspenseful story is filled with twists and red herrings, and kept this reader on edge. The developing romance with Josh is a tender one and very satisfying.
April 23, 2013
Annette pens "Drowning Rapunzel, a romantic suspense with a touch of paranormal thrown in that will keep you guessing throughout the whole book. Every time I thought I figured it out, she would throw something else at me and I was hooked until I found out who did it. Each of her characters were very well thought out and descriptive which made it an excellent read.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
September 21, 2018
Interesting
A mystery with supernatural elements and it was hard to put down. I liked both nain characters. I wish I felt more for them. I liked them but it was very surface level. Very hard for me to Really connect. I tend to be more character driven than plot driven when enjoying a story. That being said the plot was solud and fast and i enjoyed it.
A mystery with supernatural elements and it was hard to put down. I liked both nain characters. I wish I felt more for them. I liked them but it was very surface level. Very hard for me to Really connect. I tend to be more character driven than plot driven when enjoying a story. That being said the plot was solud and fast and i enjoyed it.
April 14, 2015
The eccentric artist Josh Warrington needs a live in secretary, which is perfect for Beth Gregory who desperately needs to move out of her aunt's home. Beth has held her demons at bay for years, but being in the cold, dark Warrington mansion affects her mental stability. It doesn't help that it seems someone…or something…is after her. Drowning attempts, childish pranks and morbid warnings are nothing compared to what the killer will do to Beth once they decide she has to go. Falling in love with Beth wasn't part of Josh's plan, but now he's in deeper than he ever wanted to be. Can the two of them battle unseen demons and survive?
So, this book is different. I'll start by saying that the story was decent. Unique and plotted out well for the most part, the pace was good and the suspense…suspenseful. However. The romantic elements simply sucked. There was less than zero chemistry between Josh and Beth, and this bizarre "just met and never even kissed but we're so madly in love" thing just did not make sense. It would've been more poignant to keep the two as good friends fighting for a common cause. At one point Beth claims its all moving too fast…well I agree Bethy! You just moved in! You've not even made out with the man! But you love him and he loves you and maybe, just MAYBE he wants to sleep with you?!? Ohhhh, yes girl, run, it's simply too soon! Huh?
But I digress.
The overall story was pretty cool, though it became disjointed and confusing as the book went on. The more the story rambled on, the less sense it made and the more I disliked both Beth and Josh. Her for her strange prudish behavior and claims that she couldn't see things "at will" and then doing exactly that, him for blindly falling for some weird woman who he doesn’t know, who has visions and freaks out regularly and who has been in mental institutions. They barely kissed and he proposed to her! It went beyond the realm of bizarre and straight into the eye rolling category.
Bottom Line: DROWNING RAPUNZEL starts off intriguing and dark but becomes downright delusional as we follow the kookoo world of two cray cray people.
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
So, this book is different. I'll start by saying that the story was decent. Unique and plotted out well for the most part, the pace was good and the suspense…suspenseful. However. The romantic elements simply sucked. There was less than zero chemistry between Josh and Beth, and this bizarre "just met and never even kissed but we're so madly in love" thing just did not make sense. It would've been more poignant to keep the two as good friends fighting for a common cause. At one point Beth claims its all moving too fast…well I agree Bethy! You just moved in! You've not even made out with the man! But you love him and he loves you and maybe, just MAYBE he wants to sleep with you?!? Ohhhh, yes girl, run, it's simply too soon! Huh?
But I digress.
The overall story was pretty cool, though it became disjointed and confusing as the book went on. The more the story rambled on, the less sense it made and the more I disliked both Beth and Josh. Her for her strange prudish behavior and claims that she couldn't see things "at will" and then doing exactly that, him for blindly falling for some weird woman who he doesn’t know, who has visions and freaks out regularly and who has been in mental institutions. They barely kissed and he proposed to her! It went beyond the realm of bizarre and straight into the eye rolling category.
Bottom Line: DROWNING RAPUNZEL starts off intriguing and dark but becomes downright delusional as we follow the kookoo world of two cray cray people.
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
gave-up-on
March 7, 2013How many times do you make an effort to read a book before you declare it a DNF? Apparently my limit is 3. So after 3 failed attempts to read this book I never made it beyond page 65. Maybe I missing something {and I hope I am}.
Disclosure: This ebook was provided to me free of charge by Bewitching Book Tours for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.
Disclosure: This ebook was provided to me free of charge by Bewitching Book Tours for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.
February 18, 2016
Really enjoyed
Nice to have a good old fashioned mystery to read, with romance thrown in! I cared about the characters, the plot kept me guessing, and overall I was strongly reminded of Victoria Holt. Her mysteries were the first I enjoyed as a young teen, so this book was a pleasure. And good twist at the end!
Nice to have a good old fashioned mystery to read, with romance thrown in! I cared about the characters, the plot kept me guessing, and overall I was strongly reminded of Victoria Holt. Her mysteries were the first I enjoyed as a young teen, so this book was a pleasure. And good twist at the end!
July 7, 2016
A great read
This book kept you guessing. The author is very descriptive in her writing. The only thing I didn't care for was how fast the "relationship" of the main characters evolved.
This book kept you guessing. The author is very descriptive in her writing. The only thing I didn't care for was how fast the "relationship" of the main characters evolved.
April 22, 2013
delightful. Full review on Wednesday cabingoddess.com and reprint her soon after
February 8, 2016
Brilliant
Was hooked from first page really looking forward to reading more from the author
Read in one sitting as I couldn't put it down
Was hooked from first page really looking forward to reading more from the author
Read in one sitting as I couldn't put it down
February 17, 2016
Great
This was a GREAT book. Fast read and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I recommend this book.
This was a GREAT book. Fast read and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I recommend this book.
January 25, 2017
Review
This was pretty good. The ending was very surprising. I felt the heroine could have been a little stronger and the story with the brother more developed.
This was pretty good. The ending was very surprising. I felt the heroine could have been a little stronger and the story with the brother more developed.
November 16, 2016
Better then you can image
The author should great skill in hiding the murder from the reader. Also a very good love story with lots of twist.
The author should great skill in hiding the murder from the reader. Also a very good love story with lots of twist.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews