Ghosts and stories about them are not strange bedfellows during the Yuletide season. Some of these once living entities have achieved almost pop star popularity. Some are bound to the Christmas season as much as balls, wreaths, holly, and mistletoe. The misty critters in this tome may never be as popular as the aforementioned, but I assure you that once you’ve read the last chapter, you will never forget them.
The recent desecration of an Indian burial site is the catalyst that powers this tale of the departed soul’s revolt and retribution. The spirits make their displeasure painfully evident. Copious numbers of characters and subplots lead the reader along a road of thrills and spiritual horrors.
I am a firm advocate for an old fashion séance to powwow with the ancient Indian spirits to clear (and hopefully warm) the air before things get completely out of hand. Of course, as a mere reader of this tale, I have no say in the matter. Prepared to be shocked, prepare to be scared, this is a story you will want to read in the light of day, or in a house filled with light, dissipating every shadow. A reading companion is also highly recommended.
The characters are complete, well developed, and as memorable as any produced by Charles Dickens and Stephen King, two of the premier ghost authors is literary history. I will never look at the Smoky Mountains in the same way. Essences of The Raven Mocker are sure to follow me forever more. Although this is the second book in the Cades Cove Series, it serves as my introduction to Aiden James. This slight oversight doesn’t seem to have an adverse effect, as the books are complete and self-standing. I tend to look for and read Christmas tales as another reading year comes to an end. This book is far from traditional holiday literature but is nevertheless well worth the time and effort, whatever the season.