Horror Books

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

A Darkly Entertaining Read, February 19, 2008

By Kevin J. Hurtack (Denver, CO United States) -


PS Gifford's collection of short stories quickly grabbed hold of my attention and didn't let go until I had finished the book. He does this with a strong and engaging narrative style that flows in a natural manner. He writes the way his characters would speak. He also has a flare for good descriptive passages and creating tension/suspense in his tales. Although he doesn't use it excessively Gifford has a definte knack for the macabre/gore and uses it effectively in his stories.

The use of 'The Imaginary Friend' to introduce and follow each story is a clever way to loosely connect all the stories. In some ways it reminded me of Tales From The Crypt and Twilight Zone. But Gifford's style and tales are uniquely his own.

If you like clever, well-written Horror then check out this book. Definetly an author worth the time and money.




:
Master of the U turn, February 10, 2008
By Roger - See all my reviews

This first offering from this rising star, has the thrill built into every story, and has made me a new collector of anything P.S.Gifford wants to write.
When it comes to understand what scares a reader, and where the reader wants to be after that scare, Mr. Gifford has no equal.

This book now has a place of honor in my liberary and I have made room for the next.

If you like a great campfire tale, you need this book.

Roger Haller
CEO of Cowboy logic Press.Diamonds in Time Help other customers find the most helpful reviews




2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Classic Old School Horror Stories, December 31, 2007
By Mr. S. Wilkins "click click drone" (UK) - See all my reviews


I first discovered P.S Gifford's work a few years ago and was amazed at the time as to his wonderfully fertile imagination and perpensity for adding the most glorious twists to his tales.
In the years that followed, his tales continued to deliver that lovely old school style of horror. Not your "gore and guts, swearing every second word" type horror that is so fashionable these days, but charmingly atmospheric tales, filled with weird and wonderful characters in situations that often imply the horror rather than shove it down our throat. Often with twists that will leave you speechless.
Now, for the first time, Mr Gifford has collected many of his best tales into this top notch compendium that reads like an episode of shows like The Twilight Zone or Tales From The Crypt, the cleverly interwoven narrative of the Imaginary Friend, binding the whole thing together.
For fans of old school horror, i can't recommend this book enough.
Well done Mr Gifford. I can't wait for Part 2! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews





10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
The Curious Accounts of the Imaginary Friend, November 7, 2007
By D. Dixon "BOOK-HOUND" (Bakersfield, CA USA) - See all my reviews


As a collector of first editon crime and horror books, this one rates among the top of the list. This new writer is at the infant stage of a budding career that has no end. He is full of imagination, therefore the title fits the contents perfectly. It is rare for me to review a book, but in this case it is a must. My congratulations for a job well done and my best wishes to you and your career. Your book sits amongst several thousand books in my library. A terrific read. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews




10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
Warped and Witty, October 30, 2007
By Kimberly Raiser "Stranded, now available at a... (St. Augustine, FL) - See all my reviews


P.S. Gifford brings a breath of fresh air to horror with suspense, adventure, gore, and knee slapping laughter. Brilliantly written! Be on the lookout for this author in the future, and know you were here for the beginning.

All my best to Paul,,,,,,,,,,,,,Kimberly Raiser




By Deanna Crews "Smartysmurf" (Nashville, TN USA) - See all my reviews


Remember how much those old episodes of Twilight Zone and Tales From the Darkside scared you? Back when horror wasn't all gore, shock and brutally bloody? Times when you could read a story that would make you look over your shoulder to make sure the eyes you felt staring at you weren't really there? The Curious Accounts of the Imaginary Friend will put you back in that era of quality chills and terror without blood soaked walls, profanity and gratuitous gore.

P.S. Gifford has mastered the short story, every story inside is evidence to the fact. While reading you will feel a calm come over you as you realize you've figured out the end of the story; however, the now infamous "Gifford Twist" will come out of nowhere and leave your head spinning in wonderment. The strangest, most curious things can be found in the simplest, most mundane of situations - beware, man is capable of concealing much darkness in their souls.

Above all the next time you hear something go bump in the night, you will be less afraid and more curious to discover the darkness within. One day you too might get to relay a story to the Imaginary Friend.

As a collector of first editon crime and horror books, this one rates among the top of the list. This new writer is at the infant stage of a budding career that has no end. He is full of imagination, therefore the title fits the contents perfectly. It is rare for me to review a book, but in this case it is a must. My congratulations for a job well done and my best wishes to you and your career. Your book sits amongst several thousand books in my library. A terrific read.

This first offering from this rising star, has the thrill built into every story, and has made me a new collector of anything P.S.Gifford wants to write.
When it comes to understand what scares a reader, and where the reader wants to be after that scare, Mr. Gifford has no equal.

This book now has a place of honor in my liberary and I have made room for the next.

If you like a great campfire tale, you need this book.

Roger Haller
CEO of Cowboy logic Press.Diamonds in Time

PS Gifford's collection of short stories quickly grabbed hold of my attention and didn't let go until I had finished the book. He does this with a strong and engaging narrative style that flows in a natural manner. He writes the way his characters would speak. He also has a flare for good descriptive passages and creating tension/suspense in his tales. Although he doesn't use it excessively Gifford has a definte knack for the macabre/gore and uses it effectively in his stories.

The use of 'The Imaginary Friend' to introduce and follow each story is a clever way to loosely connect all the stories. In some ways it reminded me of Tales From The Crypt and Twilight Zone. But Gifford's style and tales are uniquely his own.

If you like clever, well-written Horror then check out this book. Definetly an author worth the time and money.

I first discovered P.S Gifford's work a few years ago and was amazed at the time as to his wonderfully fertile imagination and perpensity for adding the most glorious twists to his tales.
In the years that followed, his tales continued to deliver that lovely old school style of horror. Not your "gore and guts, swearing every second word" type horror that is so fashionable these days, but charmingly atmospheric tales, filled with weird and wonderful characters in situations that often imply the horror rather than shove it down our throat. Often with twists that will leave you speechless.
Now, for the first time, Mr Gifford has collected many of his best tales into this top notch compendium that reads like an episode of shows like The Twilight Zone or Tales From The Crypt, the cleverly interwoven narrative of the Imaginary Friend, binding the whole thing together.
For fans of old school horror, i can't recommend this book enough.
Well done Mr Gifford. I can't wait for Part 2!

A magical journey into the obscure side of love and friendship. When you meet
Alana you fall in love with her and you are seduced like she was into the dark life.
She is a beautiful and trouble soul, everything happens so fast, that she wonders if she
ever had the choice of her becoming, but then again she was being prepared for
this since she was ten years old and Sadash saw her for the first time at the Bazaar in
Turkey.

Mayra Calvani is an extraordinary writer, her descriptions are beautiful and rich like
velvet, you can feel every detail and almost smell the blood. With Puerto Rico as the
exotic island background the story develops fluidly with a sensual rhythm that keeps
you enthralled throughout the whole book until the very end and then keeps you aching
for more.

The characters are passionate volatile creatures that you'll love and hate at the same
time. They are full of kindness and love and merciless vengeance. Alana the eternal
virgin torn between her love for Sadash, her Vampire companion and maker, and her loyalty for her
best friend Valeria; senses driven Valeria who always gets what she wants but that
loves Alana back unconditionally.

The story is a mystical spell from begining to end
with a bloody twist.

Alana has always been known as a loner by most except for her best friend Valeria. When she finally received her degree, it wasn't a shock to Valeria that she got a job acting as a vampire in a local restaurant. Alana had an unusual imagination that stemmed from being fascinated with anything horror related. She loved to read and learn about supernatural beings. Alana had dreams that she chalked up to her imagination, but recently these dreams were becoming more and more real. She has never kept secrets from Valeria, her twin soul, until now. Valeria knows Alana has nightmares, but Alana has failed to tell her everything about the nightmares. How can she explain the dreams to Valeria, when in truth she doesn't understand them herself.

Sadash first saw his beloved Alana when she was a woman child. He knew from that time on she would be his. He watched as she grew into the woman she is today. He has waited long enough to claim her as his own. Now the time is right for him to make her acknowledge what he is and what she is destined to become.

The night of the restaurant opening Alana first saw Sadash's face, and she knew that he had something to do with her dreams. When she finally met him, she felt inexplicably drawn to him. She felt she would follow him anywhere, but something about him made her feel that maybe he was not what he appeared to be. She felt compelled to become what he was -- a vampire. Now with her new powers she has a way to find out the truth about events from her past. Can Sadash help her to overcome what could destroy her?

Dark Hunger is a wonderful tale of a woman torn between a love she can not resist and a life she does not understand. Alana is a character to fall in love with. The reviewer felt drawn to her just as Alana was drawn to Sadash. Mayra Calvani did an exemplary job in weaving this story of passion, love and betrayal. Once the reviewer started the prologue she was hooked and could not put this book down. This is a must read for fans of paranormal!

Are you thinking of taking a walk after the sun goes down? Do you like deserted streets with few lights? Look over your shoulder. Listen. You might hear the soft swish of something coming your way. If you enjoy these things, this is the story for you. This isn't a story to read just before bedtime, especially if you live alone. Turn out that light and lie waiting... For what? Sleep? Or that soft rustling of curtains as they sway before the open window on a windless night? This isn't a story for the faint of heart, or those who can't stand the sight of blood -- warm and salty, copper-scented blood. If you like your meat rare, after reading this tale, you may want it well done. Based on myth and old legends, this author's lively imagination has created a realism that will make you wary of traveling alone on those dark nights. Set in exotic Puerto Rico renown for its steamy climate and throbbing music that sends the blood pulsating in response, Alanda renews an acquaintance with Sadash, the man who she'd met once under very strange circumstances as a child. Because of what she thought was a chance meeting, her life takes a turn she'd never dreamed could happen. You'll find yourself wanting to know what happens next as one unexpected event leads into the next. A tale that will delight any reader of horror. I look for the next book from this author who kept me reading. I won't be walking out in the dark alone any time soon. Highly recommended for anyone who likes a good, spooky read.

Mystery and intrique are the backbone of this outstanding novel
by Mayra Calvani.
Do all Vampires have black hearts? Do they all cry blood?
Are they capable of controlling their deep hunger to achieve a final goal and do we secretly have a dark side that calls to
the shadows?
Alana dreams of such a call, what meaning does it hold for her
and what does her future hold?
Mystery upon mystery is layered within these pages as you are
caught up in a web of dark suspense.
Ms. Calvani brings into play many hidden emotions of our soul as
we, the reader, struggle to discern who is the villian in Dark Hunger. Talk about a love/hate relationship, the characters in this novel can only be described as having such.

Mysterious, intriquing and somewhat unsettling at times, this
novel is a must for all vampire reading fans. A rich twisting plot
and a surprising ending await you!

Prepare yourself to an exotic adventure that goes from the spicy lands of Turkey to sunny and warm watered of Puerto Rico, in a tale that must be told only during the night...
Meet beautiful Alana, now the main voice in the new gothic style restaurant La Cueva del Vampiro at San Juan and how she became surrounded by an eccentric and interestingly mysterious guy that trapped her in one of her most darkest and desirable fantasies.
Dark Hunger is more than a vampire tale, is one about love, passion, betrayal, the power of true friendship and the unexpected twist and reversals of destiny that shows both the protagonist and the reader a hidden past that leads an inescapable consequences.

Ms Calvany style makes reader enjoy a very sensorial experience. Her descriptions get near to the action and feelings and state that dreams and fantasies are not very far from our reality.
The magical underworld of this tropical scenario will make you think twice of vampires as night creatures only from dark and cold lands.

Beware...
and enjoy!

Reviewed by Gina Holland for RebeccasReads (5/08)

Do you remember Rosemary's Baby? A scary novel and film that made lots and lots of money, it has nothing on the novel "Dark Lullaby," which was terrific, thrilling and mind bending! The story is actually much different than Rosemary's Baby, but I'm reminded all the same. There is a baby involved, but that comes later. Mayra Calvani did an excellent job writing, and I was so captivated by the book, I kept turning the pages, no matter how many other things I needed to do.

"Dark Lullaby" starts off with two young people who have just ended a long-term relationship months before, but still remain friends. Gabriel and Liz are definitely two different people, but both have a great heart and love for family. Gabriel thinks about moving on with his life, but Liz is still madly in love. Liz finds it hard to stay friends, so she is contemplating staying away from him. Then, while sitting together in a public place, discussing their opinions on different subjects, a beautiful young lady named Kamilah joins in on the conversation. Immediately, Gabriel is mesmerized by her looks and the way she speaks. Liz is very agitated by Kamilah's intrusion, as she sees the sparks fly between Kamilah and Gabriel. If it wasn't jealousy before for Liz, it will be now.

Gabriel has a twin sister named Elena, who is getting very close to giving birth to a baby girl. Elena and her husband Brandon had a baby once that died. So both are very nervous about this birth. The doctors tell Elena she has nothing to worry about; the baby is going to be fine. Elena keeps in constant touch with Gabriel and since they are so very close, she wants Gabriel to be at the birth of the baby with her. He has taken a week's vacation from his job just to be there with his loving sister.

After Gabriel and Kamilah meet, they start spending all their time together. A lot of strange things are happening for Gabriel, Liz, and also for Elena and her husband Brandon. Things that none of them seem to be able to explain. Does any of this strangeness have anything to do with Kamilah? Bad dreams are becoming too real for Gabriel and Elena. They may not be the exact same dream but they are disturbing dreams nonetheless. The more Gabriel is with Kamilah, the stranger things seem to get.

When Gabriel and Kamilah take a long trip to Kamilah's homeland the week before he is to go visit his sister Elena, Gabriel starts realizing that something is wrong, very, very wrong. He has lost his cell phone, knowing for sure he packed it, he blacks out at times and the only explanation Kamilah has for him is that he fell asleep. He starts to feel sick and he has a strange pain on his left side. What is going on? He can't help but wonder if all of this has something to do with Kamilah; with her beauty, her hot to the touch skin, and her childish nature. Are his dreams of someone doing something bad to him, real?

If you read this novel, you will be so fascinated that you will not want it to end. I, for one, am in hopes that Calvani will be kind enough to write a sequel to her novel. The ending is very stunning, surprising and will leave you with wonder. There is no other way to describe this book other than it was a terrific read. I wanted to read every word. I commend Mayra on "Dark Lullaby," and I look forward to her future novels.

Dark, exotic, and filled with chilling twists and turns, "Dark Lullaby" by Marya Calvani is horror story that grabs you right away and doesn't release its grip until the final word is read.

Astrophysicist Gabriel Diaz believes in the higher good and that everything can be explained by science and logic. One night in a tavern, a mysterious and intriguing woman captivates his body and soul. After spending the next several days with the mysterious Kamilah, Gabriel is convinced to join her in Turkey to visit her family's cottage, even though he can't push away the nightmares of his sister Elena's unborn child.

Plagued by a strange illness that leaves him weakened and sore, Gabriel begins to wonder who or what Kamilah really is. With the help of a village merchant and a one-eyed witch, Gabriel makes a startling discovery, calling into question all he believes in and forcing him to come to terms with his past so he can save Elena's baby.

Equally scary and beautiful, Mayra Calvani has drawn the beauty of Turkey into a chilling paranormal tale unlike any I've ever read. The descriptions throughout this book were stunning. I walked along the hike up a Turkish mountainside, lived inside Gabriel's head during his disturbing dreams, and stood beside him as he looked into the strangely carved trees in the forest leading up to Kamilah's cottage.

A master storyteller, Calvani hooked me from the first moment in the tavern to the very last page. This is truly a unique story that I look forward to reading again.

"Dark Lullaby" will capture you with its rich descriptions, its exotic location, and the need to uncover the dark secrets hidden within its pages.

The next time you feel like curling up with a scary book, get a copy of author Mayra Calvani's Dark Lullaby, a riviting page turner that will keep you reading straight through until the end. The story begins in Baltimore where Puerto Rican born Gabriel Diaz meets the lovely young woman Kamilah. Very soon she has his undivided attention.

Tension builds as Kamilah works her way into Gabriel's life. They spend almost every moment together, and it is then that his nightmares begin. A part of him suspects a connection to the new woman in his life, but ultimately his attraction to her pushes his concerns aside. In his apartment are photos of his twin sister Elena who is expecting a baby in a few weeks. He is anxious about Elena because her first child died soon after birth. Gabriel is very close to his sister and has promised to be with her when this child is born. Kamilah finds this admirable and wants to hear everything about Elena and her efforts to have a healthy baby. But first the exotic beauty convinces Gabriel that he has time to come with her to her family's small cottage in a beautiful, somewhat desolate area of northern Turkey. Just for a week, she says. Gabriel agrees then quickly regrets this decision. His nightmares worsen. He hears sounds of frightened children in the forest, and sees grotesque faces of babies in the bark of trees. All too quickly the nightmares become reality.

Dark Lullaby is a must read for those who enjoy novels of horror. Calvani keeps the tension tight throughout this gripping novel.

Astrophysicist Gabriel Diaz enjoys an intellectual debate especially over beer, but recently he has had doubts he will ever find a passionate love as his relationship with Liz went from girlfriend to friend. Meanwhile the only person he loves, his pregnant Elena begs him to be there when she gives birth as she is frightened having lost a newborn three years ago. Gabriel would do anything for Elena so he promises to come to Belgium where she lives.

However, his sibling's need vanishes form his brain when he meets Kamilah. She challenges his intellect with debates on good and evil and what is justice. Instead of going to Belgium, he accompanies Kamilah to her home in the Turkish mountains overlooking the Black Sea. Once in Rize, Gabriel loses his cell phone and becomes very sick suffering from nightmares that make sleep horrendous and he suffers even worse hallucinations when awake. As an increasingly paranoid Gabriel fears for his mind and wonders if somehow Kamilah is behind his descent into insanity and overall ill health, a panic stricken Elena keeps wondering where he is as he never failed her unlike their parents and she cannot believe he will fail his soon to be born niece.

This is a terrific horror tale that hooks readers who in spite of knowing that Kamilah is malevolent from almost the first siren meeting with Gabriel wonder what her her motive is and who she is. Fans will assume due to Gabriel's descent into paranoia and Elena's increasing manic panic attacks and anxiety-depression that borders on bipolar that this is a psychological thriller; but the Turkish locale and Kamilah make it so much more. Maria Calvani will have fans hooked in a one sitting read as the author's appreciative attentive audience will want to know is it madness or something more paranormally chilling.

Harriet Klausner

Premise: Gabriel Diaz is an idealist. He loves debating about good and evil, justice versus murder. His relationship with his ex-girlfriend Liz is friendly, though he knows she would let it be more again if he wanted. But he doesn't think he loves her. Yet more fodder for moral discussions in his own mind. His childhood in Puerto Rico was not a happy one. Though he and his twin sister survived, it has colored his perceptions. The unusual bond he and his twin share hasn't failed to impart to him her fears of her current pregnancy, having lost a daughter hours after birth three years ago. Yet all these hanging issues and more get put on hold when he meets Kamilah. Foreign and beautiful, she drives him to distraction. And she seems as fascinated by the moral issues of justice and darkness as he is himself. Then little things start happening the closer the time for his trip to visit his sister for the impending birth comes. Is there a form of darkness at work here or is he only letting his imagination and worries run away with him?

Review: Filled with several exotic locals, Dark Lullaby makes for a plethora of the unusual and foreign. The Middle Eastern mythology used is also not one seen often, so it made for a very refreshing change and caused the horror aspects to be even more poignant. Gabriel has to face the very moral issues he's been battling in his mind, pushed and prodded toward an end that will affect the lives of more than just himself. While who the evil persona is was never in question, the goals and resolution weren't clear until the end, making the read much more exciting. If you like chills, foreign settings, and moral dilemmas, this book is for you!

...and quite possibly the best collection of quotes from the broadest range of leaders in the field that I have ever devoured. I started reading it with a highlighter to cover the best advice. Excluding the front and back covers and the title page, the book is now entirely yellow. From veterans to fresh meat on the hook, this is the bloody book to read if you want to take your craft seriously. What more can I say to rave about this? Buy it. Read it. Then read it again. Keep it within reach of your desk for inspiration when the words just don't seem to flow. It's like a horror convention in your brain!

This book is so inspirational it amazes me. It is quote after quote by famous authors on different topics that apply to horror writing. I think this is one of the most inspirational books on horror writing. I love this book!

Do you wonder what scares your favorite horror writers? Would you like to know who influenced them, or where they get their ideas? Wonder no longer--the answers to these and other intriguing questions can be found in Dark Thoughts On Writing. Editor Wiater, drawing on interviews he's conducted with fifty writers of horror and suspense, presents their responses to these questions and their opinions on censorship, the affect of fame and fortune, and why they choose to write in the genre. The result is a plethora of colorful opinions, surprising anecdotes, and useful advice from a wide selection of horror writers, including Stephen King, Anne Rice, Jack Ketchum, Ira Levin, Clive Barker, Matthew Costello, Charles L. Grant, Nancy A. Collins, F. Paul Wilson and Richard Matheson. Must reading for horror fans and aspiring writers in all genres.

This is a book that will be of interest to the struggling writer and the devoted fan alike: the author culls thought-provoking, helpful, and at times highly amusing quotes from his series of interviews with the giants of dark fiction and distills them into one handy volume.

As a writer, one topic I found particularly interesting was the matter of influences: discovering who inspired the authors and artists who inspire me was fascinating.

As an aspiring writer, I was especially interested in these writers' basic influences, fears, and drives. After the first chapter, I was glued to this book, absorbing the thoughts of writers such as Stephen King, Jack Ketchum, Anne Rice, and many others. This is a great gift for a horror fan.

Having read this book to three to five-year-olds at Halloween for three years running and having it be a HUGE hit every time, I decided to get my own copy. The children love the repetitiveness of it and the spooky pictures. The tension builds and builds right to the end when everything turns out to be just fine. (Note: That's a total of 180 children with very big eyes and almost no wiggles!)

The artwork is beautiful and detailed. My three year old loves to find the cat in each picture and to find the faces in the windows, walls, and curtains. One can always find something new in the paintings. The story uses repetitious wording, so he can virtually read it to me. We have read this book many times, yet neither of us ever gets bored with it.

This "Dark Dark Tale" by Ruth Brown is simple, short and sports a gothic flair. The illustrations (also by Brown) are nothing short of brilliant. Brown the artist captures the fog, shadows and light of her own dark dark little world. Perfect for preschoolers (my two year old loves it and always anticipates the ending), it holds their attention (there can't be more than 120 words in the entire book) with the repetative prose that children love. Perfect for lovers of children literature and childrens illustrations as well (which is what drew me to the book in the first place). We love it and read it daily.

A wonderful choice for young children at Halloween or any time of year. Reading this aloud is lots of fun -- you can make it seem scary as you go through each page, then watch your child's reaction at the end. My son wanted me to read this over and over. We also have fun looking for all the little critters in the forest: owls, bats, tiny glowing eyes peeking out of the dark places, the cat, even a badger!

This book is rather cute and there is a cat that runs through the pages, making an appearance here and there. I loved the fact that this book presents itself as a "dark, dark" book and it really is funny that it is not a "dark" tale at all. The "darkness" is more about the lack of light than it being about evil.

You start in a moor and walk through a woods. Then there is a dark castle and you walk up to the door. Once you enter the castle, you are in a dark hall and go up some dark stairs. You are in a fairy tale castle and then you see a dark passage. You are tempted to look behind a dark curtain and then the cat stands looking up at a dark cupboard.

The last page shows a mouse in a box with a rather frightened look on its face. So the only fear in this book is that the cat has found the mouse. Although it does seem the cat leaves the mouse sleeping happily in his little bed with his miniature candle and miniature slippers.

The beauty of this book is in the art. Ruth Brown studied art at the Birmingham College of Art and the Royal College of Art. She has worked on animated films for the BBC.

Meowingly Cute.

~The Rebecca Review

Well, here we are in the third installment of the Loon Lake Fishing Mysteries series and I have to say I absolutely adore this series. These are relatively simple, fun books that make great afternoon reading at any time of the year! I love the characters and there was less repetition in this book than there was in the second. The author is settling into an initial pattern which brings all three of our main characters into the story and makes them all an integral part of the investigation of a double murder right in the middle prime muskie fishing season. In addition to our traditional three for this series (Ray, Chief Ferris, and Doc Osborn), we are introduced to slew of new secondary characters and one additional "main character" who I believe we will see more of down the line. Gina, a friend of one of the murder victims (and an investigative reporter to boot) plays an integral part in the solveing of this particular mystery. The only disappointing thing here foe me in this book is I figured out who done it VERY early on, less than halfway through the book, so I new who did it and the unfoldment was rather obvious, but it was still enjoyable to see how the characters puzzled it out on their own and worked together to solve the crime.

Overall, I am quite enjoying this series. Its nice light reading that still manages to be both interesting and keep me mostly on the edge of my seat (usually). I love that these are older characters than one usually finds in this type of book (over 50 for the most part), it's definitely nice to see people over 50 being the hero, instead of it always being some young, hot 25 year old...don't get me wrong, those are fun too...but you don't get middle aged all the way up to retired people in the murder-mystery/thriller genre too often anymore. Nice change of pace. I also like that these are REAL characters, they have flaws, faults and real life problems that they must also deal with while solveing the mystery...it really helps to cement that feeling that these aren't just characters, they're real people. Dead Water has good pacing, interesting details and is just plain fun to read, I give it an B+, it'd make a nice read for several afternoons curled up in a chair on the porch or the sofa with a nice cup of tea.

I am a native of Wisconsin, so I find the fact that I know the locations that she talks about in her books makes it even more interesting. Good read. I am not a fisherman, but still enjoy all the information. Her descriptions of the areas are great, you feel like you can see along with them. Doc and Ray are so typical of some of the North Woods People. I feel that I have met them in lots of other places. I am just starting on book # 7 . I haven't read this many books this fast in a long time. I heard Ms Houston on NPR and it was a pleasure.

"Dead Water" is so enjoyable because it is set (fictional) in the area in which I grew up and the names (fictional) remind me of life in a small town and the surrounding area. It is such an enjoyable read along with the other seven "Dead ...." books in the series written by Victoria Houston. I look forward to the next edition.

In the 3rd book in the Loon Lake fishing mystery series, dead bodies of women are showing up around town, and the chief of police, Lewellyn Ferris (aka Lew) once again enlists the help of her part time deputies, Doctor Paul Osborne and Ray Pradt with the baffling cases. Doc is thrilled to be working closely with Lew again, even though he dislikes the murderous circumstances that keep drawing them together. Both women were shot, and have bizarre teeth "marks" on each of their bodies. Beyond that, it is difficult for Lew and Doc to connect the two victims, until a close friend of one of them flies into town to assist on the case. Gina suspects a con-man that was romantically involved with her friend in Kansas City, and then skipped town one day, taking a large chunk of her money with him. Gina believes that her friend, Ashley, may have come to Loon Lake to meet the man, and works closely with Doc, Lew, and Ray to track down a vicious killer.

This series just gets better and better! There are three main characters that are in each of the books...Lew, Doc Osborne, and Ray, and they are such vivid characters that I feel I could visit Loon Lake and meet them. I love the way that they work together as a team, and the budding romance between Lew and Doc. In this installment, Ray finds out he may have a son, and brings him to live in Loon Lake for the summer, and I found the addition of this subplot to be very interesting. I also enjoyed the addition of Ray's potential love interest, Gina. Even though I figured out the identity of the killer very early on in this book, I loved the way the whole plot unfolded and how the main characters worked together to catch the killer. Even if you are not a fisherman, this is a great series for those that like cozy style mysteries.

The first book in the series is called "Dead Angler". Enjoy!

Even if fishing is not your thing, you will enjoy this latest by Victoria Houston. Retired dentist Paul Osborne doesn't really enjoy finding dead bodies in the water, but at least it keeps him in contact with the attractive, fiftyish Police Chief Lew Ferris. When the two bodies of young women show up with similiar bite marks on them, Lew asks Paul to help her as a temporary Medical Examiner. Paul is usually accompanied by his young friend Ray Pradt, a man-of-the-woods who this time is occupied by the sudden appearance of a son he knew nothing about.

The arrival of one of the dead woman's friends and the long-lost "goth" son bring a great mix to the small town of Big Creek characters. As Paul and Lew focus on a con man who may have targeted the dead women the two become suspicious of newcomers and find themselves not knowing who to trust.

This is a character driven series that will not fail to entertain and will introduce fish-phobes to the pleasures of fishing.

Could not put it down!!! They really need to make this book into a movie. Keith Ferrario puts the reader in the story and delivers the best ending I have read to date. Excellent overall.

I love Horror novels and this one read like a movie as has been previously stated. I could not put it down and am anxiously awaiting future works from this craftful suspense novice. I particularly enjoyed the characters of the novel, and the general everyday meets Stephen King in say the late 1950's feel of the book. I just really enjoyed this read and hope that you can find a copy so that you can too.

Though a little slow in the opening, Mr. Ferrario quickly caught my attention. It's been a while since I've read a 300+ page book in two days. Mr. Ferrario did an outstanding job for a first-timer and I hope this won't be the last. Please continue! A little advice, Mr Ferrario, as a First-Time Author myself (Voyage To Olympus) I realize how difficult the marketing can be but, you have a rare talent ... Don't give up ... you'll make. I'm looking for the next one. To others that happen on to this novel ... Get it! Read it! You won't be disappointed.

I just finished this book and I want to read it again. What an amazing story! A supernatural thriller set in a small town about a boy named Georgie, who happens to be dead. The character development was excellent and I was on the edge of my seat wanting to know more about the strange goings-on in the town of Fulton. The climax was incredible, full of twists, I was sad when I finished it. I can't wait for the movie to come out, if any story deserves to be portrayed on film, it's this one. Definately a great book for anyone fascinated by the supernatural and paranormal world.

Wow! What a great book! I only hope Keith Ferrario keeps them coming! For a first attempt this is a spin chilling masterpiece. From the first page to the head spinning plot twist of an ending, this is a cover to cover page turner. Someone needs to buy the movie rights. A great book.

I truly loved this book. The reading is easy, extremley interesting, next to impossible to put down. I wasn't sure what to expect when starting this book. I must say I wish I had 3 little minions like Nat does. This book has all great qualities. A great adventure ride, mild gore, teenage kids, and of course demons. If you are looking for a wonderful story, fast and easy to read, and leaving you wanting more (a sequel would be nice) read this book.

My son absolutely loved the book! He couldn't put it down! We bought the book for something for him to read on our vacation and he read it in 3 days! My son is hoping for another book from this author to come out very soon.

This is a fast paced story appropriate for adults and young adults. The characters are well developed and the demons are creative and fun (and some are scary). I really enjoyed reading this and my kids will like it as well.

This book will really sink its teeth into you! Clever characters and exciting action sequences propel you from the first page to the last. Plus, there's just the right amount of blood, guts, and gore to delight readers.

" 'There's only one copy of this in the nation,' she said. 'I can have it for you in three weeks.'
" 'Great! Thank you...'
" 'I'm Sandy. And there's the one-dollar interlibrary loan fee.'
" 'Right. Of course,' Nat said. He nodded and began dumping dimes, quarters, nickels, lint, and an inspected by tag onto Sandy's pristine desk.
"Sandy couldn't help herself -- she stacked the coins by denomination, then hurried the lint and tag to the garbage.
"Nat smiled as he watched her fuss.
"Sandy realized he was watching and looked up. Their eyes met. U Go Girl! she thought. She took a deep breath. 'You know, you've been coming here for a little while, and I never see you with anyone.'
" 'I don't know a lot of people.'
" 'You know me...now.' She scribbled on his interlibrary loan receipt. 'You could call my cell.'
" 'Your cell?'
" 'My phone.'
"Nat debated. He looked pained. 'I'm not supposed to,' he said finally.
" 'What? Like there's some rule against it?'
"Nat took his receipt. 'Yes,' he said quickly, and he fled before she could say another word.
"Sandy watched him go, sad. She didn't know how U Go Girl! would rate her effort to adventurize, but she imagined that, because the first boy she'd gotten the courage to proposition had run away, it wouldn't be good."

I really enjoyed my first visit to Seattle. The Convention Center where ALA was meeting is conveniently located right in the center of the city, and the buses -- which are inexpensive when heading to the outskirts and free when traveling around the city center -- are all operated by friendly, helpful drivers. We stayed at a hostel which was close to the water and right around the corner from both the Pike Place Market and a nice little shop with great salt bagels. And, we had the pleasure of being taken out for lunch to a highly-acclaimed vegan restaurant: Bamboo Garden on Roy Street. The hot and sour soup there is the best I've ever tasted.

Just a few blocks away from the restaurant, in a massive 1901 Craftsman-style home that sits amidst a tidy Queen Anne Hill neighborhood, Nat -- that skittish 15 year-old boy who was being assisted by high school sophomore and Seattle Public Library junior assistant librarian Sandra (Sandy) Nertz -- lives alone. Well, not really alone. The house is filled with demons and it is his job to feed, care for, and contain them, now that his teacher, Dhaliwahl has died. It has been a challenging and often lonely first month of "keeping" the demons on his own. For heaven's sake! He's almost gotten himself eaten.

And Dhaliwahl's teachings had, in fact, included instructions that Nat stay away from girls.

There are hundreds of goofy demons bouncing around Nat's house. And then there is The Beast, a deadly, nightmarish demon being kept locked in the fortified basement who is fed through a barred feeding shoot.

Oh, and don't forget about Nat's own three minions: There is Pernicious, "the demonic incarnation of nasty surprises," Nikolai, who "embodies the chaos of not knowing one's own strength," and Flappy, "a wind demon, the incarnation of swirling gusts -- the aimless, spasmodic sort that sent children's kites into trees." The trio are a total blast.

But, the question is, when things start really going badly, will the minions be more help or hindrance? And what about Sandy, the resourceful teenage junior assistant librarian? Or the pair of skater dudes who break into the demon-filled house with disastrous consequences.

"Nat stomped his foot. 'I mean it, did you receive a clear visual image of three demonic manifestations that are minionic in character?'
" 'I saw a pint-sized dragon, a deformed evil gnome on steroids, and a retarded two-legged Chihuahua.'
" 'So you did see them,' Nat said."

DEMONKEEPER by Royce Buckingham is an alternately sweet, funny, and occasionally deadly story of a lonely boy, a lonely girl, a house full of demons, a vengeful apprentice gone bad, a pair of skater dudes, and The Beast. The middle school kids are going to eat this one up with a gusto equal to that of Pernicious, Nikolai, and Flappy when they greedily dive headfirst into their cast iron trough full of fish guts.

I actually didn't start this book with extremely high hopes, I thought it would be sort of 'high school drama meets Artemis Fowl'. Luckily, I was completely wrong.

Devilish is the first book I've read by Maureen Johnson, but I'll certainly be reading more. The plot is truley unique, very well crafted, and you are still guessing even when you get to the last page. I laughed out loud at many of the main character's (Jane's) comments. I read the whole thing in one sitting. The characters were well developed, and to top it all off, there is a touch of romance too.

The plot summary Amazon gives is actually fairly accurate, but it's also so much more than that. (Don't be turned off by the "Poodle Prom" part. It's a lot more inconsequential than the summary might lead you to believe.) Along with the fact that it's funny, unique, and well written, you'll also keep thnking about it long afterward. It will certainly make you wonder just what might be going on with Heaven and Hell, and exactly what that intense connection might be.

I'd definitely recommend this book, even to someone who might no long consider themselves a "young adult". My only complaint was that the end came too quickly, I really would have liked to know what happens after Jane recovers... What happens with her and Allison, Owen, and everyone else for that matter? And her schooling?

Hopefully, there will be a sequel.

I must say that I was very impressed while reading this. Now why can't all books be like this? Or should I say, "written like this"? Even though I shouldn't do this, and I know it's wrong, I judge a book by its cover. I know, the worst thing you can do to a book. When stumbling upon this book, the cover really interested me. A Hot Girl holding a Cup Cake. So I read the back of it, and gave it a chance, thining it was some girl chick flick novel. Before I knew it, I finished it in one day. And gave it to a friend and she read it in one day. Very good book if I must say so myself.
I love how the author writes. Her unique way of writing is what makes her a great author! She really makes the characters thoughts and feelings come alive and you just keep reading and turning the page because she has developed this "suspense" that makes you want to keep on reading and reading until you're finished with the book.
So basically this story is about a girl, after a horrible accident, sells her soul to the devil or should I say, a demon. I would highly recommend this book to others and I see that the other reviewers are just like me; loved the book. But, I warn you. Once you pick up this book, you will not be able to put it back down until you're finished. It's not your typical teen novel about some girl getting into conflicts with herself and boys and sex.
Highly Recommended
Overall Grade* A
Jordan

i am not normally a person who likes books with demons and devels. however i picked the book out without reading what it was about and i found out that it was an amazing book. i think that everyone should read this.

Maureen Johnson is a fantastic writer. This book was excellent. It was suspenseful and interesting and throughout the whole book there was never a point where I didn't want to know what would happen next. Cleverly written and interesting, this is definitely one of the most interesting and unique YA novels that I've read.

Jane Jarvis has always looked after her best friend, Ally. So Jane is determined to help Ally through Big-Little day at Saint Teresa's Preparatory School for Girls. Big-Little day is a day when seniors each choose a freshman to take under their wing and mentor as their "little." Ally, unpopular and totally lacking in self-confidence, is sure that no freshman will want her for a "big." And sure enough, Big-Little day ends disastrously for Ally when she humiliates herself in front of the whole school.

But the next day, something strange starts happening. Ally shows up at school with a new haircut and new clothes. Not only is her appearance changed, but Ally also seems to have developed a new-found confidence. Jane begins to suspect that something is wrong, and eventually she discovers that Ally has sold her soul to a demon. Jane is determined to save Ally at all costs, but more than that, Jane soon finds herself caught up in cosmic battle against the forces of evil.

I'm not a big fan of high school stories; high school wasn't all that great when I was actually there, and I certainly have no desire to relive it in books. But devilish caught my attention from the first page and held it to the end. Jane is a fascinating character, a brilliant student but a rebel, and it's a lot of fun to watch her try to outwit the demon. devilish is a funny, fast-paced story with many interesting twists, but mostly it's just a really good read.

This book was really good. I am not a very big reader, but I could not put this book down! It was a good adventure book. It is perfect for young adults who cant find a good book, like me, or for young adults that like to read a lot. it had everything a young adult needs in a book. I loved it! Like I said, 10 thumbs up!!!!!! you should really read it!!!

The Dream of the Stone needs to be a movie. The book is excellent and spell-binding. I could not put it down. If you enjoyed A Wrinkle in Time, you will love this book. Christina Askounis roars out of the gate with this fantasy-adventure novel. I can't wait for the next book and hope to see the movie in theaters soon. As a teacher, I have a hard time finding good books for middle school, and this one is definitely a keeper!

I borrowed this book from my son one day I didn't have anything to read. From the first page to the end it was wonderful, exciting, descriptive and full of surprises. The main character is deep, sensitive, brave and very curious, all things I admire. I felt like a kid again, counting the minutes to bedtime so I could read in bed, carrying the book in my bag to read on the bus or metro whenever I could snatch a few minutes. Although very different, this book grabbed me the way Michel Ende's "The Neverending Story" grabbed me when I was 10. Highly recommended. Sequel please!

I read it a while ago and don't judge the book by the way it looks on the outside...it didn't look to interesting to me when I first pulled it of the library shelf...however it turned out to be one of my favorites...I couldn't put it down...

I first read this book in the fifth grade. I liked it so much I went through a lot to get my hands on another copy. It took me a year. But now I finally have access.

This book is about Sarah Lucas the Stone-Bearer, a regular girl here on Earth. After her parents die in a plane crash Sarah moves in with her aunt and uncle. Her older brother is unable to be her guardian because of his job as a physicist of CIPHER. Lonely, Sarah attempts to adjust to city life with only her cat, Ozzy, for comfort and the few letters Sam (her brother) sends.

Things begin to happen all around Sarah. First, her brother seems to disappear. Then a letter arrives for her, hidden in a book in the library. It's from Sam. Its contents throw Sarah into much confusion that is only made worse when a package arrives in the mail. A stone.

With the help of the beautiful Angel, a gypsy stable boy at the nearby stables, Sarah begins the search for Sam. It takes her into another world, beautiful and strange and full of surprises. Only, the Umbra (an evil force) is causing many problems.

This story is masterfully written and wonderful. My only regrets is that the author has yet to write any other books.