Ghost Books

Teague Bohlen's "The Pull of the Earth" is an especially satisfying read. I'm from the Deep South, not the Midwest, but I feel I know these characters. They live, they breathe, they make you want to know what happens to them. Bohlen has a real feel for small-town life, and the story kept me turning the pages. My only regret about the book is that I have no more of it to read.

A very gripping tale that kept me interested througout. I highly recomend this book.
-jameshowlett

I have to say I loved this book! A great read from start to finish! The characters are extremely well written. The past and present are both displayed in this book in a way that keeps the readers attention on what is important, and what matters. The book shows that although times have changed, and what is accepted now, was not always the norm in the past. While it also shows that some things haven't changed at all and will always remain the same. However, one thing remains true in this fantastic read: Blood is thicker than water, and that somehow, all of us will eventually come back to our roots and return home, and the people we love are what matters most.
A great book, and I highly reccommend it! I will be looking forward to more from this author!

Great job, Mr. Teague Bohlen! You've got yourself another loyal fan!

"The Pull of the Earth" is a gripping tale of life in the rural Midwest. From start to finish this book had me in awe of Mr. Bohlen's ability to place the reader right in the middle of the plot. Living in the Midwest myself, I felt a real connection to the description of the town in the novel.

The novel spans events over a fifty year time period effortlessly. It makes one wonder what kind of skeletons are lurking in the closet of the person sitting across from you at any given time. Even the most benign type of folks have a few, as this book so eloquently points out.

Do yourself a favor and give this book a read. And Mr. Bohlen, if you are reading, keep writing fiction, I will keep reading.

"The Pull of the Earth," like the natural force from which the title draws its name, inexorably draws the reader into the lives of a Midwestern farming family, marvelously rendered as we follow the lives of two successive generations running in parallel through this book, juxtaposed to each other from one chapter to the next. This novel deals with love, death, guilt, pain but possibly most of all with responsibility. A man's responsibility to his friend and how far, in good conscience, he can take it. A husband's responsibility to his wife and his children. A son's responsibility to his mother and his past, two sisters' responsibilities to each other, and the responsibility each of us has to how we choose to live our own lives and what we do with the time we have. This is a powerful story with characters so real you feel like you know them yourself. Their lives become your concern as you read this beautifully written novel. Bohlen, a writing professor, contradicts the cliche that those who can't do, teach. I hope for his students' sake that he can, in fact, teach as well as he practices the very art he teaches. It's incredible that this is his first novel and I greatly look forward to his next. He's made a new fan out of me.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1M1TYFS1DHIRK Yo look at THIS!

I bought this book for a class, but while I sold most of them back this beauty I kept. The play itself is obscure. Since it was written in (rather poor) French originally and translated back into English, it lacks some of Oscar Wilde's trademark style. This is not to say that the style of the play is without its own merits. As the book is the retelling of a Biblical story- that of Salome, daughter of King Herod, and John the Baptist (Iokanaan in this rendition)- the style of the play often mocks Biblical style. The wording is thus often repetitive and simple, but there's a beauty to it that is in many ways indescrible. While wordy, there is also a particular depth to it that you'll miss if you don't look carefully. Thematically, the play was very entertaining and I enjoyed the revisionist take on the Biblical story. Overall I found this work enthralling. This particular edition is beautiful- it includes all of Aubre Beardsley's stunning ink illustrations of the play. This is well worth having on your bookshelf (although it is rather large- 8x11)

Oscar Wilde's 1905 shocking, controversial play is no longer as disturbing to modern desensitized audiences and critics/literary scholars who recognize it as a play of psychological/Freudian aspects and as a fin-de-siecle example of the Decadence movement in the arts. Wilde's flowery, poetically lyrical, Biblically-influenced orutund words is devilishly at variance with its cruel violence and horror. In this edition, we are treated to the full illustrations by Aubrey Beardsley, Wilde's friend and himself a playwright and exponent of the Decadence. The pictures are dark, erotically charged but full of feminine lines and flowery imagery which were typical of Art-Noveau style in art/architecture. This is the entire play in a single act and I find makes a eye-grabbing book to put on your coffee table so guests can marvel at it. You'd be surprised to see the looks I get from them whenever they see the cover art!!

Wilde did not regard this work as his greatest when compared to his others, most notably The Importance Of Being Earnest. Shortly after Salome premiered, Oscar Wilde poked fun at himself and his play by dressing in drag in Salome's sexy costume for a photograph. It's likely Wilde had a bit of fun in writing a play that was bound to turn heads in a society fresh out of the Victorian Era. The words are indeed poetic and beautiful descriptions of nature, spirituality and romance mix with carnal innuendo.

The main characters- King Herod, Queen Herodias and Salome- are each in dire need of therapy, though they themselves may not admit it being a vainglorious and proud royal family. Queen Herodias became a target of John the Baptists' righteous anger and condemnation because according to old Mosaic Law she sinned by marrying the brother of her deceased first husband and thus committed incest. Full of hatred for the Prophet, she waited for the right moment to extract her revenge as well an opportunity to get him to "shut up" forever through his death. John the Baptist languished in prison at King Herod's Palace Dungeon, though in Wilde's play it was changed to a cistern in the palace courtyard garden. Herod thought it better he live the rest of his life in prison rather than be executed, for internally, Herod had always suspected that John was a reincarnation of the long dead Prophet Elias. Perhaps he thought that his presence would bring good fortune to his home. Herod has his own complexities. This is not the same Herod who ordered the deaths of the infants upon Jesus's birth. This Herod, possibly the son, ruled Jerusalem as a puppet-king and was a sycophant to the Roman Emperor. He lusted after his own daughter or stepdaughter Salome. "You stare at her too much" says the jealous Herodias whom we assume is aging and lackluster compared to her teenage, nubile daughter. Herod entertains sexual thoughts about his daughter and is aroused when she dances her famous Dance of the Seven Veils. I don't buy that he was just dead drunk. He has always lusted after Salome. But...he was in awe of John the Baptist and secretly respected him which is why he is so reluctant and even opposed to have his head severed upon Salome's request.

As for the eponymous heroine herself, she has been a subject of scholarly chat, art, literature, poetry and music throughout the years. Richard Strauss composed a celebrated opera based on this very play in 1905 and the soprano singing the role is in for a challenge because not only must she look young and dance, but her voice must be gargantuan and yet delicate. Salome found herself within the poetic themes of French poet Stephen Mallarme among others and orchestral compositions were made about her. Why does Salome ask for the head of Jon the Baptist ? Simply put, she's crazy young girl. She is only a teenager, probably between the ages of 15 and 18, awakening to her own sexuality which can be a confusing time. She is naive and inexperienced, spoiled rotten and mentally disturbed. She is fascinated with Jon the Baptist as a child would be with a new toy. He is foreign, exotic and mysterious to her and that's what makes him sexually attractive to her. More specifically, she is enamored of his lips though she believes the rest of his features are hideous. Since the Prophet rejects women and worldly things, he scolds Salome's sinfulness and refuses to kiss her, refuses to even turn and look at her face to face. This spurs Salome's anger. No man has ever found her unattractive or turned her down. The Palace Guard Nabbaroth kills himself out of frustated love for her. Many men are intoxicated by her beauty. The jealous, sexually frustrated Salome has reason enough to want Jon the Baptist's head on a platter. I have always felt that Salome was not a naive, thoughtless girl that her mother the Queen used as a pawn for her own revenge, as the Bible seems to imply. Salome had her own reasons for wanting the head of the Prophet. The truth is very disturbing as it would seem that Salome wanted his severed head as a sexy toy. "You would not suffer to kiss me when you were alive," she says in the play," and now you're dead and I'm alive and I have kissed your lips, Jochanaan." Necrophilia at its ugliest! It was for a sick, sexual pleasure that she demanded his head. Yet for all this, Wilde makes her a sympathetic, pitiful figure. We the audience are able to see her thought process through her words each time the Prophet rejects her and we see before our eyes her mental breakdown. Even so, one cannot help but wonder if this child of sin is right about certain claims she brings up. Salome believes that if John the Baptist had turned to look at her just once, he would have fallen in love with her. Could this be true ? Is this why the Prophet controlled himself and averted his eyes ? Salome claims that the Prophet is the only man she ever truly loved, which is a fallible even illogical statement when considering Salome appears to be a virgin, a girl on her first crush and has never experienced mature adult sexual relationships. Salome may be a ditzy, emotional and mental wreck but she has one of the most thought-provoking and inspirational lines I've ever heard in a play: "The mystery of love is greater than the mystery of death" which contain in its own way a kind of spirituality. Throught the play the most mysterious, unknowable character is John the Baptist, who, parrot-like, quotes Biblical passages and preaches in a fire-and-brimstone kind of way and never once reveals any of his true character. The play is great and though it's not performed today, it continues to fascinate readers everywhere. And by the way, the proper pronounciation for Salome is not "salami" like the food but sounds more French: Sa-Lo-May.

Beardsley's illustrations for Wilde's "Salome" are quite well known. I enjoyed seeing them, in unexpurgated forms, in the context of the script they were meant to adorn. I think I can see wonderful possibilities in staging that play, where modern sensibilities could show and accept what England of 1892 could not. Even so, I found the script itself somewhat repetitive, with more in it to startle than to explain. Perhaps there's a knack to reading this script that I haven't mastered.

This isn't the only place to find Beardsley's "Salome" illustrations. Other books show the uncensored forms of the pictures, too. This book, however, reproduces them in larger format and crisper printing than the others I know, and is worthwhile for at least that reason.

//wiredwierd

The last reviewer has totally missed the genius of this incredible dramatic work. The story as told in this one act play has nothing to do with the theology of Christian Biblical Mythology. It is a carefully constructed a meticulously executed examination of 'real' personalities interacting within a particular network of historical and social relationships. The unfulfilled passion which drives Wilde's Salomé to murderous revenge is deeply convincing within the context and the characterisation of the personalities created by this greatly inspired Anglo-Irish dramatist.

Complaining that a literary work does not reflect accurately some personally perceived 'historical' truth is like complaining about the historical accuracy of Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar' - it is missing the point entirely!

This play is a gripping, fast-moving tragedy which deals with the darker side of human nature vividly, imaginatively and with unguarded honesty. It is not, of course, like Wilde's other more popular plays which were designed to be humorous, witty and light. This like 'De Profundis'' "A picture of Dorian Gray' or some of his truly magnificent later poems, ranks as one of Wilde's greatest contributions to modern English literature. If you haven't already read it, do so - or better still - buy a few copies and stage it!

I have to admit that I came to Amazon looking for this particular book because I had started reading it but never finished it. I found it in a used bookstore. I'm so glad I found it because I've been wanting to finish it. This book is the creepiest book I've ever (began) reading. I can't wait to see how the book further develops! And I can't read many of the reviews because I'm afraid that they will give away the ending!

I thought this was the best book I have ever read.You never know what is going to happen to them next!

This is a VERY good book. Will keep you in suspense until the very end. I've read almost all of Tankersley's books, but this one shocked me the most.
The characters are well done and the storyline is fantastic. This book is a lot more mature than her other books. Anyone who likes anything else that she's written definitely needs to read this one.

This is a tale for all time. A true suspense novel that keeps you guessing until the very end and still surprises you is almost unheard of. This one may even give you nightmares.

Pamela in stranded in the Ozarks for an unknow amount of time, but trust me, the sooner she is out of the place the better. Trying to find out what keeps her up at night in fear will probably keep you up at night out of fear as well.

I found this book in the Young Adult section of my library, but when I started reading it, I wondered why it was there, because it seemed like it was more for an older audience. The main characters in the story are adults (not old, though), and it wasn't written like many of the other books I have read by Richie Tankersley Cusick. However, I found myself getting into the story and really liking it, even though it didn't have romance in it (at first). This book is actually creepy and gory (somewhat), and scary, and a little sad.

The main character, whose husband and son died, and she is still really sad about it, for some reason is at a farmhouse in the Ozarks in the middle of nowhere (I think she crashed her car)with a strange family. The little six-year-old girl can tell the future, a young boy is treated terribly by his mother for no reason (when you find out the reason, you'll be very surprised!), and the father seems controlling. Every year the family makes scarecrows, but he orders them all to be burned at the end of the year, which the main character finds very strange. There is also the mother's sweet, much younger sister, who is very normal and wants to get out into the real world, where she has never been (the family really is cut off from all other people), but her sister forbids it. When it is time for all of the scarecrows to be burned, the younger sister hides hers and doesn't burn it, because she so desperately wants a guy friend.

The main character begins to really get freaked out when she realizes that the family does not want her to leave their home, and she knows she is in danger.

This book is very well written, with great detail. All of the elements are woven together neatly, and the ending will amaze you. All of the answers to why this family is so strange will reveal themselves. I strongly recommend this book, also if you have strong, um, morals (?) this might not be a good book for you.

After reading this you'll never find me wandering around the woods alone. Especially if I hear a dog in the woods! This book is so gross and disgusting but at the same time funny and the characters are great. I read this nonstop.

The plot is old but it works because Thomas writes good dialogue and characters. The story is about two kids, two best friends, who get captured by an insane serial killer and get locked in his basement. He tortures them in ways I can't even describe. But the first half of the book is spent letting you know the two friends in their hometown so that you actually care about them when the carnage begins. Trust me, you really will route for them, not like in those lame horror films when you just want the screaming teenagers to die. The book definitely pushes the limits of gross horror but it works. Reading this I can't help but think the author may be a bit disturbed but I'm gonna read more by Ryan C. Thomas.

I really enjoyed this book. Reading some reviews I was expecting a pure gore fest, but what I found was a story that was a page-turning suspense thriller that I just couldn't put down. I don't think I took more than 3 breaths while reading the last 50 pages. Disturbing? Yes. Horrifying? Yes. Entertaining? Absolutely yes.

but I could'nt stop! This is the most horrifying, sickening book I have ever read (and I love Laymon) yet it is also one of the hardest to put down! I read mostly in one sitting and called my reading buddy right after to warn her about what I was going to pass on to her next!
This is a visceral, pull no punches, why I am reading this and worse yet, why can't I stop horror story! It left me reeling, feeling a little sick, used up and spit out and I highly recommend it!
Happy Reading!

This book scared the heck out of me. Very gory!! Wanted to bury this book in my backyard before I even finished reading it but you can't. The plot really grabs and keeps you turning the pages. Looking forward to the next book by Thomas.

I read violent books(Richard Laymon,Jack Ketchum,& Brian Smith are my some of my favs). So Im no stranger to gore and blood. This book is probably THE most violent book I have ever read. But it is also one of the best books I have read in such a long time. I havent cared for the characters of a book, like I did here, in such a long time. At times my heart was beating because I was so nervous, other times I was almost moved to tears becuase you actually felt like you were chained in that basement with them. I was rooting for Roger and Tooth to make it through the unglodly tortures that they endured the whole time. Skinny Man is one really evil dude.

I would watch out for other Ryan C. Thomas novels in the future because he has a knack for fantastic story telling. I really would like to see this book get picked up by a major publisher because this book needs to be recognized for what it is, brilliant!

If you like vampires then this book is great! It was a bit confusing in the beginning because of the short stories, and your wondering what the heck was that. But I tell you, it all comes together. The first and second books are both really good!

Its one of those, that flows smoothly. Its action pack and a lot going on.
You have to read it to believe it. Cant wait for the third one!!!

Searching for the Fountain of Youth could result in finding the fountain of a bloody red death!
Drew Silver takes readers down into the vampire mines but follows a more modern vein when DNA experiments go bad in the search for the Fountain of Youth.
"The Vampire Within: New Blood," is the second book in the "Vampire Within" series and further probes the deadly battle between professors at a California college who use students in their war for fame and fortune, using the students as both pawns in the war and guinea pigs in their experiments.
I must admit to being "in the dark" for awhile, starting with the middle book of a planned trilogy. But in an odd way, this worked as I shared being in the dark with the students who were caught between the two slightly insane professors. Are there any other kind of professors, other than crazy?
For vampire fans looking for twist in the impossible to kill off vampire legend, I can highly recommend this book but do suggest picking up the first book as well as this middle and most recent book.
A few other points to tempt you (without giving away too much) to read this and other books in the series. I don't think it should surprise anyone that when there are questionable experiments taking place on a college campus, the US Government just might be involved. Plus, how can any vampire story, even one that starts in sunny California, not find a connection with Romania?
If I have any cautionary note for prospective readers, this is a story with many characters and you need to pay attention to the twists and turns to keep all the characters straight in your mind.
Author, Drew Silver resides in San Diego. Her experience with law enforcement, martial arts and her love of vampire stories provide a wealth of experience sure to enhance this trilogy. Watch for the 3rd books late 2008.
Highly Recommended by Reviewer: Peter Klein, Allbooks Reviews

I really liked this book, and the one after it, and am eagerly awaiting the third. I guess the only negative thing I could say is Silver introduces so many characters its easy to confuse who is who. Very quick read, I can't wait to see what happens next.

If the lines of good and evil weren't clearly laid out for you in the first installment, it will definitely smack you right between your eyes in the second one! Drew Silver continues the adventure in New Blood and doesn't falter one time. The plot continues with Dr. Grosse's attempt to foil Dr. Cohn's plans to create a perfect army. Justin leads the pact in their pursuit to find a way to stop Dr. Cohn's minions from picking them off one by one all while dealing with their transformation from human to vampire. Their adventure will find them splitting up with half of the pack on their way to Romania to find the original source of Dr. Cohn's serum.

Drew Silver's New Blood will immerse you in a whole new world and keep you hoping the story never ends! It's a must read!

Does each of us have a vampire lurking within us, something primal that can give in to the most visceral emotions and needs? And, if so, are we able to use a higher strength and power from within to combat these needs?

And, less philosophically, do we get by with a little help from our friends?

Drew Silver's "New Blood," the second installment in her The Vampire Within trilogy, continues the story introduced in the first of the series, "The Beginning." Students at Triton University, a fictional college in an upscale California city, comprise the usual population of jocks, jerks, and serious students, both rich or on scholarship. The difference, however, is that a number of them volunteered for a biological experiment admininstered by an apparently evil Dr. Cohn. The procedure involved injecting them with a serum, rendering their personalities nonexistent except for a hunger for flesh and blood, preferably human.

Havoc is wreaked throughout the city, and a group of friends, including the hyperwealthy siblings C.J. and Greg, and a romantically linked pair, Justin and Jennifer, find themselves part of an antiexperiment, led by another scientist, Dr. Grosse. Grosse's treatment is intended to minimize the effects of the experiment and in essence save the human race from devouring itself. The subjects still have cravings, but they're limited to the vampire's version of steak tartare.

It is in "New Blood" that Silver's cleverness as a plotter becomes evident. Bit by bit, the history of the experiment begins to unfold, and science fiction offers its neck to supernatural, mythos, and government and medical thrillers--and there's plenty of blood for each genre. The families of several of Dr. Grosse's subjects were somehow involved with the beginnings of the experiment that began in Europe--you may guess where, but the location should be left to the reader.

After finishing the second book in the trilogy, you may need a dose of Dr. Grosse's serum to keep yourself from e-mailing the author and begging her to hurry up with the third book. In the absence of scientific assistance, however, it might be more fun to while away your time casting the characters for the movie to which this book lends itself to. I pick Sonia Braga for Maria, the maid who's hiding something. How about you?

Wishing Makes It So is a horrific tale about a mini-monster infiltrating a sympathetic family. Belinda, a beautiful five year old orphan, moves in with The Chrestmans, a loving family willing to share their hearts and home. But being compassionate can prove fatal when the new member of the family isn't the center of attention.
Marilyn Meredith weaves a skin crawling web of manipulative scheming and diabolical actions that will make you cringe. This book is addictive. Its pages turn as if it has a will of its own. Her story telling is artfully done making the characters seem as real as a person sitting in front of you and the antagonist as threatening as a stranger tailing you in a dark alley. Loved it!
Violette L. Reid, PeachPublishing

"A psychological thriller is played out in Wishing Makes It So. This incredible story will amaze readers as the devious acts of a sociopath are revealed."

"Steven and Alyse Chrestman are the proud parents of three adorable children, Andrew, Holly and Pammy. They feel that they have been blessed with a loving family and decide to open up their home to a four-year-old girl named Belinda."

"Little do they know that Belinda has been place and moved from several foster homes due to behavioral problems and demented incidents that have endangered the lives of others."

"Belinda immediately begins to cause havoc in the Chrestman's home. Alyse becomes suspicious of her as she catches her in numerous lies and it appears that she is intentionally trying to harm the other children. Unfortunately, Steven turns a blind eye to the deceitful deeds of Belinda. He doesn't realize until it's too late that they have opened their home to a killer."

"This is a chilling read that will intrigue and surprise readers."

Wishing Makes It So is a shocking thriller about a couple with three children who take in a female four-year-old formerly bounced around a variety of foster homes. Secure in their belief that they can give their new charge a loving, stable environment, they are unaware of the seemingly innocent girl's all-consuming drive to be an only child. It is a yearning that will drive the little girl to ruthless and deadly acts, even as her nautral charm disguises her murderous intentions, in this taut and chilling novel.

With a heartfelt conviction that "love conquers all", Alyse Chrestman convinces her husband, Steven, and their two older children, Holly and Andrew, to open their hearts and home to an unfortunate foster child. Four-year-old Belinda Sleigh seems to be the perfect candidate and fits in nicely between eighteen-month-old Pammy, the youngest Chrestman, and Holly and Andrew. Steven's experience as a counselor and Alyse's teaching skills, along with their combined success in a marriage where love and nurturing are the norm has already produced three happy, well-adjusted children and leaves no doubt as to their capabilities to handle whatever initial challenges might arise. With the help of housekeeper, Celina, and her husband and groundskeeper, Juan Miguel, little Belinda's life is about to turn into a fairy tale.



Dismayed that Belinda shows her no affection, Alyse watches as the beautiful little waif seeks comfort and acceptance in the arms of Steven, who has always strived to show equal attention and time to each child. It is soon evident that Belinda has Steven wrapped around her little finger when he continues to dismiss devious pranks played on Belinda's new siblings as accidents. Little Pammy alone is unwavering in her love and acceptance of the newest member of the family. When Alyse and the older children realize little Belinda's malicious behavior is more than they can handle, Alyse is accused of jealousy and their once-solid marriage may be moving toward rocky ground.



An unheeded warning, a heart-wrenching discovery and an unbelievable accusation keep this plot moving at a fast and furious pace. Despite the fact I was warned that Wishing Makes It So is a dark novel, I was unprepared for the raw emotion I had to deal with as I agonized with this unsuspecting family. Just when you think you can let down your guard and life is returning to some semblance of "normal", the terror starts anew.



Put an extra cushion on your reading chair, folks. If you like edge-of-your-seat suspense, that's where you'll be perched until you reach the very last page. Meredith dispenses suspense and horror with equal disregard for your anxiety level as she interrupts the cozy life of the Chrestman family in this superb tale of blood-curdling psychological suspense.

Author Marilyn Meredith has written some very good books over the years--many of which I have read prior to reading her latest suspense thriller "Wishing Makes It So". However, this is not like any of her other creative efforts--and it is certainly her best work to date. She takes a four-year foster child with such an innocent looking persona and gives us a charming and evil little manipulative monster. The storyline involves malicious and dangerous behaviors by poor little Belinda that ruins a wonderful family whose only intentions were to give her a loving family.

Meredith is a master at using a good mix of dialogue and characterizations with her narrative, so that the plot unfolds to give the reader a great psychological horror story. The story is fresh and alive and will grab the readers fullest attention--not allowing them to walk away form the book until they have devoured the last pages to find out what conclusion awaits them. It is a page burner that readers will find un-nerving but very much entertaining. This will become a classic novel of its genre someday, once others in the media discover this hidden gem as I have!

The American Authors Association (AAA) gives this book a FIVE STAR rating and a recommendation to buy and read this book!

If you like Janet Evanovich, you'll love Wendy Jensen's 8th House. It's been over a year since I read the book and I still smile whenever I think of that story. The writing is snappy, the humor dark, and the characters wonderfully quirky. The only problem, when will there be another one from this talented writer?

This was a very well written, suspenseful novel. I didn't want to put it down. I highly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of not only mysteries, but the paranormal as well. I can't wait for the sequel!

"The 8th House" is an excellent choice for your winter reading list. It is a cleverly conceived tale of suspense and the supernatural. Regional references add to the enjoyment for anyone from Minnesota and the book easily helps one escape the winter blahs. Mrs. Jensen has invented a fascinating cast of characters whose acceptance of the supernatural provides a fascinating look at how one woman uses her "gift" to rise above tragedy. I heartily recommend this book for suspense readers willing to "suspend disbelief" and enjoy the romance and excitement of "The 8th House."

THE EIGHTH HOUSE contains everything you want in a crime/suspense novel. It is fast paced and keeps you guessing.

For the uninitiated, there is enough technical information about the paranormal to allow the reader to understand significant plot points, yet it avoids being preachy or overly tedious in detail.

The plot moves along wonderfully. The story is well thought out and executed with precision. Jensen balances the crime elements with just the right amount of information about the character's personal lives. The characters are rich and colorful. They are a pleasure to get to know. You will miss them when you finish the book.

This is a book that will make you late for work, as you tell yourself you're just going to read "one more chapter," and then find, once again, that you just can't put it down.

All and all, reading this book was sheer pleasure.

As a graduate student, metaficiton was the topic of my thesis; that is, writing about the craft of writing within the context of a novel. Many great writers have succeed with the device, including Tim O'Brien in THE THINGS THEY CARRIED and James Mitchner in THE NOVEL. Remarkably, Wendy Jensen also blends metafictional aspects into THE 8TH HOUSE, an addictive paranormal thriller.

Zoe Zignego uses the contents of her psychic dreams to aid police to solve ghastly murders and later spins the stories into best selling novels. Her quest for peace leads her to flee St. Paul and buy a house in Missouri's foothills of the Ozark Mountains. The long abandoned home held irresistible appeal for Zoe, for the woman who can't seem to live with the living seeks the company of the dead rather than being alone. Her roommate is an rascally ghost named Wilbur, who provides comic relief and a mystery of his own.

Repairs to the house, which dates from the 1800s, prove expensive. Zoe needs to quickly generate some cash flow to replace her badly depleted bank account. RelunReluctantly begins a new novel, based on her current investigation in partnership with the Larry Larsen of the St. Paul police department. Zoe's never written a novel prior to solving a crime before; as she creates the story, she takes the reader through the process of the writing. Zoe's very uncomfortable with the concept of profiting from the tales of murder and mayhem, and her discomfort escalates as she realizes that her dreams have become precognitive and that she has a direct psychic connection to the serial killer. One he is equally aware of. As she writes the novel, Zoe recreates the killer's motive, environment and his past. This metafictional quality lends the novel fascinating flair and insight from a unique perspective.

Be careful when you start reading THE 8TH HOUSE by Wendy Jensen, or you may fall into the trap I did, promising yourself just one more chapter until you finish the book at 2 a.m. on a work morning! As a paranormal mystery lover, I was impressed with the creative edge that Jensen brings to her work. In an increasingly flooded arena of strong women sleuths, Jensen has created a heroine who stands out like a rare gem among many beautiful semi-precious stones.

I recently read John Passerella's first Buffy novel, Ghoul Trouble, and LOVED it. He captured the characters with such ease and approximately. And now, with Avatar, he does the same with the characters. Angel, Cordelia, Doyle, and even Kate are displayed respectfully and with the right characterization.

When a demon materializes in LA, needing to find 12 victims to complete a cycle in which the demon will be reunited with its true body, Angel and the crew are on top of it, along with the help of Detective Kate Lockley. The demon is using a man, who he promised the world to, to find his victims online in chatrooms. The demon appears to his victims as what they most desire. On a side note, Cordelia wants a website made for Angel Investigations, and that results in some humorous moments. Especially with the aide of a teenage computer geek.

Passarella really knows how to write a novel. It's absolutely expertise, and he knows exactly what he's writing about. He never makes the novel drag or become dull. There is one incident that makes the whole novel though. It plays out when Cordelia is chosen as bait to lure the demon in so Angel and Doyle can destroy it. We then see who each one of them desire. It's a very interesting and suspenseful moment in the novel.

John Passerella is now up there with Christopher Golden and Nancy Holder as one of the best Buffy and Angel novelists. I hope to see more coming from him in the future.

This was the fourth Angel book that I've read. So far, it's the first that really seemed to capture the characters and the spirit of the show. According to the blurb at the back, this is only Passarella's second novel (and his first solo attempt), but surprisingly it reads like it was written by a seasoned pro. The dialog is realistic (okay, Angel uses a few too many puns during the battle scenes for my taste, but a small flaw in an otherwise fantastic grasp of the character), the fight scenes intense and the plot well thought out. If you're an Angel fan who is unhappy with the quality of some of the tie-in books that you've read, here is one that is sure to please.

Loved it! Fans of the TV show will definitely enjoy this novel. At some points it kind of grossed me out, but I couldn't stop reading because I enjoyed at the same time. Highly recommend.

Elliot Grundy has made a deal with a demon. In return for everything he desires Elliot will help the demon to complete a ritual that will allow it to be reborn. Using Internet chatrooms, the pair are luring unsuspecting men and women into meeting with the demon, disguised as the victim’s ideal date. However, little does the demon know that an ancient cult seeks to posses and control it for their own purposes…

When Doyle’s visions lead Angel to the scene of a murder, he discovers that a man has been attacked by a demon that leaves behind nothing of the victim except for their skin. It soon emerges that this is not the first attack and that both men and women from all over L.A. are being targeted. The victims seem to have nothing in common, and the description of the attacker differs in every case. Angel has no idea who or what this demon may be.

“Avatar” was a fast-paced, enjoyable read. John Passarella manages to capture the characters exactly as they are in the TV show and ultimately produces an original, entertaining novel that maintains your interest throughout. There is no pause in the action and “Avatar” is one of the best of the Angel or Buffy books I have read so far. I recommend this book to all Angel fans.

There is a killer stalking the streets of Los Angeles, one sucks the essence from his victims leaving an empty husk. The only thing the victims have in common is the manner of their deaths and their link to the Internet. An Internet savvy demon is the last thing that Angel thought he would have to deal with - but you never say never in his line of work. As he tries to track the killer he is unaware that he is not the only one hunting the killer. A cult is on the trail too, but they plan to bind the demon. Now Angel is in the way - and they don't like that.

There are some authors for series like Angel and Buffy that make you feel like they are sitting inside their world. You get that feeling from John Passarella - it really feels like he has spent time with Buffy and Angel and really gotten inside their heads. The storyline of this novel is both gripping and seamless. It could have just as easily been an episode off the series. I agree with other reviewers here that Passarella compares really well to Christopher Golden and Nancy Holder and I can only hope that he writes more in the series.

It was easy reading and fast. There were times it was hard to put down and others I just couldn't stay focused. It's a good fantasy about love, loyalty, right/wrong. However, when it was done, I felt it was a story stating to me, believe in yourself and don't be mean to your dog. I just wasn't that impressed with the book. It started off excellent with the 1st kill, but then it just didn't have that same excitment page after page. It felt long. I found myself wondering when I was going to finish it.

This book is a beautifully written fantasy. Confronting issues regarding identity & family, this tale flows from one chapter to the next. The author fully meets her goal of writing a story that one would be happy to listen to at the fireside.

This book is really suspenseful and exciting, and the same thing never happens more than once. If you like fantasy like me, then you are sure to like this book! A book that is unlike any other that I have read, and a definate thing for any good wish list.

If you like fantasy, you'll love The Beast of Noor. Janet Lee Carey has created a brother and sister who take us on a journey that I will never forget. They sacrifice all to save those they love and then go one better and sacrifice even more to save the beast. The outcome is unforgettable. I highly recommend this book.

Miles and Hanna Ferrell live in the country in Ennes Isle, just outside of Shalm Wood. Miles wants nothing more in life than to go to Othlore and be trained in magic. He's been studying with the Falconer, but he feels like his teacher is holding him back more than he's helping. If only the Falconer would teach Miles a few spells... Hanna just desperately wants to feel normal and safe. But between her different colored eyes, the legend surrounding her family, and especially since the return of the Shriker, it doesn't look like normal or safe are in Hanna's future.

Stranded in a cave to escape a surprise storm, Grandpa tells them again the legend of the Shriker. He tells them how the Shriker used to be a brave and faithful dog, until he ways betrayed by his own master and cursed by death himself. Now, as the Shriker, he hunts human prey every full moon. The master who betrayed him, Rory Sheen, happens to be an ancestor of Miles and Hanna. Now that he's back the brother and sister won't be safe in the village, and no one is safe in the woods once the sun goes down.

When Miles tries to take matters into his own hands, things get more than a little out of control. Suddenly it's up to Hanna to save him. Hanna was always the quiet one. The one who stood back and let Miles handle things. The one who asked for the happy tales by the fire, because the others scared her too much. Now, she's right in the middle of the scariest one of all, and if she ever wants to see her brother again she'll need to find a lot of inner strength, and quickly.

This is a great, creepy, interesting tale. I don't know how comfortable I would be hearing it at a fire on a dark night. Granted, I'm a big wimp, but that's only part of the point. It's scary enough for those who are looking for that, but it's also a great story, which is what good legends are. There's a fair amount of fantasy, a little magic, personal discovery, even a sweet little love story woven in. There's a little bit of something for everyone. Perfect for a stormy, foggy night, curled up with hot chocolate, warm and safe in your house.

Reviewed by: Carrie Spellman

This book was one of the best in the series. It had just the right amount of romance, adventure and laughs. I have read all the books in this series so far. This is one of my favorites. Two thumbs up. I enjoyed it A LOT!

I have read all of these books and I like this one the best. I like the new characters. Anybody who has read the other ones needs to read this one. The type of war that the Malloy's have with the Benson's is different with the Hatfords. Mostly because the Benson's and Malloy's like each other. They could be better friends then the Malloys and Hatfords are. I was very interested to find that Steve Benson falls for Eddie Malloy and her interested in him. Its different then the rest of them.

It wasn't my favorite in the series, but it wasn't my least favorite either. The Boys Return is worth reading because you meet a bunch of new characters. If you're going to skip a book in the series, this wouldn't be the one to skip.

Has anyone ever played mean tricks on you? This book, The Boys Return, is a story about four Malloy sisters, nine Benson brothers, and four Hartford brothers. The Hartford brothers have just returned from their vacation and they brought their friends, the nine Bensons along with them. The Hartford brothers had missed their neighbors, Malloy sisters, because they hadn't seen them for so long since they were on a vacation. The Hartford brothers, Malloy sisters, and Benson brothers are all young teenagers. The Hartford brothers, and Bensons do mean tricks to the Malloy sisters by sneaking into their house and making all of these haunted noises, and the Malloy sisters think that their house is haunted when it is not.
The Malloy sisters play tricks on the Hartford brothers by telling them that there is hungry cougar that escaped. Meanwhile everyone in town has heard that there's a hungry cougar, but they also think that the Malloy sisters and everyone in town are lying. The Malloy sisters, Hartford brothers, and the nine Bensons later find out that there really is a hungry cougar in town. The teens take a break from their tricks and join forces to catch the cougar.
Guess who gets stuck with the scariest job? This is definitely something that everyone will remember. That day there was a scary noise in the Malloy sister's garage. What could it be? The Malloy sisters call up the Hartford brothers, and the Bensons to come and help them find out who is in their garage. Do you think that is the cougar? When they arrived to the Malloy's house guess who goes in the dark garage to see who's there? Not only do the Hartford brothers, Malloy sisters, and the Benson's try to catch the cougar, but one of the Hartford brothers and one of the Malloy sisters secretly fall in love.
In my opinion, I think this book is a really fantastic book. When I started reading this book, I didn't want to stop reading it. In addition, I recommend this book to those people who falls in love in a secret way because you might don't want your parents to know that you have a girlfriend or a boyfriend, and don't want to tell your little brother or little sister since they might tell on you so you might as well keep it secret. I seriously recommend that you read this book! The reason why I like this book is because it makes me feel like I am in the book. This book is funny, sad, and tricky. But most of all the book makes you feel happy!

Has anyone ever played mean tricks on you? This book, The Boys Return, is a story about four Malloy sisters, nine Benson brothers, and four Hartford brothers. The Hartford brothers have just returned from their vacation and they brought their friends, the nine Bensons along with them. The Hartford brothers had missed their neighbors, Malloy sisters, because they hadn't seen them for so long since they were on a vacation. The Hartford brothers, Malloy sisters, and Benson brothers are all young teenagers. The Hartford brothers, and Bensons do mean tricks to the Malloy sisters by sneaking into their house and making all of these haunted noises, and the Malloy sisters think that their house is haunted when it is not.
The Malloy sisters play tricks on the Hartford brothers by telling them that there is hungry cougar that escaped. Meanwhile everyone in town has heard that there's a hungry cougar, but they also think that the Malloy sisters and everyone in town are lying. The Malloy sisters, Hartford brothers, and the nine Bensons later find out that there really is a hungry cougar in town. The teens take a break from their tricks and join forces to catch the cougar.
Guess who gets stuck with the scariest job? This is definitely something that everyone will remember. That day there was a scary noise in the Malloy sister's garage. What could it be? The Malloy sisters call up the Hartford brothers, and the Bensons to come and help them find out who is in their garage. Do you think that is the cougar? When they arrived to the Malloy's house guess who goes in the dark garage to see who's there? Not only do the Hartford brothers, Malloy sisters, and the Benson's try to catch the cougar, but one of the Hartford brothers and one of the Malloy sisters secretly fall in love.
In my opinion, I think this book is a really fantastic book. When I started reading this book, I didn't want to stop reading it. In addition, I recommend this book to those people who falls in love in a secret way because you might don't want your parents to know that you have a girlfriend or a boyfriend, and don't want to tell your little brother or little sister since they might tell on you so you might as well keep it secret. I seriously recommend that you read this book! The reason why I like this book is because it makes me feel like I am in the book. This book is funny, sad, and tricky. But most of all the book makes you feel happy!