Drowning With Others By Linda Keir

Drowning With Others  By Linda Keir

This novel is compelling, to say the least. The story pulls you in with one of the best prologues I’ve read in a while. From there, you’re thrown into the account of the Copeland family, and you are led through the story by mother—Andi, father—Ian, and daughter—Cassidy. The novel covers their individual times at Glenlake Academy—a well to do private school.

I—as a reader—always dislike it when stories are told through different perspectives because, honestly, few authors can pull it off successfully. This team of writers, however, were able to do this so well, that it has made me rethink my stance on different perspectives. Each switch was flawless. You knew exactly what was happening and where the changes were. You had no problem going between the views and each was as captivating as the next.

The mystery of the car found at the bottom of Lake Loomis has you turning the pages as fast as you can keep up. While you’re reading, you’re also trying to figure out the mystery and don’t tell anyone your thoughts because you’re probably going to be wrong!

I always mention grammar in my reviews. Having already touched on perspectives, I can say that there was literally only one error in this entire novel. I’m sure I only found it because my brain is always in the ‘editing’ mode. I doubt anyone else will see it. The writing was fantastic!

I found this novel to be well written, gripping, fast-paced, just an all-around great read. I will be picking up more from these two wonderful authors who write together as a team under Linda Keir.

 

 

 

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Desire of Whimsy – By Charletta Barksdale

Fast-paced, quick read, you'll want more.

This novel went by very fast, at only 165 pages. The characters were likable, but I didn’t feel as connected to them as I would have liked to. I felt like there was more story there, but it was unreachable to me as the reader.

The story went at a good pace, but when it picked up, it picked up and didn’t let down until the last page- gas pedal to the floor. There was really only one graphic scene in the novel. I could have done without it, but that’s a personal preference, I know some readers enjoy that type of thing.

I like the idea presented in the story, a coma patient is being used as a supernatural being — a girl that has unknown abilities because she was adopted and unsure of her past — and somehow in a dream state, they meet. I’m not sure if this is a novella series or not, but it could be, as much was left unanswered.

I always mention grammar in my reviews and therefore… There were typos and perspective changes that weren’t placed at the beginning of the chapters. The perspective changes start out at chapter headings, i.e., Serenity, or Trance, but then sometimes in the middle of a chapter, it will change to an entirely different character. This causes a lot of re-reads and going back to make sure you know what is going on. The typos weren’t awful, just missed or added words here and there, i.e., “Unclear of what do next…” or “started pacing the his room…” and a few misspelled words.

All of that said, I would pick up the second novel, if there was one, because I did like the story presented.

Luanne G. Smith, The Vine Witch

Luanne G. Smith, The Vine Witch

 

I’ve never been a fan of wine as a drink. I just don’t have the palate for it. I do so love; however, Mrs. Smith’s descriptions of the flavors and smells of wine in this novel. It feels as though she must have grown up on a vineyard with all of the details included. I could walk through Chateau Renard right along with the characters.

 

Elena’s story—without spoilers—is intriguing, and I was excited to follow her along as she went. Grand-Mere and Jean-Paul were fun to read, as well. My favorite character, however, was Yvette, I like her spunk.

 

I will be adding book two, The Glamourist, to my ‘to read’ list.

 

I always mention grammar in my reviews, but I have to say, this one was spot on while being spotless of errors.

 

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Lockwood & Co, The Whispering Skull. By Jonathan Stroud

Lockwood & Co, The Whispering Skull. By Jonathan Stroud

Lucy, George, & Lockwood are at it again. Chasing things that go bump in the night because adults are too old to see the mysteries that cause the bumps. The world that is built astounds and terrifies. The Whispering Skull is book two in this series and just as enjoyable as the first.

The detective agency ‘Lockwood and Company’ is one run by children with no adult supervision. These detectives, however, are hunting the paranormal and uncovering crimes committed and buried away.

Once you pick it up, the novel is hard to put down—unless you’re looking over your shoulder to make sure there isn’t a Lurker watching you. The Whispering Skull has you guessing every time Lucy hears its whispers. With George and Lockwood, as well as some exciting new characters, Lucy finds a way to hone her skills. These characters will keep you reading deep into the night, with a small light on, of course.

I always mention grammar in my reviews; however, there is no need because Mr. Stroud is a wizard with words.