Didn’t Work For Me, And Not As Cozy As I’d Like

This was not for me. I wanted to like it, and I enjoyed the first half, but I just don’t think it all worked. Some things seemed shoehorned in, trying to relate the main characters stories to the story of the house. It was unnecessary, and like I said, it just didn’t work. I was also confused about the three main character’s ages. I spent a long time thinking they were in their seventies or something, but I think they’re closer to my age. I’m still running around my town on the weekends, seeing bands, and having fun. These ladies seemed more like my mom.

By the end of the book, I didn’t like the Main, main character nearly as much as I did in the beginning, and the woman next door side character became my favorite. If you took away the unneeded extras, this was an interesting story, and the idea of the ghost was very original, but the subject matter was too dark for what I prefer. I had an idea from the trigger warning, but there could have been 75% less terrible things, and it still would have been enough to warrant a story. I would have been happy to give the second book in the series a try, but I see from the descriptions each book will probably be about past atrocities. It’s just not my reading (listening) preference, so that’s the only reason I won’t be giving book two a chance.

Most of this comes down to personal preference. Anyone else might thoroughly enjoy this book. The writing and narration is up to par, I just would have left a few things out.

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flipping haunted houses

Loved the story, wish the ending concentrated more on the people rather than the house.

Narration done by author and tends to be read a bit quick in places and character voices are sometimes forgotten. She has a nice voice so not too much of a problem.

looking forward to her next book

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Lovely story

I wasn't sure what to expect as few reviews said it was scary and when I first started listening I didn't listen when I was alone in the house as it was a bit spooky.
But it's a lovely story about 3 friends who are feeling a bit lost and lonely. Their children have left the nest and they're trying to find purpose in their lives.

While trying to find themselves they also help to solve a mystery. They decide to buy an old Greek revival house that's been on the market for many years and no one seems to go through with buying it as its supposedly haunted. Ellen, Sue and Tanya decide to buy it but first research and find out the history of the house.
I really emphasised with these women having 2 children who have flown the nest. It is a struggle when they leave. They're best friends and in the book they have a few sad times that bring them closer together. It's narrated by the author in a texan drawl (I think) and it totally fits with the book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. You actually believe that she is all these women. Highly recommended.

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1 person found this helpful

3 semi-secretive STARS

This book is for you if… paranormal mystery with a very local dimension hits all your buttons. The resolution might be disappointing to some.

⤐ Preface.
I sencerely appologise for the very thin reviews past, present and future. I'm neither in the mood nor can I afford the time to to my usual glorious stuff. (Does self-praise stink? I'm a firm believer it shouldn't. Know your talents and cherish them.)

⤐ Overall.
I've listened to another audiobook by this author before and was pleasantly surprised to move away from the long exhausted YA genre. The story was interesting from minute one on but disappointed further down the road.

Characters. Relatable and diverse if looked at in their context, but overall unremarkable. Typical housewives of the US, the MCs contributed to the all-American flair of the audiobook.

World(-building). Decent and quick - everything came together nicely and quickly.

The arch of suspense. It rose and rose. I was so on board with this until it suddenly plummeted, never reaching the actual peak. That was the most disappointing part and also the main reason I couldn't give this a higher rating.

⤐ What’s happening.
Imagine you want to open up a BnB with your best buds and the targeted object turns out to be haunted. I for one would've skedaddled the heck outta there. Not so our three MCs. They decide to get to the roots of the haunting - which will, in turn, haunt them long after the seances have ended.

Con:
⇢ not all spirits are benign
⇢ seriously underequipped
⇢ life already problematic as it is
Pro:
⇢ ghost apparently is a crazy cat lady
⇢ supportive friends can surpass all evil
⇢ unexpected help

_____________________
writing quality + easy of reading = 3*

pace = 3*

plot/story in general = 4*

plot development = 4*

characters = 4*

enjoyability = 3*

insightfulness = 1*

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ghost story

hunting gold in an old house being haunted by a ghost full of action great story

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