SPECTRE: A Haunting Tale of Death, Demons, and Deception

by Rose Peters Cotter

Newly published children's author, Lena Whitney, lives in the middle class world of small town USA. Wife, and mother of one, Lena is comfortable in her established and predictable existence. It's only when unexpected change comes to call, in the form of a mysterious doctor, that she discovers things aren't always what they seem.As Lena struggles to break out of her every day world, she tries to not slip into a darker, unknown world. Will she be able to deal with her inner demons, as well as the outer demons she will have to face? Her 'soul' searching could cost her more than just her lifestyle. The cost could be her life.

324 pages, Paperback

First published November 10, 2004

Reviews

[Jon Souza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was recommended this book by a friend on Facebook. I'm normally into scary tales and grew up on heavy helpings of Stephen King, Clive Barker, Peter Straub, and others. From the first three pages where a woman is being chased by, well, you just don't know what except that it's evil and wants to kill her, I was pulled into the story. The main character of Lena Whitney, an author that takes a job as part of a paranormal investigating team, is extremely likable right from the beginning. As the author introduces the rest of the team, Jordan, Angel, and the doctor she does a great job at establishing the rapport between and sometimes the disdain that the characters have for each other. She also starts you to hating Lena's condescending and heavy drinking Dorian right from the start. Twenty pages in I found myself caring about all the characters right away which is a rare thing I started the book on Friday night and finished it by Saturday. The pacing was great, it moved along very nicely. I grew up in New England so I was also drawn to her very accurate depictions of that feeling of fall in New England, as the leaves change, and dark falls sooner every day. It also reminded me of the some of the ghost stories set in New England that I read growing up, like Ghost Story, The Ghost of Dibble Hollow, and Pet Sematary. If you're just looking for a great scary story it's perfect for that. Depending on what you believe about the paranormal it offers another level to explore. I have never been on a ghost hunt but I've had my share of experiences with the paranormal and that's what drew me into the book the most. The sites the team explores and what happens to them seems very real. The photos and drawings in the book lent to that feeling that you were reading something that really happened. And depending on what you believe or don't believe maybe it's fiction, maybe it's not. Whatever you believe, Spectre is a great read that I couldn't put down until I finished it. Highly recommend.