After Billy loses his life in a mining accident, he becomes the carrier of the Old Coal Miner's Lamp, helping to guide other lost souls on their way to the Light.
Mike begins having strange flashes of the past and seeks out the help to make sense of what he is going through.
Danielle answers the call to assist Mike with his visions, but when she too begins to have some strange sensations, will she continue to search for the truth or steer clear of the unknown?
Connections will be revealed and a darkness will rear its head along the way.
Will Billy, Mike, and Danielle be able to work together to overcome the obstacles and defeat the darkness?
I borrowed this book thanks to my Kindle Unlimited subscription, and I read it on my tablet using the Kindle app.
We are presented with a horror story that focuses on a YA audience (or a little bit older) about a ghost story in a lake that follows a plane crash that occurred back in the day. Chloe gets a holiday cabin with her son, but quickly things get spooky as strange things start to occur. While other mothers would fly the area safely with their son, Chloe tries to investigate and understand all the things that are haunting the area.
With this quick-to-read book (less than 150 pages long), you'll get your correct dose of suspense and horror with a little bit of the paranormal too. If you like these kinds of books, this is a total go for you, and I heartily recommend it to you. I am sure you will enjoy it in the same way I did.
I had so much trouble with the way it was written. It was like a slow description of two people's boring daily life. The characters were weak, especially Grayson who took half the book to get enough courage to do anything he had moved to do. I have read several British books and do not mind the difference in words used, in fact, I enjoy British novels but this one was so slow. The storyline is actually very good so this book is worth the read if you can get past Grayson getting up, showering, eating lunch and walking around town all day with nothing happening. I do not want to discourage this author though because she has a great story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As a reader, this book tugged on my heartstrings, having had a loved one die in a mining accident, so it was a difficult read at times, however, Peplow has such an authentic way of crafting true-to-life characters that I was able to settle into the story. The reader is drawn into a world that no longer exists however her descriptions allow you to walk thru history as well as gain an understanding of life for those working the mines.
The storyline is captivating as you walk hand in hand with the departed crossing between the worlds of the living and the dead, each character searching for meaning and understanding of their current and new realities.
Detailed, enchanting, suspenseful and heartbreaking at times. Those who enjoy paranormal and historical fiction will enjoy the journey of The Old Coal Miner’s Lamp.
Basic Details: Book Title: Crash Subtitle: A Paranormal Thriller Author: Vicky Peplow Genre: Horror Part of a series? Possibly Order in series: Best read after earlier books in series? Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1... Overall score: I scored this book 5/5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Short Summary of the book: Another great horror story. The story plays in two different time zones 50 years apart. A plane crash kills many people. When Chloe and her son take a holiday on a lake, they get more than they bargained for. Why are they after her son? And how can they survive? What I liked about the book: The book is action-packed, and full of suspense. What I didn’t like about the book: I enjoyed the entire book. My favourite bits in the book: I enjoyed the entire book. My least favourite bits in the book: The book was enjoyable in its entirety. Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author? This is the fifth book I’ve read by this author, and I look forward to reading more. The book kept you on the edge of your seat. What books could this be compared to and why? This is a horror story with a hint of the paranormal. Recommendation: In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:
Children No Young Adult Maybe Adult Yes
If you like suspense, and horror with a hint of the paranormal, this book may be the book for you. I look forward to reading more by this author. Book Description by Author: A Haunting Tale of Loss and Mystery Experience the bone-chilling story of a mother's search for her lost child and the haunting spirits that still linger after a devastating plane crash in 1972. In this spine-tingling mystery, Chloe and her son Austin embark on a vacation that quickly turns into a nightmare as strange occurrences begin to happen in their cabin and around the lake. As Chloe tries to uncover more information about the tragic crash and the lost souls that still haunt the area, she must confront her deepest fears and unravel the mystery that surrounds her. With each step, she discovers new clues and uncovers the truth about the spirits that seek to torment her and her son. Will Chloe be able to find the answers she needs to stop the haunting and protect her family? Or will the malevolent spirit of the past continue to haunt them forever? This thrilling tale will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end, as you delve into the world of the unknown and face your darkest fears. About the Author:
Death in the Shadows is a crime drama with a difference. The killer, Caleb, is taunting the police with his ‘art’ as he calls it. He leads them on a chase around Washington as they try to catch him before someone else is harmed – namely Lauren or Natalie. It’s not a procedural crime drama; it’s more about the killer’s mind and what he perceives to be his motive for doing what he does. This makes the book more unique in this respect.
Kids feel emotionally upset without their favorite toy; which is considered as a safety blanket. The character is in search for her lost favorite toy. Children can read and enjoy this adventurous story.
The first chapter set the tone and had an almost odd calm as things happened to Billy there in the mine. Chapter two took things to the present and upped my intrigue as it described Mike's strange visions. By Chapter four, Peplow had upped the creepy factor and definitely let the reader know they would be dealing with a ghostly situation. I was more than ready to proceed from there. The scenes with Jackie and Mike's subconscious were well done and made me feel as if I were there alongside him. Mike's past lives and descriptions were very interesting to traipse through. And then what happened to Danielle after touching him between some of his experiences...it was shocking and had my attention. Even after the regression, strange things continued happening with Mike and it upped the suspense and anxiety as I waited to see what would happen next and how these two worlds would collide. The blend of haunting ghost story and coal miner history was great and very entertaining. When the Darkness started to make a strong appearance in some of the later chapters, it certainly upped the stakes and made things even more intense. I didn't expect things to get this dark, but it was a pleasant surprise that held my attention. All in all, this was a great second book from an author who is terrific at weaving a tale. I am looking forward to more from her in the future.
All I had to do was say bravo to this!!!! Such a major fan of the time period you set the story up for sure! Such a delight to read! Keep it up! What happened to Billy...OMG! Then how it jumped to Mike and his story! The darkness is the enemy and it was something that made me want to read more, and more!
This prologue was intriguing, and I was eager to see how it fit into the larger story. Chapter one had some positively creepy moments and sparked off a mystery that I wanted to know more about. Chapter two had some chilling scenes that made things even creepier and more mysterious. Bit by bit, things were falling into place, and I was constantly shocked and dying to know more and have more become clear. Chapter seven was downright terrifying. Things were becoming clearer and oh so frightening! The way that the mystery continued to unfold layer by layer was terrific. Just when I thought I had a handle on what would come next, something happened to throw a wrench in my thinking. It definitely kept me guessing and wanting to read and learn more. It had such a good building suspense as the last chapters approached. I was on edge and curious, waiting to see what would happen next. I also enjoyed the author's note at the end as I am always interested in the backstory of a book idea. This was a fabulous read!
After almost 30 years incarcerated many suffering alternative and barbaric therapy, Jack died in the Sunderland Asylum. He vowed to return and take revenge on the so called 'care' staff who inflicted this treatment. After hearing news of its demolition, Peggy finally told her family how life was back in the day and about all the people who perished under the care regime. Memories were painful but necessary. Peggy too had her secrets and now was the time to voice them and seek some sort of solace. Although fictional, you can well imagine the sort of treatment that was suffered by many in places such as this, so this is a believable story. It has the makings of a scary supernatural film and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole book. A happy ending finished this chilling and captivating story, easy to read with short punchy chapters, I look forward to reading more. Good job x
Msny years after the death of his sister, Harlan became an investigative journalist and vowed never to give up looking for her killer. After missing several deadlines his job was on the line. Last chance saloon he was tasked to enter a maximum security prison to interview an inmate about his crimes. A compelling short story penned with realism and believability, so much so that in your mind you could easily be watching the documentary. The author has a talent of brining out a plethora of emotions from revulsion at the crimes committed then to sympathy, understanding and sadness at the conclusion. How can you feel that for everything Mason did? Read and I'm sure you will feel the same! Well written, captivating and as the journey that Harlan is taking has only just started, hopefully so much more to come. Great read, thoroughly enjoyed!
I don't know if the physical copy is equally visually ugly as the ebook, but the ebook's layout is very unprofessional. I've never seen such a bizarre layout before.
The illustrations are not of professional quality as well.
The writing is poor and boring.
When it comes to the plot - that's the best part... if you like mash-ups of different fairy tales rather than original stories. I like magical and fantastical picture books and remade fairy tales, but the door made out of bananas doesn't sound convincing, even for a fairy tale.
Overall, I did not enjoy this book and can't possibly recommend it to others. If you know anything about good art and writing and picture book making you'll be disappointed as I am.
I loved this story; it engaged my interest from the start and kept it throughout the entire book. The characters are well developed and the storyline is very well written, with danger, intrigue, and suspense. An excellent read for anyone who enjoys a great thriller.
Death on the River Wear was an interesting story. The plot was well weaved together, and the characters interesting. A little more telling than showing, but once you got used to the way the author wrote, it worked well.
I enjoyed this from page one and couldn’t put it down. This story had me entertained so much that I read it in one go. Local geography, facts and interpersonal relationships all intertwined with a clever plot made this story the one that made me follow the author.
The author has created a world that runs parallel to our own, wherein the dead continue to exist. Billy, once a miner, travels back and forth from his dimension to our own, helping those who have died 'cross over' and it is there he meets Mike who is battling his own demons. There is a link between the two that is interwoven in the story, culminating in a battle with the forces of darkness for Mike's very survival. This is an amazing novel. It is a ghost story that warms the heart with a few heart-stopping moments thrown in and a perfect for a winter's evening.
This is a charming and touching story. We watch the modern day relationship of Danielle and Mike develop against a dark backdrop of Victorian mines and the paranormal. I have family in heavy industry and I just loved the occasional coarse work banter. But I might still sleep with the light on tonight!
I loved this amazing novel! It's a haunting story that starts with a bang and only gets better from there. The characters are incredibly lifelike, and the exquisite prose makes it a book that's difficult to put down. I look forward to reading more work from this author. Highly recommended!
this is a cute small town book. the name of the Salon is absolutely fitting. it is written in away you feel you are sitting in there listening to all the town gossip. Anna and Chell not only takes part but also decides to help solving the town mysteries. I enjoyed the book
This was a pleasant surprise! A nice, easy tale set in small town America, in the town of Woodstock, where an old, hidden photograph sets in motion a mystery. In the local hairdressers, Sheer Gossips (which is what happens there), Anna is caught up in the mystery. What I liked about the book wasn’t the mystery as much as it was the cast of characters who come and visit the hairdressers, which made for an interesting read. There’s a certain gossiping quality about it all that drew me in, to be found in how the various conversations were handled and the interaction between the cast. It was a very enjoyable, if a short read, a very laid back cozy mystery, and very comforting. This is one of several books I have read by the author, and I have enjoyed each.
"Death in the Shadows" is the second installment of Vicky Peplow's paranormal mystery series. It masterfully weaves suspense and intrigue into a compelling narrative. Though I hadn’t read the first book, I was immediately engrossed in the story, skillfully pulled into the intricate investigation led by Natalie.
A standout character is Lauren, who adds depth to the eerie atmosphere with her haunting nightmares and struggles to escape her traumatic past. Peplow excels at painting vivid images of Lauren's psyche, making her journey both relatable and chilling.
What truly sets this book apart is its dual perspective. I was intrigued to get a glimpse into the mind of the serial killer, Calleb, who seeks to fulfill his brother Graeme’s unfinished work from the previous story. This insight creates a chilling juxtaposition to Natalie’s quest for truth.
Overall, "Death in the Shadows" is a well-crafted tale with a smooth storyline and believable characters. If you're looking for a gripping paranormal mystery with elements of horror, this book is a must-read!
When widower Chloe and her son Austin decide to stay at a cabin by the lake for a while, they soon encounter some scary spooky going ons that gradually get more dangerous as Chloe and her son find themselves fighting for their lives. After discovering that the lake was the site of a horrific plane crash 50 years ago they find out that the ghosts from that crash are haunting their cabin and need to move on. However that is easier said than done. If you’re into the early noughties shows, like Ghost Whisperer and Medium then you will love this. This is a genuinely scary read interspersed with some emotional heart warming and heart wrenching scenes. The one I loved was when Chloe spoke to her dead husband. It was a very quick read and as it keeps you thrilled you can easily read in one sitting.
The story covers two timelines: a plane crash in 1972, and the events leading to the present day. We meet Chloe, a widow, who decides to take her young son on vacation. They travel to an isolated cabin set beside a woodland lake. A beautiful spot where she hopes she and her son can relax and recuperate. Almost immediately, Chloe begins to have strange, disturbing dreams about a plane crash that happened decades ago. She learns from the local people that the tragedy happened near to where she and her son where staying. The storytelling was very atmospheric adding to the whole scary, ghostly apparition’s vibe that plagued Chloe. Although scared, Chloe was determined to find out the truth…
I found the dialogue a bit clunky in parts, though the story itself was intriguing enough and held my attention.
Harlan Fairbanks has been failing in his job as an investigative reporter and is given one last chance to redeem himself. He is nervous about the task of interviewing a dangerous inmate of the Red Onion State Prison in Virginia, as is his cameraman, Shane Hart. Mason Hubbard, the convicted killer Harlan is to interview, has lived most of his life behind bars and has killed a fellow inmate whilst in prison. As the reader learns more about the crimes this sinister man has committed, the age-old question of whether his life was shaped by nature or nurture comes to mind. Both of Mason’s parents were addicts; they neglected and abused him, and finally turned their back on him. Is it any wonder he turned to a life of crime? This is a very short book and I felt it could have been developed into a full-length novel. However, I enjoyed reading it and liked how the story came together at the end.
A cute paranormal story that follows the passengers and crew before and after a plane crash in 1972. The author wove the non-fiction events of the plane crash and added paranormal elements to make a nice read in a twisted sort of way. The medium paced storyline flow was fluid and the characters were presented well and believable. I did think the Derrick character would have been more curious about his grandfather's journals earlier to want to read them to learn more about his family. However, the author wrote te story her way and that it turned out fine in the end. A nice short story for all ages to read on a rainy day curled up by the fire.
I don't read many paranormal/ghost stories, but I was drawn in by the cover and the overview. A lot is packed into this relatively short book and that is a credit to this new but accomplished author. Following a tragic place crash in the early 70s, spirits stalk the lakeside - the setting for the crash - unable to settle in the afterlife. Their appearances shock and scare the living, but they have a purpose - unfinished business. But what business would they have with a local writer and a mother and son who just happen to holiday they? A ghostly tale with an eerie twist at the end. A good holiday read for me which kept my interest to the very end.
I have been anticipating this book since reading Death on the River Wear. That was a fabulous debut, but I was eager to read more and witness the continued growth of this uber-creative author and storyteller. I loved the rich, descriptive writing that pulled me right into the story from page one! The first chapter definitely hooked me. The game of Cat and Mouse that was building up was intense and kept me turning page after page. I really liked chapter 17 and its jump back to the past. The race to the conclusion was intense, and I was eager to see who would be bested and what the fallout would be for the unfortunate losers. Fantastic ending!! I can't wait for more.
The prologue did well at piquing my interest and making me want to see where things would go from there. The alternating storylines held my attention, and I was curious to know how they would end up connecting. When I saw how Grayson was going to come to be connected to the murders, I was very intrigued. Chapter 10 really ratcheted up the suspense. I liked the change of perspective. I hadn't seen that coming. Peplow did a good job of constantly increasing the suspense. The ending was great and will definitely have readers yearning for more.