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Tradd Street #2
The Girl On Legare Street
Acclaimed author Karen White returns with the sequel to the national bestseller The House on Tradd Street .
Melanie has grown accustomed to renovating old houses, but she never imagined she'd have to renovate her own life to include her estranged mother. Ginnette Prioleau Middleton left Charleston thirty-five years ago. She's returned wanting to protect the daughter she's never really known after receiving an ominous premonition.
Melanie never wanted to see her mother again, but with some prodding from her partner, Jack Trenholm, she agrees-and begins to rebuild their relationship. Together Melanie and Ginnette buy back their old home. With their combined psychic abilities they expect to unearth some ghosts. But what they find is a vengeful dark spirit whose strength has been growing for decades. It will take unearthing long buried secrets to beat this demon and save what's left of Melanie's family...
Melanie has grown accustomed to renovating old houses, but she never imagined she'd have to renovate her own life to include her estranged mother. Ginnette Prioleau Middleton left Charleston thirty-five years ago. She's returned wanting to protect the daughter she's never really known after receiving an ominous premonition.
Melanie never wanted to see her mother again, but with some prodding from her partner, Jack Trenholm, she agrees-and begins to rebuild their relationship. Together Melanie and Ginnette buy back their old home. With their combined psychic abilities they expect to unearth some ghosts. But what they find is a vengeful dark spirit whose strength has been growing for decades. It will take unearthing long buried secrets to beat this demon and save what's left of Melanie's family...
541 pages, Library Binding
First published November 3, 2009
1122 people are currently reading
8378 people want to read
About the author
Karen White
42 books7,551 followersWith more than 2 million books in print in fifteen different languages, Karen White is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 34 novels, including the popular Charleston-set Tradd Street mystery series.
Raised in a house full of brothers, Karen’s love of books and strong female characters first began in the third grade when the local librarian issued her a library card and placed The Secret of the Old Clock, a Nancy Drew Mystery, in her hands.
Karen’s roots run deep in the South where many of her novels are set. Her intricate plot lines and compelling characters charm and captivate readers with just the right mix of family drama, mystery, intrigue and romance.
Not entirely convinced she wanted to be a writer, Karen first pursued a career in business and graduated cum laude with a BS in Management from Tulane University. Ten years later, in a weak moment, she wrote her first book. In the Shadow of the Moon was published in August, 2000. Her books—referred to as “grit lit” (Southern Women’s Fiction)—have since been nominated for numerous national contests including the SIBA (Southeastern Booksellers Alliance) Fiction Book of the Year.
Karen’s next book, THAT LAST CAROLINA SUMMER, will be published by Park Row Books in July, 2025.
When not writing, Karen spends her time reading, scrapbooking, playing piano, and avoiding cooking. Karen and her husband have two grown children and currently live near Atlanta, Georgia with two spoiled Havanese dogs.
- See more at: http://www.karen-white.com/bio.cfm#st...
Raised in a house full of brothers, Karen’s love of books and strong female characters first began in the third grade when the local librarian issued her a library card and placed The Secret of the Old Clock, a Nancy Drew Mystery, in her hands.
Karen’s roots run deep in the South where many of her novels are set. Her intricate plot lines and compelling characters charm and captivate readers with just the right mix of family drama, mystery, intrigue and romance.
Not entirely convinced she wanted to be a writer, Karen first pursued a career in business and graduated cum laude with a BS in Management from Tulane University. Ten years later, in a weak moment, she wrote her first book. In the Shadow of the Moon was published in August, 2000. Her books—referred to as “grit lit” (Southern Women’s Fiction)—have since been nominated for numerous national contests including the SIBA (Southeastern Booksellers Alliance) Fiction Book of the Year.
Karen’s next book, THAT LAST CAROLINA SUMMER, will be published by Park Row Books in July, 2025.
When not writing, Karen spends her time reading, scrapbooking, playing piano, and avoiding cooking. Karen and her husband have two grown children and currently live near Atlanta, Georgia with two spoiled Havanese dogs.
- See more at: http://www.karen-white.com/bio.cfm#st...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,296 reviews
January 27, 2011
Either I'm a supergenius, or Karen White severely underestimates her readers. The mystery in this book is a pretty poor excuse for a puzzle - I had the main part of it figured out less than 100 pages in. After that, it became tedious as the characters keep questioning this great mystery! it's such a puzzle! what does it mean?! And I am sitting here, rolling my eyes and banging my head against the wall and calling them idiots.
I am also not impressed with Melanie. In the first book, she had her obnoxious moments but they were few and far between. Here, she's on one big whinefest for most of the book. If she's not sniping and whining about her mother then it's about Jack. I really couldn't take the mother conflict after a while - Melanie, darling, you're 40 freaking years old. Grow up and MOVE ON. It only takes her the entire book to figure that out.
Someone else wrote a review that says Melanie acts more like she's in her 20s, and she would be charming if that were true. But then you remember she's 40, and all her moping becomes stupid and inane. And pointless.
Karen White does a good job of writing a spooky (yet clean) story, but I'm not impressed with her mysterious mysteries. However, I have now read 3 of her novels and 2 of those were at least decent, so my estimation of her as a writer has improved somewhat. Hopefully with the third book she will surprise me with harder puzzles and less whining. Please.
I am also not impressed with Melanie. In the first book, she had her obnoxious moments but they were few and far between. Here, she's on one big whinefest for most of the book. If she's not sniping and whining about her mother then it's about Jack. I really couldn't take the mother conflict after a while - Melanie, darling, you're 40 freaking years old. Grow up and MOVE ON. It only takes her the entire book to figure that out.
Someone else wrote a review that says Melanie acts more like she's in her 20s, and she would be charming if that were true. But then you remember she's 40, and all her moping becomes stupid and inane. And pointless.
Karen White does a good job of writing a spooky (yet clean) story, but I'm not impressed with her mysterious mysteries. However, I have now read 3 of her novels and 2 of those were at least decent, so my estimation of her as a writer has improved somewhat. Hopefully with the third book she will surprise me with harder puzzles and less whining. Please.
January 18, 2010
Okay -- as the second in what appears to be a new mystery series this is a very good story. I love the setting (Charleston, SC), the old house element and best of all the ghost story. I am a sucker for a good ghost story and Karen White has this wonderful (and, I think very difficult) ability to build a really, really spooky environment.
But ... while I really liked the characters in the first of the series, the whole relationship between real estate agent extraordinaire and reluctant "medium" Melanie Middleton and her author/friend/whatever Jack Trenholm became very, very annoying in this installment. If Melanie's character was in her 20s I could understand the "I love him/I hate him - wah, wah, wah my childhood sucked" behavior but she's 39 and quite honestly should be a little bit more evolved than she is. And, Jack's character is only marginally better but is at least in the realm of possibility for a late thirties/early forties man. I found the whole "I love him/I hate him" thing to be sooo annoying I almost didn't finish the book. HOWEVER, the mystery and the ghost story compelled and propelled me forward to what was a heartily enjoyable story.
Of course, I understand the tendency to want to create "tension" between love interests but I think this one went a little tooo far in that area. After all, Dashiell Hammett proved that the witty repartee of a committed couple could be just as engaging as a tentative courtship.
This has been a longer review than I intended. This is definitely a great new series and I am already anticipating the next installment.
But ... while I really liked the characters in the first of the series, the whole relationship between real estate agent extraordinaire and reluctant "medium" Melanie Middleton and her author/friend/whatever Jack Trenholm became very, very annoying in this installment. If Melanie's character was in her 20s I could understand the "I love him/I hate him - wah, wah, wah my childhood sucked" behavior but she's 39 and quite honestly should be a little bit more evolved than she is. And, Jack's character is only marginally better but is at least in the realm of possibility for a late thirties/early forties man. I found the whole "I love him/I hate him" thing to be sooo annoying I almost didn't finish the book. HOWEVER, the mystery and the ghost story compelled and propelled me forward to what was a heartily enjoyable story.
Of course, I understand the tendency to want to create "tension" between love interests but I think this one went a little tooo far in that area. After all, Dashiell Hammett proved that the witty repartee of a committed couple could be just as engaging as a tentative courtship.
This has been a longer review than I intended. This is definitely a great new series and I am already anticipating the next installment.
July 17, 2019
I'm really enjoying this series! Looking forward to the next one
September 24, 2011
I'm not okay with this book.
It's the sequel to The House on Tradd Street. Melanie Middleton and Jack Treholm need to solve another ghost-related mystery. Plus this time Melanie's mother has come back from a 30+ year absence to help them as well.
This is a good story. I like the ghost story aspect(that isn't too scary). I especially like that Melanie's ability is a given-a lot of books spend time focusing on the main character not knowing she had this ability, realizing, coming to terms with it, etc. This book just had you accept it as something she's always known-and then off to the story!
But man oh man did I hate the writing the story was packaged in. I feel like the author finds a phrase that she finds to be particularly clever and then uses it...over and over and over again.
"Elegant shrug" really, what makes an elegant shrug and why do you need to say it 5 million times?
"Raised their eyebrows" The mom raises her eyebrows, Jack raises his eyebrows, Melanie raises her eyebrows and it reminds her of her mom, Rebecca might have raised her eyebrows and heck if you could see the ghosts eyebrows they probably raised them too.
"my mom ruined my life yada yada yada" This was not a repeated phrase but a repeated theme. It bugged me in the last book and it bugged me now. I get that she was hurt by her mother, I really, really do. Yet if I have to read it one more time I might just burn the book and pay the library fine.
I know there were other examples, but I remember those.
So yeah, not really a fan. Plus I hated the relationship (non-relationship). It honestly could not have been more toxic if he was a vampire and she was into cutting
It's the sequel to The House on Tradd Street. Melanie Middleton and Jack Treholm need to solve another ghost-related mystery. Plus this time Melanie's mother has come back from a 30+ year absence to help them as well.
This is a good story. I like the ghost story aspect(that isn't too scary). I especially like that Melanie's ability is a given-a lot of books spend time focusing on the main character not knowing she had this ability, realizing, coming to terms with it, etc. This book just had you accept it as something she's always known-and then off to the story!
But man oh man did I hate the writing the story was packaged in. I feel like the author finds a phrase that she finds to be particularly clever and then uses it...over and over and over again.
"Elegant shrug" really, what makes an elegant shrug and why do you need to say it 5 million times?
"Raised their eyebrows" The mom raises her eyebrows, Jack raises his eyebrows, Melanie raises her eyebrows and it reminds her of her mom, Rebecca might have raised her eyebrows and heck if you could see the ghosts eyebrows they probably raised them too.
"my mom ruined my life yada yada yada" This was not a repeated phrase but a repeated theme. It bugged me in the last book and it bugged me now. I get that she was hurt by her mother, I really, really do. Yet if I have to read it one more time I might just burn the book and pay the library fine.
I know there were other examples, but I remember those.
So yeah, not really a fan. Plus I hated the relationship (non-relationship). It honestly could not have been more toxic if he was a vampire and she was into cutting
February 7, 2017
These are the easiest five stars I have given. I can never stop a "Tradd Street" story; weaving the very best elements that I seek every time I consult any novel! These magnetic plots are propelled purely by mysteriousness, whether or not Melanie uncovers misdeeds at some end. They are about secrets: exhilarating riddles inside architectural clues, testing Charleston history and family lore, and communing with spirits! One is dangerous, whom Melanie and her Mother avoided all their lives. The recovery of their heritage home precipitates an urgency to learn who the vicious spectre is.
Nothing invests emotions like a high-speed novel in which the heroine unravels answers about herself. I am aware I constantly hope a mystery will be about something curious and will have a meaningful spirit encounter. It is exciting that Melanie and Ginnette, her retired opera Mother, are born from women who can see and speak with them. One cost ladies of the recent four generations a lot but they built lives of beautiful memories and love. This contact with the ethereal realm, ciphers to solve, and hidden places to look enthral me and Karen did not squander this wonder on an eighteen year-old. She gives us a realistic forty year-old heroine!
Even her writing suits me: brisk conversations; never lurching out of the fiction with an extraneous "she said", "he said". Most importantly, we follow how Melanie feels. Growth abounds in this series. Her Father looks like he will believe Melanie and Ginnette were never speaking to thin air! There is a scary action scene that raises these novels far past the calibre I hoped. It is a thrill to accompany Melanie's small circle, who combine their gifts for puzzles and investigating. It leaves a unifying feeling. These spectacular books are the reason I read.
Nothing invests emotions like a high-speed novel in which the heroine unravels answers about herself. I am aware I constantly hope a mystery will be about something curious and will have a meaningful spirit encounter. It is exciting that Melanie and Ginnette, her retired opera Mother, are born from women who can see and speak with them. One cost ladies of the recent four generations a lot but they built lives of beautiful memories and love. This contact with the ethereal realm, ciphers to solve, and hidden places to look enthral me and Karen did not squander this wonder on an eighteen year-old. She gives us a realistic forty year-old heroine!
Even her writing suits me: brisk conversations; never lurching out of the fiction with an extraneous "she said", "he said". Most importantly, we follow how Melanie feels. Growth abounds in this series. Her Father looks like he will believe Melanie and Ginnette were never speaking to thin air! There is a scary action scene that raises these novels far past the calibre I hoped. It is a thrill to accompany Melanie's small circle, who combine their gifts for puzzles and investigating. It leaves a unifying feeling. These spectacular books are the reason I read.
June 9, 2016
The Girl on Legare Street by Karen White is a 2009 NAL publication.
Karen White’s name has been popping up in various Goodreads threads recently, so I decided to check out a few of her books.
Going by what was available in my Overdrive library, I started with the Tradd Street series. This book is the second installment in a four part series.
Melanie’s life should have returned to her nice orderly routine after she accepted her inheritance of a fabled old home on Tradd Street. She, along with Jack Trenholm, a writer, solve an old mystery and help a restless spirt move on.
But, Melanie’s life may never return to its former peace and order because her estranged mother has returned with a determination to buy back her childhood home and become a mother to Melanie after a thirty-three year absence. She insists Melanie is in danger and commissions Jack to help her, which throws Melanie into another tailspin as ghosts, both good and bad, once more disrupt her routine, and keeps her off balance, and humming ABBA tunes louder than ever, as she tries to solve another historical cold case mystery.
Now that I know the characters a little better, I was able to settle in and go with the flow, enjoying the hilarious curves thrown at Melanie at times. The mystery here is a bit transparent, but is almost secondary to the main storyline, which centers around the question of why Melanie’s mother left her all those years ago. The relationship is fragile and fraught with misconceptions, but I did like seeing them make a little overdue progress. The part of the story I found most frustrating was Melanie’s pushing Jack away and how it really backfires on her.
However, there are two more installments in the series and so maybe the cause is not lost just yet. There was a super surprising little twist at the end of the story that has me very curious about what will take place in book three. But, the book I need is on hold, so I will have to cool my heels for a while before I can find out what happens next. GRRR!
This paranormal mystery/romance is just as entertaining as the first book, with the humor shining through a little more, but with more romantic angst. The mystery is not as compelling as in the first book, but it served its purpose by reuniting Melanie with her mother. So, overall, this is an enjoyable installment in the four-part series, and promises to continue with more ghostly appearances and mysteries to solve in the future.
4 stars
Karen White’s name has been popping up in various Goodreads threads recently, so I decided to check out a few of her books.
Going by what was available in my Overdrive library, I started with the Tradd Street series. This book is the second installment in a four part series.
Melanie’s life should have returned to her nice orderly routine after she accepted her inheritance of a fabled old home on Tradd Street. She, along with Jack Trenholm, a writer, solve an old mystery and help a restless spirt move on.
But, Melanie’s life may never return to its former peace and order because her estranged mother has returned with a determination to buy back her childhood home and become a mother to Melanie after a thirty-three year absence. She insists Melanie is in danger and commissions Jack to help her, which throws Melanie into another tailspin as ghosts, both good and bad, once more disrupt her routine, and keeps her off balance, and humming ABBA tunes louder than ever, as she tries to solve another historical cold case mystery.
Now that I know the characters a little better, I was able to settle in and go with the flow, enjoying the hilarious curves thrown at Melanie at times. The mystery here is a bit transparent, but is almost secondary to the main storyline, which centers around the question of why Melanie’s mother left her all those years ago. The relationship is fragile and fraught with misconceptions, but I did like seeing them make a little overdue progress. The part of the story I found most frustrating was Melanie’s pushing Jack away and how it really backfires on her.
However, there are two more installments in the series and so maybe the cause is not lost just yet. There was a super surprising little twist at the end of the story that has me very curious about what will take place in book three. But, the book I need is on hold, so I will have to cool my heels for a while before I can find out what happens next. GRRR!
This paranormal mystery/romance is just as entertaining as the first book, with the humor shining through a little more, but with more romantic angst. The mystery is not as compelling as in the first book, but it served its purpose by reuniting Melanie with her mother. So, overall, this is an enjoyable installment in the four-part series, and promises to continue with more ghostly appearances and mysteries to solve in the future.
4 stars
November 26, 2019
..
The Girl On Legare Street is Book 2 of 6 in the 'Tradd Street' series written by Karen White and narrated by Aimee Brunea. Thanks to my local library, I was able to borrow the audible version of this series on my Kindle. I really enjoyed this narrator's performance of this book.
The story focuses on the paranormal influences connected to the heroine's family and her late grandmother's ancestral home in the Charleston historical area. When historical estate realtor, Melanie Middleton - heroine, a native Charlestonian is forced to reunite with the mother she has had no contact with for 33 years to negotiate the purchase to reclaim her grandmother's ancestral home, no one in the story could imagine what the outcome will be.
When a boat formerly owned by Melanie's distant grandfather is located at the depths of water near Charleston, a mystery unravels and attracts reporters to crawl out of the woodwork. Many secrets are ready to surface, but can they be explained?
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Melanie has grown accustomed to renovating old houses, but she never imagined she'd have to renovate her own life to include her estranged mother. Ginnette Prioleau Middleton left Charleston thirty-five years ago. She's returned wanting to protect the daughter she's never really known after receiving an ominous premonition.
Melanie never wanted to see her mother again, but with some prodding from her partner, Jack Trenholm, she agrees-and begins to rebuild their relationship. Together Melanie and Ginnette buy back their old home. With their combined psychic abilities they expect to unearth some ghosts. But what they find is a vengeful dark spirit whose strength has been growing for decades. It will take unearthing long-buried secrets to beat this demon and save what's left of Melanie's family...
It may take a while to acclimate to this writer's style, but it doesn't take long to settle in and enjoy the ride.
Jack Trenholm, Melanie's sexy and good-looking partner in the restoration of another house agrees to assist her with this new house and all the mystery that surrounds it as well. After all, they made a good team battling the spirits in the previous installation.
The story is able to capture the attention of the serious cozy mystery reader and engross their attention to the very end. Although the storyline keeps the reader's attention, I often became agitated at the heroine due to her lack of using her spine. Everyone around her manipulates her into doing things she really does not want to do. And she seems to trust everyone she talks, with the exception of malevolent spirits of course.
Melanie has forgiven her father, mother, and even Mark Longo for past transgressions. Yet she can't seem to afford the same generosity for Jack who has given her his time, attention, and adoration for over a year now. Him she chooses to push away. On the other hand, she shares pertinent information with someone that she does not trust. The heroine should demonstrate some good common sense at some point. It is absolutely ridiculous! This is not what I look for in my literary entertainment adventures. So, although I like the basic bones of the series, I feel like the heroine should be more true to her convictions and less gullible to those she finds untrustworthy. I am so disheartened because I really liked the setting and most of the characters, even Melanie until she repeatedly shows such poor judgment.
Maybe that is a selling point to some readers, but not to this one. If you can't root for the hero and heroine, why bother reading the book?
This is a cozy mystery, that is clean and wholesome, with the exception of descriptive bodily features, smiles, and a kiss or near kiss as it may be. It is able to be read on its own and there is definitely a H.E.A. to look forward to.
Karen White is a gifted storyteller. This series may interest those that enjoy cozy mysteries, paranormal activity, and a splash of chemistry between the H/H.
..
The Girl On Legare Street is Book 2 of 6 in the 'Tradd Street' series written by Karen White and narrated by Aimee Brunea. Thanks to my local library, I was able to borrow the audible version of this series on my Kindle. I really enjoyed this narrator's performance of this book.
The story focuses on the paranormal influences connected to the heroine's family and her late grandmother's ancestral home in the Charleston historical area. When historical estate realtor, Melanie Middleton - heroine, a native Charlestonian is forced to reunite with the mother she has had no contact with for 33 years to negotiate the purchase to reclaim her grandmother's ancestral home, no one in the story could imagine what the outcome will be.
When a boat formerly owned by Melanie's distant grandfather is located at the depths of water near Charleston, a mystery unravels and attracts reporters to crawl out of the woodwork. Many secrets are ready to surface, but can they be explained?
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Melanie has grown accustomed to renovating old houses, but she never imagined she'd have to renovate her own life to include her estranged mother. Ginnette Prioleau Middleton left Charleston thirty-five years ago. She's returned wanting to protect the daughter she's never really known after receiving an ominous premonition.
Melanie never wanted to see her mother again, but with some prodding from her partner, Jack Trenholm, she agrees-and begins to rebuild their relationship. Together Melanie and Ginnette buy back their old home. With their combined psychic abilities they expect to unearth some ghosts. But what they find is a vengeful dark spirit whose strength has been growing for decades. It will take unearthing long-buried secrets to beat this demon and save what's left of Melanie's family...
It may take a while to acclimate to this writer's style, but it doesn't take long to settle in and enjoy the ride.
Jack Trenholm, Melanie's sexy and good-looking partner in the restoration of another house agrees to assist her with this new house and all the mystery that surrounds it as well. After all, they made a good team battling the spirits in the previous installation.
The story is able to capture the attention of the serious cozy mystery reader and engross their attention to the very end. Although the storyline keeps the reader's attention, I often became agitated at the heroine due to her lack of using her spine. Everyone around her manipulates her into doing things she really does not want to do. And she seems to trust everyone she talks, with the exception of malevolent spirits of course.
Melanie has forgiven her father, mother, and even Mark Longo for past transgressions. Yet she can't seem to afford the same generosity for Jack who has given her his time, attention, and adoration for over a year now. Him she chooses to push away. On the other hand, she shares pertinent information with someone that she does not trust. The heroine should demonstrate some good common sense at some point. It is absolutely ridiculous! This is not what I look for in my literary entertainment adventures. So, although I like the basic bones of the series, I feel like the heroine should be more true to her convictions and less gullible to those she finds untrustworthy. I am so disheartened because I really liked the setting and most of the characters, even Melanie until she repeatedly shows such poor judgment.
Maybe that is a selling point to some readers, but not to this one. If you can't root for the hero and heroine, why bother reading the book?
This is a cozy mystery, that is clean and wholesome, with the exception of descriptive bodily features, smiles, and a kiss or near kiss as it may be. It is able to be read on its own and there is definitely a H.E.A. to look forward to.
Karen White is a gifted storyteller. This series may interest those that enjoy cozy mysteries, paranormal activity, and a splash of chemistry between the H/H.
..
October 26, 2016
Overall I was ready to rate this book as about the same as House on Tradd Street, as a nice summer read. There were a few obvious inconsistencies that should have been caught in the editing process that annoyed me and I thought she did a better job of manifesting the 'evil spirit' in Tradd Street, but I was pretty compelled to find out what was motivating Rebecca Edgerton and to find out whose remains were in the trunk, so the book sped right along.
Right until the end. I have never been more deflated by an ending than I was by this one. It was like the author had gotten distracted by an idea for what she could use for the next book and forgot to focus on ending this book well. Honestly - Jack's daughter? We still were given no closure or even a little resolution to the string of kisses that had occurred finally, or Jack's sleeping with Rebecca, and now there is a daughter? I literally threw the book to the end of the couch after I finished it, a bit disgusted.
Right until the end. I have never been more deflated by an ending than I was by this one. It was like the author had gotten distracted by an idea for what she could use for the next book and forgot to focus on ending this book well. Honestly - Jack's daughter? We still were given no closure or even a little resolution to the string of kisses that had occurred finally, or Jack's sleeping with Rebecca, and now there is a daughter? I literally threw the book to the end of the couch after I finished it, a bit disgusted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2016
This is the second book in the Tradd Street series by Karen White. I liked the first one better. This one was still a light easy read, but maybe a little too much so, for my liking.
I still enjoyed the writing of Karen White. She created a wonderful setting in the south, complete with ghosts, family history, and a certain quaintness that I've come to expect from her. I also like the MC, Melanie (for the most part). But she did a fair amount of whining in this. And for being a 40 year old woman, she spent the majority of her time in this book, being acted upon and not actually making any strides of her own choosing. There was just so much of this that it had me questioning my "like level". Her romance with Jack is also grating on me. It feels like background noise.
I still enjoyed the writing of Karen White. She created a wonderful setting in the south, complete with ghosts, family history, and a certain quaintness that I've come to expect from her. I also like the MC, Melanie (for the most part). But she did a fair amount of whining in this. And for being a 40 year old woman, she spent the majority of her time in this book, being acted upon and not actually making any strides of her own choosing. There was just so much of this that it had me questioning my "like level". Her romance with Jack is also grating on me. It feels like background noise.
August 3, 2022
Thoroughly enjoying this series! A detailed sense of time and place enhanced by engaging characters are skillfully used to solve an old family mystery in each novel!! I am truly tapped into each book!
My daughter moved to Charleston 18 months ago, so I’m loving the historical details & cannot wait to explore the locations featured.
Recommend this series to fans of Charleston, strong female protagonists, and HF mysteries!
My daughter moved to Charleston 18 months ago, so I’m loving the historical details & cannot wait to explore the locations featured.
Recommend this series to fans of Charleston, strong female protagonists, and HF mysteries!
September 1, 2020
Melanie has grown accustomed to renovating old houses, but she never imagined she'd have to renovate her own life to include her estranged mother. Ginnette Prioleau Middleton left Charleston thirty-five years ago. She's returned wanting to protect the daughter she's never really known after receiving an ominous premonition.
Melanie never wanted to see her mother again, but with some prodding from her partner, Jack Trenholm, she agrees-and begins to rebuild their relationship. Together Melanie and Ginnette buy back their old home. With their combined psychic abilities they expect to unearth some ghosts. But what they find is a vengeful dark spirit whose strength has been growing for decades. It will take unearthing long buried secrets to beat this demon and save what's left of Melanie's family...
2.5 stars.
I really wanted to like this series, badly, but unfortunately I just can't stand the main character Melanie. She is supposed to be 40, but she acts like she's in her 20s sometimes and in her 60s other times. Plus she is way too uptight, and sometimes downright mean to Jack. She improves a bit, but it was just too little too late for me. Honestly, just about every one of the characters in this book annoyed me in some way.
I still like the ghost aspect of the book, and it was a little bit creepier than the first book, although still not creepy enough for me. I also thought the mystery was better in this one, but it's too overshadowed by the annoying characters. I hate to say it, but this series is going on the abandoned pile.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
Melanie never wanted to see her mother again, but with some prodding from her partner, Jack Trenholm, she agrees-and begins to rebuild their relationship. Together Melanie and Ginnette buy back their old home. With their combined psychic abilities they expect to unearth some ghosts. But what they find is a vengeful dark spirit whose strength has been growing for decades. It will take unearthing long buried secrets to beat this demon and save what's left of Melanie's family...
2.5 stars.
I really wanted to like this series, badly, but unfortunately I just can't stand the main character Melanie. She is supposed to be 40, but she acts like she's in her 20s sometimes and in her 60s other times. Plus she is way too uptight, and sometimes downright mean to Jack. She improves a bit, but it was just too little too late for me. Honestly, just about every one of the characters in this book annoyed me in some way.
I still like the ghost aspect of the book, and it was a little bit creepier than the first book, although still not creepy enough for me. I also thought the mystery was better in this one, but it's too overshadowed by the annoying characters. I hate to say it, but this series is going on the abandoned pile.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
February 28, 2025
Ok, the first book in this series captivated and spooked me and had me turning the pages quickly to see what happens next. I was so curious to see what happens, that I bought the next book.
Ok, the main character is a whiney, stick up her ass anal-over organized 38 yr. old (spreadsheets, organizing her closet every morning by different standards, color, alphabet etc). For someone who can handle mean and kind ghosts, her naive ways of being a woman annoy me. I'm yelling at her in the pages for being such a dolt. I'm not much older than her, but my goodness, can she be more lame.
The authors constant repeating of the "not wanting to wear her glasses or else she looks old" lines are wayyyyyy to repetitive. Also, how naive is she when it comes to men. Can we not drag out the romance over 3 or 4 books. I am reading the third book right now (I got a free copy from the library so as to not give this author more money). I want to know what is happening, but I am still yelling at the pages of the book due to her naive, ridiculous immature ways. LOL.
Ok, the main character is a whiney, stick up her ass anal-over organized 38 yr. old (spreadsheets, organizing her closet every morning by different standards, color, alphabet etc). For someone who can handle mean and kind ghosts, her naive ways of being a woman annoy me. I'm yelling at her in the pages for being such a dolt. I'm not much older than her, but my goodness, can she be more lame.
The authors constant repeating of the "not wanting to wear her glasses or else she looks old" lines are wayyyyyy to repetitive. Also, how naive is she when it comes to men. Can we not drag out the romance over 3 or 4 books. I am reading the third book right now (I got a free copy from the library so as to not give this author more money). I want to know what is happening, but I am still yelling at the pages of the book due to her naive, ridiculous immature ways. LOL.
August 29, 2019
*4.5 stars ✨
February 7, 2017
This was an excellent follow up to "The House on Tradd Street", book one in the Tradd Street series from Karen White. Once again, White has excelled in character development. Main character Melanie reunites with the mother who abandoned her over thirty years earlier. Her mother's reappearance and purchase of their family home on Legare Street opens old wounds, with the promise of healing mysteries of the past can be solved and old ghosts put to rest.
I love that Melanie has her own self-protecting quirks and idiosyncrasies. In the first book of the series, readers gain an understanding of her Type A organization as a necessary wall against the hurt she feels from her mother's abandonment years earlier. "Legare Street" unravels why her mother left so many years ago. The pain both women have suffered is evident, and as they work together to uncover the identity of a possible relation recently found in a wrecked ship which sank over a hundred years ago.
Is her murder related to Melanie's mother's flight years ago? Why does Jack's old girlfriend have such an interest in Melanie's past, and is she really writing a story about the Prioloues heritage or is there a sinister motive ?
Readers who enjoy well-written mysteries, a touch of history, and the challenge of puzzles should dive into this series head first. I myself am keeping this review short so I can dive into book three, "The Neighbors on Montagu Street". Happy reading!
I love that Melanie has her own self-protecting quirks and idiosyncrasies. In the first book of the series, readers gain an understanding of her Type A organization as a necessary wall against the hurt she feels from her mother's abandonment years earlier. "Legare Street" unravels why her mother left so many years ago. The pain both women have suffered is evident, and as they work together to uncover the identity of a possible relation recently found in a wrecked ship which sank over a hundred years ago.
Is her murder related to Melanie's mother's flight years ago? Why does Jack's old girlfriend have such an interest in Melanie's past, and is she really writing a story about the Prioloues heritage or is there a sinister motive ?
Readers who enjoy well-written mysteries, a touch of history, and the challenge of puzzles should dive into this series head first. I myself am keeping this review short so I can dive into book three, "The Neighbors on Montagu Street". Happy reading!
December 9, 2016
A beautifully crafted historical southern mystery which picks up with our characters from the first book in the series. These books remind me of the original Nancy Drew series-- but for adults-- with houses that hold secrets, puzzles and clues. There is an element of paranormal yet I love how it weaves into the historical aspects of the mystery, and the city, and is for me, believable paranormal.
I admit I have trouble with Melanie-- the protagonist-- at times but she became more endearing by the latter half of the book. I also like that Karen White proves a mystery can be a great read without using excess profanity. I'll be continuing this series!
I admit I have trouble with Melanie-- the protagonist-- at times but she became more endearing by the latter half of the book. I also like that Karen White proves a mystery can be a great read without using excess profanity. I'll be continuing this series!
January 11, 2022
Loved book 2 in the Tradd Street series. There are all of the elements I love: old Charleston, old houses, family secrets, old journals/letters, a bit of romance, and some spook factor, but not enough to haunt my dreams.
March 29, 2018
This did not make me happy. The mystery was fairly easy to solve while the main characters ran around clueless. Melanie was absolutely terrible. Whining and mopping and whining and being just plain stupid about her love life. I swear if that women doesn’t get some glasses and actually wear them I may go berserk. I didn’t feel like she acted her age and that was the thing that made me hate this book. Bleh. I really wish I hadn’t read it. Definitely not continuing the series.
September 28, 2019
Well this second novel in the series was just as delightful as the first book! I don’t know what it is about Melanie and her dysfunctional family, sweet southern mannerisms, out of luck romances, and paranormal antics but I love it all!
There’s just enough ghost encounters to keep me in suspense without giving me all the night terrors!
There’s just enough ghost encounters to keep me in suspense without giving me all the night terrors!
June 18, 2010
Liked this better than the first one!!!
April 23, 2021
I love this series and it was really fun to go back and read one that I missed. A mystery that kept me guessing.
January 1, 2019
4.5 Stars
February 4, 2022
I liked this one better than the first. There was still a lot of unnecessary description of fixing up the house however the mystery was a lot more fun. I love looking at family trees so that was interesting. It also cleared up the mystery of why Melanie's mother had left. The back and forth with Jack is getting obnoxious as we all know they will end up together. I will read the 3rd in the series.
July 12, 2019
I read a lot of bad reviews before starting this book. The first one was so good so I figured I'd try this one despite the reviews...while I'll agree the issues and characteristics of Melanie and Jack don't match their ages..and some romance is a bit much (Melanie hating jack on and off, and them hooking up with other people) it was still a great read. I guess the mystery (not difficult but still creative) kept me interested and I looked over the repetitive anger towards jack, or the mother issues that we are reminded of on almost every page. I enjoyed the book and I am excited to start the third one. I guess this series is one that you have to be interested enough the the historical mystery and not be too concerned with the relationships of the characters as well as don't expect any huge plot twists. It's a simple mystery, for me a light easy read that I enjoy not even trying to guess before I'm at the end..I just let it fall into place without overusing my brain to be first to figure it out.
January 2, 2018
Well. I loved book #1 and was excited to read the second in the Tradd Street series. It was filled with the usual lovely old homes in Charleston, our sassy Melanie and her family dramas, her on again, off again relationship with Jack, her friends Sophie, Chad and don't forget about little General Lee, oh, and her ability to see ghosts...So what went wrong here? I hated Rebecca. And couldn't for the life of me understand why Mellie and her mother continued to fill her in, kept her in the loop, even talked to her at all. They are psychic, for God's sake...and while they said they didn't trust her they kept on filling her in on their"secret" family mystery...Ugh. So at the ending it all made sense, but I still didn't like her. So she kind of ruined it for me. I will read #3. Hopeful that Rebecca isn't in it LOL.
July 21, 2016
The second Charleston ghost story featuring Melanie, Jack, Sophie and all the crew. I enjoyed this one, maybe even more than the first. Melanie's relationship with her Mom grows as she helps to restore their ancestral home and solve a mystery that needs their psychic powers.
If you liked the first one, definitely read this. If you were only ok with it, I'd still give this one a try. I've been drawn into their world, and really enjoy reading about them but it did take a bit in the first book for that to happen.
If you liked the first one, definitely read this. If you were only ok with it, I'd still give this one a try. I've been drawn into their world, and really enjoy reading about them but it did take a bit in the first book for that to happen.
January 11, 2015
I enjoyed the 2nd book in this series, I like the main character, Melanie, I am also enjoying Jack. I like that there is some mystery, some ghostly figures, some family secrets. I also like that it's not a difficult read, it a good leisurely read....I enjoy Karen Whites writing style...onto the 3rd book in the series....
March 9, 2018
I'm still really enjoying the chemistry between Jack and Melanie, the mysteries in Charleston and most of the recurring characters.... but I wish that Melanie would chill about turning 40.
It's not a constant reference to her getting older- but it is there. So what? Use your damn glasses. Enjoy life.
It's not a constant reference to her getting older- but it is there. So what? Use your damn glasses. Enjoy life.
July 25, 2020
Good read
I'm enjoying the Trade Street series. The characters are rich, the scenery and history are great too. If you enjoy a good mystery, romance and a ghost or three you'll love every page.
I'm enjoying the Trade Street series. The characters are rich, the scenery and history are great too. If you enjoy a good mystery, romance and a ghost or three you'll love every page.
February 17, 2021
If it was possible, I would reach into the pages of this book and force the main character to wear her glasses myself just so there would be one less thing for her to complain about.
January 21, 2021
Okay, I think I am falling in love with Karen White's writing and all these characters!! This is the 2nd of 6 books, and I LOVED it more than the first! If you like a good mystery, puzzles, and GHOSTS (and a teeny tiny bit of romance thrown in) you will love this book! Plus it made me cry at the end.
Yes, and I am not afraid to admit it.......
Welcome back to Tradd Street in The Girl On Legare Street.....the 2nd in the series. I do not want to say too much on this one because it could get really easy and accidentally spoil it for the reader. And you MUST read the first to understand what is going on here, as it picks up right after the first book. So, this is a ghost, yes, I said GHOST story that deals with love, loss, forgiveness and redemption......and it works perfectly!! Yes, Karen White knows this area and this small town (that really exists by the way) and she takes you there literally! Just pick up the first, then jump right back in with all the ghosts, and get ready to find out who the 'The Girl On Legare Street' is! And guys, yes you men that follow me......this is really a good read. We can all relate to something or someone in this one......
👻👻👻👻 1/2
Yes, and I am not afraid to admit it.......
Welcome back to Tradd Street in The Girl On Legare Street.....the 2nd in the series. I do not want to say too much on this one because it could get really easy and accidentally spoil it for the reader. And you MUST read the first to understand what is going on here, as it picks up right after the first book. So, this is a ghost, yes, I said GHOST story that deals with love, loss, forgiveness and redemption......and it works perfectly!! Yes, Karen White knows this area and this small town (that really exists by the way) and she takes you there literally! Just pick up the first, then jump right back in with all the ghosts, and get ready to find out who the 'The Girl On Legare Street' is! And guys, yes you men that follow me......this is really a good read. We can all relate to something or someone in this one......
👻👻👻👻 1/2
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