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This enumeration is off because this is not my book copy. As I usually do further ahead in a TV, film, book series: I am enjoying where we are a whole lot more. The first half was so muddled with detail and characters we knew nothing about, we weren't hooked for at least 100 pages. Then it was grossly violent, the environs dirty, depressing. At last: we are well into this tale's mission, genuinely interested.

I am continuing this bizarre and immense saga from two years ago. I have borrowed it from a friend, who is unworried about reading it himself. However I would like to return it to h im and in equal measure, come to the end of this duology for myself. Because of its violence and Clive Barker's fixation on sexual organs there are uncomfortable, awful scenes I would not normally read. He is highly inventive however!

I recognized a few striking aspects of the introduction and saw I had read this novel. However the contents are forgotten because after growing up with gothic mysteries, all standalone books; I didn't know Gail's novel comprised the third in a series when I encountered it. The details weren't retained because there was no foundation or context for them. Now, I know the adopted daughter, Taylor and Mieka's career.

A very unpleasant subject and crimes. However this is why these are standard mysteries and not at all the "cozy" variety. Gail's writing and plotting is also very good; neither simple nor fluffy. Many people think anything in a series is called a "cozy", or something with an amateur person investigating. Not so at all. It is lightness and hardness of subject matter and height of writing skill and plotting.

I really have scads of gardening to do and we are dedicated to helping Canada's bees rejunvinate, with the plethora of flowers we always plant. This time they are firmly in mind as we do. :) However I manage to read a little and this mystery is getting underway. I love the idea of a young 1977 female suddenly striking out on her own as a detective. I wish this were Canada but England's 1970s should still be fun.

I read less because we were busy perking up our flowerbeds, gardens, and property and indoors too, in preparation for company. We had a wonderful Mother's day visit with my Mom and Dad yesterday, on the Saturday so that she will be home today to receive long-distance phone calls from my brothers. To all of my friends who are Mothers to humans, or to animals, like me: HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! With Love, Carolyn.

The time ofyear has arrived when I have work outside our home and in. Especially with clean-up to do for a Mother's Day visit from my parents, reading is relegated to nighttime. I read as long as I could before falling asleep over a page. I think because so many big authors wrote historical fiction, or it felt like it because they lived in the 1920s; I expected the same. I am thrilled if this is merely in 1977!

I am finally starting this grand lady's work, after collecting pieces for years. I noticed I had most of it and went about finding the remaining volumes. It is a shame she died as I was beginning to open her stories so belatedly. However they are all here for me and I am not surprised to find that I love them, no matter what their era was. Her writing is bold, witty, intelligent, and also very artfully beautiful!

I did not expect hidden tunnels! Even better. What an exciting novel through and through.

I keep going with this novel until I can no longer read and must fall asleep. It is excellent. I don't care about fictional romance but something about this authoress has me not minding any focus on that aspect. Readers care about Amanda's characters and story in every way.

Even though I don't feel this is the way spirits work, at least not to sweepingly generalize them all; I love Amada's book! I love her characters, her writing, and the creepy feel she gives to everything is fun! Films should be made of her stories. We want the unknown, the mystical, and the mysteries answered but all of the cryptic, sinister elements she introduces make wonderful reading!

I'll tell you what: I don't regard spirits as greedy energy-drainers whom we should avoid, however I am liking Amanda Stevens' novel immediately. There is something about it in the first few pages that has my sympathy and attention already. I am happy to immerse myself in the rules of her fictional portrayal. Novels after all aren't about sticking to reality. Let's thank any paranormal author writing for adults!

Too many varied characters introduced and getting their own scene, to captivate interest for a while. Even though this is depicted in familiar areas of my home city. However I won't deny a very unique and interesting background story. I hate illogical character behaviour though. Sad memories or not, anyone would be elated over a deceased parent's work, photographs, friends! Would safeguard those boxes of papers!

Man, it really pisses me off to see a Canadian using the words "college" and "dinner", instead of UNIVERSITY and SUPPER!!!! Come on, after having to put up with these words in American book after book; we deserve a break to see the rightfully used words!!!!

**** A warning that the "cozy mystery" genre is not a high favourite. Please do not recommend these kinds of novels to me! I stick to favourite authors of this mass-produced type: those who are much better writers and plotters than most! Many thanks! ***

One very stupid excuse for not enlisting police (even though it turns out one was undercover the entire time) was Charity's exclaim: "How could I dxplain something so bizarre to police? There's no time to make them believe this". Really? A recent crime overwhelming international newspapers? Was there no such thing as a tip in 1955? "I am pursued by Tony's alleged murderer. Please stop him from harrassing me".

There is a lot wrong with this book. I wanted to leave one star for supidity. This harrassed character was near a phone a million times, nor needn't have left the village where she was reinforced in numbers! Nor does anyone choose to eat or sleep, for fuck's sake, before phoning authorities or telling friends to help! How the chaser kept reaching her, even in a city, was annoying. Now she's in love with the guy.

I'm not riveted and find this tale slow to wind up interest. I don't doubt it will become exciting later. The forbidding style: "wait until you see what danger we get into later" indicates that something major occurs on this France sojourn. The novel might seem sluggish because I could only consume ten pages per session so far. I know this is Mary Stewart's first. Perhaps later stories zoom.

Keen eyes will recognize Charlotte's cover as this year's "My Kind Of Mystery" logo and report it for a year-end draw point! I have looked forward to this hardcover, happily obtained for my Charlotte MacLeod collection.

It sounds like a cute, fluffy story that matches this adorable book cover. However Kaitlyn's introduction of characters' emotions, dialogue infusing it. The smooth, natural way all the adventures move along.... confirm the hand of a professional, real writer. I found Dan a jerk concerning Liss' dance team and memories last novel. He is still acting dull. The cop is much more interested in her and suited to her!

The genre called "cozy mystery", a name I loathe for its fluffy sound, does correctly identify some of these novelst. Some are well-intending, eager storytellers who churn out great ideas but whom are not professional writers. I divide from among those and love collecting authors who are. Kaitlyn Dunnett, you see from the first page, is a fantastic authoress! She sits in this genre for having non-violent content.

Out of politeness to an author I love and to not diminish the impression of how much I love Wendy Webb's novels, I will say something here that might be toned down in my review. I don't anticipate fewer than five stars when I finish this novel either, except that one bad habit irritated enjoyment of reading immensely. She kept saying "shook their head"!!! Not just on every page but in all dialogue! Edit please!!!

How enthralling: there is a hint of a massive secret, which feels like it will blow the secrets so far, out of the water. The title is a hint but the synopsis does not scratch the surface or go in this direction at all.

I am wondering how I feel about Grace showing her daughter their family's secret passageways knowingly. Using the largest thrill factor is the wonderment and triumph of discovering such places. I am thinking there must be an advantageous thrill in knowing where you're going; not stumbling your way uncertainly. I do love the originality of shifting the way scenarios are usually done. I am game to see what's next!