10/06/2012 - It kept me reading until the end, so it accomplished what it set out to do. Was it the greatest? No, but it was definitely better than average in my opinion. As with many books of this nature, I always find things I wish the author wrote differently, so I try not to hold that against the book. The characters were decently constructed, but completely fleshed out. Not all authors are able to convey emotions in their writing, and I just didn't feel that Hooper managed to do that all that strongly. But then again, it may not have been something considered necessary for the story when it was written. That's something that I've learned over the course of time in the writing world. At one time, expose was important, but in today's trends, emotions and dialogue are considered more important, so I tend not to think less of a story if I don't always feel what the characters are feeling. The fact that I can remember the story seven months after I read means it had to be decent. Otherwise, I very well may have forgotten it. With it being this time of year, I'd definitely say to give it a read. It will keep you entertained while you read it, and you might feel differently than I did... That's really the thing with reviews - what one person likes, someone else doesn't. For that reason, I encourage you to read this book and see what you think of it! Happy Haunting!
Well I was going to give it 2 stars, but the cute kitty saved the book. I hated everything else about it though, and I wasn't scared when the ghost appears like I am in almost every other horror novel I read. I tried not to use that as criteria though, b/c I've read every book, until 'The Dark Tower 7,' that Stephen King wrote. I don't compare other writers to him unless they're Anne Rice or Dean Koontz, both of whom I like better than Stephen King, especially Anne Rice (before she was saved, that is.)Even w/out comparing its horror value I disliked the characters, especially that she chose a Defense Attorney to be her "handsome male character." If I were going to make a character an attorney, I'd make him a prosecuting attorney's assistant, but even that isn't what made me dislike the book the most.The unrealistic dialogue is what made me upset, and I get upset at all straight romance stories, in which dialogue is even more unrealistic than the setting for a fantasy novel.I like fantasy novels, b/c at least the dialogue is realistic. I HATE when people lie to me or play games, saying things like 'I've never wanted ANYONE more than you.' Or 'You DO seem to get younger w/ every year.'I feel like saying 'Give me a break.' I like compliments just not ones that are so obviously unrealistic.
What do You think about The Haunting Of Josie (1994)?
This was a good book despite what the "reviews" are from the people who subscribe to Goodreads. Of course, that is my opinion. I notice a few things Kay Hooper wrote in this book are the same as she wrote in "After Caroline". I like books better when the author can make each book "it's own" and different. However, I understand they [the author:] will have the same style, mannerisms and wording in all their books. I think that's why author's sometimes write books that are about the same character over and over so they can keep the same style, characters, working, etc... Good read!
—Kristin
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
—Dharia Scarab
Originally published in 1994 this is a reprint following the success of her newer fiction.Josie Douglas came to live in an isolated country cottage ostensibly to write a novel, in reality she has a mystery to solve. Her landlord is Marc Westbrook, a gorgeous lawyer recovering from a car accident. The two of them are attracted from the start with some meddling from Pendragon the cat. When a ghost enters the equation they are both sidetracked into investigating the death of his grand-uncle.I enjoyed the read, the characters were quite a lot of fun and Pendragon was a lot of fun.
—Deirdre
