What do You think about The Walker In Shadows (2006)?
I know that reading a book first published in 1979 would be a bit dated. But that was not the problem with this book. There really wasn't anything to it. It was a ghost story, but not really frightening. It had some interesting Civil War history, but not enough to make it a good historical account. I didn't like any of the characters...let the ghost get them for all I cared. And I felt like the conversations between them were very contrived and not at all natural. I know that Barbara Michaels is a very popular writer, but just too 'lightweight' for me.
—Beverley Albright
I always enjoy re-reading my Barbara Michaels books. She consistantly differs from other "gothic" writers in that her characters are almost invariably on the sarcastic side, and she infuses her spooky stories with just enough humor to prevent them from taking themselves too seriously.The Walker in Shadows isn't my favorite Michaels book (that will always go to Ammie, Come Home), but it retains the flavor of her snarky, suspenseful, spooky style to provide a light, enjoyable read. I couldn't rate it higher then a 3 stars because I wasn't convinced over the romantic coupling she gave the two adult characters. It wasn't fleshed out enough to convince me, and it seemed to happen too quickly. Likewise, the spooky elements were well done, but the ending was somewhat lackluster and wrapped up too quickly as well.The only quibble I have with her books in general is that she tends to date her books with too many references to current events or personalities. The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, the gas crisis, long-haired hippies, etc. immediately take me out of her stories and back to the good 'ole '70's. It's inevitable that any old book will show it's age in one way or another, but that can be modified by keeping specific information out of a story (unless it pertains to the plot).All in all, not her best book, but good.
—Hannah
