I thought I’d get in on the spooky fun and do my own version of Halloween. Today I’m talking about two ghostly tales I’ve read recently.
But first – I’m guest blogging with JK Coi today. My post is about afternoon tea, the Ritz in London and I have a recipe for Neenish Tarts, which is one of my childhood favorites. You can see my post here.
The first book I read was The Remains of the Dead by Wendy Roberts. It’s the first book in the Ghost Dusters Mystery series.
Sadie Novak owns Scene-2-Clean, a crime scene cleanup company. Wiping up after murders is spooky enough, but she can also see and talk to the ghosts of victims. While cleaning up after the murder-suicide of Trudy and Grant Toth, she meets a man. Her interest is piqued—enough to date him. The appearance of Trudy’s ghost also grabs Sadie’s interest and soon she’s after the real killer. One problem—someone wants her to stop.
I enjoyed this book very much. It’s a mystery rather than a romance. Sadie’s occupation is very different and fascinating, albeit a bit gruesome. I don’t think it would be on my list of jobs to investigate! The characters really grabbed hold of me, and I’m looking forward to reading another of Ms. Roberts’ books. Always a great sign.
The second book I read was a young adult one: The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong. This is also the start of a series. What can I say? I seem to be a series junkie.
Chloe Saunders has a gift. She can see ghosts—they’re attracted to her. She can also summon them because she has a talent. After Chloe sees a ghost at school and freaks out, her aunt and father put her in a home called Lyle House. It’s a home for disturbed kids but as Chloe learns there are some strange things going on there. Are they really being helped or are they being held prisoner?
I also enjoyed this book. Some of the questions aren’t answered and the book reads like a serial with part two to come. That said, I’ll read the next story to find out what happens to the kids now that they’re on the loose with their different magical powers.
And finally, I’m going to mention a story I’ve written. Curse of Brandon Lupinus has a very special ghost. The hero is a werewolf ghost who finds love, but is living under a curse. There’s no happiness in sight for him unless he can find a way to break the curse.
Curse of Brandon Lupinus is available as a download from Ellora’s Cave or in print as part of the Midnight Treat anthology.
Do you have a favorite ghostly tale? Have you read a good one recently?
Running update: I went for my first run today. Unfortunately, I left it quite late and Mr. Munro arrived home. He decided he was going to run with me and nothing I did or said shook him from his resolve! We walked/ran around the circuit we normally walk. At a fast walk it takes 30 minutes. Mr. Munro complained I ran too slow and helped me along with gentle pushs. It’s no secret I ran out of puff early and never got it back but I struggled gamely around our circuit. On arrival home I slumped on the couch before dragging my sweaty self off to the shower. An interesting aside – you seem to get runners high even if you walk/run. I was quite proud of myself.
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October 21st, 2008 at 12:10 pm · Link
Isn’t The Summoning awesome! I finished it in September and saw Kelley at our chapter meeting and shook her fist at her for leaving it on such a cliff hanger! LOL!
October 21st, 2008 at 2:25 pm · Link
Shelley, the Curse of Brandon Lupinus is on my TBR list. Is this the story you were going to write after listening to the wolves howl?
As for your running, it was nice Mr. M went with you. I need to get back on the exercise workouts after being off work for two months with a sore back and not doing anything except blogging, reading and writing.
October 21st, 2008 at 2:37 pm · Link
I don’t believe in ghosts…or things that go bump in the night…and I know too much history to be a fan of vampires, lycanthropes and other nasties of over fertile imaginations, but I took over the cabin of a man who died at sea (promotion for me) and the steward who looked after me was terrified, claiming he’d seen the shade of the previous occupant. He also complained of a “cold spot” in the cabin exactly where the death had occurred.
Too busy with my new duties to worry much, I ignored him until I could find the time to investigate the change in the air conditioning system that increased the flow through this particular louver (making the area under it a degree or so cooler than the rest of the cabin) and slept soundly for the nine months I occupied the cabin, although I heard tales about that ship for years later.
All of which goes to prove something, but I’m not sure what.
I suppose a crime scene cleanup would be a little different from most insurance jobs.
Amy
October 21st, 2008 at 2:37 pm · Link
Good for you for running! All three books sound like excellent reads. Wishing you many sales of Curse.
October 21st, 2008 at 10:39 pm · Link
Amy R – she certainly did leave it on a cliffhanger. I hope the next book is out soon because I need to know what happens!
Barbara – no, Curse of Brandon Lupinus is one of my older stories. There’s an excerpt available on my website, if you’re interested. The story set at Yellowstone is still a work in progress.
It’s surprising how quickly fitness leaves. I huffed and puffed today too!
Amy G – when we worked in London I swear The Goat in Kensington was haunted. Some strange things happened there, especially with the guys. They’d wake up and find themselves having a bath or they’d turn on the taps (and flood the pub, but that’s another story) We couldn’t blame it on alcohol either. it was a bit creepy!
Hi Sandra – as I said, Curse of Brandon Lupinus is an older story. I hope it’s selling well.