Complex with mystery, romance, magic and ghosts
599069
The Diviners is a very complex story, with historical aspects from the 20s in NYC, magic, ghosts, weird powers, and many characters to follow on their creepy adventures.

I had no idea what to expect when I picked up The Diviners, I hadnt really heard much about it before I bought my own copy, after received an ARC of Lair of Dreams What I got was a complex story, following several characters just discovering their new powers of divining, seeing the future  or the past by touching an object  healing and others. Following several characters took a while getting used to, because they were all well fleshed out with a distinctive voice, however, through the multitude of sub-plots, they seemed to be closer together than they were when their story started.

At the beginning of The Diviners, Evie grated on my nerves. A lot! A very impulsive young girl, thinking the strict rules around here didn't necessarily apply to her, she didn't think things through and realize that there would be consequences for her actions. One of those consequences got her shipped off to her uncle in New York, but this felt like a liberation to her rather than the punishment her parents thought it would be. Evie was a lot smarter than she let on, though, and the way her mind was able to see around the obstacles her uncle and Jericho found in the way when investigating a paranormal serial killer made me admire her even when I didn't really like her.

Because the diversity of the cast and the many narrative voices, The Diviners was quite slow paced, however, that fit the story perfectly. Searching for a killer who sought out his victims in a strange way, the main plot of stopping that killer implicated many more characters than Evie and her uncle, though. From the show-girl Theta who had her own deadly power, to her piano-playing friend Henry, to Mabel, Memphis and others, they all played an important part in the overall plot, even if most of them had no idea the others were more than most human beings were at the time.

Both the mystery and the mythology in The Diviners are well mastered, and I loved reading about a time in history when life seemed to be so simple, but here, there were dense and dark shadows over the seemingly light-hearted atmosphere in New York. With an omniscient narrator, the story unfolds slowly while sharing big and small secrets in the characters lives. The writing is hauntingly beautiful, almost lyrical in places, and allows for the paranormal aspects to feel very real.
313363
As other reviewers have said, this story is full of all sorts of elements: mystery, drama, coming of age, love, magic, and so much more. The plot is beautifully laid out with a world that contains all sorts of details. This, combined with well-rounded characters, has the effect of making the story come alive. I suggest this book for anyone who likes light fantasy, alternate histories, or just a plain old good read.
4798825
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review

The Fine Art of Deception is a paranormal story with an intriguing mystery and a very hot romance. Main character Addie has several paranormal gifts, the most useful being her ability to get a psychic read from objects. In the beginning, the poor woman was dogged by spirits relentlessly and suffered from reliving childhood trauma. Things seemed to improve for her as the story progressed... at least the spirit visitations ebbed in favor of the single spirit important to the central plot.

I enjoyed the theme of past-lives interwoven throughout the plot. I've always found reincarnation intriguing. Addie was likable from the beginning, where the reader learns of her heartache and the betrayal she endured. I felt a connection to her immediately. I liked Blake as well and enjoyed the intense romance between him and Addie. It's been a while since I read a romance this steamy.

They mystery was engaging and lots of suspense kept the pages turning. While I enjoyed the quick pacing of the second half, the first was a tad slower than I like. There was lots of backstory and info about the paranormal abilities to explain, which at times was tedious. Overall, I really enjoyed this novel quite a bit. Strong characters, a good mystery, and hot romance mixed with the supernatural make for a fun read. A caveat: In my opinion, this book is suited to ages 18+ due to the graphic sexual content.
1704771
This is not the normal genre of book I read, but for some reason, I started it and I liked it. There are ghosts, spells, curses, time travel, evil shadows and many family stories that turned out to be real not folklore.

Kat, our main character, could see ghosts since she was little. They were her friends and she helped them when she could until she was nine years old. She started missing chunks out of her day. A ghost named Toria tells her that their is another ghost trying to take over her body. Toria tells her she has to stop believing in ghosts and surround herself with unbelievers and natural things. It works, but deep inside she still knows ghosts are real. Years later she has been recruited to go with a team of researchers to Castle Creighton in Conneticut to research the death and disappearance of Sebastian Radcliffe and his new wife Cassie on their wedding night. While doing the research she feels the ghosts again. They also find out about a curse in the Radcliffe family where the oldest son dies by the time he is 23 or on his honeymoon, whichever comes first. There is one heir left, Joshua Radcliffe and The group at the castle consists of Kat, her best friend Morgan, their TA from school Evan and another student Seth. Once they arrive at the castle, Kat can no longer ignore the ghosts. When she and Evan travel 129 years into the past through a mirror, the true story of what happened emerges. This was a good story, not scary but full of a lot of magical situations and characters. Overall I enjoyed this story and think most late teens and early twenties would as well. The second book in this series will be coming out in October, so pick this one up before then.
4469945
Having enjoyed the blend of fun and flirty southern small town charm mixed with a paranormal mystery that began this series, I've continued on for more ghostly adventures with the Southern gal, Verity Long and her irascible ghost pal gangster, Frankie.

In this installment, Verity and the rest of the town are gearing up for the big celebration and festival of the year.  The town's big claim to fame was a Civil War battle fought on it's doorstep and the townspeople and the militia repelled the invaders.  Founding families- the Wydells and the Jacksons are feuding over the historical displays and Verity is annoyed when her ex-fiance' Beau Wydell starts wooing her again, but things really get interesting when a historical society volunteer is found murdered just after she calls Verity's sister and shares she found something important when going through the historical display items.

Verity and Melanie are under suspicion, but Verity suspects the Wydell matron, Beau's mother, who also happens to be new flame, Ellis' mother, too.  Ghostly encounters have revealed a secret worth killing for.  Verity and Frankie are forced to press forward to solve the murder even as Verity makes another go at freeing Frankie's ashes so he can leave her property.  Meanwhile, things get somewhat strained between her and Ellis when the current case places their relationship in jeopardy and a vengeful poltergeist isn't keen on them investigating a certain haunted house.

I love the light-hearted moments blended with a solid mystery and a ghost haunting situation.  Fun to get the historical angle through the ghosts Verity and Frankie meet.  It's also sweet about the romance building with Verity and Ellis and the fun rivalry of the small town figures.

Tavia Gilbert remains a fantastic narrator of the series and hers is the voice of Verity and Frankie for me.

Again, I recommend this series to those who enjoy a blend of light romance, paranormal, and cozy mystery set in the small town South.
385641
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn't expecting to really like this book, witchy, otherworldly books usually do not appeal.  That said, I really enjoyed this book.
Heroine is a fruitcake, ok maybe just  a "sensitive".  Hero is complex and confused, the two boys are charming.  Amish ghost really adds to the mystery.
2050440
Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

Shay Brennan is feeling a little bit lost. After losing her parents very close together, and two failed engagements due to the men being more interested in her money than in her, Shay needs a new start. Finding herself in South Dakota, with the newly purchased historical Buckhorn Saloon under her belt, Shay's life is about to get more change than she expected.

The Buckhorn has been home to tragedy in the past, as Shay is finding out when a female ghost beseeches her for help, and a male ghost seems intent on her destruction. What is even stranger is the connection Shay finds to these ghosts, once she begins researching the history of her new home. Help from the skeptical realtor she purchased the saloon from, Colt Morgan, makes Shay start to wonder... Did A Haunted Twist of Fate bring them together, or will it spell the end of Shay's life?

Things get even more complicated when Shay finds herself, however reluctantly at first, in a romantic relationship with Colt. He doubts her insistence that there are multiple ghosts in her home, some of which who mean her harm. Though Colt questions the existence of supernatural entities, he finds himself a partner, in more ways than one, to Shay as she continues her quest to get answers and solve the mystery of the Buckhorn Saloon.

The story of tragic events unfolding over 100 years ago dominates the tale we find in A Haunted Twist of Fate. However, the darkness is tempered by the romance brewing between Shay and Colt, as they grow closer, even while danger increases. An intriguing cast of secondary characters adds depth to the story, bringing in more opportunities for emotional development throughout the story.

Stacey Coverstone drew me in to A Haunted Twist of Fate from the very first page. That spooky beginning sets the tone for what we can come to expect throughout the rest of the novel. The mystery is carried throughout the whole book as we try to figure out who the ghosts are, what they want, and more importantly, why they are so strongly drawn to Shay. The twists brought about by revelations into all the players of this saga, will initially surprise readers, before making us wonder why we didn't figure it out sooner.

 Kelley A. Hartsell, January 2012. All rights reserved.
4899079
Haunting Violet is the first historical YA paranormal Ive read in a while, and I must say, Ive missed the genre. Violet Willoughby doesnt believe in ghosts, and with good reason. Her mother is a famous medium in London, except thatits all fake. And her mother has enlisted Violets help, and the help of Colin, an orphan she took into her home, to keep up the pretense.

As Violets mother gets invited to the estate of Lord Jasper to do a seance, Violet is sucked into a murder mystery of paranormal proportions. A year ago, Rowena, an earls daughter, drowned, and now her ghost has chosen to visit Violet, and wants Violet to solve her murder. Along with Colin and her best friend Elizabeth, Violet has to find out who killed the persistent ghost, before the murderer sets eyes on her.

The book has a lot of strong points. Violet is an amazing character. Shes strong, intelligent, and sarcastic when need be, but she also fits perfectly in the time era, and she doesnt overstep (some books set unrealistic heroines that sound way too contemporary despite the historical setting, but not so here). Colin is a cute and charming love interest. He was always there for Violet, and he really loved her, that was obvious from the start. The romance was another strong part  it wasn't really sizzling, but it was heartwarming.

The murder mystery was all right. I had my suspicions about the culprit, but I wasn't entirely sure until I finished the book. The historical setting is well crafted, and Harvey has created a lush, intriguing world. The writing flowed well, and I was entranced by the plot. I also liked Violets relationship with her mother  although in a way, I hated how Violets mother treated her, it was good to see the author spend a lot of time building this relationship and showing it to the reader. Often, YA characters have barely present parents, so this was a welcome change, even if I didn't like Violets mother at all.

Now, for the downside. The characters didn't have much personality, and the middle part dragged a little. Violet, Colin, Violets mother, and Elizabeth had personality enough, but all the other characters lacked personality traits, and didn't really stand out.

Despite that, if you're looking for a good YA historical murder mystery with paranormal elements, I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
3316191
Quinn and her family run a paranormal psychic business, helping the police, and others, find loved ones and/or important objects. Quinn sees ghosts and is given an emerald to return to Scotland. The emerald, however, has a curse on it and she has to find the solution in order to get the ghost to leave. While on the case, Quinn falls for a Scottish Laird, Collin, after they save each others lives over and over. I love the psychic character and the Scottish characters, too. The mystery is also well written.
4780316
"Insight" is a great start on a complicated mystery that's going to need a few volumes (yeah!!)  I love the urban paranormal vibe, the wide variety of character backgrounds, and the wonderfully tender romance.  The sense of menace and foreboding is real, but does not stifle the story with a sense of unreality.  I can't recommend this highly enough!
4064099
There is a lot going on in this novel and I loved it!  It has all my favorite YA elements:  a heroine with secrets and guts, a dark mystery that needs solving and plenty of danger and suspense with a little bit of romance peppered in.  All of the Camelot legends are featured:  Arthur, Lancelot, Guinevere, Merlin, Maleagant and more! The myths were drawn upon to create a truly enjoyable and unique story!

Morgan le Fay is a complex heroine.  She is, in many ways, the sheltered girl with a troubled past who has been honing her magic in secret.  Yet within her lies a very deep history with magic and some sad secrets that fuel her fire in more ways than one.  Camelot knows her as the young daughter of Gorlois le Fay, a former knight.  But she is also the daughter of Morgause, a murderer burned alive for her crimes.  She would never be welcome in Arthurs Round if her lineage was known so she carries that burden while facing down the man who took her mothers life, Mordred, the current Maven.  Part of Morgans quest in becoming Maven is to clear her mothers name and allow magic users the right to use magic in self defense, a right taken away by Mordred.

Its clear from the beginning Mordred is after her, but why?  Also, Morgan is at the center of some vicious attacks. Who is trying to kill her?  Another member of the Round looking to get rid of a rival or is there something more sinister afoot? Then there is Merlin, the dashing water user who seems to take a particular interest in Morgan.  She must balance her mistrust of him with her burgeoning feelings.  Merlin has a way of showing up when she needs rescuing.  Is it a coincidence or does he know more than he will admit?

All of these events are nothing in comparison to the mystery that is her mother. Morgan learns some very interesting secrets her mother was hiding and thinks it has more to do with her current situation than she first thought.  Its possible Morgans lineage isn't a well-kept secret in Camelot and someone is out to get her because of it.  While all of this crazy is going on, Morgan is continuing to compete for Maven.  She believes it is her destiny but with other forces at work, it may not be her path after all.  However, judging by the epic cliffhanger, this story is far from over!

My grade:  A-

An alluring start to what is sure to be a fun and exciting YA series.  Suitable for all ages, Henges swirling tale of magic and suspense will delight from start to finish.  I eagerly anticipate the next edition in the Le Fay series.
2175353
A couple of intriguing mysteries that leave you wondering whats next
4144160
I really enjoyed this historical mystery with ghosts. Delia Martin is being haunted by one very persistent ghost. Delia returns to San Francisco and finds herself linked to a serial killer who has returned after a 30 year absence. The ghost is a link to the killing spree but Delia can't communicate with her until she visits Dora Bobet who is a medium.

Also pursuing the case of the serial killer is Police Lieutenant Gabe Ryan who is trying to solve the case his father couldn't solve 30 years earlier. Gabe and Delia meet because his Sargent Jack is engaged to her best friend and foster sister Sadie.

Delia has also returned home because Sadie's mother - the woman who became her guardian when her parents died in the San Francisco earthquake and fire - is dying and she wants to support her friend.

I loved the San Francisco setting. I thought the way the relationship grew between Delia and Gabe was nicely done. I thought the mystery was nicely intriguing. I found both the serial killer and the various ghosts nicely creepy.

This is the first book of a trilogy and I intend to read the rest.
3493544
This was a fun read. Magical and seemingly paranormal, but with a twist I didn't expect. The characters were well developed. I loved them. Christian Sparks, an Earl moves into an old Castle. When his presence wakes up the "ghost" who's been trapped for centuries in a hidden room. She can't remember who she is, or where she came from, or how she died. He can see her but no one else can, unless she chooses for them to. She's transparent though so she can't be passed as anything but a ghost.

Christian can't get his inheritance from his father to maintain this castle and grounds until he gets married. (Silly parents) but he doesn't have any prospects for marriage and he's of course fallen for this ghost.

The ghost (who we eventually learn her name is Tessa) knows she can't have him, but is still connected to him. She can't leave the castle grounds because of the spell around it, but when Christian goes to a ball to meet some ladies his mother is insisting he pick a bride from, Tessa calls his name and is transported there. And that makes things fun because sometimes she flits back and forth from being ghost like to being flesh and blood. But no one knows when it's gonna happen. Through the workings of a spell and with the help of a witch, they figure things out and learn who Tessa really is, but that's just the beginning of what they need to do. They've got to end the spell that's on her, and save her from the threat that caused her to be under that spell in the first place.

This book was fast paced, engaging, romantic without getting blushworthy, and like I mentioned, not what I expected when I first started it. Nice twist. The only thing I didn't like was the epilogue where I'm not sure if they were leaving things open for a sequel or if it was just a tease for me to think of what happens next on my own.
3235225
Not for the faint of heart, but a wonderfully complex and dark paranormal fantasy.
1137463
The little town of Elvira may not be well known to the human world, but it's no stranger to the paranormal.

Joshua and his best buddy Archie are ghost hunters, but when a faerie is gruesomely murdered, he'll be on a different kind of hunt. There are plenty of suspects, from werewolves to vampires, and the chaos comes amid the first push to drive tourism to save the little town.

Can they discover the killer while keeping the tourists and "newcomers" happy or will Elvira fall off the map permanently?

This book is a relatively slow paced read, the mystery of the killer not really taking full steam until about 3/4 of the way through. For the rest of the book, we get to explore the little town and the relationships being formed, from Joshua and Georgia, to Archie and Bobbi, and some of the younger ladies with the "newcomers", aka vampires. I loved all the nuances, like how only some vampires are sensitive to light, there are two different factions of faeries, and werewolves are pretty much a club for the families with the deepest roots in Elvira.

Besides the pacing, I found it a little difficult to get into at first, as we're thrown into the mix with several characters, we cycle through a few different viewpoints, and some of the terminology isn't consistent (naiads/nymphs, the vampires being called Mayans and Egyptians based on where they were from, and not being sure if the Egyptian temple/priests were paranormal or just human).

But overall, it was a fun read, great for anyone who likes cozy mysteries, paranormal/contemporary fantasies, and a healthy dose of romance.

I received a free copy of this book with no obligation to review.
4377365
Alice is horribly damaged by her grandfather's cruelty. Using her magic she escapes and starts a new life as a private investigator specializing in magical  cases.  A happenstance gains her a mage ghost as a partner and an alpha werewolf as a love interest. Learning to trust and her developing relationship skills as well as an innate ability to find trouble have me anxious for the next book.