Tag: Mystery

Posted in Book Reviews, Graphic Novels

ARC REVIEW: The Ghost, The Owl by Franco

Posted on by elishasbookreview

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*No Spoilers* 

*Thanks to Action Lab Entertainment for giving us the chance to read this graphic novel early* 

*The Ghost, The Owl by Franco will be hitting bookshelves May 15, 2018,* 

This is a story about an owl. He is hanging out with his friends when he sees a ghost in the swamp. Against his friends’ wishes, he goes to help the ghost. She is lost and doesn’t remember how she got to the swamp or what happened to her. So it’s up to the unique pair to solve the mystery of who the ghost girl is and how she can find peace.

I loved this graphic novel, the artwork was amazing and I loved the deep, but simple story. Just an owl who’s wanting to do the right thing. He helps multiple people in this story. I think it’s just a reminder for everyone if someone’s in need of help, we should do everything in our power to help.

I love ghost stories and owls, they go together so well. The Native Americans had many myths about the sightings of owls and what that meant. It is really fascinating and it’s what caught my eye about this story, to begin with.

I would recommend this for owl lovers. People who enjoy a heart-warming story. This is a graphic novel for people of all ages.

Order this on Amazon

 

Posted in Book Reviews, Novels

ARC REVIEW: Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler

Posted on by elishasbookreview

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*Spoilers*

*Thanks to Power to the Pen for giving me the chance to read this novel early*

This novel follows Karina Cardinal as she’s living as a lobbyist in D.C. and dating one of the most desired bachelors, Patrick Dunne. The Dunne family is one of the most famous and wealthiest families in D.C. Martin Dunne working for a contracting company and Patrick following in his father’s footsteps.

Karina accidentally discovers a stolen painting in Martin’s study during a family Christmas party. Curiosity gets to Karina as she starts to research the hidden painting and realizes Martin is dealing with a mafia-tied mystery.

Desperate to help those she cares about, she returns the painting to the rightful owners. However, she ends up being hunted for revenge. Will she survive long enough to solve the mystery and help the ones she loves?

I was enjoying this book for the first few chapters. Stolen painting, classic art, mafia ties, how could you get more suspense? Then when Karina goes to Colorado for a family emergency and her boyfriend, Patrick, shows up soon afterward. As soon as they revealed this, I knew where it was going. Patrick ends up proposing, you know the rest.

The book started dragging with the romance drama. I wanted to get back to the mystery! I don’t want this relationship drama in my mystery books! (Stephanie Plum is the only exception to this rule) About 3/4s of the way through the book the mystery picked back up and I was binging this book as much as I could!

Overall, I thought this book was alright. Interesting premise. I’m all for women sleuths or women detectives, but the deep-seeded romance took what could have been an awesome story into a melodrama.

I didn’t particularly like any of the characters. Karina is not very interesting, she felt dull and not very strong. Patrick is a jerk and so is Martin. If you’re looking for deep characters you won’t find them here.

I would recommend this if you want a cheesy romance with some light mystery. It’s alright if you like this kind of thing. It’s just not my cup of tea.

Order it on Amazon

Posted in Book Reviews, Novels

REVIEW: Doctor Who: The Monsters Inside by Stephen Cole

Posted on by elishasbookreview

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*Many Spoilers Ahead*

The Doctor and his companion, Rose Tyler, land on an alien planet where the ancient pyramids are being built. Before they can even leave the TARDIS, they are captured and arrested for trespassing. However, things as always are suspicious, and it’s up to Rose and the Doctor to fix things and save the universe.

***SPOILERS START***

I am a fan of Doctor Who, I’ve watched the rebooted version up to season 7, and I’ve watched the Classic episodes. I have read several of the novelizations and audiobooks. I’m not sure if I was expecting too much from this, or if it was just executed poorly. The villains, the Blathereen, even though they are the rival family of the Slitheen, still was predictable. Any Doctor Who fan would know where this story was going and fast.

Their plot was to take over the Justice planet system, and build a transportable wormhole so they can destroy other planets and sell the scraps for profit. A similar plot was used in season 1 of the Doctor Who 2005 reboot.

I enjoyed this novel, I love the 9th Doctor. Christopher Eccleston did a “fantastic” job as a reintroduction to the Doctor character. He is grizzled and battered after the Time War, so he is darker and edgier than his earlier previous incarnations.

The novelizations are usually a way to tell a Doctor Who story that might be difficult to tell on TV. Some call it glorified fanfiction. So to see this predictable of a plot disappointed me.

I would recommend this if you’re starting with the Doctor Who novels. It has familiar characters and villains that have appeared on Doctor Who before. The Slitheen and the Blathereen are very similar in goals and motives. So the slight name-change doesn’t make much of a difference.

Learn more about the Slitheen here

The Author’s Twitter

Buy it here on Amazon (not sponsored)

Read My Other Doctor Who Reviews Here!

Posted in Book Reviews, Graphic Novels, Marvel Comics

REVIEW: Jessica Jones, Vol.1: Uncaged By Brian Michael Bendis

Posted on by elishasbookreview

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*No Major Spoilers*

This segment in the Jessica Jones saga follows Jessica as she’s getting released from prison. Soon after, fellow heroes start following her and asking about where her child is. However, she can not say and has to fight them off or run away.

After hearing about Jessica’s release Luke Cage starts tracking her down and asking where their child is. Jessica, being unable to answer him, Luke throws a tantrum and receives some bad press.

When a woman hires Jessica to follow her husband, things go haywire as the wife turns up dead. Not only that, but a mysterious woman kidnaps Jessica and tries to get her to do her bidding.

When the case is seemingly wrapped up, Jessica goes to her mother’s house to bring their daughter home, however, Luke Cage has beaten her there. How will this affect the relationship between Jessica and Luke moving forward?

I enjoyed this graphic novel. I am a fan of Jessica Jones and Luke Cage, they make an odd pairing, but not every couple is “perfect” by society’s standards.

I thought this was a really bittersweet story about how difficult it is to be a parent in a world where the good guys are getting hunted. Jessica had to do what was safe for her daughter at all costs.

I would recommend this book who are looking to get their Jessica Jones fix before season 2 hits! Or even after you binge-watch seasons 1 & 2! It’s not a part of the Netflix series timeline (as far as we know), but it’s still a great read.

 

 

Posted in Book Reviews, Novels

REVIEW: The Other Side of Midnight by Simone St. James

Posted on by elishasbookreview
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*No Major Spoilers*

This thrilling novel follows Ellie Winter, a psychic/medium in 1920s London. Many are searching for answers for the loved ones they lost in the war. There are both real psychics who want to help people and those who feed off of the grieving to make a living.

When one of Ellie’s colleagues is a victim of a gruesome murder, it’s up to Ellie to investigate. She uses her powers and receives help from a couple of resources; James Hawley and George Sutter, to interview people who were at the scene of the crime.

As she closes in on who the killer is, other psychic mediums start dropping dead or fleeing London for safety in Paris. Will she be able to solve this mystery before she becomes a victim too?

In anticipation of her upcoming novel The Broken Girls. I wanted to review one of Simone St. James’ past works. Broken Girls will be hitting bookstores March 20, 2018.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

I loved this book! The well-written atmosphere, the attention to detail of the characters made it easy to put me in Ellie’s shoes and solve the mystery with her. The romance between Ellie and James felt natural and real. To be honest, this book would have been fine without the romance angle, but it’s nice to find a genuine story where the guy saves the girl.

The ending was a huge plot twist! I did not expect where that was going to go, but it does make sense on how it worked out in the end. I had to chew on the ending for a bit to see if it felt right to me. The book wrapped up nicely and left no loose ends.

She looked nothing like she had been—and everything like it. I would have known her anywhere, even across the divide of life and death, the divide that she and I had been able to travel, that we now traveled together. She was in the shadows, but still I knew. My mind was sure, and my heart—all of me was certain.

Simone St. James; The Other Side of Midnight

I would recommend this book who loves historical London. Those who love mysteries and the paranormal. The romance was PG-13, so don’t expect a filthy romance here. This book is getting my Choice Award (I’m trying to be critical I promise). So if you’re looking for an awesome read, this is where you’ll find it!