Crushed: Book Review

Crushed

by K.C. Blake

When offered the chance to review this book I was won over by the idea of what would happen if the game went wrong.  I just had to read the book and find out.

Crushed the game was an interesting idea.  I wished I had gotten to see more of the game play out.  It wasn't necessary of course but my inner curiosity wanted more.  What would it have been like to have a boy follow you around and do anything you say.  When I was a teen that would have been a dream come true.  Or would it?  As the book played out I began to see that perhaps what you wish for isn't what you want.  This was a quite light read and worth the time.

Now for the weaker parts of the book.  The emotions were a bit too unstable.  I realize that as humans this is a completely true process in our minds.  Even so this seemed just a bit extreme.  Passionate, angry, indifferent passed a bit too quickly.  It made it hard to really stay in tune with the characters.  There were also some rather weak explanations.  The whole accusal things was just odd.  It seemed too easy to lose your powers.  Plus it make the Salem witch trials seem dumb.  How could you be afraid of something all you and to do was identify in from of others.  Look a werewolf, well not anymore.  A Vampire, oh wait never mind.  My bad now you are harmless.  If only bad things could be dealt with similarly in real life.

The book will be available in print at Amazon in a couple of months.
http:www.amazon.com/dp/BOO5CJ8H9A

K.C. Blake: Lunch and an Interview

Today, we’re doing lunch and an interview with author K. C. Blake.

Q: K. C., can you tell us a bit about your new book?

A: Sure. I’ll just read to you what it says on Amazon so I don’t drone on and on about it.

The Noah sisters rule Titan High with their beauty, brains, and magical powers.

Each year they play a secret game: Crushed. The girls pick their targets carefully
and blow enchanted dust into the boy’s faces, charming them, but this year Kristen
makes a grave mistake. She chooses the wrong boy and almost dies that same day.
Coincidence? Maybe.

But something isn’t quite right about Zach Bevian. He doesn’t behave like a boy
who’s been Crushed. He goes from hot to cold, from looking at her with contempt to
asking her out on a date. She doesn’t know what to think. Does he hate her or is he
truly falling for her? Is he trying to kill her, or is he trying to save her?

Q: Sounds cool. What sort of magical powers do these girls have?

A: Well, they can all three do certain things like move objects with their minds, but each
girl also has a special gift that none of the others have. Cyndi can fix things with a wave
of her hands. Brittany is good with revenge spells, and Kristen has dreams that come
true. Unfortunately for her, she keeps dreaming about someone accusing her in public.

Q: What happens if someone accuses her in public?

A: She loses all of her powers. This is Kristen’s biggest fear. She’s a very strong
character, but she doesn’t think she can live without her powers.

Q: Is CRUSHED part of a series?

A: Yes, it is, but this isn’t a series like Vampire Academy or Twilight. CRUSHED is the
first book in the Witch-Game series. Each book has a different game and a different cast
of characters. I tell Kristen and Zach’s story in CRUSHED, but Witch Hunt is all about
Starr and Dylan.

Q: How many books will there be in this series, and when will they be
available?

A: So far, I’ve only written two. Witch Hunt should be released later this year. As
for how many, I have no idea. It depends on how many games I can come up with for
witches to play.

Q: How did you become an Indie Author? Why not go the traditional

route?

A: Well, I started off being a traditional writer. I published with Harlequin. Then I
found an agent with Trident Media Group, one of the top agencies in New York City,
and she loved VAMPIRES RULE. Unfortunately, the market is saturated with vampire
books, so no one would touch it. I shelved it for a few years. Then I heard about Indie
publishing, and I love it. I do my own covers. I decide what goes in the book and what
doesn’t. When I published the traditional way, editors ripped my books apart, and made
me include only what they liked. They even changed the titles of the books on me. This
way it’s all me.

The only problem I see with it is that so many people don’t take it seriously, including the
writers themselves. There are a lot of people who slap together a book without editing
and put it up for sale, hoping for big money. They make the rest of us look bad. So I’m
trying to change opinions on Indie Authors one reader at a time.

Q: You mentioned your first book, VAMPIRES RULE. Is it also part
of a series?

A: Yes. The second book is coming out soon, followed by five more in the next year
and a half.

Q: You’re going to be busy. What do you plan to do after that? Is
there something you desperately want to write but haven’t gotten to
yet?

A: Definitely. I have a hunter series in mind that has a lot of awesome creatures in it,
things not done to death. In other words, we won’t be seeing vampires and werewolves
in this series. I just have so much to do right now that I can’t get to it yet. It isn’t even in
the foreseeable future.

Q: If someone wants to find you on the online to talk or find out about
your latest books, where should they go?

A: I have a blog called Ghost Writer. It is here: http://kasi-kcblake.blogspot.com
I also have a Goodreads Author Page and group on Goodreads called Q&A with K. C.
Blake, a Twitter account under Kasiblake, and I have Facebook fan pages for both K.
C. Blake and Vampires Rule. I would love to hear from people who read and enjoy my
books.

Great. Thank you for stopping by, K. C., and I wish you luck with your
future writing career.

Upcoming: my review of Crushed.

Entwined: Book Review

Entwined

by Heather Dixon

This is a retelling of the twelve dancing princesses.  My favorite bit about this retelling was how the author explored the relationship between the girls and their father.  She really takes the time to discover how they could be in such a situation.  Why would their father not be in on their little secret?  As usual I liked meeting the different guys who came to "solve" the riddle.  Although, the way I see it you can hardly say that is what they were doing.  It didn't seem that they were trying to solve anything.  They were just there for an excuse to visit and play.  I thought it a bit much that the three oldest girls who are between fourteen and seventeen during the book found suitors.  I just think some of them are far too young.  I tried to brush it off by reminding myself that is more common for that time period.  I found the relationship between Mr. Bradford and Azalea just a bit flat.  He is a likeable character but he just seemed to be absent in more ways than one.  All in all a good read but my favorite retelling of this story is Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Gray Wolf Throne

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

The Gray Wolf Throne

by Cinda Williams Chima

Publication Date: September 20th

From Goodreads

Han Alister thought he had already lost everyone he loved. But when he finds his friend Rebecca Morley near death in the Spirit Mountains, Han knows that nothing matters more than saving her. The costs of his efforts are steep, but nothing can prepare him for what he soon discovers: the beautiful, mysterious girl he knew as Rebecca is none other than Raisa ana’Marianna, heir to the Queendom of the Fells. Han is hurt and betrayed. He knows he has no future with a blueblood. And, as far as he’s concerned, the princess’s family killed his own mother and sister. But if Han is to fulfill his end of an old bargain, he must do everything in his power to see Raisa crowned queen.

Meanwhile, some people will stop at nothing to prevent Raisa from ascending. With each attempt on her life, she wonders how long it will be before her enemies succeed. Her heart tells her that the thief-turned-wizard Han Alister can be trusted. She wants to believe it—he’s saved her life more than once. But with danger coming at her from every direction, Raisa can only rely on her wits and her iron-hard will to survive—and even that might not be enough.

The Gray Wolf Throne is an epic tale of fierce loyalty, unbearable sacrifice, and the heartless hand of fate.

I have grown more and more in love with the writings of Cinda Williams Chima.  I started out with The Heir Chronicles and was quite taken.  Then when this new series came out I just had to see what was inside.  Immediately, the characters and story of the first book held me captive.  I have waited not so patiently for the rest to play out.  This book comes out just after the due date of my baby.  I wonder if I could focus well enough during labor for my husband to read it to me.  Nah, I think I will save it for those few quite moments.  Oh, I am so excited.  I am sure this is going to be a great read.

Giveaway Update: Another Book to Choose from

Having recently finished A Need so Beautiful, my review, and not being absolutely smitten by it; I find myself with a copy to giveaway.  So I thought I would add it as an option for the upcoming giveaway.  Just because I didn't like it doesn't mean you won't.  Take the opportunity to vote in the poll on the right side bar if you want one of the other options.  If this book is more to your liking just comment below and it will count as a vote.  So far Shadowspell is the winner for the next giveaway.  Time is running out.  
If enough people are interested perhaps I will host another giveaway in future with this book.

Follow Friday: 7/22

Hosted by Parajunkee's View

Name three authors that you would love to sit down and spend an hour or a meal with just talking about either their books or get advice on writing from?

Alright so first and most important I would like to have The Pioneer Woman at this shindig.  Luckily she had recently published a cookbook, so I think that counts.  She could of course do all of the cooking for the meal.  We want to eat fabulous food right?  Next, I would pick Julie Kagawa since I feel almost obsessed with her books right now.  I am so psyched to read The Iron Knight.  Yea! I guess the other author I would choose would be Cinda Williams Chima since I am also waiting breathlessly for her next book, The Gray Wolf Throne.  With those three I can't imagine the meal would be any less than a great time.

Book Blogger Hop: 7/22

Hosted by Crazy for Books

What’s the ONE GENRE that you wish you could get into, but just can’t?

Well, I used to really like stories such as Lord of the Rings and Eragon.  I find myself having such a hard time sitting down and reading them.  Lately, I have become so used to the instant feed books that I have gotten out of the habit of really investing my imagination and patience into the more robust and detailed story lines.  That doesn't mean I don't read them anymore, more like I really have to be ready to force myself through enough pages to get interested.  I suppose I should be really concerned that my attention span has devolved to the point it is at, but hopefully it is all a phase.  I mean if you eat the exact same thing for breakfast everyday you are bound to get tired of it eventually.  Right?

Now head on over and join the blogger party as well.

Summer Giveaway Hop: Heads Up

So I will be participating in the Summer Giveaway Hop over at I Am A Reader Not A Writer August 1st through 7th.  I will be giving away the winner of the giveaway poll on the right sidebar.  There is still time to enter your vote.  Oh, and don't forget to check back August 1st.

Ultimate Reviewer's Challenge

For What It's Worth

I did this last year and it was really easy.  Since I was doing the reviews anyway I might as well try and win some sweet stuff while I am at it.  Head on over and join the fun.  This great party is hosted by For What It's Worth, All Consuming Books, and Addicted 2 Novels.

Hush: Book Review

Hush

by Donna Jo Napoli

This was a spontaneous grab at the library.  It wasn't until I finished that I checked goodreads and found that I could have avoided a bad read if I would have read the reviews.  Shame on me.

So that said this book is very realistic, meaning nothing works out too well.  The poor girl becomes the victim of just about every bad thing for this time.  The only good thing I can find from it is that beauty can be a terrible curse.  Also, I found it ironic that in the process of trying to save her they took a chance that actually doomed her.  Would it have been as bad having been married to the other guy?  Did her family even manage to get their paltry revenge?  I guess just like real life you never know what would have been if only you had made a different choice.  I don't buy the happy ending.  This book left me with a bad taste on the brain and my spirits a bit low.  Hopefully, the next book I read will be a treasure.

Spoiler Section:

I don't like that she starts to like or possibly love the man who has been raping her and is now the father of her child.  The idea that her future doesn't matter anymore so long as her son can be free.

Waiting on Wednesday: Away

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

Away

by Teri Hall

Publication Date: September 15th

From Goodreads

After crossing the Line, Rachel finds herself in a world where survival is never guaranteed - a world where bizarre creatures roam the woods and people have strange abilities. Everything has gone to ruin Away and the survivors have banded into warring clans. Rachel finds her father being held prisoner by a tribe of Others, and she and her new friends set out to rescue him. But when they cross back over the Line, Rachel and Pathik make a foolish decision, bringing them into further danger that can only be resolved with an unthinkable sacrifice.

An adventure filled with life-and-death choices, dark conspiracies, and heart-poundingly suspenseful moments, this sequel delivers.

The first book was a fun read.  I am really excited to get to know the characters a bit more and unravel some of the mystery.  Mostly, I want to get to know Pathik more.  I don't really like the name but that doesn't have to hold for the owner of the name.  This sure sounds like it will be a page turner.

A Need So Beautiful: Book Review

A Need So Beautiful

by Suzanne Young

This book was a huge let down.  I have been wanting to read this for some time and finally grabbed a copy at the book store.  Right off the bat I don't feel very comfortable with the relationship between Charlotte and Harlin.  They are high school age and having near daily sexual relations which seem to have started almost the first second they met.  I also dislike the whole idea of Charlotte not really being a person but something with no free will.  What is up with that?  Not only that but what is with the random people she "helps?"  I am totally not buying this whole thing.  The ending was just plain dumb.  No thanks to any future books in this series.

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon: Wrap-Up

So with all the sickness in the house I didn't manage to read as much as I would have liked.  I did manage to read two books.

Foundling by D.M. Cornish

Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck

 I had started Foundling the Saturday before the read-a-thon.  And actually finished Tiger's Curse at one in the morning the day after the read-a-thon finished.

Not my best but considering all things I am rather impressed with my efforts.

Tiger's Curse: Book Review

Tiger's Curse

by Colleen Houck

Alright so, this was an interesting read, in a complicated sort of way.  There were moments I was lost to the story and was loving every word.  At other times I was rolling my eyes and thinking could this be anymore Bollywood.  I mean does everything involving India have to be raunchy?  Their culture is so rich and full why cheapen it?  There were just lines like:{He turned and openly studied my appearance. His gaze drifted ever so slowly down my body. The longer he looked, the wider his smile got. Eventually, is eyes worked their way back up to my bright red face.

He sighed and bowed deeply. "Sundari. I was standing here thinking nothing could be more beautiful than this sunset tonight, but I was mistaken. You standing here in the setting sun with your hair and skin aglow is almost more than a man can . . . fully appreciate."} Yuck!  This leaked strongly into the character of Dhiren.  The way she is always describing him is just a bit much and hard to swallow.  Come on we ladies don't need to be led like that we have imaginations and often flaws just add to the whole picture.  I wasn't head over heels in love with Dhiren or the coupling.  Then there is the whole contradiction thing.  Dhiren is the character this most bothered me with.  He is perfect, unbelievably so.  And this isn't in a Edward Cullen sort of way but cheap romance novel sort of way.  Romantically speaking he hasn't had any encounters as far as anyone knows.  But the guy seems to have the moves of an extremely self assured and practiced scamp.  I had a hard time seeing him as someone with the ability to have deep feelings for a female.  He was just too yo-yo for me.  The only thing that helped was when he seemed to have moments of actual feeling and weakness.  There aren't too many of them and I may have added more to the moment in my desire to make him a lovable character.  He loves hunting but sucks at it when in tiger form.  He loves being animalistic but don't confuse him with the tiger.  Anyway, his character is a bit wack.

Kelsey was supposed to make sense but came off as some girl who wants something but not really.  He is good looking but I don't actually want to own this.  Too much responsibility, I will take the caresses but won't commit.  Yea, I know she is young but the way she describes their connection as permanent makes her choice toward him in the end plain stupid.  I mean yeah, he is a man whore but you didn't have a problem in the first place.  Basically, she really got on my nerves at the end and I wasn't too sad that a certain evil someone will be on his way.  Hey, if you are going to be that dumb you deserve to suffer some consequences.

Now, the above sounds bad but I did like the book and will read the sequel.  Here is to hoping for a bit more straight forward character development.  The Indian lore does make for some good reading. There is still hope.  As far as who I would recommend this book to, well you are on your own.  For me it was a love hate relationship from page to page.  Read at your own risk.

Foundling: Book Review

Foundling

by D.M. Cornish

I picked this book up based upon the cover of the newest in the series.  The cover was just so beautiful.  I was sad to find out that I couldn't just pick it up and read but rather I had to read two other books first.  Furthermore, I wasn't much taken with this cover and so it took me awhile to get around to reading it.  My first thought however upon reading the first two paragraphs, was how much my husband would enjoy this book.  This was definitely a different world from those I have read so far.  I really liked Rossamund and of course don't see anything wrong with his name.  It was nice to see how he coped with what life threw his way.  I particularly liked that even though others said he needed to be harder he stayed true to himself and managed to do just fine.  The next book in the series will most definitely find its way into my reading pile.

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon: Update

I had really good intentions for this read-a-thon but fate has been against me just a bit.  Sunday morning I contracted an ear infection of the most painful type.  Why is it that these horrible afflictions always seem to happen after the doctors office is closed for the weekend?  This was not the sort of sickness that makes reading books easier.  I couldn't focus through the pain to do more than survive.  It certainly didn't help that I am pregnant and have a toddler.  Too much responsibility when I just wish I were a kid again so my mother could take care of everything.  Plus, not being able to take anything for the pain was torture.  Life seemed so much easier when my mother would just let me rest and watch television while sick.  She would bring me everything I needed.  Monday after a very long wait I finally got some antibiotics but the first pill did little more than take a fraction of the pain away.  I tried to read but it was all in vain.  Today I found myself getting a cavity filled so that took up my morning.  But I have managed in spite of all of this to finish a book.  Yea for me.

Halt's Peril: Book Review

Halt's Peril

by John Flanagan

Moment Divine: "Then I'll talk o him tonight," Halt said.

"You can try. But he's a hard case, Halt. I'm not sure you'll get anything out of him. He's not interested in money. I tried that."

"Well, perhaps he'll do it out of the goodness of his heart. I'm sure he'll open up to me," Halt said easily. But Horace noticed a quick gleam in his eye. He was right: the prospect of having something to do had reawakened Halt's spirits. He had a score to settle, and Horace found himself thinking that it didn't bode well for this Black O'Malley character.

Will eyed Halt doubtfully, however. "You think so?"

Halt smiled at him. "People love talking to me," he said. "I'm an excellent conversationalist and I have a sparkling personality. Ask Horace. I've been bending his ear all the way from Dun Kilty, haven't I?"

I love the wit that the characters display.  The interactions between the characters are also really great.  I think it is amazing that when so many other series have started to lose their edge this one is still going strong.  This was a great read.  These guys sure know how to find trouble and then extricate themselves from it.  I would definitely recommend this series for boys since they would love all the adventures.

Upcoming Giveaway: Choices

So it has been awhile since I have really put much thought towards the blog.  It is in real need of some TLC.  Hopefully, I can revamp the blog a bit.  My skills with blog design and art are nonexistent.  I really want to make this feel more like home.  The template has so many restrictions.  Where is a bloggiesta when you need one?  Not only that but I have been thinking it would be nice to have a close friend (one who shares my taste in books) to help keep an eye on me.  Or possibly team up with from time to time to shake things up.  Anyway, to help me get on my way I thought a giveaway was in order.  I have a few books I want to pass on and thought I would let you choose which should be featured as the next giveaway.

Shadowspell by Jenna Black

 

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

Sea Glass by Maria V. Snyder

So those are the current options for the giveaway.  The guide is an advanced reader copy and Sea Glass is signed by the author to Jessica.  They have all been read but are in excellent condition.

Let me know which one wins your vote either by comment below or the poll on the right hand side.

Also, any suggestions about the revamp would be helpful.  Until later. . .

The Atlantis Complex: Book Review

The Atlantis Complex

by Eoin Colfer

It was a bit hard for me to get into this book.  I guess I am not particularly fond of save the world schemes and OCD.  The good news is that the book did start to pick up and was a decent read.  I was very unsatisfied with the ending.  To be fair I wasn't taken completely by shock.  I realized that there weren't many pages left to the book so things would just end abruptly.  Which, is much of what happened.  Villain seems to suddenly change mind and tada the end.  I think perhaps this series is losing its edge or at the very least my attention span.  Sad.

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon

Alright, I haven't participated in much lately and thought this might be fun.  This is hosted by Pure Imagination, Reading Angel, and Candace's Book Blog.

To set a really hopeful and high goal I think four books should work.  I think I might more reasonably get through two or three if they are short and nothing disturbs my time.

Trial by Fire: Book Review

Trial by Fire

by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

This was a bit of a let down for me.  I rather liked the first book and thought the idea of a human alpha was going to be promising.  So far it just seems lame and the author can only hit that amazing things are to come.  Well, I am not so convinced.  I think my lack of belief is centered more on her current age than anything else.  I am not trying to say that young teenagers don't have strength more like how long will we have to wait until the amazing day of prophecy is fulfilled.  Are we talking way more books than my attention span.  I also felt like a lot of the uniqueness the characters lent to this story was a bit watered down this time around.  They just didn't grab my emotions so well as before.

One thing I really get to wondering when you have teenagers in these sort of circumstances is when are they going to manage to get jobs and support themselves?  They are way to busy for that sort of mundane thing.  Who is footing the bill?  Anyway, just a random thought.  Not a bad book but I am not so sure the next one is a pre-order.  Perhaps, a wait and see or grab at the library.

Spoiler Section:

Okay, so I realize that the relationship is young and so are the two involved in it.  But really she holds it against him that the pack doesn't rate above her in his eyes.  What?  Isn't it every woman's dream to be her man's number one priority.  Don't we want to be all important?  Well, maybe not since it would be rather suffocating but sometimes I still wish just a little.

Reaper: Book Review

Reaper

by Rachel Vincent 

Moment Divine: "Glad you could make it," Levi said, sliding out of the chair to stand less than shoulder high on me.
"Yeah, it was tough to make time between the compulsive thumb twiddling and the lure of bingo night at Colonial Manor, but I managed to fit you in."

This was a bit more than I remember from this series.  There seemed to be more swearing and both boys were pretty much obsessed with sex in one way or another.  But other than that, it was actually a nice insight into the circumstances that surrounded Tod's job.  It was nice to find out a bit about Nash that even he doesn't know.  That does affect how I feel about him as a whole.  I do really hope in the long run that things work out well for him.  In many ways he has begun to become something of a great person.

Waiting on Wednesday: Sweetly

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

Sweetly

by Jackson Pearce

Publication Date: August 23rd

From Goodreads

SWEETLY is a modernization of Hansel and Gretel and a companion book to SISTERS RED.

Twelve years ago, Gretchen, her twin sister, and her brother went looking for a witch in the forest. They found something. Maybe it was a witch, maybe a monster, they aren’t sure—they were running too fast to tell. Either way, Gretchen’s twin sister was never seen again.

Years later, after being thrown out of their house, Gretchen and Ansel find themselves in Live Oak, South Carolina, a place on the verge of becoming a ghost town. They move in with Sophia Kelly, a young and beautiful chocolatier owner who opens not only her home, but her heart to Gretchen and Ansel.

Yet the witch isn’t gone—it’s here, lurking in the forests of Live Oak, preying on Live Oak girls every year after Sophia Kelly’s infamous chocolate festival. But Gretchen is determined to stop running from witches in the forest, and start fighting back. Alongside Samuel Reynolds, a boy as quick with a gun as he is a sarcastic remark, Gretchen digs deeper into the mystery of not only what the witch is, but how it chooses its victims. Yet the further she investigates, the more she finds herself wondering who the real monster is, and if love can be as deadly as it is beautiful.

I rather liked Sisters Red and noticed that the author was producing another book.  The cover itself isn't really striking much excitement into my heart but hopefully the story will be a good one.

Rage of the Fallen: Book Review

Rage of the Fallen

by Joseph Delaney

The author sure has no qualms with killing of or maiming anyone.  I felt as if during this book I wasn't as connected to some of the characters as I should have been.  Tom was still a great person but he seemed to find himself down more than up.  It really seemed as if he was off his game.  I suppose in the last years of his apprenticeship he will start to be more what he should.  Although, it seems that this series is setup for a few too many books still to come.

A Coven of Witches: Book Review

A Coven of Witches

by Joseph Delaney

It was a really nice small collection of stories that added more to the existing world.  I liked the story that explained about the Ireland concern that was mention but not really explained in another book.  I love the art that is used in this series. 

Book Blogger Hop: 7/1

“What keeps you reading beyond the first few pages of a book, and what makes you want to stop reading a book and put it back on the shelf?“

I am an optimist when it comes to books.  This isn't a guanteed thing though.  There are several factors that help my optimism along.  For one, if this book has been given some high reviews helps me plug along.  If I have read something similar that I loved I will push forward.  The most important factor is good character development.  If they have managed to create a character that I am invested in I will read through the book.  Sometimes, I have read till the end and been rather disappointed when things didn't work out well.

As for when do I call it quits there are a few warning flags.  If I have been trying to plug along and find myself yawning or thinking about doing the dishes; well we have some obvious troubles.  Another thing I can't read through is excessive swearing, annoying main character, or characters that can only think about sex almost from their entrance into the novel.  I feel that these rather detract and I start rolling my eyes and even hoping bad will come to the characters.  A few too many books lately I have wished the main character was dead just to put me out of my misery.

Rise of the Huntress: Book Review

Rise of the Huntress

by Joseph Delaney

I discovered two sequels in this series after this book I haven't read.  Then found that I hadn't picked this one up either, or so I thought.  As I read it was complete deja vu and I knew I had read it and somehow forgot to mark it down.  Perhaps, when I first read this book I would have given it a higher ranking.  Unfortunately, spooky stories just lose their power if you know what is going to happen next.  Aside from having read it twice now it was another great installment in the series.