Review: Stealing Shadows by Kay Hooper

Stealing Shadows was recommended to me by a friend, and I really enjoyed it. It is about a psychic who tries to help the police solve crimes by connecting to the minds of the killers. It was really well written and I enjoyed the quick pace and reading about the main character Cassie, the psychic.

I'd certainly read another of her books, my only problem now is deciding whether to add her remaining books to my TBR (to be read) pile.

I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys TV shows such as Medium or who enjoys reading crime with a psychic or paranormal twist.

My rating = ****

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Review: The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield

The Celestine Prophecy has been on my 'must read' list for many years, and I'm pleased to say I finally got around to it! It was very different to what I was expecting and was a thoroughly enjoying and spiritually moving read.

This book is similar to The Alchemist in that it's an adventure story surrounding a spiritual journey. The book begins with the discovery of a manuscript containing nine spiritual insights, which the reader learns as the story develops.

I found the nine insights fascinating and realistic in terms of spirituality and science. In fact, if humans on earth could live their lives according to these insights, we would see world peace and a sustainable life for the future. I found this book inspiring and uplifting, and I will try to apply the lessons I learned from Redfield's pages in my every day life.

My rating = *****

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Review: Shatter by Michael Robotham

I was pleased to come across this Australian author while watching the ABC TV Show First Tuesday Book Club. Robotham was a guest and he mentioned something to the effect that his wife wouldn't speak to him after reading his last book as it was so 'scary'.

That was enough for me to hit the net and google his book Shatter and I came across the following passage:

"There is a moment when all hell disappears, all pride is gone, all expectation, all faith, all desire. I own that moment. It belongs to me. That's when I hear the sound, the sound of a mind breaking. It's not a loud crack like when bones shatter or a spine fractures or a skull collapses. And it's not something soft and wet like a heart breaking. It's a sound that makes you wonder how much pain a person can endure; a sound that shatters memories and lets the past leak into the present; a sound so high that only the hounds of hell can hear it."

Well, I've finished the book and I can say that this was above all the best passage, and one that I won't forget in a long time. However the remainder of the novel had all the ingredients of a best selling thriller by Koontz or Patterson but with a new writing style that I really enjoyed. The main character had Parkinson's disease which was interesting although the book sped along towards a predictable ending without any real twists. I would have liked to read more about the background of the 'killer' but I guess 'snippets' of information are what build the suspense.

All in all, I enjoyed my introduction to this Australian author, and I would certainly enjoy reading one of his novels over a James Patterson any day. I hope his popularity amongst book lovers continues to increase.

(I'm going to give him an extra star for the passage above).

My rating = ****

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Review: The Death Chamber by Sarah Rayne

I found out about this author in Good Reading Magazine and I was so glad I did! What appealed to me was that every book by this author has a haunting, creepy historical building, and she brings it to life in the book. This was very true in The Death Chamber where the focus of the story was Calvary Gaol.

The blurb on the back of the book doesn't really do it any justice. I enjoyed multiple plots interwoven with many twists and turns and a few surprises. I was left wanting to follow each of the plots further, but that was what kept me turning the pages into the night. In fact, one of the surprises had me going back to the start to read over a particular section. (In the same way you want to watch Sixth Sense again when you know the twist).

Based on the title of the book, you could be mistaken in thinking that this book will be full of bloodshed and carnage, but in fact it's not. Trust me, you don't need that to make you jump. Rayne does a magnificent job of describing the gaol, you almost feel like you're there.

I can't wait to read another of her books.

My rating = ****

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Review: The Prince of Darkness by Paul Doherty, P.C. Doherty

This is another in the series of medieval mysteries featuring Hugh Corbett. Set in 1301 Hugh Corbett is sent by King Edward to investigate the murder of Lady Belmont. With assassins and spies on his trail, Corbett is able to unravel the mystery and avoid triggering a civil war between King Edward and his son the Prince of Wales.

All the usual suspects are here, and this was another enjoyable 'whodunnit'. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction.

My rating = ***

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Review: Ghostwalk by Rebecca Stott

Firstly, let me make myself absolutely clear on this one: I hated this book!!

I was lured by promises of the 'seventeenth century and the story of Isaac Newton as an alchemist' the 'ghost-writing of an unfinished book', 'unexplained seventeenth-century deaths, a network of alchemists and a ghostly figure'.

I bought this hook, line and sinker and was really looking forward to an exciting read. Wow, what a disappointment. 

The narrator was addressing the story to a lover in the past tense (I think) and it kept jumping to the past and present, not including the visits to the seventeenth century. The attempt to make this story a thriller was a failure as far as I'm concerned. 

The basic plot idea was to insinuate that an acquaintance of Isaac Newton had fellows at Trinity College in Cambridge 'murdered' to allow Isaac to gain a fellowship. The book was going to publish this theory, and change history. As a result of a ghostly figure and her relationship with her lover, (who was married by the way, and I hate books containing adultery), she changed the ending and published a 'safer version'. Ugh, what a disappointment!

Ultimately a really crappy book, and a H-U-G-E disappointment. No wonder it took me so long to finish it.

My rating = *

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Review: White Tiger by Kylie Chan

White Tiger was recommended to me by a friend, and I have to admit it's not one I would have selected myself. I don't know why, but I rarely read books that contain martial arts. Given that this book has a woman performing martial arts on the cover accompanied by Chinese lettering, I never would have picked it up.

Having said all of that though, I enjoyed White Tiger by Kylie Chan. What drew me in were the 'supernatural themes' and it was a surprise to me to find that I enjoyed the martial arts segments the most. Good and evil faced off in the form of gods and demons based on Chinese history and I enjoyed this aspect of the novel immensely.

I desperately wish Chan hadn't written in a romantic interest between the two main characters, ugh! The romance was unbelievable at times and disrupted the rhythm for me in an otherwise very exciting story.

This is the first novel in the Dark Heavens series by Chan, and although I'm very keen to find out what happens in the war, what will happen when Mr Chen takes true form and what happens when the ring 'wakes up', I'm hoping my friend will tell me so I can get on to the next book on my list.

My rating = ***

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Review: The Witch's Trinity by Erika Mailman

I was able to do a lot of reading on the plane to and from Fiji, and I finished The Witch's Trinity on the way home to Melbourne.

This book is set in Germany in the 1500's during a period of great famine. It is about a woman who is caught up in a 'witch hunt' and it was unfortunately very easy to see how the 'witch hunt' could get completely out of control.

The book was a little confronting at times, but I really enjoyed reading about the day to day chores and way of life during this period. I also found it interesting to see how paganism, superstition and religion were practiced by the people in the village.

I really enjoyed this book.

My rating = ****

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Review: Dracula by Bram Stoker

Dracula has been on my list of books to read for many years now, primarily because it's a 'horror' classic. Having read all of the vampire books by Anne Rice and being a huge fan of her writing style and her version of 'vampires' I have been reluctant to read any other books about vampires.

I know that Bram Stoker is the inspiration behind many of the vampire books today, but I imagined the book was going to be outdated and as unbearable as the old black and white film Dracula. In the way that Edgar Allan Poe was well known for his 'ghost stories' in his time, when you read his stories now, they're far from spooky. So you can imagine that I was shocked and excited to discover that despite being published in 1897, the novel is still quite creepy by today's standards.

I also didn't know that this classic novel is a compilation of letters and journal entries from the main characters. I thought that jumping from character to character and letter to journal without a sole narrator could hamper the pace of the plot but it actually enhanced the story and helped to build the suspense.

All in all, I really enjoyed Bram Stoker's Dracula, and I can certainly understand why it is a 'classic'.

I started this book before our trip to Fiji, and it didn't seem like quite the right book to read in the tropics, however I was so engrossed in the book I just had to pack it with me and finished it early on in the trip.

My rating = *****

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Review: The Angel of Death by Paul Doherty

This is another medieval mystery by Paul Doherty in his series featuring the lead character Hugh Corbett. I'm slowly working my way through this series, and I'm thoroughly enjoying this literary journey.

Based on historical fact during the reign of Edward 1 of England in 1298, the plot captured my attention from the first page and the investigation into the poisoning of de Montfort during mass was riveting. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a medieval mystery or historical fiction.

My rating = ****

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Review: Embers by Sandor Marai

I'm often influenced to pick up a book based on the cover and the novel Embers was no exception. With a picture of a misty wrought iron gate and fence opening up into a leafy overgrown pathway (shown left), I was drawn to this book straight away.

Upon reading that this story is set in a forgotten castle I was sucked in immediately by the setting as well as the cover. Originally published in Hungary, it has now been translated into English. I won't spoil the story except to say it's about friendship and betrayal lasting 40 years. This isn't my usual preferred subject matter as I usually steer away from 'family drama' but this was a great read.

Embers is a quick and easy read, and I enjoyed it immensely.

My rating = ****

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Review: 10,000 BC Movie

I just came back from seeing the new movie 10,000BC at the Jam Factory and I loved it!!! It was even better than I was expecting and the CGI was very convincing.

It had me on the edge of my seat a number of times. Go along and see it!

My rating = ****

That's my four bucks!

Review: Duma Key by Stephen King

I was really looking forward to the release of this book and now it's everywhere! I bought mine at Borders for $12.95 but some book stores are selling it for over $30, what's going on there?

Needless to say I really enjoyed this book. It has the staple Stephen King supernatural theme, and there was one point in the book when I got such a fright, I exclaimed out loud!! The story follows the plight of a recovering accident victim who moves to Duma Key to make a new start in life. The book is a little long, but this only serves to build the story to an even greater climax.

I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it to any Stephen King fans out there!

My rating = ****

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Review: Double Cross by James Patterson

In the latest James Patterson novel Alex Cross was faced with two killers. The plot was entertaining, however the relationship with his latest girlfriend was 'cringeworthy' and I hated reading all the inuendos and Patterson's pathetic attempt at romance. I think the character of Alex Cross is too old for sex, and I just wish Patterson could stick to the crime plot.

I was also annoyed by the lack of concern Cross showed for the safety of his family, even when it was revealed that they were under surveillance by one of the killers! This isn't new in the Alex Cross series though, as he always leaves the running of the household and raising of the children to 'Nana Mama'.

All in all, an entertaining read, and as always, I'm still compelled to read the next in the series.

My rating = **

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Review: Nostradamus by John Hogue

I've always been fascinated by the predictions made by Nostradamus, and so I thought it was time to find out more. Born in 1503 and dying in 1566, it was interesting to learn he had been a doctor and had treated 100s of patients with the plague.

I always imagined Nostradamus saw visions of the future, however after reading John Hogue's book Nostradamus - A Life and Myth, I learned that he used many ancient and forbidden texts, conjuring tools, astrology and burned herbs in a meditative state to 'see into the future'. Nostradamus wrote his predictions in form of quatrains and printed an almanac for the year ahead that was widely read amongst the educated in France and across Europe.

This was a great read and I recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about the life of Nostradamus. If you're hoping to read his all his quatrains though, you'll need to track down The Complete Prophecies by John Hogue, which I might just have to do.

My rating = ***

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Review: When Ghosts Speak by Mary Ann Winkowski

I absolutely loved this book!! It is written by Mary Ann Winkowski who is the renowned paranormal investigator behind the tv show Ghost Whisperer. Winkowski can only see earthbound spirits - those that haven't crossed over into the light yet. This is different from mediums who can see spirits who have crossed over. I guess even paranormal gifts have their own categories. Her gift also includes being able to 'cross over' earthbound spirits by creating a white light and sending them into it, bringing the spirit peace.

This book is extremely well structured and very informative. With chapter headings such as: 'the truth behind ghosts' 'why some souls stay behind', 'animals' etc the book covers all aspects of earthbound spirits, from why they stay, to how to protect yourself from attracting them and how to get them to cross over. Winkowski relates particular cases to illustrate her point and she remains on topic. She even lists the most common places to find earthbound spirits, who feed off the energy of the living, and the most popular occupations for attracting earthbound spirits.

I could go on and on about this book, because I'm still thinking about it even though I finished it a few days ago, and some of the stories were very touching. Even if you're a non-believer, it would be hard not to be touched by the impact she has on people's lives and how she brings peace to so many spirits and people.

I thoroughly recommend this book.

My rating = *****

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Review: The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

I was originally going to buy this book for my sister for Christmas, but wasn't quite sure that she would like it so I bought it for myself instead. It was my intention to lend it to her if it was a great read, however I think I'm still undecided.

This is the story of an ageing butler reminiscing on his times serving Lord Darlington between World War I and World War II.

This book won the Booker Prize but I must say that I was a little surprised at how slow it was in the beginning. The sections I enjoyed most in the book were the main character's memories of the day to day events and conversations in his role as butler of Darlington Hall. The language and dialogue in these sections were very formal and I enjoyed these immensely. I know my sister would enjoy these sections too, however the surrounding commentary could be a little slow in parts.

Overall, I definitely enjoyed the book, but not quite sure it was worthy of the Booker Prize.

My rating = ****

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Review: The Darkest Evening of the Year by Dean Koontz

I was really excited when I read that Dean Koontz was releasing a new book involving golden retrievers. I was hoping a supernatural theme was going to make this thriller a real page turner. I'm glad to say I was right, although it was a slow start, and a very quick finish.

This novel had it's moments though and a twist I wasn't expecting, although I think the plot had more potential than what was realised. I hope it's not too long before the next Koontz hits the shelves.

My rating = ***

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Review: Secrets of the Monarch by Allison DuBois

This is the latest book by the author who inspired the TV show Medium. I've read her previous books, and this was equally as enjoyable. Even though DuBois is not a 'great' writer, the subject she writes about is fascinating enough to keep her on my 'must read author' list. It's a shame that her writing is all over the place, I really think she needs a better editor.

There are some great stories throughout the book of people Allison has met and provided readings for, and I really enjoyed reading about their special moments.

My rating = **

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Review: Spy In Chancery by Paul Doherty, P.C. Doherty

An easy read over Christmas was Spy in Chancery by Paul Doherty. This is another book in the Hugh Corbett series of medieval mysteries, and I really enjoyed it.

I was thrilled to notice that Paul Doherty has a new book out this month, and it's going to take a LOT of self discipline not to skip the next 8 or so books in the series to get to the new one...

My rating = ***

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