"Sarah Piper’s lonely, threadbare existence changes when her temporary agency sends her to assist a ghost hunter. Alistair Gellis – rich, handsome, scarred by World War I, and obsessed with ghosts – has been summoned to investigate the spirit of nineteen-year-old Maddy Clare, who is haunting the barn where she committed suicide. Since Maddy hated men in life, it is Sarah’s task to confront her in death.
Soon Sarah is caught up in a desperate struggle. For Maddy’s ghost is real, she’s angry, and she has powers that defy all reason. Can Sarah and Alistair’s assistant, the rough, unsettling Matthew Ryder, discover who Maddy was, where she came from, and what is driving her desire for vengeance – before she destroys them all?"
3 Reasons Review:
The reason(s) why I wanted to read this book:
There's been quite a bit of buzz about this book lately, and I'm always up for a good gothic ghost story. Some of my favorite authors (Susanna Kearsley and Deanna Raybourn) did previews of The Haunting of Maddy Clare and gave it a thumbs up so I couldn't wait to dive in.
The reason(s) I liked (or disliked) this book:
Once I began The Haunting of Maddy Clare, it was impossible to put down. The character of Sarah Piper was very well drawn and I had an immediate visual image of her in my mind. Described as living alone and lonely in London in 1922, working temporary jobs to make any money that she could to support herself, I sensed her vulnerability and it was easy to see how she could be drawn into the frightening situation she had to face. The paranormal manifestations throughout the story were creepy and suspenseful (without being graphic), and as little Maddy Clare's shocking story unfolded, I truly felt haunted. And on a lighter note, what better situation for a lonely single girl to find herself in than an assignment where she's working closely with two attractive, eligible men? Both men are carrying the scars of war and are vulnerable in their own ways (psychologically and physically). Which one will she choose?
The reason I'm recommending this book:
Atmospheric.....haunting.....romantic......tragic......what's not to love in a gothic ghost story? This is a terrific debut novel and I will most certainly be looking for more from Simone St. James.
4.5/5 stars
Title: The Haunting of Maddy Clare
Author: Simone St. James
2012
New American Library
genre: gothic/mystery/romance
I think the 3 Reasons review is a brilliant way to quickly review books! Thanks to Jenny @ Jenny Loves to Read and Staci @ Life in the Thumb for this terrific review format.
4 comments:
Great review. I really like the 'three reasons' style. I have this one on my shelf to read and by the sounds of it I'll definitely enjoy the books.
Liking the cover for this one. I really love this type of book and the story does sound good. Another thumbs up for the three reasons review format :)
I am a fan of Kearsley and Raybourn so I will check this author too.
So glad I have this sitting on my night table!!!
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