Witch by Barbara Michaels

About the book:

"For Ellen March, the secluded old house nestled in the pine woods is more than the dream home she's long been searching for. It's an escape, a chance to start over, to forget the pain of her failed marriage and enjoy the restful pace of small-town living. Here, too, is a golden opportunity to get to know Norman McKay, her handsome and worldly new neighbor. But after dark in Ellen's "perfect" house, strange visions invade her restless mind: silent strangers moving through the twilight shadows, the ghostly figure of a woman and a spectral white cat. Ellen came here hoping to bury the past, but something terrifying has taken its place. Her safe haven has become her prison . . . and there is "no" escape."
(from Goodreads)


My thoughts:

I am smitten with Barbara Michaels (also known as Barbara Mertz as well as Elizabeth Peters of the Amelia Peabody series). Her books are so very readable -- she has a breezy style with lots of atmosphere and a touch of wry humor that sucks you right in from the first page. The perfect kind of reading for this time of year -- mystery, suspense, a bit of paranormal, and always a surprise twist. Fun! I have a stack of her books (including more of her Amelia Peabody series) to look forward to -- my collection is definitely growing.

On a fun note, Barbara Michaels, known for her love of Egypt (she earned a Ph.D in Egyptology before turning to writing fiction years ago), recently celebrated her 85th birthday in grand style. Complete with camels, belly dancers, and her hookah, I can only imagine that all who were invited to party with her had a blast! Click here to read an article from The Washington Post  about this fascinating author's birthday bash.

Happy 85th to a favorite author!


3.5/5 stars

The House on Tradd Street by Karen White

Book Synopsis:

Practical Melanie Middleton hates to admit she can see ghosts. But she's going to have to accept it. An old man she recently met has died, leaving her his historic Tradd Street home, complete with housekeeper, dog and a family of ghosts anxious to tell her their secrets.

Enter Jack Trenholm, a gorgeous writer obsessed with unsolved mysteries. He has reason to believe that diamonds from the Confederate Treasury are hidden in the house. So he turns the charm on with Melanie, only to discover he's the smitten one...

It turns out Jack's search has caught the attention of a malevolent ghost. Now, Jack and Melanie must unravel a mystery of passion, heartbreak and even murder.

My thoughts:

A solid beginning to a mystery series featuring Melanie Middleton, ghost-seeing real estate agent extraordinaire in Charleston, South Carolina. Part ghost story, secrets from the past, and a bit of romance made this a really fun experience and I can't wait to move on to the next installment, The Girl on Legare Street.

Melanie's a prickly heroine and it is a bit hard to warm up to her at first. She holds everyone at an arm's distance, but as the story unfolds the reader learns of her painful childhood memories that makes her fearful of exposing her vulnerabilities. There's enough playful teasing and joking at her expense from the other players in the story that lightens up an otherwise uptight and stoic Melanie.

 When she strangely becomes the recipient of a beautiful but neglected historic home, a wonderful cast of quirky characters gather round to help restore this charming southern mansion.......that just happens to be inhabited by a woman ghost and her ghost child, as well as a malevolent figure that is intent on driving everyone away. Mix in a few good-looking guys who both have their reasons for wanting to charm their way into Melanie's life and you have just the right amount of spice to the story. Tragic pasts, secret letters and hidden treasures......pour some sweet tea with lemon and enjoy the journey.

I'm adding Karen White to my  "favorite author" list!

4.5/5 stars