October: A Month of Scares!!

October was a month of scares for me! Scary reads and scary shows and movies!! Following is a list of what I watched this month! Let me know what you think!

Scary shows:

1. Light as a Feather (Hulu)

2. Ghost Adventures:Artifacts (Hulu)

3. Haunted (Netflix)

4. The Haunting of Hill House (Netflix)

5. Picnic at Hanging Rock (Amazon)

All of these were good selections. I am hoping that some of these will have a second season. I watched all the episodes of each show and honestly enjoyed them all.

Scary movies:

1. Unfriended: Dark Web (DVD)

2. Imprint (Amazon)

3. Hell House LLC (Amazon)

4. Bad Ben (Amazon)

5. The Blackwell Ghost (Amazon)

6. Steelmanville Road (Amazon)

7. The House on Pine Street (Amazon)

8. Demon House (Amazon)

9. The Blackwell Ghost 2 (Amazon)

Of these films, Bad Ben and Steelmanville Road are about the same house. Demon House is the documentary made by Zak Bagans about a haunted Indiana house. The Blackwell Ghost and its sequel are documentary type movies made about a haunted house. The House on Pine Street is a movie about a pregnant woman who moves into a house and quickly believes it is haunted. Hell House LLC is a found footage film made in a haunted attraction. Imprint is a ghost story based around a Native American woman. Unfriended: Dark Web is a sequel, it's not that great. 

Out of all these films I enjoyed The Blackwell Ghost documentaries the most. I did like Imprint and The House on Pine Street was pretty good. Hell House LLC was pretty good if you like found footage. None of these movies were the best I have ever seen by any means.

October: A Month of Scares!

I have been squeezing in as much terror as I can this month. I have tried to stick to a schedule of scary movies and books with thrills and horror. Following is my list of monthly reads and views. What did you watch this month? Have any recommendations for my next October list? Halloween is my favorite Holiday....so let me know your thoughts!

Reads:

1. The Sleep Tight Motel by Lisa Unger

    Eve just knows that she can hide out at the isolated motel. She is on the run from her ex-lover.  If she is the only occupant of the hotel...why does she keep hearing noises next door? Is she safe?


2. Hannah-Beast by Jennifer McMahon

    Long ago, Hannah took part in a scavenger hunt gone wrong. Now Hannah is a Halloween costume based on an urban legend. What will happen when Hannah's story comes back to haunt the town?


3. Oak Avenue by Brandi Reeds

     Ana unearths a door buried in her yard. When she digs up the door and places it in the attic, all types of things start to go wrong. Did she unearth a ghost, or is she losing her mind?

4. Something in the Woods is Taking People by Stephen Young

     Herein are many true stories of people who have disappeared or died in the woods.

5. Little Darlings by Melanie Golding (expected publication April 30, 2019)

     Lauren has new born twins. In the hospital she is bothered by a woman who wants to take her twins and replace them with her own "creature" babies. Everyone thinks Lauren is tired and needs to rest. Or is Lauren losing her mind? When her babies disappear on a walk in the park, does she come home with her own twins or the creatures?

6. Haunted Horror of Haverfordwest by G. L. Davies (expected publication December 2018)

     Based on a True Story. A young couple move into a new home in Wales in 1989. Soon the couple are tormented by entities.
     This also contains the story that took place when the author lived in this same house in Wales.


The first three books are quick reads that can be read in an hour or so. My favorite of these three was Hannah-Beast, but they are all worth reading. Oak Avenue is creepy but also strange. Something in the Woods is an interesting compilation of stories of people that have been victims of strange incidents in the woods. Little Darlings is a wonderful read!! You really need to add it to your wishlist. It is a twisted fairy tale for adult readers. I loved it!! Haunted Horror of Haverfordwest is a creepy real life haunting. You get to read through the history of the house with two sets of its occupants. It is a scary read and very interesting.

*I would like to thank NetGalley and the authors and publishers for allowing me to read advanced copies of Little Darlings and Haunted Horror of Haverfordwest. The opinions of these books are my own.

Book Review: Never Be Alone by Paige Dearth

Joon is loved by her parents. Then one horrible day they die, and Joon is placed in foster care. Her foster mother beats and abuses her. She spends four years in the foster home and finally runs away. Joon is homeless, living on the street. What will she do to survive? Will she find a place in the world where she is safe?
This is a great eye-opening read for those who have never been exposed to homelessness.  I appreciate that Dearth is honest about what a mess the system is. It is a miracle that Joon makes it out alive. This is hard to read at times and certainly not for the faint of heart. There are valuable lessons here.

*Thank you to NetGalley, Paige Dearth and the publisher for allowing me to read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Sidetracked by Richard T. Cahill Jr.

Anna Kithcart was strangled and beaten to death. She was found with the letters KKK carved in her thigh. This is a twisted tale with many suspects and a political agenda.
I wish the author would have told us more about Anna. There were a lot of trial facts that got boring and repetitive. The Epilogue saved the book for me. I appreciated the fact that the author helped us draw conclusions as some of the book was confusing.

*Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Better Off Dead by Michael Fleeman

This is a true crime love triangle gone wrong. The wife is unhappy. Her love is much younger. Her husband is not exactly nice to her.
This was a decent read. I felt that I needed more background information. The book was also a bit repetitive and boring at times. I felt this may have been better if trimmed down.

*Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Through A Mother's Tears by Cathy Broomfield

A quick read on how the murder of a daughter affects the whole family. I just wish there was more background on the daughters. I had a hard time connecting with the family because I felt I needed to know more. The book was also based in another country so I did not grasp all of the details as I am unfamiliar with things in the UK. My heart goes out to this family.

*Thank you to Cathy Broomfield, the publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage

Hanna refuses to speak. She is capable but unwilling. She loves her dad. She wishes her mom was dead. She is seven.
Hanna would have been great if written from a horror perspective. The author wasn't willing to take her there, so for me this was a loser. I did not connect with any of the characters. I found the story to be boring. I did not like the ending. Don't believe the hype, there are better stories about creepy kids!

*Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Ghost Virus by Graham Masterson

A girl pours sulfuric acid over her head. A teacher throws her students out a window. What did they have in common? They were wearing second hand clothes.
That's right, killer clothing. The premise to me was interesting and unusual. It should have been a new favorite. Sadly, the descriptions were so gruesome and disgusting that they almost made me physically ill. I have a very strong stomach and have never felt that way while reading a book before. I love horror, but this wasn't scary to me. There was some suspense, but it wasn't enough to get me past the grossness. This one just wasn't for me. If you like gory horror then this one could be for you!

*Thank you to Graham Masterson, NetGalley, and Head of Zeus, for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Don't Believe It by Charlie Donlea

So this premise was perfect for me. Sidney, a reporter has done documentaries on three people she believes were wrongly imprisoned. All three people in these cases have been released from prison after their documentary aired. Now she has a new case to present.
I loved the fact that my favorite true crime documentaries was presented in a film format. This was the best mash up of reality TV, a great book, and fictionalized true crime. This was so different and interesting. Just when I thought I had figured out what was going on, BAM I was totally surprised.
Giving too much description on this book will lead to spoilers, so you I will leave it at I loved it!

*Thank you to NetGalley, Charlie Donlea, and t he publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book.

Book Review: The Moor by Sam Haysom

I really enjoyed the beginning of the book. I didn't like where the book ended up going. I was expecting a horror, ghost story, not a stomach churning creature feature. I felt that the book was dumbed down and inconsistent. I was disappointed in this because I saw potential at the beginning.

*Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Sam Haysom for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Paper Ghosts by Julia Heaberlin

I can't help it I just fall in love with these twisted creepy tales. This one was very unique.
Grace just knows her sister is dead, even though her body has not been found. She also knows that Carl, a nursing home patient with dementia, was the one to kill her. So she decides to kidnap Carl and take him on a road trip to all the places he killed people.
I actually found myself liking Carl. He was funny and caring. Grace couldn't see truths staring her right in the face. But Carl could help her connect the dots.
What if everything you knew to be true was a lie? What if the people you thought were good were actually the bad ones? What if someone with dementia could discover all the answers you were looking for?
I am going to read more by this author. If you like strange and twisted this might be your cup of tea.

*Thank you to Julia Heaberlin, NetGalley, and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer by Michelle McNamara

I am so glad that Patton Oswalt saw to it that his wife's obsession was brought to print! I just wish Ms. McNamara was here to see that her dreams came true and this killer was caught! This is a very interesting book. You can see that Michelle was headed in the right direction, but was unable to connect the dots. Reading this was like having a discussion with a friend. I am a true crime addict, but have never found myself obsessed to the point that Michelle was. This obviously was an important part of her life. The ending is a little strange since the author was not here to finish her work. I honestly don't feel that the ending detracted from Michelle's story. I would have loved to see Michelle tackle some other cold cases. Bravo Michelle! Job well done! 

Book Review: THE BEAST I LOVED: A Battered Woman's Desperate Struggle To Survive by Robert Davidson

June spends her whole life being abused and belittled. She is a child when she marries. She continues to be abused by her husband. She does everything she can to protect her children from her husband. June is never perfect enough. She constantly tries but can never get things right for her husband. After several years she is finally able to break free. She loses her children in the process and must spend years behind bars. She is one of the first women to ever be classified as suffering from Battered Woman Syndrome. It is amazing that she was able to live through all the abuse. It is so sad that her daughters blame everything in their life on her, once again making her a victim. Hopefully her children are able to forgive their mother and understand the position she was in. Robert Davidson did a wonderful job researching this case and lays it all on the line with no sugar coating. This story will stay with you and might change your view on what it means to be abused.

*Thank you to Robert Davidson, WildBlue Press, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: The Home for Unwanted Girls by Joanna Goodman

This one will gnaw at your emotions. It is so sad that people didn't have choices in the past and were judged so badly. I did feel that the story was a little slow in spots, and easily predictable in others, but that said, the story was very well written and will stay with you!

Book Review: Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney

This one is hard for me to review. I liked the conversational style of the writing. I enjoy a good twist, but there were a few more here then needed. I had a hard time figuring out what was the truth and what was a lie. This was close to a five star but I had a few issues that took away from my rating. I did enjoy the book but a few parts dragged a bit too much.

Book Review: Bullied to Death?: A Story Of Bullying, Social Media, And The Suicide Of Sherokee Harriman by Judith A. Yates

This was a hard book to read. Sherokee was ignored when she asked for help, by her own family, her friends, and her school. This child grew up in a dysfunctional way. Bullying was not the only problem she had to deal with.
Yates did a wonderful job of following Sherokee's story. She did a lot of background work on her story. She also included tons of information for anyone considering suicide, or those being bullied.
I was disappointed in the fact that the story didn't really make it clear exactly what happened with Sherokee on the day the stabbing occurred. Were the other children involved? Did someone else do this to her? I guess we will never know because she is not here to tell us. It is a sad ending to a sad story.

*Thank you to NetGalley, Judith A. Yates, and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: The Family Next Door by Sally Hepworth

This is my first book by Sally Hepworth. I look forward to more from her.
This novel revolves around four women who live in the same neighborhood. One of the women is new to town and is hiding why she has moved there. All the other women are hiding things also. All the secrets are revealed in the end. I was surprised at some of the reveals.
Hepworth's novel draws you into each character. You care about them and want them to be happy. There are real life issues here like mental illness and depression, cheating and lying. I liked the way the story was divided up. For me this was a quick read and I will recommend it to friends who like mysteries and women's fiction.

**Thank you to Sally Hepworth, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an arc copy of this novel in exchange for an honest opinion.

Book Review: The Perfect Nanny by Leila Slimani

This one was good until the end. As the nanny starts to lose it the writing becomes more dull and depressing. I had a hard time reading some of the last chapters. I did not like the ending. I need to know why, how, and consequences. The author did a wonderful job of keeping the tension simmering under the surface. With a few fixes this could have been a five star read.

Book Review: Innocent Victims The True Story of the Eastburn Family Murders

This book is intriguing. I am still unsure about this case. I am also unsettled by the fact that this man has been through this ordeal and am unaware of the legalities of this case. I am stumped as to who is guilty, and am pained for the children who were lost. This is a book you ill not soon forget.

*Thank you to Scott Whisnant, the publisher, and NetGalley, for allowing me to read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Strangler by Corey Mitchell

I really enjoy the True Crime genre. I thought this book was well written and for me was a very quick read. I am glad to know that the scum in this book has been executed. It is hard to believe thst he fooled so many. The fact that he harmed so many children makes him especially easy to look down on. I would like to read more of Corey Mitchell's books.

*Thank you to Corey Mitchell, the publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: My Mother the Liar by Ann Troup

This is hard for me to review. I wanted to get to the end to see how all the mysteries were tied together. I mostly ended up confused. There were so many suggestions on what had happened and who did it that I am still unsure of the answers to some of my questions. The ending was rushed and I felt like too many oddball things were added to tie things up. I have no problem with a dysfunctional family, but this was over the top. I felt the story would have benefited from a few less characters and a few less plot lines.

*Thank you to Ann Troup, the publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: The Man From The Train by Bill James, Rachel McCarthy James

This was too long, too repetitive, and hard to follow. There were several cases here that should not have been included. The author names the killer but doesn't give reasonable explanations for why he is the killer. We also don't know what happened to this assumed murderer. It makes for a confusing read. I enjoyed learning about the reach of trains during that time period. I also enjoyed the history and the true crime elements but I did not enjoy the book as a whole.

*Thank you to NetGalley, the author, znd the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. (less)

Book Review: The Haunted History of Huntingdonshire by Mark Egerton

I had honestly never even heard of Huntingdonshire, so that made it all the more interesting. Mr. Edgerton took the time to find out the history of each place where he investigated. I enjoyed the way that the author looked at each individual place and came to his own logical conclusion. You could tell he had a love for these places and people. The pictures were breathtaking and made me want to visit for myself. A few of the places were really creepy. I hope the author will continue to write these type of books.

*Thank you to NetGalley, Mark Edgerton, and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: The Road to Bittersweet by Donna Everhart

Fourteen year old Wallis lives with her mute sister Laci, her baby brother Seph, and her mom and dad. They live in the 1940s in South Carolina and their life happens in rural Appalachia. When their life is destroyed by a flood, will they find the strength to come back? What will they be willing to do to survive?

I loved this book!! Ms. Everhart paints pictures with her words! I finished this in three days and didn't want the story to end! In fact I would love a sequel. I need to revisit these characters. This would make a great movie!!

*Thank you to NetGalley, Donna Everhart, and the publisher, for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: The Girlfriend by Michelle Frances

What will happen when a mother tells a lie to save her son from the girlfriend who wants to take everything away from his mother? Laura is successful, rich, and very close to her son Daniel. Cherry is young, beautiful, and smart and she wants Laura's life. Daniel is caught in the middle of the two women he loves. An accident happens and a lie is told. Who will end up on top?

The beginning was too slow for me. The end was rushed. The middle was very entertaining. Two hard women, willing to do anything, and the man caught between. These women are treacherous. This was a unique clash of forces. I felt so sorry for Daniel. Could have been a five star with a better end and beginning!

*Thank you to NetGalley, Michelle Frances, and the publisher, for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Movie Review: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

Four high school kids are drawn into an old console game with a jungle setting. They must survive the game to return to the real world. This one is hilarious! I wasn't expecting it to be nearly as good as it was.
Staring The Rock, Jack Black, and Kevin Hart, with a guest appearance by Nick Jonas, how can you lose with this combination! I highly recommend this comedy fest! My family is still quoting the lines days later!

Movie Review: The Glass Castle

The Glass Castle was a five star read for me. It is always hard for me to watch the movie based around a book that I loved. Surprisingly, I liked this movie. It wasn't as good as the book but it was watchable. Brie Larson and Woody Harrelson are wonderful in their parts. This movie touches on so many emotions. Their is pain throughout, but everyone ends up okay in the end.

If you have not read the book that this movie is based on, I highly recommend that you take the time to check it out!

Book Review: That Last Weekend by Laura DiSilverio

For a decade, every year, five friend spent a week together at an atmospheric castle. Ten years later, the girls attempt to reconnect and put the past to rest, by returning to the castle. Tragedy and murder happen throughout the book.

The reveal that a certain character was alive boggled my mind. This was a fast paced suspense fest. Everyone has a secret. Everyone is a suspect. This one kept me guessing right up until the end.

* Thank you to NetGalley, Laura Disilverio, and the publisher, for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Pretty Dead Girls by Monica Murphy

Wow! This was a fast paced, twist filled, extravaganza. None of the characters were likable, but they were not meant to be. I got a real Heathers movie vibe from this story! I enjoyed the romance and the drama. My only complaints were that the perp was a throwaway, and the ending was rushed. This easily could have been a five star read, but ended up falling a little bit short.

*Thank you to Monica Murphy, NetGalley, and the publisher, for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Fred and Rose by Howard Sounes

This is a very gruesome read! Well written and extensive in the background of these killers, sickening doesn't even begin to describe these two! I feel so sad for their innocent children. The fact that they grew up in this house of horrors and managed to be normal people amazes me! The fact that they kept on loving their parents seems almost impossible. It is one sick world we live in and those two are a prime example of this sickness.

** Thank you to NetGalley, Howard Sounes, and the publisher, for allowing me to read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: The Vanishing Season by Joanna Schaffhausen

I don't normally read police dramas, so this is an unusual read for me. I thought this was very well written for a new author. I really connected with the main character Ellie. I wanted Ellie to succeed and be able to move beyond her past. There were a few choices of who the bad guy was, I guessed it fairly easily. For me the ending did not live up to the rest of the book.

** Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher, for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review-- Henry: A Polish Swimmer's True Story of Friendship from Auschwitz to America by Katrina Shawver

I really wanted to love this book. I cannot classify it as excellent. Henry's story is very impressive. He is very lucky, makes the right friends, and in lots of instances is in the right place at the right time. The fact that he survived is Amazing! Henry's story is harrowing and his attitude is inspiring.

The problems I had were with the writing. The Title didn't really fit the story, in my opinion. I do believe that this is the author's first book, so maybe that is part of the issues. A proofreader would have helped this story immensely. I am hoping that some of the mistakes were corrected before publishing, as this review is in reference to an advanced copy.

Henry's story needed to be told. His story is extremely honest, he did not hold back on the parts that make you cringe. In order to learn from this we need to be hit where it hurts. Henry's story will hurt you and change you. Henry is Amazing!

**Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher, for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: The Ghosts of Captain Grant's Inn: True Stories From a Haunted Connecticut Inn by Carol Matsumoto

I enjoyed this author's story. The beginning was believable and easy to follow. I do not agree with the author's feelings about reincarnation or the afterlife, but I still enjoyed her story. I appreciate the fact that she is maintaining a historical property so that others can enjoy it.

**Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.