I have come to love and respect what Karen White can do with not only a good mystery but a good ghostly tale as well. One that always leaves me with chills on my arms and wanting to leave the lights on at night. Her latest, The Guests on South Battery, does not disappoint.
Title: The Guests on South Battery
Author; Karen White
Series: Book Five in the Tradd Street Series
Genre: Paranormal Mystery
Published By: Berkley (August 28, 2018)
Source: ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Book Description:
THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
Karen White invites you to explore the brick-walked streets of Charleston in her fifth Tradd Street novel, where historic mansions house the memories of years gone by, and restless spirits refuse to fade away...
With her extended maternity leave at its end, Melanie Trenholm is less than thrilled to leave her new husband and beautiful twins to return to work, especially when she’s awoken by a phone call with no voice on the other end—and the uneasy feeling that the ghostly apparitions that have stayed silent for more than a year are about to invade her life once more.
But her return to the realty office goes better than she could have hoped, with a new client eager to sell the home she recently inherited on South Battery. Most would treasure living in one of the grandest old homes in the famous historic district of Charleston, but Jayne Smith would rather sell hers as soon as possible, guaranteeing Melanie a quick commission.
Despite her stroke of luck, Melanie can’t deny that spirits—both malevolent and benign—have started to show themselves to her again. One is shrouded from sight, but appears whenever Jayne is near. Another arrives when an old cistern is discovered in Melanie’s backyard on Tradd Street.
Melanie knows nothing good can come from unearthing the past. But some secrets refuse to stay buried....
About the Author:
With more than 1.8 million books in print in eight different languages, Karen White is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 23 novels, including the popular Charleston-set Tradd Street mystery series.
Raised in a house full of brothers, Karen’s love of books and strong female characters first began in the third grade when the local librarian issued her a library card and placed The Secret of the Old Clock, a Nancy Drew Mystery, in her hands.
Karen’s roots run deep in the South where many of her novels are set. Her intricate plot lines and compelling characters charm and captivate readers with just the right mix of family drama, mystery, intrigue and romance.
Not entirely convinced she wanted to be a writer, Karen first pursued a career in business and graduated cum laude with a BS in Management from Tulane University. Ten years later, in a weak moment, she wrote her first book. In the Shadow of the Moon was published in August, 2000. Her books—referred to as “grit lit” (Southern Women’s Fiction)—have since been nominated for numerous national contests including the SIBA (Southeastern Booksellers Alliance) Fiction Book of the Year.
Karen White is known for her creepy stories that will keep you up at night but I must say she outdid herself in her latest release.
White knows how to write an atmospheric story rich in Charleston history, with ghosts, both benign and malevolent around every spooky dark corner that will constantly keep you both engrossed in the storyline and on edge constantly jumping at small sounds and looking over your shoulder making sure no one is there.
Even though I haven't read the other books in the series, it took me no time at all to sink into the story comfortably without feeling like I was missing huge gaps on background or character development and I love that I was able to do that with such ease.
This story truly was done so well with mysteries unraveling as quickly as the ghosts were appearing. One that had me stopping every now and then simply because I had to turn on more lights and reassure myself that no one was breathing over my shoulder watching me.
A creepy delight that had me turning the pages and left me wanting more from Melanie and her friends and family.
*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*
OK, so I'm not a big fan of ghosts in books - I'm too much of a wuss! But this book sounds really good. I love that it's mysterious and atmospheric.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed this book, Ali!
They can be super creepy so I don't blame you Nick!
Deleteoh ghosts! I love ghosts!
ReplyDeleteI always love reading about them as well. They are just so fun and terrifying.
DeleteOoh sounds like a fun, spooky read! I'm glad you could read it without having checked out the other books in the series.
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
Me too, it was nice that it cleared everything up.
DeleteI didn’t realize this had a ghost in it. I am going to read this for Halloween!
ReplyDeleteIt is all about the ghosts. ;)
DeleteI love a book that makes me want to keep a light on. Or wonder what that noise I just heard was. :)
ReplyDeleteOh me too, they can be so much fun. Of course, I do tend to like to scare myself, even if I regret it later. :P
DeleteSounds like a perfect Halloween read.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely!
DeleteLoved that you were able to slip in late in the series. I love the Charleston setting and enjoy this author's romantic suspense.
ReplyDeleteI've only tried her ones with paranormal elements, I need to try some of her others as well.
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