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anredman's review against another edition
2.0
More like a 1.5 star rating, but it's appropriate to round up in this case.
The premise is sterling. Salvaging crew ripping up an estate that is haunted as fuck. I'll bet the premise got the book into a lot of hands and shopping carts.
However, the writing is sparse and repetitive. Instead of lavish, indulgent descriptions of a decrepit house and wonderful old relics there was a dry list of stuff the crew picked up. Equipment, materials, the process of salvaging were shallow. Granted, a lot of tedious work is, well, tedious to read. But the characters were boring. The ghosts were dull. The house did not feel like a character in its own right.
What irks me the most is the mountain of wasted opportunity. Augusta Withrow was an annoyingly stereotypical old woman that comes from money. The body dug up in the faux graveyard was not described.. Bad injuries Gabe sustained were not detailed. I'm not necessarily into a lot of gore, but the story needed to punch up the horror factor. It didn't feel like Tennessee's culture and people were highlighted well. Trips to town lent so little to the overall story.
Best part of the novel was a discussion of a ghost story Bobby'd experienced. More of that, please.
The premise is sterling. Salvaging crew ripping up an estate that is haunted as fuck. I'll bet the premise got the book into a lot of hands and shopping carts.
However, the writing is sparse and repetitive. Instead of lavish, indulgent descriptions of a decrepit house and wonderful old relics there was a dry list of stuff the crew picked up. Equipment, materials, the process of salvaging were shallow. Granted, a lot of tedious work is, well, tedious to read. But the characters were boring. The ghosts were dull. The house did not feel like a character in its own right.
What irks me the most is the mountain of wasted opportunity. Augusta Withrow was an annoyingly stereotypical old woman that comes from money. The body dug up in the faux graveyard was not described.. Bad injuries Gabe sustained were not detailed. I'm not necessarily into a lot of gore, but the story needed to punch up the horror factor. It didn't feel like Tennessee's culture and people were highlighted well. Trips to town lent so little to the overall story.
Best part of the novel was a discussion of a ghost story Bobby'd experienced. More of that, please.
nicolesa's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
chelseatm's review against another edition
4.0
3.5
This was a really enjoyable haunted house book. Cherie Priest's paced and methodical writing style worked well for building tension and anticipation. When the ghosts started to reveal themselves, I was on the edge of my seat.
However, some of her characters' choices were strange and unjustified by the events in the story. They almost seemed too logical while stating that they were scared. It seemed a bit forced by Priest to keep them in the haunted house.
The ending as well was clunky but not bad. It just seemed as though it was a difficult plot line to wrap up.
Overall, it was a really enjoyable read. I recommend it if you're in the mood for something spooky.
This was a really enjoyable haunted house book. Cherie Priest's paced and methodical writing style worked well for building tension and anticipation. When the ghosts started to reveal themselves, I was on the edge of my seat.
However, some of her characters' choices were strange and unjustified by the events in the story. They almost seemed too logical while stating that they were scared. It seemed a bit forced by Priest to keep them in the haunted house.
The ending as well was clunky but not bad. It just seemed as though it was a difficult plot line to wrap up.
Overall, it was a really enjoyable read. I recommend it if you're in the mood for something spooky.
bippityboppityboop's review against another edition
3.0
Very fun, straightforward haunted house story featuring southern gothic ghosties and a lovably ragtag crew of antique salvagers. Recommend!
teresaalice's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. I don't often read horror stories, but the synopsis of this one caught my eye. Like another review said ghost hunters meets HGTV. Music city salvage wins the bid to tear out the most valuable pieces of the Withrow estate, which the owner, Augusta Withrow is eager, almost too eager, to unload on them. As soon as they get there, Dahlia and her crew start feeling uneasy despite the grandiosity of the place. As the history of the estate is laid bare, and some of its former occupants begin to introduce themselves, the story soon turns from
Home Improvement to my stuff of nightmares, like the tv show "that's incredible" from my childhood that produced many sleepless nights. Though the story is unique and you come to really like the characters, the ending is so predictable to me that it somewhat ruins the whole book.
Home Improvement to my stuff of nightmares, like the tv show "that's incredible" from my childhood that produced many sleepless nights. Though the story is unique and you come to really like the characters, the ending is so predictable to me that it somewhat ruins the whole book.
rapgamenancyreagan's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
shalini_gunnasan's review against another edition
3.0
I read this in just a day, loved that it was quick-paced and wasted no words, chewed no scenery. I actually liked the main character a lot, people like her who are planners and doers are to be treasured.
Predictable ghost story background but comfort-ready... up to the last 20%. The story was doing so well up till then. It's still worth a read.
Predictable ghost story background but comfort-ready... up to the last 20%. The story was doing so well up till then. It's still worth a read.
eleanormair's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
schnaucl's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I enjoyed it . I really liked the characters and the information about salvaging was fascinating. At first I thought maybe restoring old houses would be a better job for Dahlia, but I think there's something to be said for someone who has such respect for old buildings being the one to salvage them.
I wish it had ended with the lyrics instead of Abigail attacking Dahlia. It's not that I think it was a bad ending, I just really liked Dahlia and wanted better for her.
I'm also not sure if Augusta knew Abigail was in the video (somehow) and if she wanted her to be free.
I'm also not sure if Augusta knew Abigail was in the video (somehow) and if she wanted her to be free.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, and Death
Minor: Pregnancy, Forced institutionalization, Child death, Suicide, Car accident, Gore, Murder, and War