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judithdcollins's review
4.0
I am finally catching up with some long overdue reviews . . .
J. Carson Black’s, DARKSCOPE, is a delicious spellbinding ghost story with elements of mystery, murder, horror, suspense, and the supernatural; Old loves lost, new ones found, a ghost from the past, a walk through the town’s history, and intriguing evil secrets from the past.
For me, this book was quite an amazing tale, as written by one of my newfound favorite authors, set in one of my favorite unique historic old mining towns, very special to my heart, (the history, streets, buildings, and the people) of Bisbee, Arizona!
Today, a haven to artists, retirees and history buffs, Bisbee astounds visitors with vibrantly colored rock faces and picturesque houses hugging the edges of cliffs. Its history can be discovered in its numerous museums, historic staircases and a mine tour that leads deep into one of the remaining caverns.
Black captures the essence and intrigue with this alluring tale, and if you haven’t been to Bisbee, you will want to travel there, after reading! Set in 1986, Artist and photographer and artist, and wealthy Chelsea McCord, twenty-six, is glad to escape—far away from her troubled drug addictive and famous artist and soon to be ex-husband (Jason) to the quaint mining town of Bisbee, AZ.
Her great uncle Bob, (has always played an important part in her life after her parents’ death), and has offered her the use of his rundown one story Victorian house, currently in the process of renovation, set a top of a hill, overlooking historic downtown. Little does she know what lies in this town.
Flashing back to the late 70s, more history—as Bob’s father was the magnate Lucas McCord, one of the founding fathers of the town in the early 20th century with plenty of enemies. (Lucas had two sons, one dead, the other his only heir, except for his great-granddaughter, Chelsea, carrying Johnny’s spark, as if it had skipped a generation). Three generations Johnny and Bob, his sons. Johnny’s son, Edward and Edward’s daughter Chelsea.
Nothing had turned out as Lucas had planned. His children and his grandchildren had all betrayed him (even with all his control). Too bad Chelsea was a girl or she could have taken over his legacy, he thinks. It was Johnny’s betrayal which strung Lucas the most. Johnny so full of promise, his one perfect creation, Johnny, dead at age twenty-six. How different things would have been if he had lived?
Chelsea is excited to set up house and while in the process of getting settled in, she discovers an old camera in a trunk with the film still inside. She decides to use it to photograph different areas of town; however, there is something mysterious about the camera and who is this woman Kathy, she continues seeing? What is Bob’s and the McCord’s part in the mystery?
She begins seeing the town as it was years ago in the 1920s, and she develops the film and sees the same people from another time. Is she losing her mind? She begins to see the street scene as if it was the 1880s.
Black cleverly connects the past and present, as Chelsea begins unraveling the secrets of her powerful family’s dark evil secrets, a supernatural force, and a psychopathic killer, as she fights to save herself and her uncle. She also meets someone new who could change her life. A spellbinding and chilling tale of lost souls, lost love, murder and deceit. Black brings the rustic old mining town of Bisbee, Arizona to life—with a beautiful ghost, who yearns for revenge and retribution.
I recently discovered J. Carson Black, after reading an ARC of her latest, HARD RETURN, a riveting suspense crime thriller (Cyril Landry #2) of mystery and intrigue, action packed, fast-paced, and full of danger. (5 stars). I was so intrigued with the character, Cyril Landry had to go back to read #1 THE SHOP. After further research, found Black resides in Tucson and was blown away when I found DARKSCOPE, set in Bisbee.
Could not wait to purchase and read this book, as felt I was back in Bisbee on the patio of the Cooper Queen Hotel (a fine example of poplar architecture from the turn of the century), the delicious coffee at the Cafe Cornucopia, and the vibrant streets, art galleries, with a town rich in history and character. It was so exciting to revisit past generations and ghosts, with the suspenseful page turner!
Am delighted to find a kindred spirit with a shared love of Tucson and Bisbee with the author! If you have not had a chance to visit Bisbee, I highly recommend a weekend trip to explore this charming historic town.
In addition, if you have not read J. Carlson Black, you are in for a real treat! I look forward to reading more from this talented author as she definitely can craft suspense, mysteries and thrillers, pulling you into the setting and each of the lives of her characters— you will not soon forget even after the book ends!
http://judithdcollins.booklikes.com/post/980960/darkscope
J. Carson Black’s, DARKSCOPE, is a delicious spellbinding ghost story with elements of mystery, murder, horror, suspense, and the supernatural; Old loves lost, new ones found, a ghost from the past, a walk through the town’s history, and intriguing evil secrets from the past.
For me, this book was quite an amazing tale, as written by one of my newfound favorite authors, set in one of my favorite unique historic old mining towns, very special to my heart, (the history, streets, buildings, and the people) of Bisbee, Arizona!
Today, a haven to artists, retirees and history buffs, Bisbee astounds visitors with vibrantly colored rock faces and picturesque houses hugging the edges of cliffs. Its history can be discovered in its numerous museums, historic staircases and a mine tour that leads deep into one of the remaining caverns.
Black captures the essence and intrigue with this alluring tale, and if you haven’t been to Bisbee, you will want to travel there, after reading! Set in 1986, Artist and photographer and artist, and wealthy Chelsea McCord, twenty-six, is glad to escape—far away from her troubled drug addictive and famous artist and soon to be ex-husband (Jason) to the quaint mining town of Bisbee, AZ.
Her great uncle Bob, (has always played an important part in her life after her parents’ death), and has offered her the use of his rundown one story Victorian house, currently in the process of renovation, set a top of a hill, overlooking historic downtown. Little does she know what lies in this town.
Flashing back to the late 70s, more history—as Bob’s father was the magnate Lucas McCord, one of the founding fathers of the town in the early 20th century with plenty of enemies. (Lucas had two sons, one dead, the other his only heir, except for his great-granddaughter, Chelsea, carrying Johnny’s spark, as if it had skipped a generation). Three generations Johnny and Bob, his sons. Johnny’s son, Edward and Edward’s daughter Chelsea.
Nothing had turned out as Lucas had planned. His children and his grandchildren had all betrayed him (even with all his control). Too bad Chelsea was a girl or she could have taken over his legacy, he thinks. It was Johnny’s betrayal which strung Lucas the most. Johnny so full of promise, his one perfect creation, Johnny, dead at age twenty-six. How different things would have been if he had lived?
Chelsea is excited to set up house and while in the process of getting settled in, she discovers an old camera in a trunk with the film still inside. She decides to use it to photograph different areas of town; however, there is something mysterious about the camera and who is this woman Kathy, she continues seeing? What is Bob’s and the McCord’s part in the mystery?
She begins seeing the town as it was years ago in the 1920s, and she develops the film and sees the same people from another time. Is she losing her mind? She begins to see the street scene as if it was the 1880s.
Black cleverly connects the past and present, as Chelsea begins unraveling the secrets of her powerful family’s dark evil secrets, a supernatural force, and a psychopathic killer, as she fights to save herself and her uncle. She also meets someone new who could change her life. A spellbinding and chilling tale of lost souls, lost love, murder and deceit. Black brings the rustic old mining town of Bisbee, Arizona to life—with a beautiful ghost, who yearns for revenge and retribution.
I recently discovered J. Carson Black, after reading an ARC of her latest, HARD RETURN, a riveting suspense crime thriller (Cyril Landry #2) of mystery and intrigue, action packed, fast-paced, and full of danger. (5 stars). I was so intrigued with the character, Cyril Landry had to go back to read #1 THE SHOP. After further research, found Black resides in Tucson and was blown away when I found DARKSCOPE, set in Bisbee.
Could not wait to purchase and read this book, as felt I was back in Bisbee on the patio of the Cooper Queen Hotel (a fine example of poplar architecture from the turn of the century), the delicious coffee at the Cafe Cornucopia, and the vibrant streets, art galleries, with a town rich in history and character. It was so exciting to revisit past generations and ghosts, with the suspenseful page turner!
On a personal note: I immediately emailed the author of this connection, as previous worked with an owner/investor of Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch (a beautiful historic boutique hotel) in Tucson, AZ to assist with their marketing efforts, and years later, the same owner hired me to work on a project in Bisbee.
The owners purchased two properties on Main Street in the middle of downtown Bisbee, AZ and traveled to the town, spending a great deal of time researching the history of the area with writing of the business and marketing plan for the new boutique bed and breakfast upstairs with retail space downstairs. I even had the privilege of choosing the name Letson Loft Hotel on Main http://www.letsonlofthotel.com/. These historic buildings are known as the "Letson Block" and estimated to have been constructed between 1883 and 1888. These are recognized as the oldest brick structures in the city and the only authentic Victorian buildings in Bisbee.
Today the Letson Loft Hotel on Main, (the building with the bay windows on Main Street) is the epitome of the most comfortable stay in Bisbee, with the same charm and romance of days gone by. The new owners have invested thoughtful renovations to the building, creating eight spacious and artfully decorated guest rooms with original 11' ceilings, private baths, restored hardwood floors, original skylights and exposed brick and adobe plastered walls. Their hope is that the Letson legacy continues through the loving care and renovation of this important landmark.
Am delighted to find a kindred spirit with a shared love of Tucson and Bisbee with the author! If you have not had a chance to visit Bisbee, I highly recommend a weekend trip to explore this charming historic town.
In addition, if you have not read J. Carlson Black, you are in for a real treat! I look forward to reading more from this talented author as she definitely can craft suspense, mysteries and thrillers, pulling you into the setting and each of the lives of her characters— you will not soon forget even after the book ends!
http://judithdcollins.booklikes.com/post/980960/darkscope
tushay_shanpayne's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
It's an old favorite. A story that takes place in Bisbee, AZ and its surrounding areas. Being from that region, this book holds a special place in my heart. That said, I don't think I liked it as much the second time around, although I was about 14 when I first read it so it definitely hit different then. It seems to have lost some of it magic. But overall I still enjoyed it and it was the perfect book to kick off my Fall/October/Halloween reading list. I'm glad I reread it. It scratched an itch.
muddypuddle's review
4.0
The only "ghost" stories I've ever read have been for kids. This adult ghost story was great fun for me on a number of levels. I LOVED the setting - Bisbee, Arizona (with forays to Tucson and the area/s between) including lots of explanation and history. And the story was multi-layered and a really interesting mystery. I actually could have done without the ghost parts (I think it could have been written as an un-ghostly mystery and been even better), but I enjoy the occasional fantasy, and so much the better if it's about an interesting mystery.
the_bookubus's review against another edition
3.0
Chelsea returns to her home town, an old mining town where her great grandfather made his money. In the house she moves into she finds an old box camera which holds a secret from the past. Chelsea is haunted by the ghost of a woman and is forced to find out exactly what happened to her.
Although this novel does contain some scenes of horror I'm not sure I would call it a horror novel. It felt more like a mystery novel with supernatural and historical elements. So while it was a little different to what I was expecting it was still an enjoyable read. Overall it was well written and after a bit of a slow start it became a compelling read. I thought the historical angle was very well done as we get parts of the story from the 1920s to the 1940s throughout the book. The horror elements were effective, I guess I just wish there were more of them! If you like your horror on the lighter side or if you are a fan of mysteries with a touch of horror then I'd definitely recommend this one.
Although this novel does contain some scenes of horror I'm not sure I would call it a horror novel. It felt more like a mystery novel with supernatural and historical elements. So while it was a little different to what I was expecting it was still an enjoyable read. Overall it was well written and after a bit of a slow start it became a compelling read. I thought the historical angle was very well done as we get parts of the story from the 1920s to the 1940s throughout the book. The horror elements were effective, I guess I just wish there were more of them! If you like your horror on the lighter side or if you are a fan of mysteries with a touch of horror then I'd definitely recommend this one.
mystereity's review
5.0
See my full review (and more!) at Mystereity Reviews
Darkscope skillfully weaves mystery, suspense, thrills, chills and horror into an exquisitely tense story of family secrets, lies and deception.
Chelsea McCord's marriage is on the rocks and moves back to Bisbee, AZ to be welcomed home by her uncle, Bob. Soon after moving into a little bungalow, Chelsea finds an old Kodak box camera and uses it to take pictures around the small desert town. While looking through the viewfinder, Chelsea sees images from the past; Bisbee how it was 40 years ago. When she develops the film, she finds images of the same woman as she grows from a child to a young woman. Who is she? What are her ties to Chelsea, whose family has a long legacy in the small mining town?
This review is really hard to write. On one hand, I have tons to say about the excellent plot but I don't want to give anything away! I think this is an amazing read any time of the year, but definitely perfect for Halloween. Vengeful ghosts, haunted cameras, visions of horrible deaths, it's got it all. This was a real edge of your seat story that just drew me in deeper with each page, one of those books where you don't have an inkling what's going on until it's revealed in the story, making you feel a little off-balance and a little unsteady, which really heightened the suspense.
At the heart of the book was the mystery of a woman who disappeared in the 1940s, as told in the present day as well as the past. I loved how the old box camera told the story; the smell of death coming from the camera, the snapshots, and literally chasing Chelsea through the house.
Overall, I really enjoyed Darkscope and it was a bargain at only 99¢. I definitely recommend it as a Halloween read or for fans of paranormal mysteries.
Darkscope skillfully weaves mystery, suspense, thrills, chills and horror into an exquisitely tense story of family secrets, lies and deception.
Chelsea McCord's marriage is on the rocks and moves back to Bisbee, AZ to be welcomed home by her uncle, Bob. Soon after moving into a little bungalow, Chelsea finds an old Kodak box camera and uses it to take pictures around the small desert town. While looking through the viewfinder, Chelsea sees images from the past; Bisbee how it was 40 years ago. When she develops the film, she finds images of the same woman as she grows from a child to a young woman. Who is she? What are her ties to Chelsea, whose family has a long legacy in the small mining town?
This review is really hard to write. On one hand, I have tons to say about the excellent plot but I don't want to give anything away! I think this is an amazing read any time of the year, but definitely perfect for Halloween. Vengeful ghosts, haunted cameras, visions of horrible deaths, it's got it all. This was a real edge of your seat story that just drew me in deeper with each page, one of those books where you don't have an inkling what's going on until it's revealed in the story, making you feel a little off-balance and a little unsteady, which really heightened the suspense.
At the heart of the book was the mystery of a woman who disappeared in the 1940s, as told in the present day as well as the past. I loved how the old box camera told the story; the smell of death coming from the camera, the snapshots, and literally chasing Chelsea through the house.
Overall, I really enjoyed Darkscope and it was a bargain at only 99¢. I definitely recommend it as a Halloween read or for fans of paranormal mysteries.
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