LitPick Review
Age at time of review - 13
Reviewer's Location -
Baltimore,
Maryland,
United States
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The book follows the adventures of an archaeologist, Faye, and her adopted daughter, Amande. They go to the small town of Rosebower to help the local museum with sorting but find much more than that in the town full of Spiritualists and psychics. A friend of Faye's, Tilda, is killed in a house fire after Faye and Amande leave her house--and it doesn't look accidental. Many people in the town have motives, from the determined, money-loving developer to the charismatic son-in-law. Myrna, Tilda's sister, and Sister Mama both own land, and they seem to deteriorate rapidly after Tilda's death. Swept into a world of psychics, frauds, and illusions, non-believer Faye must put her personal beliefs aside to uncover the secrets of the town, magical or not, before it's too late and the beautiful historic Rosebower is turned into an amusement park.
Opinion:
I liked the mystery and intrigue of this book and the way it combined with the other subtle element of magic. I thought that it could have used more character development, but it is the eighth book in a series, so the author probably expects at least a basic knowledge of the characters at this point. Though I would have appreciated more development, the book can be read as a stand-alone.
Faye was a great main character to follow. Her scientific mind catalogued and puzzled, and it was interesting piecing everything together with her. The surrounding characters were amazing as well, and the many different point of views, rather than distracting from the story, added to the suspense.
The author closed the mystery well, and I liked the subtle hints dropped throughout the book hinting to the culprit. I found the book hard to get into at the start, but it began picking up near the middle, and I was hooked.
Explain your content rating:
There is some cursing found in the book, along with themes that might be disturbing or unsuitable.
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