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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
Amazing, chilling story! So good it's hard to put down once you've started it! I was lucky enough to be a test reader for this before it was published. I just got done reading the published version, and still as chilling as the first time I read it! An amazing story set in the post-WWI era that reaches back to the Civil War. Raissa is an interesting protagonist. She's educated, smart, and witty who is a trailblazer of her time. She also has an interesting ability. Some parts are very creepy and hard to sleep if you read this at night! I had to read it during daylight hours! Haines is an amazing wordsmith with a true gift!
America, poco dopo la prima guerra mondiale. Negli stati del sud le ferite della guerra di secessione non si sono ancora cicatrizzate e, anche se la nazione sta apparentemente diventando moderna, molti retaggi del passato sono duri a morire: le donne ancora non votano e i negri, nonostante non siano più formalmente schiavi, sono ancora trattati come tali, e, soprattutto, vigono una doppia morale e una feroce segregazione razziale. Raissa è una giovane vedova di guerra, nipote di un uomo molto facoltoso che, per distrarla dalla sua malinconia, la invita a un party sontuoso presso la sua antica dimora, una meravigliosa magione del sud sapientemente restaurata. Un boccone veramente ghiotto per la giovane donna, che aspira a diventare una scrittrice di romanzi del mistero, visto che la dimora è notoriamente infestata. E infatti, subito dopo l'arrivo di Raissa, gli avvenimenti cominciano a precipitare, a partire dalla comparsa di un affascinante fantasma e dalla misteriosa morte di un giovanotto che aveva cominciato a corteggiare la giovane ereditiera fino alla scoperta di un tremendo segreto che da sessant'anni lascia dietro di sé una scia di sangue... e poco a poco gli animi si scaldano.
Bel ritratto della vita e delle credenze dell'epoca, con una protagonista simpatica, volitiva e intelligente, capace di agire senza badare troppo alle convenzioni e di vedere davvero dietro alle apparenze.
Ringrazio Thomas & Mercer e Netgalley per avermi fornito una copia gratuita in cambio di una recensione onesta.
America, shortly after World War I. In the southern States of the American civil war wounds have not yet healed and, although the nation is apparently becoming modern, many legacies of the past die hard: women still don't vote and the Negro, although no longer formally slave, is still treated as such, and, above all, there is a double standard and a fierce racial segregation. Raissa is a young war widow, granddaughter of a very wealthy man who, to distract her from her melancholy, invites her to a lavish party at his old residence, a beautiful southern mansion wisely restored. A truly delicious morsel for the young woman, who aspires to be a writer of mystery novels, as the dwelling is notoriously haunted. And in fact, soon after the arrival of Raissa, the events begin to precipitate, starting by the appearance of a fascinating Ghost and the mysterious death of a young man who had begun to woo the young heiress to the discovery of a terrible secret that for sixty years leaves behind a trail of blood ... and little by little tempers get hot.
Beautiful portrait of the life and beliefs of the era, with a sympathetic protagonist, strong-willed and intelligent, able to act without paying much attention to the conventions and to really see behind appearances. Thank you Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy in Exchange for an honest review.
Bel ritratto della vita e delle credenze dell'epoca, con una protagonista simpatica, volitiva e intelligente, capace di agire senza badare troppo alle convenzioni e di vedere davvero dietro alle apparenze.
Ringrazio Thomas & Mercer e Netgalley per avermi fornito una copia gratuita in cambio di una recensione onesta.
America, shortly after World War I. In the southern States of the American civil war wounds have not yet healed and, although the nation is apparently becoming modern, many legacies of the past die hard: women still don't vote and the Negro, although no longer formally slave, is still treated as such, and, above all, there is a double standard and a fierce racial segregation. Raissa is a young war widow, granddaughter of a very wealthy man who, to distract her from her melancholy, invites her to a lavish party at his old residence, a beautiful southern mansion wisely restored. A truly delicious morsel for the young woman, who aspires to be a writer of mystery novels, as the dwelling is notoriously haunted. And in fact, soon after the arrival of Raissa, the events begin to precipitate, starting by the appearance of a fascinating Ghost and the mysterious death of a young man who had begun to woo the young heiress to the discovery of a terrible secret that for sixty years leaves behind a trail of blood ... and little by little tempers get hot.
Beautiful portrait of the life and beliefs of the era, with a sympathetic protagonist, strong-willed and intelligent, able to act without paying much attention to the conventions and to really see behind appearances. Thank you Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy in Exchange for an honest review.
This was an ok book. I really enjoyed the historical setting and I liked the main character but I thought the plot was kind of convoluted. And the end was quick and unsatisfying. I would have preferred more interaction with the ghosts and a clearer storyline.
The Book of Beloved by Carolyn Haines is the first Pluto’s Snitch novel. Raissa James is twenty-four years old and a widow. Her husband died during World War I. Raissa is a teacher of high school literature in Savannah, Georgia. She is living a very quiet and dull life which does not go with Raissa’s personality. Raissa’s secret ambition is to be a writer. Then Raissa gets an invitation from her Uncle Brett Airlie to come to Mobile, Alabama and visit his home, Caoin House. It is a chance for her to get away and maybe move out of her mourning period. Caoin House is set to be haunted and Raissa is excited by the possibility (research for her writing). Her uncle is going to throw a party in her honor. On the train to Mobile, Raissa meets Robert Aultman. The two of them hit it off and want to continue their acquaintance. Unfortunately, their relationship is meant to be short when Robert falls to death from the roof of Caoin House during the treasure hunt at the party. Did Robert commit suicide or was he pushed? Then Raissa sees a spirit in a Confederate uniform. She is drawn to this spirit. What does he want with Raissa? It turns out that he is not the only spirit or ghost in Caoin House. There is a secret that someone does not want to come to light. Raissa sets out to get answers and free the spirits from the house. Join Raissa on her investigation in The Book of Beloved.
The Book of Beloved was just okay. I definitely felt it was too long. It needed some (okay, quite a bit) editing which would have enhanced the story. The pace was too slow which made it hard to read and enjoy. The pace does pick up in the last 15% of the book (thank goodness). I found the mystery to be extremely easy to solve. The culprit was obvious (there might as well have been a spotlight shining on this person), and I solved it very early in the book. There is one unique twist thrown in (fits with the title). There are graphic descriptions (no pictures though) of men’s genitalia in the book (fair warning). Some of the historical references and word usage in the book are inaccurate for the time period and locale. An example is “gay” was an expression that meant someone was having a good time (she was having a gay old time at the party or the mood at the party was quite gay”). It did not refer to a person’s sexual persuasion as it does today. The year was 1920 and the flapper lifestyle (and style of dress) did not become popular until later (starting in 1923). I give The Book of Beloved 3 out of 5 stars. The idea has potential, but I just did not enjoy the final product.
I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I also won a copy from Goodreads. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
The Book of Beloved was just okay. I definitely felt it was too long. It needed some (okay, quite a bit) editing which would have enhanced the story. The pace was too slow which made it hard to read and enjoy. The pace does pick up in the last 15% of the book (thank goodness). I found the mystery to be extremely easy to solve. The culprit was obvious (there might as well have been a spotlight shining on this person), and I solved it very early in the book. There is one unique twist thrown in (fits with the title). There are graphic descriptions (no pictures though) of men’s genitalia in the book (fair warning). Some of the historical references and word usage in the book are inaccurate for the time period and locale. An example is “gay” was an expression that meant someone was having a good time (she was having a gay old time at the party or the mood at the party was quite gay”). It did not refer to a person’s sexual persuasion as it does today. The year was 1920 and the flapper lifestyle (and style of dress) did not become popular until later (starting in 1923). I give The Book of Beloved 3 out of 5 stars. The idea has potential, but I just did not enjoy the final product.
I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I also won a copy from Goodreads. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
THE BOOK OF BELOVED by Carolyn Haines
The First Pluto's Snitch Mystery
It's 1920 and Raissa James is about to take a journey which will change her life forever. The young widow has taken her Uncle Brett's offer to visit him at Caoin House. It's no secret that Caoin House is haunted, in fact it makes the perfect setting for Raissa who aspires to be a writer, a writer of ghostly tales in particular. But are the spirits a danger to the living? When Raissa's new gentleman friend falls to his death from the roof during a party it's declared an accident. But could he have been pushed? If so, by who? A person or a ghost? What is the truth behind the dark legends of the estate? Will more people die as the spirits of Caoin House try to keep their secrets hidden?
THE BOOK OF BELOVED starts slowly, enveloping you in the summer heat of the south, lulling you into a sense of complacency. I began to wonder if the book was really a mystery and as I continued I felt it becoming more of a Gothic novel than a mystery. But then I found the mystery and indeed THE BOOK OF BELOVED is a multilayered set of mysteries rooted in a Gothic background.
Set in the American South in 1920, the book shows both the grandeur and graciousness of the time as well as the hatred and bigotry. It holds a mirror up to today's society showing the harsh realities and vicious atrocities faced by everyone who isn't a wealthy white man.
I really loved this first Pluto's Snitch mystery. The combination of mystery, Gothic novel, and historical detail create a fascinating story. While I don't read horror, I do enjoy a good Gothic and Carolyn Haines provides plenty of chills and scares without going overboard. Richly developed characters, both living and dead, inhabit the pages while the slow revelation of the truth behind the legends of Caoin House provides added intrigue and suspense.
THE BOOK OF BELOVED is as deliciously creepy as the stories Raissa hopes to write. Imbued with a decadently Gothic atmosphere this novel also takes an unflinching glance at the social and political issues of the time, civil rights in particular, while delivering an intriguing mystery.
The First Pluto's Snitch Mystery
It's 1920 and Raissa James is about to take a journey which will change her life forever. The young widow has taken her Uncle Brett's offer to visit him at Caoin House. It's no secret that Caoin House is haunted, in fact it makes the perfect setting for Raissa who aspires to be a writer, a writer of ghostly tales in particular. But are the spirits a danger to the living? When Raissa's new gentleman friend falls to his death from the roof during a party it's declared an accident. But could he have been pushed? If so, by who? A person or a ghost? What is the truth behind the dark legends of the estate? Will more people die as the spirits of Caoin House try to keep their secrets hidden?
THE BOOK OF BELOVED starts slowly, enveloping you in the summer heat of the south, lulling you into a sense of complacency. I began to wonder if the book was really a mystery and as I continued I felt it becoming more of a Gothic novel than a mystery. But then I found the mystery and indeed THE BOOK OF BELOVED is a multilayered set of mysteries rooted in a Gothic background.
Set in the American South in 1920, the book shows both the grandeur and graciousness of the time as well as the hatred and bigotry. It holds a mirror up to today's society showing the harsh realities and vicious atrocities faced by everyone who isn't a wealthy white man.
I really loved this first Pluto's Snitch mystery. The combination of mystery, Gothic novel, and historical detail create a fascinating story. While I don't read horror, I do enjoy a good Gothic and Carolyn Haines provides plenty of chills and scares without going overboard. Richly developed characters, both living and dead, inhabit the pages while the slow revelation of the truth behind the legends of Caoin House provides added intrigue and suspense.
THE BOOK OF BELOVED is as deliciously creepy as the stories Raissa hopes to write. Imbued with a decadently Gothic atmosphere this novel also takes an unflinching glance at the social and political issues of the time, civil rights in particular, while delivering an intriguing mystery.
It was just ok. I finished it, but knew who the murderer was about the second someone died. I also figured out the motive (and therefore the twist) very early on due to being bonked on the head with clues repeatedly. It has a good start to a murder series though, so I plan to read the second. Just beware that if you frequently read murder mysteries, or even just books, this one might disappoint.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.The Book of Beloved by Carolyn Haines is such a magnificent ghost story. I love the history, the slang, the mystery, the truths, the characters, and the setting.
Our supernatural private investigator is Raissa James. She has known significant loss in her young life as she lost her parents and her husband. Raissa starts as a school teacher in Savannah, Georgia, in the 1920s. Once she finishes her classes, she sets out to visit her Uncle Brett at Caoin House, just outside of Mobile, Alabama. Raissa wants to be a modern woman, but she hasn't yet grasped the complete concept. From a young age, Raissa saw ghosts but taught herself not to see them for the sake of her place in society. Now that she has lost all of her family except her Uncle, she is seeing ghosts again.
At Caoin House, there are ghosts that haunt the house and woods, but many sinister things are happening that may or may not be supernatural. This is where Raissa and Reginald (a friend she meets at a seance) need to figure out what is happening, free the ghosts and unmask the living culprit.
I was so invested in this story. It has invaded my dreams and been at the back of my mind since I started reading the book. Ms. Haines combines this tale from the 1920s with ghosts, history, southern class, and retribution. It is such a fabulous book, filled with this fantastic setting, and the characters could walk right off the book's pages. I love seeing the growth that Raissa gets with the love of her Uncle and her newfound friends.
I absolutely love Ms. Haines's writing. She has a way of creating a story that seems to be living and breathing. The characters are so realistic that I feel I am right there with them, experiencing everything with them. The Book of Beloved embodies all of that. My rating for The Book of Beloved by Carolyn Haines is five stars. I highly recommend this book to all of you. It offers a bit for everyone.
Will Raissa find a way to say Caoin House before it's too late?
Raissa James
Our supernatural private investigator is Raissa James. She has known significant loss in her young life as she lost her parents and her husband. Raissa starts as a school teacher in Savannah, Georgia, in the 1920s. Once she finishes her classes, she sets out to visit her Uncle Brett at Caoin House, just outside of Mobile, Alabama. Raissa wants to be a modern woman, but she hasn't yet grasped the complete concept. From a young age, Raissa saw ghosts but taught herself not to see them for the sake of her place in society. Now that she has lost all of her family except her Uncle, she is seeing ghosts again.
The Mystery
At Caoin House, there are ghosts that haunt the house and woods, but many sinister things are happening that may or may not be supernatural. This is where Raissa and Reginald (a friend she meets at a seance) need to figure out what is happening, free the ghosts and unmask the living culprit.I was so invested in this story. It has invaded my dreams and been at the back of my mind since I started reading the book. Ms. Haines combines this tale from the 1920s with ghosts, history, southern class, and retribution. It is such a fabulous book, filled with this fantastic setting, and the characters could walk right off the book's pages. I love seeing the growth that Raissa gets with the love of her Uncle and her newfound friends.
Five Stars
I absolutely love Ms. Haines's writing. She has a way of creating a story that seems to be living and breathing. The characters are so realistic that I feel I am right there with them, experiencing everything with them. The Book of Beloved embodies all of that. My rating for The Book of Beloved by Carolyn Haines is five stars. I highly recommend this book to all of you. It offers a bit for everyone.
The Pluto's Snitch Series
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of The Book of Beloved by Carolyn Haines.
Until the next time,
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
I loved this book. It was such a joy to read. I appreciated both the pace of the story. The mystery and the contact with the afterlife kept me on the edge of your seat. It reminded me a bit of the classics mystery movies.
This book had everything I love..it was a mystery, had a few ghosts in it, took place during one of my favorite era's in history, and it took place in both NOLA and Mobile, 2 of my favorite towns :) Plus, I love this author...I've read just about everything she's written. Such a fun and easy read and if you like ghost story southern mysteries...this is a must read.
Star Rating: 3.5 - 4 Stars
Raissa a young war widow, hopes to make her dreams come true as a novelist when she receives an invitation from her uncle to a party he's throwing at his Alabama antebellum. Since the plantation is known to be haunted Raissa jumps at the chance to find inspiration of a very real ghostly kind. But when a young man dies during the shindig, Raissa isn't so sure that the nosedive he took off the antebellum's roof was an accident. Contending with malevolent spirits and a possible new beau, Raissa has a lot to overcome if she's to become a successful writer and catch the murderer responsible for Roberts death.
Overall this novel was a solid edition in this brand new historical paranormal mystery series by Carolyn Haines. While I enjoyed Raissa, her Uncle Brett, Isabelle and a host of other characters in the novel, I felt like the story was drawn out just a little too much. There wasn't enough forward momentum in the story line until about 70% of the way through when many of the puzzle pieces fell into place. In total I feel like Carolyn Haines could have chopped a good 100 pages off this novel and I would have given it 5 stars instead of just 4. I still want to see what ruckus Raissa manages to make in the next novel, but I just hope it will be even better then the this first edition.
Raissa a young war widow, hopes to make her dreams come true as a novelist when she receives an invitation from her uncle to a party he's throwing at his Alabama antebellum. Since the plantation is known to be haunted Raissa jumps at the chance to find inspiration of a very real ghostly kind. But when a young man dies during the shindig, Raissa isn't so sure that the nosedive he took off the antebellum's roof was an accident. Contending with malevolent spirits and a possible new beau, Raissa has a lot to overcome if she's to become a successful writer and catch the murderer responsible for Roberts death.
Overall this novel was a solid edition in this brand new historical paranormal mystery series by Carolyn Haines. While I enjoyed Raissa, her Uncle Brett, Isabelle and a host of other characters in the novel, I felt like the story was drawn out just a little too much. There wasn't enough forward momentum in the story line until about 70% of the way through when many of the puzzle pieces fell into place. In total I feel like Carolyn Haines could have chopped a good 100 pages off this novel and I would have given it 5 stars instead of just 4. I still want to see what ruckus Raissa manages to make in the next novel, but I just hope it will be even better then the this first edition.