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thepagelady's review
4.0
This book had a great mix of the horror and thriller genres which I really enjoyed! But it also has a little bit of murder mystery and a touch of romance! The author did a really good job bringing quite a few of my favorite genres together! The main character Letitia was perfect! She was complex and she had her faults which only made it easier to relate to her! The relationship between her and Alasdair was fun! I really liked the banter that went on between them! This is a straight forward read. There isn't too many twists and turns but still an entertaining and enjoyable read! Happy reading everyone!
kleonard's review
4.0
Letitia, a psychic, is drawn into the hunt for a supernatural killer who possesses men and uses them to rape and kill girls. Herself traumatized by her own history and her powers, the protagonist is faced with difficult and dangerous choices as she tries to help. I enjoyed the realism the author created in making Letitia vulnerable both mentally and physically and in the terrible conflict she feels. The settings are well-drawn and the plot moved well.
100pagesaday's review
5.0
Letitia Hawking has the power to view beyond the veil between life and death. She helps people with the death of her loved ones by doing readings in 1920's Los Angeles telling them the moments that led up to their deaths. Letitia has a strange request from a family member of one of her clients, Alasdair Driscoll. He would like Letitia to examine his niece, Finola; however, Letitia senses a dark presence around Alasdair and refuses. Eventually Letitia agrees to see Finola. Letitia sees herself in the young woman and helps her with the dark presence surrounding her. In helping Finola, Letitia might have connected the force that haunted Letitia with a string of disappearances of young women around town.
Behind the Veil is a paranormal mystery with just the right amount of romance. I was pulled in by Letitia and her readings. Her sensitivity, caring and power of her gift shone through. It was really interesting to see how she conveyed the deaths of people's loved ones and gave me a great insight into her head and way of thinking. Since Letitia's past is revealed slowly throughout the story, it builds suspense and adds to her air of mystery. Once Alasdair enters the scene, more of Letitia's past is revealed as it seems to echo what Alasdair's niece is going through. I was really engrossed in Finola's experience and abilities that she discovered. The story built as Letitia discovered the presence attached to Finola. I enjoyed the story behind the spirit as well, creating a well rounded story. The romance was just the right touch with Letitia and Alasdair both respecting boundaries and taking the time to get to know one another. With a high stakes, exciting ending and hints at more to come for Finola, I hope to read more with these characters.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Behind the Veil is a paranormal mystery with just the right amount of romance. I was pulled in by Letitia and her readings. Her sensitivity, caring and power of her gift shone through. It was really interesting to see how she conveyed the deaths of people's loved ones and gave me a great insight into her head and way of thinking. Since Letitia's past is revealed slowly throughout the story, it builds suspense and adds to her air of mystery. Once Alasdair enters the scene, more of Letitia's past is revealed as it seems to echo what Alasdair's niece is going through. I was really engrossed in Finola's experience and abilities that she discovered. The story built as Letitia discovered the presence attached to Finola. I enjoyed the story behind the spirit as well, creating a well rounded story. The romance was just the right touch with Letitia and Alasdair both respecting boundaries and taking the time to get to know one another. With a high stakes, exciting ending and hints at more to come for Finola, I hope to read more with these characters.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
seinsinnes's review
4.0
Not an overly surprising storyline but very satisfying. Very strong and well drawn characters.
I enjoyed many of the descriptive passages: clothes and furnishings. They helped to really bring the setting to life, like the way the main character carefully crafts the atmosphere of her session room. The descriptions of Letitia’s meteorological style empathic ability are delightful.
I think maybe partly due to the setting being LA, it made me think of hard boiled detective fiction. The main character is a lone operator working to solve clients' problems and becomes embroiled in a bigger mystery. However, the shadowy underworld is more literal here. In this way she functions as a sort of occult detective though a very reluctant one. Some of Ms. Hawking’s problems would be within Marlowe’s purview but she has others he could only dream of and all without the aid of his copious amounts of whiskey. Perhaps it is less hard boiled and more an omelette with a side of gothic. The story alternates between strongly gothic elements and a sort of detective mystery combined with a romance plot as well.
I found it very absorbing. I’d probably give another star except for a few niggling issues. My first impression wasn’t good. For me the opening scene bordered on the mawkish. Like a strangely off note at the beginning of a moving sonata: don’t judge the book by its first few pages. I also think sometimes the dialog could’ve been allowed to stand on its own without quite as much intervening thoughts and feelings and there were a few turns of phrase I found jarring.
That said, the overall effect is splendid. I loved Letitia's arc and watching her gain more hold over her power.
I enjoyed many of the descriptive passages: clothes and furnishings. They helped to really bring the setting to life, like the way the main character carefully crafts the atmosphere of her session room. The descriptions of Letitia’s meteorological style empathic ability are delightful.
I think maybe partly due to the setting being LA, it made me think of hard boiled detective fiction. The main character is a lone operator working to solve clients' problems and becomes embroiled in a bigger mystery. However, the shadowy underworld is more literal here. In this way she functions as a sort of occult detective though a very reluctant one. Some of Ms. Hawking’s problems would be within Marlowe’s purview but she has others he could only dream of and all without the aid of his copious amounts of whiskey. Perhaps it is less hard boiled and more an omelette with a side of gothic. The story alternates between strongly gothic elements and a sort of detective mystery combined with a romance plot as well.
I found it very absorbing. I’d probably give another star except for a few niggling issues. My first impression wasn’t good. For me the opening scene bordered on the mawkish. Like a strangely off note at the beginning of a moving sonata: don’t judge the book by its first few pages. I also think sometimes the dialog could’ve been allowed to stand on its own without quite as much intervening thoughts and feelings and there were a few turns of phrase I found jarring.
That said, the overall effect is splendid. I loved Letitia's arc and watching her gain more hold over her power.
kaylacreviews's review
5.0
A few words come to mind when I think back on Behind the Veil by E.J. Dawson. "Tantalizing" is one of them. "Harrowing," another. "Spooky"? Absolutely. I finished reading this back in December 2021 and I still get goosebumps when I think about certain scenes. Dawson really knew how to make my skin crawl and my heart pound. I enjoyed Dawson's descriptions. No detail was overlooked, but at the same time, not all the details provided seemed important. That made the narrative drag at times. Dawson's writing style came off as curious and sometimes a bit stilted, but there's no denying its elegance. The supernatural elements were absolutely chilling. However, Behind the Veil wasn't just an excellent gothic horror, it was also a great mystery. I kept trying to guess who the perpetrator was only to be proven wrong each time. The suspense almost made me rush ahead so I could find out what happened next.
Perhaps my favorite aspect of Behind the Veil was how Dawson contrasted Letitia with the fake spiritualists. Not only did that lend Letitia an air of professionalism, but it also highlighted her morality, which made her more sympathetic. Her heartbreaking backstory, skillfully revealed a bit at a time, also aided in my understanding of her decisions and fears. I loved how Dawson explained Letitia's powers—the consequences and dangers of her profession were as fascinating as they were frightening. Her interactions with the hot-headed love interest provided a tad of humor to an otherwise bleak, disturbing story. Their development—how they grew together as well as individually—was convincing and even bittersweet. I highly recommend Behind the Veil by E.J. Dawson to those looking for an immersive gothic noir with just the right amount of romance, horror, and mystery.
(Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of this work from Blackthorn Book Tours for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own and are honest and unbiased.)
Trigger Warning: Dark adult themes, death, murder, miscarriage, suicide, rape and pedophilia (those last two are mentioned only, there is no explicit content in the book).
Perhaps my favorite aspect of Behind the Veil was how Dawson contrasted Letitia with the fake spiritualists. Not only did that lend Letitia an air of professionalism, but it also highlighted her morality, which made her more sympathetic. Her heartbreaking backstory, skillfully revealed a bit at a time, also aided in my understanding of her decisions and fears. I loved how Dawson explained Letitia's powers—the consequences and dangers of her profession were as fascinating as they were frightening. Her interactions with the hot-headed love interest provided a tad of humor to an otherwise bleak, disturbing story. Their development—how they grew together as well as individually—was convincing and even bittersweet. I highly recommend Behind the Veil by E.J. Dawson to those looking for an immersive gothic noir with just the right amount of romance, horror, and mystery.
(Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of this work from Blackthorn Book Tours for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own and are honest and unbiased.)
Trigger Warning: Dark adult themes, death, murder, miscarriage, suicide, rape and pedophilia (those last two are mentioned only, there is no explicit content in the book).
lilaclicoricetissie's review
4.0
Behind the Veil is a slow book, centered on Letitia Hawking and her gift: she’s a psychic, able to experience the last moments of a person before they die. Her peculiar ability renders her both dangerous and vulnerable.
[Keep reading @ Bookshelves & Teacups]
[Keep reading @ Bookshelves & Teacups]
liisp_cvr2cvr's review
5.0
Please note Content Warning: dark adult themes, death, murder, miscarriage, suicide, rape and pedophilia (those last two are mentioned only, there is no explicit content in the book)
I’m one of those freaks that grabs a book purely because it has a content warning label. Does that make me bad? A psychopath? I hope not. I’m not sure what it is about the darker side of life that draws me in… I, like most of us, have my own past where bad things have happened and I wonder if I am making myself read the horrors to desensitize myself against world’s cruelty or I’d simply not make it otherwise. The horrors are the reminder to always stay alert to all sorts that can go wrong. Anyway…
Gothic Noir… Say no more, am I right?! I’m in. The genre tag itself is enough to make me want to dive in.
I’m glad I did .. whilst the start of the book felt slightly apprehensive and unravelling slightly slower than I would have liked, I was wondering whether I was going to enjoy this after all. But then, boom, something clicked and fell into place. Things got kicked into gear, the intros were done, the scene set and I found myself in great difficulty trying to put the book down.
The story itself is truly captivating. There is a mystery of some missing girls, there is the mystery of Letitia who offers services for people who have lost a loved one, akas not to ones who last lost a loved one through murder. Her past is one full of pain and dark things and I just wanted to know more. As a character, Letitia was instantly likeable and easy to commit to, and I couldn’t remember ever reading a boo set in 20s, nor with a character who did readings using a scrying bowl. I was intrigued in all fronts.
The aspect of someone who is able to contact the dead, for me, as I mentioned, was a unique a concept in a novel and I very much enjoyed it. Not only was it very well done but it definitely brought the air of otherworldly and unsettling to the atmosphere, trying to imagine what it must be like for someone who sees more, a lot more. How taxing it all must be, how saddening, how exhausting, how scary… And also risky. There are snippets of those who have passed on in their final moments and this is how Letitia experiences the other side, as if in the body and through the eyes of the dead. I’m glad every aspect of this potential was used in the novel. It made it feel whole and the supernatural side of it natural and credible.
As mentioned in the blurb, Letitia develops feeling towards a certain gentleman. I bet some would ask – is love element really necessary in a novel like this? You know, I think it definitely wouldn’t have been as interesting without said love aspect. It’s all respectful and very polite – after all, remember the times this story is set in
I’m one of those freaks that grabs a book purely because it has a content warning label. Does that make me bad? A psychopath? I hope not. I’m not sure what it is about the darker side of life that draws me in… I, like most of us, have my own past where bad things have happened and I wonder if I am making myself read the horrors to desensitize myself against world’s cruelty or I’d simply not make it otherwise. The horrors are the reminder to always stay alert to all sorts that can go wrong. Anyway…
Gothic Noir… Say no more, am I right?! I’m in. The genre tag itself is enough to make me want to dive in.
I’m glad I did .. whilst the start of the book felt slightly apprehensive and unravelling slightly slower than I would have liked, I was wondering whether I was going to enjoy this after all. But then, boom, something clicked and fell into place. Things got kicked into gear, the intros were done, the scene set and I found myself in great difficulty trying to put the book down.
The story itself is truly captivating. There is a mystery of some missing girls, there is the mystery of Letitia who offers services for people who have lost a loved one, akas not to ones who last lost a loved one through murder. Her past is one full of pain and dark things and I just wanted to know more. As a character, Letitia was instantly likeable and easy to commit to, and I couldn’t remember ever reading a boo set in 20s, nor with a character who did readings using a scrying bowl. I was intrigued in all fronts.
The aspect of someone who is able to contact the dead, for me, as I mentioned, was a unique a concept in a novel and I very much enjoyed it. Not only was it very well done but it definitely brought the air of otherworldly and unsettling to the atmosphere, trying to imagine what it must be like for someone who sees more, a lot more. How taxing it all must be, how saddening, how exhausting, how scary… And also risky. There are snippets of those who have passed on in their final moments and this is how Letitia experiences the other side, as if in the body and through the eyes of the dead. I’m glad every aspect of this potential was used in the novel. It made it feel whole and the supernatural side of it natural and credible.
Physical manifestation of her sensory perceptions was the sign of an overwhelming persona.
As mentioned in the blurb, Letitia develops feeling towards a certain gentleman. I bet some would ask – is love element really necessary in a novel like this? You know, I think it definitely wouldn’t have been as interesting without said love aspect. It’s all respectful and very polite – after all, remember the times this story is set in
annarella's review
5.0
A gripping and entertaining historical mystery with a paranormal side and some creepy moments.
It's an highly entertaining and engrossing story, it kept me hooked and I was fascinated by Letitia and her work as a medium.
She's a complex character with a backstory we learn reading the book. I liked how the author dealt with her story and how she made us learn it.
The cast of characters is interesting and well developed. Alasdair, the other MC, is another well developed and fascinating character.
The world building is fascinating and the historical background well researched and detailed.
The plot is well crafted, the pace is right and it's not easy to guess the twists. I found the solution satisfying and well done.
I want to read other books by this author, this one is highly recommended.
Many thanks to E.J.Dawson and Blackthorn Book Tours for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
It's an highly entertaining and engrossing story, it kept me hooked and I was fascinated by Letitia and her work as a medium.
She's a complex character with a backstory we learn reading the book. I liked how the author dealt with her story and how she made us learn it.
The cast of characters is interesting and well developed. Alasdair, the other MC, is another well developed and fascinating character.
The world building is fascinating and the historical background well researched and detailed.
The plot is well crafted, the pace is right and it's not easy to guess the twists. I found the solution satisfying and well done.
I want to read other books by this author, this one is highly recommended.
Many thanks to E.J.Dawson and Blackthorn Book Tours for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
whatemsreadingx's review
4.0
Straight away I knew I was going to absolutely ADORE this book, and I was right! I wasn't sure whether to categorise this as a horror or thriller, because it had aspects of both - which definitely added to my love of this book.
We start off by meeting Letitia, who I could not fault as a character, she was deep and interesting and was the perfect main character for a story of this much mystery and intrigue. The other characters just fit perfectly with the story too, Alasdair, Mrs Finch, Imogen and Finola were all integrated into the story wonderfully and added so much value.
The only character I had an issue with was Abby, I felt the way she was written was in complete contrast to the other characters and their nature, it seemed a bit odd to me.
And talking of things adding value to the story, the atmosphere of Behind The Veil was impeccable. Whilst I was reading it felt as though all my senses were heightened, waiting for something to go bang and disturb the tension of the book.
It was the same with the intrigue that the author built up, I couldn't fault it, at no point did the book become boring or feel like I was trying to hurry it along to get to another part of the story, it just kept that pace right through to the end.
To top everything off the writing and the plot were out of this world!
The writing was incredible, so descriptive, I felt as if I was in the story alongside our characters. The author formed the most amazing sentences and paragraphs, whether it be while Letitia was dealing with her families looking for closure, or when she was trying to help Finola, or when Alasdair and Letitia were flirting. It seemed no matter what the nature of the chapter or topic, the author was pulling it out of the bag with truly excellent writing.
And the plot, OH MY GOD it was amazing. Behind The Veil was an interesting and well-balanced read, it had everything you could want from a horror/thriller/mystery book.
I couldn't fault any part of the story, but the last 15-20% where we reached the crescendo and ending of the book was just impeccable. A combination of plot and writing meant we finished Behind The Veil feeling fulfilled, thrilled, and full of enjoyment from what was an amazing book.
On the whole, I can't fault Behind The Veil by E J Dawson, it had everything I could want from a book!
Again, thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC of this book to read and review.
We start off by meeting Letitia, who I could not fault as a character, she was deep and interesting and was the perfect main character for a story of this much mystery and intrigue. The other characters just fit perfectly with the story too, Alasdair, Mrs Finch, Imogen and Finola were all integrated into the story wonderfully and added so much value.
The only character I had an issue with was Abby, I felt the way she was written was in complete contrast to the other characters and their nature, it seemed a bit odd to me.
And talking of things adding value to the story, the atmosphere of Behind The Veil was impeccable. Whilst I was reading it felt as though all my senses were heightened, waiting for something to go bang and disturb the tension of the book.
It was the same with the intrigue that the author built up, I couldn't fault it, at no point did the book become boring or feel like I was trying to hurry it along to get to another part of the story, it just kept that pace right through to the end.
To top everything off the writing and the plot were out of this world!
The writing was incredible, so descriptive, I felt as if I was in the story alongside our characters. The author formed the most amazing sentences and paragraphs, whether it be while Letitia was dealing with her families looking for closure, or when she was trying to help Finola, or when Alasdair and Letitia were flirting. It seemed no matter what the nature of the chapter or topic, the author was pulling it out of the bag with truly excellent writing.
And the plot, OH MY GOD it was amazing. Behind The Veil was an interesting and well-balanced read, it had everything you could want from a horror/thriller/mystery book.
I couldn't fault any part of the story, but the last 15-20% where we reached the crescendo and ending of the book was just impeccable. A combination of plot and writing meant we finished Behind The Veil feeling fulfilled, thrilled, and full of enjoyment from what was an amazing book.
On the whole, I can't fault Behind The Veil by E J Dawson, it had everything I could want from a book!
Again, thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC of this book to read and review.