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pam2375's review against another edition
3.0
This was a pretty good book. A little ghost story, a little mystery and a little romance. How can you go wrong, right?
debbiecollectsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Very interesting. Light reading and enjoyed the storyline. A new favorite author.
elissa8's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.25
gray5217's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
mfraise05's review against another edition
1.0
DNF at 33%. I loved the premise, a haunted house, vengeful ghosts, a reluctant heroine with the ability to see the dead, great. And the beginning 15% was pretty good. But there were things that by themselves are not problematic but when put together made me lose my desire to see the mystery(ies) solved.
First there's the MC, Melanie, a type A real estate agent whose tightly controlled life is a direct result of growing up with an alcoholic father and a mother who left when she was 6 or 7. She's a study in contradictions from the start: she sells million dollar historic homes and grew up in one but she hates them and would demolish them all if she had any say in it; her best friend is a hippie college professor seeking tenure and I cannot for the life of me figure out how they remain friends as Melanie is so emotionally closed off and seems to hate everything her friend says, not to mention how she dresses; she eats like a 10 year old allowed to plan her own meals, donuts for breakfast every morning and full slices of chocolate cake for dessert and she never gains a pound, another trait that gets very annoying to hear repeated again and again. She doesn't start off as unlikable but the farther the story goes, the more annoyed I got with her and I finally gave up when I got tired of her denial. This lady is in denial of everything and there's so much she won't say that it felt kind of pointless to keep reading. I don't get any pleasure from thinking "is she ever going to tell the truth" after every page.
The second problem I had was with the casual racism. The only non-white character we encounter is the Black woman who supplies the MC with her daily donut and coffee fix and it's been a long time since I've seen the "Mammy" stereotype in print but here it is! She comes complete with a house full of kids (hers and others she's taken in) that she can't afford or at least the MC thinks the can't afford, a big bosom and "fleshy elbows", and the good manners to call the MC "Miss Melanie" *gag*. This book takes place in 2008 or so, and I'll be goddamned if any Southern relative of mine was still calling white women "Miss So-and-So" like that. What kind of shit is that?! It gets even more offensive when the MC gives our friendly bakery Mammy a folder of clipped coupons as a show of generosity to help out feeding all those kids. GTFOH.
The above mentioned lazy stereotype, combined with the adorable dog unironically named General Lee and the proud claim that an ancestor of the romantic interest, Jack, was the real life inspiration for Rhett Butler *eye roll* ultimately caused me to tap out. Don't get me wrong, I do not expect nor automatically discount authors or characters who take a different kind of pride than I do of certain Southern histories or perspectives, but a little self-awareness goes a long way.
Anyway, this has gone on way too long, but in the end, I was couldn't justify spending any more time on this book than I already had. It could've been a good story in better hands.
First there's the MC, Melanie, a type A real estate agent whose tightly controlled life is a direct result of growing up with an alcoholic father and a mother who left when she was 6 or 7. She's a study in contradictions from the start: she sells million dollar historic homes and grew up in one but she hates them and would demolish them all if she had any say in it; her best friend is a hippie college professor seeking tenure and I cannot for the life of me figure out how they remain friends as Melanie is so emotionally closed off and seems to hate everything her friend says, not to mention how she dresses; she eats like a 10 year old allowed to plan her own meals, donuts for breakfast every morning and full slices of chocolate cake for dessert and she never gains a pound, another trait that gets very annoying to hear repeated again and again. She doesn't start off as unlikable but the farther the story goes, the more annoyed I got with her and I finally gave up when I got tired of her denial. This lady is in denial of everything and there's so much she won't say that it felt kind of pointless to keep reading. I don't get any pleasure from thinking "is she ever going to tell the truth" after every page.
The second problem I had was with the casual racism. The only non-white character we encounter is the Black woman who supplies the MC with her daily donut and coffee fix and it's been a long time since I've seen the "Mammy" stereotype in print but here it is! She comes complete with a house full of kids (hers and others she's taken in) that she can't afford or at least the MC thinks the can't afford, a big bosom and "fleshy elbows", and the good manners to call the MC "Miss Melanie" *gag*. This book takes place in 2008 or so, and I'll be goddamned if any Southern relative of mine was still calling white women "Miss So-and-So" like that. What kind of shit is that?! It gets even more offensive when the MC gives our friendly bakery Mammy a folder of clipped coupons as a show of generosity to help out feeding all those kids. GTFOH.
The above mentioned lazy stereotype, combined with the adorable dog unironically named General Lee and the proud claim that an ancestor of the romantic interest, Jack, was the real life inspiration for Rhett Butler *eye roll* ultimately caused me to tap out. Don't get me wrong, I do not expect nor automatically discount authors or characters who take a different kind of pride than I do of certain Southern histories or perspectives, but a little self-awareness goes a long way.
Anyway, this has gone on way too long, but in the end, I was couldn't justify spending any more time on this book than I already had. It could've been a good story in better hands.
positivewoman2013's review against another edition
4.0
Not my favorite Karen White novel, but I give a series until after the 2nd book to see if I will stick it out.
jgintrovertedreader's review against another edition
4.0
Melanie Middleton is an excellent Realtor in the exclusive district of Charleston known as South of Broad, yet she hates the houses she sells. She sees the old mansions as termite-infested money pits. Still, the money is good and a girl's gotta eat, right?
One day she is summoned to the home of elderly Nevin Vanderhorst at 55 Tradd Street. After a disconcerting meeting in which Mr. Vanderhorst only seems concerned in finding out if Melanie can see the ghost of his mother in the front yard (she can, but only admits it reluctantly), he sends her on her way. Days later, she finds out the old man has passed away and left his historic home to her--if she wants it. He has left behind a letter explaining some family history and asking her to find out what happened to his mother when he was 8 years old. Mrs. Vanderhorst disappeared and was never seen again. Well, who can resist a plea like that, from practically beyond the grave? Certainly not Melanie, who has a big heart that she likes to hide behind her career-woman persona. With some loyal, talented friends, Melanie sets out to restore the house and solve the mystery.
3.5 stars, but I'm rounding up for the potential I see.
Charleston and ghosts are a perfect fit. (There's a very long story that I won't get into here about a ghost tour I went on in the city. Needless to say, my husband will be going on any future ghost tours alone. No, I didn't see a ghost.) One of the first things anyone thinks of in connection with Charleston is the beautiful old homes. So this was a very atmospheric book that had me ready to drive on down to Charleston for another visit.
I think my one problem is that the characters were a little...expected? That's not to say that I didn't like them; I liked them a lot. But they were probably exactly what you expect from my description. Career girl with a heart, her troubled family, kooky friends, and sexy yet surprisingly vulnerable love interest.
And speaking of the love interest...
Jack Trenholm. Me-ow. So what if I expected him? He was, um, sexy yet surprisingly vulnerable. :-) I obviously can't resist the type. I found myself mentally ogling his abs and pecs right along with Melanie. The tension between the two is delicious.
I think maybe part of the reason I knocked the rating back is that there's a big mystery about Melanie's own past. There's a reason she hates old houses. There's a lot of hinting around, but it takes a long time to find out what has left her so emotionally scarred. I got a little frustrated with it. I have a feeling the next book will explain all that better so I have high hopes.
The mystery involved puzzles and codes and the Civil War (as all books set in Charleston must), and even more history and unrequited love/lust. All great ingredients. I think everyone can guess who done what pretty early on, but the details did surprise me.
I don't think the ghost-y element should put anyone off. It's there, but it's not too scary, and it's not really the point. The point is love and peace and family ties.
I recommend this read for a fun little piece of Charleston. If you can't get there in person, the next best thing is to go in a book, right? I'll be reading the sequel, The Girl on Legare Street.
One day she is summoned to the home of elderly Nevin Vanderhorst at 55 Tradd Street. After a disconcerting meeting in which Mr. Vanderhorst only seems concerned in finding out if Melanie can see the ghost of his mother in the front yard (she can, but only admits it reluctantly), he sends her on her way. Days later, she finds out the old man has passed away and left his historic home to her--if she wants it. He has left behind a letter explaining some family history and asking her to find out what happened to his mother when he was 8 years old. Mrs. Vanderhorst disappeared and was never seen again. Well, who can resist a plea like that, from practically beyond the grave? Certainly not Melanie, who has a big heart that she likes to hide behind her career-woman persona. With some loyal, talented friends, Melanie sets out to restore the house and solve the mystery.
3.5 stars, but I'm rounding up for the potential I see.
Charleston and ghosts are a perfect fit. (There's a very long story that I won't get into here about a ghost tour I went on in the city. Needless to say, my husband will be going on any future ghost tours alone. No, I didn't see a ghost.) One of the first things anyone thinks of in connection with Charleston is the beautiful old homes. So this was a very atmospheric book that had me ready to drive on down to Charleston for another visit.
I think my one problem is that the characters were a little...expected? That's not to say that I didn't like them; I liked them a lot. But they were probably exactly what you expect from my description. Career girl with a heart, her troubled family, kooky friends, and sexy yet surprisingly vulnerable love interest.
And speaking of the love interest...
Jack Trenholm. Me-ow. So what if I expected him? He was, um, sexy yet surprisingly vulnerable. :-) I obviously can't resist the type. I found myself mentally ogling his abs and pecs right along with Melanie. The tension between the two is delicious.
I think maybe part of the reason I knocked the rating back is that there's a big mystery about Melanie's own past. There's a reason she hates old houses. There's a lot of hinting around, but it takes a long time to find out what has left her so emotionally scarred. I got a little frustrated with it. I have a feeling the next book will explain all that better so I have high hopes.
The mystery involved puzzles and codes and the Civil War (as all books set in Charleston must), and even more history and unrequited love/lust. All great ingredients. I think everyone can guess who done what pretty early on, but the details did surprise me.
I don't think the ghost-y element should put anyone off. It's there, but it's not too scary, and it's not really the point. The point is love and peace and family ties.
I recommend this read for a fun little piece of Charleston. If you can't get there in person, the next best thing is to go in a book, right? I'll be reading the sequel, The Girl on Legare Street.
esdeecarlson's review against another edition
1.0
1.5 stars
I thought I might love this book, and indeed it was a quick read that could have been really fun. The premise is great: a century-old murder/disappearance mystery, a historic house in need of renovation, a centuries-old treasure hunt, hot romantic leads, and a dash of the supernatural. The prose was quick and digestible. Unfortunately, the story itself let me down.
First, the characters. I tried so hard to root for our POV character, Melanie, because she has a lot going for her: she's smart, organized, cares deeply about others, and too stubborn for her own good. But the whole book is an exercise in everyone else, particularly men, stomping all over her boundaries. She is gaslit, manipulated, patronized, and lied to, and it's all apparently fine in the end because these men "had her best interests at heart." Gag me. The book has a really insultingly naive portrayal of alcoholism and alcoholic recovery, as well, which seriously bothered me. Melanie also seemed to flip-flop between being a bright and knowledgeable young woman and being thick as the two hundred years of paint she's trying to scrape off her antique fireplaces, largely for purposes of plot convenience.
Secondly, the plot. I love a good old-fashioned mystery, and I even love the ones that are cheesy and even cliche. This, however, was just trite. The really interesting puzzles, we don't get to solve along with the characters; usually we listen as a character explains to Melanie how they discovered and then solved a puzzle offscreen. The book also flip-flops on what characters know and believe; Melanie hates old houses, specializes in them, is completely clueless about them, knows specialist details about two-century-old decorative work at a glance, all depending on what the scene requires of her. And honestly, the stakes just seemed really low for me. Not to mention ghost shenanigans literally pushing our romantic leads together is a really clumsy fashion.
The stakes and pacing are all over the place, and I just could not get behind the guys I'm evidently supposed to be rooting for. Maybe Karen White has improved over the series, which is apparently still going strong and selling well, but I won't be sticking around to find out.
I thought I might love this book, and indeed it was a quick read that could have been really fun. The premise is great: a century-old murder/disappearance mystery, a historic house in need of renovation, a centuries-old treasure hunt, hot romantic leads, and a dash of the supernatural. The prose was quick and digestible. Unfortunately, the story itself let me down.
First, the characters. I tried so hard to root for our POV character, Melanie, because she has a lot going for her: she's smart, organized, cares deeply about others, and too stubborn for her own good. But the whole book is an exercise in everyone else, particularly men, stomping all over her boundaries. She is gaslit, manipulated, patronized, and lied to, and it's all apparently fine in the end because these men "had her best interests at heart." Gag me. The book has a really insultingly naive portrayal of alcoholism and alcoholic recovery, as well, which seriously bothered me. Melanie also seemed to flip-flop between being a bright and knowledgeable young woman and being thick as the two hundred years of paint she's trying to scrape off her antique fireplaces, largely for purposes of plot convenience.
Secondly, the plot. I love a good old-fashioned mystery, and I even love the ones that are cheesy and even cliche. This, however, was just trite. The really interesting puzzles, we don't get to solve along with the characters; usually we listen as a character explains to Melanie how they discovered and then solved a puzzle offscreen. The book also flip-flops on what characters know and believe; Melanie hates old houses, specializes in them, is completely clueless about them, knows specialist details about two-century-old decorative work at a glance, all depending on what the scene requires of her. And honestly, the stakes just seemed really low for me. Not to mention ghost shenanigans literally pushing our romantic leads together is a really clumsy fashion.
The stakes and pacing are all over the place, and I just could not get behind the guys I'm evidently supposed to be rooting for. Maybe Karen White has improved over the series, which is apparently still going strong and selling well, but I won't be sticking around to find out.
smithemorgan's review against another edition
4.0
If you know me, you know my heart belongs to Charleston.
Aside from my love for the setting, I also loved the complexity of this story and the many characters. I thought Melanie and jack were funny and their romance was well paced. I loved the history and and mystery wrapped in one. The ghost aspect was also well written and was a lead plot line without being cringe or childish. The ghosts' involvement and Melanie's ability to communicate with them wasn't over-hyped or exaggerated.
Karen White wrote this in such a way that the plotline with Louisa was heavy enough to make you empathize with her and her family and keep you interested in what happened to her, but kept it light enough that this was a fun and easy read.
Aside from my love for the setting, I also loved the complexity of this story and the many characters. I thought Melanie and jack were funny and their romance was well paced. I loved the history and and mystery wrapped in one. The ghost aspect was also well written and was a lead plot line without being cringe or childish. The ghosts' involvement and Melanie's ability to communicate with them wasn't over-hyped or exaggerated.
Karen White wrote this in such a way that the plotline with Louisa was heavy enough to make you empathize with her and her family and keep you interested in what happened to her, but kept it light enough that this was a fun and easy read.
meme_too2's review against another edition
1.0
I was all excited to read a book about ghosts in an old historic home. What could be more fun! Instead, I was reading about a woman who kept refusing her second sight ability and slept with the wrong guy.
A complete waste of time!
A complete waste of time!