Happy Halloween!!

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1490819/happy-halloween

Set In New England Square - Halloween Bingo

Review:

 

 

This book took a while to get going. In the end, it is a story of good vs. evil and supernatural terror. The book flashes between the past and the present: Stony's life as a teenager and then his life as an adult trying to make things right. Some pretty dreadful things happen and this book is pretty gory.

 

I finished this about a week ago, and unfortunately, I can't think of much else to say..

I like it okay, but I wasn't thrilled.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1489050/set-in-new-england-square-halloween-bingo

Not scary, just wrong...

 

 

 

For the most wild, yet most homely narrative which I am about to pen, I neither expect nor solicit belief.

- First sentence

 

The first time I read an Edgar Allan Poe story, I was a teenager. I haven't read all of his works, but I did read The Telltale Heart, Murders in the Rue Morgue, The Cask of Amontillado, The Pit and the Pendulum, The Raven, and probably others that I don't remember. I enjoyed Poe's stories, but I haven't read anything by him in a while.

 

I chose to read The Black Cat for the Black Cat Square in Halloween Bingo.

 

I did not enjoy this story. Yes, Poe was a masterful storyteller and he was original and creepy. But, this one did not scare me at all. I hated reading about how the narrator treated the cat who adored him. I wanted him to suffer for what he did. I wasn't surprised by the ending, perhaps because I did read this story in my teenage years. 

 

There is one thing that did surprise me (although I guess it shouldn't have, given the man's character and that this is a Poe story)...

 

[spoiler]When his wife prevents him from killing the second cat, he buries the axe "in her brain" and then just goes about his business like nothing happened. The whole thing is just so matter of fact - it struck me as odd. Then again, an asshole drunk who could mistreat and kill an animal just for loving him, what did I expect?

[/spoiler]

Bottom line, this story disturbed me (and maybe that is part of what horror stories are supposed to do). I prefer my horror stories to not involve animal abuse.

 

Avoid if you are sensitive to animal cruelty.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1482712/not-scary-just-wrong

Not scary, just wrong...

Review:

 

 

For the most wild, yet most homely narrative which I am about to pen, I neither expect nor solicit belief.

- First sentence

 

The first time I read an Edgar Allan Poe story, I was a teenager. I haven't read all of his works, but I did read The Telltale Heart, Murders in the Rue Morgue, The Cask of Amontillado, The Pit and the Pendulum, & The Raven and probably others that I don't remember. I enjoyed Poe's stories, but I haven't read anything by him in a while.

 

I chose to read The Black Cat for the Black Cat Square in Halloween Bingo.

 

I did not enjoy this story. Yes, Poe was a masterful storyteller and he was original, and creepy. But, this one did not scare me at all. I hated reading about how the narrator treated the cat who adored him. I wanted him to suffer for what he did. I wasn't surprised by the ending, perhaps because I did read this story in my teenage years. 

 

There is one thing that did surprise me (although I guess it shouldn't have, given the man's character and that this is a Poe story)...

[spoiler]

[/spoiler]

When his wife prevents him from killing the second cat, he buries the axe "in her brain" and then just goes about his business like nothing happend. The whole thing is just so matter of fact - it struck me as odd. Then again, an asshole drunk who could mistreat and kill an animal just for loving him, what did I expect?

[spoiler]

[/spoiler]

Bottom line, this story disturbed me (and maybe that is part of what horror stories are supposed do do). I prefer my horror stories to not involve animal abuse.

 

Avoid if you are sensitive to animal cruelty.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1482377/not-scary-just-wrong

Halloween Bingo Update #5

 

 

 

 

Finished:

 

Witches:  The Witch of Blackbird Pond

Free Space: Masque of the Red Death  & Dance of the Red Death

Pumpkin:  Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Young Adult Horror:  Catacomb

Locked Room Mystery: Woman in Cabin 10

Read by Candlelight or Flashlight: The Passenger (could also fit It Was a Dark & Stormy Night)

Genre Mystery: Jackaby (could also fit Set in New England)

Classic Horror: Frankenstein

 

 

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1480369/halloween-bingo-update-5

Frankenstein

Review:

 

 

 

 

 

This is the first time I read the classic Frankenstein. I've seen movies and read variations. They always make the monster seem so relatable. However, after reading the original story, I find the monster to be malevolent and detestable. It wasn't his fault that Victor gave him life and made him hideous. I understand him being angry and lonely and lost. I get that he is looking for someone to understand him and accept him for who he is. And I get that he blames Victor, with good cause. But he kills innocents.

 

I enjoyed the story and felt awful for Victor. He made a huge mistake and he paid dearly for it. I read this for the Classic Horror square.

 

Recommended to:

Horror fans - this classic should be read by anyone who enjoys the horror genre.

 

 

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1480361/frankenstein

Supernatural Mystery Fun

Review:

 

 

One who can see the ordinary is extraordinary indeed, Abigail Rook.

- Chapter 8

 

That little slip of paper had turned out to be my ticket into a more remarkable world than I could have imagined.

- Chapter 11

 

I wondered which was sadder, leaving someone to cry after you when you were gone, or not having anyone who would miss you in the first place.

Chapter 14

 

 

Abigail Rook is a headstrong girl who left home and, instead of going to University, headed out looking for adventure. She ends up in New England, with no cash and no place to stay. She finds Mr. R.F. Jackaby, a detective with supernatural skills. He uses these skills to investigate crimes committed that cannot be solved by the usual methods. He is quirky and unusual and brings Abigail into some dangerous and exciting situations. In her position as his assistant, she finally finds the adventure she's been searching for.

 

I enjoyed this book. Jackaby is quite the character and Abigail is a fun, plucky young lady.  The mystery was exciting and I didn't guess the culprit. I knew it wasn't the obvious choice, but I didn't know who it actually was. I know there are at least two more books and I'm planning to read them after Halloween Bingo. :)

 

Recommended to:

Readers who enjoy their mysteries with a supernatural twist.

 

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1480353/supernatural-mystery-fun