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This book is an old fashioned creepy tale that will immerse you into the world of an
old village and pumps the imagination with pictures that move, disappearing sounds, magic ceremonies and vague threats by bulls.
The author brings dimension to the character Cris Lopez, not the usual type to be venturing into an English village alone on vacation. There's charm in the
details of the village, and definitely loads the atmosphere with mystique.
The story has an authentic Gothic feel to it for those who like the old fashioned tales. It doesn't have a fast pace but it didn't lag either.
A few elements in the story were confusing, and maybe they were meant to remain that way, or maybe a follow up book - perhaps. In my opinion, there were some chances missed in the story to build up the suspense. The characters' emotions could have been shown more intensely, and then this would have been a terrifying tale. At times the small everyday minutia became a little redundant and took the focus away from the protagonists emotional pull, but not long enough for me to give up on the story. I wanted to finish the book and find out how it fleshed out.
Over all, a
good read. If you enjoy pondering what lies in the mist, and don't worry about perfection with an author, then this
story is for you. I think this author is someone to watch for future books.
The reader is immediately at the edge of their seat in the opening scene, where we witness Dr. Christian Monro's physical and emotional trauma while being murdered. We are brought into the death scene, each agonizing step of the way. The detail and the pace are excellent.
The suspense is high voltage.
The protagonist Detective Sergeant Jamie Brooke once again is challenged with high stakes. As in the first book of the series, Jamie is going through hell emotionally after the loss of her child, but she is also engaged in the case and wants to understand the true crime. The heroine strives to remain objective while gathering evidence, hoping to see the truth. Along the way many twists in the case elude her, and attempt to veer her from the true crime. She follows the leads and takes the reader down a road of unexpected horrors. Jamie is not faint of heart, but a woman who makes the tough decisions; she is the protector of her co-workers and friends. There is hope - as she is faced with danger even in her most fragile hours, yet somehow finds the strength to prevail.
The subject matter of this novel immediately jolts interest -
the history of mental illness treatment and the reminder of abuse done to the mentally ill. This is a topic I too have strong feelings about, and so this story truly hit my heartstrings. The research was done well, as to be expected by this author who always delivers well developed background.
This story is not for those wanting a light read,
because the reader will be left with some concepts to think about - maybe even choices on how to view others who may not be as fortunate as most. In this world it is too easy to forget about those who suffer with mental illness. Society has swept them from public view, but we know in our heart that more needs to be addressed.
I thank the author, Joanna Penn for writing this riveting story and bringing this topic to the forefront.
To date this is my favorite of J.F.Penn's books. I truly enjoy reading about Jamie, and this is a great series.
Delirium is for anyone who enjoys detective horror thrillers, and is a definite must read.
If you think you like this kind of book, and who wouldn't, check out more of J. F. Penn's work at:
http://www.jfpenn.com/fiction/http://www.jfpenn.com/fiction/
My favorite time of year because it's acceptable to wear dark clothing, and it's the seasonal décor to have cobwebs in your house.
No one thinks badly of you for liking horror stories this time of year. So on with the dark tales. I was surfing the net and found this wonderful tale. I wanted to share it - for anyone else out there who appreciates a good tale.
So turn up the volume and listen to this story - I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Scary Stories : Don't Look Out The Window
Published on Jun 8, 2012 Scary stories to chill your bones. If you wish to see more of these tales in the future than please comment, rate, and subscribe. Illustrations are by Silvina Rinaldi and it is narrated by Kellie Fitzgerald. Stories are written by yours truly (Legends of Fear).
After hearing this recorded story it made me think more seriously about researching Audio books.
I began my search with LibriVox (public domain audio books) and audiobooks.org - both sites offer free books, a good place to begin the journey of getting to know the sound of a good story teller. Then I went to Amazon's acx platform which offers a way for any publisher to offer their book as audio. They have some good acx help posts for the newbie (like me). I think the key to a great audio book would be hiring a great storyteller.
Readers audition for the part in your book. They get paid by the job, or sometimes they can be offered a slice of your earnings (of course this works better for more seasoned writers with previous sales to back their offers). This got me to wonder how these readers are trained, so then I surfed the web again and this 'How to become an Audiobook reader' post from eHow was helpful. (more posts on the side tab too) As usual too many ideas!
It is another avenue to use to help create more markets for your book. There are so many new roads to wander off from this self-publishing path. As always, do the research, find what works for you, and make a plan. It's okay for the plan to change, as long as you still keep on your own path towards your own target.
I find myself wandering off sometimes and get discouraged, then I remind myself of what my goals are. Things take time - most writers are not over night success stories. Remember the important things.
The retelling of a Hoosac Tunnel ghost story: A tale of murder and hauntings in 1866
After years of being envisioned, work on the Hoosac Tunnel finally began
in 1852.By 1873 with 193 deaths tallied,
the tunnel was realized.This was a
major accomplishment of the times and was the longest tunnel of the day at 4 ¾ miles
long.Many attribute the success of this
great engineering venture to three factors:the diligent work of the W & F Shanly & Company contractors who
revived the project in 1868, the use of pneumatic drills (Burleigh Drill), and a
safer nitroglycerin along with electric blasting caps (new explosive Tri-Nitro-Glycerin
invented by George M. Mowbray). The project
was sought after by Industrialists of the day, Alvah Crocker a paper
manufacturer in Fitchburg, being the most ardent proponent.There was a long list of Engineers tasked
with the design, many experiencing failure before the final success was
achieved.
Many of the deaths were the
result of cave-ins experienced, air shafts accidents, explosions and more.The most devastating was the collapse after
an explosion in the center shaft on October 17, 1867.The frame work above the center air shaft caught fire
and collapsed into the shaft, causing an explosion from the built up fumes, and
filling the shaft with water. Thirteen workers were trapped and drowned, if not already
killed from the fire.Their bodies were not fully
recovered until a year later.This
brought much speculation about the ‘Bloody Pit’ and slowed the progress of the project.
Among the long list of victims claimed by the ‘Bloody Pit’
were three men who worked together as a team using nitro to blast the monstrous black
rock. The name Ringo Kelly was never mentioned in the official recorded history
of the Hoosac Tunnel.But in 1865 a blast happened and two of the team
ended up buried in rock.
The local gossip claimed Ringo Kelly ignited the blast early, before
the others could reach the safety barrier. Ringo Kelly went missing for a year and a half. Then he was found murdered in the tunnel. Now he is mentioned in bizarre folklore surrounding his murder. Riddled by rumors only, he supposedly
was haunted in 1866 by his two friends, his victims, and killed in vengeance…
The official cause of death for Ringo was strangulation. Still rumors claimed he was chased down by the vengeful
ghosts.He was found dead
in almost the same spot his two coworkers were killed.What really happened to Ringo Kelly?
Now 146 years later no one knows the real story. Did he 'accidentally on purpose'
kill his friends Ned Brinkman and Billy Nash? The rumors claim he
intentionally set the charge early.What
was the motivation for Ringo to end his friend’s lives? There is no explanation
offered. We do know that it was the
first time nitro was being used on a major project of this scope. Nitro is very
unstable, and most likely the entire episode was a mere accident.
Unfortunately for Ringo Kelly, the ghosts of Ned
and Billy didn't understand. A year later they found poor Ringo Kelly dead. What is the real story?Does anyone really know what happened?
Here is one theory about this unfortunate
happening. Could this be the real story and reason behind it all….
Please read for free on your Kindle anytime using the lending library.
If you are interested in more information about the Hoosac Tunnel, its history and folklore of hauntings, please go to these sites attached to this post, and/or watch the film documentaries on the Hoosac Tunnel.
Don’t be afraid to let go… A work in progress, my
manuscript started with 2,841 words in chapter one. Now, after many reworks and
lots of editing, chapter one has 1,111 words! I slashed, I flashed and I let
go! It is difficult because we invent these stories, forming these words,
becoming part of our memory, with a life of its own. We remember the momentum
of writing those words, and the pleasure we derive. Now we have to look closer,
rearrange, and we have to get rid of words blocking the true story. We are
sentimental, but need to let go of the words that are not important any longer.
They were part of the process, but no longer part of the flow. This same
sentiment echoes other parts in our lives too. Don’t be afraid
to let go… Free yourself from the norms
that everyone expects of you. Many of us parade in the roles presumed, not
necessarily who we want to be, but who we are expected to be. Conforming to who
our social networks think we should be. Letting go of preconceived ideas is
dangerous. Others may judge, you may question yourself too. One needs to accept
their response, while accepting yourself. It is a price that can sometimes be
cruel. Don’t be afraid
to let go… As a parent this is extremely
difficult. We watch our babies grow. We nurture them, sing to them, read to
them and talk with them. In front of our eyes they grow into their own person.
As a parent we need to take that last step. We can’t be afraid to let go! Part
of us may never really let go, we have our memories. We need to let them be themselves
– not who we want them to be. This is so difficult and takes lots of practice,
and defining of lines. The ultimate goal is for the child to be a happy adult –
a person who can be free to be themselves. Now I begin another day… This is the only part of the
entire world that I can control. I create and then I need to look at my work,
and let go. I need to be able to see the words impartially, let the story take
its own life, and I must act as the facilitator rather than the ultimate and
egotistical creator. I cannot be afraid to let go…
There are many people and
organizations out there who offer web seminars and online classes to help
improve writing skills. Be very careful choosing the right one if you decide to
pay for the knowledge.I have found that
there are many writers, editors and publishers, who freely offer help and assistance and give useful
comments and ideas. Often the information you need is right at your fingertips.
Open up the browser, plug in your
keywords, and begin searching for the information you need.I’ve taken the liberty of plugging (below) a couple
of useful sites that I have found; they have given me insightful information
and remind me of good habits to keep improving my writing skills.
There are also many forums and discussion
groups with real people, with real experience, and they are willing to help. I urge any writer to take advantage of the
knowledge from the community already out there, already discussing the same things we all need - good writing skills.
I have never been one to ask for help,
being an independent free thinker, but the knowledge
I received just by asking is irreplaceable.The “help” from
a cooperative discussion exchanging ideas, and of course the value of
real experience, is priceless.With all
these forums, discussion groups, and the wonderful web browser, it is so easy
to get the information you need.It is very refreshing to have so many writers out there who are
willing to share ideas with other writers.This support has inspired me to continue working, and continue writing.I can do this in my own way, in my own time,
and with my own thoughts.I am not part
of the flock – I am an individual, respected as such, and only one voice among
many other individual and unique voices.
This week I am still editing my book, focusing on the story's structure, to ensure the correct foundation is in place to create the appropriate
element of tension and flow.Just like an old
fashioned sewing machine, where the user always had to keep the tension at the
proper level otherwise the thread would break; the same goes with a story.If the tension is too tight the thread will
snap, and if there is no tension the stitches become a loose and the seam is no
good.
Suggestions to other (aspiring) writers-
1
-do your research, and read 2-
make sure your sentences are properly structured, and read 3-
make sure your idea flows forward while balancing the idea that you want to get
across, and read.
So
you may have ascertained my main idea – to write well you need to know and recognize
good writing.
The best way to do this is
to READ!Happy reading to all.
LINKS:
Community Sites &
tips from Writers/editors/publishers:
There are also so many writers who have blog pages filled
with useful ideas and knowledge regarding formatting, software,
self-publishing, creating ebooks, and much more, to help.
This book is an old fashioned creepy tale that will immerse you into the world of an
old village and pumps the imagination with pictures that move, disappearing sounds, magic ceremonies and vague threats by bulls.
