ghost stories – Book Squirrel

Book Review: ‘Ghosts of the Sea Moon’ by A.F. Stewart

A magical, mystical and occasionally macabre tale of adventure on the high seas — with a difference. It’s a story as full of tragedy as of danger, challenging the reader to think about grief, anger and vengeance and the devastating consequences they can have for individuals and families.

It’s a story with more than one hero: the bravery and integrity of Captain Morrow, the loyalty of Blackthorn, and the sensibility of Hugh each play a role in navigating a way through the storms caused by the ultimate family conflict.

Rich in lively writing and vivid imagery, this is a highly original and well-crafted story that quickly hooks the reader and keeps them interested and engaged throughout the narrative.

Book Review: ‘Ghost Camera’ by Darcy Coates

Chilling, suspenseful and macabre, this is everything I look for in a horror story. Building tension bursts into moments of fear, like waves on the ocean carrying the reader on peaks and troughs of anticipation and dread. The reader frequently finds themselves releasing their breath in relief, unaware that they’ve been holding it, only for it to happen again the next time the action of the story escalates.

The main characters are likeable and relatable, which positions the reader to feel empathy for them when they find themselves in a situation they cannot control, and which promises most unfavourable outcomes. Because they are such normal people, it reminds the reader that this is the kind of thing that could potentially happen to anyone, regardless of their good intentions or innocence in making mistakes.

The writing is excellent, the imagery is precise and well-crafted, and the storyline is unpredictable. All in all, this is a shudderingly good read.

Book Review: ‘The Lighthouse Keeper’ by Pam Lecky

A very enjoyable short read, complete with a couple of very effective chills for good measure

This story is set on the windswept coast at Black’s Bay, where Sally and Alex plan to spend their first weekend away together. The isolation of the lighthouse lends a bleak and forlorn air to the setting, and compounds the darkness and the unfamiliar when the sun goes down.

The reader is positioned to empathise with Sally through exposure to her thoughts, feelings and responses to the events of the weekend, which makes them in turn vulnerable to the eerie twists in the story.

This is a very enjoyable story, complete with a couple of very effective chills for good measure. It’s an easy read in under 30 minutes, which makes it ideal for a lunch break or a short escape into a story to break up a busy day.

Acorn Award II Silver

Book Squirrel has awarded ‘The Lighthouse Keeper’ a Silver Acorn.

Find your copy here.

Dec 14 ~ Featured Book: ‘’Three, Two, One’ by Victoria Perkins.

Book Squirrel’s Advent Event featured book for December 13 is ‘’Three, Two, One’ by Victoria Perkins.

Book Squirrel’s Advent Event featured book for December 14 is ‘’Three, Two, One’ by Victoria Perkins.

This looks like a gripping ghost story with some horror in it. The author does state that it includes descriptions of violence that may be disturbing to some readers, so it might not be everyone’s idea of holiday reading, but if you’re looking for a break from Hallmark movies and Christmas romances, this might be just the thing.

Victoria Perkins Three Two One

Cassidy Chapman knows she isn’t dead. Unfortunately, no one else does. After the mysterious death of her younger sister, Cassidy’s own identity is called into question. As she digs deeper into the accident that claimed the life of her sister, Cassidy discovers a far darker secret than she’d ever thought possible. Helped by the only person who believes her, new WU student Pacey Townson, Cassidy must find a way to solve Jessica’s murder and clear her own name–before it’s too late.

‘Three, Two, One’ is available at Amazon.

Book Squirrel: Going Nuts Over Halloween Reads

Spooky horror treats for Halloween. Who needs candy?

#books #Halloween2017

There are some absolutely spooktacular horror reads available this Halloween.

Of course, we all know they’re great to read any day of the year, but I thought I’d share some great collections with you, curated by some of the authors that Book Squirrel has featured previously.

NIKKI LANDIS has compiled a brilliant collection of horror reads in her most recent newsletter.
Many of these books are on a 99c special price for Halloween.

Nikki has also made a fantastic offer – buy three books from her newsletter, and she’ll give you your choice of one of her books absolutely free.

JOANNE VAN LEERDAM has a number of spooky and dark reads for free at WordyNerdBird Writes.

Promo Spooktober 1

On offer are some chilling poems and a series of stories about Friday, a black cat with a penchant for curious events.

Promo Friday Stories copy
Friday’s stories will be available to read for free until November 3rd.

Van Leerdam is also the author of The Silver Feather, a haunting, macabre tale which was featured here as a new release earlier this month. It’s on sale until November 1st for 99c in your favourite digital store. and is also available as a paperback via Amazon.

Promo The Silver Feather Eerie Tree

LILY LUCHESI and fifteen other authors have just released Damsels of Distress, an anthology featuring strong female leads that should never be underestimated.
It’s on sale right now for just 99c, and is incredibly good value.

PETER BLAKEY-NOVIS has been sharing 31 Days of Horror on his blog at Embrace The Darkness. He has featured a number of excellent novels, novellas, and blogs in his listing.

So, plenty of spooky and horrific treats for Halloween. Who needs candy? Go nuts!

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