Rory, a teen from small town Louisiana, moves to London for a year to attend school at Wexford. The same day she arrives, a murder takes place. A murder in the style of Jack the Ripper.
Rory doesn't pay a lot of attention to that. Until she almost chokes and dies. Now she's seeing people no one else can. Her new friends think she's either making things up or going crazy.
The murderer is also curious about Rory and begins to follow her around. Not sure what's going on, she turns to the only people who may be able to help. Unfortunately they are also in a little over their heads.
The ghosts and terror in the story are very real, but there's also humor and a solid central story. I liked Rory and thought her narration was easy to follow. Another amazing book by Maureen Johnson!
Showing posts with label history. Show all posts
Showing posts with label history. Show all posts
Monday, December 19, 2011
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Nightmarys by Dan Poblocki
Timothy's been having nightmares since he learned his brother was injured in Iraq and is now in a coma.
Abigail has nightmares too--only hers come when she's awake. When the two are suppose to do a history project together, they realize their nightmares may have a common source.
Stalked by two faceless beings, attacked by a painted dragon, a skeleton brought to life, and chased by Timothy's injured brother, neither believe it could be a curse.
Until they learn the truth. And their only hope is to defeat the man responsible.
More creepy than scary, this book definitely hits the right tone. Action-packed, especially at the end, and a heavy dose of disbelief. Timothy and Abigail stumble on the truth before they realize it, which clues the reader into what's going on. Mystery and creepy all at the same time.
Abigail has nightmares too--only hers come when she's awake. When the two are suppose to do a history project together, they realize their nightmares may have a common source.
Stalked by two faceless beings, attacked by a painted dragon, a skeleton brought to life, and chased by Timothy's injured brother, neither believe it could be a curse.
Until they learn the truth. And their only hope is to defeat the man responsible.
More creepy than scary, this book definitely hits the right tone. Action-packed, especially at the end, and a heavy dose of disbelief. Timothy and Abigail stumble on the truth before they realize it, which clues the reader into what's going on. Mystery and creepy all at the same time.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
The Poisoner's Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York by Deborah Blum
I really don't read a lot of non-fiction, but this book looked intriguing enough I decided to give it a try.
This book is more about the first medical examiner, Dr. Charles Norris, in New York City to actually hold a medical degree, and the first toxicologist, Alexander Gettler. Each chapter is about a different poison and how the two working together figured out what effects the poison had on the body and in what levels. Before their time, forensic science was not considered to be reliable or even usable in a court of law--Norris and Gettler changed all that.
This is a fascinating work about poisons, chemistry, science, and how it has changed and shaped our lives. I learned so much from this book about Prohibition and the people who died of wood alcohol, the women who died from radiation poisoning and taught us that radium was not beneficial. There is a lot of chemistry and science in the book, which is hard to get through, but the story woven through the pages makes it all worth it. I enjoyed each chapter focusing on a different poison and how Gettler and Norris worked to get forensic science into the 20th century.
This book is more about the first medical examiner, Dr. Charles Norris, in New York City to actually hold a medical degree, and the first toxicologist, Alexander Gettler. Each chapter is about a different poison and how the two working together figured out what effects the poison had on the body and in what levels. Before their time, forensic science was not considered to be reliable or even usable in a court of law--Norris and Gettler changed all that.
This is a fascinating work about poisons, chemistry, science, and how it has changed and shaped our lives. I learned so much from this book about Prohibition and the people who died of wood alcohol, the women who died from radiation poisoning and taught us that radium was not beneficial. There is a lot of chemistry and science in the book, which is hard to get through, but the story woven through the pages makes it all worth it. I enjoyed each chapter focusing on a different poison and how Gettler and Norris worked to get forensic science into the 20th century.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Possessed by Kate Cann
Rayne lives with her mom and younger brother in London. Their apartment is oppressive, as is their neighborhood. So oppressive all Rayne can think of is escape. She wants to get away from people, from all the noise.
She can't believe her luck when she finds a job posting for a tea room in a remote country estate far from London. A chance to get away.
Morton's Keep isn't exactly what she was expecting when she arrived for the interview or to start her job. The house itself is full of history, anger, rage, and malice. That history is not at all pleasant, as Rayne learns some of the murders, executions, and torture that happened within the manor's walls. Her new group of friends are fascinated with the place, especially Sir John. Rayne is more than a little disturbed by their interest and with other things she sees around the grounds and surrounding forest. She's determined to figure out what's happening before anything else happens.
The story itself reminds me of Marion Zimmer Bradley's Witchlight and The Inheritor, although not quite as creepy or dark. The setting is vivid and characters believable. There were a few moments where I had to suspend disbelief, but other than that, I enjoyed the story.
She can't believe her luck when she finds a job posting for a tea room in a remote country estate far from London. A chance to get away.
Morton's Keep isn't exactly what she was expecting when she arrived for the interview or to start her job. The house itself is full of history, anger, rage, and malice. That history is not at all pleasant, as Rayne learns some of the murders, executions, and torture that happened within the manor's walls. Her new group of friends are fascinated with the place, especially Sir John. Rayne is more than a little disturbed by their interest and with other things she sees around the grounds and surrounding forest. She's determined to figure out what's happening before anything else happens.
The story itself reminds me of Marion Zimmer Bradley's Witchlight and The Inheritor, although not quite as creepy or dark. The setting is vivid and characters believable. There were a few moments where I had to suspend disbelief, but other than that, I enjoyed the story.
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