Book Review: Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey

Haunting Violet

by

Alyxandra Harvey

Haunting Violet has been authored by Alyxandra Harvey and was published by Bloomsbury. This book is also my first horror novel. However, I wouldn't call it horror per se. I did get goosebumps while reading the book but it did not scare the wits out of me, but, yes, I had to keep looking over my shoulder for spirits!

Mrs. Celeste Willoughby is a widowed medium. As in, she makes money by speaking to the dead loved ones of those alive. Yes, she makes money by being a phoney. The book is written in the Victorian spiritualist era wherein it was a rage to be able to contact your loved ones from the beyond. Using this "talent" of hers, she stages several meets, stages them, she does not conduct any of them since all such activities are a setup. She is helped by her daughter Violet, her help Colin and Marjorie all of whom just can't wait to leave the shackles of her fraudulence.

All this, makes Mrs.Willoughby very famous, affords them a luxury they could only dream of and eventually gets them invited to Rosefield, to Lord Jasper's palatial home. Since this happens over the summer, as is the tradition, Lord Jasper has also invited his family and friends to stay over at his place (the reason for this is revealed at the end of the book). Mrs. Willoughby stages her first performanc by sprinkling some perfume here and there, making people believe their ancestors were in the room with them, by making it snow (while it is actually Marjorie showering feathers outside the window) and other special effects are created and the audience awed.

This stay is when Violet realizes that unlike her mother, she genuinely does have the rare gift of seeing spirits, to b able to converse with them. Being bombarded with endless spirits, she is determined not to tell her mother of the same since she would not think twice of parading her little girl's talents and making money out of it. One such ghost bothering Violet is Rowena. Rowena Wentworth, the niece of the current Sir Wentworth, Lord Jasper's neighbour. Turns out, Rowena had "accidentally" drowned in the lake. All this did not add up to Violet since Rowena was an ace swimmer and whenever Rowena's spirit occupied her body, she could taste a medicinal syrup in her mouth.

Thus beings Violet's investigation with the help of her best friend Elizabeth, Colin and a highly non-co operative Tabitha Wentworth, Rowena's twin sister who is wary of Elizabeth and is certain that her mother is a fraud (which is eventually exposed). How will they be able to place a finger on who murdered Rowena when she is unwilling to leave her sister's side, trying hard to protect her. As an added obstacle, it is clear to Violet that Rowena was strangled, and hence, her spirit voice cannot be heard and her gestures are not clear enough. This is Violet's adventure. She will have to crack the mystery. She will have to bring peace to Rowena's soul.

All in all, this book does not have a shocking ending. It is kind of obvious. But, it is good read nevertheless. Give it a go just once.

Rating: 3/5

Book Review: A Stranger in the Mirror

A Stranger in the Mirror

Sidney Sheldon

A Stranger in the Mirror has been authored by Sidney Sheldon published by William Morrow. This book, unlike his other works, does not have a twist at the end. It is a plain story, although, told with the usual Sidney Sheldon flavor  Although there is not much of a suspense or thrill, you are still desperate to know what happens to the characters, how they are affected, what their next step is going to be and how everything is going to get tied up together in the end.

Toby Temple hailed from a humble background. He was the apple of his mother’s eye and she knew for a fact that he was going to be famous. She wasn't wrong. Toby Temple becomes a world renowned comedian. He has everything in life, money, power, wonderful contacts, and a different girl every night; what he lacks is happiness, he is lonely.

Josephine Czinski has a religious mother who holds the two of them responsible for Josephine’s father’s death. Her mother works for the Oil people and does not like Josephine mixing with their children. All Josephine wants is a lovely life like them. After a love affair with David Kenyon, one of the oil children goes downhill, she leaves the town for good. Where does she head? Hollywood, where she will be known as Jill Castle. The glamour, the promises and the lifestyle attracts her for good measure. After years of unsuccessfully trying to acquire acting jobs by the right ways, she goes for the way opted by others. Sleep with the concerned person, get an acting job and earn money. Her life takes a bad turn when she is drugged and forced to do a pornography movie. Her best kept secret.

Eventually, Toby and Jill meet. Thus begins their saga, their tumultuous life together. Toby is head over heels in love with her. Jill figures out that Toby is the only way she can get her revenge against all those big shot people in Hollywood who turned her down. What does eventually happen? Does she get her revenge? Does she remain with Toby? Does David enter the picture at all? Does Jill’s life turn out to be exactly as she had planned it? Will she ever be Josephine Czinski again?

Of course, you have to read the book to find out. I honestly loved the book. You will not be disappointed. Sidney Sheldon’s fast paced story narration makes the book “unputdownable”, if you will.

Rating: 4/5

Book Review: Mr. Maybe by Jane Green

Mr. Maybe

Jane Green

This book is your average chic lit novel. Predictable, of course. But, readable, nevertheless. Mr. Maybe has been authored by Jane Green and published by Penguin.

Libby, a PR agent is on the lookout for a man. Since PR doesn't pay much, she wants a handsome, successful and rich guy so that she can marry him, have kids and have a happy life. Cliche of cliches? Yes. Her choice in men has been awful. Hence, she decides on a fling with her friend's friend Nick, super gorgeous and super sexy with not a penny to his name. They start hanging out together. But, the deal remains intact, no relationship, only sex. But, things take a turn when they start falling for each other. Surprise, surprise. When things start getting serious, he dumps her. She sulk, mourns, cries and finally meets Ed McMahon, one of britain's most eligible bachelors. Super rich, investment banker, who is super keen on Libby. As things progress, they get engaged. He is in love with her and she is in love with the prospect of her being a rich man's wife, not having to work and having unlimited money to spend. But, circumstances lead her to have second thought.

The feel is much like that in Can You Keep a Secret? It is fun. There are many laugh out loud moments. In my opinion, the protagonist is shallow, materialistic and ultimately wants a man who is rich and who can provide for her. Isn't that typical? I thought we were past all that sh*t! I, personally, did not connect with Libby. She is too dependent, too conservative in her thinking, too.. you get the gist!  Independence (financial or otherwise) is last on her mind. I don't like that. All in all, an average read. Yes, you do get to laugh heartily at certain junctures.

Rating: 2.5/5

Book Review: Lone Eagle by Danielle Steel

Lone Eagle

Danielle Steel

Danielle Steel books are basically of the romance genre. They're easy to read and a no-brainer. Seriously. Lone Eagle is no different. The theme is basically the same. Boy and girl fall in love, there are heart breaks, separations and what not! Name it and you have it! All the drama prevalent in a typical Indian movie/ serial is available here, only the location and language is different!

Joe Allbright, an aviation enthusiast and Kate Jamison, a beautiful, fiesty girl meet for the first time when she is 17. There are instant sparks. But, nothing happens since both have childhood and trust issues. But, fate brings them together. Fate also brings in World War II into the picture (rather, the author does). Joe is shipped off to Europe to fight the war. Kate goes off to college and meets Andy Scott, her best friend. Although, he falls in love with her. Kate doesn't accept Andy's moves. Joe returns from war and they start a life together, only, he is not ready to get married or have children. Thus starts the emotional turmoil extending 20+ years of Kate, Joe and Andy.

One thing that I find annoying while reading Steel's books are that the sentences are often repeated in some way or the other. Again and again. That seems to be the only way she makes sure that her books are 300+ pages long! Anyway, if you are a diehard romantic, you might as well give this book a go.

Rating: 2.5/5

Book Review: An A-Hole Goes on Vacation by Andy Ostrom

AN A-HOLE GOES ON VACATION

BY ANDY OSTROM

An A-Hole Goes on Vacation by Andy Ostrom is one of the few non-fiction books that I have read. The Author has instilled faith in me that non-fiction need not be boring after all! If you are looking for a book that tells you where or when to take an ideal vacation; what an ideal vacation is supposed to be (ideally, you aren't supposed to refer to a book for that!), well, this book isn't for you. The book is basically more etiquette based.

If you are a self confessed A-Hole or know someone who is an A-Hole but doesn't know about it or you just have half an hour to spare, read this book (it is only 21 pages anyway!) The book does not give you information about where to take a vacation or when to take a vacation, like other travel books do. It basically gives you information on HOW and WHY you should take a vacation. We plan for days on end planning the perfect trip, yet, it may turn out to be one of the worst trips ever taken.

The author gives vacationing tips to all categories of people, be it young, middle aged, old, family, singles, etc. He puts in place perspective of what a vacation should NOT be (really, it can be anything you want it to be). He also gives invaluable tips to people who have just returned from vacation and go around “Namastay”-ing (yes, you went on vacation, we didn't, don’t add fuel to the fire!).

Travel tips apart, the author’s sarcastic way of writing is interesting and makes you laugh (or smirk with understanding). Not one to shy away from words (seriously!), the author keeps the reader occupied and blatantly speaks the truth that makes you smile and connect to instantly! All in all, it is a fun read.

Book Review: Best Laid Plans

Best Laid Plans by Sidney Sheldon

This would be the third Sidney Sheldon book I have read and I am loving it! Sidney Sheldon's writing style, to me, is very similar to that of Jeffrey Archer's. In what way, you ask? The sense of thrill that they instill in the reader. They way they capture the audience so much so that keeping the book down (in this case the tab containing the e-book) is very very difficult. Some people say other books of Sheldon's are his best works, I personally don't care. He surely has won my heart over!

Oliver Russell is a power hungry man who would stoop to many levels to achieve his political goals. Of course, the one man who makes President Russell move like a puppet is Senator Todd Davis, aka his father in law. Peter Tager, the Senator's ever present, ever loyal assistant is there for Russell as well. He is a family man and a devout Christian, loved by all.

Leslie Stewart, the owner of a newspaper giant is hell bent on destroying President Russell's life. He is not, according to her, fit for running the country. Co-incidentally, when Oliver Russell takes office in the White House, a series of murders take place. It certainly does not paint a pretty picture when all the facts point to the President of the United States, Oliver Russell. And who is to uncover this case but Dana Evans, Washington Tribune's Foreign Correspondent and the reason for the downfall of an empire?

The book is wonderful, in my opinion.

3.5/5

Book Review: Size 12 is Not Fat

Size 12 is Not Fat

The book screams: chic-lit, chic-lit, chic-lit!!!

Yes, it is a chic-lit book. I won't deny it. But, it was a pleasant read nevertheless. This, mainly because I started reading this book right after 4 weeks of the Harry Potter saga (Yes, I love the series. Yes, I've got a humongous crush on Ronald Weasley. <3) Anyway, I do have plans of writing reviews on the HP saga, but, more on that later.

Size 12 is Not Fat by Meg Cabot is every fat girl or former fat girl's book. A few sentences repeated often in the book:

1. Size 12 is not fat, it is the size of the average American woman
2. Not dorm, sorry, Residence Hall
3. Girls don't elevator surf

Dear Author,

1. It's not just the size of the average American woman. It also happens to be the size of women from yours truly's country! Yes, I was average once, it doesn't matter. I totally get it. I totally support the protagonist, sorry, you, your thoughts.
2. I get it, saying Residence Hall makes the children feel more home-y, if you will, however, saying it in every other page, I got plain annoyed! I mean, seriously, I get it. The protagonist has a sieve for memory, I don't blame her, I'm just saying. The repetitions are avoidable!
3. Eh! This was to support the story line. I don't have a problem with this line.

Anyway, the book is well written. Contains a tiny amount of suspense for a chic-lit novel. If you are a Jeffrey Archer/ Robin Cook/ Sidney Sheldon fan, you will definitely look through it in a heart beat.

Heather Wells, for teen pop star is a Size 12 and is NOT FAT. She lives with her ex-boyfriend's brother (Mind you, they're only friends even though she wants to take him down, every time she sees him and tear his clothes apart with her teeth) and works at the New York College's dorm. I mean, Residence Hall (See, I remember). Two girls die in two weeks' time. Who's next? Why, Heather Wells, of course. But, who would want her dead? Her ex, Jordan, her boss, Rachel, her colleagues, Magda or Sarah, her best friend, Patty, the Vice President? Someone is keen to get her out of their way in order to attain their ambition in life.

It is a quick read. I mean, my e-book was only 217 pages. I finished it in 5 hours (cumulative, split into 3 days.) It's an easy read, easy language. All in all, a very light read, just what you need at the end of a crappy work day with a steaming mug of coffee!

Happy Reading!