Review – A House of Her Own by Patricia Dusenbury

Having thoroughly enjoyed the first two novels of this series, following Claire Marshall’s evolution from grief-numbed widow to sassy and independent businesswoman, I was really looking forward to the third.  It certainly did not disappoint.

Claire, in addition to coming to terms with her own emotional trauma, has had to deal with being framed for murder while being pursued by the real killers in A Perfect Victim.  In Secrets, Lies and Homicide, she is is drawn into a sordid tale of old murder and investigation of a recent murder, as well as possibly being betrayed by her own heart.

In this third book, she has to deal with a possibly haunted house that she buys on whim, hoping to renovate and sell on for a large profit. The shadows of past and present unhappiness that seem to live in the house blight all aspects of Claire’s life and work as she seeks to uncover the mystery of the notorious ‘haint’.  The more she investigates it, the more harrowing become the possible reasons for an unquiet spirit remaining in the house.

She also has to face increasingly bold threats from ruthless gang members terrorising the neighbourhood.  These hoodlums begin stalking her as they believe she may have incriminating evidence that can put them away for murder.  She once again comes into conflict with the local police as they pursue an investigation that involves her. And she still has to deal with her own ghosts from the past and with jealousy, doubt and indecision about her romantic future with glamorous playboy racecar driver Tony.

Once again the author writes with a sure and elegant hand, and handles complex intertwining plot threads with aplomb. The harrowingly dark possible reasons for the haunting, and the overarching, very uncomfortable feelings of dread and claustrophobia – in Claire’s work project and in her personal life – in are marvellously evoked by the author.  One can enter into Claire’s heart-searchings and frustrating doubts very thoroughly and sympathetically.  The sense of being on the edge of another, shadowy world just beyond our ken is also very cleverly sustained. The New Orleans backdrop with hints of ancient and exotic supernatural rituals and a certain air of decayed grandeur is used to great effect. The pacing is great, never a dull moment.

There is resolution to all plot threads – though there are surprises aplenty and I have to admit to a secret wish for a different outcome on a couple of counts.  However, as in life, so in fiction – everything does not end neatly and predictably.  A compellingly readable story that is hard to put down, and a very satisfying end to a great trilogy, with twists and surprises to the last page.

Review: Titanium by Linda Palmer – Uncial Press, Due for Release February 2015

I really enjoyed Linda Palmer’s Sidekicks, and reviewed it last year, so when I was offered a copy of Titanium to review prior to its release by publisher Uncial Press in February 2015, I shamelessly grabbed this New Adult offering – and it doesn’t disappoint.

Afghanistan vet Zander Bennett’s preternatural instincts and military training alert him to a weird kidnapping attempt on a pretty young girl working at the local mall.  He foils the would-be kidnappers and in doing so, discovers that the intended abduction target Riley McConnell, student and reluctant taco packer, is as alone and troubled as he is.  The unfolding story has several strands:  the guilt and loss that haunts Zander surrounding his military experiences and resultant injuries, Riley’s bitterness at her father’s abandonment of her, and the increasingly bizarre mystery of why she is in the sights of some very strange and frightening people.  As the seemingly disparate threads slowly weave together it makes for absorbing reading.

Ms Palmer writes very appealing characters and develops them believably.  The understated presentation makes acceptance of Zander’s unusual psychic gift easy for the reader, no mean feat in any genre, and his guilt that largely stems from his inability to save his friends despite his extra gifts is a strong element of tension in his character.  The author’s evocation of the brotherhood of the vets and their courage dealing with the aftermath of shocking trauma is a really strong backdrop and is finely judged, just enough to give a rationale for the way Zander is.

Riley’s stubbornly self-reliant and self-contained shell is torn away by the eerie stalking she is being subjected to and by her growing reliance on Zander’s chivalrous protectiveness.  As her unhappy past is revealed, her determined independence becomes poignant rather than selfish.

The author has a great ear for snappy amusing dialogue that seamlessly reveals and moves the story along, and a knack of weaving a highly emotional story with real heart, while the wry humour and outlook of the protagonists prevents a descent into sentimentality.  Suspense is maintained at a really well paced level throughout, and there are some very tense and creepy moments as events unfold.

Though there are many moments of light relief throughout and much entertaining banter, the hard edge remains in this page-turner.  Obsession, guilt, loneliness, disability, failure, fear, regret and loss are all handled with a sure touch. As in life there are no easy answers, but love, understanding and forgiveness lead to a satisfying resolution.