Each Tuesday, Diane at Bibliophile By the Sea shares the first part of a book that she is reading or thinking about reading. This week I'm sharing the first few paragraphs of The Haunting of Maddy Clare by Simone St. James. This is an author and book I've meant to try for quite some time. Saw it on a list on Wendy's blog, Musings of a Bookish Kitty and remembered I had it on my Kindle. See what you think:
London, 1922
The day I met Mr. Gellis, I had been walking in the rain.
In the morning, unable to face another day alone in my flat, I wandered through the bustle of Piccadilly, the collar of my thin coat pulled high on my neck. The air was swollen with cottony drizzle that did not quite fall to the ground, and pressed my cheeks and eyelashes. The lights of Piccadilly shone garishly under the lowering clouds; the shouts of the tourists were loud against the grim silence of the businesspeople and the murmurs of strolling couples in the square.
I stayed as long as I could, watching the bob of umbrellas. No one noticed a pale girl, with cropped hair under an inexpensive and unfashionable hat, her hands plunged in her pockets. Eventually, the mist resolved itself into rain and even I turned my reluctant steps home.
Blurb:
Sarah Piper's lonely, threadbare existence changes when her temporary agency sends her to assist a ghost hunter. Alistair Gellis—rich, handsome, scarred by World War I, and obsessed with ghosts—has been summoned to investigate the spirit of nineteen-year-old Maddy Clare, who is haunting the barn where she committed suicide. Since Maddy hated men in life, it is Sarah's task to confront her in death.
Soon Sarah is caught up in a desperate struggle. For Maddy's ghost is real, she's angry, and she has powers that defy all reason. Can Sarah and Alistair's assistant, the rough, unsettling Matthew Ryder, discover who Maddy was, where she came from, and what is driving her desire for vengeance—before she destroys them all?
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I'm looking forward to starting this book soon. They pretty much had me at 'haunting' and 'ghost'.
Love the intro but not a fan of the period. I still might give that one a try though.
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm not a really big fan of the period either, but I have read a few that I liked.
DeleteI like the sound of this one!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear it!
DeleteAlthough I don't often enjoy "ghost" tales, this one grabbed me, for some reason. I think the character of Sarah Piper is someone I can understand a bit. Great cover and excerpts.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing...and for visiting my blog.
I do love ghost tales - always have. LOL
DeleteThis doesn't sound like my usual thing, but I love the intro - nice writing style. And I'm intrigued by the plot. Looking forward to hearing what you think of it...
ReplyDeleteI'm going to start it later this week. We'll see if I get it finished in time to report on it in my new 'weekly' update.
DeleteI enjoy an occasional ghost story if it's serious and not light-hearted, but WW1 and 2 are not my fave time period. However, this takes place in England and that sparks my interest, so yes... I would actually read it if I came across it.
ReplyDeleteRita, I had just heard good things about this author and so we'll see how it goes.
DeleteNot my normal choice, but this one does sound interesting.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to sampling this author's books. She has several now and if I like this one...
DeleteThe intro is captivating... And I like that it features ghosts. I would continue reading. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to it!
DeleteI like that opening and it sounds like a good book, not one I'd usually think to pick up.
ReplyDeleteCarol, I think that applies to quite a few people. We shall see how it goes.
DeleteBased on the intro, I'd keep reading. Based on the synopsis, I wouldn't. This is one I'd have to read a bit more to decide on.
ReplyDeletehttps://girlof1000wonders.wordpress.com/2017/01/10/tuesday-teaser-intro-somebody-like-you/
Totally understand!
DeleteLOVE the description in the opening. The author did a great job of putting me in the scene through the eyes of her character. I'd definitely keep reading. Although I haven't read many ghost stories, this one sounds intriguing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for commenting on my blog post.
Sandy @ Writing With a Texas Twang
Yes, I've heard good things about this author so we'll see how I fare.
DeleteGreat opening sentences and that synopsis has me drooling. I feel like I do have a copy of this somewhere. I am going to have to go dig it out now and see if I can fit it into my schedule!
ReplyDeleteYou very well might have a copy. This one has been out for a while.
DeleteI'm not usually a fan of ghost stories but the introduction of Sarah and the intensity of her mission to solve the mystery "before [the ghost] destroys them all" really got under my skin. I'd keep reading this for sure. Here's the link to my intro/teaser from Leopard at the Door: http://wp.me/p4DMf0-1rl
ReplyDeleteI understand and yes, this grabbed me too.
DeleteI really did enjoy the opening but sadly anything with ghosts in really puts me off - I do hope the rest of the book carries on as it started for you though!
ReplyDeleteI remember that about you. Well, we can't love all the aspects of mystery/thrillers, right?
DeleteThis one has been in my TBR pile for awhile. I like the intro and will be interested in your thoughts on the book! :)
ReplyDeleteI'll share when I've gotten it read or at least attempted it, Monica.
DeleteI like the language but the genre isn't my cup of tea. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteUnderstand. Not all things are my cuppa either. LOL
DeleteI'm reading that first paragraph as it is raining here - for days on end - and I'm feeling, personally, what the writer is saying. Very convincing.
ReplyDeleteWish it would rain here and knock the cedar pollen down. LOL
DeleteI want to read this one - I have it on my shelves and just haven't gotten around to it. Sounds so good!
ReplyDeleteI'm about to start it now. Looking forward to it!
DeleteGulp. A little too scary for me, I'm afraid. I like the writing of the opening but I don't do ghosts!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure how very scary the ghost will be, but I'll be sure and share the 'scare' factor. LOL
DeleteI think someone else featured this one a few weeks ago too. Probably not for me, but the cover is so cool
ReplyDeleteI love the cover too!
DeleteIntriguing. I've added it to my list. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I've begun it now and am liking it so far.
DeleteSounds interesting. The description in the first few paragraphs is very vivid. The plot sounds interesting, too. I'm going to add this one to my GoodReads TBR list.
ReplyDeleteI'm reading it now and enjoying it so far. I think it will be a winner for me.
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