It begins with a call in the middle of snowy February evening. Lying in her bed, young Sylvie Mason overhears her parents on the phone across the hall. This is not the first late-night call they have received, since her mother and father have an uncommon occupation, helping "haunted souls" find peace. And yet, something in Sylvie senses that this call is different than the rest, especially when they are lured to the old church on the outskirts of town. Once there, her parents disappear, one after the other, behind the church's red door, leaving Sylvie alone in the car. Not long after, she drifts off to sleep only to wake to the sound of gunfire.
Nearly a year later, we meet Sylvie again struggling with the loss of her parents, and living in the care of her older sister, who may be to blame for what happened the previous winter.
As the story moves back and forth in time, through the years leading up to the crime and the months following, the ever inquisitive and tender-hearted Sylvie pursues the mystery, moving closer to the knowledge of what occurred that night, as she comes to terms with her family's past and uncovers secrets that have haunted them for years.
Nearly a year later, we meet Sylvie again struggling with the loss of her parents, and living in the care of her older sister, who may be to blame for what happened the previous winter.
As the story moves back and forth in time, through the years leading up to the crime and the months following, the ever inquisitive and tender-hearted Sylvie pursues the mystery, moving closer to the knowledge of what occurred that night, as she comes to terms with her family's past and uncovers secrets that have haunted them for years.
I can't quite put my finger on this book. It could be classified as a mystery, Gothic thriller or general fiction. The fact that this book could be classified in so many genres might have something to do with why I don't really know how I feel about the book. There are just too many different things going on and I don't think any thread was particularly well developed.
The story is told through the eyes of a sixteen year old girl, Silvie. There are two storylines, the present day and everything leading up to her parents murder. She has a strong voice but I don't feel like she grew in any way. That may have to do with all the jumping back and forth in time.
I had the opportunity to chat with the author and learned that the book is loosely based on the Warren's. I knew nothing about this couple so it was fun to learn something new. The Warren's are the family that the movie The Conjuring was based on.
My need to find out who murdered Silvie's parents kept me reading, without this element I'm pretty sure I would have put the book down. Once I start a mystery I just have to know 'who done it.' When the book finally got around to this it felt rushed. Many of the elements that pulled it together seemed outlandish and unneeded to make the story believable.
In the end there was just too much left up in the air for me. There was never a definitive answer on any of the paranormal aspect of the storyline. It was left up to the reader to decide what they believe.
I'm linking up, come join us!
"I like to think I am confident and secure and mature enough to know Nick loves me without him constantly proving it. I don't need pathetic dancing-monkey scenarios to repeat to my friends; I am content with letting him be himself."
From page 56
So what are you reading?
I would love to try the Searles books just to see what my thoughts are on it. The premise sounds amazing.
ReplyDeleteAs for the other book, "dancing-monkey scenarios" cracked me up.
Right now, I am finishing up "The Mommy Diaries: How I am Surviving Parenting without Killing Anyone," and trying to skim some materials on the Reconstruction Era as research for a middle grade historical I'm working on.
Thanks for visiting The Busy Mom's Daily.
Great books, both!
ReplyDeleteHere is my snapshot post.
I love the confidence in that 56!
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend!
I think that Help for the Haunted is on one of my Wish Lists because I've had several friends who've read it. Most liked it, but I don't like it when too much is left up to the reader…it makes me almost wonder if the writer is just being lazy or isn't confident enough to stick to his or her guns….IDK….
ReplyDeleteYour Friday 56 sounds good, and I agree with Freda: LOVE That Confidence!
Thanks for linking-up to Literary Friday!
xo,
RJ