From the Bookshelf of Gentle SPECTRUMS…

Ghost Gifts (A Ghost Gifts Novel)

Laura Spinella

Start date: February 13, 2018

Finish date: February 17, 2018

Discussion: Ethereal 2018!

Why we're reading this: "Ethereal" of course and "My Kind Of Mystery".…more
[close] "Ethereal" of course and "My Kind Of Mystery".

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Ethereal 2018!

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Feb 17, 2018 C. (Comment, never msg). rated it liked it

Shelves: riedel-titles-2018

I am on the lookout for paranormal mysteries, with adult protagonists. “Ghost Gifts”, 2016, by Laura Spinella is a very recent release for me that should have provided a triumph to my checkboxes. When a niche is as rare as non-horror, adult ghostly fare; disappointment is higher if an author fumbles the delivery! Back I go, on the quest for riveting adult spirit mysteries. The last 30% was very good but took too long. This is an author who dwells on physicality. Readers need to be reached, not b I am on the lookout for paranormal mysteries, with adult protagonists. “Ghost Gifts”, 2016, by Laura Spinella is a very recent release for me that should have provided a triumph to my checkboxes. When a niche is as rare as non-horror, adult ghostly fare; disappointment is higher if an author fumbles the delivery! Back I go, on the quest for riveting adult spirit mysteries. The last 30% was very good but took too long. This is an author who dwells on physicality. Readers need to be reached, not by a screenplay style but from constant insight into feelings.

Laura wanted to convey that Aubrey's contact with spirits was taxing and that Levi was focused on journalism. We like Levi, after an emotional experience. However wanting to call a taxi and run away from Aubrey's admission of her ability, was too stupid to believe. If someone said they could communicate with spirits, wouldn't you exclaim: “Cool!”? An issue I take altogether, is the nonsense about not telling people you know, what you can do; particularly when you prove it easily. Her husband leaving their relationship for not being told earlier: also stupid. Authors finally supplying grown-ups with paranormal stories: please get to the good stuff and let your books present that content in the majority.

Unfortunately, the awe of what Laura calls Aubrey's gift, is ruined by emphasis on her need to vomit. Her emphasis on Levi's perfectionism makes him seem unlikeable, so we are incredulous of him as the love interest for 70% of this novel. Except the vomiting introduction of Aubrey as a child, the several first chapters droned on about how their newspaper office worked. I can't fathom an author wasting her great paranormal material on that but F.G. Cottam did the same. The mystery was well-plotted; an unwanted mishap subtle enough to weave a believable crime. I can't read any more of her work because no matter how exciting a subject is, I have to like the writing. I nearly threw a shoe at Laura for using the word “said”, increasingly often, after sentences that were clear, unequivocal questions!!!! For Pete's sake, authors: remember to use “ask” or “wonder”! ...more

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May 07, 2018 Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* marked it as kindle-unlimitedtbr · review of another edition

Shelves: unlimited

Mar 11, 2016 Lorraine marked it as to-read · review of another edition

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