PIERCING THE VEIL

by Jaqueline Fullerton

Anne Marshall is a court reporter and law student. Anne's father was an attorney and they had hoped to practice together, but this hope was lost when her father died two years ago.

Anne finds herself the court reporter in a messy divorce case involving friends of her parents, Tim and Isabell Sherman. Recently, she has not been sleeping well. She dreams of her father giving her warnings about Tim Sherman. It seems dear old departed Dad has a real interest in this case, so much of an interest that he pays Anne a visit.

As the unlikely duo of Anne and her father's ghost set out to prove Tim Sherman's deception, they find assets aren't the only thing he might be hiding. But attempting to uncover the truth has unforeseen consequences when a bizarre chain of events begins to unfold involving murder and mayhem. Ann's life is danger and who comes to the rescue?

I found the novel entertaining and clever. I like the idea of the Ghost Dad, it's a nice twist. This is the first in a series of Anne Marshall novels. I look forward to watching Anne "grow up" in the series and I am curious about what role Ghost Dad will play. What do you think?

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THE KING OF NOD:  Some Things Never Die

By Scott Fad

This is a chilling novel set on  Sweetpatch Island in the Carolina low country.  The novel is not only a Gothic ghost story, but also handles several complex themes such as integration in the early days, bigotry, violence, friendship, murder and even love.  It has a complex plot, but is a fascinating read.

Boo Taylor, the main character, seems to be haunted all his life.  He witnesses the brutal death of one of his friends at the tender age of 13 and is drawn into the mystery of Joker Tribbit and his famous Gullah witch wife, Bathsheba.  The legend of Tribbit has haunted the island's children for centuries.  He was lynched and legend has it that his ghost takes the form of a savage Beast that returns generation after generation to seek vengeance for his murder.  

Boo is the adopted son of the island's only white physician.  He has an interesting protector, his black nannie and surrogate mother, Laylee Colebriar.  Laylee is a particularly interesting character.  The author based her on a real person who influenced his life.  She is part healer and magician. 

Boo leaves the island as a college student and does not return for twenty years.  When his father dies a strange death, and he finds he must return.  He is now a grown man who has been out in the world.  Coming back to Sweetpatch Island, he must confront friends and enemies from his childhood as well as his long-lost love.

The novel is compelling.  It's visual nature make a perfect choice for a film.  You will find yourself more than a little scared and may hear "bumps in the night!"  I know I did!  What do you think?  

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