Get the audiobook. She includes something like 30 songs that obviously aren’t in the paper version. She does a great job reading it. Feels like sitting down and hanging with a friend.

So, as Halloween approaches between getting Hitchcock ready, I have been listening to books. I also somehow managed to get into a spooky book club on Facebook . . . I don’t know how that happened but here we are. Eitherway, Stolen Tongues came highly recommended, so I decided to check it out.

Now before I begin, I am saying now that this review contains spoilers. So please consider this your SPOILDER ALERT! announcement.

The premise is as followed:

Felix and Faye agree to housesit while Felix’s buddy, Collin goes on his honeymoon. Now Felix has known Collin since childhood and has known Collin’s bird Carrot the Parrot just as long. So, while Felix and Faye house sit, in the middle of nowhere, when both Collin’s dogs and Carrot begin acting strangely Felix doesn’t understand what is going on.

Fast forwards a few months.

Faye is from Colorado and her family owns a cabin on top of Pale Mountain. Felix and Faye are given the chance to check out the cabin for a week and they snap up the offer.

And almost immediately, upon their arrival things start to go south. They being to hear voices of their loved ones, both alive and deceased in the air around the house. And then they stumble upon a “dream catcher” object in the woods.

Then after a terrify night hiding from the voices in the bathroom, they manage to escape the cabin with the help of the local sheriff and Faye’s father.

After getting rescued, Felix starts to get the feeling that Faye’s parents haven’t been honest about the cabin and begins to question them.

Getting nowhere, but initially thinking the nightmare is over, Felix and Faye return home.

However, to Felix’s horror, he soon realizes that whatever was on Pale Mountain has not only followed them home, the entity is talking to Faye while Faye is asleep.

Soon Felix reaches out and gets into contact with a Pale Mountain local and agrees to return for a face to face. This is when he meets a local Native American man and his son, Nate. I can’t remember his name, and it kinda annoys me but moving on.

Anyhooo, the Native American man provides come creepy history of the area and tries to help Felix and Faye out, out of the goodness of his heart.

But slowly and surely, Felix realizes that not much can be done about the entity trying to take over Faye. And more importantly, no matter where Faye goes, the entity is attached to her . . . because he wants something from her, something hidden deep within her subconscious, something that she even teasing the entity with, something to do with the number “5”.

Now for my spoiler alert Kitty Paw Opinion:

Well, it starts out good, even though immediately you get the impression that Faye is the source of the paranormal activity.

Blackwell is good at describing things and action, without too many words.

It’s got some good spooky moments.

There is no sex in this book.

But . . . here she goes . . .

Now it’s been awhile for me to read/see anything about Native American folklore being the source of evil entities so, it was kinda an “ish” issue . . . however . . .

What I really did not like on any level was how these men, even a friend of Nate’s, get killed over this. They all get slaughtered by the evil entity over helping a chick they never even meet.

Speaking of which, let’s talk Faye. Poor helpless Faye. Girl has no real character. I actually started to see her as this inflatable doll with nothing else going on but an occasional outburst.

Then there’s the fact that the Native American guys gets slaughtered but when Felix goes after the entity, he just gets some scratches . . .
sooooooo, the guy not a part of culture manages to survive and but the guys who are, die horrifically . . . . um,k.

Now let’s talk about the basement. Um, just totally dropped the ball on it. Could have been great source of a reason as to why the entity was hanging around so much but no. But no, topic raised, never went anywhere and died.

And in addition to some lose ends, the book actually started to get repetitive with the entity’s visit. It seriously started to drag.

But let’s talk about what really pisses me off about the book . . . the whole reason why the entity was so hooked on Faye . . . cuz she was sad about her mother losing a baby while her mother was still carrying it. That’s it. She was so super sad she buried her sadness and the entity wanted to know what she had hidden in her subconscious. So all of these people died for her sadness. Ummmmm, talk about a big pile of brown poop as a reason. Yeah, but poop isn’t the word I really want to use. All of this because she was sad. Please imagine this kitty with a stern face, angry eyes and pointy pressed lips, shaking her head.

And side note, it probably did not help that the reader’s voice was starting to get my damn nerves. LOL.

So, that’s it. I do not recommend this book.

1. notsorry.

Next book after Hitchcock is called Man, ^&** This House by Brian Asman.

So far, liking the fact that it's small book. ;o)

csk

So, second audio book done.

The premise is as followed:

Mallory Quinn is a recovering addict when she takes an easy live-in babysitter job in the super suburbs of Spring Brook, New Jersey.

All seems to be going well, until the child, Teddy, starts sharing with her these strange drawings that Mallory is certain Teddy can’t be drawing.

And things become even more weird when she learns the town lore that a woman was killed in her cottage several years prior.

Soon enough, Teddy starts talking about Anya, his imaginary friend and Mallory is beginning to suspect that Anya has something to do with the woman killed her cottage.

Then with the help of a pot smoking, palm reader neighbor, and “hottie” landscaper guy Adrian they try their best to make contact with the spirit, to give the spirit a chance to make a better connection.

And when that fails, and the neighbor suddenly dies from a drug overdose, nothing Mallory has seen makes sense until one fateful afternoon.

Having said more than enough, on to my Kitty Paws:

One Kitty Paw for the reader. As I mentioned before, this was an audio book. Suzy Jackson did a great job. I really feel like if ever I hear her version of Caroline Maxwell’s voice again, I might punch someone in the throat.

One Kitty Paw for the character of Caroline Maxwell. Like, I really super hate her and how manipulative she was.

One Kitty Paw for writing style of the book. Not too deep but not overly sparse either.

But . . .

I had issues as well.

One, I really hate, hate, hate how the main characters come off as too perfect. Granted Mallory has a questionable past, but the “gooey-good” attitude she always has with Teddy, I just, . . . no. Jason is clearly not a parent. Everyone loses their crap on their kids once and a while. #notsorry

I don’t like “gooey good”, folks, I don’t. I don’t buy it. No everyone is “gooey-good.” I am good person, but you just read that if hear Caroline Maxwell’s voice again, I will punch someone in the throat. So, CSK, “not gooey-good”.

Okay, and let’s talk about the same-o same-o stupid main character talks too much to the bad guy and gets themselves in harm’s way. Jesus Christ. Haven’t read or seen that a million times.

Or worst yet, let’s talk about the villain talking too much to boast or sharing their junk at the end. AGAIN. Haven’t read or seen that a million times.

But overall, I think I already knew who/what/villain almost from the start, I just didn’t know the why or how much involved. I guess for me, I just wasn’t surprised.

Granted I didn’t expect the “plot twist”, but I also felt that it was unrealistic. Like again, Jason is clearly not a parent or a mom or former preschool teacher. I don’t want harp too much because it’s a “plot twist”.

And I don’t know if paranormal thrillers are my jam. I just don’t. Sigh.

So, I give it three Kitty Paws but for this kitty it really was just okay.

csk

I have the complete set of Mr Monk books. Yes, based on the TV series. They read just like the shows - written by the same creative people. Very much enjoyed them! Anyway, 13 hard covers + 3 paperbacks. Can arrange deliver/pickup or you can pay MEDIA postage. AQ mail me.

For the family - or you. No judgement here. I have no idea what ages like them any more. I have the complete book set - brand new, never read.
3 - Isle of the Lost books
2 - Mal's Spell Books
1 - "descendants 2"

6 hardcover books. Just cover MEDIA shipping.
AQ mail me.

would love to pass them on - just cover MEDIA shipping.

Have several like new hard covers from both authors. AQ me and I can tell you what I have for you.

The premise is as followed:

Miss Climbed High and Mighty Jules is marrying Will. They are the vainglorious "IT" couple. She has a high class, well renown magazine. He is a reality TV star. And they "look good together". (the books says this a lot)

They are getting married on this remote island in Scotland, as it's part of Jules heritage, or so she tells everyone. But this remote island and it's stormy weather sets the stage for murder.

Slowly and I do mean slowly you begin to learn the different ways the wedding party is connected and the secrets that they keep.

And then the lights went out....

Having said more than enough, on to my Kitty Paws:

Um . . . well, it definitely has an English feel to it.

And you kinda like two characters.

But that's it.

The bride, the groom and basically every groomsman are @$$holes who never moved on from their junior high school days and they all act like it too. No real redeemable people for the main characters.

The tag line for the Guest List is "you'd kill to be on it" and is totally misleading.

It's predictable and cliche-ish. And basically, you figure out who's secrets are with who.

Someone on Amazon had the nerve to associate this dribble with Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express and it's not even in the ballpark.

Soooooo, no. I truly do no recommend this book.

csk

Sooo... I am part of a Facebook page regarding horror books. And apparently, sometimes actual authors are part of the group...... WELL.... As you all know, I ended up hating "Stolen Tongues" and I saw a post for it and I was about to post something snarky like, "Terrible book. Don't waste your money," and then to my horror, I saw that it was the actual author who made the post......BIG YIKe-zzzzs RIGHT THERE!!!

Csk

I previously mentioned that I was "listening" to The Murder of Mr. Wickham. This book had all of Jane Austin's main characters as possible murder suspects!

For us Austin fan's there is a sequel: The Late Mrs. Willoughby.

While I am not done, and while it's not exactly a nailbiter, I am truly enjoying the young friendship between Johnathon Darcy and Juliet Tilney. Yes, Darcy as in Elizabeth Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcy's son.

There is a third in process . . . The Perils of Lady Catherine De Bourgh. The title alone makes me giggle.

Anyhooooo . . . . just info for you Austin fans.

csk

I just finished the book, and I found it to be excellent! I highly recommend it to everyone!

Jaxx

Read it a while ago. It is a fun read. Love reading hiking books.

I own the book. Have lent it to many. All loved it.
Emma was an amazing woman, a survivor.
The AP has greatly changed since she "took the walk".

I just placed a hold on it at my library.

KuKu

I read the book and loved it. She did her walking during the right time period. I wish the people she encountered were the norm of today. There is too much distrust in the world today. I freely admit that I would be one of these distrusting folks. MJH

Thank you for the recommendation! I checked it out that day and just finished it today. Well worth the read.

Thanks for the suggestion. Finished it today.

Thanks! Look like I going to the Library...

I just downloaded the audiobook this morning. Glad to hear it's a good one.

Does anyone have any other book recommendations like Grandma Gatewood? MJH

Old Lady on the Trail is about a woman who did the triple crown started hiking in her 60’s and finished in her 70’s

A Walk in the Woods is the funniest AT book

Wild is about the PCT but I don’t like it that much

Miles from Nowhere by Barbara Savage is about a woman and her husband bicycling around the world -very good book

Find A Way by Diana Nyad. Was just made into the movie with Jodie Foster and Annette Benning. About Diana swimming from Cuba to Key West and finally accomplishing it later in life

The Ride of Her Life by Elizabeth Letts is about a woman from Maine (attention LBXXX folks!) who rides a horse across America. Very good

Amanda from Seattle

Richard Paul Evans has written a 5 book series called The Walk. They are completely fictional, which is different that Grandma Gatewood, but they are very good reads and seem so very real.
The Complete Walk Series: The Walk, Miles To Go, The Road To Grace, Step of Faith, Walking on Water.

The Letterbox Murders by Mitzi Phillips
(Fiction) Good Read
available on Amazon

"A Walk Across America", and "The Walk West" by Peter Jenkins
Wonderful stories of a young man who hikes across America first with his dog, and later with his new wife.

"Last of the Saddle Tramps" by Mesannie Wilkins (this is the woman Elizabeth Letts wrote about in "Ride of her Life") I liked both books, but especially this one because it was in her own words.

"Winds of Skilak" by Bonnie Ward A young couple homesteads on a remote island in Alaska - true story of the hard work and self sufficiency of a pair of modern day pioneers.

WOW, THANKS, MJH

I liked the Letterbox Mystery. I couldn't work out the clues, so I am glad the answers were in the back of the book. MJH

Also there is a young adult book called My Side of the Mountain by Jean George. I read it growing up and loved it.

Amanda from Seattle

Anything by Bill Walker aka Skywalker

Highs and Lows on the Pacific Crest Trail
Close Encounters on the Appalachian Trail
Getting High The Annapurna Circuit
The Best Way El Camino

He did the PCT before he did the AT.

And for movies… there is The Way about the Camino de Santiago. https://youtu.be/o5VZKWcgw6c?si=sb1BgV-WORNj1kGb And Mile, Mile and a Half about the John Muir Trail. https://youtu.be/iRl6W1Se7ZY?si=FEax_nDLzOgX63BV

Amanda from Seattle

Such a classic I believe it takes place here in the Catskills - totally needs a box!

Mush

It is a great book! It is a trilogy highly recommended by Robert Kennedy:
My Side of the Mountain
On the Far Side of the Mountain
Frightful's Mountain

just in case you might like to add more boxes.....