Author: Shani Struthers- Published: April 2014 by Crooked Cat Publishing Ltd
- Category: Paranormal Suspense
“Good morning, Psychic Surveys. How can I help?”
The latest in a long line of psychically-gifted females, Ruby Davis can see through the veil that separates this world and the next, helping grounded souls to move towards the light – or ‘home’ as Ruby calls it. Not just a job for Ruby, it’s a crusade and one she wants to bring to the High Street. Psychic Surveys is born.
In the late 1950s Cynthia Hart was a beautiful and sought after, if egotistical, movie star about to secure her place on the world’s stage. It was Christmas Eve 1958 and Cynthia was hosting a lavish ball at her country house, celebrating her thirty-first birthday. Little did she know it was to be her last.
Fast forward to present day where we meet Ruby Davis and her team of freelance psychics, Corinna, Theo and Ness, who help earthbound spirits enter the light. Ruby believes wholeheartedly that the power of love helps reluctant or confused spirits on their way. Psychic Surveys is just beginning to make a name for itself, their reputation growing, when Theo goes to survey Highdown Hall, a house in Sussex which used to belong to a famous film star. This case will challenge Ruby’s long held beliefs regarding good versus evil. The Psychic Survey team, along with Ruby’s developing love interest, Cash, and a Jed, a spirit dog, take on a lot more than they bargained for with the haunted Highdown Hall.
The turret, Cynthia Hart’s bedroom, was located at the end of the corridor. As she approached it, Ruby could feel powerful waves of anguish rushing towards her.
“Stop!” she shouted. Cash did so immediately.
“Cynthia, it appears, is one very unhappy lady. And when a spirit is unhappy, that’s when they can be dangerous. You can’t come in with me. You’ll have to wait downstairs.”
This is an enjoyable, easy read. I liked the story and subject matter and, although it’s a little lightweight for me, I was warned this is more paranormal suspense than horror. I believe the following stories get progressively darker so I’ll definitely move on to book two. The only complaint I have is that the narrative felt too long drawn out with unnecessary details in places and more telling than showing initially and so, for me, could do with a little tightening up. Other than that, the writing is good and the story well paced.
The characters are convincing and likeable. Ruby is a warm, compassionate person, dedicated to helping grounded spirits to move on. The plot surrounding Cynthia and why she can’t leave her bedroom is interesting and, as the truth is gradually uncovered, there’s a great twist at the end. There’s also a mystery surrounding Ruby’s mother which hopefully will be revealed in the next book.
Shani Struthers’ concept of what happens after death is a lovely thought, fascinating in it’s straightforwardness, although it seems for some the transition could be more complicated and scary.
I did notice there’s a prequel entitled Eve, which I wanted to read before I wrote my review, and enjoyed very much. It’s a good introduction to Theo and Ness, how they started working together and eventually had the germ of an idea which developes into Psychic Surveys. This story is a little darker, set at Christmas time and encompasses a heart breaking tragedy. Well worth starting with.
This book is reviewed for Rosie Amber‘s book review team and is based on a digital copy from the author. This does not affect my opinion or the content of my review.
About Shani Struthers
It’s all about the ghosts…
Here’s the order my books come in:
Psychic Surveys Prequel: Eve – A Christmas Ghost Story
Psychic Surveys Book One: The Haunting of Highdown Hall
Psychic Surveys Book Two: Rise to Me
Psychic Surveys Book Three: 44 Gilmore Street
* PLEASE NOTE ONLY EVE IS A STANDALONE, THE MAIN PSYCHIC SURVEYS BOOKS ARE ALL FOLLOW-ONS AND THERE WILL BE SIX IN TOTAL *
Jessamine is a STANDALONE atmospheric psychological romance set in the Highlands of Scotland.
Book One: This Haunted World – The Venetian – COMING SUMMER 2016
* PLEASE NOTE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES WILL ALL BE STANDALONES, BASED IN AND AROUND THE WORLD’S MOST HAUNTED PLACES AND MIXING FACT WITH FICTION *
All stories are inspired by true events and experiences…
Catch up with me via Facebook or on my website http://www.shanistruthers.com where you can sign up to my newsletter for all the latest information, offers and giveaways.
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I do like the sound of this one. Great review, Cathy 🙂
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Thanks Shelley 🙂 I have book two waiting on my kindle.
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Thank you, Cathy, for a great review! Glad you enjoyed Eve too and hope you enjoy Rise to Me, they do get darker as you say!
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You’re welcome, I’m looking forward to reading Rise To Me 🙂
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Reblogged this on Anita Dawes & Jaye Marie and commented:
This is on my TR list, and it might just sneak its way to the top!
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Thanks very much 🙂
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I’ve read this and the next and now I’m reading third one, they’re all excellent in my opinion: entertaining, warm and ghostly with, as you say, very likeable characters. Hope she is writing some more soon, can’t wait!
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That’s good to hear 🙂
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Great review! I always appreciate it when a reviewer includes a snippet of the novel so I can get a sense of the author’s style.
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Thank you 🙂
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Great review, Cathy – and love the cover.
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Thanks Teri 🙂 Yes, the cover says it all really.
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