Paul Southern (1)

I have to admit that I took one look at the cover, was intrigued, then read the blurb and thought "wow, I need to read this book". If there is something I like is it books that are slightly paranormal (or really heavy with the paranormal lol) that are not outright paranormal, more like "what's going on?" kind of moments, when characters in the story are faced with situations that are a bit, mystifying ... The Hobbledy Man, who is a legend that backs back to the Middle Age in Pendle Hill, well that's a fabulous myth that is interwoven with the story of grooming, racism, violence and the end of days...

Pendle Fire is the first book I have read by Paul Southern and I'm impressed with how he mixes what would be an interesting story in itself with the added myth of The Hobbledy Man. I actually had to google The Hobbledy Man to see if there are any historical facts concerning him, but alas lol, or perhaps thankfully he's just for this book.

This is a book with lots of tension right from the start. You just know that something will happen as the violence on the streets gets worse and the main characters are getting closer and closer to a confrontation at Pendle Hill. I really enjoyed reading this book, I loved the added myth of a mysterious figure that reappears through history and is said to bring the world to an end of not a sacrifice is made. It's such an engrossing tale!

I want to thank Bloodhoundbooks for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!… (lisätietoja)

I requested this book via Netgalley for it's title. I knew nothing about this book or author so didn't really know what to expect but was perhaps hoping for something connected to the Pendle witches.

The witches were only mentioned briefly as this story is very modern and follows a social worker, John Malkin. There is a lot going on in this story. There is the legend of the Hobbledy Man which made me think the story may have a little supernatural in it. Then the story has racial tension, EDL and BNP with several kindle pages of riots, sex grooming, rape and abuse.

I have to say that I'm 60 % through and I feel that at the moment I don't really want to continue. I'm finding the writing very course and sharp. I don't like the storylines and I am uncomfortable with them.

The book is on my kindle so may pick it back up in the future when there are more reviews out there and just to satisfy my curiosity, just to find out if the story was supernatural after all. For the time being it is going to remain unfunished.

Thanks to the publisher via Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review the book.… (lisätietoja)

Well written, but strange and slow to start

DADDY DEAREST by Paul Southern is an adult psychological thriller, and it is NOT a simple read. It is very much psychological, and a very deep, mystery/thriller.

This is the story of a divorced man (with something going on mentally?) who has visitations with his 5-year-old daughter. She's the light of his life. She makes him see, feel, and experience things that normally pass him by. Then one day the unimaginable happens: she disappears into the lift and is lost. Days pass with no sign of the little girl until at last her location is revealed. I was a little surprised at the how/why of this revelation. Then for me the story just got weirder and weirder.

To be honest, I had a really hard time getting into this book until about the 45% point. This author writes British English, so this book contained some words and phrases that felt foreign to me (for example, lift meaning elevator), but through context, things were easy enough for an American like me to understand. I found the father to be a horrible character, and I couldn't decide what exactly what his story was, whether he was a murderer, a cheater or just simply socially awkward. For a good part of the book, I had NO idea what was going on. This isn't a simple read, and I would recommend NOT skimming any part of this book, even it seems boring, as the details are key to the mystery.

I did enjoy the writing, although at times I have to admit the story was just too cerebral. I cannot imagine being in the position of any of these characters. Except maybe the little girl's mom.

3.5 North of Normal stars. This is an adult book that would appeal to mystery lovers and cerebral readers. Read this, but only if you're in it for the long haul.… (lisätietoja)