Archive for April, 2008
“Pale Immortal” by Anne Frasier Book Review
April 16th, 2008 | 
Author: To be honest, I was not familiar with Anne Frasier. I ran across her on Myspace and was drawn to her books because they were set in Wisconsin, my home state. I approached her to see if she would be willing to submit a book for review, and she was more than happy to oblige. I am thankful, as this was a fantastic read and really drew me in from the very beginning.
This book is set in the sleepy town of Tuonela, Wisconsin – a town that is notorious for the “Pale Immortal” – a serial killer who stalked the streets one hundred years ago and was rumored to drain his victims of their blood. Since the death of the “Pale Immortal” no one has lived in Old Tuonela, instead moving a few miles away and rebuilding on ground that was less haunted. The only people foolish enough to step foot in Old Tuonela are the “goth” kids or the occasional tourist – people who don’t really belive the legend or are just looking for a good scare.
Even though the town has moved, it’s past continues to haunt it. The corpse of a young girl is found dumped alongside a local road, drained of all of her blood. Has the “Pale Immortal” been resurrected from his unmarked grave, to rain terror down on New Tuonela? Or is there a new terror that the residents must encounter, something even more evil that the ghosts of their past?
The most logical suspect in most of the townspeople’s eyes is the recluse, Evan Stroud. Not only has he written a book that would give him access to details most people don’t know, he also suffers from a rare condition known as Porphyria, which makes it unable for him to be in sunlight. He has been taunted for years as being a “freak” or a “Vampire” and has considered leaving, but where would he go? At least he is familiar with the town, and most people accept him, even if they aren’t exactly friendly. And he is not without friends. His best friend Rachel Burton has recently returned to town and taken the job of County Coroner. It gives him someone to talk to and a reason to look forward to something in his day.
Evan’s life is turned upside down when a young man named Graham Yates shows up at his door, stating that he is his son. Although Evan does remember sleeping with Graham’s mother, she was the type of girl who slept with more boys than not, and the odds of Graham being his son don’t seem too probable. While waiting for the DNA results, Graham gets mixed up with a group of hoodlums who have named themselves “The Pale Immortals” and believe that the rotting bones of their idol and namesake hold the power of life, death, and immortality. For a boy who has been trying to fit in his whole life, it is easy to fall into their warped views- after all, these are the first true friends he has had in years. But the townsfolk of Tuonela have no idea what is lurking in their mist – an evil so powerful it may destroy them all.
The formation of the characters in this book is flawless – I was pleased as there are times when authors seem to go on and on giving details that really are not relevant to the story or plot, but this was not the case. The characters are also kept to a minimum, making it much easier to relate to the heartache and horror that each one goes through in search of the true “killer”.
This is a fantastic read and one that I highly recommend, especially for those of you who enjoy nothing more than a good scare!
Here is a video showing what you can expect from this book:
For excerpts from the book, and other cool information pertaining to it click here.
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“The Poetry of Murder” by Bernadette Steele Book Review
I wanted to start this post by giving some details about the setting, which is The International House of Chicago. I was totally unfamiliar with this and wanted to find out more about it, as the setting means a lot to the depth of a novel. Here is the information that I found on Wikipedia:
The International House of Chicago is a dormitory on the campus of the University of Chicago for advanced undergraduates, graduate and professional students. Facing the Midway, it was created in 1932 as a gift from John D. Rockefeller, Jr. specifically to foster relationships between students from different countries. It is notable for having housed many famous artists, scientists, and scholars connected with the university, including Langston Hughes and Enrico Fermi. Some 30,000 people have lived there since it first opened its doors.
An attempt in early 2000 by the University of Chicago administration to close the International House and convert it into a dormitory for the Business School resulted in large student protests and a class-action lawsuit against the university by International House residents. After months of negative media attention and intense public criticism by faculty, alumni, and local activists, the administration finally reversed its decision and allowed the International House to remain open. The International House subsequently embarked on a $30 million renovation project.
International House of Chicago, founded in 1932 by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. is a dynamic program center and residence capable of housing up to 486 advanced undergraduates, graduate students and interns from around the world, including the United States. The mission of International House is to promote cross-cultural understanding, mutual respect and friendship among students and scholars and on the part of the people of metropolitan Chicago toward individuals of all nations and backgrounds.
Chicago’s International House is part of a larger vision conceived by YMCA official Harry Edmonds that included Houses in four other cities – New York, Berkeley, Paris and Tokyo. Today the vision of International House is a vital reality. The Chicago House has been home to over 27,000 persons from virtually every country. Living together in an atmosphere that provides for free interchange of ideas and knowledge, its residents are stimulated by diversity while being secure in their own unique backgrounds. International House is in the final stages of a multi-year $30 million restoration which has modernized resident and guest accommodations as well as updated meeting, conference and public event spaces to serve future generations of students, scholars and the Chicago community.
The House serves the greater Chicago community as a cultural center for programs of outstanding diversity. Activities range from politics and international films, to dance and music, from cultural celebrations and educational programs to discussions and debates on world issues. As we begin a new century, International House of Chicago plays a vital role in preparing tomorrow’s leaders for a global future.
That said this book was an excellent mystery. It focuses around Geneva Anderson who lives in International House and has a fellowship to write poetry. Her Aunt, Victoria Franklin, is the administrator of International House, and when Geneva finds her dead in her office, it is clear that there has been foul play. What Geneva never expects is that her inheritance from her aunt will leave her a millionare, reveal that she has a sister, and make her the prime suspect in the murder investigation involving her aunt’s death. Against the advice of her friends, she decides she needs to do some research of her own to try and clear her name. The more research she does, the more she realizes what kind of woman her aunt really was, and also realizes she has numerous enemies who would have been happy to see her dead.
This was a fast paced mystery that really held my interest. At 209 pages it was a quick read and I was unable to figure out who the true killer was until just before it was revealed, something I love in a book as I am usually very good at guessing the ends. There were numerous twists and turns that will keep the attention of any mystery buff.
To view a video clip about the book, simply click below:
About the author:
Determined, personable, and imaginative are the words used to describe, Bernadette Steele. Throughout her life, Bernadette has used her persistent nature and quiet strength to navigate the hills and valleys of life.
A native of Chicago, Illinois, Bernadette moved into the International House at the University of Chicago in 2004. The multicultural environment and gothic architecture of I-House and the U of C campus inspired her to write her first murder mystery novel, The Poetry of Murder (Oak Tree Press, February 2008).
Due to a difficult childhood, Bernadette did not finish the sixth grade and never attended high school. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1993 and her Master of Science degree in Technical Communication and Information Design from the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) in 2003. Currently, she is pursuing her PhD in Technical Communication at IIT and has an expected graduation date of 2010. She plans to pursue a career in academia.
For eight years, Bernadette worked as a technical writing and website designer for a major financial institution until she was laid off in December 2005. Prior to being laid off, Bernadette started writing The Poetry of Murder, and finished it in 2006.
As a resident of I-House, she served as a Representative-at-Large on the Residents’ Council from 2004 to 2006 and as the election coordinator in 2006.
She approaches her writing in a systematic manner that involves developing detailed outlines and character descriptions. Some of Bernadette’s favorite authors include Walter Mosley, James Baldwin, Agatha Christie, and Victor Hugo.
Bernadette has been an active member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority since 1999. She has served as her chapter’s webmaster from 2004 to 2007 and as a corresponding secretary from 2004 to 2005.
Bernadette enjoys a host of activities such as going to the movies, hiking and traveling. Her favorite film genres include film noir, science fiction, action/adventure and murder mysteries. For Bernadette, the seasons are divided up according to the various sporting events that she enjoys. Fall and Winter mean hoping that the Chicago Bears will get a decent quarterback and that the Chicago Bulls will get to the NBA championships again. Summer and Spring mean rooting for James Blake to win a championship tennis match and watching Tiger Woods have a winning season of golf.
The Poetry of Murder is the first in a continuing series of mysteries featuring the protagonist, Geneva Anderson.
Bernadette is a resident of Chicago and lives in the Hyde Park community.
“From the Shadows” Book Review
I don’t read a lot of short stories. I used to, but seem to have gotten out of the habit and I am not really sure why. So, when I had the opportunity to review this collection for my friend Vern at Triad Publishing Group, I jumped at the chance. I was thrilled, first and foremost, because it was my favorite genre, horror. But the other thing that is so intriguing about the world of short stories is that even if the story isn’t that great, it is over with quickly and you are on to another one. Thankfully I didn’t have to worry about that this time.
This book consists of 13 scary tales…how appropriate. I have been fortunate enough to read and review books by two of the authors in the collection – Norm Applegate and Fran Orenstein. And I was pleasantly surprised at the other talent that was exhibited in the other stories as well. This collection will appeal to everyone’s fears, whether it is superstitions, vampires, cults, werewolves, or madness that lives only within your head. I am not sure if I would be able to pick a favorite, and even if I did I am sure if I read them again it would change. The Artist by Kevin Morrison reminded me of an old Vincent Price movie that if I saw it today would still scare me. The Wooden Box by Thomas McReynolds delves into madness which starts at a Grandfather’s funeral and spirals out of control. Jumpers by Norm Applegate ponders the questions, what would you wish for if you were given the opportunity? And would you use it wisely if you found out it came true? These are just some of the great stories told here.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good scare – some truly chilling and some just hinting at the terror, letting your imagination take you over the threshold and beyond. I look forward to reading some more by some of the authors included here. Great job to all of you!
