Tuesday, January 20, 2015

"Floor Four" by A. Lopez, Jr.

Floor Four
By A. Lopez, Jr.


“Floor Four” by A. Lopez, Jr. is about three junior high school boys and their bravado. It starts with a neighbor, Jake, who tries to scare the boys away from playing in the haunted hospital across the street.  He tells a ghost story about a serial killer who dies in the hospital, which only intrigues the boys more.  They dare each other to go onto the fourth floor, the most haunted area in the building, because that’s where Coleman, the serial killer, died.  They get as far as the third floor landing, when they hear something from above…chains hitting the floor and a sickle being sharpened on the handrail.  But the serial killer is dead.  It this his ghost come back to haunt the hospital or a copycat killer who hangs out and scares kids away??
From the first page, I could see that “Floor Four” was written for a much younger audience.  It was so predictable that anyone who ever watched a slasher movie would know what to expect throughout the book.

The only thing good I have to say about this novella is that it took only a few hours to wade my way through it. If I could give this book a half star, I would.  As it is, I give it one star.  

"Curiosity Thrill the Cat" by Sophie Kelly

Curiosity Thrilled the Cat
By Sophie Kelly




“Curiosity Thrilled the Cat” by Sophie Kelly, is book one in a mystery series.  The book is centered around two unusual feral cats and Kathleen Paulson, who is called to a small town Mayville Heights to restore a hundred year old library. The town is preparing for the Wild Rose Summer Music Festival, which has for its conductor, the well-known, very obnoxious Gregor Easton.  He is found dead by Kathleen one morning.  In looking into the murder, Kathleen finds out that Mr. Easton has a secret which she suspects is the reason for his death.  Meanwhile, the feral cats that followed her home, surprise Kathleen by the “tricks” they do, which no other cat can do. In the end, they use those tricks to save the owner when she reveals the killer to all.  

          This cozy mystery has everything; romance, intrigue, secrets and, most important of all, murder!  I was entranced by “Curiosity Thrilled the Cat” from the very first page, when we are introduced to Kathleen, Owen, Hercules and Freddy the Funky Chicken.  Kathleen comes off on paper as a “real” person.  Ms. Kelly’s other characters were great as a support cast.  All in all, I found this book a lighthearted story, during which, when I wasn’t trying to figure out what was coming next, I was laughing at the cat’s antics.  I give “Curiosity Thrilled the Cat” five out of five stars and strongly urge anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries and cats to read this series.