Mini-Review: Whispers from the Grave, Circle of Silence, Halls of Deception

minireview

Time for some mini-reviews! What are mini-reviews, you ask? As the title suggests, these are short reviews, consisting of one paragraph tops, about a book. It’s a way to catch up on the books I’ve read a while ago, but never got around to reviewing.

Whispers From The Grave

Title: Whispers From The Grave

Author: Leslie Rule

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Mystery

Rating: 4 stars

Purchase: Amazon

When Jenna discovers the diary of a girl who was murdered over 100 years ago, she is startled by how much they have in common. Rita looked like her, acted like her, and faced the trials of high school while experiencing the thrill of first love. As Jenna reads of Rita’s tragic past, she fears for her own future. Because Rita’s history is repeating itself–in Jenna’s life.

Review: Title is misleading, leds readers to believe it’s a ghost story when it’s more of a time travel history. Interesting nonetheless, and the book certainly isn’t dated even though it was written in the nineties. Jenna is an intriguing protagonist, and the mystery unfolds slowly, leaving for plenty of suspense.

 Circle of Silence

Title: Circle of Silence

Author: Carol M. Tanzman

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Thriller

Rating: 4 stars

Purchase: Amazon

The biggest story of my life could be how it ends

It’s my turn to run a Campus News crew, and I’ve put together a team that can break stories wide open. And Washington Irving High has a truly great one to cover, if only we can find a lead.

A secret society has formed in our school. It announced its presence with pranks: underwear on the flagpole, a toilet in the hallway, cryptic notes. A circle of silence keeps the society a mystery. No one knows its members, agenda or initiation secrets—until a student lands in the hospital under strange circumstances.

I will blow this story wide open and stop others from being hurt… …or worse. And while my ex, Jagger, might want to help, I don’t trust him yet. (And, no, not because of our past together. That is not important to this story.)

But whether you find me, Valerie Gaines, reporting in front of the camera, or a victim in the top story of the newscast…be sure to watch Campus News at 9:00 a.m. this Friday.

Review: A strong heroine in a riveting thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat for the entire duration of the book. Stays true to teen’s voices, and has a realistic main character who struggles with real issues. Suspenseful and atmospheric.

Halls of Deception

Title: Halls of Deception

Author: Isaiah Weatherspoon

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Rating: 3 stars

Purchase: Amazon

Deviance… Transitions… Lust… Murder… Raised by his loving mother, Robert Bins faces the harsh reality of a broken family. His polished look and smooth talk hoax women into falling madly in love while the grudge he holds for his father’s absence affects his relationships. A handsome young man never taught how to treat a lady is a lethal mixture in a college setting dominated by beautiful women. Haunted by events in his past, Robert and his trusted inner circle of friends, take baby steps towards manhood while stomping on innocent hearts along the way. Riding the rollercoaster of lust and passion, Robert is introduced to a wealthy, highly intelligent woman by the name of Diane Parker. Once the dust settles on this ordeal, Robert then meets Leah Givens, a beautiful young woman with a humble past. Within a few months of knowing her, Robert’s womanizing ways are turned upside down and his transition begins. His past, along with Ms. Parker returns with full-fledged excitement to then end. During his journey, he learns the value of friendship, hard work, and love.

Review: An okay read, but nothing special. It was entertaining, and we get to follow the main character through college. Some of the typical college things happen, but some twists were rather unexpected.

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