Customer Reviews

Seely's Pond

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This was a well writen book, though the story was short and simplistic. I'd heard reviews that this story was extreemely scary, which it wasn't. Not really. Disturbing on several levels, yes. Indeed. But not the 'keep me up at night' type of story I was expecting.

Still. The story was handled excellently. I'd like to see more from this author.

This is not the pinnacle of literary heights, but the story is fast paced, flows well, suspenseful and memorable. I could not put it down. I think this is a great author in the making. Much polish and experience is needed, but she's got the foundation of good storytelling down pat.

Seely's Pond is a mystery read that all should enjoy. I opened this book thinking I probably won't enjoy this, but I did, and found it impossible to put down. Barber's way of writing is easy to understand, and she doesn't drone on like some authors. The story is fast-moving and to the point, always keeping an element of surprise along the way.

Julia Tayte and her family move into a small, upscale town in western New Jersey, in search of a happy life. While her husband is busy and some-what moody teenage son, Trevor is studying, Julia finds solitude at Seely's Pond.

One day Julia is strolling near the water's edge and discovers a human skull washed ashore. Horrified, she calls the county police and reports the incident. Detectives head out on hearing the news to investigate this gruesome discovery and gather photographs and other evidence before clearing off. Julia is of course, still shaken by the whole event, but as time passes, things become easier.

There are more shocks in store for Julia when she is gardening as she comes across an Asian-style pot. Trevor is quick to clean it up and he is also intrigued as to what exactly it holds within its depths. Finally, prying off the lid, a smell of decay wafts up wherein Julia becomes almost trapped by thick black smoke, unable to catch her breath.

Stranger things are still to come and what exactly was this pot doing buried in the garden?

There is a big link to the pot and the mysterious goings-on inside this tale but to tell would be to reveal too much about this story. It is something you should really read for yourself to get the feel of the characters and the spooky atmosphere that almost comes out of the novel itself and surrounds you from page one.

There were moments where I was lost in deep concentration and the slightest sound would cause me to jump - that is what this novel has to offer and I think horror fans will be pleased.

Absolutely loved this book....lets hope Barber writes some more like this soon!

The above review was contributed by: Jessica Roberts: Jessica is a book reviewer for a local newspaper and has reviewed for a national women's magazine too. She has had various articles published in magazines and has now completed her novel. Jessica currently lives in West Yorkshire and enjoys walking in the dales and woodlands as part of her hobby as well as, of course, reviewing books.