Customer Reviews

Witch

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

 

 

This is the first Barbara Michaels/Elizabeth Peters book I have read and while it was not what I expected, it won't be my last. It's not quite the ghost story that the jacket synopsis would lead you to believe, but it does contain some more realistic elements that can be just as creepy.

With her grown family all going their separate ways, Ellen March decides to buy a house. Not just any house, her dream house. She finally finds it, nestled in the woods of a small town populated by people with even smaller minds. And the fact that she is living in the former house of the town "witch" is already one strike against her. But still life is pretty good and she's happy in her new home and getting to know her handsome new neighbor, Norman McKay. But with a strange phobia, a delinquent nephew, and some surly housekeepers, Norman's got his own problems. And when Ellen starts seeing the shadows of a woman in her home, things get even worse.

In the end, I wouldn't really consider this book a ghost story, although that element of it does get wrapped up and explained. It's more a story of the dark side of small town living. My only problem with the characters in this book is the fact that Ellen seems so much like a child at times, with her emotional reactions and thoughts. Her daughter seems much more sensible and adult, but Ellen is still a very like-able character. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who is already a fan of Elizabeth Peters' works as Barbara Michaels, or anyone who is looking to be.

I have read several of Barbara Michaels' books and have to say that this may actually be the best one I have read! I borrowed it from the library and was so entranced by the story that I read it in one day. Now I plan to purchase a copy from Amazon for a place on my bookshelf - which isn't that easy to qualify for! Only the very best books gain a place there. And this book is a great one!

I have read both Barbara Michaels's and Elizabeth Peter's (her mystery nom de plume), and I can always trust her to be entertaining, well researched with an interesting plot. "Witch" is no different. Although predictable, it was a fun read. I recommend "Witch", as I recommend any book written by Ms. Michaels.

It's nice to read an old-fashioned "creepy old house" novel where the main character and her love interest behave themselves. This story, though obstensibly horrific, was actually quite cozy. However, the shadow that Ellen saw from the corner of her eye each night--the hanging shadow--was pretty scary. I haven't read too much Barbara Michaels as of yet. This was a good start. Greygallows is next on my list.

This book kept me on my toes all the time. I would recommend to anyone who like Barbara Michaels.

I've read this book twice; once several years ago and again when I ordered it recently. I found it very interesting and could not put it down until I had finished it. Weather writing as Elizabeth Peters or Barbara Michaels, all the books by this author are first rate; the plots are always interesting, with some humor thrown in

and characters you can really "get into". I was so pleased to see some of Barbara Michaels older (1970's and 1980's) books and look forward to finishing up my library with them. Thank you for always making ordering my favorite books and movies so easyto purchase.

I have just finished reading this book and I suppose I have some mixed feelings. It comes off very much like "Gilmore Girls" meets "Children of the Corn". The mother comes off as very laid back and flakey, while her daughter seems to have gotten all the brains. The town is very backwards in it's religion and is almost like it had been been forgotten about by the rest of the world. Also, if you choose to purchase this book, keep in mind that the present day is really 1973. It had it's spooky moments, but I wouldn't say it's an all-out thriller. I'm giving this book a four because I did enjoy it, however, I think I prefer her gothic novels.

I read this book years ago and it has remained my favorite book by Barbara Michaels, her best in my opinion. Now if it would only come in format for the kindle!

I snagged this title at a used book store and really enjoyed it. If you're looking for a creepy haunted house tale or a scary ghost story, this is not the book for you. The main attraction is the ambiance created by the book's small-town setting. The mystery is somewhat predictable but there are a few memorable moments that make this book stand out from the ordinary.

Witch is a bit dated. It was originally published in the 1970s, but the small town setting makes it easy to overlook the lack of technology most of us find commonplace. In that regard, the story may seem old-fashioned, especially to younger readers who grew up with cell phones and the Internet. The characters in "Witch" still correspond with each other by writing letters. The writing style, too, is somewhat dated. For instance, in various places, the author uses narrative to describe a conversation instead of giving us the dialogue spoken by the characters. I found this somewhat jarring at the beginning, but easily overlooked as I began to delve deeper into the mystery.

Ellen March has moved into a new home in the tight-knit and somewhat cliched community of Chew's Corners where locals believe the ghost of the former owner still haunts the residence. Religious fanatics provide plenty of antagonists including a surly housekeeper, unsavory church minister, and a local shopkeeper. The story gains momentum when Ellen's independent ideas clash with local ideology and land her in hot water among the townsfolk. Meanwhile Ellen's handsome neighbor Norman McKay strikes up a friendship, and Ellen must contend with his delinquent stepson. However, not everything is what it seems. Kudos to the author for the quick-paced ending.

I've already ordered two more titles by this author and look forward to checking out the rest of her catalogue.

This book was awful! The plot was predictable, the story-line simplistic, and the characters were shallow and mundane. I felt as though I was reading a book aimed at teens. The story lacked interest and came to its conclusion before any suspense was built. Although, I am reading another book by this author and thus far it had proven much, much better so...maybe this particular book was just a singular stinker.