Smorgasbord Posts from my Archives – Previous Reviews 2021 – #Psychological #Mystery- House of Sorrow: Legends of Madeira by Joan Hall

Over the next few weeks I will be sharing my reviews for books I posted between July and December 2021.

Good books deserve to be showcased on a regular basis and I hope that it might entice you to either move the books up your groaning TBR’s or add the books to its burden!

This is my review for Joan Hall …and her short story. House of Sorrow: Legends of Madeira

About the short story

Ruth Hazelton is over the moon when her husband Lee agrees the nineteenth-century Victorian in Madeira, New Mexico, is the perfect home for them. While he starts his new job as police chief, she sets about unpacking and decorating.

But it’s not long before Ruth needs more. She becomes a fixture in the community, making time for everyone, volunteering, hosting events—she’s every bit the social butterfly her husband is not. Through her friendships, she learns several former residents of her home met with untimely deaths. If she were superstitious, she might fear a curse, but such nonsense doesn’t faze her.

Until the unthinkable happens.

Now, as the end of Ruth’s life draws near, she must find a way to convey her message and stop the cycle to prevent anyone else from suffering in the house of sorrow.

My review for the book November 1st 2021

I have read great reviews for this prequel to The Legends of Madeira series, and I was certainly not disappointed. Great characters, descriptive writing and a sustained air of mystery throughout the story.

Set in the 1960s, and the town of Madeira, we are introduced to Ruth who has lived in one of the few remaining Victorian homes in the street for most of her married life. Following the death of her husband, a former police chief, Ruth is under pressure from family to move into assisted living.

She reflects on her life in the house and town since the 1960s and we discover more about her background, marriage and the major events of the decade that impacted the nation and the world with both sorrow and jubilation

Ruth had loved the house and lavished time and effort to bring both the interior and the porch back to its former glory. A favourite in the neighbourhood with neighbours and their children she becomes a much loved part of the community.

Over the years there are veiled hints about the house and its previous owners. Ruth brushes them aside as superstition, and the active imagination of Sam a close neighbour and friend. Until suddenly one day it all becomes very real.

Now in old age and alone, she carries a burden. Whoever lives in the house next must be warned.

This book is a great way to introduce the town of Madeira and importantly the house, opening the door to the first book in the series which I am looking forward to reading.

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

Other books by Joan Hall

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Read other reviews and follow Joan: Goodreads – Website: Joan Hall – Blog: Joan Hall – BookBub: Joan Hall – Facebook: Joan Hall Writes – Twitter: @JoanHallWrites

About Joan Hall

Joan Hall has always enjoyed reading or listening to stories about inexplicable events, so it’s not surprising she writes mystery and romantic suspense. A lover of classic rock music, songs often serve as the inspiration for her books.

When she’s not writing, Joan likes to observe the night skies, explore old cemeteries, and learn about legends and folklore. She and her husband live in Texas with their two cats.

 

Thanks very much and I hope you will be leaving with some books… thanks Sally.