Truth or Dare by Melanie Atkins and Victim Wanted for Brain Transplant

Truth or Dare by Melanie Atkins
Triskelion Publishing
Copyright: January, 2007
280 pages

I'm going to try really hard to do justice to this book, but my head is swimming from this heat. I said so many incredibly stupid things, yesterday, that I was actually wishing I could run into some people to say, "I take it back!" today . . . or at least find someone willing to undergo a brain transplant (give me the better one, the one that functions in heat - please, please!).

Okay, so review. Book review. I can do this. Even if I can't currently find the book. So, no quote. Wait! I have to find the book. Give me a minute. I'm listening to Coldplay and Snow Patrol in the hope that cold-associated thoughts will help. I also have a Bubba Jug full of chilled water on the floor, here. When we were out and about, the Kentucky Fried Chicken sign said it was 104 degrees out and my car thermometer claimed 105. And, you know how we all trust KFC. So, I do have a reason to babble incoherently, today, I promise.

Seriously, I'm going to write that review. Here's a quote, if you're still with me:

He released the gate, and it swung shut with a spine-chilling groan. He wiped his freezing hand on his jeans and eyed the lush grass crowding the stained marble headstones. Some sat at odd angles, signaling that the ground had shifted, and others had been sheared off by neglect and maybe even vandalism. The entire cemetery was in serious need of attention

"This place hasn't been touched in years." The fog around them thickened as Colin ran his hand over the top of a leaning grave marker. The marble was rough and pitted from weather and time. He backed up to read the name, but it had none. He frowned. How odd. The wind increased, whipping the reedy grass against his legs.

Kaitlyn disappeared around a bend in the path, under the enormous limbs of a spreading oak dripping with Spanish moss.

How's that for "dripping with atmosphere"? I have to admit, this would have been a great choice for Carl's R.I.P Challenge (which I hear is going to happen, again - hope it's already in the works, because I'd hate to have to beg).

Truth or Dare is the story of a witch and an FBI agent, both at Scarlet Oak Manor for different reasons. Kaitlyn has arrived at the request of the owners, to cleanse the house of evil spirits. Colin then shows up to investigate a series of unsolved murders. Three ghosts are present, and all of them are very, very bad. There's a zombie, voodoo, protective spells, and a curse. All three ghosts seek a cursed sapphire necklace and are willing to kill for it.

The story rambles a little and, as you may know from an earlier post, triggered a tremendously fun alien invasion dream. In general, I think it could be labeled a paranormal romantic suspense, but there's so much to it that it's really hard to classify. Let's just say it's an awfully fun and unique book. The story surprised me quite a bit; romance is always rather predictable in its way, but this was just a totally off-the-wall paranormal story, as well, and the uniqueness made it a really enjoyable read.

Kaitlyn and Colin are at cross-purposes and he doesn't believe in witches or ghosts, spells or zombies. But, the house is so totally full of creepiness that he is eventually caught in the midst of the unraveling ghostly search for the cursed sapphire. The question is . . . will they survive? Well, that's one question. There are more. Will Kaitlyn manage to send the ghosts away? Will Colin find the serial killer? Are they ever going to give in and have sweaty sex? Mwah-haha. I'm not telling, although I'll say don't hand it to your 9-year-old.

Unfortunately, if you want to read the book, you'll probably have to either act fast or wait for a while because there's a note at the author's website explaining that Triskelion Publishing recently filed for bankruptcy. I checked and the book was available at Amazon, a few days ago. So, if it sounds good, for heaven's sake go snatch up a copy. I really enjoyed it. There were a few times I thought, "Wait a minute - explain that, please?" so I'm going to call it slightly above average for uniqueness; I'm taking a bit off for a few moments that I didn't quite "get it". That could have been me, though. Just so you know.

3.5/5

Just as a side note, the author is a friend and she said this book was "pretty tame" as her books go. It always kind of shocks me to find out that there are so many really sweet women who write scare-your-pants-off novels, as Melanie does. She's a really terrific lady. I've always been amazed by her ability to balance working, writing and raising kids. Did I tell you she has cats? Well, of course you love her, already.

In other news, I finished another book, today: Life's a Beach by Claire Cook. I'm falling behind. Squeak, whine! Help me! Plus, the very delightful Chris (whom I already adore, but have to appreciate for also whining about the heat and letting me whine right back) has tagged me for a Thoughtful Blogger Award. And, I'm embarrassed to say he's actually the second. Bonnie tagged me, a while back, and I've been thinking, "Later, later," when I can even stand to look at the computer. So, thanks to both Bonnie and Chris. I'll try to post on that very soon.

Tomorrow is Wednesday and I'm going to try really, really hard to do a Wahoo! post. But, here's the pic of the day, one of about three plants valiantly blooming in spite of the heat and an opportunity to use a quote I've been eyeing:

What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.
--Ralph Waldo Emerson

Go Ralph. Did that come out wrong? Just wondering. I'm going to hibernate my computer, feed my face, spoil my cat and cool my heels reading. Happy Tuesday, everyone!