tien's review
4.0
I didn’t have much expectation from this instalment as I didn’t quite enjoy the last one. However, I was proven wrong! I really enjoyed the little spin in this one which included Ophelia’s dreams of past life. The mystery itself was quite interesting which involved a fairly controversial topic these days in Australia (“undocumented immigrants”). Whilst this particular theme wasn’t deeply explored, the twist to the mystery was unexpected. I read this book in one sitting; an easy read with a fascinating turn with Ophelia’s alter ego. The thing I’m a little disappointed with this series is the lack of romance! There are a number of attractive males but nothing ever develops, grrr!
cherylanntownsend's review
4.0
The Witches Grave by Shirley Damsgaard
Ophelia has a dream of a romantic interlude, which would generally mean nothing were it not for their usually having a prophetic outcome. Ophelia is a witch, one with psychic abilities. Shortly after said dream, she meets the starring man and immediately loses him to a gunshot to his chest. Did she miss something in that dream? Could she have prevented his attempted murder?
The next shot was directed at her. While the local law investigates both events, she tries to decipher a series dreams with her as another woman in nazi-era Europe, hobnobbing with the Reich while presumably working against them. A spy?
The dreams continue, giving more information for Ophelia to figure out who and why, bringing her closer to an answer and possibly her own demise.
The addition of Wiccan acts make these most interesting for me. As the series progresses, so also does her talent.
Not as silly as standard cozies, yet it does go light on the violence, for which I am most grateful.
Found it interesting that a book written in 2009 brings up the politics of illegal immigrants and the battle against their deportation. Even in fiction, little has changed.
Ophelia has a dream of a romantic interlude, which would generally mean nothing were it not for their usually having a prophetic outcome. Ophelia is a witch, one with psychic abilities. Shortly after said dream, she meets the starring man and immediately loses him to a gunshot to his chest. Did she miss something in that dream? Could she have prevented his attempted murder?
The next shot was directed at her. While the local law investigates both events, she tries to decipher a series dreams with her as another woman in nazi-era Europe, hobnobbing with the Reich while presumably working against them. A spy?
The dreams continue, giving more information for Ophelia to figure out who and why, bringing her closer to an answer and possibly her own demise.
The addition of Wiccan acts make these most interesting for me. As the series progresses, so also does her talent.
Not as silly as standard cozies, yet it does go light on the violence, for which I am most grateful.
Found it interesting that a book written in 2009 brings up the politics of illegal immigrants and the battle against their deportation. Even in fiction, little has changed.
angielisle's review
4.0
Shirley Damsgaard has carved a new niche in the market: Appalachian Paranormal Fiction! Being a West Virginia gal, I love how Appalachia figures into the books without all the negative stereotyping that usually goes along with it!
I always have problems getting started with Shirley Damsgaard's books. But once I make it past the first couple of chapters, I fall in love with the characters again (and again). I am sucked in by the storyline and I have a very hard time putting the book down.
I love that these books are "chick lit" without all those annoying sex scenes! Finally, we have a main character whose biggest concerns are her family (especially her adopted daughter and her grandmother), her job, her best friend, and her special psychic gift that helps her solve mysteries. There is a guy involved - sometimes, he even helps solve the crimes - but Ophelia's entire life doesn't revolve around him. And, because they aren't rushing off to bed together, they actually have a real relationship forming. It's a nice change from what's normally published and called "chick lit." I hope it takes!
I always have problems getting started with Shirley Damsgaard's books. But once I make it past the first couple of chapters, I fall in love with the characters again (and again). I am sucked in by the storyline and I have a very hard time putting the book down.
I love that these books are "chick lit" without all those annoying sex scenes! Finally, we have a main character whose biggest concerns are her family (especially her adopted daughter and her grandmother), her job, her best friend, and her special psychic gift that helps her solve mysteries. There is a guy involved - sometimes, he even helps solve the crimes - but Ophelia's entire life doesn't revolve around him. And, because they aren't rushing off to bed together, they actually have a real relationship forming. It's a nice change from what's normally published and called "chick lit." I hope it takes!
blodeuedd's review
2.0
I think I had the same issues with this one as book 1. It started well enough, but then in the middle I got bored. It was just so meh.
I did not really care for Ophelia.
The whole nazi dream mystery was all wtf is that even doing in the book?
The blurb promised me some romance, the guy gets shot in the first few pages and they met minutes ago.
Yes I did not read the ones in between, but considering book 1 was meh and this one was meh. I wont. It will get an ok from me, since I did like it before it got all meh and I skimmed
I did not really care for Ophelia.
The whole nazi dream mystery was all wtf is that even doing in the book?
The blurb promised me some romance, the guy gets shot in the first few pages and they met minutes ago.
Yes I did not read the ones in between, but considering book 1 was meh and this one was meh. I wont. It will get an ok from me, since I did like it before it got all meh and I skimmed
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