tushay_shanpayne's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
It's an old favorite. A story that takes place in Bisbee, AZ and its surrounding areas. Being from that region, this book holds a special place in my heart. That said, I don't think I liked it as much the second time around, although I was about 14 when I first read it so it definitely hit different then. It seems to have lost some of it magic. But overall I still enjoyed it and it was the perfect book to kick off my Fall/October/Halloween reading list. I'm glad I reread it. It scratched an itch.
muddypuddle's review
4.0
The only "ghost" stories I've ever read have been for kids. This adult ghost story was great fun for me on a number of levels. I LOVED the setting - Bisbee, Arizona (with forays to Tucson and the area/s between) including lots of explanation and history. And the story was multi-layered and a really interesting mystery. I actually could have done without the ghost parts (I think it could have been written as an un-ghostly mystery and been even better), but I enjoy the occasional fantasy, and so much the better if it's about an interesting mystery.
the_bookubus's review against another edition
3.0
Chelsea returns to her home town, an old mining town where her great grandfather made his money. In the house she moves into she finds an old box camera which holds a secret from the past. Chelsea is haunted by the ghost of a woman and is forced to find out exactly what happened to her.
Although this novel does contain some scenes of horror I'm not sure I would call it a horror novel. It felt more like a mystery novel with supernatural and historical elements. So while it was a little different to what I was expecting it was still an enjoyable read. Overall it was well written and after a bit of a slow start it became a compelling read. I thought the historical angle was very well done as we get parts of the story from the 1920s to the 1940s throughout the book. The horror elements were effective, I guess I just wish there were more of them! If you like your horror on the lighter side or if you are a fan of mysteries with a touch of horror then I'd definitely recommend this one.
Although this novel does contain some scenes of horror I'm not sure I would call it a horror novel. It felt more like a mystery novel with supernatural and historical elements. So while it was a little different to what I was expecting it was still an enjoyable read. Overall it was well written and after a bit of a slow start it became a compelling read. I thought the historical angle was very well done as we get parts of the story from the 1920s to the 1940s throughout the book. The horror elements were effective, I guess I just wish there were more of them! If you like your horror on the lighter side or if you are a fan of mysteries with a touch of horror then I'd definitely recommend this one.
mystereity's review
5.0
See my full review (and more!) at Mystereity Reviews
Darkscope skillfully weaves mystery, suspense, thrills, chills and horror into an exquisitely tense story of family secrets, lies and deception.
Chelsea McCord's marriage is on the rocks and moves back to Bisbee, AZ to be welcomed home by her uncle, Bob. Soon after moving into a little bungalow, Chelsea finds an old Kodak box camera and uses it to take pictures around the small desert town. While looking through the viewfinder, Chelsea sees images from the past; Bisbee how it was 40 years ago. When she develops the film, she finds images of the same woman as she grows from a child to a young woman. Who is she? What are her ties to Chelsea, whose family has a long legacy in the small mining town?
This review is really hard to write. On one hand, I have tons to say about the excellent plot but I don't want to give anything away! I think this is an amazing read any time of the year, but definitely perfect for Halloween. Vengeful ghosts, haunted cameras, visions of horrible deaths, it's got it all. This was a real edge of your seat story that just drew me in deeper with each page, one of those books where you don't have an inkling what's going on until it's revealed in the story, making you feel a little off-balance and a little unsteady, which really heightened the suspense.
At the heart of the book was the mystery of a woman who disappeared in the 1940s, as told in the present day as well as the past. I loved how the old box camera told the story; the smell of death coming from the camera, the snapshots, and literally chasing Chelsea through the house.
Overall, I really enjoyed Darkscope and it was a bargain at only 99¢. I definitely recommend it as a Halloween read or for fans of paranormal mysteries.
Darkscope skillfully weaves mystery, suspense, thrills, chills and horror into an exquisitely tense story of family secrets, lies and deception.
Chelsea McCord's marriage is on the rocks and moves back to Bisbee, AZ to be welcomed home by her uncle, Bob. Soon after moving into a little bungalow, Chelsea finds an old Kodak box camera and uses it to take pictures around the small desert town. While looking through the viewfinder, Chelsea sees images from the past; Bisbee how it was 40 years ago. When she develops the film, she finds images of the same woman as she grows from a child to a young woman. Who is she? What are her ties to Chelsea, whose family has a long legacy in the small mining town?
This review is really hard to write. On one hand, I have tons to say about the excellent plot but I don't want to give anything away! I think this is an amazing read any time of the year, but definitely perfect for Halloween. Vengeful ghosts, haunted cameras, visions of horrible deaths, it's got it all. This was a real edge of your seat story that just drew me in deeper with each page, one of those books where you don't have an inkling what's going on until it's revealed in the story, making you feel a little off-balance and a little unsteady, which really heightened the suspense.
At the heart of the book was the mystery of a woman who disappeared in the 1940s, as told in the present day as well as the past. I loved how the old box camera told the story; the smell of death coming from the camera, the snapshots, and literally chasing Chelsea through the house.
Overall, I really enjoyed Darkscope and it was a bargain at only 99¢. I definitely recommend it as a Halloween read or for fans of paranormal mysteries.
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