ISBN-13: 9780451225092Publisher: New American Library
Published: November 2008
339 pgs
It's a piece of history you can hold in your hands. (pg 10)
Some people have that special 'gift' to be able to see dead people, and Melanie Middleton fits in that category although she does not really appreciate this psychic capability or the fact that she could also communicate with them, not that she could help it in any way. She is also a well known realtor in Charleston and she deals in historical properties though she hates to admit to anyone that she dislike them.
Nevertheless, she came upon an old property on Tradd Street owned by a Nevin Vanderhorst and she is more intrigued with his past than the property after she has learnt that her grandfather and Nevin's father were once good friends and business associates. Nevin could not find answers in regards to the disappearance of his mother when he was a boy and he thinks Melanie might be able to find the answers for him given her special ability.
Unfortunately, Nevin died a few days later before Melanie has the chance to learn more about him or his history. And she could not understand why he left the historic estate in her name, with a condition that she has to have lived in the house for a year before she is allowed to put it on the market. Nevin had already established a trust to ensure that money is spent on the restoration of the house and Melanie is able to draw an amount for living expenses as long as she live in the house. So Melanie moved into the house, along with a housekeeper and a dog she has also came to inherit. But strange things start to happen and Melanie could sense she is not alone in the house.
Author Jack Trenholm has a passion for research and writing true history's mysteries books and he is adamant about making his next book works considering the last one was a flop. He is interested in Melanie's estate as he believes some diamonds that went missing from the Confederate treasury century ago are hidden in her property. Though Melanie does not like the idea of having a stranger walking into her property (not to mention into her life as well), everything about him intrigues her and the next thing she knew, they are working together in restoring the property as well as unravelling the secrets of the Vanderhorst family.
However, someone knew about the missing diamonds too and so it seems Melanie has to be constantly on guard against any threat not only from the supernatural but from that person as well.
Reading The House on Tradd Street was a delightful treat to me because there are supernatural, mystery and a bit of romance in this story, and they happen to be my favourite genres. Aside from this, I loved Melanie's attitude towards her work and her determination in solving the mysteries despite the danger she sometimes put herself in. While her ability to communicate with the dead fascinated me, I do not wish to have this 'gift' because it is creepy and definitely not fun seeing dead people all the time.
Nevin is an interesting character and I was most intrigued with his relationship with his mother. Apparently there are reasons why his mother abandoned him and like Melanie and Jack, I got sucked into the Vanderhorst mystery and find myself flipping through the pages quickly as I was eager to get to the end so I would know what happened and why.
And alas, I should mention Jack because he is such a witty and a charming person. I liked 'watching' how the sparks fly between him and Melanie, considering their acquaintance did not start off well in the beginning and Melanie seems to be a strong-minded and independent woman who thinks she could do well without another man in her life, after all she has some issue with her father after her mother had walked out of their life and she felt he could have done better instead of drinking most of the time. It is good to see him making the efforts to mend his ways and trying to reconcile with his daughter.
I wish I could say more about this wonderful story but my post is getting longer and plus, I would rather you read it yourself. Anyway I have the next book, The Girl on Legare Street, on my reading list and I am thrilled to see Melanie and Jack are back with another new adventure. I wonder what they have in store for us readers. I cannot wait.
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What a great and interesting review, Melody! And it your first longest review I've ever read in MY life LOL!
Ever since I read other readers reviews on this book, it surely peek my interested more. Now you making it more interested for me. But I surely hope this book be reissued into paperback for my convience. I can't get HC book at the moment :)
Oooh, Melody I've been waiting for this review from you! And its length just show me how much you loved it. I too love books in this mixed genre. I may have to do a little impromptu shopping on my Kindle today...
Terrific review Melody. I liked this book and look forward to House on Legare Street as well.
I really, really need to get reading these books. You've increased by enthusiasm.
This one sounds perfect for me! Great review. :)
I'm so glad you loved this - I have the sequel and realize that I need to get hold of this to read first.
Fantastic review Melody! This was such a good book. The Girl on Legare Street is quite good as well. Thanks for linking my review.
Julia - I hope I didn't sound like as if I'm rambling! LOL.
My copy is a tradesize so I'm not sure if there're other editions beside this, but I hope you'll be able to get the paperback soon.
Sandy - I hope I've not kept you waiting for too long! ;)
I can't wait to hear what you'll think of this book when you get to it!
Diane - Yes, I loved this book! I'm enjoying reading The Girl on Legare Street.
Beth - Glad to hear my review has increased your enthusiasm! :P
Eva - Thanks! I hope you'll read this soon! :)
Kathy - I've read a few chapters of The Girl on Legare Street and I think it can read as a stand alone, but of course reading the first book will make you appreciate the next book more! ;)
Dar - Thanks! I agree this book is great! I'm glad to hear the next book is equally good as well!
Hi Melody, this is one book that I need to get off my wish list soon and into my TBR. Thanks for the review!
Alice - I hope you'll get this book soon! :)
I really liked this one too. I've got thesecond one for the blog tour and am looking forward to meeting Melanie's mother. Great review!
this sounds like an interesting book to me! I must see if I can get hold of a copy.
Stacy - That's great about the blog tour! Can't wait to read your review on that book!
Sam - It is, Sam! I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did!
Thanks for the link! I just loved this book and I can't wait for my library to get the next one in.
I really enjoyed both this book and the sequel! Great review!
I am glad you enjoyed reading this one so much, Melody. I liked it too. It's definitely a fun book. :-) I'm looking forward to reading the next book, just as you are. Hopefully very soon!
Thanks for the link! Glad you enjoyed this one as much as I did.
--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric