Night Echoes: Holly Lisle

When artist Emma Beck returns to her small South Carolina hometown to discover the truth about her roots and long-dead parents, everything she thought she knew about her birth begins to fall apart--especially after she moves into the old wreck of a Civil War farmhouse she plans to restore. But Emma is drawn to the house, which seems strangely familiar, as does Mike Ruhl, the young contractor she hires to help her fix it up. She begins to feel frightened, though, when she recognizes Mike as a recurring face in her paintings--including one in a Confederate uniform. And when Emma starts to hear soft whisperings late at night, and Mike discovers lost letters and a hidden journal in the attic, they realize they are caught in a web of ghostly tragedy that once reached out to ensnare Emma's parents, and which now threatens to devour her and Mike as well...

What did you think of the plot?

Jezebel:

The author has shown that she has what it takes to cook up an elaborate thriller that ranges from super-sized portions of ghosts and ghouls to the modern day whodunit, all included with a side order of romance and a large Coke. There is very little, if anything, that I can find fault with in the broad picture of this book. Ms. Lisle obviously knows how to capture your attention early in the book and hang on to it until the very last page.

Vivian:

This is one of those books that shouldn't have cover art--it should sit there quiet and unassuming until you pick it up and open the pages. I enjoyed the fast pace and the twists and turns of the storyline. I was quickly absorbed in the story with the need to see where it all led--to find out if they could figure out the mystery.

How do you feel about the characters?

Jezebel:

Overall, I think the characters were well written, with the perfect sprinkling of background information to understand the characters' psyches, without overloading the reading with page after page of old news and past experience. The only negative aspect that stuck in my craw was Emma's penchant for laying her trust at the feet of those that repeatedly doubted her sanity and motives.

Vivian:

The characters were well developed and interesting while not being over the top. They balance each other well. Emma and Mike had a good chemistry together, and even adding the sister into the mix didn't deter from the flow.

Any last thoughts?

Jezebel:

Rating: 4 Stars

This book has all the right ingredients to earn a coveted spot on my "keeper" shelf: Civil War spooks, South Carolina setting, romance, and a hot sex scene or two all wrapped up in a neat little package. I'm looking forward to reading future books from this author.

Vivian:

Rating: 4 1/2 Stars

There are not enough words in the English language to describe the bone deep, muscle quivering, horrifying brilliance of this novel. This is one of those books you pick up and can't put down until you finally have all the pieces and know the truth. Except in this case, the truth was as chilling as the sequence of events that brought you to the place where all the secrets are buried.

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Publisher: Signet (April 3, 2007)
ISBN: 0451220943
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