Debbie B. (orchid7) -
Helpful Score: 5
Overall, I liked the book, but I didn't love it. I felt that some parts of the book that contained the "home renovation" themed stuff got a bit "preachy".
I had a hard time getting into the first third of the book, because I found the main character Mel to be a bit on the whiny side. I also didn't understand how she could go from despising the character Kenneth who gets murdered while he is alive to helping and developing a friendship with his ghost, even when she discovers all the under-handed things he was doing while he was alive.
I may read the second one in the series, but I won't rush it to the top of my TBR list.
I had a hard time getting into the first third of the book, because I found the main character Mel to be a bit on the whiny side. I also didn't understand how she could go from despising the character Kenneth who gets murdered while he is alive to helping and developing a friendship with his ghost, even when she discovers all the under-handed things he was doing while he was alive.
I may read the second one in the series, but I won't rush it to the top of my TBR list.
Heather F. (AZmom875) -
Helpful Score: 4
I liked this book. I liked Mel. I found the aspects of the ghost to be different. For one, the ghost didnt have clues to give Mel, our main character. The ghost couldnt remember why he ended up a ghost or who did it. The ghost was lost and confused. Yes, Mel did NOT like the ghost when he was alive, but I think Mel and the Ghost both grew some in character, through their strange relationship.
Keep in mind I have not read anything else by this author, and I liked the level of paranormal this book offered, it was NOT cutesy or dark.
After reading this I wanted to go check out her other books, and those written under another pen name Haily Lind. I found it interesting that the author really does remodel historic homes in San Fransisco, so that might explain the lesson on home restoration that put some readers to sleep.
Keep in mind I have not read anything else by this author, and I liked the level of paranormal this book offered, it was NOT cutesy or dark.
After reading this I wanted to go check out her other books, and those written under another pen name Haily Lind. I found it interesting that the author really does remodel historic homes in San Fransisco, so that might explain the lesson on home restoration that put some readers to sleep.
Barb W. (kidcrazybarb) -
Helpful Score: 4
First off, I have not read her other series since I'm not a big fan of witchcraft books. I am a big fan of remodeling old homes, digging for buried treasure at old junk shops & series involving ghosts. That said I really liked the book & I'm wasting no time starting the second one in this series!! Regarding the complaints that it took 3/4 of the book to solve the mystery I'll just say that I HATE a thin book with no meat on it's bones! I really enjoyed getting to know the characters & didn't think Mel was whiney at all. I honestly wish authors would produce thicker books. I'm a slower reader than most plus have a full time job. If I get through a book in 1 week I feel like I've wasted my money. Also, I totally get how Mel could dislike Kenneth when he was alive but grows to like him as a ghost...I'd say why but I don't want to give away any of the plot. So! If you like home remodeling, ghosts, dogs & family I think you'll enjoy this book!!!
Nancy C. (circakona) reviewed If Walls Could Talk (Haunted Home Renovation, Bk 1) on + 15 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I agree with the prev 2 reviews, by BookwormKath and Debbie, about this book. I really enjoyed her other 2 series much more. This one just didn't grab me, I couldn't find much appealing in most of the characters, and the main character came off almost as 'detached' from her own story. Not going to worry if I miss the 2nd in this series.
Cathy C. (cathyskye) -
Helpful Score: 2
First Line: This was one pitiful-looking mansion.
Mel(anie) Turner may dress like a Madonna groupie, but she knows her stuff when it comes to renovating historic homes in the San Francisco Bay area.
Her latest client wants her expertise in bringing a Pacific Heights mansion back to life, but when she visits the morning after a boozy "Do-It-Yourself" remodeling party, she discovers his partner-- who seems to have had a horrendous accident with power tools. The man dies as a result of his injuries, and as Mel begins to see that certain facts and figures just don't add up, she also gets a visit from the dead man's spirit. Murderous intent fills this particular down-at-heel mansion up to its eaves.
"To me, old houses might as well be ancient pyramids. They hold secrets and messages from the past; I feel them whispering to me as I walk the hallways. Walls, attics, basements... over the past five years I had found newspapers from the thirties, liquor bottles, old coins, address books, even the occasional stash of money or stocks. I once unearthed a button-up baby's shoe and a dress pattern book from 1916. I even liked the smell: the distinctive, musty aroma of history, reminding me of used bookstores...promising the serendipitous discovery of the perfect novel or family relic or beloved treasure."
Once I read that paragraph, I knew that Mel and I were going to get along just fine. She and I have the same feeling for old houses, and as I turned the pages, my affinity for this character grew through her relationships to the other characters and to the way she conducted her business. If I had an old mansion to renovate, I'd hire her on the spot.
Blackwell paced the story well, and although I had a hazy idea of whodunit, I was so drawn in by Mel's character, the action, and the bits of San Francisco history the author shared that I didn't focus on it. I was enjoying Blackwell's storytelling so much that I didn't particularly care whom the killer was.
Yes, there is a ghost in the story, but for those of you who don't care for the paranormal, this element did not overwhelm the story at all. (I'm a reader who doesn't care for a great deal of "woo-woo" myself.)
I am really looking forward to the next book in this series, and I hope that Mel never runs out of old mansions to renovate.
Mel(anie) Turner may dress like a Madonna groupie, but she knows her stuff when it comes to renovating historic homes in the San Francisco Bay area.
Her latest client wants her expertise in bringing a Pacific Heights mansion back to life, but when she visits the morning after a boozy "Do-It-Yourself" remodeling party, she discovers his partner-- who seems to have had a horrendous accident with power tools. The man dies as a result of his injuries, and as Mel begins to see that certain facts and figures just don't add up, she also gets a visit from the dead man's spirit. Murderous intent fills this particular down-at-heel mansion up to its eaves.
"To me, old houses might as well be ancient pyramids. They hold secrets and messages from the past; I feel them whispering to me as I walk the hallways. Walls, attics, basements... over the past five years I had found newspapers from the thirties, liquor bottles, old coins, address books, even the occasional stash of money or stocks. I once unearthed a button-up baby's shoe and a dress pattern book from 1916. I even liked the smell: the distinctive, musty aroma of history, reminding me of used bookstores...promising the serendipitous discovery of the perfect novel or family relic or beloved treasure."
Once I read that paragraph, I knew that Mel and I were going to get along just fine. She and I have the same feeling for old houses, and as I turned the pages, my affinity for this character grew through her relationships to the other characters and to the way she conducted her business. If I had an old mansion to renovate, I'd hire her on the spot.
Blackwell paced the story well, and although I had a hazy idea of whodunit, I was so drawn in by Mel's character, the action, and the bits of San Francisco history the author shared that I didn't focus on it. I was enjoying Blackwell's storytelling so much that I didn't particularly care whom the killer was.
Yes, there is a ghost in the story, but for those of you who don't care for the paranormal, this element did not overwhelm the story at all. (I'm a reader who doesn't care for a great deal of "woo-woo" myself.)
I am really looking forward to the next book in this series, and I hope that Mel never runs out of old mansions to renovate.
