Roberta Writes – Halloween Book Festival: A Peril in Ectoplasm: Just Once More, and A Peril in the Bayou by Teagan Riordain Geneviene

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Welcome to the amazingly imaginative Teagan Riordain Geneviene with her Halloween books, A Peril in Ectoplasm and A Peril in the Bayou.

A Peril in Ectoplasm

What Amazon says

In 1920s Florida, Spiritualism enjoys renewed interest. Daphne Moultrie, the most powerful medium of her time, receives a warning from the other side, “Find her, and keep her with you. Or you will die.” All Daphne knows about this girl is what her crystal ball showed her — a four-leaf clover, and each leaf had a human eye.
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Meanwhile, Daphne’s fiancé has designs of his own. He pressures her to continue séances for a strange and very demanding woman. With each of those séances, Daphne becomes weaker and closer to death.
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This novella captures the Roaring Twenties, as only acclaimed author, Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene can. Settings, descriptions, and language all come to vibrant life. The ensemble cast has a number of characters, including one you will love to hate. It’s a genre mash-up, part mystery, part suspense, with a dash of light horror.

My review

Teagan Geneviene has created the perfect Halloween tale, full of rich descriptions, interesting characters, and with a fast paced plot involving a frightening demon.

Daphne Moultrie is a gifted medium with a lot of empathy and a kind nature. Daphne was born to wealth and lives in a beautiful mansion with her aging housekeeper, Maisy, who has cared for her since the death of her parents many years before.

Recently engaged to the outwardly charming Crespo Irigoyen, a Cuban Count, Daphne has everything to be joyous about, but she is not thriving. Fatigued and wan, she is finding giving seances overwhelming, especially those for the demanding and selfish Mrs Smith. Daphne senses something evil in this foreboding woman and does not want to see her. Her determined fiancé is, however, determined that the relationship with, and seances for Mrs Smith, should continue.

Maisie is concerned and does not trust Crespo. She doesn’t know what to do until the spirit of a dead soldier manifests and gives Daphne a warning.

Is the dead soldier good or evil? Can the outcome he warns of be avoided? Does Crespo really love Daphne or is he a charlatan? Read the book to find out!

A few samples of Ms. Geneviene’s vivid writing:

“A gust of wind caused the tall palm trees to sway. The vivid sunrise faded to clear blue and the sky was dotted with fluffy white clouds. Yet there was something to the air that hinted of a storm in the distance.”

“Regardless, there were dark circles under Daphne’s eyes, and her complexion was ashen. The roses were gone from her cheeks. There was no bounce in her step. That morning the poor thing looked so fragile that Maisy wanted to telephone the doctor.”

“Her murky black aura extends to make a huge sphere around her. I’ve never seen an aura so large or so … revolting. I can feel an oil texture just looking at it,’ Daphne whispered with a shudder, but collected herself quickly.”

A fabulous and entertaining Halloween read.

Amazon US purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Peril-Ectoplasm-Just-Once-More-ebook/dp/B0BJ9N1GBX

Full Series link:  relinks.me/B0CG2SXX24

A Peril in Ectoplasm

Kindle:  relinks.me/B0BJ9N1GBX

Paperback:  relinks.me/B0BJBXGJ7L

A Peril in Bayou

What Amazon says

Rich with atmosphere of the Roaring Twenties and New Orleans, A Peril in the Bayou begins when Clover Flanagan, assistant to renowned psychic medium, Daphne Moultrie, travels with her to New Orleans to see a spiritualist leader. Mother Leafy agrees meet Daphne, but on one condition — Daphne must travel a haunted bayou so she will understand those spirits. However, Leafy has a rival who is a dangerous woman.
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Despite cryptic warnings from a spirit, they head to New Orleans. In the bayou, Clover’s gifts begin to awaken. So do Voodoo gods in want of a sacrifice, and powerful primeval entities of the swamp, which comes to vicious life.
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Also on hand from the first book, A Peril in Ectoplasm, are Albert and Phineas in important roles. Housekeeper, Maisy is not entirely left out either. Don’t miss this thrilling romp through 1920s New Orleans, by inimitable author, Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene.

My review

A Peril in the Bayou is a fabulous stand alone sequel to the first book in this series. I enjoyed meeting up with world-famous medium, Daphne Moultrie, and her friend and secretary, Clover, again, as well as supporting characters Phineas and Albert.

Following on from her encounter with dark forces in book 1, Daphne is still recovering and trying to regain her strength. She is taking it easy and planning on writing a book about the resurgence of spiritualism to keep herself occupied and entertained during her convalescence period. As part of her research, she has reached out to a well-know spiritualist in New Orleans called Mother Leafy, and has planned a trip to that city to meet and interview her. It is decided that Clover, Phineas and Albert will all accompany her and they set off, travelling by fast train. Before they have left the Moultrie mansion, strange things start to happen and Clover knows their trip will be mysterious and possibly dangerous.

This second story is fast paced and very exciting. The eerie creepiness of the setting, plotline and writing is wonderful and absorbing, and I enjoyed every minute of this read.

I liked that Clover really came into her own as a strong female character in this story, and was a pillar of strength for Daphne and Phineas. Her own intuitions and powers as a medium continue to grow and develop throughout this story.

The author’s attention to detail in respect of the era is always satisfying and I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of some of the clothing:

“She held up her newest dress. It was yellow cotton with daisies and tiny green leaves embroidered all over. A plain yoke at the top formed a bateau neckline and extended over the shoulders to make cap sleeves. In back, beginning at the edge of the yoke, an inverted box pleat of contrasting green tone went the length of the mid-calf dress.”

“All eyes turned to Daphne when she appeared at the top of the stairs wearing an ivory bucket hat decorated with a silk rose, and a tea dress of powder blue georgette. Split flutter sleeves revealed her arms. The dress had a top layer with a “shark bite” hem that curved upward in front. The second layer hit at mid-calf.”

I appreciate these descriptions as they really help me to imagine the clothing and settings of this era, and get into the mood of the book.

The spirits and mythical creatures are well drawn and unique, making this book unlike anything else I’ve read in the darker fiction genre.

A most entertaining read for any time of the year, but especially perfect for Halloween.

Amazon US purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CKGRJS8F

Kindle:  relinks.me/B0CKGRJS8F

Paperback: Coming soon! 

A Medium’s Peril full series link: relinks.me/B0CG2SXX24

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Published by robertawrites235681907

I am a writer of young adult fiction and poetry

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45 thoughts on “Roberta Writes – Halloween Book Festival: A Peril in Ectoplasm: Just Once More, and A Peril in the Bayou by Teagan Riordain Geneviene”

      1. Robbie, I love your term “imaginative manifestations”! Maybe it’s from all my nightmares. LOL, look for a story in the future with giant tarantulas wreaking havoc on a highway, or lions prowling and chasing a woman through a neighborhood, or trying to get into the back of a truck where she tried to escape. LOL

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  5. Applesauce! Robbie, I’m thrilled by your reviews, and especially to have a double feature in your Halloween festival. All while you are launching your own book. It means a lot to me.
    I’m only just getting up. Daphne-cat has been sick this week, so I’m behind on everything. I’ll put a link to this in my post once I tend to the “Scoobies” and get to the computer. Big hugs!

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      1. Daphne’s only symptom is severe sneezing. I couldn’t get a vet appointment for a week and a half. By now, I’m 90% sure it started when my air purifier went bad and started spewing microscopic particles…
        Anyhow she was really bad Monday, better Tuesday, but sneezing more again today… It’s only 6 months since Crystal died, and (added to my anxiety disorders) frankly I’m not handling it well.

        Anyway, I’m grateful to see the quotes and descriptions you included in the reviews. I love to use clothing as a way to anchor a setting in the reader’s mind.

        I really enjoyed your interview at Teri’s Bad Moon Rising too!

        #BadMoonRising Sir Chocolate and the Chinese Candy Dragon by Robbie and Michael Cheadle #childrensbook #Halloween #cooking

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        1. Hi Teagan, you are probably right that it’s linked to your air purifier. Sort of like cat hay fever. I’m glad you like the review. I will post to Amazon. I’ve been drowning in posts this week so times a bit short. I’m delighted you enjoyed my BMR post. I am reading and sharing all of them. I enjoy Teri’s BMR series.

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    2. Hi Dave, you are right. I wanted to showcase various good Halloween books this year, and set up most of the posts in advance. There have been a lot of other posts I’ve needed to share because October is a big book promotional month so it has been very hectic. I appreciate all your support.

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