#southern bound

[dragonbadgerbooks]

@just0nemorepage JOMP Book Photo Challenge Day 9: Handwriting

Some of my signed indie books :)

[dragonbadgerbooks]

About Southern Bound:

When Max and Sandra moved down to North Carolina, they thought they were getting a new beginning. A good job, good pay, and a lovely little place in Winston-Salem. But Max discovers that his office is haunted by Marshall Drummond, PI - a ghost from the 1940s. While his mysterious employer pressures him to research the city for unknown reasons, Drummond pressures Max to investigate his last case. Soon Max is neck-deep in a world of old mysteries and dangerous enemies. One in which ghosts, witches, curses, and spells exist. One in which a simple research job can turn deadly.

Amazon | Goodreads

I found Southern Bound at a local convention in North Carolina, Illogicon, where I also met the author, Stuart Jaffe. When he told me about the premise, I immediately bought the book and ended up liking it more than I expected. 

Southern Bound reads much like a classic detective novel, with the wise cracking detective who quickly gets in over his head. While Max is not a detective, he soon finds himself acting as one when Marshall Drummond gets him on the case to solve his murder and why he was bound to his office. 

I loved the local charm and history in this book. I don’t live in Winston Salem, but Max eventually travels a little eastward and I found names I recognized and it’s always cool when something you know is found in a book. I thought the mystery was interesting and it was a fast and engaging read. I also found the history that the book discussed to be fascinating and hope that some of the historical bits find their way into the other books in the series.

That being said, I felt the book had some pacing problems and also that every male author should have a woman read his book because lol. There were a few deus ex machina scenes - including a reveal about Max’s wife that just felt too convenient. It also felt like Max would get into trouble and face no consequences, despite that his employers were always watching him and using poorly disguised threats to keep him in line... also that his employer was always watching him yet somehow didn’t know what he was actually doing, but that it somehow went went along with what they wanted him to do anyway. 

I thought the mystery made it worth while to keep reading and did actually enjoy this book though. It’s recommended for people who like mysteries, detectives, ghosts, or all of the above.

Rating: ★★★★✩

[blacksandandglasscastles]

Southern bound – A paranormal Mystery (Review)

A couple down on their luck move to North Carolina where the man, Max has been offered a job by a shady employer. When he finds the ghost of a P.I from the 1940′s haunting his office, things just keep getting stranger and stranger.

I admit that I wanted to like this book when I started out. It’s the sort of thing that reminds me of a friend of mine which means I was automatically ready to give it a warm reception. This reception was quickly cooled by the writing style and some of the choices. 

‘ Max gnawed on a fry and quivered out a grin’

I mean, what even? He’s not some feral animal, he’s just having dinner with his wife.

Anyways, after a rough start it picks up. The threads start to connect and the mystery was intriguing enough that I finished the book. The motives behind the strange goings-on were unique, but the conclusion wasn’t as satisfying as I would have liked. 

The characters are mostly likable though the book suffers from Max often getting sidelined by sex with his wife. I’m happy they have a healthy relationship but at the same time it would be great if in the middle of a tense moment he’s not thinking about the sway of her hips. 

Southern Bound reminds me of the first book in the Dresden series. In tone and problems more than substance. The premise is interesting and engages but the writing isn’t enough to say it was good, it was merely alright. Max, much like Dresden, occasionally makes me want to punch him. However, since this is the first book in the series its entirely possible that the writing and stories improve! 

Final thoughts: It was pretty alright. Not my favourite read, but worth the time it takes to get through it for the most part, if you can pardon some of the more cringeworthy lines plaguing the beginning

Recommendation: If you’re looking for a mystery in an urban fantasy setting to enjoy, that doesn’t feel like a knock-off Dresden, this ones for you. Will it be your next favourite book? Probably not, but it isn’t a waste of your time either. I intend to read the next one eventually. 

[pimpernels]

at the airport! can't wait to leave this snow behind.

[jimneye]

[lovethinkdreamon]

Visit http://www.southernboundclothing.com

Message me for a discount!

Please follow me! Http://www.lovethinkdreamon.tumblr.com/

[cancersuckssaveaboob]

all packed.

watching gone with the wind, then hitting the road<3