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.
