August was a somewhat slow reading month for me, especially compared to July, when I read nine books. In August I read three, but I also had a much more social month than my norm.
Those three books deserve to be wrapped up for you, and I am thinking that I may make this a monthly feature.
This was my second ARC from NetGalley, and I very much enjoyed it! We experience alongside Joel what it is like to watch a loved one’s descent into dementia. With an interesting supernatural twist of course!
This book really hit home for me, as I have worked, briefly, in an aged care facility, with exposure to the dementia ward. And, fun fact about me, dementia is my greatest fear. Goodie!
If you like witnessing the darker aspects of life and humanity meshing with the darker aspects of the supernatural world, then I would recommend checking this out! It has since been officially released.
Phantom Tales of the Night by Matsuri
Would you stay in a hotel where the currency is, rather than money, secrets? What if the strange owner and his employees were the only people who could help you?
That is the premise of this beautifully illustrated manga. It is filled with the eerie visions of a hidden supernatural world that only Japan is able to provide.
If this sounds interesting to you, please give it a go. Some understanding of Japanese beliefs, culture, and spiritualism may enhance your experience here, but is not necessary to enjoy and understand the story.
Hotel Destiny: A Ghost Noir by Raymond Benson
Yet another ARC! Can you tell what mood I was in last month (and I am still in the mood for horror, honestly). At the Hotel Destiny, there have been several murders over the past decade and it is up to the latest victim, the hotel’s detective (a real thing, it turns out), Cole, to solve his murder as well as the ones that preceeded him.
It was interesting to have our main character as a ghost for the majority of the book. This gave him, and us, a unique perspective as we explored the hotel and its secrets. It was also enjoyable to meet the other residents of the hotel alongside Cole.
If you are looking for horror, as I was, then I maybe wouldn’t go for this, unless you are very new to horror, or you scare easily. Also, if lots of exclamation marks in the narration bothers you as much as it bothers me, be prepared for that. If you are interested in a unique murder mystery to enjoy, then keep an eye out for this when it releases on the 15th of September, 2020!
Rebecka O'Malley 