Death at Deacon Pond

Reader reviewed by the book muncher

Kerri Langston has visions. She had them after her father died, leading her to believe he didnt commit suicide. And now shes having them about Mark Travers, the dead man she stumbled upon in the woods near Deacon Pond. But somehow, these new visions are connected to the ones about her father. Kerri is no longer content to let the police do their work; she wants to investigate for herself.

This choice propels her into a dangerous situation. Shes caught several times by the crime scene by Officer Roberts, the father of her best friend and her fathers partner, before her father died. Kerris mother is uncomfortable with Kerris interaction with the police because she still cant get over her husbands death. Seth, the son of Officer Roberts, tries to warn Kerri to stay away from the crime scene, but Kerri doesnt listen; she wants to find the truth about everything. But what will it cost her?

Death at Deacon Pond was a very exciting murder mystery. Kerris visions are unusual when places out of context of the story, but they seem completely natural in this novel. I felt that there wasnt adequate characterization for everyone except Kerri, but then again, Kerri is the main character. Many times, scenes sprung up on my which can be both good and bad: its good to have unpredictability in mysteries, but sometimes it just seemed implausible. Nonetheless, Death at Deacon Pond kept me on the edge of my seat; it wasnt exactly 100% high action, but there was a good dosage of it. I loved how all the events and characters connected at the end, which is fantastic for all mysteries. I was completely engrossed during the several hours it took me to read this.

If you love a good suspenseful novel involving mystery and murder, Death at Deacon Pond is a good choice for you. Also, if you liked The Christopher Killer by Alane Ferguson, you will like this book too. Fans of the Blue is for Nightmares series by Laurie Faria Stolarz will find that Kerri has many similarities with Stacey Brown and her visions but minus the magical aspect. I definitely recommend this fast-paced and exciting book to all readers.

reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com/

Reader reviewed by Cindy Corriveau

Death on Deacon Pond is insightfully "right on" as Kerrie is believeable and actually goes through what many psychics go through in realizing their intuitive ability. The story captures the reader and doesn't let go! I am 47 years old and I absolutely loved it. I could NOT put it down. Elaine, the author, uses wonderful imagery and sensory cues so the reader can hear, feel, and see crisp clean imgages. Great job Elaine.
To see Elaine's delightful bubbling personality please see Episode 15 of television's Ghost Chat New England: History, Mystery, Legends and Ghosts(C)now listed on the internet at www.freewebs.com/ghostlady40
PSsst..she talks about her next book too! so check it out!

Great job Elaine:)

Sincerely,
Cindy Corriveau
Ghostlady Productions (C)
Ghost Chat New England: History, Mystery, Legends and Ghosts (C)
www.freewebs.com/ghostlady40

Reader reviewed by School Library Journal

Kerri Langston has psychic visions, and since her father's supposed suicide, she has been deemed the town freak because of them. She knows her father did not kill himself, but no one will listen to her. Late one night, she and her friend Seth Roberts, the son of her father's former colleague on the police force, are attending a party at the local teen hangout when Kerri literally stumbles across Mark Travers, who died falling off a cliff near the pond. The visions start all over again, and Kerri realizes that, like her father, Mark Travers was murdered. As she learns more about him, she also discovers more about Deputy Roberts, Seth, and her father's death. Then, she must try to save herself from the evil and corruption that is plaguing her small community. Kerri is a sympathetic character who is struggling with accepting the loss of her father, especially in light of her visions about his death. She also has to deal with her mother's grief and guilt and the adults who do not want the truth to come out. While Kerri's visions are a well-integrated part of the story, the plot device of trafficking in teen girls is a little over-the-top. Still, readers will appreciate the excitement and Kerri's courage. Those who want books about the supernatural will flock to this one, and reluctant readers will enjoy the fast-moving plot and well-crafted mystery.-Lynn Evarts, Sauk Prairie High School, Prairie du Sac, WI Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Reprinted here with author's permission.