The Curse of Lizzie Borden Lizzie Borden is a name that has become synonymous with murder, mystery, and a dark curse that seems to have followed her throughout history. The story of Lizzie Borden has captivated the public for over a century, and her alleged crimes continue to generate intrigue and speculation. Lizzie Borden gained notoriety in 1892 when her father and stepmother were brutally murdered in their home in Fall River, Massachusetts. Lizzie, who lived with her parents, was the primary suspect in the case. However, she was acquitted of the murders due to lack of evidence. Despite her acquittal, a dark cloud seemed to follow Lizzie for the rest of her days.
Which is what this entry in the series turns out to be about. Two people who think they can do their criminal predecessors one better, and two people who stand in their way. And eventually stand together to do it.
Harmony is absolutely wild enough and definitely weird enough to resemble the Weird West, but it s a far-future lost colony world that presented some unique challenges to the first settlers and still does to their descendants even two centuries later. Since Ravenna needs a date herself to a family event, they agree to a deal she will be his business date if he will be her fake date to her grandparents anniversary celebration.
Despite her acquittal, a dark cloud seemed to follow Lizzie for the rest of her days. The curse of Lizzie Borden became apparent when tragedy struck those close to her. Her sister, Emma, who had a strained relationship with Lizzie, cut ties with her after the trial.
Review: Sweetwater & the Witch
I received this book for free from Netgalley in order to prepare an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Sweetwater & the Witch (Ghost Hunters, #15) by Jayne Castle
Series: Ghost Hunters #15
Published by Berkley on September 20, 2022
Genres: Paranormal, Futuristic
Pages: 304
Goodreads
FINAL DECISION: Fun, filled with action and romance, I loved Ravenna and Ethan’s story. I especially like that this book draws from so many other books in the Harmony and Arcane series. Makes me want to read a whole bunch of them again.
THE STORY: Ravenna Chastain becomes a matchmaker when she is almost killed by a cult while doing an investigation. But matchmaking has its own troubles. Ravenna’s major problem is Ethan Sweetwater, who Ravenna can’t match even after nine failed dates. When Ravenna tries to get rid of Ethan, he threatens to cause problems unless she accompanies him to a business event. In exchange, he will accompany her to a family function where she needs a date. In the process, there are failed dates that appear obsessed with stalking Ravenna and goons who come to attack Ethan. As Ravenna and Ethan investigate, they also grow closer.
OPINION: I think the Harmony books are my favorite of Krentz/Castle/Quick these days. There is such humor in them, and combined with the action and the surprise of the various talents that the characters possess, I always look forward to reading them. Plus, there are the dust bunnies, who are just hilarious.
Ravenna is in danger, but she isn’t a damsel in distress. Instead, she is perfectly capable of taking care of her own problems. But I liked that she was willing to ask for help. She is competent and able to remake herself when something goes wrong. That is something that many of Castle’s heroines have in common on Harmony. They often have faced losses that require them to reconfigure their lives — to reinvent themselves. I’ve always admired that quality in her heroines.
Ethan is a bit less successful as a character, although I really liked his focus on Ravenna and his determination to do whatever he needs to do to prove there is something special between them. He is thoughtful and yet also manages to focus on solving problems — in this case the danger that seems to surround both him and Ravenna.
I thought that the mystery/suspense in the story was well constructed with plenty of twists and turns to keep the action moving. But I read these books for the connection between the characters; this one does not disappoint. Ethan and Ravenna have some witty banter between them. Dialogue is one of the author’s strengths. Often the book seems to call back to the clever banter of the 1940s movies — but with a paranormal twist.
Fans will not be disappointed because this book fits nicely in the series with some fun twists.
WORTH MENTIONING: I loved that this book intensely focused on the mythology of previous Harmony/Ghost Hunter books and even the Arcane books. However, I wonder if new readers are confused by the villain’s motivations.
CONNECTED BOOKS: SWEETWATER & THE WITCH is the fifteenth book in the Harmony/Ghost Hunters series. It is also connected with the Arcane series. The following books are noted at the end as being connected: GUILD BOSS (Castle), OBSIDIAN PREY (Castle), and ALL THE COLORS OF THE NIGHT (Krentz).
STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.
NOTE: I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley which I used to prepare this review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.
NOTE: I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley which I used to prepare this review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.
Emma lived her life in isolation until her death in 1927. Some believe that the curse of Lizzie Borden caused the fracture in their relationship and the subsequent estrangement. Lizzie Borden's curse also seemed to affect those who lived in her former home. After the murders, the house became a source of speculation and intrigue, with rumors of paranormal activity and hauntings. Owners of the house reported strange occurrences and unexplained phenomena. The house has since become a popular destination for ghost hunters and tourists alike, further perpetuating the curse of Lizzie Borden. The curse continued to haunt Lizzie even after her death in 1927. Many believe that her gravesite is cursed, with reports of strange occurrences and eerie phenomena. Visitors to her gravesite have reported feelings of unease and an overwhelming sense of dread. Some claim to have seen Lizzie's ghost wandering the cemetery grounds, perpetuating the belief in the curse. The curse of Lizzie Borden has become a part of American folklore, with countless books, movies, and documentaries delving into the mysterious circumstances surrounding the murders and the subsequent curse. Whether one believes in the supernatural or not, the story of Lizzie Borden and the alleged curse that followed her serves as a chilling reminder of the power of human fascination with the macabre and the enduring impact of dark historical events. In conclusion, the curse of Lizzie Borden continues to captivate and mystify both believers and skeptics alike. While the truth behind the alleged curse may never be known, the story of Lizzie Borden and the dark cloud that seemed to follow her serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the power of tragedy and the human fascination with the unknown..
Reviews for "Lizzie Borden and the Axe that Haunts the Nation's Imagination"
1. John - 2 stars
"The Curse of Lizzie Borden was a disappointing film that failed to live up to its potential. The acting felt forced and lacking in chemistry, and the plot was predictable and cliché. The attempt at creating suspense fell flat, as the jump scares were poorly executed and failed to elicit any real fear in the audience. Overall, it was a forgettable horror film that left me feeling unsatisfied."
2. Sarah - 1 star
"I don't understand the hype around The Curse of Lizzie Borden. The story was poorly developed, with no real depth or originality. The characters were unlikable and their actions often felt unrealistic. The pacing was slow and it took too long for anything remotely interesting to happen. Additionally, the special effects were subpar and didn't add anything to the overall viewing experience. Save your time and money, this one's a dud."
3. Michelle - 2 stars
"I had high hopes for The Curse of Lizzie Borden, but unfortunately, it fell short. The plot had potential, but the execution was poor. The film relied too heavily on jump scares and failed to build any genuine suspense. The acting was wooden and unconvincing, making it difficult to invest in the characters' fates. The ending was also predictable and offered no real surprises. Overall, it was a mediocre horror film that failed to leave a lasting impression."
4. Michael - 2.5 stars
"The Curse of Lizzie Borden tried to be a chilling and atmospheric horror film, but ultimately missed the mark. The pacing was inconsistent, with long periods of nothing happening followed by rushed and confusing plot developments. The scares felt cheap and relied heavily on loud noises and sudden movements, rather than genuine tension. The characters were poorly written and lacked depth, making it hard to empathize with their struggles. While the film had potential, it ultimately failed to deliver a truly terrifying experience."