Ghost in the Canteen by Jen Rasmussen
My Review: 5 of 5 Stars
This is a difficult review to write. How can I tell you how terrific Ghost in the Canteen is, without giving away anything of importance? Should be easy, but the trouble is, everything in this story is of importance. Nothing is a throw-away, and it all ties together so very nicely, I’m left floundering for something to say. (Alert the media! She has nothing to say!)
Okay, I do have a few things to say. First, Jen Rasmussen’s writing is first-rate. The story pulled me in immediately, and the characters were interesting and engaging, especially the snarky heroine, ghost hunter Lydia Trinket. Lydia’s been doing her job of sending recalcitrant spirits through to the Other Side for years. Or so she thinks. Turns out, Lydia has been somewhat misled about what she’s actually doing, and therein lies a tale. A really scary tale.
The canteen referred to in the title is a switchel ring–a clay container designed to slide over one’s arm to hold switchel, a very unusual drink you’ll learn more about when you read this book. Which I hope will be soon, because…did I mention?…it’s good. Lydia’s switchel ring is a portal through which ghosts can move on to their next stop. (Heaven or hell, presumably.) Or is it? Sometimes things are not what they seem. “A kiss is still a kiss, a sigh is just a sigh”…but a switchel ring might be more than a container for a cooling drink. And a portal…well, I think you should find out about that for yourself. Personally, I’ll never look at even a Thermos bottle the same way again. 😯
Along Lydia’s journey, you’ll meet all sorts of interesting and creepy…and downright terrifying…characters. I loved every single word of this book, and I suspect most of you will, as well. Go get it. But maybe leave all the lights on while you’re reading. And definitely be sure you’re not alone in the house.
I can’t wait for the next Lydia Trinket book, Peak of the Devil. (You gotta love the title.) And what are you waiting for? Click on the Buy Link below, and start reading Ghost in the Canteen today. You’ll be glad you did.
Ghost in the Canteen
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Reblogged this on The Write Stuff and commented:
Just put up my review of Jen’s book on my blog, Bookin’ It. PLEASE consider tweeting either the original post, or this reblog. Let’s get keep trying to get the word out for each other. THANKS!!
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Shared on Twitter. 🙂
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Thanks, Jenny, on behalf of Jen. I thoroughly enjoyed her book!
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Well, you make this book sound intriguing. I will definitely look it up!
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It’s excellent, Caitlin. But…did I mention?…plenty scary. Just sayin’……. 🙂 Personally, I think it’s one of the most unusual and best-written scary book I’ve read in some time. I mean, hello? Switchel rings! Who knew?
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I guess it depends on what kind of scary it is. Straight up suspense scary? Or the more emotional, creepy scary, which haunts you at odd moments?
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Yes. 😀 😀 😀
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