Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Delia's Shadow (Delia Martin #1) by Jaime Lee Moyer

Series: Delia Martin #1
336p.
Publisher: Tor
Available Now
Source: From publisher for review
A dark, romantic fantasy set against the backdrop of San Francisco devastated by the Great Quake 
It is the dawn of a new century in San Francisco and Delia Martin is a wealthy young woman whose life appears ideal. But a dark secret colors her life, for Delia’s most loyal companions are ghosts, as she has been gifted (or some would say cursed) with an ability to peer across to the other side. 
Since the great quake rocked her city in 1906, Delia has been haunted by an avalanche of the dead clamoring for her help. Delia flees to the other side of the continent, hoping to gain some peace. After several years in New York, Delia believes she is free…until one determined specter appears and she realizes that she must return to the City by the Bay in order to put this tortured soul to rest. 
It will not be easy, as the ghost is only one of the many victims of a serial killer who was never caught. A killer who after thirty years is killing again.

And who is now aware of Delia’s existence.
My thoughts:
 I would classify this book as a historical, ghost story, and serial killer murder mystery all wrapped up in one book. I think those who love those type of genres will enjoy how all come together in this story.

Oh and I can't forget one more genre that snuck in... there is a sweet love story thrown in that takes it's time to blossom. It isn't the main plot but it does seem to enhance our enjoyment of the main characters. I must also mention that the secondary characters were well done. You will end up rooting for them as much as the main characters.

The main event is the ghost story and how it integrates with the serial killer haunting San Francisco. Even though this is the main plot, it didn't overwhelm the rest of the story. Mostly it was about the characters and their involvement as the story unfolds. There is one twist in the story but it doesn't come off as a shock to the reader as much as it does to the characters because we weren't (as the characters weren't) privy to the information needed to achieve such a huge twist, but it works anyway because you become involved with the characters. The bigger twists are with the ghosts and who they were in life.

I give this book 4 stars. I really enjoyed my time in historical San Francisco and I'm also glad to see that this book is part of a series. It reads as a complete novel and really doesn't need more story to be told. However, since I did enjoy the characters so much I wouldn't want to miss the next installment in Delia's life.

30 comments:

  1. i don't read much horror or ghost stories but the occasional that come my way and i agree with what you say in your review...... and definitely looking forward to the next two planned in the series.

    great review

    do check out my review too if you have the time here

    Aparajita @Le' Grande Codex

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    1. I know, I really like these characters. Will check out your review!

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  2. I just love a good ghost story with great secondary characters and a slowly developed romance. Fortunately, I have this coming up for review soon so it's already in my schedule. Plus, that cover is so alluring.
    Lovely review.

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  3. Oh I really liked this one, it was a fun book and I really enjoyed the ideas and the period of the story.

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    1. Oh I enjoyed your review of this one and I liked the time period in the story as well.

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  4. A historical, ghost story, and serial killer murder mystery all wrapped up in one book? And a cover I love as well ..... sounds like my kind of read and perfect for Halloween. Thanks for the recommendation.

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  5. Ooh, I've seen this cover around but had no idea this was such a perfect October-themed read! It sounds right up my alley, so thanks for putting it on my radar, Melissa!(:

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    1. It really is a good read for this month. Would love to know what you think!

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  6. While I do like all those genres, it all depends on how they're woven together. I'm intrigued! Especially with the setting of historical San Fran.

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    1. It is pretty well woven together. I think you would enjoy this one.

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  7. Love the sound of this one. I was putting off reading this one until this month. Sounds like a great Halloween read!

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    1. Oh hope you enjoy it too. Can't wait to see what you think.

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  8. Thanks for sharing your great review! I don't read much adult ghost stories but I think this one is perfect for this month!

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  9. This sounds fun! And serial killer ghost stories are strangely popular . . . (Maureen Johnson's series, the Marie Antoinette book . . .)

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    1. I haven't read too many of them. Will have to check out those books. Thanks!

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  10. I got this one for review too Melissa and Cathy was nice enough to take it on. She really loved it as well, so I'm thinking maybe I need to read it when I get it back from her! Love the sound of the slow romance even if it's not the main focus:) Lovely review!

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    1. My mom is reading this one now and she is really enjoying it. Yes, you need to read it. :)

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  11. Yes, I do think you'd really enjoy this one. :D

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  12. I was trying to get this book for Something Wicked but the publisher's rep never got back to me. I still have my ARC and I will read it after Wicked wraps. I love historical paranormal!

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  13. I think I would enjoy this one too :D

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  14. *dances* Ok I skimmed your review, since I am reviewing this one and I am so excited.....cannot wait!

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  15. This sounds great! I've actually been curious about it since I started seeing it in peoples mailbox post and it really sounds like something I might enjoy a lot!

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  16. Oh, this looks wonderful. I hadn't heard of it before. I really like ghost stories and murder mysteries, so I think I'd love this. I like that it can stand-alone, even if it is a series.

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  17. Not what I was expecting. It sounds really good. I do love ghost stories and historical fiction. I'm iffy on the serial killers though. They have to be wrapped up nice and tidy in the book for me to be able to sleep at night. But you said works as a stand alone, so....I think I can sleep when I finish. Hate all those Halloween 99 and Jason 67 and I Know What You Did Last Year 215. LET THEM DIE!

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  18. San Francisco + serial killer myster + ghosts + romance? Oh yes, I'll be reading this one. That cover is so lovely too! I'm thrilled to hear this reads like a standalone despite being part of a series. Those are always my favorite kinds of series books. Great review!

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  19. O this sounds like something I will thoroughly enjoy myself. I love books with ghosts.

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