Another Stab at Life

My very first sampling of gothic romance came in the form of "Another Stab at Life" by Anita Higman. This is the first book in the Volstead Manor Series from Heartsong Presents Mysteries. Bailey Walker discovers that the dilapidated mansion she's inherited from her granny Minna has a very colorful history. She falls for a guy her deceased grandma hired to watch out for her and deals with a handfull of oddball neighbors, all the while, trying to solve one mystery after another that she uncovers within her new home. The book is a real page turner and really keeps you guessing who or what is behind the treachery going on inside Volstead Manor. On the other hand, I still had some questions after the book ended. Perhaps those questions will be answered in book two, "Another Hour To Kill." I can't wait to read that one. The book was very interesting to me since it took place in Houston, Texas where I grew up. It also intrigued me that the book is loosely based on the Volstead Act of 1920, also known as "The National Prohibition Act." I loved the book and would recommend it to anyone who likes a good gothic mystery. I guarantee you will fall in love with the main character, Bailey Walker.

'Another Stab at Life' by Anita Higman Review by Shari Van Baale Who wouldn't love to inherit a mansion? But what if there were a lot more to the gift than that - some strings, of sorts, attached to it? That is what our main character is about to uncover when she moves from Oklahoma to Texas to investigate this unanticipated prize. The inheritance is from her dear Granny, whom the main character refers to as a 'sweet riot', and 'full of angel stuffings', a woman of great faith and love for her granddaughter. The 'monstrous' mansion, as it turns out, however, is pretty creepy, and in need of some major repair. And there is a man attached to it in some way (hmmm...). As the action rises, the main character embarks upon a very strange journey, wherein lie several opportunities of meeting either friend or foe. Granny also had a few very cool surprises in store for her granddaughter - if she chose to stay. There were several moments when I thought I had figured out various mysteries embedded within the story, only to find out that I was mistaken. This story is not only a great mystery, but also a story of how God can provide for us if we choose to trust Him, as was the case with our main character. It is an intriguing story of unforseen twists and sudden turns, but also one of hope for provision during our journeys as well. My only disappointment was that what seemed to me to be the major climax of the story occurred at the end of the book, and the story seemed to drop off very suddenly from there. I would, however, very much encourage anyone, mystery buff or not, to journey through the pages of this book. I'm sure all who take the time to 'wander' through this strange mansion will be glad that they took the trip. This author has previously written 19 other novels, and has a cyber book cafe at www.anitahigman.com, which she encourages readers to 'visit'.

'Another Stab at Life' by Anita Higman Review by Shari Van Baale Who wouldn't love to inherit a mansion? But what if there were a lot more to the gift than that - some strings, of sorts, attached to it? That is what our main character is about to uncover when she moves from Oklahoma to Texas to investigate this unanticipated prize. The inheritance is from her dear Granny, whom the main character refers to as a 'sweet riot', and 'full of angel stuffings', a woman of great faith and love for her granddaughter. The 'monstrous' mansion, as it turns out, however, is pretty creepy, and in need of some major repair. And there is a man attached to it in some way (hmmm...). As the action rises, the main character embarks upon a very strange journey, wherein lie several opportunities of meeting either friend or foe. Granny also had a few very cool surprises in store for her granddaughter - if she chose to stay. There were several moments when I thought I had figured out various mysteries embedded within the story, only to find out that I was mistaken. This story is not only a great mystery, but also a story of how God can provide for us if we choose to trust Him, as was the case with our main character. It is an intriguing story of unforseen twists and sudden turns, but also one of hope for provision during our journeys as well. My only disappointment was that what seemed to me to be the major climax of the story occurred at the end of the book, and the story seemed to drop off very suddenly from there. I would, however, very much encourage anyone, mystery buff or not, to journey through the pages of this book. I'm sure all who take the time to 'wander' through this strange mansion will be glad that they took the trip. This author has previously written 19 other novels, and has a cyber book cafe at [...], which she encourages readers to 'visit'.

Sometimes finding ourselves at the bottom is the only way we can climb to the top. Such is the case for Bailey Walker who has just lost everything--her family, her job, and her home. Her only recourse is to move into a dilapidated mansion with as dark a past as its interior, left to her by her eccentric grandmother. There is no time to waste in solving the string of mysteries that greet her like a welcome wagon. Who would want to frighten her away by leaving her the present of a dead cat? With sensitivity yet hilarious timing, Anita Higman has woven an endearing and engaging story sure to warm the heart of every cozy mystery fan, and even those who just like a good story.

Bailey Walker's grandmother, Minna, had a playful side. So it's no surprise when she leaves Bailey her rambling, rundown mansion, with a list of clues to the house's many secrets. One of the clues leads her to a hidden room with shelves filled with jars of moonshine, an ilegal liquor, plus three one gallon jars filled with a lot of money. Max Sumner, a neighbor also received a request from Minna--a commission to watch over Bailey until she finds herself a husband. Naturally this infuriates her, but she can't deny that something about Max is very intriguing. Someone is making a concentrated effort to drive Bailey from the house, and the situation is getting dangerous. Can she and Max solve the mystery before someone gets hurt? A quirky cozy mystery with an oddball cast of characters and a spooky mansion right out of everyone's nightmare. Fun all the way.