Review of Hattie Vavaseur

[Prisallen]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Hattie Vavaseur" by M. Rebecca Wildsmith.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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When Hattie Vavaseur’s driver informed her that her taxi was ready for her journey, Hattie felt confused and couldn’t remember her destination. After arriving at a spooky-looking mansion that had seen better days, she didn’t know where she was, who the master of the house was, or why she was there. She also was having trouble recalling her past. Hattie, being an elderly female who was both wealthy and arrogant, didn’t want anyone to realize she couldn’t remember, afraid they would think less of her. Hence, she pretended everything was alright, hoping that something would jog her memory.

The day after her arrival, she was transported into town for an appointment with a quirky psychic named Vamelda. Hattie’s first impression of the woman was not a favorable one. However, when Vamelda volunteered to assist in finding answers about her memory problems, she decided to give her a chance. As they search for answers about her past, Hattie realizes there are other mysteries, some quite dangerous, that need clarification as well.

Hattie Vavaseur by M. Rebecca Wildsmith is a 261-page novel that takes one back to the 1920s in Cornwall, England. Although it is listed in the C/T/M/H genre, romance and paranormal aspects are also incorporated. The story is told from the third-person point of view, predominantly from Hattie’s perspective. The author’s prose is descriptive and mostly easy to understand. The reader may acquire a few new words while reading (which is not a bad thing) since the book imitates the language of the time. Ms. Wildsmith’s book displays a vivid imagination and provides numerous twists and turns with lots of action, suspense, and mystery. One of my favorite aspects of the novel was the incorporated humor, which had me chuckling from time to time. All of the pertinent questions are answered by the end of the novel.

There is an eclectic cast of characters, and their development is superb. Hattie is a snob at the beginning but evolves as the story goes along. The belligerent and mysterious “master of the house” also begins to change as the tale progresses. Vamelda, the psychic, is my favorite character. She can truly see the dead but admits to embellishing her act to give her clients what they expect. I thoroughly enjoyed her wacky sense of humor. If you add to this mix a murdered salesman’s ghost, Vamelda’s unusual niece, a beautiful seductress (who may be leading men to their deaths), and several additional ghosts, one has the makings of an intriguing story.

As there was nothing about this fascinating mystery that I disliked, Hattie Vavaseur achieves a rating of four out of four stars. It is enthusiastically recommended to readers who would enjoy a light mystery with paranormal and romantic features. No profanities or sex (other than kissing) are encountered in the story. However, sensitive readers need to be aware there are a couple of episodes of violence.

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Hattie Vavaseur
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[Josephe-Anne]

This story reminds me of the Miss Marple mysteries. I love the way you described all of the elements in the story! Vamelda sounds like a very interesting character, and I would love to see how things play out with Hattie and her memory problems.

Thank you for an excellent review!

[Elaine LaBonte]

What fun. I'm curious to see what happens. I want to spend an evening with Hattie. Thanks for reviewing it. You've just mentioned so many subplots it must go fast. It's going on my want to read shelf right away.

[Kanchan Bhil]

Your review is so great that I want to read this book now. Thank you for this amazing review!

[Heet suthar]

This story reminds me of the Miss Marple mysteries.

[Amy Luman]

Thanks for the great review! I’m really not surprised by Hattie’s reluctance to admit her shortcomings. I can’t wait to find out what happens.

[Alexaliyo9797]

This is why I have always maintained that when you become rich and wealthy, never look down on people because you never know who could be of help to you in nearest future. But then I like the fact that Hattie was able to calm down and allow vamelda to help her out of her situation.

[djoh_]

Ooh, this sounds like a fun read! I will be adding this one to my TBR. Thank you for the detailed review!

[Sou Hi]

Thanks for your wonderful review. This sounds like an interesting book with a mystery and paranormal theme. I wonder if Hattie's amnesia has anything to do with the supernatural forces.

[Prisallen]

This story reminds me of the Miss Marple mysteries. I love the way you described all of the elements in the story! Vamelda sounds like a very interesting character, and I would love to see how things play out with Hattie and her memory problems.

Thank you for an excellent review!

I hope you get a chance to read it. Thanks for the kind words!

[Prisallen]

What fun. I'm curious to see what happens. I want to spend an evening with Hattie. Thanks for reviewing it. You've just mentioned so many subplots it must go fast. It's going on my want to read shelf right away.

It starts off a little slow, but it picks up speed fairly fast. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Thanks for dropping by!

[Prisallen]

Your review is so great that I want to read this book now. Thank you for this amazing review!

Thank you for the kind words and for reading my review and commenting!

[Prisallen]

This story reminds me of the Miss Marple mysteries.

Although it may be a little reminiscent of them, it is a totally unique story that showcases the author's vivid imagination. Thanks for the comment!

[Uzo_Reviews]

Your review has created a kind of anticipation in me. I'd want to add this to my list. Thank you for an amazing review.

[Prisallen]

Thanks for the great review! I’m really not surprised by Hattie’s reluctance to admit her shortcomings. I can’t wait to find out what happens.

Enjoy the book! Thanks for reading my review and commenting!