Vivian Q. (bellasgranny) -
Helpful Score: 9
What a mistake. I ordered this one on auto-pilot having loved Karen White's previous books. After it arrived, I kept reading reviews that called it a romance, a mystery, a ghost story, paranormal and a great read and put off reading it since I don't care for ghost stories or the paranormal genre. I tried reading it last night. Melanie Middleton, a real estate broker, inherits a crumbling old house in Charleston from a stranger. The first few chapters are filled with so much minute detail and boring decriptions that I kept dozing off. By the end of the fourth chapter I gave up, closed the book and posted it online. I did not find the characters, the setting nor the ghost the least bit interesting. I was just plain bored ... and disappointed. What a departure from her previous novels in which she took such great care with her characters and setting. This being the first in a new series, I guess I won't be reading any of Ms. White's books anytime soon.
Kim P. (sheltiesheba) reviewed The House on Tradd Street (Tradd Street, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
Great!! To decribe the macho-male character, Jack, White writes,
"He can throw a football,
He can bake a cake,
He can bring me roses,
And can make the bed shake."
I was laughing out loud! Too much fun!
"He can throw a football,
He can bake a cake,
He can bring me roses,
And can make the bed shake."
I was laughing out loud! Too much fun!
Kristin W. (lilpenguin) reviewed The House on Tradd Street (Tradd Street, Bk 1) on + 43 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
This is my first book by Karen White, I found it amusing and intersting to read. While the main charcter Melanie was a bit much with her "I hate everthing" attitude and Jack just needs to suck it up and kiss her already I had to read til the end to solve the ghost story. What I liked most about the book was it's hint of ghost and paranormal without going over board or letting it run the story. I'm not sure if I will read the other book tied to this one or not or any of her books at all; while I enjoyed this story for the most part I found it lacking in depth.
Carol K. (cadkirsh) reviewed The House on Tradd Street (Tradd Street, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
This book reminded me of a combination of a Dorthea Benton Frank and Pat Conroy novel. Good southern mystery that kept me turning the pages. It is not a campy ghost story, but ghosts do play a prominent role in the plot.
Helpful Score: 2
I always enjoy reading books about places I have been. This book was no different. I could picture this house in Charleston. It is full of intrigue ... spirits, codes, false and real love. I am looking forward to Bk 2.
Ron K. (WhidbeyIslander) -
Helpful Score: 2
Eh. Not that terrible, but not that great, either. Writing is pleasant, but the main character -- not so much. Mellie (I'd hate being called that, too) is pretty unpleasant to be around. She may have plenty of reason to be so abrasive, but still, I don't think I'll seek out her company again in the next book.
The story is nothing new if you've read a lot of these types of books.
The story is nothing new if you've read a lot of these types of books.
Anna H. (chinaanna) reviewed The House on Tradd Street (Tradd Street, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Captivating author,Karen White, brings alive the myths that make Charleston the enchanting city of Southern culture. I can hardly wait for the next book in this series,
Aimee P. (apete1977) reviewed The House on Tradd Street (Tradd Street, Bk 1) on + 48 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Karen White is one of my favorite authors. I adore her love stories set in South Carolina.
This was the first book in her mystery series and if I didn't already know her other works, I wouldn't be inclined to read any more of her books. Unfortunately I already bought the other two in this series, so I will be reading them, but I'm in no rush. A lot of the book was incredibly far-fetched and just plain dumb. There were some twists that I didn't see coming, however there were a lot of other really obvious clues and solutions.
White should really just stick to her love stories and leave the mysteries for other writers. Hopefully her mystery skills improved as the she wrote the series...
This was the first book in her mystery series and if I didn't already know her other works, I wouldn't be inclined to read any more of her books. Unfortunately I already bought the other two in this series, so I will be reading them, but I'm in no rush. A lot of the book was incredibly far-fetched and just plain dumb. There were some twists that I didn't see coming, however there were a lot of other really obvious clues and solutions.
White should really just stick to her love stories and leave the mysteries for other writers. Hopefully her mystery skills improved as the she wrote the series...
Helpful Score: 1
I knew I was going to like this book from page 1. Beautiful writing style and I loved the idea of the main character being able to see ghosts. I will definitely go on to the next book in the series.
Cathy C. (cathyskye) -
Helpful Score: 1
First Line: Pewter reflections of scarlet hibiscus colored the dirt-smudged windows of the old house, like happy memories of youth trapped inside the shell of an old man.
Realtor Melanie Middleton hates old houses. She also specializes in them in her business, which may make you raise an eyebrow. In an ironic twist of fate, Melanie meets an old man who dies days later and leaves her his historic Tradd Street home in Charleston. Melanie does everything in her power to avoid accepting the house, but she fails. Now she faces renovating and living in a wreck for several months, so it's a good thing that two men named Jack and Marc enter her life to take her mind off sawdust and electricians.
I absolutely loved the Charleston, South Carolina, setting of this book as well as the description and renovation of the old house Melanie inherited. Where the book fell flat for me was in the romantic leading men, Jack and Marc. It was all too easy to spot which was the charming rogue Melanie should fall for and which was The Bad Guy. It pains me to say that Melanie reacted to both in very predictable ways as well.
In the sense of place, having a fascinating house with a few resident ghosts, and an interesting central character, The House on Tradd Street was a winner for me. When it came to matters of the heart, it just didn't cut the mustard. However, if romantic suspense is your genre, this may be your perfect cup of tea.
Realtor Melanie Middleton hates old houses. She also specializes in them in her business, which may make you raise an eyebrow. In an ironic twist of fate, Melanie meets an old man who dies days later and leaves her his historic Tradd Street home in Charleston. Melanie does everything in her power to avoid accepting the house, but she fails. Now she faces renovating and living in a wreck for several months, so it's a good thing that two men named Jack and Marc enter her life to take her mind off sawdust and electricians.
I absolutely loved the Charleston, South Carolina, setting of this book as well as the description and renovation of the old house Melanie inherited. Where the book fell flat for me was in the romantic leading men, Jack and Marc. It was all too easy to spot which was the charming rogue Melanie should fall for and which was The Bad Guy. It pains me to say that Melanie reacted to both in very predictable ways as well.
In the sense of place, having a fascinating house with a few resident ghosts, and an interesting central character, The House on Tradd Street was a winner for me. When it came to matters of the heart, it just didn't cut the mustard. However, if romantic suspense is your genre, this may be your perfect cup of tea.
SALLY W. (thameslink) -
Helpful Score: 1
I recently read my first Karen White book, "The Lost Hours" and I found it so involving that I couldn't wait to read this book as well, and I was not disappointed in the least! Involving, suspenseful and eerie. Part mystery, part ghost story, part romantic suspense -- I thought it was an enjoyable read to curl up with, and I am anxious to read the next book, "The Girl on Legare Street."
Heather F. (AZmom875) -
Helpful Score: 1
I really liked this book. I also liked the main character, I could see her as she was flawed. She is highly organized and closed off, but what is to be expected of an adult child of an alcoholic. She was also abandoned by her mother at the age of 7, to raised by her alcoholic father. IF she was portrayed any other way, I would not have found it realistic or that she received great mental health services since her childhood.
The mystery was good, and multi layered. The romance was kinda cheesy sometimes, but nothing smutty or offensive. I want to read book two to see what happens next.
Give this book a chance.
The mystery was good, and multi layered. The romance was kinda cheesy sometimes, but nothing smutty or offensive. I want to read book two to see what happens next.
Give this book a chance.
Faith Ann D. (jerseygirl39) reviewed The House on Tradd Street (Tradd Street, Bk 1) on + 32 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Loved this book, can't wait for the next in the series. This was my first by Karen White but not my last.
Katie D. (katiems98) -
Helpful Score: 1
I thought this book was a perfect combination of suspense, romance, history (though some is likely slightly skewed), and mystery. The main character was hilarious and I found myself laughing out loud multiple times. I had heard little to nothing about this series, so went in a little skeptical. I could not believe how much I enjoyed it! This book deserves a little more publicity and credit. It was a great read.
Josephine M. (Josiejo) reviewed The House on Tradd Street (Tradd Street, Bk 1) on + 48 more book reviews
I enjoyed this book very much.
Pretty Good!
One of Karen's best efforts. If you are a fan, this book is a must read!
Andy T. (MayberryFlyBaby) -
Loved it! I think I've found my new favorite author
Pamela C. (pj-s-bookcorner) reviewed The House on Tradd Street (Tradd Street, Bk 1) on + 885 more book reviews
Set in the historic district of Charleston, SC, this is a look at the history of some of the old homes in the area. Melanie inherits a prize historical home from a near stranger and soon finds it's a money pit. But having read the letter from her benefactor, she becomes embroiled in solving the mystery of the home's former inhabitants and the ghosts left behind. Very good read!
Leslie E. (psuelder) reviewed The House on Tradd Street (Tradd Street, Bk 1) on + 110 more book reviews
Really good story. Love the characters. I wasn't sure that I would like a story about seeing dead people but I really did!
Great book
Practical-minded realtor Melanie Middleton hates to admit, even to herself, that she can see ghosts. An old man she met just days ago has died, leaving Melanie his historic Tradd Street home, complete with a housekeeper, a dog, and a family of ghosts anxious to tell her something. Enter Jack Trenholm, a writer obsessed with unsolved mysteries. He has reason to believe that diamonds that went missing from the Confederate treasury a century ago are hidden in Melanie's home. But Jack's search has caught the attention of a possibly malevolent ghostly presence.
Historical Fiction with Ghosts! Engrosing. This copy is signed by the author!
