Kristina A. reviewed on 7/21/2017 + 1528 more book reviews

The House of Memory by Carolyn Haines is the second book in The Pluto's Snitch series. Raissa James and Reginald Proctor are traveling toward Montgomery on a steamship for their latest case. Raissa and Reginald are partners in the Pluto's Snitch PI Agency that specializes in the occult. Zelda Sayre (aka Mrs. F. Scott Fitzgerald) needs their help with her friend, Camilla Granger. Camilla is engaged to marry David Simpson. David was showing Camilla their new home when she became violent and attacked with him a knife. Camilla has no memory of the event. After a second incident, Camilla agreed to be admitted to Bryce Hospital. Camilla's overbearing mother, Maude Granger will soon take drastic measures if Camilla's situation is not rectified. While staying in Montgomery, Raissa hears about the rash of young women who have gone missing in the area and later are found deceasedâand the deceased want Raissa's help! What caused Camilla to attack her fiancé and who is hurting these young women? Tag along on Raissa and Reginald's latest case in The House of Memory.

When I started reading The House of Memory, I was drawn into the story. After a while, though, my interest started to wane. The pace of the novel slackened and the numerous details bog down the story. An irritation (to me) is the constant repetition of information. The details of the cases are repeated over and over (it is odd, though, that we are never told what year it is). There are some good ideas present, but I just felt it needed some work (nothing a little rewriting and a good editor couldn't fix). My rating for The House of Memory is 3 out of 5 stars. The mystery of the missing girls was straightforward and identifying the culprit was a snap. I did appreciate the mystery behind Camilla's odd behavior. I do wish the author would have Raissa embrace her gift (and learn more about it). It feels like she is flirting with the paranormal, but is not sure if she wants to make a commitment. The House of Memory is the second book in the series, but it can be read alone. The author rehashes what occurred in The Book of Beloved. At the end of The House of Memory, we are given a glimpse at Raissa and Reginald's next case.

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