Wednesday, December 7, 2011

On My Nightstand - The Chair by James L. Rubart


Corin Roscoe knows antiques, but when an elderly woman offers him a special chair, he's more than a little skeptical. Although she doesn't say it outright, she implies it was made by THE CARPENTER.

Since the price is right (free), he takes it. Upon close examination, Corin marvels at the workmanship and perfect dimensions. He puts it in the window, hoping someone might be drawn into his failing establishment.

A woman and her asthmatic son wander into the shop. While there, the child experiences an attack. Exhausted, the youngster sits in the chair and falls asleep. Soon afterward, Corin reads an account of how the child was healed. He embarks on a quest that involves all sorts of characters, some of whom could be described as "unsavory."

Everyone wants the chair. Will he unlock the secret of the chair and maybe find some answers for his tormented mind? Or is it all a hoax?

James Rubart once again comes up with a premise that is both unique and electrifying. He knows how to get the reader involved in the story. I zipped through the book in a couple of days. It's a good thing I had a long Thanksgiving weekend.

If you like slightly offbeat mysteries, Mr. R. will keep you on your toes. :)

Question for Writers: Do you like traditional mysteries or something with a supernatural twist? Why?

Question for Readers: Who is your favorite mystery author?


15 comments:

Loree Huebner said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Loree Huebner said...

Sorry, typo

I can read either traditional or supernatural. Sometimes I'm surprised by the supernatural if it's a good story or creative.

Chatty Crone said...

Just stopping by to say hello and wish you a Merry Christmas. . .

Karen Lange said...

This sounds interesting. I appreciate your thoughts on it. As far as mysteries go, I do like some of James Scott Bell's books.

Anonymous said...

I like traditional mysteries with a supernatural twist. I incorporate both into my writings. Angels and demons are as real as people, so why not have a clash of science meeting the supernatural?

Jessica Nelson said...

Oooh, that sounds sooo interesting. Mary Higgins Clark used to be my fave but I'm without a favorite right now. I def. want to ck Rubart out at some point.

Marja Verschoor-Meijers said...

I don't have one Susan. But thanks for the review of this book! Have a great week, enjoy!

bcole39 said...

The Chair was one of those "what next?" experiences as I read it. Didn't grasp fully what was happening until late in the book. Now reading "Rooms" by Rubart, and will be doing the small group study with our home group.

Jeanette Levellie said...

Oh, this sounds wonderful! I love the ones with a little twist, as long as it's not too wierd.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Loree - I like the element of surprise also.

Hi Chatty - Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Hi Karen - I've read one of Mr. Bell's novels and enjoyed it.

Hi Stephen - Good point.

Hi Jess - I suggest you read Rooms first. Wow! What a book!

Hi Marja - You're welcome.

Hi BCole - Ah, then you know what I mean. Rooms was great!

Hi Jen - I'm not into any of the occult stuff. I draw the line there.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Sarah Forgrave said...

I've heard great things about James's books. Great review, Susan!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Sarah -

They're all true. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Nancy said...

This is the type of story I would love and this kind of supernatural is the type I enjoy. Sounds so good.

JD said...

Hi, Susan:

I tend to prefer traditional mysteries. I think stories are more suspenseful (as well as creepier) when the events unfolding are truer to real life. I do agree with your follower, Loree, though--I can get into a supernatural mystery if the story is good enough, for sure.

Blessings to you and yours!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Janette -

Thanks for stopping by and commenting. It's always interesting to see what readers enjoy.

Blessings,
Susan :)