Review: Totally Engrossing Supernatural Novel
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 24, 2013
Review of Kingsley Woods by Joan Conning Afman5 starsA new gated upscale community located at the site of a former long-term forest, Kingsley Woods magnetizes many of the area's former residents to return and buy home sites there. One of those is Jaycee, who left after a bad experience in her twenties, and must cope with the memories of her early life, as well as with new bizarre events in the neighborhood, especially in the remaining wooded area. In a community which ought to be peaceful, neighbor-friendly, and relaxed, the tension is ratcheted up almost moment by moment, until surely something must break.I totally enjoyed this engrossing, excellent novel, which so readily suspended disbelief. As a reader, I felt more as if I was a witness, believing the odd events and sightings which occurred. Author Joan Conning Afman has a skillful wit and a deft hand with characterization; I came to know the populace of the novel as if I myself had known them for years. The paranormal or perhaps Supernatural elements work well as part of the ongoing plotting. Additionally, the author weaves in some past history, from Colonial times, and does so in such a way that it becomes another thread in the narrative. I especially appreciated the approach to history as referencing people, with their distinct emotions, drives, and fears, rather than as dry dates on a page.I applaud this novel, which I read in one sitting, totally oblivious to the world around me, and which I will definitely reread. I reviewed a complimentary e-book copy provided for my fair and impartial review.