Review: Captivating!  Bravo Alexie!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 6, 2014
Well, sadly I was unable to contain myself and, thus, finished this book far too quickly.  However, I comfort myself with the knowledge that I will read it again in a couple of days.  This fact a testament to just how good this book was because generally I don't usually reread a book until about a year later, more often than not actually longer, but clearly this book is worthy of an exception."The Middle House: Return to Cold creek Hollow" is one of the best books in the series.  This story had me on an emotional rollercoaster, from delight, apprehension, laughter, fear, sorrow, concern, joy, to vindication and back again.  It was a completely satisfying read with a captivating and, at times, down right riveting plot and a wonderful three-dimensional cast of characters.  The story also contains vile paranormal entities, fairly good ghosties, creatures of lore, action, adventure, creepiness, suspense, danger, viable interpersonal conflicts, and, of course, humor.  Although, this can be said of the entire series, but most appropriately in this instance, Alexie superbly composed a story with a perfect balance between dark and light.  The story wasn't so dark that one comes away almost feeling depressed or so Light that one comes away feeling the story was rather silly and inconsequential. (however, I must add that some of pranks and humor in this story are so funny that I ached from laughing so hard.  It just never gets old.)  It is also notable that in real life those in high risk professions frequently use humor/levity to lighted the psychological burdens that their professions press upon them.Ironically, a divinely sanctioned balance between light and dark are the basis of Father Santos'(a supporting character in the series)beliefs.  The decisive battles contained herein may not be presented on the scale as say LOTR, another all time, forever favorite,  but in the PEEPs world it is a long awaited and consequential one.  As with all battles there is loss and as things began to heat up I found myself frequently thinking and even mentally chanting, they had better not kill off Murphy, they better not kill off Mia, they had better not kill off Ted and I realized that I wasn't willing to lose anyone main or supportive character and especially not willing to lose Mia or Murphy or Ted, okay, there I go again!  LOL  Nevertheless, winning a war often requires the ultimate sacrifice and with war, more often than not, there is often loss and we the reader or we the observers are left to grieve.In this story, Alexies incorporates more Native American spiritual and supernatural folklore but she does so well and makes it easy for the unfamiliar reader to understand.Good job Alexie and I anxiously await the release of the next book in this marvelous serious!Overall, a delightful read and one that I highly recommend especially to readers who enjoy paranormal mysteries with humor that isn't overwhelming of the drama but rather complimentary to it. Buy it, Read it; Enjoy!!!