just bought; will decide to keep/let go after I've finished.

like a 7.5 - 7.75

Sadly, I figured this out WAY early so when I finished it, it didn't have that oomphy impact that I thought it would. I hate when that happens! But it did entertain me while I'm just laying around here under the weather, so it was worth the price.

basic synopsis
At the beginning of the story, Frank Balenger is hovering outside of a motel room before meeting the rest of his group of companions for the evening. There are 4 other people: Rick, Cora, Vinnie and Professor Conklin. Conklin has allowed Frank to come with the group on one of their explorations. These people are known as "creepers," and they go into long-abandoned buildings and poke around to explore. They never vandalize, they never steal -- the curiousity factor about the past is what drives them. Tonight's target: The Paragon Hotel, Asbury Park NJ. It is about to be torn down and the Professor is taking the group there.

Of course, if that's all there was to it, it wouldn't be labeled as a thriller, right? Of course not! The group makes its way into the hotel under what can best be described as creepy conditions at best -- tunnels filled with rats, etc., then finally reach their destination -- the Paragon. As they begin to explore, things start to go wrong almost immediately, especially when they realize after a while that they are not alone.

There are so many twists and turns in this book that it reminded me of what my mom used to say about those weekly cliffhangers at the movies when she was a kid. Just when it seems things can't worse, they do. So it was kind of fun just laying here reading trying to figure out what the hell these people were going to do at each step.

I can't really say more, or I'll give it away; this is an okay book for spending a few hours with and fun to read.

going to my good friend spikesmom!

Well, THAT wasn't a glowing review! We'll see what I think when it's my turn, I suppose.

Thanks, Quinnsmom, for yet another wish list fulfillment! Hope you're safe from the fires; I'm thinking about you.

I'm reading this right now because I've promised it to Buffyfan. More in a few days.

Fast read. Not terribly well written in spots (how many times can we hear the issues with saving ammunition?) but wonderfully imagined and the atmosphere rocks. Things aren't what they seem and we never get an answer about the white cat, but that's okay. What unfolds comes out of left field and is sick and creepy as hell.

Great read. Thanks, quinnsmom! This was worth the time. It's headed to Buffyfan next, as soon as I get an address. Enjoy!

This just came from Westofmars and I can't wait to read it. Thanks for the trade :O)