Although the premise isn't extremely original, Mr. James manages to infuse his story with enough twists, turns and chills to give it a fresh feel. He makes you care about his characters, so much so that I need to read the second book in the series. Not only to find out what happens, but because I enjoyed spending time with these people. Good job, Mr. James! ( )

"Cades Cove: The Curse of Allie Mae" is a ghost story written in current times with bits of history, tradition, and ancestry thrown in.

David and Miriam Hobbs venture to a secret place in Cades Cove that is reportedly the 1800’s version of Lover’s Lane. They see hearts and names carved on the old trees, and one of the names is Allie. Later they find an old treasure bag with Allie’s name embroidered on it. David takes the bag home to Denver and the ghost story begins. Allie turns out to be a hateful poltergeist that terrorizes David’s family. Of course you’ll keep reading to find out how they get rid of her and who she is. The family connection at the end between Allie and David is intriguing.

When the family can’t take any more of Allie’s deadly mischief, David takes Allie’s bag back to Cades Cove and enlists the help of a Cherokee Indian guide and his shaman daughter to get rid of Allie. After intense spells and a flashback to Allie’s gruesome death, the story ends, and all is well.

At that point, I would have given the book lots of stars for the good plot, but it doesn’t end there.The story apparently segues into a sequel.

If you like ghost stories, this one is for you! ( )

Although the premise isn't extremely original, Mr. James manages to infuse his story with enough twists, turns and chills to give it a fresh feel. He makes you care about his characters, so much so that I need to read the second book in the series. Not only to find out what happens, but because I enjoyed spending time with these people. Good job, Mr. James! ( )

Are you looking for a good read with chills and sounds that go bump in the night? Then Aiden James' Cades Cove is the book for you.

A couple head to the mountains near Gatlinburg, Tennessee to strengthen their marriage and bring a spark back to it. While in Cades Cove, they discover a pouch of trinkets and a partially written name on a tree. That night, noises are heard in the house. The odd happenings follow them home to Colorado where the noises turn into something much more dangerous. Now their lives are in danger as a murdered girl from years ago is out to get revenge.

First off, I do not like scary stories. I don't like horror. Why then did I read this book? I'll have to admit that it wasn't the cover, the description, or the title. It was the fact that I had read three other books by Aiden James that I just loved. That led me to Cades Cove which I had gotten during a free giveaway but that doesn't mean I'll read it. I can always delete a book. But being an Aiden James' book I just had to read it. Now saying that.....

This book kept me completely riveted. I had to finish it. I had to know what was happening and why. I couldn't read it at night as the first night I tried I had bad dreams that kept me up all night. I finished it the next day to avoid having to wait another day. Mr. James writes in a manner that captivates you and doesn't let you go. I felt like I was experiencing the ghostly encounters. Mr. James made it extremely real.

There is no gore in this book. It is not really bloody at all. There is blood but it generally just appears. There is violence and of course the terror of a dead witch. This is not a book for those that don't like to get scared. There are a couple of scenes that are explicit with language, but overall this was not throughout the whole book which I appreciate.

The plot is catching and doesn't let you go. It is written in a manner that never lets you take a breath. It never lets you rest. You are always on the guard to what the ghost will do next. I could easily see this as a movie.

Do you like scary stories? Do you like suspense? Do you like a book that keeps you until the end? Then this is the book for you. Trust me, you will enjoy it. Though the ending drove me nuts. I'm still debating the sequel.

Note: This book was purchased by me during a free giveaway online. ( )

Although the premise isn't extremely original, Mr. James manages to infuse his story with enough twists, turns and chills to give it a fresh feel. He makes you care about his characters, so much so that I need to read the second book in the series. Not only to find out what happens, but because I enjoyed spending time with these people. Good job, Mr. James! ( )