Perfect Nightmare by John Saul

Another totally and creepy novel by Mr. Saul. As I finished reading this, my heart was pounding and I actually have goosebumps. I never thought that a book would creep me out as much, but this one did. A solid A.



From Amazon:

If you open your house to strangers, who knows who might come in. And what they might be after. Or whom. Now, ponder the unthinkable and surrender to your darkest dread, as sinister storyteller extraordinaire John Saul weaves a heart-stopping tale of lurking terror and twisted intent.Every parent’s nightmare becomes reality for Kara Marshall when her daughter, Lindsay, vanishes from her bedroom during the night. The police suspect that the girl is just another moody teenage runaway, angry over leaving behind her school and friends because her family is moving. But Lindsay’s recent eerie claim–that someone invaded her room when the house was opened to prospective buyers–drives Kara to fear the worst: a nameless, faceless stalker has walked the halls of her home in search of more than a place to live.Patrick Shields recognizes Kara’s pain–and carries plenty of his own since he lost his wife and two children in a devastating house fire. But more than grief draws Patrick and Kara together. He, too, senses the hand of a malevolent stranger in this tragedy. And as more people go missing from houses up for sale, Patrick’s suspicion, like Kara’s, blooms into horrified certainty. Someone is trolling this peaceful community–undetected and undeterred–harvesting victims for a purpose no sane mind can fathom. Someone Kara and Patrick, alone and desperate, are determined to unmask. Someone who is even now watching, plotting, keeping a demented diary of unspeakable deeds . . . and waiting until the time is ripe for another fateful visit.



This was such a good book. Unfortunetly because of work, I wasn't able to read it as quickly as I would have liked to, but I stayed up late and then finished it today when I got home. His books are so well written, and I have to say are even creepier because the whole set-up for the abductions seems like it could happen in real life. Mr. Saul may become one of my new favorite authors of thrillers. I will also admit that I was totally thrown at the end of the book and did not expect the ending. That in itself was so creepy and I was astounded. I am so glad I got a couple more of his books from the library and that J. Kaye gave me so recommendations.

Up next is Sail by James Patterson. It is only a 7 day checkout, so I need to fit it in. I hope it is better than the last Patterson I read, You've Been Warned. Usually, I really enjoy his books so I hope this one is just as good. I got a new job today, though it is only 5 hours a week. It is working in a school district that hires new teachers pretty regularly so it will be a good foot in the door. I will be a math teacher for high school students who need additional help. We will be meeting for two days a week, and though it is only 5 hours a week, I will be making as much money as if I subbed for two days. I will only be able to sub a half of a day on those days, but if I don't get called it won't be a loss of money and will be a great opportunity to get in. I had to interview in front of three people, including two principals so I am really happy it went well and I was offered the position. I hope everyone is having a good week and Happy Reading!

Library Used Book Sale

I hit up one of our local library used book sales and while not one of the bigger ones, I still got a good haul. I picked up 8 books for myself, 2 books for teaching, a magazine, and six children's chapter books for my future classroom. All of this I got for $3.25! I couldn't believe my luck. All paperbacks were a quarter a piece or six for $1.00 and the same for the children's books. The magazine and teaching books cost a dime each. While I may not have picked up some of these books normally, I couldn't pass up the oppourtinity to find some new authors. For me, I got the following:

Murder Can Cool Off Your Affair by Selma Eichler
Double Exposure by Stephen Collins (yes, the guy from Seventh Heaven!)
Kill Me Again by Leslie Rule
Death in a Funhouse Mirror by Kate Flora
Cradle and All by Zachary Alan Fox
Death Splits a Hair by Nancy Bell
The Violet Hour by Richard Montanari
Mystic River by Dennis Lehane

Not too bad. I love going to these sales! Though I did feel kind of guilty because I so do not need anymore books to read, I really couldn't pass it up and the money does go to a good cause. No more new books until after Christmas, at least!

Finally!

Well, since Sunday night I have been fighting off a flu bug or some food poisioning or something as I spent most of Sunday night and Monday in bed or over the porcelin God. While I am not feeling 100% better, basically still real tired, I got some excellent news today!

While subbing today, the teacher I was filling in for was there just in meetings. She came in when I was teaching and was apparently impressed with my skills. She told me she thought I was wonderful and told the principal how wonderful I was and what great classroom management skills I had. That was great enough to carry me on... but then I got the mail!

At home waiting for me was a notice from school. I had been selected for a scholarship! I am so happy! While it won't cover all of my tution for student teaching, it will help out a bit. Plus I also got a scholarship through the State of Michigan, so I am real happy!

Plus, the Wings won the first round and now we wait for San Jose tomorrow. Though they are probably tougher than Dallas and we lost the series 1-2 during the regular series, I am not afraid. We will smoke them! Lets Go Red Wings!

Just wanted to spread the news!