{Book Review} Thirteen: Shani Struthers

Thirteen: Shani Struthers

Reviewed By Fiona  Dodwell

I have read a couple of titles previously from paranormal author Shani Struthers, and I loved them. Her writing is really vivid, engaging and she really pulls a punch on the creepy aspects of her stories. Just last week, I read another of her releases: Thirteen. I am happy to say I enjoyed it every bit as much as I hoped I would.

Thirteen is a novella that focuses on the main character, Ness, who is a psychic who investigates cases of hauntings, as well as helping the police on investigations (note: Ness is a character who stars in other novels by Struthers, however, Thirteen is written as a stand-alone).

The story takes place in Scotland, where a lighthouse has developed a local legend of being haunted. After a group of teenagers gather in the lighthouse to play the ghosts stories game “Thirteen”, strange things have been happening – and several of the teens have become severely affected. In comes Ness, asked to investigate the history of the building and to try to lay to rest whatever dark energies are stirring in the location.

Thirteen is a wonderfully written book, full of great characters, vivid descriptions of the rugged landscapes – and creepy scenes that truly unsettle. Struthers really has a way of making you feel like you are right there, amidst the creepy action, and her characters are very relatable and authentic.

I really enjoyed this novella by Struthers, and I highly recommend it. If you have never read her work before, this might be a fun starting point.

Thirteen

What happened all those years ago, in the dark? 

In 1977, Minch Point Lighthouse on Skye’s most westerly tip was suddenly abandoned by the keeper and his family – no reason ever found. In the decade that followed, it became a haunt for teenagers on the hunt for thrills. Playing Thirteen Ghost Stories, they’d light thirteen candles, blowing one out after every story told until only the darkness remained.

In 1987, following her success working on a case with Sussex Police, twenty-five year old psychic, Ness Patterson, is asked to investigate recent happenings at the lighthouse. Local teen, Ally Dunn, has suffered a breakdown following time spent there and is refusing to speak to anyone. Arriving at her destination on a stormy night, Ness gets a terrifying insight into what the girl experienced.

The case growing ever more sinister, Ness realises: some games should never be played

You can buy Thirteen from Amazon UK & Amazon US

Fiona Dodwell

Fiona Dodwell has been writing fiction for almost 10 years, with several horror/paranormal titles released under various publishers. Alongside this, she is a freelance writer for various websites and magazines. She has written features for Warner Music, Made In Shoreditch Magazine, Music-news.com and Tremr.

Fiona has studied Psychology, Film Studies, Theology and Health & Social Care.

Her biggest passion is reading dark fiction, as well as creating new stories of her own – the creepier the better!

To find out more about Fiona:

Twitter: @Angel_devil982

Books:  Amazon Store