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[Following is a volunteer review of "Hattie Vavaseur" by M. Rebecca Wildsmith.]

What if there is life after death? Can one easily envision how it works out? Is the afterlife a situation that relates to the current one, but encompasses supernatural elements? Hattie-Vavaseur by M. Rebecca Wildsmith depicts this intriguing storyline and so much more.

The story begins with Hattie waiting for the chauffeur, named Bertram, to come to pick her up after a funeral she attended. However, she has no recollection of whose funeral, or of much. Old Hattie has memory loss but is too proud to ask for assistance. Her destination is a mansion she finds a monstrosity. The room allocated to her revolts her senses being pink in color. She also meets an irritating man referred to reverently as the master. His disposition alternates between anger and despair. Hattie is introduced to Vamelda, a psychic, due to a prearranged visit, or so she is informed. Furious, she fights against consultations with the medium. Who do they think they are to impose upon her so? However, all resentment evaporates when she compels a meeting with the master. He is unrelentingly angry with her for intruding into his private space. Yet it is the demeanor of stark pain and near madness in the master's face that sets off an alarm in her mind. Suddenly, she realizes the need to regain her memory and seek answers to the questions regarding her life or die trying. It dawns upon her that only the annoying sweet name-calling medium can help her. The story takes a different turn and pace then. Read and find riveting and explosive answers and experiences.

The questions vary. Who is Hattie? How significant is the color pink in her life? Who is the master? Why is she distressed by the thought of the master suffering? Is she dead or alive? How come everything around her is somewhat familiar?

I like the intriguing storyline. Well, mostly the creative imagination. There is mystery upon mystery and peculiar circumstances. This supernatural murder mystery is different and well-illustrated. Everyone regains their youthfulness once they accept their fate. The story is set around the Regency era and is rife with the language and issues associated with that period in time. The romance revolves around some dead and between the dead and some living. Witness interesting happenings and attempted murder. Who must unravel the mystery? Will it be new-found friends or foes?

Wildsmith weaves a curiously weirdly unpredictable mystic tale. Her words sound provocative. Is the dramatic and volatile first meeting between Hattie and Valmeda a good example? Her depictions of the characters are masterful. Hattie’s misty spider-web of thoughts and her frustration are evident. Valmeda exudes flamboyance and is boisterous. With her orbs and “spiritual items”, she sounds crazier than most. Mr. Carrington’s description and later actions are unexpected. As for the seductress, she is unbelievable! Why would an attractive, wealthy, powerful, and alluring woman be so evil? Some characters are awkward; some are clever with excellent aim. What gives? That is the beauty of this book. It is humorous and hilarious, with some decidedly crafty characters. What can one make of Gerald and Trixie? The medium likes acting up but still manages to control the situation. Misconceptions, myths, and illusions abound. What happened to the mirrors and clocks in the house? Hattie recollects her unfeeling guardians and hopes they got trapped. Everyone has something to hide. Is there a serial killer or killers on the prowl? The activities leading up to the end are brilliant. Nevertheless, to some, it may appear like a series of events.

What I found difficult to comprehend is the discussion about fate after death. What happens? Hattie wonders whether she is in heaven or hades, and what Providence has in store for her. Does reincarnation or resurrection exist? Although this is a work of fiction, it can easily provoke many questions. Religious and other beliefs seem irreverent. It implies a similar existence on another plane. I appreciate Hattie's ruminations at her funeral. I mean, mourners were twofold, the genuine and the pretenders. However, some people may not be happy to read about dead people going about living. Fortunately, this is an imaginative book. From a rollercoaster of friendly ghosts and unfriendly ones, including bizarre actions, there is nothing I found to dislike. Moreover, the superstitions make it relatable.

The book is exceptionally well-edited. I did not find any errors. There are some mild profanities and mild violence. I rate the book 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend this book to those who love criminal drama, paranormal thrillers, romance and historical stories. Some philosophers may like this. For the curious, delve in. I do not recommend it to people sensitive to the mystic and ghostly.

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Hattie Vavaseur
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Although this is a work of fiction, it can easily provoke many questions. Religious and other beliefs seem irreverent. It implies a similar existence on another plane.

Thank you Ruth Frances A, I'm so impressed that you could explain the many issues this book contains. I could sense the challenge to logical expectations that it presents to the reader and the curious possibilities it raises.
The characters sound intriguing and it's good to know there is humour amid the suspense and mystery.

I like how intriguing the storyline is. Thanks for pointing this out in a great review.

I have read many reviews of this book, but this is the first one that brought out turning to the afterlife. It makes sense, though.I never really thought about Hattie’s experiences in this way.

I enjoyed your review and the writing style of the author. I look forward to reading the book. Welldone!!!

I read this book also, and I really enjoyed it. As you said, there is a lot going on in the story, and the author did a marvelous job of presenting it as well as she did. Personally, I didn't mention the afterlife because I feared that might be considered a spoiler. Anyway, thanks for an interesting and well-written review!

Prisallen wrote: ↑02 Jul 2022, 08:42 I read this book also, and I enjoyed it. As you said, on in the story, and the author did a marvelous job of presenting it as well as she did. Personally, I didn't mention the afterlife because I feared that might be considered a spoiler. Anyway, thanks for an interesting and well-written review!

Thank you. Yes, the afterlife was tricky. I too felt it could be a spoiler but I did a litmus test on myself. I asked, how would I react if I found out the characters are mostly in the afterlife? Cheated? Tricked? That is when I mentioned it. The beginning is utterly both awesome and confusing. The story improves later to become quite a thriller. I am glad you made that comment. Thank you for your thoughts here.

It's a really great book and I enjoyed it very much Hattie was my favorite character. I too found all the questions it raises quite interesting. Thank you for a great review!