Official Review: Red Teddy Bear Candles by Margot Pickard

[Stephanie Elizabeth]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Red Teddy Bear Candles" by Margot Pickard.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Enduring the devastating effects of sexual and emotional abuse, Megan McCallum was robbed of any semblance of a normal childhood. Her mother was a vile individual who put men and drugs before the needs of her impressionable young daughter. After a series of traumatic experiences and the death of her mother, she goes to live with her aunt until her eighteenth birthday. Despite her past, Megan appears eerily unscathed, and that’s when things begin to unravel. From the darkest depths of Megan’s mind, a new woman emerges—Jessica. Jessica, who will love her and protect her, and never, ever, let her suffer the way she did when she was a child.

Dr. Fitzgerald wants to help Jessica; he believes with extensive therapy, the young woman will thrive. Jessica obliges, but not because she needs Dr. Fitzgerald’s professional help. She has something far more sinister in mind, and the doctor could be the perfect accessory to execute her plan.

Revenge is a funny thing.

When I first began reading Red Teddy Bear Candles by Margot Pickard, I was torn between whether I would be able to soldier through the book due to the disturbing scenes of child abuse. The book describes Megan’s tumultuous childhood with vivid descriptions that made me feel like I was in a nightmare that I couldn’t wake up from. I’m glad I persevered as the book quickly transitions into Megan’s adult life with the emergence of alter-ego, Jessica.

The majority of the book reads like a psychological thriller and is told in the third-person perspective following Jessica McCallum. Readers are transported into the troubled woman’s psyche, who has an aversion to authority and has a hunger for retribution. Despite her harrowing past, she is surprisingly motivated to lead a productive life. That is what she wants others to believe, but within the deep corners of her mind lies darkness and the sinister chatter of voices that she cannot quiet.

When perusing the list of books to review, it was the unique cover that caught my eye. The title and the ominous-looking picture of the teddy bear candle piqued my curiosity. The luminosity of the red on top of the black held my attention. It wasn’t until I finished reading the chilling novel that the connections between the cover and story became blindingly clear. I now have an aversion to anything that resembles a red teddy tear.

One of the things that really stood out to me while reading Red Teddy Bear Candles, was the author’s ability to create a believable scene. The descriptions often sent chills down my spine and simultaneously had me looking over my shoulder. Between the blueprint of the creepy mansion that Jessica resided in and the vacant look in her eyes, I felt my heartbeat race on numerous occasions. A particular description jumped out at me while immersed in my reading. Let me set the scene. There is an angry thunderstorm brewing, and Jessica is beginning to lose her grip on reality. The author wrote, “She quickly descended the stairs. Her ethereal nightgown making it appear as though she simply floated the entire way.” It had horror-vibe written all over it!

I was impressed by the quality of editing and the absence of errors in the text. With that being said, I am delighted to give the book four out of four stars. The author accomplished what she set out to do; to terrorize and disturb readers.

I want to warn sensitive readers not to read this book if graphic scenes of abuse trigger you. The imagery in the book paints a nefarious picture of Jessica’s horrifying childhood and is not suitable for young readers. The book contains offensive language, scenes of sexuality, and violence, which can make getting through certain pages an arduous task.

I would recommend Red Teddy Bear Candles to readers who are fans of psychological thrillers, especially ones that tackle illnesses such as PTSD. If you are looking for writing that will frighten you, look no further. Margot Pickard has penned a story that will keep you awake at night, pondering the noises that you hear and envisioning those creepy teddy bears.

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Red Teddy Bear Candles
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[Nzube Chizoba Okeke]

The entire story reeks of horror and not many persons can read this. However, I commend the author for being able to stir up chills. I wouldn't mind reading this as I don't shy away from horror but I'll pass. Thanks for the detailed review.

[Kachi_Ejiogu+_]

It's not necessarily an easy task to come out better after being a victim of child abuse. I must applaud the writer for keeping you glued to the book throughout. I think I'll pass, so I don't get emotional. Thank you for this excellent review.

[Maria Esposito]

The cover of this book also caught my interest. Thank you for your insightful review!

[hasincla]

Woah, this sounds like a book that delivers on horror which makes it pretty hard for me to read. Plus I don't want red teddy bears to haunt my nightmares, so I'll skip this one! Thank you for your honest review.

[Stephanie Elizabeth]

Woah, this sounds like a book that delivers on horror which makes it pretty hard for me to read. Plus I don't want red teddy bears to haunt my nightmares, so I'll skip this one! Thank you for your honest review.

Thanks!

[Stephanie Elizabeth]

The cover of this book also caught my interest. Thank you for your insightful review!

It's very eye-catching! Thanks for your comment.

[Stephanie Elizabeth]

The entire story reeks of horror and not many persons can read this. However, I commend the author for being able to stir up chills. I wouldn't mind reading this as I don't shy away from horror but I'll pass. Thanks for the detailed review.

Thanks for your comment.

[Stephanie Elizabeth]

It's not necessarily an easy task to come out better after being a victim of child abuse. I must applaud the writer for keeping you glued to the book throughout. I think I'll pass, so I don't get emotional. Thank you for this excellent review.

Thank you!

[Amberlily]

Indeed, the cover was eye catching as I saw it on the review list. I'm glad the book manages to tie in the reasoning behind the cover. Sounds like a pretty dark tale... but my curiosity is also pulling me. Since you gave it 4 stars I may give it a try. Great and honest review!

[Splendour0606]

I actually love horror, that was why I was actually drawn to the cover page of the book.what could be Jessica's agenda towards Dr.Fitzgerald’s help?. This could be a good read. Nice review

[unamilagra]

This book sounds a bit too intense for me personally, but it sounds like the author really has a mastery of her craft if she can make everything so realistic. Great review, as always!

[Adanna Inya]

Oh my God! What's Jessica up to? Abuse is better imagined than experienced. Adults who don't dig responsibility should never have kids. They end up scarring the child for life. Let me put this book in my shelves. It's a must read.

[NetMassimo]

A really tough thriller about the long-term consequences of terrible abuses suffered by the protagonist. Thank you for your fantastic review!

[Stephanie Elizabeth]

A really tough thriller about the long-term consequences of terrible abuses suffered by the protagonist. Thank you for your fantastic review!

Thank you