Several weeks ago, I posted about the Marfa Lights, a mysterious phenomon that happens in far west Texas. But there are also similar occurrences in other parts of the country, often called Will O’ The Wisp.
C. S. Boyack’s book by the same title transports you back to the 1970s – a time when life was simpler. The main character, Patty Hall, becomes convinced her family is cursed and sets about trying to break it.
Blurb:
There is something evil up Bergamot Holler, and it’s been targeting the Hall family for generations.
Patty Hall is fifteen years old. She loves stargazing, science fiction, and all things related to space exploration. This leaves her perfectly prepared for the wrong problem.
Patty is afraid her mother will send her to a care facility if she tells her what she’s seen. If she doesn’t figure things out soon, she’s going to join her father in the Hall family cemetery plot.
Patty has to come to grips with her own physical handicap, survive the wilderness, and face an ancient evil all alone if she’s going to survive.
Will O’ the Wisp is suitable for young adults. It involves strong elements of suspense, and is set in the mid 1970s.
My 5-Star Review:
Having grown up in the 1970s, I was drawn to this book. It’s the story of Patty Hall, a teenage girl who enters her freshman year of high school. Patty feels somewhat of an outcast because she had to wear leg braces. However, her two friends, Laura and Pete, are always there for her.
The story begins with the three of them going to a ridge near Patty’s home and seeing a mysterious light. Strange events start happening, and Patty soon learns about a centuries-old curse.
There is an element of suspense throughout the story that kept me wanting to read more. Boyack did an excellent job at writing this coming-of-age story from the perspective of a teenage girl. It’s written in first person, which usually isn’t my preference to read, but he did a remarkable job at holding my interest.
If you’d enjoy being transported back to the 1970s, like a little mystery and elements of supernatural, this book is for you.
A note about ratings. I consider three stars and above as positive reviews. I reserve five stars for books that keep me turning the pages and that I would read again. (Yes, I’ve been known to do that.)
5 Stars: Awesome story! Couldn’t put it down – Highly recommend.
4 Stars: The book kept me interested – Check it out.
3 Stars: It was okay. Not my favorite, but I didn’t dislike it enough to discontinue.
2 Stars: Book didn’t hold my interest, problems with the plot, characters, poor writing, etc.
1 Star: Don’t bother!
41 Responses
Great book review, Joan. I can’t remember if I’ve read this or not, lol. I’ll have to look back and see. I do love Craig’s books. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I really enjoyed this one, especially since it was set in the 1970s. Brought back some memories.
Thanks for your kind comments, Harmony.
Congratulations, Craig, on the great review! Thank you for sharing your thoughts in a well-written review, Joan.
Thanks for stopping by, Mark. I really enjoyed this book – one of Craig’s earlier works.
Thank you, Mark.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful review. Wisp holds a special place for me, and it’s timely for the Halloween season.
It certainly is timely for Halloween. Thanks fir taking me back to the seventies!
I had so much fun weaving those elements into the story. Glad you enjoyed them.
Reblogged this on Entertaining Stories and commented:
While you’re shopping for some fun Halloween reading, you might want to check out Will O’ the Wisp. One of my older titles gets some love over at Joan Hall’s place today.
Thanks for reblogging, Craig. Hope you get some new sales from this. 🙂
Thanks, Joan. I never expected this post, but it’s very timely for the season. Glad you enjoyed it.
I intended to mention it, but time got away from me. It fit perfectly for the month of Halloween!
Great review! It does sound like a page-turner and I always love a good page-turner especially one that has mystery and SFF elements 🙂
Then you would like this one. Thanks for stopping by, Theresa.
You’ll have to let me know what you think if you take a chance on it. Thanks for commenting here.
I definitely will!
I really enjoyed this book, especially all the 1970s references (like Quisp cereal).
Loved the suspense, too. And I’m drawn to anything with an element of folklore. Will o’ wisps have fascinated me since I was a child.
An excellent book by Craig. Nice share, Joan!
I had a lot of fun weaving those 70s elements into the story. I think I did justice to the decade.
Absolutely!
Some things I had forgotten about. Quisp being one of them!
Enjoyed this review. I like books that pit kids against big foes. Made me think of a vampire movie I watched years ago where three boys teamed up to save their mother from the vampire next door. Can’t think of its name now, but it was so much fun.
You might like this one, with those qualifications. I really tried to ramp up my suspense skills for Wisp.
I think you’d like this book. The movie you described sounds great!
Wonderful review, Joan! I also read this book and loved the friendships between the characters.
Thank you for saying so here, Teri.
Yes, those friendships were great.
I absolutely loved Will O’ the Wisp. It was nice to revisit the 70s, but more importantly, it was a fabulous story.
Thank you, Staci. Means a lot to me.
I agree on both counts!
A lovely review of this book, Joan. My son, Greg, and I both read and enjoyed this one.
I knew you did, but I’m glad to know Greg enjoyed it, too. Thanks.
It’s a good one!
Great review, Joan. I have this on my TBR list and will have to move it up.
Thank you. I hope the story entertains.
I think you’ll enjoy it. It’s perfect for this time of the year.
What a wonderful review of Craig’s book!! And it is timely with the season. I have this on my Kindle, I think. 🙂
It’s a perfect read for this time of year!
It does make a nice seasonal story. Thanks, Jan.
What a great review, Joan! This one is on my TBR list 😀
It’s a great book! Perfect for this time of year.