BOOK REVIEW: Decaf for the Dead by Sandy Lo

Decaf for the Dead
Sandy Lo

By: Nevra Azerkan
Rating: [The Breakdown]

First of all, I have to say I was excited that Sandy decided to write a story that centrally featured the supernatural. I have enjoyed reading her previous books Lost in You and Dream Catchers, both of which revolve around the entertainment industry, specifically musicians, so seeing her venture into a new story line was exciting to me as a fan of her work.

Like many authors, Sandy was inspired by her real life travels and barista background. Who knew so many coffee shops are actually haunted?

The premise begins with Patrick “Dilly” Dillon who is in despair after losing his wife in a car accident. He lives each day hoping that she’ll somehow reappear in his life. He visits the café where she used to work daily, drawing in his sketchbook while sipping coffee.  Problem is, he also has another mug of coffee that is left out just for her. Then enters Jocelyn, the new barista at the café. There’s something about her that catches his eye and he begins to feel guilty.

Now, I won’t lie, within the first few pages I had an idea of where the story was going, though I owe that to a certain 1999 movie thriller and my sleuthing skills. However, this did not ruin anything for the story, or me. In fact, it’s quite possible Ms. Lo wanted you to know this information as you’re reading along. After all, knowing information before a character finds out adds an extra thrill to the reading experience.

Yet, the real part of the story is the self-realizations and emotional development of the characters along the way. You really feel for the main character as he mourns. The writing easily has the reader drift off into their own world wondering, “What would I do if this happened to me?”

If you’re a fan of supernatural storytelling that is lighthearted and thought-provoking, this is the book for you. Just keep in mind there is a good cliffhanger, so you’ll be craving the next installment right away.

Decaf for the Dead is available now on Amazon. Also check out Sandy Lo’s official website here and find out which songs remind her of Decaf for the Dead on her Spotify playlist here.

BOOK REVIEW: Dream Catchers by Sandy Lo

Dream Catchers
Sandy Lo

by: Nevra Azerkan

Rating: [The Breakdown]

Dream Catchers is Sandy Lo’s second novel. Her debut novel, Lost In You was an engaging read and Dream Catchers follows suit. This is the kind of book you read and wish it was your own real-life story.

Dream Catchers is a coming of age story that follows Haley Foster, a sheltered twenty year old that comes from a wealthy family. As each day goes by she finds herself in the same routine, following what her parents expect of her and not really being able to explore what she wants to do with her life. The novel starts off with Haley getting ready to return home for the summer to intern at her father’s law firm. Both of her parents are lawyers and she’s well on becoming one herself. She decides to take the bus home instead of being chauffeured and manages to get stranded with the attractive, struggling musician type, but “has got to be bad news”, Jordan Walsh. He dares her to come to New York City with him to see how the other side lives. From the start these two clash, but without her wallet, cell phone and not wanting to get lectured by her parents she takes up Jordan on his offer. As they find their way to New York, she finds herself at a battle of the bands show, where Jordan turns out to be the lead singer of an up and coming rock band called Tortured. She is mesmerized by his stage presence and as the two start to get close, Haley begins to enjoy life and is torn on what to do after her two weeks of bliss come to an end.

BOOK REVIEW: Lost In You by Sandy Lo

Lost In You
Sandy Lo

By: Nevra Azerkan

Rating: [The Breakdown]

 

Boy bands: Most commonly comprised of 3-5 young and attractive guys who sing and dance about love and relationships. They were the obsession of many girls of my generation. I’m not going to lie, I was a fan. That is probably one of the main reasons I was interested in reading this novel. I wanted to see Sandy Lo’s take on this kind of story and I was quite impressed.

Lost In You is Sandy Lo’s debut into the writing world as far as novels go, but she also happens to be the President of Starshine Magazine, an online entertainment magazine with a focus on music. Her love of writing and music combined with having met some of the most prominent boy bands of our time led to Lost In You’s creation.