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Piercing the Veil
Bells are ringing for Jonathan and Camila as they plan their wedding but something is lurking in the alleyways of New York City. As the bodies of murdered women continue to appear, Maggie decides to turn her abilities toward hunting the killer, with the help of an unexpected ally. Meanwhile, Maggie's two lives collide in a way that threatens to destroy everything she has built leaving her to question how far she is willing to go to follow her dreams and keep the ones she loves safe?
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2024
About the author
Kalynn Applewhite
5 books52 followersKalynn is a work-at-home mom and lead creator/writer for Applewhite Games. She is a lifelong writer with a passion for exploring Feminist themes through fantasy. Kalynn lives in Ohio with her husband, two sons, and beloved cats.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 26, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As a visual reader Kalynn Applewhite was able to keep my attention and her writing style allowed me to visualize many scenes in the book. I loved the Jack the Ripper vibes mixed with 20th century spiritualism. Maggie has become a female Sherlock Holmes and I’m all for it. Maggie’s growth from the first book Awaking Anne is paced perfectly. The whodunnit plot was enjoyable. We are introduced to a few new characters who fit perfectly into the story. If you enjoy fantasy, murder mystery, and spiritualism this book and the first in the series Awaking Anne should be added to your TBR list immediately. I can’t wait to see what book 3 has in store for Maggie and her friends.
March 15, 2024
With Jack the Ripper vibes, a sprinkling of Gatsby, helpful spirits, and women’s rights all rolled into one, Maggie is back in the latest installment of the White Crow Series by Kalynn Applewhite. The story once again follows Maggie Ward as she solves mysteries by using her ability to communicate with the dead. Set in Upper East Side Manhattan during the early 1900s when spiritualism was popular and the women's suffrage movement was in full swing, Piercing the Veil tackles important feminist themes as well as taking the reader on a rollercoaster ride full of suspense and intrigue.
As Jonathan and Camila plan their wedding something sinister lurks in the shadows of New York City. When women start turning up dead, Maggie makes it her business to solve the mystery with the help of her psychic abilities. Hunting a killer turns out to be a bit more than she bargained for but with the help of a new ally, they just might find the murderer before her whole world comes crashing down.
I was so excited to have all the old characters back again in this novel. Since the characters are so relatable and their interactions with each other are so real, it was like meeting up with old friends. We are also introduced to Maggie and Jonathan’s parents in this novel, which proved to be rather interesting to say the least. Maggie’s character develops even more in this novel as she becomes more independent and more confident in her abilities. Her selflessness and determination make her a wonderful role model for all women. Maggie’s ability to stand her ground is very powerful and I can’t wait to see her strength develop in further novels.
The writing itself is easy and flawless, allowing the reader to sit back and enjoy. Mind you, I didn’t do much sitting back as I was on the edge of my seat for most of the novel. Applewhite has the ability to hold your interest throughout the entire story with multiple elements of danger and concern being thrown at you from all angles. Needless to say, there is never a dull moment when Maggie Ward is around. On top of all that, Applewhite gives the most amazing descriptions of the surroundings so that you feel transported directly into the story, seeing everything through the characters’ eyes and feeling their raw emotions.
Piercing the Veil was such a fun and exciting read, I could not put it down. Applewhite has done a stellar job at creating a new Sherlock Holmes/Nancy Drew type character and her choice of time periods for this delightful series couldn’t be more interesting. This novel is a true gem and I highly recommend you read it. You won’t be disappointed.
As Jonathan and Camila plan their wedding something sinister lurks in the shadows of New York City. When women start turning up dead, Maggie makes it her business to solve the mystery with the help of her psychic abilities. Hunting a killer turns out to be a bit more than she bargained for but with the help of a new ally, they just might find the murderer before her whole world comes crashing down.
I was so excited to have all the old characters back again in this novel. Since the characters are so relatable and their interactions with each other are so real, it was like meeting up with old friends. We are also introduced to Maggie and Jonathan’s parents in this novel, which proved to be rather interesting to say the least. Maggie’s character develops even more in this novel as she becomes more independent and more confident in her abilities. Her selflessness and determination make her a wonderful role model for all women. Maggie’s ability to stand her ground is very powerful and I can’t wait to see her strength develop in further novels.
The writing itself is easy and flawless, allowing the reader to sit back and enjoy. Mind you, I didn’t do much sitting back as I was on the edge of my seat for most of the novel. Applewhite has the ability to hold your interest throughout the entire story with multiple elements of danger and concern being thrown at you from all angles. Needless to say, there is never a dull moment when Maggie Ward is around. On top of all that, Applewhite gives the most amazing descriptions of the surroundings so that you feel transported directly into the story, seeing everything through the characters’ eyes and feeling their raw emotions.
Piercing the Veil was such a fun and exciting read, I could not put it down. Applewhite has done a stellar job at creating a new Sherlock Holmes/Nancy Drew type character and her choice of time periods for this delightful series couldn’t be more interesting. This novel is a true gem and I highly recommend you read it. You won’t be disappointed.
January 26, 2024
After loving book 1 in the series, Awakening Anne, I was overjoyed when I was given this Arc version of book 2:Piercing the Veil.
The FMC, Maggie, is a strong independent selfless character who would do anything for those she loves, even her 👻 clients 😉. I was so excited to see that we got to see more of Maggie’s Medium abilities in this book.
I felt like I had taken a step back to 1917 while reading this book. The details of the clothes, the streets of NY, the way women had to fight for their rights, the difference between social classes…all of it was so well written that I struggled to put it down.
This book is perfect for those who are looking for a mystery, a bada$$ grown up Nancy Drew, some romance, and of course some insight into the life of a medium!
Can’t wait for book 3 🤩
The FMC, Maggie, is a strong independent selfless character who would do anything for those she loves, even her 👻 clients 😉. I was so excited to see that we got to see more of Maggie’s Medium abilities in this book.
I felt like I had taken a step back to 1917 while reading this book. The details of the clothes, the streets of NY, the way women had to fight for their rights, the difference between social classes…all of it was so well written that I struggled to put it down.
This book is perfect for those who are looking for a mystery, a bada$$ grown up Nancy Drew, some romance, and of course some insight into the life of a medium!
Can’t wait for book 3 🤩
February 12, 2024
With a series like this, it can be easy to be inconsistent, not on purpose there are just a lot of details that don't necessarily need to go from book to book. That isn't the case with this one. I adored the first book and when I was gifted this ARC for book two, I fangirl squealed. Maggie is one of my favorite female sleuths, ever. She's had so much happen to her between the last book (book one) and this one and it's almost a relief that it was done in a way that didn't dismiss what she'd been through and yet still moved the plot and Maggie herself forward.
The Ripper-esque murderer was a favorite part of mine being a big Ripper fiction fan and the introduction of some new/different characters had me so excited.
Maggie is such a force and yet so real I love all her flaws and strengths and after THAT ending....I NEED book 3!
Thanks so much to the Author for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review! 4.5/5 HUGE cups of coffee from me!
Full Review on Blog: https://thecaffeinatedreader.com/2024...
Booke One Reviews: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://thecaffeinatedreader.com/2023...
The Ripper-esque murderer was a favorite part of mine being a big Ripper fiction fan and the introduction of some new/different characters had me so excited.
Maggie is such a force and yet so real I love all her flaws and strengths and after THAT ending....I NEED book 3!
Thanks so much to the Author for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review! 4.5/5 HUGE cups of coffee from me!
Full Review on Blog: https://thecaffeinatedreader.com/2024...
Booke One Reviews: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://thecaffeinatedreader.com/2023...
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February 11, 2024Maggie is back and she's hunting a new killer who is on a Ripper-style spree. On top of that, her bro & his fiancé are planning their upcoming wedding, Maggie is navigating her own problems, and her parents are doing everything they can to push her into a life she doesn't want. Take a step back in time to join this sleuthing medium as she navigates life in the early 1900s where times were much different. If you read Awakening Anne and loved it, buckle up for a fun ride with Piercing the Veil!
Things I loved: the inclusion of the women's suffrage movement, Maggie's independent boss-vibes personality, the supportive nature of her friends, the Nancy Drew x spirit world vibes, & the murdery rampage
4.5/5 - I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for Maggie's next adventure! Thank you for this ARC copy 😊
Things I loved: the inclusion of the women's suffrage movement, Maggie's independent boss-vibes personality, the supportive nature of her friends, the Nancy Drew x spirit world vibes, & the murdery rampage
4.5/5 - I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for Maggie's next adventure! Thank you for this ARC copy 😊
January 20, 2024
I think this was even better than Awakening Anne (which I absolutely loved!) It gave a feminist Sherlock Holmes vibe and I was here for it!! I loved seeing Maggie's development as a person and with her abilities! It was also great getting more about Camila and Jonathan! Harry was a great new addition as well!
And now I need a third book!
And now I need a third book!
February 19, 2024
I'm in absolute AWE of this book. I loved Awakening Anne, so I definitely knew I was going to love this book; I was just not prepared for HOW MUCH I would love this book!
Piercing The Veil perfectly blended humour, crime, paranormal and drama. I want to preface this by saying I really struggle to read historical based books. I usually stick to books either set it modern day or fantasy worlds. But Kalynn was able to keep my attention so well and I was able to visualise every little detail. I actually found myself enjoying the setting more than some of my go-to books 😂 I found myself Googling 1917 New York throughout multiple points in this book just to visualise things further.
I'm a character-driven reader as well and Maggie as a character absolutely holds my heart. She's progressive, feminine and just downright badass. I don't like Jonathan. I didn't like him in book 1 and I still don't like him in book 2, I find him absolutely insufferable. BUT, in Piercing the Veil, he has layers to his character which I loved so much and helped me understand why he is the way that he is. Camila is just so amazing as well. The addition of Harry was a welcome surprise as well.
The Jack-The-Ripper murder mystery was absolute peak. I loved it, I didn't see the ending coming and I'm so happy it ended how it did. I didn't think it was possible but Piercing the Veil was even better than Awakening Anne. I'm literally on the edge of my seat for book 3.
Thank you so much Kalynn for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Piercing The Veil perfectly blended humour, crime, paranormal and drama. I want to preface this by saying I really struggle to read historical based books. I usually stick to books either set it modern day or fantasy worlds. But Kalynn was able to keep my attention so well and I was able to visualise every little detail. I actually found myself enjoying the setting more than some of my go-to books 😂 I found myself Googling 1917 New York throughout multiple points in this book just to visualise things further.
I'm a character-driven reader as well and Maggie as a character absolutely holds my heart. She's progressive, feminine and just downright badass. I don't like Jonathan. I didn't like him in book 1 and I still don't like him in book 2, I find him absolutely insufferable. BUT, in Piercing the Veil, he has layers to his character which I loved so much and helped me understand why he is the way that he is. Camila is just so amazing as well. The addition of Harry was a welcome surprise as well.
The Jack-The-Ripper murder mystery was absolute peak. I loved it, I didn't see the ending coming and I'm so happy it ended how it did. I didn't think it was possible but Piercing the Veil was even better than Awakening Anne. I'm literally on the edge of my seat for book 3.
Thank you so much Kalynn for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
May 24, 2024
Maggie the Martyr, really annoyed me this book, making some really silly decisions and didn't do much growing as a person, though I have hope for the next installment.
I did however get some more insight with Jonathan and am coming around to liking him.
We finally meet the parents, and they explain so much about the bickering siblings.
The mystery of the Valentine Ripper is a fun one.
The new character Harry offers a bit of flavor to the ensemble, however Walter gets a bit lost here.
All in all a good fun read, though I did prefer the first one.
I did however get some more insight with Jonathan and am coming around to liking him.
We finally meet the parents, and they explain so much about the bickering siblings.
The mystery of the Valentine Ripper is a fun one.
The new character Harry offers a bit of flavor to the ensemble, however Walter gets a bit lost here.
All in all a good fun read, though I did prefer the first one.
March 24, 2024
It's 1 am and I've just finished this incredible book. WHAT A RIDE YOU GUYS!
Firstly and foremost, a big thank you to the author for gifting me an Advance Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Piercing the Veil, the second instalment in Kalynn Applewhite's White Crow Series is an absolute gem that shines brighter than its predecessor, Awakening Anne (and trust me, I adored Awakening Anne). At its core, Piercing the Veil delivers a thrilling mix of feminist Sherlock Holmes-style mystery with strong Jack the Ripper, Nancy Drew, and a hint of Scooby-Doo vibes!
But beyond the mystery, this book dives deep into themes like feminism and social justice, striking a chord with readers on a personal level. Maggie's unwavering determination and sheer badassery truly stole the show and made me love this sequel even more.
And let's talk about Maggie's character development— nothing short than wow! Seeing her blossom into her mediumistic talents was empowering to witness as she led us on a thrilling journey through the bustling streets of 1917 New York City, uncovering secrets hidden beneath the glitz and glamour.
In this sequel, Kalynn Applewhite expertly blends elements of spookiness, crime, family drama, and the paranormal, creating an immersive experience that keeps you hooked with every turn of the page. Plus, the author writing style is immaculate! It's warm and captivating, showing clear growth between the two books, which is fantastic to see!
While Maggie remains the star of this sequel, the supporting cast—both old faces and new ones like the lovely Harry—add depth and enjoyment to the story.
In short, Piercing the Veil is a compelling journey into a world of mystery and the supernatural, filled with characters you can't help but root for. Applewhite has truly crafted a sequel that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next adventure with Maggie and the gang! I'm so incredibly excited to see what's next in this series!
Don't forget to mark your calendars for the Kickstarter launch on April 9th. For more information, check out the author's Instagram @Applewhitewrites or her website at applewhitegames.com.
Firstly and foremost, a big thank you to the author for gifting me an Advance Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Piercing the Veil, the second instalment in Kalynn Applewhite's White Crow Series is an absolute gem that shines brighter than its predecessor, Awakening Anne (and trust me, I adored Awakening Anne). At its core, Piercing the Veil delivers a thrilling mix of feminist Sherlock Holmes-style mystery with strong Jack the Ripper, Nancy Drew, and a hint of Scooby-Doo vibes!
But beyond the mystery, this book dives deep into themes like feminism and social justice, striking a chord with readers on a personal level. Maggie's unwavering determination and sheer badassery truly stole the show and made me love this sequel even more.
And let's talk about Maggie's character development— nothing short than wow! Seeing her blossom into her mediumistic talents was empowering to witness as she led us on a thrilling journey through the bustling streets of 1917 New York City, uncovering secrets hidden beneath the glitz and glamour.
In this sequel, Kalynn Applewhite expertly blends elements of spookiness, crime, family drama, and the paranormal, creating an immersive experience that keeps you hooked with every turn of the page. Plus, the author writing style is immaculate! It's warm and captivating, showing clear growth between the two books, which is fantastic to see!
While Maggie remains the star of this sequel, the supporting cast—both old faces and new ones like the lovely Harry—add depth and enjoyment to the story.
In short, Piercing the Veil is a compelling journey into a world of mystery and the supernatural, filled with characters you can't help but root for. Applewhite has truly crafted a sequel that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next adventure with Maggie and the gang! I'm so incredibly excited to see what's next in this series!
Don't forget to mark your calendars for the Kickstarter launch on April 9th. For more information, check out the author's Instagram @Applewhitewrites or her website at applewhitegames.com.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews