THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR Book Review

                                                       

Did you ever lose sight of your child? I did at my local mall. I was in the women’s clothing aisle, shifting through the assorted items. Bored, my four-year-old hovered around my legs, chattering away. Suddenly I noticed the silence.  I pivoted around. My son was gone. Panicked, I yelled his name. I moved around the racks, searching the aisles. My son was nowhere in sight. I asked a woman walking by if she had seen a red headed boy. No, she hadn’t. I was sure someone abducted him. I watched Unsolved Mysteries. America’s Most Wanted. The news. Rapid scenarios rushed through my mind. I panicked, yelling his name. Then a voice called, “Mom.” The voice sounded far away and yet so near. I moved towards a clothes rack, shoved the dresses aside and there he was, staring up at me with enormous eyes. He giggled, delighted by his prank. I was furious but relieved. I wanted to choke him (not really) but you get the idea. It took a while for my heart to return to its normal beat.

Such is life with a small child. By nature, they can be pranksters. Some more than others.

But what if your child was missing from his or her bedroom, an infant who couldn’t possibly get out of their crib? And, it’s your fault because you did something dumb. You left your baby home alone. And now the police think you might’ve killed your own child.

Marco and Anne Conti try to have the perfect life, the perfect home. Married, the couple have a beautiful baby, who they both adore. But Anne is suffering from the baby blues. Her hormones are a mess and she is emotional. Marco on the other hand is trying to hold their life together. His business has issues and it doesn’t help that his wealthy in-laws despise him. The childless couple next door offers the struggling couple a night out. So, the Conti’s leave their daughter home alone and bring along the baby monitor, taking turns checking on the sleeping baby. But then the baby disappears, and the parents become the prime suspects. Everyone is hiding secrets and the lies begin to unravel in a twisted display of self-servitude. 

And the search for the baby begins…

Want a terrific book for that summer read? THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR by Shari Lapena does not disappoint. I eagerly devoured this book looking for the end in sight. I was not disappointed by the climax. Great read for those who seek suspense and mystery.

Reviewed by Author Tamera Lawrence 

COLEBROOKDALE RAILROAD: EERIE TOUR REVIEW

In the bustle of our everyday lives, Boyertown residents might not realize the treasure we have right in the midst of our town – The Colebrookdale Railroad: Secret Valley Line 

COLEBROOKDALE RAILROAD: DINING CAR

Riding the Colebrookdale Railroad during the Eerie Limited tour was a special treat indeed. The dining car was beautifully decorated with the added touch of table lit lamps and floral décor. Overhead, the speakers came alive with the tale of the 1908 Rhodes Opera House Fire. This story touched upon the tragic night of January 13th when 171 men, women and children were horrifically killed in an accidental fire during the 2^nd floor stage play of The Scottish Reformation. A kerosene lamp had lit upon a stage curtain, spreading like wildfire. Exits weren’t properly marked. People panicked. Doors were blocked by the throng of people seeking escape, tragically trapping those inside. Approximately 400 people had attended the play. Also, in the realm of this vicious night, fireman John Graver was killed in another freak accident. 

Cozy tables with large viewing windows 

In 1908 Boyertown was a small town and in one sweeping moment, 10% of the town was tragically lost. The aftermath was hard to bear. Most of the victims had been burned above the waist, fused in one torrent moment. Families suffered as they laid their love ones to rest. The abundance of bodies had to be gingerly handled, identified and then laid to rest, a grim prospect indeed. 

Rolling down the Tracks

Today superstition still holds true with some residents of Boyertown. Apartments located at the old Rhode’s site are said to be haunted. Numerous sightings have been claimed over the years. Durangos is another hot spot for ghost enthusiasts.

The Eerie Limited trip lasted approximately two hours. Surprisingly the train for the most part was a smooth ride considering its age. The food was delicious. Equally fantastic was the serving crew, who did their best to accommodate the slightest need. The evening was topped off with a slice of cake and a few more ghostly tales from local residents. All in all, it was a pleasant change from a normal Friday night. 

Tickets Please!

I’d highly recommend taking a trip on the rails. If ghosts aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other up and coming themes to choose from. So, support the Colebrookdale Railroad.

 It is well worth helping save a piece of history and add to the pride of Boyertown. 

Reviewed by: 

Author Tamera Lawrence

Books: 

GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER

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