Return To Mateguas Island, A Tale of Supernatural SuspenseLinda WatkinsArgon Press 9780991055487 ASIN: B00PQZH8Y0 $2.99 www.mateguasisland.com

Return To Mateguas Island, A Tale of Supernatural Suspense offers a satisfying sequel to Mateguas Island and delves more deeply into events, using the perspectives of different characters from young adults to a mother and her boyfriend, to probe actions of the past that hold dire implications for all involved.At the heart of a maelstrom of horror that encircles this close-knit family is the unsolved disappearance of a father, an island's mysterious secret, and a mother's connections with supernatural forces which can keep danger at bay for only as long as her inquisitive eighteen-year-old twins can keep their curiosity in check.All this is about to change with their return to the island, which offers re-connections with some unusual forces and exposes relationships that have kept long-held resentments at bay for years.On the face of it, Return To Mateguas Island is about a missing father; but it evolves to be so much more. Misplaced legacies, hidden entanglements, simmering resentments, and strange powers all come to light against the backdrop of an island which holds the power to suck everyone back into a maelstrom of deadly forces.Now, readers expecting a story replete with ghosts may be disappointed. The real power in Return To Mateguas Island lies not so much in its inclusion of supernatural rituals as in its exploration of simmering emotions that lay just under the surface of lives recovering from disaster. Thus, its power and strength are most evident in its explorations of interpersonal relationships: "Surprised by his gesture, Karen gazed into his eyes. They had both revealed secrets kept hidden for so long and it seemed as if in this moment they had taken a journey back in time - back to when they had once been so good together."It's the reason why chapters are titled not by paranormal encounters, but by the events which transpire between selected protagonists ("Terri and Shawn", "Bill", "Karen and Dex"). It's the reason why the supernatural force described serves as a catalyst for events; not the end-all of these explorations. And it's the centrifuge of a whirlwind of emotional forces that swirl around all involved in the backdrop that is Mateguas Island and its mystical heritage.While newcomers can access and enjoy this sequel, it's especially recommended for prior fans of Mateguas Island who became involved with the protagonists and the mystery, and who want more. This audience will find the characters are flushed out and embellished, their motivations and lives are laced with more depth, and the compelling draw of the island and its mysteries create suitable devices for a novel that excels in emotional interconnections with a dash of supernatural suspense added in for good measure.

12/04/2014

Review Rating: 5 stars! 

Reviewed By Melinda Hills for Readers’ Favorite

When Karen Pierce returns to the island, the sleeping spirits reawaken and strange things begin to happen again in Return to Mateguas Island: A Tale of Supernatural Suspense by Linda Watkins. Reluctantly accompanying her twin daughters and her husband to the Island where there are hidden memories, Karen is quickly caught up in the swirl of supernatural events that threaten to affect everyone around her. Terri and Sophie want to investigate the circumstances of their father’s disappearance 10 years earlier, but stir up forces that would have been better left alone. Unfortunately, one of the twins has inherited her mother’s connection to the spirits and is pulled into a mystery that nearly scares her to death. Secrets build up, tearing some relationships apart, but some new connections are created that provide Terri with the strength she needs to complete a mission and preserve the natural balance of things. Will the tragedies of the past be repeated or can the demands of the ancient god of the dead be satisfied and the chain of loss broken?

Linda Watkins brings readers back to a picturesque Maine island in Return to Mateguas Island: A Tale of Supernatural Suspense. This is a quick-paced story portraying a wide range of human emotions, deadly supernatural forces and ancient Native American beliefs that may help the characters survive the ordeal in store. It explores the depths of love and loss, dedication and defiance, innocence and desire - all in spite of the threat of losing everything. This is supernatural fiction at its best with a hint of coming-of-age enlightenment to appeal to younger readers as well as readers of all ages.

12/07/2014

Review Rating: 5 stars! 

Reviewed By Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite

Return to Mateguas Island: A Tale of Supernatural Suspense is a contemporary supernatural fantasy written by Linda Watkins. Karen and her twin daughters have been living in Monterey, California, for ten years now. Dexter Pierce, a family friend who helped Karen cope with her husband's disappearance in the swamp on Mateguas Island, had moved out there with them, and two years later the couple married. Sophie and Terri are starting school in the fall and have hatched a plan to spend the summer on Mateguas Island. They've rented Dex's old house and will be trying to get some closure on the loss of their father. When they spring the news on Dex and Karen, Dex jumps at the idea as he's missed the island where he grew up. Karen reluctantly agrees to accompany her husband and daughters. She dreads the trip, however, as she knows all too well the dangers awaiting them.

Linda Watkins' contemporary dark fantasy, Return to Mateguas Island: A Tale of Supernatural Suspense, is well-written and fast-paced. While this is the second book in Watkins' Mateguas Trilogy, the author gives enough background to enable it to stand on its own, but the first book, Mateguas Island, is as marvelous, dark and brooding as this one is, and I'd recommend starting from there. I loved the descriptions of Mateguas Island and kept fantasizing about a summer rental on a remote Maine island as I read, though preferably not one with a spooky swamp behind it. The Indian folklore that serves as the basis for this trilogy is so compelling, and Terri's interactions with Charlie, the elder Indian at the museum were powerful and intriguing. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series and seeing just what happens next. Return to Mateguas Island: A Tale of Supernatural Suspense is absorbing dark fantasy, and it's most highly recommended.

12/04/2014

Review Rating: 5 stars!

Reviewed By Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers’ Favorite

Return to Mateguas Island by Linda Watkins is a tale of supernatural terror. Ten years after the events on Mateguas, Karen is shocked to find that her husband Dex and daughters Sophie and Terri want to return. The girls want to find out what really happened to their father all those years ago when he went out in a storm and never returned. Reluctantly she agrees, knowing that this can only bring trouble. When they arrive on the island they are shocked at what they discover.

Return to Mateguas Island by Linda Watkins was a gripping read. Although I never read the first one, I didn’t need to as enough detail was given to explain what went on. I would like to read it though and, judging by the ending, I do wonder if there is a third book in this – if there is, I want to read it too! Excellent storyline, excellent characters in all-round thrilling read. Linda’s attention to detail is second to none and the book is very professionally written. Loved it!