i thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, it was exactly what I wanted in a mystery novel. I really enjoyed the first book in the series and this one didn't disappoint me, the characters are great and I look forward to more with Kate Pomeroy.

This book can be read on its own but it is the second book of a series and you will enjoy it more if you read book 1 first. This picks up shortly after Storm Island. Kate is in the process of setting up her free clinic on Storm Island and still seeing Jeremy. They are planning their future together. It seems she has her happy ever after. Wrong! People are still messing with her mind. Who is it this time? I'm not telling. You will have to read it to see. I thoroughly enjoyed this action packed Gothic mystery/paranormal suspense. I can't wait to read book 3. Thanks to Netgalley and the author for allowing me to read this book and review it. And thanks to the author for being so involved in dog rescue.

Dr. Kate Pomeroy has only just begun to recover from the shocks and griefs, and the horrifying revelations, of the summer on Storm Island, Maine. But she is determined to be both survivor and thriver, and as the new sole owner of one of the four family mansions at the island's compass points, Stormview Manor, Dr. Kate has converted it into a free island clinic.


But as a descendant of 17th century accused witch Maude Prichard, Kate will never cease to be the focus of those who have never forgiven Maude--or her descendants.

This was a weird one. A malevolent old man with a score to settle comes to Storm Island just when Kate is ready to open her new clinic. It seems just as she is ready to settle down and commit things get beyond crazy. She must determine why her fiance's personality appears to be changing and if she has the courage to tackle the force behind it. Very well written.

Dr. Kate Pomeroy is recovering from the events of the past summer and has converted Stormview into a state of the art medical clinic. Her friend Steve, from Memorial, has joined her to work as the clinic nurse, and a former trafficking victim, Nadia, is the office assistant with a talent for computers.

Kate and Jeremy are engaged as well, and the clinic’s opening party, on Halloween eve, promises to be a smashing success. That is, until the withered and wheelchair-bound grandfather of one of the manor families, Ian Morrison, causes a scene by thumping his cane on the floor and staring daggers at Kate. The elderly Mr. Morrison has an ancient grudge against the good doctor, for which he plans to cruelly punish her, as well as targeting Jeremy to execute a macabre plan.

And just to keep matters interesting, Kate receives a call from the FBI to let her know that Vladimir Sokolov, who swore vengeance against her when her testimony sent him to federal prison, has escaped.

What follows is a harrowing and nightmarish journey through the past and present, drenched in the undiminished sadism of unrepentant souls. Ms. Watkins writes horror novels as well as mysteries, and Tao of the Viper is packed with spine-chilling terror from every direction of the compass, just like the position of the manor houses on the island. Like Storm Island, Linda Watkins has written another well-constructed mystery, but Tao will leave readers frightened as much as entertained.

I do enjoy a good mystery, I am not really a fan of gothic and supernatural conspiracies but this story held my interest better than I thought it would at first. I didn't read the first book, but that didn't seem to matter for me. I like the characters and the way the storyline went. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Net Galley.

I have not finished this book yet, not because it is not entertaining but just started it and what a ride. I started reading this book as just something to fill in the time while I waited on my doctor. I was kind of upset that my reading was interrupted by the receptionist. It is entertaining so far, kinda creepy and makes me want to go find the previous novel.

The book begins with much overlap to the previous book, but leads into a story that combines new and old elements into a suspenseful and scary tale. When it appears the end has been reached, the story just takes a deeper and more horrifying turn. Once you get going, it will not be easy to set the book down and new revelations keep stirring the pot. Very imaginative and frightening. The residents of Storm Island, both past and present, are the basis for a great story.

I'd like to have read the previous book in this series because I think it'd have helped me to enjoy more this one.
That said this is an engrossing and entertaining read.
I loved the style of writing, the gripping plot and the fleshed out cast of characters.
I look forward to reading other books in this series.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

I wish I had read book one first as there are many many references to book one. The evil is back in town, and it plans on taking Kate and her boyfriend along for the ride.

Entertaining, fascinating, mysterious, riveting.

Oh my this was a fun read, reminded me of Anne Rice, and I love her creative writing style. This novel has it all, creative twists, page turning mystery and romance. Kate Pomeroy is back but stronger, she meets some unique occult individuals that turn her life upside down. I have to say I was pulled in from chapter 3, that old man gave me the creeps but I enjoyed reading about him. The creative twist with Maude and the Vipers delighted me. If you love paranormal and mystery this book will satisfy you 100%.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this Kindle ARC eread.