Cover Image: The Seer

The Seer

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Member Reviews

I loved how this historical fiction was set in WWII but in the USA. It was nice to see how parts of the US (in this case, Louisiana) were affected by the war. In the beginning the switch in POV was a little hard to follow but it got easier the more I read. I really enjoyed getting a POV from Thomas, especially with the racism happening at that time. It was nice seeing the bond form between Thomas and Beatrix. I loved how they worked together to help and solve peoples problems and the mystery/suspense that came with it it.

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Historical fiction set in New Orleans just after Pearl Harbor showcases the anti-asian temper of the times, while illuminating little known details about Camp Algiers, a Nazi internment camp there. The fast-paced story of a woman who earns a living as a seer, who gains her info more from her intense attention to detail and memory than supernatural sources, and a member of the Chinese resistance allied with her is done with a light deft touch. Packed with spies, murder and Nazi plots yet the story still focuses on the relationship between our two main characters.

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I have read a lot of books about World War II but this is the first set in New Orleans! It was an interesting and engaging read and I loved the main character, for all her flaws. A fairly short book, this is a good introduction into a genre which brings together fiction and history.

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Firstly thank you Netgalley for this ARC
A novel set in world war if you love family saga you will love this

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This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.

Wow this was a fast moving high stakes book that had me hooked from start to finish,

I literally couldn’t put it down. An immersive read here that is high on intrigue. A dynamic historical fiction with characters that you can root for. 1942 America is adjusting to its entrance into WW2, still reeling from the surprise military strike by the Japanese. Prejudice against Asians runs deep within New Orléans. Everyone held their breath as the steady march of The Axis campaign to seize the world. The Crescent City braced its self for an attack just like Pearl Harbor.

When Chinese-English scientist Thomas Ling on a mission, ends up in the psychic, Beatrix Patterson office of Finder of Lost Things.

The people and the detailed atmospheric imagery of Nola is brought to life through the authors exceptional writing expertise. Heart ponding suspenseful and engaging, I feel in love with both MC’s. Beatrix and Thomas mesh wonderfully together as their friendship develops as the storyline unfolds.

This a must read, for those who seek suburb characterization and gripping WW2 fiction. Make sure you grab yourself a copy Today!

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This was a quick and easy read for me and I really enjoyed it.

February 1942, War, and Beatrix. And this is the story of war and changing the outcomes of war, two very different people coming together and government conspiracy. It is fast paced, intriguing and has plenty of mystery and suspense to keep you reading.

In a way it is not your typical Historical Fiction but it does take history and adds a twist, a bit of adventure and some great characters.

I enjoyed it, it was interesting and it is short enough and easy enough to read for those who don't often read historical fiction.

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Wow, this was an exciting historical fiction! I really loved this one! It's got great characters with a plot that is filled with high stakes moments!

The MC Beatrix is a bit of a con artist, okay she's all con artist. But she's got some actual talent that makes her have a unique set of skills for an undercover operation. I love the partnership between Thomas and Beatrix. They are a bit of an odd pair, but they make for such a good story together! I loved this one so much!

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A novel set in WWII New Orleans .
Full of mystery and intrigue. A great storyline, and well developed characters. A very recommended read.
Five stars !
I received this ARC through Netgalley for a honest review.

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i liked the use of world war 2 and New Orleans, the characters were great and the time period was well done. It was a beautifully done story.

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There are doubtless thousands of WWII novels set in either England or France, but "The Seer" is the first one I’ve come across that is set in New Orleans. In a foreword, Eva Shaw writes that she did extensive research into Camp Algiers, an internment camp which housed Germans who had fled their home country and settled in Latin America. They were snatched by FBI agents and transported to camps in the U.S. Internees included both Jews who had fled Hitler’s regime as well as Nazi sympathizers: “The State Department may have meant well, but the truth remains that Jews were abused, harassed and even tortured by the Nazi inmates,” writes Shaw.

Shaw’s fictional story features Beatrix Patterson, one of New Orleans’ top psychics. Only Beatrix does not actually possess supernatural powers; she just has a good memory and a well-developed talent for reading people, and she’s skilled at picking up bits of gossip that she can deploy at the right time. Even Eleanor Roosevelt calls her for advice.

Beatrix is recruited by a local businessman to help him evaluate a new opportunity: he has been asked to help finance a new clandestine war effort, involving lightweight boats to be used in battle. Beatrix’s role would be to meet with the admiral and boatbuilder and use her abilities to determine whether or not they’re on the up-and-up. Of course, she winds up embroiled in dangerous, dramatic situations she never could have predicted (too bad she’s not a real psychic!).

There are a few eye-rolling moments in the book, like when Beatrix muses that “a museum dedicated to the valor of heroes from the war” could be built right there in New Orleans someday—”Perhaps it could be called the World War II Museum.” Wow, can you imagine such a thing? But "The Seer" deserves praise for shedding a welcome light on a little-known part of U.S. history.

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Initially hesitant to read a book about a psychic given my personal skepticism about such things, I’m so glad I took a chance as Beatrix is a fabulous character. New Orleans during WW2 provided a fascinating setting and brought to attention some interesting and shameful bits of history that are often overlooked. Strong characters with great chemistry and an element of mystery make this a great read. If you enjoy historical fiction you should add this to your list!

Thank you to @netgalley for a digital ARC.

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I have been going through a phase where I just want to devour the type of historical fiction novels that have women posed on the cover, either with their backs to the reader completely or looking over their shoulder. (Very specific, I know. But you've seen these books too) For whatever reason, that's the wheelhouse I was craving at the moment. So "The Seer" fit the bill both aesthetically, and contentwise.

I very much enjoyed this novel. It was different from the other novels in this genre I typically read. Usually, I choose novels set during wartime overseas; this was actually the first one I've read that takes place on my home soil (the US). Not only was historical facts present, there was also adventure, intrigue and mystery. The characters were likeable and developed well, Beatrix being my personal favorite. There were grammatical and spelling errors but this is an ARC so I'm sure they will be corrected in the official release.

Overall this was a fun read I'd recommend to historical fiction lovers and would like to thank NetGalley for allowing me to read this novel ahead of its release, which is September 14th 2021.

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This book was so entertaining! With the twists and turns of this story, I couldn't have predicted the ending. It was full of adventure and historical facts. Ms. Shaw’s writing was so great that I felt transported back in time with the characters. I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book will be released on September 14, 2021. #TheSeer #netgalley #netgalleyreviewer

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Synopsis:
"It's February 1942. War grips the world. Asian hate runs rampant, and New Orleans is a dangerous place for Chinese-English scientist Thomas Ling as he collides with self-proclaimed psychic Beatrix Patterson. She's a good liar with an excellent memory, which in truth is her only gift—well, that and conning the well-heeled out of their money and secrets. Hired by the US Army to use her connections to expose Nazi saboteurs and sympathizers, Beatrix recruits the reluctant Thomas. Together, they pit their skills against a government conspiracy, terrorist cells, kidnappings, and murderous plots. As Beatrix grapples with the truth of her own past, she must come to terms with her ruse. Exposing the Nazi war machine about to invade the country could cost Beatrix everything she's worked so hard to build. But the information she and Thomas uncover could change the outcome of the war."

I don't know if the two of them could change the outcome of the War but it was fun reading! I liked the main character, Beatrix! World War II with New Orleans as the backdrop was new and different. I never knew German U-boats were seen in the Caribbean Sea and near the Mississippi River. When Charles de Gaulle's love child was introduced, I laughed; but then the early morning phone calls from First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt looking for psychic advice had me rolling my eyes. But by then it was too late and I had to finish the story and I must say I found the ending quite surprising.

There were some spelling and grammatical errors, and even with the far-fetched plot, I recommend to those looking for a quick read.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book will be released 14 Sep 2021.

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