"Murder, Suspense, and Psychic Gifts"
926103
This is a wonderful suspense story with a touch of paranormal along with some romance.  Kate McGuire once had an ordinary life until her older friend  Venice Ashburton convinces her to join a parapsychology study group conducted by 69-year old Professor Martin Carver.  He has given her a hairband which she concentrated upon as she holds it in her hand.  She is suddenly slammed with a vision of a hand tightly grasping her throat, fingernails cutting into her flesh.  A voice calling her names.  Then the professor takes the headband and tosses it back on the table, and she comes back to reality. Kate is exhausted and pale.  Martin reads the card that came with the headband.  Kate's gift, as all the McGuire females seem to have, is psychometric visions from touching items such as the headband. Her gift will suddenly turn her life upside down.  Venice, without Kate's awareness, contacts a local newspaper reporter, skeptic John Gerrard, about what she believes is the murder of a missing student, Kelly Landrum.  This puts media attention onto Kate. After their names are mentioned in one of John's articles, Kate and Venice are now in danger.  The killer knows these two women, and knows where the live. I really enjoyed this fast paced mystery and I found it impossible to put down.  The author's writing style is easy to read and the characters are compelling.  This story hooked in so fast that now I'm reading Book 2 of the McGuire Women.
633232
First Sentence:  The shadows crept into Jack Montfort's small office, filling the corners with a comfortable dimness.

DI's Duncan Kincaid and Gemma Jones travel to Glastonbury, England after a call from Duncan's architect cousin, Jack Montfort.  It appears that Jack may be a conduit via automatic writing, for a medieval monk who wants Jack to find a missing relic.  Duncan is not the only one who knows about Jack's unasked for link to the past.  Anglican priest and Jack's lover, Winnie; Nick, a handsome, young bookstore clerk; Faith, the very pregnant, psychically-sensitive runaway; Garnet, the reclusive, new-age potter, and Simon, a Church-scholar with his own secrets, all join with Jack to uncover what is happening.  An attempted murder and an actual murder blend the paranormal with police procedure.

Crombie certainly knows how to capture your attention and draw you straight into the story.  From the very first page, Crombie creates a delicious sense of menace and foreboding; a sense of something supernatural at work.  This is wonderfully offset by the everyday, very real concerns in Gemma's and Duncan's lives and their ever-evolving relationship.

We are well introduced to the cast of characters, learning who they are and how they interconnect.  They were rather fascinating and unusual for a mystery.  Certainly, they all had pasts and elements of those pasts they wanted to keep from being revealed.  However, it was refreshing that there wasn't an obvious villain in the group.  That made the final resolution even more effective when it was revealed.

The history was fascinating and well imparted, from the furnishing in one character's home to information on the Abbey.  Crombie's descriptions are wonderful.  She is an author who paints with words and, in this case, sent me straight to the internet looking for more information.  I particularly loved the role music played in the story including Gemma's reaction to music and the conveyance of when music touches your soul, as well as learning that the word 'enchantment' is derived from the work chant as it was believe music was the strongest magic.

On the other side, I did feel there were some dubious bits of information concerned religion, old and new, and pottery.  There were also a couple significant coincidences and a few threads left hanging.  I enjoyed the paranormal element but might have found it more interesting to have a non-paranormal resolution.

In summary, we have a story a bit heavy on the paranormal but a captivating plot, lots of viable suspects and excellent plot twists.  All in all, it worked for me.
747450
Sweet Teas and Spirits
Southern Ghost Hunter, Book #5
Angie Fox
5 Stars

Synopsis:

The latest in the USA Today bestselling Southern Ghost Hunter series! Sweet Tea and Spirits
S

Southern girl Verity Long is about as high society as her pet skunk. Which is why shes surprised as anyone when the new head of the Sugarland social set invites her to join the "it" girls. But this is no social call. Veritys new client needs her to go in undercover and investigate strange happenings at the groups historic headquarters.

But while spirits are whispering hints of murder, the socialites are more focused on Veritys 1978, avocado-green Cadillac. And when Verity stumbles upon a fresh body, she's going to need the long-dead citizens of Sugarland to help her solve the crime. Good thing she has the handsome deputy sheriff Ellis Wydell on hand, as well as her ghostly sidekick Frankie. The bad thing is, the ghosts are now whispering about the end of a certain ghost hunter. (Goodreads)

Review:

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read.  The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book I felt like I was right there, watching all the ghostly action around me and listening in on conversations.  The mystery carried on well throughout the entire book.  There was plenty of action and suspense that kept me turning pages to find out what was going to happen next.  With all the twists and turns and red herrings tossed in, I did not figure out the killer until it was revealed at the end.

The characters are well rounded, well developed and three dimensional.  Verity is a smart, brave and determined woman and she wants to make sure her ghost hunting business is a success.  With Frankie, her resident ghost, helping her, she is sure she can do it.  But Frankie has his own set of problems to deal with, and he is not always available to help Verity.  Ellis, her boyfriend, helps her whenever he can.  And she has some otherworldly acquaintances that help her out when she needs it most.  And what can I say about Lucy, Veritys pet skunk, except that I love her.

 I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy.  If you enjoy paranormal ghostly cozies, you will want to read this entire series.  This is a must read series (and author) for me.  The books just keep getting better and better.

I received a complimentary advance copy of this book and chose voluntarily to leave this honest review.
183717
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of THE GIFTS.  Opinions expressed here are unsolicited, unbiased, and entirely my own.

Gavin McAllister is a haunted man.  He's been hunting a serial killer for 5 years and hasn't found him late.  It seems he's always just a few steps behind, just a little too late.  He knows this because his nightmares speak to him.  He sees the future and hears a voice who speaks to him.

Someone ... or something ... is telling him to go .. he must protect her.

But who is he supposed to be protecting?  And once he knows, will he be too late again?

This was a captivating story.  The characters are well defined.  Most have 'gifts' of one kind or another.  The killer is well hidden until the  very end.  I love a good mystery with a touch of the paranormal and this author knows how to combine the two to make a compelling read.  There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader totally engaged in ths story.
174338
Do you love a good mystery with some good little chuckles along the way?  Throw in the "psychic" thing and you have a thoroughly enjoyable read that when asked if there was violence or sexual content you have to ponder the question.  Violence? Not in my mind. Sex? No big descriptive sloppy love scenes, but there is love and caring.  The psychic talent keeps things fun and waiting for the next book.
2492558
"Shadows.  Watching.  Listening.  Waiting.  All around her, but not close enough to touch."

THE STORY:  Tasha Solomon is a telepath who can hear the thoughts of those around her.  She knows that something is wrong and she is in danger but doesn't know where to turn for help.  John Brodie is a guardian of psychics.  There is a war going on in secret.  Someone is abducting psychics for a mysterious purpose.  Brodie is determined to protect Tasha from the shadows that threaten her.

OPINION:  This is a pure psychic thriller book.  There is no romance for those who have read prior books by Hooper in this vein.  The book is also a part of a continuing series and there are many mysteries left unanswered at the end.  I also sense that Tasha and Brodie's story is not over.  I liked this book much better than the first in the series because I felt that the objectives and characters were more clearly defined.  The motives of various characters are still murky and it is unclear who is on each side, but what is happening is more clearly defined.  I also liked that many of the characters that I am interested in make appearances here including Sarah and Tucker from THE FIRST PROPHET and Bishop and Miranda from the Bishop/SCU series.

Readers should also be aware that this novel is shorter than similar works and ultimately feels that there should be a continuation of the story because things are not resolved except in a small sense.

WORTH MENTIONING:  I was happy to get a big dose of Bishop and Miranda from the Bishop/SCU series.  They are still my favorite characters so I'm always glad to have more scenes with them.

FINAL DECISION:  I liked this book much better than the first in the series.  This book felt more focused and gave more information about what the series is about.  There are still mysteries, but they are comprehensible after reading this book.

CONNECTED BOOKS:  A DEADLY WEB is the second book in the Bishop Files series.  This book can be read apart from the first in the series because there is a good summary of the information in the first book in the "Report" section in the beginning of this novel.

STAR RATING:  I give this book 4.25 stars.
3824888
Loved this book! Loved the story line of someone getting psychic powers from a physical trauma to the brain...TBI. It's a good mystery and has a lot of intrigue.
4389408
I enjoyed reading this book. I was so wrapped up in the mystery, suspense, and
Drama that I couldn't stop reading. The paranormal aspects also has me intreged.
The last two words `The End` left me a craving to read the rest of the books in The Chosen series. I can't hardly wait to find out what will happen in the rest of these books.
4751311
Ghost Talker, the fourth novel in the Ghost Seer series, finds Clare and Zach trying to solve the problem of a poltergeist disturbing Buffalo Bill's grave.  Robin D. Owens has done a good job of evolving the psychic abilities of these two characters, as well as increasing the depth of feelings between them, so that the relationships continuing storyline is moving forward.  Nothing makes a reader more mad than a stagnating romance, and this one is anything but standing still!

Clare's psychic abilities are confined to being able to speak to ghosts from the Old West.  In this book, she uses an old west ghost as a conduit of sorts to help she and Zach solve what turns out to be a current problem.  Zach puts his sleuthing abilities to work, and takes a larger role in this book, in solving the mystery, than he has in the past.  I liked that change, as it puts their relationship on a more even footing, which I think it needed, to make their feelings more believable.  The good versus evil theme, didn't just play out in the Old West.  They had a real life antagonist to protect themselves against, which forced  Clare to make a decision about her life as a psychic.  Would her psychic life remain private, or would she have to out herself?

Clare and Zach are opening up about their feelings, and their psychic abilities seem to have a more permanent foothold in their lives.  In fact, they both seemed to have gained a few more! If you have read the other three novels in this series, you will enjoy the fourth and will be looking forward to the next!
2952133
This was an exciting read.  Trudy is a psychic who sees the crime through the eyes of the killer.  Levi sees it through the eyes of the victim.  This is their first case together and Trudy is leery of Levi, the gorgeous charismatic psychic who it in TV, writes books and has women falling at his feet.  Oh, she's interested but she's really not sure she can handle being this close to him.  He clearly wants her but his reputation as a ladies man throws up all kinds of warning signs.  Then there is the case.  Can they stop this serial killer?  This will have you on the edge of your seat.  Warning, their relationship gets very heated and physical.  But I think you'll love these characters and you'll be anxious for their next case and the next chapter in their relationship.
2636850
Things get really hot in this paranormal thriller when a serial arsonist murders three people, one of whom is the father of a politician on the rise.  Set in British Columbia at a time in the near future, the case is assigned to a very special team of investigators with psychic abilities.

Leading the team is agent Jasmine McLellan, a Pyro-Psychic who can visit the remains of an arsonist's target and reconstruct the crime through the mind of the perpetrator.  The other two members are Ben, a Psychometric Empath who can check you out by just touching your bare skin, and Natassia, a Victim Empath, who can reverse the saying that dead men tell no tales.  The three form a very closely knit group, so that when they are ordered to temporarily expand the group by one, things get really tense, especially when the newest member is tall, rugged and handsome, but most of all, a skeptic.

The trail blows hot and cold as it leads them across British Columbia, as do the emotions, but the thing is, how many more people does the arsonist intend to kill, and how are the victims connected to each other?

The author combines murder, arson, adultery, blackmail, abuse and much more in this fast-paced book that you'll just have to read in one sitting.  The only problem with it is that there is a book two mentioned, and I don't yet have a copy in my hands.

Amanda Richards, August 28, 2007
2805592
From the very beginning, the reader is drawn into the middle of a suspenseful paranormal tale that commences in the 1600s, and then leaps ahead to 1987 and three boys who share a birthday (7/7/77).

They are seeking adventure on their tenth birthday, but unleash something more.  Something that will return every seven years, daring them to break the spell, quash the evil.

Finally, twenty-one years later, we meet three women who arrive, one by one:  a writer, Quinn Black; a woman from Manhattan, Layla Clark; and a friend with psychic gifts, Cybil Kinski.  As each of them meet the three boys, now grown (Cal, Fox and Gage), their unusual connections to one another signify something powerful that foreshadows the future they will share.

What do the six discover in their quest?  What is the significance of their connections to Hawkins Hollow?  And how will they arm themselves to win out over the Evil that dominates the small town?

In this first book of the Sign of Seven Trilogy,&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Blood-Brothers-Sign-of-Seven-Trilogy-Book-1/dp/0515143804/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Blood Brothers (Sign of Seven Trilogy, Book 1)</a>&nbsp;does a great job of piquing my curiosity for what lies ahead.  I liked best the moments of lighthearted fun between the six characters, and the hint of romance, but also surprised myself by how the paranormal elements also grabbed me and held on.  So now I'll have to read the next two books.  I'm giving this one four stars, because there were parts that I didn't enjoy too much, but I'll be returning for my interest in how Roberts creates her characters and how she shows the connections between them.
1817389
I was caught up in the story about a psychic named Kate whose visions lead her through many adventures and danger. not to mention the sexy detective Jerid. I recommend these books to anyone who likes mysteries, romance, paranormal, and humor all rolled up into one great read.
575131
Thoroughly Enjoyable! Sandra Gardner's MOTHER, MURDER, AND ME, is a well-crafted paranormal mystery with both good writing and good plot. The characters are fun -- some cool, some hot -- and the suspects just keep piling up! It will take a far more perceptive reader than me to guess whodunit?

--Arline Chase, author of KILLRAVEN, GHOST DANCER, and the Spirit Series, SPIRIT OF EARTH, SPIRIT OF FIRE, etc.
78148
Caitlyn Le Feys recent experience with a murder investigation put her BFF/cousin Pomona in danger, yet she is recuperating well at Lord Fitzroy's grand manor. Heading over to visit, she gets caught in a downpour. While getting a dry change of clothes, Caitlyn overhears an argument between Mrs. Brixton, the curmudgeon housekeeper, and one of the maids who she has dead to rights stealing a Fitzroy family heirloom. But when Mrs. Brixton is discovered murdered, the possible blackmail motive doesnt seem paramount to investigators, since a witness put Caitlyn near the crime sceneand, when her alibi flakes, Inspector Walsh turns all too quickly to Caitlyns obvious opportunity and means.

Caitlyn will not stand still being the key person of interest and center of the village gossip, and decides to check things out on her own. While everyone is prepping for the annual garden party at the manor, she discovers a few interesting suspects, plausible motives, secrets, mythology behind the family heirloom, and more than murder at the Huntingdon Estate. Her relationship with Widow Mags is improving as Caitlyn is beginning to show some aptitude for witchcraft, and of course, creating delicious chocolate delights. Her snooping to find out more about her elusive family leads her to a photo album, an old picture, and more questions. However, no one is willing to answer the questions she has had since she was little. Who am I? Where do I fit in?

I am so bewitched by this new series, and Witch Chocolate Fudge is just as deliciously exciting as the first bookI am craving for more! Readers will easily identify with Caitlyn as she sees herself a bit flawed with curly red hair and curvy hips, but will delight in her strength and the discovery of her voice speaking out against the gossip and cruelty. The cozy murder mystery is clever and a few possible scenarios are provided to ponder and work out, but threading through this is the engaging mystery of Caitlyns parentage and the culture of witchcraft. The paranormal theme is realistic, not a lot of hocus pocus, just some incantations to enhance the delicious confections and to get out of a few predicaments. But there seems to be some hidden secrets that could lead to more magic, more ritual, more witchcraft. I am so eager to get answers to questions that have brought her to Tillyhenge, but those answers could put her in danger. Who is her mother? Why will no one give her a straight answer? What is the connection to the Fitzroy family heirloom? Who is Thane Blackmort? There are some interesting clues that may lead to some interesting revelations. I cant wait

"Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own."
4603386
Abby Cooper is very upset when on Valentine's Day, she breaks up with her boyfriend, FBI agent Dutch Rivers. However, she has committed to be a bridesmaid at the wedding of her long time childhood friend Ellie, who lives in Colorado. After all, change is good for a broken heart, so Abby leaves her darling doggie, Eggie, with Dave, the handyman, and goes to Colorado. Soon she is embroiled in Ellie's wedding crisis, and when her psychic intuition tells her that one of the bridesmaid, Gina, is dead, Abby soon finds herself working with Ellie's sheriff brother Duffy to find out what happened to Gina. Abby's psychic "crew" soon lets her know that the chief suspect seems to be Ellie's fianc Eddie, even though the signs and signals from the "crew" are confusing to Abbey. When Gina's body is found, and when 2 more bridesmaids turn up missing, Abby and Duffy realize that someone is committing murder to stop Ellie's wedding. Abby continues to help Duffy investigate the case, but she begins to have disturbing visions about her own death.
Abby is a strong heroine, brave and compassionate and secure in her psychic abilitites. Even though her relationship with both Dutch and her cold, uncaring parents hurt her, it doesn't stop her from trying to do the right thing and help Ellie.  The other characters in "Killer Insight" are well rounded and believeable, especially Ellie's aunt Viv, a very old, very funny character who seems to think nothing of filling her large purse with forks, knives, soaps and food from restaurants. Abby and her sister Cat, further cement their sisterly relationship in this book and some funny sisterly dialog is cleverly handled. Author Victoria Laurie does a great job of explaining the processes of a psychic mind, from decribing Abby's preparation for a reading, to describing how Abby can tell if someone is dead by looking at their picture, or how Abby can pick up someone's energy by touching jewelry and other inanimate objects. The mystery moves along briskly and there are plenty of suspects and I had a hard time figuring out who the murder really was.
 I have become a fan of Ms. Laurie's Abby Cooper, and hope to read many more of her psychic mystery adventure. All in all a very entertaining read.
3120567
As if the 3 Howard witches and their vampire friend don't have enough problems, there are reported sightings of strange little men and the sudden appearance of a Supernatural Investigator for a TV station that covers the Tri-State area.  Why is she suddenly here and who are these strange men?
Things are about to get very intense!