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Cleo & Tyler Mysteries #2
Too Far Under
Ten-year-old Angelica is sure her mother didn't drown by accident. But no one will listen to her -- especially not her father and his greedy girlfriend. How can she uncover the truth and expose her mother's murderer?
Mirabel Townes has her share of enemies. But when the wealthy heiress and lapsed Scientologist drowns in her backyard hot tub one August night, the police pronounce it a tragic accident. Her daughters, who suspect murder, refuse to accept that ruling. Determined to unmask their mother's killer, they beg grief therapist Cleo Sims, to accept them into her Contact Project that helps people communicate with dead loved ones.
Cleo is a capable mental-health professional who is reluctant to involve herself in another possible murder investigation. But she can't resist the pleas of ten-year-old Angelica Townes, a spiritually gifted Indigo child, or the demands of Tyler, her quirky spirit guide, so she agrees to help solve Mirabel's murder.
Too Far Under is a story filled with complex characters, lots of intrigue, and multiple plot twists that will keep you reading and guessing to the end. Too Far Under is the second book in the Cleo Sims series, but it can also be read as a stand-alone book.
The Cleo Sims series is set in Boulder, Colorado, where the author lives. She uses the high-tech, New Age, outdoorsy health-related aspects of Boulder to develop themes such as reality vs. illusion; good vs. evil uses of technology; and use vs. misuse of drugs and herbs. She also uses real settings from Boulder to give the stories a rich sense of place.
Mirabel Townes has her share of enemies. But when the wealthy heiress and lapsed Scientologist drowns in her backyard hot tub one August night, the police pronounce it a tragic accident. Her daughters, who suspect murder, refuse to accept that ruling. Determined to unmask their mother's killer, they beg grief therapist Cleo Sims, to accept them into her Contact Project that helps people communicate with dead loved ones.
Cleo is a capable mental-health professional who is reluctant to involve herself in another possible murder investigation. But she can't resist the pleas of ten-year-old Angelica Townes, a spiritually gifted Indigo child, or the demands of Tyler, her quirky spirit guide, so she agrees to help solve Mirabel's murder.
Too Far Under is a story filled with complex characters, lots of intrigue, and multiple plot twists that will keep you reading and guessing to the end. Too Far Under is the second book in the Cleo Sims series, but it can also be read as a stand-alone book.
The Cleo Sims series is set in Boulder, Colorado, where the author lives. She uses the high-tech, New Age, outdoorsy health-related aspects of Boulder to develop themes such as reality vs. illusion; good vs. evil uses of technology; and use vs. misuse of drugs and herbs. She also uses real settings from Boulder to give the stories a rich sense of place.
278 pages, Paperback
First published February 24, 2011
61 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Osterkamp
9 books9 followersEver since I learned to read, I've lived much of my life in the land of books. I'm a writer and a reader and a publisher. I'm always in the middle of writing a book and reading several others. I love books!
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 10, 2011
Yes! She is her daughter's mother! This book was amazing. This Cleo is not the Miss Cleo you've seen on TV, in fact she's the real deal. Both elements in this story of paranormal and murder mystery it's a fantastic read! When two young girls lose their mother to a questionable death they seek the help of the renowned Cleo Sims who can communicate with the dead, to find out what happened. This book is as good as it is spooky! Pick this one up!
Kitty Bullard / Great Minds Think Aloud / http://www.greatmindsliterarycommunit...
Kitty Bullard / Great Minds Think Aloud / http://www.greatmindsliterarycommunit...
March 17, 2012
I thought this would be a typical murder mystery. There would be a logical flow from a mundane evidence flow. Only I was pleasantly surprised to see this author challenging the genre. Osterkamp provides us with a sleuth that can interact with the dead. Perhaps not for some readers who prefer a crime noir set-up. However, it’s a perfect way to ensure that our sleuth can solve the case. What better way than to be able to talk to the victim of the crime? This is the second book in the Cleo and Tyler Series. I have not read the first book.
The mystery is only a part of the novel. Certainly, it’s the major plot point to find out what happened since the first chapter is the murder. Quite a clean and quick one too since our victim doesn’t see the murderer. We are left wondering what has happened and we have little development until about seventy pages into the book.
However, our main character, Cleo Sims has a fairly interesting life with an unusual sidekick. Her narrative sucks you in and you begin to worry about her relationship problems and her family as well. There is some suspense, but it’s not exactly sitting on the edge of your seat. This book is what I would deem a summer beach read. It’s good, but you can put it down and walk away. The suspense is enough to keep it interesting, but I didn’t find myself staying up all night to finish it. Her sidekick is a ghost named Tyler. Like all the other ghosts they interact with in the book, his information is not always directly helpful.
Cleo is not the typical sleuth. She seems partly unwilling to be involved in a murder investigation. Cleo Sims is a warm-hearted grief counselor who solves crime as an aid to her clients seeking therapy. She is more concerned with the living and their needs. She helps people contact the dead, but she isn’t doing it herself. The plot is more concerned with the living and the consequences of the victim’s death rather than laying blame.
I recommend this to someone who likes drama more than mysteries. If you prefer mysteries that are solved with lab equipment and physical evidence or police procedurals then you probably won’t like this book. Too Far Under is concerned much more with the character development rather than the crime. It’s readable, but it’s not in my favorites list. I prefer Sherlock Holmes and Bones who utilize science and detailed clues to solve a case.
The mystery is only a part of the novel. Certainly, it’s the major plot point to find out what happened since the first chapter is the murder. Quite a clean and quick one too since our victim doesn’t see the murderer. We are left wondering what has happened and we have little development until about seventy pages into the book.
However, our main character, Cleo Sims has a fairly interesting life with an unusual sidekick. Her narrative sucks you in and you begin to worry about her relationship problems and her family as well. There is some suspense, but it’s not exactly sitting on the edge of your seat. This book is what I would deem a summer beach read. It’s good, but you can put it down and walk away. The suspense is enough to keep it interesting, but I didn’t find myself staying up all night to finish it. Her sidekick is a ghost named Tyler. Like all the other ghosts they interact with in the book, his information is not always directly helpful.
Cleo is not the typical sleuth. She seems partly unwilling to be involved in a murder investigation. Cleo Sims is a warm-hearted grief counselor who solves crime as an aid to her clients seeking therapy. She is more concerned with the living and their needs. She helps people contact the dead, but she isn’t doing it herself. The plot is more concerned with the living and the consequences of the victim’s death rather than laying blame.
I recommend this to someone who likes drama more than mysteries. If you prefer mysteries that are solved with lab equipment and physical evidence or police procedurals then you probably won’t like this book. Too Far Under is concerned much more with the character development rather than the crime. It’s readable, but it’s not in my favorites list. I prefer Sherlock Holmes and Bones who utilize science and detailed clues to solve a case.
February 20, 2012
A strong woman and a great mystery – YEP, I liked it! Too Far Under is the second in a series that includes “Too Far Near the Edge”.
Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to read the first book, but personally, I don’t think it made a difference in how much I enjoyed it. But, I’ll provide a little back story. Cleo Sims is grief counselor who is drawn in by Angelica, a very gifted girl who has lost her mother. Cleo has a spiritual guide named Tyler who visits her periodically with advice that isn’t immediately taken as helpful.
So, the book revolves Angelica, who is convinced that her mothers drowning was not an accident. Her mother Mirabel was not exactly a well liked person in the community, so it was easy to convince most everyone that it truly was an accident. As you follow Angelica through a journey of trying to prove this was a murder, you are swept into the lives of her non-caring father and his girlfriend. With the help of Cleo, and her surfer dude spirit guide Tyler, the full story begins to unravel.
This book was a very easy read, but full of mystery and for added excitement, the author added in a supernatural twist. Don’t let the “supernatural” scare you away from this book because it is handled in such a way that it is very believable. I love when I read a book that has such well developed characters that I actually “picture” in my mind what they look and sound like. To me, this is the reason that you usually LOVE a book, but HATE a movie based on a book – the characters just don’t measure up.
I truly enjoyed Too Far Under and of course, I now have to go back and read the first one in the series I recommend you pick up a copy and get ready for other great works from Lynn Osterkamp!
Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to read the first book, but personally, I don’t think it made a difference in how much I enjoyed it. But, I’ll provide a little back story. Cleo Sims is grief counselor who is drawn in by Angelica, a very gifted girl who has lost her mother. Cleo has a spiritual guide named Tyler who visits her periodically with advice that isn’t immediately taken as helpful.
So, the book revolves Angelica, who is convinced that her mothers drowning was not an accident. Her mother Mirabel was not exactly a well liked person in the community, so it was easy to convince most everyone that it truly was an accident. As you follow Angelica through a journey of trying to prove this was a murder, you are swept into the lives of her non-caring father and his girlfriend. With the help of Cleo, and her surfer dude spirit guide Tyler, the full story begins to unravel.
This book was a very easy read, but full of mystery and for added excitement, the author added in a supernatural twist. Don’t let the “supernatural” scare you away from this book because it is handled in such a way that it is very believable. I love when I read a book that has such well developed characters that I actually “picture” in my mind what they look and sound like. To me, this is the reason that you usually LOVE a book, but HATE a movie based on a book – the characters just don’t measure up.
I truly enjoyed Too Far Under and of course, I now have to go back and read the first one in the series I recommend you pick up a copy and get ready for other great works from Lynn Osterkamp!
March 30, 2012
If you're like me and you are intrigued by anything paranormal then you are sure to enjoy this book.
Grief therapist, Cleo Simms, is extremely reluctant to get involved with the children of Mirabel Townes, a wealthy heiress who unexpectedly drowns in her hot tub. Mirabel's death has been ruled as accidental by the police her daughters, Lacey and Angelica, have strong opinions otherwise.
While Cleo is a grief therapist she also has an unusual ability to talk to the dead. A surfer dude spirit named Tyler who visits Cleo quite often in her dreams and, through vague conversations, pressures her to help these desperate girls. Along with this supernatural ability Cleo also helps others contact their deceased loved ones through her 'Contact Project'. The Townes' girls are bound and determined to find a way to contact their deceased mother and they continually hound Cleo to help them.
Family drama is laced throughout the story not only for the family members of Mirabel, but for Cleo as well. Cleo's grandmother suffers from Alzheimer's and gets the sad news that the nursing home where her grandmother lives will be sold. Cleo is desperate to find a new and suitable place for her grandmother to live. Being that my mom suffered from Alzheimer's I felt deep empathy for what Cleo was going through.
Every character in the story adds to the drama and throughout the book I could not figure out 'who did it'! The author had me guessing until the end. I have a fascination with other people's abilities to communicate with the dead. This genre coupled with Cleo's personal drama of helping her ailing grandmother kept my interest throughout the story.
Grief therapist, Cleo Simms, is extremely reluctant to get involved with the children of Mirabel Townes, a wealthy heiress who unexpectedly drowns in her hot tub. Mirabel's death has been ruled as accidental by the police her daughters, Lacey and Angelica, have strong opinions otherwise.
While Cleo is a grief therapist she also has an unusual ability to talk to the dead. A surfer dude spirit named Tyler who visits Cleo quite often in her dreams and, through vague conversations, pressures her to help these desperate girls. Along with this supernatural ability Cleo also helps others contact their deceased loved ones through her 'Contact Project'. The Townes' girls are bound and determined to find a way to contact their deceased mother and they continually hound Cleo to help them.
Family drama is laced throughout the story not only for the family members of Mirabel, but for Cleo as well. Cleo's grandmother suffers from Alzheimer's and gets the sad news that the nursing home where her grandmother lives will be sold. Cleo is desperate to find a new and suitable place for her grandmother to live. Being that my mom suffered from Alzheimer's I felt deep empathy for what Cleo was going through.
Every character in the story adds to the drama and throughout the book I could not figure out 'who did it'! The author had me guessing until the end. I have a fascination with other people's abilities to communicate with the dead. This genre coupled with Cleo's personal drama of helping her ailing grandmother kept my interest throughout the story.
July 20, 2012
Too Far Under is the first I have read in this series, and I would like to pick up the other I see listed as part of this series as well. It is a little short, but I believe for some that is a plus, I do normally prefer a little longer of a story, but this was exactly the proper amount of pages for this book. The author did not overdo it, and she ended it with grace! Although, I have to say, she keeps you guessing throughout the book, and builds up to an ending that seemed to lack just a little amount of shock and "Wow!!" factor.
The beginning of the story, (the prologue), starts out very well, and definitely holds your attention! You won't be putting this book down to often, if at all.
I also enjoyed the descriptions, sill can't get over how intriguing the prologue was, but this author does extraordinary work on descriptions, and engaging the reader!
The addition of something out of mainstream, Scientology, communicating with the dead, was refreshing and new! I liked how this all fit into the story and how it marked this book as unique in it's own way.
This is a perfect choice for when you are vacationing, or have a few hours to relax at the beach, outside, or wherever it is you may have some time to rad a book that won't feel like wasting your time!
She really has a cool, nonchalant way of introducing the characters to you and having them each with such an odd personality, and interests, yet they all fit together quite well for this story.
I recommend this book to anybody who enjoys a good mystery book!! Especially those who are not a fan of gore and bloody scenes, this is a true, genuine mystery.
** I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review **
The beginning of the story, (the prologue), starts out very well, and definitely holds your attention! You won't be putting this book down to often, if at all.
I also enjoyed the descriptions, sill can't get over how intriguing the prologue was, but this author does extraordinary work on descriptions, and engaging the reader!
The addition of something out of mainstream, Scientology, communicating with the dead, was refreshing and new! I liked how this all fit into the story and how it marked this book as unique in it's own way.
This is a perfect choice for when you are vacationing, or have a few hours to relax at the beach, outside, or wherever it is you may have some time to rad a book that won't feel like wasting your time!
She really has a cool, nonchalant way of introducing the characters to you and having them each with such an odd personality, and interests, yet they all fit together quite well for this story.
I recommend this book to anybody who enjoys a good mystery book!! Especially those who are not a fan of gore and bloody scenes, this is a true, genuine mystery.
** I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review **
March 2, 2012
Angelica is a spiritually gifted ten year old who is convinced that her mother didn't drown by accident. When the police won't listen to her or her sister Lacey's plea for help they turn to Cleo, a new aged grief therapist. Cleo doesn't want to get involved. When her spiritual guide, a surfing spirit named Tyler insists that she help the duo, Cleo knows that she has to help and is thrown, head first into a murder investigation.
Too Far Under is the second book in the Cleo and Tyler series. Ms. Osterkamp has created a world that you are drawn into and don't want to leave. Full of descriptive narrative, creative characters and a plot with more twists than a roller coaster you are transported to Boulder and immersed into Cleo's life.
I enjoyed the book although I did find some grammatical errors that didn't take away from the story in any way. If you are looking for a book with a quirky spirit guide, a murder investigation and dramatic characters this book is for you.
Lynn is the author of two non-fiction books as well as numerous articles, manuals and national newsletters. Her professional experience includes hospital and hospice social work, university teaching and research, special education, and long-term-care ombudsman.
To learn more about Ms. Osterkamp please visit her website.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review. I am not required to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.
Too Far Under is the second book in the Cleo and Tyler series. Ms. Osterkamp has created a world that you are drawn into and don't want to leave. Full of descriptive narrative, creative characters and a plot with more twists than a roller coaster you are transported to Boulder and immersed into Cleo's life.
I enjoyed the book although I did find some grammatical errors that didn't take away from the story in any way. If you are looking for a book with a quirky spirit guide, a murder investigation and dramatic characters this book is for you.
Lynn is the author of two non-fiction books as well as numerous articles, manuals and national newsletters. Her professional experience includes hospital and hospice social work, university teaching and research, special education, and long-term-care ombudsman.
To learn more about Ms. Osterkamp please visit her website.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review. I am not required to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.
August 11, 2016
Personally I do not believe that our loved ones go on to a better place when they die, although I would LOVE to believe that. I would love to think that they can come back to us in our time of need and help guide us through out life. In this book, Cleo sees spirits, specifically a surfer type guy named Tyler, who comes to her when she is unsure on which direction to go and helps her make difficult decisions that in the end brings a killer to justice. I would love to believe that this could actually happen, think about how much easier life changing decisions can be for us?! In this book Lynn Osterkamp also did a great job at showing how people's greediness can really surface when it comes to money. It's ugly how caddy and deceitful family memebers can become when it comes to money. We hear about this all the time, how families fight over inheritance when someone dies, but as much as I hear about it I don't understand why. I also liked how Lynn wrote about the struggle Cleo was having within herself to help this family. In her heart she wanted to help them because they needed it, but her logical mind was telling her to stay away because it could be trouble. Great to read how a mind can fight with itself to make decisions......a great read!
June 28, 2012
The cover on this book doesn't do it justice. I am one of those people who absolutely chooses a book based on its cover, and this is one that I would have passed over. What a mistake I would be making! Too Far Under by Lynn Osterkamp was a potluck of themes.....paranormal, psychological thriller, murder mystery. I just loved it. I couldn't wait to pick it up where I left off each time! The author kept me guessing almost until the very end. There was enough romantic tension to keep it interesting. I really liked the main character, Cleo, and her way of dealing with situations. Too Far Under piqued my curiosity about the supernatural and I found myself wanting to know more about some of the theories in the book. Maybe they are real, maybe they aren't, but Too Far Under was realistic enough to give me reason to think.
I received this book to review. The opinions are 100% mine. See the full review at savingsinseconds(dot)com.
I received this book to review. The opinions are 100% mine. See the full review at savingsinseconds(dot)com.
July 10, 2011
I thought it was a well thought at book that I enjoyed. It was a different heroine and clinet. I like Cleo she is a grief councler teachs a class, and helps people connect with dead people in a different way. Everyone is giving advice to Cleo to leave Lacy and her family alone for her benifet, but she does what she feels right not necessarly the best for herself.
Lacy is a college student who wants Cleo to help her and her sister find out who killed thier mom. Anglea wants to be the one but she is only 10 and Cleo cant treat a minor.
All the characters interact with each other and connect to in lots of ways. its like a small town soap opera. I enjoyed the book and am going to go read the first of the series now. I was given the ebook in exchange for honest review.
Lacy is a college student who wants Cleo to help her and her sister find out who killed thier mom. Anglea wants to be the one but she is only 10 and Cleo cant treat a minor.
All the characters interact with each other and connect to in lots of ways. its like a small town soap opera. I enjoyed the book and am going to go read the first of the series now. I was given the ebook in exchange for honest review.
August 7, 2016
This book in the Cleo and Tyler mystery series focuses on a dead mother, a hurt child, a last will, and greed. Cleo communicates with the dead with the help of her spirit guide and surfer, Tyler. She is hired to find out if Mirabel accidently drown in the tub or if she was murder. The plot moves along and all questions are answered at the end, except one. That one question most likely will be the bases for the next book in the series. The novel needs to be edited for missing punctuation, spelling mistakes, mixed tenses, and fragmented sentences.
May 6, 2012
Another fast paced adventure for Cleo, well written, captivating. Yet I missed Tyler big time, he didn't seem to play a role in this novel. And the end...ouch, so trivial! Left me slightly disappointed.
Want to read
April 12, 2011I won a copy of this book! Looking forward to it. Thanks.
October 18, 2011
This book also kept me guessing and left me hanging at the end. I can't wait to read the next book in the series now. Hope it comes out soon!
January 2, 2012
Cleo does it again. Danger and Ghosts come hand in hand for Cleo and her guide Tyler. Decently written mystery that was pretty good way to spend an afternoon in the sun.
April 30, 2011
Looking forward to reading your book, Lynn!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews