Jeff Resnick's curiosity is piqued when he sees a sign advertising psychic readings. At first he's sure the medium is a fake, but then his funny feelings lead him to suspect that a murder has taken place in the dilapidated house where Madam Zahara holds her readings. Just who died and how? And why is Jeff compelled to look for bodies buried in the medium’s yard?
The immensely popular Booktown Mystery series is what put Lorraine Bartlett’s pen name Lorna Barrett on the New York Times Bestseller list, but it’s her talent -- whether writing as Lorna, or L.L. Bartlett, or Lorraine Bartlett -- that keeps her there. This multi-published, Agatha-nominated author pens the exciting Jeff Resnick Mysteries as well as the acclaimed Victoria Square and Lotus Bay Mystery series, and now the Tales of Telenia fantasy saga, and has many short stories and novellas to her name(s). Check out the descriptions and links to all her works here: http://www.LLBartlett.com
When the Spirit Moves You by L.L. Bartlett is #2.5 in the Jeff Resnick mystery series, between Dead in Red and Cheated by Death. Set in contemporary NY, it's a puzzle with surprises. Jeff sees a sign advertising fortune-telling outside a rundown house. He goes inside, gets a vague fortune that any amateur could provide. However he experiences a strong sense of death and the need to solve a murder. He jumps into impulsive action (along with brother Richard) before 'doing his homework', i.e., online research. The facts prove to be quite different than his initial assumptions.
Wonderful story teller, March 11, 2012 By Ellen Rappaport (Florida) This review is from: When The Spirit Moves You (The Jeff Resnick Mysteries)
I've read all the books in this series and this was my first short story. The Jeff Resnick series draws me in to a point that I can't put it down once started. And this story was no different. Jeff is drawn to a dilapidated old house with a fortune tellers sign in the front of it. Upon entering he meets a run of the mill fortune teller...or is she. That's when the mystery begins. Who is this woman and better yet...who is the mysterious figure that appears when Jeff is there?
"When the Spirit Moves You" is compelling and wonderful fun. Same characters ( Jeff, Brenda and Jeff's half brother) becoming more involved as their relationships evolve. All believable in a paranormal sort of way.
I highly recommend this story and all the books in the Jeff Resnick series.
Looking forward to the next Jeff Resnick book with great anticipation.
We have a short story to feed my insatiable thirst for Jeff Resnick adventures.
Jeff Resnick is a man that was mugged and when he fought his way back to consciousness found he was psychic, especially in regards to finding murder victims.
Jeff drives by an old-dilapidated house with the intriguing sign "Psychic- $10" in neon lights each day on his commute to work. Being down to his last ten dollars prior payday, Jeff decides to go in as he feels drawn to the garden on the side of the house.
The second Jeff enters the house he knows there is death present. Just how much will even shake up Jeff. This it not a simple murder mystery. This short story is complex and layered like an onion.
Jeff Resnick, who has his own psychic abilities, sees an advertisement for a psychic reading and decides to give it a try. Instead of a reading, he gets the "feeling" that there is a body buried in the backyard. The story centers on his own investigation of his "feeling." Enjoyable read with a great unexpected twist at the end.
In this short story Jeff Resnick is not only psychic but he is also seeing ghosts. Figuring out who is the ghost and who is not is the problem. One of the ghosts is also a psychic and tells Jeff what he doesn't want to hear. How does he solve this problem without getting his helpful brother hurt again? That is the question.
Delightful story. I enjoyed every minute. I love Jeff Resnick and his family. I find myself wishing I could be his partner in crime. I also find myself still wondering if Sophie really exists? I can't wait for the next Resnick story!
Some more of Jeff Resnick and his adventures. This one was a short but packed a punch just the same. I did figure it out before the end but not too soon. What goes on in Mrs. Bartlett's mind is amazing.
How did I miss this one? I've now read this out of order but as its just a short story it didn't matter too much. Nice little short story which a couple of twists and turns. Makes you wonder if you can ever escape family . . .
Using the Jeff Resnick back story, Bartlett has created a swift reading short story. A fun to read cozy in between longer novels. This is second reading.