A Sinister Sense

Raven's Nest #2

by Allison Kingsley

Visions of the future and turning into people's thoughts come naturally to Clara Quinn thanks to her inherited Quinn Sense. Unfortunately, it offers no insight into her love life--or lack thereof--especially where hardware store owner Rick Sanders is concerned. But even though she's still nursing a broken heart, Clara offers Rick a home for his troublesome dog, Tatters.
But Tatters is the least of Rick's problems when a dead body is discovered in the back of his truck. The victim was seen in the hardware store--and bludgeoned to death with a hammer stolen from there. Clara believes Rick is innocent, but she's not sure whether that belief comes from the Quinn Sense in her head or simply from a desire in her heart...

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Paranormal, Paranormal Mystery

275 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 3, 2012

About the author

also writes under the names Kate Kingsbury & Rebecca Kent

Reviews

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a surprisingly good thriller. It wasn’t too far-fetched even with the second sight thing. And there was no overly mushy romance going on. Just a date request or two. I didn’t like that it all wrapped up in one or two pages but at least it made logical sense.

[Frank Martinez · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not fun.

[Kirsti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Huh, after a week of reading cozy mystery, I can't help but compare this to the other series I've been reading, the Needlecraft mysteries by Monica Ferris. I felt like this had some good ideas, but the mystery was not so mysterious, the writing was a little immature, and the investigation techniques poor. HOWEVER it does have potential as a series, there is a dog and a budding romance. There is an excellent friendship between cousins. There's a bookstore; but very little discussion of books (sigh) All of this things add up and make this book a little better. I think I'd have to read another book in the series to make up my mind completely.

So some positives and some negatives. Three stars.

[Chuck · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book better. Clara is such a sad sack, she has no idea what she wants at all

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm beginning to think that there are certain in tropes in cozies that just don't work for me, namely the "I have to find the killer because the police never will." Why anyone who learned information obviously important and necessary to a murder case wouldn't report that information to the police is beyond me. That, in a nutshell, is my problem with this book. The heroine, Clara Quinn, wants to clear a friend's name in a murder investigation, but when she learns key information about the dead man, she doesn't share that information with the police and allow them to investigate. Instead, she and her ditzy cousin decide to investigate it themselves and naturally find themselves in a heap of trouble at the end.

What saves this book is that the writing is solid and Clara, despite her trips to TSTL territory, is a likeable character. I was very interested in seeing whodunnit, and that's makes for a solid mystery. I'm probably just not the ideal reader for this book.

[Mystereity Reviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars. If you took out all the "I knooooooooow he's innocent!" and the "OMG everyone saaaays he's guilllty!" the book would be about 5 pages long. I mean, JFC, even Molly is first on the HE DID IT bandwagon, so apparently her ordeal in the first book is long forgotten. There's humility for you. Clara is a prime candidate for Dr. Phil. I get it, you got dumped, but the continued harping on lack of trust in the opposite sex isn't endearing, it's just annoying.

I thought there was too much inner dialogue and I found myself flipping through several pages at a time. Half of every chapter was taken up with the MC's anguish over her "Sense". Jesus, get over it already. The rest of the characters, despite the ample descriptions, still manage to lack depth.

Underneath all the claptrap, there's a good story in there, which saved the book from being completely terrible. So, my rating is halfway between hate it and didn't piss me off.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another cozy mystery; this one was disappointing. It's a good premise with the main character being a psychic (who doesn't want to be a psychic) who works in a bookstore, but falls flat, especially in the areas of suspense and world-building. I particularly feel the lack of setting detail; telling not showing. This series is set in Maine and the author really tries with regional detail, but it just doesn't work. Being a midwestern girl born and bred, I ached for a description of, say, the actual taste of a lobster roll and the lack thereof made me sad. But then I was texting with one of my best friends (who was born and raised in Maine) and he described the taste and texture of a lobster roll with such detail and precision that it made me hungry. This series is only for the seriously hardcore cozy mystery fan.

[Avid Series Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Sinister Sense by Allison Kingsley is the second book of the Raven's Nest cozy mystery series set in Finn's Harbor, a contemporary small coastal town in Maine. Clara Quinn has returned to her hometown, after a failed romance in New York City. Clara lives with her widowed mother Jessie, and works at the Raven's Nest Bookstore owned by her cousin (and lifelong best friend) Stephanie.

Nearby hardware store owner Rick Sanders is detained and questioned after a dead body is found in the back of his pickup. Mayor Carson Dexter mounts a publicity campaign against Rick, urging a swift arrest to keep their town safe. Clara is confident Rick is a good man, innocent of murder. Since Detective Dan Petersen and Mayor Carson Dexter are best friends, she doubts the police will spend time investigating the murder. Circumstantial evidence points to Rick.

Clara has the "Quinn Sense", an extrasensory perception passed down in her family. Stephanie has always been jealous, since she doesn't have it. Clara has tried to ignore it, because it didn't warn her of betrayal in the past. But now Clara is eagerly receptive to visions or voices, for clues to the true killer.

"Steffie" and Clara grew up together sharing wild escapades. Although Steffie's happily married and the mother of 3, she relishes recreating the fun of old capers. When Clara's Internet research uncovers a previous death with a link to Finn's Harbor, Steffie suggests re-playing a stunt they did as children, to confront their suspect and force a confession. Luckily Clara brings Tatters (Rick's dog) with them.

[Jennifer Robb · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have not read the first book in this series and don't think I will. When I went through the bags of mysteries my mom got for free at a book exchange, I mostly picked out ones that were culinary and/or book related to take to read. I didn't think to also check if any were paranormals.

I do have to say that for a paranormal, the use of paranormal powers was very understated in this book, but it was almost to the point that I wondered why the author bothered with it at all. It seemed like there were ways the main character could have found the information without relying on a sixth sense--one she doesn't even want to boot.

I also give the author credit for using a dog rather than the stereotypical cat, but the dog didn't stand out as a character for me. The writing and the plot are decent. I figured out who the murderer was before it was revealed by the author.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first book in this series and it was okay. It was a bit disconcerting to switch to Steffie's POV a couple of times--randomly and as far as I can tell for no reason at all. I also quickly bored of Clara's complaints about her Quinn Sense. Still I was an ongoing thread in the book and if it continues throughout the series, I can see why I might not read them all. I picked this up because it was a bookstore mystery and included physics, but honestly there was very little to the bookstore. In fact, I am very confused about the bookstore because it's supposed to be dedicated to psychic books, but ever time a book was referenced, it was a fantasy or cookbook. Overall, this was an enjoyable, fast read. I didn't figure out the culprit half-way through, which was nice as well.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently finished the first novel in the Raven's Nest series, so I wanted to read this second installment. I liked this story even more than the first novel. The reader learns a bit more about Claire's background in New York City and why she moved home to Maine. I liked the addition of a rambunctious pet, as well as the growing relationship between Claire and Rick Sanders. The one thing that really puts me off is how Claire's cousin Stephanie has to lie to her husband about where she goes and what she does; She's a grown woman and her husband is too controlling.

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 1/2 stars. It's a run of the mill cozy. The dog was cute and the love interest has potential. The confrontation was gutsy and haphazard; something that amateurs would do. It just might work.

Clara complains about her Quinn sense and her mother too much. The mystery could have been a little stronger. They didn't really have proof of anything, just speculation. I was hoping that there would be a surprise culprit at the end.

At the same time, it passed the afternoon. Nothing wrong, but nothing too spectacular either.

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I completely forget the first book in this series, but stumbled across books 2 and 3 so decided to try number 2. It was really just ok. The cousins are honestly not that interesting as main characters, you don't get enough of the local flavor of the town to make it worthwhile, and the amateur investigating was really REALLY amateur to the point that I don't actually understand how they put anything together at all to get to the end. Since I already have book 3, I'll read it, but I don't think I'll be going for number 4.

[Ursula S · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were some good parts in this second book in the series. But the ending was pretty ridiculous. So much so that I skimmed a lot of it. I liked the main character and the love interest. Obviously I was interested enough to read a continuation of the first book. But there was very little resolution of the overarching themes and the mystery itself was meh.

I'm debating with myself to read the next volume. If there is one--oh I guess there is one. Perhaps it will be better than this one. Hopeful.

[spacecrazed · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall ok to read. I am not “gripped” by the book where I feel like I just can’t put it down. The “Quinn sense” is starting to bother me though — I. That the main character seems to want it both ways. You can’t be angry for it not working when you want it to when you are actively trying to stop it from working every time it does! Just decide if you want it or not. If you decide to use it you need to stop preventing it from working.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clara is sure that Rick from the hardware store did not kill the unknown man found in the back of his truck. Stephanie comes up with crazy ideas to help them get at the truth.
Tatters is a big dog that plays a role throughout the book.
The real culprit was apparent to me due to over the top behavior.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't decide if I like this series or not. I like the characters but the way they go about solving murders just seems a little too far fetched to be believable. But I keep reading the series so I guess I like the series well enough.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful Raven's Nest mystery set in and around a bookstore. There is a murder of an outsider. The prime suspect is a friend who is questioned for the crime. But the lead character's (Quinn Sense) tells her that She and her cousin need to investigate which they do.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clara has a sense that tells her things but isn't always helpful, it doesn't help her with her love life. Clara offers to take care of her boyfriends dog after he is accused of murder. She sets out to prove he didn't do it.

[Michael Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

Forgot to place earlier. Basic concept in first one was interesting but not a real grabber. With this one I am finished with this series.

[Robyn Murphy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this to be a cliched mystery with annoying characters. Well, I did like the dog and the love interest, but the mother in the story zapped all the fun, as she does with her daughter.

[Janifowose · Rating 3 out of 5]

These books make for a quick one day read. They pretty much have the same plot. Clara Uses the Quinn sense to track down a killer and always ends up in danger her self.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 - Good

[Bonnie Drummond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sins tee Sense ( Ravens Nest Bookshop #2 ) by: Allison Kingsley was even better then her first book in this series. Can't wait to read the next in this series.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cousins Clara and Stephanie Quinn from the Raven’s Nest Bookstore are back with another murder to solve in Allison Kingsley’s latest cozy mystery, A SINISTER SENSE. Things aren’t looking so good for Rick Sanders, the owner of Finn’s Harbor’s only hardware store. A dead body is discovered in the back of his truck, and the murder weapon was taken straight from his own store’s inventory. Even though most of the town thinks he’s guilty, Clara just knows he’s innocent. Rick is Clara’s good friend (and even a potential love interest?), so she’s not going to sit by an let him take the fall for someone else. Armed with her special “Quinn Sense” and her cousin Stephanie’s help, Clara sets out to find the real murderer.

A SINISTER SENSE was a quick and easy read, and overall I liked it – not loved, but liked. The mystery was fairly simple, without a lot of twists and turns or red herrings in the plot. Clara was such a loyal friend to Rick, and when others turned their back on him, she stuck to her guns to find the real murderer, even after receiving threats if she didn’t stop snooping. I enjoyed the dynamic between Clara and Stephanie as cousins, best friends and a fun amateur sleuthing team. My main complaint with this book is the same one I had with the first book in the series (Mind Over Murder) – the way the murderer was caught was just kind of silly. Not very believable in my opinion, and that took away some of my enjoyment.

I’m crazy about bookstore settings, and the Raven’s Nest sounds like an intriguing shop with its Edgar Allen Poe theme. The bookstore specializes in the occult genre, which is fitting given that certain family members, like Clara, have the “Quinn Sense.” It’s similar to having a sixth sense; Clara hears voices in her mind, giving her vague hints about certain things, or she will just develop a strong “feeling” about something without explanation. Clara is not very good at using her special ability, mainly because she’s not happy about having it in the first place, and for years she’s tried to pretend it wasn’t there. I absolutely LOVE cozies with paranormal elements, so I wish this book had delved deeper into the Quinn Sense.

Since I’m curious to see where Clara’s relationship goes with Rick, and I want to know more about Clara’s woo-woo powers, I will be continuing with A Raven’s Nest Bookstore series. I’m just hoping the cousins find a different way to catch the killer next time.

[❂ Murder by Death · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed by the first book in this series, but I'm often left ambivalent about first books in a new series - sometimes an author just needs to find the groove for both themselves and their characters. Sadly, I did *not* find this book to be an improvement, merely more of the same.

The main character, Clara, spends the entire time throughout the book being a coward - she constantly anguishes over her psychic gift, calling it a curse, constantly talks about how she's never going to love anyone so they can hurt her again. She lives with her mother who drives her crazy with her smothering ways, yet does very little to nothing about it - she's 31 and she is still interacting with her mother like she's a rebellious teenager. Her interactions with her cousin and friend Stephanie throughout the book seem to be primarily focused on 'remember when...'. All in all, Clara comes across as someone who is beaten down and depressed and sees no reason to take control of her own life in any way - *not* the kind of character I want to curl up with when I pick up a cozy mystery. I want a strong character who takes adversity and uses it to make herself stronger, not weaker. I want a character with spine and a sense of humour.

The mystery plot itself I found weak as well. The murderer was screamingly obvious to me from the moment the character had their first interaction with Clara. Clara's attempts to investigate felt bumbling and obvious and juvenile.

I love cozy mysteries with a paranormal aspect and I love mysteries that centre around a bookstore. That this one is both and still falls so short makes the disappointment that much more bitter - I *want* to like this series, but unless things drastically change, I'll not be reading the third book.

[Fred · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Sinister Sense is the second book in the A Raven's Nest Bookstore Mystery series.

Clara Quinn is enjoying watching a large dog chase Roberta, who owns the store next door to Raven's Nest. Raven's Nest is the bookstore that her cousin owns and where she works. The dog, Tatters, is owned by Rick Sanders owner of the hardware store across the street. Rick is someone that Clara would like to know better, so she offers to help Rick train Tatters. Soon a body is found in the back of Rick's pick-up, beaten with a hammer this found to have come from his hardware store. When Rick is arrested for suspicion of murder, Clara collect Tatters and take him home until Rick can get released from jail. Clara feels a bit guilty leaving an almost unmanageable dog for her mother to watch, but she needs to be out collecting clues so that Rick can get out of jail.

The murdered person had recently contacted an ex-con in Finn's Harbor. Clara and her visit a seedy bar that the victim and been in the night he was murdered where there had been an altercation, could this be related. Clara also find out that the victim's sister committed suicide a few years back, could this have something to do with the victims being murdered? Once when Clara was walking Tatters the mayor stop and tells Clara that she should stop nosing around. To top it all off her "Quinn's Sense" isn't providing her with a lot of help.

A fun read with a good mixture of seriousness and humor.

Looking forward to the next book.

[bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clara Quinn is back using her Quinn Sense (the psychic ability that is like a family inheritance) to help solve another murder. This time she's helping Rick Halloran, hardware store owner, when he's accused of murder after a dead body is found in the back of his truck. With the help of a very large, unruly dog, called Tatters, Clara and her cousin Stephanie set about to try and prove that Rick is innocent.

I liked the first book in this series, Mind Over Murder, so it was a no-brainer that I added this one to my TBR too. I love reading all the books in a series, so I definitely wanted to take another journey with the girls at the Ravens Nest Bookstore.

I found A Sinister Sense just as enjoyable as the first book. Even though the murder victim was not a local, there was plenty of "side plots" about Finn's Shore, especially the growing bond between Rick and Clara. I really hope this friendship continues in the next book, and there is more on the other locals of Finn's Shore as I want to learn more about the residents.

I've been on a bit of a cozy mystery slump lately, and this was a good book to come back. Definitely a fun murder mystery, and Tatters, the unruly dog, won my heart over!

[nidah05 (SleepDreamWrite) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why I think I found a new favorite series. Looks like the cousins find themselves in another mystery. This time the suspect in question is their friend and hardware store owner, Rick.

Once I saw this on the shelves, I got it and started to read, not putting it down. Well, I did now and then but went back to it. I really like the friendship and relationship of Clara and Stephanie.

And of course there's the is it the Quinn Sense or Clara's instincts and of course the ever growing question does Clara like Rick or what? While I was thinking, are kidding me? Its so obvious? But I liked the slow build up to it. That and they start of as friends. And later, really good friends.

Then of course there's the adorable and loveable Tatters. He shines near the end. Well, throughout the book now that I think about it.

Anyway, as the suspense builds, the story does get interesting as the sisters try to clear Rick's name. And the end made me smile. Same like last time as well. Thanks for that book. You know me and my book loving self well don't you? Anyway, now I want the third book already. Oh the cover looks cozy.

[Jeannie and Louis Rigod · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clara Quinn, a bookstore worker, has claim to the 'Quinn Sense.' This sense is a family inherited trait that allows her insight into a situation rather telepathically, using audiology and clairvoyance. She hears voices and sees crime scenes. Clara has spent great energy to suppress this ability since her best friend, and cousin Stephanie did not inherit the sense.

In this case, Clara does chose to use the advantage of her sense. Rick Sanders, a man that Clara is interested in, has a dead body show up in the rear of his pickup. Clara 'knows' he is not the culprit, she has to hurry to find the true killer before Rick is charged with the crime.

We are introduced to a lovable furry dog, Tatters who is able to converse with Clara and that is an avenue the author, in my opinion, should pursue.

This was an enjoyable cozy murder read.