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Pepper Martin #9

Supernatural Born Killers

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Former cemetery tour guide and reluctant medium Pepper Martin is thrilled when she gets her job back — with a promotion. But her new position is turning out to be more than she can handle, especially with the dead clamoring for her attention… 

As Garden View Cemetery’s new community relations manager, Pepper is feeling overwhelmed with planning the annual party to attract new sponsors. Luckily, some of the cemetery’s permanent residents have volunteered to give Pepper a ghostly hand, and she’s not about to turn away the help. But when a murdered ghost starts leaving puddles everywhere, Pepper quickly finds her newly acquired free time occupied. 

The dead man is her ex-boyfriend Quinn’s former partner Jack Haggarty — and he isn’t going away until Pepper figures out the real reason behind his murder. And while Quinn recently had a brush with the afterlife, he still isn’t ready to accept Pepper’s abilities — or offer his skills as a detective. Now, Pepper has to convince Quinn she’s the real deal and investigate Jack’s death — before someone else meets their end in a watery grave...

294 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 4, 2012

7 people are currently reading
730 people want to read

About the author

Casey Daniels

14 books371 followers
A pseudonym used by Connie Laux, A.K.A Miranda Bliss, Zoe Daniels, Connie Deka, Mimi Granger, Anastasia Hastings, Connie Laux, Constance Laux, Kylie Logan, Lucy Ness..

A couple years ago I applied for a part-time job as a tour guide at a historic cemetery not far from where I live. Why? Well, aside from the fact that the job would force me to step away from my computer and remind me that there was a life beyond writing (even in a place where just about everybody was dead), I love cemeteries.

No, really. I mean it. I really love cemeteries.

Think about it. A cemetery--I mean a really good old cemetery, not these new “memorial parks” where every headstone is flat to the ground and every one of them looks the same--is really a museum without walls. Take a peek into any cemetery that’s more than sixty or so years old and you’re bound to see interesting architecture, sculpture and art. There are stories, too, everywhere you look. One memorial can give you a glimpse into generations of a family’s history. Another might suggest tragedy. Still others speak of undying love and precious memories.

Is it any wonder that a writer’s imagination is bound to take flight in a cemetery?

That’s exactly what happened to me. I didn’t get the job, by the way, but as I drove home from the interview, I did get the idea for Pepper Martin, a cemetery tour guide whose enthusiasm for cemeteries does not rival my own. After all, what could be more perfect that an amateur sleuth surrounded by dead people? And if she just so happened to be able and see and talk to some of them, all the better!

I learned to love mysteries early thanks to my dad, a Cleveland Police detective who enjoyed the Sherlock Holmes stories and spent his days off searching for stolen cars. Often on those trips, I was in the back seat and to this day, I have Dad to thank for my knowledge of some less-than-savory parts of the city. Later, I read my way through every mystery story I could get my hands on. Agatha Christie and Conan Doyle are still among my favorites.

I have a degree in English, experience as a journalist and writing teacher, and lots of ideas for more Pepper Martin mysteries. When I’m not writing, I’m usually with my family and our two dogs, Ernie, an adorable Airedale pup, and Oscar, a rescued Jack Russell who spends far too much time watching TV. I enjoy knitting, gardening and of course, stomping through cemeteries in search of history, stories and inspiration.

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5 stars
299 (37%)
4 stars
313 (38%)
3 stars
160 (19%)
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20 (2%)
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12 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for Paris.
Author 15 books66 followers
January 13, 2013
This has been a series that I have enjoyed for awhile and I love that even this far into the series (this is book 9), I am still surprised and able to give the book more than 3 stars. This addition to the series was fun, creepy and interesting. A lot happens both as far as Pepper’s supernatural investigations and her work at the cemetery go, but also in her personal life. Between her parents and hottie Detective Quinn, Pepper has definitely shouldn’t be able to concentrate on her work, but she thankfully she doesn’t have to. Her work at the cemetery is taken over by a few of the ghosts living there and her supernatural investigation is one she’s working on with Quinn. Of course things get hairy, her life gets put on the line and she has a new admirer in the uber rich comic book nerd Milo Blackstone. And all of it is done with the hints of humor and fun that these books are known for.

Although the end kind of seems like it’s the end of the road for the series, I am hoping that there is more. I love Pepper and the cast of characters that we’ve met throughout the series. I would hate for this to be the end, but if it is, it was definitely a satisfying way to go.
Profile Image for Betty.
2,004 reviews74 followers
November 17, 2016
Pepper is back at Garden View Cemetery with a promotion to Community Relations Director. She has no idea how to do her job, three friendly ghosts offered to do her job for Pepper doing a favor for them. At her first big event, Milo Blackburne falls for her and thinks she is Superman girlfriend. Cleveland is hosting a comic book conference. Milo is a major sponsor of the convention. Pepper hopes that he will become a patron of Garden View Cemetery.
Quinn has recovered and is assigned to a precinct as a community relations officer. He is furious about what he sees as a demotion and is working on a murder case in his free time. Quinn is allowing Pepper to work with him as she sees the ghost of ex-partner. There are enough surprises to keep you reading. I have a couple more of this series to read. Looking forward to reading the new book being released later this year.
Profile Image for Monica Hills.
1,370 reviews67 followers
April 22, 2024
This is the third book I have read in a row and I have been enjoying being immersed in this world. This one starts out with Pepper getting married only we don't know who she is marrying. It then flashes back to what has happened to lead up to this event.

This book is set back in Ohio. There was some good action and her interactions with the ghosts were interesting. Overall, this was a solid read but if I had not spent then entire weekend in this world I don't know if I would have liked it as much.
Profile Image for Genevieve.
1,363 reviews14 followers
September 9, 2021
Okay this series just gets better and better. This story had so many side stories and red herrings that it kept me turning the pages. Though I did guess the murderer I didn't guess the fantastic ending. I love the characters Pepper and Quinn and I really liked the fact we met Pepper's parents in this book. I just loved this book. A great read.
Profile Image for Dharia Scarab.
3,255 reviews8 followers
July 11, 2015
A couple thoughts about the series now that I've read all 9 book.

I started this series out of order with books 3 and 6. Book 3 was my favorite, and honestly if I hadn't read it first, I probably wouldn't have bothered with the rest of the books.

Pepper is annoying, shallow, and never really grows as a character. And Quinn is a jerk, right up to the end. I couldn't get invested in the stories because not only were they unlikable but often stubborn to the point of stupid.

I've read better books published by Casey Daniels under different names, and in the end I'm disappointed with this series because it could have been so much better.


Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...

1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.

2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.

3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.

4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.

5 stars... I loved this book! It had earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
Profile Image for Vickie.
2,307 reviews6 followers
July 30, 2014
How I adore this series! Casey has written several other cozy series, but Pepper Martin remains my favorite. She had me at DON OF THE DEAD.
Pepper has grown since that first adventure, both in her abilities and her career. But she's still sassy and loves her clothes.
This time around she's organized a fundraiser for Garden View Cemetery and she has the ghost of another murder victim following her around, leaving puddle of water everywhere. Off she goes to solve both the murder and discover who is stealing valuable comic book paraphernalia from a touring comic convention.
She also has a reluctant boyfriend and an ardent admirer. Pepper's a busy chickie.
I am in hopes that this isn't the last we see of Pepper, but I am afraid the end of the book read that this is the end. Glad I can go back and reread the series, plus I have the 8th book, WILD WILD DEATH,to find and read.
Definitely highly recommend this book and this series.
Profile Image for Sherry Salfai.
73 reviews
April 27, 2015
more Pepper please

Loved this installment of the Pepper Martin series! Great to finally meet the parents, characters who feel like they could develop into fun sidekicks. My only fear is that I won't get another chance at this series as this book was published in 2012. Where has Pepper been for the last couple years? Please give us more Pepper!
Profile Image for Kathleen.
710 reviews
May 23, 2018
More bodies, recent and otherwise, than a person knows what to do with during a comic con. And Superman himself!

"Ghosts are real. ... Superheroes not so much."

I was disappointed that her friend, Jesse, introduced in the previous book in this series, disappeared with a flashy flower arrangement. And I'm not quite sure what is with Pepper's parents showing up. They just seem to unnecessarily complicate the plot.
Profile Image for Raven Ghostly.
10 reviews
May 13, 2017
So worth the 5 stars. I love every book she has written. All amazingly beautifully written. You easily fall in love with the characters. You laugh, you cry you even want to yell at times. An amazing mix of a cozy mystery with spookey, fun, loveable Ghosts.
4,392 reviews57 followers
July 5, 2018
The addition of Pepper's parents added humor. Pepper is a fun heroine, who though loves fashion isn't so obsessed with it that those readers who aren't will find it annoying. It isn't a true whodunit but a great mix of the supernatural, romance and mystery. A good addition to the series.
Profile Image for Tracy Quick.
149 reviews
January 16, 2019
I enjoyed this book. We finally get some answers about Pepper and her gift. Quinn is finally understanding her gift as well and has admitted his love for her. Plus Peppers parents make an appearance. I can’t wait to read the next book to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Jolene.
2 reviews
May 6, 2025
This one was very different than the rest . It brought more ghosts and murders to solve. Very interesting how we are still learning of the other side rules… Can not wait for the next!
Profile Image for Pamela .
1,439 reviews78 followers
September 19, 2012
After reading and loving "Wild Wild Death," the eighth book in the Pepper Martin series, I was really excited to read "Supernatural Born Killers" that just came out. What can I say except that for a novel that started off pretty well, it took a massive nose-dive half-way thru. I'm not just talking about rolling of the eyes. I'm talking loud groans of disappointment; and the shaking of my head, asking, "Why?” What the hell?" So dismayed, I wish I never purchased the damn book. Yeah, yeah, I know. I'm probably the only one who feels this way; however, I'm entitled to my opinion. And my opinion - this has to be the worst novel in the series. Too harsh? Too bad!

The Good: It started off well. We’re introduced to a couple of new and interesting ghosts. The puddles that keep showing up? Based on past mysteries Pepper has solved, this one should be interesting.

The Bad: Where should I begin? Well, Quinn is back in Pepper’s life. In fact, he finally accepts that Pepper sees and talks to ghosts. He also tells her that he loves her. I say: “whoop-dee-doo!” Whatever chemistry Quinn and Pepper had in the past is no longer there. No sparks, no fire, nothing. As for Quinn believing Pepper, we all knew he would eventually.

As for the new mystery, not only was it not fully developed, it was ridiculous. And the new ghosts we’re introduced at the beginning? They’re going to do all the administrative work for Pepper at the office so she can spend time with Quinn solving the new case. Right. If that wasn’t bad enough, we’re introduced to Pepper’s parents, with Quinn present of course. Weirder, right after the introductions, her parents divulge to them how they’ve kept in touch with Ella for the past few years and that they know all about Pepper’s ghostly investigations. They tell her that it’s not the bump on the head she got when she fell in the first book that gives her the ability to see and talk to ghosts; but that she’s always been “gifted.” Hold on to your socks, there’s more. Her parents have a new business, with business cards and everything; and it includes Pepper (news to her). They’re going into the private investigation (ghosts and all) business. First case, let’s just jump in and help Quinn and Pepper in their new and boring investigation. You would think someone like Quinn would have them back off. But nooooooo…. In fact, he thinks it’s a great idea. Are you kidding me??? Seriously Ms. Daniels, what the hell? If you haven’t caught on, I’m pretty peeved by now. The new direction the book has taken has left me dumbfounded. Once all was all disclosed, I pretty much gave up on the novel. To end my misery, I flipped thru the pages pretty fast. Easy since there was nothing of substance left. As I read the last couple of pages (I actually read each word), I have to wonder if Ms. Daniels decided to end the series as it felt that way to me.

In the end, this book left me feeling empty. It felt as though as I was reading a book written by someone other than Casey Daniels.


This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Stacey.
904 reviews22 followers
April 17, 2017
I have never been quiet about how much I love this series. In fact I almost never read 'cozy' mysteries anymore and the truth of the matter is that Casey Daniel's "Pepper Martin" books truly are so much more than most cozy mysteries. It probably shouldn't even be considered on of that genre. Pepper is one of my favorite heroines. She is spunky, witty, and sarcastic. She also is tenderhearted and will do about anything for anyone, especially if you are one of those pesky ghosts she can see and communicate with.

"Supernatural Born Killers" finds Pepper starting in her new position at Cleveland's Garden View Cemetery. No longer is she guiding tours, now she is in charge of writing the newsletter, working on the cemetery's budget and helping to secure big donations to keep the cemetery flush. Pepper's relationship with Quinn is still a little rocky as well. He had his own recent supernatural experience but he still is stubborn in his anti-paranormal beliefs. He is a cop and he truly wants everything to be logical and fit together like puzzle pieces.

Then his ex-partner goes missing and Pepper knows he isn't alive. How? Cause she is seeing his dripping wet ghost! She and Quinn work together to try to find out what exactly happened to Jack and what all of this has to do with a big comic book convention that is coming to town.

I love that the Pepper Martin stories change. Life happens. There are job promotions, lifestyle changes, weddings, deaths. Crazy parents who show up wanting to suddenly move to town and join in their daughter's ghostly investigations. You know; all the real life stuff. Pepper is completely adorable and fun no matter what is happening. And I love that the author knows Cleveland so well and she weaves true Cleveland history into this novels. My favorite book of the series dealt with US President James A Garfield. Here she references extensively Superman and how the comics originated there.

"Supernatural Born Killers" is another great installment. I love these characters so much that I relish time spent with them again. The mystery was a lot of fun with the comic book angle. The bad guys were truly bad guys. And Quinn really delivered as Pepper's main squeeze. He almost became worthy of her in this book. If you haven't started this series yet, you should remedy that right away. Not only should you read these books but you should move them right to the very top of your to be read pile.
Profile Image for Helen Robare.
813 reviews6 followers
June 13, 2019
I absolutely LOVE this series. Each book is better than the one before. The characters, even the dead ones, come to life in these books. Each time I read one, I think "this is the best one" and then Casey puts out another one and I think "no this is the BEST one". This makes the anticipation of a new Pepper Martin book something to be anticipated and looked forward to with impatience.

What I like best about this book in the series was the fact that Quinn was beginning to believe that Pepper could see and talk to the dead. In a couple of the books, I will admit, that his refusal to believe her grated on and I wanted her to deck him one or just completely walk away from him.

If I have a complaint about this book it's that the villain was easy to spot (for me). The fact that he was someone who hadn't been heard of before in the series made it easy to figure out who the bad guy behind the murder was. And for someone whose concept of police partners is based on Cagney and Lacey or Riggs and Murtaugh (Lethal Weapon) you are in for a surprise when the relationship between Jack and Quinn as partners.

As someone who did not like to work when she had to make a living (me), I laughed out loud at who Pepper has doing her chores. Hey, if you've got the gift might as well make use of it right? LoL.
Profile Image for S.D..
Author 11 books66 followers
September 22, 2012
There are a lot of changes in Pepper’s life. She has a new job and more responsibilities at the Garden View Cemetery. As the detective to the dead, she is still finding it a challenge to convince Detective Quinn Harrison that she talks to ghosts. With all these added tasks, Pepper needs help. And who better to help a ghostbuster than ghosts. Three such ghosts are more than happy to help with the newsletter, her budget, and secretarial duties. Course, they want something in exchange. Easy tasks for someone of Pepper’s stature. Since the cemetery needs donors, Pepper is encouraged to cozy up to millionaire Milo Blackburne, a Superman fanatic who thinks Pepper is Superman’s long lost love, Lana. New to the cast of characters are Pepper’s parents. Pops has just been released from prison and her mother has devised a great family business…a detective agency. Meanwhile a ghost who just happens to be Quinn’s former partner warns Pepper that someone is going to die at the comic book convention. This series is always fun and Pepper is a stitch. There may be a change in Pepper’s life, and I for one welcome it. Another hit in an enjoyable series.
Profile Image for Jan.
867 reviews44 followers
September 29, 2012
4 1/2 stars. As this book begins, Pepper is back working at the cemetery and has been promoted. The job is pretty demanding but Pepper soon finds that there are plenty of ghostly inhabitants of the cemetery who are dying (yes a pun) to do something. Pepper is more than willing to accept their help because she and Quinn are finally back together, sort of. And of course the ghost of a man who was murdered is haunting her. But this ghost is bound and gagged, so getting information from him is really difficult. And he was drowned, so he leaves puddles everywhere. Ick. Pepper is trying to get a big donation from a local big wig with a Superman obsession and as soon as she meets him, a Pepper obcession. And there is a comic book convention coming to town. Oh, just lots of stuff.

This book was really fun. I am glad that Pepper and Quinn are back together even though he can be a butthead. And there are several surprises in this book. No, I want it to be a surprise. Anyway, you know you want to read it. Oh, did you know that Superman was created in Cleveland? I had no idea.
803 reviews3 followers
October 7, 2012
I really wanted to like this book. After the last one, where Pepper was just a puppet of the author, this story showed a little growth in her relationship with Quinn. The plot was good, the ghost aspect was interesting, the introduction of Pepper's parents, etc was good. But the bad guy? No way. Even with Pepper's propensity to do exactly the wrong thing and trust the wrong people, this one was just too weird.

There was a lot to like about this book, and I thought this was a mostly a good follow-up to the previous book, but did not like the ending. Just a little too out there.

If you like this series, go ahead and read this book. It's not bad enough to want to quit reading the series, but Daniels is just phoning it in now.
1,156 reviews2 followers
October 27, 2012
As a narrator, Pepper is still feisty and humorous. Her new job as Community Coordinator for the largest historic cemetery in Cleveland comes with a ghostly secretary, accountant and newspaper reporter. Needless to say, this leaves her with plenty of time to investigate unsolved crimes around the city. When a ghost keeps popping up everywhere she goes dripping water from his soggy clothes, she enlists her boyfriend the homicide detective to help her find out what happened to the bound and gagged ghost. Pepper seems to get married - twice - in this one as well. A bonus is what you learn about the history of the Suoerman comics, created by two Cleveland natives in the 1930s, along the way.
Profile Image for Wendy.
599 reviews21 followers
July 24, 2013
So now that Pepper had grown on me and I can honestly say that I am loving this series I come to an end.

Pepper is back in Cleveland and has been hired back at Garden View. She renews her romance with Quinn (sigh) and her parents move to town. Needless to say Pepper's life is in an uproar (as usual). Add to all of this an infatuated millionaire, Superman, and several ghosts and you have the makings for an interesting read.

I saw that Casey Daniels is currently working on a novella starring Pepper and I look forward to reading it as soon as it is published to see where things go from here.
770 reviews
September 13, 2012
Pepper Martin is a cemetery tour guide and reluctant medium that is thrilled to have her job back with a promotion. She acquires a staff to help with her everyday job tasks so she has more time to spend with Quinn and solve the crime.

this book in the series starts out with Pepper getting married and goes downhill from there. If you already are a fan of pepper's you won't want to miss this one. If you arent yet a fan - you will love it anyway. All her books are stand alone with a different adventure in each.

I really enjoyed reading this one and didnt want to put it down.

278 reviews
November 14, 2012
Silly but readable--another account of Pepper Martin who must try to lay ghosts to rest by solving their mysteries, while working her day job in a cemetery and reforging her relationship with her policeman boyfriend (who doesn't believe in ghosts.) In this one, Pepper has to try to decipher mysterious messages from a ghost whose mouth is gagged, so he can only act things out; fend off unwanted advances from a rich socialite while trying to wheedle him into a large donation for the cemetery she works at; and protect her Jimmy Choos while chasing after villains.
Profile Image for Kim.
1,292 reviews38 followers
September 18, 2012
I still love this series. I love how I know so much of where she is talking about since I live here and yes,there really is a cemetery in Cleveland with President Garfield buried here along with several mayors,a tycoon, and a few other people you may have heard of before. I love how Daniels takes local history and legends to create her stories. I just hope that this is not the last one in the series if the ending of this book is any kind of hint.
Profile Image for Nora-adrienne.
918 reviews171 followers
October 21, 2012
Casey Daniels has certainly outdone herself in this latest Pepper Martin adventure. With Pepper's return to her job and a promotion (with a raise) the surprise return of her parents has added a new layer of interest and humor to the story. If you have never read one of Ms. Daniels Pepper Martin books, then you need to start now. You will be held spellbound from beginning to surprise ending.


FTC Full Disclosure: I received my copy of this book as a gift from a friend.
Profile Image for Jessica Andersen.
496 reviews10 followers
October 18, 2012
This wasn't my favorite Pepper Martin. It felt like there was a lot of background repetition at the beginning. I suppose that's good for new readers to the series, but gets old for those of us that have read the series from the beginning.

There was a lot of good progress on many of the ongoing plot points of the series in this one. Not a lot of twists to the mystery though. Luckily the characters are likable enough to make the book a fast, fun read.
Profile Image for Harold Shaver.
72 reviews
December 10, 2014
Wow, this was a grand finale, if indeed it is the last book in the series, which frankly I hope it isn't. It's got everything you could possibly want, a ghostly office staff for Pepper, a ghost with duct tape on it's mouth so it can't talk who leaves puddles all over the place and to top it all off Pepper's Mother and Father (that's right Dad's out of jail) want to help her investigate! Oh yes, I forgot to mention the mad millionaire who wants to marry her!
Profile Image for April Parrish.
134 reviews
January 27, 2018
I tried a few times to read this book but i always quit after a couple of chapters. It wasn't because it was bad, but because I thought it was the last in the series and I just didn't want it to end. So now 4 years later, I finally read it (helps that a new Pepper Martin book was released) and it didn't disappoint. I absolutely loved this book, I have missed Pepper and adding her parents to the mix was entertaining. Can't wait to read the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews

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