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A Mind for Murder #3
Hex on the Ex
From the author of Bruja Brouhaha and Who Do, Voodoo?--the new Mind for Murder Mystery!
When her ex-husband encounters a mysterious death omen, psychologist Liz Cooper turns to occult professor Nick Garfield for help in solving an all-too-real murder…
At a Dodgers game to celebrate her father’s birthday, Liz is forced to watch her ex—star player, Jarret—on the pitcher’s mound. To make matters worse, her former best friend, Laycee, is in the stands as well. Having betrayed her trust by having an affair with Jarret, Laycee is the last person Liz wants to see. But when the appearance of a white pigeon—an omen of death—sets the superstitious Jarret off balance, it’s a game changer both on and off the field. Because the next morning, Laycee is found dead in Jarret’s home—and Liz is on deck as the prime suspect…
When her ex-husband encounters a mysterious death omen, psychologist Liz Cooper turns to occult professor Nick Garfield for help in solving an all-too-real murder…
At a Dodgers game to celebrate her father’s birthday, Liz is forced to watch her ex—star player, Jarret—on the pitcher’s mound. To make matters worse, her former best friend, Laycee, is in the stands as well. Having betrayed her trust by having an affair with Jarret, Laycee is the last person Liz wants to see. But when the appearance of a white pigeon—an omen of death—sets the superstitious Jarret off balance, it’s a game changer both on and off the field. Because the next morning, Laycee is found dead in Jarret’s home—and Liz is on deck as the prime suspect…
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 7, 2013
3 people are currently reading
520 people want to read
About the author
Rochelle Staab
6 books150 followersRochelle Staab, former radio programmer and music industry executive, combined her love for mystery with a strong curiosity about the supernatural in her bestselling Mind for Murder Mystery series featuring psychologist Liz Cooper and occult expert Nick Garfield.
WHO DO, VOODOO? the first novel in the series earned Anthony, Agatha, Eureka! nominations for Best First Mystery along with a Golden Heart nomination. BRUJA BROUHAHA, Mind for Murder #2, won the 2013 Watson Award for Best Sidekick. And don't miss the third novel in the series, HEX ON THE EX..
WHO DO, VOODOO? the first novel in the series earned Anthony, Agatha, Eureka! nominations for Best First Mystery along with a Golden Heart nomination. BRUJA BROUHAHA, Mind for Murder #2, won the 2013 Watson Award for Best Sidekick. And don't miss the third novel in the series, HEX ON THE EX..
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 24, 2019
I've enjoyed this series overall--the hints of paranormal told through the eyes of a skeptic. This final installment in the series was a bit of a disappointment. While it was an admirable enough little mystery, I had a hard time plowing through it. It lacked the charm of the first two books, and I figured out the killer pretty early on. Ah well.
January 16, 2016
Liz’s father is a huge baseball fan, just not a Dodger baseball fan. His family finds the perfect way to celebrate his birthday when the Chicago Cubs (his favorite team) comes to town. It is not bad enough that Liz’s ex in on the mound for the Dodger’s but she looks over and sees her former best friend Laycee in the stands. The ex- friend she caught in bed with her then husband Jarrett.
Jarrett has problems all his own when the appearance of a white pigeon—an omen of death— causes Jarrett to trip over the chalk down the 3rd base line. This changes the whole game both on and off the diamond. Laycee is found dead the next morning in Jarrett’ds bed and Liz is up as the police’s number 1 suspect. She going to have to hit a grand slam to get herself out of this mess.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I love Liz because while she may have a boyfriend that believes in things supernatural she stays down to earth and finds the answers her way. Although she had no problem asking for his help when needed. The investigation he did into the symbol found on the body was very interesting.
I also like the new characters she introduces us to in each installment along with the recurring ones. My favorite continues to be Liz’s mom who never fails to crack me up because whenever she talks to Liz about her brother she always says,”your brother, Dave”. She also still loves Liz’s ex even though she starts to get a clearer picture of him in this story. Her dad shines this time out as well.
This a mystery with romance, friendship, and bit of betrayal. There is also a spark of the occult and a perfect amount of humor. All these things together keep the pages turning fast and furious.
Staab has given us another fun and entertaining cozy. I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
Jarrett has problems all his own when the appearance of a white pigeon—an omen of death— causes Jarrett to trip over the chalk down the 3rd base line. This changes the whole game both on and off the diamond. Laycee is found dead the next morning in Jarrett’ds bed and Liz is up as the police’s number 1 suspect. She going to have to hit a grand slam to get herself out of this mess.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I love Liz because while she may have a boyfriend that believes in things supernatural she stays down to earth and finds the answers her way. Although she had no problem asking for his help when needed. The investigation he did into the symbol found on the body was very interesting.
I also like the new characters she introduces us to in each installment along with the recurring ones. My favorite continues to be Liz’s mom who never fails to crack me up because whenever she talks to Liz about her brother she always says,”your brother, Dave”. She also still loves Liz’s ex even though she starts to get a clearer picture of him in this story. Her dad shines this time out as well.
This a mystery with romance, friendship, and bit of betrayal. There is also a spark of the occult and a perfect amount of humor. All these things together keep the pages turning fast and furious.
Staab has given us another fun and entertaining cozy. I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
October 24, 2017
Not a bad installment in this series...it sucks that Staab hasn't written anything for a while. For a cozy mystery, it isn't too cheesy and the writing is pretty solid.
February 4, 2024
Each of these murder mysteries that Rochelle writes seems to be on unique plots. This one is no different. Again, she writes about stuff I’ve never heard about…like Devil worshippers and vengeance. How can someone hold an obsession for that long. I do wish the author would have delved into why the killer murdered her mother and siblings. I think Liz’s best friend and her brother Dave hooking up is weird. And in the first book, Dave was all against his sister Liz hooking up with his best friend Nick and yet he does the same later. Double standards, for sure
I haven’t see a 4th book yet. She wrote these 2011, 2012 and 2013. Nothing for a decade. I wanted to read more.
I haven’t see a 4th book yet. She wrote these 2011, 2012 and 2013. Nothing for a decade. I wanted to read more.
March 3, 2018
A Hex on the Ex is the last book in Staab's fun paranormal cozy mystery series. In this volume, Liz's ex-husband is embroiled in a murder investigation and he throws suspicion on our protagonist! This particular volume is pretty light on the supernatural connections. There's some Satanism discussions, but no actual potential magic as in the previous volumes. Bit disappointing in that respect, but still a fun mystery!
December 3, 2021
Another fun mystery in this cozy series about a psychologist confronted with murder and the occult. This time, a dead ex friend is found in her ex husband's home and she becomes a major person of interest. Good mystery, fun characters but the occult is more a sidebar and always scoffed at by the ever logical protagonist.
May 11, 2017
Will have to search for other books in the series! A Psychologist marries a baseball pitcher and the bases are loaded! For murder. A bunch of misinformation and mistaken identities and the plot thickens! We know our agal could not have done it-- but who did??
May 24, 2017
I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. Rochelle Staab has an easygoing, exemplary writing style that kept me smitten with this story. Even better, even though it's part of a series, it stands alone beautifully. Great work! I look forward to exploring this series more.
October 12, 2018
was good.
September 4, 2019
A really good mystery. I enjoyed it very much.
September 14, 2019
Wish there were more than 3 books to this series. Ugh.
November 23, 2019
I was expecting a supernatural mystery. I did not get one.
May 24, 2022
It was entertaining, and I figured out who the killer is midway through.
I'd recommend it for light reading.
I'd recommend it for light reading.
May 19, 2013
A spunky protagonist returns for another encounter with the supernatural, but this time the bad omens hit too close to home.
A Dodgers game to celebrate her father’s birthday is no picnic for psychologist Liz Cooper. Her ex-husband, Jarret, is the star player and her ex-best friend. Laycee, is in the stands. Jarret and Laycee’s affair are why they are both formers in Liz’s life.
But things are soon thrown off balance for the superstitious Jarret when a white pigeon, an omen of death, appears during the game and Jarret crosses a chalk line. It seems the omen continues off the field when Laycee is found dead in Jarret’s home the next morning. Jarret and Liz both become suspects.
Needing help to clear her name, Liz turns to one person she knows she can depend on her boyfriend, occult professor Nick Garfield.
Author Rochelle Staab continues to evolve her spirited protagonist Liz Cooper making her even more likable and enjoyable with each installment. The fascinating secondary characters add flavor and charm to the story as they grow with Liz.
HEX ON THE EX moves at a steady pace pulling the reader in on the first page and holding them spellbound until the last paragraph. Staab weaves a tale of romance, friendship, betrayal and suspense with just the right amount of superstition and humor blended in the mix.
Staab’s passion for research shows in her writing. You don’t have to be a fan of the occult to enjoy this enthralling book, just a lover of cozy murder mysteries.
HEX ON THE EX is the third installment in the Mind For Murder Mystery Series, but is a stand alone read. To follow the series, be sure to read WHO DO, VOODOO? (November 2011) and BRUJA BROUHAHA (August 2012).
FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
A Dodgers game to celebrate her father’s birthday is no picnic for psychologist Liz Cooper. Her ex-husband, Jarret, is the star player and her ex-best friend. Laycee, is in the stands. Jarret and Laycee’s affair are why they are both formers in Liz’s life.
But things are soon thrown off balance for the superstitious Jarret when a white pigeon, an omen of death, appears during the game and Jarret crosses a chalk line. It seems the omen continues off the field when Laycee is found dead in Jarret’s home the next morning. Jarret and Liz both become suspects.
Needing help to clear her name, Liz turns to one person she knows she can depend on her boyfriend, occult professor Nick Garfield.
Author Rochelle Staab continues to evolve her spirited protagonist Liz Cooper making her even more likable and enjoyable with each installment. The fascinating secondary characters add flavor and charm to the story as they grow with Liz.
HEX ON THE EX moves at a steady pace pulling the reader in on the first page and holding them spellbound until the last paragraph. Staab weaves a tale of romance, friendship, betrayal and suspense with just the right amount of superstition and humor blended in the mix.
Staab’s passion for research shows in her writing. You don’t have to be a fan of the occult to enjoy this enthralling book, just a lover of cozy murder mysteries.
HEX ON THE EX is the third installment in the Mind For Murder Mystery Series, but is a stand alone read. To follow the series, be sure to read WHO DO, VOODOO? (November 2011) and BRUJA BROUHAHA (August 2012).
FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
May 23, 2013
Psychologist, Liz Cooper and her boyfriend, Professor of the Occult, Nick Garfield are joining Liz's family at a baseball game at Dodger's Stadium in Los Angeles. They are celebrating the Birthday of Liz's father and getting into the spirit of the game, until two circumstances mar the evening for Liz.
The first disappointment is that her Ex-husband, Pitcher Jarret Cooper is going to be brought into the game, and second, even worse, the ex-friend, Laycee, who was the lowlife, Jarret was cheating with, is lying to her husband, again, and saying she is in L.A. to see Liz when she is actually out with Jarret. Same old story again. Only Liz had given it up over four years ago in divorce and does not want to talk over 'good times' with this cheating ....fill in the blanks.
The next morning Liz goes to Jarret's house to pick up the last of the boxes he was holding for her (until she bought a new home,) and finds evidence that Jarret is not alone. Grabbing the box, Liz runs out of the house, locking it tight, and is glad that part of her marriage is completely over now.
Later, Liz's mom phones and tells her to turn on the television. Laycee Huber found dead in Jarret's bed. Right around the time Liz was picking up her box of books. It is time to round up her circle of support. Especially, as Nick is being conferred with by the Homicide police due to the victim's occult symbol painted on her body in blood.
This was an interesting search/investigation into the world of the occult and we learn more about Baseball as well.
The first disappointment is that her Ex-husband, Pitcher Jarret Cooper is going to be brought into the game, and second, even worse, the ex-friend, Laycee, who was the lowlife, Jarret was cheating with, is lying to her husband, again, and saying she is in L.A. to see Liz when she is actually out with Jarret. Same old story again. Only Liz had given it up over four years ago in divorce and does not want to talk over 'good times' with this cheating ....fill in the blanks.
The next morning Liz goes to Jarret's house to pick up the last of the boxes he was holding for her (until she bought a new home,) and finds evidence that Jarret is not alone. Grabbing the box, Liz runs out of the house, locking it tight, and is glad that part of her marriage is completely over now.
Later, Liz's mom phones and tells her to turn on the television. Laycee Huber found dead in Jarret's bed. Right around the time Liz was picking up her box of books. It is time to round up her circle of support. Especially, as Nick is being conferred with by the Homicide police due to the victim's occult symbol painted on her body in blood.
This was an interesting search/investigation into the world of the occult and we learn more about Baseball as well.
March 29, 2016
I'm surprised that this author only wrote three books. It's pretty good what she did for a cozy mystery. It doesn't get too involved with the occult and has a balance of reality to it. The last book is pretty interesting to wrap up Liz's issue with Jarret.
The murder is fascinating since it appears that karma is catching up with both people who wronged Liz in the past, but she still goes out of her way to solve the crime and clear Jarret's name. Normally, people would leave their exes in the dust and have a lawyer on the side so they don't get in trouble themselves. Initially, I thought Liz was a bit of a pushover with her letting Jarret worm his way into her life, but now I see the importance of tying up loose ends from her past as well as Jarret being knocked down from the pedestal. Even though no one deserves to get murdered, this does bring out everyone's true colors and forces them to face reality.
I found it hilarious that Liz's ex-husband's name is Jarret. It's very close to my ex-boyfriend's name, Jared. Although, Jared never was a pro athlete and has little income. Just a complete bitter louse which made me like Jarret even more despite his cheating ways. It's funny how I would take the direct cheating over being belittled by someone for close to three years. I still would dump someone for cheating on me, but take my word for it. Trying to make someone better and have them throw it in your face and treat you like shit in return is a lot crappier than suddenly being interested in someone else over you.
The murder is fascinating since it appears that karma is catching up with both people who wronged Liz in the past, but she still goes out of her way to solve the crime and clear Jarret's name. Normally, people would leave their exes in the dust and have a lawyer on the side so they don't get in trouble themselves. Initially, I thought Liz was a bit of a pushover with her letting Jarret worm his way into her life, but now I see the importance of tying up loose ends from her past as well as Jarret being knocked down from the pedestal. Even though no one deserves to get murdered, this does bring out everyone's true colors and forces them to face reality.
I found it hilarious that Liz's ex-husband's name is Jarret. It's very close to my ex-boyfriend's name, Jared. Although, Jared never was a pro athlete and has little income. Just a complete bitter louse which made me like Jarret even more despite his cheating ways. It's funny how I would take the direct cheating over being belittled by someone for close to three years. I still would dump someone for cheating on me, but take my word for it. Trying to make someone better and have them throw it in your face and treat you like shit in return is a lot crappier than suddenly being interested in someone else over you.
June 1, 2013
Hex on the Ex is the 3rd book in the A Mind for Murder Mystery series.
Lix Cooper is not really looking forward to attending Cubs-Dodgers baseball game. Yes it is her father's birthday, that's good. But on the other hand her ex, Jarrett, is the star reliever for the Dodger's and the ex friend, Laycee, that caused the breakup of Liz's marriage will also be in attendance. As Liz goes to get drinks, she literally runs into Laycee spilling the drinks on Liz. Liz's parting words to Laycee were you're dead to me.
The next morning Liz needs to stops by Jarrett's to pick up a box of books that has been in his garage since their divorce. Shortly after arriving home, she sees on the TV that Laycee was found dead in Jarrett's bedroom. Having been seen leaving Jarret's home, Liz immediately becomes a person of interest, as does Jarrett.
The baffling thing for everyone is the strange symbol that is found on Laycee. Liz enlists the help of Nick, her boyfriend, to learn what the symbol represents, while she is looking into what illegal activities are going on at a local gym that Jarrett is a part owner of and if there is some connection to the murder.
Another exciting addition to his series. I will be looking for the next book when it comes out.
Lix Cooper is not really looking forward to attending Cubs-Dodgers baseball game. Yes it is her father's birthday, that's good. But on the other hand her ex, Jarrett, is the star reliever for the Dodger's and the ex friend, Laycee, that caused the breakup of Liz's marriage will also be in attendance. As Liz goes to get drinks, she literally runs into Laycee spilling the drinks on Liz. Liz's parting words to Laycee were you're dead to me.
The next morning Liz needs to stops by Jarrett's to pick up a box of books that has been in his garage since their divorce. Shortly after arriving home, she sees on the TV that Laycee was found dead in Jarrett's bedroom. Having been seen leaving Jarret's home, Liz immediately becomes a person of interest, as does Jarrett.
The baffling thing for everyone is the strange symbol that is found on Laycee. Liz enlists the help of Nick, her boyfriend, to learn what the symbol represents, while she is looking into what illegal activities are going on at a local gym that Jarrett is a part owner of and if there is some connection to the murder.
Another exciting addition to his series. I will be looking for the next book when it comes out.
October 23, 2013
Liz Cooper's ex-husband, Jarrett, is thrown off his game when a white pigeon (an omen of death), rattles him during his latest game pitching for the Dodgers. The next morning, Liz's former best friend from Atlanta, Laycee, is found stabbed to death in Jarrett's bed. While Jarrett himself is an obvious suspect, Liz finds herself in the lineup as well--Laycee was the woman that tore her marriage apart years ago, after all.
With the help of her parents, brother, best friend, and boyfriend, Liz must uncover the real killer before either she or Jarrett ends up behind bars. The motive for the murder hits closer to home than Liz imagined...
This was the best book yet in this series---Staab just keeps getting better! The clues to the real killer are cleverly hidden in the events that occur leading up to (and even after) Laycee is murdered, and Staab shows finesse in tying it all together in the end. The character development is believable and enjoyable, and the story itself is a delight. If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, Staab's works are a must for your To-Be-Read list!
With the help of her parents, brother, best friend, and boyfriend, Liz must uncover the real killer before either she or Jarrett ends up behind bars. The motive for the murder hits closer to home than Liz imagined...
This was the best book yet in this series---Staab just keeps getting better! The clues to the real killer are cleverly hidden in the events that occur leading up to (and even after) Laycee is murdered, and Staab shows finesse in tying it all together in the end. The character development is believable and enjoyable, and the story itself is a delight. If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, Staab's works are a must for your To-Be-Read list!
June 18, 2013
As usual Rochelle Staab leaves me happily content with her latest book in her "A Mind for Murder" series. I am a huge fan of this series and grow more fond of it with each book. "Hex on the Ex" has a great and intense plot, it also has its usual zany and loveable cast of characters from her previous books with a few new additions. In "Hex on the Ex" Murder strikes in a form from the past, and the heat is turned up on Dr. Liz Cooper when her Ex husband Jarret throws suspicion her way to cover his own assets--as if dealing with Jarret and his self absorbed and ego inflated demeanor wasn't enough already. Thank goodness for Nick and the rest of Liz's team backing in her corner... because newly minted LAPD detective of the Laurel Canyon department; Carla Pratt is hot on her tail to pin this hex of a murder on her! One this is for sure... there is more than one "blast from the past" in this book and you'll enjoy finding out just which one it is!
October 10, 2013
I was mostly bored and annoyed while reading this. Nick & Liz are boring, David and Robyn are boring, Jarret is a jerk, Liz's mother is irritating. I do not understand why Liz allows Jarret her asshole cheating ex husband so much presence in her life. I found it incredibly annoying as was her mother's love for the man. I was happy that her mother finally took Liz's side after Jarret implicated her in the murder to get the police off his back but of course this was reversed by the end taking away the only positive thing from the story. I also thought the police detective's rabid pursuit of Liz quite unbelievable. Both Jarret (who was sleeping with the victim and whose house she was found in) and the victim's husband were much more realistic suspects. If the author wanted Liz to be a viable suspect in the police's eyes then she should have killed her at Liz's house (given the identity and motive of the killer this would still have been believable).
May 27, 2013
Ok, I really enjoyed this book, but I have to say the killer was screamingly obvious towards the end - like it could have ended several chapters sooner, but it seemed like the author had more to say so she kept her characters in a state of temporary stupidity until she was ready.
Beyond that, a great story - not quite as much woo woo, although the murder has a very occult spin to it. But it was restricted to the murder itself, so we don't have to read about Liz's refusal to have an open mind, which was an irritant to me in the last two books. I like Nick and the rest of the cast; they're all fun to read. I especially love that Ms. Staab doesn't feel the need for a nemesis, or a love triangle - thank you.
I was a little bit on the fence about this series after the second book, but this one has me eagerly awaiting the next book.
Beyond that, a great story - not quite as much woo woo, although the murder has a very occult spin to it. But it was restricted to the murder itself, so we don't have to read about Liz's refusal to have an open mind, which was an irritant to me in the last two books. I like Nick and the rest of the cast; they're all fun to read. I especially love that Ms. Staab doesn't feel the need for a nemesis, or a love triangle - thank you.
I was a little bit on the fence about this series after the second book, but this one has me eagerly awaiting the next book.
October 3, 2013
In Staab’s mystery novel, psychologist Liz Cooper and her significant other Nick Garfield are at a Dodger’s game with her parents celebrating her father’s birthday—a very welcomed break from all the home renovations she’s up to her neck in. Among the thousands of baseball fans filling the stands, two stand out—an ex-friend from her married days and her ex-husband currently sitting in the Dodger’s bullpen. Baseball players are superstitious to the core and when Jarrett violates one of his superstitions while on the way to the mound, a series of incidents unroll one after another including a murder at his house with everything pointing to Liz as the murderer.
A spellbinding who dunnit that includes a blast from the past and a cryptic homicide clue. Another fabulous installment to the A Mind for Murder series.
A spellbinding who dunnit that includes a blast from the past and a cryptic homicide clue. Another fabulous installment to the A Mind for Murder series.
January 9, 2017
I read the first three of this series all in a row although I actually read this one first and then went back to find the first two. I'm now impatiently waiting for the fourth one to come out. Unfortunately, authors can't possibly write as fast as I can read! But that little problem shouldn't stop anyone who enjoys light paranormal mysteries from picking up the first three and diving in. The writing is solid, the heroine is likeable although I find the hero more appealing myself. Together they are balanced team and overall this is a great new series with stories you'll enjoy and characters you'll look forward to visiting as each new book comes out.
October 24, 2016
As usual, Staab hits it out of the ballpark with her third installment in the Mind for Murder Mystery series. Although, I am not a huge sports fan of any kind, I found that this book kept my interest quite well regardless. The writing was solid, the characters were well developed, and the mystery was fascinating. I also enjoy the spark of the spiritual and occult, which always teaches me something that I did not know. In addition, there is always great chemistry and humorous dialogue between the main characters. I have really enjoyed this entire series, and hope that the author will continue with it.
March 26, 2014
Looks like this one is the last in this series, which is okay. It ended on a high note. I think this one was the best in this short-lived series. We get a little more insight into Liz's ex, Jarret, which was good. I still don't like her mom, but that's okay. Every series has to have an unlikeable character. If you're looking for something a little different you could definitely do worse than this 3-book series. RECOMMEND!
June 23, 2013
I am in love with this series. I finished the last one and picked this one up right after and began to read. I find it hard to put these down. The characters are engaging, the writing is light and fresh and the plots are enjoyable!
May 11, 2013
This was the 3rd book in the series. i didnt figure it out until more than halfway through it. The usual characters, it's a series worth reading if you like mysteries.
May 13, 2013
This was a quick, light read. I've enjoyed all of the books in the series so far. I'm glad Jarrett proved himself in the end, even though he's still a cheater.
June 20, 2013
Another fantastic mystery by Rochelle Staab! Great plot! Great characters! Great ending! I really love this series. My regret it that I'll have to wait a year for the next adventure.
May 9, 2016
Took me a few chapters to get in but then it was fast reading to the finish!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews