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McGuire Women #2

Time of Death

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Artist Alex Jenrette has a psychic streak—or is it a curse? While visiting on an island near Charleston, she draws scenes of murder that turn out to be real. The police think she’s involved, prosecutor Connor Moran fears a psychic witness will destroy his case, and the killer believes she was there. But she wasn’t, and she doesn’t know who’s behind it.

286 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 2012

106 people are currently reading
752 people want to read

About the author

Ellis Vidler

12 books61 followers
South Carolina author: PRIME TARGET, suspense with a love story; TIME OF DEATH, suspense with a hint of romance; COLD COMFORT, romantic suspense; HAUNTING REFRAIN, suspense with a little romance; THE PEEPER, with Jim Christopher, suspense. Ellis's novels contain adult language and situations.
3 short stories, TEA IN THE AFTERNOON, Southern fiction.
Some favorites: To Kill a Mockingbird, Prince of Tides, Tarzan of the Apes, Anne of Green Gables, The Lord of the Rings, Beach Music--those are on my shelf of favorites. So many books, so little time!

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5 stars
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113 (38%)
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63 (21%)
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15 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Sherry Fundin.
2,311 reviews162 followers
February 27, 2013
Do you believe in visions?

I love that the story starts out with Alex up a tree.

Her hand begins to itch, the urge to draw overwhelms her. She was hiding from the two men, but she heard a sound that made her look. She saw only one man on the dock and felt the urge to run, trying to keep out of sight. She didn't know, but Jelly, the chauffeur, had seen her.

As soon as she got home, she sat down and began to draw, her hand moving on its own. It seemed it only happened when violence was near.

Alex was living on the island with her Aunt Chicora, because a tree had fallen on her house during a storm.

She ran into Connor, the prosecutor, at the restaurant. He convinced her to join him for dinner. Rollins had followed her there, with Jelly. Rollins was the man she had seen alone on the dock. His plan was to take care of her now.

She had no idea how much dinner with Connor would change her life forever.

4 STARS - Would Highly Recommend To Others

"An enigma wrapped in a riddle"

I loved the cover. The colors and photograph captured my eye. I must confess, I do choose a lot of the books I read by the cover first. The title is appropriate and catchy .

I have a special fondness for trees. I am amazed at the number of books I choose that have a tree on the cover in some way, shape or form.

I fell into the book and couldn't climb out until the last page was read. I really thought that was how it would be, before I even opened the cover. It has all the elements for a good book. A woman in distress, yet she is strong, loving, and forgiving. She has friends around her. The bad guys are after her. And she finds a man and his dog to ride off into the sunset with. Throw in some psychic abilities, numerous plot lines and characters, and you have a hit.

I read it in one sitting and it was every bit as entertaining as I thought it would be. The book well well written and Ellis kept the action rolling from cover to cover. I am eager to read more exciting stories from this wonderful author.

I won this book in a giveaway on fuyonlyknew's blog. I love to add signed, first editions to my book collection. Thank you Laura, at fuyonlyknew, and Ellis for having the giveaway.

Time of Death by Ellis Vidler

Ellis Vidler
Profile Image for Laura Thomas.
1,552 reviews107 followers
January 10, 2013
Ooh, there are some really great characters in Time of Death. I think my favorite is Alex, no, Jax, no, Jelly. Oh, I love them all! Can’t wait for you to meet them.

Alex is clutzy, funny, a bit naive and like a momma bear when someone she cares about is threatened.

After a tree smashes in her roof, Alex comes to stay with her Aunt Isobel on Chicora Island. While up a tree taking photographs she sees something she shouldn’t. Nothing that stands out, just two men talking.

This scenario is very believable. Think about it. We go about our normal life seeing hundreds of things every day. You see two people talking, then it’s out of your mind. When weird things start happening to you and those around you, when someone tries to kidnap or kill you, those two people don’t just pop instantly into your mind. You’d be trying to rehash anything that stands out, not something so ordinary.

That’s why Alex can’t figure out why someone is trying to kill her.

Enter tall drink of water Prosecutor Connor Moran and his faithful companion Jax. He’s been after Rollins for a long time. He just hasn’t been able to pin anything on him. When he realizes that’s who’s after Alex, he does everything in his power to keep her alive. She’s a witness to a murder and doesn’t even realize it.

Rollins is a gangster personified. He kills without remorse, sometimes for the littlest things. If he’s after you, you better start praying. The people he sends don’t always kill you right away. Sometimes they like to play with you, like a cat does with a mouse. If they’re after you, they won’t stop coming until they get you. They’re after Alex and will mow down anyone standing in the way.

A story inside this story that I’d like to read more about is Isobel, Alex’s aunt. She made a big impression with her throwback hippy style. She’s very self-aware and intelligent and I’d like to get to know her better.

There are two characters that kind of stole the show and my heart. Jelly and Jax. Jelly is a giant of a man, with a simple mind. Jax is a three-legged retired military working dog. Both have handicaps and both shine from the pages. They added a special seasoning to the story.

There’s mystery, humor, murder, mayhem and some romance in Time of Death. Something for all of you. If you’re like me, after reading this book you’ll be wanting more. You won’t want to say goodbye.

Five Jax for Time of Death.
Profile Image for Nancy Silk.
Author 5 books82 followers
June 10, 2015
"A Thrilling Suspense Edge-of-Your-Seat Story"

This murder mystery features psychics and psychos. On the small island of Chicora off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina, Alex Jenrette is sitting high in an oak tree taking photos. Soon she sees two men wearing suits walking along the isolated winter beach toward the old pier. She takes a few more photos, including the men who appear to be arguing. She hears some cracking sounds and then sees only one man walking away from the pier. She returns to the ground and runs back to the home of Isobel Devore, her aunt. Donald Rollins, who does dirty tasks for a Mr. Smith, brushes off his suit as he approaches his car. Jelly, his driver and former heavy-weight boxer, is out on the beach, running toward Rollins. There is no sympathy from Jelly about the murder of Peyton Jarvis which just took place. Jelly tells Rollins about seeing a young woman running through the woods. They do a quick search for Alex. Not finding her, they cross the bridge to Sullivan's Island, stop at the Sugar Shack and and learn that Isobel is the only one living year round on Chicora, all the other houses are empty. Rollins and Jelly head toward Isobel's home where they catch a glimpse of Alex. Alex and Isabel are psychics. When the body of Jarvis is found, the Charleston U.S. Attorney's Office, nonconformist Connor Moran, is working with the local police suspecting Rollins is involved with this murder. He needs solid evidence on Rollins, which Alex will eventually offer him. This story is a fast read, has lots of action, and the characters are very compelling. It's well written and you will enjoy this highly gripping story.
Profile Image for Anne Hawn.
909 reviews71 followers
August 10, 2013
This book made me so angry at times I was a hair's breath away from quitting it. How can such seemingly intelligent people do such stupid things? Someone has run Alex and Isabel off the bridge to their tiny little island, of which they are the only winter residents. Then when Alex comes home from the hospital with all sorts of bruises and contusions and awakens from her medication induced sleep to find someone getting ready to rape and kill her while his partner down stairs is lighting a fire to burn down the house, does she, when rescued, grab her jammies and a toothbrush and get out of there? No, she takes a long, long shower and then takes more pain medication and is just about to lay down for a nap when someone with more sense snatches her up and drives her to safety.

Still, I liked the book and the characters and I will read more of this author. I just wish she could have come up with some more plausible reasons for being in such danger. Perhaps Alex could be frantically gathering her things up to leave and she could break a glass. Then tension could build as she plucks the glass out of a deep gash and then bandages her hand as time is slipping away instead of doing such reckless things and being her own worst enemy.
Profile Image for Judy Alter.
Author 146 books133 followers
November 7, 2014
Wow! Ellis Vidler knows about tension. Time of Death kept me biting my nails and frantically turning pages even while I feared what was on the next page. This suspense thriller features recently widowed Alexandra Jenrette who retreats to her aunts home on an isolated, almost uninhabited island near Charleston. Alex accidentally becomes the only witness to a murder and makes herself the target of the bad guys--a thoroughly corrupt real estate developer who reports to a mob boss, a sadistic killer, and a cagey mountain man type with no conscience. On her side mainly is Conner Moran, a district attorney, who is torn between his job and his attraction to Alex, and his dog, Jax, who becomes infatuated with Alex. Mix in some psychic abilities and a gentle giant who has a crush on Alex but works for the wrong guys, and you have a taut tale of one close call after another. It's the kind of book you read with your heart in your mouth--but not when you're alone late at night. I heartily recommend you take your courage in hand and read this, second in the McGuire Women series. (The McGuire women all have varying psychic abilities--a great twist to add to this plot.)
Profile Image for R.P. Dahlke.
Author 16 books682 followers
December 5, 2012
This romantic suspense by Ellis Vidler has just the right touch of paranormal to it. The protagonist, Alex is a gifted artist, but she also has the family "gift" of second sight. And when she has a vision of death, she's compelled to draw it… over and over, catching first one view and then another, tearing through sheets of paper in a frenzy to get the vision out of her head.
And when she sees two men walking through the dunes near the beach house of her aunt Isobel Alex doesn't realize what she may have witnessed until she's once again compelled to draw . She wants to ignore the urge, she hates the feeling that this will be another dead body, but the reader knows that her life is not going to be the same.
One can't help but feel empathy for Alex. Her "gift" is a curse, the police are rightfully skeptical, but regardless of her best efforts to avoid getting involved, Alex will be pulled into the maelstrom. Tightly constructed plot with action that ramps up to a heart-pounding conclusion.
Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Beth.
914 reviews17 followers
October 8, 2014
This is the second book I've read by this author. I understand that she is an editor, and it is evident in her smooth writing and freedom from annoying grammar and word choice issues. I also think her story ideas are interesting, and the addition of a psychic element added to the suspense. But as with the last book I read, there are frequent issues with characters not behaving realistically. The heroine and her aunt implausibly don't think to mention odd things happening when it becomes clear that they are in danger. In one odd scene, the hero and his buddy crudely discuss the hero's chances with the heroine, and the woman present has no reaction. The bad guys are complete bunglers and the hero and heroine continually keep allowing the heroine to be in danger through inaction. Still, I did like the suspense and clean, understated romance. I would just recommend some substantive editing to clean up story elements.
Profile Image for Sheryl.
1,895 reviews38 followers
November 12, 2012
3-1/2 stars: This is the second book I have read by Ellis Vidler and it was almost as enjoyable as the first one I read- "Haunting Refrain". Light on the romance and heavier on the suspense, "Time of Death" is well-written and a quick read. While the storyline wasn't overly complex, it was interesting and kept me turning pages. I didn't feel the connection as much with Alex and Connor as I did with the main characters in her earlier book (thus the half star less in my rating), but I still liked them. That said, me favorite characters were Alex's aunt Isobel and Connor's dog Jax. They are standout secondary characters. Overall, this is a solid, well-written suspense story with a budding light romance on the side. **Please note that I did receive a free copy of this book from the author. However, this did not in any way affect my review or opinion of it.**
Profile Image for Terri.
467 reviews2 followers
November 7, 2015
This book is even better than book 1 was! It is thrilling, exciting and suspenseful too! I started this book today and played it all day and night (straight thru). I was glued to my desk and didn't want to get up as I was afraid I would miss something. There were even times when I was gripping my chair arms. (goose bumps too)

This is a story of psychics and it runs in the family. It is like psychics vs mobsters. The author, Ellis Vidler does a superb job telling this story. There is even an eeriness chill in the air as I listen to it. What a great story teller this author is! The narrator, Teri Schanubelt delivers a perfect narration to us complete with multiple voices and accents. I absolutely love this series and wish there was more audio books to this set!

I won this audio book in a contest event.
Profile Image for Polly.
Author 20 books133 followers
November 16, 2012
When Alex Jenrette takes a photo of two men on a South Carolina island, she has no idea what she's seeing. But to one of the men, Alex sees too much. Alex's palm itches--an uncontrollable sign she needs to draw, and what she draws is always violence. What did Alex see, and why is someone trying to kill her? That's what state's attorney Connor Moran wants to know. In trying to protect Alex, Connor weighs his growing affection for his witness with the possibility of jeopardizing the case he's been building against a man who's behind some nefarious dealings. As the attempts on Alex's life increase, the noose tightens around the neck of the man ordering her demise. Time of Death is a nail-biting read. I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Jessica.
1,634 reviews30 followers
April 6, 2013
I picked up this book from Amazon for free and really enjoyed it. It felt like I started at book 2 from actions that previously happened.

The main character has some sort of power where if she is close enough to violence, it channels through her to her hand and she draws what happens. She is on an island where she sees two men by the water. Unbeknownst to her, one is connected to the mob. She doesn't witness the murder, but takes a picture of the two. She then becomes a target for some killers. She develops a relationship with the D. A. She is almost killed many times, but manages to out live her killers.

I liked the writer's style and really enjoyed this spring break book. I finished it on the Sidney to Anacortes ferry.
Profile Image for Maggie.
Author 41 books404 followers
March 14, 2013
An action-packed suspense novel

Alex Jenrette is in the wrong place at the right time to see the prelude to a murder. Before she’s home, the visions start and she hurries to get them down on paper. She draws dead people.

Connor Moran, a federal agent stationed in Charleston, SC, is hot on the trail of a drug kingpin when people start dying left and right. Connor’s path to the bad guy passes right through Alex putting Connor to the test of save the girl or nab the bad guy. A page-turner.
Profile Image for Jean M. Shaffer.
16 reviews1 follower
February 15, 2014
Excellent Book

Excellent Book

I really enjoyed this book as it started out by making you curious and that just kept ratcheting up til the end. I didn't notice any mistakes in the spelling, which is unusual - I hate misspelling. Throughout the book, things just kept getting more insane, but in a good way, and I read the entire book in one day. Recommended for anyone that likes a well-written mystery.
Profile Image for Denise.
1,771 reviews24 followers
August 29, 2014
I loved the storyline of 'Time of Death'. The action was thrilling, the suspense was intriguing and the paranormal aspect was great. I loved Alex as the lead. She was a great lead that you couldn't help but admire. The characters were all great. I liked how the story unfolded. The scenic description was beautifully portrayed. Well written. A definite must add to your tbr list. Recommended.
Profile Image for Leslie.
114 reviews
March 10, 2013
Great story - keeps you hanging on the edge of your seat. Full of suspense. I also enjoyed that it was set in and near Charleston, South Carolina - having visited there, I recognized a lot of the landmarks used and described.
Profile Image for Jerrie Alexander.
Author 23 books362 followers
May 2, 2013
I must be slipping! I thought I'd reviewed this book months ago. I love a good book with lots of twists and turns. Throw in a spunky heroine and I'm a happy reader. I don't read a lot of paranormal but combined with romance and suspense. Ms. Vidler made a believer out of me.
Profile Image for Laura.
616 reviews19 followers
July 19, 2013
Pretty good paranormal mystery and romance. Especially for a free book!
Profile Image for Allen.
Author 6 books10 followers
July 27, 2013
7 errors detected in this book.
Profile Image for Crystal J.
27 reviews4 followers
August 24, 2015
I Definitely wanted to not put this one down. Great read!
28 reviews
November 1, 2016
Incredibly spellbinding

Powerful read. This book is one I could not put down. Alex' gift comes across as real and very believable
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,576 reviews1 follower
August 4, 2017
Good book

You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
7,766 reviews50 followers
June 8, 2018
Unusual beginning, with Alex up in a tree, with a camera, taking photos of
what is happening below, two men talking. A chauffeur sees her, now to find her. The police haven’t come, didn’t she report it. Instead she has to draw, it takes a life of its own, the violence of what was happening, needs to be released. Police think she is part of it, a psychic wouldn’t stand up in court. The need to draw, to be released, comes without her thinking. A good plot of how to find out what was happening, without asking a lot of questions. A new author and will look for more by her.
Profile Image for Jackie.
Author 21 books475 followers
January 14, 2013
Time of Death was a different type of book than I am used to reading. There was a lot of intrigue and suspense that you might find with a James Patterson or David Balducci novel. I would say a major difference was that Ellis added a romantic aspect that those other suspense/thriller writers don’t always include. It added a nice dynamic. I was even surprised there was a touch of paranormal to the story also. Alex’s psychic ability adds a twist to the story. Which in turn affects all aspects from the suspenseful car chase to the romantic relationship between her and Connor. The story felt almost like a hodge podge of sorts. Many different kinds of genres in just one story. Not many authors can pull that off. Ellis does. Her dynamic story telling skills and skillful manipulation of the characters was excellent. I enjoyed the Alex, Connor and Isobel. Those three characters were very well-rounded and you could feel a real connections with them. I would say that my only real criticism about this book would be the switching back and forth of the narrator. It would see-saw between Alex, Connor and Rollins. I truly believe the book would have been a bit smoother without that jumping around. With the jumping around as a reader you’re not quite sure what to focus on. I am personally not a big fan of more than two voices in a book so it was difficult for me sometimes. But, overall this was an excellently written novel and i would recommend it for anyone who enjoys reading authors like James Patterson.
121 reviews3 followers
August 17, 2013
Basic good writing and a good story but the author could make it dynamite with a rewrite. Too much reads like backstory, which is necessary for a writer to know, but can clog the final product. Simply changing from omniscient to a close third where we see everything from Alex's point of view would really heighten the suspense and prevent the reader from being pulled out of an intriguing tale. It would also enhance Alex's experience with Connor, allowing the reader to feel with her, wondering about Connor rather than knowing his internal thoughts.

The whole business with the child is mishandled. It's extraneous, for one thing, then delivered too fast and unrealistically. If this element is retained, far better to get it onstage earlier, with gradual perceptions. A quick and simple confession is far too convenient in any case. Same goes for Bo: get him mentioned earlier as a motivating factor in Isobel's life and the ending will be far more satisfying.

If nothing else, a good editing to catch errors will improve the read. The author is much too good a writer to leave a work like this unpolished.
Profile Image for Jan Romes.
Author 55 books108 followers
November 23, 2015
Format: audio version via Audible.com

I truly enjoyed the thrill and suspense of this story. The story hooked me right away with Alex's psychic ability. Ms. Vidler did a great job with Alex and Connor's characters. There was chemistry between them but the plot remained the focus of the story, not the romance. The description of the settings and the constant action taking place were well-crafted. I rooted for Alex to stay safe despite the attempts to take her out. Everything pointed to the bad guys winning on this one. Connor was a great hero and Isabelle was a sweet character too. I loved the inclusion of Jax, the retired police dog. He added a special touch to the story.
Profile Image for Sally Handley.
Author 16 books14 followers
December 12, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this second in the McGuire Women series. This psychic series has disabused me of any romantic notion that being a psychic could be good thing. Protaganist Alex Jenrette seems to be a danger magnet and should never be left alone! Good thing for her Connor Moran, working with the US attorney's office, agrees. Briskly paced romantic suspense story.
2,522 reviews
July 17, 2013
did not like the prosecutor. He let Alex get into to many situations without protection.
Profile Image for Clara.
115 reviews
August 10, 2015
DNF... Will try again later. Was ok, but just could not finish yet.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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