What do you think?
Rate this book
Elizabeth Chase #5
Ashes of Aries
Lawrence and her "immensely appealing" (Diane Mott Davidson) psychic PI, Elizabeth Chase, are back for their fifth adventure together.
272 pages, Unbound
First published January 1, 2001
3 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Martha C. Lawrence
13 books21 followersMartha C. Lawrence has worked as a book editor, a professional astrologer, and a business writer. She is the creator of 'Dr. Elizabeth Chase', P.I. and parapsychologist in San Diego, California.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 2, 2022
3.4 stars
Read
January 4, 2012This was such a good series. Such a bummer that it ended with 5 books.
May 3, 2021
I read this book in one big gulp, and I’m so glad I did. The tempo never let up, steady and strong as the Santa Ana winds fueling the fires retold in this fast-paced mystery.
Elizabeth Chase is a private investigator with a special gift –- psychic power. Unable to locate the four-year-old son of a telecommunications CEO, the San Diego Sheriff’s Department hires Elizabeth to help them find Matthew Fielding almost a week after the boy’s disappearance. Unsure if this is a kidnapping, authorities have searched and found no clues as to why the child went missing.
The next day a wild fire spreads rapidly through the neighborhood, and the Fieldings’ home is destroyed, killing Matthew’s parents in a particularly gruesome scene. Elizabeth helps fire marshals search the burned wreckage searching for clues. Where did this fire start? Was it nature or man who set this blaze? Elizabeth’s investigation is intertwined with that of the reporter from Channel 3 news, who is seeking the same answers, their steps coinciding at turn after turn, both hindering and aiding each other.
The same fire almost destroyed Elizabeth’s parents’ home just a hillside away. Elizabeth’s close relationship with her father and mother is portrayed quite realistically and with great skill – intense but not melodramatic. Their pet Mr. Poe has a charming habit of quoting his namesake as well.
A second fire burns down part of the building housing Fielding’s megabucks company and a nearby apartment complex. Conjecture on company politics and legal doings abound until Elizabeth finds a key piece of evidence. An overly dedicated firefighter with a hero complex, an overachieving newsman, a disbelieving FBI agent are all men that Elizabeth must deal with in trying to get to the truth in this case.
Martha Lawrence has a unique conversational tone about her writing. I never tripped over her words or got lost following clues. I was never jolted back into the reality of my own bedroom from those dusty, windy canyons. I even enjoyed her use of the word “discombobulated” and the up-to-date references to other present-day events.
Portraying just the right mix of emotions, we learn about Elizabeth’s relationship with her mentor Sequoia who urges her to “use the power around you,” the very words that continue to ring in her ears throughout this novel. Any “woo-woo” factor associated with the term “psychic” are dispelled by the character herself through her everyday dealings with others. One scene in this novel in which this element of her personality is used to provide a respite in the very focused story is when the Channel 3 news reporter asks Elizabeth if his house is haunted. I won’t give away her answer.
I have really enjoyed the entire Elizabeth Chase series so far including MURDER IN SCORPIO, THE COLD HEART OF CAPRICORN, AQUARIUS DESCENDING, and PISCES RISING. Each one tells a solid and intense story with the same proficient use of language and emotion.
Frankly, I wish Elizabeth Chase lived next door. She’s a fascinating character I’d like to meet in real life.
Elizabeth Chase is a private investigator with a special gift –- psychic power. Unable to locate the four-year-old son of a telecommunications CEO, the San Diego Sheriff’s Department hires Elizabeth to help them find Matthew Fielding almost a week after the boy’s disappearance. Unsure if this is a kidnapping, authorities have searched and found no clues as to why the child went missing.
The next day a wild fire spreads rapidly through the neighborhood, and the Fieldings’ home is destroyed, killing Matthew’s parents in a particularly gruesome scene. Elizabeth helps fire marshals search the burned wreckage searching for clues. Where did this fire start? Was it nature or man who set this blaze? Elizabeth’s investigation is intertwined with that of the reporter from Channel 3 news, who is seeking the same answers, their steps coinciding at turn after turn, both hindering and aiding each other.
The same fire almost destroyed Elizabeth’s parents’ home just a hillside away. Elizabeth’s close relationship with her father and mother is portrayed quite realistically and with great skill – intense but not melodramatic. Their pet Mr. Poe has a charming habit of quoting his namesake as well.
A second fire burns down part of the building housing Fielding’s megabucks company and a nearby apartment complex. Conjecture on company politics and legal doings abound until Elizabeth finds a key piece of evidence. An overly dedicated firefighter with a hero complex, an overachieving newsman, a disbelieving FBI agent are all men that Elizabeth must deal with in trying to get to the truth in this case.
Martha Lawrence has a unique conversational tone about her writing. I never tripped over her words or got lost following clues. I was never jolted back into the reality of my own bedroom from those dusty, windy canyons. I even enjoyed her use of the word “discombobulated” and the up-to-date references to other present-day events.
Portraying just the right mix of emotions, we learn about Elizabeth’s relationship with her mentor Sequoia who urges her to “use the power around you,” the very words that continue to ring in her ears throughout this novel. Any “woo-woo” factor associated with the term “psychic” are dispelled by the character herself through her everyday dealings with others. One scene in this novel in which this element of her personality is used to provide a respite in the very focused story is when the Channel 3 news reporter asks Elizabeth if his house is haunted. I won’t give away her answer.
I have really enjoyed the entire Elizabeth Chase series so far including MURDER IN SCORPIO, THE COLD HEART OF CAPRICORN, AQUARIUS DESCENDING, and PISCES RISING. Each one tells a solid and intense story with the same proficient use of language and emotion.
Frankly, I wish Elizabeth Chase lived next door. She’s a fascinating character I’d like to meet in real life.
June 26, 2021
Well-plotted, interesting characters, unique mystery--what's not to love? I've read the whole series and Lawrence gets better and better with each story. I love that Elizabeth Chase, the female P.I. (a former cop) is so empowered and smart. The raging fires, which are common in dry southern California, increase the drama while also educating the reader about the actual dangers of living in a dry climate. (I lived and worked in this area for over fifty years.) Her settings are truly a flawless depiction of the San Diego County area.
April 5, 2020
This book was a pleasant surprise. The last in the series starring Elizabeth Chase, a psychic/private investigator, held my interest from the beginning. I am not usually drawn to woo-woo para story lines but Ms. Lawrence changed my mind enough that I was dismayed to find this was her last book in the series! The characters were well-developed; the plot was complex and arresting; the resolution was satisfying. A worthwhile diversion!
October 1, 2019
Psychic detective with beautiful views of California. I would’ve like it better if she dated Sequoia. The mystery is good you meet the murdered and there are obviously clues but it’s still a good surprise.
September 18, 2020
Exciting, tense,interesting. Loved this one.
November 11, 2013
It's kind of fun to watch a writer develop her craft over several books. You can see Lawrence trying out some concepts here, stretching herself. It's not always successful, but it keeps the story from stagnating.
So, Elizabeth is still dealing with her fiance's death here. She is getting some training from her shaman friend, someone who is helping her be less willy-nilly in her attention to her psychic abilities. Unfortunately, her willy-nilly-ness mostly takes over at some key moments in this story, which is filled with red herrings and some very creepy behavior on her part. It's also clear that this story was written (and published) before 9/11: at one point, she wanders through the corporate headquarters of a telecommunications without so much as one person querying her right to be in front of the CEO's office. There were a couple other jarring moments, too, that just brought home how different the world is 4 years after this book was written.
But it's good to see Elizabeth meeting up with some more folks, making some new acquaintances. I hope Lawrence isn't done with the series. I'm also glad to learn more about her parents, who seem like really cool people.
So, Elizabeth is still dealing with her fiance's death here. She is getting some training from her shaman friend, someone who is helping her be less willy-nilly in her attention to her psychic abilities. Unfortunately, her willy-nilly-ness mostly takes over at some key moments in this story, which is filled with red herrings and some very creepy behavior on her part. It's also clear that this story was written (and published) before 9/11: at one point, she wanders through the corporate headquarters of a telecommunications without so much as one person querying her right to be in front of the CEO's office. There were a couple other jarring moments, too, that just brought home how different the world is 4 years after this book was written.
But it's good to see Elizabeth meeting up with some more folks, making some new acquaintances. I hope Lawrence isn't done with the series. I'm also glad to learn more about her parents, who seem like really cool people.
January 3, 2012
I wish I could have written these books! I like the PI having a happy, supportive family, and I like the realism of the way her psychic powers work and I like the California background. Oh, and I seriously like Sequoia.
What I noticed was the level of details - it doens't slow down the story at all, but the descriptions are clear so that you always know where you are and what's happening, even when she's telling you about Shaman archery lessons:
"I looked at the bull's-eye. The very centre was deep black, a void surrounded by the bright colours of a California autumn afternoon. As i travelled into that void I drew back the string with a contented sense of how good the tension felt against my arms. A gust of wind came up and pushed against my back. Infused with a sense of peace, I let the shot happen. The arrow hit the centre of the eye, dead-on."
'
What I noticed was the level of details - it doens't slow down the story at all, but the descriptions are clear so that you always know where you are and what's happening, even when she's telling you about Shaman archery lessons:
"I looked at the bull's-eye. The very centre was deep black, a void surrounded by the bright colours of a California autumn afternoon. As i travelled into that void I drew back the string with a contented sense of how good the tension felt against my arms. A gust of wind came up and pushed against my back. Infused with a sense of peace, I let the shot happen. The arrow hit the centre of the eye, dead-on."
'
July 2, 2014
... another great Elizabeth Chase - psychic PI - mystery! I loved every book in this series. Now I'm sad that this was the last Elizabeth Chase book...
Aus Books & Reading
Aus Books & Reading
January 28, 2014
I enjoyed the plot and how it was developed by the author. here descriptions bring you right into the story and your imagination is almost in overload with the description of the setting , there were so many persons I thought could have been the person and was somewhat surprised to find out at the end of the story another person was the culprit. This is my first book by the author (it was given to me by a friend) and I am looking forward to reading others by her.
October 14, 2014
Even though I'm late to start, I really enjoyed this book. I had an inclination to whom the killer was, yet this novel still had me doubting my conviction. It actually got me mad at some characters; in the end, I was very satisfied with the ending, especially since it was so touching. The whole spiritual path was refreshing, as a lot of writers are too afraid to attempt it. Martha c. Lawrence was good enough to make it realistic as possible, something that I applaud her greatly for.
March 19, 2017
The fifth (and, sadly) at this point last part of the mystery series on psychic detective Elizabeth Chase is all about murderous fires. Suspense with a good dose of introspection: "You chose that predicament. You set it up to learn the lesson of using the power around you." What can I say to something that seems to hit close to home often? :)
August 1, 2023
Third time through. I really love the Elizabeth Chase books, sad that she only wrote five. This is the last one. The first 2/3 of the book were mostly about fire, chasing an arsonist, even though the beginning it seemed like it was about finding a missing kid. But the last part of the book answered all questions and had some really tense parts. well done. Even a ghost story thrown in for fun.
January 13, 2017
Psychic investigator Elizabeth Chase takes on the case of missing four year old Matthew Fielding, son of a wealthy telecommunications mogul only to encounter several cases of arson, a good looking newscaster, both cooperative and non-cooperative police.
October 8, 2008
Story takes place in Escondido....interesting.
January 8, 2021
Great paranormal mystery. I love the character of Elizabeth Chase
April 28, 2013
Sorry that the author ended the series with this book. Well done set of mysteries.
September 15, 2013
Enjoyed this book like the others in the series, but I think she stopped writing and became a private investigator!!! Boooooo...hooooo...
December 20, 2014
This is a very enjoyable mystery series. Unfortunately, there are only five books in this series and I have read them all.
Read
June 26, 2016Writing Style weak in places but overall back to form with this book. Very enjoyable to read.
Want to read
May 7, 2019Synopsis: when the four-year-old son of a San Diego telecom mogul goes missing, the psychic skills of PI Elizabeth Chase are needed.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews