What do you think?
Rate this book
Callie Taylor #1
Waking Up Dead
When Dallas resident Callie Taylor died young, she expected to go to Heaven, or maybe Hell. Instead, she met her fate early thanks to a creep with a knife and a mommy complex. Now she's witnessed another murder, and she's not about to let this one go. She's determined to help solve it before an innocent man goes to prison. And to answer the biggest question of all: why the hell did she wake up in Alabama?
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2013
97 people are currently reading
1403 people want to read
About the author
Margo Bond Collins
279 books1,176 followersUSA Today, Wall Street Journal, and New York Times bestselling author Margo Bond Collins is a former college English professor who, tired of explaining the difference between "hanged" and "hung," turned to writing romance novels instead. She now writes urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and science fiction romance. Sometimes her heroines kiss aliens, sometimes they kill monsters. But they always aim for the heart.
You can learn more about her at http://www.MargoBondCollins.ink and follow her on all the usual social media outlets:
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/margobon...
Website: http://www.MargoBondCollins.ink
Blog: http://www.MargoBondCollins.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MargoBondCollin @MargoBondCollin
Google+: https://plus.google.com/1164845554481...
You can learn more about her at http://www.MargoBondCollins.ink and follow her on all the usual social media outlets:
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/margobon...
Website: http://www.MargoBondCollins.ink
Blog: http://www.MargoBondCollins.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MargoBondCollin @MargoBondCollin
Google+: https://plus.google.com/1164845554481...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
![Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1626057011i%2F10717098._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
July 9, 2014
Waking Up Dead is book one in the Callie Taylor series by Margo Bond Collins. This book is a wonderful who-done-it of sorts. But, the murderer is revealed at the very beginning of the story. The problem is, the witness, the person that is tasked with finding the necessary evidence to prove who did it, is also dead. Meet Callie Taylor.
Callie Taylor always knew that someday she would die, just not this young, and not this way. But after you die, aren’t you supposed to go to heaven or hell? Surely not wake up in Abramsville, Alabama as a ghost. As she gets to know her ghostly limitations, she finds that she can’t leave the city limits and that no one else can see her. So she just flits from house to house, watching tv with unsuspecting families, and passing the time. It is during her time with one of her favorites, Molly McClatchey, that she witnesses her brutal murder. But she can’t do anything to help. The wrong person is arrested for Molly’s murder and Callie is beside herself trying to figure out how to prove his innocence so she goes from place to place trying to find someone that might be able to sense her or see her. Someone that could help.
Finally, Callie finds Ashara Jones, at the Walmart no less. Ashara can see and hear Callie, but wants nothing to do with her. Eventually Callie draws in Ashara, her MawMaw, and Stephen who worked with Molly’s husband, and they all work together to reveal the real murderer of Molly.
“I’m dead, Ashara. And as far as I can tell, I’m the only ghost in town. I’m not sure there’s anything really ‘natural’ about any of this. So I’m just taking it as it comes.”
This was a wonderful read as Callie learns about her own ghostly capabilities and together with her three new friends, they bravely work together to prove one man’s innocence and another man’s guilt. They bumble, bond and maybe even find romance along the way. It was fast paced, fun and suspenseful at times. Again, Margo Bond Collins has surprised me. I loved every page and will most definitely be following Callie Taylor onto her next adventure.
February 18, 2014
Collins has a very personable writing style. She really draws you in, and by writing in the first person you become one with the main character as well. She presents her audience with a very entertaining story that combines suspense with quite a few laughs to create a completely unique read.
I quite enjoyed Collins’ method of character development. You get to know everyone on an intimate level leading to a very full story. And the way that you get to know the main character is completely unique, as you get to float along with her as she’s trying to overcome some very unique dilemmas.
As a whole this was a brilliant novel to get to know this author with. I’d definitely recommend it to others and will be looking further into her work.
Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I quite enjoyed Collins’ method of character development. You get to know everyone on an intimate level leading to a very full story. And the way that you get to know the main character is completely unique, as you get to float along with her as she’s trying to overcome some very unique dilemmas.
As a whole this was a brilliant novel to get to know this author with. I’d definitely recommend it to others and will be looking further into her work.
Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 16, 2013
From the first paragraph I fell in love with this story. It opens with Callie waking up as a ghost after being brutally murdered. She has no idea why she wakes up in a small town in Alabama when she lived and died in Dallas, Texas. Callie quickly finds out she is a ghost, unseen, unfelt, and unheard by the overwhelming majority of the living people she encounters. She is bored, and quickly falls into a rather odd routine. Then something horrible happens. She witnesses a murder and knows she must get involved before an even worse injustice occurs. With the help of friends she encounters along the way, Callie unravels the mystery and cunningly devises a plan to catch the killer.
I loved the overall tone and chipper voice of Callie as she retells her story. I found the whole premise engaging and it kept my interest without fail. The secondary characters blended well into the whole, and filled my mind with humor while also subtly picking at certain stereotypes; encouraging more open mind-sets. This is the first book in a planned series, so the big question of why did Callie get transported to Alabama in the afterlife remains. Though I think I have a pretty good idea after having read this book. I, for one, can’t wait to see what’s next for Callie, and to find out if my speculation is on target or off base.
This book was given to me in exchange for my honest review.
Reviewed by Laurie-J
I loved the overall tone and chipper voice of Callie as she retells her story. I found the whole premise engaging and it kept my interest without fail. The secondary characters blended well into the whole, and filled my mind with humor while also subtly picking at certain stereotypes; encouraging more open mind-sets. This is the first book in a planned series, so the big question of why did Callie get transported to Alabama in the afterlife remains. Though I think I have a pretty good idea after having read this book. I, for one, can’t wait to see what’s next for Callie, and to find out if my speculation is on target or off base.
This book was given to me in exchange for my honest review.
Reviewed by Laurie-J
January 2, 2015
This was an okay read, but it dragged in the middle.
Callie was an okay character, but i didn't start liking her until near the end. I liked the secondry characters (Ashara, Maw-Maw and Stephen) a lot more.
Waking Up Dead bored me in the middle because it dragged, but the ending defiantly bought my interest back.
Overall, An alright read with a decent ending.
Callie was an okay character, but i didn't start liking her until near the end. I liked the secondry characters (Ashara, Maw-Maw and Stephen) a lot more.
Waking Up Dead bored me in the middle because it dragged, but the ending defiantly bought my interest back.
Overall, An alright read with a decent ending.
August 8, 2014
I received this book from the author through LoP in exchange for an honest review.
Has anyone ever laughed whenever you used the phrase "wake up dead?" I don't know about you, but someone always asks how exactly one wakes up dead. Well, Callie is alive in one minute and wakes up on a ghostly vacation in Alabama the next. She doesn't know how she got there or why she is there, but she finds herself embarking on a supernatural murder mystery that is not hers.
Waking Up Dead is an interesting tale because it is different than what I expected. Instead of slowly and confusingly remembering what happened and working to solve her murder, Callie is confused about why she appeared in Alabama. She puts her own mystery aside and works to solve the murder of a woman that she had grown fond of during her supernatural endeavors. I loved all of the characters, especially Ashara and MawMaw. The first few chapters are a little hard to get into, but once the ball gets rolling, it's really rolling. Some aspects of the plot are predictable, but the characters and their interactions with each other are realistic and keep the story going in those moments. I am looking forward to what Callie and company will find themselves a part of next.
Has anyone ever laughed whenever you used the phrase "wake up dead?" I don't know about you, but someone always asks how exactly one wakes up dead. Well, Callie is alive in one minute and wakes up on a ghostly vacation in Alabama the next. She doesn't know how she got there or why she is there, but she finds herself embarking on a supernatural murder mystery that is not hers.
Waking Up Dead is an interesting tale because it is different than what I expected. Instead of slowly and confusingly remembering what happened and working to solve her murder, Callie is confused about why she appeared in Alabama. She puts her own mystery aside and works to solve the murder of a woman that she had grown fond of during her supernatural endeavors. I loved all of the characters, especially Ashara and MawMaw. The first few chapters are a little hard to get into, but once the ball gets rolling, it's really rolling. Some aspects of the plot are predictable, but the characters and their interactions with each other are realistic and keep the story going in those moments. I am looking forward to what Callie and company will find themselves a part of next.
August 12, 2014
This was a quick, enjoyable mystery.
Callie Taylor wakes up in Alabama, after being murdered in Dallas. She quickly learns she is unable to leave the city, and so she drifts around getting to know the residents. When she happens upon a woman being murdered--and her husband unjustly accused of the crime--Callie takes it upon herself to find someone who can see her and help solve the crime.
Callie actually finds three residents whom she can communicate with - a young woman, Ashara, and her grandmother, Maw Maw, as well as a man named Stephen who worked for the husband. After much pleading, they reluctantly agree to help. And so the fun begins.
Sadly, I didn't really connect with any of the characters. And their constant talk of racism detracted somewhat from the story. I also just didn't get how Callie could be so dissociated from her own murder, which was discussed almost as an afterthought. However, this book left enough open for her for a future installment to be based in just that. While I liked the author's writing style, I'm just not sure I liked the characters enough to continue with this series.
Callie Taylor wakes up in Alabama, after being murdered in Dallas. She quickly learns she is unable to leave the city, and so she drifts around getting to know the residents. When she happens upon a woman being murdered--and her husband unjustly accused of the crime--Callie takes it upon herself to find someone who can see her and help solve the crime.
Callie actually finds three residents whom she can communicate with - a young woman, Ashara, and her grandmother, Maw Maw, as well as a man named Stephen who worked for the husband. After much pleading, they reluctantly agree to help. And so the fun begins.
Sadly, I didn't really connect with any of the characters. And their constant talk of racism detracted somewhat from the story. I also just didn't get how Callie could be so dissociated from her own murder, which was discussed almost as an afterthought. However, this book left enough open for her for a future installment to be based in just that. While I liked the author's writing style, I'm just not sure I liked the characters enough to continue with this series.
December 21, 2013
A fun, quick read that I only picked up because of it being a Vaginal Fantasy pick. I'm glad I read this. Fun story, good characters.
October 17, 2013
Book review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/book-tou...
Waking up Dead starts by introducing us to Callie Taylor who, for some bizarre reason, wakes up in Alabama instead of Heaven. Callie has been murdered in Dallas, so there’s no reason why she’d wake up here. Or is there? When she witnesses the murder of Molly, Callie starts to believe there might be a reason after all. Molly’s husband, Rick, is accused of the murder, but Callie knows it wasn’t Rick. She starts a quest to find a person who can communicate with her, one of the ‘sensitives’, and to unmask the true murderer and save Rick from life in prison.
She meets Ashara, a sensitive who can see her, but who has zero desire to help her. When she follows Ashara to her grandmother’s place, Maw-Maw tells her granddaughter to go help the spirit lady, which is exactly what she does. Along with the help of Stephen, another sensitive, they try to get to the bottom of the mystery. But when their own lives are endangered, Callie’s ghostly abilities may be the only thing capable of saving them.
Carrie was a lovely character. She was resilient, strong and intelligent. I thought it strange she went about her own dead rather lightly, but apart from that I found most of her actions and thoughts believable. Maw-Maw and Ashara acted a little stereotypical. Stephen was another great character, and I admired how much he was willing to do for his friend, Rick.
The story itself definitely had a lot of original elements, like Callie not seeing any other ghosts, and her ending up in a completely different city. The murder plot wasn’t that easy to solve either, and the mystery was actually rather complex.
I look forward to reading more of Callie’s adventures, and to figure out why exactly she woke up in Alabama. When the next book is released, I’m definitely going to read it.
An enjoyable paranormal mystery that is both complicated and intriguing.
Waking up Dead starts by introducing us to Callie Taylor who, for some bizarre reason, wakes up in Alabama instead of Heaven. Callie has been murdered in Dallas, so there’s no reason why she’d wake up here. Or is there? When she witnesses the murder of Molly, Callie starts to believe there might be a reason after all. Molly’s husband, Rick, is accused of the murder, but Callie knows it wasn’t Rick. She starts a quest to find a person who can communicate with her, one of the ‘sensitives’, and to unmask the true murderer and save Rick from life in prison.
She meets Ashara, a sensitive who can see her, but who has zero desire to help her. When she follows Ashara to her grandmother’s place, Maw-Maw tells her granddaughter to go help the spirit lady, which is exactly what she does. Along with the help of Stephen, another sensitive, they try to get to the bottom of the mystery. But when their own lives are endangered, Callie’s ghostly abilities may be the only thing capable of saving them.
Carrie was a lovely character. She was resilient, strong and intelligent. I thought it strange she went about her own dead rather lightly, but apart from that I found most of her actions and thoughts believable. Maw-Maw and Ashara acted a little stereotypical. Stephen was another great character, and I admired how much he was willing to do for his friend, Rick.
The story itself definitely had a lot of original elements, like Callie not seeing any other ghosts, and her ending up in a completely different city. The murder plot wasn’t that easy to solve either, and the mystery was actually rather complex.
I look forward to reading more of Callie’s adventures, and to figure out why exactly she woke up in Alabama. When the next book is released, I’m definitely going to read it.
An enjoyable paranormal mystery that is both complicated and intriguing.
January 3, 2014
Right from the start, I liked the casual snarky tone the author used.
When Callie dies, she is expecting to move on to her afterlife, but she gets sent to a small town in Alabama instead. When she witnesses a murder, and the wife's husband is wrongly accused, she seeks help to make sure the right killer is caught. What she finds is reluctant ghost whisperer Ashara.
Ashara's Maw-maw is funny. My favorite quote in the book:
"What the hell did you just do?" I (Cassie) asked.
"And you can just watch your mouth, too, young lady," Maw-Maw said to me. "Just 'cause your dead don't mean I ain't got ways to get to you."
The humor keeps things light, and I was laughing out loud every few pages. The mystery element was well thought out, and the crime was more complex than I expected from such a humorous book.
I definitely found myself falling in love with the characters, especially Maw-Maw and Callie. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and I have received no other compensation in return.
When Callie dies, she is expecting to move on to her afterlife, but she gets sent to a small town in Alabama instead. When she witnesses a murder, and the wife's husband is wrongly accused, she seeks help to make sure the right killer is caught. What she finds is reluctant ghost whisperer Ashara.
Ashara's Maw-maw is funny. My favorite quote in the book:
"What the hell did you just do?" I (Cassie) asked.
"And you can just watch your mouth, too, young lady," Maw-Maw said to me. "Just 'cause your dead don't mean I ain't got ways to get to you."
The humor keeps things light, and I was laughing out loud every few pages. The mystery element was well thought out, and the crime was more complex than I expected from such a humorous book.
I definitely found myself falling in love with the characters, especially Maw-Maw and Callie. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and I have received no other compensation in return.
May 12, 2014
* This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review*
First of all, this book was amazing. Not only did the author nail it with the way the Deep South works, she also got the way the people act and think. The main character , Callie, is dead. She is adjusting well to have been murdered. Maw Maw was such a wonderful character also, if not a bit mysterious in her knowledge of the spirit realm..I liked the relationship that developed with all of the characters. I can't wait to read more of this series and this author.A must read for anyone who likes the supernatural and a good mystery.
First of all, this book was amazing. Not only did the author nail it with the way the Deep South works, she also got the way the people act and think. The main character , Callie, is dead. She is adjusting well to have been murdered. Maw Maw was such a wonderful character also, if not a bit mysterious in her knowledge of the spirit realm..I liked the relationship that developed with all of the characters. I can't wait to read more of this series and this author.A must read for anyone who likes the supernatural and a good mystery.
September 22, 2014
I got this for 99 cents and it looked cute so I thought I'd give it a shot. I groaned a little when I saw that it was set in Alabama because I live in Alabama. I was a little worried it would poke fun at us but it didn't. I enjoyed reading it and liked all the characters. I really loved Maw-Maw, she was spot-on. I know and love women like her. I also appreciated that the author didn't try to "write Southern" spelling out "how we tawk" and such.
I'd really love to know more about Callie. What is her story? What happened to the guy that killed her? I'd read another one to find out. Especially if Maw-Maw was involved.
I'd really love to know more about Callie. What is her story? What happened to the guy that killed her? I'd read another one to find out. Especially if Maw-Maw was involved.
November 17, 2013
Paranormal Southern mystery; highly recommended for fans of Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood books.
Callie Taylor wakes up as a ghost in Alabama - a place she's never been. She's not sure why she's there - but she finds herself compelled to bring the murderer of another young woman to justice. In order to do so, she goes about trying to recruit local 'sensitives' to her cause.
It's a short novel, simply told, but it moves along at a good clip. A good couple of hours of entertainment. Definitely intended as the start of a series.
Callie Taylor wakes up as a ghost in Alabama - a place she's never been. She's not sure why she's there - but she finds herself compelled to bring the murderer of another young woman to justice. In order to do so, she goes about trying to recruit local 'sensitives' to her cause.
It's a short novel, simply told, but it moves along at a good clip. A good couple of hours of entertainment. Definitely intended as the start of a series.
September 24, 2020
This had an interesting and unique premise, but the dialogue and character development was lacking. This was a clear example of the writer trying to tell you what a character is feeling instead of showing you. The lead character is quirky but there's no depth behind the quirkiness. I read this as fast as I could just to get it over with, but still mark it as read.
November 21, 2013
Waking Up Dead left me with a warm fuzzy feeling. Don’t be mistaken, the book wasn’t full of happy things; but I was happy with the way the book ended and look forward to reading about what Margo Collins does with these characters in the next book. It wasn’t a cliffhanger, but it left you with a feeling like you want to continue reading even after the last page ended. I wanted to see what happens next! I want to see where these characters go, who they meet, and how they change. Do we ever learn Callie’s complete story? Does she ever get to go to the afterlife or does she keep being stuck in our world? So many questions! So many possibilities! It was fast paced, mysterious, and a few other essential things to make a good dead helping the living type of story.
Callie Taylor is killed by a psychopathic rapist and instead of finding herself floating on a cloud in heaven, she finds herself as a spirit/ghost in backwoods Alabama. She knows no one there, and has never been there. So why on earth did she end up there? I was given the impression that the reason is so she could help solve a crime and bring a murderer to justice. It takes her a bit to find someone who can see or hear her but eventually she does. Being dead can get pretty boring when you have no one to interact with and you are unable to do certain things bc of your “condition”. So Callie starts hanging out with different families on different nights of the week depending on what they are watching on television.
Her favorite family is Molly and Rick. They have no children, and enjoy the same tv shows that Callie did while alive. When Rick goes out of town for work, Callie witnesses Molly being murdered. She is unable to do anything to stop it and feels helpless, but she does see his face and can identify him. Due to timing and shoddy police work, Rick becomes the prime suspect and is put in jail for Molly’s murder. Callie must find someone who can see and hear her so she can help keep Rick from spending the rest of his life in jail for a crime he didn’t commit.
Callie meets Ashara in the local Wal Mart and realizes that so far, Ashara is the first person that can see her. She convinces Ashara to hear her story and help her. Ashara‘s grandmother, affectionately named “Maw Maw”, is hilarious. She’s a cantankerous old lady with a sharp wit and a sense of humor. She too can see Callie. The other person who can see Callie is Stephen. He works in the music store that Rick owns. He joins the merry group of ladies attempting to solve this murder because he doesn’t believe that Rick killed Molly. Thus begins a tale of a long ago disappearance, family secrets, and the search for evidence that will prove Rick’s innocence.
This book had plenty to keep me interested between the jovial banter between characters and clues to solve the crime, it was an enjoyable read. You obviously know who committed the murder fairly early, but you don’t know who else was involved or why. You also don’t know which paths these characters take in their search for the truth. I was on the edge of my seat (or couch lol) waiting to see what would happen next and what these crazy family secrets were. It was a fairly easy read as well. It’s easy to follow storyline, likeable main characters, and the desire to see this mystery to the end made this a book that I would definitely recommend to others.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a crime solving team of strangers who come together to help someone prove their innocence, or anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Callie Taylor is killed by a psychopathic rapist and instead of finding herself floating on a cloud in heaven, she finds herself as a spirit/ghost in backwoods Alabama. She knows no one there, and has never been there. So why on earth did she end up there? I was given the impression that the reason is so she could help solve a crime and bring a murderer to justice. It takes her a bit to find someone who can see or hear her but eventually she does. Being dead can get pretty boring when you have no one to interact with and you are unable to do certain things bc of your “condition”. So Callie starts hanging out with different families on different nights of the week depending on what they are watching on television.
Her favorite family is Molly and Rick. They have no children, and enjoy the same tv shows that Callie did while alive. When Rick goes out of town for work, Callie witnesses Molly being murdered. She is unable to do anything to stop it and feels helpless, but she does see his face and can identify him. Due to timing and shoddy police work, Rick becomes the prime suspect and is put in jail for Molly’s murder. Callie must find someone who can see and hear her so she can help keep Rick from spending the rest of his life in jail for a crime he didn’t commit.
Callie meets Ashara in the local Wal Mart and realizes that so far, Ashara is the first person that can see her. She convinces Ashara to hear her story and help her. Ashara‘s grandmother, affectionately named “Maw Maw”, is hilarious. She’s a cantankerous old lady with a sharp wit and a sense of humor. She too can see Callie. The other person who can see Callie is Stephen. He works in the music store that Rick owns. He joins the merry group of ladies attempting to solve this murder because he doesn’t believe that Rick killed Molly. Thus begins a tale of a long ago disappearance, family secrets, and the search for evidence that will prove Rick’s innocence.
This book had plenty to keep me interested between the jovial banter between characters and clues to solve the crime, it was an enjoyable read. You obviously know who committed the murder fairly early, but you don’t know who else was involved or why. You also don’t know which paths these characters take in their search for the truth. I was on the edge of my seat (or couch lol) waiting to see what would happen next and what these crazy family secrets were. It was a fairly easy read as well. It’s easy to follow storyline, likeable main characters, and the desire to see this mystery to the end made this a book that I would definitely recommend to others.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a crime solving team of strangers who come together to help someone prove their innocence, or anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 31, 2013
Waking up Dead is quirky and funny with mildly serious undertones. It’s Ghost meets Lady in White of paperbacks. This book draws the reader in, empathizing with the witty ghost, Callie Taylor, who attempts to embrace her untimely death and adjust to life in the hereafter; the only thing is that her hereafter is still on earth…in Alabama. Just as Callie is beginning to get the hang of things in the spirit realm, she witnesses a murder and finds herself racing against time to prove the innocence of a man accused of murdering his wife. But where does she begin? It isn’t until she encounters the spiritually discerning and beautiful Ashara that she becomes hopeful in her mission; but this adventurous chase sends them on the most arduous race of their lives as the walls begin to close on the innocent Robert McClatchey.
I will admit that initially I thought I wouldn’t favor this book, thinking it was just another typical ghost story. But I found myself intrigued and turning one page after another, all the while laughing at Callie Taylor’s awkward experiences and adjustments to being a ghost. It is nothing like I expected of any book that delves into the ghostly realm of haunts and spooks. In fact, it’s full of surprises, twists and turns that’ll keep you holding your breath.
The author, Margo Bond Collins, should be praised for her creative efforts. She was meticulous in developing and carrying out the murder and redemption plot for Waking up Dead. This story comes to life from the very beginning with its matter-of-fact approach to Callie Taylor’s death and unfolds one unexpected twist after another. It allows the facetious Callie to tell her own story the way she personally experiences it. I did however have my uncertainties regarding Ashara’s character because it seemed so cliché; the stereotypical angry woman of the common cultural statistic. But I began to slowly embrace Ashara because of her peculiar and innate gift; seeing and communicating with the dead seemed to have redeemed her character. Ashara’s grandmother, Adelaide, balances the story out with her down home southern hospitality and comedic bluntness. Every character in this story fulfills their respective purposes without overshadowing the main character; Callie Taylor is definitely unforgettable. There is never a dull moment in this story. I would give it 4 stars.
I will admit that initially I thought I wouldn’t favor this book, thinking it was just another typical ghost story. But I found myself intrigued and turning one page after another, all the while laughing at Callie Taylor’s awkward experiences and adjustments to being a ghost. It is nothing like I expected of any book that delves into the ghostly realm of haunts and spooks. In fact, it’s full of surprises, twists and turns that’ll keep you holding your breath.
The author, Margo Bond Collins, should be praised for her creative efforts. She was meticulous in developing and carrying out the murder and redemption plot for Waking up Dead. This story comes to life from the very beginning with its matter-of-fact approach to Callie Taylor’s death and unfolds one unexpected twist after another. It allows the facetious Callie to tell her own story the way she personally experiences it. I did however have my uncertainties regarding Ashara’s character because it seemed so cliché; the stereotypical angry woman of the common cultural statistic. But I began to slowly embrace Ashara because of her peculiar and innate gift; seeing and communicating with the dead seemed to have redeemed her character. Ashara’s grandmother, Adelaide, balances the story out with her down home southern hospitality and comedic bluntness. Every character in this story fulfills their respective purposes without overshadowing the main character; Callie Taylor is definitely unforgettable. There is never a dull moment in this story. I would give it 4 stars.
October 28, 2015
**This book was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review**
originally reviewed at http://prufreads.blogspot.com/2013/10...
This was a wonderful great read! I wouldn't call this a short read, nor a long one. I read it in one sitting, cuddled up next to the boyfriend as he watched football, in about 6 hours. I laughed, and gasped at the twist and turns throughout this book. The one liners! I was a giggle monster, the bf and his buddy were looking at me like I was crazy!
"Let me tell you something. The living don't know jack about the dead."
Callie Taylor, she was tortured and murdered and she has no idea why she's stuck in Abramsville, Alabama instead of her hometown of Dallas, Texas. She can't talk anyone, no one can see her and she's stuck in this small town. Literally, if she tries to cross over the county line she POPS right to the town center. She finds herself almost "befriending" the towns folk. She "haunts" one house on one day and another another day. Mostly watching TV.
Something terrible happens to one of the families she enjoys being around the most, and she is now on a mission to find someone to help her prove the innocence of an innocent man. Enter Ashara who initially wants nothing to do with Callie or her mission. Ashara's "Maw Maw" or Mrs Adelaid, on the other hand has other things in mind. Later we welcome Stephen with open arms. And this begins their journey.
Between Ashara and Maw Maw's one liners....Maw Maw was definitely a favorite. She held nothing back and just said what was on her mind and her mind worked a lot quicker than her looks would lead you to believe. And believe me, Maw Maw let Ahsara know how much she approved of Ashara's "white boy" haha!
This was a great read, fun and something I'd never really read before and would definitely recommend to friends.
Callie to Maw Maw "Nope, I'm stuck to you, so I'm just sitting here waiting for you to die so you can drag my bony white ass up to heaven."
**10.28.15 edit** changed to 5 stars because I still think about this book fondly and am now addicted to anything this author writes.
originally reviewed at http://prufreads.blogspot.com/2013/10...
This was a wonderful great read! I wouldn't call this a short read, nor a long one. I read it in one sitting, cuddled up next to the boyfriend as he watched football, in about 6 hours. I laughed, and gasped at the twist and turns throughout this book. The one liners! I was a giggle monster, the bf and his buddy were looking at me like I was crazy!
"Let me tell you something. The living don't know jack about the dead."
Callie Taylor, she was tortured and murdered and she has no idea why she's stuck in Abramsville, Alabama instead of her hometown of Dallas, Texas. She can't talk anyone, no one can see her and she's stuck in this small town. Literally, if she tries to cross over the county line she POPS right to the town center. She finds herself almost "befriending" the towns folk. She "haunts" one house on one day and another another day. Mostly watching TV.
Something terrible happens to one of the families she enjoys being around the most, and she is now on a mission to find someone to help her prove the innocence of an innocent man. Enter Ashara who initially wants nothing to do with Callie or her mission. Ashara's "Maw Maw" or Mrs Adelaid, on the other hand has other things in mind. Later we welcome Stephen with open arms. And this begins their journey.
Between Ashara and Maw Maw's one liners....Maw Maw was definitely a favorite. She held nothing back and just said what was on her mind and her mind worked a lot quicker than her looks would lead you to believe. And believe me, Maw Maw let Ahsara know how much she approved of Ashara's "white boy" haha!
This was a great read, fun and something I'd never really read before and would definitely recommend to friends.
Callie to Maw Maw "Nope, I'm stuck to you, so I'm just sitting here waiting for you to die so you can drag my bony white ass up to heaven."
**10.28.15 edit** changed to 5 stars because I still think about this book fondly and am now addicted to anything this author writes.
November 5, 2013
The author gave me this book for an honest review.
It’s always a pleasure to read a ghost story. But this time, it was something more. I was reluctant at first and I wasn’t expecting much. I am so glad I was wrong! Fast-paced, mysterious and with many funny moments, this story is a very nice read that will keep your interest from the beginning until the end!
Callie Taylor is dead. She thought that know the next place to go it would be Heaven. She couldn’t be more wrong. Why? Because she’s haunting a town in Alabama. Yeah, it’s weird. And what she does in Alabama now that she has all the time of the world? She’s trying to solve a murder case! And she meets some very interesting people.
I liked Callie a lot. I found her smart, funny and determined to do the right thing. I was disappointed a little because she didn’t want to speak about her death and, to be honest, it was the only thing I didn’t like in the book. I wanted more details about her life before her death! Back to her character now, I admired her because she isn’t a quitter! Definitely one character that I want to see again in a book!
Ashara and Maw-Maw were amazing! Ashara is Maw-Maw’s granddaughter and both of them are able to see Callie. But Ashara isn’t happy for that at the beginning. In fact they have some very funny scenes! I loved Maw-Maw because although she’s an old lady she didn’t stop be a tease! It was good to read a book with three very different in character women because it was very interesting.
I really enjoyed this book and I found the plot and the characterization very well-written. As I told before, my only complaint is that I wanted more details in a couple of scenes. Nevertheless, it’s a very nice read and I recommend it to all the fans of this genre!
It’s always a pleasure to read a ghost story. But this time, it was something more. I was reluctant at first and I wasn’t expecting much. I am so glad I was wrong! Fast-paced, mysterious and with many funny moments, this story is a very nice read that will keep your interest from the beginning until the end!
Callie Taylor is dead. She thought that know the next place to go it would be Heaven. She couldn’t be more wrong. Why? Because she’s haunting a town in Alabama. Yeah, it’s weird. And what she does in Alabama now that she has all the time of the world? She’s trying to solve a murder case! And she meets some very interesting people.
I liked Callie a lot. I found her smart, funny and determined to do the right thing. I was disappointed a little because she didn’t want to speak about her death and, to be honest, it was the only thing I didn’t like in the book. I wanted more details about her life before her death! Back to her character now, I admired her because she isn’t a quitter! Definitely one character that I want to see again in a book!
Ashara and Maw-Maw were amazing! Ashara is Maw-Maw’s granddaughter and both of them are able to see Callie. But Ashara isn’t happy for that at the beginning. In fact they have some very funny scenes! I loved Maw-Maw because although she’s an old lady she didn’t stop be a tease! It was good to read a book with three very different in character women because it was very interesting.
I really enjoyed this book and I found the plot and the characterization very well-written. As I told before, my only complaint is that I wanted more details in a couple of scenes. Nevertheless, it’s a very nice read and I recommend it to all the fans of this genre!
November 19, 2013
Margo Bond Collins
Waking Up Dead
Waking Up Dead
REVIEW
WAKING UP DEAD.
Callie Taylor finds herself as a ghost in a small town in Alabama. She has no idea how she got there or why she ended up in this strange place. She finds that she is unable to leave this small town. Callie tries to leave, but every time she reaches the city limits, she feels a pull in her midsection, finding herself right smack in the middle of the town’s downtown square. After her initial confusion, wondering why she cannot leave this town, still not knowing why she is even there, she decides to accept her “situation. Callie settles in a house with a nice couple, Rick and Molly McClatchy. Of course, the couple has no idea that they are being “haunted. One fateful, horrible evening, while Rick was at work, a murderer breaks in and Callie witnesses the most horrendous murder of Molly McClatchy. Callie does everything in her power to stop the murderer, but she’s a ghost! Rick McClatchy is being blamed for the murder of his wife, but Callie knows who the real killer is. She sets out to find someone who is “sensitive” to ghost. She does find someone and in Wal-Mart, of all places! After convincing the young African American, Ashara, to help her, she tells the young woman what she witnessed and that they have to help poor Rick McClatchy. Their investigation and probing to help Rick, leads both Callie and Ashara, along with Ashara’s’ grandmother, to a night of terror!
Waking Up Dead is a MUST read! I give this novel, 5 raving stars!
Waking Up Dead
Waking Up Dead
REVIEW
WAKING UP DEAD.
Callie Taylor finds herself as a ghost in a small town in Alabama. She has no idea how she got there or why she ended up in this strange place. She finds that she is unable to leave this small town. Callie tries to leave, but every time she reaches the city limits, she feels a pull in her midsection, finding herself right smack in the middle of the town’s downtown square. After her initial confusion, wondering why she cannot leave this town, still not knowing why she is even there, she decides to accept her “situation. Callie settles in a house with a nice couple, Rick and Molly McClatchy. Of course, the couple has no idea that they are being “haunted. One fateful, horrible evening, while Rick was at work, a murderer breaks in and Callie witnesses the most horrendous murder of Molly McClatchy. Callie does everything in her power to stop the murderer, but she’s a ghost! Rick McClatchy is being blamed for the murder of his wife, but Callie knows who the real killer is. She sets out to find someone who is “sensitive” to ghost. She does find someone and in Wal-Mart, of all places! After convincing the young African American, Ashara, to help her, she tells the young woman what she witnessed and that they have to help poor Rick McClatchy. Their investigation and probing to help Rick, leads both Callie and Ashara, along with Ashara’s’ grandmother, to a night of terror!
Waking Up Dead is a MUST read! I give this novel, 5 raving stars!
December 17, 2013
Callie Taylor wakes up dead … in Alabama of all places. Being dead isn't a surprise, but ending up in a small Alabama town and caught up in a horrific murder certainly is. Can she figure out how to handle all this dead stuff and figure out where she goes from here?
Margo Bond Collins has a fast-paced, engaging tale in Waking up Dead. Callie has no clue how she ended up small town Abramville, and she is pretty sure this place has absolutely relationship whatsoever to Dallas, where a total freak with a bad mommy complex and knife ended her world.
From the very first word, the reader is into Waking up Dead, and there is no let up, even as you end the book. Margo Bond Collins has created a zany cast of characters, beginning with Callie, but the sidekicks – oh yes, there are sidekicks, and they are as much a hoot as the main character – make the whole thing absolutely believable.
Callie becomes a ghostly private investigator, taking over the investigation of a woman's brutal murder and chivvying her sidekicks along. Although, at times it appears they chivy her around. Instead of a ghost who instantly learns all about being dead, Callie often bumbles her way through, discovering almost too late what she can and can't do. These imperfections only make this already loveable character even more loveable.
The energy and location of this tale makes it so believable, including an unsolved bank robbery from the 1940s, a mixed relationship, and a lot of money that disappeared more than seventy years ago. There are no loose ends left when Collins winds up this tale, unless you count the reader wanting more of these intrepid investigators as a loose end.
I highly recommend Waking up Dead for all lovers of a great mystery, and a ghost story.
Margo Bond Collins has a fast-paced, engaging tale in Waking up Dead. Callie has no clue how she ended up small town Abramville, and she is pretty sure this place has absolutely relationship whatsoever to Dallas, where a total freak with a bad mommy complex and knife ended her world.
From the very first word, the reader is into Waking up Dead, and there is no let up, even as you end the book. Margo Bond Collins has created a zany cast of characters, beginning with Callie, but the sidekicks – oh yes, there are sidekicks, and they are as much a hoot as the main character – make the whole thing absolutely believable.
Callie becomes a ghostly private investigator, taking over the investigation of a woman's brutal murder and chivvying her sidekicks along. Although, at times it appears they chivy her around. Instead of a ghost who instantly learns all about being dead, Callie often bumbles her way through, discovering almost too late what she can and can't do. These imperfections only make this already loveable character even more loveable.
The energy and location of this tale makes it so believable, including an unsolved bank robbery from the 1940s, a mixed relationship, and a lot of money that disappeared more than seventy years ago. There are no loose ends left when Collins winds up this tale, unless you count the reader wanting more of these intrepid investigators as a loose end.
I highly recommend Waking up Dead for all lovers of a great mystery, and a ghost story.
December 16, 2013
I absolutely LOVED this novel!
First and foremost, I'll say that this wasn't as romance-y as I thought it would be, but I still enjoyed the small bit that was present.
It took me a chapter or two to actually get into the book, but after that I couldn't put it down and read it in just a few hours. I loved all of the characters, though they could have had a bit more...substance, backstory...something. What kept me riveted was the storyline! It was a great detective/crime story. Very believable (yes, even the ghost part - at least for me). It was fun to try to figure things out along with the characters, and I felt myself becoming just as anxious when they found themselves in dangerous situations.
While parts of the storyline was predictable, it did not take away from my overall interest in the book. The book is well written, though I did find a few mistakes (typos) in the ebook edition I read.
I will definitely read any follow up books in the series!
First and foremost, I'll say that this wasn't as romance-y as I thought it would be, but I still enjoyed the small bit that was present.
It took me a chapter or two to actually get into the book, but after that I couldn't put it down and read it in just a few hours. I loved all of the characters, though they could have had a bit more...substance, backstory...something. What kept me riveted was the storyline! It was a great detective/crime story. Very believable (yes, even the ghost part - at least for me). It was fun to try to figure things out along with the characters, and I felt myself becoming just as anxious when they found themselves in dangerous situations.
While parts of the storyline was predictable, it did not take away from my overall interest in the book. The book is well written, though I did find a few mistakes (typos) in the ebook edition I read.
I will definitely read any follow up books in the series!
February 6, 2015
Great Humor to Keep it Light This book had me from the very first chapter. The voice is great. It somehow stays light and fun while delving into solving a gruesome crime.
Callie's relationship with Ashara and her Maw-Maw is so naturally funny and heart-warming that sometimes I forgot poor Molly got hacked up. There are moments of delicious suspense where I was on the edge of my seat, almost wanting to yell at them to watch out!
Here's a quick list of the highs and lows of the book.
What worked:
the voice
the relationship between the characters
the logical progression of their detective work
the suspense
What didn't work for me:
I really wanted to know more about Callie's death (Since this is the first of the series, I'm sure more will come)The language (I'm not big on swearing and this one had a lot for me)
Callie's relationship with Ashara and her Maw-Maw is so naturally funny and heart-warming that sometimes I forgot poor Molly got hacked up. There are moments of delicious suspense where I was on the edge of my seat, almost wanting to yell at them to watch out!
Here's a quick list of the highs and lows of the book.
What worked:
the voice
the relationship between the characters
the logical progression of their detective work
the suspense
What didn't work for me:
I really wanted to know more about Callie's death (Since this is the first of the series, I'm sure more will come)The language (I'm not big on swearing and this one had a lot for me)
December 25, 2013
Callie Taylor was brutally murdered in Dallas, Texas, but when she awakened, she was in a small town in Alabama. She could walk through walls, blow out candles by passing over them, and even make anything electronic go haywire. But basically, her new life as a ghost was pretty boring until the night she witnessed some creep kill and then chop up Molly McClatchey.
Waking Up Dead, by Margo Collins is an exciting ghost story. Written in the first person narrative, Callie tells us about a murder mystery that goes back several generations, reveals the many foibles of humanity—greed, racism, and violence, as well as man’s wit and humor. Waking Up Dead is superbly written and will make a reader hard pressed to put it down.
Michael Thal is the author of The Koolura Series and Goodbye Tchaikovsky.
Waking Up Dead, by Margo Collins is an exciting ghost story. Written in the first person narrative, Callie tells us about a murder mystery that goes back several generations, reveals the many foibles of humanity—greed, racism, and violence, as well as man’s wit and humor. Waking Up Dead is superbly written and will make a reader hard pressed to put it down.
Michael Thal is the author of The Koolura Series and Goodbye Tchaikovsky.
March 13, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this book, I hope there are more books to come in the series. Callie has recently died and wakes up in a small town in Alabama, when she is actually from Texas. She doesn't have much of a memory of what happened, but she is tied to that one small Alabama town. She ends up finding a woman who can see her and convinces her to help solve a murder that she witnessed happen. I thought this was an entertaining story about what could happen if you die and are forced to hang around as a ghost. There were many close calls that Callie had to help her friends get out of, and she even makes living friends along the way. I look forward to seeing what comes next!
December 29, 2013
I was really pleasantly surprised by this book! I liked the set up of the plot: why does Callie Taylor haunt an Alabama town she never even visited in life? The dominant murder mystery plot was quickly and deftly set up, and I enjoyed being along for the ride during the solving of the mystery. My only complaint is that I would have loved to have gotten at least one step closer to understanding the world of ghosts. And Callie's revelation about drawing on people's energy could have been built up a bit more so that it wouldn't have been so abrupt. But this was really a fun, quick read!
June 18, 2014
I really loved this book! It was such an easy read but really kept me in suspense. There were even a few times I had to put it down as I felt myself getting nervous and I tend to read at night, alone, in the dark. :) The characters were awesome and I loved their personalities. I would have liked more back story on Callie, the main character, but I have read this is the first in a series, so I look forward to learning more about her. I don't normally even go for detective/mystery books, but I really enjoyed this one!
December 6, 2013
This is a great book! It's a great mystery. Callie finds herself as a ghost and in a adventure to help solve another woman's murder. Callie makes 3 friends in her journey. The characters are fun, witty, and sassy. In this book you'll find laughter and tears as these 4 characters work together to solve a murder. I really recommend this to anyone who enjoys mysteries. The ending of the book is good and it is satisfying
September 16, 2014
The Funniest Book I've Read All Year
I made the mistake of starting this book the night before an early morning shift. I couldn't put this book down and suffered dearly the next morning. I absolutely loved the characters and could relate with them. Make Maw is like the old ladies I remember as a child. The book is hilarious and I couldn't wait to get home from work to finish the book. It was even worth skipping a nap.
I made the mistake of starting this book the night before an early morning shift. I couldn't put this book down and suffered dearly the next morning. I absolutely loved the characters and could relate with them. Make Maw is like the old ladies I remember as a child. The book is hilarious and I couldn't wait to get home from work to finish the book. It was even worth skipping a nap.
September 3, 2016
Pretty cute! This is a scary comedy, (not really scary), but loads of laughs and fun! The ghost in this novel is newly dead and does not know how to master or control her present state. She is a victim of a sadistic serial rapist/killer and goes on a quest to find out, who killed someone else, not herself!? It is very funny and the characters compliment each other very well. It was a fun break from some of the other scary thrillers which I usually read.
October 31, 2013
Full disclosure, Margo is an old friend of mine, but it doesn't impact this review. This is a great beach, airplane, vacation on travel read. An engaging voice, likable characters, and a clever mystery make this one a page turner. Good for folks who like "CSI" and "Law & Order" with a bit of a supernatural twist.
December 13, 2013
I laughed, I cried, I feared for their lives, I got annoyed at them and made up with them.
A rollercoaster of a story and a super quick read that was very hard to put down.
The glimpses of Callie's last hours hinted at a really horrific end that she can't fully remember.
Perhaps a start of series, as MawMaw says I got a feeling that Callie isn't finished yet.
A rollercoaster of a story and a super quick read that was very hard to put down.
The glimpses of Callie's last hours hinted at a really horrific end that she can't fully remember.
Perhaps a start of series, as MawMaw says I got a feeling that Callie isn't finished yet.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews