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A Ghost of Granny Apples Mystery #4
Ghost of a Gamble
Spiritual medium Emma Whitecastle knows a good ghost when she feels one—like her own sweet Granny Apples, long gone but still as famous for her apple pies as she is for helping her great-great-great-granddaughter get to the core of the most baffling mysteries...
When Emma gets word of a sticky spirit problem in Las Vegas, she and the ghost of Granny Apples hit the road for Sin City. The spooked one is Dolly, a former showgirl. Dolly is haunted by Lenny, a dead Vegas hood worried about an aging mobster named Nemo coming after the leggy old bombshell. Dolly’s playing dumb, but Emma’s making a blind bet that she knows more about Nemo than she admits.
When Nemo is found dead, Dolly goes missing—and lands herself on a short list of suspects. Emma, Granny, and their pals comb Las Vegas to find her, only to discover the truth behind a casino heist gone bad, a hidden stash of stolen loot, and a missing wise guy who’s not letting death come between him and setting things straight. And Emma and Granny Apples aren’t about to fold until they save Dolly’s neck and put her past to rest.
When Emma gets word of a sticky spirit problem in Las Vegas, she and the ghost of Granny Apples hit the road for Sin City. The spooked one is Dolly, a former showgirl. Dolly is haunted by Lenny, a dead Vegas hood worried about an aging mobster named Nemo coming after the leggy old bombshell. Dolly’s playing dumb, but Emma’s making a blind bet that she knows more about Nemo than she admits.
When Nemo is found dead, Dolly goes missing—and lands herself on a short list of suspects. Emma, Granny, and their pals comb Las Vegas to find her, only to discover the truth behind a casino heist gone bad, a hidden stash of stolen loot, and a missing wise guy who’s not letting death come between him and setting things straight. And Emma and Granny Apples aren’t about to fold until they save Dolly’s neck and put her past to rest.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 2014
31 people are currently reading
422 people want to read
About the author
Sue Ann Jaffarian
63 books546 followersSue Ann Jaffarian is the author of the popular Odelia Grey mystery series, the Ghost of Granny Apples mystery series and the Madison Rose vampire mysteries, as well as short stories.
Sue Ann also writes the Winnie Wilde romance novellas.
Like the character Odelia Grey, Sue Ann Jaffarian is a middle-aged, plus-sized paralegal. She lives in Los Angeles.
In addition to writing, Sue Ann is sought after as a motivational/ humorous speaker. You can visit her on the web at www.sueannjaffarian.com, www.sueannjaffarian.blogspot.com, and on Twitter and Facebook.
Sue Ann also writes the Winnie Wilde romance novellas.
Like the character Odelia Grey, Sue Ann Jaffarian is a middle-aged, plus-sized paralegal. She lives in Los Angeles.
In addition to writing, Sue Ann is sought after as a motivational/ humorous speaker. You can visit her on the web at www.sueannjaffarian.com, www.sueannjaffarian.blogspot.com, and on Twitter and Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
January 22, 2015
3.5 stars. A good, entertaining, well-written read, but not my favourite of the four so far; the premise was a bit 'out there' even for a ghost story. I still highly recommend it though, as Ms. Jaffarian writes an excellent story with characters that act their age, fantastic settings and better than average plots.
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/109278...
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/109278...
May 2, 2019
I love how Sue Ann Jaffarian writes her books because there is mystery, suspense, ghosts, romance & humor. This is the fourth book in the Granny Apple's Series and each book is better than the last one. This has gangsters from the 60s and their children from Las Vegas and of course ghosts are involved. I always look forward to reading to the next of Sue Ann Jaffarian's books.
March 31, 2014
Ghost Of A Gamble is the fourth book in the A Ghost Of Granny Apples Mystery series and the first published by Berkley. There are two e-book novellas also available.
This is a really delightful series and this was a wonderful addition. I thought it was a little less light hearted than previous books.
Milo, Emma's mentor and fellow psychic, has asked her to visit his mother, Dolly, at her home in Las Vegas. Dolly is a retired dancer on the strip and now does fortunetelling. When Emma arrives she doesn't sense the presence of any spirits, but does notice that the young infant that Dolly is sitting is fascinated by the light fixture in the ceiling. Dolly refers to it as Lenny the Lightbulb. Emma soon learns that Lenny is in fact Lenny is a deceased Vegas hood. Lenny and another hood, Nemo, had robbed a casino but Lenny had never given Nemo his share of the loot. Nemo has vowed that he will do whatever is necessary to get his share of the money. Just after Dolly visit Nemo, he dies and Dolly goes missing. They soon find out that Dolly is being held by some of Nemo's people until the spirit of Lenny lets them know where the stolen money is hidden So Emma and her friends are off to search for Dolly and to try and contact Lenny's spirit.
All the main characters are back once again to help Emma get to the bottom of this mystery. Yes and the cantankerous Granny Apples is back to lend hand. Granny is such a wonderful character and her use of modern clichés will have you laughing.
Will definitely be watching for the next book in the series.
This is a really delightful series and this was a wonderful addition. I thought it was a little less light hearted than previous books.
Milo, Emma's mentor and fellow psychic, has asked her to visit his mother, Dolly, at her home in Las Vegas. Dolly is a retired dancer on the strip and now does fortunetelling. When Emma arrives she doesn't sense the presence of any spirits, but does notice that the young infant that Dolly is sitting is fascinated by the light fixture in the ceiling. Dolly refers to it as Lenny the Lightbulb. Emma soon learns that Lenny is in fact Lenny is a deceased Vegas hood. Lenny and another hood, Nemo, had robbed a casino but Lenny had never given Nemo his share of the loot. Nemo has vowed that he will do whatever is necessary to get his share of the money. Just after Dolly visit Nemo, he dies and Dolly goes missing. They soon find out that Dolly is being held by some of Nemo's people until the spirit of Lenny lets them know where the stolen money is hidden So Emma and her friends are off to search for Dolly and to try and contact Lenny's spirit.
All the main characters are back once again to help Emma get to the bottom of this mystery. Yes and the cantankerous Granny Apples is back to lend hand. Granny is such a wonderful character and her use of modern clichés will have you laughing.
Will definitely be watching for the next book in the series.
May 16, 2014
Sue Ann Jaffarian is a really good mystery writer! I've known that for awhile and with the Granny Apples series now getting published by a larger, more visible outfit hopefully others will find that out now, too. Maybe they'll go looking for the other Granny Apples books as well as the excellent Odelia Grey series she writes. This story has its roots in a cold case robbery from Vegas' mob heyday. Old spirits, new spirits, fortune tellers, mediums.......you get it all with this one! All the Granny Apples books have been good, but I think this one might be the best one yet! RECOMMEND!
May 1, 2016
Sue Ann Jaffarian always delivers a great book and this one is not an exception. Although Odelia Grey will always be my favorite, there's a certain something about Granny Apples that remains appealing. (Get it Apples - Peeling, *wink*).
Lots of fun, including the ending which this reader happened to love. Can't tell you because it would be a spoiler but it was just my speed!
Recommend.
Lots of fun, including the ending which this reader happened to love. Can't tell you because it would be a spoiler but it was just my speed!
Recommend.
July 11, 2015
I loved this book and couldn't stop reading it! There were many twists and turns I didn't see coming! Characters are interesting with familiar favorites showing depth and growth. Loved the surprise ending! I am glad I bought this book and will probably reread it again next year - love it!
December 24, 2020
So much fun!!! LOVED IT!!!!! The author is a Facebook friend of mine!!!!
August 27, 2020
Granny Apples steals the show again...............
Ghost of a Gamble is the fourth book in this cozy mystery series featuring Emma, a medium, and her constant ghost companion, Granny Apples. Although the story can be read as a standalone, I recommend listening to the series in order for the most enjoyment. In Ghost of a Gamble, Emma and Granny head to Las Vegas to investigate a suspected ghost living in a former showgirl's house at the request of Emma's friend and fellow psychic, Milo. Emma quickly learns that the showgirl, Dolly, is Milo's mother and that she has a very interesting and flamboyant past. Said past roars into present day when one of Dolly's former associates, a mafioso, is killed and Dolly disappears. Emma and Granny Apples are aided in their adventures with their usual cohorts of Milo, his girlfriend Susan, Emma's boyfriend Phil and a friend from book three, Quinn.
I am not an expert, but I thought that the author did an amazing job of recreating the feel of Las Vegas in the 1960's, and I loved learning more about organized crime and how it operated before modern technology came into play. The mystery kept me guessing and had a surprise twist at the end that resulted in some pretty breath catching moments. As always, Granny Apples and her spunky, feisty personality give this book that something special that sets this series apart from and above the normal cozy mystery fare. I was very disappointed by Emma's behavior in book three and nervous about how the series would proceed with book four, especially with the arrival of Quinn mid-way through the story. However, I should have just chill-axed (per Granny Apples), since I was impressed and pleased with how the author resolved the situation. I look forward to more of Granny and Emma's shenanigans in future books.
Sandra Murphy narrates all the books in this series, and she is an amazing performer. I love her portrayal of all the characters but especially of Granny Apples. Murphy differentiates clearly between all the characters, and she adds the perfect tone and emphasis to highlight every mood of the story. With her smooth, flawless delivery, she enables me to get completely lost in the story, and that is a true gift during these uncertain and stressful times.
I received a copy of this audiobook at my request in exchange for this honest review.
Ghost of a Gamble is the fourth book in this cozy mystery series featuring Emma, a medium, and her constant ghost companion, Granny Apples. Although the story can be read as a standalone, I recommend listening to the series in order for the most enjoyment. In Ghost of a Gamble, Emma and Granny head to Las Vegas to investigate a suspected ghost living in a former showgirl's house at the request of Emma's friend and fellow psychic, Milo. Emma quickly learns that the showgirl, Dolly, is Milo's mother and that she has a very interesting and flamboyant past. Said past roars into present day when one of Dolly's former associates, a mafioso, is killed and Dolly disappears. Emma and Granny Apples are aided in their adventures with their usual cohorts of Milo, his girlfriend Susan, Emma's boyfriend Phil and a friend from book three, Quinn.
I am not an expert, but I thought that the author did an amazing job of recreating the feel of Las Vegas in the 1960's, and I loved learning more about organized crime and how it operated before modern technology came into play. The mystery kept me guessing and had a surprise twist at the end that resulted in some pretty breath catching moments. As always, Granny Apples and her spunky, feisty personality give this book that something special that sets this series apart from and above the normal cozy mystery fare. I was very disappointed by Emma's behavior in book three and nervous about how the series would proceed with book four, especially with the arrival of Quinn mid-way through the story. However, I should have just chill-axed (per Granny Apples), since I was impressed and pleased with how the author resolved the situation. I look forward to more of Granny and Emma's shenanigans in future books.
Sandra Murphy narrates all the books in this series, and she is an amazing performer. I love her portrayal of all the characters but especially of Granny Apples. Murphy differentiates clearly between all the characters, and she adds the perfect tone and emphasis to highlight every mood of the story. With her smooth, flawless delivery, she enables me to get completely lost in the story, and that is a true gift during these uncertain and stressful times.
I received a copy of this audiobook at my request in exchange for this honest review.
August 19, 2020
I enjoyed this book. This is the fourth adventure for Granny Apples and Emma and by far my favourite (I think?!?) Mainly because Granny the ghost plays a much bigger role in the investigation and I loved all the ghostly goings on. You don't need to have read the previous books, as it is a stand one book but it is such a fun series and it helps with the continuity of the series if you do. This book focuses on Emma's friend and mentor Milo, so you get to learn more about his background, which was interesting. The story and mystery was a lot of fun and with the strong cast of characters it is an engaging story. I hope there are more books to come in the series.
Emma is visiting las Vegas, her friend and mentor's mother has a ghost problem. Milo her son gets stage fright and he has never been able to talk to ghosts in front of her, which is why he asks Emma and her ghostly companion Granny Apples for help. It appears a ghost is living or hiding out in a light bulb and if that wasn't strange enough she call it Lenny the light bulb. Before they can even say so much as say boo to the ghost Dolly, Milo's mother, goes missing and a fortune teller talks of a death. Dolly had blown off a meal with her son and girlfriend to visit a resident in a nursing home, a man who dies shortly after her visit. Does Dolly know more about the ghostly Lenny than she is letting on? And is she connected to the death in the home? Emma is soon visited by the dead man's ghost claiming he has Dolly and if they ever want to see her alive again then thy had better give him back what is his? Emma has to talk a shy ghost around so she can find out what is really going on. The three obviously have a past but with two dead can they really hurt the only one living? And with a fortune teller also missing it seems that the good guys are not the only ones with ghosts helping. Emma and Granny is about to find out, can they find both missing women before time is called?
Sandra Murphy is one of my favourite narrators, as she continuously gives an excellent performance and I am so glad she is the narrator for this series.
Emma is visiting las Vegas, her friend and mentor's mother has a ghost problem. Milo her son gets stage fright and he has never been able to talk to ghosts in front of her, which is why he asks Emma and her ghostly companion Granny Apples for help. It appears a ghost is living or hiding out in a light bulb and if that wasn't strange enough she call it Lenny the light bulb. Before they can even say so much as say boo to the ghost Dolly, Milo's mother, goes missing and a fortune teller talks of a death. Dolly had blown off a meal with her son and girlfriend to visit a resident in a nursing home, a man who dies shortly after her visit. Does Dolly know more about the ghostly Lenny than she is letting on? And is she connected to the death in the home? Emma is soon visited by the dead man's ghost claiming he has Dolly and if they ever want to see her alive again then thy had better give him back what is his? Emma has to talk a shy ghost around so she can find out what is really going on. The three obviously have a past but with two dead can they really hurt the only one living? And with a fortune teller also missing it seems that the good guys are not the only ones with ghosts helping. Emma and Granny is about to find out, can they find both missing women before time is called?
Sandra Murphy is one of my favourite narrators, as she continuously gives an excellent performance and I am so glad she is the narrator for this series.
August 13, 2023
How have I missed this delightful series??!! This is the first in the series I have read, and now I need to go back and start from the beginning.
#4 in the series. In this one, Emma (and of course Granny Apple) are working to help Dolly, who thinks that there is something wrong in her house. The young child she sits is fascinated by the lightbulb in the kitchen. Dolly calls it Lenny the Lightbulb, but Emma suspects much more. Turns out there are nefarious ghosts afoot, some of which mean harm to Dolly. But why? And what's the story with Lenny the Lightbulb anyway?
Well written and executed mystery. I am not a big paranormal fan, but gosh, this book was really well written and serious. Our MC is a mature female (daughter is in college) and has certain talents when it comes to communicating with the deceased. The story kept me involved and I liked the way it all came together in the end. Like I said, I'm going to go back and explore more in the series (both before and after this entry), and I'd recommend this to anyone who likes a good story.
#4 in the series. In this one, Emma (and of course Granny Apple) are working to help Dolly, who thinks that there is something wrong in her house. The young child she sits is fascinated by the lightbulb in the kitchen. Dolly calls it Lenny the Lightbulb, but Emma suspects much more. Turns out there are nefarious ghosts afoot, some of which mean harm to Dolly. But why? And what's the story with Lenny the Lightbulb anyway?
Well written and executed mystery. I am not a big paranormal fan, but gosh, this book was really well written and serious. Our MC is a mature female (daughter is in college) and has certain talents when it comes to communicating with the deceased. The story kept me involved and I liked the way it all came together in the end. Like I said, I'm going to go back and explore more in the series (both before and after this entry), and I'd recommend this to anyone who likes a good story.
May 4, 2021
This is the fourth book in the A Ghost of a Granny Apples Mystery series by Sue Ann Jaffarian.
Emma Whitecastle is a medium who has been asked by a fellow psychic Milo to visit Dolly a retired Las Vegas showgirl and fortuneteller is being haunted by a deceased spirit named Lenny. Lenny is a deceased Vegas hood who was involved in a casino robbery who hid the loot. After Nemo, one of Lenny’s hoodlum friends dies after visiting Dolly, she is being held captive by Nemo’s people to have he contact Lenny’s spirit to find out where he hid the money.
I really enjoyed reading this fascinating delightful fantasy fiction novel.
Emma Whitecastle is a medium who has been asked by a fellow psychic Milo to visit Dolly a retired Las Vegas showgirl and fortuneteller is being haunted by a deceased spirit named Lenny. Lenny is a deceased Vegas hood who was involved in a casino robbery who hid the loot. After Nemo, one of Lenny’s hoodlum friends dies after visiting Dolly, she is being held captive by Nemo’s people to have he contact Lenny’s spirit to find out where he hid the money.
I really enjoyed reading this fascinating delightful fantasy fiction novel.
November 9, 2018
An entertaining read, though much of the mystery is solved conveniently by ghosts. The writing is slightly sloppy - when she sees Nemo for the first time, she thinks he looks familiar, then realizes why. On the next page, she once again realizes why he looks familiar, as if the author forgot she already wrote that part. Also, I don’t think changing the fathers name on a birth certificate is that easy.
It was light, uncomplicated, with no particular suspense.
It was light, uncomplicated, with no particular suspense.
January 24, 2020
The stakes are high in this story! Past and present are on a collision course and the end results are a wild card. Emma and company stumble across more than they bargain for when they go to visit Milo's mom in Las Vegas. Behind the glitter and glam, they have to figure out what is real and what isn't among the living and the dead. It was a compelling story and I'm looking forward to reading the next one in this series.
dnf
September 2, 2021This book didn't work for me. I haven't read the previous ones, that might be part of it. But I found the writing irritating, I'm not sure why. The 3rd person seemed to grate also when I notice how the characters move (as in sentences that reference walking across room, putting her purse down) that bothers me. In this one I noticed all of that. Plus it was so obvious who the first dead guy was and it took the characters forever to figure out, I gave up then.
December 19, 2019
Emma, the medium, and Granny Apples hit Las Vegas to solve mysteries involving missing money, aging and dead hoods, and more. Great dialogue, snappy and fun - which I appreciate even more after coming across a couple books where the author just seemed stuck in setting the stage with no dialogue whatsoever. Great series, with Emma and Granny both standout characters you'd love to have as friends.
January 6, 2020
A solid cozy mystery that was a quick and easy read. I read this as a stand alone and although there is plenty of reference to previous adventures I was never left feeling like I was missing any important information. I was also pleased that the ending was a conclusion, not a teaser for the next book.
September 15, 2020
Emma and Granny Apples find themselves investigating a couple of recent deaths and an apparent kidnapping, but what they find is a tangled web that will require help from some ghostly sources to put all the pieces together in this action packed cozy mystery.
I love Granny and her hip style.
A fun read for a rainy weekend.
I love Granny and her hip style.
A fun read for a rainy weekend.
October 18, 2022
A cozy paranormal mystery series with Elizabeth, her boyfriend Phil and Granny Apple, her ghostly great-great-great grandmother. A good cast of characters surround Elizabeth and help her solve mysteries as she gets clues from various spirits.
This series reminds me of The Haunting Danielle series. Both are very enjoyable series.
This series reminds me of The Haunting Danielle series. Both are very enjoyable series.
February 19, 2023
I really enjoyed this one. Lots of action, adventure, twists and turns. It was great to see the gang stumble onto this mystery and fight their way out. Great story, fun setting and wonderful characters you just love to read about. I have thoroughly enjoyed the Granny Apples series and can’t wait to read the next one!
February 4, 2018
Almost 4 starts. Very enjoyable series.
April 8, 2018
I always enjoy Granny Apple and her escapades and this was no exception! On to the next!
April 20, 2018
Riskier than the earlier books!
October 19, 2018
Cute and fun mystery story. Quick read.
August 7, 2019
Really fun book to read. The mystery itself was nicely woven, great characters, funny moments.
January 5, 2020
Search for Ghost Fiction
I'm very happy to have found another ghost fiction series. Interesting characters and well-written. Can't wait to start on the next one!
I'm very happy to have found another ghost fiction series. Interesting characters and well-written. Can't wait to start on the next one!
January 1, 2023
4 stars
January 21, 2024
Great addition to a fun series. There was a LOT going on, and more paranormal than usual. But it was a good, easy read.
April 5, 2014
http://openbooksociety.com/article/gh...
Brought to You by OBS reviewer Mary
*Beware of Spoilers*
Milo Ravenscroft, a fellow medium and Emma Whitecastle’s mentor, asks her to come to Las Vegas and assist his mother Dolly with a ghostly problem. Accompanying her is the ghost of her great-great-great grandmother Ish Reynolds, also known as Granny Apples. Milo and his fiancée Tracy Bass, who is Emma’s best friend, are visiting his mother and Emma is curious why Milo can’t take care of the situation.
The opening of the book is rather amusing as Emma watches Nicolas, a toddler Dolly is babysitting; continually stare at the light in Dolly’s kitchen. It’s revealed that Dolly has a spirit that resides in the light, whom Nicholas can apparently see. Dolly has named this spirit Lenny the Lightbulb. When questioned why she named him Lenny, Dolly is evasive and Emma suspects she knows more about the spirit that she’s willing to reveal.
After much coaxing, Lenny appears and asks, “Did Nemo’s boys send you?” Dolly again claims not to know what Lenny is talking about. Lenny is a timid and none too bright spirit, apparently the same as he was in life. He, too, knows more than he’s willing to tell, even when other lives are in danger.
Emma later visits Laura Crawford, another fortune teller who Dolly considers a rival. Emma appeared to Laura in dream. Laura also senses Granny nearby. Laura tells Emma that she will be caught between two spirits who’ll have a conflict because of unfinished business. One of those spirits is crossing over as they speak. She also predicts Nemo’s boys will come for Emma. To all this, Granny replies, “Holy crap!” Granny’s colorful declarations are a hoot and add levity no matter the situation.
Soon Emma discovers that Dolly has visited an old man named Nelson Morehead, aka Nemo, in a rest home. He’s an old mobster involved in drugs and gambling who dies the same night Dolly visited. Dolly thus becomes suspect number one in his death. When Madeline dies the same night, it’s too much to hope it’s only a coincidence, especially since Dolly has disappeared. Emma later discovers that Madeline is privy to some of Dolly and Lenny’s secrets. On another visit, Emma connects with a ghost at the facility who provides valuable information regarding Nemo’s death and the robbery.
Nemo’s ghost appears at Dolly’s hunting for Lenny. Lenny and Nemo were accused of robbing the Lucky Buck casino but it could never be proven. Nemo claims Lenny has something that belongs to him and if he doesn’t turn it over, someone will die. When Laura disappears, Emma suspects she was taken for her abilities as a medium.
One of the investigators of the murder is John Foster, the father of the toddler Dolly babysits. Emma eventually confides to him about Lenny the Lightbulb and her ghostly encounters with his and Nemo’s ghost. Though skeptical, he agrees to check into some of her information. Later, Emma finds suspicious connections about Det. John Foster and his partner, Det. Howard Garby.
A subplot involves Emma’s relationship with her current boyfriend, Phil Bower, and Dr. Quinn Kennan, an archeologist friend to whom she is attracted. She runs into Quinn who is in Las Vegas for a friend’s bachelor party. Quinn insists on staying around and helping her with the investigation. This causes bouts of jealousy on Phil’s part and he comes Vegas to assist in the investigation and keep an eye on Quinn.
Many of the characters have ties to the main mystery and it gets a little difficult to keep track. However, the mystery did keep me guessing. There was a good deal of info on Dolly’s younger days and a revelation that impacts Milo’s life. The plot, while probably unbelievable to most, was rather ingenious, and a clever ploy that worked for the paranormal nature of this series.
My biggest problem with this latest book was the little we hear of Granny Apples. I look forward to her appearances with anticipation of many chuckles. However, Granny spent most of her time being sent off to track suspects and search for Dolly and Laura. Her wistfully wishing to ride a zip line and meet Stokes from CSI was amusing. Watching old black and white movies gives her the impression she’s a crime fighter and adds to her antics. Unfortunately, she didn’t get to fight much crime in this episode. I also like the interaction between her and Emma and we didn’t get much of that in this book. I hope this won’t become a trend. Despite this shortcoming, I enjoyed the book. It was well written, absorbing, and we were given further insight into the lives of the characters.
For those who like a touch of the paranormal and some humor in their mystery, I would highly recommend this book.
*OBS would like to think the publisher for supplying a print copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Brought to You by OBS reviewer Mary
*Beware of Spoilers*
Milo Ravenscroft, a fellow medium and Emma Whitecastle’s mentor, asks her to come to Las Vegas and assist his mother Dolly with a ghostly problem. Accompanying her is the ghost of her great-great-great grandmother Ish Reynolds, also known as Granny Apples. Milo and his fiancée Tracy Bass, who is Emma’s best friend, are visiting his mother and Emma is curious why Milo can’t take care of the situation.
The opening of the book is rather amusing as Emma watches Nicolas, a toddler Dolly is babysitting; continually stare at the light in Dolly’s kitchen. It’s revealed that Dolly has a spirit that resides in the light, whom Nicholas can apparently see. Dolly has named this spirit Lenny the Lightbulb. When questioned why she named him Lenny, Dolly is evasive and Emma suspects she knows more about the spirit that she’s willing to reveal.
After much coaxing, Lenny appears and asks, “Did Nemo’s boys send you?” Dolly again claims not to know what Lenny is talking about. Lenny is a timid and none too bright spirit, apparently the same as he was in life. He, too, knows more than he’s willing to tell, even when other lives are in danger.
Emma later visits Laura Crawford, another fortune teller who Dolly considers a rival. Emma appeared to Laura in dream. Laura also senses Granny nearby. Laura tells Emma that she will be caught between two spirits who’ll have a conflict because of unfinished business. One of those spirits is crossing over as they speak. She also predicts Nemo’s boys will come for Emma. To all this, Granny replies, “Holy crap!” Granny’s colorful declarations are a hoot and add levity no matter the situation.
Soon Emma discovers that Dolly has visited an old man named Nelson Morehead, aka Nemo, in a rest home. He’s an old mobster involved in drugs and gambling who dies the same night Dolly visited. Dolly thus becomes suspect number one in his death. When Madeline dies the same night, it’s too much to hope it’s only a coincidence, especially since Dolly has disappeared. Emma later discovers that Madeline is privy to some of Dolly and Lenny’s secrets. On another visit, Emma connects with a ghost at the facility who provides valuable information regarding Nemo’s death and the robbery.
Nemo’s ghost appears at Dolly’s hunting for Lenny. Lenny and Nemo were accused of robbing the Lucky Buck casino but it could never be proven. Nemo claims Lenny has something that belongs to him and if he doesn’t turn it over, someone will die. When Laura disappears, Emma suspects she was taken for her abilities as a medium.
One of the investigators of the murder is John Foster, the father of the toddler Dolly babysits. Emma eventually confides to him about Lenny the Lightbulb and her ghostly encounters with his and Nemo’s ghost. Though skeptical, he agrees to check into some of her information. Later, Emma finds suspicious connections about Det. John Foster and his partner, Det. Howard Garby.
A subplot involves Emma’s relationship with her current boyfriend, Phil Bower, and Dr. Quinn Kennan, an archeologist friend to whom she is attracted. She runs into Quinn who is in Las Vegas for a friend’s bachelor party. Quinn insists on staying around and helping her with the investigation. This causes bouts of jealousy on Phil’s part and he comes Vegas to assist in the investigation and keep an eye on Quinn.
Many of the characters have ties to the main mystery and it gets a little difficult to keep track. However, the mystery did keep me guessing. There was a good deal of info on Dolly’s younger days and a revelation that impacts Milo’s life. The plot, while probably unbelievable to most, was rather ingenious, and a clever ploy that worked for the paranormal nature of this series.
My biggest problem with this latest book was the little we hear of Granny Apples. I look forward to her appearances with anticipation of many chuckles. However, Granny spent most of her time being sent off to track suspects and search for Dolly and Laura. Her wistfully wishing to ride a zip line and meet Stokes from CSI was amusing. Watching old black and white movies gives her the impression she’s a crime fighter and adds to her antics. Unfortunately, she didn’t get to fight much crime in this episode. I also like the interaction between her and Emma and we didn’t get much of that in this book. I hope this won’t become a trend. Despite this shortcoming, I enjoyed the book. It was well written, absorbing, and we were given further insight into the lives of the characters.
For those who like a touch of the paranormal and some humor in their mystery, I would highly recommend this book.
*OBS would like to think the publisher for supplying a print copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
March 8, 2017
81A very good mystery with a cranky but loving older ghost helping with the investigation. Even though you learn early whodunit, you still want to finish the book to see how it ends.
March 3, 2017
This is a fun series, with a bit of humor, especially from Granny Apple, she is a bit of a dry-witted, sarcastic ghost.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews