What do you think?
Promise McNeal Mysteries #2
Quiet Killing
In the second Promise McNeal mystery, Quiet Killing, Atlanta transplant to the Western North Carolina Mountains, fifty-something Promise, her fiddle-playing lover Daniel, and his slightly-Goth daughter, Susan, are back for more mayhem.
After her great grandfather, January McNeal, haunts her dreams, Promise delves into family history from the early 1900s. When she learns January was accused of grave robbery, she wonders if perhaps the past is best left alone.
Then evil comes knocking. Someone burns her barn, and the contractor she hires to rebuild is murdered, almost at her backdoor. A second and third fire leads Promise to a mysterious, abandoned little girl. But why would the child start fires? Who killed the contractor? And what does a book about the legendary moonshine outlaw, Lewis Redmond, have to do with the contractor’s murder, and her great grandfather? Before Promise connects the clues, the child disappears into a late March snow and Promise, Daniel, and Susan, race against freezing temperatures to rescue her, and uncover a secret worthy of murder.
Readers praised the first Promise McNeal mystery, Quiet The Dead, as "a real gem," and "everything a Southern mystery should be."
After her great grandfather, January McNeal, haunts her dreams, Promise delves into family history from the early 1900s. When she learns January was accused of grave robbery, she wonders if perhaps the past is best left alone.
Then evil comes knocking. Someone burns her barn, and the contractor she hires to rebuild is murdered, almost at her backdoor. A second and third fire leads Promise to a mysterious, abandoned little girl. But why would the child start fires? Who killed the contractor? And what does a book about the legendary moonshine outlaw, Lewis Redmond, have to do with the contractor’s murder, and her great grandfather? Before Promise connects the clues, the child disappears into a late March snow and Promise, Daniel, and Susan, race against freezing temperatures to rescue her, and uncover a secret worthy of murder.
Readers praised the first Promise McNeal mystery, Quiet The Dead, as "a real gem," and "everything a Southern mystery should be."
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2012
About the author
Morgan James
13 books46 followersMorgan James lives in Western North Carolina. She is the author of The Promise McNeal mystery series,The Beyond Mysteries, and the contemporary novel, Sing Me An Old Song.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
April 9, 2017
A quiet unhurried but powerful mystery, the second in this series. Actually there were three mysteries (in this novel)--the main mystery (the murder) was quite easy to solve. I found the other mysteries actually much more interesting especially the one concerning Promises' grandfather January as it delves slightly in the supernatural.
Morgan James can describe the Western North Carolina where the story is placed extremely well. I have visited the area and I can really picture the place but even more, the people intensely. The speech patterns of the characters are so well done I can actually hear them talking to each other (with only one exception-- when Promises' love interest Daniel calls her "Babe". This seems slightly off and not actually the right fit for Daniel who is older and seems to be old fashioned in most of his speech paterns. This is the reason for the loss of one star as every time he said "Babe" it brought me out of the story).
The character that I absolutely adored was MaMa Allen who was wonderfully wise and strong. Who said "Family is who takes care of you" and unselfishly demonstrated just that.
This is a mystery novel I would recommend to all who do not need a fast-paced story, who love being able to commune a bit with wonderfully colorful characters...
Morgan James can describe the Western North Carolina where the story is placed extremely well. I have visited the area and I can really picture the place but even more, the people intensely. The speech patterns of the characters are so well done I can actually hear them talking to each other (with only one exception-- when Promises' love interest Daniel calls her "Babe". This seems slightly off and not actually the right fit for Daniel who is older and seems to be old fashioned in most of his speech paterns. This is the reason for the loss of one star as every time he said "Babe" it brought me out of the story).
The character that I absolutely adored was MaMa Allen who was wonderfully wise and strong. Who said "Family is who takes care of you" and unselfishly demonstrated just that.
This is a mystery novel I would recommend to all who do not need a fast-paced story, who love being able to commune a bit with wonderfully colorful characters...
September 2, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed getting back into another Promise McNeal story. Living in the western N.C. mountains myself, I found familiarity with the likes of Fletcher Enloe, a true mountain man. The main character, Promise, is very easy to like because she’s not perfect. I’ve always had my own ‘shoulda-woulda-coulda’ trio, and it’s nice to know I’m not alone, thanks to Promise.
This is a great story, with a little ‘other-world’ mysticism thrown in, which helps tie-in with Promise’s intuition. Not cozy enough to be a cozy mystery, and not too far out like a Stephen King, Quiet the Dead fits comfortably in between.
This is a great story, with a little ‘other-world’ mysticism thrown in, which helps tie-in with Promise’s intuition. Not cozy enough to be a cozy mystery, and not too far out like a Stephen King, Quiet the Dead fits comfortably in between.
April 30, 2018
This is in 2nd in the series following Promise McNeal. She gave up her career in the bustling city of Atlanta as a psychologist to own a country store, Granny's, in the mounts of North Carolina. The store has been struggling since she bought it, but with some outside work, she manages to get by. And, of course, with the help of Susan, her boyfriend's daughter.
Promise is always getting into adventures and trying to solve mysteries and Susan is along with help. Her boyfriend, Daniel, is not to keen on her getting into these messes, as he wants to marry her, but she doesn't want to give up her independence. She also owns a Mama cat and kitten, a goat and her baby (since the neighbor made her buy them) and now a stray dog has come to live with her. Again, one of the animals saves her life. Oh, and throw in the Promise is slightly a psychic as she has dreams that try to tell her something.
This time Promise is trying to find out about her great grandfather, as she has dreams of him being in jail and trying to get his family to safety in a fire. But, in the meantime, there are always other things going on. Someone is trying to kill her neighbor and while he is in the hospital, she seems two men trying to break into his house. No only that, but in trying to find her great grandfathers cabin on the mountain, she is attacked and her life is in danger.
I just love these books and you just want to keep reading as you find them becoming old friends with you.
Promise is always getting into adventures and trying to solve mysteries and Susan is along with help. Her boyfriend, Daniel, is not to keen on her getting into these messes, as he wants to marry her, but she doesn't want to give up her independence. She also owns a Mama cat and kitten, a goat and her baby (since the neighbor made her buy them) and now a stray dog has come to live with her. Again, one of the animals saves her life. Oh, and throw in the Promise is slightly a psychic as she has dreams that try to tell her something.
This time Promise is trying to find out about her great grandfather, as she has dreams of him being in jail and trying to get his family to safety in a fire. But, in the meantime, there are always other things going on. Someone is trying to kill her neighbor and while he is in the hospital, she seems two men trying to break into his house. No only that, but in trying to find her great grandfathers cabin on the mountain, she is attacked and her life is in danger.
I just love these books and you just want to keep reading as you find them becoming old friends with you.
July 9, 2020
"First someone burns her barn, then the contractor she hires to rebuild it is murdered, nearly at her back door. More fires lead her to a mysterious abandoned child who seems an unlikely arsonist."
The book starts with promise being awoken from a dream about her ancestors, by a barking dog (Not hers) warning that her hay barn is on fire. The opening of this story really gripped me, I wanted to know more about this mystery. unfortunately the rest of the story didn't really grip me.
There are multiple storylines and mysteries throughout this book, Murder, theft and child abduction. I just didn't really feel the writing was to my taste. The main character wasn't interesting, I could not get excited about the situations they were put in. I found the story to be slow moving but with no real suspense.
The end tried to tie up all the entangled stories up but it left so many questions, theres no real answer to who set the fire or why it happened.
As this is a series of books there may be more answers to follow, I don't think I will be reading the other books to find out.
The book starts with promise being awoken from a dream about her ancestors, by a barking dog (Not hers) warning that her hay barn is on fire. The opening of this story really gripped me, I wanted to know more about this mystery. unfortunately the rest of the story didn't really grip me.
There are multiple storylines and mysteries throughout this book, Murder, theft and child abduction. I just didn't really feel the writing was to my taste. The main character wasn't interesting, I could not get excited about the situations they were put in. I found the story to be slow moving but with no real suspense.
The end tried to tie up all the entangled stories up but it left so many questions, theres no real answer to who set the fire or why it happened.
As this is a series of books there may be more answers to follow, I don't think I will be reading the other books to find out.
October 26, 2018
Dreams once again, have troubled Promise. The first was of a fire, to awaken, and her barn is on fire. Run in with the neighbor who comes to help during the night. Is his brisk manner, that of him, or not liking her,
Disturbing also is finding a coon dog, nearly starved to death. She delves into family history of her great grandfather and secrets, maybe that would be best to leave alone. To rebuild her barn and contractor is murdered.
Her love for Daniel, and his gothic daughter Susan is still there.
Disturbing also is finding a coon dog, nearly starved to death. She delves into family history of her great grandfather and secrets, maybe that would be best to leave alone. To rebuild her barn and contractor is murdered.
Her love for Daniel, and his gothic daughter Susan is still there.
July 31, 2017
Promise is awakened by a barking dog (even though she doesn't own a dog) to find her hay barn on fire. Her hose doesn't reach so she can't put the fire out. Neighbor comes by to help. What follows is decent story but could have used more answers. (and why was it called Quiet Killing) We've got crazy ancestors (Promise's), a mute child (who may or may not exist), random fires, a hiker's body, and nefarious twins.
I think the author shows that she has an aptitude – characters were well drawn, some funny moments, but there were a few whats?!? So maybe better further into the series.
I think the author shows that she has an aptitude – characters were well drawn, some funny moments, but there were a few whats?!? So maybe better further into the series.
March 14, 2017
Genealogy can be a real killer
Once more we find Promise McNeal and her psychic dreams drawing her in to a web of crime. This is another fine mystery written by Morgan James. We learn more about the main characters and begin to see them as real people that we are starting to care about. Ready for book #3!
Once more we find Promise McNeal and her psychic dreams drawing her in to a web of crime. This is another fine mystery written by Morgan James. We learn more about the main characters and begin to see them as real people that we are starting to care about. Ready for book #3!
October 22, 2018
Quiet Killing book 2
A compelling story of lost people, some still alive.
A woman named Promise buys land in N. Carolina, not knowing she had forebears there before her. Promise, like her forebears, has a history of deeds good and bad. Promise is making friends, and waves, in her new home town.
Several spelling, gramatical and editing errors detracted from the story.
A compelling story of lost people, some still alive.
A woman named Promise buys land in N. Carolina, not knowing she had forebears there before her. Promise, like her forebears, has a history of deeds good and bad. Promise is making friends, and waves, in her new home town.
Several spelling, gramatical and editing errors detracted from the story.
October 22, 2018
A Real Southern Backdrop to a very good Mystery
Most southern settings I have read always leave a weakness in the story... not so here...having been to NC this brings the area to life with rich depictions to fill the backdrop of the story itself...a worthy read... hats off to the author and thank you for an enjoyable read!
Most southern settings I have read always leave a weakness in the story... not so here...having been to NC this brings the area to life with rich depictions to fill the backdrop of the story itself...a worthy read... hats off to the author and thank you for an enjoyable read!
March 11, 2017
Enjoyable read
I always know when I am going to be captured by a book. I know when it is going to be so intriguing I can't put it down, I'll lose sleep to make sure I read more. This was one of those books that I enjoyed it immensely. I hope you enjoy it as well
I always know when I am going to be captured by a book. I know when it is going to be so intriguing I can't put it down, I'll lose sleep to make sure I read more. This was one of those books that I enjoyed it immensely. I hope you enjoy it as well
March 23, 2017
I really enjoyed this mystery set in the mountains of Western North Carolina with its folklore.
I like that Promise McNeal is a mature female character and can relate to her thoughts and uncertainties... I look forward to reading more about Promises life on Fire Mountain.
I like that Promise McNeal is a mature female character and can relate to her thoughts and uncertainties... I look forward to reading more about Promises life on Fire Mountain.
March 24, 2017
Interesting
A nice slow moving novel with a few twists and turns. I did find the characters interesting but I had a bit of a problem understanding why the main character was so outdone by past family behavior.
A nice slow moving novel with a few twists and turns. I did find the characters interesting but I had a bit of a problem understanding why the main character was so outdone by past family behavior.
August 8, 2017
Really enjoy Promise
Good clean fun, characters well defined, humor, suspense and mystery and just a bit of the paranormal make these stories winners. Also fun to visit the Carolina mountain folk...great sense of place.
Good clean fun, characters well defined, humor, suspense and mystery and just a bit of the paranormal make these stories winners. Also fun to visit the Carolina mountain folk...great sense of place.
January 10, 2018
Several mysteries entwined
Promise is settling into life in western North Carolina with her goats and her crabby neighbor. Investigating her ancestor who once lived nearby, leads too a series of odd coincidences.
Promise is settling into life in western North Carolina with her goats and her crabby neighbor. Investigating her ancestor who once lived nearby, leads too a series of odd coincidences.
March 24, 2018
Enjoy a good book read this.
Full of just enough facts to give you a peak at mountain life but follows story to keep you interested. interesting well written flow works nicely enjoy it.
Full of just enough facts to give you a peak at mountain life but follows story to keep you interested. interesting well written flow works nicely enjoy it.
July 6, 2018
Ghosts
Excellent storyline . Kept me guessing was there a child or not and the many meanings of the rhyme. Glad it was put to rights in the end, although I did not expect it to end so suddenly.
Excellent storyline . Kept me guessing was there a child or not and the many meanings of the rhyme. Glad it was put to rights in the end, although I did not expect it to end so suddenly.
September 24, 2018
''Promise'' a excellent mystery
I greatly enjoyed the plot and the characters were wonderful. I have never heard of the melungan people until I read this book. I have always been interested in people's origin now I have to learn more on them.
I greatly enjoyed the plot and the characters were wonderful. I have never heard of the melungan people until I read this book. I have always been interested in people's origin now I have to learn more on them.
October 25, 2018
A truly great read! Must read the series. First time reading Morgan James work. Won't be the last!
Loved Promise and all the characters. Loved setting in NC mountains. Storyline perfect in that setting. Morgan James captured the true essence of the area.
Loved Promise and all the characters. Loved setting in NC mountains. Storyline perfect in that setting. Morgan James captured the true essence of the area.
June 13, 2026
This is the second book in a series and I haven’t read the first. It doesn’t usually matter but I felt this did not stand alone very well and I found it difficult to get fully into it or empathise with the characters.
March 27, 2017
Totally different.
While our religious beliefs may differ, a very entertaining story. Having visited the area during snowy weather, I understand the writer a little.
While our religious beliefs may differ, a very entertaining story. Having visited the area during snowy weather, I understand the writer a little.
May 7, 2017
Intriguing
Took me a while to complete; but, could hardly wait to find the time to sit does and enjoy it again. Would like fewer cuss words, though.
Took me a while to complete; but, could hardly wait to find the time to sit does and enjoy it again. Would like fewer cuss words, though.
June 8, 2017
Not what I usually read, but it had my attention and I'll read future books.
June 25, 2017
Great story
Especially since this tale is set in my backyard, and even parts in my front yard, I enjoyed reading it. Also the gemstones included are right down my alley.
Especially since this tale is set in my backyard, and even parts in my front yard, I enjoyed reading it. Also the gemstones included are right down my alley.
July 8, 2017
Good mystery, good characters. 3.5* but she is foolish for not having adult conversation with her son...
June 4, 2018
its readable Promise has far too many visions and i still am unsure how the fires got started but hey
April 26, 2019
Unusual
This was quite an unusual read. Not like what I usually get. I do like Promise, I love her name!
It’s a mystery but I don’t it’s different but I wanted to finish it.
This was quite an unusual read. Not like what I usually get. I do like Promise, I love her name!
It’s a mystery but I don’t it’s different but I wanted to finish it.
October 9, 2019
Great read
Loved this book. Loved the story. Loved the characters. Loved Tahoe the plot is unfolded. Could not put it down!!
Loved this book. Loved the story. Loved the characters. Loved Tahoe the plot is unfolded. Could not put it down!!
September 12, 2020
A very good mystery with just a touch of the paranormal.
January 22, 2022
Wonderful
Excellent story with plenty of suspense, great character development and plot. Promise McNeal is a realistic heroine with a lot to say.
Excellent story with plenty of suspense, great character development and plot. Promise McNeal is a realistic heroine with a lot to say.
December 3, 2025
Excellent series
Great characters that pull you in and keeping you invested in their lives and what they will get into next time!!
Great characters that pull you in and keeping you invested in their lives and what they will get into next time!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews