Enjoy this small town paranormal cozy mystery with an amateur sleuth by award-winning author Ada Bell.
Much Ado About Murder
When the local college announces the spring play, Aly’s roommate Amy proposes trying out together. Amy’s a drama major, so it should be fun. Aly’s surprised to be cast as understudy to the lead. Erica’s a real diva, so Aly vows to learn her lines and stay behind the scenes. But when a stage light falls onto their star, it’s curtains for Erica. Her death looks like a tragic accident until Aly receives a vision of murder.
Initially, the police think Aly killed Erica to take her part, but what they don’t know is how badly Amy wanted the role. Or how much she hated Erica. When Amy takes center stage as the prime suspect, Aly takes on the detective role once more to prove her friend’s innocence. She just needs to do it without further implicating herself.
Erica treated the entire cast and crew with contempt; who hated her enough to kill? Was it the ex-boyfriend forced to share the spotlight with the woman he once loved? The costume designer whose hard work wound up in tatters? Or was it the actress waiting in the wings to take Erica’s place? With Aly’s help, maybe the play’s the thing to catch the conscience of the killer.
The Psychic's the Thing is the seventh book in the Shady Grove Psychic Mysteries series. This small town paranormal mystery with an amateur female sleuth will appeal to fans of Annabel Chase, Amy Boyles, and Lily Webb.
Ada Bell knew you'd be reading this. Okay, well, she knew someone would be. (Hi, Mom!) That's pretty much the extent of her psychic powers. A life-long mystery buff, Ada has devoured everything from Murder, She Wrote to Nancy Drew to Psych!, so she was pretty much destined to end up here. Ada loves Scooby Doo, superhero movies, STEM heroines, and cake. Mmm, cake.
I received a free copy from the author through BookSirens and voluntarily reviewed it.
I really like this series, but I didn't enjoy book 6 in the series due to a certain event where the main character changes the timeline. Nevertheless I couldn't help but be excited to hear there were more stories to come about Aly. I really like reading about Aly, her scientific mind and the way she solves mysteries as well as her psychic powers.
Let me start with the mystery, this book had a great mystery. Once Erica is found dead I thought I had figured it out, it seemed so obvious and I was pretty convinced I knew who had done it. Then Aly starts investigating and more truths and information comes to light and suddenly I wasn't as sure anymore. There was a clue I had figured out almost immediately and I was correct about it, but that didn't lead straight to the answer for the mystery. There are some great twists throughout the mystery. I liked how Aly ruled out some suspects throughout the book and the twist at the end was a good one and made sense. The only minor dislike I have about the mystery is the fact that Aly hardly uses her powers to solve this one, there are only a few visions he gets.
The thing I kept struggling with throughout the book is the timeline change. My brain just can't wrap itself around it. I have vivid memories of past events and every time I have to wonder whether those actually happened or not. Or try to remember when and how Aly met someone in this timeline. And the actual events of this timeline are only told in a short info dump in the previous book, so those details don't stick as well in my mind than the previous 5 books filled with events. I just really struggled with it, it makes me confused and I hate feeling confused while reading. I definitely could've used more hints and notes about what happened in this timeline.
This book also has some romance drama which I didn't care for. In the original timeline Aly dates Sam, but now after the changed the timeline she's dating Cal, but she still has feelings for Sam. At the end of book 6 she chooses Cal, but in this book the drama starts anew with her wondering if she made the right choice. I just want her to decide and stick with as I don't like the romance drama. Ofcourse Sam also has the worst possible fiancé who hates Aly and I just don't like that trope, like how could Sam fall for someone like that? We never get a clue about what he sees in his fiancé. The romance was never my favorite part of this series, but I struggle with it even more now. I don't feel Aly's emotions and love for Cal as I didn't read about them growing closer. And Aly only keeps thinking about how much they make sense, but I don't actually feel her love for Cal, just the logical sense they make, which isn't very romantic.
I also struggled with the fact the book feels different, no longer does Aly live with her brother and his son, but she now lives on campus. Instead of the small town vibe it has more of a campus and student vibe. The same characters are still there, but it still feels different. That loss of familiarity and comforting vibe bothers me. And despite that, some parts do feel familiar, like the way Aly solves the mystery. The writing is good and the book is an easy read. I just hope by the next book I've settled a bit more securely in this time frame as I do really like this series and want to continue it.
To summarize: The Psychic's The Thing is a solid paranormal cozy mystery. The mystery is great, I thought I had things figured out from the start, but then new information comes to light and I started to doubt my suspicions. I had one clue figured out from the start, but that didn't lead straight to the murderer. The mystery has some great twists and turns and I really enjoyed seeing it all play out. Aly rules out some suspects along the way, which I like, I just wish she had used her psychic powers a bit more. The thing I struggle with is the timeline change, in the last book the timeline changes so everything from the first 5 books no longer happened quite that way. It just confuses me to no end and I remember the events and details from the first 5 books not the short summary of what has changed that was in book 6. It just doesn't work for me, my brain can't wrap itself around it and I keep feeling confused and I dislike feeling confused while reading. It also doesn't quite has the same feel or familiar vibe, with Aly now living somewhere different and there being more focus on the campus than on the small town. Despite that it still is an enjoyable book, it's easy to read and I really like the mystery and seeing everything play out. I just hope the next book will be easier and I can settle more securely in this timeline.
The thing about this book is that I enjoyed it and would recommend it to any mystery fan. This is book seven and while the characters and there unusual situation is well established, it can be read as a standalone book but I have to ask why would you want to miss out on the fun? I like the characters and the friendships between them, it added to the drama without even setting on stage. Aly is a great main character, even without her gift. The story flowed nicely and was well written, it felt like you were transported backstage with the cast. Then the murder investigation took off on its twisty journey and the fun really began. I had no clue who the killer was and when the killer was revealed it lead to me saying "oh, why didn't I pick up on that?" Don't worry if Shakespeare isn't your thing because it doesn't come into it much and there isn't a lot of quotes. It's definitely a story I will listen to again while I wait for the next book.
Aly finds herself auditioning for Shakespeare's play Much ado about nothing along side her friends. The problems a raise when Dina is cast in the lead and Aly get to be her understudy. Dina rules the stage like the diva she is, annoying everybody in the process, including Aly. When Aly gets a text from Dina offering to give her some pointers she never expected to walk on stage and find her dead body. The suspect list is long but with the police breathing down her neck, Aly has no choice but investigate or watch her friends or even herself get arrested. The suspects and motives is easy to find but finding out who had the opportunity won't be so simple. I liked the narrator. She gave each character there own voice and I wouldn't be surprised to discover she had started on stage herself. I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
The Psychic’s the thing is book 7 in Ada Bell’s Shady Grove Psychic Mystery series, and although there are a few things that you may have missed from previous books, it's easily read as a standalone. I had read the first book in the series, but have missed the books between and I was still able to follow the story with no issues.
Aly is convinced by her roommate, Amy, to audition for a play, and she is cast in a small part and is the understudy for the main character, played by Erica, a mean-girl type who abuses everyone in the cast. When Aly finds Erica dead shortly before the play opens, she is immediately suspected of the murder.
Since Erica was not well liked, there were lots of suspects in this book, and the characters were interesting. I like the paranormal aspect of this book, it made the investigation interesting. In the end the motive of the murder made sense, although not in the way one would think.
I really enjoyed reading this book, the characters were likeable, and cared for each other. There was a real sense of community amongst the characters.
I would recommend this for any lover of a light, cozy mystery with a touch of the paranormal.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love these books! I have devoured everything I can find in this series (and the sister series with Emma) and still want more. I can’t wait for the next one! These are some of the best books for those who enjoy light, cozy mysteries to read through in a couple of evenings.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoy Ada Bell’s writing and the Shady Grove mysteries.
Aly is smart and competent, yet sensitive and emphatic.
If you’ve read the earlier books in the series you know that she’s had a kind of parallell reality situation and thanks to that she’s a bit torn between her once love Sam (who has no idea they used to be an item) and her current boyfriend Cal.
On top of that, Sam’s fiancé is convinced there’s something between Aly and Sam and matters are strained.
If that wasn’t enough there’s been a murder in Aly’s drama group and evidence point at one of her best friends!
Aly has a lot of emotional baggage to deal with in this book and I like her all the more as I follow her struggle. This book has a good story line, but I like the character evolvements even more. Aly is the one we can follow closest, but we get enough glimpses from other perspectives to see other characters in a new, wider light too.
And there’s a kind of cliffhanger that makes me eager to read the next book, so August come quickly!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In The Psychic’s the Thing, Aly has auditioned for a student play along with her friends. She gets a minor role, but also the understudy to the lead. The lead belongs to a conceited, obnoxious girl named Erica who insults everyone, but especially enjoys harassing Aly. When Aly is drawn to the theatre by a text from Erica, she finds Erica’s body. Someone has dropped a light bar on her. Aly investigates to clear herself, but the case is complicated. She is also having boyfriend troubles (all due to a time shift) and must deal with a jealous fiancée of another man she is attracted to. This is a fun paranormal cozy. It works well as a stand-alone, but I plan on going back and reading the rest of this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The seventh book in this series and it's a very interesting mystery with a massive revelation at its ending that I'm positive you won't see coming. The vibrant array of characters will have you captivated from the beginning while the intriguing plot full of unexpected suspects for the murder of a student recently introduced to Aluminum Reynolds the main heroine of this wonderful paranormal cozy mystery series. To few clues and to many motives and suspects has Aly aka Aluminum running around town trying to figure this out keeping me entertained while turning page after page until I reached its completely unexpected and climatic conclusion in one solid reading. AThingcquire " The Psychic 's the Thing "Book Seven in the( Shady Grove Psychic Mysteries) for hours of intriguing and enjoyable entertainment. Kat
Poor Aly! Even with her psychic abilities, solving the murder of a classmate and thespian is still difficult. A widely unliked potential Hollywood actress is murdered. Aly discovers the body and has to figure who killed her before she is arrested for the murder. Besides the fact she does not want to be a part of the play, being the actresses understudy her motive the observed reason of wanting the lead roll makes it hard to shake the sheriffs attentions to finding who actually committed this crime. Poor Amy has to deal with this, finishing her last semester at college and the loves of her heart. Is it possible her room mate and very dear friend murdered Erica? This such an enjoyable page turner!
An enjoyable cozy murder mystery story. Aly finds herself the main suspect when she discovers a dead body. Using her psychic ability she knows the true culprit was enraged with the victim and she is determined toinvestigate to clear her name. Aly is a likeable smart main character. The story was original and a fast read. The author does a very good job of describing the supporting characters and suspects. The mystery has a few twists to keep you guessing till the end. I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The Psychic's the Thing by Ada Bell is a mystery that will have you turning pages to find out "whodunit". I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the surprise ending! What a twist! This book really kept me in suspense. I really love Aly and her unusual way to calm down - she doesn't count to 10 like most people, she recited the periodic table! So funny.
The characters and the plot are well developed. I highly recommend this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The mystery continues. This series has been so refreshing...even with the cliffhangers! Looking at you Ada Bell lol! Aly is such an empathetic character it's hard not to get sucked in by what's going on around her. I have enjoyed each and every book in this series and can't wait to see where Aly and her motley crew get upto next! FYI-you need to read this series in order otherwise you will get lost and it's so much better that way anyway! Ada Bell please write faster!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A psychic who solves crimes? That is totally my cup of tea! I enjoyed this sweet story, even if it does use one of my least favorite tropes. It was a fun, quick read.
When Ally tries out for her college's production, she gets a crash course in the theater and far more drama than she bargained for. When the star of the show meets her demise, can Ally figure out who killed her, especially when all the clues point directly to the Understudy… er.. Ally.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was an entertaining cozy. I hadn’t read the previous book with Ali so some of the references with turning back time were a little confusing but the story itself was easy to follow. Since psychic is right in the title there really wasn’t that much about it in this book. I did get a kick out of her going through the periodic table to calm herself down. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A play, a death, a little bit of magic and lots of suspects and fun. This is a cozy mystery that is fun to read, and with great details that take you along for the ride.
I like clean mystery and detective work. So of course I like this book as well.
This is part of a series, but you don't have to have read the others to enjoy this one. Now I may have to back track, as I did enjoy it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Amy Zhao and Aly take part in the Spring Play at the Campus theatre. Erica Peters the main star dies when a stage light falls on her. Amy becomes the main suspect and Aly has to prove her friend innocent and catch the real killer as she had psychic powers . A exciting read. I enjoyed the book and leave a honest review. I received this ARC copy via booksirans and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.
I received an Advanced reader copy for my honest review. This was an intriguing mystery with many suspects and motives. Aly has psychic powers and a few people are aware of her talents. Olive come from a family with powers. When the cast is set at the college play, things begin to become deadly. Love interests, friendships, and family relationships are all tested. This is part of a series. I did guess the killer correctly, which was a surprise. Have fun reading!
Another hit in Shady Grove! I always like reading about Aly and what she does with her visions. In this book, she is helping a friend defend herself from murder and doing a play as well. The murder victim was not well liked, so there are many people to go thru to find out who really did kill Erica. Lots of ins and outs to get to the killer but Aly gets the job done, along with her friends. If you haven't read any of this series, please go to the beginning - you won't be disappointed.
What a great, well rounded story. I so enjoyed the characters and getting to know them before the murder occurs. Throwing in Aly's psychic ability adds a whole new layer. Aly can feel the perpetrator's anger but doesn't know who they are. Now she must figure out who did the deed to save herself. We also learn more about the rift in time and how it is really messing up Aly's love life.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Such a fun paranormal cozy mystery! There is so much to love about this book - the humor that will have you laughing out loud, the smart and adorably nerdy amateur sleuth, the sweet romance, and the twists and turns that will leave you guessing whodunit until the very end! And wait until you read the final chapter - it'll have grabbing the next book in the series as quick as your fingers can hit the buy button.
This is one of my favorite series. Aly reluctantly auditions for a play and unfortunately for her gets a part. Everything goes downhill when the lead actress is found dead. Aly has to use her psychic powers and sleuthing skills to uncover the murderer before she becomes the next corpse. This book can be read as a standalone.
I could not put this story down. It was so fast-paced. I love Aly and her way of calming herself down, as I love the period table and going through all the elements, too. I love how she looks at each suspect, no matter who it is. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Another great read from Ada Bell. I’ve only gotten through the first book in this series and although each book’s story seems to be able to stand alone…there were definitely events that have happened between book 1 and 7 that I now wan to go back to and read about! I love Shady Grove and Aly and her adventures.
This is an entertaining read. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. Great characters and the storyline is fantastic. I couldn't put it down until I finished it. Highly recommend reading this. Look forward to reading more from the author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a fantastic blend of old and new world Aly. It is seamlessly mixed together to give a fantastic tale of tragedy in true Shakespearian style. I can never get enough Aly and friends and loved getting to know Aly's new world though I may have shed a few tears too. I adore this series and can't wait for the new book!
While it was an improvement from the previous book, it's just not the same as it was before the twist. I'm having trouble getting connected to the new characters. I miss the chemistry (no pun intended) between the characters from before. Other than that, this book was really intriguing, with a surprise twist, and cliffhanger ending. I enjoyed trying to figure out this mystery.
In this book it turns out that Aly is the actual missed target of a murder at the local theater. Add in Aly's continued confusion due to an earlier time change spell and you get a very good story.
I received a ARC free from Book Sirens and this is my voluntary honest review. Fast paced. Exciting, entertaining read. Suspenseful. Well developed plot and characters. Don't miss.