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Lizzy O'Malley Mysteries #1
Medicine Wheel
A murder interrupts Lizzy O’Malley’s work as stage manager for her brother’s Shakespeare company in Sedona, Arizona. Her efforts to clear her brother’s name lead her on an odyssey of Navajo visions, sweat lodges, medicine wheels, and mysticism. The journey promises to waken her latent psychic abilities if she survives numerous attempts on her life and figures out who wants her dead.
197 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2013
270 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 11, 2016
GOOD READ!
IT WAS MY FIRST LIZZY O'MALLEY BOOK WONT BE MY LAST. ENJOYED THE MYSTERY COMBINED WITH THE PSYCHIC CLAIRVOYANT INDIAN MYSTICAL STORYLINE. LOVED IT!
IT WAS MY FIRST LIZZY O'MALLEY BOOK WONT BE MY LAST. ENJOYED THE MYSTERY COMBINED WITH THE PSYCHIC CLAIRVOYANT INDIAN MYSTICAL STORYLINE. LOVED IT!
March 17, 2019
This first in a mystery series finds Lizzy O’Malley working as a stage manager at her brother’s small theater in Sedona, Arizona when trouble erupts and Lizzy and her brother are both involved. The author has created a complex, action-filled plot and an engaging heroine with a sense of humor about herself and makes full use of the interesting setting in Sedona— psychic ability runs in Lizzy’s family, and her learning about her own abilities is one strand in the story. But sometimes the heroine’s behavior was unbelievable, for example when key characters in her life were ignored with not even a quick mention for pages and pages. Also, more specific description of other characters would be helpful to the reader — for example, I always knew what the heroine was wearing, but not what type of dog Karma was until midway through the book. I look forward to reading the next book with Lizzy, which is set in Ireland. Disclosure: I know the author from a writing course we took together.
July 11, 2022
This was an odd one - I'm not sure what genre I would call it and while reading, I kept getting the feeling that sentences was missing. It felt a like a "condensed" version of a book, making it a rather uneven. And I felt that Lizzy really left her brother hanging - I thought her intention was to help get him out of jail, but then the book went in a completely different direction. I did enjoy the location and the Native American/New Age stuff - it's kind of what you expect from Sedona, Arizona. I am also a little interested in seeing what's in store for Lizzy's future, so I'll probably be reading the next book. Good thing these are short! 2.5 rating rounding up.
November 23, 2017
The story, set in Sedona, is told from the point if view of the protagonist, Lizzy O’Malley. Lizzy takes the reader on a wild adventure as she tries to solve a murder, clear her brother’s name, develop her mystical calling, save a struggling theatre, explore Native American culture, fall in the love, develop new friendships and make key decision about her future. Herein lies the problem with the book. It wasn’t clear to me whether this book was a mystery, an exploration of mystical culture or a romance.
By taking on so many subjects I felt, at times, that the story had some plot holes which in turn made the heroine less likable. For example, early in the book Lizzy’s brother is taken into custody. The author is moving so quickly to develop a love interest and to explore Lizzy’s mystical calling in the story that she skimmed over the angst that a sister at her brother’s incarceration. The omission (and several others like it) made Lizzy a less likeable character and detracted from the tension I look for in a mystery read. By the end of the book I found myself less invested in Lizzy’s well being than I would have liked.
The style of the book is relatively informal which made reading easy. The pace was fast and at times I wanted it to slow a little to allow for some character development.
I did enjoy the exploration of some aspect of Native American culture, with which I am not familiar.
Over all I felt like the author was trying to do too much in this book. Within the book there is the potential for a decent romance, mystery thriller and exploration of the mystical but by trying to do it all at once, I felt the book lacked the impact I was looking for.
By taking on so many subjects I felt, at times, that the story had some plot holes which in turn made the heroine less likable. For example, early in the book Lizzy’s brother is taken into custody. The author is moving so quickly to develop a love interest and to explore Lizzy’s mystical calling in the story that she skimmed over the angst that a sister at her brother’s incarceration. The omission (and several others like it) made Lizzy a less likeable character and detracted from the tension I look for in a mystery read. By the end of the book I found myself less invested in Lizzy’s well being than I would have liked.
The style of the book is relatively informal which made reading easy. The pace was fast and at times I wanted it to slow a little to allow for some character development.
I did enjoy the exploration of some aspect of Native American culture, with which I am not familiar.
Over all I felt like the author was trying to do too much in this book. Within the book there is the potential for a decent romance, mystery thriller and exploration of the mystical but by trying to do it all at once, I felt the book lacked the impact I was looking for.
February 20, 2016
This was amazing! I really enjoyed the vision quest/Native American traditions described in the book, and found it interesting that a Celtic descendant would find herself at home in these sorts of traditions - which do mirror some of the Celtic shamanistic traditions as well. Very well done, and I am hoping that this is the beginning of a great new series. I'd love to see more of this main character!
October 7, 2019
Medicine Wheel (The Lizzy O'Malley Mysteries Book 1) by Kelly Running.
This is an interesting story with lots of promise, however for me this book just did not work. It was very choppy, disjointed, jarring, clumsy and read like the case notes for a play or a movie script. There was a lot of explaining and telling/describing what the reader needed to know, rather than letting the story unfold. There was a lot going on and it was like the author had a brain storming session and put every thing that was even remotely aligned within the story line into this book. I had high hopes when I started this book, but for me it was an ok book. This book would benefit from a decent re write and editing to fulfill it's promise of a great story. As it stands 2 stars.
This is an interesting story with lots of promise, however for me this book just did not work. It was very choppy, disjointed, jarring, clumsy and read like the case notes for a play or a movie script. There was a lot of explaining and telling/describing what the reader needed to know, rather than letting the story unfold. There was a lot going on and it was like the author had a brain storming session and put every thing that was even remotely aligned within the story line into this book. I had high hopes when I started this book, but for me it was an ok book. This book would benefit from a decent re write and editing to fulfill it's promise of a great story. As it stands 2 stars.
August 28, 2025
Mysteries and mysticism
I love mysteries. Lizzie and her psychic and mystical friends make this a very interesting story. Sedona, one of those New Age places that attract spiritualists of all sorts was a terrific setting for a murder mystery. As an Oregonian who has also lived in and loved New Mexico I was glad I found this mystery. I loved the twists and turns and was never able to guess the outcome. I also fell in love with Karma, but then having a dog in a mystery is always a good hook for me. Try Lizzie's mysteries, if they are as good as this one I think we will both be glad we are readers.
I love mysteries. Lizzie and her psychic and mystical friends make this a very interesting story. Sedona, one of those New Age places that attract spiritualists of all sorts was a terrific setting for a murder mystery. As an Oregonian who has also lived in and loved New Mexico I was glad I found this mystery. I loved the twists and turns and was never able to guess the outcome. I also fell in love with Karma, but then having a dog in a mystery is always a good hook for me. Try Lizzie's mysteries, if they are as good as this one I think we will both be glad we are readers.
August 31, 2019
LOVED! Lizzy finds herself in a quandary on several levels. The lead actress in her brother's theater gets murdered and displayed out on the Medicine Wheel. Her brother is accused. The local reporter helps her and winds up dead while investigating the Medicine Wheel. Her own life is in jeopardy. She finds her brother's boyfriend's and the understudy in a more than friendly kiss. All the while, her spiritual gifts are increasing and she learns more about herself and her Aunt. Oh, and her ex husband ...
June 13, 2017
Psychic crystals
This book is in interesting juxtaposition of crystals UFOs military and just about every other psychic involvement that can be imagined. It is an interesting read and set in a beautiful part of the world in Sedona Arizona. The book is fast-paced, well written, With well-developed characters and interesting interplays between and among them, it's a good read and especially good if you happened to be visiting or living in the Southwest.
This book is in interesting juxtaposition of crystals UFOs military and just about every other psychic involvement that can be imagined. It is an interesting read and set in a beautiful part of the world in Sedona Arizona. The book is fast-paced, well written, With well-developed characters and interesting interplays between and among them, it's a good read and especially good if you happened to be visiting or living in the Southwest.
November 13, 2019
I had to struggle
It's a very good thing this was a free book, because the idea of paying for this would otherwise offend my sensibilities.
An uninteresting heroine.
A rubbish plot with so much supernatural filler, I felt like it was a Native American primer.
Twisted characterization that made me dislike the characters for no reason.
Editing errors abound.
I wondered aloud if the author had actually written this for her public school students to edit.
Skip this book
It's a very good thing this was a free book, because the idea of paying for this would otherwise offend my sensibilities.
An uninteresting heroine.
A rubbish plot with so much supernatural filler, I felt like it was a Native American primer.
Twisted characterization that made me dislike the characters for no reason.
Editing errors abound.
I wondered aloud if the author had actually written this for her public school students to edit.
Skip this book
January 24, 2022
Quirky Fun
A young woman with undeveloped psychic abilities seeks to clear her brother of a murder charge. In so doing she will delve into Native American mysticism, make new friends and dodge killers.
This is a fun read. The Native American aspects were nicely done. The mystery was a bit weak but this story is really more about Lizzy stepping into her power. I liked it enough to check out the sequels.
A young woman with undeveloped psychic abilities seeks to clear her brother of a murder charge. In so doing she will delve into Native American mysticism, make new friends and dodge killers.
This is a fun read. The Native American aspects were nicely done. The mystery was a bit weak but this story is really more about Lizzy stepping into her power. I liked it enough to check out the sequels.
February 22, 2018
An unbelievable bit of fiction. The protagonist was supposed to have psychic powers but was unable to predict constant interference in her life. Supposed to involve a dog, but it seemed to be minor window dressing. Protagonist didn't to be particularly attached to "her" dog. Don't waste your time.
March 2, 2018
Great story!
This is the first book I have read by this author. The story is very well written with intriguing details and I am glad that I stumbled across this author while hunting for more murder mysteries! I will be reading the rest of this series and I feel you should give it a read! Highly recommended!
This is the first book I have read by this author. The story is very well written with intriguing details and I am glad that I stumbled across this author while hunting for more murder mysteries! I will be reading the rest of this series and I feel you should give it a read! Highly recommended!
May 20, 2017
Medicine Wheel
I love to read about Indian lore and this book had some interesting stories. I'm sure not all was true but there was facts that were authentic. The storyline and characters were very interesting, overall I liked the book very much.
I love to read about Indian lore and this book had some interesting stories. I'm sure not all was true but there was facts that were authentic. The storyline and characters were very interesting, overall I liked the book very much.
February 11, 2018
Good read
I'm looking forward to more books in this series. I have always been drawn to multiple twists and turns going on at the same time. I also enjoy the research of the people and their beliefs and the way it is interwoven throughout.
I'm looking forward to more books in this series. I have always been drawn to multiple twists and turns going on at the same time. I also enjoy the research of the people and their beliefs and the way it is interwoven throughout.
December 24, 2018
New author for me and after reading this one I bought her next entry in the series. Thus far there are only two books. Hopefully there will be more. This was a good mystery and I didn’t see the ending coming.
October 13, 2019
Exceptional Read
This is the fastest book I've read cause I couldn't put it down! It offers everything for the reader. Suspense, a touch of romance, always wondering what was going to happen next!
This is the fastest book I've read cause I couldn't put it down! It offers everything for the reader. Suspense, a touch of romance, always wondering what was going to happen next!
May 26, 2020
Captivating
A thoroughly enjoyable book from start to finish. Well developed characters with a main character that is instantly likable. A number of well thought out plot twists to keep you guessing.
A thoroughly enjoyable book from start to finish. Well developed characters with a main character that is instantly likable. A number of well thought out plot twists to keep you guessing.
March 2, 2017
Location
Loved the setting and references to places I know in Sedona and Portland. Plus a interesting story . Looking forward to book 2.
Loved the setting and references to places I know in Sedona and Portland. Plus a interesting story . Looking forward to book 2.
September 3, 2017
I really liked this book. A bit confused, though, is Lizzy part native-American, or are her 6th-sense abilities from the Irish side?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2017
this was okay, but not great. it would not hold my attention on a long plane flight. however, it is fine for the doctor's office, stuck in line at the DMV, etc.
September 20, 2017
Medicine wheel
I really enjoyed this book. Light reading but it held my interest, also liked the American Indian theme. Worth a read..
I really enjoyed this book. Light reading but it held my interest, also liked the American Indian theme. Worth a read..
January 31, 2018
Good read
Interesting with twists. Page turner. Not your typical mystery book. Will read more books by this author. Well written book.
Interesting with twists. Page turner. Not your typical mystery book. Will read more books by this author. Well written book.
April 30, 2018
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
August 4, 2018
Pub 2016
September 21, 2018
Quick read with a murder mystery at heart. The real draw is the exploration of spiritualism in the Anglo and Navajo worlds.
February 5, 2019
The story veers into so much Indian lore, that I forgot who had been murdered.
April 23, 2019
Very Interesting
I loved the references to Indian cultures and beliefs. The characters were great and the storyline was very smoothly written.
I loved the references to Indian cultures and beliefs. The characters were great and the storyline was very smoothly written.
September 7, 2019
This is the first book I have read by this author. I thoroughly enjoyed i
and look forward to reading more of her works.
and look forward to reading more of her works.
October 26, 2019
Wonderful
This is a wonderful story full of Native American traditions and history interspersed with mystery.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves learning through stories.
This is a wonderful story full of Native American traditions and history interspersed with mystery.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves learning through stories.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews