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Taxi for the Dead #0.5
Undead By Morning
Undead By Morning
A Short Story in the Taxi for the Dead Paranormal Mysteries
When Nashville Police Officer Skye Mertz wakes up in the hospital after a wreck, the prognosis is bad. The doctors don’t expect her to live until morning. Her husband, Jacob, also in the wreck, was dead at the scene. Their five-year-old daughter, Kate, will be alone.
Old magic, in the form of Abraham Lincoln Jones, comes out of the blue, offering another twenty years of life for twenty years of service to him. Skye can’t say no. Kate needs her, and her husband’s death was no accident. If it takes driving Abe’s Taxi for the Dead to protect Kate, and discover the truth, Skye is up for it.
A Short Story in the Taxi for the Dead Paranormal Mysteries
When Nashville Police Officer Skye Mertz wakes up in the hospital after a wreck, the prognosis is bad. The doctors don’t expect her to live until morning. Her husband, Jacob, also in the wreck, was dead at the scene. Their five-year-old daughter, Kate, will be alone.
Old magic, in the form of Abraham Lincoln Jones, comes out of the blue, offering another twenty years of life for twenty years of service to him. Skye can’t say no. Kate needs her, and her husband’s death was no accident. If it takes driving Abe’s Taxi for the Dead to protect Kate, and discover the truth, Skye is up for it.
29 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2014
2 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Joyce Lavene
78 books646 followersaka Elyssa Henry and Joye Ames, J.J. Cook, and Ellie Grant
Joyce Lavene and Jim Lavene are a wife and husband team who have written and published more than 70 books since 1999. They live in North Carolina with their family and enjoy cooking, photography and ghost hunting.
Joyce Lavene and Jim Lavene are a wife and husband team who have written and published more than 70 books since 1999. They live in North Carolina with their family and enjoy cooking, photography and ghost hunting.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 10, 2014
I have to start by saying, the concept behind this story really blows me away. Who wouldn't want another 20 years with their loved ones?
In the case of Skye Mertz, she will have a chance to help her daughter grow up and find out what really happened to her husband. How could she say no? After all, making a deal with Abraham Lincoln Jones isn’t the same as making a deal with the devil. Is it?
In this short story, which is an introduction to the Taxi For The Dead Paranormal Mysteries series that will officially start off on March 4 with the full length title BROKEN HEARTED GHOUL, we get a quick introduction to Skye, her husband Jacob, their daughter Kate and Jacob’s mother Addie. We meet Abraham Lincoln Jones and learn about his “business”. There was so much information packed into this short story.
So, my thoughts on it? I loved it! It’s such a thought provoking story line. Like nothing I have ever read. Like with all their books, Joyce & Jim Lavene caught my attention with the first paragraph and held it until the very ending. Because of the length, it is a story that you will read in one sitting. And if you are anything like me, when you read the last sentence, you’ll be sad that it’s over. Fear not…you also get a short excerpt of BROKEN HEARTED GHOUL to wet your appetite and hold you over for the March 4 release.
If you were a fan of the TV shows DEAD LIKE ME and PUSHING DAISIES, do yourself a favor and read this book!
In the case of Skye Mertz, she will have a chance to help her daughter grow up and find out what really happened to her husband. How could she say no? After all, making a deal with Abraham Lincoln Jones isn’t the same as making a deal with the devil. Is it?
In this short story, which is an introduction to the Taxi For The Dead Paranormal Mysteries series that will officially start off on March 4 with the full length title BROKEN HEARTED GHOUL, we get a quick introduction to Skye, her husband Jacob, their daughter Kate and Jacob’s mother Addie. We meet Abraham Lincoln Jones and learn about his “business”. There was so much information packed into this short story.
So, my thoughts on it? I loved it! It’s such a thought provoking story line. Like nothing I have ever read. Like with all their books, Joyce & Jim Lavene caught my attention with the first paragraph and held it until the very ending. Because of the length, it is a story that you will read in one sitting. And if you are anything like me, when you read the last sentence, you’ll be sad that it’s over. Fear not…you also get a short excerpt of BROKEN HEARTED GHOUL to wet your appetite and hold you over for the March 4 release.
If you were a fan of the TV shows DEAD LIKE ME and PUSHING DAISIES, do yourself a favor and read this book!
February 7, 2014
What a fantastic start to a new series! If you like your mysteries with a little paranormal element to them, then this is the one to get. This short novella sets the groundwork for the setries and the main character, Skye Mertz, who is fatally injured in a car crash that also takes the life of her beloved husband, Jacob. When her mother-in-law receives the news of Skye's prognosis, she tells her of a magical deal that would allow Skye to spend twenty more years with her young daughter. Skye doesn't believe in magic, but is willing to do anything to stay with her daughter. This short story is very well written and leaves you chafing at the bit for the actual first novel in the series, due out in a March. Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 16, 2014
This short story starts a new series, Taxi for the Dead. When Skye wakes up in the hospital with critical injuries, and discovers her husband Jacob is dead she is devastated. She is given the chance to live for 20 more years, so that she can see her daughter Kate grow up. Abraham Lincoln Jones has her sign a contract and gives her a job driving the taxi for the dead.
This is a great start for a new series. I loved it. I'm looking forward to reading the series.
This is a great start for a new series. I loved it. I'm looking forward to reading the series.
February 7, 2014
The preview to a new series by 2 wonderful authors, that write several other series that I love.
Different story line than your normal cozy mystery. This will be another hit series for these authors. Can't wait to learn about these characters and the adventures in the taxi.
Different story line than your normal cozy mystery. This will be another hit series for these authors. Can't wait to learn about these characters and the adventures in the taxi.
March 5, 2014
When Skye wakes up in the hospital to find her husband dead and herself dying, her mother-in-law suggests she contract with the mysterious Abe for 20 years of life guaranteed in exchange for working for him. This is the back story for a new series and quite interesting.
February 8, 2014
Absolutely loved this introduction to the new series. Can not wait for the first book to come out!
August 6, 2016
Good Introduction to the Series
This short story is a prequel to the first book in the 'Taxi for the Dead Paranormal Mystery' series, 'Broken Hearted Ghoul'. It tells the story of how Skye Mertz lost her husband in an accident and was turned into a zombie.
This is a very short read, and most of the storyline is already given away in the summary provided by Goodreads. Nevertheless, I’d still recommend this book. It’s well written and entertaining and gives you a good idea about what to expect from the next installment in the series.
If you haven’t read 'Broken Hearted Ghoul' yet, this story will serve as an excellent introduction. You get a sense of the characters and the general direction the series is going to take. After reading this short story, you should have a pretty good idea of whether you’ll like 'Broken Hearted Ghoul' (which isn’t your typical cozy mystery).
If you have already read 'Broken Hearted Ghoul', you’ll know most of what happens in this story. All the same, there are a few little tidbits about Skye’s husband and his accident that aren’t mentioned in the longer book. It adds a nice element of intrigue to the overall story arc of the series.
This short story is a prequel to the first book in the 'Taxi for the Dead Paranormal Mystery' series, 'Broken Hearted Ghoul'. It tells the story of how Skye Mertz lost her husband in an accident and was turned into a zombie.
This is a very short read, and most of the storyline is already given away in the summary provided by Goodreads. Nevertheless, I’d still recommend this book. It’s well written and entertaining and gives you a good idea about what to expect from the next installment in the series.
If you haven’t read 'Broken Hearted Ghoul' yet, this story will serve as an excellent introduction. You get a sense of the characters and the general direction the series is going to take. After reading this short story, you should have a pretty good idea of whether you’ll like 'Broken Hearted Ghoul' (which isn’t your typical cozy mystery).
If you have already read 'Broken Hearted Ghoul', you’ll know most of what happens in this story. All the same, there are a few little tidbits about Skye’s husband and his accident that aren’t mentioned in the longer book. It adds a nice element of intrigue to the overall story arc of the series.
June 30, 2014
This novella introduces us to Skye Metz, her and her husband are celebrating their anniversary when they are in an accident. Skye wakes up and is told that her husband didn’t make it. The doctors also tell Skye that she won’t live past morning due to her complications from the crash. She has a five year old daughter and an elderly mother in law who informs Skye that she has cancer and won’t make it a year. Skye’s mother in law tells Skye that she knows someone who does old magic and he can let her live 20 more years. Skye takes the deal with Abe (Abraham Lincoln Jones), so that she won’t have to leave her daughter an orphan. Abe’s tells Skye that he wants her to drive his Taxi for the Dead. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
February 11, 2015
A short story that introduces the Taxi For The Dead series. I love the whole idea of having twenty more years with loved ones, even if it means being indebted to someone to get it.
The story introduces us to the main character, Skye, her husband Jacob, her daughter, Kate, her mother-in-law Addie, and Abraham Lincoln Jones, who gives her a second chance, the opportunity to raise Kate rather than leaving her orphaned.
I read this story in less than thirty minutes, and was amazed by how much information is packed into it. Now I can hardly wait to read the first full-length offering, Broken-Hearted Ghoul, which takes place two years after this one ends.
**I received a copy of this story from the author in return for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
The story introduces us to the main character, Skye, her husband Jacob, her daughter, Kate, her mother-in-law Addie, and Abraham Lincoln Jones, who gives her a second chance, the opportunity to raise Kate rather than leaving her orphaned.
I read this story in less than thirty minutes, and was amazed by how much information is packed into it. Now I can hardly wait to read the first full-length offering, Broken-Hearted Ghoul, which takes place two years after this one ends.
**I received a copy of this story from the author in return for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
March 18, 2014
Skye and her husband are in a terrible car wreck while going home. Her husband dies at the scene of the accident and Skye is told she just has a few hours left to live. Then she is offered another twenty years if she takes a job with the man who can give her those years. Wanting to be there for her daughter, Skye takes the deal.
This doesn't read so much as a short story as the first chapter of a novel. Since it is the introduction of a new paranormal series, this comes as no real surprise. The character is interesting, It looks like there will be an ongoing mystery or two, action and humor in the series.
I plan on checking the series out when it hits the shelves. I found this short story as a free download.
This doesn't read so much as a short story as the first chapter of a novel. Since it is the introduction of a new paranormal series, this comes as no real surprise. The character is interesting, It looks like there will be an ongoing mystery or two, action and humor in the series.
I plan on checking the series out when it hits the shelves. I found this short story as a free download.
December 27, 2014
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It had earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It had earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
February 19, 2014
Sometimes I wonder if Joyce and Jim do anything besides think up good stories for their fans Here is another one by them which is definitely a paranormal series. I generally don't read those but anything by Joyce and Jim turns up in my hands. It was also a stay up late and read book, but that's not unusual for me.
This is the prequel to Broken Hearted Ghoul. Our hero in Skye finds herself in a very unpredictable situation. Skye is a widow with a young daughter, SKYE finds herself in a predicament that she will not get out of for at least 20 years. I've said it before and I'll say it again anything by Joyce and Jim will be at the top of my to be read pile.
This is the prequel to Broken Hearted Ghoul. Our hero in Skye finds herself in a very unpredictable situation. Skye is a widow with a young daughter, SKYE finds herself in a predicament that she will not get out of for at least 20 years. I've said it before and I'll say it again anything by Joyce and Jim will be at the top of my to be read pile.
February 26, 2015
This is a short story introducing you to the " Taxi For The Dead Paranormal Mystery Series" When Skye and her husband are in a car accident she never expected that her husband would be dead and she would be on her death bed when she wakes up! Her doctors are only giving her hours to live and time is running out and Skye knows something else happened to Jacob and she needs to find out what! Her five year old daughter still needs at least one parent and her Mother In Law tells her there is a way to prolong her life but she must make a quick decision and sign a contract that will give her twenty more years! This is a great start to a new series and I can't wait to read the next book!
February 27, 2014
This is the prequel to Broken Hearted Ghoul by Joyce and Jim Lavene. It tells how Skye became what she did and leaves the question, What really happened to Jacob. It's a very quick read and helps to understand the whats and hows and whys of the next book. This is going to be an excellent series. and can't wait until the next in the series comes out.
July 8, 2014
Undead By Morning is a nice introduction to the series, Taxi for the Dead. It's short but it sets the stage for Skye Mertz and her mother-in-law, Addie. I enjoyed the characters and the paranormal mystery. Abraham Lincoln Jones sounds like the boss from hell. I'm ready for the adventure to start. Who knew that there were zombies amount us. What a story!
March 23, 2014
This is one short story that packs a punch. You are thrown into a storyline with a mystery and paranormal twist that leaves you saying wow. Unfortunately I forgot that it was a novella and thought that my kindle had died on me, leaving me wanting more. Very interesting concept.
April 4, 2014
Really short story leading up to the first book. You really need to read it to find how they died and Skye became to do what she does. It sure peaked my interest and I had to immediately get the first book. Worth the cost.
February 17, 2014
Interesting idea in short story form. Looking forward to reading the full-length book.
March 3, 2014
A short story letting you know how it all started! Looking forward to more in the story!
March 13, 2015
This is a short prequel that introduces Skye Mertz and how she lost her husband and how she became turned into a zombie.
This novella gets you ready for the first book.
This novella gets you ready for the first book.
September 7, 2020
Very short
April 7, 2015
Lots of excitement in a brief prequel introduces us to the main characters and set the scene.
Skye and Jacob are both police officers and are truly in love even after 6 years of marriage, on-the-job stress and a beautiful 5 year old daughter. And even after moving in with Jacob's 70 year old mother to help run a bed and breakfast. Disaster strikes when Jacob and Skye are driving and much of this story deals with Skye from a hospital bed, struggling to survive. What would you do to survive and keep your child safe?
Although the relationship between Skye and her mother-in-law has had its bumpy moments,
it is Jacob's mother that holds the key to Skye's future. Reluctantly and out of options, Skye agrees
and is introduced to "Old Magic."
This is the introduction to the Taxi For The Dead Paranormal Mysteries series.
I am very much looking forward to reading this series completely.
This prequel has already sucked me in.
Skye and Jacob are both police officers and are truly in love even after 6 years of marriage, on-the-job stress and a beautiful 5 year old daughter. And even after moving in with Jacob's 70 year old mother to help run a bed and breakfast. Disaster strikes when Jacob and Skye are driving and much of this story deals with Skye from a hospital bed, struggling to survive. What would you do to survive and keep your child safe?
Although the relationship between Skye and her mother-in-law has had its bumpy moments,
it is Jacob's mother that holds the key to Skye's future. Reluctantly and out of options, Skye agrees
and is introduced to "Old Magic."
This is the introduction to the Taxi For The Dead Paranormal Mysteries series.
I am very much looking forward to reading this series completely.
This prequel has already sucked me in.
January 7, 2016
Undead by Morning is a short story of only about 30 pages. It was a quick and fun read. It basically gave the background of how our main character, Skye Mertz, a police officer, ends up being…literally a taxi driver for the dead.
The concept drew me in right away. What if you are dying and you are given a second chance at another 20 years with your family and loved ones? Would you take that chance, knowing what it all entails?
I really enjoyed this first book, and I knew that I made an excellent choice in picking up something to read by the famous author duo Joyce & Jim Lavene.
Full review at http://mysterysequels.com/undead-by-m...
The concept drew me in right away. What if you are dying and you are given a second chance at another 20 years with your family and loved ones? Would you take that chance, knowing what it all entails?
I really enjoyed this first book, and I knew that I made an excellent choice in picking up something to read by the famous author duo Joyce & Jim Lavene.
Full review at http://mysterysequels.com/undead-by-m...
June 3, 2015
This is short story how Skye is living her life at present as zombie not your typical brain eating, like half dead and half alive. This story is about what happened and how Skye is working for Abe. I have read Dead Girl Blues; second book in Taxi for the Dead Paranormal Mystery series and I loved it. So I really loved knowing what happened. I've not read the first book so I'm halfway through it now and I guess I'm going to re-read the second book as well again. Liked knowing how everything started!
September 6, 2016
This is a precursor to a new book series. Unfortunately the story was so short that I didn't really get a feel for the main character.
April 3, 2014
Very short story..about to start the real book. I don't like paying .99 for an authors introduction to their real book. I feel a bit ripped off. I will start paying attention to page number.
February 10, 2015
Short story to promote new series. I chose this because I like their other series, however, this one is not for me.
June 26, 2019
This is a compact little story with a lot of heart and soul. This prequel to a zombie/mystery series is different and fun. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews