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Sam Casey Mystery #3
Restless Spirit
In 1985, Catherine DeMarco spent one hot July night where she shouldn't have been, doing something she shouldn't have been doing. This was a fatal mistake. Now Jimmy Taggart is sitting on death row. Details of that night are still hazy in his mind but the evidence was conclusive. No one believed in his innocence then. Only one person believes in it now.
Sergeant Samantha Casey fought to clear the name of a Korean War vet in WHEN THE DEAD SPEAK. She found a redeeming quality in a renegade mercenary in NOTHING ELSE MATTERS. In RESTLESS SPIRIT, Sam touches a button unearthed at a construction site and suddenly sees the murder taking place, hears the name of the killer repeated in her head. It's not Jimmy Taggart's.
Paul Goddard, the detective who had worked the most brutal crime in Chasen Heights' history, had always felt the case against Taggart had been a little too easy. Now he is off the force and battling his own demons. Sam enlists his aid but the former detective has doubts about this new evidence after he hears how Sam obtained it.
The DeMarcos are less than cooperative. What secrets about Catherine's life are they trying to hide?
Sam has a tough time convincing her husband, Jake, of Taggart's innocence. He prefers to deal in logic, and Sam's method of police work is far from logical. But while investigating another homicide, Jake discovers a safety deposit box filled with newspaper clippings from the DeMarco case.
RESTLESS SPIRIT runs true to form in a finely crafted blend of mystery, suspense, and Native American mysticism.
294 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2002
4 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
S.D. Tooley
11 books66 followersAKA -- LEE DRIVER -- Whenever my husband is asked to describe me in one word, he usually says "strange." I used to subscribe to Dr. J. Allen Hyneks's UFO reporter. And although I was a fan of Nancy Drew in my teens, I quickly segued to Stephen King and Dean Koontz. My interests are all over the place so it's no wonder I have been a car salesman, sales assistant, administrative assistant, seminar coordinator, and a casino dealer.
I write the Sam Casey series (think "Medium" with a Native American twist) which combines mystery with paranormal; the Chase Dagger series (under the pseudonym of Lee Driver) combines mystery with fantasy, horror, and sometimes sci-fi; and the Remy and Roadkill series (The Skull is for ages 11+), a traditional mystery. As a fan of all the CSI programs, I instilled each of the teens with a talent in forensics.
My books are available in the US, UK, and EU, as well as in audiobook, large print, and eBook formats. And for the month of July, Smashwords is running a special on eBooks for your summer beach reads. You can find my Sam Casey eBooks at www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Tooley and my Chase Dagger eBooks at www.smashwords.com/profile/view/leedr...
I write the Sam Casey series (think "Medium" with a Native American twist) which combines mystery with paranormal; the Chase Dagger series (under the pseudonym of Lee Driver) combines mystery with fantasy, horror, and sometimes sci-fi; and the Remy and Roadkill series (The Skull is for ages 11+), a traditional mystery. As a fan of all the CSI programs, I instilled each of the teens with a talent in forensics.
My books are available in the US, UK, and EU, as well as in audiobook, large print, and eBook formats. And for the month of July, Smashwords is running a special on eBooks for your summer beach reads. You can find my Sam Casey eBooks at www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Tooley and my Chase Dagger eBooks at www.smashwords.com/profile/view/leedr...
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 8, 2022
Another murder mystery with mysticism and heart....
Once more, Ms. Toomey writes a murder mystery with its roots in Native American mysticism and its empathy and emotions grounded in the soul of humanity! I adore this author's writing and look forward to reading many more!
Once more, Ms. Toomey writes a murder mystery with its roots in Native American mysticism and its empathy and emotions grounded in the soul of humanity! I adore this author's writing and look forward to reading many more!
April 17, 2020
Great story! I don't know if I can read another one though, I cried too much about the deaths.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2024
2 1/2 stars, as this book is ok, and moves very fast, but there seems to be too many characters, and the plot lines seem too complicated and not believable at times.
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June 29, 2012Book Description:
Seventeen years ago Catherine DeMarco spent one hot July night where she shouldn't have been doing something she shouldn't have been doing. This was a fatal mistake. Now Jimmy Taggart is sitting on death row. Details of that night are still hazy in his mind but the evidence was conclusive. No one believed in his innocence then. Only one person believes in it now. Sergeant Samantha Casey fought to clear the name of a Korean War vet in WHEN THE DEAD SPEAK. She found a redeeming quality in a renegade mercenary in NOTHING ELSE MATTERS. In RESTLESS SPIRIT Sam touches a button unearthed at a construction site and suddenly sees the murder taking place, hears the name of the killer repeated in her head. It's not Jimmy Taggart's. Paul Goddard, the detective who had worked the most brutal crime in Chasen Heights' history, had always felt the case against Taggart had been a little too easy. Now he is off the force and battling his own demons. Sam enlists his aid but the former detective has doubts about this new evidence after he hears how Sam obtained it. The DeMarcos are less than cooperative. What secrets about Catherine's life are they trying to hide? Sam has a tough time convincing her husband, Jake, of Taggart's innocence. He prefers to deal in logic, and Sam's method of police work is far from logical. But while investigating another homicide, Jake discovers a safety deposit box filled with newspaper clippings from the DeMarco case. RESTLESS SPIRIT runs true to form in a finely crafted blend of mystery, suspense, and Native American mysticism. Book 3 in the series.
Seventeen years ago Catherine DeMarco spent one hot July night where she shouldn't have been doing something she shouldn't have been doing. This was a fatal mistake. Now Jimmy Taggart is sitting on death row. Details of that night are still hazy in his mind but the evidence was conclusive. No one believed in his innocence then. Only one person believes in it now. Sergeant Samantha Casey fought to clear the name of a Korean War vet in WHEN THE DEAD SPEAK. She found a redeeming quality in a renegade mercenary in NOTHING ELSE MATTERS. In RESTLESS SPIRIT Sam touches a button unearthed at a construction site and suddenly sees the murder taking place, hears the name of the killer repeated in her head. It's not Jimmy Taggart's. Paul Goddard, the detective who had worked the most brutal crime in Chasen Heights' history, had always felt the case against Taggart had been a little too easy. Now he is off the force and battling his own demons. Sam enlists his aid but the former detective has doubts about this new evidence after he hears how Sam obtained it. The DeMarcos are less than cooperative. What secrets about Catherine's life are they trying to hide? Sam has a tough time convincing her husband, Jake, of Taggart's innocence. He prefers to deal in logic, and Sam's method of police work is far from logical. But while investigating another homicide, Jake discovers a safety deposit box filled with newspaper clippings from the DeMarco case. RESTLESS SPIRIT runs true to form in a finely crafted blend of mystery, suspense, and Native American mysticism. Book 3 in the series.
May 14, 2011
I received this book through a goodreads giveaway. I believe it is re-released in paperback from hardcover.
This is novel number three in a series. I haven't read any of the other books in this series. Thankfully, it was written well enough to where I didn't need too much previous knowledge on the characters and events. Even though there were segments of the book that were tied to the previous books [I believe], but the situations were explained enough to where I could understand what was going on.
This was a really enjoyable book. I read it in a day, so it was a quick read for me. Solid writing, I enjoyed the characters, I loved the Native American aspects. The lead character, Sam Casey, has the ability to sense the dead and I thought it was tastefully done. The ending was chilling and beautiful at the same time. I would be willing to find and read the rest of the books in the series. The characters, the plot, and the writing was good enough for me to pursue it.
Awesome read!
This is novel number three in a series. I haven't read any of the other books in this series. Thankfully, it was written well enough to where I didn't need too much previous knowledge on the characters and events. Even though there were segments of the book that were tied to the previous books [I believe], but the situations were explained enough to where I could understand what was going on.
This was a really enjoyable book. I read it in a day, so it was a quick read for me. Solid writing, I enjoyed the characters, I loved the Native American aspects. The lead character, Sam Casey, has the ability to sense the dead and I thought it was tastefully done. The ending was chilling and beautiful at the same time. I would be willing to find and read the rest of the books in the series. The characters, the plot, and the writing was good enough for me to pursue it.
Awesome read!
February 3, 2014
Samantha Casey connects with the dead. A slain teen speaks through a button found at a construction site, and Sam begins an investigation to clear the young man convicted of her murder. She joins forces with the burnt-out detective who originally worked the case, and fights to be taken seriously by a police force which has placed her on suspension over her suspected role in a fellow officer’s death.
This is the third book in the Sam Casey Mystery series, but easily stands alone. It’s a great mix of mystery and suspense, with lots of police procedure and the inherent corruption/apathy/injustice of most law enforcement entities, and including an added dash of Indian mysticism. Lots of twists, turns, secrets, and deceptions keep it interesting, and great characters who have their own flaws and warts keep it real. Well-crafted, entertaining, and full of action to keep you turning pages, this will satisfy any mystery buff!
This is the third book in the Sam Casey Mystery series, but easily stands alone. It’s a great mix of mystery and suspense, with lots of police procedure and the inherent corruption/apathy/injustice of most law enforcement entities, and including an added dash of Indian mysticism. Lots of twists, turns, secrets, and deceptions keep it interesting, and great characters who have their own flaws and warts keep it real. Well-crafted, entertaining, and full of action to keep you turning pages, this will satisfy any mystery buff!
May 30, 2011
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and really enjoyed it.
This was a book I probably wouldn't have picked up had I not won it in a giveaway, and I would've missed out on a solid, supernatural mystery. This book is part of a series, though it was written in a way that the story stood well on its own. I really enjoyed the character of Sam Casey and look forward to reading other books in this series. What I was confused about, is how Sam and Jake came to be married and expecting a child, though they don't seem to know anything about each other and don't seem to confide in each other. I really enjoyed how Sam's Native American Heritage and gift to "see" things that have happened were worked into a normal criminal investigation. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
This was a book I probably wouldn't have picked up had I not won it in a giveaway, and I would've missed out on a solid, supernatural mystery. This book is part of a series, though it was written in a way that the story stood well on its own. I really enjoyed the character of Sam Casey and look forward to reading other books in this series. What I was confused about, is how Sam and Jake came to be married and expecting a child, though they don't seem to know anything about each other and don't seem to confide in each other. I really enjoyed how Sam's Native American Heritage and gift to "see" things that have happened were worked into a normal criminal investigation. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
June 20, 2011
S.D. TOOLEY'S "RESTLESS SPIRIT" (REVIEW)
Another fast-paced murder mystery this time employing Native American spiritualism. Samantha Casey is an out-of-work detective with the power of mystic perception. Her ability to see what has passed leads her on a journey to prove the innocence of one man while finding the other truly responsible for the murder of a young woman named Catherine.
S.D. Tooley (aka, Lee Driver), is a wonderful story-teller that keeps you turning the page for more. If you enjoy murder mysteries with a taste of the paranormal and supernatural, this is one author whose books you will love.
-Kitty Bullard / Great Minds Think Aloud Book Club
Another fast-paced murder mystery this time employing Native American spiritualism. Samantha Casey is an out-of-work detective with the power of mystic perception. Her ability to see what has passed leads her on a journey to prove the innocence of one man while finding the other truly responsible for the murder of a young woman named Catherine.
S.D. Tooley (aka, Lee Driver), is a wonderful story-teller that keeps you turning the page for more. If you enjoy murder mysteries with a taste of the paranormal and supernatural, this is one author whose books you will love.
-Kitty Bullard / Great Minds Think Aloud Book Club
May 23, 2011
Haven't received, just received notice I had won. 5/2/11
Just received, have one before it but hope to start soon. 5/16/11
Started last night. 5/20/11
Sam Casey sees ghosts and images of the past. It helps her solve cases at work. Until she was suspended. In this book, she has a vision of a horrendous murder from 17 years ago. The convicted killer is due for execution but Sam is convinced he didn't do it.
This book was a great thriller. I figured who it was about half way through which is actually a bit longer than I usually take. I liked the characters and I want Abby for my mom (or at least my gramma).
Just received, have one before it but hope to start soon. 5/16/11
Started last night. 5/20/11
Sam Casey sees ghosts and images of the past. It helps her solve cases at work. Until she was suspended. In this book, she has a vision of a horrendous murder from 17 years ago. The convicted killer is due for execution but Sam is convinced he didn't do it.
This book was a great thriller. I figured who it was about half way through which is actually a bit longer than I usually take. I liked the characters and I want Abby for my mom (or at least my gramma).
April 8, 2013
Sam Casey is still suspended from the police force and five months pregnant when she stumbles into an old murder. The person found guilty is sentenced to die in a few weeks until Sam uncovers he may not be the killer. With the help of the cop who was originally assigned the case, Sam uncovers the truth and exposes the actual killer. The new police chief has his own secrets regarding Sam's suspension and the facts surrounding her case. A television reporter, a deep cover FBI agent and a judge all involved in either the old killing or Sam's case as the secrets are finally revealed and the truth finally told.
September 17, 2016
This is the first Sam Casey book I have read and it was with a bit of doubt that I picked it up. The blurb seemed interesting but in these cases the characters can be stereotypes and the plot boring. Luckily the book exceeded my expectations and I will surely look for other books from this writer. I liked the paranormal twist and it blended nicely with the crime story of the book. Sam is very interesting and her husband, although seems to have sprung from a Mira book, has interesting sides. I wish there would be more of the Native Indian in the book but maybe I will find it in the other books! A definite yes for this writer and I am very pleased to have "discovered "her!
October 16, 2013
I remember loving the first two books in this series because of the mystery and paranormal bent to the plot. This one was just OK because the "bad guy" is way too obvious from the start. There also is little to no re-introduction of the characters so if you have not read the previous books recently or at all, you can become easily lost. I still love the idea of Native American connections to the spirits of loved ones and their constant presence. Maybe the next book will be better.
May 16, 2011
Thank you Goodreads for another winner.
I couldn't put this book down once I picked it up. I'm going to have to get the first ones in this series so I can follow Sam on her cases, but you didn't have to have already read the first ones, it was a good stand-alone book. A good mystery with believable characters and a good story, couldn't read it fast enough towards the end!
I couldn't put this book down once I picked it up. I'm going to have to get the first ones in this series so I can follow Sam on her cases, but you didn't have to have already read the first ones, it was a good stand-alone book. A good mystery with believable characters and a good story, couldn't read it fast enough towards the end!
December 14, 2011
Wonderful book. I wish I had started with the first book! If there are more books in the series I'll probably read them.
The book was written well, with good character development. I grew to really like the main character and am hoping to meet her again soon!
The book was written well, with good character development. I grew to really like the main character and am hoping to meet her again soon!
June 1, 2010
Good character writing. I will finish the series and can say so far it was pretty good. What can I say? This series grew on me.
June 6, 2011
What a great summer read!! There is just enough supernatural mixed in with this thriller. If you like fast paced reads, this is the book for you!!!
August 11, 2011
Another very good book in the "Sam Casey" series
February 27, 2012
I love this book. I read it first almost ten years ago, and still remember the chills I got at the author's imagination, and how compelling the characters were. The first of a great series!
May 26, 2012
Loved it!
October 2, 2013
Good light read.Interesting characters.Cold case murder mystery with a surprise ending.
May 6, 2015
I am hooked on the Sam Casey Mystery series! This was a gripping,suspenseful story- I read it through till I finished it, couldn't put it down!
February 6, 2016
A little slow in the beginning, it more than made up for it in the end.
February 14, 2017
4.5 stars. I love a good mystery.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews