A cosmetologist - L.J. Carter (Louella Jo for the folks who knew her when she was growing up) returns to her hometown of Julep, Mississippi for her mother’s funeral. After flying out of JFK and arriving at the Biloxi Airport, she is greeted by a woman who not only knew her mother, but has some disturbing information to share with L.J. about her mother’s death.
A card file - Like any good stylist, Jeannette Carter kept all of the important information about her customers on index cards, filed in an old, metal card file. But Jeannette didn’t just keep the latest hairstyles and coloring information; she also kept bits of gossip and information her customers told her. It was innocent enough - she just wanted to be sure she remembered what they told her when they were together. But after a customer is murdered, the innocent card file could be the motive for another death.
Bless your heart - Welcome to Julep, Mississippi, right on the Gulf Coast. Where neighbors have known each other for generations. Where the local hair salon has more information about what’s going on in town than either the local paper or the local sheriff’s department. The owner of the bakery knows you by name. The minister of the biggest church in town has more clout than the mayor. And people say “bless your heart” for all kinds of reasons, the least of which is when they’re ready to insult you.
Terri Reid is the author of the Mary O’Reilly Paranormal Mysteries. An indie author, Reid uploaded her first book “Loose Ends” in August 2010. By the end of 2012, “Loose Ends” had sold over 82,000 copies and, as of the writing of this bio, was the number one bestselling book in Amazon’s ranking of Ghost Stories in the Book/Literature & Fiction/Genre Fiction/Horror/Ghosts section and the number two in the same area in the Kindle eBooks section. She has eight other books in the Mary O’Reilly Series and has enjoyed Top Rated and Hot New Release status for many of them in the Women Sleuths category through Amazon US. Her books have been translated into Spanish and Portuguese and are also now available through CreateSpace and Amazon in print versions. She is also working on an audiobook for “Loose Ends.” Reid has been quoted in several books about the self-publishing industry, including “Let’s Get Digital” by David Gaughran and “Interviews with Indie Authors: Top Tips from Successful Self-Published Authors” by Claire and Tim Ridgway. She was also honored to have some of her works included in A. J. Abbiati’s book “The NORTAV Method for Writers—The Secrets to Constructing Prose Like the Pros.” She has also had the distinct privilege of guest blogging for Joe Konrath. Reid is from Northwest Illinois, near the town of Freeport, the home of her fictional characters. Her background is in marketing and public relations. She is married, the mother of seven children, and the grandmother of twenty-three. She has her grandchildren convinced that she talks to fairies and animals - and they talk back.
Well now that was a bit of a light hearted mystery and a step in a slightly different direction for Terri Reid and I was not disappointed at all.
LJ, Kyle, Van the coven and LJ’s recently murdered mom do what they can to solve the murder even when it looks like at least one local police officer is involved somehow... but this is the south so let’s see how justice comes about.
I never thought I'd be interested in straying from Mary O'Reilly. This book is the start of a new journey with a new character. LJ is the epitome of Southern Charm. I love her already. Now my only problem is finding the patience to wait for the second installment.
A wonderful beginning to a new story line ( Yay!). L.J. and Kyle feel like that cool couple that you always wanted to hang out with. The story is great in itself, but still leaves you wanting more. You'll never regret spending time in any of her worlds.
Have to say I love Terri Reid's books and there's no surprise here that I loved this one as well. Hated having to put it down at times. Kept me captivated the entire book. Can't wait for the next one.
I chose this rating because I really enjoyed reading this book I fell in love with the characters This book has some great lessons in it also. It is a book that will have your emotions all over the place Now to wait for the next book
It was a very good story and I really can't wait for book 2. I would be terribly disappointed if this was the only book! I love, love loved all the characters and miss them already.
Her quirky main characters are interesting and this one had some serious laughter in difficult circumstances to keep me in the story. If you like ghost stories that seem to highlight 'normal' nice people, read this author for sure!
Terry's books always have a bit of humor,but this one is totally fun! She must stay awake nights thinking of twists and turns to lure her readers to the inevitable conclusions!
I'll always love the Mary O'Reilly series and can't wait for the next one. But now I'm thoroughly hooked Blowout: A sheer Disaster Mystery !!!! And now I can't wait until Book Two !!!!! Thank you Terri Reid for a fun and refreshing new series!!!. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
I loved this quick read as LJ has to come home after her mama dies. With a bunch of questions and who can she trust, LJ is opening up a can of worms digging into stuff she shouldn't. I really hope there are more to come for a series.
I am madly in love with this book. It's absolutely hilarious, thrilling and quite exciting. Louella Jo Carter has an excellent sense of humor with a fiery short temper which makes even a serious situation funny. Her mother's ghost lends her an excellent support . Louella leaves New York to visit Junep for her mother's funeral. She meets an old lady Beatrice Abernathy who claims to be a psychic and tells her that her mother's ghost has asked to take care of her. Lou thinks that the lady is crazy until she actually sees her mother's spirit. She learns that her mother was murdered. She vows to avenge her death by nabbing the culprit and put him behind bars. Her friends Kyle and Vanderghast help her in her dangerous quest that has too many surprising revelations. This book kept me glued. Very very very enjoyable.
I don’t usually write reviews, but This one is the exception. Terri Reid’s new series is a fun relaxing book to read. Sometimes you just need to find a book that can take you away from today for a little while. This one does that. The characters just make me want to know them better. I can’t wait for more books to come.
Terri Reid, once again has me hooked on her books. I literally laughed out loud (which may my whole day better) and enjoyed this book very much. Can not wait for more from this wonderful lady!
Enjoyed this book very much! Terri Reid is one of my very favorite authors she never disappoints! A Shear Disaster was great i enjoyed meeting the Book Club and look forward to more from Julep!
I tried to read this slowly but after all, it's a new character, a new city, and it has lots of comedy! Do yourselves a favor and buy this 1st in a new series! You will thank me!
I loved loved this book - loved all the characters. it was funny, sweet, sad all rolled into one. absolutely love all the sarcasm. can't wait for book #2
(2.5 stars) This was a solid 4stars for me until the end. It was abrupt and left many unanswered questions. I don't like that. I want to know all the answers by the end of the book and not have to buy another one.
Biggest issue? We never learned the 'why' of mama's murder; we only learned the 'who'. And that wasn't even a satisfying ending. We assume it has something to do with Jo Ellen's murder. The Jo Ellen story should have not been started in this book if it wasn't going to be resolved in this book.
Also, I read ALL of the Mary Reilly books and really liked them. Don't think I will continue with this series. I don't really care for books set in the south anyway, to be honest.
It starts out a little slow, but the characters grow on you. Set in the south, LuellaJo returns home for her mother's funeral only to find out her mother was murdered. Her mother's ghost is constantly popping in to help out, and of course, she's still mothering her daughter. LuelleJo is running crazy between her ghostly mother's information, the Book Club women who each have their "specialties," her partner from NY, Kyle, the handsome shrimper who is the nephew of her mother's friend, and the local Sherriff's Deputy that just happens to show up when he isn't wanted.
I found the book charming and light while still keeping your mind going about whodunit! And just when you think you've got it all figured out, the author throws in a twist! Great reading.
LJ, or Louella Jo, left the small Town of Julep Mississippi for the Bug Apple. Now she’s on her way back for her mother’s funeral. On the bus she meets Mae who shares some unbelievable news with her. I live here in the south and the extras are just so spot on. This is a straight forward who done it with a sprinkling of paranormal that is both comical and amazing. I’m starting Foiled as soon as I finish this review. Thank You Mrs. Terri Reid for another Great Adventure
Five stars is difficult for me because I can almost always find something that niggles at me about the book. Its probably the teacher in me. I have to say that I LOVED this book. It tells a great story, it has laughter, sadness, snarky dialogue, wit, sarcasm, strong plot, suspense and leaves you wanting more. Can't get much better than that. And Mamas "safe" will stay with he forever. If you enjoy the same things in a book that I do, then don't miss this one. I've already downloaded the 2nd one.
I have always really liked this author but I am so excited for this new series. I can say I am all in with this one. LJ is such a fun character and I’m patiently waiting to find out what happens with her and Van. Kyle is my next favorite. He’s such a hoot. Give this book a try. I promise you won’t regret it!
Not like the rest of her books, i’ve read all of her books and enjoyed them very much can’t wait to see if she is going to write about the Willoughby which is I want to find out what Hazel‘s baby is.
I really enjoyed this book, it's a great on a new series. I have already downloaded book 2 and anticipate it will be even better. This has good characters and an interesting storyline.
Another wonderful Terri Reid book! I’m excited to have a new series. This was a great mystery complete with a ghost. Louella Jo is a great character and I actually laughed out loud several times during this book. I can’t wait to read the next one!