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Claudia Hershey #1
In the Spirit of Murder
A dead psychic on Halloween night. Heroin filtering into the town's schools. A sullen ex-con with a beef of his own. A legislator with secrets to protect, and cops who bristle with resentment. That's not what Claudia Hershey expected when she moved from Cleveland to Indian Run, a tiny smudge on Florida's map. But there's no turning back for the veteran homicide detective when the killer makes things personal.
413 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2000
1972 people are currently reading
711 people want to read
About the author
Laura Belgrave
9 books37 followersLaura Belgrave is a long-time writer and editor whose career has taken her from the "murder and mayhem" side of the newspaper business to the editorial side of the book publishing business, and on to the business of web design, video and social media. Her staff positions have included everything from police reporter and then city editor of a major Florida daily to managing editor of a children's book publishing house, and later, award-winning skilled nursing facilities in Florida.
She also has worked on her own as a freelance writer and editor, and prior to moving into social media and related online work through www.everonwardmedia.com she provided services to numerous media clients. She abridged bestselling novels for an audio producer, wrote a pilot script and treatments for Mary Lou Retton's PBS show, "The Flip-Flop Shop," and has—in her words has—“done just about everything in between.”
Her motto? “Ever evolving.”
When she isn't working, she's drawn to anything that has to do with nature: birds, alligators, ducks . . . whatever she can observe and use to perfect her photography.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Laura now calls South Florida home, and has for more than twenty years. She is a journalism graduate of the University of South Florida and is married to a man she met when both served in the U.S. Air Force "moons ago."
She also has worked on her own as a freelance writer and editor, and prior to moving into social media and related online work through www.everonwardmedia.com she provided services to numerous media clients. She abridged bestselling novels for an audio producer, wrote a pilot script and treatments for Mary Lou Retton's PBS show, "The Flip-Flop Shop," and has—in her words has—“done just about everything in between.”
Her motto? “Ever evolving.”
When she isn't working, she's drawn to anything that has to do with nature: birds, alligators, ducks . . . whatever she can observe and use to perfect her photography.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Laura now calls South Florida home, and has for more than twenty years. She is a journalism graduate of the University of South Florida and is married to a man she met when both served in the U.S. Air Force "moons ago."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
December 8, 2018
Detective Claudia Hershey and her 13-year-old daughter are recent transplants to Indian Run, a small Florida town where there is very little real crime... which is exactly what she wanted.
But the universe has a surprise in store for her. She's always disliked Halloween and she likes it no better now, now that a medium has been murdered on her most un-favorite night. The woman's face is gone.
It takes a lot of good police work to track down her clients and try to figure out if one of them had a grudge .. or was this a robbery ... or a random kill be someone unhinged?
She's fighting the good-old-boys network as the only female cop ... and the only one with experience dealing with homicides. Even her boss is not too happy ... he claims she's trying to make him and the department look bad.
But before she makes any inroads into this vicious murder, another medium is killed in exactly the same way ... and the body count does not end there.
It's when this serial killer makes things personal that the veteran homicide detective decides she will need to do whatever it takes to bring this animal down.
Claudia is a great series character ... she's tough, thorough, and wants to see justice dished out. She's also a single mom .. and that comes with its own problems. There are plenty of suspects and just to make things really interesting, most of them were in costume for the holiday.
Due to the author's background and her diligent research, this story has much credibility. This is a well written, action-packed page turner. I look forward to following this series and going along with Claudia on her next adventures.
Many thanks to the author for this digital crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
March 16, 2011
Haven't read this book in several years, but now that it's finally available for the Kindle and iPad I'm reading it again as an ebook. Couldn't find anything better at the moment. But then, I wrote it so I'm probably biased. . Weird to read something you've done yourself. And hey, whoever called it a cozy? It isn't. It's your everyday police procedural. First of three in the Claudia Hershey series.
Don't worry. I won't wreck the rating system by biasing the ratings with a review or rating at all. I just find it interesting to sneak back in time and see the movement in the publishing field -- something I COULD write reams about.
By the way? All these years later? I still think it's pretty good for a first novel. Can't decide which of the three are my personal favorites. All were an enormous investment in time and passion.
Don't worry. I won't wreck the rating system by biasing the ratings with a review or rating at all. I just find it interesting to sneak back in time and see the movement in the publishing field -- something I COULD write reams about.
By the way? All these years later? I still think it's pretty good for a first novel. Can't decide which of the three are my personal favorites. All were an enormous investment in time and passion.
August 6, 2016
Apart from Agatha Christie, I don't read a huge amount of murder-mystery, but this book may change all that. A modern day 'who dunnit'; it had me gripped from the get-go. I appreciated that the lead protagonist was female and the only member of her police department who was actually adept at her job (which is usually the case, if you ask me!). The characters were well-rounded and believable, and the plot was fast-paced and never dull. At times, the book was extremely gritty, which added to the suspense. I did happen to guess 'who dunnit' about three quarters of the way through the book but that's only because I'm a super sleuth and should probably have joined the police force myself! Anyway, I loved this book and will DEFINITELY be reading the others in the series.
November 3, 2016
tough woman cop solves several cases: drug dealers, blackmailed, spree killer and the kidnapping of her own daughter.
October 19, 2016
First, truth in advertising. The author, here, is my sister. And I love her work! I've just reread this, the first in her terrific series. I originally read it, a few chapters at a time, as she was writing. This seemed an auspicious time to go back, given that this book involves a murder that takes place on Halloween. And not just any murder--this is a vicious murder of a medium.
Laura's protagonist, Claudia Hershey, is a smart character, good at detecting. She relocated to a small town in central Florida to get away from the big-city crime of Cleveland. Hah! Little did she know! She dragged her teen-age daughter with her to the middle of nowhere, which did not please Robin one little bit. As Robin wrestles with teen angst and algebra, Claudia wrestles with a murder that makes no sense. And then another. And, well, I can't say any more. On top of this, she's in a cop shop full of good ole' boys who resent the big-shot detective from up north who, on top of everything else, is a woman.
In addition to drawing solid, believable characters, Laura evokes place very, very well. You can feel central Florida as you read--the heat and humidity, the cloying small town (and police dept.), the cows, the bugs around the lake, and more.
Of course this is a solid mystery, with a most satisfying ending. In fact, even though I remembered the ending as I got to it, my heart was still in my throat.
Try it. I'm sure you'll like it.
LITTLE SPOILER ALERT: At one point, Claudia meets a graduate student who has been studying the relevant psychic/medium community. Claudia all but drools and asks for the woman’s data, threatening legal action when the student claims confidentiality. Laura and I had a massive fight over this. Even though most research data have no protection, short of special situations, like child abuse, we protect the confidentiality of our research participants. Sociologists have spent months in jail rather than turn data over or identify research participants. But, we know that authors take creative license. Laura is the author here, so she won the argument. She’s my sister and I love her to bits, anyhow.
Laura's protagonist, Claudia Hershey, is a smart character, good at detecting. She relocated to a small town in central Florida to get away from the big-city crime of Cleveland. Hah! Little did she know! She dragged her teen-age daughter with her to the middle of nowhere, which did not please Robin one little bit. As Robin wrestles with teen angst and algebra, Claudia wrestles with a murder that makes no sense. And then another. And, well, I can't say any more. On top of this, she's in a cop shop full of good ole' boys who resent the big-shot detective from up north who, on top of everything else, is a woman.
In addition to drawing solid, believable characters, Laura evokes place very, very well. You can feel central Florida as you read--the heat and humidity, the cloying small town (and police dept.), the cows, the bugs around the lake, and more.
Of course this is a solid mystery, with a most satisfying ending. In fact, even though I remembered the ending as I got to it, my heart was still in my throat.
Try it. I'm sure you'll like it.
LITTLE SPOILER ALERT: At one point, Claudia meets a graduate student who has been studying the relevant psychic/medium community. Claudia all but drools and asks for the woman’s data, threatening legal action when the student claims confidentiality. Laura and I had a massive fight over this. Even though most research data have no protection, short of special situations, like child abuse, we protect the confidentiality of our research participants. Sociologists have spent months in jail rather than turn data over or identify research participants. But, we know that authors take creative license. Laura is the author here, so she won the argument. She’s my sister and I love her to bits, anyhow.
January 17, 2017
I enjoyed this book - the pacing and tension was taut and the characters were interesting and rather unusual. The detective (the leading character) is a tall, beautiful, intelligent and resourceful new employee on the police payroll (okay - so that's a bit of a cliché LOL). She is a single mother with a rebellious and in-my-opinion needs-a-good-spanking teenager daughter. I could have used less on the family drama end, but it did add to the final climax of the story in a way.
The murder victim was a psychic medium, and her life and friends were fun and colorful and made for an interesting group of people to read about. These psychics, who lived in their own little enclave, weren't fortune-telling gypsies or ditsy new-age self-deluders. They were split-level suburbanites and they were created with, I believe, a certain amount of amused, affectionate skeptism.
The unraveling of the mystery, the dangers therein, and the twists and turns along the way make a film version of the story probable. There were even times I felt I was reading a screenplay and not a novel!
I recommend this to anybody who enjoys a murder mystery or thriller. It's not terribly gruesome (the murders aren't described in sordid depth) and the language is accept to most teenagers (perhaps a few words here and there - but not a non-stop torrent of obscenities).
The murder victim was a psychic medium, and her life and friends were fun and colorful and made for an interesting group of people to read about. These psychics, who lived in their own little enclave, weren't fortune-telling gypsies or ditsy new-age self-deluders. They were split-level suburbanites and they were created with, I believe, a certain amount of amused, affectionate skeptism.
The unraveling of the mystery, the dangers therein, and the twists and turns along the way make a film version of the story probable. There were even times I felt I was reading a screenplay and not a novel!
I recommend this to anybody who enjoys a murder mystery or thriller. It's not terribly gruesome (the murders aren't described in sordid depth) and the language is accept to most teenagers (perhaps a few words here and there - but not a non-stop torrent of obscenities).
Want to read
January 23, 2020EBookDiscovery
May 7, 2021
Loved it, great characters, good and bad. Almost felt I was there!
March 6, 2017
This was well written and edited. I enjoyed meeting Claudia. I got this book as a freebie from the author. I did say I would write a review. My issue now is I believe the review needs to be on a site the author was using. I will look into that. I enjoy how the small town police department came across as "small town" without putting them down. The only issue I had with the story is I figured out the killer early on and did not give in the to clues to distract from my pick!! I see there are other books in the series. I believe once I complete the 4 I have from the library I will check the next out. If you need a good read and a quick read, I firmly believe this will do the trick!!!
December 19, 2016
This is the first book by this author I have read, and although it seemed to start out slow it certainly finished with a thrilling bang.
I loved the character Lieutenant Claudia Hershey - prickly, tough yet loving mother who is struggling to balance a punishing work schedule finding a serial killer with raising her acerbic teenage daughter. Add in a possible new romance and a subplot involving a slimy politician and you can see she has a lot on her plate.
Well written with an interesting plot, my only complaint is that Claudia does come across as a bit too prickly and stand-offish, but her character may round out in further novels of the series.
I loved the character Lieutenant Claudia Hershey - prickly, tough yet loving mother who is struggling to balance a punishing work schedule finding a serial killer with raising her acerbic teenage daughter. Add in a possible new romance and a subplot involving a slimy politician and you can see she has a lot on her plate.
Well written with an interesting plot, my only complaint is that Claudia does come across as a bit too prickly and stand-offish, but her character may round out in further novels of the series.
April 14, 2019
Writing B+
Characters B
Plot C
Laura Belgrave's writing is good enough for me to want to read more of this series. That's a big reason to always try another book by a writer when one book leaves you a bit cold, but a second or third might be the best thing since sliced cake.
The problem with this particular book would require me to divulge a huge spoiler, but I'll just say that the conclusion would be in a list of tropes to avoid. Up to that point, it was a great read.
Too bad, because there are many things to like about the writing. I'd recommend the author, if not this book in particular. I'm definitely eyeing the next book in the series, "Quietly Dead."
Characters B
Plot C
Laura Belgrave's writing is good enough for me to want to read more of this series. That's a big reason to always try another book by a writer when one book leaves you a bit cold, but a second or third might be the best thing since sliced cake.
The problem with this particular book would require me to divulge a huge spoiler, but I'll just say that the conclusion would be in a list of tropes to avoid. Up to that point, it was a great read.
Too bad, because there are many things to like about the writing. I'd recommend the author, if not this book in particular. I'm definitely eyeing the next book in the series, "Quietly Dead."
October 26, 2023
Suspenseful book, but way too much profanity
I downloaded this book because the description sounded interesting and it appeared when I searched for “free Christian eBooks” on Amazon.
I realized from the first few pages that it was probably not a Christian novel, thanks to the frequent use of curse words. Thankfully the F-bomb was never dropped, but God’s name was used in vain an awful lot. One might say that the main character “prayed” a time or two, under duress, but she by no means had a relationship with Jesus Christ. Neither, it seems, did any of the other characters.
There are two point-of-view characters in this story: Lieutenant Detective Claudia Hershey and the man who kept murdering mediums in the small fictitious Florida town of Indian Run. Due to the clues the author gave through observations of the detective and the addled reasoning of the killer, I actually guessed the right person as the culprit within a few chapters, but the author kept presenting other viable possibilities that led me to suspect a few others as well.
The way the police had to wade through weeks of interviews and evidence and fingered several possible perpetrators before finding the right one was much more realistic than most whodunits. The way the lieutenant dealt with her teenaged daughter was in some ways realistic but not very responsible or effective. How Detective Hershey was able to function on as little sleep and proper nutrition she got during the investigation was another thing entirely. I often had to reread parts, due to typos and confusing word choices.
In addition to the constant cussing, Bible-believing readers may find the use of alcohol and cigarettes objectionable. There’s also a gratuitous sex scene and pretty graphic descriptions of several grisly murders. Since those targeted by the killer are mediums, the book contains a lot of description and justification of the practices of channeling spirits, fortune telling and psychic phenomena, which God’s Word also condemns.
While I found the book interesting, in retrospect I am sorry I read it, and I can’t recommend it. I am surprised but grateful that it didn’t give me nightmares. It definitely should NOT have shown up in my search for Christian books!
I downloaded this book because the description sounded interesting and it appeared when I searched for “free Christian eBooks” on Amazon.
I realized from the first few pages that it was probably not a Christian novel, thanks to the frequent use of curse words. Thankfully the F-bomb was never dropped, but God’s name was used in vain an awful lot. One might say that the main character “prayed” a time or two, under duress, but she by no means had a relationship with Jesus Christ. Neither, it seems, did any of the other characters.
There are two point-of-view characters in this story: Lieutenant Detective Claudia Hershey and the man who kept murdering mediums in the small fictitious Florida town of Indian Run. Due to the clues the author gave through observations of the detective and the addled reasoning of the killer, I actually guessed the right person as the culprit within a few chapters, but the author kept presenting other viable possibilities that led me to suspect a few others as well.
The way the police had to wade through weeks of interviews and evidence and fingered several possible perpetrators before finding the right one was much more realistic than most whodunits. The way the lieutenant dealt with her teenaged daughter was in some ways realistic but not very responsible or effective. How Detective Hershey was able to function on as little sleep and proper nutrition she got during the investigation was another thing entirely. I often had to reread parts, due to typos and confusing word choices.
In addition to the constant cussing, Bible-believing readers may find the use of alcohol and cigarettes objectionable. There’s also a gratuitous sex scene and pretty graphic descriptions of several grisly murders. Since those targeted by the killer are mediums, the book contains a lot of description and justification of the practices of channeling spirits, fortune telling and psychic phenomena, which God’s Word also condemns.
While I found the book interesting, in retrospect I am sorry I read it, and I can’t recommend it. I am surprised but grateful that it didn’t give me nightmares. It definitely should NOT have shown up in my search for Christian books!
July 13, 2017
Claudia Hershey left her job as a homicide cop in a large midwestern city, and moved with her daughter to the sleepy town of Indian Run, Florida, to get away from the dirty underbelly of police work. Now, as the only detective on the small town’s police force, she has to deal with a murdered medium, and a killer with an agenda. Fighting her outsider status on the force and in the town, and having to contend with a thirteen-year-old who is in rebellion, Hershey dogged follows murky clues, that lead to an ex-con with issues, a powerful politician with secrets to hide, and a vicious killer whose motive for killing is a mystery. When he makes it personal by snatching her daughter, Hershey goes into overdrive, and finds that her cop instincts haven’t dulled after all.
In the Spirit of Murder by Laura Belgrave is a stunning mystery/police procedural that’s a cross between Mayberry, RFD and NYPD Blue, with a little Steven King occult horror thrown in for good measure. Even the good guys have flaws in this one, but it just makes them all the more believable.
Mystery fans will enjoy this book.
In the Spirit of Murder by Laura Belgrave is a stunning mystery/police procedural that’s a cross between Mayberry, RFD and NYPD Blue, with a little Steven King occult horror thrown in for good measure. Even the good guys have flaws in this one, but it just makes them all the more believable.
Mystery fans will enjoy this book.
March 26, 2018
Not bad but not especially outstanding either
When I started reading this book I don't think I really liked it. This probably had to do with how it was worded, it somehow felt like it was for a much younger reader, with the convos sometimes seeming unrealistic. Nevertheless, I read on and thankfully it became better as I did. Before I get to what I like I must point out that, (although I'm no big expert on teenagers) it seemed like the author was projecting someone in their mid to late teens as opposed to the 13 years that Robin was proported to be.
Conversely, at the end of the day this was a mystery book and I believe the mystery portion was done relatively well; there were multiple suspects who kept me second guessing myself until the reveal. I also liked that the romance bit wasn't overbearing. Though the end was rather typical and expected, I can't say this caused me to like it any less. However, I do wish that the sneak peak into the 2nd installment was a bit longer, I don't think the excerpt revealed anything that would make me definitely want to read the next book.
When I started reading this book I don't think I really liked it. This probably had to do with how it was worded, it somehow felt like it was for a much younger reader, with the convos sometimes seeming unrealistic. Nevertheless, I read on and thankfully it became better as I did. Before I get to what I like I must point out that, (although I'm no big expert on teenagers) it seemed like the author was projecting someone in their mid to late teens as opposed to the 13 years that Robin was proported to be.
Conversely, at the end of the day this was a mystery book and I believe the mystery portion was done relatively well; there were multiple suspects who kept me second guessing myself until the reveal. I also liked that the romance bit wasn't overbearing. Though the end was rather typical and expected, I can't say this caused me to like it any less. However, I do wish that the sneak peak into the 2nd installment was a bit longer, I don't think the excerpt revealed anything that would make me definitely want to read the next book.
May 15, 2018
A Spine-chilling Murder Mystery
An unpopular Detective lands the case of a medium who was viciously murdered on Halloween. A fantastic read from star to finish, with intriguing plots, descriptive, well developed multi-faceted characters and vivid situations. I like protagonist Claudia Hershey who is tough, humble, likeable, and attentive when analyzing a crime but is often befuddled when it comes to her defiant teenage daughter, Robin. As for Chief Mac Suggs, at times, he can be unbearable but Claudia can hold her own with him and with the police department that is behind the times when it comes to modern technology. The narrative is full of shockers, secrets and lies, rumors, police screw-ups, deception, betrayal, and scandal, where money, influence, and power can be used to suppress the truth and manipulate the media, and everybody knows your business, yet nothing is quite as it seems. This gripping, page-turning psychological thriller will keep you speculating to the very end. I am looking forward to reading Book No. 2. Can’t wait to see what type of crime Detective Claudia Hershey will be working on in Indian Run.
An unpopular Detective lands the case of a medium who was viciously murdered on Halloween. A fantastic read from star to finish, with intriguing plots, descriptive, well developed multi-faceted characters and vivid situations. I like protagonist Claudia Hershey who is tough, humble, likeable, and attentive when analyzing a crime but is often befuddled when it comes to her defiant teenage daughter, Robin. As for Chief Mac Suggs, at times, he can be unbearable but Claudia can hold her own with him and with the police department that is behind the times when it comes to modern technology. The narrative is full of shockers, secrets and lies, rumors, police screw-ups, deception, betrayal, and scandal, where money, influence, and power can be used to suppress the truth and manipulate the media, and everybody knows your business, yet nothing is quite as it seems. This gripping, page-turning psychological thriller will keep you speculating to the very end. I am looking forward to reading Book No. 2. Can’t wait to see what type of crime Detective Claudia Hershey will be working on in Indian Run.
October 5, 2018
A move to a small town--your daughter is giving you a very hard time-teenagers are not easy--and your new boss thought you were a male when he hired you--he is not very happy!! Your daughter's math grades are slipping--the teacher calls you in--he offers to tutor her after class--you agree----------
Suddenly in this small and quiet town a psychic is found murdered. Well Claudia Hersey is (or wss) a homicide detective--none of the others in the department knows what to do--so it is up to her--with her boss fighting her the entire time----then another psychic is murdered---
Her teenage daughter managed to convince her friend (babysitter) that her Mom said she could go to a school function (mind you she was grounded)--that is when everything got very personal!!!
One thing I will tell you--I don't think I will ever forget what happens to the murderer at the end--I keep having nightmares about it!!
This book was really fast reading and I know you will enjoy the teenager's general attitude--until the fact that she is really still just a child surfaces at the end.
Suddenly in this small and quiet town a psychic is found murdered. Well Claudia Hersey is (or wss) a homicide detective--none of the others in the department knows what to do--so it is up to her--with her boss fighting her the entire time----then another psychic is murdered---
Her teenage daughter managed to convince her friend (babysitter) that her Mom said she could go to a school function (mind you she was grounded)--that is when everything got very personal!!!
One thing I will tell you--I don't think I will ever forget what happens to the murderer at the end--I keep having nightmares about it!!
This book was really fast reading and I know you will enjoy the teenager's general attitude--until the fact that she is really still just a child surfaces at the end.
June 11, 2017
Decent whodunnit
It is odd to read a book, set in fairly modern times, and realize it was just not that long ago that cell phones, iPads/tablets, and easy internet access were not a part of our daily lives. The "time warp" was almost like comparing Colombo TO CSI shows. So, even detective stories moved slowly compared to today.
Several characters were introduced as the possible bad guy and while I was pretty sure I knew who the bad guy was, the author played with the reader for a while before confirming suspicions.
As this is a series, it might be interesting to read another just to learn a little more about Claudia, her daughter Robin, and the new life they are trying to establish.
It is odd to read a book, set in fairly modern times, and realize it was just not that long ago that cell phones, iPads/tablets, and easy internet access were not a part of our daily lives. The "time warp" was almost like comparing Colombo TO CSI shows. So, even detective stories moved slowly compared to today.
Several characters were introduced as the possible bad guy and while I was pretty sure I knew who the bad guy was, the author played with the reader for a while before confirming suspicions.
As this is a series, it might be interesting to read another just to learn a little more about Claudia, her daughter Robin, and the new life they are trying to establish.
November 17, 2020
This was the first Laura Belgrade mystery that I have read and I really liked it. I loved her development of the main character, Claudia Hershey, a police lieutenant who sought a new start in a small Florida town, away from the high paced policing of Cleveland. Little did she know that this quiet little town would soon be immersed in not one but four brutal murders.
It started with a dead psychic on Halloween night and led to other psychics dying and pointing straight to an ex-con drug dealer ... or was it? Claudia is on it but is hampered by a legislator with secrets to protect, cops who bristle with resentment and a chief who doesn’t quite warm up to her. But there's no turning back for the veteran homicide detective when the killer makes things personal.
It started with a dead psychic on Halloween night and led to other psychics dying and pointing straight to an ex-con drug dealer ... or was it? Claudia is on it but is hampered by a legislator with secrets to protect, cops who bristle with resentment and a chief who doesn’t quite warm up to her. But there's no turning back for the veteran homicide detective when the killer makes things personal.
January 26, 2018
There's a new heroine on the block
Lt. Det. Claudia Hershey...hired because the chief read the name Claude instead of Claudia. She has her work cut out for her not only solving a string of murders, but proving herself and trying to get her fellow officers to follow procedures needed in a homicide....not to mention raising a teenage daughter alone and adjusting to a new, small town. This book was on the predictable side but the characters are quite likeable, and the heroine isn't the usual beautiful, sexy woman who turns every mans head.
Lt. Det. Claudia Hershey...hired because the chief read the name Claude instead of Claudia. She has her work cut out for her not only solving a string of murders, but proving herself and trying to get her fellow officers to follow procedures needed in a homicide....not to mention raising a teenage daughter alone and adjusting to a new, small town. This book was on the predictable side but the characters are quite likeable, and the heroine isn't the usual beautiful, sexy woman who turns every mans head.
May 20, 2019
This was a fast read and a pretty good one. Intriguing plot, believable characters, and an exciting conclusion. I enjoyed the main female detective and her daughter along with the mediums and psychics involved in The story. I suspected the wrong person as the murderer but I liked that it was not so easy to figure out. It seems everyone has something to hide and cops never believe a person is telling the whole truth. I liked that there were several sketchy characters in the book. It was a good way to spend an otherwise miserable afternoon.
January 10, 2020
Better than okay
I wavered between a 3 star and a 4 star review. Ended with the 4 star because the last two chapters pulled everything together well (though with drama, of course) and throughout the book I enjoyed some good pieces of writing. Otherwise, I would have appreciated much tighter editing to remove unevenness and the over description of nature. Much of the story felt real especially teen hormones and the mother/daughter relationship. I am intrigued enough to try the next in the series.
I wavered between a 3 star and a 4 star review. Ended with the 4 star because the last two chapters pulled everything together well (though with drama, of course) and throughout the book I enjoyed some good pieces of writing. Otherwise, I would have appreciated much tighter editing to remove unevenness and the over description of nature. Much of the story felt real especially teen hormones and the mother/daughter relationship. I am intrigued enough to try the next in the series.
April 2, 2021
Murdering Mediums
Someone is murdering mediums in a small Florida town. Transplanted detective Claudia Hershey finally has the chance to show what she's made of. At odds with her boss because of her sex and her outsider status she is also dealing with her rebellious teenage daughter. Surprisingly she also gets the opportunity for a chance at romance. That is, unless the killer has his way.
This is an enjoyable mystery. I identified the perp early on but it was fun to watch the story unfold. The small town ambience is captured and there is a touch of humor. Good read.
Someone is murdering mediums in a small Florida town. Transplanted detective Claudia Hershey finally has the chance to show what she's made of. At odds with her boss because of her sex and her outsider status she is also dealing with her rebellious teenage daughter. Surprisingly she also gets the opportunity for a chance at romance. That is, unless the killer has his way.
This is an enjoyable mystery. I identified the perp early on but it was fun to watch the story unfold. The small town ambience is captured and there is a touch of humor. Good read.
December 27, 2019
Mediums Abound
Claudia Hershey, is a cop in a small town where she stands heads and tails above the rest of her fellow officers, literally. She was brought in, sight unseen for her credentials, believing her to be Claude, a man; and that was the first problem. Working in a slightly hostile environment, she begins slowly, but learns she's the only person that can make the connections to the spirits and solve the mystery.
Claudia Hershey, is a cop in a small town where she stands heads and tails above the rest of her fellow officers, literally. She was brought in, sight unseen for her credentials, believing her to be Claude, a man; and that was the first problem. Working in a slightly hostile environment, she begins slowly, but learns she's the only person that can make the connections to the spirits and solve the mystery.
May 24, 2017
Wonderful!!
The story flowed in a good manner ..It didn't jump around so you would have had to go back pages and see what you missed...I also liked the bits of humor thrown in amongst the more serious tones...I definitely would read more books by this author. Thanks for the wonderful time I had reading this book Laura!!
The story flowed in a good manner ..It didn't jump around so you would have had to go back pages and see what you missed...I also liked the bits of humor thrown in amongst the more serious tones...I definitely would read more books by this author. Thanks for the wonderful time I had reading this book Laura!!
June 14, 2017
Female detective in good ole boy town
The book is a good start for a new female detective series. She takes a while to get invested in her new department, but takes off at a good pace to find the killer. Being a single Mom is worked into the story and adds humanity to her. Some of the situations were too unbelievable for me, but this is an overall well written story .
The book is a good start for a new female detective series. She takes a while to get invested in her new department, but takes off at a good pace to find the killer. Being a single Mom is worked into the story and adds humanity to her. Some of the situations were too unbelievable for me, but this is an overall well written story .
July 10, 2017
Will be a good movie!
After reading this book, I'm looking forward to seeing a movie made from it. The book has a lot of tense moments and keeps the secret of who the killer is for most of the book. About a small town police department and a big city detective trying to find someone who's killing psychics. Enjoy this one.
After reading this book, I'm looking forward to seeing a movie made from it. The book has a lot of tense moments and keeps the secret of who the killer is for most of the book. About a small town police department and a big city detective trying to find someone who's killing psychics. Enjoy this one.
April 1, 2018
3 1/2 to 4 stars. Female detective moves to a smaller town to get away from big city crime. Ya that didn't happen, good story. Didn't figure out who did it until 3/4 of the way through. Halitosis will get you every time. Well written good mystery with a protagonist you get to know and like. Looking forward to the two next books in this series. Hope she writes a fourth.
May 5, 2018
A Cleveland cop relocated to Florida investigates the murder of a medium following a Halloween party. She has quite a bit to work with including the partygoers, her daughter and an inexperienced group of officers. The plot is thin, as are the characters. Her chief is a caricature of a Southern sheriff. Disappointing.
August 15, 2018
First chapter didn't pull me in
I'm glad I took the time to continue reading after the first chapter. I was ready to bag out, but kept on and found myself pulled into the story and Claudia. Looks like the rest of the series is not on kindle unlimited, but will keep my eyes open just in case.
I'm glad I took the time to continue reading after the first chapter. I was ready to bag out, but kept on and found myself pulled into the story and Claudia. Looks like the rest of the series is not on kindle unlimited, but will keep my eyes open just in case.
October 27, 2018
Wasn't horrible and wasn't great. Big city detective moves to very, very small town with barely teenage daughter. The detective becomes a big cheese in a very small town police force. She is even labelled as a Lieutenant (she is the only detective). The sheriff is a caricature of a small town Southern sheriff.
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