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Giulia Driscoll #2
Second To Nun
The Other Side has hired Driscoll Investigations. The owner of Stone’s Throw Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast insists that a Tarot reading told her to hire Giulia to evict the family ghost. Since the ghost is cutting gas lines and flooding cellars, Giulia and her husband Frank head to the B&B to discover the real perpetrator.
The client also has a family legend: A highwayman who stole a pile of gold. Giulia has a pile of suspects, including a psychic the client hired to conduct weekly séances. So much for romance with Frank at this getaway.
Instead, Giulia’s juggling arson, creepy clown dolls, and the psychic going all Exorcist on her. Then the ghost tries to push the client off the lighthouse and throw Giulia down three flights of stairs. It should’ve known better than to mess with an ex-nun. Giulia has connections and she’s about to use them.
The client also has a family legend: A highwayman who stole a pile of gold. Giulia has a pile of suspects, including a psychic the client hired to conduct weekly séances. So much for romance with Frank at this getaway.
Instead, Giulia’s juggling arson, creepy clown dolls, and the psychic going all Exorcist on her. Then the ghost tries to push the client off the lighthouse and throw Giulia down three flights of stairs. It should’ve known better than to mess with an ex-nun. Giulia has connections and she’s about to use them.
288 pages, Paperback
Published September 22, 2015
36 people are currently reading
601 people want to read
About the author
Alice Loweecey
22 books154 followersBaker of brownies and tormenter of characters, Alice Loweecey celebrates the the day she jumped the wall with as much enthusiasm as her birthday. She grew up watching Hammer horror films and Scooby-Doo mysteries, which explains a whole lot. When she's not creating trouble for her sleuth Giulia Driscoll or inspiring nightmares as her alter-ego Kate Morgan, she can be found growing vegetables in her garden and water lilies in her koi pond.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
April 17, 2020
Former nun turned PI Giulia Driscoll’s newest client is MacAllister Stone, aka Mac. Mac runs a bed and breakfast in her family’s old non-working lighthouse. Lately, something sinister seems to be at work at the bed and breakfast with possible ties to the legend of a family ghost. Giulia and her husband, Frank, go undercover as guests. But this job is turning out to be rougher than it sounds as the strange events seem to be increasing in frequency. Before Giulia finds the culprit, she will have to determine if she is looking for a ghost or a flesh and blood villain.
Giulia spends the first few chapters wrapping up her current cases before heading to the bed and breakfast, so the main mystery gets off to a slow start. Once it does begin, we are treated to plenty of mysterious events until Giulia brings it to a logical and satisfying conclusion. The characters are wonderful. The new cast grow as the book progresses, but I love spending time with the regulars. They’re one reason why the opening chapters were still so much fun. These characters have such great chemistry with each other, including teasing each other, and that humor kept me smiling if not laughing throughout the book. The book does have a smattering of foul language, certainly more than the cozies I normally read, but that is worth noting only in passing. If you are looking for a delightful getaway, this is the book to pick up.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Giulia spends the first few chapters wrapping up her current cases before heading to the bed and breakfast, so the main mystery gets off to a slow start. Once it does begin, we are treated to plenty of mysterious events until Giulia brings it to a logical and satisfying conclusion. The characters are wonderful. The new cast grow as the book progresses, but I love spending time with the regulars. They’re one reason why the opening chapters were still so much fun. These characters have such great chemistry with each other, including teasing each other, and that humor kept me smiling if not laughing throughout the book. The book does have a smattering of foul language, certainly more than the cozies I normally read, but that is worth noting only in passing. If you are looking for a delightful getaway, this is the book to pick up.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
November 3, 2019
Written by a former nun, about a former nun who has opened her own private investigator business, Driscoll Investigations. This book (and possibly the whole series) is the epitome of cosy mysteries and perfect for any age. Don’t be put off by the premise of a ghost in the blurb if the supernatural genre isn’t your thing, as long as you like solving mysteries you’ll enjoy the ride in this story. Humorous at times, serious and heartwarming, I enjoyed reading ‘Second to Nun’ and would happily read more in the future by this author.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
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December 5, 2015“Giulia is a sympathetic, well-drawn character who has built a full life for herself after she leaving the convent, but appealing touches of the former nun remain.” – Booklist
“Driscoll’s second solo turn as a sleuth (after Nun Too Soon) offers a fun and fast read with a lot of appeal.” – Library Journal
“Driscoll’s second solo turn as a sleuth (after Nun Too Soon) offers a fun and fast read with a lot of appeal.” – Library Journal
October 11, 2015
ARC review for Henery Press via Netgalley.
“How much trouble can a snarky, no-nonsense ex-nun stir up while investigating a potentially haunted lighthouse? Plenty! Between a fireside arsonist, a murderous ghost, and a deadly family legend, Giulia Driscoll has her hands full. Alice Loweecey has once again crafted a delightful, sassy, smart tale that will send the hair on the back of your head skyward and keep your eyes glued to the page. I loved it!” – Jessie Chandler, Author of the Award-Winning Shay O’Hanlon Caper Series
The Other Side has hired Driscoll Investigations. The owner of Stone’s Throw Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast insists that a tarot reading told her to hire Giulia to evict the family ghost. Since the ghost is cutting gas lines and flooding cellars, Giulia and her husband Frank head to the B&B to discover the real perpetrator.
The client also has a family legend: A highwayman who stole a pile of gold. Giulia has a pile of suspects, including a psychic the client hired to conduct weekly séances. So much for romance with Frank at this getaway.
Instead, Giulia’s juggling arson, creepy clown dolls, and the psychic going all Exorcist on her. Then the ghost tries to push the client off the lighthouse and throw Giulia down three flights of stairs. It should’ve known better than to mess with an ex-nun. Giulia has connections and she’s about to use them.
Related subjects include: cozy mysteries, women sleuths, murder mystery series, whodunit mysteries (whodunnit), humorous murder mysteries, book club recommendations, private investigator mystery series.
Books in the Giulia Driscoll Humorous Mystery Series:
CHANGING HABITS (prequel short story) NUN TOO SOON (#1) SECOND TO NUN (#2) NUN BUT THE BRAVE (#3) July 2016
Part of the Henery Press Mystery Series Collection, if you like one, you’ll probably like them all…
I found this book to be well written, with a good mystery, and really likeable set of main characters.
Will be getting the previous books in this series…including the Falcone & Driscoll Investigation…Force of Habit, Back in the Habit & Veiled Threat.
If you like the review and would like to see and read more reviews on books the Final Chapter Reading Group and I have read this year. Please visit my blog @ https://finalchapterreadersgroup.word... like and follow.
“How much trouble can a snarky, no-nonsense ex-nun stir up while investigating a potentially haunted lighthouse? Plenty! Between a fireside arsonist, a murderous ghost, and a deadly family legend, Giulia Driscoll has her hands full. Alice Loweecey has once again crafted a delightful, sassy, smart tale that will send the hair on the back of your head skyward and keep your eyes glued to the page. I loved it!” – Jessie Chandler, Author of the Award-Winning Shay O’Hanlon Caper Series
The Other Side has hired Driscoll Investigations. The owner of Stone’s Throw Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast insists that a tarot reading told her to hire Giulia to evict the family ghost. Since the ghost is cutting gas lines and flooding cellars, Giulia and her husband Frank head to the B&B to discover the real perpetrator.
The client also has a family legend: A highwayman who stole a pile of gold. Giulia has a pile of suspects, including a psychic the client hired to conduct weekly séances. So much for romance with Frank at this getaway.
Instead, Giulia’s juggling arson, creepy clown dolls, and the psychic going all Exorcist on her. Then the ghost tries to push the client off the lighthouse and throw Giulia down three flights of stairs. It should’ve known better than to mess with an ex-nun. Giulia has connections and she’s about to use them.
Related subjects include: cozy mysteries, women sleuths, murder mystery series, whodunit mysteries (whodunnit), humorous murder mysteries, book club recommendations, private investigator mystery series.
Books in the Giulia Driscoll Humorous Mystery Series:
CHANGING HABITS (prequel short story) NUN TOO SOON (#1) SECOND TO NUN (#2) NUN BUT THE BRAVE (#3) July 2016
Part of the Henery Press Mystery Series Collection, if you like one, you’ll probably like them all…
I found this book to be well written, with a good mystery, and really likeable set of main characters.
Will be getting the previous books in this series…including the Falcone & Driscoll Investigation…Force of Habit, Back in the Habit & Veiled Threat.
If you like the review and would like to see and read more reviews on books the Final Chapter Reading Group and I have read this year. Please visit my blog @ https://finalchapterreadersgroup.word... like and follow.
July 20, 2015
My Take...
Our Nun turned PI has taken on a new case and this time she takes her Detective hubby along with her to solve the mystery of the haunted lighthouse turned bed & breakfast. Due to a tarot reading the owner received, she was prompted to hire the PI and her agency to help bring down the ghost that has been haunting her establishment. Of course, Giulia does not believe in ghosts and so she believes this haunting is of the very much alive person variety. So she and detective hubby sign into the Lighthouse B&B as a couple just wanting a bit of a vacay.
Hubby has to take a day or two to get his current cases under wraps before he can join Giulia at the B&B so she starts out the book on her own. Which is fine with her because she is good on her own when in investigation mode.
She visits the home office a couple of times in order to find a better wifi signal but later they discover a great hot spot on the beach between a few businesses. She checks out the background of all the guests.
This is when all the good stuff starts to happen, the real haunting juicy things that try to convince Giulia that a real ghost presides there. But she is not deterred. There are many twists and turns that will keep a reader interested all the way to the end of the novel. I really appreciate when the author doesn't take the easy way out. I totally enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to anyone. Definitely check this one out, folks. This is book two in a series. Nun too Soon is the title of book one.
4 Stars.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from Net Galley in return for an honest review. I thank Net Galley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
http://beautysleuthbookdiva.blogspot....
Our Nun turned PI has taken on a new case and this time she takes her Detective hubby along with her to solve the mystery of the haunted lighthouse turned bed & breakfast. Due to a tarot reading the owner received, she was prompted to hire the PI and her agency to help bring down the ghost that has been haunting her establishment. Of course, Giulia does not believe in ghosts and so she believes this haunting is of the very much alive person variety. So she and detective hubby sign into the Lighthouse B&B as a couple just wanting a bit of a vacay.
Hubby has to take a day or two to get his current cases under wraps before he can join Giulia at the B&B so she starts out the book on her own. Which is fine with her because she is good on her own when in investigation mode.
She visits the home office a couple of times in order to find a better wifi signal but later they discover a great hot spot on the beach between a few businesses. She checks out the background of all the guests.
This is when all the good stuff starts to happen, the real haunting juicy things that try to convince Giulia that a real ghost presides there. But she is not deterred. There are many twists and turns that will keep a reader interested all the way to the end of the novel. I really appreciate when the author doesn't take the easy way out. I totally enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to anyone. Definitely check this one out, folks. This is book two in a series. Nun too Soon is the title of book one.
4 Stars.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from Net Galley in return for an honest review. I thank Net Galley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
http://beautysleuthbookdiva.blogspot....
September 13, 2015
Giulia Driscoll is admittedly skeptical about taking the "case of the haunted lighthouse." After all, in her line of work, the criminals are more often cheating spouses or embezzling accountants, not ghosts and specters. Still, the case intrigues Giulia - as does the open invitation to take up temporary residence at the Bed & Breakfast where these hauntings are supposedly taking place. Giulia quickly enlists her husband, Frank's, help, couching the request in the guise of a much-needed couple's get-away.
As soon as Giulia arrives, strange things do, indeed, start happening. But Giulia and Frank are absolutely convinced that logical, rational, and entirely human explanations exist for them all. Second to Nun has a great mix of excitement and suspense, and author Alice Loweecey knows how to end her chapters on the perfect note to make you want to keep reading the story. Giulia's crew keeps me in stitches; a little laughter is always a great touch in a book!
With Halloween right around the corner, Second to Nun is the perfect cozy-up-with-a-coffee read. You'll enjoy the story, the characters, and the "ghostly" mystery for sure!
(I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley. I thank them for their generosity. In exchange, I was simply asked to write an honest review, and post it. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.)
As soon as Giulia arrives, strange things do, indeed, start happening. But Giulia and Frank are absolutely convinced that logical, rational, and entirely human explanations exist for them all. Second to Nun has a great mix of excitement and suspense, and author Alice Loweecey knows how to end her chapters on the perfect note to make you want to keep reading the story. Giulia's crew keeps me in stitches; a little laughter is always a great touch in a book!
With Halloween right around the corner, Second to Nun is the perfect cozy-up-with-a-coffee read. You'll enjoy the story, the characters, and the "ghostly" mystery for sure!
(I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley. I thank them for their generosity. In exchange, I was simply asked to write an honest review, and post it. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.)
June 26, 2015
[I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley. I thank them for their generousity. In exchange, I was simply asked to write an honest review, and post it. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.]
Guilia Falcone- Driscoll, owner and lead investigator of Driscoll Investigations, has a case, or two, that could end up being the end of her company. She and her motley crew are up to their eyeballs in alligators with a divorce case and then a woman who runs a B+B grabs Guilia and drags her out of the office to begin a case that's way out on left field: her Inn is haunted and her psychic friend says only DI can "save her".
Reluctantly, Guilia takes the case, going undercover with husband Frank to try to get at the bottom of this. What unwinds is a legend, that frequently is embellished by Mac the owner, and may or may not have some truth to it. Is there a ghost? Is there buried treasure? Can Mac keep her B+B afloat? And how many ways can "The Scoop" tell the same story....
This is my first Alice Loweecey cosy mystery and I really liked it. It felt stiff in spots, but it was overall quite entertaining, keeping you guessing as it unfolded. It's a page turner for sure!
Guilia Falcone- Driscoll, owner and lead investigator of Driscoll Investigations, has a case, or two, that could end up being the end of her company. She and her motley crew are up to their eyeballs in alligators with a divorce case and then a woman who runs a B+B grabs Guilia and drags her out of the office to begin a case that's way out on left field: her Inn is haunted and her psychic friend says only DI can "save her".
Reluctantly, Guilia takes the case, going undercover with husband Frank to try to get at the bottom of this. What unwinds is a legend, that frequently is embellished by Mac the owner, and may or may not have some truth to it. Is there a ghost? Is there buried treasure? Can Mac keep her B+B afloat? And how many ways can "The Scoop" tell the same story....
This is my first Alice Loweecey cosy mystery and I really liked it. It felt stiff in spots, but it was overall quite entertaining, keeping you guessing as it unfolded. It's a page turner for sure!
June 25, 2015
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Driscoll Investigations is hired to evict the family ghost haunting Stone's Throw Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast. But Guilia Driscoll and her husband Frank soon find out that there are more suspects than the otherworldly kind. And the legend of hidden gold adds more than enough motive for attempted murder. Things get nasty when the owner almost falls to her death from the Widow's Walk, and Guilia is pushed down a flight of stairs by a flying clown doll. Could it be the owner herself? The psychic who channels the spirit of the family ghost? One of the guests staying at the B&B who wants to open their own Inn?
The ex-nun and her husband and Driscoll Investigations are great. I've never read any of the Guilia Driscoll series (Second to Nun is the second in the series, except for a short prequel), but it won't be my last. I intend to seek out the first book, Changing Habits, to find out how Guilia became Mrs. Driscoll and became a private investigator. This is "Mystery Lite", and is a refreshing read. I highly recommend.
Driscoll Investigations is hired to evict the family ghost haunting Stone's Throw Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast. But Guilia Driscoll and her husband Frank soon find out that there are more suspects than the otherworldly kind. And the legend of hidden gold adds more than enough motive for attempted murder. Things get nasty when the owner almost falls to her death from the Widow's Walk, and Guilia is pushed down a flight of stairs by a flying clown doll. Could it be the owner herself? The psychic who channels the spirit of the family ghost? One of the guests staying at the B&B who wants to open their own Inn?
The ex-nun and her husband and Driscoll Investigations are great. I've never read any of the Guilia Driscoll series (Second to Nun is the second in the series, except for a short prequel), but it won't be my last. I intend to seek out the first book, Changing Habits, to find out how Guilia became Mrs. Driscoll and became a private investigator. This is "Mystery Lite", and is a refreshing read. I highly recommend.
August 11, 2015
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
“Second to Nun” is a good old-fashioned crime novel – no murders or depraved villains, but plenty of skulduggery, family skeletons-in-the-closet, the odd dose of psychic mischief and a dogged private detective in ex-nun Giulia Driscoll. There are no horrors here for the more sensitive readers, and you could happily buy this book for your maiden aunt – or give it to children to read.
The story runs along nicely, and the whodunnit is not resolved until right near the end. As usual, there are many likely suspects for Giulia to work through – including the woman who hired her to solve the mystery of the poltergeist at the Stone’s Throw Bed and Breakfast.
The book is very easy to read, while still maintaining interest throughout with a twisting plot. I could see this being a successful pre-watershed TV series.
Not a book for those who like their crime novels dark, but a very relaxing, enjoyable read for readers who yearn for a less wicked world.
“Second to Nun” is a good old-fashioned crime novel – no murders or depraved villains, but plenty of skulduggery, family skeletons-in-the-closet, the odd dose of psychic mischief and a dogged private detective in ex-nun Giulia Driscoll. There are no horrors here for the more sensitive readers, and you could happily buy this book for your maiden aunt – or give it to children to read.
The story runs along nicely, and the whodunnit is not resolved until right near the end. As usual, there are many likely suspects for Giulia to work through – including the woman who hired her to solve the mystery of the poltergeist at the Stone’s Throw Bed and Breakfast.
The book is very easy to read, while still maintaining interest throughout with a twisting plot. I could see this being a successful pre-watershed TV series.
Not a book for those who like their crime novels dark, but a very relaxing, enjoyable read for readers who yearn for a less wicked world.
July 23, 2015
This is book two in the Giuila Driscoll mystery series featuring ex nun and private investigator Giuila. Office life is busy when you are trying to catch cheating husbands and other dishonest people , so when Giuila gets an unusual work offer to come stay at a scenic bed and breakfast at a lighthouse she jumps at the chance especially when she can bring along her lovely husband Frank. Something spooky is happening at the bed and breakfast and its owner believes there is a ghost trying to cause great harm that could be potentially fatal , it's up to Giuila and Frank to find out what exactly is going on before someone is found dead! This was the first time I read a book in this series and I truly loved it's setting and characters. Giuila makes a great main character and if the last page is anything to go by we are in for an exciting book 3 in this series !
I received a review copy from the lovely people over at Netgalley .
I received a review copy from the lovely people over at Netgalley .
September 11, 2015
It may seem crazy, but an ex-nun as a private detective makes for some good mystery writing. Admittedly, this book is better if you can remember the Stations of the Cross and how to complete a Rosary, but I think everyone can find some humor and enjoyment following the former sister as she continues to solve crimes while coming to terms with her own post-convent life. In this, the second full length offering in the series, Guilia has to solve the ghostly haunting of a bed and breakfast. Colorful characters populate the inn and make for a fun adventure. This would be a great vacation read or cozy weekend read (if we ever get a winter). I do caution readers that this continues a previous series (Falcone & Driscoll). So if you are like me and want to read things in order, read that series first! I will admit that I have added them to my wish list.
I received a preview copy from Netgalley in exchange for an objective review.
I received a preview copy from Netgalley in exchange for an objective review.
December 5, 2016
ARC provided by the Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first book by Alice Loweecey and as a cozy-mystery it gets good marks. The characters are interesting, but as #2 in the series, I felt at a loss sometimes without their histories. Need to read the Novella and #1 to know their backstories here. As far as this plot goes, I was pleasantly surprised that I missed the baddie and the motive.
Giulia is an ex-nun who became a private investigator. Her husband, Frank, is a homicide detective in a small town outside Pittsburg, PA. Giulia's client, Mac, is experiencing strange happenings at her B&B. she needs Giulia to find out what is going on. Is it the resident ghost, someone who wants her successful business, or someone who wants the Stone buried treasure?
Actual rating 3 1/2 stars
This is my first book by Alice Loweecey and as a cozy-mystery it gets good marks. The characters are interesting, but as #2 in the series, I felt at a loss sometimes without their histories. Need to read the Novella and #1 to know their backstories here. As far as this plot goes, I was pleasantly surprised that I missed the baddie and the motive.
Giulia is an ex-nun who became a private investigator. Her husband, Frank, is a homicide detective in a small town outside Pittsburg, PA. Giulia's client, Mac, is experiencing strange happenings at her B&B. she needs Giulia to find out what is going on. Is it the resident ghost, someone who wants her successful business, or someone who wants the Stone buried treasure?
Actual rating 3 1/2 stars
August 10, 2015
A cozy mystery written by an ex-nun, about an ex-nun who owns Driscoll Investigations. Former nun Giulia, her office administrator, Zane and office assistant, Sidney, have more cases than a cheating husband or two. When new client, Mac, hires Giulia to come to her B&B to investigate who or what is haunting it. Guilia and her husband Frank go to the B&B as honeymooners, trying to stay undercover all the time. From tarot cards to crystal balls. From palm readers to psychics. Whatever other worldly event is handed to Giulia and Frank it is handled with humor, understanding and perseverance.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 19, 2015
This is the second book in the Giulia Driscoll series and another nice easy read. Giulia is asked to investigate at a haunted B&B and to evict the resident ghost who is causing problems. Just who or what is responsible? It keeps your interest throughout whilst the mystery is being solved. Throw in some hidden gold to the mystery.
Giulia and her husband are interesting characters and I would be keen to read more in this series. I see that there is a short prequel released aswell- which I must try to read.
With many thanks to Net Galley for the chance to read the second book.
Giulia and her husband are interesting characters and I would be keen to read more in this series. I see that there is a short prequel released aswell- which I must try to read.
With many thanks to Net Galley for the chance to read the second book.
September 22, 2015
Many strange things are occurring at Stone House Lighthouse B&B. Driscoll Investigation is hired to find an answer. Giulis and Frank go undercover as guests on a vacation. Rumors abound about ghosts and a hidden pile of gold coins. The B&B has beach on a resort that popular. Is someone trying to scare the owner out of building so they can buy the resort at cut price? I recommend this series.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from HENERY PRESS through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for the opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from HENERY PRESS through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for the opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions are my own.
August 10, 2015
I really enjoy this series (Giulia Driscoll). I was so happy to see book two and the beginning chapter of book 3. Guilia runs her detective agency and is quite happily married since she left the convent. She and Frank are at a bed and breakfast to find the "ghost" threatening the owner. Great characters, a fantastic story line and humor make this cozy a real page turner.
August 13, 2015
This is a great series! I mean how can you go wrong with a Nun turned Investigator?? The author has a great way of capturing the audiences attention and holding it. Though this is the second book in the series it can be read as a stand alone. However, once you read this one you will want the entire series to read!
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.
June 6, 2015
Really slow read for me. Usually I just tear through a book. This book seemed to have lots of phrases/details that just didn't add much to the story. I'm not convinced that the main character being a former nun is all that important to the story, just another detail.
December 8, 2020
Fun cozy mystery featuring Giulia Driscoll, former nun turned private investigator. Giulia is called on to help a B&B owner rid her house of the family ghost. Giulia is too practical to believe in ghosts and has her sites set on determine the very real person causing trouble. There isn't an actual murder in the story but a couple of attempts along the way. The mystery is more about who is trying to sabotage the B&B.
December 9, 2015
Giulia Driscoll, private investigator, is in her office one morning when a woman rushes in and demands that she go with her across the street to see a psychic. Acquiescing, she discovers that the psychic, Rowan, has decreed her the 'veiled woman' and that she needs to help MacAllister 'Mac' Stone, the woman who came to her office. Mac runs a B&B called Stone's Throw, which is a renovated lighthouse, and it seems she has a haunting - a resident ghost - and she needs Giulia to help her get rid of it. Showing Guilia pictures of strange goings-on, she convinces her to find out the truth of what is happening. Although she doesn't believe it's a ghost, she agrees to help, and she and her husband Frank, a homicide detective, go to Stone's Throw posing as guests until Giulia can figure out what - or who - is doing their best to see that the business fails.
Eventually the 'accidents' escalate, and between her and Frank investigating on the sly, Giulia has no dearth of suspects. Everyone at the B&B is on her list, along with Mac's nephew, Walter, who runs a boat rental on the beach, and Lucy, the housekeeper. In fact, the only one she's scratched off the list is the handyman who has to keep repairing the damage the 'ghost' is doing.
I really loved this book, and can't say enough good things about it. Giulia is an ex-nun-turned-investigator, and has seen it all. She's barely finishing a cheating husband case (and not very pleasant for her, but necessary just the same) when Mac rushes in demanding her help. So off she and Frank go to the B&B, doing their best to seem like a couple on a romantic getaway while trying to figure out what is going on and who is attempting to put Mac out of business.
But find out she does, and watching her put the pieces together is great fun. I love books that make me think, right along with the protagonist, and this book does exactly that. It's not an easy read, there is a slight otherworldly feel to it - due in part to the resident haunting - but Giulia gets the answers she's looking for, and therefore, so do we. When the end comes and the answers are revealed, it's almost sad to close the book.
To this end, Ms. Loweecey has given us another Giulia Driscoll mystery that's a worthy successor to the last, and I hope to see many more in the future. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review but this in no way influenced my decision.
Full review at: http://joannesbooks.blogspot.com/2015...
Eventually the 'accidents' escalate, and between her and Frank investigating on the sly, Giulia has no dearth of suspects. Everyone at the B&B is on her list, along with Mac's nephew, Walter, who runs a boat rental on the beach, and Lucy, the housekeeper. In fact, the only one she's scratched off the list is the handyman who has to keep repairing the damage the 'ghost' is doing.
I really loved this book, and can't say enough good things about it. Giulia is an ex-nun-turned-investigator, and has seen it all. She's barely finishing a cheating husband case (and not very pleasant for her, but necessary just the same) when Mac rushes in demanding her help. So off she and Frank go to the B&B, doing their best to seem like a couple on a romantic getaway while trying to figure out what is going on and who is attempting to put Mac out of business.
But find out she does, and watching her put the pieces together is great fun. I love books that make me think, right along with the protagonist, and this book does exactly that. It's not an easy read, there is a slight otherworldly feel to it - due in part to the resident haunting - but Giulia gets the answers she's looking for, and therefore, so do we. When the end comes and the answers are revealed, it's almost sad to close the book.
To this end, Ms. Loweecey has given us another Giulia Driscoll mystery that's a worthy successor to the last, and I hope to see many more in the future. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review but this in no way influenced my decision.
Full review at: http://joannesbooks.blogspot.com/2015...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2017
After ten years spent living with 150 nuns and attempting to believe the best in people, former Sister Mary Regina Coelis has adjusted to her new married life as Giulia Falcone Driscoll, private investigator.
While many of her cases are distasteful, usually her life is not in danger.
The day MacAllister Stone stormed into Giulia's office and forcibly dragged her across the street to the local fortune teller's storefront, life was not only about to get dangerous but also weird.
Mac, as everyone calls the vibrant, 70 year old woman, owns a lighthouse themed bed and breakfast. She claims it is haunted by a family ghost that is trying to evict her and her guests. The psychic, Lady Rowan, had told Mac to consult "she who uncovers the truth," who fortunately had a office across the street. There are other psychic connections throughout the book to "The Veiled Woman" and La Llorona, (a vision calling one to one's death) or the White Woman.
I will admit I am listening to Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor as I write this review. It makes great background music for any of the lighthouse tower scenes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho9rZ...
When she learns more about this case, Giulia muses that she "was thinking that removing a ghost requires a different type of investigator." however, when she sees what she will be paid, she dismisses her thoughts about it being a "one-in-one-thousand chance the troubles are supernatural" and makes arrangements for her police detective husband to accompany her on a mini investigating vacation at Stone's Throw.
This book is a mixture of kitsch and cozy and well thought out clues to follow, along with slight references to Scooby Doo. The suspects are interesting enough, all with possible motives.
There is creative, colorful dialogue, such as "the guests...resembled an explosion in a crayon factory," and "By this time the ghost ought to be able to give a TED talk on multitasking."
Giulia observed that the psychic suspects were not "following the huckster's rulebook," meaning following common patterns of swindlers. I also appreciated that Giulia used ANY resources at her disposal including internet searches for how to lift fingerprints and praying to whichever patron saint covered retrieving clear prints.
A fun, well paced cozy that is not like all the others.
I did receive this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
While many of her cases are distasteful, usually her life is not in danger.
The day MacAllister Stone stormed into Giulia's office and forcibly dragged her across the street to the local fortune teller's storefront, life was not only about to get dangerous but also weird.
Mac, as everyone calls the vibrant, 70 year old woman, owns a lighthouse themed bed and breakfast. She claims it is haunted by a family ghost that is trying to evict her and her guests. The psychic, Lady Rowan, had told Mac to consult "she who uncovers the truth," who fortunately had a office across the street. There are other psychic connections throughout the book to "The Veiled Woman" and La Llorona, (a vision calling one to one's death) or the White Woman.
I will admit I am listening to Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor as I write this review. It makes great background music for any of the lighthouse tower scenes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho9rZ...
When she learns more about this case, Giulia muses that she "was thinking that removing a ghost requires a different type of investigator." however, when she sees what she will be paid, she dismisses her thoughts about it being a "one-in-one-thousand chance the troubles are supernatural" and makes arrangements for her police detective husband to accompany her on a mini investigating vacation at Stone's Throw.
This book is a mixture of kitsch and cozy and well thought out clues to follow, along with slight references to Scooby Doo. The suspects are interesting enough, all with possible motives.
There is creative, colorful dialogue, such as "the guests...resembled an explosion in a crayon factory," and "By this time the ghost ought to be able to give a TED talk on multitasking."
Giulia observed that the psychic suspects were not "following the huckster's rulebook," meaning following common patterns of swindlers. I also appreciated that Giulia used ANY resources at her disposal including internet searches for how to lift fingerprints and praying to whichever patron saint covered retrieving clear prints.
A fun, well paced cozy that is not like all the others.
I did receive this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
September 4, 2016
This is the second book in the Giulia Driscoll Series. Giulia, Sydney, Zane and Jane staff the business, but her husband Frank, a police detective, helps out so much that he may as well still be on the payroll. It may seem unbelievable that an ex-nun runs a private investigation business, but it makes for some fun reading, especially when she is having second thoughts about lying and deceiving others while coming to terms with her own post-convent life.
Giulia Driscoll and her staff are skeptical about taking on the "case of the haunted lighthouse." She is used to doing background checks, finding embezzlers and trailing cheating spouses, not chasing down ghosts. "Mac" the owner of the B&B housed in the lighthouse, offers her a large sum of money to help out and Giulia really likes her, so she takes the case. She and Frank are given an open invitation to take up temporary residence at the Bed & Breakfast to determine whether there is a ghost or if the so called psychic that does seances weekly behind the eerie happenings. Giulia quickly enlists her husband Frank's help, using the guise of a much needed get-away for the two workaholics.
Once Giulia arrives, strange things do happen, but Giulia and Frank are absolutely convinced that logical, rational, and entirely human explanations exist for them. They have a list of suspects to investigate as more and more unexplained things occur. Second to Nun has a great mix of excitement and suspense, and once I started reading, I could not wait to get to the end to find out who "the ghost" really was. Several different suspects took center stage in my mind as I read, and I did not figure out the culprit until just before it was revealed in the story. Giulia's crew keeps me laughing and that never hurts when reading a fun cozy mystery like this one. A great book for cozy mystery lovers who also like a little humor in the story.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Giulia Driscoll and her staff are skeptical about taking on the "case of the haunted lighthouse." She is used to doing background checks, finding embezzlers and trailing cheating spouses, not chasing down ghosts. "Mac" the owner of the B&B housed in the lighthouse, offers her a large sum of money to help out and Giulia really likes her, so she takes the case. She and Frank are given an open invitation to take up temporary residence at the Bed & Breakfast to determine whether there is a ghost or if the so called psychic that does seances weekly behind the eerie happenings. Giulia quickly enlists her husband Frank's help, using the guise of a much needed get-away for the two workaholics.
Once Giulia arrives, strange things do happen, but Giulia and Frank are absolutely convinced that logical, rational, and entirely human explanations exist for them. They have a list of suspects to investigate as more and more unexplained things occur. Second to Nun has a great mix of excitement and suspense, and once I started reading, I could not wait to get to the end to find out who "the ghost" really was. Several different suspects took center stage in my mind as I read, and I did not figure out the culprit until just before it was revealed in the story. Giulia's crew keeps me laughing and that never hurts when reading a fun cozy mystery like this one. A great book for cozy mystery lovers who also like a little humor in the story.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in return for an honest review.
May 21, 2017
Guilia Driscoll, of Driscoll Investigations is finding her company is taking a well-deserved slow down after her last murder case. That is until...
Guilia finds herself summoned across the street to a fellow businesswoman's aid. Psychic Tarot card reader, Rowan has a client who needs the aid of the women with a 'veil.' This must be Guilia as she was formerly a Franciscan Nun. The woman, Mac, owns and operates a Bed and Breakfast on a comely lakefront. Mac is willing to have both Guilia and her husband, Frank, a homicide detective stay as her guests for as long as it takes. What is the issue that Mac needs investigated?
A family ghost. This ghost has treasure that some people will vandalize, taint foods, and may even stoop to murder for. Is the wailing woman truly a ghost? This B & B even has a weekly séance. The location is lovely but does Guilia with her beliefs really want to take this case?
The decision is made and both Frank and Guilia pack up to spend a week or two finding out whether the trouble makers are human or spirit.
As usual, this novel is filled with humor and interesting scenes. The dialog keeps you pacing quickly through the pages. I'm looking forward to the next escapade of Guilia and Frank.
Guilia finds herself summoned across the street to a fellow businesswoman's aid. Psychic Tarot card reader, Rowan has a client who needs the aid of the women with a 'veil.' This must be Guilia as she was formerly a Franciscan Nun. The woman, Mac, owns and operates a Bed and Breakfast on a comely lakefront. Mac is willing to have both Guilia and her husband, Frank, a homicide detective stay as her guests for as long as it takes. What is the issue that Mac needs investigated?
A family ghost. This ghost has treasure that some people will vandalize, taint foods, and may even stoop to murder for. Is the wailing woman truly a ghost? This B & B even has a weekly séance. The location is lovely but does Guilia with her beliefs really want to take this case?
The decision is made and both Frank and Guilia pack up to spend a week or two finding out whether the trouble makers are human or spirit.
As usual, this novel is filled with humor and interesting scenes. The dialog keeps you pacing quickly through the pages. I'm looking forward to the next escapade of Guilia and Frank.
January 19, 2016
Princess Fuzzypants here. Even though the animals are minor characters in this book, I enjoyed it well enough to want to write the review.
Some books are good and some book are great. Many times the difference is the hook on which the stories evolve. This one is a real treat.
Former nun, Giulia, is now married to a police officer and runs her own Private Investigation business. She and her team are good, really good, so it is not surprising when she is hired to help the owner of a B & B find out who is trying to drive her out of business.
Is it one of guests, someone else corporeal, or perhaps the family ghost. The attacks ramp up after Giulia and her husband Frank check. They go from nasty to downright murderous. The local police and EMT's are on speed-dial.
Giulia is able to sort through what is real and what is not and uncover the villains but not before there are pages of entertaining storyline, well sculpted characters and sparking dialogue.
It is nice when the reader gets to enjoy a book that the action lifts off the page. This one does just that.
We definitely give this book five purrs and two paws up and recommend it highly.
Some books are good and some book are great. Many times the difference is the hook on which the stories evolve. This one is a real treat.
Former nun, Giulia, is now married to a police officer and runs her own Private Investigation business. She and her team are good, really good, so it is not surprising when she is hired to help the owner of a B & B find out who is trying to drive her out of business.
Is it one of guests, someone else corporeal, or perhaps the family ghost. The attacks ramp up after Giulia and her husband Frank check. They go from nasty to downright murderous. The local police and EMT's are on speed-dial.
Giulia is able to sort through what is real and what is not and uncover the villains but not before there are pages of entertaining storyline, well sculpted characters and sparking dialogue.
It is nice when the reader gets to enjoy a book that the action lifts off the page. This one does just that.
We definitely give this book five purrs and two paws up and recommend it highly.
December 16, 2018
Giulia and Frank work together
I enjoyed this book but found it to be a little long! When I got into chapters 41 and up, I stopped reading this book sand read a Christmas novella, and after finishing that, did finish this book. Too many suspects so I did not have it figured out until the end! Going to try one more “Nun” book before I give up! I really wanted to love the book!’
I enjoyed this book but found it to be a little long! When I got into chapters 41 and up, I stopped reading this book sand read a Christmas novella, and after finishing that, did finish this book. Too many suspects so I did not have it figured out until the end! Going to try one more “Nun” book before I give up! I really wanted to love the book!’
September 19, 2017
This is a really good mystery story that actually answers all the question asked. Except one, how did the dog get hurt and did anyone ever take the poor thing to a vet? I really did love it and can't wait for the next one!
Giulia is my new hero, she and Frank are a great team. His family are great too, I wonder if her family will come around?
Giulia is my new hero, she and Frank are a great team. His family are great too, I wonder if her family will come around?
November 5, 2017
Second to Nun
This was another great book by Alice Loweecey in the Giulia Driscoll Mystery Books. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was suspenseful and fun at the same time. Love the characters. Looking forward to reading book #3 in this series.
This was another great book by Alice Loweecey in the Giulia Driscoll Mystery Books. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was suspenseful and fun at the same time. Love the characters. Looking forward to reading book #3 in this series.
May 19, 2017
Entertaining and fun to be able to pick up when I found precious minutes to read. I didn't lose track of what I had read. I'll definitely read another by this author.
July 29, 2021
The main character, Giulia Driscoll, is a former nun who now owns and runs a PI firm. She is hired to find out who is causing problems at a historic bed and breakfast. She and her husband, Frank, go there as guests to investigate. The book was an easy and quick read with short chapters.
May 6, 2021
Enjoyed the book, the mystery was a bit over-the-top, but not by much. Made for a pleasant read.
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