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Family Fortune Mystery #4
An Unhappy Medium
Psychic Clyde Fortune and her zany family are back in the fourth in the national bestselling series from the author of A Fright to the Death .
Former cop and novice psychic Clyde Fortune finds herself in a race for justice when a Zombie Fun Run turns deadly...
All of Crystal Haven, Michigan, is psyching up to participate in a Zombie Fun Run organized by Clyde’s nephew Seth, but Clyde is fretful about the undead festivities. For one thing, her sister, Grace, has unexpectedly returned to town after fifteen years. For another, Clyde has the nagging feeling that something is about to go wrong...
When one of the zombie runners is found murdered and then Grace disappears, Clyde realizes her grim premonition is dead-on. Now, she and her police detective boyfriend Mac must find a ghoulish murderer before someone points the finger at Grace. And when a tangled web of family secrets and old grudges combines with a mysterious case of stolen diamonds, even someone as quick-witted as Clyde might not be able to outrun a killer...
Former cop and novice psychic Clyde Fortune finds herself in a race for justice when a Zombie Fun Run turns deadly...
All of Crystal Haven, Michigan, is psyching up to participate in a Zombie Fun Run organized by Clyde’s nephew Seth, but Clyde is fretful about the undead festivities. For one thing, her sister, Grace, has unexpectedly returned to town after fifteen years. For another, Clyde has the nagging feeling that something is about to go wrong...
When one of the zombie runners is found murdered and then Grace disappears, Clyde realizes her grim premonition is dead-on. Now, she and her police detective boyfriend Mac must find a ghoulish murderer before someone points the finger at Grace. And when a tangled web of family secrets and old grudges combines with a mysterious case of stolen diamonds, even someone as quick-witted as Clyde might not be able to outrun a killer...
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 5, 2016
28 people are currently reading
993 people want to read
About the author
Dawn Eastman
8 books414 followersDawn lived in Michigan for many years, in a house full of animals, unusual people, and laughter. She now lives in Iowa with her husband, son, daughter, and one extremely bossy small dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
June 20, 2020
This story was just loads of fun! It was a very quick, light read that was full of action. There is a small town full of some slightly unusual people that love things related to fortune telling like magic shops, tarots, mediums, etc and the town is in Michigan..the book even features a zombie run! Of course pretty soon someone ends up dead so the main character starts snooping. And that's when more fun happens. And lots of unexpected plot twists too.
One little downside to this book is the very large extended family in it. It took me awhile to remember who was who but soon I had it all figured out. It probably would have been a lot easier if I had read the other books in this series first...but I jumped in with this one instead. And it seems this is book number 4. But that didn't seem to affect the plot or anything. I was easily able to read this one without any difficulty due to it being number 4.
I liked the characters in here but I think I liked the two dogs the most! And I'm not really a dog person but I do think dogs are cute..and the cover image is just gorgeous!
I was having so much fun reading this I didn't even stop to guess who the killer was because I was too busy flipping the pages! And there was some little scares and danger at the end too. A nice light read..
One little downside to this book is the very large extended family in it. It took me awhile to remember who was who but soon I had it all figured out. It probably would have been a lot easier if I had read the other books in this series first...but I jumped in with this one instead. And it seems this is book number 4. But that didn't seem to affect the plot or anything. I was easily able to read this one without any difficulty due to it being number 4.
I liked the characters in here but I think I liked the two dogs the most! And I'm not really a dog person but I do think dogs are cute..and the cover image is just gorgeous!
I was having so much fun reading this I didn't even stop to guess who the killer was because I was too busy flipping the pages! And there was some little scares and danger at the end too. A nice light read..
January 19, 2018
Crystal Haven, Michigan is home to psychics, pet whisperers, fortune tellers and everyone who practices some sort of paranormal trade. Clyde Fortune is a former cop who is a very good psychic and she is elbow deep in Zombies. Her nephew Seth has organized a Zombie Apoclypse Fun Run to benefit the local animal rescue league.Clyde's sister and Seth's mother Grace has returned to town after being gone for 15 years. She has a nagging feeling that something bad is about to happen. When a zombie runner is found dead, Grace becomes a prime suspect in his murder because of their past history. Then Grace disappears and Clyde is left to sort out the death, old history and what is really going on with Grace and her husband!
This has been a fun series to read. I really enjoyed the first three books and this one also hit all the right notes. The writing moves fast and clear. The characters are fleshed out and entertaining. The psychic background is interesting and the murder plots well thought out and give us a fun adventure. I think you would enjoy this series best by starting with the first book. A fun, exciting and entertaining adventure.
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This has been a fun series to read. I really enjoyed the first three books and this one also hit all the right notes. The writing moves fast and clear. The characters are fleshed out and entertaining. The psychic background is interesting and the murder plots well thought out and give us a fun adventure. I think you would enjoy this series best by starting with the first book. A fun, exciting and entertaining adventure.
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September 20, 2016
An Unhappy Medium is the 4th book in the Family Fortune Mystery series. Crystal Haven Michigan is a tourist town due to the psychics, tarot readers and selling of crystals and new age items . A zombie run for charity was added to the annual Founder's Day celebration. A dead body was discovered after the race. Clyde becomes involved with solving the mystery as her part of her family could have been involved or targeted.
Clyde's sister Grace, her husband Paul and daughter return for a visit after being gone for many years. Clyde is getting feeling of dread associated with this visit and the reader finds out her feelings ring true.
I have always liked this series due to the humor and zany family members. I particularly like the relationship between Clyde and her nephew Seth. The family dogs always entertain. If you like light paranormal cozy mysteries with humor and zany characters you should enjoy this series.
Clyde's sister Grace, her husband Paul and daughter return for a visit after being gone for many years. Clyde is getting feeling of dread associated with this visit and the reader finds out her feelings ring true.
I have always liked this series due to the humor and zany family members. I particularly like the relationship between Clyde and her nephew Seth. The family dogs always entertain. If you like light paranormal cozy mysteries with humor and zany characters you should enjoy this series.
February 17, 2017
This series is a favourite of mine.
Entertaining characters, and a great whodunit.
I hope there are more in the series to look forward to.
Entertaining characters, and a great whodunit.
I hope there are more in the series to look forward to.
December 10, 2017
My chest burned, my legs ached, and I felt a cramp in the vicinity of my liver.
Clyde is training for a Zombie Fun Run organized by her nephew, Seth, to benefit the local animal shelter. In addition to the agony she feels from her physical torture, Clyde learns that her sister Grace is coming home for the first time in fifteen years.
Grace's return is fraught with mystery and intrigue. She has an agenda that Clyde is not necessarily on board with. When a pirate zombie is discovered dead after the run all eyes turn to Grace. Then Grace and her husband go missing and Clyde is once again thrown into an investigation.
This series gets better with each book. We learn more about the Fortune family and their individual abilities. I can't wait to see what Seth's sister, Sophie, can do. Aunt Vi is one of my all time favorite characters. In my mind I match make for her with characters from other series.
There are plenty of twists and turn this time around. Grace's back story is interesting and I hope that it will be examined more in future books. I love how Mac takes the Fortune family in stride. The support he gives Clyde makes me happy. They make a great investigative team. Thank goodness Seth listens to his animal friends! It certainly comes in handy in stressful and emergency situations.
We learn that family secrets don't stay hidden very long in Crystal Haven. This was a huge part of the storyline.
This is a wonderful series that I highly recommend.
Clyde is training for a Zombie Fun Run organized by her nephew, Seth, to benefit the local animal shelter. In addition to the agony she feels from her physical torture, Clyde learns that her sister Grace is coming home for the first time in fifteen years.
Grace's return is fraught with mystery and intrigue. She has an agenda that Clyde is not necessarily on board with. When a pirate zombie is discovered dead after the run all eyes turn to Grace. Then Grace and her husband go missing and Clyde is once again thrown into an investigation.
This series gets better with each book. We learn more about the Fortune family and their individual abilities. I can't wait to see what Seth's sister, Sophie, can do. Aunt Vi is one of my all time favorite characters. In my mind I match make for her with characters from other series.
There are plenty of twists and turn this time around. Grace's back story is interesting and I hope that it will be examined more in future books. I love how Mac takes the Fortune family in stride. The support he gives Clyde makes me happy. They make a great investigative team. Thank goodness Seth listens to his animal friends! It certainly comes in handy in stressful and emergency situations.
We learn that family secrets don't stay hidden very long in Crystal Haven. This was a huge part of the storyline.
This is a wonderful series that I highly recommend.
April 29, 2016
I’ve been following this series almost from the beginning, and in many ways, it just keeps getting better. This book really pulled me in from the start. I always enjoy Clyde and Mac, Clyde’s nephew Seth, the two dogs, and the whole psychic, eccentric Fortune family. Throw in an unexpected visit from Clyde’s sister and brother-in-law leading to even more unexpected revelations, a zombie run, a case of possibly mistaken identity, a dead zombie (if that’s not an oxymoron), missing diamonds, and a charming seven-year-old, and I was definitely hooked. The book-to-book character development and ongoing subplot arcs were the icing on the cake.
The only weak spot for me was the wrap-up. The murderer’s identity came as a surprise to me — and to pretty much everyone in the book as well, I think. That’s a good thing; I like it when the author can keep me guessing right up to the end. However, the denouement felt a little rushed and a little weak: everything was explained satisfactorily, and yet I didn’t have that feeling of “Ah, of course! Now it all makes sense” that I usually get at the end of the mystery. It almost seemed as though, with a different explanation of the same events, someone else could have been the villain. (No one in particular, or rather, any of several someones.)
That barely dimmed my overall enjoyment at all, though. I don’t know how the author first came up with this cast of characters and their endearingly offbeat little town, but I hope she keeps writing about them for a long time. Especially because Clyde and Mac’s relationship seems to deepen with each book. Thank you, Ms. Eastman, for not writing one of those “on-again, off-again” romances. These two make a great pair, as people as well as crime-solvers. I look forward to their next adventure!
Review originally published at The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
FTC disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher for a blog tour. All opinions are entirely my own.
The only weak spot for me was the wrap-up. The murderer’s identity came as a surprise to me — and to pretty much everyone in the book as well, I think. That’s a good thing; I like it when the author can keep me guessing right up to the end. However, the denouement felt a little rushed and a little weak: everything was explained satisfactorily, and yet I didn’t have that feeling of “Ah, of course! Now it all makes sense” that I usually get at the end of the mystery. It almost seemed as though, with a different explanation of the same events, someone else could have been the villain. (No one in particular, or rather, any of several someones.)
That barely dimmed my overall enjoyment at all, though. I don’t know how the author first came up with this cast of characters and their endearingly offbeat little town, but I hope she keeps writing about them for a long time. Especially because Clyde and Mac’s relationship seems to deepen with each book. Thank you, Ms. Eastman, for not writing one of those “on-again, off-again” romances. These two make a great pair, as people as well as crime-solvers. I look forward to their next adventure!
Review originally published at The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
FTC disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher for a blog tour. All opinions are entirely my own.
July 12, 2017
For complete review check out my blog at https://booksaplentybookreviews.blogs...
November 7, 2022
I really enjoyed this one, but I'm sad that the series is over as it feels a tad unfinished...
March 26, 2016
Fans of the Family Fortune Mystery series are going to love this newest installment!
It’s hard to believe that author Dawn Eastman is already to book four in this series. What’s not hard to believe is that the Family Fortune series has such a following of fans. It really is a delightful para-cozy series.
Ms. Eastman doesn’t disappoint with AN UNHAPPY MEDIUM. Clyde Fortune and her fun family are back and as quirky as ever. And what is more fitting for this town full of characters than a zombie run? Oh yeah, a zombie run with a real dead body.
Creatively written, with twists, turns, and sub stories, author Eastmen had me guessing and second guessing myself through the entire book. I was dead wrong in my guesses, leading to the reveal taking me by surprise.
As I mentioned, returning fans with be thrilled with AN UNHAPPY MEDIUM. And all fans of para-cozies need to check out this series. You won’t be disappointed.
It’s hard to believe that author Dawn Eastman is already to book four in this series. What’s not hard to believe is that the Family Fortune series has such a following of fans. It really is a delightful para-cozy series.
Ms. Eastman doesn’t disappoint with AN UNHAPPY MEDIUM. Clyde Fortune and her fun family are back and as quirky as ever. And what is more fitting for this town full of characters than a zombie run? Oh yeah, a zombie run with a real dead body.
Creatively written, with twists, turns, and sub stories, author Eastmen had me guessing and second guessing myself through the entire book. I was dead wrong in my guesses, leading to the reveal taking me by surprise.
As I mentioned, returning fans with be thrilled with AN UNHAPPY MEDIUM. And all fans of para-cozies need to check out this series. You won’t be disappointed.
March 22, 2017
Won this in a Goodreads Giveaway! Yay!
So, finally got around to reading this, and once I really started, it went well. It being part of series, I was still able to get to know the characters without having read any other books in the series. I enjoyed seeing the different interactions, resolutions of long time feuds, family dynamics and everything else.
While the characters were enjoyable, the plot was a little lacking. It was okay, just not thrilling.
Good light read, easy and relaxing.
So, finally got around to reading this, and once I really started, it went well. It being part of series, I was still able to get to know the characters without having read any other books in the series. I enjoyed seeing the different interactions, resolutions of long time feuds, family dynamics and everything else.
While the characters were enjoyable, the plot was a little lacking. It was okay, just not thrilling.
Good light read, easy and relaxing.
July 14, 2017
I just love this series!
May 18, 2016
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An Unhappy Medium
A Family Fortune Mystery, Book #4
By Dawn Eastman
ISBN#9780425282809
Author Website: dawneastman.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
Former cop and novice psychic Clyde Fortune finds herself in a race for justice when a Zombie Fun Run turns deadly…
All of Crystal Haven, Michigan, is psyching up to participate in a Zombie Fun Run organized by Clyde’s nephew Seth, but Clyde is fretful about the undead festivities. For one thing, her sister, Grace, has unexpectedly returned to town after fifteen years. For another, Clyde has the nagging feeling that something is about to go wrong…
When one of the zombie runners is found murdered and then Grace disappears, Clyde realizes her grim premonition is dead-on. Now, she and her police detective boyfriend Mac must find a ghoulish murderer before someone points the finger at Grace. And when a tangled web of family secrets and old grudges combines with a mysterious case of stolen diamonds, even someone as quick-witted as Clyde might not be able to outrun a killer… (Goodreads.com)
Review:
All is not fun and games at annual Crystal Haven, Michigan, Founder’s Day celebration which includes a zombie fun run that benefits charity. Clyde Fortune’s nephew Seth has helped organized the run, and, despite some opposition to the zombie theme, everything seems well in hand. Seth is surprised when his parents, Grace and Paul, and his sister, Sophie, come to town to visit him. They arrive under the guise of congratulating Seth for his efforts, but Clyde gets an overwhelming feeling of dread from Grace, who has not been back to visit in fifteen years. Grace wants nothing to do with the paranormal nuances of Crystal Haven with its abundant psychic, tarot card reading, and other assorted businesses. When Dwight Vaughn, who wore an identical costume as Paul, is found stabbed after the race, everyone cannot help but wonder is Paul was the intended target. It is quickly revealed that Grace and Paul are facing some dangers of their own. To add to their troubles, Grace becomes a person of interest. Clyde must put her police experience, natural curiosity, and blossoming gifts to work to clear Grace’s name.
The Family Fortune Mystery series is one of my favorite series. An Unhappy Medium is the fourth installment, and it is full of delightful entertainment. All of the characters are well developed and so much fun to hang out with. Clyde and her boyfriend Mac are smart and likable, and I appreciate their committed relationship (no love triangle). Clyde’s family is full of zany characters. From her aunt Vi, who I alternately want to hug and lock up, to her long suffering father, they keep me in stitches. Clyde’s rapport with her nephew Seth is quite endearing, and I look forward to seeing how their relationship grows and changes as Seth matures. The family’s antics remind me of Donna Andrew’s Meg Langslow mystery series.
Though the town is full of residents with special talents, I find the paranormal aspect rather played down in the series. This book focuses a bit more on Clyde’s psychic abilities, but this should not deter non-paranormal readers from enjoying the story. For anyone, like me, who does not care much for zombies, the zombie run is a small portion of the book, and there are no real zombies to be found.
There is a lot going on in An Unhappy Medium. With a murder to solve, a possible theft of some diamonds, and Grace and Paul’s work related troubles, there is plenty to keep the reader guessing until the end of the book. If anything fell a bit short for me, it is Grace’s storyline. Honestly, I do not like Grace much, so I think my opinion of everything having to do with her is a little skewed.
I really enjoyed An Unhappy Medium and recommend it highly to fans of the series, readers who enjoy paranormal cozies (and those who do not think they do), and those who value enjoyable characters and laugh out loud moments.
An Unhappy Medium
A Family Fortune Mystery, Book #4
By Dawn Eastman
ISBN#9780425282809
Author Website: dawneastman.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
Former cop and novice psychic Clyde Fortune finds herself in a race for justice when a Zombie Fun Run turns deadly…
All of Crystal Haven, Michigan, is psyching up to participate in a Zombie Fun Run organized by Clyde’s nephew Seth, but Clyde is fretful about the undead festivities. For one thing, her sister, Grace, has unexpectedly returned to town after fifteen years. For another, Clyde has the nagging feeling that something is about to go wrong…
When one of the zombie runners is found murdered and then Grace disappears, Clyde realizes her grim premonition is dead-on. Now, she and her police detective boyfriend Mac must find a ghoulish murderer before someone points the finger at Grace. And when a tangled web of family secrets and old grudges combines with a mysterious case of stolen diamonds, even someone as quick-witted as Clyde might not be able to outrun a killer… (Goodreads.com)
Review:
All is not fun and games at annual Crystal Haven, Michigan, Founder’s Day celebration which includes a zombie fun run that benefits charity. Clyde Fortune’s nephew Seth has helped organized the run, and, despite some opposition to the zombie theme, everything seems well in hand. Seth is surprised when his parents, Grace and Paul, and his sister, Sophie, come to town to visit him. They arrive under the guise of congratulating Seth for his efforts, but Clyde gets an overwhelming feeling of dread from Grace, who has not been back to visit in fifteen years. Grace wants nothing to do with the paranormal nuances of Crystal Haven with its abundant psychic, tarot card reading, and other assorted businesses. When Dwight Vaughn, who wore an identical costume as Paul, is found stabbed after the race, everyone cannot help but wonder is Paul was the intended target. It is quickly revealed that Grace and Paul are facing some dangers of their own. To add to their troubles, Grace becomes a person of interest. Clyde must put her police experience, natural curiosity, and blossoming gifts to work to clear Grace’s name.
The Family Fortune Mystery series is one of my favorite series. An Unhappy Medium is the fourth installment, and it is full of delightful entertainment. All of the characters are well developed and so much fun to hang out with. Clyde and her boyfriend Mac are smart and likable, and I appreciate their committed relationship (no love triangle). Clyde’s family is full of zany characters. From her aunt Vi, who I alternately want to hug and lock up, to her long suffering father, they keep me in stitches. Clyde’s rapport with her nephew Seth is quite endearing, and I look forward to seeing how their relationship grows and changes as Seth matures. The family’s antics remind me of Donna Andrew’s Meg Langslow mystery series.
Though the town is full of residents with special talents, I find the paranormal aspect rather played down in the series. This book focuses a bit more on Clyde’s psychic abilities, but this should not deter non-paranormal readers from enjoying the story. For anyone, like me, who does not care much for zombies, the zombie run is a small portion of the book, and there are no real zombies to be found.
There is a lot going on in An Unhappy Medium. With a murder to solve, a possible theft of some diamonds, and Grace and Paul’s work related troubles, there is plenty to keep the reader guessing until the end of the book. If anything fell a bit short for me, it is Grace’s storyline. Honestly, I do not like Grace much, so I think my opinion of everything having to do with her is a little skewed.
I really enjoyed An Unhappy Medium and recommend it highly to fans of the series, readers who enjoy paranormal cozies (and those who do not think they do), and those who value enjoyable characters and laugh out loud moments.
April 10, 2016
Check out my other reviews, discussions and link ups at Fantasy of the Silver Dragon.
I received this book for free from Berkley Prime Crime in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I haven't read any books in this series before. And usually with cozy mysteries that isn't a problem. For the most part, it wasn't. Enough was explained as I read, that the only thing I was left in the dark about was Clyde's gift. You get a few tiny hints, but mostly you were expected to know what she was able to do already. At least until close to half-way through the book. A better explanation of her gift was towards the end.
Kind of a silly quibble, but Clyde? For a girl? Yes, it's short for a much longer (no idea whatsoever how to pronounce!) name. But even the longer version was weird. Her older sister is named Grace. And no one else in the town had a name as strange as Clyde's. It kind of reminded me of special-snowflake syndrome, only in those cases the name would have been pretty, or snobby, not boyish.
It was also strange to me, how Clyde said she was unemployed. Yet, technically she was in business with her Aunt Vi, using one of her gifts to find lost pets and objects. It didn't sound like she had many customers, and she was happy about that. But if she wasn't making money at her 'job', how did she have enough money for take out for nearly every dinner? Was her boyfriend Mac making enough money as a police officer to support 3 people?
I did like how the mystery unfolded. And the way Clyde's family was together. I didn't much like Aunt Vi, or Grace, but I really liked the other characters in the book. Seth and Sophie were adorable, well, Sophie more than Seth! But Seth was a believable teenage boy.
I loved the twists and turns. There were side mysteries as well as the main one. And I had no idea at all who the killer was, even up to the reveal at the end. I had a few guesses, but nothing that really made me go "I think so-and-so did it." I also liked how everyone who had a gift had something different.
This review was originally posted on Fantasy of the Silver Dragon
I received this book for free from Berkley Prime Crime in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I haven't read any books in this series before. And usually with cozy mysteries that isn't a problem. For the most part, it wasn't. Enough was explained as I read, that the only thing I was left in the dark about was Clyde's gift. You get a few tiny hints, but mostly you were expected to know what she was able to do already. At least until close to half-way through the book. A better explanation of her gift was towards the end.
Kind of a silly quibble, but Clyde? For a girl? Yes, it's short for a much longer (no idea whatsoever how to pronounce!) name. But even the longer version was weird. Her older sister is named Grace. And no one else in the town had a name as strange as Clyde's. It kind of reminded me of special-snowflake syndrome, only in those cases the name would have been pretty, or snobby, not boyish.
It was also strange to me, how Clyde said she was unemployed. Yet, technically she was in business with her Aunt Vi, using one of her gifts to find lost pets and objects. It didn't sound like she had many customers, and she was happy about that. But if she wasn't making money at her 'job', how did she have enough money for take out for nearly every dinner? Was her boyfriend Mac making enough money as a police officer to support 3 people?
I did like how the mystery unfolded. And the way Clyde's family was together. I didn't much like Aunt Vi, or Grace, but I really liked the other characters in the book. Seth and Sophie were adorable, well, Sophie more than Seth! But Seth was a believable teenage boy.
I loved the twists and turns. There were side mysteries as well as the main one. And I had no idea at all who the killer was, even up to the reveal at the end. I had a few guesses, but nothing that really made me go "I think so-and-so did it." I also liked how everyone who had a gift had something different.
This review was originally posted on Fantasy of the Silver Dragon
June 24, 2016
I love love love this series. It is getting better with each book as Clyde starts to delve further into her "abilities." Crystal Haven, MI is celebrating Founders Day which is kicking off with a zombie fun run organized by Clyde's nephew Seth. Unexpectedly, Clyde's sister Grace and her husband decide to come into town to participate in the festivities. Clyde knows something isn't right because Grace hasn't been back to Crystal Haven in 15 years. When one of the zombie runners, who has old ties to Grace ends up dead, fingers start pointing. Clyde has to work with Mac to clear Grace's name and find the real killer.
May 3, 2016
Dawn Eastman is a master story-teller. This book was utterly fantastic. I loved the fact that Clyde's sister Grace came back and that she has dark secrets that put her and her family in danger.
The author weaves such a believable story that I want to visit Crystal Haven!
The zombie run was the perfect setting and it was great fun to read about the zany antics of the Fortune family. This is my favorite go to series and I am anxiously waiting for the next book!
This book deserves at least 10 stars!
The author weaves such a believable story that I want to visit Crystal Haven!
The zombie run was the perfect setting and it was great fun to read about the zany antics of the Fortune family. This is my favorite go to series and I am anxiously waiting for the next book!
This book deserves at least 10 stars!
August 28, 2016
I liked all the books in the series but this one is the best yet. The charity zombie run was a great start into the murder case. And we finally got to meet Clyde's sister Grace and the rest of her family. I don't want to give away too much but I liked how this connected to a red herring that was introduced in the previous books already. Very nicely done and still an ongoing mystery....
Lots of fun and interesting twists and turns and I didn't figure out who the culprit was until it was revealed.
Lots of fun and interesting twists and turns and I didn't figure out who the culprit was until it was revealed.
March 28, 2016
One of the things I like about An Unhappy Medium is that you learn more about Crystal Haven and the towns history. This story will take you along for the run, with main character Clyde's, her eccentric Aunt and eclectic family this mystery is exciting and it is endearing.
This is only one of the the reasons I pre order each book in this series and why I think you should order this series and add it to your favorites list!
This is only one of the the reasons I pre order each book in this series and why I think you should order this series and add it to your favorites list!
April 19, 2016
Not the best in the series but still an engaging read. There wasn't a lot of real excitement but there was enough mystery to keep me turning pages. The pace was steady and most of the characters were interesting (and quirky). I liked the unresolved situation with Clyde's sister and her husband. I suspect it will go on thru the next book or two. All in all, I did like the book.
November 28, 2018
Time to fess up. Won this book from Escape With Dollycas Into a Good Book earlier this year. I had the first 3 books on my to read shelf, but hadn't started the series yet. Finally got started the week of Thanksgiving, and this has become one of my favorites.
I love the Fortune family, all of the wacky members, and poor Clyde, our heroine, is lucky to retain her sanity 50% of the time. I think Aunt Vi would drive me clear out of my mind.
While Clyde continues to cope with the family, tries to adjust to living again in Crystal Haven, MI, and further her romance with Mac, her homicide detective, she finds that she has another murder to solve. This one might also involve her older sister Grace, who has returned to town with her husband and 7 year old daughter Sophie. Seth, Grace and Paul's 14 year old son, is already happily living with Clyde, having relocated to MI from NY earlier in the year.
I have found I have to read the books in one sitting, I can't seem to put them down once I start, and with this installment the author Dawn Eastman, has upped her game so much that I really don't know how I'll stand to wait for the next book. Hope she writes FAST!!
I love the Fortune family, all of the wacky members, and poor Clyde, our heroine, is lucky to retain her sanity 50% of the time. I think Aunt Vi would drive me clear out of my mind.
While Clyde continues to cope with the family, tries to adjust to living again in Crystal Haven, MI, and further her romance with Mac, her homicide detective, she finds that she has another murder to solve. This one might also involve her older sister Grace, who has returned to town with her husband and 7 year old daughter Sophie. Seth, Grace and Paul's 14 year old son, is already happily living with Clyde, having relocated to MI from NY earlier in the year.
I have found I have to read the books in one sitting, I can't seem to put them down once I start, and with this installment the author Dawn Eastman, has upped her game so much that I really don't know how I'll stand to wait for the next book. Hope she writes FAST!!
March 3, 2018
The entire town of Crystal Haven is gearing up for its annual Founders' Day fest, featuring a Zombie Fun Run that Clyde's nephew, Seth, has organized. Clyde can't help but feel uneasy about the festivities, and when her sister, Grace, returns to town after staying away for the past fifteen years, it only adds to Clyde's sense of impending doom. Her prediction seems to come true when someone is murdered during the zombie run, Grace reveals she and her husband have run afoul of the mob, and then Grace and Paul disappear. Now it's up to Clyde and Mac, her police officer boyfriend, to solve the case before the murder gets pinned on Grace.
The story wove several subplots together, including revelations of past relationships, missing diamonds, mysterious strangers, and dire predictions coming true. It was good to see Clyde embracing her psychic abilities, instead of shunning them, as she's spent most of her life doing. Characters were well-drawn, and I always enjoy reading about Aunt Vi, the pet psychic who gets most of her information from a network of neighborhood cats.
The story wove several subplots together, including revelations of past relationships, missing diamonds, mysterious strangers, and dire predictions coming true. It was good to see Clyde embracing her psychic abilities, instead of shunning them, as she's spent most of her life doing. Characters were well-drawn, and I always enjoy reading about Aunt Vi, the pet psychic who gets most of her information from a network of neighborhood cats.
August 22, 2018
Former police officer Clyde (short for Clytemnestra) Fortune has lived back in her home town of Crystal Haven, Michigan for almost a year now. Crystal Haven is not just any other town, though. It is filled with psychics, tarot card readers and all other forms of gifted people. Clyde is coming to terms with her own abilities after fighting them for quite some time. At her Aunt Vi's persistence, they are starting their own business of finding lost items for people. In the mean time, Clyde is looking forward to spending some time with her detective boyfriend, Mac, when her sister makes a surprise visit to Crystal Haven, bringing with her much drama and secrets. Then someone is killed during the Founders Day Zombie Apocalypse Fun Run, and all signs point to her sister and husband as being very viable suspects.
I once again enjoyed catching up with Clyde and her eccentric family, as well as her friends and the townspeople of Crystal Haven. I hope there will be more books in this series eventually.
I once again enjoyed catching up with Clyde and her eccentric family, as well as her friends and the townspeople of Crystal Haven. I hope there will be more books in this series eventually.
August 18, 2017
I found this book the most enjoyable so far in the series.
I don't understand why the author doesn't have the niece and nephew call the MC 'aunt' Clyde.
Other than that quirk the plot moved at a decent pace without getting bogged down with non essential "filler" as I found in some of the other books.
I volunteer at an alpaca farm and was impressed that the author correctly stated that alpaca had fleece. Another quirk that bothers me is people calling it wool....good job by the author of researching these animals.
I don't understand why the author doesn't have the niece and nephew call the MC 'aunt' Clyde.
Other than that quirk the plot moved at a decent pace without getting bogged down with non essential "filler" as I found in some of the other books.
I volunteer at an alpaca farm and was impressed that the author correctly stated that alpaca had fleece. Another quirk that bothers me is people calling it wool....good job by the author of researching these animals.
June 7, 2019
Clyde is very surprise that her sister is coming back. Clyde has been taking care of Seth, her sister's son for sometime. Her sister and husband finally let Clyde know that they are actually on the run and want her and Matt to take both her son and daughter and has them both sign a guardianship. It seems immediately after that they disappear. In the meantime Clyde has an unsettling dream of a church and a casket. She walks up to the casket but no one was in there. The very end was really good.
March 24, 2022
A book with introductory vocabulary of mediumship tools easily sunk in the background! A depiction of a very intimate township, and sense of community! In a semi-hard to follow story as a whole, through an agreed upon run amongst the bigger community that the characters get to play in, blurring the lines easily with the volatile follow through, as timeless experiences are integrated into a lifetime, besides the high-ish number of characters for the length of the book and the amount of relationships elaborated on! Visionary, and light for a free time read!
September 12, 2023
This was my first time reading anything by Dawn Eastman. I was worried about reading the series out of order but it did not matter.
I loved this book. Clyde's family has some physic abilities and can foresee danger. She relies on her abilities to find a murderer and clear her sister and brother in law who fake their own deaths to escape people looking for them. Grace and Paul asked Clyde and her boyfriend Mac to be guardians of their kids and the paperwork was signed just before they disappeared.
I loved this book. Clyde's family has some physic abilities and can foresee danger. She relies on her abilities to find a murderer and clear her sister and brother in law who fake their own deaths to escape people looking for them. Grace and Paul asked Clyde and her boyfriend Mac to be guardians of their kids and the paperwork was signed just before they disappeared.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2018
This was such a fun book, Clyde and her crew mostly stayed out of the investigation on this one but still managed to get wrapped up in the middle of everything. I hope there will be another book about the Fortune Clan. I'm loving the interactions between Mac and Clyde, they seem to have a great thing going and I hope it continues.
August 15, 2025
I've been reading a lot of WWII-era historical books, so this was a nice quick read. Who can resist a small town full of the supernatural, plus a zombie fun run? Enjoyed the character camaraderie and while I had an idea who the criminal was, still an interesting set-up. A fun, read. I'll have to look for others in the series.
September 16, 2025
For Clyde's adventures this was the most fast paced one. Her sister returns to Crystal Haven under threat professionally and personally. Leaves her two children with Clyde, amidst a murder and theft. Will Clyde discover who the murder is, or the theft especially with Mac (boyfriend) off the case. Hope you enjoy this multilayered story as much as I did.
September 8, 2019
Excellent, engaging cozy mystery.
When I started this series I was woried that the special gifts of the Fortune family would tke away from the mystery. I was wrong.
The characters are all delightful and the plot in intriguing.
I hope this is not the last of the Fortune Family.
When I started this series I was woried that the special gifts of the Fortune family would tke away from the mystery. I was wrong.
The characters are all delightful and the plot in intriguing.
I hope this is not the last of the Fortune Family.
February 14, 2020
This book is cute. The family is great and I love the small town. The psychic twist is great. However, the sister is awful and the answer to the mystery felt very obvious. I would read more in this series, but this one fell a little flat for me.
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