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Sam Blackman #5
A Specter of Justice
When private detective Sam Blackman agrees to help his partner and lover, Nakayla Robertson, conduct a fundraiser for orphaned twins, he does so to ease his conscience. The boys’ parents were killed in a courtroom shootout where Sam was the key witness against the twins’ father. The charity event, a nighttime ghost tour of the legendary haunted sites of Asheville, North Carolina, seems harmless enough. Sam only has to tell the story of a grief-stricken woman who hanged herself from an old, arched stone bridge. “Helen, come forth,” he cries. Sam and his tourgoers expect the actress playing Helen’s ghost to walk toward them from the bridge’s dark recesses. Instead, her body tumbles from overhead and dangles at the end of a noose. Someone has reenacted the legend with deadly authenticity.
When a second murder mimics another old ghost tale, the police fear a macabre serial killer is on the prowl. But the case isn’t Sam’s to solve. Then, a tidal wave of evidence begins to point to one man—Sam’s friend, defense attorney Hewitt Donaldson. Sam and Nakayla, firmly believing in Donaldson’s innocence, must not only prove it but halt a murderer seemingly bent on retribution. Does the killer’s motivation rise from the present, or is Team Donaldson dealing with some specter from the past?
Length: 8 hours, 16 minutes
When a second murder mimics another old ghost tale, the police fear a macabre serial killer is on the prowl. But the case isn’t Sam’s to solve. Then, a tidal wave of evidence begins to point to one man—Sam’s friend, defense attorney Hewitt Donaldson. Sam and Nakayla, firmly believing in Donaldson’s innocence, must not only prove it but halt a murderer seemingly bent on retribution. Does the killer’s motivation rise from the present, or is Team Donaldson dealing with some specter from the past?
Length: 8 hours, 16 minutes
252 pages, Hardcover
Published November 3, 2015
25 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Mark de Castrique
30 books167 followersMark de Castrique is an author, playwright, public speaker, and television producer living in Charlotte.
Through his company MARK et al., he writes, shoots, and edits projects for a variety of clients.
His work has earned CLIO, TELLY, and EMMY awards.
Mark has scripted stories aired on PBS and commercial network affiliates, as well as created video presentations for major corporations.
Through his company MARK et al., he writes, shoots, and edits projects for a variety of clients.
His work has earned CLIO, TELLY, and EMMY awards.
Mark has scripted stories aired on PBS and commercial network affiliates, as well as created video presentations for major corporations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 18, 2024
I’ve read seven books so far by author Mark de Castrique, and every single one has been excellent. In this fifth novel featuring one-legged veteran Sam Blackman and his partner in work and love, Nakayla Robertson, the book starts with a literal bang. Clyde Atwood, a hot-headed defendant accused of beating his wife and shooting a police officer, is convicted, partly due to Sam’s investigation. Enraged, the defendant kills his wife, tries to kill Sam and injures another. Atwood is killed immediately after, saving Sam’s life.
Wow! But the thrills and suspense have just begun. Sam and Nakayla take part in a fund-raiser for the 3-year-old Atwood twin boys left orphaned by Clyde Atwood’s villainy. However, that fund-raiser leads to more death. Who is killing members of the Asheville Apparitions, a spiritualist group? And who is trying to frame Sam’s flamboyant friend, Hewitt Donaldson, North Carolina’s premier attorney?
De Castrique never let up in this fast-paced mystery. I figured out one of the murderers a little before Sam and Nakayla (although not the other), but it doesn’t matter when a novel is as heart stopping as this one.
Wow! But the thrills and suspense have just begun. Sam and Nakayla take part in a fund-raiser for the 3-year-old Atwood twin boys left orphaned by Clyde Atwood’s villainy. However, that fund-raiser leads to more death. Who is killing members of the Asheville Apparitions, a spiritualist group? And who is trying to frame Sam’s flamboyant friend, Hewitt Donaldson, North Carolina’s premier attorney?
De Castrique never let up in this fast-paced mystery. I figured out one of the murderers a little before Sam and Nakayla (although not the other), but it doesn’t matter when a novel is as heart stopping as this one.
December 29, 2016
In the tenth Sam Blackman-Nakayla Robertson mystery, the tables are turned on their down-the-hall neighbor, defense attorney Hewitt Donaldson, who becomes the prime suspect in a double murder. While it is completely understandable that Sam and his partner (and lover) can’t believe the lawyer is guilty, the police and district attorney have compiled a pretty good set of evidence against him. But even the lead detective doubts his guilt.
So Sam and Nakayla, along with Donaldson’s office staff, go about finding the real murderer. Two women participating in a charity fundraiser are the victims. One was in a relationship with Donaldson, the other with the lead detective’s partner. So, immediate flags are raised against each. As the team begins to investigate, more damning evidence begins to surface against Donaldson.
The author writes about Asheville, NC, its history and environment. The charity event is a re-enactment of various famous ghost stories from the past. The two murder victims were to portray two of the ghosts dressed in authentic costumes. The book raises some interesting questions, in addition to what essentially is a police procedural. One is whether or not Donaldson, by winning most of the time defending clients by any means, is really in the interest of justice. The novel is smoothly written and carries the reader along quickly and efficiently, and is recommended.
So Sam and Nakayla, along with Donaldson’s office staff, go about finding the real murderer. Two women participating in a charity fundraiser are the victims. One was in a relationship with Donaldson, the other with the lead detective’s partner. So, immediate flags are raised against each. As the team begins to investigate, more damning evidence begins to surface against Donaldson.
The author writes about Asheville, NC, its history and environment. The charity event is a re-enactment of various famous ghost stories from the past. The two murder victims were to portray two of the ghosts dressed in authentic costumes. The book raises some interesting questions, in addition to what essentially is a police procedural. One is whether or not Donaldson, by winning most of the time defending clients by any means, is really in the interest of justice. The novel is smoothly written and carries the reader along quickly and efficiently, and is recommended.
November 21, 2015
#5 in the Sam Blackman series. My rating for this book wavered. I have thoroughly enjoyed author de Castrique's 10 previous series novels but this one had a few faults. Brushing aside two instances of pronouns referencing an ambiguous subject, I objected to what I thought were gaping holes in the case including the link between perpetrator and motive. In what amounted to an epilogue, it appears that the author was well aware of the holes and explained them away - not quite fair play in a mystery. In the end, these objections were overwhelmed by the intricate plot, likeable characters, and the charming Asheville, NC setting.
Sam Blackman agrees to help his partner, Nakayla Robertson, conduct a fundraiser for orphaned twin boys. The boys' parents were killed in a courtroom shootout where Sam was the key witness against the twins' father. The charity event, a nighttime ghost tour of the legendary haunted sites of Asheville, North Carolina, seems harmless enough. Sam only has to tell the story of a grief-stricken woman who hanged herself from an old, arched stone bridge. "Helen, come forth," he cries. Sam and his tour-goers expect the actress playing Helen's ghost to walk toward them instead, her body tumbles from overhead and dangles at the end of a noose. When a second murder mimics another old ghost tale, the police fear a macabre serial killer is on the prowl. Then, a tidal wave of evidence begins to point to one man--Sam's friend, defense attorney Hewitt Donaldson. Sam and Nakayla, believing in Donaldson's innocence, must not only prove it, but halt a murderer bent on retribution.
Sam Blackman agrees to help his partner, Nakayla Robertson, conduct a fundraiser for orphaned twin boys. The boys' parents were killed in a courtroom shootout where Sam was the key witness against the twins' father. The charity event, a nighttime ghost tour of the legendary haunted sites of Asheville, North Carolina, seems harmless enough. Sam only has to tell the story of a grief-stricken woman who hanged herself from an old, arched stone bridge. "Helen, come forth," he cries. Sam and his tour-goers expect the actress playing Helen's ghost to walk toward them instead, her body tumbles from overhead and dangles at the end of a noose. When a second murder mimics another old ghost tale, the police fear a macabre serial killer is on the prowl. Then, a tidal wave of evidence begins to point to one man--Sam's friend, defense attorney Hewitt Donaldson. Sam and Nakayla, believing in Donaldson's innocence, must not only prove it, but halt a murderer bent on retribution.
July 22, 2021
A fund-raising event turns into a murder investigation when two of the actors meet their deaths. Taking place at Helen's Bridge, a ghost was supposed to appear under the bridge, but instead, it dangles from the top. Although a group of Japanese tourists was present and their photos were taken as evidence, only a local photo journalist frames the shot perfectly. Against his better judgment, he framed it that way because a woman in his company asked him to do so. A second corpse appears soon afterwards. Asheville attorney Hewitt Donaldson becomes the chief suspect, and he asks Sam and Nakayla to help gather evidence to exonerate him. Sam and Nakayla attend a church service and hob nob with the pastor and a few members to gain insights. A local bar plays a key role as well. While one police investigator is ready to let Hewitt go to jail for the murders, another thinks things are stacking up a little too conveniently and suspects someone is framing the attorney. Will Sam and Nakayla find the killer(s) and exonerate Hewitt? They determine it may be linked to an old case, so they begin seeking connections from the various persons involved to that case. This book provides plenty of red herrings to make it enjoyable, even though I suspected the solution fairly early. There's just enough humor thrown in to make it fun. With a location about an hour and half's drive from my home, I really enjoy this series for the atmosphere. The strong character development adds to the enjoyability. I listened to the audio version and found it enjoyable.
November 2, 2015
Mark de Castrique writes compulsively readable books. There's something about the voice of his main character Sam Blackman that commands attention. If that's not enough, the fast pace of the book grabs a reader from the first tragic courtroom scene and won't let go until the final shot of a discarded piece of metal.
Readers have to find out why Hewitt Donaldson is being railroaded, and it's not easy. The man's been very busy for a long long time, and the potential suspect list of people who might hold grudges against him is a long one. But as I said before, it's an intriguing path to the solution, and de Castrique peoples his book (as usual) with characters who don't fit the usual cubbyholes. How many times lately have readers run across a homicide detective who plays well with others and a fundamentalist preacher who isn't portrayed as a complete sleazeball? Not often, eh? This is one of the many reasons why I enjoy de Castrique's books.
An added bonus is learning something about the Asheville, North Carolina area. There's a lot more there than you may think, and I certainly did appreciate learning about some of the city's more haunted aspects this time around.
Sam Blackman and his partner Nakayla Robertson are two of the good ones, and you should seriously consider reading all of their well-written adventures. Do you have to begin at the beginning? No... it's not mandatory, but don't be surprised if you read A Specter of Justice and find yourself looking for the rest of the series!
Readers have to find out why Hewitt Donaldson is being railroaded, and it's not easy. The man's been very busy for a long long time, and the potential suspect list of people who might hold grudges against him is a long one. But as I said before, it's an intriguing path to the solution, and de Castrique peoples his book (as usual) with characters who don't fit the usual cubbyholes. How many times lately have readers run across a homicide detective who plays well with others and a fundamentalist preacher who isn't portrayed as a complete sleazeball? Not often, eh? This is one of the many reasons why I enjoy de Castrique's books.
An added bonus is learning something about the Asheville, North Carolina area. There's a lot more there than you may think, and I certainly did appreciate learning about some of the city's more haunted aspects this time around.
Sam Blackman and his partner Nakayla Robertson are two of the good ones, and you should seriously consider reading all of their well-written adventures. Do you have to begin at the beginning? No... it's not mandatory, but don't be surprised if you read A Specter of Justice and find yourself looking for the rest of the series!
November 9, 2015
“Eating a jelly-filled doughnut takes concentration.” That's our introduction to the protagonist, a private investigator, Sam Blackman, who has trouble getting to court with a clean shirt. This mystery, set in Asheville, North Carolina, is full of local atmosphere. A ghost tour of Asheville's famous hauntings is supposed to raise money for two tragically orphaned children. But things, of course, cannot go as planned.
There are lots of red herrings in this story. There is also an underlying message, or at any rate, a question about justice. Is winning more important than justice? Apparently.
The characters are fun, the mystery is fun, and I really enjoyed the atmospheric settings. I had to admit I got a laugh out of one chaplain's description of what he called the Prosperity Gospel: “Jesus is my boyfriend and he's going to buy me presents.” But no, this isn't a religion-bashing story.
The book is relatively short, and an entertaining, easy read between those longer, heavier stories.
I was given an uncorrected proof of this book for review. The quotes may have changed in the published edition.
There are lots of red herrings in this story. There is also an underlying message, or at any rate, a question about justice. Is winning more important than justice? Apparently.
The characters are fun, the mystery is fun, and I really enjoyed the atmospheric settings. I had to admit I got a laugh out of one chaplain's description of what he called the Prosperity Gospel: “Jesus is my boyfriend and he's going to buy me presents.” But no, this isn't a religion-bashing story.
The book is relatively short, and an entertaining, easy read between those longer, heavier stories.
I was given an uncorrected proof of this book for review. The quotes may have changed in the published edition.
December 13, 2024
Just realized there are at least three more books in this series. I’ve enjoyed it, so I’m glad it’s not over yet! Now to find an audio copy of the next book in the series….
February 20, 2026
I thought of Sam as Nick Valentine from Fallout 4 and absolutely loved it. The plot kept me engaged and wanting more. had a hard time putting it down. Overall, a great read.
July 13, 2019
A strong, well-conceived story takes readers into some dark corners of the American judicial system. The concept of “innocent until proven guilty,” serves us well, except when it doesn’t. Criminal defense lawyers are wedded to the idea that they should bend every legal effort to protect their clients and use the system to see their clients go free, even the guilty ones. Should they? Even if they know their client is guilty? What about possible consequences of freeing a violent perpetrator?
Ours is not a perfect system but it is better than any alternative yet devised by the mind of mankind. These are questions raised in this enthralling story of lawyers, investigators and policemen all caught up in a web of deceit, murder and manipulation that has roots more than ten years old.
Sam Blackman and his lover and partner, Nakayla Robertson join forces with a local group of boosters to create a fund-raiser to help twin orphaned boys. There are murky legends of ghosts, suicides and spectral happenings in Asheville, North Carolina, as there are about most cities. An evening tour of sites with costumed hosts seems innocent enough until the real dead body of one of the fund-raiser participants is abruptly injected into the proceedings.
Thereafter Sam and Nakayla are beset on all sides as they try to decipher obscure and musty clues, helpful and resistant witnesses, old and current case-loads, all told in neat, carefully constructed cleanly delivered prose. This novel is a clean, intense and fast read with some excellent characters and relationships that will leave many thoughtful readers with some difficult questions to ponder. I recommend this novel with no reservations and make note that I received a copy from the publisher, with no expectations.
Ours is not a perfect system but it is better than any alternative yet devised by the mind of mankind. These are questions raised in this enthralling story of lawyers, investigators and policemen all caught up in a web of deceit, murder and manipulation that has roots more than ten years old.
Sam Blackman and his lover and partner, Nakayla Robertson join forces with a local group of boosters to create a fund-raiser to help twin orphaned boys. There are murky legends of ghosts, suicides and spectral happenings in Asheville, North Carolina, as there are about most cities. An evening tour of sites with costumed hosts seems innocent enough until the real dead body of one of the fund-raiser participants is abruptly injected into the proceedings.
Thereafter Sam and Nakayla are beset on all sides as they try to decipher obscure and musty clues, helpful and resistant witnesses, old and current case-loads, all told in neat, carefully constructed cleanly delivered prose. This novel is a clean, intense and fast read with some excellent characters and relationships that will leave many thoughtful readers with some difficult questions to ponder. I recommend this novel with no reservations and make note that I received a copy from the publisher, with no expectations.
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November 25, 2015A quick read-with a good storyline and a nice twist that I did not expect. I liked that this tory brought in some of the "outlying" characters from the series, but I missed the more personal aspect of Sam and Nakayla's relationship.
"When private detective Sam Blackman agrees to help his partner and lover, Nakayla Robertson, conduct a fundraiser for orphaned twin boys, he does so to ease his conscience. The boys' parents were killed in a courtroom shootout where Sam was the key witness against the twins' father. The charity event, a nighttime ghost tour of the legendary haunted sites of Asheville, North Carolina, seems harmless enough. Sam only has to tell the story of a grief-stricken woman who hanged herself from an old, arched stone bridge. “Helen, come forth,” he cries. Sam and his tour-goers expect the actress playing Helen's ghost to walk toward them from the bridge's dark recesses. Instead, her body tumbles from overhead and dangles at the end of a noose. Someone has reenacted the legend with deadly authenticity. When a second murder mimics another old ghost tale, the police fear a macabre serial killer is on the prowl. But the case isn't Sam's to solve. Then, a tidal wave of evidence begins to point to one man --Sam's friend, defense attorney Hewitt Donaldson. Sam and Nakayla, firmly believing in Donaldson's innocence, must not only prove it, but halt a murderer seemingly bent on retribution. Does the killer's motivation rise from the present, or is Team Donaldson dealing with some specter from the past?"
"When private detective Sam Blackman agrees to help his partner and lover, Nakayla Robertson, conduct a fundraiser for orphaned twin boys, he does so to ease his conscience. The boys' parents were killed in a courtroom shootout where Sam was the key witness against the twins' father. The charity event, a nighttime ghost tour of the legendary haunted sites of Asheville, North Carolina, seems harmless enough. Sam only has to tell the story of a grief-stricken woman who hanged herself from an old, arched stone bridge. “Helen, come forth,” he cries. Sam and his tour-goers expect the actress playing Helen's ghost to walk toward them from the bridge's dark recesses. Instead, her body tumbles from overhead and dangles at the end of a noose. Someone has reenacted the legend with deadly authenticity. When a second murder mimics another old ghost tale, the police fear a macabre serial killer is on the prowl. But the case isn't Sam's to solve. Then, a tidal wave of evidence begins to point to one man --Sam's friend, defense attorney Hewitt Donaldson. Sam and Nakayla, firmly believing in Donaldson's innocence, must not only prove it, but halt a murderer seemingly bent on retribution. Does the killer's motivation rise from the present, or is Team Donaldson dealing with some specter from the past?"
January 21, 2017
Now that I'm done with the Sam Blackman books, I have to say that I'm going to miss these characters. I love how the author weaves the same people through all the stories, giving them larger and smaller roles to play. I was disappointed not to see the retirement-home crowd in this book, but I guess you can't expect them in every story. The inventive plots and richly drawn settings create a lasting impression of a real place that I'd like to visit. Please tell me that there's another Blackman novel in the works.
May 17, 2018
Sam and his partner Nikayla are helping with a charity ghost tour when two of the other volunteers are murdered. Shocking enough, but even harder to swallow is the information that clues all point to their friend and sometime employer Hewitt Donaldson. Sam can't figure out if the crime was connected to the ghost tour itself--Satanic, some locals say--or the good cause that they're raising money for. But then he has to wonder if the root of it isn't in Donaldson's own past, as the most prominent, some might say unscrupulous of the area's defense attorneys.
January 15, 2016
This is, in general, such a strong series that it's possible this latest entry is simply weak(er) by comparison. Still, the whodunit-style mystery plot here is solidly developed and despite some slow going throughout, one worthy of serious consideration for potential readers. Read our full review, here: http://www.mysteriousreviews.com/myst...
September 13, 2020
Hewitt Donaldson has been one of the most colorful secondary characters in the Sam Blackman series.
A defense attorney in Asheville, his offices are on the same floor as Sam and Nakayla. A man of contrasts, Hewitt is at once a child of the sixties, and also one who bends the scope of justice almost to the breaking point. A trickster, bon vivant, and lover of classic rock n roll, he is a pit bull in the court room.
This is driven home in the opening scene of Book 5. An attorney new to Asheville watches helplessly as his client murders his abused wife. The attorney has committed a classic blunder asking a question of Sam, without knowing the answer. Hewitt and Sam have set up the attorney. Filled with remorse, Sam is quick to join others in organizing a fund raiser to support Helen's children.
One might think a ghost tour would be fun, and profitable. It should have been, but the tour ends quickly when one of the cast members is found hanging. A second death begins to ominously point towards Hewitt as the perpetrator. De Castrique plots a steady forward moving procedural that ends with a knife like twist. I look forward to reading many more adventures from the world of Sam Blackman.
Recommended for mystery book clubs looking for a different take on Halloween themes.
Sam was a Chief Warrant Officer who lost his left leg in Iraq. He not only has to deal with the challenges of a prosthesis, but also he is driven to work inside and outside the law if necessary for the benefit of his clients. interview Crime Spree Magazine August 30, 2018
A defense attorney in Asheville, his offices are on the same floor as Sam and Nakayla. A man of contrasts, Hewitt is at once a child of the sixties, and also one who bends the scope of justice almost to the breaking point. A trickster, bon vivant, and lover of classic rock n roll, he is a pit bull in the court room.
This is driven home in the opening scene of Book 5. An attorney new to Asheville watches helplessly as his client murders his abused wife. The attorney has committed a classic blunder asking a question of Sam, without knowing the answer. Hewitt and Sam have set up the attorney. Filled with remorse, Sam is quick to join others in organizing a fund raiser to support Helen's children.
One might think a ghost tour would be fun, and profitable. It should have been, but the tour ends quickly when one of the cast members is found hanging. A second death begins to ominously point towards Hewitt as the perpetrator. De Castrique plots a steady forward moving procedural that ends with a knife like twist. I look forward to reading many more adventures from the world of Sam Blackman.
Recommended for mystery book clubs looking for a different take on Halloween themes.
Sam was a Chief Warrant Officer who lost his left leg in Iraq. He not only has to deal with the challenges of a prosthesis, but also he is driven to work inside and outside the law if necessary for the benefit of his clients. interview Crime Spree Magazine August 30, 2018
March 28, 2025
An enjoyable mystery with a strong cast of characters that kept my attention. I really liked Sam and Nakayla - they have started to feel like friends. The Asheville setting was a major highlight, so many familiar places in a way that made the story feel more real. At times, the writing wasn’t as clear as I would have liked, but overall, the plot and setting made it an enjoyable read.
I felt happy to be reading about Nakayla and Sam again. I like spending time with them.
“The world didn’t need another dirty cop.”
But evidently it needed a character named Efird. Efird!?!
I felt happy to be reading about Nakayla and Sam again. I like spending time with them.
“The world didn’t need another dirty cop.”
But evidently it needed a character named Efird. Efird!?!
April 28, 2020
I like the book a mind training out of any habit in habitation could be something different so this book was not exactly horror material but I am flimsy at reading this book. I saved my book to read after a few books so on. I had got the book through mail order. Thanks for being there for me. --- moon
I have an app called great detectives dated from 1940's and such cause I remember I put mystery on my broken shelf for one day to read mystery. Really the beauty of America God help us all!!!
I have an app called great detectives dated from 1940's and such cause I remember I put mystery on my broken shelf for one day to read mystery. Really the beauty of America God help us all!!!
July 17, 2020
What a terrific plot.
We have a current investigation, plus a tie in to an old case.
This also uses the ghosts of Asheville as a focal point.
We have cooperation among the police and Sam and secrets uncovered.
So many things we don't usually see in a contemporary murder mystery.
Refreshing!
Once more I want to visit Asheville. Mark is a terrific tourist bureau.
I borrowed a copy from the public library.
We have a current investigation, plus a tie in to an old case.
This also uses the ghosts of Asheville as a focal point.
We have cooperation among the police and Sam and secrets uncovered.
So many things we don't usually see in a contemporary murder mystery.
Refreshing!
Once more I want to visit Asheville. Mark is a terrific tourist bureau.
I borrowed a copy from the public library.
April 18, 2023
The unintended consequences..
A robust defense is prescribed by our Constitution, but are theatrics meant to influence jurors can corrupt the justice system. This story illustrates/dramatizes those unintended consequences.
Luckily, Sam and NaKayla are very clever.
A robust defense is prescribed by our Constitution, but are theatrics meant to influence jurors can corrupt the justice system. This story illustrates/dramatizes those unintended consequences.
Luckily, Sam and NaKayla are very clever.
December 31, 2024
This series takes place in Asheville, NC, I'm from NC, so no matter what I'm going to love it! That said, Sam Blackman is a great character and the stories improve with each iteration. I cannot recommend Sam Blackman enough.
October 13, 2025
I haven't read the rest of the series. The book mentions previous cases, but I never felt like I was missing something major because I hadn't read the prior books. A cozy mystery, being that it isn't too intense.
March 17, 2021
Over this series, I have grown to love the characters. In de Castrique's latest mystery, I could not figure out what was about to unfold and why! This book captivated me....a definate must read!
June 3, 2021
Another entertaining Sam Blackman adventure set in Asheville, NC...if you haven't read de Castrique, try him. You'll be in for a treat.
October 11, 2021
(Obtained through Hoopla.)
Decent story, I figured out a part of the ending early on, fun series.
Decent story, I figured out a part of the ending early on, fun series.
May 30, 2023
Good plot and character balance. Easy to read and follow and will have you turning the pages. This is a good book.
January 27, 2025
Good book
December 27, 2015
I love the stories about Sam and Nakayla Robertson. They are private detectives in Ashville
Each book is well crafted with History and mystery. I was kept in suspense until the very last.
I have read or listened to every one in the series and they are all just wonderful.
if you are looking for a good series and books -- look no further
Each book is well crafted with History and mystery. I was kept in suspense until the very last.
I have read or listened to every one in the series and they are all just wonderful.
if you are looking for a good series and books -- look no further
December 15, 2015
This is a very good series and this was another strong entry. Sam Blackman and work & life partner Nakayla Robertson are good companions, realistically drawn and sympathetic. This mystery had quite an elaborate plot, and it was fun to watch it all unwind.
January 1, 2016
Kirkus Reviews has it right: "an entertaining whodunit with colorful characters, swift-footing plotting, and a confident narrative voice." I still enjoy a story that involves a setting that I know very well.
November 8, 2016
Mark de Castrique does it again with a ghostly story of abuse, deception, and murder. The idea of the ghost tour that ends with the murder of 2 of the ghosts is intriguing. It will keep you guessing until the very end.
December 21, 2022
This is a detective type mystery about an ex military private detective who was apart of a big court case gone wrong. When a series of murders happens his lawyer friend is the main suspect and he needs to figure out what really happened.
I really enjoyed it! High three low four stars.
I really enjoyed it! High three low four stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews