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Divine Guidance
Marnie Reilly is a hot-headed counselor with a difficult past; a dead mother, father, brother and an abusive ex-boyfriend. She has just publicly taken on "The Collective", a group of psychics and charlatans that have been selling hope at top dollar to troubled people looking for answers. They have threatened her, but she hasn't taken their "hoodoo-voodoo" nonsense seriously, until now. She realizes her duty of care toward people has placed her and her border collie Tater in danger. When the police find Marnie's ex-boyfriend's corpse in her shed, she ends up in the middle of a murder inquiry. Serious questions arise about her involvement in the murder and Marnie is certain The Collective has framed her. When two the uniformed officers guarding her are murdered on her doorstep a race for answers begins. Marnie's childhood friend, smart aleck Detective Tom Keller, and his partner, the brooding and mysterious, Detective Daniel Gregg, join forces to protect Marnie and solve the murders. Divine Guidance reminds us that there is a very thin veil between this life and the hereafter and we should not tear the veil down for personal gain. Those that dance between the veil of this life and the hereafter have a duty of care to protect the souls of the living and the realm of the spirit world. For some it is a double-edged sword, inspiring love and hate in equal measure - sometimes with deadly results.
300 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 2014
10 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Shari T. Mitchell
4 books19 followersShari T. Mitchell grew up and was educated in Northern New York State. Shari’s true passion is writing. Her 30+ years of strategic marketing have helped her put pen to paper and focus on her creative endeavors.
Shari loves creating multidimensional characters with whom her readers can relate. Crafting the mystery is her favorite bit – plotting the twists and turns of a murder mystery is addictive.
She shares her home in North Carolina with her partner in crime, Harper, and their crazy rescue dogs, Dougal, Callee, Midget and Mags.
Shari’s favorite authors include Robert Frost, Agatha Christie, Mary Higgins Clark, Ruth Rendell, Michael Connelly, Jonathan Kellerman, David Baldacci, Louise Penny, Kathy Reichs, Patricia Cornwell and Michael Koryta.
She loves cooking, hiking, gardening, reading and writing.
Shari loves creating multidimensional characters with whom her readers can relate. Crafting the mystery is her favorite bit – plotting the twists and turns of a murder mystery is addictive.
She shares her home in North Carolina with her partner in crime, Harper, and their crazy rescue dogs, Dougal, Callee, Midget and Mags.
Shari’s favorite authors include Robert Frost, Agatha Christie, Mary Higgins Clark, Ruth Rendell, Michael Connelly, Jonathan Kellerman, David Baldacci, Louise Penny, Kathy Reichs, Patricia Cornwell and Michael Koryta.
She loves cooking, hiking, gardening, reading and writing.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 26, 2021
Divine Guidance grabs you and does not let go!
It’s been a long time since a book kept me up and reading past midnight. I just could not put down Shari T. Mitchell’s “Divine Guidance.”
Let me be frank: Mitchell crafted a story that scared the bejesus out of me – and it wasn’t the paranormal aspects of the story making my heart race! The murders and attempted murders happening around main character Marnie Reilly made me jittery. With ingredients like an abusive ex-boyfriend, a wild ice storm closing the roads, and a stalker-murderer running loose, you certainly have a recipe for a solid creep fest!
But the author doesn’t rely on bumps in the night to create a compelling tale. She’s also written a sound mystery-thriller with a flawed main character, who despite her rough edges, is good and kind at heart. She’s also believable.
We meet Marnie in an off-beat setting right before she tips the apple cart – angering her “peers” while taking the high road. From the get-go we understand that Marnie is not only tough, but also willing to do the hard things. And yet, she’s not this larger-than-life superwoman we can’t imagine as being real. She’s experienced significant loss and struggled with a frightening past (abusive relationship revealed in memories / current discussions). She’s human.
While the paranormal is present in this story, the mundane is what takes center stage. Imagine this: You are trapped at home with a maniac running rampant – but the ice storm prevents help from coming to you. At first the reader thinks: thank goodness police officers are stuck at Marnie’s house, too.
Then more attacks come. When the police are with you and you’re still in danger, how can it get any worse? The level of suspense the author creates during several scenes when you know the killer is watching them – and the characters know too! – is through the roof. I do not know how the author managed to sustain a level of constant unease, but she nailed it. I had to keep reading.
The author moves the drama from one place to another while keeping the tension high. There was literally one scene at Detective Gregg’s house that scared me because the buildup to the scene was so well done that when it came, I was wishing it wasn’t dark outside. (I was also glad I didn’t have an attic!)
Author Mitchell also brought in some complex relationships. Early on Marnie calls another character a charlatan – a “soul-sucking trickster” and the reader would agree. And yet this character displays a completely different side, helping Marnie when she’s in danger. This “relationship” of sorts has many layers, and it was intriguing to sort out what the current status between Marnie and this other really meant. There is a scene in Marnie’s home that involves a pipe (tobacco pipe). These little touches keep the reader wondering who was who and who was friend or foe.
As a reader, I want to know more about The Collective. Marnie has clearly angered this group of psychics and they have some power – but how much of it is real and how much of it depends on the fragility of the mind of their target? This could be why Marnie is wary but not openly fearful of this group. I hope to learn more in the follow-up to “Divine Guidance.”
With all the “normal” drama, there is a paranormal element, of course. For me it wasn’t the biggest part of the plotline but added to it. And a reminder: while it might be useful to learn from the dead (ghosts), it’s not always a happy experience.
Lastly, the supportive cast of characters around Marnie – her lovable dog Tater, the police, the detective, and her friends – certainly round out the story. There are a couple of big surprises at the end that beg the questions: In the circle of family and friends, who can you trust? Who is lying and who is dangerous?
It’s been a long time since a book kept me up and reading past midnight. I just could not put down Shari T. Mitchell’s “Divine Guidance.”
Let me be frank: Mitchell crafted a story that scared the bejesus out of me – and it wasn’t the paranormal aspects of the story making my heart race! The murders and attempted murders happening around main character Marnie Reilly made me jittery. With ingredients like an abusive ex-boyfriend, a wild ice storm closing the roads, and a stalker-murderer running loose, you certainly have a recipe for a solid creep fest!
But the author doesn’t rely on bumps in the night to create a compelling tale. She’s also written a sound mystery-thriller with a flawed main character, who despite her rough edges, is good and kind at heart. She’s also believable.
We meet Marnie in an off-beat setting right before she tips the apple cart – angering her “peers” while taking the high road. From the get-go we understand that Marnie is not only tough, but also willing to do the hard things. And yet, she’s not this larger-than-life superwoman we can’t imagine as being real. She’s experienced significant loss and struggled with a frightening past (abusive relationship revealed in memories / current discussions). She’s human.
While the paranormal is present in this story, the mundane is what takes center stage. Imagine this: You are trapped at home with a maniac running rampant – but the ice storm prevents help from coming to you. At first the reader thinks: thank goodness police officers are stuck at Marnie’s house, too.
Then more attacks come. When the police are with you and you’re still in danger, how can it get any worse? The level of suspense the author creates during several scenes when you know the killer is watching them – and the characters know too! – is through the roof. I do not know how the author managed to sustain a level of constant unease, but she nailed it. I had to keep reading.
The author moves the drama from one place to another while keeping the tension high. There was literally one scene at Detective Gregg’s house that scared me because the buildup to the scene was so well done that when it came, I was wishing it wasn’t dark outside. (I was also glad I didn’t have an attic!)
Author Mitchell also brought in some complex relationships. Early on Marnie calls another character a charlatan – a “soul-sucking trickster” and the reader would agree. And yet this character displays a completely different side, helping Marnie when she’s in danger. This “relationship” of sorts has many layers, and it was intriguing to sort out what the current status between Marnie and this other really meant. There is a scene in Marnie’s home that involves a pipe (tobacco pipe). These little touches keep the reader wondering who was who and who was friend or foe.
As a reader, I want to know more about The Collective. Marnie has clearly angered this group of psychics and they have some power – but how much of it is real and how much of it depends on the fragility of the mind of their target? This could be why Marnie is wary but not openly fearful of this group. I hope to learn more in the follow-up to “Divine Guidance.”
With all the “normal” drama, there is a paranormal element, of course. For me it wasn’t the biggest part of the plotline but added to it. And a reminder: while it might be useful to learn from the dead (ghosts), it’s not always a happy experience.
Lastly, the supportive cast of characters around Marnie – her lovable dog Tater, the police, the detective, and her friends – certainly round out the story. There are a couple of big surprises at the end that beg the questions: In the circle of family and friends, who can you trust? Who is lying and who is dangerous?
November 10, 2023
A highly absorbing murder mystery
As the first in the series, we are introduced to the colourful character of Marnie Reilly. She’s a counsellor with certain psychic abilities, a troubled past, and rather a short fuse. Her kind heart and no-nonsense approach find her in conflict with some local psychics who are practicing dubious methods. Following a run-in at a group meeting, Marnie is suddenly at the centre of a murder investigation after the body of her abusive ex-boyfriend is found in her garden shed.
From this point on, the author takes us on a gripping journey as we become familiar with Marnie, her dog Tater, and the two lead detectives Keller and Gregg. The story is sprinkled with chilling deeds, subtle clues, sharp banter, and a taste of romance. It’s beautifully written, well-paced, and highly absorbing ... I’ll certainly be reading the next one.
As the first in the series, we are introduced to the colourful character of Marnie Reilly. She’s a counsellor with certain psychic abilities, a troubled past, and rather a short fuse. Her kind heart and no-nonsense approach find her in conflict with some local psychics who are practicing dubious methods. Following a run-in at a group meeting, Marnie is suddenly at the centre of a murder investigation after the body of her abusive ex-boyfriend is found in her garden shed.
From this point on, the author takes us on a gripping journey as we become familiar with Marnie, her dog Tater, and the two lead detectives Keller and Gregg. The story is sprinkled with chilling deeds, subtle clues, sharp banter, and a taste of romance. It’s beautifully written, well-paced, and highly absorbing ... I’ll certainly be reading the next one.
November 28, 2021
When a body shows up in Marni's backyard shed, her world is turned upside down! A quick-paced thriller with threats around every corner, plus psychics and charlatans and family secrets and secrets exposed, and don't forget furry sleuth Tater, Marni's ever-faithful border collie. Spirits abound and things aren't always what they seem in this great book by Shari Mitchell!
October 2, 2024
I was referred to this book by a coworker who told me that her sister in law was an author. I love supporting local authors, and my coworker allowed me to borrow this book. Let me just say that I was blown away with how great this book actually is! It has as murder mystery, spooky paranormal happenings, and non-stop action. There were times when I didn't want to stop reading! I would definitely recommend this book to people who want to read a mystery/thriller with a bit of the paranormal. It's always great to support indie authors as well. I am excited to read more books from this author!
January 25, 2024
An intriguing murder mystery with a hint of the supernatural.
Marnie is psychic, a clairvoyant, who uses her skills to help counsel others with practical, sensible advice, instead of selling cheap theatrics that do more harm than good. She buts heads with the local collective who threaten her for disrupting thier livelihood.
But Marnie doesn't care, until she discovers a dead body in her shed, and her life suddenly implodes as she becomes, witness, suspect and possible enxt victim in short successsion.
Assissted by her friend, who defected to the collective, the hostile detective assigend her case, and her dog, Marnie tries to discover who is really behind the murders, and what they have to do with her.
Mitchell introduces are to some great characters, each with their own ghosts to defeat. A slow burn kindling of a possible romance, more distain to interested tolerance, but they are working on it amongst all the murders cluttering their town, and a wicked twist at the end to keep you hooked.
An easy read. Looking forward to picking up the second book in the series.
Marnie is psychic, a clairvoyant, who uses her skills to help counsel others with practical, sensible advice, instead of selling cheap theatrics that do more harm than good. She buts heads with the local collective who threaten her for disrupting thier livelihood.
But Marnie doesn't care, until she discovers a dead body in her shed, and her life suddenly implodes as she becomes, witness, suspect and possible enxt victim in short successsion.
Assissted by her friend, who defected to the collective, the hostile detective assigend her case, and her dog, Marnie tries to discover who is really behind the murders, and what they have to do with her.
Mitchell introduces are to some great characters, each with their own ghosts to defeat. A slow burn kindling of a possible romance, more distain to interested tolerance, but they are working on it amongst all the murders cluttering their town, and a wicked twist at the end to keep you hooked.
An easy read. Looking forward to picking up the second book in the series.
April 19, 2024
What a fun read!
I really liked this mystery thriller with a paranormal twist. The cozy relationships between the MCs is endearing. The witty repartee kept me smirking. The clairvoyant aspects are perfectly woven in. The developing relationship was a bit of an eye roll because come on and see what we all see. Lol
I will definitely be reading the other books written by this author.
I really liked this mystery thriller with a paranormal twist. The cozy relationships between the MCs is endearing. The witty repartee kept me smirking. The clairvoyant aspects are perfectly woven in. The developing relationship was a bit of an eye roll because come on and see what we all see. Lol
I will definitely be reading the other books written by this author.
February 11, 2024
This is a great book. I wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. I read it because an author I read, recommended it. I am now going to read the other two in this series.
September 2, 2024
Well done!
When starting Divine Guidance, I felt a noir crime fiction vibe and settled in for a gritty ‘who done it’. Then eerie things started happening and it became so much more! As the body count rose, so did the hairs on the back of my neck. If you’re not a believer in the supernatural, Mitchell may just give you pause! As for ‘who done it’? I was kept guessing til the very end! Oh - and you slow burn romance lovers? It’s got that too! Looking forward to the next book in the series.
When starting Divine Guidance, I felt a noir crime fiction vibe and settled in for a gritty ‘who done it’. Then eerie things started happening and it became so much more! As the body count rose, so did the hairs on the back of my neck. If you’re not a believer in the supernatural, Mitchell may just give you pause! As for ‘who done it’? I was kept guessing til the very end! Oh - and you slow burn romance lovers? It’s got that too! Looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 28, 2023
This is the type of book that tells so much more than a story. It tells of a character that has a great soul and personality that a reader can’t help but think of someone who the protagonist reminds them of. From personality traits to behaviours, Marnie Reilly is a wonderful character. Honest, bold, compassionate, intuitive and someone who wants to nurture others. Her love for her dog, Tater, her baking and her psychic abilities drew me in almost immediately. The other characters had endearing qualities that helped knit the story together nicely, with an injection of deviance and danger from a serial killer on the loose.
With a back story of loss, buried emotions and clairvoyance abilities, Marnie is protected by a police team, and becomes part of a hunt for a killer at large. As relationships develop and the plot thickens, we are taken on a journey of excitement, risk, suspense, humour and friendship. Tater the dog is a beautiful touch to a book written with skill, knowledge and heart. Brilliant! I’m looking forward to the second instalment and more from this amazing writer. Highly recommended.
With a back story of loss, buried emotions and clairvoyance abilities, Marnie is protected by a police team, and becomes part of a hunt for a killer at large. As relationships develop and the plot thickens, we are taken on a journey of excitement, risk, suspense, humour and friendship. Tater the dog is a beautiful touch to a book written with skill, knowledge and heart. Brilliant! I’m looking forward to the second instalment and more from this amazing writer. Highly recommended.
October 2, 2023
My first Shari Mitchell book and introduction to Marnie Reilly.
I absolutely love the characters in this book( and I'm assuming the series) Marnie is no nonsense, not gonna take crap from anyone and I am there for it. She uses her clairvoyant talents to help people with real solutions to their problems while outing the charlatans in the psychic business. And her love and devotion to her dog, Tater clinched it for me.
The storyline in this one was slightly predictable, but I still enjoyed it and will definitely be reading the others in the series. If only to see how the sparks continue to fly with the handsome detective.
I absolutely love the characters in this book( and I'm assuming the series) Marnie is no nonsense, not gonna take crap from anyone and I am there for it. She uses her clairvoyant talents to help people with real solutions to their problems while outing the charlatans in the psychic business. And her love and devotion to her dog, Tater clinched it for me.
The storyline in this one was slightly predictable, but I still enjoyed it and will definitely be reading the others in the series. If only to see how the sparks continue to fly with the handsome detective.
February 20, 2021
Couldn't put it down! Marnie borders on 'pushy' but in such a fun way. The story jumps, seems logical and then takes a left turn leaving you breathless. I was hooked and couldn't wait for the team to figure it all out. And, having loved a Border Collie, Marnie's dog Tater just 'stole the show!' The 'divine guidance', while an integral part of the tale, is not intrusive for those how aren't sure how they feel about metaphysics. I loved it, every frenzied and crazy word of it. I hope there will be more adventures to follow...
September 22, 2022
Divine Guidance
Wow! What a fantastic book this is. The characters are so fitting. I am totally loving Tater. I am an avid reader and would highly recommend this one to anyone! Thank you
Wow! What a fantastic book this is. The characters are so fitting. I am totally loving Tater. I am an avid reader and would highly recommend this one to anyone! Thank you
December 23, 2022
This is the first book I've read by this author and I'll certainly be reading more. The book had me captured and engaged from the start . Everything a good suspense thriller should be.
March 27, 2020
Overall the book was good, but at times they would repeat themselves and it annoyed me. It got to the point I wanted the book to end. The story line was good but I felt in reality no victim is going to tell the police what to do. Little far fetched at times.
December 22, 2021
This mystery had me guessing right up to the twisty end. If you like strong female leads, smart and protective pooches, and stories with a paranormal influence, give this series a try.
March 31, 2021
This book is powerful and addictive! Prepare yourself to not do anything else when you start reading this suspensefuk, gripping, keeps you guessing, edge of the seat book. Shari T. Mitchell, is a powerhouse writer! I want more!
July 22, 2022
In Divine Guidance, psychic psychologist Marnie Reilly finds herself the target of a shady group known as “The Collective.” With the help of Detective Daniel Gregg and her faithful Border Collie, Tater, Marnie must uncover the mysterious forces at work in Creekwood before it’s too late.
Marnie is a straight-talking sleuth in the grand tradition of a classic mystery series. Fans of Lisa Gardener’s D.D. Warren will appreciate Marnie’s ‘no bull’ attitude. Tater steals every scene he’s in and is worthy of his own spin-off series.
Author Shari T. Mitchell fills Creekwood with characters who are themselves characters, and gives this murder mystery a fun paranormal, holiday twist.
Marnie is a straight-talking sleuth in the grand tradition of a classic mystery series. Fans of Lisa Gardener’s D.D. Warren will appreciate Marnie’s ‘no bull’ attitude. Tater steals every scene he’s in and is worthy of his own spin-off series.
Author Shari T. Mitchell fills Creekwood with characters who are themselves characters, and gives this murder mystery a fun paranormal, holiday twist.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews