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Lowcountry Mysteries #5
Not Quite Clear
This is the 5th book in USAToday Bestselling Author Lyla Payne's LOWCOUNTRY MYSTERY series. It continues to follow Graciela Harper and her friends as she navigates ghosts, romance, in-laws, and the legal system in rural Heron Creek, SC.
- GenresMysteryParanormal
376 pages, Paperback
First published October 27, 2015
26 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Lyla Payne
39 books855 followersI've been publishing New Adult romance novels for a little over a year, starting with Broken at Love and continuing with the rest of the Whitman University series. I adore telling stories, discovering the little reasons people fall in love, and uncovering hidden truths in the world around us – past and present.
In my spare time I cuddle my two dogs, pretend to enjoy exercising so that I can eat as much Chipotle as I want, and harbor a deep and abiding hope that Zac Efron likes older women. I loves reading, of course, along with movies, traveling, and Irish whiskey.
I'm hard at work, ALWAYS, and hope to bring you more Whitman University antics and at least one more Lowcountry ghost tale before the end of the year.
If you want to know more, please visit me at http://lylapayne.com
If you’re a fan of Young Adult fiction—science fiction or otherwise—please check out my work that’s published under the name Trisha Leigh. http://trishaleigh.com
I'm represented by Kathleen Rushall at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
In my spare time I cuddle my two dogs, pretend to enjoy exercising so that I can eat as much Chipotle as I want, and harbor a deep and abiding hope that Zac Efron likes older women. I loves reading, of course, along with movies, traveling, and Irish whiskey.
I'm hard at work, ALWAYS, and hope to bring you more Whitman University antics and at least one more Lowcountry ghost tale before the end of the year.
If you want to know more, please visit me at http://lylapayne.com
If you’re a fan of Young Adult fiction—science fiction or otherwise—please check out my work that’s published under the name Trisha Leigh. http://trishaleigh.com
I'm represented by Kathleen Rushall at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 27, 2015
Reviewed for http://theereaderjunkie.wordpress.com
Oh my, what a roller coaster, especially near the end. I don’t know how Gracie manages to live that way because I was breathless just reading everything that she has to deal with, and her friends and family too.
As the author tells us at the end of the book, the main story line that we’ve followed so far (the family curse) is approaching its end and I was biting my nails while reading ! Especially when I was left with a major cliffhanger at the end ! I almost yelled “Oh NO !” right out loud in the train and barely refrained. Fortunately, a novella will be released next month and the next novel in april 2016.
I can’t tell you details, I don’t want to spoil, but the story kept me on my toes until the end and I’m dying to know how everything will work out ! This is definitely one of my favorite series ever. What will happen to Leo and Mel ? And what about Beau and Gracie ?!
I’m writing this review on my notebook as I just finished the book minutes ago, but now I need to go home and grab a whiskey, I need to recover from all the feelings !
Oh my, what a roller coaster, especially near the end. I don’t know how Gracie manages to live that way because I was breathless just reading everything that she has to deal with, and her friends and family too.
As the author tells us at the end of the book, the main story line that we’ve followed so far (the family curse) is approaching its end and I was biting my nails while reading ! Especially when I was left with a major cliffhanger at the end ! I almost yelled “Oh NO !” right out loud in the train and barely refrained. Fortunately, a novella will be released next month and the next novel in april 2016.
I can’t tell you details, I don’t want to spoil, but the story kept me on my toes until the end and I’m dying to know how everything will work out ! This is definitely one of my favorite series ever. What will happen to Leo and Mel ? And what about Beau and Gracie ?!
I’m writing this review on my notebook as I just finished the book minutes ago, but now I need to go home and grab a whiskey, I need to recover from all the feelings !
October 27, 2015
What a ride!
Every time I think this series can’t possibly get any better, Lyla Payne releases the next, and it blows me away even more. Gracie Harper truly feels like an old friend in book five of the Lowcountry series. I’ve loved watching her evolve from the girl who woke up in her car after a bender in her grandfather’s driveway. Gracie and Amelia are still desperate to break the curse threatening little Jack’s life, and it’s looking like the ghost of Mama Lottie is their only option. Unfortunately, there are no free favors, and what she wants in return may cost Gracie more than she imagined. Amelia’s looming custody hearing finds them seeking anything they can find on the Middletons before they can convince a judge to take custody from her. The help they are forced to seek in finding dirt on them leaves Gracie indebted to yet another person. Asking friends she loves for help adds more angst as everyone walks a tightrope between sides of the law. Gracie’s snarky humor is still prevalent despite the disquiet in her soul over the decisions she’s being forced to make in the name of family, and “all the feels” only intensify as the book comes to a close. Read it. Love it. Wait for the next!
Every time I think this series can’t possibly get any better, Lyla Payne releases the next, and it blows me away even more. Gracie Harper truly feels like an old friend in book five of the Lowcountry series. I’ve loved watching her evolve from the girl who woke up in her car after a bender in her grandfather’s driveway. Gracie and Amelia are still desperate to break the curse threatening little Jack’s life, and it’s looking like the ghost of Mama Lottie is their only option. Unfortunately, there are no free favors, and what she wants in return may cost Gracie more than she imagined. Amelia’s looming custody hearing finds them seeking anything they can find on the Middletons before they can convince a judge to take custody from her. The help they are forced to seek in finding dirt on them leaves Gracie indebted to yet another person. Asking friends she loves for help adds more angst as everyone walks a tightrope between sides of the law. Gracie’s snarky humor is still prevalent despite the disquiet in her soul over the decisions she’s being forced to make in the name of family, and “all the feels” only intensify as the book comes to a close. Read it. Love it. Wait for the next!
November 12, 2015
Mystery...Check
Ghosts...Check
Murder...Check
Crazy ass Voodoo Ghost...Check
Gracie has her hands full in this book. Not only does our lovable Gracie see Mama Lottie, she is starting to see a little girl ghost. She also has to figure out how her cousin is going to keep her baby boy alive, and out of the hands of her in-laws.
I laughed, I cried, and I held on to my kindle like my life was depending on it. I couldn't put this book down. I loved every single second of this book, and it is making me want more!! There are authors that are out there that you can put down books and come back to a later date to finish reading, Lyla isn't one of those authors. You need to finish her books once you start them. The writing is amazing, and the way that Lyla describes the details makes you believe that you are there watching this in person. Amazing work!!
Ghosts...Check
Murder...Check
Crazy ass Voodoo Ghost...Check
Gracie has her hands full in this book. Not only does our lovable Gracie see Mama Lottie, she is starting to see a little girl ghost. She also has to figure out how her cousin is going to keep her baby boy alive, and out of the hands of her in-laws.
I laughed, I cried, and I held on to my kindle like my life was depending on it. I couldn't put this book down. I loved every single second of this book, and it is making me want more!! There are authors that are out there that you can put down books and come back to a later date to finish reading, Lyla isn't one of those authors. You need to finish her books once you start them. The writing is amazing, and the way that Lyla describes the details makes you believe that you are there watching this in person. Amazing work!!
May 6, 2018
I did enjoy this book even though I silently screamed "don't do that, Gracie" more than once. I literally ached for her in the impossible situations she found herself in. I'll admit I would have handled things a bit differently but that's me and probably the reason people don't write books about me. But I digress. Gracie is in all sorts of trouble and the no-win situations she's in are simply heartbreaking. This girl really needs a break and she needs it fast. Her friends stand by her which is some kind of wonderful but I'm not sure it'll be enough when all is said and done. There's a sadness throughout the book that was a bit of a downer but the story is compelling to say the least. A major cliffhanger at the end will have me picking up the next book soon.
May 26, 2023
Ok, 4 stars because it ended abruptly! Absolutely nothing was answered which is smart on the author’s part because it forces you to buy the next book. That being said I believe at least one or two things could have been wrapped up. Another interesting tale of Gracie Harper and friends. An old character reappears in this installment that I did not see coming. The last cliff hanger was a total shock and surprise! A novella is the next installment and after reading the first one I know I can’t skip it. Another ploy for selling more books. I love the characters so again Lyla Payne has sucked me in for another book!
June 8, 2020
Gracie and her Nancy Drew Gang are very entertaining. I didn't even mind that this book ended in a cliff hanger.
November 7, 2023
A fun romp of a book!
Definitely not great literature but nonetheless a fun read. Each of the books in this series gets better and better.
Definitely not great literature but nonetheless a fun read. Each of the books in this series gets better and better.
October 27, 2015
What a ride!
Every time I think this series can’t possibly get any better, Lyla Payne releases the next, and it blows me away even more. Gracie Harper truly feels like an old friend in book five of the Lowcountry series. I’ve loved watching her evolve from the girl who woke up in her car after a bender in her grandfather’s driveway.
Gracie and Amelia are still desperate to break the curse threatening little Jack’s life, and it’s looking like the ghost of Mama Lottie is their only option. Unfortunately, there are no free favors, and what she wants in return may cost Gracie more than she imagined.
Amelia’s looming custody hearing finds them seeking anything they can find on the Middletons before they can convince a judge to take custody from her. The help they are forced to seek in finding dirt on them leaves Gracie indebted to yet another person. Asking friends she loves for help adds more angst as everyone walks a tightrope between sides of the law.
Gracie’s snarky humor is still prevalent despite the disquiet in her soul over the decisions she’s being forced to make in the name of family, and “all the feels” only intensify as the book comes to a close. Read it. Love it. Wait for the next!
Every time I think this series can’t possibly get any better, Lyla Payne releases the next, and it blows me away even more. Gracie Harper truly feels like an old friend in book five of the Lowcountry series. I’ve loved watching her evolve from the girl who woke up in her car after a bender in her grandfather’s driveway.
Gracie and Amelia are still desperate to break the curse threatening little Jack’s life, and it’s looking like the ghost of Mama Lottie is their only option. Unfortunately, there are no free favors, and what she wants in return may cost Gracie more than she imagined.
Amelia’s looming custody hearing finds them seeking anything they can find on the Middletons before they can convince a judge to take custody from her. The help they are forced to seek in finding dirt on them leaves Gracie indebted to yet another person. Asking friends she loves for help adds more angst as everyone walks a tightrope between sides of the law.
Gracie’s snarky humor is still prevalent despite the disquiet in her soul over the decisions she’s being forced to make in the name of family, and “all the feels” only intensify as the book comes to a close. Read it. Love it. Wait for the next!
November 6, 2015
This book picks up right after Not Quite Gone. The book is a well written book that takes a look at the fallout of Gracie's decisions and takes a look at what one is willing to do, and sacrifice, to keep their family safe. The struggles of balancing a relationship with family, and learning to trust.
Gracie continues to work to break the curse on her family, but is the fallout worth it? The people in her life continue to be hurt and Gracie has to either put up or shut up. And, if the curse is removed, how will she clean up the mess she leaves behind?
I felt like this book was more a gap filler and the climax is to come in the next book in the series. It leaves you wanting more, and to reach through and coax the characters along. It was exciting, intense, and emotionally taxing. But, as always, leaves you chomping at the bit for more!
Gracie continues to work to break the curse on her family, but is the fallout worth it? The people in her life continue to be hurt and Gracie has to either put up or shut up. And, if the curse is removed, how will she clean up the mess she leaves behind?
I felt like this book was more a gap filler and the climax is to come in the next book in the series. It leaves you wanting more, and to reach through and coax the characters along. It was exciting, intense, and emotionally taxing. But, as always, leaves you chomping at the bit for more!
November 10, 2015
Phew...this was another action packed installment in the Lowcountry mysteries!! Gracie certainly had her hands full helping with Amelia's custody case and trying to find a way to reverse the family curse. Gracie had quite the adventures with her ghosts this time around, between help from Anne Bonnie and her crew, Mama Lottie and her apparitions, and let's not forget Henry Woodward is still hanging around too. The whole cast of characters are back and there were certainly some surprises with a few....Amelia, Leo, Beau, Brick, Travis, Clete, and even Gracie's ghost mentor made for another great story. The ending certainly left me wailing NO, as I can't wait to find out what happens next!!!
November 15, 2015
Omigosh! Just finished Not Quite Clear and I am literally floored! As Gracie so eloquently put it "my stomach dropped into my butt!". I can honestly say that I did not see that twist at. all! Well played Lyla Payne...well played! So many emotions and questions coming from this book high that I don't even know where to begin! I am seriously having a "what the whaaaaaaat?!" moment! I was on edge the entire read asking myself just exactly how much more Gracie can take? What does all this mean for the Scooby gang? Where does she go from here? What happens now? I was not disappointed that's for sure! I'm so looking forward to the next installment to see how this all plays out.
October 31, 2015
Oh hell! I gave just finished reading this book and I am still in turmoil! Mama lottie continues on her scary tirade and I have just started to come to terms with a fictional breakup with which is still causing me little palpitations as it feels like I have been through it myself!! I knew the storyline would end in a cliffhanger but i wasnt prepared Trisha, just wasnt prepared! nowi have to wait for the free novella in the newsletter and then book 6 to get all the pieces tied up. I cant wait!
December 13, 2016
Oh my goodness, if you didn't think you could get sucked in deeper to Lowcounty, you are wrong. Gracie and Amelia still fighting the curse. Gracie's mystery father appears without warning? Madame Lottie demanding attention, is Gracie willing to make a deal? At what cost will it take to break the curse and save future Jack? I'm dying for the next book! This series just keeps getting better!
November 7, 2015
OMG!!! Excellent continuation of the story. That was a very unexpected twist at the end. I'm emotionally wrung out. I had to reread the last part a few times just to make sure it actually said what I thought. Definite book hangover. Can't wait to find out how everything plays out.
October 29, 2015
Such a great continuation of a great story!!
I fall in love more with the Low Country with every book!! This writing is sharp and engaging and keeps me wanting more. These characters have me committed and I can't wait for the next one!!!
I fall in love more with the Low Country with every book!! This writing is sharp and engaging and keeps me wanting more. These characters have me committed and I can't wait for the next one!!!
January 8, 2016
Love...
I seriously hate cliffhangers and the fact I gave this a 5 star with one is pretty impressive! I have enjoyed this series so very much and look forward to some conclusions in the near future.
I seriously hate cliffhangers and the fact I gave this a 5 star with one is pretty impressive! I have enjoyed this series so very much and look forward to some conclusions in the near future.
January 15, 2016
Mama Lottie scares the crap out of me! I can't believe how this book ended. I love how this book went. There was a bunch of twist and turns. I got so upset with how Gracie treated Brick understand it but she v got a bit ruff. I am waiting for these girls to have them babies now.
February 18, 2016
WHAT?!?!?! Lyla Payne, how can you leave me hanging like this!!! Not Quite Clear is my new favorite of the Lowcountry Mysteries. It was full of surprises, and not once did I think I knew what was coming next. If you need an early reader for #6 I eagerly volunteer!
August 25, 2016
This series keeps getting better with each book, but I feel the storyline is going to take some bad turns. I have really gotten in to some of these characters and hope for the best as I head into the next book in the series. So glad I picked up Book 1 months ago.
June 8, 2016
Wow every time I read a low country mystery it's like coming home.
Graciela is amazing she has been through so much since coming back to Heron Creek.
Gracie and all of her friends and family just make these books. The historical, paranormal investigation side is my favourite part of these stories.
Graciela is amazing she has been through so much since coming back to Heron Creek.
Gracie and all of her friends and family just make these books. The historical, paranormal investigation side is my favourite part of these stories.
September 28, 2016
I turned the page to the next chapter and...WHAT... its over?!? Like that.... *sigh* Whatever Lyla Payne!
Omg! I am loving Gracie and Millie! the shannigans Gracie comes up with and the adventures with her ghosts are so great, I'm a trusty Gracie follower! Bring on the next book!
Omg! I am loving Gracie and Millie! the shannigans Gracie comes up with and the adventures with her ghosts are so great, I'm a trusty Gracie follower! Bring on the next book!
November 4, 2015
This series just keeps getting better and better!!!! Can't wait for the next one to come out, especially after that cliffhanger ending. Did NOT see that one coming!
November 4, 2015
Great series.
December 1, 2015
Great
Great books couldn't put them down I haven't read many mysteries but these were so good I'll read some more can't wait for book sic
Great books couldn't put them down I haven't read many mysteries but these were so good I'll read some more can't wait for book sic
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews