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Ann Kinnear Suspense #2
The Sense of Reckoning
Will Ann Kinnear fit together the pieces of the puzzle, or will she miss the vital piece ... and its warning of the danger that lies in wait?
“A book that proves just as keen and charming as its characters.” —Kirkus Reviews
★★★★★ “Crisp, fresh, and spooky. Dalrymple’s depiction of the great Bar Harbor Fire of 1947 is so exactly and emotionally rendered, I could feel the blasts of heat from the pages.” —Robert Blake Whitehill, Bestselling Author of The Ben Blackshaw Series
Ann Kinnear thinks that her midnight visit to a shuttered Maine hotel with a haunted past is simply a favor for a friend ... until she finds that more than secrets are buried there. Will Ann be able to unlock the secrets hidden within those walls, or will she succumb to an eternity trapped there herself?
After solving the Philadelphia Socialite murder, Ann Kinnear should be riding high. Instead, she's depressed and considering abandoning her spirit sensing business. To add to her problems, she has suffered a series of injuries to her hands—could these be the ghostly repercussions of the violence that ended her last case?
Ann goes to Maine to solicit help from fellow spirit senser Garrick Masser. Ann and Garrick find more trouble than they bargained for in a tale of obsession and misplaced loyalty that has its roots in a crumbling summer hotel, international art theft, and the historic wildfire that raged across Mount Desert Island in 1947.
Will Ann be able to fit together the pieces of the puzzle, or will she miss the vital piece ... and its warning of the danger that lies in wait?
Find out in Book 2 of the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels!
“A book that proves just as keen and charming as its characters.” —Kirkus Reviews
★★★★★ “Crisp, fresh, and spooky. Dalrymple’s depiction of the great Bar Harbor Fire of 1947 is so exactly and emotionally rendered, I could feel the blasts of heat from the pages.” —Robert Blake Whitehill, Bestselling Author of The Ben Blackshaw Series
Ann Kinnear thinks that her midnight visit to a shuttered Maine hotel with a haunted past is simply a favor for a friend ... until she finds that more than secrets are buried there. Will Ann be able to unlock the secrets hidden within those walls, or will she succumb to an eternity trapped there herself?
After solving the Philadelphia Socialite murder, Ann Kinnear should be riding high. Instead, she's depressed and considering abandoning her spirit sensing business. To add to her problems, she has suffered a series of injuries to her hands—could these be the ghostly repercussions of the violence that ended her last case?
Ann goes to Maine to solicit help from fellow spirit senser Garrick Masser. Ann and Garrick find more trouble than they bargained for in a tale of obsession and misplaced loyalty that has its roots in a crumbling summer hotel, international art theft, and the historic wildfire that raged across Mount Desert Island in 1947.
Will Ann be able to fit together the pieces of the puzzle, or will she miss the vital piece ... and its warning of the danger that lies in wait?
Find out in Book 2 of the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels!
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2015
118 people are currently reading
1217 people want to read
About the author
Matty Dalrymple
40 books147 followersMatty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers ROCK PAPER SCISSORS, SNAKES AND LADDERS, and THE IRON RING; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels THE SENSE OF DEATH, THE SENSE OF RECKONING, THE FALCON AND THE OWL, and A FURNACE FOR YOUR FOE; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts, including CLOSE THESE EYES and WRITE IN WATER. Matty lives with her husband and three dogs in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and enjoys vacationing on Mount Desert Island, Maine, and Sedona, Arizona, and these locations provide the settings for her work. Matty is a member of Sisters in Crime and the Brandywine Valley Writers Group.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 27, 2025
Another Ann Kinnear suspense mystery!
After reading the first one, I was already intrigued by Ann’s special gift and her mental struggle and feeling of responsibility. There is a large weight on her shoulders. This feeling continues in the 2nd book, it even escalates to despair and depression.
When Ann calls in help from Garrick, who also has a ghost sensing gift, they will encounter a series of danger and problems.
The duology between Ann and Garrick is interesting and they reinforce each other.
The author builds up detailed sceneries and strong characters.
If you like a good story with a lot of attention for character and scenery building, a good dose of suspense, then this one is highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After reading the first one, I was already intrigued by Ann’s special gift and her mental struggle and feeling of responsibility. There is a large weight on her shoulders. This feeling continues in the 2nd book, it even escalates to despair and depression.
When Ann calls in help from Garrick, who also has a ghost sensing gift, they will encounter a series of danger and problems.
The duology between Ann and Garrick is interesting and they reinforce each other.
The author builds up detailed sceneries and strong characters.
If you like a good story with a lot of attention for character and scenery building, a good dose of suspense, then this one is highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 27, 2016
I enjoyed the scenes with Scotty, Garret, the dogs, and the ghosts. Once again the female characters pale in comparison to male characters which makes the novel uneven. I don't quit understand why this is to me.
Thank you netgalley
Thank you netgalley
May 12, 2021
A good/great book. The pacing was a touch slow for me (I like my suspense novels to move quickly) but I love the main good guy characters. The characters seem so real and down to earth and the type of good people I would love to know.
January 23, 2022
I didn't read book 1, but there was enough in this book to know what went on. The main character seems to have had this ability since childhood, yet didn't seem to understand it much. She doesn't want to pursue it, while her friends and family encourage it. Lots of landscaping descriptions.
November 25, 2025
We reconnect with Ann in the aftermath of her deadly run-in with Biden Firth, the arrogant antagonist of the previous book. Despite extensive cleaning and repair, Ann’s remote seaside cabin still bears signs of Firth’s invasion, and she isn’t sure she’ll ever feel safe there again. Most recently, she’s been besieged by crippling cramps in her hands that have caused her to physically harm herself on more than one occasion. Ridding this earthly plane of Firth’s despicable existence may not have been quite enough; Ann comes to suspect that he’s the one causing her issues, but despite her extraordinary ability to sense spirits, it isn’t something she can confirm on her own.
Increasingly paranoid about driving and other such tasks that could turn deadly in an instant, Ann decides to contact respected colleague, fellow senser, and occasional competitor, Garrick Masser. Masser is decidedly more experienced, and Ann wants to see if he can confirm her suspicions and maybe provide a little advice on how to rid herself of Firth’s malevolent haunting once and for all. Unfortunately, Masser is up to his elbows in a case of his own in Maine, and it has a tight time constraint. He’s been engaged by an old friend to find something valuable that might prevent the loss of her family’s historic hotel. It’s something she believes the spirit of her late brother will reveal, but she wishes to involve Masser alone, and with a strict promise of confidentiality. When Ann offers to come to Maine for evaluation of her own issues, Masser grudgingly agrees to help her when he’s not working on his assignment.
What follows is an encompassing journey of discovery, both past and present, as Ann finds herself secretly involved in Masser’s case when he can’t find answers quickly enough on his own. As the story unfolds, we are steeped in the Lynam family history from the 1930s through the tragic fire that devastated Bar Harbor in 1947. Dalrymple’s factual research is expertly interwoven into a narrative that will have you feeling the heat of the encroaching blaze on the back of your neck as locals fight before finally fleeing the ill-fated area. Equally engaging is the modern-day mystery and the ways in which the past informs the present. As the pieces begin to fall into place, Ann finds herself racing against dangers both corporeal and paranormal in order to protect Masser from a danger even his own superior sensing skills can’t detect. The dénouement was intensely suspenseful, and I was practically holding my breath flipping through those final chapters to see how it all might turn out.
Anyone fearing a sophomore curse for the Ann Kinnear suspense series can breathe easy. There is something enigmatic about Dalrymple’s writing style that I find particularly appealing. Her characterization is on point, her description is never overdone, her scenes are engrossing, and her plotting is intelligent and precise. When your story requires more than a little suspension of disbelief—they’re communicating with the dead, for heaven’s sake!—it’s all really quite remarkable, and Dalrymple pulls it off with effortless grace and class.
My love for reading mysteries is something I inherited from my late mother. She introduced me to many of my favorite mystery authors, and how I would have loved to return the favor by introducing her to Dalrymple and her series. Who knows? Maybe she’s been reading over my shoulder this whole time. Matty Dalrymple makes it feel more than possible…
I definitely recommend this series. In fact, I’ve already purchased Book #3…
Increasingly paranoid about driving and other such tasks that could turn deadly in an instant, Ann decides to contact respected colleague, fellow senser, and occasional competitor, Garrick Masser. Masser is decidedly more experienced, and Ann wants to see if he can confirm her suspicions and maybe provide a little advice on how to rid herself of Firth’s malevolent haunting once and for all. Unfortunately, Masser is up to his elbows in a case of his own in Maine, and it has a tight time constraint. He’s been engaged by an old friend to find something valuable that might prevent the loss of her family’s historic hotel. It’s something she believes the spirit of her late brother will reveal, but she wishes to involve Masser alone, and with a strict promise of confidentiality. When Ann offers to come to Maine for evaluation of her own issues, Masser grudgingly agrees to help her when he’s not working on his assignment.
What follows is an encompassing journey of discovery, both past and present, as Ann finds herself secretly involved in Masser’s case when he can’t find answers quickly enough on his own. As the story unfolds, we are steeped in the Lynam family history from the 1930s through the tragic fire that devastated Bar Harbor in 1947. Dalrymple’s factual research is expertly interwoven into a narrative that will have you feeling the heat of the encroaching blaze on the back of your neck as locals fight before finally fleeing the ill-fated area. Equally engaging is the modern-day mystery and the ways in which the past informs the present. As the pieces begin to fall into place, Ann finds herself racing against dangers both corporeal and paranormal in order to protect Masser from a danger even his own superior sensing skills can’t detect. The dénouement was intensely suspenseful, and I was practically holding my breath flipping through those final chapters to see how it all might turn out.
Anyone fearing a sophomore curse for the Ann Kinnear suspense series can breathe easy. There is something enigmatic about Dalrymple’s writing style that I find particularly appealing. Her characterization is on point, her description is never overdone, her scenes are engrossing, and her plotting is intelligent and precise. When your story requires more than a little suspension of disbelief—they’re communicating with the dead, for heaven’s sake!—it’s all really quite remarkable, and Dalrymple pulls it off with effortless grace and class.
My love for reading mysteries is something I inherited from my late mother. She introduced me to many of my favorite mystery authors, and how I would have loved to return the favor by introducing her to Dalrymple and her series. Who knows? Maybe she’s been reading over my shoulder this whole time. Matty Dalrymple makes it feel more than possible…
I definitely recommend this series. In fact, I’ve already purchased Book #3…
November 21, 2017
Matty Dalrymple’s The Sense of Reckoning is apparently the second in a series featuring main character Anne Kinnear, a woman who is quickly developing psychic powers. I purchased this on a recent trip to Bar Harbor, Maine, in my quest to read books from local authors wherever I go. Turns out I didn’t read the author bio carefully, for Dalrymple is from Pennsylvania, but this novel is set on Mount Desert Island where Bar Harbor sits, and Dalymple, I believe, is a frequent visitor there. The book is billed as a suspense novel, and I suppose it is, but it more a psychological examination of Kinnear and another character Chip Lynam, who appears mostly in flashbacks. It is the flashbacks that are the most interesting, for they are set in and explore the total devastation of the fire that destroyed most of Bar Harbor and MDI in 1947. Having been a visitor to BH twice, these sections of the novel interested me more than the “today” sections. And I found the story told in the flashbacks more compelling than the more modern tale. That being said, any reader who likes tales involving spirits will most likely enjoy this one. Dalrymple’s stories are straightforward and told simply in good, solid writing. Because her flashbacks are contained in separate chapters and clearly labeled with designations of the year they take place, there is no confusion. Unlike what seems to me to be a current fad in TV series, where suddenly we are in flashback mode and have to discern that from the yellow filtering of the camera lens, here we know exactly what is happening. Two editing glitches bothered me a bit: two characters drive to Bar Harbor, one driving a car that ultimately needs repairs. The other arrives in the couple’s second car. Yet there is a statement that they explore the island in a rental car because of the repair of the first car. Why would they need a rental when the second character arrived in a car in perfect condition? The second editing glitch is perhaps nothing. Perhaps it’s my own prejudice. Five or six times, Dalrymple used “all right,” yet the term is spelled “alright.” The preferred, accepted usage is to spell two words. Yes, a secondary usage is the one word spelling, but I find it jarring whenever I see it, for the secondary spelling is just an outgrowth of users not knowing how to spell the word correctly. But I don’t blame Dalrymple for that. Her editor should have caught that mistake, as the editor should have caught the “car” thing. But why quibble over such minor transgressions? The Sense of Reckoning is a pleasant way to spend a few hours while learning a bit about the history of Maine’s Mount Desert Island. Good writing should entertain and inform. This does both.
October 21, 2025
Now I'm not the sharpest crayon in the box, but this story The Sense of Reckoning by Matty Dalrymple had me reading like somebody hid my remote and I had nothing better to do.
So Ann Kinnear, she isn't having a easy time. She solved a big murder up in Philly, but now she is down in the dump. I reckon those ghosts she messes with are not letting her rest one bit. So she packs up and heads on up to Maine to see this guy named Garrick Masser who also does that spooky spirit sensing stuff.
But let me tell you, as soon as they got up there, things started sideways real quick. That old hotel they were messing with has more secrets than a teenager with a broken phone screen, and they start digging into all kinda stuff like art theft, old fires, and people who just can't seem to stay buried. Ann started trying to piece it all together, but it's like doing a puzzle when half the pieces fell under the couch.
It's got that creepy feeling where you know something bad is hiding just out of sight, and you keep telling yourself one more chapter, but next thing you know it's two in the morning and your eyes start crossing, but you gotta know if Ann will make it out or get stuck there forever.
All in all, it's a wild spooky ride with some mystery, some chills, and a little heartache too. It kept me up late and I'm not mad about it.
I give it a 4 outta 5 catfish!
So Ann Kinnear, she isn't having a easy time. She solved a big murder up in Philly, but now she is down in the dump. I reckon those ghosts she messes with are not letting her rest one bit. So she packs up and heads on up to Maine to see this guy named Garrick Masser who also does that spooky spirit sensing stuff.
But let me tell you, as soon as they got up there, things started sideways real quick. That old hotel they were messing with has more secrets than a teenager with a broken phone screen, and they start digging into all kinda stuff like art theft, old fires, and people who just can't seem to stay buried. Ann started trying to piece it all together, but it's like doing a puzzle when half the pieces fell under the couch.
It's got that creepy feeling where you know something bad is hiding just out of sight, and you keep telling yourself one more chapter, but next thing you know it's two in the morning and your eyes start crossing, but you gotta know if Ann will make it out or get stuck there forever.
All in all, it's a wild spooky ride with some mystery, some chills, and a little heartache too. It kept me up late and I'm not mad about it.
I give it a 4 outta 5 catfish!
June 7, 2017
Still at the beach at the Outer Banks. I just finished Matty's first book and was wanting more. Luckily I had "The Sense of Reckoning" in my beach bag. As good if not better than the first book. She really did a great job of further developing the characters. The relationship between Ann and Scott was really fine tuned with their road trip to Mount Desert Island. Garrick played a small role in the first book but his character really took shape as well as the bond between himself and Ann. The storyline kept me guessing right up to the end but I won't spoil the end.
As with the first book the locations really made the book for me. MDI is one of my wife's and my favorite places on the earth. If you have not seen a sunrise or sunset from Cadillac Mountain do yourself a favor and go see one. Two books make a series but I hope Matty continues and gives me more to enjoy. We go to the beach every year so I expect one before Memorial Day 2018.
As with the first book the locations really made the book for me. MDI is one of my wife's and my favorite places on the earth. If you have not seen a sunrise or sunset from Cadillac Mountain do yourself a favor and go see one. Two books make a series but I hope Matty continues and gives me more to enjoy. We go to the beach every year so I expect one before Memorial Day 2018.
January 12, 2021
A bit clunky but good.
I have to give the author credit for creating and developing unusual characters who are annoying at times, but who are also interesting even if not always relatable.
This particular story switched back and forth between two timelines which I found manageable if a bit off putting. There is the central story line of Garrick Messer, Ann’s semi-mentor, and their collaboration to solve the mystery of the missing Lady. However, the book starts with a troubling interaction between Ann and an old adversary but then is largely forgotten until the very end.
Aside from what felt like a bit of “clunkiness” in the story telling it was still enjoyable watching Ann’s sensing talents develop. I recommend it.
I have to give the author credit for creating and developing unusual characters who are annoying at times, but who are also interesting even if not always relatable.
This particular story switched back and forth between two timelines which I found manageable if a bit off putting. There is the central story line of Garrick Messer, Ann’s semi-mentor, and their collaboration to solve the mystery of the missing Lady. However, the book starts with a troubling interaction between Ann and an old adversary but then is largely forgotten until the very end.
Aside from what felt like a bit of “clunkiness” in the story telling it was still enjoyable watching Ann’s sensing talents develop. I recommend it.
October 23, 2025
This book was so good! Ann is having unexplained accidents involving her hands. She contacts Garrick for help in figuring out if Biden Firth could be causing the accidents. Garrick involves her in a case he’s working on but must remain secret. Ann’s gift is starting to change and she’s beginning to be able to see ghosts now. This book has lovely descriptions of the area, as well as some unexpected twists. I couldn’t put it down. I received this book as an ARC, and will definitely be reading the rest of this series!
October 24, 2016
Following straight on from the first book, Ann Kinnear discovers she needs the help of fellow senser Garrick Masser. So she travels to Maine , but becomes involved in Masser's current investigation,
But what could have happened in 1947 that impacts on the current generation of the Lynam family living in the area.
Still couldn't really get involved with this series. So probably not for me.
A NetGalley Book
But what could have happened in 1947 that impacts on the current generation of the Lynam family living in the area.
Still couldn't really get involved with this series. So probably not for me.
A NetGalley Book
February 13, 2021
Dalrymple deftly managed two timelines to tell a story of family secrets and unresolved tensions. The supernatural element is not tacked on, but is essential to the plot and, as presented, is completely believable. Ann Kinnear has to decide how to deal with her special gift. She is forced to weigh its potential danger and its possibility for good. A bonus is the setting: Mount Desert Island, which is painted with obvious familiarity and affection and is the perfect location for this story.
May 16, 2021
Intriguing mystery to the past
Even better than the first! Ann's abilities have seem to have widen, probably due to the trauma of her experience in catching a murderer she killed in self defense. Now haunted herself she sets put to get help from a colleague and is pulled into that colleague's mysterious case. Jumping from the past to present day as the mystery unravels. A great page turner!
Even better than the first! Ann's abilities have seem to have widen, probably due to the trauma of her experience in catching a murderer she killed in self defense. Now haunted herself she sets put to get help from a colleague and is pulled into that colleague's mysterious case. Jumping from the past to present day as the mystery unravels. A great page turner!
August 24, 2023
Another very good Ann Kinnear read. A little confusing at times (keeping track of the many characters involved), but not insurmountable and easy enough to get back on track. The big scene at the hotel towards the end of the book was not only suspenseful, but rather terrifying. Had to finish the book in daylight 😄. I like Matty Dalrymple’s writing style and find myself totally immersed in the story. Would definitely read another in this series.
October 8, 2021
This mix of mystery, thriller, and ghostly goings-on is the perfect fall read! It also includes plenty of historical background and details of its location/setting on Mount Desert Island in Maine. I loved everything about this novel!
Read my full review & listen to an audio sample:
https://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2021/...
Read my full review & listen to an audio sample:
https://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2021/...
October 24, 2025
I really enjoy this author. If you haven't read her all her series then you definitely need to get them. The first book was amazing so go back and read it first if possible but this book can stand alone if needed. The characters are wonderful and I really enjoy Ann and Scott. Great lead up to a shocking end.
June 21, 2017
I could not wait to read this book after reading, The Sense of Death. Another great suspenseful novel that doesn't disappoint. This is the type of book you want to see how it ends but are sad when you finish reading it.
April 23, 2021
Good sequel
Good sequel to the first in this series. Felt a little dissatisfied with the ending. Felt like it should have continued on and tied up a few more loose ends. Enjoyed the book though. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Good sequel to the first in this series. Felt a little dissatisfied with the ending. Felt like it should have continued on and tied up a few more loose ends. Enjoyed the book though. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
April 4, 2025
I really enjoyed this story. I have already started reading the next in the series. I love the added paranormal element. Highly recommend the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2021
I love this series. I think book 2 is better than the first one in some ways. Excited for The Falcon and the Owl
March 6, 2022
Unexpected twists!
I certainly did not see the twists and turns in this book ahead of time. Well done on surprising us!
I certainly did not see the twists and turns in this book ahead of time. Well done on surprising us!
September 23, 2024
Well written
I love a good mystery with ghosts thrown in.
I love a good mystery with ghosts thrown in.
April 5, 2025
With a lot of suspense, fast pacing, and twists you don't see coming, this Ann Kinnear novel keeps you on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend this series.
March 20, 2017
This was a good story that I enjoyed very much, except it kept going from present to the past. I know it was needed to tie the story to the present, but I could have done without so much past events. I'm loving this series and looking forward to the next book. I hope there will be a next book. Please!!!
February 21, 2017
Fantastic
Love the book. Hope there are more to come. Characters are great and believable. Lots of talking between the ghost and humans. Love the way you write.
Love the book. Hope there are more to come. Characters are great and believable. Lots of talking between the ghost and humans. Love the way you write.
October 30, 2015
I Thoroughly Enjoyed
I quickly bought this book as soon as it was released. And it did not disappoint. The author is detailed with her descriptions that I felt I was part of the story, right there with Ann every step of the way. The dialogue and the storyline allowed for a comfortable flow chapter to chapter. Although I read the first book, this story easily stands on its own without the first book ... But I can assure you you will want to read the first one, second one and all the future stories the author gets Ann Kinear into. Definitely a must read for suspense. I must say I was scared a few times, and on the edge of my seat reading it. Awaiting Ann Kinear's next adventure. Kudos to the author for another hit.
I quickly bought this book as soon as it was released. And it did not disappoint. The author is detailed with her descriptions that I felt I was part of the story, right there with Ann every step of the way. The dialogue and the storyline allowed for a comfortable flow chapter to chapter. Although I read the first book, this story easily stands on its own without the first book ... But I can assure you you will want to read the first one, second one and all the future stories the author gets Ann Kinear into. Definitely a must read for suspense. I must say I was scared a few times, and on the edge of my seat reading it. Awaiting Ann Kinear's next adventure. Kudos to the author for another hit.
October 23, 2015
Much better storytelling
In this book you get to know the characters and therefore care what happens to them. A few editing errors and long descriptive paragraphs of places. I loved the paranormal aspects as well as seeing more in depth into Ann, her brother and his partner, Scott. Enjoyable reading.
In this book you get to know the characters and therefore care what happens to them. A few editing errors and long descriptive paragraphs of places. I loved the paranormal aspects as well as seeing more in depth into Ann, her brother and his partner, Scott. Enjoyable reading.
November 20, 2015
Good mystery with an unusual turn that the two main characters can sense spirits. This book keeps you interested start to finish.
April 10, 2017
Hotel Spirits
Another gripping fast read that includes more than one spirit and two sensors. Love the relationship of the main character and her brother's partner. Look forward to more books in this series.
Another gripping fast read that includes more than one spirit and two sensors. Love the relationship of the main character and her brother's partner. Look forward to more books in this series.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews