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Where there’s smoke... Andi Comstock has grown used to smelling the smoke that pervades her office every time a cremation takes place in the mortuary next door. She even enjoys the moment or two when each soul stops to chat with her on the way to the Pearly Gates. But one day, a Smokie utters a confession that leads her to believe he may be headed in the other direction. I did something bad, Andi, and I don’t know how to fix it. Sometimes, it means murder... Andi isn’t the type of person who can let a plea for help go unanswered. Her sleuthing cohort Father Riley sometimes compares her to St. Jeanne d’Arc, fighting battles on behalf of others. Andi’s no saint, but neither is she a coward. When someone–dead or not–asks for help, she can’t just walk away. Not even if it means putting her own life on the line.
- GenresMystery
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 22, 2016
5 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Ann Simas
69 books99 followersAnn Simas lives in Oregon, but she is a Colorado girl at heart, having grown up in the Rocky Mountains. An avid word-lover since childhood, she penned her first fiction “book” in high school. She particularly likes to write a mix of mystery-thriller-suspense with a love story and paranormal/supernatural elements. Simas currently has 25 books in print. Both are available in paperback and in ebook format.
An award-winning watercolorist and a budding photographer, Ann also enjoys needlework and gardening in her spare time. She is her family’s “genealogist” and has been blessed with the opportunity to conduct first-hand research in Italy for both her writing and her family tree. The genealogy research from century’s old documents, written in Italian, has been a supreme but gratifying and exciting challenge for her.
An award-winning watercolorist and a budding photographer, Ann also enjoys needlework and gardening in her spare time. She is her family’s “genealogist” and has been blessed with the opportunity to conduct first-hand research in Italy for both her writing and her family tree. The genealogy research from century’s old documents, written in Italian, has been a supreme but gratifying and exciting challenge for her.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 27, 2018
I enjoyed this book a lot. I love reading cozy mysteries and the addition of the paranormal element was wonderful!
Andi Comstock is a normal young woman who is a whiz at computer coding. In her job at Orion's Belt, she is developing a game called Wild Hare. Only thing is, there is a crematorium on the same block. And, for some reason, when people are cremated there, they make one final visit to Andi in the form of smoke. Hence, the name she calls them: Smokies.
I won't go into details of the story, but I will say that it is well written and enjoyable. Great characters and character development, great deductive reasoning that you expect from a cozy and the obligatory police detective boyfriend provide what I expect from this type of book. Add in complicated relationships between characters, a kindly Catholic priest and the normal trouble that an amateur sleuth gets into trying to solve the mystery and you have the perfect cozy!
If you enjoy your cozy mysteries with a bit of the supernatural, you can't got wrong with this one. Ms. Simas is a very good writer and she does a great job with this book. I will definitely be reading more by her! I was given the chance to read this book by a review group and chose to review it.
Andi Comstock is a normal young woman who is a whiz at computer coding. In her job at Orion's Belt, she is developing a game called Wild Hare. Only thing is, there is a crematorium on the same block. And, for some reason, when people are cremated there, they make one final visit to Andi in the form of smoke. Hence, the name she calls them: Smokies.
I won't go into details of the story, but I will say that it is well written and enjoyable. Great characters and character development, great deductive reasoning that you expect from a cozy and the obligatory police detective boyfriend provide what I expect from this type of book. Add in complicated relationships between characters, a kindly Catholic priest and the normal trouble that an amateur sleuth gets into trying to solve the mystery and you have the perfect cozy!
If you enjoy your cozy mysteries with a bit of the supernatural, you can't got wrong with this one. Ms. Simas is a very good writer and she does a great job with this book. I will definitely be reading more by her! I was given the chance to read this book by a review group and chose to review it.
August 11, 2019
The evasive ghost and the hitman
Another great read in the series with a plot centred around a ghost who is evasive to the point that no-one really knows what the truth is except that he has hired a hitman to kill his wife. Although I must admit that I did guess part of the solution even though I didn't get the motive. Loved the characters especially the Father who in no way resembles any priest I have ever know. His quips and observations lighten the dialogue immensely.
The game is going well, as is her new relationship, plus she has more or less recovered from the murderous dentist. However her peace is shattered by a ghost that laments the fact that he cannot stop what he has set in motion. A contract out on his wife! Add in evasive answers when she tries to question him, a double homicide, a new partnership, lies from his wife and attempts to murder her. Can she work through the maze of lies, deceit and evasions from all concerned to find the truth and stop more killings? Or will she be a victim?
Another great read in the series with a plot centred around a ghost who is evasive to the point that no-one really knows what the truth is except that he has hired a hitman to kill his wife. Although I must admit that I did guess part of the solution even though I didn't get the motive. Loved the characters especially the Father who in no way resembles any priest I have ever know. His quips and observations lighten the dialogue immensely.
The game is going well, as is her new relationship, plus she has more or less recovered from the murderous dentist. However her peace is shattered by a ghost that laments the fact that he cannot stop what he has set in motion. A contract out on his wife! Add in evasive answers when she tries to question him, a double homicide, a new partnership, lies from his wife and attempts to murder her. Can she work through the maze of lies, deceit and evasions from all concerned to find the truth and stop more killings? Or will she be a victim?
August 26, 2018
Mystery with touches of the paranormal
Andi Comstock is a computer geek who designs and writes code for computer games. Next door to her workplace is a mortuary/crematorium, and every time one of the deceased is cremated, they pop by Andi's desk in a puff of smoke, just to say hello or so long, or whatever. And likes these little visits from the "Smokies" as she calls them. But one day, one Smokie confesses a grave misdeed which he wants rectified - except now that he's dead it's beyond his power to do so. Andi is roped into helping the poor soul, dragging friends, neighbors, boyfriend and BF's cop boss into the mix. It's a little funny, a little sad, a little sweet, and totally improbable, but if you are willing to buy the paranormal aspects, it's a very cleverly plotted mystery that will keep readers interested from beginning to end. I liked it, although it took a bit of time before it got going. Cozy mystery fans will appreciate this one.
Andi Comstock is a computer geek who designs and writes code for computer games. Next door to her workplace is a mortuary/crematorium, and every time one of the deceased is cremated, they pop by Andi's desk in a puff of smoke, just to say hello or so long, or whatever. And likes these little visits from the "Smokies" as she calls them. But one day, one Smokie confesses a grave misdeed which he wants rectified - except now that he's dead it's beyond his power to do so. Andi is roped into helping the poor soul, dragging friends, neighbors, boyfriend and BF's cop boss into the mix. It's a little funny, a little sad, a little sweet, and totally improbable, but if you are willing to buy the paranormal aspects, it's a very cleverly plotted mystery that will keep readers interested from beginning to end. I liked it, although it took a bit of time before it got going. Cozy mystery fans will appreciate this one.
February 1, 2018
Enjoyable mystery
I always enjoy Ann Simas. This book was good ,I had a hard time putting it down. Andi is now on my radar and I will be looking forward to the next book. Great mystery, you won't see it coming.
I always enjoy Ann Simas. This book was good ,I had a hard time putting it down. Andi is now on my radar and I will be looking forward to the next book. Great mystery, you won't see it coming.
February 9, 2018
Full of mystery and suspense. I had no clue what was going to happen. I love the fact that this author always keeps you on your toes by trying to guess what is going to happen in her books. Not that you could guess in a million years. Fantastic book!
April 7, 2018
i dont think ive read the first but i didnt need to have to understand this second one.. which im glad about.. this was interesting though.. and i wasnt sure at first what this was about or if id like it.. but the supernatural aspect kept me very interested and i enjoyed it a lot.
October 29, 2025
Great series
As always, Ann keeps me guessing. I seriously thought it was someone else. Thanks for always being my distraction.
Looking forward to what's next
As always, Ann keeps me guessing. I seriously thought it was someone else. Thanks for always being my distraction.
Looking forward to what's next
November 23, 2016
Penitence is a supernatural mystery that easily captivates readers with its intriguing characters and gripping plot.
Andi Comstock's senses are always on alert when the Smokies pass through her office with goodbye messages on their way to the afterlife so, when Clem Naylor's spirit arrives with the message "I did something bad and I don't know how to fix it" Andi's senses spin into overdrive. Joining forces with Father Riley and her boyfriend, Detective Jack Harmon, Andi sets out to help Clem right his wrongs so he can pass peacefully through the Pearly Gates. Unfortunately, Andi soon discovers just how sinister and complicated Clem's plan is and she's afraid she won't be able to protect the lives of those involved. Can she stop the evil nightmare before it's too late?
I really enjoyed Penitence. The characters are well developed and appealing and the storyline is imaginative yet unfolds in such a way that it is easily believable and engrossing. I was hooked from the moment Andi smelled smoke.
I highly recommend picking up a copy.
Andi Comstock's senses are always on alert when the Smokies pass through her office with goodbye messages on their way to the afterlife so, when Clem Naylor's spirit arrives with the message "I did something bad and I don't know how to fix it" Andi's senses spin into overdrive. Joining forces with Father Riley and her boyfriend, Detective Jack Harmon, Andi sets out to help Clem right his wrongs so he can pass peacefully through the Pearly Gates. Unfortunately, Andi soon discovers just how sinister and complicated Clem's plan is and she's afraid she won't be able to protect the lives of those involved. Can she stop the evil nightmare before it's too late?
I really enjoyed Penitence. The characters are well developed and appealing and the storyline is imaginative yet unfolds in such a way that it is easily believable and engrossing. I was hooked from the moment Andi smelled smoke.
I highly recommend picking up a copy.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews