Grave Justice

Marcie and Amanda Mysteries #2

by Glen Ebisch

Amanda Vickers and Marcie Ducasse, editors at Roaming New England Magazine, return in this story to once again investigate the mysteries surrounding supernatural events in New England. Marcie pays a visit to the town of West Windham, Maine, to check out a report about the so-called Monster of Lake Opal, a Loch Ness-type creature that is said to inhabit the dark depths of the lake. Amanda joins Marcie to attend a seance at the home of a man trying to contact his late wife's spirit, in hopes of discovering the identity of her killer. The spirit channeled by the medium tells them to look in her coffin to find a clue to the murderer's identity. Shortly after the seance, the mausoleum containing the coffin is broken into and a local boy is attacked and seriously injured in the process. Marcie and Amanda quickly find themselves drawn into the hunt for both a strange sea creature and a murderer who appears willing to kill again in order to prevent this grave justice.

Genres: Mystery

266 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Glen Albert Ebisch lives with his wife in western Massachusetts. His interests include philosophy, yoga, and reading mysteries..

Reviews

[Todd · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, not entirely sure what to say about this one. It was...ordinary. Maybe even a little less than ordinary. Here are some thoughts:

First, there were many typographical errors in the manuscript. Sometimes several on a page. For example:

Location 2141 “...he’d replied with a look that didn’t invited further questions.”

Location 2144: “...he struck a match and set the whole things alight.”

I don’t know why I find this so distracting, but there is a part of me that thinks if the author and editor didn’t care enough about the book to correct these types of mistakes, why should I care about the book at all? It just unsettles me.

Second, it was described as a book involving “...mysteries surrounding supernatural events in New England.” Even though there was a seance in the book, I would have to say that is about the extent of the supernatural events we experience. So, it doesn’t quite live up to its billing in this regard. That was a disappointment.

Third, if you’re an even occasional reader of mysteries, you will spot the killer after reading no more than fifty pages or so. It’s a bit predictable.

Fourth, if you’re going to set your story in coastal Maine, take advantage of all the wonderful New England atmosphere to enhance the mood enveloping the events in the story. That didn’t really happen here.

Fifth, there are a lot worse books out there. This one was a fine read for daily commuting - just not something to pick up if you’re looking for something that will leave you guessing right up until the end.

[Dharia Scarab · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though this book was written in a style I hate (multiple perspectives) I enjoyed the book because of the seance and ghost aspect.


Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...

1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.

2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.

3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.

4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.

5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.

[Chris Kenyon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good murder mystery with an interesting supernatural twist. Characters were well thought out and the story was very well executed. Minus one star for the romantic side stories which I didn’t think were necessary for the plot but all in all a good book.

[Janice Felgueira · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a enjoyable story, but there were parts that were a little far fetched. Not as good as the first book.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot was pretty simplistic and predictable, but I liked the overall vibe: a lake monster, a haunted B&B, a seance, and vampires in the graveyard. It was a good light Halloween read

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A darn good read.

[Mandy Burkhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did find the whole "why were these characters, who are not law enforcement professionals, conveniently being included in all of the major parts of the investigation" part of this book slightly annoying, particularly since the author attempts to address this head on ("Suspect is clearly more comfortable with you and will thence confess everything only if you're with me..." etc). There was a rather satisfying conclusion to this book, though.

[DeAnne · Rating 1 out of 5]

This simply didn't do anything for me. Supposedly 2 reporters are investigating sightings of a monster in the lake of a small town, but uncover a medium and a murder instead. The clues to the murder are hidden in the casket of the victim; there are plenty of suspects, but none I cared about. And the monster makes an appearance in the last few pages of the book. Now really! Really very little suspense.

[Steph (loves water) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars only because it's about New England, a place I have a special affinity for. Several typos in the book, though, which, as an editor, drives me nuts. Because it's New England, though, I might try any others in the series/

[Aimee McDaniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read by this author the adventures of Amanda and Marcie

Good story keeps you guessing till the end. Always an adventure with the main characters Amanda and Marcie will continue to follow this author

[Alana · Rating 3 out of 5]

good mystery, but so hard to get through. unfortuantely i started midway through the series and didn't realize until half way through the book. i hate when that happens.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, not bad at all. Likable characters, and a well written mystery. I'd definitely give another book by this author a try.

[Tricia Duzan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read, didn't like it as well as I did the first book.

[Cari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super quick read. It was okay. My library book expired so I'm waiting to cue it up again.

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the idea--reporters investigating paranormal stories end up in modern crimes--but I could play spot the villain a mile away. Extra points for being in New England.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series. It was good but the ending was a little ridiculous.

[Henry Garcia-Cruz · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was alright, I say this because this genre is not the type of genre I like. I had to read this genre is get a grade higher than a 1. Many people have different opinions but that's mine.

[Gloria Mccracken · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad for a cheap (or free) Kindle offer.