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Lily Dale Mystery #1
Nine Lives
After the death of her husband, Bella Jordan and her son need a fresh start. But on their way to stay with family in Chicago, they stop in Lily Dale, New York and a storm forces them to spend the night.
Brimming with kooky psychics and mediums, Lily Dale is just the kind of quirky little town Bella's late husband always talked about settling down in. So when the local hotel's owner, Leona, passes away, Bella agrees to step in and help temporarily. The longer she and Max stay there, the more Lily Dale starts to feel like home.
But for Bella, finding a home means finding danger, too. Leona was murdered, and it's up to Bella to track down the killer before her sanctuary comes crashing down in bestseller Wendy Corsi Staub’s warm and witty series debut.
Brimming with kooky psychics and mediums, Lily Dale is just the kind of quirky little town Bella's late husband always talked about settling down in. So when the local hotel's owner, Leona, passes away, Bella agrees to step in and help temporarily. The longer she and Max stay there, the more Lily Dale starts to feel like home.
But for Bella, finding a home means finding danger, too. Leona was murdered, and it's up to Bella to track down the killer before her sanctuary comes crashing down in bestseller Wendy Corsi Staub’s warm and witty series debut.
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First published October 26, 2015
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About the author
Wendy Corsi Staub
81 books1,898 followersNew York Times bestseller Wendy Corsi Staub is the award-winning author of more than ninety novels, best known for the single title psychological suspense novels she writes under her own name. Those books and the women’s fiction written under the pseudonym Wendy Markham have also appeared on the USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookscan bestseller lists.
Her current standalone suspense novel, THE OTHER FAMILY, is about a picture-perfect family that that moves into a picture-perfect house. But not everything is as it seems, and the page-turner concludes “with a wallop of a twist,” according to #1 New York Times bestselling author Harlan Coben.
Her critically acclaimed Lily Dale traditional mystery series centers around a widowed single mom—and skeptic—who moves to a town populated by spiritualists who talk to the dead. Titles include NINE LIVES; SOMETHING BURIED, SOMETHING BLUE; DEAD OF WINTER; and PROSE AND CONS, with a fifth book under contract.
Wendy has written five suspense trilogies for HarperCollins/William Morrow. The most recent, The Foundlings (LITTLE GIRL LOST, DEAD SILENCE, and THE BUTCHER’S DAUGHTER), spans fifty years in the life of a woman left as a newborn in a Harlem church, now an investigative genealogist helping others uncover their biological roots while still searching for her own.
Written as Wendy Markham, Wendy’s novel HELLO, IT’S ME was a recent Hallmark television movie starring Kellie Martin. Her short story “Cat Got Your Tongue” appeared in R.L. Stine’s MWA middle grade anthology SCREAM AND SCREAM AGAIN and her short story “The Elephant in the Room” is included in the Anthony Award-nominated inaugural anthology SHATTERING GLASS.
A three-time finalist for the Simon and Schuster Mary Higgins Clark Award, she’s won an RWA Rita Award, an RT Award for Career Achievement in Suspense, the 2007 RWA-NYC Golden Apple Award for Lifetime Achievement, and five WLA Washington Irving Prizes for Fiction.
She previously published a dozen adult suspense novels with Kensington Books and the critically-acclaimed young adult paranormal series “Lily Dale” (Walker/Bloomsbury). Earlier in her career, she published a broad range of genres under her own name and pseudonyms, and was a co-author/ghostwriter for several celebrities.
Raised in Dunkirk, NY, Wendy graduated from SUNY Fredonia and launched a publishing career in New York City. She was Associate Editor at Silhouette Books before selling her first novel in 1992. Married with two sons, she lives in the NYC suburbs. An active supporter of the American Cancer Society, she was a featured speaker at Northern Westchester’s 2015 Relay for Life and 2012 National Spokesperson for the Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation. She has fostered for various animal rescue organizations.
Her current standalone suspense novel, THE OTHER FAMILY, is about a picture-perfect family that that moves into a picture-perfect house. But not everything is as it seems, and the page-turner concludes “with a wallop of a twist,” according to #1 New York Times bestselling author Harlan Coben.
Her critically acclaimed Lily Dale traditional mystery series centers around a widowed single mom—and skeptic—who moves to a town populated by spiritualists who talk to the dead. Titles include NINE LIVES; SOMETHING BURIED, SOMETHING BLUE; DEAD OF WINTER; and PROSE AND CONS, with a fifth book under contract.
Wendy has written five suspense trilogies for HarperCollins/William Morrow. The most recent, The Foundlings (LITTLE GIRL LOST, DEAD SILENCE, and THE BUTCHER’S DAUGHTER), spans fifty years in the life of a woman left as a newborn in a Harlem church, now an investigative genealogist helping others uncover their biological roots while still searching for her own.
Written as Wendy Markham, Wendy’s novel HELLO, IT’S ME was a recent Hallmark television movie starring Kellie Martin. Her short story “Cat Got Your Tongue” appeared in R.L. Stine’s MWA middle grade anthology SCREAM AND SCREAM AGAIN and her short story “The Elephant in the Room” is included in the Anthony Award-nominated inaugural anthology SHATTERING GLASS.
A three-time finalist for the Simon and Schuster Mary Higgins Clark Award, she’s won an RWA Rita Award, an RT Award for Career Achievement in Suspense, the 2007 RWA-NYC Golden Apple Award for Lifetime Achievement, and five WLA Washington Irving Prizes for Fiction.
She previously published a dozen adult suspense novels with Kensington Books and the critically-acclaimed young adult paranormal series “Lily Dale” (Walker/Bloomsbury). Earlier in her career, she published a broad range of genres under her own name and pseudonyms, and was a co-author/ghostwriter for several celebrities.
Raised in Dunkirk, NY, Wendy graduated from SUNY Fredonia and launched a publishing career in New York City. She was Associate Editor at Silhouette Books before selling her first novel in 1992. Married with two sons, she lives in the NYC suburbs. An active supporter of the American Cancer Society, she was a featured speaker at Northern Westchester’s 2015 Relay for Life and 2012 National Spokesperson for the Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation. She has fostered for various animal rescue organizations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
November 23, 2015
Meh. Picked this one up for the local flavor--Lily Dale isn't too far from where I live. It sort of veered between a cast of characters who were too cutesy in their eccentricity, and a main character who was almost literally too stupid to live. The resolution of the mystery seemed to come out of nowhere. Disappointing.
February 17, 2021
This book is real slow to get to the meat of the story. Nothing really happens until about 200 pages in and the only exciting part is the last few chapters which is where all the build up, climax, and resolution is revealed. And then it just kind of unceremoniously ends, without any details about what happen to most of the peoples in the story. It's also heavily repetitive and needs better editing. Easily at least 100 pages of the book could have been cut due to the repetitiveness. The main character, Bella, is kind of annoying and not to bright. Throughout the book she's just thinking about what she should do instead of actually taking action. For someone who is homeless, jobless, and has a child, she constantly complains that she needs to leave Lily Dale (a place where she is offered a place to live, a job, and a friend for her son) to go to her mother-in-law's house (who she hates, refers to as Maleficent, and can't even stand to be on the phone with for more than a few seconds). Cause that makes sense? The only positive thing I can say about this book is that I couldn't guess who the murderer is. Mainly because it's not super clear if there's even been a murder untill the end and then the villain seemed to be picked completely at random and assigned a motive, again all within the last few chapters.
July 23, 2016
Bella Jordan, a recently widowed woman, along with her 5-year-old son, Max, plan to start anew. Actually, Bella has lost just about everything trying to pay off all the medical and funeral bills. Her only hope at this time is to head to Chicago to spend the summer with her mother-in-law.
Instead she winds up in Lily Dale, New York… an unconventional little village that seems to be home only to psychic mediums. They were only there to drop off a pregnant cat … Chance The Cat… according to the cat and her son Max. But the cat’s owner died recently, leaving the cat an orphan and a busy inn without a keeper.
Agreeing to help out temporarily, she feels that the owner had been murdered. With so many unorthodox neighbors and friends of the deceased, as well as the tourists descending on their little village, Bella isn’t sure what to think.
I have read a lot of Wendy Corsi Staub books over the years. This is a new cozy mystery series ..not my usual genre. But I loved this book.
I loved all the people … psychics one and all. They are welcome her into their circle. Bella couldn’t be safer … until she starts investigating a murder.
One of my favorite characters is Chance The Cat, who plays a very important part of this story. Besides the fact that she seems to be able to walk through walls, she’s just a fascinating creature and as I was told, based on the author’s real cat.
Nine Lives is a bit suspenseful, but without a lot of violence. I thought the ending was absolutely perfect. I sincerely look forward to see more of the Lily Dale gang.
Instead she winds up in Lily Dale, New York… an unconventional little village that seems to be home only to psychic mediums. They were only there to drop off a pregnant cat … Chance The Cat… according to the cat and her son Max. But the cat’s owner died recently, leaving the cat an orphan and a busy inn without a keeper.
Agreeing to help out temporarily, she feels that the owner had been murdered. With so many unorthodox neighbors and friends of the deceased, as well as the tourists descending on their little village, Bella isn’t sure what to think.
I have read a lot of Wendy Corsi Staub books over the years. This is a new cozy mystery series ..not my usual genre. But I loved this book.
I loved all the people … psychics one and all. They are welcome her into their circle. Bella couldn’t be safer … until she starts investigating a murder.
One of my favorite characters is Chance The Cat, who plays a very important part of this story. Besides the fact that she seems to be able to walk through walls, she’s just a fascinating creature and as I was told, based on the author’s real cat.
Nine Lives is a bit suspenseful, but without a lot of violence. I thought the ending was absolutely perfect. I sincerely look forward to see more of the Lily Dale gang.
September 18, 2017
I'm a bit torn here. I love that this series is placed in Lily Dale - which is an actual Spiritualist community in upstate New York. People come during the summer to have psychic readings, visit the pet cemetery and fairy gardens, and attend classes. Many of psychics themselves live in Victorians there, and hold readings in their own homes. I went to Lily Dale once, just for the afternoon, and found it fascinating! So I enjoyed exploring the Dale in this book, and I think it's great setting for a cozy mystery series.
However, the actual mystery itself wasn't that compelling. There was no way I could have guessed who did it, and for much of the book, most of the characters were denying that anyone had been murdered (which made me roll my eyes). Our protagonist is a newly widowed mother with a five year old son, who ends up in Lily Dale quite by accident. I liked Bella and the secondary mystery of Chance the cat, but many of the other characters were too one-dimensional for my liking.
However, I know a lot of series have a rocky first start, so I'm interested in giving the Lily Dale Mysteries another chance.
However, the actual mystery itself wasn't that compelling. There was no way I could have guessed who did it, and for much of the book, most of the characters were denying that anyone had been murdered (which made me roll my eyes). Our protagonist is a newly widowed mother with a five year old son, who ends up in Lily Dale quite by accident. I liked Bella and the secondary mystery of Chance the cat, but many of the other characters were too one-dimensional for my liking.
However, I know a lot of series have a rocky first start, so I'm interested in giving the Lily Dale Mysteries another chance.
October 27, 2015
Many years ago, I stumbled across a Wendy Corsi Staub book in a used bookstore that I frequented. After reading the first one, I was already a fan--and started collecting more to read. I don't think that I've ever read one of her books that I didn't like. So it doesn't surprise me that I absolutely loved this book!
The characters, the cats, the wonderful little town that it's set in... I love it all!
The characters, the cats, the wonderful little town that it's set in... I love it all!
May 2, 2021
Horrible narrator.
January 31, 2022
NINE LIVES
Wendy Corsi Staub
So after the death of her husband, Sam, Bella Jordan, and Max her little boy are driving to the hated mother in laws' house because they are broke. Their car starts to break down, but just before that they see a pg cat in the middle of the road. They stop to pick up the PG cat and Max is in love, they take the cat to the vet. The cat's chip gives an address in Lily Dale and away they go.
These two characters end up staying at a bed and breakfast sort of place where the owner has just died. There is a need for someone to oversee the place and Bella needs a job! PERFECT. Max makes friends with the strange little boy next door, Jiffy and we are on our way. '
It also seems that this tiny little town has a murder problem despite being full of psychics and mediums, and it appears that Bella and Max might be as well. So Bella is a sideline sleuth.
What I don't like about this book is that Bella is the biggest neurotic ever. I get that her husband just died but she jumps the gun on everything and it really gets old all the whining and prediction of direr circumstances just because someone asks her where her child is. What is good, are the kids, Max and Jiffy who are outrageous and super funny. Not a fast mover, not a serious crime book, but readable and entertaining.
3.5 stars
Happy Reading!
Wendy Corsi Staub
So after the death of her husband, Sam, Bella Jordan, and Max her little boy are driving to the hated mother in laws' house because they are broke. Their car starts to break down, but just before that they see a pg cat in the middle of the road. They stop to pick up the PG cat and Max is in love, they take the cat to the vet. The cat's chip gives an address in Lily Dale and away they go.
These two characters end up staying at a bed and breakfast sort of place where the owner has just died. There is a need for someone to oversee the place and Bella needs a job! PERFECT. Max makes friends with the strange little boy next door, Jiffy and we are on our way. '
It also seems that this tiny little town has a murder problem despite being full of psychics and mediums, and it appears that Bella and Max might be as well. So Bella is a sideline sleuth.
What I don't like about this book is that Bella is the biggest neurotic ever. I get that her husband just died but she jumps the gun on everything and it really gets old all the whining and prediction of direr circumstances just because someone asks her where her child is. What is good, are the kids, Max and Jiffy who are outrageous and super funny. Not a fast mover, not a serious crime book, but readable and entertaining.
3.5 stars
Happy Reading!
November 9, 2015
Nine Lives by Wendy Corsi Staub is an intriguing cozy mystery with slight supernatural elements. Set in the small town of Lily Dale, Bella Jordan becomes a reluctant innkeeper while waiting on car repairs. Surrounded by physics and mediums, Bella becomes embroiled in the mystery surrounding Leona Gatto's recent death. Was the guesthouse owner's death an unfortunate accident? Or was it something far more sinister?
Still grieving her beloved husband's loss, Bella and her five old son Max are in the midst of moving halfway across the country when she takes a unexpected detour to Lily Dale to return Chance the cat to her rightful owner. Dismayed to learn of Leona's death from her neighbor and good friend, Odelia Lauder, Bella accepts Odelia's offer to stay at the guesthouse until her car repairs are completed. Despite entreaties from the other residents, she is planning to leave as soon as possible, but she is troubled an ominous dream about Leona. With a little help from Odelia and ex-cop turned private investigator, Luther Ragland, Bella decides it would not hurt for her do a little unobtrusive sleuthing but will she uncover the truth before it is too late?
Bella is a likable and sympathetic protagonist. Her husband's death turned her life upside down and the loss of her job means she and Max must leave behind the only home they have ever known to move in with her less than welcoming mother-in-law. Although somewhat charmed by Lily Dale, Bella is hesitant to remain in town and she is very wary (and slightly skeptical) of its residents' psychic abilities. Her inability to commit to staying in town beyond a few days becomes a bit tiresome as the book moves forward, but given the upheaval in her life, her doubts are understandable. While not a typical amateur detective, her natural curiosity leads her to look around the guest house for clues into Leona's death. Reluctant to share what she discovers because of her fear of becoming a suspect, Bella zeroes in a couple of possible suspects and inadvertently puts herself in harm's way when she rushes headlong into a dangerous situation.
Lily Dale is a wonderful setting and the townspeople are quirky yet interesting. The supernatural element is unobtrusive yet intriguing but it is left up to the reader to decide whether or not some of the things that occur are just coincidence or the result of otherworldly intervention. It is worth mentioning that Bella solves the mystery surrounding Leona's death through good old fashioned detective work and some pretty accurate speculation, not psychic or ghostly involvement.
Nine Lives by Wendy Corsi Staub is a fantastic beginning to this new series set the charming town of Lily Dale. The characters are a bit eclectic but this adds to their overall appeal. The storyline is well-developed and several red herrings and clever misdirects make it impossible to guess the perpetrator's identity or motive for the murder for much of the story. The novel's conclusion is exciting with Bella managing to keep her wits about her despite the danger she is facing. Fans of cozy mysteries are sure to love this perplexing first installment in the Lily Dale series.
Still grieving her beloved husband's loss, Bella and her five old son Max are in the midst of moving halfway across the country when she takes a unexpected detour to Lily Dale to return Chance the cat to her rightful owner. Dismayed to learn of Leona's death from her neighbor and good friend, Odelia Lauder, Bella accepts Odelia's offer to stay at the guesthouse until her car repairs are completed. Despite entreaties from the other residents, she is planning to leave as soon as possible, but she is troubled an ominous dream about Leona. With a little help from Odelia and ex-cop turned private investigator, Luther Ragland, Bella decides it would not hurt for her do a little unobtrusive sleuthing but will she uncover the truth before it is too late?
Bella is a likable and sympathetic protagonist. Her husband's death turned her life upside down and the loss of her job means she and Max must leave behind the only home they have ever known to move in with her less than welcoming mother-in-law. Although somewhat charmed by Lily Dale, Bella is hesitant to remain in town and she is very wary (and slightly skeptical) of its residents' psychic abilities. Her inability to commit to staying in town beyond a few days becomes a bit tiresome as the book moves forward, but given the upheaval in her life, her doubts are understandable. While not a typical amateur detective, her natural curiosity leads her to look around the guest house for clues into Leona's death. Reluctant to share what she discovers because of her fear of becoming a suspect, Bella zeroes in a couple of possible suspects and inadvertently puts herself in harm's way when she rushes headlong into a dangerous situation.
Lily Dale is a wonderful setting and the townspeople are quirky yet interesting. The supernatural element is unobtrusive yet intriguing but it is left up to the reader to decide whether or not some of the things that occur are just coincidence or the result of otherworldly intervention. It is worth mentioning that Bella solves the mystery surrounding Leona's death through good old fashioned detective work and some pretty accurate speculation, not psychic or ghostly involvement.
Nine Lives by Wendy Corsi Staub is a fantastic beginning to this new series set the charming town of Lily Dale. The characters are a bit eclectic but this adds to their overall appeal. The storyline is well-developed and several red herrings and clever misdirects make it impossible to guess the perpetrator's identity or motive for the murder for much of the story. The novel's conclusion is exciting with Bella managing to keep her wits about her despite the danger she is facing. Fans of cozy mysteries are sure to love this perplexing first installment in the Lily Dale series.
November 7, 2015
I've seen Staub's books around for years but somehow hadn't read one so when the opportunity to review this came up, I said yes. The premise of the town Lily Dale is intriguing yet I was also doubtful. I hoped that Staub could sell me on it.
She did, somewhat. She leaves matters vague enough that there could be logical explanations for events or there could be supernatural explanations. I never quite completely bought the psychic aspects though I appreciate her leaving it up to the reader to decide what was real and what was not. I did feel that Bella was obstinate and willfully blind, not only to 'psychic' events but facts that were practically hitting her in the face. Other than that though she was quite likable. A recent widow with a young son, she's also been laid off and is on the road to move in with her mother-in-law when events land her in Lily Dale temporarily. She tries hard to be a good mother, and she is; and she's compassionate, loyal, helpful, and sweet. She worries about her and her son's future but isn't so focused on it that she can't care for a pregnant cat and her kittens. I actually learned a little about kittens and caring for them so that was cool.
Bella finds herself in the middle of several mysteries and it isn't long before she's asking questions and looking for information even as she resists the possibility of staying in Lily Dale. She's an amateur sleuth, and it shows, believably so, but she has expert assistance from Luther, a private investigator. Staub did a deft job with the characters, making them interesting and mostly believable. Mostly, because the paranormal aspects felt off at times, not quite real, and it made a couple characters overly quirky.
As for the mysteries, I figured out one minor one but the others kept me guessing. There were red herrings and obfuscations enough that answers weren't obvious. There were a few coincidences that stretched believability, especially in the denoument with the villain. There's also a slight Gothic feel to the story and hints of possible romances for Bella. I would like to see more of Bella, Max, Chance the Cat and her kittens, and Odelia. I had an eGalley and it was clean until near the end when suddenly it was riddled with typos and there were several continuity problems. Nine Lives didn't wow me but I liked it and will probably read the next one.
She did, somewhat. She leaves matters vague enough that there could be logical explanations for events or there could be supernatural explanations. I never quite completely bought the psychic aspects though I appreciate her leaving it up to the reader to decide what was real and what was not. I did feel that Bella was obstinate and willfully blind, not only to 'psychic' events but facts that were practically hitting her in the face. Other than that though she was quite likable. A recent widow with a young son, she's also been laid off and is on the road to move in with her mother-in-law when events land her in Lily Dale temporarily. She tries hard to be a good mother, and she is; and she's compassionate, loyal, helpful, and sweet. She worries about her and her son's future but isn't so focused on it that she can't care for a pregnant cat and her kittens. I actually learned a little about kittens and caring for them so that was cool.
Bella finds herself in the middle of several mysteries and it isn't long before she's asking questions and looking for information even as she resists the possibility of staying in Lily Dale. She's an amateur sleuth, and it shows, believably so, but she has expert assistance from Luther, a private investigator. Staub did a deft job with the characters, making them interesting and mostly believable. Mostly, because the paranormal aspects felt off at times, not quite real, and it made a couple characters overly quirky.
As for the mysteries, I figured out one minor one but the others kept me guessing. There were red herrings and obfuscations enough that answers weren't obvious. There were a few coincidences that stretched believability, especially in the denoument with the villain. There's also a slight Gothic feel to the story and hints of possible romances for Bella. I would like to see more of Bella, Max, Chance the Cat and her kittens, and Odelia. I had an eGalley and it was clean until near the end when suddenly it was riddled with typos and there were several continuity problems. Nine Lives didn't wow me but I liked it and will probably read the next one.
October 15, 2015
This was my first book by this author and it won't be my last. And this was a great choice for the month of October. Apparently Lily Dale is a town of Psychics and Mediums and what have you. Due to circumstances beyond her control, recently widowed Bella ends up there. And every time she thinks "this is her last day", something else happens to keep her there.
I thought this was a great little cozy mystery with lots of suspects and lots of nice neighborly people. There are several secrets going on besides the recent death of Leona the Manor House owner. I think it all came at a great time for Bella. Otherwise, she was going to have to go live with her mother-in-law. (I'm shivering to think that would have to happen.) Read the book and you would shiver too.
It was definitely a fun read which I found captivating and pleasant.
Thanks Crooked Lane Books and Net Galley for the free e-galley in exchange for an honest review. You have turned me on to another new author!
I thought this was a great little cozy mystery with lots of suspects and lots of nice neighborly people. There are several secrets going on besides the recent death of Leona the Manor House owner. I think it all came at a great time for Bella. Otherwise, she was going to have to go live with her mother-in-law. (I'm shivering to think that would have to happen.) Read the book and you would shiver too.
It was definitely a fun read which I found captivating and pleasant.
Thanks Crooked Lane Books and Net Galley for the free e-galley in exchange for an honest review. You have turned me on to another new author!
October 23, 2015
My review for Nine Lives by Wendy Corsi Staub will be featured at Romancing the Book Blog in the near future. Keep your eyes peeled for it by visiting http://romancing-the-book.com/
October 29, 2022
Nine Lives by Wendy Corsi Staub is the first in the Lily Dale paranormal cozy mystery series.
Series Information:
Lily Dale is a small town in New York, whose population predominantly consists of psychic mediums. The energy in the town is known as Spirit, and if you are skeptical when you arrive, you won't be for long. In the summer season, it is a very busy place, as tourists from around the world come for readings, as well as physical, spiritual and emotional healing.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Isabella (Bella) Jordan and her 5 year old son Max head to Chicago after the death of her husband, where they will have to live with Bella's mother-in-law while they get back on their feet. They aren't looking forward to it.
However, on the way, they get side-tracked by a pregnant cat, very reminiscent of one they just left behind. Trying to track down the owner, they wind up in Lily Dale. Unfortunately, the cat's owner Leona, who ran a local B&B has recently passed away. Max falls in love with the area (and the cat), and Bella finds herself agreeing to temporarily run the hotel while her car is being fixed. Although she knows she can't stay, Bella too finds the quirky little town charming.
However, things get a little strange when a local boy sees a "pirate" throw something in the lake, and Bella seems to be haunted by the dead owner, who may have been murdered. Then there is Chance the Cat.
My Opinions:
Okay, this was a fun cozy mystery, and a very fast read. It may not have been very deep, but it was good.
The characters were quirky and quite entertaining. Bella was a good protagonist if a little spacy, and I loved Odelia. I even liked Chance the Cat. I could have done without Jiffy.
The mystery surrounding Leona's death was okay, and I didn't guess the culprit, but I'm not sure enough information was provided. It felt a little weak. However, there were a number of red herrings, and that kept things interesting.
Overall, it was a good start to a series, and I am interested in where we are going next!
For a more complete review of this book and others, (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information and contact details), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
July 28, 2020
Bella has just lost her job, her husband and her home in New York City. Her only living relative is her Mother-in-law - Maleficent - oh sorry Millicent. Bella has packed up and in on the way to Chicago to live with Millicent until she can get back on her feet. On the trip, her car breaks down and she stops in Lilly Dale, New York, the home of many mediums.
Bella finds a pregnant cat and is asked to return the cat to it's owner only to find the owner has died. She is asked to fill in at the owner's bed and breakfast while her car is fixed. But strange things are happening in the B&B - but what can you expect - it is Lily Dale.
I am giving this a 4, it is a great start to a series but the book had a few typos which make me crazy. The characters are wonderful and quirky and Bella and Max are really a cute family. There is lots of good fodder in Lily Dale so I will read on in the series.
Bella finds a pregnant cat and is asked to return the cat to it's owner only to find the owner has died. She is asked to fill in at the owner's bed and breakfast while her car is fixed. But strange things are happening in the B&B - but what can you expect - it is Lily Dale.
I am giving this a 4, it is a great start to a series but the book had a few typos which make me crazy. The characters are wonderful and quirky and Bella and Max are really a cute family. There is lots of good fodder in Lily Dale so I will read on in the series.
October 31, 2018
Very enjoyable,mysterious,mystical read. I love Staub's Lilydale series of books,this one seems like it may be the start of a new series!!!! Bella and Max on a journey to a new life and "accidentally" lead to Lilydale,NY home of the Assembly of Mediums. Lilydale is a community of Mediums and Victorian homes,the perfect setting for mystical ideas and murder(no murder in real life,it is too peaceful). Chance the Cat is a cat that goes "thru" walls. Fun read, nice read for Halloween time and the lovely setting of Lilydale! Lovely characters.
I live an hour away from Lilydale and have been there many times.It is the most peaceful place I have ever been to. Nothing but positive energy,refreshing to the soul,even if you do not see a Medium! The Victorian homes are beautiful,the woods are some of the oldest woods in North America.It was so nice to "walk" thru Lilydale as I read this book,I knew every place.When you walk or drive into Lilydale it is like walking back in time.The Suffragettes met there in the 1800's,including Susan B.Anthony as well as authors and Presidents. It is a healing place for the soul and mind.I hope Staub does plan to make this book the first in a series.
I live an hour away from Lilydale and have been there many times.It is the most peaceful place I have ever been to. Nothing but positive energy,refreshing to the soul,even if you do not see a Medium! The Victorian homes are beautiful,the woods are some of the oldest woods in North America.It was so nice to "walk" thru Lilydale as I read this book,I knew every place.When you walk or drive into Lilydale it is like walking back in time.The Suffragettes met there in the 1800's,including Susan B.Anthony as well as authors and Presidents. It is a healing place for the soul and mind.I hope Staub does plan to make this book the first in a series.
December 24, 2021
I think I’m being nice by giving this a 2 star rating. This was probably the lamest book I’ve ever read. I really had wanted to like it, since it was supposed to be a ‘psychic mystery’. There was nothing ‘psychic’ or ‘mysterious’ about it. I really wanted to like the main character, Bella, but she was so dumb. How in the world did she ever get to be a teacher? And why did it take her the whole book to realize that she didn’t have to move to Chicago to live with her nasty mother-in-law? And why-oh-why did I continue to read this? I should have given up early on. Now I feel pretty dumb too! Lol.
March 24, 2019
This was a fun read with a mystery in a familiar location. Though I have never been to Lily Dale, many friends have and it was fun to read about this famous location. The mystery itself was very satisfying and the quirky characters, quite enjoyable.
October 9, 2022
A wobbly beginning to a new mystery series, but I'll read the next one.
May 6, 2023
Nine Lives is a mildly pleasant cozy mystery but one with a paranormal twist (after her car breaks down, widow Bella and her son Max are temporarily stranded in Lily Dale, a gated community populated by mediums who are able to communicate with those who have passed on to the other side). The murder mystery is oddly a bit meh and the resolution is more than a bit underwhelming, although I would definitely read book two to see if there are any further developments in Bella's "abilities".
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2017
Look up "twee" in the dictionary. See the map of Lily Dale beneath it. This isn't a "cozy" mystery. It's a snuggly in the form of paper and ink.
October 27, 2015
(PureTextuality.com) I am pretty sure I have read other books by this author, but have no real idea-I just read too much and too many books. I loved the cover of this book and the synopsis so I ordered it from Net Galley in exchange for a fair and honest review. It wasn’t until the day after I finished it that I realized it was for young adults. That didn’t matter a bit to me!
If you like cozy mysteries with a side of supernatural, that happen in small towns, this could be your next good read. Lily Dale is a town that is made up of mediums, and I am not talking about sizes. They do psychic readings and have a season where outsiders spend periods of time getting all kinds of spiritual things done. What made this book extra fun for me is that I once spent a three day weekend in a town exactly like this and had a fantastic time getting read, having handwriting analysis(that fit me to a tee) and even hearing from a boy that died back in high school-and the psychic even said his real name to me! I was freaking let me tell you! So with that experience in hand, I jumped into this book and enjoyed every minute-well except for a couple things.
Bela Jordan has had more than her share of bad luck. Her beloved husband died leaving her and her young son destitute due to medical bills. So she packs up her child to move to Chicago from upstate New York to live with her pretty horrible mother in law-the one that never approved of her. Since she has no family left, this is her only option. Right before they have to leave, a pregnant cat shows up on their doorstep and wont leave. Her son, Max, wants to keep her, but since her mother in law would not approve, it’s not going to happen. Relunctantly, they leave the town that Bela spent her married life and the only home that Max has ever known. During a horrible storm while trying find a campground, Bela and Max have to stop for a cat in the road-one that wont move. Funny thing? It looks just like the cat they left 400 hundred miles away-right down to the pregnancy and the same collar. So after a trip to a local vet and the micro chip in the cat’s ear giving them an address, they make the trip to Lily Dale, only to find that the cat’s owner has passed away. It’s a guest house, the season for the people to all show up starts the next day, and long story short, Bela agrees to stay and help.
I am not going to go into the mystery or even all the spooky things that happen. But I will say that there are supernatural things afoot in this town as well as an evil human. This is not a romance, although I kept waiting for one to happen, but since it all takes place in just a few days time there really isn’t time. However, two men are introduced into the story that could very well be romance material for Bela, who by the way, is still grieving for her husband-so in that respect it was very realistic. Through the whole thing, the cat named, Chance the Cat, becomes a main character. And Max starts exhibiting a bit of psychic behavor himself when it comes to the cat.
I enjoyed all the characters of this small town, and of course all the guests that come only add to the quirkiness. Bela, at times, made me want to shake her when she would not tell something important to the mystery or when she has a too stupid to live moment towards the end of the book. And when Bela comes under suspicion for something that she could have never done because hello-she lived 400 miles away when it happened-that kind of irked me.Just was pretty unnecessary and not something that would have happened in real life. Other than that, I really enjoyed the mystery, the town, the cat and her babies, and the possibility of a romance for Bela in a future book.
I recommend this read to ages 14+ and anyone that enjoys a good cozy mystery.
If you like cozy mysteries with a side of supernatural, that happen in small towns, this could be your next good read. Lily Dale is a town that is made up of mediums, and I am not talking about sizes. They do psychic readings and have a season where outsiders spend periods of time getting all kinds of spiritual things done. What made this book extra fun for me is that I once spent a three day weekend in a town exactly like this and had a fantastic time getting read, having handwriting analysis(that fit me to a tee) and even hearing from a boy that died back in high school-and the psychic even said his real name to me! I was freaking let me tell you! So with that experience in hand, I jumped into this book and enjoyed every minute-well except for a couple things.
Bela Jordan has had more than her share of bad luck. Her beloved husband died leaving her and her young son destitute due to medical bills. So she packs up her child to move to Chicago from upstate New York to live with her pretty horrible mother in law-the one that never approved of her. Since she has no family left, this is her only option. Right before they have to leave, a pregnant cat shows up on their doorstep and wont leave. Her son, Max, wants to keep her, but since her mother in law would not approve, it’s not going to happen. Relunctantly, they leave the town that Bela spent her married life and the only home that Max has ever known. During a horrible storm while trying find a campground, Bela and Max have to stop for a cat in the road-one that wont move. Funny thing? It looks just like the cat they left 400 hundred miles away-right down to the pregnancy and the same collar. So after a trip to a local vet and the micro chip in the cat’s ear giving them an address, they make the trip to Lily Dale, only to find that the cat’s owner has passed away. It’s a guest house, the season for the people to all show up starts the next day, and long story short, Bela agrees to stay and help.
I am not going to go into the mystery or even all the spooky things that happen. But I will say that there are supernatural things afoot in this town as well as an evil human. This is not a romance, although I kept waiting for one to happen, but since it all takes place in just a few days time there really isn’t time. However, two men are introduced into the story that could very well be romance material for Bela, who by the way, is still grieving for her husband-so in that respect it was very realistic. Through the whole thing, the cat named, Chance the Cat, becomes a main character. And Max starts exhibiting a bit of psychic behavor himself when it comes to the cat.
I enjoyed all the characters of this small town, and of course all the guests that come only add to the quirkiness. Bela, at times, made me want to shake her when she would not tell something important to the mystery or when she has a too stupid to live moment towards the end of the book. And when Bela comes under suspicion for something that she could have never done because hello-she lived 400 miles away when it happened-that kind of irked me.Just was pretty unnecessary and not something that would have happened in real life. Other than that, I really enjoyed the mystery, the town, the cat and her babies, and the possibility of a romance for Bela in a future book.
I recommend this read to ages 14+ and anyone that enjoys a good cozy mystery.
July 26, 2017
Oh, how I miss having young Max and his mom, Bella, in my car! These delightful characters of Wendy Corsi Staub’s, in the first novel of the Lily Dale mystery series, have been windshield companions by way of audio CD’s in recent days.
As one who loves cozy mysteries, I was excited to listen to the first of the author’s cozy series. It is so much better than I could have imagined! Bella, a young widow and mother to little Max, was recently laid off from her teaching position. With no other place to go, they were driving from New York to Chicago where they would live with her stern mother-in-law.
Searching for a campground that nobody has heard of led Bella and Max off the freeway, along with a very pregnant cat sitting across their lane, forcing them to stop and pick her up. They went from a local vet who read the microchip data, to the address of the owner in Lily Dale. They learned from a neighbor that Leona, the owner of the cat (that Max named Chance the Cat), died unexpectedly and mysteriously merely days earlier. What began as a one-night stay in the guesthouse that Leona owned turned into a few more days. Bella helped with guests while waiting for her car to be repaired. Lily Dale was having its annual event with psychic mediums and seminars, and the inn was fully booked.
Some positive things occur; Max finds a young friend to play with. The vet paid a house call to see how Chance the Cat is and befriends the family of two plus cat. His help is invaluable with the kittens, especially with the tiny one who needs dropper feeding. But the unusual things begin, such as the visions Bella have of herself in the mirror. Chance disappearing from a locked room and turning up somewhere else. Max’s friend Jiffy talking about going for treasure in the lake after seeing someone drop what looked like a chest into it late one night. And it only gets worse.
I really, really like Bella and Max. The narrator brings to life to their delightful and loving dialog, as does the author with these endearing characters. Others who live in and near Lily Dale are likable while a bit eccentric. The vet, the mechanic who works on Bella’s car, and the person who inherits the guesthouse are welcome people in Bella’s life, at least for the short time she plans to be in this little town. This mother-son family is appealing, and I want better for them than Bella’s mother-in-law, whose home seemed so…sterile!
The plot is infused with twists and turns that begin with the initial sightings of Chance the Cat before they even reach Lily Dale. While some surprises can be filed away in the back of one’s mind for later reference, some change the landscape of the entire mystery. Bella begins to ponder whether Leona died as the result of an accident or from something more sinister, even otherworldly…even though she didn’t believe in paranormal activity. The ultimate terrifying crisis and explosively stunning denouement resolves the events in Lily Dale. The culprit was someone totally off my radar, someone I had not considered. I highly recommend Nine Lives to fans of Wendy Corsi Staub, well-written cozy mysteries, and a protagonist who didn’t intend on being a sleuth. I am now looking forward to reading the third in series, Dead of Winter, when it is released later this year.
From a thankful heart: I received the audiobook of this novel from the author through a Writerspace contest; no review was requested.
As one who loves cozy mysteries, I was excited to listen to the first of the author’s cozy series. It is so much better than I could have imagined! Bella, a young widow and mother to little Max, was recently laid off from her teaching position. With no other place to go, they were driving from New York to Chicago where they would live with her stern mother-in-law.
Searching for a campground that nobody has heard of led Bella and Max off the freeway, along with a very pregnant cat sitting across their lane, forcing them to stop and pick her up. They went from a local vet who read the microchip data, to the address of the owner in Lily Dale. They learned from a neighbor that Leona, the owner of the cat (that Max named Chance the Cat), died unexpectedly and mysteriously merely days earlier. What began as a one-night stay in the guesthouse that Leona owned turned into a few more days. Bella helped with guests while waiting for her car to be repaired. Lily Dale was having its annual event with psychic mediums and seminars, and the inn was fully booked.
Some positive things occur; Max finds a young friend to play with. The vet paid a house call to see how Chance the Cat is and befriends the family of two plus cat. His help is invaluable with the kittens, especially with the tiny one who needs dropper feeding. But the unusual things begin, such as the visions Bella have of herself in the mirror. Chance disappearing from a locked room and turning up somewhere else. Max’s friend Jiffy talking about going for treasure in the lake after seeing someone drop what looked like a chest into it late one night. And it only gets worse.
I really, really like Bella and Max. The narrator brings to life to their delightful and loving dialog, as does the author with these endearing characters. Others who live in and near Lily Dale are likable while a bit eccentric. The vet, the mechanic who works on Bella’s car, and the person who inherits the guesthouse are welcome people in Bella’s life, at least for the short time she plans to be in this little town. This mother-son family is appealing, and I want better for them than Bella’s mother-in-law, whose home seemed so…sterile!
The plot is infused with twists and turns that begin with the initial sightings of Chance the Cat before they even reach Lily Dale. While some surprises can be filed away in the back of one’s mind for later reference, some change the landscape of the entire mystery. Bella begins to ponder whether Leona died as the result of an accident or from something more sinister, even otherworldly…even though she didn’t believe in paranormal activity. The ultimate terrifying crisis and explosively stunning denouement resolves the events in Lily Dale. The culprit was someone totally off my radar, someone I had not considered. I highly recommend Nine Lives to fans of Wendy Corsi Staub, well-written cozy mysteries, and a protagonist who didn’t intend on being a sleuth. I am now looking forward to reading the third in series, Dead of Winter, when it is released later this year.
From a thankful heart: I received the audiobook of this novel from the author through a Writerspace contest; no review was requested.
April 10, 2022
Charming and enchanting cozy mystery. One thing that nagged at me, the main character, Bella, was so undecided about everything and can be annoying. I don't dislike her though. She's a new widow with a 5-year old son, has lost her job, and needs a change. Good start to a series and I’ll continue with the others.
November 22, 2015
NINE LIVES (A Lily Dale Mystery) by Wendy Corsica Staub 4 stars
Mediums, cats and little boys – a wonderful combination!
Lily Dale is a tiny town and the birthplace of the Spiritualist religion. Once a year, its residents, nearly all mediums, welcome visitors from across America.
Leona Gatto, a medium and the owner of Chance the Cat, is busy preparing her guesthouse for the guests that return each year. Unfortunately, these guests will not have the pleasure of her hosting. Her body is discovered beside the lake. Would she really kill herself in this manner?
Isabella Jordan and her young son Max have had to leave their home in Bedford, New York, after the tragic death of her husband Sam. His medical bills have left her almost penniless. She feels that her only hope lies with moving in with her mother-in-law, Millicent Jordan. As much as she dreads this new arrangement, she and Max start their long car journey to this new home, but their plans are scuppered by Chance the Cat. Bella finds her in the middle of the road and is forced to take her to the nearest vet, who happens to practise close to the town of Lily Dale.
As it's dark and the weather is not very pleasant, Bella decides to spend the night in Lily Dale and Max has insisted that Chance the Cat needs him to look after her, especially as she's heavily pregnant. And so Bella finds herself staying in Leona's guesthouse and is also somehow persuaded by Leona's neighbour, Odelia, to run the guesthouse "just until the season".
I loved this book for lots of reasons, but possibly my main reason is that Bella is a complete sceptic to all things of a spiritual nature. She doesn't believe in mediums or messages from "the other side", but slowly through the story, she starts realising that there must be "something". Her son Max also surprises her with certain "facts". How could he possibly know certain things, especially about Chance the Cat and the litter of kittens she's due to have?
Wendy Corsica Staub has incorporated some beautiful characters into this story, which is also a really good murder mystery! I will definitely be following this author's future stories from this quaint little town.
Treebeard
Breakaway Reviewers were given a copy of the book to review
Mediums, cats and little boys – a wonderful combination!
Lily Dale is a tiny town and the birthplace of the Spiritualist religion. Once a year, its residents, nearly all mediums, welcome visitors from across America.
Leona Gatto, a medium and the owner of Chance the Cat, is busy preparing her guesthouse for the guests that return each year. Unfortunately, these guests will not have the pleasure of her hosting. Her body is discovered beside the lake. Would she really kill herself in this manner?
Isabella Jordan and her young son Max have had to leave their home in Bedford, New York, after the tragic death of her husband Sam. His medical bills have left her almost penniless. She feels that her only hope lies with moving in with her mother-in-law, Millicent Jordan. As much as she dreads this new arrangement, she and Max start their long car journey to this new home, but their plans are scuppered by Chance the Cat. Bella finds her in the middle of the road and is forced to take her to the nearest vet, who happens to practise close to the town of Lily Dale.
As it's dark and the weather is not very pleasant, Bella decides to spend the night in Lily Dale and Max has insisted that Chance the Cat needs him to look after her, especially as she's heavily pregnant. And so Bella finds herself staying in Leona's guesthouse and is also somehow persuaded by Leona's neighbour, Odelia, to run the guesthouse "just until the season".
I loved this book for lots of reasons, but possibly my main reason is that Bella is a complete sceptic to all things of a spiritual nature. She doesn't believe in mediums or messages from "the other side", but slowly through the story, she starts realising that there must be "something". Her son Max also surprises her with certain "facts". How could he possibly know certain things, especially about Chance the Cat and the litter of kittens she's due to have?
Wendy Corsica Staub has incorporated some beautiful characters into this story, which is also a really good murder mystery! I will definitely be following this author's future stories from this quaint little town.
Treebeard
Breakaway Reviewers were given a copy of the book to review
August 22, 2018
I liked the concept behind this book, but it could have used some editing.
She's alone and scared in a new world and a new phase of her life. I understand, and appreciate that. However, I felt like her paranoia was constantly at odds with comfort with the area. Personally, if I were afraid of a murderer running loose in my town, my child would be glued to my side or within sight. However, Bella seems to be more trusting of the area than she wants to believe. It was frustrating to read Bella's constant back and forth, "I feel safe"/"It's not safe!" and "Could Spirit be real?"/"No, no I'm far too intelligent and logical to believe that."
A mostly enjoyable mystery, just with slightly obnoxious characters.
She's alone and scared in a new world and a new phase of her life. I understand, and appreciate that. However, I felt like her paranoia was constantly at odds with comfort with the area. Personally, if I were afraid of a murderer running loose in my town, my child would be glued to my side or within sight. However, Bella seems to be more trusting of the area than she wants to believe. It was frustrating to read Bella's constant back and forth, "I feel safe"/"It's not safe!" and "Could Spirit be real?"/"No, no I'm far too intelligent and logical to believe that."
A mostly enjoyable mystery, just with slightly obnoxious characters.
October 22, 2015
3.5 stars. Bella Jordan, a widow with a young son, has no money left after being laid off from her teaching job so she is packing what she can into her old car to move in with her mother-in-law in Chicago. She makes a detour in Lily Dale, New York to return a pregnant cat to her owner Leona. She discovers that Lily Dale is a small town populated by mediums, Leona is dead, and the local inn needs staffing due to this death. Bella agrees to stay and take care of the inn temporarily while her car is being fixed. She wonders if Leona's death was really an accident and why so many strange happenings have brought her to this town.
This is the first time I've read a book from Wendy Corsi Staub's Lily Dales series. Although I prefer her standalone novels, I liked the quaint little town of Lily Dale, all the characters in the book, and especially Chance the Cat. I sympathized with the situation Bella found herself in as a young widow down on her luck and I thought the author did a good job of making me feel this storyline.
This is the first time I've read a book from Wendy Corsi Staub's Lily Dales series. Although I prefer her standalone novels, I liked the quaint little town of Lily Dale, all the characters in the book, and especially Chance the Cat. I sympathized with the situation Bella found herself in as a young widow down on her luck and I thought the author did a good job of making me feel this storyline.
December 21, 2015
Very disappointing book...Couldn't believe the plot got started almost 200 pages into a 278 page book...by then the struggle to feel any compassion or empathy for the protagonist had vanished, and the reader, me, had lost all interest. I don't know how Wendy Corsi Staub got off the beaten path regarding Lily Dale...Lily Dale became a background theme, as did Odelia, an endearing character who we barely see throughout this book, only in fractured segments. What a waste. Also, the only reason I bought this book, which I've come to regret, is to read more about Lily Dale and those wonderful eccentric characters who reside in Lily Dale and the mystery that ensues. Also, I was so not impressed with the whole book practically being about Chance the Cat or, Bella's insecurities, grief, doubt, and denial about staying in Lily Dale...overkill on both themes.
November 12, 2015
Having read several of Wendy's books, I knew right away this was unlike any of her previous books I had read.
"Everything happens for a reason", is said often in this book, and I have always been a firm believer in that.
Mystery, murder, a cat, mystics, psychics, mediums, messages from those who have passed on, it all happens in this wonderful book.
Truly this was an enjoyable read and I hope it leads to a sequel, and if Lily Dale were a real town it is surely a place I would love to spend time in.
"Everything happens for a reason", is said often in this book, and I have always been a firm believer in that.
Mystery, murder, a cat, mystics, psychics, mediums, messages from those who have passed on, it all happens in this wonderful book.
Truly this was an enjoyable read and I hope it leads to a sequel, and if Lily Dale were a real town it is surely a place I would love to spend time in.
August 29, 2016
This was a hard book to read because the author kept changing tenses, even in the same paragraph. It stopped me in my tracks. She says then she said, then back to she says. I have no idea why she would do such a thing. It took me twice as long to read the book. I didn't stop reading or give up on the book but I deserve a medal for reading until the end. That said, I liked the premise of the book and the characters. But I don't think I will read another of her books.
January 7, 2016
This is my first book by this author---it was okay. Loved the concept but I just felt it all kind of read like an episode of Murder She Wrote. Everything was very convenient when people just stumble across clues, hiding places and all potential single men might like the new woman in town.
March 26, 2017
I am not a fan of present tense. In this case it kept throwing me out of the story, which was slow to develop anyway. Her thoughts and doubts are very repetitive.
This has a good mystery plot and interesting characters which rates 3 1/2 stars.
I read a library copy of this mystery.
This has a good mystery plot and interesting characters which rates 3 1/2 stars.
I read a library copy of this mystery.
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