Search for the Dead

Relatively Dead #5

by Sheila Connolly

From New York Times bestselling author Sheila Connolly, Abby Kimball returns with stunning discoveries about her unusual ability to see the dead. Still looking for answers to explain her uncanny ability to see her dead ancestors, Abby shifts her focus to spiritualists, seers, and psychics of all kind. Meeting them with an open mind—and a healthy dose of skepticism—she wants to know if any of them genuinely share her strange experiences or if they’re simply conning gullible people. When she ventures into a series of “readings” given by area psychics, she makes a startling connection that defies even her wildest expectations. Unsure what to make of the encounter, Abby turns to her boyfriend, Ned, and the two enlist the help of a scientist friend with equipment that can map the mind. Hoping to pinpoint where the source of their ability lies, they agree to be subjects in a one-of-a-kind experiment. But when Abby is strapped into the machine, the readings—and their implications—are more shocking than either of them could have anticipated. Faced with the new, improbable connection and the possibility that the experiment has changed her life irrevocably, Abby will be forced to reevaluate everything she thought she knew about her ability—and herself—and answer the daunting question of what she wants next. About the Sheila Connolly is an Anthony and Agatha Award–nominated author who writes four bestselling cozy mystery the Museum Mysteries, the Orchard Mysteries, the County Cork Mysteries, and the Relatively Dead Mysteries. In addition, she has published Once She Knew, a romantic suspense; Reunion with Death, a traditional mystery set in Tuscany; and a number of short stories. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and three cats and travels to Ireland as often as possible.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Paranormal, Audiobook, Halloween, Fiction

275 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 26, 2016

About the author

Sheila Connolly taught art history, structured and marketed municipal bonds for major cities, worked as a staff member on two statewide political campaigns, and served as a fundraiser for several non-profit organizations. She also managed her own consulting company providing genealogical research services.

She was a member of Sisters in Crime-New England (president 2011), the national Sisters in Crime, and the fabulous on-line SinC chapter, the Guppies. She also belonged to Romance Writers of America and Mystery Writers of America.

Sheila was Regent of her local DAR chapter, and a member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants. She was also the grandchild of Irish immigrants. In addition to genealogy, Sheila loved restoring old houses, visiting cemeteries, and traveling.

Reviews

[CL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abby and Ned can see dead relative’s and although Ned has known of his talent Abby has just learned of hers and now she wants to explore it. Turning to others in the help to explore her new found ability she allows herself to be tested on her ability and the results are shocking. Good read. I would like to thank the Publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this ARC.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find it extremely difficult to explain my feelings about this book. It is not really a mystery and while it covers the paranormal there is not much action on it in the story. I recommend reading at least one previous book to understand the rationale of the characters. The information on the early research of the way the brain works is informative and well researched. I found it intriguing.
Abby Kimball and Ned Newhall have the ability to see the ghosts of dead ancestors. They decided to do a scientific study on the phenom. They need a larger study group of the five known persons with the ability. All are related to each other. Ned will be in charge of the science tests and Abby the biological parts. Abby goes to a couple of spiritual events hoping to find additional people with the ability. She finds Susanne who reacts to her touch. Ned enlists the assistance of a friend who is working on a map of how the brain works. They agree to be tested and the result startled all the parties. I am looking forward to the next book and I recommend this book and series.

[Jody McGrath · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @75%
I really, really tried to finish this book. But until this point nothing happens. They talk about the exact same thing over meals, over and over again for 74% of the book. And then when something does happen, it is more of an unhappening. It is over instantly, and they are going to talk about it later. No. I can't do it anymore. These are the most boring people with powers in the entire world. I cannot listen to anymore talk.

*I was given a copy of this book from Netgalley and have given an honest review *

[Linda Strong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Abby Kimball and her boyfriend, Ned, have the ability to see her dead ancestors. She wants to discover why they have this unusual ability. She's looking for psychics and seers of all kinds to determine if any of them have the same ability.

Eventually, they enlist the help of a scientist friend who has equipment that can map the mind. Abby and Ned agree to be the guinea pigs which lead to shocking implications.

"Abby will be forced to reevaluate everything she thought she knew about her ability—and herself—and answer the daunting question of what she wants next." - from book blurb

This is the 5th book in the series, of which I have read none except this one. The characters aren't fully formed for me. I HIGHLY recommend reading the entire series in order. The author did a really good job in not giving away things from the previous books .. but I felt like I was one of Abby's ancestors ... just floating around with no particular direction.

I did like the story premise. I have no objection to a bit of paranormal to play with my mind. What little I did learn of the characters, I liked ... just not enough to clearly see.

I wish to thank the author / Beyond the Page Publishing / Netgalley for the digital copy of this novel. The opinion expressed here is unbiased and entirely my own.

[Kendrea Parsons · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I love the Orchard series and County Cork series by this author, I've struggled to enjoy this series. I've tried. I've now read them all. I need so much more from a mystery than this series offers.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Search for the Dead by Sheila Connolly is the fifth book in the Relatively Dead Mysteries. Abby Kimball is able to see her dead ancestors. She discovered her ability when she moved to Lexington, Massachusetts and met Ned Newhall (now he is her boyfriend). Ned has the same ability along with his biological daughter, Ellie. Ned and Abby’s abilities are enhanced when they touch. Abby has investigated her family tree as far as she can go. She would like to take her research in another direction. Abby wants Ned to explore the scientific angle. See if there is a genetic reason for their shared abilities. Abby wants to check out spiritualists, psychics, and mediums. She wants to see if their abilities are real or if they are fake. Abby is in luck when there is a special event in the area featuring people with various abilities. This is the perfect opportunity for Abby. Ned has a friend with a MEG machine. Ned goes first and they get interesting readings when the two of them touch. Unfortunately, things do not go as smoothly for Abby. What happens is devastating to Abby. Ellie wants to spend more time with Abby, but Leslie has yet to accept Ellie’s abilities (and taking it out on Ned and Abby). Join Abby and Ned in their explorations in Search for the Dead.

I was so eager to get Search for the Dead and read it. I was extremely let down. The book needed a good rewrite and extensive editing. I thought too much time was spent on scientific mumbo jumbo. I say it that way because most of it was too complicated. A reader will get the gist, but it really adds nothing to the story. There are also pages of Abby thinking and doubting herself (her relationship with Ned, her life, etc.). The worst part of the novel are the sex scenes (thinking about sex, their touching and the resulting reaction) which do not go with this series. There were some good sections, but they were few and far between. I give Search for the Dead 2.5 out of 5 stars (less than okay). Search for the Dead is not a stand alone novel. You need to have read at the previous books in the series in order to understand this novel. I am tired of Leslie and her attitude. She needs to strap on her big girl panties and be there for her daughter (because chances are good that the son will have the same abilities). I found the same information repeated frequently (the reaction of what happens when Ned and Abby touch, Abby’s lack of job, Abby’s skepticism of psychics, etc.). I do not understand Abby setting off to find others with the same abilities at this juncture. I think Abby has a wonderful gift that she needs to embrace and learn how to use. Abby and Ned have not fully explored their abilities. I would like to see them have a little fun with it. Think of the information they could learn (the history and family details). I am tired of Abby whining about not having a job. She does not wish to live off Ned, but Abby not gone out and looked for a job. Personally, if she does not have to work, Abby should be doing a happy dance. I think she should think about writing a book (fiction). Abby can take the information from her ancestors and make a great novel (or children’s book). The one thing missing from Search for the Dead is the mystery. The Relatively Dead Mysteries had a good beginning, but they have seriously deteriorated. I really hope there is significant improvement in the next book in the series.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series and it just keeps getting better and better.
Abby and her abilities are interesting to read about and I like how this book explores the different connections she has with different people.
The interactions with all the characters made this one of the best in the series so far but I will admit I got a bit lost in all the technical talk.
Overall this is a great addition to the series and I look forward to reading more in the series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Abby annoys my soul! I do not understand what her problem is. She is driven by understanding this weird psychic connection that connects Ned, Ellie, and Abby. Its a driving force but goodness she spent this entire book being whiny and snappy at everyone. At this point, we are all FRUSTRATED!

[Carla · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in this series and as the series progresses, I am not happy with the way it is going. I enjoyed the previous stories where we looked into the past and Abby and Ned's abilities to see ghosts or spirits of their ancestors. This book begins using science to determine how these paranormal abilities work. Abby unfortunately has an issue with her abilities in this book and is worried that her seeing is gone. Ellie returns as does both of their mothers. When Ellie senses there is something wrong with Abby, she is not sure what to do and Abby is concerned about what will happen to their relationship. There is not as much history or genealogy that I enjoyed in previous books. The renovations on the house continue and Ned and Abby become a bit closer as a couple in this book. They decide to put their scientific experiments on people aside until they can determine exactly what happened with Abby. I have one more book in this series to read, I am hoping it goes back to the style of the earlier books. The audio was well done with voices being easy to differentiate the characters.

[Alisha Carderella · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars

I can't stop reading these even though I still dislike Abby, and I'm a bit disappointed in the lack of ghosts. Actually, Abby seems to be getting worse. I think Ellie makes up for it at least. I do wish her brother was included more. It's weird he is forgotten about by the characters, until the author remembers there is another kid, and throws his name in the mix. He is supposed to be 4. That is definitely an age things would be happening to him, and he would be talking to "ghosts."

The additions of psychics was a fun touch.

The author does have a way of spinning it all together that just has me hooked. I need to know more. Over the course of the books so far (that I have read in a week), we really haven't learned all that much. I would have been pretty unhappy having to wait months or years to find out what is next only to not really figure much else out.

[Sanderella · Rating 2 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the cover of this book ~~ Halloween is my very favorite holiday. But, the storyline was boring and bland. Abby wants more info about her abilities to see her dead relatives, gets Ned and his friend Kevin on board with the scientific aspects of it. Talk of brain machines, etc just didn't get it for me. Sometimes things don't have a scientific answer. Abby needs to let go and just go with the flow.
HA!! Only one page about Halloween and "seeing" the neighbors from the cemetery. Hope the next book is back on track.....

[Jeannie and Louis Rigod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #5 in the 'Relatively Dead Mysteries was a perfect selection for the Halloween season.

I joined the characters of Abby Kimball and Ned Newhall, a couple who are dealing with, either a supernatural or scientific reason for seeing ghosts.

This book stands alone but is way more enjoyable if you take the investment of reading the series from book one onwards. I found this series on Kindle and what a joy it has been to me. As a person always interested in the paranormal, history, and genealogy, it is almost tailored for my reading pleasure.

Abby, is a born researcher and chooses to approach the 'ghost' thing by studying and trying to meet others with the same abilities (which are still new to her.) Ned, a Scientist with a professional DNA company, decides that he should approach 'it,' by applying scientific principles and experiments.

The two of them bring in family and psychics, and a fellow genius who specializes in brain scans.
When the Scientist notices Abby and Ned kissing, he ends up finishing the wine and designing tests in his head...wait... Could he also possess some abilities?

The research Ms. Connolly has done as background for this specific novel was very evident in the dialog and storyline. Seriously, I can not get enough of the series. Now, I will await book six and tap my fingers and toes by watching various televised ghost shows.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Search for the dead by Sheila Connolly is a mystery and thriller read.
Still looking for answers to explain her uncanny ability to see her dead ancestors, Abby shifts her focus to spiritualists, seers, and psychics of all kind. Meeting them with an open mind—and a healthy dose of skepticism—she wants to know if any of them genuinely share her strange experiences or if they’re simply conning gullible people. When she ventures into a series of “readings” given by area psychics, she makes a startling connection that defies even her wildest expectations.
I really enjoyed this book. The story and the characters. 4*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series. (Relatively Dead Mysteries) This is book 5 and Sheila Connolly gives us a good one. Abby and Ned are fixing up their home and helping Ellie accept the fact that she can see and talk to dead relatives. Ellie is Ned's daughter and the three of them are testing their ability with science and brain mapping. This story is set around Halloween and has a little history lesson. There is no violence or mean spirits in this book and with young Ellie there is an appeal to younger teen readers but it is written for adults.

[Joyce M. Tice · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a good continuation in this entertaining series. TOO MUCH circuitous ponderings. Abby is not strong on decisions. It's a good examination of various theories on unusual phenomena.

[Diana · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was precious little Halloween for a book that happens in October and is supposedly about being haunted but this series is super low key on ghosts and spooky business. This more than any other novel was about the relationship roles between Abby and Ned.

So I know I said before that Ned is the perfect first husband for Abby and this novel really cemented the idea of them being together for the wrong reasons. He is so boring. Omg. Like, I get it, you like science. His friend is similarly boring. Bring back the Cape Cod guy, he was well meaning at least.

I don't like Leslie at all at this point but in a fun and interesting twist I now dislike her daughter as well. It makes complete sense that Ellie grew into a spoiled, superior brat. It's nature and nurture tbh.

The major plot was not of the least bit interest which was unfortunate. I didn't think that they were really going to focus on proving ghosts exist while not acknowledging that this is something people have been doing since forever and not wanting to be involved in the ghost hunting community while trying to invent a new pseudoscience but here we are; the exposition was the novel. Even Abby is fed up with the research. Finally. Idk why she has to put up with Ned's whims. Sometimes he thinks she should quit obsessing with her abilities and other times he wants her to prove to him that she sees what she sees. Then he wants to test their brains. Even though he's witnessed his own experiences. Like, girl, dump him.

They have basically adopted the kid at this point. I dont wholly understand what's happening in this series anymore. I think Leslie is probably going to start seeing because why not?

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abby has decided to look into spiritualism to try to find some answers about her strange ability to see the dead. She and Ned's mother go to a 'psychic fair' consisting of several so-called psychics, to see if they get any vibes about whether they are real or fake and Abby makes a shocking connection with one of them, a palmist. She and Ned decide that Ned will handle the scientific side of their search, and Abby will continue trying to find more people with whom she can make this connection. Ned's friend Joe allows them to covertly use the MEG, a machine that maps brain activity. Ned's test holds very few surprises, but when Abby is strapped into the machine, the results are shocking and may change Abby's life. She is forced to reevaluate her ability and herself, to find out what she wants to do next. This is the fifth book in the series, and the author is still managing to keep it very interesting.

[Dora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Search for the Dead

Abby and Ned share a connection--they can see dead people and when they touch they have an overwhelming urge to have sexual intercourse with one another. Ned is the sperm donor for a friend's now eight year old daughter who seems to have inherited the ability to see dead people much to her mother's chagrin. Abby is trying to help Ellie with her "gift." Ned and Abby decide to try to do research to find out more about their ability. One of their tests temporarily renders Abby giftless.

I became a little irritated with Abby for all her moping and whining but then she would do something selfless and I would feel better about her. Overall this was a good cozy read.

[Tracy · Rating 2 out of 5]

So here's the thing. I'm reading this series only because the story - the connection with the dead and what the MC learns along the way - is interesting and has promise.

But I actively dislike the MC. I cringe at the attempts to intersperse some sort of tension. The MC is whiny, selfish, and just a little bit smarter than a rock. She's a crappy girlfriend.

Exposition in this one particularly sounded like a report rather than a story.

In other words, I am not impressed with the skill of the writer. But I want to know where the story goes, so I grit my teeth and force myself to listen to the audiobook narrator (who makes nearly everyone sound condescending) and pick out and consider/process/chew on the main storyline.

[Maura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series may sound like murder mysteries from the titles, but they are more psychic mysteries. An interesting premise, but as other readers have noted, not a lot happens and Abby and Ned keep rehashing everything. She keeps agonizing over her powers and her relationship with Ned; and really, Abby, if you want a job, just go look for one already! Leslie and her tiny museum should not prevent you from finding work. So Abby can be irritating at times. Lots of interesting theories about psychic abilities are put out there. I wish more of that had been worked into the plot, and less exposition of their every movement (it's like reading a screenplay at times).

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read the five volumes of this series back to back to back, I was hoping for a little more advancement of the main character's paranormal ability. Ms Connolly seems to be taking a slow and steady approach, since the books so far have detailed only a year since Abby Kimball first discovered that she could see spirits of her dead ancestors. Still, this is a subject I enjoy and I'm curious for the next phase. And since there doesn't seem to be a book six on the immediate horizon, this seems like a good time for a break.

[Prudence · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first two books in this series but by book 5 the author has run out of steam. It feels like she's saying the same thing on repeat but trying to do it in different ways so it feels new. It doesn't. It may work if you pick one up at random and never read another one from series. When read it in order you can pick up the continuity errors and you want to slap the protagonist because she's whiny, entitled, narcissistic and behaves like a toddler having a tantrum. I've enjoyed many other series by this author so I think this one just failed to launch.

[Hilary (A Wytch's Book Review) · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book Abby and Ned are finally doing what they have talked about for a while, that is seeing if Science can help with the fact that they (and others) are Psychic, at the same time Abby is going down the more intuitive side, so before Ned's friend gets a machine to track the brain waves sorted, Abby and Sarah (Ned's Mum) go to a Psychic Fair.

One of the results at the Fair and one of the results at the scan could end up changing Ned and Abby's lives.

[Dee Richter Braun · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn't do it. I managed to get through the other 4, but couldn't get through the first chapter of this one. It's another book of them trying to figure out how they can see what they can see. They talk too scientific to each other, it's like a drier version of Sheldon and Amy. And am I the only one weirded out that they are related, even if it's distantly?

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rated this 3.5 stars. Abby is still searching for answers with Ned. They decide to take a more scientific approach with the help of a friend of Ned's. Abby is wondering if she wants this gift or wants to return to a normal life. I am still struggling with the secrets kept from parents and parents who are unreasonable.

[Mary Byrnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story and series

The mystery of this series is fun and even informative. I'm looking forward to another installment. Hopefully there will be one. I love Sheila Connolly's other cozy mystery series as well.

[Donna Burns · Rating 3 out of 5]

It started out well. But it got boring and the book was mainly about research and experiments. No protagonist, no excitement. I might try one of the others in the series for a comparison before I nix this author all together.

[Jennifer Farr · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won't be reading anymore of this series. Abby is so whiny and I'm tired of her constant explaining of the exact. Same. Thing. Like 4.5 books in and we finally have a name For the thing? And Ellis is not having a hard time with this- Abby is inventing drama.

[Joyce Ziebell · Rating 2 out of 5]

First time I had difficulty finishing a book in this series. The technical jargon was overwhelming' a real turn-off and frankly added little value to the story, except to deaden Abby's connections. I was generous giving this 2-stars.

[Suzie Nunley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Mostly Filler

I've read all in this series and enjoyed them. This one I slogged through hoping something would happen. No mystery of any kind. Boring.