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Psychic Eye Mystery #15
A Panicked Premonition
In New York Times bestselling author Victoria Laurie’s newest Psychic Eye mystery, Abby Cooper has one rule to don’t panic!Professional psychic and FBI consultant Abby Cooper has used her inner visions to get her out of many a scrape—and solve many a crime—but she’s about to face a murder scene that will put all her powers to the test. Abby’s husband Dutch has a side business providing security and building panic rooms for wealthy clients. One morning, one of Dutch’s partners, Dave, goes missing on his way to meet a client. Abby’s intuition tells her something terrible has happened to him. Then two of Dutch’s clients are found brutally murdered...inside their brand new panic room, and most of the evidence points to Dave as the killer. With the authorities racing to find and arrest him, Abby's got to use all her intuitive prowess to get to Dave first, discover the real killer, and save her husband's business. This is one case where Abby is positive there’s far more to this mystery than meets her inner eye…From the Hardcover edition.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 4, 2017
113 people are currently reading
1074 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Laurie
46 books3,175 followersVictoria Laurie is the New York Times bestselling author of 32 books and counting. Over the past 16 years Victoria has created several series and a few stand-alone novels. Her mystery series include: The Psychic Eye Mysteries, The Life Coach Mysteries, and The Ghost Hunter Mysteries. She's also the author of two YA books, When and Forever Again, as well as a middle-grade series called The Oracles of Delphi Keep.
Currently, Victoria is working on the 17th book in both the Psychic Eye Mysteries and the 3rd book in the Life Coach Mysteries, along with also working to produce a brand NEW series called Spellbound set for release winter/spring 2020.
Victoria loves to connect with her fans, and you can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Victo...
Currently, Victoria is working on the 17th book in both the Psychic Eye Mysteries and the 3rd book in the Life Coach Mysteries, along with also working to produce a brand NEW series called Spellbound set for release winter/spring 2020.
Victoria loves to connect with her fans, and you can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Victo...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
July 8, 2017
Well, I don't know. I didn't totally figure out who done it and that was probably the best thing about this read. But honestly, I was distracted by how bad Abby's character came off this book. She was a complete contradiction. She could read the intentions of a complete stranger she'd never met, but couldn't figure out if a friend was guilty through the ether. She told Brice she wouldn't claim her FBI ties during her and Candace's investigation and admonished Candace for thinking it. Yet, the first interview and Abby is the one pulling the FBI card first. I guess it bothered me that Abby's psychic ability conveniently worked or didn't work to drive the plot. But worse, they worked for something unrelated to the case, but used the same way for the case and nothing. Plus, Candace came off as a complete bitch. She threatens to ruin a guy's computer because he was working and couldn't accommodate them on their time even though they'd shown up unexpectedly. It was completely unprofessional. Abby wasn't much better. And I don't mind bending rules in life or death situation. But they bent them a lot in this book even before they were sure that kind of danger existed. The police procedural part of the book came off as totally unbelievable. All and all, this book didn't work for me. Thankfully by the end I liked Abby more, so I will probably continue on with this series. But another book like this one and I'll end my love affair with this series.
July 10, 2017
3.75 stars rounded up
While I thought A Panicked Premonition was another solid addition in the Psychic Eye Mystery series, but I thought the crime was a bit too violent this time. Initially, I consider this series to fall in the cozy mystery genre -- even with dangers like strapped-bomb or murders in the previous books. However, this time the crime involved and I wonder if I could still consider this cozy...
In any case, there are more involvement from Dutch and Brice this time, since the missing Dave is their business partner. I thought the plot was tight, and even if Abby and Candice bent rules too many times I sort of expect them to do so. One of the fun things of not really an FBI agents or APD detectives. EVEN if it brings headaches to their partners *lol*
Oh, and I LOVED that Abby was doing a little matchmaking for . Would love to see THAT relationship flourishes!
PS: FINALLY, we find out Dave's wife's name! After 15 books!
While I thought A Panicked Premonition was another solid addition in the Psychic Eye Mystery series, but I thought the crime was a bit too violent this time. Initially, I consider this series to fall in the cozy mystery genre -- even with dangers like strapped-bomb or murders in the previous books. However, this time the crime involved and I wonder if I could still consider this cozy...
In any case, there are more involvement from Dutch and Brice this time, since the missing Dave is their business partner. I thought the plot was tight, and even if Abby and Candice bent rules too many times I sort of expect them to do so. One of the fun things of not really an FBI agents or APD detectives. EVEN if it brings headaches to their partners *lol*
Oh, and I LOVED that Abby was doing a little matchmaking for . Would love to see THAT relationship flourishes!
PS: FINALLY, we find out Dave's wife's name! After 15 books!
August 30, 2018
Psychic and FBI consultant Abby Cooper and her gun-toting, Porche-driving business partner Candice Fusco, and their FBI agent spouses Dutch and Brice, respectively, (honest, I did not make those ridiculously macho names up) all live and work in Austin, Texas. As a sideline to their lucrative work as Special Agents, Dutch and Brice install panic rooms in absurdly wealthy peoples' homes. When a particularly brutal execution-style murder happens at one of their clients' homes, and a business partner named Dave is implicated, Dutch and Brice are both subjects in the investigation as well as active agents participating in the investigation. Whiskey. Tango. Foxtrot. As though that would be allowed. Can no one in the Lone Star State say the words "conflict of interest"?
And if that's not problematic enough, as one couple and two of their workers are murdered, and a second couple goes missing, it occurs to no one--including the freaking psychic--to check the panic rooms of all of their clients, esp. those who are out of town, for the missing people. Ugh.
Seriously, this so-called mystery would have only been vapid had it not included the participants' admitted willingness to plant evidence and twist the very law they themselves are supposed to uphold in an instance where it appears that a highly-remunerated sleazy lawyer is about to get a bad guy off. And that's okay exactly how?
Many of us read such fun stuff as the Psychic Eye Mystery Series for escapism, but please don't insult our intelligence with this stupidity that defies all reasonable willing suspension of disbelief and common sense. How these "consultants" would have been allowed to participate in Gudziak's chase and takedown in which they not only neglect to identify themselves as law enforcement but only tip to the fact that he's having a fatal heart attack in their care when it is too late or, equally preposterous, how they'd be permitted to take lead--and so thoroughly botch--Hekekia's interrogation as happens here positively defies all reason. And what was their strategy in the latter instance, you ask? Cleavage. Wow, how could that have possibly failed? Yep, stick a fork in me. I'm done with this series and this stupidity.
And if that's not problematic enough, as one couple and two of their workers are murdered, and a second couple goes missing, it occurs to no one--including the freaking psychic--to check the panic rooms of all of their clients, esp. those who are out of town, for the missing people. Ugh.
Seriously, this so-called mystery would have only been vapid had it not included the participants' admitted willingness to plant evidence and twist the very law they themselves are supposed to uphold in an instance where it appears that a highly-remunerated sleazy lawyer is about to get a bad guy off. And that's okay exactly how?
Many of us read such fun stuff as the Psychic Eye Mystery Series for escapism, but please don't insult our intelligence with this stupidity that defies all reasonable willing suspension of disbelief and common sense. How these "consultants" would have been allowed to participate in Gudziak's chase and takedown in which they not only neglect to identify themselves as law enforcement but only tip to the fact that he's having a fatal heart attack in their care when it is too late or, equally preposterous, how they'd be permitted to take lead--and so thoroughly botch--Hekekia's interrogation as happens here positively defies all reason. And what was their strategy in the latter instance, you ask? Cleavage. Wow, how could that have possibly failed? Yep, stick a fork in me. I'm done with this series and this stupidity.
July 20, 2019
Oh, vomit. The book literally starts with Abby going on and on about fitness and food and her hot new body, which her husband loves, hahahaha, do you, stranger, want to see her abs? In the first twenty pages it goes on and on about the necessary sacrifices the two best friends have made for their hubbies' business (our boys are so busy!), she's over-the-top cruel to a business contact, and then after being scolded by her husband and best friend violates her own ethics for financial gain. If this wasn't the end of the series (I think? It is, right? Why do I think that?) I'd give up here. This isn't the relatable character I started reading about years ago. This woman is gross and mean and I don't like her or the company she keeps. Characters can find success, but having it warp them in this way should be done mindfully and purposefully on the author's part, which is what is so shocking; I kept waiting for the characters to learn their lesson and go back to being better people. It's weird reading about a scrappy psychic who now works for the 1% and is so financially secure it's beyond my real life comprehension. At one point I felt like we were similar and now the gap is so big.
The ending is satisfying enough, I guess, but it skipped reveals I wanted to see, and at least the first two thirds was rough. It took.... so so long for the characters to start to piece together what I had, way at the beginning. Sometimes that works, but imo if they're detectives, they should have the same knowledge and skills the reader does -- we've been through the same experiences through these books. They should at least be as knowledgeable as I am. They couldn't come up with any scenarios that would explain what happened to their friend and what he's doing? It took them that long to realize They doubted him that much? Yeesh. And there's this undercurrent sometimes where it seems like the women are less competent than the men, they need to defer to them or cajole them into doing something, or they sacrifice for their husbands' business. Give and take in relationships is fine, but when I'm reading a series about a woman, I don't necessarily want to read about the ways she supports him, not like this.
Maybe I'm going too hard, but if you can't in your own review, when can you? And honestly, part of why this feels like it's a betrayal (and I'm sure I've mentioned this in previous reviews) is that I'm not sure if the writing's changed, or if I've grown.
>Abby used to HATE guns and never wanted to be near one, now she's making half-jokes(?) about how people should just arm themselves rather than install expensive panic rooms to quell their fears (!!!!!??!!)
>This is a detective series, so this is on me: I didn't even realize how much cop propaganda was a thing until like maybe 2011, now it's easier for me to spot. At one point Candice is threatening to destroy someone's belongings, but it's okay because she's a Good Cop, and we're supposed to root for her. At another they They think he's faking at first, then it's sad but okay because he's a Bad Guy, and they were just doing their jobs. And of course, defense attorneys are always bad, except for the ones the main characters need to use sometimes. You know, because these are Good Cops, so it's fine when they do indeed set up and violate the Bad Guys' civil liberties.
>"'Yes, ma'am,'" he said, saluting. (And not just with his hand...wink!)"
>"He chuckled, low and deep. I think Dutch's laugh is the sexiest thing on the planet. It sends a shiver of pleasure right down to my hoo-ha every time."
>"...Uh oh. There goes my hoo-ha again."
Disappointing.
The ending is satisfying enough, I guess, but it skipped reveals I wanted to see, and at least the first two thirds was rough. It took.... so so long for the characters to start to piece together what I had, way at the beginning. Sometimes that works, but imo if they're detectives, they should have the same knowledge and skills the reader does -- we've been through the same experiences through these books. They should at least be as knowledgeable as I am. They couldn't come up with any scenarios that would explain what happened to their friend and what he's doing? It took them that long to realize They doubted him that much? Yeesh. And there's this undercurrent sometimes where it seems like the women are less competent than the men, they need to defer to them or cajole them into doing something, or they sacrifice for their husbands' business. Give and take in relationships is fine, but when I'm reading a series about a woman, I don't necessarily want to read about the ways she supports him, not like this.
Maybe I'm going too hard, but if you can't in your own review, when can you? And honestly, part of why this feels like it's a betrayal (and I'm sure I've mentioned this in previous reviews) is that I'm not sure if the writing's changed, or if I've grown.
>Abby used to HATE guns and never wanted to be near one, now she's making half-jokes(?) about how people should just arm themselves rather than install expensive panic rooms to quell their fears (!!!!!??!!)
>This is a detective series, so this is on me: I didn't even realize how much cop propaganda was a thing until like maybe 2011, now it's easier for me to spot. At one point Candice is threatening to destroy someone's belongings, but it's okay because she's a Good Cop, and we're supposed to root for her. At another they They think he's faking at first, then it's sad but okay because he's a Bad Guy, and they were just doing their jobs. And of course, defense attorneys are always bad, except for the ones the main characters need to use sometimes. You know, because these are Good Cops, so it's fine when they do indeed set up and violate the Bad Guys' civil liberties.
>"'Yes, ma'am,'" he said, saluting. (And not just with his hand...wink!)"
>"He chuckled, low and deep. I think Dutch's laugh is the sexiest thing on the planet. It sends a shiver of pleasure right down to my hoo-ha every time."
>"...Uh oh. There goes my hoo-ha again."
Disappointing.
September 3, 2017
This book wasn't as enjoyable as others in the series. I don't think the author is interested in this series anymore and just threw this book together. It seems like more time went into the heroine's new gluten-free and exercise lifestyle than the psychic aspect of the book. The whole reason I read this series is that it is supposed to be a Psychic Eye Mystery but the psychic focus really took a back seat here. Also, the middle of the story really dragged and was a chore to get through. I think the author probably agrees because she made a story blunder and even the editors didn't catch it.
Spoiler Alert:
"Dave’s hairbrush was resting on the side table next to the chair. I was relieved to see it was an older brush with a big round back and a large handle. There’d be plenty of prints on it...“Don’t lose it,” Gwen said as she wrung her hands together. “That brush was a present from Dave’s mom. She left us last year, and I’d hate for anything to happen to it.” I remembered hearing about Dave’s mom passing away the previous December. Dutch and I had sent flowers and a card." (Pg 84)
Candice sighed. “No. And we called everyone. I spoke to all of Dave’s friends, his sister, a couple of his cousins, his mom, and an aunt in Phoenix. No one’s heard from him. Abby talked to all the construction crew, and she didn’t get anywhere either.” (Pg 107)
It seemed strange that she couldn't remember killing off Dave's mother 23 pages earlier.
Continuing Spoiler alert. This series has been a pretty humorous and cozy mystery set. Yes, there have been murders but nothing as violent as this book. The book also contains a victim that is raped. It and the other violence just all seemed out of the scope of the series.
End of Spoiler.
I just hope the next book returns its focus to Abby using her psychic gifts to solve crimes.
Spoiler Alert:
"Dave’s hairbrush was resting on the side table next to the chair. I was relieved to see it was an older brush with a big round back and a large handle. There’d be plenty of prints on it...“Don’t lose it,” Gwen said as she wrung her hands together. “That brush was a present from Dave’s mom. She left us last year, and I’d hate for anything to happen to it.” I remembered hearing about Dave’s mom passing away the previous December. Dutch and I had sent flowers and a card." (Pg 84)
Candice sighed. “No. And we called everyone. I spoke to all of Dave’s friends, his sister, a couple of his cousins, his mom, and an aunt in Phoenix. No one’s heard from him. Abby talked to all the construction crew, and she didn’t get anywhere either.” (Pg 107)
It seemed strange that she couldn't remember killing off Dave's mother 23 pages earlier.
Continuing Spoiler alert. This series has been a pretty humorous and cozy mystery set. Yes, there have been murders but nothing as violent as this book. The book also contains a victim that is raped. It and the other violence just all seemed out of the scope of the series.
End of Spoiler.
I just hope the next book returns its focus to Abby using her psychic gifts to solve crimes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2017
Abby and Candice is doing everything in their power to find a friend before it is too late. If doing so will save their husbands business as well it will be totes amazing.
This could easily have been a five star book if it wasn't for a few pesky issues.
Abby has grown a lot since the first book. It is one of my favorite things about this series. No book is exactly the same. However, I have noticed that Laurie is starting to lose track of her characters and the case seemed to drag on for almost ever until snap the case is suddenly solved in two minutes.
More on those pesky issues...
We have known for quite some time now that Abby can 'zone' in on a person by 'feeling' out a person connected too them. I don't understand why this is new information in this book.
We finally get to meet Dave's Old Lady in this book and it's wonderful! Just one small issue... a few books back we learned that she worked as a sales lady at a shop that sells boots, in this book however she is . Then in chapter four of this book we learn that .. You'd think that the author, her editor and / or at least the proofreader would have picked up on that and correct the mistake.
This could easily have been a five star book if it wasn't for a few pesky issues.
Abby has grown a lot since the first book. It is one of my favorite things about this series. No book is exactly the same. However, I have noticed that Laurie is starting to lose track of her characters and the case seemed to drag on for almost ever until snap the case is suddenly solved in two minutes.
More on those pesky issues...
We have known for quite some time now that Abby can 'zone' in on a person by 'feeling' out a person connected too them. I don't understand why this is new information in this book.
We finally get to meet Dave's Old Lady in this book and it's wonderful! Just one small issue... a few books back we learned that she worked as a sales lady at a shop that sells boots, in this book however she is . Then in chapter four of this book we learn that .. You'd think that the author, her editor and / or at least the proofreader would have picked up on that and correct the mistake.
August 22, 2017
This is the fifteenth book in the psychic eye series and I think it is one of the best in the series. Abby and Candice's husbands are FBI agents but who also have a side business with their friend Dave installing panic rooms and security for rich clients. When one morning Dave's wife calls Abby to say Dave never came home and if Abby has seen him, they realize he is missing. They trace his movements to one of the clients houses and in turn finds the family murdered along with the maid and the gardener. The local police think Dave killed them for the money in the panic room safe, But Abby, Candice, Dutch, and Brice don't think that's what happened. Abby uses her psychic abilities to try to help piece together clues to what happened.
I love this series. Dutch and Abby are adorable together. I love all the characters. It is like reconnecting with old friends every time I read one of her books. I loved the plot of the book. It had so many suspects that I hated and wanted to be guilty, that I had a hard time figuring out who the killer was. I would definitely recommend reading this series.
I love this series. Dutch and Abby are adorable together. I love all the characters. It is like reconnecting with old friends every time I read one of her books. I loved the plot of the book. It had so many suspects that I hated and wanted to be guilty, that I had a hard time figuring out who the killer was. I would definitely recommend reading this series.
October 7, 2021
This took me a long time to read, which is unusual for this series, it was just so meandering in the middle I felt like the characters were wandering around in circles, and ignoring the obvious.
December 4, 2019
Hovering over the counter, I tried to explain.
Milo has retired and left Austin. Dutch and Brice bring handyman, Dave in as a partner of their security company specifically to build panic rooms for people. Dave becomes a suspect in a brutal murder when a client is killed.
This series never disappoints. I love how passionate Abby gets about those that she loves. She is determined to clear Dave's name even though the evidence is stacked against him. A wealthy socialite makes things harder as Abby tries to figure out how she is connected to the case.
I like that the story line usually involves more than one mystery. I enjoy seeing how things unfold and reveal new information.
It was nice to finally meet Dave's "old lady" even though it was under extremely stressful circumstances.
I love this series and look forward to the next book.
4.5 stars
Milo has retired and left Austin. Dutch and Brice bring handyman, Dave in as a partner of their security company specifically to build panic rooms for people. Dave becomes a suspect in a brutal murder when a client is killed.
This series never disappoints. I love how passionate Abby gets about those that she loves. She is determined to clear Dave's name even though the evidence is stacked against him. A wealthy socialite makes things harder as Abby tries to figure out how she is connected to the case.
I like that the story line usually involves more than one mystery. I enjoy seeing how things unfold and reveal new information.
It was nice to finally meet Dave's "old lady" even though it was under extremely stressful circumstances.
I love this series and look forward to the next book.
4.5 stars
June 22, 2017
This is the fifteenth book in the Psychic Eye series and the first one that I have read. After some initial fear that I wouldn't know enough, I began reading this and was quickly drawn into the story. Abby Cooper is a professional psychic married to an FBI Special Agent named Dutch who has a side business providing security and panic rooms to the very wealthy. She works with her friend Private Investigator Candice who is married to Dutch's partner Brice.
After one of Dutch's partners, Dave, goes missing seemingly between clients, Abby feels that something is very wrong. Things get even worse when two of Dutch's clients are brutally murdered in their panic room. Dave is the prime suspect. Then Dave's wife Gwen goes missing.
Abby, Candice, Dutch and Brice have to find their friends Dave and Gwen and solve the murders to keep Dutch and Brice's business from being sued into extinction. There are lots of wonderful suspects from the rich barracuda who has been hitting of Dutch and once had an affair with one of the murder victims to the same victim's sister who resented her sister's success to the other murder victim's business partner who is scrambling to find a computer program the victim wrote that will keep their company from going under.
I loved the relationships between the characters. It is nice to see strong marriages in stories where the partners both love and support each other. Abby also has a unique, quirky way of look at the world and we see this clearly as she is the narrator of this story.
I'm eager to backtrack and read more books in this story which was an engaging mystery with touches of humor.
After one of Dutch's partners, Dave, goes missing seemingly between clients, Abby feels that something is very wrong. Things get even worse when two of Dutch's clients are brutally murdered in their panic room. Dave is the prime suspect. Then Dave's wife Gwen goes missing.
Abby, Candice, Dutch and Brice have to find their friends Dave and Gwen and solve the murders to keep Dutch and Brice's business from being sued into extinction. There are lots of wonderful suspects from the rich barracuda who has been hitting of Dutch and once had an affair with one of the murder victims to the same victim's sister who resented her sister's success to the other murder victim's business partner who is scrambling to find a computer program the victim wrote that will keep their company from going under.
I loved the relationships between the characters. It is nice to see strong marriages in stories where the partners both love and support each other. Abby also has a unique, quirky way of look at the world and we see this clearly as she is the narrator of this story.
I'm eager to backtrack and read more books in this story which was an engaging mystery with touches of humor.
August 15, 2017
Saturday I started and finished A Panicked Premonition by Victoria Laurie. This is the 15th book in the series and I am truly amazed by her ability to write books I simply can not put down. She has a wonderful way of writing not only characters but intense scenes that are so easy to picture that you feel so involved in the story. While these are paranormal cozy mystery books they also have an element of suspense that you do not often find in cozies. I know these would make amazing movies as the words are so vibrant on the page they seem to jump out at you and play like a movie in my head. This story was about panic rooms, but it was also about relationships, goals, leaving your comfort zone, taking chances and having an enormous amount of faith. One of the best series out there, long running and after the first book you will see why. This book is out now and is a book and series I can highly recommend.
September 22, 2017
One of Dutch’s flirting clients insists on a meet and greet with Abby. Then, she requests Abby to do an unethical psychic reading of a man, which Abby refuses to do. Dave, the contractor, disappears in mysterious circumstances. The murders begin -- connected with their side business of panic room installations.
Abby says, “I’m, like, the Paleo queen, and I don’t have that layer of blubber around my middle anymore. …Do you want to see my abs?”
Find A Panicked Premonition at the Westminster Public Library.
Abby says, “I’m, like, the Paleo queen, and I don’t have that layer of blubber around my middle anymore. …Do you want to see my abs?”
Find A Panicked Premonition at the Westminster Public Library.
July 4, 2017
Laurie is a favored author and knows how to bring a story not to mention a mystery to life. Each book just gets better and better, I always look forward to new releases. In this 15th book of the series Abby has settled into life in Texas and made some healthy changes. Her husband Dutch's side business is booming and all is looking well for the couple and their future. When two of Dutch's clients are found murdered and friend/handyman Dave is the main suspect Abby must use her ability to find the truth. Did Dave kill the clients, Abby doesn't think so and will do anything she can to save Dave from a murder conviction. Will Abby's senses help her in helping Dave? Follow along as Abby tries discover just what went wrong in that big house and why people say they saw Dave leave the murder scene. This was a terrific read and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a good cozy with a side of the mystical.
June 22, 2021
2.5
I still love this series, but every series will have its weaker stories, and this is one of them. I want to point out it's not a case of a series dragging on too long either, for the previous two books were top-notch and I'm still loving the psychic element and side characters. The plot for this one will feel familiar if you've read this in order - while author did clever twists that makes it seem like an impossible situation, like book 12 where Candice was assumed guilty by all but Abby and it looks oh-so-badly for her, this one involves another friend close to home (Dave). This takes away a strong element of mystery because I doubted the author would have a character who has been around so long, since early book 1, turn into a completely new person - but you never know.
Most of the book focuses on the side business Dutch has, this time involving Brice as a new partner. Milo is out fully now through word of retirement. No, we still don't see him or talk to him on the page - he's been missing for several books and is another well-liked character of mine who dwindled away. While Dave is said to still be a big part of their lives, you rarely see him in any of these books anymore either. If you do, it's incredibly brief. The same is said for the sister, Cat. You may as well forget she exists as she hasn't been around in any of the last few books, not even a phone call this one.
It seems that the larger Abby's world grows, the more she has to travel and the more teams and departments she helps out, the smaller her world grows. Only Brice and Candice and Dutch mainly stick around consistently later in the series, which is a bit of a shame.
This was another where I didn't find Abby's ability particularly impressive. The book starts with her again talking about how she's super healthy now and has completely changed her diet and exercises regularly - we get a lot of those scenes where she exercises with Candice and finds places for special foods. She mentions that since eating healthier and changing her lifestyle goals, that her psychic intuitive ability has strengthened a lot with accuracy, ease, etc. However, in this same book she only senses very murky basics and her power basically takes a back seat for the majority of the story for this main plot.
She also has a few scenes where she keeps showing off her new figure in various ways or having it mentioned - and Dutch's in several situations - and Candices. :/
I didn't hate the book, really, but it was weaker in many ways compared to previous entries. Still love the series overall as one of the best mystery series. Abby kept making me cringe with her over the top temper that makes her seem a little less bright. The continuation of bending the rules on the side of police is a little disturbing. Last book was planted evidence for the "greater good" because Abby intuitively knows, and this book she gets angry at Brice (again, unreasonably) because for her friend she wants to lie to the local police illegally as well, but is talked down from it in case they get caught. I also am getting tired of the women getting so upset at the men being protective because of their feminism overreach --- yes, they're tough women, but there's nothing wrong with protective husbands who love their wives and think they've just been shot or tackled by violent criminals.
I still love this series, but every series will have its weaker stories, and this is one of them. I want to point out it's not a case of a series dragging on too long either, for the previous two books were top-notch and I'm still loving the psychic element and side characters. The plot for this one will feel familiar if you've read this in order - while author did clever twists that makes it seem like an impossible situation, like book 12 where Candice was assumed guilty by all but Abby and it looks oh-so-badly for her, this one involves another friend close to home (Dave). This takes away a strong element of mystery because I doubted the author would have a character who has been around so long, since early book 1, turn into a completely new person - but you never know.
Most of the book focuses on the side business Dutch has, this time involving Brice as a new partner. Milo is out fully now through word of retirement. No, we still don't see him or talk to him on the page - he's been missing for several books and is another well-liked character of mine who dwindled away. While Dave is said to still be a big part of their lives, you rarely see him in any of these books anymore either. If you do, it's incredibly brief. The same is said for the sister, Cat. You may as well forget she exists as she hasn't been around in any of the last few books, not even a phone call this one.
It seems that the larger Abby's world grows, the more she has to travel and the more teams and departments she helps out, the smaller her world grows. Only Brice and Candice and Dutch mainly stick around consistently later in the series, which is a bit of a shame.
This was another where I didn't find Abby's ability particularly impressive. The book starts with her again talking about how she's super healthy now and has completely changed her diet and exercises regularly - we get a lot of those scenes where she exercises with Candice and finds places for special foods. She mentions that since eating healthier and changing her lifestyle goals, that her psychic intuitive ability has strengthened a lot with accuracy, ease, etc. However, in this same book she only senses very murky basics and her power basically takes a back seat for the majority of the story for this main plot.
She also has a few scenes where she keeps showing off her new figure in various ways or having it mentioned - and Dutch's in several situations - and Candices. :/
I didn't hate the book, really, but it was weaker in many ways compared to previous entries. Still love the series overall as one of the best mystery series. Abby kept making me cringe with her over the top temper that makes her seem a little less bright. The continuation of bending the rules on the side of police is a little disturbing. Last book was planted evidence for the "greater good" because Abby intuitively knows, and this book she gets angry at Brice (again, unreasonably) because for her friend she wants to lie to the local police illegally as well, but is talked down from it in case they get caught. I also am getting tired of the women getting so upset at the men being protective because of their feminism overreach --- yes, they're tough women, but there's nothing wrong with protective husbands who love their wives and think they've just been shot or tackled by violent criminals.
July 7, 2017
Nice story, but I thought Abby's physic ability was underused. Not that the suspense wasn't great, but I thought the whole point of the series is for Abby to use her sixth sense to help solve the case, with (understandable) minor roadblocks here and there, rather than dead ends (no pun intended). Honestly, it just felt like a normal murder mystery.
June 28, 2017
4.5 Stars!
Fantastic addition to the Psychic Eye Mystery series!
What I liked: I’ve read this series when it first came out, took a break because so many books, not enough time, and Ms Laurie has found a way to keep it fresh and entertaining. I’m to the point where I would really love to hang out with Abby and Candice. Yes, they’re best friends but their personalities complement each other in a great way.
In A Panicked Premonition, the emphasis is on a new business Dutch (Abby’s husband, FBI agent) and Brice (Candice’s husband and Dutch’s boss at the FBI) have begun with their all-round handyman and friend, Dave. I love Dave! Their business is installing panic rooms and business is booming but so is murder. First Dave goes missing, then 2 clients are murdered and all the info points to Dave. As a matter of fact, the evidence is so overwhelming that his friends are even questioning their knowledge of him. Never fear, Abby and Candice are on the case with a heavy assist from their guys.
Sounds simple, doesn’t it? It’s not and Ms Laurie has changed things up a bit. First off, Abby is the queen of unhealthy eating but evidently some time has passed since the ending of the last book, A Grave Prediction, and Abby is working out, eating really healthy, and enjoying it. Wow, I did not see that coming. Seriously though, there are a few subplots that turn out to have a bearing on the case, or not?
Abby is one of my favorite characters in a series. If taken alone, she could become obnoxious very quickly but the snark, the childish actions, in some cases her self-absorption would lose my interest quickly. Ms Laurie has a gift of knowing when each part of Abby’s personality fits what scene or when it’s not all about her but the family and friends around her.
I did not figure out the bad guys, well, maybe I did a bit but not completely. I also enjoy the relationships between the main characters. Yes, there is a bit of drama but overall, the characters feel like regular people dealing with their respective careers and all that entails. Well, of course, I’ve never met a regular psychic person but Abby is just herself with a little help from her guides in the ether. She has to work at interpreting what they are trying to convey to her and her gut doesn’t always warn her in time and mayhem ensues.
The relationship between Abby and Dutch is loving and comfortable but they are each individuals who respect each other and accept each other as they are. The same can be said of Abby and Candice. Ms Laurie pairing them as partners was a fantastic choice and I think has extended the life of this series.
What I didn’t like: A Panicked Premonition is the 15th book in this series and the only thing that jumps out at me is Abby’s insecurity when dealing with people who don’t believe in her psychic powers. Then I started thinking, even at my advanced age, there are still things I’m insecure about that have followed me most of my life. So basically, nothing not to like.
I know Ms Laurie is having some issues finding a new home or perhaps self-publishing in continuing this series. As a reader, I can tell that Ms Laurie puts her heart and soul into her writing. Her books reflect her research in the setting, her plots are interesting but not over the top unbelievable, and her characters won my heart from the beginning. I’m looking forward to more of Abby’s adventures!
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
Highly Recommended!!
Fantastic addition to the Psychic Eye Mystery series!
What I liked: I’ve read this series when it first came out, took a break because so many books, not enough time, and Ms Laurie has found a way to keep it fresh and entertaining. I’m to the point where I would really love to hang out with Abby and Candice. Yes, they’re best friends but their personalities complement each other in a great way.
In A Panicked Premonition, the emphasis is on a new business Dutch (Abby’s husband, FBI agent) and Brice (Candice’s husband and Dutch’s boss at the FBI) have begun with their all-round handyman and friend, Dave. I love Dave! Their business is installing panic rooms and business is booming but so is murder. First Dave goes missing, then 2 clients are murdered and all the info points to Dave. As a matter of fact, the evidence is so overwhelming that his friends are even questioning their knowledge of him. Never fear, Abby and Candice are on the case with a heavy assist from their guys.
Sounds simple, doesn’t it? It’s not and Ms Laurie has changed things up a bit. First off, Abby is the queen of unhealthy eating but evidently some time has passed since the ending of the last book, A Grave Prediction, and Abby is working out, eating really healthy, and enjoying it. Wow, I did not see that coming. Seriously though, there are a few subplots that turn out to have a bearing on the case, or not?
Abby is one of my favorite characters in a series. If taken alone, she could become obnoxious very quickly but the snark, the childish actions, in some cases her self-absorption would lose my interest quickly. Ms Laurie has a gift of knowing when each part of Abby’s personality fits what scene or when it’s not all about her but the family and friends around her.
I did not figure out the bad guys, well, maybe I did a bit but not completely. I also enjoy the relationships between the main characters. Yes, there is a bit of drama but overall, the characters feel like regular people dealing with their respective careers and all that entails. Well, of course, I’ve never met a regular psychic person but Abby is just herself with a little help from her guides in the ether. She has to work at interpreting what they are trying to convey to her and her gut doesn’t always warn her in time and mayhem ensues.
The relationship between Abby and Dutch is loving and comfortable but they are each individuals who respect each other and accept each other as they are. The same can be said of Abby and Candice. Ms Laurie pairing them as partners was a fantastic choice and I think has extended the life of this series.
What I didn’t like: A Panicked Premonition is the 15th book in this series and the only thing that jumps out at me is Abby’s insecurity when dealing with people who don’t believe in her psychic powers. Then I started thinking, even at my advanced age, there are still things I’m insecure about that have followed me most of my life. So basically, nothing not to like.
I know Ms Laurie is having some issues finding a new home or perhaps self-publishing in continuing this series. As a reader, I can tell that Ms Laurie puts her heart and soul into her writing. Her books reflect her research in the setting, her plots are interesting but not over the top unbelievable, and her characters won my heart from the beginning. I’m looking forward to more of Abby’s adventures!
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
Highly Recommended!!
June 12, 2018
This book came out right when I needed it. I've had the past couple of weeks off from work and thought I'd be reading non-stop. I've started several books at the moment that I have enjoyed, but I just haven't felt too motivated to sit down and read. Well, this book brought me out of my slump. I don't even know how many books we are into this series, but I always love the Abby books. This is book number 15 in the series, and I hope there will be 15 more.
This one had so many twists and turns that I could not figure out who was behind everything. I feel like the effects of what happened in this one could still alter things in the next books, so I'm eager to see what changes occur as a result.
This one had so many twists and turns that I could not figure out who was behind everything. I feel like the effects of what happened in this one could still alter things in the next books, so I'm eager to see what changes occur as a result.
September 29, 2020
I'm rounding up from 3 1/2 stars because I like this author and love this series. Most of the book was very good. Abby continued to pay attention to her intuition in this book as she did in the previous book, but it actually didn't seem to help her much in this one. I am not psychic so I have no idea how it works, but it seems to always fail Abby right when it can help her the most. I still would have given this four stars, but the ending seemed very abrupt to me. I was left with a few questions and I didn't like that. Supposedly the next one is self-published by Ms. Laurie. If this was the last one from this publisher, she must not have known because there is absolutely no wrap-up or conclusion to the series.
May 10, 2019
Great read!!!
September 6, 2025
This book is the first book I picked up not knowing it was late in a series. It was enjoyable as its own stand alone. I now want to check out the rest of the books.
July 19, 2017
http://openbooksociety.com/article/a-...
A Panicked Premonition
Psychic Eye Mystery, Book #15
By Victoria Laurie
ISBN: 9780451473905
Author Website: http://www.victorialaurie.com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
The New York Times bestselling Psychic Eye Mystery series continues with P.I. Abby Cooper facing the ultimate locked room murder…
Professional psychic and FBI consultant Abby Cooper has used her inner visions to get her out of many a scrape and solve many a crime but she’s about to face a murder scene that will put all her powers to the test. Abby’s husband Dutch has a side business providing security and building panic rooms for wealthy clients. One morning, one of Dutch’s partners, Dave, goes missing on his way to meet a client. Abby’s intuition tells her something terrible has happened to him.
Then two of Dutch’s clients are found brutally murdered…inside their brand new panic room, and most of the evidence points to Dave as the killer. With the authorities racing to find and arrest him, Abby’s got to use all her intuitive prowess to get to Dave first, discover the real killer, and save her husband’s business. This is one case where Abby is positive there’s far more to this mystery than meets her inner eye.
Review:
A Panicked Premonition is only the second book I have read in the “Psychic Eye Mystery” series. I take it this series must have a huge fan base as this is the 15th book. I enjoyed the one right before this one, A Grave Prediction #14. The protagonist is Abby Cooper, a P.I. who works with the FBI as a consultant alongside her friend Candice. Both of their husbands work for the FBI. I really enjoyed Abby and her use of her psychic abilities to help with case in the other book. Not so much this one since she used it rarely and not for what I thought would be the perfect times. The ladies husbands have a new business that is going well. Dutch(FBI agent and Abby’s husband) and Brice (Candice’s husband and Dutch’s superior at the FBI) have started a business installing panic rooms. Everything is going great until their handyman/builder Dave goes missing. Then things really go bad.
I went into reading the “Psychic Eye Mystery” series thinking they are cozies. Well they are and they are not, more not. If you enjoy the brash language of authors like Evanovich, this will not be a problem. I can read past it. They are a bit harsher than a real cozy. The murder is gruesome, the action is on the page not implied and Abby is not an amateur for sure. That said, I could get past all of that even though cozy is my usual genre’. Author Victoria Laurie is adept at pulling the reader in and keeps things moving. I enjoy her writing style. Her storyline was intriguing, but I was very put off that Abby seemed to barely use her abilities when I felt they were needed most. And no one seemed to say anything. That was just odd to me. I really wanted to give this one 3 stars because of Abby seeming so off in her investigating. The author’s writing style did, however pull it up to 4 stars.
Dave is an integral part of the team in the panic room business. When he goes missing, everyone has to get involved. Abby has a bad feeling and that makes everyone take notice. Bits and pieces start to turn up in the hunt for their friend. Things really get hairy when Abby and Candice go to the house Dave had been working on and it is a horrific scene. What could possibly have happened for these people to be murdered, no more like butchered. Now it looks like Dave is the suspect and it looks really bad when he cannot be found. What could have happened? Although Abby can see some of the mayhem, she cannot get it all. So the only thing they can all do, investigate and find their friend. The evidence is so bad that even they start to think Dave could be the culprit.
I am not sure why I did not care for A Panicked Premonition as much as the one previous to it, but I think it has to do with Abby’s special ability. I enjoy the author’s writing style, not as a cozy read, but as a mystery straight and simple. I would recommend this one to anyone that enjoys a mystery with a psychic and a great group of main characters. I wish I had known Abby when she was eating all the junk food though, not a fan of all the workout/running/eating right scenes. I am a bit surprised at how different the last book and this one seemed to me. Not sure what is behind that, but I would still recommend this read. The mystery was hard to figure out, I thought I had it then I did not, then I did. That was good. The clues are interesting and the search was intense. There are a lot of really good points to A Panicked Premonition and I think most mystery/psychic fans will enjoy reading it.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
A Panicked Premonition
Psychic Eye Mystery, Book #15
By Victoria Laurie
ISBN: 9780451473905
Author Website: http://www.victorialaurie.com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
The New York Times bestselling Psychic Eye Mystery series continues with P.I. Abby Cooper facing the ultimate locked room murder…
Professional psychic and FBI consultant Abby Cooper has used her inner visions to get her out of many a scrape and solve many a crime but she’s about to face a murder scene that will put all her powers to the test. Abby’s husband Dutch has a side business providing security and building panic rooms for wealthy clients. One morning, one of Dutch’s partners, Dave, goes missing on his way to meet a client. Abby’s intuition tells her something terrible has happened to him.
Then two of Dutch’s clients are found brutally murdered…inside their brand new panic room, and most of the evidence points to Dave as the killer. With the authorities racing to find and arrest him, Abby’s got to use all her intuitive prowess to get to Dave first, discover the real killer, and save her husband’s business. This is one case where Abby is positive there’s far more to this mystery than meets her inner eye.
Review:
A Panicked Premonition is only the second book I have read in the “Psychic Eye Mystery” series. I take it this series must have a huge fan base as this is the 15th book. I enjoyed the one right before this one, A Grave Prediction #14. The protagonist is Abby Cooper, a P.I. who works with the FBI as a consultant alongside her friend Candice. Both of their husbands work for the FBI. I really enjoyed Abby and her use of her psychic abilities to help with case in the other book. Not so much this one since she used it rarely and not for what I thought would be the perfect times. The ladies husbands have a new business that is going well. Dutch(FBI agent and Abby’s husband) and Brice (Candice’s husband and Dutch’s superior at the FBI) have started a business installing panic rooms. Everything is going great until their handyman/builder Dave goes missing. Then things really go bad.
I went into reading the “Psychic Eye Mystery” series thinking they are cozies. Well they are and they are not, more not. If you enjoy the brash language of authors like Evanovich, this will not be a problem. I can read past it. They are a bit harsher than a real cozy. The murder is gruesome, the action is on the page not implied and Abby is not an amateur for sure. That said, I could get past all of that even though cozy is my usual genre’. Author Victoria Laurie is adept at pulling the reader in and keeps things moving. I enjoy her writing style. Her storyline was intriguing, but I was very put off that Abby seemed to barely use her abilities when I felt they were needed most. And no one seemed to say anything. That was just odd to me. I really wanted to give this one 3 stars because of Abby seeming so off in her investigating. The author’s writing style did, however pull it up to 4 stars.
Dave is an integral part of the team in the panic room business. When he goes missing, everyone has to get involved. Abby has a bad feeling and that makes everyone take notice. Bits and pieces start to turn up in the hunt for their friend. Things really get hairy when Abby and Candice go to the house Dave had been working on and it is a horrific scene. What could possibly have happened for these people to be murdered, no more like butchered. Now it looks like Dave is the suspect and it looks really bad when he cannot be found. What could have happened? Although Abby can see some of the mayhem, she cannot get it all. So the only thing they can all do, investigate and find their friend. The evidence is so bad that even they start to think Dave could be the culprit.
I am not sure why I did not care for A Panicked Premonition as much as the one previous to it, but I think it has to do with Abby’s special ability. I enjoy the author’s writing style, not as a cozy read, but as a mystery straight and simple. I would recommend this one to anyone that enjoys a mystery with a psychic and a great group of main characters. I wish I had known Abby when she was eating all the junk food though, not a fan of all the workout/running/eating right scenes. I am a bit surprised at how different the last book and this one seemed to me. Not sure what is behind that, but I would still recommend this read. The mystery was hard to figure out, I thought I had it then I did not, then I did. That was good. The clues are interesting and the search was intense. There are a lot of really good points to A Panicked Premonition and I think most mystery/psychic fans will enjoy reading it.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
June 26, 2020
This was the longest book so far in the Psychic Eye series. Also the most convoluted plots while at the same time Abby gets the least help from her gift OR "The Crew" along the way. For me it dragged some in the middle but at least cleasred things up at the finish. But a bit of a slog...
November 5, 2017
One of my favorites in the series, probably because the mystery was very exciting and intricate. It kept me guessing and turning pages. And of course, Abby, Candice, Dutch, Brice and Nikki were as fun as ever.
July 4, 2017
Spectacular!!!!!!
Absolutely chilling with such high energy I could barely catch my breathe! Abby, partner Candice, & their respective FBI husbands Dutch & Brice are locked in a desperate race to save their good friend Dave & prove his innocence in a very grizzly, horrendous mass murder. A few catch your breath moments are provided by some snappy banter between Abby & Candice, & lots of sensual interludes between Abby & breathtaking hubby Dutch. Abby's psychic sense provides the group with quite a bit of assistance, but some good old fashion detective work helps too. The conclusion was stellar - I never saw it coming! Panicked Premonition is not to be missed!
Absolutely chilling with such high energy I could barely catch my breathe! Abby, partner Candice, & their respective FBI husbands Dutch & Brice are locked in a desperate race to save their good friend Dave & prove his innocence in a very grizzly, horrendous mass murder. A few catch your breath moments are provided by some snappy banter between Abby & Candice, & lots of sensual interludes between Abby & breathtaking hubby Dutch. Abby's psychic sense provides the group with quite a bit of assistance, but some good old fashion detective work helps too. The conclusion was stellar - I never saw it coming! Panicked Premonition is not to be missed!
July 9, 2017
Abby's new diet and fitness regimen takes a fast backseat when Dave the former handyman not only goes missing but is suspected of murdering his and Dutch's wealthy clients.
The ether feels bad in this particularly frustrating case. Readers finally learn Dave's "old lady"'s real name just as they're wondering if he's been lying to Abby and Dutch for years.
Not much is as it seems, as the 1% strives to protect their own while Abby's crew tries to find AND clear Dave.
The action picks up fast and rolls steadily throughout the story.
This was one of the only Psychic Eye books in which my hunches were wrong as often as they were right.
Laurie strung this high-tension tale just right.
The ether feels bad in this particularly frustrating case. Readers finally learn Dave's "old lady"'s real name just as they're wondering if he's been lying to Abby and Dutch for years.
Not much is as it seems, as the 1% strives to protect their own while Abby's crew tries to find AND clear Dave.
The action picks up fast and rolls steadily throughout the story.
This was one of the only Psychic Eye books in which my hunches were wrong as often as they were right.
Laurie strung this high-tension tale just right.
November 15, 2017
Once again Abby has to solve a case involving a friend that is linked to her husband and herself. Sorry that type of case is getting old not just in this series but all series. I did find myself getting pulled into the twist and turns because of the writing but I found myself getting lost in a couple of places while trying to keep track of what all is going on. Abby has grown so much but the lack of her abilities being showcased more in solving the case was a big turn off. Something else was a little off in this book, I just can't put my finger on it. I am still giving it three stars and it was a quick fun read.
January 3, 2017
DD 02 Jan 2017. Aaaaand now I want more of Abby! More!
And as it has become a tradition of mine to rate books of this series a bit (lot!) earlier than I can actually get my hands on it in order to be able to happily reinforce this rating at a muuuch later date post factum.
My favourite series about Abby rules on! I really hope there are lots of further books down this road for me.
And as it has become a tradition of mine to rate books of this series a bit (lot!) earlier than I can actually get my hands on it in order to be able to happily reinforce this rating at a muuuch later date post factum.
My favourite series about Abby rules on! I really hope there are lots of further books down this road for me.
September 19, 2017
It was ok but lately I have been finding Abby kind of obnoxious and irritating and I don’t remember her being like that in the early books. I am not sure if it is Abby or me that has changed. Will have to re-read the early books to find out.
October 11, 2017
Thought I was in the mood for something really light. Just couldn't get into it, there were too many OOC moments, the cutesy language wasn't working for me, and had more violence than I expected from a cozy mystery. Ended up skimming, and read the conclusion just to verify that I knew whodunnit.
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