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Paranormal in Manhattan #9
Speak of the Wicked
Speak of the Devil look who walked in…
Now a chief agent for USCAB’s paranormal division, newlywed Mandy Rowling has arrived. Unfortunately, Manhattan’s social elite have little regard for her, except for the very wealthy Mrs. Karen Rosenberg who, it turns out, is in need of someone with paranormal skills.
During a holiday gathering turned scammy séance at the Rosenberg mansion, a prickly ghost hints that Mr. Rosenberg—believed to have passed away due to an unfortunate accident—may have actually died of suspicious causes. Long hidden secrets are revealed, casting blame on the Upper East Side’s crème-de-le-crème, and proving everyone should be thankful for the girl who can speak to spirits in this wild ninth installment of the madcap Manhattan Mystery series.
Speak of the Wicked is part of the Paranormal in Manhattan Mystery series. If you like fast-paced mysteries full of quirky characters and unexpected twists, you're gonna love this book.
Now a chief agent for USCAB’s paranormal division, newlywed Mandy Rowling has arrived. Unfortunately, Manhattan’s social elite have little regard for her, except for the very wealthy Mrs. Karen Rosenberg who, it turns out, is in need of someone with paranormal skills.
During a holiday gathering turned scammy séance at the Rosenberg mansion, a prickly ghost hints that Mr. Rosenberg—believed to have passed away due to an unfortunate accident—may have actually died of suspicious causes. Long hidden secrets are revealed, casting blame on the Upper East Side’s crème-de-le-crème, and proving everyone should be thankful for the girl who can speak to spirits in this wild ninth installment of the madcap Manhattan Mystery series.
Speak of the Wicked is part of the Paranormal in Manhattan Mystery series. If you like fast-paced mysteries full of quirky characters and unexpected twists, you're gonna love this book.
123 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2017
257 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
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February 8, 2018
Paranormal in Manhattan
Wickedly Ever After #8
Halloween Hijinks
Lotta Smith, Sep 2017
118 pages, ebook, paperback
Paranormal Cozy Mystery
Cozy with Love & Ghosts
✭✭✭✭
I purchased this book at the current price. This is my honest review for which I am receiving no compensation of any kind.
The cover is in the style chosen for the series, which is totally eye-catching. It always has Mandy on the cover in some fashion outfit appropriate for the story, crime scene tape across the front, and it is seasonally decorated. This time we have a Halloween pumpkin. Whoever it is that does the graphic design for these, really does a great job. They are always fun. The story is great. It takes place just before Halloween, so there are lots of ghostly visitors. The characters are really quite familiar to me by now since the stories always focus on Mandy and her coterie of friends and associates. The pace is fairly brisk as is typical for a book in this series, and the tension just keeps going.
And here begins the reveal…
One thing I noticed about this series is that you get a short book, about 120 pages and then you get about 30 pages of teasers for other books written by the author. I don’t like that. Amazon lists this book as 171 pages, but when I was done reading the story itself, I had completed 118 pages. The rest of what was there were excerpts from more books in the series and other books that the author has written with links to them to buy, and I’m not talking just one or two. I don’t like it and don’t think it’s necessary. I also don’t think it sells those books in there. I’ll bet most people do what I did and just skip over them. Okay, complaint registered. On to the fun part…
At Rick and Amanda’s wedding, Clara (Rick’s mother – ghost) takes over the body of Alice (Rick’s stepmother) so that she can dance with Dan and Rick. Alice doesn’t remember any of it. Clara’s usually off keeping herself busy, but lately, she’s spending a lot of time with the family and being involved with the living. This time, it could get dangerous for those she loves.
In the cemetery where Clara’s body lies, a young man’s ghost is stuck in a pond where he died. He spends a lot of time howling and crying about his situation and disturbing the residents of Clara’s cemetery. So Clara goes to Jackie for help and Mandy ends up involved, of course.
It was Fynn’s birthday and the guys at work had a party for him. They all had quite a bit to drink, except Johnny, who only drank fruit juices. Johnny offered to take Fynn home. On the way, Johnny complained of not feeling well and wanted to stop at a pond in this cemetery he knew that was really pretty. The two stopped. Johnny asked Fynn if he could see the colorful goldfish in the pond. Fynn said he couldn’t. Johnny suggested he look closer, they had polka dots on them. So Fynn leaned over the pond closer…SHOVE…SPLASH. Maybe it was a prank, but maybe it wasn’t. Whether it was or not, Fynn died in the pond, dragged down by the weight of his wet clothes and the fact that he was too drunk to really deal with what was happening. His wife, Nikki, and young daughter, Jennie, were devastated.
His death had been ruled as a suicide. He had taken out a $20,000 loan with no way to repay it and there was a note in his pocket in a plastic bag that indicated suicide. Johnny was more than happy to take his place with Nikki and Jennie and take care of them. Nikki’s trying to tell Johnny thanks but no thanks, but he doesn’t understand why Nikki doesn’t love him. Why he can’t take Fynn’s place in her life, in her heart.
Mandy had already had a chat with Fynn at the pond and understood what was happening. She had shared the information with Nikki so that she, too understood. Fynn and Nikki had gotten married informally, but Nikki had always wanted a big formal reception. So Fynn had made arrangements for one at the place she wanted to have it. He had borrowed the money and put fees in place for the reception that would pay back the loan. Nikki was thrilled when she found all this out. She went to Johnny and tried to explain to him that he needed to leave her alone, but things had gone too far in Johnny’s mind and her turning away from him simply made him snap. Mandy shows up to help her out, but it doesn’t look like the gals will win until her cab driver, Letty shows up and shoots Johnny. But Mandy had called for back-up. She hadn’t wanted to disturb Rick, even though she’d been sitting in his office waiting for him when she found out what was happening. So, she called Mr. Hernandez at the FBI. When backup finally arrives, she had the local cops, the FBI, and USCAB with Rick at the front. He was not too pleased that she hadn’t simply told some of his people that she needed help. In the end, she got her own division of USCAB, but she had to share office space with Rick as a penalty. Which neither of them seemed to mind.
It was fun and interesting as a mystery. It wasn’t too hard to figure out who the bad guy was. A pretty good addition to the series.
And here’s another one…
Speak of the Wicked #9
Lotta Smith, October 2017
117 pages, ebook, paperback
Cozy Paranormal Mystery
Cozy Mystery W/Love & Ghosts
✭✭✭✭
I purchased this book at the current price. This is my honest review for which I am receiving no compensation of any kind.
The cover is again in the style chosen for the series. The cover is always related to the story. Mandy’s outfit, the scene in the background, and the quote on the cover are all related. These covers are very well done. As a student of graphic design, I love these covers! The story is interesting. It takes place mostly in a very short period of time and in one room. The characters in this one are a bunch of people gathered for a seànce along with Rick and Mandy and their client. They are all developed to some degree or other while sitting right there at the table holding hands. The pace is slower than other stories in this line because you just can’t rush this too much with it all taking place in one sitting, but the tension will make the edge of your teeth screech.
And here begins the reveal…
Karen Rosenberg is a new widow. She is also a client of Rick’s at USCAB. She’s heard the rumor about Mandy’s being able to speak to spirits, so she’s invited them to her house for dinner and a seànce. Around the table with Rick and Mandy sit Karen, the widow of Michael Rosenberg, Mr. Macomber (friend of the psychic), Ken Tillard (a heartthrob actor), Mr. and Mrs. Grasso (a very important investment banker and his elegant wife, Alexandra), Mrs. Prescott (without her big deal business lawyer husband, David), and Mr. Barnes, the psychic medium who arrives late.
The psychic medium does not see Jackie, Mandy’s sidekick, who is with Rick and Mandy this evening. Jackie is totally outraged that he doesn’t address her or acknowledge her in any way. The fact that he obviously doesn’t see Jackie tells them one thing about Mr. Barnes. He’s a fake. This makes the whole evening suspect. Now they have to watch very carefully and figure out what he really is trying to achieve, if anyone else is involved, and who is the target. It quickly becomes apparent that Karen, the widow is the target. The psychic goes through some parlor tricks with her and Ken, the actor that can easily be explained away if you know what to look for. They finally get to the nitty-gritty of the evening when the culprits reveal what they really wanted to accomplish with this charade. This was all arranged to force Mr. Grasso to confess how he murdered Michael Rosenberg. Mr. Grasso is outraged and denies that he killed Michael.
What comes out in the arguments and evidence is something very different. Something they were trying to keep quiet. Yes, Mr. Grasso had an argument and a physical fight with Michael on the day he died. But the secret film didn’t catch it, so there is no proof that he killed him. Why was there a secret camera filming what was going on at Michael’s retreat? Who was being filmed? No one was supposed to be there with Michael according to Karen. But there were people there with him. But not his loving wife, Karen. Mr. Grasso had been there. Ken Tillard had been there. Mr. Macomber had been there. And the fake psychic, actually a priest, had been there. At different times and sometimes at the same times, they had all been there as Michael’s lovers. Karen had always wondered what was wrong with their marriage. She and Michael had been close but like good friends.
Once all the guests were gone, it was just Karen with Rick and Mandy, and Jackie of course. Michael’s ghost shows up and answers some questions. It seems, his death was just an accident. The fall did kill him, but it was not murder. He was terribly sorry for not being able to physically love Karen, but he loved her and needed her during their life together. He asked Mandy to make sure that Karen understood that she had been the most important person in his life. And that he had been and still intended to visit her. Another satisfied client.
Recommended
The Series at this time…
*Book 1-Wicked for Hire
*Book 2-W is for Wicked
*Book 3-Wicked Little Secret
*Book 4-Wicked of the Christmas Past
*Book 5-Sweet Wicked of Mine
*Book 6-Wicked and Haunted
*Book 7-Wicked, Manor, and Murder
*Book 8-Wickedly Ever After: Halloween Hijinks
*Book 9-Speak of the Wicked
*Book 10-Wicked as a Christmas Fruitcake
*Book 11-Wicked in Wonderland-Strawberry Eclair Murder
*Book 12-Dial W for Wicked (pre-order)
Wickedly Ever After #8
Halloween Hijinks
Lotta Smith, Sep 2017
118 pages, ebook, paperback
Paranormal Cozy Mystery
Cozy with Love & Ghosts
✭✭✭✭
I purchased this book at the current price. This is my honest review for which I am receiving no compensation of any kind.
The cover is in the style chosen for the series, which is totally eye-catching. It always has Mandy on the cover in some fashion outfit appropriate for the story, crime scene tape across the front, and it is seasonally decorated. This time we have a Halloween pumpkin. Whoever it is that does the graphic design for these, really does a great job. They are always fun. The story is great. It takes place just before Halloween, so there are lots of ghostly visitors. The characters are really quite familiar to me by now since the stories always focus on Mandy and her coterie of friends and associates. The pace is fairly brisk as is typical for a book in this series, and the tension just keeps going.
And here begins the reveal…
One thing I noticed about this series is that you get a short book, about 120 pages and then you get about 30 pages of teasers for other books written by the author. I don’t like that. Amazon lists this book as 171 pages, but when I was done reading the story itself, I had completed 118 pages. The rest of what was there were excerpts from more books in the series and other books that the author has written with links to them to buy, and I’m not talking just one or two. I don’t like it and don’t think it’s necessary. I also don’t think it sells those books in there. I’ll bet most people do what I did and just skip over them. Okay, complaint registered. On to the fun part…
At Rick and Amanda’s wedding, Clara (Rick’s mother – ghost) takes over the body of Alice (Rick’s stepmother) so that she can dance with Dan and Rick. Alice doesn’t remember any of it. Clara’s usually off keeping herself busy, but lately, she’s spending a lot of time with the family and being involved with the living. This time, it could get dangerous for those she loves.
In the cemetery where Clara’s body lies, a young man’s ghost is stuck in a pond where he died. He spends a lot of time howling and crying about his situation and disturbing the residents of Clara’s cemetery. So Clara goes to Jackie for help and Mandy ends up involved, of course.
It was Fynn’s birthday and the guys at work had a party for him. They all had quite a bit to drink, except Johnny, who only drank fruit juices. Johnny offered to take Fynn home. On the way, Johnny complained of not feeling well and wanted to stop at a pond in this cemetery he knew that was really pretty. The two stopped. Johnny asked Fynn if he could see the colorful goldfish in the pond. Fynn said he couldn’t. Johnny suggested he look closer, they had polka dots on them. So Fynn leaned over the pond closer…SHOVE…SPLASH. Maybe it was a prank, but maybe it wasn’t. Whether it was or not, Fynn died in the pond, dragged down by the weight of his wet clothes and the fact that he was too drunk to really deal with what was happening. His wife, Nikki, and young daughter, Jennie, were devastated.
His death had been ruled as a suicide. He had taken out a $20,000 loan with no way to repay it and there was a note in his pocket in a plastic bag that indicated suicide. Johnny was more than happy to take his place with Nikki and Jennie and take care of them. Nikki’s trying to tell Johnny thanks but no thanks, but he doesn’t understand why Nikki doesn’t love him. Why he can’t take Fynn’s place in her life, in her heart.
Mandy had already had a chat with Fynn at the pond and understood what was happening. She had shared the information with Nikki so that she, too understood. Fynn and Nikki had gotten married informally, but Nikki had always wanted a big formal reception. So Fynn had made arrangements for one at the place she wanted to have it. He had borrowed the money and put fees in place for the reception that would pay back the loan. Nikki was thrilled when she found all this out. She went to Johnny and tried to explain to him that he needed to leave her alone, but things had gone too far in Johnny’s mind and her turning away from him simply made him snap. Mandy shows up to help her out, but it doesn’t look like the gals will win until her cab driver, Letty shows up and shoots Johnny. But Mandy had called for back-up. She hadn’t wanted to disturb Rick, even though she’d been sitting in his office waiting for him when she found out what was happening. So, she called Mr. Hernandez at the FBI. When backup finally arrives, she had the local cops, the FBI, and USCAB with Rick at the front. He was not too pleased that she hadn’t simply told some of his people that she needed help. In the end, she got her own division of USCAB, but she had to share office space with Rick as a penalty. Which neither of them seemed to mind.
It was fun and interesting as a mystery. It wasn’t too hard to figure out who the bad guy was. A pretty good addition to the series.
And here’s another one…
Speak of the Wicked #9
Lotta Smith, October 2017
117 pages, ebook, paperback
Cozy Paranormal Mystery
Cozy Mystery W/Love & Ghosts
✭✭✭✭
I purchased this book at the current price. This is my honest review for which I am receiving no compensation of any kind.
The cover is again in the style chosen for the series. The cover is always related to the story. Mandy’s outfit, the scene in the background, and the quote on the cover are all related. These covers are very well done. As a student of graphic design, I love these covers! The story is interesting. It takes place mostly in a very short period of time and in one room. The characters in this one are a bunch of people gathered for a seànce along with Rick and Mandy and their client. They are all developed to some degree or other while sitting right there at the table holding hands. The pace is slower than other stories in this line because you just can’t rush this too much with it all taking place in one sitting, but the tension will make the edge of your teeth screech.
And here begins the reveal…
Karen Rosenberg is a new widow. She is also a client of Rick’s at USCAB. She’s heard the rumor about Mandy’s being able to speak to spirits, so she’s invited them to her house for dinner and a seànce. Around the table with Rick and Mandy sit Karen, the widow of Michael Rosenberg, Mr. Macomber (friend of the psychic), Ken Tillard (a heartthrob actor), Mr. and Mrs. Grasso (a very important investment banker and his elegant wife, Alexandra), Mrs. Prescott (without her big deal business lawyer husband, David), and Mr. Barnes, the psychic medium who arrives late.
The psychic medium does not see Jackie, Mandy’s sidekick, who is with Rick and Mandy this evening. Jackie is totally outraged that he doesn’t address her or acknowledge her in any way. The fact that he obviously doesn’t see Jackie tells them one thing about Mr. Barnes. He’s a fake. This makes the whole evening suspect. Now they have to watch very carefully and figure out what he really is trying to achieve, if anyone else is involved, and who is the target. It quickly becomes apparent that Karen, the widow is the target. The psychic goes through some parlor tricks with her and Ken, the actor that can easily be explained away if you know what to look for. They finally get to the nitty-gritty of the evening when the culprits reveal what they really wanted to accomplish with this charade. This was all arranged to force Mr. Grasso to confess how he murdered Michael Rosenberg. Mr. Grasso is outraged and denies that he killed Michael.
What comes out in the arguments and evidence is something very different. Something they were trying to keep quiet. Yes, Mr. Grasso had an argument and a physical fight with Michael on the day he died. But the secret film didn’t catch it, so there is no proof that he killed him. Why was there a secret camera filming what was going on at Michael’s retreat? Who was being filmed? No one was supposed to be there with Michael according to Karen. But there were people there with him. But not his loving wife, Karen. Mr. Grasso had been there. Ken Tillard had been there. Mr. Macomber had been there. And the fake psychic, actually a priest, had been there. At different times and sometimes at the same times, they had all been there as Michael’s lovers. Karen had always wondered what was wrong with their marriage. She and Michael had been close but like good friends.
Once all the guests were gone, it was just Karen with Rick and Mandy, and Jackie of course. Michael’s ghost shows up and answers some questions. It seems, his death was just an accident. The fall did kill him, but it was not murder. He was terribly sorry for not being able to physically love Karen, but he loved her and needed her during their life together. He asked Mandy to make sure that Karen understood that she had been the most important person in his life. And that he had been and still intended to visit her. Another satisfied client.
Recommended
The Series at this time…
*Book 1-Wicked for Hire
*Book 2-W is for Wicked
*Book 3-Wicked Little Secret
*Book 4-Wicked of the Christmas Past
*Book 5-Sweet Wicked of Mine
*Book 6-Wicked and Haunted
*Book 7-Wicked, Manor, and Murder
*Book 8-Wickedly Ever After: Halloween Hijinks
*Book 9-Speak of the Wicked
*Book 10-Wicked as a Christmas Fruitcake
*Book 11-Wicked in Wonderland-Strawberry Eclair Murder
*Book 12-Dial W for Wicked (pre-order)
October 13, 2017
Another winner for Lotta Smith!
This book is a fun mystery and the characters we've known throughout the series tend to appear to Mandy, briefly Claire, Rick's mother with a little encouragement to Rick to help his father with a little favor and of course you have Jackie who is so funny throughout. Rick and Mandy are asked to help a client and friend of Dan, Rick's father, and the head CEO of USCAB’s paranormal division, to which Rick reluctantly agrees so he can spend his first Thanksgiving with Mandy as a married man without their being given an assignment during that time. The story goes on with a seance, a ouija board, and a mystery man who says he can speak to the dead. Dan, knowing his daughtet-in-law, Mandy really can communitcate with the dead wants she and Rick to go to this seance and protect their client if the seance is a scam. The twists and turns and craziness and unexpected ending make this book a fun read in a series of light, paranormal, humorous cozy mysteries! This whole series is Fun! I received an ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are stricly my own!
This book is a fun mystery and the characters we've known throughout the series tend to appear to Mandy, briefly Claire, Rick's mother with a little encouragement to Rick to help his father with a little favor and of course you have Jackie who is so funny throughout. Rick and Mandy are asked to help a client and friend of Dan, Rick's father, and the head CEO of USCAB’s paranormal division, to which Rick reluctantly agrees so he can spend his first Thanksgiving with Mandy as a married man without their being given an assignment during that time. The story goes on with a seance, a ouija board, and a mystery man who says he can speak to the dead. Dan, knowing his daughtet-in-law, Mandy really can communitcate with the dead wants she and Rick to go to this seance and protect their client if the seance is a scam. The twists and turns and craziness and unexpected ending make this book a fun read in a series of light, paranormal, humorous cozy mysteries! This whole series is Fun! I received an ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are stricly my own!
October 18, 2017
Prior to her wedding to Rick Rowling, Mandy overhears some women making catty remarks about her and Rick. Before she has a chance to confront them, Mrs. Rosenberg comes in and admonishes the women.
A couple of months later, while dining with Dan, Rick's dad, Rick and Mandy are asked to attend a gathering at Mrs. Rosenberg's house just prior to Thanksgiving. After arriving at Mrs. Rosenberg's, they learn that the gathering will be for a séance.
At the beginning of the séance, the death of Mr. Rosenberg is brought up. Originally, the death was reported as an accident, but during the seance, it is alluded to as a murder. In addition, one of the attendees is accused of the murder.. The only hitch is that Mandy does not feel the presence of the victim's ghost.
Was Mr. Rosenberg really murdered or was it an accident? Is the psychic a fake? Can Rick and Mandy discover the truth?
This story is very well written and makes you look at what motivates some people have - sometimes good, other times not so good.
A couple of months later, while dining with Dan, Rick's dad, Rick and Mandy are asked to attend a gathering at Mrs. Rosenberg's house just prior to Thanksgiving. After arriving at Mrs. Rosenberg's, they learn that the gathering will be for a séance.
At the beginning of the séance, the death of Mr. Rosenberg is brought up. Originally, the death was reported as an accident, but during the seance, it is alluded to as a murder. In addition, one of the attendees is accused of the murder.. The only hitch is that Mandy does not feel the presence of the victim's ghost.
Was Mr. Rosenberg really murdered or was it an accident? Is the psychic a fake? Can Rick and Mandy discover the truth?
This story is very well written and makes you look at what motivates some people have - sometimes good, other times not so good.
October 17, 2017
Speak of the Wicked by Lotta Smith was another fun afternoon spent with Mandy, Rick, and Jackie as they spend an evening with a friend of Rick's father, Dan, who is hosting a seance' in her home.
The plot speeds along smoothly with plenty of humor as Jackie always adds to the action with drama, flair and snarky comments. The secondary characters in this story were complex and the twists made this an interesting story. Mandy's ability to speak with the dead doesn't even come up until the end of this book which made it even more poignant for the widow. I can alway count on Ms. Smith to provide me with a cozy mystery filled with mystery twists, humor and a touch of paranormal that leaves me a satisfied reader.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
The plot speeds along smoothly with plenty of humor as Jackie always adds to the action with drama, flair and snarky comments. The secondary characters in this story were complex and the twists made this an interesting story. Mandy's ability to speak with the dead doesn't even come up until the end of this book which made it even more poignant for the widow. I can alway count on Ms. Smith to provide me with a cozy mystery filled with mystery twists, humor and a touch of paranormal that leaves me a satisfied reader.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
October 10, 2017
Thanksgiving is fast approaching and when Dan, CEO of USCAB and Ricks dad invites Rick and Mandy to dinner and Rick knows somethings up. He tells his dad right off the bat that he doesn’t want any assignments that would interfere with his first Thanksgiving as a married man. What follows is a dinner that turns into a fake seance in an attempt to push one of the dinner guests into admitting he murdered the hostess’ husband.
The thing that stands out for me in this addition to an already great series is that Mandy’s ability to speak to ghosts does not come out until almost the very end of the book. This series is one of my favorites because it is equal parts mystery, paranormal, and humor.
The thing that stands out for me in this addition to an already great series is that Mandy’s ability to speak to ghosts does not come out until almost the very end of the book. This series is one of my favorites because it is equal parts mystery, paranormal, and humor.
October 9, 2017
ARC - I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest!
I have to say that this was a different style of writing.
The characters solve the case by having a conversation.
Mr. Rosenberg died.
In the beginning, we were giving the impression that it was an accident.
Then Rick + Mandy get involved, and we are not so sure anymore.
Evidence surfaced that it might not have been an accident.
However, the evidence is circumstantial
It only provides a small shadow of doubt.
In the end, the widow decided to leave things as it is.
It would not bring Mr. Rosenberg back anyways.
I like the storytelling.
It reminded me of Agatha Christie kind of books.
I have to say that this was a different style of writing.
The characters solve the case by having a conversation.
Mr. Rosenberg died.
In the beginning, we were giving the impression that it was an accident.
Then Rick + Mandy get involved, and we are not so sure anymore.
Evidence surfaced that it might not have been an accident.
However, the evidence is circumstantial
It only provides a small shadow of doubt.
In the end, the widow decided to leave things as it is.
It would not bring Mr. Rosenberg back anyways.
I like the storytelling.
It reminded me of Agatha Christie kind of books.
October 13, 2017
This is a fun series of books. I enjoy the characters and the storyline. Lots of interesting things happen when the ghosts arrive. They are also always good for some chuckles.
October 9, 2017
I love this series! This time around we see Rick and Mandy come to the aide of a friend who's husband may or may not have been murdered. Toss in a Dirty Counsel man, a actor and a man of the cloth, and it is an interesting evening for them.
Ms. Smith's books just keep getting better. I recommend this series to everyone who enjoys Paranormal books.
Ms. Smith's books just keep getting better. I recommend this series to everyone who enjoys Paranormal books.
October 23, 2017
“Speak of the Wicked” earns 5/5 Suspicious Séances…Murderous Fun!
Another well-written and entertaining story penned by Lotta Smith for her Paranormal in Manhattan Mystery series! This ninth book has a really engaging start with Mandy overhearing some despicable gossip trashing her and her soon-to-be husband and being defended by Mrs. Rosenburg, then speeding up two months later, there’s a fall, a crack of the skull, a door opening and closing, and then…dead! But, is it murder? From that prologue to the page-turning chapter after chapter this story does not short change the excitement as we follow Rick and Mandy, now married, who have left government service with the FBI’s Paranormal Cases Division and joined a security conglomerate. Dan, Rick’s father and CEO of the company, has asked Mandy and Rick to attend a dinner party with the recently widowed Mrs. Rosenburg and to participate in a séance, an interesting opportunity for Mandy’s special talent for ‘speaking to the dead’ to come in handy. And that it does! On all accounts the psychic Mr. Barnes seems to be a fraud: he hasn’t sensed Mandy’s ghost guardian’s presence, Mandy has not seen or heard any roaming spirits, and the game appears riddled with parlor tricks. However, Mrs. Rosenburg is shocked that the spirit Barnes has invoked is her “fall, crack, dead” husband. Through further questioning revelations are disturbing…a murder, a man, and... revenge! It isn’t juvenile hocus-pocus to have various ghosts chiming in, it all works. Lotta Smith is brilliant revealing a clever set of circumstances and a great conclusion. I loved it!
“Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. However, all of the above opinions are my own.”
Another well-written and entertaining story penned by Lotta Smith for her Paranormal in Manhattan Mystery series! This ninth book has a really engaging start with Mandy overhearing some despicable gossip trashing her and her soon-to-be husband and being defended by Mrs. Rosenburg, then speeding up two months later, there’s a fall, a crack of the skull, a door opening and closing, and then…dead! But, is it murder? From that prologue to the page-turning chapter after chapter this story does not short change the excitement as we follow Rick and Mandy, now married, who have left government service with the FBI’s Paranormal Cases Division and joined a security conglomerate. Dan, Rick’s father and CEO of the company, has asked Mandy and Rick to attend a dinner party with the recently widowed Mrs. Rosenburg and to participate in a séance, an interesting opportunity for Mandy’s special talent for ‘speaking to the dead’ to come in handy. And that it does! On all accounts the psychic Mr. Barnes seems to be a fraud: he hasn’t sensed Mandy’s ghost guardian’s presence, Mandy has not seen or heard any roaming spirits, and the game appears riddled with parlor tricks. However, Mrs. Rosenburg is shocked that the spirit Barnes has invoked is her “fall, crack, dead” husband. Through further questioning revelations are disturbing…a murder, a man, and... revenge! It isn’t juvenile hocus-pocus to have various ghosts chiming in, it all works. Lotta Smith is brilliant revealing a clever set of circumstances and a great conclusion. I loved it!
“Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. However, all of the above opinions are my own.”
October 18, 2017
This is a great book; this book is the ninth book in the Paranormal in Manhattan series written by Lotta Smith. Now a chief agent for USCAB’s paranormal division, newlywed Mandy Rowling has arrived. Unfortunately, Manhattan’s social elite have little regard for her, except for the very wealthy Mrs. Karen Rosenberg who, it turns out, is in need of someone with paranormal skills. During a holiday gathering turned scammy séance at the Rosenberg mansion, a prickly ghost hints that Mr. Rosenberg—believed to have passed away due to an unfortunate accident—may have actually died of suspicious causes. Long hidden secrets are revealed, casting blame on the Upper East Side’s crème-de-le-crème, and proving everyone should be thankful for the girl who can speak to spirits in this wild ninth installment of the madcap Manhattan Mystery series.
This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
October 15, 2017
I love Lotta Smith's Wicked books, they are full of fun and always promises a good storyline, and this one is no exception.
The creme de la creme of Manhattan society are not prepared to accept Mandy as one of their own, being that she is not from a well to do background, but Rick who was once the most eligible bachelor in town has chosen to marry her and she is now Mrs Rowling. Mrs Karen Rosenberg however, is prepared to not only give Mandy a chance, she welcomes Rick and her to the Rosenberg mansion, for a dinner followed by a seance, in the hope that they will be able to tell if it is a scam or not. Of course, unbeknown to the rest of the guests, Mandy can actually see and communicate with the dead, and it does not take very much for them to unmask the fraud. But why do several of the guests feel strongly enough to pretend that the deceased Mr Rosenberg is in fact trying to communicated with his widow? And why claim to be murdered, when the police have written the death off as an accident?
I received an ARC and this is my honest review. Another good read which leaves you chuckling.
The creme de la creme of Manhattan society are not prepared to accept Mandy as one of their own, being that she is not from a well to do background, but Rick who was once the most eligible bachelor in town has chosen to marry her and she is now Mrs Rowling. Mrs Karen Rosenberg however, is prepared to not only give Mandy a chance, she welcomes Rick and her to the Rosenberg mansion, for a dinner followed by a seance, in the hope that they will be able to tell if it is a scam or not. Of course, unbeknown to the rest of the guests, Mandy can actually see and communicate with the dead, and it does not take very much for them to unmask the fraud. But why do several of the guests feel strongly enough to pretend that the deceased Mr Rosenberg is in fact trying to communicated with his widow? And why claim to be murdered, when the police have written the death off as an accident?
I received an ARC and this is my honest review. Another good read which leaves you chuckling.
May 10, 2021
Oh. My. Word! This was AWFUL! Ridiculously silly. The first of the series I truly hated.
Mandy came across as an airheaded idiot without a backbone or willpower enough to resist fat inducing desserts and smaller portions of her meals! I get that she's from a different social class from Rick; however, to be so obsessed about what people think of her when Rick doesn't care is so stupid I can't justify any sympathy for her. Moreover, Jackie gets more and more annoying and irritating by shrieking and carrying on. Regardless of the fact that Mandy's the only one who can see and hear her, it is RUDE to yell, scream, shriek, interrupt, and everything else she manages to pull with Mandy. Point in fact: Mandy is a doormat. So very annoying. One star.
Mandy came across as an airheaded idiot without a backbone or willpower enough to resist fat inducing desserts and smaller portions of her meals! I get that she's from a different social class from Rick; however, to be so obsessed about what people think of her when Rick doesn't care is so stupid I can't justify any sympathy for her. Moreover, Jackie gets more and more annoying and irritating by shrieking and carrying on. Regardless of the fact that Mandy's the only one who can see and hear her, it is RUDE to yell, scream, shriek, interrupt, and everything else she manages to pull with Mandy. Point in fact: Mandy is a doormat. So very annoying. One star.
May 30, 2018
What a story!!! This series is both humorous and mysterious with a dash of the paranormal thrown in. Mandy and Rick are maturing as a married couple. The situation they find themselves part of, is quite tragic for all concerned. However, as you can guess they manage to make the best of a bad situation. Mainly because Mandy can speak to the dead. Jackie is hilarious as usual, but I missed reading about Clara in this story. Cannot wait for the next book to see how life is going for Mandy and Rick, and to see what situations they get themselves into. Received and ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
October 20, 2017
Quirky and fun!
This is a fast-paced, super-fun, quirky, quick read. Jackie (the ghost of a drag queen) is my favorite character; she keeps popping up from out of nowhere and is just hilarious. Mandy I like as well, I can relate to her (minus the being-able-to-talk-to-ghosts-thing…); she’s not stick-thin and a bit insecure. That makes her real.
I really liked it. The story did remind me a bit of another one of her books, in a way. So that wasn’t quite original. But the circumstances were very different and they WERE original. It’s not your typical bad-guy-gets-caught-mystery.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and voluntarily posted an honest review.
This is a fast-paced, super-fun, quirky, quick read. Jackie (the ghost of a drag queen) is my favorite character; she keeps popping up from out of nowhere and is just hilarious. Mandy I like as well, I can relate to her (minus the being-able-to-talk-to-ghosts-thing…); she’s not stick-thin and a bit insecure. That makes her real.
I really liked it. The story did remind me a bit of another one of her books, in a way. So that wasn’t quite original. But the circumstances were very different and they WERE original. It’s not your typical bad-guy-gets-caught-mystery.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and voluntarily posted an honest review.
June 22, 2018
More subued than the others in the series
Another great read but not really a mystery as such. Also please be aware that it is only 71% of the actual page count. The couple are now happily married but there is resistance to allowing her into the rarified circles that he is a part of. However an invitation to a seance is one she doesn't want to miss. The outcome is an allegation of murder. Was it? Watch as they wade through the clues and red herrings to get to the truth. Nicely woven storyline and the characters as great as ever (if somewhat a bit subued). Would be great to return to her more madcap adventures.
Another great read but not really a mystery as such. Also please be aware that it is only 71% of the actual page count. The couple are now happily married but there is resistance to allowing her into the rarified circles that he is a part of. However an invitation to a seance is one she doesn't want to miss. The outcome is an allegation of murder. Was it? Watch as they wade through the clues and red herrings to get to the truth. Nicely woven storyline and the characters as great as ever (if somewhat a bit subued). Would be great to return to her more madcap adventures.
October 18, 2017
Wow another great book from Lotta Smith. I love the way this story unfolded. I wasn't disappointed with this book as all of the books tend to grab me from the very beginning. The characters are believable and most come from a previous book in the series. It was a quick read, one that has you guessing until the end. Great mystery, great story and great series. I can't wait for the next book. I was given an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. If you like a good mystery with humor and a great story line, then this series is for you.
February 2, 2019
Just ok
While I have enjoyed these books for the most part, this one was not that good. The whole story was sordid and sad. I have been finding less and less humor in her books. The only part I really enjoyed was Rick showing his superior wit over the whole seance group. Mandy though has been a real letdown. She was so feisty in the first one or two books, but now she has turned into a real wimp. She is apparently a bobble headed goldfish if you consider the two most used phrases in the last few books.
While I have enjoyed these books for the most part, this one was not that good. The whole story was sordid and sad. I have been finding less and less humor in her books. The only part I really enjoyed was Rick showing his superior wit over the whole seance group. Mandy though has been a real letdown. She was so feisty in the first one or two books, but now she has turned into a real wimp. She is apparently a bobble headed goldfish if you consider the two most used phrases in the last few books.
December 13, 2017
I love this series so please read this and others in series regardless that I found this book slightly stilted, boring and slow and not funny like the other books in series. This can be read as a standalone. As usual I like the interactions between the characters but plot was not as well written or interesting as others BUT please read. Still very good characters and interactions if not as hilarious as the other stories.
June 30, 2020
Different approach to a story!
I found this story to be a bit different than I have ever read. Rick and Mandy were invited to a seance, after the meal the phony medium arrived. As the seance proceeded, the husband of the host of the meal who is now dead was the topic of conversation. The entire story, from seance to the end takes place at that table. Very different !
I found this story to be a bit different than I have ever read. Rick and Mandy were invited to a seance, after the meal the phony medium arrived. As the seance proceeded, the husband of the host of the meal who is now dead was the topic of conversation. The entire story, from seance to the end takes place at that table. Very different !
October 17, 2017
A very good paranormal cozy mysteries. It's a good combination of ghosts, mystery, suspense and humor. It has the perfect length: short enough to read within a day and long enough to give you a good and enjoyable story. Of course Mandy and Rick get dragged into another mystery and again Mandy's ability is of good use. Enjoyable to read just like the rest of this good series.
October 18, 2017
As usual I was not disappointed by Lotta Smith's latest Mandy and Rick adventure. And of course you can't leave out your friendly neighborly ghost Ms. Jackie the transvestite. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys laughing out loud. I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read
July 25, 2019Fake Seance
Mandy and her new hubby, are invited to a party before the Thanksgiving holiday season begins. After dinner, a new psychic appears to announce that the dinner party guests will be holding a seance. He then tells the guests, that the hostess husband was murdered by someone in the room. Read and enjoy!
Mandy and her new hubby, are invited to a party before the Thanksgiving holiday season begins. After dinner, a new psychic appears to announce that the dinner party guests will be holding a seance. He then tells the guests, that the hostess husband was murdered by someone in the room. Read and enjoy!
October 17, 2017
another awesome read from lotta Smith. I just love all her books , great storyline, plenty of mystery and humour to make you smile along the way. once you pick one of these books up you carnt put them down. She never lets you down always an awesome read. 5 🌟
October 17, 2017
I truly love these books. I love reading about Rick,Mandy and of course Jackie. This book is well worth reading and following this author. You won't be disappointed. Can't wait for more. I received an arc copy in exchange for a honest review.
August 21, 2019
A very good time
This series is always a guaranteed good time. Mandy, Jackie and Rick are hilarious and I love how they interact with each other. This story was a bit different than the normal who done it for Mandy. This author keeps it interesting.
This series is always a guaranteed good time. Mandy, Jackie and Rick are hilarious and I love how they interact with each other. This story was a bit different than the normal who done it for Mandy. This author keeps it interesting.
February 8, 2020
OK
The characters are not particularly dimensioned but they are likeable. This is fortunate as they carry the plot, although I use the word plot advisedly.
There is enough here to tempt you to buy again but this tale is only average.
The characters are not particularly dimensioned but they are likeable. This is fortunate as they carry the plot, although I use the word plot advisedly.
There is enough here to tempt you to buy again but this tale is only average.
October 25, 2017
Interesting and enjoyable story! Plenty of twists and turns with a good dose of humor to keep you turning pages!
I will be catching up on prior books by the author as I really enjoyed this story!
I will be catching up on prior books by the author as I really enjoyed this story!
October 8, 2018
Awesome
These books are just amazing! Jackie is a hoot. Rick and Mandy are awesome together . I love Ricks dad Dan.
These books are just amazing! Jackie is a hoot. Rick and Mandy are awesome together . I love Ricks dad Dan.
April 12, 2019
Good read
Very much enjoyed reading this book. Can not wait to read the next book in this series. Keep up the good writing.
Very much enjoyed reading this book. Can not wait to read the next book in this series. Keep up the good writing.
September 7, 2019
Another great book
I really enjoy reading this series. Jackie is my favorite character,. I am so looking forward to reading the next book.
I really enjoy reading this series. Jackie is my favorite character,. I am so looking forward to reading the next book.
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