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Spencer Funeral Home #4
First Call
First call. In a funeral home, it means a death has occurred and it is the family’s first contact with the funeral director.
Public health officials call regional funeral directors together for a meeting. An influenza pandemic is sweeping the country. Funeral director Jennifer Spencer is appointed Area Coordinator, working with military, bereavement personnel and public health officials to manage the morgue at an arena in Niagara Falls.
One of her staff is murdered. The killer makes a second attempt.
As influenza claims more and more lives, overwhelmed personnel succumb to exhaustion, grief and illness. Jennifer and her staff struggle to push through the crushing workload caused by the pandemic's deadly rampage.
Everyone has a breaking point and Jennifer is no exception.
Public health officials call regional funeral directors together for a meeting. An influenza pandemic is sweeping the country. Funeral director Jennifer Spencer is appointed Area Coordinator, working with military, bereavement personnel and public health officials to manage the morgue at an arena in Niagara Falls.
One of her staff is murdered. The killer makes a second attempt.
As influenza claims more and more lives, overwhelmed personnel succumb to exhaustion, grief and illness. Jennifer and her staff struggle to push through the crushing workload caused by the pandemic's deadly rampage.
Everyone has a breaking point and Jennifer is no exception.
171 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 16, 2017
10 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Janice J. Richardson
11 books101 followersBorn in Toronto a few minutes after my twin, I knew I wanted to be a funeral director at eight years of age. The Niagara region is home, where I share my space with my twin and our cat Vegas, a rescue kittybrat.
For film and TV rights enquiries, contact me at themakingofafuneral.director@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/stories.abou...
Twitter @richardsonjan1
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/2...
For film and TV rights enquiries, contact me at themakingofafuneral.director@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/stories.abou...
Twitter @richardsonjan1
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/2...
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 16, 2025
The 'Spencer Funeral Home Niagara Cozy Mystery' series never fails to surprise, entertain, and sadden me. Janice J. Richardson's tales about a funeral home in Canada near Niagara Falls are heartwarming and educational, but above that, they are beautifully told. I thoroughly enjoyed this last one, and I'm hoping it won't be the last one... though I fear it is as the author is working on other books at the moment. Let's focus on all the positive things rather than worry about whether there might not be another one.
Jennifer Spencer runs two funeral homes, and the winter season has been brutal. A flu epidemic has settled in the area, and residents and town officials fear it could be as bad as the Spanish Influenza from the early 20th century. Morgues and hospitals have run out of bed space. Doctors and coroners are overworked. The military has been called in, and a special task force has been created. Jennifer's named to a high-ranking position as a coordinator among all the local funeral homes. In the end, 5% of the population dies. I tell you this now, not as a spoiler, but as a warning. Not all supporting cast members we've come to adore in the four books will make it out alive.
Richardson broke my heart a few times. I completely understand it from a writer's perspective. From a reader's, I was torn. It absolutely made sense and was the right thing to do; I recognize that much. Therefore... I must say... I loved how much it impacted me. Kudos to Richardson for creating such wonderful characters I don't want to say goodbye to. That said, it wasn't all just about the flu epidemic. We also followed up a bit on the killer who got away with murder in the last book, and revisited some oldies from prior books who resurfaced in unexpected ways.
The best thing I can say about these books is how well-written and balanced they are. Richardson has taken something that could be painful and awkward, then turned it into a beautiful story of caring for the dead. I never thought I'd want to read about a funeral home (okay, well, I am interested in that stuff) and its daily operations, but this is such an intriguing concept in a book. To watch our morticians suffer through loss, to grieve with the families... it's truly a unique setting.
The mysteries are generally very light, so if you're looking for a hardcore whodunit, this isn't what you will get. I'm good with that, as there is a fine balance to letting the cops work the murder case in these books. Jennifer provides info to them, doesn't seek out the killer herself. It usually falls in her lap, or she just picks up on something... then lets the professionals handle it. I like that style too, and given the writing style and character development, it's a perfect fit for this series.
What a great ride! I'm hoping for more but thrilled to have experienced these four. All easy-to-read within 3 hours each, and in the end, I feel like I learned and grew a lot. Thank you.
Jennifer Spencer runs two funeral homes, and the winter season has been brutal. A flu epidemic has settled in the area, and residents and town officials fear it could be as bad as the Spanish Influenza from the early 20th century. Morgues and hospitals have run out of bed space. Doctors and coroners are overworked. The military has been called in, and a special task force has been created. Jennifer's named to a high-ranking position as a coordinator among all the local funeral homes. In the end, 5% of the population dies. I tell you this now, not as a spoiler, but as a warning. Not all supporting cast members we've come to adore in the four books will make it out alive.
Richardson broke my heart a few times. I completely understand it from a writer's perspective. From a reader's, I was torn. It absolutely made sense and was the right thing to do; I recognize that much. Therefore... I must say... I loved how much it impacted me. Kudos to Richardson for creating such wonderful characters I don't want to say goodbye to. That said, it wasn't all just about the flu epidemic. We also followed up a bit on the killer who got away with murder in the last book, and revisited some oldies from prior books who resurfaced in unexpected ways.
The best thing I can say about these books is how well-written and balanced they are. Richardson has taken something that could be painful and awkward, then turned it into a beautiful story of caring for the dead. I never thought I'd want to read about a funeral home (okay, well, I am interested in that stuff) and its daily operations, but this is such an intriguing concept in a book. To watch our morticians suffer through loss, to grieve with the families... it's truly a unique setting.
The mysteries are generally very light, so if you're looking for a hardcore whodunit, this isn't what you will get. I'm good with that, as there is a fine balance to letting the cops work the murder case in these books. Jennifer provides info to them, doesn't seek out the killer herself. It usually falls in her lap, or she just picks up on something... then lets the professionals handle it. I like that style too, and given the writing style and character development, it's a perfect fit for this series.
What a great ride! I'm hoping for more but thrilled to have experienced these four. All easy-to-read within 3 hours each, and in the end, I feel like I learned and grew a lot. Thank you.
January 16, 2018
First Call is the powerful conclusion to an emotional rollercoaster ride of a series. Though there are murder mysteries to be solved, Jennifer and her team’s lives are turned upside down by a pandemic unlike anything Canada has experienced before. The descriptions of the medical and funeral teams’ preparations, the resulting social unrest, and long-term effect of a high body count are eerie and disturbing – in other words, quite well-described!
This is a series that should be read in order to be fully understood and enjoyed.
Jennifer’s emotional turmoil – on a professional and personal level – is heart-breaking to read. Yet this is one of the things I love most about this series, how the author is able to pull you in and really make you care about all of the characters in her novel. It’s quite a feat.
I recommend this series to mystery fans searching for an out-of-the-ordinary setting and protagonist. It’s well worth the read!
This is a series that should be read in order to be fully understood and enjoyed.
Jennifer’s emotional turmoil – on a professional and personal level – is heart-breaking to read. Yet this is one of the things I love most about this series, how the author is able to pull you in and really make you care about all of the characters in her novel. It’s quite a feat.
I recommend this series to mystery fans searching for an out-of-the-ordinary setting and protagonist. It’s well worth the read!
January 1, 2018
In the fourth book of the Spencer Funeral Home series, we find there is a serious outbreak of flu in the region.
Funeral homes have been deeply impacted as there have been many deaths. Jennifer has been named the area coordinator and has additional duties that are putting a lot of stress on her. This impacted both of funeral homes and several employees are ill. This has caused staff shortage adding more stress. Most of the businesses, schools and other activities have been canceled. Police are affected and. Lawless gangs roamed the area adding to the problems.In one instance, the director of Williams Funeral Home is murdered. This is a good illustration of what can happen when a disease affected an area. At times I was sad as acquaintances, employees are among the victims. How does Jennifer handle the extreme stress? I recommend this book.
Funeral homes have been deeply impacted as there have been many deaths. Jennifer has been named the area coordinator and has additional duties that are putting a lot of stress on her. This impacted both of funeral homes and several employees are ill. This has caused staff shortage adding more stress. Most of the businesses, schools and other activities have been canceled. Police are affected and. Lawless gangs roamed the area adding to the problems.In one instance, the director of Williams Funeral Home is murdered. This is a good illustration of what can happen when a disease affected an area. At times I was sad as acquaintances, employees are among the victims. How does Jennifer handle the extreme stress? I recommend this book.
February 3, 2018
This is one of my favorite Cozy Mystery series! I would recommend reading the series in order to fully understand Jennifer. This series gives you a different setting, one that is out of the ordinary. Jennifer is really put to the test on an emotional and professional level. It is certainly a cozy series to read.
February 28, 2018
Good book
Intense book that you can't put down! I am hoping there will be more books in this series. Really talented author. You can't go wrong reading these books.
Intense book that you can't put down! I am hoping there will be more books in this series. Really talented author. You can't go wrong reading these books.
August 29, 2021
I am a fan of Janice J. Richardson’s writing, but for some reason I missed this book when it was published in 2017. Actually, I'm glad I missed it until now. Now in 2020 the impact it had on me is palpable.
We hear every day about the essential workers, nurses, doctors, firemen, police, etc., but no one talks about the funeral directors and mortuary workers that have had to deal with this unconscionable number of Covid Virus deaths. The manner in which Ms. Richardson portrayed protagonist/funeral director Jennifer Spencer's decline, physically and mentally, due to the endless mass agony that surrounds her, is genius. The mental visual of the white body bags lined up on the ice rink with “here and there a hand peeking out” is powerful.
Those last pages had my heart pounding. I "felt" Jennifer Spencer’s despair. Now, we are seeing in real time the increasing number of suicides and attempted suicides among health workers who have seen and experienced too much suffering and death. I thank Ms. Richardson for this important book. Her foresight into the emotional damage of a major pandemic is remarkable.
We hear every day about the essential workers, nurses, doctors, firemen, police, etc., but no one talks about the funeral directors and mortuary workers that have had to deal with this unconscionable number of Covid Virus deaths. The manner in which Ms. Richardson portrayed protagonist/funeral director Jennifer Spencer's decline, physically and mentally, due to the endless mass agony that surrounds her, is genius. The mental visual of the white body bags lined up on the ice rink with “here and there a hand peeking out” is powerful.
Those last pages had my heart pounding. I "felt" Jennifer Spencer’s despair. Now, we are seeing in real time the increasing number of suicides and attempted suicides among health workers who have seen and experienced too much suffering and death. I thank Ms. Richardson for this important book. Her foresight into the emotional damage of a major pandemic is remarkable.
July 29, 2018
First call is the 4th book in the Spencer Funeral Home series
This book was hard to put down. It tugged at my emotions with all the deaths. I like led the fist three a little better. It’s a worthwhile series to read
This book was hard to put down. It tugged at my emotions with all the deaths. I like led the fist three a little better. It’s a worthwhile series to read
December 30, 2017
Loved it. Best one yet!
June 9, 2019
First Call's, worst case scenario, pulled me in immediately. Its intensity, spurred on by realism, was encompassing. I loved it!
January 29, 2021
I was caught up quickly in thrust of this entertaining read. Jennifer Spencer has proven once again she will keep a clear head even in the most trying of times. It's interesting to note that this work was penned a few years before our current pandemic. The author's knowledge base about such things is impressive. From the perspective of funeral home involvement it is fascinating. Well done!
June 28, 2020
I stayed awake into the early morning hours to finish this book. I could have sworn this was written in 2020–the flu pandemic echoing the COVID pandemic we’re currently experiencing. My heart broke a thousand time reading this book. But it was absolutely perfect.
March 16, 2021
I have really enjoyed this whole series. It's a bit more serious than your average cozy mystery. The amazing thing about this installment is that it was published in 2017 and its about a pandemic. Wow! How prophetic is that?!
July 20, 2023
Pandemic
This book helped me answer a few questions bit my own and left me with a few unanswered questions about the system during the pandemic. There's no closure. It affected all of us
This book helped me answer a few questions bit my own and left me with a few unanswered questions about the system during the pandemic. There's no closure. It affected all of us
April 19, 2021
This book was incredible, so apropos to what is happening now. Almost eerie. Jennifer's internal turmoil is palpable. The story is beautifully told. I recommend it fully.
November 12, 2018
Book number four is an emotional send off to the series.
A scary but realistic premise keeps you enthralled until the last page.
Twists and turns are included in the top notch story.
I have appreciated the fact that the lead character Jennifer is a strong independent female without the frequent characteristic of fleeing a bad relationship.
This book was an honest, rich and emotional ride, which I read in (almost) one sitting!
The premise of a funeral home mystery is written with respect which can be attributed to the author's experience.
A scary but realistic premise keeps you enthralled until the last page.
Twists and turns are included in the top notch story.
I have appreciated the fact that the lead character Jennifer is a strong independent female without the frequent characteristic of fleeing a bad relationship.
This book was an honest, rich and emotional ride, which I read in (almost) one sitting!
The premise of a funeral home mystery is written with respect which can be attributed to the author's experience.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews