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Murder by Design #2
Silence of the Ghost
Expert home stager Bailey Burke has come to terms with the fact that her friend, Ryan, is a ghost, but she thought after they solved his murder together, he would get sucked into the light. Instead he’s hanging around and interfering in her love life, and mocking her inability to drink Jameson. When a body is found near her historic neighborhood of Ohio City, mimicking the famous Torso Murders, and she starts hearing voices, Bailey thinks she’s really lost it now. Ryan’s ghost is one thing, but a whole gaggle of undead talking to her? No thanks. But Ryan informs Bailey she’s not nuts…she is a spiritual medium. And with him as middleman between the victims and the police, they can give the dead justice and he will finally get his one-way ticket to heaven. Considering Eliot Ness allegedly went to his grave bitter that it was the one case he couldn’t solve, Bailey doesn’t see how an uptight lightweight like herself can handle the modern equivalent. But now that Ryan has scared off every man she’s tried to date, including his former partner Marner, she has Saturday nights free for murder-mystery solving. Yet dealing with the dead is more difficult than de-cluttering a hoarder’s house. Bailey finds herself pulled in all directions… and possibly conned by a killer. Murder By Design Series Book 1- Gone With The Ghost Book 2- Silence of The Ghost Book 3- Once Upon a Ghost Bestselling author Erin McCarthy lets her humor fly in this fun series about an uptight fashion-conscious home stager who finds herself stiletto-deep in murder...
177 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2017
261 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
Erin McCarthy
219 books4,832 followersUSA Today and New York Times Bestselling author Erin McCarthy sold her first book in 2002 and has since written over a hundred novels and novellas in teen fiction, new adult, and adult romance. Erin has a special weakness for high-heeled boots, beaches and martinis. She lives in Ohio with her family, two grumpy cats and a socially awkward dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
August 24, 2017
Favorite Quotes:
I’ve learned a few things about myself recently. I can eat a whole pint of ice cream in one glorious dairy-fueled sitting. I’m attracted to Cleveland cop Jake Marner, who I had previously known for years without ever lusting after. And I see dead people.
I had once assumed that ghosts were either exactly as they were in life (a la Rose on the Titanic meeting Jack at the stairs), or caught as they were the moment death stole their breath. Which would suck if you died in the shower.
I really didn’t understand how I was even on purgatory’s radar. I couldn’t get a date, yet the afterlife was monitoring me? Not very encouraging.
Not only was I getting ghostly contact with Ryan and Hannah, people I had known personally, but now apparently if I even came near a corpse its ghost would attach to me. I made a mental note to stay the hell away from funeral homes and ERs. I’d wind up with a flash mob of spirits following me. A real life Thriller video.
My mother always looked like a million bucks and ten years younger than she was. Maybe her sour attitude had preserved her. Like pickling in vinegar.
Body parts is a big old ten on the scale of shit I don’t want to see.
My Review:
A perusal of Goodreads informed me that the illustrious Erin McCarthy has 106 distinct works across several different genres, and for some inexplicable reason, this is the first one I have read... for shame! But, at least I chose a good one to start with, and while it was the second book in a cozy mystery series and I felt a bit at sea in the beginning - as if starting off of the back foot mid story – it was relatively easy to catch on and catch-up, although I would like to go back and read the origins of the tale with the first book, Gone With the Ghost.
Bailey was helping her recently deceased friend Ryan, who now appears to her as a ghost, solve his murder so that he would be allowed to exit purgatory. Then suddenly another ghost unexpectedly arrived who was Ryan’s last girlfriend, and then another popped up, that oddly, the first two ghosts could not see. All of her new friends turned out to be murder victims. Bailey seemed to be collecting restless spirits like I collect books.
I rarely read paranormal but I enjoyed the premise as well as the peculiar assortment of characters, secondary story threads, and amusing and light storyline. I was entertained by the tale and enjoyed Ms. McCarthy’s comical, insightful, and witty writing style with hidden Easter Eggs of humor tucked in throughout. One of my favorite elements in the story was Bailey’s friend, Alyssa, who was “revenge dating” a man who had humiliated her in high school as a chubby teen. Alyssa had matured into a gorgeous vixen and had learned to use her sexy curves to her advantage, although she confessed to Bailey, “All I hear when I look at him is him calling me a cow in the cafeteria and seventy-two people laughing.” Sigh, Ms. McCarthy is a clever scribbler and has been added to my “List To Stalk.”
I’ve learned a few things about myself recently. I can eat a whole pint of ice cream in one glorious dairy-fueled sitting. I’m attracted to Cleveland cop Jake Marner, who I had previously known for years without ever lusting after. And I see dead people.
I had once assumed that ghosts were either exactly as they were in life (a la Rose on the Titanic meeting Jack at the stairs), or caught as they were the moment death stole their breath. Which would suck if you died in the shower.
I really didn’t understand how I was even on purgatory’s radar. I couldn’t get a date, yet the afterlife was monitoring me? Not very encouraging.
Not only was I getting ghostly contact with Ryan and Hannah, people I had known personally, but now apparently if I even came near a corpse its ghost would attach to me. I made a mental note to stay the hell away from funeral homes and ERs. I’d wind up with a flash mob of spirits following me. A real life Thriller video.
My mother always looked like a million bucks and ten years younger than she was. Maybe her sour attitude had preserved her. Like pickling in vinegar.
Body parts is a big old ten on the scale of shit I don’t want to see.
My Review:
A perusal of Goodreads informed me that the illustrious Erin McCarthy has 106 distinct works across several different genres, and for some inexplicable reason, this is the first one I have read... for shame! But, at least I chose a good one to start with, and while it was the second book in a cozy mystery series and I felt a bit at sea in the beginning - as if starting off of the back foot mid story – it was relatively easy to catch on and catch-up, although I would like to go back and read the origins of the tale with the first book, Gone With the Ghost.
Bailey was helping her recently deceased friend Ryan, who now appears to her as a ghost, solve his murder so that he would be allowed to exit purgatory. Then suddenly another ghost unexpectedly arrived who was Ryan’s last girlfriend, and then another popped up, that oddly, the first two ghosts could not see. All of her new friends turned out to be murder victims. Bailey seemed to be collecting restless spirits like I collect books.
I rarely read paranormal but I enjoyed the premise as well as the peculiar assortment of characters, secondary story threads, and amusing and light storyline. I was entertained by the tale and enjoyed Ms. McCarthy’s comical, insightful, and witty writing style with hidden Easter Eggs of humor tucked in throughout. One of my favorite elements in the story was Bailey’s friend, Alyssa, who was “revenge dating” a man who had humiliated her in high school as a chubby teen. Alyssa had matured into a gorgeous vixen and had learned to use her sexy curves to her advantage, although she confessed to Bailey, “All I hear when I look at him is him calling me a cow in the cafeteria and seventy-two people laughing.” Sigh, Ms. McCarthy is a clever scribbler and has been added to my “List To Stalk.”
October 7, 2018
Bailey sort of drives me nuts as she tends to bumble through her life. With this book she stumbled upon body parts that brought new ghosts her way. I find it interesting that these new ghosts moved on, while Ryan still hangs around, arguing with Bailey.
Because Bailey can't just leave the body parts alone, she looks into things. This brings her in contact with the killer, who is easily guessable. I don't know why Bailey doesn't see it, instead she ends up in their cross hairs and has to depend on others to save her.
We also have the drama of Bailey's love life, the whole what are they with Dectective Marner. I was glad that by the end both of them figured things out.
Because Bailey can't just leave the body parts alone, she looks into things. This brings her in contact with the killer, who is easily guessable. I don't know why Bailey doesn't see it, instead she ends up in their cross hairs and has to depend on others to save her.
We also have the drama of Bailey's love life, the whole what are they with Dectective Marner. I was glad that by the end both of them figured things out.
September 18, 2017
3 I like everything but the lead stars
Neat tidy and boring. Our lead Bailey.
Wedges are the best.
Co-dependent relationship with Cheetos
Permanent third wheel.
Magnet for ghosts. Followed by dead bodies.
Her mother issues are the only interesting thing about her at this point.
"If I wanted to be made to feel bad, I would have called my mother instead of you."
Annoying best friend ghost. I can't even....
Why is this happening to me? When did I become the psychic home stager slash ghost whisperer?”
She has sister issues too
I don’t want to visit my sister. All she does is try to play matchmaker and criticize my appearance
Alyssa, her best friend, is more interesting. So is the Irish grandmother. And the hoarder's house - they found vintage clothes.
Excited about creases...Bailey. Not me.
I disagree with this. Bailey is defined by everyone else in her life. Her mom, her sister, her ghosts - but there's no solid Bailey.
She never thinks of changing and blames everyone around her.
The ghosts bully her...
Oops I did it again.
Neat tidy and boring. Our lead Bailey.
Wedges are the best.
Co-dependent relationship with Cheetos
Permanent third wheel.
Magnet for ghosts. Followed by dead bodies.
Her mother issues are the only interesting thing about her at this point.
"If I wanted to be made to feel bad, I would have called my mother instead of you."
Annoying best friend ghost. I can't even....
Why is this happening to me? When did I become the psychic home stager slash ghost whisperer?”
She has sister issues too
I don’t want to visit my sister. All she does is try to play matchmaker and criticize my appearance
Alyssa, her best friend, is more interesting. So is the Irish grandmother. And the hoarder's house - they found vintage clothes.
Excited about creases...Bailey. Not me.
I disagree with this. Bailey is defined by everyone else in her life. Her mom, her sister, her ghosts - but there's no solid Bailey.
She never thinks of changing and blames everyone around her.
The ghosts bully her...
Oops I did it again.
August 23, 2017
Reviewed @ Thoughts By Tash
Review copy kindly provided by the author in exchange for a honest review
Bailey and Ryan are back in Silence of the Ghost, the second Murder by Design novel. After that bombshell ending, things are relatively normal for Bailey well except for the ghost hanging around her. It’s hard to miss Ryan and Bailey is suffering as a result. The poor girl wants life to return back to normal. It isn’t a too hard request right ?
Obviously not as the higher ups have other ideas. Seems it is as Ryan isn’t going away in a hurry especially after the truth was discovered in the last book. He is here to stay and doesn’t mind getting himself involved in Bailey’s life. Problem is only she can see him and it is getting awkward as you can imagine. No one seems to be letting poor old little Bailey return to her plain boring life and forget her previous life. For someone who go thrown into things, she has quickly adapted but is she really truly prepared. As Bailey is a likeable woman. I wouldn’t mind have a friend but not with the knack she seems to find herself with dead bodies and ghosts.
Especially when another body pops up and seems to mirror a famous serial killer and Bailey finds it accidently and it’s pretty. No surprise that is it carrying off where things left it seems and this time things are higher and more dangerous.
Silence of the Ghost won’t disappoint fans of the author and sub genre . I enjoyed the latest instalment. Fast pacing and well thought out. Whilst I was pretty new to this sub genre prior to reading this series. I love this quirky crime solver and the idea the mystery is at the fore front whilst the romance is secondary. The slowly building relationship between Bailey and Marner is highlight of this series as things don’t seem to be getting easier for these two. There was plenty of bumps along the way and it was a easy to follow plot. Whilst this girl wished it didn’t have to end and can’t wait to see what happens next.
McCarthy has truly made this sub genre interesting to me and these cosy mystery stories are growing on me. I will defintely be checking out more in the future whilst I wait for the next book
For more of my reviews, visit Thoughts by Tash.And drop by the blog's Facebook page
Review copy kindly provided by the author in exchange for a honest review
Bailey and Ryan are back in Silence of the Ghost, the second Murder by Design novel. After that bombshell ending, things are relatively normal for Bailey well except for the ghost hanging around her. It’s hard to miss Ryan and Bailey is suffering as a result. The poor girl wants life to return back to normal. It isn’t a too hard request right ?
Obviously not as the higher ups have other ideas. Seems it is as Ryan isn’t going away in a hurry especially after the truth was discovered in the last book. He is here to stay and doesn’t mind getting himself involved in Bailey’s life. Problem is only she can see him and it is getting awkward as you can imagine. No one seems to be letting poor old little Bailey return to her plain boring life and forget her previous life. For someone who go thrown into things, she has quickly adapted but is she really truly prepared. As Bailey is a likeable woman. I wouldn’t mind have a friend but not with the knack she seems to find herself with dead bodies and ghosts.
Especially when another body pops up and seems to mirror a famous serial killer and Bailey finds it accidently and it’s pretty. No surprise that is it carrying off where things left it seems and this time things are higher and more dangerous.
Silence of the Ghost won’t disappoint fans of the author and sub genre . I enjoyed the latest instalment. Fast pacing and well thought out. Whilst I was pretty new to this sub genre prior to reading this series. I love this quirky crime solver and the idea the mystery is at the fore front whilst the romance is secondary. The slowly building relationship between Bailey and Marner is highlight of this series as things don’t seem to be getting easier for these two. There was plenty of bumps along the way and it was a easy to follow plot. Whilst this girl wished it didn’t have to end and can’t wait to see what happens next.
McCarthy has truly made this sub genre interesting to me and these cosy mystery stories are growing on me. I will defintely be checking out more in the future whilst I wait for the next book
For more of my reviews, visit Thoughts by Tash.And drop by the blog's Facebook page
August 22, 2017
Originally posted on NallaReads
I LOVE the fact that Erin writes about my hometown in this series. It brings such a real flavor to the novel because I know the areas she's speaking about.
When we last left Bailey, our new resident ghost whisperer, her best friend's ghost was still hanging around as his (now) ex-girlfriend's ghost appeared. On the hunt to find out where and why she died, Bailey discovers yet ANOTHER grisly scene. This poor girl can't catch a break! So now with the mystery of a possible serial killer on the loose she needs to navigate her way through a past serial killer's motives.
Ryan seems a little less involved during this mystery especially considering that it began with the murder of his then girlfriend. I really enjoyed the fact that we got to see more of Bailey being a true brainiac as she puts the pieces together herself. McCarthy did a wonderful job of giving evidence where my suspected culprit constantly changed with each new discovery.
With an ending sure to give you chills and goosebumps for the next installment!
I LOVE the fact that Erin writes about my hometown in this series. It brings such a real flavor to the novel because I know the areas she's speaking about.
When we last left Bailey, our new resident ghost whisperer, her best friend's ghost was still hanging around as his (now) ex-girlfriend's ghost appeared. On the hunt to find out where and why she died, Bailey discovers yet ANOTHER grisly scene. This poor girl can't catch a break! So now with the mystery of a possible serial killer on the loose she needs to navigate her way through a past serial killer's motives.
Ryan seems a little less involved during this mystery especially considering that it began with the murder of his then girlfriend. I really enjoyed the fact that we got to see more of Bailey being a true brainiac as she puts the pieces together herself. McCarthy did a wonderful job of giving evidence where my suspected culprit constantly changed with each new discovery.
With an ending sure to give you chills and goosebumps for the next installment!
March 10, 2025
I definitely enjoyed this one better than the first. Once again, Bailey managed to nearly get herself killed. Ok, it wasn’t actually her fault. She didn’t go into the situation intentionally and I don’t like victim blaming; however, she does need to learn to trust her gut. Everyone, in real life, should always trust their gut. There’s a reason we get weird feelings about people and situations and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Talk about cliches! Lol.
I do like the way this series is heading. Hopefully Ryan finds his own way eventually.
Next is book 3 Once Upon a Ghost. Hopefully Bailey stays safe this time and stays out of harm’s way.
I do like the way this series is heading. Hopefully Ryan finds his own way eventually.
Next is book 3 Once Upon a Ghost. Hopefully Bailey stays safe this time and stays out of harm’s way.
January 14, 2025
Easy read—fun,flirty, mystery and love the ghost piece!
May 28, 2023
Trigger Warnings:
This was outside of my comfort zone because of the above trigger warnings. In fact, had I remembered sooner why Eliot Ness's name sounded so familiar, I probably would have skipped this.
After I was done I wished for a moment I had some sort of alcohol on hand to drink, but then I remembered that I don't drink alcohol and ended up having a cuddle session with my dog and watched the latest Taylor Swift video. Thankfully both made me feel better. Ha ha.
Bailey is one of the most uptight people I have ever met outside of myself, but I actually like her a lot. Ryan is just as annoying as always, and well, Hannah feels like an afterthought, to be honest. Her death, which was the cliffhanger ending of the first book, just didn't fit into at all.
There is some more exploration of a possible relationship with Marner, but also? Dude can be such a jerk and I'm not sure if he's THE ONE for Bailey. Maybe I'll be convinced in the next one.
There are a few subplots that are explored, but left hanging. Hopefully they're explored in the next installment.
To me, it was very easy to figure out who the killer was. A pattern has been established and I'm curious if it will be continued.
Spice: 1/5 - there is some kissing and some vague talk about sex, but that's it.
Language: 2/5 - I don't remember there being a lot of swearing. Christian readers may find some talk offensive.
This was outside of my comfort zone because of the above trigger warnings. In fact, had I remembered sooner why Eliot Ness's name sounded so familiar, I probably would have skipped this.
After I was done I wished for a moment I had some sort of alcohol on hand to drink, but then I remembered that I don't drink alcohol and ended up having a cuddle session with my dog and watched the latest Taylor Swift video. Thankfully both made me feel better. Ha ha.
Bailey is one of the most uptight people I have ever met outside of myself, but I actually like her a lot. Ryan is just as annoying as always, and well, Hannah feels like an afterthought, to be honest. Her death, which was the cliffhanger ending of the first book, just didn't fit into at all.
There is some more exploration of a possible relationship with Marner, but also? Dude can be such a jerk and I'm not sure if he's THE ONE for Bailey. Maybe I'll be convinced in the next one.
There are a few subplots that are explored, but left hanging. Hopefully they're explored in the next installment.
To me, it was very easy to figure out who the killer was. A pattern has been established and I'm curious if it will be continued.
Spice: 1/5 - there is some kissing and some vague talk about sex, but that's it.
Language: 2/5 - I don't remember there being a lot of swearing. Christian readers may find some talk offensive.
September 2, 2017
If there's one supernatural ability I never want to have, it's the ability to see and hear dead people. It's unnerving since you can't always tell the dead people from the living, they pop up without warning any time and anywhere, and you have no privacy. Just ask Bailey Burke, home stage and, apparently, ghost whisperer. Not only does her old friend Ryan pop unannounced on a regular basis, but other ghosts have started dropping in uninvited. She's understandably a bit freaked out by this.
I liked Bailey. She' a normal American woman who happens to see and speak with ghosts. She's both brave and fearful, funny and caustic, smart and stupid. She doesn't know a thing about investigating but she tries, and she's not afraid to ask for help, from both the living and the dead. She was good at her day job and full of confidence which was a nice contrast to her insecurities about her supernatural skills and duties. The romance was disappointing; first it hardly existed then wham bam, they're together. Marner is quiet, a bit patronizing but seems a decent guy. He has potential.
I was less impressed with Ryan, Bailey's late friend and occasional spectral helper. He was rude, self-centered, and thoughtless. He was apparently that way in life too. Maybe he'll move out of purgatory and pass into the light. :D McCarthy has set up an intriguing afterlife and I would love to know more about it. I have so many questions!
The mysteries themselves weren't complex and I figured one out early on. McCarthy heavily signaled who the villain was though a couple of interactions surprised me. For me, the story was less about the mysteries and more about Bailey, her work, her abilities, and her new unpaid career as a ghost whisperer. The story worked fine as a stand alone. If you read the first one, this one picks up mere ours afterwards.
"Silence of the Ghost" was a humorous blend of mysteries, amateur sleuthing, romance, family drama, and Cleveland history. While it didn't wow me, I did enjoy it and will probably read more in the series.
I liked Bailey. She' a normal American woman who happens to see and speak with ghosts. She's both brave and fearful, funny and caustic, smart and stupid. She doesn't know a thing about investigating but she tries, and she's not afraid to ask for help, from both the living and the dead. She was good at her day job and full of confidence which was a nice contrast to her insecurities about her supernatural skills and duties. The romance was disappointing; first it hardly existed then wham bam, they're together. Marner is quiet, a bit patronizing but seems a decent guy. He has potential.
I was less impressed with Ryan, Bailey's late friend and occasional spectral helper. He was rude, self-centered, and thoughtless. He was apparently that way in life too. Maybe he'll move out of purgatory and pass into the light. :D McCarthy has set up an intriguing afterlife and I would love to know more about it. I have so many questions!
The mysteries themselves weren't complex and I figured one out early on. McCarthy heavily signaled who the villain was though a couple of interactions surprised me. For me, the story was less about the mysteries and more about Bailey, her work, her abilities, and her new unpaid career as a ghost whisperer. The story worked fine as a stand alone. If you read the first one, this one picks up mere ours afterwards.
"Silence of the Ghost" was a humorous blend of mysteries, amateur sleuthing, romance, family drama, and Cleveland history. While it didn't wow me, I did enjoy it and will probably read more in the series.
September 1, 2022
Such a cute series. Love this author.
August 21, 2017
I absolutely love this new series by Erin McCarthy. Bailey Burke has learned that she can talk to ghosts. At first she thought it was just her best friend Ryan that she could see and speak with, but when Ryan's dead girlfriend Hannah shows up crying in her kitchen she is left with more questions. Bailey takes it upon herself to find Hannah's body and in the mean time she stumbles upon another body and what appears to be a copycat serial killer. As she tries to find out who is cutting up bodies an throwing them in the river, she finds herself in trouble. While all this is going on Bailey's social life seems to be heating up as she not only has a budding relationship with Marner, but also some interest from Nick Pitrello whom is at the scene when she finds the body. Will Bailey get herself into more trouble than she can get herself out of? And will things progress with Marner or will her ability to talk to ghost spook him off?
I love the characters in this series. Bailey is a very independent lead character. She is also very humorous. She reminds me a lot of on of my other favorite lead characters who by accidents finds herself in a detective role, she reminds me a lot of Addison Holmes from Lilianna Hart's Addison Holmes series. Both are funny but unlikely mystery solvers. I cannot not wait for the next book in the Murder by Design series!
I love the characters in this series. Bailey is a very independent lead character. She is also very humorous. She reminds me a lot of on of my other favorite lead characters who by accidents finds herself in a detective role, she reminds me a lot of Addison Holmes from Lilianna Hart's Addison Holmes series. Both are funny but unlikely mystery solvers. I cannot not wait for the next book in the Murder by Design series!
August 14, 2017
These books are quite different to my usual genre (usually anything with romance!) but they are so fun and easy to read that I love them. Whilst you don't need to have read Book 1 to follow the story in this, it would be better to have done so for the background information on Bailey and Ryan that it contains.
We got to know about Bailey's family a little more, including this observation by Bailey
and we sort of saw things develop further with Marner.
The pace is good, with plenty of action happening to keep you entertained, lots of witty writing and a healthy dose of misadventure.
The books are well written, I find the author's style easy to read and the plot easy to follow. Despite the sometimes macabre content
the books are also very refreshing, fairly light-hearted and definitely fun to read.
We got to know about Bailey's family a little more, including this observation by Bailey
She (Bailey's sister) seemed happiest when she was pregnant, which struck me as insane.
and we sort of saw things develop further with Marner.
Marner came over and took both mugs from me. He smiled in a way that should be illegal.
The pace is good, with plenty of action happening to keep you entertained, lots of witty writing and a healthy dose of misadventure.
I caught myself before I crammed my foot so deep into my mouth it would take a crane to pull it back out.
The books are well written, I find the author's style easy to read and the plot easy to follow. Despite the sometimes macabre content
"That's not a ham, Bai. It's a human thigh."
the books are also very refreshing, fairly light-hearted and definitely fun to read.
August 12, 2017
Marie's Tempting Reads ARC Review:
A mystery with romance, humor, danger, action, murder and oh so fabulous characters! Silence Of The Ghost was AWE-MAZING! On the edge of your seat action, a hint of romance that made me tingle, fun and weirdly helpful ghosts, some humor that just had me giggling and a mystery to solve with loads of twists, turns, danger...a heck of a thrill ride if you ask me!
Bailey reminds me a bit of another PI from one of my other favorite series, Charley Davidson. Bailey is fun, smart, determined to help, even when things get scary and she has a sense of humor that I both love and admire. Her seeing and dealing with ghosts while helping to solve a murder was heck of a lot of fun. I never knew where things were going to go and I admired the twists. I am kind of hooked now on this series!
Silence Of The Ghost gets a THRILLING FIVE SHOOTING STARS! I can't wait to dive into the next mystery with Bailey and her gaggle of ghosts!
A mystery with romance, humor, danger, action, murder and oh so fabulous characters! Silence Of The Ghost was AWE-MAZING! On the edge of your seat action, a hint of romance that made me tingle, fun and weirdly helpful ghosts, some humor that just had me giggling and a mystery to solve with loads of twists, turns, danger...a heck of a thrill ride if you ask me!
Bailey reminds me a bit of another PI from one of my other favorite series, Charley Davidson. Bailey is fun, smart, determined to help, even when things get scary and she has a sense of humor that I both love and admire. Her seeing and dealing with ghosts while helping to solve a murder was heck of a lot of fun. I never knew where things were going to go and I admired the twists. I am kind of hooked now on this series!
Silence Of The Ghost gets a THRILLING FIVE SHOOTING STARS! I can't wait to dive into the next mystery with Bailey and her gaggle of ghosts!
September 14, 2017
Erin McCarthy’s Murder by Design series continues to remind me of Darynda Jones’ Charley Davidson series. While not a humorous as Charley Davidson, the heroine, Bailey, continues to see ghosts and gets unwittingly caught up in solving murders. Silence of the Ghost starts with the ghost of Bailey’s dead best friend Ryan’s ex girlfriend. In attempting to find her body, Bailey accidentally stumbles on the dismembered pieces of a different body. Talk about a rough day! Despite trying to stay out of it, she soons sees the ghost of the murdered man and begins to learn about the historical Cleveland butcher murders and how the current murders are tying to it.
In the midst of the murder solving, Bailey’s relationship with Ryan’s former detective partner, Marner, slowly continues to grow. Due to the lack of clarity regarding their status from the previous book, Bailey goes on some dates with the man who lives right by where the dismembered body was found. This leads to questions about her relationship with Marner, which are later cleared up. While the first book of this series was strong, my expectations for this book were not meet. The murder mystery of this book was too easy to figure out and Bailey didn’t really play a role in solving it. Bailey’s transition from house stager to reluctant murder-solver hasn’t flowed nicely and her relationship with Marner is very disappointing to a romance reader who has read, and enjoyed, Erin McCarthy’s other books. I will probably continue to read the series to see if the next book gets better but I was disappointed.
In the midst of the murder solving, Bailey’s relationship with Ryan’s former detective partner, Marner, slowly continues to grow. Due to the lack of clarity regarding their status from the previous book, Bailey goes on some dates with the man who lives right by where the dismembered body was found. This leads to questions about her relationship with Marner, which are later cleared up. While the first book of this series was strong, my expectations for this book were not meet. The murder mystery of this book was too easy to figure out and Bailey didn’t really play a role in solving it. Bailey’s transition from house stager to reluctant murder-solver hasn’t flowed nicely and her relationship with Marner is very disappointing to a romance reader who has read, and enjoyed, Erin McCarthy’s other books. I will probably continue to read the series to see if the next book gets better but I was disappointed.
October 20, 2017
This is just as fun and nutty as the first in the series. Erin McCarthy has taken a ghost and his BFF and put a great entertaining twist on it. I at times think Ryan gets a little jelly in this one due to all the ghosts showing up to talk with Bailey and ask for help. In this book Eliot is one that will not leave her alone.
We see her in crazing situations with her bestie and watching him try to figure out why he isn’t moving on as well. What we do see is Bailey get in trouble with a murder case that gives her the willies, a partner in crime ghost that is a great detective but one that still mocks her and also pushes her to see outside her comfort zone, a great guy in Marner who has a hard time accepting all that is happening in Bailey’s world and ghosts galore.
The story is crazy fun with a splash of witty banter and sarcasm but also a mystery to solve along with Bailey that has many little twists and turns to the very end.
We see her in crazing situations with her bestie and watching him try to figure out why he isn’t moving on as well. What we do see is Bailey get in trouble with a murder case that gives her the willies, a partner in crime ghost that is a great detective but one that still mocks her and also pushes her to see outside her comfort zone, a great guy in Marner who has a hard time accepting all that is happening in Bailey’s world and ghosts galore.
The story is crazy fun with a splash of witty banter and sarcasm but also a mystery to solve along with Bailey that has many little twists and turns to the very end.
December 18, 2022
Silence of The Ghost (Murder by Design # 2) — Erin Mccarthy; Narrator: Elizabeth Klett (12 chapters + Author’s Note ) Dec. 12-13, 2022
This story picks up right after the last book. Hannah, a former girlfriend of Ryan, appears in Bailey’s kitchen crying and Bailey and Ryan find out that Hannah has died. When she takes them to where she last remembers being alive, instead of her body, they find a dismembered body.
Later, as Bailey reluctantly starts investigating Hannah’s death, another ghost appears, however Ryan can’t see or hear him, which seems odd because Ryan has seen every other ghost that Bailey has. Then, it is discovered that the new ghost is from the dismembered body Bailey found.
This is a twisty story, and not as fine as the first book in the series. I felt like it went on a bit too long.
Still, well edited and the narrator did a one job. Listen to at 1.8 speed.
Three stars.
This story picks up right after the last book. Hannah, a former girlfriend of Ryan, appears in Bailey’s kitchen crying and Bailey and Ryan find out that Hannah has died. When she takes them to where she last remembers being alive, instead of her body, they find a dismembered body.
Later, as Bailey reluctantly starts investigating Hannah’s death, another ghost appears, however Ryan can’t see or hear him, which seems odd because Ryan has seen every other ghost that Bailey has. Then, it is discovered that the new ghost is from the dismembered body Bailey found.
This is a twisty story, and not as fine as the first book in the series. I felt like it went on a bit too long.
Still, well edited and the narrator did a one job. Listen to at 1.8 speed.
Three stars.
June 1, 2023
Why did I read this?
It’s not the first thing I’ve ever read… but it wasn’t good.
Note: this is the second book in the series. I didn’t realize that when I started, so I have not read book one. And likely won’t.
1) I hated all the characters. The detective was a possessive a-hole that is the archetype of toxic masculinity. Ever heard of a conversation buddy? Our MC was… useless. And mostly an idiot. And seemed to focus a lot on the possibility of gaining weight. For some reason.
2) guessed the who dunnit part pretty early. Not always a dealbreaker but didn’t help this one out.
3) I have an issue with how little respect women get in this novel. MC mentions being a people pleaser a couple of times (with little explanation as to why given her mom), but we all just seem to be okay with her going along with whatever any man says in this.
Maybe I should have expected this to be bad… but I didn’t think I’d dislike it this much.
It’s not the first thing I’ve ever read… but it wasn’t good.
Note: this is the second book in the series. I didn’t realize that when I started, so I have not read book one. And likely won’t.
1) I hated all the characters. The detective was a possessive a-hole that is the archetype of toxic masculinity. Ever heard of a conversation buddy? Our MC was… useless. And mostly an idiot. And seemed to focus a lot on the possibility of gaining weight. For some reason.
2) guessed the who dunnit part pretty early. Not always a dealbreaker but didn’t help this one out.
3) I have an issue with how little respect women get in this novel. MC mentions being a people pleaser a couple of times (with little explanation as to why given her mom), but we all just seem to be okay with her going along with whatever any man says in this.
Maybe I should have expected this to be bad… but I didn’t think I’d dislike it this much.
December 10, 2024
4 stars. (cause honestly 5 star reads are few and far between and this story was great and maybe the series will be a 5 star series but I haven't gotten to the end yet )
Paranormal Cozy Mystery 2nd in series. would recommend reading the 1st book before jumping into this edition, however technically not necessary.
FMC is quirky and likes things just so. I do appreciate that the plot doesn't advance because she makes super stupid decisions to find herself in trouble. I think she has been acting rationally for the hand she has been dealt. I hate stupid FMC or FMC who are supposed to be smart but make silly obvious mistakes (not going to name names in this review) so this book definitely avoids that. Thank you Erin McCarthy.
Audiobook had a pleasant voice narrator.
Would Recommend if you are looking for a cozy mystery with a twist.
Paranormal Cozy Mystery 2nd in series. would recommend reading the 1st book before jumping into this edition, however technically not necessary.
FMC is quirky and likes things just so. I do appreciate that the plot doesn't advance because she makes super stupid decisions to find herself in trouble. I think she has been acting rationally for the hand she has been dealt. I hate stupid FMC or FMC who are supposed to be smart but make silly obvious mistakes (not going to name names in this review) so this book definitely avoids that. Thank you Erin McCarthy.
Audiobook had a pleasant voice narrator.
Would Recommend if you are looking for a cozy mystery with a twist.
August 11, 2017
Second book of Erin McCarthy's new series picks up right where number one ends. You don't have to have read the first, but it gives you the whole setting and Bailey Burke' s background and who Ryan is. This series is fun and fast reads, good mystery cozies. Bailey is likeable, hard working and a bit lonely which leads her into areas she might not really want to go. I enjoyed this book more than the first because we didn't have to world build here, it just jumped into the story and away it goes. This go round Bailey has to contend with three ghosts, who interestingly can't see each other. Humor abounds with Bailey's inner thoughts. Light, some kissing, not graphic murder scenes, just enjoyable.
August 16, 2017
This was a great book it was a bit out of what I normally read but overall a great read. Erin McCarthy has a way with her writing to really get you connected with the characters. Erin McCarthy made the characters really interesting and real. It's a fun and enjoyable book, I was hooked till the last page.
We have Bailey Burke who sees dead people. Okay she has had her friend Ryan who is dead come back and want help. When she starts to see others she doesn't want to have to help them.
Just because you don't want to doesn't mean they leave you alone.
I really enjoyed this book. I really recommend this book but you might want to start with book one.
We have Bailey Burke who sees dead people. Okay she has had her friend Ryan who is dead come back and want help. When she starts to see others she doesn't want to have to help them.
Just because you don't want to doesn't mean they leave you alone.
I really enjoyed this book. I really recommend this book but you might want to start with book one.
August 23, 2017
Silence Of The Ghost is the second book in Erin McCarthy's Murder By Design series.
This series is full of mystery, murder and ghosts. Bailey Burke thought her friend Ryan's ghost would be gone when she helped him solve his murder, but that isn't what happened. Now she is seeing his former love interest Hannah in her ghost form too. Having them around is stressing her out and interfering with her love life and her job, but she can't seem to get them to go away.
I'm really enjoying this fun series by Erin and looking forward to reading more.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
This series is full of mystery, murder and ghosts. Bailey Burke thought her friend Ryan's ghost would be gone when she helped him solve his murder, but that isn't what happened. Now she is seeing his former love interest Hannah in her ghost form too. Having them around is stressing her out and interfering with her love life and her job, but she can't seem to get them to go away.
I'm really enjoying this fun series by Erin and looking forward to reading more.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
August 3, 2018
Cute cozy, but some of the decisions the main character makes drives me nuts. I guessed the killer early on, but was a little confused as to why Hannah was introduced at all... except maybe to place Bailey down at the river to discover the other body. It was just awkward to have Hannah there and then disappear with what felt like a flippant explanation. This whole seeing ghosts thing isn't well developed either and I felt bad for Phil who seemed like a nice guy, but no one wanted around. I would've been irritated if I were him, too! A few typos, but the story was interesting enough that it wasn't distracting.
August 12, 2017
I received this ARC book in exchange for my review. I enjoyed this book and the plot line is different from my usual read. I did not read the first book so I was at a little bit of a disadvantage not knowing the background of the relationship between Bailey, Marner and Ryan. I would have like a little more heat between the main characters, but it was not a deal breaker. I did find several spelling errors and a couple description inconsistencies that will hopefully be fixed before it goes live. All in all I will be reading the fist book and the next book.
August 22, 2017
Silence of the Ghost is the second book in Erin McCarthy's new series. I would recommend reading Book #1 so you have the back story with Bailey and Ryan. Bailey has recently gotten the pleasure of now seeing ghosts. First it was her best friend, Ryan asking to solve his murder. Now, Ryan's girlfriend shows up in her kitchen crying as a ghost. Bailey really gets herself into a situation when she stumbles across body parts from a murder that is apparently a copycat serial killer. This book was great paced, fun read.
August 22, 2017
I was given this book in exchange for a fair review.
This is the second book in the Murder by Design Series. I loved this series it reminds me her older books!
Bailey can talk to ghosts at first it was ok because she was hoping to get closure from Ryan her best friend and ultimate crush. When she learned more about Ryan that he kept secret she realized she fell in love with a fantasy. Bailey seems to get into some crazy stuff and has no idea how it keeps happening.
If one ghost wasn't enough Baily meets Ryan's dead girlfriend in her kitchen at the end of the last book. How can she have a normal life and relationship if she keeps seeing ghosts? Jake Manners is Ryan's old partner and Baileys new love interest but he feels like he cant cope with a old dead flame.... He is in for a surprise....
Bailey has no idea how to help the ghosts and not incriminate herself at the same time. She wants to help but she also knows Maners said to stay out of the investigation. How can she stay involved from the side lines to help the ghosts find peace and also keep her sanity?
I cant wait for the next book this was a great read not only was it funny, sweet but it also had a little bit of mystery involved.
This is the second book in the Murder by Design Series. I loved this series it reminds me her older books!
Bailey can talk to ghosts at first it was ok because she was hoping to get closure from Ryan her best friend and ultimate crush. When she learned more about Ryan that he kept secret she realized she fell in love with a fantasy. Bailey seems to get into some crazy stuff and has no idea how it keeps happening.
If one ghost wasn't enough Baily meets Ryan's dead girlfriend in her kitchen at the end of the last book. How can she have a normal life and relationship if she keeps seeing ghosts? Jake Manners is Ryan's old partner and Baileys new love interest but he feels like he cant cope with a old dead flame.... He is in for a surprise....
Bailey has no idea how to help the ghosts and not incriminate herself at the same time. She wants to help but she also knows Maners said to stay out of the investigation. How can she stay involved from the side lines to help the ghosts find peace and also keep her sanity?
I cant wait for the next book this was a great read not only was it funny, sweet but it also had a little bit of mystery involved.
August 15, 2017
Erin McCarthy knows how to draw you into a story and not let you go until the final page is turned. In fact, I was so engrossed with this book that I finished it in two days.
In the second book of the Murder by Design series Bailey is busy staging homes and solving the case of a copycat serial killer with the help of her friends, some ghostly, some not.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
In the second book of the Murder by Design series Bailey is busy staging homes and solving the case of a copycat serial killer with the help of her friends, some ghostly, some not.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
August 23, 2017
Silence Of The Ghost is the second book in the Murder By Design series. Having one ghost talk with you is bad enough, but when Bailey starts to hear more voices, she thinks she is losing it. She is a spiritual medium and just because she doesn't want that job doesn't mean the ghosts will leave her be. But with more free time than she knows what to do with, she looks into the mysteries plaguing the city. Can she solve the crime unscathed? A great story, and I definitely recommend it!
August 28, 2017
This is book 2 in the Murder by Design series and it features Bailey, Ryan, and Jake. I was hooked from the beginning! This author disguises the murderer so well that I was SHOCKED when I found out who it was.
I'm usually a strictly romance kind of reader but reading this series by Erin McCarthy has got me hooked. There's a quiet romance thread running throughout the books but mainly murder mystery. I can't wait for the next one!
I'm usually a strictly romance kind of reader but reading this series by Erin McCarthy has got me hooked. There's a quiet romance thread running throughout the books but mainly murder mystery. I can't wait for the next one!
October 28, 2019
Another ghost to help
Bailey was having a hard enough time trying to adjust to seeing Ryan's ghost, now she has Hannas and Phills ghosts hanging around. Bailey has to figure out how to help them so they can move onto heaven, while trying to do this she comes across a dismembered body and her life is turned upside down again.
Another great mystery, not as good as the first one but still enjoyable..
Bailey was having a hard enough time trying to adjust to seeing Ryan's ghost, now she has Hannas and Phills ghosts hanging around. Bailey has to figure out how to help them so they can move onto heaven, while trying to do this she comes across a dismembered body and her life is turned upside down again.
Another great mystery, not as good as the first one but still enjoyable..
May 6, 2021
Overall good
Too many possible suspects and I really expected a wrap up with someone faking based on the boat scene. Main character puts herself in situations way too dangerous to contemplate in this day and age. Also the Hannah subplot literally went no where so just a cliffhanger from book 1 . Several somewhat useless scenes mostly for filler. Still a good read and a good story
Too many possible suspects and I really expected a wrap up with someone faking based on the boat scene. Main character puts herself in situations way too dangerous to contemplate in this day and age. Also the Hannah subplot literally went no where so just a cliffhanger from book 1 . Several somewhat useless scenes mostly for filler. Still a good read and a good story
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