Fine Spirits

Daisy Gumm Majesty Mystery #2

by Alice Duncan

Meet Daisy Gumm spiritualist to folks with more money than sense.
The 1920s may be roaring among Pasadena's wealthy, but Daisy must earn a living for her family. When Daisy is approached by Mrs. Bissel about exorcizing a ghost from her basement, Daisy is tempted to back out until Mrs. B puts up one of her famous dachshund puppies as payment.
Hoping the basement ghost is not a skunk, Daisy begins snooping only to discover the matter is much larger than anyone imagined. Now if she can only find a way to solve it without undue consequences to anyone-including her own reputation.

Genres: Mystery, Historical, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Crime

346 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2003

About the author

Also writes as Emma Craig, Rachel Wilson, Anne Robins and wrote two books under the name of Jon Sharpe (Pecos Belle Brigade and California Crusader).

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far a fun mystery series with an admirable protagonist who I really rooted for.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got the first 3 books as part of a dollar deal on Amazon. This one hit me just like the first. I like Daisy, but there's no mystery here. Actually, Daisy's a little slow on the uptake in this one. Sam as well. I feel if Sam did feel Daisy was keeping something from him he would have kept a better eye on her.
Daisy has her hands full with her physically disabled from the Great War husband, a new puppy, & a "ghost" in the basement of one of her clients.
It's an interesting look back on daily life almost 100 years ago.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Daisy Gunn - spiritualist to the rich of 1920's Pasadena. Daisy freely acknowledges to her friends and family that she is a fake, but she sees her job as offering relief to those who have lost loved ones in the war. In this outting, one of her clients calls her to exorcise a ghost in her basement. Soon Daisy is involved in a case of a missing heiress and the adventure is off and running. A GREAT SERIES

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daisy is a hoot! Less mystery in this one, and touches on some darker themes. Slight TW for abuse and drug addiction.

Can't wait to read the next one!

[Robert Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Fine Spirits," is the second in the "Daisy Gumm Majesty Mystery Series," by Alice Duncan. I became enamored with this Cozy Mystery Series from the very beginning, with "Strong Spirits."

Daisy Gumm Majesty is a woman who portrays a Spiritualist. I write "portrays," because she does not have any actual, discernible psychic or mediumship ability, at the present time (yes, that was foreshadowing). She also lives in Pasadena, California, during the early 1920s.

In this installment, she is contacted by one of her other very good clients, Mrs. Bissel to exorcise a ghost which is living in her home's basement. Daisy insists that she does not believe she can do anything about this ghost, especially as this is not her forte; conducting seances, reading Tarot Cards and Ouija Boards, yes; exorcising ghosts and spirits, no.

However, Mrs. Bissel insists, and then Daisy decides to give it her best shot. She does remind Mrs. Bissel, more than once that this is not her forte and is not sure if she can expel the ghost, but agrees to do the best she can.

Daisy soon discovers that there is, truly, no ghost. Nor are there any wild animals that shall eat her up, nor any crazy, escaped felons that shall kill her in one fell swoop, either. What she does discover is no thrill for her, but I shall not give you any spoilers.

I have already ordered my copy of "High Spirits," the third in this series of Cozy Mysteries, and cannot wait to begin reading it. For now, may the spirits of Peace, Health and Plenty be with you and yours.

[Linda Brue · Rating 4 out of 5]

FINE SPIRITS, Alice Duncan, 2013
The second in the Daisy Gumm Majesty series set in 1920s Pasadena. Daisy earns her living pretending to be a spiritualist, entertaining and counseling wealthy patrons. One such patron contacts Daisy about a problem she is having with a "ghost" living in her basement. Daisy doesn't believe in ghosts and is tempted to refuse, but the woman puts up one of her famous Dachshund's puppies as payment. Thinking the puppy would be a great help in lifting her invalid husband's spirits and perhaps get him re-engaged with life, Daisy accepts the job, little realizing what she's gotten herself into this time.

Ms. Duncan manages to have the time and place come alive in these books. Although they are light and fun in tone, they manage to show us a lot of what it was like to live during the period with little to no money. Women had it very hard, as there were few honest ways of making a living, and men totally controlled their wives and families. But Daisy is honest and more than a little bit stubborn, and when she finds a problem, she puts her heart and soul into solving it.

[Krystyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The haunted basement and the spitfire

Awesome. Loved the plot and the characters. Especially her take charge, try to right the wrongs of the world attitude whilst also putting her own feelings aside to look after her crippled husband. A wonderful plot of a haunted basement, a runaway from abuse, a mischievous puppy, a ugly of a father and a husband who is becoming a morphine addict after the injuries he received in the Great War. Can she find out what is actually happening in the basement? When faced with an abused runaway what will she do? Especially when told that any interference in the case might involve her facing criminal charges. Plus there is the worry of her husband's depression and his growing addiction to morphine. Will the doctor give her any hope or more things to worry about?
A tremendous read - emotional and full of feeling as well as having some lighter moments thrown in that will make you smile. Although not written in the same tie period it reminds me of The Grand Sophy and Devil's Cub. Tremendous!

[Deb]

Daisy Majestic is at it again and 1920 Pasadena is still a delightful place to be. Pudge, the 11 year-old neighbor with a crush on Daisy takes care of her buggy horse for her. Her father dispenses good advise and her aunt provides all sorts of tasty food. The local police detective, Sam Rotondo, still plagues her. Daisy's customers really seem to believe in her quirky brand of good news spiritualism and she has convinced herself that she is making them feel better about their various situations. But when she finds a "phantom" in her client Mrs. Bissel's basement and it turns out to be a missing heiress, Daisy throws herself into helping the girl while avoiding the authorities.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent second installment to this entertaining mystery series. Daisy’s professional life takes an odd turn even for a spiritualist medium when a long time client asks her to exorcise a ghost. Daisy gives it her best shot because she really would like to trade her services for an adorable dog for her husband Billy. What she finds is unexpected and causes her to become embroiled in a messy domestic situation. While trying to help a poor young woman and avoid Detective Sam Rotondo’s critical eye Daisy is run ragged. A delightfully amusing mystery story.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.

[Kerry Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daisy finds herself in slightly over her head when asked to get rid of a "ghost" in the basement of one of her clients.
The actual resident and the reason for her being there is confronting and may be triggering for some readers, though it is handled delicately.
Once again I am in awe of the great storytelling and descriptions that just bring these books to life.
I received a free copy of this ebook from ebook discovery. This is my honest, freely given review.

[Trisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good sequel to the first book. I continue to really like that the detective doesn't share information about the case with the Daisy- and is suspicous of her questions and knowledge of the missing girl. I also really enjoy that Daisy is a medium who doesn't believe in ghosts. I'm definitely going to continue to read the series.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a rouring good read from nineteen twenties era a comedic cozey with swell characters outrageous plots of mayhem
and scandal surrounding a young woman supporting herself and husband through her career as a medium while living in California.Acquire " Fine Spirits "today so you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have. Kat

[Terri Borkgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fine Spirits Book 2

Daisy gets involved with a run- away and noisy ghost dwelling in her friend, Mrs. Bissel's home. The detective Sam makes his presence known as her husband Bill's gin rummy friend. And a new addition, one of Mrs. Bissel's dachshund, Spike joins Daisy's family during the Christmas season. Another spirituist cozy about Daisy Gumm Majesty.

[cEe beE · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a mystery to me why these books - the two I’ve read so far - are called mysteries. It’s mostly family drama and turmoil. The second volume isn’t as entertaining as the first. It’s still somewhat entertaining and since I already have the third book, I’ll continue reading.

[Eileen Lynx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daisy Gumm is a hoot!

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so in love with this series. It is just such a great set of characters. And a joy to unveil the mystery.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book

This is the second book in the series. Love the writing. It paints a clear picture for the reader. Can't wait to read others.

[Donne · Rating 5 out of 5]

am enjoying this series, i think some of the books are just a bit too long, but they are entertaining and i am enjoying how they are rolling out.

[Ann Brookens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so much enjoy Daisy Majesty and her adventures! She's real and funny and altogether entertaining! On to book 3!

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the Gumm and Majesty families. Don't let the names put you off. This isn't a silly or fantastical sort of series. It's really a down-to-earth series about a very bright working class girl who survives and supports her family, which includes her disabled veteran husband, the best she can during and after the WWI years. For Daisy, the best way she's found to make enough money is to work as a medium doing seances for her rich and high-society clients. She always tells us she's a fake and I think she really believes she is. She is a good reader of people, observant and quick-witted. Still, there are times when she gets "feelings" or is drawn to things....well, we may wonder. In this one Daisy is asked to remove a "ghost, or spirit" from a basement. This leads her to a very real solution to two problems. The characters are fun and interesting and, so far, I've enjoyed both books of this series I've read and can't wait to read more.

[Susan Mabry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alice Duncan has warmed my heart with her DAISY DUMM MAJESTY MYSTERY Series! I’m in love with all the characters, especially Daisy, Billy and Sam. Daisy is ahead of her time in the 1920’s and is a true heroine from saving lives, mysteries and souls!😂😊

Daisy’s family is precious but flawed and her relationship with Sam Pasadena’s (NYC) detective is tempting and maddening... can’t wait to dive into mystery #3.

(Great light mysteries to read at the beach or to cheer your spirits😂😊)...

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the 1920's, twenty-year-old Daisy portrays herself as spiritualist or medium to those who have more money than common sense. She's a fake, and she knows it, but its how she supports her crippled husband and extended family. When a client fears she has a ghost or spirit haunting her basement, she calls on Daisy to remove the unwanted visitor. The visitor, Daisy discovers, is a local missing runaway. After Daisy learns why she left home, she conspires with her best friend to hide the young woman until a suitable solution can be found. It all must be done on the sly, because her husband's best friend, Detective Sam Rotondo, suspects Daisy know more than she is willing to admit.

Love this series. Filled with rich detail that give the reader a glimpse into a past era. Characters are well developed. Enjoy the tension between Sam and Daisy. Delighted to see the addition of Spike.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this is number two in a charming mystery series set in 1920's Pasadena, it is not particularly a mystery itself. Packaged as a romance, it's not really a romance, either. Spiritualist Daisy Gumm Majesty is called upon to exorcise a ghost from the basement of one of her clients. Since Daisy doesn't believe in ghosts, she's sure something all too real is causing the noises. Still, she has her family, including the husband who was so badly wounded in the Great War, to support, so she'll do her best. Unfortunately, her husband's best friend Sam is a police detective who is sure that Daisy is up to something.

[Linda C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Daisy Gumm series has Daisy being asked to rid Mrs. Bissell's cellar of a spirit, Although Daisy says she doesn't do exorcisms, she agrees to investigate and gets herself entangled in a scheme to aid a missing girl. Detective Sam Rotondo fears Daisy is involved and tries to catch her out. Daisy and her friends go behind his back to protect the girl. There are developing issues concerning Daisy's disabled husband and a cute puppy she hopes will help alleviate his depression. Not really much of a mystery but a nice addition to the series.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fun book. Maisy is hired to get rid of a basement ghost in a rich lady's house in 1920's Pasadena. There is not much of a mystery going on, more solving a situation. The author's writing style is where I have a problem with her books. The basic plot is good, but she goes on and on repeating the main character's thoughts over and over. I guess it is a way to make the book long enough? Or maybe it is really a YA book? I like Maisy's gutsiness and her language, and the setting, enough to probably read another in the series, but I seriously wish Duncan would edit herself more.

[Liz Banks]

When Daisy's husband comes home from WWI wheelchair-bound and unable to breathe well, she remembers she was always good with the Ouija board and becomes a spiritualist for the rich in Pasadena. (She needs to earn a living.) In this novel, a woman asks for her help ridding her basement of a ghost about the same time a debutante goes missing. This is the second book I have read by this author. I enjoy her characters, but I keep coming back because of the main character's stream of consciousness narration. I wish she were my friend.

[Kilian Metcalf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Daisy. I love Ms Duncan's description of 1920s Pasadena and expect Margaret Dumont to sweep into the room at any moment. I love her parents, her gourmet cook Aunt Vi, I love her customers and even love her nemesis Detective Sam Rotondo. What I don't love is her whiny, needy, ungrateful husband Billy. I hope he catches pneumonia soon and is carried off to a better place so Daisy can finish grieving for her loss of a husband and get on with her life. Even though he has softened some in this book, he is still annoying. I'll be glad when he is gone.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Likeable characters, but there are too many mental asides by the protagonist, which slows down the pace and can be annoying. The book felt like it went on forever.

Update: started reading book 3, High Spirits, but the protagonist seems to get stupider with each book, and the verbally abusive way the policeman treats her (sexual frustration?) is sickening. Stopped reading the book and series. Thank goodness I borrowed these books and didn’t purchase them. Too bad though, because Daisy has potential and Harold is great.

[Bonnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not sure about this series. It's promoted as a 'rolicking' type of mystery novel and the heroine is an admittedly fake spiritualist, in the 1920's. But there are serious issues addressed in this one: notably the suffering of her husband, who was crippled in WWI. I liked this book better than the first one I read of the series. It might be an example of the wisdom of reading through a series in order, as I believe the one I read comes later.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Daisy Gum Majesty down the hatch! These books are just a fun, light read but also very interesting. I do enjoy the descriptions of just about everything, from the frustration of the old Model T and Brown the horse who doesn't want to always go to the very real problems of living with a spouse in constant pain. But her attitude is always very upbeat.