It's time to keep my nose out of trouble from beyond the grave … before it becomes the death of me.
Is it too much for a psychic to ask to be left alone to run her business, learn how to keep from injuring anyone with her powers, and maybe spend a little alone time with her boyfriend?
I'm about to find out.
Because I've sworn off the mystery-solving habit, but that doesn't mean mysterious things won't fall right into my lap.
And when I stumble upon a series of seemingly unrelated crimes, things in Eastwind become extra strange, and I may be left with no choice but to intervene or risk the safety of the people I love ...
Note: This book is free of swearing, graphic violence, and sex.
Okay, so Nora has a few naughty thoughts (you would, too, if you were dating Tanner Culpepper). However, no acts take place or are described during the course of the story.
Nova Nelson grew up on a steady diet of Agatha Christie novels. She loves the mind candy of cozy mysteries and has been weaving paranormal tales since she first learned handwriting. Those two loves meet in her Eastwind Witches series, and it's about time, if she does say so herself.
When she's not busy writing, she enjoys long walks with her strong-willed dogs and eating breakfast for dinner.
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Nora is really shaping up to be a witch to reckon with. Her studies continue to teach her about the powers and abilities of a Fifth Wind witch. And this time what she learns is really going to complicate her life.
Definitely as entertaining as the previous books, Psych-Out goes a bit beyond pure entertainment into the realm of the philosophical. Nova Nelson has continued to build her characters, giving them more depth with each book. Meeting them in the books is lot like meeting people in real life – they reveal more of themselves as time goes on.
A bonus of this book is that it brings up concepts that, while they have a tendency to make me slightly queasy, I chose to stop and consider. One is the concept of reality. Is there an immutable reality? Do we all perceive the same “reality” (i.e., do you see what I see?)? And my true favorite: the concept of time. What is time? Is time linear or … (you get the idea).
And while the whole life/death thing is an integral part of the series, in this book Ms. Nelson (without being at all morbid) has challenged us to think about how death in many ways defines life: giving life both urgency and purpose, encouraging us to experience and savor each moment because we never know how many more moments there will be.
I like paranormal mysteries because they are quite imaginative and I am willing forego my disbelief, to accept Wordsworth's advice. If they are well written, I will follow a series as I am this one. However, authors are pressured by their readers to keep the thrills coming, which may eventually lead to truly overblown plots. You can see this in many of the Vampire series, which seem to get bloodier and bloodier. I am concerned that that may be happening here as the ghost lover, pursuing Nora over five past lives, may prove a tipping point in this series. But I shall read number 6 to see.
Eastwind Witches: Eastwind Witches - I love these kinds of witches; nothing mean or nasty but tough when needed. My friend had these three books and we spent a day reading and laughing about the characters and the happenings. Funny, entertaining and well written, the stories are strong enough to keep the reader immersed in the pages, but with a simple storytelling style. The characters grow as the pages fly by and there's no Stupid Formula, just plain entertainment. Surprise, no vulgar language or cussing. Plus, you'll love Ted; sorry no spoilers. Little editing needed but not much.
Crossing Over Easy #1 - I love these kinds of witch stories. This is our first book by this author; my friend and I read her copies during one of our get-together weekends. We both had fun with them. Easily and quickly read, COE was funny and interesting. The characters are funny and entertaining; the story line was entertaining; and the dialog and actions weren't of the stupid variety. Even without a friend's comments, this book is good for relaxation or something simple but entertaining. Did I mention the book was entertaining. OK, I'm not funny, but Nova is a lot. 5*
Death Metal #2 - This book starts three months after Crossing Over Easy ended. We loved the dialog; it was almost as if we were doing the talking. Well written, funny and entertaining, the pages flew by as we laughed our way to the end. The characters are filling out more, including Eastwind, and their dialog is extremely entertaining. Nora is discovering more about herself and the perks and dangers of being a Fifth Wind witch. 5*
Third Knock The Charm #3 - This book begins two weeks after Death Metal ends. This time no one is killed, but many other things are instead. Funny, entertaining and this time filled with lots of sexual tension. My favorite character is the Library, which I wish all readers had access to one of their own. Ms. Nelson writes well, describes vividly and add humor in abundance. My friend and I just laughed ourselves silly about the message of sexual harassment is wrong, but physical assault is OK. Nope, we didn't disagree on half of that message, but we come from a time of real sexual harassment where slapping hands or faces was a must; now it's a crime to defend yourself. 5*
Queso de los Muertos #4 - Another well written, intriguing but quickly read Eastwind tale. Fast paced, entertaining and a touch of sexual tension, this is a good addition to the series. It's nice the author doesn't use vulgar language or explicit sex, but uses humor and well thought out storylines. The characters remain interesting and their dialog believable. There's no stupid formula in this series. I could use a bowl of queso and handmade chips. I contacted the author to review her books since I enjoyed the first three. 5*
Psych Out #5 - Wow, we've a few twists to the plot! This book isn't a cliffhanger, but it will fun to find out what's happening with Nora in the next book. Well written, intriguing and with a few kinks added to mix, along with more development of the characters. The plot is really intense near the end of the story and there's a few laughs along the way. Plus, the sexual tension is still running amok. 5*
Gone Witch #6 - Imagine the sexual tensions with three guys available, poor Nora. Another well written, fast paced plot filled with intrigue and suspense. Along with humor, there's a build up for a bad future ahead for Eastwind. Changes are already taking place, especially with several characters. Once started, this story was hard to put down. 5*
Love Spells Trouble #7 - What a neat spell, but what terrible residuals. Another fun and magical book. There's all kinds of characters from the past, along with trouble for the future. The storyline was pretty good and there's plenty of sexual tension and then some. There's plenty of intrigue and suspense to go with the tension and the humor. One of the characters leaves and I hated to see him go, but the ending still works just fine. 5*
Storm A-Brewin' #8 - Storm picks up a week later from when Love Spells Trouble ended. This is a very good story! All our favorite and not so favorite characters are dealing with a lot of hatred with certain businesses being targeted. The story mirrors the reverse discrimination that's so prominent in the news, but at least the book is interesting and with humor. 5* Eastwind Witches End.
Psych Out #5 - Wow, we've a few twists to the plot! This book isn't a cliffhanger, but it will fun to find out what's happening with Nora in the next book. Well written, intriguing and with a few kinks added to mix, along with more development of the characters. The plot is really intense near the end of the story and there's a few laughs along the way. Plus, the sexual tension is still running amok. 5*
Eastwind Witches - I love these kinds of witches; nothing mean or nasty but tough when needed. My friend had these three books and we spent a day reading and laughing about the characters and the happenings. Funny, entertaining and well written, the stories are strong enough to keep the reader immersed in the pages, but with a simple storytelling style. The characters grow as the pages fly by and there's no Stupid Formula, just plain entertainment. Surprise, no vulgar language or cussing. Plus, you'll love Ted; sorry no spoilers. Little editing needed but not much.
Crossing Over Easy #1 - I love these kinds of witch stories. This is our first book by this author; my friend and I read her copies during one of our get-together weekends. We both had fun with them. Easily and quickly read, COE was funny and interesting. The characters are funny and entertaining; the story line was entertaining; and the dialog and actions weren't of the stupid variety. Even without a friend's comments, this book is good for relaxation or something simple but entertaining. Did I mention the book was entertaining. OK, I'm not funny, but Nova is a lot. 5*
Death Metal #2 - This book starts three months after Crossing Over Easy ended. We loved the dialog; it was almost as if we were doing the talking. Well written, funny and entertaining, the pages flew by as we laughed our way to the end. The characters are filling out more, including Eastwind, and their dialog is extremely entertaining. Nora is discovering more about herself and the perks and dangers of being a Fifth Wind witch. 5*
Third Knock The Charm #3 - This book begins two weeks after Death Metal ends. This time no one is killed, but many other things are instead. Funny, entertaining and this time filled with lots of sexual tension. My favorite character is the Library, which I wish all readers had access to one of their own. Ms. Nelson writes well, describes vividly and add humor in abundance. My friend and I just laughed ourselves silly about the message of sexual harassment is wrong, but physical assault is OK. Nope, we didn't disagree on half of that message, but we come from a time of real sexual harassment where slapping hands or faces was a must; now it's a crime to defend yourself. 5*
Queso de los Muertos #4 - Another well written, intriguing but quickly read Eastwind tale. Fast paced, entertaining and a touch of sexual tension, this is a good addition to the series. It's nice the author doesn't use vulgar language or explicit sex, but uses humor and well thought out storylines. The characters remain interesting and their dialog believable. There's no stupid formula in this series. I could use a bowl of queso and handmade chips. I contacted the author to review her books since I enjoyed the first three. 5*
Psych-out by Nora Nelson, book 5 in the Eastwind series
The book opens as Nora is having a double lesson with both her tutors, apparently because the approach of Hallow Eve means that the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest and spirits walk the town amongst the living. This is also the time when possessions occur meaning that the fifth wind witches have extra work. She learns the basics about reversing a possession before investigating past lives, starting with East wind, then Texas, her parents and finally further back. This is the start of the dreams. The following morning the first body is discovered floating in the Fulcrum Fountain. This is a witch and finding her leads to Nora having a vision. Having made it clear that she wasn't going to investigate herself but would leave things to the sheriff and deputy she takes a certain amount of persuading to take an official interest. It is while going, with Deputy Stu, to speak to someone involved in the first event that they not only see a familiar figure somewhere they shouldn't be but also find the next victim. They try to work out what happened and who did it without getting very far. In the meantime both Nora's personal life and her dreams get more involved. Then comes the third event and while, other than Nora herself, no one gets hurt she has a third vision and sees another familiar face leaving the scene. It is while meeting with the one person she trusts to help solve this she has a final vision in which all is made clear. This coincides with a human earth only moment of bonding with the newest witch in town, also from earth and solves the mysteries of what has been happening. The book has a surprising ending but one in which the reader is left waiting impatiently for the next book to be published so that we can find out what is going to happen next.
Nora has decided to focus on her work at Medium Rare and her relationship with Tanner and to give mystery solving a rest. But not only does no-one in Eastwind believe her, it appears that it is harder to do than you would think. A series of seemingly unrelated and strange events start happening in Eastwind, and a series of strange dreams and visions start happening to Nora as well. The one thing that seems to tie them together appears to be Nora herself.
Another winner form Nova Nelson. I really enjoy the Eastwind series, they are full of fun and mystery and surprises. I like the way that the characters all interact, and also the fact that all the strange creatures that inhabit Eastwind are more or less accepting of each other, although like any community, we each have our preconceived ideas and worries centred around our own differences, a very believable and identifiable community to live in. This one ends on a bit of a cliff hanger though. I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
At least the annoying, secondary, romantic subplot is on the back burner, replaced with a twisty magical mystery that seems to affect almost everyone close to Nora.
Nora's magic seems to manifesting more powerfully than Ruby expected, and she seriously steps up Nora's training.
Between her training, her commitments at the diner, and her internal confusion about whether she's good enough for Tanner, Nora's plate is quite full.
And then things start to get weird.
My only gripe with this one is why the *hell* she doesn't bring up her personal weirdness with Ruby, the one person who might be able to give her useful advice, and definitely SHOULD be told about what is going on ... the plot is obviously set to continue into the next book.
I don't know the development is going to be as annoying as the earlier, secondary romantic plot. It's different, potentially interesting, but also a potential plot repeat.
Only the next book will tell. I genuinely hope that Nelson has more in her toolkit than repetition!
“Everyone makes stupid mistakes. It’s not the mistakes you make that make you good or bad. It’s the way you fix them.”
In this, the fifth book in the Eastwind Witches series (reading the others will really help you understand the context), Nora Ashcroft and Tanner Culpepper’s relationship is deepening. Ruby True and Oliver Bridgewater are still teaching her about being a necromancer, and Nora is still psychically stumbling around trying NOT to get involved with investigating coincidence and likely stories around her Fifth Wind abilities.
Love makes things better.....and worse. No matter where you live. And now, her abilities becoming more understandable Nora must add a third piece in her puzzle:her past which seems to literally come back to haunt her. Will it affect her ability to live in the moment?
Nova is making Nora curiouser and curiouser and she adds more and more to the story. I can hardly wait for the next installment! Highly recommended 5/5
OK, this book gave some closure to book four, and for that reason I loved it but I am still wondering what is going to happen with Roland. It is a good story and up to standards for Nova. I really enjoyed the further character development of all the characters. I really think that Grim is the best Familiar Nora could have and he really keeps her grounded. This one had a slight twist to the culprit and motives which I thoroughly enjoyed. Nora gets better with her abilities but still needs a lot of skill development. I think the development of Nora and her abilities will never be complete, but she is improving. I struggled with the culprit, until the end when Nora got him. Maybe my deductive reasoning isn't as good if I don't binge read the book. I do recommend this one, but it isn't a standalone book. I don't understand why Nova doesn't make a set of all the books since they aren't meant to be read out of sequence. Highly recommend reading from start to finish.
Nora's settling into her new life well - learning how to use her magical powers and trying to stay out of murder investigations. Her new skills include handling possessions, channeling spirits and the one I really enjoyed reading about - past life regression. It seems, however, that a guy Nora had a past with has become a problem - she's blacking out, seeing visions which made for a suspenseful storyline. I love her familiar, Grim, and his snarky commentary! My only complaint was that I found the ending a bit abrupt and it left Nora with an up-in-the-air love life - hope there's more to come on the subject.
Note: I did receive an ARC of this book from the author, but my review is absolutely voluntary.
Fifth in the series of a woman who finds herself after her "death" as a witch in a town full of witches and other beings of similar nature, mostly were type animals.
Nora now lives in the small town of Eastwind, learning about her abilities and how to use them as she is a rare 5th Wind Witch. As this is a cozy mystery, there is bound to be mystery, and she finds herself helping on cases, including this one. Not all have murder involved, so not too much carnage as some mysteries.
All the books in the series are short, usually under 200 pages so they make a delightful quick read. I found the first 6 in a set on Kindle Unlimited and have been reading them there. Perfect type of story to read in between heavier books.
I love the Eastwind Witch serie! My favorite so far is still book 4. But I do like the introduction of new characters and learning more about Nora that occur in this book. Don't worry, all the characters you love are still here. Once again, Nora is at the center of the chaos (I can't take credit for this phrase, it comes from the book). Throughout the book, Nora keeps insisting that she is not investigating any more. Yeah, I didn't believe it either. I think the only ones who did are Nora and Tanner. This book left us with more of a cliff hanger than usual but that is OK since Ms Nelson has promised book 6 will be out soon.
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
Nora has decided to quit solving mysteries, they have a sheriff and deputy for that right? No matter how many times she says that, you just know she can't stop, especially when she stumbles right into them. And what a mystery this one turns out to be! Nobody actually dies in this one but there are weird things going on and the people involved lose their memory of the event. Is this a result of Oliver's temporary possession, or is it something else entirely? You have to read it to find out and oh boy, it's a great read!
Love this series, and Psych-Out is the best so far. Nora is growing and learning and in the middle of yet another mystery. Only this mystery involves who she was. Tanner and Nora finally are together, yet there is a complication. Cannot wait for the next book in this series to see what happens next. There was so much happening in this book that the story line leaves you wanting more. Highly recommend this series to all cozy lovers and it is intriguing, thought provoking and makes you think. It is also highly enjoyable to read.
Yah… I have to say I’m done with Nora. She just gets stupider and stupider. All that power, she flings around Willy-nilly. She isn’t learning how to control them nearly fast enough because she has “other priorities “ and it gets people hurt. She lies constantly, usually to the people she says she loves the most, and now there’s a third guy in the mix… nah. I’m out.
The books are written well, with fast moving, easy to follow plots but the character development needs work and the writer has this way of only giving you information piecemeal which gets frustrating.
Nora can't help being in the middle of things, even though she doesn't want to be. She and Tanner are moving along as well. She can't quite commit to the relationship though. Someone is trying to kill some of the people of Eastwind. Will Nora stay out of it? Will she and Tanner take the next step in their relationship? Read this exciting mystery to find out who is responsible and what Nora will do about it?
Nora the 5th Wind witch keeps getting put in the middle of mysterious happenings in Eastwind, no matter how much she doesn't want to be. A really good storyline with an unexpected twist or two, and deeper character development makes this book impossible to put down. I love Grim's snark, it keeps me laughing!
I devoured this book in a few hours, can't wait for the next one. This is one of the few authors I automatically pre-order!
A great addition to an already wonderful series. This particular storyline seemed to focus in on Nora’s abilities and her personal feelings about some of the towns citizens.
Nora is using more of her fifth wind abilities without trying. She is drawn into yet another mystery and in trying to help solve it she sets herself up in a situation that may not have a winner.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book and series! As Nora spends time with her boyfriend and swears off solving mysteries she can't help but notice all the random crimes going on around her. So of course quitting her crime solving isn't as easy as she thought it would be! This book helped us get to know the characters better. As usual it was funny and entertaining. I highly recommend this book and series! Looking forward to the next book!
Psych-Out: Eastwind Witches #5 is my fifth Incredibly well-written, extremely enjoyable & readable read from author Nova Nelson. The follow-up to Eastwind Witches #1, #2, 3 & #4 continues the adventures & escapades of Nora Bradbury. Cozy mysterish, cleanly romantic, what other blurbs can I use to describe these books? Oh well, buy the book, read the books, get into a good author and some good characters as I have.
I just love this series. The books only get better. I read this book in one day. Couldn’t put it down. When your past life comes back to haunt you through your friends and you have decided not to get involved in others business what do you do? You investigate of course. Definately a must read series. Can’t wait for the 6th book and hoping it’s not the last in the series. I received an arc of this book and happily left a review.
I enjoyed this hugely. I do enjoy it so much when you have a good mystery and it isn't because someone died. Nice to see some more of the new witches interacting, and was great to see a more personable side of Stu. I know how Nova Nelson pictures the character of Stu but he has turned into Magnum PI to me. Still feel bad for Donovan. Hopefully he will find happiness. (I'm still team Donovan though. I can't help it.)
Psych-Out (Eastwind Witches Cozy Mysteries Book 5) was written by Nova Nelson. Nora needs to start exploring her past lives in addition to everything else. However, there are a bunch of strange things that happen throughout the town. It seems like Nora is somehow connected to these events. Meanwhile, there is some tension with Donovan. There is also tension with the different species being fueled by the Witches' Council. Overall, this was another good novel in a great series.
Nora is my alter-ego! I love her little”mishaps”. Who knew helping out your friends could turn you into a restaurant owning detective. Food & crime! WIN WIN I am so deep into the series that I find myself rushing through my day so I can read. I love the chemical reaction going on with Donovan. I’m on the fence though, they would be an obvious couple but the chemistry between them is combustible. Keep them coming.
This was the fifth book for me in a fantastic series. The characters are fleshing out nicely, the plot is easily followed when the reader concentrates, and the main character is more believable by making errors in who she thinks is the culprit of the town's woes. I like the homey feel of these books and an looking forward to the next one. I definitely recommend this book and the entire series. I have bought the rest of them, myself.
Being a tea lover myself, I really enjoyed how Ruby never parts with her tea, no matter the situation. Grim is definitely my favorite character — there’s something about him that stands out every time. I also found it fascinating that each type of witch has a specific season when they’re at their most powerful, which adds a fresh touch to the story. The plot twist about Nora's past life gave an unexpected depth to the cozy detective vibe and made the story even more engaging. I’m excited to see where the series goes next!
Nora is at it again. She is trying so very hard to just mind her own business, to run Medium Rare, and to focus on her relationship with perfection incarnate Tanner Culpepper. But when it becomes obvious to Ruby that Nora is much more powerful than they first thought, some extra tutoring sessions lead to extra complications.