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Lost Souls Lane #1
Making a Medium
My name is Zoe Lane, and I see dead people.
Well, I see one dead person. Willie MacIntosh, a ninety-something-year-old multi-millionaire, who looks thirty, has a demanding personality, a strong opinion on my wardrobe and my love life, and he wants to know how he died.
The problem is, there were a lot of people who wanted Willie MacIntosh dead, and it's my job to figure out who the killer is. At least, I think it's my job. This whole medium gig is new to me. What I do know for sure is digging around in a dead stranger's life, especially when there's a multi-million dollar inheritance on the line, is a dangerous business.
If I'm not careful, the next dead person will be me.
Well, I see one dead person. Willie MacIntosh, a ninety-something-year-old multi-millionaire, who looks thirty, has a demanding personality, a strong opinion on my wardrobe and my love life, and he wants to know how he died.
The problem is, there were a lot of people who wanted Willie MacIntosh dead, and it's my job to figure out who the killer is. At least, I think it's my job. This whole medium gig is new to me. What I do know for sure is digging around in a dead stranger's life, especially when there's a multi-million dollar inheritance on the line, is a dangerous business.
If I'm not careful, the next dead person will be me.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2019
893 people are currently reading
537 people want to read
About the author
Erin Huss
28 books147 followersErin Huss is a blogger and bestselling author. She can change a diaper in fifteen seconds flat, is a master overanalyzer, has a gift for making any social situation awkward and yet, somehow, she still has friends. Erin shares hilarious property management horror stories at The Apartment Manager's Blog and her own daily horror stories at erinhuss.com. She currently resides in Southern California with her husband and five children, where she complains daily about the cost of living but will never do anything about it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
May 10, 2019
An entertaining and funny psychic book
Making a Medium by Erin Huss is an entertaining take of a sheltered gal in her 20's how has been over protected her whole life. She is socially awkward and she goes out to get a job but gets hit by a car. She sees a ghost and he hounds her to help him find his killer. He died at the age of 93 but he insisted he was murdered. The book has lots of craziness in it and surprises. Very enjoyable!
Making a Medium by Erin Huss is an entertaining take of a sheltered gal in her 20's how has been over protected her whole life. She is socially awkward and she goes out to get a job but gets hit by a car. She sees a ghost and he hounds her to help him find his killer. He died at the age of 93 but he insisted he was murdered. The book has lots of craziness in it and surprises. Very enjoyable!
March 3, 2020
Making a Medium by Erin Huss is the first book in the Lost Souls Lane Mystery series. Zoe Lane is knocked down by a car following a job interview and finds that she can see the ghost of recently deceased Willie MacIntosh who is convinced that he was murdered and wants Zoe to help find his killer. A nice, interesting cozy mystery. Zoe has led an overprotected and sheltered life and I found her awkwardness and naivity a little too much and overdone, but as her confidence grew, the book became more interesting. A pleasant start to the series.
April 2, 2020
Emily Wilson has a lovely voice to listen to, and her performance as Zoe feels genuine and full of emotion.
Read full review in the 2020 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2020 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
February 29, 2020
"My Name is Zoe and I see dead people" HA !!! Okay this is my first book by Erin Huss and it will not be my last. This book was everything I look for in a paranormal cozy and more!!!
Zoe is 23 and quite sheltered, until she is hit by a car and sees a ghost. He's a bit older, 93 to be exact but he knows he was murdered and he needs Zoe's help.
The world building in this book is fantastic without being overly obvious. Information is gleamed where it should be not just spewed out of the character's mouth.
The mystery is great and the antics are hilarious!
Zoe's character is so authentic and well crafted. I am so glad this book is written in the first person because I really enjoyed Zoe's thoughts and actions.
I so look forward to more books in this series!
Zoe is 23 and quite sheltered, until she is hit by a car and sees a ghost. He's a bit older, 93 to be exact but he knows he was murdered and he needs Zoe's help.
The world building in this book is fantastic without being overly obvious. Information is gleamed where it should be not just spewed out of the character's mouth.
The mystery is great and the antics are hilarious!
Zoe's character is so authentic and well crafted. I am so glad this book is written in the first person because I really enjoyed Zoe's thoughts and actions.
I so look forward to more books in this series!
April 5, 2025
I finally got to this book after buying it in 2021! I figured I would knock some of my other reading choices down my list a bit in order to read this series I bought 4 years ago! It’s about time! Lol.
Zoe Lane is a dreamer in every sense of the word. She reads a lot of novels and fully believes everything in the pages of the romantic fictional books. She thinks that one day a handsome man with perfect hair and chiseled abs will approach her, push her against a wall, and kiss her with nothing but passion in his eyes. Then they’ll marry and she’ll live happily ever after.
She isn’t going to find a man of any sort if she continues thinking life is like a fantasy. She also won’t have much luck if she doesn’t change… her clothes, because her style is stuck in the early 90’s… 1990’s, although one could argue only a 90 year old would wear what she does…
Then there’s her mom, Mary who is a decade behind Zoe with her extra curly perm and her 1980’s Aqua Net aroma that arrives in the room before she does. Mary has the complete say in what goes on in her household. She is strong-willed and loud and isn’t afraid to take control. She doesn’t even allow Zoe to use the only computer in the house unless it’s for school, but that is limited because she sets the parental controls to restrict Zoe from going on most websites. Bottom line is that Mary treats Zoe as though she is a 3 year old instead of her actual age of 23.
Her dad simply goes along with the flow and uses the phrase “Yes, dear” often. He tries to always keep the peace with everyone and that works well for him because he always agrees with whatever his wife says.
Mary is keeping a secret from Zoe about Zoe’s childhood that is becoming more obvious every day. Zoe overheard her mom and dad talking about a fire and Zoe’s dad told Mary he wants to tell Zoe, but Mary is adamant he says nothing or she’ll leave him.
And I haven’t even mentioned Willie yet. He’s a ghost, although Zoe doesn’t know this when she first sees him. She talks to him and everyone is staring at her as she yells at him. Eventually Zoe figures out he’s a ghost which makes her deny, deny, deny. She just thinks she’s crazy.
Eventually, Zoe’s mother thinks Zoe is crazy and she does something that completely crosses the line. You see, Willie is helping Zoe be more self-confident and stand up to her helicopter parents, so what her mother does to her outrages her and Zoe even uses the word darn it with a loud tone in her voice which is crazy because there is absolutely no cussing in the household. (Ya, words like gosh and darn are cuss words as far as her mom is concerned).
I also need to mention that the reason Zoe is seeing Willie is because she is supposed to help him find out who killed him. It’s all a huge mess of Zoe and… everyone… thinking she’s a nut because she walks around town talking to herself to her own self thinking she’s a nut.
There are some pretty funny parts that had me laughing out loud when Zoe is talking to Willie when other people are in the room. She’ll answer Willie when the alive person has just asked her a question, so the alive person thinks Zoe is answering them. It’s comical.
This is also a pretty frantic read and I was often anxious while reading it. I didn’t like that, especially since this is a nearly 300 page book and I took awhile to get through it. Zoe is just all over the place in her thoughts and actions. It was almost too much for me.
All in all this was a great start to the 10 book series and although I’m not quite ready to get to book 2 yet until my heart rate slows, I know I’ll enjoy it.
I never do this, but rather than reading book 2 next, I’m going to read a book by Tonya Kappes instead. “Cliffs, Clues, & Conspiracies” book 40 from her A Campers & Criminals Cozy Mysteries series.
See you in my next review.
Deuces to your cabooses!
Zoe Lane is a dreamer in every sense of the word. She reads a lot of novels and fully believes everything in the pages of the romantic fictional books. She thinks that one day a handsome man with perfect hair and chiseled abs will approach her, push her against a wall, and kiss her with nothing but passion in his eyes. Then they’ll marry and she’ll live happily ever after.
She isn’t going to find a man of any sort if she continues thinking life is like a fantasy. She also won’t have much luck if she doesn’t change… her clothes, because her style is stuck in the early 90’s… 1990’s, although one could argue only a 90 year old would wear what she does…
Then there’s her mom, Mary who is a decade behind Zoe with her extra curly perm and her 1980’s Aqua Net aroma that arrives in the room before she does. Mary has the complete say in what goes on in her household. She is strong-willed and loud and isn’t afraid to take control. She doesn’t even allow Zoe to use the only computer in the house unless it’s for school, but that is limited because she sets the parental controls to restrict Zoe from going on most websites. Bottom line is that Mary treats Zoe as though she is a 3 year old instead of her actual age of 23.
Her dad simply goes along with the flow and uses the phrase “Yes, dear” often. He tries to always keep the peace with everyone and that works well for him because he always agrees with whatever his wife says.
Mary is keeping a secret from Zoe about Zoe’s childhood that is becoming more obvious every day. Zoe overheard her mom and dad talking about a fire and Zoe’s dad told Mary he wants to tell Zoe, but Mary is adamant he says nothing or she’ll leave him.
And I haven’t even mentioned Willie yet. He’s a ghost, although Zoe doesn’t know this when she first sees him. She talks to him and everyone is staring at her as she yells at him. Eventually Zoe figures out he’s a ghost which makes her deny, deny, deny. She just thinks she’s crazy.
Eventually, Zoe’s mother thinks Zoe is crazy and she does something that completely crosses the line. You see, Willie is helping Zoe be more self-confident and stand up to her helicopter parents, so what her mother does to her outrages her and Zoe even uses the word darn it with a loud tone in her voice which is crazy because there is absolutely no cussing in the household. (Ya, words like gosh and darn are cuss words as far as her mom is concerned).
I also need to mention that the reason Zoe is seeing Willie is because she is supposed to help him find out who killed him. It’s all a huge mess of Zoe and… everyone… thinking she’s a nut because she walks around town talking to herself to her own self thinking she’s a nut.
There are some pretty funny parts that had me laughing out loud when Zoe is talking to Willie when other people are in the room. She’ll answer Willie when the alive person has just asked her a question, so the alive person thinks Zoe is answering them. It’s comical.
This is also a pretty frantic read and I was often anxious while reading it. I didn’t like that, especially since this is a nearly 300 page book and I took awhile to get through it. Zoe is just all over the place in her thoughts and actions. It was almost too much for me.
All in all this was a great start to the 10 book series and although I’m not quite ready to get to book 2 yet until my heart rate slows, I know I’ll enjoy it.
I never do this, but rather than reading book 2 next, I’m going to read a book by Tonya Kappes instead. “Cliffs, Clues, & Conspiracies” book 40 from her A Campers & Criminals Cozy Mysteries series.
See you in my next review.
Deuces to your cabooses!
April 28, 2019
“Making a Medium” earns 5/5 Homburg Hats…Clever, Fun, Engaging!
She sees him in his Homburg hat staring at her. Then crash, bang, concussion, and there he is again, and again, and again. No one else sees or hears her “stalker,” and her parents are so worried they may even entertain sending her to get professional help. But he's real…dead real! From here Erin Huss takes readers on a well-written and entertaining first-person perspective of Zoe Lane as she navigates, with some fascinating surprises, her new found gift…she can see and communicate with the dead along with feeling the emotions of other more corporeal people. The paranormal theme is not juvenile hocus-pocus; Huss presents Zoe’s ability to see the dead, covertly investigate their unfortunate circumstances, and uncover the facts surrounding their death (often murder) in a “realistic” manner. And with this ability Zoe is discovering her voice, her strength, her independence. The dynamic between Zoe and her parents is extremely odd. Her parents seem stuck in an era best kept in the past, and actively enabling Zoe’s dependence who, at twenty-three years old, has never had a job, doesn't drive a car, and seems ill-equipped for everyday life. And despite the antagonistic nature of the relationship between Zoe and the ghost “du jour,” the dynamic is compelling. They need each other, frustrate each other, compliment each other, and by the end, they've garnered a sort-of friendship. Although murder is a serious business, Zoe’s journey is filled with humorous predicaments, personal triumphs, and a fascinating murder mystery making this book and the upcoming two books in the series a “must read” for cozy fans!
"Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."
She sees him in his Homburg hat staring at her. Then crash, bang, concussion, and there he is again, and again, and again. No one else sees or hears her “stalker,” and her parents are so worried they may even entertain sending her to get professional help. But he's real…dead real! From here Erin Huss takes readers on a well-written and entertaining first-person perspective of Zoe Lane as she navigates, with some fascinating surprises, her new found gift…she can see and communicate with the dead along with feeling the emotions of other more corporeal people. The paranormal theme is not juvenile hocus-pocus; Huss presents Zoe’s ability to see the dead, covertly investigate their unfortunate circumstances, and uncover the facts surrounding their death (often murder) in a “realistic” manner. And with this ability Zoe is discovering her voice, her strength, her independence. The dynamic between Zoe and her parents is extremely odd. Her parents seem stuck in an era best kept in the past, and actively enabling Zoe’s dependence who, at twenty-three years old, has never had a job, doesn't drive a car, and seems ill-equipped for everyday life. And despite the antagonistic nature of the relationship between Zoe and the ghost “du jour,” the dynamic is compelling. They need each other, frustrate each other, compliment each other, and by the end, they've garnered a sort-of friendship. Although murder is a serious business, Zoe’s journey is filled with humorous predicaments, personal triumphs, and a fascinating murder mystery making this book and the upcoming two books in the series a “must read” for cozy fans!
"Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."
May 8, 2023
Though amusing, the MC was so sheltered in the way she was raised that her is exceptionally Neave. Her fetish, hot romance books, the kind with the guy on the cover that's half naked, is rather annoying, since it's constantly referred to.
The Old man (ghost) he is callous and rude and extremely childish and Loud. He comes off as a narcissist and an egomaniac but actually care in his weird way. Narrator does a good job with the entire storyline.
The Old man (ghost) he is callous and rude and extremely childish and Loud. He comes off as a narcissist and an egomaniac but actually care in his weird way. Narrator does a good job with the entire storyline.
Want to read
May 8, 2022🔆Free today May 8, 2022 on US Amazon🔆
July 10, 2022
This is the first time I am reading this author and the story plot that the author has written is amazing! I have never read such story so it was great read for me.
April 15, 2023
Very light, fun book. Lots of giggles and LOL's. Lots of suspense where I couldn't put it down. Very much enjoyed.
September 10, 2024
It's witty story, the main character is like a train wreck, but its what makes her relatable and likeable. Definitely quick read with good story line, mystery and solid characters.
April 10, 2019
Loved it!!! Erin Huss doesn't disappoint with this new series. I don't know where to begin. Zoe has lived a very sheltered life imposed upon by her parents. Then one day she gets hit by a car and her life as she knows gets turned upside down. Zoe can see ghost or does she have brain damage from the accident? Can Zoe figure out who murdered the ghost or will she be put in a bit house.Erin Huss has captured me again!!!
June 24, 2023
I'm a fan of the Saranormal series of books about a middle-grade girl in New Jersey who sees dead people. You can read about those books here: Ghost Town
"Making a Medium" was like reading about Sara all-grown-up, something I've always wanted to do! :)
Zoe Lane is in her twenties and not really going anywhere in her life. She lives in the shadow of her parents, who are very well known real estate agents in their small town. She has been helping her parents with their business, but decides to strike out on her own and try getting a real job. When she is coming out of the interview at the local newspaper, she sees a guy who doesn't really fit in with the others in the office. She then sees him several more times and starts to freak out that he's stalking her or something. Finally she realizes that he's dead --- and she's the only one who can see and talk to him.
Even though Willie Macintosh is in his nineties, he believes that his death was not natural. He thinks someone killed him. Since Zoe is the only one he can communicate with, she has to help him find out who, so he can move on.
There is lots of comic banter that goes on as the two negotiate a relationship that is very new to both. I love when Zoe tells Willie to stop calling her "Woman" - so he starts calling her "Person" - as in "Hey, Person, listen to me!"
Zoe's parents and the people in town already think she's a little odd. She's led a very sheltered life so far. She does not even have a driver's license. Now, people see her "talking to herself" (when she's actually talking to Willie) and are even more worried about her mental health. To be honest, Zoe has always wondered about some things from her past that don't make a lot of sense. Whenever she has tried to talk to her mom about these things, her mom just brushes off her questions.
So, between trying to get her life together, figure out what her parents are not telling her, AND help Willie find out who killed him - well - let's just say Zoe really has her hands full.
"Making a Medium" is very well written and a very quick read. I highly recommend it for mystery fans and/or paranormal fans. I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
"Making a Medium" was like reading about Sara all-grown-up, something I've always wanted to do! :)
Zoe Lane is in her twenties and not really going anywhere in her life. She lives in the shadow of her parents, who are very well known real estate agents in their small town. She has been helping her parents with their business, but decides to strike out on her own and try getting a real job. When she is coming out of the interview at the local newspaper, she sees a guy who doesn't really fit in with the others in the office. She then sees him several more times and starts to freak out that he's stalking her or something. Finally she realizes that he's dead --- and she's the only one who can see and talk to him.
Even though Willie Macintosh is in his nineties, he believes that his death was not natural. He thinks someone killed him. Since Zoe is the only one he can communicate with, she has to help him find out who, so he can move on.
There is lots of comic banter that goes on as the two negotiate a relationship that is very new to both. I love when Zoe tells Willie to stop calling her "Woman" - so he starts calling her "Person" - as in "Hey, Person, listen to me!"
Zoe's parents and the people in town already think she's a little odd. She's led a very sheltered life so far. She does not even have a driver's license. Now, people see her "talking to herself" (when she's actually talking to Willie) and are even more worried about her mental health. To be honest, Zoe has always wondered about some things from her past that don't make a lot of sense. Whenever she has tried to talk to her mom about these things, her mom just brushes off her questions.
So, between trying to get her life together, figure out what her parents are not telling her, AND help Willie find out who killed him - well - let's just say Zoe really has her hands full.
"Making a Medium" is very well written and a very quick read. I highly recommend it for mystery fans and/or paranormal fans. I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
May 14, 2019
Making a Medium by Erin Huss is the first book in A Lost Souls Lane Mystery series and it is definitely off to a good start.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book even though paranormal is not the genre I usually read.
I really liked everything about this book. I has a quirky amateur sleuth, an eccentric ghost, many laugh out loud situations and even a bit of a romance.
All perfect ingredients for a successful cozy.
Zoe Lane is a twenty three year old who has no job, no car, no friends, still lives at home and is being treated like a ten year old by her parents. After an unsuccessful job interview she gets hit by a car and from that moment on she can see ghosts.
Her new friend is an old guy who claims that he was killed although all evidence points to natural death. Still he persists and claims he will not leave her unless she helps him to find out the truth.
This leads to many, many funny situations, some heartfelt moments and a lot of twists and turns until main characters manage to solve the puzzle.
A fantastic start of a new series and I can't wait for a next book to read more about Zoe's adventures.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book even though paranormal is not the genre I usually read.
I really liked everything about this book. I has a quirky amateur sleuth, an eccentric ghost, many laugh out loud situations and even a bit of a romance.
All perfect ingredients for a successful cozy.
Zoe Lane is a twenty three year old who has no job, no car, no friends, still lives at home and is being treated like a ten year old by her parents. After an unsuccessful job interview she gets hit by a car and from that moment on she can see ghosts.
Her new friend is an old guy who claims that he was killed although all evidence points to natural death. Still he persists and claims he will not leave her unless she helps him to find out the truth.
This leads to many, many funny situations, some heartfelt moments and a lot of twists and turns until main characters manage to solve the puzzle.
A fantastic start of a new series and I can't wait for a next book to read more about Zoe's adventures.
June 4, 2019
At 23, Zoe Lane was ready to “enter the work force, gain independence, and maybe even move out.” Unfortunately, jobs were hard to come by, especially in a small town like Fernn Valley. Then it hits her—the car. While nursing a mild concussion in the doctor’s office, she gets harassed by a cranky—albeit handsome—guy in a hat. It would seem that this guy was stalking her as he was appearing everywhere she went. Turns out he was more than a stalker—he was a ghost! A ghost that, apparently, only she could see. Of course, she thinks she must be going crazy. But rather than being sent to the loony bit, she decides to play it cool and pretend she doesn’t see him.
The guy apparently won’t leave her alone until the job gets done, and the job is to find out how he died. Even though he was really old at the time of death, the guy can’t shake the feeling that he was murdered.
So now only was Zoe living under the strict rules of her parents, but she was also being bossed around by Casper, the cranky ghost.
Witty and crafty, Making a Medium is a quirky and fun mystery. Zoe can see the dead, hear thoughts, and get into some funny trouble. She never wanted to be a medium, but she learns to accept it, not really having a choice. Little by little, she learns how to harness hew new psychic abilities in naïve and blundering attempts. It’s quite a kick. Not only does she learn how to be a medium and solve mysteries, but she also learns how to be an adult from a ghost. As she stated, she’s not particularly good with people—dead or alive.
It’s simple: Willie wants solve his murder and Zoe wants to get rid of his pushy ghost. And the two are getting on each other’s nerves.
I enjoyed the snarky banter between Zoe and Willie as they disagreed about a lot of things (i.e. her clothes, her sheltered life, the fact that she can’t drive a car.) I especially liked how they commiserated on how life is now and how life was back then. Example: [Willie]: “When I was your age, a woman was called a woman. People are too easily offended these days.” [Zoe]: When you were my age, Nazis occupied Germany.” Such biting wit! I could seriously see this as one of those slap-stick comedy movies.
Full of mystery, quips, and zany twists. A hilarious read!
The guy apparently won’t leave her alone until the job gets done, and the job is to find out how he died. Even though he was really old at the time of death, the guy can’t shake the feeling that he was murdered.
So now only was Zoe living under the strict rules of her parents, but she was also being bossed around by Casper, the cranky ghost.
Witty and crafty, Making a Medium is a quirky and fun mystery. Zoe can see the dead, hear thoughts, and get into some funny trouble. She never wanted to be a medium, but she learns to accept it, not really having a choice. Little by little, she learns how to harness hew new psychic abilities in naïve and blundering attempts. It’s quite a kick. Not only does she learn how to be a medium and solve mysteries, but she also learns how to be an adult from a ghost. As she stated, she’s not particularly good with people—dead or alive.
It’s simple: Willie wants solve his murder and Zoe wants to get rid of his pushy ghost. And the two are getting on each other’s nerves.
I enjoyed the snarky banter between Zoe and Willie as they disagreed about a lot of things (i.e. her clothes, her sheltered life, the fact that she can’t drive a car.) I especially liked how they commiserated on how life is now and how life was back then. Example: [Willie]: “When I was your age, a woman was called a woman. People are too easily offended these days.” [Zoe]: When you were my age, Nazis occupied Germany.” Such biting wit! I could seriously see this as one of those slap-stick comedy movies.
Full of mystery, quips, and zany twists. A hilarious read!
September 4, 2020
4.5 stars
Zoe Lane is an odd young woman. Though she's 23, her parents, especially her Mother, have kept her isolated from the world. She was home schooled, she is forbidden to use social media, she can't drive. She never leaves the house without at least one of her parents. But she wants more, so one fine day she answers a help wanted ad at the local newspaper. She doesn't get the job but she notices an attractive man in a tan suit and a homburg hat. As she leaves the office she is struck by a car. Suddenly the brown man is everywhere. She sees him at her doctor, in her home, and even at the hospital, where she has gone fearing she's suffered more than a mild concussion or that she's having a breakdown. The brown man is Willie MacIntosh and he is a ghost, evidence of Zoe's latent powers as a medium. As Zoe comes to grips with her new found abilities, she also begins to come to grips with the outside world. Her need to help Willie cross over forces her to open herself to new experiences at a faster pace than she wishes. Pressure builds as Willie's death proves to be murder and Zoe feels she must uncover the killer for Willie to pass. She desperately wants him to pass so her life can return to the one she is familiar with. This is a relatively quick read that deals lightly with mental illness as Zoe wonders if she is truly a medium or just hallucinating. Eventually she must find her personal answers in the past while solving the murder in the present. There is a bit of humor as well as Zoe is constantly running up against a world she has no references for. I can identify with Zoe. As a child I was a severe asthmatic, rarely allowed outside. Like Zoe I wasn't properly socialized. I don't like crowds, or parties. I'm uncomfortable with strangers, a poor conversationalist. I recommend the book as a slightly offbeat mystery that's a bit above average for a cozy mystery.
Zoe Lane is an odd young woman. Though she's 23, her parents, especially her Mother, have kept her isolated from the world. She was home schooled, she is forbidden to use social media, she can't drive. She never leaves the house without at least one of her parents. But she wants more, so one fine day she answers a help wanted ad at the local newspaper. She doesn't get the job but she notices an attractive man in a tan suit and a homburg hat. As she leaves the office she is struck by a car. Suddenly the brown man is everywhere. She sees him at her doctor, in her home, and even at the hospital, where she has gone fearing she's suffered more than a mild concussion or that she's having a breakdown. The brown man is Willie MacIntosh and he is a ghost, evidence of Zoe's latent powers as a medium. As Zoe comes to grips with her new found abilities, she also begins to come to grips with the outside world. Her need to help Willie cross over forces her to open herself to new experiences at a faster pace than she wishes. Pressure builds as Willie's death proves to be murder and Zoe feels she must uncover the killer for Willie to pass. She desperately wants him to pass so her life can return to the one she is familiar with. This is a relatively quick read that deals lightly with mental illness as Zoe wonders if she is truly a medium or just hallucinating. Eventually she must find her personal answers in the past while solving the murder in the present. There is a bit of humor as well as Zoe is constantly running up against a world she has no references for. I can identify with Zoe. As a child I was a severe asthmatic, rarely allowed outside. Like Zoe I wasn't properly socialized. I don't like crowds, or parties. I'm uncomfortable with strangers, a poor conversationalist. I recommend the book as a slightly offbeat mystery that's a bit above average for a cozy mystery.
May 15, 2019
What a simply delightful paranormal cozy! Poor Zoe is a sheltered 23-year-old who was homeschooled and never had a job. When the book opens, she is at a job interview where the man is surprised that she has never worked before. When she leaves the office, she is hit by a car and suffers a mild concussion. She starts seeing what she believes is a man but is actually a ghost that only she can see, and he wants her to help him solve his murder. His family believes that he died of natural causes, but he knows this is not the case.
This is written from Zoe's first-person perspective, and oh, what a funny head it is to be in! Her thoughts as she goes through these bizarre circumstances and gets into jams are very humorous even when the subject is serious, like trying to figure out the murder. The banter between her and Willie the ghost is just plain fun. They develop a somewhat testy working relationship that is delightful to watch unfold. It was a book that I did not want to put down. It is easy to get into and stay in this world. The author did an exceptional job of world building without doing information dumps. For instance, we learned some of Zoe's background as she is discussing it or thinking about it during her job interview, which was a completely natural place to put that information.
If you like humorous paranormal cozies, you can't go too far wrong with this book. I am sincerely looking forward to the rest of the series.
I received a free copy of this book from #Booksprout, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
This is written from Zoe's first-person perspective, and oh, what a funny head it is to be in! Her thoughts as she goes through these bizarre circumstances and gets into jams are very humorous even when the subject is serious, like trying to figure out the murder. The banter between her and Willie the ghost is just plain fun. They develop a somewhat testy working relationship that is delightful to watch unfold. It was a book that I did not want to put down. It is easy to get into and stay in this world. The author did an exceptional job of world building without doing information dumps. For instance, we learned some of Zoe's background as she is discussing it or thinking about it during her job interview, which was a completely natural place to put that information.
If you like humorous paranormal cozies, you can't go too far wrong with this book. I am sincerely looking forward to the rest of the series.
I received a free copy of this book from #Booksprout, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
May 10, 2019
A new outlook - on death!
Started off really well but frankly is anyone really as out of touch and inept as the main character seems to be. Socially awkward and completely under the thumb of her parents. Not sure that this could really be the case in today's world and the constant remarks about her style really got me down after a while. What about a compliment or two? No-one thrives when they are constantly being monitored and put down.
She failed to get the job she has set her heart on and who was that strange man in the news room. A traffic accident leaves her feeling uncertain and now she's seeing ghosts. A ghost who insists that he was murdered even though he is 93. So begins her new life as an investigator or rather as a much maligned medium. Her dress style is too old, her attitude is wrong and now everyone thinks she crazy. Can she find out what really happened? Was it the young beautiful bride? Was it someone after his money? Or was it old age? Will finding out what happened send him on or is there something else keeping him here?
Started off really well but frankly is anyone really as out of touch and inept as the main character seems to be. Socially awkward and completely under the thumb of her parents. Not sure that this could really be the case in today's world and the constant remarks about her style really got me down after a while. What about a compliment or two? No-one thrives when they are constantly being monitored and put down.
She failed to get the job she has set her heart on and who was that strange man in the news room. A traffic accident leaves her feeling uncertain and now she's seeing ghosts. A ghost who insists that he was murdered even though he is 93. So begins her new life as an investigator or rather as a much maligned medium. Her dress style is too old, her attitude is wrong and now everyone thinks she crazy. Can she find out what really happened? Was it the young beautiful bride? Was it someone after his money? Or was it old age? Will finding out what happened send him on or is there something else keeping him here?
February 11, 2020
This is one of the best novels I have read. It starts off with Zoe who's 23 and lives with her parents. She doesn't have a job yet and starts off by being hit by a car.
This sets into motion a number of things. For one, she can't remember a anything from when she was about 3 until she was about 7. She tries to get an internship job at a local newspaper but that doesn't go so well. Then she ends up meeting Willie. Willie wants her to do something for him.
No, it's not THAT! Seems Willie is dead. Yep. He wants her to find out who killed him and this sets off an amazing adventure involving old men, a possible gold digger woman, a hot newspaper man, hidden secrets of her parents, a series of trashy romance novels, said gold digger being arrested, a stolen car, a salon owner who has a secret of her own and plenty of yelling by Willie to get Zoe to do what he wants her to do.
All of the characters are done well and there are parts of the story which are really, really funny. It also has a wonderful ending.
Until things start to happen again, that is.
A must read.
This sets into motion a number of things. For one, she can't remember a anything from when she was about 3 until she was about 7. She tries to get an internship job at a local newspaper but that doesn't go so well. Then she ends up meeting Willie. Willie wants her to do something for him.
No, it's not THAT! Seems Willie is dead. Yep. He wants her to find out who killed him and this sets off an amazing adventure involving old men, a possible gold digger woman, a hot newspaper man, hidden secrets of her parents, a series of trashy romance novels, said gold digger being arrested, a stolen car, a salon owner who has a secret of her own and plenty of yelling by Willie to get Zoe to do what he wants her to do.
All of the characters are done well and there are parts of the story which are really, really funny. It also has a wonderful ending.
Until things start to happen again, that is.
A must read.
October 15, 2019
Zoe Lane is a twenty-something-year-old who recently finds out that she can see dead people, mainly Willie MacIntosh. Willie looks to be thirty but actually died at ninety-something. Willie wants Zoe to help him find out how he died, and after gaining some information wants Zoe to find out who killed him. Thus begins an interesting mystery that only a medium could solve.
Zoe was a little hard for me to like in the beginning. Her parents pretty much control every aspect of her life even though she really doesn't have much of one. Willie on the other hand was my absolute favorite! I had to remind myself that he looked thirty while having the spunk and sass of a ninety-something. I loved the relationship between these two, and always wanted to see what their next conversation would be.
This was my first story by Erin Huss and I look forward to continuing this series and seeing what happens to Zoe next.
Zoe was a little hard for me to like in the beginning. Her parents pretty much control every aspect of her life even though she really doesn't have much of one. Willie on the other hand was my absolute favorite! I had to remind myself that he looked thirty while having the spunk and sass of a ninety-something. I loved the relationship between these two, and always wanted to see what their next conversation would be.
This was my first story by Erin Huss and I look forward to continuing this series and seeing what happens to Zoe next.
April 28, 2019
I love this author’s Cambria Clyne series (that’s another good series to pick up), and I was excited to see her branch out into another series. Zoe Lane is sheltered by her real estate agent mother (who reminded me of Tammy Faye Bakker) and is socially awkward as a result. In a twist of events, she finds out that she can see ghosts, mainly when Willie shows up claiming that he was killed and that Zoe needs to help him. What follows is a fun whodunnit, filled with vivid characters and witty dialogue. I loved Zoe’s awkwardness and how Willie calls her “person.” The mystery driving the plot was good (I can usually guess but didn’t get this one) as was a secondary plot involving Zoe’s past. All in all, a great start to the new series. Visit my blog at www.firefliesandfreekicks.com for a more detailed review. Both reviews were written based on a pre-release digital copy.
September 16, 2019
Enjoyable
My bff told me to read this series because she thought it was hilarious. I think that kind of statement should be followed by some proof, so I read this book.
First, I can see why my bff laughed her way through this book. So, yeah, I recommend this as a humorous cozy paranormal mystery.
Second, gah! I liked the book, but it took me forever to get there. I just don’t like it when people make fun of homeschooled-kids as adults with their social awkwardness and weird behaviors. I realize that this book isn’t making fun of the MC, but it’s does take advantage of the stereotype by making the MC a stereotype. Blech.
Third, by the end of the book, the MC has grown on me. I’ll continue reading the series. I’m looking forward to seeing how the MC develops.
Recommend? Yeah. Hop to. Get this book.
My bff told me to read this series because she thought it was hilarious. I think that kind of statement should be followed by some proof, so I read this book.
First, I can see why my bff laughed her way through this book. So, yeah, I recommend this as a humorous cozy paranormal mystery.
Second, gah! I liked the book, but it took me forever to get there. I just don’t like it when people make fun of homeschooled-kids as adults with their social awkwardness and weird behaviors. I realize that this book isn’t making fun of the MC, but it’s does take advantage of the stereotype by making the MC a stereotype. Blech.
Third, by the end of the book, the MC has grown on me. I’ll continue reading the series. I’m looking forward to seeing how the MC develops.
Recommend? Yeah. Hop to. Get this book.
April 19, 2022
Could not get past 6%. Stupid heroine, boring characters, and unappealing plot.
Amazon synopsis:
My name is Zoe Lane, and I see dead people.
Well, I see one dead person. Willie MacIntosh, a ninety-something-year-old multi-millionaire, who looks thirty, has a demanding personality, a strong opinion on my wardrobe and my love life, and he wants to know how he died.
The problem is, there were a lot of people who wanted Willie MacIntosh dead, and it's my job to figure out who the killer is. At least, I think it's my job. This whole medium gig is new to me. What I do know for sure is digging around in a dead stranger's life, especially when there's a multi-million dollar inheritance on the line, is a dangerous business.
If I'm not careful, the next dead person will be me.
Amazon synopsis:
My name is Zoe Lane, and I see dead people.
Well, I see one dead person. Willie MacIntosh, a ninety-something-year-old multi-millionaire, who looks thirty, has a demanding personality, a strong opinion on my wardrobe and my love life, and he wants to know how he died.
The problem is, there were a lot of people who wanted Willie MacIntosh dead, and it's my job to figure out who the killer is. At least, I think it's my job. This whole medium gig is new to me. What I do know for sure is digging around in a dead stranger's life, especially when there's a multi-million dollar inheritance on the line, is a dangerous business.
If I'm not careful, the next dead person will be me.
May 15, 2022
Pure joy to read
This was a one sitting read.
I loved everything about this book from Zoes overprotective mum and her understanding dad.
But I fell in love with Willie, one of the most beautifully drawn characters I've had the pleasure of reading.
For her first foray into being a medium Zoe plods along making all manner of mistakes.
And they are hilarious.
It's ages since I have laughed so loud and hard and every character is easy to connect to with (no pun intended) It's one of the best books I have read in the last couple of years.
I am recovering from my 4th stroke and this was a bright point. A fantastic book, brilliant premise just a joy to read. ERIN HUSS is a new author to me but I'm off to buy the rest of the series.
Absolutely brilliant
This was a one sitting read.
I loved everything about this book from Zoes overprotective mum and her understanding dad.
But I fell in love with Willie, one of the most beautifully drawn characters I've had the pleasure of reading.
For her first foray into being a medium Zoe plods along making all manner of mistakes.
And they are hilarious.
It's ages since I have laughed so loud and hard and every character is easy to connect to with (no pun intended) It's one of the best books I have read in the last couple of years.
I am recovering from my 4th stroke and this was a bright point. A fantastic book, brilliant premise just a joy to read. ERIN HUSS is a new author to me but I'm off to buy the rest of the series.
Absolutely brilliant
August 21, 2020
Hilarious - and just so believable.
What to do when you are a natural-born medium, but your mother thinks you're just nuts and feeds you "vitamins" that are actually drugs to lul your "senses"?
You grow up far too cloistered from the world, that is what.
So, when you finally decide it is time to get a life - and fail to land that job you coveted (and enabled you to work with that guy that had caught your eye), you get hit by a car. Get a concussion and a ghost adamant you have to solve his murder (he was over 90 years old) and save his far too young wife from the law...
Yup, I did laugh. Well written, the killer is not who you'd expect either. Totally recommend!
What to do when you are a natural-born medium, but your mother thinks you're just nuts and feeds you "vitamins" that are actually drugs to lul your "senses"?
You grow up far too cloistered from the world, that is what.
So, when you finally decide it is time to get a life - and fail to land that job you coveted (and enabled you to work with that guy that had caught your eye), you get hit by a car. Get a concussion and a ghost adamant you have to solve his murder (he was over 90 years old) and save his far too young wife from the law...
Yup, I did laugh. Well written, the killer is not who you'd expect either. Totally recommend!
March 5, 2022
I was not expecting to enjoy or like this book and suprised myself when I did. When the story opens you meet Zoe who is going to her first job interview being driven there by her parents and no she is not 18 years old. She does not get the job but her life takes off on another tangent when she has a mishap with a truck, starts to converse with Willie who wants her to solve his murder and also prove that his wife Betty is innocent. By now the reader, knowing what they do of Zoe, is wondering how the heck is she going to do any of this? And yet Zoe goes on and on and on even when it looks like her own Mom has turned against her....good read.
November 19, 2022
loved it
This is the first story I have read from this author. It definitely won’t be the last one. This book is well thought out with lovable zany characters. It has a well developed premise of a woman who sees dead people. It’s so well written, I accepted her talking to dead people with glee. There is no slapstick comedy. There is humorous circumstances that just made me laugh. I think I had a smile most of the time I was reading just because I enjoyed it so much. Highly recommend. HEA, no cheating, no cliffhanger. There is a running theme of her special gifts and I look forward to reading more of her stories. Enjoy.
This is the first story I have read from this author. It definitely won’t be the last one. This book is well thought out with lovable zany characters. It has a well developed premise of a woman who sees dead people. It’s so well written, I accepted her talking to dead people with glee. There is no slapstick comedy. There is humorous circumstances that just made me laugh. I think I had a smile most of the time I was reading just because I enjoyed it so much. Highly recommend. HEA, no cheating, no cliffhanger. There is a running theme of her special gifts and I look forward to reading more of her stories. Enjoy.
June 12, 2019
This book by Erin Huss was definitely on the laugh out loud funny scale as Zoe tries to solve the murder of the dead person she sees and talks to. Of course, she is the only one who can see or hear him, so everyone thinks she is crazy and should be locked up in the looney bin. The conversations she has with her ghost and the predicaments it causes are simply outstanding and hilarious. This is definitely not a book to read around a group of quiet people, or in a library. This is a voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Hidden Gems Books.
October 1, 2019
Fun series
I plowed through the 4 books in this series in just a couple of days. It is lighthearted and doesn’t take it’s heroine too seriously. Zoe has been sheltered by her parents and has almost no social skills. She ventured out of the parental cocoon to try and get a job and meet the man of her dreams. Instead she encounters a ghost who demands she help him find the person who killed him. The other 3 books build on Zoe’s transformation from clueless to independent (almost) woman.
I plowed through the 4 books in this series in just a couple of days. It is lighthearted and doesn’t take it’s heroine too seriously. Zoe has been sheltered by her parents and has almost no social skills. She ventured out of the parental cocoon to try and get a job and meet the man of her dreams. Instead she encounters a ghost who demands she help him find the person who killed him. The other 3 books build on Zoe’s transformation from clueless to independent (almost) woman.
November 12, 2020
This book is terrific!
This book is a total trip! Old expression, I know. I have just binge read the entire six book series. I enjoyed the books tremendously. You should read them in order for the best experience. An oversheltered young woman struggles with an unusual gift, her family's secrets and her own growth into a belated adult with the help of very unique mentor. I'm very much looking forward to more books in this series! The stories are very entertaining, full of humor and heart and there are intriguing mysteries to solve.
This book is a total trip! Old expression, I know. I have just binge read the entire six book series. I enjoyed the books tremendously. You should read them in order for the best experience. An oversheltered young woman struggles with an unusual gift, her family's secrets and her own growth into a belated adult with the help of very unique mentor. I'm very much looking forward to more books in this series! The stories are very entertaining, full of humor and heart and there are intriguing mysteries to solve.
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