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Crystal Cave #2
SomeBODY Else
In this gripping second novella in the Crystal Cave series, bestselling author Susan Wittig Albert tells an intriguing tale of murder in the Texas Hill Country.
Ruby has a rare gift for seeing things that others can’t . . .
Ruby Wilcox (owner of the Crystal Cave, Pecan Springs’ only New Age shop) is looking forward to an entertaining and profitable weekend as a vendor at the annual Mystic Creek Harvest Festival, held at a Hill Country ranch. Her booth is full of all kinds of magical, mystical wares: crystals and cards, rune stones, pendulums, dream catchers, wind chimes, and wands. The festival—famous for its artists, crafters, and fabulous folk musicians—attracts all sorts of Texans from all across the state. Still, Ruby is surprised when Detective Ethan Connors shows up. What prompts him to come? A love of folk art and music? Attraction to Ruby? Or a cop’s skeptical curiosity about her psychic gift?
But the festival’s fun comes to a bloody end when a Wiccan ritual knife is stolen from the Crystal Cave’s booth and used to end a man’s life. Ruby is an immediate suspect, of course, as the local sheriff—an old friend of Ethan Connors’—attempts to discover who did it and why. What was the motive?
When Ruby begins to suspect that she knows more than she’s meant to know about the murder, she has to decide how to use this dangerous knowledge—and what to do when she realizes that she is dead wrong—again. Now, she must learn to listen to music that only she can hear.
Ruby Wilcox has a rare gift for seeing things that others can’t, but it’s unreliable. Her gift failed her once, when she lost her friend Sarah. Can she trust her talent to be there when she needs it—and to lead her in the right direction?
Ruby has a rare gift for seeing things that others can’t . . .
Ruby Wilcox (owner of the Crystal Cave, Pecan Springs’ only New Age shop) is looking forward to an entertaining and profitable weekend as a vendor at the annual Mystic Creek Harvest Festival, held at a Hill Country ranch. Her booth is full of all kinds of magical, mystical wares: crystals and cards, rune stones, pendulums, dream catchers, wind chimes, and wands. The festival—famous for its artists, crafters, and fabulous folk musicians—attracts all sorts of Texans from all across the state. Still, Ruby is surprised when Detective Ethan Connors shows up. What prompts him to come? A love of folk art and music? Attraction to Ruby? Or a cop’s skeptical curiosity about her psychic gift?
But the festival’s fun comes to a bloody end when a Wiccan ritual knife is stolen from the Crystal Cave’s booth and used to end a man’s life. Ruby is an immediate suspect, of course, as the local sheriff—an old friend of Ethan Connors’—attempts to discover who did it and why. What was the motive?
When Ruby begins to suspect that she knows more than she’s meant to know about the murder, she has to decide how to use this dangerous knowledge—and what to do when she realizes that she is dead wrong—again. Now, she must learn to listen to music that only she can hear.
Ruby Wilcox has a rare gift for seeing things that others can’t, but it’s unreliable. Her gift failed her once, when she lost her friend Sarah. Can she trust her talent to be there when she needs it—and to lead her in the right direction?
125 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 14, 2019
118 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Susan Wittig Albert
125 books2,384 followersSusan is the author/co-author of biographical/historical fiction, mysteries, and nonfiction. Now in her 80s and continuing to write, she says that retirement is not (yet) an option. She publishes under her own imprint. Here are her latest books.
A PLAIN VANILLA MURDER, #27 in the long-running China Bayles/Pecan Springs series.
Two Pecan Springs novella trilogies: The Crystal Cave Trilogy (featuring Ruby Wilcox): noBODY, SomeBODY Else, and Out of BODY; and The Enterprise Trilogy (featuring Jessica Nelson): DEADLINES, FAULTLINES, and FIRELINES.
THE DARLING DAHLIAS AND THE POINSETTIA PUZZLE #8 in the Darling Dahlias series, set in the early 1930s in fictional Darling AL
THE GENERAL'S WOMEN. Kay, Mamie, and Ike--the wartime romance that won a war but could have derailed a presidency.
LOVING ELEANOR: A novel about the intimate 30-year friendship of Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickok, based on their letters
A WILDER ROSE: the true story of Rose Wilder Lane, who transformed her mother from a farm wife and occasional writer to a literary icon
THE TALE OF CASTLE COTTAGE, #8 in the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter
DEATH ON THE LIZARD, the 12th and last (2006) of the Robin Paige series, by Susan and Bill Albert
TOGETHER, ALONE: A MEMOIR OF MARRIAGE AND PLACE
AN EXTRAORDINARY YEAR OF ORDINARY DAYS
WORK OF HER OWN: A WOMAN'S GUIDE TO RIGHT LIVELIHOOD
WRITING FROM LIFE: TELLING YOUR SOUL'S STORY
A PLAIN VANILLA MURDER, #27 in the long-running China Bayles/Pecan Springs series.
Two Pecan Springs novella trilogies: The Crystal Cave Trilogy (featuring Ruby Wilcox): noBODY, SomeBODY Else, and Out of BODY; and The Enterprise Trilogy (featuring Jessica Nelson): DEADLINES, FAULTLINES, and FIRELINES.
THE DARLING DAHLIAS AND THE POINSETTIA PUZZLE #8 in the Darling Dahlias series, set in the early 1930s in fictional Darling AL
THE GENERAL'S WOMEN. Kay, Mamie, and Ike--the wartime romance that won a war but could have derailed a presidency.
LOVING ELEANOR: A novel about the intimate 30-year friendship of Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickok, based on their letters
A WILDER ROSE: the true story of Rose Wilder Lane, who transformed her mother from a farm wife and occasional writer to a literary icon
THE TALE OF CASTLE COTTAGE, #8 in the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter
DEATH ON THE LIZARD, the 12th and last (2006) of the Robin Paige series, by Susan and Bill Albert
TOGETHER, ALONE: A MEMOIR OF MARRIAGE AND PLACE
AN EXTRAORDINARY YEAR OF ORDINARY DAYS
WORK OF HER OWN: A WOMAN'S GUIDE TO RIGHT LIVELIHOOD
WRITING FROM LIFE: TELLING YOUR SOUL'S STORY
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 14, 2019
Susan Wittig Albert, author of the China Bayles series of mysteries, has been playing with the novella genre and the idea of the paranormal. In a series of linked novellas, Albert focuses on Ruby Wilcox, China Bayles’ business partner and good friend. The novella generally has few if any subplots and follows the personal or emotional development of one character. In this case, it gives Albert the perfect platform to follow Ruby Wilcox’s growing understanding of her psychic capabilities as she learns to trust and acknowledge them.
In SomeBODY else, Ruby is still tentative about a relationship with Detective Ethan Connors, who calls psychic intuition “woo-woo.” Ruby and Connors crossed paths over a kidnapping that she ultimately helped solve in NoBODY. Now the two find themselves at a craft festival—and trying to solve a brutal murder. The refrain from a Patsy Cline song keeps repeating in her head, “I don’t want nobody but you, but you’re giving your body to somebody else.” Over and over Ruby hears, “Somebody else…somebody else.”
In Albert’s skilled hands, the improbable becomes reality. Set aside an afternoon or a long evening for this one, because once you start, you won’t want to put it down.
In SomeBODY else, Ruby is still tentative about a relationship with Detective Ethan Connors, who calls psychic intuition “woo-woo.” Ruby and Connors crossed paths over a kidnapping that she ultimately helped solve in NoBODY. Now the two find themselves at a craft festival—and trying to solve a brutal murder. The refrain from a Patsy Cline song keeps repeating in her head, “I don’t want nobody but you, but you’re giving your body to somebody else.” Over and over Ruby hears, “Somebody else…somebody else.”
In Albert’s skilled hands, the improbable becomes reality. Set aside an afternoon or a long evening for this one, because once you start, you won’t want to put it down.
May 7, 2020
A novella focusing on one of my favorite Susan Wittig Albert characters. Ruby used her unusual powers to help solve crimes & maybe even find love this time.
May 19, 2019
I pretty much plowed through this one in one hot second. Always good mysteries, the Witting Albert books are entertaining and fun. Like a great sitcom that might not engage the deep thinker but certainly is fun to watch.
I miss China but Ruby is fun to follow in this one. We follow her and her employee Laurel down to an art festival to sell some new age baubles and herbal things and ... surprise, there's a murder. Ethan, the cop we met in book 1, returns to the story - his interest in Ruby does not need a psychic to detect - and together they solve the murder while a romance begins to blossom.
Good stuff.
I miss China but Ruby is fun to follow in this one. We follow her and her employee Laurel down to an art festival to sell some new age baubles and herbal things and ... surprise, there's a murder. Ethan, the cop we met in book 1, returns to the story - his interest in Ruby does not need a psychic to detect - and together they solve the murder while a romance begins to blossom.
Good stuff.
August 30, 2021
I enjoyed this cozy mystery. It is somewhat unique as a psychic is the main character. This added an element of interest. The story revolves around an art, craft and music festival makes it very relatable as I believe most people have been to one at some point in their lives. The main characters evolved from the beginning to the end of the story, within themselves and in their relationships. It was a fun read. I had an idea who the murderer was early on but didn't know specifically who it was as the person hadn't been named until late in the book.
September 15, 2020
Book 2 of the Crystal Cave series featuring Ruby even better than the first. Some of the other characters are developing and gaining depth. This one set at a craft festival with murder, triangles, and a great who-done-it. If you have enjoyed the author's China Bayles series, this is a must read. It stars Rudy at her finest. Alas, a full novel would be even better but this goes down quick and easy!
August 26, 2023
The second in this series of novellas featuring China's business partner, Ruby Wilcox. China can't go with her to a nearby fair for the weekend, so she takes their assistant, Laurel, to help her in the vendor booth. The vendor next to theirs is murdered using one of Ruby's stolen ritual knives, & when the handsome detective from Pecan Springs shows up, he helps his buddy, the sheriff, with the investigation. Together, Connors & Ruby find the culprit in this tightly told story.
May 28, 2020
China Bayles Never Fails But Ruby Wilcox Knocked My Socks Off
I discovered the China Bayles mysteries earlier this year and credit binge reading them with getting me through this abysmal quarantine! Now I've discovered these little gems featuring China's friend and partner Ruby and cannot put them down either. I highly recommend all of Susan Wittig Albert's books!
I discovered the China Bayles mysteries earlier this year and credit binge reading them with getting me through this abysmal quarantine! Now I've discovered these little gems featuring China's friend and partner Ruby and cannot put them down either. I highly recommend all of Susan Wittig Albert's books!
December 31, 2021
Short but good glimpse into what Ruby can see and how her gift manifests itself. She keeps hearing different songs no one else can hear and they become clues to who the killer is. I am always in awe of anyone who has a sixth sense and this was a truly unique way for it to show itself and help Ruby. I love these novellas but I really miss China.
May 15, 2019
This series keeps getting better and better!
The novella is short by nature. I was sorry to see this one end. Ruby is beginning to accept her own abilities and Ethan is taking her seriously. On many levels. I can't wait for the next one!
The novella is short by nature. I was sorry to see this one end. Ruby is beginning to accept her own abilities and Ethan is taking her seriously. On many levels. I can't wait for the next one!
June 18, 2019
Being second in a trilogy of mysteries, I thoroughly enjoy reading SomeBODY Else. It has a nice twist to it that held my interest. What else is good? I found out the next book in the trilogy is in my ebooks on Kindle today. Can't wait to start reading it tonight!
July 13, 2019
Another winner!
This is a great story - long enough to cover the subject matter, but short enough to read in one sitting. Crisp dialogue, likable characters and a great story line. I really like Ruby and her view of life.
This is a great story - long enough to cover the subject matter, but short enough to read in one sitting. Crisp dialogue, likable characters and a great story line. I really like Ruby and her view of life.
Read
July 24, 2019The usual good read from Susan Wittig Albert! The focus of this series is on Ruby, one of the characters in the China Bayles series by Susan. She’s a great personality and makes this a great mystery series.
November 27, 2019
Ruby and Laurel are off to a festival while China keeps the home fires burning. A murderer uses an item from Ruby's booth for the killing. Detective Ethan walks in to interview Ruby even though they are not in his jurisdiction. Is it romance or research that Ethan wants with Ruby?
June 29, 2024
The storyline in this one is good. I will warn you that if you choose to do the audio book like me you will get the earworm that Ruby gets. I’m not sure I will ever not hear it haha. Good job on the narrator.
April 30, 2025
I hate it when Goodreads descriptions are not accurate about the nature of books. This one was listed as:Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook. Does this mention that the protagonist is a "psychic" who uses crystals, wand, and rune stones. I never would have started the book. Kristi & Abby Tabby
May 15, 2019
I love this little novella series. Ruby and her psychic gifts have always been of great interest to me, and I'm so glad to see her and others taking them seriously.
May 18, 2019
great story!
May 20, 2019
More like 3.75 but I rounded up.
June 10, 2019
Another Susan W. Albert Winner
So much fun to read these Chrystal Cave novellas. All 3 should come out in a book. They would be great gifts.☺
So much fun to read these Chrystal Cave novellas. All 3 should come out in a book. They would be great gifts.☺
June 15, 2019
Great second book.
Fast reading and lots of action in this story. Can’t wait for book 3 to be released in a few days.
Fast reading and lots of action in this story. Can’t wait for book 3 to be released in a few days.
June 17, 2019
Ruby’s turn
Loving these stories from Ruby’s point of view. The character is so different from China Baylee and yet thoroughly complimentary. Marvelous stuff!
Loving these stories from Ruby’s point of view. The character is so different from China Baylee and yet thoroughly complimentary. Marvelous stuff!
September 7, 2019
I love these stories and I like that Susan has started the Crystal Cave series. It's nice to already know the characters and to get to know some of them even better.
September 16, 2019
I really like this series..fast paced
October 26, 2019
ESP AS POSSIBLE POSSIBLE POLICE AID
A story of the way paranormal assistance could be helpful in criminal investigation and it's possible acceptance by law enforcement.
A story of the way paranormal assistance could be helpful in criminal investigation and it's possible acceptance by law enforcement.
December 30, 2019
Another good novella in the Crystal cave trilogy. Ruby uses her psychic abilities to assist the police in a murder investigation.
February 14, 2020
The second book in this series and I'm hooked on Ruby's adventures using her 'skills' to solve mysteries.
June 7, 2020
All Ruby wants is to have a successful weekend at a music festival, selling things from Thyme and Seasons, and the Crystal Cave.
The best laid plans...murder intervenes.
The best laid plans...murder intervenes.
June 4, 2021
This is a 2.5 rounded up to 3. It’s not bad, but there’s nothing new here. A lot like Hallmark Mysteries.
July 7, 2023
Quick read with a tight plot. Thoroughly enjoyable.
December 10, 2023
This is the second in a series. I have read the third first, then number one, and two last. The main character in this series is Ruby Wilcox, who is psychic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews