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Shadow Valley Manor #1
Dead Before Dying
Sidelined by an on the job injury, veteran paranormal investigator Maureen Keslyn reluctantly accepts an assignment at Shadow Valley Manor, an upscale retirement facility where someone--or something--is picking off residents and staff at a grisly clip.
With her resources dwindling one death at a time and unnatural forces on the loose, Maureen's experience fighting the supernatural provides her only hope to destroy a clever and powerful evil before everybody in the manor--and the town--winds up dead. Together with a ragtag team that includes the local sheriff, the undertaker's daughter, and the facility cook whose knife skills in the kitchen could prove deadly out of it--Maureen is on a mission to bring rest to the weary, and peace to the dead...
With her resources dwindling one death at a time and unnatural forces on the loose, Maureen's experience fighting the supernatural provides her only hope to destroy a clever and powerful evil before everybody in the manor--and the town--winds up dead. Together with a ragtag team that includes the local sheriff, the undertaker's daughter, and the facility cook whose knife skills in the kitchen could prove deadly out of it--Maureen is on a mission to bring rest to the weary, and peace to the dead...
294 pages, Paperback
First published February 9, 2016
130 people are currently reading
1287 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Schafer
22 books216 followersKerry Schafer (aka Kerry Anne King) is the Amazon Charts and Washington Post bestselling author of thirteen novels. An incorrigible genre hopper, Kerry has written fantasy, paranormal mystery and book club fiction. Known for her lyrical writing and memorable characters, Kerry weaves deep emotional insights, humor, and often a touch of magic into all of her tales. Her most recent writing venture is an amateur sleuth novel, Party Planning Can Be Murder, releasing in March of 2025.
In addition to writing, Kerry co-hosts the One Happy Thing podcast with bestselling authors Jennifer Moorman and Maddie Dawson and runs Author Genie, where she provides virtual assistant services to fellow authors.
Kerry lives in a small town in northeastern Washington with her real-life Viking and a crew of neurotic rescue animals—two dogs and four cats—whose favorite pastime is interrupting her writing.
In addition to writing, Kerry co-hosts the One Happy Thing podcast with bestselling authors Jennifer Moorman and Maddie Dawson and runs Author Genie, where she provides virtual assistant services to fellow authors.
Kerry lives in a small town in northeastern Washington with her real-life Viking and a crew of neurotic rescue animals—two dogs and four cats—whose favorite pastime is interrupting her writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
July 6, 2021
So this was an unexpected delight! The blurb sounds so cosy mystery, Mrs Pepperpot kills a Ghost, type deal - but actually, we have an absolutely kickass heroine, and a much darker story than I thought I was in for.
Maureen, our protagonist, is old enough to go undercover at a rest home, but under mandatory retirement age. She's been working with a paranormal unit of the FBI for most of her career, and has been tasked with carrying out this investigation on the quiet. She's spiky, she's phenomenal at her job - even while injured - and she's got some skeletons in the closet. Possibly literally.
This was just such a good surprise. Re-read for the upcoming, long-awaited, third book in the series and it's exactly as good as I remember.
Maureen, our protagonist, is old enough to go undercover at a rest home, but under mandatory retirement age. She's been working with a paranormal unit of the FBI for most of her career, and has been tasked with carrying out this investigation on the quiet. She's spiky, she's phenomenal at her job - even while injured - and she's got some skeletons in the closet. Possibly literally.
This was just such a good surprise. Re-read for the upcoming, long-awaited, third book in the series and it's exactly as good as I remember.
November 26, 2019
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I thought that this was really good. I decided to read this book on impulse. I hadn't heard of it before but I thought that it sounds like it would be worth a try. And I was right. I was pulled into the story from the very beginning and it held my interest until the very end. I am so glad that I made the decision to pick up this book.
At the start of the book, Maureen is checking herself out of the hospital and she honestly isn't in the best shape. To make matters worse, when she gets home her husband has moved someone else in and wants to end their marriage. I wondered how this middle-aged woman who was still recovering from a pretty severe injury would handle a new case but I had nothing to worry about.
Maureen works for a special department within the FBI that deals with paranormal issues. An old friend and co-worker wants her help at the retirement home he just bought so she moves in. Let's just say that Maureen doesn't quite fit in with the rest of the residents. Of course, the residents are a quirky group of individuals led by a pretty uptight manager.
The action started in this book early on and it never let go. I loved the fact that since there were paranormal elements to the story anything could happen and sometimes did. I thought that the mystery was really well done and I wasn't quite sure who was responsible for everything until it was revealed. I thought that the mystery was pretty complex and I liked the fact that everything was wrapped up nicely by the end of the book.
Teri Clark Linden did a great job with the narration of this story. I thought that the really did a great job with the various character voices and was able to add a lot of life to the story. She has a very pleasant voice which is easy to listen to for hours at a time. Her reading only added to my enjoyment of this story.
I would recommend this book to fans of paranormal mysteries. I thought that this was a very well done story filled with fantastic characters and some interesting paranormal elements. I wouldn't hesitate to read more of this fun series!
I received a review copy of this audiobook from the author/narrator via Audiobook Boom and have voluntarily left this review.
Initial Thoughts
This was really good. I liked that the main character was a bit older and at a disadvantage before the story even started but she didn't let that stop her. The book had a heavy dose of paranormal and a fairly complex mystery. The cast of quirky characters were very well done. The narrator did a fantastic job with the story.
I thought that this was really good. I decided to read this book on impulse. I hadn't heard of it before but I thought that it sounds like it would be worth a try. And I was right. I was pulled into the story from the very beginning and it held my interest until the very end. I am so glad that I made the decision to pick up this book.
At the start of the book, Maureen is checking herself out of the hospital and she honestly isn't in the best shape. To make matters worse, when she gets home her husband has moved someone else in and wants to end their marriage. I wondered how this middle-aged woman who was still recovering from a pretty severe injury would handle a new case but I had nothing to worry about.
Maureen works for a special department within the FBI that deals with paranormal issues. An old friend and co-worker wants her help at the retirement home he just bought so she moves in. Let's just say that Maureen doesn't quite fit in with the rest of the residents. Of course, the residents are a quirky group of individuals led by a pretty uptight manager.
The action started in this book early on and it never let go. I loved the fact that since there were paranormal elements to the story anything could happen and sometimes did. I thought that the mystery was really well done and I wasn't quite sure who was responsible for everything until it was revealed. I thought that the mystery was pretty complex and I liked the fact that everything was wrapped up nicely by the end of the book.
Teri Clark Linden did a great job with the narration of this story. I thought that the really did a great job with the various character voices and was able to add a lot of life to the story. She has a very pleasant voice which is easy to listen to for hours at a time. Her reading only added to my enjoyment of this story.
I would recommend this book to fans of paranormal mysteries. I thought that this was a very well done story filled with fantastic characters and some interesting paranormal elements. I wouldn't hesitate to read more of this fun series!
I received a review copy of this audiobook from the author/narrator via Audiobook Boom and have voluntarily left this review.
Initial Thoughts
This was really good. I liked that the main character was a bit older and at a disadvantage before the story even started but she didn't let that stop her. The book had a heavy dose of paranormal and a fairly complex mystery. The cast of quirky characters were very well done. The narrator did a fantastic job with the story.
February 1, 2016
Dead Before Dying is a paranormal mystery that was equally suspenseful and funny. It was the main character, Federal Agent Maureen Keslyn, that made this book particularly enjoyable and also totally different from other supernatural thrillers/mysteries. Maureen is an older lady who is stubborn, tough, full of sarcasm and with just a hint of vulnerability. I absolutely loved her. On her release from hospital, still suffering from painful injuries sustained in her last investigation, she discovers her husband has betrayed her. Finding herself without a home to go to, she reluctantly accepts an undercover assignment at Shadow Valley Manor. A place for old people where death is not uncommon, but where the state the bodies are left in suggests something else is going on.
Dead Before Dying was full of memorable, quirky characters and written in a succinct manner dripping with dry humor so that I was totally engrossed in the story from start to finish. The plot was surprisingly complex, and I couldn't predict any of the twists and turns, which was great. The supernatural aspects weren't overdone either, which I also appreciated.
If there are more stories featuring Maureen in the future, sign me up. She's a fantastic character!
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Dead Before Dying was full of memorable, quirky characters and written in a succinct manner dripping with dry humor so that I was totally engrossed in the story from start to finish. The plot was surprisingly complex, and I couldn't predict any of the twists and turns, which was great. The supernatural aspects weren't overdone either, which I also appreciated.
If there are more stories featuring Maureen in the future, sign me up. She's a fantastic character!
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2020
Good evening, my fellow Book Dragons. I hope the start of this new week has not been too hectic. Our Gem this evening is meant to take your mind off your pains in the neck…for awhile. It isn’t your normal Gem. It’s a bullet..not your average bullet. It’s made of silver. And it’s part of a kit. I don’t have the rest of the pieces. I know there were stakes, a mallet, a type of salt sprayer, something that looked like a insect repellant spray gun and a few other things.. this is all I was able to get of the collection. But isn’t it fine? The craftsmanship is A1! Nothing sloppy here. Very professional. Someone cared about the quality of their work on this one. That someone is Gem Maker Kerry Schafer and this is her work “Dead Before Dying”.
This is the tale of Maureen Keslyn. She’s a “Consultant” for the F.B.I. Very special. Not many people do what Maureen does. As far as she knows, there are only three. Herself, a young man named Abel and a man a bit older than her. The creme de la creme: Phil Evers. Her old boss, The Man, the Big Enchilada of what her specialty is. And it is a very special specialty, indeed.
Maureen has been hurt very, very badly on her last assignment. The book opens with her being released from the hospital be a very young, and very condescending doctor. She’s not yet 60, but he’s acting like she’s 80 and she’s not happy. She’s capable, she is efficient, she’s exceptionally good at what she does, even if she does have an unhealed wound in her stomach and a leg with more pins in it than a paper donkey at a five year old’s birthday party. She leaves the hospital with Abel. He takes her home, but there is another woman already living there with her husband. Apparently husband expected to be a widower and Maureen’s tenacity for living messed up his plans.
Abel tells her Phil has a job for her. A small job, nothing to taxing. To go undercover in a nursing home. She’s not happy. A nursing home? For heaven’s sake. She’s not 80. But considering her home situation, she has no place to go. She needs something. She relents. But Shadow Valley isn’t going to be very restful, is going to be more taxing than she dreamed and instead of tea and cookies and naps she’s going to need that silver bullet I showed you … and a whole lot more. Crucifix anyone?
I have already told you more than I wanted to, but there really was no other way to do it.
I have never read a book like this and I loved it. I was wishing for more when it was finished. Schafer has taken the Murder Mystery and Horror and turned them on the heads. This is sheer genius! Her characters are masterful. Her descriptions of time, place, who, what, when and why will leave you reminding yourself to take a breath or two. After a few pages, you will no longer be reading, you will be seeing. I saw what was going on. I stood there listening to conversations, holding objects in my claws, wiping spittle and blood from my covers, letting my tea get cold. Kerry Schafer, look up your history, my dear, somewhere, somehow, in some deep, dark branch of your family tree Mr. Stoker is hiding along with Mr. Poe and I am pretty sure I heard Shirley Jackson giggling up there in the thickness of those leaves. Yes, it has to be Shirley.
Do yourself a favor, and soon. Get “Dead Before Dying”. I am very happy I had the honor to read this book. I hope there is a sequel. I hope there are many sequels. Maureen Keslyn is no spring chicken, but there is a lot of life in the old girl yet!
Until tomorrow, I remain, your humble Book Dragon, Drakon T. Longwitten
I won a copy of this book in a drawing.
This is the tale of Maureen Keslyn. She’s a “Consultant” for the F.B.I. Very special. Not many people do what Maureen does. As far as she knows, there are only three. Herself, a young man named Abel and a man a bit older than her. The creme de la creme: Phil Evers. Her old boss, The Man, the Big Enchilada of what her specialty is. And it is a very special specialty, indeed.
Maureen has been hurt very, very badly on her last assignment. The book opens with her being released from the hospital be a very young, and very condescending doctor. She’s not yet 60, but he’s acting like she’s 80 and she’s not happy. She’s capable, she is efficient, she’s exceptionally good at what she does, even if she does have an unhealed wound in her stomach and a leg with more pins in it than a paper donkey at a five year old’s birthday party. She leaves the hospital with Abel. He takes her home, but there is another woman already living there with her husband. Apparently husband expected to be a widower and Maureen’s tenacity for living messed up his plans.
Abel tells her Phil has a job for her. A small job, nothing to taxing. To go undercover in a nursing home. She’s not happy. A nursing home? For heaven’s sake. She’s not 80. But considering her home situation, she has no place to go. She needs something. She relents. But Shadow Valley isn’t going to be very restful, is going to be more taxing than she dreamed and instead of tea and cookies and naps she’s going to need that silver bullet I showed you … and a whole lot more. Crucifix anyone?
I have already told you more than I wanted to, but there really was no other way to do it.
I have never read a book like this and I loved it. I was wishing for more when it was finished. Schafer has taken the Murder Mystery and Horror and turned them on the heads. This is sheer genius! Her characters are masterful. Her descriptions of time, place, who, what, when and why will leave you reminding yourself to take a breath or two. After a few pages, you will no longer be reading, you will be seeing. I saw what was going on. I stood there listening to conversations, holding objects in my claws, wiping spittle and blood from my covers, letting my tea get cold. Kerry Schafer, look up your history, my dear, somewhere, somehow, in some deep, dark branch of your family tree Mr. Stoker is hiding along with Mr. Poe and I am pretty sure I heard Shirley Jackson giggling up there in the thickness of those leaves. Yes, it has to be Shirley.
Do yourself a favor, and soon. Get “Dead Before Dying”. I am very happy I had the honor to read this book. I hope there is a sequel. I hope there are many sequels. Maureen Keslyn is no spring chicken, but there is a lot of life in the old girl yet!
Until tomorrow, I remain, your humble Book Dragon, Drakon T. Longwitten
I won a copy of this book in a drawing.
July 30, 2017
Dead Before Dying by Kerry Schafer is a paranormal book unlike any other I have read. It was unique and really intriguing. From the beginning I was pretty interested in what was going to happen. The author did a great job at keeping me in suspense because I really had no idea how it would end. So when everything happens I was really surprised and didn't see it coming. The characters were well written and the plot was very interesting. I think it was definitely a good story and I would read others in the series. I really liked the female lead and her tenacity to keep going even if she was injured etc. Federal Agent Maureen Keslyn doesn't want to take on a job that's being offered but when her husband has shacked up with someone else and essentially kicks her out she doesn't feel like she has much of a choice. Paranormal beings exist in our world and Maureen's job has been to find them and do
What needs to be done etc. When her ex lover and colleague Phil ends up dead things end up taking a turn and all kinds of stuff goes down. It becomes a who can you trust scenario. One character in particular is pretty gnarly from the get go and I really wasn't a fan. Anyway I enjoyed this book and would rate it 4 stars.
What needs to be done etc. When her ex lover and colleague Phil ends up dead things end up taking a turn and all kinds of stuff goes down. It becomes a who can you trust scenario. One character in particular is pretty gnarly from the get go and I really wasn't a fan. Anyway I enjoyed this book and would rate it 4 stars.
February 26, 2016
Maureen Keslyn doesn't want the job her FBI friend, Abel, is offering. Not even when she finds out it's a special request from a revered colleague. But when she finds her husband has kicked her out and moved his mistress in, all while Maureen was hospitalized thanks to a gunshot wound, she realizes she has no choice. The job does come with living arrangements after all.
Shadow Valley Manor isn't supposed to be a nursing home, per se. But even under the guise of an active seniors complex, Maureen isn't fooled. What Maureen isn't sure about is exactly what she's supposed to be investigating. And when the man who lured her into the job in the first place dies the very night they're supposed to meet, she's at a further loss. One thing she does know: Shadow Valley Manor is weird. And Maureen specializes in weird.
So we do know from the start that paranormal beings exist in the world of Dead Before Dying. We also know that Maureen Keslyn hunts these paras in some capacity for the FBI. And that she was injured on the job. Her history and her particular employment don't come out until later on in the book but we also know that Phil, the man who's put her on the job at Shadow Valley Manor, is a heavy in the para business. Someone who's request means a lot to Maureen.
Maureen takes the job blind. Again, she has no choice. She's to live undercover in Shadow Valley Manor as part of an operation Phil is heading. The Manor, once a home for unwed mothers, is led by an awful director who immediately dislikes Maureen. The folks who live there are wealthy and secretive, some of them (the ninety-something-year-old man who claims to be a vampire) are downright weird, too. And even though Maureen has files briefing her on the facility, its history, and the people associated with it, she's relying on Phil to explain everything.
Unfortunately, Phil's dead. And though the coroner declares it natural causes, Maureen isn't so certain. It's the makings of a GREAT paranormal mystery, one that plays out oh, so satisfactorily!
I am not kidding you when I say this book was completely awesome! I'd never read (or heard of) Kerry Schafer before this, but you may recall I jumped on board with the Candace Robb tour last fall and adored the series. So Diversion Books, the publisher of the Robb titles and Dead Before Dying, was known to me. Considering how much I enjoyed the Robb books, I decided to seek out more of their titles and stumbled upon this one from Schafer. And boy am I glad I did!
Maureen is a bit of a refreshing lead - especially in the paranormal mystery world. She's in her 50s, not old enough to even be a resident at Shadow Valley Manor, and extremely seasoned in the para field. She's incredibly clever, too. And the more we learn about her, her world, and her job, the more intriguing the book becomes.
It does sound as though there may be plans to continue Maureen's story as a series. Considering how blown away I was and how much I love this character, I sincerely hope that's the case.
Shadow Valley Manor isn't supposed to be a nursing home, per se. But even under the guise of an active seniors complex, Maureen isn't fooled. What Maureen isn't sure about is exactly what she's supposed to be investigating. And when the man who lured her into the job in the first place dies the very night they're supposed to meet, she's at a further loss. One thing she does know: Shadow Valley Manor is weird. And Maureen specializes in weird.
So we do know from the start that paranormal beings exist in the world of Dead Before Dying. We also know that Maureen Keslyn hunts these paras in some capacity for the FBI. And that she was injured on the job. Her history and her particular employment don't come out until later on in the book but we also know that Phil, the man who's put her on the job at Shadow Valley Manor, is a heavy in the para business. Someone who's request means a lot to Maureen.
Maureen takes the job blind. Again, she has no choice. She's to live undercover in Shadow Valley Manor as part of an operation Phil is heading. The Manor, once a home for unwed mothers, is led by an awful director who immediately dislikes Maureen. The folks who live there are wealthy and secretive, some of them (the ninety-something-year-old man who claims to be a vampire) are downright weird, too. And even though Maureen has files briefing her on the facility, its history, and the people associated with it, she's relying on Phil to explain everything.
Unfortunately, Phil's dead. And though the coroner declares it natural causes, Maureen isn't so certain. It's the makings of a GREAT paranormal mystery, one that plays out oh, so satisfactorily!
I am not kidding you when I say this book was completely awesome! I'd never read (or heard of) Kerry Schafer before this, but you may recall I jumped on board with the Candace Robb tour last fall and adored the series. So Diversion Books, the publisher of the Robb titles and Dead Before Dying, was known to me. Considering how much I enjoyed the Robb books, I decided to seek out more of their titles and stumbled upon this one from Schafer. And boy am I glad I did!
Maureen is a bit of a refreshing lead - especially in the paranormal mystery world. She's in her 50s, not old enough to even be a resident at Shadow Valley Manor, and extremely seasoned in the para field. She's incredibly clever, too. And the more we learn about her, her world, and her job, the more intriguing the book becomes.
It does sound as though there may be plans to continue Maureen's story as a series. Considering how blown away I was and how much I love this character, I sincerely hope that's the case.
February 12, 2016
*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*
DEAD BEFORE DYING is a new novel by Kerry Schafer, published by Diversion.
POV: First Person
Tense: Present
Setting: Washington
Sexual Content: none
A wonderful mixture of mystery, horror, and humor, DEAD BEFORE DYING is a not-to-miss read.
The story is about Maureen, an older FBI agent who is recovering from serious injuries. She is asked to go undercover in an assisted living home, because residents are mysteriously dying.
The strengths of this novel like in its originality, continuity, and characterization. Maureen is unique as a heroine; I haven’t seen many heroines so physically hampered come out on top. I loved her vulnerability and her stubbornness.
Another excellent aspect of DEAD BEFORE DYING is the development of the mystery. Schafer cast suspicion on multiple characters and kept me guessing until the end.
The ending left room for the author to continue Maureen’s story, yet the main storyline was resolved nicely. No major cliffhangers.
I have a few criticisms that don’t affect my overall rating. One is that the present tense was used for flashbacks. To me it’s illogical. If it happened in the past, it should be written in past tense. That’s just my opinion.
Another criticism I had was the lack of geographical details. It wasn’t until the end of the book that it was clear to me that Shadow Valley was in Washington. I think the setting could have been developed more.
My final negative observation is regarding the FBI involvement. I didn’t understand how no one in the FBI cared where Maureen was or what she was doing. I got that it was a rogue assignment, but didn’t she have to report to anyone for regular assignments? Even if they thought she was still recovering, eventually she would have to report to someone. But, that concern never comes up. At the end, she’s worried about them coming for another person, but never considers this for herself. She mentions she doesn’t work for them anymore, but I don’t recall her resigning.
It’s possible I overlooked something that had been said in the novel that answers those questions. If I were to read it again. I might pick up on it. However, the fact that they weren’t apparent to me on the first read-through says something.
Nevertheless, those criticisms don’t affect my enjoyment enough to change my rating. DEAD BEFORE DYING is an excellent book that I would recommend to anyone who likes mysteries about supernatural or paranormal beings. The book comes out in two days. I strongly suggest checking it out!
DEAD BEFORE DYING is a new novel by Kerry Schafer, published by Diversion.
POV: First Person
Tense: Present
Setting: Washington
Sexual Content: none
A wonderful mixture of mystery, horror, and humor, DEAD BEFORE DYING is a not-to-miss read.
The story is about Maureen, an older FBI agent who is recovering from serious injuries. She is asked to go undercover in an assisted living home, because residents are mysteriously dying.
The strengths of this novel like in its originality, continuity, and characterization. Maureen is unique as a heroine; I haven’t seen many heroines so physically hampered come out on top. I loved her vulnerability and her stubbornness.
Another excellent aspect of DEAD BEFORE DYING is the development of the mystery. Schafer cast suspicion on multiple characters and kept me guessing until the end.
The ending left room for the author to continue Maureen’s story, yet the main storyline was resolved nicely. No major cliffhangers.
I have a few criticisms that don’t affect my overall rating. One is that the present tense was used for flashbacks. To me it’s illogical. If it happened in the past, it should be written in past tense. That’s just my opinion.
Another criticism I had was the lack of geographical details. It wasn’t until the end of the book that it was clear to me that Shadow Valley was in Washington. I think the setting could have been developed more.
My final negative observation is regarding the FBI involvement. I didn’t understand how no one in the FBI cared where Maureen was or what she was doing. I got that it was a rogue assignment, but didn’t she have to report to anyone for regular assignments? Even if they thought she was still recovering, eventually she would have to report to someone. But, that concern never comes up. At the end, she’s worried about them coming for another person, but never considers this for herself. She mentions she doesn’t work for them anymore, but I don’t recall her resigning.
It’s possible I overlooked something that had been said in the novel that answers those questions. If I were to read it again. I might pick up on it. However, the fact that they weren’t apparent to me on the first read-through says something.
Nevertheless, those criticisms don’t affect my enjoyment enough to change my rating. DEAD BEFORE DYING is an excellent book that I would recommend to anyone who likes mysteries about supernatural or paranormal beings. The book comes out in two days. I strongly suggest checking it out!
November 12, 2015
DNF - 39%
Unfortunately, I couldn't bring myself to finish this one. However, despite my lower-than-average rating, I do think plenty of readers might be able to enjoy Dead Before Dying. Just not this reader.
2 stars. This book has an original premise, and an even more unique main character, something I appreciated right of the bat.
We follow a golden-aged woman in her early 60's named Maureen, who is an operative in some sort of X-Files-ey secret agency. Maureen is feisty and tough as nails, and was recently involved in a mysterious accident, which we see her recovering from in the hospital at the beginning of chapter 1. Despite her getting older and her recent injuries, however, she is to go undercover ... at an rich and fabulous elderly home?
It's such a unique environment and pair of eyes to be reading through, and I like that! ... but that's pretty much it. First of all, I didn't realize this book is more paranormal than it is sci-fi or fantasy. Paranormal fiction is a genre I don't care for at all and a genre this book most certainly is. The world of Dead Before Dying is more akin to worlds of vampires and werewolves than it is of magic or magicians, etc. I personally like me my magicians and such.
But if my problems with the book ended with it being paranormal fiction, this would have had a higher rating. I didn't feel a connection to any of the characters, who were all very unlikable, and while there was supposed to be an air of mystery regarding Maureen's employers and the circumstances of her accident, it felt like there was too much missing information.
So obviously I didn't care for this book. However, if you do enjoy paranormal fiction, and are interested in a mystery involving sketchy elderly people and the supernatural, and can ignore vague writing and irritating characters - give this a shot. You might like it.
I received an arc of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, I couldn't bring myself to finish this one. However, despite my lower-than-average rating, I do think plenty of readers might be able to enjoy Dead Before Dying. Just not this reader.
2 stars. This book has an original premise, and an even more unique main character, something I appreciated right of the bat.
We follow a golden-aged woman in her early 60's named Maureen, who is an operative in some sort of X-Files-ey secret agency. Maureen is feisty and tough as nails, and was recently involved in a mysterious accident, which we see her recovering from in the hospital at the beginning of chapter 1. Despite her getting older and her recent injuries, however, she is to go undercover ... at an rich and fabulous elderly home?
It's such a unique environment and pair of eyes to be reading through, and I like that! ... but that's pretty much it. First of all, I didn't realize this book is more paranormal than it is sci-fi or fantasy. Paranormal fiction is a genre I don't care for at all and a genre this book most certainly is. The world of Dead Before Dying is more akin to worlds of vampires and werewolves than it is of magic or magicians, etc. I personally like me my magicians and such.
But if my problems with the book ended with it being paranormal fiction, this would have had a higher rating. I didn't feel a connection to any of the characters, who were all very unlikable, and while there was supposed to be an air of mystery regarding Maureen's employers and the circumstances of her accident, it felt like there was too much missing information.
So obviously I didn't care for this book. However, if you do enjoy paranormal fiction, and are interested in a mystery involving sketchy elderly people and the supernatural, and can ignore vague writing and irritating characters - give this a shot. You might like it.
I received an arc of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2016
Diversion Books and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
Maureen Keslyn was almost eaten by a slug-like paranormal, but walked out of the hospital only weeks later. Her friend and coworker, Abel, is there for her with a gun and a guest FBI ID, with a proposal for a job. Finding that her husband has moved his mistress into her home, an undercover assignment at Shadow Valley Manor might be just was Maureen needs. Her friend Phil is the new proprietor in need of assistance, but she has an uneasy feeling about the place in general. Rumored to be haunted, Maureen barely has time to settle in before unexplainable events start to happen. Will Shadow Valley Manor be Maureen's undoing?
This supernatural thriller features a unique concept, a fast moving plot, and an interesting female lead character. Maureen Keslyn is mentally tough and has the great ability of being able to puzzle out that which does not exist to most people. Her strength, despite still healing from her last brush with a supernatural entity, is what gets her though the day and enables her to help others survive. Her zeal for life is uplifting and provides a bit of levity to the book. Dead Before Dying is a great example of a paranormal suspense novel that does not have any romance, proving that the two genre do not have to go hand in hand.
Maureen Keslyn was almost eaten by a slug-like paranormal, but walked out of the hospital only weeks later. Her friend and coworker, Abel, is there for her with a gun and a guest FBI ID, with a proposal for a job. Finding that her husband has moved his mistress into her home, an undercover assignment at Shadow Valley Manor might be just was Maureen needs. Her friend Phil is the new proprietor in need of assistance, but she has an uneasy feeling about the place in general. Rumored to be haunted, Maureen barely has time to settle in before unexplainable events start to happen. Will Shadow Valley Manor be Maureen's undoing?
This supernatural thriller features a unique concept, a fast moving plot, and an interesting female lead character. Maureen Keslyn is mentally tough and has the great ability of being able to puzzle out that which does not exist to most people. Her strength, despite still healing from her last brush with a supernatural entity, is what gets her though the day and enables her to help others survive. Her zeal for life is uplifting and provides a bit of levity to the book. Dead Before Dying is a great example of a paranormal suspense novel that does not have any romance, proving that the two genre do not have to go hand in hand.
November 20, 2019
I this is a new favorite paranormal series. A paranormal thriller with a grip.
I really enjoyed Kerry's writing as we walk into empty homes and areas of the manor. I feel as though I'm with Maureen and don't know what we'll find, just creeping along taking in the sights with her. I'm drawn into the moment and wondering what we'll find. I love when this happens, as I don't feel as I'm just listening to a story but a part of it with the character and learning things as she does.
****FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW****
I really enjoyed Kerry's writing as we walk into empty homes and areas of the manor. I feel as though I'm with Maureen and don't know what we'll find, just creeping along taking in the sights with her. I'm drawn into the moment and wondering what we'll find. I love when this happens, as I don't feel as I'm just listening to a story but a part of it with the character and learning things as she does.
****FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW****
April 12, 2017
Okay, so this was awesome. Totally fresh take on anything paranormal I've ever read. I loved Maureen. I loved Sophie. I even loved the characters who disappointed me and Maureen in the end. I had an inkling, kinda, about Alice not being who she seemed, but I never thought that. I didn't have clue one about Matt. The only thing that tripped me up a little was at the beginning when I had Maureen pegged as way older than she was - still an older gal than most, but not geriatric.
August 10, 2021
Equal parts mystery and paranormal with a strong dose of humor.
Maureen is an FBI agent, in her sixty's, recovering from recent injuries who's called on to help solve a problem at the Shadow Valley Manor. You see, the elderly residents of the manor are dying in a most a peculiar way. She soon discovers there are supernatural things happening and she's going to need all her previous training to solve the mystery. With an interesting cast of characters at her side she doggedly searches for the clues that will explain the otherworldly occurrences and deaths.
This is the start of a series and I enjoyed getting acquainted with Maureen, Sophie and the rest of the characters. I was pleasantly surprised by the plot and my inability to guess where the story was going and who was 'good' and who wasn't. I look forward to continuing the series and recommend this one to those who like feisty, female protagonists in a paranormal setting with a good mystery to solve.
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Thank you to the author and Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy to read, review and enjoy.
Maureen is an FBI agent, in her sixty's, recovering from recent injuries who's called on to help solve a problem at the Shadow Valley Manor. You see, the elderly residents of the manor are dying in a most a peculiar way. She soon discovers there are supernatural things happening and she's going to need all her previous training to solve the mystery. With an interesting cast of characters at her side she doggedly searches for the clues that will explain the otherworldly occurrences and deaths.
This is the start of a series and I enjoyed getting acquainted with Maureen, Sophie and the rest of the characters. I was pleasantly surprised by the plot and my inability to guess where the story was going and who was 'good' and who wasn't. I look forward to continuing the series and recommend this one to those who like feisty, female protagonists in a paranormal setting with a good mystery to solve.
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Thank you to the author and Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy to read, review and enjoy.
July 22, 2017
Dead Before Dying: A Shadow Valley Manor Novel (The Shadow Valley Manor Series Book 1) by Kerry Schafer
5 Amazing Stars
O.M.G. what an awesome book!! Let me start by saying I don't normally read paranormal or supernatural thrillers, as in like never, something about the synopsis of this story caught my attention and I am so genuinely glad it did. I started this with the intention of just getting it started and would get some things done and then pick it back up, YEA RIGHT!! Breathing was even an unwanted distraction while reading this story. The flow was perfection, the character building was awesome, I just don't have enough perfect words to describe this book!!
Maureen Keslyn is getting out of the hospital at the beginning of this book, recovering from being injured in her last assignment. Still sore and with a good amount of recovery left she is offered another assignment which would have her checking in to Shadow Valley Manor. Working undercover she sets out to find out what is going on at this strange and eerie place. Residents and staff are mysteriously dying and with her only contacts expiring quickly she finds herself aligned with the local sheriff, who she's not sure she can trust, the undertaker's daughter who obviously has her own secrets, and the newly hired cook. Her past experiences of fighting the supernatural will be her only hope to seek and destroy whatever evil is at play. Each resident also seems to have their own secrets, as well as the director who seems determined that Maureen not stay there.
There is just so much happening in this book, the twists and turns and AHA moments are too many to list, and the dark humor that popped up throughout was perfect. I can not wait to read the next book of this series, but I will be better prepared because if it's anything like this one I'll need to make sure all is done before I start LOL LOVED LOVED LOVED IT!!!
5 Amazing Stars
O.M.G. what an awesome book!! Let me start by saying I don't normally read paranormal or supernatural thrillers, as in like never, something about the synopsis of this story caught my attention and I am so genuinely glad it did. I started this with the intention of just getting it started and would get some things done and then pick it back up, YEA RIGHT!! Breathing was even an unwanted distraction while reading this story. The flow was perfection, the character building was awesome, I just don't have enough perfect words to describe this book!!
Maureen Keslyn is getting out of the hospital at the beginning of this book, recovering from being injured in her last assignment. Still sore and with a good amount of recovery left she is offered another assignment which would have her checking in to Shadow Valley Manor. Working undercover she sets out to find out what is going on at this strange and eerie place. Residents and staff are mysteriously dying and with her only contacts expiring quickly she finds herself aligned with the local sheriff, who she's not sure she can trust, the undertaker's daughter who obviously has her own secrets, and the newly hired cook. Her past experiences of fighting the supernatural will be her only hope to seek and destroy whatever evil is at play. Each resident also seems to have their own secrets, as well as the director who seems determined that Maureen not stay there.
There is just so much happening in this book, the twists and turns and AHA moments are too many to list, and the dark humor that popped up throughout was perfect. I can not wait to read the next book of this series, but I will be better prepared because if it's anything like this one I'll need to make sure all is done before I start LOL LOVED LOVED LOVED IT!!!
December 28, 2015
Dead before Dying is a gripping paranormal investigative thriller. The central person is Maureen, who is recovering in hospital from hellish injuries inflicted on her in the course of her last investigation . Despite needing considerable recuperation, she returns home only to find her husband has moved in his girlfriend, Glenda. Abel, her FBI colleague, suggests the Shadow Valley Manor, which used to be a home for unmarried mothers (HUM),where Phil Ever, an ex colleague and lover, has requested her help on his latest mission.
On arriving, she finds she is unwanted by the manager, Betty, and a dead body that is being removed by Sophronia, the undertaker’s daughter. She insists on staying and meets the geriatric inmates and a recently recruited cook, Matt. On visiting Phil’s home, she discovers his just dead body and is interrogated by a sheriff, Jake, who is suspicious of her. Maureen inherits Shadow Valley Manor, and is determined to continue Phil’s investigations despite obstacles placed in her way. Abel turns up dead as do other dead bodies. There are secret passages and basements that suggest sinister goings on in the past when the place was a home for unmarried mothers. There is evidence of paranormal entities of which Maureen has no knowledge. Betty’s home burns down. We learn that both Phil and Maureen had turned down positions to work in a highly secret paranormal government project in the past. The ramifications of their actions turn out to have consequences in the present. A number of people turn out to not be exactly what they first seemed. Maureen is aided by Jake and Sophronia.
The explosive finale turns out to be a shock from the blue. Paranormal entities are involved and have to be dealt with. It is discovered who was behind the murder of Phil and Abel. Maureen barely escapes with her life and tries to sort out the Shadow Valley Manor so that it can return as a going concern. Despite her age, Maureen is a feisty and determined heroine. More to the point, she is not done yet as she looks forward to her next investigation. This is a well plotted story with a fast paced, exciting narrative. The book is inhabited by great characters from Maureen, Sophronia, Jake, Gerald the vampire etc.. I can thoroughly recommend this paranormal thriller to others. Many thanks to Diversion Books, the publishers for a copy of the book via netgalley.
On arriving, she finds she is unwanted by the manager, Betty, and a dead body that is being removed by Sophronia, the undertaker’s daughter. She insists on staying and meets the geriatric inmates and a recently recruited cook, Matt. On visiting Phil’s home, she discovers his just dead body and is interrogated by a sheriff, Jake, who is suspicious of her. Maureen inherits Shadow Valley Manor, and is determined to continue Phil’s investigations despite obstacles placed in her way. Abel turns up dead as do other dead bodies. There are secret passages and basements that suggest sinister goings on in the past when the place was a home for unmarried mothers. There is evidence of paranormal entities of which Maureen has no knowledge. Betty’s home burns down. We learn that both Phil and Maureen had turned down positions to work in a highly secret paranormal government project in the past. The ramifications of their actions turn out to have consequences in the present. A number of people turn out to not be exactly what they first seemed. Maureen is aided by Jake and Sophronia.
The explosive finale turns out to be a shock from the blue. Paranormal entities are involved and have to be dealt with. It is discovered who was behind the murder of Phil and Abel. Maureen barely escapes with her life and tries to sort out the Shadow Valley Manor so that it can return as a going concern. Despite her age, Maureen is a feisty and determined heroine. More to the point, she is not done yet as she looks forward to her next investigation. This is a well plotted story with a fast paced, exciting narrative. The book is inhabited by great characters from Maureen, Sophronia, Jake, Gerald the vampire etc.. I can thoroughly recommend this paranormal thriller to others. Many thanks to Diversion Books, the publishers for a copy of the book via netgalley.
November 8, 2015
Maureen Keslyn was leaving the hospital where she had been for a few weeks. The last mission she was on went a little wrong and she paid the consequences with a mutant slug trying to eat her insides. However, she is ready to get back in the game. Waiting for her as she leaves the hospital is one of her co-workers who wants her to go undercover at a facility for older people, which she feels she doesn’t need even if she is approaching that age. But what could it hurt; she is still feeling the injuries and could use the rest. When she arrives at the facility, she immediately knows something strange is going on. And her fears are confirmed when one of her contacts winds up dead. But he had dealt with the paranormal before, had been one the best in the business. What was really going on? And she isn’t sure she will survive as the bodies start piling up, missing all of their blood.
First off, I found the book engrossing from the start. I was immediately drawn into the story, and it was off to a fast start. I didn’t want to put the book down. The characters were unique, the story interesting and original, and the ending satisfying. However, I did find a couple things to be a little frustrating. I didn’t feel I knew the background and history of the main character enough to be really invested. I wish the author had gone a little more in-depth into what organization and type of organization she worked for, and how all the people in the organization related to each other, her rank, really any minor details, but it helps to flesh out the characters. Usually, revealing a little a time works, but I didn’t feel it did in this book. When they had a flash-back, which I don’t want to spoil, to explain what was happening in the present, I felt a little disconnected, and not sure why the other character hadn’t had more progress in the 20 years (?) of his battle. That is a little vague, but since it is a major spoiler, I don’t want to go too much into details! But don’t let this little hiccup dissuade you from picking this book up. It is really worth it. The flaws are minor, and I am eagerly anticipating the next one, of which I hope there will be! Get it as soon as it’s available!
Thanks to NetGalley and Diversion Books for the free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
First off, I found the book engrossing from the start. I was immediately drawn into the story, and it was off to a fast start. I didn’t want to put the book down. The characters were unique, the story interesting and original, and the ending satisfying. However, I did find a couple things to be a little frustrating. I didn’t feel I knew the background and history of the main character enough to be really invested. I wish the author had gone a little more in-depth into what organization and type of organization she worked for, and how all the people in the organization related to each other, her rank, really any minor details, but it helps to flesh out the characters. Usually, revealing a little a time works, but I didn’t feel it did in this book. When they had a flash-back, which I don’t want to spoil, to explain what was happening in the present, I felt a little disconnected, and not sure why the other character hadn’t had more progress in the 20 years (?) of his battle. That is a little vague, but since it is a major spoiler, I don’t want to go too much into details! But don’t let this little hiccup dissuade you from picking this book up. It is really worth it. The flaws are minor, and I am eagerly anticipating the next one, of which I hope there will be! Get it as soon as it’s available!
Thanks to NetGalley and Diversion Books for the free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
February 10, 2016
I read a lot of mysteries, and DEAD BEFORE DYING kept me guessing all the way to the end–which is a major mark in its favor (though not a mandatory element of a good read, at least for me, because with other mysteries I enjoy, I often figure them out fairly quickly). Better still, Schafer’s cast of quirky (and often creepy) characters were a delightful bunch, from the elderly writer begging the male residents (also elderly…) to help her “research” her newest erotic novel to a geriatric vampire and Maureen herself, whose darkly edgy sense of humor made me laugh out loud more than once.
The novel isn’t “too scary” for people who don’t like horror reads, but it has its share of creepy moments. If you’re easily frightened, make it an afternoon read, or plan to finish it in one night–hey, you won’t be sleeping anyway…
For those of us who like a little scare and a lot of action in our mysteries, DEAD BEFORE DYING hits all the right notes at an excellent pace, with a healthy infusion of the dark, dry humor that’s a hallmark of Kerry Schafer’s style.
And yes, I'll note that I did blurb this book, but I was neither asked to post this review nor paid for doing so. I simply loved the book and wanted other people to know that I did, and why.
The novel isn’t “too scary” for people who don’t like horror reads, but it has its share of creepy moments. If you’re easily frightened, make it an afternoon read, or plan to finish it in one night–hey, you won’t be sleeping anyway…
For those of us who like a little scare and a lot of action in our mysteries, DEAD BEFORE DYING hits all the right notes at an excellent pace, with a healthy infusion of the dark, dry humor that’s a hallmark of Kerry Schafer’s style.
And yes, I'll note that I did blurb this book, but I was neither asked to post this review nor paid for doing so. I simply loved the book and wanted other people to know that I did, and why.
December 28, 2015
3.5
This was an entertaining read which mashed-up urban fantasy/paranormal with mystery/thriller.
Basically, an FBI agent goes undercover at a Manor without really being told why and people start dying. Obviously she starts having to figure out what is happening.
What I loved about this book and set it apart for me was the main character, Maureen Keslyn. It isn't every day we get a female "detective" that society would classify as old. She was dry-humored/sarcastic, stubborn, lippy, smart, wounded and tough. I loved her. If there is a follow-up book, or anything else with the main character I will read it.
As for the fantasy/paranormal it was light-ish. I don't say that as a negative thing, I think it can surprise many readers who are only mystery fans and possibly open the door for them into the world of urban fantasy/paranormal.
This was an entertaining read which mashed-up urban fantasy/paranormal with mystery/thriller.
Basically, an FBI agent goes undercover at a Manor without really being told why and people start dying. Obviously she starts having to figure out what is happening.
What I loved about this book and set it apart for me was the main character, Maureen Keslyn. It isn't every day we get a female "detective" that society would classify as old. She was dry-humored/sarcastic, stubborn, lippy, smart, wounded and tough. I loved her. If there is a follow-up book, or anything else with the main character I will read it.
As for the fantasy/paranormal it was light-ish. I don't say that as a negative thing, I think it can surprise many readers who are only mystery fans and possibly open the door for them into the world of urban fantasy/paranormal.
October 31, 2016
Critics compared this to Koontz's paranormal novels....it doesn't come close. Readable but not as good as I had hoped. Great beach read, but stretches the concepts of evil into more cartoonish monsters.
November 9, 2024
I think I've found my literary doppelganger.
Maureen Kreslyn, FBI agent in the Paranormal Relations division but post-hospital after a battle she barely survived against a giant intestine-eating slug, she is feeling all of her 55+ years. Right now her biggest nemesis are stairs.
She is uncertain why her boss Abel Galloway is sending her into Shadow Valley Manor to “convalesce” from her injuries but when she hears that her former partner/lover Phil Evers requested her help, she doesn’t hesitate to go. It doesn’t hurt that she has no where else to go since her husband moved his girlfriend into the house while she was in the hospital but really, couldn’t his mistress have been too young and beautiful. No, her husband has left her for a woman who looks like she wants to bake you cookies and make you a quilt.
The worst part of this assignment is neither Abel nor Phil have given her a heads up of why she is under cover. Old people are dying, that’s not a total shocker, but all the corpses appear to be bloodless. While her neighbor is a self-declared vampire--and what self-respecting vampire would actually turn a decrepit old geezer—neither Phil nor Abel would need to send her undercover if the case was so simple.
Who—or more likely what—is killing the residents of Shadow Valley Manor and is one of the residents something other than a sweet old retiree?
Maureen is on her own in a sea of senior citizens, but at least they make her feel young-ish in comparison.
Thoughts:
I have never related to a character more than I did Maureen. Maureen is in her mid- to late-fifties. and is starting to feel her age. When she realizes she needs to get up to her room in the third floor and then take the stairs of the secret passage back down to the basement and she opts to take the elevator because her bad leg wasn’t gonna hack it, and she knows that they hear her thumping down the stairs because stealth is no longer an option--for the time I truly saw myself as a main character in a story. That would absolutely be me as a monster hunter. Maureen is a plain old human fighting the monsters that go bump in the night. She doesn’t have magic or a sword or healing abilities. As she puts it, she was picked because she doesn’t scare easily and without reacting in panic, she can think her way through a monster attack. She only has a revolver with a variety of bullets to protect her depending on her attacker. That doesn't help much as she barely survived her last encounter.
Maureen makes some odd friends in the small town but she isn’t even sure who she can really trust. Maureen is all alone so she takes their help, including a handsome local sheriff, the new cook, the young woman from the funeral parlor, and even her grumpy "vampire" neighbor might come in handy.
It takes a bit for the author to clue us in on what happened at Shadow Valley Manor in the past and what might be happening now but I enjoyed my visit to Shadow Valley and have picked up the next two books.
Maureen Kreslyn, FBI agent in the Paranormal Relations division but post-hospital after a battle she barely survived against a giant intestine-eating slug, she is feeling all of her 55+ years. Right now her biggest nemesis are stairs.
She is uncertain why her boss Abel Galloway is sending her into Shadow Valley Manor to “convalesce” from her injuries but when she hears that her former partner/lover Phil Evers requested her help, she doesn’t hesitate to go. It doesn’t hurt that she has no where else to go since her husband moved his girlfriend into the house while she was in the hospital but really, couldn’t his mistress have been too young and beautiful. No, her husband has left her for a woman who looks like she wants to bake you cookies and make you a quilt.
The worst part of this assignment is neither Abel nor Phil have given her a heads up of why she is under cover. Old people are dying, that’s not a total shocker, but all the corpses appear to be bloodless. While her neighbor is a self-declared vampire--and what self-respecting vampire would actually turn a decrepit old geezer—neither Phil nor Abel would need to send her undercover if the case was so simple.
Who—or more likely what—is killing the residents of Shadow Valley Manor and is one of the residents something other than a sweet old retiree?
Maureen is on her own in a sea of senior citizens, but at least they make her feel young-ish in comparison.
Thoughts:
I have never related to a character more than I did Maureen. Maureen is in her mid- to late-fifties. and is starting to feel her age. When she realizes she needs to get up to her room in the third floor and then take the stairs of the secret passage back down to the basement and she opts to take the elevator because her bad leg wasn’t gonna hack it, and she knows that they hear her thumping down the stairs because stealth is no longer an option--for the time I truly saw myself as a main character in a story. That would absolutely be me as a monster hunter. Maureen is a plain old human fighting the monsters that go bump in the night. She doesn’t have magic or a sword or healing abilities. As she puts it, she was picked because she doesn’t scare easily and without reacting in panic, she can think her way through a monster attack. She only has a revolver with a variety of bullets to protect her depending on her attacker. That doesn't help much as she barely survived her last encounter.
Maureen makes some odd friends in the small town but she isn’t even sure who she can really trust. Maureen is all alone so she takes their help, including a handsome local sheriff, the new cook, the young woman from the funeral parlor, and even her grumpy "vampire" neighbor might come in handy.
It takes a bit for the author to clue us in on what happened at Shadow Valley Manor in the past and what might be happening now but I enjoyed my visit to Shadow Valley and have picked up the next two books.
August 24, 2017
Dead before Dying is Book 1 of The Shadow Valley Manor Series Book. It is a paranormal / sci-fi /detective/mystery story. The story is written from the point of view of Maureen Keslyn an FBI investigator.
Maureen Keslyn is approaching sixty, is not afraid to take a risk and push herself to her absolute limit. At the request of an old FBI colleague she checks herself into Shadow Valley Manor Rest Home to recuperate from injuries caused by her previous investigation. Her arrival is unwelcome by the powers that be and she begins to realise that she is a total misfit there: she doesn’t fit in at all either age-wise or mental agility wise. So why she wonders was she requested to stay there?
As the mystery unfolds as to why Phil (a previous colleague and lover) wanted her there she gradually becomes enlightened and realises their shared past investigations into paranormal crimes / mysteries have put them both in increasing danger. With residents of the Manor and the village dying in mysterious or gruesome ways she is persuaded to work undercover and attempt to solve the mysterious deaths and put an end to the evil that stalks the Manor and the village itself.
What is it about their shared work that has put them both in danger? Can Maureen find out and stop the evil before it claims their lives too? Will the FBI continue to support her and Phil or will they work against them to discredit any evidence into the paranormal she and Phil uncover? They know the FBI has done this before: can they work secretly and quickly enough to solve the mysterious deaths and save others?
The characters created by Kerry Schafer are human, likeable and realistic. As a woman recuperating from surgery on her leg and abdomen, Maureen is constantly pushing herself whilst in pain and sometimes her injuries or the pain do get in the way of what she is doing or wants to do. Her character often has to struggle physically to get herself or others out of harm’s way. This adds to the tension in the story in a believable way. Her partnerships and relationships she makes with other characters are also written honestly and realistically. There is plenty of suspicion, sarcastic and humorous banter between them, plus you begin to realise how hurt and alone Maureen feels after personal relationships in the past haven’t worked out. I really felt for Maureen and could identify with her as someone used to leading an active life and now finding her body limitations are slowing her down. The paranormal activities and events were well written being full of tension, emitting a feeling of panic and intrigue for what would happen next. Dead Before Dying is a fast paced awesome beginning to the series. I am looking forward to reading the next book.
Maureen Keslyn is approaching sixty, is not afraid to take a risk and push herself to her absolute limit. At the request of an old FBI colleague she checks herself into Shadow Valley Manor Rest Home to recuperate from injuries caused by her previous investigation. Her arrival is unwelcome by the powers that be and she begins to realise that she is a total misfit there: she doesn’t fit in at all either age-wise or mental agility wise. So why she wonders was she requested to stay there?
As the mystery unfolds as to why Phil (a previous colleague and lover) wanted her there she gradually becomes enlightened and realises their shared past investigations into paranormal crimes / mysteries have put them both in increasing danger. With residents of the Manor and the village dying in mysterious or gruesome ways she is persuaded to work undercover and attempt to solve the mysterious deaths and put an end to the evil that stalks the Manor and the village itself.
What is it about their shared work that has put them both in danger? Can Maureen find out and stop the evil before it claims their lives too? Will the FBI continue to support her and Phil or will they work against them to discredit any evidence into the paranormal she and Phil uncover? They know the FBI has done this before: can they work secretly and quickly enough to solve the mysterious deaths and save others?
The characters created by Kerry Schafer are human, likeable and realistic. As a woman recuperating from surgery on her leg and abdomen, Maureen is constantly pushing herself whilst in pain and sometimes her injuries or the pain do get in the way of what she is doing or wants to do. Her character often has to struggle physically to get herself or others out of harm’s way. This adds to the tension in the story in a believable way. Her partnerships and relationships she makes with other characters are also written honestly and realistically. There is plenty of suspicion, sarcastic and humorous banter between them, plus you begin to realise how hurt and alone Maureen feels after personal relationships in the past haven’t worked out. I really felt for Maureen and could identify with her as someone used to leading an active life and now finding her body limitations are slowing her down. The paranormal activities and events were well written being full of tension, emitting a feeling of panic and intrigue for what would happen next. Dead Before Dying is a fast paced awesome beginning to the series. I am looking forward to reading the next book.
July 24, 2017
“Dead Before Dying” by Kerry Schafer is the first book in “The Shadow Valley Manor” series. The book starts off as the main character Maureen is being discharged from the hospital and even though you do not know what it is that exactly happened, you know her injuries are pretty severe. She has a lot of pain in her stomach/abdomen and in one leg. This is going to take a long time to heal and she is supposed to take it easy. After leaving the hospital she gets home to find out her husband has moved a woman in and is kicking her out.
Maureen reluctantly decides to take a job from an old colleague, which has her checking into the “Shadow Valley Manor”. Maureen has her secrets, along with most of the residents of the Manor. Upon first arrival a funeral home van is there to pick up a resident that recently passed. While Maureen thinks she is going to be able to rest, that is sure not the case once she gets her room and “settled” (if you can call it that) into her room. Things start to happen around the manor and the residents of the small town. Death seems to be a reoccurring thing for residents at the manor, and even though they are older, death is not necessarily knocking on their door. Mysteries things are happening and that is when the paranormal and super natural comes into the picture. Who can be trusted in such as small town with a place that has such a disturbing past? Is it the vampire or funeral directors daughter? Maybe the Sheriff, who seems to have secrets of his own.
When I first started this book I was not completely aware of what I was getting into. I knew it was a mystery, but was not fully aware of the paranormal and super natural side. So, with that being said, I did not really learn about the “super natural” part of the book until several chapters in. There were small mentions of things here and there that left you wondering but it did not really come out and say anything until about half way through the book. I think the mystery of that helped some, but at the same time a little explanation closer to the beginning would have been nice to. The book was pretty fast paced and kept me interested the whole time. I think the author did a good job at keeping that “who done it” throughout the whole book, and even though you had a good idea, there are several twists and surprises when you get to the end. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in a new paranormal series and I look forward to seeing where Kerry Schafer decides to take the second book in the series.
Maureen reluctantly decides to take a job from an old colleague, which has her checking into the “Shadow Valley Manor”. Maureen has her secrets, along with most of the residents of the Manor. Upon first arrival a funeral home van is there to pick up a resident that recently passed. While Maureen thinks she is going to be able to rest, that is sure not the case once she gets her room and “settled” (if you can call it that) into her room. Things start to happen around the manor and the residents of the small town. Death seems to be a reoccurring thing for residents at the manor, and even though they are older, death is not necessarily knocking on their door. Mysteries things are happening and that is when the paranormal and super natural comes into the picture. Who can be trusted in such as small town with a place that has such a disturbing past? Is it the vampire or funeral directors daughter? Maybe the Sheriff, who seems to have secrets of his own.
When I first started this book I was not completely aware of what I was getting into. I knew it was a mystery, but was not fully aware of the paranormal and super natural side. So, with that being said, I did not really learn about the “super natural” part of the book until several chapters in. There were small mentions of things here and there that left you wondering but it did not really come out and say anything until about half way through the book. I think the mystery of that helped some, but at the same time a little explanation closer to the beginning would have been nice to. The book was pretty fast paced and kept me interested the whole time. I think the author did a good job at keeping that “who done it” throughout the whole book, and even though you had a good idea, there are several twists and surprises when you get to the end. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in a new paranormal series and I look forward to seeing where Kerry Schafer decides to take the second book in the series.
July 19, 2021
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When I started reading this book, I didn’t know what to expect. I thought it would be a story of a woman going into a strange manor on a secret mission. In comparison, it is all that, but the book is so much more.
What’s interesting about the tale is that initially, you (and even Maureen) are not aware of the mission. Maureen has not a clue why Phil calls her to live in the manor. When something happens to Phil, it is up to her to figure out the mystery and investigate herself. The author also adds many twists and turns where you don’t know how things will turn out. There are a lot of suspects in the story.
Moreover, even the list of victims shocked me. Some of them are prominent characters who I did not expect the author to kill off some of these characters early on in the story. The author does a lovely job of keeping the suspense in place.
I also liked Maureen as the central character. The author writes her in a slightly insensitive yet entertaining manner. Moreover, I also liked the supporting characters like Jake, Sophie, and Matt. Another nice thing about the story is how my perception of many characters changed throughout reading the book. Similarly, people who I initially disliked turned out to be some of my favorite characters. I enjoyed the interactions Maureen has with Jake when they both suspect each other. Some scenes gave me a creepy vibe, like when Maureen investigates the manor and senses a supernatural presence.
Overall, “Dead Before Dying” is an exciting start to the “Shadow Valley Manor,” and I look forward to seeing reading the rest of the series.
May 5, 2020
*I was given this free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
The book starts with getting a great view into Maureen's personality. I loved it! Kerry's writing and Teri's voice adding the personality makes a perfect fit for Maureen out of the gate. I also can relate to the sound and feel of Maureen at the opening, both writing and vocals make it easy to believe and relate to. Listening to this story, I feel Teri is a perfect match for Maureen's personality. Wow. I never questioned the character tones or personalities as Teri voiced them all. I slipped into the story, listening and ready to learn what I could.
I really enjoyed Kerry's writing as we walk into empty homes and areas of the manor. I feel as though I'm with Maureen and don't know what we'll find, just creeping along taking in the sights with her. I'm drawn into the moment and wondering what we'll find. I love when this happens, as I don't feel as I'm just listening to a story but a part of it with the character and learning things as she does.
I love Maureen! She's got a strong personality and she doesn't fear anything. She speaks of what's on her mind when it comes to Ed and Abel. She's older than your normal main character, but she's got loads of experience to rely on. She's one strong woman who can battle through troubles and make it out the other side.
I felt like the world of paranormal was a huge secret here with how Maureen works and steps around all the questions. There feels to be a big presence that's not a good one in the paranormal world. There also feels to be a huge, dark research group that are hiding in the shadows of the world. So much more to the hushed world of paranormal here. We start to peel back the layers of this onion, slowly so we get to learn what's here and keep the suspense going. By the end, we get our answers on what's happened. However, even though we got answers, there's lots of elements that could be investigated and found.
Okay. I this is a new favorite paranormal series. I love the paranormal present in the book. We have illegal research that's happened and there are creatures out there that are dangerous. I love how the characters match even though they are not trusted by each other. Great blend of everything here! I will totally be watching for more books in this world!
The book starts with getting a great view into Maureen's personality. I loved it! Kerry's writing and Teri's voice adding the personality makes a perfect fit for Maureen out of the gate. I also can relate to the sound and feel of Maureen at the opening, both writing and vocals make it easy to believe and relate to. Listening to this story, I feel Teri is a perfect match for Maureen's personality. Wow. I never questioned the character tones or personalities as Teri voiced them all. I slipped into the story, listening and ready to learn what I could.
I really enjoyed Kerry's writing as we walk into empty homes and areas of the manor. I feel as though I'm with Maureen and don't know what we'll find, just creeping along taking in the sights with her. I'm drawn into the moment and wondering what we'll find. I love when this happens, as I don't feel as I'm just listening to a story but a part of it with the character and learning things as she does.
I love Maureen! She's got a strong personality and she doesn't fear anything. She speaks of what's on her mind when it comes to Ed and Abel. She's older than your normal main character, but she's got loads of experience to rely on. She's one strong woman who can battle through troubles and make it out the other side.
I felt like the world of paranormal was a huge secret here with how Maureen works and steps around all the questions. There feels to be a big presence that's not a good one in the paranormal world. There also feels to be a huge, dark research group that are hiding in the shadows of the world. So much more to the hushed world of paranormal here. We start to peel back the layers of this onion, slowly so we get to learn what's here and keep the suspense going. By the end, we get our answers on what's happened. However, even though we got answers, there's lots of elements that could be investigated and found.
Okay. I this is a new favorite paranormal series. I love the paranormal present in the book. We have illegal research that's happened and there are creatures out there that are dangerous. I love how the characters match even though they are not trusted by each other. Great blend of everything here! I will totally be watching for more books in this world!
July 16, 2017
Dead before dying by Kerry Shafer straddles the worlds of thrillers and the supernatural very well, not too much one or the other, the best of both.
Maureen Keslyn is an older but most definitely not old, occasionally cranky but incredibly endearing woman, who has recently been battered by life. Recovering from physical wounds and the mental ones of finding another woman installed in her house, she takes the only option left to her. An undercover operation suggested by an old colleague in a what's supposed to be a luxury retirement complex and turns out to be glorified nursing home. With a cast of well described oldies, a zealot home-manager, a drool worthy hunk of a cook and the mystical soul healer Sophronia, this world and it's inhabitants are easy to imagine.
Local sheriff Jake Callahan is an older man, but still virile and sharp, the perfect counterpart to Maureen's occasional biting wit. He takes being introduced to the realm of the supernatural on the chin whilst remaining wary and suspicious of all. Who wouldn't believe entirely human motives over the possibility of a geriatric vampire, after all?
After Phil, her old colleague dies and we find that Maureen has been left Shadow Valley Manor in his will, she starts to feel responsible for the ever decreasing number of guests. This begins a journey into the history of the building and also into Maureen and Phil's own personal history. To solve the the problems of present, the motives from long ago need to come to light.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, the twists in the plot kept me guessing and I didn't see the end coming which I always enjoy, some books are very predictable and this wasn't. It did feel to me as though this was an already established series, as though I was joining an on going story and that I'd missed some of the history, perhaps this is something the author will explore with a sequel.
Overall I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys supernatural thrillers.
Maureen Keslyn is an older but most definitely not old, occasionally cranky but incredibly endearing woman, who has recently been battered by life. Recovering from physical wounds and the mental ones of finding another woman installed in her house, she takes the only option left to her. An undercover operation suggested by an old colleague in a what's supposed to be a luxury retirement complex and turns out to be glorified nursing home. With a cast of well described oldies, a zealot home-manager, a drool worthy hunk of a cook and the mystical soul healer Sophronia, this world and it's inhabitants are easy to imagine.
Local sheriff Jake Callahan is an older man, but still virile and sharp, the perfect counterpart to Maureen's occasional biting wit. He takes being introduced to the realm of the supernatural on the chin whilst remaining wary and suspicious of all. Who wouldn't believe entirely human motives over the possibility of a geriatric vampire, after all?
After Phil, her old colleague dies and we find that Maureen has been left Shadow Valley Manor in his will, she starts to feel responsible for the ever decreasing number of guests. This begins a journey into the history of the building and also into Maureen and Phil's own personal history. To solve the the problems of present, the motives from long ago need to come to light.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, the twists in the plot kept me guessing and I didn't see the end coming which I always enjoy, some books are very predictable and this wasn't. It did feel to me as though this was an already established series, as though I was joining an on going story and that I'd missed some of the history, perhaps this is something the author will explore with a sequel.
Overall I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys supernatural thrillers.
January 29, 2017
Dead Before Dying by Kerry Schafer is a supernatural thriller that will give you suspense and mystery behind every page you turn. This story has action, vampires, evil everything that a supernatural thriller is about. This story is about finding a killer before they manage to kill everyone. This dark humored story will have you sitting on the edge of your seat just waiting to see what will happen next.
Maureen Keslyn is recuperating and rehabilitating from her last job at the Shadow Valley Manor. She makes friends with the patients that all seem to have secrets or grudges. She has her own secrets like how she was injured and why the FBI is watching her. Will she fit in with the other patients? Will she stick out from the others and draw attention to herself? Will they find out her secrets?
When she starts working undercover to find out who is killing off the patients one by one, what will she find? Is everyone in danger? Will she find the killer? Will she be able to protect everyone? When she decides the only choice she has is to use her supernatural powers what will happen? Will she destroy the evil and save herself? Will she convince everyone to be as paranoid as she is to help save them and find the killer? Will she bring peace to the dead?
This is my first story by Kerry Schafer. Kerry lives with a real life Viking in the deep, dark forest. She writes fantasy with teeth sunk into reality and mystery that delves into paranormal. She also writes women's fiction under the name Kerry Anne King. This is a fast reading story that will have you turning page after page and never wanting to put it down. This story has a way of pulling you into the world of supernatural but only in the setting is a nursing home. You will need to see how this story ends. I highly suggest this story as I know you will enjoy it as much as I have.
Maureen Keslyn is recuperating and rehabilitating from her last job at the Shadow Valley Manor. She makes friends with the patients that all seem to have secrets or grudges. She has her own secrets like how she was injured and why the FBI is watching her. Will she fit in with the other patients? Will she stick out from the others and draw attention to herself? Will they find out her secrets?
When she starts working undercover to find out who is killing off the patients one by one, what will she find? Is everyone in danger? Will she find the killer? Will she be able to protect everyone? When she decides the only choice she has is to use her supernatural powers what will happen? Will she destroy the evil and save herself? Will she convince everyone to be as paranoid as she is to help save them and find the killer? Will she bring peace to the dead?
This is my first story by Kerry Schafer. Kerry lives with a real life Viking in the deep, dark forest. She writes fantasy with teeth sunk into reality and mystery that delves into paranormal. She also writes women's fiction under the name Kerry Anne King. This is a fast reading story that will have you turning page after page and never wanting to put it down. This story has a way of pulling you into the world of supernatural but only in the setting is a nursing home. You will need to see how this story ends. I highly suggest this story as I know you will enjoy it as much as I have.
July 15, 2017
Dead Before Dying, by Kerry Schafer is a fantastic read that gets a five star rating from me!!!
In Dead Before Dying, Kerry Schafer had done something I have rarely seen before. She has written an older female heroine. I absolutely love Maureen a semi-retired FBI agent. She is feisty, competent, smart and perfectly able to take care of herself despite being banged up badly while working her previous case. I love that Maureen was written with spark, spunk and brains. Maureen is nobody's helpless grandmother. She is aging with strength of mind at the same time, there are certain weaknesses in her aging body that we all will face at one time or another. But Maureen is not letting a few minor, or major aches and pains slow her down. She is going all out and all in to solve these mysteries.
Kerry Schafer has done a remarkable job tackling something that very few others have attempted. She has successfully written an older woman protagonist. She has written Maureen with compassion, wit and an eye to the aging population who are not impressed with sparkling vampires. I like ‘em real. I appreciate the good Urban Fantasy that does not exalt youth as much as it revels in the wisdom that comes from age. I love Kerry’s detail and her ability to make the setting and characters so real they seem to jump off the page at you and demand your attention. All of your attention. All the way through the book.
Which brings me to another thing. If you start this book, plan on plenty of time to finish it because this is a one seat read. In other words, once you sit down to read this book, you won’t be able to get up again until you're finished. Bravo Kerry Schafer!!
In Dead Before Dying, Kerry Schafer had done something I have rarely seen before. She has written an older female heroine. I absolutely love Maureen a semi-retired FBI agent. She is feisty, competent, smart and perfectly able to take care of herself despite being banged up badly while working her previous case. I love that Maureen was written with spark, spunk and brains. Maureen is nobody's helpless grandmother. She is aging with strength of mind at the same time, there are certain weaknesses in her aging body that we all will face at one time or another. But Maureen is not letting a few minor, or major aches and pains slow her down. She is going all out and all in to solve these mysteries.
Kerry Schafer has done a remarkable job tackling something that very few others have attempted. She has successfully written an older woman protagonist. She has written Maureen with compassion, wit and an eye to the aging population who are not impressed with sparkling vampires. I like ‘em real. I appreciate the good Urban Fantasy that does not exalt youth as much as it revels in the wisdom that comes from age. I love Kerry’s detail and her ability to make the setting and characters so real they seem to jump off the page at you and demand your attention. All of your attention. All the way through the book.
Which brings me to another thing. If you start this book, plan on plenty of time to finish it because this is a one seat read. In other words, once you sit down to read this book, you won’t be able to get up again until you're finished. Bravo Kerry Schafer!!
February 2, 2020
I just read a paranormal mystery book with quirky, delightful characters. “Dead Before Dying: A Shadow Valley Manor Mystery” by Kerry Schafer was a book full of fun; mysterious and eerie at times. The plot was hard for me at first; getting the characters straight. But then about 30% in, BAM, it clicked and I couldn't put it down.
The character, Maureen, is such a card with her dry sense of humor; making me laugh out loud at times. Maureen Keslyn is a tough FBI paranormal agent, recovering from a wound and she doesn't take nonsense from anyone. I love that she was in her 50s, too. Who says you can't be a hard-a__ at that age! She needs to find answers to the mysterious events happening at the Shadow Valley Manor. As the sheriff states, “Some strange things have happened in this town, Ms. Keslyn. Things I can't account for by logic or science.” The ins and outs of solving this mystery take you to extreme eeriness; like holding your hand over your face, but with your fingers fanned out. You just have to see (read) what is happening next. I have to add, the old vampire's dentures really amused me! I was in the dental field for 35 years, so this really caught my attention.
Kerry is a wonderful writer; she knows how to give the reader the “eerie” feeling, making you read with all the lights on! She is also a new author to me; I'm interested in what else she has in her books. This paranormal murder mystery was a book I would normally not read, but so glad I did! I highly recommend you grab one of Kerry's books if you want a page-turner-keep-on-the-lights kind of read.
~I received this e-book in a giveaway by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.~
The character, Maureen, is such a card with her dry sense of humor; making me laugh out loud at times. Maureen Keslyn is a tough FBI paranormal agent, recovering from a wound and she doesn't take nonsense from anyone. I love that she was in her 50s, too. Who says you can't be a hard-a__ at that age! She needs to find answers to the mysterious events happening at the Shadow Valley Manor. As the sheriff states, “Some strange things have happened in this town, Ms. Keslyn. Things I can't account for by logic or science.” The ins and outs of solving this mystery take you to extreme eeriness; like holding your hand over your face, but with your fingers fanned out. You just have to see (read) what is happening next. I have to add, the old vampire's dentures really amused me! I was in the dental field for 35 years, so this really caught my attention.
Kerry is a wonderful writer; she knows how to give the reader the “eerie” feeling, making you read with all the lights on! She is also a new author to me; I'm interested in what else she has in her books. This paranormal murder mystery was a book I would normally not read, but so glad I did! I highly recommend you grab one of Kerry's books if you want a page-turner-keep-on-the-lights kind of read.
~I received this e-book in a giveaway by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.~
July 25, 2017
I just finished reading Dead Before Dying (The Shadow Valley Manor Series Book 1), by Kerry Schafer.
Federal Agent Maureen Keslyn is recovering from a wound that she got while working on a job.
We meet her in the hospital where she is getting very cranky because she has been pretty much bed bound for awhile and she is used to living life a bit faster.
She is barely discharged out of the hospital long enough to enjoy being out, when she is offered another job. She doesn’t want to take it at first but she is then told that someone in the field requested her, specifically. This piques her interest and she goes off to Shadow Valley Manor where she is faced with more mystery than she would like!
You don’t have to be a young adult to be in your “prime”!
At least, that’s what the character of Federal Agent Maureen Keslyn, taught me.
My first impression of this woman is awesome!
I absolutely love her! Her wits, her sarcasm, her dry humor, her outlook on life and death, her opinions of the living and the dead - I just love everything about her!
There are other characters in this book that I love as well, ranging from the quirky (and somewhat creepy) residents that Maureen lives with, to the staff of the Manor and locals.
The storyline alone would make me love this book but I have to be honest when I say that I was hooked from page one based on Maureen’s character on it’s own!
This is not a book about your regular ol’ paranormal creatures, Kerry Schafer gives it another life and I love it!
I can’t wait to read book number 2 in this series! 5 stars from me!
Federal Agent Maureen Keslyn is recovering from a wound that she got while working on a job.
We meet her in the hospital where she is getting very cranky because she has been pretty much bed bound for awhile and she is used to living life a bit faster.
She is barely discharged out of the hospital long enough to enjoy being out, when she is offered another job. She doesn’t want to take it at first but she is then told that someone in the field requested her, specifically. This piques her interest and she goes off to Shadow Valley Manor where she is faced with more mystery than she would like!
You don’t have to be a young adult to be in your “prime”!
At least, that’s what the character of Federal Agent Maureen Keslyn, taught me.
My first impression of this woman is awesome!
I absolutely love her! Her wits, her sarcasm, her dry humor, her outlook on life and death, her opinions of the living and the dead - I just love everything about her!
There are other characters in this book that I love as well, ranging from the quirky (and somewhat creepy) residents that Maureen lives with, to the staff of the Manor and locals.
The storyline alone would make me love this book but I have to be honest when I say that I was hooked from page one based on Maureen’s character on it’s own!
This is not a book about your regular ol’ paranormal creatures, Kerry Schafer gives it another life and I love it!
I can’t wait to read book number 2 in this series! 5 stars from me!
August 2, 2017
Dead Before Dying is an amazing paranormal mystery in the Shadow Valley Manor series by Kerry Schafer. This book follows, Maureen Keslyn, a federal agent specializing in the paranormal. Maureen is asked to take a case after just getting out of the hospital and she really doesn’t want to take this job where she will have to go undercover at a Manor that is a glorified old folks home. She is reluctant even after knowing that a longtime friend has requested her specifically to help out with this case.
When Maureen decides to take the case, she realizes quick that there is definitely something fishy going on at Shadow Valley Manor when her longtime colleague is killed before she can get a chance to talk about the case. There seems to be too many people that just turn a blind eye when strange things happen to the people being cared for at the Manor. “Old people die.” Was stated many times throughout this book and each time Maureen tries to hold back her anger at how older people are just pushed aside and ignored.
Maureen hates getting old and does not like that her body is failing her even if she has good reason for having so much trouble after such an accident. Maureen is coming to terms with getting old, but she is still a spitfire that does not wanted to be treated like a feeble old woman that can’t handle her own. Sure, sometimes she has to scooch her way up a staircase or two, but she still has her moxy!
Follow Maureen as she unfolds the mysteries of the Shadow Valley Manor and be enthralled with the different “paras” as they call them in the secret paranormal field.
When Maureen decides to take the case, she realizes quick that there is definitely something fishy going on at Shadow Valley Manor when her longtime colleague is killed before she can get a chance to talk about the case. There seems to be too many people that just turn a blind eye when strange things happen to the people being cared for at the Manor. “Old people die.” Was stated many times throughout this book and each time Maureen tries to hold back her anger at how older people are just pushed aside and ignored.
Maureen hates getting old and does not like that her body is failing her even if she has good reason for having so much trouble after such an accident. Maureen is coming to terms with getting old, but she is still a spitfire that does not wanted to be treated like a feeble old woman that can’t handle her own. Sure, sometimes she has to scooch her way up a staircase or two, but she still has her moxy!
Follow Maureen as she unfolds the mysteries of the Shadow Valley Manor and be enthralled with the different “paras” as they call them in the secret paranormal field.
February 8, 2017
Dead before Dying is a witty, paranormal mystery. One that is sure to have you laughing while you check your closets and under your bed. This story was well written and kept me turning the pages until the ending which left me a little surprised.
Maureen is an FBI agent. She specializes in paranormal activity. When she is injured in the line of duty and her home life starts to fall apart, she is forced to move into the Shadow Valley Manor. She doesn’t want to spend a single minute in a nursing home but soon changes her mind when people start dying too fast for natural causes. All evidence points to something supernatural.
Many major characters in this story cause way too much trouble for the heroine, Maureen. Those characters are not only human but vampires, shifters, and scientists as well. Maureen is already having a hard time trusting anyone thanks to her cheating husband. So that makes it seem as if Matt, Jake, Sophie, Betty and many others are working against Maureen when in fact, a few of them are working on the very same mystery. What is killing the people living at The Manor? What is draining their blood but not leaving vampire marks? Will Maureen be able to figure it out or will she too die an old lady in The Manor?
Maureen is the kind of old lady we all strive to be, courageous, brave, and funny. The characters in Maureen’s life keep her entertained and will make you laugh one minute and even want to kill some of them, just like Maureen. I laughed many times at her antics and I recommend this story to others.
Maureen is an FBI agent. She specializes in paranormal activity. When she is injured in the line of duty and her home life starts to fall apart, she is forced to move into the Shadow Valley Manor. She doesn’t want to spend a single minute in a nursing home but soon changes her mind when people start dying too fast for natural causes. All evidence points to something supernatural.
Many major characters in this story cause way too much trouble for the heroine, Maureen. Those characters are not only human but vampires, shifters, and scientists as well. Maureen is already having a hard time trusting anyone thanks to her cheating husband. So that makes it seem as if Matt, Jake, Sophie, Betty and many others are working against Maureen when in fact, a few of them are working on the very same mystery. What is killing the people living at The Manor? What is draining their blood but not leaving vampire marks? Will Maureen be able to figure it out or will she too die an old lady in The Manor?
Maureen is the kind of old lady we all strive to be, courageous, brave, and funny. The characters in Maureen’s life keep her entertained and will make you laugh one minute and even want to kill some of them, just like Maureen. I laughed many times at her antics and I recommend this story to others.
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