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A Misty Dawn Mystery #1

The House on Hallowed Ground

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When Misty Dawn, a former Hollywood Psychic to the Stars, moves into an old craftsman house, she encounters the former owner, the recently deceased Hollywood set designer, Wilson Thorne.

Wilson is unaware of his circumstances, and when Misty explains the particulars of his limbo state, and how he might help himself if he helps her, he’s not at all happy. That is until young actress Zoey Chamberlain comes to Misty’s door for help.

Zoey has recently purchased The Pink Mansion, a historic Hollywood Hills home, and believes it’s haunted. But when Misty arrives to search the house, it’s not a ghost she finds, but a dead body.

The police are quick to suspect Zoey of murdering her best friend. Zoey maintains her innocence and fears her friend’s death may have been a result of the ghost...and a long-time family curse.

Together Misty and Wilson must untangle the secrets of The Pink Mansion or submit to the powers of the family curse.

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THE HOUSE ON HALLOWED GROUND by Nancy Cole Silverman | A Henery Press Mystery. If you like one, you’ll probably like them all.

207 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 10, 2019

26 people are currently reading
173 people want to read

About the author

Nancy Cole Silverman

34 books363 followers
Nancy Cole Silverman spent nearly twenty-five in Los Angeles Talk Radio, beginning her career on the talent side as one of the first female voices on the air. Later, on the business side, she rose through the ranks and became one of two female general managers in the nation’s second-largest radio market. After a successful career in the radio industry, Silverman retired to write fiction. Her crime-focused novels and short stories have attracted readers throughout America. Her Carol Childs Mysteries series features a single mom whose day job as a reporter at a busy Los Angeles radio station often leads to long nights as a crime-solver. Her Misty Dawn Series is centered on an aging Hollywood Psychic to the Stars, who supplements her day-to-day activities as a consultant to the LAPD and the FBI. Silverman’s newest series, The Kat Lawson Mysteries, is centered on a disgraced investigative reporter who finds herself working for an international travel publication as an undercover operative for the FBI. Silverman lives in Los Angeles with her husband and thoroughly pampered standard poodle.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Yvonne.
1,349 reviews265 followers
May 4, 2020
Hollywood psychic, Misty Dawn, moves into the house of Wilson Thorne. Wilson is a set designer who recently passed away. Needless to say, she’s shocked when she meets him in her new home. It seems as if he has some unfinished business before he can finally rest in peace.

When a young actress, Zoey Chamberlain, comes to Misty for help - she’s sure her new mansion is haunted. Wilson agrees to help Misty solve the case. The last thing Misty expects is to find Zoey’s best friend murdered. Did a ghost do the killing or perhaps it was Zoey herself?

I’m not always a fan of paranormal cozy mysteries but this one won my heart over immediately. The rapport between ghost Wilson and psychic Misty is endearing and sweet. The perfect duo to investigate crimes. A modern day The Ghost and Mrs. Muir story - those are my favorite.

I was hooked on this book from page one. I loved everything about it. It’s intriguing, filled with charm and keeps you interested until the very last page. The dialogue is witty and the cast of characters range from quirky to sweet to really nasty. The author did an excellent job of bringing these characters to life.

I devoured this book. I couldn’t put it down until I read the whole thing. I have now “discovered” a “must buy” author. I’ll be checking out her other cozy mystery series. I thoroughly enjoyed this author’s writing and the way she kept me guessing to the end. To make things even better is that this is the first book in the series so I get in on the ground floor. No catching up needed with this book.

If I rated books higher than five stars, this would definitely fit in that category.




FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Edelweiss and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Betty.
2,004 reviews75 followers
September 10, 2019
The first book in a new series Misty Dawn, a well known psychic in the past. A friend Denise Throne convinces her to move into the house that Denise inherited from her recently decreased brother. When Misty moved she finds that owner Wilson Throne has not move on to the light and is still present. A young actress request Misty help because she feel her mansion is cursed. Misty agrees to check out the mansion and find a body. Misty needs to find answers to the questions in order to remove the curse.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.

Disclosure: Thanks to Henery Press for a copy through Edelweiss. The opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for LORI CASWELL.
2,879 reviews328 followers
September 14, 2019
Dollycas’s Thoughts

This new series from Nancy Cole Silverman is off to an excellent start.

Psychic Misty Dawn has foretold many events for the Hollywood elite, but she is now at a crossroads in her life, broke and living in her VW van with her cat. When her client Denise Thorne comes up with a win-win for both of them it is hard to refuse. Misty can move into her deceased brother’s house until she decides what to do with it as long as Denise can receive readings whenever she wants. Misty excepts but quickly realizes she got a little more than she bargained for. Denise’s brother Wilson is still occupying the house, well at least his ghost is.

Unsure as to why he hasn’t moved on, Misty explains his limbo status and tells him if they work together she may be able to help him crossover. His services are needed almost immediately when Zoey Chamberlain, a young actress and a descendent of Hollywood royalty comes knocking on the door. She has purchased “The Pink Mansion” down the street from Wilson’s house. She believes the mansion is haunted and wants Misty’s help. As Misty arrives to check the place out she sees the police coming in and out of the mansion. A dead body has been found in the backyard. The deceased worked as Zoey’s body double and amidst Zoey’s cries of innocence, the police have named her as their top suspect.

Misty decides with Wilson’s help she can solve the case by finding the real killer and saving her new friend Zoey. She also explains his help may curry favor to help him move forward to his quest to get to the great beyond.

___

Over the years I have become more comfortable reading stories like this which I call paranormal light. Thank you, Joyce Lavene! An author, we lost much too soon. What I mean is that for the most part the ghosts are friendly and stay within the cozy mystery norms.

In this story, we encounter more than one ghost, and like the characters still living the author takes the time to develop them so well. I really like Misty. She is comfortable in her own skin and she knows her job and its limits. The relationship that evolves between her and Wilson is genuine, a friendship really blooms between them. Some of their dialogues are laugh out loud funny and eventually they start work together so well. I have to say the way Wilson evolves over the course of the story was extraordinary and delightful to read. Denise is pushy and she and her brother clearly never saw eye to eye. Zoey is a very interesting character. Her life continues to pull her in different directions and the world’s eyes are watching everything she does.

The settings in this story, both Wilson’s craftsman and Zoey’s Pink Mansion really caught my interest. The Pink Mansion has a history and is what imagine would be perfect for a movie star. Wilson was a set designer and his home fits him and is filled with treasures he has accumulated. It is easy for Misty to move comfortably through both places and even make herself at home at Wilson’s.

The mystery uncovers so much and I don’t want to spoil anything so I am just going to say I loved every little twist the author puts into this story. I was totally consumed by it. The ending was priceless.

Well-written and plotted with great characters. I found the story to be very entertaining and I am anxious to see where Ms. Cole Silverman takes this series and the characters next.
Profile Image for Karen (BaronessBookTrove).
1,126 reviews108 followers
September 20, 2019
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.The House on Hallowed Ground by Nancy Cole Silverman is a fabulously written mystery, with ghosts, a psychic, a movie star, her entourage, and all these other wonderful characters. 
Will Misty and Wilson figure out who killed Lacy before Zoey loses everything?
Misty Dawn
Misty Dawn is a psychic. She helps those who need assistance. Misty has a huge heart and isn't afraid of reaching out to people. At times, she gets annoyed with the non-believers but isn't rude to them. I found that I like Misty and even with our age difference I would love to be her friend.
Wilson Thorne
Wilson is a thorn in Misty's side (pun intended) at the beginning, but with time he grows on Misty and me. Although I must say that he doesn't magically change, but with the help of a sweet little girl, we can see a different side of the grumpy man.
The Pink Mansion's Mystery
So, the mystery is superb. I loved the twist and turns that wind us through the tale of infidelity, jealousy, betrayal, and murder.  Now add to that a few ghosts, and you have got a well-rounded heck of a story. Alicia Mae completely pulled my heartstrings. Zoey is so much stronger than people think she is but Zoey need to really look at the people that she lets into her inner circle. 
4 Stars for The House on Hallowed Ground 
I am giving The House on Hallowed Ground by Nancy Cole Silverman four stars. Ms. Silverman has created such a fantastic world. I can't wait to see what Misy and Wilson encounter next. If you like a cozy with a touch of paranormal, then you will love this one. 


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Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of The House on Hallowed Ground by Nancy Cole Silverman. Check out the other stops and giveaway if you have time.

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This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

Profile Image for Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews.
2,920 reviews218 followers
September 18, 2019
This new series knocks it out of the ballpark for this reader!

I have enjoyed all of Nancy's books so far and I was intrigued by this new series.  I'm iffy on the stories that focus on more paranormal angles but am very glad that I gave this story a whirl. 

Misty Dawn may be down but don't count her out quite yet.  Misty is living in a VW van, which is not an ideal situation for anyone even if you live in California with nice weather most of the year.  One of her clients has a solution, for Misty to live in the house where her brother, William, died while she figures out what to do with his house and possessions.  Sounds too good to be true, right?  What Denise (the client) doesn't know is that her brother's spirit is still there and he does not like Denise and isn't thrilled with Misty's presence in his house.  Let's just say he doesn't make it easy on Misty in the beginning but they end up forging a sort of friendship and alliance when it comes to ghosts.  William even becomes enamored with a four year old ghost that is part of the mystery.  

I really enjoyed everything about this book and the mystery is well written and even I didn't figure out the killer until it was all revealed.  There are several suspects but nothing to really pin it to anyone.  I wondered about the killer because of some answers to questions didn't always jive, but I didn't suspect anyone.  

This story has humor, a mystery, friendships were broken, new friendships made, and even some touching moments in the end when it comes to the child ghost.  You do have to stretch your imagination when it comes to William driving his cars.  He is a ghost and not something I would have expected a ghost to be able to do, but it made for an interesting twist in the story.

We give this book 5 paws up and anticipate that the rest of the series will be outstanding.
Profile Image for Carla.
7,695 reviews176 followers
September 9, 2019
This is the first book in a new series from an author that I enjoy. This book is a little outside my comfort zone as I do not read a lot of paranormal stories, but the occasional ghost in a cozy is okay.

The main character in this story, Misty Dawn, is a former Psychic to the Stars, When she finds herself homeless, she is offered a house to rent cheaply, by a former client. All is well and she moves in with her cat. It doesn't take long for her to realize that the ghost of the former owner, Wilson Thorne, is living in the house. He worked in Hollywood and has some rather quirky habits. When a young, well-known star visits Misty, she has an odd request. She is sure her new home is haunted and no one will believe her. She wants Misty to visit and find the ghost so she knows she is not crazy. Misty and Wilson head to the house, but arrive with police and news crews there. Zoey's best friend died in her backyard. Once it is determined that it was murder, Misty and Wilson start an investigation to help Zoey. Once Zoey is arrested, she learns that you can't trust everyone.

I enjoyed this story. I liked the characters and felt that Nancy Cole Silverman did a good job developing them. I enjoyed their banter and how their relationship develops. There were a lot of suspects and as they were eliminated, Zoey became the chief suspect. The twists and turns kept me guessing as I thought I had it figured out, but was sent in another direction. Yes, there is a ghost in Zoey's house, but I will let you discover more about that plotline. Is the murder related to the family curse? Was the ghost involved? The story is well plotted and enjoyable and I recommend that you pick this one up and sit back and enjoy this light, paranormal, cozy mystery. I have to mention the cover of this book. I absolutely love how the pink mansion is the focal point of the cover as is is so important to the story. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
Profile Image for Kristina Anderson.
4,078 reviews83 followers
June 2, 2020
The House on Hallowed Ground by Nancy Cole Silverman is the debut novel in A Misty Dawn Mystery series. She was once a psychic to the stars who did the talk show circuit (Johnny Carson, Merv Griffin) and consulted with the FBI. Now, she is down on her luck and living in her VW bus with her cat, Bossypants. When Denise offers Misty her deceased brother’s home in exchange for readings, she is quick to move in. What Misty did not know is that her brother’s spirit, Wilson Thorne still inhabits the home. Misty is visited by actress, Zoey who believes her home, the Pink Mansion is haunted. Before Misty can address the ghost situation, Zoey’s friend is murdered, and Zoey is at the top of the suspect list. Misty with Wilson’s help begins searching for answers. Misty Dawn is a unique character and I like that she is an older protagonist. She was not going to let Wilson scare her out of her new home. Misty showed Wilson that she had no intention of departing. Wilson was a set designer who managed to collect numerous unique pieces over the years. He may have left his estate to his sister, but Wilson does not like Denise in his home or touching his belongings. Denise is a dramatic woman who believes Hugh Jackman is her soul mate. The character’s antics will have you laughing. The murder mystery provides multiple suspects and misdirection. You will wonder if the ghost killed Zoey’s best friend or did a human commit the deed. Readers, though, will have no problem solving the whodunit before the solution is revealed. I enjoyed the paranormal aspects with the ghosts and a family curse. The ending was sweet and left me smiling. The House on Hallowed Ground is a lighthearted paranormal cozy mystery with sensitive specters, a zealous admirer, an acclaimed actress, polluted possessions, and a seasoned spiritualist.
Profile Image for JoAn.
2,469 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2020
The House on Hallowed Ground by Nancy Cole Silverman was an excellent start to a new series. Misty Dawn was a very down-to-earth main character. Also down on her luck and needing a little help from her long time friend and client, Denise Thorne. Denise provides Misty with her brother's home to live in. Although Denise's brother, Winston, has died, he has not left the house. Misty and Winston are soon drawn into a murder mystery that kept me quickly turning the pages. I am looking forward to the next one in the series.
Profile Image for Nora-adrienne.
918 reviews172 followers
November 21, 2020
A very fun little para-normal cozy. I stumbled at the beginning but then picked up on the interaction between the sometimes quirky characters.

If you enjoy stories with a psychic bent, this book and series are for you.
Profile Image for Suspense Magazine.
569 reviews90 followers
February 24, 2020
Every time a new mystery series begins, there’s a part of me that wants some literary institution to sound an alarm—letting all readers know that there’s a new “gang” in town not to be missed. Well…consider this a sonic boom announcing the new Misty Dawn Mysteries. And let me tell you, this is one that you definitely do not want to miss.
Right off the bat you’re entertained as you meet Hollywood psychic, Misty Dawn. In her first time out of the gate, Misty moves into a house belonging to Wilson Thorne. Thorne has recently passed away after working as a set designer. As with many spirits, Thorne has not yet left his home for a reason. He seems to be completely unaware of the fact that he’s dead, and when Misty explains the situation and how he might help himself “rest in peace” if he helps her, Thorne is not exactly the happiest of dead people.
Thorne and Misty do form an odd alliance, however, when an actress by the name of Zoey Chamberlain pleads for help. Zoey is in a state because she believes that the home she has just moved into is haunted. When Misty goes to The Pink Mansion, which is a truly historical Hollywood Hills home, she doesn’t run into any kind of evil ghost; what she instead finds is the dead body of Zoey’s best friend.
The murder has taken place here and the police are very quick to believe that Zoey is the culprit. They also don’t believe, even though she’s maintaining her innocence, that some family curse was responsible for murdering the girl.
Misty does not jump to conclusions, and with Wilson Thorne’s help, she works to unveil the secrets of The Pink Mansion that will have readers enthralled. This is the first in a new series that introduces a truly cool team that I look forward to following in the years to come.
Profile Image for Brenda.
1,545 reviews
May 3, 2020
You can count on Nancy Cole Silverman for great characters and her latest series comes through.

Misty Dawn finds herself renting recently deceased Wilson Thorne's home from is sister Denise.
When Misty is asked by actress Zoey Chamberlain to visit her home, the Pink Mason, to look for a ghost Misty finds herself investigating two drowning deaths.

Though I do not enjoy paranormal stories, this is handled in a logical way with great compassion and excellent writing skill.
Profile Image for 3 no 7.
751 reviews24 followers
September 15, 2019
“The House on Hallowed Ground” by Nancy Cole Silverman opens with a first person narrative by Misty Dawn, Hollywood’s Psychic to the Stars. She has a clientele that includes the “Who’s Who of Hollywood,” and she is a respected consultant to the FBI on major crimes. She lives in a nice, quiet little house, but that was before she moved in; now it is haunted. She shares her home with the spirit of the recently deceased former owner, Wilson Thorne, a “shade,” a person who is “stuck” between worlds. Misty soon finds out that the care and training of a ghost in limbo is not an easy task. Now, a new client, Zoey, who lives “The Pink Mansion,” an historic home, built in the early 1900s, seeks Misty’s help because her house is haunted.

Silverman plays characters against each other in friendly comradery and competition. The narrative continues in a casual conversation-driven plot including conversations with both people and spirits. Not only are ghosts playing annoying practical jokes by moving things around, but there is also is a dead body in the historic Hollywood home, and the police are involved. Questions arise and answers are not forthcoming. Help from ghosts is needed, but not even the ghosts know the identity of the killer. People are not who they seem to be and detective work must be done.

“The House on Hallowed Ground” is an easy-to-read story of suspense, emotion, and some danger but without blood and gore. The characters are likeable and funny. The plot is current with echoes of Old Hollywood and moves carefully and methodically to a satisfying climax. I received a review copy of “The House on Hallowed Ground” from Nancy Cole Silverman, and Henery Press. Only in a Hollywood ghost story would “The Academy Award” be used as a doorstop.
Profile Image for Katreader.
959 reviews49 followers
September 22, 2019
THE HOUSE ON HALLOWED GROUND by Nancy Cole Silverman
The First Misty Dawn Mystery

Misty Dawn was a well known psychic to the stars seen on talk shows and known for helping the FBI. Times change, however, and she's been living out of her van, having given most of the money she earned away. Misty has just moved into the home of her client's recently deceased brother, Wilson, after receiving an offer she can't refuse. The California cottage is filled with pieces the set designer collected over the years, as well as his spirit. When a young starlet from a famous Hollywood family shows up asking for Misty's help, stating that her house is haunted Wilson becomes Misty's reluctant spirit guide. Trouble is compounded for Zoey when her best friend is found dead in her pool. Surely it was an accident, wasn't it?

I thoroughly enjoyed THE HOUSE ON HALLOWED GROUND. Psychic Mediums, ghosts, and murder in the Hollywood Hills make a perfect combination! I really like Misty. I appreciate the fact that she's a woman of mature years and has the calm self assuredness that comes from being top in her field. Watching Wilson develop is pretty wonderful and though I want what's best for him, I hope he'll stick around a good long while. I hope we get to see more of Bossypants as the series continues.

The writing is sharp and the details of psychics and mediumship is realistic and fairly authentic in this first Misty Dawn Mystery. Plenty of humor, the whole Hugh Jackman thread is a hoot, combines with a well plotted intelligent mystery to make you want to keep reading.

THE HOUSE ON HOLLOWED GROUND is a fantastic start to a new series that hooked me from the start.

FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through Edelweiss, in the hopes I would review it.
Profile Image for Annarella.
14.2k reviews167 followers
September 8, 2019
It's the first book I read by this author and won't surely be the last because this is an excellent cozy mystery.
It's well written and mixes the mystery, the paranormal element, and the humour making them work in an excellent way.
The book is engrossing, entertaining and I was hooked since the first pages.
I found the relationship between Misty and Wilson very funny, they are well written and likeable characters as the other characters.
The mystery is very good, full of twists and turns, and it kept me guessing till the end.
The paranormal element is interesting and it plays an important part in the plot, always well described and written in way that makes it light and interesting.
I look forward to reading other books in this series.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Henery Press and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
Profile Image for Nila (digitalcreativepages).
2,672 reviews223 followers
October 3, 2019
This was a fun read which had mystery, humor, and most importantly, ghosts. Misty needed a place to stay, one of her clients offered her home to her where her brother William had died. But he was still around-you guessed it-as a GHOST.

My first book by this author, and I was quickly enamored by the pace it kept up. It was a cozy read, but the complexities of the situation had me completely engrossed. I couldn't even begin to the guess the ending as I wanted the book to reveal its secrets slowly.

Nancy's writing was smooth and kept a fast pace. Being the first book in the series, I was quite thrilled to get to know the various characters. Overall, a fun breakfast read.
Profile Image for Brenda Ellis.
664 reviews8 followers
August 2, 2021
What a wonderful read

Interesting characters, great plot, lots of suspects and motives. It kept me guessing til the very end. I can't wait for the next adventure.
Profile Image for Karen Eisenbrey.
Author 26 books50 followers
October 4, 2020
Misty Dawn, former Hollywood Psychic to the Stars, has come down in life as loyal clients die off and demand for her intuitive mysticism falls off. She has a chance to get her feet on the ground when her friend Denise invites her to live in Denise’s late brother’s home while she figures out what to do with his estate. When Misty and her cat move in, they find the brother, set designer and memorabilia collector Wilson Thorne, still in residence. He’s a pompous shade, protective of his collections and allergic to cats. As Misty begins to work with Wilson to help him move on, she is hired by Zoey, a one-named starlet, for help with an apparently haunted mansion. When Zoey’s best friend dies at the mansion under suspicious circumstances, Misty is drawn into the murder mystery, with Wilson as her able and enthusiastic assistant and driver.

I particularly enjoyed Misty’s interactions with Wilson and the other spectral characters. Her empathy for both the living and the dead is part of what makes her a good psychic adviser: she is a good listener and pays attention to what someone might be missing in their life/afterlife. She’s open to odd details a more professional investigator might overlook. And of course, there’s always comedy to be had with characters most people can’t see or hear. Wilson chauffeuring Misty around in his right-drive Jag was humorous and a clever way for Misty to get around car-centric LA in spite of declining eyesight and mobility.

I first encountered Misty Dawn in the Carol Childs mystery series, where Misty is portrayed as a lovably eccentric aging flower child who always knows what kind of tea Carol needs and can be counted on to provide an otherwise overlooked clue. I was pleased to see her get her own book series that would have more room for the paranormal. Unfortunately, the first-person narration deprives Misty of the quirky eccentricity that made her such a fun side character. In her own mind, nothing she does seems odd. She does what she does and knows what she knows. It’s not an uninteresting perspective, but not that different from a professional investigator. I also wasn’t particularly invested in either the murder victim or the perpetrator.

But the real story concerns the shades: Wilson Thorne and Alicia Mae, the child ghost haunting Zoey’s mansion. They come across as fully developed characters with backstories and futures, and real stakes in the outcome of that part of Misty’s investigation.
Profile Image for Ashley Cate.
494 reviews5 followers
December 10, 2019
The House on Hallowed Ground is the first entry in a new series by author Nancy Cole Silverman. Misty Dawn is a character is Silverman's other series, the Carol Childs mysteries, and I really loved her character from reading that series. I was super excited when I heard that Silverman was planning a spin off series for Misty and have been itching to read this book since it came out. It finally made it's way to the top of my TBR pile and I'm so happy that it did. I enjoyed everything about this book.

The characters were great, especially Misty and Wilson Thorne (Misty's recently deceased spirit guide that has remained in the house she's renting from Thorne's sister Denise). I loved the interactions between the two of them and it was great to see Wilson develop a softer side as he helped Misty with a four year old ghost, Alicia Mae Mann. Misty is visited by uber famous Zoey Chamberlain, a majorly successful Hollywood actress, because Zoey believes the house she has recently bought and renovated is haunted. The next morning after Zoey's visit, Misty and Wilson head to Zoey's house to see if they can figure out what is going on there. Misty is a psychic by the way, I just realized that I had not mentioned that. When they arrive at the house, they are met by police cars and paparazzi. Zoey's best friend Lacey has been found drowned in Zoey's spa. At first it's believed that Lacey's death was an accident but the coroner soon discovers that she was hit on the head before she fell in the spa and drowned. Zoey comes under suspicion (for a variety of reasons that I won't go into here for fear of spoiling) but Misty is convinced that Zoey did not kill her friend.

We get taken on a gripping ride from there with some old Hollywood homes history, attempts to help Alicia Mae cross over and leave the house she's been waiting in for 70+ years, we deal with some Hollywood stars being stalked, cheating friends and fiancees, and also get some more information about psychics and spirits. I thought the mystery was really strong here and I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who the killer was. I have to confess that I did not figure it out until the reveal occurred. I was satisfied with the way everything wrapped up though. This book had a little bit of everything. I laughed and I cried and I experienced a thoroughly satisfying mystery. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy a well written cozy mystery with great characters and a great setting. If you don't enjoy paranormal aspects with your mystery then I would steer clear of this book. That does not bother me though and I felt that it actually added a lot to the book.
23 reviews4 followers
April 4, 2020
Misty Dawn is a psychic for Hollywood stars, or at least was. Now her success has waned, and she has had to live in her ’68 Volkswagen Van. Luckily one of her clients, Denise Thorne, has inherited her just deceased brother's house, and offers the house for Misty. When Misty moves in, she finds out the house is still occupied by the former owner, Wilson Thorne, who is now a shade, a sort of ghost. Misty is not shaken by that, and instead puts Wilson to use when her new client, movie star Zoey, ends up as a suspect in a murder.

This was an enjoyable enough cozy mystery, where Misty not only solves the murder, but also helps, together with Wilson, a ghost. I found Misty Dawn to be a bit judgmental but I did like the fact that she was an older woman with life experience, warmth and sly wit, and I liked her form of psychic investigating. Wilson, the somewhat snarky shade sidekick, and Detective Romero, the police detective on the case - who was a bit generic but still charming - were likable enough, too.

NOTE: Misty Dawn is also a series regular in the author's earlier cozy series starring radio reporter Carol Childs, but the mystery worked without knowledge of those books. I checked the first Carol Childs, Shadow of Doubt, and I gathered that it's well written and even has a bit of a twist, but Carol Childs as a lead did not really work for me, so I just glanced through it. I didn't read enough to meet Misty Dawn, so I don't know how she is portrayed in that book. At least the 4th CC-mystery's blurb describes Misty Dawn as kooky, and I did not get that impression of her here, so she might be portrayed differently in the CC-mysteries.
Profile Image for Ian.
385 reviews33 followers
October 5, 2021
First in a New series by Nancy Cole Silverman.

I wasn’t quite sure when I brought the paperback at a reduced price (sorry Nancy), whether I would like it or not. But I should have known better, as it is published by Henery Press after all and all their books are quirky and fun!

I didn’t just like it…I bloody Loved It!

I loved the main characters of Misty and Wilson, also the secondary characters of Denise, Cesar and even Bossypants the cat.

The story is well plotted and written. And flows seamlessly from page to page.

When Misty Dawn, a former Hollywood Psychic to the Stars, moves into an old craftsman house, she encounters the former owner, the recently deceased Hollywood set designer, Wilson Thorne.

Wilson is unaware of his circumstances, and when Misty explains the particulars of his limbo state, and how he might help himself if he helps her, he’s not at all happy. That is until young actress Zoey Chamberlain comes to Misty’s door for help.

Zoey has recently purchased The Pink Mansion, a historic Hollywood Hills home, and believes it’s haunted. But when Misty arrives to search the house, it’s not a ghost she finds, but a dead body.

The police are quick to suspect Zoey of murdering her best friend. Zoey maintains her innocence and fears her friend’s death may have been a result of the ghost…and a long-time family curse.

Together Misty and Wilson must untangle the secrets of The Pink Mansion or submit to the powers of the family curse.

Well worth reading! This is definitely a re-reader for me.

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370 reviews19 followers
April 18, 2020
If a murder can be called fun, then “The House on Hallowed Ground” fits the description. In this first book in her new Misty Dawn Mystery series, Nancy Cole Silverman manages to keep us guessing the killer and at the same time leaves you smiling over the unplanned working relationship of ghost Wilson Thorne and psychic Misty Dawn. Another feature that some readers will enjoy is that Misty Dawn is older person.

The story is well crafted and left this reader guessing who committed the crime. We find that there are multiple characters who could be guilty and are carefully led down various paths until the murderer is eventually revealed. I enjoyed getting to know each one and discovering how they fit into the story.

This is the first of Ms. Silverman’s books that I have read and anticipate reading more….certainly the next book in this series.
Profile Image for JoAnne McMaster (Any Good Book).
1,400 reviews27 followers
June 20, 2019
Misty Dawn is a psychic who's helped both the police and the FBI solve crimes. But since she never saved any money, she's currently living in her VW van with her cat, Bossypants. On this day, however, she's given a chance at a real home. One of her clients, realtor Denise Thorne, has offered to let her live in her late brother's home in exchange for regular readings. With some misgivings, Misty decides there are more pros than cons and agrees to the arrangement.

What she doesn't expect though, is the fact that Wilson Thorne, who was a movie set designer, would still be living in the home. Sort of. Since he's a ghost and all. And he doesn't want to share his space with Misty or especially her cat, since he's allergic. However, Misty isn't afraid of ghosts, having dealt with them in the past, and she's not going anywhere. So eventually they come to an uneasy truce, although Wilson isn't happy about it.

Then a young actress shows up at Misty's door; a young woman named Zoey - and Wilson already knows who she is. Zoey is convinced her new home - nicknamed the Pink Mansion - is haunted, and she wants Misty to find out why the ghost is there. When Misty is waffling about helping Zoey, Wilson convinces her to do so, and agrees to help, too. Once Misty knows she's won in her battle with Wilson, she agrees.

Since this is a brand new book, I have hidden most of my review in a spoiler. Please be aware that while they shouldn't stop one's enjoyment of the book, some people prefer not to know anything other than details basically given in the blurb.



We watch as the characters of Misty and Wilson first circle each other in a battle of wills, then come to an uneasy truce, and finally to friendship and caring about each other. Their characterizations are done beautifully, and I loved the fact that we watched them develop throughout the book.

Misty is quite a character on her own, having lived life on her own terms (as did Wilson), and she's comfortable in her own skin. I felt that this was an outstanding introduction to the collaboration of Misty and Wilson, and I enjoyed it immensely. In this, Ms. Silverman has created an entertaining cast of characters that bring the story to life, and I find myself eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Karen.
2,076 reviews44 followers
January 26, 2020
This was a fun quirky read.

Even if you do not believe in ghosts, this uses them to help solve a murder mystery in the most inoffensive way.

The characters are very Hollywood, focused on their profession and acting very young and at times immature and unable to control their desires.

Probably the most difficult part to suspend disbelief is the ghost driving Misty around town. I can see them getting away with it once or twice but not as often as happened here.

This contained the most fun seance scene I have ever read.

I won a copy of this from the author, who hoped for a fair review.
Profile Image for David Navratil.
347 reviews4 followers
May 18, 2020
I gave this book a 4 so others won't be turned off by it! I should have read what the book was about 1st and I would not have read it. The mystery was good, characters were good and most people who like cozy mysteries will like this. However I didn't like the location the book was about. (The Hollywood Scene). That was the only reason I did not like the book, I should start doing better research before I start reading a new book! David N
Profile Image for Suzie.
2,578 reviews23 followers
September 26, 2020
The House on Hallowed Ground , #1 in the Misty Dawn series, is a cozy mystery mixed with the paranormal. Misty Dawn is the same psychic from the Carol Childs mysteries. She is entangled with a stubborn ghost whose flirty ways cause her to become embroiled in the Pink Mansion murder investigation. Lighthearted fun with ghosts and humans as the race to solve a murder ensues, with a twisty turn or two that keep one guessing.
Profile Image for Neena Christianson Martin.
1,185 reviews11 followers
March 20, 2021
Ghosts

Misty Dawn, psychic to the stars before she fell on hard times, has a new client, a rich young actress. A murder has occurred and Zoey needs Misty to help clear her name. A wonderful change from most of the psychics written, Misty is older, gray, arthritic, and sarcastic. The characters were richly detailed, lots of humor ? And a great storyline.
455 reviews2 followers
May 24, 2020
This was an excellent book. The story ran smoothly and the characters were interesting. The lady in this book is a Physic and of course everyone wants a reading. You'll love it if you just give it a chance.
Profile Image for Rita Pierrottie.
137 reviews2 followers
June 3, 2020
Paranormal Winner

I don't usually read paranormal,but am glad I read this one. It reminded me of the vintage movie, Topper. This was a delightful read with, what I like most in my mysteries, a twist. I would recommend this book and look forward to the next.
Profile Image for Emily.
142 reviews2 followers
September 13, 2020
I had a lot of fun reading this book! The writing flows well and kept me entertained until the end. Can’t wait to read about Misty and Wilson next adventure.
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