Mercedes' Dirge

by Belle Zimet

Ella Dolan is scared of her new, single life, but even faced with a ghost it’s less frightening than confronting her old one. When Ella’s marriage falls apart she needs an escape. What better than to travel to her hometown and help her brother and best friend renovate a family estate into a bed and breakfast? Unfortunately, it comes with complications in the form of a restless spirit. It becomes clear that Ella must solve a decade-old murder if she wants to get any rest, but the past will haunt her as much as the ghost does. As she digs for the truth she must confront old loves, friends and enemies as the past and present collide. Will Ella be able to face her own phantoms to allay this retribution seeking one?

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2020

Reviews

[Melissa Hosni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Hooked from page 1 - couldn’t put it down!

Mercedes’ Dirge is a fast-reading tale full of unexpected twists right up until the end! The story is told with an obvious ease by the author, who seems to know a lot about the paranormal herself. The choice of language is intelligent and creative - not dumbed-down like some haunted tales I’ve read before. I hope this author puts out more material soon - I’m left wanting more!

Set in San Diego (one of my favorite cities), it is easy to picture the scenes laid out by the author’s detailed, yet natural, descriptions. I’ve even visited some of the locations, which was fun!

The characters are all unique and well-developed, and there is a certain wit and humor that comes through even in the spookiest of scenes. The “NSFW” scenes are steamy and realistic, romantic, yet hot as heck.

This “ghost story” stands out from the typical haunted mansion stories by bringing a realism to the experiences the characters face, which are both super spooky and credible at the same time.

I’ll leave you with this...if you want to lose a little sleep and be “haunted” by a new book, this is for you! If you crave a fresh take on an old favorite, Mercedes’ Dirge should be next on your list!

[Mina Linton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel. The characters really grow on you, it's surprisingly humorous too. I legitimately had a nightmare about some of the spooky stuff in the novel, which I consider a win as a person who likes creepy things. It's atmospheric and the haunting is good and old fashioned. I really liked the romance aspect of this. The love interest is much different than I've seen before, and as a nerd who is attracted to other nerds this checked a big box for me. I wish he were real! The ending was super satisfying too. I'm just about to finish this author's other novel and I'm hoping she writes more soon.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I might be slightly bias because I know who some of the characters are based on. Regardless, I couldn’t put the book down. I neglected my parental duties and adulting responsibilities

I adored all the characters and the development of getting to know them. One just wants to know solve the mystery of what happen and the truth. Feel in love with Nick and Troy! Bryan brought back memories of my friendship and my own experience going into game stores.

Highly recommend this book and looking forward to Belle Zemet’s next book!

[Karo Schneeberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't put this book down, and whenever I do, Mercedes drifts into my thoughts, even creeps around in my dreams. This Author has a refreshing way of blending the paranormal with mystery, sex, romance, witty dialogue, and comedy. She scares your pants off one minute, then just as things get really intense, she breaks the tension just enough to lull you into a false sense of calm, or gets you laughing. If I say any more there will be spoilers … It's definitely a fun read.

[Ashley Harrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will keep you on your toes. I couldn’t put it down! As you near the exciting conclusion you begin to question everything you think you knew so you can’t possibly see the final twist coming. As a lover of all things spooky, I loved the ghostly plot line but don’t want to expand on that more given that I might ruin it for new readers. I highly recommend giving this book your time and energy. You won’t be disappointed!

[Sunnie Wetterow · Rating 5 out of 5]

WONDERFUL

As always Belle Zimet hits her mark on creepy suspenseful story telling! Each page is a treat to read so you don't find yourself skimming or skipping thru the pages. Don't miss any of Belle's books!!!

[Tiffany Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chilling

I didn’t see that coming. Okay I thought it for one second and quickly changed my mind. This was wonderful. Definitely recommend.

[Belle Zimet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yeah, I wrote this, but I'm still recommending it. :) I started out writing this wanting a good, old fashioned ghost story. I wanted a ghost who'd been interesting in life and a heroine over a length of time so that we can see how life changes people and circumstance. The fact that I wrote this intermittently over 15 years is quite meta. Over the course of this book my boyfriend became my husband, I had two kids, got them both in school and returned to writing. You can see my different incarnations in this work. I grew up and so does Ella as life changes and shapes us, and ghosts along the way are the cherry on the icing, or the fly in the ointment based on your perception.