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Mystic Springs #1
The Ghosts of Mystic Springs
Why be normal when you can be paranormal?
Welcome to Mystic Springs, where things definitely go bump in the night.
As the town’s medium, Connie Winters is the only person who can see the ghosts who call Mystic Springs home.
When young temptress Lola is killed, the dead Mayor and the dead Sheriff are determined to investigate, and since they’ve never been replaced, they’d better get on with it. But they need Connie’s help. And if Connie’s helping, her sister Sage is going to get involved too - she’s beautiful, slim, and twenty years dead.
It may be the first time in history that a murder-solving squad is a mixture of real live people and real dead ghosts. Connie, and the residents of Mystic Springs, will be forced to question everything they thought they knew.
This is a full-length paranormal cozy mystery. Spooky not scary. Lighthearted and fun. First in series by Mona Marple, author of the Waterfell Tweed cozy mystery series.
Welcome to Mystic Springs, where things definitely go bump in the night.
As the town’s medium, Connie Winters is the only person who can see the ghosts who call Mystic Springs home.
When young temptress Lola is killed, the dead Mayor and the dead Sheriff are determined to investigate, and since they’ve never been replaced, they’d better get on with it. But they need Connie’s help. And if Connie’s helping, her sister Sage is going to get involved too - she’s beautiful, slim, and twenty years dead.
It may be the first time in history that a murder-solving squad is a mixture of real live people and real dead ghosts. Connie, and the residents of Mystic Springs, will be forced to question everything they thought they knew.
This is a full-length paranormal cozy mystery. Spooky not scary. Lighthearted and fun. First in series by Mona Marple, author of the Waterfell Tweed cozy mystery series.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2018
883 people are currently reading
665 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
June 25, 2018
A series about 2 sisters, one a medium and one a spirit who doesn't know how she died. A young woman dies and there are several suspects but there is no police in Mystic Springs and the nearest towns have there own cases. The 2 sisters decide to solve the murder themselves with the help of other spirits one of which was the sheriff.
In the beginning I was a bit confused but quickly got over it and started enjoying the story. I was wishing I could have some of my loved ones around that left too soon pop in to talk to me, that would be so cool. Looking forward to Book 2.
In the beginning I was a bit confused but quickly got over it and started enjoying the story. I was wishing I could have some of my loved ones around that left too soon pop in to talk to me, that would be so cool. Looking forward to Book 2.
April 16, 2019
I was all over the place in my feelings about this one. One the one hand, the sister relationship was great and I liked where the mystery lead us. On the other, it falls into my most hated trope of harping on the protagonist's weight, constantly, and...I'm no expert in the American legal system but I'm pretty sure they can't just...not investigate a murder. So I just could not get on board with that as a premise. And then the ending. Oh, the ending that came out of nowhere. I don't mean the revelation of whodunit, which I had happily figured out and was pleased with, but the rest. No spoilers but...yeah. Where did that even come from?
October 8, 2018
This was spectacular! I could not put it down! A well written paranormal cozy in which the spirit and physical worlds work together to solve the whodunit.
The characters were really engaging and I cannot wait to read the next one!
The characters were really engaging and I cannot wait to read the next one!
June 8, 2021
A slow read.
Rating: 1/5
Okay so I tried to get in to this book. Really tried. Several times. But I just couldn’t get in to the boring plot and the narrator’s point of view.
Rating: 1/5
Okay so I tried to get in to this book. Really tried. Several times. But I just couldn’t get in to the boring plot and the narrator’s point of view.
February 7, 2023
This is the second cozy mystery series I'm reading from this author, and I'm enjoying them a lot.
August 17, 2025
I bought this in October along with a few other fluffy paranormal mysteries and only just got around to reading it. It was...fluffy, so I guess it did its job. Note my correct use of its here; I had to endure the freaking rogue apostrophe through the whole dang book. Get an editor who doesn’t just rely on spell check.
Another place an editor might have helped? The weird tone. We’re introduced to a main character who refers to her “mum” and the “headmaster,” but then we’re suddenly in a town with distinctly Southern-sounding traditional plantation homes and American-sounding place names but British spelling in words like “colour,” and it’s (again, note the correct usage) not until several chapters in that we learn the main character moved from England. Ok, then why does the American Southern boy describe an unusual situation as “mad”? Another British-ism came in from another American character but I can't remember what it was.
Too much faffing about with a murder no one seemed bothered by. Random characters popping into the story late in the game. Pointless ghost-flirting. Perfunctory resolution that again comes out of nowhere with absolutely no indication that such a thing is even, well, a thing. Finally, a first-person, present tense narration (ugggggggh) that switches between two characters’ points of view with no change in voice other than an occasional “ya know?” to distinguish between them.
It’s a one-and-done for me and this series, unfortunately. I like a good cozy but this...just wasn’t.
Another place an editor might have helped? The weird tone. We’re introduced to a main character who refers to her “mum” and the “headmaster,” but then we’re suddenly in a town with distinctly Southern-sounding traditional plantation homes and American-sounding place names but British spelling in words like “colour,” and it’s (again, note the correct usage) not until several chapters in that we learn the main character moved from England. Ok, then why does the American Southern boy describe an unusual situation as “mad”? Another British-ism came in from another American character but I can't remember what it was.
Too much faffing about with a murder no one seemed bothered by. Random characters popping into the story late in the game. Pointless ghost-flirting. Perfunctory resolution that again comes out of nowhere with absolutely no indication that such a thing is even, well, a thing. Finally, a first-person, present tense narration (ugggggggh) that switches between two characters’ points of view with no change in voice other than an occasional “ya know?” to distinguish between them.
It’s a one-and-done for me and this series, unfortunately. I like a good cozy but this...just wasn’t.
July 21, 2019
Ok read
The constant references to mc weight were off putting. Ditto on ghost sister’s vanity. I won’t be continuing the series. Couldn’t really find anything likable about either of them.
The constant references to mc weight were off putting. Ditto on ghost sister’s vanity. I won’t be continuing the series. Couldn’t really find anything likable about either of them.
July 11, 2018
This was an easy to read book with some humorous parts, making the story light and not at all scary. The town's only medium teams up with her sister, the former Mayor, and a police officer to figure out who killed a young woman who had an affair with a recently deceased town businessman. The only thing slightly unusual about that is the fact that other than the medium, Connie Winters, they are all ghosts. That doesn't stop them from poking around and finding unusual evidence. Several surprises later, the town folks do believe in ghosts and the murder is solved.
Fun characters both dead and alive make this book enjoyable. It will be interesting to see where the series goes from here!
Fun characters both dead and alive make this book enjoyable. It will be interesting to see where the series goes from here!
December 3, 2022
I enjoyed this first in the series. I would actually give this a 3 1/2 stars. When a temptress is killed the ghosts of the previous mayor, police chief and Connie's sister Sage want answers since there had never been a murder before. However, they need the help of the living and ask Connie for help.
Tis was interesting since the story is told by both Connie and her dead sister Sage. It was a little confusing for me in the beginning but I soon got things figured out. The mystery was good and kept me guessing. I will continue on with this series, I'm curious as to where this will take me.
Tis was interesting since the story is told by both Connie and her dead sister Sage. It was a little confusing for me in the beginning but I soon got things figured out. The mystery was good and kept me guessing. I will continue on with this series, I'm curious as to where this will take me.
September 3, 2024
This was just ok. I had a lot of trouble staying invested in everything. I didn't overly love any of the characters and felt somewhat detached the entire time. I could have very well just not been in the mood for it when I started weeks ago and then had trouble the rest of the time because I usually love Mona's books!
August 12, 2019
A new cozy mystery series is out. The twists and turns are gentle not break neck speed. This one contains themes of sisterhood, community and spirits among us. I recognize in all family relationships we tend to repeat ourselves and our arguments but at times its redundant to point I could finish the quote because I heard it before multiple times already. There is a surprising and very good work around for the mystery.
There are pieces of backstory that help but I really was disappointed where a couple of them were sorely lacking. I’m not changing the stars for it because it’s my hope the author will address them in the next book. This book is not a cliffhanger but left many doors open to go through.
The Narrator was excellent and I will be looking for her other works. She does excellent male voices and multiple characters with ease.
There are pieces of backstory that help but I really was disappointed where a couple of them were sorely lacking. I’m not changing the stars for it because it’s my hope the author will address them in the next book. This book is not a cliffhanger but left many doors open to go through.
The Narrator was excellent and I will be looking for her other works. She does excellent male voices and multiple characters with ease.
April 24, 2019
Different concept, dead and living characters
I just couldn't read much of this book, it didn't hold my attention. The back and forth, a town with no police department and a murder was very slow.
I just couldn't read much of this book, it didn't hold my attention. The back and forth, a town with no police department and a murder was very slow.
August 7, 2019
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review and all opinions expressed herein are mine.
This is the first book in the Mystic Springs cozy mysteries series. It is a standalone book with no cliffhanger ending.
Here, in the very small town of Mystic Springs, Connie is a medium. She is able to see and communicate with her deceased sister Sage, the deceased former Sheriff of the town and the deceased former Mayor, among others. Since the town's Sheriff died, Mystic Springs has no law enforcement. So, when a murder occurs at an April Fool's Day party, there is no one to investigate. The spirits of the Sheriff, the Mayor, Sage begin to investigate with Conmie's help.
I love this premise - spirits investigating and using a medium - lots of fun. There were some distractions to the story such as the Connie's constant whining about her weight/poor self image; that law enforcement would simply ignore an entire town and not investigate a murder [??] - it's not a traffic ticket; Sage being a bit self-centered. Overall I enjoyed Connie's interactions with the main spirits as well as the spirits who she called upon as part of her medium business. The mystery was decent and a nice twist regarding the murderer. There are some unanswered questions regarding some of the MC's but it is the first book in the series so plenty of time to resolve these issues. Overall, I enjoyed it and would be interested in seeing what else transpires in Mystic Springs.
I listened to this book - The narrator has a very nice bright pleasing voice. She did a very good job with the narration. My only quibble - Connie and Sage are both described as being from England but neither had an English accent.
This is the first book in the Mystic Springs cozy mysteries series. It is a standalone book with no cliffhanger ending.
Here, in the very small town of Mystic Springs, Connie is a medium. She is able to see and communicate with her deceased sister Sage, the deceased former Sheriff of the town and the deceased former Mayor, among others. Since the town's Sheriff died, Mystic Springs has no law enforcement. So, when a murder occurs at an April Fool's Day party, there is no one to investigate. The spirits of the Sheriff, the Mayor, Sage begin to investigate with Conmie's help.
I love this premise - spirits investigating and using a medium - lots of fun. There were some distractions to the story such as the Connie's constant whining about her weight/poor self image; that law enforcement would simply ignore an entire town and not investigate a murder [??] - it's not a traffic ticket; Sage being a bit self-centered. Overall I enjoyed Connie's interactions with the main spirits as well as the spirits who she called upon as part of her medium business. The mystery was decent and a nice twist regarding the murderer. There are some unanswered questions regarding some of the MC's but it is the first book in the series so plenty of time to resolve these issues. Overall, I enjoyed it and would be interested in seeing what else transpires in Mystic Springs.
I listened to this book - The narrator has a very nice bright pleasing voice. She did a very good job with the narration. My only quibble - Connie and Sage are both described as being from England but neither had an English accent.
January 26, 2019
I loved this book. Loved the main character. It was so nice to have a protagonist that wasn't young and perfectly fit, and who wasn't made more "whole" by a love interest. Imagining the main character in her 50s and overweight just made her much more real and accessible. She was who she was, take it or leave it. She did smart things; she did stupid things; she was just like anyone else...other than being able to see ghosts, of course.
The story itself builds up in a solid manner and sort of keeps you guessing. Some may find the switching point of view from chapter to chapter annoying, but I really liked it because it gave insight into the differing world views and made the ghosts into legitimate personalities on their own. They weren't a parlor trick or minor contributor. They were integral to the story and the events of the story. It was nice that there were a cast of characters who were living and an equally valuable cast of characters who were ghostly.
While the book is indicated as the first in a series, it does wrap itself up nicely. That being the case, it can be a read-alone without any problem, which I also like. While I don't mind reading series, I dislike reading books with major cliffhanger endings that then require you to get the next book in order to find out what happens, especially if the next book isn't forthcoming for a year or two. This book had a nice wrap up ending.
The story itself builds up in a solid manner and sort of keeps you guessing. Some may find the switching point of view from chapter to chapter annoying, but I really liked it because it gave insight into the differing world views and made the ghosts into legitimate personalities on their own. They weren't a parlor trick or minor contributor. They were integral to the story and the events of the story. It was nice that there were a cast of characters who were living and an equally valuable cast of characters who were ghostly.
While the book is indicated as the first in a series, it does wrap itself up nicely. That being the case, it can be a read-alone without any problem, which I also like. While I don't mind reading series, I dislike reading books with major cliffhanger endings that then require you to get the next book in order to find out what happens, especially if the next book isn't forthcoming for a year or two. This book had a nice wrap up ending.
August 8, 2019
This is my review of the audio version as posted on Audible:
It's a very interesting concept for a cozy mystery: ghosts taking up a murder investigation, with a little help from the only living person who can see and talk to them :) Why do the ghosts have to do it? Because there are no law officers in town - no police force, no sheriff, no-one... And so they do what they have to do to make sure that their town is again as safe as before:)
I like this concept a lot; there are many paranormal cozies out there, but it's ususally witches who do the job. Having a medium and her long dead sister as main characters/sleuths is a nice change... The murder case itself is intriguing, with leads taking us here and there, with suspects having plausible motifs for murder and a logical, though quite paranormal solution:) Characters - the good and the villainous ones - are colourful, vividly and quite realistically portrayed (even though many of them are ghosts:)), and most of them are likeable...
Narration by Ms Beattie is very good, with the right pace and nicely done voices; some of them may sound a bit too similar to one another but I didn't have any problem with recognizing who was who, so that's OK.
It's a very good interpretation of the book which kept me listening from chapter one to the end in one sitting:)
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
It's a very interesting concept for a cozy mystery: ghosts taking up a murder investigation, with a little help from the only living person who can see and talk to them :) Why do the ghosts have to do it? Because there are no law officers in town - no police force, no sheriff, no-one... And so they do what they have to do to make sure that their town is again as safe as before:)
I like this concept a lot; there are many paranormal cozies out there, but it's ususally witches who do the job. Having a medium and her long dead sister as main characters/sleuths is a nice change... The murder case itself is intriguing, with leads taking us here and there, with suspects having plausible motifs for murder and a logical, though quite paranormal solution:) Characters - the good and the villainous ones - are colourful, vividly and quite realistically portrayed (even though many of them are ghosts:)), and most of them are likeable...
Narration by Ms Beattie is very good, with the right pace and nicely done voices; some of them may sound a bit too similar to one another but I didn't have any problem with recognizing who was who, so that's OK.
It's a very good interpretation of the book which kept me listening from chapter one to the end in one sitting:)
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
March 27, 2020
I enjoyed this book but didn't see the end coming. I haven't read a story by this author before but the blurb sounded interesting so I gave it a go, it is a very unusual plot and I quite liked it. The story is told by two character, so you have to make sure you listen well because at the start of each chapter it tells you who perspective you are listening to, either Connie the Medium or Sage the ghost of her sister. The mystery is fun and I liked the way the ghosts help to solve it. There are plenty of suspects to keep you guessing and the book takes a twist at the end which could lead to some interesting stories in the series. A series I will be keeping an eye out for.
Connie is a medium and finds it hard being the only person in town the can speak to both the living and the dead. So when it comes to arranging a Halloween party that both could attend she hesitates it could so easily go wrong but Sage her sister and a ghost knows how to get what she wants. It turns out Connie had good reason to worry there is a murder and a young girl is murdered before the party ends. Mystic springs is a small town and when there only policeman and mayor died they never replaced them. The two men, with the help of Sage convince Connie that they need her help to find the murderer before anyone else gets hurt. Not everything is what it seems at Mystic Springs.
I liked the narrator and the hours listening to the story just flew by.
Connie is a medium and finds it hard being the only person in town the can speak to both the living and the dead. So when it comes to arranging a Halloween party that both could attend she hesitates it could so easily go wrong but Sage her sister and a ghost knows how to get what she wants. It turns out Connie had good reason to worry there is a murder and a young girl is murdered before the party ends. Mystic springs is a small town and when there only policeman and mayor died they never replaced them. The two men, with the help of Sage convince Connie that they need her help to find the murderer before anyone else gets hurt. Not everything is what it seems at Mystic Springs.
I liked the narrator and the hours listening to the story just flew by.
June 15, 2019
So much fun! A fantastic read
I loved everything about this book, but especially the fact that it had me smiling all the way through it. The main characters are Connie and her sister Sage. Connie is a medium and can both see and talk to spirits. Her sister Sage died years ago but with Connie's abilities the two still remain best friends and see each other every day. I loved the relationship and the closeness between the two. I also loved reading a book where the main character, Connie, is older than you typically see in books. She's also overweight and comfortable with her body and although these aren't things that are majored on in the book, it was still really refreshing to see a character like this.
When this book starts there is no living police officer in town as the previous officer had died, so when a murder is committed the departed officer sets up his own investigation team comprising of him, Sage and the deceased mayor of the town. As they also need someone who can talk to the living a reluctant Connie is roped in to join the team! The story is fun, very different to any other cost mystery I've read, brilliantly written and with a fantastic set of both primary and secondary characters.
I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to read book 2!
I loved everything about this book, but especially the fact that it had me smiling all the way through it. The main characters are Connie and her sister Sage. Connie is a medium and can both see and talk to spirits. Her sister Sage died years ago but with Connie's abilities the two still remain best friends and see each other every day. I loved the relationship and the closeness between the two. I also loved reading a book where the main character, Connie, is older than you typically see in books. She's also overweight and comfortable with her body and although these aren't things that are majored on in the book, it was still really refreshing to see a character like this.
When this book starts there is no living police officer in town as the previous officer had died, so when a murder is committed the departed officer sets up his own investigation team comprising of him, Sage and the deceased mayor of the town. As they also need someone who can talk to the living a reluctant Connie is roped in to join the team! The story is fun, very different to any other cost mystery I've read, brilliantly written and with a fantastic set of both primary and secondary characters.
I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to read book 2!
July 24, 2019
I started this book right after I left my house in Central Florida and it ended 20 minuted from my destination in Southern Tennessee. The book really helped the miles fly by. I was very engaged in the story. Even my 11 year old Grandson in the back seat was listening while playing his video games. i did not know he was paying attention until the story ended and he asked is it over. The book was not scary so it is was ok that he was listening. The book is more of a mystery that involve ghosts.
I have read and listened to other books by Mona Marple and really love her writing style. She brings the living and the dead together and brings an awesome story. Raquel Beattie narrated this book and really kept the story interesting and moving.
In the book Connie is a small town medium, she sees the ghosts around town and people of the town go to her to keep in touch with their deceased family members and friends. When a member of the town with a shady past is killed during a party where the live and dead are both invited Connie, the deceased towns Sheriff and Mayor try to solve the murder as their is no police force at the minute in Mystic Springs. The murderer in the end was kind of shocking so I won't be giving away more of the story.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I have read and listened to other books by Mona Marple and really love her writing style. She brings the living and the dead together and brings an awesome story. Raquel Beattie narrated this book and really kept the story interesting and moving.
In the book Connie is a small town medium, she sees the ghosts around town and people of the town go to her to keep in touch with their deceased family members and friends. When a member of the town with a shady past is killed during a party where the live and dead are both invited Connie, the deceased towns Sheriff and Mayor try to solve the murder as their is no police force at the minute in Mystic Springs. The murderer in the end was kind of shocking so I won't be giving away more of the story.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
November 2, 2024
The small town antics were very comforting. I thought this definitely lived up to the hype of a cozy mystery. Some of the character dynamics were fun, and the premise of a murder-solving medium with ghostly sidekicks was fresh. It was actually kind of nice that we skipped over most of the suspense of belief about the existence of ghosts. No one had to go out of their way to prove ghosts were real.
That being said, because it’s a shorter book, we don’t get a lot of background about any of the characters. It’s told in dual POV with Connie the medium and Sage the ghost;y sister. At times, I felt like they didn’t have much personality at all. Half of Connie’s character is just being fat and even though Sage has grown daughters, she acts immature most of the time and constantly references how attractive and skinny she is as her only traits.
Overall, a quick read and entertaining enough. Just can’t think too deeply about the characters or world building (or lack thereof). I would read another one in the series.
That being said, because it’s a shorter book, we don’t get a lot of background about any of the characters. It’s told in dual POV with Connie the medium and Sage the ghost;y sister. At times, I felt like they didn’t have much personality at all. Half of Connie’s character is just being fat and even though Sage has grown daughters, she acts immature most of the time and constantly references how attractive and skinny she is as her only traits.
Overall, a quick read and entertaining enough. Just can’t think too deeply about the characters or world building (or lack thereof). I would read another one in the series.
July 13, 2018
Connie had lived in Mystic Springs for years and she's a medium. As far as she knows, she's the only one that sees spirits. Her dead sister, Sage spends most of her time with Connie. Mystic Springs is a small town and when the sheriff passed away they never got a new one, or a mayor either. When a murder occurs during a party, someone has to investigate but the two towns nearest them don't have the time or manpower and they don't seem to care anyway. So, Atticus, the dead mayor, Patton, the dead sheriff and Sage decide to investigate, but they need Connie's help to talk to living people. For a murder mystery, there's quite a few laughs and interesting things going on. I really enjoyed this paranormal cozy. The plot and characters were great. It's looking like this book could be the first of a great new series.
January 29, 2019
The Ghost of Mystic Springs is the first book in the Mystic Springs cozy paranormal mystery series. In this story we meet Connie Winters who is the town's medium and she is the only one that can see the ghosts of Mystic Springs that hang around. The mystery starts when Lola is killed and the mayor and sheriff show up, did I mention they are dead and its their ghosts that show up? They need Connie's help since she's, uh, living . Not only that , but Connie gets the help of her sister, oh yeah and she died like 20 years ago . I ABSOLUTELY LOVED this cozy paranormal book. The characters were well developed and so fun. The ghosts were hilarious, albeit helpful in solving the mystery.
I could not put this book down, this book was so well written combining the spirit world and physical world.
I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
I could not put this book down, this book was so well written combining the spirit world and physical world.
I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
February 17, 2019
The Ghosts of Mystic Springs is the first book in the Mystic Springs cozy mystery series. I really liked that there was a touch of spookiness without it becoming scary.
Connie Winters, a medium, and her sister Sage, a ghost, are the main characters of the book. I love that Connie and Sage have a traditional sibling relationship despite Sage being dead.
When one of the less well known citizens of the town is killed at the town's April Fools Day party, Sage and the former mayor and sheriff (both ghosts) rope Connie into helping them investigate the murder.
In the course of the investigation, a new sheriff comes to town, Connie is attacked, and juicy secrets are spilled.
The Ghosts of Mystic Springs is a good story and sets up the series really well. I like the town and the characters - I definitely want to read more.
Connie Winters, a medium, and her sister Sage, a ghost, are the main characters of the book. I love that Connie and Sage have a traditional sibling relationship despite Sage being dead.
When one of the less well known citizens of the town is killed at the town's April Fools Day party, Sage and the former mayor and sheriff (both ghosts) rope Connie into helping them investigate the murder.
In the course of the investigation, a new sheriff comes to town, Connie is attacked, and juicy secrets are spilled.
The Ghosts of Mystic Springs is a good story and sets up the series really well. I like the town and the characters - I definitely want to read more.
June 26, 2018
I do like Mona Marple's books and was looking forward to this new series that she decided to write, especially as it also includes my other favourite - paranormals. It is a fun read with 2 sisters, one a living medium and another a dead spirit as the main characters and of course a cozy murder at the heart of it. The characters are likeable and believable (even though one if dead!) and there is a good strong storyline.
I especially like the way Mona introduces each of the characters, bringing them into the story and describing the conversation etc as if everything was normal only to later make you realise that they are spirits. So each new character is viewed with new eyes. Nice read, totally recommend. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
I especially like the way Mona introduces each of the characters, bringing them into the story and describing the conversation etc as if everything was normal only to later make you realise that they are spirits. So each new character is viewed with new eyes. Nice read, totally recommend. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
June 27, 2018
Ghosts and their antics
A great read - different to most that you will have read. She has been able to see ghosts since she was a teen. This came in useful as her sister passed many years ago but the two are still close. It also dictated her work as a medium. The plan to have a party for the living and the dead, was in fact her sister's idea. What they didn't expect was for a murder to take place at the party. With no living Sheriff, the dead get together and enlist her help to investigate. Can they find out who the guilty party is? Assault, an innocent woman getting framed and plenty of ghostly encounters make up a plot where the culprit will take you by surprise. The beginning of the book is a bit confusing but keep reading, it starts making sense quite quickly.
A great read - different to most that you will have read. She has been able to see ghosts since she was a teen. This came in useful as her sister passed many years ago but the two are still close. It also dictated her work as a medium. The plan to have a party for the living and the dead, was in fact her sister's idea. What they didn't expect was for a murder to take place at the party. With no living Sheriff, the dead get together and enlist her help to investigate. Can they find out who the guilty party is? Assault, an innocent woman getting framed and plenty of ghostly encounters make up a plot where the culprit will take you by surprise. The beginning of the book is a bit confusing but keep reading, it starts making sense quite quickly.
April 11, 2019
I really loved this book! It had the perfect amount of humor, mystery, and ghosts. It’s definitely a first for me when the sleuthing gang only has one living member, but it was very well written. The characters are real, relatable, and extremely likeable. I appreciated that this book was told in multiple POVs so we could get insight from the living and the dead.
This was my first time listening to one of Raquel’s narrations and I really enjoyed her performance for this book. She has a strong clear voice that’s easy to understand and keeps at a steady pace. Raquel does an excellent job bringing all of the characters to life and really keeps you engaged in the story!
*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
This was my first time listening to one of Raquel’s narrations and I really enjoyed her performance for this book. She has a strong clear voice that’s easy to understand and keeps at a steady pace. Raquel does an excellent job bringing all of the characters to life and really keeps you engaged in the story!
*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
April 3, 2020
I had a difficult time reading this first in the series. Two sisters, one is living and a medium who can see and speak to spirits. The 2nd sister has been dead for 20 yrs. and "lives" with her alive sister.
Connie is the medium, but she spends so much time being negative about her weight, appearance, and heartbreaks in her life. She is a living ball of depression. Sage, the dead sister, is just as vain in death, as she was alive, and still knows how to manipulate Connie.
The chapters keep switching back and forth between Connie and Sage, and it's difficult to keep up with the overall story line, which should be the murder, but somehow doesn't seem to be. Thankfully I received books 1-5 for free, but I'm not sure if I can go onto book #2.
Connie is the medium, but she spends so much time being negative about her weight, appearance, and heartbreaks in her life. She is a living ball of depression. Sage, the dead sister, is just as vain in death, as she was alive, and still knows how to manipulate Connie.
The chapters keep switching back and forth between Connie and Sage, and it's difficult to keep up with the overall story line, which should be the murder, but somehow doesn't seem to be. Thankfully I received books 1-5 for free, but I'm not sure if I can go onto book #2.
June 6, 2021
A bit depressing, two and a half stars
Connie is in her 50's, friendless, displaced from her homeland, divorced from her nieces (apparently her only living relatives), friendless, and working as a small-town medium. Her only sustained relationship is with her decades- deceased, manipulative, self-absorbed sister, Sage. Talk about living your best life (not)! The murder mystery is diverting, but the unexplained leaps of knowledge regarding Violet and how to handle the killer are poorly handled. And the constant commentary about Connie's weight and conflicting assurances that she's fine with it are supremely irritating. This storyline has such promise; it's a shame that Book One fails to deliver, but the ending offers hope for this series.
Connie is in her 50's, friendless, displaced from her homeland, divorced from her nieces (apparently her only living relatives), friendless, and working as a small-town medium. Her only sustained relationship is with her decades- deceased, manipulative, self-absorbed sister, Sage. Talk about living your best life (not)! The murder mystery is diverting, but the unexplained leaps of knowledge regarding Violet and how to handle the killer are poorly handled. And the constant commentary about Connie's weight and conflicting assurances that she's fine with it are supremely irritating. This storyline has such promise; it's a shame that Book One fails to deliver, but the ending offers hope for this series.
April 1, 2019
Sisters, the ties that bind
I started reading and thought this was a mystery set in England for the first few pages. But it isn't. However the main characters are British. These are sisters, one dead and one who can see the dead.
These sisters are as different as night and day. One beautiful and one plain. One with kids and one single no children. Fat versus thin. They still argue and analyze each other.
I flew through this story. It is a quick read, but I only finished it to confirm my suspicion as to who the murderer was.
I do think the author has stories to tell and I believe that she will get more polished as she writes. I will probably but more stories.
I started reading and thought this was a mystery set in England for the first few pages. But it isn't. However the main characters are British. These are sisters, one dead and one who can see the dead.
These sisters are as different as night and day. One beautiful and one plain. One with kids and one single no children. Fat versus thin. They still argue and analyze each other.
I flew through this story. It is a quick read, but I only finished it to confirm my suspicion as to who the murderer was.
I do think the author has stories to tell and I believe that she will get more polished as she writes. I will probably but more stories.
June 26, 2018
I was given a review copy of this book by the author and in return an honest review.
I love Mona Maples books his is a great wee paranormal mystery.
Connie is a medium whom lives in Mystic Springs, when a woman is killed the ghosts, (that only Connie seems to be able to see) , of the mayor and sheriff decide to investigate. They will need Connie help with this along with Sage, Connie's long dead sister. This wee town will see a few interesting things happen along the way.
Great characters and well written, a light hearted paranormal mystery.
I love Mona Maples books his is a great wee paranormal mystery.
Connie is a medium whom lives in Mystic Springs, when a woman is killed the ghosts, (that only Connie seems to be able to see) , of the mayor and sheriff decide to investigate. They will need Connie help with this along with Sage, Connie's long dead sister. This wee town will see a few interesting things happen along the way.
Great characters and well written, a light hearted paranormal mystery.
July 27, 2018
This is another great book by Mona Marple, her humor makes the story come alive. Connie is a fun and caring character. She can see and interact with the dead. Some say it is a gift, others just think she is crazy. The citizens of Mystic Springs, both dead and alive, are so engaging. Where else can you find a town run by a dead mayor and sheriff. It would be great to see spirits as long as they are kind and caring not murderous. Really enjoyed this book and hope there will be more stories in this series. A good solid cozy mystery.
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