The Meter's Always Running

by C.A. Rowland

Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, taxi driver Trisha Reede knows all the haunts and legends of the city built on the dead. After a long day of ferrying tourists, Trisha ejects a late evening out of line fare. But when he's found murdered, she questions her decision to let him out in such a seedy neighborhood. As the police investigation steers her way, she puts on the gas to solve the crime. As if she didn't already have enough baggage to deal with, newly dead Aunt Harriett shows up, helpful but cryptic, more dreamlike than real, warning of an enraged spirit searching for Trisha.

268 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 9, 2020

About the author

C.A. Rowland writes short stories in many genres. Her first amateur sleuth paranormal mystery set in Savannah, Georgia, The Meter's Always Running, was published in June 2020. Ms. Rowland is a member of Sisters In Crime, Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and Riverside Writers.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Meter's Always Running" by C.A. Rowland is a delightful mix of Southern charm and ghostly intrigue. Main character Trisha Reede is one tough cookie, and she's a really engaging heroine. Trying to rebuild her life after her second divorce and her shaky relationship with her teenage daughter, Trisha supports herself by driving a taxi for the local Savannah, Georgia cab company. Trisha's interactions with the city of Savannah are some of my favorite parts of this book. She makes the historic district come alive, and I found myself wanting to be a passenger in her cab to experience this fun, trendy setting.

In "The Meter's Always Running," things take a turn for Trisha when one of her fares ends up dead. The police quickly arrive at her front door because she was the last person to see him alive. With the shadow of murder hanging over her, Trisha begins to conduct an investigation of her own to clear her name. She has help from an unexpected source; the ghost of her Aunt Harriet, who is struggling with her life in the afterworld. This paranormal twist made for entertaining reading, on top of a juicy mystery. Author Rowland has created the very ingenious world of "The Gray," where dearly departed souls hang out in limbo, hoping to resolve unfinished business. I can definitely see Trisha, who has a knack for seeing and communicating with ghosts, helping out these lost souls in future books! An inventive take on the paranormal cozy genre, for sure.

Sharp, sassy characters, interesting relationships, and a beautiful setting make "The Meter's Always Running" a whirlwind of mystery and fun. I'm so glad I was given the opportunity to read and review this book. I can't wait to return to Savannah and see what happens next!

[Melinda Crocker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading, The Meter’s Always Running and found it delightful! Colorful Savannah is the backdrop to intriguing characters woven into a captivating plot with a sprinkling of spirits who keep you guessing. A newly departed Aunt Harriett appears to complicate Trisha Reede’s life but manages to help her when she needs it the most. Love these characters and hope Trisha and Aunt Harriett get a sequel solving more Savannah crime!

If you enjoy a fun mystery with the right mix of suspense and plot twists, Rowland’s book will not disappoint!

[Kate Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pacy story. With two threads running at the same time I found myself drifting but the author kept control. Enjoyed it.

[Lori Schmitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book. Looking forward to the sequel