Stanley peered up into the shadows above the stage. There was a colorful blaze of fabric amidst the burgundy curtains and canvas backdrops. He moved closer, trying to get a better view from a different angle.
“Hey, what’s this play about anyway?” Stanley asked. “Is it a Western?”
“No, it’s a drama,” Rosie replied.
“How come you need a dummy hanging from a rope?”
She looked over quickly. “No one gets hanged in the play.”
“Sure looks like it. Up there.”
Rosie looked up to where he directed and saw the caftan and silk pants ruffling in the slight breeze of the theater twenty feet over the stage.
“Oh, sweet heavens! Stanley,” she screamed. “That’s Faye!”
Faye McMullen was murdered in cold blood at Winneshiek Theater and Mary O’Reilly and Police Chief Bradley Alden have to discover who done it before the murderer gets the chance to get rid of the prime witness… Mary O’Reilly.
Terri Reid is the author of the Mary O’Reilly Paranormal Mysteries. An indie author, Reid uploaded her first book “Loose Ends” in August 2010. By the end of 2012, “Loose Ends” had sold over 82,000 copies and, as of the writing of this bio, was the number one bestselling book in Amazon’s ranking of Ghost Stories in the Book/Literature & Fiction/Genre Fiction/Horror/Ghosts section and the number two in the same area in the Kindle eBooks section. She has eight other books in the Mary O’Reilly Series and has enjoyed Top Rated and Hot New Release status for many of them in the Women Sleuths category through Amazon US. Her books have been translated into Spanish and Portuguese and are also now available through CreateSpace and Amazon in print versions. She is also working on an audiobook for “Loose Ends.” Reid has been quoted in several books about the self-publishing industry, including “Let’s Get Digital” by David Gaughran and “Interviews with Indie Authors: Top Tips from Successful Self-Published Authors” by Claire and Tim Ridgway. She was also honored to have some of her works included in A. J. Abbiati’s book “The NORTAV Method for Writers—The Secrets to Constructing Prose Like the Pros.” She has also had the distinct privilege of guest blogging for Joe Konrath. Reid is from Northwest Illinois, near the town of Freeport, the home of her fictional characters. Her background is in marketing and public relations. She is married, the mother of seven children, and the grandmother of twenty-three. She has her grandchildren convinced that she talks to fairies and animals - and they talk back.
3.5 stars I rounded it up because although this book is flawed I really enjoyed it and I love the series. I read the first three several years ago and have been meaning to carry on with it.
Cosy mystery with several different threads - Mary can see ghosts (she was a cop and had an accident where she actually died but she came back to life and it has left her with the ability to see ghosts) so she is excellent at solving crimes (she's a private investigator -handy!) but she also helps people reach the 'other side'.
I didn't mind the romance thread in previous books (it was probably my least favourite part but not too bad) but it goes a bit silly in this one hence the loss of stars.
The actual mystery and Mary helping the Reverend ghost was very enjoyable.
Still entertaining. But reflecting on the series, I realize how unrealistic it is to have so much happen in so little time. At least the chief didn't end up in the hospital... Mary got the honors this time. What would a week be like if someone wasn't in the hospital? And as is typical of a corny story, the main characters have fallen madly in love in the course of a month... just can't live without each other... until there's a misunderstanding and then all bets are off. The cheezy is starting to get hard to take...
Immediately after finishing the third book, I curiously jumped into the fourth book. Within four hours, it was finished (yes, I should have been sleeping and now I'm running on about four hours of sleep because I got a little greedy). Was this book better than the one previous to it? Well, I have to admit that it was... but not by too much. However, I gave it a four star rating instead of two like I had the previous.
The mystery of Final Call wasn't anything outstanding. A rude, arrogant, bitchy primadonna stage actress gets murdered and there are so many people who would have been her enemy. At the same time, we also see a separate side story where a reverend who appeared in the last book comes to seek Mary's help because he can't figure out why he's not going to heaven despite being so devoted to the church. It got a little fussy at times, switching back and forth from one major plot to a not so major plot that still got a lot of page time. If the reverend's plot had been downsized a little bit, maybe it wouldn't have felt so stuffy. The thing is, in the first few books, (especially the first book) two separate cases usually ended up tying together at some point. In this book, the two separate cases had nothing to do with each other.
But that's fine, somehow it all still worked out because the character developments were astounding in Final Call. Bradley and Mary come to a hitch in their relationship when we finally reveal to Bradley that his wife Jeannine is already dead and Mary has known since the end of Book Two. New characters are introduced and each have their own little quirks. Mike the fireman ghost, at first I didn't like him at all because he seemed really smarmy; afterwards, I totally adore him because he's always there at all the right times AND he's got an excellent wit about him. Jeannine's ghost, at the very least, is a bit more realistic about what's going on than her husband is and not being a vengeful dead wife who wants to keep her husband for herself; I like that she's created as a good woman who had an unfortunate encounter with death. Finally, the newest addition who feels like he'll be another recurring character, Ian MacDougal has the makings for a likable partner.
As for our recurring characters: Stanley and Rosie just keep getting better and better. Sean O'Reilly is an awesome big brother and I bemoan the fact that we don't get to see more of him. I mean, send a good looking Scottish young gentleman who is also a professor my way and you will be my favorite big brother in the world. Really. And while I'm not a big fan of romantic angst, I think our couple needed this separation, which will hopefully finally bring about some closure in the entire thing -- Bradley needs to move on, Jeannine needs to move on. It's just too bad that Mary had to get caught in this family dilemma just because she fell in love with the jerk.
So this time around, even if the story wasn't the best and the two cases seemed a bit messy, the characters of the Mary O'Reilly universe really made up for all of it. I'm a sucker for well-written characters with good development and progression. The story was also okay, so everything just fell into place wonderfully.
After a bit of a disappointing third book in this series, this one put me back on track as far as my enjoyment level goes.
The big "secret" that Mary was forced to keep at the end of the third book was finally revealed to my relief because I hate when characters are kept in the dark for no good reason. Unfortunately, the reveal caused a rift between Mary and Bradley, which threatened their burgeoning romantic relationship. But, I really admired Mary for the way she stood up for herself when Bradley broke her heart. He was such a stubborn, cold-hearted jerk about the whole thing and wouldn't even try to understand Mary's motivations for not telling him about his dead wife. And, loyal Stanley was such a staunch supporter of Mary. I loved his snide and pointed remarks to Bradley!
Mary is such a compelling character--strong, tough and resilient but extremely compassionate, kind, humourous and loving, too. And, I kind of liked Bradley at first, too, but his actions in this book didn't put him in a very flattering light and dampened my respect and esteem for him. Stanley and Rosie are cute and hilarious together, and they were once again loyal, supportive friends to Mary. The introduction of the Scottish professor, Ian MacDougal, at the end promises some intriguing and interesting days ahead in the future books.
The subplot of the arrogant, prideful Reverend Hekekiah was okay, but it seemed to take up more focus than the original murder of Faye McMullen, the rude, mean, arrogant diva actress who had more enemies than friends. The murderous culprit came as no surprise really.
This series is a great mix of humour, mystery and ghost story and the characters are well-developed and likeable. If you like reading mystery flavoured with the supernatural, I think this is a series you would really enjoy.
Another excellent Mary O'Reilly mystery, this time Mary has two new ghosts to help. Faye the aging actress super bitch with a heart of gold and Hezekiah a minister whose pride has got in the way of his appreciating the hard work his wife has carried out. Faye is the one who gets murdered and Mary has to try and solve that whilst at the same time suffering from a broken heart after her relationship with Chief of Police Bradley has gone wrong when he finds out that his wife Jeannine is dead and has been dead for years, and that Mary knows this; as Jeannine's ghost has asked Mary for help. Bradley is confused by his feelings and by hating the fact that Mary has lied to him about Jeannine, even though she explains that as her client and as Jeannine asked her not to tell him, she wasn't lying deliberately. A great tangled story line that gets even more tangled near the end, and I really want to see how the author sorts out the mess:)
I loved this book. This is the first I have read by Terri Reid but it won't be the last. The story centers around Mary O'Reilly, an ex cop who now has the ability to see ghosts. Her task is to help them finish whatever business is keeping them here so they can cross over. Mostly the business to be completed involves finding their murderers. The characters are well developed and the dialog is fun and at times, laugh out loud. This was book no. 4 in the series but you learn enough about each character's past that you are not lost concerning relationships, etc. If you like a light, fun read I highly recommend this book.
I have to thank my friend Cheryl Cooper for this book. I love it when my friends send me recommendations. This book was a fun read. Even though it is part of a series I never was lost. The characters are brilliant and the story was a great mix of humor and mystery. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Bravo! A good fast read! now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
Absolutely the best of the Mary O'Reilly books! Great individual ghost stories and lively, funny, touching interaction between ghosts and live folks. For those who enjoy Terri's stories, you will NOT be disappointed with this latest book. It was a wonderfully fun read!
Another wonderful book with a lot of sarcasm in abundants a laugh out loud this book I would be delighted to recommend this book to my friends. My thanks go to the author Terri Reid for the pleasure of reading this amazing book so to all happy reading from wee me. ♥☺
I LOVE this series. In all honesty, I have suffered for years from clinical depression, and was suffering from a very serious downturn. This series helped get me through. The friendship, the camaraderie, the family, the love and laughter, helped tremendously. It was extremely helpful in getting me to that turning point back to me.
I laughed till my belly hurt, then cried until I couldn't see the words. I felt anger and betrayal for those whose journey was suspended. I found redemption, grace, and, most of all, hope. I loved the ghosts/spirits (except for those malevolent ones), the mortals, the story lines and resolutions. I loved the lessons these stories conveyed, and the poignancy with which they were told.
I have several favorite characters, Mary and Bradley (and, by extension, Clarissa), being the foundation. Ian is someone I want to meet, and get to know, and just listen to him talk. Hopefully, he wears the black shirt (but don't tell Gillian I said that...it's strictly platonic, I swear). Mike. Dear Mike. I cried so hard for him for some reason, especially the role he was given. It was a sweetness that I didn't even know i was craving. I love Mike. I want Mike on my side. Always. Rosie & Stanley, such a opposites-attract couple, yet full of love. The O'Reilly clan. Can I move in with them?? Or maybe just visit Ireland with Sean??
I suspended all other reading until I got through the entire series, and feel as though these characters are my friends and family. Please, please, please, give me more!
Note: I would love to give this series 4 1/2 stars, or even 5, but the grammatical and punctuation errors just don't cut it for me. Miss Terri, your writing is superb. Let it be polished until it glows. Let me be your proofreader (beta reader?).
"Final Call", fourth in the Mary O'Reilly P.I. series, starts with a character who might as well have had a flashing neon sign over her head reading "I'm dead before the end of the chapter" - and she is! Because Faye McMullen was a prize bitch the list of suspects grows to include just about everyone she ever met. When she appears to Mary there is one slight problem, she didn't see who killed her. Faye does, however, have a ball practicing her ham acting. As is becoming usual in the series there is a second plotline in which a newly dead Reverend can't go into the light until ... well, he doesn't know. It draws heavily on 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens. A third strand is the continuing relationship between Mary O'Reilly and Police Chief Bradley Allen. She's been keeping a secret - his ghostly wife Jeannine is her client and she is not allowed to tell him - and it has put a strain on their relationship. Of course, when Bradley finds out, he blames Mary for lying to him, and we get the whole 'love can't exist when there are secrets' bit. Fireman Mike, has appointed himself as the paranormal Watson to Mary's Holmes - having a ghost at your beck and call proves helpful. It all comes together in the end but to be honest the books are beginning to blur into one another - the plots aren't the best and it is only Mary, Bradley and Jeannine that has me reading on. P.S. The cover is dreadful.
So this book is filled with many mysteries. First you have Rosie and Stanley discovering Faye, a popular primadonna actress who turns out murdered. Another part shows Mary finding a Reverand who is dead but does not believe it or why he is not with God. Lastly Bradley finally learns that his wife Jeannie is dead and that puts a hitch in his and Mary's relationship.Mike the fireman shows up more as a ghost, and helps Mary out. In the end they do solve who killed Faye, and get the Reverand to make amends, and things between Bradley and Mary are still on the rocks. SO close to finding out what happened, that is the part I can't wait for.
Another fun read! Mary was a Chicago cop, until she died after being wounded in a gunfight. She is given the choice to come back, but changed, and continue to help others or to go to Heaven. She chooses the former and can now see and hear ghosts. These ghosts are trapped in this world because they have unfinished business here and Mary helps them move on. She now lives in Freemont, IL and is the on-again, off-again girlfriend of the chief of police. She helps an amateur, stuck-up actress killed in the theatre, a preacher who felt he was better than anyone because he preaches excellent sermons, but can't be bothered to tend to his flock, and eventually the police chief.
Terri Reid’s stories seem to grow better with each installment. Final Call is a fun Cozy, with warmth, laughter, romance and a nice mystery at its heart. There’s something very comforting and homey feeling with this series, and I’m definitely looking forward to the next one.
This series just keeps getting better and better. I really enjoy reading about Mary and Bradley and their friends (including Mike! Love him!). The storyline was engaging and moved right along. I don't remember any slow spot at all. Loved the ending and looking forward to the next one. I think this series is charming (except for the murders of course :) I loved the Reverend's storyline!
This book is the first of the Marry O’Reilly Series that I have read. I was surprised that the author was successful at getting me to accept that her characters talked to ghosts. She made that work well in the book and gave her characters interesting personalities. A good read for the living or dead.
Really enjoying this series. Mary O'Reilly is a private investigator with a special gift. When working as a Chicago police officer she was shot and died on the operating table. She was given a choice to return to her body but with a new task in life. She returns to her body with the ability to see and talk to ghosts.
This author does an amazing job of making completely unnatural circumstances seem like an everyday part of life. Love the dynamic of Ian coming into the picture. I'm glad Bradley knows and understands about Jeannine.
I wish these drugs, I mean addicting books were longer. Mary and Bradley are both good folks and good at what they do. Can they overcome a lethal weapon fetish tho?
You have took really like paranormal stories, I do. I started with book 1 three days ago and I've already finished book 5. Each story gets better I'm getting ready to start book 6. I have to force myself to put it down to get chores done.
Can Mary help save an egotistical Faye and help to her to otherside? Read on and I guarantee you will be unable to put it down until the end and you will be ready to read on and see what happens next!
The mystery is well written. A little disappointed with Bradley though. Mary suffers through a few life threatening incidents. The neighbors are so cute.
I’ve had a lot of fun reading this series! Short reads which is great for me and not “serious” read which is always a plus for me. I’m on to the 5th book and would recommend to anyone that likes these types of paranormalish books.
I have to admit - the mystery part of the book was on point in this one. The personal relationships not so much. Fast paced, quick read, addictive, & can't wait for more.
I loved the way Mary helped in the redemption of the ghosts. The protective humor of her brother is hilarious, as is the new professor staying with Mary. Mike the fireman is a great addition to the cast.
Mary and Bradley are on the outs. He is a jerk over Mary not telling him flat out she was looking for Jeannine while she most certainly did. Solving a murder at the theatre in town will occupy Mary's days.
2.5 - These are fun, light, fluffy books to begin with, but while I liked the overall plot but the non-regular characters seemed more types than actual characters.