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Mary O’Reilly #2
Good Tidings
Black Friday – the official opening of the holiday shopping season – and Patrice Marcum is stuck in the middle of her local superstore with a crying infant, a near-hysterical desire to just abandon the diapers and milk she desperately needs, and the snowstorm of the century dumping half a foot of snow on the parking lot outside. She needs a miracle.
The little old lady seems sweet, but there was no way Patrice was going to leave three-month-old Jeremy with a stranger. She looks outside at the snow-covered parking lot and sees yet another distressed shopper’s cart topple over in the drifts. The old lady senses her distress and volunteers to call a store employee to help watch over Jeremy while Patrice gets her car. The older gentleman, wearing a store badge with the name “Ron,” seems too good to be true. What could be safer?
Less than five minutes later, after brushing the snow off the van and driving across the crowded and snow-packed parking lot, Patrice pulls up in front of the store. Jeremy is not there. Pushing back panic, she rushes into the store and looks around. Jeremy is not inside either. She pushes through the line at Customer Service; the associate calls Ron on the intercom and issues a Code Adam. When Ron appears and he’s only seventeen years old, Patrice realizes the worst. “Oh God! They’ve taken my baby!”
Mary O’Reilly, private investigator, is decorating her office for the holiday season when the newly installed bell over her door jingles. She looks over to see a six-year-old boy standing next to her desk. His name is Joey Marcum and he wants to hire Mary to find his baby brother.
Mary nodded. “Okay, Joey, but I’ll want to work with the police on this one. Do you have any problems with that?”
Joey paused. “No, I guess you can talk to them.”
“That’ll be helpful.”
“But you can’t tell my mom you’re working for me,” he said, “Promise?”
“Yes, I promise.”
Joey shrugged. “I don’t think she’d understand, seeing that I’m dead, you know.”
The little old lady seems sweet, but there was no way Patrice was going to leave three-month-old Jeremy with a stranger. She looks outside at the snow-covered parking lot and sees yet another distressed shopper’s cart topple over in the drifts. The old lady senses her distress and volunteers to call a store employee to help watch over Jeremy while Patrice gets her car. The older gentleman, wearing a store badge with the name “Ron,” seems too good to be true. What could be safer?
Less than five minutes later, after brushing the snow off the van and driving across the crowded and snow-packed parking lot, Patrice pulls up in front of the store. Jeremy is not there. Pushing back panic, she rushes into the store and looks around. Jeremy is not inside either. She pushes through the line at Customer Service; the associate calls Ron on the intercom and issues a Code Adam. When Ron appears and he’s only seventeen years old, Patrice realizes the worst. “Oh God! They’ve taken my baby!”
Mary O’Reilly, private investigator, is decorating her office for the holiday season when the newly installed bell over her door jingles. She looks over to see a six-year-old boy standing next to her desk. His name is Joey Marcum and he wants to hire Mary to find his baby brother.
Mary nodded. “Okay, Joey, but I’ll want to work with the police on this one. Do you have any problems with that?”
Joey paused. “No, I guess you can talk to them.”
“That’ll be helpful.”
“But you can’t tell my mom you’re working for me,” he said, “Promise?”
“Yes, I promise.”
Joey shrugged. “I don’t think she’d understand, seeing that I’m dead, you know.”
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2010
466 people are currently reading
1696 people want to read
About the author
Terri Reid
105 books830 followersTerri 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 340 reviews
March 10, 2018
2 stars
Still interested in the story of Bradley's (H) missing wife. I was a little bored in this one - little things were interesting but not enough to overcome the somewhat preachy overtones regarding Mary's (h) abilities. Not sure if I will continue series.
Still interested in the story of Bradley's (H) missing wife. I was a little bored in this one - little things were interesting but not enough to overcome the somewhat preachy overtones regarding Mary's (h) abilities. Not sure if I will continue series.
November 25, 2017
Black Friday – the official opening of the holiday shopping season – and Patrice Marcum is stuck in the middle of her local superstore with a crying infant, a near-hysterical desire to just abandon the diapers and milk she desperately needs, and the snowstorm of the century dumping half a foot of snow on the parking lot outside. She needs a miracle.
In Good Tidings Mary is visited by the ghost of a 6 year old boy who wants her to help him find his kidnapped baby brother. Just like the last book, there is the main mystery, and we get another side mystery. To be honest neither of these are really mysteries. The bad guys are pretty much just laid out for us and we are left figuring out the why behind it. There is some suspense while this goes on, but anyone going into this series thinking they are going to read a challenging mystery with lots of twists and turns will be sorely disappointed. The real mystery so far, of both of these books is the one surrounding Bradley's missing wife. We still don't know exactly what happened to her.
Mostly I did not like this book as much as I liked the first one. This one lacked some of the charm the other book had and wasn't as funny, mainly because they leave the small town and spend most the book in Chicago. There is also a loose end left in this book that seemed kind of pointless to the plot , but maybe that will be continued at a future point in the series.
I still have the same complaints about this book that I had about the last one about Mary not being believable enough as an ex-cop and doing things that don't seem consistent with the way an ex-cop would think or act. Why does she even have a gun? I have no idea, she never uses it. And her over protective brothers really got on my nerves in this one. I do like that Bradley can see and hear the ghosts when he is touching Mary and the added discovery that he seems to neutralize them when he is near her made it more interesting, but it kind of felt like the author added that for convenience to the story. It would be interesting to explore the relationship Mary and Bradley have concerning the ghosts and why they affect each other the way they do around them.
I can see how this series could get old fast if the author doesn't step up the mystery aspect of it or add some new element to it. It could end up being very repetitive. I'll stick it out for at least one more book though or until we find out what happened to Bradley's wife.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
In Good Tidings Mary is visited by the ghost of a 6 year old boy who wants her to help him find his kidnapped baby brother. Just like the last book, there is the main mystery, and we get another side mystery. To be honest neither of these are really mysteries. The bad guys are pretty much just laid out for us and we are left figuring out the why behind it. There is some suspense while this goes on, but anyone going into this series thinking they are going to read a challenging mystery with lots of twists and turns will be sorely disappointed. The real mystery so far, of both of these books is the one surrounding Bradley's missing wife. We still don't know exactly what happened to her.
Mostly I did not like this book as much as I liked the first one. This one lacked some of the charm the other book had and wasn't as funny, mainly because they leave the small town and spend most the book in Chicago. There is also a loose end left in this book that seemed kind of pointless to the plot , but maybe that will be continued at a future point in the series.
I still have the same complaints about this book that I had about the last one about Mary not being believable enough as an ex-cop and doing things that don't seem consistent with the way an ex-cop would think or act. Why does she even have a gun? I have no idea, she never uses it. And her over protective brothers really got on my nerves in this one. I do like that Bradley can see and hear the ghosts when he is touching Mary and the added discovery that he seems to neutralize them when he is near her made it more interesting, but it kind of felt like the author added that for convenience to the story. It would be interesting to explore the relationship Mary and Bradley have concerning the ghosts and why they affect each other the way they do around them.
I can see how this series could get old fast if the author doesn't step up the mystery aspect of it or add some new element to it. It could end up being very repetitive. I'll stick it out for at least one more book though or until we find out what happened to Bradley's wife.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
March 14, 2023
Prch Amazon Oct. 28, 2015
Finished Reading December 15, 2015
3.75 Stars
These are nice mysteries. Good for any age to read. They are well written and flow easily. This one increased the depth of the two main characters, Mary & Bradley. It also took their relationship to the next level.
No sex. Just a good mystery with ghost, a side of romance and a dash of humor.
I would have given it 5 stars if it was more intense with adult scenes, but these books are more of a relaxing read.
They are interesting and show a lot of potential. Great for Young Adults!
📝🎵Purchased from Amazon October 28, 2015
Finished Reading December 15, 2015
3.75 Stars
These are nice mysteries. Good for any age to read. They are well written and flow easily. This one increased the depth of the two main characters, Mary & Bradley. It also took their relationship to the next level.
No sex. Just a good mystery with ghost, a side of romance and a dash of humor.
I would have given it 5 stars if it was more intense with adult scenes, but these books are more of a relaxing read.
They are interesting and show a lot of potential. Great for Young Adults!
📝🎵Purchased from Amazon October 28, 2015
December 31, 2015
I really like this series. It is a paranormal mystery, comedy and sweet romance all rolled into one. Its a series I can read that makes me feel good. Mary is a great character who can see ghosts and tries to help them cross to the other side. Bradley is the chief of police and a true friend to Mary who finds himself helping her while fighting crime. The play between the characters is pleasant and welcoming.
So far the first two books in the series have been delightful and fun, with just enough crime to keep it interesting.
So far the first two books in the series have been delightful and fun, with just enough crime to keep it interesting.
January 4, 2012
This one was a little better than the last, although it still wasn't much of a "mystery". We pretty much know who the bad guys are from the beginning. It's more of a suspense series, IMO, than actual mystery.
I like the progression of the romance. The leads are good together and I like that they're taking it slow. I got a little tired of the featured side characters' playful bickering this time, it seemed forced, but they weren't around all that much so that was good.
This is the second book in the series and I'm seeing some repetition here so I'm wondering if it will be an ongoing thing. If so, it will have a definite "Murder She Wrote" feel and that would be unfortunate. But it's only the second book so we'll have to see how it all plays out.
And I will be reading further because I do like the developing romance and the side stories about some of the ghosts are nice and atmospheric. The main story in this one had me getting fairly choked up so it was definitely emotionally effective. The secondary story was more problematic for me, but not so much that I needed to reduce the rating.
Overall it's a competent series that doesn't necessarily tax the reader, but engages nonetheless. And sometimes that's exactly what I want to read.
I like the progression of the romance. The leads are good together and I like that they're taking it slow. I got a little tired of the featured side characters' playful bickering this time, it seemed forced, but they weren't around all that much so that was good.
This is the second book in the series and I'm seeing some repetition here so I'm wondering if it will be an ongoing thing. If so, it will have a definite "Murder She Wrote" feel and that would be unfortunate. But it's only the second book so we'll have to see how it all plays out.
And I will be reading further because I do like the developing romance and the side stories about some of the ghosts are nice and atmospheric. The main story in this one had me getting fairly choked up so it was definitely emotionally effective. The secondary story was more problematic for me, but not so much that I needed to reduce the rating.
Overall it's a competent series that doesn't necessarily tax the reader, but engages nonetheless. And sometimes that's exactly what I want to read.
December 10, 2015
In Good Tidings, the second entry in the series featuring paranormal investigator Mary O’Reilly, poor Patrice Marcum has her infant son Jeremy stolen in an elaborate ruse when she exits a grocery store during a snowstorm. But it isn’t the distraught mother who turns to Mary O’Reilly; it’s Patrice’s dead 6-year-old son Joey. Joey, who died in a car accident the previous summer, serves as his brother’s guardian angel and provides invaluable service in tracking down his three-month-old brother Jeremy and the perpetrators.
Author Terri Reid has come up with a great premise in Good Tidings, but, even more than with the series’ debut, Loose Ends, the novel descends into predictability and cliché with yet another unrealistic villain. The book ends with a cliffhanger, so I may be back. But probably not.
Author Terri Reid has come up with a great premise in Good Tidings, but, even more than with the series’ debut, Loose Ends, the novel descends into predictability and cliché with yet another unrealistic villain. The book ends with a cliffhanger, so I may be back. But probably not.
July 19, 2019
Libro entretenido, este es un poco más flojito que el anterior, pero me ha gustado. Misterio paranormal con historia romántica ;)
Voy a leer el tercero, que se mete más en la historia del co-protagonista.
Voy a leer el tercero, que se mete más en la historia del co-protagonista.
September 21, 2019
Segundo libro de la serie protagonizada por Mary O'Reilly, una detective con una habilidad poco habitual puede ver y conectar con fantasmas.
En este segundo libro, Mary es contratada por Joey, el fantasma de un niño, que quiere que ayude a su madre a encontrar a su hermano pequeño, un bebé que ha sido robado. Para ello Mary vuelve a la gran ciudad, a Chicago, donde adquirió su extraño poder y donde vuelve a encontrarse con familia y amigos, pero donde también encuentra peligros insospechados.
La lectura es amena, entretenida, pero la intriga no lo es tanto. No hay sorpresas, ha resultado incluso más fácil que en el primer libro el saber quién es el malo, por dónde iba a salir así como otros detalles no relacionados con el caso en sí. Le doy un aprobado justito. Eso sí: al traductor le suspendo; cada vez tiene más fallos de traducción y se parece a una fan-traducción.
En este segundo libro, Mary es contratada por Joey, el fantasma de un niño, que quiere que ayude a su madre a encontrar a su hermano pequeño, un bebé que ha sido robado. Para ello Mary vuelve a la gran ciudad, a Chicago, donde adquirió su extraño poder y donde vuelve a encontrarse con familia y amigos, pero donde también encuentra peligros insospechados.
La lectura es amena, entretenida, pero la intriga no lo es tanto. No hay sorpresas, ha resultado incluso más fácil que en el primer libro el saber quién es el malo, por dónde iba a salir así como otros detalles no relacionados con el caso en sí. Le doy un aprobado justito. Eso sí: al traductor le suspendo; cada vez tiene más fallos de traducción y se parece a una fan-traducción.
November 5, 2013
3.5 stars. I really enjoyed this sweet cozy paranormal mystery. The main character is a detective who can talk to ghosts. She is dragged into mystery when she talks with a young boy's ghost who wants to save his kidnapped baby brother. This leads into a dark world filled with more than just baby napping. When the local police chief joins her for more than professional reasons things really get complicated.
A great easy mystery with all the right ingredients, various ghost with stories, a ghost dog, mysteries still to solve and the best, a ghost dog !
A great easy mystery with all the right ingredients, various ghost with stories, a ghost dog, mysteries still to solve and the best, a ghost dog !
September 13, 2019
Una novela entretenida, que sigue con su parte paranormal, como en la anterior de la serie y algo de humor, aunque en ésta ha habido algo menos.
Como en la anterior novela se investigan diversos casos, que han sido bastante predecibles y en esta ocasión más flojos.
Una novela ágil, que se lee muy rápido, ideal para pasar el rato.
Como en la anterior novela se investigan diversos casos, que han sido bastante predecibles y en esta ocasión más flojos.
Una novela ágil, que se lee muy rápido, ideal para pasar el rato.
June 6, 2016
Two books, one author, three days. It would probably only take about a day to read these short and cozy mysteries by Terri Reid, but I typically start off my reading day nearing the night (since I'm third shift and that's the time I'm awake) and then finish it sometime after the new day has come around. I must say that these books are quite satisfying -- at the very least, I'm turning pages wanting to know how the mystery is solved.
Of course, these ARE pretty short stories from what I'm used to reading, so I'm not surprised that I've been finishing them up so quickly.
The second book of the Mary O'Reilly paranormal mysteries takes our two main heroes all the way to Mary's home city of Chicago in an investigation of an infant snatching. The deceased six year old big brother of the kidnapped infant is Mary's "client" this time; he is Joey Marcum who was able to remain by his family's side after death as his little brother's guardian angel. In this case then, little Joey makes for a pretty good spy in finding out what's going on around his brother and the infant snatchers and what they're doing.
We also get some insight into Mary's near-death experience as well as learn more about Bradley Alden's past. There's some forwarded romantic development as well as a lot of nice and warm moments among the O'Reilly family.
For starters, the writing style seems to be progressively getting better and better. I'd chance to say that the author could still use some editing as I've caught a lot of consistent grammatical errors and awkward word usage. But overall, just like the first book, it was a fun mystery experience. Good Tidings, however, wasn't as good as the first one despite having a more refined format and I think there was a little too much being slopped together from the kidnapping case and then moving into a drug/murder conspiracy. The transitioning felt a bit awkward, but it still managed to pull through.
What I'm loving about the Mary O'Reilly series so far is really the characters and their developments. I love Stanley and Rosie with a passion -- these two side characters are created as very witty, very loyal, yet brutally honest best friends to our heroine. I also like seeing the few side ghostly story arcs that take place so that we know that Mary doesn't simply attract all the crazy encounters that lead her into murder cases, kidnapping cases, rape cases (can I use the word rape in these reviews?)... the like. We see that there are some ghostly visitors who just have a simple unfinished matter that needs to attend to and then they can move on and be at peace.
While I'm continuing to enjoy the series, I didn't quite care for this second book as much as I had enjoyed the first one. And so here's hoping that the third one is just as gripping.
Of course, these ARE pretty short stories from what I'm used to reading, so I'm not surprised that I've been finishing them up so quickly.
The second book of the Mary O'Reilly paranormal mysteries takes our two main heroes all the way to Mary's home city of Chicago in an investigation of an infant snatching. The deceased six year old big brother of the kidnapped infant is Mary's "client" this time; he is Joey Marcum who was able to remain by his family's side after death as his little brother's guardian angel. In this case then, little Joey makes for a pretty good spy in finding out what's going on around his brother and the infant snatchers and what they're doing.
We also get some insight into Mary's near-death experience as well as learn more about Bradley Alden's past. There's some forwarded romantic development as well as a lot of nice and warm moments among the O'Reilly family.
For starters, the writing style seems to be progressively getting better and better. I'd chance to say that the author could still use some editing as I've caught a lot of consistent grammatical errors and awkward word usage. But overall, just like the first book, it was a fun mystery experience. Good Tidings, however, wasn't as good as the first one despite having a more refined format and I think there was a little too much being slopped together from the kidnapping case and then moving into a drug/murder conspiracy. The transitioning felt a bit awkward, but it still managed to pull through.
What I'm loving about the Mary O'Reilly series so far is really the characters and their developments. I love Stanley and Rosie with a passion -- these two side characters are created as very witty, very loyal, yet brutally honest best friends to our heroine. I also like seeing the few side ghostly story arcs that take place so that we know that Mary doesn't simply attract all the crazy encounters that lead her into murder cases, kidnapping cases, rape cases (can I use the word rape in these reviews?)... the like. We see that there are some ghostly visitors who just have a simple unfinished matter that needs to attend to and then they can move on and be at peace.
While I'm continuing to enjoy the series, I didn't quite care for this second book as much as I had enjoyed the first one. And so here's hoping that the third one is just as gripping.
January 19, 2012
I love this series! The characters are quirky and eccentric, people who'd be fun to have in your life. There's good story telling and the ghost whispering isn't overly spooky or intrusive.(I'm a total chicken when it comes to reading about ghosts at night!) It's woven into the storytelling, which, by the way, is fabulous if I haven't said so already. I started the second book in the series immediately upon finishing the first. And this afternoon, after I finished the second, I immediately started the third. Honestly I almost never do this, preferring instead to move from voice to voice, returning to a series after a break. And one thing I really love is the strong female protagonist in her very early thirties (Im guessing age here). She's stubborn and bull-headed and fiercely independent. But she's NOT stupid and doesn't do stupid things; the author respects her detective's intelligence and makes sure her decisions are consistent with that intelligence and police training.
For me price is an issue and these books, gratefully, are priced affordably. It appears that these eBooks are also self-published and this author has made the effort of providing her readers with the rare experience of error free manuscripts. Ms. Terri Reid, thank you very much.
For me price is an issue and these books, gratefully, are priced affordably. It appears that these eBooks are also self-published and this author has made the effort of providing her readers with the rare experience of error free manuscripts. Ms. Terri Reid, thank you very much.
October 5, 2011
Back in April I reviewed the first Mary O’Reilly story Loose Ends by Terri Reid. I really enjoyed it and gave it a great 4.5 stars. Now there are five novels in the series and I decided to treat myself to the second instalment.
Good Tidings is a fantastic follow on novel, written in the same fast paced, character driven style as the first. We see Mary and Bradley investigate the kidnapping of a baby from a mother at a busy superstore while being surrounded by Christmas shoppers. This opening scene gripped me from the start as it described the mother’s fear and panic so well and as a parent I could empathise with her in every way. As with the first book the subject matter of Good Tidings could have led to a dark brooding story but in the hands of Terri Reid and her cast of lovable characters the story remained light, upbeat and enjoyable. Once again there is nothing new to the genre here and the plot doesn’t throw any real surprises your way. This is a feel good novel that will brighten up your day, not darken it.
For my Full Review visit DarkissReads.com
Good Tidings is a fantastic follow on novel, written in the same fast paced, character driven style as the first. We see Mary and Bradley investigate the kidnapping of a baby from a mother at a busy superstore while being surrounded by Christmas shoppers. This opening scene gripped me from the start as it described the mother’s fear and panic so well and as a parent I could empathise with her in every way. As with the first book the subject matter of Good Tidings could have led to a dark brooding story but in the hands of Terri Reid and her cast of lovable characters the story remained light, upbeat and enjoyable. Once again there is nothing new to the genre here and the plot doesn’t throw any real surprises your way. This is a feel good novel that will brighten up your day, not darken it.
For my Full Review visit DarkissReads.com
July 1, 2017
This was such a good book. Mary handles herself so well with the paranormal. I really life how Bradleys presence keeps the ghosts away. Loved the ending. Ready for number 3!
May 21, 2012
The second in a series about a former police officer/current private investigator (who just happens to see ghosts) set in my hometown of Freeport, IL. I thought this one was a little less successful than the first for a few reasons. First, there were some basic inconsistencies in the story that were not material so much as they were distracting. For example,
Second, I didn't care for the way the main character's love interest
Finally, there is the question of how in the world Mary actually supports herself, since by her own admission, she gets most of her work from the dead, who have no money to pay her. In the first book, she at least had one client who approached her to track down what happened to a murder victim. In this book, she isn't hired by anyone living as far as I can tell. Freeport doesn't have a high cost of living, but there is SOME cost of living, and I don't think the author has really dealt satisfactorily with how Mary is managing to live off of this strange ability she has. And that's not even getting into how in the world she would actually bring any of the evidence she has gathered before a court of law, since "a ghost told me this is the bad guy" is not exactly admissible. So far, she seems to rely on the bad guys freaking out and confessing and/or meeting a well-deserved gruesome end before they have to be charged, although there are other developments throughout the case that I would have dearly loved to see the warrants for.
Second, I didn't care for the way the main character's love interest
Finally, there is the question of how in the world Mary actually supports herself, since by her own admission, she gets most of her work from the dead, who have no money to pay her. In the first book, she at least had one client who approached her to track down what happened to a murder victim. In this book, she isn't hired by anyone living as far as I can tell. Freeport doesn't have a high cost of living, but there is SOME cost of living, and I don't think the author has really dealt satisfactorily with how Mary is managing to live off of this strange ability she has. And that's not even getting into how in the world she would actually bring any of the evidence she has gathered before a court of law, since "a ghost told me this is the bad guy" is not exactly admissible. So far, she seems to rely on the bad guys freaking out and confessing and/or meeting a well-deserved gruesome end before they have to be charged, although there are other developments throughout the case that I would have dearly loved to see the warrants for.
July 27, 2014
Oh I love the Mary O'Reilly series of paranormal mysteries by Terri Reid. These stories just pull me in and keep me hooked from the first page.
'Good Tidings' is the second book in the series and the story takes place during Christmas time in snowstorm battered Freeport and in Chicago.
Patrice Marcum is shopping with her infant son Jeremy. When she's about to leave the store she realises that a snowstorm is in full force outside. She cannot reach her snow-covered car with her trolley and baby. A kind old lady offers to take care of her son together with a store representative while Patrice brings the car closer to the store entrance. Patrice is grateful and she agrees, but on her return, her son and the two carers are nowhere to be seen...Jeremy has been abducted.
Mary O'Reilly is decorating her office when the ghost of six-year-old Joel Marcum visits her, telling her that his baby brother has just been abducted. He pleads with her to find him and to return Jeremy to their distraught mother. Joel is in fact Jeremy's guardian angel and he can visit him wherever he's being held. Mary agrees to help him and instructs Joel to keep an eye on his brother and to report her anything he can on his whereabouts.
Mary's investigation takes her and Police Chief Bradley Alden to ghost-infested Chicago where a string of abductions is discovered, but will they make it on time to find and save Jeremy?
In Chicago, Mary and Bradley are joined by her police brother Sean and from investigating abductions, Mary ends up on the trail of a serial murderer.
With a bunch of interesting characters including many ghosts and intriguing story lines, 'Good Tidings' is a very engaging piece of writing. With a balanced mix of laugh-out-loud moments, romance and suspense, this book is sure to leave you wanting more.
'Good Tidings' is the second book in the series and the story takes place during Christmas time in snowstorm battered Freeport and in Chicago.
Patrice Marcum is shopping with her infant son Jeremy. When she's about to leave the store she realises that a snowstorm is in full force outside. She cannot reach her snow-covered car with her trolley and baby. A kind old lady offers to take care of her son together with a store representative while Patrice brings the car closer to the store entrance. Patrice is grateful and she agrees, but on her return, her son and the two carers are nowhere to be seen...Jeremy has been abducted.
Mary O'Reilly is decorating her office when the ghost of six-year-old Joel Marcum visits her, telling her that his baby brother has just been abducted. He pleads with her to find him and to return Jeremy to their distraught mother. Joel is in fact Jeremy's guardian angel and he can visit him wherever he's being held. Mary agrees to help him and instructs Joel to keep an eye on his brother and to report her anything he can on his whereabouts.
Mary's investigation takes her and Police Chief Bradley Alden to ghost-infested Chicago where a string of abductions is discovered, but will they make it on time to find and save Jeremy?
In Chicago, Mary and Bradley are joined by her police brother Sean and from investigating abductions, Mary ends up on the trail of a serial murderer.
With a bunch of interesting characters including many ghosts and intriguing story lines, 'Good Tidings' is a very engaging piece of writing. With a balanced mix of laugh-out-loud moments, romance and suspense, this book is sure to leave you wanting more.
November 22, 2014
Another superb story in this series only marked down a star for mistakes, though not as bad as her first book, I found. I'm really liking these stories. It left us with a "to be continued" ending which was good as I've every intention of sticking with Mary's adventures.
In the first story's review I made mention of hoping to learn more about Bradley's back story which she gave us and it's an interesting one, too, to run alongside what's going on with Mary's investigations.
I learned something too-about the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act in Illinois. There's a thing !!
There were quite a few apostrophe errors and casually spelt causally. There was I think a joke I didn't "get" because I didn't understand it, either, about Mary looking like her brother ?? "I heard that Stanley" warranted a comma as well.
I was sobbing at the end and at the part with the dogs featuring as well. I love the ideals Mary and Bradley both have and the way they see things. They really resonate with me.
So I'm greatly looking forward to reading more in the series.
PS-Forgot to say, I love these black 'n' white covers, too.
In the first story's review I made mention of hoping to learn more about Bradley's back story which she gave us and it's an interesting one, too, to run alongside what's going on with Mary's investigations.
I learned something too-about the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act in Illinois. There's a thing !!
There were quite a few apostrophe errors and casually spelt causally. There was I think a joke I didn't "get" because I didn't understand it, either, about Mary looking like her brother ?? "I heard that Stanley" warranted a comma as well.
I was sobbing at the end and at the part with the dogs featuring as well. I love the ideals Mary and Bradley both have and the way they see things. They really resonate with me.
So I'm greatly looking forward to reading more in the series.
PS-Forgot to say, I love these black 'n' white covers, too.
November 6, 2015
Love it
Once again, I absolutely love this series. There were several different stories going on but it was easy to keep track of them and they were brought to a conclusion. I don't write about the plots in my reviews as there are plenty others who do. We do get to meet Mary's family and get more background info on our main characters. The books are well written and very entertaining.
Once again, I absolutely love this series. There were several different stories going on but it was easy to keep track of them and they were brought to a conclusion. I don't write about the plots in my reviews as there are plenty others who do. We do get to meet Mary's family and get more background info on our main characters. The books are well written and very entertaining.
January 7, 2017
Nice
An awesome ghost story. Terri Reid is becoming a new one of my favorite authors. This is book 2 in a series. But I don't think you have to read book one to enjoy it.
Lots of ghosts and a nice love story threading thru it.
I will be starting book 3 soon.
An awesome ghost story. Terri Reid is becoming a new one of my favorite authors. This is book 2 in a series. But I don't think you have to read book one to enjoy it.
Lots of ghosts and a nice love story threading thru it.
I will be starting book 3 soon.
February 16, 2011
Love this series! Interesting story line and fast paced. The humor had me laughing out loud. Can't wait for book 3!
June 24, 2012
What a cliff-hanger ....cannot wait to read next in this series
November 14, 2020
Loved loved loved!!!! Every book I've read so far in this series has been great.
August 8, 2015
2.75 stars. Not as good as the first one. Not sure I'll continue on.
September 3, 2017
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?).
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?).
May 24, 2021
"Good Tidings". the second Mary O'Reilly P.I. book, is actually two books in one.
An infant, Jeremy, is abducted from a shopping mall on Black Friday. Someone is trying to kill Mary's paramour, Police Chief Bradley Allen.
Mary is 'hired' by Joey, 6, the dead brother and guardian angel of the missing infant to find him. He's able to tell Mary where Jeremy is but, being only 6, and with the entire area enduring a blizzard, it's not quite as simple as it seems.
As that plot ends there is an attack on Bradley, and a further attempt is also made on his life while he is in hospital. Bradley and Mary return to their home ground, Freeport, Illinois, to try and smoke the would-be killer out.
The plotting isn't as good as it could be but the relationship between Mary and Bradley is always interesting. Two other recurring characters, the older Rosie and Stanley, share a sometimes fractious but mostly touching interaction.
A fast, warm-hearted read.
An infant, Jeremy, is abducted from a shopping mall on Black Friday. Someone is trying to kill Mary's paramour, Police Chief Bradley Allen.
Mary is 'hired' by Joey, 6, the dead brother and guardian angel of the missing infant to find him. He's able to tell Mary where Jeremy is but, being only 6, and with the entire area enduring a blizzard, it's not quite as simple as it seems.
As that plot ends there is an attack on Bradley, and a further attempt is also made on his life while he is in hospital. Bradley and Mary return to their home ground, Freeport, Illinois, to try and smoke the would-be killer out.
The plotting isn't as good as it could be but the relationship between Mary and Bradley is always interesting. Two other recurring characters, the older Rosie and Stanley, share a sometimes fractious but mostly touching interaction.
A fast, warm-hearted read.
September 15, 2018
Book number two in the Mary O'Reilly paranormal mystery series is a hit with me. The characters ring true, those from the small town and those from the big city. I also liked the ghosts, and how the writer makes them seem so real and so confused. A baby is stolen, and the baby's dead brother hires Mary to help find him. With the sheriff's help, and that of her policeman brother in the big city, they learn the baby is part of a baby stealing and selling scheme. Surprises pop up, but Mary succeeds in solving them all. I love the characters this author created, the way they interact, talk and think. People you'd like to have as friends. I highly recommend this book, and I look forward to reading the next in this series.
June 15, 2017
Mary is a Private Investigator who can see ghost. She helps them cross to the other side. Bradley is the Chief of Police. He helps Mary and they have become close friends.
This is the second book in a series and I read it without reading the first. I liked it. We know who the bad guys are, almost immediately, so the mystery seems to be about the ghosts. What prevents them from crossing over.
I like the way Bradley and Mary interact. There were a few chapters that made me laugh and there were some tense moments. The book sort of ends in a cliff hanger. I believe a book she have a beginning and end with no cliff hangers so that is the main thing I didn't like.
This is the second book in a series and I read it without reading the first. I liked it. We know who the bad guys are, almost immediately, so the mystery seems to be about the ghosts. What prevents them from crossing over.
I like the way Bradley and Mary interact. There were a few chapters that made me laugh and there were some tense moments. The book sort of ends in a cliff hanger. I believe a book she have a beginning and end with no cliff hangers so that is the main thing I didn't like.
June 2, 2019
Loved it
First, the fact that they drink diet coke in the morning endeared these characters to me even more because that's my drink - no coffee in the morning. A diet coke is my coffee. Second, Joey, the little.boy in this book, I just loved that sweet boy. He enhanced the book so much & he wasn't in it much. Third, I loved the interactions between Mary, Bradley, & her family. Other than that - I had it figured out quickly who the "big bad" of this book was. It wasn't much of a mystery in that aspect for me. Then getting there was well thought out, & quick paced. Love Mary's friends Rosie & Stanley. Had the subplot figured out quickly too but I just loved this book.
First, the fact that they drink diet coke in the morning endeared these characters to me even more because that's my drink - no coffee in the morning. A diet coke is my coffee. Second, Joey, the little.boy in this book, I just loved that sweet boy. He enhanced the book so much & he wasn't in it much. Third, I loved the interactions between Mary, Bradley, & her family. Other than that - I had it figured out quickly who the "big bad" of this book was. It wasn't much of a mystery in that aspect for me. Then getting there was well thought out, & quick paced. Love Mary's friends Rosie & Stanley. Had the subplot figured out quickly too but I just loved this book.
March 15, 2024
In book #1 of this series, Mary O'Reilly dies and is revived but with the ability to see and speak to ghosts. In this second book in the series, Mary is called upon by Joey, a 6 year old ghost, to recover his baby brother who has been abducted by a baby-selling ring. Mary is helped in the investigation by Sean, her brother on the police force in Chicago, and the local police chief, Bradley. There are several other ghosts who come into the picture who Mary helps find closure.
Overall a decent mystery. I felt that some of the situations/people could have been more fleshed-out for a richer story.
Overall a decent mystery. I felt that some of the situations/people could have been more fleshed-out for a richer story.
January 26, 2021
This is Christmas Team and Patrice Marcum while out shopping has who she believes is a good samartian and a worker watch her infant son Jeremy unfortunately, he is kidnapped. Her deceased son, Joey, goes To Mary the PI who can see ghosts to help him find his brother. Turns out Joey is Jeremys guardian angel, He is able to tell Mary what is going on. Mary heads home to Chicago and has her brother Sean help out, Bradley comes along.
Turns out the story isn't as easy as it sounds. But the romance between Bradley and Mary end up heating up. This story is definitely getting better.
Turns out the story isn't as easy as it sounds. But the romance between Bradley and Mary end up heating up. This story is definitely getting better.
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