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Odessa Jones #1
A Glimmer of Death
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Award-winning author Valerie Wilson Wesley launches a thrilling new mystery series set in New Jersey, featuring a multicultural cast, and starring a caterer-turned-realtor with the gift of second sight...
In the first of a thrilling new series, one woman's extraordinary psychic gift plunges her already-troubled present into chaos--and puts her future in someone's deadly sights...
Until now, Odessa Jones' inherited ability to read emotions and foretell danger has protected her. But second sight didn't warn her she would soon be a widow--and about to lose her home and the catering business she's worked so hard to build. The only things keeping Dessa going are her love for baking and her sometimes-mellow cat, Juniper. Unfortunately, putting her life back together means taking a gig at an all-kinds-of-shady real estate firm run by volatile owner Charlie Risko...
Until Charlie is brutally killed--and Dessa's bullied co-worker is arrested for murder. Dessa can't be sure who's guilty. But it doesn't take a psychic to discover that everyone from Charlie's much-abused staff to his long-suffering younger wife had multiple reasons to want him dead. And as Dessa follows a trail of lies through blackmail, dead-end clues, and corruption, she needs to see the truth fast--or a killer will bury her deep down with it.
Award-winning author Valerie Wilson Wesley launches a thrilling new mystery series set in New Jersey, featuring a multicultural cast, and starring a caterer-turned-realtor with the gift of second sight...
In the first of a thrilling new series, one woman's extraordinary psychic gift plunges her already-troubled present into chaos--and puts her future in someone's deadly sights...
Until now, Odessa Jones' inherited ability to read emotions and foretell danger has protected her. But second sight didn't warn her she would soon be a widow--and about to lose her home and the catering business she's worked so hard to build. The only things keeping Dessa going are her love for baking and her sometimes-mellow cat, Juniper. Unfortunately, putting her life back together means taking a gig at an all-kinds-of-shady real estate firm run by volatile owner Charlie Risko...
Until Charlie is brutally killed--and Dessa's bullied co-worker is arrested for murder. Dessa can't be sure who's guilty. But it doesn't take a psychic to discover that everyone from Charlie's much-abused staff to his long-suffering younger wife had multiple reasons to want him dead. And as Dessa follows a trail of lies through blackmail, dead-end clues, and corruption, she needs to see the truth fast--or a killer will bury her deep down with it.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2021
198 people are currently reading
3676 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Wilson Wesley
47 books437 followersValerie Wilson Wesley is an African-American author of mysteries, adult-theme novels, and children's books,[1] and a former executive editor of Essence magazine. She is the author of the Tamara Hayle mystery series. Her writings, both fiction and non-fiction, have also appeared in numerous publications, including Essence, Family Circle, TV Guide, Ms., The New York Times, and the Swiss weekly magazine Die Weltwoche.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
December 30, 2020
Valerie Wilson-Wesley's Tamara Hayle books about a black woman PI were one of my favorite all-time mystery series so I had to get my hands on her new series, especially when I learned it was a paranormal cozy about a widow in New Jersey. A Glimmer of Death proves that the author hasn't missed a step since she's been away from the mystery game. Though New Jersey caterer-turned-realtor Dessa is quite a different character than Tamara Hayle, she's just as memorable. You'll also find all the things you love about cozies, including cute cats and a colorful cast of characters. I can't wait for the next one!
February 1, 2021
I enjoyed A Glimmer of Death. I think it is a great start to this series and I'm looking forward to reading more about Mrs. Odessa Jones and Aunt Phoenix.
January 18, 2021
This story follows the widowed Odessa "Dessa" Jones, a struggling real estate agent and former caterer in a New Jersey town. It's been a year since her husband's death and she's just trying to stay afloat and keep her desk at the agency while her crazy boss' threats loom. In usual cozy fashion her boss was one of those people everyone hated so it's no surprise there are multiple suspects when he ends up dead.
If you're looking for a light easy to read mystery with a interesting cast of characters I suggest picking this one up. This was full of young and old characters each with their own set of secrets. I liked that Dessa was actively trying to learn more about the way the law works and how conmen run their cons. Sometimes in cozies the way the women are instantly sleuths despite no years of experience and able to put the clues together is annoying. And like the readers Dessa didn't know her coworkers too well so we learned about them as she did.
And there was a twist on the cozy romance in that the potential love interest is a retired police officer so he's close enough to the force to be helpful but not the ones running the investigations.
Throughout you get plenty of descriptions of scrumptious cakes as Dessa restarts her catering business on the side. As you can find a recipe for her 7 Up cake included. A solid start to a new series.
Originally posted
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
If you're looking for a light easy to read mystery with a interesting cast of characters I suggest picking this one up. This was full of young and old characters each with their own set of secrets. I liked that Dessa was actively trying to learn more about the way the law works and how conmen run their cons. Sometimes in cozies the way the women are instantly sleuths despite no years of experience and able to put the clues together is annoying. And like the readers Dessa didn't know her coworkers too well so we learned about them as she did.
And there was a twist on the cozy romance in that the potential love interest is a retired police officer so he's close enough to the force to be helpful but not the ones running the investigations.
Throughout you get plenty of descriptions of scrumptious cakes as Dessa restarts her catering business on the side. As you can find a recipe for her 7 Up cake included. A solid start to a new series.
Originally posted
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
March 27, 2022
This book was a very, very slow burn. It took a few days for me to get past the first two chapters because I just didn’t connect with the characters or story immediately. Over time, I enjoyed it more.
The story is about a clairvoyant baker turned realtor who investigates the murder of her manager. Her journey leads her to a sorted story of greed, revenge and deception as she sharpens her amateur sleuth capabilities and copes with the loss of her husband and co-owner of her now defunct bakery.
Parts of the story were very slow, other parts felt rushed and I found it difficult to care about any of the characters. It was entertaining once I caught on to what was going on, however. 3 stars.
Ps., the audiobook narrator read it like she was reading junk mail. I wasn’t a fan of her style and it made listening a bit of a chore.
The story is about a clairvoyant baker turned realtor who investigates the murder of her manager. Her journey leads her to a sorted story of greed, revenge and deception as she sharpens her amateur sleuth capabilities and copes with the loss of her husband and co-owner of her now defunct bakery.
Parts of the story were very slow, other parts felt rushed and I found it difficult to care about any of the characters. It was entertaining once I caught on to what was going on, however. 3 stars.
Ps., the audiobook narrator read it like she was reading junk mail. I wasn’t a fan of her style and it made listening a bit of a chore.
November 20, 2020
Dessa Jones works for a particularly obnoxious NJ realtor who is always threatening to fire people who don't bring in enough business. Apparently he pushed someone too far, because he winds up dead. Could one of the staff finally have had enough of Charlie's bullying? What about his young wife, who is sporting all of those bruises? Dessa sees "glimmers," similar to auras, around people. They often tell her more than she wants to know, since she is trying to focus on reviving her baking business to earn some extra money. I really enjoyed reading about these characters, and the mystery kept me guessing. As an added bonus, the recipe for Dessa's 7-Up Pound Cake is included. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
March 13, 2021
I love a good wholesome cozy mystery.
September 25, 2020
Odessa Jones has faced tragedy and heartbreak - her beloved husband passes away, their catering business was lost and now she's about to lose her home. In order to get back on her feet, she takes a position as an associate with Risko Realty. Unfortunately, the job turns out to be more sleuthing than selling and Odessa has to use her "gifts" to keep herself safe!
Valerie Wilson Wesley has created a fascinating new sleuth - Odessa (Dessa) Jones. Dessa is complex, kind, smart and still grieving the loss of her husband Darryl. She has an interesting method of listening to and evaluating people and situations (I won't say more than that!) and the character has such depth and is so well-written, that the reader feels as if they are right there with her discovering clues. The writing style is direct, relatable and left me not wanting to read that last page and finish the book!
The supporting characters, Dessa's co-workers and her wonderful Aunts Phoenix and Celestine are strong enough to have their own books. Of course, Juniper her spoiled feline is adorable and demanding and the pound cake recipe was amazing!
I can't wait for the next Odessa Jones Mystery!
. I received an ARC from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Valerie Wilson Wesley has created a fascinating new sleuth - Odessa (Dessa) Jones. Dessa is complex, kind, smart and still grieving the loss of her husband Darryl. She has an interesting method of listening to and evaluating people and situations (I won't say more than that!) and the character has such depth and is so well-written, that the reader feels as if they are right there with her discovering clues. The writing style is direct, relatable and left me not wanting to read that last page and finish the book!
The supporting characters, Dessa's co-workers and her wonderful Aunts Phoenix and Celestine are strong enough to have their own books. Of course, Juniper her spoiled feline is adorable and demanding and the pound cake recipe was amazing!
I can't wait for the next Odessa Jones Mystery!
. I received an ARC from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
October 5, 2024
A Glimmer of Death was a quick, enjoyable read. A bit darker than most cozy mysteries, but an interesting premise with good character development. An empath like myself, Odessa Jones is an endearing protagonist, and I look forward to seeing what's next in store for her!
January 31, 2021
When I tell you love me some VWW as if she was family (my mystery auntie) and I've read and reread everything she's written since I was in high school.
I preordered this as soon as it was announced last June and I've been so excited to read it and I can honestly say I am neutral and maybe a pinch disappointed by this read.
It may be that I'm so used to a grittier, dark and page gripping read with Tamara Hayle that Odessa in comparison felt so mild and lukewarm (due to it being a Cozy) and I just didn't enjoy it as much and I really, really wanted to.
I'll give it a 3/5 and maybe this is a small start to a solid series and now that she's 1 book in I can expect better in the future. The story was decent but Odessa was a bit boring and could use a bit more interest and personality, I found Aunt Phoenix more interesting. I don't feel like she really put any of the pieces together herself. No real sluething, felt like everything would've come together regardless of her presence. Also, the ending was so fast and anticlimatic, with little to no suspense.
I look forward to whatever is coming next and will read anything Ms. Valerie releases but I encourage those that are new to this author to try the Tamara Hayle series first.
I preordered this as soon as it was announced last June and I've been so excited to read it and I can honestly say I am neutral and maybe a pinch disappointed by this read.
It may be that I'm so used to a grittier, dark and page gripping read with Tamara Hayle that Odessa in comparison felt so mild and lukewarm (due to it being a Cozy) and I just didn't enjoy it as much and I really, really wanted to.
I'll give it a 3/5 and maybe this is a small start to a solid series and now that she's 1 book in I can expect better in the future. The story was decent but Odessa was a bit boring and could use a bit more interest and personality, I found Aunt Phoenix more interesting. I don't feel like she really put any of the pieces together herself. No real sluething, felt like everything would've come together regardless of her presence. Also, the ending was so fast and anticlimatic, with little to no suspense.
I look forward to whatever is coming next and will read anything Ms. Valerie releases but I encourage those that are new to this author to try the Tamara Hayle series first.
June 16, 2021
This story dragged so much that I fell asleep twice while listening. The narrator's voice gave no life to the story & the storyline was missing ingredients to make it a good story. 17 days to finish a book is very unusual for me. I've read other books from this author & they were full of action & very entertaining.
April 23, 2023
3.5 rounded up
I liked this! The setting, the cast of characters that make up the town.
I enjoyed the slight supernatural element.
Well done.
I liked this! The setting, the cast of characters that make up the town.
I enjoyed the slight supernatural element.
Well done.
July 12, 2021
An ultimatum to get a sale, unlikeable co-workers, and a murdered boss take things from bad to worse for a woman starting over in life with an unwanted psychic gift. When I spotted this new series of cozies with a paranormal twist, I was all in to try a new to me author and narrator.
Odessa Jones lost her husband the year before and then their catering business and her feeling of direction that made things financially precarious even as an unwanted family heritage in the form of a psychic gift package has shown up to complicate her life. I liked Dessa from the beginning. She’s vulnerable in some ways because she’s learning a new job as a realtor and also has to learn how the psychic gift works- like the glimmer auras or the strong scents that portent things and she’s still working through her grief and loss, but she’s quietly going about business as she does it. Once the murder happens, Dessa doesn’t suddenly become a skilled amateur sleuth, but she doesn’t hesitate to try to learn her unwanted gift or try to help a co-worker accused of the murder. She is curious and is a noticing sort who doesn’t hesitate to ask why.
Besides Odessa, there are some solid secondary characters like quirky Aunt Phoenix and Aunt Celestine, her spoiled cat Juniper, and even an emerging love interest and aid to helping her with the mystery in a retired cop who runs a nearby BBQ restaurant. Dessa really starts coming into her own with her restart on life with all their help. And, lord love me, I was salivating when Dessa started cooking again- yes we have a recipe, too.
While Charlie her boss was obnoxious and no surprise he was killed, her coworkers, the wife, and a few others in his circle all had motive it seemed. I did like the way one could form a case against any of them and it wasn’t easy to figure out- which I didn’t at least not until nearly the reveal anyway. Odessa does get someone nervous so there is some good suspense. Much of this book felt cozy and the mystery is still solid and plotted out well. I’m interested to see Odessa grow into her gifts and her talent for nosing out a mystery solution along with the other great characters along for the ride.
Diana Blue had a good narration voice and it was easy to listen to her storytelling and I liked her as Odessa’s voice. She was more narrator than voice actor because she didn’t ‘act’ the scenes or make much distinction like for gender though that is not to say that she was flat. She let the story take precedence.
So, it was a good start to a series with an engaging lead character with a good backdrop, entertaining mystery, and splendid secondary characters. I think those who enjoy paranormal cozies will take to the Odessa Jones series.
My thanks to Tantor Audio for providing the digital audio copy to be listened to in exchange for an honest review.
Odessa Jones lost her husband the year before and then their catering business and her feeling of direction that made things financially precarious even as an unwanted family heritage in the form of a psychic gift package has shown up to complicate her life. I liked Dessa from the beginning. She’s vulnerable in some ways because she’s learning a new job as a realtor and also has to learn how the psychic gift works- like the glimmer auras or the strong scents that portent things and she’s still working through her grief and loss, but she’s quietly going about business as she does it. Once the murder happens, Dessa doesn’t suddenly become a skilled amateur sleuth, but she doesn’t hesitate to try to learn her unwanted gift or try to help a co-worker accused of the murder. She is curious and is a noticing sort who doesn’t hesitate to ask why.
Besides Odessa, there are some solid secondary characters like quirky Aunt Phoenix and Aunt Celestine, her spoiled cat Juniper, and even an emerging love interest and aid to helping her with the mystery in a retired cop who runs a nearby BBQ restaurant. Dessa really starts coming into her own with her restart on life with all their help. And, lord love me, I was salivating when Dessa started cooking again- yes we have a recipe, too.
While Charlie her boss was obnoxious and no surprise he was killed, her coworkers, the wife, and a few others in his circle all had motive it seemed. I did like the way one could form a case against any of them and it wasn’t easy to figure out- which I didn’t at least not until nearly the reveal anyway. Odessa does get someone nervous so there is some good suspense. Much of this book felt cozy and the mystery is still solid and plotted out well. I’m interested to see Odessa grow into her gifts and her talent for nosing out a mystery solution along with the other great characters along for the ride.
Diana Blue had a good narration voice and it was easy to listen to her storytelling and I liked her as Odessa’s voice. She was more narrator than voice actor because she didn’t ‘act’ the scenes or make much distinction like for gender though that is not to say that she was flat. She let the story take precedence.
So, it was a good start to a series with an engaging lead character with a good backdrop, entertaining mystery, and splendid secondary characters. I think those who enjoy paranormal cozies will take to the Odessa Jones series.
My thanks to Tantor Audio for providing the digital audio copy to be listened to in exchange for an honest review.
December 23, 2020
A Glimmer of Death by Valerie Wilson Wesley is a bit of a tough one to write about. I want you to read it because it was really good, but if you are a hardcore cozy fanatic, it may not be what you usually look for in a cozy. Most of the aspects are there, but there is a really big one that is missing… at least it was for me.
Usually in cozies there are so many wonderful characters and that’s one of the reasons that readers keep coming back. These characters become friends and you want to catch up with them when the next book comes out. But in A Glimmer of Death, a lot of the people were nasty pieces of work.
Now, I don’t want you to decide not to read it because Wesley really does a great job with character development, even the not so likeable characters. And there are still characters that you will enjoy, and a lot of diverse characters too! I just want to let you know before you delve into the book… this is a review after all. ;)
I loved the premise with Dessa and her family having psychic abilities. It was a fun change to have the main character already aware of them, instead of spending half of the book realizing it. Yet, Desssa doesn’t have a firm grip on them, so we do get some exploration. And we are introduced to her two aunts who do have their powers more under control. I really enjoyed her aunt's powers when it comes to money. Often in the supernatural community you shouldn’t use these types of powers to benefit yourself, but maybe it’s the dark witch in me that says, “Why not?!?”
I was also very happy with the way the love interest is playing out and that he was a police officer so he still has contacts on the force, but that he has a profession that matches Dessa more. Plus his grandma’s name was Odessa too, so how perfect is that. And as far as the mystery goes there are a lot of suspects and red herrings, but if you pay attention there’s a good chance you’ll be able to figure it out before the end of the book. There were two things that Wesley included that helped me come to the conclusion early.
An excellent start to a new series, and I really hope that the slight change from the usual cozy doesn’t stop you from reading it or makes you leave a negative review just because of it.
Usually in cozies there are so many wonderful characters and that’s one of the reasons that readers keep coming back. These characters become friends and you want to catch up with them when the next book comes out. But in A Glimmer of Death, a lot of the people were nasty pieces of work.
Now, I don’t want you to decide not to read it because Wesley really does a great job with character development, even the not so likeable characters. And there are still characters that you will enjoy, and a lot of diverse characters too! I just want to let you know before you delve into the book… this is a review after all. ;)
I loved the premise with Dessa and her family having psychic abilities. It was a fun change to have the main character already aware of them, instead of spending half of the book realizing it. Yet, Desssa doesn’t have a firm grip on them, so we do get some exploration. And we are introduced to her two aunts who do have their powers more under control. I really enjoyed her aunt's powers when it comes to money. Often in the supernatural community you shouldn’t use these types of powers to benefit yourself, but maybe it’s the dark witch in me that says, “Why not?!?”
I was also very happy with the way the love interest is playing out and that he was a police officer so he still has contacts on the force, but that he has a profession that matches Dessa more. Plus his grandma’s name was Odessa too, so how perfect is that. And as far as the mystery goes there are a lot of suspects and red herrings, but if you pay attention there’s a good chance you’ll be able to figure it out before the end of the book. There were two things that Wesley included that helped me come to the conclusion early.
An excellent start to a new series, and I really hope that the slight change from the usual cozy doesn’t stop you from reading it or makes you leave a negative review just because of it.
November 17, 2020
Dessa Jones ends up working in real estate after her husband passes away. She thinks it would take her mind off things but that was not the case. Dessa has psychic abilities wherein she sees glimmer. Althought, most of the times she's not sure about what the glimmers represent. I didn't feel I was reading a cozy. It was well suited for a mystery. I didn't like the characters in Dessa's office, maybe the author meant for them to be unlikeable. Aunt Phe was a good character though. The mystery was good, the people in Dessa's office all had clear motives to want Charlie dead.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read and review this book.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read and review this book.
September 30, 2020
This is one of the best new books I’ve read in a while. I love the idea of the main character, Odessa Jones, being an empath. Seeing the shimmers, or glitters, is part of her gift, although she doesn’t quite understand how it works.
After the death of her husband, Dessa is just trying to keep a roof over her head, so finding a job at a local real estate agency that s where she spends her days.
I think Dessa is a fresh, new character who’s going to shine the light on the cozy mystery genre.
I’m very excited to see what’s in store for Odessa Jones!
After the death of her husband, Dessa is just trying to keep a roof over her head, so finding a job at a local real estate agency that s where she spends her days.
I think Dessa is a fresh, new character who’s going to shine the light on the cozy mystery genre.
I’m very excited to see what’s in store for Odessa Jones!
June 3, 2021
A Glimmer of Death is a unique and entertaining first in series by Valerie Wilson Wesley. This is the first book that I have read by this author but it won't be the last. Ms. Wesley is a gifted story teller who gave her main character an interesting ability which ultimately leads to solving a mystery. Even if you don't believe in having psychic abilities or do not enjoy paranormal cozies you will find this mystery to be well-planned and engaging.
February 2, 2021
A Glimmer of Death is the first in Valerie Wilson Wesley's Odessa Jones Mysteries and follows caterer-turned-estate agent Dessa Jones. Dessa has psychic gifts but unfortunately, they failed to warn her that she was to become a widow at forty-odd, as well as losing her home and the catering business she's worked so hard to build. She is trying to revive her catering and bakery company, D&D Delights, whilst working for Charlie Risko at Risko Realty in an office where it seems that nearly everyone has secrets, an unpleasant personality or both. When Charlie is found dead having been shot, one of Dessa's colleagues and an office friend is suspect number one...
It is wonderful to start a cozy mystery series from the very beginning and I jumped into A Glimmer of Death with abandon. This thrilling new series has a wonderful, engaging main character. Valerie Wilson Wesley's new sleuth Dessa is complex, smart and still grieving the loss of her husband Darryl. She sees 'glimmers' and has other interesting methods of analysing people and situations. Her character has depth and I felt that I was right there alongside her as she deciphered clues. Dessa's fantastic, eccentric aunts, Phoenix and Celestine, were strong characters, too and I adored her demanding, plump and spoiled black cat, Juniper. The author's writing style is clear and direct and I'm already looking forward to the next instalment!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
It is wonderful to start a cozy mystery series from the very beginning and I jumped into A Glimmer of Death with abandon. This thrilling new series has a wonderful, engaging main character. Valerie Wilson Wesley's new sleuth Dessa is complex, smart and still grieving the loss of her husband Darryl. She sees 'glimmers' and has other interesting methods of analysing people and situations. Her character has depth and I felt that I was right there alongside her as she deciphered clues. Dessa's fantastic, eccentric aunts, Phoenix and Celestine, were strong characters, too and I adored her demanding, plump and spoiled black cat, Juniper. The author's writing style is clear and direct and I'm already looking forward to the next instalment!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
January 25, 2021
I'd never read Valerie Wilson Wesley before and felt that I owed it to myself to get one of her books and read it. A Glimmer of Death was well written and likely ranks high in the cozy genre. I'm finding that for the most part, I simply don't enjoy cozies. I have to be in the mood for them, but since I wanted to read this prior to release day, I didn't have the chance to wait for the mood to strike. Unfortunately this book suffered the same fate as others I have tried to read.
If you love books that have recipes at the end, this is your spot of tea!
If you love books that have recipes at the end, this is your spot of tea!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2021
***This was a giveaway win***
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery and I'm glad it's the first in a series because I am looking forward to joining Odessa and those around her on more "adventures". I totally understood why people felt how they did about Odessa, I felt it through the writing. Hopefully in the coming books, there will be more background to some of the other characters. Most gave off a curious vibe, left me wanting to know why they were the way they were. I definitely could use an Aunt Phoenix in my life and a friend like Lennox, and even a pet like Juniper. I suck at giving reviews without spoilers and I hate giving spoilers lol. If you like cozy mysteries and don't mind some supernatural gifts, then you will likely enjoy this book.
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery and I'm glad it's the first in a series because I am looking forward to joining Odessa and those around her on more "adventures". I totally understood why people felt how they did about Odessa, I felt it through the writing. Hopefully in the coming books, there will be more background to some of the other characters. Most gave off a curious vibe, left me wanting to know why they were the way they were. I definitely could use an Aunt Phoenix in my life and a friend like Lennox, and even a pet like Juniper. I suck at giving reviews without spoilers and I hate giving spoilers lol. If you like cozy mysteries and don't mind some supernatural gifts, then you will likely enjoy this book.
June 11, 2021
I wanted to like this book but it's just an unending listing of descriptions of clothing, hair, cooking, flirting, office mates, cars breaking down, interior decorating, bird and cat care, family dynamics, etc - with an occasional touching moment about the unexpected loss of a loved one at a young age.
I thought the "glimmers" - second sight - of the main character might be interesting but that ended up just being another of the long list of descriptions - mostly of how different life event's smell and the colors that surround various personalities.
I also thought the idea of using baked goods to get suspects to talk was clever but those conversations turned - like the glimmers - into endless descriptions.
As a murder mystery this just isn't - well it just isn't.
I thought the "glimmers" - second sight - of the main character might be interesting but that ended up just being another of the long list of descriptions - mostly of how different life event's smell and the colors that surround various personalities.
I also thought the idea of using baked goods to get suspects to talk was clever but those conversations turned - like the glimmers - into endless descriptions.
As a murder mystery this just isn't - well it just isn't.
March 6, 2021
You know that feeling when you get to the end of a really good book and you kinda smile to yourself -- with pleasure or joy or simple contentment? That's this book.
I loved it and will now go find everything else Valerie Wilson Wesley has ever written. After I bake the 7-Up cake!
Thanks NetGalley! This was a wonderful read!
I loved it and will now go find everything else Valerie Wilson Wesley has ever written. After I bake the 7-Up cake!
Thanks NetGalley! This was a wonderful read!
September 12, 2022
4.5 stars! Amazing start to the series - I was immediately invested in Odessa as a character and loved the descriptions of her baking. The psychic ability was really interesting. Can't wait to read book 2!
March 16, 2021
A Glimmer of Death is a short, sweet cozy mystery revolving around a death of a cruel con man who had many enemies (need I say so myself).
It was an emergency goal of mine to look for the quickest entertainment I could find. After all, life does get boring, ya know? ;-;
Anyway, it was slow, (but) addicting to read. I finished it in a week and here are my thoughts that I've gathered:
Dessa is a good main character, she's not like your typical detective. She isn't smart asf and that's what makes her relatable. I gotta say as much as I love smart people and smartness in general, I couldn't understand them sometimes. It's just that feeling.
The mystery was kinda boring... I already sensed that the author would do that certain technique where she makes a certain person look guilty and then make it someone else entirely. This happens in most mystery books so I'm not surprised. I wasn't into it.
All in all, I rated it three stars because it was a decent book. Ofc not a masterpiece but not absolute trash either. Definitely pick it up if you're bored and you have nothing to do.
EDIT: The ending is actually pretty bad! Don't expect things to be resolved slowly- the ending is like 3 pages long and that's it. I honestly think the author could have done better.
After all, everyone seemed sus. It wasn't surprising to have the murderer be one of the sus people.
Too short of an ending and just not of a good one...
It was an emergency goal of mine to look for the quickest entertainment I could find. After all, life does get boring, ya know? ;-;
Anyway, it was slow, (but) addicting to read. I finished it in a week and here are my thoughts that I've gathered:
Dessa is a good main character, she's not like your typical detective. She isn't smart asf and that's what makes her relatable. I gotta say as much as I love smart people and smartness in general, I couldn't understand them sometimes. It's just that feeling.
The mystery was kinda boring... I already sensed that the author would do that certain technique where she makes a certain person look guilty and then make it someone else entirely. This happens in most mystery books so I'm not surprised. I wasn't into it.
All in all, I rated it three stars because it was a decent book. Ofc not a masterpiece but not absolute trash either. Definitely pick it up if you're bored and you have nothing to do.
EDIT: The ending is actually pretty bad! Don't expect things to be resolved slowly- the ending is like 3 pages long and that's it. I honestly think the author could have done better.
After all, everyone seemed sus. It wasn't surprising to have the murderer be one of the sus people.
Too short of an ending and just not of a good one...
January 10, 2023
3.5 stars.
Other than its "where did that come?" from resolution to the murders in this series opener, this was an engaging little cozy. Main character Odessa Jones is grieving a year on from her beloved husband's sudden death (an aneurysm), and she's mostly cut herself off from others except for her dear, overfed cat Juniper, and her coworkers at a somewhat shady realtor.
When the owner of the business turns up murdered and one of her coworkers is accused, Odessa pokes around, using her commonsense, and her two psychic abilities: 1) to sense the glimmer surrounding a person indicating their feelings or intentions, and 2) her ability to sense if something bad has happened or someone's intentions at time through olfactory clues.
Odessa is such a nice person that most people answer her difficult questions, exposing the shady dealings through the realty business, as well as the tangled feelings some of the people have for each other.
I do think that the identity of the murderer didn't have enough groundwork laid for its reveal, but I'll read the next book because I liked Odessa so much.
Other than its "where did that come?" from resolution to the murders in this series opener, this was an engaging little cozy. Main character Odessa Jones is grieving a year on from her beloved husband's sudden death (an aneurysm), and she's mostly cut herself off from others except for her dear, overfed cat Juniper, and her coworkers at a somewhat shady realtor.
When the owner of the business turns up murdered and one of her coworkers is accused, Odessa pokes around, using her commonsense, and her two psychic abilities: 1) to sense the glimmer surrounding a person indicating their feelings or intentions, and 2) her ability to sense if something bad has happened or someone's intentions at time through olfactory clues.
Odessa is such a nice person that most people answer her difficult questions, exposing the shady dealings through the realty business, as well as the tangled feelings some of the people have for each other.
I do think that the identity of the murderer didn't have enough groundwork laid for its reveal, but I'll read the next book because I liked Odessa so much.
August 25, 2021
The beginning of the book wasn't very inviting. I almost gave up, but then I got to liking Dessa, wanted to see where it went, and ended up liking the book although it's more of a character study than a mystery.
October 24, 2022
A good new series, looking forward to seeing where it goes
February 14, 2021
Ms. Wilson is back with a new series that is wanting me to come back for more. Fresh from losing her husband and their business Odessa "Dessa" Jones is attempting to put her life back together. She obtains a job as a real estate agent, but according to her boss, Charlie, She's not very good at it. When he turns up murdered, and one of her co workers is accused of the crime, Della takes it upon herself to investigate. She uses a type of psychic powers, glimmers to get a read on people.
Although this was a slightly different type of cozy read, it was still enjoyable. My favorite secondary characters were Aunt Ruth as well as the owner of the diner (I'm hoping bits of romance will turn up in later books). I am expectantly waiting for the next book in the series.
I received a copy of the book via the publisher through netGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Although this was a slightly different type of cozy read, it was still enjoyable. My favorite secondary characters were Aunt Ruth as well as the owner of the diner (I'm hoping bits of romance will turn up in later books). I am expectantly waiting for the next book in the series.
I received a copy of the book via the publisher through netGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 23, 2021
This was a 3.5 read for me
Thoughts coming shortly
Thoughts coming shortly
January 27, 2021
Burdened by her losses in the past year (death of her beloved husband, the business they built together and her home), Odessa Jones is forced to work at a shady NJ realty company with an horrific boss and a sad sack set of coworkers. Her psychic gift of reading others emotions and have a forewarning of danger become more active after the murder of the boss and her kindness in trying to talk and understand her co-workers may lead her into danger. Her downstairs neighbor and the owner of the local barbecue restaurant are engaging characters. Overall the tone is more subdued than in a typical cozy which is interesting. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2020
This first in a new series was everything a mystery should be. Strong characters, a villain that ends up murdered, and the main character figuring out the whodunit. This story did have a twist from the typical mysteries. A unique main character, a different type of setting, and a well-executed plot that keeps you guessing.
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