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Calamity James #1
If She Only Knew
Calamity James can see the dead, but that doesn’t mean she likes it.
Calamity James, a reluctant paranormal detective, returns to her hometown for the first time in ten years to attend her aunt’s funeral. When the local sheriff blackmails her into helping with a missing persons case, Cal can’t say no. Using her unique gift, sharp wits, and even sharper tongue, Cal flirts with death to solve the case. In Red River, the dead talk, and Cal is the only person who can hear them.
Calamity James, a reluctant paranormal detective, returns to her hometown for the first time in ten years to attend her aunt’s funeral. When the local sheriff blackmails her into helping with a missing persons case, Cal can’t say no. Using her unique gift, sharp wits, and even sharper tongue, Cal flirts with death to solve the case. In Red River, the dead talk, and Cal is the only person who can hear them.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 12, 2021
290 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Alexandria Clarke
219 books274 followersAlexandria Clarke is a writer, cat lover, and all-around optimist. She loves to immerse her readers in mystery and intrigue, meaningful friendships, and the worlds of characters who learn by doing. When she's not writing, Alex enjoys playing guitar, watching Wynonna Earp, and spending time with her family. She currently lives in Orlando, Florida with her partner and their four pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
April 17, 2021
A brilliant, mind boggling, enthralling paranormal story!!!
Calamity James is a misunderstood girl, disliked by all the townspeople of Red River in Colorado! How she raises to the challenges posed by Sheriff Miller (who believes in her despite what everyone in town thinks about her) and clears her own name and establishes herself as a responsible and respectable person forms the content of this formidable story.
While perusing the book, the reader experiences thrill, tension, concern and admiration for Cal and all other characters of the book including the paranormal ones, marvels at the way the story effortlessly holds the reader engrossed until the last page is read. I was glued to the book and the couch until I finished the book!!!
Thank you Ms. Clarke for such a delightful, enjoyable reading experience! I hope there are more Cal James adventures!!!
Calamity James is a misunderstood girl, disliked by all the townspeople of Red River in Colorado! How she raises to the challenges posed by Sheriff Miller (who believes in her despite what everyone in town thinks about her) and clears her own name and establishes herself as a responsible and respectable person forms the content of this formidable story.
While perusing the book, the reader experiences thrill, tension, concern and admiration for Cal and all other characters of the book including the paranormal ones, marvels at the way the story effortlessly holds the reader engrossed until the last page is read. I was glued to the book and the couch until I finished the book!!!
Thank you Ms. Clarke for such a delightful, enjoyable reading experience! I hope there are more Cal James adventures!!!
April 15, 2021
After returning to town the Sheriff makes Calamity James an offer she can not refuse. She has to find out what happened to a missing woman. So she has to use her special talents to find the woman. In doing so she will have to solve mysteries some that are two hundred years old all while staying one step ahead of the killer. This is a great story and I am so glad that I read it. I will be looking for more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 23, 2021
Ghosts?
Do you believe in ghosts? Ever seen one? How would your life to be constantly bombarded with ghosts, for whatever reason, haven’t “passed on”? It’s something to think about!
Do you believe in ghosts? Ever seen one? How would your life to be constantly bombarded with ghosts, for whatever reason, haven’t “passed on”? It’s something to think about!
April 24, 2021
Alexandria Clarke did it again. Great Author. Sheriff makes Calamity James an offer she can not refuse. She has to find out what happened to a missing woman. Does he know that she sees ghosts?
April 28, 2021
Strange story. Well told.
t his book may be the weirdest I've ever read, but once started,it demanded to be finished. I'm not any better or worse for reading, but will go on to my next book now.
t his book may be the weirdest I've ever read, but once started,it demanded to be finished. I'm not any better or worse for reading, but will go on to my next book now.
April 17, 2021
She goes home for a funeral but she is soon in the middle of a mystery. He knows what she can do and he makes her join him. She sees ghosts and he will use that to his advantage. Can she help him? What will she be able to do? See if they solve the mystery
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 18, 2021
Well done!
Good characters, nice twists and turns, and an interesting ending that is dealt out with justice. A couple places where the storyline drags slightly, but it does help to complete characters.
Good characters, nice twists and turns, and an interesting ending that is dealt out with justice. A couple places where the storyline drags slightly, but it does help to complete characters.
April 16, 2021
Paranormal Mystery, my favorite!
I like to ready mysteries that are solved by strong female characters. The fact that the female has a paranormal gift makes it more exciting. I hope Alexandria Clarke is working on the second book with this character. It would be a great series, plenty of action. I don't write reviews but I did for this one.
I like to ready mysteries that are solved by strong female characters. The fact that the female has a paranormal gift makes it more exciting. I hope Alexandria Clarke is working on the second book with this character. It would be a great series, plenty of action. I don't write reviews but I did for this one.
April 15, 2021
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
March 4, 2022
I enjoyed this book because so much is going on but I did feel like something's needed to be explained a bit more, like why she doesn't get on with her uncle of why the sheriff would trust her so easily. Maybe it was explained at the beginning when we were introduced to most of the characters (a bit to many all at once) and I just missed it. Otherwise I did enjoy it. I liked the interaction between Calamity and Teddy, the deputy assigned to watch/help her, the banter is fun and amusing. I also liked that Calamity could talk to ghosts and receive help from them if they were so inclined.There is sort of two cases in this book, the missing person case the sheriff asks her to help with and solving the very cold case for a ghost, both get nicely wrapped up. The mystery does get a tad confusing with the history lesson/case and then jumping back to the current case and of course they are both connected or solving one helps with the other. Off to start the next book in the series now I have more of an idea of what is going on.
Calamity 'Cal' James only returns to her home town to attend her aunt's funeral and has no in tension of sticking around, even for her sister. But when the sheriff offers to help her with her little problem and all he needs in return is help with a missing person, she decides she has no choice. Cal is in the unique position of being able to see the woman's ghost, who can lead her straight to the body. Finding the body is the easy part, finding her killer isn't so easy. Especially when her son also goes missing. Cal and her partner will have to look into the past and help a ghost trapped in a cave if they want to find the boy before he ends up dead like his mother. But the ghost also has a connect to Cal's own past a last that she would rather stay buried.
I liked the narrator. She helped bring the characters to life .
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
Calamity 'Cal' James only returns to her home town to attend her aunt's funeral and has no in tension of sticking around, even for her sister. But when the sheriff offers to help her with her little problem and all he needs in return is help with a missing person, she decides she has no choice. Cal is in the unique position of being able to see the woman's ghost, who can lead her straight to the body. Finding the body is the easy part, finding her killer isn't so easy. Especially when her son also goes missing. Cal and her partner will have to look into the past and help a ghost trapped in a cave if they want to find the boy before he ends up dead like his mother. But the ghost also has a connect to Cal's own past a last that she would rather stay buried.
I liked the narrator. She helped bring the characters to life .
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
November 17, 2025
Alexandria Clarkes “If She Only Knew” überzeugt mit einer spannenden Mischung aus Ermittlungsarbeit und übernatürlichen Elementen. Erzählt aus der Ich-Perspektive folgt man Calamity James, die widerwillig in ihren Heimatort Red River in Colorado zurückkehrt – eine kleinstädtische Gemeinschaft, die sie seit dem Mord an ihrem besten Freund wie eine Geächtete behandelt. Kaum angekommen, zwingt der Sheriff sie zu einem Deal: Sie soll die vermisste Loretta Gunn finden. Was keiner ahnt – Cal kann die Toten sehen, was sie zu einer ungewöhnlich guten, wenn auch unorthodoxen Ermittlerin macht.
Der typische Kleinstadtmief mit spießigen, eigenbrötlerischen Bewohnern ist hervorragend eingefangen und sorgt für durchgehend spannungsgeladene Atmosphäre. Die Erzählweise ist angenehm und trägt die Handlung flüssig bis zum Schluss. Cals Konflikte mit ihrer Vergangenheit, ihren familiären Altlasten und alten Rivalen – lebendig oder nicht – machen die Geschichte zusätzlich fesselnd. Lediglich die teilweise schwächelnde Übersetzung trübt den Gesamteindruck ein wenig.
Ein rundum packender Mystery-Roman, der definitiv Lust auf weitere Teile macht.
Der typische Kleinstadtmief mit spießigen, eigenbrötlerischen Bewohnern ist hervorragend eingefangen und sorgt für durchgehend spannungsgeladene Atmosphäre. Die Erzählweise ist angenehm und trägt die Handlung flüssig bis zum Schluss. Cals Konflikte mit ihrer Vergangenheit, ihren familiären Altlasten und alten Rivalen – lebendig oder nicht – machen die Geschichte zusätzlich fesselnd. Lediglich die teilweise schwächelnde Übersetzung trübt den Gesamteindruck ein wenig.
Ein rundum packender Mystery-Roman, der definitiv Lust auf weitere Teile macht.
July 2, 2021
This book reminds me a lot of the show called Wynona Earp. I love the fact that the current case ties into a past murder that is unsolved. I like the fact that Sheriff Miller actually trusts Calamity Jane's (C.J.) intution.
After the whole town believes that she killed her best friend, Nash.
I find it interesting how all things fall into place. Connor is such an a$$hat.
I am glad that after all this time C.J. name is cleared but not one stupid person came to her and apologize. Not even her uncle even after he was hurt.
After the whole town believes that she killed her best friend, Nash.
I find it interesting how all things fall into place. Connor is such an a$$hat.
I am glad that after all this time C.J. name is cleared but not one stupid person came to her and apologize. Not even her uncle even after he was hurt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2022
OOOF, this book was something else!
I never thought I’d like this book that much! I could not put it down. The first few chapters made me iffy and Cal seemed very different than I expected but I understand her better now and I LOVE HER! I could not put the book down, i also loved reading more about the history centuries ago. Her character is amazing, yes she doesn’t always follow the protocols but she’s definitely got a back bone. Looking forward to more of Calamity James in the next book!
I never thought I’d like this book that much! I could not put it down. The first few chapters made me iffy and Cal seemed very different than I expected but I understand her better now and I LOVE HER! I could not put the book down, i also loved reading more about the history centuries ago. Her character is amazing, yes she doesn’t always follow the protocols but she’s definitely got a back bone. Looking forward to more of Calamity James in the next book!
January 17, 2022
Can you ever really go back home…
Calamity Jane, who names their kid that? She hasn’t been home in 10 years, but feels compelled to attend her aunt’s funeral. During her growing up years if something went wrong, it was her fault. While home she is asked by the sheriff to help with a missing person case. He promises to help clear her name from past legal misunderstandings. Interesting story and characters.
Calamity Jane, who names their kid that? She hasn’t been home in 10 years, but feels compelled to attend her aunt’s funeral. During her growing up years if something went wrong, it was her fault. While home she is asked by the sheriff to help with a missing person case. He promises to help clear her name from past legal misunderstandings. Interesting story and characters.
May 17, 2021
I see dead people. Calamity James has a gift which gets her into trouble her whole life. Everyone thinks she is crazy except for her younger sister. She returns to her hometown for a funeral. And gets sucked into a missing woman’s case. This author’s writing style makes each book she writes a joy to read.
August 14, 2021
Different in a good way
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are vivid and interesting. There some surprises along the way. The main character can see ghost, but unlike most in this type of book, has accepted it and deals accordingly. I would like to read another book with these characters.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are vivid and interesting. There some surprises along the way. The main character can see ghost, but unlike most in this type of book, has accepted it and deals accordingly. I would like to read another book with these characters.
February 23, 2022
Fun Read!
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Calamity James and her friends and family in Red River. I enjoy stories with paranormal experiences and this one did not disappoint. This is a fun read for anyone looking for an out of the ordinary tale told with extraordinary flare. I look forward to reading more of these!
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Calamity James and her friends and family in Red River. I enjoy stories with paranormal experiences and this one did not disappoint. This is a fun read for anyone looking for an out of the ordinary tale told with extraordinary flare. I look forward to reading more of these!
March 21, 2022
Wow started off iffy.. BUT TURNED OUT REALLY GOOD
The beginning started off so so, did not like James attitude. but by second chapter. Liked. how. it was going…. Amelia. small part she had but you could picture how cute.. figure. sister will match up with Teddy Bear.. looking forward to next. book.. enjoyed. the look back through history. on how the ghosts lived and died,,🤗
The beginning started off so so, did not like James attitude. but by second chapter. Liked. how. it was going…. Amelia. small part she had but you could picture how cute.. figure. sister will match up with Teddy Bear.. looking forward to next. book.. enjoyed. the look back through history. on how the ghosts lived and died,,🤗
April 4, 2022
Good!
I almost chose not to read this book because of the cheesy title. I’m glad I read it because it was a good book. Calamity James returns to her hometown. She meets the sheriff and ends up solving a murder with the help of a ghost. There’s a lot of twists and turns that keep the book fast paced and full of action. Definitely reading the next book!
I almost chose not to read this book because of the cheesy title. I’m glad I read it because it was a good book. Calamity James returns to her hometown. She meets the sheriff and ends up solving a murder with the help of a ghost. There’s a lot of twists and turns that keep the book fast paced and full of action. Definitely reading the next book!
November 17, 2022
Wow
Paranormal mystery book 1 is worth reading. The characters are unusual and well written. Location of a very good murder plot is unique. From the first page I was hooked, not sure I liked the main character but as the storyline advanced come to appreciate her and what she was going through. Loved the background history the author uses to move the plot. Worth reading.
Paranormal mystery book 1 is worth reading. The characters are unusual and well written. Location of a very good murder plot is unique. From the first page I was hooked, not sure I liked the main character but as the storyline advanced come to appreciate her and what she was going through. Loved the background history the author uses to move the plot. Worth reading.
November 2, 2023
Hard to rate this cause there were fun and funny parts, but also some completely unrealistic parts. And I don't mean seeing dead people, I mean people behaving in unrealistic ways.
Overall it was different from anything out there right now, so extra star for that. It was entertaining.
No romance or romantic interest for the lead, not sure if that carries in the following books.
Overall it was different from anything out there right now, so extra star for that. It was entertaining.
No romance or romantic interest for the lead, not sure if that carries in the following books.
May 1, 2021
I kind of liked it.
I kind of liked it. I found myself thinking I would read just till the next chapter, then the next. Cal seemed a little to hard a character. But maybe in later books she will soften a little.
I kind of liked it. I found myself thinking I would read just till the next chapter, then the next. Cal seemed a little to hard a character. But maybe in later books she will soften a little.
May 9, 2021
This was my first read of an Alexandria Clarke book. While the story was interesting the characters were not well defined and, in my opinion, the heroine was unsympathetic. I found it a difficult book to read.
May 28, 2021
Story ends with a smile on my face.
This story takes you threw endless emotions and many questions ? With all Calamity’s misfotune’s she did not weaken, became a strong person, sort os a smart ass but no cry baby. With her special gift the story was very interesting.
This story takes you threw endless emotions and many questions ? With all Calamity’s misfotune’s she did not weaken, became a strong person, sort os a smart ass but no cry baby. With her special gift the story was very interesting.
June 1, 2021
Alexandra Clark comes through again!
Calamity James comes back to Red River Colorado, the scene of Alexandra Clark's next venue. She captures the high plains beautifully. Solving crimes new, old and ancient, saving lives and sanity, Cal is one busy black sheep!
Calamity James comes back to Red River Colorado, the scene of Alexandra Clark's next venue. She captures the high plains beautifully. Solving crimes new, old and ancient, saving lives and sanity, Cal is one busy black sheep!
August 22, 2021
Love Calamity Jane
The best part of this book is the main character Calamity Wisdom Jane. Her gift for seeing ghosts creates a life full of strange events and fascinating adventures. The author writes well. Overall a fun light read for fans of the paranormal.
The best part of this book is the main character Calamity Wisdom Jane. Her gift for seeing ghosts creates a life full of strange events and fascinating adventures. The author writes well. Overall a fun light read for fans of the paranormal.
March 12, 2022
A different twist
This story is a little different than what I usually read.
I got a real feel for the old wild West while reading this book.
Gold miners and outlaws with a physic thrown in.
Whatever the mix it made for a great read.
This story is a little different than what I usually read.
I got a real feel for the old wild West while reading this book.
Gold miners and outlaws with a physic thrown in.
Whatever the mix it made for a great read.
March 18, 2022
Amazingly good
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and now I’m wishing I’d found her sooner. Great story set up, character development, relationship growth, plot movement, mystery progression….It really is very well done. Now, on to book two…..
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and now I’m wishing I’d found her sooner. Great story set up, character development, relationship growth, plot movement, mystery progression….It really is very well done. Now, on to book two…..
April 4, 2022
Good Read
I enjoyed the story line in this book. Once I got into the book I kept reading until it was done. I will be reading the rest of the books in the series. Looking forward to seeing Calmities character flushed out some more.
I enjoyed the story line in this book. Once I got into the book I kept reading until it was done. I will be reading the rest of the books in the series. Looking forward to seeing Calmities character flushed out some more.
July 7, 2022
This is a fun read!
I'm so looking forward to the rest in this series. Deputy James is an funny and love the way she loves\hates her paranormal gift. I had no idea where this investigation was going. The trouble she gets into had me rolling.
I'm so looking forward to the rest in this series. Deputy James is an funny and love the way she loves\hates her paranormal gift. I had no idea where this investigation was going. The trouble she gets into had me rolling.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews