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Channeling Ghosts for Beginners #1
Havoc and Hauntings
Welcome to Fiddlehead Creek, the quaint little town in the southwest region of Georgia, where things aren’t always what they seem!
My name is Esme Hightower, and I talk to dead people. That is, when they’re actually willing to talk.
You see, I’m not a full-on psychic medium yet, but I’m super close to nabbing the job of my dreams. I just need a few more satisfied clients to complete the requirements and…
In walks a shape-shifting hunk with a bone to pick, who just also happens to be my long-ago sweetheart. He needs me to find out who killed his brother, and saying "no" could mean kissing my career ambitions bye-bye forever. But when the target spook refuses to cooperate, I find out I’ve bitten off way more than I can chew with this one.
Will it cost me my job? My second chance at love? Or even my life? I’m really not looking forward to finding out.
My name is Esme Hightower, and I talk to dead people. That is, when they’re actually willing to talk.
You see, I’m not a full-on psychic medium yet, but I’m super close to nabbing the job of my dreams. I just need a few more satisfied clients to complete the requirements and…
In walks a shape-shifting hunk with a bone to pick, who just also happens to be my long-ago sweetheart. He needs me to find out who killed his brother, and saying "no" could mean kissing my career ambitions bye-bye forever. But when the target spook refuses to cooperate, I find out I’ve bitten off way more than I can chew with this one.
Will it cost me my job? My second chance at love? Or even my life? I’m really not looking forward to finding out.
178 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 17, 2021
180 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
July 5, 2023
Fiddlehead Creek needs one more psychic
Meet Esme Hightower, in her family the women usually are the psychics of Fiddlehead Creek but Esme had to try to be an actress in Hollywood first, but like many people it just didn’t work out so she is just home when she discovers a possible murder of a friend. There are plenty of suspects to this crime and the victims brother would like to help find the culprit while the police believe that it was just an accident and nothing else. So was it a murder or a simple accident, you be the judge when you read this book I recommend by Izzy Wilder.
Meet Esme Hightower, in her family the women usually are the psychics of Fiddlehead Creek but Esme had to try to be an actress in Hollywood first, but like many people it just didn’t work out so she is just home when she discovers a possible murder of a friend. There are plenty of suspects to this crime and the victims brother would like to help find the culprit while the police believe that it was just an accident and nothing else. So was it a murder or a simple accident, you be the judge when you read this book I recommend by Izzy Wilder.
June 3, 2025
“Havoc and Haunting” is set in and around Fiddlehead Creek, Georgia, a hotbed of paranormals.
Esme Hightower is back home after a failed acting career (read waitress!) and hopes to turn her psychic ability to good use.
She can talk to dead people.
When her car needs work she heads into town only to find the mechanic dead under a car - the jack apparently failed.
She is persuaded by her first love, Hawk, to investigate the death of his brother - their only clue is a false eyelash found in a whiskey bottle.
The murder is solved by a ghost but not really as Esme was already on the right track.
It's a standard cosy with nothing much that stands out.
2.5 Stars, brought back to 2 Stars.
Esme Hightower is back home after a failed acting career (read waitress!) and hopes to turn her psychic ability to good use.
She can talk to dead people.
When her car needs work she heads into town only to find the mechanic dead under a car - the jack apparently failed.
She is persuaded by her first love, Hawk, to investigate the death of his brother - their only clue is a false eyelash found in a whiskey bottle.
The murder is solved by a ghost but not really as Esme was already on the right track.
It's a standard cosy with nothing much that stands out.
2.5 Stars, brought back to 2 Stars.
October 30, 2025
This season I have been reading a LOT of cozy mysteries and this one really ticked all the boxes. It had magic and mystery and a girl locking for her place in the world. Esme was easy to like and you wanted to root for her from the start. It gave that Practical magic, displaced witch just looking to heal vibes and the fund family, small town vibes really is what I wanted to read so this book was like a warm hug and a summoning circle on a breezy autumn night.
Definitely plan to read more of this series before spooky season is over because I can tell this whole town has a lot more to offer.
Definitely plan to read more of this series before spooky season is over because I can tell this whole town has a lot more to offer.
April 1, 2022
an enjoyable read
Esme has returned to her favourite aunt’s home to learn how to channel her psychic skills. Unfortunately day 1 sees her finding a dead body, and meeting two ex boyfriends. One is the brother of the dead guy. Hawk is convinced his brother has been murdered and asks for their help in finding the killer. Ghosts are not helping her deal with her stress levels , or trying to find a murderer.
Esme has returned to her favourite aunt’s home to learn how to channel her psychic skills. Unfortunately day 1 sees her finding a dead body, and meeting two ex boyfriends. One is the brother of the dead guy. Hawk is convinced his brother has been murdered and asks for their help in finding the killer. Ghosts are not helping her deal with her stress levels , or trying to find a murderer.
April 3, 2022
This is a cute, well-written cozy mystery with a strong paranormal theme. It is full of different paranormal characters, from psychics to ghosts to shifters, and even mentions of vampires.
The mystery itself is complex with a large number of viable suspects and a surprise resolution. A few things are left unanswered so that the reader is tempted to return for the next book.
Izzy Wilder has written a quick and easy read, something perfect for the beach or a bit of escapism.
The mystery itself is complex with a large number of viable suspects and a surprise resolution. A few things are left unanswered so that the reader is tempted to return for the next book.
Izzy Wilder has written a quick and easy read, something perfect for the beach or a bit of escapism.
August 22, 2024
I was looking for a fun, quick, cozy mystery read. That’s exactly what I got!
I love the paranormal aspect. There's a little bit of a love triangle. Plus, the fun seems to be just beginning with all the different types of supernaturals that could show up. Ezme’s life as a medium is just beginning, and she’s got a murder to solve.
I can’t wait to see what other craziness she has to deal with.
Come read with me on instagram @booksy.tx.ana
I love the paranormal aspect. There's a little bit of a love triangle. Plus, the fun seems to be just beginning with all the different types of supernaturals that could show up. Ezme’s life as a medium is just beginning, and she’s got a murder to solve.
I can’t wait to see what other craziness she has to deal with.
Come read with me on instagram @booksy.tx.ana
August 19, 2025
A new author for me and book one in a new series. It was fine for a cozy mystery. Sort of slow to start since it was laying some groundwork. It felt light on the details that would have made it really interesting. The mystery was decent and I didn't guess the murderer (no clues there). I just hope it doesn't turn into a love triangle - it seems to be heading that way. I will most likely give book 2 a shot to see if there is a bit more development.
April 4, 2022
Loved this book.
This book had all the elements that I enjoy in a book: a good paranormal mystery, humor and a plot that keeps you reading "just one more chapter". I thoroughly enjoyed the oddball characters and the way they played off one another. I highly recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a great book.
This book had all the elements that I enjoy in a book: a good paranormal mystery, humor and a plot that keeps you reading "just one more chapter". I thoroughly enjoyed the oddball characters and the way they played off one another. I highly recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a great book.
October 2, 2022
Esme has come back home to Fiddlehead Creek. She stumbles upon a dead body. It soon looks like this wasn’t an accidental death. She is working on her medium skills and actually using them to solve the mystery. There’s also an old flame right in the middle of the murder mystery. This was a fun cozy mystery with fun characters as well.
January 27, 2023
Good Mystery
This is the first book I have read by this author.
I didn't know what to expect but it was pretty good.
The heroine and her ex-boyfriend make a perfect duo in the solving of the mystery.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
This is the first book I have read by this author.
I didn't know what to expect but it was pretty good.
The heroine and her ex-boyfriend make a perfect duo in the solving of the mystery.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
March 15, 2023
A falied hollywood actress returns to her hometown to develop her psychic gift of channeling spirits. A cat called Ghost is being frightened by one of her ancestors. Her ex boyfriend needs her to find his brothers murderer. Her dead relatives keep popping up in her head with unwanted advice. And she needs five star reviews to complete her certification.
November 12, 2023
So very good
Esme is back in Fiddlehead Creek. So,what could possibly go wrong. Well, a murder that's what. Not to mention her ex boyfriend Guy is still around. Then there is Hawk. These books are full of ghosts, witches, shifters and mediums. What's a murderer got to worry about?
Esme is back in Fiddlehead Creek. So,what could possibly go wrong. Well, a murder that's what. Not to mention her ex boyfriend Guy is still around. Then there is Hawk. These books are full of ghosts, witches, shifters and mediums. What's a murderer got to worry about?
March 21, 2024
Really cute start to the series. Very short and easy to read.
Cracked me up the way Esme used her “acting skills” at the end of the book.
Personally I like Hawk better than Chief Casanova. I did not expect the killer to be the killer. I’m wondering if the Chief can transform into something else the way Hawk and the Werewolf guy do and we’ll see it later in the series.
Cracked me up the way Esme used her “acting skills” at the end of the book.
Personally I like Hawk better than Chief Casanova. I did not expect the killer to be the killer. I’m wondering if the Chief can transform into something else the way Hawk and the Werewolf guy do and we’ll see it later in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2021
Thrilling, Spooky, Paranormal Excellence
Wonderful read. Characters are quirky and likable in this story. I like how you have to read all the way to the end to find the killer. With the touch of romance on top of mystery its a great series starter
Wonderful read. Characters are quirky and likable in this story. I like how you have to read all the way to the end to find the killer. With the touch of romance on top of mystery its a great series starter
March 24, 2022
A good story.
I enjoyed this story. I like the characters. Esme is training to be a medium in a town with witches, vampires and shifters. The plot is good. I never guessed who the murderer was. Will be reading this series.
I enjoyed this story. I like the characters. Esme is training to be a medium in a town with witches, vampires and shifters. The plot is good. I never guessed who the murderer was. Will be reading this series.
April 6, 2022
This was more paranormal then some others I’ve read. More details about how to contact the dead. I thought the mystery, love interest and all was well balanced. Great little quick read look forward to the next one.
July 15, 2023
Awesome
I am loving this series! The family feelings between Esme and her aunt just warm my heart, also her ghostly grandpa. Having a choice of love interests is clever. The mystery kept me guessing until the end, I never saw it coming!
I am loving this series! The family feelings between Esme and her aunt just warm my heart, also her ghostly grandpa. Having a choice of love interests is clever. The mystery kept me guessing until the end, I never saw it coming!
July 30, 2023
Good book, the characters are well written and the storyline is entertaining. I can't wait to read more from this author. I received this book as a Free copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
August 3, 2023
An very wonderful story
Having grown up in a small rural community, I could relate to how each character fit so well in the story.
I will gladly recommend this story to friends and relatives.
I look forward to reading more of Ms. Hightower's further adventures.
Having grown up in a small rural community, I could relate to how each character fit so well in the story.
I will gladly recommend this story to friends and relatives.
I look forward to reading more of Ms. Hightower's further adventures.
January 4, 2024
Cute and fast paced!
I devoured this book. Such a cute and quick book.
Strong willed woman who (almost) knows what she wants. Who doesn’t love small town drama!
Don’t mind me over here swooning over Hawk!
I devoured this book. Such a cute and quick book.
Strong willed woman who (almost) knows what she wants. Who doesn’t love small town drama!
Don’t mind me over here swooning over Hawk!
September 21, 2024
Nice murder mystery
This was a good murder mystery I didn’t guess who it was. And the romance is a nice subplot. What I did not like about this book was how everyone just got over all there emotions far far to quickly.
This was a good murder mystery I didn’t guess who it was. And the romance is a nice subplot. What I did not like about this book was how everyone just got over all there emotions far far to quickly.
April 9, 2025
Cute Story
Esme has to negotiate her psychic powers while trying to help solve a murder. Hawk and Guy both want her to be their gal but she's not ready. Learning she's part witch leads to problems. Enjoyed this book and recommend.
Esme has to negotiate her psychic powers while trying to help solve a murder. Hawk and Guy both want her to be their gal but she's not ready. Learning she's part witch leads to problems. Enjoyed this book and recommend.
October 28, 2021
Fun new series
Love the sassy southern character, this is going to be a fun series , she's a medium in training , look forward to her journey .
Love the sassy southern character, this is going to be a fun series , she's a medium in training , look forward to her journey .
October 29, 2021
Psychic mystery.
Cute cozy mystery. Esme comes home to all kinds of trouble not to mention 2 former boyfriends. Fun to read.
Cute cozy mystery. Esme comes home to all kinds of trouble not to mention 2 former boyfriends. Fun to read.
January 27, 2022
Interesting and entertaining
April 1, 2022
Great Story
I loved this book. It was a quick read and full of mystery. Can Esme solve a mystery before it's too late?
I loved this book. It was a quick read and full of mystery. Can Esme solve a mystery before it's too late?
May 30, 2023
Murder
When Esme finds the body of her former boyfriend’s, she agrees to help find the murderer using her psychic ability.
When Esme finds the body of her former boyfriend’s, she agrees to help find the murderer using her psychic ability.
August 21, 2023
Havoc and Hauntings
This was a delightful story. Poor little cat, being spooned by a ghost. Love the relationship between Esme, Guy, and Hawk. This is going to be a fun series.
This was a delightful story. Poor little cat, being spooned by a ghost. Love the relationship between Esme, Guy, and Hawk. This is going to be a fun series.
September 23, 2023
Such a cute and cozy mystery romance. Light and fluffy, although guns and murder are involved, a fast read and can’t wait to read the next one. Finished in a day.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews