Psychic seeking psycho. My name is Darla, and I’m a psychometrist. When I touch objects, I pick up the memories and emotions of other people who have touched them. I was well into my midlife when I was recruited to serve on the Memory Guild, a secret society of supernaturals and paranormals. Based in one of the nation’s oldest cities, the Guild preserves historical memory while fighting lies and conspiracy theories.
And now a psychopath is trying to assassinate the members of the Guild. Including yours truly.
With the reluctant help of a handsome detective, I try to find out who’s behind the attacks. In between that and trying to stay alive, I also have a day running a historic bed-and-breakfast. So I’m kind of busy right now.
I don’t need the unplanned trips though a magic portal and the revealed secrets about my second husband who left me. All while dealing with my wacky witch mother and my trouble-prone daughter.
I’m your typical overworked woman. Except I also have a price on my head. Enter a world of mystery, magic, murder, and mischief, with ties to the Freaky Florida humorous paranormal series.
Ward is a Florida native and author of the the Memory Guild midlife paranormal mystery thrillers, the Monsters of Jellyfish Beach paranormal mysteries, and the Freaky Florida humorous paranormal series, all of which are chock full of psychics, witches, vampires, werewolves, dragons, and other bizarre, mythical creatures, such as #FloridaMan. He also pens the Zeke Adams series of noir mysteries. He lives in Florida (of course) with his wife, cats, and a demon who prefers to remain anonymous.
This is only the second in a really fun series about a lot of different individuals with paranormal abilities, assassins, and all narrated by the new owner of a historic inn in Florida. You've got to listen to it and laugh your sox off! Madeline Mrozek has the monumental task of narrating this great story, giving life to the cast of many, and managing to keep from laughing out loud! Besides, her delivery is so great that I can listen at whichever speed suits the tasks I'm up to at the time.
The Psychic Touch by Ward Parker, narrated by Madeline Mrozek, is Book 2 in the Memory Guild series. And, what a fantastic series it is! While Book 2 can be considered a standalone novel, I think you will enjoy it much more if you start with Book 1 because you will get to know the characters on a deeper level (and after meeting them, I know you're going to want to…they are all so much fun!). Ward Parker's writing is super engaging, and I have to say (without sounding cliché), there's never a dull moment. The main storyline and subplots mesh together so well that when certain secrets or "truths" were revealed, I never even saw them coming! I'm really happy I was introduced to this series; it isn't one I would normally choose for myself, but now here I am, already excited to see what Book 3 is going to be about!
The narration by Madeline Mrozek was absolutely flawless! She did an amazing job bringing each scene to life, so much that I forgot I was listening. Instead, I felt like I was there alongside the characters, watching everything happen right in front of me. Listening to Mrozek definitely heightened my overall experience. There are a ton of "laugh-out-loud" moments…she is sooo funny…and she has this amazing ability of making every single character seem like a real-life person I've known for years. She does an outstanding job giving every single character their own distinct voice, while allowing their personalities to shine in a way that's both memorable and fulfilling. She is the perfect narrator for this book and series, and I cannot wait to hear more!
The Psychic Touch: Memory Guild, Book 2 written by Ward Parker and narrated by Madeline Mrozek is an awesome audiobook for teens through adults and is very deserving of 5/5 starts across the board. It is cleverly written, easy to follow, and a joy to listen to (I especially loved chapter 16!!). I recommend this audiobook to those who enjoy unpredictable mysteries, realistic dialogue, memorable characters, and storylines filled with humor and elements of the supernatural and paranormal. Even if this isn't your usual genre, I have a strong feeling you're going to love this one as much as I did.
Thank you for reading my review. I hope it was helpful. Happy listening! :-)
The Psychic Touch is the second book in the Memory Guild series by Ward Parker.
I'm really enjoying this series. My only complaint is how drastic the timeline seems to have skipped ahead between book one and two. We didn't get to experience any of the renovations Darla was going to make to bring the Inn to a livable state. We didn't get to experience anymore of her tutelage with the Memory Guild.
I was honestly shocked by who the true antagonist was. The perpetrator behind this complex web of ineptitude, lies, and assassinations. The author did a marvelous job of leading me down every rabbit hole, through every twist and turn. I was right beside Darla has she sleuths her way through running an Inn and discovering who was out to get her and her Guild members.
The Father of Lies is the most intriguing aspect of this book. I imagine we will see more from this great evil, given how at odds his core doctrine is with the truth that the Memory Guild so ardently protects. I'm a little sad about Leper, she doesn't deserve the cruel twist of fate that has led to the ruination of her entire life.
Most concerning however, is Darla's husband Cory Slaughter (what a name). He's apparently been learning magic in the In Between when it was discovered he had latent abilities. Which completely overwrites any leeway Darla could give him for his disappearance. He's had a year to come back, to check in with her, to explain what led to him abandoning their life. I'm worried he might have gone dark...?
I especially like that we got more depth behind the members her Guild as individuals. As well, that her daughter became more of a truly dimensional character. Before this book progressed the story, she only seemed to be composed of her mothers concern for her life choices. Then there's the enjoyable expansion of the spark of romance between the Detective Werewolf and Darla Innkeeper. I wonder where the possibilities will lead us next?
The Psychic Touch is the second book in the Memory Guild series. Darla Chestwick recently started a new life in St. Marcos, Florida, where she owns a 300-year-old Bed and Breakfast. Darla’s business is starting to pick up when one of her guests is found dead after falling from his bedroom window. The deceased man’s wife blames the ghost in the room, but Darla knows this can’t be the case, but she still can’t explain this unexpected death.
This was an entertaining listen! It had the right dose of mystery, humour, and magic. Parker did a great job building up the intrigue, creating subplots, and generally crafting a riveting tale with charismatic characters, and secret societies. I also wanted to mention that I didn’t suspect who was behind the murders until the end, which means that this is a book that kept me guessing, and there were many surprises along the way.
Madeline Mrozek delivered an extraordinaire narration, with an ample voice range, making all the characters distinguishable, and great interpretation skills. The audio production was spotless. This is one of those cases where a good story becomes even better thanks to the narrator.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Psychic Touch is the second book in the Memory Guild series and I'm so glad I read this book, I really enjoy this book, it's fun, full of mystery, magic, paranormal, and witches. There are interesting series of adventure and a touch of romance. I highly recommend it to everyone as a fun book to read.
Darla is running a nearly 300-year-old historic bed-and-breakfast in San Marcos, Florida that is full of ghosts, gargoyles and other supernatural things. After couple of murders at her inn Darla need to use her psychometry power to find the truth behind the murders.
She find out that there are some assassin squad coming after all the members of the Memory Guild (a secret society of supernaturals and paranormal) which she is a provisional member in probation and there is also an extremely powerful demon involved with the murder.
She and the Memory Guild need to figure out who is trying to assassinate them with the help from a handsome detective before it's too late.
It is very entertaining and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Psychic Touch is book 2 in the Memory Guild series by Ward Parker and starts off where the last book finished. A roaring start with partial occupancy of the Inn, an unexpected death of the party staying in the Haunted room and meeting Detective Samson again then the death of the widow after moving her to another room in the Inn. After "reading" the glassware used by the couple, Darla discovers the wife is an assassin and was at the Inn to kill the new Innkeeper, Darla.
Calling on her supernatural friends, Darla investigates the attempted assassination. It seems her friends are being targeted also and have had close escapes. Samson has a co worker who takes over the deaths at the Inn, Detective Lepore. She and Darla do not get along and Darla is surprised to find she is jealous of Lepore who she thinks is Samson's girlfriend.
Darla outmaneuvers assassins, works with her Memory team to track the mastermind, enters the In Between while escaping an assassin and finds clues that her husband, Cory, is studying to be a witch and is still in In Between.
This is a strong follow up in the series and I look forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The plot is well-written (as I have found all of this author’s stories are) and holds the reader’s attention as Darla, who runs a historic bed-and-breakfast in Florida that is loaded with ghosts, gargoyles and all sorts of things that go bump in the night, searches for clues to the murders at her inn. Darla will be called on to use her psychometry power for finding the truth behind these murders through touching pertinent objects which yield the memories and emotions of any other people who have touched them. Can she find the answers she needs?
The characters are easy to like as the reader figures out how they support the mystery as they move smoothly through the story line. You will find this to be an enjoyable cozy mystery with the right balance of suspense and curiosity. Grab your copy and follow along in the mystery!
The Psychic Touch is the second novel in The Midlife S of the Memory Guild. series, with quirky characters, and a heroine with a past that might be just a little more mysterious than she realized! An enjoyable read for paranormal mystery fans. Ward has a way of crafting his story, masterfully interwoven with progressive world building, action, and delving deeply into his characters persona without overdoing one thing or another. Darla our protagonist Darla discover that a psychopath is attempting to killing all the members of the Memory Guild including herself. In this episode Darla works with the assistance of a detective she attempts to find the murderer and put him out of business. This is an intriguing new novel in this paranormal series. I am excited to get my hands on the next novel in this series. I gave this honest, voluntary review after being given a free copy of the novel
Now the inn is running how will Darla cope when a guest is killed, by the ghost in the room? Not to mention it seems a price is on her head but it is not just her it is the whole memory guild! Can Darla use her touch abilities to figure out who wants to wipe out the memories and why?
A great read, moving on from the first book in the series. Still a novice who needs to prove herself, Darla is trying to work three jobs in this title! The Inn owner, the homicide detective AND work out who has set the hired killers on the members of the guild. All that and be a dutiful daughter and mum. Life isn't easy nor is it quiet! Plenty action to keep you on the edge of your seat red herrings to keep you guessing. This is an enjoyable read.
Mostly , the wannabe assassins have proven relatively inept
Can the Memory Guild members survive intact? Will detective Lepore prove dangerous in the end? Lethal- or just hope crushing?
Is Cory the disappearing second husband trapped in the InBetween? Or just not coming back to his struggling wife? Do you have to file papers for desertion if your spouse disappeared into another dimension?
Freaky Florida adventures continue
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow - this author crafts a great story that flows perfectly. Characters are well-described and pace is about perfect. The story is interesting, with seemingly real characters and without excessive emphasis on the characters "perfect features" or how much money they have. They have real challenges with real-life jobs and a bonus of some magic/witchy skills, also not excessive. Interesting twists with the "in-between" and a suddenly appearing door, a message from a long lost love with "lip gloss", a skill that could only be described as dangerously effective with danger to the main character and possible danger (or save) to those affected. This author writes so so well and keeps me coming back. Now on book 3!
Meet Darla, midlife crisis, husband has disappeared without a trace, she sold her B&B moved back to San Marcos, Her Mother -also a witch-hoarder is there, her daughter, now an adult always needing money. Oh, also she is now developing Magical powers she's having to learn to control. Her new B&B a historical Inn in that is full of ghosts, gargoyles, Vampires and other supernatural things. After couple of murders at her inn, she now needs to use her psychometry power, the murders also are threatening the Memory guild-which she is a member of, to find the truth behind the murders.
Another entertaining trip to San Marcos, where psychometrist Darla, Innkeeper and member of the Memory Guild, is thrown into another mystery. Murder, assassination attempts, and a mysterious paranormal link between them all, make it a case where Darla needs to be very careful.
This midlife series is a paranormal mystery series, with quirky characters, and a heroine with a past that might be just a little more mysterious than she realized! An enjoyable read for paranormal mystery fans.
Darla is involved in way too much. The Memory Guild, which are being targeted, her bed and breakfast, and her mother and daughter. The characters are terrific, with great backstories and banter. The storyline has the suspense and clue searching to keep it entertaining and fun. Not sure I could continue to pick up a lot of objects. Loved the ending and can not wait to read more about this group. Well done.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a really awesome book. I loved the characters. It’s the second book in the Memory Guild Series. I hope the author continues this series. I hope I’m not spilling the beans, but I’ve got to find out if Corey comes back from the In-Between if so, does he have a lot of power and is he good or evil. Will Darla choose Corey or Sampson? Will Grammers snag a man without using magic? Will Darla meet some more ghosts at the inn? Is the past going to catch up with the Memory Guild?
If you haven’t read Book 1 and now Book 2 you’re really missing out.
I haven't read the first book in the Memory Guild series and I didn't have to read it to feel comfortable reading book 2. Having said that, I wish I had read book 1 first. Just a suggestion.
The characters are compelling. I did like the innkeeper heroine, Detective Mike Samson, and the other members of the Memory Guild. The pace of the story is fast, never a dull moment. Not a romance per se, but there are minor flirtations and closed door moments. Enjoy!
Darla is being attacked from every direction. First a customer jumps from or is pushed out a third story window. Then his wife is murdered. Now someone is attacking other Guild members. Why? Who? Darla needs to find the danger in order to be safe. Lots of twists and turns throughout. I want to hear more about the trolls.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really like this book this is a story of ghosts gargoyles and psychics. It is a murder mystery. It is an excellent way to spend an afternoon. I enjoyed it. And and I think you will too. I'm happy to recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a great book, I enjoyed reading it! The ending surprised me, which doesn’t happen much lol! I like all the extra elements of the story, they promise more mysteries to come! It’s a fun and interesting read! So far I’m loving this series! Thank you for a great read!
I really like the author and his other series, Freaky Florida, it is more humorous. The Memory Guild so far has not played an important part in the books, the main character Darla, has done 80-90% of the sleuthing. Darla needs a little more personality. The book and the plot are good, really more of a murder mystery than paranormal.
The first book, I found difficult to endure and complete; this second one was much easier. I enjoyed the characters, premise and storyline. Can't wait to see what happens with Samson and Darla and see what abilities Sophie was blessed with. Hurry up book 3. I highly recommend this book.
These books are surprisingly good. To be honest, I rarely read books written by men in this genre, because I like romance in a paranormal story. Surprisingly, this male author includes a little romance , so I’m satisfied with the interesting use of paranormal talents and very involved plot lines.
In this the second outing for Darla and her friends, things continue to develop. Someone is targeting the members of the Memory Guild and it appears that Black Magic is involved. As Darla endeavours to make a success of her 300 year old b&b Inn she is constantly being sidetracked by events happening around her , both to herself and to her friends.
The good. This book is easy to follow. It's a fun read. The last part of this book. I couldn't put it down. That's the bad thing. It does some recaps of the first book. I felt it wasn't really needed if you read the first book. So read the first book. You'll like it.
This was excellent! A beautifully written & created fantasy world, full of larger than life characters & crazy, fun imaginative plot! A really amazing, lightly amusing read! If you like cozy style adventures, which will make you smile, this is for you! I do recommend this series & all of the stories I have read by this writer!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Good story. Not as many cliff hangers in this book as in the first book. More questions were answered. The characters are very unique and the story lines are very good.
This was a great addition to the series. The story line was good. The character work was excellent and as usual, Ward Parker has kept me laughing from start to finish.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this book. I enjoy the paranormal is so accepting in this book and the different ways that peoples minds were taking over by demons.there was some fun parts in it.
This second volume in the tale of Darla, the witch innkeeper of Sam Marcos does not live up to the promise of the first volume. There is far too much describing and not enough action. I could barely stay interested.
I am really beginning to get into this story. Each character is becoming bettered developed. I am looking forward to reading the 3rd in series to see where the story line will lead.