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Hazel Watson #1
The Sapphire Necklace
Finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards!There’s a killer hiding in plain sight in New Orleans. How far will the spirits of his victims, and the woman who can see them, go to take him down?Still fresh to the community of public defenders, Miss Hazel Watson finds herself entangled in a case of embezzlement-with a liberal dash of the supernatural. Who was this spirit haunting her client? Why is this spirit's glimmering sapphire necklace so entrancing? And, most importantly, why could Hazel not communicate with her?
Since she was a young girl, Hazel had been helping spirits conclude their earthly business so they could pass over. Her ability to communicate with spirits was passed down from her mother, who was able to help guide her and hone her necromancy skills. Hazel was never a social butterfly, but she never had a problem communicating with the dead. Until now.
There are enough challenges being a young, female, public attorney. Still, this new case presents challenges Hazel could never have anticipated.
As Mr. Miller's trial date inches closer, with more questions than answers, Hazel, with the help of her spectral best-friend, Candy, are rushing against the clock to identify the dead woman, find her killer, and avoid becoming the killer's next victim herself.
Since she was a young girl, Hazel had been helping spirits conclude their earthly business so they could pass over. Her ability to communicate with spirits was passed down from her mother, who was able to help guide her and hone her necromancy skills. Hazel was never a social butterfly, but she never had a problem communicating with the dead. Until now.
There are enough challenges being a young, female, public attorney. Still, this new case presents challenges Hazel could never have anticipated.
As Mr. Miller's trial date inches closer, with more questions than answers, Hazel, with the help of her spectral best-friend, Candy, are rushing against the clock to identify the dead woman, find her killer, and avoid becoming the killer's next victim herself.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2021
138 people are currently reading
352 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 19, 2023
Hazel is an IDIOT she satisfied every TSTL troupe
Don’t open the door there’s a killer- she did it
Hey friend don’t break into an alleged killer’s house- she done it
Hey girl, don’t get into the car with a strange man you think may have killed his wife- pshwah.. been there she did that
Guuull do not eat food or drink from that suspect - oh what’s the worse that can happen ??
Heyyyy don’t go getting yourself kidnapped and almost murdered- 👀👀 why ever not??? Let’s keep the stupidity going.
I gave it two stars because Candy the ghost actually has brains and discourages the living idiot from doing stupid things because she doesn’t want her to become a ghost like her. Oh Candy, why aren’t YOU the heroine of these tales.
The end.
Don’t open the door there’s a killer- she did it
Hey friend don’t break into an alleged killer’s house- she done it
Hey girl, don’t get into the car with a strange man you think may have killed his wife- pshwah.. been there she did that
Guuull do not eat food or drink from that suspect - oh what’s the worse that can happen ??
Heyyyy don’t go getting yourself kidnapped and almost murdered- 👀👀 why ever not??? Let’s keep the stupidity going.
I gave it two stars because Candy the ghost actually has brains and discourages the living idiot from doing stupid things because she doesn’t want her to become a ghost like her. Oh Candy, why aren’t YOU the heroine of these tales.
The end.
February 22, 2022
I haven't read since I got covid but in a writers group I am in, this author shared something exciting and peaked my interest. I didn't know the name of the books but I knew her pen name so I looked it up and found them and holy shit, hook, line and sinker for me. It is currently 1:30 in the morning and who needs sleep? I am about to dive into book 2! Or maybe the Prequel first .... ooooh boy! What book number is this for me for 2022? Number 8!
The book literally caught my interest immediately. I sympathize with Hazel with her anxiety and other feelings. I adore the Paranormal aspect mixed in with the murder mystery! Amazballs!
The book literally caught my interest immediately. I sympathize with Hazel with her anxiety and other feelings. I adore the Paranormal aspect mixed in with the murder mystery! Amazballs!
June 27, 2024
A very intricate mystery with a good cast of characters. I did feel like the dialogue was a bit forced. The story also felt rushed just after the midway point. I wish there was more detail behind some of the key points, in this case regarding the necklace. But overall it was a quick enjoyable read.
January 14, 2022
so good.. it was a fun and unusual read... curious and kept me interested.. made me smile and laugh.. i enjoyed the mystery and intrigue.. it was well written and sexy and just fun
July 1, 2023
Probably 2.5! Why was this MC doing every cliche in all of the scary movies.. at first I was like oh ha I see what you’re doing then was like oh no this is how it is actually going to go…
May 10, 2022
The blurb on the book talks of mysteries, and ghosts and makes the entire premise of the story sound quite interesting.
The Cover. I have seen so many covers. The one on Amazon is of a face and a kind of a mardi gras mask, the one on bookroar is with a girl and a necklace and the one of goodreads is just bad. I don't understand having multiple book covers of some of them are really good and some quite bad.
Just an unattractive girl standing in a sort of a muted effect probably biting the nails and looking scared does absolutely nothing to pique my interest. On the other hand, the colourful mardi gras face mask or an actual one of a girl with a sapphire necklace was interesting enough for me to read the blurb and then pick up the book
First of all, let me start with my final conclusion. I liked the book. It was fast-paced, kept me reading, kept me involved with the characters, made me want to find out what happened and the story progression was good. It is a series but the current adventure ends and then the book ends with a hook for the next adventure.
Let me start with what I didn't like about the book
1. The start. It starts off with some 'Cajun pronunciation'. If a reader is expected to learn a language, and know some meanings upfront etc, I don't think that works for a debut novel or a debut author and there won't be any interest for the reader to continue with the book. As I went through the entire book, I found there was no necessity for that starting section at all. If the author plans to edit the book, I would suggest completely doing away with that unnecessary section.
2. The start. After the false start, it 'starts' with a lady, a tree stump. The language of that entire sequence seems like there is too much focus on language, some symbolism, imagery etc. It feels like there is too much focus on the language. As a reader , you go , i already read some 'Cajun pronunciation, now something else, is the story even going to start.
Once the story actually starts, we see Hazel rushing through a mess , getting ready to work etc. and her roommate is a ghost. That's when the story starts picking up and from then on the book goes quite smoothly.
As a character, Hazel is etched out quite well. The reader likes her. Roy is etched out quite sympathetically and you feel for him. I felt Candy was too overboard and her characterization could have been improved. Angela didn't really work for me. However it was a fast paced book, with each scene being played out logically and kept the reader interested.
There were minor inconsistencies.
Like Hazel trying to rush but later your find out she only has to be somewhere by 12 or by 3 or something . SO that is really quite enough time. its not really morning.
The 'Saphire necklace'. Except that it appears in the dream and is needed for the crossover, it doesnt really seem like a significant part of the story. The necklace doesn't contribute in a significant manner to the story to merit being the title of the book.
The serial killer. There is no build up of serial killings, many people missing etc. Suddenly if it is found to be a serial killer , there is no great benefit to have made it a serial killer. It could just as easily have been the killing of two people.
All that aside, story development was good, book was entertaining and i would definitely not mind going back other books in the series.
The Cover. I have seen so many covers. The one on Amazon is of a face and a kind of a mardi gras mask, the one on bookroar is with a girl and a necklace and the one of goodreads is just bad. I don't understand having multiple book covers of some of them are really good and some quite bad.
Just an unattractive girl standing in a sort of a muted effect probably biting the nails and looking scared does absolutely nothing to pique my interest. On the other hand, the colourful mardi gras face mask or an actual one of a girl with a sapphire necklace was interesting enough for me to read the blurb and then pick up the book
First of all, let me start with my final conclusion. I liked the book. It was fast-paced, kept me reading, kept me involved with the characters, made me want to find out what happened and the story progression was good. It is a series but the current adventure ends and then the book ends with a hook for the next adventure.
Let me start with what I didn't like about the book
1. The start. It starts off with some 'Cajun pronunciation'. If a reader is expected to learn a language, and know some meanings upfront etc, I don't think that works for a debut novel or a debut author and there won't be any interest for the reader to continue with the book. As I went through the entire book, I found there was no necessity for that starting section at all. If the author plans to edit the book, I would suggest completely doing away with that unnecessary section.
2. The start. After the false start, it 'starts' with a lady, a tree stump. The language of that entire sequence seems like there is too much focus on language, some symbolism, imagery etc. It feels like there is too much focus on the language. As a reader , you go , i already read some 'Cajun pronunciation, now something else, is the story even going to start.
Once the story actually starts, we see Hazel rushing through a mess , getting ready to work etc. and her roommate is a ghost. That's when the story starts picking up and from then on the book goes quite smoothly.
As a character, Hazel is etched out quite well. The reader likes her. Roy is etched out quite sympathetically and you feel for him. I felt Candy was too overboard and her characterization could have been improved. Angela didn't really work for me. However it was a fast paced book, with each scene being played out logically and kept the reader interested.
There were minor inconsistencies.
Like Hazel trying to rush but later your find out she only has to be somewhere by 12 or by 3 or something . SO that is really quite enough time. its not really morning.
The 'Saphire necklace'. Except that it appears in the dream and is needed for the crossover, it doesnt really seem like a significant part of the story. The necklace doesn't contribute in a significant manner to the story to merit being the title of the book.
The serial killer. There is no build up of serial killings, many people missing etc. Suddenly if it is found to be a serial killer , there is no great benefit to have made it a serial killer. It could just as easily have been the killing of two people.
All that aside, story development was good, book was entertaining and i would definitely not mind going back other books in the series.
December 12, 2021
A fun story with engaging characters evocatively set in the mystery and humidity of New Orleans!
The Sapphire Necklace is the first book in a new paranormal cozy mystery series set in New Orleans and features fledgling attorney-public defender Hazel Watson. The story begins with an abundance of exposition explaining Hazel’s history, but things really take off once that’s done.
I soon got behind Hazel, rooting for her all the way. Varian has also created some crazy, off-beat supporting characters in the ghosts and poltergeists that fill up Hazel’s world. They were fun and just downright brilliant. I loved that they were able to participate in the action!I got a real feel for New Orleans and the surrounding area during the story. The locals Hazel comes in contact with helped develop the atmosphere with their speech, southern manners, and southern charm.
The main character Hazel is one hot mess. Although she was top of her class in law school, she’s barely keeping herself together, mentally and physically. She works in the public defenders’ office, and there seems to be little income associated with the position; she’s always hurting for funds. But even after her stellar law school performance, she displays the same traits that too many female main characters in mysteries or private eye tales seem to have. She doesn’t keep up with her appearance, hygiene, laundry, or keeping her apartment tidy, if not clean. She can’t or doesn’t cook. (These traits have become part of the genre, I guess, a way of telling the reader that these women are not average or traditional.) In Hazel’s case, I’m going to go with the belief that she’s having trouble functioning because of the needy spirits invading her psyche and her life since she was a child. Hazel’s pain extends to her work, though. She’s chronically late and rarely goes to or checks in with her office. She goes to court unprepared, and frankly, I felt sorry for her client…at first. Still, she’s an engaging underdog and her interactions with her roommate, the ghostly Candy, are fun and sweet and kind.Spicing things up is her conflicted relationship with her old friend, Tate Cormier, a former schoolmate and current New Orleans police officer. Secretly pining for something more, Hazel has kept Tate firmly in the friend zone, not wanting to lose his friendship by telling him that she can communicate with the dead.
As for the plot, the reader knows who the bad guy is early on. Hazel makes some decisions and choices that made me shake my head, but the story wouldn’t have been nearly as wild and exciting without her admitted missteps.The Sapphire Necklace is well worth reading for cozy mystery lovers who enjoy a paranormal storyline. However, the book is somewhat hampered by too much exposition, repetitiveness, and continuity glitches. I assume I read an uncorrected edition because there are still grammar issues, misspelled words, and misused words. But it is a darling story and the promising start to a series that I will absolutely be following on my own dime.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.
January 3, 2022
Hazel is a public defender in NOLA who’s also helped ghosts cross over since she was young. Her new client has been accused of embezzlement and Hazel’s convinced he’s innocent. Not only is she compelled to prove it, but the ghost hovering around him seems to need her help, too. Strangely, this spirit cannot communicate as all others can, including Hazel’s best (ghostly) friend, the irrepressible party-girl Candy. Also, there seems to be an intriguing link between the spirit’s death and a sapphire necklace that Hazel’s driven to uncover.
The Sapphire Necklace was an entertaining mystery with a flawed, but likable enough, main character and NOLA is always a favorite setting of mine for paranormal books. As with most amateur sleuth stories, Hazel finds herself in danger, but unable to resist solving the case. The way the story unfolds pulls the reader in so you feel like you’re just over Hazel’s shoulder, finding clues along with her.
The Sapphire Necklace was an entertaining mystery with a flawed, but likable enough, main character and NOLA is always a favorite setting of mine for paranormal books. As with most amateur sleuth stories, Hazel finds herself in danger, but unable to resist solving the case. The way the story unfolds pulls the reader in so you feel like you’re just over Hazel’s shoulder, finding clues along with her.
January 12, 2022
I first "met" Hazel, Candy and Tate in the prequel Kindred Spirits and quite quickly became attached to them. This book takes place roughly a year after the events of Kindred Spirits and Hazel is still struggling with both personal and professional organization much to the dismay of Candy and the judges presiding over her cases.
Tate for all of his hints both subtle and blatant is still trying to convince Hazel that he honestly wants to date her. Candy is still the bombshell to know and she is bored which could spell trouble for someone. She may be a spirit but she really knows how to live. Hazel is worlking as a public defender and her client Roy has inadvertently gotten Hazel into one "mell of a hess" to quote a southern expression.
I don't ever give out spoilers but I will say, this is going to take everyone and everything to get this one solved. Steady paced and entertaining.
Tate for all of his hints both subtle and blatant is still trying to convince Hazel that he honestly wants to date her. Candy is still the bombshell to know and she is bored which could spell trouble for someone. She may be a spirit but she really knows how to live. Hazel is worlking as a public defender and her client Roy has inadvertently gotten Hazel into one "mell of a hess" to quote a southern expression.
I don't ever give out spoilers but I will say, this is going to take everyone and everything to get this one solved. Steady paced and entertaining.
January 5, 2023
This author is new to me, but I enjoy following her on Amazon and IG. This is an exciting series of books, full of mystery and full of suspense. CAV knows how to write paranormal mysteries to keep you wanting to pick up the next book. This series reminds me of the movie The Orient Express, a thrilling murder mystery of "who did it" and why! There are clues along the way and you have to wonder if Hazel is a medium of a ghost whisperer. I recommend reading this series to see things that may or may not have happened.
January 12, 2023
Help from Beyond
Hazel saw spirits . A gift handed down through generations. A gifted attorney, she took on a case beyond her experience. But with the help of her friend Candy, also a spirit, she was able to maneuver the case.
Hazel realized after a close call that she needed to live life, and she did with Tate.
I enjoyed this story as Hazel helped her spirits to move on and help those in trouble in real life. It was believable without being over the top.
Looking forward to the next book. I would definitely recommend.
Hazel saw spirits . A gift handed down through generations. A gifted attorney, she took on a case beyond her experience. But with the help of her friend Candy, also a spirit, she was able to maneuver the case.
Hazel realized after a close call that she needed to live life, and she did with Tate.
I enjoyed this story as Hazel helped her spirits to move on and help those in trouble in real life. It was believable without being over the top.
Looking forward to the next book. I would definitely recommend.
June 4, 2022
Quirky, Fun read. Hazel’s kind of a mess as a lawyer, but you might be too if you saw dead people. Her roommate, Candy, is a spirit who likes to party.
Hazel is a defense attorney, and her latest client has her lining up against the rich and powerful. Even worse, her client has ghosts who have become attached to him and are dragging him down.
Luckily, she has a long-time best cop friend,Tate, who helps here with parking tickets and this case. Recommend.
Hazel is a defense attorney, and her latest client has her lining up against the rich and powerful. Even worse, her client has ghosts who have become attached to him and are dragging him down.
Luckily, she has a long-time best cop friend,Tate, who helps here with parking tickets and this case. Recommend.
June 2, 2024
Hazel Finds Justice
Hazel Watson, Attorney at Law, uses her talents to find justice for all who seek her help...living or dead. With her best friends, spirit Candy and police officer Tate, aka Hot Stuff, Hazel leads a dangerous life. Love the storyline and the characters, especially the plucky Hazel whose desire for justice leads her into all kinds of perilous situations. Enjoy
Hazel Watson, Attorney at Law, uses her talents to find justice for all who seek her help...living or dead. With her best friends, spirit Candy and police officer Tate, aka Hot Stuff, Hazel leads a dangerous life. Love the storyline and the characters, especially the plucky Hazel whose desire for justice leads her into all kinds of perilous situations. Enjoy
October 10, 2021
I was pleasantly surprised by this novel. This is an easy read and very enjoyable. The characters are interesting and feel real, even the ghosts. I would love to meet Candy. She sounds like a character. I recommend this novel to anyone who likes mystery, paranormal, and sometimes funny stories all rolled into one. I'm looking forward to the next installment of A Hazel Watson Mystery Books.
December 17, 2021
The Sapphire Necklace is a fun, unusual story about a young attorney who finds herself rooming with a ghost. Fortunately, our protagonist--Hazel Watson--sees dead people! The ghost turns out to be a good friend who helps Hazel in her various adventures. And there's a prequel--Kindred Spirits, which explains Hazel's history. It's a great read.
July 28, 2022
Difficult read
I was excited to read this novella. The prequel got me interested in the theme of these books. I struggled to read this book. The MC is mousey, whiney and I am not invested in her. This story is repetitive in parts. There is no tension, no drive propelling you forward. I will not be reading the others in this series
I was excited to read this novella. The prequel got me interested in the theme of these books. I struggled to read this book. The MC is mousey, whiney and I am not invested in her. This story is repetitive in parts. There is no tension, no drive propelling you forward. I will not be reading the others in this series
May 2, 2023
Ghosts and a Lawyer
Hazel sees dead people, and talks to them, in fact her best friend's one. She's also an attorney, and trying to help her latest client introduces her to more ghosts than she expects.
An interesting and intriguing mystery with a socially uncomfortable heroine putting herself in awkward situations. Cosy, aside from the ghosts, thriller
Hazel sees dead people, and talks to them, in fact her best friend's one. She's also an attorney, and trying to help her latest client introduces her to more ghosts than she expects.
An interesting and intriguing mystery with a socially uncomfortable heroine putting herself in awkward situations. Cosy, aside from the ghosts, thriller
February 12, 2022
I’ve been looking for a read like this for a while now. This is a new to me author, but this won’t be the last. It was entertaining, suspenseful (sometimes I got chills!), and emotional. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
September 24, 2022
The Sapphire necklace
This story was a good read mystery, suspense and page turner. Hazel has her hands full with not knowing when her next ghost will show up. The Characters and storyline is great and well matched. Will recommend for all to read.
This story was a good read mystery, suspense and page turner. Hazel has her hands full with not knowing when her next ghost will show up. The Characters and storyline is great and well matched. Will recommend for all to read.
February 3, 2024
Good read
Holds your attention. Some areas were unbelievable even for fiction, but overall not a bad book. Not sure it's quite good enough to read the rest of the series but good enough to entertain as a standalone.
Holds your attention. Some areas were unbelievable even for fiction, but overall not a bad book. Not sure it's quite good enough to read the rest of the series but good enough to entertain as a standalone.
May 28, 2024
WOW
And then in the end I now know I have to read the next book to know what happened to Jake. This book is so good, especially if you like ghosts and spirits stories! And I love reading about Hazel, Candy and Tate!
And then in the end I now know I have to read the next book to know what happened to Jake. This book is so good, especially if you like ghosts and spirits stories! And I love reading about Hazel, Candy and Tate!
August 25, 2024
Great ghost story!
I'm a sucker for a ghost story, and I loved the the spin this one took. It was a special kind of genius making Hazel's best friend a spirit. It really showed the kind of person she is. The end? I need more. Now!
I'm a sucker for a ghost story, and I loved the the spin this one took. It was a special kind of genius making Hazel's best friend a spirit. It really showed the kind of person she is. The end? I need more. Now!
January 9, 2022
I love a good mystery book, even better when spirits are involved!
Hazel, a independent woman who is not only a lawyer but someone special who can see spirits. It’s not always nice but having a spirit name Candy who became your best friend is.
Hazel takes on a new client, who is clearly innocent. Finding out the assistant no longer working at company is missing. Things are starting to add up on who the real person should be behind bars and why. Hazel gets caught up in a really bad situation and well you just got read to find out. It’s a must! 😊
Hazel, a independent woman who is not only a lawyer but someone special who can see spirits. It’s not always nice but having a spirit name Candy who became your best friend is.
Hazel takes on a new client, who is clearly innocent. Finding out the assistant no longer working at company is missing. Things are starting to add up on who the real person should be behind bars and why. Hazel gets caught up in a really bad situation and well you just got read to find out. It’s a must! 😊
January 16, 2022
Nice mystery story, slower pace than what I usually read, but really good! Fun characters, good plot, well written!
January 8, 2023
Good read
Reminded me of Odd Thomas but a lil different. Hazel can communicate where Thomas only got vague clues. Suspenseful. I liked it
Reminded me of Odd Thomas but a lil different. Hazel can communicate where Thomas only got vague clues. Suspenseful. I liked it
February 6, 2023
Fast paced
Great characters and an unusual plot. I was very surprised how entertaining this book was and can't wait to start the next book.
Great characters and an unusual plot. I was very surprised how entertaining this book was and can't wait to start the next book.
July 6, 2023
Good paranormal read.
A good book for those of us that enjoy a ghost story. Interesting characters and story line with room for a sequel.
A good book for those of us that enjoy a ghost story. Interesting characters and story line with room for a sequel.
October 11, 2023
Ghostly fun
It was fun to read. The characters were entertaining, the story was fast paced. I wanted to know what was on the next page. I enjoyed the world of ghosts and voodoo.
It was fun to read. The characters were entertaining, the story was fast paced. I wanted to know what was on the next page. I enjoyed the world of ghosts and voodoo.
October 7, 2024
Awesome
I loved this book. It grips you from the very start and holds all the way through. Can't wait to start the next one!
I loved this book. It grips you from the very start and holds all the way through. Can't wait to start the next one!
November 29, 2024
Great first book in a series
The character development was good and the author did a great job tying everything together. I am looking forward to reading what happens next.
The character development was good and the author did a great job tying everything together. I am looking forward to reading what happens next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews