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Grave Lies: A Psychic Investigator Mystery
Dark secrets haunt the town of Coldwater…
Almost forty years ago, Heather Davenport unearthed two bodies in a shallow grave on her grandmother’s ranch. The killer arranged his victims in an embrace. Now retired from the FBI and still haunted by the "bride and groom" murders, Heather returns to tackle the cold case. When the investigation stalls, she's willing to do anything—even beg the help of the mysterious Mercury Group. No matter the cost.
Mercury agent Penny Wright sees the dead, while her partner Zandra Mendes reads the living. Their unusual methods could finally lead to a breakthrough in the case.
But the killer is closer than anyone thinks.
The residents of Coldwater will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden. A killer stalks the innocent, waiting for the moment to strike. And in a town built on this many lies, no one will be safe when the dark truth comes to the surface.
Almost forty years ago, Heather Davenport unearthed two bodies in a shallow grave on her grandmother’s ranch. The killer arranged his victims in an embrace. Now retired from the FBI and still haunted by the "bride and groom" murders, Heather returns to tackle the cold case. When the investigation stalls, she's willing to do anything—even beg the help of the mysterious Mercury Group. No matter the cost.
Mercury agent Penny Wright sees the dead, while her partner Zandra Mendes reads the living. Their unusual methods could finally lead to a breakthrough in the case.
But the killer is closer than anyone thinks.
The residents of Coldwater will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden. A killer stalks the innocent, waiting for the moment to strike. And in a town built on this many lies, no one will be safe when the dark truth comes to the surface.
- GenresMystery
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2022
96 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
A.N. Willis
16 books134 followersA.N. Willis writes gripping mysteries and paranormal suspense where the past never stays buried.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
November 28, 2022
I read GRAVE LIES in a single day. I couldn’t put it down! Forty years ago, Heather Davenport unearthed two bodies in a shallow grave on her grandmother’s ranch. The “bride and groom” murders as they have come to be called were never solved and they still haunt Heather all these years later while she serves as an FBI investigator. She contacts the Mercury Group—paranormal investigators including Penny Wright and Zandra Mendez who use their paranormal abilities to solve cold cases. Every member of the Mercury Group has a different ability. Some can touch objects and get a reading, seeing into the past. Penny can talk to ghosts. Zandra can read people’s emotions. A.N. Willis is a terrific writer who really knows how to create suspense. I loved how the tight pacing and interesting characters drew me from scene to scene as we learn more about the local townspeople, the cult-like church in town that has lots of secrets and how they come into play with the two people who were found—and who they were. This was a terrific read and I can’t wait to read more in the series! 5/5 stars.
August 14, 2022
A.N Willis’s Byrne House duology became an absolute favorite series of mine after I requested the ARC on a whim. And ever since, I had wanted to check her Penny Wright series but never did get the chance. Grave Lies is book #1 in the Mercury Mediums series with Penny as one of the leads. Penny is the one who can see and interact with ghosts but it is Zandra who had my full attention in this novel. Zandra is a medium with the ability to read emotions and thereby becomes more or less a human lie detector and it made for some fascinating reading.
Both of them are in Coldwater at a call from Heather Davenport who has returned to her hometown and wants to give one last chance to discover the identities of the dead bodies discovered in her backyard 40 -odd years ago. The author mixes up the paranormal elements and the mystery of the killer with panache as the multiple threads of inquiries pop up and each of them leading them to more puzzles all centered around the town and a cult that was formed years ago.
Penny and Zandra are a good team and the adventure in this establishes the support system they form for each other and with Zandra, I guess the author has held a lot of her past as an enigma, for it to be fleshed out completely later down in the series and I am looking forward to that. If you are a fan of paranormal mysteries, then Grave Lies by A N Willis would be right up your alley. I did wish for a tighter plotting in the middle segment of the story coz some parts of it felt like repeating in circles though I enjoyed the final reveal and the revenge of the ghosts.
Many thanks to Book Sirens and the author for a chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.
This review is published in my blog Rain'n'Books, ##Goodreads, ##Amazon India, ##Book Bub, ##Medium.com, ##Facebook, ##Twitter.
Both of them are in Coldwater at a call from Heather Davenport who has returned to her hometown and wants to give one last chance to discover the identities of the dead bodies discovered in her backyard 40 -odd years ago. The author mixes up the paranormal elements and the mystery of the killer with panache as the multiple threads of inquiries pop up and each of them leading them to more puzzles all centered around the town and a cult that was formed years ago.
Penny and Zandra are a good team and the adventure in this establishes the support system they form for each other and with Zandra, I guess the author has held a lot of her past as an enigma, for it to be fleshed out completely later down in the series and I am looking forward to that. If you are a fan of paranormal mysteries, then Grave Lies by A N Willis would be right up your alley. I did wish for a tighter plotting in the middle segment of the story coz some parts of it felt like repeating in circles though I enjoyed the final reveal and the revenge of the ghosts.
Many thanks to Book Sirens and the author for a chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.
This review is published in my blog Rain'n'Books, ##Goodreads, ##Amazon India, ##Book Bub, ##Medium.com, ##Facebook, ##Twitter.
January 3, 2023
This was the perfect mystery! I really enjoyed the characters and their different abilities. Their partnership was great. I was also pretty surprised by the big twist at the end.
Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys paranormal mysteries.
Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys paranormal mysteries.
July 24, 2022
One of my favorite paranormal series is now a spin-off. I have enjoyed the Penny Wright Series and snapped up Grave Lies as soon as I saw it.
This paranormal adventure into a small town full of hidden secrets and lies for right into my Bookhouse. I love ghosty stories. I love small towns. Even better with them both together.
I really enjoy Penny and Zandra. They work well together and make a great team. Their abilities compliment and enhance their interactions with each other, and with the story. One of my favorite parts of this read.
The mystery itself was good too and kept me turning page after page. I did stay up late with this one and finished first thing the next morning. I enjoy this author's writing too though so it was easy to stay invested. A.N. Willis is an auto-buy for me.
Grave Lies, and any of the Penny Wright Series honestly, will make great additions to those Spooktober lists. I sincerely appreciate the publisher and BookSirens for providing me with a review copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
This paranormal adventure into a small town full of hidden secrets and lies for right into my Bookhouse. I love ghosty stories. I love small towns. Even better with them both together.
I really enjoy Penny and Zandra. They work well together and make a great team. Their abilities compliment and enhance their interactions with each other, and with the story. One of my favorite parts of this read.
The mystery itself was good too and kept me turning page after page. I did stay up late with this one and finished first thing the next morning. I enjoy this author's writing too though so it was easy to stay invested. A.N. Willis is an auto-buy for me.
Grave Lies, and any of the Penny Wright Series honestly, will make great additions to those Spooktober lists. I sincerely appreciate the publisher and BookSirens for providing me with a review copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
July 26, 2022
I received a copy of this for free. I liked the Penny Wright series, and didn't really get why her story continued as a spin-off, but in this you get both Penny and her partner Zandra.
This had a very good mystery, and also good supernatural elements, they blended quite nicely. I recommend this if you like your detective mysteries / thrillers, but also ghosts!
If you like this, check out the Penny Wright books to get more backstory on her.
This had a very good mystery, and also good supernatural elements, they blended quite nicely. I recommend this if you like your detective mysteries / thrillers, but also ghosts!
If you like this, check out the Penny Wright books to get more backstory on her.
September 30, 2022
All i can say is WoW. I love cold cases investigation because there are few evidences left. And its harder for the detective to find any new evidence or sometimes the killer is already dead. And i also love to read paranormal books and in this case both are available. Cold case with a twist of paranormal activities 2 interesting characters one sees the dead and the other reads the living. Amazing written book with nyc twists. I recommend it to every paranormal thriller readers.
July 13, 2022
Almost forty years ago, Heather Davenport unearthed two bodies in a shallow grave on her grandmother’s ranch. Now retired from the FBI and still haunted by the "bride and groom" murders, Heather returns to the cold case. When the investigation stalls, she's willing to do anything—even beg the help of the mysterious Mercury Group. No matter the cost. Mercury agent Penny Wright sees the dead, while her partner Zandra Mendes reads the living. Their unusual methods could finally lead to a breakthrough in the case. But the killer is closer than anyone thinks.
What a great murder mystery book. I loved the usage of ghosts/paranormal to add a little something to this suspenseful novel. I love the team of Penny and Zandra and how well they worked together. I loved the development we see throughout the book, mostly with Heather. I would love to see more of the Mercury Group. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What a great murder mystery book. I loved the usage of ghosts/paranormal to add a little something to this suspenseful novel. I love the team of Penny and Zandra and how well they worked together. I loved the development we see throughout the book, mostly with Heather. I would love to see more of the Mercury Group. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 27, 2022
Willis is a new to me author but Grave Lies will definitely not be the last book I read by them!
This murder mystery was so well written. Alternating between multiple POVs, Willis does a great job of giving everyone a unique voice and dropping them right inside their head.
The small town life was also perfectly portrayed. I felt like everyone there was real and their reactions to the two strangers appearance and their secrets being dug into was exactly how I would think a community like this would deal with the murders that happened in both the past and the present.
From the mystery, to the reveal, to everything in between, I loved this book and I highly recommend it to any fans of mysteries or paranormal stories.
This murder mystery was so well written. Alternating between multiple POVs, Willis does a great job of giving everyone a unique voice and dropping them right inside their head.
The small town life was also perfectly portrayed. I felt like everyone there was real and their reactions to the two strangers appearance and their secrets being dug into was exactly how I would think a community like this would deal with the murders that happened in both the past and the present.
From the mystery, to the reveal, to everything in between, I loved this book and I highly recommend it to any fans of mysteries or paranormal stories.
July 23, 2022
Electrifyingly suspenseful and breathtaking, this Paranormal Suspense Thriller is the first in a new Series: THE MERCURY MEDIUMS. I'll be lined up to devour each Mystery in the Series! Check your disbelief at the door and dive right in: these mediums are straightforward and right on, one a mind-reader, the other is directly a medium who sees, hears, and connects with ghosts. The case they take on in GRAVE LIES is seriously intent and fraught with danger for many. The tension is high-,voltage and inescapable.
November 27, 2022
Great paranormal mystery / thriller! We read this for book club this month, and I’m really glad it was chosen. I’m not sure I would have picked it up on my own — mysteries aren’t my go-to genre. The writing was smooth, the characters well developed and diverse (LOVED Lester and his monster truck), and the backstory around the murders was a fascinating web. Highly recommend!
July 24, 2022
I liked the premise of those book and the character building. From a mystery standpoint, some things were easy to figure out while other sub-plots were hidden. I look forward to learning more back story on the main 2 characters in upcoming books.
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.
August 6, 2022
My first book by this author. Not bad at all. Fast paced with interesting characters. I’ll definitely be checking out more from this author.
September 20, 2023
Can't wait until another penny Wright book comes out! This one was really good! Maybe her and her partner need to go off on their own!
July 23, 2022
5/5
I received an advance review copy for free on book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This had crime novel and paranormal all wrapped into one. Detectives, cold case, ghosts and serial killers. How could I want anything else?
There was great pace in the book. Nothing to slow and nothing to fast. A def. page turner and I love the writing style. The characters were great, even ones that were more side characters and the paranormal take to a crime novel made we warm and fuzzy inside.
I haven't look to see any other books from this writer but I plan to and I hope there is more about the Mercury group, especially about Penny and Z. I feel like I could read about so many of these adventures of these two!
I received an advance review copy for free on book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This had crime novel and paranormal all wrapped into one. Detectives, cold case, ghosts and serial killers. How could I want anything else?
There was great pace in the book. Nothing to slow and nothing to fast. A def. page turner and I love the writing style. The characters were great, even ones that were more side characters and the paranormal take to a crime novel made we warm and fuzzy inside.
I haven't look to see any other books from this writer but I plan to and I hope there is more about the Mercury group, especially about Penny and Z. I feel like I could read about so many of these adventures of these two!
July 23, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Heather Devenport, 8 years old, finds 2 skeletons embracing each other in the cabin on her grandmother's property. 40 years later she moves back into her grandmother's house to pursue the case further since even being an FBI agent didn't help her solve it during all these years. Her time is running out and she is willing to do anything, so she seeks the help of psychic investigators Penny Wright and Zandra Mendes.
Penny and Zandra don't drive a Chevrolet Impala (if you know what I mean 😉) but they can put those ghosts to rest. They come to Davenport ranch and the truth-seeking begins.
What I liked:
1. the story. I love stories like that, where different periods of time are intertwined and the mysteries from the past are being solved. The psychic element is also intriguing, it was interesting to follow the investigation from this angle - since it is not your usual police work. Communicating with ghosts and reading people's minds and auras - was something new for me in the book, and I liked it.
2. the intrigue. Since this is the first book about Penny and Zandra, of course not all secrets about the Mercury Group (where these women work) are revealed. We get a glimpse of their handler Dari (who is not a very nice person judging from what I have read), and the author doesn't give a lot of information about how everything works. So I hope to read more about this organization in the future and find out what changes Dari was hinting at.
3. characters. All the characters are well-written and open up gradually, so till the last chapters, I didn't figure out who the bad guy was, because everyone seemed so normal. When the killer was revealed in the end, I was astonished - suspected everyone but that character. It's like with people in real life - bits and pieces about characters were given throughout the book to form a full picture in the end.
4. the dynamics. The story is fast-paced, especially to the end the chapters were flying by, and I was so eager to find out how everything ends as fast as I could. The ghosts got involved, some dangerous things were happening, and the snowstorm was there - these all created a great ending, and in general, the story was flowing - something always going on.
All I can say is I really enjoyed this book, and surely want to read more about Penny and Zandra, their powers, and how everything works out with the mysterious Mercury Group.
Heather Devenport, 8 years old, finds 2 skeletons embracing each other in the cabin on her grandmother's property. 40 years later she moves back into her grandmother's house to pursue the case further since even being an FBI agent didn't help her solve it during all these years. Her time is running out and she is willing to do anything, so she seeks the help of psychic investigators Penny Wright and Zandra Mendes.
Penny and Zandra don't drive a Chevrolet Impala (if you know what I mean 😉) but they can put those ghosts to rest. They come to Davenport ranch and the truth-seeking begins.
What I liked:
1. the story. I love stories like that, where different periods of time are intertwined and the mysteries from the past are being solved. The psychic element is also intriguing, it was interesting to follow the investigation from this angle - since it is not your usual police work. Communicating with ghosts and reading people's minds and auras - was something new for me in the book, and I liked it.
2. the intrigue. Since this is the first book about Penny and Zandra, of course not all secrets about the Mercury Group (where these women work) are revealed. We get a glimpse of their handler Dari (who is not a very nice person judging from what I have read), and the author doesn't give a lot of information about how everything works. So I hope to read more about this organization in the future and find out what changes Dari was hinting at.
3. characters. All the characters are well-written and open up gradually, so till the last chapters, I didn't figure out who the bad guy was, because everyone seemed so normal. When the killer was revealed in the end, I was astonished - suspected everyone but that character. It's like with people in real life - bits and pieces about characters were given throughout the book to form a full picture in the end.
4. the dynamics. The story is fast-paced, especially to the end the chapters were flying by, and I was so eager to find out how everything ends as fast as I could. The ghosts got involved, some dangerous things were happening, and the snowstorm was there - these all created a great ending, and in general, the story was flowing - something always going on.
All I can say is I really enjoyed this book, and surely want to read more about Penny and Zandra, their powers, and how everything works out with the mysterious Mercury Group.
June 27, 2022
WOW!! What a page turner! I could not put this down and ended up reading in one day. This book is sort of a spin off from the Penny Wright series, also by this author. Penny Wright is a medium who reluctantly accepts that she is one and is always willing to help those in need. She has recently joined The Mercury Group. The Mercury Group is made up of other para-sensitives like her who use their skills to help spirits move on. Penny is partnered with Zandra, who can sort of read people's minds.
This is the first book in the Mercury Mediums series if this book is any indication, then subsequent books should be just as fantastic as this one.
Heather Davenport was 8 when she first saw ghosts. Her dog was scratching at the door of a long-dilapidated house on her grandmother's property, when she stumbles upon the skeletal remains of a couple buried in a shallow grave. Forty years later, she is an FBI agent and is determined to solve this case before she runs out of time. After feeling like she's run out of traditional means of solving the case, she turns to the Mercury group and Penny and Zandra arrive to help her. Can Penny and Zandra help Heather find the identities of the dead couple and maybe even find the killer?
I really loved this book! The setting, the characters, the story, there wasn't one thing about this story that I didn't like. The chapters are short, and the story is very well written. I am very excited to see more from Penny and Zandra. Hopefully they'll stay together as partners but either way, this was a fantastic book! I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review.
This is the first book in the Mercury Mediums series if this book is any indication, then subsequent books should be just as fantastic as this one.
Heather Davenport was 8 when she first saw ghosts. Her dog was scratching at the door of a long-dilapidated house on her grandmother's property, when she stumbles upon the skeletal remains of a couple buried in a shallow grave. Forty years later, she is an FBI agent and is determined to solve this case before she runs out of time. After feeling like she's run out of traditional means of solving the case, she turns to the Mercury group and Penny and Zandra arrive to help her. Can Penny and Zandra help Heather find the identities of the dead couple and maybe even find the killer?
I really loved this book! The setting, the characters, the story, there wasn't one thing about this story that I didn't like. The chapters are short, and the story is very well written. I am very excited to see more from Penny and Zandra. Hopefully they'll stay together as partners but either way, this was a fantastic book! I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review.
July 7, 2022
Grave Lies by A.N. Willis was a fantastic read! The last paragraph of the prologue was an instant hook for the reader. In fact, the novel was so suspenseful and exciting I finished it in one sitting. This paranormal tale had great writing, an awesome setting, interesting and well developed characters, and a gripping story line.
A.N. Willis has a unique style of writing that seems to ebb and flow, which keeps the reader engaged, guessing, and eager to turn the page. Her choice of setting on the cold and snowy range of Wyoming was described perfectly. The reader could almost feel the intense cold and being trapped in a heavy snow storm.
The characters in Grave Lies are very out of the ordinary. This novel has 3 incredibly strong characters. Heather is a former FBI agent who as an 8 year old child, unearthed a hidden grave on her grandmother’s ranch. Unfortunately, the case became cold. Heather returns to the ranch in an attempt to solve the 40 year case and decides to enlist the aid of the Mercury Group, which is made up of paranormal investigators who help solve crimes. The two psychics, Penny and Zandra, each have unique gifts. These are two very real and believable characters and as the novel progresses their character’s grow and develop in leaps and bounds.
This was a well written book full of ghosts and mind readers that captures the reader’s attention. I am now eagerly awaiting the next book in the Mercury Group series. I give this novel a 5/5 stars.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from BookSirens and am leaving an honest and voluntary review.
A.N. Willis has a unique style of writing that seems to ebb and flow, which keeps the reader engaged, guessing, and eager to turn the page. Her choice of setting on the cold and snowy range of Wyoming was described perfectly. The reader could almost feel the intense cold and being trapped in a heavy snow storm.
The characters in Grave Lies are very out of the ordinary. This novel has 3 incredibly strong characters. Heather is a former FBI agent who as an 8 year old child, unearthed a hidden grave on her grandmother’s ranch. Unfortunately, the case became cold. Heather returns to the ranch in an attempt to solve the 40 year case and decides to enlist the aid of the Mercury Group, which is made up of paranormal investigators who help solve crimes. The two psychics, Penny and Zandra, each have unique gifts. These are two very real and believable characters and as the novel progresses their character’s grow and develop in leaps and bounds.
This was a well written book full of ghosts and mind readers that captures the reader’s attention. I am now eagerly awaiting the next book in the Mercury Group series. I give this novel a 5/5 stars.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from BookSirens and am leaving an honest and voluntary review.
July 27, 2022
*Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this book in exchange for a honest review.*
4.5⭐️
While this book can be read as a stand alone, I was so excited to see characters from A. N. Willis's Penny Wright series. This book is full of friendship and trust between Zandra and Penny and I loved it!
Grave Lies follows a former FBI agent named Heather who has moved back to her grandmother's home after taking a leave absence from work. Heather's house has a dark past and she wants to solve the cold-case of the murdered couple that she found as a child in a cabin on her grandmother's property. The case has been cold for several decades and Heather is determined to solve the case.
But there is a twist to the story, Heather has seen the ghosts of the couple on her property as well. And she doesn't know how to deal with ghosts. That's where the Murcery Group comes in and Penny is quick to take the case. Zandra feels drawn to the case as well. Together, with the help of the local police force, Penny and Zandra's abilities of the supernatural and will power, Heather is able to solve the cold case that has haunted her for most of her life.
I really enjoyed this story and grew attached to the characters even more than I already was. This story took a little time to get into, but the story really picked up around the 30% mark and it didn't slow down! I loved the writing style, the mystery, thr twists and turns. I also am excited that this series is going to have more books in it!
4.5⭐️
While this book can be read as a stand alone, I was so excited to see characters from A. N. Willis's Penny Wright series. This book is full of friendship and trust between Zandra and Penny and I loved it!
Grave Lies follows a former FBI agent named Heather who has moved back to her grandmother's home after taking a leave absence from work. Heather's house has a dark past and she wants to solve the cold-case of the murdered couple that she found as a child in a cabin on her grandmother's property. The case has been cold for several decades and Heather is determined to solve the case.
But there is a twist to the story, Heather has seen the ghosts of the couple on her property as well. And she doesn't know how to deal with ghosts. That's where the Murcery Group comes in and Penny is quick to take the case. Zandra feels drawn to the case as well. Together, with the help of the local police force, Penny and Zandra's abilities of the supernatural and will power, Heather is able to solve the cold case that has haunted her for most of her life.
I really enjoyed this story and grew attached to the characters even more than I already was. This story took a little time to get into, but the story really picked up around the 30% mark and it didn't slow down! I loved the writing style, the mystery, thr twists and turns. I also am excited that this series is going to have more books in it!
July 17, 2022
This is strong mystery full of suspense. I particularly liked Penny and Zandra, the two paranormal investigators. Actually they're technically not investigators, they help people get rid of ghosts. But in this story, they reluctantly aid a FBI agent in solving a cold case. Heather, the agent, has a terminal condition which seemed an unnecessary addition to the character and story.
There's a cult-like, secretive church; several characters who trace their parentage back to that church and the leader who liked to "love" his female congregation; multiple murders (but not graphically described); local small-town law enforcement that tolerates help from the psychics; and it all works well together to propel the story. There's a small side story about the company Penny and Zandra work for, the Mercury Group, and a demand for them to return to the head office immediately. Due to the ghosts and case they're working on, they aren't able to comply and that sets up the uncertain ending and lead in for the next in the series.
Tension builds as a winter snow storm arrives just as things are coming to a head. It's a great way to add stress to the story and realize who the killer is. The resolution of the story is good and the cliffhanger not TOO wild - all the threads from this story were tied up.
Thanks to #BookSiren for the ARC and I definitely recommend the book as a good mystery/thriller with a perfect ghostly touch!
There's a cult-like, secretive church; several characters who trace their parentage back to that church and the leader who liked to "love" his female congregation; multiple murders (but not graphically described); local small-town law enforcement that tolerates help from the psychics; and it all works well together to propel the story. There's a small side story about the company Penny and Zandra work for, the Mercury Group, and a demand for them to return to the head office immediately. Due to the ghosts and case they're working on, they aren't able to comply and that sets up the uncertain ending and lead in for the next in the series.
Tension builds as a winter snow storm arrives just as things are coming to a head. It's a great way to add stress to the story and realize who the killer is. The resolution of the story is good and the cliffhanger not TOO wild - all the threads from this story were tied up.
Thanks to #BookSiren for the ARC and I definitely recommend the book as a good mystery/thriller with a perfect ghostly touch!
August 1, 2022
This is my first Penny Wright novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I really liked all the characters and I think Willis did an excellent job at fleshing them out and setting the scene with them.
Personally, I felt that she kept me on my toes and I did not have an inkling of who the culprit might be or which direction this story was going to go until maybe 3/4 of the way in, which I really enjoyed.
Sometimes paranormal aspects in novels can get overbearing and dominate the story however I found Willis was very tasteful with the way she incorporated ghosts and psychics.
Overall the story was intriguing though I did find the prologue a bit hard to get into but by the last paragraph my curiosity was piqued enough to keep going and I ended up finishing the book in one sitting. The pace was good though some places felt slower and so I found myself skimming over those parts. For example, once the reader is made aware of certain information through one character you’re left waiting for the rest of the characters to get up to speed which can feel a bit repetitive. That being said, I was still hooked enough to see it through until the end. I hope to see more of the Mercury Mediums in the future.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Personally, I felt that she kept me on my toes and I did not have an inkling of who the culprit might be or which direction this story was going to go until maybe 3/4 of the way in, which I really enjoyed.
Sometimes paranormal aspects in novels can get overbearing and dominate the story however I found Willis was very tasteful with the way she incorporated ghosts and psychics.
Overall the story was intriguing though I did find the prologue a bit hard to get into but by the last paragraph my curiosity was piqued enough to keep going and I ended up finishing the book in one sitting. The pace was good though some places felt slower and so I found myself skimming over those parts. For example, once the reader is made aware of certain information through one character you’re left waiting for the rest of the characters to get up to speed which can feel a bit repetitive. That being said, I was still hooked enough to see it through until the end. I hope to see more of the Mercury Mediums in the future.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 7, 2022
I have really enjoyed the previous Penny Wright books. This one is the start of a new series, but feels more like the character has taken a new tangent. There’s much less romance, and it focuses more on the mystery and the working relationship between Penny and Zandra.
The basic premise is FBI agent Heather Davenport finds the skeletons of two people in a cabin when she’s a child. Forty years later, she’s wanting to tie up loose ends and asks for a consult with the Mercury Group - regular investigation techniques haven’t worked so she’s willing to try paranormal ones.
I really liked the mystery with this one, involving a weird cult, a small town, and many secrets. The action was well paced, and as always the worldbuilding and paranormal elements were well thought out. I didn’t quite expect the ending, and I didn’t guess who’d done it until it was almost time for the big reveal! And then that slight cliffhanger at the end - I don’t know how I’m going to wait for the next book.
A.N. Willis has done a brilliant job again with a quality read, and I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a mystery story with a paranormal twist. It’s also worth noting that, although it is a spin off series, you don’t have to read the first three books in order to appreciate this one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The basic premise is FBI agent Heather Davenport finds the skeletons of two people in a cabin when she’s a child. Forty years later, she’s wanting to tie up loose ends and asks for a consult with the Mercury Group - regular investigation techniques haven’t worked so she’s willing to try paranormal ones.
I really liked the mystery with this one, involving a weird cult, a small town, and many secrets. The action was well paced, and as always the worldbuilding and paranormal elements were well thought out. I didn’t quite expect the ending, and I didn’t guess who’d done it until it was almost time for the big reveal! And then that slight cliffhanger at the end - I don’t know how I’m going to wait for the next book.
A.N. Willis has done a brilliant job again with a quality read, and I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a mystery story with a paranormal twist. It’s also worth noting that, although it is a spin off series, you don’t have to read the first three books in order to appreciate this one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 27, 2022
I chose this free book arc because I wanted to read it. Due to certain life challenges, I didn't get the book downloaded until late Sunday so couldn't start reading until yesterday and was worried that I would not be able to finish in time to review it.
HA! If I didn't have to work today, I would have been done way sooner. There was the appropriate slow, fast, fast pacing that is needed for good mystery suspense. The delicate balance of character development and information gathering with twists to keep you interested and trying to puzzle out the clues. Although I read a brief blurb, I wasn't sure what to expect and this book surpassed my hopes.
There were interesting characters - main and sub. There was a cold case plus current mysteries. There was life drama and growth including paranormal elements. My mind is still tumbling over all the different parts of the story. The main story was finished at the end with a subplot for following books into a series which I definitely plan on reading.
Not only did I really enjoy the book - I care about the characters so I want to know where they go next. Can't wait to share in the journey.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
HA! If I didn't have to work today, I would have been done way sooner. There was the appropriate slow, fast, fast pacing that is needed for good mystery suspense. The delicate balance of character development and information gathering with twists to keep you interested and trying to puzzle out the clues. Although I read a brief blurb, I wasn't sure what to expect and this book surpassed my hopes.
There were interesting characters - main and sub. There was a cold case plus current mysteries. There was life drama and growth including paranormal elements. My mind is still tumbling over all the different parts of the story. The main story was finished at the end with a subplot for following books into a series which I definitely plan on reading.
Not only did I really enjoy the book - I care about the characters so I want to know where they go next. Can't wait to share in the journey.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 24, 2022
40 years ago, on a trip to her grandmothers home, Heather Davenport discovered a shallow graves with two bodies in it. This find shaped her whole life, the reason she became an FBI agent, and why she now feels the need to find out what happened to the couple. She engages two investigators from the Mercury Group, a company that uses unusual methods to get results.
I loved this book, the first in the Psychic Investigator Mystery series by this author. Having read books by this author previously I knew it would be a good read, well written and with interesting characters. I loved both Penny and Zandra, partners with different abilities that match up very well. As soon as they came into the book, they felt plausible, entertaining and got my attention. I didn’t take to Heather immediately but I don’t think that’s a bad thing, I certainly grew to like her as we found out more about her. It’s a really good story, characters developing well and I really want to know where Penny and Zandra go next, and also to learn more about the Mercury Group.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I loved this book, the first in the Psychic Investigator Mystery series by this author. Having read books by this author previously I knew it would be a good read, well written and with interesting characters. I loved both Penny and Zandra, partners with different abilities that match up very well. As soon as they came into the book, they felt plausible, entertaining and got my attention. I didn’t take to Heather immediately but I don’t think that’s a bad thing, I certainly grew to like her as we found out more about her. It’s a really good story, characters developing well and I really want to know where Penny and Zandra go next, and also to learn more about the Mercury Group.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
August 9, 2022
Sometimes the living can learn a lot from the dead.
When FBI Agent, Heather Davenport returns to her family home after finding out she has an inoperable brain tumor and only months to live, she recruits the Mercury Mediums to find the cold case that started her career-- the case of the "Bride and Groom."
Mercury Agents, Penny and Zandra decide to take the case, which is a mystery that they are uniquely qualified to solve, Zandra is a human lie detector and mind reader, while Penny can connect with the dead and help them cross over.
As they dig deeper into the secrets of the town, they discover a reclusive church that is located right next to Heather's property, who's charismatic leader disappeared shortly before the feds swooped down to investigate the many pregnant girls on his property.
Is the church a pacifist, hippy commune or something more sinister?
While the story started a wee bit slow, the author ratcheted up the tension and I can't wait to read the next installment to see where she will take us next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When FBI Agent, Heather Davenport returns to her family home after finding out she has an inoperable brain tumor and only months to live, she recruits the Mercury Mediums to find the cold case that started her career-- the case of the "Bride and Groom."
Mercury Agents, Penny and Zandra decide to take the case, which is a mystery that they are uniquely qualified to solve, Zandra is a human lie detector and mind reader, while Penny can connect with the dead and help them cross over.
As they dig deeper into the secrets of the town, they discover a reclusive church that is located right next to Heather's property, who's charismatic leader disappeared shortly before the feds swooped down to investigate the many pregnant girls on his property.
Is the church a pacifist, hippy commune or something more sinister?
While the story started a wee bit slow, the author ratcheted up the tension and I can't wait to read the next installment to see where she will take us next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 6, 2022
Penny and Zandra are psychic mediums. Penny can see and talk to ghosts and Z, as she is called, can read people's minds. Together they make the perfect team.
Heather, who is a FBI agent on a medical leave, hires them to help her solve a mystery that she has been trying to solve.
In 1988, Heather goes with her parents to see her grandma. ( A grandma that she has never knew about). When she was 8 years old. While her parents are in with her grandma, she goes outside to be with her dog. Her dog runs off, and Heather goes after her. The dog goes into an old shed, and brings out an arm bone that has a hand still connected to the arm. When the police arrives, they give the two skeletons the nickname the bride and groom skeletons.
Years later, Heather returns to her grandma's property. The bride and groom murder has never been solved, she hires Penny and Z to help her.
This is a great book that I really loved reading, and can't wait until more books with them come out!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Heather, who is a FBI agent on a medical leave, hires them to help her solve a mystery that she has been trying to solve.
In 1988, Heather goes with her parents to see her grandma. ( A grandma that she has never knew about). When she was 8 years old. While her parents are in with her grandma, she goes outside to be with her dog. Her dog runs off, and Heather goes after her. The dog goes into an old shed, and brings out an arm bone that has a hand still connected to the arm. When the police arrives, they give the two skeletons the nickname the bride and groom skeletons.
Years later, Heather returns to her grandma's property. The bride and groom murder has never been solved, she hires Penny and Z to help her.
This is a great book that I really loved reading, and can't wait until more books with them come out!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 9, 2022
3 Stars
This was an enjoyable read and I could see it being a book that many people would have a fun time with.
For me it was ok and was not quite what I expected. It starts off setting up the story about these unsolved murders that was discovered by a young girl. This young girl Heather grows up and becomes a FBI agent. Prior to medically retiring, she wants to solve this cold case about these two young newlyweds. Out of leads and ideas she hires to paranormal investigators Penny and Zandra.
I did really love the paranormal part of this book. It was fun and I wished we got more ghost scenes. The book did a great job mixing both a murder mystery with the paranormal. Parts of the book was fast paced with stakes while other chapters sometimes were a bit slower.
Unfortunately the ending just wasn't for me. I loved the last scene with the ghosts though. This book kept me guessing until the end however there was one reveal that just upset me.
I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was an enjoyable read and I could see it being a book that many people would have a fun time with.
For me it was ok and was not quite what I expected. It starts off setting up the story about these unsolved murders that was discovered by a young girl. This young girl Heather grows up and becomes a FBI agent. Prior to medically retiring, she wants to solve this cold case about these two young newlyweds. Out of leads and ideas she hires to paranormal investigators Penny and Zandra.
I did really love the paranormal part of this book. It was fun and I wished we got more ghost scenes. The book did a great job mixing both a murder mystery with the paranormal. Parts of the book was fast paced with stakes while other chapters sometimes were a bit slower.
Unfortunately the ending just wasn't for me. I loved the last scene with the ghosts though. This book kept me guessing until the end however there was one reveal that just upset me.
I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 9, 2022
Dark secrets haunt the town of Coldwater.
Almost forty years ago, Heather Davenport unearthed two bodies in a shallow grave on her grandmother’s ranch. The killer arranged his victims in an embrace. Now retired from the FBI and still haunted by the "bride and groom" murders, Heather returns to tackle the cold case. When the investigation stalls, she's willing to do anything even beg the help of the mysterious Mercury Group. No matter the cost.
Mercury agent Penny Wright sees the dead, while her partner Zandra Mendes reads the living. Their unusual methods could finally lead to a breakthrough in the case.
But the killer is closer than anyone thinks.
The residents of Coldwater will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden. A killer stalks the innocent, waiting for the moment to strike. And in a town built on this many lies, no one will be safe when the dark truth comes to the surface.
Totally gripping read it in one sitting totally recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Almost forty years ago, Heather Davenport unearthed two bodies in a shallow grave on her grandmother’s ranch. The killer arranged his victims in an embrace. Now retired from the FBI and still haunted by the "bride and groom" murders, Heather returns to tackle the cold case. When the investigation stalls, she's willing to do anything even beg the help of the mysterious Mercury Group. No matter the cost.
Mercury agent Penny Wright sees the dead, while her partner Zandra Mendes reads the living. Their unusual methods could finally lead to a breakthrough in the case.
But the killer is closer than anyone thinks.
The residents of Coldwater will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden. A killer stalks the innocent, waiting for the moment to strike. And in a town built on this many lies, no one will be safe when the dark truth comes to the surface.
Totally gripping read it in one sitting totally recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 19, 2022
I was excited to receive this ARC from book sirens and the publisher for my unbiased review.
I started reading this story expecting your run of the mill thriller. FBI agent is looking for a murderer. I guess I didn’t read all of the excerpt because when two paranormal people show up to help out with the investigation I was surprised.
The book was interesting a true crime investigation that includes a medium and a mind reader. Unfortunately I figured out the criminal 1/2 way through the book so I finished the remainder to complete the story.
There was a lot of repetitive background about the two paranormal agents. I don’t mind when it’s written or mentioned once but it was mentioned several times which had me wondering if there was a prequel to the series.
Overall it was a good book I would say 3.5 stars maybe a little less recall in the next book. I will continue to read the series.
I started reading this story expecting your run of the mill thriller. FBI agent is looking for a murderer. I guess I didn’t read all of the excerpt because when two paranormal people show up to help out with the investigation I was surprised.
The book was interesting a true crime investigation that includes a medium and a mind reader. Unfortunately I figured out the criminal 1/2 way through the book so I finished the remainder to complete the story.
There was a lot of repetitive background about the two paranormal agents. I don’t mind when it’s written or mentioned once but it was mentioned several times which had me wondering if there was a prequel to the series.
Overall it was a good book I would say 3.5 stars maybe a little less recall in the next book. I will continue to read the series.
July 27, 2022
Final Mission . . .
The suspense in this story will keep the reader on the edge of the seat waiting for that scary moment when the killer is revealed. Heather is now a retired FBI agent, but one case is sort of personal and has haunted her through the years. Now that she is dying of brain cancer, she wants to use the remaining time she has to investigate this case. She had been young when she discovered two dead bodies on her grandmother’s property. A couple’s body was intertwined in death, known as part of the “bride and groom” murders. The serial killer was not captured.
Desperate for anything to help find the killer in the short time Heather has left, she brings the Mercury Group in with their paranormal psychic gifts. Penny Wright is able to see the dead. Zandra Mendes can “read” the living. However, the killer never left and is waiting for an opportunity to keep the secret safe. Will Heather’s team expose the killer’s identity? Or will they “go missing” as well?
The suspense in this story will keep the reader on the edge of the seat waiting for that scary moment when the killer is revealed. Heather is now a retired FBI agent, but one case is sort of personal and has haunted her through the years. Now that she is dying of brain cancer, she wants to use the remaining time she has to investigate this case. She had been young when she discovered two dead bodies on her grandmother’s property. A couple’s body was intertwined in death, known as part of the “bride and groom” murders. The serial killer was not captured.
Desperate for anything to help find the killer in the short time Heather has left, she brings the Mercury Group in with their paranormal psychic gifts. Penny Wright is able to see the dead. Zandra Mendes can “read” the living. However, the killer never left and is waiting for an opportunity to keep the secret safe. Will Heather’s team expose the killer’s identity? Or will they “go missing” as well?
July 28, 2022
Grave Lies, the first novel in the Mercury mediums books, is a paranormal treasure. Forty years ago, Heather Davenport found bodies in a cabin on her grandmother’s property. Known as the bride and groom murders, the case has haunted Heather throughout the years. Now that she is dying, she is back in Coldwater to solve what may very well be her last case. Penny Wright, who sees ghosts, is a new agent with the Mercury group and her partner, Zandra Mendes, reads the living. When they meet Heather, they are as determined as she is to solve the case. Info for them, not everyone in this small town is as anxious as they are to solve this mystery. A fantastic storyline, great characters, and nail biting suspense make this an edge of your seat read. From the first page to the last, I was unable to set this book aside. A great beginning to what will be an even greater series. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving a review voluntarily.
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