Tombs of Endearment

Pepper Martin #3

by Casey Daniels

Cemetery tour guide Pepper Martin never imagined she'd get to meet rock legend Damon Curtis, the bad boy poet who made millions of teenage girls scream. After all, he kicked the bucket years before she was born. But thanks to her newfound ability to chat up the dead, Pepper's got a front row seat perfect for swooning over the still-sexy Damon's latest lyrics. He's convinced that his former bandmate Vinnie Pallucci murdered him back in ‘71, and he's promised Pepper she won't get any rest or peace until she helps him prove it.

But when Pepper goes behind the music, she finds Vinnie with a knife in his heart and the rest of the band members running for their lives. And if Pepper doesn't snare the killer soon, Damon's next hit from the great beyond might be her swan song.

Genres: Mystery, Paranormal, Ghosts, Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Paranormal Mystery, Cozy Mystery

317 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 25, 2007

About the author

A pseudonym used by Connie Laux, A.K.A Miranda Bliss, Zoe Daniels, Connie Deka, Mimi Granger, Anastasia Hastings, Connie Laux, Constance Laux, Kylie Logan, Lucy Ness..

A couple years ago I applied for a part-time job as a tour guide at a historic cemetery not far from where I live. Why? Well, aside from the fact that the job would force me to step away from my computer and remind me that there was a life beyond writing (even in a place where just about everybody was dead), I love cemeteries.

No, really. I mean it. I really love cemeteries.

Think about it. A cemetery--I mean a really good old cemetery, not these new “memorial parks” where every headstone is flat to the ground and every one of them looks the same--is really a museum without walls. Take a peek into any cemetery that’s more than sixty or so years old and you’re bound to see interesting architecture, sculpture and art. There are stories, too, everywhere you look. One memorial can give you a glimpse into generations of a family’s history. Another might suggest tragedy. Still others speak of undying love and precious memories.

Is it any wonder that a writer’s imagination is bound to take flight in a cemetery?

That’s exactly what happened to me. I didn’t get the job, by the way, but as I drove home from the interview, I did get the idea for Pepper Martin, a cemetery tour guide whose enthusiasm for cemeteries does not rival my own. After all, what could be more perfect that an amateur sleuth surrounded by dead people? And if she just so happened to be able and see and talk to some of them, all the better!

I learned to love mysteries early thanks to my dad, a Cleveland Police detective who enjoyed the Sherlock Holmes stories and spent his days off searching for stolen cars. Often on those trips, I was in the back seat and to this day, I have Dad to thank for my knowledge of some less-than-savory parts of the city. Later, I read my way through every mystery story I could get my hands on. Agatha Christie and Conan Doyle are still among my favorites.

I have a degree in English, experience as a journalist and writing teacher, and lots of ideas for more Pepper Martin mysteries. When I’m not writing, I’m usually with my family and our two dogs, Ernie, an adorable Airedale pup, and Oscar, a rescued Jack Russell who spends far too much time watching TV. I enjoy knitting, gardening and of course, stomping through cemeteries in search of history, stories and inspiration.

Reviews

[Paige Bookdragon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Karen's review summed it up for me.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh, Pepper Martin, how glad I am I don’t know you in real life. Sure, by book #3 you’ve developed (somewhat) as a character. But, you see, I don’t really like you much. I understand it was important to establish your back story in the first couple of books: an ex rich girl who now is slumming it working in a cemetery. But now that I’m being battered over the head with your wardrobe of glittery shoes I am really sick of your snobby attitude. I can’t figure out what Quinn or Dan would see in you. And it makes NO sense what groovy ex rock star, Damon Curtis, sees in you either. You have about as much depth as a Gucci bag. I can accept that you hit your head and now talk to the dead, solving their mysteries. I cannot, however, accept you *spoiler* falling in love with the Jim Morrison-like Damon.


Despite the fact that Pepper solves an underwhelming mystery, I did find myself enjoying aspects of the book and I know I will continue with the series. I would explain to my dear readers why but… I haven’t figured that out yet. I suppose I like the supporting characters a whole lot better than Ms. Woe-is-me-I-can-no-longer-afford-to-spend-$1000-a-day-on-clothes.


Here we have dead legend Damon Curtis who needs help getting his former band mate, Vinnie, to stop channeling him and stealing his songs. Pepper’s on the case but then Vinnie ends up murdered. A mystery within a mystery. Goodness me!

[Linda Rawlins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tombs of Endearment is Pepper Martin #3 by Casey Daniels. In this book, Cemetary tour guide/investigator to the dead gets involved with solving the murder of the lead singer Damon Curtis from the band, Mind at Large. He died forty years prior, supposedly from an accidental overdose, but Pepper now searches for the truth. Good book and I love the concept of the investigator being a cemetary tour guide.

[Melliane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mon avis en Français

My English review

As always, I was eager to discover this third novel of our dear Pepper Martin. I always have a great time with each story and once again Casey Daniels took me away with this new novel and I’m delighted!

It’s time for Damon Curtis, a famous singer, to come on the scene and to ask our heroine for help. He can not leave and it looks like someone has a hold on him, preventing him from moving forward. While she did not want to interfere in this case, Pepper will put her feet right in it!

I loved following this survey. It was interesting to see what had happened in this band so long ago and still relevant today. I was touched by the relationship between Damon and Pepper. It’s something different from what we’ve seen so far and we understand perfectly what the young woman may feel. In addition to that, Pepper will eventually face Dan and an intriguing proposition. In fact, I am curious to learn more about it. And then there is Quinn of course. How to resist him? And I was also surprised to meet Pepper’s ex-fiancé and I must say I was proud of her.

It was like I said, once again, a very nice novel and I’m curious to read more! These novels are like little treats that are hard to stop once you start them! I always want more.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm still not sure about Pepper Martin. If I knew her in real life we would probably not be friends and I would also probably be constantly rolling my eyes at her. However, the storylines are simple and entertaining and I find myself wondering who the next ghost will be. So I'm off to read the next book.

[Toni (T.C.) LoTempio · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good

[Scott Rhee · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Tombs of Endearment" is the third in the Pepper Martin series, and, once again, Casey Daniels charms her way through another pleasurable supernatural mystery. Quick, fun read.

[Casey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book more than the last one. Still, there are things that irritated me. First, Pepper herself is kind of...unlikable. She is barely making ends meet, but she still buys (VERY) expensive shoes and clothes. She can't afford them, and I wish she'd realize that. Being poor is not the end of the world, and fancy designer labels aren't all they're cracked up to be. Second, she seems to fall in lust with every man she meets who is even remotely close to her age. She fell in "love" with a freaking ghost that she JUST MET and knows nothing about! Is she 12? Third, the mysteries aren't all that mysterious. The reader knows who the killer is the second the character is introduced. Pepper, on the other hand, takes forever to catch on.

[MX Elle · Rating 2 out of 5]

She fell in love with a ghost? Seriously? Major turn off, when it comes to character development. And by the third book, I don't cheer on characters that don't progress, let alone go backwards. Really disappointed in this one, esp in comparison to the previous books. Imma give the fourth one a try and I hope the author can redeem dear Pepper's love life choices.

As far as the story goes ... for me, it seemed to just drag on, and I found myself - yet again - struggling to power through, simply for the fact of finishing it. And the who-done-it, was clique af. I called it not even halfway through the book. #thankyounext

[Genevieve · Rating 3 out of 5]

First let me say that I do love this series. I love Pepper Martin and I love the story line of this book. I am tired though of Dan appearing and disappearing and of Pepper not being able to choose if she is going to call Quinn, the detective, or Dan. In this book she decides lets not fall in love with either of those men but to fall in love with a ghost. That part is just a little silly to me. That being said the end did give me hope that Pepper just might be pulling her life together. Though I wasn't as fond of this book as much as the last two I still think the quirky, fun story line was great and who doesn't like old hippie rock n rollers?

[Miki · Rating 3 out of 5]

i liked it it was great to jump back into Pepper life while she is working for ghosts this time a dead singer that doesn't leave her indifferent. The only detail that bothered me is how Pepper is attracted to several men at once and just can't decide, however her immaturity i could understand as it's not long since she discovered her gift and had a lot of events/investigatiosn already so that part can be slower.I defintively plan to start teh next book soon

[CJ Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pepper Martin is a cemetery tour guide, unfortunately, in her opinion. She hears and feels the dead in the graves. In this book, a rock legend, dead for decades, believes a former bandmate killed him. Pepper happens by and he enlists her reluctant cooperation in investigating his death.
Pepper does find out how the rocker was killed and who killed him.

[Alton Motobu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cemetery tour guide and PI Pepper Martin communicates with ghosts. Murder victim from 30 years asks her to find his murderer so he can "pass on." But then the supposed murderer is murdered, and Pepper must solve the mystery. Backdrop is Cleveland's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Emphasis more on characters than plot.

[Pat Danna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm hooked on the Pepper Martin series. Just finished #3. Once again, Pepper encounters a rock star ghost needing help to cross over. She's been seeing ghosts ever since she conked her head on a tombstone in a cemetery where she's a tour guide. A great paranormal cozy-type mystery. A love interest is growing. Is it sexy Detective Quinn or Dan, the mystery man?

[Gina Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Entertaining

I started reading The Pepper Martin series. I enjoy her adventures so much. The Dry Humor puts the icing on the cake. Looking forward to reading the rest in the series.

[Raven Ghostly · Rating 5 out of 5]

So worth the 5 stars. I love every book she has written. All amazingly beautifully written. You easily fall in love with the characters. You laugh, you cry you even want to yell at times. An amazing mix of a cozy mystery with spookey, fun, loveable Ghosts.

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good, really enjoying the series

[Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book!!

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked this one ! Rock stars, crazy groupies, a band trying to make it big again !!!

[Monique Lebrocq · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rock star haunts Pepper
Brain dead, she falls in love
Series hits new low

[Marjorie Snider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a lighthearted, fun read. Will definitely rwad more of this series

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love pepper. So fun and quirky and just dealing with her situation as best as she can. Good mystery and fun characters.

[Mert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not great literature but a fun read.

[Mellanie C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the books I read in this series.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pepper first notices Damon at the end of The Chick And The Dead, which took place in early summer. It's now just before Halloween and she has been attempting to ignore him for all that time, despite him managing to pull a few tricks that neither of the previous ghosts she has reluctantly helped has been able to do. When she finally does speak to him, it's to tell him to leave her alone. If she'd just run from one case straight into the next one I'd probably get frustrated with her, and [although reality is stretched already] it just wouldn't be at all realistic how she innocently stumbles into her various adventures.

She also opens up about her old life and Joel - her ex fiance, and how she was left broken hearted by him and was abandoned by her old friends, so now she is gun shy with everyone. It's not a huge storyline and there aren't any shocking revelations, but it helped me to understand where she's coming from and why she is unwittingly creating a messy triangle between her, Dan and Quinn.


Now for the good stuff, mainly that the main plot-line introduces black magic into the mix - in this instance it takes the form of channelling. I'll let Damon explain channeling; "As far as I can see, this is how it works. The body is sort of like a car, and a car needs a battery to run, right? But a car doesn't care where that energy comes from. You could buy a battery anywhere, from any manufacturer, and your car would still work... it's the same thing that happens when Vinnie channels my spirit. His body still works, but the energy comes from me. Vinnie's been doing it for years, he's got it down pat .He calls on my spirit, and like it or not, when he calls, I have to go. I get drawn into his body, and I become the energy that runs it. When I do, he makes me write the songs for him."

So we know that Pepper's 'gift' isn't the sole source of paranormal elements in her world, so the possibilities for future books has just become pretty much limitless: other people may have any number of paranormal abilities and if ghosts and witches exist, what other supernatural beings do as well?


I was pleased that Dan was involved in this book much more than the previous ones. There's still big question marks around him and his real work, but we [and Pepper] all know that he is knowledgeable about the supernatural, so Pepper can be open and honest around him. Plus the readers haven't yet learnt anything new about Pepper's 'gift' and any answers are likely to come from him, so I'm very interested in Dan's Character.

I'm still not a fan of Quinn, but this time I can see why he's short with Pepper; this is the third homicide investigation he's been working on where she has popped up, so it's natural that he is suspicious. And - whilst Pepper has reasons for doing so - I do feel sorry for him, as they are attracted to each other, but she keeps pushing him away, so he is hurt and his pride has been taking a bruising. I'm more convinced then ever that they are wrong for other, as all they seem to do is hurt each other and Pepper can't be honest or share any real concerns with him.

But both guys lose to Damon; I mean sure, he did spend months harassing Pepper [or did he? It could have easily been her own conscience], but once he gets to know her he is more concerned about her well being then his own. He gets her to open up and talk about her past and fears for the future, as well as telling her that her 'gift' is now part of her and makes her unique, so shut up and put up [he does word it nicer]. At first the whole love angle made me roll my eyes, but I did get suckered in. In one book her connects with Pepper - and the reader - much more then either Dan or Quinn.



TOMBS OF ENDEARMENT does contain a few light references to characters from the first two books, but it is able to be read as a stand alone book as the mystery element of each different case are all contained in each single book.

[Jenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

To me, it feels like the more I read this series, as this series progress, they more interesting it gets. I feel that each book gets me observed in the book more. It gets harder for me to put the book down. Tombs Of Endearment was one of my favorites out of the series, so far. To me it seemed like each book is filled with more action, more mystery. Pepper Martin Mysteries is series I would recommend for anyone who is into mysteries, action, suspense. You won’t be disappointed.

GOODREADS SUMMARY
Cemetery tour guide Pepper Martin never imagined she'd get to meet rock legend Damon Curtis, the bad boy poet who made millions of teenage girls scream. After all, he kicked the bucket years before she was born. But thanks to her newfound ability to chat up the dead, Pepper's got a front row seat perfect for swooning over the still-sexy Damon's latest lyrics. He's convinced that his former bandmate Vinnie Pallucci murdered him back in -71, and he's promised Pepper she won't get any rest or peace until she helps him prove it.

But when Pepper goes behind the music, she finds Vinnie with a knife in his heart and the rest of the band members running for their lives. And if Pepper doesn't snare the killer soon, Damon's next hit from the great beyond might be her swan song.

This book seemed a bit different then other two books that I read in series, so far. Though Pepper always seems to have some sort of connection with ghosts, the one she had with Damon was special. I could tell that Damon affected right from start and I had the feeling, that’s why she helped him. Honestly I didn’t think that she would fall in love with him, considering a fact that he was a ghost, but at same time I could see why she fell for him. I knew that Damon cared from Pepper and I thought it was sweet how much he cared for her, considering how many chicks he went through when he was alive, it’s like being with Pepper changed him.


Pepper seemed to open up more about her old life, with Joel in this book. More was revealed about their relationship and how Pepper truly felt about what happened, what Joel plus her supposed friends did just because her father broke the law. Honestly I felt like Joel didn’t care for her like she cared for him. Because if he loved her, what her father did, wouldn’t changed that. It seemed that he cared more for appearance then her. Let just say, I didn’t like Joel from start but after reading this book, I dislike him even more. He also seemed to move on pretty fast.


I got agree with Quinn on one thing, that what she is doing is dangerous. I can only imagine what would happen with her; If Quinn didn’t come to her rescue. I do know one thing, though sometimes he doesn’t show it, I can tell that Quinn cares for Pepper and I am curious where their relationship will head next, if two of them will finally have something serious.

This will keep you on edge of your seat and keep you wondering till almost end, who the killer is. That’s what I love about books; it keeps you guessing till the end. It’s filled with action, suspense all way through.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a bit of a disappointment, thought it still was an enjoyable read. The lead character, Pepper Martin, starts out okay, but quickly seems to devolve into a scattered, impulsive, directionless young woman. I truly admire her trying to put her life back together after her fiancé dumps her, and in a job many would think a step down or at least a “settling” for what you can get – tour guide in a cemetery.

I guess part of the dissatisfaction is arises from the question why did she chose this job? This is never really explained. She’s just there. The second part of the dissatisfaction comes from the fact that she woefully neglects her job. She is so focused (in a scattered sense) on talking to her latest ghost, that she seems totally unaware that she has responsibilities and duties.

True, this is written in a humorous vein, so you have to give the character some leeway. But honestly, you want us to accept the fact that you can give only the most cursory attention to your job and still stay employed (even if you’re settling for this job and it’s not a career choice)? Maybe I’m sensitive, since I was suddenly let go from a company where I had worked for 30 years. Suddenly, I was redundant and not needed. I was totally shocked and demoralized. However, this makes me less sensitive and less accepting to people who neglect their jobs and their duties. Yes, I know I was let go, even though I worked hard. It wasn’t taken into consideration and I was let go anyway. But I still can’t sympathize with someone who takes considers a job a frivolous necessity.

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Just found out this is the third book in the series. Maybe some of my dissatisfaction with this book are addressed in the earlier books. Still, you would think it would be more clear in this book, with some little explanation given. However, it is not: basically, because no explanation is given (even though many authors manage to provide enough explanation to follow the thread). I guess this author thinks you should just know, regardless of where you are in the series; or you just better read them in order.

[#ReadAllTheBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed the previous two books in the series, but I'd be lying if I said that I was starting to get a little antsy. Not only has Pepper still not made any real moves towards either of her two hotties (ok, so one is unpredictable) but she also hasn't learned anything about her powers or the warnings that Dan keeps harping about. Hopefully this book's promise of changes to the series will be fulfilled in the next book.

The book picks up right on the heels of the second book, with Pepper getting contacted by the hunky ghost of a dead rock star. All he wants is for Pepper to persuade his ex-band member to stop channeling his ghost while he still has the ectoplasm to move on. Meanwhile Pepper's ex is back & he wants something from her- his grandmother's ring.

The book's premise really wasn't that different from the previous two as far as mystery goes & it delivered nicely on that part. I also liked that this book has Pepper finally getting some closure in at least one part of her life. We also learn in this book how bad it can be if the living & the dead "interact" with each other. (Not a huge plot point, but an interesting one.)

Now what did I think wasn't as good? Well, the love triangle needs to get sorted out. Not that Pepper needs to make a choice immediately, but the tension between her & her two guys is getting a little dull. (It gets dealt with in this book but not solved.) The mystery was a little slow to develop as well. I just wish that it'd been introduced a little sooner in the book.

Overall though, I still enjoyed this enough to give it 4 stars. I don't really expect this series to be the next ghostly Sherlock Holmes, so I can give it a little leeway on the cheesecake fluff factor. If you liked the last two books, you'll enjoy this one. If you haven't, then I recommend picking up the first two & reading those before getting into this book- there's just enough plot mentioned that you'll probably wonder what went on previously.

[Marsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, here's the thing. I've really been enjoying the Pepper Martin series and here I am finishing book three and hardly any progress has been made towards moving the plot forward and I am coming to realize that even though Pepper is twenty four she can't seem to help herself from being attracted to any male in her age range. I want to scream, "Get a grip!"

At the ending of book two Pepper got a glimpse of the dead rock star, Damon Curtis. She knew he would be contacting her for help and she tried to avoid it until Damon made sure her car has a flat tire. Once she goes into the Rock and Roll hall of fame museum and meets with him the situation is not at all what she suspects. Damon needs her help because one of his mandates is channeling his soul to assist in writing music.

Pepper manages to ingratiate her way into Vinne Pal's hotel suite where she tells him she is aware of what he is doing to Damon and how it is hurting him. Winnie swears he will stop it because he too has a secret. When Pepper destroys Bonnie's means of channeling Damon but it changes nothing. She goes back to see Vinnie only to discover someone has stuck a knife in him. She calls the police before Vinnie dies.

The next day none other that Detective Quinn Harrison shows up with some questions of his own. Oh and did I mention we finally get to meet Joel, Pepper's louse of an ex-fiancee? And of course, Dan Callahan pops up with a group of ghostbusters in the cemetery. All of this is quite entertaining but I am really at a point where I need the plot to move forward. Pepper is too old not to know which relationship she wants to pursue. She says she's ready to leave the past behind but we will see if she will leave the clothes whoring behind her, grow up and propel her life forward. If not, I am going to leave this series behind.

[Jasbr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nachdem ich vom zweiten Fall rund um Pepper Martin doch etwas enttäuscht war, war ich mir erst nicht sicher, ob ich mit der Serie überhaupt fortfahren sollte. Letztendlich habe ich es doch getan und wurde versöhnt, denn für mich stellt der dritte Teil wieder eine Steigerung zu seinem Vorgänger dar.
Kritisiert habe ich im zweiten Band, dass ein Fall sofort an den anderen angeschlossen hat. Dies ist hier nicht der Fall. Zwar scheint Pepper schon einen neuen Fall zu wittern, doch dieser lässt auf sich warten. Und wie sie dann in ihn hineinstolpert ist einfach herrlich umgesetzt. Dafür: Daumen hoch!
Gut fand ich auch, dass es diesmal wirklich bis zum Schluss spannend blieb. Zwar gibt es auch wieder einige Hinweise, sodass der Leser mitgrübeln kann, aber sie sind diesmal nicht so offensichtlich. So ist die Auflösung meiner Meinung nach dann doch eine kleine Überraschung.
Was mich aber auch diesmal etwas gestört hat, war das Liebestechtelmechtel, dass dann irgendwie doch keins ist. Dieses Hin und Her mit den zwei Jungs stört mich etwas - wenn die Krimihandlung gut genug ist, braucht man sowas meiner Meinung nach nicht. Vor allem wenn sich nach drei Bänden bzw. Fällen immer noch nicht wirklich etwas getan hat.
Auch in diesem Band empfand ich die Sprache zuerst als etwas holprig, was sich aber nach wenigen Seiten gegeben hat.
Insgesamt ein nettes Buch für Zwischendurch, für Pepper-Fans sicherlich ein Muss, für mich gute 3 Sterne.