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Garnet McGee #4
The First Time I Knocked
Evil is easy...
When Pitchford police chief Ryan Jackson gets asked by his ex-wife to help solve a spree murder in New Orleans, psychic private eye Garnet McGee accompanies him, eager for a romantic weekend away. But it’s not easy investigating a crime that’s already been solved — officially, at least. Even worse, in the Big Easy, nothing is as it seems, and the dead don’t stay buried.
Determined to prove herself and the worth of her unpredictable psychic abilities, Garnet sets out to solve the mystery. It's way harder than she expected, and when she's offered help from a presence beyond the thinning, Garnet’s tempted …
Now she’s attracting attention from a presence beyond the thinning, who offers to help. And Garnet’s tempted …
Gripping, scary and unpredictable, with a thread of dark humor, The First Time I Knocked is a suspenseful and haunting murder mystery with a psychic twist. Great reading for fans of Paula Hawkins, Gillian Flynn, Ruth Ware and Liane Moriarty!
This is the fourth book in the Garnet McGee series that started with The First Time I Died, The First Time I Fell, and The First Time I Hunted.
When Pitchford police chief Ryan Jackson gets asked by his ex-wife to help solve a spree murder in New Orleans, psychic private eye Garnet McGee accompanies him, eager for a romantic weekend away. But it’s not easy investigating a crime that’s already been solved — officially, at least. Even worse, in the Big Easy, nothing is as it seems, and the dead don’t stay buried.
Determined to prove herself and the worth of her unpredictable psychic abilities, Garnet sets out to solve the mystery. It's way harder than she expected, and when she's offered help from a presence beyond the thinning, Garnet’s tempted …
Now she’s attracting attention from a presence beyond the thinning, who offers to help. And Garnet’s tempted …
Gripping, scary and unpredictable, with a thread of dark humor, The First Time I Knocked is a suspenseful and haunting murder mystery with a psychic twist. Great reading for fans of Paula Hawkins, Gillian Flynn, Ruth Ware and Liane Moriarty!
This is the fourth book in the Garnet McGee series that started with The First Time I Died, The First Time I Fell, and The First Time I Hunted.
325 pages, Paperback
Published January 9, 2023
7 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Jo Macgregor
6 books84 followersWhen not writing, Jo Macgregor is a counselling psychologist in private practice in South Africa. She works mainly with victims of crime and trauma, and brings her twenty years of experience as a therapist to her writing, creating deeper characters and realistic psychological scenarios.
She started her professional life as a high school English teacher and writes young adult fiction under the name Joanne Macgregor. Her psychological non-fiction (self help) is published under the name J. Macgregor.
She writes intelligent novels with all the feels and a twist of humor - fiction for your head, heart and funny bone!
She started her professional life as a high school English teacher and writes young adult fiction under the name Joanne Macgregor. Her psychological non-fiction (self help) is published under the name J. Macgregor.
She writes intelligent novels with all the feels and a twist of humor - fiction for your head, heart and funny bone!
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 18, 2023
This still remains one of my fave series!
We see another side of Garnet while she struggles with a case far away from home. New Orleans.
Let's just say that there are a lot of things that happen in the story, with Garnet and everything around her that make her question things in her life.
I couldn't put it down and just want more!
We see another side of Garnet while she struggles with a case far away from home. New Orleans.
Let's just say that there are a lot of things that happen in the story, with Garnet and everything around her that make her question things in her life.
I couldn't put it down and just want more!
January 19, 2023
This is book 4 in the Garnett McGee series. This book
Cover is just a gorgeous as the others and this cover goes perfectly with this story. I was so excited to read another wonderful story in this series by this author. I love following along with Garnett and her cases, and I enjoy catching up with her on what’s happened since book 1. You definitely get some paranormal, mystery, suspense and a tad of romance. Can’t wait to see what’s next
Cover is just a gorgeous as the others and this cover goes perfectly with this story. I was so excited to read another wonderful story in this series by this author. I love following along with Garnett and her cases, and I enjoy catching up with her on what’s happened since book 1. You definitely get some paranormal, mystery, suspense and a tad of romance. Can’t wait to see what’s next
January 18, 2023
This is book 4 in the Garnet McGee series and this series is definitely not slowing down! This book did start off a little slower than the other 3 books in this series, so it was hard for me to keep myself focused, but it definitely picked up with the twists and being in a new setting. I love how Garnet is growing up and truly finding herself. Jo MacGregor definitely gave me the thrill and excitement that I wanted and then some more!
January 15, 2023
I wanted more! This book was like the slab of chocolate I didn't want to end and when I got to the end, I couldn't believe that I'd read it all, and like a greedy person, I wanted some more!
Absolutely fantastic and I cannot wait for more in this series! I do hope she and Ryan get to team up more because I think they're such a dynamic duo and force to be reckoned with!
On a side note, while reading the books in order is ideal to give you a back story, I like how Jo has made these sort of stand alone and you'd not need to really start at the beginning to appreciate the adventure! Thank you for that Jo!
Absolutely fantastic and I cannot wait for more in this series! I do hope she and Ryan get to team up more because I think they're such a dynamic duo and force to be reckoned with!
On a side note, while reading the books in order is ideal to give you a back story, I like how Jo has made these sort of stand alone and you'd not need to really start at the beginning to appreciate the adventure! Thank you for that Jo!
January 12, 2023
I loved heading over to New Orleans with Garnet in this book. The flavours, the distinctive ambience, the atmosphere, the aura of menace and danger, and Garnet's resourceful and enquiring nature combined beautifully in this book. It was easy to read and I flew through it in record time, but it still left an impression that I won't forget and I'm already looking forward to more first times!
January 12, 2023
I started and finished it in one day, which almost
never happens when I read. I love that this book takes place in New Orleans. It’s been a while since I’ve been there but reading about the different places and foods reminded me of my time there. And everyone knows that spirits and New Orleans go hand in hand. This book kept me on toes with just the right amount of scary elements and i LOVED the plot twists that it had too!! I can't get enough of this series. I'm highly anticipating the next book!!
never happens when I read. I love that this book takes place in New Orleans. It’s been a while since I’ve been there but reading about the different places and foods reminded me of my time there. And everyone knows that spirits and New Orleans go hand in hand. This book kept me on toes with just the right amount of scary elements and i LOVED the plot twists that it had too!! I can't get enough of this series. I'm highly anticipating the next book!!
January 14, 2023
Another Great Story!
I have read this entire series and had this book on preorder. Couldn’t stop reading, so didn’t get much sleep last night. The story always felt realistic, even with the paranormal events. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
I have read this entire series and had this book on preorder. Couldn’t stop reading, so didn’t get much sleep last night. The story always felt realistic, even with the paranormal events. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
February 19, 2023
If I'm completely honest, in my opinion it wasn't as good as the others of the series. Something about this book after reading the others almost felt rushed and I was a little bit disappointed. Stand alone, it's a great book but I feel like I expected more and didn't get it.
I'm very curious what's next and if Garnet has another adventure that makes this one more fulfilling but as for now I'm left wondering why this book felt different.
I'm very curious what's next and if Garnet has another adventure that makes this one more fulfilling but as for now I'm left wondering why this book felt different.
January 10, 2023
I was so excited to read this next book, have been loving the series.
I wasn't getting the intense vibe in the beginning like the previous books but, boy, did it get there!
Garnet is growing up too, which is great character building.
I always expect something different when things are set in New Orleans, I'd love to go there but might actually be to scared to. LOL.
It is so good that it meets the expectations and more.
I wasn't getting the intense vibe in the beginning like the previous books but, boy, did it get there!
Garnet is growing up too, which is great character building.
I always expect something different when things are set in New Orleans, I'd love to go there but might actually be to scared to. LOL.
It is so good that it meets the expectations and more.
January 18, 2023
I normally blow through these books at speed but I wanted to savour this one. I am not normally a fan of series, but I love that you can read these books as follow ons or individually. I would recommend that you read them all in order though,as you will love how beautifully the main character develops. Men will fall in love with Garnet McGee and women will want to be her. As for the story.....well, you'll have to read it yourself, but can I just say...wow!
January 14, 2023
This is Book 4 in the series however it definitely can be read as a stand-alone. I could not put this book down - especially once Garnet & Ryan arrived in New Orleans. This is a mystery that has you guessing until the end, you think you know the answers but you have no clue. Love the paranormal elements sprinkled through out. I highly recommend and am excited to see waht this author writes next
January 10, 2023
Book 4 in the series.
Garnet McGee is now (kind of) accepting her psychic ability and even trying to use it to solve a murder.
The story kept my interest and towards the end, I couldn't put it down.
Like always, Garnet is very good in rationalising and explaining the things away that could be hocus-pocus. But that's actually one bit that irritates me in book 4. I like supernatural fiction and would have no problem if the book/Garnet would go full in and openly talk about spirits being real. While it was charming and realistic that she fought against it in the beginning, I wonder how long she'll keep rationalising and explaining everything with psychology, especially now that she admits her visions. It's neither fish nor meat this way, or maybe I just wish it would embrace the fantasy/ghost side fully. Then it could become something like "City of Ghosts" by Victoria Schwab. I mean, hey, even Scully became kind of a believer!
Garnet McGee is now (kind of) accepting her psychic ability and even trying to use it to solve a murder.
The story kept my interest and towards the end, I couldn't put it down.
Like always, Garnet is very good in rationalising and explaining the things away that could be hocus-pocus. But that's actually one bit that irritates me in book 4. I like supernatural fiction and would have no problem if the book/Garnet would go full in and openly talk about spirits being real. While it was charming and realistic that she fought against it in the beginning, I wonder how long she'll keep rationalising and explaining everything with psychology, especially now that she admits her visions. It's neither fish nor meat this way, or maybe I just wish it would embrace the fantasy/ghost side fully. Then it could become something like "City of Ghosts" by Victoria Schwab. I mean, hey, even Scully became kind of a believer!
March 24, 2023
murder mystery
Lots of twists and surprises in the plot. Several very interesting characters. For someone who wants their gift acknowledged she doesn’t acknowledge or respect or believe anyone else
Lots of twists and surprises in the plot. Several very interesting characters. For someone who wants their gift acknowledged she doesn’t acknowledge or respect or believe anyone else
January 25, 2023
I was worried about how the series would continue after the last book being so shocking, but thud absolutely didn't disappoint! I felt a bit like it wrapped up too quickly, but was very satisfied with how things shook out. I will forever be a fan of Garnet.
January 10, 2023
This is book 4 in the Garnet McGee series by Jo Macgregor and this time its set in New Orleans (somewhere I’ve ALWAYS wanted to visit), and Garnet signs up to solve a murder on her romantic weekend away. I enjoyed the previous 3 books and I couldn’t wait for this one – and it didn’t disappoint. I really love the way Jo Macgregor writes her characters and I feel like I connect with them easily – and the descriptions of New Orleans honestly made me want to visit even more. It’s a whodunnit and keeps you guessing until the end – with some scary bits in between. When I got to the last 20% I decided to read it early in the evening because I knew it would spook me somehow and then I wouldn’t be able to sleep! This is high praise coming from someone who grew up on Stephen King. I don’t want to put any spoilers so, suffice to say, I enjoyed the book and I am very much looking forward to the next one.
April 14, 2023
The First Time I Knocked, fourth in the Garnett McGee series, is a suspense/mystery about a psychologist with extra-sensory abilities who investigates crimes with her chief of police boyfriend. In this offering, Garnett and her boyfriend Ryan fly down from Vermont to New Orleans to help out her boyfriend’s ex-wife solve what appears to be an open-and-shut case. But nothing is what it seems.
The first three entries in this series were all set in Vermont, so the change of setting is welcome. The description of New Orleans, the fully realized characters, and the suspenseful scenes work in harmony to Knocked’s benefit. Using the setting effectively, the novel really shines in a scene in an archaic hotel room. The mystery is effective and plays fair.
This series continues its streak of mixing the supernatural with a mystery to great effect. Knocked is a worthy entry as a fourth whether you’ve read the prior three books or not.
The first three entries in this series were all set in Vermont, so the change of setting is welcome. The description of New Orleans, the fully realized characters, and the suspenseful scenes work in harmony to Knocked’s benefit. Using the setting effectively, the novel really shines in a scene in an archaic hotel room. The mystery is effective and plays fair.
This series continues its streak of mixing the supernatural with a mystery to great effect. Knocked is a worthy entry as a fourth whether you’ve read the prior three books or not.
January 13, 2023
This was another gripping adventure in the Garnet Mcgee series. I loved that the story was set in New Orleans as I've always had a fascination with this city.
The first time I knocked intrigued me straight away and really drew me in. It was an exciting, suspenseful page turner with an unpredictable and riveting plot.
I'm loving Garnet's character more with every book. I like her snark, her wit and her inner musings, she always tries to keep a rational head even with her growing abilities.
I can't wait to see what's instore next for Garnet and police cheif Ryan Jackson, i love them together. Of course we need more words of wisdom from the ever loveable Mrs Mcgee, she cracks me up.
Bring on the next adventure.
The first time I knocked intrigued me straight away and really drew me in. It was an exciting, suspenseful page turner with an unpredictable and riveting plot.
I'm loving Garnet's character more with every book. I like her snark, her wit and her inner musings, she always tries to keep a rational head even with her growing abilities.
I can't wait to see what's instore next for Garnet and police cheif Ryan Jackson, i love them together. Of course we need more words of wisdom from the ever loveable Mrs Mcgee, she cracks me up.
Bring on the next adventure.
August 3, 2023
Spoiler Alert…..this book is Brilliant.
What can I say? Please read the four Garnet McGee books out there (so far) and you’ll agree; these stories don’t flag, and they don’t even a teeny weeny bit try your incredulity (though they should, bearing in mind that the premise is completely ridiculous) somehow the Author pulls it off and you never feel duped.
Excellent work and if you don’t believe me judge for yourself.
What can I say? Please read the four Garnet McGee books out there (so far) and you’ll agree; these stories don’t flag, and they don’t even a teeny weeny bit try your incredulity (though they should, bearing in mind that the premise is completely ridiculous) somehow the Author pulls it off and you never feel duped.
Excellent work and if you don’t believe me judge for yourself.
January 13, 2023
I've been a fan of this series since I came across it during lockdown and devoured the first three back to back, so was delighted to read this fourth installment, which takes psychic Garnet McGee to New Orleans. It's pacy, funny, atmospheric and moderately spooky; altogether very enjoyable.
August 17, 2023
Love this series
Another great book in this series - there hasn't been a dud yet. It's the best of 2 genres mystery and paranormal with some romance thrown in. The quality's consistent through each book. Try it!
Another great book in this series - there hasn't been a dud yet. It's the best of 2 genres mystery and paranormal with some romance thrown in. The quality's consistent through each book. Try it!
January 10, 2023
This is the latest in the excellent Garnet McGee series - well worth a read from the beginning. Perfect for fans of gentle magical realism meets cozy murder!
March 16, 2024
Amazing!! Just a great story. Suspense, action, and…romance? PERFECTLY WRITTEN!!
September 18, 2025
I hope that wasn’t the last book? Was it? I have loved this series!! Published Jan 2023 😳 Pls tell us there’s more coming lovely author!!
August 11, 2024
Epic
I've read the 4 books in quick succession and I can't wait for the next instalment
Well done No Macgregor 11\10
I've read the 4 books in quick succession and I can't wait for the next instalment
Well done No Macgregor 11\10
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews