Mummy's the Word

Nightshade #1

by Kerry Blair

Star light, star fright, first star I see tonight . . .

When Samantha Shade is offered the opportunity to run Nightshade Investigation, her uncle's private detective agency, she jumps at the chance. It has always been her dream to work at the famously eclectic firm. But when a wealthy, eccentric client hires Nightshade to protect a priceless artifact, and the relic is almost immediately stolen from under Samantha's nose, her dream turns into a nightmare. With a long list of suspects and a short supply of experience, Samantha must elicit the help of an antagonistic policeman and the quirky Nightshade staff to solve the case and keep her uncle's beloved agency from disaster.

Genres: Mystery, Lds Fiction, Fiction, Lds, Clean Romance, Mystery Thriller, Suspense

285 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Kerry Blair is a successful mystery author who weaves infectious humor throughout her work.

Reviews

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book so funny. the girl in this book name is Samantha Shade. her uncle offered her the chanse to run his commpine when he is gone. she alway want to wrok for her uncle, but she never has to chanse to until when her uncle want on trpe and she is runing the place.( her uncle job is to solve carmes in the towne. the place name is Nightshade.)

when her uncle is aways a man name Lord Herbert came in with a pice of art that he want Samm to helpe him protect. this is her fight job and she want to make very good inpasseson on her uncle and Lord Herbert. in the middle of all this she had a big problem with a friend.

when all of this is going on she is in love with a man that she is alway getting him in troblme. she say that she is not but, whill you have read it to see if she is or not.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I stumbled across this in the library, and the concept of an LDS private investigator was too intriguing to pass up. Needless to say, it is light and fluffy reading. But I enjoyed it enough that I will probably read the next one.

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

sigh...this was a hard one to rate...maybe a 2.5?

I liked...
1. the cleverness of the writing...extremely witty dialogue and narration, some laugh out loud moments, and a crossword puzzle to boot!
2. the characters...most of them anyway. Wendela is one of my favorites! Interesting, well thought out, and real (mostly)
3. fun names and "playing around" with some of them...Chaiya, Knute, Hedda, Arjay, etc...
4. the mystery...mostly...it had potential for sure
5. the clean nature of the book (written by an LDS author so no swearing or graphic anything)

I didn't like (and maybe even really DISliked)...
1. Samantha...she is kind of an idiot. She is impulsive, doesn't think, doesn't even think about thinking at times, and is constantly doing stupid things. If you are going to be a detective (who only works at night, I might add), you can't afford to be so dense. Also, it is hard to enjoy a book when you want to slap the main character most of the time.
2. the ending...everything was just thrown at me. Nothing really "unfolded" at the end. It was more like someone tore the wrapping off of a gift that was mine to open and told me what was inside. When characters just sit and tell you what happened, this is a problem for me...and it was way too fast.
3. the LDS references...this is my BIGGEST gripe with this book. I had absolutely no idea this was written by an LDS author until there was a paragraph about "stakes" and "missions" and there is NOTHING in the story that needs to be strictly "Mormon."
Things like...
p. 25 "cleaned out his mission fund..." (which could have been ANY type of missionary)
p. 34 "Case of the Missing Prospective Missionary" (again... any missionary...)
p. 54 "he's a Mormon boy" and "the two-faced 'Mormon boy' my best glare..." (Okaaayy....now it is becoming clear)
I thought about going through the book again to find them all, but frankly, it isn't worth my time. Suffice it to say that extremely obscure references to "stake patriarchs," "BYU," "teaching Sunday School," and "deacons collecting fast offerings" were all so jarringly out of place, it stunned me. They don't happen enough to really make this an LDS book, and for sure are not integral to the story. In fact, the book would be better (MUCH better) without them. They are simply aside comments that made me wonder if Covenant Communications (the LDS publisher) required some Mormon content. I am LDS and they bothered me every time...if I wasn't LDS, I would simply be confused and wonder what in the you-know-what the author was even talking about.


This one fact in itself makes me doubt whether I could get through another in the series, even though I really did like the writing style, the humor, and the cleverness of the story.

[Jen · Rating 1 out of 5]

The idea of the mystery was great, that’s the end of what I thought was good about this book.

I am not a huge fan of LDS fiction in the first place, but this was especially meh. The main character is obnoxious and clueless, and the writing was painfully obvious.

Also, isn’t the point of reading LDS fiction to have a good kiss as the happy ending? If that’s what you’re reading for, you will be disappointed.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book with its snide asides and parenthetical thoughts tries to be clever. In fact, it tries far too hard to be far too clever. Instead, it comes off like an overly cocky sixteen-year-old know-it-all. Also, you could read the first few chapters, skip the middle part, then read the final few chapters and not miss anything of consequence.

[Raquel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun little mindless read.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a fun crazy book. Good light reading.

[Shae Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the LOVE the sequel to this book, Kerry is JUST AMAZING! This is such a super fun series! I CAN'T WAIT for the next one!! Hurry Kerry! Hurry!!

[Betsy Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been such a long time ago that I read this. But I do remember thoroughly enjoying it! But then I love anything Sowards writes.

[Happy Reading Watching]

Super short audiobook great to listen during work 👍🏼

[Latte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this. it was a fun read to me

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a slow starting book, but it is a mystery and it takes time for the plot to thicken. Samantha Shade is trying to prove that she can take over her Uncle Eddies PI business, "Nightshade." She is doing good at collecting evidence for her case against the cheating high ranking community officer, when she meets Thom Casey, an undercover cop trying to do a good deed of his own and they both get the wrong end of justice. Thom gets caught off duty in his undercover area trying to bring in a runaway, which Sam misreads as a scumbag trying to take advantage of a younger girl. Th camera that holds the pics to show the clients wife are taken, the runaway runs and thom has lost his cover and his Chief's listening ear. They meet again as Thom is assigned to work as Sam's added backup on the case of the missing mussy. Sam is taken back by his presents but consents that he stay because of her need. He turns out to be an okay guy who is willing to stick around until all the dirty work is done and the mystery solved. Through other occasions he finds that Sam brings to him the most awkward situations, totaling his squad car, loosing the runaway, being put on suspension and then being unemployed by the police all in his efforts to do the right thing. Sam and Thom uncover a police scam that involves replacing Sam's evidence against the councilman with fake pics and trying to kill all the witnesses that could attest to that. Even Sam and Thom are in danger with setups of a robbery but really an assasination attempt on Thom's life. The chief is the culprit behind it all to safeguard his "friends" in high postions. The mummy is found to have been kept by it's owner when the museums he was considering giving it too wanted to disect it not charish it like he would. Lord Herbert,(also and actor) falls in love with the Windela (who turned out to be a B rated actress from holloywood from Armenia, but who also had lost some of her sanity and was placed in the mental hospital when Sam springed her after her internship was over). All ends well even though Thom got his desire to return to getting his doctorate in English, he accepts the job of detective and the implied opportunity to get to know Sam better and see what happens. Then a call comes in for another case this time a ghost in a church.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea what to expect from this book. I'd never heard of it, but the bright green cover caught my eye in the library. Kudos to the cover designer for choosing a color that would stand out.

We all know you can't judge a book by it's cover though, so I was pleasantly surprised to find that I LOVED the story.

Samantha Shade is a twenty-something aspiring PI. She works for her Uncle's private detective agency, Nightshade Investigation, and is manning the agency while he's on vacation. She hopes to prove herself while he is gone so she can take over when he fully retires, thus fulfilling her lifetime dream.

Unfortunately, things don't go as smoothly as she had hoped. Not only are her current cases going south, but she manages to interfere with police work as well.

There were a lot of twists and turns and little details I never saw coming. I loved the characters, and the romance.

I can't wait to read the next Nightshade Mystery.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

LDS “Chick Lit” from one of my favorite authors. This is mystery with a light touch.

Samantha Shade, due to her uncle’s temporary absence, is given the opportunity to run “Nightshade Investigations, her uncle’s private detective agency”. She accepts a wealthy, eccentric clients mission to guard a priceless artifact. Much to her dismay, the “priceless artifact” disappears right under Samantha’s nose.

With the assistance of Nightshade’s investigatory staff and two of Phoenix PD’s “finest” ( and in the case of one in particular, a very young, attractive LDS detective) Sam is aided in solving the mystery of the disappearing mummy (a.k.a., “priceless artifact) and also two or three additional mysteries or personal problems as well. All in all, it makes for a clean, fun read.

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love other books by Kerry Blair, but I just couldn't get into this one. At first I thought the quirky characters and storyline weirdness were interesting--definitely not ones I would ever come up with myself (which always impresses me). It was all quite humorous. However, it soon started really grating on me. I tried to finish it 3 times, and finally gave up. It went from humerous to silly in too many ways. I'll probably try again later, when I'm in the mood for a "weird" story. Definitely a book that a reader who loves quirks, twists, and strangeness with laughter will enjoy.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun and amusing book, although I don't think it made it to the side spliting funny level, as the cover claims. I did chuckle out loud several times. Loved the ending. It is an LDS book but don't let that scare you away. It is not heavy handed at all. (Usually when I find I have accidently pick up an LDS book I groan. Now don't send me to talk to the bishop, I haven't lost my testimony! I just don't care for most of our fiction wonders)All in all, I really enjoyed this book and I'm reading the next one now.

[Hilary Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started reading this book and thought, "This is kind of fun writing -- reminds me of the author of the other book I just read, "This Just In"". What do you know? It was the same author! I enjoyed this book a little better than the other one, but both were fun reads. The author has a way of creating heroines that are a bit "blond" and seemingly clueless and/or helpless; yet, somehow they end up seeming stronger in the end. Once again, if you like LDS books with mystery and romance, written in a different lighter fashion, then this is your book.

[Kami · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved it! It was a witty mystery. Fun, entertaining and even funny. The main character seemed a little out of place in her dectective position but that's what I loved about her. She was trying to make something of herself and prove that she could do whatever she set her mind to. The story had some ups and downs and twists and turns. I still figured out who the bad guy was but it held enough mystery to still please the detective heart.

[Kaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, light mystery. I listened to it and it had one of the fastest readers I've ever heard. (More like the speed you read.) Main character is an aspiring P.I., who is a bit scattered and jumps too quickly to conclusions. She is also LDS but that is not the focus or important to the story. I'd actually rate 3.5 stars and liked it enough to read the next in the series. Nice break from my more graphic mysteries.

[Megan D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was so hilarious, and it had some good intense parts when I never wanted to put the book down. I loved the characters and all the conflict. It was slightly hard to get into at the very beginning, but after a while I couldn't put it down. I will never stop quoting this book. The characters are always saying funny things. I am excited to buy this book and let all my friends read it!

[Marilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the funniest books I have ever read! I found myself laughing out loud over and over. And even though it is written by someone who is LDS, you don't have to be LDS to understand or enjoy it. The main characters are LDS and there are passing references to mostly social aspects of the church, but the whole book is not steeped in LDS jargon and culture.

[Thebarrys10 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another mystery/romance from Kerry Blair. This one has all the same characters, humor and suspense that "Ghost of a Chance" does. I like how Kerry interweaves several mysteries into one. Very fast read. I gave it three stars because it was so much like "Ghost..." I like more variety in an author. This book should be read before "Ghost..." but it doesn't matter that much.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crossword puzzles, powdered donuts, and a would-be superhero Samantha Shade takes on the role of CEO of her Uncle Eddie's business Nightspade Investigations. The staff and family are literally nocturnal. It's been Samantha's dream since she was a child to become a PI. And, she's just klutzy enough to pull it off. I love the characters and their idiosyncracies. It was hilarious!

[Kendalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

One word-FREAKING AMAZING! Sorry that's two but you can't describe this book in 1 word, wait yes you can"perfect". I got to give Kerry Blair a pat on the back for this masterpiece, that I read in 1 day. I screamed when I finished this book. Both of joy and anger. Joy because it was soo good and anger because it was over, the sequel to this book is DEFINATELY on the top of my massive TBR pile.

[Buffer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little slow at tines but the main character has a funny sense of humor. An aspiring PI wants to prove to her uncle that she can run his business. Sam Shade (Samantha) tries to solve a case of a mummy. Cute dialog between characters.

[Nielson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listened to this book on tape. It took me a while to get through it. I would never recommend it to anyone, but it was somewhat entertaining and it helped pass time at work. It was pretty cheesy too.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good clean mystery that has several LOL parts. Fun and interesting read. Kerry Blair's super sleuth, Samantha Spade, can be downright hillarious but at the same time the story is very suspenseful in places. A good mix of humor and mystery.

[Connie Dickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so fun..a lot of word play, excitement, romance, everything.
It was so fun that Lester read it also and he couldn't put it down.
I am reading another by her, "This Just In" It also is fun. Kerry has a style with words that I have never seen. Makes for a humorous reading.

[Becki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! I don't normally read the "Christian Literature" section but for an LDS author, this book made me laugh out loud! It was a quick, easy read and the humor was very silly and sarcastic but I enjoyed it.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

My first Kerry Blair book. Maybe I will try another if I can't find something better; it is "light" reading, and sometimes too clever, but an easy entertainment, and easy to put down when you need to do other things.