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Pepper Martin #7
A Hard Day's Fright
What happened to a teenager named Lucy one night in 1966 after a Beatles concert? She rushed the stage, kissed Paul, started home with her friends, and was never seen again — until cemetery guide and unintentional PI to the dead Pepper Martin sees her as a ghost. Lucy's spirit can't rest in peace until her body is found and buried. But how will Pepper track down a missing corpse after forty-five years?
292 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 31, 2011
13 people are currently reading
783 people want to read
About the author
Casey Daniels
14 books371 followersA 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
October 15, 2017
One of my favorites of the Pepper books, A Hard Day’s Fright has Pepper looking into the past to solve a ghost story that affects those personally in her life. It’s one of my least favorites when it comes to ghosts since this one can’t follow her around and gets little page-time, but what I enjoyed so much about the story was her getting the daughter sidekick who cracked me up, visits from returning characters from other books such as the prison gang competition, and the theme involving the music concert and that feeling of being young and nostalgic.
To set her boss and friend’s conscience at ease, Pepper wants to solve what happened to Ella’s childhood friend and role model Lucy, who vanished from a train ride after seeing The Beatles in concert. Everyone’s grown up and shift now, but they all went off the deep end in their own ways, including one being a guilt-filled alcoholic and the other two go-getters who sacrifice everyone in their way.
Unlike others in this series, Pepper is not is as much danger and doesn’t have the same speed restrictions, but the backstory came alive and had a serious and sobering overcast some of the others missed.
There was a sad tricky move at the end with a series regular as well, which ends on a mini cliffhanger relationship wise. The ghost’s ending was particularly beautiful where Ella is concerned. There’s a fun bar scene fight (yes, really) that involves the usually goody-two-shoes boss.
The series is light and quirky and, despite how sad it is when a young life is lost, there is always a feeling of lightheartedness that makes these books so enjoyable to read when the last page has been closed and everything has been said and done.
To set her boss and friend’s conscience at ease, Pepper wants to solve what happened to Ella’s childhood friend and role model Lucy, who vanished from a train ride after seeing The Beatles in concert. Everyone’s grown up and shift now, but they all went off the deep end in their own ways, including one being a guilt-filled alcoholic and the other two go-getters who sacrifice everyone in their way.
Unlike others in this series, Pepper is not is as much danger and doesn’t have the same speed restrictions, but the backstory came alive and had a serious and sobering overcast some of the others missed.
There was a sad tricky move at the end with a series regular as well, which ends on a mini cliffhanger relationship wise. The ghost’s ending was particularly beautiful where Ella is concerned. There’s a fun bar scene fight (yes, really) that involves the usually goody-two-shoes boss.
The series is light and quirky and, despite how sad it is when a young life is lost, there is always a feeling of lightheartedness that makes these books so enjoyable to read when the last page has been closed and everything has been said and done.
April 20, 2024
The last time I read a book in this series it was eleven years ago. There was a lot I didn’t remember but I was still able to enjoy the book.
Pepper sees a ghost on the train and sets out to solve what happened to her. Unbeknownst to Pepper, the murdered girl used to be friends with her boss.
There were some cute moments and it was an interesting perspective reading this after having stopped reading the series after so long. This book went by quickly, I just wish there was a little more action to it or even a little romance.
Pepper sees a ghost on the train and sets out to solve what happened to her. Unbeknownst to Pepper, the murdered girl used to be friends with her boss.
There were some cute moments and it was an interesting perspective reading this after having stopped reading the series after so long. This book went by quickly, I just wish there was a little more action to it or even a little romance.
November 17, 2016
Pepper's car is being repaired and we find her riding the rapid train. She sees another passenger on the train who is a young blonde hair teenager. Arriving at Ella, Pepper finds that one of her daughter's, Ariel is missing over the weekend. Ella tells Pepper why she was so upset. Forty-fives years ago a friend of Ella went missing. In spite of immense search, Lucy was never found. Pepper realized the girl on a train is Lucy's ghost. The ghost wants Pepper to find her body so she can have a proper burial. Ariel decides to help Pepper investigate and both are off on the investigation. At the same time, a serial killer is riding the trains and Quinn Harrison arrested him. The story takes off on several twists and turns, I found I couldn't put the book down. The ending will surprise and shocked you.
May 19, 2011
7th in series.
Ive been following Pepper from the very beginning, and I have to say, shes definitely grown as a character. Since Quin dumped her, shes now very independant(as she usually is) and is sought out by a young ghost on a rapid train. Pepper learns that the ghost is Lucy Pasternack, an old friend of her boss, Ella. Ella is haunted by Lucy's dissapearacne, and Pepper is determined to find Lucy's killer and body, after Ella's daughter Ariel dissapeard for a day. They are trying to teach Ariel the importance of saftey and checking in, etc. Ariel then takes a liking to Pepper, and soon becomes her clone detective. Pepper has a lot of clues to unravel, even when one of the suspects turns up dead. Pepper is never really in any immediate danger during this book, but it was somber like, and i honestly felt sorry for the victim. But nothing could have prepared me for the shocking ending on the very last line of the book.
Anyways, this was a tightly woven plot with lots of twists and secrets. It was almost like watching a "Cold Case" episode. I am thanking my lucky stars that there will be another in the series, although Im not sure which direction the author is going to take this series.
Ive been following Pepper from the very beginning, and I have to say, shes definitely grown as a character. Since Quin dumped her, shes now very independant(as she usually is) and is sought out by a young ghost on a rapid train. Pepper learns that the ghost is Lucy Pasternack, an old friend of her boss, Ella. Ella is haunted by Lucy's dissapearacne, and Pepper is determined to find Lucy's killer and body, after Ella's daughter Ariel dissapeard for a day. They are trying to teach Ariel the importance of saftey and checking in, etc. Ariel then takes a liking to Pepper, and soon becomes her clone detective. Pepper has a lot of clues to unravel, even when one of the suspects turns up dead. Pepper is never really in any immediate danger during this book, but it was somber like, and i honestly felt sorry for the victim. But nothing could have prepared me for the shocking ending on the very last line of the book.
Anyways, this was a tightly woven plot with lots of twists and secrets. It was almost like watching a "Cold Case" episode. I am thanking my lucky stars that there will be another in the series, although Im not sure which direction the author is going to take this series.
November 4, 2019
Mon avis en Français
My English review
As always, I was delighted to immerse myself in a new Pepper Martin’s adventure. I could not wait to find out in which ghost story she was going to dive!
I must say that I was pleased to see that this time the story was about one of Ella’s relatives. It was great to learn a little more about this recurring character and especially on her younger years. But here it is also during these years that she lost her best friend, the one who had always been there for her, after a party. But Lucy is back and asks Pepper for help to find her body that disappeared more than 45 years ago. It will not be easy and Pepper will have to find all Lucy’s old friends to understand what is happening. Yet, as always, the story seems much more complex than expected and I admit that I had not seen some turnaround situations coming.
It was once again a very nice novel and I must say that I did not expect this little thing with Quinn. Moreover with this end, I am all the more curious to discover what will happen next! A very good series!
My English review
As always, I was delighted to immerse myself in a new Pepper Martin’s adventure. I could not wait to find out in which ghost story she was going to dive!
I must say that I was pleased to see that this time the story was about one of Ella’s relatives. It was great to learn a little more about this recurring character and especially on her younger years. But here it is also during these years that she lost her best friend, the one who had always been there for her, after a party. But Lucy is back and asks Pepper for help to find her body that disappeared more than 45 years ago. It will not be easy and Pepper will have to find all Lucy’s old friends to understand what is happening. Yet, as always, the story seems much more complex than expected and I admit that I had not seen some turnaround situations coming.
It was once again a very nice novel and I must say that I did not expect this little thing with Quinn. Moreover with this end, I am all the more curious to discover what will happen next! A very good series!
August 25, 2019
A HARD DAY’S FRIGHT is the 7th Pepper Martin book written by Casey Daniels. In this paranormal mystery, Pepper Martin, a cemetery tour guide who sees dead people, helps her friend Ella solve a murder mystery from Ella’s childhood. Some great twists toward the end.
April 14, 2011
This series is definitely one of my favorites and the last 2 have just been excellent. In this one Pepper is helping the ghost of a teenager who disappeared 45 years ago find her body. Great read!!
April 6, 2021
This is an interesting, but different type of book. "A Hard Day's Fright" is a paranormal Pepper Martin murder mystery. Pepper Martin does cemetery tours and when she fell and hit her hit on the side of a mausoleum, she now can see and talk with the dead and they want her to help solve their murders or pass on a message to a loved one. Pepper actually seems to be good at solving these mysteries and when the newest dead person wanting her murder solved and her body found and buried happens to have been a good friend of her boss, Ella . . . . Pepper figures she has to help. Lucy's disappearance has long haunted Ella who thought of her as a big sister. Ella married a very uncaring and irresponsible man and has raised her three daughters herself. Her first two daughters are very responsible, but then there is Ariel. Ariel is going through a goth, angst period and Pepper cannot stand to be around her. When through circumstances, they are in contact a lot more . . . Ariel picks up on the fact that Pepper is investigating Lucy's disappearance and decided to help. Ariel is actually very good at research and comes up with some valuable information. She is also very good at suggesting where they could find more information. Pepper finds that her fashion style begins to wear off on Ariel when her died black hair goes back to red and she begins to dress in other than depressing black. She also begins to treat her mother, Ella with more respect. Their inquiries have made some people very nervous and whoever killed Lucy (a fact Lucy's ghost had told Pepper) does not want the truth coming out.
March 18, 2017
BACK OF BOOK SAYS:
WHAT HAPPENED to a teenager named lucy one night in 1966 after a beatles concert? she rushed the stage kissed paul started home with her friends and was never seen again. until pepper sees her as a ghost who has heard of pepers gift of communications with the dead and solving their murders.
the beginning of the book is a little confusing.
because you are thinking it's pepper talking. and the 45 years later, kinda really confuses you, until you find out it was ella talking in the first chapter.
i was missing quinn and scott in this book, and the thing towards the end really caught me by surprise, when a character must have been dead for a moment or two (having one of those out of body experiences) while the paramedics or docs work on him/her and then appeared to pepper. while this is never really explained, it's something that just has to be assumed.
the real ending, well that was definitely bad news.Yikes,
WHAT HAPPENED to a teenager named lucy one night in 1966 after a beatles concert? she rushed the stage kissed paul started home with her friends and was never seen again. until pepper sees her as a ghost who has heard of pepers gift of communications with the dead and solving their murders.
the beginning of the book is a little confusing.
because you are thinking it's pepper talking. and the 45 years later, kinda really confuses you, until you find out it was ella talking in the first chapter.
i was missing quinn and scott in this book, and the thing towards the end really caught me by surprise, when a character must have been dead for a moment or two (having one of those out of body experiences) while the paramedics or docs work on him/her and then appeared to pepper. while this is never really explained, it's something that just has to be assumed.
the real ending, well that was definitely bad news.Yikes,
August 13, 2021
I give it a 4 for the idea, but a 2 for the narrator.
The mystery itself is good and the conclusion is good. However, I found Pepper’s commentary on everything to be snobbish and very upper class. There is also a fair amount of fat-shaming, body-shaming, and slut-shaming.
As someone who grew up in the Cleveland area and went to school with people from Shaker Heights, I find Pepper to be a poor choice of representation for an audience outside of Clevelanders.
The mystery itself is good and the conclusion is good. However, I found Pepper’s commentary on everything to be snobbish and very upper class. There is also a fair amount of fat-shaming, body-shaming, and slut-shaming.
As someone who grew up in the Cleveland area and went to school with people from Shaker Heights, I find Pepper to be a poor choice of representation for an audience outside of Clevelanders.
May 13, 2017
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.
November 18, 2024
I enjoy the mysteries in this series, and the supernatural twist, but I'm really not sure I like Pepper. She seems to have been getting more annoying as the series has progressed.
May 20, 2025
Super cute, easy read
October 7, 2011
Pepper's car is broke so she is riding on the Rapid Transit when Lucy Pasternak, dead since 1966 after a Beatles concert, approaches Pepper. But rather than asking Pepper to help find her killer she asks Pepper to simply find her body. Nobody knows the fifteen year old and popular Lucy is dead because the body was never found. Pepper was tempted to turn down the case since there just was no starting point, until her boss, Ella, turns out to have been Lucy's best friend and still mourns the loss of Lucy.
Several friends were riding home together after the Beatles concert where Lucy kept retelling to her friends how she ran onto the stage and kissed Paul McCartney. The other friends in the group got off early, but Ella and Lucy stayed on the bus until Ella's stop. Ella's last memory is of Lucy waving good bye from the back of the bus. Poof, she was never heard from again, like the intro of a "Lost Without a Trace" episode.
That was forty-five years ago. Of course Pepper can't share what Lucy tells her happened that night. How she got off at her stop and was jumped, blindfolded, tied up, and thrown in the back of a car. When the trunk door opened again she was smothered with a blanket. She has no clue where she was taken or who grabbed her. Not much to go on for Pepper.
The last thing Pepper needs is Ella's fifteen year old rebellious girl, Ariel, spending time with Pepper as a favor to Ella. Ariel is a subplot that runs throughout the story and I found it a good touch with their interactions.
Another subplot is the serial killer in the city that Pepper follows in the news because her ex-boyfriend is in the thick of capturing the man. Each news story opens her fresh wounds from the break-up. You see, he couldn't accept that she talks to the dead, he feels she is either emotionally disturbed or playing games for attention.
The suspects range from one of Lucy's former teachers, who is now a semi-famous poet, Lucy's ex-boyfriend, the girl who snatched up Lucy's ex, two other guys that went to the concert, one of which had a crush on Ella. Of all these suspects, one of the guys was killed in Nam with rumors he committed suicide by jumping into gunfire, the other guy is a long standing drunk who seems haunted by his past. Lucy's old boyfriend is an influential business man and the girlfriend who once snatched him up is a successful real estate broker. As Pepper starts asking questions, a murder occurs among one of the suspects and Pepper knows the killer doesn't want Lucy's body, nor the past, dug up.
I enjoyed this book more than I did the previous one. Perhaps part of that is the absence of her annoying boyfriend. Granted I only met him in "Tomb With a View" and they had already broke up, so my opinion of him is probably tainted. I related to Pepper even more in this book than the previous. She seemed less spoiled and a bit more sensible.
I really loved the drawing on the sixties culture for this mystery, it was richly portrayed. The two teenagers in the book, the ghost Lucy and Ella's daughter Ariel, both were great depictions of dramatic and moody teenage girls while showing some innocence and growing pains.
The plot was good, although I had my strong suspicion of who the killer was and a rough idea of how it was done, the motive was slowly revealed. I enjoyed the plot and the storytelling which did its job of entertaining. The climatic revealing of the killer was good and tense. The wrap up had an interesting twist that left the book with a cliff hanger and I am waiting to see how that is resolved in the next book. This setups a turning point in the series with this book's ending.
The Pepper Martin series is a solid bet for anybody wanting an enjoyable cozy mystery with just enough paranormal to make it interesting. The murders and investigation consistently deliver an entertaining ride and this seventh in the series shows it is still a strong go-to series.
Join me at my mystery book blog: http://www.mysterysuspence.blogspot.com/
Book provided by publisher for an honest review
Several friends were riding home together after the Beatles concert where Lucy kept retelling to her friends how she ran onto the stage and kissed Paul McCartney. The other friends in the group got off early, but Ella and Lucy stayed on the bus until Ella's stop. Ella's last memory is of Lucy waving good bye from the back of the bus. Poof, she was never heard from again, like the intro of a "Lost Without a Trace" episode.
That was forty-five years ago. Of course Pepper can't share what Lucy tells her happened that night. How she got off at her stop and was jumped, blindfolded, tied up, and thrown in the back of a car. When the trunk door opened again she was smothered with a blanket. She has no clue where she was taken or who grabbed her. Not much to go on for Pepper.
The last thing Pepper needs is Ella's fifteen year old rebellious girl, Ariel, spending time with Pepper as a favor to Ella. Ariel is a subplot that runs throughout the story and I found it a good touch with their interactions.
Another subplot is the serial killer in the city that Pepper follows in the news because her ex-boyfriend is in the thick of capturing the man. Each news story opens her fresh wounds from the break-up. You see, he couldn't accept that she talks to the dead, he feels she is either emotionally disturbed or playing games for attention.
The suspects range from one of Lucy's former teachers, who is now a semi-famous poet, Lucy's ex-boyfriend, the girl who snatched up Lucy's ex, two other guys that went to the concert, one of which had a crush on Ella. Of all these suspects, one of the guys was killed in Nam with rumors he committed suicide by jumping into gunfire, the other guy is a long standing drunk who seems haunted by his past. Lucy's old boyfriend is an influential business man and the girlfriend who once snatched him up is a successful real estate broker. As Pepper starts asking questions, a murder occurs among one of the suspects and Pepper knows the killer doesn't want Lucy's body, nor the past, dug up.
I enjoyed this book more than I did the previous one. Perhaps part of that is the absence of her annoying boyfriend. Granted I only met him in "Tomb With a View" and they had already broke up, so my opinion of him is probably tainted. I related to Pepper even more in this book than the previous. She seemed less spoiled and a bit more sensible.
I really loved the drawing on the sixties culture for this mystery, it was richly portrayed. The two teenagers in the book, the ghost Lucy and Ella's daughter Ariel, both were great depictions of dramatic and moody teenage girls while showing some innocence and growing pains.
The plot was good, although I had my strong suspicion of who the killer was and a rough idea of how it was done, the motive was slowly revealed. I enjoyed the plot and the storytelling which did its job of entertaining. The climatic revealing of the killer was good and tense. The wrap up had an interesting twist that left the book with a cliff hanger and I am waiting to see how that is resolved in the next book. This setups a turning point in the series with this book's ending.
The Pepper Martin series is a solid bet for anybody wanting an enjoyable cozy mystery with just enough paranormal to make it interesting. The murders and investigation consistently deliver an entertaining ride and this seventh in the series shows it is still a strong go-to series.
Join me at my mystery book blog: http://www.mysterysuspence.blogspot.com/
Book provided by publisher for an honest review
February 5, 2017
I have to admit, as much as I love the Pepper Martin Mysteries, I went into this one with some reservations. After a solid start to the series, Daniels stumbled with Dead Man Talking, Book 5 in the series. She regained her momentum with Tomb With a View, so I wasn't sure what to expect with A Hard Day's Fright. Needless to say, I couldn't put this one down.
For those who aren't familiar with Pepper, she has a rare gift, thanks to an unfortunate accident where she was knocked unconscious after tripping and hitting her head on the corner of a mausoleum while giving a tour of Cleveland's Garden View Cemetery, home to many deceased celebrities. When she comes to, she has the unfortunate ability to see dead people. And not only can she see them, she can hear them -- and the one thing's she's discovered is that the dead do not shut up until they get what they want. And since Pepper is the only one who can communicate with them, it's up to her to complete whatever mission they have in store for her so both she and the spirit can finally have some peace and quiet. Unfortunately for Pepper, there never seems to be a break in the action because there's always some departed soul who needs her help. A Hard Day's Fright is no exception.
Thanks to mechanical issues with her car, Pepper is forced to rely on public transportation to get herself to and from work. During a ride on the train, she is confronted by the ghost of a teenager who can't move on until her remains are found and she has no clue as to where they can be. Faced with a nigh-on-impossible task, Pepper is tempted to walk away once she realizes the girl's spirit cannot leave the train, but she quickly has a change of heart once she hears Ella, her boss at Garden View, mentions the girl's name in relation to her youngest daughter's irresponsible behavior. Pepper soon learns that Lucy Pasternak had been Ella's best friend when they were in school, and Ella was the last person to ever see Lucy. Ella refuses to believe Lucy is dead; her belief is that she disappeared and is alive and well somewhere, maybe being held hostage (for forty-five years!).
Little by little, one false lead after another, Pepper, aided by Ella and Ariel, Ella's youngest daughter, slowly pieces together the puzzle she thought she never stood a chance of solving.
What was so refreshing about this particular outing is that never during the investigation did Pepper find her life at risk. There are a few surprising twists, some laughs, and an ending I didn't see coming, which has me hungry for the next installment to find out what Pepper is going to do. These books are light, fun reads that you can polish off in a day or two, and despite the nature of the investigation, you always come away from the books feeling good. If you haven't had the good fortune to make Pepper's acquaintance, I strongly urge you to do so. And while each book does stand on its own, they usually pick up right where the last one left off or within a short period of time afterward, so I would suggest starting at the very beginning with Don of the Dead.
For those who aren't familiar with Pepper, she has a rare gift, thanks to an unfortunate accident where she was knocked unconscious after tripping and hitting her head on the corner of a mausoleum while giving a tour of Cleveland's Garden View Cemetery, home to many deceased celebrities. When she comes to, she has the unfortunate ability to see dead people. And not only can she see them, she can hear them -- and the one thing's she's discovered is that the dead do not shut up until they get what they want. And since Pepper is the only one who can communicate with them, it's up to her to complete whatever mission they have in store for her so both she and the spirit can finally have some peace and quiet. Unfortunately for Pepper, there never seems to be a break in the action because there's always some departed soul who needs her help. A Hard Day's Fright is no exception.
Thanks to mechanical issues with her car, Pepper is forced to rely on public transportation to get herself to and from work. During a ride on the train, she is confronted by the ghost of a teenager who can't move on until her remains are found and she has no clue as to where they can be. Faced with a nigh-on-impossible task, Pepper is tempted to walk away once she realizes the girl's spirit cannot leave the train, but she quickly has a change of heart once she hears Ella, her boss at Garden View, mentions the girl's name in relation to her youngest daughter's irresponsible behavior. Pepper soon learns that Lucy Pasternak had been Ella's best friend when they were in school, and Ella was the last person to ever see Lucy. Ella refuses to believe Lucy is dead; her belief is that she disappeared and is alive and well somewhere, maybe being held hostage (for forty-five years!).
Little by little, one false lead after another, Pepper, aided by Ella and Ariel, Ella's youngest daughter, slowly pieces together the puzzle she thought she never stood a chance of solving.
What was so refreshing about this particular outing is that never during the investigation did Pepper find her life at risk. There are a few surprising twists, some laughs, and an ending I didn't see coming, which has me hungry for the next installment to find out what Pepper is going to do. These books are light, fun reads that you can polish off in a day or two, and despite the nature of the investigation, you always come away from the books feeling good. If you haven't had the good fortune to make Pepper's acquaintance, I strongly urge you to do so. And while each book does stand on its own, they usually pick up right where the last one left off or within a short period of time afterward, so I would suggest starting at the very beginning with Don of the Dead.
April 26, 2011
Originally posted at Once Upon a Chapter
Lucy Pasternak was a gorgeous girl getting ready to enter her senior year of high school in the summer of 1966. She even braved a riot to kiss Paul McCartney at a Beatles concert. Little did she know the night of the concert would be her last on this earth alive.
This book opens a little differently. The prologue is told from the point of view of a girl in the group of Lucy's friends the night of the concert. As with all Pepper Martin mysteries we know exactly how it all ended for the unfortunate soul seeking out Pepper's assistance. It's the who, how and why that Pepper must always deduce. Lucy's case is a little from Pepper's previous clients. She doesn't care to find out who murdered her. She just wants Pepper to find her body so she can finally rest in peace. It's been 45 years and she's ready to move on. There aren't a lot of clues to go off of. Lucy's case was never closed and she just "disappeared." Pepper has to track down the original group of friends. She has to figure out who would have wanted to get rid of Lucy. Lucy was such a sweet girl who had a lot of friends and according to everyone Pepper talks to no enemies. This case means more than most to Pepper. Lucy was very important to someone very close to Pepper.
There is a lot of history to go through. How can Pepper be expected to find a body that no one found 45 years ago? How can she find it if she doesn't even know who committed the crime?
My Thoughts:
*sigh* Yet another Pepper Martin mystery come and gone. They go so fast. Next time I should savor it but I know I won't be able to control myself! Casey Daniels pens such a wonderful mystery. This is the seventh book in the series and I wondered if it was going to be possible to keep the series fresh. Daniels does a wonderful job of it! I had a good idea of who had done it but I didn't know why or where said suspect had hidden Lucy's body all these years.
Aside from the mystery, Ella and her daughters get a lot of page space in A Hard Day's Fright. Pepper interacts a lot with Ella's youngest daughter, Ariel. Ariel is certainly a handful. She's a fifteen year old girl who is extremely willful. I forgot just how angsty teenage girls are. Pepper and Ariel bounced off each other well. Reggie and Delmar join us again although briefly. Pepper's love life is non-existent in this volume which was just a little disappointing. Daniels more than makes up for it with the mystery and some pretty awesome plot twists. At one point I was muttering "no, no, no!" from the couch. At that point I just had to walk away for a few minutes. If you like a good mystery sprinkled with humor, a dash of fashion, and a pinch of paranormal Casey Daniels is an author you must look into. I've enjoyed her series immensely since book one.
Lucy Pasternak was a gorgeous girl getting ready to enter her senior year of high school in the summer of 1966. She even braved a riot to kiss Paul McCartney at a Beatles concert. Little did she know the night of the concert would be her last on this earth alive.
This book opens a little differently. The prologue is told from the point of view of a girl in the group of Lucy's friends the night of the concert. As with all Pepper Martin mysteries we know exactly how it all ended for the unfortunate soul seeking out Pepper's assistance. It's the who, how and why that Pepper must always deduce. Lucy's case is a little from Pepper's previous clients. She doesn't care to find out who murdered her. She just wants Pepper to find her body so she can finally rest in peace. It's been 45 years and she's ready to move on. There aren't a lot of clues to go off of. Lucy's case was never closed and she just "disappeared." Pepper has to track down the original group of friends. She has to figure out who would have wanted to get rid of Lucy. Lucy was such a sweet girl who had a lot of friends and according to everyone Pepper talks to no enemies. This case means more than most to Pepper. Lucy was very important to someone very close to Pepper.
There is a lot of history to go through. How can Pepper be expected to find a body that no one found 45 years ago? How can she find it if she doesn't even know who committed the crime?
My Thoughts:
*sigh* Yet another Pepper Martin mystery come and gone. They go so fast. Next time I should savor it but I know I won't be able to control myself! Casey Daniels pens such a wonderful mystery. This is the seventh book in the series and I wondered if it was going to be possible to keep the series fresh. Daniels does a wonderful job of it! I had a good idea of who had done it but I didn't know why or where said suspect had hidden Lucy's body all these years.
Aside from the mystery, Ella and her daughters get a lot of page space in A Hard Day's Fright. Pepper interacts a lot with Ella's youngest daughter, Ariel. Ariel is certainly a handful. She's a fifteen year old girl who is extremely willful. I forgot just how angsty teenage girls are. Pepper and Ariel bounced off each other well. Reggie and Delmar join us again although briefly. Pepper's love life is non-existent in this volume which was just a little disappointing. Daniels more than makes up for it with the mystery and some pretty awesome plot twists. At one point I was muttering "no, no, no!" from the couch. At that point I just had to walk away for a few minutes. If you like a good mystery sprinkled with humor, a dash of fashion, and a pinch of paranormal Casey Daniels is an author you must look into. I've enjoyed her series immensely since book one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2011
http://ismellsheep.blogspot.com/2011/... (check out the post. I have a pretty picture of the book!)
I am not a “cozy” mystery reader. I like dark UF, horror and PNR. A while back my mom told me about Pepper Martin, a paranormal mystery series with a heroine that could talk to ghosts. It didn't take long for me to get hooked on Pepper and her struggles to help the dead find justice while looking fabulous at the same time.
Review:
This book focuses on the ghost of an angsty and over-dramatic teenager from the 60’s. Not only does Pepper have to help Lucy, she has to deal with her boss Ella's angsty and over dramatic (live) teenage daughter too. There is more than meets the eye with both girls. If you have read the other books, then you will understand why at one point (page 263) I actually said out loud “Oh, No you didn’t!” (yeah, I talk to my books). The ending will also surprise you, and I am curious what it means for Pepper.
You don’t *need to read the books of this series in order. They are all bang-up mysteries with twists, quirky characters, and yes, a sinfully good looking cop (swoon). Pepper works at Garden View Cemetery as a tour guide. In the first book she falls and bangs her head; when she wakes up, Pepper can see the dead, and they can be a snarky lot despite their current condition. In each book Pepper gets pulled into playing private investigator for the dead, and word is getting around in the afterlife that she can help.
Unfortunately for Pepper, working for the dead, plays hell on a girl’s social life. Her investigations keep putting her in the sights of Detective Quinn. He is a by the book professional and maybe just a little full of him self. While he is attracted to Pepper, he can’t ignore the fact that she seems to have inside information on to many cases.
I love this series because it is funny with smart and clever plots The first book was good, but I feel Casey Daniels really found her voice (groove) in book 2 and they just kept getting better I believe anyone can enjoy this “cozy” mystery series.
4 woo-woo Sheep! SS
I am not a “cozy” mystery reader. I like dark UF, horror and PNR. A while back my mom told me about Pepper Martin, a paranormal mystery series with a heroine that could talk to ghosts. It didn't take long for me to get hooked on Pepper and her struggles to help the dead find justice while looking fabulous at the same time.
Review:
This book focuses on the ghost of an angsty and over-dramatic teenager from the 60’s. Not only does Pepper have to help Lucy, she has to deal with her boss Ella's angsty and over dramatic (live) teenage daughter too. There is more than meets the eye with both girls. If you have read the other books, then you will understand why at one point (page 263) I actually said out loud “Oh, No you didn’t!” (yeah, I talk to my books). The ending will also surprise you, and I am curious what it means for Pepper.
You don’t *need to read the books of this series in order. They are all bang-up mysteries with twists, quirky characters, and yes, a sinfully good looking cop (swoon). Pepper works at Garden View Cemetery as a tour guide. In the first book she falls and bangs her head; when she wakes up, Pepper can see the dead, and they can be a snarky lot despite their current condition. In each book Pepper gets pulled into playing private investigator for the dead, and word is getting around in the afterlife that she can help.
Unfortunately for Pepper, working for the dead, plays hell on a girl’s social life. Her investigations keep putting her in the sights of Detective Quinn. He is a by the book professional and maybe just a little full of him self. While he is attracted to Pepper, he can’t ignore the fact that she seems to have inside information on to many cases.
I love this series because it is funny with smart and clever plots The first book was good, but I feel Casey Daniels really found her voice (groove) in book 2 and they just kept getting better I believe anyone can enjoy this “cozy” mystery series.
4 woo-woo Sheep! SS
April 16, 2011
I love the Pepper Martin series :) It's like chick lit wrapped in a mystery with a paranormal bow on top. Pepper is such an interesting character--a survivor with an impeccable sense of fashion. After the high society world she was groomed for falls apart, thanks to her father & some Medicare fraud, she picks herself up, dusts herself off and gets a job as a tour guide at the local cemetery. A mishap at the cemetery leaves Pepper with an interesting gift: she can communicate with the dead. She can see, hear and speak to them. Apparently, she is quite a novelty because after word starts spreading around the afterlife, she keeps getting approached by souls with unfinished business.
A Hard Day's Fright (A Pepper Martin Mystery) is the seventh installment in the Pepper Martin series. Pepper gets approached by a young girl who was murdered in 1966, the night she attended a Beatles concert with some friends. She needs Pepper to find her body so she can rest in peace. Unfortunately, her body was never found and Lucy can not seem to leave the Rapid (train) car that holds her last happy memory, so Pepper is basically on her own. Until, she discovers that Ella not only knew Lucy, but was with her that fateful night at the Beatles concert.
Casey Daniels really surprised me in this one. I really thought I had it all figured out about 2/3 of the way through the book and actually wondered how she was going to drag the book out for that much longer without Pepper figuring it out--when I found out that I was wrong. I had a part of the mystery right, but there was so much more going on. Not only did she provide an interesting mystery, but the changes to Pepper's personal life were pretty remarkable as well. Now, I can't wait to read the next book in order to find out how Pepper snaps back.
A Hard Day's Fright (A Pepper Martin Mystery) is the seventh installment in the Pepper Martin series. Pepper gets approached by a young girl who was murdered in 1966, the night she attended a Beatles concert with some friends. She needs Pepper to find her body so she can rest in peace. Unfortunately, her body was never found and Lucy can not seem to leave the Rapid (train) car that holds her last happy memory, so Pepper is basically on her own. Until, she discovers that Ella not only knew Lucy, but was with her that fateful night at the Beatles concert.
Casey Daniels really surprised me in this one. I really thought I had it all figured out about 2/3 of the way through the book and actually wondered how she was going to drag the book out for that much longer without Pepper figuring it out--when I found out that I was wrong. I had a part of the mystery right, but there was so much more going on. Not only did she provide an interesting mystery, but the changes to Pepper's personal life were pretty remarkable as well. Now, I can't wait to read the next book in order to find out how Pepper snaps back.
September 25, 2012
Read more reviews here!
3.5 stars
Pepper Martin meets the ghost of Lucy, a teenager that was killed in 1966. No one ever found her body and she can't move on until someone does. While Pepper doesn't initially want to take the case, she finds out that Lucy was like a sister to her boss, Ella. Now she has to locate a body with almost no clues.
I haven't read any of the other books in this series, but it didn't really matter. There were mentions of some back story but it was easy enough to follow without having read the other books. In fact, some of the little mentions of previous events sounded better than what was going on in this book.
The problem with this book is that it never felt like anything was going on other than Pepper asking questions. I don't have much experience with mysteries, but the ones I've read before tend to have someone actively trying to stop the main character from figuring the mystery out. The most opposition Pepper got in this book was someone being less than forthcoming with information. The one part where it seemed someone targeted Pepper was glossed over. I figured out the murderer fairly easily.
Pepper herself was a sassy girl, most likely in her early 30s, who likes to critique other people's clothes. While there is nothing wrong with the character, I am just so tired of the sassy girl. I'm also tired of the clothes snob characters. What made Pepper different was the fact that she could talk to ghosts... however it was not used for anything other than giving Pepper information she could not get elsewhere.
I may give another Pepper Martin book a shot because it is possible that this one just happened to be a weak one in the series. I liked it okay, but it wasn't the most interesting mystery I've read.
3.5 stars
Pepper Martin meets the ghost of Lucy, a teenager that was killed in 1966. No one ever found her body and she can't move on until someone does. While Pepper doesn't initially want to take the case, she finds out that Lucy was like a sister to her boss, Ella. Now she has to locate a body with almost no clues.
I haven't read any of the other books in this series, but it didn't really matter. There were mentions of some back story but it was easy enough to follow without having read the other books. In fact, some of the little mentions of previous events sounded better than what was going on in this book.
The problem with this book is that it never felt like anything was going on other than Pepper asking questions. I don't have much experience with mysteries, but the ones I've read before tend to have someone actively trying to stop the main character from figuring the mystery out. The most opposition Pepper got in this book was someone being less than forthcoming with information. The one part where it seemed someone targeted Pepper was glossed over. I figured out the murderer fairly easily.
Pepper herself was a sassy girl, most likely in her early 30s, who likes to critique other people's clothes. While there is nothing wrong with the character, I am just so tired of the sassy girl. I'm also tired of the clothes snob characters. What made Pepper different was the fact that she could talk to ghosts... however it was not used for anything other than giving Pepper information she could not get elsewhere.
I may give another Pepper Martin book a shot because it is possible that this one just happened to be a weak one in the series. I liked it okay, but it wasn't the most interesting mystery I've read.
May 3, 2011
For fans of the Pepper Martin series, they will enjoy A Hard Day's Fright. The premise is relatively straightforward: nearly 40 years ago Pepper's boss Ella rode home on the Cleveland subway with four high school friends after a Beatle's concert at which Lucy had run up on stage and kissed Paul McCartney. Lucy was the last one to leave the subway and was never seen or heard from again. That is, until her ghost appeared next to Pepper and asked her to find her murdered body. Add to this the fact that Ella's youngest daughter, the rebellious and eye-rolling Ariel is shadowing Pepper on the investigation in an effort to effect some sort of mother-daughter detente (if not out and out reconcilation, which seems unlikely).
Fun characters from previous outings in the series are brought in, and the demise of the Quinn-Pepper romance--which dissolved entirely when she revealed her unique circumstances--is dogging Pepper's steps as she tries to move on.
All told, A Hard Day's Fright is a fun mystery, solid but not terribly complicated. It is also a timeless story about friendship, loyalty, guilt, trust, forgiveness, and love. And of course, as we've come to expect from Casey Daniels' books, it is told with humor, attitude, and Pepper's keen fashion sense. And you get a big sucker-punch on the last page, so consider yourself warned. No peeking ahead or you'll spoil the effect!
Fun characters from previous outings in the series are brought in, and the demise of the Quinn-Pepper romance--which dissolved entirely when she revealed her unique circumstances--is dogging Pepper's steps as she tries to move on.
All told, A Hard Day's Fright is a fun mystery, solid but not terribly complicated. It is also a timeless story about friendship, loyalty, guilt, trust, forgiveness, and love. And of course, as we've come to expect from Casey Daniels' books, it is told with humor, attitude, and Pepper's keen fashion sense. And you get a big sucker-punch on the last page, so consider yourself warned. No peeking ahead or you'll spoil the effect!
March 30, 2014
4.25 stars.
Pepper Martin is back seeing ghosts and solving mysteries. You’d think after seven installments, this series would start to get stale, but, at least to me, they seem as fresh as ever. The mystery surrounding the murders are interesting, new characters pop up and the murderer is never someone you guess by page fifteen. And for not being a fashionista in any way, shape or form, I love how into clothes and appearances Pepper is, yet she’s smart, funny and clever and is almost always beyond confident.
This go around, Pepper is trying to figure out who murdered Lucy Pasternak, a seventeen-year-old girl who disappeared in 1966, but who we know was murdered because she appears to Pepper on the Rapid, Cleveland’s public transportation system. For a twist, Ella, Pepper’s boss at Garden View Cemetery, gets mixed up in the investigation, as does one of her daughters. This was a fun change and seeing Ariel interact with not only her mother but Pepper, was entertaining.
As with the last, what, one or two books, I’ve been wishing Quinn would make an appearance. Though he’s barely in it, again, his role made my jaw drop . And the last sentence of the book had me wanting to run out and buy the next two in the series, which I can’t wait to read.
This was a fast, fun read with a few twists and any fan of the Pepper Martin mysteries should love this entry in the series!
Pepper Martin is back seeing ghosts and solving mysteries. You’d think after seven installments, this series would start to get stale, but, at least to me, they seem as fresh as ever. The mystery surrounding the murders are interesting, new characters pop up and the murderer is never someone you guess by page fifteen. And for not being a fashionista in any way, shape or form, I love how into clothes and appearances Pepper is, yet she’s smart, funny and clever and is almost always beyond confident.
This go around, Pepper is trying to figure out who murdered Lucy Pasternak, a seventeen-year-old girl who disappeared in 1966, but who we know was murdered because she appears to Pepper on the Rapid, Cleveland’s public transportation system. For a twist, Ella, Pepper’s boss at Garden View Cemetery, gets mixed up in the investigation, as does one of her daughters. This was a fun change and seeing Ariel interact with not only her mother but Pepper, was entertaining.
As with the last, what, one or two books, I’ve been wishing Quinn would make an appearance. Though he’s barely in it, again, his role made my jaw drop . And the last sentence of the book had me wanting to run out and buy the next two in the series, which I can’t wait to read.
This was a fast, fun read with a few twists and any fan of the Pepper Martin mysteries should love this entry in the series!
July 26, 2015
This was SO delightful!
I first started reading the Pepper Martin books about 5 years ago, when I was going through some harsh life crises, and she gave me a laugh and perked me up.
As a fashion-loving, status-aware, former silver-spoon-fed child who now struggles to make ends meet as she holds down her job as a cemetery tour guide, who also see restless spirits of the dead, this is NOT high literature. However, it is so much fun, perfect summer reading or for a little pick-me-up.
Well, after a few years' hiatus, I found myself over-saturated by dark, depressing thrillers, and was feeling like something lighter.
Enter, Pepper! I remembered the Casey Daniels' characters (I'd read the first four books), and reading the summary for Hard Day's Fright, I thought it would be a good, fun read. I was right!
We get Pepper, who is developing more and more as a character, and is way smarter than she lets on. Dear readers, do not think she is a dumb, shallow chick. She talks about how she never paid attention in her English class, but she sure can use the vocab and mock the establishment.
We get a good cast of our other regular characters, although her detective / former boyfriend, does not figure prominently as they've broken up. He does make a comeback, though.
This is just a good, fun read, with Pepper and her friends getting into scrapes, getting the back guy, and not letting life get them down!
I first started reading the Pepper Martin books about 5 years ago, when I was going through some harsh life crises, and she gave me a laugh and perked me up.
As a fashion-loving, status-aware, former silver-spoon-fed child who now struggles to make ends meet as she holds down her job as a cemetery tour guide, who also see restless spirits of the dead, this is NOT high literature. However, it is so much fun, perfect summer reading or for a little pick-me-up.
Well, after a few years' hiatus, I found myself over-saturated by dark, depressing thrillers, and was feeling like something lighter.
Enter, Pepper! I remembered the Casey Daniels' characters (I'd read the first four books), and reading the summary for Hard Day's Fright, I thought it would be a good, fun read. I was right!
We get Pepper, who is developing more and more as a character, and is way smarter than she lets on. Dear readers, do not think she is a dumb, shallow chick. She talks about how she never paid attention in her English class, but she sure can use the vocab and mock the establishment.
We get a good cast of our other regular characters, although her detective / former boyfriend, does not figure prominently as they've broken up. He does make a comeback, though.
This is just a good, fun read, with Pepper and her friends getting into scrapes, getting the back guy, and not letting life get them down!
February 8, 2017
Hands down the best one in the series so far!!!! It is fun to see how much Pepper has evolved and is able to see herself fitting into the everyday lifestyle of a working woman. Although there are still hints at the spoiled rich girl that come out periodically. The mystery is wonderful in that it centers around her boss and friend Ella, even bringing Ella's youngest daughter into the mix. A flashback to Ella's youth is a refreshing addition. And we mustn't forget Quinn. Let's just say you won't be disappointed in where that storyline goes. I love the fact that Peppers friends from a previous book are brought back briefly. It's nice to see her have friends to hang out with. Great through and through!!!
August 1, 2011
Another installment in the delightful Pepper Martin series. Pepper is a tour guide at a local cemetery. In the first book she had tripped and hit her head on a tombstone. Since that event she started to see dead people, mainly those who wanted her help to find out who killed them or clear their name of something they were accused of before dying. In A HARD DAY’S FRIGHT, Lucy Pasternak takes a seat on the train next to Pepper. The last time Lucy was seen alive was in 1966 when she was returning from a Beatles concert. Lucy not only wants Pepper to find out who killed her, but she also wants her to find her body. All any of her classmates or family know is that she disappeared. Pepper has a lot of suspects to choose from and she is assisted by a wannabe detective, Ariel, who is Ella’s fifteen-year-old daughter. The angst in Ella’s life is only compounded by the fact that Lucy was Ella’s best friend and she feels guilty that she hadn’t gotten off the train with Lucy that fateful day. Pepper is smart and sassy with witty dialogue. Her ex-boyfriend cop, Quinn, had found it impossible to believe Pepper’s claim that she could speak to the dead which is what broke them up several books ago. But at the end of this installment he starts to change his mind. A quick read which has a down side because now I have to wait another year for the next one.
July 18, 2011
“A Hard Day’s Fright” by Casey Daniels:
Pepper Martin works in a cemetery, so why not talk to ghosts and solve murders for them? It’s a perfect fit for her, even if sometimes she doesn’t want to do it.
In this witty, enjoyable novel, Pepper is visited by a ghost from the 60s. Forty five years after her death, Lucy Pasternak asks Pepper to find her body so she can rest. It turns out Lucy was none other than the best friend of Pepper’s coworker and good friend Ella. That’s helpful, but not enough because Ella wasn’t present when Lucy was killed. And Lucy’s body was never found, so many, including Ella, assumed Lucy just ran away.
Thrown into the mix is Ella’s wild teenager Ariel, who mimics her by dressing, acting and investigating like Pepper does. Ariel shadows her and even tries to look into things on her own and Pepper has to now look out for her as well.
Will Pepper actually be able to put this soul to rest after so many years? This amusing book will keep you turning the pages to find out if Pepper (and Ariel?) can do it.
Reviewed by Starr Gardinier Reina, author of “Deadly Decisions,” published by Suspense Publishing, an imprint of Suspense Magazine
Pepper Martin works in a cemetery, so why not talk to ghosts and solve murders for them? It’s a perfect fit for her, even if sometimes she doesn’t want to do it.
In this witty, enjoyable novel, Pepper is visited by a ghost from the 60s. Forty five years after her death, Lucy Pasternak asks Pepper to find her body so she can rest. It turns out Lucy was none other than the best friend of Pepper’s coworker and good friend Ella. That’s helpful, but not enough because Ella wasn’t present when Lucy was killed. And Lucy’s body was never found, so many, including Ella, assumed Lucy just ran away.
Thrown into the mix is Ella’s wild teenager Ariel, who mimics her by dressing, acting and investigating like Pepper does. Ariel shadows her and even tries to look into things on her own and Pepper has to now look out for her as well.
Will Pepper actually be able to put this soul to rest after so many years? This amusing book will keep you turning the pages to find out if Pepper (and Ariel?) can do it.
Reviewed by Starr Gardinier Reina, author of “Deadly Decisions,” published by Suspense Publishing, an imprint of Suspense Magazine
July 30, 2011
The title of the novel ties in with the famous Beatles' song, "A Hard Days Night." Which was what caught my eye, besides loving the past books in the series of spirit communicator, Pepper Martin. The book was set around a 'missing' friend of Pepper's boss, Ella from the night the Beatles came to perform live in Cleveland, Ohio in 1966.
Ella, Ariel,Ella's daughter, and several friends from past books rejoin, Ella's school friends to solve the mystery of what really happened to Lucy. Lucy, just wants to find her resting place so she can leave the commuter train.
For some reason this book left me wanting some non-definable something. It was a bit flat. The ending left me feeling uncertain, along with Pepper, as to Pepper's future. I pray Pepper continues and moves on with us readers. Up to now, I have loved this character and am so ready to continue loving her as she grows. I also like Ariel.
Read it and tell me what you think or feel, please.
Ella, Ariel,Ella's daughter, and several friends from past books rejoin, Ella's school friends to solve the mystery of what really happened to Lucy. Lucy, just wants to find her resting place so she can leave the commuter train.
For some reason this book left me wanting some non-definable something. It was a bit flat. The ending left me feeling uncertain, along with Pepper, as to Pepper's future. I pray Pepper continues and moves on with us readers. Up to now, I have loved this character and am so ready to continue loving her as she grows. I also like Ariel.
Read it and tell me what you think or feel, please.
June 3, 2011
In 1966 following a Beatle's concert, Lucy disappeared. A teenager, she rushed up onto the stage, kissed Paul, started home with her friends, and was never seen or heard from again.
Until Pepper sees her--her ghost that is--a ghost that had heard of Pepper's gift of communicating with the dead and solving their murders. Lucy's spirit can't rest in peace until her body is found and buried. But how will Pepper track down a missing corpse after forty-five years?
Cemetary tour guide and reluctanct medium Pepper Martin is enjoying quite a reputation on the ghostly communication grapevine. So when a free spirit from the sixties needs closure, who's she going to call--Pepper! And with a little help from her friends, Pepper will go to bat for her.
As always, entertaining--sass and the supernatural meet at a crossroads.
Until Pepper sees her--her ghost that is--a ghost that had heard of Pepper's gift of communicating with the dead and solving their murders. Lucy's spirit can't rest in peace until her body is found and buried. But how will Pepper track down a missing corpse after forty-five years?
Cemetary tour guide and reluctanct medium Pepper Martin is enjoying quite a reputation on the ghostly communication grapevine. So when a free spirit from the sixties needs closure, who's she going to call--Pepper! And with a little help from her friends, Pepper will go to bat for her.
As always, entertaining--sass and the supernatural meet at a crossroads.
June 17, 2011
Pepper Martin mystery series has had me hooked since DON OF THE DEAD. The titles are fab, matching each book's premise. The covers are excellent with Pepper, never full face or looking away from the reader, posing among the tombstones.
Pepper has become quite good at detecting for the dead after solving the last six ghosts' issues. She knows research and hoofin' it around to get answers. She still likes to look stylish doing so and she still isn't overly adoring of her job, but she does love her boss, Ella, and now Ella needs her help. There's a ghost who needs rest, Ella's daughter who needs a mentor and a murderer who needs to be caught. And Pepper is just the right woman for the job whether she wants to be or not.
Five ghost talkin' in style beans......
Pepper has become quite good at detecting for the dead after solving the last six ghosts' issues. She knows research and hoofin' it around to get answers. She still likes to look stylish doing so and she still isn't overly adoring of her job, but she does love her boss, Ella, and now Ella needs her help. There's a ghost who needs rest, Ella's daughter who needs a mentor and a murderer who needs to be caught. And Pepper is just the right woman for the job whether she wants to be or not.
Five ghost talkin' in style beans......
August 24, 2011
I really enjoy fluffy mystery novels like these. Ones where the protagonist is light, fun and interesting, she isn’t perfect, but she’s also not TSTL. I especially enjoy them when the mystery isn’t too easy to figure out. The books in the Pepper Martin series are fun, perfect summer reading with just the right amount of love interest, intrigue and mystery. As much as I love books like this, I don’t think I would ever own them unless given to me as a prize in a contest or as a present. But I definitely recommend them to anyone who loves fun, flighty mysteries. There really isn’t anything different to say about each book as they follow the same formula and saying more than that would give away the plot of the book.
May 27, 2012
Pepper is approached by a ghost that just happens to be her coworkers high school missing friend. A girl that went missing over 45 years ago. They tangles her up in a whole mess of old high school drama and family issues. Pepper tackles the few clues available with the help of a teenage want to be.
This was not my favorite Pepper mystery. I had trouble keeping interested in the book for the first 3/4 of the story. it just did not have the wow factor of her previous mysteries. Perhaps it was the total lack of romance ? I hope that not what I lowered myself to, but even so I found it dull. I did not care about any of the characters, not even Pepper. I found no emotion value, none of the humor in her past books. It was just a filler. I will try with one more book in the series.
This was not my favorite Pepper mystery. I had trouble keeping interested in the book for the first 3/4 of the story. it just did not have the wow factor of her previous mysteries. Perhaps it was the total lack of romance ? I hope that not what I lowered myself to, but even so I found it dull. I did not care about any of the characters, not even Pepper. I found no emotion value, none of the humor in her past books. It was just a filler. I will try with one more book in the series.
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