Beyond Belief by Helen Smith

Beyond Belief is part of the Emily Castles series.  While it doesn't fit all of the elements of the cozy genre, it is mystery light with some comic aspects.

When Perspicacious Peg (how about that for a psychic's name) has a premonition that someone will die at the upcoming conference for The Royal Society for the Exploration of Science and Culture  in the seaside town of Torquay, Emily Castle is recruited to investigate.

Psychics, a magician, philosophers, theologians--are all present at the conference that deals with belief, and the magician has set a prize of 50,000 pounds if anyone can prove the existence of the paranormal.  

The book is light, the characters are light, the narrative is light.  Every aspect seems to glide along a surface that prevents true engagement in the story.  Even murder is murder light; no one truly seems to care.  Characters display a peculiar lack of affect about the murder itself.

Obviously, this is only my opinion, has anyone else read any of the Emily Castle series by Helen Smith?  What do you think?

NetGalley/Thomas & Mercer.

Mystery.  Jan. 8, 2014.  Print length:  230 pages,