Ghost Gifts was an interesting blend of mystery, ghostly visits, and romance. Aubrey has inherited a psychic gift and "sees dead people." Sometimes her gift gives a sense of closure to the ghosts make contact. But sometimes the connections are dangerous, and Aubrey makes every effort to control her contacts.
In the present, Aubrey is managing quite well with her job at a local paper dealing with real estate, keeping her unusual talent a secret.
Then her boss assigns her to work on the shocking discovery of a skeleton found sealed in a wall. Way out of her usual purview. Unable to get out of the assignment, Aubrey is partnered with the difficult investigative reporter Levi St. John.
Aubrey is no shrinking violet; she has worked hard for a normal life and has attempted to avoid unwanted ghostly contacts, but she has no problem speaking her mind. Both reporters resist the partnership, but eventually, they work together, and Aubrey's gift turns out to be crucial to solving the murder.
Interesting characters, a well-plotted mystery, subtle clues that entwine characters and events past and present into a complex whole.
Kindle Unlimited.
Mystery/Supernatural. 2016. Print length: 386 pages.
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I often collect links of interesting articles, then forget about them. Here are a few that I found on an unfinished draft:
For readers who enjoy the supernatural, this article on ley lines.
I've been following Steve McCurry's photographic blog for years. The photos are from every part of the world and cover most human activities along with quotes. The title is this entry is "To Light a Fire" -- with photographs of readers from Afghanistan to Yugoslavia. I love his blog.
Wage inequality: A study of more than 2m books has revealed that titles by female authors are on average sold at just over half the price of those written by men. (Source) The article goes on to say the study was a result of VIDa counts that foun a "skew towards reviews of books by male authors, written by maler reviewers."
Read a Book--it could save your sanity. From a study by The Journal of the American Medical Association: "researchers discovered that readers’ risk [of dementia] was significantly lower than non-readers." YAY!
I love that last note - readers risk of dementia is lowered - yay, indeed! One can only hope. I've seen Ghost Gifts on the Amazon site, but didn't know much about it. Sounds like one I'd like. I'll keep it in mind. I've been rereading Maureen Johnson's 'Shades of London' series on audio. There are ghost aplenty in those books. Ha!
ReplyDeleteOooh, I'll have to check out Maureen Johnson!
DeleteGhosts Gifts sort of reminds me o the premise of the TV show Medium, which I used to love. I'll have to check out that book. Really enjoyed the other links. I'll have to share To Light a Fire with one of my best friends who loves photography. I think she would really enjoy his blog!
ReplyDeleteGhosts Gifts was entertaining, and I plan to read the next one. :) Steve McCurry's photos are so human--I love his blog.
DeleteThe "To Light a Fire" blog with its photos and quotes is fantastic. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteMcCurry's blog always has such interesting themes and such gorgeous photos. Glad you enjoyed it!
DeleteMy first thought was of Medium when I read your review, just as Iliana mentioned. I may have to give it a try!
ReplyDeleteI saw an article about reading in relation to dementia. I definitely plan to keep reading.
I never watched Medium so I don't know how the book and the television series would connect, but I did enjoy this ghost-influenced mystery. :) And yes, to reading in an effort to stave off dementia. Like we needed an excuse. :)
DeleteSilly but I always think I can only read a ghost story in the winter.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing the links. In particular the photos at To Light a Fire were amazing!
I usually prefer paranormal books in the fall and winter; there is some connection with bare trees, cold, and a fire in the fireplace that makes ghosty books seem appropriate. It is unusual to have this fascination now, but maybe what is going on in the world makes me want to retreat to fantasy.
DeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed Steve McCurry's photographs!
I love me a good ghost story, and Ghost Gifts sounds like a book I'd really enjoy. The only problem is figuring out how to make room for it on my already crowded summer reading list. ;D
ReplyDeleteI think you would enjoy Ghost Gifts, but those darn lists just keep getting longer! I found it when the books on my list were not appealing to me and I wanted something else. An impromptu read. :)
DeleteSometimes those are the best!
DeleteShe sees dead people and is a journalist? I like this mix!
ReplyDeleteI know! Aren't we all influenced by the phrase "sees dead people"? It has become an iconic catchphrase that intrigues us. :)
DeleteSounds like a good one. I'm in the mood for some ghost stories so this one will be on my wishlist.
ReplyDeleteI've recently started watching Medium, which is a little like this in that the MC sees dead people and solves crimes, and I realised how much I missed that show -- and how wonderful the execution was. So this hits the spot for me :)
ReplyDelete