The Chick and the Dead (Pepper Martin #2)

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The Chick and the Dead (Pepper Martin #2)

3.77 of 5 stars 3.77 · rating details · 991 ratings · 69 reviews

Ever since the former rich girl-turned-Cleveland cemetery tour guide banged her head on a headstone, she sees dead people. Worse still, she hears them--and they won't shut up! Now it's Didi Bowman, a poodle-skirted relic from the Great Beyond, who's bending Pepper's ear, complaining that her famous author sister, Merilee, has done her wrong. Trouble is, if Pepper proves it...more

Paperback, 323 pages

Published February 27th 2007 by Avon

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Mar 22, 2009 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2009, paranormal_mystery, 2000, casey_daniels

Pepper is once again playing Detective for the Dead in this - the second in the Pepper Martin Mystery series. This time Didi shows up in a poodle skirt complaining that her sister - the world renowned author of the book So Far the Dawn (think Gone with the Wind)- actually stole her book and put her name on it. Since Didi is a ghost she can't really do much about it - but with Pepper's help she is hoping to correct the wrong and get the proper credit for her book.

I knew "who done it" pretty much...more

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Feb 07, 2012 Karen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery

Didi Bowman wrote So Far the Dawn and after her death, her sister Merilee stole the manuscript and passed it off as her own. Now she has spent the past 50 years reaping the benefits and basking in the fame. Problem is, Pepper isn’t sure whether or not to believe Ditsy Didi, who was known for stretching the truth in her day. But, after all, Didi is wearing a Poodle skirt and being a fashionista herself, Pepper decides to take on Didi’s case. Nah, I’m lying; the promise of receiving a payment from...more

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Jan 11, 2012 Amanda rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-mysteries

The thing that I thought about before I'd begun to read THE CHICK AND THE DEAD was how the author was going to expand Pepper's ability to see any more ghosts. In the first book she only saw the ghost of Gus Scarpetti - the man whose headstone that she banged her head on and that's it. There was no suggestion that she is able to see other ghosts and as Gus has now gone how was the author going to progress things?

In this book she does see multiple ghosts and it's implied that she isn't being bomb...more

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Dec 08, 2011 Jen3n rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery

Oh, this is light, tacky, braindead candy. I just was gifted with a Kindle, a thing which I swore I would never own due to my loyalty to and love for real books, but I have it now and it's opening all sorts of doors for me, I tell you what. One of them seems to be the candy-clored, braindead yahoo fare door.

I liked this book. It was cute. Sort of a wacky, pseudo-paranormal mystery series thing. So this really hot, shallow chick has to go figure out how to make it on her own after growing up rich...more

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Oct 28, 2010 Chibineko rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

When I finished the first book of the Pepper Martin series, I didn't entirely know if I'd like the next one or not. It's not that I didn't enjoy it, but it just sort of toed the line for me. It was intriguing enough that I picked up the next book, which I'd heard was better than the first one. It was.

The second book in the series finds Pepper facing a different sort of ghost- the ghost of a young woman named Didi. Didi wants Pepper to prove that she wrote a book. Not just any book, however- THE...more When I finished the first book of the Pepper Martin series, I didn't entirely know if I'd like the next one or not. It's not that I didn't enjoy it, but it just sort of toed the line for me. It was intriguing enough that I picked up the next book, which I'd heard was better than the first one. It was.

The second book in the series finds Pepper facing a different sort of ghost- the ghost of a young woman named Didi. Didi wants Pepper to prove that she wrote a book. Not just any book, however- THE book. The book that had spawned not only a famous movie but also legions upon legions of obsessed fans. She wants Pepper to prove that she wrote 'So Far the Dawn' (think 'Gone With the Wind'). Unfortunately for Pepper, that's easier said than done, especially since there's evidence that Didi may not be telling the truth about everything she claims.

I have to admit, I enjoyed this book more than I did the first one. There wasn't nearly as much "oh, my figure" & "he's so hot" in this book as there was in the previous one. There was a bit of lusting about in this book, but it was set aside to the background so the story could focus a bit more on the actual mystery.

The only thing I'm a bit worried about is that there are certain parts to the book that just don't match up with the book's tone. I can't go into it without going too much into spoilers, but there's talk about Pepper's talents landing her into more trouble than just getting an annoying spook or two. The series is predominantly lighthearted in tone, so for it to hint at getting darker just doesn't really mesh with what we are getting so far. Then again, if done correctly it may not be so bad.

Overall, this is another great beach book. I may not be burning down the aisle to buy all of the Pepper Martin books as soon as they come out, but I'll definitely keep my eye out for them. This series manages to be entertaining without being insulting to young women. (So many other series focus solely on who the main character is sleeping with & how she looks, ect.) (less)

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Mar 09, 2010 Kelly rated it 3 of 5 stars

(2.5 stars) Pepper Martin thought her newly acquired ability to see ghosts was a one-shot deal. That once Gus Scarpetti moved on to the great hereafter, she could go back to her normal life where only the living talked to her. She was wrong. It seems Gus has been talking her up in the afterlife, and sends Didi Bowman her way.

Didi died in the 1950s and was the sister of Merilee Bowman, Cleveland native and bestselling author of the Civil War novel So Far the Dawn. Didi claims she, not Merilee, ac...more (2.5 stars) Pepper Martin thought her newly acquired ability to see ghosts was a one-shot deal. That once Gus Scarpetti moved on to the great hereafter, she could go back to her normal life where only the living talked to her. She was wrong. It seems Gus has been talking her up in the afterlife, and sends Didi Bowman her way.

Didi died in the 1950s and was the sister of Merilee Bowman, Cleveland native and bestselling author of the Civil War novel So Far the Dawn. Didi claims she, not Merilee, actually wrote the book, and wants Pepper to prove it so that Didi's disadvantaged teenage granddaughter can collect the royalties. After some hesitation, Pepper agrees. She soon learns that Didi may have been the victim of murder as well as plagiarism. Did Merilee do it, or was Didi's married lover a little too eager to cover up their affair, or is Didi lying about everything? And can Pepper figure it all out before she's as dead as Didi?

Trouble is, there's very little mystery in this mystery. It's too easy to armchair-solve. Pepper valiantly chases down several red herrings, but they're never quite convincing to the reader. Other quibbles: the ages of characters don't always make sense — if someone is born in 1956 and becomes "a mother too young," her child is not going to be a high schooler in 2004 — and I found myself wondering whether you can really die of suffocation by too-tight corset. (Internal damage if you wear one for years, sure, but...)

The Chick and the Dead is at its best when poking gentle fun at obsessive book fandom. Casey Daniels is specifically referring to Gone with the Wind fans, but her descriptions fit other groups of fans who idolize their favorite authors, collect tons of book and movie memorabilia, etc. I also enjoyed the plotline involving the mysterious Dan Callahan, whose brief appearances in this book raise more questions than they answer. I look forward to seeing what happens with him.

The Chick and the Dead is a funny, quick read that can be enjoyable if you read it with accurate expectations. Think of it as chick lit with a paranormal twist, and don't expect too much from the mystery plotting.(less)

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Dec 08, 2012 Ann rated it 3 of 5 stars

Pepper Martin is a tour guide in the local cemetery. She also can see and talk to ghosts. DiDi is the spirit of a young woman who committed suicide in the 1950's. She asks Pepper to help her because her sister has stolen the manuscript of a book she wrote before she died and has taken the credit for herself. The problem is that the book and the movie she claims as her own is written by a woman beloved by millions of fans. If Pepper discredits her the millions of fans will be sorely upset. The au...more

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Aug 31, 2010 Myhotstylist rated it 2 of 5 stars

2nd in series. I gave this book only 3 stars because the writer repeats too many "flashback" references to Gus (ghost she helped in the first book) Plus all the doting over "So Far the Dawn" idly shrunk down to: SFTD (almost like a Gone with the Wind type story) I constant found myself rolling my eyes and forcing myself to finish this one. There were too many sub-plots, although everything fit together at the end. The only thing we didnt find out in this book is any more information about Dr. Da...more

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Feb 01, 2008 Vikki rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2008-books-read

Pepper Martin is truly a fun character. This book is actually second in a series and unfortunately I missed that fact and haven't read #1 yet. Fortunately though, one doesn't need the first to thoroughly enjoy #2.

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Nov 05, 2012 Sarah rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult-mystery, adult-chick-lit, adult-cleveland, adult-paranormal

Series protagonist and ghost-seeing detective Pepper Martin will appeal to fans of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum, Sarah Strohmeyer's Bubbles, and Meg Cabot's Heather Wells. Pepper's flirty and feisty with killer fashion sense... and a murder to solve. The mystery in this sequel to Don of the Dead will hardly challenge avid mystery readers though, and while the references to a Gone with the Wind type of fan hysteria makes for a few laughs, many fall flatter than Scarlett's first 300 advances o...more

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Feb 23, 2012 Jenia. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, own, ghosts, books-read-in-2012

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. The Chick and the Dead is the second book in Pepper Martin Mysteries . It had been few years since I read the 2nd book since for while it was only one I didn’t have so I finally got it over Christmas. I loved it. I actually liked this book more then I liked the first book in series, it had much more action. I loved that this book started from Cliffhanger from the last book. I loved Didi right from beginning. Even though it been few years since I first read this book, I found it hard to put it...more The Chick and the Dead is the second book in Pepper Martin Mysteries . It had been few years since I read the 2nd book since for while it was only one I didn’t have so I finally got it over Christmas. I loved it. I actually liked this book more then I liked the first book in series, it had much more action. I loved that this book started from Cliffhanger from the last book. I loved Didi right from beginning. Even though it been few years since I first read this book, I found it hard to put it down. Once again Casey Daniels didn’t disappoint me.

Pepper Martin though that her detective days for the dead is over, till Didi Bowman who been dead over 50 years appears, wanting Pepper’s help. At first, Pepper refuses to help Didi, wanting nothing to do with ghosts. That is till Pepper is laid off her job at the arrival of Merilee Bowman, a famous author of So Far The Dawn. After being laid and barely having money for rent, she goes in search of Didi, thinking that solving her murder is just what she needs, to earn some money. Only to find out that it’s not murder she wants, she wants Pepper that she was the one who wrote So Far The Dawn.

While Pepper investigates, she finds some stuff about Didi, something that she been keeping from Pepper and finds herself hesitant about Didi, about if she actually wrote the book. After sudden murder of Merilee’s assistant, she finds herself working for Merilee and that’s when she begins investigate deeper. While investigating, Pepper begins find herself in trouble, having the feeling that someone doesn’t want her to find the truth about the book’s author.

I loved all the suspense in this book. I actually was glad that Pepper wasn’t aware of Merilee before her arrival; it seemed more realistic that she wasn’t one of those obsessed fans; I had a feeling that if she was, she would have even harder time believing Didi about the book. I couldn’t really blame Pepper for having her doubts; there were certain things that Didi wasn’t honest about. If I was in the same situation as Pepper, I would have the same issue.

I loved Didi, her attitude, well sometimes her attitude would annoy me, but she had some good points especially when it came to advice. She was so different then Gus was in the first book, it seemed to me that she at least cared about Pepper some unlike Gus, I had feeling that he didn’t really care about Pepper all that much, he always seemed to be ruining things for her.

This book had much more mystery in it then the last book and Pepper seemed to be obsessing over guys less. To me it seemed that she really did want figure out the truth. I liked the fact that this book was not all about murder but about a romance novel. When I first got the book, I didn’t read the back and I thought that it would be another murder mystery. Even though there was some murder involved, most of book concentrated on finding proof that Didi wrote the book. I think the more she investigated, the more she became fond of Didi.

I was bit confused about Dan in this book, but I liked the fact how mysterious he was in this book, he was acting completely different then in last book. I want see what happens next with him. There was so much suspense, drama in this book that it was hard not to like this book. If you like ghosts, mysteries, action, this is the book worth checking out.
(less)

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Aug 09, 2011 Kaity rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: cozy-mystery, fantasy, ghosts

Review originally posted on Bitten Books and given 3½ stars.

Pepper Martin is finally free of ghosts, or so she hopes. She managed to run the latest ghost off moments before finding out she'd be out of a job for the whole summer. A famous and beloved historical romance writer will be visiting for the opening of her book's museum and Pepper's tours won't be possible with so much attention focused on Merilee. Now Pepper needs to find Didi, the ghost, because solving her murder might just let Pepper...more Review originally posted on Bitten Books and given 3½ stars.

Pepper Martin is finally free of ghosts, or so she hopes. She managed to run the latest ghost off moments before finding out she'd be out of a job for the whole summer. A famous and beloved historical romance writer will be visiting for the opening of her book's museum and Pepper's tours won't be possible with so much attention focused on Merilee. Now Pepper needs to find Didi, the ghost, because solving her murder might just let Pepper continue to pay her bills. Didi's not interested in that kind of help however, she wants Pepper to prove that Merilee, her sister, stole her book.

Book one Pepper and book two Pepper are the same person but not. It's really hard for me to verbally describe what's going on with this. All of the traits that drove me batty in Don of the Dead have been significantly diluted but not completely removed. And the favorable traits shine much more easily in The Chick and the Dead. It's a little bit like Pepper in the first book was a cartoon of an outline for what makes up Pepper whereas Pepper in this book is an actual person.

I was a lot more emotionally involved in the mystery for The Chick and the Dead than the previous book which actually decreased my enjoyment a little. I enjoyed the first book because it was cute, light and fun but the mystery in this one cast a slightly angst ridden cloud over the book. I'm amazed, cozy mystery that elicits an emotional response, but I'd been hoping for what the previous experience gave me. That said, I did find that I appreciated Pepper's antics significantly more because her humor was much more appreciated.

Despite the more emotional quality, I enjoyed how different the mystery in The Chick and the Dead was from the previous book, Don of the Dead. I didn't read the summary before picking up this one and had been expecting another murder mystery. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the mystery in this one couldn't have been any more different. Mobster vs. romance writer, murder vs. stolen book, gruff ghost vs. sweet perky ghost etc. I really enjoyed the mob theme of the previous book but having such an immensely different take on solving a mystery for a ghost was really fun to read. Honestly, when I began this book I was expecting something familiar, a similar mystery with a different ghost and definitely the same crazy Pepper. Instead I got a totally new mystery and a Pepper who has definitely changed for the better since the last book. The series does liken a lot to a TV series though. Each book is it's own episode instead of an epic story. I usually prefer that one extended immersion but I I found myself appreciating the 'episodes' of Pepper Martin Mysteries. I like that I can just pick up a book, read it and enjoy it, then move on. This series is a wonderful beach book (simply for pleasure, quick read).

A few characters from Don of the Dead returned to The Chick and the Dead that I hadn't been expecting. I didn't really care all too much about these characters but I was glad to see they weren't completely disposed of. It allowed more Pepper growth to become viable because it was in these interactions in the previous book that she had bothered me the most.

If the first book in the Pepper Martin series wasn't for you, this book is still worth trying out because all of my complaints from the first book have been mostly ironed out. The mystery kept me on my toes and the small preview for the next book has me even more interested in continuing the series.(less)

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Oct 19, 2011 Betty-Braden rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: own

I have been reading the Pepper Martin series for a couple of days now. I read the first one with no big pleasure. The premise is good, but the writing came across stale and the story seemed one dimensional. Read the second one- it had sporadic plot development and inconsistent shallow characters. Read the third- I didn't love it either. SO why would I keep reading? Why even give the fourth one a try you my ask? Well, there is a twofold answer. 1) I have a serious problem starting a series and no...more

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May 07, 2012 "chunky" rated it 3 of 5 stars

What I can say is that this book is an interesting one. The plot of the author is well planned. She also added some additional details pertaining to the ghosts abilities. Though there are some parts that is predictable it is still fun to read. What interest me is that on how to prove that Didi is the bona fide author of the book and not her sister. All in all the book is a nice detective story that let you think: can this incident happen in real life?

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Jan 30, 2009 Julie H. rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery, paranormal-fiction

The story is enjoyable, just not as good as its predecessor in the series. Pepper is investigating the claims of another of Garden View's "residents" that the Gone with the Wind -style novel for which her sister, Merilee, has achieved cult-status fame was actually published by her younger sister, Didi. Dan and Quinn are back, Pepper is as clever and resourceful as ever, but Didi was really annoying so I had a hard time really caring too terribly much that she'd been "done wrong" by her conniving...more

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Jun 09, 2012 Jeffrey Newman rated it 5 of 5 stars

Read this book in one day. I totally enjoyed it, like I did the first one. You got to love the main character Pepper. This book did not disappoint me. The story line was great and how poor a detective Pepper is makes it even better. I could see a TV series based on this character. I know that there have been some like it but to have one that works in a cemetary, outstanding. I cannot wait to read the next in the series.

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Aug 08, 2011 Rhonda rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It had been a while since I read the first book in this series, "Don of the Dead" so it took me a couple of pages to remember the recurring characters. I will say that this book can easily be read on its own.

I did enjoy the story but it did not capture my interest quite as much as the first book. The premise is still a good one but the miscommunication between the main characters was a little bothersome after a while.

I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series and hopefully the othe...more

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Jun 28, 2011 Lindsay rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the series, and it was ok. I found a lot of the characters annoying. And as far as the 'who done it' mystery goes, it was pretty easy to figure out.
Pepper gets another visit from a ghost who needs her help. This time it's Didi who wants Pepper to prove that her sister is the one who stole her best selling book idea.It was interesting enough that I wanted to finish it, but not really that exciting.

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Jul 19, 2008 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, mystery-suspense, read-in-2008

Well this book was better than the first one but I still am not totally grabbed by Pepper. She is okay as a leading lady, but I think her inability to get with the guy is bugging me. I will read the third book because maybe each one will get better as they go on, and because I need to see if she finally decides to fess up to hunky cop Quinn. I mean, how long can she actually drag out the fact she talks to ghosts. And what is up with that Dan guy? He has to be part of the X-Files or Men In Black...more

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Aug 18, 2011 Bonnie McHenry rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: cozy-mystery, pepper-martin-series

Just as good as the first! Pepper is sarcastic, dry, and great with one liners. Her relationship with Ella, her boss, is a great one to follow simply because they are so different in personality. Great ghost who invaded her office and wants help proving a book was written by her and not her sister. A surprisingly tender moment when Didi takes us back to the night she died. Great love triangle between Pepper, Quinn the detective, and Dan the brain man. Something is up with Dan the brain man and I...more

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Aug 23, 2008 Janice (Janicu) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Pepper Martin is a woman who fell and hit her head on the steps of a mausoleum and then started being able to talk to spirits. This is the second book in the series. In book two its Didi Bowman, who needs Pepper to prove that her sister Merilee stole Didi's manuscript "So Far the Dawn", a Gone with the Wind-like tale with a fervored fan following. There are some cozy mystery elements (Pepper is an amateur sleuth, the mystery was really light, and the really violent stuff happens off-screen: Pepp...more

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Sep 14, 2010 Jeannie and Louis Rigod rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a solid mystery. I like that the sleuth has full conversations with her clients. I wish she would share her secret (the gift) with someone as I'm slightly weary of the 'crazy' aspect. Perhaps in her next novel she will.

All in all, I'm glad I'm reading the entire series. I suggest you try them out also.

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Sep 01, 2012 Kim rated it 1 of 5 stars

ughh, I really am trying to like this series and this character, but I just can't. I know a lot of people have complained that she is a spoiled brat. I really don't see that part, she mentions wanting things she can't afford then shrugs. Don't we all do that? What I am annoyed with is that the books spend the first half with her whining and trying to ignore the ghost and being stubborn about not helping, and let be real, the whole idea is that she is going to help, so why drag out half the book?...more

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Aug 20, 2011 Paris rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery-thriller-suspense, humor, paranormal

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 defi...more

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Apr 24, 2009 Yeva rated it 4 of 5 stars

My initial impression of this book was not a positive one; but after the first couple of chapters, I was hooked. The pace is nice without meandering. The characters are engaging, and the premise was interesting. Overall, the book is a good read.

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Aug 04, 2009 Kevin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery-thrillers, sony

Ever since Pepper Martin banged her head on a mausoleum she can see ghosts. In this the 2nd book in the series, Pepper finds herself trying to solve a 50 year old mystery. A fantastic read!

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Oct 31, 2011 Michelle B rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-read-list, paranormal

this was my first book by this author and i really enjoyed it. will have to get the first book to read just to catch up on the details of what happened to make pepper the way she is.

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Dec 27, 2012 Vicky Beltz rated it 5 of 5 stars

Fun murder mystery with a girl who can talk to ghosts. A ghost ask for Pepper's help in the mystery with her sister long ago.

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May 19, 2011 Christine Hayes rated it 3 of 5 stars

I have read a few others of the series.However I found this one highly annoying. Didi really got on my nerves.

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Feb 28, 2011 ette rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: bubble-gum, sci-fi-fantasy-supernatural-para, mystery

It's not terrible, but certainly not good. The series has potential, but so far the authoer is squandering it.

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About Casey Daniels

A pseudonym used by Connie Laux, A.K.A Miranda Bliss and Kylie Logan.

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,...more A pseudonym used by Connie Laux, A.K.A Miranda Bliss and Kylie Logan.

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.(less)

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