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In her new job as a private eye, former police sketch artist Rory McCain has a spirited partner: Old West marshal Zeke Drummond. He may be a ghost, but when these two combine their skills, they reap justice…

Trouble has sprouted at Harper Farms. Top secret info has been leaked to the competition, and now there’s serious sabotage cropping up. So the farm’s beleaguered owner, Gil Harper, has called on Rory to dig up some dirt. But what Rory discovers raises a new field of questions…

Someone shucked Harper’s accountant and left his body in the farm’s corn maze. While Gil is quick to hire Rory to solve now not one but two crimes, the sketching sleuth isn’t so sure why the farmer wants her to focus her attention on his own family.

Regardless, Rory and Zeke will need to put their hands to the plow and solve this case before someone else is planted six feet under…

Includes a preview of the first Crystal Shop Mystery, Amethysts and Alibis, by Sharon Pape

236 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 17, 2013

10 people are currently reading
156 people want to read

About the author

Sharon Pape

16 books274 followers
I started writing stories as soon as I learned how to put letters together to form words. From that day forward, writing has been a part of my life whether it was my first attempt at a novel in seventh grade or the little plays I wrote for my friends to perform for neighbors and family. After college, when I was busy teaching French and Spanish to high school students, I was also writing poetry -- often in French.

After several years, I left teaching to be a full time mom, and when my two children started school, I went back to writing. To my delight I found that the muse was still there, still waiting patiently for me to come around. My first novel, Ghostfire, was published at that time. It went on to be condensed in Redbook magazine (the first paperback original the magazine had ever condensed.) Then came The God Children and The Portal. Redbook also published my first short story, which was subsequently sold to several foreign magazines. With two great kids, a golden retriever and a loving, supportive husband (whom I'd met at the beach when I was fourteen -- but that's a story for another day), I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be in my life. But fate had another plan for me, and it went by the name of "breast cancer."

Looking back, I realize how fortunate I was that the cancer was discovered at such an early stage, but at the time it was all very overwhelming. Once I was back on my feet, I wanted to help other women who were newly diagnosed, worried and afraid. I became a Reach to Recovery volunteer for the American Cancer Society and went on to run the program for Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island. A number of years later, with the help of my surgical oncologist and two other volunteers, I started Lean On Me, a nonprofit organization that provides peer support and information to breast cancer patients. When Lean On Me celebrated its tenth anniversary it no longer required as much of my time, and I once again found myself free to pursue my first love -- writing.

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5 stars
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35 (40%)
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15 (17%)
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Sherry Fundin.
2,318 reviews164 followers
June 10, 2019
Sketcher in the Rye and Sharon Pape had me cracking up from the getgo. I don’t know what I expected, but it’s delivering so much more.

Rory is quite the character, but Zeke steals the show. They do make quite the investigating team.

We switch back and forth from the present to the past as we examine Zeke’s life. A heartbroken hobo has a large personality and is good for lots of laughs.

Fun story, humorously written, with fabulous quirky characters to love.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Sketcher in the Rye by Sharon Pape.

See more at fundinmental
Profile Image for Ariel.
Author 2 books13 followers
June 13, 2014
Rory is hired by Harper Farms owner, Gil Harper, to investigate who is leaking business ideas and plans to the competition and sabotaging the farm in various ways that are impacting the profitability of the business. Before Rory can even make it to her car after being hired, she stumbles onto the dead body of Harper's accountant. Her job quickly gets expanded to solve the murder too, including to investigate family members. Sub-plots include Rory's parents selling the family home which is difficult for Rory, Rory's aunt Helen fixes her up with a wonderful doctor...and Zeke can't get over his 1800s strict dating rules, and ghost-whisperer Eloise is getting messages for Rory--but who on the other side is it and why?

Rory is progressing as a private investigator and controlling her anger flares at her resident ghost, Zeke. Zeke is also a great side-kick with his law enforcement background, but his 1800s gender-role ideas get old fast when it comes to Rory even kissing a guy. He still is overprotective of Rory as though a woman can't be a PI without a guy to keep her safe. Aunt Helene, the over-the-top actress in the family, plays cupid in this book. Leah, Rory friend on the police force, has more of a presence in this story and I enjoy her more and more each time. Eloise, the elderly mother of a neighbor and ghost-whisperer returns and remains a kooky delight. Aaron, the pediatrician that Aunt Helen sets Rory up with was ideal-not a cop, fun, and kind. It will be interesting to see how Rory in a relationship works out while living with the old-fashioned Marshal's ghost.

The story takes place mostly in a rural part of New York in the farming sections. The plot is on par for a cozy mystery, plenty of suspects in the dysfunctional Harper family. I have to admit, I did not suspect the killer at all, so that was a surprise. I appreciated that Rory makes it through the climax and danger without Zeke rescuing her (not that he will admit she doesn't need him by her side.) The wrap-up nicely closes the subplots.

Another solid cozy mystery with a dash of ghosts, varied and interesting characters, and a sprinkling of humor. The paranormal elements consist of ghosts thus far (Zeke's ghost and Eloise communicating with ghosts) but is not presented in a scary or creepy way, rather to flavor the stories. Well done cozy with an entertaining paranormal element.

Rating: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list.

Join me at Mysteries and My Musings
http://www.mysterysuspence.blogspot.com/
Profile Image for LORI CASWELL.
2,879 reviews328 followers
December 23, 2013
Rory and Zeke take on a case for Gil Harper of Harper Farms. It seems his future plans for events and general business decisions are being leaked to his biggest competitor. There have also been a few instances of sabotage and Gil wants Rory to undercover the culprit responsible before someone gets hurt. Because it is a family business no one is off limits, even his own wife.

Before Rory can even get started on her investigation she finds the body of the company accountant in the Harper Farms Corn Maze. So now the sketching sleuth has another crime to solve. Rory uses her contacts at the medical examiner’s office and local law enforcement to try to “assist” them catch the killer before anyone else is found dead among the corn stalks.

Dollycas’s Thoughts
I love the way Sharon Pape writes and she also gives us more than one mystery to solve.

In each installment we learn a little more about Marshall Zeke and this time it was pretty significant. Sharon takes us back in time and ties it to the present seamlessly. There are also those little touches – figures of speech or words Zeke is just not totally familiar with – “it must be of those sidekick things” sidekick – psychic – these just crack me up.

The characters are all terrific – Zeke and Rory of course, but Eloise, Olga, Aunt Helene, Hobo and I hope Aaron sticks around. Hobo is quite a dog and has stolen my heart as well as Rory’s. I am going to have to see what my dog’s think of whipped cream, it is a treat Hobo loves. But I will be keeping my dogs away from any piglets, I don’t think I could handle the “piglet/puppy love” :)

I do have to say the way the main mystery played out was very surprising. It did bring a few tears to my eyes but I don’t wait to spoil anyone’s enjoyment by telling too much.

This is a fantastic story as is the whole series. I highly recommend starting at the beginning to see how the sketch artist and the Marshall came together.
Profile Image for Maria.
468 reviews25 followers
December 26, 2013
I received a complimentary copy of this book as a part of a book tour in exchange for a fair and honest review.

A murder mystery, a budding romance and an opinionated partner, who’s a ghost, all play a part in Sharon Pape’s Sketcher in the Rye, the newest addition to her Portrait in Crime series. The fourth book in the series, and the first book of Ms. Pape’s I’ve read, is well written, filled with interesting characters and a touch of comedy. If you’re looking for a cozy mystery series to check out, add this one to your list.

Asked to investigate how top secret information at Harper Farms is being leaked to the completion, Rory McCain becomes involved in another murder investigation when she discovers a dead body in the middle of the farm’s corn maze. The dead body is none other than Matthew, a long time friend of owner Gil Harper, and an employee of Harper Farms. Determined to uncover the truth, Rory and her secret partner, the ghost of Old West marshal Zeke Drummond, find themselves pushed to investigate everyone in Gil’s family since he no longer knows who he can trust.

Ms. Pape does a good job developing both Rory and Zeke’s characters throughout the book and their engaging dialogue is very entertaining. Their interesting relationships is definitely an appealing part of the book as are Zeke’s observations and reactions to the people involved in Rory’s life. His eactions to her new romance and her continued friendship with Eloise, the next door neighbor having visions about Zeke’s past, were highly entertaining. I also enjoyed reading about Rory’s escapades with Hobo, her dog, and his interspecies attraction to one of the piglets at Harper Farms.

Will Rory and Zeke be able to uncover who’s leaking secrets before anybody else gets hurt? Will Rory get Zeke to tell her more about the secrets in his past? You’ll have to read Sketcher in the Rye to find out. I enjoyed it and intend to read the previous books in this series.
2,323 reviews38 followers
January 1, 2014

4 STARS

Sketcher in the Rye is full of interesting characters. Rory McCain is the main character. She is now a detective out on her own. Al least for most of the people that's true. She has a former Marshall that helps her but he is dead.

Rory used to be a detective and police sketch artist. She inherited her late Uncle's house complete with a ghost.

Marshal Zeke Drummond was a marshal in the late 1800's in the wild west. Before Rory owned the house he was stuck just being a ghost their. Now he can leave but has to stay within a 100 yards of her. He helps Rory solve her cases. He can get a lot of information by going through walls or being invisible. He has old fashion ideas about courting.

Rory has a fun family, former police friends. Even starting to date someone new.

Rory has a new case to find out who is leaking information and trying to hurt Harper Farms. On her way back from first meeting her dog drags her into the corn maze and she finds a dead body.

The plot was good, has some good humor, The pacing was good. It kept you guessing to what and who was doing what till the end.

I liked how the story was more than solving the mystery. We learn about Rory's family and life. We also learn a little about Zeke's past. I like Rory's wacky neighbor. It made for a good story that I wanted to come back to see what the characters are going to do next.

Sketcher in the Rye is also a clean read except for pigpen!

I have not read any of the previous stories in this series and don't feel that I have not missed anything in this story. I would enjoy going back and reading them sometime.

I was given this ebook to read for purpose of giving a honest review and being part of its blog tour by Netgalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW
Profile Image for Andrea Guy.
1,483 reviews67 followers
December 30, 2013
There are too many reasons to love Sharon Pape's Sketcher In The Rye. It is a cozy mystery with a paranormal twist, and it is that paranormal side that really makes this book so fantastic.

It could be just like any other cozy mystery, with a female PI trying to solve a murder and the mystery of who is sabotaging Harper Farms. That would make for a fun cozy any day. But in this series, our heroine, Rory McCain, has a little help from a ghost named Zeke Drummond.

Sharon nicely blends the here and now mystery with flashbacks into Zeke's life for a fabulous read. Zeke really seems to be the star of the show with his antics at sleuthing and trying to protect Rory from harm, or at least from any guy she might try to date. I loved how the story pulled his past and Rory's present together towards the end.

The mystery was at times a bit slow, but the characters more than made up for it. I liked getting to know Rory's aunt Helene and I hope that Aaron might stick around as a love interest for Rory in upcoming books.

Overall, this was a nice light mystery. It is the 4th book in the series, but it can be read as a stand alone.
Profile Image for Kaye.
270 reviews27 followers
February 4, 2014
Rory is definitely having a bad day. Gil Harper hired her to find who in his employ, including his family, is behind acts of sabotage and information leaking to a competitor. Before she even left the farm, her dog Hobo fell in love with a pig and drug Rory through the mud, and then she stumbles over the corpse of the farm's accountant.

Not only is Rory dealing with two investigations, her ghostly roommate Zeke seems to be hiding something aided by their neighbor Eloise, and her parents are moving and her mother keeps dropping by with family heirlooms that Rory has never seen.

I love this series and I loved this book. The way Rory and Zeke interact is interesting, since he's been dead about 100 years and has some rather old-fashioned ways of looking at life. Hobo, the dog, is a great addition to the mix, along with her somewhat colorful neighbors and family. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
3,490 reviews46 followers
April 10, 2021
4.5 Stars rounded up to 5 Stars .
55 reviews8 followers
November 9, 2017
An old and a Present Mystery

The ghostly Sheriff and Rory are working together to solve how a farm is being sabatoged a a worker murdered when an old Bible shows a connection with her family and Zeke, the ghosts past.
Profile Image for Yvonne.
1,348 reviews264 followers
December 17, 2013
I never read anything by this author before and I end up starting with the fourth book in a series. I have to admit, it took me some time to get to know the characters and how a ghost came into Rory's life and became her partner. However, as I flipped the pages on my Kindle, I did become involved in the mystery and was curious to see how it all turned out. To top it all off, I found myself falling in love with these characters, including Rory's dog Hobo. I want to get to know them better.

The author tells a story well and brings the reader along for an intriguing ride. She even weaves the present day with a few scenes of Zeke in the 1800's. I liked the mix between the present day and the old Wild West.

At first, I felt as if I came into the middle of a movie, but I soon became captivated. Although I wish I read the first book before starting this one, I do plan to go back and read the entire series in order. I really liked the author's writing style, which is why I'm rating the book so high. I look forward to finding out more about this series.




FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Ruth Hill.
1,115 reviews648 followers
January 10, 2014
I guess I can say that I have mixed feelings about this cozy mystery. First of all, it is a clever story with some intriguing characters. And the ending was indeed a surprise. It follows the normal formula for a cozy mystery--no violence, no gore, minimal profanity (extremely minimal, to be perfectly honest), and no sex.

Since this is part of a series, I felt a bit lost since I had read none others in the series. I wish I knew more about Zeke. In fact, some of my favorite portions of the book involved flashbacks to the marshall's life. I easily could have read an entire book about him. I could have done without his being a ghost, but that is just a personal preference of mine. I would have preferred time travel or something like that.

The writing of the story was certainly better than average, and it is a quick read. But I highly recommend reading the series from the beginning before jumping into this book.

I was sent a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
Profile Image for Christa Nardi.
Author 66 books312 followers
December 15, 2013
Not quite so simple as solving a murder, but also how the murder relates to, if it does, with the sabotage of the company. Did Matthew get too close to identifying the person trying to break Gil's business? Which of his children resented Matthew and their father enough? And then there's the whole issue of Zeke not particularly thrilled with pediatrician Aaron romancing Rory... and Eloise's visions, family history, and let's not forget Hobo's infatuation with a pig! Rory's previous skills as a sketch artist come in to play as well. There are multiple twists and turns, likeable and unique characters, and Pape keeps you guessing until the end on all counts - murder, sabotage, and what's really bugging Zeke. This is the fourth in the Portrait of Crime Series and will be released December 17th!!! There's no need to read the prior three - it can stand alone - but you might want to start with the first one in the series, Sketch me if You Can!
Profile Image for Dharia Scarab.
3,255 reviews8 followers
November 5, 2014


Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...

1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.

2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.

3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.

4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.

5 stars... I loved this book! It had earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
Profile Image for JoAnn77PL.
53 reviews
August 19, 2016
I got back to this book after two months of reading other - more recently published, mysteries.
I was instantly drawn into Rory and Marshall's world.
I love, love, love their adventure but this one slightly dragged and didn't have this special "something". I must add - without revealing anything - that the suspicion about the murder solution rang in me from the beginning. But still, it was nicely shaped - though perhaps - seemed slightly hurried at the very end of "murder mystery" part.
Sadly, I think it is the last installment in the series, which is really a shame, because with so nice characters, I could return many more times to the book. Ah, well... Time will show.
Time spent with the book was the time well spent.
Profile Image for Melina.
228 reviews38 followers
December 10, 2013


I really enjoyed the rapport between Rory and Zeke. Rory has her hands full dealing with a ghost, Zeke, and her rambunctious dog, Hobo, then she stumbles upon a murder. This is a cozy that kept me guessing till the end. There is a alot of action and alot going on, not just the murder. Gil Harper's Farm is being sabotages and he hires Rory to find out who is sabotaging it, in the meantime, his longtime employee, who is like family, Matthew is murdered, so he asks Rory to solve that also. Filled with lots of suspects and an eccentric cast this is a great read. Even Zeke is harboring a secret in this story.


I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.
457 reviews3 followers
February 25, 2014
I am so glad this series is not finished. This is a great read if you like mysteries with paranormal mixed in.
Profile Image for Rice.
74 reviews2 followers
August 2, 2014
I love the humor in this series, and finding out more about Zeke's past. Can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Bonnie Drummond.
921 reviews19 followers
October 17, 2015
Edge of my seat on this one. Heartwarming to find a link from Rory to the Marshall. Sharon Pape is a excellent Paranormal Writer can't wait for the next one to come out.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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