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Pyper Rayne #1
Spirits, Stilettos and a Silver Bustier
From New York Times bestselling author Deanna Chase, the first book in the Pyper Rayne series (a spin-off of the Jade Calhoun Series). All Pyper Rayne—medium and coffee shop owner—wanted was the perfect vintage dress. What she got was a dead shop owner and a sexy ghost who’s suddenly everywhere—at her shop, in her car, and even lounging in her bedroom. But he’s not just any ghost. He’s a witch and able to appear in solid form…sometimes. If only he'd stop disappearing on her. And Pyper needs his help. When she becomes target numero uno and the prime suspect in the shop owner’s death, it appears her ghost holds the key to solving the murder. In between stolen kisses, Pyper will need to get to the bottom of all of his secrets if she wants to stay alive and out of jail…and maybe finally get that date he keeps promising her.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 16, 2015
1764 people are currently reading
2511 people want to read
About the author
Deanna Chase
133 books1,687 followersDeanna is a native Californian, transplanted to the slower paced lifestyle of southeastern Louisiana. When she isn't writing, she is often goofing off with her husband in New Orleans, playing with her two shih tzu dogs, making glass beads, or out hocking her wares at various bead shows across the country. For more information and updates on newest releases visit her blog at www.deannachase.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 323 reviews
May 27, 2023
Pyper Rayne and her best friend Jade were shopping for a vintage design dress for her to wear at the opening of the art show the following week. When Pyper found owner, Ruby's, body at the back of the shop, she'd been strangled, the second woman to be strangled in a short time. But worse was to come - Pyper was next on the list to lose her life...
Pyper was a medium and owned the local coffee shop, working beside Jade, who was a witch. Jade's husband Kane was also a witch, and had been Pyper's good friend for many years. But it was the arrival of Julius, a ghost who could appear in solid form, who would help them all, plus the witch council, as they set out to find the killer. But was it too late for Pyper?
Spirits, Stilettos & a Silver Bustier is the 1st in the Pyper Rayne series by Deanna Chase and I quite enjoyed it. I don't read a lot of ghostly, witchy books, but this one was fun and entertaining, which I needed after my last book. I think I'd best check out #2 :) Recommended.
Pyper was a medium and owned the local coffee shop, working beside Jade, who was a witch. Jade's husband Kane was also a witch, and had been Pyper's good friend for many years. But it was the arrival of Julius, a ghost who could appear in solid form, who would help them all, plus the witch council, as they set out to find the killer. But was it too late for Pyper?
Spirits, Stilettos & a Silver Bustier is the 1st in the Pyper Rayne series by Deanna Chase and I quite enjoyed it. I don't read a lot of ghostly, witchy books, but this one was fun and entertaining, which I needed after my last book. I think I'd best check out #2 :) Recommended.
April 6, 2018
So this book is the first in an offshoot series about Pyper who fans of this author may remember from her Jade Calhoun series. Jade might be a powerful Witch but Pyper is a Medium with her own Spirit Guides and a very tempting ghost who just happens to have the ability to become corporeal ! Now as Pyper is also an artist who specialises in body art you can just imagine the ideas that blow up her brain but alas this isn’t a run of the mill romance. No this is a murder mystery with Pyper in the frame as suspect number one. Yes women are dying and unfortunately Pyper also seems to have a target on her back so sit back and enjoy the twists, the mystery and as its New Orleans the fun !
Pyper is a bright and breezy character who never seems to listen to advice. Her friends Jade and Kane are very much present in this story but it’s her ghost friend Julius that I struggled with. Hot, cold and dissapearing when he felt like it but at least Pyper calls him out ! This story had lots of mystery and suspense but if you are hoping for romance then it’s not really happening but the possibilities are definitely there.
As I write this is currently free on kindle
Pyper is a bright and breezy character who never seems to listen to advice. Her friends Jade and Kane are very much present in this story but it’s her ghost friend Julius that I struggled with. Hot, cold and dissapearing when he felt like it but at least Pyper calls him out ! This story had lots of mystery and suspense but if you are hoping for romance then it’s not really happening but the possibilities are definitely there.
As I write this is currently free on kindle
April 3, 2020
This was a fun book to read with witches, mediums, ghosts, pastries and murder that kept me entertained. I enjoyed Ms. Chase's writing style which flowed as the story unfolded. The characters are quirky and very likable. Ms. Chase introduced a new type of paranormal entity in a corporeal ghost that Pyper had met previously and is an integral part of this story. I will definitely be reading more in this series.
August 23, 2019
Rating 3.5 out 5
There are a lot of the quirky ghost/witch books out there. This one is definitely one of the better ones. The story is well written, the characters are interesting and not too over the top silly. I have not read the Jade Calhoun series and feel like the reader would benefit from reading it first but I wasn't totally lost. There were just parts where I felt like I was missing the inside scoop.
Pyper was a great character. As a medium she encountered spirits pretty much every where she went. I loved how she would sort through them and figure out which ones were to be listened to and which ones were just looking for attention. Some of the ghosts that appeared in her life were quite the characters and really helped shape the book.
Julius is a ghost that is all kinds of hot. He was a witch and can now take physical shape but it seems to be randomly. I can't wait to read on in this series and see what Deanna Chase has in store for his character.
There are a lot of the quirky ghost/witch books out there. This one is definitely one of the better ones. The story is well written, the characters are interesting and not too over the top silly. I have not read the Jade Calhoun series and feel like the reader would benefit from reading it first but I wasn't totally lost. There were just parts where I felt like I was missing the inside scoop.
Pyper was a great character. As a medium she encountered spirits pretty much every where she went. I loved how she would sort through them and figure out which ones were to be listened to and which ones were just looking for attention. Some of the ghosts that appeared in her life were quite the characters and really helped shape the book.
Julius is a ghost that is all kinds of hot. He was a witch and can now take physical shape but it seems to be randomly. I can't wait to read on in this series and see what Deanna Chase has in store for his character.
February 9, 2018
Never underestimate the value of a good stiletto!
I'm familiar with this author's work from the Jade Calhoun series. While that's not required reading before this book, it does make for a richer read as it fills in back story for many of the characters.
Pyper is your ordinary, run of the mill girl. She's a former strip club manager, current artist working with body paint and models, and owns a coffee shop. She also talks to spirits, and lusts after an especially fine ghost. New Orleans normal, right?
She and her friend Jade, an empath, artist, and witch, seem to have a knack for being in the wrong place at the right time. Pyper finds a murdered woman, and the plot thickens quickly from there.
Well written with quick pacing, fast wit, and Deanna's signature blend of sexy paranormal mystery, this is a fun read.
I'm familiar with this author's work from the Jade Calhoun series. While that's not required reading before this book, it does make for a richer read as it fills in back story for many of the characters.
Pyper is your ordinary, run of the mill girl. She's a former strip club manager, current artist working with body paint and models, and owns a coffee shop. She also talks to spirits, and lusts after an especially fine ghost. New Orleans normal, right?
She and her friend Jade, an empath, artist, and witch, seem to have a knack for being in the wrong place at the right time. Pyper finds a murdered woman, and the plot thickens quickly from there.
Well written with quick pacing, fast wit, and Deanna's signature blend of sexy paranormal mystery, this is a fun read.
March 25, 2015
People tend to dwell more on negative things than on good things. So the mind then becomes obsessed with negative things, with judgments, guilt and anxiety produced by thoughts about the future and so on. - Eckhart Tolle
I keep going to the river to pray
'Cause I need something that can wash out the pain
And at most
I'm sleeping all these demons away
But your ghost, the ghost of you
It keeps me awake - Ella Henderson - Ghost
I am a Deanna Chase junkie. There. I said it. Loud and proud, Baby! Her Jade Calhoun series, beginning with Haunted on Bourbon Street is an automatic ‘must buy’ for me. The books combine fantasy, humour, great characters and of course the spectacular New Orleans life into a treat for the reader.
We first met Pyper Rayne in Haunted when she was being terrorized by one of the nastiest ghosts you can imagine. Now, with Spirits, Stilettos, and a Silver Bustier Pyper gets her own series – (yes, that is me, dancing around the room and giggling. Get over it. ;-) )
Pyper’s life is working out pretty well, if she does say so herself. She owns her own coffee shop right next to the stripper bar where she used to work. Her friends are all safe (for now), she has good friends, and she is getting ready for a gallery showing of her body painting. Exciting! The only thing is – when she shops for a vintage dress for her gallery show, everything starts running off the rails. The shop owner ends up dead, and Pyper is the prime suspect. Add to that the ghostly voices coming from the walls, and the hot ghost who is following her around, and life is getting a lot less happy than it was just yesterday.
Spirits is a great new addition to the original series. Pyper was always one of my favorites of the Bourbon Street series, and the first book in her series does wonders for the character. We get to meet new characters, including a sexy ghost with highly unusual talents, the mystery is very well done as all Deanna’s mysteries are, and the setup for the next book is awesome. If you like your UF with a bit of mystery, not a lot of ‘over the top’ smexy, and a good deal of humour, this is a series you should try!
I receive this book from the publisher in exchange for a realistic review. Highly recommended.
I keep going to the river to pray
'Cause I need something that can wash out the pain
And at most
I'm sleeping all these demons away
But your ghost, the ghost of you
It keeps me awake - Ella Henderson - Ghost
I am a Deanna Chase junkie. There. I said it. Loud and proud, Baby! Her Jade Calhoun series, beginning with Haunted on Bourbon Street is an automatic ‘must buy’ for me. The books combine fantasy, humour, great characters and of course the spectacular New Orleans life into a treat for the reader.
We first met Pyper Rayne in Haunted when she was being terrorized by one of the nastiest ghosts you can imagine. Now, with Spirits, Stilettos, and a Silver Bustier Pyper gets her own series – (yes, that is me, dancing around the room and giggling. Get over it. ;-) )
Pyper’s life is working out pretty well, if she does say so herself. She owns her own coffee shop right next to the stripper bar where she used to work. Her friends are all safe (for now), she has good friends, and she is getting ready for a gallery showing of her body painting. Exciting! The only thing is – when she shops for a vintage dress for her gallery show, everything starts running off the rails. The shop owner ends up dead, and Pyper is the prime suspect. Add to that the ghostly voices coming from the walls, and the hot ghost who is following her around, and life is getting a lot less happy than it was just yesterday.
Spirits is a great new addition to the original series. Pyper was always one of my favorites of the Bourbon Street series, and the first book in her series does wonders for the character. We get to meet new characters, including a sexy ghost with highly unusual talents, the mystery is very well done as all Deanna’s mysteries are, and the setup for the next book is awesome. If you like your UF with a bit of mystery, not a lot of ‘over the top’ smexy, and a good deal of humour, this is a series you should try!
I receive this book from the publisher in exchange for a realistic review. Highly recommended.
February 24, 2017
Reread this before I read the second and third book since I couldn't remember most of it. I still really enjoyed it and i'm really looking forward too the next two books!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Received from: Bayou Moon Press
Received Via: NetGalley.com
THE REVIEW
Why this book?
It sounded like a book for me
What I thought
I really enjoyed this book. I never read the Jade Calhoun series but i'm definitely gonna check it out after reading this book. This had everything I love about paranormal mystery's. I couldn't put this book down it had me at the edge of my seat from the beginning. I loved the characters and the premise and can't wait for the next book. Overall an enjoyable read.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Received from: Bayou Moon Press
Received Via: NetGalley.com
THE REVIEW
Why this book?
It sounded like a book for me
What I thought
I really enjoyed this book. I never read the Jade Calhoun series but i'm definitely gonna check it out after reading this book. This had everything I love about paranormal mystery's. I couldn't put this book down it had me at the edge of my seat from the beginning. I loved the characters and the premise and can't wait for the next book. Overall an enjoyable read.
November 16, 2019
Haunts of the Big Easy
I just met Pyper in the Jade Calhoun series also by Deanna Chase. The main characters in both series are paranormal and have special abilities.
Upper is a medium and can hear ghosts. When she heard a ghost calling out to her, claiming to be trapped she tried to discover who might be trying to reach her. After 2 women are murdered a theory emerges and she and her supernatural friends become involved in a complicated intrigue.
Romance, hot witches and corrupt cops all are involved in the story. Great flow making this an easy read, a strong plot and mini plots. A bit more adult that many cozies and fun!
I just met Pyper in the Jade Calhoun series also by Deanna Chase. The main characters in both series are paranormal and have special abilities.
Upper is a medium and can hear ghosts. When she heard a ghost calling out to her, claiming to be trapped she tried to discover who might be trying to reach her. After 2 women are murdered a theory emerges and she and her supernatural friends become involved in a complicated intrigue.
Romance, hot witches and corrupt cops all are involved in the story. Great flow making this an easy read, a strong plot and mini plots. A bit more adult that many cozies and fun!
March 11, 2015
My only complaint about the book was that I finished it too fast!! I loved the story...the focus is on Pyper and her ghost friend Julius. This book held my attention from beginning to end and I can't wait to see what happens next in their story.
We start off with Pyper becoming the target of a witchy killer and her friends and Julius try to help her stay one step ahead.
Definitely a must read!
We start off with Pyper becoming the target of a witchy killer and her friends and Julius try to help her stay one step ahead.
Definitely a must read!
March 25, 2015
This was such a great book. I sat down and read it from beginning to end. The characters are great and thoroughly enjoyed everything about it.
September 23, 2016
Oh Ida Mae is flipping funny. Poor Pyper to find mr. Perfect and he is a ghost we should all be lucky
April 8, 2018
Awesome read
Pyper is amazing and has a magnetic personality and, oh yeah, she can talk to ghosts. When Julius enters her life she knows nothing will ever be the same again. Pyper and her friends try to avoid trouble but they are just drawn to it at every turn or, rather, trouble is drawn to them...especially when Pyper's life is at stake. Very enjoyable, funny read. Highly suggest.
Pyper is amazing and has a magnetic personality and, oh yeah, she can talk to ghosts. When Julius enters her life she knows nothing will ever be the same again. Pyper and her friends try to avoid trouble but they are just drawn to it at every turn or, rather, trouble is drawn to them...especially when Pyper's life is at stake. Very enjoyable, funny read. Highly suggest.
March 30, 2018
Interesting concept, and I love Julius.... hopefully that relationship will flourish. I’ve never read the Jade Calhoun series, but will have to investigate further. My primary criticism is that this felt like an appetizer - it seemed to stop as soon as it started. Will definitely continue the series, tho.
October 27, 2020
Murderer on the loose. Ghost that pop up in random times. A ghost potential guy that’s also a witch and can be solid for a little bit. This story was pretty great to read. The killer was someone I didn’t expect at all which made the book even better. Can’t wait to read the next one.
May 29, 2017
Fun paranormal mystery. Good blend of mystery, paranormal and humor.
February 13, 2018
Loved it Deanna is one of my favorite authors!
I have read quite a few of Deanna's books, I love her characters they really come alive, and the plots are never alike and I can't imagine where she gets her knowledge of the supernatural from but it sure sounds realistic!
I have read quite a few of Deanna's books, I love her characters they really come alive, and the plots are never alike and I can't imagine where she gets her knowledge of the supernatural from but it sure sounds realistic!
July 11, 2019
Enjoyed it. Just wish the next books were in Kindle Unlimited. Would have read the whole series.
July 12, 2021
I got this as a freebie! Mediums and ghosts! The beginning drew me into the story! I enjoyed the New Orleans setting!
February 9, 2018
Fun and Spirits
This was an entertaining book and had great characters. Pyper is a witch who goes shopping for a dress and ends up finding a body. She has a ghost watching over her and the excitement is ramped up. I want to read more about Pyper.
This was an entertaining book and had great characters. Pyper is a witch who goes shopping for a dress and ends up finding a body. She has a ghost watching over her and the excitement is ramped up. I want to read more about Pyper.
October 30, 2017
This was really good - and I don’t read paranormal romance and was turned off by the title. I loved the characters. This is a spin off from Jade’s series, which you obviously don’t need to had read to enjoy this. The magic, ghosts and witches are believable within the story and it’s just fascinating. The romance is delightful as is the friendship. Highly recommend.
January 19, 2018
great book. suspenseful and fun at the same time.
April 2, 2015
I have read Deanna Chase before and really enjoyed her Jade Calhoun series which started off with the first book Haunting on Bourbon Street. New Orleans is the setting for these series, and is a great place to combine the contemporary and the arcane history of the place in all its forms, both of which, of course, New Orleans is renowned for.
This series is a spin-off from the Jade Calhoun books, and retains a good balance of the mystique paranormal world of witches, voodoo and magic, with the modern day retail world of a pastry shop, next door to a night club.
The focus is set on Pyper, who has the unfortunate gift of liaising with ghosts, surrounded by her closest friends Jade a witch, and Kane a sensitive and astute hipster and savvy businessman. Objectify these images with strong personalities and crazy events, and the reader is left focused on a good mystery murder as the book morphs into a fine esoteric novel.
Pyper buys a ‘new’ dress for her art opening event, and the scene is set for a novel that quickly reaches plenty of action shooting out from multiple directions. Nothing is simple, too many doorways open and close in on Pyper leaving her in terror and fear for her friends, her favourite ghost, and not just the supernatural, because not even the police department likes her.
This series is a spin-off from the Jade Calhoun books, and retains a good balance of the mystique paranormal world of witches, voodoo and magic, with the modern day retail world of a pastry shop, next door to a night club.
The focus is set on Pyper, who has the unfortunate gift of liaising with ghosts, surrounded by her closest friends Jade a witch, and Kane a sensitive and astute hipster and savvy businessman. Objectify these images with strong personalities and crazy events, and the reader is left focused on a good mystery murder as the book morphs into a fine esoteric novel.
Pyper buys a ‘new’ dress for her art opening event, and the scene is set for a novel that quickly reaches plenty of action shooting out from multiple directions. Nothing is simple, too many doorways open and close in on Pyper leaving her in terror and fear for her friends, her favourite ghost, and not just the supernatural, because not even the police department likes her.
July 8, 2024
I want to like this book, but I don't think it's for me. I love the New Orleans setting and the supernatural elements of ghosts, mediums and witches, but I'm just not connecting or even liking the characters. I was expecting an tough, edgy, cool main character in Pyper but she's just meh - she's nice girl with a colorful past that comes through in her personality.
Another thing that I didn't like was the writing. The overall writing was fine, but it feel like you were plopped into the middle of a series instead of at the start. While I do recognize that this is a spin off and supposed to cater to fans, I was hoping that I could just read through this and enjoy, but I felt like I was just missing some backstory for all the characters. It's like you're expected to know who Jade, Pyper, and Kane are and all their quirks and personality.
I don't think I can finish this book.
Another thing that I didn't like was the writing. The overall writing was fine, but it feel like you were plopped into the middle of a series instead of at the start. While I do recognize that this is a spin off and supposed to cater to fans, I was hoping that I could just read through this and enjoy, but I felt like I was just missing some backstory for all the characters. It's like you're expected to know who Jade, Pyper, and Kane are and all their quirks and personality.
I don't think I can finish this book.
May 7, 2017
One of those Can't Put It Down Until I Find Out What Happens Next books. Lots of action, plot twists, and suspense, all set in one of my favorite places to be. With supportive friends both living and ghost, Pyper works to solve the murders done by a witch/serial killer and winds up in jail, fighting for her own life, and trying to sort out her relationship with a living ghost, while running her coffee shop and advance her career as a very unusual artist.
November 7, 2017
I started reading the Jade Calhoun series several years ago and actually lost track of the series until this past year. Life sadly gets in the way. I was delighted to see she continued with Pyper's spin-off. It was incredibly easy to step back into the world Deanna created. Pyper is as sassy as ever and I believe even if you haven't read Jade and Kane's story yet this series can stand alone. However, be warned it will make you want to pick the first series.
December 2, 2016
Fun AND funny with a side of super sexy. I do love witches ... and New Orleans .. and stiletto heels ... and 1920s rum runners. Yeah, I pretty much loved everything about this one. Guess I gotta go get the sequel. (Sigh) Life is rough.
December 5, 2016
Fun, flirty and fantastic!
Me. Chase gives us a wild ride ride through the French Quarter. It's a ride filled with strong women, sexy men, tasty treats and a lot of magic.. all f2f he things I love most. I think I've found a new addiction!
Me. Chase gives us a wild ride ride through the French Quarter. It's a ride filled with strong women, sexy men, tasty treats and a lot of magic.. all f2f he things I love most. I think I've found a new addiction!
January 4, 2017
Love all your books!!!
I recommend your books to everyone. Thank you for the amazing experience. I can't help but emerse myself into the story and you make it so easy. Again, Thank you.
I recommend your books to everyone. Thank you for the amazing experience. I can't help but emerse myself into the story and you make it so easy. Again, Thank you.
July 1, 2017
Funny And Romantic
I loved the sexy, smart heroine and her ghost boyfriend. The dialogs were witty. The romance wasn't like reading a skin magazine. I don't think I'm a prude, but I don't enjoy reading 10 pages of who put what where.
I loved the sexy, smart heroine and her ghost boyfriend. The dialogs were witty. The romance wasn't like reading a skin magazine. I don't think I'm a prude, but I don't enjoy reading 10 pages of who put what where.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 323 reviews