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Relatively Dead #3
Defending the Dead
Abby Kimball has slowly accepted her recently discovered ability to see the dead, but none of the harmless sightings she’s experienced could have prepared her for the startling apparition of a centuries-old courtroom scene—where she locks eyes with a wicked and gleeful accuser. Thrown back more than three hundred years, Abby realizes she’s been plunged into a mystery that has fascinated people throughout American the Salem witch trials.
With her boyfriend Ned at her side, Abby digs into the history of the events, researching the people and possible causes of that terrible time and her own connection to them—all the while going more deeply into her connection to Ned, both extraordinary and romantic.
As Abby witnesses more fragments from the events in Salem and struggles with the question of how such a nightmare could have come about, she’s suddenly confronted with a pressing personal Were one or more of her ancestors among the accused? Unraveling the puzzling clues behind that question just might give Abby and Ned the answer to a very modern mystery of their own.
About the
Sheila Connolly is an Anthony and Agatha Award–nominated author who writes four bestselling cozy mystery the Museum Mysteries, the Orchard Mysteries, the County Cork Mysteries, and the Relatively Dead Mysteries. In addition, she has published Once She Knew, a romantic suspense; Reunion with Death, a traditional mystery set in Tuscany; and a number of short stories. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and three cats and travels to Ireland as often as possible.
With her boyfriend Ned at her side, Abby digs into the history of the events, researching the people and possible causes of that terrible time and her own connection to them—all the while going more deeply into her connection to Ned, both extraordinary and romantic.
As Abby witnesses more fragments from the events in Salem and struggles with the question of how such a nightmare could have come about, she’s suddenly confronted with a pressing personal Were one or more of her ancestors among the accused? Unraveling the puzzling clues behind that question just might give Abby and Ned the answer to a very modern mystery of their own.
About the
Sheila Connolly is an Anthony and Agatha Award–nominated author who writes four bestselling cozy mystery the Museum Mysteries, the Orchard Mysteries, the County Cork Mysteries, and the Relatively Dead Mysteries. In addition, she has published Once She Knew, a romantic suspense; Reunion with Death, a traditional mystery set in Tuscany; and a number of short stories. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and three cats and travels to Ireland as often as possible.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2015
142 people are currently reading
532 people want to read
About the author
Sheila Connolly
65 books1,385 followersSheila Connolly taught art history, structured and marketed municipal bonds for major cities, worked as a staff member on two statewide political campaigns, and served as a fundraiser for several non-profit organizations. She also managed her own consulting company providing genealogical research services.
She was a member of Sisters in Crime-New England (president 2011), the national Sisters in Crime, and the fabulous on-line SinC chapter, the Guppies. She also belonged to Romance Writers of America and Mystery Writers of America.
Sheila was Regent of her local DAR chapter, and a member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants. She was also the grandchild of Irish immigrants. In addition to genealogy, Sheila loved restoring old houses, visiting cemeteries, and traveling.
She was a member of Sisters in Crime-New England (president 2011), the national Sisters in Crime, and the fabulous on-line SinC chapter, the Guppies. She also belonged to Romance Writers of America and Mystery Writers of America.
Sheila was Regent of her local DAR chapter, and a member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants. She was also the grandchild of Irish immigrants. In addition to genealogy, Sheila loved restoring old houses, visiting cemeteries, and traveling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
April 4, 2018
The first book was OK, the second was a little repetitive and there were some annoying things but this book was really awful. It seems like the entire premise of book 3 was that book 2 never existed!! It's hard to explain without spoilers, but it's as if several big events from book 2 never happened. There is no continuity and it's as if someone different wrote this book - someone who only barely read book 2 years before. I will NOT be reading any more in this series.
February 26, 2022
Loved this book. One reason is I love thing written about Salem Mass. Have been there several times and looking forwarded to going again soon. It's a time in history that is hard to understand, because of what happened and how it came about.
September 26, 2017
Abby is obnoxious, self-centered, dishonest and has an anger problem. She feels that leaving things out is not lying to Ned. If she doesn't get the attention she requires, she gets angry. And when will Brad leave the storyline? After all, she is living with Ned! I guess that all of the above is the reason that she has no friends, except possibly the mother of the wimpy Ned.
November 29, 2017
Abby has lost her job and her rental house (but the latter isn't important as she has moved in with Nat), she is currently spending her days renovating the house and doing more Genealogy research. The latter brings her to Salem and the infamous Witch Trials, she soon realises that an ancestor of hers was there in the court (and later at the hangings!). As well as this Ellie (her previous boss's daughter) is determined to see her even though her Mother doesn't like the idea (Leslie is finding it hard to realise that Ellie, Abby and Nat can see ghosts). Abby needs to sort all of this out in order to get some peace of mind.
May 25, 2021
2.75 stars
February 11, 2025
it was nice, not intense. it felt interesting but not compelling. it was cute, not a series i would have to read every one.
May 4, 2015
I just finished reading Defending the Dead by Sheila Connolly. It is the third book in the Relatively Dead series. Abby Kimball is currently out of a job, but is using the time to fix up the house where she lives with her boyfriend Ned Newhall. He purchased a lovely old Victorian that needs a lot of work. Abby and Ned share a gift. They can see the dead. Well, only deceased people who are ancestors. It seems that they have to be a lineal ancestor. Abby only discovered her gift when she moved into the area and took a tour of an older home. Abby can see them, sometimes even talk to them, or see scenes from the past play out front her ancestor’s point of view. Ned has had the gift since he was young, but he suppressed it (actually, outright ignoring it). Ned’s mother, Sarah, has the gift, but she did not embrace it either. Now, though, they have someone else to consider. Ellie has the gift. Ellie is Ned’s biological daughter. Ned’s ex-finance, married a nice man, George, who cannot have children. Ned was the donor for both of their children (they have a young son named Peter).
Leslie has not taken the news of Ellie’s gift very well. Leslie was also Abby’s boss at the museum, but she fired Abby (I personally do not think that it is fair or legal). Abby has too much time on her hands to think. Abby is working on the house, but it leaves her mind keeps whirling. Abby wants to find out more about her gift and decides that Salem and the witch trials would be a place to start. Wants Abby gets started, she gets drawn into the history and she wants to know why witch trials happened.
One day Abby gets a call and it is Ellie. She took a bus to get to Abby. Ellie misses Abby because she is the only person who understands what she sees and hears. This makes Leslie realize that she has to let Ellie see Abby. Ellie and Abby get together one day a week during the summer. The other days Abby is researching the witch trails and her family lineage. Will Leslie understand Ellie’s gift? What will be the outcome of Abby’s research into her Salem ancestors and the witch trials? Will Ned actually do any work on the house?
Defending the Dead is a good book, but I did not enjoy it as much as the previous two books. I do not understand why the characters never embraced their wonderful gift nor Leslie’s attitude toward Abby. This book is also very heavy on the history (I do not mind, but some people might feel bogged down by it). I give Defending the Dead 4 out of 5 stars. I enjoy reading Sheila Connolly’s books. I read all her series (Orchard Mystery Series, Museum Mystery series, the County Cork Mystery series, and the Relatively Dead Mystery series).
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Leslie has not taken the news of Ellie’s gift very well. Leslie was also Abby’s boss at the museum, but she fired Abby (I personally do not think that it is fair or legal). Abby has too much time on her hands to think. Abby is working on the house, but it leaves her mind keeps whirling. Abby wants to find out more about her gift and decides that Salem and the witch trials would be a place to start. Wants Abby gets started, she gets drawn into the history and she wants to know why witch trials happened.
One day Abby gets a call and it is Ellie. She took a bus to get to Abby. Ellie misses Abby because she is the only person who understands what she sees and hears. This makes Leslie realize that she has to let Ellie see Abby. Ellie and Abby get together one day a week during the summer. The other days Abby is researching the witch trails and her family lineage. Will Leslie understand Ellie’s gift? What will be the outcome of Abby’s research into her Salem ancestors and the witch trials? Will Ned actually do any work on the house?
Defending the Dead is a good book, but I did not enjoy it as much as the previous two books. I do not understand why the characters never embraced their wonderful gift nor Leslie’s attitude toward Abby. This book is also very heavy on the history (I do not mind, but some people might feel bogged down by it). I give Defending the Dead 4 out of 5 stars. I enjoy reading Sheila Connolly’s books. I read all her series (Orchard Mystery Series, Museum Mystery series, the County Cork Mystery series, and the Relatively Dead Mystery series).
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2015
Just as I mentioned in my review of Seeing the Dead, book 2 of this series, there is no mystery. Abby sees a ghost which indicates that an ancestor was in Salem at the time of the witch trials and the story is all about her genealogical research to find out more about her ancestors. On the way to finding those details out, we get lots and lots of page time about Abby working on Ned's house. May I never read about wallpaper in another book again! We also get page after page after page about what she is thinking about. Most times I'd like a little more about what characters are thinking, but we're beaten to boredom by it.
There's also a lot about Leslie (her former boss as you find out as the book opens) and her issues with Abby. I question the whole legality of what happened and wonder why Abby didn't do anything.
As in Seeing the Dead, the book just ends like walking into a wall.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
There's also a lot about Leslie (her former boss as you find out as the book opens) and her issues with Abby. I question the whole legality of what happened and wonder why Abby didn't do anything.
As in Seeing the Dead, the book just ends like walking into a wall.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
July 1, 2015
Great Series, my only issue with Sheila's writing is that it is sometimes overfilled with antagonistic language. For instance, unnecessarily starting every other sentence with "Look, ...." possibly that is a cultural phenomena of the North East? where ever that verbal habit comes from it routinely drops my normally high praise for her stories down a notch/star. So, for story itself a solid 4, but this one annoying habit really got to me this time ... ergo 3. And secondly she started another sentence with "I dont mean to ..." Most adults will tell you, that"I dont mean to..."translates to you mean exactly that thing, should have been edited out of the final draft.
Still overall, I enjoyed the story and would classify it, a goodread.
Still overall, I enjoyed the story and would classify it, a goodread.
Read
December 29, 2019Abby Kimball continues learning about new experience and she can do with it Abby has moved into Ned's home and is beginning to rehab it. Trip to Salem convinces her that she has relatives living there at time of the trails. There is lot of information about the trails and early history the area. There was too much emphasis place on the genealogy information that cause me to loose interest and the book seemed ended suddenly.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Beyond the Page Publishing through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to thank for the opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Beyond the Page Publishing through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to thank for the opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions are my own.
October 11, 2016
I read this entire series on Kindle and tried to review it through that system and oops it did not take. I'm updating my reading list.
This series is beyond a favorite of mine. Please give it a read. I'm going to my 'cloud' and re-read them myself.
This series is beyond a favorite of mine. Please give it a read. I'm going to my 'cloud' and re-read them myself.
May 25, 2018
Probably more relevant to Americans, with the theories about what caused the Salem witch trials in the 18th century - though the explanation Abby/Sheila Connolly came up with seemed quite plausible to me. I'm finding Abby's character extremely irritating, however.
September 9, 2018
I have a lot of thoughts. First of all, a sperm donor is NOT the father and has absolutely no rights in the child life. The fact that the main character thinks that the mother of the sperm donor, the sperm donor, and her, the girlfriend of the sperm donor, should have access to the child is is troubling and dangerous. I am a biologist, and I am saying that biology has zero to do with parenting.
Second, she spends at least half of the book b-tching about the fact that she has no job, but does nothing about it. By the way, she has a wrongful termination lawsuit ready and done because of why she was fired. However, she complains about how she needs a job and wants a job but does ZERO work towards getting a real job. She talks about wallpapers and asks for free stuff from her working boyfriend. I already had an issue with it during the last book, but now that she was just complaining about not having a job yet asking for a brand new kitchen from her boyfriend was just gross.
Third, she is so mean to her doormat boyfriend. She tells him to cook himself or clean himself after he has been at work all day making money to support her. No, I do not think women are there to serve or whatever, but the partner who stays at home should be responsible for more of the house work than the person who is outside of the home. My former boss' husband used to make the food, took care of the kids, and the home while she was at work because that was his contribution to the relationship. She barely asks about him, she only talks about herself. She yells at Ned for having an opinion, like she is a dictator, and I only added the tator part to be nice.
Fourth, she had absolutely no right to tell the sperm donor's mother about the child. She yells at Ned because he hasn't talked to his mom about this, but she shut it down when he asked about if she talked to her parents about it. The amount of double standards with this woman is ridiculous.
I hate her. I don't hate many fictional characters, but I hate her. She claims that witches don't exist, she even calls them crazy, but she sees dead people. Excuse me, but if you are seeing dead people then don't come for witches like that. I don't believe you can see dead people or in magical powers, but if someone were to tell me they believe in it, I'd be like, cool because it is not my place to judge. She thinks the word "hysterical" is offensive, but she's totally cool with blaming a slave women and using the word "Indian" for Native Americans. She even corrects someone saying "the politically correct term is accused witches", she brought in politically correct but was using the word "Indian" for people who are not from India. She talks about hostile "Indians" in this book because they were defending their land and themselves from the genocide that occurred.
The author completely forgot about the second book in this one. She also has a different book series in which she demonizes the Brits because of how they treated the Irish, but treats/talks about actual slaves and Native Americans so poorly. Honestly, I don't think I can keep reading these books, and I'm going to need to step away from the other series of books this author writes, at least for a while. She is so careful about her own history, and feels so personal about her ancestors but some of us don't have the luxury of knowing where our people came from, because our ancestors were brought here on slave ships after they were kidnapped from their homes. I am cool with people looking for their ancestors and everything, like sure! Be proud of your heritage, but she was just so dismissive of Native Americans and in the last book she made the slave who escaped to freedom an alcoholic, it just doesn't sit well with me.
People might think I am oversensitive because of it, but no one is as oversensitive as the main character over the word "hysteria" or someone suggesting she get a job.
Second, she spends at least half of the book b-tching about the fact that she has no job, but does nothing about it. By the way, she has a wrongful termination lawsuit ready and done because of why she was fired. However, she complains about how she needs a job and wants a job but does ZERO work towards getting a real job. She talks about wallpapers and asks for free stuff from her working boyfriend. I already had an issue with it during the last book, but now that she was just complaining about not having a job yet asking for a brand new kitchen from her boyfriend was just gross.
Third, she is so mean to her doormat boyfriend. She tells him to cook himself or clean himself after he has been at work all day making money to support her. No, I do not think women are there to serve or whatever, but the partner who stays at home should be responsible for more of the house work than the person who is outside of the home. My former boss' husband used to make the food, took care of the kids, and the home while she was at work because that was his contribution to the relationship. She barely asks about him, she only talks about herself. She yells at Ned for having an opinion, like she is a dictator, and I only added the tator part to be nice.
Fourth, she had absolutely no right to tell the sperm donor's mother about the child. She yells at Ned because he hasn't talked to his mom about this, but she shut it down when he asked about if she talked to her parents about it. The amount of double standards with this woman is ridiculous.
I hate her. I don't hate many fictional characters, but I hate her. She claims that witches don't exist, she even calls them crazy, but she sees dead people. Excuse me, but if you are seeing dead people then don't come for witches like that. I don't believe you can see dead people or in magical powers, but if someone were to tell me they believe in it, I'd be like, cool because it is not my place to judge. She thinks the word "hysterical" is offensive, but she's totally cool with blaming a slave women and using the word "Indian" for Native Americans. She even corrects someone saying "the politically correct term is accused witches", she brought in politically correct but was using the word "Indian" for people who are not from India. She talks about hostile "Indians" in this book because they were defending their land and themselves from the genocide that occurred.
The author completely forgot about the second book in this one. She also has a different book series in which she demonizes the Brits because of how they treated the Irish, but treats/talks about actual slaves and Native Americans so poorly. Honestly, I don't think I can keep reading these books, and I'm going to need to step away from the other series of books this author writes, at least for a while. She is so careful about her own history, and feels so personal about her ancestors but some of us don't have the luxury of knowing where our people came from, because our ancestors were brought here on slave ships after they were kidnapped from their homes. I am cool with people looking for their ancestors and everything, like sure! Be proud of your heritage, but she was just so dismissive of Native Americans and in the last book she made the slave who escaped to freedom an alcoholic, it just doesn't sit well with me.
People might think I am oversensitive because of it, but no one is as oversensitive as the main character over the word "hysteria" or someone suggesting she get a job.
March 2, 2021
Can you say gold digger?
Abby: I want to work! I like to feel useful.
Brad: how is the job hunt going? My friend might know of a job.
Abby continues to wander around in generators until someone throws a job in her lap.
Brad: umm, this job doesn’t pay enough to live on
Abby: I don’t care about money! Plus you make a lot so you can support me even though we aren’t even engaged
Brad: grumbles
Abby finds a house to squat in once she’s homeless.
Abby loses job
Ned: come live with me
Abby: no way I want to be independent
Ned: I’m rich!
Abby: I don’t care About money! Let me see the place first to make sure it’s good enough
Ned: so...how long are you going to spend your days working on your family tree and wandering around cemeteries?
Abby: I want to work, I like to feel useful
Abby continues to complain about being jobless and does nothing to find a job, letting rich Ned take care of her and put up with her attitude
********
Don’t even get me started on her inappropriate relationship with Ellie. Leslie should get a restraining order and Ned should tell her that she needs to butt out. I almost quit this book when she asked Ned if he thought Leslie was a good mom. Ned has no right to a relationship with Ellie, and his sort of girlfriend certainly is out of line trying to creep in and try to set up herself in her relationship.
*******
I’m not even going to touch the plot. It’s a nice attempt at bringing the Salem witch trials into the current time but the plot is a disconnect from the first 2 books and completely ridiculous. But it all kind of pales in comparison to whatever she’s trying to do in terms of worming into Ellie’s life.
Abby: I want to work! I like to feel useful.
Brad: how is the job hunt going? My friend might know of a job.
Abby continues to wander around in generators until someone throws a job in her lap.
Brad: umm, this job doesn’t pay enough to live on
Abby: I don’t care about money! Plus you make a lot so you can support me even though we aren’t even engaged
Brad: grumbles
Abby finds a house to squat in once she’s homeless.
Abby loses job
Ned: come live with me
Abby: no way I want to be independent
Ned: I’m rich!
Abby: I don’t care About money! Let me see the place first to make sure it’s good enough
Ned: so...how long are you going to spend your days working on your family tree and wandering around cemeteries?
Abby: I want to work, I like to feel useful
Abby continues to complain about being jobless and does nothing to find a job, letting rich Ned take care of her and put up with her attitude
********
Don’t even get me started on her inappropriate relationship with Ellie. Leslie should get a restraining order and Ned should tell her that she needs to butt out. I almost quit this book when she asked Ned if he thought Leslie was a good mom. Ned has no right to a relationship with Ellie, and his sort of girlfriend certainly is out of line trying to creep in and try to set up herself in her relationship.
*******
I’m not even going to touch the plot. It’s a nice attempt at bringing the Salem witch trials into the current time but the plot is a disconnect from the first 2 books and completely ridiculous. But it all kind of pales in comparison to whatever she’s trying to do in terms of worming into Ellie’s life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2019
So, yeah, because of the structure of the series there is a lot of rehashing/repetition. I am personally not a fan of that. There is also a lot of exposition about research both in terms of content and methods. Like, I get it she googles a lot and really gets into how to go through microfilm or whatever.
I feel like we've all had a moment with the Salem witch trials, both historically and in fiction, and admittedly I have read a really great series that focused on that period exclusively so I may have rushed through a bit of the exposition. It was an interesting story but it had a lot of moments that went on.
Ned is the perfect first husband. He's kind of absent and distant but supportive and the connection they have is superficial and if they didn't have the one thing in common they probably wouldn't have stayed together this long. He has a great family. Her relationship with his family grows rather deeper than their own does, they hardly talk to each other in this novel. I get the impression he's over the supernatural business.
Leslie went off. I mean, she was almost too understanding but now this is all the way in the other direction. Idk how Abby is so casual and chill about being fired. Like, yeah her bf is well off, but rly. Idgi.
I feel like we've all had a moment with the Salem witch trials, both historically and in fiction, and admittedly I have read a really great series that focused on that period exclusively so I may have rushed through a bit of the exposition. It was an interesting story but it had a lot of moments that went on.
Ned is the perfect first husband. He's kind of absent and distant but supportive and the connection they have is superficial and if they didn't have the one thing in common they probably wouldn't have stayed together this long. He has a great family. Her relationship with his family grows rather deeper than their own does, they hardly talk to each other in this novel. I get the impression he's over the supernatural business.
Leslie went off. I mean, she was almost too understanding but now this is all the way in the other direction. Idk how Abby is so casual and chill about being fired. Like, yeah her bf is well off, but rly. Idgi.
April 1, 2022
First, it's not a mystery so why is this categorized as mystery?
Second, the repeating of the story line from beginning to end is getting to me. It's as if the author just copy and paste shortened version of the story line through out the book as a filler to fatten up the book. I find myself getting tired of this phenomenon and wonder how she wrote so many book in this trend in every series she has. I have so far read the County Cork series, Victorian Village series, and this is the 3rd and last book of this series I am going to read from her. I am also going to remove her from my list of author to watch for new books that's coming out!
Lastly, I want to show you how I read her books, can be done very fast. Read from beginning of the book say 2 chapters to get the main story line. Then, flip to the last chapter and read it. After that's done, with all the repeating the story line over and over, the very last chapter sums up the whole book really good. The very last thing would be to decide if there is any need to read the middle.
Voila! that is the new speed reading if I call it anything, it would be that!
Second, the repeating of the story line from beginning to end is getting to me. It's as if the author just copy and paste shortened version of the story line through out the book as a filler to fatten up the book. I find myself getting tired of this phenomenon and wonder how she wrote so many book in this trend in every series she has. I have so far read the County Cork series, Victorian Village series, and this is the 3rd and last book of this series I am going to read from her. I am also going to remove her from my list of author to watch for new books that's coming out!
Lastly, I want to show you how I read her books, can be done very fast. Read from beginning of the book say 2 chapters to get the main story line. Then, flip to the last chapter and read it. After that's done, with all the repeating the story line over and over, the very last chapter sums up the whole book really good. The very last thing would be to decide if there is any need to read the middle.
Voila! that is the new speed reading if I call it anything, it would be that!
September 27, 2018
I enjoyed the novelty of the story line in the first book in this series, and the relationships developed between the Abby and the other characters. The 2nd book became tedious in sections, when several pages were dedicated to Abby's scattered, ever -roaming and often repeating thoughts. There is a reason that we do not always share every single random thought with those around us - they are boring to anyone else but ourselves. I have now stopped reading mid-way through the 3rd book - I cannot take any more of Abby's constantly blathering thought process.
Her relationship with Ned has evolved into two long, tedious and repeating events: she asks him something about the unique situations they experience, and he answers that he does not know. She gets irrationally angry upon discovering something he has not previously shared with her, then she forgives him. She also has to prod him to complete any sort of goals in his personal life - he has also become a one dimensional character, who cannot stand up against her sometimes irrational behavior.
Her relationship with Ned has evolved into two long, tedious and repeating events: she asks him something about the unique situations they experience, and he answers that he does not know. She gets irrationally angry upon discovering something he has not previously shared with her, then she forgives him. She also has to prod him to complete any sort of goals in his personal life - he has also become a one dimensional character, who cannot stand up against her sometimes irrational behavior.
February 24, 2023
I think this is where me and the Relatively Dead series part ways. I liked the first two books for the most part, although I had some problems with them as well, but there was enough good stuff to keep me going. In Defending the Dead, Abby is once again trying to figure out her gift. Since she lost her job at the end of the second book, she has a lot of time on her hands (and can I just say that Abby is a lot more forgiving towards her former boss than I would be, I thought she should totally sue Leslie for wrongful termination.)
So, my critiques of this book are a few. For one, the author tends to repeat things, it's like they don't trust us to remember what happened previously. Also, we get to hear every thought Abby has and her mental conversations repeat ALOT so we get to hear the same train of thought several times. Her relationship with Ned is just okay and unfortunately, Ned is back to having no personality and is a bit of a doormat. To be honest, except for some of the historical facts that Abby spouted, I was kind of bored for the majority of the book.
So, my critiques of this book are a few. For one, the author tends to repeat things, it's like they don't trust us to remember what happened previously. Also, we get to hear every thought Abby has and her mental conversations repeat ALOT so we get to hear the same train of thought several times. Her relationship with Ned is just okay and unfortunately, Ned is back to having no personality and is a bit of a doormat. To be honest, except for some of the historical facts that Abby spouted, I was kind of bored for the majority of the book.
March 23, 2021
Relatively Dead Mysteries should stay dead!!
From Defending the Dead - “Hey, Abby—can we get this rolling?” Leslie demanded. “I’ve got to get home sometime today.” And there lies the problem. Abby (the main character in this series)NEVER does anything quickly.
It's bad enough that Abby HAS to figure out what is going on with her (seeing dead relatives) but now she forces her way into the life of 7 year old Ellie, who is her ex-boss Leslie's daughter,(who also sees dead relatives). Sorry Abby, not your child, not your business.
I just realized there are 3 more books in this series. I will not be reading them! I cannot read any more books with all Abby whining about everything and repeating her story over and over again (with a few changes in wording).
None of the books have ended well and I would not class them as mysteries!
From Defending the Dead - “Hey, Abby—can we get this rolling?” Leslie demanded. “I’ve got to get home sometime today.” And there lies the problem. Abby (the main character in this series)NEVER does anything quickly.
It's bad enough that Abby HAS to figure out what is going on with her (seeing dead relatives) but now she forces her way into the life of 7 year old Ellie, who is her ex-boss Leslie's daughter,(who also sees dead relatives). Sorry Abby, not your child, not your business.
I just realized there are 3 more books in this series. I will not be reading them! I cannot read any more books with all Abby whining about everything and repeating her story over and over again (with a few changes in wording).
None of the books have ended well and I would not class them as mysteries!
February 27, 2019
In this installment of the Relatively Dead series, Abby has moved in with Ned. Since she lost her job at the museum, she has more time on her hands. She decides to see if any of her relatives were part of the Salem Witch trials in 1692 and 1693.
Meanwhile she has to mend a broken relationship with Lindsey, the curator at the museum. Will she allow her to spend time with Elle, Lindsey's daughter? Oh, did I mention Elle has the same abilities to see ghosts of people from the past?
My Review: I enjoyed the historical aspect of the story. I was a little confused with the whole moving in with Ned and Elle but that was because I had only listened to part of the previous story. In order to get the whole picture, you need to read the stories in order. They build upon each other.
Meanwhile she has to mend a broken relationship with Lindsey, the curator at the museum. Will she allow her to spend time with Elle, Lindsey's daughter? Oh, did I mention Elle has the same abilities to see ghosts of people from the past?
My Review: I enjoyed the historical aspect of the story. I was a little confused with the whole moving in with Ned and Elle but that was because I had only listened to part of the previous story. In order to get the whole picture, you need to read the stories in order. They build upon each other.
September 19, 2020
Defending the Dead
I'd read the first two books some time ago so was thrilled to find this one. As an amateur genealogists I found the subject interesting. Wish I could find things as easily as they all do in novels!. The Salem witch trials are history and thus interesting. Abby being able to see dead ancestors was another catch for me. It did drag on and seemed slow, thus the 3 stars. Abby's obsession was a drag on her relationship to Ned even though he was understanding and supportive. His part in the story was very limited and he didn't seem very interested in the research nor his own home, only his work and he left Abby to carry the story.
But I enjoy this author so will look for her next book.
I'd read the first two books some time ago so was thrilled to find this one. As an amateur genealogists I found the subject interesting. Wish I could find things as easily as they all do in novels!. The Salem witch trials are history and thus interesting. Abby being able to see dead ancestors was another catch for me. It did drag on and seemed slow, thus the 3 stars. Abby's obsession was a drag on her relationship to Ned even though he was understanding and supportive. His part in the story was very limited and he didn't seem very interested in the research nor his own home, only his work and he left Abby to carry the story.
But I enjoy this author so will look for her next book.
March 15, 2017
This was kind of a fun excuse for the author to share all of her research and theories about what caused the Salem Witch Trials. Abby, the protagonist of this series, sees dead people. Not always, and certainly not continuously, and she can't talk to them. That last is important because it means she has to do a great deal of genealogical research, sometimes just to find out who the person she has "seen" actually was in life. Abby and her boyfriend Ned are restoring a Victorian house in Lexington, Massachusetts. The house backs on to a cemetery and their relatives, the Reeds, are buried there in large numbers. Abby and Ned are both sensitive to the "ghosts" of these relatives and from time to time have been drawn into their stories, usually when strong emotion is involved. But this time, on a visit to Salem, Abby experiences bits of the 1692 witch trials through the eyes of her nine times removed great grandmother, Hannah Barton. Flash forward a couple of centuries and a Barton will marry a Reed, hence Abby's ability to see through Hannah's eyes. This novel wasn't heavy on plot, although I enjoyed the details of restoring the grand Victorian, but it was full of tidbits about the people and the place where the witch hunt took place. The theory Abby comes up with about why it happened makes plenty of sense from the perspective of a twenty-first century woman, but there are a lot of gaps in the historic record. I read this in two days.
March 16, 2021
I read the first three books of the series. Sometimes, I feel like they get mired in historical facts, but I like the premise. However, I have to say, in the first book, I liked Leslie. I can’t stand her any longer. She’s irrational and mean, but Abby keeps helping her out with her daughter. Not sure I would be so generous with someone who talked to me the way she does, and then expect me to be her babysitter.
Abby had a quick temper and could use some anger management classes.
It might be nice to hear from Ned’s POV.
I see these books going downhill. Hoping the next one improves.
Abby had a quick temper and could use some anger management classes.
It might be nice to hear from Ned’s POV.
I see these books going downhill. Hoping the next one improves.
January 29, 2017
My own attraction to this series is the genealogy. It reminds me how exciting it is when you are new to it and how rapidly one can travel unexpected paths in the pursuit of ancestors. As with Abby's experience, it leads the person into elements of history that were not so interesting before finding a personal link. It's fun to be reminded of that initial enthusiasm and excitement.
I have read three of these in two days and really have to get something else done this weekend, or will I just head on into number four of the series? Probably the latter.
I have read three of these in two days and really have to get something else done this weekend, or will I just head on into number four of the series? Probably the latter.
December 9, 2017
Great historical fiction
This series has me hooked. I am particularly interested in the genealogical research that the main character is doing. I am trying to follow my own ancestry and it is complicated by most of them coming from other countries.
I also enjoyed how Abigail came up with the idea of what happened in Salem during the witch trials.
I am looking forward to reading more of this series..
This series has me hooked. I am particularly interested in the genealogical research that the main character is doing. I am trying to follow my own ancestry and it is complicated by most of them coming from other countries.
I also enjoyed how Abigail came up with the idea of what happened in Salem during the witch trials.
I am looking forward to reading more of this series..
December 4, 2023
somewhat rambling ghost story
The book has one great flaw—too many “What if?” questions. At times it seemed entire pages were “What if…?” I had trouble keeping up with the extensive genealogy. There are good romance portions, interesting interactions with skeptics, and angry denials by non-believers. In addition, there is no way the main character would have been fired from her job based on her boss’s denial of mental intuition, apparitions, or ESP.
The book has one great flaw—too many “What if?” questions. At times it seemed entire pages were “What if…?” I had trouble keeping up with the extensive genealogy. There are good romance portions, interesting interactions with skeptics, and angry denials by non-believers. In addition, there is no way the main character would have been fired from her job based on her boss’s denial of mental intuition, apparitions, or ESP.
January 4, 2025
Not my favorite of the series. Between Meg's constant whining and Ned's patronizing tone, I finished the book to be done with it more than enjoyment. Still, I did learn and objectively consider more about the witch trials than I ever did in school, and it inspired me to learn more about my own Salem ancestor. Not a waste, but not a recommended read. Hoping for better movement of the plot in the next book.
June 10, 2018
Abby gets deep into the Salem witch trials after realizing that some of her ancestors were involved. A lot of interesting 'history' of Salem and the trials, as Abby researches it, trying to determine what could possibly have caused the whole thing. We also learn more about Ned's mother Sarah when she comes to visit. Very good series!
June 25, 2018
Interesting exploration of history
This installment of the series focuses in on the Salem Witch trials. There are many theories about what could have caused the whole shameful incident but it is likely that no one will ever know what motivated Abigail Williams to start the rumors and cause the hysteria and executions of 19 innocent people
This installment of the series focuses in on the Salem Witch trials. There are many theories about what could have caused the whole shameful incident but it is likely that no one will ever know what motivated Abigail Williams to start the rumors and cause the hysteria and executions of 19 innocent people
June 22, 2021
I have mixed feelings about this book but I did enjoy it. There were a couple of times that I got a little lost on what the point of the book was. And I'm still not sure why it is labeled "mystery". But the information about the witch trials was interesting and I always enjoy historical material, so the book was a solid 3 for me.
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