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Chesterton Holte, Gentelman Haunt Mystery #1
Haunting Investigation
Spring 1924. The world has clawed its way back from the ravages of WWI and the Spanish Flu pandemic. The 20's are beginning to roar. Poppy Thornton lives with her Aunt Jo and her excitable cat Maestro in upper-crust Philadelphia. Poppy is determined to make a name for herself as a serious crime reporter, but is stuck reporting on garden parties and ladies' fashion. Then one day her editor assigns her to collect background information on the suicide of a prominent businessman. She soon discovers it was actually a murder but her surprising source for this information is the ghost of a man killed alongside her father during the Great War. Even if she dared tell anyone, who would believe it? Together Poppy and her "gentleman haunt" follow the trail of a string of murders. But as their investigation narrows in on an all-too-familiar suspect, Poppy becomes a target herself and wonders if her ghost of a partner will appear in time to keep her from joining him in the after-life."
352 pages, Hardcover
First published December 31, 2015
3 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
About the author
Chelsea Quinn Yarbro
262 books477 followersA professional writer for more than forty years, Yarbro has sold over eighty books, more than seventy works of short fiction, and more than three dozen essays, introductions, and reviews. She also composes serious music. Her first professional writing - in 1961-1962 - was as a playwright for a now long-defunct children's theater company. By the mid-60s she had switched to writing stories and hasn't stopped yet.
After leaving college in 1963 and until she became a full-time writer in 1970, she worked as a demographic cartographer, and still often drafts maps for her books, and occasionally for the books of other writers.
She has a large reference library with books on a wide range of subjects, everything from food and fashion to weapons and trade routes to religion and law. She is constantly adding to it as part of her on-going fascination with history and culture; she reads incessantly, searching for interesting people and places that might provide fodder for stories.
In 1997 the Transylvanian Society of Dracula bestowed a literary knighthood on Yarbro, and in 2003 the World Horror Association presented her with a Grand Master award. In 2006 the International Horror Guild enrolled her among their Living Legends, the first woman to be so honored; the Horror Writers Association gave her a Life Achievement Award in 2009. In 2014 she won a Life Achievement Award from the World Fantasy Convention.
A skeptical occultist for forty years, she has studied everything from alchemy to zoomancy, and in the late 1970s worked occasionally as a professional tarot card reader and palmist at the Magic Cellar in San Francisco.
She has two domestic accomplishments: she is a good cook and an experienced seamstress. The rest is catch-as-catch-can.
Divorced, she lives in the San Francisco Bay Area - with two cats: the irrepressible Butterscotch and Crumpet, the Gang of Two. When not busy writing, she enjoys the symphony or opera.
Her Saint-Germain series is now the longest vampire series ever. The books range widely over time and place, and were not published in historical order. They are numbered in published order.
Known pseudonyms include Vanessa Pryor, Quinn Fawcett, T.C.F. Hopkins, Trystam Kith, Camille Gabor.
After leaving college in 1963 and until she became a full-time writer in 1970, she worked as a demographic cartographer, and still often drafts maps for her books, and occasionally for the books of other writers.
She has a large reference library with books on a wide range of subjects, everything from food and fashion to weapons and trade routes to religion and law. She is constantly adding to it as part of her on-going fascination with history and culture; she reads incessantly, searching for interesting people and places that might provide fodder for stories.
In 1997 the Transylvanian Society of Dracula bestowed a literary knighthood on Yarbro, and in 2003 the World Horror Association presented her with a Grand Master award. In 2006 the International Horror Guild enrolled her among their Living Legends, the first woman to be so honored; the Horror Writers Association gave her a Life Achievement Award in 2009. In 2014 she won a Life Achievement Award from the World Fantasy Convention.
A skeptical occultist for forty years, she has studied everything from alchemy to zoomancy, and in the late 1970s worked occasionally as a professional tarot card reader and palmist at the Magic Cellar in San Francisco.
She has two domestic accomplishments: she is a good cook and an experienced seamstress. The rest is catch-as-catch-can.
Divorced, she lives in the San Francisco Bay Area - with two cats: the irrepressible Butterscotch and Crumpet, the Gang of Two. When not busy writing, she enjoys the symphony or opera.
Her Saint-Germain series is now the longest vampire series ever. The books range widely over time and place, and were not published in historical order. They are numbered in published order.
Known pseudonyms include Vanessa Pryor, Quinn Fawcett, T.C.F. Hopkins, Trystam Kith, Camille Gabor.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 1, 2016
Haunting Investigation is an historical fiction mystery, set in Philadelphia in the 1920's. America and the world were still reeling from the Great War and the devastating flu epidemic. The twenties were not yet roaring.
Young Poppea Thornton scored herself a job at the local newspaper offices, but she's tired of writing about social events and garden parties; she wants to report on crime. Soon enough, she gets her wish, but unfortunately the crime involved members of her upper crust family. Oh, and I forgot to mention that Poppy is often assisted in her endeavors by the ghost of a dead spy.
I requested this book from Net Galley because I'm a long-time fan of Chelsea Quinn Yarbro's St. Germain series. (Possibly the longest running vampire series of all time.) I enjoy her historical fiction and this book was no exception. However, I found this story to be a bit pat. We have our plucky female hero, almost an old maid at the age of 25, who gets involved in a murder investigation which puts her into danger. The rest of the tale spun out much as I expected it to and it didn't hold any real surprises. I was disappointed by the ending.
Overall, I did enjoy this historical fiction story anyway, even though I found Poppy to be a bit annoying at times. I learned more about this period in American history; Chelsea Quinn Yarbo has always been skilled at relating what life is like at different time periods. In this respect, Ms. Yarbro is still the author I've always enjoyed and admired.
Recommended to fans of historical fiction.
*Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. This is it.*
Young Poppea Thornton scored herself a job at the local newspaper offices, but she's tired of writing about social events and garden parties; she wants to report on crime. Soon enough, she gets her wish, but unfortunately the crime involved members of her upper crust family. Oh, and I forgot to mention that Poppy is often assisted in her endeavors by the ghost of a dead spy.
I requested this book from Net Galley because I'm a long-time fan of Chelsea Quinn Yarbro's St. Germain series. (Possibly the longest running vampire series of all time.) I enjoy her historical fiction and this book was no exception. However, I found this story to be a bit pat. We have our plucky female hero, almost an old maid at the age of 25, who gets involved in a murder investigation which puts her into danger. The rest of the tale spun out much as I expected it to and it didn't hold any real surprises. I was disappointed by the ending.
Overall, I did enjoy this historical fiction story anyway, even though I found Poppy to be a bit annoying at times. I learned more about this period in American history; Chelsea Quinn Yarbo has always been skilled at relating what life is like at different time periods. In this respect, Ms. Yarbro is still the author I've always enjoyed and admired.
Recommended to fans of historical fiction.
*Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. This is it.*
August 22, 2015
Disclaimer: Arc via Netgalley.
Chelsea Quinn Yarbro might the best historical writer around who doesn’t get the props she deserves because her historical fictional has a supernatural twist to. There’s her Count St. Germain series, whose title character is a vampire, though the series emphasis is always on the time period. There’s the one about the nuns and the devil. The one about the werewolf Spanish prince.
This book concerns a news reporter Poppy after WW I. She is trying to follow in her father’s footsteps, which is somewhat difficult because, let’s be frank, there are certain views about the female gender at this time. Poppy’s bucking of tradition does get ground work not only by her father’s being a reporter, but also because her aunt is a woman who bucks tradition. It’s telling that this character that is never really on stage is such a powerful force.
Poppy is the best thing going for this book. Her reporting of a murder is aided by a ghost, and while her acceptance of such a state of affairs might be too quick, the interaction between these Miss Holmes and Mr. Watson is enjoyable reading.
The mystery itself is functional if not all that mysterious – the real charm of the book being Poppy herself. In some ways, the book would have been better if Poppy hadn’t been surrounded and added by so many men. It sounds strange, I know, especially considering the time period, but the book falls into that Poppy is the only truly good woman at times chapter. Even her closest friend isn’t supportive. The only woman who doesn't fit this pattern is her aunt with whom she lives, but that is more of an older/younger relationship. While the time period might constrict on this somewhat, there are other (two) female reporters mentioned in passing. Would it have been so hard to have Poppy have tea with them for advice or aid at one point?
Still, the book is an enjoyable read.
Chelsea Quinn Yarbro might the best historical writer around who doesn’t get the props she deserves because her historical fictional has a supernatural twist to. There’s her Count St. Germain series, whose title character is a vampire, though the series emphasis is always on the time period. There’s the one about the nuns and the devil. The one about the werewolf Spanish prince.
This book concerns a news reporter Poppy after WW I. She is trying to follow in her father’s footsteps, which is somewhat difficult because, let’s be frank, there are certain views about the female gender at this time. Poppy’s bucking of tradition does get ground work not only by her father’s being a reporter, but also because her aunt is a woman who bucks tradition. It’s telling that this character that is never really on stage is such a powerful force.
Poppy is the best thing going for this book. Her reporting of a murder is aided by a ghost, and while her acceptance of such a state of affairs might be too quick, the interaction between these Miss Holmes and Mr. Watson is enjoyable reading.
The mystery itself is functional if not all that mysterious – the real charm of the book being Poppy herself. In some ways, the book would have been better if Poppy hadn’t been surrounded and added by so many men. It sounds strange, I know, especially considering the time period, but the book falls into that Poppy is the only truly good woman at times chapter. Even her closest friend isn’t supportive. The only woman who doesn't fit this pattern is her aunt with whom she lives, but that is more of an older/younger relationship. While the time period might constrict on this somewhat, there are other (two) female reporters mentioned in passing. Would it have been so hard to have Poppy have tea with them for advice or aid at one point?
Still, the book is an enjoyable read.
August 9, 2015
I really liked this book.....a lot. It takes place just after the first World War and has a strong female reporter who is defying society's ideal of a woman's role. There is also a ghost who feels he owes her a great debt. Add a murder mystery and you have the workings of a very interesting story. The author blends historical knowledge with fiction so well that I stayed up late reading. This is the first time I have read Chelsea Quinn Yarbro's novels and this was a wonderful introduction and a treat to read. I am hoping that she will continue this mystery series. I think she has a winner here. I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 17, 2015
This was the first book by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro that I had ever read even though I was familiar with the name. I’m glad I did and intend to seek out more by this author now. She offers a lyrical way of writing that not only moves the story forward but draws you into a world you’re unfamiliar with. That is unless you lived in the early 1900’s and are now haunting the rest of us.
The takes place after the First World War and involves Poppeia “Poppy” Thornton, a young woman trying to become a journalists involved of real stories and earn her own way in the world, even though her late father left her with an inheritance she could get by on. As luck would have it she’s called to the scene of a murder to cover the story which involves an acquaintance her family is friends with. Being a part of the “upper crust” in Philadelphia gives her an in to their world and her editor hopes an insight into who could be behind this murder.
This would be a story unto itself but there is something else going on right now with Poppy. She’s had a visitation if you will, a ghost who presents himself to her as an assistant of sorts. It seems this ghost was a spy during the war and was responsible for the death of her father. Now to atone for the death of another he must earn his way back by aiding Poppy in any way possible. Throughout the book he gets insight as to who is responsible for deaths that keep piling up by talking to the victims, other ghosts now. While they remember few details they do offer clues he passes on that help not only in her story but in her investigation as well.
Along the way we meet a variety of characters from her well to do aunt whom she lives with, her cousin who lives in New York but was friends with the deceased, the editor who wants to help her become a better reporter and a police detective who has more than a passing interest in the young woman he’s come to meet. All pull into the story in one way or another and the clues mount, leaving us waiting until the last moments of the book to figure out just who is behind which murder.
Yarbro captures the time and location in which the story takes place and brings them alive for the reader. Descriptions are never boring or laborious and they help bring to life the setting and the way people lived at the time. The change from an older style of living slowly changing into a new world is discussed not so much in a direct manner but more in between the lines of the story itself.
By the time I finished with this book I found myself wondering if a sequel were on its way. An opening to do so is there and I hope it happens. I’m looking forward to finding out just what lies ahead for all characters involved here. A good read.
The takes place after the First World War and involves Poppeia “Poppy” Thornton, a young woman trying to become a journalists involved of real stories and earn her own way in the world, even though her late father left her with an inheritance she could get by on. As luck would have it she’s called to the scene of a murder to cover the story which involves an acquaintance her family is friends with. Being a part of the “upper crust” in Philadelphia gives her an in to their world and her editor hopes an insight into who could be behind this murder.
This would be a story unto itself but there is something else going on right now with Poppy. She’s had a visitation if you will, a ghost who presents himself to her as an assistant of sorts. It seems this ghost was a spy during the war and was responsible for the death of her father. Now to atone for the death of another he must earn his way back by aiding Poppy in any way possible. Throughout the book he gets insight as to who is responsible for deaths that keep piling up by talking to the victims, other ghosts now. While they remember few details they do offer clues he passes on that help not only in her story but in her investigation as well.
Along the way we meet a variety of characters from her well to do aunt whom she lives with, her cousin who lives in New York but was friends with the deceased, the editor who wants to help her become a better reporter and a police detective who has more than a passing interest in the young woman he’s come to meet. All pull into the story in one way or another and the clues mount, leaving us waiting until the last moments of the book to figure out just who is behind which murder.
Yarbro captures the time and location in which the story takes place and brings them alive for the reader. Descriptions are never boring or laborious and they help bring to life the setting and the way people lived at the time. The change from an older style of living slowly changing into a new world is discussed not so much in a direct manner but more in between the lines of the story itself.
By the time I finished with this book I found myself wondering if a sequel were on its way. An opening to do so is there and I hope it happens. I’m looking forward to finding out just what lies ahead for all characters involved here. A good read.
November 8, 2015
I enjoyed the time period and setting of this historical mystery. Poppy Thornton is determined to make it as a crime reporter. However, as an independently wealthy young woman in Philadelphia, she has to deal with both family disapproval and prejudices at work. She lives with her aunt who doesn't understand why she isn't looking for a husband and looking to live the life a a society lady.
When her editor finally gives her a chance, it is to investigate the likely suicide of one of her cousin Eustace's friends. Montcrief supposedly hung himself from an antique chandelier in his own dining room. The coroner has discovered that he was poisoned before his death which makes suicide unlikely. It isn't long before there are more deaths.
Poppy is assisted in her investigation by Chesterton Holte. Holte was a spy during the Great War who was present when Poppy's father was executed as a spy. Holte, the actual spy, was killed a little bit later. He has returned as a ghost to haunt Poppy to make up for his part in her father's death. Despite being a practical, college-educated young woman, it really doesn't take Poppy long to believe that Holte is real. And, while he can spy out various information for her, she is the only one who can see and hear him. He also has the disadvantage of not being able to interact with the physical world beyond making the lights flicker and phone lines crackle.
This story was a great introduction to the characters and the setting. It was easy to see the advantages and disadvantages of Poppy's situation as a young woman who wants to do something real at a time when most women of her class are content to be sheltered. Her contrast with her best friend who is happily married and the mother of twins is quite noticeable.
I liked the investigation that Poppy did which gave a look into the lifestyles of the social elite. I liked her budding relationship with Inspector Loring who is the police officer in charge of the murder case.
However, this isn't a finished story. It is a great build-up to a mystery but, at the end, we don't know who the murderer is or why the murders happened. Since the publication information indicates that this is the first Chesterton Holte mystery, we can hope that the second WHICH ACTUALLY SOLVES THE CRIME isn't too long delayed!
When her editor finally gives her a chance, it is to investigate the likely suicide of one of her cousin Eustace's friends. Montcrief supposedly hung himself from an antique chandelier in his own dining room. The coroner has discovered that he was poisoned before his death which makes suicide unlikely. It isn't long before there are more deaths.
Poppy is assisted in her investigation by Chesterton Holte. Holte was a spy during the Great War who was present when Poppy's father was executed as a spy. Holte, the actual spy, was killed a little bit later. He has returned as a ghost to haunt Poppy to make up for his part in her father's death. Despite being a practical, college-educated young woman, it really doesn't take Poppy long to believe that Holte is real. And, while he can spy out various information for her, she is the only one who can see and hear him. He also has the disadvantage of not being able to interact with the physical world beyond making the lights flicker and phone lines crackle.
This story was a great introduction to the characters and the setting. It was easy to see the advantages and disadvantages of Poppy's situation as a young woman who wants to do something real at a time when most women of her class are content to be sheltered. Her contrast with her best friend who is happily married and the mother of twins is quite noticeable.
I liked the investigation that Poppy did which gave a look into the lifestyles of the social elite. I liked her budding relationship with Inspector Loring who is the police officer in charge of the murder case.
However, this isn't a finished story. It is a great build-up to a mystery but, at the end, we don't know who the murderer is or why the murders happened. Since the publication information indicates that this is the first Chesterton Holte mystery, we can hope that the second WHICH ACTUALLY SOLVES THE CRIME isn't too long delayed!
November 10, 2015
I’ve long been a fan of Chelsea Quinn Yarbro’s St. Germain novels. Haunting Investigation is something different for Yarbro. Set in 1924 Philadelphia, the story introduces us to well-heeled fledgling reporter Poppy Thornton. Not content to cover book clubs and fashion, Poppy is ripe and ready to buck the status quo. She wants to be a CRIME reporter. When an acquaintance’s suicide turns out to be murder, Poppy gets her shot. Aiding her investigation is ghost Chesterton Holte, a revenant back to make amends.
Haunting Investigation falls directly under the traditional mystery umbrella: Amateur sleuth, no profanity, no violence, no sex, no surprises. As one would expect from Yarbro, the history is solid. She writes in the language of the 1920s, including a healthy sprinkling of fun contemporaneous expressions like, “But if Red Grange can have a miracle, so can I.” Or, “What in the name of Black Jack Pershing happened?” The immersion is fun.
The mystery here is low-stakes and low-tension, and despite engaging characters and the virtues listed above, I didn’t much care whodunnit. This turned out to be a good thing as Yarbro offers little in the way of resolution. The real question is whether the story left me vested enough to read book two. Unfortunately, the answer is no, but for fans of traditional mystery or historical cozies, the answer very well might be yes.
Thanks to NetGalley and Cleveland Writers Press Smoke & Shadow Books
for the opportunity to read and review this title.
Haunting Investigation falls directly under the traditional mystery umbrella: Amateur sleuth, no profanity, no violence, no sex, no surprises. As one would expect from Yarbro, the history is solid. She writes in the language of the 1920s, including a healthy sprinkling of fun contemporaneous expressions like, “But if Red Grange can have a miracle, so can I.” Or, “What in the name of Black Jack Pershing happened?” The immersion is fun.
The mystery here is low-stakes and low-tension, and despite engaging characters and the virtues listed above, I didn’t much care whodunnit. This turned out to be a good thing as Yarbro offers little in the way of resolution. The real question is whether the story left me vested enough to read book two. Unfortunately, the answer is no, but for fans of traditional mystery or historical cozies, the answer very well might be yes.
Thanks to NetGalley and Cleveland Writers Press Smoke & Shadow Books
for the opportunity to read and review this title.
February 14, 2016
Can't wait for the sequel! While the story is lacking a plot, it makes up for that by having it be more character based.
November 3, 2016
I received a copy of this book for review purposes. This is in no way reflected in my opinion of this anthology. I did not receive any form of compensation for my review.
Haunting Investigation is an enjoyable blend of historical fiction, cozy mystery, and ghost story. Poppy Thornton is a woman ahead of her time, trying to be taken seriously as a crime reporter instead of settling down and having babies like her family and friends want. She is courageous, determined, plucky, and haunted. Chesterton Holte was a spy during The Great War, now he haunts Poppy. Together they must solve the murders of several business men before Poppy gets thrown off the story or far worse. I love the attention to detail in both the setting and characters. It feels as if you're navigating the drawing rooms and dinner parties of 1920's society alongside Poppy as she investigates the murders. This story is full of twists and turns as well as moments of levity. I laughed several times as Poppy tried not to look crazy talking to the invisible Holte around other people. Not all the mysteries are solved by the end, setting us up for book two in what promises to be a fun and enchanting series. I highly recommend this 4.5 star read to fans of historical fiction, mysteries, or ghostly fun.
Haunting Investigation is an enjoyable blend of historical fiction, cozy mystery, and ghost story. Poppy Thornton is a woman ahead of her time, trying to be taken seriously as a crime reporter instead of settling down and having babies like her family and friends want. She is courageous, determined, plucky, and haunted. Chesterton Holte was a spy during The Great War, now he haunts Poppy. Together they must solve the murders of several business men before Poppy gets thrown off the story or far worse. I love the attention to detail in both the setting and characters. It feels as if you're navigating the drawing rooms and dinner parties of 1920's society alongside Poppy as she investigates the murders. This story is full of twists and turns as well as moments of levity. I laughed several times as Poppy tried not to look crazy talking to the invisible Holte around other people. Not all the mysteries are solved by the end, setting us up for book two in what promises to be a fun and enchanting series. I highly recommend this 4.5 star read to fans of historical fiction, mysteries, or ghostly fun.
July 24, 2020
Intriguing storyline of a ghost- Chesterton Holte who is haunting a young woman- Poppy - Intrepid girl reporter who is wrapped up in her first big murder case. Holte feels obligated to help Poppy because he got her father killed in the “Great War” and was soon executed himself. The story is set in 1924 Philadelphia and Poppy’s friends and family all seem to be wrapped up in the case as well.
September 27, 2017
Awful. One of the worst books I've ever read. Slow and boring.
June 14, 2019
This book was good for introducing the characters and their life and times. A little slow at times but enjoyable.
July 29, 2023
Very disappointing. The premise was good, but the story just didn't follow and the ending is very vague and incomplete.
December 29, 2015
Princess Fuzzypants here:
Even though the two animals in the book play minor parts(they are the only ones other than our heroine who can see the ghost), I wanted to write the review.
It's an interesting idea to have a WWI spy who is a ghost as the hero. He was killed by the Germans but not before he got an innocent man killed as well. The man was a journalist and Chesterton Holte, said ghost, returns to the land of the living to help the man's daughter.
Poppy is a thoroughly modern woman who would rather chase a good story than sit around the drawing rooms that proper Society ladies inhabit. She is given the chance to prove her mettle by her editor, who is ahead of his time and thinks women capable indeed.
Her first crime story involves people of her acquaintance, upper crusters like herself. Both her boss and the police detective in charge of the investigation want to tap into her knowledge of a world of which they know nothing..
Little do they realize but the unnamed source that helps her with her investigation is none other than Holte. He's not able to help physically, being incorporeal, but he proves to be loyal ally.
It's easy to imagine the early 1920's setting- the dialogue and details ring true. The characters are good despite being a trifle formulaic. But what makes it an enjoyable read are the two leads- Poppy and Holte. Clearly they are in for more adventures since the plot is left hanging. I look forward to reading more of their exploits. They are a happy addition to the annals of cozy partners.
Five purrs and two paws up.
Even though the two animals in the book play minor parts(they are the only ones other than our heroine who can see the ghost), I wanted to write the review.
It's an interesting idea to have a WWI spy who is a ghost as the hero. He was killed by the Germans but not before he got an innocent man killed as well. The man was a journalist and Chesterton Holte, said ghost, returns to the land of the living to help the man's daughter.
Poppy is a thoroughly modern woman who would rather chase a good story than sit around the drawing rooms that proper Society ladies inhabit. She is given the chance to prove her mettle by her editor, who is ahead of his time and thinks women capable indeed.
Her first crime story involves people of her acquaintance, upper crusters like herself. Both her boss and the police detective in charge of the investigation want to tap into her knowledge of a world of which they know nothing..
Little do they realize but the unnamed source that helps her with her investigation is none other than Holte. He's not able to help physically, being incorporeal, but he proves to be loyal ally.
It's easy to imagine the early 1920's setting- the dialogue and details ring true. The characters are good despite being a trifle formulaic. But what makes it an enjoyable read are the two leads- Poppy and Holte. Clearly they are in for more adventures since the plot is left hanging. I look forward to reading more of their exploits. They are a happy addition to the annals of cozy partners.
Five purrs and two paws up.
December 18, 2016
Haunting Investigation is an intriguing book that has both paranormal and mystery features blended so well with the author's talent of making the1920's come alive. The plot is excellent, the characters are well developed, the social classes are outlined so perfectly, lots of great dialogue, great haunt story where ghost/human work together, and all around enjoyable read. Our ghost was a spy that was killed in WWI. The father of Poppy, our human, was killed then too because Germans believed the father was associated with the spy. The spy comes back years later as a ghost to balance the score to help Poppy out since he feels guilty for the death of her father. She is a young reporter and gets an assignment for a murder case and it gets dangerous. The excitement is on. Very clever, interesting, twists and turns, and feels like you are back in that era. I hope there are more in this series, I certainly want to read them. I received this book from NetGalley for a honest review.
February 12, 2016
I've enjoyed Chelsea Yarbro's books for years, especially her vampire books. This one, Sadly, not as much. I'm not sure why. It's set in an interesting time period, the twenties; has a spirited, witty female protagonist, Poppy Thornton who wants to make a name for herself as a crime reporter; and an interesting ghost, who is hanging around her to make up for having gotten her father killed in WWI. And I like mysteries with ghosts. I think what disappointed me is the end. Long story arcs are one thing, but personally --- and this may be just me--- I like most of the threads wrapped up at the end of each book. I'm not happy with a bunch of loose ends and unanswered questions that say...continued in the next book.
February 11, 2016
Not great, but a decent enough read. The atmosphere of the 1920's came through, not all that serious, but the memories of WWI and the flu epidemic following the war linger in people's memories. The mystery is not really resolved and hope that the loose ends are tied up in the books to come - frustrating that the ghost helping Poppy doesn't get any more answers than the reader does.
December 11, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I'm torn about what to say about this book. While I like the premise and the time period, I had a very hard time getting into this book.
January 30, 2016
Cliffhanger. eminently readable. looking forward to more in the series.
March 19, 2016
Reasonably good story line with a ghost helping the investigator, but the prose was uninteresting so I had to push myself to finish the book.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews