What do you think?
Raven's Nest #4
Extra Sensory Deception
As the owners of the Raven's Nest bookstore, cousins Stephanie and Clara Quinn are the premier booksellers in the quaint town of Finn's Harbor, Maine. But with Clara's inherited ability to read minds and see the future, she's also the premier crime solver...
You don't have to be a psychic to The rodeo is coming to town! Clara's boyfriend, Rick Sanders, invites her to the show to meet his high school buddy and expert calf roper, Wes Carlton. But when Clara's Quinn Sense offers her a disturbing vision involving a rodeo clown, she worries that there will be more danger at the rodeo than just the traditional bucking bronco.
Of course, her premonition turns out to be accurate, and a dead body is discovered behind the concert stage, strangled by Wes's piggin' string. Rick is sure that there's no way Wes could have murdered anyone, but he's going to need Clara's Quinn Sense to keep the authorities from roping the wrong suspect...
You don't have to be a psychic to The rodeo is coming to town! Clara's boyfriend, Rick Sanders, invites her to the show to meet his high school buddy and expert calf roper, Wes Carlton. But when Clara's Quinn Sense offers her a disturbing vision involving a rodeo clown, she worries that there will be more danger at the rodeo than just the traditional bucking bronco.
Of course, her premonition turns out to be accurate, and a dead body is discovered behind the concert stage, strangled by Wes's piggin' string. Rick is sure that there's no way Wes could have murdered anyone, but he's going to need Clara's Quinn Sense to keep the authorities from roping the wrong suspect...
301 pages, Paperback
First published August 5, 2014
About the author
Allison Kingsley
4 books93 followersalso writes under the names Kate Kingsbury & Rebecca Kent
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 9, 2018
Ultimate Reading Challenge 2018. A book that involves a bookstore or library.
There is a rodeo in town and at the end of the first performance a dead body is discovered on the grounds. One of the calf ropers is the prime suspect. Motive? Opportunity? I suppose the plot was okay though the characters did not grab me. Maybe I have just read too many cozy mysteries and I am getting picky. I do admit that my biggest problem with this book is the failure to employ a competent copy editor. SEVERAL times in the book Stephanie complains about Clara's dog because Stephanie is allergic and then she complains about a cat in the bookstore because she is allergic. Each time Clara points out that is NOT she who is allergic, but her children. And then on page 190, Stephanie says her child tried to bathe THEIR CAT in the toilet. Really? All the times she has complained about cats, dogs, and allergies and they HAVE a cat?
There is a rodeo in town and at the end of the first performance a dead body is discovered on the grounds. One of the calf ropers is the prime suspect. Motive? Opportunity? I suppose the plot was okay though the characters did not grab me. Maybe I have just read too many cozy mysteries and I am getting picky. I do admit that my biggest problem with this book is the failure to employ a competent copy editor. SEVERAL times in the book Stephanie complains about Clara's dog because Stephanie is allergic and then she complains about a cat in the bookstore because she is allergic. Each time Clara points out that is NOT she who is allergic, but her children. And then on page 190, Stephanie says her child tried to bathe THEIR CAT in the toilet. Really? All the times she has complained about cats, dogs, and allergies and they HAVE a cat?
February 22, 2017
Sometimes I wonder if some of these authors have ever had a conversation or even interacted with actual human beings or if they've lived their whole lives in solitary confinement and this is how they imagine others might act/speak. I thought the "Quinn sense" was an interesting idea but four books of someone who whines because they have it and another who whines because they don't got real old in the first book let alone the fourth. And you would think if you had this "sense" that you'd also have some kind of basic understanding of people and motivations but, nope, no such luck there. I guess some of it I found interesting enough to finish all four books (which were a gift) - I kept wanting to see improvement and hoping the next one would be better but it just didn't happen.
July 3, 2014
Clara Quinn and her cousin Stephanie Dowd are working hard running the Raven's Nest bookstore. The rodeo is in town and Clara's boyfriend, Rick has invited her to go. His long time friend, Wes is a calf roper and Rick is excited for him to meet Clara. Clara begins having visions of death and destruction at the rodeo and when a woman turns up dead with Wes's roping string around her neck, Rick asks her to help clear his name. As usual, Clara and Stephanie find themselves in the middle of an investigation and a whole lot of trouble!
April 12, 2025
Clara owns a bookshop, The Raven’s Nest, with her cousin, Stephanie. Clara has also inherited the Quinn Sense, which is an extra-sensory ability that allows her to tell if someone is lying, and she occasionally has visions. When Clara’s boyfriend, Rick, asks her to put up some posters for the rodeo coming to town, the clown on the poster leads her to a vision of death and danger. Rick is excited about the rodeo because one of his buddies, Wes, will be participating. He asks Clara to accompany him, and she reluctantly agrees. Clara is surprised to enjoy herself at the rodeo, until a woman is found dead and Wes is tabbed as the main suspect. Now Rick is asking Clara to question some of the female participants to see if they know of anyone who may have wanted to kill Lisa Warren. Although Clara has sworn off investigating murders, she and Stephanie are soon haring off hither and yon to follow up on leads. When Clara’s sleuthing hits too close to the truth, it’s her own life that may be in danger.
I liked aspects of this book and disliked others. Most of the narrative was taken up with Clara’s sleuthing. Even when she was at work or just out and about, she was trying to glean clues. I didn’t like that she and Stephanie misrepresented themselves to gain access to people who wouldn’t have given them the time of day otherwise. Clara’s mother was annoyingly meddlesome. I liked that she could communicate with her dog, Tatters. At the end, however, she did something so egregiously stupid that I could only shake my head. I mean, how dumb can you be? Other things that annoyed me:
Spoilers!!
- I took exception to “attempted murder by rodeo bull”. While it’s true rodeo bulls can be dangerous while performing, they tend to be mellow when they’re not. To suggest that a bull is going to charge a random person in an empty, darkened arena is needlessly dramatic.
- Rick pushing Clara to investigate, even though doing so has endangered her before was ten degrees of ‘Wow, buddy’. I mean, are you TRYING to get her killed?
- The murderer trying to kill Clara at the end. The person was going to hightail it out of town, so why bother trying to off Clara? This may have made more sense if the killer was local, not a transient character.
I liked some things, disliked others. Average score of three.
I liked aspects of this book and disliked others. Most of the narrative was taken up with Clara’s sleuthing. Even when she was at work or just out and about, she was trying to glean clues. I didn’t like that she and Stephanie misrepresented themselves to gain access to people who wouldn’t have given them the time of day otherwise. Clara’s mother was annoyingly meddlesome. I liked that she could communicate with her dog, Tatters. At the end, however, she did something so egregiously stupid that I could only shake my head. I mean, how dumb can you be? Other things that annoyed me:
Spoilers!!
- I took exception to “attempted murder by rodeo bull”. While it’s true rodeo bulls can be dangerous while performing, they tend to be mellow when they’re not. To suggest that a bull is going to charge a random person in an empty, darkened arena is needlessly dramatic.
- Rick pushing Clara to investigate, even though doing so has endangered her before was ten degrees of ‘Wow, buddy’. I mean, are you TRYING to get her killed?
- The murderer trying to kill Clara at the end. The person was going to hightail it out of town, so why bother trying to off Clara? This may have made more sense if the killer was local, not a transient character.
I liked some things, disliked others. Average score of three.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2021
Only got 2 stars because I finished it..though it was a struggle fo stay interested.
As another reviewer said both if then whining about the gift got so annoying very fast . Guess the writer needed to keep repeating to fill her word quota ..
cliched character interfere ignores warnings thinks she knows stuff but just annoys people
AND another cliche : suprise! she nearly gets killed like all the rest because too dumb to think properly and only "solves " by the suspect pretty much calling himself out NOT by using her brains or the sense
it's getting old .is it to much go ask for one who respects the detectjve and has a brain ie i dont know . let's say NOT get in a car with a main suspect for murder aT night..to deserted location ? beyond dumb
This COULD of been a fun original read IF the writer had used her imagination and had the character use and cherish her sense instead of whining.
won't be reading anymore in the series.
As another reviewer said both if then whining about the gift got so annoying very fast . Guess the writer needed to keep repeating to fill her word quota ..
cliched character interfere ignores warnings thinks she knows stuff but just annoys people
AND another cliche : suprise! she nearly gets killed like all the rest because too dumb to think properly and only "solves " by the suspect pretty much calling himself out NOT by using her brains or the sense
it's getting old .is it to much go ask for one who respects the detectjve and has a brain ie i dont know . let's say NOT get in a car with a main suspect for murder aT night..to deserted location ? beyond dumb
This COULD of been a fun original read IF the writer had used her imagination and had the character use and cherish her sense instead of whining.
won't be reading anymore in the series.
May 15, 2018
This is the story of two cousins who run a mystery bookstore. Stephanie owns the bookstore and Clara helps her. Clara is also gifted with the "Quinn Sense" as she has visions of future events, much to her dismay. The story revolves around a rodeo murder which the cousins try to help solve as the main suspect is a friend of Clara's boyfriend. I have read all the books in this series and am saddened that this appears to be the last one.
August 18, 2017
I was a bit bummed that Molly had such a small role in this novel. She was entertaining in the other three books and I think she would make a great amateur detective alone with Clara and Stephanie.
Though I enjoyed this novel, I'm not sure why it's the final book in the series. And why the entire series is missing from the author's website.
Though I enjoyed this novel, I'm not sure why it's the final book in the series. And why the entire series is missing from the author's website.
January 22, 2018
It's a good cozy mystery. Clara has the Quinn Sense (seeing into the future). It happens in a small town (Finn's Harbor) in Maine. A rodeo came to her town. Someone got kill and they blame her friend and try to solve.
October 2, 2019
Loved the book it is like if Nancy Drew was a physic
September 27, 2026
Seemed a bit--simple. Quick to skim
August 28, 2014
Extra Sensory Deception is the fourth book in the Raven's Nest Bookstore mystery series by Allison Kingsley. Kingsley use of the paranormal is a joy to read. The heroine, Clara has inherited her families sixth sense, and she uses it to solve crimes in the quaint little town of Finn's Harbor, Maine. Readers will love the setting, be intrigued by characters and engaged by the intricate mystery. The rodeo has come to town and a killer may be with it. It's up to Clara, Stephanie and their friends to figure out whodunit!
What I liked:
Back a long time ago when I first started reading, books paranormal elements were much more rare than they are today. The didn't have a lot of werewolves, or vampires and relied a lot on the readers perceptions of what was normal and what was not to drive them. I appreciate that Allison Kingsley takes readers back in a sense, when ESP (extra sensory perception) was one of the main paranormal events along with aliens and maybe a ghost or two. Clara's "Quinn Sense" is intriguing, if a bit haphazard. The fact that is unpredictable at best, makes it that much more believable. It adds a lot to the story, from her conversations with her dog, Tatters to her visions of what might be about to happen. Kingsley takes and old school approach to the paranormal and I like it.
Clara's relationship with her cousin Stephanie has always interested me in this series. Both are only children and very different from each other. But the way they work together is amazing. Stephanie is quick on the draw, very spontaneous and full of surprises, while Clara is more reflective and introspective. She is ponderer, a thinker. I like both approaches and think that Kingsley uses both her advantage in this series.
As usual, I love the Maine setting for this series. I always think of Maine as being full of little fishing villages and things. I couldn't imagine a rodeo coming to a town in Maine of all places until I read this book. And believe it or not, it actually worked. I liked the behind the scenes aspect of the rodeo and Rick's connection to Wes. I thought it made for a very interesting mystery with some unconventional suspects. I admit I was really surprised at how it all came together in the end and how Clara's ESP worked into the story line.
What I didn't like:
I will be the first to say that I enjoy Clara's relationship with hardware store owner, Rick. But I don't understand why she still hasn't confided in Rick about her gifts. We are four books into the series and I think it's time she starts to trust Rick and herself and what she is able to do. She treats it more like a curse and I'm not sure how long readers will buy that.
Bottom Line:
This is a great series and I love just about everything about it from the book store theme to the beautiful Maine setting. The mystery aspect in Extra Sensory Deception was well written and kept me engaged throughout the book. I liked the addition of the rodeo and the characters it brought with it. I love Tatters and now Edgar and can't wait to read the next one.
What I liked:
Back a long time ago when I first started reading, books paranormal elements were much more rare than they are today. The didn't have a lot of werewolves, or vampires and relied a lot on the readers perceptions of what was normal and what was not to drive them. I appreciate that Allison Kingsley takes readers back in a sense, when ESP (extra sensory perception) was one of the main paranormal events along with aliens and maybe a ghost or two. Clara's "Quinn Sense" is intriguing, if a bit haphazard. The fact that is unpredictable at best, makes it that much more believable. It adds a lot to the story, from her conversations with her dog, Tatters to her visions of what might be about to happen. Kingsley takes and old school approach to the paranormal and I like it.
Clara's relationship with her cousin Stephanie has always interested me in this series. Both are only children and very different from each other. But the way they work together is amazing. Stephanie is quick on the draw, very spontaneous and full of surprises, while Clara is more reflective and introspective. She is ponderer, a thinker. I like both approaches and think that Kingsley uses both her advantage in this series.
As usual, I love the Maine setting for this series. I always think of Maine as being full of little fishing villages and things. I couldn't imagine a rodeo coming to a town in Maine of all places until I read this book. And believe it or not, it actually worked. I liked the behind the scenes aspect of the rodeo and Rick's connection to Wes. I thought it made for a very interesting mystery with some unconventional suspects. I admit I was really surprised at how it all came together in the end and how Clara's ESP worked into the story line.
What I didn't like:
I will be the first to say that I enjoy Clara's relationship with hardware store owner, Rick. But I don't understand why she still hasn't confided in Rick about her gifts. We are four books into the series and I think it's time she starts to trust Rick and herself and what she is able to do. She treats it more like a curse and I'm not sure how long readers will buy that.
Bottom Line:
This is a great series and I love just about everything about it from the book store theme to the beautiful Maine setting. The mystery aspect in Extra Sensory Deception was well written and kept me engaged throughout the book. I liked the addition of the rodeo and the characters it brought with it. I love Tatters and now Edgar and can't wait to read the next one.
September 18, 2014
http://openbooksociety.com/article/ex...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
The story began with a good introduction of the cast of characters, which was greatly appreciated for the first time reader of the series. It was a well-paced book, keeping my interest and in fact, spurring me on to read when other tasks of life should have been the priority. As with all cozy mysteries, the cast of characters seems to play a greater role than the actual murder itself. Of course, let us not discount the murder…at a rodeo with piggin’ string. This reader got to learn a bit more about rodeo’s (like what piggin’ string was)!
I found the connection and closeness between Clara and Stephanie believable given the small town backdrop to the story. Very true to life in that in small towns one forms tight bonds with family.
There was enough plot and interactions with various towns people that the list of plausible suspects numbered a few. As with any cozy worth its weight in paper, at least to me, I was kept guessing for much of the book as to who the real culprit was. And of course, I shall keep you guessing as well.
One area which I found less than stellar was Clare’s musing about if, when, and how to tell her boyfriend, Rick, about her special gift. I was disappointed that she made a decision and then seemed to waffle. I guess I will have to read the next book to find out how Clare addresses this issue. I did enjoy the slow and steady interactions between Clare and Rick…again a very believable budding romance. And if I read the story correctly, this is a relatively new relationship.
It was amusing that Clare and Stephanie shared the knowledge of the “gift” but that Clare was so totally clueless that her mother (Jessie) actually knew she had the “gift”. I found myself certainly wanting more of Jessie in the story. Tatters…..what can I say about Tatters? I love this dog…his wit and sarcasm was a delightful addition to the story.
I would also like to continue reading the series so that I can read about Jessie’s and Stephanie’s reaction to the big “non-event” that occurred in Clare’s life in the big city…and that essentially prompted her to return to Finn’s Harbor, Maine from New York. Don’t mean to tease..okay…I do. Got your interest…good…get the book and read :)
All in all an easy, enjoyable read which I was able to finish within short order, mainly due to being invested in the story. I will most definitely put the other books in the series on my TBR (to be read) list…as well as any future stories.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
The story began with a good introduction of the cast of characters, which was greatly appreciated for the first time reader of the series. It was a well-paced book, keeping my interest and in fact, spurring me on to read when other tasks of life should have been the priority. As with all cozy mysteries, the cast of characters seems to play a greater role than the actual murder itself. Of course, let us not discount the murder…at a rodeo with piggin’ string. This reader got to learn a bit more about rodeo’s (like what piggin’ string was)!
I found the connection and closeness between Clara and Stephanie believable given the small town backdrop to the story. Very true to life in that in small towns one forms tight bonds with family.
There was enough plot and interactions with various towns people that the list of plausible suspects numbered a few. As with any cozy worth its weight in paper, at least to me, I was kept guessing for much of the book as to who the real culprit was. And of course, I shall keep you guessing as well.
One area which I found less than stellar was Clare’s musing about if, when, and how to tell her boyfriend, Rick, about her special gift. I was disappointed that she made a decision and then seemed to waffle. I guess I will have to read the next book to find out how Clare addresses this issue. I did enjoy the slow and steady interactions between Clare and Rick…again a very believable budding romance. And if I read the story correctly, this is a relatively new relationship.
It was amusing that Clare and Stephanie shared the knowledge of the “gift” but that Clare was so totally clueless that her mother (Jessie) actually knew she had the “gift”. I found myself certainly wanting more of Jessie in the story. Tatters…..what can I say about Tatters? I love this dog…his wit and sarcasm was a delightful addition to the story.
I would also like to continue reading the series so that I can read about Jessie’s and Stephanie’s reaction to the big “non-event” that occurred in Clare’s life in the big city…and that essentially prompted her to return to Finn’s Harbor, Maine from New York. Don’t mean to tease..okay…I do. Got your interest…good…get the book and read :)
All in all an easy, enjoyable read which I was able to finish within short order, mainly due to being invested in the story. I will most definitely put the other books in the series on my TBR (to be read) list…as well as any future stories.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
July 7, 2014
Extra Sensory Deception is the 4th book in the Raven's Nest Mystery series. Another enjoyable visit to Finn Harbor, Maine.
The rodeo is coming to Finn's Harbor and Clara's boyfriend, Rick, has asked her to go with him. A high school friend, Wes, will be appearing in the rodeo, being one of the calf ropers. As Clara is getting ready to leave work she has a vision of being at the rodeo and a clown falling down the stairs at the stand of the arena. She wants to warn him, but without telling about her "Quinn Sense" she's not sure how to go about it. The clown, Marty, doesn't have an accident, but Lisa Warren assistant production manager for the rodeo is found dead behind the stage, strangled with a pigging rope. It is soon learned that the pigging rope had belonged to Wes, so he becomes a prime suspect, plus the fact that he had had an argument earlier that afternoon with her. Rick, knowing Clara's detecting skills, asks for her help, hoping she doesn't become the next victim.
Another engaging story from Kingsley, with enjoyable and believable characters. Stephanie Quinn owner of The Raven's Nest and cousin of Clara is back to give support to Clara in her sleuthing. Also Molly, who works at The Raven's Nest is back to keep the shop going while Stephanie and Clara are out and about. Molly has found an adorable kitten and has been keeping it hidden in the store. When Clara is moving boxes in the store room she finds the kitten and decides the store needs a mascot and decides to name it Edgar. And thing continue to go well with her boyfriend Rick, but she continues to not knowing how to explain her "visions" to him. Of course Tatters, Clara's dog is back trying to keep his owner out of harms way.
Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
The rodeo is coming to Finn's Harbor and Clara's boyfriend, Rick, has asked her to go with him. A high school friend, Wes, will be appearing in the rodeo, being one of the calf ropers. As Clara is getting ready to leave work she has a vision of being at the rodeo and a clown falling down the stairs at the stand of the arena. She wants to warn him, but without telling about her "Quinn Sense" she's not sure how to go about it. The clown, Marty, doesn't have an accident, but Lisa Warren assistant production manager for the rodeo is found dead behind the stage, strangled with a pigging rope. It is soon learned that the pigging rope had belonged to Wes, so he becomes a prime suspect, plus the fact that he had had an argument earlier that afternoon with her. Rick, knowing Clara's detecting skills, asks for her help, hoping she doesn't become the next victim.
Another engaging story from Kingsley, with enjoyable and believable characters. Stephanie Quinn owner of The Raven's Nest and cousin of Clara is back to give support to Clara in her sleuthing. Also Molly, who works at The Raven's Nest is back to keep the shop going while Stephanie and Clara are out and about. Molly has found an adorable kitten and has been keeping it hidden in the store. When Clara is moving boxes in the store room she finds the kitten and decides the store needs a mascot and decides to name it Edgar. And thing continue to go well with her boyfriend Rick, but she continues to not knowing how to explain her "visions" to him. Of course Tatters, Clara's dog is back trying to keep his owner out of harms way.
Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
August 19, 2014
I greatly enjoy the Raven's Nest Bookstore Mystery series, about two cousins - one with psychic ability - solving murder mysteries in the tiny coastal town of Finn's Harbor, Maine. The supernatural element, Clara's visions or "Quinn Sense," is well done and blends in perfectly with the story. Though Clara may get a glimpse of the crime in her mind, the killer is never obvious. Her sixth sense gives her fuzzy clues, and then she and cousin Stephanie must use their smarts to solve the mystery.
EXTRA SENSORY DECEPTION is the fourth book in the series, and this time the rodeo has taken over Finn's Harbor. Clara's boyfriend, Rick, is an old friend of one of the calf ropers. When the friend ends up the top suspect in a murder investigation, Clara agrees to investigate on her own. Rick has no idea about the Quinn Sense, but he does know that for some reason Clara is an ace at solving mysteries. The mystery in this book was very good, and I was surprised not only by whodunit, but also by why and how the culprit went about it.
It was great being back at the Raven's Nest Bookstore with the cousins and their assistant, Molly. There's also a new character hanging out at the shop who will definitely add some fun to the place. I'm looking forward to book five!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
EXTRA SENSORY DECEPTION is the fourth book in the series, and this time the rodeo has taken over Finn's Harbor. Clara's boyfriend, Rick, is an old friend of one of the calf ropers. When the friend ends up the top suspect in a murder investigation, Clara agrees to investigate on her own. Rick has no idea about the Quinn Sense, but he does know that for some reason Clara is an ace at solving mysteries. The mystery in this book was very good, and I was surprised not only by whodunit, but also by why and how the culprit went about it.
It was great being back at the Raven's Nest Bookstore with the cousins and their assistant, Molly. There's also a new character hanging out at the shop who will definitely add some fun to the place. I'm looking forward to book five!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 23, 2014
I like this series. Its fun its interesting with some mystery solving, and a Edgar Allen Poe like bookstore and a slow building romance throughout. What's not to love?
This one I thought was good. Not as good as the last one but still good. Also, I like that some things were addressed or brought up from the last books and or resolved.
You have a rodeo, a murder and some suspects, one of them being a friend of Rick's. But this time it seems that the Quinn Sense is being weird and complicated than before.
I hope there's going to be another book in the series. So far, heard nothing. Not sure if its the last one or a new one just hasn't been announced yet or something. And if it is, then the ending was alright. Even if it does seem there's some unresolved issue, well, issues I think?
Or maybe its just being impatient, having read through each book and wanting the next one already. I don't know.
Anyway, regardless, this bookstore cousins mystery solving series is pretty good and fast paced. Give it a read if you're looking for a cozy mystery series to read or first time reading this genre. Then the Raven's Nest Bookstore is a good start. Oh and Tatters you are adorable.
This one I thought was good. Not as good as the last one but still good. Also, I like that some things were addressed or brought up from the last books and or resolved.
You have a rodeo, a murder and some suspects, one of them being a friend of Rick's. But this time it seems that the Quinn Sense is being weird and complicated than before.
I hope there's going to be another book in the series. So far, heard nothing. Not sure if its the last one or a new one just hasn't been announced yet or something. And if it is, then the ending was alright. Even if it does seem there's some unresolved issue, well, issues I think?
Or maybe its just being impatient, having read through each book and wanting the next one already. I don't know.
Anyway, regardless, this bookstore cousins mystery solving series is pretty good and fast paced. Give it a read if you're looking for a cozy mystery series to read or first time reading this genre. Then the Raven's Nest Bookstore is a good start. Oh and Tatters you are adorable.
October 9, 2014
This is the 4th book in Allison's Raven's Nest Book Store Mystery. Set in Maine, near the ocean, the town welcomes a rodeo and its participants. Clara's boy friend, Rick Sander has scored some tickets, courtesy of Wes, an old buddy and a rodeo calf roper. Clara and Rick head out to the rodeo and to meet up with Wes for a tour of the grounds. Wes introduces them to many of the rodeo folk. After meeting one, Clara's Quinn sense kicks in, and it leaves Clare shaken and weak each time it happens. Clara has decided to keep this talent in the closet, so Rick is not aware of it. The person happens to be the rodeo clown, and we all know about clowns! The clown continues to haunt Clara, especially after she "sees" a body under the bleachers. With Wes under suspicion, Clara and Rick set out to find the killer.
I enjoy Allison's writing style, and even though I have not read any other book in the series, I will be looking for books with Allison Kingsley on the front.
A copy of this book was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
I enjoy Allison's writing style, and even though I have not read any other book in the series, I will be looking for books with Allison Kingsley on the front.
A copy of this book was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
September 12, 2014
This was a simplistic yet serviceable read for me. It is an ultra lite cozy mystery that, though it is written for adults, could easily be read by younger middle school readers -- it is that "lite." That is not to say that the book is bad, it is just not for me. The characters are a bland without much development, and stereotypes are often used. Clara Quinn is a bit naive for a former New Yorker: She wants to save her boyfriend from his emotions (ugh), and she can't tell anyone about her visions (even if it's a warning) because she's more worried about how she appears than in the responsibility of having a gift/curse. I don't know why she is communicating with animals since it doesn't really support the plot and she doesn't even use the skill at the end when it counts. The climax is forced by a plot device that requires Clara to be stupid. And I don't say this to be mean, but she is suddenly made completely oblivious so that she can walk into really bad situations. The murderer was obvious from the beginning, but there was a decent mystery in getting to the reveal.
October 23, 2014
This was my first experience with the Raven's Nest series by Allison Kingsley. When I read the synopsis, it sounded so interesting, and I couldn't wait to meet all of the lovely characters that live in Finn's Harbor. Let's just say, I was far from disappointed, loved my visit, and I can't wait to come back!
Clara, Stephanie and Molly are fun, believable characters that have a knack for sleuthing. Their personalities mesh well, and they make for some wonderful and witty banter. The writing was great, the story was entertaining, and the setting was beautiful.
I'm looking forward to what Ms. Kingsley has in store for the gals of Finn's Harbor the next go-round!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own.
Clara, Stephanie and Molly are fun, believable characters that have a knack for sleuthing. Their personalities mesh well, and they make for some wonderful and witty banter. The writing was great, the story was entertaining, and the setting was beautiful.
I'm looking forward to what Ms. Kingsley has in store for the gals of Finn's Harbor the next go-round!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own.
September 10, 2014
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
January 28, 2016
In Kingsley’s mystery novel, the rodeo is coming to Finn’s Harbor, Maine. Clara Quinn’s boyfriend, Rick Sanders, invites her to the show to meet an old friend of his, expert calf roper, Wes Carlton. But when the “Quinn Sense” sends up a psychic vision involving a rodeo clown, she worries that this event will be more trouble than it’s worth.
On opening night, the premonition proves to be accurate when a young woman is found murdered and Wes is held as a person of interest in the crime. Rick is sure that his friend is innocent and he asks Clara to make some inquiries, unaware that her “Quinn Sense” is already on the case.
Kingsley’s cast of characters are quirky personalities that vibrantly jump out at the reader, instantaneously engaging them in the story.
On opening night, the premonition proves to be accurate when a young woman is found murdered and Wes is held as a person of interest in the crime. Rick is sure that his friend is innocent and he asks Clara to make some inquiries, unaware that her “Quinn Sense” is already on the case.
Kingsley’s cast of characters are quirky personalities that vibrantly jump out at the reader, instantaneously engaging them in the story.
January 30, 2015
Poor Clara has the "gift". She gets visions of things that are going to happen. She can also understand the thoughts of some animals! Unfortunately she has visions of a murder but can't tell who did it...only how they are dressed. Her boyfriend's old friend is implicated and only Clara can clear him. A good read with a good ending.
September 27, 2014
I liked this book at first, but as I got into it I liked the two main characters less and less. I did like it that the boyfriend wasn't a cop and that it wasn't written in first person as so many cozy mysteries are, but those did not offset the failings of the concept of the Quinn Sense.
November 16, 2016
This was a great book to read and kept a lot of twist so this one kept us in suspense. I really enjoyed the first book in the series and this second book is even better. Ready to pick up her next one.
Read
September 16, 2014Clara has esp and is learning to deal with it. Ok read.
January 31, 2015
Great series!
July 3, 2015
I am loving this series!
I can hardly wait to read the next novel in this series!
I can hardly wait to read the next novel in this series!
August 9, 2015
My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
November 28, 2015
book thoughts will be coming soon. for now I will say that it was an interesting read, and I will be hopefully reading another book from this series (preferably the first one if I can find it)
December 2, 2015
Definitely a quick read.
Read
April 1, 2016Was okay -- not sure if it was the book itself or the rodeo/clowns I didn't like as much as her previous books ...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews