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Whispering Pines #1
Jessie Delacroix: A Sinister Slice of Murder
Jessie Delacroix leaves the hustle and hassle of a new career as an assistant investigator for a law firm in Savannah to return to her roots in the small tourist town of Whispering Pines. The 25-year-old dynamo is not prepared for the ghosts who await her there in the haunted Bed & Breakfast and Tea Room that she inherited and now must operate. Not only does she find the spirits of those she loved long ago, but a sinister murder occurs just one day after her arrival. Is this a sign of malicious spirits…or foul play of another sort? The police are stumped, so it’s up to Jessie, and her little beagle, Arthur, to uncover the surprising answer – with a little help from her supernatural Granny and a mystical pawnbroker. Join Jessie, Arthur, Carlo the short-tempered but lovable chef, Sheriff Muldoon, and a host of other characters as they explore the dark secrets of the Haunted Inn and the ghostly town of Whispering Pines. You’ll find fun, humor, and an intriguing and detailed mystery with all the clues meticulously laid out, but hidden in plain sight. Only the best sleuths, like Jessie Delacroix, can pick them up. Can you solve the murder and predict the final twist? This is the first book in a new paranormal murder mystery series. Each book will lay out a well-crafted mystery to test your powers of perception as it slowly answers the bigger What is the secret of Whispering Pines? The series not only includes other worldly spirits and psychic abilities, but it will also bring you visions of mouthwatering finger sandwiches, incredible canapés, and crab cakes that might just change your life!
Are you too old for Nancy Drew but too young at heart for Jessica Fletcher? Are you craving a solid whodunit that keeps you guessing, with a brassy young detective you can relate to? A gal who manages the slings and arrows of everyday life while solving crimes that the cops can't figure out? And how about just enough of a light paranormal touch to keep it fun and interesting? Meet Jessie Delacroix, law school dropout and reluctant proprietor of a haunted Bed & Breakfast in a bustling little tourist town outside of Savannah. Join her, along with the bickering ghosts of her mother and grandmother, an insufferable chef with a heart of gold, her mischievous dog, and a whole cast of unique and often hilarious characters. Watch as she explores her new-found psychic powers for some amusing and amazing sleuthing. Constance Barker brings her famous flair for engaging and lovable characters and locales to the town of Whispering Pines, while A.J. DeBellis adds the twists, turns, and intrigue to bring even more depth to the mysteries you won't be able to put down. Each story in the new series presents a fresh, innovative, and stand-alone mystery, complete with all the drama and humor you're looking for, while at the same time unraveling the incredible backstory and haunting history of Whispering Pines throughout the series.
Get ready for a new and refreshing kind of mystery with a crisp edge and a soft, creamy center. It’s perfect for everyone from 22 to 88…delectable, fulfilling, and best of all – zero calories!
Are you too old for Nancy Drew but too young at heart for Jessica Fletcher? Are you craving a solid whodunit that keeps you guessing, with a brassy young detective you can relate to? A gal who manages the slings and arrows of everyday life while solving crimes that the cops can't figure out? And how about just enough of a light paranormal touch to keep it fun and interesting? Meet Jessie Delacroix, law school dropout and reluctant proprietor of a haunted Bed & Breakfast in a bustling little tourist town outside of Savannah. Join her, along with the bickering ghosts of her mother and grandmother, an insufferable chef with a heart of gold, her mischievous dog, and a whole cast of unique and often hilarious characters. Watch as she explores her new-found psychic powers for some amusing and amazing sleuthing. Constance Barker brings her famous flair for engaging and lovable characters and locales to the town of Whispering Pines, while A.J. DeBellis adds the twists, turns, and intrigue to bring even more depth to the mysteries you won't be able to put down. Each story in the new series presents a fresh, innovative, and stand-alone mystery, complete with all the drama and humor you're looking for, while at the same time unraveling the incredible backstory and haunting history of Whispering Pines throughout the series.
Get ready for a new and refreshing kind of mystery with a crisp edge and a soft, creamy center. It’s perfect for everyone from 22 to 88…delectable, fulfilling, and best of all – zero calories!
156 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2015
160 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
About the author
Constance Barker
462 books204 followersConstance Barker lives in the Midwest with her husband and two Akitas where she can look out from her screened porch onto a wooded area brimming with activity. Since she was a young girl she read mysteries, often given to her by her grandmother. She loved figuring out who the culprit was and sometimes she was right and other times startled at who the author picked as the assailant. Now she enjoys writing mysteries herself. When she isn't writing stories, she can be found in her favorite vacation spot, Las Vegas or shopping for bargains.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 29, 2021
A Sinister Slice of Murder
A Jessie Delacroix Murder Mystery
By: Constance Barker, A.J. DeBellis
Narrated by: Angel Clark
This book I received from freeaudiblecodes and the review is voluntary. This is book one in the series and it has a cute mystery and I think it mostly is to introduce the characters too. The main character seems a bit hot headed at the beginning and then moves back home to run a B&B because the staff is upset because of the ghosts. We find it's the balls mom and grandma who play a big role in the book. She also has a beagle pup who also has a big part.
One of the patrons dies during a seance at the B&B. His head is cut off but in a way not to leave blood. Also the head is missing!
Her grandma keeps possessing the poor dog so she can leave the residence to look for clues as our gal walks him. It's really a fairly good story but the narration is pretty poor. No matter the voice, it is just wrong. This would be better as a book unless the author gets a different narrator.
Overall, A fair mystery, a cute dog, some interesting characters. Poor narration.
A Jessie Delacroix Murder Mystery
By: Constance Barker, A.J. DeBellis
Narrated by: Angel Clark
This book I received from freeaudiblecodes and the review is voluntary. This is book one in the series and it has a cute mystery and I think it mostly is to introduce the characters too. The main character seems a bit hot headed at the beginning and then moves back home to run a B&B because the staff is upset because of the ghosts. We find it's the balls mom and grandma who play a big role in the book. She also has a beagle pup who also has a big part.
One of the patrons dies during a seance at the B&B. His head is cut off but in a way not to leave blood. Also the head is missing!
Her grandma keeps possessing the poor dog so she can leave the residence to look for clues as our gal walks him. It's really a fairly good story but the narration is pretty poor. No matter the voice, it is just wrong. This would be better as a book unless the author gets a different narrator.
Overall, A fair mystery, a cute dog, some interesting characters. Poor narration.
November 15, 2015
Not good. Not a good mystery, not good characters. Just...no.
This little fluff of a story requests you to suspend your disbelief into alternate realms. You must not use any common sense. You must believe charters think, act, and talk in bizarre, nonsensical ways. Just nod your head and go with it. Okay, then...
So there I was, reading along, deliberately not questioning any of the farfetched storyline or logistics, when something so ridiculous happened I could not go on.
***SPOILER ALERT***
Do you think a 20lb beagle could not only carry an adult human head in its mouth but also run with it, and that people seeing the dog performing this amazing feat would think he has "a small raccoon or possum" in his mouth? This author wants us to believe it can.
Has the author ever SEEN an adult human head? They're not exactly small or lightweight! It would be like a small dog running along, carrying a bowling ball. And people observing this would think the bowling ball was a squirrel? W...T...F...?
That was it. My willing suspension of disbelief snapped under the strain of that moment, I thought, "Well, that's just really stupid," and that's it, I'm finished.
Can't recommend, will not read any other books by this author.
This little fluff of a story requests you to suspend your disbelief into alternate realms. You must not use any common sense. You must believe charters think, act, and talk in bizarre, nonsensical ways. Just nod your head and go with it. Okay, then...
So there I was, reading along, deliberately not questioning any of the farfetched storyline or logistics, when something so ridiculous happened I could not go on.
***SPOILER ALERT***
Do you think a 20lb beagle could not only carry an adult human head in its mouth but also run with it, and that people seeing the dog performing this amazing feat would think he has "a small raccoon or possum" in his mouth? This author wants us to believe it can.
Has the author ever SEEN an adult human head? They're not exactly small or lightweight! It would be like a small dog running along, carrying a bowling ball. And people observing this would think the bowling ball was a squirrel? W...T...F...?
That was it. My willing suspension of disbelief snapped under the strain of that moment, I thought, "Well, that's just really stupid," and that's it, I'm finished.
Can't recommend, will not read any other books by this author.
December 27, 2015
Great Book
A Sinister Slice of Murder is one of the best mystery books I've read in a long time. For once a book that kept me interested, from the very beginning.
One murder mystery I didn't figure out, the who done it in the first chapter.
I love the dog, all the ghosts and the neighbors across the road, who seemed to be an old woman, an old man and a cat, but turned out to be one and the same shape shifter.
This is s great book and one I didn't want to put down.
I'll be buying more is Ms Constance Barker's books.
A Sinister Slice of Murder is one of the best mystery books I've read in a long time. For once a book that kept me interested, from the very beginning.
One murder mystery I didn't figure out, the who done it in the first chapter.
I love the dog, all the ghosts and the neighbors across the road, who seemed to be an old woman, an old man and a cat, but turned out to be one and the same shape shifter.
This is s great book and one I didn't want to put down.
I'll be buying more is Ms Constance Barker's books.
November 15, 2015
Suddenly Talking to Ghosts and Getting Premonition
Loved this book and can't wait for the next one. I read it in one sitting. Fast paced and intriguing. Loved the interactions between all the characters, especially between Jesse and the 2 ghost, her mother and grandmother. Also another mysterious character who us very mysterious and I will not tell you that plot line or it will ruin the mystery plot within the mystery.
Loved this book and can't wait for the next one. I read it in one sitting. Fast paced and intriguing. Loved the interactions between all the characters, especially between Jesse and the 2 ghost, her mother and grandmother. Also another mysterious character who us very mysterious and I will not tell you that plot line or it will ruin the mystery plot within the mystery.
January 26, 2016
Typically I enjoy light murders but, overall, I didn't really care for this one. I thought there was potential, but the actual murder method I found disturbing. I liked that Jessie ended up leaving her career and heading "home." I enjoyed the paranormal aspects, especially that Jessie could reconnect with her mother and grandmother. And I liked Arthur, Jessie's little dog. Some of the grammatical mistakes were bothersome but the darkness was over-powering for me.
July 28, 2016
It all comes down to the editing,or in this case a proof reader who can easily
spot typos. I love to read a quick somewhat quirky story in between heavier stories. However,it gets aggravating when I'm into the story and a word is spelled wrong, wrong tense is used or the wrong word is inserted. It stops everything as I go back to see what I missed. The story is a quick read. -- I might try another by this author in the future when the bugs are gone.
spot typos. I love to read a quick somewhat quirky story in between heavier stories. However,it gets aggravating when I'm into the story and a word is spelled wrong, wrong tense is used or the wrong word is inserted. It stops everything as I go back to see what I missed. The story is a quick read. -- I might try another by this author in the future when the bugs are gone.
December 6, 2015
Fascinated
By the second chapter I was hooked. I didn't put the book down until I finished it all. I did suspect the murderer but stuck on the how ! Ingenious ! Love all the colorful characters. Looking forward to the next book in this series. And looking forward to reading more of the other book series by this author.
By the second chapter I was hooked. I didn't put the book down until I finished it all. I did suspect the murderer but stuck on the how ! Ingenious ! Love all the colorful characters. Looking forward to the next book in this series. And looking forward to reading more of the other book series by this author.
November 11, 2015
Loved it
I really loved this story line and it's characters. It caught me right at the beginning and I became addicted once the mystery was revealed. I would like to know if Jessie s best friend the P I will join the next mysteries to follow soon though?
I really loved this story line and it's characters. It caught me right at the beginning and I became addicted once the mystery was revealed. I would like to know if Jessie s best friend the P I will join the next mysteries to follow soon though?
February 9, 2016
A likable group
This is a wonderful fun book and I really like Jessie and she is someone that I would enjoy knowing. She was strong and not perfect and had a good support group of friends. The Book was quirky and delicious. I hated to see it end.
This is a wonderful fun book and I really like Jessie and she is someone that I would enjoy knowing. She was strong and not perfect and had a good support group of friends. The Book was quirky and delicious. I hated to see it end.
November 11, 2015
Pretty cool
I enjoyed reading this book. The story and characters were different and a little quirky. Some parts were confusing especially the many Gus's
I enjoyed reading this book. The story and characters were different and a little quirky. Some parts were confusing especially the many Gus's
November 15, 2015
I had the feeling of being dropped into the middle of the story. I found the story confusing with a few to many characters and some what the heck just happened here moments.
November 30, 2015
Fun and fabulous
Can't wait for the second book!!! Fun relaxing read. Highly recommend! I will be checking more books from this author.
Can't wait for the second book!!! Fun relaxing read. Highly recommend! I will be checking more books from this author.
November 14, 2015
Pretty predictable story. Struggled to finish as it really didn't hold my attention.
July 31, 2020
This was a fun listen and a good start to a new series. It was fairly short listen so great for cars rides. I did know who the killer was but with its easy style it keeps you listening until the end to see if you are right. The plot was good and it is obviously setting up a story for later books. The one thing that had me confused was the main character is she a medium or a witch, it never really explained or why she could talk to ghosts. I liked the characters especially the gran who kept taking possession of the dog so she could help solve the case. Look forward to the next book.
Jessie returns home to help save her grans bed & breakfast and tea room. It seems that the ghost of her grandmother is scareing away customers, as well as staff. Apon arrival she discovers that not only has her Gran stuck around but also her mother and they want to help. One of the ways the B&B is drumming up business is by holding a seance for a grieving family who want to contact there dead son. The problem is, the father loses his head, literally, during the middle of the seance and what was meant to help the business could mean the end of it. Jessie with the help from her gran sets out to find the killer so the B&B can reopen. The murder weapon turns out to be trick to pin down and with everybody present it should be an easy case to solve. However with the lights going out, nobody saw anything and Jessie will have her work cut out for her. Can she work out the reason for the murder? And in doing so will that unmask the killer? Or will.there be another body?
I liked the narrator. I have heard a number of books read by her and have always found she puts a lot of energy and emotion into her reading.
Jessie returns home to help save her grans bed & breakfast and tea room. It seems that the ghost of her grandmother is scareing away customers, as well as staff. Apon arrival she discovers that not only has her Gran stuck around but also her mother and they want to help. One of the ways the B&B is drumming up business is by holding a seance for a grieving family who want to contact there dead son. The problem is, the father loses his head, literally, during the middle of the seance and what was meant to help the business could mean the end of it. Jessie with the help from her gran sets out to find the killer so the B&B can reopen. The murder weapon turns out to be trick to pin down and with everybody present it should be an easy case to solve. However with the lights going out, nobody saw anything and Jessie will have her work cut out for her. Can she work out the reason for the murder? And in doing so will that unmask the killer? Or will.there be another body?
I liked the narrator. I have heard a number of books read by her and have always found she puts a lot of energy and emotion into her reading.
May 24, 2020
Quirky!
Jessie Delacroix is home again. She ditched the boyfriend (he was a leech), and the job (because she worked for the leech), and heads home to the haunted Inn she owns (because her chef says it’s going to go bankrupt if she doesn’t take over).
When a guest is murdered in rather mysterious circumstances, Jessie and her cast of colorful characters investigate!
This charming cozy mystery features an all quirky cast of characters, including a few ghosts, Jessie’s best friend and husband, and the workers at the Inn (plus a mysterious shop owner). If you enjoy magically quirky mysteries, then this will be right up your alley!
Jessie Delacroix is home again. She ditched the boyfriend (he was a leech), and the job (because she worked for the leech), and heads home to the haunted Inn she owns (because her chef says it’s going to go bankrupt if she doesn’t take over).
When a guest is murdered in rather mysterious circumstances, Jessie and her cast of colorful characters investigate!
This charming cozy mystery features an all quirky cast of characters, including a few ghosts, Jessie’s best friend and husband, and the workers at the Inn (plus a mysterious shop owner). If you enjoy magically quirky mysteries, then this will be right up your alley!
July 4, 2017
Def not the best book I have ever read. It had potential to be good. Often got confused about who was talking and what they were talking about. Unfortunately a lot of different things were thrown in randomly. I tend to be very open to most books but this one was hard to get thru.
July 31, 2020
Jessie inherited a bed and breakfast place, wanting a quiet life after the hustle of her job in Savannah. She didn’t count on the ghosts that Iinhabit this place, enjoyable as has been her other stories I have read.
March 2, 2021
Fun ghost story mystery
It was a fast paced mystery filled with interesting characters. Jessie talks to her mother and grandmother who are ghosts. They help her solve a murder that happens at her family restaurant tea house.
It was a fast paced mystery filled with interesting characters. Jessie talks to her mother and grandmother who are ghosts. They help her solve a murder that happens at her family restaurant tea house.
February 12, 2017
Whispering Pines Murder
An enjoyable and fast read. Jessie is an entertaining and indefatigable heroine. Her Dog brings in a most important clue to help solve the puzzle.
An enjoyable and fast read. Jessie is an entertaining and indefatigable heroine. Her Dog brings in a most important clue to help solve the puzzle.
September 24, 2018
somewhat stupid
September 25, 2018
This was a fast pace, page turner, whodunit mystery with a bit of paranormal and a great sense of humor, made me laugh many a time!
December 19, 2018
very good
January 1, 2021
I highly recommend this cozy mystery!
February 9, 2021
Love short stories. Constance Barker has a way with keeping you want to read more. Now to start the next one.
May 30, 2025
A fascinating tale
The author has created an unusual and unique plot to go with an imaginative group of characters making this hard to put down
The author has created an unusual and unique plot to go with an imaginative group of characters making this hard to put down
March 6, 2017
This was a fast paranormal cozy mystery. The book was good if you want something light to read.
February 20, 2017
A fun quick read.
This was a fun quick read. Loveable characters with just enough quirkiness. If you like cozy mysteries, ghosts, small towns, and have a good sense of humor, then you will probably enjoy this book. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
This was a fun quick read. Loveable characters with just enough quirkiness. If you like cozy mysteries, ghosts, small towns, and have a good sense of humor, then you will probably enjoy this book. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
February 18, 2017
A great book
I was hooked from the very beginning. I had not read any books from this author before, however I plan on trying other ones now. If you like a good mystery with humor this is for you. The characters were interesting too .
I was hooked from the very beginning. I had not read any books from this author before, however I plan on trying other ones now. If you like a good mystery with humor this is for you. The characters were interesting too .
February 15, 2017
hip hip horay
I live in the savannah,ga area. the school is SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN. charleston,sc is 125 miles northeast of savannah. it is anational treasure for arts and design. other than the mislocation of scad, I enjoyed the book.
I live in the savannah,ga area. the school is SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN. charleston,sc is 125 miles northeast of savannah. it is anational treasure for arts and design. other than the mislocation of scad, I enjoyed the book.
February 12, 2017
Quick light read.
I found the characters a little flat and the plot lacking. Both the characters and plot definitely need filling out. There were aspects of the story I felt could have been interesting but unfortunately they were not developed. I did finish the book which is why I give it 3 stars.
I found the characters a little flat and the plot lacking. Both the characters and plot definitely need filling out. There were aspects of the story I felt could have been interesting but unfortunately they were not developed. I did finish the book which is why I give it 3 stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews