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Chintz 'n China Mystery #2
Legend of the Jade Dragon
Tarot cards seldom lie. So when they predict chaos and bad luck for her last client of the day, Emerald gets more than a little worried. He leaves behind a charming jade statue of a dragon--but promptly dies in a hit-and-run accident outside of her shop. When other terrible things begin to plague Em and her family, the only explanation is the jade dragon. To thwart its evil spell, she'll have to follow a trail of heartache all the way back to China's Ming Dynasty--and its ancient--and sometimes harsh--mysteries.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 4, 2004
917 people are currently reading
1463 people want to read
About the author
Yasmine Galenorn
251 books3,473 followersNOTE: I SELDOM visit Goodreads and do very little here. Please see my website for more information on my work: https://galenorn.com
New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestselling author Yasmine Galenorn writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance, and is the author of over 80 books & numerous series, including the Wild Hunt Series, the Moonshadow Bay Series, the Fury Unbound Series, the Otherworld Series, the Bewitching Bedlam Series, and more. She wrote for trad publishers for 20 years until she went indie in 2016.
She’s also written nonfiction metaphysical books. She is the 2011 Career Achievement Award Winner in Urban Fantasy, given by RT Magazine. Yasmine has been in the Craft since 1980, is a shamanic witch and High Priestess. She describes her life as a blend of teacups and tattoos. She lives in Kirkland, WA, with her husband Samwise and their cats. Yasmine can be reached via her web site at Galenorn.com. Sign up for her newsletter at: http://galenorn.com/newsletter/
NOTE: ALWAYS check the website and blog, and please sign up for her newsletter there to keep current with new and upcoming releases. Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter are NOT viable places to find out all this information.
New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestselling author Yasmine Galenorn writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance, and is the author of over 80 books & numerous series, including the Wild Hunt Series, the Moonshadow Bay Series, the Fury Unbound Series, the Otherworld Series, the Bewitching Bedlam Series, and more. She wrote for trad publishers for 20 years until she went indie in 2016.
She’s also written nonfiction metaphysical books. She is the 2011 Career Achievement Award Winner in Urban Fantasy, given by RT Magazine. Yasmine has been in the Craft since 1980, is a shamanic witch and High Priestess. She describes her life as a blend of teacups and tattoos. She lives in Kirkland, WA, with her husband Samwise and their cats. Yasmine can be reached via her web site at Galenorn.com. Sign up for her newsletter at: http://galenorn.com/newsletter/
NOTE: ALWAYS check the website and blog, and please sign up for her newsletter there to keep current with new and upcoming releases. Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter are NOT viable places to find out all this information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
May 24, 2017
I thought this was much better than Ghost of a Chance which I found tedious. I really like Emerald and her two kids, Miranda and Kipling. I must admit that I wanted to beat Andrew over the head with a big stick. Why couldn't Emerald see what a shite he was? I think Joe will be perfect for her and the kids. I enjoyed the mystery of the jade dragon and the investigation into the thefts in town. Heck I even liked Jimbo. Definitely a much better installment than the first book. I will definitely be reading Murder Under a Mystic Moon as I want to see where the relationship with Joe is headed.
December 31, 2023
Second in the Chintz 'n China paranormal fantasy series revolving around a psychic who owns a tea room and her family. It’s set in Washington state.
My Take
I seem to be cuddling up to the cozy stories these last few books, and this was a sweet one, as it combines a newly divorced psychic mom and her new business — and she has a strict way with her kids. We get to listen in via first person protagonist point-of-view from Em’s perspective. Sure wish more parents would be as careful as Em!
Galenorn is setting us up with a cast of characters with issues galore, and she continues her habit of creating characters to whom you want to warm up. Well, okay. Not Andrew. Galenorn portrayed Andrew as such an insensitive jerk, which made it all the more incomprehensible that it took Emerald SO long to break up with him! I mean, why would she put up with all his crap??!! Of course, Em does make me rather nuts as well. She whines on about Andrew (when it’s so obvious she needs to move on), and then the scene with the school nurse..! Em goes so far off the deep end that I’m thinking maybe this is a different character…since it’s so out of character for her. As for her vacillations over Joe...oy! If Em can't make up her mind, I'll take him!
That was a tricky bit with the dragon. Clever and scary.
Annnnd another writer who doesn’t know the difference between whopping and whupping. I’m suspecting that all those Faberge eggs that were stolen were not, ahem, the real thing.
Huh. White Deer was right, and Em has to face up to a big negative. A good lesson for her and for Jimbo. I suspect it was the primary theme for Legend of the Jade Dragon and an opportunity for both characters to grow. It was cute how Jimbo’s growth came about, *snicker* Them psychics, you know.
Despite being the second in the series, I didn’t feel the lack of not having read the first book, Ghost of a Chance , and in spite of my complaints, this was a fun story.
The Story
Tarot cards seldom lie. So when they predict chaos and bad luck for her last client of the day, Emerald gets more than a little worried. Especially when he leaves behind a charming jade statue of a dragon — but promptly dies in a hit-and-run accident outside of her shop.
When other terrible things begin to plague Em and her family, the only explanation is the jade dragon.
To thwart its evil spell, she'll have to follow a trail of heartache all the way back to China's Ming Dynasty — and its ancient, sometimes harsh — life.
The Characters
Emerald “Em” O’Brien has psychic abilities which she uses to great affect giving tarot readings to clients in her shop, the Chintz ’n China Tea Room. Kip and the astronomy-obsessed Miranda are her brilliant children. Samantha is their cat and has had kittens: Nebula, Noël, and Nigel. Nanna was the grandmother who taught Emerald how to use her powers. Grandma Grady had been the opposite of Nanna. Rose is Em’s sister.
Andrew is Em’s current boyfriend and a writer. He’s James’ best friend, and Harlow is the one who introduced them. Joe Files is a captain of the medic rescue unit with his own ambitions of being Em’s boyfriend. Roy is that ex-husband who tries to get out of child support and seems to forget he even has kids. He’s now married to the petty and selfish Tyra.
Chiqetaw, Washington, is…
…where the tea room is located. Lana and Cinnamon are Em’s staff. Customers include Mrs. Halcyon Maxwell who is president of the Psychic Occult Society of Rachel, Mabel Jones, Farrah Warnoff, and Lydia Johnson.
The newly minted (and Em’s best friend) Detective Anna Murray is having problems on the job. Sid and Nancy are Anna’s pet boas. White Deer is Murray’s aunt and a native healer. Charley and the stubborn Lila are Anna’s parents. Harley is Anna’s alcoholic brother.
Harlow, a former super model, is a pregnant friend of Em’s who is stuck in a wheelchair until she recovers. Hannah is her amazing mother-in-law. James is Harlow’s photographer husband off on a safari shoot in Africa. Professor Abrams is Harlow’s new boss. Mary Sanders is a friend of Harlow’s and an expert on art in the Ming dynasty.
Ida Trask, a retired schoolteacher, is a great babysitter, a friend, and aunt to Oliver Hoffman, an art history major who went to jail. Ida’s son teaches English in Japan. Caroline was Oliver’s mother and Ida’s sister. Desdemona is a friend of Ida’s with some problems.
Horvald Ledbetter is obsessed with his garden and a neighbor of Em’s. His wife, Ruthie, had loved her garden.
The police include the prejudiced Coughlan who is Murray’s immediate supervisor and the head of detectives. Tad Bonner is the chief of police who doesn’t think Murray can hack it. Officers Deacon Wilson and Greg Douglas are on the case. Sandy Whitmeyer is part of the forensic team. Heinz is a hard-nosed judge.
James “Jimbo” Warren gets drunk too often and has a horrible past. One that includes multiple assault charges. Gats was a drifter.
Doc Adams is the O’Briens’ family doctor; Tissy is his receptionist. Cathy Sutton is a PITA local reporter. The snarky Jack Sullivan is her co-anchor. Royal is a cameraman. Mr. Hodges operates a jewelry and estate store across the street from the tea shop. Skies & Scopes is an astronomer’s dream shop. The Brown Bear Bar & Grill is a family diner owned by Douglas Roberts and his wife. Alicia is a waitress there. Safety Tech is the best security monitoring company in town. Marvin Eyrland owns a glass company down the street from the tea room. David is an all-around general handyman. Bobby is a friend of Joe’s. Mr. Johnson is an insurance agent. Mr. Conner is a banker. Don Patterson is a locksmith.
Kip attends Lincoln Elementary. Vonda is the school nurse. Sly and Tony don’t want to be friends with Kip anymore. Another friend, Tommy Parker, broke his leg. Lori becomes a good friend of Miranda’s; her parents are snooty lawyers.
Daniel Barrington is the end of his line. Harcourt Barrington, his father, was murdered by a mental patient, Cheever Douglas. Dierdre is his damned sister. Molly was their mother. Marissa Barrington was Daniel’s wife; they had twin boys, Charles and Daniel, Jr. Terrance Barrington had been Daniel’s grandfather and an amateur archeologist. Harcourt’s other brothers were Trenton and Charles. Ian Landers was a farmer.
Maxis Studio wants to option Andrews’ book, The Mistress of Peachtree Manor. Zia Danes is a rising starlet. Marjorie is the receptionist at Tyler’s Resort, a camp resort. Cedric Anderson had been in prison.
Susan Mitchell was the ghost who put Em on the map, so to speak. Walter Mitchell and his mother, Eunice Addison, have promised Em some china. Jimmy Salver had been the high school bad boy in Em’s time.
In China during…
…the Ming dynasty when Emperor Wan-Li rules, Huang Fu, an artist, was a naughty boy.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a dark background of what appears to be the inside of an old wooden shed with a calico cat (I’m guessing it’s Samantha), a tall cream teapot, and a cheery looking, grassy green dragon holding a glowing green ball, emanating stra-n-n-ge vapors…bwa-ha-ha…in one of its claws. The author's name spans the top of the cover in white in a serif font with the publisher's logo to the right while the title is in a white script at the bottom. The series information (in black) is in a disappearing band of bright green while an info blurb in white nestles between the first and last name of the author.
The title is the object the tale revolves around, the Legend of the Jade Dragon.
My Take
I seem to be cuddling up to the cozy stories these last few books, and this was a sweet one, as it combines a newly divorced psychic mom and her new business — and she has a strict way with her kids. We get to listen in via first person protagonist point-of-view from Em’s perspective. Sure wish more parents would be as careful as Em!
Galenorn is setting us up with a cast of characters with issues galore, and she continues her habit of creating characters to whom you want to warm up. Well, okay. Not Andrew. Galenorn portrayed Andrew as such an insensitive jerk, which made it all the more incomprehensible that it took Emerald SO long to break up with him! I mean, why would she put up with all his crap??!! Of course, Em does make me rather nuts as well. She whines on about Andrew (when it’s so obvious she needs to move on), and then the scene with the school nurse..! Em goes so far off the deep end that I’m thinking maybe this is a different character…since it’s so out of character for her. As for her vacillations over Joe...oy! If Em can't make up her mind, I'll take him!
That was a tricky bit with the dragon. Clever and scary.
Annnnd another writer who doesn’t know the difference between whopping and whupping. I’m suspecting that all those Faberge eggs that were stolen were not, ahem, the real thing.
Huh. White Deer was right, and Em has to face up to a big negative. A good lesson for her and for Jimbo. I suspect it was the primary theme for Legend of the Jade Dragon and an opportunity for both characters to grow. It was cute how Jimbo’s growth came about, *snicker* Them psychics, you know.
Despite being the second in the series, I didn’t feel the lack of not having read the first book, Ghost of a Chance , and in spite of my complaints, this was a fun story.
The Story
Tarot cards seldom lie. So when they predict chaos and bad luck for her last client of the day, Emerald gets more than a little worried. Especially when he leaves behind a charming jade statue of a dragon — but promptly dies in a hit-and-run accident outside of her shop.
When other terrible things begin to plague Em and her family, the only explanation is the jade dragon.
To thwart its evil spell, she'll have to follow a trail of heartache all the way back to China's Ming Dynasty — and its ancient, sometimes harsh — life.
The Characters
Emerald “Em” O’Brien has psychic abilities which she uses to great affect giving tarot readings to clients in her shop, the Chintz ’n China Tea Room. Kip and the astronomy-obsessed Miranda are her brilliant children. Samantha is their cat and has had kittens: Nebula, Noël, and Nigel. Nanna was the grandmother who taught Emerald how to use her powers. Grandma Grady had been the opposite of Nanna. Rose is Em’s sister.
Andrew is Em’s current boyfriend and a writer. He’s James’ best friend, and Harlow is the one who introduced them. Joe Files is a captain of the medic rescue unit with his own ambitions of being Em’s boyfriend. Roy is that ex-husband who tries to get out of child support and seems to forget he even has kids. He’s now married to the petty and selfish Tyra.
Chiqetaw, Washington, is…
…where the tea room is located. Lana and Cinnamon are Em’s staff. Customers include Mrs. Halcyon Maxwell who is president of the Psychic Occult Society of Rachel, Mabel Jones, Farrah Warnoff, and Lydia Johnson.
The newly minted (and Em’s best friend) Detective Anna Murray is having problems on the job. Sid and Nancy are Anna’s pet boas. White Deer is Murray’s aunt and a native healer. Charley and the stubborn Lila are Anna’s parents. Harley is Anna’s alcoholic brother.
Harlow, a former super model, is a pregnant friend of Em’s who is stuck in a wheelchair until she recovers. Hannah is her amazing mother-in-law. James is Harlow’s photographer husband off on a safari shoot in Africa. Professor Abrams is Harlow’s new boss. Mary Sanders is a friend of Harlow’s and an expert on art in the Ming dynasty.
Ida Trask, a retired schoolteacher, is a great babysitter, a friend, and aunt to Oliver Hoffman, an art history major who went to jail. Ida’s son teaches English in Japan. Caroline was Oliver’s mother and Ida’s sister. Desdemona is a friend of Ida’s with some problems.
Horvald Ledbetter is obsessed with his garden and a neighbor of Em’s. His wife, Ruthie, had loved her garden.
The police include the prejudiced Coughlan who is Murray’s immediate supervisor and the head of detectives. Tad Bonner is the chief of police who doesn’t think Murray can hack it. Officers Deacon Wilson and Greg Douglas are on the case. Sandy Whitmeyer is part of the forensic team. Heinz is a hard-nosed judge.
James “Jimbo” Warren gets drunk too often and has a horrible past. One that includes multiple assault charges. Gats was a drifter.
Doc Adams is the O’Briens’ family doctor; Tissy is his receptionist. Cathy Sutton is a PITA local reporter. The snarky Jack Sullivan is her co-anchor. Royal is a cameraman. Mr. Hodges operates a jewelry and estate store across the street from the tea shop. Skies & Scopes is an astronomer’s dream shop. The Brown Bear Bar & Grill is a family diner owned by Douglas Roberts and his wife. Alicia is a waitress there. Safety Tech is the best security monitoring company in town. Marvin Eyrland owns a glass company down the street from the tea room. David is an all-around general handyman. Bobby is a friend of Joe’s. Mr. Johnson is an insurance agent. Mr. Conner is a banker. Don Patterson is a locksmith.
Kip attends Lincoln Elementary. Vonda is the school nurse. Sly and Tony don’t want to be friends with Kip anymore. Another friend, Tommy Parker, broke his leg. Lori becomes a good friend of Miranda’s; her parents are snooty lawyers.
Daniel Barrington is the end of his line. Harcourt Barrington, his father, was murdered by a mental patient, Cheever Douglas. Dierdre is his damned sister. Molly was their mother. Marissa Barrington was Daniel’s wife; they had twin boys, Charles and Daniel, Jr. Terrance Barrington had been Daniel’s grandfather and an amateur archeologist. Harcourt’s other brothers were Trenton and Charles. Ian Landers was a farmer.
Maxis Studio wants to option Andrews’ book, The Mistress of Peachtree Manor. Zia Danes is a rising starlet. Marjorie is the receptionist at Tyler’s Resort, a camp resort. Cedric Anderson had been in prison.
Susan Mitchell was the ghost who put Em on the map, so to speak. Walter Mitchell and his mother, Eunice Addison, have promised Em some china. Jimmy Salver had been the high school bad boy in Em’s time.
In China during…
…the Ming dynasty when Emperor Wan-Li rules, Huang Fu, an artist, was a naughty boy.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a dark background of what appears to be the inside of an old wooden shed with a calico cat (I’m guessing it’s Samantha), a tall cream teapot, and a cheery looking, grassy green dragon holding a glowing green ball, emanating stra-n-n-ge vapors…bwa-ha-ha…in one of its claws. The author's name spans the top of the cover in white in a serif font with the publisher's logo to the right while the title is in a white script at the bottom. The series information (in black) is in a disappearing band of bright green while an info blurb in white nestles between the first and last name of the author.
The title is the object the tale revolves around, the Legend of the Jade Dragon.
January 5, 2018
5 stars
Nice to see the next chapter in Emerald's life. Sad that she and Andrew broke up. Hope she finds happiness with Joe. Poor Ida. RIP everyone that died. Glad that the curse was broken on the Jade Dragon. Hoping Cedric will not in prison for a long time.
Can't wait to read Murder Under a Mystic Moon!!!!
Nice to see the next chapter in Emerald's life. Sad that she and Andrew broke up. Hope she finds happiness with Joe. Poor Ida. RIP everyone that died. Glad that the curse was broken on the Jade Dragon. Hoping Cedric will not in prison for a long time.
Can't wait to read Murder Under a Mystic Moon!!!!
February 17, 2018
Legend of the Jade Dragon, A Chintz 'n China Mystery, #2
by Yasmine Galenorn
I jumped in on this series with the second book, which turned up on one of my "free e-book" lists. I'm always pleasantly surprised when I run into what, IMHO, is a top notch mystery from the free lists. This was one of those times.
The plotting and pacing are excellent, as is the flow. The characters are interesting and show growth throughout the novel. Divining who the bad guy was turned out to be extremely easy, and that would be my only real complaint about the book. Editing and proofing were great. I liked that in Emerald O'Brien we have a competent female lead who, yes, does have some dependency problems, but who isn't afraid to make a decision, take a risk, or sacrifice for those she cares about. Tons of action, lots of danger, very interesting legend and paranormal doings all carry the reader along on a fun and exciting ride.
The only thing I wondered about occurred at 2446 on my Kindle, when Emerald's son, Kip, is trying to go online on his computer: "The beep-squawk-hiss of the modem signaled that he was in." A dial up modem? Really? The town seemingly has sufficient cell phone service and tv reception, but no cable or dish internet service? The book was published in 2016, so even if it were written the year or so before, widespread cable/dish internet service should have been available even in a small Washington state town.
On a personal note, as much as I enjoyed this novel, it probably wasn't the smartest choice for me to read right now, as I am struggling with anxiety attacks surrounding my first broken bone in what is nearly 71 years. By 528 on my Kindle, we'd already seen mention of two people with broken legs, one hit and run fatality, one friend of a friend injured in an auto accident. Yeah, I had to skip over some of those quickly. That also held true at 3018 on my Kindle, during the hog-tying scene. Yep, not good reading for someone trying to escape real life anxiety in a fictional world!
But, aside from my own very personal reaction to some of the scenes, it was a very enjoyable read and one that fans of urban fantasy/mystery should love!
by Yasmine Galenorn
I jumped in on this series with the second book, which turned up on one of my "free e-book" lists. I'm always pleasantly surprised when I run into what, IMHO, is a top notch mystery from the free lists. This was one of those times.
The plotting and pacing are excellent, as is the flow. The characters are interesting and show growth throughout the novel. Divining who the bad guy was turned out to be extremely easy, and that would be my only real complaint about the book. Editing and proofing were great. I liked that in Emerald O'Brien we have a competent female lead who, yes, does have some dependency problems, but who isn't afraid to make a decision, take a risk, or sacrifice for those she cares about. Tons of action, lots of danger, very interesting legend and paranormal doings all carry the reader along on a fun and exciting ride.
The only thing I wondered about occurred at 2446 on my Kindle, when Emerald's son, Kip, is trying to go online on his computer: "The beep-squawk-hiss of the modem signaled that he was in." A dial up modem? Really? The town seemingly has sufficient cell phone service and tv reception, but no cable or dish internet service? The book was published in 2016, so even if it were written the year or so before, widespread cable/dish internet service should have been available even in a small Washington state town.
On a personal note, as much as I enjoyed this novel, it probably wasn't the smartest choice for me to read right now, as I am struggling with anxiety attacks surrounding my first broken bone in what is nearly 71 years. By 528 on my Kindle, we'd already seen mention of two people with broken legs, one hit and run fatality, one friend of a friend injured in an auto accident. Yeah, I had to skip over some of those quickly. That also held true at 3018 on my Kindle, during the hog-tying scene. Yep, not good reading for someone trying to escape real life anxiety in a fictional world!
But, aside from my own very personal reaction to some of the scenes, it was a very enjoyable read and one that fans of urban fantasy/mystery should love!
June 7, 2023
Not amazing, but a good ratio of "reality" and "paranormal" (more reality than paranormal but a not insignificant amount of paranormal)
One of the major factors in my lower rating is the romance stuff. Which is a strong bias for me.
I don't like love "triangles", I really don't like fast relationships and it takes a fair bit to convince me this is a reasonable set of feelings to have.
This book doesn't.
If you can ignore the romance side of things (or enjoy it where I won't/can't), the mystery was a bit slow. I was nearly halfway through the book before she figured out the paranormal influence that needed to be dealt with.
Which, kinda meh but also not bad?
On a separate note, reading the second book in the series first allows for probably a better grasp for what kind of stories come with the rest of the series.
The first has to set up the characters, plot rules, setting, relationships and many other things. The second gets to just build on the first but there's not so much history that you miss a but of references.
I might do this again . . .
maybe. it still rubs me the wrong way.
One of the major factors in my lower rating is the romance stuff. Which is a strong bias for me.
I don't like love "triangles", I really don't like fast relationships and it takes a fair bit to convince me this is a reasonable set of feelings to have.
This book doesn't.
If you can ignore the romance side of things (or enjoy it where I won't/can't), the mystery was a bit slow. I was nearly halfway through the book before she figured out the paranormal influence that needed to be dealt with.
Which, kinda meh but also not bad?
On a separate note, reading the second book in the series first allows for probably a better grasp for what kind of stories come with the rest of the series.
The first has to set up the characters, plot rules, setting, relationships and many other things. The second gets to just build on the first but there's not so much history that you miss a but of references.
I might do this again . . .
maybe. it still rubs me the wrong way.
November 9, 2019
This series just keeps on growing on me! After a slow start in book #1, I'm now hooked!
When a scruffy man comes in to the tea shop for a tarot reading, Emerald knows from the first turn of the cards that something is badly wrong. And when that same man dies in a horrible accident right outside of her shop, she knows that it is deeper than even that. He leaves behind a carving of a dragon, done in jade. Very old. Very precious. Very, very wrong.
Now Emerald must solve the mystery of this jade dragon, or lose everything...business, home, family, and very possibly her own life.
When a scruffy man comes in to the tea shop for a tarot reading, Emerald knows from the first turn of the cards that something is badly wrong. And when that same man dies in a horrible accident right outside of her shop, she knows that it is deeper than even that. He leaves behind a carving of a dragon, done in jade. Very old. Very precious. Very, very wrong.
Now Emerald must solve the mystery of this jade dragon, or lose everything...business, home, family, and very possibly her own life.
September 5, 2022
I really could not remember book 1 but it didn't seem to matter anyway as each mystery is different. This on was a bit too predictable for my liking; I spotted the bad guy right off the bat and even guessed the twist too. Plus it was also a bit frustrating when you as a reader know something that takes the protagonist what seems to be forever to figure out. I may or may not continue with the series as it is an easy read but there are also plenty on my TBR.
February 4, 2019
I couldn’t finish it, I lost interest quite soon.
March 19, 2015
Apart from the fact that everyone was so slow on the uptake I enjoyed the book. Come on! Ex-con, recently come to town, the cops would have been all over Oliver like a rash, don't you think?! Anyway, it was quite fun & the ending was a laugh - good ole boy Jimbo to the rescue & Emerald playing ninja. Snort!
July 30, 2014
Divorced mum of two with ghost problems.
After a quite good start this book do not keep up for me. Too many boring moments with just list of events happening.
After a quite good start this book do not keep up for me. Too many boring moments with just list of events happening.
March 20, 2018
The owner of the Chintz and China tearoom/china shop/tarot reader parlor is Emerald. She ends up with an antigue jade dragon when a customer leaves it after a tarot card reading. When she tries to return it to him, he is killed in ahit and run accident. When bad things start to happen to her and her family, Emerald realizes it is the fault of the jade dragon. Can she break the curse before it calims anymore lives?
I actually know more of Yasmine Galenorn's paranormal action/mystery Otherworld series. I tried to find this mystery series when I first started reading the other series but they were out of print at the time so I was glad to find that they were made into ebooks.
This is book 2 in the series (which I have not read) so I missed some character introduction. But it was fairly easy to get caught up. The characters are fairly easy to like. Emerald is what I would call a new ager. She is a tarot card reader and does spells. But this book doesn't go full scale paranormal. It walks an awkward line between reality and a place where magic and psychic phenomenon are real.
The mystery was fairly weak as far as I was concerned. It couldn't decide if it wanted to be about the curse of the jade dragon or an escaped killer. Again, this goes back to the author trying to walk that line between the real world and the paranormal.
Overall, this was a decent cozy mystery with a touch of the paranormal. There are plenty of other series out there like this one but if you consider that this series originally came out in 2004, it would have stood out a little more then.
I actually know more of Yasmine Galenorn's paranormal action/mystery Otherworld series. I tried to find this mystery series when I first started reading the other series but they were out of print at the time so I was glad to find that they were made into ebooks.
This is book 2 in the series (which I have not read) so I missed some character introduction. But it was fairly easy to get caught up. The characters are fairly easy to like. Emerald is what I would call a new ager. She is a tarot card reader and does spells. But this book doesn't go full scale paranormal. It walks an awkward line between reality and a place where magic and psychic phenomenon are real.
The mystery was fairly weak as far as I was concerned. It couldn't decide if it wanted to be about the curse of the jade dragon or an escaped killer. Again, this goes back to the author trying to walk that line between the real world and the paranormal.
Overall, this was a decent cozy mystery with a touch of the paranormal. There are plenty of other series out there like this one but if you consider that this series originally came out in 2004, it would have stood out a little more then.
April 28, 2021
Langsam denke ich, dass sich die Wege von Yasmine Galenorn und mir trennen. Hatte ich mit Band eins damals noch meine Freude, so ist dies unterdessen ziemlich abgeklungen.
Trotz einiger berührender Szenen (ich mag vor allem die Kinder), kam ich kaum bis gar nicht in die Geschichte rein. Für mich wird zu viel um die eigentliche Handlung herumgeredet. Klar dienen all diese Verläufe der Figurenentwicklung, aber für mich ging der eigentliche Aspekt des Kriminalfalles völlig verloren.
Deshalb ging auch mein Interesse flöten. Wenn das so lapidar ausdrücken darf. Die ganzen Beziehungsgeschichten waren für mich einfach zu ermüdend, zu zäh.
Da es sich um einen typischen Galenorn-Titel handelt, gehe ich davon aus, dass ich einfach aus ihr herausgewachsen bin. Sie hat mich jahrelang begleitet, aber auch den "Schwestern des Mondes" werde ich während des Lesens unruhig und sehne das Ende herbei. Daraus schliesse ich, dass hiermit eine Ära zu Ende geht.
Da ich mich aber trotzdem schwer damit tue, halte ich mir die Reihe noch lauwarm. Um die Weihnachtszeit werde ich die Gratis-Weihnachtsgeschichte lesen, die ich letztes Jahr bekommen habe. Danach werde ich entscheiden, ob ich definitiv abbreche oder es noch einmal versuche.
Trotz einiger berührender Szenen (ich mag vor allem die Kinder), kam ich kaum bis gar nicht in die Geschichte rein. Für mich wird zu viel um die eigentliche Handlung herumgeredet. Klar dienen all diese Verläufe der Figurenentwicklung, aber für mich ging der eigentliche Aspekt des Kriminalfalles völlig verloren.
Deshalb ging auch mein Interesse flöten. Wenn das so lapidar ausdrücken darf. Die ganzen Beziehungsgeschichten waren für mich einfach zu ermüdend, zu zäh.
Da es sich um einen typischen Galenorn-Titel handelt, gehe ich davon aus, dass ich einfach aus ihr herausgewachsen bin. Sie hat mich jahrelang begleitet, aber auch den "Schwestern des Mondes" werde ich während des Lesens unruhig und sehne das Ende herbei. Daraus schliesse ich, dass hiermit eine Ära zu Ende geht.
Da ich mich aber trotzdem schwer damit tue, halte ich mir die Reihe noch lauwarm. Um die Weihnachtszeit werde ich die Gratis-Weihnachtsgeschichte lesen, die ich letztes Jahr bekommen habe. Danach werde ich entscheiden, ob ich definitiv abbreche oder es noch einmal versuche.
April 14, 2018
Cozy mystery with a supernatural twist. The author is a shamanic witch and High Priestess and a former professional tarot card reader. She writes from what she knows. Her main character is a witch, tarot card reader, and owner of the Chintz 'n China tea shop and retail shop, also the mother of a 14-year-old brilliant daughter and 9 year old psychic son.
In this episode of the Chintz 'n China series, a man is killed by a hit and run driver as he's leaving the tea room. ___ ends up with the dragon that he had dropped in her shop. It has a curse on it. Historically, everyone in the family of the possessor has died. Now it's her turn. Her shop is trashed, someone throws a brick into the front window of her house, burglaries are happening in the neighborhood, etc.
You'll probably figure out who's behind all the bad stuff, besides the cursed statuette, but it doesn't keep it from being a fun read. Not too deep, either in plot or characterization. And you get a couple ghosts and demons thrown in, spell casting, and roaming on the astral plane.
In this episode of the Chintz 'n China series, a man is killed by a hit and run driver as he's leaving the tea room. ___ ends up with the dragon that he had dropped in her shop. It has a curse on it. Historically, everyone in the family of the possessor has died. Now it's her turn. Her shop is trashed, someone throws a brick into the front window of her house, burglaries are happening in the neighborhood, etc.
You'll probably figure out who's behind all the bad stuff, besides the cursed statuette, but it doesn't keep it from being a fun read. Not too deep, either in plot or characterization. And you get a couple ghosts and demons thrown in, spell casting, and roaming on the astral plane.
June 15, 2019
A Sad History?
This series must be read in order. The first book is "Ghost Of A Chance". This is the second book. I can't wait to read "Murder Under A Mystic Moon"!
When the most downtrodden man she has ever seen shows up for a Tarot Reading Emerald doesn't expect a reading full of sunshine and rainbows... But she doesn't expect one so thoroughly negative either. Not a single card points to anything in the least bit positive. Her client seems not in the least surprised by her reading. When he gets up to go all his stuff scatters and they scramble to get it but miss a piece. Emerald notices and goes after him with the beautifully carved made dragon... And catches him just as he is hit by a speeding van. How did he come by such a beautiful piece? Did she cause him to get hit by distracting him? Did he truly tell her to keep it? The cops seem to think so... But why? Ever since touching the Dragon Em seems to be having a fun of bad luck... Along with everyone close around her... Is she cursed? What else could be causing this?
This series must be read in order. The first book is "Ghost Of A Chance". This is the second book. I can't wait to read "Murder Under A Mystic Moon"!
When the most downtrodden man she has ever seen shows up for a Tarot Reading Emerald doesn't expect a reading full of sunshine and rainbows... But she doesn't expect one so thoroughly negative either. Not a single card points to anything in the least bit positive. Her client seems not in the least surprised by her reading. When he gets up to go all his stuff scatters and they scramble to get it but miss a piece. Emerald notices and goes after him with the beautifully carved made dragon... And catches him just as he is hit by a speeding van. How did he come by such a beautiful piece? Did she cause him to get hit by distracting him? Did he truly tell her to keep it? The cops seem to think so... But why? Ever since touching the Dragon Em seems to be having a fun of bad luck... Along with everyone close around her... Is she cursed? What else could be causing this?
April 5, 2018
I would enjoyed this book a lot more had I read book #1 first. I was very confused by who was who, and it took quite awhile to get into it. But I persevered and found myself liking it more and more. Emerald is a 40ish protagonist, unusual in many cities. She is a single mother of brilliant teen Miranda and 9 year old Kipling (Kip). She owns the Chintz 'n China Tea Shop collecting antiques and all sorts of teapots for sale in the shop. She reads Tarot cards, occasionally communicates with her dead grandmother, and "sees" things from the Astral Plane (the name of a long gone but favorite restaurant in Philadelphia). She has interesting friends but we learn almost nothing of their back stories. I guessed the bad guy early on, long before Emerald did.
So after finishing this book I checked on the first one, Ghost of a Chance, and surprise surprise I found it in my library (lesson learned!) so I will read that one next!
So after finishing this book I checked on the first one, Ghost of a Chance, and surprise surprise I found it in my library (lesson learned!) so I will read that one next!
December 31, 2016
Emerald is a single mom with a talent for reading tarot cards. She's a practical woman with some playfulness thrown in. She a different type of heroine that I really enjoyed.
After an uneasy reading Emerald finds herself the owner of a mysterious dragon trinket and the bearer of bad luck. Adventure and mystery with a touch of paranormal send Emerald and crew on a fact finding mission to break ancient curse.
Legend of the Jade Dragon is a fun and twisting small town paranormal mystery. Rich details allow the reader to fully picture story with in their minds. The characters are well-developed. Each containing depth, charisma and individualistic traits that make each character's personality unique and very likable. The plot keeps the book moving along with keeping a reader guess. Legend of the Jade Dragon is a very enjoyable cozy mystery with a touch of romance.
After an uneasy reading Emerald finds herself the owner of a mysterious dragon trinket and the bearer of bad luck. Adventure and mystery with a touch of paranormal send Emerald and crew on a fact finding mission to break ancient curse.
Legend of the Jade Dragon is a fun and twisting small town paranormal mystery. Rich details allow the reader to fully picture story with in their minds. The characters are well-developed. Each containing depth, charisma and individualistic traits that make each character's personality unique and very likable. The plot keeps the book moving along with keeping a reader guess. Legend of the Jade Dragon is a very enjoyable cozy mystery with a touch of romance.
September 21, 2022
This is the second book in the Chintz ‘n’ China cozy mystery series.
Emerald O’Brien is doing a tarot reading for Daniel Barrington, a man she’d never met before. She is also getting a feeling of fear from this worn-out looking man. It isn’t him, personally, that is dangerous but something around him.
Upon leaving the shop, he is hit and killed by a speeding van. He had been turning to go back to pick up the small jade dragon that had fallen out his pocket. It seems the bad luck had struck its final blow to him.
Emerald finds herself with a few mysteries — who are Daniel’s living relatives and where do they live? What is the history of the jade dragon? What is the evil spell that is causing all the trouble to Emerald and her family? How does she break it?
There is also the rash of burglaries that are happening and questions about a neighbour’ s “nephew” who has just turned up. Is he who he says he is? Is he tied to the thefts?
Emerald has her hands full…again!
Emerald O’Brien is doing a tarot reading for Daniel Barrington, a man she’d never met before. She is also getting a feeling of fear from this worn-out looking man. It isn’t him, personally, that is dangerous but something around him.
Upon leaving the shop, he is hit and killed by a speeding van. He had been turning to go back to pick up the small jade dragon that had fallen out his pocket. It seems the bad luck had struck its final blow to him.
Emerald finds herself with a few mysteries — who are Daniel’s living relatives and where do they live? What is the history of the jade dragon? What is the evil spell that is causing all the trouble to Emerald and her family? How does she break it?
There is also the rash of burglaries that are happening and questions about a neighbour’ s “nephew” who has just turned up. Is he who he says he is? Is he tied to the thefts?
Emerald has her hands full…again!
June 4, 2018
I received this free eBook through Bookbub and Amazon in exchange for a fair review.
Although I don’t like reading about the supernatural forces, I enjoyed reading this book that has a complex murder mystery, quirky characters, uplifting and positive vibe in spite of so many bad things happening to the main character, and the fact that the supernatural forces were limited to having premonitions and an ancient curse which I didn’t mind. I intended to read more books from this series until finding out one of the main characters in the book having two boas as pets. However I liked this book so much, I will check out the other books by this author.
Although I don’t like reading about the supernatural forces, I enjoyed reading this book that has a complex murder mystery, quirky characters, uplifting and positive vibe in spite of so many bad things happening to the main character, and the fact that the supernatural forces were limited to having premonitions and an ancient curse which I didn’t mind. I intended to read more books from this series until finding out one of the main characters in the book having two boas as pets. However I liked this book so much, I will check out the other books by this author.
August 10, 2018
LOVED this book--will look forward to reading more in this series. When a client has a tarot reading of dismal cards, it isn't too great of a surprise that he gets hit by a vehicle after leaving the shop. The antique magical jade dragon he leaves behind is an intriguing character all on its own. Her friends are an interesting lot and have much to add to the story. Can she break the curse that cute little dragon brings on or is her family doomed to tragedy after tragedy as the previous owners experienced? Recommend reading this to find out! At the least it should make you feel better that your life is going better in comparison.
January 22, 2019
A man came into my tearoom asking if had time to give a reading. A worn suitcase and a worn raincoat, as though the man himself was worn out. As I began I felt apprehensive, the look he knew things weren’t good. Don’t feel bad, he said, he felt he was beyond help. Mishap as he was leaving, and his handkerchief I found later, had something in it, a dragon. Could she have prevented what happened, or the reading that couldn’t be done, it needed a future to be told.!a divorced mother with kids, and now mayhem is happening, could there be a curse on the dragon, she has someone new in her life. Good mystery with kids, and some other quirky characters.
February 23, 2017
Legend of the Jade Dragon by Yasmine Galenorn is book 2 in her Chintz ‘N China series. In Legend of the Jade Dragon Emerald is busy keeping up with her flourishing business after solving a murder that has now garnered her renown and interest from many of the locals in town. Business is booming and life is going well overall. Then one day a man named Daniel comes in and asks her to read the cards for him. When she reads the cards she sees danger and trouble ahead for him but what she doesn’t know is how quickly it will come and that it will soon impact her as well. Daniel leaves behind a jade dragon and not long after acquiring it trouble comes in a big way. Emerald’s daughter Miranda loses her brand new $600 plus telescope to a freak accident, Emerald’s shop is broken into and destroyed and there’s more to come. Emerald now must figure out why she is having all of this madness happen to her and how to deal with it before things get to the point of no return.
Legend of the Jade Dragon is an engaging mystery novel with touches of the paranormal in it. Emerald is very adept at reading the cards and she tends to trust her intuition when it comes to the things going on around her. She’s in a relationship with a man named Andrew but you quickly get the sense that he’s not as engaged in the relationship as she is and in time we see exactly what his true colors are. Emerald has another love interest as well, Joe, but she’s unsure about him despite the fact that he shows himself to be more caring and considerate but she lets certain factors get in the way of her judgment.
I really like how Emerald is a strong character and how she also relies on her deceased Nanna as well. When she needs some guidance she meditates and focuses on her Nanna and she comes to comfort her when she needs it. Emerald also has a more than a couple good strong friendships that she is able to fall back on. She’s flawed but it adds to the realism of her character. Her friends Murray and Harlow are both dealing with their own issues but they still try to be there for her as best they can when she is dealing with the chaos of constantly dealing with one drama to the next to the next. But she also learns that she needs to be there for them in turn as well, especially Murray as she is dealing with a lot of mess at her job that has her questioning what she should do and whether it’s the right thing or not.
Despite the fact that Emerald tends to seem as the perceptive type I find it a bit off putting that she doesn’t start with things that have changed recently in her life that has brought about this stint of bad luck. That was probably the only thing that I honestly didn’t like because it seems like the most sensible course of action for anyone to take especially after more than one or two unexplainable incidents that just seem to be too farfetched to be just happen stance.
There is love, mystery, danger, betrayal and murder but it all weaves together to create a story that is hard to put down as you find yourself turning the page again and again eager to learn the history of the jade dragon, why it’s cursed and whether it can be stopped. I love the flashbacks, the history of both the dragon and the tragedy that it has brought over the years.
If you are looking for an engaging mystery with some paranormal in it then I recommend this book. It will engage you to the very end and leave you ready for another Chintz ‘N China novel by this dynamic author. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. This book will most emphatically be added to my collection.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a voluntary review.
Legend of the Jade Dragon is an engaging mystery novel with touches of the paranormal in it. Emerald is very adept at reading the cards and she tends to trust her intuition when it comes to the things going on around her. She’s in a relationship with a man named Andrew but you quickly get the sense that he’s not as engaged in the relationship as she is and in time we see exactly what his true colors are. Emerald has another love interest as well, Joe, but she’s unsure about him despite the fact that he shows himself to be more caring and considerate but she lets certain factors get in the way of her judgment.
I really like how Emerald is a strong character and how she also relies on her deceased Nanna as well. When she needs some guidance she meditates and focuses on her Nanna and she comes to comfort her when she needs it. Emerald also has a more than a couple good strong friendships that she is able to fall back on. She’s flawed but it adds to the realism of her character. Her friends Murray and Harlow are both dealing with their own issues but they still try to be there for her as best they can when she is dealing with the chaos of constantly dealing with one drama to the next to the next. But she also learns that she needs to be there for them in turn as well, especially Murray as she is dealing with a lot of mess at her job that has her questioning what she should do and whether it’s the right thing or not.
Despite the fact that Emerald tends to seem as the perceptive type I find it a bit off putting that she doesn’t start with things that have changed recently in her life that has brought about this stint of bad luck. That was probably the only thing that I honestly didn’t like because it seems like the most sensible course of action for anyone to take especially after more than one or two unexplainable incidents that just seem to be too farfetched to be just happen stance.
There is love, mystery, danger, betrayal and murder but it all weaves together to create a story that is hard to put down as you find yourself turning the page again and again eager to learn the history of the jade dragon, why it’s cursed and whether it can be stopped. I love the flashbacks, the history of both the dragon and the tragedy that it has brought over the years.
If you are looking for an engaging mystery with some paranormal in it then I recommend this book. It will engage you to the very end and leave you ready for another Chintz ‘N China novel by this dynamic author. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. This book will most emphatically be added to my collection.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a voluntary review.
February 23, 2018
Beware jade dragons!!!!
After a client has his tarot cards read, he leaves the shop and promptly gets hit by a car and dies. Emerald gets to take care of the deceased small jade Dragon. From that moment on her life takes a turn for the worse. Could there be a curse on the Dragon? As she tries to find out who killed her client, she begins to piece together the history of the jade piece. It's not something you want to own. Everything goes wrong. Will Emerald solve all the problems before the curse catches up with her??? Read on.
After a client has his tarot cards read, he leaves the shop and promptly gets hit by a car and dies. Emerald gets to take care of the deceased small jade Dragon. From that moment on her life takes a turn for the worse. Could there be a curse on the Dragon? As she tries to find out who killed her client, she begins to piece together the history of the jade piece. It's not something you want to own. Everything goes wrong. Will Emerald solve all the problems before the curse catches up with her??? Read on.
March 5, 2018
Decent little cozy
I didn't read the first book in this series, but I will since I enjoyed this one. The story is complete, and while there are some references to the mystery in the first book, it's not distracting and it gives you a little background on the characters. There are supernatural elements to the story which I enjoyed. The setting is in Washington state where I just moved so it was fun to read about people and weather and even a few towns that actually exist. The writing is decent, the editing is good. Can't ask for much more from a cozy.
I didn't read the first book in this series, but I will since I enjoyed this one. The story is complete, and while there are some references to the mystery in the first book, it's not distracting and it gives you a little background on the characters. There are supernatural elements to the story which I enjoyed. The setting is in Washington state where I just moved so it was fun to read about people and weather and even a few towns that actually exist. The writing is decent, the editing is good. Can't ask for much more from a cozy.
April 8, 2018
Good book
This book is quite different from regular reads but I’m glad I gave it a chance. I am grateful that the “bad luck” depicted wasn’t too far fetched like falling objects from the sky and so forth. It allowed me to better connect with the characters. I have not read any other book in this series but that did not take anything away from this story. I was able to follow the story perfectly. The plot development was well timed and so were the characters. This book has a bit of everything for everyone from romance to action to history.
This book is quite different from regular reads but I’m glad I gave it a chance. I am grateful that the “bad luck” depicted wasn’t too far fetched like falling objects from the sky and so forth. It allowed me to better connect with the characters. I have not read any other book in this series but that did not take anything away from this story. I was able to follow the story perfectly. The plot development was well timed and so were the characters. This book has a bit of everything for everyone from romance to action to history.
March 25, 2022
So well-crafted!
I am totally loving this series and its protagonist, Emerald! She's strong and totally owns her self-worth! This story has a slightly dark and moody vibe; the mystery and tragic consequences provide a gripping tale, and Em's responses provide just enough realism to rather unsettling events. Her mundane existence as a mother, friend, sexy singleton, and ex-wife to a boorish loser provides a perfect counterpoint to the mystical elements. I already have the next book in this fascinating series!
I am totally loving this series and its protagonist, Emerald! She's strong and totally owns her self-worth! This story has a slightly dark and moody vibe; the mystery and tragic consequences provide a gripping tale, and Em's responses provide just enough realism to rather unsettling events. Her mundane existence as a mother, friend, sexy singleton, and ex-wife to a boorish loser provides a perfect counterpoint to the mystical elements. I already have the next book in this fascinating series!
February 24, 2018
Curses are no Laughing Matter
Mystery, adventure, and romance combine with supernatural forces in this likable but complicated tale that twists and turns to an extremely satisfying surprise resolution.
Nice flow of plot as well as great character development make this a real page-turner peopled with all manner of interesting folk and a smattering of otherworldly details.
I look forward to reading more about the intrepid Emerald, her witchy ways and her feisty children.
Mystery, adventure, and romance combine with supernatural forces in this likable but complicated tale that twists and turns to an extremely satisfying surprise resolution.
Nice flow of plot as well as great character development make this a real page-turner peopled with all manner of interesting folk and a smattering of otherworldly details.
I look forward to reading more about the intrepid Emerald, her witchy ways and her feisty children.
March 28, 2018
Legend of the Jade Dragon ( Chintz 'n China Series (
Entertaining story about a jade dragon that has a curse attached to it. The owner accidentally leaves it a the tarot card reader's place and is killed by a but and run driver before she can return it to him. Her life begins to take a horrible turn for the worst and she feels the jade statue is responsible. Lots of misadventures in this one.
Entertaining story about a jade dragon that has a curse attached to it. The owner accidentally leaves it a the tarot card reader's place and is killed by a but and run driver before she can return it to him. Her life begins to take a horrible turn for the worst and she feels the jade statue is responsible. Lots of misadventures in this one.
June 5, 2018
Chintz 'n China #2
This book did not read like cozy mystery, nor like the normal cute paranormal story. It was very real and very captivating. This is the first book by Ms. Galenorn I have read, but it won't be the last.
The story was well paced and enthralling, the characters very real, and the entire premise was believable. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it, I loved reading it.
This book did not read like cozy mystery, nor like the normal cute paranormal story. It was very real and very captivating. This is the first book by Ms. Galenorn I have read, but it won't be the last.
The story was well paced and enthralling, the characters very real, and the entire premise was believable. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it, I loved reading it.
September 19, 2018
An ancient mystery
This is the first book I have read by Yasmine Galenorm and I really enjoyed this book reading it in just one sitting. Emeralds adventure starts with a visit by a customer to her tea and tarot shop when she winds up with his Jade Dragon misfortune follows can she work out the dragons secrets before it costs her everything. Can't wait to read the other books in this series.
This is the first book I have read by Yasmine Galenorm and I really enjoyed this book reading it in just one sitting. Emeralds adventure starts with a visit by a customer to her tea and tarot shop when she winds up with his Jade Dragon misfortune follows can she work out the dragons secrets before it costs her everything. Can't wait to read the other books in this series.
March 29, 2020
The second in the Chintz 'n' China Mystery series, this book is even better than the first one. In this one, Emerald accidentally finds herself the owner of a jade dragon which carries a curse with it. All kinds of bad things happen before she can find a way to rid the dragon of the curse, save her family, and stop a murderer and a gang of thieves. The story is definitely a page turner, and a good read!
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