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Paranormal in Manhattan #4
Wicked of the Christmas Past
Deck the halls with wows of wicked!
A romantic getaway to a posh spa with her devastatingly sexy boss seems like a Christmas miracle to FBI special assistant Amanda Meyer, but when you work for the bureau’s Paranormal Cases Division, disaster never takes a holiday.
Bestselling author Carina Christien is dead, her apparent suicide covered up for a year. There’s no shortage of suspects, but this is one case that won’t be wrapped up neatly. Confessions ring false, intrigue runs high, but even a bevy of disgruntled ghostwriters is no match for the girl they call the Ghost Whisperer. It’s mistletoe and murder for Christmas in this fast-paced, quirky, fourth installment of the Paranormal in Manhattan Mystery Series.
Wicked of the Christmas Past is part of the Paranormal in Manhattan Mystery series. If you like fast-paced mysteries full of quirky characters and unexpected twists, you're gonna love this book.
A romantic getaway to a posh spa with her devastatingly sexy boss seems like a Christmas miracle to FBI special assistant Amanda Meyer, but when you work for the bureau’s Paranormal Cases Division, disaster never takes a holiday.
Bestselling author Carina Christien is dead, her apparent suicide covered up for a year. There’s no shortage of suspects, but this is one case that won’t be wrapped up neatly. Confessions ring false, intrigue runs high, but even a bevy of disgruntled ghostwriters is no match for the girl they call the Ghost Whisperer. It’s mistletoe and murder for Christmas in this fast-paced, quirky, fourth installment of the Paranormal in Manhattan Mystery Series.
Wicked of the Christmas Past is part of the Paranormal in Manhattan Mystery series. If you like fast-paced mysteries full of quirky characters and unexpected twists, you're gonna love this book.
155 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2016
385 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 8, 2016
Wicked of the Christmas Past by Lotta Smith was a very sweet cozy mystery with a little of the paranormal thrown in to add a delightful twist.
Mandy and Rick are sent by Rick's father to a special gathering of friends to a reading by author Carina Christien. Or is it? Rick is in his element in this one and Mandy requests her ghost friend Jackie to help keep an eye on all of Carina's "friends". Was it suicide or murder? Fast paced with plenty of twists and the "L" word may be mentioned in this lovely cozy Christmas story.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Mandy and Rick are sent by Rick's father to a special gathering of friends to a reading by author Carina Christien. Or is it? Rick is in his element in this one and Mandy requests her ghost friend Jackie to help keep an eye on all of Carina's "friends". Was it suicide or murder? Fast paced with plenty of twists and the "L" word may be mentioned in this lovely cozy Christmas story.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
May 21, 2017
Mandy and Rick are solving another mystery. They make a great team and accomplish quite a lot by working together. This story is fun and a quick read. The interaction between Rick and Mandy is fun and deeply entertaining I highly recommend this book to any mystery book lover. You will not be disappointed in this series. This is the second book I have read in this series and I loved them both. Cannot wait to read the next one.
June 17, 2017
Some books are just fun. If you just want to relax and bury yourself into a story. you can't do much better. The three main character are a cross dressing ghost named Jacki, an FBI super agent and Mandy nicknamed the Grim Reaper. This time they must find out who murdered Carina Christien, an up and coming writer. I voluntary reviewed an advanced copy of this book
August 20, 2017
I love these books. They get you into the story and you can't wait to see what happens. Well worth the time to read. You won't be disappointed. Can't wait for the next book. I received this book in exchange for a honest review.
February 28, 2017
A light, breezy tale with mystery, mayhem and romance. This series is just a lot of fun with the grounded ghost whisperer Amanda Meyer and her outrageous boss Rick Rowling solving crimes.
September 9, 2018
Really liked it!
I’ve been binge-reading Lotta Smits’s books. And this one, I think, is her best one yet. It’s a quick read. The book is fun and quirky and light. And I have to say: Lotta Smith gets better and better at building suspense. This book had me sitting on the edge of my seat. There are some surprising twists!
Oh, and I like Jackie, the ghost of a drag queen that keeps following Mandy around.
The reasons why I’m not giving 5 stars is because 1) I feel that the characters haven’t got any real depth, aren’t developed enough. I don’t feel like I’ve really gotten to know them, even after reading multiple books. They stay a tad superficial. And 2) Rick is very intuitive and knows a lot and he can see through people quickly; maybe a bit too quickly to be realistic.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author. I am not obliged to review it; I voluntarily chose to review it and my opinion is entirely my own. I am not compensated in any way, shape or form for this honest review.
I’ve been binge-reading Lotta Smits’s books. And this one, I think, is her best one yet. It’s a quick read. The book is fun and quirky and light. And I have to say: Lotta Smith gets better and better at building suspense. This book had me sitting on the edge of my seat. There are some surprising twists!
Oh, and I like Jackie, the ghost of a drag queen that keeps following Mandy around.
The reasons why I’m not giving 5 stars is because 1) I feel that the characters haven’t got any real depth, aren’t developed enough. I don’t feel like I’ve really gotten to know them, even after reading multiple books. They stay a tad superficial. And 2) Rick is very intuitive and knows a lot and he can see through people quickly; maybe a bit too quickly to be realistic.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author. I am not obliged to review it; I voluntarily chose to review it and my opinion is entirely my own. I am not compensated in any way, shape or form for this honest review.
December 24, 2016
What I love about this paranormal series is that it's very easy to follow, even if you have not read the first book in the series. It's sweet, cute and possibly a bit scary lol, but definitely a page turner. The only issue I have is that this is one of those series that I alwayd want to read more and can't wait for the next book to come out.
Another excellent book and you guys will definitely enjoy it.
Another excellent book and you guys will definitely enjoy it.
March 11, 2021
This is a short paranormal-ish mystery novella about a novelist's gruesome death and a bit of a love story. The heroine talks to ghosts but the ghosts are somewhat irrelevant to the plot, as is the heroine. The story is okay but I get the feeling it works best if you already know the characters from other books (which I didn't).
December 17, 2016
This was very funny and suspenseful. I love the way she combines murder and love in a story. I have read all 4 in this series and I am waiting for the next.
Jackie and Giselle are great ghosts. They make things exciting. I would like to see more of Dan in the next book.
Jackie and Giselle are great ghosts. They make things exciting. I would like to see more of Dan in the next book.
January 11, 2017
Awesome
A story in a story is always fun to read. I cannot wait to see how Rick and Mandy's relationship evolves from here. Plus I'm looking forward to more clues on Jackie's murder.
A story in a story is always fun to read. I cannot wait to see how Rick and Mandy's relationship evolves from here. Plus I'm looking forward to more clues on Jackie's murder.
January 28, 2017
A short story
I like the characters in this series. In this book it has mysteries you can try to solve along with them. I got the ring part right but not the who done it part. I hope this isn't the last book in the series.
I like the characters in this series. In this book it has mysteries you can try to solve along with them. I got the ring part right but not the who done it part. I hope this isn't the last book in the series.
December 5, 2016
4.5 stars
January 10, 2017
Great series, fun reads
Start in order. They are a delight to read. Fast, easy, relaxing. Would totally love more. Hope so anyway. Evanovich would enjoy.
Start in order. They are a delight to read. Fast, easy, relaxing. Would totally love more. Hope so anyway. Evanovich would enjoy.
January 18, 2017
Good book
I like the characters and their quirkiness. The plot is interesting and the book is an easy, light a fun read.
I like the characters and their quirkiness. The plot is interesting and the book is an easy, light a fun read.
August 12, 2017
Boring
I could barely finish it. Wasn't interesting at all. Didn't have any pizzazz. Glad it was such a short book.
I could barely finish it. Wasn't interesting at all. Didn't have any pizzazz. Glad it was such a short book.
December 19, 2023
For the next few reviews, I will be focusing on books that might (or might not) be considered good candidates for Christmas reads. Despite the name, Wicked of the Christmas Past is not much of a Christmas story. The main reason for the title is that the mystery concerns an attempted murder that took place a year previously on Christmas Eve. Not that it’s Christmas Eve again, Rick Rowling and his assistant, Amanda Meyer, have been invited to what has been billed as a ‘reading’ from a new book by the author who was the victim of the attempted murder, but turns out to be one of those scenarios from older mysteries where Sherlock Holmes, or someone similar, gathers all the suspects in one room to name the guilty party. In this case, the victim has invited the guests and seems to have designated Rick to fulfill the Sherlock Holmes role.
The victim’s sister, who is serving as hostess for the evening, claims that the victim actually died only a few days before, but neither Mandy nor Rick, with their paranormal sensibilities, can detect that she is dead.
They do manage to uncover a lot about the night of the attempted murder though.
This book is not quite as funny as the first three books in the series – except for some comic relief from Jackie the Ghost. And except for the failure to sense that the victim has died, there is little paranormal activity in the book either. Instead, this one is more of a plain investigation, which makes it easier to follow than some of the earlier books. This one is more about the mystery and less about the odd shenanigans of the undead characters.
The victim’s sister, who is serving as hostess for the evening, claims that the victim actually died only a few days before, but neither Mandy nor Rick, with their paranormal sensibilities, can detect that she is dead.
They do manage to uncover a lot about the night of the attempted murder though.
This book is not quite as funny as the first three books in the series – except for some comic relief from Jackie the Ghost. And except for the failure to sense that the victim has died, there is little paranormal activity in the book either. Instead, this one is more of a plain investigation, which makes it easier to follow than some of the earlier books. This one is more about the mystery and less about the odd shenanigans of the undead characters.
December 26, 2018
Wicked of the Christmas Past, Paranormal in Manhattan #4
by Lotta Smith
This was the first book in the series that I have read, reading it as part of my annual December Christmas-Themed reading event. I enjoyed the book, which blends some mortal investigating with some paranormal goings-on. There is a lot of humor, the plotting and pacing were well done, excellent proofing and editing, and consistent characters. No cliffhanger ending.
I have two more Christmas-themed books in this series which I will definitely read. And, as this is a long series of novels, I'll probably read a few others, too!
by Lotta Smith
This was the first book in the series that I have read, reading it as part of my annual December Christmas-Themed reading event. I enjoyed the book, which blends some mortal investigating with some paranormal goings-on. There is a lot of humor, the plotting and pacing were well done, excellent proofing and editing, and consistent characters. No cliffhanger ending.
I have two more Christmas-themed books in this series which I will definitely read. And, as this is a long series of novels, I'll probably read a few others, too!
June 10, 2018
This was a very quick read. The story ended halfway through the book. The 2nd half was a preview for another book. The story was very fast paced, but Rick seemed to know things that just felt like he had pulled them out of his hat and left you wondering how that happened. The concept for the story was interesting. Did the person commit suicide or was she murdered? And the solution was great. I loved the characters. The drag queen ghost that followed Mandy was my favorite. The ending was very well done.
July 21, 2018
I really liked the concept of the storyline ..it was like the game clue,suspects telling their side of the connection to the victim. There were too many people blaming each other and too confusing to follow. I thought it was a bit stale and lacking in how you would categorize it..not much romance,no suspense, the best funny stuff was the drag queen ghost...the author describes her well and you can feel her bouncy and excited character. All in all it was an ok read.
December 16, 2021
Nice paranormal cozy mystery
This is a great cozy mystery, however if you are looking for a Christmassy story, this might not be the one for you. It does take place at Christmastime, and decorations are described here and there. The mystery is interesting. The characters are nicely developed. I will give the others in the series a try, this one was a bit lacking for me personally.
This is a great cozy mystery, however if you are looking for a Christmassy story, this might not be the one for you. It does take place at Christmastime, and decorations are described here and there. The mystery is interesting. The characters are nicely developed. I will give the others in the series a try, this one was a bit lacking for me personally.
April 20, 2018
📚📚📚📘
I was disappointed that the story was only 60% of the book (the rest being snippets of other books), but it was a good read. I liked Mandy and Rick, with their blossoming relationship. The mystery was complex, holding my interest as they figured out whodunit. A surprise ending rounded it off.
I was disappointed that the story was only 60% of the book (the rest being snippets of other books), but it was a good read. I liked Mandy and Rick, with their blossoming relationship. The mystery was complex, holding my interest as they figured out whodunit. A surprise ending rounded it off.
May 3, 2018
Continuing to enjoy this series
By now, I almost feel like these characters are old friends. Of course, there is a mystery to solve, and Amanda tries to figure out their relationship. Rick's father refers to Amanda as Rick's "girlfriend" and she wonders if that's true or if she is "just" his assistant that he keeps kissing.
By now, I almost feel like these characters are old friends. Of course, there is a mystery to solve, and Amanda tries to figure out their relationship. Rick's father refers to Amanda as Rick's "girlfriend" and she wonders if that's true or if she is "just" his assistant that he keeps kissing.
June 22, 2018
Who killed me?
Awesome! A dead author, a book reading and the solution to the crime. Brilliant detection and a terrific outcome. An unusal plot which is an obvious plus. A wonderful romantic ending. A pleasure to read and the two main characters are getting better and better with each book in the series.
Awesome! A dead author, a book reading and the solution to the crime. Brilliant detection and a terrific outcome. An unusal plot which is an obvious plus. A wonderful romantic ending. A pleasure to read and the two main characters are getting better and better with each book in the series.
July 23, 2019
Interesting and different
I like it when an author makes a choice to step to the side. This was an interesting experience. Amanda and Rick are growing closer, sharing his Fifth Avenue condo. Dan, Rick 's dad gives an early Christmas present to Amanda, a reading of one of her favourite authors. Who done it and why? Merry Christmas, read and enjoy!
I like it when an author makes a choice to step to the side. This was an interesting experience. Amanda and Rick are growing closer, sharing his Fifth Avenue condo. Dan, Rick 's dad gives an early Christmas present to Amanda, a reading of one of her favourite authors. Who done it and why? Merry Christmas, read and enjoy!
January 1, 2018
This is a good who done-it mystery that keeps you guessing until the end. Once they gather at the cottage for the reading. All the information is laid out for you as it is for Rick, no hidden clues. So you can figure out who killed Rita.
January 31, 2019
Quick, cute cozy!
Mandy and Rick are back investigating the death of a famous author who writes paranormal mysteries. Can they figure out who's the killer? A short but interesting book with a surprise ending.
Mandy and Rick are back investigating the death of a famous author who writes paranormal mysteries. Can they figure out who's the killer? A short but interesting book with a surprise ending.
March 12, 2022
Really enjoyed reading this book. It was a kind of who done it that kept you guessing until the reveal at the very end. Love the interaction between the main characters. They are amusing and entertaining. Would highly recommend this book.
November 12, 2017
Clever story. Funny too
December 26, 2017
Very short. Just OK. I'll try one more.
February 15, 2018
Loved this
These stories just keep getting better and better. If you like paranormal with some humor and plots with twists, grab this now.
These stories just keep getting better and better. If you like paranormal with some humor and plots with twists, grab this now.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews