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Pepper Martin #4
Night of the Loving Dead
Pepper Martin, heiress-turned-cemetery-tour-guide, has her hands full with work, two hotties, and the ghosts who won't let her rest --- or work, or shop --- in peace ...
The last thing Pepper wants during her Chicago business trip is more ghosts seeking her help, as they've been doing ever since she hit her head on a tombstone. Then again, being bored stiff during a seminar might actually be worse than being with bored stiffs.
The specter of Madeline --- a young woman in a lab coat --- wants Pepper's help. Before she died, Madeline worked with Dan Callahan, the sexy, mysterious doctor who once saved Pepper's life. According to Madeline, Dan's in danger. But, little does Pepper know, there's more to the story, including a devious doctor --- and an obsessive, crazy love ...
The last thing Pepper wants during her Chicago business trip is more ghosts seeking her help, as they've been doing ever since she hit her head on a tombstone. Then again, being bored stiff during a seminar might actually be worse than being with bored stiffs.
The specter of Madeline --- a young woman in a lab coat --- wants Pepper's help. Before she died, Madeline worked with Dan Callahan, the sexy, mysterious doctor who once saved Pepper's life. According to Madeline, Dan's in danger. But, little does Pepper know, there's more to the story, including a devious doctor --- and an obsessive, crazy love ...
293 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 17, 2008
23 people are currently reading
808 people want to read
About the author
Casey Daniels
14 books371 followersA pseudonym used by Connie Laux, A.K.A Miranda Bliss, Zoe Daniels, Connie Deka, Mimi Granger, Anastasia Hastings, Connie Laux, Constance Laux, Kylie Logan, Lucy Ness..
A couple years ago I applied for a part-time job as a tour guide at a historic cemetery not far from where I live. Why? Well, aside from the fact that the job would force me to step away from my computer and remind me that there was a life beyond writing (even in a place where just about everybody was dead), I love cemeteries.
No, really. I mean it. I really love cemeteries.
Think about it. A cemetery--I mean a really good old cemetery, not these new “memorial parks” where every headstone is flat to the ground and every one of them looks the same--is really a museum without walls. Take a peek into any cemetery that’s more than sixty or so years old and you’re bound to see interesting architecture, sculpture and art. There are stories, too, everywhere you look. One memorial can give you a glimpse into generations of a family’s history. Another might suggest tragedy. Still others speak of undying love and precious memories.
Is it any wonder that a writer’s imagination is bound to take flight in a cemetery?
That’s exactly what happened to me. I didn’t get the job, by the way, but as I drove home from the interview, I did get the idea for Pepper Martin, a cemetery tour guide whose enthusiasm for cemeteries does not rival my own. After all, what could be more perfect that an amateur sleuth surrounded by dead people? And if she just so happened to be able and see and talk to some of them, all the better!
I learned to love mysteries early thanks to my dad, a Cleveland Police detective who enjoyed the Sherlock Holmes stories and spent his days off searching for stolen cars. Often on those trips, I was in the back seat and to this day, I have Dad to thank for my knowledge of some less-than-savory parts of the city. Later, I read my way through every mystery story I could get my hands on. Agatha Christie and Conan Doyle are still among my favorites.
I have a degree in English, experience as a journalist and writing teacher, and lots of ideas for more Pepper Martin mysteries. When I’m not writing, I’m usually with my family and our two dogs, Ernie, an adorable Airedale pup, and Oscar, a rescued Jack Russell who spends far too much time watching TV. I enjoy knitting, gardening and of course, stomping through cemeteries in search of history, stories and inspiration.
A couple years ago I applied for a part-time job as a tour guide at a historic cemetery not far from where I live. Why? Well, aside from the fact that the job would force me to step away from my computer and remind me that there was a life beyond writing (even in a place where just about everybody was dead), I love cemeteries.
No, really. I mean it. I really love cemeteries.
Think about it. A cemetery--I mean a really good old cemetery, not these new “memorial parks” where every headstone is flat to the ground and every one of them looks the same--is really a museum without walls. Take a peek into any cemetery that’s more than sixty or so years old and you’re bound to see interesting architecture, sculpture and art. There are stories, too, everywhere you look. One memorial can give you a glimpse into generations of a family’s history. Another might suggest tragedy. Still others speak of undying love and precious memories.
Is it any wonder that a writer’s imagination is bound to take flight in a cemetery?
That’s exactly what happened to me. I didn’t get the job, by the way, but as I drove home from the interview, I did get the idea for Pepper Martin, a cemetery tour guide whose enthusiasm for cemeteries does not rival my own. After all, what could be more perfect that an amateur sleuth surrounded by dead people? And if she just so happened to be able and see and talk to some of them, all the better!
I learned to love mysteries early thanks to my dad, a Cleveland Police detective who enjoyed the Sherlock Holmes stories and spent his days off searching for stolen cars. Often on those trips, I was in the back seat and to this day, I have Dad to thank for my knowledge of some less-than-savory parts of the city. Later, I read my way through every mystery story I could get my hands on. Agatha Christie and Conan Doyle are still among my favorites.
I have a degree in English, experience as a journalist and writing teacher, and lots of ideas for more Pepper Martin mysteries. When I’m not writing, I’m usually with my family and our two dogs, Ernie, an adorable Airedale pup, and Oscar, a rescued Jack Russell who spends far too much time watching TV. I enjoy knitting, gardening and of course, stomping through cemeteries in search of history, stories and inspiration.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
July 29, 2019
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I always love to discover the novels of this series! I always have a great time and can not wait to get into the sequels.
This novel tells us many things and I was finally happy to know more about Dan! Yes, we will discover the secrets we have been waiting for since the first volume and I must say that some are very surprising! Poor Pepper will of course find herself in a catastrophic situation, far more than all her old investigations! In this one, she meets Madeline, a former research assistant who is looking for help! She wants Pepper to investigate a clinic where Dan seems to be working. You know that when it comes to Dan, the young woman has a growing curiosity, just like us! But now, presenting herrself as a patient and understanding exactly what is happening will put her in grave danger!
As I said, it was once again a great novel and we will learn more about ghosts and what they can do. The author offers us a lot of revelations and it was a pleasure to discover this story that surprised me more than once! I recommend this series if you want a good investigation, a love story a little complicated and especially full of ghosts and a heroine who has no equal to put herself in very dangerous situations!
My English review
I always love to discover the novels of this series! I always have a great time and can not wait to get into the sequels.
This novel tells us many things and I was finally happy to know more about Dan! Yes, we will discover the secrets we have been waiting for since the first volume and I must say that some are very surprising! Poor Pepper will of course find herself in a catastrophic situation, far more than all her old investigations! In this one, she meets Madeline, a former research assistant who is looking for help! She wants Pepper to investigate a clinic where Dan seems to be working. You know that when it comes to Dan, the young woman has a growing curiosity, just like us! But now, presenting herrself as a patient and understanding exactly what is happening will put her in grave danger!
As I said, it was once again a great novel and we will learn more about ghosts and what they can do. The author offers us a lot of revelations and it was a pleasure to discover this story that surprised me more than once! I recommend this series if you want a good investigation, a love story a little complicated and especially full of ghosts and a heroine who has no equal to put herself in very dangerous situations!
October 16, 2017
It was ok. But the previous books were better. Let's see how book number 5 is (I already bought it)
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October 13, 2017
2.5 stars 🌟
I liked the previous books better, but I will continue reading the series.
I liked the previous books better, but I will continue reading the series.
February 4, 2011
Looking for a fashion-conscious detective to the dead? Pepper Martin is a fun, spunky character with a penchant for getting in way over her curly red tresses. Night of the Loving Dead is the fourth book in the Pepper Martin series, a book I grabbed from the bargain bin, and it was such a fun read that I'll be going back to check out the other books in this series. Pepper can speak with the dead and uses her gift to solve mysteries for the ghosts she encounters. Since she's not dead herself, she tends to get a bit distracted by the hot men she attracts with her good looks and unique style. Who said you can't wear stiletto boots and a mini skirt to a cemetery...during a snowstorm? A lighthearted blend of mystery, supernatural suspense, and paranormal romance.
I recommend Night of the Loving Dead (Pepper Martin, book 4) to readers of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, paranormal suspense, and especially to fans of paranormal mysteries. Night of the Loving Dead may appeal to fans of the Weather Warden series by Rachel Caine and the Cassandra Palmer series by Karen Chance.
Sensitive reader warning: mild violence, sexual situations.
Source: This book was purchased by E.J. for review.
** This review originally posted on my blog: www.FromTheShadows.info **
I recommend Night of the Loving Dead (Pepper Martin, book 4) to readers of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, paranormal suspense, and especially to fans of paranormal mysteries. Night of the Loving Dead may appeal to fans of the Weather Warden series by Rachel Caine and the Cassandra Palmer series by Karen Chance.
Sensitive reader warning: mild violence, sexual situations.
Source: This book was purchased by E.J. for review.
** This review originally posted on my blog: www.FromTheShadows.info **
July 1, 2014
(2.5 Stars)
After reading through four books in the Pepper Martin Series and wading through all of the sexual tension between Pepper, Dan and Quinn, I was totally let down. Why? Well, after all of the wait, we don't get a hot love scene. All we get is "Good morning." Really? Even Young Adult novel gives the reader more. I not suggesting erotica but after all of the trading Ms. Daniels should have provided us with a little kissie face!
So, here we go again. Pepper goes to a conference for her boss in Chicago. While there she is contacted by Madeline Tremayne, wife of none other than Dan Callahan. She enlists Pepper's help in trying to prove Dan is not involved in a research doctor's mad scheme with the homeless. Apparently, the FBI is interested in what is going on as well.
Through a series of twists. turns and the most convoluted plot to date, Pepper's life is once again at stake. Of all of the books this one was the worst for me and I realize that it is time to cut my losses. I don't plan on reading any more of the books because the series doesn't seem to be going anywhere and I don't plan on reading Pepper Martin #22, 23, etc. Enough is enough and I'm done!
After reading through four books in the Pepper Martin Series and wading through all of the sexual tension between Pepper, Dan and Quinn, I was totally let down. Why? Well, after all of the wait, we don't get a hot love scene. All we get is "Good morning." Really? Even Young Adult novel gives the reader more. I not suggesting erotica but after all of the trading Ms. Daniels should have provided us with a little kissie face!
So, here we go again. Pepper goes to a conference for her boss in Chicago. While there she is contacted by Madeline Tremayne, wife of none other than Dan Callahan. She enlists Pepper's help in trying to prove Dan is not involved in a research doctor's mad scheme with the homeless. Apparently, the FBI is interested in what is going on as well.
Through a series of twists. turns and the most convoluted plot to date, Pepper's life is once again at stake. Of all of the books this one was the worst for me and I realize that it is time to cut my losses. I don't plan on reading any more of the books because the series doesn't seem to be going anywhere and I don't plan on reading Pepper Martin #22, 23, etc. Enough is enough and I'm done!
August 15, 2011
I have to say I was very underwhelmed by this novel. The first half of it was as boring as hell and repetitive as well. The characters were very two dimensional and the dialogue was quite bad in places. I found the main character whiny and self absorbed. Oh well, can't win them all.
November 18, 2017
I liked this a bit better than the previous installment. However, I wish the author would just sort out the love triangle as it really doesn't add anything.
January 19, 2021
i liked this book and Pepper learning new information about what ghost can and cannot do .The investigation was well written and i definitively want to continue the series
October 27, 2015
While I still love Pepper, Dan, Quinn and the rest, I found this book a little irritating. First off, the character of Madelyn was irritatingly one dimensional. I found it interesting that in stereotyping Pepper, she became a pretty giant stereotype herself.
I never did figure out why Pepper agreed to investigate, I mean Madelyn was a complete jerk and several times I would've just told her where to go, even if she could haunt me for the rest of my life. I didn't think the danger Dan was in was ever enough to warrant putting up with the stupid fool. I thought Dan was wishy-washy and not as strong as he has been in the past and the storyline around him was weak. And how he didn't figure out there was an imposter is beyond me.
The bad guys had no redeeming qualities. The good guys seemed more like bumbling idiots than people who could solve a crime and not die doing it.
I never did figure out why Pepper agreed to investigate, I mean Madelyn was a complete jerk and several times I would've just told her where to go, even if she could haunt me for the rest of my life. I didn't think the danger Dan was in was ever enough to warrant putting up with the stupid fool. I thought Dan was wishy-washy and not as strong as he has been in the past and the storyline around him was weak. And how he didn't figure out there was an imposter is beyond me.
The bad guys had no redeeming qualities. The good guys seemed more like bumbling idiots than people who could solve a crime and not die doing it.
March 2, 2022
I am disappointed in this, the 4th book of the series. It is difficult to read a book when you don’t like the characters. It took me almost a week to read because I kept putting the book down unread. Fortunately, I had read book 5 (out of order), so I knew the author had stepped back to her roots. I plan to read more of this series.
July 19, 2012
"Night of the Loving Dead" is the fourth in Casey Daniel's lovable Pepper Martin, supernatural P.I., series, and, in my opinion, the best one yet. I look forward to reading each new one. They are such fun quick reads, I wish Daniels would publish a new one every week.
September 10, 2018
I'm disappointed because I don't remember the main character being so self-centered and fashion conscious, there was so much concern about what she was wearing or brand names of products. The plot twist is similar to Behind Her Eyes ... so if you've read that you know what i'm talking about.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2016
Not my favorite of the bunch. Frustrating and felt like we were getting nowhere for the first 2/3. Picked up the last 1/3 and was a faced-paced and a lot of fun. Interesting ghostly interaction!
July 29, 2016
This one felt rushed and disjointed. I like the series so I'm going to keep going and I'll just hope the next one is better.
March 19, 2015
Finally, Pepper is growing up and helping out. And getting somewhere with the men in her life.
October 7, 2024
2 and a half stars, but this is the worst of the Pepper Martin series so far because it departs from the ghost/murder mystery theme we loved in the first 3 books; instead, this one is about a woman/ghost who wants Pepper to protect her husband from getting involved in a shady business concerning brain research and missing persons. But it's all just a ruse because her real purpose is to exchange bodies with Pepper so she can resume her marriage, albeit in a different body, with her husband. There is no interest in solving her murder which was apparently during a mugging, and there is no explanation about how the body exchange took place except that the instructions were from an ancient sorcery book. In the end Pepper returns to her body, but the method is not explained, and the woman/ghost's whereabouts are not mentioned. All-in-all this is a disappointment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2025
Jumped to this book after reading 100pgs of the first and dnf'ing it; I liked the description of this one better and hoped the heroine would mature. This has a strong voice and the writing pulls you along, but has all the same problems: objectification of men and women, superficial/mean/vapid/shallow/dishonest/vain heroine with a fixation on her (not actually) large breasts that everyone unbelievably shares, etc. And heads up for those starting with this one - there are a lot of past references that aren't fully explained. Giving up on the series :(
August 7, 2017
I see what people mean on Madeline being unlikable - egads, what a tool. Didn't see it coming at least. This one wasn't as good since it was outside Piper's usual small town and some of the relationship stuff frustrated me. I wish she'd make up her mind on which guy to officially choose. Onward to the next book soon. Full review eventually
October 7, 2018
In the fourth Pepper Martin mystery, Pepper goes to Chicago to attend a conference where a ghost convinces her that Dan is in trouble. A local psychiatric clinic is admitting homeless people, who then disappear. Pepper goes to the mat to protect the homeless and her friend Dan. There is heightened paranormal activity in this book.
January 24, 2020
This is the fourth book of this series and one which was kind of weird and different. I love Pepper and think she is a wonderful character full of fun though she moans a bit much. The story line went from dragging a bit to outright strange but entertaining. I love the authors descriptions of the places and people in the book. A decent story just a little strange.
May 13, 2017
So worth the 5 stars. I love every book she has written. All amazingly beautifully written. You easily fall in love with the characters. You laugh, you cry you even want to yell at times. An amazing mix of a cozy mystery with spookey, fun, loveable Ghosts.
January 29, 2020
This starts off slow, but as I got farther into the book things got very interesting. Pepper really got herself in pretty deep with this one. I saw another side of Dan in this book that I didn’t like. I still want to read more books in this series.
April 5, 2020
Pepper Martin is a cemetery tour guide who solves crimes on the side....her clientele...ghosts! “Night of the Loving Dead” is a fun paranormal mystery with a smart talking slightly crazy heroine who can’t tell a cute guy or a ghost...NO! This is a fast paced entertaining weekend read...that you should say YES to! BTW this would make a great TV series!
December 16, 2024
Waiting
I love the Pepper Martin series. I read them in one sitting. This one had a few typos, misspelled words, but they didn't distract from the story. Can't wait for the next one!
I love the Pepper Martin series. I read them in one sitting. This one had a few typos, misspelled words, but they didn't distract from the story. Can't wait for the next one!
June 3, 2018
I really liked the twist in this book. I couldn’t put it down till I found out what happened. I can’t wait to read the next one
September 20, 2018
I just started reading this older series... does it remind anyone else of Janet Evanovich’s bounty hunter with all the hunky men in her orbit? Fun light reads
October 20, 2019
Still seeing dead folks
A ghost “snatches” her body
And yet I am bored
A ghost “snatches” her body
And yet I am bored
November 25, 2019
Pepper is shallow and fun as always. See little bits of growth in her every book.
October 20, 2020
I had not read this series for a while I forgot how cute it was. Easy read, fun characters and set in Cleveland, Ohio which is near. Plot was a nice twist.
January 2, 2022
A fun read.
Pepper can sure get into some scrapes and this one was a doozy. A fun, light way to spend an afternoon lounging in the sun.
Pepper can sure get into some scrapes and this one was a doozy. A fun, light way to spend an afternoon lounging in the sun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews