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Reverend Cici Gurule Mysteries #3
A Heritage of Death
The third installment in the Kirkus Reviews, National Indie Excellence Awards and Publishers Weekly award-winning series by USA Today Best-Selling Author, J. J. Cagney
Cici Gurule wants to pretend her dream is nothing more than a meaningless nightmare. But she cannot ignore that the bruised and bloodied woman looked alarmingly like her.
When a baby turns up on her porch—a baby who was reported missing days before—evidence points to a connection with the woman in Cici’s dream, and she can no longer ignore the nighttime vision. Cici and Detective Sam Chastain struggle to follow the garbled evidence, but the killer scores his victim first.
Worse, a message pinned to the victim’s blouse states, “You’re next.”
Now, it’s a race against the clock to keep the baby safe and find the murderer before his trail goes cold. Cici’s only chance to solve this mystery, before she becomes the next victim, means choosing between her faith and believing a message left by her ghostly twin.
A Heritage of Death is the second stand-alone novel in a compelling suspense/thriller cozy mystery for fans of Agatha Christie, Addison Moore, and Molly Fitz.
- GenresMysteryMystery Thriller
215 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2018
50 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
J.J. Cagney
9 books58 followersJ. J. Cagney is the mystery/thriller pen name of USA Today bestselling author Alexa Padgett. Her debut mystery, A Pilgrimage of Death, was named to Kirkus Reviews’ 100 Best Books of 2018 and Goodreads Best Mysteries of the 2010s.
Cagney holds a bachelor’s in international marketing and spent part of her twenties as the marketing director for an elite sports management firm. And, yes, she did her requisite stint with a dotcom back in the early 2000s, first as a marketing coordinator and then as a content manager. She’s penned work for a variety of websites and magazines, and she worked as a literary agent for Irene Webb Literary.
She lives in northern New Mexico with her husband, children, about a million fish, and their Great Pyrenees, Ash. Kirkus Reviews called Cagney’s latest mystery, An Artifact of Death, “An exhilarating entry in a thoroughly enjoyable series.”
Cagney holds a bachelor’s in international marketing and spent part of her twenties as the marketing director for an elite sports management firm. And, yes, she did her requisite stint with a dotcom back in the early 2000s, first as a marketing coordinator and then as a content manager. She’s penned work for a variety of websites and magazines, and she worked as a literary agent for Irene Webb Literary.
She lives in northern New Mexico with her husband, children, about a million fish, and their Great Pyrenees, Ash. Kirkus Reviews called Cagney’s latest mystery, An Artifact of Death, “An exhilarating entry in a thoroughly enjoyable series.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 28, 2018
Cici Gurule wants to pretend her dream is nothing more than a meaningless nightmare. But the bruised and bloodied woman looked alarmingly like her. When a baby turns up on her porch — a baby who was reported missing days before — evidence points to a connection with the woman in Cici's dream, and she can no longer ignore the nighttime vision. Cici and Detective Sam Chastain struggle to follow the garbled evidence, but the killer scores his victim first. Worse, a message pinned to the victim's blouse states, "You're next."
Now, it’s a race against the clock to keep the baby safe and find the murderer before his trail goes cold. Cici's only chance to solve this mystery, before she becomes the next victim, means choosing between her faith and believing a message left by her ghostly twin.
All throughout this book Cici keeps seeing things of what is happening or has happened. She is close friends with Sam and she tries to help him solve the murders and find out what is going on. Cici's dead sister is the one sending her these visions that she can't shake off. You also can tell Sam and Cici have feelings for each other but they keep fighting them. I did not read the first book and I don't think you need to. You learn a lot from Cici and Sam to know what had gone on in the past.
I received this from Inkslinger for review.
Now, it’s a race against the clock to keep the baby safe and find the murderer before his trail goes cold. Cici's only chance to solve this mystery, before she becomes the next victim, means choosing between her faith and believing a message left by her ghostly twin.
All throughout this book Cici keeps seeing things of what is happening or has happened. She is close friends with Sam and she tries to help him solve the murders and find out what is going on. Cici's dead sister is the one sending her these visions that she can't shake off. You also can tell Sam and Cici have feelings for each other but they keep fighting them. I did not read the first book and I don't think you need to. You learn a lot from Cici and Sam to know what had gone on in the past.
I received this from Inkslinger for review.
October 22, 2018
Reviewed on http://bookaddict.live,
I have to say I think this book is better the last one, and I thought that was fantastic. We catch up with Cici after she have some disturbing dreams, that seem so real. When she hears her twin’s voice and realizes she is trying to tell something. If you have read the last book you will what happens when Cici starts having visions that begin to come true.
Sam is there supporting Cici as usual as this Harley riding reverend does things her way. This for me was just up my street following the clues with Sam as he has a head start because of Cici’s visions. A great new character sleuth that I for one is quite happy to follow the adventures of Reverend Cici Gurule with hopefully Sam by her side. I so pleased to find a series that has blown me away, this was just perfect.
I have to say I think this book is better the last one, and I thought that was fantastic. We catch up with Cici after she have some disturbing dreams, that seem so real. When she hears her twin’s voice and realizes she is trying to tell something. If you have read the last book you will what happens when Cici starts having visions that begin to come true.
Sam is there supporting Cici as usual as this Harley riding reverend does things her way. This for me was just up my street following the clues with Sam as he has a head start because of Cici’s visions. A great new character sleuth that I for one is quite happy to follow the adventures of Reverend Cici Gurule with hopefully Sam by her side. I so pleased to find a series that has blown me away, this was just perfect.
October 10, 2020
I am enjoying this series very much. Cici and Sam are both strong and interesting characters with pasts that made them who they are. The experiences they meet in these books provide the catalyst for their growth and maturation. The mysteries are relevant and very well written with appropriate clues and hints. I especially like the juxtaposition of the viewpoints from Christian to supernatural to logical. It makes me think. Add in a touch of humour and a frustratingly slow romance and I will continue to read this series.
In this one, Cici has a baby left on her doorstep leading to missing women and overlapping with the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women movement. Sam has a bigger role in this book as he interfaces with a variety of police agencies while trying to solve the mysteries.
In this one, Cici has a baby left on her doorstep leading to missing women and overlapping with the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women movement. Sam has a bigger role in this book as he interfaces with a variety of police agencies while trying to solve the mysteries.
October 31, 2018
I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
It's been a while since I read a mystery that wasn't part of the romance genre but I have to say I am so glad that I did. This book intrigued me from the very beginning and I just needed to read it. While this is the second book in the series you do not have to read the first in order to know what is going on. Cici has been having some disturbing dreams that are being sent to her from her sister....her dead sister. There is plenty of murder and mystery but not so much or gory in a way that turns you off the book. I was very pleasantly surprised since, as I said this wasn't my normal genre. This review was originally posted on A Lucky Grace
January 7, 2019
A Heritage of Death by Alexa Padgett
Reverend Cici Gurule has had another vision of a woman in trouble. Then a baby shows up on her door step in the night. A baby who had been abducted, and now her mother is missing. Cici's visions will lead her best friend Sam to the clues he needs to find the missing mother, but to help solve 30 year old murders as well. But will Cici's visions lead them into a killer's trap?
Cici and Sam continue as a wonderful team of characters in this book by Alexa Padgett. The characters are written with depth and feeling, drawing the reader into their world. This story also brings to light the very real and sad issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women that have too long been left unspoken for. This book is hard to put down! I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review, and I honestly LOVED this book!
Reverend Cici Gurule has had another vision of a woman in trouble. Then a baby shows up on her door step in the night. A baby who had been abducted, and now her mother is missing. Cici's visions will lead her best friend Sam to the clues he needs to find the missing mother, but to help solve 30 year old murders as well. But will Cici's visions lead them into a killer's trap?
Cici and Sam continue as a wonderful team of characters in this book by Alexa Padgett. The characters are written with depth and feeling, drawing the reader into their world. This story also brings to light the very real and sad issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women that have too long been left unspoken for. This book is hard to put down! I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review, and I honestly LOVED this book!
January 9, 2019
If there is one thing I have learned from the Cici Gurule mysteries, it is that I am too old to start them on a night when finishing requires staying up until 1 or 2 in the morning. And that is what happens with these books! A Heritage of Death grabbed me from the very beginning and did not let go until I finished. Cici is as smart and likeable as ever. The plot twists kept me guessing until the very end - a great thing in a mystery, of course. I'm already salivating over book 3, which you get a preview of in the Kindle version. Cici and Sam have quickly become two of my all-time favorite characters.
Also, I'm blaming Alexa for my sleep-deprived state today...think my boss will buy it? :)
Also, I'm blaming Alexa for my sleep-deprived state today...think my boss will buy it? :)
January 20, 2019
Cici had a strange dream about a baby being left on her doorstep by someone who looks like her only is bruised and bloody. She tries to shake off the dream, but then a baby IS LEFT on her doorstep! This has got to be her dead twin telling her something about a crime. Detective Sam Chastain and Cici try to make sense of the clues, but the killer strikes first and leaves a message pinned on the deceased shirt...."You're next". Now they have to save the baby and Cici as well. Can they figure out the clues? You will have to read the book to see how everything ends up. I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book.
January 29, 2019
Alexa Padgett’s gripping thriller “A Heritage of Death” opens with Reverend Cici Gurule’s dream of a chained and bloody missing woman whose kidnapped baby is left on her porch during a rainstorm. Baptized by Cici she immediately recognizes the ten -month- old as the daughter of Grace and Henry Bruin and is ready to return baby Isabel to her father's protection when she discovers he's accused of the abuse of his wife and that the baby’s guardianship is under dispute.
The plot heats up as Cici works not only to help prove the charges against Henry are false so he can regain custody of his daughter, but to help Detective Sam Chastain her best friend, and a detective in the Santa Fe police department to uncover leads that will assist him in tracking down Grace before she becomes the victim of a murderer who won’t hesitate to add her to his growing list of casualties.
Set in the vivid landscape around Santa Fe, New Mexico, the plot twists and turns with clues like the message received at police headquarters that points to a mistake in researching the deaths and the implication of a police officer or a note pinned to a victim’s blouse with the wording “you’re next”. Intensity and suspense quickly escalate after social worker and Grace's friend Becky Gutierrez is found murdered; Cici’s dreams get stronger; and Henry’s excessive concern after a vision that drains her strength has the Reverend worried that she may have misjudged him.
Narrated by Cici and Sam the story is fast-paced and intoxicating as the two not only try to unravel the mystery of Grace’s disappearance using her paranormal connection to her dead twin to interpret her visions, but also struggle to show the depth of their feelings to one another.
Bringing the plot to life are complex, passionate and compelling characters like Reverend Cici Gurule, an unconventional woman who’s trying to clean up her bad language. Compassionate, tender-hearted but bold, she tries to keep Sam in the loop, only to uncover a lead that takes her and Henry on a dangerous quest. Detective Samuel Chastain haunted by the pain and humiliation of his abusive childhood is wary of Henry and quick to judge him. Yet a sharp and resourceful detective he doggedly pursues clues that will eventually lead him into a murderer's trap.
I thoroughly enjoyed “A Heritage of Death” an exciting thrill-ride with a touch of the paranormal and look forward to reading more in the Reverend Cici Gurule series.
The plot heats up as Cici works not only to help prove the charges against Henry are false so he can regain custody of his daughter, but to help Detective Sam Chastain her best friend, and a detective in the Santa Fe police department to uncover leads that will assist him in tracking down Grace before she becomes the victim of a murderer who won’t hesitate to add her to his growing list of casualties.
Set in the vivid landscape around Santa Fe, New Mexico, the plot twists and turns with clues like the message received at police headquarters that points to a mistake in researching the deaths and the implication of a police officer or a note pinned to a victim’s blouse with the wording “you’re next”. Intensity and suspense quickly escalate after social worker and Grace's friend Becky Gutierrez is found murdered; Cici’s dreams get stronger; and Henry’s excessive concern after a vision that drains her strength has the Reverend worried that she may have misjudged him.
Narrated by Cici and Sam the story is fast-paced and intoxicating as the two not only try to unravel the mystery of Grace’s disappearance using her paranormal connection to her dead twin to interpret her visions, but also struggle to show the depth of their feelings to one another.
Bringing the plot to life are complex, passionate and compelling characters like Reverend Cici Gurule, an unconventional woman who’s trying to clean up her bad language. Compassionate, tender-hearted but bold, she tries to keep Sam in the loop, only to uncover a lead that takes her and Henry on a dangerous quest. Detective Samuel Chastain haunted by the pain and humiliation of his abusive childhood is wary of Henry and quick to judge him. Yet a sharp and resourceful detective he doggedly pursues clues that will eventually lead him into a murderer's trap.
I thoroughly enjoyed “A Heritage of Death” an exciting thrill-ride with a touch of the paranormal and look forward to reading more in the Reverend Cici Gurule series.
October 22, 2018
***Arc kindly provided by The Wandering Bookaholic***
An entertaining read that held my attention throughout.
Every now and then I throw caution to the wind and pick a book from a genre, or by an author, that I am unfamiliar with. This was a double whammy since murder mystery isn't my usual choice, nor have I read this author before. So I had zero 'expectations', though plenty of hopes for this book.
Personally I would have liked a little more romance between the main characters, there is definitely something there but it was very much a minor sub-plot. However this isn't sold as a romance in any way shape or form, so I didn't allow that to affect my rating. This is the second book in a linked series, I haven't read book 1 and managed to follow the story in this without any issues. There are some spoilers in it, for book 1, but not enough to ruin anything.
The book is set in and around Santa Fe, New Mexico. The heroine is Cici, a Reverend, whose murdered identical twin sister shows her visions of crimes. Sam, the hero, is an old family friend, though Cici would like him to be somewhat more than that. He's also a police officer, so when Cici has some disturbing dreams, dreams that she knows show someones reality, she naturally turns to him for help. Cue a baby on a doorstep and strange goings on in the Native American Pueblo.
I really liked Cici, she felt such a natural and 'normal' character, one who it is very easy to believe in and relate to. Sam was a little harder to get a feel for, partly because there aren't many chapters from his POV and also because there didn't seem to be much emotion expressed when we heard his 'voice'. In fact the lack of emotional depth was what lost this book its 5th and final star.
That said the pace was excellent with lots of story strands woven into an intricate plot that left you guessing, second guessing and even third guessing. There were some unexpected twists all wrapped up in a writing style that was both easy to read and that also had a lovely flow to it.
There is some minor bad language, very limited in use, and although their is violence and death, the descriptions were not overly dramatic. Whilst there are hints of attraction between Cici and Sam, there wasn't anything more racy than hugs and hand holding, so this book is safe to give to a young person who likes their murder mystery reads, as well as to adults.
Whilst this isn't my first choice genre, I would definitely be willing to step outside my 'comfort zone' to read more work by this author.
An entertaining read that held my attention throughout.
Every now and then I throw caution to the wind and pick a book from a genre, or by an author, that I am unfamiliar with. This was a double whammy since murder mystery isn't my usual choice, nor have I read this author before. So I had zero 'expectations', though plenty of hopes for this book.
Personally I would have liked a little more romance between the main characters, there is definitely something there but it was very much a minor sub-plot. However this isn't sold as a romance in any way shape or form, so I didn't allow that to affect my rating. This is the second book in a linked series, I haven't read book 1 and managed to follow the story in this without any issues. There are some spoilers in it, for book 1, but not enough to ruin anything.
The book is set in and around Santa Fe, New Mexico. The heroine is Cici, a Reverend, whose murdered identical twin sister shows her visions of crimes. Sam, the hero, is an old family friend, though Cici would like him to be somewhat more than that. He's also a police officer, so when Cici has some disturbing dreams, dreams that she knows show someones reality, she naturally turns to him for help. Cue a baby on a doorstep and strange goings on in the Native American Pueblo.
I really liked Cici, she felt such a natural and 'normal' character, one who it is very easy to believe in and relate to. Sam was a little harder to get a feel for, partly because there aren't many chapters from his POV and also because there didn't seem to be much emotion expressed when we heard his 'voice'. In fact the lack of emotional depth was what lost this book its 5th and final star.
That said the pace was excellent with lots of story strands woven into an intricate plot that left you guessing, second guessing and even third guessing. There were some unexpected twists all wrapped up in a writing style that was both easy to read and that also had a lovely flow to it.
There is some minor bad language, very limited in use, and although their is violence and death, the descriptions were not overly dramatic. Whilst there are hints of attraction between Cici and Sam, there wasn't anything more racy than hugs and hand holding, so this book is safe to give to a young person who likes their murder mystery reads, as well as to adults.
Whilst this isn't my first choice genre, I would definitely be willing to step outside my 'comfort zone' to read more work by this author.
February 19, 2019
The Reverend Cici Gurule has struggled to accept the death of her twin, but it’s been a difficult journey. Her childhood friend, Detective Sam Chastain, has been there to help. In their own way both Cici and Sam want to save people. I find the relationship between these two fascinating. They both have emotional baggage. I felt Sam’s pain. No one should endure what he did. Cici is driven by dreams from her ghostly twin of a woman chained to a wall with her baby nearby in a crib. Can she and Sam save these victims? This mystery by Alexa Padgett made me aware of the realty of missing and murdered Indigenous Women. I was shocked by this situation. The characters are so well written that I felt a connection with them. The mystery is powerful. I couldn’t stop reading. I had to know how A Heritage of Death ends. I’m a fan of this series.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
December 26, 2018
If looking for one filled with plenty of suspense and thrills this one is the stop then. Having read the first one had to see if the mystery was still available or a fluke. Still having the touch I was quickly caught up in wanting to be carted along and writing the clues in my mind trying to also see if I could come up with something also. Cici is a character that has staying power to keep you in from beginning to end.
February 1, 2019
Cici delivers good detective work.
Unfortunately this also implies putting
her life at risk. Sam and Cici are, again,
a good and successful team.
I didn't guess the culprit until the ending.
I recommend this book and am looking forward
to number 3.
I received a free copy and voluntarily wrote this
honest review.
Unfortunately this also implies putting
her life at risk. Sam and Cici are, again,
a good and successful team.
I didn't guess the culprit until the ending.
I recommend this book and am looking forward
to number 3.
I received a free copy and voluntarily wrote this
honest review.
February 5, 2019
Cici gets dreams and visions sent to her from her dead twin sister. A baby is left on her door step. This leads to visions about Grace being trapped in a basement. Detective Samuel Chastain is looking into the mystery of the baby and looking for the mother. This is a very good mystery that keeps you interested.
April 27, 2019
Cecilia Gurule, called Cici, is the reverend of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
during a rainy night, she found a baby alone, in front of her house door.
Cici and detective Sam Chastain will work together to keep the baby safe and discover the true.
the story could be reading as a stand alone book, it is fast to read, intriguing, scary, action packed, twisted, haunting.
during a rainy night, she found a baby alone, in front of her house door.
Cici and detective Sam Chastain will work together to keep the baby safe and discover the true.
the story could be reading as a stand alone book, it is fast to read, intriguing, scary, action packed, twisted, haunting.
December 22, 2018
Another adventure for Cici and Sam full of mystery and suspense and the slow burn romance that’s brewing between the two. I enjoyed watching Sam and Cici work through their baggage. And begin to trust the connection the Aci. Looking forward to their next adventure and watching their romance grow.
February 27, 2019
A wonderful series. CiciI's sister was killed and she wanted to find out how and why everything leads to nothing. Sam was police officer trying to find out about her sister also. Cici had sight and the trouble it brought was never ending. A continuing good storyline. I could read this all the time.
October 4, 2018
Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman
A Heritage of Death (A Reverend Cici Gurule Mystery Book 2) by Alexa Padgett is an adventure into child abuse and murder in the Pueblos of New Mexico. The Reverend Cici Gurule has one special talent that makes her invaluable in solving crimes. Her twin sister was murdered and since then Cici has been receiving visitations and dreams from her late sister that give her clues that assist her to unravel complicated and even unsolved crimes. With her best friend Detective Sam Chastain, they are able to get the jump on other law enforcement people. When an abducted baby mysteriously turns up on Cici’s doorstep one stormy evening, she and Sam begin to investigate the abduction of one of Cici’s own parishioners. Their search for the missing woman takes them from Santa Fe to the Pueblo of Taos and a slew of cold cases involving missing and murdered indigenous women. Underlying the story is the on-going romantic tension between Cici and Sam. Cici always believed Sam was in love with her late twin sister, but recent events have led her to question Sam’s motives and feelings for Cici. Her search for some clarity on his feelings and her visions will lead them both into dangerous and uncharted waters.
This is the second book in the Reverend Cici Gurule Mysteries, but having not read the first in no way impinges on the reader’s enjoyment of this story. It stands alone, as a murder mystery. Author Alexa Padgett does a good job of seeding little nuggets of information, on what went before, into the story to keep the reader informed and understand the scenario that is developing. At its core this is a classic “whodunit” story but with the added spice of the psychic bond between Cici and her dead twin, plus the simmering sexual tension between the Reverend and Sam, it lifts itself out of the ordinary. The writer’s style is relaxed and easy to read, with some excellent descriptive passages that bring the reader right into the action in the searing heat of a New Mexico environment. There is plenty of action for the fans of that genre, but for me, the real action was the simmering relationship between Cici and Sam. If anything was to make me look for the next book in this series, it would be to see what develops between the pair. Clearly well researched, this novel is a good read within its genre and one I can definitely recommend to fans of murder mysteries.
A Heritage of Death (A Reverend Cici Gurule Mystery Book 2) by Alexa Padgett is an adventure into child abuse and murder in the Pueblos of New Mexico. The Reverend Cici Gurule has one special talent that makes her invaluable in solving crimes. Her twin sister was murdered and since then Cici has been receiving visitations and dreams from her late sister that give her clues that assist her to unravel complicated and even unsolved crimes. With her best friend Detective Sam Chastain, they are able to get the jump on other law enforcement people. When an abducted baby mysteriously turns up on Cici’s doorstep one stormy evening, she and Sam begin to investigate the abduction of one of Cici’s own parishioners. Their search for the missing woman takes them from Santa Fe to the Pueblo of Taos and a slew of cold cases involving missing and murdered indigenous women. Underlying the story is the on-going romantic tension between Cici and Sam. Cici always believed Sam was in love with her late twin sister, but recent events have led her to question Sam’s motives and feelings for Cici. Her search for some clarity on his feelings and her visions will lead them both into dangerous and uncharted waters.
This is the second book in the Reverend Cici Gurule Mysteries, but having not read the first in no way impinges on the reader’s enjoyment of this story. It stands alone, as a murder mystery. Author Alexa Padgett does a good job of seeding little nuggets of information, on what went before, into the story to keep the reader informed and understand the scenario that is developing. At its core this is a classic “whodunit” story but with the added spice of the psychic bond between Cici and her dead twin, plus the simmering sexual tension between the Reverend and Sam, it lifts itself out of the ordinary. The writer’s style is relaxed and easy to read, with some excellent descriptive passages that bring the reader right into the action in the searing heat of a New Mexico environment. There is plenty of action for the fans of that genre, but for me, the real action was the simmering relationship between Cici and Sam. If anything was to make me look for the next book in this series, it would be to see what develops between the pair. Clearly well researched, this novel is a good read within its genre and one I can definitely recommend to fans of murder mysteries.
October 19, 2018
When an infant is left on her doorstep one stormy night, Reverend Cici Gurule once again finds herself immersed in solving a mystery with her best friend and police detective, Sam Chastain. Cici would like nothing better than to live a simple life and minister to her parishioners, but it seems the spirit of her dead twin won’t leave Cici alone and keeps giving Cici clues and visions about the investigation through dreams. Not only is Cici fully involved in the investigation with Sam, there’s the little matter of a shared kiss they have yet to discuss.
After reading the first book in this series, I was eager to read the next Cici Gurule mystery, and the early copy I read of this was even better than the first book! I was quickly involved fully in the story and couldn’t wait to see how things worked out. Padgett does an excellent job of building suspense and dropping hints along the way, including a few misdirects, so the reader is thinking, guessing and wondering throughout the book. We get a little comic relief from a parishioner, Mrs. Sanchez, who hires herself as Cici's church assistant and then takes over, and then there’s the simmering chemistry between Cici and Sam, moving at a deliciously slow pace.
While the main mystery is solved, there's still the matter of the unsolved murder of Cici's twin sister, as well as the relationship between Sam and Cici, that we'll learn more about in future books. Whether you like contemporary romance or romantic suspense, this book offers an exciting, compelling read. With a touch of supernatural, a heap of whodunit and an enticing, slow-burn romance, this one is sure to please!
*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
After reading the first book in this series, I was eager to read the next Cici Gurule mystery, and the early copy I read of this was even better than the first book! I was quickly involved fully in the story and couldn’t wait to see how things worked out. Padgett does an excellent job of building suspense and dropping hints along the way, including a few misdirects, so the reader is thinking, guessing and wondering throughout the book. We get a little comic relief from a parishioner, Mrs. Sanchez, who hires herself as Cici's church assistant and then takes over, and then there’s the simmering chemistry between Cici and Sam, moving at a deliciously slow pace.
While the main mystery is solved, there's still the matter of the unsolved murder of Cici's twin sister, as well as the relationship between Sam and Cici, that we'll learn more about in future books. Whether you like contemporary romance or romantic suspense, this book offers an exciting, compelling read. With a touch of supernatural, a heap of whodunit and an enticing, slow-burn romance, this one is sure to please!
*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
October 2, 2018
A Heritage of Death by Alexa Padgett is the second installment in the Reverend Cici Gurule Mysteries series, preceded by the first book, A Pilgrimage to Death. Heritage reads as a standalone, although skipping over Pilgrimage would be a shame as it's excellent. Cici Gurule returns in this next adventure with an intriguing new puzzle to piece together, beginning with recurring dreams and a missing baby at her front door. She is still grieving the loss of her murdered twin sister, Anna Carmen, and once again enlists the help of Sam Chastain to sort through a mess that continues to mount, and continues to become more deadly and dangerous, as messages from beyond challenge the balance between her faith, her safety, and a mystery that pulls her into its malignant web.
Alexa Padgett knows how to bring on the suspense and surprises, dishing both out liberally in A Heritage of Death. Cici is such an engaging character and the gentle dance between her point of view and Sam's is brilliantly done. Padgett applies use of Cici's paranormal connection and interactions with a restraint that allows for the main characters to do the real leg work, dropping hints here and there that are often as confounding for Cici as they were for me...which is fantastic, since I'm not terribly keen on figuring a mystery out before she does. What propels this book through to the end is the tension on every page and a strong female lead that defies stereotypes as well as all the odds stacked against her. I'm excited to see what Padgett brings as the series progresses.
Review written for Readers' Favorite.
Alexa Padgett knows how to bring on the suspense and surprises, dishing both out liberally in A Heritage of Death. Cici is such an engaging character and the gentle dance between her point of view and Sam's is brilliantly done. Padgett applies use of Cici's paranormal connection and interactions with a restraint that allows for the main characters to do the real leg work, dropping hints here and there that are often as confounding for Cici as they were for me...which is fantastic, since I'm not terribly keen on figuring a mystery out before she does. What propels this book through to the end is the tension on every page and a strong female lead that defies stereotypes as well as all the odds stacked against her. I'm excited to see what Padgett brings as the series progresses.
Review written for Readers' Favorite.
October 31, 2018
This is the first book by Alexa Padgett that I've read and it definatley wont be my last. Although I haven't read the first book in the series it doesn't really matter as they can be read as standalone. But saying that after reading this book, I am definatley going to go back and read book 1.
I loved Cici, I thought maybe being a Reverend we wouldn't be able to relate to her. But that wasn't the case at all. I loved her character, I loved that she still kept the things that she loved in life even if she was a Reverend.
The author did a great job of feeding us little bits of information, while keeping us on the edge of our seat, and also without giving too much away and ruining the story straight away.
I did guess who the 'baddie' was towards the end but it didn't ruin my enjoyed of the book.
The story had a interesting plot with the people being killed and the reasoning behind it. I loved the police side of the story and you can tell the author had done her research. The connection to the dead that CiCi had was really interesting and I enjoyed it a lot. It was a nice twist on a murder mystery story. It gave the story an edge.
The author's writing is easy to read and pulls you into the story from page 1. The descriptions were well written and detailed and they gave you the image in your head to image you were there.
I am definatley going to carry on with this series. After the snippet we had of the next book, I need to see where CiCi has ended up and what trouble she has found this time.
I loved Cici, I thought maybe being a Reverend we wouldn't be able to relate to her. But that wasn't the case at all. I loved her character, I loved that she still kept the things that she loved in life even if she was a Reverend.
The author did a great job of feeding us little bits of information, while keeping us on the edge of our seat, and also without giving too much away and ruining the story straight away.
I did guess who the 'baddie' was towards the end but it didn't ruin my enjoyed of the book.
The story had a interesting plot with the people being killed and the reasoning behind it. I loved the police side of the story and you can tell the author had done her research. The connection to the dead that CiCi had was really interesting and I enjoyed it a lot. It was a nice twist on a murder mystery story. It gave the story an edge.
The author's writing is easy to read and pulls you into the story from page 1. The descriptions were well written and detailed and they gave you the image in your head to image you were there.
I am definatley going to carry on with this series. After the snippet we had of the next book, I need to see where CiCi has ended up and what trouble she has found this time.
November 10, 2018
A Heritage of Death is billed as a paranormal mystery and that element is certainly here but Cici's dreams are not the only thing to consider. Her deceased sister was her identical twin and there's just no doubt that the link between twins, especially identicals, is preternatural and can't be fully understood by the rest of us. At any rate, Cici's sister, Aci, is an integral part of the story.
Although Cici is an ordained minister, not a profession that you might expect would be involved with murderous events, but here she is with dreams of a battered woman who looks an awful lot like herself and then a baby is abandoned on her doorstep. She's a very likeable protagonist as is her close friend, Santa Fe police detective Sam Chastain, who appreciates and accepts the dreams and visions Cici has, making good use of them in his official investigation. Cici and Sam set out to find a missing woman and answers about the baby's abduction but are soon drawn into a much deeper and very dangerous case involving the deaths of Native American women.
I have not read the first book in the series but never felt anything was lacking so I think potential readers can enjoy this second book even though it's out of order. Fans of the Clare Fergusson and Russ Van Alstyne series by Julia Spencer-Fleming will be glad to find a similar pair of main characters.
Although Cici is an ordained minister, not a profession that you might expect would be involved with murderous events, but here she is with dreams of a battered woman who looks an awful lot like herself and then a baby is abandoned on her doorstep. She's a very likeable protagonist as is her close friend, Santa Fe police detective Sam Chastain, who appreciates and accepts the dreams and visions Cici has, making good use of them in his official investigation. Cici and Sam set out to find a missing woman and answers about the baby's abduction but are soon drawn into a much deeper and very dangerous case involving the deaths of Native American women.
I have not read the first book in the series but never felt anything was lacking so I think potential readers can enjoy this second book even though it's out of order. Fans of the Clare Fergusson and Russ Van Alstyne series by Julia Spencer-Fleming will be glad to find a similar pair of main characters.
October 6, 2018
A Heritage of Death by Alexa Padgett
“Are they dreams or are they visions? 3 stars”
First off let me say that this is my first read of Padgett’s but the second in Reverend Gurule mystery series. In no way shape or form do you have to read book one in order to understand A Heritage of Death. With that said I think A Heritage of Death was a solid book and I enjoyed how Padgett took a very serious issue and brought it to light.
Cici has dreams that are actually visions thanks to her dead sister sending them to her. Now Cici has to rush against the clock with the help of her friend Detective Sam to try and save these women. Women who look just like her. Will they be able to find these women before its too late? Or will Cici find herself in the killer’s crosshairs?
I love mysteries and for the most part A Heritage of Death is a good one, my only negative is I figured out who was behind the killings early on. Sometimes Padgett got a little too wordy for my taste, she would use one word that one might not know where she could have used something far easier to recognize. Other then those two things the only other complaint I had is I wanted more of Cici and Sam. What’s going on there and will we ever know?
Plot-3/5
Characters-3/5
Heat-3/5
Writing style-3/5
Overall-3/5
“Are they dreams or are they visions? 3 stars”
First off let me say that this is my first read of Padgett’s but the second in Reverend Gurule mystery series. In no way shape or form do you have to read book one in order to understand A Heritage of Death. With that said I think A Heritage of Death was a solid book and I enjoyed how Padgett took a very serious issue and brought it to light.
Cici has dreams that are actually visions thanks to her dead sister sending them to her. Now Cici has to rush against the clock with the help of her friend Detective Sam to try and save these women. Women who look just like her. Will they be able to find these women before its too late? Or will Cici find herself in the killer’s crosshairs?
I love mysteries and for the most part A Heritage of Death is a good one, my only negative is I figured out who was behind the killings early on. Sometimes Padgett got a little too wordy for my taste, she would use one word that one might not know where she could have used something far easier to recognize. Other then those two things the only other complaint I had is I wanted more of Cici and Sam. What’s going on there and will we ever know?
Plot-3/5
Characters-3/5
Heat-3/5
Writing style-3/5
Overall-3/5
November 8, 2018
I was so incredibly excited to read the second book in the Reverend Cici Mystery series and I can tell you that I was not disappointed. If anything, I enjoyed this book more than the first, and I didn't think that would be possible.
After experiencing some disturbing dreams that CiCi is convinced are brought to her by her dead sister, Anna Carmen, ACi for short, she is off and running to solve another crime.
I love the characters in this series so much! The Harley riding Reverend (who knew?!?!), Sam, and so many others - each easy to relate to. The dialogue between characters flows easily and is natural.
The storyline is engaging with so many twists and turns, you don't know if you are coming or going - making a perfect mystery! As with the first book, I had a pretty good idea who the villain was, but I wasn't completely sure until the very end!
Alexa Padgett is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors! I can't wait to see what is next!
After experiencing some disturbing dreams that CiCi is convinced are brought to her by her dead sister, Anna Carmen, ACi for short, she is off and running to solve another crime.
I love the characters in this series so much! The Harley riding Reverend (who knew?!?!), Sam, and so many others - each easy to relate to. The dialogue between characters flows easily and is natural.
The storyline is engaging with so many twists and turns, you don't know if you are coming or going - making a perfect mystery! As with the first book, I had a pretty good idea who the villain was, but I wasn't completely sure until the very end!
Alexa Padgett is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors! I can't wait to see what is next!
March 20, 2021
NO SPOILERS HERE! If this is your first book by this wonderful author, never fear, it does just fine as a stand-alone! The characters and story are well developed and you get enough of a back story to sail through and thoroughly enjoy this latest CiCi novel. You will want to read the others in this series too, and there are a few spoilers in this book that go back to the other books, but certainly, nothing to detract from this story. I love the chemistry between CiCi and Sam, (who the heck is Sam you ask? READ the book!) Set in New Mexico, this is a book that is difficult to put down once you start, as it just grips you and sucks you in. A well-told mystery that will certainly keep you guessing with a couple of subplots thrown in for a well-rounded, satisfying read for any mystery lover, or just plain anyone who loves a good book! So, stop reading this right here and just go get this book! You won't be sorry!
October 17, 2018
Another fabulous Cici Gurule mystery! It has been 3 months since Cici discovered her sister's murderer (assisted by Anna Carmen's ghostly influence). In this book, Anna Carmen involves Cici, through a series of visions, in the mysterious kidnapping of a baby. Along the way, the murders of several native American women appear to be tied to the kidnapping. It will take Cici, Sam and several others to determine the identity of the murderer. While the outcome is decided, Cici will face another life altering decision. This is a standalone book with plenty of suspense and enough tease for the next Cici Gurule mystery.
October 25, 2018
Brilliant is the word that comes to mind. Exciting. Mysterious. (This one seems a bit obvious, but it can't be overstated.) Entertaining. Cici just wants to live a normal life, but the spirit of her deceased sister, a missing baby appearing on her porch and notes from a killer on his victim just do not produce that outcome. I'm a Cici and Sam fan for life now! The setting is also to die for - if you don't love Santa Fe and the southwest, you might after finishing this.
You do not have to have read the previous book to totally understand this one. It can be the first one you choose to read with no problems. And I highly recommend recommend that you do!
You do not have to have read the previous book to totally understand this one. It can be the first one you choose to read with no problems. And I highly recommend recommend that you do!
January 29, 2019
3 nights of nightmares, the visions started after her twin sister died, the frustration and guilt. A bloody woman, chains, child abuse. Contacting Detective Sam, later they find a baby on the door step. Clues are given to her, step by step she takes. Up to Sam to put them together into his investigation.She struggles, will her faith be strong enough, to handle these. An unconventional reverend riding on her motorcycle. New Mexico is a perfect setting, with a touch of the paranormal. The second is as good as the first, and leaves you hoping there will be more.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
February 20, 2022
Reverend Cici is caught up in possible abuse and murder this time. New characters come alive in this fast-paced ride as a child is left on her doorstep. As her deceased twin continues to send her dreams, she has to sort out the confusing dreams which still leave questions to answer. This time the murders involve three law enforcement agencies and multiple murders. With twist and turns as well as covering years of violence, Cici and Sam have lots to figure out! Full of action, mystery with tugs on heart strings, this is almost impossible to put down. Can be read as part of the series or on its' own. A fantastic read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2022
Again, not sure why she needs to be a Reverend.
Cici is still having nightmares, (she interprets them as coming from her dead twin, Aci) that show her situations that needs help. In this book she sees a vision of a woman secured in a basement and a baby nearby. Then the baby ends up on Cici’s doorstep.
Sam and Cici are still pussyfooting around their obvious feelings for each other.
If you can ignore the plot holes, why didn’t Becky knock on Cici’s door and tell her who was doing this, is a big one, then this is an okay book. And, in the end, the motivation of the killer.
Cici is still having nightmares, (she interprets them as coming from her dead twin, Aci) that show her situations that needs help. In this book she sees a vision of a woman secured in a basement and a baby nearby. Then the baby ends up on Cici’s doorstep.
Sam and Cici are still pussyfooting around their obvious feelings for each other.
If you can ignore the plot holes, why didn’t Becky knock on Cici’s door and tell her who was doing this, is a big one, then this is an okay book. And, in the end, the motivation of the killer.
September 28, 2018
I simply can’t get enough of Cici Gurule. Alexa Padget gives us another who done it mystery that keeps you turning the pages. When an author makes you feel like you are part of the story, then you have to keep reading! My only hope is that I don’t have too long to wait for the next story. Cici and Sam have become my new infatuation!
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