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Chantilly Adair Psychic Medium #3
Praying for Peace
Ghost talking can be murder…
Castleberry Historical society manager Chantilly Adair is excited to finalize the proposal plans for the old Baptist church just outside of town, officially marking it as a registered historic property.
But that excitement turns to confusion when she finds a dead body hidden in a janitor’s closet in the basement, and the former pastor’s spirit hovering nearby.
Impeded by the cantankerous spirit Chantilly knows is hiding something, she must pick her way through the mystery of a long-ago fire and the dead guy stuffed inside the closet.
Can Chantilly discover how the two crimes are connected, and will she find out who the killer is before she becomes the next victim?
Castleberry Historical society manager Chantilly Adair is excited to finalize the proposal plans for the old Baptist church just outside of town, officially marking it as a registered historic property.
But that excitement turns to confusion when she finds a dead body hidden in a janitor’s closet in the basement, and the former pastor’s spirit hovering nearby.
Impeded by the cantankerous spirit Chantilly knows is hiding something, she must pick her way through the mystery of a long-ago fire and the dead guy stuffed inside the closet.
Can Chantilly discover how the two crimes are connected, and will she find out who the killer is before she becomes the next victim?
165 pages, ebook
Published August 27, 2019
434 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
150 books545 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson writes cozy mysteries, thrillers, and paranormal women's fiction featuring strong female leads. Her stories shine through her dialogue, which readers have praised for being realistic and compelling.
A multiple number one bestseller on Amazon, her first novel, Unfinished Business, was a five-star Reader's Favorite, a Rone Award finalist, as well as a number one bestseller on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. In 2021, she introduced readers to detective Rachel Ryder in Damaging Secrets, also a number one bestseller on Amazon. Overkill, the third book in the Rachel Ryder series, was one of Thrillerfix’s best thrillers of 2021.Reviews have praised her work as ‘compelling, and intense,’ and ‘read through the night, edge of your seat thrillers. Carolyn’s most recent Rachel Ryder novel, Deadly Means, has been submitted for an Edgar Award by her publisher, Severn River Publishing.
Prior to publishing, she worked as a journalist in the suburbs of Atlanta where her work appeared in multiple newspapers and magazines. She wrote a monthly featured column in Northside Woman magazine.
Writing is only one of Carolyn's passions. She is an avid dog lover and currently spoils an American Staffordshire terrier boxer mix. She lives in the mountains of North Georgia as an empty nester (who misses her kids terribly but loves having a lower grocery bill) with her husband, a cantankerous cat, and her very spoiled pup.
Connect with Carolyn via carolyn@carolynridderaspenson.com
A multiple number one bestseller on Amazon, her first novel, Unfinished Business, was a five-star Reader's Favorite, a Rone Award finalist, as well as a number one bestseller on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. In 2021, she introduced readers to detective Rachel Ryder in Damaging Secrets, also a number one bestseller on Amazon. Overkill, the third book in the Rachel Ryder series, was one of Thrillerfix’s best thrillers of 2021.Reviews have praised her work as ‘compelling, and intense,’ and ‘read through the night, edge of your seat thrillers. Carolyn’s most recent Rachel Ryder novel, Deadly Means, has been submitted for an Edgar Award by her publisher, Severn River Publishing.
Prior to publishing, she worked as a journalist in the suburbs of Atlanta where her work appeared in multiple newspapers and magazines. She wrote a monthly featured column in Northside Woman magazine.
Writing is only one of Carolyn's passions. She is an avid dog lover and currently spoils an American Staffordshire terrier boxer mix. She lives in the mountains of North Georgia as an empty nester (who misses her kids terribly but loves having a lower grocery bill) with her husband, a cantankerous cat, and her very spoiled pup.
Connect with Carolyn via carolyn@carolynridderaspenson.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
March 28, 2022
Castleberry, Georgia. Present day. Carolyn Ridder Aspenson’s Pray for Peace (Chantilly Adair Paranormal Cozy Mystery, #3) has the protagonist, Chantilly Adair who is the head of Castleberry’s historical society, attempting to save and restore an old Baptist church located just outside of town. As Chantilly is inspecting this church, she finds guess what? Yes, another body in the ‘janitor’s’ closet. What a way to start a project? She also sees the ‘former pastor’s spirit hovering’ close by this closet.
Now does that mean anything? This old Baptist church was almost completely destroyed by fire, and in that fire the former pastor lost his life. The mayor likes the idea of restoring the church at first, but then he changes his mind and believes the church should be torn down. Chantilly has her work cut out for her. The problem I have with this installment is certain questions are not answered, but these Southern ladies are a kick and true-to-life characters! I must admit that I love the ghosts too! On to next. 3.5-4 stars.
Now does that mean anything? This old Baptist church was almost completely destroyed by fire, and in that fire the former pastor lost his life. The mayor likes the idea of restoring the church at first, but then he changes his mind and believes the church should be torn down. Chantilly has her work cut out for her. The problem I have with this installment is certain questions are not answered, but these Southern ladies are a kick and true-to-life characters! I must admit that I love the ghosts too! On to next. 3.5-4 stars.
August 15, 2019
Praying for Peace is Book 3 in the Chantilly Adair Psychic Medium Series. This is a stand alone book, but definitely read the first two books because they are so good!
Chantilly's character is evolving and growing and I just love her personality.
She has stumbled upon another body . She is on the case and talking to the dead.
Chantilly is trying to solve a murder and a church's very existence depends upon it because there are certain people that think it's haunted and should be torn down.
This mystery is so well written with quite a few twists and turns. The characters are complex and well fleshed out. I look forward to the next book in this series. This author has outdone herself with this series and I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
Highly recommend!
Chantilly's character is evolving and growing and I just love her personality.
She has stumbled upon another body . She is on the case and talking to the dead.
Chantilly is trying to solve a murder and a church's very existence depends upon it because there are certain people that think it's haunted and should be torn down.
This mystery is so well written with quite a few twists and turns. The characters are complex and well fleshed out. I look forward to the next book in this series. This author has outdone herself with this series and I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
Highly recommend!
August 14, 2019
Chantilly Adair is mixed up in another murder when she does a walkthrough of a church they are trying to restore.
It's tied into a mysterious fire and the death of the pastor of the time, 60 years ago.
This is an enjoyable story, that has a good plotline and some humor.
I enjoyed learning more about the background of one of the main secondary characters.
It's tied into a mysterious fire and the death of the pastor of the time, 60 years ago.
This is an enjoyable story, that has a good plotline and some humor.
I enjoyed learning more about the background of one of the main secondary characters.
August 15, 2019
I have fallen hard for this series. So much so that I will stop other books I’m reading and make them wait while I read these. In this book Chantilly is looking into two murders. One old, the other recent. I don’t go beyond saying a bit of information on the mystery because you, the reader, should uncover everything as you read. That is how I enjoy my mysteries. I like Chantilly. She feels real to me. I was a single mom. I like her friends. Most of all I enjoy her discovering her gift of seeing and talking to the dead. The author takes us at a good pace with this. If she had stated everything in the first book, I’m not sure I would have come back. The slow adjustment is what keeps me coming back. I have time between bookstore think about how things are developing. I loved her discovery that someone else has the same kind of gift. Most things that we think are only happening to us are not that unique. I enjoyed this book, the people and the mystery. I hope you read the book and enjoy it, too.
August 20, 2019
Chantilly is still seeing ghosts and has decided to start helping them, but what if one adamantly doesn't want help even if it means the demise of a stunning piece of historical architecture in the town? Will that ghost fight back and cause harm or let Chantilly do what she needs to do to see justice served and peace brought once again while saving the historic church in town? The characters just keep getting better and better. Each book sees more depth and really helps bring the characters to life which only enhances the plot lines in each book a bit more. If you haven't read this series, you really should and I do recommend starting at the beginning as it will really help you get to know everyone much better! I can't wait to visit with Chantilly and her gal pal squad again soon!
August 18, 2019
Chantilly is currently working on a plan to restore the church. She goes to the church and speaks with the pastor and the secretary. She looks around for a while before heading to the basement to check out the foundation of the building. When a ghost leads her straight to a closet and opens it, Chantilly finds the body of the caretaker. The mayor is beginning to think about tearing down the church and rebuilding it due to bad memories. Chantilly needs to investigate and convince the mayor to restore it instead. This is a great cozy mystery and two of the characters can always be relied on for snark and laughs. I really liked this cozy and definitely recommend it.
August 13, 2019
Very exciting mystery with lots of twists and turns to see if there is a link between a 50 year old fire and death and a present day murder. It's up to Chantilly to see if there is a connection while she tries to save and restore and old historical church. Touching moments with a ghost named Charlie and definitely some surprises from the ghost of Pastor Alabaster and his son (who is not a ghost). I love how Chantilly’s friends are always willing to help her. I could not put this book down. This has turned out to be one of my very favorite series and I look forward to the next installment.
June 14, 2020
In book three, Chantilly is getting more comfortable with her ability to see and talk to ghosts. Word is getting out among them that she can see them. While working on her next project for the historical society, to renovate the 100 year old church in town, she stumbles across the body of one of the church employees body. Not again! Chantilly is convinced this apparent murder is tied to a fire that happened 40 years ago in the church. The mayor wants the church torn down and rebuilt instead after this incident. Sheriff Jack thinks it has nothing to do with the fire and wants Chantilly to stay out of it. The pastor that died in the fire, wants her to stay out if it too and gets pretty feisty. Chantilly has her hands full trying to juggle her real job and the ghosts that she runs into. One even has a special message he would like her to deliver. Really enjoying this series. Good story line, interesting continuing threads throughout the books, great characters, humor and a bit spooky at times.
I received a free copy and voluntarily provided this review.
I received a free copy and voluntarily provided this review.
February 28, 2025
The first book was good enough for me to read this, and this is good enough to read the next.
Good: 1.The characters are fun, relatable, and three dimensional. I love the main cast of women.
2. Such a fun, fast read. This book is a yummy snack, very addictive but easy and lightweight.
Neutral: 1. The stories seem to be written like episodes for a TV series. The "guest stars" don't seem to reappear, and the only development of them relates to the plot.
2. The author uses slang/dialect for the dialog.
Not good: 1. The editing still is pretty bad. Dialect grammar aside, the grammar and punctuation are poor. There are cut and paste issues (I guess) but also regular type-os, also quite a bit of incorrect personal pronoun usage. It reads like no one reread it after it was written.
HOWEVER it's both fast and entertaining enough to read the next one. (All seem to be available for loan with Kindle Unlimited)
Good: 1.The characters are fun, relatable, and three dimensional. I love the main cast of women.
2. Such a fun, fast read. This book is a yummy snack, very addictive but easy and lightweight.
Neutral: 1. The stories seem to be written like episodes for a TV series. The "guest stars" don't seem to reappear, and the only development of them relates to the plot.
2. The author uses slang/dialect for the dialog.
Not good: 1. The editing still is pretty bad. Dialect grammar aside, the grammar and punctuation are poor. There are cut and paste issues (I guess) but also regular type-os, also quite a bit of incorrect personal pronoun usage. It reads like no one reread it after it was written.
HOWEVER it's both fast and entertaining enough to read the next one. (All seem to be available for loan with Kindle Unlimited)
June 10, 2020
In Praying for Peace, Chantilly Adair is becoming more adept at communicating with and helping the ghosts she regularly runs into in Castleberry, Georgia.
When she is completing a walk-through of a church the historical society wants to restore, Chantilly stumbles on the body of the church maintenance man. This brings up all kinds of bad memories for the community - questions about who killed the current pastor's father when the church was set on fire decades ago.
Chantilly needs to solve the murders so that she can move forward with the restoration and her nascent relationship with Jack - police detective and lacrosse coach for Chantilly's son.
Praying for Peace is the third book in the Chantilly Adair Psychic Medium series. While it could be read as a stand-alone novel, why miss out on all the fun of the series?
When she is completing a walk-through of a church the historical society wants to restore, Chantilly stumbles on the body of the church maintenance man. This brings up all kinds of bad memories for the community - questions about who killed the current pastor's father when the church was set on fire decades ago.
Chantilly needs to solve the murders so that she can move forward with the restoration and her nascent relationship with Jack - police detective and lacrosse coach for Chantilly's son.
Praying for Peace is the third book in the Chantilly Adair Psychic Medium series. While it could be read as a stand-alone novel, why miss out on all the fun of the series?
April 16, 2023
across time and history, pain and anger have been inflicted on suffering parties, often by others acting on the own pain or drive for power
some act in the name of protection or vengeance
Chantilly returned to a home town scarred by the Civil War and still bearing its ghosts.
starved soldiers being hunted did not always treat folks well, and some of the ghosts of the town were echoes or remnants of those victims
Chantilly has a lot to cope with living among history, ghosts and ashes.
efforts to save or revive some of the significant buildings in town lead her through places that have celebrated and mourned, held joy, sorrows and pain.
the site of a decades ago church fire faces more darkness, and harsh and painful truths - some folks might kill to keep even history buried.
dangers and drama, alongside negotiating responses to insights and intuition
some act in the name of protection or vengeance
Chantilly returned to a home town scarred by the Civil War and still bearing its ghosts.
starved soldiers being hunted did not always treat folks well, and some of the ghosts of the town were echoes or remnants of those victims
Chantilly has a lot to cope with living among history, ghosts and ashes.
efforts to save or revive some of the significant buildings in town lead her through places that have celebrated and mourned, held joy, sorrows and pain.
the site of a decades ago church fire faces more darkness, and harsh and painful truths - some folks might kill to keep even history buried.
dangers and drama, alongside negotiating responses to insights and intuition
August 7, 2020
The secrets you keep could hurt you.
Chantilly is on a mission to save the local church. As the city’s historical society manager, she is working to save the historic church from being razed and rebuild by a modern structure. In the midst of her due diligence to certify to church as a historic building, she discovers a body in the basement. She is convinced that the murder is connected to past events and secrets connected to the church membership. No spoilers in my review, so it is time to move on to my closing statement.
If you enjoy a well-written, entertaining, clean, and easy read by a master storyteller; this is a book I believe you will love reading.
Chantilly is on a mission to save the local church. As the city’s historical society manager, she is working to save the historic church from being razed and rebuild by a modern structure. In the midst of her due diligence to certify to church as a historic building, she discovers a body in the basement. She is convinced that the murder is connected to past events and secrets connected to the church membership. No spoilers in my review, so it is time to move on to my closing statement.
If you enjoy a well-written, entertaining, clean, and easy read by a master storyteller; this is a book I believe you will love reading.
February 3, 2025
Chantilly is the person that can see ghosts. She also works for the historical society which keeps her rather busy. There's a church that's been damaged by fire and she would like to have it rebuilt but the mayor wants it torn down.
Unfortunately it's not that simple as a body is discovered in the church, the present pastor isn't fully cooperative, the ghost of a dead pastor and someone who tries to kill her.
Who said working for local government was easy?
I think this is a really good series of books (of course I'm partial to anything to do with history) but which also have a good ending.
Unfortunately it's not that simple as a body is discovered in the church, the present pastor isn't fully cooperative, the ghost of a dead pastor and someone who tries to kill her.
Who said working for local government was easy?
I think this is a really good series of books (of course I'm partial to anything to do with history) but which also have a good ending.
June 11, 2020
I received an ARC of this book. Chantilly is trying to do her job for the Historic Society but the ghosts just keep talking to her. When she tries to research the history of a fire at the local church from many years ago, she comes across a body. She works hard to figure out if the two events are connected before the church gets demolished. The ghosts help & hinder her investigation but she keeps investigating while trying not to get herself killed. A great story with a great cast of characters!
November 21, 2022
Intriguing but Fire the Editor
Again, this was a great book by the author. Interesting and put together well. It’s frustrating as a reader that there are still so many errors in this book, from unfinished sentences to the use of wrong words to the flow of some of the dialogue. I would love to see the editing process improve further into the series.
Again, this was a great book by the author. Interesting and put together well. It’s frustrating as a reader that there are still so many errors in this book, from unfinished sentences to the use of wrong words to the flow of some of the dialogue. I would love to see the editing process improve further into the series.
June 15, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book very much. Chantilly solves the case while talking to the ghosts. I look forward to more books like this in the future. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading mysteries with ghosts.
July 1, 2020
Halleluah! At last a good mystery and faithful friends.
Good mystery and we'll written. But the star of the book is the characters and their relationships. I love these people and can only hope someday my life will be blessed with people just like them.
Good mystery and we'll written. But the star of the book is the characters and their relationships. I love these people and can only hope someday my life will be blessed with people just like them.
March 10, 2021
Enjoyed this ghostly mystery very much!
This is a great little read. Finished it in one
sitting. I love mysteries that start with a bang
and continue to hold my interest right up
until the end. This series does that! Interesting
characters and a great story line.
This is a great little read. Finished it in one
sitting. I love mysteries that start with a bang
and continue to hold my interest right up
until the end. This series does that! Interesting
characters and a great story line.
January 30, 2023
Ghost talking
I really liked the infusion of ghosts, making this story so interesting. This murder mystery was put together well.
The developing relationship is one that I am becoming impatient to see get to the next level.
Thank you for a great read!
I really liked the infusion of ghosts, making this story so interesting. This murder mystery was put together well.
The developing relationship is one that I am becoming impatient to see get to the next level.
Thank you for a great read!
December 9, 2023
So well told.
What a mystery. With lots of fingers pointed to the different suspects. It was fun to read this story as it unfolded and the truth came out. The regular characters in this series are a hoot, I just love them.
What a mystery. With lots of fingers pointed to the different suspects. It was fun to read this story as it unfolded and the truth came out. The regular characters in this series are a hoot, I just love them.
June 13, 2020
Chantilly Adair is back, rescuing another historic building in Castleberry! Chantilly is in the old church, checking into what it will take to bring it back to it's original state when she finds a not just a couple of new ghosts but, a body in a closet. Now, still being new at the whole communicating with ghosts things, Chantilly is drawn into solving an old murder as well as this new one, and helping a ghost speak to one of her friends. Always a great mystery and fun with the wonderful citizens in Castleberry when you pick up one of the Chantilly Adair mysteries. Grab this one soon. You won't regret it.
June 26, 2020
Love it
I just love this series. Me Asperson has hit one her hands. Can not wait to get the next one and read it.
I just love this series. Me Asperson has hit one her hands. Can not wait to get the next one and read it.
July 17, 2020
#3 was great! I laughed — I cried! I love this series and am looking so forward to #4.
October 23, 2020
So many twists and turn it was not what I was expecting. I enjoyed this one and the change of pace the story gave me
November 15, 2020
Fun and southern
If you want to know what it’s like in the South, this is the series for you! It’s funny, witty, sarcastic and always has a great mystery.
If you want to know what it’s like in the South, this is the series for you! It’s funny, witty, sarcastic and always has a great mystery.
September 8, 2021
Praying for peace
Another great book in this series, I have been having a lot of fun reading them, great characters and a wonderful storyline
Another great book in this series, I have been having a lot of fun reading them, great characters and a wonderful storyline
March 7, 2024
Great read
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, it made me laugh so much with the banter between Del and Thelma, brilliant
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, it made me laugh so much with the banter between Del and Thelma, brilliant
January 14, 2020
This is the third book in this series and I am so hooked. Love the characters, the town and all the ghosts. This mystery story covers an incident that happened over 60 years prior. Some mysteries carry implications that affect current events. Will keep reading this series as long as Carolyn Ridder Aspenson keeps writing. A definite add to your TBR pile.
July 9, 2020
Another 5 star installment in the Chantilly Adair series.
I love that in Praying for Peace combines a potential crime from decades ago to a present day murder. To solve this 'whodunit' Chantilly must unravel today's mystery by finding out what really happened at the church fire all those years ago. This one weaves a suspenseful web.
For me it is Thelma and Charlie's love that steals the show. Aspenson writes the best secondary characters.
I love that in Praying for Peace combines a potential crime from decades ago to a present day murder. To solve this 'whodunit' Chantilly must unravel today's mystery by finding out what really happened at the church fire all those years ago. This one weaves a suspenseful web.
For me it is Thelma and Charlie's love that steals the show. Aspenson writes the best secondary characters.
March 9, 2025
This reminds me of the Ghost Whisperer TV show but Chantilly Adair is working with the historical society society and the place she is checking out is full of ghosts but there is a body in the basement. Helping the ghosts give messages to love ones between looking through records of an old fire to solve a murder makes someone mad.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews