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Kate Benedict #1–5 omnibus
Kate Benedict Mystery Series
Meet Kate Benedict—a promising young British architect who solves mysteries on the side. And she has an edge—an unusual, supernatural talent: she sees mysterious, swirling, death-predicting auras hovering over the people around her. She uses these paranormal powers to save her aura-ridden friends, neighbors, and coworkers who are oblivious to the danger they’re in—and they never believe her. Everywhere Kate turns she ends up with a deliciously traditional cozy on her hands: whether she’s working at her elegant office in rainy London or traipsing around a grand Scottish castle during a weekend getaway, Kate’s always knee deep in intrigue. Now available as a complete box set, this irresistible murder mystery series is like candy for international suspense armchair travelers. This series is a perfect pick for those who like their cozy female sleuths smart, savvy—and a tad psychic.
THE AURA
Life spins out of control for Kate Benedict when she begins seeing a dancing aura above certain people’s heads that seems to signal death. Suddenly she’s psychic. But psychic’s not acceptable in her circle, where the supernatural is strictly for the superstitious. Yet…people close to her are dying.
Kate's attempts to discuss her new-found metaphysical gift are met with eye rolls; she can’t even tell the Scotland Yard detective who's investigating the death of a close friend, Rebecca Williams. And now Rebecca’s neighbor has an aura.
DOUBLE BLIND
Two politicians have the death-predicting auras Kate can see. The only way to get to the two pols is via her old friend, DCI Clarke; yet her warnings go unheeded, and even her best friend, Anita, refuses to believe in the auras’ existence—even when one appears over her boss. And then Anita develops her own aura.
THE FLORENTINE CYPHER
What began as a quiet dinner date with an old childhood friend turns into a manhunt when Kate arrives at the rendezvous just in time to find her friend Ethan disappearing into a taxi. Kate is alarmed to see the distinctive swirling pattern above his head. After receiving a series of cryptic text messages, Kate looks for Ethan at his sister’s house in Florence, but whatever danger threatened Ethan in London has followed her to Italy—his sister Claire has a matching aura! Kate and Claire go on the run, constantly watched and followed, repeatedly threatened and attacked, never knowing whom they can trust.
THE SCOTTISH CONNECTION
Kate is off to a glamorous weekend party in Scotland at the formerly grand castle belonging to the uncle of her boyfriend Josh. But the festive occasion turns solemn when Kate notices an aura above the head of Josh’s beloved Uncle Fergus. Kate can sometimes avert disaster –if she can discover the source of the danger. Otherwise, Josh’s favorite uncle will die in a matter of days.
Thus is the scene set for a deliciously traditional British cozy with a touch of the paranormal thriller—complete with ghostly characters from the past; medieval weapons collection; a ruined, closed-off wing of the castle; plus a vaguely menacing assortment of servants and locals and a castleful of dodgy house guests, all wrapped up in mysterious Scottish gloom… warmed by a cozy library fire and a nearly priceless collection of single malt scotches.
ASSIGNMENT IN AMSTERDAM
It looks like a plum job for architect Kate Benedict—she’s been sent to Amsterdam to repurpose an ancient mansion, happily assigned to work with an old friend. But it's a catastrophe—her old friend’s going to die. And so is the caretaker. And the owner. Probably Kate too, but she wouldn't know—the auras she can see don't show in mirrors. As the team hears voices in empty rooms and discovers hidden passageways, Kate knows the house conceals a secret. One that someone will kill to keep.
THE AURA
Life spins out of control for Kate Benedict when she begins seeing a dancing aura above certain people’s heads that seems to signal death. Suddenly she’s psychic. But psychic’s not acceptable in her circle, where the supernatural is strictly for the superstitious. Yet…people close to her are dying.
Kate's attempts to discuss her new-found metaphysical gift are met with eye rolls; she can’t even tell the Scotland Yard detective who's investigating the death of a close friend, Rebecca Williams. And now Rebecca’s neighbor has an aura.
DOUBLE BLIND
Two politicians have the death-predicting auras Kate can see. The only way to get to the two pols is via her old friend, DCI Clarke; yet her warnings go unheeded, and even her best friend, Anita, refuses to believe in the auras’ existence—even when one appears over her boss. And then Anita develops her own aura.
THE FLORENTINE CYPHER
What began as a quiet dinner date with an old childhood friend turns into a manhunt when Kate arrives at the rendezvous just in time to find her friend Ethan disappearing into a taxi. Kate is alarmed to see the distinctive swirling pattern above his head. After receiving a series of cryptic text messages, Kate looks for Ethan at his sister’s house in Florence, but whatever danger threatened Ethan in London has followed her to Italy—his sister Claire has a matching aura! Kate and Claire go on the run, constantly watched and followed, repeatedly threatened and attacked, never knowing whom they can trust.
THE SCOTTISH CONNECTION
Kate is off to a glamorous weekend party in Scotland at the formerly grand castle belonging to the uncle of her boyfriend Josh. But the festive occasion turns solemn when Kate notices an aura above the head of Josh’s beloved Uncle Fergus. Kate can sometimes avert disaster –if she can discover the source of the danger. Otherwise, Josh’s favorite uncle will die in a matter of days.
Thus is the scene set for a deliciously traditional British cozy with a touch of the paranormal thriller—complete with ghostly characters from the past; medieval weapons collection; a ruined, closed-off wing of the castle; plus a vaguely menacing assortment of servants and locals and a castleful of dodgy house guests, all wrapped up in mysterious Scottish gloom… warmed by a cozy library fire and a nearly priceless collection of single malt scotches.
ASSIGNMENT IN AMSTERDAM
It looks like a plum job for architect Kate Benedict—she’s been sent to Amsterdam to repurpose an ancient mansion, happily assigned to work with an old friend. But it's a catastrophe—her old friend’s going to die. And so is the caretaker. And the owner. Probably Kate too, but she wouldn't know—the auras she can see don't show in mirrors. As the team hears voices in empty rooms and discovers hidden passageways, Kate knows the house conceals a secret. One that someone will kill to keep.
1584 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 8, 2020
856 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
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August 15, 2020EReaderNews
August 15, 2020
THE AURA
Interesting plot, giving readers details of what she is seeing, and how it is affecting her. Telling a few people, and hard for them to really grasp of what is going on with her. People are dying that she has recently seen.is there a connection, and how can she go about her daily life, afraid of what she may see next. I thought very well done, and of interest to go on to the next book.
DOUBLE. BLIND
Kate is in big trouble seeing the aura around the new Prime Minister, then more, one of which is her friend Anita, who doesn’t believe Kate. Kate goes to the trouble to find out where they will be at, rather a press gathering, out in the park,etc Do they believe, nice surprising ending in this one. This is a good following to the first book in this series, and enjoyable read.
THE FLORENTINE CYPHER
To have dinner with Ethan, and he’s not in his office, or answering text messages. Finally a text, that didn’t make any sense, to get a book. He wasn’t in his apt, yet, window was opened and rain coming in. Ethan was eccentric,, I felt like I was protector for him, of what was going on around him. In a cab, going to her father’s place, a false road sign, and her bag was taken. Then another attempt to get her handbag, they are wanting the key.
Well, thought out mystery, that has a lot of twist to it. Where is ?Ethan and how was he involved. An usual series, that gets deeper with each book, will be looking for more by her. The plots are different and interesting. Like the nun told her, she was willing to risk it, to help save someone.
ASSIGNMENT IN AMSTERDAM
Kate’s boss Alan, has a new job for her, in Amsterdam, and they requested her. A financial company wanting to relocate their headquarters, she would do the designs, in a historic building. Sam a fellow classmate recommended her, and would be on the same project, calling her, and hoped she accepted. To say things didn’t go as planned, unexplained accidents. The old historic place had deadly secrets, and wanted to remain that way.
Good interesting stories in this series
Interesting plot, giving readers details of what she is seeing, and how it is affecting her. Telling a few people, and hard for them to really grasp of what is going on with her. People are dying that she has recently seen.is there a connection, and how can she go about her daily life, afraid of what she may see next. I thought very well done, and of interest to go on to the next book.
DOUBLE. BLIND
Kate is in big trouble seeing the aura around the new Prime Minister, then more, one of which is her friend Anita, who doesn’t believe Kate. Kate goes to the trouble to find out where they will be at, rather a press gathering, out in the park,etc Do they believe, nice surprising ending in this one. This is a good following to the first book in this series, and enjoyable read.
THE FLORENTINE CYPHER
To have dinner with Ethan, and he’s not in his office, or answering text messages. Finally a text, that didn’t make any sense, to get a book. He wasn’t in his apt, yet, window was opened and rain coming in. Ethan was eccentric,, I felt like I was protector for him, of what was going on around him. In a cab, going to her father’s place, a false road sign, and her bag was taken. Then another attempt to get her handbag, they are wanting the key.
Well, thought out mystery, that has a lot of twist to it. Where is ?Ethan and how was he involved. An usual series, that gets deeper with each book, will be looking for more by her. The plots are different and interesting. Like the nun told her, she was willing to risk it, to help save someone.
ASSIGNMENT IN AMSTERDAM
Kate’s boss Alan, has a new job for her, in Amsterdam, and they requested her. A financial company wanting to relocate their headquarters, she would do the designs, in a historic building. Sam a fellow classmate recommended her, and would be on the same project, calling her, and hoped she accepted. To say things didn’t go as planned, unexplained accidents. The old historic place had deadly secrets, and wanted to remain that way.
Good interesting stories in this series
July 30, 2023
Mh, I got a freebie version of novels 1-4. I assume the four I read are the same as in this one, the titles certainly match. Thanks to the author for providing four books for free in Fussylibrarian. That's very generous.
I'm not totally sure what to make of this. The idea is certainly special. Book 1 "The Aura", introduces the idea and that one worked quite well for me. The next two get a bit weird with the "Cypher" one dipping a toe into something reminding me of the Da Vinci code.
the settings I always liked - the author knows her Italy, and she has a knack of really making the environment come alive.
The people? Not so much? Especially the main character acts rather weirdly at times. Yes, I've got it, she feels driven to help those people whose imminent death she can see via their auras. But this permanent harping on and on and on about her guilt, when a dead nun has already told her to stop this mea culpa business? At times, the story made me cringe when the MC once again did something not only against her interests but also for thoroughly unpleasant people. The style is a bit clunky as well (monotonous structure, repetitive sentence melody, tons of filter words etc.)
A light touch of humor would have gone a long way, but it's conspicuous by its absence. The books aren't bad, one and four are mostly okay. Setting and Atmosphere 4 stars, characters and plot 2 to maximum three, so I guess it averages out. I'll be giving four stars on Amazon.
I do wish the author well.
I'm not totally sure what to make of this. The idea is certainly special. Book 1 "The Aura", introduces the idea and that one worked quite well for me. The next two get a bit weird with the "Cypher" one dipping a toe into something reminding me of the Da Vinci code.
the settings I always liked - the author knows her Italy, and she has a knack of really making the environment come alive.
The people? Not so much? Especially the main character acts rather weirdly at times. Yes, I've got it, she feels driven to help those people whose imminent death she can see via their auras. But this permanent harping on and on and on about her guilt, when a dead nun has already told her to stop this mea culpa business? At times, the story made me cringe when the MC once again did something not only against her interests but also for thoroughly unpleasant people. The style is a bit clunky as well (monotonous structure, repetitive sentence melody, tons of filter words etc.)
A light touch of humor would have gone a long way, but it's conspicuous by its absence. The books aren't bad, one and four are mostly okay. Setting and Atmosphere 4 stars, characters and plot 2 to maximum three, so I guess it averages out. I'll be giving four stars on Amazon.
I do wish the author well.
October 22, 2020
Paranormal crime mysteries
The editing is refreshingly excellent. Most ebooks seems to have many errors. The stories have a lot of dropped or unfinished threads. She meets a homeless veteran who sees auras, vows to help him and nothing more is heard of it. She meets a guy whose Grandmother sees something, says they will talk and nothing. She trusts the wrong people and tells them everything she's learned often prolonging the dangers. Her college roommate from one book never met or heard of her college roommate from the following book. Life long friends pop up in every book with no introduction prior to arrival, just so she has a reason to risk everything for the friend of the day who is never heard of again. People answer all her probing questions.
The editing is refreshingly excellent. Most ebooks seems to have many errors. The stories have a lot of dropped or unfinished threads. She meets a homeless veteran who sees auras, vows to help him and nothing more is heard of it. She meets a guy whose Grandmother sees something, says they will talk and nothing. She trusts the wrong people and tells them everything she's learned often prolonging the dangers. Her college roommate from one book never met or heard of her college roommate from the following book. Life long friends pop up in every book with no introduction prior to arrival, just so she has a reason to risk everything for the friend of the day who is never heard of again. People answer all her probing questions.
October 16, 2022
Surprisingly Good Series
I love mystery series and this was a good price. The premise was a bit strange, Kate Benedict sees auras over some people’s heads that predict their imminent death. Can she prevent it, is the question.
The stories are great and Kate is so smart and brave that it’s obvious much research and skill went into the writing. Carrie Bedford has done lots of investigation into her stories. Some are deep and intricate like The Da Vinci Code . All stories have vivid descriptions of the locations where they take place. The complicated plots will keep you guessing.
I highly recommend this thoroughly enjoyable series.
I love mystery series and this was a good price. The premise was a bit strange, Kate Benedict sees auras over some people’s heads that predict their imminent death. Can she prevent it, is the question.
The stories are great and Kate is so smart and brave that it’s obvious much research and skill went into the writing. Carrie Bedford has done lots of investigation into her stories. Some are deep and intricate like The Da Vinci Code . All stories have vivid descriptions of the locations where they take place. The complicated plots will keep you guessing.
I highly recommend this thoroughly enjoyable series.
October 23, 2025
Incredible
Don't start reading unless you have plenty of time to continue on and on. This series has been by far the most enjoyable reading I have come across in a very long time.
Each story is based on the same main character with a special gift that leads her and the supporting characters through the storyline. Each book was very interesting, with great detail and depth to both the characters and the venue.
Ms. Bedford offers a guarantee of few flaws in spelling, grammar and punctuation. She holds fast to her guarantee which only makes her books more enjoyable.
Thank you. Now I need some sleep!
Don't start reading unless you have plenty of time to continue on and on. This series has been by far the most enjoyable reading I have come across in a very long time.
Each story is based on the same main character with a special gift that leads her and the supporting characters through the storyline. Each book was very interesting, with great detail and depth to both the characters and the venue.
Ms. Bedford offers a guarantee of few flaws in spelling, grammar and punctuation. She holds fast to her guarantee which only makes her books more enjoyable.
Thank you. Now I need some sleep!
August 3, 2023
4 1/2 stars!
4 1/2 stars for this Kate Benedict mystery series book set by Carrie Bedford. Following the loss of her mother, Kate, the main character, develops a skill of what she describes as seeing an aura that allows her to be able to predict that people are going to die soon. Kate feels it is her duty and obligation to try to help save those people that she's sees having an aura, usually by trying to solve a mystery these people are involved in. Good storylines and interesting characters make for some exciting and interesting reading.
4 1/2 stars for this Kate Benedict mystery series book set by Carrie Bedford. Following the loss of her mother, Kate, the main character, develops a skill of what she describes as seeing an aura that allows her to be able to predict that people are going to die soon. Kate feels it is her duty and obligation to try to help save those people that she's sees having an aura, usually by trying to solve a mystery these people are involved in. Good storylines and interesting characters make for some exciting and interesting reading.
May 12, 2022
A fun mystery series
Kate can tell when someone is about to die, but doesn't know, how, where or when. And that is the painful agony she goes through each book trying to determine the potential cause and how to prevent it. The solutions never appear until the next to the last chapter.
Kate can tell when someone is about to die, but doesn't know, how, where or when. And that is the painful agony she goes through each book trying to determine the potential cause and how to prevent it. The solutions never appear until the next to the last chapter.
February 14, 2023
Austentagous
Thank you Kate for the trip of a lifetime. I had to tear myself away at times and hurried back to be with all the people in the stories. I was really there and saw and felt what was happening. Awesome reading. I am 87 years young and read whenever and whatever I can. This has been an Adventure. Looking forward to more from Kate Benedict.
Thank you Kate for the trip of a lifetime. I had to tear myself away at times and hurried back to be with all the people in the stories. I was really there and saw and felt what was happening. Awesome reading. I am 87 years young and read whenever and whatever I can. This has been an Adventure. Looking forward to more from Kate Benedict.
November 5, 2024
I’ve read much better from this authour
Honestly I just couldn’t get past the overdone police bashing, the often stupid decisions the main character made leading to the often crazy unbelievable
situations she put herself in. It was too much, too overdone, too ridiculous to bother reading.
Honestly I just couldn’t get past the overdone police bashing, the often stupid decisions the main character made leading to the often crazy unbelievable
situations she put herself in. It was too much, too overdone, too ridiculous to bother reading.
October 7, 2020
Auras!!!
I was entranced by this story and the characters!! I felt their excitement and their fear! Cheered by their shenanigans and successes against the evil ones! Can't wait to see more!!!
I was entranced by this story and the characters!! I felt their excitement and their fear! Cheered by their shenanigans and successes against the evil ones! Can't wait to see more!!!
December 25, 2020
An architect with psychic abilities helps solve crimes.
Kate Benedict has an unwelcome ability to predict others’ impending deaths.
She forces herself to try to prevent the deaths if possible, at great danger to herself and associates.
A very good series of books.
Kate Benedict has an unwelcome ability to predict others’ impending deaths.
She forces herself to try to prevent the deaths if possible, at great danger to herself and associates.
A very good series of books.
March 1, 2021
Not Your Normal Paranormal
I loved these stories! Not far out fantasy, just very good mysteries with interesting, likeable characters & plenty of action! I have found a new author to follow.
I loved these stories! Not far out fantasy, just very good mysteries with interesting, likeable characters & plenty of action! I have found a new author to follow.
May 21, 2021
I liked all the books in the set. If you love mysteries and enjoy following the clues this set is for you. Never a dull moment. There are twists and turns that will lead you to wrong conclusions. Very enjoyable.
September 10, 2021
Sleuthing & the Supernatural
Loved all of these. It was great to be able to read them in order. Written very well, clearly has researched the settings. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
Loved all of these. It was great to be able to read them in order. Written very well, clearly has researched the settings. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
February 27, 2022
Pretty good
I liked this for the most part. The main character is a little forward. She is quick to run the show. I would love to have abilities but not the auras prediction of death!
I liked this for the most part. The main character is a little forward. She is quick to run the show. I would love to have abilities but not the auras prediction of death!
March 24, 2022
I enjoyed the stories. It is lovely to read books by an author with a good vocabulary.
Exploring the issues of an unusual ability on the holder and the problems that brings added depth to all of the major characters.
Exploring the issues of an unusual ability on the holder and the problems that brings added depth to all of the major characters.
February 4, 2023
Adventure galore.
I enjoyed this series immensely. Well written it tugs at your heart when Kate tries to find out what's causing auras on her friends. Sad to say they are a manifestation of death. Follow Kate as she does everything she can to prevent her friends from dying.
I enjoyed this series immensely. Well written it tugs at your heart when Kate tries to find out what's causing auras on her friends. Sad to say they are a manifestation of death. Follow Kate as she does everything she can to prevent her friends from dying.
November 10, 2023
Funding the way back from death
Kate and Josh started dating and when Kate started to get the aura and understand it's meaning she was surprised that Josh believed her after realising and seeing it. With each book she helps her friends and family from dying
Kate and Josh started dating and when Kate started to get the aura and understand it's meaning she was surprised that Josh believed her after realising and seeing it. With each book she helps her friends and family from dying
October 19, 2020
Love this series
At first I was not sure but once I got into the books I could not put them down. Thank you Carrie Bedford!
At first I was not sure but once I got into the books I could not put them down. Thank you Carrie Bedford!
November 5, 2020
Wonderful reading
I loved this 5 book series, each series better than the last
Its a10 out of 10 for me recommend to any one that's into mysteries
I loved this 5 book series, each series better than the last
Its a10 out of 10 for me recommend to any one that's into mysteries
November 10, 2020
Auras
I really enjoyed these 5 books! The characters are outstanding.
The suspense kept me reading to the end. Highly recommended!
I really enjoyed these 5 books! The characters are outstanding.
The suspense kept me reading to the end. Highly recommended!
December 16, 2020
Great blend of paranormal and thriller
Combine a smart woman with a little paranormal activity along with exotic locations is a great recipe for this box set of mysteries.
Combine a smart woman with a little paranormal activity along with exotic locations is a great recipe for this box set of mysteries.
December 17, 2020
Great read all around
January 4, 2021
Good read!
The last story was the best! Each story improved in suspense and action. It don't hurt to read them out of order as each was its own.
The last story was the best! Each story improved in suspense and action. It don't hurt to read them out of order as each was its own.
January 23, 2021
I enjoyed these mysteries because it had just enough suspense to keep you wanting more.
March 7, 2021
I loved this series! We need more Kate !!!!!!
June 20, 2021
Only read Volume 1.
August 21, 2021
Fast engaging mysteries !
Great characters, interesting mysteries. Loved getting a taste of different countries. I want to read more. Read all her books while you're at it.
Great characters, interesting mysteries. Loved getting a taste of different countries. I want to read more. Read all her books while you're at it.
January 23, 2022
I enjoyed the books. The books were well written. They just weren't my style.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews