What do you think?
Rate this book
The Accidental Medium #1
The Accidental Medium
The dead have a lot to say in this first book in a hilarious crime series...
The Accidental Medium is the first book in a hilarious series from Tracy Whitwell featuring Tanz, the accidental medium who, with the help of the dead, is about to become an unwilling crime-solver.
Tanz is a wine-loving, straight-talking, once-successful TV actress from Gateshead, whose career has shrivelled like an antique walnut. She is still grieving for her friend Frank, who died in a car crash three years ago, and she has to find a normal job in London to fund her cocktail habit. When she starts work in a ‘new age’ shop, Tanz suddenly discovers that the voices she’s hearing in her head are real, not the first signs of madness, and that she can give people ‘messages’ from beyond the grave. Alarmed, she confronts her little mam and discovers she is from a long line of psychic mediums. Despite an exciting new avenue of life opening up to Tanz, darkness isn’t far away and all too soon there’s murder in the air.
The Accidental Medium is the first book in a hilarious series from Tracy Whitwell featuring Tanz, the accidental medium who, with the help of the dead, is about to become an unwilling crime-solver.
Tanz is a wine-loving, straight-talking, once-successful TV actress from Gateshead, whose career has shrivelled like an antique walnut. She is still grieving for her friend Frank, who died in a car crash three years ago, and she has to find a normal job in London to fund her cocktail habit. When she starts work in a ‘new age’ shop, Tanz suddenly discovers that the voices she’s hearing in her head are real, not the first signs of madness, and that she can give people ‘messages’ from beyond the grave. Alarmed, she confronts her little mam and discovers she is from a long line of psychic mediums. Despite an exciting new avenue of life opening up to Tanz, darkness isn’t far away and all too soon there’s murder in the air.
Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2022
170 people are currently reading
2259 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 518 reviews
September 13, 2022
I picked this up as Geordie who was after a casual paranormal/mystery read. In theory this is the perfect book for me.
However, I had to put it down 10 pages in after a severe amount of commentary on almost every characters weight and the description of fashion models as ‘transvestites with vaginas who don’t come from Earth’. An entirely inappropriate and unnecessary commentary that does nothing but insult both women AND people who cross-dress.
This should have been a fun and quick read but unfortunately it is far too dated to be acceptable, especially when it has only been published this year.
However, I had to put it down 10 pages in after a severe amount of commentary on almost every characters weight and the description of fashion models as ‘transvestites with vaginas who don’t come from Earth’. An entirely inappropriate and unnecessary commentary that does nothing but insult both women AND people who cross-dress.
This should have been a fun and quick read but unfortunately it is far too dated to be acceptable, especially when it has only been published this year.
September 8, 2022
Well that was horrible.
I’m so incredibly glad it’s over.
The unnecessary and way too casual talk about unhealthy eating habits and how the main character is kind of fatphobic alot.
The main character also tried WAY too hard to be funny or relatable. It was so annoying.
The constant ‘making homosexuality a personality trait’ thing, putting all gay people into a box and stereotyping them.
Insufferable Characters, especially the main character, which are mostly unnecessary. 50% of the characters could have been left out.
Scenes that repeat alot, or are unnecessary to the main plot, unnecessarily dragged out scenes, or scenes that are way too short.
The main issue of the plot, the murder that is, is resolved way to quickly because the ghosts tell her *everything* immediately. No issues what so ever.
Insufferable writing style that made me wanna quit this book all together.
Generally, this book was totally useless and i’m so mad i wasted my time on it. At least it was a quick read.
The cover was pretty though.
I’m so incredibly glad it’s over.
The unnecessary and way too casual talk about unhealthy eating habits and how the main character is kind of fatphobic alot.
The main character also tried WAY too hard to be funny or relatable. It was so annoying.
The constant ‘making homosexuality a personality trait’ thing, putting all gay people into a box and stereotyping them.
Insufferable Characters, especially the main character, which are mostly unnecessary. 50% of the characters could have been left out.
Scenes that repeat alot, or are unnecessary to the main plot, unnecessarily dragged out scenes, or scenes that are way too short.
The main issue of the plot, the murder that is, is resolved way to quickly because the ghosts tell her *everything* immediately. No issues what so ever.
Insufferable writing style that made me wanna quit this book all together.
Generally, this book was totally useless and i’m so mad i wasted my time on it. At least it was a quick read.
The cover was pretty though.
August 25, 2022
It took 190 pages to actually get to the murder which only lasted like 50 pages- I hated the MC she was casually fatphobic and tried too hard to be relatable. Multiple times I almost DNF’d but wanted to see if it would get better.. it didn’t. The ending was like the author had just gotten bored and decided enough was enough. There were also slurs in the book that were absolutely not necessary and could have easily been missed out- this also relates to most of the book. Just 280 pages of waffle.
June 7, 2022
Picked this up on a whim when I was in the bookshop. Easy + pleasant surprise to read
March 2, 2025
I got this book as a blind date with a book from Nowhere Bookshop. Always a bit of a gamble.
I couldn’t get past the fatphobia/transphobia/homophobia. No thank you.
I couldn’t get past the fatphobia/transphobia/homophobia. No thank you.
May 25, 2022
This really tickled me, a cosy crime novel with a very cheeky sense of humour. There’s also a nice build up of suspense and action as the storyline develops.
It always makes me happy when I find out about an author who has kickstarted their career and then been picked up by a mainstream publisher. Especially when the book is as entertaining as this one, I’m really looking forward to reading more about Tanz. She’s such a down to earth and likeable character, and I love the friendships that she develops, both old and new.
This was very difficult to put down and I blame it for my sofa based Sunday, just one more chapter….
It always makes me happy when I find out about an author who has kickstarted their career and then been picked up by a mainstream publisher. Especially when the book is as entertaining as this one, I’m really looking forward to reading more about Tanz. She’s such a down to earth and likeable character, and I love the friendships that she develops, both old and new.
This was very difficult to put down and I blame it for my sofa based Sunday, just one more chapter….
October 16, 2022
I had high hopes of this being a nice quick read. I am interested in most things spiritual, and thought it would be nice to have something to read in that area that was light hearted. However I was bitterly disappointed with a section at the beginning of the book where the author mentions transvestites. Very dated beliefs from I book I assumed before reading to be fairly open minded and forward thinking. Unfortunately for me, with the mention of ageing, weight, and too many drinks, it made a mockery of someone tapping into their intuition. Unfortunately I could not finish this book.
January 3, 2023
This had such great potential. However, it completely lost me when every female character had a commentary about their weight. Unnecessary slurs and comments that add nothing to the story and just come across as incredibly hurtful. The story only picks up towards the very end of the book, but by then the damage has been done.
January 28, 2023
I enjoyed the majority of this book as the concept was interesting and it was an easy read. However, it proved to be rather problematic due to the amount of casual misogyny, transphobia, and fatphobic comments made from Tanz, the main character. Not to mention the blatant stereotyping of the gay characters and her dislike of Martin as he isn’t as ‘fabulous’ as the other gay men in her life, such as best friend Milo, who is characterised as being sassy and flamboyant. The protagonist had an air of ‘not like other girls’ about her as she constantly put down Elsa for being interested in her appearance and commented how she finds it easier to have male friends as opposed to female friends. These were common themes throughout its entirety which were very uncomfortable and annoying to read.
Overall this book could’ve been a lot better but the author’s casual problematic comments ruined it.
Overall this book could’ve been a lot better but the author’s casual problematic comments ruined it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2023
DNF @ p35
I couldn’t stand the narrator. She’s an alcoholic and extremely self absorbed. I couldn’t read another page.
I really wanted to like this especially as it turned up mysteriously in my library holds. Just not for me.
I couldn’t stand the narrator. She’s an alcoholic and extremely self absorbed. I couldn’t read another page.
I really wanted to like this especially as it turned up mysteriously in my library holds. Just not for me.
February 10, 2024
What a nice funny paranormal cozy mystery. I really like the quirky characters and their interactions. Had me captivated all the way through and the narration by Tracy Whitwell was really fun to listen to with all the different accents.
December 4, 2022
Bridget Jones but make it Geordie and woo-woo, amazing
January 16, 2025
The plot itself was quite interesting and even fun at times (the only reason this gets 2 stars instead of 1!). However, I could not get over how insufferable the main character was. Not to mention the fatphobia, stereotyping of gay people, lowkey promoting alcoholism, etc. If you'd told me this was published in 2004 I'd believe you.
January 26, 2023
Absolutely fun and entertaining.
Just hilarious.
This story grabbed me immediately, it didn't take me an blink to get attached to the protagonist and immerse myself in the story that she had to buy.
Highly recommended.
Soon I will devour the second book in the series.
Just hilarious.
This story grabbed me immediately, it didn't take me an blink to get attached to the protagonist and immerse myself in the story that she had to buy.
Highly recommended.
Soon I will devour the second book in the series.
October 7, 2024
This book was such a fun read it’s spookie and hilarious this had me gripped from the start and looking forward to read more in the series loved the main character Tanz
September 29, 2024
The heroine is clearly an alcoholic, but what an interesting woman 🤷🏼♀️😅
March 10, 2023
I was hoping to enjoy this book, as someone who enjoys a nice cover and alluring blurb, but had to put it down after reading "I've always thought 'fashion' clothes are best modelled by transvestites. Models, to me, are transvestites with vaginas and don't come from Earth."
Left a disgusting taste in my mouth.
Left a disgusting taste in my mouth.
July 8, 2022
Following Tanz on her journey of discovering she is a medium we are treated to a cosy, funny and fast paced read full of lively characters, swearing and spirits (of all types.)
I really enjoyed this book and found the characters to be brilliant. Tanz is hysterical and I think everyone will find her entertaining and want to read more about her, I know I do! There are some emotional bits in the story and some creepy bits but most of all it's fun and you won’t want to put it down.
Thanks to Net Galley and Pan Macmillan for giving me the chance to follow Tanz on her journey to becoming a medium! I will also be posting my review on Goodreads, Twitter and Amazon.
I really enjoyed this book and found the characters to be brilliant. Tanz is hysterical and I think everyone will find her entertaining and want to read more about her, I know I do! There are some emotional bits in the story and some creepy bits but most of all it's fun and you won’t want to put it down.
Thanks to Net Galley and Pan Macmillan for giving me the chance to follow Tanz on her journey to becoming a medium! I will also be posting my review on Goodreads, Twitter and Amazon.
April 8, 2021
What a delightful different read! I was wodnering when the story was going to 'take off', but I thoroughly enjoyed the journey there - and when it took off, it kept me turning the pages! Funny, self-deprecating, enormously entertaining.
October 14, 2022
Really wanted to enjoy this book, but found the main character so unlikeable. The unnecessary slurs and the way she described other characters made it really difficult to engage with her. Overall, far too much mundane detail for this to be an engaging story. It could've been so much better.
July 11, 2022
Reminds me a little bit of Bridget Jones's Diary, except she talks to ghosts.
November 2, 2022
4.5 LOVED IT however i feel like the ending was a little bit rushed
May 27, 2024
3.5 stars
August 8, 2024
✨Cute and witty✨
3.75/5 ⭐
3.75/5 ⭐
November 14, 2023
This was not for me. I just didn't like the main character - Tanz is probably the most immature 38 year old woman ever....I think she's suppose to be cute and funny but not for me.
also the drinking - so much drinking
Chapter 1 - opens with her calling her drunk friend -she's also drunk
Chapter 2 - begins with Tanz having a hangover
Chapter 3- meeting a friend in a bar and she's all about how she's tried all the different kinds of alcohol served in this bar
Chapter 4 - she's got a hangover
Chapter 5- a trip to see the folks - happy that she can see old friends and crash on their couch when drunk -
Chapter 6- wakes - might be still drunk; w/friend/ hangover and description of what she drank
Chapter 7 - ahhh - plot moves forward - no drinking
Chapter 8-9-10- Back to the bar, plot moves forward drinking
Chapter 11- major plot no drinking
Chapter 12 - she admits she's an alcoholic - no kidding
the rest of the book has more drinking, more plot - which didn't grab me - not once an acknowledgement that maybe she drinks to much - in fact, this character celebrates her drinking...
it was just too much for me.
Chapter 9
also the drinking - so much drinking
Chapter 1 - opens with her calling her drunk friend -she's also drunk
Chapter 2 - begins with Tanz having a hangover
Chapter 3- meeting a friend in a bar and she's all about how she's tried all the different kinds of alcohol served in this bar
Chapter 4 - she's got a hangover
Chapter 5- a trip to see the folks - happy that she can see old friends and crash on their couch when drunk -
Chapter 6- wakes - might be still drunk; w/friend/ hangover and description of what she drank
Chapter 7 - ahhh - plot moves forward - no drinking
Chapter 8-9-10- Back to the bar, plot moves forward drinking
Chapter 11- major plot no drinking
Chapter 12 - she admits she's an alcoholic - no kidding
the rest of the book has more drinking, more plot - which didn't grab me - not once an acknowledgement that maybe she drinks to much - in fact, this character celebrates her drinking...
it was just too much for me.
Chapter 9
Read
September 14, 2025Hard DNF on page 10 due to unnecessary transphobia.
“I like clothes but I don’t follow ‘fashion’. I’ve always thought ‘fashion’ clothes are best modelled by transvestites. Models, to me, are transvestites with vaginas, and don’t come from Earth.”
There are also constant mentions of weight, a cavalier attitude towards alcoholism/ a flagrant disregard to the actual impact of alcoholism.
It sucks because I picked it up excited by the premise, and wanted to read from a Northern writer. However, this book feels a decade or more out of date, WHICH IT IS! When I looked up the book, it says published in 2020 but it’s simply a rerelease with a more modern cover. This book would have done SO MUCH BETTER with editing that would’ve picked up the change in attitude towards these things.
“I like clothes but I don’t follow ‘fashion’. I’ve always thought ‘fashion’ clothes are best modelled by transvestites. Models, to me, are transvestites with vaginas, and don’t come from Earth.”
There are also constant mentions of weight, a cavalier attitude towards alcoholism/ a flagrant disregard to the actual impact of alcoholism.
It sucks because I picked it up excited by the premise, and wanted to read from a Northern writer. However, this book feels a decade or more out of date, WHICH IT IS! When I looked up the book, it says published in 2020 but it’s simply a rerelease with a more modern cover. This book would have done SO MUCH BETTER with editing that would’ve picked up the change in attitude towards these things.
August 30, 2022
To label this as a murder mystery feels a little misleading as it's not the main paint of the story, and only really comes up towards the end. Had I not spent so much time waiting for a murder to happen I would have liked this book more. This is the story of a woman finally admitting to, and coming to terms with, something that her closest friends and family already know.
November 5, 2022
That was a hoot! Chick lit à la Marian Keyes with a Geordie accent. Made a refreshing change.3.5 ⭐️
January 9, 2025
The premise was great, the execution... not so much. Also maybe I just don't get British humour, but some remarks/words I would consider offensive.
September 10, 2022
Amusing and quirky
Displaying 1 - 30 of 518 reviews