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Pepper Martin #5
Dead Man Talking
Move over American Idol. Reality TV has come to Cleveland and Pepper Martin is a part of it!
When Pepper arrives at a down-on-its-luck cemetery to help with a restoration project she learns, to her dismay, that there’s going to be a contest to restore the cemetery grounds. Even worse—it’s going to be the basis of a local reality TV show, Cemetery Survivor. One team will be made up of genteel Historical Society ladies and the other—Pepper’s group—will be convicts on probation. Pepper Martin in day-glo? Now that’s a fashion don’t!.
There’s also a ghost waiting for Pepper. He claims he was wrongly convicted of killing a young woman. But it seems there’s quite a bit he’s not revealing. Pepper agrees to try to clear his name, but digging for the truth could put her in grave danger....
When Pepper arrives at a down-on-its-luck cemetery to help with a restoration project she learns, to her dismay, that there’s going to be a contest to restore the cemetery grounds. Even worse—it’s going to be the basis of a local reality TV show, Cemetery Survivor. One team will be made up of genteel Historical Society ladies and the other—Pepper’s group—will be convicts on probation. Pepper Martin in day-glo? Now that’s a fashion don’t!.
There’s also a ghost waiting for Pepper. He claims he was wrongly convicted of killing a young woman. But it seems there’s quite a bit he’s not revealing. Pepper agrees to try to clear his name, but digging for the truth could put her in grave danger....
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 3, 2009
17 people are currently reading
800 people want to read
About the author
Casey Daniels
14 books371 followersA pseudonym used by Connie Laux, A.K.A Miranda Bliss, Zoe Daniels, Connie Deka, Mimi Granger, Anastasia Hastings, Connie Laux, Constance Laux, Kylie Logan, Lucy Ness..
A couple years ago I applied for a part-time job as a tour guide at a historic cemetery not far from where I live. Why? Well, aside from the fact that the job would force me to step away from my computer and remind me that there was a life beyond writing (even in a place where just about everybody was dead), I love cemeteries.
No, really. I mean it. I really love cemeteries.
Think about it. A cemetery--I mean a really good old cemetery, not these new “memorial parks” where every headstone is flat to the ground and every one of them looks the same--is really a museum without walls. Take a peek into any cemetery that’s more than sixty or so years old and you’re bound to see interesting architecture, sculpture and art. There are stories, too, everywhere you look. One memorial can give you a glimpse into generations of a family’s history. Another might suggest tragedy. Still others speak of undying love and precious memories.
Is it any wonder that a writer’s imagination is bound to take flight in a cemetery?
That’s exactly what happened to me. I didn’t get the job, by the way, but as I drove home from the interview, I did get the idea for Pepper Martin, a cemetery tour guide whose enthusiasm for cemeteries does not rival my own. After all, what could be more perfect that an amateur sleuth surrounded by dead people? And if she just so happened to be able and see and talk to some of them, all the better!
I learned to love mysteries early thanks to my dad, a Cleveland Police detective who enjoyed the Sherlock Holmes stories and spent his days off searching for stolen cars. Often on those trips, I was in the back seat and to this day, I have Dad to thank for my knowledge of some less-than-savory parts of the city. Later, I read my way through every mystery story I could get my hands on. Agatha Christie and Conan Doyle are still among my favorites.
I have a degree in English, experience as a journalist and writing teacher, and lots of ideas for more Pepper Martin mysteries. When I’m not writing, I’m usually with my family and our two dogs, Ernie, an adorable Airedale pup, and Oscar, a rescued Jack Russell who spends far too much time watching TV. I enjoy knitting, gardening and of course, stomping through cemeteries in search of history, stories and inspiration.
A couple years ago I applied for a part-time job as a tour guide at a historic cemetery not far from where I live. Why? Well, aside from the fact that the job would force me to step away from my computer and remind me that there was a life beyond writing (even in a place where just about everybody was dead), I love cemeteries.
No, really. I mean it. I really love cemeteries.
Think about it. A cemetery--I mean a really good old cemetery, not these new “memorial parks” where every headstone is flat to the ground and every one of them looks the same--is really a museum without walls. Take a peek into any cemetery that’s more than sixty or so years old and you’re bound to see interesting architecture, sculpture and art. There are stories, too, everywhere you look. One memorial can give you a glimpse into generations of a family’s history. Another might suggest tragedy. Still others speak of undying love and precious memories.
Is it any wonder that a writer’s imagination is bound to take flight in a cemetery?
That’s exactly what happened to me. I didn’t get the job, by the way, but as I drove home from the interview, I did get the idea for Pepper Martin, a cemetery tour guide whose enthusiasm for cemeteries does not rival my own. After all, what could be more perfect that an amateur sleuth surrounded by dead people? And if she just so happened to be able and see and talk to some of them, all the better!
I learned to love mysteries early thanks to my dad, a Cleveland Police detective who enjoyed the Sherlock Holmes stories and spent his days off searching for stolen cars. Often on those trips, I was in the back seat and to this day, I have Dad to thank for my knowledge of some less-than-savory parts of the city. Later, I read my way through every mystery story I could get my hands on. Agatha Christie and Conan Doyle are still among my favorites.
I have a degree in English, experience as a journalist and writing teacher, and lots of ideas for more Pepper Martin mysteries. When I’m not writing, I’m usually with my family and our two dogs, Ernie, an adorable Airedale pup, and Oscar, a rescued Jack Russell who spends far too much time watching TV. I enjoy knitting, gardening and of course, stomping through cemeteries in search of history, stories and inspiration.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
August 14, 2019
Mon avis en Français
My English review
These novels are like little treats, when you start one, it’s hard to stop! I read them the ones after the others and hop the series is moving fast. I’ll be sad when I’m on track because this means I’ll have to wait for more! It will be a sad day, I tell you!
We find our heroine on a new case and it could be much more dangerous than the previous ones. Indeed, a former prison guard comes to ask her for help. Not to ask her to solve his murder, oh no, he died of a heart attack, but rather to clear his name. He was accused of killing his assistant in the 80s and he swears that he did nothing, despite everything that incriminates him. However, there are also many things he does not say and Pepper will have to discover all his secrets by herself while rubbing shoulders with old thugs. It’s already a lot, right? In addition to that, our heroine is hired to lead a team on a reality show to rehabilitate a cemetery. What she did not know is that if she is opposed to a group of rich old ladies while her group is composed of criminals on probation and their characters are colorful!
I really had a great time with the novel. The survey was interesting and I did not expect some of the reversals of situations that were a real surprise and were sometimes even a little sad. And how to resist this group of criminals who finally creates a small family even if they are sometimes a little disturbed. I loved all the discoveries and I do not know if we will have a chance to see them again but I would love anyway! And then of course, there is Quinn. Ah Quinn … it could not be otherwise, but still …
In any case and as always I can not wait to dive into the sequel now!
My English review
These novels are like little treats, when you start one, it’s hard to stop! I read them the ones after the others and hop the series is moving fast. I’ll be sad when I’m on track because this means I’ll have to wait for more! It will be a sad day, I tell you!
We find our heroine on a new case and it could be much more dangerous than the previous ones. Indeed, a former prison guard comes to ask her for help. Not to ask her to solve his murder, oh no, he died of a heart attack, but rather to clear his name. He was accused of killing his assistant in the 80s and he swears that he did nothing, despite everything that incriminates him. However, there are also many things he does not say and Pepper will have to discover all his secrets by herself while rubbing shoulders with old thugs. It’s already a lot, right? In addition to that, our heroine is hired to lead a team on a reality show to rehabilitate a cemetery. What she did not know is that if she is opposed to a group of rich old ladies while her group is composed of criminals on probation and their characters are colorful!
I really had a great time with the novel. The survey was interesting and I did not expect some of the reversals of situations that were a real surprise and were sometimes even a little sad. And how to resist this group of criminals who finally creates a small family even if they are sometimes a little disturbed. I loved all the discoveries and I do not know if we will have a chance to see them again but I would love anyway! And then of course, there is Quinn. Ah Quinn … it could not be otherwise, but still …
In any case and as always I can not wait to dive into the sequel now!
November 17, 2016
Pepper Martin is a spoil rich girl who has lost all her family's money
when her Dad was convicted of Medicare Fraud. He went to a federal prison and the government took all the family's money. Pepper has no marketable skills and the only job she could find was a tour guide at the cemetery. On a tour, she hits her head on a tomb. Upon awakening, she is able to see ghosts. The ghosts all want her to do something for them. The books all cold cases reflecting a mystery. Pepper does have romance in each book, but no sex. The books can be read as a standalone.
This book finds Pepper in charge of a group of mix trustees pitted against a like number of society ladies in a reality contest. The winner is whichever team brings in most donations for the cemetery. The section that Pepper's team that has been assign is in the area where the ghost who is bother Pepper is buried in the section. He wants Pepper to out who framed for the murder that sent him to prison. The tale has enough changes in its direction that will enthrall you. As usual, the ending will surprise you.
when her Dad was convicted of Medicare Fraud. He went to a federal prison and the government took all the family's money. Pepper has no marketable skills and the only job she could find was a tour guide at the cemetery. On a tour, she hits her head on a tomb. Upon awakening, she is able to see ghosts. The ghosts all want her to do something for them. The books all cold cases reflecting a mystery. Pepper does have romance in each book, but no sex. The books can be read as a standalone.
This book finds Pepper in charge of a group of mix trustees pitted against a like number of society ladies in a reality contest. The winner is whichever team brings in most donations for the cemetery. The section that Pepper's team that has been assign is in the area where the ghost who is bother Pepper is buried in the section. He wants Pepper to out who framed for the murder that sent him to prison. The tale has enough changes in its direction that will enthrall you. As usual, the ending will surprise you.
August 21, 2017
Very fun book - I ended up attaching to the group of convicts on her team. I hope they stick around as future support, although the author hasn't been doing that with any other characters besides potential love interests :( There was a surprising death that was depressing too. Lamar was one of my least favorite ghosts - he was dull in comparison to the others besides the vicious Madeline. Full review to come.
February 6, 2011
Pepper's back, and I wish I could say better than ever, but this outing in the Pepper Martin Mystery series just didn't do it for me.
For those of you who follow the series, we left Pepper in Florida, recovering from the psychological aftermath of having her body hi-jacked by a love-lorn spirit and the physical effects of being shot. When Dead Man Talking opens, Pepper is back to work in Cleveland, but not at Garden View Cemetery. This outing finds her at the less glorious Monroe Street Cemetery (even the name is boring). While it will never be another Garden View, Pepper has been put in charge of the restoration of Monroe Street. And for those of you who know Pepper, this is not something she is looking forward to. Heaven forbid she should break a nail while weeding.
As if that wasn't bad enough, her big boss has decided to make the restoration a little more interesting by turning it into a reality television show, Cemetery Survivor. Seems Pepper is to be the leader of one of two teams. When her team shows up, she's almost ready to ditch the project altogether because she will be in charge of a group of petty offenders who are on probation. If it wasn't for the members of Team One, Pepper would have scratched the whole thing, but the opposing team is made up of all the high-brow women that run in the same circles Pepper used to run before her father disgraced the family but committing insurance fraud. Pepper has something to prove, to herself and to those stuck up old biddies. However, being surrounded by a group of jailbirds is a constant reminder to Pepper that her father is doing time in a Federal Prison. Even though she has been forced to get a job in order to survive, Pepper has been in denial over the whole situation involving her father, who has been calling constantly, hoping Pepper will come and visit him. But a Pepper Martin Mystery wouldn't be complete without a ghost requesting her help with something.
In this case, the ghost is Jefferson Lamar. When he was alive, he was the warden for the local prison. He wants Pepper to find out who framed him for the murder of a young, female coworker. She reluctantly accepts because she knows how pushy ghosts can be when they want something. As Pepper tries to balance her social life (she's finally got Quinn where she wants him—in bed), the cemetery restoration, and the investigation, she finds herself having to go up against hardened criminals, another reminder of her father's situation. Will Pepper come out of this one in one piece, or has she finally bitten off more than she can chew?
So what was the problem? After reading Tomb of the Loving Dead, a darker and slightly more serious adventure for Pepper, this one just seemed to fall flat. The whole reality television show concept didn't work for me, and the fiery Pepper that I have come to know and love seemed more subdued. It was as if getting shot and almost having her body stolen took the spark out of the character. It makes me wonder if Daniels is teetering on the edge, trying to decide to keep the series light-hearted and campy or to take it in a more serious direction.
Has this book ruined the series for me? Absolutely not. Every successful series has its weaker installments, that one book where they flounder as the character (and author) reach a turning point. For me, that's what I see this book as. Besides, certain things happened in Tomb of the Loving Dead and I am curious to see if they will be revisited. Will Pepper ever use the ability to leave her body again? What were those creepy shadowy things that she kept seeing. I'm hoping those aren't done deals never to be seen again.
Would I recommend Dead Man Talking? Most definitely. While the books do stand on their own, I think you gain a fuller appreciation for them if you have read them all. Sometimes characters and situations from previous books are referenced to, and if you haven't read them, you might find yourself sitting there and scratching your head, wondering what the hell she is talking about. With that said, and hopefully without spoiling things too much, I am looking forward to the next installment of this series, Tomb With a View.
For those of you who follow the series, we left Pepper in Florida, recovering from the psychological aftermath of having her body hi-jacked by a love-lorn spirit and the physical effects of being shot. When Dead Man Talking opens, Pepper is back to work in Cleveland, but not at Garden View Cemetery. This outing finds her at the less glorious Monroe Street Cemetery (even the name is boring). While it will never be another Garden View, Pepper has been put in charge of the restoration of Monroe Street. And for those of you who know Pepper, this is not something she is looking forward to. Heaven forbid she should break a nail while weeding.
As if that wasn't bad enough, her big boss has decided to make the restoration a little more interesting by turning it into a reality television show, Cemetery Survivor. Seems Pepper is to be the leader of one of two teams. When her team shows up, she's almost ready to ditch the project altogether because she will be in charge of a group of petty offenders who are on probation. If it wasn't for the members of Team One, Pepper would have scratched the whole thing, but the opposing team is made up of all the high-brow women that run in the same circles Pepper used to run before her father disgraced the family but committing insurance fraud. Pepper has something to prove, to herself and to those stuck up old biddies. However, being surrounded by a group of jailbirds is a constant reminder to Pepper that her father is doing time in a Federal Prison. Even though she has been forced to get a job in order to survive, Pepper has been in denial over the whole situation involving her father, who has been calling constantly, hoping Pepper will come and visit him. But a Pepper Martin Mystery wouldn't be complete without a ghost requesting her help with something.
In this case, the ghost is Jefferson Lamar. When he was alive, he was the warden for the local prison. He wants Pepper to find out who framed him for the murder of a young, female coworker. She reluctantly accepts because she knows how pushy ghosts can be when they want something. As Pepper tries to balance her social life (she's finally got Quinn where she wants him—in bed), the cemetery restoration, and the investigation, she finds herself having to go up against hardened criminals, another reminder of her father's situation. Will Pepper come out of this one in one piece, or has she finally bitten off more than she can chew?
So what was the problem? After reading Tomb of the Loving Dead, a darker and slightly more serious adventure for Pepper, this one just seemed to fall flat. The whole reality television show concept didn't work for me, and the fiery Pepper that I have come to know and love seemed more subdued. It was as if getting shot and almost having her body stolen took the spark out of the character. It makes me wonder if Daniels is teetering on the edge, trying to decide to keep the series light-hearted and campy or to take it in a more serious direction.
Has this book ruined the series for me? Absolutely not. Every successful series has its weaker installments, that one book where they flounder as the character (and author) reach a turning point. For me, that's what I see this book as. Besides, certain things happened in Tomb of the Loving Dead and I am curious to see if they will be revisited. Will Pepper ever use the ability to leave her body again? What were those creepy shadowy things that she kept seeing. I'm hoping those aren't done deals never to be seen again.
Would I recommend Dead Man Talking? Most definitely. While the books do stand on their own, I think you gain a fuller appreciation for them if you have read them all. Sometimes characters and situations from previous books are referenced to, and if you haven't read them, you might find yourself sitting there and scratching your head, wondering what the hell she is talking about. With that said, and hopefully without spoiling things too much, I am looking forward to the next installment of this series, Tomb With a View.
September 29, 2010
Honestly, I had a hard time suspending my disbelief at times. However, it had nothing to do with the paranormal aspects of the story. I can accept that Pepper is a private investigator for the dead. I had a much harder time with some of the other plot points. For example, I don't believe you could be signed up to do a reality TV series and NOT know about it until the camera crew shows up. Also, it seemed odd to me that the community service people weren't escorted by anyone "official", especially considering Pepper didn't know she was going to be supervising them until they showed up. Additionally, I had a bit of a hard time suspending disbelief for how the ending went down. It just seemed a little fantastical to me. Overall, however, it wasn't a bad story. I just felt like certain parts weren't ringing true for me and it took me out of the book a bit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2010
Pepper is just recovering from her last adventure when she is assigned to work on a restoration at the Monroe Street Cemetery. This is really not so bad until she finds out that the restoration is being turned into a reality show, Cemetery Survivor, by the local PBS channel. So now she is the captain one of the teams, which just happens to be made up of a group of folks who are all on probation. Oh, well, it could be worse. Enter the ghost of Jefferson Lamar, pleading with her to clear him of the murder he had been convicted of in 1985. Grrrreat!!!
This is a wonderful series. Pepper is really developing nicely and learning to deal with her own issues as well as those of the departed. I really enjoyed the folks on her team and I hope we might see some of them again.
This is a wonderful series. Pepper is really developing nicely and learning to deal with her own issues as well as those of the departed. I really enjoyed the folks on her team and I hope we might see some of them again.
September 11, 2015
I liked this book better than the previous few. They are a light read. This wouldn't be a good choice if you're looking for a meaty read.
February 15, 2020
Pepper's boss, Ella, puts her in charge of a restoration project at the Monroe Street Cemetery. Pepper thinks it's just another part of her job, until Ella drops her bombshell. As a publicity stunt, Ella has gotten a local PBS station on board to treat the project as a sort of "Cemetery Survivor" contest. One team is comprised of uppercrust society ladies, while Pepper is stuck leading a team of convicts who are on probation. As if that wasn't vexing enough, a ghost appears to Pepper in the Monroe Street Cemetery. Jefferson Lamar was imprisoned for murdering a young woman, and he insists he didn't do it. He wants Pepper to clear his name. Since Lamar was a prison warden, there is no shortage of people who may have wanted to frame him for murder, most of whom are hardened criminals. Nevertheless, Pepper throws herself into the investigation, hoping that her digging into the past won't get her killed.
This book had a lot going on. There was the restoration project, and Pepper's efforts to get some teamwork out of her team. The investigation led her all over and into some sketchy situations. Her kinda sorta relationship with police detective Quinn was at times good and then not-so-good. Her television exposure has resulted in a stalker, and all of her friends and family calling her more often. I enjoyed how Pepper's team came together eventually, and I was cheering for them to beat out the rich bitches to win the contest. I admired her pluck when it came to questioning some shady characters, and I really liked how her team started backing her up. It was interesting to see that one of the teams wasn't above cheating, and it wasn't Pepper's team of convicts.
I enjoyed this story, for the most part. Giving it a solid four.
This book had a lot going on. There was the restoration project, and Pepper's efforts to get some teamwork out of her team. The investigation led her all over and into some sketchy situations. Her kinda sorta relationship with police detective Quinn was at times good and then not-so-good. Her television exposure has resulted in a stalker, and all of her friends and family calling her more often. I enjoyed how Pepper's team came together eventually, and I was cheering for them to beat out the rich bitches to win the contest. I admired her pluck when it came to questioning some shady characters, and I really liked how her team started backing her up. It was interesting to see that one of the teams wasn't above cheating, and it wasn't Pepper's team of convicts.
I enjoyed this story, for the most part. Giving it a solid four.
January 30, 2019
This one starts off a bit slow but quickly picks up. Pepper Martin's latest case is to help a ghost clear his name. During this time, Pepper is working with former criminals who are out on probation restoring a section of a cemetery for a reality competition hoping to drum up interest and money to continue the restoration.
Everything ends mostly well as Pepper and her team win the reality competition and Pepper finds the real bad guy and clears the ghost's name. Pepper tells her secret to Quinn (the hot cop she has been casually seeing) that she can see and speak to ghosts and he doesn't believe her and walks from their relationship. Pepper also figures she has some kind of stalker.
The most notable part of this book is Pepper seems to have some growth. She starts off very vapid at the beginning of the series, obsessed with money, looks, etc. However in this book that obsession has waned a great deal. She bonds with the former criminals that make up with her team and they bond with her. Something book 1 Pepper would have never done. Also she gets the opportunity to work at a high end boutique at the end of the book but she would have to make some fundraising money disappear and let her teammates take the fall, which would have allowed the boutique owner's team to win. Pepper didn't hesitate to turn it down even though it was a position she was hoping to get.
Everything ends mostly well as Pepper and her team win the reality competition and Pepper finds the real bad guy and clears the ghost's name. Pepper tells her secret to Quinn (the hot cop she has been casually seeing) that she can see and speak to ghosts and he doesn't believe her and walks from their relationship. Pepper also figures she has some kind of stalker.
The most notable part of this book is Pepper seems to have some growth. She starts off very vapid at the beginning of the series, obsessed with money, looks, etc. However in this book that obsession has waned a great deal. She bonds with the former criminals that make up with her team and they bond with her. Something book 1 Pepper would have never done. Also she gets the opportunity to work at a high end boutique at the end of the book but she would have to make some fundraising money disappear and let her teammates take the fall, which would have allowed the boutique owner's team to win. Pepper didn't hesitate to turn it down even though it was a position she was hoping to get.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2022
i liked to come back to Pepper Martin's adventures, she is recovering from nearling dying and suddenly she gets to participate in a relality show about cemetery renovation....to make things more complicated her team is made of people on probation. While she must compete against the good standing society she must also solve a murder or to be exact prove the innocence of the ghost who asked for her help.......
I loved how Pepper got along with her team and stayed loyal to them; i especially loved Absalom he was kind and attentive protective...
Now the one who bothered me was Quinn....i hated how he could not trust her, each time Pepper said the truth she gets a door shut in her face it's show it was not true love how Wuinn would have trust her more
But one thing is sure danger is right around the corner and Pepper will need help sooner than later.
Better read in order
I loved how Pepper got along with her team and stayed loyal to them; i especially loved Absalom he was kind and attentive protective...
Now the one who bothered me was Quinn....i hated how he could not trust her, each time Pepper said the truth she gets a door shut in her face it's show it was not true love how Wuinn would have trust her more
But one thing is sure danger is right around the corner and Pepper will need help sooner than later.
Better read in order
February 8, 2019
Dead Man Talking (Pepper Martin #5) by Casey Daniels is the fifth book in this series. I really enjoyed this book and feel it was one of the best in the series. Pepper gets involved working on a reality show cleaning up a cemetary with a group of volunteers who are ex-cons. The ghost who approaches her wants his name cleared of murder and the area they need to remodel includes his grave. As usual, Pepper is at odds with her hot boyfriend, Quinn, when she continues to investigate with the help of her new friends.
January 25, 2020
This wasn't my favorite book of this series. It hugely dragged about 100 pages from the end though the last 25 or 30 went fast. I am also getting really tired of Quinn and his attitude. When the series started I was like yes pick the hot guy not the nerdy ghost hunter but after this book I am seriously rethinking.
Okay now the good stuff I did like the basis of the story and loved Peppers team in the competition. I thought that maybe the book went on to long about the competition and not enough about the murder. I love Pepper and the way she talks, dresses and her spunk.
Okay now the good stuff I did like the basis of the story and loved Peppers team in the competition. I thought that maybe the book went on to long about the competition and not enough about the murder. I love Pepper and the way she talks, dresses and her spunk.
March 3, 2022
Pepper Martin is an ex-rich girl. When her physician father is imprisoned for welfare fraud, she is forced to take the only job she can. She is a cemetery tour guide at Garden View Cemetary.
A fall leaving her unconscious left her with the ability to see ghosts. She embraces this new career as a paranormal investigator. As P.I. to the dead, She needs to help a dead felon clear his name.
This is the 5th book in the Pepper Martin series, but I read it as a standalone. The plot is refreshing and different. I like the characters and their camaraderie.
A fall leaving her unconscious left her with the ability to see ghosts. She embraces this new career as a paranormal investigator. As P.I. to the dead, She needs to help a dead felon clear his name.
This is the 5th book in the Pepper Martin series, but I read it as a standalone. The plot is refreshing and different. I like the characters and their camaraderie.
May 13, 2017
So worth the 5 stars. I love every book she has written. All amazingly beautifully written. You easily fall in love with the characters. You laugh, you cry you even want to yell at times. An amazing mix of a cozy mystery with spookey, fun, loveable Ghosts.
October 7, 2018
Excellent!!! I think I liked this as best one yet... I lover her team. Loved what she told Quinn and his reaction. This keeps getting better. Pepper is awesome!
December 16, 2019
I wasn't happy with this ghost that Pepper tried to help. She did put herself in too much danger. And Quinn? Sick of him!
February 10, 2022
As much as I like Pepper, this one took a while to get into. Or maybe it was the ghost I wasn't so fond of...still a nice cozy read!
September 19, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this book because i would love to be able to see ghosts and talk to them like in Harry Potter
February 16, 2013
Dead Man Talking was bit different from other books in Pepper Martin series, I loved fact that a reality show theme was added to storyline, a twist that I wasn’t expecting. Cemetery Survivor, now that I show I would watch even if cemeteries are depressing. It seems that each book, Pepper seems to get herself get in more danger; it makes me afraid for her at times. Despite that, I’m curious what kind of mystery, adventure Pepper will face next.
GOODREADS SUMMARY
Move over American Idol. Reality TV has come to Cleveland and Pepper Martin is a part of it!
When Pepper arrives at a down-on-its-luck cemetery to help with a restoration project she learns, to her dismay, that there’s going to be a contest to restore the cemetery grounds. Even worse—it’s going to be the basis of a local reality TV show, Cemetery Survivor. One team will be made up of genteel Historical Society ladies and the other—Pepper’s group—will be convicts on probation. Pepper Martin in day-glo? Now that’s a fashion don’t!.
There’s also a ghost waiting for Pepper. He claims he was wrongly convicted of killing a young woman. But it seems there’s quite a bit he’s not revealing. Pepper agrees to try to clear his name, but digging for the truth could put her in grave danger....
I love the covers on these books. The new covers that started come out around book 4 are even more capturing then the covers on the past books in the series. Not just the cover, the titles too. Dead Man Talking, how can that not capture your attention? The title itself has a mystery aspect to it. Even if title doesn’t capture your attention, the cover will. Way that pepper is standing there, staring into the cemetery, it makes the reader wonder what she is thinking about, or in her case what ghost she’s possibly waiting for. These covers are what got me to pick the first book and got me into series. How can you look at cover and not wonder what’s going on? It shows a lot of creativity, causing a reader to wonder about the book.
Reality Show. That’s one aspect that was different from the other books in series; I thought it was pretty interesting too. I found myself rooting for Pepper’s team till the end, even if her team was made up of felons. At first I was wondering what Jim and Ella was thinking, of making her in charge of team that made up of prisoners, I felt afraid for Pepper. But as the book progressed, I found myself warming up to them all and actually liking him. Especially when they all came together, to help Pepper with investigation, now that’s true friends right there. Even if Sammi didn’t want admit it, at first. I actually found myself tearing up when Sam ended up getting killed. I was glad that Pepper managed to make a decent amount of friends, she needed those. The friends who always have her back.
Quinn. I’m in love, but then how can you not love him? Though he’s complete opposite from Dan, I know that he cares for Pepper. I know that it’s because he cares for her, it’s the reason he wants for her to stay out of danger, it’s because he doesn’t want anything to happen to her. Despite that, I never imagined Quinn saying I love you, to anyone; it just seemed out of character for him. It was after that I realized how much Pepper meant to him. Though I wasn’t happy with how he acted when Pepper told him she talked to ghost, I could see why he acted how he did. Of course that made me afraid that it could possibly mean the end of their relationship. Though I like Dan, I still hoping that Pepper and Quinn work everything out some way. Even if Pepper didn’t say it, I know that she loves Quinn too. I can only imagine how heartbroken she is.
You can’t help but get sucked into adventures, along with Pepper. You find yourself trying to solve the mystery along with her, rooting for her till end. Once you reach the end, you’ll want pick up next book, to see what adventures she will face now. Casey Daniels has a real talent and worth your time.
GOODREADS SUMMARY
Move over American Idol. Reality TV has come to Cleveland and Pepper Martin is a part of it!
When Pepper arrives at a down-on-its-luck cemetery to help with a restoration project she learns, to her dismay, that there’s going to be a contest to restore the cemetery grounds. Even worse—it’s going to be the basis of a local reality TV show, Cemetery Survivor. One team will be made up of genteel Historical Society ladies and the other—Pepper’s group—will be convicts on probation. Pepper Martin in day-glo? Now that’s a fashion don’t!.
There’s also a ghost waiting for Pepper. He claims he was wrongly convicted of killing a young woman. But it seems there’s quite a bit he’s not revealing. Pepper agrees to try to clear his name, but digging for the truth could put her in grave danger....
I love the covers on these books. The new covers that started come out around book 4 are even more capturing then the covers on the past books in the series. Not just the cover, the titles too. Dead Man Talking, how can that not capture your attention? The title itself has a mystery aspect to it. Even if title doesn’t capture your attention, the cover will. Way that pepper is standing there, staring into the cemetery, it makes the reader wonder what she is thinking about, or in her case what ghost she’s possibly waiting for. These covers are what got me to pick the first book and got me into series. How can you look at cover and not wonder what’s going on? It shows a lot of creativity, causing a reader to wonder about the book.
Reality Show. That’s one aspect that was different from the other books in series; I thought it was pretty interesting too. I found myself rooting for Pepper’s team till the end, even if her team was made up of felons. At first I was wondering what Jim and Ella was thinking, of making her in charge of team that made up of prisoners, I felt afraid for Pepper. But as the book progressed, I found myself warming up to them all and actually liking him. Especially when they all came together, to help Pepper with investigation, now that’s true friends right there. Even if Sammi didn’t want admit it, at first. I actually found myself tearing up when Sam ended up getting killed. I was glad that Pepper managed to make a decent amount of friends, she needed those. The friends who always have her back.
Quinn. I’m in love, but then how can you not love him? Though he’s complete opposite from Dan, I know that he cares for Pepper. I know that it’s because he cares for her, it’s the reason he wants for her to stay out of danger, it’s because he doesn’t want anything to happen to her. Despite that, I never imagined Quinn saying I love you, to anyone; it just seemed out of character for him. It was after that I realized how much Pepper meant to him. Though I wasn’t happy with how he acted when Pepper told him she talked to ghost, I could see why he acted how he did. Of course that made me afraid that it could possibly mean the end of their relationship. Though I like Dan, I still hoping that Pepper and Quinn work everything out some way. Even if Pepper didn’t say it, I know that she loves Quinn too. I can only imagine how heartbroken she is.
You can’t help but get sucked into adventures, along with Pepper. You find yourself trying to solve the mystery along with her, rooting for her till end. Once you reach the end, you’ll want pick up next book, to see what adventures she will face now. Casey Daniels has a real talent and worth your time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2010
When Pepper's well-intentioned (but essentially clueless) boss, Ella, signs her up as a cast member of a TV show called Cemetery Survivor it is with the intention of bringing some much-needed restoration TLC and funding for Cleveland's down-on-its-heels Monroe St. Cemetery. Reassigned from her home as a guide at Cleveland's tony Garden View Cemetery, Pepper is assigned to Team Two. In contrast to the wealthy Ladies Who Lunch (accompanied by fashion model Bianca, for whom Pepper would dearly love to work in the former's snazzy boutique), Pepper is assigned the dubious honor of leading Team Two--comprised of a series of outcasts and social misfits who are participating as part of mandatory community service.
On her first day on the job, Pepper meets the ghost of a former prison warden who claims to have been framed in the murder of his young secretary, Vera Blaine. Pepper must juggle her time between volunteers who can't decide whether to dig in the graves for treasures, throw down when their cheating boyfriend is dumb enough to show up for a visit, or appear to be spending much of their time in another reality. The producer clearly has it in for Pepper's ragtag team, and she is beside herself trying to get the work done, plan a fundraiser, keep time with Det. Quinn, and investigate Lamar's claims that he is innocent.
The usual sorts of high-jinx ensue, but what is really nice about the series is that it's not entirely tidy. That is, violent people behave in violent ways--with dire consequences for people we know and/or come to care about. That, and Pepper's snarky personality and high fashion sense, is what makes this series such a nifty escape from the trials of our own day-to-day drudgery.
On her first day on the job, Pepper meets the ghost of a former prison warden who claims to have been framed in the murder of his young secretary, Vera Blaine. Pepper must juggle her time between volunteers who can't decide whether to dig in the graves for treasures, throw down when their cheating boyfriend is dumb enough to show up for a visit, or appear to be spending much of their time in another reality. The producer clearly has it in for Pepper's ragtag team, and she is beside herself trying to get the work done, plan a fundraiser, keep time with Det. Quinn, and investigate Lamar's claims that he is innocent.
The usual sorts of high-jinx ensue, but what is really nice about the series is that it's not entirely tidy. That is, violent people behave in violent ways--with dire consequences for people we know and/or come to care about. That, and Pepper's snarky personality and high fashion sense, is what makes this series such a nifty escape from the trials of our own day-to-day drudgery.
November 3, 2016
I actually was in the middle of reading this book back when my first ereader (jetbook) froze up and died. I count that as a blessing because it got me back to blogging.
We should remember our main character Pepper Martin works at the Garden View Cemetary. (I think I want a job like hers)
Her boss and friend ‘Ella Silverman’ has suggested her to Restore the Monroe Street Cemetary in Cleveland.
In this series… Pepper has two men after her. We have the cop Quinn.. he is good-looking but.. I do mean BUT he doesn’t know she can see ghosts.. So my prediction is the relationship will NOT last long.
In the past books we had ‘Dan Callahan’ he was mysterious and charming.. he has a group that ghost hunt and he knows that Pepper can see ghosts. I think he would be the more likely candidate for a relationship.
Now we have the ghost that was a prison warden and was set up… then he died serving time in prison.
You had the cemetary restoration that she did as a competition with others and filmed to be on tv. She won with her team of convicts.
At the end when she opens up and tells Quinn she can see dead people…
His reaction.. he put his hands on her shoulders, gave her a quick kiss, then says maybe I’ll see you around sometime and walked away.
Oh yea… we’re done.. Pepper don’t waste NO more time on him. He is good for sex but not a relationship.
Who do you think is sending those roses? hmm
At the end of this book, Pepper is on her way to see her dad for the first time since he’s been convicted and placed in Prison.
We should remember our main character Pepper Martin works at the Garden View Cemetary. (I think I want a job like hers)
Her boss and friend ‘Ella Silverman’ has suggested her to Restore the Monroe Street Cemetary in Cleveland.
In this series… Pepper has two men after her. We have the cop Quinn.. he is good-looking but.. I do mean BUT he doesn’t know she can see ghosts.. So my prediction is the relationship will NOT last long.
In the past books we had ‘Dan Callahan’ he was mysterious and charming.. he has a group that ghost hunt and he knows that Pepper can see ghosts. I think he would be the more likely candidate for a relationship.
Now we have the ghost that was a prison warden and was set up… then he died serving time in prison.
You had the cemetary restoration that she did as a competition with others and filmed to be on tv. She won with her team of convicts.
At the end when she opens up and tells Quinn she can see dead people…
His reaction.. he put his hands on her shoulders, gave her a quick kiss, then says maybe I’ll see you around sometime and walked away.
Oh yea… we’re done.. Pepper don’t waste NO more time on him. He is good for sex but not a relationship.
Who do you think is sending those roses? hmm
At the end of this book, Pepper is on her way to see her dad for the first time since he’s been convicted and placed in Prison.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2011
The fifth book in the Pepper Martin series is probably my new favourite. It has everything you could ever want in a supernatural cozy novel: mystery, suspense, hijinks, ghosts, and a reality show set in a graveyard.
Yes, I said a reality show set in a graveyard. I mean how do you get more awesome than that?
Pepper probably thought life couldn’t get much worse than having to work in a graveyard. Then she found out, “Yay, I can talk to ghosts.” Because that’s fun and doesn’t make you look crazy in the least. But now? She’s got to work in a graveyard, on television for everyone she knows to see, with a group of misfits on probation.
Can she pull off solving the mystery of a wrongly convicted killer that once worked as a prison warden while also winning the “Cemetery Survivor” game? More importantly, can she do it all while looking stylish and dealing with her own “Scooby Gang”?
The cast of characters in Pepper’s life grows in this novel, and I hope that some of these people stick around for future novels. I think the zany cast is what nabbed me in this book. The way they all pulled together for Pepper even touched my heart. I even liked the growth of her character as she came to love the misfits thrust upon her.
With two more Pepper books in my collection to read, I just hope that they keep up the pace set in this book. I flew through the 304 pages, unable to put this book down.
Yes, I said a reality show set in a graveyard. I mean how do you get more awesome than that?
Pepper probably thought life couldn’t get much worse than having to work in a graveyard. Then she found out, “Yay, I can talk to ghosts.” Because that’s fun and doesn’t make you look crazy in the least. But now? She’s got to work in a graveyard, on television for everyone she knows to see, with a group of misfits on probation.
Can she pull off solving the mystery of a wrongly convicted killer that once worked as a prison warden while also winning the “Cemetery Survivor” game? More importantly, can she do it all while looking stylish and dealing with her own “Scooby Gang”?
The cast of characters in Pepper’s life grows in this novel, and I hope that some of these people stick around for future novels. I think the zany cast is what nabbed me in this book. The way they all pulled together for Pepper even touched my heart. I even liked the growth of her character as she came to love the misfits thrust upon her.
With two more Pepper books in my collection to read, I just hope that they keep up the pace set in this book. I flew through the 304 pages, unable to put this book down.
September 1, 2010
5th in series
I found this book to be a bit more enjoyable than the previous others. pepper has finally accepted her gift of talking to the dead, and refined her methods of sleuthing. She finally quit using the excuse she was writing a book in order to gather information.
In this episode we learn from Peppers boss, Ella, that she will be the leader of a team of workers (criminals on probation) and star on a reality show "Cemetary Survivor" On the show they work together to restore the Monroe Street Cememary. There, she meets a ghost named Lamar, who begs Pepper to help clear his name so he can move on. Lamar was a former prison warden, and was covicted of brutally murdering his secretary (Vera Blaine) some 25 years ago. On his first night as a prisoner, he died of a heart attack.
Now working in the cemetary where Lamar is burried, Pepper has to fish out the clues, restore the cemetary, and try to keep her boyfriend Quin, in the dark about her abilities. While during some investigating on the wrong side of the tracks, one of her teammates is murdered, Pepper has to be extra careful, as someone is trying desperately to keep her from uncovering the truth.
I thought this book was great. Pepper does a great job finding the real murderer, and there is quite a bit of humor thrown in. The ending was completely shocking!!!
I cant wait till the next installment.
I found this book to be a bit more enjoyable than the previous others. pepper has finally accepted her gift of talking to the dead, and refined her methods of sleuthing. She finally quit using the excuse she was writing a book in order to gather information.
In this episode we learn from Peppers boss, Ella, that she will be the leader of a team of workers (criminals on probation) and star on a reality show "Cemetary Survivor" On the show they work together to restore the Monroe Street Cememary. There, she meets a ghost named Lamar, who begs Pepper to help clear his name so he can move on. Lamar was a former prison warden, and was covicted of brutally murdering his secretary (Vera Blaine) some 25 years ago. On his first night as a prisoner, he died of a heart attack.
Now working in the cemetary where Lamar is burried, Pepper has to fish out the clues, restore the cemetary, and try to keep her boyfriend Quin, in the dark about her abilities. While during some investigating on the wrong side of the tracks, one of her teammates is murdered, Pepper has to be extra careful, as someone is trying desperately to keep her from uncovering the truth.
I thought this book was great. Pepper does a great job finding the real murderer, and there is quite a bit of humor thrown in. The ending was completely shocking!!!
I cant wait till the next installment.
April 3, 2016
It has been a long time since I read the previous book and I was not liking Pepper at all. She was behaving like a spoiled brat. However, by the end, I liked the cast from the show enough to bring it up to 3 stars.
Pepper considers herself a PI for the dead and this time is asked to prove the innocence of a man convicted of murder 25 years ago, while being a team captain on a reality show about restoring a grave yard (forced to by work). The show is very unbalanced as one team is all socialites and the one Pepper is leading is full of convicts (which pushes her daddy issues button). But her team grows on her and the reader.
Pepper considers herself a PI for the dead and this time is asked to prove the innocence of a man convicted of murder 25 years ago, while being a team captain on a reality show about restoring a grave yard (forced to by work). The show is very unbalanced as one team is all socialites and the one Pepper is leading is full of convicts (which pushes her daddy issues button). But her team grows on her and the reader.
March 2, 2010
Pepper gets into another wild adventure with a reality based show coming to Garden View cemetary called Cemetary Survivor. The Monroe Street cemetary is being restored and Pepper is put over being a team captain.
Her team is former prisoners on parole and they have to help her.
Of course there are quirky personalities and problems, and to top it off a persistant ghost demanding of Peppers' time.
This ghost claimed he was framed and put in prision unjustly and wants Pepper to clear his name. As Pepper gets into his case files and starts investigating trouble starts.
Eventually old wounds are opened and it causes alot of waves. In addition her love life seems to be floundering after she tells Quinn the truth about why she gets into so many scrapes...
Her team is former prisoners on parole and they have to help her.
Of course there are quirky personalities and problems, and to top it off a persistant ghost demanding of Peppers' time.
This ghost claimed he was framed and put in prision unjustly and wants Pepper to clear his name. As Pepper gets into his case files and starts investigating trouble starts.
Eventually old wounds are opened and it causes alot of waves. In addition her love life seems to be floundering after she tells Quinn the truth about why she gets into so many scrapes...
August 23, 2011
I really enjoy fluffy mystery novels like these. Ones where the protagonist is light, fun and interesting, she isn’t perfect, but she’s also not TSTL. I especially enjoy them when the mystery isn’t too easy to figure out. The books in the Pepper Martin series are fun, perfect summer reading with just the right amount of love interest, intrigue and mystery. As much as I love books like this, I don’t think I would ever own them unless given to me as a prize in a contest or as a present. But I definitely recommend them to anyone who loves fun, flighty mysteries. There really isn’t anything different to say about each book as they follow the same formula and saying more than that would give away the plot of the book.
July 10, 2012
I think that Pepper is such a fun character, I wish that I had her confidence and her incredible gift.
I really missed Dan in this novel, I really hope that he reappears I think Pepper needs him in her life. I wish that Quinn was not so cocky and full of himself, he needs to open his eyes and his mind if he wants to survive in Pepper's world.
I am so glad that Pepper solved the case and gave Jefferson Lamar some justice and gave his wife some closure. He may not have been the greatest guy to have ever walked the earth but that does not mean that he should suffer (in life or in death) false allegations or a wrongful murder conviction.
I can't wait to read all about Pepper's next adventure.
I really missed Dan in this novel, I really hope that he reappears I think Pepper needs him in her life. I wish that Quinn was not so cocky and full of himself, he needs to open his eyes and his mind if he wants to survive in Pepper's world.
I am so glad that Pepper solved the case and gave Jefferson Lamar some justice and gave his wife some closure. He may not have been the greatest guy to have ever walked the earth but that does not mean that he should suffer (in life or in death) false allegations or a wrongful murder conviction.
I can't wait to read all about Pepper's next adventure.
May 4, 2014
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It had earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It had earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
June 24, 2014
In the 5th installment of the Pepper Martin series, Casey Daniels brought on a new challenge to her female lead character. Her newest client is a former prison warden who gave her a new kind of case--finding out who framed him, instead of who killed him. Pepper's ready to bring it on, while she also dealt with a local reality show for a cemetery restoration project for her cemetery. People would do anything to win, if it's against the law and bribery. Instead of working with the Historical Society ladies, she wound up working with prisoners of a community service program. Not only that, things are getting hot between her and Quinn. Things get complicated and place her in danger, when she gets closer to the truth to clear the warden's name. What a thrill ride.
November 5, 2009
Casey Daniels' Pepper Martin series is a hoot. Pepper is a tour guide at a cemetery. In the first book she fell and hit her head on a tombstone. Since then she sees the dead, mainly those who have a problem with either the way they died or how they were innocent of a crime. They hire her to get to the truth. In this latest installment, Dead Man Talking, Pepper is taking part in a reality show that showcases the renovation of two cemeteries. The deceased who needs her help is a former prison warden who was accused of killing a woman. Pepper is lovable and humorous. I'm a series reader but you can jump in anywhere you want. The water is hot.
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