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Pepper Martin #2
The Chick and the Dead
Ever since the former rich girl-turned-Cleveland cemetery tour guide banged her head on a headstone, she sees dead people. Worse still, she hears them—and they won't shut up! Now it's Didi Bowman, a poodle-skirted relic from the Great Beyond, who's bending Pepper's ear, complaining that her famous author sister, Merilee, has done her wrong. Trouble is, if Pepper proves it, she'll break the hearts of millions of Merilee's fans. And if she doesn't, Didi's ghost may never go away.
Pepper needs peace and quiet (and rent money), so the cash-strapped ex-heiress agrees to take a job as Merilee's secretary and dig around the family tree. But when she unearths more than she bargained for—like an illegitimate daughter, a bunch of illicit love affairs, and a possible murder—suddenly a very poisoned pen is all set to write Pepper out of the story permanently.
Pepper needs peace and quiet (and rent money), so the cash-strapped ex-heiress agrees to take a job as Merilee's secretary and dig around the family tree. But when she unearths more than she bargained for—like an illegitimate daughter, a bunch of illicit love affairs, and a possible murder—suddenly a very poisoned pen is all set to write Pepper out of the story permanently.
326 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 27, 2007
51 people are currently reading
988 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 133 reviews
September 24, 2017
The Chick and the Dead is the second installment in a cute, light paranormal mystery series. Sure it’s not fully realistic, but it’s fun. Piper inherited the ability to see the dead in the first book, and the second continues off with that talent when Gus is sending her work from beyond. While Didi Bowman isn’t as likable at first as Gus (she’s almost annoying), she grew on my eventually. At first she doesn’t want her murder solved, but instead also needs Piper to prove that her big-time author sister stole her novel and fame.
As before, humor is in force while Piper has to deal with bitchy authors, demanding ghosts, oddball management at the cemetery where she gives tours. The story didn’t draw me in immediately, but it kept improving the further it progressed. The ending? Pretty epic.
Character-wise Piper is still bit of a snob but her escapades are still hard to put down. Dan is even weirder than before and I had trouble figuring out his angle. Still #TeamQuinn all the way.
Yes, sometimes Piper is annoying but there’s something about this series that draws me in. It’s probably that she sees ghosts – yeah, that’s in. And the writing is clever as the mystery keeps getting more complicated the further it continues. Humor is real as well, which makes the books stand out amongst a nest of other fluffy, light cozies that overdose on humor without getting the full effect they should.
As before, humor is in force while Piper has to deal with bitchy authors, demanding ghosts, oddball management at the cemetery where she gives tours. The story didn’t draw me in immediately, but it kept improving the further it progressed. The ending? Pretty epic.
Character-wise Piper is still bit of a snob but her escapades are still hard to put down. Dan is even weirder than before and I had trouble figuring out his angle. Still #TeamQuinn all the way.
Yes, sometimes Piper is annoying but there’s something about this series that draws me in. It’s probably that she sees ghosts – yeah, that’s in. And the writing is clever as the mystery keeps getting more complicated the further it continues. Humor is real as well, which makes the books stand out amongst a nest of other fluffy, light cozies that overdose on humor without getting the full effect they should.
September 7, 2016
" I hate Pepper.She's so annoying." I said as I added the third book on my cart.
This book can only be described as annoyingly hilarious. Maybe it's just me who gets irritated with Pepper's talk of branded clothes, shoes, guys drooling over her and her casual tendency to be a spoiled brat. I'm still debating whether I should continue the series or just abandon ship.
September 15, 2017
For complete review check out my blog at https://booksaplentybookreviews.blogs...
March 22, 2009
Pepper is once again playing Detective for the Dead in this - the second in the Pepper Martin Mystery series. This time Didi shows up in a poodle skirt complaining that her sister - the world renowned author of the book So Far the Dawn (think Gone with the Wind)- actually stole her book and put her name on it. Since Didi is a ghost she can't really do much about it - but with Pepper's help she is hoping to correct the wrong and get the proper credit for her book.
I knew "who done it" pretty much immedietly once again when I read this. I think the joy in these books is the process. Pepper is a little air-headed at times and misses things that are pretty obvious as a reader - but for some reason I don't seem to get angry about it and instead enjoy the process of Pepper trying to figure things out. I am enjoying this series and will keep reading them.
I knew "who done it" pretty much immedietly once again when I read this. I think the joy in these books is the process. Pepper is a little air-headed at times and misses things that are pretty obvious as a reader - but for some reason I don't seem to get angry about it and instead enjoy the process of Pepper trying to figure things out. I am enjoying this series and will keep reading them.
January 11, 2012
The thing that I thought about before I'd begun to read THE CHICK AND THE DEAD was how the author was going to expand Pepper's ability to see any more ghosts. In the first book she only saw the ghost of Gus Scarpetti - the man whose headstone that she banged her head on and that's it. There was no suggestion that she is able to see other ghosts and as Gus has now gone how was the author going to progress things?
In this book she does see multiple ghosts and it's implied that she isn't being bombarded by ghosts asking for her help because she has just come into her 'gift', so they simply don't know that she can communicate with them. That does makes sense, but now I'd like more information on her 'gift' since we now know that it wasn't a one off freak accident - but I suppose that isn't yet any way for her to learn about it and for the author to work information naturally into the storyline. But it's something I'd like to have the author somehow expand on soon.
I found ex-society-princess-turned-jailbird's-daughter Pepper more likable as she seems more alert to her surroundings and the people in them this time around, which is good as it shows that she is learning and retaining skills from her previous adventure.Yes; we do still repeatedly about Pepper's ample chest, but as she demonstrates a bit more brain power this time, as opposed to flashing cleavage non-stop to get answers from people I can [just about] put up with it. She does think about her incarcerated Dad a few times, but this is to show where her trust and self-belief issues originate and it doesn't come across as a pity party. One scene that sticks with me is seemingly innocent and seemingly meaningless at first glance; Pepper is in her apartment with nothing to do and as she thinks of things she dismisses them as her friends have dumped her, so she has no-one to do them with.
Once again Pepper refuses to get involved with our central spook and her problems, as she knows that resolving Gus's murder involved a huge helping of luck and - oh yeah - she was almost killed. Unfortunately for Pepper Didi Bowman knows hows to lay on the guilt in order to push Pepper into a corner and get her to help her [as did Gus in the first book].
I'd previously thought that the guilt tripping was simply Gus and his mafioso don attitude, but now I think that it must be the ghosts general desperation after finally finding someone who actually is able to help them after being stuck on earth for so many years after their deaths. I have the third book in the series [Tombs Of Endearment], so I'll soon see if that theory pans out.
I enjoyed the whole mystery plot-line a lot more this time round, mainly because Didi does accompany Pepper for various parts, so we're not just following one woman stumbling around and thinking over various points. True; I could see the who/why ahead of time, but I still had fun following the twists and turns along the way.
More added fun comes from the fact that we don't know who is telling the truth; Didi is soon exposed as a daydreamer, who is prone to making things up because "it's fun to pretend", but Merilee hasn't published another book, so has Merilee not published another book because she is simply a perfectionist, or is it just because she can't write after all?
The love interests are still mainly background dressing; For me doctor Dan is emerging as the more interesting of the two. He has less 'page time', but his Big Secret promises to answer some of the questions Pepper [and I] have and could progress the series as a whole. So yeah - team Dan.
I took an instant dislike to homicide detective Quinn and his alpha male behaviour in the first book and his attitude in this book hasn't inspired me to warm to him; he swings between an irrational barely suppressed anger towards Pepper and flirting with her. Oh and at one one point he tells Pepper that he knows her well enough to not believe her over something [double checks that THE CHICK AND THE DEAAD is indeed the second book in the series], but as she points out he doesn't really know her at all.
Sadly [for me at least] so far Pepper seems to be more attracted to Quinn then she is to Dan, so he is emerging as the primary love interest. Sigh. It's early days so hopefully that can [and will] change. I'm sure some people will find Quinn protective and romantic, but I don't fall into that camp.
THE CHICK AND THE DEAD still isn't a perfect entry to the Pepper Martin series, but it did pull me into the story more and the author has rounded out the character of Pepper out fully, as well as introducing her boss Ella deeper into things - in the first book I kept reading her name, then forgetting who she actually was. Hopefully the author will now flesh out Dan a bit more - I don't want the series to focus too much on romance, but the love interests are just cardboard cutouts at this point.
THE CHICK AND THE DEAD does contain a few reference to characters from the first book, but it is able to be read as a stand alone book.
In this book she does see multiple ghosts and it's implied that she isn't being bombarded by ghosts asking for her help because she has just come into her 'gift', so they simply don't know that she can communicate with them. That does makes sense, but now I'd like more information on her 'gift' since we now know that it wasn't a one off freak accident - but I suppose that isn't yet any way for her to learn about it and for the author to work information naturally into the storyline. But it's something I'd like to have the author somehow expand on soon.
I found ex-society-princess-turned-jailbird's-daughter Pepper more likable as she seems more alert to her surroundings and the people in them this time around, which is good as it shows that she is learning and retaining skills from her previous adventure.Yes; we do still repeatedly about Pepper's ample chest, but as she demonstrates a bit more brain power this time, as opposed to flashing cleavage non-stop to get answers from people I can [just about] put up with it. She does think about her incarcerated Dad a few times, but this is to show where her trust and self-belief issues originate and it doesn't come across as a pity party. One scene that sticks with me is seemingly innocent and seemingly meaningless at first glance; Pepper is in her apartment with nothing to do and as she thinks of things she dismisses them as her friends have dumped her, so she has no-one to do them with.
Once again Pepper refuses to get involved with our central spook and her problems, as she knows that resolving Gus's murder involved a huge helping of luck and - oh yeah - she was almost killed. Unfortunately for Pepper Didi Bowman knows hows to lay on the guilt in order to push Pepper into a corner and get her to help her [as did Gus in the first book].
I'd previously thought that the guilt tripping was simply Gus and his mafioso don attitude, but now I think that it must be the ghosts general desperation after finally finding someone who actually is able to help them after being stuck on earth for so many years after their deaths. I have the third book in the series [Tombs Of Endearment], so I'll soon see if that theory pans out.
I enjoyed the whole mystery plot-line a lot more this time round, mainly because Didi does accompany Pepper for various parts, so we're not just following one woman stumbling around and thinking over various points. True; I could see the who/why ahead of time, but I still had fun following the twists and turns along the way.
More added fun comes from the fact that we don't know who is telling the truth; Didi is soon exposed as a daydreamer, who is prone to making things up because "it's fun to pretend", but Merilee hasn't published another book, so has Merilee not published another book because she is simply a perfectionist, or is it just because she can't write after all?
The love interests are still mainly background dressing; For me doctor Dan is emerging as the more interesting of the two. He has less 'page time', but his Big Secret promises to answer some of the questions Pepper [and I] have and could progress the series as a whole. So yeah - team Dan.
I took an instant dislike to homicide detective Quinn and his alpha male behaviour in the first book and his attitude in this book hasn't inspired me to warm to him; he swings between an irrational barely suppressed anger towards Pepper and flirting with her. Oh and at one one point he tells Pepper that he knows her well enough to not believe her over something [double checks that THE CHICK AND THE DEAAD is indeed the second book in the series], but as she points out he doesn't really know her at all.
Sadly [for me at least] so far Pepper seems to be more attracted to Quinn then she is to Dan, so he is emerging as the primary love interest. Sigh. It's early days so hopefully that can [and will] change. I'm sure some people will find Quinn protective and romantic, but I don't fall into that camp.
THE CHICK AND THE DEAD still isn't a perfect entry to the Pepper Martin series, but it did pull me into the story more and the author has rounded out the character of Pepper out fully, as well as introducing her boss Ella deeper into things - in the first book I kept reading her name, then forgetting who she actually was. Hopefully the author will now flesh out Dan a bit more - I don't want the series to focus too much on romance, but the love interests are just cardboard cutouts at this point.
THE CHICK AND THE DEAD does contain a few reference to characters from the first book, but it is able to be read as a stand alone book.
May 22, 2013
This is an empty, washed-out book full of clothing descriptions and Deus ex Machina. It's amazing how Pepper never gets hurt. She only ruins expensive clothing and the author doesn't hold back when describing her strappy heels. Ooh, and the ghost's clothes, she decribes those, too. A lot. Some eyelash fluttering guy comes along and holds his hand out ... Nevermind. I'm so tired of the damsel in distress act. This twit gets herself into trouble and has to be saved. Quinn should have been late. Just sayin'.
February 23, 2012
The Chick and the Dead is the second book in Pepper Martin Mysteries . It had been few years since I read the 2nd book since for while it was only one I didn’t have so I finally got it over Christmas. I loved it. I actually liked this book more then I liked the first book in series, it had much more action. I loved that this book started from Cliffhanger from the last book. I loved Didi right from beginning. Even though it been few years since I first read this book, I found it hard to put it down. Once again Casey Daniels didn’t disappoint me.
Pepper Martin though that her detective days for the dead is over, till Didi Bowman who been dead over 50 years appears, wanting Pepper’s help. At first, Pepper refuses to help Didi, wanting nothing to do with ghosts. That is till Pepper is laid off her job at the arrival of Merilee Bowman, a famous author of So Far The Dawn. After being laid and barely having money for rent, she goes in search of Didi, thinking that solving her murder is just what she needs, to earn some money. Only to find out that it’s not murder she wants, she wants Pepper that she was the one who wrote So Far The Dawn.
While Pepper investigates, she finds some stuff about Didi, something that she been keeping from Pepper and finds herself hesitant about Didi, about if she actually wrote the book. After sudden murder of Merilee’s assistant, she finds herself working for Merilee and that’s when she begins investigate deeper. While investigating, Pepper begins find herself in trouble, having the feeling that someone doesn’t want her to find the truth about the book’s author.
I loved all the suspense in this book. I actually was glad that Pepper wasn’t aware of Merilee before her arrival; it seemed more realistic that she wasn’t one of those obsessed fans; I had a feeling that if she was, she would have even harder time believing Didi about the book. I couldn’t really blame Pepper for having her doubts; there were certain things that Didi wasn’t honest about. If I was in the same situation as Pepper, I would have the same issue.
I loved Didi, her attitude, well sometimes her attitude would annoy me, but she had some good points especially when it came to advice. She was so different then Gus was in the first book, it seemed to me that she at least cared about Pepper some unlike Gus, I had feeling that he didn’t really care about Pepper all that much, he always seemed to be ruining things for her.
This book had much more mystery in it then the last book and Pepper seemed to be obsessing over guys less. To me it seemed that she really did want figure out the truth. I liked the fact that this book was not all about murder but about a romance novel. When I first got the book, I didn’t read the back and I thought that it would be another murder mystery. Even though there was some murder involved, most of book concentrated on finding proof that Didi wrote the book. I think the more she investigated, the more she became fond of Didi.
I was bit confused about Dan in this book, but I liked the fact how mysterious he was in this book, he was acting completely different then in last book. I want see what happens next with him. There was so much suspense, drama in this book that it was hard not to like this book. If you like ghosts, mysteries, action, this is the book worth checking out.
Pepper Martin though that her detective days for the dead is over, till Didi Bowman who been dead over 50 years appears, wanting Pepper’s help. At first, Pepper refuses to help Didi, wanting nothing to do with ghosts. That is till Pepper is laid off her job at the arrival of Merilee Bowman, a famous author of So Far The Dawn. After being laid and barely having money for rent, she goes in search of Didi, thinking that solving her murder is just what she needs, to earn some money. Only to find out that it’s not murder she wants, she wants Pepper that she was the one who wrote So Far The Dawn.
While Pepper investigates, she finds some stuff about Didi, something that she been keeping from Pepper and finds herself hesitant about Didi, about if she actually wrote the book. After sudden murder of Merilee’s assistant, she finds herself working for Merilee and that’s when she begins investigate deeper. While investigating, Pepper begins find herself in trouble, having the feeling that someone doesn’t want her to find the truth about the book’s author.
I loved all the suspense in this book. I actually was glad that Pepper wasn’t aware of Merilee before her arrival; it seemed more realistic that she wasn’t one of those obsessed fans; I had a feeling that if she was, she would have even harder time believing Didi about the book. I couldn’t really blame Pepper for having her doubts; there were certain things that Didi wasn’t honest about. If I was in the same situation as Pepper, I would have the same issue.
I loved Didi, her attitude, well sometimes her attitude would annoy me, but she had some good points especially when it came to advice. She was so different then Gus was in the first book, it seemed to me that she at least cared about Pepper some unlike Gus, I had feeling that he didn’t really care about Pepper all that much, he always seemed to be ruining things for her.
This book had much more mystery in it then the last book and Pepper seemed to be obsessing over guys less. To me it seemed that she really did want figure out the truth. I liked the fact that this book was not all about murder but about a romance novel. When I first got the book, I didn’t read the back and I thought that it would be another murder mystery. Even though there was some murder involved, most of book concentrated on finding proof that Didi wrote the book. I think the more she investigated, the more she became fond of Didi.
I was bit confused about Dan in this book, but I liked the fact how mysterious he was in this book, he was acting completely different then in last book. I want see what happens next with him. There was so much suspense, drama in this book that it was hard not to like this book. If you like ghosts, mysteries, action, this is the book worth checking out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2016
Parental Warning: Adult Language
This is the second book in the Pepper Martin Mystery’s. I traded for the book on Swaptree.com
Genre: Fiction |Paranormal | Ghost | Mystery & Detective | Historical | Suspense |
I started this book yesterday (Sunday) and finished it today. The other girl in the office switched time slot with me. So she went in 8-12 and I worked 12-5. This gave me a chance this morning to finish my book.
In the beginning we had to go through the part from the first book AGAIN. Where she (Pepper) denies she can see ghosts. When we finally get past this L o n g drawn out hurdle it became a good read. Well I do need to mention we also had to endure the constant reference to large breasts, or cleavage. Gheezz It was annoying – but I continued to read.
ATTENTION Ms Daniels …. Please stop referring to her chest size. I don’t care for the constant visual.
Your books are like eatting a really good piece of cake, enjoying each bite to the last crumb. Then being left with a bad after taste. You have to go swish mouthwash to get rid of it.
Otherwise the book was fun and easy to read. I totally enjoyed the story and the background story. I didn’t get bored with it at any point. I will have to find the next book and hope Casey has gotten bored with focusing on Peppers bra size. [fingers crossed]
The story line will keep you on the edge of your seat and makes it hard to lay the book down for long. I can’t tell much more than this without ruining the book for you.
NEXT: Tombs of Endearment (Pepper Martin Mysteries, No. 3) by Casey Daniels (Mass Market Paperback – Sep 25, 2007)
This is the second book in the Pepper Martin Mystery’s. I traded for the book on Swaptree.com
Genre: Fiction |Paranormal | Ghost | Mystery & Detective | Historical | Suspense |
I started this book yesterday (Sunday) and finished it today. The other girl in the office switched time slot with me. So she went in 8-12 and I worked 12-5. This gave me a chance this morning to finish my book.
In the beginning we had to go through the part from the first book AGAIN. Where she (Pepper) denies she can see ghosts. When we finally get past this L o n g drawn out hurdle it became a good read. Well I do need to mention we also had to endure the constant reference to large breasts, or cleavage. Gheezz It was annoying – but I continued to read.
ATTENTION Ms Daniels …. Please stop referring to her chest size. I don’t care for the constant visual.
Your books are like eatting a really good piece of cake, enjoying each bite to the last crumb. Then being left with a bad after taste. You have to go swish mouthwash to get rid of it.
Otherwise the book was fun and easy to read. I totally enjoyed the story and the background story. I didn’t get bored with it at any point. I will have to find the next book and hope Casey has gotten bored with focusing on Peppers bra size. [fingers crossed]
The story line will keep you on the edge of your seat and makes it hard to lay the book down for long. I can’t tell much more than this without ruining the book for you.
NEXT: Tombs of Endearment (Pepper Martin Mysteries, No. 3) by Casey Daniels (Mass Market Paperback – Sep 25, 2007)
February 7, 2012
Didi Bowman wrote So Far the Dawn and after her death, her sister Merilee stole the manuscript and passed it off as her own. Now she has spent the past 50 years reaping the benefits and basking in the fame. Problem is, Pepper isn’t sure whether or not to believe Ditsy Didi, who was known for stretching the truth in her day. But, after all, Didi is wearing a Poodle skirt and being a fashionista herself, Pepper decides to take on Didi’s case. Nah, I’m lying; the promise of receiving a payment from Didi’s descendants after the royalty checks go to their rightful owner is what gets Pepper on board. One can’t have too many shoes, after all; you can’t expect Pepper’s job at the cemetery to pay for all her bling.
In a turn of events that made little sense to me, the arrival of Merilee to town and all the hoopla it brings causes Pepper to be temporarily laid off. ‘Cause, you know, every time a famous person comes to my town, I make sure to have a secret stash of cash to hold me until I can find another job. And find another job Pepper does, as Merilee’s assistant. How convenient.
I actually liked how this mystery played out and this is my favorite in the series thus far. Another side mystery is what is the deal with Dan the brain man? And what is the deal with Pepper crushing on both him and Quinn? Quinn comes across as a douche. Dan would be the guy I’d go for. But wait… now it seems he is mysterious. Oh Pepper, who will you call? How could you leave us with such a cliffhanger! And why are you ignoring that hot rock star at the end? Duh. You know you’re going to have to deal with him in book #3. Stop being a ridiculous transparent woman.
In a turn of events that made little sense to me, the arrival of Merilee to town and all the hoopla it brings causes Pepper to be temporarily laid off. ‘Cause, you know, every time a famous person comes to my town, I make sure to have a secret stash of cash to hold me until I can find another job. And find another job Pepper does, as Merilee’s assistant. How convenient.
I actually liked how this mystery played out and this is my favorite in the series thus far. Another side mystery is what is the deal with Dan the brain man? And what is the deal with Pepper crushing on both him and Quinn? Quinn comes across as a douche. Dan would be the guy I’d go for. But wait… now it seems he is mysterious. Oh Pepper, who will you call? How could you leave us with such a cliffhanger! And why are you ignoring that hot rock star at the end? Duh. You know you’re going to have to deal with him in book #3. Stop being a ridiculous transparent woman.
February 8, 2017
Kaum hat der tote Mafia-Pate seine ewige Ruhe gefunden, taucht Trish, eine junge Frau bei Pepper auf - natürlich auch eine Tote. So sehr sich Pepper auch versucht, zu wehren, ihr bleibt gar nichts anderes übrig, als sich um sie zu kümmern. Trish behauptet, dass ihre Schwester Merilee, sich als Autorin, des von ihr geschriebenen Bestsellers ausgibt. Doch Trish ist vor fünfzig Jahren von einer Brücke in den Tod gesprungen, wie soll Pepper da für Gerechtigkeit sorgen?
Dies ist das zweite Buch der Pepper Martin Reihe und ich gestehe, dass ich beide Bücher gleich hintereinander verschlungen habe. Die Fälle sind interessant und haben viele unerwartete Wendungen. Mir hat das zweite Buch sogar noch einen kleinen Tick besser gefallen, als die Mafia-Geschichte. Es ist spannend, kurzweilig zu lesen und auch die Liebe wird nicht ganz vergessen.
Ein gelungener Mix aus Krimi und Fantasy. Einziger Minuspunkt: Ich wüsste gerne, wie es weitergeht ...
Dies ist das zweite Buch der Pepper Martin Reihe und ich gestehe, dass ich beide Bücher gleich hintereinander verschlungen habe. Die Fälle sind interessant und haben viele unerwartete Wendungen. Mir hat das zweite Buch sogar noch einen kleinen Tick besser gefallen, als die Mafia-Geschichte. Es ist spannend, kurzweilig zu lesen und auch die Liebe wird nicht ganz vergessen.
Ein gelungener Mix aus Krimi und Fantasy. Einziger Minuspunkt: Ich wüsste gerne, wie es weitergeht ...
May 24, 2013
I picked this book up from my local library along with the first book in the series, Don of the Dead. As soon as I finished book one, I started reading this book. I finished it within two days (which is saying something with my busy schedule.) Once again, the author was able to hook me into the story without giving a thing away. The more I'm reading about the main character, Pepper, the more I'm getting to know about her and I love it. I'm dying to read the third book. Let's just say, I'm definitely going to to be purchasing the remainder of this series.
January 16, 2014
Pepper sees the ghost of Didi Bowman; she knows Didi wants something from her. As her job at the cemetery is on hold; she becomes the assistant to Merilee Bowman, author of the best selling book, SO FAR THE DAWN and Didi's sister. Pepper moves into the old Bowman home. The room given her is the one where Merilee former assistant was found dead. Didi claims she wrote the book and wants Pepper to prove it.
February 1, 2008
Pepper Martin is truly a fun character. This book is actually second in a series and unfortunately I missed that fact and haven't read #1 yet. Fortunately though, one doesn't need the first to thoroughly enjoy #2.
February 24, 2019
Like the first book, this one was enjoyable for me. Thankfully, there was at least a little less talk about Pepper's boobs (once again - 38C is NOT large!!!!), although the dynamic duo were described as both "ample" and "lush". A lot of reviewers complained about the frequent descriptions of clothing, but I actually don't mind them as much. Having read MUCH more detailed (and endlessly annoying) clothing descriptions in other novels, perhaps I am immune. What did bother me was the 2 dimensional villain, Merilee. She has no personality other than being evil. I like to get to know the bad guys - find out what makes them tick. Merilee doesn't tick. She just sits there, being evil. Her "suicide attempt" was just silly. The woman has NO imagination or flair for the dramatic at all, but she declares "I lived in a blaze of glory. And now I'm going to die the same way."??? What? And why does the creepy dude help her kill people? He didn't even have enough fleshing out to make him evil. He was just a shadow in the background of the story. I hope the next book is more interesting. Even the ghost, Didi didn't really grab my attention. Dan the brain man, on the other hand is intriguing. Quinn is not. Sorry. He's kind of a jerk, and I do not know what Pepper sees in him (other than his body).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2023
Cozy, enjoyable mystery with interesting and well-developed characters. The only problem is the murders were not solved clearly and specifically. One murder occurred 50 years ago, and the other occurred off-stage during the story; the murderers are alluded to and probably guilty, but they are not arrested and convicted, so there is a loophole at the end. The character Pepper Martin is independent and not reliant on others to get her out of messes; she also does not whine or complain about matters; she untangles herself. This is very different from another character also named Pepper (the Amanda Pepper series by Gillian Roberts); but Amanda is the opposite of Pepper Martin, whining about everything around her and totally dependent on others to help her; I did not enjoy the series and stopped. I will enthusiastically continue with the Papper Martin series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2022
This is #2 in the Pepper Martin series. I couldn't get a hold of #1 so I jumped right in and I'm so glad I did. There are references to the previous book but nothing that gets in the way of enjoying the current story. Pepper has come down in life from wealth to just-barely-making-it. On top that, after an accident, she sees dead people. And the ghosts want her to help solve their murders. Written with tongue in cheek, irreverent humour, I laughed out loud at the predicaments Pepper finds herself in. Throw in a cheeky, flirt of a ghost, an attractive homicide detective and a mysterious photographer and it's the makings of a great, light read.
May 14, 2018
The Chick and the Dead is the second book in the Pepper Martin Mystery series. Written by Casey Daniels, the series is about a Cleveland cemetery tour guide who is able to see dead people ever since she banged her head on a headstone. What’s worse is they want her to solve their murders. In The Chick and the Dead, Didi Bowman wants Pepper to prove that the novel which made her sister famous was actually written by Didi before she died by jumping off a bridge or was she pushed?? Nice light cozy mystery delving into the world of lighthearted paranormal.
June 10, 2017
Pepper Martin can see ghosts, especially ghosts of folk who have been murdered. She encounters the ghost of Didi Bowman. Didi claims that a famous historical novel was written by her but was considered to be penned by her sister, Merilee. Didi wants Pepper to prove that she is the true author. Pepper, of course, determines Didi wrote the missive and was murdered by Merilee.
March 3, 2022
Pepper Martin returns to Garden View and meets ghost Didi Bowman. Didi claims her sister stole her book and made millions in royalties. Didi’s granddaughter needs money, so she asks Pepper to prove she authored the book.
Fun and easy read. There is more than one mystery that Pepper needs to solve as she tries to establish Didi as the author.
Fun and easy read. There is more than one mystery that Pepper needs to solve as she tries to establish Didi as the author.
October 21, 2018
The Chick and the Dead is the second book in the Pepper Martin series. I thought it was nice easy read and very entertaining. I think Dan is a mysterious character where you're left wondering who he really is and what he's really doing. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
February 22, 2018
I loved this book! Can’t wait to read the next one
March 16, 2018
Fun story, but Pepper needs to shut up about her boobs. No woman spends that much time thinking about her cup size.
December 5, 2018
The 2nd book in this series is another solid read. It is light and fun mystery with the vapid Pepper Martin, former rich girl turned pauper and having a hard time adjusting. Looking forward to #3
December 27, 2018
Didn’t really get on with this one.
January 10, 2019
review to come
May 10, 2019
actually a 3.5 (would love it if we had a 10-pt system on GoodReads!). A fun read. Pepper has a new spirit who needs her help....
August 30, 2019
Great series...characters are believable....the ghosts too if you are into that...
September 14, 2019
Absolutely love this series!
October 15, 2019
Take Gone With the Wind
Add a tale of two sisters
Stir in plagiary
Add a tale of two sisters
Stir in plagiary
January 15, 2020
I am really loving this series. I am not usually one for books with ghosts, but this is more like cold cases for ghosts. Love the characters.
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