Be with the Dead

by Matty Dalrymple

Ann Kinnear has been invited to the Gotham Crime Fiction Conference to give a talk on "Making the Supernatural Super in Your Novel," but she isn't enthusiastic about adding public speaking to the offerings of Ann Kinnear Sensing.

Ann's conference liaison, editor Darren Van Osten, has problems of his own. His client, bestselling thriller author Jock Quine, was killed during a burglary at his Princeton mansion, and Darren is despairing of being able to coach Jock's bookish son Alec to pick up the authorial torch from his larger-than-life father. Darren's best hope of staying solvent is to capitalize on his most mysterious client, Lara Seaford, whose debut novel is sweeping the thriller awards.

Meanwhile, cozy mystery author Marilee Forsythe is demanding that her son and daughter-in-law, Jeremy and Jeanette, provide the money she needs to buy out her cozy contract and switch to her true calling: thriller novels. When Marilee is attacked at an author event and refuses to leave her Ocean City, Maryland, condo, the couple entertains guilty visions of a life without her disparaging comments and unreasonable demands.

As Ann's involvement in Darren and Jeanette's dilemmas deepens, she finds the cases have more in common than mere authorial posturing ... and that the stakes are life and death.

Better be with the dead,
Whom we to gain our peace have sent to peace,
Than on the torture of the mind to lie
In restless ecstasy.
William Shakespeare, "Macbeth"

392 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2023

About the author

Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers ROCK PAPER SCISSORS, SNAKES AND LADDERS, and THE IRON RING; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels THE SENSE OF DEATH, THE SENSE OF RECKONING, THE FALCON AND THE OWL, and A FURNACE FOR YOUR FOE; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts, including CLOSE THESE EYES and WRITE IN WATER. Matty lives with her husband and three dogs in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and enjoys vacationing on Mount Desert Island, Maine, and Sedona, Arizona, and these locations provide the settings for her work. Matty is a member of Sisters in Crime and the Brandywine Valley Writers Group.

Reviews

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matty Dalrymple has done it again—Be with the Dead is the perfect blend of cozy mystery, supernatural intrigue, and clever plotting that had me hooked from the first page. Ann Kinnear is everything I love in a protagonist—smart, intuitive, and unapologetically herself, juggling her unique gift while stepping into situations that spiral way beyond the expected.
I loved the setting of the Gotham Crime Fiction Conference—it gave the story this meta, literary twist that was both fun and suspenseful. But the real magic comes from the way Dalrymple intertwines multiple threads: Darren Van Osten’s struggles, the fallout from Jock Quine’s murder, the chaos around Marilee Forsythe, and of course, Ann herself, who never fails to navigate it all with heart, wit, and just the right touch of psychic intuition.
The stakes feel higher in this installment, with danger lurking behind every author panel and every publishing drama. There’s tension, unexpected twists, and moments that made me gasp, all balanced with Dalrymple’s signature warmth and humor. I could feel Ann’s frustration, curiosity, and determination as if I were right there with her, piecing together the puzzle one supernatural clue at a time.
⭐ 5 stars. Darkly clever, suspenseful, and full of the kind of supernatural mystery I crave—Be with the Dead is a standout in the Ann Kinnear series, and I couldn’t put it down. Clues unraveled, suspense devoured, and me grinning like I just solved the case—Rebel is officially wrapped up in Ann Kinnear’s world again!.

[Maryann Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Occasionally as readers, we come across a character in a book, and think I would really like him/her. That happened to me when I met Ann Kinnear in the first Ann Kinnear Suspense novel, The Sense of Death. I liked Ann immediately, and thoroughly enjoyed the book.
In fact I was hoping a series would be forthcoming, and indeed one has. Matty Dalrymple recently released book six, Be With The Dead, the sixth five star read!
Ann Kinnear has the ability to sense and often see and speak with the dead, a gift she values and doesn't want to frivolize or cheapen. She, along with her brother Mike, operate the business Ann Kinnear Sensing, however Ann is extremely particular about the cases she accepts, sometimes to Mike's frustration. I think what I most enjoyed about Be With The Dead is that Ann seems more comfortable with her skill/gift, and less reluctant to acknowledge and share it. Like all the Kinnear books, this one is very suspenseful and intense; I was hooked from the first page to the last word. It is fast paced and twisty with wonderful writing and a unique and interesting group of characters. I highly recommend Be With The Dead. By the way, I'm already looking forward to book seven.
I did receive an ARC of this book; that in no way impacted this review

[Ethan Rowland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be with the Dead is a carefully constructed installment in the Ann Kinnear series that balances mystery, emotional nuance, and a restrained supernatural element with confidence and maturity. Matty Dalrymple once again demonstrates her strength in character-driven suspense, allowing the story to unfold through layered motivations rather than relying solely on plot mechanics.

What stands out most is the psychological realism of the characters. Their choices feel grounded, even when the narrative touches the liminal space between the living and the dead. The supernatural aspect is handled with subtlety and respect, enhancing the emotional stakes without overwhelming the core mystery.

The pacing is deliberate, rewarding readers who appreciate atmosphere, interpersonal tension, and ethical complexity. Longtime fans of the series will find continuity and growth, while new readers can still engage with the story thanks to its clear emotional throughline and accessible narrative voice.

Overall, this is a thoughtful and well-executed suspense novel that trusts its readers and delivers a satisfying, reflective reading experience.

[Nicole Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ann Kinnear is at it again this time we find her at the Gotham Crime Fiction Conference to give a talk on "Making the Supernatural Super in Your Novel," but she does not like being in public with her super power.

However, she has to fix another problem which she is happy to do. Darren Van Osten, is an editor who is dealing with all the drama from the murder of his star author, Jock Quineca. Darren hopes he can make a come back through his new author Lara Seaford.

Author Marilee Forsythe is also causing causing waves. When an assault happens to Marilee at an author event adds a sinister twist.

As Ann's involvement in their lives she realizes that they are almost the same cases. Can she solve both before someone dies......

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matty Dalrymple has a strong writing style for this type of book, I was invested in the historical romance going on. It was a strong sixth entry in the Ann Kinnear Suspense series and had that same element that I enjoyed from the previous entries in this series. I was engaged with the characters and how their story was told. I really enjoyed this as a paranormal thriller novel and that it continued the storyline and world perfectly.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stefanie Verhelst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matty Dalrymple is spoiling us readers with this great series of Ann Kinear.

Matty can intertwine different storylines, in a fluent writing style. She brings detailed character building and unexpected turns. With all these ingredients, Be with the dead turns out to be a brilliant thriller!

I can’t get enough of this series! ❤️.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzan Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 6 in the addictive Ann Kinnear series delivers with more propulsive action, twisty mysteries & chats with ghosts, set against the backdrop of thriller writers, editing, and publishing.
My full review: https://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2023/...

[AMBER CLARK · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't stop reading! Ann is a great character. The story is engaging and well written, suspenseful, and intriguing. It's fast paced and filled with danger and action. It has just the right number of twists and turns. You will love this series. I can't wait for book seven!.

[Sherry Priddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series. Sometimes you come upon a series and it's hard to pull yourself away, just one more chapter, then one more page, ok. ok... 5 more minutes, this one is it. Mrs. Dalrymple does amazing work.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm drawn to this series. I love the character of Ann and feel like you can relate to her somehow. I felt instantly engaged in the story and it was well written along with the characters in the story. The book is fast paced and will keep you wanting to read more.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series concept and characters. There is also a good plot which pulled me along - I didn't want to stop reading!