Dead Man Talking: A Cozy Paranormal Mystery

Dead Man Talking is my first ever 'cozy mystery', I have to admit. I generally stick in the paranormal romance genre pretty strictly, to be honest. Also to be honest, if this didn't have a romance element I wouldn't have picked it up either. I enjoyed the book. There was just enough paranormal to keep me interested (though it was very light compared to most of my reading) as well as a bit of romance. The book was primarily the mystery and the 'coming of age' of the main female lead, Zoe. I enjoyed her character as she was very down to earth, though rather normal overall. I absolutely adored her aunt, however, who was anything but normal. I really do think Sapphire stole the book. Dane wasn't as well fleshed out, so I can't say I adored him, but he was still a good male lead. As I said, overall the book was about the mystery, so I rated it based on that. If I were rating it based on the romance I'd have given it 3 stars, but again, that was expected. I will likely pick one of these up now and then as it was a fun little read, but it just can't hold me like a true romance I'm afraid. If you like a good mystery, a little bit of ghostly shenanigans, a crazy relative, and a touch of romance, this is totally a book for you. More positives; the book was written from Zoe AND Dane's perspective. That ALWAYS makes for a better book!

cozy-mystery, Maine, cats, paranormal, ghosts, romantic A lovely story about a town with magic, especially Zoe's aunt Sapphire who lives in a retired lighthouse with ten interesting cats and a ghost who can talk and interact but falls right through chair seats. A meteorologist in LA, Zoe drops everything and flies back home after a phone call from the hospital advising her that Sapphire has a head injury from a fall. Turns out that the fall was caused by surprise at finding intruders in her home. Lots more, but you really have to read it to appreciate it! B. J. Harrison is the marvelous narrator!

Everlasting was home. Zoe wanted more. She left with no intention of returning, at least until she'd made it big in the big city world. When her aunt fell she was on her way, promotion at stake or not. She was the last of her family and the most important thing. Then she found that Dane was going to be at the lighthouse, her home, remodeling. The man she'd left behind and never forgotten. Everlasting is magic. Something else Zoe had not forgotten, just put on hold in her mind--until--the resident ghost began having conversations with her. Between Dane, the ghost, cats (lots of cats), and herself they worry that the fall was no accident. The investigation keeps them together leading them to a history few know about. Danger, love, family, and magic. What more could any reader want? This is a fun read, with action and characters you won't forget. Who could forget a talking ghost without his...oopps you need to read to find out. I voluntarily reviewed this advanced reader copy and I have not been compensated in any way.