Genres: Urban Fantasy
Published by Ellora's Cave
Released on December 29, 2011
Pages: 170
Format: eBook
“Dark night, scary forest, crazed murderer, hidden grave- help”
Those words are buried in this truly engaging tale of ghosts, murder, and mayhem. I got this book because of all the wonderful things people were saying about it and I liked the blurb. It’s quite an intriguing storyline- girl who can see and hear ghosts is asked by the hottie ghost of a police officer to help him solve his last case.
Tess wants to ignore the new ghost who has discovered that she can see him, but Kipp is stubborn and is not afraid to use underhanded means to get his way including talking dirty in her ear and getting a rise out of her while at the time she is on a date with another guy. This scene had me roaring with laughter.
Knowing that her life will have no peace until she gives him her attention, she gives in and tries to help him complete his last case. Tess knows how it all works because ever since she had her near death experience, she has been able to see and hear ghosts. They all come to her with similar issues. Namely, they need her to help them resolve why they still linger. None of them can remember their past and some cannot even remember without her nudging their memories what that all important last task is. Tess hates it all.
She learns there is something different about Kipp right away- besides her attraction to him that is. Kipp retains all his memories and has none of the vagueness or confusing fears that all the other ghosts have.
Kipp and his partner, Zach, had been working on a five year old cold case. Kipp was shot when he was out following up a clue. To find the killer, Kipp convinces a very reluctant Tess that they need the help of Zach. Tess has to convince Zach that she is not crazy and that Kipp is a ghost. That was hilarious, I must say.
After convincing the detectives, which now include not only Zach, but Max and Eddie, they set to work. The clues lead to the fact that it was one of their own- a police officer.
Through the investigation, Tess realizes that she has feelings for Kipp particularly because he continues to astound her by not acting like other ghosts. Kipp is equally drawn to her even as they both keep having to give themselves reality checks. As the case progresses, they know that the solution will probably bring resolution to Kipp and he will be released to go on. Can they give up what they have together for the sake of justice?
I thought the plot, pace and dialogue of this book was fantastic. From the first words to the last, I was engaged. The flirty talk between Kipp and Tess was my favorite part of the book. Working on the solution to the murder case and the action in the big climactic scene was pretty exciting. I just have to address one thing for the curious out there because I was too. As the story progressed, I kept wondering what Kipp and Tess would do with that pent up passion that was building in both of them. He’s a ghost after all and they cannot actually touch. Well- Stacey Kennedy is an amusing and creative gal.
It is not a long story and I read it all in one sitting. The case is resolved, but there are lots of questions that are left open for the next book in the series. Tess is invited to leave her job and begin working with the police to help solve cold cases. She also needs to find others like her so she can get her questions answered about Kipp and learn more about her ‘gift’.
The characters were great and I’m not just talking about Kipp and Tess. His partner, Zach and her BFF Caley were not just there as background to Kipp and Tess. They were scene stealers in their own right. Caley is such a force of nature and Zach is just a huge teddy bear of a guy at times. I hope they are all back together again in the next book.
Now I am eager to read the sequel because this was a very satisfying read that left me wanting more Kipp and Tess.
About Stacey Kennedy
Stacey Kennedy is an urban fantasy lover at heart, but she also enjoys losing herself in dark and sensual worlds. She loves in southwestern Ontario with her husband, who gave her a happily-ever-after. Together, they have two small children who can always make her smile, and who will never be allowed to read Mommy’s books. If she’s not plugging away at a new story, you’ll find her camping, curling up with the latest flick, or obsessing over Sons of Anarchy, Supernatural, True Blood and Lost Girl.
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Great review!! I have wanted to read this since I read the first excerpt! I am anxiously awaiting my copy. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Thanks, Tina!
It was such a great blend of romance, humor, and intrigue that I know most readers will like it.