paranormal

Jan 2015 24

The Accidental Alchemist By Gigi Pandian: Review/Interview

2015 Articles, Cynthia Chow, Fantasy & Fangs, Mysteryrat's Maze

by Cynthia Chow

With so many mystery novels featuring witches, vampires, and psychics, it was about time that we see the absolutely unique entry of Zoe Faust, a three-hundred year-old alchemist from the Salem Witch Trials. After having been disillusioned by the practice of alchemy—striving to achieve purity or perfection by transforming the impure or corruptible—Zoe has brought her airstream to Portland, Oregon to renovate a home that defines the term “fixer-upper.” Zoe plans to renovate the old mansion into a storehouse for her online apothecary shop, Elixir, as well as construct a lab in the basement now that she is ready to experiment with plant alchemy.

Jan 2015 10

Ghost in the Guacamole: A Granny Apples Mystery By Sue Ann Jaffarian

2015 Articles, Cynthia Chow, Mysteryrat's Maze

by Cynthia Chow

For a ghost, Ish Reynolds—better known to the living and dead as Granny Apples—is unusually disturbed by the decorative skeletons used for El Día de Los Muertos. Unlike Granny, great-great-great granddaughter Emma Whitecastle enjoys Los Angeles's Olvera Street celebration.

Jan 2015 3

No Ghouls Allowed: A Ghost Hunter Mystery By Victoria Laurie

2015 Articles, Cynthia Chow, Fantasy & Fangs, Mysteryrat's Maze

by Cynthia Chow

Ever since the death of her mother, the relationship between M.J. Holliday and her father has, to put it mildly, been strained. Although M.J. is initially shocked to hear the news that her father is engaged, she agrees to drive back home to Valdosta, Georgia to meet his new fiancée, the wealthy Christine Bigelow. Upon arriving with her friend Gilley Gillespie and her boyfriend Heath Whitecastle, M.J. has the unexpected but welcome discovery that Montgomery Holliday has reverted back to being the loving father she remembers before her mother died of cancer.

Dec 2014 27

If You’ve Got It, Haunt It By Rose Pressey

2014 Articles, Cynthia Chow, Mysteryrat's Maze

by Cynthia Chow

As the owner of the vintage clothing boutique It’s Vintage, Y’all, Cassandra “Cookie” Chanel knew that the estate sale of Charlotte Meadows would provide an ample supply of beautiful, quality fashion for her store. What soon has Cookie doubting her sanity, though, is the sudden appearance by the late Charlotte herself, decidedly dead, but also quite vocal and definitely opinionated. The self-made real estate agent knows a thing or two about persistence, and even if Cookie is the only one who can see or hear her, Charlotte’s not about to let her own murder by strangulation go unsolved.

Dec 2014 20

Keeper of the Castle: A Haunted Home Renovation Mystery By Juliet Blackwell

2014 Articles, Cynthia Chow, Mysteryrat's Maze

by Cynthia Chow

Although San Francisco contractor Melanie Turner has developed an ability to see ghosts, she’s not yet ready to admit to the existence of omens. It would be hard to argue that the Wakefield project hasn’t seen its share of bad luck though; contractors walking off of the job, a series of accidents, and even angry protestors have all been plaguing the site.

Nov 2014 22

Spells at the Crossroads By Barbara Ashford

2014 Articles, Fantasy & Fangs, Mysteryrat's Maze, Terrance V. Mc Arthur

by Terrance Mc Arthur

The theatre can be a magical place, where amazing things happen, taking the audience to another time and place. Barbara Ashford recognized this, and created a pair of not-quite-urban fantasies, Spellcast and Spellcrossed. These have been republished in a single volume, Spells at the Crossroads. Maggie Graham, frustrated with her life, finds herself off in small-town Vermont, auditioning for a summer stock company. There’s something odd about the place…and the people…and the director, and that’s where the magic comes in, a magic that seems to find the missing pieces of a person’s character, casting them in parts that help them become the person they should be.

Oct 2014 25

A Spirit of Fraud By Barry H. Wiley: Review/Guest Post

2014 Articles, Mysteryrat's Maze

by

by Cynthia Chow
& Barry H. Wiley

Halloween seemed like a perfect time to review a mystery novel involving Spiritualists. Not only do we have a review of A Spirit of Fraud, but also an interesting guest post by Barry about writing this type of book. Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win an ebook copy of Spirit of Fraud.

Oct 2014 18

The Night Visitor By Dianne Emley

2014 Articles, Fantasy & Fangs, Lorie Lewis Ham, Mysteryrat's Maze

by Lorie Lewis Ham

I have to admit that The Night Visitor is not my typical read–I tend to go more for cozy or private eye mysteries–and this one is more of a paranormal suspense/thriller. However, The Night Visitor grabbed my attention from practically page one and wouldn't let go!

Oct 2014 11

Vampires, Bones and Treacle Scones by Kaitlyn Dunnett

2014 Articles, Mysteryrat's Maze, Sandra Murphy

by Sandra Murphy

Liss MacCrimmon Ruskin’s Scottish Emporium does a lot of online business. During leaf-peeping season, day trippers stop to visit the unique shops. In spite of Internet orders, face-to-face customers by the busload and a new husband, Liss finds time to volunteer for the town’s Halloween fundraiser.

Oct 2014 4

Caught Dead-Handed: A Witch City Mystery By Carol J. Perry

2014 Articles, Cynthia Chow, Mysteryrat's Maze

by Cynthia Chow

Ten years ago Maralee Kowalski left her home of Salem, Massachusetts with the dream of becoming a star. After losing jobs as a weather girl and home-shopping network host, she is returning from Florida as the newly-named, thirty-three year-old widow Lee Barrett, to live with her Aunt Ibby and to apply for a position as a real television news reporter. While the position is already filled, the psychic host of Nightshades has just walked off the show; permanently, as Lee learns firsthand. Lee may not be a believer, but she has acting experience the program director is looking for in a replacement. Before she knows it, Lee has her foot in the door of WICH-TV and another new name, Crystal Moon.