Best of
Paranormal-Mystery

2015

Between a Witch and a Hard Place


Amanda M. Lee - 2015
    Go along with Bay, Thistle, Clove, Aunt Tillie and the rest of the Winchester family (and their friends, of course) as they take on human traffickers, an angry poltergeist and a murderous bank robber. You’ll finally get a chance to meet their fathers, Landon’s family, and find out if Clove will ever get lucky in love. That’s on top of the usual family hijinks, and Aunt Tillie’s irrepressible wrath – which can never fully be contained. This omnibus includes books 4 to 6 in the Wicked Witches of the Midwest series: Witching on a Star, Something to Witch About and Witch Me Luck.

A Witch of a Time


Amanda M. Lee - 2015
    Follow Clove, Thistle, Landon, Winnie and Aunt Tillie as they share their lives – and innermost thoughts – through a series of short novellas that take you from the present, to the past, and then back again. Included in this 125,000-word compilation are: • Careful What You Witch For • Wicked Brew • On a Witch and a Prayer • You Only Witch Once • The Christmas Witch Enjoy your time in Hemlock Cove, because you’ll never be the same again.

Grim Beginnings


Amanda M. Lee - 2015
    In fact, she was dead set against it. When an economic downturn causes her to lose her job, she’s forced to go to desperate measures to earn a living. Aisling comes from a big family of grim reapers – no, you read that right. She’s the youngest of five siblings – and the only girl – and the testosterone is going to hit the fan when the Grimlocks try to teach Aisling the ropes and keep her safe at the same time. Between rogue wraiths, murderous new acquaintances and gargoyles dropping from the sky, Aisling has her hands full. That’s on top of four brothers (and one curmudgeonly father) who would die for her – while also killing for her – and a police officer who’s desperate to learn the family secret. Follow Aisling as she delves into the mystery of her mother’s death and a world she never wanted to explore – and yet might fit in all the same. This omnibus includes the first three books in the Aisling Grimlock mystery series: Grim Tidings, Grim Offerings and Grim Discovery.

File One: Family Secrets


Terri Reid - 2015
    She was successful, she was admired and she had a reputation for being a tough defense lawyer, even for her pro-bono cases. Her father was the well-respected and often feared, Judge Callahan. Her mother, Amy Callahan, was a successful hostess in the politically influential circles of Cook County, Illinois. Detective Arthur O’Reilly could care less about politics, except when they got in his way. He was interested in getting the bad guys off the streets. He was a good cop, a clean cop and his family had a reputation too. The O’Reilly’s were by-the-book and loyal to a fault. They were the ones you wanted on your side in a fight. Brooke’s client had been Art’s arrest, a drug dealer and kid killer. Art wanted him to go away for a long time. But Brooke wanted to win and besides, the clerical error that voided her client’s confession wasn’t her fault, it was shoddy police work. When Art confronted Brooke after court he didn’t mean to turn her world upside down, he just wanted to understand. How could the daughter of a murdered cop, Detective Bruce Blackwood, let her client get away with murder? What Art didn’t know was that Brooke Callahan didn’t realize she was really Brooke Blackwood and that her father had left her a legacy of mystery in The Blackwood Files.

A Ghostly Gift


Angie Fox - 2015
    But when a restless spirit stirs up trouble in her friend's resale shop, Verity and her very new, very dead gangster friend team up to learn what is really happening. They discover an age-old secret and must learn the truth behind a mysterious disappearance... before it's too late.

Brain Storm


Cat Gilbert - 2015
    Love the characters, love the plot, love the action! No hokey sci-fi here, just normal people who are surprised by life. - Amazon ReviewPrivate Investigator, Taylor Morrison, has just managed to put her life back together after the death of her husband, when strange things begin to happen around her. Things that can't be explained.Taylor begins her search for answers only to discover that someone else knows what she is capable of and they will stop at nothing to possess it. As Taylor's once ordered world erupts into violence and chaos, she is forced to go on the run, fighting to protect the people she loves, even as she struggles to control the power she doesn't understand. Brain Storm is the first book in the Taylor Morrison psychic suspense thriller series. If you like fast paced action with lots of twists and turns, believable characters, and loads of suspense and intrigue, then you'll love this first installment of this page-turning series.

Beneath Claire's House


Corey J. Popp - 2015
    Popp comes a young adult, supernatural thriller that will keep readers guessing until its shocking conclusion. Sixteen-year-old Claire Young is tormented by a recurring, prophetic nightmare and visitations from gruesome, mutilated ghosts. She's convinced the apparitions intend to harm her widowed father, but there's little she can do locked away in Saint Thomas Psychiatric Hospital. Her situation is hopeless until a mysterious priest delivers the name of a man who may be the only one willing to help. Claire launches a daring scheme that leads her and her best friend to a former paranormal investigator. But the matter is complicated by Claire's own father. Convinced his daughter is schizophrenic, he'll send Claire back to Saint Thomas permanently if he discovers she’s still clinging to her delusions. Claire and her friends must tread lightly to complete the investigation, but amid bizarre twists and chilling encounters, she’ll discover her home's basement is hiding something far more sinister than just ghosts.

Forty-Four Book Twelve (44, #12)


Jools Sinclair - 2015
    Nothing is as it seems. And it's going to take more than Southern hospitality to survive the night. A lot more.

Charmed and Dangerous


Rose Pressey Betancourt - 2015
    Previously a part of the Cocktails and Covens anthology. 10,400 words. Halloween LaVeau hopes that she can finally relax and have a good time at The Bubbling Cauldron's annual Halloween bash. Being the leader of the Underworld isn't as easy as Hallie thought. All the Enchantment Pointe witches have gathered for a night of treats, but no tricks. When Hallie's best friend Annabelle is accused of messing with another witch's magic, Hallie must conjure up her sleuthing skills before all of Enchantment Pointe falls under a spell gone wrong.

A Witch's Lament (The Salem Witches Book 1)


Cathy Walker - 2015
    Her presence ignites events that began centuries ago during the witch trials and stimulates her formerly benign powers into a force beyond earthly bounds. The discovery of a skeleton in a secret room in her house leads her to local police officer, Jerome Phips, whose mother disappeared 30 years earlier during a ritual in Skye's new home. Determined to uncover the truth of his mother's disappearance, Jerome's suspicion falls to Skye's mom, whose presence at the ritual is revealed. Past and present collide as Skye struggles to fulfill a birth-task to protect an ancient knife...the same one Jerome believes played a role in his mother's disappearance. And an ancient evil returns to fulfill its own long-awaited task.

Drawing Vengeance - A Bridgeton Park Cemetery Book: #3


Ophelia Julien - 2015
    And then there's the dead people. But even as they are trying to figure out their relationship status, Cassie's godfather and their mutual boss, Steve Crawford, starts to make headway on finding the man he believes murdered his entire family when Steve was just a child.Cassie and Michael are inevitably brought into the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, the sad spirit of a little boy, probably killed by the same murderer that Steve is pursuing, continues to haunt Cassie. And to make matters worse, Cassie begins to have progressing visions of a deadly hunt where she is the prey. Michael realizes to his chagrin that he can't help her: all they can do is hope that working with Steve and his law enforcement colleagues to find a murderer, might bring an end to the nightmare visions that take Cassie all the way to the gates of hell.

A Boy Named Rabbit (Wake-Robin Ridge #2)


Marcia Meara - 2015
    Look for the man with eyes like winter skies, and hair like a crow’s wing. He’s the one you gotta find.” The remote mountain wilderness of North Carolina swallowed up the ten-year-old boy as he made his way down from the primitive camp where his grandparents had kept him hidden all his life. His dying grandmother, gifted with The Sight, set him on a quest to find the Good People, and though he is filled with fear and wary of civilization, Rabbit is determined to keep his promise to her. When he crosses paths with Sarah and MacKenzie Cole, neither their lives nor his, are ever the same again. The extraordinary little boy called Rabbit has the power to change the world for everyone he meets, and the resourcefulness to save himself from the one person his grandparents had hoped would never find him. His dangerous and bittersweet journey will touch you in unexpected ways, and once you've let Rabbit into your heart, you'll never forget him.

A Dark Root Christmas: Merry's Gift


April Aasheim - 2015
    Suddenly, she's become the parent to a strange baby owl, and the caretaker of what appears to be an enchanted tree. But will her wish for a family Christmas be granted? Or will her mother's desire for a year without a holiday win out? Magick, mystery, and family take center stage in this charming witchy novella featuring the Maddock girls when they are young. This 20k word novella is a prequel story to the popular Daughters of Dark Root series and can be read as a stand alone novel.

Be My Banshee


Joyce Lavene - 2015
    Those without magic need not apply. Salary commensurate with experience. Apply at the agency. No phone calls or psychic links. Sunshine Merryweather is a young witch with a passion for colorful clothes and good food. She is the owner/operator of the Purple Door Detective Agency. Her partner, John, was brutally murdered three days ago, and she won’t stop until she finds his killer. Aine is only interested in one thing when she walks into the building with the purple door–locating the last man alive in the branch of the O’Neill family she haunts as a beane sidhe. She has been asleep for 200 years in a ruined Irish castle and realizes that the world has moved on without her. She needs to find the O’Neill heir and encourage him to start a family or she will pass from existence when he dies. Sunshine sees a potential partner when she looks at the powerful beane sidhe - they could be the next Dynamic Duo! But Aine isn’t interested in Sunshine’s schemes - until the witch agrees to help her locate O’Neill. Even then, it will be a short-term association at best from Aine’s point of view. She has no need of witchcraft. Neither woman is aware of the danger they face as an ancient assassin stalks the old port city of Norfolk, Virginia. It will take more than simple witchcraft or beane sidhe magic to stop the killer. They will have to work together and combine their talents. But can Sunshine and Aine put aside their differences to stop the murders without tearing each other apart?

Will Travel for Trouble Series Boxed Set


Minnie Crockwell - 2015
    By night’s end, a death in the park finds her consoling the deceased man’s widow...or his killer. Whether the dearly departed died by his own hand or whether someone murdered him remains to be seen. It seems the deceased had a lot of character flaws. A lot! Peregrine Ebenezer Alvord, otherwise known as Ben, is tagging along with Minnie on her travels. That he is an early 19th century ghost is only a minor complication. Ben has the ability to venture unseen where others cannot. Minnie never imagined herself as an amateur sleuth, but with Ben’s help, she might just be able to discover the source of the Trouble at Happy Trails! Trouble at Sunny Lake, Book 2: Minnie Crockwell, recreational vehicle enthusiast and traveler, is stressed out from the recent events at Happy Trails RV Park, and she looks forward to some relaxation at an RV park nestled on the shores of beautiful and serene Sunny Lake in Spokane County,Washington. Peregrine Ebenezer (Ben) Alvord, her 19th century ghost traveling companion, assures her that the murder at Happy Trails RV Park is a thing of the past, and that their sojourn at Sunny Lake promises to be a pleasant and peaceful interlude. Ben, however, cannot stop Minnie from investigating a mysterious young man who hides in one of the park cabins, nor can he prevent her from discovering a body at the foot of a lakeside cliff. All he can do is help Minnie as she embroils herself yet again in another murder mystery. Trouble at Glacier, Book 3: Minnie Crockwell, recreational vehicle enthusiast and traveler, lucks into a first come, first-served camping spot at Apgar campground in majestic Glacier National Park, Montana. After the stress over the past few months of finding herself involved in not one but two murders, she looks forward to the serenity of the mountains. She has sworn off sleuthing forever. Until her next-door neighbor is attacked and killed by a bear, that is. Minnie has the bad luck to be the first to discover the body. Not as bad of luck as the victim had, but bad luck nevertheless. So much for the serenity she thought she’d find at Glacier. Peregrine Ebenezer (Ben) Alvord, her 19th century ghost traveling companion, is not so easily convinced this was a mere bear attack, and he unwittingly reactivates Minnie’s sleuthing instincts with his musings of murder and mayhem. Minnie can’t help herself. She’s off and running—on the hunt for another kind of killer. Look for Book 7 soon! Book 1 - Trouble at Happy Trails Book 2 - Trouble at Sunny Lake Book 3 - Trouble at Glacier Boxed Set (Books 1-3) Will Travel for Trouble Book 4 - Trouble at Hungry Lake Book 5 – Trouble at Snake and Clearwater Book 6 – Trouble in Florence

Cross My Heart


Natalie Vivien - 2015
    But when her sister convinces her to flip a rundown house in Niagara Falls, Alex finds herself caught in the middle of a mystery, and she's too curious to leave town before the case is solved. With sexy librarian--and amateur ghost hunter--Trudy Strange by her side, Alex attempts to unravel the clues hidden in the hundred-year-old house, and to restructure her long-held beliefs about life, love, and everything after. In their quest to reveal the secrets haunting the old Victorian, Alex and Trudy uncover a long-buried romance--and succumb, mind, body and soul, to the intense feelings that they have for each other.  But will their new-found trust be strong enough to protect them from the dark force lurking, lying in wait? CROSS MY HEART is a sexy, funny, romantic romp, a tribute to the healing power of love.

Destiny Series Five Novelettes With A Twist


Casi McLean - 2015
    Below are the judges’ comments:At first these stories reel you in to what appears to be a formula romance. Then they turn the genre on its head, throwing a perfectly aimed, delightful curveball at the surprising and satisfying end. The writer doesn't rush any part of the story, letting the reader see, hear, and feel the magical eeriness of one fateful night.

Eli's Coming


Darcia Helle - 2015
    They say his ability is a gift. He calls it a curse. A life of violence and heartache leaves him with nothing left to fight for. Or so he thinks. Amanda steals his heart, but love makes him vulnerable. He must give her up or accept who he is and fight. Will he risk stepping into the darkness that could consume him?

Tales of the Winter Wolf, Vol. 2


R.J. Blain - 2015
    In order to prove herself and escape her father’s chokehold on her life, she’s determined to get on the fast track towards an independent life. However, she never anticipated how meeting Richard Murphy would change her life… Tales of the Winter Wolf follows the adventures of Nicole and Richard, characters from Witch & Wolf #2, Winter Wolf. These stories contain spoilers for the novel. Tales of the Winter Wolf, Vol. 2 includes the following stories: Charmed While Nicolina is relieved to have survived her first quarter at Stanford, there are still a few surprises left in store for her, leaving her with a lot more questions than answers… and an extra mouth to feed. Crash and Burn Richard’s worst fears come to pass when Nicolina’s plane crash lands at the airport, leaving him to either win a dominance battle with her father or witness two of North America’s most dangerous Fenerec run wild in the middle of a crowd. Wild Wolf Richard’s desperation to dominate Desmond and his mate has done far more damage than anyone ever suspected. With his human half in trouble and fading fast, it falls to his wolf to find a way to save them both. To make matters worse, it’s Christmas Eve, and Richard’s past comes to haunt him once again.

Servant of the Skull


Edita A. Petrick - 2015
    Indeed, for as long as her hands rest on the skull, she is a prisoner of its life-history. When she receives a field assignment in Greece to reconstruct skulls of three victims who perished in a plane crash, she thinks it's just for identification purposes. But nothing could have prepared her for the kind of situation she walks into. There are just as many family members who want her to do her job as there are those who'll stop at nothing to prevent it. When the skulls prove to be fake, and a woman's body is found on the bottom of the cliff, Gia knows the killer would rather see her dead than let her confirm the victims' identity.

Tales of the Winter Wolf, Vol. 4


R.J. Blain - 2015
    In order to prove herself and escape her father’s chokehold on her life, she’s determined to get on the fast track towards an independent life. However, she never anticipated how meeting Richard Murphy would change her life… Tales of the Winter Wolf follows the adventures of Nicole and Richard, characters from Witch & Wolf #2, Winter Wolf. These stories contain spoilers for the novel. Tales of the Winter Wolf, Vol. 3 includes the following short stories: Tangles Between her father’s plans to subject her to a trip to Yellowknife and the matted ruins of her hair, Nicolina’s life has become a tangled mess. When help comes from an unexpected source, she’s forced to look at herself and her worst enemy in a different light. Witch When an Inquisition witch shows up to take Richard into custody, Nicolina once again proves he has a lot to learn about Desmond’s daughter. Striking a Deal Dealing with the devil has its risks, but when Nicolina strikes a bargain with Richard Murphy, she fears she has bitten off more than she can chew. In Hot Water What should have been a relaxing side trip to the mountain springs lands Richard in hot water. Breaking Point Everyone has a breaking point, and Nicolina Desmond is no different. When her father crosses the line one too any times, an impulse decision results in her teaming up with Richard Murphy for some good old-fashioned payback. The only problem? Their opponents are three of North America’s most dangerous wolves and the entirety of Richard’s pack.

Tales of the Winter Wolf, Vol. 3


R.J. Blain - 2015
    In order to prove herself and escape her father’s chokehold on her life, she’s determined to get on the fast track towards an independent life. However, she never anticipated how meeting Richard Murphy would change her life… Tales of the Winter Wolf follows the adventures of Nicole and Richard, characters from Witch & Wolf #2, Winter Wolf. These stories contain spoilers for the novel. Tales of the Winter Wolf, Vol. 3 includes the following novellas: The Silvered Wolf With Richard recovering, there’s some hope of salvaging their normal Christmas rituals, but her father’s plans sweep her up into her worst nightmare—one where she’s a bartering chip held by none other than the Silvered Wolf. The Games Wolves Play Richard and his wolf are delighted to have Nicolina for their own for at least several days, but when his parents show up, the game he was playing with Desmond takes a lethal turn.

Blood Stitches


Erin Fanning - 2015
    At least that’s how nineteen-year-old Gabby’s older sister, Esperanza, refers to the magical powers she inherited from their Mayan ancestors. Esperanza says women with El Toque weave magic into their knitting, creating tapestries capable of saving—or devastating—the world. Gabby thinks Esperanza is more like touched in the head—until a man dressed like a candy corn arrives at their Seattle home on Halloween. But "Mr. C" is far from sweet…Soon, Gabby and her almost-more-than-friend, Frank, find themselves spirited away to a demon ball, complete with shape shifters—and on a mission to destroy Esperanza’s tapestries before they cause an apocalyptic disaster…And before it’s too late to confess their true feelings for each other.

Deep Within The Shadows


Teresa J. Reasor - 2015
    One has the reputation for being bold and rash, the other compulsively responsible. When both are viciously attacked within minutes of each other, they are forced to leave their differences behind in order to survive. Caleb Faulkner has always loved Miranda Templeton. Her letters to him, during his deployment gave him a slice of home to hold on to. Even though they’re finally together, something is keeping her from acting on her feelings. When she and her sister are injured Caleb’s driven to protect them both. But all his military training can’t help him combat this danger. Detective Chase Robinson is lead investigator for the murder of Tanner Newton. When the two hired thugs responsible for Tanner’s death are killed and Juliet, his only witness, nearly strangled to death, Chase is certain the crimes are connected. He decides to stay close to the twins so he can catch the real killer. But his police training is useless against his growing feelings for Juliet and what’s hiding Deep Within The Shadows.