Ghosts for Mardi GrasGiulia Driscoll used to say running a detective agency was the busiest job she’d ever had. Then the ghosts showed up, and she figured now she’s the busiest ever. This of course challenged the Universe to say, “Hold my beer.”Today she’s running the agency, sleuthing on behalf of the ghosts, and being the mother of a two-month-old. At last she understands those 5-Hour Energy … commercials.The Universe then dropped two clients in her lap for Mardi Gras: a family greedy to find hidden money and the son of her least-favorite person, Ken Kanning of The Scoop. The positive: a date night! The not-so-positive: it’s a working date night. Driscoll Investigations is joining the big Mardi Gras costume charity gala to search for potential thieves. Kanning Junior will be at the party showing off his tame ghost. The Scoop, a few hundred drunk revelers, a mercenary family, and a ghost who isn’t as tame as the kid thinks. What could possibly go wrong? Did someone just hear the Universe say, “Hold my beer”?
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I loved it! Another awesome book! I can’t wait for the next book! This is a must read series!
“Better Than Nun” earns 5/5 Mardi Gras Confetti…Engaging Fun!
Countdown to Mardi Gras…Driscoll Investigations has been approached by two prospective clients offering them another curious case. Several months ago, Vernon Jevens died under curious circumstances making police suspicious of the families’ participation. However, his will was less generous to the family, and they’ve come to Giulia for her assistance. Vernon Jevens was the benefactor for the Children with Cancer charity event to be held at the estate on Mardi Gras, and his surviving son and sister-in-law hope the DI team would in attendance to keep an eye on the festivities. Hidden inheritance? It would just be the old man’s last laugh. But, the tabloid reporter for “The Scoop,” not well liked by Giulia, has his own request as a client. His eleven-year-old son can communicate with ghosts? Just another day at Driscoll Investigations.
Where have I been? Alice Loweecey’s Giulia Driscoll series is brilliant! I started with this sixth book and found some confusion about the “ghost” references, but after a few chapters, they mostly ironed themselves out. There is much to unpack in this engaging story with greedy relatives, a tabloid-style reporter, his young son, a couple of suspicious deaths, and a ghost to round out the intrigue. All this done with a delightful writing style centered around a countdown of the days to Mardi Gras and an “I didn’t see that coming!” ending. Loweecey uses descriptive language, humor, and dialogue that illustrates well the various settings (Wow, on how she describes the Jevens’ creepy house), characters (pictures form quickly in my mind’s eye), and personalities (mostly admirable, but quirky and annoying come to mind), and the paranormal aspect works well…I’m hooked! She also offers further insights into Giulia’s cloistered past, marriage, and new motherhood personae as it relates to her motivations. It’s a good sized book that will take several sittings to finish. But every time I opened up the book to continue, I was totally engaged. It was only the lateness of the hour that forced me to pause.
A couple of thoughts beyond the story. I love the cover(s)…the font for the title, the car, the habit blowing behind, this time with Mardi Gras decorations and confetti floating about. Please don’t change them! And her bio mentions a “Baker of brownies…” I’d love to have found a brownie recipe included. Just saying…
A private investigator with two cases that are linked, coincidence?
Better Than Nun by Alice Loweecey is a wonderful paranormal mystery. I enjoyed the different characters and the use of ghostly vengeance.
Giulia Driscoll
Giulia is a strong character with a wonderful ability to see ghosts. She is a former nun, wife, and new mother. Giulia has this authoritative voice (her Nun school teacher voice) and attitude that she uses to make even grown men snap to attention.
Likes
• Giulia’s ability to see ghosts and now auras
• The friendship and closeness of the Driscoll Investigations team
• The pop culture references to old horror movies
• The separation of Family and Professional life
• The spirits, witches and tarot readers
Dislikes
• The story moves slowly at times
• Sometimes the DI team go off in crazy tangents
Mystery
The mystery is kind of basic, and just when you think it is a Scooby Doo type of ending there is a nice twist. However, the mystery moves slowly until the final chapters of the book.
4 Stars for Better Than Nun by Alice Loweecey
My rating for Better Than Nun by Alice Loweecey is four stars. The book has a nice vibe and is entertaining, especially for those of us who love that ghostly supernatural side of the story. I recommend this book to the paranormal cozy mystery readers out there.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Better Than Nun by Alice Loweecey.
Anyways, until next time,
Karen the Baroness
Happy Reading
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