From New York Times-bestselling author Deanna Chase, the first book in the Pyper Rayne series (a spin-off of the Jade Calhoun Series).
All Pyper Rayne—medium and coffee shop owner—wanted was the perfect vintage dress. What she got was a dead shop owner and a sexy ghost who’s suddenly everywhere—at her shop, in her car, and even lounging in her bedroom. But he’s not just any ghost. He’s a witch … ghost. He’s a witch and able to appear in solid form…sometimes. If only he’d stop disappearing on her.
And Pyper needs his help. When she becomes target numero uno and the prime suspect in the shop owner’s death, it appears her ghost holds the key to solving the murder. In between stolen kisses, Pyper will need to get to the bottom of all of his secrets if she wants to stay alive and out of jail…and maybe finally get that date he keeps promising her.
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This series is a spin-off from the Jade Calhoun series. I loved Pyper in the Jade books, so I’m excited to see her get her own series. The same supernatural elements (including black magic) from the Jade books still appear in the Pyper books, but somehow the overall feel of this series is lighter than in the Jade series. I find the lighter tone even more enjoyable than the original series. Any fan of Deanna Chase will enjoy this book. If you’ve never read Deanna Chase’s work, you’re really missing out!
Lots of fun! This is a light, fast paranormal mystery. Pyper Rayne is a coffee-shop owner and medium. She finds the perfect vintage dress for an occasion, but unfortunately also finds a dead body and a sexy ghost (NOT related to the dead body!). Now she’s suspected of killing the dead body, and she’s also the target of a serial killer who has been killing the women who wore the vintage silver dress. Her only option is to bring together the sexy ghost and the local coven, in the hope they might have the answers to protect her and stop the killer. It sounds like a ridiculous group of possibilities, but somehow these story lines actually work, and intertwine, and end up producing an enjoyable read. I’ll be reading the second in the series soon.
Loved this book, love this author! Highly entertaining, keeps your attention. A very fun read!
I adore the sass and dimension she gives her characters. They not only seem like real people, they seem like real people I’d want to hang out with. I watch Pyper’s life unfold as the mystery does, and am just thoroughly entertained from cover to cover.
So much fun! This mystery will keep you guessing and I loved the magic element and the murderer’s motive. Plus, I’d just returned from a trip to NOLA so this book really reminded me of the city.
Loved this story. I had read the first book in the series and was expecting a lot. I wasn’t disappointed. This is entertaining and interesting.
Just love the whole series, fun read.
Audiobook review- Great story! Murder, mystery, mayhem, and a ghost returning to life! Julius has to be one of my favorites in this series! The narrator did a great job! I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I liked Pyper in the Jade Calhoun series and I enjoy her spin-off series almost as much. I think Pyper lost a little bit of herself in her own books, but perhaps it feels that way because as the supporting character in Jade’s books, I didn’t get the whole picture of her. No matter what Pyper’s adventures are entertaining and an easy, quick read.
This was my first book by Deanna Chase and it won’t be my last. I loved Pyper and her attitude – she’s a bit feisty, a lot sassy, and while she’s a free spirit, she’s also driven, dedicated, and loyal. I know there was another series before this that featured Jade and Kane, Pyper’s friends, but I don’t felt that not having read them took away from this book. I thought the plot was cool, fun, and a bit spooky, everything I needed for some stress free down time.
This was my first paranormal book from Deanna and I was entertained, although I wouldn’t say it was my absolute favorite. I did enjoy the characters, even though they were odd to put it mildly. The love interest with a ghost who could turn solid was just downright weird at first. It took a long time to warm up to that aspect. I think the raunchy ghost Ida May was hilarious and broke up the monotony pretty well.
I had several critiques though. When it came to the writing, there were times that scenes would change with a new chapter and a bit of time would have elapsed, or the setting would be completely different. It made the story a bit choppy. The hatred and bigotry against the NOPD (police) was also distracting. And to be honest, it was a bit of a put-off. I can understand writing in a bad cop every once in a while, but this felt more like an outright blanket across the entire force which was hard to stomach. Pyper as a character came across as a prude at times, but strong, confident, and bold at others when it came to men. When she was prudish, it was hard to imagine her as someone who “managed” a strip club at some point of her life. She was also way too trusting and finding the good in everyone for someone who had been trampled on for most of her life. When they wrapped up the mystery with several chapters to go, it was obvious there would be another twist which was easy to expect. Some of the details were a bit too conveniently written in to be a true mystery, but it was an ok read in that aspect.
All in all, I enjoyed the story enough to keep going in the series. I just wish the story had been a bit better written so that I could say I loved it as much as Deanna Chase’s other books.
Good light read.
Loved the characters in this book!
I’ve read her Bourbon Street books and was interested to see this spin off featuring a prominent character. Pyper was much more likable than I expected, and I enjoyed this story.
once I got into it I read the whole book in one sitting! Great plot. Unusual characters.
I haven’t read the series before this one, and that meant there were too many references I didn’t get. 🙁
I liked this book
Fun.
Loved it—quirkinesses and stories of the characterd
Very entertaining, well written and easy to get lost in.