When Misty Dawn, a former Hollywood Psychic to the Stars, moves into an old craftsman house, she encounters the former owner, the recently deceased Hollywood set designer, Wilson Thorne. Wilson is unaware of his circumstances, and when Misty explains the particulars of his limbo state, and how he might help himself if he helps her, he’s not at all happy. That is until young actress Zoey … Zoey Chamberlain comes to Misty’s door for help.
Zoey has recently purchased The Pink Mansion, a historic Hollywood Hills home, and believes it’s haunted. But when Misty arrives to search the house, it’s not a ghost she finds, but a dead body.
The police are quick to suspect Zoey of murdering her best friend. Zoey maintains her innocence and fears her friend’s death may have been a result of the ghost…and a long-time family curse.
Together Misty and Wilson must untangle the secrets of The Pink Mansion or submit to the powers of the family curse.
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THE HOUSE ON HALLOWED GROUND by Nancy Cole Silverman | A Henery Press Mystery. If you like one, you’ll probably like them all.
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“The House on Hallowed Ground” by Nancy Cole Silverman opens with a first person narrative by Misty Dawn, Hollywood’s Psychic to the Stars. She has a clientele that includes the “Who’s Who of Hollywood,” and she is a respected consultant to the FBI on major crimes. She lives in a nice, quiet little house, but that was before she moved in; now it is haunted. She shares her home with the spirit of the recently deceased former owner, Wilson Thorne, a “shade,” a person who is “stuck” between worlds. Misty soon finds out that the care and training of a ghost in limbo is not an easy task. Now, a new client, Zoey, who lives “The Pink Mansion,” an historic home, built in the early 1900s, seeks Misty’s help because her house is haunted.
Silverman plays characters against each other in friendly comradery and competition. The narrative continues in a casual conversation-driven plot including conversations with both people and spirits. Not only are ghosts playing annoying practical jokes by moving things around, but there is also is a dead body in the historic Hollywood home, and the police are involved. Questions arise and answers are not forthcoming. Help from ghosts is needed, but not even the ghosts know the identity of the killer. People are not who they seem to be and detective work must be done.
“The House on Hallowed Ground” is a quick, easy-to-read story of suspense, emotion, and some danger but without blood and gore. The characters are likeable and funny. The plot is current with echoes of Old Hollywood and moves carefully and methodically to a satisfying climax. I received a review copy of “The House on Hallowed Ground” from Nancy Cole Silverman, and Henery Press. Only in a Hollywood ghost story would “The Academy Award” be used as a doorstop.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This new series from Nancy Cole Silverman is off to an excellent start.
Psychic Misty Dawn has foretold many events for the Hollywood elite, but she is now at a crossroads in her life, broke and living in her VW van with her cat. When her client Denise Thorne comes up with a win-win for both of them it is hard to refuse. Misty can move into her deceased brother’s house until she decides what to do with it as long as Denise can receive readings whenever she wants. Misty excepts but quickly realizes she got a little more than she bargained for. Denise’s brother Wilson is still occupying the house, well at least his ghost is.
Unsure as to why he hasn’t moved on, Misty explains his limbo status and tells him if they work together she may be able to help him crossover. His services are needed almost immediately when Zoey Chamberlain, a young actress and a descendent of Hollywood royalty comes knocking on the door. She has purchased “The Pink Mansion” down the street from Wilson’s house. She believes the mansion is haunted and wants Misty’s help. As Misty arrives to check the place out she sees the police coming in and out of the mansion. A dead body has been found in the backyard. The deceased worked as Zoey’s body double and amidst Zoey’s cries of innocence, the police have named her as their top suspect.
Misty decides with Wilson’s help she can solve the case by finding the real killer and saving her new friend Zoey. She also explains his help may curry favor to help him move forward to his quest to get to the great beyond.
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Over the years I have become more comfortable reading stories like this which I call paranormal light. Thank you, Joyce Lavene! An author, we lost much too soon. What I mean is that for the most part the ghosts are friendly and stay within the cozy mystery norms.
In this story, we encounter more than one ghost, and like the characters still living the author takes the time to develop them so well. I really like Misty. She is comfortable in her own skin and she knows her job and its limits. The relationship that evolves between her and Wilson is genuine, a friendship really blooms between them. Some of their dialogues are laugh out loud funny and eventually they start work together so well. I have to say the way Wilson evolves over the course of the story was extraordinary and delightful to read. Denise is pushy and she and her brother clearly never saw eye to eye. Zoey is a very interesting character. Her life continues to pull her in different directions and the world’s eyes are watching everything she does.
The settings in this story, both Wilson’s craftsman and Zoey’s Pink Mansion really caught my interest. The Pink Mansion has a history and is what imagine would be perfect for a movie star. Wilson was a set designer and his home fits him and is filled with treasures he has accumulated. It is easy for Misty to move comfortably through both places and even make herself at home at Wilson’s.
The mystery uncovers so much and I don’t want to spoil anything so I am just going to say I loved every little twist the author puts into this story. I was totally consumed by it. The ending was priceless.
Well-written and plotted with great characters. I found the story to be very entertaining and I am anxious to see where Ms. Cole Silverman takes this series and the characters next.
What better time of year than autumn to read about psychics and ghosts and other-worldly happenings, things beyond the veil of this world and somewhere else.
The beginning of a fresh new series, I was not sure what to expect. First books sometimes take a while for readers to adjust, adapt, feel comfortable with the characters. Not this time. I felt right at home quickly and began to care not only about Misty Dawn, the psychic who has fallen down on her luck and “aged out” of the Hollywood scene, but also with Wilson, her reluctant ghostly spiritual sidekick.
Misty Dawn is starting over, figuring out her next part of life’s journey and Wilson is figuring out how to be dead. Their connection is his house, with a bit of help from his sister, Denise.
Another house, the Pink Mansion, comes into play when a young starlet purchases it and comes to Misty’s door asking for help. Could Zoey’s new mansion be haunted? What begins as a ghost hunt turns into the search for a murderer, and as happens, other secrets are revealed along the way.
There will be heartbreak but also friendships formed. I see so much potential for this to become a favorite series. Whether you believe in ghosts or psychics or predictions or not – you will enjoy this book and look forward to a new relationship with personalities and spirits on both sides of the veil.
I really enjoyed this mystery. This is the first book in the Misty Dawn Series. Misty Dawn is a psychic to the stars who is down on her luck. A client who is a realtor offers her use of her deceased brother’s house to live in until she decides what to do with it. Since she is living in her van she moves in. The house however is not empty, the original owner, Wilson, is still living there as a ghost. A starlet knocks on her door asking her to help with her haunted house. When she visits the next day there are ghosts but also a dead body in the pool. She sets out to help the ghosts and solve the murder. I liked the relationships and the Hollywood setting. Wilson and Misty work really well together. I also like it that Misty works with the police. The mystery was good and there were enough suspects. I am looking for word to reading more in this series. I can’t wait to see what trouble Wilson and Misty get into. Enjoy
The House on Hallowed Ground , #1 in the Misty Dawn series, is a cozy mystery mixed with the paranormal. Misty Dawn is the same psychic from the Carol Childs mysteries. She is entangled with a stubborn ghost whose flirty ways cause her to become embroiled in the Pink Mansion murder investigation. Lighthearted fun with ghosts and humans as the race to solve a murder ensues, with a twisty turn or two that keep one guessing.
The cover really drew me in and the rest of the book definitely did not disappoint. Loved everything about it. Great characters. Wilson is definitely a pleasant surprise and a wonderful “partner” in psychic mystery solving. Misty is a great leading character, strong and smart. Really enjoyed the story/mystery and couldn’t put the book down. Glad I have book 2 so I can start right away.
I loved this book! The setting, the characters, the story- everything! Misty Dawn former pyschic to the stars, finds herself moving into an old house who’s former owner was a set designer. Not only does she get the fully furnished house, but the recently deceased owner Wilson Thorne to boot! He hasn’t moved on yet and with Misty’s help he will be able to, but first he has to help Misty out.
Hollywood starlett Zoey is convinced her house – the Pink Mansion is haunted and sees outs Misty to help her but she discovered more than a ghost – the dead body of Zoey’s friend and double Lacey! Was it a ghost of bumped off Lacy or someone more living? I loved how the story had lots of twists and turn, I thought I had the answers pegged a few time until Sivlerman pulled the knot tighter and I discovered I was wrong! This book had me hooked from the beginning, I loved the whole paranormal aspect and I really hope we get to see more of Wilson in the coming book, he and Misty were the perfect duo in this book – despite him being dead!
5 spooky stars!
Nancy Cole Silverman The House on Hallowed Ground is the first book I’ve read by Nancy Cole Silverman.
Misty Dawn is a well known Psychic to the Stars! Well, she was. Now she lives with her cat in her VW, trying to decide what comes next.
Well, what comes next is house sitting for a client whose brother just died, leaving the property to her. Misty keeps the house occupied until Denise decides what to do with it, gets free readings whenever she wants. Except the House is still occupied. Former owner Denise’s brother Wilson is there, and completely unaware of his new corporally-challenged status.
Enter Hollywood starlet Zoey, another possibly haunted house, and one very dead body. Can Misty and Wilson help Zoey clear her name (and her house) before more bodies appear?
I definitely want more — solid 4.5 stars rounded to 5!
OMG! I love this new series. I became acquainted with Misty Dawn when I read the Carol Childs’ series. She was such a great character. So glad that Nancy Cole Silverman felt Misty Dawn had some stories of her own to tell. This is a well written ‘whodunnit’, that had me hooked from the very beginning. Being a psychic, Misty can connect with ghosts and she does, including Wilson Thorne, former owner of the house Misty moves into. In the end, I was so happy to see that Wilson wasn’t ready to leave yet. I am looking forward to more stories involving Misty and Wilson.
THE HOUSE ON HALLOWED GROUND by Nancy Cole Silverman
The First Misty Dawn Mystery
Misty Dawn was a well known psychic to the stars seen on talk shows and known for helping the FBI. Times change, however, and she’s been living out of her van, having given most of the money she earned away. Misty has just moved into the home of her client’s recently deceased brother, Wilson, after receiving an offer she can’t refuse. The California cottage is filled with pieces the set designer collected over the years, as well as his spirit. When a young starlet from a famous Hollywood family shows up asking for Misty’s help, stating that her house is haunted Wilson becomes Misty’s reluctant spirit guide. Trouble is compounded for Zoey when her best friend is found dead in her pool. Surely it was an accident, wasn’t it?
I thoroughly enjoyed THE HOUSE ON HALLOWED GROUND. Psychic Mediums, ghosts, and murder in the Hollywood Hills make a perfect combination! I really like Misty. I appreciate the fact that she’s a woman of mature years and has the calm self assuredness that comes from being top in her field. Watching Wilson develop is pretty wonderful and though I want what’s best for him, I hope he’ll stick around a good long while. I hope we get to see more of Bossypants as the series continues.
The writing is sharp and the details of psychics and mediumship is realistic and fairly authentic in this first Misty Dawn Mystery. Plenty of humor, the whole Hugh Jackman thread is a hoot, combines with a well plotted intelligent mystery to make you want to keep reading.
THE HOUSE ON HOLLOWED GROUND is a fantastic start to a new series that hooked me from the start.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through Edelweiss, in the hopes I would review it.
The House on Hallowed Ground by Nancy Cole Silverman is a fabulously written mystery, with ghosts, a psychic, a movie star, her entourage, and all these other wonderful characters.
Will Misty and Wilson figure out who killed Lacy before Zoey loses everything?
Misty Dawn
Misty Dawn is a psychic. She helps those who need assistance. Misty has a huge heart and isn’t afraid of reaching out to people. At times, she gets annoyed with the non-believers but isn’t rude to them. I found that I like Misty and even with our age difference I would love to be her friend.
Wilson Thorne
Wilson is a thorn in Misty’s side (pun intended) at the beginning, but with time he grows on Misty and me. Although I must say that he doesn’t magically change, but with the help of a sweet little girl, we can see a different side of the grumpy man.
The Pink Mansion’s Mystery
So, the mystery is superb. I loved the twist and turns that wind us through the tale of infidelity, jealousy, betrayal, and murder. Now add to that a few ghosts, and you have got a well-rounded heck of a story. Alicia Mae completely pulled my heartstrings. Zoey is so much stronger than people think she is but Zoey need to really look at the people that she lets into her inner circle.
4 Stars for The House on Hallowed Ground
I am giving The House on Hallowed Ground by Nancy Cole Silverman four stars. Ms. Silverman has created such a fantastic world. I can’t wait to see what Misy and Wilson encounter next. If you like a cozy with a touch of paranormal, then you will love this one.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the author. 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 Limbonian by Mikki Noble.
Anyways, until next time,
Karen the Baroness
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This new series knocks it out of the ballpark for this reader!
I have enjoyed all of Nancy’s books so far and I was intrigued by this new series. I’m iffy on the stories that focus on more paranormal angles but am very glad that I gave this story a whirl.
Misty Dawn may be down but don’t count her out quite yet. Misty is living in a VW van, which is not an ideal situation for anyone even if you live in California with nice weather most of the year. One of her clients has a solution, for Misty to live in the house where her brother, William, died while she figures out what to do with his house and possessions. Sounds too good to be true, right? What Denise (the client) doesn’t know is that her brother’s spirit is still there and he does not like Denise and isn’t thrilled with Misty’s presence in his house. Let’s just say he doesn’t make it easy on Misty in the beginning but they end up forging a sort of friendship and alliance when it comes to ghosts. William even becomes enamored with a four year old ghost that is part of the mystery.
I really enjoyed everything about this book and the mystery is well written and even I didn’t figure out the killer until it was all revealed. There are several suspects but nothing to really pin it to anyone. I wondered about the killer because of some answers to questions didn’t always jive, but I didn’t suspect anyone.
This story has humor, a mystery, friendships were broken, new friendships made, and even some touching moments in the end when it comes to the child ghost. You do have to stretch your imagination when it comes to William driving his cars. He is a ghost and not something I would have expected a ghost to be able to do, but it made for an interesting twist in the story.
We give this book 5 paws up and anticipate that the rest of the series will be outstanding.