by Kathleen Costa
Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win an ebook or print copy of this book, and a link to purchase it from Amazon.
“I know what the gray mist means...a ghost!”
It was fortuitous when Wilhelmina Chance inherited her grandmother’s bookstore, Last Chance Books. Willa had been in a near-fatal accident leaving her in discomfort along with a limp, and in the will her grandmother stated she wanted her to return home...home to Mystic Notch, New Hampshire. Along with the business, she also took ownership of a house and a delightful gray and furry cat named Pandora, and although most bookstores may not boast having “regulars,” she does, and they greet her every morning, often coffee in hand, to spread and receive local gossip. Her senior citizen fan club consists of octogenarian twins Cordelia and Hattie Deering, retired magician Bingham “Bing” Thorndike, and retired postmaster Josiah Barrows who always provided interesting insights. She has family, too; her sister Augusta “Gus” is the town sheriff, and she has a wonderful relationship with Eddie Striker, the sheriff from the Dixford Pass.
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The “mystical” fun is that, ever since the accident, Willa has been able to see ghosts. First there were odd misty swirls, then a form, then she could hear and talk to the image. There was always something the ghost wanted: unfinished business, solving a mystery, finding their murderer. She isn’t in it on her own; her BFF Pepper knows, and circumstances revealed that Striker can see ghosts, too. It’s not always the same ghost, but his understanding of her gift adds to their connection. And then there’s the two ghosts who reside in the bookstore that provide non-corporeal support: Robert Frost and Franklin Pierce.
Although Willa is dealing with her ghostly connections pretty well, it’s what she doesn’t know....Pandora is more than just a “fur” friend. She is an integral part of a large clowder of cats. Cats who are much more than companions, they protect their humans. Pandora has tried unsuccessfully to telepathically communicate with Willa, but she apparently isn’t listening.
Wrong Side of the Claw earns 5/5 Ghostly Conundrums...Exciting Entertainment!
Willa and the other business owners of Mystic Notch have been on edge because a rash of break-ins. The so-called thieves haven’t really taken anything and suspiciously her sister/sheriff Gus isn’t really dedicated to the investigation devoid of her “by the book” attitude. Pandora knows something sinister is afoot in Mystic Notch worried that once again Fluff and his human Felicity may be looking for the hidden ingredients to break the “pleasantry” charm cast on the town three centuries ago. But when things escalate to murder, and Gus seems in no hurry to find answers, Willa is compelled to get involved. Well, she has to, the victim’s ghost just showed up, confused about details and having difficulty focusing. Talking to ghosts can still be quite the challenge.
Stupendous Seven! My first introduction to Leighann Dobbs was with her delightful twelve-book Lexy Baker Cozy (don’t miss it), so how did I miss her Mystic Notch series? It’s clever, humorous, and with just the right amount of magic! I enjoyed the first-person narrative from Willa’s perspective, but it’s Pandora that fascinated me the most. We know Willa is unaware of all that happens in the town, although strange things occur that make her suspicious. I hadn’t read the previous six books, so it took a bit to sort out background, character connections, and the mystique behind Mystic Notch, but once I did I was totally engaged in the story. Leighann’s well-written style includes a clever mystery, unique mystic components, vivid descriptions, and wonderful, well-developed characters. The cats, all breeds, ages, and temperaments, were delightful characters. Leighann did a wonderful job of describing each one in its uniqueness and creating dialogue to best fit each personality making them as human as the...humans. Absolute fun!
Be a Fan!
Leighann Dobbs, a USA Today bestselling author, writes several delightful, entertaining cozy series that have quite the fan following. Some are traditional, some with a bit of magic, and some with a bit more of an edge. She also pens several contemporary and humorous romance books including a Regency romance series. Click on the genre to check out a complete BOOK LIST. She also writes under the name L. A. Dobbs penning the five-book Sam Mason Mystery Series and the Rockford Security Series with two books out now, one on preorder, and it looks like three for further publication. Leighann Dobbs is an all-around author of entertainment any kind of reader can enjoy!
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Website - Leighann Dobbs, Author
To enter to win an ebook or print copy of Wrong Side of the Claw, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "wrong,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen August 10, 2019. If entering via comment please include your email address and if entering via email please include your mailing address if you want a print copy. BE SURE TO STATE IF YOU WANT PRINT OR EBOOK. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.
Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section in Kings River Life and in our mystery category here on KRL News & Reviews. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. And check out our new mystery podcast which features mystery short stories and first chapters read by local actors! A new episode went up this week!
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'Kathleen Costa is a long-time resident of the Central Valley, and although born in Idaho, she considers herself a “California Girl.” Graduating from CSU-Sacramento, she is a 35+ year veteran teacher having taught in grades 1-8 in schools from Sacramento to Los Angeles to Stockton to Lodi. Currently Kathleen is enjoying her retirement revitalizing hobbies along with exploring writing, reading for pleasure, and spending 24/7 with her husband.
Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.
Interesting series. Haven't read these before. Would like a print copy.
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Sounds interesting. Count me in!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so good! Legallyblonde1961 at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteI would love to read this book! I prefer print copy. Thanks! almaj80(at)suddenlink(dot)net
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a good series. Thanks for the review and contest. ckmbeg (at) gmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteI would love to win a print copy of this. doward1952(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteWould really like to win a print copy. Thanks for the chance.
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Thanks for the chance. Bjfoerst@gmail.com
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Love the cover. Looks like a book I would enjoy very much. Print please if I am lucky. Thank you so much for this chance. pgenest57(at)aol(dot)com
ReplyDeleteWould love the print book. Love the series.
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