"Champagne, Sunrise, & Dead Guys" By Jennifer Fischetto: Review/Giveaway

 Review by Kathleen Costa

Details at the end of this post on how to win an ebook copy of the book and a link to purchase the it.

I See Dead Guys and…Gals!

An unfortunate childhood accident resulted in a “one minute and thirty-two second” near-death experience for Gianna Mancini, and later, she was shocked to find she was able to see, hear, and talk to the dead. Over the years, she’s become more adept shielding these ghostly interactions from public view, sometimes with her family’s help and those whom she’s taken into her confidence. The biggest challenge is these ghosts are victims of murder and expect Gianna to discover how they got into their afterlife predicament. Despite being pushy about getting answers, popping in and out indiscriminately, their impaired memories of the incident make them unreliable. Gianna has been very successful finding the killer, avoiding situations that potentially would put her on the ghostly side of life, and her reward is a heartfelt thank you and goodbye as the ghost crosses over through her parent’s deli freezer. She never knows when the next incident will occur, but it never turns out to be convenient.


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Image Source Gemma Halliday
Champagne, Sunrise, & Dead Guys
Earns 5/5 Three-Inch Heels … Engaging Fun!

It was an unwelcome surprise to be woken up, then driven to the beach to witness the colorful sunrise, but it immediately turned to one of those forever family tales when Gianna’s beau Julian Reed knelt in front of her with a ring and a “will you?” request. To celebrate Gianni’s “yes” response and announce the engagement to the family, Julian arranged for everyone to meet at The Epicurean, an upscale restaurant. Despite the three-inch heels Gianna chose to wear, the evening was special, everyone was excited, and the restaurant owner comped the champagne. Gianna recognizes Roberto Castillo, introduced as the owner and head chef, as the man she saw earlier arguing with a smartly dressed woman. Julian explains she was Tamara Evans, food critic and Roberto’s ex-wife, a double whammy to instigate a conflict … or murder! Gianna goes to the restroom and finds the body of Tamara in the next stall, and with a burst of shimmering light, her ghost hovering above.

“I do!” Believe in Spooks! Jennifer Fischetto’s newest book in Gianna Mancini Mystery series has another ghost hounding Gianna for answers, but an added drama point is whether her fiancé is acting as a “fixer” for a possible prime suspect. Julian and Gianna have similar “fixing” jobs, but each with different outcomes; Julian covers up and Giana uncovers. The victim is able to shed some light on possible motives for her murder with an ex-husband, money conflicts, a broken affair, and her negative reviews causing negative feelings becoming avenues for Gianna to explore, but then Gianna’s cousin, Claudia, enters with her own hidden agenda and emotional dilemma. This is very disconcerting, but deliciously entertaining, sending the investigation closer to home! This ninth book brings up different marital conditions causing newly engaged Gianna angst and questioning her future with Julian. There’s her parents excellent example of marital bliss and her own sister’s rocky start, but final blissful family unit to her cousin’s contentious separation, resorting to stalking, and the victim’s divorce that may be a motive for murder. Filled with secrets and subterfuge, ghosts and gangs, mayhem and murder, this was an exciting and engaging read!

Jennifer’s writing style is one I enjoy with descriptive language to the illustrate well the environment and diverse characters, and the banter fits a wide range of multigenerational personalities. Gianna has evolved well dealing with the different ghosts, taking the mysteries seriously, and honing a successful skill set to find answers, but this time she entertained the idea of just sending the victim’s ghost on her way … is it ghost burn out? But, family trumps it all, and with a close family dynamic, she’s once again compelled, intrigued, and surprised to be asked to join her cop/brother Enzo in the investigation to learn the truth. The idea of a “fixer” was a unique element, and the idea “fixing” may go beyond just an inner circle added a dramatic obstacle. Strong family connections define this series, and with that Gianna manages to be true to her family ideals of fairness. Well-written fun! Perilous problems! Good ghost fun!

A Gianna Mancini [& Dead Guys] Mystery

Lipstick, Lies & Dead Guys (2015) KRL’s Mysteryrat’s Maze Podcast highlights the first chapter with a fun performance by local talented actor Teya Juarez.

Christmas, Spies, & Dead Guys (short story in "Cozy Christmas Shorts" collection 2015)

Mini Skirts, Mai Tais, & Dead Guys (2016)

Cupcakes, Butterflies, & Dead Guys (2016)

Stilettos, Bow Ties, & Dead Guys (2021) KRL News Review HERE

Diamonds, Pies, & Dead Guys (2021) KRL News Review HERE

Ghosts, Private Eyes, & Dead Guys (2021) KRL News Review HERE

Balloons, Allies, & Dead Guys (2022) KRL News Review HERE

Tutus, Fries, & Dead Guys (2022) KRL News Review HERE

Champagne, Sunrise, & Dead Guys (2023)

Be a Big Fan of Jennifer Fischetto!

USA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer Fischetto pens the delightful Gianna Mancini Mysteries with an “I see dead people” twist. She also co-writes the model turned private investigator series, Jamie Bond Mysteries, with Gemma Halliday. She also penned Death by Scones in the GHP Danger Cove multi-author series starring Riley Spencer, new owner of Cinnamon Sugar Bakery. All are entertaining, clever with a strong female lead. A cozy for everyone’s taste.

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Website Jennifer Fischetto

Jennifer Fischetto Newsletter Sign Up

Be a Big Fan of Gemma Halliday Publishing!

Gemma Halliday Publishing is a “small, boutique publisher of quality women's genre fiction.” There library of stories have “laughter, heart, and lots of clever plot twists,” with no graphic descriptions, their books perfect for eighteen-year-olds to eighty-year-old.

Facebook – GHPublishing

Website – Gemma Halliday Publishing

Enter to win an eBook copy of Champagne, Sunrise, & Dead Guys by Jennifer Fischetto by making a comment below about paranormal elements: (1) a favorite literary ghost, (2) a personal experience with the ghostly, or (3) your favorite book with a paranormal twist. Or simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "sunrise,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen April 29, 2023. US residents only and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via comment please include your email address so we can contact you. 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.

You can use this link to purchase the book or click here. If you have adblocker on you may not be able to see the Amazon link:

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.

Comments

  1. My favorite ghost is probably The ghost of Christmas Present.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sounds like another good book. Thanks for the chance.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  3. We have a winner!
    Lorie Ham

    ReplyDelete

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