paranormal, NOLA, ghosts, supernatural, suspense, murder, Whispersync, friendship

One of those Can't Put It Down Until I Find Out What Happens Next books. Lots of action, plot twists, and suspense, all set in one of my favorite places to be. With supportive friends both living and ghost, Pyper works to solve the murders done by a witch/serial killer and winds up in jail, fighting for her own life, and trying to sort out her relationship with a living ghost, while running her coffee shop and advance her career as a very unusual artist. ( )

Glad I finally got around to trying this author I've been curious about. Of course it was on the fluffy side plus I'm not a fan of cozy mysteries -- but still a nice read with engaging characters.

I checked and now suspect part of the fluffy/breezy feel to it was because I was missing some character backgrounds by not having read her Jade Calhoun series.

The mystery itself ... well, not the pay-attention-and-you-can-make-logical-deductions-from-the-clues-and-evidence sort of mystery. Not that any of the main characters pretended to be detectives or even had an interest in mysteries; they even actively destroyed some evidence to avoid tangling with police. No one missed clues because too stupid.

Keeping in mind I'm not a huge mystery fan and only read some cozy ones for the "funny" parts -- I liked the characters, story and the "funny" bits, I didn't care for the part of the mystery where potential suspects would give off good vibes or bad vibes to characters sure of their instincts for no apparent reason other than author wanting to keep reader guessing (I suppose). Mystery got solved with a meh moment because all depended on a suddenly revealed connection between two characters totally out of the blue for rest of story.

Continuing series? Maybe. Have to be in a mood (and possibly I should read the series that spawned this one first). ( )

My first introduction to Deanna Chase's writing was a few years ago with the Jade Calhoun series first book Haunted on Bourbon Street. I really enjoyed it, but somehow didn't read anymore. Then the opportunity came for me to read the books in her spinoff series, Pyper Rayne from the author and I was excited to try them! I wasn't disappointed.

Spirits, Stilettos and a Silver Bustier is a good read all the way around! While hard to pin it to one specific category, I guess I'd call it a supernatural/paranormal almost cozy urban mystery. There's a little too much sexual innuendo to be a full-on cozy, but there's not so much that it could be considered erotica. It's playful and fun and not offensive.

Ms. Chase has a clear, flowing writing style that makes the story easy to read. I finished this in two days, not because I wanted to stop reading, but because I had to go to work! The action was quickly paced which kept me absorbed until the end. The characters feel real, each having their good sides and bad - even the ghosts!

This may be a spinoff series, but you won't feel lost if you haven't read the Jade Calhoun series. The author does a great job of referring to past events with enough explanation that you understand, but doesn't take away from what is happening in the present. If you enjoy witches, ghosts, magic, and a little mayhem with your mystery; then give Spirits, Stilettos and a Silver Bustier a try! ( )

Spirits, Stilettos and a Silver Bustier by Deanne Chase is a wonderful paranormal mystery book. I love Deanne Chase’s Jade Calhoun series and was excited when she announced this spin-off series with Pyper Rayne. The series is set in New Orleans, Louisiana and Pyper lives in the French Quarter.

Pyper is now a medium. She can see and hear ghosts. Pyper owns the coffee shop, Grind (where the resident ghost, Ida May, likes to make mischief), but she is also a body painter. She has been offered a gallery opening of her work (photographs of her work as well as some live models). Pyper is out shopping with Jade for a dress for Pyper’s gallery opening. They are shopping at Ruby’s Vintage Fashions . After making their purchases, the girls go to lunch. Pyper decides to go back and get a dress she just loved (despite the astronomical cost). Unfortunately, someone has killed Ruby and Pyper ends up being suspect number one.

Julius, a sexy ghost that Pyper met last Halloween, returns. Pyper is thrilled to see him and is still attracted to him. Julius died in 1924 protecting Grace (a seer). Julius worked for the Witches Council (he was a witch which is why he can be solid and also have ghostly form). Julius helps Pyper find out who killed Ruby. They find out that someone (a witch) is doing a horrible spell to add years to their life. The spell requires the witch to kill two mundanes (normal humans) and a person who is a seer, telepath, empathy, or medium. The witch takes their life force. Julius is determined to protect Pyper and not see history repeat itself.

I give Spirits, Stilettos and a Silver Bustier 4.5 out of 5 stars. I loved the book but did not find it as good as the Jade Calhoun series. This book has a mystery, handsome men, ghosts, witches, and humor! Spirits, Stilettos and a Silver Bustier is not to be missed!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest review. ( )