Review of eBook

Psychic investigator Fallon Jones, director of Jones and Jones, finds himself involved in the investigation of a bookstore at the request of its new owner, Fitch. He believes something bad happened in the bookstore . . . a murder, perhaps . . . and wants the psychic detective to investigate.

At the same time, bodies keep turning up; the J&J agent says a rogue is responsible. Fallon worries about spending time on the bookstore case when he feels he should be focusing on Nightshade and the rogue. Nevertheless, he heads for the bookstore.

While the rogue continues to strike, Fallon vacillates between needing coffee and visiting the bookstore. No one seems to know anything about the former owner, Hooker, and his sudden departure from Scargill Cove, but that doesn’t stop Fallon from his investigation.

When he checks out the basement, Fallon finds an old vault . . . locked with a new, high-tech lock. What is in the vault? And will it help Fallon find the answers to Hooker’s mysterious disappearance?

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Written as if it were case notes in a series of journal entries, this short story prequel to “In Too Deep,” an Arcane Society story. For readers familiar with the author’s series featuring the Society, this short introduction to the next book in the series will be a special treat. For those new to the series, it’s an invitation to explore the workings of the Society.

Scargill Cove provides readers with a sense of place for the story; the brevity of the story limits the full development of the characters, but there is sufficient information here for readers to understand each of them and to see how they fit into the telling of the tale. There’s sufficient plot for the short prequel; the denouement is sure to satisfy readers.

The running joke about running out of coffee and needing to visit the Sunshine Café keeps readers smiling, especially those who appreciate their coffee as much as Fallon.

Also included in this eBook are teasers for “Secret Sisters” and “Trust No One.”

Recommended. ( )

I have read other books in this series and have enjoyed them. But, if I read this short story as an introduction to the series I doubt I would have read further. ( )

Short (free) Kindle story. For a fast lunch break read, I liked the 'choppy' couple-of-words sentences, and short paragraphs. Plot development was alright, but the ending seemed too abrupt. If its intended purpose was merely to be a teaser for the 'Arcane Society' series, then it might have accomplished that purpose (at least for me). ( )

A killer is loose in Scargill Cove. The new bookstore owner senses some bad vibes in his store. Our psychic PI is asked to investigate.

With a diary/journal type format, this narrative has a crisp, quick, almost authoritative feel.

Characters are authentic for their reality and interesting. Perhaps with a longer tale, there would be more development.

Overall, an enjoyable read. ( )

This story was previously told by the author through twitter and the format has stayed the same. ( )