An Unhappy Medium Interview, Review, & Giveaway

I am so happy to welcome Neila to Cozy Up With Kathy today. You can find Neila on the pages of the Family Fortune Mystery series by Dawn Eastman. An Unhappy Medium is the 4th book in the series and was released earlier this month.

A character interview with Neila.

Kathy: Thanks for agreeing to speak with me Neila. I only wish I was there in person so we could share some tea and cookies. I might also ask you some questions for my tea blog. ;)

N: Thank you for inviting me! I would love to visit a tea blog - these computers are so fascinating.


Kathy: When did you first realize you had psychic abilities?

N: I think I have always known. Or, more accurately, I’ve always known “things” but it took me until I was in school before I realized not everyone had the same abilities. I didn’t grow up in Crystal Haven, where everyone is either psychic, or knows someone who is, so it came as a bit of a shock to me that I was different in this way.


Kathy: You have a unique ability, which I imagine can be quite difficult. You know when a parent is going to lose a child. Has this ability colored your world outlook?

N: Yes, certainly. For a long time I kept it to myself. I was able to give readings like many of the other psychics, and the first time I met a woman whose child was going to die, I didn’t know what to do. I chose not to tell her, but felt guilty about not warning her. In that case, it was cancer, which was diagnosed shortly after she came to see me. So, I felt okay about not telling her – there was nothing she could do. It was later ones that were difficult – accidents, or illnesses that could have been prevented. I learned over time that I was only given the ability to see what would happen, but not the ability to change it. Eventually, I stopped giving readings for fear of what I might see.


Kathy: Do you ever wish you did not have that ability?

N: Absolutely. But we all have to play the hand we’re dealt and I’ve tried to make peace with mine.


Kathy: You make potions, teas, and tisanes. Do you have a favorite?

N: I like chamomile tea because it has so many uses. It can be used topically as an anti-inflammatory, and it is very calming as a beverage.


Kathy: What's your favorite herb?

N: Rosemary because I love the way it smells and it is thought to be both a love charm and a memory enhancer. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could always remember exactly what it feels like to fall in love?


Kathy: Do you have a favorite cookie?

N: I make a lot of chocolate chip cookies because they’re Clyde’s favorite and, as you know, she visits often. But my favorite is my mother’s snickerdoodle. I have her recipe, but have never quite recreated her cookie. Of course, I try every chance I get!


Kathy: What's one piece of advice you share with people just discovering their psychic abilities?

N: Don’t force it and don’t fight it. It seems if you do either, it just makes things worse. Learning how to relax and stop all the internal chatter is helpful as well.


Kathy: Thanks so much for taking the time to talk with me.

N: It was my pleasure, dear. I don’t think I’ve ever done an interview before – especially not for a computer blog!

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Review

AN UNHAPPY MEDIUM by Dawn Eastman
The Fourth Family Fortune Mystery

Clyde Fortune gets a bad feeling when her mom tells her that her sister, Grace is coming to town along with her husband and young daughter, Seth's little sister. Is the feeling just a normal reaction to her complicated sibling relationship, or is she getting a true premonition? As Seth gets the family involved with his Zombie Fun Run to benefit the animal shelter more red flags go up for Clyde, and not just the ones proving she's not as in shape as she once was! Grace finally confides that she and her husband are in trouble after mobsters didn't heed her financial advice. Death at the Zombie Run brings matters to a head and family secrets are no longer contained. 

AN UNHAPPY MEDIUM deals with family and secrets. We learn more about Clyde's youth and her relationship with her sister, Grace. We also learn even more about Neila and Clyde's mom. The book shows how the past influences the present and certain things come full circle. As for the mystery itself, was it a case of mistaken identity? Are Grace and her husband the real targets? The murder is certainly more difficult to solve when we're not sure who was the intended victim! Are Grace and Paul still in danger? And what lengths will they go to to protect themselves?

I love this series and the characters who inhabit it...well, most of them. I appreciate the growth and development of the characters and family...although I'm unsure I like the latest wrench in Clyde's life. At least I would find it a wrench, maybe she doesn't. What makes me smile with this book even more is the attention to animals and the giving back Seth does by sponsoring a fun run to benefit the local animal shelter. I wish I could really visit Crystal Haven, hang out with Clyde and her friends and family, and help out animals in need too! AN UNHAPPY MEDIUM is a great addition to the Family Fortune Mystery series which brings even more nuances and complexity to an already first rate series.

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For a chance to win your own copy of AN UNHAPPY MEDIUM, simply leave a comment on this blog post along with your e-mail address no later than 11:59 EDT Monday, April 18, 2016. Tell us if your family has any secrets and/or if you support any local animal shelters or rescues. Sorry US only and no PO Boxes.