Showing posts with label Eastman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eastman. Show all posts

Friday, December 8, 2017

An Unnatural Causes Interview and Giveaway


I'm happy to welcome Dawn Eastman back to Cozy Up With Kathy. Dawn is starting a new series with UNNATURAL CAUSES, her first Dr. Katie LeClair Mystery, which will be released December 12.


Kathy: UNNATURAL CAUSES is quite a departure from your Family Fortune Mystery series. Why the change?

DE: UNNATURAL CAUSES introduces a character I have been living with for many years. Unnatural Causes is more of a traditional mystery than a cozy, but I find that my brain is always straying to the quirky. Since Katie is a doctor, I’ve tried to tone down the quirk factor, but unusual characters often just appear in a scene and before I know it they are taking over. There is a new character in the second Katie book that just showed up while I was trying to write another scene. She was so pushy and rude that I had to let her have some scenes in the book.


Kathy: Katie LeClair is a doctor, as you once were. While you were practicing medicine did you ever think you'd be writing mysteries involving a fictional doctor?

DE: While I was practicing medicine, I hoped I’d be writing mysteries. However, I didn’t think it would ever happen. I’ve always wanted to write, and when I had the opportunity I gave it a go. It’s been fun to revisit the world of medicine with Katie. I do think that a general practitioner is in a unique position to involve herself in solving murders. Patients are used to sharing their secrets with doctors and if the secrets lead to murder…


Kathy: Did you have a specific inspiration for the Dr. Katie LeClair Mystery series? Or UNNATURAL CAUSES in particular?

DE: Katie is based on many of the doctors I met during my training in family medicine. And probably a lot of the patient/doctor interactions are based on the way I practiced medicine. The plot of UNNATURAL CAUSES came to me when I was in residency. I was surprised at how easy it was to call a prescription in to a pharmacy. (I think it is much more difficult now). I thought of a murderer who would use a prescription medicine as a murder weapon. My original story used insulin, but as the book evolved, the exact drug changed.


Kathy: When it comes to writing I understand there are 2 general camps-plotters, who diligently plot their stories, and pansters, who fly by the seat of their pants. Are you a plotter, a panster, or do you fall somewhere in between?

DE: I’m mostly a plotter. Sometimes, if I have enough of a plot for the first few scenes, and I’m really anxious to start writing, I will begin before it’s fully planned out. I find that even with an outline, the characters often have other ideas. I think most of my characters are pantsters, so I’ve learned to be flexible.


Kathy: Authors are required to do a lot of their own marketing, especially for a new release. What's your favorite part of marketing your work? What do you dislike about marketing?

DE: Actually, I really enjoy blog tours and interviews. I’m not very good at Facebook or other social media outlets. My day-to-day life is pretty routine, so I never know what to post. I’m also the worst salesperson ever. I’ll happily talk up another person’s book or product, but when it comes to selling my own work, I just can’t get comfortable with it.


Kathy: Are you able to share any future plans for Katie?

DE: I just finished the second Katie LeClair book. She will become involved in solving an old murder when she gets a new patient who has just been released from prison.


Kathy: Will we eventually get to enjoy more Family Fortune Mysteries? I sure hope so!

DE: I hope so, too. The fifth Family Fortune book has been rattling around in my head for a while now. I plan to start work on it in the New Year. Clyde and company have a lot of loose ends to tie up and Clyde has a new business to run, so they’ve been agitating for some attention.

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Mystery/ Amateur Sleuth New Series 
Crooked Lane Books (December 12, 2017) Hardcover: 288 pages 
Katie LeClair has finally settled down as the new doctor in Baxter, MI. After years of moving, schooling, and training, she wants nothing more than to find a place she can call home, and a small town outside of Ann Arbor seemed perfect.
Katie quickly gets to work in building a life for herself in Baxter, and beyond reviving her love life, she also finds a pair of business partners in a team of father and son family practitioners. But that idyllic dream is immediately shattered when one of her patients is found dead. That wouldn't be the worst thing, except the death is ruled a suicide, and as evidence has it, the suicide was a result of the medication Katie had prescribed. But she doesn't remember writing it.
When a closer investigation reveals it was murder, Katie is catapulted into an off-the-books investigation that leads her down a dark path of past secrets. But someone is willing to kill to keep part of the town's history in the shadows, and Katie must race to find out who before it's too late in nationally bestselling author Dawn Eastman's riveting series debut Unnatural Causes.
About the Author:
 
National bestselling author Dawn Eastman was a family medicine physician in Michigan. Now she lives in Iowa with her husband, son, and daughter. When not writing, she keeps busy catering to the whims of a bossy bichon-shih tzu mix who wants to rule the world. This is her first Dr. Katie LeClair mystery. She is also the author of THE FAMILY FORTUNE MYSTERIES.

Author Links:
WebpageFacebookGoodreads Twitter – @DawnAEastman  

Purchase Links: Amazon B&N 

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, April 17, 2016

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.

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Currently Reading...

I just finished reading An Unhappy Medium by Dawn Eastman. This book is the fourth in the Family Fortune Mystery series and will be released April 5th.

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.

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Secondary Characters - Guest Post & Review


Secondary Characters by Dawn Eastman 


I love secondary characters. As a writer, I can use them to add some humor, or wackiness, or excess of emotion. They can offer advice, or act as a sounding board. The best secondary characters have full lives of their own, and step into the action during a break in their own story. Some of my favorite secondary characters include the Weasley family in the Harry Potter books. Mrs. Weasley acted as a surrogate mother to Harry and provided a solid, nurturing safety net for all three main characters. Ruth from Louise Penny’s Gamache novels provides comic relief. Ruth’s duck, Rosa, helps to show a softer side to the cranky poet. Grandma Mazur and Lula from Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum novels are often the main attraction as they get Stephanie embroiled in trouble and she finds herself trying to control their antics.

Often in letters from readers it is the secondary characters that get a mention. I think it’s assumed that the main characters are liked, but readers identify with certain secondary characters and begin to root for them to have a greater role, to solve their problems, or just to continue to be funny. Aside from the dogs, the three I hear about the most are Aunt Vi, Seth, and Frank (Dad). Each one of them shows us a different side of the protagonist, Clyde.

Aunt Vi definitely livens things up. If I feel like a scene is dragging, or it needs more action, I’ll add Vi and see what happens. She usually comes through for me with a crazy idea, an inappropriate comment, or a skewed worldview. Her matter-of-fact approach to many of the situations in the books coupled with her absolute faith in all things psychic provide such a fun viewpoint that I never tire of watching her wreak havoc.

Seth is a great sidekick for Clyde. He is wise beyond his years, but still young enough to be naïve about the harsher realities. As he is her nephew, she feels a responsibility toward him that is almost maternal while at the same time they are close enough in age that sometimes he is the reasonable one. He also injects a different viewpoint that is often at odds with Aunt Vi. His tolerance and acceptance of people acts as a great counter to Vi’s free-wheeling biases.

Finally, there is Frank. A retired dentist and the only one in the family with no psychic ability, he fills his time tinkering around the house and listening to his police scanner. He is Clyde’s rock. Even though she might not trust him with her next home improvement project, she trusts that he always has her best interests at heart. Something she doesn’t always feel about her mother or aunt.

As the writer, I have to negotiate with these characters to be sure none of them take over, or get lost. Some characters try to monopolize every scene they are in (Vi), and others fade into the background and have to be coached forward (Frank). But each one has his or her storyline and character arc. Sometimes that role is to help, sometimes to hinder, the forward motion of the plot. I’ve gotten attached to them and root for them as much as I root for Clyde.

Who are some of your favorite secondary characters? What kind of a secondary character are you in the lives of your friends or relatives?


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Review

A Fright to the Death by Dawn Eastman
The Third Family Fortune Mystery


Rule # 1, Don’t tempt the fates.

Clyde and Mac are together at last and driving to Chicago for a flight to Mexico to escape their well meaning, but always there families, as well as Michigan's winter weather, for some alone time. Fate has other plans, however, as an incoming storm has closed the airport. Fortunately, Mac knows of a romantic castle nearby. It's no warm getaway, but it's still a getaway. Until they discover the castle, which is supposedly haunted, is booked solid for members of a knitting retreat-and that both of their mothers, along with Aunt Vi, are in attendance! With no extra rooms it's decided they'll share-Mac with his mother and Clyde with hers. So much for that romantic getaway. They meet the other guests, including Clarissa, one of the not so liked owners. As the blizzard hits, the power goes out, and Clarissa is found dead. With the phone lines also dead, Mac and Clyde take charge of the investigation as they believe her death was no accident! 

A Fright to the Death is a slight departure from the previous books in the Family Fortune Mystery series. Gone is the psychic town of Crystal Haven, replaced with a reputably haunted mansion. Although present, I didn’t feel as much of the paranormal in this entry to the series.

We welcome new characters here, the owners and employees of Carlisle Castle as well as the knitters staying there for a conference, and learn the joy of yarn bombing. Unfortunately for Clyde and Mac we also get their families. Their appearance turns out to be fortuitous as well as fun for us readers. Dawn Eastman shows us the importance of families, however aggravating they might be. Aunt Vi’s meddling may just have shown Clyde her purpose in life and given her a reason to remain in Crystal Haven. Their partnership in the events at the castle coupled with an increased understanding of each other cement Clyde and Mac’s relationship even further.

With a healthy dose of humor and an intriguing puzzle A Fright to the Death is a great read. 

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading A Fright to the Death by Dawn Eastman. This book is the 3rd in the Family Fortunes Mystery series and was just released yesterday! Clyde and Mac are together at last and driving to Chicago for a flight to Mexico to escape their well meaning, but always there families, as well as Michigan's winter weather, for some alone time. Fate has other plans, however, as an incoming storm has closed the airport. Fortunately, Mac knows of a romantic castle nearby. It's no warm getaway, but it's still a getaway. Until they discover the castle, which is supposedly haunted, is booked solid for members of a knitting retreat-and that both of their mothers, along with Aunt Vi, are in attendance! With no extra rooms it's decided they'll share-Mac with his mother and Clyde with hers. So much for that romantic getaway. They meet the other guests, including Clarissa, one of the not so liked owners. As the blizzard hits, the power goes out, and Clarissa is found dead. With the phone lines also dead, Mac and Clyde take charge of the investigation as they believe her death was no accident!

Thursday, July 3, 2014

My Favorite Holiday - A Guest Post & Review & Contest



My Favorite Holiday
By Dawn Eastman


Halloween. Ghosts. Witches. Pumpkins. Costumes. I love it all. Even now, in the midst of summer, I’m already looking forward to Halloween. It’s my favorite holiday because, for our family, it’s all about fun. There’s no pressure with Halloween. You can dress up, or not. You can decorate, or not. There is no required large meal to be cooked and cleaned up. No shopping – except for candy, which really doesn’t count.

Autumn is my favorite season and so Halloween celebrations are an excuse to do all those great fall activities like going to an apple orchard, or a pumpkin patch. I drag my family to the local Living History museum every year for trick or treating in the old-fashioned town and horse and buggy rides through the spooky woods. We have popcorn and cider and listen to ghost stories. We roast marshmallows over a bonfire. As my kids get older, I’m worried I may have to borrow some neighbor kids just to have an excuse to go back every year.

The lead-up to the end of October is even better if there is a gloomy, stormy day so that I can read a good ghost story or gothic novel while lightning and thunder rage outside. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield is a great modern gothic. Debra Harkness’s All Souls Trilogy is wonderful and the first one, A Discovery of Witches, takes place in the month leading up to Halloween. Katherine Howe’s Physic Book of Deliverance Dane is another witchy favorite.

On Halloween, I love to see the little kids come to the door with their princess and superhero costumes.  But even more, I love to see the big kids who are trying to hold on to childhood for one more year. On his first Halloween, my son spent the evening in shocked delight that every house he went to gave him candy. Now, he walks the neighborhood with his younger sister who generously shares her loot.

When we moved to Iowa, we had to get used to the different customs of our adopted state. For one thing, our city does its trick or treating on October 30th. Growing up in Michigan, October 30th was known as devil’s night, and only the tricksters were out roaming the streets. In Iowa, the kids have to tell a joke in order to get the candy. This is a tradition that I still am not used to and often the older kids demand I listen to their joke before they will accept my candy, which tends to take the shine off the exchange for me.

Be Careful What You Witch For, the second book in the Family Fortune Mystery series begins on Halloween night. In the woods. At Midnight. With a bonfire. Hope to see you there…

What Halloween traditions do you enjoy? Do you have any favorite spooky books? I’d love to hear about it the comments!

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Leave a comment answering Dawn's questions about Halloween traditions and favorite spooky books for a chance to win a copy of Be Careful What You Witch For no later than 11:59 pm EST Monday, July 7, 20014. Be sure to leave an e-mail address so that I am able to contact you should random.org choose your comment!

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Review

Be Careful What You Witch For by Dawn Eastman
The Second Family Fortune Mystery

In Be Careful What you Witch For author Dawn Eastman brings us back to the spiritualistic community of Crystal haven, Michigan. This, the second book of the Family Fortune Mystery series, opens in the midst of Fall Fun Fest. Clyde's friend Diana is in charge of the festival and has included a Wiccan Samhain ceremony to this year's schedule of events. After Clyde sees "something" in the flames a member of the circle collapses in what seems to be a severe allergic reaction. Was it merely an accident? No.

Dawn Eastman deftly handles her characters keeping them grounded (albeit kooky at times) personable (although annoying at times), and interesting. We want to spend time with these characters and learn more about them. I especially love how she's developing the romance between Clyde and Mac. Their major obstacle from Pall in the Family has been removed, yet we know issues will abound. However, we are able to see the deep concern and, can we say love, that Mac has for her. Eastman is able to keep it sweet, but not saccharine, actions are concerned, but not controlling; all in all an adult relationship handled with aplomb.

I loved this second entry in the Family Fortune Mystery series. It is interesting to see that even in a spiritualistic community, not everyone is accepting of Wiccans. We see prejudice and the unfortunate tendency of mankind to distrust and hate what is different and unknown. Even our protagonist falls into this trap with one of the new characters. Yet the subject matter is treated with respect and knowledge. Dawn Eastman gives us a realistic look into a paranormal world and I'm delighted to follow where she leads.

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Be Careful What You Witch For by Dawn Eastman. This book is the second in the Family Fortune Mystery series and will be released July 1st of this year. I'm so excited to get to read this book early as I loved the first and can't wait to read more about Clyde and the rest of the inhabitants of Crystal Haven.

The book opens in the midst of Fall Fun Fest (which is nice because even though it's only June it feels like August here!). Clyde's friend Diana is in charge of the festival and has included a Wiccan Samhain ceremony to this year's schedule of events. After Clyde sees "something" in the flames a member of the circle collapses in what seems to be a severe allergic reaction. Was it merely an accident? Somehow, I don't think so. I can't wait to read more; not only to delve into this mysterious death, but to learn more about the inhabitants of this Spiritualist community, see the burgeoning romance between Clyde and Mac, and spend time with my favorite character, Baxter!

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Welcome to Crystal Haven-Interview and Review

Welcome to Crystal Haven, the setting of Pall in the Family, the first book in the new series by Dawn Eastman.
Kathy: Crystal Haven is a spiritualist community in western Michigan. Living close to the Lily Dale Assembly in New York I appreciate the reference. Have you visited any spiritualist communities? Have you ever been to Lily Dale?

DE: A relative lived in Lilydale for several years and I spent time there with her in my early twenties. I was struck by how psychic ability was treated as normal and just part of everyday life. Years later, I thought it would be fun to create a town where being psychic was considered just as valid as any other way of obtaining information.

Kathy: When it comes to psychics and mediums do you consider yourself a skeptic, a believer, or a skeptical believer?

DE: Probably a skeptical believer - I've had a few thought-provoking encounters with psychics so I keep an open mind.

Kathy: Two of my favorite characters are Baxter and Tuffy. Are either of them based on any animal friends you know?

DE: There was always a dog in my house growing up (usually more than one) so I have a lot of experience with dogs. Baxter and Tuffy are compilations of dogs I have known. I do own a bossy Shih Tzu-Bichon mix, but he's much friendlier than Tuffy.

Baxter has his own fan club, a good friend of mine has elected herself president. I don't know what they do at their meetings...

Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?

DE: Agatha Christie. When I was a teenager I discovered a box of them that had belonged to my grandmother - I've been hooked ever since.

Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?

DE: I have a couple of other projects on the back burner. One is historical fiction, the other is speculative fiction. But this series is keeping me busy right now.

Kathy: Tell us about your series.

DE: The Family Fortune Mystery series takes place in the western part of Michigan in a fictional town called Crystal Haven. It is a tourist town catering to those seeking psychic or new-age answers. Clyde Fortune is an ex-cop who returns home and keeps getting mixed up in murder investigations while trying to keep her whacky friends and relatives in line.

Kathy: Do you have a favorite character? If so, who and why?

DE: Violet has become my favorite, mostly because she's always doing something I don't expect. Plus, she writes my blog for me, which I appreciate.

Kathy: Did you have a specific inspiration for your series?

DE: I was brainstorming some ides for a series that would be fun to write and Clyde, Vi and Rose wandered in, bickering. When I realized Rose and Vi were nagging her to use her psychic abilities, I remembered my time in Lilydale, gave them their own town and waited to see what would happen.

Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

DE: I have an amazing writer's group. We've been together about 6 years and almost all of us are published. Watching the others get their first contracts and see their stories in print inspired me to give it a try as well.

Kathy: If you could have a dinner party and invite 4 authors, living or dead, in any genre, who would you invite?

DE: Yeats, Salinger, Twain, Rowling

Kathy: What are you currently reading?

DE: Cuckoo's Calling

Kathy: Will you share any of your hobbies or interests with us?

DE: I love to knit and read.

Kathy: Name 4 items you always have in your fridge or pantry.

DE: Tea, almonds, chocolate, and more tea

Kathy: Do you have plans for future books either in your current series or a new series?

DE: Book 2 will be released in June 2014. It takes place in the autumn and delves more into Clyde's friend Diana's life and family. Plus Clyde learns some secrets about her own past and her own family. Book 3 is due out in April 2015. It takes place in a converted castle and involves enthusiastic knitters, a huge snow storm, and ghosts.

Kathy: What's your favorite thing about being an author?

DE: I love the idea of sharing this kooky group with others and the thought of making people laugh.



Review

Pall in the Family By Dawn Eastman

The 1st Family Fortune Mystery

Sometimes when facing a crisis in life it’s good to be able to leave town and sort through things in your childhood home. That’s what Clyde Fortune does in Pall in the Family, the first Family Fortune Mystery by Dawn Eastman. Unfortunately, instead of quiet contemplation, she finds murder!

Temporarily trading her career as a police officer in Ann Arbor for a job as a dog walker in the Spiritualist Community of Crystal Haven, Michigan Clyde is once again living with her parents and Aunt Vi. Clyde’s mother, Rose, (who reads tarot cards) as well as her Aunt Vi (who’s a pet psychic) believe that Clyde is back to embrace the family gift. Clyde, however, is not so acceptive. When Clyde and her nephew Seth, who is also visiting for the summer, go to pick up Tuffy for his walk they find a cowering dog and the dead body of his owner.

I enjoyed my first visit to Crystal Haven. Having visited the Lily Dale Assembly in Lilydale, New York I was immediately drawn to a cozy series set in a Spiritualist community.

Dawn Eastman gives us characters that are relatable, Clyde and Seth in particular, as well as those able to bring some wacky fun, like Aunt Vi. I admit at times to not liking Aunt Vi very much. That in itself is a sign of quality writing; when you’re involved enough to NOT like them, for them to get under your skin, annoy you, and make you mad. I also admit my love, not for Mack, who is a good romantic lead, but for Baxter, all 130 pounds of drooling bullmastiff!

Pick up a copy of Pall in the Family and check out Crystal Haven yourself!

Pall in the Family  * * * *
The Fortune Family Mysteries  Too early to rate

My rating system:

To me a 5 star book is an amazing read that swept me away and left me changed. A 4 star review is a great book that I really loved. 3 stars is still a solid good read, positive and enjoyable. Reviews will cease to be that positive at the 2 star rating-an OK book with serious flaws. And a 1 star-don't bother.