Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Better Read Than Dead

Book: Better Read Than Dead
Series: Psychic Eye Mystery #2
Author: Victoria Laurie

Review: Picking up a few months after the last book left off, Abby is recovering from her attack and happily dating Dutch (who is now an FBI agent on an out of town assignment). She agrees to read tarot cards at a wedding for a friend, only to realize once she is there that the bride's family is in the Greek mob. One the 'don' hears of her talents, he wants her help tracking down his wife who disappeared while shopping years ago. Meanwhile, one of Abby's clients is attacked and the police request her help in apprehending the killer. 

I liked this book much better than the first one. More dark and more meat to the plot. It was still fun and light but there were more twists and turns. I really loved how Abby was blackmailed (essentially) into helping the mob. Milo (Dutch's old partner) was also a welcome addition. Dutch is pretty much MIA in this book although in the few scenes he was in, I was very annoyed with Abby's immature behavior in how she communicated with him. It's really shocking she is supposed to be 31. I still haven't warmed up to Abby's sister who just doesn't read like a real person. Abby continues to grown on me and I like how her talent helps guide her (although she makes a lot of bad judgement calls, like only calling Dutch to warn him about danger on a Friday...going out of town for 2 days and then calling again Monday when she gets back. And she has a cell phone the whole time!). 

While I enjoyed this book, there seemed to be some editing errors (or lack of research may be the better word). The mobster is noted as living outside of Detroit on Lake Michigan. Lake Michigan is over 3H away from Detroit. I think the author meant Lake Huron or Lake Erie perhaps? Her sister's house is also described as quite large but the sq foot doesn't seem large enough to accommodate all of the bedrooms and rooms. Minor complaints but I couldn't help thinking about it while I was reading. 

Not perfect, but fun!!


Grade: 3.5/5

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