The Chick and the Dead

THE CHICK AND THE DEAD, is a hip, fun, very entertaining mystery, which stars Pepper Martin from DON OF THE DEAD.

Pepper Martin has become a part-time sleuth since her father was sent to jail for fraud, and she lost her socialite status. After hitting her head on the steps of a mausoleum, Pepper has the ‘Gift’ of seeing ghosts. She’s also haunted by the mysterious Dan, who appears to be a master of disguises. Add the slick and gorgeous detective, Quinn, and her life is never dull.

Didi Bowman has been dead for fifty years, but it doesn’t stop her begging for Pepper’s help and following her around. When she agrees to help, Pepper ends up in the spooky old house as secretary/slave to Merilee Bowman.

Merilee stole Didi’s manuscript of ‘So Far The Dawn,’ and made millions. Now there is to be a new movie made, meaning re-enactors of the movie characters are walking around the house and cemetery. Add in the ghosts, who also have a large part to play in this darkly dangerous tale. With strange noises in the attic, murders and the weirdo Bob, to add spice to an entertaining story.

A mix of chick-lit and murder mystery woven together, makes THE CHICK AND THE DEAD an interesting, fun tale. There is an over abundance of interesting characters threaded through the plot, as the heroine strives to make sense of the clues. Didi may be a ghost, but she’s also got style and plenty of determination. Cemeteries aren’t usually very interesting places, unless you’re searching for your own ancestors. Ms. Daniels brings this gateway to the great beyond to life in many different ways. Add in illegitimate children, a colorful life style, an abundance of past love affairs that still have an impact many years later and mysterious deaths makes this a tale to remember. The interaction between Pepper and Quinn is very well done, keeping the tension high. The ghosts seem to take on an agenda of their own as the plot unfolds and Pepper finds herself seeing far more than she wants. The main structure is based on Didi; as the reader ponders on did she or didn’t she get help to die?

Will the nasty Merilee get her just desserts, or can she justify her actions?

Mystery, mayhem and murder are all in this delightful book.

July 2007