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october_reads's review against another edition
4.0
It was cute
Though I wasn't thrilled with the last chapter, it felt too much like a ghost whisperer rip off but I guess since this is a similar concept it couldn't be helped.
Though I wasn't thrilled with the last chapter, it felt too much like a ghost whisperer rip off but I guess since this is a similar concept it couldn't be helped.
threesixnine's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this quite a bit and am looking forward to the next one. Hello! Wake up girl and grab the Zach in front of you!
rustyduckmd's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
sandin954's review against another edition
3.0
A freebie from Bouchercon that I decided to read since Melodie posted about how much she liked this series. I liked a number of the characters and thought the plot and ending was well done. Another series that I will add to the rotation.
rizzothecat's review against another edition
4.0
Sadie is a cleaning lady- of grisly crime scenes. Oh yeah, and she can talk to the dead who are haunting their own crime scene. Totally cool!
I chose this book from the big A.com because it had near 5 stars, and it was a worthy read. I ordered a ton (okay, 10 or so) of books with good ratings, expecting fluff and lots of grammatical errors. I was wrong! The writing is more than competent; the characters are well drawn, and not cliched. There's definitely a series in the works for this character (yay!!) and romance wasn't thrown at me to detract me from holes in the story. In fact, there weren't any holes I was sincerely surprised at this book and the series is now on my read-as-it-comes-out-with-a-new=one list. Well done!
I chose this book from the big A.com because it had near 5 stars, and it was a worthy read. I ordered a ton (okay, 10 or so) of books with good ratings, expecting fluff and lots of grammatical errors. I was wrong! The writing is more than competent; the characters are well drawn, and not cliched. There's definitely a series in the works for this character (yay!!) and romance wasn't thrown at me to detract me from holes in the story. In fact, there weren't any holes I was sincerely surprised at this book and the series is now on my read-as-it-comes-out-with-a-new=one list. Well done!
dnemec's review against another edition
3.0
I bought the 2nd in the series at a book sale last week, so I thought I'd try this one out. I worked in between and still I read this in a half day. How creative - a crime scene cleaner who sees the dead. I devoured it. Yes, the ending is depressing, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Onto the second of the series!
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
The Remains of the Dead
3.5 Stars
In addition to her unusual occupation (crime scene cleanup), Sadie Novak has the added “gift” of being able to speak to the ghosts of the victims. When Sadie and her partner, former police officer Zach Bowman, are hired to clean up the scene of a murder/suicide, she is shocked to encounter not only a silent ghost with an urgent need to communicate, but a handsome man who is very much alive and has a troubling connection to the case. As Sadie begins to uncover the secrets of the Toth family, she becomes the target of a desperate killed intent on getting away with murder.
While this is a cozy paranormal mystery, it does contain vivid and sometimes gruesome descriptions of decomposing corpses and blood spattered crime scenes. As such, it is not recommended for readers with weaker stomachs.
Not only is Sadie a rather prickly and oft times brusque heroine, but she also has one or two annoyingly TSTL moments.
The story is well-paced and the writing flows although the author does have a tendency to mix up character names, which can get confusing at times. The mystery is interesting despite the obvious culprit, and the climax and resolution are exciting and satisfying. Moreover, the hints at a romance between Sadie and Zach have definite potential, and as a romance fan this is sufficient for me to continue with the series.
3.5 Stars
In addition to her unusual occupation (crime scene cleanup), Sadie Novak has the added “gift” of being able to speak to the ghosts of the victims. When Sadie and her partner, former police officer Zach Bowman, are hired to clean up the scene of a murder/suicide, she is shocked to encounter not only a silent ghost with an urgent need to communicate, but a handsome man who is very much alive and has a troubling connection to the case. As Sadie begins to uncover the secrets of the Toth family, she becomes the target of a desperate killed intent on getting away with murder.
While this is a cozy paranormal mystery, it does contain vivid and sometimes gruesome descriptions of decomposing corpses and blood spattered crime scenes. As such, it is not recommended for readers with weaker stomachs.
Not only is Sadie a rather prickly and oft times brusque heroine, but she also has one or two annoyingly TSTL moments.
The story is well-paced and the writing flows although the author does have a tendency to mix up character names, which can get confusing at times. The mystery is interesting despite the obvious culprit, and the climax and resolution are exciting and satisfying. Moreover, the hints at a romance between Sadie and Zach have definite potential, and as a romance fan this is sufficient for me to continue with the series.
fishwitch's review against another edition
4.0
Great first book! Can't wait to read more of the series.
crysdale's review against another edition
5.0
I figured out the killer early enough, and the ending was STILL a surprise!