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Family Fortune Mystery #1
Pall in the Family
The aptly named Crystal Haven is the destination for tourists seeking psychics, séances, and the promise of contacting the spirit world. In this small western Michigan town, everyone knows the Fortune family. Rose is gifted with tarot card readings. Her sister, Vi, is a self-proclaimed pet psychic. And Rose’s daughter Clyde is…
A cop. A cop on leave from Ann Arbor, more specifically, who’s come home to kooky Crystal Haven to reevaluate her life. Mom and Aunt Vi can’t wait for Clyde to finally embrace her own psychic gifts and join the family business. Clyde would prefer the low-stress lifestyle of a dog walker and the low-key company of her nephew, Seth.
But when a local psychic is killed, leaving behind a traumatized Shih Tzu, it seems to be in the cards for Clyde to get involved. With her old flame Mac leading the investigation, that may prove awkward. Whether she uses her skills as a cop or her long-denied psychic abilities, it’s up to Clyde to divine a killer’s identity before someone else suffers more misfortune.
A cop. A cop on leave from Ann Arbor, more specifically, who’s come home to kooky Crystal Haven to reevaluate her life. Mom and Aunt Vi can’t wait for Clyde to finally embrace her own psychic gifts and join the family business. Clyde would prefer the low-stress lifestyle of a dog walker and the low-key company of her nephew, Seth.
But when a local psychic is killed, leaving behind a traumatized Shih Tzu, it seems to be in the cards for Clyde to get involved. With her old flame Mac leading the investigation, that may prove awkward. Whether she uses her skills as a cop or her long-denied psychic abilities, it’s up to Clyde to divine a killer’s identity before someone else suffers more misfortune.
295 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 6, 2013
54 people are currently reading
2700 people want to read
About the author
Dawn Eastman
9 books413 followersDawn lived in Michigan for many years, in a house full of animals, unusual people, and laughter. She now lives in Iowa with her husband, son, daughter, and one extremely bossy small dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
October 4, 2018
An awesome read with a fun amount of paranormal
I absolutely loved this book and can't wait to see what happens next to Clyde and the man of her dreams. The characters were all so likable and it was kind of like reading a Harry Potter type story where he characters just happen to be magical but are regular people that things happen to. I didn't quite guess the killer and the take down was awesome. I really enjoyed how the dogs that Clyde takes care of played such a big role in that part especially good old Baxter.
I absolutely loved this book and can't wait to see what happens next to Clyde and the man of her dreams. The characters were all so likable and it was kind of like reading a Harry Potter type story where he characters just happen to be magical but are regular people that things happen to. I didn't quite guess the killer and the take down was awesome. I really enjoyed how the dogs that Clyde takes care of played such a big role in that part especially good old Baxter.
August 10, 2013
I like mysteries; however, I am not always fond of reading mystery books. Perhaps it is because I approach them with a challenge, can I figure out who the killer is before the end of the book and most of the time I do. This book was no exception, I knew by page 43. Well then why did I continue reading it and why did I score it so high? Because it wasn't the fact that it was a mystery that drew me into the book in the first place, it was the humor. I was laughing from the opening scene with the family trying to catch a bat and didn't stop laughing until the end of the book.
Clyde has a wacky family filled with people who have psychic gifts. Vi is the crazy aunt who can read the emotions of animals and talk to them. She continuously misreads Clyde's sarcasm as actual suggestions. An example, Clyde asks Vi if she's going to go and talk to the squirrels now, but Vi states that she won't because they are notoriously unreliable in their information. This is just one example of Vi's kooky nature. Clyde's mom reads tarot cards and spends most of the time trying to rope Clyde into accepting her gifts and using them. (Not spoiling that one since it plays an important party of Clyde's character). The sarcastic humor of the book mixes well with the craziness of the family and town. None of it seems forced, but flows well through out the story and I can tell that the author herself must have a good sense of humor.
While humor drew me in, the action, pacing of the book, and it's characters kept me reading. There isn't a dull moment in the book and the pacing keeps all of it together never forcing it to move to fast or too slow. That includes the romance. Yes, there is romance but again it isn't forced or rushed, rather it is quite believable.
But the characters are where this book shines. I immediately liked Clyde, Seth, Tuffy, and Baxter. The characters were well developed and feel authentic. In fact there really wasn't a character I disliked. The more I read of the book, the more I wanted to know what happens to the characters. Even the dogs! They had distinct personalities and I would like to see some of the others we were introduced to in later books.
All in all this was a good debut. I want to see the Fortunes again in their crazy kooky neighborhood fighting crime by blind texting and hiding behind trees. Keep the humor coming and I'll keep reading.
Clyde has a wacky family filled with people who have psychic gifts. Vi is the crazy aunt who can read the emotions of animals and talk to them. She continuously misreads Clyde's sarcasm as actual suggestions. An example, Clyde asks Vi if she's going to go and talk to the squirrels now, but Vi states that she won't because they are notoriously unreliable in their information. This is just one example of Vi's kooky nature. Clyde's mom reads tarot cards and spends most of the time trying to rope Clyde into accepting her gifts and using them. (Not spoiling that one since it plays an important party of Clyde's character). The sarcastic humor of the book mixes well with the craziness of the family and town. None of it seems forced, but flows well through out the story and I can tell that the author herself must have a good sense of humor.
While humor drew me in, the action, pacing of the book, and it's characters kept me reading. There isn't a dull moment in the book and the pacing keeps all of it together never forcing it to move to fast or too slow. That includes the romance. Yes, there is romance but again it isn't forced or rushed, rather it is quite believable.
But the characters are where this book shines. I immediately liked Clyde, Seth, Tuffy, and Baxter. The characters were well developed and feel authentic. In fact there really wasn't a character I disliked. The more I read of the book, the more I wanted to know what happens to the characters. Even the dogs! They had distinct personalities and I would like to see some of the others we were introduced to in later books.
All in all this was a good debut. I want to see the Fortunes again in their crazy kooky neighborhood fighting crime by blind texting and hiding behind trees. Keep the humor coming and I'll keep reading.
August 17, 2016
First I had a hard time getting into the story. I wasn't sure about the whole psychic thing. It took about 100 pages until the story caught me....and then I just couldn't stop reading. Definitely gonna read the next one :)
March 13, 2023
It was a solid debut.
July 10, 2017
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January 16, 2016
The aptly named Crystal Haven is the destination for tourists seeking psychics, séances, and the promise of contacting the spirit world. In this small western Michigan town, everyone knows the Fortune family. Rose is gifted with tarot card readings. Her sister, Vi, is a self-proclaimed pet psychic. And Rose’s daughter Clyde is… …
A cop. She has returned home from Ann Arbor on a “leave of absence”. No one really knows the whole story. Her mom and aunt think she has come home because she is ready to join the family business and use her psychic gift. Clyde would just like to relax and reflectand is happy walking some of her Aunt Vi’s clients and spending time with her nephew Seth. But when a local psychic ends up dead Clyde finds herself right in the middle of the investigation and when the killer thinks she may “know” more than it seems her own life is danger. Her trip home is definitely not a good fortune.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Clytemnestra, oh what a name, (Clyde) is quite a character! Trying to remain “normal” in a family of psychics is tough. It has already cost her one romantic relationship and maybe her job, but she is trying to hold it all together in a town where she is definitely in the minority. Crystal Haven is known for its psychics and is a major tourist destination for that reason.
She wants to let the police handle the investigation but her family wants her to “help”". Her father doesn’t have any “gifts” but he has his police scanner handy and will do almost anything Rose tells him to do. The way he deals with the women in his family just cracked me up. Clyde, Rose, Vi and even Seth are all using crystals, pendulums, and following suspects around town to try and catch the killer. Hilarity ensues!!
From the first pages when a bat is chased around the house and out an open window until the last page when a question asked long ago is answered, this book will have you fully engaged and captivated. I would classify this as paranormal light. You don’t need to believe to enjoy this story but you may believe a little by the end.
This is the author’s first novel and she has created a divine cozy. I don’t need a fortune teller to know this series has a promising future.
A cop. She has returned home from Ann Arbor on a “leave of absence”. No one really knows the whole story. Her mom and aunt think she has come home because she is ready to join the family business and use her psychic gift. Clyde would just like to relax and reflectand is happy walking some of her Aunt Vi’s clients and spending time with her nephew Seth. But when a local psychic ends up dead Clyde finds herself right in the middle of the investigation and when the killer thinks she may “know” more than it seems her own life is danger. Her trip home is definitely not a good fortune.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Clytemnestra, oh what a name, (Clyde) is quite a character! Trying to remain “normal” in a family of psychics is tough. It has already cost her one romantic relationship and maybe her job, but she is trying to hold it all together in a town where she is definitely in the minority. Crystal Haven is known for its psychics and is a major tourist destination for that reason.
She wants to let the police handle the investigation but her family wants her to “help”". Her father doesn’t have any “gifts” but he has his police scanner handy and will do almost anything Rose tells him to do. The way he deals with the women in his family just cracked me up. Clyde, Rose, Vi and even Seth are all using crystals, pendulums, and following suspects around town to try and catch the killer. Hilarity ensues!!
From the first pages when a bat is chased around the house and out an open window until the last page when a question asked long ago is answered, this book will have you fully engaged and captivated. I would classify this as paranormal light. You don’t need to believe to enjoy this story but you may believe a little by the end.
This is the author’s first novel and she has created a divine cozy. I don’t need a fortune teller to know this series has a promising future.
July 16, 2013
Pall In The Family is the first book in the A Family Fortune Mystery series.
Clyde Fortune has returned to her childhood home in Crystal Haven while of leave from the Ann Arbor Police. Crystal Haven is a haven for psychic and her mother, Rose, and her Aunt Vi are hoping that she will learn to use her psychic talents while there. Rose is Tarot card reader and Aunt Vi is a pet psychic. Also, Clyde's nephew, Seth, is spending his summer vacation with the family.
Clyde and Seth are pet walkers and they start their day walking their regulars and they head over to Sara's to pick up, Tuffy, her shih Tzu, but something is noticeably wrong as he is not flinging himself against the door. When Clyde enters the kichen she sees Tuffy cowering under a table and Sara dead from a bullet wound. Later when Clyde heads over to interview Tish, whose expertise is séances, as she knocks on the door she hears a gunshot and the backdoor slam shut. Tish dies and is unable to give any clues to whom might have murdered her.
Clyde, Rose or Aunt Vi psychic skills can't tell them who the murder might be, but they are pretty sure who it isn't. Then when there is a threat to Clyde's life, the heat is on to find the killer.
Readers don't need to be believers in psychic powers to enjoy this book. I enjoyed Aunt Vi's attempt to communicate with dogs and cats and liked that Seth has powers of communicating with dogs.
Mac, the detective working the case has very little belief in the powers that the Fortune family has, and that was the problem between Clyde and Mac a few years back. But now that they are both back in town, maybe they can work on these feeling.
Enjoyable story and a lot of interesting characters. Will be watching for the second book in the series.
Clyde Fortune has returned to her childhood home in Crystal Haven while of leave from the Ann Arbor Police. Crystal Haven is a haven for psychic and her mother, Rose, and her Aunt Vi are hoping that she will learn to use her psychic talents while there. Rose is Tarot card reader and Aunt Vi is a pet psychic. Also, Clyde's nephew, Seth, is spending his summer vacation with the family.
Clyde and Seth are pet walkers and they start their day walking their regulars and they head over to Sara's to pick up, Tuffy, her shih Tzu, but something is noticeably wrong as he is not flinging himself against the door. When Clyde enters the kichen she sees Tuffy cowering under a table and Sara dead from a bullet wound. Later when Clyde heads over to interview Tish, whose expertise is séances, as she knocks on the door she hears a gunshot and the backdoor slam shut. Tish dies and is unable to give any clues to whom might have murdered her.
Clyde, Rose or Aunt Vi psychic skills can't tell them who the murder might be, but they are pretty sure who it isn't. Then when there is a threat to Clyde's life, the heat is on to find the killer.
Readers don't need to be believers in psychic powers to enjoy this book. I enjoyed Aunt Vi's attempt to communicate with dogs and cats and liked that Seth has powers of communicating with dogs.
Mac, the detective working the case has very little belief in the powers that the Fortune family has, and that was the problem between Clyde and Mac a few years back. But now that they are both back in town, maybe they can work on these feeling.
Enjoyable story and a lot of interesting characters. Will be watching for the second book in the series.
October 15, 2013
Yes, this is truly a five star review for a debut novel. The series is "A Family Fortune Mystery." The premise is a psychic family living in a town, Crystal Haven, Michigan, known for having psychics. The family has one tarot reader, one pet psychic, and one reluctant cop. Oh yes, the cop is on administrative leave and is trying desperately not to use her psychic abilities. The book is written through Clyde's eyes.
Clyde is re-evaluating her life back in her childhood home. Mama Rose and Auntie Vi keep harping on her to use her 'talents.' However, Clyde is just fine walking dogs and spending time with her nephew, Seth. Life is running along its kooky way until, a local psychic is murdered and the eye-witness, a Shih Tzu, Tuffy can only scream (according to Auntie Vi.) 'Bacon!'
Clyde who is also traumatized from having found the body, finds her dreams disturbing, not to mention her former love interest is in charge of the homicide investigation.
Soon the entire family is involved and between laughing out loud and catching my breath in suspense, I found myself turning pages as quickly as I could to see how on Earth this novel would end. It ended perfectly. I mean I came out of my reading stupor and cheered! Now to be patient until the next novel is published.
Clyde is re-evaluating her life back in her childhood home. Mama Rose and Auntie Vi keep harping on her to use her 'talents.' However, Clyde is just fine walking dogs and spending time with her nephew, Seth. Life is running along its kooky way until, a local psychic is murdered and the eye-witness, a Shih Tzu, Tuffy can only scream (according to Auntie Vi.) 'Bacon!'
Clyde who is also traumatized from having found the body, finds her dreams disturbing, not to mention her former love interest is in charge of the homicide investigation.
Soon the entire family is involved and between laughing out loud and catching my breath in suspense, I found myself turning pages as quickly as I could to see how on Earth this novel would end. It ended perfectly. I mean I came out of my reading stupor and cheered! Now to be patient until the next novel is published.
May 6, 2018
It was okay!
I felt there were too many characters. I had a hard time telling everyone apart. Too much from long ago and I couldn't keep all of it straight.
Although I finished it I was happy to see it finished! I would tell anyone to read it carefully and make sure to keep everyone straight.
I felt there were too many characters. I had a hard time telling everyone apart. Too much from long ago and I couldn't keep all of it straight.
Although I finished it I was happy to see it finished! I would tell anyone to read it carefully and make sure to keep everyone straight.
February 16, 2016
I love this book. Clyde is a fun character and her zany family make the book a delight to read.
October 3, 2023
An okay introduction to the Family Fortune cozy mystery series. Clyde, the former cop now dog walker, made for an interesting sleuth.
January 27, 2015
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Brought to you by guest reviewer Mary C.
I’ve always loved a cozy with a psychic twist and this book aptly fits the bill. It’s wacky, it’s humorous, and it reminded me that everybody usually has a few nuts amongst the leaves on the family tree.
Clytemnestra Fortune, nicknamed Clyde, has an unsettling experience while on the job as a cop in Ann Arbor and decides to return home to Crystal Haven, MI. She tells everyone she’s taken a “leave of absence” (at least in her mind) to assess her options. Home is a Lily Dale-like town filled with psychics, tarot card readers, and those who communicate with the dead. Clyde’s father appears to be the only normal person in the three-ring circus that is her family. He’s a college professor who spends most of his time ignoring his wife and sister-in-law and listening to the police scanner. Aunt Vi is a pet psychic/communicator, and her mother Rose reads tarot cards.
Clyde is constantly bombarded by her mother and aunt to join the family business. However, she is in denial about her own psychic gifts and refuses to give in, instead deciding to be a dog walker. This provides many an entertaining moment as she tries to take care of the various canines. All the dogs are delightfully different, each with their own personality. Her nephew, Seth, assistant dog walker, is one of my favorite characters as he struggles to fit in to this crazy family. Although not quite a teenager, he tries to present a façade of adulthood which provide some amusing moments. He’s spending his vacation with the family and much to Clyde’s dismay; he becomes entangled in the investigation. Seth has a secret of his own which is revealed near the end of the book.
Trouble ensues when Clyde and Seth arrive to take Sara’s dog, Tuffy, for his walk. They hear him going berserk behind the door and find Sara, a local psychic, dead on the kitchen floor. As the only witness, Tuffy, can only scream about bacon when Aunt Vi questions him. Clyde is torn when she discovers one of her friends who was like a mother to her may have had a motive to kill Sara.
Clyde’s life is further complicated when an old love interest is the investigating officer. He brooks no nonsense about clues found through psychic means. Clyde feels Mac’s stance on psychic matters was the cause of their breakup. Their relationship is further explored and explained as the story progresses. I find this ploy of old love interests to be rather tiresome and overused. Additionally, this murder is bringing back memories of Clyde’s problems in Ann Arbor.
When another murder happens and this one is someone close to Clyde, her whole wacky family throw themselves into trying to find the murderer. Clyde refuses to use her psychic abilities and only wants to use her knowledge as a cop to solve the crime. I question where she took her training as several of her actions were quite foolhardy. Common sense didn’t seem to be one of her good points.
For all his bumbling, I liked Deputy Tom. He puts his job on the line to help Clyde and her family when Mac warns them off. Several viable suspects and a little sleight of hand keep the mystery going. I wasn’t able to solve it immediately and it took me awhile to get to the right suspect.
The characters are quirky but well developed. Aunt Vi seemed to think the world revolved around her and she could get quite irritating at times. I wouldn’t say I disliked her, but smaller doses are better than bigger batches.
All-in-all, I found this whimsical paranormal cozy exceptionally well done for a first in the series. I predict it will be a hit.
Brought to you by guest reviewer Mary C.
I’ve always loved a cozy with a psychic twist and this book aptly fits the bill. It’s wacky, it’s humorous, and it reminded me that everybody usually has a few nuts amongst the leaves on the family tree.
Clytemnestra Fortune, nicknamed Clyde, has an unsettling experience while on the job as a cop in Ann Arbor and decides to return home to Crystal Haven, MI. She tells everyone she’s taken a “leave of absence” (at least in her mind) to assess her options. Home is a Lily Dale-like town filled with psychics, tarot card readers, and those who communicate with the dead. Clyde’s father appears to be the only normal person in the three-ring circus that is her family. He’s a college professor who spends most of his time ignoring his wife and sister-in-law and listening to the police scanner. Aunt Vi is a pet psychic/communicator, and her mother Rose reads tarot cards.
Clyde is constantly bombarded by her mother and aunt to join the family business. However, she is in denial about her own psychic gifts and refuses to give in, instead deciding to be a dog walker. This provides many an entertaining moment as she tries to take care of the various canines. All the dogs are delightfully different, each with their own personality. Her nephew, Seth, assistant dog walker, is one of my favorite characters as he struggles to fit in to this crazy family. Although not quite a teenager, he tries to present a façade of adulthood which provide some amusing moments. He’s spending his vacation with the family and much to Clyde’s dismay; he becomes entangled in the investigation. Seth has a secret of his own which is revealed near the end of the book.
Trouble ensues when Clyde and Seth arrive to take Sara’s dog, Tuffy, for his walk. They hear him going berserk behind the door and find Sara, a local psychic, dead on the kitchen floor. As the only witness, Tuffy, can only scream about bacon when Aunt Vi questions him. Clyde is torn when she discovers one of her friends who was like a mother to her may have had a motive to kill Sara.
Clyde’s life is further complicated when an old love interest is the investigating officer. He brooks no nonsense about clues found through psychic means. Clyde feels Mac’s stance on psychic matters was the cause of their breakup. Their relationship is further explored and explained as the story progresses. I find this ploy of old love interests to be rather tiresome and overused. Additionally, this murder is bringing back memories of Clyde’s problems in Ann Arbor.
When another murder happens and this one is someone close to Clyde, her whole wacky family throw themselves into trying to find the murderer. Clyde refuses to use her psychic abilities and only wants to use her knowledge as a cop to solve the crime. I question where she took her training as several of her actions were quite foolhardy. Common sense didn’t seem to be one of her good points.
For all his bumbling, I liked Deputy Tom. He puts his job on the line to help Clyde and her family when Mac warns them off. Several viable suspects and a little sleight of hand keep the mystery going. I wasn’t able to solve it immediately and it took me awhile to get to the right suspect.
The characters are quirky but well developed. Aunt Vi seemed to think the world revolved around her and she could get quite irritating at times. I wouldn’t say I disliked her, but smaller doses are better than bigger batches.
All-in-all, I found this whimsical paranormal cozy exceptionally well done for a first in the series. I predict it will be a hit.
June 16, 2014
Pall in the Family is the first book in the Family Fortune Mystery series. I choose a book to read because I think I might like it or it is a series I follow. I was hoping to like this book when I chose it so I was pleasantly surprised by how much I really liked this book. It was an engaging funny cozy mystery.
What made this book stand out for me was the humor and the characters. I chuckled quite a few times while reading the book. The characters are zany and quirky. Crystal Haven is a town where tourists come for the psychic readings, crystals, etc. Clyde, the protagonist, has returned home after being a cop in Ann Arbor. Her descriptions of family events and their reactions are humorous. I especially enjoyed her interaction with her nephew Seth and the two dogs named Tuffy and Baxter. Her mother is a tarot card reader. Her Aunt Vi communicates with animals. Clyde has her doubts about some of her Aunt's self proclaimed accomplishments. Her dad tries to stay out of way and listens to the police scanner. Clyde is being pressured by her mother and aunt to use and develop her abilities which she does not want to do.
Clyde and her family become involved in finding out who committed the murders of their friends in Crystal Haven. Clyde befriends a rookie cop Tom who looks up to her. Clyde's old Flame Mac is leading the police investigation in solving the murders.
The book was a fun fast read. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
What made this book stand out for me was the humor and the characters. I chuckled quite a few times while reading the book. The characters are zany and quirky. Crystal Haven is a town where tourists come for the psychic readings, crystals, etc. Clyde, the protagonist, has returned home after being a cop in Ann Arbor. Her descriptions of family events and their reactions are humorous. I especially enjoyed her interaction with her nephew Seth and the two dogs named Tuffy and Baxter. Her mother is a tarot card reader. Her Aunt Vi communicates with animals. Clyde has her doubts about some of her Aunt's self proclaimed accomplishments. Her dad tries to stay out of way and listens to the police scanner. Clyde is being pressured by her mother and aunt to use and develop her abilities which she does not want to do.
Clyde and her family become involved in finding out who committed the murders of their friends in Crystal Haven. Clyde befriends a rookie cop Tom who looks up to her. Clyde's old Flame Mac is leading the police investigation in solving the murders.
The book was a fun fast read. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
September 20, 2015
“The aptly named Crystal Haven is the destination for tourists seeking psychics, séances, and the promise of contacting the spirit world. In this small western Michigan town, everyone knows the Fortune family. Rose is gifted with tarot card readings. Her sister, Vi, is a self-proclaimed pet psychic. And Rose’s daughter Clyde is…
A cop. A cop on leave from Ann Arbor, more specifically, who’s come home to kooky Crystal Haven to reevaluate her life. Mom and Aunt Vi can’t wait for Clyde to finally embrace her own psychic gifts and join the family business. Clyde would prefer the low-stress lifestyle of a dog walker and the low-key company of her nephew, Seth.
But when a local psychic is killed, leaving behind a traumatized Shih Tzu, it seems to be in the cards for Clyde to get involved. With her old flame Mac leading the investigation, that may prove awkward. Whether she uses her skills as a cop or her long-denied psychic abilities, it’s up to Clyde to divine a killer’s identity before someone else suffers more misfortune.”
This was a pure delight and pleasure to read (also read it in a day)! There’s mystery, a really screwy family, odd – ball neighbors, murder and intrigue!
This is also the first in the Family Fortune Mystery.
A cop. A cop on leave from Ann Arbor, more specifically, who’s come home to kooky Crystal Haven to reevaluate her life. Mom and Aunt Vi can’t wait for Clyde to finally embrace her own psychic gifts and join the family business. Clyde would prefer the low-stress lifestyle of a dog walker and the low-key company of her nephew, Seth.
But when a local psychic is killed, leaving behind a traumatized Shih Tzu, it seems to be in the cards for Clyde to get involved. With her old flame Mac leading the investigation, that may prove awkward. Whether she uses her skills as a cop or her long-denied psychic abilities, it’s up to Clyde to divine a killer’s identity before someone else suffers more misfortune.”
This was a pure delight and pleasure to read (also read it in a day)! There’s mystery, a really screwy family, odd – ball neighbors, murder and intrigue!
This is also the first in the Family Fortune Mystery.
April 14, 2015
I loved this book. It has a main character that has psychic abilities that she is trying to ignore. She is a strong character that is likeable, I love her relationship with her nephew Seth. There is a whole cast of characters with a wide range of personalities. The mystery definitely kept me guessing although I did start piecing it together earlier than Clyde, I like the little twist to the story at the end, I didn't see that one coming, as a matter of fact I thought it was going to end up a dropped off piece of the story, nope it was covered. I am continuing on with this series, I'm just sorry it took me so long to get started on it.
July 30, 2013
I had the good fortune of reading an advance copy of this lovely debut. Enthusiasts of cozy mysteries will delight. The book introduces narrator Clyde Fortune, a former cop on extended leave in hometown Crystal Haven, an enclave of occult enthusiasts. When a murder disrupts this eccentric Lake Michigan community, Clyde feels compelled to investigate. Standing in her way are her nutty relations (Aunt Vi, local pet psychic is my personal favorite) and police-chief and former-flame Mac. With top marks for humor, quirky characters, and suspense, this novel sparkles.
January 13, 2015
Clyde is a cop, had to come home due to an incident at her job. She is working as a dog walker, and trying very hard to avoid her "abilities" when there is a murder, then another one. She has no choice but to try to solve it.
I loved this book, and the colorful characters.
I loved this book, and the colorful characters.
March 3, 2016
Good, just not memorable. I didn't feel anything special from it. The story was interesting, the characters (with the exception of Vi) were great, and the mystery was fun, but for some reason I'm left with nothing. I guess because I've read some really good cozies that this one pales in comparison.
June 22, 2020
The beginning of a fun series! I liked Dawn's writing and the book kept me turning pages. I am looking forward to the next book.
September 28, 2017
Clyde (a nickname for a complicated flower name) Fortune is temporarily back in small town Crystal Haven, Michigan living with her eccentric family, which includes her mom, Rose, a tarot card reader, her Aunt Vi, a pet psychic (at least that's what she claims), her dad, who only claims to be a dentist, and her nephew, Seth, who is still uncertain about any supernatural talents he may or may not have. Crystal Haven is a tourist attraction due to its many residents who claim to be spiritually gifted in many ways. Clyde is on leave from her job as a cop, now passing the time as a dog walker. Clyde has psychic gifts of her own, but has been trying to ignore them for many years, until one of the town's top psychics is found murdered.
I really enjoyed the humorous aspect of this book, especially when it pertained to Aunt Vi and her "clients" (dogs and cats) trying to help solve the murder. The animals never seemed to be in the mood to communicate, though, other than apparently insinuating to Vi that the murder had to do with bacon, which Vi insisted was a real clue that Clyde should immediately report to the detective working the case, who happened to be a former love interest of Clyde's, and not a fan of the paranormal. This is a good, fun read and a great start to a new series. :-)
I really enjoyed the humorous aspect of this book, especially when it pertained to Aunt Vi and her "clients" (dogs and cats) trying to help solve the murder. The animals never seemed to be in the mood to communicate, though, other than apparently insinuating to Vi that the murder had to do with bacon, which Vi insisted was a real clue that Clyde should immediately report to the detective working the case, who happened to be a former love interest of Clyde's, and not a fan of the paranormal. This is a good, fun read and a great start to a new series. :-)
February 23, 2018
3.5 stars...the writing is pretty good for a debut author, but the story just lacked the 'omph' that I was expecting for the start of a new series...plus the ending was a little contrived...I would, of course, be willing to read another book in this series just for the setting alone (Crystal Haven seems like a quite charming little town)...
October 7, 2017
A cozy mystery in which the heroine is actually a cop, though no less incompetent of an investigator, despite the psychic gift. Highlights include spiritualism/Wicca and numerous dogs.
May 1, 2021
3.5 stars, rounded down
January 13, 2016
Pall in the Family is a fantastic addition to the paranormal mystery genre. Dawn Eastman has penned a wonderful mix of mystery, romance, and other worldly to give us an engaging read that's hard to put down.
Summary:
Clyde Fortune never thought she'd move back home. From inception, Crystal Haven, Michigan has been renowned as the place to find psychics and séances. Growing up with the well-known Fortunes was trying at best. Clyde moved to Ann Arbor to get away from the pressure of psychic ability, and to forget her broken heart. Now, she's back, on leave from her job as a policewoman to do none other than reevaluate her life. With her mom and Aunt Vi breathing down her neck to accept her own abilities and to take over the family business, Clyde much rather prefers the calming effects of dog walking. Calm is the last emotion felt when a well-known psychic and Clyde's client is murdered, and Clyde stumbles across the body. In the blink of an eye, Clyde finds herself guardian to a traumatized and stressed Shih Tzu, and facing, Mac, the man who shattered her fairytale. Unfortunately for Clyde her troubles don't end there. While having to interact with her old flame on the case may be awkward, nothing compares to her family's immediate determination to drag Clyde back into psychic work kicking and screaming and their eagerness to investigate. Dodging her aunt's pet psychic antics and her mom's tarot readings, Clyde is uncertain whether to use her long-buried psychic talent or cop skills to catch a murderer before someone else is caught in the crosshairs.
This was a wonderful read. Despite having a strong suspicion of who the murderer was fairly early, the antics of the MC and supporting cast kept me entertained. Clyde was easy to read and relate to. She was funny, I liked her personality, and found that I really couldn't blame her for her reticence in accepting an ability that seemed to only bring her bad news. Now that's not to say that I think she wouldn't benefit from really giving it a chance, but I definitely understood where she was coming from. I liked her and Mac together, but was a little disappointed in his absolute refusal to believe. No matter that Clyde denies her gift, it's still who she is, and it bothers me that it seems he can't accept that. Supporting cast was awesome. I loved Aunt Vi. She was a hoot. I also really enjoyed Seth. I think his character has a big future ahead, and I hope we are privy to it. The issue with Clyde's job and the missing graduate was also intriguing and kept me reading to find answers. Overall, a great read and I look forward to reading the next books in the series. I kind of hope we get a bit more of Clyde's abilities, too, in future installments. <3
Summary:
Clyde Fortune never thought she'd move back home. From inception, Crystal Haven, Michigan has been renowned as the place to find psychics and séances. Growing up with the well-known Fortunes was trying at best. Clyde moved to Ann Arbor to get away from the pressure of psychic ability, and to forget her broken heart. Now, she's back, on leave from her job as a policewoman to do none other than reevaluate her life. With her mom and Aunt Vi breathing down her neck to accept her own abilities and to take over the family business, Clyde much rather prefers the calming effects of dog walking. Calm is the last emotion felt when a well-known psychic and Clyde's client is murdered, and Clyde stumbles across the body. In the blink of an eye, Clyde finds herself guardian to a traumatized and stressed Shih Tzu, and facing, Mac, the man who shattered her fairytale. Unfortunately for Clyde her troubles don't end there. While having to interact with her old flame on the case may be awkward, nothing compares to her family's immediate determination to drag Clyde back into psychic work kicking and screaming and their eagerness to investigate. Dodging her aunt's pet psychic antics and her mom's tarot readings, Clyde is uncertain whether to use her long-buried psychic talent or cop skills to catch a murderer before someone else is caught in the crosshairs.
This was a wonderful read. Despite having a strong suspicion of who the murderer was fairly early, the antics of the MC and supporting cast kept me entertained. Clyde was easy to read and relate to. She was funny, I liked her personality, and found that I really couldn't blame her for her reticence in accepting an ability that seemed to only bring her bad news. Now that's not to say that I think she wouldn't benefit from really giving it a chance, but I definitely understood where she was coming from. I liked her and Mac together, but was a little disappointed in his absolute refusal to believe. No matter that Clyde denies her gift, it's still who she is, and it bothers me that it seems he can't accept that. Supporting cast was awesome. I loved Aunt Vi. She was a hoot. I also really enjoyed Seth. I think his character has a big future ahead, and I hope we are privy to it. The issue with Clyde's job and the missing graduate was also intriguing and kept me reading to find answers. Overall, a great read and I look forward to reading the next books in the series. I kind of hope we get a bit more of Clyde's abilities, too, in future installments. <3
December 20, 2014
This is the first book in the Family Fortune Mystery series by Dawn Eastman. This is a new to me author, that I discovered via the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours. I really liked the idea of a family of psychics juxtaposed with the logical cop, throw in a small town you know is full of wacky and zany characters (uh hello, a town full of psychics and mediums) and you just know there is going to be plenty of laughs along the way.
The story opens with Clyde coming downstairs to find that a bat has gotten into the house, again. Her mother - Rose, Aunt Violet and nephew Seth are all trying unsuccessfully to capture the bat and/or shoo it outside. It is strongly implied that this chaos is a normal occurrence. The bat eventually flies outside and Clyde and Seth head out to start the daily routine of dog walking for the neighborhood. Yes, Clyde is a little old to be walking dogs, but she is on administrative leave from her job as a police officer in Ann Arbor and her Aunt Vi, the pet psychic, helped her line up most of the dogs. So far it has been about a month and Clyde still hasn't come clean with her parents about why she taking a "sabbatical". Her mother hopes it is because Clyde will once again acknowledge and start training her own psychic powers. Clyde meanwhile continues to just want to be normal and for the visions to go away.
When Clyde and Seth get to the home of Sara and Tuffy, Tuffy refuses to come when he is called. Clyde goes in and checks things out, only to find that Sara has been killed in her kitchen. Since Clyde is a trained police officer and Sara was a family friend, she is quickly pulled into the investigation. Of course the rumor mill starts quickly that Clyde will be using her intuitive powers to solve the case.
This was a great book. The town and all the supporting characters made this a fast, fun read. The family dynamics are both amusing and poignantly touching. Clyde's relationship with Mac, her old flame, has to overcome past regrets, misunderstandings and misconceptions. While her relationship with her best friends, Diana and Alex, is one we all wish we could have. I consumed this book in one sitting. I just didn't want to put it down. This book earned every one of the 5 stars I gave in on Goodreads.
The story opens with Clyde coming downstairs to find that a bat has gotten into the house, again. Her mother - Rose, Aunt Violet and nephew Seth are all trying unsuccessfully to capture the bat and/or shoo it outside. It is strongly implied that this chaos is a normal occurrence. The bat eventually flies outside and Clyde and Seth head out to start the daily routine of dog walking for the neighborhood. Yes, Clyde is a little old to be walking dogs, but she is on administrative leave from her job as a police officer in Ann Arbor and her Aunt Vi, the pet psychic, helped her line up most of the dogs. So far it has been about a month and Clyde still hasn't come clean with her parents about why she taking a "sabbatical". Her mother hopes it is because Clyde will once again acknowledge and start training her own psychic powers. Clyde meanwhile continues to just want to be normal and for the visions to go away.
When Clyde and Seth get to the home of Sara and Tuffy, Tuffy refuses to come when he is called. Clyde goes in and checks things out, only to find that Sara has been killed in her kitchen. Since Clyde is a trained police officer and Sara was a family friend, she is quickly pulled into the investigation. Of course the rumor mill starts quickly that Clyde will be using her intuitive powers to solve the case.
This was a great book. The town and all the supporting characters made this a fast, fun read. The family dynamics are both amusing and poignantly touching. Clyde's relationship with Mac, her old flame, has to overcome past regrets, misunderstandings and misconceptions. While her relationship with her best friends, Diana and Alex, is one we all wish we could have. I consumed this book in one sitting. I just didn't want to put it down. This book earned every one of the 5 stars I gave in on Goodreads.
January 7, 2014
The first thing I noticed when I started this book was that it wasn't an easy read Cozy Mystery like I've read before. Not that it's a bad thing, but for my feeling I wasn't reading it as fast as I did with others (which I already noticed when I was around page 40 or so), I can't pinpoint why exactly, but it was just a feeling. It's also not much filled with humor. The humor that is in the book, mostly comes from the dogs that Clyde walks, especially Baxter, he's a big brown dog that drools a lot! Just the kind I like! The scenes where Clyde tries to get him in the car made me laugh out loud. Other then that, it's a more serious book, but still cozy, just not as humorous as others.
The characters are great! There are many characters, but all introduced very well and you really get to know each one of them and what the relationship is between them. I was a bit annoyed by Clyde's mom and aunt who continuously tell Clyde she should 'embrace her gift'. I can understand in a way, but it was made clear a tad too much... basically every time the family came together. I just hope there will be less "Clyde needs to accept her gift" pushing from mom and aunt and less Clyde fighting against it if there comes another book. I would like it if she chooses and everyone accepts the choice. Whatever it is.
Mac and Clyde are old flames and I loved how their story was told and we also get to know the background of their relationship and why certain things happened.
During reading I had a few suspects in mind, but the true murderer revealed to me by reading the book 'till the end. With the guesses I made, I was right, but the motives behind the crimes were really cleared in the end and that was one thing I could not have guessed. Almost at the end of the book I got misdirected with my suspicions in suspects. I loved that last minute spin up of things!
All in all a great book!
It's a great first book in a series I certainly hope will continue, so I definitely recommend it!
The characters are great! There are many characters, but all introduced very well and you really get to know each one of them and what the relationship is between them. I was a bit annoyed by Clyde's mom and aunt who continuously tell Clyde she should 'embrace her gift'. I can understand in a way, but it was made clear a tad too much... basically every time the family came together. I just hope there will be less "Clyde needs to accept her gift" pushing from mom and aunt and less Clyde fighting against it if there comes another book. I would like it if she chooses and everyone accepts the choice. Whatever it is.
Mac and Clyde are old flames and I loved how their story was told and we also get to know the background of their relationship and why certain things happened.
During reading I had a few suspects in mind, but the true murderer revealed to me by reading the book 'till the end. With the guesses I made, I was right, but the motives behind the crimes were really cleared in the end and that was one thing I could not have guessed. Almost at the end of the book I got misdirected with my suspicions in suspects. I loved that last minute spin up of things!
All in all a great book!
It's a great first book in a series I certainly hope will continue, so I definitely recommend it!
August 13, 2013
A very good, well-written first in what could be an excellent new series. This is not a quick, light read. It's not dark or depressing, but there's a maturity to the writing that you don't find in a lot of cozies, especially the paranormal ones. That's not a criticism of cozies - I'm a huge fan - but this book feels like it's a step above. The writing, the character building, the plot, all felt more on the level with Barbara Michaels, or Earlene Fowler (maybe?). I felt like this book took longer to read than most of equal length, even though the story kept me invested.
The characters in this book are well-written, solid and real. There are no caricatures here. I'll admit I really don't like Vi, but she's real - she reminds me in many ways of some of my own relatives. Clyde's mom is a nag and Clyde is trying to power through a very traumatic event. The most humorous element of the book are the dogs, Baxter and Tuffy, with a few scenes that had me giggling a bit. Oh, and the deputy, Tom and his unfortunate lack of grace definitely lent itself to moments of levity. Mac is a love interest you can get behind and I love the background to their story. If the author continues to have Clyde fight against her 'gifts' I'll not continue reading the series, but her qualms are justified in the short term.
Having sold the book up, I'll now admit I guessed the killer pretty early on in the book but I'll still argue the plot was very well done. Old crimes and new, plenty of suspects and a little bit of misdirection. While I knew who the killer was, I didn't begin to guess at the motivation until the end - I totally had that part wrong, so no enjoyment was lost to my early guess.
I'm really looking forward to the next book; I hope it will come sooner rather than later.
The characters in this book are well-written, solid and real. There are no caricatures here. I'll admit I really don't like Vi, but she's real - she reminds me in many ways of some of my own relatives. Clyde's mom is a nag and Clyde is trying to power through a very traumatic event. The most humorous element of the book are the dogs, Baxter and Tuffy, with a few scenes that had me giggling a bit. Oh, and the deputy, Tom and his unfortunate lack of grace definitely lent itself to moments of levity. Mac is a love interest you can get behind and I love the background to their story. If the author continues to have Clyde fight against her 'gifts' I'll not continue reading the series, but her qualms are justified in the short term.
Having sold the book up, I'll now admit I guessed the killer pretty early on in the book but I'll still argue the plot was very well done. Old crimes and new, plenty of suspects and a little bit of misdirection. While I knew who the killer was, I didn't begin to guess at the motivation until the end - I totally had that part wrong, so no enjoyment was lost to my early guess.
I'm really looking forward to the next book; I hope it will come sooner rather than later.
November 2, 2014
I enjoy paranormal cozy mysteries, and I thought this was a nice start to a new series and will be reading the next one! After a shooting incident, Clytemnestra (Clyde) has taken a short leave of absence from her job as a cop in Ann Arbor and returned to her hometown of Crystal Haven, a town whose claim to fame is all the psychic practitioners there, including Clyde's own family. Although she is actually gifted herself, after having a few bad experiences with them she has tried to ignore that aspect of herself and rationalize it in others. To fill the time, she has taken up dog-walking and pet-sitting for people, but when she stops at the home of a client who was supposed to be out of town to let the dog out, she discovers the client, a friend of her mother's, has been murdered! It doesn't help that the detective on the case is her ex-boyfriend, Mac, or that another murder, this time of a dear friend, shortly takes place and makes her resolved to solve the murders.
I liked the small-town atmosphere in the book and Clyde's goofy but lovable family. I wasn't sure I liked how Clyde seemed to not use her training in certain situations, but I reasoned that since she is home she has reverted somewhat to her younger self, as evidenced by her spying on one of her mother's tarot readings! All in all, an entertaining read!
I liked the small-town atmosphere in the book and Clyde's goofy but lovable family. I wasn't sure I liked how Clyde seemed to not use her training in certain situations, but I reasoned that since she is home she has reverted somewhat to her younger self, as evidenced by her spying on one of her mother's tarot readings! All in all, an entertaining read!
December 3, 2013
Clyde, a police woman on leave from her job in Ann Arbor, was home living with her family. Clyde never thought she would end up back in Crystal Haven, not to mention living with her family. Her mother and Aunt Vi were an odd bunch. The town was filled with psychics and her family was among the many in town that had the psychic ability. Clyde was now living as a dog walker with her nephew Seth. While the two were on the job they came across an odd site, a dead body. That is when the family decided to do anything and everything to help solve the case. But, not if Clyde’s ex-boyfriend had anything to do about it. Mac the ex, was a police officer and wanted her away from the case. But after they found out more info on the case Clyde did not want to stay away.
I enjoyed this book from cover to cover. It is a great mystery, and if you are an animal lover you will love this book. I loved to quirky characters. They all played a huge role in the book and you will find yourself falling in them with all of them. I especially loved Aunt Vi, she can talk to animals, need I say more. This is book 1 in a series, but it finishes on a good note and it is not a cliffhanger. I am looking forward to book two, out in June of 2014. A must read!!
Rating 4.5
Heat Rating Sweet
Reviewed By Rae
Courtesy Of My Book Addiction And More
I enjoyed this book from cover to cover. It is a great mystery, and if you are an animal lover you will love this book. I loved to quirky characters. They all played a huge role in the book and you will find yourself falling in them with all of them. I especially loved Aunt Vi, she can talk to animals, need I say more. This is book 1 in a series, but it finishes on a good note and it is not a cliffhanger. I am looking forward to book two, out in June of 2014. A must read!!
Rating 4.5
Heat Rating Sweet
Reviewed By Rae
Courtesy Of My Book Addiction And More
December 15, 2014
I'm giving this 4 1/2 stars. I really wanted to give this book 5 stars but there were a few things that bothered me. The main character is a cop that ran back to her hometown when something bad happened on the job. I really found it hard to believe that she was a cop. It's hard to put into words but I felt like she was stupid when she was walking up on a crime scene, like she didn't know how to handle it. I mean what cop would just walk into a house without their gun drawn and survey their surroundings before running over to a dead body? I know she is on leave from her job, but I would have thought with her being a cop she would have still been cautious. Also at the end I didn't like the fact that she took her nephew to a place where she knew a murder suspect was going to be. I just assumed with her being a cop she would have been a lot more smarter and cautious with her surroundings.
With that being said, I did enjoy this book. For a cozy mystery this is by far one of the best ones I have read. It was fast paced and kept me guessing until the last few chapters. I loved all the characters and the town the story was set it. The dogs were great too! I loved the scene when all the family was following around what they thought was the murderer. Very funny! Had me laughing out loud.
Overall, a very good job for this authors first work. I can't wait to read more by her!
With that being said, I did enjoy this book. For a cozy mystery this is by far one of the best ones I have read. It was fast paced and kept me guessing until the last few chapters. I loved all the characters and the town the story was set it. The dogs were great too! I loved the scene when all the family was following around what they thought was the murderer. Very funny! Had me laughing out loud.
Overall, a very good job for this authors first work. I can't wait to read more by her!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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