In “Ghost of a Chance” by Kerry Blair, we see the second installment of the Nightshade Mysteries series, the first being “Mummy’s the Word.” As we begin the sequel, Samantha Shade is on a stakeout at the old San Rafael mission, watching for the ghost of a dear departed monk. There also happens to be a serial killer on the loose who leaves a marigold between the lips of his victims. But Sam has nothing to fear, even though it’s late at night – her faithful dog, Clueless, is on hand to protect her.
Also nearby is Thom Casey, police. He’s an intelligent, thoughtful officer with a head full of literary quotes and a heart of gold. Sam has it for him, bad, but she always manages to make herself look like a complete dope when he’s around.
When a scream pierces the night air, Thom calls out the squad to come search the mission, but they find nothing. Sam has also seen no evidence of her ghost, so she goes home too. But early the next morning, Sully, the owner of the mortuary next door, comes begging for help – he’s lost a client. No, they didn’t decide to use another funeral home – he’s lost an actual dead body.
Sam agrees to help, only to find herself passed out cold on the embalming room floor, supported by Thom’s strong arms. Yes, she has made a fool of herself again, but Thom seems not to mind. Working together, they set out to solve all three mysteries, weaving the threads together in a spooky, hilarious, and romantic ride.
I must say this, in addition to everything else I’ve said so far – Thom Casey is one of the best male characters I’ve found in a novel. He’s the perfect man, and yet he has just enough flaws to make him believable. I’m a very happily married woman and I know he’s just a fictional character, but let’s just say I wouldn’t mind meeting him in an alternate universe somewhere. Popular LDS author Kerry Blair has done it again, and I do believe she’s getting better, if such a thing were possible.
(This book was published in 2007 by Covenant Communications.)
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