Don of the Dead (Pepper Martin Mysteries, No. 1)

She sees dead peopleBeautiful, smart, and chic, Pepper Martin never had to work a day in her life -- until her surgeon daddy was convicted of fraud, her wealthy fiancé took a powder, and the family fortune ran bone dry.Suddenly desperate, the inexperienced ex-rich girl was forced to take the only job she could get: as a tour guide in a cemetery. But a grave situation took a turn for the worse when a head-on collision with a headstone left her with an unwanted ability to communicate with the disgruntled deceased . . . and now Pepper has a whacked Mafia don demanding that she hunt down his killers -- and threatening to haunt her until she does.

From Publishers Weekly

Combining elements of a cozy mystery and a paranormal romance, this debut aims for fresh and sassy; while it delivers fare both conventional and canned, it's redeemed in the end. The book's big flaw is its unappealing protagonist, Pepper Martin, a cemetery tour guide in Cleveland who thinks her best asset is her big chest. She wields the power of the twins often while investigating the death of former mob boss Gus Scarpetti—at the behest of the wise guy himself. Ever since Pepper hit her head on Gus's mausoleum, she's been able to see and talk to his ghost. Pepper would rather nab a job in Saks's shoe department and a handsome man with deep pockets than turn amateur sleuth. But in the absence of Prince Charming, she settles for investigating Gus's 30-year-old murder and lusting after a gorgeous cop and an enigmatic brain doctor. Without an engaging voice, the first third of the book drags; when it heats up, though, the carefully woven mystery helps compensate for what Pepper lacks, as does the well-defined and likable Gus. Indeed, despite some plot holes and flimsy characterizations, Daniels pulls the mystery together in the end, showing promise for a better book two. (May 30) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Washington Times

“Clever, intelligent and well written.”

Romantic Times BOOKclub

“Daniels cleverly sets up a fun new series...a tightly plotted story with a likable amateur sleuth.”

Argus Leader (Sioux Falls, SD)

“Daniel’s first offering is a fast, fun read, perfect for the beach and ripe for a follow-up.”

Roberta Isleib, author of FAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

“A delightful read!”

Kerrelyn Sparks, author of HOW TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE VAMPIRE

“A spooky mystery, a spunky heroine, and sparkling wit! Give us more!”

Emilie Richards, USA Today bestselling author

“There’s not a ghost of a chance you’ll be able to put this book down. Write faster, Casey Daniels.”

Linda O. Johnstone, author of NOTHING TO FEAR BUT FERRETS

“[A] charming, imaginative mystery that transcends the boundaries of time, death and predictability, peppered with some delightful romantic twists.

Laura Bradley, author of SPRAYED STIFF

“Carrie of Sex in the City going Six Feet Under with The Sopranos. Hip, original, out-of-this world fun!”

MaryJanice Davidson, USA Today bestselling author

“[F]abulous! One of the funniest books I’ve read this year. Or last year, come to think of it.”

Shirley Damsgaard, author of WITCH WAY TO MURDER

“The fast paced dialogue and plenty of twists keep the reader turning the pages…I can’t wait to read more!”

From the Back Cover

She sees dead peopleBeautiful, smart, and chic, Pepper Martin never had to work a day in her life -- until her surgeon daddy was convicted of fraud, her wealthy fiancé took a powder, and the family fortune ran bone dry.Suddenly desperate, the inexperienced ex-rich girl was forced to take the only job she could get: as a tour guide in a cemetery. But a grave situation took a turn for the worse when a head-on collision with a headstone left her with an unwanted ability to communicate with the disgruntled deceased . . . and now Pepper has a whacked Mafia don demanding that she hunt down his killers -- and threatening to haunt her until she does.

About the Author

Casey Daniels once applied for a job as a tour guide in a cemetery. She didn't get the job, but she did get the idea for the Pepper Martin mystery series. Casey learned to love mysteries early thanks to her father, a Cleveland Police detective who enjoyed Sherlock Holmes stories and spent his days off searching for stolen cars—with Casey along for the ride. Later, she read her way through every mystery on the library shelves. Casey has a degree in English and a background in journalism and teaching. She is the author of two previous Pepper Martin mysteries, Don of the Dead and The Chick and the Dead, and lives in Northeast Ohio.

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