Danger, adventure, conspiracy, romance, and hilarious dust bunnies all in the capable hands of Jayne Ann Krentz writing as Jayne Castle. Does it get any better than that? I read this in one day and as soon as I turned the final page all I wanted to do was go back to page one and read it all over again. Castle, Harmony, a terrific main couple, and the always-entertaining dust bunnies never let me down.

PSA: Do not read Chapter 52 while eating or drinking. Hilarious!

Do yourself a favor and preorder It Takes a Psychic now so you don't miss out when it releases in June 2025. Full review closer to publication date.

ARC received from publisher via NetGalley
Fair and unbiased review

Jayne Castle continues Illusion Town stories; our heroine gets involved with the manager of a museum and a parapsychic artefact. As they hunt down the source of the psychic tool they go to a weird town and a cult that seeks to use them. The dust bunnies are the usual cute psychic critters. Wonderful romantic and suspense stories.

Leona Griffin is a para-archeologist who is somewhat famous for her discovery in the underworld. When her boss sends her to authenticate some antiques at a glittering reception for a shady society of secret collectors. She is shocked to discover that one of the relics is a powerful Old-World object known as Pandora’s Box. Oliver Rancourt has been sent to retrieve the box that was stolen from his museum. Leona knows that Oliver is not the only thing that is not as it seems. Attempting to make a discreet exit, she stumbles over a body. Before she can alert authorities, a police raid sends the reception into chaos. To avoid being arrested, Leona slips away with Oliver. When they join forces to investigate the never thought the clues would lead them to a dangerous cult.

Wow! This book has so many twist and turns it can leave you dizzy. I love the authors world building talent. She always creates such interesting characters. The mystery was also so engaging that I could not put it down. I highly recommend not only this book but the whole series. Although I would recommend reading People in Glass Houses first as it is where we meet Leona and will give some back story.

Leona Griffin is brought into a society event to authenticate artificates. She is 15 minute famous as a para-archeologist thanks to a recent Underworld discovery. But during the ceremony she found herself fascinated by two things. One is a powerful Old-World object known as Pandora’s Box. The second is Oliver Rancourt, a mysterous man who she follows into the night...

Why I started this book: Castle is on my autobuy list and I was eager for an ARC.

Why I finished it: Castle's stories are comfort reads and this was no exception. Daring deeds, chance meetings that are actually fate and adventure. All the elements measured out and served up for the reader's delight.

This is Leona (Molly’s sister from #17), and Oliver’s story. This book can be considered a continuation (but can be read as a stand-alone) of People in Glass Houses (Harmony #17). I like these stories because of this idea of alien technology in an otherworld where humans had settled in the past and evolving psychic talents in some humans. First, can I just say that I love the dust bunnies. These little creatures are described in such a way, that you want one, regardless of the fact that they have multiple limbs, 4 eyes and fangs. I love how they’re incorporated into the stories and this one is my favorite of the those I am familiar with. Roxy (the dust bunny), is introduced into the story early on to Leona. She (Leona decides that the dust bunny is a girl) is feisty, adorable and Leona is a para-archeologist and her presence has been required at an affluent, secretive society’s event. Oliver is also at the event and he ends up having several interactions with Leona, causing them to become associates in the search clues as to the a few interesting coincidences. Both Leona and Oliver have “extra” talents and they’re forced to utilize them as the story moves forward. The legend of a long gone “cult leader” adds more to the drama as well.
While Leona and Oliver are trying to stay out of harms way and find the answers, they’re searching for regarding a small artifact they’ve located; their attraction for each other takes the lead and Leona is questioning the “rules” Molly and she had been determined to live by. I enjoyed the book so much, I finished it in one evening. I hope the author continues to write about Harmony, the different zones and of course, more dust bunnies.

Grimly riding the fame that came with her unexpected experience in the Underworld, Leona is realistic enough to know this fame will likely end as soon as the next discovery is announced. So she puts up with the attention begrudgingly and authenticates as needed.

What she doesn't expect at the most recent engagement she's been asked to authenticate at is Oliver. He's unobtrusive and unremarkable on the surface, but Leona absolutely knows there's more to him than he's showing. When he steps in to help her out after she stumbles over a dead body, she goes with the flow. Sure, she might not entirely trust him, but she doesn't have a whole lot of other options once her job lets her go and all signs seem to point to them heading in the same investigative direction.

On Oliver's end, it throws him when Leona sees through his unassuming, regular guy disguise. Or maybe I should say it intrigues him. When the stars aligns and they need to head to the same place (for seemingly different reasons), he jumps at the chance to spend more time with her. Probably not surprising anyone, their investigations stir up danger that has the two of them relying on one another to survive.

A voice from beyond, family ties, a small town with a whole lot of secrets, a man who knows a good partner when he sees her, and a lady who isn't afraid of a man with a whole lot of talent. MAN, I like spending time on Harmony!

Thank you Netgalley and Berkeley for the chance to read an ARC of It takes a psychic by Jayne Castle (Jayne Ann Krentz). This is the 17th book in the Ghost hunter/Harmony series, and takes place immediately after People in glass houses. After being rescued from the Underworld, para-archeologist Leona finds herself in the spotlight, and has been requested to authenticate artifacts for an organization of collectors. She is surprised to discover one of them is a powerful Old-World object known as Pandora’s Box. After stumbling over a dead body she meets Oliver Rancourt, who is there to retrieve the stolen relic. When the police raid the receptions it sends Leona and Oliver on the hunt to discover whether the legend of a long dead cult leader is true. With the help of a dust bunny named Roxy they travel to Lost Creek, and find themselves in constant danger.
I always love settling in and reading another tale of futuristic Harmony where psychic abilities are the norm and the loveable but deadly dust bunnies roam. With plenty of suspense, hot romance and humor this is a must read series.

4-Stars

Jayne Castle's latest Harmony series installment delivers a suspenseful, action-packed ride. Protagonist Leona, a talented para-archeologist, is drawn into a world of murder, psychic phenomena, and ancient legends when investigating a mysterious artifact.

Leona's partnership with Oliver, a man with powerful talents and an enigmatic past, adds a thrilling dynamic. Together, they navigate the eerie town of Lost Creek, entangled in a strange legend involving a lost bride and a cryptic key.

Castle's engaging writing propels the story at a quick pace and humor. However, Oliver's character feels somewhat underdeveloped, particularly regarding his background and family.

Works well as a standalone novel, but Harmony series fans will appreciate the return to this unique world. Recommended for readers who enjoy psychic abilities, suspense, and humor.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Return to the world of Harmony where dust bunnies exist and alien artifacts can make strange things happen. ARC from NetGalley.

This author is one of the ones who sent me down the path of urban fantasy many, many years ago, and this series is the reason. I’m happy to say that it’s still going strong! This latest has Molly’s sister Leona front and center, and their past is about to catch up to them. In comes Oliver to upset her world with clues to that path. I loved how this played out, and I loved we got to see some countryside for the first time (I think) and not the cities. This latest is a non-stop action, well-written, whirlwind of a tale, and I hope the author writes many more in this universe. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of IT TAKES A PSYCHIC (Book 18 of the Harmony futuristic romantic mystery series) by Jayne Castle in exchange for an honest review. Leona Griffin has been required by her employer to attend an event in the hope of attracting financial donations. Only, the event is hosted by a shady organization of secretive collectors, and Leona is less than thrilled to act as a show pony and to perform live authentications of their featured artifacts. Leona is even less enthusiastic about forming a connection to the organization when a dusty bunny lures her to a room where a number of others are held captive for experimentation. After discretely freeing the little critters and publicly performing her authentications, Leona hopes to make a quick exit, but the night isn’t over until there is a police raid, a murder victim, and an escape with a mystery man, Oliver Rancourt. When her employer realizes public perception of an alliance with the collectors is a detriment to the organization, they actually fire Leona for being at the function-as ordered. Leona, now unemployed, takes a consulting job working for Oliver, and they travel to the town of Lost Creek to authenticate a collectible item Oliver is considering buying. Only, the town is a trap designed just for Leona. How on Harmony will they ever escape?

I liked this book and very much enjoy the series. I recommend this book and series to fans of futuristic/paranormal romantic adventures and dust bunnies. Don’t forget the dust bunnies. . . they’re my favorite part.

#ItTakesaPsychic #NetGalley

This was a pretty good book. It is part of a series, but does well as a stand alone book, I never felt that I had missed anything. I enjoy books that use psychic abilities. However, the word "rez" was definitely very overused in the book and I found it more and more annoying every time I came across it. It was a pretty quick read however.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing Group for gifting me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Leona and Oliver's story was perfect. I love this series and this was a wonderful read. Getting transported into this world Castle has created is a magical journey that keeps moving on. I also enjoy the back story she puts in there. Can't wait for the next

It takes a psychic
Jayne Ann Krentz, nee Jayne Castle

Ingredients to an imaginative read:
Take an alien world and a whole lot of psychic characters with improbable powers. And don’t forget their pet dust bunnies. Add mystery, suspense and romance And you’ve found one of the fascinating treasures of this author

Again a cute dust bunny to add to the fun. Two high level talents who meet on the job are pushed together on a wild ride. Look for more backstory about Harmony Great addition to series

Is she the hunter or the hunted?

Leona Griffin is a gifted para-archeologist in a world known as Harmony, where generations ago people from Earth (aka the Old World) arrived to form colonies. When the energy curtain that allowed interstellar travel between Earth and colonies like Harmony abruptly closed, the residents in these new worlds were cut off from receiving supplies as well as traveling to and from their home planet. Life became a lot more rustic but people forged on and have achieved a level of existence comparable to what they had when the Curtain closed. Harmony was discovered at the onset of colonization to have strong paranormal forces and had been previously inhabited by some form of aliens who left behind a subterranean infrastructure which emits huge amounts of paranormal radiation. The human population who lives there now have developed a wide variety of psychic powers, due at least in part to the energy in the environment around them. This is the world in which Leona has been building her academic career, and a recent event (in which she and two colleagues were taken hostage by antiquities thieves) has brought her heightened visibility in the competitive worlds of academia and antiquities acquisitions. She is asked by her boss at the university where she works to attend a reception at the exclusive Antiquarian Society where she will use her para-abilities to authenticate several items being offered to the group. Should be a boring but easy task, but instead Leona is swept up into circumstances beyond her control. She finds a dead body, is followed by someone who claims to be somewhat nerdy museum director Oliver Rancourt but acts more like Indiana Jones, and is fired due to the controversy that the Society found itself in when the FBPI raided the reception. She joins forces with Oliver as they try to track the source of crystal objects that might, or might not, be connected to a machine known as a Vortex which is supposed to enhance peoples psychic abilities….the Philospher’s Stone of the para world….and a group of conspiracy theorists looking to reanimate their leader. Both she and Oliver have things about themselves they wish to keep hidden, especially when it comes to their own talents….but their growing attraction to one another and their search for truth may require both to reveal all if they are to survive their quest.
Author Jayne Castle writes futuristic romantic suspense with paranormal elements, while her alter egos of Jayne Ann Krentz and Amanda Quick write in a similar way but set in present day and historic times respectively. If you have read any of her books, the Rancourt name may ring a bell. This is a quick and enjoyable read, with a smart and stubborn female protagonist who initially butts heads with the equally smart and stubborn male protagonist but soon finds him to be a valuable partner. The mystery of Leona and her sister’s past, an abduction and a Family Secret that must be kept is hinted at early on and slowly revealed, as is the reason for the annulment of Oliver’s marriage years ago. There’s a cute….animal? pet?….known as a dust bunny which is cute until its not (at which point it can be quite dangerous with its sharp teeth) who becomes attached to Leona and Oliver and is both a source of amusement and an aid to their search, an unstable psychic focused on Leona and what she can and cannot do, and a village of people who seem to be in some sort of cult to add to the tale. Readers of Ms Castle/Krentz/Quick will definitely enjoy this novel, as should readers of J D Robb, Maya Banks and Kaylea Cross. Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for allowing me early access to this enjoyable installment in the Harmony series.

Jayne Castle delivers pure magic with this one. The world of Harmony is vibrant and eerie, but it’s Leona and Oliver who steal the show. Their chemistry is electric, with witty banter, simmering tension, and a connection that’s impossible to resist. The mystery of Pandora’s Box had me hooked, but it’s the lush writing and perfect balance of suspense and romance that kept me glued. Thrilling, addictive, and utterly swoon worthy, this book is an absolute gem.

I always enjoy my visits to the fascinating world of Harmony and its dust bunnies. Castle puts enough action, suspense and romance that you don’t want to put her books down. Leona is a para-archeologist that authenticates old relics for the university. Leona has been directed to attend a reception and determine if the artifacts on display are authentic. She ends up meeting Oliver at this reception and that is when the action begins because the reception is raided by the police and Oliver gets Leona out before she can be arrested. Oliver would like her help on finding a vortex machine that could possibly enhance people’s psychic talent. I highly recommend reading this book and the series especially when the dust bunnies enter the adventure. Thank you, Netgalley and Berkley for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.