Death Takes a Detour

I have never read this author before, but I’d seen her books. I saw this one offered, and I decided to try it. At first, I wasn’t sure I was going to like this because it seemed a little bit uneven at the beginning. But as with the starter book in a series, the more I read, the more the writing evened out and became so entertaining. Abbie finds out so much about her family she never knew, and along the way she gains new friends and a new lease on life. This is part family adventure, urban fantasy, and detective novel all rolled into one. I am really looking forward to the next one! Recommend.

A heartwarming family-friendly paranormal mystery with a large dose of family feels (both found and born), a dash of Hindu mythology, a generous helping of cheese, and a happy ending to tie it all up. Overall, Death Takes a Detour is a fun, uplifting, and diverting way to while away a lazy afternoon.

It’s not the most realistic of tales, but it’s unrealistic in the kind of way that’s necessary for the kind of simple, feel-good, family-friendly, cheesy, the-good-guys-always-win, guaranteed-happily-ever-after-ending escapism that’s perfect for a rainy afternoon. The kind that leaves you feeling just a bit uplifted, warm-and-fuzzy, and optimistic even though you know what you just read was way too corny, cheesy, fairytale-esk, and full of deliberately positive life-lessons to even remotely resemble real life. This story leaves you with a heartwarming message about helping and healing yourself by helping others. It’s hard not to be charmed.

It’s a quick, fast-paced read that’ll keep your attention from cover to cover. It can feel a bit rushed, unrealistic, or corny (in an after-school-special kind of way) at times. As long as you’re not looking for anything too deep or complex, this book is a good ol’ fashioned starts-out-dark-but-ends-so-happy-its-cheesy, fun tale.

Brave, resourceful, and still healing from a terrible recent tragedy, EMT Abby Grimshaw returns to her hometown only to stumble upon a ghost, a murder, two not-so-normal newly-orphaned kids, and her family’s big supernatural secret. She commits to protecting and raising these kids as she would her own, which is no easy feat with the creature that killed the kids’ mother on their tail. Along the way, she acquires the help and friendship of a ghost determined to follow her around, a few witchy cop friends, and a siamese cat that may or may not be just a cat. With a new shared purpose to help each other and others in need, these protagonists heal each other and find a way to feel less alone in life.

The plot has plenty of twists and turns: some quite predictable and some not. A few twists are not quite believable, but forgivable because they’re fun and help set up the happy ending. This could be read as a standalone. The ending clearly sets up for sequels where the protagonists take on new paranormal mysteries and monster-of-the-week mythological baddies as a close-knit team.

I received a free e-copy via NetGalley. I am writing this review both honestly and voluntarily.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Backlit PR for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is the first in a new series. I found it to be a little slow, but ok. I liked the characters Abbie, and the children and Robert. I wasn't to keen on her mom. I didn't like how she handled things. Secrets hurt. I think alot of people will enjoy this, as it is a bit different. But for me a 3 star. I would read the next one to see how her life progresses.