Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Review of Ghost of a Chance (Chintz 'n China, Bk 1)

Ghost of a Chance (Chintz 'n China, Bk 1)
daedelys avatar reviewed on + 1218 more book reviews


This was an interesting change to the usual mysteries I've read before. There were a couple of scenes that really had me glued to the pages because the supernatural stuff going on was so creepy.

It was nice to read something by an author who is has knowledge in pagan arts, but there are definitely other areas she should research before committing things to paper. One thing I noticed is that she incorrectly calls a ceremonial blade a dagger instead of a knife. Yes, dagger sounds cooler, but I hate when authors mix stuff like that up. Another is that I found it strange that for someone who is supposed to be so passionate about their teas, that they spend the majority of their time making tea with tea bags instead of loose leaf. You'd think she's be concerned about the quality of her teas and not use the cheap stuff. But, no, apparently the author is a big fan of Celestial Seasonings because there were a few of their products mentioned in the book.

I didn't care for the possibility of a love triangle that was a sub-plot in this story. I've just seen this one used too many times in other books and it's really run it's course. Normally, I wouldn't care when adults are dating to their heart's content, but I can't stand when someone is dating one person and uses the "well, they never specified we're exclusive to each other" excuse so they can have someone in the wings or on the side.

I also found the ending too predictable. It's getting hard to find a mystery where the lead character doesn't have a knock-down bloody battle with the villain at the end of the book. I don't even find that exciting anymore and can't wait for the scene to end.

Overall, though, the story is interesting enough for me to continue with the series in the hopes that the author gets a little more original and grows as a writer (and researcher).