The Chick and the Dead is the second mystery novel by Casey Daniels to feature cemetery tour guide and friend to ghosts, Pepper Martin. Pepper, short for Penelope, was raised with money and all set to marry her college sweetheart, have kids, and manage a rolling suburban Ohio estate, when her dentist father was indicted for tax evasion.
All of a sudden Pepper's privileged lifestyle evaporated and she's found herself giving tours of the local cemetery. It wouldn't be such a bad gig, except that she keeps seeing ghosts. Not your average ghosts, these are ghosts with agendas. First it was Gus Scarpetti in Don of the Dead. Now it's Didi Bowman, a young blonde who died by jumping off a bridge in the 1950s.
Didi Bowman
Didi was your typical 50s-style gal. She has big hair, poodle skirts, and Jackie-O-style sunglasses. She also has her share of beaus and secrets.
So Far the Dawn
Didi is the sister of mega-author Merilee Bowman, whose Civil War era novel, So Far the Dawn, is still a bestseller decades after its release. Bowman and her novel have become a cult sensation, even though she's never published another word. Now the uber-author and her entourage are coming to Cleveland, to the cemetery where Pepper works, and the whole town is in an uproar.
On top of her boss' star struck reaction to Merilee's arrival, Didi appears to Pepper (in full 50s regalia) and tells her that she, not Merilee, wrote So Far the Dawn. (yeah, right) The more Pepper learns, however, the more likely it seems that Didi is telling the truth (at least this time). But, how to prove something that happened 50 years ago?
The Chick and the Dead is a fun, fast-paced read, filled with likeable characters. For Cleveland readers (myself among them), it's an added bonus to recognize city landmarks, including Lake View Cemetery, sprinkled throughout the pages. Ms. Daniels has perfected her skills since Don of the Dead (which was also enjoyable). At this rate, I can't wait for the next Pepper Martin mystery.
About Casey Daniels
Casey Daniels is a Cleveland Ohio-based writer, with a self-confessed passion for cemeteries. A lifelong Clevelander, daughter of a police officer, and former journalist, she brings a unique mix of experience to her writing. She counts Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle among her favorite mystery authors. Ms. Daniels has penned numerous romance novels. Her first mystery novel, Don of the Dead, was published in 2006.
Related Links
- Shop for your own copy of The Chick and the Dead
- Review of Daniels' Don of the Dead
- Casey Daniels Official Web site
- March mystery releases
