3.75 ( )

This was my Kindle First pick for February. It was good despite being a bit slow to start and predictable. I liked the flashbacks and mystery surrounding Missy's death..even though I figured out who her killer was early on.
I found the suspense lacking and the romance left much to be desired but Ghost Gifts was still an enjoyable read. ( )

Very enjoyable paranormal mystery. The epilogue, though, seemed unnecessary. ( )

MY REVIEW OF " GHOST GIFTS' by LAURA SPINELLA

OMG! KUDOS to author Laura Spinella "Ghosts Gifts" for her breathtaking, awe-inspiring descriptive novel. I loved everything about this book! The genres of this story are Para-normal, Mystery, Thriller and Suspense, and Fiction. I could easily see this story adapted as a screenplay for a movie or TV series. There are twists and turns, suspense, some chilling moments where the hairs on my neck were standing up. How would you feel if you had the ability to converse with dead spirits that were reaching out to you? You were the only one that could provide closure to their living relatives. You were the only one that could feel the anguish, anger and the evil of some spirits? Could you realize what problems this "gift' could cause in your life?

The author describes her characters as complex and complicated. Aubrey Ellis writes for a local newspaper about houses in the community for sale. Aubrey has inherited the familial psychic ability to communicate with spirits of dead people. The spirits usually appear to her, and there are certain smells, and sounds that trigger Aubrey making her aware of this. Her grandmother Charlie has been Aubrey's family, and has dreams about things. Aubrey's deceased father had the same ability as Aubrey, and had difficulty with it. Aubrey doesn't advertise her gift and keeps it to herself. Aubrey kept this a secret from her husband Owen, who had problems dealing with this when he found out. Aubrey's talent can be extremely dangerous to her.

Aubrey has been very happy writing about homes for sale in the community. Suddenly an opportunity presents itself where the editor of her newspaper wants her involved in a murder mystery, that goes back twenty years. The last thing Aubrey wants to do is deal with a murder because of her special ability. In addition, the parent company of the newspaper brings in special help to write about this. Aubrey is to partner with an investigative reporter Levi St. John.

The story takes place in the present and past when it is relevant to Aubrey and other characters. I was totally mesmerized and captivated by this intense story. Laura Spinella is an amazing story-teller. I was dead wrong in who I thought the killer of the murdered victim was, and I tried to follow all the clues. There are secrets and betrayals in this mystery. I highly recommend this intriguing story for readers who enjoy novels about para-normal events, mystery, and suspense. I received a copy of this novel for my honest review. BE WARNED: This is a novel that you can't put down!! Happy Reading! ( )

Ever since Aubrey Ellis was a young girl, raised by her grandmother, a traveling carnival owner, ghosts have been drawn to her to solicit her assistance in communicating to their loved ones before they be at peace. However, granting their wishes have never been easier since many believe Aubrey's attempts to communicate as a con to bilk the living of their money.

When the skeletal remains of young Missy is discovered entombed within the basement wall of a former lover twenty years after her disappearance, the drifter found guilty and imprisoned is released and the former lover placed in jail. However, there are questions about the case which might mean that the man being released was truly the killer. The local newspaper assigns hard nose, but troubled, Levi St. John, to investigate the case. The novice reporter Aubrey is assigned to the case, fearing that her secret ability might be exposed.

Although much of this novel was predictable, I enjoyed it, especially the relationship between Aubrey and Levi. The plot was executed well and enriched through the audiobook's narration by Nicol Zanzarella. The second novel in this series is scheduled to be released later this year and I will pick it up. ( )