Ghost Layer (Ghost Seer, #2)

by Robin D Owens

[kimbacaffeinate]

Ghost Layer  picks up a few weeks after  Ghost Seer  ended. Clare has one case under her belt, and Zack Slade, retired cop turned private detective has just returned to Denver after testifying in a case back in his old stomping grounds of Montana. His new boss has a job for Clare involving a very wealthy snot of a man who relocated an entire western town to his ranch and is now being haunted by a ghost. While it is great for creating an authentic atmosphere, the fact that the ghost is leaving parts of his skeleton in guest’s beds is not.

The ghost contacts Clare and wants her to help solve his murder and things get complicated. The mystery aspect was fascinating tying  past histories to the present. Clare’s gift is unique, and she has finally accepted it and we see growth in her skill. Zack too is gifted, but he stubbornly denies it even as it aids him. Enzo, the happy puppy like ghost dog, is the highlight of the series with his childlike voice weaved with wisdom regarding the spirit world. The “Other” had me curious, and we learn more more about them.

It all sounds fascinating right? So why only two and half cups of coffee? The main characters. Clare gets herself in situations by not taking Zack’s advice. She claims to accept her gift, and then avoids it one moment and is all gung-ho the next. I dismissed this characteristic in the first book because of the way she came into this gift/job but for some reason she annoyed me in Ghost Layer. To her credit towards the end, she did improve immensely. The relationship slowed down which was good, but parts were awkward and weird. For example, Zack took one of her perfume bottles so he could smell her This was creepy to me. It tainted the overall tale for me. I am not sure if I will continue the series I think book three will make it or break it for me.

Copy received from publisher. Full review at Caffeinated.This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer