Tails, You Lose by Carol J. Perry

Tails, You Lose (A Witch City Mystery, #2)

by Carol J. Perry

Her instincts may be killer--but can she catch one this wicked?

After losing her job as a TV psychic, Lee Barrett has decided to volunteer her talents as an instructor at the Tabitha Trumbull Academy of the Arts--known as "The Tabby"--in her hometown of Salem, Massachusetts. But when the school's handyman turns up dead under seemingly inexplicable circumstances on Christmas night, Lee's clairvoyant capabilities begin bubbling to the surface once again.

The Tabby is housed in the long-vacant Trumbull's Department Store. As Lee and her intrepid students begin work on a documentary charting the store's history, they unravel a century of family secrets, deathbed whispers--and a mysterious labyrinth of tunnels hidden right below the streets of Salem. Even the witches in town are spooked, and when Lee begins seeing visions in the large black patent leather pump in her classroom, she's certain something evil is afoot. But ghosts in the store's attic are the least of her worries with a killer on the loose. . .

Reviewed by Mystereity Reviews on

4 of 5 stars

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Tails You Lose I struggled with how to rate this one, because the plots in this series are completely fresh and unlike any other book I've read.  Just very creative, unique and thrilling. The writing in this book was even better than the first (which was still a pretty good book) and having read the third book in the series, I know that it's improving as time goes on.
 
Lee takes a volunteer position teaching TV production at the new Tabitha Turnbull School Of Arts.  Just before the school opens for the first time, a contractor disappears in the basement of the school and is later found dead.
 
There are a few flaws that brought it from a 5 star to 4 1/2.   Same as with the first book, the fine line between hint and spoiler was toed a little too hard and I felt like it gave away too much.  It's not that I object to figuring it all out early in the story;  it's that I object to being told everything so early in the book.  So if I were to offer any constructive criticism, it's to learn the fine art of red herrings and intrigue. Also, a few plot threads were dropped along the way.  Minor? Yes, but it still annoys me.
 
Also, having read the 3rd book before reading the first 2, I have to say...WTF, Pete and Lee have been dating for almost a year and haven't done anything more than a few kisses? Seriously, Pete, cut bait and run.  You're not getting in her pants.
 
Overall, an enjoyable read and a series I'll be eagerly awaiting with each new release.
 
And that NASCAR jacket has to go. 

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 10 October, 2015: Finished reading
  • 10 October, 2015: Reviewed