Chintz, China and Tarot

Running a tearoom and reading tarot cards is all single-mother Emerald O'Brien could hope for. In Yasmine Galenorn's Ghost of a Chance, business in the tearoom is growing. Once word gets out that Emerald can communicate with the dead, Chintz 'n' China tearoom has more than just tea drinkers as patrons.

One morning Emerald awakens to find a ghost at the foot of her bed. The ghost cannot speak, but she writes her name on a piece of paper with the message, "My name is Susan Mitchell and I was murdered by my husband but nobody knows."

Sorrow and rejection seem to echo in the words and Em decides to investigate.  She calls on her friend, ex-supermodel Harlow Rainmark, for details on the ghost. Susan was a famous romance writer survived by her husband Walter Mitchell and her daughter Diana.

Susan had been a diabetic and there were high levels of Valium and alcohol in her blood stream when

she slipped into a coma and died. It seems Susan's marriage was not too happy and she had filed for divorce. Harlow claims Susan's husband was rich, powerful and a sleaze.

When Susan's next appearance coincides with the appearance of a dark and menacing presence trying to intrude, Em is worried about her family. Her young son has shown an interest in the magic and spells she uses, but she has cautioned him not to try anything. As the force begins to grow, Em realizes her son Kip has been dabbling in something he shouldn't.

As the evil spirit tries to possess Kip, Em fights with all her power to prevent it and manages to save her son. Still Susan's ghost cannot rest and Em focuses on her death

For three quarters of this book I was enthralled by the tension and mystery surrounding the events. Em is smart, thoughtful and strong. Then in the last quarter of the book, Em becomes a "too stupid to live" character. I was so disappointed.

For other books by Yasmine Gaalenorn, click here.