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Rating: 
Summary: Wow!
Review: As a mystery writer with my debut novel in current release, I found myself initially reading Martha Lawrence's Elizabeth Chase novels with suspicion. I first thought her "psychic" PI was a bit too gimmicky for my taste. I was wrong. Once I began reading AQUARIOUS DESCENDING after attending an appearance by Ms. Lawrence at a mystery convention at which I was also appearing, I realized what a strong writer this woman is. AQUARIOUS DESCENDING is a marvelously plotted book in which Elizabeth Chase takes on a cult. It features strongly written prose and vividly drawn characters. It reads well. There are no gimmicks. I recommend this book, as well as the rest of Ms. Lawrence's excellent ongoing series.
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Summary: Suspenseful and Entertaining
Review: I found this novel to be a very engrossing and quick read. I really enjoyed the characters, especially the various and eccentric cult members. The suspense compounded as the plot continued, I read it within a 24 hour period. Lawrence has a lot of potential as a writer. I really appreciated the way she handled the protagonist's psychic abilities. She allowed Elizabeth to question her visions as any "normal" person would. It made that aspect of the story much more believable. I look foward to her future works and plan to read her previous mysteries as well.
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Summary: Not the Place for Intolerance
Review: It will be hard to review this book without giving away major plot points (but I won't--promise!). Suffice it to say that while in the previous books, the heroine is intelligent and makes good decisions, in this book from the very beginning she makes very bad decisions. As if that isn't bad enough, the authorities around her also make bad decisions and the cost at the end is more than would be worth paying if this were "real life." I like to read mysteries where the protagonist shows some skill in solving the mystery and where their good decisions (whether intuitive or otherwise) result in the solution. From the beginning, in this book, the heroine knows that bad things are going to happen and yet she keeps going anyway. What's the point of being psychic if you're not going to follow your intuition? I was stunned and disappointed when I finished this one. I guess if you're a fan of this series you ought to read it anyway (and I still plan on reading the next one). But this is clearly the weakest of the three so far.
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Summary: Martha, You've Done It Again
Review: Just when I thought Martha Lawrence had written the best suspense book ever, she does it again. I literally could not put it down! It's a fun romp through the New Age with gurus, cults and yet quite believable. It is a great mystery and wow what an ending!
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Summary: Classic "Who-done-it" With a Difference
Review: Perfect for mystery addicts who crave variety in their favorite genre. A good leisure read but not a transforming book (in the philosophical sense!) Still, I'd recommend it as a guilty pleasure. Engaging from page one, you will find yourself instantly involved in the life and work of Elizabeth Chase. Chase is a likeable, well developed character who is smart, and generally insightful, without regard to her unusual paranormal abilities. But sometimes the "psychic investigator" is just as bewildered as the rest of us--that's when a "little extra something" kicks in. It is good fantasy (if you don't believe) or comic comeuppance of the bad guys (if you do.) The best of a good mystery series combined with a daydreamy kind of "wouldn't it be nice..." fantasy too. This is a good read for airplane time or at the beach. I would not recommend it at bedtime because you won't want to put it down, and a bleary eyed bedmate may not appreciate it. Oh, yes, this is definitely what my husband calls a "chick" book. I'm not sure what that means... But this chick is looking forward to reading the entire series.
Rating:
Summary: Classic "Who-done-it" With a Difference
Review: Perfect for mystery addicts who crave variety in their favorite genre. A good leisure read but not a transforming book (in the philosophical sense!) Still, I'd recommend it as a guilty pleasure. Engaging from page one, you will find yourself instantly involved in the life and work of Elizabeth Chase. Chase is a likeable, well developed character who is smart, and generally insightful, without regard to her unusual paranormal abilities. But sometimes the "psychic investigator" is just as bewildered as the rest of us--that's when a "little extra something" kicks in. It is good fantasy (if you don't believe) or comic comeuppance of the bad guys (if you do.) The best of a good mystery series combined with a daydreamy kind of "wouldn't it be nice..." fantasy too. This is a good read for airplane time or at the beach. I would not recommend it at bedtime because you won't want to put it down, and a bleary eyed bedmate may not appreciate it. Oh, yes, this is definitely what my husband calls a "chick" book. I'm not sure what that means... But this chick is looking forward to reading the entire series.
Rating:
Summary: terrific follow-up to her earlier books!
Review: this book was really, really good! not at all light and airy as you might expect from the title, the book was lyrical and engrossing right up to the shatteringly climactic ending. i couldn't put the book down. elizabeth chase is smart, funny and likeable... i can't wait for ms. lawrence's next installment!
Rating:
Summary: Read in Order
Review: This book was the best of the series for me. I finished and thought, "WOW." She writes extremely well and her plots are courageous and engaging. This one had a real surprise ending. PLEASE READ THIS ONE BEFORE THE TWO THAT COME AFTER.
Rating:
Summary: Read in Order
Review: This book was the best of the series for me. I finished and thought, "WOW." She writes extremely well and her plots are courageous and engaging. This one had a real surprise ending. PLEASE READ THIS ONE BEFORE THE TWO THAT COME AFTER.
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Summary: A Well-Done Mystery and Great Characters
Review: This mystery is superb. The plotting and idea (without giving anything away) are original and involving, the characters convincing with that "real" sense about them. Nowhere is this truer than in the character of the protagonist/narrator, Elizabeth Chase. I suspect there is more than a bit of Martha Lawrence in Ms. Chase (similar experiences and place of residence), but Ms. Lawrence makes her detective--and her unusual psychic gift--very accessible, human, and true by having her sometimes at a loss in dealing with that very gift, and having a down-to-earth, humorous attitude about the whole thing. This makes it easy for us to do so as well. There is no hocus-pocus here, just a very bright, dedicated detective trying to solve the mystery of a young woman's disappearance in a religious "cult" and encountering mysterious twists and real danger before the end. She gets to use her psychic gifts, but they are never really the focus of the story--it's mystery, not scifi/horror. There's sharp wit and intelligence here as well, and the story is delivered with a precise, involving, straightforward style that never bores. Ms. Lawrence and her detective are terrific! (Can't wait for more.)
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