Ghost of a Chance (Chintz 'n China, Book 1)

First in the Emerald O'Brian Chintz n China Mysteries and it grabs you from the beginning. If you like a little fright with your mystery, you will love this series. This book got me hooked and made me crave more Emerald adventures and a nice hot cup of tea!

As if a main character named Emerald O'Brien isn't intriguing enough. Emerald O'Brien is a working single mom who's getting used to raising her two children without much support from their father (her ex-husband). She owns her own tea shop where she also provides warm meals and tarot readings. She also sees dead people, but she's okay with that. Until one night a woman appears to tell her that she'd been murdered by her husband. The next morning, Emerald reads that a local romance novelist died of natural causes. Emerald enlists the help of her children, her best friends, and a new (and of course single man) friend. They battle live murderers, paranormal ghoulies, and a busy Christmas shopping season in an entertaining and sometimes downright scary read. Think twice before reading this one in bed! A fun read. I'm looking forward to more Chintz & China Mysteries!

I really enjoyed this book. I started out with the newest book and worked my way back. This book is just as good as the newest one. I especially like the fact the the charactors are "human", they make mistakes, and have doubts along the way. Her children are especially fun to read about. I have just ordered Legand of the jade dragon and looking foward to reading it. I don't think anyone would be disappionted in these books. they are like sitting with an old trusted friend.

I don't have time to read many novels, and reading this one was like a mini-vacation. Yasmine's style is very visual - I could 'see' the little town, the shop, the characters. I could also 'feel' the relationships between Emerald and the other characters. The book is a page-turner. I hated putting it down and getting back to work. 'Ghost of a Chance' is sprinkled with humor and a little romance as well as real magick. After all, Yasmine has also written a few pagan books and knows her stuff. The inclusion of a recipe for a protection charm is a very nice touch. Don't be surprised if it works. "Mr. B & U" and his "Poltergeist" type activities are a bit out there, but it's fiction, right? Highly recommended.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and dashed right out to buy the other two in the series. I highly recommend reading them in order. The books are sophisticated cozies, if you must. The characters are introduced well in the first book and the author makes you care about them---dead and alive. It's not too over the top with sex (per another reader) or ghosts. If you like a little supernatural flavor in your mysteries, you will enjoy these. If you just like cozies, I think you will still like this series. If you like Charmed on TV, you'll like this series and be able to visualize what the author is articulating so very well. I hope she keeps writing and writing and writing. A great series.