Emerald O’Brien is a thirty-six-year-old divorced mother of two and owner of the Chintz ‘n China Tea Room, a quaint little business in the town of Chiqetaw, Washington. Emerald’s daughter, Miranda, suggested the name be changed to Chintz ‘n China Tea Room and Tarot Emporium since her mother reads cards for many of her customers. The name, however, did not change. The townspeople already lovingly call her their “town witch”, and Emerald doesn’t want her gift of second sight to have any more attention drawn to it than it already does. Not that she’s ashamed of her talent, it’s just that any time evil comes to town, be it mortal or of the spirit world, Emerald ends up right in the middle with all the bumps, bruises, and close calls that go with it.
Jimbo, once an enemy but now her friend, is asking Emerald’s help to find Scar, a biker buddy who has disappeared from the biker community located near Chiqetaw. Jimbo thinks something is roaming around Miner’s Lake, something evil that has taken his friend. Strange sounds and shadows have been reported and the police have refused to help, since the bikers have been nothing but trouble from day one. Emerald agrees to help Jimbo, and she starts with the facts and how the legends of the Klakatat Monster, Sasquatch, and Big Foot might fit in. Then, there is a second murder and Emerald’s powers begin working overtime. There’s more here than meets the eye and Emerald is determined to bring the truth to light.
Chapter 1 sets up this fantastic paranormal murder mystery, and then takes you on an adventure that will leave you looking forward to more of the Chintz ‘n China Mystery Series. The tone is a nice mix of seriousness and humor, the main character, even with her special talents, showing many of the same strengths and weaknesses we all share and trying not to take herself too seriously. Great secondary characters are crucial to the story’s shadowy plot and satisfying end. A paranormal mystery lover’s delight!