Jensen Murphy, Ghost for Hire, Book 1
Synopsis: You know the theory that ghosts are energy trapped when someone dies violently? It’s true. I know it for a fact…
My name is Jensen Murphy, and thirty years ago I was just an ordinary California girl. I had friends, family, a guy who might be The One. Ordinary—until I became a statistic, one of the unsolved murders of the year. Afterwards, I didn’t go anywhere in pursuit of any bright light—I stayed under the oak tree where my body was found, and relived my death, over and over. So when a psychic named Amanda Lee Minter pulled me out of that loop into the real world, I was very grateful.
So I’m now a ghost-at-large—rescued by Amanda (I found out) to be a supernatural snoop. I’m helping her uncover a killer (not mine—she promises me we’ll get to that) which should be easy for a spirit. Except that I’ve found out that even ghosts have enemies, human—and otherwise…
Review: It’s been awhile since I had not read a novel featuring ghosts and even less a novel where the main character is specifically a ghost! I saw the book several times on blogs before its release and when I saw the reviews later I knew I had to read it. The thing that interested me most in the reviews I crossed was the fact that the author finally really focuses on the murder investigations, and with that a very good mystery. But that’s not all because we also have a very interesting world, with characters we love to discover.
Murphy Jensen was killed in the 80’s and is left without her knowing it, in a loop that makes her relive her murder since. But everything changes when Amanda Lee saves her from this cycle so that she can help her to accomplish a mission. While Jen would like discover the reason behind her murder and the culprit (something she does not remember about), she also understands the need for justice. And while she discovers during this investigation what it exactly means be a ghost and the actions she can perform to interact with humans, she also understands that there are some entities who don’t want her any good.
Elizabeth is a young woman whose murder is still misunderstood but Amanda Lee Gavin believes that the ex-fiance of the young woman is the murderer. To confront him, Jen agrees to haunt him and test her ghos’s powers on him to understand what really happened to the young woman. Yet it may well be that our heroine involves herself much more in this story than she should, even threatening her life several times. But in addition to this, the young woman will face an entity that no one seems to know and who appears very interested in her, always looking like her ex-boyfriend and trying to convince her to join him. Fortunately for her, Amanda will be there for her as well as her new ghost friends who will teach her the ropes and give her some crucial tips for the future. But they will also be present for her when she needs it the most!
I loved Jensen, she is a very interesting character to explore. Even if it is true that she is sometimes very naive about certain facts, it was fascinating to see and discover this new world with her and to understand the subtleties. We would all want to understand what happened the night of her murder, and at the same time we know that it will not be easy to know everything. But seeking for justice, she will do anything to complete her mission and to understand who murdered Elizabeth instead. The plot is really well set up and I admit that the end was quite surprising because I did not expect at all about this culprit. We had many revelations at the end of the story that I did not see coming and even though we have very little information about Jen herself, I am very curious to read more. Regarding Amanda, it’s true that it was a little more difficult to statute about her… We understand very well the reason behind her actions and at the same time it is difficult to trust her and even at the end of book, It’s hard to know what to think, especially after everything she has done in the back of our heroine. But there are also the false Dean, this mysterious entity who seems fascinated by the young woman and it’s true that many questions arises about him without having even the beginning of an answer…
You will therefore understand, I had a great time with this novel. I have a lot of questions now and I hope some of them will be resolved in the next book. I also wonder if we will have the opportunity to see the characters that we discovered during the investigation as Gavin and Wendy again, but one thing is for sure, we’ll see Amanda and all the ghosts who helped the young woman in her investigation. A good surprise for me.
blodeuedd
What’s up with so many new books about ghosts? Kind of depressing
Melliane
I haven’t read a lot but I have the one by Seanan McGuire too, I’m curious about it.
Christy
Nice! I was hoping you’d say this was good as I read the blurb. I’m definitely adding this book.
Melliane
I hope you’ll like it too!
Jennifer Bielman
So mysterious. I love the sound of a ghost finding out about her murder.
Melliane
me too, but I think it will be long before we have the answer.
Jessica @ Rabid Reads
I admit that UF focused on dead things (ghosts, zombies, etc.) are not my favorite UF, but this sounds interesting. I haven’t read many books where the MC is a ghost either, but I’ve actually had more luck with those than with books with MCs that can see ghosts. I’m excited to check out this series, Melliane. Great review!
Melliane
I think it depends on the book for me. But it’s intriguing to see how the author managed to do it.
Tracy Terry
Liking the sound of a supernatural snoop. Is it just me or gave ghosts taken over from vampires and werewolves as the most feature supernatural characters?
Melliane
ah maybe, it’s the new thing of the year.
Jenny @ Supernatural Snark
I definitely would NOT want to end up in a loop where I continuously relive my own murder. That would be awful. This sounds like such an interesting story though, and this series is completely new to me which I love. It’s so fun to find new series to start! Hope some of your questions are answered in the next book Melliane!
Melliane
Yeah… me neither. I agree. That’s true and I’m glad if I was able to introduce it to you.
Mogsy
This book grew on me in the end – it was actually less dark than I thought, much less so considering it’s about a ghost of a young woman who was murdered. It was Jensen in the end who won me over, with her and her ghost buddies who were actually very funny and light-hearted. Great review! 🙂
Melliane
it’s true, it’s quite light for a story like that. They’re so fun together!
aurian
It sounds very nice Melliane, I am adding this one to my wishlist!
Melliane
thanks to you for it!
Kim { Book Swoon }
Oh, this is a new book to me, and I really like the sound of its mystery/ghost aspect. I’m curious about Dean now and how he’s connected to Jensen. Great sounding mystery Melliane 🙂
Melliane
yes it’s a good mix. I’m still curious about him as well!
Silvia
This one sounds particularly interesting…perhaps because I do like ghosts, but your enthusiasm certainly is one of the things that makes me want to have a proper look into this series the most so, thanks! 🙂 Of course, I hope you get the answers you seek with the next instalment!
Melliane
My pleasure. Lol me too!
Livia @ Butterfly-o-Meter Books
Uoh, this sounds so fun! I’m not too much into ghost stories for some reason, but this one sounds like a total treat! Yey!
Melliane
Maybe it’s for you then?
Melissa (Books and Things)
Oh this sounds like something I’d enjoy. I’ve been the opposite of you and have been reading a few with at least one ghost in the book. 🙂 Great review and thanks for bringing this one to my attention.
Melliane
I think I’ll try more now!
kimbacaffeinate
This looks good. Have you read Amanda Stevens Graveyard Queen series? I have been waiting for the next release and this might hold me over.
Melliane
Oh yes I love hers! Me too!
anna@herding cats & burning soup
That sounds pretty good! It’s been a long time since I read a ghost as a lead character. Interesting to see how that plays out. Thanks for the heads up on it!
Melliane
I think it’s great to see the differences. I was worried but it was well handled
Melissa (My World...in words and pages)
Ooo. I haven’t read a ghost story in far to long too. Hmm…. I’ll have to see how the shelves look and if room for another book. 😉
Melliane
lol good luck!
Braine Talk Supe
I just read a ghost book but it’s nothing like this. The one I read is on the [very] raunchy side. This one sounds great! You know what, I still haven’t read the last Graveyard Queen by Amanda Stevens. Thanks for reminding me! I have free time this week, I might read it for pleasure.
Melliane
Oh the Amanda Stevens series is just AWESOME! I love love it!
LilyElement
Haven’t read many with ghosts!! Sounds like I might enjoy this one.
Kirsty-Marie
This kind of reminds me of Ghost Whisperer, with the ghost helping to solver her murder, etc. I miss that show. 🙁 It’s different that a ghost can still get hurt and put danger on herself even though she’s dead, so that’s interesting! Even better that you couldn’t guess who it was, I always love guessing (and usually am right) so love that it’s one that’s not predictable. Hope you get the answers you’re looking for in the next book! 🙂
Maggie
I’ve added this to my queue! Thanks for the great review.
Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews
Melliane, Only the Good Die Young sounds awesome! I love ghost stories, and I am really curious as to how a story can work when the main character is a ghost.
Thanks for sharing 🙂 I hope you’re having a fantastic Friday!
Melliane
I hope you’ll like it if you try it too!
kara-karina
I’m glad you enjoyed this book, D.! I read Chris Marie Green before and she is a decent writer, so I might try this one at some point. 🙂
Melliane
It’s the first one I read by her but it was well done so it could be ok for you.