GHOST LAYER - Robin D. Owens
A Ghost Seer Novel
Berkley Sensation
ISBN: 978-0-425-26891-9
September 2014
Paranormal Romance

Colorado - Present Day

Still trying to wrap her head around her new role in life, ghost seer (she can see ghosts, although only of a certain period in the 1800s), Clare Cermak is also coming to grips with the new man in her life, Zach Slade. Ever since inheriting her late Great Aunt Sandra's special "abilities", Clare's former life as a straight-laced, nose to the grindstone accountant has flittered off into oblivion. With her new talents being discovered by a few people, Clare is being hired by Zach's boss to help a multimillionaire rid his relocated ghost town of one pesky ghost. It seems the long-dead prospector's bones keep turning up in the millionaire's ladies' beds!

Reluctantly, but knowing that if she doesn't help ghosts, she is doomed, Clare heads off to the mountain domain of the rich guy, Dennis Laurentine. She doesn't travel alone, however, for her "see-through" sidekick, Enzo, the phantom Labrador, is gleefully beside her. And once Zach finishes his own research in town, he will join her, too. Clare's welcome is anything but friendly, especially from the coldly efficient housekeeper. Laurentine is all business-he wants this ghost, J. Dawson Hidgepath, out of his house and life before important guests arrive. But when Clare is badly injured in a fall after receiving a call she assumed was from Laurentine, she and Zach realize that someone doesn't want her investigating Hidgepath's life-or death. J. Dawson Hidgepath, however, would dearly love to move on, and wants Clare to find out who murdered him.

GHOST LAYER is book two in the wonderfully entertaining new Ghost Seer series. Clare likes to think of herself as tough, independent, and not one to rely on a man, but her growing feelings for the enigmatic Zach are making her think about things other than numbers! She also would dearly love for Zach to come to terms with his own gift, but that might prove to be more difficult than helping J. Dawson!

With a cast of quirky characters, not to mention the ghosts, Clare has her hands full as she struggles to give J. Dawson his wish, and to complete her business with Laurentine.  But staying out of trouble isn't easy, and Zach's concern grows with each "accident" Clare has. Add the input from Enzo and his alternate self, plus J. Dawson and his habit of leaving his bones around the house, and GHOST LAYER is one exciting tale. There's plenty of mystery, some pretty comical scenes, especially with Enzo, and a few sizzling encounters between Clare and Zach. Excellent writing, and detailed research make GHOST LAYER a terrific story.  Do read book one, GHOST SEER, to get in on the origins of Clare's gift!

Jani Brooks