Pepper Martin has lived the life of leisure since she took her first step all those years ago. The daughter of a prominent surgeon father, and a society mother, she's been draped in Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and countless other designers. That is, until her father got greedy, and was convicted of medical insurance fraud, landing him in federal prison; sending her mother into hiding in Florida, and leaving her on her own, penniless and jobless - as well as fiance-less. That is, until Pepper swallows her pride and takes the last job she ever thought she would hold as a tour guide in a cemetery. Sure, it doesn't sound too complicated - simply lead morbid groups on walks through a field of dead bodies - but when Pepper's involved, even the simplest task can become complicated. And that's exactly what happens. For Pepper is quickly involved in a head-on collision with a gravestone/mausoleum on one of her tours. And, aside from being left with one nasty bruise, she has suddenly inherited the ability to speak to the dead. And, as you may have already guessed, these particular deceased aren't exactly pleased with their current situations - and that shines through in their disgruntled demeanor. Enter Augustino "Gus" Scarpetti. Suddenly, the murdered mob boss is leading Pepper around by the nose, insisting that she find his murderer. Now, this ex-rich girl is shuffling through newspaper clippings, death records, and everything in between, in an attempt to discover who killed the Don more than thirty years ago, and help him to cross over before it's too late, and she's left in the same position as the Don...dead.
If you take a cross between Paris Hilton and Nancy Drew, Pepper Martin would be it. Pepper is the girl you love to hate and hate to love. Her flaming red hair, and penchant for stylish outerwear make her the poster child for heiress living, while the fact that she doesn't mind getting a little dirt under her nails to "dig out" the truth, make her a lovable girl detective with brains to match her new job. From beginning to end, Pepper's character keeps you captivated, while her adventures are riveting. From her ability to choose all the wrong guys - no matter how good looking - to her inability to keep her mouth shut, Pepper embodies the heart and soul of every girls best friend, making her the new "It" girl of the amateur sleuth world. Casey Daniels brings Pepper to life, even though she's surrounded by the dead; keeping her alive in the minds of everyone who has had the pleasure to encounter her witty, Abercrombie-wearing personality.
Erika Sorocco
Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper