Cassie Scot: Paranormal Detective

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. Book Title 10 of 10
CASSIE SCOT PARANORMAL DETECTIVE
I must say, it's a very ingenious way to present a title. In fact, when I read it the first time...I had to do a double take to make sure I was really seeing the strike-thru on the word PARA. And when I was convinced that I wasn't crazy...that, indeed, it was intended to look like that I thought to myself, 'now what is that about'. Is this Cassie a detective with some sort of ESP that she tries to keep hidden? OR is she somebody everybody assumes has ESP because she just that good of a detective? (I envisioned a humble Sherlock Holmes sort of gal). With questions like those simmering in the back of my head...I had to find out for myself what was up with the strike-thru! And for a book title to catch my attention in such a way that it draws up 2 possible scenarios (both of which I later found out were wrong) well, that's a really good thing!

2. Book Cover 7 of 10
I'll admit, I wasn't blown away by the artwork on the cover. It seems stiff and unreal. The woman sitting by the lake has an almost mannequin appearance to her and honestly, until I read the story and figured out what the thing is at her ear, I thought she had a strange growth. (Now that I do know what it is...it makes sense BUT when I wrote down my initial thoughts on the cover I had to 'keep it real' and envision myself as a reader cruising through the aisles of a book store. I didn't look at it and go 'WOW! Now, that's a cool looking book!')

3. First 500... 10 of 10
I absolutely loved the way Christine Amsden makes it crystal clear that the book I was about to read was not Harry Potter (aside from the fact that there is magic in it) and furthermore that Cassie Scot wasn't going to suddenly realize that she had some weird, latent ability that was going to pop up. Amsden's description of Cassie is what I think any young twenty something trying to make it on her own without mommy and daddy always there to bail her out when things got tough...regardless if it had to do with magical matters or money matters. And it was that 'real' feeling that made me instantly feel for this young woman trying to be a vital part of society because it's something I think we all feel when we're 'at that point in our lives' PLUS while she's introducing Cassie in a matter of fact, first person POV sort of way, we also find out a little bit about the people in her town and how they interact among one another. All in all, she does a great job of creating an ambiance for the reader that follows Cassie all the way through the story.

4. Is the age recommendation right? 9 of 10
I had to go looking around for the book online to see how it was classified at various sites. It's listed as all sorts of things from simple 'mystery' to 'magical world' to 'witches, vampires, et al.' to 'young adult'. And it's that last one the 'young adult' classification that sort of makes me stumble because while there were oodles of young adults who read and fell in love with old HP and the gang at Hogwarts or went gaga over Edward, Jacob, and Bella in Twilight...they were written with characters who were young adults themselves. Cassie Scot: ParaNormal Detective is not a 'youth' focused story at all. Cassie is in her 20s and there's no cutesy-wootsy glittery vampires to fall in love with. The vampire(s) in this story are wretched and pretty darn nasty. So, while I don't think Amsden set out to write a 'Young Adult' novel...it's wound up classified that way and that's a shame. To me, it's sort of like saying Cujo is a story about a little puppy who gets sick so it's fine to read it to 8 year olds!

5. Presentation & Format 10 of 10
It's clear that Amsden and her editors took great care to make sure this book had 'the look' of a book that needed to be read! The POV is expanded beautifully throughout the story and, for the most part, keeps the 'forward momentum' of the story going.

6. Theme and Originality 10 of 10
As I said before with the title of the book...I was expecting one of two things...and I got something I wasn't expecting and for that reason it deserves a solid 10!

7. Description & Enhancement 9 of 10
There were a couple of times where I felt like Amsden felt compelled to 'explain' something to death...case in point...the reiteration about how certain flowers, like snap dragon, can hold off curses. This was mentioned something like 5 times in a short period of time so I KNEW even before the scene where a similar item was used that something was going to happen that dealt with it.) There were a couple of other occasions (the crosses that were worn by her friends, the turtle neck...if you read the story, you'll see what I mean!) I chose to put this particular point in this section because it's not really an issue of mechanics.

But other than that...the actual descriptions are terrific! I love especially how she describes her family's house and the rather unique way her parents chose to decorate it. Talk about compromise! And then there's the scene where she gets a rather unwelcomed advance from a vampire...but I don't want to give too much away because it's really good!

8. Intrigue 10 of 10
I read it in 2 days sitting by the pool. It's the PERFECT sort of spot for reading a book like this. I only took a break because I started to bake and after 4 coats of spray on suntan, I have to call it a day! Perhaps if it was spring and I was sitting on my front porch swing I could have read it all in a day...so yes, it's very intriguing!

9. Mechanics 10 of 10
No real issues. As I've said before, sometimes I find my 'editors' eyes turn on when I'm reading a book (that's typically not a good thing for a finished product!) but with this one the only thing I saw that I can remember as being 'wrong' was the fact that in the 1st or maybe the 2nd chapter, Amsden refers to reading something on her 'kindle' which should properly be spelled with a capital 'K' as it is the proper name of a product/brand.

10. Overall Impression 10 of 10
I TRULY enjoyed this book and am waiting to read the next book or books that she's got planned...because the way this one ended I KNOW there has to be at least one more! I think Cassie Scot has the potential to be a long running series if Amsden 'chooses her words wisely'!

And thus, it appears that Christine Amsden's CASSIE SCOT PARANORMAL DETECTIVE has earned 95 points and 5 magnolia blossoms. WAY TO GO!!

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**The author of this review received a free copy of the book specifically to do the review. Thank you.**

Ok so when I first got this book I was a little scared it's a first time read from this author so I wasn't sure what was going to happen. The story is pretty good, it pulled me in, Cassie's description of her desk alone was awesome. I was drawn into the story and so wanted to know more about her world.

I was a little put off on the insistence in calling them sorcerers and sorceresses, but hey it's not my writing, Cassie was a pretty awesome character to read, strong, stubborn, hell bent on proving herself, you know a typical American woman. I liked that many of the side characters were actually well written as well; I can't wait to learn more about her brothers gift (being a healer seems awesome). I'm not sure how I feel about her going back and forth about Evan; either you do or you don't have feelings the outside stuff is just that stuff, deal with that later. In the end it doesn't matter because that spell seems pretty damn effective to me.

I'm sure there is going to be more explained in the next book, and this one really tied up the case well, but still left enough mystery about Cassie herself, like why is she from such a powerful family yet completely talent-less Evan doesn't seem to mind, then again he's got a mind like a chess board and seems to playing way ahead of the rest of us. As for her human boyfriend erm Braden Sir, why would you be happy to settle for being someone's backup plan instead of their first choice?? Cassie shouldn't even be thinking about that, considering how much danger she is in, although everydamnbody seems ready to let her go walking around without explaining the full danger she is in. Yeah that never goes wrong O_o

The world that was built was done in a way that wasn't ridiculous and let you fill in the blanks a little on your own, I read another reviewer on Goodreads who called it Dresden files in a small town, and I had to giggle because the comparison is actually spot on. It's engaging and pulls you in, without really bogging down the story. I'm sure more will be revealed in the next book & I can't wait to see how she handles all the little fires that are beginning to burn around her. Evan being the biggest one, her parents disowning her being the next, yeah, she's got a few issues to go handle. Nothing a good normal detective can't handle.

Wow, just wow! I know that a lot of my reviews lately have mentioned how amazing the books that I have been reading are and I am just shocked that I keep lucking upon these amazing amazing books and this is definitely one of the top three. I think that the last 100 pages or so I have held my breath and I am only realizing that now because I am slowly trying to breath again. This story just takes you and won’t let you go and I don’t know if you really want it to, I know that I definitely don’t. Cassie is such an amazing character and so well written. She is this odd force in a world of power. And this world that she inhabits is just amazing absolutely amazing. And the way that it is doled out to us is stupendous. Half way through the book I stopped to think about all the background history that we are given and how seamlessly it comes. And it is so complex and so detailed yet so ordinary and commonplace that you don’t realize how much you are getting… again, brilliant. There are so many twists and turns throughout this novel and even if or when you think you have figured out some thing you realize that is just a small piece of the puzzle that there is so much more that you need to know, another twist, another big bad. It is so unbelievably layered and so undeniably ….captivating. I cannot wait to start the next book in the series.

I received a paperback copy of this book from a Goodreads author in return for an honest review. This is a mystical, magical, and extremely fun read. I was hooked from beginning to end. I fell in love with the characters, especially, Cassie. I felt for the poor girl who wished to have a normal life and a normal family. I felt as if I could really relate to the story line and the things that happen in this remarkable story. It’s a RECOMMENDED MUST READ for any paranormal romance lovers of all ages. This book will have you wanting to read more and I was totally blown away by some of the parts in the story, which is why the story felt so real to me. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to read and review a great story and I am anxious to read more of this author’s work.

I have always enjoy Audiobooks and the narrator Melissa did a fantastic job. she was able to change her voice to fit the different characters in the book. I was immediately sucked into the storyline and I stayed up way past my bedtime to listen to the story. Cassie is the only person in her family who does not possess magical powers and sometimes she feel unworthy and has to prove herself to her family. She has two love interests Braden, who is just like the boy next store and Evan who has magical powers. Evan's family clashes with her family but that does not stop Cassie from interacting with him. The book was well written, entertaining and I cannot wait to read (or listen to) the Next book in the series.

CASSIE SCOT: Paranormal Detective

Cassandra Morgan Ursula Margaret Scot is born into a world where she is not sure she really fits. Her parents are powerful sorcerers, and yet Cassie does not seem to have any powers. Her siblings all have some types of magic and that leaves Cassie feeling like she does not belong in their world. But where does she belong?

From the first page I was hooked on this book. It is a mystery filled with sorcerers, vampires, romance, the paranormal and murder. This genre' has a little bit of something for every reader. There is never a dull moment in this story.

I hated it when the story came to the end. I really hope the author continues on with this story. I was left wanting more.

An easy five stars from me.
Rated PG for violence

Originally Reviewed At: Mother/Gamer/Writer
Rating: 5 Controllers
Review Source: Author
Reviewer:AimeeKay

I really enjoyed Cassie Scot: Paranormal Detective. This was a surprise considering the story is told in first person, but Cassie is an awesome character. She's kind and funny. She doesn't let her lack of magic stop her from trying to create her own place in her parent's world. I really got attached to her, to the point that at times I almost cried because of things that happened to her. (Not going to tell what things though, don't want to spoil it.) I did like the other characters as well. Just didn't get to know them as well as Cassie, but what I found out definitely got me interested and wanting to find out more. I think that some of the human characters were actually more fun than the magical ones. Especially seeing how they dealt, or in some cases didn't, with the magic around them. One of my favorite scenes is where the sheriff finally lets on to Cassie that he isn't as blind as he seems to the magic around him.

I enjoyed the story too. Sometimes I get frustrated with mysteries, too many red herrings and stuff. Don't get me wrong there were a few thrown in here as well, but it wasn't crazy every other page jumping around. I will admit I figured out who the villain was before Cassie did. But I was having a much better week than her. :-) I think the author did a great job weaving the mystery into Cassie's everyday life, so there wasn't too much of one or too little of the other.

The ending of the book is an obvious set up for the next one. Some questions are left unanswered and some problems unsolved, but the mystery itself was solved so it wasn't that much of a cliffie. I definitely want to get my hands on the next book in the series.

I think the only thing I didn't like about the book was the cover. I don't think it does the story justice and I don't think it relates to the story as well as it could. I have issues with covers though so maybe it's just me.

I'm definitely giving this one 5 out of 5 controllers.

This was a really fun read that I would classify as a paranormal cozy mystery. In an unusual twist, the heroine (Cassie Scot) is the only member of her family that doesn't have magic. Being that's she's from a close and happy family, that shouldn't make any difference. But, somehow it does. While it's hard enough for Cassie to prove her worth to herself, there are insidious ways in which being different can effect even the ones you love the most. What happens with her family is quite stunning and leads to death, danger. and mayhem. Though Cassie seems to have a strong sense of her own values and part of her wants to honor her "normal" non-magical self by living a normal life, she discovers that magic may not be in her bones, but it is still in her heart. The big question is where does that leave her? All I can say is that I am thrilled that the second book is due out in a few months rather than next year!

Nothing delights me more than a new discovery and what delights me even more is that I found it from an independent publisher here in my own backyard, Twilight Times Books in Kingsport, Tennessee?

"Cassie Scot: ParaNormal Detective" by Christine Amsden is a promising debut of a new, everyday girl detective in a not-so-everyday world.

We can't all be superstars. That's the case with dully normal Cassie Scot, the most untalented and unmagical of her magical family. Life gives us lemons and some, like Cassie, make lemonade. She decides to set up a detective agency in her hometown of Eagle Rock, Missouri, a real place it seems in unincorporated Barry County, population 1,200. After reading about all the bizarre things that go on there in this book, it is definitely a place I think I would like to visit.

Six months after opening her agency, Cassie still doesn't have a client. Here's where things get energized: she is hired in her first job to deliver a subpoena to a local witch. Easy enough. Her family has put her in those circles. But along the way, she finds a dead body. Then she becomes the target of vampires. Add a sorcerer and you have a grand collection of delightfully normal (and abnormal) characters. Like Carl Kolchak of my own youth, Cassie - because she has none of her family's magical powers - is forced to fight the legerdemain of the underworld with the same set of skills we plain mortals have: courage, practical common sense, and sometimes unexpected good fortune. That's what makes her so identifiable. She brings to the book nothing more than what we might, as well.

Like "Harry Potter," this story and the younger characters who populate it appeal to a wide demographic and give us that world within a world full of delightful story possibilities. This book is not just for adults. I'll be recommending this to my son. It's a fun story with a fun character. I look forward to the next book in the series.

- Clay Stafford is an author / filmmaker ([...]) and founder of Killer Nashville ([...] Stafford's latest projects are the documentary "One of the Miracles" ([...]) and the music CD "XO" ([...]

Cassandra Morgan Ursula Margaret Scot - Cassie to her friends - is the ungifted daughter of powerful sorcerers; the eldest daughter in a magically gifted family of seven. Essentially born between worlds but belonging to neither, Cassie has never had cause to doubt the strength of her family's love for her - only if their love might not also be tinged with a slight disappointment in her. At twenty-one, she just wants to find a place for herself, but earning a living as a private investigator - specializing in non-magical investigations - in the shadow of her family's reputation isn't easy.

When a young girl is found murdered, Cassie is hired by the girl's cousin - Evan Blackwood - who just happens to be the only son of her family's magical rivals. Evan himself is a very powerful and handsome sorcerer, who was also Cassie's best friend in grade school. Against her family's wishes - and her own private trepidation - Cassie takes on Evan's proposal to find out who or what killed his cousin. Drawn into the subsequent paranormal investigation, she will ultimately have to decide where she truly belongs.

Christine Amsden is a new author for me, and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. In my opinion, the plot was extremely engaging and the characters sympathetically drawn - although the ending certainly sparked my curiosity about how this story will develop. I give this book a definite A! and look forward to reading 'Secrets and Lies', the next book in the 'Cassie Scot Series' sometime soon.

Full Disclosure: 'Cassie Scot: ParaNormal Detective' by Christine Amsden read and reviewed by Mareena McGirr, an avid reader and book reviewer from Albany, New York. Many thanks to the author and Mayra at 'Twilight Times Books' as I received a copy of this book for free from them.