Prospect for Murder

A Natalie Seachrist Mystery

By: Jeanne Burrows-Johnson

Narrated by: Jeanne Burrows-Johnson

Retired travel writer Natalie Seachrist has had visions all of her life. But her world changes forever when her twin Nathan confirms that the body she envisioned draped over a vintage Mustang was his granddaughter. During subsequent research for friend and private investigator Keoni Hewitt, Natalie experiences another unsettling vision. So as the police launch their customary investigation of the unexplained death, Natalie moves to the Honolulu foothills apartments where Ariel died.

With Keoni's cautionary advice, she explores the premises and personalities of the complex with her feline companion Miss Una. There she discovers the fascinating story of the Shànghai origins of the affluent apartment owners Pearl Wong and her sister Jade Bishop. She also finds more than a little discord between Pearl Wong's nephew and the handyman who owns the Mustang on which Ariel died. Unfortunately, Natalie's on-site sleuthing produces few concrete leads. But just as she questions the purpose of her mission, she experiences a vision from the perspective of her grandniece, she is forced to reveal her escalating visions.

At Natalie's invitation, Keoni joins Nathan and her for meetings with the coroner and the Honolulu police detective who was once his partner. Despite items missing from Ariel's effects, a lack of physical evidence means the open case is being examined as an accident or suicide. But why would a young girl approaching the end of a successful college career kill herself?

Natalie remains determined to solve the mystery before the police close their investigation without an arrest. But has she put herself in the way of a killer who's willing to murder again to hide their secret?

©2016 Jeanne Burrows-Johnson (P)2016 Jeanne Burrows-Johnson

If you enjoy cozy mysteries, this is perfect

Prospect for Murder by Jeanne Burrows-Johnson is a well written cozy mystery peppered with historical references that are enlightening and engaging. A young woman seeking a place to live visits an apartment complex only to be found dead, lying on top of a vintage vehicle. Her grand-aunt steps in to solve the mystery. The deadly fun begins as Natalie, the grand-aunt, moves into the very apartment her grandniece fell from; guided by interviews of the tenants and her uncanny visions, Natalie delves deeper into the mystery. Methodically moving from tenant to tenant, exploring and researching Natalie makes a horrifying discovery.

Taking place in Hawaii, Burrows-Johnson masterfully describes the locations, people and history in vivid detail that flows almost poetically. Although it is a slow-moving cozy mystery, it is captivating. The story moves slowly as it is filled with Hawaiian and Shanghai history focusing around the WW2. Methodical and detailed, Burrows-Johnson reveals each clue until the last clue of the killer is revealed. Furthermore, her character development and back story is well-developed also. This allowed for me to connect to the characters and wish to see justice done. I enjoyed the retired copy, Keoni and Natalie together, and how they danced around their relationship. The supernatural piece was well written into the story.

This is a very enjoyable book. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, this is a perfect book for you. I enjoyed it immensely. The book does center around an older woman so don't expect any death-defying rumble tumbles. The lack of emotion Natalie displays was a bit odd but in looking back, I find myself detached from emotional moments as well. It is a bit predictable, at one point I wanted to scream - am I the only one who sees what is going to happen? But this was excusable as the book overall was very interesting and entertaining and educational - I had no clue of the history of Hawaii.

The narrator, also the author, Jeanne Burrows-Johnson did an excellent job of reading the book. The enunciation and clearness of her speech as well as the passion was not over the top or fake; she not owned the book as an author but as the narrator as well. Her voice was soothing and calming.

There were no issues with the audio production or quality of this audiobook.

Audiobook was provided for review by the author.

Please find this complete review and many others at my review blog

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Fell in love with the characters

What did you love best about Prospect for Murder?

I met this author who is also the narrator, at the enormous book fair in Tucson, AZ. She quoted a couple lines from the book by memory in character, sounded interesting so I bought the book right there at her booth. I enjoyed this book, got to know and like the characters and look forward to reading more.