Despite being the fourth book in the series, it works well enough as a standalone. The characterizations are clear and the basic backstory is included. The MC has a psychic reading and tarot shop in a tourist town. After a long and challenging day (air conditioning on the blink, half concussed in an accidental door to head encounter, wardrobe malfunction, and her psychic gift being wonky) she is persuaded to give a group public reading anyhow. The author's vivid description of the ensuing mortifying catastrophe left me writhing in embarrassment. It was literally difficult to read (and felt like it went on forever).
After the initial setup, the plot moves along with a murder, some plot developments between the MC and her boyfriend, a detective in the town. It's always nice to find another cozy series to enjoy. This one is competently written and well paced and plotted. The denouement is satisfying and enjoyable.
There is a major paranormal component, so I would recommend this book for readers who wouldn't find that aspect an extra load on their suspension of disbelief. There were a few times when I felt that the dialogue was a trifle simplistic and overly dramatic, but taken as a whole, it's a light fun read. The language is clean. The violence is off-page. It's a fun and cozy summer read.
Three and a half stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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