A CHARMING TOUCH OF TAROT by Melissa Holz

Fiction, Paranormal Mystery, #2 in series

4****

Blurb: Alyssa, Nina, Lanie, and Corinne’s friendship is being put to the test. With Nina’s marriage falling apart, Lanie acting distant, Alyssa’s new romance, and no one quite trusting Corinne, this may be more than their bond can take. But when Nina appears at Alyssa’s door, and confesses not just a decades-old secret, but a newfound magical power, the friends know that the only way to face this is together. Someone has been blackmailing Nina for years, but lately the threats to reveal her secret have changed to threats on her life, and on the lives of those she loves. With Alyssa contacting ghosts for insight and Nina getting used to her telepathy skills, they dash from city to city to track down the threat. There’s someone out there that will go to any lengths to keep their control over Nina, and it will take all four friends to get out of this without ruining, or losing, their lives. But with the strength of their friendship—and a little help from the beyond—these women are out to prove they’re not to be messed with.

Thoughts: I did not realize this was part of a series when I chose this book, but it’s obvious from the beginning that it is one. I discovered later that this is #2 in the series. Still, though the beginning was a bit confusing, once I got into it, it was easier to follow. Add to that, the huge thread left dangling at the end and you know the series will go on. The smaller of the two mysteries was settled by the end, which was nice.

I loved the slow burn between Alyssa and Nick. They’re not going into their relationship in a hurry. But the best part of that was the ghost of Nick’s old girlfriend trying to make sure they’re suited for each other, including asking Lyssa about her interest in football and racing (neither of which Nick is into anymore). She really wants someone for him to love so she can move on. So funny.

If I wanted anything more, I’d love a small (one sentence) explanation of each card that heads the chapters so we know why they relate to that chapter. Maybe a sub-heading type of thing.

Recommended.

Disclaimer: Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the ARC of “A Charming Touch of Tarot” by Melissa Holtz. All opinions are my own and are not influenced or required by anyone.