Customer Reviews

Fine Spirits

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2 star:		(1)
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This book was just one of those where you feel like you are sucked in to these people's everyday lives and living every day with them Even though it is set in the '20's, I felt a real familiarity with a lot of the lingo, and behaviors (this must mean my family was just as crazy and wonderful!)..the everyday details from clothes to cars to pets I found wonderful to read and so fun to compare to my own life and attitudes. Thank you Alice Duncan! Hope you are writing sequels to this one. I sure would love to hear more about Daisy and more about Sam.. lots of good potential plots in the making! Write on! :)

Desdemona Daisy Gumm Majesty earns her living, much to her husband's chagrin, as a spiritual medium to Pasadena's wealthy. When her regular client Mrs. Bissel requests an exorcism, Daisy attempts to sidestep the appeal. Husband Billy's deteriorating health and continued resentment at his debilitating war injuries leave Daisy torn between the need to support her family and her need for her husband's support. To please Billy, Daisy extracts the promise of a puppy in payment of her services.

Meanwhile, eighteen year old Marianne Wagner has disappeared. Empty cans of food quickly lead Daisy to the conclusion that Mrs. Bissel's ghost might be the missing girl instead. Rather than simply reporting her conclusions, however, Daisy finds herself drawn to help the missing girl. But to protect her, Daisy will have to sidestep the police, her family and some very inquisitive household residents.

Author Alice Duncan's STRONG SPIRITS defied categorization, as does its sequel FINE SPIRITS. Duncan's narrative talents flourish within this marvelous tale, displaying humor and droll observations in equal measure. While FINE SPIRITS loosely centers on a missing heiress, the strength of the novel lies in its poignant rendering of the relationship between Daisy and her husband Billy. As his health continues to deteriorate and as the antipathy between Daisy and Sam increases, readers will eagerly await the next step of these difficult and challenging relationships. Daisy's candid comments sharply contrast her occassional obtuseness, revealing a woman of amazing depth and devotion. Duncan has certainly found her stride within this marvelous series! Indeed, readers seeking a novel completely out of the ordinary will cherish this series and eagerly anticipate its next installment. FINE SPIRITS comes very highly recommended.

In 1920 Pasadena, California, wealthy Mrs. Bissel calls spiritualist Daisy Gumm Majesty to rid her house of a ghost. Daisy tried to persuade her client that she communicates with the spirits but does not do exorcisms, but the distraught widow insists that she only trusts her. Not wanting to alienate a rich patron, Daisy agrees to try, saying she never has done anything like this so may need to experiment.

Daisy quickly concludes that the haunting of the Bissel mansion is more likely occurring due to mortal happenings than that of the other world. She begins to solve the mystery, but also struggles to avoid police detective Sam Rotondo, who she is half in love with though she is married to a disabled vet.

The second 1920s "Spirit" tale is a strong historical cozy that brings to life a bygone era. The story line opens with a deep look at the 1920 with Daisy's party line and the Colorado 13 number and opens the window into the past even further. The "ghost" turns into a neat trick that haunts Daisy even after she uncovers the truth. Historical readers will enjoy FINE SPIRITS and its predecessor STRONG SPIRITS as both provide interesting glances at Americana.

Harriet Klausner

There was no romance whatsoever in this book. The heroine was in a lackluster marriage where there was no spark between them. There was not even a pretense of a relationship going on in this book. The only semi-romance going on was with the abused secondary character with a slightly older man. (ho hum)