Customer Reviews

Pluto Rising

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
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If you think a mystery with an astologer-sleuth sounds like it might be a little too cute or New Age for you, think again! New mystery author Karen Irving's sleuth, Katy Klein is a recently-retired psychologist, who enhances her knowledge and experience as a mental health therapist with a thorough understanding of her clients' astrological birth charts to produce a new kind of detective. What you might expect to be light, fluffy and fast-paced fun turns out to be much more -- serious and suspenseful stuff, in fact.

In PLUTO RISING, while working hard to make ends meet for herself and her teenaged daughter, Katy is confronted by a mysterious and threatening new client. She has no inkling this appointment will unleash a series of events that will bring her face to face with a vicious killer. Not only must she uncover the secrets of Adam's long-forgotten childhood, but she is forced to confront her own worst memories, as well.

One of the book's strengths is Katy's strong, yet vulnerable personality. Add in a warm and fuzzy cast of friends and family, and Ms. Irving's wonderfully entertaining narrative voice, and it all adds up to a winning new mystery series!

I loved this first mystery novel. Karen Irving is a long-awaited fresh, new voice in the mystery field.

Ms. Irving's books are a sweet treat. I can't recall how I happened upon them, but I am glad I did. Her stories are expertly cast and have intelligent writing and sophisticated stories. Her writing is like smooth butter or fine silk. They are set in Canada, but don't let that bother you if you don't like settings outside the US. The protagonist is a psychologist/astrologer but if metaphysical things bother you, don't worry. It doesn't overtake the story, but for those of us who love it, it's a nice sprinkle of information. This writer certainly knows her astrology. The sleuth is also Jewish, which adds a nice dimension. Everything is PERFECTLY balanced and extremely interesting. Her writing is up there with Stephen White and Jonathan Kellerman, maybe even better. Her writing is fresh and smart, deserving of the attention they get. Start from the beginning just to enjoy the three that are out so far---or just dive in. I tell you, if you love mysteries, there is nothing missing from this series. Nothing. It's sophisticated, it's engaging, it's witty, it's profound, it's complex, it's simple, it's serious ... you get my point. It has all the elements of life, life with all of its wonderful mysteries.

First in a series, PLUTO RISING introduces Katy Klein, former psychologist, turned professional astrologer. In an edge-of-the-chair page-turner, Karen Irving keeps the reader enthralled until the very end.

Katy Klein's entire life takes a dramatic turn after a strange man named Adam shows up on her doorstep and begs her to tell him about himself. Intrigued despite herself, Katy delves deeper into this man's past, only to become entangled in a waking nightmare from which there seems no waking. When her daughter becomes involved, Katy has no choice but to enter Adam's world, discovering the darkness within.

Using a mix of astrological charts, psychology and plain curiosity, Irving draws us in from the very first page and keeps us reading until it's over. A fantastic debut mystery with a great amateur sleuth and well-developed characters! Don't miss this one!

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Karen Irving when she came into my store for a signing. Appropriately in awe of standing near an author, I managed to mumble something likely incoherent, and yet she signed my book for me anyway.

I went home, turned on the kettle, and started to read "Pluto Rising."

First off, the notion of an Astrologer as the main character in a mystery novel intruigues. Done as well as Irving did, the astrologer leaps out of the page with sarcastic aplomb, and leaves you laughing. The wit in this book is wonderful, and quite surprising for a first novel.

Second, the plot itself was a keeper. Katy, our intrepid ex-psychologiest and now struggling astrologer, has a brief meeting with a man who wants his chart done, a man who seems quite scared and fragile. The same man then shows up dead.

Unable to stop herself, Katy Klein begins to Nancy Drew her way around the case, and let me tell you, her motivations are quite clear and her emotional responses are very human. Irving has a real flair for this character.

I've since read "Jupiter's Daughter," the second novel in the Katy Klein series, and this is a series I will definately follow. Both books are a strong read with a good mysery and - most importantly - a strong character base. Pick them up today, you won't be let down.

I really enjoyed this book, and found it so intriguing that I had no choice but to read it in one sitting. The sometimes intense storyline is balanced by warmly drawn characters. Katy Klein's world is an excellent place to visit and I'm very much looking forward to Irving's next entry.

Katy Klein comes to us in full realization. Karen Irving does a bang-up job in making her characters come alive. She paints vivid word pictures and never lets us forget we're hanging on in a mystery that moves. From the first unsettling line to its climax, PLUTO RISING will keep you turning pages. Astrologer Katy Klein takes on a client and when something deep inside warns her to beware, it's too late. She's trapped by an unwise choice. The client is not who he appears to be but that's only the beginning. As Katy is drawn into the mysterious man's life, it affects her whole existence. When her daughter is sucked in, things look dark indeed.

Don't read this one late at night when you're alone. If you do, keep checking the doors and windows.

Katy Klein is a psychologist turned professional astrologer living in Ottawa (Canada). A client, Adam, turns to her in an attempt to unlock repressed childhood memories. She's worried by his desperation, but soon finds herself drawn into his life. Things get out of control quickly, and Katy is forced to face Adam's demons as well as her own.

This is Karen's first novel, and she's started out with a bang! This book manages to wrap up suspense, humour and mystery in one fun to read package. The story moves along at a good place, with no real slow spots. The writing style is light and very easy to read.

This a real page turner! It keeps you on the edge of your chair all the way through. You will hold your breath when the villain is identified and you will marvel at the very unusual way this nasty person is subdued! Dawn Klein (Katy's teen age daughter) promises to eclipse Nancy Drew as an insightful and imaginative young detective in the future Katy Klein Mysteries which are coming out soon. Watch for her too!

Katy Klein is a witty and opinionated psychologist turned professional astrologer who also struggles to make ends meet for herself and her teenage daughter. Then she meets Adam -- a client who feels Katy can help him unravel half remembered terrors from his childhood. What follows is a gripping mystery as Katy uncovers dark secrets that targets her as a killer's prey. Highly recommended for mystery buffs everywhere, Pluto Rising debuts what promises to be a terrific series of truly gripping mysteries featuring unique astrological twists.

i was amazed that this was a first novel--the plotting is extremely good (more famous authors have done much, much worse); the use of language is wonderful (though the author deserved a more alert editor); the main characters are well developed, interesting and sympathetic; and the dialogue rings mostly true.

the astrological bits are pretty accurate, too. except, of course, for the title, which sacrifices accuracy for excitement.

i definitely recommend this to any mystery fan.