Ghost Shadow: Unfinished Sins (Payge Turner Mysteries Book 1)

Ghost Shadow: Unfinished Sins

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Payge has a darkness in her that made her dangerous to work with and difficult to control. Now Payge is a private detective. It's easier to control her darkness when she works alone. Payge's mind is on the current rash of brutal rape-murders in Windsor when she is hired to investigate the disappearance of 17 year old Susan Markham, the daughter of a respected anthropologist. Susan doesn't fit the rapist's M. Within days, Payge must cope with the turf war between oriental gangs, stolen Chinese treasure, a father who seems unconcerned that his daughter has been kidnapped, and a client who isn't telling her everything.

Joining forces with her old police partner, Yvonne Laforet, Payge is soon on the trail of the missing woman. What she doesn't realize is that the most frightening thing she'll discover is hidden deep within herself. Read more Read less. Here's how restrictions apply. About the Author Canadian poet, performer, and arts reviewer Bob MacKenzie has been writing poetry, prose fiction, arts criticism, and songs since Payge Turner Mystery Paperback: Dark Matter Press September 29, Language: Be the first to review this item Amazon Best Sellers Rank: Start reading Ghost Shadow on your Kindle in under a minute.

Don't have a Kindle? Try the Kindle edition and experience these great reading features: Share your thoughts with other customers. I know, I know. It's all she knows and she's used to just taking from everyone else, but that is no excuse to me. And honestly, I think Ellie was just being lazy and I can't stand lazy people. I wanted to shake her and make her get off her ass and get a job. But no, instead she tries to rob Camden because obviously that's way easier and more logical. I get that Ellie was a flawed character with a lot of issues, but hasn't anyone ever told her life isn't fair?

My issue is that I couldn't understand WHY she was making them. If you had a tragic accident due to a career choice made by your parents, what would you do? Choose a different career when you grew up. Choose the same career path of your parents because of Guess what Ellie chooses?

Makes complete sense, right? Where everything I do is flipped And awkwardly reversed But it gets better because this is Ellie-fucking-Watt we're talking about. So Ellie's parents tried to con a drug lord and she ends up paying the price by getting acid poured all over her leg. But she finds love in one of the drug lord's right hand men, Javier. Look at your life, Ellie. Look at your choices! The girl is addicted to Making Bad Decisions.

You would think after that huge fail she would quit while she was ahead, but nooooo.

Sins & Needles

She goes on to con more and more men, leaving a trail of bread crumbs until eventually her past catches up to her. Now, there are two really big bones I gotta pick with Ellie here. First, why does she never throw away her cell phone? What kind of con artist keeps the same phone from con to con? Somebody get my phone So I can throw it in a public pool and watch it float Second, how did Javier continue finding her?

Her cell phone is my obvious guess, but it was clear the cell phone was not even thought of in this case and Javier seemed to locate her a little too well. All the reader is given is some one liner from Mr. Creep, saying he'd always find her. Sheesh, I can't believe she thought that was romantic at some point. And yet, she never fully takes responsibility for her actions. I'm a firm believer in the idea that if you don't have your own shit together, perhaps you should not get involved with someone else's.

This might have something to do with how well I understand them, which is virtually nil. I'm sure we all can agree that those characters need to sit down with someone and get some well-needed advice. No, not you, Tay-Tay.

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That makes sense considering it was her entire point of returning home and begging for a place to stay. But right after Camden discovers Ellie's plan and double crosses her, they go on the run together. Ellie's off in her corner of the hotel hating Camden and Camden is off is his corner hating Ellie and secretly thinking of raping her so that he can humiliate her just as she humiliated him in high school. I want your drama The touch of your hand I'm raging right about now. But wait, he also loves her. Does your head hurt? Here's an ice pack. But that's not even the half of it.

Ellie in turn resents Camden because she got caught trying to rob him. She keeps saying things like, "How could he do that to me? You broke and entered his house and tried to steal his money. Also, she loves him and he's howt and she can't stop staring at his abs because, yeah, there goes his shirt I want your leather-studded kiss in the sand So somewhere along the lines they stop hating each other so much because, due to Ellie's stupidity, a character dies.

Then she's all, "loosen up my buttons, baby," sexy time on a car and declarations of love. Love-love-love I want your love "I hate you, Ellie Watt," he whispered, lips coming closer to mine, "because I still love you after all these years. I'm grilling her about this "love" that she has with Camden. You love him, huh? And where did you find this love? That's a yes, isn't it? I might not be an expert on love and relationships, but their But I get it. Sometimes you can't decide who you love or whatnot. However, seeking revenge on someone you claim you've been in love with for years?

This is probably an indication of where my personal beliefs just got in the way of sympathizing with the two characters. I couldn't suspend logic long enough to simply go with it. Not my kind of book. I couldn't relate to the story, the characters and their subsequent decisions despite the strong start. More reviews and other fantastical things at Cuddlebuggery Book Blog. View all 61 comments. I need to think and calm down before I Then he grabbed my face and kissed me, hard.

Woohoo , god , I don't even know where to begin this review with! I know , it obviously has to be from the beginning and all but The hell man , I cant even think straight righ now! I've been excited to read this ever since Karina announced it , and the fact that I got to read an ARC of it is just a sliver lining on the cloud that I'm floating on right now!!! Yes , I'm on a Karina-fied high right now! Damn , this woman and her work turns me into a junkie! And I'm already craving my next fix This will be the last time That's exactly what Ellie Watt tells herself when she's in the middle of conning someone or paying up for her conning abilities.

Ofcourse , we all know that wont be the case anytime soon. Escaping from one of her such Oh-shit-I-fucked-up-with-the-wrong-man situation Ellie finds herself driving back to her hometown. The place that was her refuge and her hell at the same time. Uncle Jim being Ellie's only saving grace every time she or her family needs saving. But Uncle Jim's kinda reluctant to help her but gives her time to settle down for some days and find herself some sort of an employment which does not involve her getting into anymore trouble.

Ellie decides to get a job at a Coffee shop , somethings better than nothing right , something a little too inconspicuous. And that's where trouble walks in the form of Camden McQueen! Well , that's one trouble I'd handle any day. A history that did not quite end on a good note. But hey , that was the past and this is now. Hmm , lets just say somethings are not forgotten that easily. Some wounds definitely know how to resurface when you least expect them. I'm gonna have to stop talking here , because If I continue , I'll probably develop a verbal diarrhea or something.

That blurb up there , yeah , that doesn't even begin to cover what you're in for once the book crosses that stage! Hell , It was one even before we could reach that stage! To put it correctly I'll say she creates the best characters ever! They cant get any more 'human' than this. We are pretty unpredictable and our decisions about life and the choices we make are always based upon the situations we are made to exist with.

Ellie and Camden are such two characters who are living their life with the choices they've made. They may not seem right to us , hell , they might even end up looking down right suicidal but that's just how these two roll.

Ellie is contradiction on legs! She has scars that have probably governed her life so far , reminders of where she's been. But the choices that she makes here , has turned me into a contradictory mess! I started off unsure of whether I would like her or not. And then there is Camden He may not be your knight in a shining armor but he sure as hell isn't a douchebag in a tin foil! Broken on the inside , add to that a sinfully sexy epitome of art OMG that's such a turn on!!!! He is just delicious! I absolutely lurve music!

And they always keep me company whilst I'm reading. And this book was no exception. Karina Halle has quite an exquisite 'Desert Playlist' that bodes well with the feel of this book. Presenting to you my 'Its-sexy-and-you-know-it' playlist , because this book is all kinds of sexy!!! Sins and Needles is her first Dark Contemporary romance and the woman sure knows how to spin one hell of a tale. It is dark , edgy , uberly sexy that tends to seep into your bones and stick to you like second skin!

Oozing action , adventure , humor , drama , romance and steamy sex the book is a definite page-turner that's bound to keep you glued to the edge of your seats till the very last page. So guys and gals , grab those popcorns , soda cans and candy floss sit back and enjoy your ride! View all comments. Mar 05, Emily May rated it really liked it Shelves: And I know many people have used that image in their reviews but, come on, do you really ever get tired of looking at that?

This book came as a complete shock to me. It's one of those where I have no idea why I read it, it must be some sort of masochistic curiosity that makes me pick up books I'm almost certain I won't like. For one thing, it's an indie novel and my luck with those is virtually non-existent.

For another thing, it's a contemporary romance and as soon as I hear those two words put together I can feel the eye rolls starting. It's not that I don't like a good romance, but it is so seldom told well - delving either into misogyny, cliches or both - that I tend to avoid books with a romantic focus.

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That question has played on my mind ever since reading the cringyness that is Christian and Ana, but I have come up with suggestions like There's the confident alpha male thing. There's the flirty banter. But this book is all those things too, minus a ton of disgusting control-freakery, sexism and general stupidity from the "heroine", minus extremely bad writing, plus some well-rounded characterization that goes beyond "my mummy abused me so now I like to beat you, WAAAAAH!

Though I'm no writer myself, I imagine it must be very difficult to find that perfect balance with a love interest. To make him sexy and yet more than a sex object. To make a character that you simultaneously want to cuddle because he's so freaking adorable, and want to tear his clothes off a moment later. Camden is a character with a well-woven story that compiles elements of the nerdy outsider he was in high school and the strong, good-looking man he is now to create a very interesting package.

He is flawed and doesn't always do the right thing but you can't help but love him all the same. The main story is surprisingly dark in many ways but I kind of wish I'd written this review before reading the equally good short prequel - On Every Street - because this changes your perspective on quite a few things. I love authors that do that, give you an idea and let you think you know what's going on but then turn it on its head, introduce some new information and completely change the rules of the game.

The plot of this book is about Ellie Watt, the troubled daughter of two criminals who has been left physically and emotionally scarred by their escapades. Ellie Watt doesn't know who she is, she's afraid to be who she is, so she creates new identities as she goes. The list goes on. Her dodgy past chases her back to her hometown to live with her uncle, she is sure no one will recognise her.

Camden McQueen remembers her all too well and with him comes memories that Ellie has been trying to forget. The other thing about contemporary romances that make them not a favourite of mine is the formula that all of them seem to follow. The characters all seem to have similar characteristics, the plot moves through the same points of denial and jealousy Perhaps its because the characters aren't always completely likeable.

Or perhaps its because Halle throws in some well-placed surprises that take you off guard several times. Perhaps its the exciting mafia subplot that makes this book so different, turning Ellie and Camden into a kind of Bonnie and Clyde duo. On the subject of not entirely likeable characters, I've read where some people say they don't like Ellie and I can see why. She's not a good person and she's willing to screw people over to get her own way.

You should be aware of this before reading because it could affect your enjoyment.

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But I like her because of this. Or maybe not so much "like" her as I care about her and I'm curious about her. She's not evil for me, she's trying to make her way in the world. She's done many things I hate but she hates herself for them equally and I just love the complexity of her character. Maybe you think I'm crazy, but there's always been something about love stories with bad people that has totally pulled me in.

Two bad people who completely deserve one another. Where both of them have dark sides that make them as bad as each other, that make them absolutely perfect for one another. It's one of the reasons I love Cathy and Heathcliff and it's one of my favourite elements of Gone Girl. Plus, I absolutely loved the musical references in this book, I felt like it created a soundtrack to the story which constantly played in the background.

I'm also a big Dire Straits fan and I had to break out my old albums to listen again after reading this. God, it's so beautiful. I'm going to spoiler tag some of my favourite lyrics so you can skip over them if you like but I simply HAVE to include these beauties: And I dreamed your dream for you and now your dream is real How can you look at me as if I was just another one of your deals?

Well, you can fall for chains of silver You can fall for chains of gold You can fall for pretty strangers and the promises they hold, You promised me everything You promised me thick and thin, yeah Now you just say "oh Romeo, yeah, you know I used to have a scene with him. I don't know why Halle didn't go the traditional publishing route because this is far better than many books that the main publishers churn out. I love this very sexy series and cannot wait for more.

View all 45 comments. September 20, Review completed February 1, "Nope. This is about taking control.

It's about controlling yourself, getting into that tiny moment in which you can make things happen. Because of her criminal lifestyle Ellie does not have a lot of friends. As it is, friends are dangerous liabilities when you're a grifter. That's the reason she has not a lot of options and goes back to her uncle Jim who is living in the Coachella Valley. Shortly after, Ellie runs into an old "friend" from high school, tattooed and pierced Camden McQueen.

Camden is chatting her up and before she knows it, he invites her to attend his gig that takes place the same evening. Camden is a tattoo artist, painter and amateur musician who is playing for the band Kettle Black. Ellie intends to view spoiler [scam Camden ASAP, hide spoiler ] however, what she does not know yet is the fact that Camden is view spoiler [out for revenge.

During high school Ellie betrayed his friendship and humiliated him in front of their classmates. Now Camden wants to get back at her. Anyway, Ellie's plan backfired view spoiler [since Camden caught her red-handed and offers her a deal because he has his own problems to deal with, after all. But now he wants out, he wants to leave this place and he wants to leave it with the money of the Madano family.

Ellie is a con artist, a liar and a thief. Camden thinks of her as an unredeemable soul. Due to the constant stress of her turbulent life, Ellie is hooked on Ativan and other pills, has a giant case of paranoia, suffers from anxiety and Trouble is her middle name. Also, she thinks that she is entitled to her activities due to her scarred leg and bad childhood. Cheat, scam and steal? You think you can use that to justify what you do for a living? That's the trouble with pain, Ellie. If you're lucky, you can wear it for all the world to see. Most people have their pain deep inside, in places no one ever goes.

Not until it's too late. You have to let go of your quest. And then who would you be? His eyes looked wet in the table lamp's amber light.

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You can find art and beauty in everything, if you look hard enough. But your beauty is just staring you in the face. As far as I am concerned I think that Camden made this story. Who does not love a yummy tattooed hero with a nerdy touch? Granted, he is flawed as well and he made mistakes, but I can relate to his actions. Hence, it was understandable that he acted the way he did because he'd been view spoiler [blackmailed into money laundering to save his son and ex-wife. The world is bad and I'm just trying to survive in it. You did all kinds of bad, illegal and stupid deeds.

Grow up already, assume responsibility for Pete's sake! After all, we all make our own paths in life. All those petty excuses I just can't hear it anymore.

With that said, I hope she'll be given the chance to make things right again. There are plenty of ambivalent feelings between the two, mistrust, pain, lies, and anger. Also, both of them have a lot of baggage to deal with, and for what's it worth it would be wise to seek professional help. While the steam level was alright, I would have loved to see way more foreplay and a better build-up. Furthermore, I was not happy when the baddies view spoiler [kidnapped Camden's ex and son and Ellie refused to call the cops.

However, I suppose the author needed to write this plot twist that led to the final highlight which was very predictable yet well-written and thrilling. I'm not a fan of cliffhangers but this one is definitely so good that you will want to keep on reading. As a consequence of the final highlight I'm looking forward to reading Shooting Scars Steam 2. Dec 20, Debra rated it it was amazing Shelves: I swear, it was like watching one of my favorite Tarantino movies, except it wasn't a movie, it was a book and it's the very first time a book has ever made me feel that way.

The story kept me enthralled the entire time, and I loved every minute of it. From shady drug lords to sexy tattoo artists to the maffia and visits to a casino , this book had everything in it to earn itself a place on my "favorites of OH. From shady drug lords to sexy tattoo artists to the maffia and visits to a casino , this book had everything in it to earn itself a place on my "favorites of "-list although the year has only just started The world is bad, and I'm just trying to survive in it.

She's spent her entire life being on the run from the people she's framed and she's spent her entire life being someone else I was always working, always on. It was a full-time job pretending to be someone else. I've said that before. I've said it a lot. Camden McQueen -- Once upon a time, Camden used to be a freak, he used to be the most tormented kid in high school and he used to dress himself as a goth long hair, black painted nails and long leather coat included but now Now, Camden has become a very attractive, successful tattoo artist he even had an appearance on Kat Von D's LA Ink and in no way, this Camden resembles the young, weird-looking boy he once used to be.

Now, with Camden being so successful, Ellie has found herself the perfect target of her new and hopefully final scam. She hopes to use the feelings he had for her to make the scam an easy job. But what seems like a done deal, turns out to be a whole lot more difficult than anyone could have ever expected What follows next is a roller coaster ride of events-- The story is fast-paced and constantly keeps you on edge. Whenever you think you've figured it out, something unexpected happens, that will make you re-evaluate your opinion about everything you've just read and all the people involved in it.

I mean, I completely get that authors make use of cliffhangers to keep the audience on the edge of their seat and it's probably a good thing because it makes us crave the next part of the story even more Apr 29, Ana rated it it was amazing Shelves: I decided to torture myself this weekend.

Oh how I laughed and laughed. This is maddeningly good, emphasis on the maddeningly. I missed those crazy mofos. It was good to reconnect with them. View all 11 comments. Jan 25, Tough Critic Book Reviews rated it really liked it. Sometimes you need to bury yourself so deep in fiction that you forget that the real world exists. It's a story about redemption It's a story that perhaps seems a little unbelievable. But isn't that what makes fiction so amazing? There's no rules, anything can happen, anything goes. Leighton Sometimes you need to bury yourself so deep in fiction that you forget that the real world exists.

A hot, sexy, romantic, action packed book. I won't give a lot away about the plot because experiencing it raw is half the fun, but I will say that the characters are nothing short of perfect. Ellie is a kick ass, tell it like it is, con artist. When she's not being kick ass, she's saying things that are Get your head out of your vagina, I told myself and sat up in the chair a little straighter.

I mean who hasn't thought that!? I pried my hands off of it and reached out. Seregei, my future fake husband, wasn't short, but I had long arms and as I pushed aside his gut, I found his balls And of course the banter I glared at him. The sexual tension was palpable and the pace was gripping. It swept me away, entertained me, and left me The ending killed me and the sequel better be released Not just because of how I was left hanging, but everything between Ellie and Camden was perfect.

The perfect blend of push and pull. The perfect blend of salty and sweet. Sometimes you just need to get lost in the unbelievable. Get lost in the crazy. Get lost in fiction. I'm not even sure I wanted to be found. Everyone we meet, everything we do, it changes us. It makes us who we are. Brilliant, inspired, unique, refreshing, mysterious. Dark, gothic, gritty, sexy, a Tarantino movie in the making.

A story of a girl and a boy, names that aren't defining, criminals, use and abuse. Ellie Watts She is the con artist daughter of a con artist family. The apple under the apple tree. Inside were it counts. And scarred outside where it shows She comes back to the house she grew up. Not a home, just a place. All those years without a name. All those years without a home. Deep in the desert, under the unforgiving sun and the shadow of the Joshua Tree. You can't run from your past. You can hide, you can hope, but it always catches up with you. I've called "Ellie" many names, while reading this book but I couldn't have said it any better M, let's stick with Camden, OK?

The town's Sheriff son, ex-goth and school scapegoat, altogether freak and only friend, grew up to be a gorgeous tattoo artist.

Ghost Shadow: Unfinished Sins

I had originally posted this article to my timeline on Facebook but feel it deserves the greater permanence this blog affords. I will always love her and thank her for all she has done for me. I thought of writing a poem to post today for my mother. I actually tried a few times. The true poetry was in my mother herself. Onscreen is a clearing in a sharp-edged pine forest with craggy mountains not too distant in the background. In the foreground a man, apparently naked, shot in extreme closeup. Popularity Popularity Featured Price: Low to High Price: High to Low Avg.

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