Kate Benedict Series by Carrie Bedford

BE AMONG THE FIRST TO DISCOVER A GREAT NEW AUTHOR! "...a terrific book with a likable protagonist, skilled plotting and a supernatural spin. This gripping mystery had me hooked from the first chapter." -Janet Dawson, author of the Jeri Howard series SHE KNOWS WHO'S GOING TO DIE! BUT NO ONE WILL BELIEVE HER... Life spins out of control for London architect Kate Benedict when she sees a dancing aura above certain people’s heads that seems to signal death. Suddenly she’s psychic... moreBE AMONG THE FIRST TO DISCOVER A GREAT NEW AUTHOR! "...a terrific book with a likable protagonist, skilled plotting and a supernatural spin. This gripping mystery had me hooked from the first chapter." -Janet Dawson, author of the Jeri Howard series SHE KNOWS WHO'S GOING TO DIE! BUT NO ONE WILL BELIEVE HER... Life spins out of control for London architect Kate Benedict when she sees a dancing aura above certain people’s heads that seems to signal death. Suddenly she’s psychic. But that can't be! Psychic’s not acceptable in her circle, where the supernatural is strictly for the superstitious. And yet…people are dying. People close to her. Kate's tentative attempts to talk about her new-found metaphysical gift are met with eye rolls, so much so that she can’t even tell the nice Scotland Yard detective who's investigating the death of a close friend, Rebecca Williams. And now Rebecca’s neighbor has an aura. So what's Kate to do but try to save him by turning detective herself? A break-in and attack on her boyfriend confirm that the murderer’s catching on that Kate knows too much. But he (or maybe she) has no idea that what Kate knows is a little on the paranormal side. Fans of traditional British mysteries (and female sleuths) will love watching competent, reasonable Kate try to harness supernatural abilities she not only doesn't understand, she doesn't even believe in! And those who love international mysteries will particularly enjoy the vivid scenes in Italy, where the story begins and, in some ways, ends. WHO ELSE WILL LIKE IT: Anyone looking for a new, fresh female sleuth, as well as fans of paranormal suspense, traditional (yet not too cozy) stories, contemporary British women detectives like the ones found on the BBC’s ROSEMARY AND THYME and MURDER IN SUBURBIA, and mysteries with a metaphysical twist, like Kay Hooper’s Bishop Files series, Iris Johansen’s THE PERFECT WITNESS, and Heather Graham’s Krewe of Hunters books. "Carrie Bedford is a real find, and The Aura is engaging paranormal suspense ... Bedford is a fine writer, an accomplished novelist, and a terrific storyteller whose characters ring true and pull us deep into the mystery." -Shelley Singer, author of the Jake Samson-Rosie Vicente mystery series and Torch Song, first in the Blackjack near-future thriller series. less

This is the SECOND paranormal mystery in the Kate Benedict series. SOMEONE’S GOING TO DIE--AND IT COULD BE THE NEW PRIME MINISTER. OR MAYBE KATE'S BEST FRIEND IN THE WORLD! Two politicians and her best friend have the death-predicting auras London architect Kate Benedict can see despite her most fervent wishes. She’s had the dubious gift for a year now, and suddenly there’s no longer any ignoring it... moreThis is the SECOND paranormal mystery in the Kate Benedict series. SOMEONE’S GOING TO DIE--AND IT COULD BE THE NEW PRIME MINISTER. OR MAYBE KATE'S BEST FRIEND IN THE WORLD! Two politicians and her best friend have the death-predicting auras London architect Kate Benedict can see despite her most fervent wishes. She’s had the dubious gift for a year now, and suddenly there’s no longer any ignoring it. But the only way to get to the two pols is via her old friend, DCI Clarke; yet her warnings go unheeded. Her frustration builds when her best friend, Anita, refuses to believe in their existence as well — even when one appears over Anita’s boss in the hospital where she works. And then Anita develops her own aura. A wild chase through seamy and posh London, clever detection, and an intricate plot make this paranormal mystery appealing to cozy and hard-boiled fans alike. In DOUBLE BLIND, the early promise Carrie Bedford showed in THE AURA is not only fulfilled, but even blooms and grows more sure-footed. Double Blind is sure to delight fans of traditional British murder mysteries as well as anyone who likes female sleuths and international mysteries. WHO ELSE WILL LIKE IT: Anyone looking for a new, fresh female sleuth, as well as fans of paranormal suspense, traditional (yet not too cozy) stories, contemporary British women detectives like the ones found on the BBC’s ROSEMARY AND THYME and MURDER IN SUBURBIA, and mysteries with a metaphysical twist, like Kay Hooper’s Bishop Files series, Iris Johansen’s THE PERFECT WITNESS, and Heather Graham’s Krewe of Hunters books. "Double Blind is a cozy mystery with intense characters who struggle in a world of pharmaceutical intrigue with political twists. Author Carrie Bedford writes with a high suspenseful flair and creates an engaging protagonist, Kate Benedict. Paranormal elements mix with murders, kidnappings, and a dash of romance, all racing through an unusual and satisfying plot. A fast read, well-written, and thoroughly enjoyable." --Paula Cappa, author of The Dazzling Darkness less

KATE SEES AURAS THAT PREDICT DEATH.. moreKATE SEES AURAS THAT PREDICT DEATH...in Carrie Bedford’s slightly psychic take on the traditional British mystery all wrapped up in a DaVinci Code-like puzzle…LOOK OUT, DEATH! YOU CAN RUN, BUT YOU CAN'T HIDE! London architect Kate Benedict’s weekend begins with “Follow that cab!” and takes us off and running on an international adventure, ticking off picturesque locales from London to a Venetian palace and the Tuscan countryside, pausing just long enough for a quick tour of Florence’s Duomo, with danger dogging every step.What began as a quiet Friday night dinner date with an old childhood friend turns into a manhunt when Kate arrives at the rendezvous just in time to find her friend Ethan leaving in a taxi. Kate is alarmed to see the distinctive swirling pattern above his head that only she can see, and that she has come to recognize as a portent of imminent and mortal danger. When Ethan’s disappearance is followed by a series of cryptic text messages, Kate goes looking for him at his sister’s house in Florence, Italy, but it’s immediately clear that whatever danger threatened Ethan in London has followed Kate to Italy--his sister Claire has a matching aura! Soon Kate and Claire are on the run, constantly watched and followed, repeatedly threatened and attacked … never knowing who they can trust. Apparently not even the carabinieri, who are now following them also!An ancient book that was given to Claire and Ethan’s grandfather after the close of World War II holds the key to Ethan’s disappearance and the source of the danger indicated by Claire’s ever-present aura. Until all the pieces come together – the book, a hidden key, a diagram, and a cypher that Kate will need help decoding – Kate and her friends are safe; but then their tormentors – whoever they are – will have no reason to keep them alive.“I thoroughly enjoyed the fast-paced action and exotic locales of The Florentine Cipher.  It is an edge-of-your-seat page turner.” --Terri Reid, author of the Mary O’Reilly Paranormal Mystery Series. "An intense, edge of your seat mystery, with just the right amount of paranormal twist I'm always looking for.”  -- M.P. McDonald, author of the Mark Taylor Mystery Series WHO ELSE WILL LIKE IT: Anyone looking for a new, fresh female sleuth, as well as fans of paranormal suspense, traditional (yet not too cozy) stories, contemporary British women detectives like the ones found on the BBC’s ROSEMARY AND THYME and MURDER IN SUBURBIA, and mysteries with a metaphysical twist, like Kay Hooper’s Bishop Files series, Iris Johansen’s THE PERFECT WITNESS, and Heather Graham’s Krewe of Hunters books. less

NO MATTER WHERE SHE GOES, SHE SEES THE UNINVITED HOUSEGUEST--ALSO KNOWN AS THE AURA OF DEATH... London architect Kate Benedict is off to a glamorous weekend party in Scotland at the formerly grand castle belonging to the uncle of her boyfriend Josh... moreNO MATTER WHERE SHE GOES, SHE SEES THE UNINVITED HOUSEGUEST--ALSO KNOWN AS THE AURA OF DEATH... London architect Kate Benedict is off to a glamorous weekend party in Scotland at the formerly grand castle belonging to the uncle of her boyfriend Josh. And thus is the scene set for a deliciously traditional British cozy with a touch of the paranormal thriller – complete with ghostly characters from the past; the requisite medieval weapons collection; and a creepy, ruined, closed-off wing of the castle.There’s also a vaguely menacing assortment of servants and locals and a castleful of dodgy houseguests, all wrapped up in mysterious gloom as thick as the Scottish fog…but warmed by a cozy library fire and a nearly priceless collection of single malt scotches.The festive occasion turns solemn when Kate notices an aura above the head of Josh’s beloved Uncle Fergus. Blessed – or cursed – with the ability to see auras that indicate that death is imminent, Kate can sometimes avert disaster – if she can discover the source of the danger. Otherwise, Josh’s favorite uncle will die in a matter of days.Is Fergus suffering from an undiagnosed illness? Is the threat linked to the impending sale of the castle? Or is there a murderous secret buried in the past, with a deadly claim on the present? In an attempt to sort out the nature of the threat, Kate takes a stroll to the loch and experiences a hallucination – a vision so real she feels she could touch the a black-robed priest stalking a lovely young woman in 16th-century costume, as she clings protectively to a book. The woman holds the book out to Kate, as if asking Kate to protect it. Is the vision a message about the threat to Fergus?As Kate and Josh race the clock to find the source of danger, the guests arrive, filling the house with known and unknown threats: townspeople opposed to the sale of the estate; the wealthy businessman who wants to buy it; scheming relatives with agendas of their own and tales of treasures hidden in the castle. And as the dangers increase, so do the number of auras Kate sees. She knows who’s in danger, but she can’t do anything to help unless she knows why!Perfect for anyone who’s ever shivered their way through a Barbara Michaels mystery; and for all lovers of both American and British cozy mysteries, especially those with just the slightest hint of the paranormal, like Michaels’ colleague Carolyn Hart (in her Bailey Ruth series), and the more contemporary ones, including Carolyn Haines, Gina LaManna, and Leighann Dobbs. less

SHE CAN SEE WHO’S GOING TO DIE – AND THIS TIME, IT'S EVERYONE! It looks like a plum job for architect Kate Benedict—she’s been sent to Amsterdam to repurpose an ancient mansion, happily assigned to work with an old friend. Should have been a lark! But it's a catastrophe—her old friend’s going to die.And so is the caretaker. And the owner. Not to mention the owner’s personal assistant.Kate’s the only one who knows. Because she has a secret... moreSHE CAN SEE WHO’S GOING TO DIE – AND THIS TIME, IT'S EVERYONE! It looks like a plum job for architect Kate Benedict—she’s been sent to Amsterdam to repurpose an ancient mansion, happily assigned to work with an old friend. Should have been a lark! But it's a catastrophe—her old friend’s going to die.And so is the caretaker. And the owner. Not to mention the owner’s personal assistant.Kate’s the only one who knows. Because she has a secret.She’s just a normal Londoner except for one tiny thing—she sees auras that predict death. This is a first, though— never has she seen so many in such a small area. Based on past experience, everyone in the house—or even attached to it—is about to die.(Probably Kate included, but she wouldn't know—the auras don't show in mirrors.)The place could be haunted, of course. Author Bedford will give you goosebumps as voices speak in empty rooms, hidden passageways turn up, heavy objects fall, and always, always, Kate feels as if she’s being watched.She’s as creeped out as the reader, but Kate knows perfectly well it isn't haunted—it conceals something. A crime perhaps. Certainly a secret—a valuable object perhaps… a cache of dead bodies. Or maybe… something she can't even imagine. Someone will kill and kill and kill again to keep the secret.Have tea handy! It’s a shivery ride to the smashing solution. Who will like it? Almost everyone who loves traditional British mysteries, from Agatha Christie, right through Tana French. American cozy readers will love her too, especially those who delight in a slight hint of the paranormal, like Barbara Michaels and her colleague Carolyn Hart (in her Bailey Ruth series.) less

ROMANTIC GETAWAY BUZZKILL:DEATH NEVER TAKES A HOLIDAY!Harried, overworked architect Kate Benedict has no sooner stepped off the ferry to a tiny, remote island in Seychelles, primed to de-stress and celebrate at a destination wedding, than she spots imminent danger – auras spinning above the heads of two people on the dock. One’s a stranger, but the other’s the groom!Kate has a gift – or possibly a curse. Unfortunately for her, she can predict death... moreROMANTIC GETAWAY BUZZKILL:DEATH NEVER TAKES A HOLIDAY!Harried, overworked architect Kate Benedict has no sooner stepped off the ferry to a tiny, remote island in Seychelles, primed to de-stress and celebrate at a destination wedding, than she spots imminent danger – auras spinning above the heads of two people on the dock. One’s a stranger, but the other’s the groom!Kate has a gift – or possibly a curse. Unfortunately for her, she can predict death. When she sees the spinning circle of air above someone’s head, her heart sinks. She calls it an aura, and unless she can locate the source of danger and intervene, the person is destined to die within a matter of days.But since the potential victim must be convinced of the danger, usually there’s no way to intervene with a stranger. When the second man is found drowned, Kate knows she has to tell her boyfriend Josh that the groom, Josh’s close friend from college, has an aura.It’s hard to convince Josh’s friends that a murderer is lurking among the gracious islanders, the chill tourists, and serene natural beauty – but with a suspicious fire and a third aura sighting, the evidence is mounting. Until they can find the murderer, Kate and Josh have to keep the groom safe and fend off the worst wedding crasher ever – Death!Who will like it? Everyone who fancies a tropical paradise adventure, especially those who delight in a slight hint of the paranormal. Fans of American cozy writers like Barbara Michaels and her colleague Carolyn Hart (in her Bailey Ruth series) as well as fans of traditional British mysteries, from Agatha Christie right through Tana French, will love Kate. less

A JUG OF WINE, A LOAF OF BREAD—AND DEATH.SHE KNOWS IT’S COMING; SHE HAS TO STOP IT!London architect Kate Benedict has barely shucked off her coat before she spots her host's aura, a swirling pattern above his head that Kate has come to recognize as a prediction of death within a few days.And she’s barely realized he’s in danger when he drops to the floor, shot by an unseen assailant... moreA JUG OF WINE, A LOAF OF BREAD—AND DEATH.SHE KNOWS IT’S COMING; SHE HAS TO STOP IT!London architect Kate Benedict has barely shucked off her coat before she spots her host's aura, a swirling pattern above his head that Kate has come to recognize as a prediction of death within a few days.And she’s barely realized he’s in danger when he drops to the floor, shot by an unseen assailant.It should have been the perfect junket—escaping miserably rainy London to a luxurious chateau in the Burgundy countryside. All she had to do was advise the owner on rebuilding his winery's tasting room. But trouble seems to come in threes...The first person to rush into the room, the young woman who manages the tasting room, also has an aura, as does the winemaker, nephew to the dead man. Surrounded by absolute strangers and the ever-present reminders of imminent death, Kate is overwhelmed by uncertainties: Where is the danger coming from? Does it extend to her? And dodgiest of all, Whom to trust?She makes fast friends with the tasting room manager, and she knows from past experience that if she can discover the source of the danger she can cheat death out of a victory. She desperately wants to save this woman. So she’ll have to make the chateau give up its centuries of secrets: betrayals among the highly competitive vintners of the region, disputed ownership claims, deceitful spouses, treacherous employees, even secret passageways.And, of course, since it’s a 700-year-old chateau, there will be ghosts. The question is: Does the elegantly-caped gentleman in the green hat mean to help…or to harm?Just as you’re thinking, “What a clever solution,” the tale takes an even cleverer twist. This is a book with pretty much everything—a likeable heroine, an ancient chateau, all the wine you can drink, a fun plot, and a ghost to top it off. The very definition of cozy. less