Brandy O’Bannon, a motivated reporter from a small Gainesville newspaper, goes on a mission to Cedar Key to solve a murder and learn about ghost hauntings. Her architect husband warns her several times to let the professionals handle the detective work, but much like Nancy Drew, she can’t help herself. Brandy is determined to help Cara Waters, an adopted young woman, find her true parentage. Unfortunately, Cara’s adoptive mother is outrageously protective, and Brandy assumes she can help Cara realize her dreams.
The story focuses on the contradictory landscapes of Florida: backwoods and an ionic tourist town. The characters are unremarkable, and the story is formulaic. Nevertheless, it’s easy and worthwhile if you yearn for stereotypical characters and little brain work while reading.
