Brandenburg (The Architect) kicks off a new paranormal romance series with an exciting murder mystery set in the fictional, sleepy town of Edgarville, Ill. Kevin McCormick is a reporter for the local newspaper who wants to write more investigative pieces but is constantly assigned to write fluff. His current Halloween assignment, about cemeteries, leads him to Amy Benson, the daughter of a monument shop owner. Shy and enigmatic Amy writes the epitaphs that are the hallmarks of the family’s business, but few people know that Amy’s skill stems from her ability to hear the dead. Amy shares her secret with Kevin after she hears the voice of his sister, who says that her death was not accidental as it appeared. Things heat up between Kevin and Amy as they look into the case and start to fall for each other. Brandenburg seamlessly blends romance with a thrilling ghost story. The sex scenes are generally well done, with one exception that involves a sleeping person who hadn’t consented. Otherwise, this is a strong series start. (BookLife)