The more I think about the book, the more I realize how much I enjoyed it. And I do find myself going back and thinking about it, too. The characters feel real, as do the situations and responses. One thing I admired was how, much like when one meets a new person, one learns about them gradually and that is true here. We gradually learn things about the characters, rather than having two or three paragraphs of exposition, and the story is richer for it.

Some readers may be put off by grisly descriptions of scenes the characters visit, but they are not gratuitous and add to the realism of the premise. I agree with another review who noted that occasionally the writing is a bit awkward, but that can be fixed. In the paranormal-mystery series arena, this is a very strong entry and I can barely wait to read the next!

it was a bit tooooo gritty in the clean-up descriptions (just my personal opinion).....and yet I will admit that some of that description was a necessity in order to get across to the reader the main characters'
depth of feeling.

It would have been a 5-star review other than the above, as I really liked the main characters, loved the plot, learned to skip what I found offensive, and sobbed at the end when I realized (semi-spoiler here) the truth about Pam. That's what a terrific author can do to a reader. So folks, although I will not be passing this one on so quickly, at the same time, I am very much looking forward to #2 in the series, with the hope that not as much job description is required....

Also, I am waiting patiently for my copy of Ms. Roberts' "Dating Can Be Deadly".....that's what I do when I enjoy an author...hope you guys do the same...Susan

Wow...this book exceeded my expectations. I began reading because the story is set in Seattle, Washington, although the setting isn't shoved down our throats with details of landmarks. But I found myself really caring about the complex heroine, who's mourning her brother while maintaining a rather gruesome business. She reminds me a little of Sharon McCone, but with a few twists.

The supernatural details are handled well -not overdone, not in our faces, but surprisingly plausible. Heroine Sadie gives a realistic "yuk" when she inadvertently touches the dead and she's gotten pretty irreverent about telling it like it is. In some ways, I was briefly reminded of the TV series, Dead Like Me, which I loved. And at the very end (do not peek!) you get a wonderful surprise.

It's rare to get a book that combines qualities of The Sixth Sense movie, the Sharon McCone mystery series (early volumes) and more. The plot and pacing are flawless - twists ad turns in just the right places.

In a few places, the writing seems a bit awkward, as though the author still learns to move her characters around. But I soon stopped paying attention because the plot held me.

And I must say I was surprised at Sadie's choice for a pet - rabbit named Hairy. Gimme a break. Even a cat would be better.

But the *worst* part is we have to wait a whole year for the next
volume.

Wendy Roberts has done it again. She is an expert at spinning a tight mystery laced with humor. The only thing you will be disappointed about with this book is the fact that you'll have to wait until December 2008 to follow more of Sadie's adventures. In the meantime, pick up Dating Can Be Deadly, Ms. Robert's debut, to tide you over.
ps- You might not want to read The Remains of the Dead while snacking! :)

I could not put this book down. I was hooked from the first page. Thirty-two year old Sadie Novak, is the owner of Scene-2-Clean, a crime scene cleanup company in Seattle, Washington. I immediately like Sadie. She is smart, has common sense and at times has a great sense of humor. She also shows great compassion when dealing with the grieving next of kin. And then there's this little thing of being able to see and talk to ghosts. Sadie and her lone employee, Zack Bowman, get a call to clean up a crime scene where a murder-suicide of a husband and wife took place. The ghost of Trudy, the wife, appears and insists that her husband did not kill her. Sadie is reluctant to get involved, but soon gets caught up in trying to find out who did kill Trudy and her husband.

I enjoyed the relationships between all the characters. Sadie, Zack and Sadie's best friend, Pam, compliment each other well. Sadie and Zack have great chemistry. There is definite potential there. Pam brings a lighter side. She is spunky and upbeat, but not to the point of being annoying. There is also a Medium named Maeva. I laughed out loud at the bickering between her and Sadie. I really hope Maeva shows up in future issues.

I wasn't sure what to expect with the talking ghosts, so I was pleased when the author pulled it off very nicely. There was nothing cheesy or cheap about it. The author does an excellent job with detail, so if you have a weak stomach and like to snack while reading, like I do, leave the snacks for another time! There was nothing really surprising about the mystery itself. I pretty much had it figured out by the middle of the book. However, it was an entertaining read getting to the conclusion. There was a surprising twist at the end. Looking back, the author did drop clues about it, but I failed to put two and two together. I am not going to say anything else about it, as I don't want to give anything away. The only bad thing I can say about this book is that I have to wait a whole year for the next book in the series.

For those that it matters, this book is written in third person.