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This series gets better and better with each new books. Absolutely loved the read. Hoping for more as these are fun quirky reads
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My review:⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is the second book in the Accidental Medium series, and is just as good as the first one!
It's a spooky mystery with things that go bump in the night!
The story was good, with some new characters, and changes for Tanz! It's a great continuation of the story, and I'm looking forward to reading more!
I was given this book in exchange for an unbiased review, so my thanks to NetGalley and to Pan Macmillan.
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I was happy to catch up with Tanz, her chaotic life, and her friends for a fun ride. There's mystery, ghosts, past and presents that mixes, and a well plotted story.
There's some poignant moments and there's a good story.
I discovered there's a tv series featuring Tanz and will surely look for it.
This story is highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
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Tanz can talk to ghosts, although she’d prefer it if she couldn’t. Struggling to make ends meet as an actress and wholly unsuited to supply teaching, Tanz is only one bad day away from a meltdown. And the babbling ghosts aren’t helping.
So when Tanz is offered a paid acting gig in her hometown, things start to look up. But Newcastle’s dead won’t stay quiet for long, and soon Tanz becomes haunted with visions of a mysterious Gin Palace guarded by a sinister figure. As Tanz starts to piece together a terrible tragedy, it becomes clear there’s no limit to what the poltergeist will do to keep his secrets his own.
Unfortunately, he’s never met anyone quite like Tanz before…
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. This was a creative and absorbing tale! Definitely recommend this one!
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The story follows the lives of two women, Faye and Clara, who find themselves caught up in the world of gin distilling and the criminal underworld of Victorian London.
One of the strengths of this novel is the author's attention to historical detail and the vivid descriptions of 19th-century London. The city comes alive on the pages, with its bustling streets, colorful characters, and the seedy underbelly of its criminal gangs. The author's research into gin distilling and the social conditions of the time is evident, and the details add depth and authenticity to the story.
The characters themselves are well-drawn and complex, with their own motivations and secrets. Faye and Clara are both strong and independent women who must navigate a world that is often hostile to them. The author explores themes of class, gender, and power through the experiences of the characters, and their struggles and triumphs are compelling.
The pacing of the novel is excellent, with a well-crafted plot that keeps the reader engaged throughout. The tension builds steadily as the characters become increasingly embroiled in the criminal underworld, and the stakes are high as they navigate dangerous situations and make difficult choices.
Overall, "Gin Palace" is a gripping and atmospheric novel that transports the reader to the gritty and colorful world of Victorian London. The characters are compelling, the historical details are well-researched, and the story is both entertaining and thought-provoking. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a historical fiction novel with a strong sense of time and place.
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‘The dead won’t stay silent long’ - cover tag line.
My thanks to Pan Macmillan for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Gin Palace’ by Tracy Whitwell.
This is Book 2 in the Accidental Medium series of mysteries featuring Tanz, a once-successful TV actress from Gateshead now living in London. In the first book Tanz discovered that she had the ability to communicate with the corporeally challenged.
In this second outing Tanz accepts a paid acting job on a TV series filming in her hometown of Newcastle. However, it’s not long until Tanz finds herself haunted by visions of the mysterious Gin Palace. She begins to piece together details of a terrible tragedy that took place there. However, it becomes clear that the Gin Palace is guarded by a malignant spirit. No further details to avoid spoilers.
Again, this was a delightful, quirky mystery narrated by the down-to-earth Tanz, who had me often laughing out loud with her forthright observations about life (and death). Given that the author is also an actor, the novel (and series) incorporates aspects of the entertainment industry as part of its narrative.
I do hope that Tracy Whitwell is planning many more of these cosy paranormal mysteries.
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Tanz is back after discovering her gift she is still trying to get used to the idea of the ghosts around her. When she gets offered a small part in a soap opera set in her native Newcastle she is delighted to be able to catch up with her family & friend Milo- even if she isn't thrilled with her character's dress & make-up. Needless to say it's not long before she is dealing with those from the 'other side' as well as making more discoveries as to her capabilities.
This is such a great series of books. Tracy Whitwell writes so well. One minute she has you laughing out loud & next reaching for the tissues. I can't wait to see what happens next. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
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A sequel to Accidental Medium this is the book about talking to the dead you didn’t know you wanted. Tanz is an actress first and foremost but life and career has not been kind to her and its squeaky bum time. Previously she took a job in a new age shop called The Magic Pot, in a fallow period and that caused her discovery of her unique gifts. (see Accidental Medium). She’s an aural medium and has a spirit guide, her dead friend, Frank. But the Magic Pot is closed. She’s shut herself off from the spirits (those kind anyway). Things are so dire that she’s had to do some supply teaching-the horror! Consumed by despair Tanz has retreated to bed. She just need’s a wake-up call.
Amazingly her acting career receives an uplift and a chance to spend time on her home turf of Newcastle. She is offered a part in an ongoing murder drama. The lead is a bit of a diva though and it could be hard going. Luckily she has her mum and dad to keep it real and her best friend Milo to get slaughtered with.
There’s no escape from the other kind of spirits either as a spooky ghost walk makes her open up once again to the dark side. She had enough the first time round but surely with dead Frank and Live Milo she’s got enough support to see off the spooks?
This is a funny and informative book with lots of vim and vigour. It spare’s no one from the wardrobe -like lead actor Jamie to the frozen-faced matriarch Caroline. The description of her face ‘as frozen as an Eskimo’s ice-skate’ made me hoot. It’s also a lot kinder than it sounds with real insight into what it can be like for actors when the phone stops ringing.
I loved this and the previous book and it’s great to have a coming to mid-life woman as the hero. I’m a bit worried when she hits the menopause but it will no doubt lead to even more japes. Those hot flushes can probably be quite helpful when you hit a cold spot. Gin Palace is obviously a story about the supernatural and it does get quite dark but the humour is great and I’m thinking there’s plenty more in the tank for Tanz to have further high spirited adventures.
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**Listened to the audio book and read along with kindle**
This was one of my most anticipated books of 2023 as I adored Tracy Whitwell's first book in this series. The Accidental Medium (book 1) was one of my fav reads of last year. I loved the audio book last time, so I wanted to read the audiobook for this one too.
I have to say, I'm slightly disappointed with this book. I know it had a lot to live up to, but it really didn't live up to the first book for me. I still enjoyed this one, but nowhere near as much as the first.
I found this book to be missing the heart of the previous book. With this book, the warmth and the heart of the book only seemed to creep in towards the end, but I'm thankful that it is there as it's what this series is all about in my opinion. This books ending was just great, and it kind of saved the book for me - i just wish there was more of that throughout the book and not just the end.
I still adored Tanz, the books central character - she is so real and so relatable - flaws and all!
I really hope that Whitwell releases another book in this series, as although I didn't love this book as much as the first, I still enjoyed it and would love to know what Tanz gets up to next.
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This is the second book I've read in this series featuring Tanz, a bit-part actor who is disenchanted with the acting world and who has recently discovered she can communicate with the dead. After her exploits in The Accidental Medium, Tanz is keeping a low profile in the spirit world, but the ghosts of the past won't leave her alone.
She encounters a young dead boy after taking on an acting role in her old stomping ground of Newcastle Under Tyne and a malevolent spirit that wants to do her and her friends harm. But Tanz isn't having any of it and, as a result, becomes entangled in the world of those who have lingered and have a message to share.
Along the way, Tanz becomes friends with Gladys, a healer - a wonderful character I'd love to meet, and she also seems to be the only one able to get through to Caroline, one of Tanz's acting colleagues and a real prima-donna that nobody else knows how to deal with. As well as lots of Tanz-style laughs, there are some tender moments in this book, including taking Caroline for chips and the part where Tanz shares a message with Gladys which had me in tears.
This is another fun romp with some unexpectedly touching moments.
I'd happily read more of Tanz's adventures in the spiritual world.
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Tanz is back for more supernatural shenanigans in the second of the Accidental Medium books. Much like the first, Tanz finds herself caught up in solving a spooky mystery with the help of friends alive and dead. However this time she has to fit it around an acting job and some prickly co-stars. There are friends old and new, a lot of humour and action, and a surprising amount of pathos. The ending is so poignant and certainly played with my expectations. A great read for those who like their mysteries a little more mysterious than normal.
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I was intrigued by the title and the synopsis of this book and I am glad I picked this up. I soon realised that this is the second book to feature our lead character Tanz, however you are given enough context in this book to enjoy the narrative without needing to read the first book - The Accidental Medium.
Tanz has landed an acting job on a new TV show and is heading back to her roots in Newcastle. This is a chance to earn some money, see her bestie Milo and hopefully outrun the nightmares that have plagued her as a result of events from the first book. As the book progresses so does Tanz's gift to see and interact with spirits, including a particularly malevolent entity lurking close to the Black Gate who surfaces on a ghost tour. On the tour Tanz meets Gladys a gifted healer who helps develop Tanz's abilities and discovers Tanz is also a healer.
The TV job pays but Tanz does not have the most glamorous of roles - that goes to established TV star Caroline. Caroline is a prize bitch however this hides her own demons which Tanz is able to help her with, but also gaining insight into her own life.
I enjoyed this book as it took my down memory lane to my years in the North East and Newcastle. It was also in Tyneside that I went with a friend to see my first clairvoyant - an interesting experience.
I will go back to find the first book in the series and interested to find out what happens next for Tanz.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC and all opinions are my own.
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Another brilliant novel from Tracy Whitwell. I absolutely love her writing and her characters. Tanz is such a down to earth Woman, her adventures are always so interesting, I loved Gladys in this. She was a funny old lady who was always on the ball. Also, I loved that Milo got possessed, and it was quite funny even though it shouldn't have been. Really loved this second book in the series, and I'm looking forward to book 3 (hopefully)
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I really enjoyed this, it was great fun and didn’t suffer second book syndrome. It jumped straight back into the action, although it did feel a tad bit slower than the first book, and was a riotous read.
The character development was well done and I enjoyed getting to see Tanz grow as a person, it was also great to have such a strong mix of new and existing characters. Especially Caroline and Gladys, I had great fun trying to figure out who would play them in the TV show (fingers crossed)
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I was so happy to have received an ARC of this follow-up, having enjoyed the first book so much! This one certainly delivered, in fact, it may even be better than the first! I was so glad to revisit this hilarious lead, Tanz is just such an awesome character and takes us on an adventure through these pages where one minute you're holding your stomach from laughing, then struggling with the second-hand embarrassment and then being sobered by some realness. I do hope there is more to come from this series because I am not ready to say goodbye just yet!
Tracy's writing makes each of her characters feel real; they're relatable, funny, and somewhat traditional with the refreshing and welcome bubbliness of Tanz - a slightly unconventional lead who makes it even more relatable. I love the way in which Tracy weaves the world, and tells their stories - such a splendid series, and hopefully, there are many more to come!
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Fantastic ghostly sleuth story, the second in a set but would read well as a stand alone book! It’s hilarious, with the most brilliant characters, authentic ghostly happenings, and addictive reading, this one is hard to put down.
Tanz is a Geordie actress who has recently discovered she is also a medium, with a job offer on a tv show in her home town meaning she can catch up with family and friends. The job brings all sorts of new friendships and enlightenment, and Newcastle town shows a different side. It’s a laugh out loud, then a cringe and then an unexpected shock, all with a realistic down to earth sensibility.
I absolutely loved this second book from Tracy Whitwell and think the writing is better if possible!! Totally enjoyed and will be recommending far and wide!
Thank you to NetGalley for the early opportunity to read! Much appreciated.
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Gin Palace follows Tanz, a young woman who is still in the process of developing and honing her new powers as a medium. After the events in the first book she really does not want anything at all to do with ghosts anymore, but the ghosts have other ideas.
The beginning did not hook me immediately, and I had to struggle through the first ten percent or so where we're introduced to Tanz' new acting gig, which reads like every contemporary British chick-lit romance beginning - a genre I don't tend usually to enjoy. But as soon as the uncanny presents itself, the book picks up break-neck speed and rollercoasters through the story in a highly entertaining fashion. It took me three months to read the first ten percent, but only one evening to gulp down the remaining ninety.
Of all the people (alive and not) introduced, I think I enjoyed Frank the most. I wish we had had some more interaction with him, but perhaps this will happen in a later book.
Speaking of which: I did not realise going in that this was the second book in a series. You can absolutely read and enjoy this as a standalone, but be advised that there are spoilers for book one aplenty. If you do want to read both, I'd recommend going in order for that reason alone.
I'd recommend this to people who like the Riversy of London series, or who're looking for something like The Dresden Files with a female and more witchy twist.
I want to thank NetGalley and Pan MacMillan for a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here expressed are my own.
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Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in return for a far review.
I loved the first book in this series and was excited to see what Tanz was getting up to in Gin Palace. The kind and compassionate Tanz has a habit of taking people into her heart and wanting the best for them. Whether it's the hair stylist on the set of the TV show she's been cast in or the little ghost boy who is showing up in her dreams and nightmares. The gentle good humour and spooky goings on continue to entertain, I hope the author continues to write more about Tanz and her friends, both ghostly and corporeal.
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Think I’m a fan. I enjoyed the first book then was lucky enough to get the second book in return for an honest review. My review is - loved it! There are dark threads but the book is well written and really good.
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I was excited to read Gin Palace by Tracy Whitwell, the second book in The Accidental Medium especially as it was set in Newcastle and Gateshead, in the lovely Northeast of England.
I received a copy of the book for a free and unbiased opinion
I haven’t read the first book, but I had no difficulty getting to grips with the characters and the story, a short recap is threaded into the story helps with this. Tanz(Tania only to her Nanna) is the first person narrator as well as psychic and struggling actress.
This was an easy book to read and finished it one setting. The was lots of humour especially when the author describes life on a television set and quirks of the north-east. She does capture life in Newcastle accurately in her writing. The secondary characters are interesting and quirky in their own way and generally push the story.
I did feel the actual story took ages to get going and did feel that the conclusion was all a bit quick- this a character driven story rather than plot driven.
I did enjoy reading the book but I would have liked a bit more to the story and a little more action.
Content Warning
Attempted suicide, references to child neglect, references to death of a child