The Tarot Reader
- Judith D Collins
- Sep 30
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 12
By: Finley Turner
Narrator: Sarah Beth Pfeifer
ISBN: 9798349113147
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Crooked Lane Books
Publication Date: 10/14/2025
Format: Audio
My Rating: 4 Stars (ALC)
A phony psychic vision goes wrong when a woman unexpectedly finds herself involved in a murder investigation, perfect for fans of May Cobb and Catherine McKenzie.
Twenty-five-year-old Jade Crawford spends her days selling crystals, conducting séances, and reading tarot cards in her shop in Winston-Salem, NC. But her connection to the other side is all a facade. After losing their mother to a terrible accident and their father serving jail time, Jade and her younger sister Stevie do what they can to survive. When a local politician goes missing, Jade sees a lucrative opportunity to drum up new clients and inject some much-needed cash into their pockets.
Jade submits a “psychic vision” to the police tipline only to discover that her shot in the dark is chillingly accurate when the police find the politician’s body. Caught in a media whirlwind, Jade revels in her newfound popularity and success, but she quickly finds herself the target of not only a police investigation but of the killer who is still on the loose.
With stunning suspense that is perfect for fans of Samantha M. Bailey, Finley turns the screws tighter into a taunt and thrilling read.
My Review
In Finley Turner's captivating novel, THE TAROT READER, a seemingly innocuous psychic vision takes a dramatic turn when a woman unexpectedly becomes entangled in a murder investigation.
Meet twenty-five-year-old Jade Crawford, who spends her days immersed in the mystical world of crystals, conducting séances, and reading tarot cards at her enchanting shop in Winston-Salem, NC. This gripping, witty, and eerie mystery is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat!
Life hasn’t been easy for these sisters, but it is about to get a whole lot more complex.
About...
The Sisters
25-year-old Jade Crawford runs a tarot reading and psychic shop, Ravencroft Psychic Parlor and Shoppe in Winston-Salem, N.C.
Following the tragic loss of their mother in an accident and their father's imprisonment, Jade and her younger sister, Stevie, are grappling with financial hardship. Jade is determined to secure funds for Stevie's education, envisioning a brighter future for her sister. Also, their dad is getting out of prison, but they cannot count on him.
The Facade
To attract more clients and generate income, Jade resorts to parlor tricks and deceit, as she lacks genuine psychic abilities. The pressing need to cover rent and basic living expenses drives her to these desperate measures.
The Lie:
When a local politician mysteriously disappears, Jade perceives a golden opportunity. She submits a fabricated "psychic vision" to the police tip line, hoping to garner attention and attract new customers to her struggling business.
The Shocker
To Jade's astonishment, her fabricated vision turns out to be eerily accurate, leading to the discovery of the politician's body precisely as she described. Suddenly thrust into the limelight, she embraces her newfound fame and success. However, this attention also makes her and Stevie vulnerable to unforeseen dangers.
The Investigation
Jade's rise as a renowned psychic places her squarely in the midst of a police investigation. Initially skeptical, detectives begin to question her potential involvement, raising the stakes for Jade and Stevie.
The Entanglement
As the investigation unfolds, Jade finds herself entangled in a murder inquiry while a killer remains on the loose. She must navigate this perilous situation to uncover the truth and protect both herself and Stevie from becoming the next victims.
Deceptions
Are Jade and Stevie's past deceptions catching up with them? Is it their father, his associates, or perhaps someone entirely unexpected? With threats looming, they must confront the reality of their choices. Who is behind the danger, and how will they seek justice?
My thoughts...
I was absolutely delighted to discover that the novel is set in Winston-Salem, NC, where the author resides. This city holds a special place in my heart, as I lived there during my early career, from the time my sons were in kindergarten until college. After that, I made my way to Atlanta and then Florida, but my grown sons still call Winston-Salem home. Reading this novel felt like a nostalgic visit back to a chapter of my life.
Additionally, I have a deep fascination with Tarot card readers and psychics. My experiences in New Orleans have left me with intriguing stories that came to life after a tarot reading. The allure of the mystical world captivates me.
This delightful cozy mystery follows Jade as she endeavors to clear her name and protect her sister while outsmarting both the police and a murderer.
The narrative is filled with crackling adventures, wit, and humor, featuring a whirlwind of cons, tricks, mischief, family, neighbors, friends, and foes. The sisters find themselves in a myriad of predicaments, learning street smarts from their father, yet often making questionable choices. Their strong bond is commendable, even as they navigate the chaos of their decisions.
THE TAROT READER by Finley Turner is a captivating blend of mystery, deceit, and self-discovery, and family sprinkled with just the right amount of psychic intrigue to keep readers engaged. I would classify this as more of a cozy mystery than a thriller.
Perfectly suited for the Halloween season, this book is infused with tarot readings, spooky séances, corrupt politicians, chilling messages, séances, a murder, and mystical adventures. “The Tarot Reader” masterfully intertwines elements of mystery, family drama, and self-discovery, making it a fun listen.
The audiobook...
I enjoyed THE TAROT READER audiobook narrated by the incredibly talented Sarah Beth Pfeifer. Her captivating storytelling effortlessly blends suspense, wit, mystery, and intrigue, breathing life into an eclectic cast of zany characters through a dynamic performance. You’ll find yourself completely hooked and thoroughly entertained!
Special thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for providing an advanced listening copy in exchange for my honest feedback. It's always a pleasure to discover new and talented authors!
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pub date: Oct 14, 2025
Praise
“Turner ups her game in this intelligent thriller.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Fans of Samantha M. Bailey will appreciate this thrilling twist on a female-driven thriller with layers of secrets and complexities throughout.”
—First Clue
“A hard book to put down . . . Flawless . . . A sophisticated plot with plenty of suspense will have readers mesmerized until the very end.”
—Wonder Women Sixty
“I’m always a sucker for characters who make terrible choices, and the cast in The Tarot Reader certainly doesn't disappoint. Con artists, fortune tellers, bartenders, corrupt politicians—these folks are as memorable and eclectic as the Major Arcana—and just as hard to predict.”
—Tara Laskowski, Agatha Award-winning author of The Weekend Retreat“Turner ups her game in this intelligent thriller.”
About the Author
Finley Turner is a thriller writer. Initially convinced she wanted to be a professor, she got her master's in religious studies at Wake Forest University, focusing on new religious movements, cults, and religious violence. During her program, she applied for a student position in the university library and quickly realized she would rather be an academic librarian than be at the front of a classroom teaching. She worked as an archivist at Wake Forest University for six years after getting her master's in library and information science from UNC Greensboro.
She now writes and parents full time. Finley lives in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with her family. WEBSITE
