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Bridgeport Mysteries #1
Zoey Matthews, the Undead Ghost, and the Demon
An ancient manuscript. A dead ex. One last chance to take control of her life.
The only plan Zoey Matthews had that day was to take the first step in putting her life together after her husband left her for a younger woman. But her plans for a fresh start are sent spiraling out of control when the ghost of her murdered husband shows up in her swanky new loft.
What would you do? If you're Zoey Matthews, you don't celebrate the fact that the philandering bastard is dead, you set out to prove you didn't kill him.
The list of suspects seems endless. Was it one of the nearly adolescent girls he'd been sleeping with behind Zoey's back? Maybe it was the sinister friend who dabbles in black magic? It could have been the pair of clueless thugs on the hunt for a missing artifact that they think Zoey has.
A sexy and all too appealing celebrity artist new to town is on the suspect list, too. Last of all, the stuffy town mayor? If she doesn't figure it out soon, she may be next.
Zoey Matthews, the Undead Ghost, and the Demon is the first book in an urban fantasy series that features surprising plot twists, dark supernatural entities, sexy male characters, and a female protagonist who may not kick ass, but you could totally see yourself having a beer with her.
Get your copy of Zoey Matthews, the Undead Ghost, and the Demon today to read about Zoey's first journey into the supernatural.
The only plan Zoey Matthews had that day was to take the first step in putting her life together after her husband left her for a younger woman. But her plans for a fresh start are sent spiraling out of control when the ghost of her murdered husband shows up in her swanky new loft.
What would you do? If you're Zoey Matthews, you don't celebrate the fact that the philandering bastard is dead, you set out to prove you didn't kill him.
The list of suspects seems endless. Was it one of the nearly adolescent girls he'd been sleeping with behind Zoey's back? Maybe it was the sinister friend who dabbles in black magic? It could have been the pair of clueless thugs on the hunt for a missing artifact that they think Zoey has.
A sexy and all too appealing celebrity artist new to town is on the suspect list, too. Last of all, the stuffy town mayor? If she doesn't figure it out soon, she may be next.
Zoey Matthews, the Undead Ghost, and the Demon is the first book in an urban fantasy series that features surprising plot twists, dark supernatural entities, sexy male characters, and a female protagonist who may not kick ass, but you could totally see yourself having a beer with her.
Get your copy of Zoey Matthews, the Undead Ghost, and the Demon today to read about Zoey's first journey into the supernatural.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2015
55 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Heather Elizabeth King
16 books34 followersHeather Elizabeth King is a novelist who lives in Central Virginia and writes paranormal mysteries, urban fantasy and paranormal romance. She’s been a story teller since she can remember. Some of her favorite recollections are of telling stories to her girlfriends at slumber parties when she was a pre-teen.
Heather is a recipient of numerous book review awards, including:
• The Gold Star Award from Just Erotic Romance Reviews
• A Recommended Read from Fallen Angel Reviews
• The Joyfully Recommended Award from Joyfully Reviewed
• A CAPA Award nomination from The Romance Studio.
She is also a graduate of the Writer’s Digest class, Focus on the Novel. Her years of learning everything she can about writing fiction and the publishing industry have made Heather a confident speaker. She has been a panelist at the Romantic Times Convention and has given presentations at various paranormal conventions.
When not penning fiction, Heather works as a technical writer in corporate America. As an author she is a member of RWA (Romance Writers of America) and Sisters in Crime, and as a technical writer she is a member of STC (The Society of Technical Communication).
Her claim to fame is playing the ghost of Christmas future in a local production of, A Christmas Carole. While she didn’t actually get to speak, she got to glower and look menacing.
Visit Heather online at her website www.HeatherElizabethKing.com, on Facebook at, www.facebook.com/heatherelizabethking or https://www.facebook.com/heathereliza.... Email her at Heather@heatherelizabethking.com.
Heather is a recipient of numerous book review awards, including:
• The Gold Star Award from Just Erotic Romance Reviews
• A Recommended Read from Fallen Angel Reviews
• The Joyfully Recommended Award from Joyfully Reviewed
• A CAPA Award nomination from The Romance Studio.
She is also a graduate of the Writer’s Digest class, Focus on the Novel. Her years of learning everything she can about writing fiction and the publishing industry have made Heather a confident speaker. She has been a panelist at the Romantic Times Convention and has given presentations at various paranormal conventions.
When not penning fiction, Heather works as a technical writer in corporate America. As an author she is a member of RWA (Romance Writers of America) and Sisters in Crime, and as a technical writer she is a member of STC (The Society of Technical Communication).
Her claim to fame is playing the ghost of Christmas future in a local production of, A Christmas Carole. While she didn’t actually get to speak, she got to glower and look menacing.
Visit Heather online at her website www.HeatherElizabethKing.com, on Facebook at, www.facebook.com/heatherelizabethking or https://www.facebook.com/heathereliza.... Email her at Heather@heatherelizabethking.com.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 29, 2024
This was a really surprising book. I haven't heard anything about it but saw the cover on Amazon and knew I had to have it. I also love books about gorgeous heroines who are as tough and determined as they are beautiful.
Zoey Mathews has had a rough last 3 months. After a 10 year marriage she discovers her husband has been cheating on her relentlessly for years. When Zoey's philandering ex shows up at her door desperate for her help she turns him away, only for him to turn up back at her place as a ghost. Now Zoey can see ghosts all over town and talk to them.
I liked a lot about this book but most of all I liked the characters and dialogue. Zoey is a sweet, kind, and determined heroine. She's also a talented musician that's just beginning to feel like herself again after years of playing hostess and housemaid to her successful husband. Zoey has several supportive and interesting sisters, especially her supernaturally inclined sister Cora. Her world is full of vibrant, varied, unique and diverse characters with a gamut of personalities.
Zoey Mathews, the Undead Ghost, and the Demon was a fun romp full of drama, detective work, ghosts, the occult, catfights and even actual cats. This book is fast paced and starts at breakneck speed until it ends (in a satisfying way).
Zoey Mathews has had a rough last 3 months. After a 10 year marriage she discovers her husband has been cheating on her relentlessly for years. When Zoey's philandering ex shows up at her door desperate for her help she turns him away, only for him to turn up back at her place as a ghost. Now Zoey can see ghosts all over town and talk to them.
I liked a lot about this book but most of all I liked the characters and dialogue. Zoey is a sweet, kind, and determined heroine. She's also a talented musician that's just beginning to feel like herself again after years of playing hostess and housemaid to her successful husband. Zoey has several supportive and interesting sisters, especially her supernaturally inclined sister Cora. Her world is full of vibrant, varied, unique and diverse characters with a gamut of personalities.
Zoey Mathews, the Undead Ghost, and the Demon was a fun romp full of drama, detective work, ghosts, the occult, catfights and even actual cats. This book is fast paced and starts at breakneck speed until it ends (in a satisfying way).
June 28, 2023
Not a bad start to this series. I am interested to see where it goes. I liked the character Zoey. She is likable and relatable. I wish there was a little more detail and action. Overall, I think this series could have potential.
June 21, 2025
Interesting storyline, kept me interested all the way to the end. Met lots of characters, looking forward to seeing how the relationships and characters move through the other books in the series. Heather is a Virginia author, I met her at a local event and follow her on social media, she's a fun, friendly person. And this is the best book cover! Love it.
July 25, 2021
I was disappointed that the story wasn't as "rock and roll" as the cover promised. I was expecting a gritty heroine who hung with other musicians and she takes us into her world as a performer and becomes unwillingly entangled in a paranormal murder mystery. I'm not sure if she's a solo performer or what type of music she performs, or if her friends Nora and Kate perform along with her or not. Anyway, she's performing at a club in the first chapter of the book for a church, or something, and that's where her holding the guitar and having anything to do with being a musician ends. Zoey's character then devolves into a thirty-something year old woman who acts as if she's sixty-something and is bullied by her mother's church friends in a small town. I love her ghost roommate Connor and disliked Zoey further for her flippant attitude about his suicide. She sparks up an awkward and boring romance with a celebrity artist, Ren, when she had better chemistry with one of the detectives that is investigating the murder. The paranormal part of the book is what kept me interested in purchasing the sequel because there is potential in this becoming the story I wanted and I didn't totally hate Zoey and her circle.
May 17, 2017
Quirky, funny, scary, and a page-turning jam are how I'd describe this novel! The author has outdone herself by creating a main character that jumps off the page at you as you read. Zoe Mathews is a thirty-something woman who some would say is down on her luck. Still, that doesn't mean she's out the game. After catching her husband, Joe, cheating on her, the two split and Zoe begins the slow (but fulfilling) journey of rediscovering who she was before him.
Of course, nothing goes smoothly. When her ex-hubby is found mutilated in a hotel room and the prime suspect is a young college-bound girl, Zoe finds herself stepping into the role of hero to save the day. Little did she know her role as hero was going to lead her down a path so dark, she'd never be able to look at her small hometown of Bridgeport the same again.
But Zoe is not the only star of the show. You have her two best friends, Nora and Kate, who push Zoe to do the things she thinks she cannot. Together these three women have a friendship that is best described as "Sisterhood of the Traveling pants'-esque but a bit more mature and with lots more coffee. If you have two close friends who are hardcore readers, this would be a great novel for your trio to read together.
Additionally, though the novel is a supernatural mystery, you see layers of the characters and their lives that aid in bringing them to life. Zoe has four sisters, all with varying personalities, and through their interactions you get a glimpse into the family dynamic. If you have siblings or you're the youngest in the family like Zoe, this is something you'll be able to relate to.
The novel did fall short with me in a few areas. One was the writing. It just didn't seem as well-planned out as some of the other work I've read by this author. There were also a few issues that must have been missed in the editing process. Examples include things from basic grammar to some inconsistency (lack of clarity is the better way to say it) in the plot.
Also, I did not like the main love interest, Ren. He was too perfect and because he was so perfect, Ren did not pop out to me like Zoe did. She was 3-dimensional and well-developed. Ren was flat and shallow.
All in all, still worth the read, especially if you want a book that'll give you some goosebumps while also making you want to join a ya-ya sisterhood.
For more of my reviews and book club talk, check out my reviews at Tasha Tells All on YouTube, Here's a link:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD4m...
Of course, nothing goes smoothly. When her ex-hubby is found mutilated in a hotel room and the prime suspect is a young college-bound girl, Zoe finds herself stepping into the role of hero to save the day. Little did she know her role as hero was going to lead her down a path so dark, she'd never be able to look at her small hometown of Bridgeport the same again.
But Zoe is not the only star of the show. You have her two best friends, Nora and Kate, who push Zoe to do the things she thinks she cannot. Together these three women have a friendship that is best described as "Sisterhood of the Traveling pants'-esque but a bit more mature and with lots more coffee. If you have two close friends who are hardcore readers, this would be a great novel for your trio to read together.
Additionally, though the novel is a supernatural mystery, you see layers of the characters and their lives that aid in bringing them to life. Zoe has four sisters, all with varying personalities, and through their interactions you get a glimpse into the family dynamic. If you have siblings or you're the youngest in the family like Zoe, this is something you'll be able to relate to.
The novel did fall short with me in a few areas. One was the writing. It just didn't seem as well-planned out as some of the other work I've read by this author. There were also a few issues that must have been missed in the editing process. Examples include things from basic grammar to some inconsistency (lack of clarity is the better way to say it) in the plot.
Also, I did not like the main love interest, Ren. He was too perfect and because he was so perfect, Ren did not pop out to me like Zoe did. She was 3-dimensional and well-developed. Ren was flat and shallow.
All in all, still worth the read, especially if you want a book that'll give you some goosebumps while also making you want to join a ya-ya sisterhood.
For more of my reviews and book club talk, check out my reviews at Tasha Tells All on YouTube, Here's a link:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD4m...
August 25, 2024
Zoey’s a down-to-earth and highly likable thirty-something who deserves better. After recently dumping her philandering ex, she’s rebuilding her life, enjoying living independently (in a loft apartment), and getting back into playing music—all a great start for me.
It’s no secret that I love small towns as a reader or writer. Zoey lives in Bridgeport, a well-fleshed-out, cosy-feel town with its bookstore, the centre square for events, an inn, and plenty more. Fitting in rather nicely with that setting is the array of Zoey’s family and friends, who all played their part in adding to the atmosphere and helping push the mystery forward.
Zoey’s ex arrives at her door, asking for help before the real story starts. The next time she sees him, he’s deceased and in ghost form! From that moment, her life is interwoven with the supernatural world as she works through suspects, from her ex’s mistresses to the odd ruffians recently appearing in Bridgeport. Then there’s that attractive new artist in town, Renfield Baker.
The story occurs in the US in October, with autumn vibes and Halloween’s approach as a backdrop for the spookiness. In terms of fantasy aspects, as the title says, you can expect ghosts and a demon.
I had meant to read Heather Elizabeth King’s 'Zoey Matthew, The Undead Ghost, and the Demon' for the longest time because I suspected it would fall into my sweet spot genre mix, including treating dark elements with a light touch. And I was correct.
A super enjoyable read with a lovable, independent character I could get behind, light fantasy elements, more weighted towards mystery rather than romance, and set with small-town goodness. An easy four stars for me.
It’s no secret that I love small towns as a reader or writer. Zoey lives in Bridgeport, a well-fleshed-out, cosy-feel town with its bookstore, the centre square for events, an inn, and plenty more. Fitting in rather nicely with that setting is the array of Zoey’s family and friends, who all played their part in adding to the atmosphere and helping push the mystery forward.
Zoey’s ex arrives at her door, asking for help before the real story starts. The next time she sees him, he’s deceased and in ghost form! From that moment, her life is interwoven with the supernatural world as she works through suspects, from her ex’s mistresses to the odd ruffians recently appearing in Bridgeport. Then there’s that attractive new artist in town, Renfield Baker.
The story occurs in the US in October, with autumn vibes and Halloween’s approach as a backdrop for the spookiness. In terms of fantasy aspects, as the title says, you can expect ghosts and a demon.
I had meant to read Heather Elizabeth King’s 'Zoey Matthew, The Undead Ghost, and the Demon' for the longest time because I suspected it would fall into my sweet spot genre mix, including treating dark elements with a light touch. And I was correct.
A super enjoyable read with a lovable, independent character I could get behind, light fantasy elements, more weighted towards mystery rather than romance, and set with small-town goodness. An easy four stars for me.
June 29, 2021
For the most part, Zoey Matthews was entertaining. It has a good plot and is filled with colorful side characters that make Bridgeport feel like a small town. I liked that Zoey is rediscovering herself, and trotting a new path in life. I also enjoyed the interactions between her and her family. That being said, Zoey behaved like someone without an ounce of common sense at the end. *smh*
It took me awhile to finish the book because there was a bit too much exposition. It felt superfluous at times, which weighed down the flow of the story. The last 20 percent of the book was mostly tell with a little show. It was also rushed. The climax at Zoey's house was ridiculous, and the characters seemed very foolish.
It took me awhile to finish the book because there was a bit too much exposition. It felt superfluous at times, which weighed down the flow of the story. The last 20 percent of the book was mostly tell with a little show. It was also rushed. The climax at Zoey's house was ridiculous, and the characters seemed very foolish.
October 10, 2021
Ghostly Fun
I was pretty convinced I'd figured out the murderers but definitely a twist at the end. I love Conor the ghost. He's the best friend Zoey should have. I'm still not on team Ren and Zoey but we'll see if I get there. What a whacky town setting. Definitely glad it was fictional cause that was crazy. I liked the setting and it was nice to see Zoey find herself through the mystery. She had a support system of 4 sisters, a stellar mom, two cats and a police force. I Don't think you can get more awesome than that.
I was pretty convinced I'd figured out the murderers but definitely a twist at the end. I love Conor the ghost. He's the best friend Zoey should have. I'm still not on team Ren and Zoey but we'll see if I get there. What a whacky town setting. Definitely glad it was fictional cause that was crazy. I liked the setting and it was nice to see Zoey find herself through the mystery. She had a support system of 4 sisters, a stellar mom, two cats and a police force. I Don't think you can get more awesome than that.
May 3, 2021
Awesome!!
So excited about this series!! So much fun. I love the family and friend dynamics in this book. Im not sure about Ren though. He seems fun but I'm kinda interested to see what happens with the detective. Did not expect her to be an Ozzy fan. Love that she's a musician!! Definitely reading all the books in this series.
So excited about this series!! So much fun. I love the family and friend dynamics in this book. Im not sure about Ren though. He seems fun but I'm kinda interested to see what happens with the detective. Did not expect her to be an Ozzy fan. Love that she's a musician!! Definitely reading all the books in this series.
June 1, 2021
I liked this story.
The main female character was Witty charming and very likable with her decisions that she made. This book was witty, refreshing.and it was because the characters had that They made logical real life mature understandable decisions. It was was a good plot and good character building but in my Opinion The execution was better than good for me.
The main female character was Witty charming and very likable with her decisions that she made. This book was witty, refreshing.and it was because the characters had that They made logical real life mature understandable decisions. It was was a good plot and good character building but in my Opinion The execution was better than good for me.
July 15, 2021
The story started off quirky and cute, then got dark... I loved it. I appreciated how the author showed a religious character in a good light—you don't see that too often anymore. There was a wide range of characters and personalities to keep track of, but once the story got going things settled into place, and I came out the other end of it wanting to read the next installment.
July 17, 2021
Enjoyable!mystery
Great lead character and supporting characters, even Connor. Zoey's cheating, soon to be ex husband is killed; Zoey and friends try to figure out why, how, and who. Interesting twists.
I loved her family and two friends; I hope we get more from them in the next book.
I first picked the book to read because I liked the cover art; glad I did.
Great lead character and supporting characters, even Connor. Zoey's cheating, soon to be ex husband is killed; Zoey and friends try to figure out why, how, and who. Interesting twists.
I loved her family and two friends; I hope we get more from them in the next book.
I first picked the book to read because I liked the cover art; glad I did.
February 7, 2021
An amazing read!
Zoey is so relatable, so real as a character. There were a few typos throughout, but it didnt distract from the story and that should say much. Very much looking forward to more installations from this series. I feel it'll only get better!
Zoey is so relatable, so real as a character. There were a few typos throughout, but it didnt distract from the story and that should say much. Very much looking forward to more installations from this series. I feel it'll only get better!
August 8, 2021
Finally!!!
A book I can relate to. It's got plot, it's got suspense, it has a female lead with some substance to her. I have been searching for an author like this from my community. She did not disappoint.
A book I can relate to. It's got plot, it's got suspense, it has a female lead with some substance to her. I have been searching for an author like this from my community. She did not disappoint.
February 15, 2022
I don't even like mysteries.
I don't even like mysteries but I liked this one. Good writing, decent plot, no cliffhanger and there's a happy ending. This is a good cozy read with a side dish of paranormal.
I don't even like mysteries but I liked this one. Good writing, decent plot, no cliffhanger and there's a happy ending. This is a good cozy read with a side dish of paranormal.
October 26, 2022
Bits of this I liked, and bits were a bit messy and confusing. I liked the general gist of this though.
I think I'll still keep reading the series because I like Zoey, her besties and her family. I do wish there was more of the ghosts and music though.
I think I'll still keep reading the series because I like Zoey, her besties and her family. I do wish there was more of the ghosts and music though.
January 5, 2023
Loved it!!!
This was so good. I could not put it down. Zoey is such a great character! I loved Ren and her family. I really did not expect the ending. I'm looking forward to the next book.
This was so good. I could not put it down. Zoey is such a great character! I loved Ren and her family. I really did not expect the ending. I'm looking forward to the next book.
February 12, 2021
Excellent
Great concept and storyline. Loved it. Can’t wait to read the next book. I highly recommend the book. It flow beautifully.
Great concept and storyline. Loved it. Can’t wait to read the next book. I highly recommend the book. It flow beautifully.
April 21, 2021
So much fun
July 2, 2021
It was good
I liked the mystery aspect and Zoey overall. It moved a bit slow for me, but I like the world that was built and want to explore that a little more.
I liked the mystery aspect and Zoey overall. It moved a bit slow for me, but I like the world that was built and want to explore that a little more.
July 29, 2021
Easy read with intrigue
I enjoyed this book. The story had enough intrigue to keep me interested but wasn’t convoluted. I’m ready for the next one.
I enjoyed this book. The story had enough intrigue to keep me interested but wasn’t convoluted. I’m ready for the next one.
August 9, 2021
Interesting read
This was my first book by Ms. King and I really enjoyed the story. I look forward to reading more about Zoey and her adventures.
This was my first book by Ms. King and I really enjoyed the story. I look forward to reading more about Zoey and her adventures.
November 23, 2021
I judged the book by its really cool cover and bought it without doing the digital peek inside thing, a mistake I hopefully learned from. In the short amount of pages this book had there was typos, internalized misogyny, internalized racism, and it made no sense.
Here are my other socials: Blog | Twitter | IG
Here are my other socials: Blog | Twitter | IG
September 12, 2020
I love Zoey. She and her besties, Nora and Kate are awesome. I'd hang with them in a heartbeat, except for when they are trying to solve cases involving super scary demons. I'd stay away from them then.
Zoey is just dealing with getting over her cheating ex husband when he shows up at a gig she has and things just go downhill from there.
Between ghosts, crazy living people and a potential new romance, things are getting really hot for Zoey.
If you like stories about demons and ghosts with a side of romance and mystery, I highly recommend this book. I'm already started on the second one.
Zoey is just dealing with getting over her cheating ex husband when he shows up at a gig she has and things just go downhill from there.
Between ghosts, crazy living people and a potential new romance, things are getting really hot for Zoey.
If you like stories about demons and ghosts with a side of romance and mystery, I highly recommend this book. I'm already started on the second one.
August 6, 2020
Awesome book!
Awesome book. If you enjoy supernatural horror with a little romance mixed in you will enjoy this book. I had a hard time putting it down.
Awesome book. If you enjoy supernatural horror with a little romance mixed in you will enjoy this book. I had a hard time putting it down.
August 17, 2020
Fantastic!
A fun and brilliantly written story in the vein of Sherrilyn Kenyon and Karen Marie Moning. I had a blast with these characters. Can't wait for more.
A fun and brilliantly written story in the vein of Sherrilyn Kenyon and Karen Marie Moning. I had a blast with these characters. Can't wait for more.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews