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Joe Cavelli, Paranormal PI #2
Out of the Darkness
Gus wakes up in a dark void with no memory and no body. Screaming and cursing does him no good. He’s trapped, until he learns about one man who can help. Joe Cavelli is a PI who hears ghosts, solves their murders, and sometimes fixes their personal problems. Now he finds himself pestered by an invisible, impatient, and brash amnesiac. Solving cases for ghosts comes with a unique set of circumstances. This time, Joe can’t even claim to be investigating a murder, since Gus’s body is nowhere to be found. Together, Joe and Gus delve into Gus’s past, uncovering clues that lead to a startling conclusion.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2019
4 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Darcia Helle
30 books724 followersDusty corners of the mind intrigue me.
I'm an armchair explorer; book in one hand, mug of tea in the other.
Connect on Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/DarciaHelle
I'm an armchair explorer; book in one hand, mug of tea in the other.
Connect on Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/DarciaHelle
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 15, 2019
I had a lot of fun reading Out Of The Darkness. I was worried going into it that I hadn’t read the first book but had no problems jumping in here.
There’s some funny situations that had me chuckling out loud. From the blurb, it’s revealed that P.I. Joe Cavelli can hear ghosts. He can’t see them though, so when Gus makes impromptu visits and starts cursing like a drunken sailor, he’s always jumping out of his skin.
Gus is a ghost with amnesia. He doesn’t know what happened to him and he doesn’t know why he keeps getting pulled into a place of pure darkness. He sure doesn’t lack for creative ways to string cuss words into one long sentence. Not a patient guy and he pesters Joe to get to the bottom of things.
The humor really made this work for me. Another thing that did was how the story was presented. You get Joe’s side of things. Then you get Gus’s. It works really well when Joe is investigating what happened to Gus. The two collaborate and start to get a gist of what occurred.
What hinders the investigation’s momentum is when Gus is suddenly pulled back to the dark place at what seems to him to be inappropriate times and without warning. Except, it doesn’t remain dark and Gus once again resorts to stringing his curse words together as he tries to sort through the soup of information revealed to him. I do want to mention that, while Gus can cuss up a storm, you don’t actually read those words. It’s more of an implied thing.
Back to earlier when I mentioned not having read the first book and having no trouble jumping in here. Joe mentioned not knowing why he can hear ghosts so I’m thinking that might be discovered in a future book. And Max was referred to a few times. I gathered that he was the ghost that Joe helped in the first book. While I didn’t feel like I missed anything important by not knowing more about him, I was intrigued and went ahead and added book one to my reading list. I enjoyed this book so much and really grew fond of the character’s and I wanted to read about how it all began.
To wrap up my review I’ll chat about my rating. I knew this was at least a four star experience for me. What earned it five was the writing. Throughout the book there were these small sentences that seemed to be just dropped in. They made me pause and think how authentic they felt. How I wished I’d thought of them. Things like that are something I look for and the author made them appear so casual yet they made the story feel very real. Kudos to Darcia for sealing the deal with me.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
There’s some funny situations that had me chuckling out loud. From the blurb, it’s revealed that P.I. Joe Cavelli can hear ghosts. He can’t see them though, so when Gus makes impromptu visits and starts cursing like a drunken sailor, he’s always jumping out of his skin.
Gus is a ghost with amnesia. He doesn’t know what happened to him and he doesn’t know why he keeps getting pulled into a place of pure darkness. He sure doesn’t lack for creative ways to string cuss words into one long sentence. Not a patient guy and he pesters Joe to get to the bottom of things.
The humor really made this work for me. Another thing that did was how the story was presented. You get Joe’s side of things. Then you get Gus’s. It works really well when Joe is investigating what happened to Gus. The two collaborate and start to get a gist of what occurred.
What hinders the investigation’s momentum is when Gus is suddenly pulled back to the dark place at what seems to him to be inappropriate times and without warning. Except, it doesn’t remain dark and Gus once again resorts to stringing his curse words together as he tries to sort through the soup of information revealed to him. I do want to mention that, while Gus can cuss up a storm, you don’t actually read those words. It’s more of an implied thing.
Back to earlier when I mentioned not having read the first book and having no trouble jumping in here. Joe mentioned not knowing why he can hear ghosts so I’m thinking that might be discovered in a future book. And Max was referred to a few times. I gathered that he was the ghost that Joe helped in the first book. While I didn’t feel like I missed anything important by not knowing more about him, I was intrigued and went ahead and added book one to my reading list. I enjoyed this book so much and really grew fond of the character’s and I wanted to read about how it all began.
To wrap up my review I’ll chat about my rating. I knew this was at least a four star experience for me. What earned it five was the writing. Throughout the book there were these small sentences that seemed to be just dropped in. They made me pause and think how authentic they felt. How I wished I’d thought of them. Things like that are something I look for and the author made them appear so casual yet they made the story feel very real. Kudos to Darcia for sealing the deal with me.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
February 19, 2019
I loved this story!
Joe, a PI, can also talk to ghosts and when Gus contacts him, his sleuthing begins.
This fast-paced, well-written tale is brimming with mystery - both within this world and beyond. It has action, goodies, baddies, humour in all the right places and great characters and plot.
There are lessons to learn and an injection of wisdom that is certainly thought-provoking.
A superb read and highly recommended.
Joe, a PI, can also talk to ghosts and when Gus contacts him, his sleuthing begins.
This fast-paced, well-written tale is brimming with mystery - both within this world and beyond. It has action, goodies, baddies, humour in all the right places and great characters and plot.
There are lessons to learn and an injection of wisdom that is certainly thought-provoking.
A superb read and highly recommended.
June 11, 2019
REVIEW ON 3/29!!! It's for the tour!! Check it out Friday!
March 4, 2019
Private Investigator Joe Cavelli has gotten used to hearing voices.
That the voices belong to spirits no longer among the living isn’t a biggie either. He knows a gift he’d buried in childhood has a purpose and is part of who he is and his own personal destiny. Joe assists ghosts (if you will) with solving the mystery behind their demise or tying up loose ends from their lives before they move on to the next realm. Sometimes tears are shed, and emotions run high, but Joe is left with a sense of satisfaction and peace.
His wife, brother and best friend are privy to Joe’s sideline… and life goes on. No pun intended.
Until Angus “Gus” Smith arrives.
Gus is rude, foul-mouthed, obnoxious, pushy, sarcastic… and just plain mean.
He was guided to Joe by Max (spirit number one) but he has nothing else to tell Joe. How he died, why he died or where his body is.
Just that he keeps ending up the dark place.
With absolutely no trail to follow, Joe walks a fine line piecing together the life of Angus Smith. With each new bit of information Joe finds, bits of Gus’ memory return, making him even angrier.
But with the help of Everett and his endless game of Clue, the stern Leah and far-out and funky Martin, Mystical Matrix Magician Sebastian, harmonizers Avis and Siva, and even one of the men who attacked him, Gus comes to understand his anger is hindering Joe’s investigation, and his own ability to escape the dark place.
Gus’ new sense of acceptance and direction bring plot twists with them that are jaw-dropping. I’d finally gotten over (mostly) learning about Uncle Leo’s slaughtered meat… and the secret ingredient, to learn the root cause behind Gus’ condition was even more evil and disgusting… and Gus wasn’t even aware of it.
Stellar writing and complex characters make this page-turner also a study in enlightenment—not new age or anything like that—but into ourselves.
We live with the premise things we say can and do hurt others, but Out of Darkness shows how we can do just as much—if not more—damage to ourselves with our own words and emotions.
Joe’s wife, Alexis, gets gold stars for being the supportive wife of the millennium. His assistant, Tia, is priceless and all too happy to join in the paranormal investigation, and I may even kinda, sorta like Det. Nolan… a little.
This read is definitely a wild ride with a fantastic ending I recommend to everyone.
All parties are guilty of something… just not what you think.
Enjoy!
That the voices belong to spirits no longer among the living isn’t a biggie either. He knows a gift he’d buried in childhood has a purpose and is part of who he is and his own personal destiny. Joe assists ghosts (if you will) with solving the mystery behind their demise or tying up loose ends from their lives before they move on to the next realm. Sometimes tears are shed, and emotions run high, but Joe is left with a sense of satisfaction and peace.
His wife, brother and best friend are privy to Joe’s sideline… and life goes on. No pun intended.
Until Angus “Gus” Smith arrives.
Gus is rude, foul-mouthed, obnoxious, pushy, sarcastic… and just plain mean.
He was guided to Joe by Max (spirit number one) but he has nothing else to tell Joe. How he died, why he died or where his body is.
Just that he keeps ending up the dark place.
With absolutely no trail to follow, Joe walks a fine line piecing together the life of Angus Smith. With each new bit of information Joe finds, bits of Gus’ memory return, making him even angrier.
But with the help of Everett and his endless game of Clue, the stern Leah and far-out and funky Martin, Mystical Matrix Magician Sebastian, harmonizers Avis and Siva, and even one of the men who attacked him, Gus comes to understand his anger is hindering Joe’s investigation, and his own ability to escape the dark place.
Gus’ new sense of acceptance and direction bring plot twists with them that are jaw-dropping. I’d finally gotten over (mostly) learning about Uncle Leo’s slaughtered meat… and the secret ingredient, to learn the root cause behind Gus’ condition was even more evil and disgusting… and Gus wasn’t even aware of it.
Stellar writing and complex characters make this page-turner also a study in enlightenment—not new age or anything like that—but into ourselves.
We live with the premise things we say can and do hurt others, but Out of Darkness shows how we can do just as much—if not more—damage to ourselves with our own words and emotions.
Joe’s wife, Alexis, gets gold stars for being the supportive wife of the millennium. His assistant, Tia, is priceless and all too happy to join in the paranormal investigation, and I may even kinda, sorta like Det. Nolan… a little.
This read is definitely a wild ride with a fantastic ending I recommend to everyone.
All parties are guilty of something… just not what you think.
Enjoy!
March 2, 2019
I wasn’t too sure what to expect when I first picked up this book but it blew me away. We have Joe, a PI, who works on the fringe of police work who has an interesting in with the victims and their families – he can speak with the murdered victims. Then we have Gus, a foul mouthed, angry at the world kind of guy/ghost who isn’t quite sure where he is and what has happened to him. He seems to have lost all of his memory, which is a first for Joe as he tries to solve Gus’ case.
The two, who are complete opposites in personalities, set off to solve a case that they aren’t even sure where to start. Gus appears to be stuck in a black void, with no recollection of his past, his name and what happened to him. He wants to help Joe but he struggles with many parts of his own history. Throughout the novel, we watch as he struggles with his own past, receives visits from other ghosts who try to guide him through his anger and hate.
While Joe struggles with this case at first, the breakthrough comes when he finds out Gus’ full name and that Gus is still listed as missing, which gives hope that maybe just maybe Gus isn’t dead but caught in limbo. The two set out to solve the case and unwrap a series of events that led to Gus’ downfall that will blow your mind.
This is a fantastic, fast paced read with a lot of moving parts. I was hooked into the story within the first ten pages and could not put it down. The last quarter of the book was not what I was expecting but was perfect for this story and ending. A definite must read novel!
The two, who are complete opposites in personalities, set off to solve a case that they aren’t even sure where to start. Gus appears to be stuck in a black void, with no recollection of his past, his name and what happened to him. He wants to help Joe but he struggles with many parts of his own history. Throughout the novel, we watch as he struggles with his own past, receives visits from other ghosts who try to guide him through his anger and hate.
While Joe struggles with this case at first, the breakthrough comes when he finds out Gus’ full name and that Gus is still listed as missing, which gives hope that maybe just maybe Gus isn’t dead but caught in limbo. The two set out to solve the case and unwrap a series of events that led to Gus’ downfall that will blow your mind.
This is a fantastic, fast paced read with a lot of moving parts. I was hooked into the story within the first ten pages and could not put it down. The last quarter of the book was not what I was expecting but was perfect for this story and ending. A definite must read novel!
March 27, 2019
Joe Cavelli hears voices but has learned that he is speaking to ghosts. He might not see them but he can sure hear them. Especially Angus “Gus” Smith. Gus is a rude and mouthy ghost that can’t be ignored if you tried. He doesn’t understand what happened to him since he is suffering from amnesia and he want’s Joe to help him. Granted without a body this makes things harder than his last case.
Gus also keeps turning up in the dark place when Joe needs information. But the dark place is not completely dark. As each step bring another bit of information, Gus starts remembering and getting angrier. Thankfully he realizes that this anger is doing nothing but hindering Joe’s investigation and being able to escape the dark place.
I loved Into the Light and couldn’t wait to dig into Out of the Darkness. Gus is a pain in the butt of his own making. I do understand why he is angry and frustrated but Gus not making this easy on Joe. But as the investigation went on I was not expecting what we learn about Gus.
This is a great sequel to Into the Light and goes to show how the things we say and do can affect those around us and especially ourselves. This is a great story and you don’t have to read the books in order. Check them out, I think you will enjoy them as much as I did.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Gus also keeps turning up in the dark place when Joe needs information. But the dark place is not completely dark. As each step bring another bit of information, Gus starts remembering and getting angrier. Thankfully he realizes that this anger is doing nothing but hindering Joe’s investigation and being able to escape the dark place.
I loved Into the Light and couldn’t wait to dig into Out of the Darkness. Gus is a pain in the butt of his own making. I do understand why he is angry and frustrated but Gus not making this easy on Joe. But as the investigation went on I was not expecting what we learn about Gus.
This is a great sequel to Into the Light and goes to show how the things we say and do can affect those around us and especially ourselves. This is a great story and you don’t have to read the books in order. Check them out, I think you will enjoy them as much as I did.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
February 16, 2019
"Out of the Darkness" is the second book in a series. "Into the Light", the first book introduced us to Joe Cavelli who has an interesting talent, he's a private investigator who can communicate with ghosts. If you haven't read the first book, I would highly recommend it. It's memorable and one of my favourite Darcia Helle novels. Just like "Into the Light", "Out of the Darkness" contains a lot of humour as well as some thought-provoking literature. This is an author who digs deep into her characters and the way they behave, seemingly always looking for the reasons behind their actions.
In "Out of the Darkness" Joe is faced with a new mystery when he's contacted by the spirit of a man named Gus. Gus wants to know why he is stuck in a black void and wants to find a way out. Joe then begins to help Gus's spirit, trying to find out what happened to him. This does not seem to be a straightforward case and isn't easy to solve. There are many surprising twists and turns until the final satisfying conclusion.
There are elements of fantasy, mystery, and suspense in this novel. It is a complex story containing many intriguing characters, seamlessly woven into an attention-grabbing and entertaining work of fiction.
In "Out of the Darkness" Joe is faced with a new mystery when he's contacted by the spirit of a man named Gus. Gus wants to know why he is stuck in a black void and wants to find a way out. Joe then begins to help Gus's spirit, trying to find out what happened to him. This does not seem to be a straightforward case and isn't easy to solve. There are many surprising twists and turns until the final satisfying conclusion.
There are elements of fantasy, mystery, and suspense in this novel. It is a complex story containing many intriguing characters, seamlessly woven into an attention-grabbing and entertaining work of fiction.
March 15, 2019
I love a good paranormal book. This book delivers ghostly beings, murder, and mayhem wrapped up into a winner.
The author created the best ghost that I have ever seen. Gus, being no ordinary ghost, is a one-ghost wrecking crew. He is obnoxious, mouthy, and impatient. It was amazing to me that Joe, the PI, was able to get anything done or solved. What made him more interesting was the fact he really could not be classified as a "ghost". Weird, but true!
The author added just enough suspense at the right times to keep me wanting to keep on turning the pages. I was on pins and needles to find out exactly what was going on. The minor characters, if you really could call them minor, boosted the already great story line. The author is truly brilliant with development of characters.
The ending somewhat surprised me. I wish that I could reveal that but of course, I don't want to spoil it for you my dear readers.
This is one paranormal crime book that you should get for your shelves. 5 stars and a slap on the back to Joe for solving yet another crime and for the author to a well done book.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author. The review here is 100% my own opinions and may differ from yours. ~Michelle aka Naila Moon
The author created the best ghost that I have ever seen. Gus, being no ordinary ghost, is a one-ghost wrecking crew. He is obnoxious, mouthy, and impatient. It was amazing to me that Joe, the PI, was able to get anything done or solved. What made him more interesting was the fact he really could not be classified as a "ghost". Weird, but true!
The author added just enough suspense at the right times to keep me wanting to keep on turning the pages. I was on pins and needles to find out exactly what was going on. The minor characters, if you really could call them minor, boosted the already great story line. The author is truly brilliant with development of characters.
The ending somewhat surprised me. I wish that I could reveal that but of course, I don't want to spoil it for you my dear readers.
This is one paranormal crime book that you should get for your shelves. 5 stars and a slap on the back to Joe for solving yet another crime and for the author to a well done book.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author. The review here is 100% my own opinions and may differ from yours. ~Michelle aka Naila Moon
March 7, 2019
This was the perfect book to carry me away! For one, it was hard to resist a story about a man, Gus Smith, waking up with no head or body, finding that the one man who can help him is a paranormal PI named Joe Cavelli. Great premise.
This well-written novel was light and fun, yet during Gus’s very unusual journey to find out what had happened to him and to solve a mystery, there were several thought-provoking and insightful moments of clarity. I thought the author did a wonderful job of balancing the “different shades of light” in the story and creating characters that readers can truly visualize.
The humor was also spot-on. Never overdone, but always right where it needed to be and I found it very relatable … not that I’ve ever woken up without my head or body, but while reading this, Darcia Helle’s excellent prose allowed me to imagine what it would be like.
Superb story with a satisfying ending!
This well-written novel was light and fun, yet during Gus’s very unusual journey to find out what had happened to him and to solve a mystery, there were several thought-provoking and insightful moments of clarity. I thought the author did a wonderful job of balancing the “different shades of light” in the story and creating characters that readers can truly visualize.
The humor was also spot-on. Never overdone, but always right where it needed to be and I found it very relatable … not that I’ve ever woken up without my head or body, but while reading this, Darcia Helle’s excellent prose allowed me to imagine what it would be like.
Superb story with a satisfying ending!
February 5, 2019
If you like The Ghost Whisperer or the Darynda Jones book series then you will like this. Gus woke up in a dark place with no body. He learns about Joe , an investigator who can talk to the dead, and pays him a visit. He doesn't know if he is dead and if he is then doesn't know why or how. He has no recollection of anything. This story is a little different as Gus keeps getting pulled back into the darkness and finds out he needs to learn some things to help him move on and he is also trying to solve what happened to him. Joe helps him and what they uncover was surprising.
I really enjoyed this book and I laughed quite a few times at Gus and when he is in the dark place and meets the guide and others to help him choose what he needs to do.
I received this from Partners In Crime Tours for review.
I really enjoyed this book and I laughed quite a few times at Gus and when he is in the dark place and meets the guide and others to help him choose what he needs to do.
I received this from Partners In Crime Tours for review.
July 26, 2019
In this, the second of the Joe Cavelli Paranormal PI series we find our favorite PI working to solve the mystery of what happened to Gus, the latest spirit to take up residency in Joe's head. Gus is stuck in a black void and for some reason unable to remember what happened to him. On a recommendation Gus seeks out Joe to help him solve his own mystery of why he is where he is wherever that is. Although central to the story is what happens when one dies, is there a God, a heaven or hell the author takes care to not "preach" or proselytize the answers to such questions. Filled with humor, warmth, and insightfulness this is such a fun, thrilling ride to go along on. I can't recommend this series highly enough! I can't wait to read what the characters trespassing through Darcia's mind have to say next.
Thank you @darciahelle for my copy to read, review and enjoy.
Thank you @darciahelle for my copy to read, review and enjoy.
February 26, 2019
Joe Cavelli used to be a normal private investigator. That was before his encounter with the ghost Max. He wasn't expecting Max, but both their lives have undergone an immense positive change. Now Joe is some kind of Super P.I., solving murders and other cases like never before. But when an amnesiac spirit contacts him, demanding help, unable to explain what happened to him or where he is and scarcely recalling his own name, Joe is puzzled to the maximum. It's one thing to work with a cogent ghost, quite another to deal with the impatient and secretly frightened Gus.
OUT OF THE DARKNESS is a warmhearted and engaging paranormal suspense thriller, the sequel to INTO THE LIGHT.
OUT OF THE DARKNESS is a warmhearted and engaging paranormal suspense thriller, the sequel to INTO THE LIGHT.
March 10, 2019
I’ve been so excited to read Out of the Darkness since I read the first novel. Darcia Helle’s writing is just as fantastic as it was the first time around, and she’s crafted another unique story that still has the familiar vibe she created in Into the Light.
Joe is back and his character has grown. I absolutely love his development along the way and he feels like an old friend.
The adventure Joe and Gus depart on is fast-paced and thrilling. It’s everything I’d hoped it would be. I highly recommend checking this one out!
*Read for a blog tour with Partners In Crime Book Tours. All opinions are my own.*
Joe is back and his character has grown. I absolutely love his development along the way and he feels like an old friend.
The adventure Joe and Gus depart on is fast-paced and thrilling. It’s everything I’d hoped it would be. I highly recommend checking this one out!
*Read for a blog tour with Partners In Crime Book Tours. All opinions are my own.*
February 21, 2019
Darcia Helle never disappoints
PI Joe Cavelli hears ghosts. Spirits of the dead come to him seeking help solving their deaths so they can pass on to the afterlife. But this spirit takes the cake! Meet Angus Smith, an angry, foul mouthed, confused spirit demanding Joe's help, on his time and terms. You'll end up rooting for "Gus" and loving his temper and determination.
PI Joe Cavelli hears ghosts. Spirits of the dead come to him seeking help solving their deaths so they can pass on to the afterlife. But this spirit takes the cake! Meet Angus Smith, an angry, foul mouthed, confused spirit demanding Joe's help, on his time and terms. You'll end up rooting for "Gus" and loving his temper and determination.
February 21, 2019
‘Out of Darkness’ is Darcie Helle’s book 2 in her Paranormal PI series. Book 1, ‘Into the Light’, was a great goodread and this is even better. Ms Helle’s writing is humorous and heartwarming and her PI, Joe Cavelli is like no other with his ability to talk to ghosts. I recommend reading ‘Into the Light’ first and then ‘Out of the Darkness’ for a refreshing take on a PI helping troubled clients.
April 3, 2019
O love Joe Cavalieri!
I've read both of this series and hope there Will be more to follow. The characters are believable and the plots are thoughtful and in line with a great "who dunit!" . I hope to see more of this series!
I've read both of this series and hope there Will be more to follow. The characters are believable and the plots are thoughtful and in line with a great "who dunit!" . I hope to see more of this series!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews