The Missing Brides

The Lady Mortician's Visions, Book 1

By: Helen Goltz

Narrated by: Grant Cartwright, Jodie Harris

From author Helen Goltz comes an exciting new series about love, fate, and putting to rest more than the dead, with a hint of magic, mystery, and visions.

Miss Phoebe Astin and her brothers, Julius and Ambrose, lead an unconventional life working in the family funeral business, The Economic Undertaker. But Phoebe is not just a talented mortician; she is a medium for the spirit world, and often enjoys the company of her clients before they move on to the next world.

When a gentleman lingers behind before passing over to the other side and begs her to investigate his murder, Phoebe contacts her brother's friend, Detective Harland Stone, to explain her concerns. Fortunately, the detective, who is new in town and making his mark, has an open mind and accepts that Phoebe communicates with the dead, but is fixed on finding the evidence to support her claims.

It is not long before another body, that of a young woman, is found buried under the hearthstone in a small family home, and the likely villain is the very same man who Phoebe's ghost claimed was responsible for his death. Detective Stone is racing against the clock to find the villain and to prevent any further deaths from those that the villain may love or con into marriage.

Meanwhile, Julius Astin is doing his best to avoid the persistent mothers and flirting daughters who manage to find a way to corner him. His younger brother, Ambrose, has lost his heart to Phoebe's friend and reporter, Miss Lilly Lewis, who only has eyes for Julius.

There is murder, love, and mystery afoot, and it appears that for the Astin family, being dead is no excuse for letting a crime go unpunished!

The Missing Brides includes a hint of paranormal, fantasy, clairvoyant skills, and visions; a family with a funeral business and all the quirks that come with it; a beautiful and intriguing medium; a handsome detective who is happy to have all the help he can get to solve the mystery; two handsome undertaker brothers who have their share of adventure and romance; and historical detail accurately researched and set in 1890 Australia.

©2023 Helen Goltz (P)2025 Podium Audio

Slow thrilling build

I really enjoyed this book. The pace started slow like a train steadily going up an hill that then transitioned into the downhill with a faster pace. Both the main and supporting characters and interacting relationships were well developed. The story had witty dialogue that seamlessly merged with the dramatic and intense scenes. I’ve started the next audiobook in the series.

However, despite being based in Australia very little of it is discussed, such as local politics and the political parties or current social issues; native environment in animals, plants, insects, or people are not mentioned at all to better immerse and educate the reader about Australia. Also the narrators did not use Australian accents but sounded English for native born Australian characters of at least third generation. What’s the point of audio if the Australian accents are missing.

And last some insight on the murderer’s reason for killing was not provided. Discovering his motive was discussed in the story but nothing followed beyond this discussion.