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THE COLOUR OF MYSTERY a gripping crime thriller full of twists (Ellie McEwan Mysteries Book 2) Kindle Edition

4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 9,380 ratings

The newly discovered novel from multi-million-selling author Joy Ellis. Never-before published!

THREE NICE PEOPLE. THREE TERRIBLE CRIMES. WHAT MADE THEM DO THESE AWFUL THINGS?

It’s the night shift worker who finds them. Huddled in a hospital store cupboard is elderly Edith Higgins. Knifed to death. Sitting behind her is Staff Nurse Lily Frampton, a scalpel clasped in her blood-soaked hand.

No one can understand why this kind-hearted, dedicated nurse would brutally murder a frail patient she’s spent months caring for.

That same day, mild-mannered schoolteacher Rod Black is found surrounded by the battered bodies of his pupils. Why would a well-respected teacher beat five schoolboys to death?

Then a third shocking — and equally inexplicable — incident takes place in a London homeless shelter.

What could turn three honest, upright citizens into cold-blooded killers?

Once again, DCI Bob Foreman calls on Ellie McEwan for help. Can Ellie use her extraordinary psychic gift to uncover the truth?

DISCOVER A TOTALLY ENTHRALLING CRIME THRILLER.

This utterly gripping crime thriller is perfect for fans of L.J. Ross, J.D. Kirk, Elly Griffiths, Susan Hill, Kate Ellis or Ann Cleeves.

READERS LOVE THE ELLIE MCEWAN BOOKS:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘
One of the best books I’ve read in a long while. Just fabulous.’ June

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘
Joy Ellis at her best . . . Exceptional.’ Tamzin

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The twists and turns keep you guessing right to the end.
Loved the characters.’ Gill W.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘
Absolutely loved this.’ Alexa L.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘By far
one of the best books I’ve read for a long while! Wow!’ Janet M.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Amazing. So utterly
exciting from start to finish.’ Alison M.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘An amazing story that
had me hooked from the first few words and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.’ Pamela K.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A wonderful story
full of twists and turns. Really gripping! A totally unexpected ending. Fantastic.’ JMB

ELLIE MCEWAN MYSTERIES
Book 1: AN AURA OF MYSTERY
Book 2: THE COLOUR OF MYSTERY

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From the Publisher

crime, thriller, mystery, amateur, sleuth, paranormal, moody, atmospheric, British, village, killer
aura, thriller, detective, mystery, secrets, discovery, sleuth, investigation, British, Surrey,
L.J. Ross, J.D. Kirk, Elly Griffiths, Susan Hill, Kate Ellis or Ann Cleeves.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

UK #1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE JACKMAN & EVANS AND DI NIKKI GALENA SERIES; SHORTLISTED FOR BOOK OF THE YEAR FICTION: CRIME & THRILLER AT THE BRITISH BOOK AWARS 2021 OVER 3 MILLION BOOKS SOLD! Joy grew up and lived in Kent, trained in floristry in Mayfair and ran her own highly successful floristry business in Weybridge for many years. In the mid-1990s, she followed her lifelong love of books, first as the manager of an independent bookshop in Leatherhead, Surrey, then as a writer. When she retired, Joy and her partner Jacqueline and their two spaniels settled in a village just outside Boston, captivated by the Lincolnshire Fens. Joy's happy home life is far removed from her storylines, however, and while she loves living in the misty Fens, the area provides a remote and eerie backdrop to her novels. Joy is also able to add the authenticity vital to any crime thriller by drawing on Jacqueline's inside knowledge, to confirm procedures and the reality of tackling brutal crime and criminals in a modern police force.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CSPTPR31
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Joffe Books Mystery, Crime Thriller, Suspense Fiction (February 7, 2024)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 7, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1448 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 366 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 9,380 ratings

About the author

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Joy Ellis
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I was born in Kent but spent most of my working life in London and Surrey. I was an apprentice florist to Constance Spry Ltd, a prestigious Mayfair shop that throughout the Sixties and Seventies teemed with both royalty and ‘real’ celebrities. What an eye-opener for a working-class kid from the Garden of England! I swore then, probably whilst I was scrubbing the floor or making the tea, that I would have a shop of my own one day. It took until the early Eighties, but I did it. Sadly the recession wiped us out, and I embarked on a series of weird and wonderful jobs; the last one being a bookshop manager. Surrounded by books all day, getting to order whatever you liked, and being paid for it! Oh bliss!

And now I live in a village in the Lincolnshire Fens with my partner, Jacqueline, and three Springer spaniels and four little rescue, Breton spaniels. I had been writing mysteries for years but never had the time to take it seriously. Now I write full-time, and as my partner is a highly decorated retired police officer; my choice of genre is a no-brainer! I have an on-tap police and judicial consultant, who makes exceedingly good tea!

I have set my crime thrillers here in the misty fens because I sincerely love the remoteness and airy beauty of the marshlands. This area is steeped in superstitions and lends itself so well to murder!

I am lucky enough to be one of the amazing Joffe Books team of authors and am really enjoying being able to spend time doing what I love... writing!

The series so far:-

DI Nikki Galena, the Fen Series

Book One: Crime on the Fens

Book Two: Shadow over the Fens

Book Three: Hunted on the Fens

Book Four: Killer on the Fens

Book Five: Stalker on the Fens

Book Six: Captive on the Fens

Book Seven: Buried on the Fens

Book Eight: Thieves on the Fens

Book Nine: Fire on the Fens

Book Ten: Darkness on the Fens

Book Eleven: Hidden on the Fens

Book Twelve: Secrets on the Fens

Book Thirteen: Fear on the Fens

Book Fourteen: Graves on the Fens

Book Fifthteen: Echoes on the Fens

Detective Nikki Galena Books 1-3 Boxset

Detective Nikki Galena Books 4-6 Boxset

Detective Nikki Galena Books 7-9 Boxset

Detective Nikki Galena Books 1-5 Boxset

DI Jackman and DS Marie Evans series so far:-

Book One: The Murderer's Son

Book Two: Their Lost Daughters

Book Three: The Fourth Friend

Book Four: The Guilty Ones

Book Five: The Stolen Boys

Book Six: The Patient Man

Book Seven: They Disappeared

Book Eight: The Night Thief

Book Nine: Solace House

Book Ten: The River's Edge

Guide Star. A stand alone novel about love, loss and overcoming adversity.

Beware the Past. Detective Matt Ballard Book 1 A stand alone thriller still set in the Fens, but with new characters and very different feel

Five Bloody Hearts. Detective Mat Ballard Book 2 After overwhelming requests, this is a sequel to Beware the Past, with DCI Matt Ballard.

The Dying Light. Detective Matt Ballard Book 3 Matt Ballard is now retired, but he and Liz still take on difficult cases, but as private detectives.

Marshlight. Detective Matt Ballard Book 4. They might have retired, but things are far from quiet for Matt and Liz!

Trick of the Night. Detective Matt Ballard Book 5. Matt and Liz find themselves needing to work with some of their old colleagues in the Force when they embark on a sinister case that is far more serious than first thought.

The Bag of Secrets. Detective Matt Ballard Book 6. An abandoned carpet bag full of mysterious handwritten notes. A body in a marshy lagoon.

Ellie McEwan mysteries series:-

Book One: An Aura of Mystery

Book Two: The Colour of Mystery

Guard Her With Your Life. A standalone novella.

These are available in both Kindle and paperback and now practically all of my books are available as audio books.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
9,380 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoyed the book and found it a pleasure to read. They appreciated the mysterious storyline with lots of twists and turns. The characters were described as wonderful and engaging. Readers praised the writing quality as great and well-crafted. They also liked the aura readings and energy healing concept. Overall, customers felt the book provided an interesting glimpse into the author's evolution as a writer.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

19 customers mention "Enjoyment"19 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it a pleasure to read and recommend it. The book is described as a fantastic follow-up to the debut novel in the series.

"...of Joy Ellis' first series--heretofore unpublished-- is as enjoyable as the first book...." Read more

"...I must say I like your Fen series." Read more

"...It was a great read and I would read again." Read more

"...Highly recommend reading both books. Joy Ellis is a very interesting writer." Read more

14 customers mention "Storyline"14 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline. They find it mysterious, interesting, and a thriller with a well-constructed plot and twists. The characters are described as dimensional and the book is described as thought-provoking.

"...book with well-fleshed fully dimensional characters and a well-constructed plot...." Read more

"...There is a niche for this market now and the premises really good please write more i’ve read everything else that you’ve written and this has..." Read more

"What a tale. It went all over the place and yet circled around a core of main characters and plotline...." Read more

"...The story line is very interesting and thought provoking. Breathtaking in some places until you realize what is happening...." Read more

8 customers mention "Character development"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the character development. They find the characters wonderful and engaging.

"...Like the first, this is a gently-paced book with well-fleshed fully dimensional characters and a well-constructed plot...." Read more

"...While character development was satisfactory, more could have been done with the police characters...." Read more

"The characters are very important in this story. Reading book number one is most helpful in really get to know them...." Read more

"...Fingers crossed there will be a number3 great stories, mystery and characters! Lots of twist and turns!." Read more

5 customers mention "Writing quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing quality. They find the details well-woven and the author interesting.

"...Highly recommend reading both books. Joy Ellis is a very interesting writer." Read more

"...the author’s first two books, it’s all the more remarkable they are so well done. I can only hope the series will continue!!..." Read more

"Very well written and couldn't put it down. Fell asleep many times just trying to finish reading. Can't wait for the next one...." Read more

"...I liked the paranormal setting. She shows in this early book her great writing talent. I have read her later books and she is a born writer...." Read more

4 customers mention "Reading enjoyment"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find the characters engaging and the reading experience enjoyable.

"...These two books were fun and an interesting glimpse of Ellis' evolution as a writer, but I vastly prefer her other series." Read more

"...The characters are wonderful and engaging. I do hope there will be a book 3." Read more

"Ms. Ellis has once again provided me with great reading pleasure and indeed joy!..." Read more

"...Should have been published eons ago. I was enthralled from beginning to end!" Read more

3 customers mention "Aura readings"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the aura readings interesting, though some find them a bit far-fetched at times. They appreciate the basis around auras and find the story interesting. The book accurately describes energy healing and auras.

"...The aura readings and info were interesting tho a bit far fetched at times. Ellie and Michael are still treasures...." Read more

"...Loved the basis around auras, have not encountered that before. Loved it. 😁..." Read more

"Another interesting story, and very much accurately describing energy healing and auras. But, beside that, a good mysterious storyline...." Read more

3 customers mention "Author's evolution"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the author's evolution as a writer. They find her books engaging and an interesting glimpse into her growth as a writer.

"...These two books were fun and an interesting glimpse of Ellis' evolution as a writer, but I vastly prefer her other series." Read more

"...I have read her later books and she is a born writer. Thanks for sharing." Read more

"...All this and a darn good mystery too. Ellis is an inspired writer and always makes you care about her characters." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2024
    Volume 2 of Joy Ellis' first series--heretofore unpublished-- is as enjoyable as the first book.  Like the first, this is a gently-paced book with well-fleshed fully dimensional characters and a well-constructed plot.  It delves farther into the world of auras from both a suffering and healing point of view and now contains two friendly spirits and their dogs, spirits who still care about the worldly plane.  A slow but quite enjoyable read.

    While I enjoyed these excursions into the paranormal and the world view they reflect,  I suspect I would not read very many more.  I am glad that when faced with the necessity of choice, Ellis chose to write police procedurals.  I am quite addicted to those and eagerly anticipate each new offering.  These two books were fun and an interesting glimpse of Ellis' evolution as a writer, but I vastly prefer her other series.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2025
    I did like this 2nd book in it Ellie and friends are running healing center. They decide to take an inpatient under the care of . Dr Alice Cross . Out in the community ,the police have several cases of nice people committing murder. Alice gets involved and Micheal to see their auras and trying to help the police. Twisted to the end and the cases are found to be linked. I must say I like your Fen series.
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2024
    So now that you are an experienced writer perhaps continue the series. There is a niche for this market now and the premises really good please write more i’ve read everything else that you’ve written and this has potential to be just as good as everything else.!!!!
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2024
    This story would have been better served as two distinct novels. While character development was satisfactory, more could have been done with the police characters. Showing more of the political and.media pressure on the police to solve the murders would have made for a very good police procedural. The storyline about auras and the development of the centre was bogged down by minute details.
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2024
    I really enjoyed Book 1 of this series so I was very excited to read Book 2. It was a great read and I would read again.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2024
    What a tale. It went all over the place and yet circled around a core of main characters and plotline. The aura readings and info were interesting tho a bit far fetched at times. Ellie and Michael are still treasures. I would strongly recommend that potential readers read the first book in the series because this follow up just takes off from the prior one without much in the way of explanations. Carol, Vera and the legacy won't make sense otherwise. This two part story is early Joy Ellis and she makes note that is not her best but a beginner's work. I would agree that it has it's rough edges at times but the story still grabs one.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2024
    The characters are very important in this story. Reading book number one is most helpful in really get to know them. The story line is very interesting and thought provoking. Breathtaking in some places until you realize what is happening. Highly recommend reading both books. Joy Ellis is a very interesting writer.
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2024
    What a great start to your career!! Please write more of this series, and don't put it in the attic!
    Fingers crossed there will be a number3 great stories, mystery and characters! Lots of twist and turns!.

Top reviews from other countries

  • Lorna Hall
    5.0 out of 5 stars Joy Ellis never ever disappoints
    Reviewed in Canada on October 14, 2024
    Love every single book she has written and sadly I have finished every single one:(
  • Joyanne P.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific reading!
    Reviewed in France on December 27, 2024
    I couldn’t put it down. A combination of crime detection & the paranormal. My favourite kind of book. Thank you Joy Ellis.
  • ALYSON R
    5.0 out of 5 stars Magical!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 15, 2024
    Two years have passed since Carole’s death and her vast fortune has passed to Ellie McEwan and Prof Michael Seale. Intent on doing good with it, they have opened the Cavendish-Meyer Healing Centre in an old manor house in Ripley, offering assessments by Ellie and a range of complementary and alternative therapies. Next in their plan is to provide in-patient treatment and, when Ellie’s partner Dr Alice Cross, a specialist in treating Azimah Syndrome, has a new patient in need of urgent help, no time is wasted in refurbishing the second floor ready to receive the young man, Jake Kennedy, and recruiting two very good nurses. With Ellie now living in Snug Cottage with Carole’s spaniels and Michael moving into the annex at the centre, life is perfect. Also back in this story are old faces the Scrubbs, dog walker and doctor’s wife Marie Littlewood and her son Daniel whose health is much improved. Ellie may not be able to see Carole and Vera sometimes but the pair are making their presence felt in other ways, and Ellie will certainly need their watchful eyes and guidance in the days to come after she and Michael receive a chilling warning from them – there is darkness among them. Meanwhile DCI Bob Foreman, together with DI Jon Leatham and WDS Wendy Brown have a new case – that of a well-loved teacher who has attacked six children in his charge, killing most of them. Wendy, who has remained close friends with Ellie, spots a link with two other cases, that of a caring nurse killing an elderly patient and a woman suffocating six homeless people she was looking after. The killers seem to have lost their minds. They discuss what could have made these good honest people act so out of character. Could it be mind-altering drugs or something more sinister? Ellie agrees to once more put on the mantle of aura detective and help Surrey Police, Vera and Carole basically giving her no choice in the matter! And Bob and his team desperately need some help as it looks like this strange and bizarre force is not going to stop.
    What an incredible blend of police procedural and the mystical this is! Following on from book one, An Aura of Mystery, this story brings back the wonderful characters that were introduced and adds some more very likeable and interesting ones. The cross-genre story telling is beautifully done, clearly involving extensive research, an obvious interest in the subject and a little artistic license to bring another thrilling yet very heartwarming tale which I was completely glued to from start to finish! I’m sure I won’t be the only reader who is longing for more in this magical series!!
  • Sandra E. Norris
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great thriller
    Reviewed in Australia on February 20, 2024
    Started off a bit slow, for a Joy Ellis novel, but soon proved me to be wrong. So much of a psychological thriller. I usually try to work out the killer whilst reading but Joy threw a lot of red herrings into this piece of work. So much going on that it was hard to put down or you lost your thread of the storyline. I loved it. Thank you Joy for another great book away from the norm of crime thrillers.
  • What a ripoff. Jar was only 3/4 full.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Joy Ellis
    Reviewed in Canada on August 9, 2024
    Great writer. Love her books.

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