Adult Books

Reluctant psychic Drew Benson can read tarot cards and get impressions from objects―but she never expected to use her gifts to investigate an infamous cold case- one with a deeply personal connection.

Drew Benson has a secret. She gets visions, something she hasn’t tapped into since she was a teenager, when her late aunt, a TV psychic known as Hannah Mystic, became the scapegoat in the unsolved disappearance of a local teenager. Twenty years later, Drew is happy to ignore her gift, focusing instead on keeping the metaphysical shop she inherited from Hannah afloat, wrangling her sole, astrology-obsessed employee, and dodging local rake Foster Banks in her picturesque lakeside hometown.

But when Drew's arch-nemesis from high school, now a big city reporter, decides to investigate the cold case from all those years ago, it’s Drew’s ability that could finally make a break in the decades old mystery. With bills piling up, a disapproving mother laying on the guilt, and a local vandal who wants Drew and her witchy store gone, Drew has a lot to lose. But what she stands to gain―finding out what happened to the missing teen, clearing her aunt’s name, and a second chance at belonging―could change everything.

Reading Guide

Praise for The Mystic & the Missing Girl:

“With great characters and a unique premise, this novel is an engaging read. Metaphysical topics such as astrology, psychometry and tarot are raised naturally. The crime plot, and the drama of moving home again are also strongly drawn elements, creating a book with wide appeal…perfect for fans of Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan series or of Cherie Dimaline;s Venco for the mystical elements.” Starred review, Library Journal

“Quirky, well-drawn characters enrich a mystery with an ending you won’t see coming.” Kirkus Reviews

“VanSickle conjures up a sweet small-town atmosphere and enough plot twists to keep readers turning pages.” Publisher’s Weekly