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Vicki Stewart was born in Greenfield, Wisconsin, spent her early teenage years in Crystal Lake, Illinois and then moved to Plano, Texas where she completed her higher education. She now lives in St. Louis, Missouri with her husband, daughter and their dog, Cooper.
Books Written by Vicki include:
First Sight, A Tori Cooper Novel, published in May, 2013
The Enlightenment, Book Two in the Tori Cooper Novels, published in March, 2014
Website: readvickistewart.com
Reviewed by Kathi Nidd for Readers' Favorite
In First Sight: A Tori Cooper Novel, author Vicki Stewart introduces us to Tori and her dear, long-time friend, Ben, as they investigate their first criminal case since starting their own private investigation firm. Tori's longing to solve crimes stems from a great loss she suffered ten years earlier when her sister, Aubrey, went missing. While difficult, due to the similarities to her own sister's case, Tori and Ben search for a missing young woman whose parents have hired them. With no idea why, Tori is compelled to lead Ben to an abandoned warehouse based on intuition alone. Inside the warehouse they find not only a horrific scene, but Tori discovers a skill she wasn't aware she had -- she can see and hear the dead. As Tori and Ben continue investigating and working with FBI agents, they uncover several additional crimes that may be linked together. Guided by the words of the dead and visions uncovered in vivid dreams, Tori leads Ben and the FBI agents to discover the truth on unsolved cases, even a couple very close to Tori, Ben and the FBI. Finally, with a visit to a house she was warned in a dream to avoid, Tori must meet evil first hand in order to save herself and the ghosts she is destined to help. With a sub plot of impending romance and the foreshadowing of FBI careers for Tori and Ben, First Sight is a compelling read that leaves you wanting to start the next book in the series right away.
Stewart weaves an intriguing story, combining realistic characters performing day to day activities with supernatural abilities. The reader is immediately drawn to Tori and Ben and their relationship of friendship and love. Stewart's writing moves the reader forward from scene to scene with colorful descriptions and fast paced dialogue. I found myself caring for Tori and Ben and thinking about them even when I wasn't reading the book. The book is nicely layered with a plot of crime investigations at the forefront and sub-themes of romance, family bonds, grief and spirituality interspersed, providing substance deeper than the storyline. This book is a tremendous example of a story involving crime, romance, and paranormal without becoming macabre and erotic. Praise to Stewart for finding this balance in her writing. I look forward to the next book in the series, and the next after that.
