Otherworldly Mysteries   by Hilary Williamson October 2007 Henry Ward Beecher's last words (spoken in 1887) were 'Now comes the mystery.' More and more books in the mystery genre explore the afterlife and the supernatural - from detectives with varying psychic or magical abilities to ghostly assistants or adversaries, and PIs coping competently not only with regular villains but with powerful vampires and demons as well. Ready for a few mysteries from the twilight zone? Here are thirteen spooky suggestions for you ... The Alchemist's Apprentice by Dave Duncan Shades of Nero Wolfe in old Venice, with alchemy, magic and demons. All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris The seventh in the Southern Vampire series starring Sookie Stackhouse. Blind Spot edited by Terri Persons Bernadette's sight allows her to see the world through others' eyes. The Devil You Know by Mike Carey In an alternate London, exorcist Felix Castor investigates a ghost sighting. A False Mirror by Charles Todd In post-WWI Britain, Inspector Ian Rutledge investigates, aided by a ghost. The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry Mystery, loss and the Whitney women skilled in the art of reading lace. Poltergeist: A Greywalker Novel by Kat Richardson An enchanting blend of mystery and horror, starring PI Harper Blaine. Season of the Witch by Natasha Mostert A literally spell-binding gothic tale of mystery and metaphysics. Territory by Emma Bull Magical mystery with the Earps in an alternate 1881 Tombstone, Arizona. Unshapely Things by Mark del Franco Connor Grey helps his friend Murdock on police cases that involve the fey. Wings to the Kingdom: Eden Moore by Cherie Priest Ghosts become restless on the Chickamauga Civil War battlefield. The Witch is Dead: Ophelia & Abby by Shirley Damsgaard Abbie's young ward Tink is repeatedly visited by unhappy ghosts. X-Rated Bloodsuckers by Mario Acevedo Reluctant vampire, ex-GI Felix Gomez makes a decent living in the PI business. Whether they've been put off by the untraditional elements of this new sub-genre, or simply haven't bumped into the books yet, many longtime mystery fans have been missing out on great reading. With Halloween looming on the horizon, perhaps it's time to sink your fangs into some of these otherworldly mysteries and drink deep. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons.