What do you think?
Rate this book
Ellie McEwan #1
An Aura of Mystery
The newly discovered novel from multi-million-selling author Joy Ellis. Never-before published!
Flower shop owner Ellie McEwan is driving home late one frosty November night when a shadowy figure leaps into the road out of nowhere. Ellie swerves to avoid him — and slams head-on into the crash barrier.
Days later, Ellie wakes up in hospital — and notices there’s something different. Everyone she looks at — the doctor, the nurse, her friend Carole — is surrounded by a coloured aura. Her near-death experience seems to have given her a new ability.
And now Ellie must use her new-found gift to catch a killer.
The battered body of a young woman is found in the grounds of a local hotel. She’s the third woman to be murdered in this sleepy Surrey village, her hands crushed and mutilated. Just like the other two.
Each of the women was a skilled professional — a musician, a doctor and an artist. Apart from that, they appear to have nothing in common.
And now the police’s one lead — a key witness — is missing.
Although skeptical, a desperate DCI Bob Foreman calls on Ellie for help. But Ellie’s involvement in the investigation will throw her into the path of a brutal killer . . .
Flower shop owner Ellie McEwan is driving home late one frosty November night when a shadowy figure leaps into the road out of nowhere. Ellie swerves to avoid him — and slams head-on into the crash barrier.
Days later, Ellie wakes up in hospital — and notices there’s something different. Everyone she looks at — the doctor, the nurse, her friend Carole — is surrounded by a coloured aura. Her near-death experience seems to have given her a new ability.
And now Ellie must use her new-found gift to catch a killer.
The battered body of a young woman is found in the grounds of a local hotel. She’s the third woman to be murdered in this sleepy Surrey village, her hands crushed and mutilated. Just like the other two.
Each of the women was a skilled professional — a musician, a doctor and an artist. Apart from that, they appear to have nothing in common.
And now the police’s one lead — a key witness — is missing.
Although skeptical, a desperate DCI Bob Foreman calls on Ellie for help. But Ellie’s involvement in the investigation will throw her into the path of a brutal killer . . .
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2024
About the author
Joy Ellis
54 books2,182 followersJoy Ellis grew up in Kent but moved to London when she won an apprenticeship with the prestigious Mayfair florist, Constance Spry Ltd. Having run her own flower shop in Weybridge for many years, Ellis then worked as a bookseller until a trip to the Greek island of Skyros, where she took part in a writer's workshop with Sue Townsend, encouraged her to write her own books. Joy soon after moved to the Lincolnshire Fens, where she has spent many of years living among the countryside accompanied by her partner, Jacqueline, and her variety of springer spaniels. After many years of writing, Jasper Joffe, from Joffe Books, discovered Joy's work and approached her with the offer of becoming her new publisher. This new relationship introduced Joy's work to the fascinating world of ebooks and audible listening. Since their partnership, Joy's success has grown further than she could have ever imagined. She has recently celebrated her 10th UK No.1 book on the Amazon 'Best Sellers' chart, with her 9th instalment in the Jackman & Evans series, Solace House. Joy boasts a staggering estimated total over 3.4 million copies sold worldwide, and became a short-listed nominee at the British Book Awards, 2021.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews
September 4, 2024
An unusual mystery with supernatural overtones.
June 29, 2024
3.25⭐️
A hybrid mashup of police procedural with paranormal elements by Joy Ellis? **immediately downloads**
It isn’t often that I’ve read a mystery that involves tracking a dangerous serial killer that also encompasses puppies, warm characters, and manages to feel authentic. Ellis pulled it off here. This novel was quite unique. I adore reading something that feels different, like the author took a chance or I may not know what to make of initially. I like to travel outside the box. This novel has its issues, but it was enjoyable to read overall. It’s the author’s first novel, she recently unearthed it from her attic after twenty years.
The police remain baffled regarding the identity of a serial killer.
Ellie McEwan is injured in a car accident. Soon upon awakening she’s bombarded by an onslaught of colorful lights surrounding people. Can Ellie’s new skill be refined to help track a killer targeting talented women?
There are two distinctive halves of the novel. Almost as if the first half is a separate book from the second. The tone has an abrupt shift. In the first half there’s a deep dive into Ellie’s accident and her recovery. There’s also a great deal of time spent with secondary characters. As a reader, I felt like I could sink into life alongside these characters one moment and then there was an unease about the killer lurking around the next. In the second half the secondary characters start to take a backseat and the crime solving takes the focus. There’s a clear divide and the atmosphere shift is drastic to the point of giving whiplash. Cohesive weaving between the two sections would’ve made a world of difference for the novel.
This book felt like a grisly procedural told in a cozy voice. Despite there being issues, I enjoyed this novel. There was just something special about Ellie and the world building Joy Ellis created here.
A hybrid mashup of police procedural with paranormal elements by Joy Ellis? **immediately downloads**
It isn’t often that I’ve read a mystery that involves tracking a dangerous serial killer that also encompasses puppies, warm characters, and manages to feel authentic. Ellis pulled it off here. This novel was quite unique. I adore reading something that feels different, like the author took a chance or I may not know what to make of initially. I like to travel outside the box. This novel has its issues, but it was enjoyable to read overall. It’s the author’s first novel, she recently unearthed it from her attic after twenty years.
The police remain baffled regarding the identity of a serial killer.
Ellie McEwan is injured in a car accident. Soon upon awakening she’s bombarded by an onslaught of colorful lights surrounding people. Can Ellie’s new skill be refined to help track a killer targeting talented women?
There are two distinctive halves of the novel. Almost as if the first half is a separate book from the second. The tone has an abrupt shift. In the first half there’s a deep dive into Ellie’s accident and her recovery. There’s also a great deal of time spent with secondary characters. As a reader, I felt like I could sink into life alongside these characters one moment and then there was an unease about the killer lurking around the next. In the second half the secondary characters start to take a backseat and the crime solving takes the focus. There’s a clear divide and the atmosphere shift is drastic to the point of giving whiplash. Cohesive weaving between the two sections would’ve made a world of difference for the novel.
This book felt like a grisly procedural told in a cozy voice. Despite there being issues, I enjoyed this novel. There was just something special about Ellie and the world building Joy Ellis created here.
February 17, 2024
I know someone who says that she can see auras. Mine is gold, obviously, although I don't quite understand what it means. The only time I see auras around folk is when I forget my glasses. Anyway, that was the draw for me to pick up this book to read, something a little different.
The story starts off charming and slowly as the setting and characters are laid out. Two single ladies - one recently separated from her partner, the other newly widowed - seek comfort and companionship in one another's company. One is a florist (what a lovely trade!) and the other has about five spaniels and they all live in rural Surrey.
However, on the way home the florist is involved in a serious car incident and spends quite a while in hospital. When she gains consciousness she can see colours coming from all lifeforms. Bright rainbow colours come from the happy spaniels, but a sick baby has a dark unpleasant hue around his tummy. Doctors believe this may be brain damage causing these effects, while her spiritual friend believes that it is a supernatural gift. Eventually her new found talent is helping police solve crime, but that is near the end of the book. Then we have a kind of police procedural for the last quarter of the story.
The style of writing has a cosy, homely feel, free from cliches, told mostly from one perspective. Being an unusual topic makes this a fascinating read; however, this is more a story based on friendship and recovery, and not much happens until near the end. Then it is exciting. The middle of the story needs tightening and the book is overlong. A pleasant story though and I'm glad I read it.
3.5 stars rounded up
The story starts off charming and slowly as the setting and characters are laid out. Two single ladies - one recently separated from her partner, the other newly widowed - seek comfort and companionship in one another's company. One is a florist (what a lovely trade!) and the other has about five spaniels and they all live in rural Surrey.
However, on the way home the florist is involved in a serious car incident and spends quite a while in hospital. When she gains consciousness she can see colours coming from all lifeforms. Bright rainbow colours come from the happy spaniels, but a sick baby has a dark unpleasant hue around his tummy. Doctors believe this may be brain damage causing these effects, while her spiritual friend believes that it is a supernatural gift. Eventually her new found talent is helping police solve crime, but that is near the end of the book. Then we have a kind of police procedural for the last quarter of the story.
The style of writing has a cosy, homely feel, free from cliches, told mostly from one perspective. Being an unusual topic makes this a fascinating read; however, this is more a story based on friendship and recovery, and not much happens until near the end. Then it is exciting. The middle of the story needs tightening and the book is overlong. A pleasant story though and I'm glad I read it.
3.5 stars rounded up
January 16, 2024
As always, I leapt at the opportunity to read and review a Joy Ellis novel.
Ellie McEwan is driving home late one night when a shadowy figure jumps in front of her, causing her to crash. Several days later, she wakes from her coma in hospital - but no-one looks as they did before. Everyone has a colourful aura; it would seem Ellie's accident has given her a gift - now she just needs to learn how to use it. Meanwhile, detectives are attending the scene of a third murder; young women are turning up horribly mutilated and they are desperate to catch the murderer before the body count racks up any more. The only common denominator is that all the women are professionals in their own field. When a key witness goes missing, DCI Bob Foreman will try anything to help them find the killer - could Ellie be what he's looking for?
As always with Joy Ellis, this is a solid crime mystery but it is certainly different. Not my usual kind of read but I was riveted from first to last. In fact, this is the first ever novel she penned, unpublished until now. A leap into pretty much the unknown for me but I was hooked early on and it kept me gripped until the very end. Exciting and unpredictable, I would very much like to read more of Ellie McEwen. A thrilling read and, for me, 4.5*.
Ellie McEwan is driving home late one night when a shadowy figure jumps in front of her, causing her to crash. Several days later, she wakes from her coma in hospital - but no-one looks as they did before. Everyone has a colourful aura; it would seem Ellie's accident has given her a gift - now she just needs to learn how to use it. Meanwhile, detectives are attending the scene of a third murder; young women are turning up horribly mutilated and they are desperate to catch the murderer before the body count racks up any more. The only common denominator is that all the women are professionals in their own field. When a key witness goes missing, DCI Bob Foreman will try anything to help them find the killer - could Ellie be what he's looking for?
As always with Joy Ellis, this is a solid crime mystery but it is certainly different. Not my usual kind of read but I was riveted from first to last. In fact, this is the first ever novel she penned, unpublished until now. A leap into pretty much the unknown for me but I was hooked early on and it kept me gripped until the very end. Exciting and unpredictable, I would very much like to read more of Ellie McEwen. A thrilling read and, for me, 4.5*.
February 4, 2024
Joy Ellis at her best!
My initial thoughts upon starting this book are that it’s absolutely amazing. It is a deeply mystical and somewhat magical story. The amount of research that this author has undertaken to dig deep into the world of reading the auras that people supposedly exude is admirable. This is something that I have heard about before, and it is certainly extremely interesting. Although there is no apparent scientific evidence that these auras exist, there certainly seems to be quite a number of people who have the ability to read them. Joy Ellis has clearly taken the immensely exciting decision to immerse herself in this idea and has created a delightful and exciting story around it. The book itself is cleverly written and is indeed an absolute joy to read. The mixture of the apparent supernatural abilities of a young woman in her quest to assist the police in an urgent hunt for a psychotic killer, make a perfectly intense and compelling read. The ending is just fantastic although desperately sad – well it certainly made me cry. I am now wanting more of this exciting world I have been introduced to and I’m looking forward to the next in the series which I have already ordered. The wonderful thing about this book is that it was written 20 years ago and never published before, which I find hard to understand. Thankfully Joy’s current publishers had every faith in this novel, even though it was so different to her normal stories. It has proved to me, more than ever, that Joy is one of the best authors around and I simply love reading her books.
My initial thoughts upon starting this book are that it’s absolutely amazing. It is a deeply mystical and somewhat magical story. The amount of research that this author has undertaken to dig deep into the world of reading the auras that people supposedly exude is admirable. This is something that I have heard about before, and it is certainly extremely interesting. Although there is no apparent scientific evidence that these auras exist, there certainly seems to be quite a number of people who have the ability to read them. Joy Ellis has clearly taken the immensely exciting decision to immerse herself in this idea and has created a delightful and exciting story around it. The book itself is cleverly written and is indeed an absolute joy to read. The mixture of the apparent supernatural abilities of a young woman in her quest to assist the police in an urgent hunt for a psychotic killer, make a perfectly intense and compelling read. The ending is just fantastic although desperately sad – well it certainly made me cry. I am now wanting more of this exciting world I have been introduced to and I’m looking forward to the next in the series which I have already ordered. The wonderful thing about this book is that it was written 20 years ago and never published before, which I find hard to understand. Thankfully Joy’s current publishers had every faith in this novel, even though it was so different to her normal stories. It has proved to me, more than ever, that Joy is one of the best authors around and I simply love reading her books.
January 21, 2024
I have just finished Joy Ellis’s recently published An Aura of Mystery. It has been gathering dust in Joy’s attic for the last 20 years. It is the first book she ever wrote. Ellie was involved in a car accident late one night and on recovery she has a special gift, the gift of auric sight. She stays with a very dear friend, Carole, for her recovery and is helped along in this regard by some other people she eventually holds very close. Murders of young women are being carried out by a serial killer and Ellie’s help is enlisted by the police. I would never have believed it was Joy’s first book. It is very well written, unpredictable, clever and grabs your attention. It is very hard to put down. I look forward to the next book. Unfortunately there will only be the 2 books in the series.
January 31, 2024
What a brilliant book this is I loved it, murder and the paranormal what more can you ask for, I was glued to the book and on the edge of my seat for a good part of it, it is really gripping and has a great storyline.
March 26, 2024
Review to follow
May 28, 2024
There seem to be two different books here. The first 80% is a slow, detailed description of the side effects of Ellie’s catastrophic accident and her life immediately post-trauma. The author very thoroughly covers the accident generated aura visions of Ellie, a successful florist. The pace is slow and the separate, concurrent police investigation of a serial killer even slower. Then, just after Ellie offers her new abilities to assist the police, the pace increases dramatically and many of the side characters so carefully described seem to fall by the wayside. At that point the book shifts to become a fast paced police procedural. The two styles and parts do not mesh well.
The author mentions in a forward that this was her first manuscript, one that had been set aside for many years. She also says it was being published with no updates or edits. Perhaps with some edits the two sections could have been blended together into a successful whole.
The author mentions in a forward that this was her first manuscript, one that had been set aside for many years. She also says it was being published with no updates or edits. Perhaps with some edits the two sections could have been blended together into a successful whole.
June 12, 2024
I cannot understand how this book has so many 4 & 5 star ratings.
September 5, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. The story was clever, and unlike anything I’ve come across before. Usually crime novels with a supernatural element (in my experience) are joky, gentle affairs. This was not that all. It was a proper crime drama with a twist. I loved that for the first third or so you had no idea how the two stories were connected. I found the characters fascinating, the story believable, despite the fantastical elements, and the writing just really blooming good. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and will seek out the next instalment as soon as I can.
January 21, 2024
This is such a lovely, thoroughly enjoyable book, which sucks you in, and you don't want to come out.
To think this book lay in that artic all these years. It shows Joy's love of dogs and flowers and what writing talent that was always there.
My thanks to Joy and her assistant Luke for putting this together and to Joffe books for my advanced copy. I had already pre ordered it also
This is my honest and unbiased review.
This book shows how very talented and unique writing skills that were already there.
It's a wonderful storyline and plot with great characters and many a twist and turn
It's a very interesting and unusual subject along with a police investigation.
It's one of those books that's hard to put down, and I found myself finishing it at 2 am. and wishing I hadn't.
This is one of the best books I've read in a long while, and I hadn't a clue.
It's just fabulous.
To think this book lay in that artic all these years. It shows Joy's love of dogs and flowers and what writing talent that was always there.
My thanks to Joy and her assistant Luke for putting this together and to Joffe books for my advanced copy. I had already pre ordered it also
This is my honest and unbiased review.
This book shows how very talented and unique writing skills that were already there.
It's a wonderful storyline and plot with great characters and many a twist and turn
It's a very interesting and unusual subject along with a police investigation.
It's one of those books that's hard to put down, and I found myself finishing it at 2 am. and wishing I hadn't.
This is one of the best books I've read in a long while, and I hadn't a clue.
It's just fabulous.
May 28, 2024
Metaphysics and murder mystery - fabulous!
To think that this treasure of a book sat in an attic for 20 years!
Thank goodness some powerful spirit persuaded Joy Ellis to unearth it and have it published.
The world is richer for having this extraordinarily bold, fascinating and gripping book available to readers.
As a retired Reiki teacher and healer, I can vouch for the authenticity of the mystical phenomena Ellis describes; and as a writer, editor, author and avid reader of murder mysteries, I promise you you're in for a treat!
Rich with characters endearing, eccentric, professional, quirky and downright evil, the novel moves at a steady pace yet is so cleverly plotted that I found it unputdownable.
It might not be everybody's cup of tea, but I loved it!
Looking forward to reading the sequel and to diving into more of Joy Ellis's work.
A 5 star jewel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
To think that this treasure of a book sat in an attic for 20 years!
Thank goodness some powerful spirit persuaded Joy Ellis to unearth it and have it published.
The world is richer for having this extraordinarily bold, fascinating and gripping book available to readers.
As a retired Reiki teacher and healer, I can vouch for the authenticity of the mystical phenomena Ellis describes; and as a writer, editor, author and avid reader of murder mysteries, I promise you you're in for a treat!
Rich with characters endearing, eccentric, professional, quirky and downright evil, the novel moves at a steady pace yet is so cleverly plotted that I found it unputdownable.
It might not be everybody's cup of tea, but I loved it!
Looking forward to reading the sequel and to diving into more of Joy Ellis's work.
A 5 star jewel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 16, 2024
[audiobook]
I chose this based entirely on the fact that the house on the cover is Willy Lott's cottage from Constable's Haywain, a lovely house I was very lucky to stay in on a school trip in the mid-90s. So, having never read any Joy Ellis books before, I didn't know what to expect.
I loved it! It grabbed me from the beginning and I liked the way paranormal stuff was woven through the story. The idea behind the killer's motivations was a bit odd to me but it didn't spoil it. I had no idea who the murderer could be until really close to the reveal which was brilliant. I'll definitely be reading/listening to more Joy Ellises!!
I chose this based entirely on the fact that the house on the cover is Willy Lott's cottage from Constable's Haywain, a lovely house I was very lucky to stay in on a school trip in the mid-90s. So, having never read any Joy Ellis books before, I didn't know what to expect.
I loved it! It grabbed me from the beginning and I liked the way paranormal stuff was woven through the story. The idea behind the killer's motivations was a bit odd to me but it didn't spoil it. I had no idea who the murderer could be until really close to the reveal which was brilliant. I'll definitely be reading/listening to more Joy Ellises!!
April 28, 2024
Kindle edition
I’m great fan of both Joy Ellis fenland based police series so I was excited when this early work was suggested on my Amazon reading list. There are elements that show the writer she would become but overall it was an awkward read. The best part for me was the police investigation. Ellie’s journey to become an expert in reading and interpreting auras was clearly well researched and at first interesting but didn’t really hold my attention. I don’t think I’ll read the second book. I will instead eagerly await the next instalment of Jackman and Evans.
I’m great fan of both Joy Ellis fenland based police series so I was excited when this early work was suggested on my Amazon reading list. There are elements that show the writer she would become but overall it was an awkward read. The best part for me was the police investigation. Ellie’s journey to become an expert in reading and interpreting auras was clearly well researched and at first interesting but didn’t really hold my attention. I don’t think I’ll read the second book. I will instead eagerly await the next instalment of Jackman and Evans.
January 24, 2024
Excellent!
I love Joy Ellis' books. Why did she keep this in the drawer so long? Ellie, the dogs, Carole and Michael are treasures! What an amazing story! Sometimes it seemed a bit disjointed as new characters and story lines were brought in. But the descriptions, dialogue, plot, character development and suspense were superb. Can't wait for the next volume. What an incredible gift Ellie has. Great read!
I love Joy Ellis' books. Why did she keep this in the drawer so long? Ellie, the dogs, Carole and Michael are treasures! What an amazing story! Sometimes it seemed a bit disjointed as new characters and story lines were brought in. But the descriptions, dialogue, plot, character development and suspense were superb. Can't wait for the next volume. What an incredible gift Ellie has. Great read!
February 9, 2024
Not for me
It started out as almost a famous five book,where everyone loved each other,but then came the murders,it was too longwinded,and at times confusing, who everyone was. It was a bit too far fetched, and I ended up fast forwarding it to the end,just to get the gist of what had happened. Disappointing.
It started out as almost a famous five book,where everyone loved each other,but then came the murders,it was too longwinded,and at times confusing, who everyone was. It was a bit too far fetched, and I ended up fast forwarding it to the end,just to get the gist of what had happened. Disappointing.
April 4, 2024
An aura of mystery
What an absolute brilliant read this book was I would have given more than five stars definitely already to read the next book in series
What an absolute brilliant read this book was I would have given more than five stars definitely already to read the next book in series
April 4, 2024
Not for me
June 27, 2024
Aura of Mystery by Joy Ellis offers an intriguing premise and well-developed characters that kept me engaged throughout. The author’s ability to create a suspenseful atmosphere is commendable, and the plot has several twists that are both surprising and satisfying.
However, the pacing felt uneven at times, with some sections dragging on while others rushed through critical developments. Additionally, a few plot points seemed predictable, which took away some of the suspense.
Overall, Aura of Mystery is a decent read for fans of the genre, but it could benefit from a bit more polish in its execution.
However, the pacing felt uneven at times, with some sections dragging on while others rushed through critical developments. Additionally, a few plot points seemed predictable, which took away some of the suspense.
Overall, Aura of Mystery is a decent read for fans of the genre, but it could benefit from a bit more polish in its execution.
June 23, 2024
I very much loved the storyline of this book. It made me extremely wishful to have the gift that Ellie has and how much it's needed for anyone with an invisible illness!
It's Joy Ellis first book written and only just published, and to say it's a hidden gem is an understatement. I very much enjoy reading Joy Ellis books. However, this one has become my favourite! So many different storys/character plots that all blend in together nicely. A great book
It's Joy Ellis first book written and only just published, and to say it's a hidden gem is an understatement. I very much enjoy reading Joy Ellis books. However, this one has become my favourite! So many different storys/character plots that all blend in together nicely. A great book
January 24, 2024
A Real Page Turner
When Ellie wakes up in hospital, after a bad car accident, she finds her life has changed for ever, and we follow her as she embarks on a new life course. I must admit, I keep expecting Nicki Galana, from a previous series, walk in ,but no she didn't. I did enjoy this book but have given it 4 stars rather than 5 because I felt it lost it lost its way a bit in the middle, but soon picked up momentum again. I did not see the end coming, and am looking forward to the next book in the series, which I have just pre-ordered.
When Ellie wakes up in hospital, after a bad car accident, she finds her life has changed for ever, and we follow her as she embarks on a new life course. I must admit, I keep expecting Nicki Galana, from a previous series, walk in ,but no she didn't. I did enjoy this book but have given it 4 stars rather than 5 because I felt it lost it lost its way a bit in the middle, but soon picked up momentum again. I did not see the end coming, and am looking forward to the next book in the series, which I have just pre-ordered.
June 21, 2024
I have read other books by Ellis (not documented yet) and she is a great write and I enjoy her stories, but this, we find out it is her first novel and it shows, is nothing like her others (and I am not talking about supernatural aspect-I loved that idea). The writing is bloated and rambling, it is all tell and little show, the pace is way off and mostly slow. I have no idea how this gets good ratings at all.
June 18, 2024
As a discovered first novel it not bad, it is too long and in need of an edit. I hate the use of mobiles out of reception or dead batteries linked with stupidity for characters to get themselves in trouble.
March 16, 2024
Three point five stars. This was entertaining and fast paced; an enjoyable read.
July 2, 2024
Pretty good. Not enough for me to read the second one but still, a good story. The ending felt very rushed though.
July 10, 2024
Whilst a fabulous book. Very different to her later books, but so entertaining.
September 3, 2024
Very imaginative and engaging. Look forward to the second one.
September 25, 2024
I was intrigued that this 20-year old manuscript was dusted off and published by Joy Ellis. It's not great literature, but I marvelous for a debut novel!
September 25, 2024
Fantastically gripping story loved it x
Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews