Reviewed by Tammy
TITLE: When the Dead Speak 
SERIES: Southern Spirits, #2
AUTHOR: Bailey Bradford
PUBLISHER: Pride Publishing
LENGTH: 180 Pages
BLURB:
The only way to stay alive is to listen when the dead speak…
Sheriff Laine Stenley thinks he might just be losing his mind. Ever since he’d encountered the spirit of his friend’s deceased mother, strange things have been happening. His sheriff’s tin star keeps popping off, his Stetson tends to fly off his head at the most inconvenient times—and then there are the subtle caresses that remind him of a lover’s touch… Something Laine has been without for years—since the violent murder of his partner—and figures to be without well into the future if he wants to retain his position as the sheriff in the small town of McKinton, Texas. Laine doesn’t want to risk his career or his heart ever again, but he may not have a choice, not if he wants to stay alive.
A man who listens to spirits, Severo has come to McKinton to deliver a message of danger. One look at the sexy sheriff and Severo finds himself in a different sort of danger. He’s not ready to find a man who can claim him heart, soul, and body, but ready or not, the attraction that simmers between them is undeniable—and irresistible.
Together, they will race against time, because something evil is coming to McKinton. Severo and Laine must learn to trust each other—and themselves— and listen when the dead speak.
REVIEW:
Laine Stenley has been Sheriff of McKinton for almost three years and he’s convinced himself that no-one knows that he’s gay. He has tried very hard to keep his preferences to himself but the people closest to him know and don’t care. Laine has been feeling incredibly depressed ever since Zeke Matthers sister Eva ran him over trying to rid the world of an evil gay! He feels seriously guilty for not putting her in jail sooner and as a consequence of his guilt he has become cold and withdrawn. The only thing that seems to get a rise out of Laine lately is the ghost who loves to mess with his paperwork, hair, hat, star anything to get a reaction. Laine thinks the ghost is Zeke’s mother and he actually becomes scared when Zeke informs him it isn’t his mother messing with him.
Severo Robledo is a psychic/medium who can talk to the dead. Severo has come to McKinton because he has had ‘someone’ or something urging him with the urgency of this particular mission. When he gets into town Severo knows immediately who he has come there to help, Sheriff Laine Stenley. When Severo explains to Laine about the urgent message of danger he has for him Laine knows exactly who is sending him the message, his dead lover Conner. Conner was horrifically tortured, raped and murdered several years ago and Laine is still having trouble moving on from him. The thing that has Laine most regretful is the fact that although they loved each other neither Conner nor himself thought enough of their relationship to come out to their respective workmates. When Conner tells him that danger is on its way Laine must admit it takes a while before he understands the true meaning. Conner’s killer is on his way because Conner was never the killers target, Laine was!
Whilst they’re searching for clues as to who it could be both Severo and Laine find that although, for completely different reasons, neither one of them want a relationship they can’t help but fall in love each other. The timing couldn’t be worse what with the murderer hot on Laine’s trail and Severo finding that McKinton is a hothouse for spirits but as the saying goes, the heart wants what the heart wants! When Laine’s ex-partner Richard Montoya shows up to help with the investigation then promptly gets kidnapped, Laine and Severo realise time has run out. Although they do find Richard, he has been raped and tortured so horrifically that no-one really believes that he will ever be able to recover. Luckily for Laine he has Severo to not only comfort him but love him.
I must say that one of my favourite things about Bailey Bradford’s series is the fact that they all run into each other so when you’re reading Southern Spirits remember you have to read all the books in order. The characters all know each other so you get constant updates on all of your favourites. I also love the way Bailey has incorporated the spirits so smoothly into the storylines that you forget you’re reading about people who have died.
RATING: 
BUY LINKS: