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Monsters of Jellyfish Beach #1
The Golden Ghouls
Taking the paranormal mystery from cozy to crazy.
My name is Missy Mindle. I’m a witch in my forties stuck in a dead-end job. What else would you call being a home-health nurse for ancient vampires? So, when a mysterious organization offers a huge grant to an occult shop where I work part time, I decide to change my career path.
But the grant comes with strings attached. My business partner Luisa and I must catalog and monitor all the monsters living in our Florida community. “Monsters” include supernatural entities, mythical beasts, and every scary, creepy being that shouldn’t exist and wants to eat you.
We’re even obliged to work as amateur detectives to help innocent monsters who get in trouble, while keeping their existence secret. My cute newspaper reporter friend helps with the investigations. So do my resident ghost and my witch’s familiar who happens to be an iguana.
Which brings me to the three sweet, elderly sisters who live on my street. When a delivery driver leaves not just a package in their front yard, but also his leg, the sisters are suspected of murder.
Are they guilty? One thing I they’re secretly ghouls who shift into human form. This murder has “ghoul” written all over it, and I must find out if they did it. Add into the mix a sinister monster-slaying cult that I encounter at a Renaissance festival, and I’m up to my eyeballs in danger.
Enjoy silly and dark humor, mixed with murder and magic, in these clean but warped paranormal mysteries set in the same world as the Freaky Florida paranormal series.
If you are offended by ghouls who eat people (offstage with no gore), werewolves who aren’t sexy, or iguanas who smoke, prepare to be offended.
My name is Missy Mindle. I’m a witch in my forties stuck in a dead-end job. What else would you call being a home-health nurse for ancient vampires? So, when a mysterious organization offers a huge grant to an occult shop where I work part time, I decide to change my career path.
But the grant comes with strings attached. My business partner Luisa and I must catalog and monitor all the monsters living in our Florida community. “Monsters” include supernatural entities, mythical beasts, and every scary, creepy being that shouldn’t exist and wants to eat you.
We’re even obliged to work as amateur detectives to help innocent monsters who get in trouble, while keeping their existence secret. My cute newspaper reporter friend helps with the investigations. So do my resident ghost and my witch’s familiar who happens to be an iguana.
Which brings me to the three sweet, elderly sisters who live on my street. When a delivery driver leaves not just a package in their front yard, but also his leg, the sisters are suspected of murder.
Are they guilty? One thing I they’re secretly ghouls who shift into human form. This murder has “ghoul” written all over it, and I must find out if they did it. Add into the mix a sinister monster-slaying cult that I encounter at a Renaissance festival, and I’m up to my eyeballs in danger.
Enjoy silly and dark humor, mixed with murder and magic, in these clean but warped paranormal mysteries set in the same world as the Freaky Florida paranormal series.
If you are offended by ghouls who eat people (offstage with no gore), werewolves who aren’t sexy, or iguanas who smoke, prepare to be offended.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2023
336 people are currently reading
460 people want to read
About the author
Ward Parker
39 books60 followersWard is a Florida native and author of the the Memory Guild midlife paranormal mystery thrillers, the Monsters of Jellyfish Beach paranormal mysteries, and the Freaky Florida humorous paranormal series, all of which are chock full of psychics, witches, vampires, werewolves, dragons, and other bizarre, mythical creatures, such as #FloridaMan. He also pens the Zeke Adams series of noir mysteries. He lives in Florida (of course) with his wife, cats, and a demon who prefers to remain anonymous.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 30, 2023
As usual, Mr Parker hit it out of the ballpark for another home run. When a couple from a secret society offers Missy a deal of a lifetime, do she take it? Is Jelly Beach overrun by ghouls? Are they responsible for the murders and missing people? Or is the killing and abduction the work of a supernatural hate group, demon or black magic. Is it possible that the crimes were committed by a human? The answers and more are all inside this book. Pick it up today, if you haven't already. The book is an easy read and it moves the story along nicely. If you like paranormal cozy, this has vampires, werewolves, ghouls, demons and witches. It is spooky but at a soft level.This book has quite a few laugh out loud moments. I loved this book and can't wait for the next one.
I volunteered an honest review as I received an ARC copy of this book.
I volunteered an honest review as I received an ARC copy of this book.
July 27, 2023
New adventures for Missy
I really love the title "The Golden Ghouls". I also imagined Alex, May and June as Dorothy, Blanche, and Rose. It was quite funny in my head to imagine them turning into ghouls. Ward Parker is a really good writer. I can never guess what will happen, or who the bad guy is. His books are hard to put down and so easy to read for my ADHD and dyslexia. I look forward to the next one.
I really love the title "The Golden Ghouls". I also imagined Alex, May and June as Dorothy, Blanche, and Rose. It was quite funny in my head to imagine them turning into ghouls. Ward Parker is a really good writer. I can never guess what will happen, or who the bad guy is. His books are hard to put down and so easy to read for my ADHD and dyslexia. I look forward to the next one.
October 17, 2024
Come for the puns and stay for a pretty good mystery. This is the first book in a spin-off series from Ward Parker's Freaky Florida stories. Missy is feeling burned out from the demands of being seriously underpaid for providing healthcare to vampires and other monsters that are a growing population in Florida. Especially since the overnight hours required for that makes it really hard to work normal jobs to supplement her income to survive.
This series starts just as her life is about to change for the better. This novice level witch is still dealing with the monsters in the area, especially when a mysterious organization gives her an offer she can't refuse. She has to try to promote the approach of monsters and enter each one she meets in a sort of census for the organization. She is also expected to try to keep their existence hidden while also trying to provide justice for the good ones or arrange punishment for those breaking the rules and risking exposure to "normal people".
Within a short time after getting this assignment there is a murder on her street, in front of a house owned by three older sisters who happen to be ghouls. Now it is up to Missy and her best friend Matt, a local reporter who promised not to reveal the paranormal (maybe because it could make him seem like a nut), to solve the murder and keep these senior citizen Golden Ghouls from being exposed.
This series starts just as her life is about to change for the better. This novice level witch is still dealing with the monsters in the area, especially when a mysterious organization gives her an offer she can't refuse. She has to try to promote the approach of monsters and enter each one she meets in a sort of census for the organization. She is also expected to try to keep their existence hidden while also trying to provide justice for the good ones or arrange punishment for those breaking the rules and risking exposure to "normal people".
Within a short time after getting this assignment there is a murder on her street, in front of a house owned by three older sisters who happen to be ghouls. Now it is up to Missy and her best friend Matt, a local reporter who promised not to reveal the paranormal (maybe because it could make him seem like a nut), to solve the murder and keep these senior citizen Golden Ghouls from being exposed.
June 29, 2023
(I received this copy for the ARC group, so I got to read it early. Eat your hearts out.)
Missy has accepted an offer that allows her to retire from the Acceptance Home Care agency and fronts the cash for her and Luisa to buy their botanica. The catch? Missy and Luisa have to catalog and protect the supernatural beings in their neighborhood.
There is a new problem: a delivery driver was killed and all that remained was one leg and the foot. Missy has to find the killer because the leads point to a supernatural neighbor, a ghoul. Why was there a bag of body parts in their garden? And why was there a bag of body parts by the curb at her house? Is the ghoul neighbor really the culprit or can Missy figure out who the truly ghoulish character is?
The long-term question still remains: will her new iguana familiar Tony and her reporter friend Matt ever get along?
Missy has accepted an offer that allows her to retire from the Acceptance Home Care agency and fronts the cash for her and Luisa to buy their botanica. The catch? Missy and Luisa have to catalog and protect the supernatural beings in their neighborhood.
There is a new problem: a delivery driver was killed and all that remained was one leg and the foot. Missy has to find the killer because the leads point to a supernatural neighbor, a ghoul. Why was there a bag of body parts in their garden? And why was there a bag of body parts by the curb at her house? Is the ghoul neighbor really the culprit or can Missy figure out who the truly ghoulish character is?
The long-term question still remains: will her new iguana familiar Tony and her reporter friend Matt ever get along?
July 2, 2023
Smashing New Start for Missy!
Who eats people for dinner (especially those HOT yard workers), and then throws part of them away?
This new start for Missy starts off with a Bang right in her own neighborhood! It was really nice that she starts off with a sizeable amount in the form of a 'grant', and then gets a bag of bones in her neighbors yard, and then HER yard! Geez, all she wants to do is majick, not solve more murders...
But there she is, and she does what Missy always does, her very best. And then there is Matt, will they finally do something together?
Thank you, Ward Parker for not only a great story, but another start to a great new series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
Who eats people for dinner (especially those HOT yard workers), and then throws part of them away?
This new start for Missy starts off with a Bang right in her own neighborhood! It was really nice that she starts off with a sizeable amount in the form of a 'grant', and then gets a bag of bones in her neighbors yard, and then HER yard! Geez, all she wants to do is majick, not solve more murders...
But there she is, and she does what Missy always does, her very best. And then there is Matt, will they finally do something together?
Thank you, Ward Parker for not only a great story, but another start to a great new series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
February 13, 2024
entertaining paranormal mystery series
This is an entertaining paranormal mystery series. A fun cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. The main character is a 47-year-old nurse. She also happens to be a witch. After working for years as an ER nurse she got burned out and changed jobs. She didn’t began working as a home care nurse For the paranormal community dealing with mostly vampires and werewolves I’m others. She’s about ready for a new change and wants to try something else. Find out what kind of adventure she begins and where it leads. And entertaining and fun series to read. Check it out
This is an entertaining paranormal mystery series. A fun cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. The main character is a 47-year-old nurse. She also happens to be a witch. After working for years as an ER nurse she got burned out and changed jobs. She didn’t began working as a home care nurse For the paranormal community dealing with mostly vampires and werewolves I’m others. She’s about ready for a new change and wants to try something else. Find out what kind of adventure she begins and where it leads. And entertaining and fun series to read. Check it out
July 5, 2023
The golden ghouls is the perfect title for this story. They totally remind you of the actresses on the show, minus Sophia of course. Missy is in over her head with her dead-end job and trying to make ends meet financially. When she is offered a new job with real money, can she turn it down. Could any job be more dangerous than being a nurse to vampires and werewolves? Read this book today and enjoy the wild ride in the Florida supernatural community.
August 11, 2023
Loved this book
Missy is a witch and she has some very strange friends. She worked as a nurse giving care to elderly Vampires and Werewolves. She also does a bit of sleuthing and came across Ghouls living on her street. There are creatures and murders and funny bits in this book I really enjoyed reading it.
Missy is a witch and she has some very strange friends. She worked as a nurse giving care to elderly Vampires and Werewolves. She also does a bit of sleuthing and came across Ghouls living on her street. There are creatures and murders and funny bits in this book I really enjoyed reading it.
October 2, 2023
Oh. My. Gosh. This book is so much fun! This world that Missy lives in is hilarious! I can’t believe what she has to put up with as a witch in Florida, working with elderly vampires and werewolves! The insanity that she is dealing with through the Cryptid organization is beyond crazy! All in all a delightfully crazy start to a series! I am DEFINITELY reading more of these books!
May 20, 2024
Interesting and amusing story of Missy Mindle that is a witch in her 40's stuck in a dead-end job as a home-health nurse for ancient vampires. Missy gets an offer of a large grant at an occult shop to work part time. Missy also gets involved in other paranormal creatures, a strange familiar with an attitude and a murder to solve.
May 23, 2024
Brilliant as always! A really beautifully written, fantasy adventure with well thought out & developed characters. Always something different for the plot, funny at moments & fast paced at others, had me gripped & chuckling from the first chapter & I finished in one day as it was so good! I do strongly recommend for all!
May 11, 2025
Cute little paranormal mystery
Definitely not great literature but a great way to spend an afternoon. A trio of elderly ghoul sisters, dead bodies and a witch who's a nurse to paranormal patients. A solid read and I didn't actually figure out whodunit till they told whodunit. Solid 3.5 stars
Definitely not great literature but a great way to spend an afternoon. A trio of elderly ghoul sisters, dead bodies and a witch who's a nurse to paranormal patients. A solid read and I didn't actually figure out whodunit till they told whodunit. Solid 3.5 stars
June 30, 2023
This story is about mystery and murder. Missy is up to her neck in it. People are being killed in her neighborhood and she is determined to find proof that her neighbors are innocent. She makes a life changing decision. Will she ever let herself go and date Matt?
July 8, 2023
A fun romp with the ‘they don’t exist monsters!
A lighthearted but kinda gruesome story as Missy steps away from nursing vampires and begins a new life in the botanical chasing down murderers coming too close to home!
A lighthearted but kinda gruesome story as Missy steps away from nursing vampires and begins a new life in the botanical chasing down murderers coming too close to home!
August 24, 2023
Great fun!
I’ve had so much fun following Missy’s adventures. Imagine a home health nurse who cares for vampires and werewolves. Then becomes co-owner of a shop catering to witches, voodoo and Sanatoria. Ghouls, and serial killers, and mayhem abounds!
I’ve had so much fun following Missy’s adventures. Imagine a home health nurse who cares for vampires and werewolves. Then becomes co-owner of a shop catering to witches, voodoo and Sanatoria. Ghouls, and serial killers, and mayhem abounds!
September 21, 2023
Fun and enjoyable
Another easy and fun book to read with a different twist on the paranormal. The story flowed well and all the characters are well thought out and easy to picture.
Another easy and fun book to read with a different twist on the paranormal. The story flowed well and all the characters are well thought out and easy to picture.
October 22, 2023
Addicting
Wow, was so captured by this book. Funny and different from others in this genre. This is a one day read because I couldn't put it down. Well I'm off to read the next in the series.
Wow, was so captured by this book. Funny and different from others in this genre. This is a one day read because I couldn't put it down. Well I'm off to read the next in the series.
January 26, 2024
Mystery, Magic, and Knights
I love books that have a sense of humour. A witch, a normal guy, shifters, vampires and ghouls all live in Florida and someone is killing people. Throw in some knights who want to smite evil and the race is on. Enjoy
I love books that have a sense of humour. A witch, a normal guy, shifters, vampires and ghouls all live in Florida and someone is killing people. Throw in some knights who want to smite evil and the race is on. Enjoy
June 11, 2024
The Golden Ghouls (Monsters of Jellyfish Beach Book 1)
This was a very interesting read, I had never read such a novel before. It kind of makes you think that there are more things under the sun than crosses the mind.
This was a very interesting read, I had never read such a novel before. It kind of makes you think that there are more things under the sun than crosses the mind.
August 17, 2024
3.5 stars, interesting monster tracking witch, seems to always have the right stuff (magic) to handle the situation. Purchased this edition on May 22, 2024, from Amazon for free. Read Kindle book using Alexa audio asset.
December 30, 2024
Everyone moves to Florida
It is an interesting concept, but I felt that the characters were a little one-dimensional. Although listed as the first in the series it read like I should already be familiar with the setting.
It is an interesting concept, but I felt that the characters were a little one-dimensional. Although listed as the first in the series it read like I should already be familiar with the setting.
February 27, 2025
Interesting world- building
Maybe since this was my first book from this universe, I felt like I was missing a lot of details. Read like a teen tv show without a lot of depth in the characters.
Maybe since this was my first book from this universe, I felt like I was missing a lot of details. Read like a teen tv show without a lot of depth in the characters.
July 5, 2025
A Fun Read
I had never read a book by Ward Parker but my first definitely won’t be my last. I’m starting the second one in this series. This book was very enjoyable and entertaining.
I had never read a book by Ward Parker but my first definitely won’t be my last. I’m starting the second one in this series. This book was very enjoyable and entertaining.
July 17, 2023
Great read.
A fun, well paced read. Good lead character, and interesting plot line. Easy, enjoyable reading. I recommend her other books too.
A fun, well paced read. Good lead character, and interesting plot line. Easy, enjoyable reading. I recommend her other books too.
October 25, 2023
Funny and entertaining
I loved the storyline and the characters. I laughed a lot! It wasn’t predictable. Great read! Pick it up and enjoy!
I loved the storyline and the characters. I laughed a lot! It wasn’t predictable. Great read! Pick it up and enjoy!
May 29, 2024
A cute cozy paranormal mystery. But I don’t think I will continue with the series.
Read
June 8, 2024didn't find it funny, and I love dark humor. Perhaps it's too 'silly' for my taste.
dnf
dnf
June 11, 2024
Quick read. Cute. Eh, would read series if free.
February 27, 2025
Fun read
Missy's adventures and friends was a fun read. I appreciate the character development and the misadventures they untangled. Highly recommend.
Missy's adventures and friends was a fun read. I appreciate the character development and the misadventures they untangled. Highly recommend.
October 5, 2025
Cute story about supernatural creatures living in a Florida community. It wasn’t a ‘can’t put it down’ book as I did put it down for over a week but was then able to jump right back in.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews