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A Murder at the Morrisey Mystery #2
A Secret Staircase
Meg Dawson and the rest of the Morrisey residents can’t handle any more surprises in their beloved downtown Seattle apartment building. So, when Meg finds a secret staircase leading down to the famous Seattle Underground, she’s tempted to turn back. The area was supposed to be closed off long ago. But turning back isn’t so easy when she stumbles on not one, but two bodies in the hidden space. And even though the two deaths are separated by a century, the victims have more in common than Meg first realizes. Meg must sort through the Underground’s storied past to find the truth about who or what took the two lives if she has any hope of stopping it from happening once more. This time, the next body might not take a hundred years to show up. Perfect for fans of the show Only Murders in the Building , this new series from Eryn Scott follows Meg and a lovable cast of residents, both living and not, as they navigate strange happenings in their eccentric downtown Seattle building. This series is clean, without swearing or gore. While each mystery is a standalone, the series is best read in order to avoid spoilers.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2023
145 people are currently reading
388 people want to read
About the author
Eryn Scott
75 books488 followersEryn Scott is the author of heartwarming cozy mysteries. Her novels feature close friendships and strong families because those are the most important things in her life -- a little humor doesn't hurt either.
She calls the Pacific Northwest home and doesn't plan on changing that anytime soon. Eryn loves to hike, horseback ride, knit, ski, and read. She believes musicals are the greatest thing since lattes, even though she's not particularly good at singing or dancing -- hey, a girl can dream, right?
Her first cozy mystery series, Pepper Brooks, is based on some of the greats in classic literature. Each book features a different author from Shakespeare to Austen. Eryn's newest series is set in a little town called Stoneybrook. The Stoneybrook Mysteries follow local jam-maker Hadley James as she solves mysteries in her town's year-round farmers market. From deceased knitters to sabotaged florists, these crafty citizens keep Hadley and her twin brother, a deputy sheriff, on their toes. Pebble Cove Teahouse Mysteries are great for readers who love a hint of paranormal with their mysteries. These books feature a tiny town tucked between craggy coastline and rocky shores with quirky characters of both the living and non-living variety. Look for new releases from all three of these series in 2022 as well as Eryn Scott's new cozy series.
You can visit her website, erynscott.com, for more information about her books and new releases.
She calls the Pacific Northwest home and doesn't plan on changing that anytime soon. Eryn loves to hike, horseback ride, knit, ski, and read. She believes musicals are the greatest thing since lattes, even though she's not particularly good at singing or dancing -- hey, a girl can dream, right?
Her first cozy mystery series, Pepper Brooks, is based on some of the greats in classic literature. Each book features a different author from Shakespeare to Austen. Eryn's newest series is set in a little town called Stoneybrook. The Stoneybrook Mysteries follow local jam-maker Hadley James as she solves mysteries in her town's year-round farmers market. From deceased knitters to sabotaged florists, these crafty citizens keep Hadley and her twin brother, a deputy sheriff, on their toes. Pebble Cove Teahouse Mysteries are great for readers who love a hint of paranormal with their mysteries. These books feature a tiny town tucked between craggy coastline and rocky shores with quirky characters of both the living and non-living variety. Look for new releases from all three of these series in 2022 as well as Eryn Scott's new cozy series.
You can visit her website, erynscott.com, for more information about her books and new releases.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
September 14, 2023
A Secret Staircase by Eryn Scott is the Second book in the Murder at the Morrisey Mystery Book Series.
I am literally OBSESSED with this series and this second book really was so fantastic!
I am a New England Girl who lives in Maine so reading all about Seattle and the history of the undergrounds during the 1920's was so FASICNATING to me. It is obvious that the author has done quite a bit of research, and it enhances the story and mystery SO much.
First the main character, Meg had to deal with hidden passageways and now SECRET staircases.
Unfortunately, as she explores the staircases, she finds two dead bodies, seemingly killed 100 years apart.
The author has an ability to seamlessly intertwine both murder mysteries and how they meet in the middle in a completely unexpected way.
This story touches on so many things that are absoutely fantastic including the 1920's, A Speakeasy, Flappers, and a Family Feud . Honestly, I just loved all of it and the Seattle Underground was so fascinating.
So well written and I do love the way Meg's love interest Laurie, was brought into the story through texts and video calls as he is in Japan working.
SO SO SO GOOD!
I recommend reading the first book in the series A Body in 3B as it really is fantastic and will offer great backstory to this book.
I am literally OBSESSED with this series and this second book really was so fantastic!
I am a New England Girl who lives in Maine so reading all about Seattle and the history of the undergrounds during the 1920's was so FASICNATING to me. It is obvious that the author has done quite a bit of research, and it enhances the story and mystery SO much.
First the main character, Meg had to deal with hidden passageways and now SECRET staircases.
Unfortunately, as she explores the staircases, she finds two dead bodies, seemingly killed 100 years apart.
The author has an ability to seamlessly intertwine both murder mysteries and how they meet in the middle in a completely unexpected way.
This story touches on so many things that are absoutely fantastic including the 1920's, A Speakeasy, Flappers, and a Family Feud . Honestly, I just loved all of it and the Seattle Underground was so fascinating.
So well written and I do love the way Meg's love interest Laurie, was brought into the story through texts and video calls as he is in Japan working.
SO SO SO GOOD!
I recommend reading the first book in the series A Body in 3B as it really is fantastic and will offer great backstory to this book.
June 19, 2024
This was really good! I randomly found this series during a stuff your kindle day and I’ve been loving it. It’s a cozy mystery series that reminds me a lot of Only Murders in the Building. I wasn’t blown away, but still enjoyed it and can’t wait to read the next one.
December 8, 2023
I absolutely love this series! I can't wait to see what the next book holds!
September 23, 2023
The Walls Hide Secrets . . .
Nancy Lewandowski called a meeting of the apartment residents to discuss the secret passages hidden within the walls and discovered by Meg Dawson and her ghostly friend Ripley. The passages were created to allow someone to sneak into the apartments unseen. Nancy made a list of who wanted access to their rooms sealed off so she could get a quote from a contractor for them. But Laurence, Meg’s long-time friend and the guy she is secretly crazy about, was in Japan so they asked if she could text him to ask what he wanted to do. When he typed back that he missed Meg, she blurted out loud “ME?!” and everyone was looking at her… because she had not heard what Nancy was asking someone to volunteer for, and they assumed she just offered her services! Everyone’s look of relief made her aware that it must not be a pleasant task. It definitely was, as she needed to go down into the creepy spider-infested mechanical room and get something to block Winnie’s door since the woman claims she cannot sleep knowing about those passages.
Moving each board to the side to find the right size, a sudden gust of air blew past her. An opening the size of a doorway was in the wall. Was this another room? Her flashlight showed a dark staircase. She decided to take a quick peek, then cover it all up again with the boards. Instead, the secret passage led to the Seattle Underground and two bodies having died about 100 years apart. And Meg meets the ghost of one of the victims, Addison Elliott (“Addy”). Meg is compelled to investigate the mystery of a feud between two families as far back as 100 years. The murder mystery has plenty of twists and turns! Can Meg solve this one, or were the events too far back to still have clues to follow? And is there any chance it may stir up another murder?
Nancy Lewandowski called a meeting of the apartment residents to discuss the secret passages hidden within the walls and discovered by Meg Dawson and her ghostly friend Ripley. The passages were created to allow someone to sneak into the apartments unseen. Nancy made a list of who wanted access to their rooms sealed off so she could get a quote from a contractor for them. But Laurence, Meg’s long-time friend and the guy she is secretly crazy about, was in Japan so they asked if she could text him to ask what he wanted to do. When he typed back that he missed Meg, she blurted out loud “ME?!” and everyone was looking at her… because she had not heard what Nancy was asking someone to volunteer for, and they assumed she just offered her services! Everyone’s look of relief made her aware that it must not be a pleasant task. It definitely was, as she needed to go down into the creepy spider-infested mechanical room and get something to block Winnie’s door since the woman claims she cannot sleep knowing about those passages.
Moving each board to the side to find the right size, a sudden gust of air blew past her. An opening the size of a doorway was in the wall. Was this another room? Her flashlight showed a dark staircase. She decided to take a quick peek, then cover it all up again with the boards. Instead, the secret passage led to the Seattle Underground and two bodies having died about 100 years apart. And Meg meets the ghost of one of the victims, Addison Elliott (“Addy”). Meg is compelled to investigate the mystery of a feud between two families as far back as 100 years. The murder mystery has plenty of twists and turns! Can Meg solve this one, or were the events too far back to still have clues to follow? And is there any chance it may stir up another murder?
September 13, 2023
I loved this book. The whole idea of hidden passageways between rooms and now secret stairways has caught my imagination. My inner child, that wants to play detective, is shouting I want to live there and the adult me 'What with all the dead bodies and ghosts?' A real delightful series. The characters are so like able and it does feel like a big family that you want to be a part of, the ghostly element is a fun twist. However I think it is the mystery side that really has me hooked. The author cleverly weaves two separate case together in a way that keeps you guessing in both, as Meg tries to solve a murder of a flapper girl to help her ghost move on and a present day murder to stop a killer. I was surprised when the murderer was revealed (in both cases). I could easily imagine this getting made into a tv show. Move over Cabot cove the Morrisey building is the new murder central for me. I can't wait for the next book.
After the murder that took place in the Morrisey building the residents are up in arms and want better protection from there building supervisor. Meg finds herself getting volunteered to help out, mainly because nobody wants to go into the basement with all the spiders. Instead of spiders she finds a staircase she didn't know existed. At the bottom of the stairs she finds a skeleton and a dead body. With the police investigating the recent murder Meg sets out to investigate the bones, especially as she is the only one with insider knowledge. Can she help the ghost move on by solving her murder? Then things get complicated when she discovers there is a connection between the two bodies, a feud that has gone back generations. Can what happened to the ghost be the cause of the new death? There is only one way to find out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After the murder that took place in the Morrisey building the residents are up in arms and want better protection from there building supervisor. Meg finds herself getting volunteered to help out, mainly because nobody wants to go into the basement with all the spiders. Instead of spiders she finds a staircase she didn't know existed. At the bottom of the stairs she finds a skeleton and a dead body. With the police investigating the recent murder Meg sets out to investigate the bones, especially as she is the only one with insider knowledge. Can she help the ghost move on by solving her murder? Then things get complicated when she discovers there is a connection between the two bodies, a feud that has gone back generations. Can what happened to the ghost be the cause of the new death? There is only one way to find out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 23, 2023
When Meg accidentally volunteers to retrieve a board from the maintenance room, she doesn’t expect to find another Morrisey secret. Removing the boards reveals an old staircase into the long abandoned Seattle underground. Deciding to check things out, Meg is surprised to stumble over a skeleton from the 1920s. When the ghost attached to it realizes Meg can see her, she is hopeful that she can move out of her dark prison. Meg agrees to help Addison Elliott figure out how she died and how to cross over.
However, on their way out of the underground, they come across a more recent corpse, who happens to also be an Elliott. Are the two deaths somehow related? As Meg delves deeper into the mystery, she learns that Addy’s family has been in a long standing feud with their former partners, the Stimacs. When Meg gets into an argument with the Elliotts she learns how powerful they are. Now she’s even more determined to solve the case.
Meg also makes a new friend, Zoe, who’s a bartender at The Celler, a prohibition era speakeasy still in operation. Although her ghostly best friend, Ripley, is suspicious of Zoe, Meg eagerly helps her move into the Morissey. They investigate Zoe’s bosses, the Stimacs, as potential suspects. But is Zoe really who she says she is?
To help find answers, Meg must overcome her fear of the basement ghosts who scared her as a child. Their help proves invaluable when the investigation takes a deadly turn. You’ll be quickly turning pages to find out whodunnit and the answers to other mysteries. Just like Meg, when you’re at the Morrisey, you’re part of the family.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
However, on their way out of the underground, they come across a more recent corpse, who happens to also be an Elliott. Are the two deaths somehow related? As Meg delves deeper into the mystery, she learns that Addy’s family has been in a long standing feud with their former partners, the Stimacs. When Meg gets into an argument with the Elliotts she learns how powerful they are. Now she’s even more determined to solve the case.
Meg also makes a new friend, Zoe, who’s a bartender at The Celler, a prohibition era speakeasy still in operation. Although her ghostly best friend, Ripley, is suspicious of Zoe, Meg eagerly helps her move into the Morissey. They investigate Zoe’s bosses, the Stimacs, as potential suspects. But is Zoe really who she says she is?
To help find answers, Meg must overcome her fear of the basement ghosts who scared her as a child. Their help proves invaluable when the investigation takes a deadly turn. You’ll be quickly turning pages to find out whodunnit and the answers to other mysteries. Just like Meg, when you’re at the Morrisey, you’re part of the family.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 4, 2026
As soon as I finished the charming Body in 3B, I started this one, which kicks off a week after the events of the first book. After agreeing to help out Nancy during a building meeting, Ripley and Meg have to go down in the basement, where they discover not one but two bodies. One is old (a skeleton) but they suspect the second one was killed minutes before they found it. In a strange coincidence, Addy, the ghost whose body is the pile of bones shares the same last name as the "fresh" body, Paris (Meg can't figure out how to differentiate between the old and new victims without sounding rude).
The recent death seems to boil down to a long-standing feud between two families. But did the death of the Addy 100 years ago trigger it? Partly because Laurie is still in Japan and Ripley is depressed after losing the "love of her afterlife," Clark, Meg is meeting new people, but are they friends or suspects?
The recent death seems to boil down to a long-standing feud between two families. But did the death of the Addy 100 years ago trigger it? Partly because Laurie is still in Japan and Ripley is depressed after losing the "love of her afterlife," Clark, Meg is meeting new people, but are they friends or suspects?
June 17, 2024
Meg and the residents at the Morrisey are still dealing with the aftermath of their issue in 3B when Meg stumbles over a hidden staircase and a couple of bodies. On the up side, one of the bodies had been in the Underground for a long time. But the other? Not so much. The fact that there might be a link between the two? That's the bothersome part.
But Meg and her gift of gab with the ghosties gives her a leg up on the police investigation. After all, if there are secrets to be found, the resident ghosts are very good about ferreting said secrets out.
The downside to this investigation (besides the fact that, you know, there were two bodies under their building) is that Meg's ghostly BFF is a wee bit glum about meeting and then losing the love of her afterlife and Laurie is out of the country. That said, Ripley has a distraction in the form of Addy, a flapper party-girl ghost who knows a lot about the goings on around the Morrisey during the Prohibition era. And Laurie? Well, he's dropping in with video calls and some sweet, subtle flirting.
A dead body or two, some cagey ghosts, a feud that goes back generations, a potential new friend, a speakeasy, old secrets, and a lady who's trying to put it all together!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
But Meg and her gift of gab with the ghosties gives her a leg up on the police investigation. After all, if there are secrets to be found, the resident ghosts are very good about ferreting said secrets out.
The downside to this investigation (besides the fact that, you know, there were two bodies under their building) is that Meg's ghostly BFF is a wee bit glum about meeting and then losing the love of her afterlife and Laurie is out of the country. That said, Ripley has a distraction in the form of Addy, a flapper party-girl ghost who knows a lot about the goings on around the Morrisey during the Prohibition era. And Laurie? Well, he's dropping in with video calls and some sweet, subtle flirting.
A dead body or two, some cagey ghosts, a feud that goes back generations, a potential new friend, a speakeasy, old secrets, and a lady who's trying to put it all together!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
February 14, 2024
Meg and her fellow resident have been through a lot with a murder in the Morrisey apartments where they live. When Meg and her ghostly best friend Riley find a hidden staircase that leads from the basement to what was formerly Underground Seattle they are surprised to find a skeleton wearing clothes that appear to be flapper style from the 1920's. What's more disturbing is a recent dead body.
Riley and Meg find out the flapper skeleton is the remains of a ghost named Addy. The two set about trying to find out why Addy hasn't been able to cross over after 100 years. They also investigate the death of the current person, Paris, thinking they can find out more than Detective Anthony. Part of the problem seems to stem from the long running feud between the Elliots and the Stimacs.
Many of the characters from book #1 in this series make an appearance as well as new ones. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way. It was fun how a speakeasy from the past had been turned into a modern much in demand location.
I have been a huge fan of Eryn Scott's novels and different series. They all entertain and and keep you sharp trying to guess whodunit. Meg being able to see and talk to ghosts adds an extra element to the sleuthing.
I am thrilled to see there will be more books in this great series. I recommend reading this or any of Eryn Scott's novels in order since they build on each other.
Riley and Meg find out the flapper skeleton is the remains of a ghost named Addy. The two set about trying to find out why Addy hasn't been able to cross over after 100 years. They also investigate the death of the current person, Paris, thinking they can find out more than Detective Anthony. Part of the problem seems to stem from the long running feud between the Elliots and the Stimacs.
Many of the characters from book #1 in this series make an appearance as well as new ones. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way. It was fun how a speakeasy from the past had been turned into a modern much in demand location.
I have been a huge fan of Eryn Scott's novels and different series. They all entertain and and keep you sharp trying to guess whodunit. Meg being able to see and talk to ghosts adds an extra element to the sleuthing.
I am thrilled to see there will be more books in this great series. I recommend reading this or any of Eryn Scott's novels in order since they build on each other.
September 24, 2023
The Morrissey gets more and more mysterious as Meg finds another secret passage in the building. This time it leads to the Seattle Underground and two dead bodies, one from a century ago and one person who just died.
I love Eryn Scott's small town cozy mysteries with their interesting characters, charm, and surprising mysteries. She brought those same elements into this series, but this time it's set in Seattle. I love the idea of the apartment building being a part of the city's history with so many interesting parts to it.
This story has me hooked from the beginning and I didn't want to put it down. The mystery had just the right amount of twists and turns and Meg made for a great protagonist. I loved her ability to see and speak with ghosts. I am curious to see how the ghosts help or hinder her investigations.
I definitely recommend reading this series in order to get the whole story with the building and its tenants.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
I love Eryn Scott's small town cozy mysteries with their interesting characters, charm, and surprising mysteries. She brought those same elements into this series, but this time it's set in Seattle. I love the idea of the apartment building being a part of the city's history with so many interesting parts to it.
This story has me hooked from the beginning and I didn't want to put it down. The mystery had just the right amount of twists and turns and Meg made for a great protagonist. I loved her ability to see and speak with ghosts. I am curious to see how the ghosts help or hinder her investigations.
I definitely recommend reading this series in order to get the whole story with the building and its tenants.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
September 18, 2023
It’s another trip to our favorite Seattle apartment building The Morrissey! Meg and her ghostly sidekick are at it again when Meg finds not one but two bodies in the underground whose deaths are separated by a century. Trying to find peace for her new ghost friend Addy and solve two murders Meg accidentally gets caught up in a family feud. Even with her bff and love of her life if only she could work up the nerve to tell him Laurie across the world in Japan Meg is able to puzzle out the clues and solve these cases.
Love, love, love this series!! The Morrissey family is eccentric and so much fun. I want to live in a building like that! This caper takes us through the past and into the present with excellent representations of both. Lots of surprises, plenty of spooks and one determined duo make for a fabulous read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Love, love, love this series!! The Morrissey family is eccentric and so much fun. I want to live in a building like that! This caper takes us through the past and into the present with excellent representations of both. Lots of surprises, plenty of spooks and one determined duo make for a fabulous read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 21, 2023
I am so happy to be back in the historic and hauntingly quirky Morrisey building!!
In this installment of the A Murder at the Morrisey Mystery series we catch up with Meg in the chaotic aftermath of book 1. When the residents are trying to come up with a solution to solve their secret staircase problem once and for all - they end up uncovering more than they bargained for! Two bodies, two murders with 100 years between them and two families who have a feud as historic as the city itself! With tensions rising it’s up to Meg and her spectral sleuths to solve the mystery, catch the killer and put this feud to rest before anyone else gets hurt!
Full of mystery, murder, found family, ghosts, friendship, love, adorable animals, feuds, secret tunnels, a hidden speakeasy, history and all of the cozy Ghost Whisperer x Only Murders in the Building vibes - A Secret Staircase is another fantastic installment of a great series!
Thank you Eryn Scott for the advanced copy!
February 6, 2024
✰✰✰/5
~~
I loved the plot of this one. The idea of two rival families, especially from the Roaring Twenties was so fun. I mean, this series is just fun. Is it perfect? No. But, like I said in the review of the first book, I probably would be rating it higher if I wasn't comparing it to AGGGTM; still a good, fun, quick little read though!
Much like the first book, I feel like it is so drawn out and then Eryn Scott packed the entire ending in a 30 page span. From 3 different suspects, to the murderer being someone that was not even mentioned in the book before, to the last line going ahead and hinting at what it to take place in the third book, the ending was so rushed. In this book especially, I was confused as to how Meg even solved this murder. I won't go into more because I don't want to spoil it, but it was just so random and made no sense to me.
~~
I loved the plot of this one. The idea of two rival families, especially from the Roaring Twenties was so fun. I mean, this series is just fun. Is it perfect? No. But, like I said in the review of the first book, I probably would be rating it higher if I wasn't comparing it to AGGGTM; still a good, fun, quick little read though!
Much like the first book, I feel like it is so drawn out and then Eryn Scott packed the entire ending in a 30 page span. From 3 different suspects, to the murderer being someone that was not even mentioned in the book before, to the last line going ahead and hinting at what it to take place in the third book, the ending was so rushed. In this book especially, I was confused as to how Meg even solved this murder. I won't go into more because I don't want to spoil it, but it was just so random and made no sense to me.
September 23, 2023
A Secret Staircase is the second book in Eryn Scott’s Morrisey Mystery series and I loved it even more than the first book. Meg and her ghost friends are delightful company when I need a book to read and the plots never fail to entertain me and keep me on the edge of my seat. When Meg finds a secret staircase in the Morrisey and then discovers not one but two dead bodies, she’s immediately on the case. I love how Eryn weaves in stories about the Seattle Underground in this book since I have lived in the Seattle area my entire life and have gone on the tour before and loved it. I’m so excited for book number three to come out.
September 12, 2023
I don't know if I could enjoy a book and its characters more than this one!
The premise is unique. Our MC has kind ghosts as her friends, a cute cat, lives in a building full of neighbors with strong and loyal personalities, and a penchant for solving mysteries.
In this this book we meet Addy, Zoe, the Elliot family, and the Stimac family. As we uncover the truth about the decades long feud between the two families, we also uncover mysteries of the present time.
This book is entertaining from the get-go. I enjoyed and loved every page. Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The premise is unique. Our MC has kind ghosts as her friends, a cute cat, lives in a building full of neighbors with strong and loyal personalities, and a penchant for solving mysteries.
In this this book we meet Addy, Zoe, the Elliot family, and the Stimac family. As we uncover the truth about the decades long feud between the two families, we also uncover mysteries of the present time.
This book is entertaining from the get-go. I enjoyed and loved every page. Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 18, 2025
My new favorite cozy mystery series. Perfect for only murders in the building and ghosts fans. Two dead bodies 100 years apart. Family feud, prohibition, forbidden romance, and murder. A great sequel and I can't wait to read the rest! Hopefully there is more romance in the next book.
January 23, 2024
Another twisty, fun, not too heavy murder mystery from Eryn Scott! I am really enjoying these characters and cannot wait for book three to come out!
May 7, 2024
I think I’ve become obsessed with whodunits. Eryn knows how to keep a gal interested!!! Super excited about book 3!!
April 29, 2025
Such a fun read!! Love the characters in this book and the themes involved. When you think you know which way it’s headed.. the final 50 pages turns everything off axis.
If you’re a fan of “The Ghost Whisperer” this is the series for you.
If you’re a fan of “The Ghost Whisperer” this is the series for you.
November 15, 2023
I like this series and can't wait for the third book! I enjoy the unique characters as well as following the mystery along to find out who the culprit is in the murder!
December 1, 2025
3.25 stars
September 25, 2023
sometimes life and the afterlife are more art than artistry
finding direction for her skills takes a certain artiste to near lethal dangers, and makes for some entertaining ghostly exchanges and insights
friendships that cut across all sorts of boundaries
finding direction for her skills takes a certain artiste to near lethal dangers, and makes for some entertaining ghostly exchanges and insights
friendships that cut across all sorts of boundaries
January 15, 2026
I am really enjoying this series. I like the premise of Meg being able to see ghosts and how they help her solve mysteries. Meg feels like a real person that you could know. I also like all the side characters who make up the Morrisey building. The mystery was a good one, and I love that a lot of it was set in Seattle's underground. All in all, a good book, and I can't wait to read more.
October 11, 2024
this series is just so cute and cozy, i liked this one better than the first
January 29, 2024
What another great cozy murder mystery as Meg discovers another body in The Morissey and another investigation begins with her ghostly assistant of her best friend Ripley.
This series is a joy to read and although storyline background similar to the tv series Only Murders in the Building they both have their unique intriguing and engrossing elements that make them similar but different!
I love Eryn Scott's characters, humour, extended cast of characters and her lovely imagination that draws you along as the adventure mystery unfolds with suspects appearing with a few hints along the way. Like when a book keeps you guessing till near the end and this book has that great 'who did it' held until the end of the book.
If you enjoyed book 1, book 2 does not disappoint, although would like more time with Meg and Laurie, maybe book 3 might bring them back together in person! Look forward to book 3.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This series is a joy to read and although storyline background similar to the tv series Only Murders in the Building they both have their unique intriguing and engrossing elements that make them similar but different!
I love Eryn Scott's characters, humour, extended cast of characters and her lovely imagination that draws you along as the adventure mystery unfolds with suspects appearing with a few hints along the way. Like when a book keeps you guessing till near the end and this book has that great 'who did it' held until the end of the book.
If you enjoyed book 1, book 2 does not disappoint, although would like more time with Meg and Laurie, maybe book 3 might bring them back together in person! Look forward to book 3.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 22, 2026
Kaum hat Meg ihren ersten Mordfall aufgeklärt und ihre Liebe zur Kunst wiederentdeckt, als auch schon ein zweiter unerklärlicher Mord begangen wird. Eigentlich war Meg nur auf der Suche nach Holzbrettern, als sie hinter einem Stapel ebendieser einen Durchgang zu einer Treppe findet, die tief in den Keller führt. Neugierig verfolgt sie diese Spur und stößt auf ein altes Skelett sowie eine neue Leiche. Natürlich lässt Meg es sich nicht nehmen und beginnt zu ermitteln. Mithilfe ihrer besten Geisterfreundin Ripley und ihren neuen Freundinnen Zoe und Addy kommt sie einer Familienfehde a la Romeo und Julia auf die Spur. Doch ganz so romantisch wird es nicht, denn plötzlich sind auch Meg und Zoe in Gefahr.
Beim ersten Fall „Ein Mord in 3 B“ habe ich mich schon köstlich amüsieren können. Meg und ihre Geisterfreundin Ripley sind einfach ein herrliches Team, die sich zwar – weil eben beste Freundinnen – innig lieben und respektieren, aber wenn es hart auf hart kommt, auch mal ihre Meinung sagen und so den jeweils anderen auf den Boden der Tatsachen zurückholen. Dies geht natürlich im neuen Fall genauso weiter und führt zu etlichen herrlichen Szenen, aber auch mal zu Momenten, in denen es für den jeweiligen Betroffenen gerade nicht so schön ist. Aber die beiden raufen sich immer wieder zusammen.
Diesmal findet Meg ein altes Skelett tief im Keller des Morrisey, dem Gebäude mit etlichen Wohnungen. Doch nicht nur das, auch eine weitere Leiche, erst vor Kurzem verstorben, wird von ihr entdeckt. Zu dem Skelett gibt es auch einen Geist namens Addy. Sie weiß nicht, wie sie gestorben ist und warum. Also hat Meg eigentlich zwei Fälle zu lösen. Doch bald merkt sie, dass die beiden Toten miteinander in Verbindung stehen.
Und dann ist da noch Zoe, die Meg in einer Flüsterkneipe kennen- und schätzen lernt. Aber Zoe ist auch irgendwie in den Mordfall verwickelt.
Eigentlich hört sich alles total kompliziert an, liest man aber die Geschichte, ergibt eins das andere und es macht alles Sinn.
Dies war auch schon beim Vorgänger so und hat mir dort schon gut gefallen.
Diesmal kenne ich ja auch die Protagonisten schon und weiß, wie sie ticken. Deshalb ist das chaotisch Wirkende eigentlich schon ordentlich und logisch.
Auch toll fand ich, dass Bezug genommen wird auf die 1920er Jahre. Eine Zeit, die ich sehr spannend finde. Flüsterkneipen, die Mode, Prohibition, Frisuren und vieles mehr.
Der Schreibstil der Autorin ist leicht und flüssig und ohne viel Schnickschnack. So hat man das Gefühl, das alles unheimlich schnell vorangetrieben wird. Aber in dieser kurzen Zeit wird sehr viel verarbeitet und es kommt kaum zu Ruhemomenten. Dies ist aber nicht störend, spiegelt dies nur Megs Charakterzüge.
Die spärlich vorhandenen Ruhezeiten sind die, während Meg mit Laurie telefoniert oder schreibt. Er weilt gerade in Japan auf Geschäftsreise. Beide sind ineinander verliebt, gestehen dies dem anderen aber nicht so richtig ein. Die kurzen Momente, die die beiden telefonisch teilen, sind jedoch so liebe- und respektvoll, dass es dem Leser sehr warm ums Herz wird. Die beiden gehören zusammen und hoffentlich wird diese so romantische Nicht-Beziehung endlich zu einer vollen Beziehung, damit die beiden ihr Glück finden. Doch Meg hätte Laurie erst einmal so einiges zu erklären, da er nicht weiß, dass sie Geister sehen und mit ihnen reden kann.
Wieder hatte ich das Gefühl, bei einer Mischung aus „Only Murders in the Building“ und „Ghosts“ zu sein, zwei TV-Serien, die bei Streaming-Diensten laufen. In der vierten Staffel von „Only Murders in the Building“ ging es nämlich auch um Glücksspiel und geheime Machenschaften, die unter dem Gebäude stattfinden und in „Ghosts“ kann die Protagonistin Geister sehen und mit ihnen sprechen.
Trotz der Parallelen hat es einfach Spaß gemacht, die Geschichte der Autorin zu lesen und ich freue mich auf weitere interessante, lustige und gefühlvolle Storys.
Meggies Fussnote:
Back to the 20s.
Beim ersten Fall „Ein Mord in 3 B“ habe ich mich schon köstlich amüsieren können. Meg und ihre Geisterfreundin Ripley sind einfach ein herrliches Team, die sich zwar – weil eben beste Freundinnen – innig lieben und respektieren, aber wenn es hart auf hart kommt, auch mal ihre Meinung sagen und so den jeweils anderen auf den Boden der Tatsachen zurückholen. Dies geht natürlich im neuen Fall genauso weiter und führt zu etlichen herrlichen Szenen, aber auch mal zu Momenten, in denen es für den jeweiligen Betroffenen gerade nicht so schön ist. Aber die beiden raufen sich immer wieder zusammen.
Diesmal findet Meg ein altes Skelett tief im Keller des Morrisey, dem Gebäude mit etlichen Wohnungen. Doch nicht nur das, auch eine weitere Leiche, erst vor Kurzem verstorben, wird von ihr entdeckt. Zu dem Skelett gibt es auch einen Geist namens Addy. Sie weiß nicht, wie sie gestorben ist und warum. Also hat Meg eigentlich zwei Fälle zu lösen. Doch bald merkt sie, dass die beiden Toten miteinander in Verbindung stehen.
Und dann ist da noch Zoe, die Meg in einer Flüsterkneipe kennen- und schätzen lernt. Aber Zoe ist auch irgendwie in den Mordfall verwickelt.
Eigentlich hört sich alles total kompliziert an, liest man aber die Geschichte, ergibt eins das andere und es macht alles Sinn.
Dies war auch schon beim Vorgänger so und hat mir dort schon gut gefallen.
Diesmal kenne ich ja auch die Protagonisten schon und weiß, wie sie ticken. Deshalb ist das chaotisch Wirkende eigentlich schon ordentlich und logisch.
Auch toll fand ich, dass Bezug genommen wird auf die 1920er Jahre. Eine Zeit, die ich sehr spannend finde. Flüsterkneipen, die Mode, Prohibition, Frisuren und vieles mehr.
Der Schreibstil der Autorin ist leicht und flüssig und ohne viel Schnickschnack. So hat man das Gefühl, das alles unheimlich schnell vorangetrieben wird. Aber in dieser kurzen Zeit wird sehr viel verarbeitet und es kommt kaum zu Ruhemomenten. Dies ist aber nicht störend, spiegelt dies nur Megs Charakterzüge.
Die spärlich vorhandenen Ruhezeiten sind die, während Meg mit Laurie telefoniert oder schreibt. Er weilt gerade in Japan auf Geschäftsreise. Beide sind ineinander verliebt, gestehen dies dem anderen aber nicht so richtig ein. Die kurzen Momente, die die beiden telefonisch teilen, sind jedoch so liebe- und respektvoll, dass es dem Leser sehr warm ums Herz wird. Die beiden gehören zusammen und hoffentlich wird diese so romantische Nicht-Beziehung endlich zu einer vollen Beziehung, damit die beiden ihr Glück finden. Doch Meg hätte Laurie erst einmal so einiges zu erklären, da er nicht weiß, dass sie Geister sehen und mit ihnen reden kann.
Wieder hatte ich das Gefühl, bei einer Mischung aus „Only Murders in the Building“ und „Ghosts“ zu sein, zwei TV-Serien, die bei Streaming-Diensten laufen. In der vierten Staffel von „Only Murders in the Building“ ging es nämlich auch um Glücksspiel und geheime Machenschaften, die unter dem Gebäude stattfinden und in „Ghosts“ kann die Protagonistin Geister sehen und mit ihnen sprechen.
Trotz der Parallelen hat es einfach Spaß gemacht, die Geschichte der Autorin zu lesen und ich freue mich auf weitere interessante, lustige und gefühlvolle Storys.
Meggies Fussnote:
Back to the 20s.
February 27, 2026
Das Cover:
Verspielt, cozy und wieder genau passend zur Reihe. Man erkennt sofort diesen charmanten Mix aus Geheimnissen, Kleinstadtflair und einem Hauch Übernatürlichem.
Meine Meinung:
Band eins hat mir ja schon richtig gut gefallen, deshalb habe ich mich sehr auf die Fortsetzung gefreut und es fühlte sich tatsächlich ein bisschen an wie ein Wiedersehen mit Freunden. Man kann die Geschichte grundsätzlich verfolgen, aber um die Beziehungen und die Dynamik zwischen den Figuren wirklich zu verstehen, sollte man Band eins kennen.
Im Mittelpunkt steht wieder Meg, die einfach eine unglaublich angenehme Protagonistin ist. Sie ist neugierig, klug, leicht überfordert von den übernatürlichen Ereignissen und trotzdem mutig genug, sich immer wieder in neue Geheimnisse zu stürzen. Genau diese Mischung macht sie so sympathisch. Dazu kommt natürlich wieder ihre geisterhafte Begleiterin Ripley, die der Geschichte diesen typischen Cozy-Fantasy-Twist gibt und für viele charmante Momente sorgt.
Diesmal dreht sich alles um ein neues Rätsel rund um die geheimnisvolle Treppe, die in den Untergrund und zu Zeiten der Prohibition führt. Verborgene Hinweise aus der Vergangenheit, ein Skelett, ein nwuer Geist und eine alte Familienfehde, was will man mehr? All das verleiht dem Ganzen eine schön atmosphärische, leicht mysteriöse Note.
Der Fall ist wieder eher cozy als brutal, aber trotzdem spannend genug, dass man weiterlesen möchte, weil sich nach und nach neue Puzzleteile ergeben.
Besonders stark fand ich erneut das Setting. Diese kleine, leicht schräge Umgebung mit ihren Geheimnissen, liebenswerten Nebenfiguren und übernatürlichen Elementen sorgt für genau diesen Wohlfühlfaktor, den ich mir von Cozy Crime mit Fantasy-Anteil wünsche.
Die Charakterdynamik ist ein großes Highlight. Man merkt, wie sich Beziehungen weiterentwickeln, vertrauter werden und mehr Tiefe bekommen. Gerade deshalb fühlt sich der zweite Band so vertraut an, fast so, als würde man zurück in eine bekannte Geschichte eintauchen.
Mein Fazit:
Ein gelungener zweiter Band, der den Cozy Crime und Fantasy-Mix der Reihe konsequent fortführt. Spannend, charmant und mit genau der richtigen Portion übernatürlicher Mystery. Wer Band eins mochte, wird sich hier sofort wieder wohlfühlen
Verspielt, cozy und wieder genau passend zur Reihe. Man erkennt sofort diesen charmanten Mix aus Geheimnissen, Kleinstadtflair und einem Hauch Übernatürlichem.
Meine Meinung:
Band eins hat mir ja schon richtig gut gefallen, deshalb habe ich mich sehr auf die Fortsetzung gefreut und es fühlte sich tatsächlich ein bisschen an wie ein Wiedersehen mit Freunden. Man kann die Geschichte grundsätzlich verfolgen, aber um die Beziehungen und die Dynamik zwischen den Figuren wirklich zu verstehen, sollte man Band eins kennen.
Im Mittelpunkt steht wieder Meg, die einfach eine unglaublich angenehme Protagonistin ist. Sie ist neugierig, klug, leicht überfordert von den übernatürlichen Ereignissen und trotzdem mutig genug, sich immer wieder in neue Geheimnisse zu stürzen. Genau diese Mischung macht sie so sympathisch. Dazu kommt natürlich wieder ihre geisterhafte Begleiterin Ripley, die der Geschichte diesen typischen Cozy-Fantasy-Twist gibt und für viele charmante Momente sorgt.
Diesmal dreht sich alles um ein neues Rätsel rund um die geheimnisvolle Treppe, die in den Untergrund und zu Zeiten der Prohibition führt. Verborgene Hinweise aus der Vergangenheit, ein Skelett, ein nwuer Geist und eine alte Familienfehde, was will man mehr? All das verleiht dem Ganzen eine schön atmosphärische, leicht mysteriöse Note.
Der Fall ist wieder eher cozy als brutal, aber trotzdem spannend genug, dass man weiterlesen möchte, weil sich nach und nach neue Puzzleteile ergeben.
Besonders stark fand ich erneut das Setting. Diese kleine, leicht schräge Umgebung mit ihren Geheimnissen, liebenswerten Nebenfiguren und übernatürlichen Elementen sorgt für genau diesen Wohlfühlfaktor, den ich mir von Cozy Crime mit Fantasy-Anteil wünsche.
Die Charakterdynamik ist ein großes Highlight. Man merkt, wie sich Beziehungen weiterentwickeln, vertrauter werden und mehr Tiefe bekommen. Gerade deshalb fühlt sich der zweite Band so vertraut an, fast so, als würde man zurück in eine bekannte Geschichte eintauchen.
Mein Fazit:
Ein gelungener zweiter Band, der den Cozy Crime und Fantasy-Mix der Reihe konsequent fortführt. Spannend, charmant und mit genau der richtigen Portion übernatürlicher Mystery. Wer Band eins mochte, wird sich hier sofort wieder wohlfühlen
February 15, 2026
Erst kürzlich konnte Meg - mit der Hilfe ihrer Geisterfreundin Ripley - einen Mord in ihrem geliebten Wohngebäude, dem Morrisey, aufklären; da stolpert sie schon wieder über zwei Leichen im Keller, eine davon aus den 1920ern. Und dann steht auch plötzlich Addison vor ihr, der Geist der vor knapp 100 Jahren verstorbenen jungen Frau. Um ihr zu helfen, muss Meg einfach wieder selbst ermitteln und erfährt so einiges über Seattle während der Prohibition, Flüsterkneipen und zwei verfeindete Familien.
„Die geheime Treppe“ ist bereits der zweite Band der gar nicht mal so gemütlichen Cozy Mystery-Reihe der US-amerikanischen Schriftstellerin Eryn Scott. Die deutsche Übersetzung verfasste Anne Rudelt. Der Dreh- und Angelpunkt der Handlung ist weiterhin das Morrisey-Gebäude mit seinen liebenswerten, aber auch etwas verschrobenen Bewohnern. Die Reihe nimmt dabei deutliche Anleihen an die Serie „Only Murders in the Building“ und das Wohnhaus Arconia; in diesem Band ist es zum Beispiel das versteckte Casino, das sich im Untergeschoss des Morrisey befunden haben soll.
Die Protagonistin Meg sieht sich in dieser Geschichte gleich mehreren Schwierigkeiten gegenüber. Ihr bester Freund (und Schwarm) Laurie hält sich wegen seiner Arbeit gerade in Japan auf, so dass er sie nicht bei ihren Ermittlungen unterstützen kann. In der Barfrau und neuen Nachbarin Zoe findet sie zwar eine Freundin, das führt aber zu einem Streit mit Ripley, weil die Zoe absolut verdächtig findet. Meg jedoch spürt sofort eine Bindung zu ihr, denn beide haben ihren Vater nie kennengelernt.
Der Kriminalfall an sich gerät neben den ganzen persönlichen Verwicklungen etwas in den Hintergrund und ist, ehrlich gesagt, auch nicht besonders komplex gestrickt. Meg verdächtigt im Verlauf der Handlung eigentlich jeden mindestens ein Mal und kommt dann am Ende beinahe zufällig auf die Lösung – und ist trotzdem schneller als der leitende Detective. Dennoch finde ich die Idee einer Privatdetektivin, die mit Geistern kommunizieren kann, durchaus spannend und gelungen und bleibe daher noch etwas an der Reihe dran.
„Die geheime Treppe“ ist bereits der zweite Band der gar nicht mal so gemütlichen Cozy Mystery-Reihe der US-amerikanischen Schriftstellerin Eryn Scott. Die deutsche Übersetzung verfasste Anne Rudelt. Der Dreh- und Angelpunkt der Handlung ist weiterhin das Morrisey-Gebäude mit seinen liebenswerten, aber auch etwas verschrobenen Bewohnern. Die Reihe nimmt dabei deutliche Anleihen an die Serie „Only Murders in the Building“ und das Wohnhaus Arconia; in diesem Band ist es zum Beispiel das versteckte Casino, das sich im Untergeschoss des Morrisey befunden haben soll.
Die Protagonistin Meg sieht sich in dieser Geschichte gleich mehreren Schwierigkeiten gegenüber. Ihr bester Freund (und Schwarm) Laurie hält sich wegen seiner Arbeit gerade in Japan auf, so dass er sie nicht bei ihren Ermittlungen unterstützen kann. In der Barfrau und neuen Nachbarin Zoe findet sie zwar eine Freundin, das führt aber zu einem Streit mit Ripley, weil die Zoe absolut verdächtig findet. Meg jedoch spürt sofort eine Bindung zu ihr, denn beide haben ihren Vater nie kennengelernt.
Der Kriminalfall an sich gerät neben den ganzen persönlichen Verwicklungen etwas in den Hintergrund und ist, ehrlich gesagt, auch nicht besonders komplex gestrickt. Meg verdächtigt im Verlauf der Handlung eigentlich jeden mindestens ein Mal und kommt dann am Ende beinahe zufällig auf die Lösung – und ist trotzdem schneller als der leitende Detective. Dennoch finde ich die Idee einer Privatdetektivin, die mit Geistern kommunizieren kann, durchaus spannend und gelungen und bleibe daher noch etwas an der Reihe dran.
February 27, 2026
Eine geheime Treppe im Keller des Morrisey, Staub in der Luft, flackerndes Licht und darunter das alte Seattle mit seinen verborgenen Gängen. Meg sucht eigentlich nur nach einem Brett, findet aber den Eingang in eine andere Zeit. Unten warten zwei Tote. Ein Skelett aus den 1920er Jahren und eine frische Leiche. Hundert Jahre liegen zwischen ihnen und doch scheint mehr sie zu verbinden als nur dieser Ort.
Was mich besonders gepackt hat, ist die Atmosphäre. Das Morrisey wirkt wie eine lebendige Figur, voller Ecken, Schatten und Geschichten. Die Ausflüge in die Zeit der Prohibition mit Flüsterkneipen, Flapper-Glamour und alten Familienfehden sind mehr als bloße Kulisse. Vergangenheit und Gegenwart greifen ineinander, bis sich das Rätsel allmählich schließt.
Meg ermittelt wieder mit viel Herz und einer gewissen Sturheit, die ich inzwischen sehr schätze. Sie ist keine kühle Analytikerin, sondern folgt ihrem Gefühl und ihrem Mitgefühl, vor allem gegenüber Addy, dem Geist aus den Zwanzigern, der endlich verstehen will, was mit ihr geschehen ist. Ripley sorgt für Vertrautheit und leisen Humor, während Laurie aus der Ferne präsent bleibt. Die Nachrichten zwischen Japan und Seattle sind kleine, warme Ruhepunkte inmitten der Ungewissheit.
Der Schreibstil ist klar und flüssig, ohne große Effekte. Die Seiten lesen sich schnell, weil die Geschichte trägt und die Verknüpfung der beiden Fälle neugierig macht. Manche Entwicklungen lassen sich erahnen, doch das Zusammenspiel der Zeitebenen hält die Spannung bis zum Schluss.
Für mich eine sehr gelungene Fortsetzung, die den Charme des ersten Bandes bewahrt und das Morrisey noch ein Stück geheimnisvoller macht. Ich bin jederzeit bereit, wieder diese Treppe hinabzusteigen.
Was mich besonders gepackt hat, ist die Atmosphäre. Das Morrisey wirkt wie eine lebendige Figur, voller Ecken, Schatten und Geschichten. Die Ausflüge in die Zeit der Prohibition mit Flüsterkneipen, Flapper-Glamour und alten Familienfehden sind mehr als bloße Kulisse. Vergangenheit und Gegenwart greifen ineinander, bis sich das Rätsel allmählich schließt.
Meg ermittelt wieder mit viel Herz und einer gewissen Sturheit, die ich inzwischen sehr schätze. Sie ist keine kühle Analytikerin, sondern folgt ihrem Gefühl und ihrem Mitgefühl, vor allem gegenüber Addy, dem Geist aus den Zwanzigern, der endlich verstehen will, was mit ihr geschehen ist. Ripley sorgt für Vertrautheit und leisen Humor, während Laurie aus der Ferne präsent bleibt. Die Nachrichten zwischen Japan und Seattle sind kleine, warme Ruhepunkte inmitten der Ungewissheit.
Der Schreibstil ist klar und flüssig, ohne große Effekte. Die Seiten lesen sich schnell, weil die Geschichte trägt und die Verknüpfung der beiden Fälle neugierig macht. Manche Entwicklungen lassen sich erahnen, doch das Zusammenspiel der Zeitebenen hält die Spannung bis zum Schluss.
Für mich eine sehr gelungene Fortsetzung, die den Charme des ersten Bandes bewahrt und das Morrisey noch ein Stück geheimnisvoller macht. Ich bin jederzeit bereit, wieder diese Treppe hinabzusteigen.
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