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A Haunted Guesthouse Mystery #5
The Thrill of the Haunt
Alison Kerby’s guesthouse is already crowded with spirits. The last thing she needs is a whole new batch of haunts settling in.
As Alison’s reputation as “the ghost lady” grows, so does her business—and not always in a way she’d like. Tourists may be flocking to her guesthouse for a chance to glimpse her resident spirits, but her special abilities are also bringing unwanted private investigation cases to her door. And she has no choice but to take a case when the local homeless man is found murdered under mysterious circumstances, just hours after asking for help in exorcising a specter.
If that weren’t enough to deal with, Alison’s other PI case soon turns fatal, as the mistress she was spying on for a jealous wife turns up dead as well. The cases seem like they couldn’t possibly be linked, but with a mountain of clues, motives and suspects—both living and dead—Alison will have to think fast before someone else checks out for good…
As Alison’s reputation as “the ghost lady” grows, so does her business—and not always in a way she’d like. Tourists may be flocking to her guesthouse for a chance to glimpse her resident spirits, but her special abilities are also bringing unwanted private investigation cases to her door. And she has no choice but to take a case when the local homeless man is found murdered under mysterious circumstances, just hours after asking for help in exorcising a specter.
If that weren’t enough to deal with, Alison’s other PI case soon turns fatal, as the mistress she was spying on for a jealous wife turns up dead as well. The cases seem like they couldn’t possibly be linked, but with a mountain of clues, motives and suspects—both living and dead—Alison will have to think fast before someone else checks out for good…
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 5, 2013
50 people are currently reading
941 people want to read
About the author
E.J. Copperman
34 books839 followersLibrarian note: E.J. Copperman is the pen name for author
Jeff Cohen
E.J. Copperman is a mysterious figure, or has a mysterious figure, or writes figuratively in mysteries. In any event, a New Jersey native, E.J. has written for such publications as The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, American Baby and USA Weekend. Night of the Living Deed is the first E.J. Copperman novel. It will be followed in 2011 by An Uninvited Ghost, the second in the Haunted Guesthouse mystery series.
E.J., having worked as a newspaper reporter, teacher, magazine editor, and screenwriter, writes stories that combine humor and mystery with just the right amount of spooky supernatural happenings and a large doses of Jersey attitude.
Sound like we’re being evasive? Well, the fact is that E.J. Copperman is the pseudonym of a well-known mystery novelist, now embarking on a new type of story that includes some elements of the supernatural as well as a fair number of laughs. And the Copperman novels will have a different attitude, a different setting and completely different characters than anything that has come before, so E.J. really is a new author.
E.J. Copperman is a mysterious figure, or has a mysterious figure, or writes figuratively in mysteries. In any event, a New Jersey native, E.J. has written for such publications as The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, American Baby and USA Weekend. Night of the Living Deed is the first E.J. Copperman novel. It will be followed in 2011 by An Uninvited Ghost, the second in the Haunted Guesthouse mystery series.
E.J., having worked as a newspaper reporter, teacher, magazine editor, and screenwriter, writes stories that combine humor and mystery with just the right amount of spooky supernatural happenings and a large doses of Jersey attitude.
Sound like we’re being evasive? Well, the fact is that E.J. Copperman is the pseudonym of a well-known mystery novelist, now embarking on a new type of story that includes some elements of the supernatural as well as a fair number of laughs. And the Copperman novels will have a different attitude, a different setting and completely different characters than anything that has come before, so E.J. really is a new author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
May 7, 2017
I'm enjoying this series. Light hearted and fun, this mystery series has been a relaxing read for me. I love how Alison just sort of stumbles into mysteries and her resident ghosts help her along.
October 5, 2016
The Thrill of the Haunt by E.J Copperman is book 5 in the Haunted Guesthouse mystery series. Guesthouse owner and P.I., Alison Kirby, is hired to look into the murder of a homeless man and also to follow a cheating spouse. Another fun, light-hearted book in the series. I love that Alison has acknowledged her ghostly friends and no longer has to hide their existance. The mystery kept me guessing and had a surprise ending. An amusing and delightful book.
October 29, 2013
I love the Haunted Guesthouse series and The Thrill of the Haunt is the smart, complex cozy mystery that I've come love and expect. My only problem is that I didn't like Alison very much. She trampled all over other people's emotions, and didn't seem to care very much whenever it was pointed out to her. She takes Paul and Maxie for granted as if they were things (that perform regularly for her guests) rather than people. The worst part was her inability to publicly accept that she could see ghosts. She holds onto her secret so tightly that she starts to destroy her life over it...because she's afraid that if anyone knew her secret it would destroy her life. Circular logic? Yes. Understandable? Yes. However, to cover her secret, Alison plays stupid. A couple of stupid statements would have been fine, but she swung all the way to bimbo and it was unconvincing. In and of itself, it might have been funny except that she kept hurting other people as she did it. Thankfully, there was comeuppance for her behavior, and that saved the book for me. It's still a great mystery and Alison's sides are always fun. Looking forward to the next book.
May 28, 2018
Wow! A mystery and a good one at that :)
August 30, 2018
Alison seemed a bit more annoying in this one than previous installments. Maybe that'll get fixed in the next one, now she's "out" about seeing ghosts.
January 30, 2019
Something about this one just appealed to me. Couldn't steal myself away!
January 13, 2014
The Thrill of the Haunt
By: E.J. Copperman
Copyright: November 2013
Publisher: Berkley
Alison Kerby’s guesthouse is already crowded with spirits. The last thing she needs is a whole new batch of haunts settling in.
As Alison’s reputation as “the ghost lady” grows, so does her business—and not always in a way she’d like. Tourists may be flocking to her guesthouse for a chance to glimpse her resident spirits, but her special abilities are also bringing unwanted private investigation cases to her door. And she has no choice but to take a case when the local homeless man is found murdered under mysterious circumstances, just hours after asking for help in exorcising a specter.
If that weren’t enough to deal with, Alison’s other PI case soon turns fatal, as the mistress she was spying on for a jealous wife turns up dead as well. The cases seem like they couldn’t possibly be linked, but with a mountain of clues, motives and suspects—both living and dead—Alison will have to think fast before someone else checks out for good…
My Thoughts:
Allison, her daughter and their resident ghosts are caught up in the life and death of a homeless man who had asked for Alison’s help in getting rid of the ghosts that were following him around and driving him a bit around the bend. She begged off and refused to help. If only she’d gotten involved her life would not have gotten so hectic and full of danger.
This series is one of my favorites in the paranormal cozy genre. The author really does keep it real, even with the addition of ghosts in her guest house. Let’s face it many of us have felt ghostly or spirit sensations at one time or another and just shrugged it off. Heck, we had a family ghost living with us for years. So I can enjoy this book along with the rest of the series knowing it all could actually happen one day.
FTC Full Disclosure: I received this book as a gift from a friend and decided that it was well worth reviewing.
By: E.J. Copperman
Copyright: November 2013
Publisher: Berkley
Alison Kerby’s guesthouse is already crowded with spirits. The last thing she needs is a whole new batch of haunts settling in.
As Alison’s reputation as “the ghost lady” grows, so does her business—and not always in a way she’d like. Tourists may be flocking to her guesthouse for a chance to glimpse her resident spirits, but her special abilities are also bringing unwanted private investigation cases to her door. And she has no choice but to take a case when the local homeless man is found murdered under mysterious circumstances, just hours after asking for help in exorcising a specter.
If that weren’t enough to deal with, Alison’s other PI case soon turns fatal, as the mistress she was spying on for a jealous wife turns up dead as well. The cases seem like they couldn’t possibly be linked, but with a mountain of clues, motives and suspects—both living and dead—Alison will have to think fast before someone else checks out for good…
My Thoughts:
Allison, her daughter and their resident ghosts are caught up in the life and death of a homeless man who had asked for Alison’s help in getting rid of the ghosts that were following him around and driving him a bit around the bend. She begged off and refused to help. If only she’d gotten involved her life would not have gotten so hectic and full of danger.
This series is one of my favorites in the paranormal cozy genre. The author really does keep it real, even with the addition of ghosts in her guest house. Let’s face it many of us have felt ghostly or spirit sensations at one time or another and just shrugged it off. Heck, we had a family ghost living with us for years. So I can enjoy this book along with the rest of the series knowing it all could actually happen one day.
FTC Full Disclosure: I received this book as a gift from a friend and decided that it was well worth reviewing.
September 23, 2022
Allison was a pill in this book, she took the ghosts for granted, she was condescending and rude, constantly trying to find ways out of the bargain SHE struck, and quite frankly it’s time for the author to either allow her to mature/progress as a character or do something. There’s a new mystery to solve, well a couple of mysteries that may or may not be connected. Allison, while taking her resident ghosts, Paul and Maxine for granted and refusing to acknowledge them, still need their help in solving these mysteries. Josh, the boyfriend is more present in this book and some resolution as to the future of the relationship is reached. Overall, not a bad read, if not for Allison 😤😒😒
May 10, 2022
I like the mystery and I continue to like the ghosts and Melissa, but Alison was whinier in this book than she normally is. That made the book decidedly less funny. I like Alison, and I even understand why she would have cause to whine. But, it went on a little longer than I had patience for. Hopefully the next book should be better considering her issue is sorted at the end of this one.
October 4, 2024
i like this series, and normally love all the sarcasm, but Allison was a bit rude in this one.
October 11, 2023
This one was really frustrating for me. The ghosts really don't seem to give Allison much grace, they push and push and act like 5 year olds most of the time wanting her to do what they want all the time. That has always been frustrating for me, but in this book it feels like everyone gangs up on her including her mother and father as well. It's like Allison is supposed to put her life on hold to do everything they request because they're dead. The books go back and forth on the ghosts wanting her to tell people they are real.
August 26, 2018
I'm said before this series reminds me so much of Topper from the 1950's -- Leo G. Carroll as Topper and the antics of George and Marion Kerby. Nicely constructed mystery. Solid elements and well drawn characters. Some great humor...I especially like the line about using Craig's list to vet a supreme court justice.
November 14, 2013
This review is also featured on The Rekindled Reader
After an annoyingly long spell of reading way-too emo and dramatic books (it happens – I think I need a YA-detox), the release of The Thrill of the Haunt, E.G. Copperman’s fifth book in the Haunted Guesthouse Mystery series, couldn’t have come at a better time.
The Haunted Guesthouse books have been some of my favorites in the cozy mystery genre for the simple fact that they’re light, entertaining and, most importantly, don’t insult my intelligence with an ignorant ditz of a main character.
I was not disappointed. The Thrill of the Haunt not only met my expectations in the “feel good / cozy” category, but it surprised me with a clever plot that I think far exceeded the standard in the genre.
Thrill of the Haunt takes place about four months after Chance of a Ghost. All Allison Kerby wants to do is live a semi-normal life as the proprietor of her fixed-up Victorian guesthouse – or, at the very least, not be referred to as “the ghost lady.” But with resident ghosties Maxie and Paul at her side, a guesthouse full of seniors waiting to be spooked, and two cases to investigate, normal doesn’t exactly fit in her schedule.
For the most part, the story splits its time between two main plots – the mysterious stabbing of a local homeless man, Everett (which, even more mysteriously, Allison’s nemesis Kerin is paying her to investigate) and the tailing of a man whose wife suspects of cheating (of course, it turns into so much more than that). I was a little skeptical of having the book split so much between investigating two seemingly unrelated plots – I didn’t even think they could be related – but Copperman does a fantastic job of trying them in together at the end.
And by “fantastic job” I mean I may or may not have actually gasped out loud. Several times. It was all dramatic.
When Allison’s not investigating her cases (or even when she is), she’s also dealing with several personal struggles, most of which can be boiled down to her refusal to embrace the fact that she can see ghosts like Maxie and Paul. It’s frustrating, because she spends so much of the book acting like she is ashamed of them and that they are such an inconvenience, but she has a successful business because of them (the senior tours markets her guesthouse as being haunted and her guests expect scheduled “ghost shows” – which Maxie and Paul gladly put on even though Allison doesn’t seem to appreciate them). I was really getting sick of Allison’s attitude, but I had a feeling (and was right) that she kind of gets what’s coming to her at the end – and it’s good. I hope her attitude toward them will improve in subsequent books (please say there will be subsequent books!).
After an annoyingly long spell of reading way-too emo and dramatic books (it happens – I think I need a YA-detox), the release of The Thrill of the Haunt, E.G. Copperman’s fifth book in the Haunted Guesthouse Mystery series, couldn’t have come at a better time.
The Haunted Guesthouse books have been some of my favorites in the cozy mystery genre for the simple fact that they’re light, entertaining and, most importantly, don’t insult my intelligence with an ignorant ditz of a main character.
I was not disappointed. The Thrill of the Haunt not only met my expectations in the “feel good / cozy” category, but it surprised me with a clever plot that I think far exceeded the standard in the genre.
Thrill of the Haunt takes place about four months after Chance of a Ghost. All Allison Kerby wants to do is live a semi-normal life as the proprietor of her fixed-up Victorian guesthouse – or, at the very least, not be referred to as “the ghost lady.” But with resident ghosties Maxie and Paul at her side, a guesthouse full of seniors waiting to be spooked, and two cases to investigate, normal doesn’t exactly fit in her schedule.
For the most part, the story splits its time between two main plots – the mysterious stabbing of a local homeless man, Everett (which, even more mysteriously, Allison’s nemesis Kerin is paying her to investigate) and the tailing of a man whose wife suspects of cheating (of course, it turns into so much more than that). I was a little skeptical of having the book split so much between investigating two seemingly unrelated plots – I didn’t even think they could be related – but Copperman does a fantastic job of trying them in together at the end.
And by “fantastic job” I mean I may or may not have actually gasped out loud. Several times. It was all dramatic.
When Allison’s not investigating her cases (or even when she is), she’s also dealing with several personal struggles, most of which can be boiled down to her refusal to embrace the fact that she can see ghosts like Maxie and Paul. It’s frustrating, because she spends so much of the book acting like she is ashamed of them and that they are such an inconvenience, but she has a successful business because of them (the senior tours markets her guesthouse as being haunted and her guests expect scheduled “ghost shows” – which Maxie and Paul gladly put on even though Allison doesn’t seem to appreciate them). I was really getting sick of Allison’s attitude, but I had a feeling (and was right) that she kind of gets what’s coming to her at the end – and it’s good. I hope her attitude toward them will improve in subsequent books (please say there will be subsequent books!).
November 19, 2013
E.J. Copperman's Haunted Guest House series continues with The Thrill of the Haunt. This is the fifth book in the series and fans are loving resident ghosts Maxie and Paul. Alison Kerby has capitalized on her ghostly apparitions by turning her guest house into a haunted inn of sorts for guests who want a supernatural experience. Copperman has a knack for writing paranormal elements into his stories. He makes the unexplainable seem possible. Readers will enjoy his attention to detail and be fully entertained by his character development. Copperman has produced a very good addition to the series.
There are so many paranormal characters to choose from. Authors can develop vampires, werewolves, witches and ghosts to make their stories have a supernatural appeal. I think E.J. Copperman does a wonderful job with the ghosts in this series. He makes them seem almost human in spite of the fact that they are dead. Maxie and Paul help Allison in a lot of her private investigation cases. They are definitely characters in their own right. They have personalities and flaws like everyone else, and Copperman does a fantastic job of showing the reader the pit falls and hazards of being incorporeal.
Allison is a very good main character for a lot of reasons. One of the things I like about her is the fact that she is normal other than the ghost thing. She isn't an elitist. She is down to earth and very easy to identify with. She likes the fact that the ghosts are a part of her livelihood but she still wishes she was like everyone else. That might come across to others like she is ashamed of Maxie and Paul. But I think it's more the fact that she wants to fit in and being 'the ghost lady' isn't what she had in mind. Copperman does a great job with her character and makes her so realistic that readers can understand her issues.
The mystery aspect of this one was divided into two cases. The death of a local homeless man and the investigation into a cheating husband. It doesn't appear in the beginning that the two are related, but readers will soon find that there is more to this mystery than meets the eye. The suspects were aplenty and the motives were believable. Copperman ties every thing up nicely by the end and the story comes to a satisfying conclusion.
This was one of those stories that I felt had a good theme and it was diverse. There was more than one thing going on at a time and readers were splitting their focus between the two cases, so when they start to come together it gets really good. I was stumped for awhile, but I did manage to figure it out toward the end. Copperman did a great job of keeping readers off balance and threw in a few red herrings as well. This is a great series for those wanting to break into reading paranormal cozies, because it starts you out kind of close and then builds.
There are so many paranormal characters to choose from. Authors can develop vampires, werewolves, witches and ghosts to make their stories have a supernatural appeal. I think E.J. Copperman does a wonderful job with the ghosts in this series. He makes them seem almost human in spite of the fact that they are dead. Maxie and Paul help Allison in a lot of her private investigation cases. They are definitely characters in their own right. They have personalities and flaws like everyone else, and Copperman does a fantastic job of showing the reader the pit falls and hazards of being incorporeal.
Allison is a very good main character for a lot of reasons. One of the things I like about her is the fact that she is normal other than the ghost thing. She isn't an elitist. She is down to earth and very easy to identify with. She likes the fact that the ghosts are a part of her livelihood but she still wishes she was like everyone else. That might come across to others like she is ashamed of Maxie and Paul. But I think it's more the fact that she wants to fit in and being 'the ghost lady' isn't what she had in mind. Copperman does a great job with her character and makes her so realistic that readers can understand her issues.
The mystery aspect of this one was divided into two cases. The death of a local homeless man and the investigation into a cheating husband. It doesn't appear in the beginning that the two are related, but readers will soon find that there is more to this mystery than meets the eye. The suspects were aplenty and the motives were believable. Copperman ties every thing up nicely by the end and the story comes to a satisfying conclusion.
This was one of those stories that I felt had a good theme and it was diverse. There was more than one thing going on at a time and readers were splitting their focus between the two cases, so when they start to come together it gets really good. I was stumped for awhile, but I did manage to figure it out toward the end. Copperman did a great job of keeping readers off balance and threw in a few red herrings as well. This is a great series for those wanting to break into reading paranormal cozies, because it starts you out kind of close and then builds.
July 11, 2014
If you haven’t yet read the earlier entries in this terrific series, of which this is number 5, I urge you to correct that as soon as possible! And to catch you up, I take the perhaps dubious liberty of repeating from my review of the last one, “Chance of a Ghost,” as follows: Allison Kerby is a single mother in her late thirties who runs a guesthouse in her childhood hometown of Harbor Haven, on the Jersey Shore, inhabited by her and her precocious eleven-year-old daughter, Melissa, as well as Maxie Malone, Alison’s resident Internet expert and former interior designer (during the time she was alive), and Paul, an English/Canadian professor turned detective, both of whom have lived there since before their deaths, and, more recently, Allison’s father. It would seem that Alison and her daughter, as well as her mother, are the only ones who can see, and hear, the ghosts.
At Paul’s urging, about two and a half years ago Allison got a private investigator’s license, and as this new book opens, she reluctantly finds herself hired by not one but two people, the first being a woman who wants Allison to follow her husband to obtain proof that he is cheating on her, and the second, with even more reluctance, by a local woman who relationship with Allison is less than friendly, who demands that Allison find out who killed a local homeless man found murdered inside a locked room (shades of Agatha Christie!). In keeping with that theme, Allison ultimately gathers together all the suspects who have been unearthed in one room is hopes of uncovering identity of the killer(s).
What makes this book as outstanding as it is (and it is that!), besides the very real mysteries underlying the plot, is the humor and dry wit of the author, which makes the novel a distinct pleasure to read. Added to the mysteries is the book’s more personal aspect, with Allison filled with ambivalence at her budding romance with a man who she has been seeing for a record-setting four months, added to her ambivalence about her detective business, or should I say sideline, with her main source of income coming from the paying clientele at her guesthouse (most definitely NOT a bed-and-breakfast, btw, as Allison makes clear).
In sum, “The Thrill of the Haunt” is an absolutely perfect beach read, and it is recommended.
At Paul’s urging, about two and a half years ago Allison got a private investigator’s license, and as this new book opens, she reluctantly finds herself hired by not one but two people, the first being a woman who wants Allison to follow her husband to obtain proof that he is cheating on her, and the second, with even more reluctance, by a local woman who relationship with Allison is less than friendly, who demands that Allison find out who killed a local homeless man found murdered inside a locked room (shades of Agatha Christie!). In keeping with that theme, Allison ultimately gathers together all the suspects who have been unearthed in one room is hopes of uncovering identity of the killer(s).
What makes this book as outstanding as it is (and it is that!), besides the very real mysteries underlying the plot, is the humor and dry wit of the author, which makes the novel a distinct pleasure to read. Added to the mysteries is the book’s more personal aspect, with Allison filled with ambivalence at her budding romance with a man who she has been seeing for a record-setting four months, added to her ambivalence about her detective business, or should I say sideline, with her main source of income coming from the paying clientele at her guesthouse (most definitely NOT a bed-and-breakfast, btw, as Allison makes clear).
In sum, “The Thrill of the Haunt” is an absolutely perfect beach read, and it is recommended.
June 6, 2015
“Alison Kerby’s guesthouse is already crowded with spirits. The last thing she needs is a whole new batch of haunts settling in.
As Alison’s reputation as “the ghost lady” grows, so does her business—and not always in a way she’d like. Tourists may be flocking to her guesthouse for a chance to glimpse her resident spirits, but her special abilities are also bringing unwanted private investigation cases to her door. And she has no choice but to take a case when the local homeless man is found murdered under mysterious circumstances, just hours after asking for help in exorcising a specter.
if that weren’t enough to deal with, Alison’s other PI case soon turns fatal, as the mistress she was spying on for a jealous wife turns up dead as well. The cases seem like they couldn’t possibly be linked, but with a mountain of clues, motives and suspects—both living and dead—Alison will have to think fast.”
A fantastic, charming, delightful mystery! What a wonderful guesthouse and bad enough 2 full time ghosts live there, well three now with Allison’s dad but more kept popping in and out throughout the whole story! A GREAT read --- a wonderfully well plotted mystery! Book is 293 pages long and I read in less than 7½ hours once I started it, I didn’t even put it down to go to bed! Would recommend that this series be read in sequence! There's just not enough stars to rate this book high enough!
As Alison’s reputation as “the ghost lady” grows, so does her business—and not always in a way she’d like. Tourists may be flocking to her guesthouse for a chance to glimpse her resident spirits, but her special abilities are also bringing unwanted private investigation cases to her door. And she has no choice but to take a case when the local homeless man is found murdered under mysterious circumstances, just hours after asking for help in exorcising a specter.
if that weren’t enough to deal with, Alison’s other PI case soon turns fatal, as the mistress she was spying on for a jealous wife turns up dead as well. The cases seem like they couldn’t possibly be linked, but with a mountain of clues, motives and suspects—both living and dead—Alison will have to think fast.”
A fantastic, charming, delightful mystery! What a wonderful guesthouse and bad enough 2 full time ghosts live there, well three now with Allison’s dad but more kept popping in and out throughout the whole story! A GREAT read --- a wonderfully well plotted mystery! Book is 293 pages long and I read in less than 7½ hours once I started it, I didn’t even put it down to go to bed! Would recommend that this series be read in sequence! There's just not enough stars to rate this book high enough!
August 19, 2015
Allison Kerby is finally settling in to a relationship with a great guy who knows nothing about the weird in her life, and Allison wants to keep it that way. But the death of a local homeless man is making that terribly difficult. Not because his ghost has come to visit her, but because one of hers has, in the form of an old not-so-chummy school friend who insists Allison use her connections as "The Ghost Lady" to find out who killed the man.
Allison doesn't want to take the case. She equally has no interest in tracking down the cheating husband of one of her guests, a woman who has taken a room she has no intention of staying on as a way to hire Allison on the down low. Allison has already accepted the money, and with the area of Harbor Haven devastated by hurricane Sandy, she needs the money.
This book might include some of my favorite plot twists yet. If you haven't started on this cozy mystery series, you are missing out.
Allison doesn't want to take the case. She equally has no interest in tracking down the cheating husband of one of her guests, a woman who has taken a room she has no intention of staying on as a way to hire Allison on the down low. Allison has already accepted the money, and with the area of Harbor Haven devastated by hurricane Sandy, she needs the money.
This book might include some of my favorite plot twists yet. If you haven't started on this cozy mystery series, you are missing out.
December 5, 2013
If you like deception, lies, murder, ghosts, a little romance and a few laughs, then this one is for you. Alison Kerby owns a guesthouse, not a B&B, that is haunted by the former owner Maxi Malone and a private investigator, Paul Harrison. They "perform" for the guests when there are any.
This time the guests are in for a real show when a homeless man is murdered by a ghost. All this and Alison has decided it is time to tell Josh her "boyfriend" about her resident ghosts. Then there is another murder. Who is killing people off and why? Will Josh run, or will he stick by Alison? Will the ghost of the homeless man find peace? How will the guests of the Guest House react to the showdown? You'll have to read the book to find out. I will tell you this, the ending brought a tear to my eye. Well done E.J Copperman, well done.
This time the guests are in for a real show when a homeless man is murdered by a ghost. All this and Alison has decided it is time to tell Josh her "boyfriend" about her resident ghosts. Then there is another murder. Who is killing people off and why? Will Josh run, or will he stick by Alison? Will the ghost of the homeless man find peace? How will the guests of the Guest House react to the showdown? You'll have to read the book to find out. I will tell you this, the ending brought a tear to my eye. Well done E.J Copperman, well done.
November 26, 2022
Warning about this book only (in this series): I nearly hated Alison throughout this book – she was just too irritating (over the top) – and I don’t buy that we as readers had to suffer through this to understand her uneasiness over getting honest with Josh. The author added too many extra words and thoughts without purpose especially so in this book. And it was very tough following all the aliases and their relationships! I recommend taking notes if you read and like this one! And for some other readers, I’d recommend reading just the 1st 2 or 3 and the last 2 or 3 chapters and skip the pain in between to know how the main characters go on within this series.
On a positive note: I found it was absolutely worthwhile going on to read the next book and not stop after this one in the series.
On a positive note: I found it was absolutely worthwhile going on to read the next book and not stop after this one in the series.
June 25, 2023
The series actually becomes more interesting and not boring at all, which is usually an issue with long cozy mystery series. So far this is my favorite CM series featuring ghosts.
The story is more interesting than the previous ones. More ghosts are introduced and that scene with the police, guests, ghosts and guns! So dangerous but at the same time a little bit funny? At least I couldn’t hide my smile while reading this part.
I wonder how the relations between Alison and Josh are going to develop and what’s the issue with Paul? Is it going to be a love triangle or not? Though I wish there wasn’t anything romantic between them.Will see…
🍓🍓🍓🍓 (4/5)
The story is more interesting than the previous ones. More ghosts are introduced and that scene with the police, guests, ghosts and guns! So dangerous but at the same time a little bit funny? At least I couldn’t hide my smile while reading this part.
I wonder how the relations between Alison and Josh are going to develop and what’s the issue with Paul? Is it going to be a love triangle or not? Though I wish there wasn’t anything romantic between them.Will see…
🍓🍓🍓🍓 (4/5)
November 11, 2013
This is the fifth book in the Haunted Guesthouse series, and the story and the characters are as fresh and enjoyable as the first book.This really is a "must read" mystery series! It has been a long time since I've found a collection of same character stories that I've enjoyed as much as these. Not only does this particular book have a satifying solution to the mystery, but it also takes the main characters to a certain level in their development and their relationships.These books are a perfect balance of character development and storyline! Read then all! Enjoy them all!
September 11, 2015
I think tricks are getting better. This story is about a closed-door murder mystery. Since ghosts exist mysteries are more interesting: the criminal could be either a person or a ghost. I like the climax, which every suspect get together and Alison and her company solve the mysteries. I enjoyed being deceived.
January 1, 2014
This is an interesting premise with the main character having resident ghosts that she interacts with.
I felt sorry for the homeless guy who she couldn't/wouldn't help.
Lots of twists and turns until a satisfying conclusion.
I'd like to read more of this series.
I felt sorry for the homeless guy who she couldn't/wouldn't help.
Lots of twists and turns until a satisfying conclusion.
I'd like to read more of this series.
November 21, 2013
I like this series. It's fun with likeable characters.
January 3, 2014
Love the series. I like the sarcastic humor of the narrator. A quick, easy and entertaining read.
December 29, 2017
Less than a week later and I remember nothing about these. :D
August 29, 2018
Main character is is so dumb i'm amazed she knows which holes her feet go in when putting on socks.... gets very boring. Read first couple and last couple of chapters. no need to read further.
January 8, 2023
I enjoyed this book. I have listened to the first five books in this series so far and have no plans of stopping. I just love the characters and even more as you get to know them with each book, I am glad that a few new comers (introduced in the last book) have decided to stick around and join in with the fun. The banter, high-jinks and help they offer is what keeps me returning and chuckling. The investigation wouldn't be the same without the ghostly involvement. The mystery was a complex one this time around, containing a number of twists but it never fails to entertain. Off to start the next book for some more chuckling.
Alison 's reputation as the ghost lady of the local guest house is getting around. First a homeless man asks for help with his ghost problem, then a guest offers to conduct a ceremony to banish all the ghosts present which also includes Alison's father now. As if that wasn't bad enough her boyfriend wants to know what secrets she is keeping from him and the local woman hire her to prove a ghost killer the homeless man she failed to help. She also fails in her only paying case when a woman hires her to catch her husband cheating on her and instead finds the mistress dead. Can Alison and her ghostly helpers solve at least one case? And stop the exorcism of her guests house? Or will she lose her friends as well as her boyfriend?
I continue to find the narrator a pleasure to listen too and hope she sticks with the series for as long as the author keeps writing.
Alison 's reputation as the ghost lady of the local guest house is getting around. First a homeless man asks for help with his ghost problem, then a guest offers to conduct a ceremony to banish all the ghosts present which also includes Alison's father now. As if that wasn't bad enough her boyfriend wants to know what secrets she is keeping from him and the local woman hire her to prove a ghost killer the homeless man she failed to help. She also fails in her only paying case when a woman hires her to catch her husband cheating on her and instead finds the mistress dead. Can Alison and her ghostly helpers solve at least one case? And stop the exorcism of her guests house? Or will she lose her friends as well as her boyfriend?
I continue to find the narrator a pleasure to listen too and hope she sticks with the series for as long as the author keeps writing.
September 22, 2022
Plot. Alison Kirby, a 30-something divorced mother of a nine-year-old girl, purchases a large seaside fixer-upper house to create a vacation inn. During rehab of the property, Alison is hit on the head with a bucket of wallboard compound. She comes to with an amazing new ability. She can see ghosts. Two live in her home, a distinguished private investigator, Paul, and a saucy and misbehaving home decorator, Maxie. Alison makes a deal with her ghosts - she will help Paul with his private investigations if he and Maxie help her put on ghostly shows to keep a steady flow of guests for her inn. The novels traverse the lives of Alison, her daughter, mother, ghosts, and assorted quirky friends, like the local police chief and newspaper owner. Murders are solved, missing persons are found, and occasional mayhem ensues. The series, at this time, consists of 8 full-length novels and two shorts. More to come, no doubt!
Liked. Delightful listening. Sarcastic and funny lead character, excellent character development, a creative plot line for each book, no sex, no objectionable language.
Not so hot. A bit slow for my taste - not criticism, rather a preference.
Written by E.J. Copperman, narrated by Amanda Ronconi, Audible originals, first story released in 2013. Each novel is 8-10 hours of listening.
Recommended - nothing profound, simply fun reading.
Liked. Delightful listening. Sarcastic and funny lead character, excellent character development, a creative plot line for each book, no sex, no objectionable language.
Not so hot. A bit slow for my taste - not criticism, rather a preference.
Written by E.J. Copperman, narrated by Amanda Ronconi, Audible originals, first story released in 2013. Each novel is 8-10 hours of listening.
Recommended - nothing profound, simply fun reading.
October 13, 2025
This was an excellent story. There were two mysteries that were very good and difficult to figure out. They were original and interesting. One was a locked door murder but, with the ghosts involved, there was a possibility they did it which of course the MC was trying to disprove.
The characters, as usual, were wonderful, all distinct, original, and enjoyable. I especially love the narrating character. She’s very smart. Through her, the author is quite clever with very witty wordplay.
I like how the secondary characters are written. There were a lot of fun people. Sybil was interesting but I would have kicked her out the moment she told me why she was there. Every time they talked, I would have kicked her out if I hadn’t already. If she didn’t leave, I’d call the police.
The endgame was exciting and dizzying. The solution was insanely complicated and presented with a bunch of people talking so it took some sussing out.
I can’t wait to read the next one.
The narrator, Amanda Ronconi, really makes the story come alive. The voices are varied, her narration of the main character Alison superb and the various situations excellently presented.
The characters, as usual, were wonderful, all distinct, original, and enjoyable. I especially love the narrating character. She’s very smart. Through her, the author is quite clever with very witty wordplay.
I like how the secondary characters are written. There were a lot of fun people. Sybil was interesting but I would have kicked her out the moment she told me why she was there. Every time they talked, I would have kicked her out if I hadn’t already. If she didn’t leave, I’d call the police.
The endgame was exciting and dizzying. The solution was insanely complicated and presented with a bunch of people talking so it took some sussing out.
I can’t wait to read the next one.
The narrator, Amanda Ronconi, really makes the story come alive. The voices are varied, her narration of the main character Alison superb and the various situations excellently presented.
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