Adjusting to life at Beechwood Inn, with its magical quirks and paranormal guests, was adventure enough. But when the spectral form of Rachel Palmer crashes into my world, things go sideways all over again.
Rachel's memory is a fractured mirror, with the reflection of Sean Harrington, her wealthy ex-boyfriend, caught in its shards. Despite accusations and suspicions, Rachel's ethereal heart refuses to believe Sean's guilt.
Diving headfirst into the maze of Rachel's past, every corner I turn reveals secrets long cloaked in shadows. Sinister forces are mounting against me, but the heartache and hope of Rachel's parents, along with Sean's enduring love, draw me deeper into the cold case mystery.
In piecing together the puzzle of Rachel's tragically short life, I find more than I bargained for—something that might change the course of my own future.
This book was so good! It has quickly become my favorite installment in the series. I loved how all the different storylines and characters intertwined in this volume, allowing me to revisit some of my all-time favorite characters. Danielle Garrett's writing is simply delightful; she has a true talent for crafting cozy mysteries that keep me hooked from beginning to end. Every time I pick up one of her books, I know I'm in for a good time. I definitely recommend exploring her works, especially if you're a fan of cozy mysteries. You won't be disappointed!
I think I prefer her ghost books, this one was more nostalgic overlapping with her Beechwood Harbor Mystery series, which I enjoyed a lot more. I missed Pancake!
These are delightful, like marshmallow fluff with some peanut butter swirled in. And the narration is 5🌟 all perfect for getting through difficult times.
This felt like a slight step back compared to the first two, probably because here I was more invested in the mystery and the resolution wasn't super satisfying.
I think that this was similar to the first two in that the mystery is the focus but the real standout part of the book is the atmosphere of Blair's life at the inn and then the mystery just kind of gets resolved.
And in the first two that worked since the tone of they mystery felt like it matched the overall cozy atmosphere in that they were rather low stakes so I was okay with the neat, tidy resolution. But in here, the mystery is a murder so I was a lot more interested in the investigation and the wrap up wasn't super satisfying, felt too easy. Definitely matched the tone of the series to date though, this definitely hasn't turned into a darker series than it was.
Which isn't to say that it wasn't realistic, I couldn't comment on how murder investigations usually go but it didn't feel like Blair's investigation built up to the climax very satisfyingly. Honestly, if the tone of this series isn't going to change then I'd almost prefer that the main mysteries stay more low stakes, the murder mystery felt very out of place. Though maybe if the resolution was more satisfying or more built up to I'd have enjoyed it more.
But, I enjoyed returning the inn and I liked meeting the ghosts. Flapjack was great in here, I found him very funny and thought he was underused. I'm hoping he comes back in the next books.
Ghosts in the Garden (Magic Inn Paranormal Mysteries #3)
In a Nutshell: The story follows Blair, a newly discovered witch who turns into a cat when she's under stress. In this instalment, she is finally settling into her role at the Beechwood Inn, a sanctuary for supernatural beings. However, things take a turn when she encounters the ghost of Rachel Palmer, a young woman with a fractured memory. Blair must dive into Rachel's past to solve a cold case mystery involving a wealthy ex-boyfriend and long-hidden family secrets, all while managing the magical chaos of the inn.
Why I Enjoyed: It Blair is a relatable protagonist—sweet, caring, and still a bit overwhelmed by her new magical reality. Her "stress-cat" transformations add a fun, lighthearted element to the story. The cold case plot provides a solid hook, and the "ghost with amnesia" trope is handled well, keeping the reader guessing about the truth behind Rachel's death.
As with many long-running cosy mystery series, it follows a fairly established formula. If you’ve read the first two books, you’ll know exactly what to expect. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it delivers exactly what fans of the genre want.
Verdict A lovely, breezy read. I’ll be starting the next one in the series soon as I am intrigued to find out what has happened to Grandma!
This is an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. A fun cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. Beachwood harbor was a great series. This new series takes place six or seven years after the original one ended. Holly and her crew are now running the beach Harbor Inn And her potion shop in the Haven. Every so often she still takes in a wayward paranormal route to her by the spot agents. Blair McGill is one such particular paranormal. Almost 30 years old she did not even know that she was a paranormal. Then one day she saw a vampire and that vampire tried to attack her and she transformed into a cat. You might think well she must be a shifter. You’d be wrong as she is a witch who happens to be able to turn into a cat. She approved her life from Tacoma and moved to Beachwood harbor to live with Holly and her crew at the beach Harbor Inn. She’s learning how to control her powers and working at Holly‘s potion shop to help out. She also happens to be friends with one of the spa agents and occasionally find yourself in the middle of a mystery that her and Holly and the rest of the crew try to find out the truth. Once again there is a new adventure going on And you must read onto to see what it is.
The Magic Inn is the gift that keeps on giving! I love this series. It's great keeping up with Holly and Adam and their family - including Harmony who works in Holly's potions shop. This was an interesting mystery with some clues that didn't seem to go anywhere. I really recommend this book!
Amazon synopsis: Adjusting to life at Beechwood Inn, with its magical quirks and paranormal guests, was adventure enough. But when the spectral form of Rachel Palmer crashes into my world, things go sideways all over again.
Rachel’s memory is a fractured mirror, with the reflection of Sean Harrington, her wealthy ex-boyfriend, caught in its shards. Despite accusations and suspicions, Rachel’s ethereal heart refuses to believe Sean’s guilt.
Diving headfirst into the maze of Rachel’s past, every corner I turn reveals secrets long cloaked in shadows. Sinister forces are mounting against me, but the heartache and hope of Rachel’s parents, along with Sean’s enduring love, draw me deeper into the cold case mystery.
In piecing together the puzzle of Rachel’s tragically short life, I find more than I bargained for—something that might change the course of my own future.
Blair is practicing her magic. She meets a guy with a dragon named Sir Pickles. (Okay, not the best name to choose. Hopefully the Dragon doesn't understand English or it might take offense.)
Then there's the ghost of a woman named Rachel who died years before and how no memory of just what happened to her. Then there's Flapjack, a Himalayan cat ghost who manages to scare Blair.
Problem with that? When scared she changes into a cat form and doesn't really know exactly when she will change back.
There's also a romantic interest and, of course, a killer. So, Blair needs to find Rachel's killer so Rachel can move on to whatever comes next.
I like Blair's character and her involuntary changing into a cat form can be humorous and is definitely something different. It's a pretty good story and I enjoyed it.
💕 Positives: * Solving a murder mystery with the murdered victim (as a ghost) was pretty inventive.
* Flapjack is somehow lovable. Totally enjoyed seeing Gwen and the other ghost as well.
* The mystery was well thought out and fun to solve.
* The ending was so good! Tear inducing but good!
🚫 Negatives: None.
⚡Content Warning: None.
🌟 Overall, I really enjoyed this book. This is the first cozy mystery to make me tear up at the end, but it's bittersweet. Loved the mystery and all of the red herrings. Also, it was great to see Blair's relationship grow with the spa agent. The only downside is I have to wait until next year for the next book! Oh well, hopefully time will fly by.
This is a fun read, particularly for those who read Ms. Garrett's original Beechwood Harbor Magic series, the spinoff series, Beechwood Harbor Ghosts series, and the current Magic Inn Paranormal mysteries series. The mystery is compelling, and I enjoy getting to know Blair and Brandon. I particularly enjoy the glimpses we get of Holly and her family, particularly the antics of their children, but I admit that I haven't yet developed the same attachment to Blair and Brandon that I had for the characters in the former series. No doubt that will change as the series progresses and develops, and in the meantime, I enjoy following Blair's journey of self-discovery.
Amanda Ronconi does her usual superb job of voicing the characters.
I know the core of this and books like it are the discovery of new skills and self-confidence.
The idea that a complete stranger digs hip deep into other people's business will always be offensive to me.
If they have a connection with the deceased or a proper badge of any kind would be a little comforting, but no, just a passing obsession.
Walking into the danger of the unknown. A killer's living room, a park after dark, and a possibly empty office. Mostly with no weapons or even offensive magical powers. More often than not no one knows where they have gone to rescue them later.
Dealing with ghost problems is always more difficult than the stories make them seem.
Believe it or not.
✌🏾
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Danielle Garrett's third book about a new witch who sometimes turns into a black cat, is a great read. Blair is finally settling into her abilities, with the help of Holly, Holly's family, and her new friend, Harmony, as well as support from the new man her life. Then she meets a ghost for the first time. Helping this ghost find out how she died, sets Blair on a new path and she finds she really enjoys helping others with her new found powers. This is a must read for those who are already lovers of the denizens of Beechwood Harbor, as well as those who might be visiting for the first time!
GHOSTS IN THE GARDEN: MAGIC INN PARANORMAL MYSTERIES
GHOSTS IN THE GARDEN: MAGIC INN PARANORMAL MYSTERIES #3
Another winner for Danielle!
She never disappoints! A plethora of quirky characters along with Holly and the rest of her paranormal crew makes reading each book a MUST READ! Once you're in, you NEVER want out! Never doubt you'll always be "hungry" for the next book! Can't wait for the next one! Please hurry up, Danielle!
4.5 Finished book 3. Super excited and hope there will be more. I really like all of the different series but how they all blend. It would be fun if these things were real. Especially if you can travel pretty much anywhere in a short amount of time from the portal. I think that would be really beneficial for all of us. I like Blaire she reminds me of Holly. Just always getting all up in everything. I would like to have her learn more about the witchcraft but it seems slow in this series. I’m not sure why but I hope as the series goes there will be more.
Blair sees a ghost for the first time and it sends her on a trail of a girl who died 30yrs ago. When Holly calls in ghostly reinforcements, we get to see some old friends again. Blair hopes to find closure for the ghost and her loved ones while opening herself to the possibility that she may get her own closure as well.
So great to be back in Beechwood. Cant wait to see what happens next!
Garrett has a writing style that pulls the reader in with ease and transports them to a world of magic, mayhem and mystery. I felt so completely part of it all! I love Blair, she is one of my favorite characters. And YAY! A favorite character from another series makes an appearance, and he isn’t the only one! So cool! The mystery was twisty, just the way I love it. And the end… I cried. That was so moving! Go read this!
I love it when several books in a series are available to read so I can stay immersed in an enjoyable visit! It's hard when a book ends and there is no more or you have to wait for the next in the series. This was one such visit....err, series! No disclaimers here, just know the characters are fun, the story kept me glued and now I want the next book! Thank you Ms Garrett, for letting me visit Beechwood Manor and its inhabitants!!
Blair learns that ghosts are very real and has the honor…or misfortune…of meeting Flapjack! I love that cat! I think it’s fantastic that there are crossover characters in all the Beechwood stories. It makes it all so much more fun! This was one tricky cold case that Blair ended up in. How she finally got the answers she needed was magical, without needing to use actual magic! This was a great book and I can’t wait to read the next one!
I am not one to spoil the story line or plot because I feel if you truly want to read a good book its horribly to have it spoiled. This book in the series is just as good as the others. The intrigue, and wonder is all there along with the lovely characters that we love from Beechwood Harbor along with some others. So get some tea and curl up with the book and enjoy.
The author writes about relationships rather than murder. Don't get me wrong , there is a mystery and a murder present but the relationships are the main topic. I personally enjoyed the relationships and the author has done a fine job keeping track of how many characters she has written in and their relationships with each other and the main character. Also, everyone likes a good cry. It's a good, happy cry, so enjoy.
I'm loving this series some of the characters from the others are in the book makes it really good reading I'm loving the kids I'm hoping things happen really great with those 2 and I'm hoping Blair finds out what she is I can't wait I'm on to the next book if you're looking for an easy read something enjoyable you'll laugh you'll cry pick it up hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Great catching up with Gwen, Hayward, and Flapjack again.
Good clean fun story! Loved seeing all the Beachwood Harbor residents and finding out what they are doing now. Especially the ghosts Gwen, Hayward, and Flapjack. Flapjack is as annoying as usual. You find out more about Blair's magic with each book. Can't wait for the next book. Great series.
I'm loving this series. The characters are fun & the storylines keeps me wanting more. I also love that this series takes in the characters from other books in the Beechwood Inn mysteries. It's like spending time with old friends. I would recommend that you read the Beechwood Magic series first & the Beechwood Ghost second. You won't be disappointed.
Blair is now living in the Inn with her new family.her abi ll its to see ghosts makes her investigate one night- a noise the the Inn's garden. And so she meets with Rachael who is indeed an unhappy Ghost. Great story from Danielle Garrett - highly recommend this story.
So nice to meet friendly ghosts and be able to help them. The ending was very touching and just really great. Getting closer for someone has to be a good feeling for all involved. The dragon we meet in this story was a great addition. I enjoy these people and look forward to more books with them.
I've been enjoying this series, and look forward to more. As with the last book, there were small inconsistencies but I'm not sure if I misread or misunderstood something, and it didn't diminish the read. This felt so familiar which was nice. The characters and story are so easy to follow. I like how quick and easy these books are, and how they always leave me wanting more.
Blair is making headway with her new found skills. However, when she discovers a ghost hovering above the flower bed things become a bit tense. This time around, Blair is trying to figure out what happened in a 30 year old cold case.
This is the 3rd book in the series and well worth your reading time! Greatly looking forward to book 4!
The girls and the inn are forever full of surprises. From potions to bakery to kids and the SPA. There is never a dull moment. Having a fairy godmother and the convention of fairy godmother who have internal turmoil the Inn is always hopping. Helping a ghost cross over is a nice touch.
I thought this was a pretty good mystery. If only ghost could really help solve their cold cases. I feel bad for Blair because she just learned about the world of magic and now she’s seeing ghosts. When reading this book, prepare for a tearjerker at the end. I’ll be reading the next book in the series.