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A Ghost of Granny Apples Mystery #4.5
Dummy of a Ghost
“A pleasant mix of cozy and paranormal” (The Mystery Reader) this “appealing as apple pie” (Harley Jane Kozak) series “proves the vivacious Jaffarian is the literary heir apparent to Lucille Ball!” (The Book Resort) as a spiritual medium counts on family (those dead and alive) to help her get to the core of the most baffling crimes…A party is giving Kelly Whitecastle a chance to play catch-up with old friends, and she’s especially keen on seeing Chris May again, an up-and-coming ventriloquist. But when Kelly sees his show, and Chris’s dummies, a couple named Shirley and Doug, appear to be staring straight at her, it only rattles Kelly’s nerves.It seems that the ghosts of Chris’s grandparents inhabit those grinning heads full of sawdust and they have a warning for Chris is in mortal danger. Now Kelly’s working the nightclub circuit to find out who—or what—wants Chris dead. And she’d better do it fast before the final curtain falls on Chris’s act.Includes excerpts from the first three books in the series, plus a preview of the new Ghost of Granny Apples Mystery, Ghost of a GamblePraise for the Ghost of Granny Apples Mystery “Likable characters and steady suspense… [Sue Ann Jaffarian] makes paranormal activity seem plausible. One of the best cozy authors for light chatter and low-key humor.”—Library Journal“Delectable…introduces Ish Reynolds (aka ‘Granny Apples’), a charming turn-of-the-20th-century spirit and pie maker.” —Publishers Weekly
106 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2014
25 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
About the author
Sue Ann Jaffarian
68 books545 followersSue Ann Jaffarian is the author of the popular Odelia Grey mystery series, the Ghost of Granny Apples mystery series and the Madison Rose vampire mysteries, as well as short stories.
Sue Ann also writes the Winnie Wilde romance novellas.
Like the character Odelia Grey, Sue Ann Jaffarian is a middle-aged, plus-sized paralegal. She lives in Los Angeles.
In addition to writing, Sue Ann is sought after as a motivational/ humorous speaker. You can visit her on the web at www.sueannjaffarian.com, www.sueannjaffarian.blogspot.com, and on Twitter and Facebook.
Sue Ann also writes the Winnie Wilde romance novellas.
Like the character Odelia Grey, Sue Ann Jaffarian is a middle-aged, plus-sized paralegal. She lives in Los Angeles.
In addition to writing, Sue Ann is sought after as a motivational/ humorous speaker. You can visit her on the web at www.sueannjaffarian.com, www.sueannjaffarian.blogspot.com, and on Twitter and Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 5, 2014
This e-novella once again focuses on Emma's daughter Kelly, who is home for Spring Break reconnecting with her high school friends. When she sees a ghost who tells her one friend is in some unknown danger, she teams up with Granny and Emma to find out what is happening.
The characters are strong and the plot is great. This may be a novella, but everything is perfectly developed. The virtual pages flew by, and I can't wait until the next novel comes out next month.
NOTE: I was sent an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
The characters are strong and the plot is great. This may be a novella, but everything is perfectly developed. The virtual pages flew by, and I can't wait until the next novel comes out next month.
NOTE: I was sent an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
December 31, 2014
this is another good read from Sue Ann Jafferian. This is a novella in the Granny Apples series and it focuses on Kelly Emma daughter. When Kelly's friend who is in danger Kelly, her mom Emma, Ghost of Granny have to help him and the ghosts of his grandparents. If you are a fan of Sue Ann's Granny Apples series, or of a good paranormal cozy you need to read this one.
February 4, 2021
I read the first three books in this series several years ago and thought they were pretty good. I recently found that the author had added several more books and novellas to the series, so I wanted to catch up. When I got to Dummy of a Ghost and had read several chapters, I was appalled to find that the "victims" in the story were a gay couple. The main characters were so excited for them and wanted to help them with their wedding, etc. I felt tricked into reading something I would never choose to read. I really think it would only be fair if book reviews would make it clear in their descriptions when the content is going to be something that is unacceptable to MANY people. I am very disappointed in this author. I would like some kind of rating system like they have for movies.
January 26, 2020
While the overall plot was good, I was a bit disappointed in Kelly & Emma. The description led me to believe that Kelly is the main character just like in the other novella, The Silent Ghost, but she wasn't. Kelly turns to her mom for advice and before we know it, Emma is calling the shots and on the scene. This disappointed me A LOT !
February 27, 2023
Just wonderful❤
I have enjoyed every Granny Apple book and this is no exception! Full of family, mystery, adventure and humor. Granny is such a spitfire...she adds a special spark to each adventure. This one moved quickly and kept me reading past my bedtime! But it was well worth😊it. I'm excited to see where we head next in this great series.
I have enjoyed every Granny Apple book and this is no exception! Full of family, mystery, adventure and humor. Granny is such a spitfire...she adds a special spark to each adventure. This one moved quickly and kept me reading past my bedtime! But it was well worth😊it. I'm excited to see where we head next in this great series.
January 6, 2019
Wonderful!
I love Granny Apples and was thrilled to find this short story. Read this in order with the series. It is before Ghost of a Gamble. Great characters and plots in this series. I literally laugh out loud reading these books.
I love Granny Apples and was thrilled to find this short story. Read this in order with the series. It is before Ghost of a Gamble. Great characters and plots in this series. I literally laugh out loud reading these books.
August 1, 2019
Easy, breezy, and cozy with a red herring
Despite a few editorial errors, it was an easy read, with a surprise finish. It will be interesting to watch the characters develop in future books.
Despite a few editorial errors, it was an easy read, with a surprise finish. It will be interesting to watch the characters develop in future books.
February 13, 2018
Fun short story
February 14, 2019
A fun cozy paranormal series.
November 3, 2023
3.75 stars
January 11, 2017
Kelly Whitecastle has a different type of gift, she can see and speak to dead people and the spirits seek her out when they need help.
Chris May is one of Kelly’s old friends. While she went to college he became a fairly good ventriloquist. His two most popular dummies are Shirley and Doug. Chris had the dummies made to look like his dead grandparents, Shirley and Doug Pearson.
While at a mutual friend’s party where Chris was entertaining with Shirley Kelly noticed a glint in Shirley’s eyes. Since most dummy’s eyes are made of wood and don’t tend to glint Kelly realized that the dummy was haunted. When she was finally able to get some alone time with the dummy Shirley appeared and said that she and her dead husband, Doug, was afraid that someone was out to hurt Chris, their grandson.
Chris owns a company with his boyfriend, Edgar. Edgar made the dummies and was slowly becoming the person who ventriloquists sought out so they could order custom-made ones.
Where there’s one ghost there’s sure to be another in the form of Ish Reynolds, Kelly’s great, great, great, great grandmother. Ish is better known as Granny Apples, Granny for short. Granny and Kelly decide to get Kelly’s mom, Emma Whitecastle, involved. Emma has been seeing, hearing, and helping lost spirits for quite a while and is much better at discovering what the ghosts need.
When Kelly and Emma go to visit Chris at his home they discovered him in the back yard laying on the ground. He said he fell and hit his head but neither Kelly nor Emma believed that. When Edgar comes home he said that “Snoop Dog” who is really, Sylvia Doxson, their elderly nosy neighbor who lives across the street, told him that an ambulance was at his house. Edgar wanted Chris to go to the hospital but Chris refused. Kelly and Emma are suspicious when they see a look that the two men gave each other.
Mother and daughter then visit “Snoop Dog”, whoops, I mean Miss Doxson. The woman said that someone has been breaking into Edgar and Chris’ home and that she thinks there has been a murder there too but no one believes her, not even the police.
Everyone, ghosts and live people alike, think that Edgar and Chris are hiding something and in order to protect them everyone plans to help Emma and Kelly investigate.
“Dummy of a Ghost” by Sue Ann Jaffarian is a novella in the Ghost of Granny Apples Mystery Series. It’s a short fun read that includes all the usual characters from the longer novels. Even Phil, Emma’s boyfriend is involved.
The book is only about 100 pages and can easily be read in a few hours or less. This series is violence free and a harmless read.
I enjoy all of Ms. Jaffarian’s books and series and always waiting for the next novel she’ll release.
Find all my reviews at https://sharonreadsblog.wordpress.com/
Chris May is one of Kelly’s old friends. While she went to college he became a fairly good ventriloquist. His two most popular dummies are Shirley and Doug. Chris had the dummies made to look like his dead grandparents, Shirley and Doug Pearson.
While at a mutual friend’s party where Chris was entertaining with Shirley Kelly noticed a glint in Shirley’s eyes. Since most dummy’s eyes are made of wood and don’t tend to glint Kelly realized that the dummy was haunted. When she was finally able to get some alone time with the dummy Shirley appeared and said that she and her dead husband, Doug, was afraid that someone was out to hurt Chris, their grandson.
Chris owns a company with his boyfriend, Edgar. Edgar made the dummies and was slowly becoming the person who ventriloquists sought out so they could order custom-made ones.
Where there’s one ghost there’s sure to be another in the form of Ish Reynolds, Kelly’s great, great, great, great grandmother. Ish is better known as Granny Apples, Granny for short. Granny and Kelly decide to get Kelly’s mom, Emma Whitecastle, involved. Emma has been seeing, hearing, and helping lost spirits for quite a while and is much better at discovering what the ghosts need.
When Kelly and Emma go to visit Chris at his home they discovered him in the back yard laying on the ground. He said he fell and hit his head but neither Kelly nor Emma believed that. When Edgar comes home he said that “Snoop Dog” who is really, Sylvia Doxson, their elderly nosy neighbor who lives across the street, told him that an ambulance was at his house. Edgar wanted Chris to go to the hospital but Chris refused. Kelly and Emma are suspicious when they see a look that the two men gave each other.
Mother and daughter then visit “Snoop Dog”, whoops, I mean Miss Doxson. The woman said that someone has been breaking into Edgar and Chris’ home and that she thinks there has been a murder there too but no one believes her, not even the police.
Everyone, ghosts and live people alike, think that Edgar and Chris are hiding something and in order to protect them everyone plans to help Emma and Kelly investigate.
“Dummy of a Ghost” by Sue Ann Jaffarian is a novella in the Ghost of Granny Apples Mystery Series. It’s a short fun read that includes all the usual characters from the longer novels. Even Phil, Emma’s boyfriend is involved.
The book is only about 100 pages and can easily be read in a few hours or less. This series is violence free and a harmless read.
I enjoy all of Ms. Jaffarian’s books and series and always waiting for the next novel she’ll release.
Find all my reviews at https://sharonreadsblog.wordpress.com/
February 28, 2014
http://openbooksociety.com/article/du...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Laurie
While the Ghost of Granny Apples series focuses on television medium Emma Whitecastle, this novella features Emma’s daughter, Kelly, as the protagonist and chief sleuth. Kelly is discovering that she has some paranormal abilities of her own. I did not find Kelly to be a particularly likeable character. I prefer her mother. Kelly is a Harvard student. It’s impossible to forget this, because Kelly and the rest of the Whitecastle family name drop “Harvard” at every available opportunity. Harvard, Harvard, Harvard. Kelly seems to be too perfect to be real.
The novella is a departure from the regular series in other ways too. We don’t see nearly as much of the delightfully acerbic Granny Apples. Granny helps solve the case, but we don’t’ get as much of her snark. Far more important are the ghosts of Chris’s kindly grandparents. This is a shame, because Granny Apples is what makes this series. Jaffarian writes snark really, really well. This novella felt like a move away from Jaffarian’s strengths. The best character in the book is Chris and Edgar’s snoopy, busy-body neighbor, known to the neighborhood as “Snoop Dog.” Cranky, nosy characters are Jaffarian’s forte. This book could have used more of them and less of Kelly.
The best part of this book was the setting, in the world of ventriloquism. It’s an interesting corner of the theater world, one I’m surprised other authors haven’t embraced. In this book the dolls serve as vessels for ghosts. I can see even greater possibilities in using this world of thrown voices and alternate identities as a setting for murder. Even in this short book the reader gets a sense of the strange and intense personalities of the practitioners.
In sum, I don’t think this is Jaffarian’s best work, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not worth reading this series or her work more broadly. Stick to the novels, don’t start with the novellas. Jaffarian has a great knack for writing a certain kind of character. Unfortunately there aren’t many of those characters in this novella.
*An ebook copy of this title was supplied by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Laurie
While the Ghost of Granny Apples series focuses on television medium Emma Whitecastle, this novella features Emma’s daughter, Kelly, as the protagonist and chief sleuth. Kelly is discovering that she has some paranormal abilities of her own. I did not find Kelly to be a particularly likeable character. I prefer her mother. Kelly is a Harvard student. It’s impossible to forget this, because Kelly and the rest of the Whitecastle family name drop “Harvard” at every available opportunity. Harvard, Harvard, Harvard. Kelly seems to be too perfect to be real.
The novella is a departure from the regular series in other ways too. We don’t see nearly as much of the delightfully acerbic Granny Apples. Granny helps solve the case, but we don’t’ get as much of her snark. Far more important are the ghosts of Chris’s kindly grandparents. This is a shame, because Granny Apples is what makes this series. Jaffarian writes snark really, really well. This novella felt like a move away from Jaffarian’s strengths. The best character in the book is Chris and Edgar’s snoopy, busy-body neighbor, known to the neighborhood as “Snoop Dog.” Cranky, nosy characters are Jaffarian’s forte. This book could have used more of them and less of Kelly.
The best part of this book was the setting, in the world of ventriloquism. It’s an interesting corner of the theater world, one I’m surprised other authors haven’t embraced. In this book the dolls serve as vessels for ghosts. I can see even greater possibilities in using this world of thrown voices and alternate identities as a setting for murder. Even in this short book the reader gets a sense of the strange and intense personalities of the practitioners.
In sum, I don’t think this is Jaffarian’s best work, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not worth reading this series or her work more broadly. Stick to the novels, don’t start with the novellas. Jaffarian has a great knack for writing a certain kind of character. Unfortunately there aren’t many of those characters in this novella.
*An ebook copy of this title was supplied by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2014
My first Sue Ann Jaffarian book was the first in the Odelia Grey mystery series. It was after that, that I fell in love with her charm and her witty writing style. Her characters always have a bubbly personality that's simply infectious. It's always a pleasure to read her work, and Dummy of a Ghost is no exception.
Generally speaking, novellas that are written in to the middle of a series can either go one way or another. They can either add a lot to a story, or they can be completely random and unnecessary. But when an author takes the opportunity to explore in a little more detail one of the minor characters of a series, it's generally magic. This is precisely what Ms. Jaffarian has done.
The lucky character in this book is Kelly, the daughter of another character in her Ghost of Granny Apples series. Right from the start, Sue Ann's signature charm is present in Kelly. She's witty and bold, exhibiting some of the same characteristics of her mother, Emma.
My favorite part of this short story, however, is the creativity behind the setting. Ventriloquism is intriguing all on it's own. But to add an air of mystery to the puppets themselves is brilliantly haunting. I loved that she took the paranormal and mixed it with something so different from your run of the mill ideas. What an extraordinary way to convey the voices of the dead to the living. Bravo, Ms. Jaffarian!
This is a fantastic addition to an already wonderful series. If you're looking for something new to read, Ms. Jaffarian is a great place to start.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions are my own.
Generally speaking, novellas that are written in to the middle of a series can either go one way or another. They can either add a lot to a story, or they can be completely random and unnecessary. But when an author takes the opportunity to explore in a little more detail one of the minor characters of a series, it's generally magic. This is precisely what Ms. Jaffarian has done.
The lucky character in this book is Kelly, the daughter of another character in her Ghost of Granny Apples series. Right from the start, Sue Ann's signature charm is present in Kelly. She's witty and bold, exhibiting some of the same characteristics of her mother, Emma.
My favorite part of this short story, however, is the creativity behind the setting. Ventriloquism is intriguing all on it's own. But to add an air of mystery to the puppets themselves is brilliantly haunting. I loved that she took the paranormal and mixed it with something so different from your run of the mill ideas. What an extraordinary way to convey the voices of the dead to the living. Bravo, Ms. Jaffarian!
This is a fantastic addition to an already wonderful series. If you're looking for something new to read, Ms. Jaffarian is a great place to start.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions are my own.
March 17, 2014
It’s spring break and Kelly Whitecastle pays a vist to her family and friends. One of her friends, Chris, is on his way to becoming a successful ventriloquist. His two newest puppets, Doug and Shirley, seem to have a special glow to them when Kelly looks at them. It’s not long before she realizes they are more than simple puppets.
The ghosts of Chris’ grandparents have taken over the puppets and ask for Kelly’s help. Their grandson is in danger and it’s up to Kelly to save him. Kelly seeks the assistance of her mother, Emma, and Granny Apples in figuring out what is going on and save Chris and his partner Edgar.
This is the first book I read in the “A Ghost of Granny Apples Mystery” series, but it definitely won’t be my last. Dummy of A Ghost is a novella and gave me a nice introduction to the series. Although it follows book #4 and is a short story, I was still able to follow along and grew to love the characters. It’s not always easy to combine a cozy mystery with paranormal aspects, but this author does it with style and it makes for a quick, enjoyable read.
FTC Disclosure: The publisher provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
The ghosts of Chris’ grandparents have taken over the puppets and ask for Kelly’s help. Their grandson is in danger and it’s up to Kelly to save him. Kelly seeks the assistance of her mother, Emma, and Granny Apples in figuring out what is going on and save Chris and his partner Edgar.
This is the first book I read in the “A Ghost of Granny Apples Mystery” series, but it definitely won’t be my last. Dummy of A Ghost is a novella and gave me a nice introduction to the series. Although it follows book #4 and is a short story, I was still able to follow along and grew to love the characters. It’s not always easy to combine a cozy mystery with paranormal aspects, but this author does it with style and it makes for a quick, enjoyable read.
FTC Disclosure: The publisher provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 29, 2014
Dummy of a Ghost is the next installment in the Granny Apple stories by Sue Ann Jaffarian. This time Emma and Kelly are asked by two new ghosts to find out who is targeting their grandson for harm. Chris is a puppeteer who has designed to puppets to be in his show. They are in the likeness of his grandparents, Shirley and Doug. What Chris doesn’t know is that the ghosts of Shirley and Doug are hanging around to protect him. Are they protecting him from his partner Edgar’s past or from someone else? When Emma and Kelly Whitecastle get involved a lot more than just ghost hunting happens. Along the way, there is a reunion that should bring tears to your eyes….it did mine anyway and a new found friendship. I can’t wait for the next book in the series, Ghost of a Gamble comes out in April of 2014.
May 23, 2014
I discovered Sue Ann Jaffarian last year. I have read all of her books except her current Granny Apples mystery, which I have on my Kindle waiting for me, and her vampire books. I don't care for vampires, but I have had several of the people on her FB fan page tell me I should really give them a try. I'm thinking I'll do just that come October. I have read all of her books either on Kindle or found them at the library. Not only does she write the Ghost of Granny Apples books, but she also writes the Odelia Grey mysteries. They are a hoot! If you want a lighthearted who done it to read, this is the author I recommend.
August 18, 2016
3.5 stars.
Another charming novel with Emma, Kelly and Granny helping out friends.
Chris is a puppeteer. His puppets are modelled after his grandparents, Shirley and Doug.
At a show, Kelly,ma high school friend, notices that Shirley is actually haunted by the ghost of the real Shirley.
Once Shirley realizes that Kelly can see and hear her, she asks for her help. Chris is in danger but she doesn't know from what. Kelly agrees to help and goes to visit Chris, his partner Edgar, along with her mother, Emma.
As always, the mystery is solved and all ends happily..
Another charming novel with Emma, Kelly and Granny helping out friends.
Chris is a puppeteer. His puppets are modelled after his grandparents, Shirley and Doug.
At a show, Kelly,ma high school friend, notices that Shirley is actually haunted by the ghost of the real Shirley.
Once Shirley realizes that Kelly can see and hear her, she asks for her help. Chris is in danger but she doesn't know from what. Kelly agrees to help and goes to visit Chris, his partner Edgar, along with her mother, Emma.
As always, the mystery is solved and all ends happily..
December 30, 2015
When Kelly attends a party where an old schoolmate is performing as a ventriloquist, she never expects to see a ghost in his dummy! Especially not one that somehow resembles the dummy. When she and her mother pay a visit to Chris and his partner, they find Chris injured. He claims he just fell, but it appears as if he were attacked. And the ghosts are very concerned about his safety. Can Kelly and Emma figure out just where the danger is coming from and head it off?
August 27, 2014
I thought her first short story The Silent Ghost was MUCH better. Still, not a bad short story to keep the characters fresh in a readers memory between full-length books.
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/969049...
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/969049...
March 6, 2014
A short novella featuring a wonderful ghost named Granny Apples! Who wouldn't want a mischievous ghost looking over her shoulder? This is a series of books that will be hard to put down once you start. Grab the books, I promise you will become addicted to Granny Apples!
March 9, 2014
This is a novella but Sue Ann Jaffarian still develops her characters just as well as in her full novels. This is a great read and I can't wait for the rest.
June 13, 2014
Very enjoyable, light, quick read. I really liked the story. Read it sitting by the pool - perfect!
March 27, 2015
Great story. I really enjoy the two short stories involving Emma's daughter. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
October 3, 2015
a quick and fun read. her books always make me smile and sometimes laugh!
definitely a must read author!
definitely a must read author!
November 22, 2015
Good story. Wish it wasn't just online.
December 22, 2015
Fabulous read! Granny Is a fantastic character. Must give kudos to Sue Ann for another great book. I especially loved the "dummies" Shirley and Doug.
September 6, 2017
Cute short story.
January 28, 2016
Cute characters
I love the granny apples books! They're clean and always entertaining. Sit down for an enjoyable couple of hours and catch up with them.
I love the granny apples books! They're clean and always entertaining. Sit down for an enjoyable couple of hours and catch up with them.
December 5, 2014
Another notch in the belt for Sue Ann Jaffarian's Granny Apple Mysteries.
A pure pleasure to read!
A pure pleasure to read!
Read
January 18, 2018Great series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews