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Old Bones and New Ghosts
“Readers will love returning to Bicklesburg and spending time with Marti Mickkleson and the quirky ghosts in Old Bones, New Ghosts!” Valerie Burns, author of Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder
Marti Mickkleson and her ghostly Grandma Bertie are back!
With only one month to go until Marti meets the conditions of her late father’s will and gains control of her trust fund, she’s determined to be on her best behavior. No admitting that she can see ghosts and certainly no talking to the dead. But her mother’s roped her into a new family project, her new office has a mysterious haunt, Grandma Bertie’s digging up mysteries from the past, her friend Dmitri’s barely speaking to her, and her sister’s life is falling apart. It’s enough to make a girl miss her days of flipping sort-of-beef patties on a Burger Buster grill. Then things get really bad. With both a cold case and a new murder on her hands, her “best behavior” won’t cut it. Protecting her family may cost her more than a trust fund. It may cost Marti her life—or the life of someone she loves. Join Marti and Grandma Bertie in the follow-up to Ghosts in Glass Houses!252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2024
133 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Kay Charles
3 books66 followersKay Charles is the much nicer, mystery-writing alter-ego of dark fiction writer Patricia Lillie (author of
The Ceiling Man
and
The Cuckoo Girls
). Like her evil twin, Kay grew up in a haunted house in a small town in Northeast Ohio, earned her MFA from Seton Hill University’s Writing Popular Fiction program, and is addicted to coffee, chocolate, and cake. Both their lives would be much easier if one of them enjoyed housework.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 25, 2024
I fell in love with Marti Mickkleson after reading the first book in the series. The author, Kay Charles, created an interesting sleuth who is flawed, but likable, which makes her relatable. This second book in the series doesn't disappoint. Marti and Grandma Berti are just as flawed, funny, and witty as I remembered them. I'm excited to read more in this series. It's well-written, well-plotted, and creative. It's a fun read.
December 21, 2023
#OldBonesandNewGhosts #NetGalley is the second book in this series, but the first book I've read.
I wss immediately entertained by the story and this colorful cast of characters.
Marti Mickkleson is a great character, she certainly marches to the beat of her own drum, but since she's so close to receiving her inheritance, she's trying to act mature and responsible, which is no easy task.
Marti's sister is a true lady, much like her mother, but her husband is a weasel, and when someone ends his life, it seems Marti and her sister are suspects.
It's up to Marti to prove their innocence, with the help of a few ghostly friends.
This is a really great book and I'm going to purchase the first one so I can catch up!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
I wss immediately entertained by the story and this colorful cast of characters.
Marti Mickkleson is a great character, she certainly marches to the beat of her own drum, but since she's so close to receiving her inheritance, she's trying to act mature and responsible, which is no easy task.
Marti's sister is a true lady, much like her mother, but her husband is a weasel, and when someone ends his life, it seems Marti and her sister are suspects.
It's up to Marti to prove their innocence, with the help of a few ghostly friends.
This is a really great book and I'm going to purchase the first one so I can catch up!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
January 25, 2024
While Old Bones and New Ghosts by Kay Charles is book two in the Marti Mickkleson Mysteries, it reads perfectly as a standalone cozy mystery. (Although I’ll admit that I just downloaded book one onto my kindle because I enjoyed this so much).
This was such a fun and entertaining read that I inhaled in almost one sitting, and it was the perfect read to escape the bitterly cold temperatures we’ve been having lately. Readers who enjoy paranormal cozy mysteries full of entertaining characters, witty dialogue and some absolutely hilarious antics should be quick to grab a copy.
One of my favorite tropes in cozy mysteries are grandchild and grand (or great grand) parent relationships, so I greatly enjoyed Marti’s dear ghostly Grandma Bertie. The dialogue between the two was pitch perfect and so loveable. Marti herself, only months from gaining her control over her trust fund, tries so hard to be on her best behavior and while she does remarkably well, the points where her true thoughts and natural instincts come out are hilarious. Her interactions with her sister and her niece and nephew are adorably written and show the many sides to Marti’s character.
The small town setting adds perfectly to the story and Kay does an excellent job of blending a cold-case murder and current murder, without pulling readers from the story–I was anxious for both to be solved. And the little romance sprinkled in for Marti is just the right amount.
I highly recommend this to cozy mystery readers, and I am looking forward to reading more from Kay Charles.
This was such a fun and entertaining read that I inhaled in almost one sitting, and it was the perfect read to escape the bitterly cold temperatures we’ve been having lately. Readers who enjoy paranormal cozy mysteries full of entertaining characters, witty dialogue and some absolutely hilarious antics should be quick to grab a copy.
One of my favorite tropes in cozy mysteries are grandchild and grand (or great grand) parent relationships, so I greatly enjoyed Marti’s dear ghostly Grandma Bertie. The dialogue between the two was pitch perfect and so loveable. Marti herself, only months from gaining her control over her trust fund, tries so hard to be on her best behavior and while she does remarkably well, the points where her true thoughts and natural instincts come out are hilarious. Her interactions with her sister and her niece and nephew are adorably written and show the many sides to Marti’s character.
The small town setting adds perfectly to the story and Kay does an excellent job of blending a cold-case murder and current murder, without pulling readers from the story–I was anxious for both to be solved. And the little romance sprinkled in for Marti is just the right amount.
I highly recommend this to cozy mystery readers, and I am looking forward to reading more from Kay Charles.
January 16, 2024
This is the first book i read in this series and it was a pleasant surprise: entertaining, witty, full of twists and surprises.
I enjoyed it and it's recommended
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I enjoyed it and it's recommended
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
December 21, 2024
I struggled to get through this book, I just could not get into the story at all and get involved with the characters. Maybe it's because I started with the second book and not the first in the series.
I was given an eARC by the publisher through NetGalley.
I was given an eARC by the publisher through NetGalley.
March 7, 2024
I don't know what it was. May it was the fact that this is book 2 in the series. But this book overwhelmed me. There was so much white noise from the very beginning. This book is very 'character-heavy'. There were so many characters, names, descriptions coming out of everywhere, once could not get bearing and situate oneself in the narrative.
I was looking forward for a ghostly cosy mystery but could not find the tropes I usually like in such a genre..
I was looking forward for a ghostly cosy mystery but could not find the tropes I usually like in such a genre..
February 4, 2024
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Old Bones and New Ghosts is the second Marti Mickkleson light paranormal cozy mystery by Kay Charles. Released 25th Jan 2024, it's 252 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The first book in the series, Ghosts in Glass Houses, is also currently available on KU.
This is a very fun, very light paranormal cozy with an appealing protagonist. This time, Marti and her ghostly (departed) grandma are trying to figure out how her UNlamented late brother in law got himself offed along with 101 other distractions and at the same time trying to behave herself well enough to fulfill the conditions of her late father's will.
Real humor and comedic timing is always difficult and maybe especially so in a murder mystery. There's a lot of snark and very light dialogue, but a surprising amount of genuinely humorous descriptions. It's a very fun, madcap adventure and Marti is a very likeable protagonist.
Although it's the second book in the series, it works very well as a standalone. The series is continuing, so it would be a good choice for a mini binge/buddy read.
Four stars. Very cute and readable. Light entertainment, quite well delivered.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Old Bones and New Ghosts is the second Marti Mickkleson light paranormal cozy mystery by Kay Charles. Released 25th Jan 2024, it's 252 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The first book in the series, Ghosts in Glass Houses, is also currently available on KU.
This is a very fun, very light paranormal cozy with an appealing protagonist. This time, Marti and her ghostly (departed) grandma are trying to figure out how her UNlamented late brother in law got himself offed along with 101 other distractions and at the same time trying to behave herself well enough to fulfill the conditions of her late father's will.
Real humor and comedic timing is always difficult and maybe especially so in a murder mystery. There's a lot of snark and very light dialogue, but a surprising amount of genuinely humorous descriptions. It's a very fun, madcap adventure and Marti is a very likeable protagonist.
Although it's the second book in the series, it works very well as a standalone. The series is continuing, so it would be a good choice for a mini binge/buddy read.
Four stars. Very cute and readable. Light entertainment, quite well delivered.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
May 7, 2024
Princess Fuzzypants here: Marti is struggling to keep her cool while she waits out the obligatory time before she can earn her inheritance. Her mother and sister, who have a way of making her feel inferior and a total failure, are driving her crazy. As are the ghosts that she can see but they cannot. In fact, her ability to communicate with ghosts is the reason so many in her home town think she is bonkers. If the ghosts she stumbles across are not enough, there is going to be new ghosts and he hits very close to home.
She walks a thin line as she tries to solve murders both old and new. Her confidential informants just happen to be ghosts, not something the local constabulary is going to take as a witness. How can she get justice for the deceased without convincing people that she is out of her mind? She has a stumble or two but she eventually keeps those she loves safe and brings the guilty parties to confess to their crimes.
Four purrs and two paws up.
She walks a thin line as she tries to solve murders both old and new. Her confidential informants just happen to be ghosts, not something the local constabulary is going to take as a witness. How can she get justice for the deceased without convincing people that she is out of her mind? She has a stumble or two but she eventually keeps those she loves safe and brings the guilty parties to confess to their crimes.
Four purrs and two paws up.
December 30, 2023
#OldBonesandNewGhosts #NetGalley
I was excited to read a paranormal cozy mystery from a new to me author. I enjoyed following our main protagonist Marti Mickkleson, who navigates various challenges throughout the book while also seeing ghosts. I thought she was a fun no nonsense character who has a strong bond with her family. There are a cast of characters including her sister Rachelanne, and her children, her Mom, and her ghostly grandmother, Bertie. I thought at times the plot moved a bit slowly especially when we were home with the sister Rachelanne, dealing with her day to day life. I enjoyed unraveling the murder mystery and was surprised at who the killer was. I thought this was a good read and I would recommend it. Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book.
I was excited to read a paranormal cozy mystery from a new to me author. I enjoyed following our main protagonist Marti Mickkleson, who navigates various challenges throughout the book while also seeing ghosts. I thought she was a fun no nonsense character who has a strong bond with her family. There are a cast of characters including her sister Rachelanne, and her children, her Mom, and her ghostly grandmother, Bertie. I thought at times the plot moved a bit slowly especially when we were home with the sister Rachelanne, dealing with her day to day life. I enjoyed unraveling the murder mystery and was surprised at who the killer was. I thought this was a good read and I would recommend it. Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book.
December 24, 2023
I have a tendency to dive into a book that isn’t the first of a series, like this second book, and generally that doesn’t matter too much because most authors are good at making sure a new reader isn’t lost. Thankfully, this is one such author. I met Marti, her family and her ghosts, and I will admit that at first, I wasn’t sure I was going to like Marti. However, by the end of the book, I thought she was a hoot. There were a couple of points that I thought the plot moved a little bit slow, but overall, I found this book to be well-written, witty, fun, and amusing characters. I am ready to read the next book in the series. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
July 13, 2024
This is book 2 in the Marti Mickkleson series, I did not read book 1. Marti has a tight connection to her grandmother's ghost, Berti. She likes to hang out and "help" Marti navigate her way through life.
Marti returned home to meet the conditions of her Father's will and only has a month to go. Her mom has roped her into helping with a philanthropic project and Berti has a ghost friend who need a mystery solved. With both a cold case and a new murder on her hands, her “best behavior” won’t cut it. Protecting her family may cost her more than a trust fund. It may cost Marti her life—or the life of someone she loves.
Marti returned home to meet the conditions of her Father's will and only has a month to go. Her mom has roped her into helping with a philanthropic project and Berti has a ghost friend who need a mystery solved. With both a cold case and a new murder on her hands, her “best behavior” won’t cut it. Protecting her family may cost her more than a trust fund. It may cost Marti her life—or the life of someone she loves.
March 29, 2025
I finished book one earlier today, and then started book two. I liked it so much that I just kept reading until I finished... no sleep for me!
I really enjoyed book two. The mysteries were interesting and the characters are still satisfyingly realistic. I like that Marti's relationship with Dmitri finally progressed to at least the point of talking about a date. I would have liked to see Maggie's ability focused on a bit more, but my guess is that's being saved for a book yet to come, as it feels like Marti's story is not quite yet finished.
I recommend this book. (It seems odd to have to say this, but: "Please, do remember to read book one first.")
I really enjoyed book two. The mysteries were interesting and the characters are still satisfyingly realistic. I like that Marti's relationship with Dmitri finally progressed to at least the point of talking about a date. I would have liked to see Maggie's ability focused on a bit more, but my guess is that's being saved for a book yet to come, as it feels like Marti's story is not quite yet finished.
I recommend this book. (It seems odd to have to say this, but: "Please, do remember to read book one first.")
January 9, 2024
Marti is considered the family screw-up but she must fulfill a condition of her father's will. Her sister Rachelanne is the one who works too hard to be everything her father had wanted, had two children, and an awful husband she is trying to leave. When said husband becomes threatening, Marti's friend Dmitri arrives to make him leave. But when that husband turns up murdered, both sisters are on the hook. Let the sleuthing begin and the laughs continue!
I requested and received an EARC from One Ghost Another Ghost via NetGalley. Thanks!
I requested and received an EARC from One Ghost Another Ghost via NetGalley. Thanks!
September 5, 2024
Loving this series. Marti has to stick around her hometown for six months to get her full inheritance. Relationships with her mother and sister are improving, sort of. She has a job. She's drinking less. But when her brother-in-law is killed, and her sister is under suspicion, Marti struggles to figure it out. She also gets tied up in an old murder case.
Loved this book as much as the first one. Sad I have to wait for book #3. Recommended for older teens and adults who like paranormal cozies. 4.5 stars.
Loved this book as much as the first one. Sad I have to wait for book #3. Recommended for older teens and adults who like paranormal cozies. 4.5 stars.
November 8, 2024
Very entertaining
The family dynamics are rich and interesting while Marti is rebuilding her relationship with Mom and sister, also she enjoys being an aunt. The characters' personalities are well defined which makes them believable. Regarding the mystery, you can sort it the who-did-it part out midway, but there is a twist I didn't expect, and more than one crime.
I like this book more than the first one, knowing who was talking in clearer in this one. There are a couple of minor incongruencies but I overlooked them in the end.
I give it 4.5 stars.
The family dynamics are rich and interesting while Marti is rebuilding her relationship with Mom and sister, also she enjoys being an aunt. The characters' personalities are well defined which makes them believable. Regarding the mystery, you can sort it the who-did-it part out midway, but there is a twist I didn't expect, and more than one crime.
I like this book more than the first one, knowing who was talking in clearer in this one. There are a couple of minor incongruencies but I overlooked them in the end.
I give it 4.5 stars.
December 31, 2023
Old Bones and New Ghosts and a wonderful read. Marti is back in this second book and you will just love it. New ghosts and new mystery of what happened to them has Marti and her grandma trying to get the answers. I love how the relationship grows between Marti and her sister and between Marti and Dmitri. I love how Marti is in the center of everything and works to figure out the why. I'm hooked on this series already. I cannot wait for more in this series. Click it today.
February 24, 2024
OMG! The ghosts are all out in force!
Marti is now in her fifth month of her six months and head of the foundation. Of course there is a ghost in her offices. Then her sister finds out Peter has been cheating and comes home with her children. Next comes a murder and another ghost asking for help. The twists and turns and surprises just keep coming. If you like "ghost stories", you'll love this. I am on to number3!
Marti is now in her fifth month of her six months and head of the foundation. Of course there is a ghost in her offices. Then her sister finds out Peter has been cheating and comes home with her children. Next comes a murder and another ghost asking for help. The twists and turns and surprises just keep coming. If you like "ghost stories", you'll love this. I am on to number3!
January 16, 2024
Old Bones and New Ghosts by Kay Charles continues the story of Marti Mickkleson and her ghostly grandmother and assorted other shades as she solves another murder. This was a very entertaining story with engaging characters appearing and disappearing. I would recommend this to anyone likeing ghostly stories and cozy mysteries.
January 30, 2024
I love a good cozy. Add in some ghostly characters and it’s a home run for me.
Who hasn’t felt like the family screw up at times? Buses all have our strengths and Marti surely has hers. With a little help from Grandma Bertie and her friends, can Marti solve another murder before she joins them on the other side?
Who hasn’t felt like the family screw up at times? Buses all have our strengths and Marti surely has hers. With a little help from Grandma Bertie and her friends, can Marti solve another murder before she joins them on the other side?
June 7, 2024
Marti seems to be settling in and might not run away after six months of being back in her home town. Her sister's marriage seems to be in trouble and Marti needs to hire an assistant to help her with the charitable foundation her mother created. Seeing ghosts is only part of her new found adult capabilities. This was a good follow up to the first book. It was interesting and fast paced.
February 1, 2024
This was a Marti Mickelson cosy mystery.
It was quite a fun, quirky read, and I found the characters quite funny. The writing had a lovely lighthearted tone, and it was easy to read in one sitting too.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
It was quite a fun, quirky read, and I found the characters quite funny. The writing had a lovely lighthearted tone, and it was easy to read in one sitting too.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
February 17, 2024
Worth the wait.
Kay Charles came through with a wonderful sequel to Ghosts in Glass Houses. If you haven't read Book 1, start there. You'll be hooked.
So, Kay, when can we expect Book 3?
p.s. If you're feeling brave, try The Ceiling Man next.
Kay Charles came through with a wonderful sequel to Ghosts in Glass Houses. If you haven't read Book 1, start there. You'll be hooked.
So, Kay, when can we expect Book 3?
p.s. If you're feeling brave, try The Ceiling Man next.
June 15, 2024
I learned about the Marti Mickkleson Mysteries from reading one of VM Burns books (another very fun author). These books are super enjoyable. The mystery/ghost combo was fun. I'm optimistically looking forward to a third installment!
August 23, 2024
Another one?
As the family relationship strengthens another crime happens and Marti continues to hide her ghost seeing abilities. Will she ever be able to tell those around her and not continue to be labeled crazy?
As the family relationship strengthens another crime happens and Marti continues to hide her ghost seeing abilities. Will she ever be able to tell those around her and not continue to be labeled crazy?
October 20, 2024
Old bones & new ghosts
Loved the book and the characters. I love the flow of book from the first one. Kay connects the history of town & family together. Cannot wait for the 3rd book
Loved the book and the characters. I love the flow of book from the first one. Kay connects the history of town & family together. Cannot wait for the 3rd book
October 26, 2024
Wish there was more
This was a great series even though it was only two books. No faes or gnomes, or witches,, just ghosts. That being said it was interesting and hard to figure out who the bad guys were (the live ones anyhow)
This was a great series even though it was only two books. No faes or gnomes, or witches,, just ghosts. That being said it was interesting and hard to figure out who the bad guys were (the live ones anyhow)
February 15, 2025
WOW!
This was so WOW! I just can’t believe how deep these conspiracies go and how many people are involved. Just wait until you read this! Plus Grandma gives us some great laughs when she freezes people. lol!
This was so WOW! I just can’t believe how deep these conspiracies go and how many people are involved. Just wait until you read this! Plus Grandma gives us some great laughs when she freezes people. lol!
September 17, 2025
An interesting mystery, and with a bit less of the dysfunctional family relationships getting in the way of the story. This time the ghosts play a bigger role in solving the mystery. Liked this more than the first book, these are getting better.
January 13, 2026
Page turner
Another page turner for me
I enjoyed Marti being the slueth again. I hope there will be another book in the series beyond the Christmas book that is supposed to the place between this and the first book.
Another page turner for me
I enjoyed Marti being the slueth again. I hope there will be another book in the series beyond the Christmas book that is supposed to the place between this and the first book.
January 28, 2024
Enjoyable book, second in the series but easy to read without reading the first. Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews